The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

Goodreads Description:
A regular on national bestseller lists, having sold well over three million copies, The Vampire Diaries series is a classic of thrilling paranormal romance. The Vampire Diaries series has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers—and the CW network TV show that it inspired has introduced millions more to the chills, thrills, and heart-stopping romance.

Thoughts..
These books were just OK to me.  I was never overly enthralled by these books. They kept my attention, but they aren't a "can't put this book down / sleep is overrated" kind of book. I have said this with another series, but I will continue to read these books as long as they keep publishing them though. I guess I am a glutton for punishment. A series would have to be downright horrible for me to stop reading before I am finished. I have a need to know what happens!

I only started reading the series when I saw the previews for the show Vampire Diaries. Now, the previews got my attention. So off I went to the store and picked up the books. I believe I got to read most of them back to back which was nice.  I only had to wait for the last two.  That probably helped me getting through the series.

My biggest problem with the series: I can't get used to L.J. Smith's writing style. I have such a hard time picturing / understanding what she is trying to portray.  Stuff will just happen out of nowhere and I have to jump back up 3 paragraphs and reread just to figure out what the hell is going on.

The series has SO MUCH POTENTIAL. I loved the premise...Humans, Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, and even Angels (?).  There was a fair amount of suspense in the books. I found that the first set of books flowed nicely for me. But, by the time I got to The Returned Series, they were dragging just a bit. We dealt with the damn kitsune for what like 3 books? I was so over it! How much trouble can a little half fox creature cause? Well, apparrently a whole hell of a lot.

I got so frustrated with the love triangle in this story! Elena and Stephan were just TOO sappy.  I didn't feel that the characters were written with teenagers (or real people) in mind.  I guess it goes by to the whole otherwordly love they share with one another.  But, dang it, sometimes I wanted to gag at how overly sweet they were with each other.  And then don't get me started with Elena! She LOVES Stephan, but is OK  with having all these conflicting feelings (and actions) with Damon.

 Honestly, I am Team Damon!! I want Elena to end up with Damon so bad, but I don't think that is ever going to happen.  There is no way that Elena could redeem herself after choosing Damon.  That would be ruthless. However, I still want L.J. to make that happen for me. Damon may be a bit selfish at times, a jerk most of the time, and evil the rest of time, but you have to love the dark and mysterious character!

I don't want to give too many spoilers away around here, but I thought that the last published book was the last book forever.  Some sad shit went down that I will even admit that I might have had a tear.  I was so not OK with what happened at first. I was looking for L.J. to pull some of her crazy ideas out and fix that for me. Alas, she did not, so during the last chapter I dealt with it and accepted it. Now, I was fine with the ending of this book until she wrote ONE word and stirred the whole crazy pot back up.  Everything I thought I had dealt with well now I have no idea what to think! 

There are talks of another trilogy, but L.J. Smith might not be writing them....we will see my friends, we will see. It's like I said, if they publish it, I will read it.

Update, I read the newest book in the series / trilogy...Phantom.  My thoughts and feelings were pretty much the same as above. They were "OK".  Enough said...

NOW, onto the TV show....

I love me some Vampire Diaries on the CW.  The credits on the show should say "inspired by" the novels as a disclaimer because they are loosely based on the books (which is probably good for me).  They have added so many new things to the show that I forget what even really happened in the books. The characters are way better on the show. Elena is sassier, Stefan has a back bone, Damon is even hotter (lol), Bonnie is not a fainter, and Alaric isn't a teacher that dates a student.  I definitely recommend this show.  Every Friday morning, Sassy and I spend at least 30 minutes discussing what happened the night before on TVD.  Half of our time might be spend talking about Damon (Ian Somerhalder). If you have read any previous posts, you know we are fans of his. He plays a perfect Damon.

So did I completely turn you off from these books? I didn't mean to, but apparently I have some pretty strong feelings about them.  I do recommend them, just don't expect an epic experience.

Breaking Dawn Part 1 Soundtrack

I love it when the Twilight Saga soundtrack listings come out. It is like a mini-christmas.  If you know nothing of Izzy and Sassy, please know this, we LOVE music.  It is a huge part of our life.  So when a soundtrack comes out, we get the chance to listen to new bands that we probably would never have got to listen to otherwise. 

So this is a pretty simple post. We are going to list the songs on the soundtrack and also include a song by that artist so we can get a sample of their music. Just from a few quick clicks, I can already tell that I have at least a couple new bands albums that I will be downloading.

I must say that I am simply excited about this soundtrack because Carter Burwell is involved. We loved the first soundtrack and score the most out of the first three movies and just by sampling these artists, I have a feeling this will be a great soundtrack.

1. End Tapes By The Joy Formidable

2. Love Will Take You - Angus and Julia Stone

3. It Will Rain - Bruno Mars

4. Turning Page - Sleeping at Last

5. From Now On - The Features

6. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

7. Neighbors - Theophilus London

8. I Didn't Mean It - The Belle Brigade

9. Sister Rosetta - Noisettes

10. Northern Lights - Cider Sky
Can't find a song by Cider Sky....???
11.  Flightless Bird, American Mouth (Wedding Version) - Iron & Wine
      So freaking excited about this one. I absolutely love this song from the first soundtrack.  Now we get a wedding version?!?!

12. Requiem on Water - Imperial Mammoth
Can't find a song by them either...
13. Cold - Aqualung and Lucy Schwartz

14. Llovera - Mia Maestro

Nothing by her either, but that is probably because she hasn't recorded before (just my thoughts). I believe Mia Maestro is Carmen from the cast of Breaking Dawn.

15. Love Death Birth - Carter Burwell
    This little title pretty must sums up the entire series. Bella falls in love, dies, and is reborn a vampire. Or I guess Birth could be referencing Renesmee.  Who doesn't love Carter Burwell? He did an amazing job with the score for Twilight.  You can here a song from the score and instantly know where it belongs in the movie. (I hope that isn't from just watching the movie too many times. lol)

So what are everyone's thoughts? Are you excited?  We are so excited.  I have heard a lot of comments that they think the soundtrack will be too main stream.  I can agree. I love the indie sound to the previous soundtracks, but I am staying positive.  I already have a few new bands to check out.

What do you think of the Bruno Mars' song, It Will Rain?  I have no clue where they will put that song, but as a song, I absolutely love it!

*As always no copyright infringement intended. We just love music. Thanks to all the youtube users for posting these great songs by these amazing artists.*

Purpose by Kristie Cook

Thoughts…

I don’t know about anyone else, but the beginning of this book was hard to handle.  I won’t go into detail in case you haven’t read the first book, Promise, in this series, but Alexis is very depressed. The depression is what makes about a large portion at the beginning of the book. The author takes us where Stephenie Meyer did not take us in New Moon. In New Moon, most of the depression is skipped over and shown with simple pages marked with a month.  In Purpose, the author explains the emotions that Alexis is dealing with down to the “alternate” personalities that she has (evil, swirly, foggy, and almost Alexis).  It was tough reading about. While I appreciate the vivid descriptions, I wanted Alexis to get over herself and just do something. Good or bad, just act!

I’m not sure why, but I didn’t love this book as much as the first one.  Maybe it is because I felt like the plot didn’t develop fast enough. I normally never ever say this, but I found a lot of similarities between this book and Twilight.  Seriously, I try to never compare things to Twilight because it is too cliché.  Young adult paranormal books are always going to have similarities to Twilight.  But, this one had A LOT.  I don’t feel like I can go into too much detail without giving away any spoilers.

Here is how I break it down, the first book, Promise, was wonderful. I considered it a must read. Before beginning the next book, Purpose, I felt that it was a must read since you were left with such a cliff hanger from the first book. However, after reading the second book, I am not loving this series as much. The third book in the series comes out next year and I am sure that I will read it just to find out where everything is going with Tristen and Alexis.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Good Reads Description:

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

Thoughts...

Awww! I loved this book. Do you ever feel like you just need to read something light and easy? I do. And this would be one of those books.  It was so cute and so sweet. I literally laughed out loud during some parts of the book.  There are a great set of characters in Anna and the French Kiss. Anna seems like a cool chick. She doesn't care too much what other kids think (for the most part). She is film junkie, aspring to me a film critic that wears a bleached stripe in her otherwise dark brown hair. Her father forces her to boarding school in France as it is the new cultural experience for children. Anna goes kicking and screaming the whole way. She doesn't want to leave her best friends in Atlanta behind. And she leaves just when things are getting good between her and her co-worker, Toph. On her first day, Anna meets her new neighbor, Meridith.  Life is lookin up for Anna after Meridith takers her under her wing and introduces her to her friends. Anna's new click. Life gets interesting when Anna literally runs into Etienne St. Clair.

I might have a little teen girl crush on St. Clair.  I love me an accent especialy an English accent.  St. Clair is from England, fluent in French as he spends much time in Franch due to it being his fathers home, and lives in the United States. Anna says it best when she calls him a mutt. That he is, but an oh, so sweet one.  Anna and St. Clair have wonderful chemistry.  They are honestly great friends. He is wonderful to her. I'm not sure what girl wouldn't want a St. Clair in her life.  As all guys in novels are never perfect, St. Clair's downfall (to me) was his weakness.  If you have already read the book, please don't think I am referring to his mother, father, or any other thing that happens to him. Those are justifiable reasons for holing yourself up in your room. No, St. Clair was weak and just plain stupid when it came to Ellie.  That bothered me several times throughout the book. 

Paris sounds so romantic and wonderful. After reading this, I want to go there immediately. (Hah, maybe in my dreams...) I loved every page of this book. It is a sweet and wonderful coming of age story.  Like I said, this a light and easy read, but I still couldn't put the book down. My cheeks actually hurt when I finished this book at 1:00 am this morning.

Twilight Charms

Okay, so I've been really "behind-the-ball" when it comes to posting. Thank goodness for Izzy who has been the glue to our entire blog (Promise that I WILL eventually get things going on my end - just have a HUGE task staring at me every time I think I have an extra second) But ANYWAYS...I just had to share this little etsy site which made me smile since... a certain MOVIE is being released November 18th **squeal/do a little dance/clap hands 3-4 times really fast **

You can find this AND...

 

wait for it... 

OUTLANDER charms too! 

 I think this is just adorable, and although I may never actually wear a charm bracelet which advertises my love of Twilight - I will happily pour me a glass of wine and attach a cute little charm with one of these while raising my glass.

Your welcome!

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Good Reads Description:

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How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women w

...moreHow do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Thoughts...

Once and while, you stumble upon a great book that sticks with you even after you turned the last page. Starcrossed is one of those books. I sat for while after finishing and just pondered some of the characters motives and wondered what would happen next in the sequel. This is definitely a must read.  Starcrossed was incredible!  This part of the review will be short and sweet, but beware below, there will be spoilers because I need to vent!  I always loved mythology in high school and this book makes me wish that I had paid more attention.  The book is full of mythology lessons that are very interesting as they become intertwined into every day life.  There are so many twists, turns, and gasps in this book that some parts just left me reeling.  Nothing turned out as I expected...NOTHING.  It was so so good!

SPOILERS BELOW.....



OK, So I hope you have read this if you are reading here...one more chance to scroll back up because I DO NOT want to spoil any gasp worthy moments!


So, I am not going in order to here, but just what comes to mind.  The thing that I can't get over right now is the whole "Hi Lucas, by the way Lucas, were first cousins and now I need to throw up." Um what? I never saw that shit coming.  NEVER, I say. How many times did they mention that Ajax was killed 19 (yes, 19) years ago?  More than a few if I remembered it as soon as I read the bit about being cousins.  Now, people, mere mortals as ourselves can do the math to figure this one out, so surely Demigods wouldn't have to much trouble thinking about the fact that it just don't add up!  Again, Ajax died 19 years ago, Helen had literally just turned 17 days before the news broke out, and finally her mother would have only been pregnant for 9 months.  Hmmmm.....We have a little over a year gap here people! Why would no one have thought this through?!

Which leads me to my next though, I DO NOT trust Helen's mother. She is definitely up to something. She definitely has alterior motives when it comes to the Delos family and her own daughter.  She has plans for her daughter Helen that do not include Lucas. I haven't figured out why yet. I do think that she wanted Pandora to be killed for at least two reasons, she would reveal her secret that Helen and Lucas were not actually cousins and also to create chaos in the Delos home.  It wasn't just about stalling for time. With everyone mourning the death of Pandora and the fact that Hector was deemed an outcast, she will be able to get away with much much more than she would have. The spot light is lifted from her. I feel like she might also try to manipulate Hector into doing her bidding since she has befriended him at such a low time in his life.

I need these answers. I need the next book. PLEASE!!!!

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Good Reads Description

Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

His life depends on it.

Thoughts..

Before I say anything negative about this book, I just don't think it was my cup of tea.  I love supernatural and paranormal stories, but this was something different altogether. It held paranormal characteristics, but was overly dark and angsty. So others may love this book while it just wasn't mean't for me. I would rate this at 2.5 stars. Suprisingly, this book did not leave me with too many thoughts to discuss. I am kind of indifferent to it.  It wasn't a horrible book, but it isn't on my "to be recommended" list.

I felt like I never fully "got" what was even happening throughout the book. I was constantly confused, just waiting for an epiphany so everything would click.  It never clicked. I didn't feel like the love story was ever developed.  It was constantly switching from cold to luke warm. It never got to "hot".  Just out of the blue for no apparent reason, Isobel decides she loves Varen more than life itself and will sacrifice everything for him. I just didn't feel it was justified. Isobel might have been in denial about the depth of the attraction to Varen, but love? Maybe. Maybe not.  And Varen never really did anything to make me fall head over heels for him. I definitely did not have a literary crush on him.  He was just constantly cold to her.

The book was just too full of questions that were never answered. Like I said, this book might be more aimed at someone who enjoys angst, dark themes, and mystery.  End of rant.... :o)

Promise by Kristie Cook

Good Reads Description:

Alexis Ames decides to learn who she really is, with or without the help of her mother, who guards their secrets closely. After meeting Tristan Knight and discovering that he s not normal either, the secrets begin to unravel. Their union brings promise to the future of mankind. But it also incites a dangerous pursuit by the enemy. Because they are a match made in Heaven and in Hell.

Thoughts..

First off, the cover and book description do not do this book justice.  This book was so much better than I thought. It had it all.  Soul mates, intriguing supernatural elements, action, and suspense.  I haven't heard much about this book so I didn't have high expectations, but I was pleasantly suprised.  Right from the beginning the book grabs you and pulls you in.  Alexis is in the dark for most of the book regarding why she is the "freak" that she is.  So you are reading quickly just to solve that mystery and then you are introduced to Tristen.  You have to keep reading to find out what his role will play in the story. Through it all the the suspense keeps you reading and you cannot put the book down. In fact, I barely did. I started reading this on a Saturday night and  at 2:30 on Sunday afternoon I was looking for the next book in the series. 

Tristan and Alexis have such a powerful love that you get wrapped into it and try to get one step ahead of them to figure out what might happen next for them.  You just always feel like something is just lurking around the corner (which is kind of was). Most of the things, I just never saw them coming.  The end of the book...I PROMISE not to give anything away, but let me just say HEART WRENCHING!  I NEED the next book right away.

I cannot forget to mention that I thought this was a young adult book (which is fine, I love YA too), but was pleasantly surprised that this was more of a college age - adult book.  It had more adult themes in the bedroom. :) That was a nice change from the constant fade to black that you get accustomed to in YA novels.

Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews

Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews

Summary: After years of hard work, Gina Foxton, chef extraordinaire and former runner-up Miss Teen Vidalia Onion, is hosting her own show, Fresh Start, on Georgia public television. She's also dating the producer. But when Fresh Start goes bad—and her boyfriend is caught in flagrante delicto with the boss's wife—Gina decides it's time to pursue bigger dreams. Namely a gig on national television.

Gina knows she's destined to be the Cooking Channel's next superstar. But the execs also have their eyes on Tate Moody, Mr. "Kill It and Grill It" himself, host of the hunting, fishing, and cooking show Vittles. The ultimate man's man, Tate is a tasty side of beef with a large, swooning female fan base. Gina's loyal devotees consist of her free-spirited college-dropout sister and her mother . . . who calls every single day.

When the smoke clears there can be only one TV chef standing, and Gina and Tate are ready for the cook-off of their lives. -- Harper

I was extremely reluctant to pick up this book out of fear it was just another chick-lit book with little to no plot. Matter of fact, it took me about a month to get to chapter 5; not because it wasn't good but because it was so different from what I have read in the last few years. The more I learned about the main character, the more curious I was to what the author had in store for me. And lets just say once I met Tate Moody - I was hooked.

Tate Moody: To-the-T!

My interpretation of Gina Foxton

To be honest, I was a little annoyed with Gina's "good-girl" perfectionist personality through the beginning of the book. I wanted to like her, she seemed nice-enough. But her character constantly was acting snotty about things and I wanted to slap her a few times and just say "get-a-grip honey! Who do you think you are?" Enter Tate Moody. His fly-by-the-seat of is 'britches' (as my grandmother used to say) and call'em out comments were just what was needed.  The constant bickering added such lightness and a fun dynamic to the story that I would find myself giggling aloud...a lot.
I am not going go so far as to say that this would be an MUST READ story of epic proportions, however it was certainly a GREAT summer read and one that I am very glad I was loaned. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style and many of the character depictions (however, felt that she spoke a little too much about socks or lack thereof - of all things.) If you're in the mood for a feel-good chick-lit book, this is Perfection... I will be reading more from Mary Kay Andrews, I hope you give it a try too. Toodles.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Good Reads Description:

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Thoughts...

This book was brilliant. I have caught onto the hype that is the dystopian novel. I have read two wonderful dystopian series to date (Hunger Games and Divergent). That caused me to be a bit skeptical about this book. When you have read what you thought is the best out there, how is something else even going to compare? While this wasn’t as good as Hunger Games or Divergent, this book was still great. I would rate it at 4 stars which I am stingy with my stars (lol).

Seriously, the whole idea of this book is mind blowing. First off, I think this book appeals to a reader who enjoys analyzing things. The idea that a government would “cure” love is blasphemous. But yet, if you really think about it, it would solve so much. Love and Hate are two sides of the same coin. As much as they are two radical extremes, they are also only a shred of difference between the two. You have to love something so much to end up hating anything else in return. Without love (and in return hate), there would be no violence because you can’t contain the emotion to care enough about anything to act out. You would constantly have a feeling of contentment because there is no other way. Now, do not think I am in any way in favor of eradicating the disease that is love (even if it were possible). I am just saying that I can see the reasoning behind a government wanting to eradicate the emotion.

I often put the book down to just sit and think about what I actually just read. The government gave many reasons as to why love was a horrible disease, but yet you can figure out the meaning behind it. Once you have the procedure and are cured, you are a drone. You are just a robot that follows the governments plan for you. They tell you who to marry, what job you will have, and even how many children you must have. You are always just content. Content is good, but imagine never experiencing any heightened emotion; Never being euphoric with excitement or depressed with grieving. Nothing.

I could go on and on about the meaning behind this book, but I will stop here. I found this plot original in the sense that I have never heard of a dystopian novel controlling emotions to get the result that they want. I have heard of many ways to control the population, but this was new to me. It contains great characters that are easy to like. The love story is sweet and almost sappy at times. You are fighting right along with Lena and Alex, just hoping that there is a way for them to be together. But, let me just say, the ENDING. OMG. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK LIKE RIGHT AWAY. I can’t believe that Lauren Oliver would do this to us. I will admit to shedding a few tears and having chills at the end.

"I run for I don't know how long. Hours, maybe, or days. Alex told me to run. So I run. You have to understand. I am no one special. I am just a single girl. I am five feet two inches tall and I am in-between in every way. But I have a secret. You can build walls all the way to the sky and I will find a way to fly above them. You can try to pin me down with a hundred thousand arms, but I will find a way to resist. And there are many of us out there, more than you think. People who refuse to stop believing. People who refuse to come to earth. People who love in a world without walls, people who love into hate, into refusal, against hope,and without fear. I love you. Remember. They cannot take it."

Masterpiece Monday (Week 7)

Happy Monday!

Enjoy our read of Stephanie Meyers: Breaking Dawn (Chapter 5 -Isle Esme) this is a continuation of week 6's Masterpiece Monday, but we couldn't resist the FEATHERS passage. I hope you enjoy our latest 'mix' of tunes which included: Adel, Better than Ezra, Ludacris, Nappy Roots, and Nickleback! 

One Day by David Nicholls

One Day by David Nicholls

It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another. Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day—July 15th—of each year. Dex and Em face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. And as the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed, they must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself.

Where to begin...

This is an AMAZINGLY-real friends-to-lovers story that captured my attention and brought with it deep emotion on many levels. I was quite excited to read this story after seeing the movie trailer (as mentioned in previous posts it helps me to visualize the characters - and doesn't ruin the book for me).
With any new author, there were about 80 pages worth of 'getting-used-to-it' time. The English verbiage was the biggest obstacle; however, once I adjusted things fell into step.

Emma Morley is a optimistic-pessimist. She knows she wants to change the world...or rather "Not change the world exactly, but the bit around you." But, is quite down on herself and how things in her life tend to not work out.  I felt that she was a very REAL character that is thoroughly good-natured, but not flawless that I found myself fighting for throughout the book.

Dexter Meyhew on the other hand is what I like to call "a fixer-upper" he's your bad-boy that you WANT so bad to do good.  I have to admit (without spoilers - I'll post those farther down) I was extremely concerned I would not find any admirable qualities in Dexter. We know the hansome, arrogant, selfish attitude can only work if there are some redeeming qualities... but without even realizing it I found (by the end) I was fighting just as hard for Dex and desperately wanted him to find happiness too.

The story not only takes you through the encounters of Emma and Dexter (Em & Dex) but allows you to see THEIR lives thoroughly when they are not together.  Which allows you to know these characters in a more complete way. Emma finds herself in relationships that as a reader you want to work -- because she deserves love. Dexter finds himself in orgies and extreme binges - and you really just want him to run home to a cold shower and realize his mess. It was amazing to me how the arrangement of this book worked. I had such intense emotions when reading about their lives and experienced the ups and downs wholeheartedly. Anyone who enjoys a fight-for-love story I feel will become engrossed in this book as I was.

To say I am excited to see this story come to life, is an understatement. I am not like most readers - I know very well that it is VERY difficult and almost impossible for feelings to be transmitted from the book pages to the big screen with the same intensity.  Therefore, I set my standards low. Simply enjoying specific scenes being played out and character reactions being the same - and many times different that what I had imagined. Furthermore, this movie has the potential to tie in some great take-you-back 90's tunes in the soundtrack (however, many are not) mentioned in the book (ie: the Cranberries, Jamiroquai and many more). I really hope that you love this book as much as I did. Let me know what you think - and even if you don't read the book...go see the movie it looks great!

********************SPOILERS********************

So, for lack of being able to contain myself - I MUST jot down these few things that I had certain issues with that can't be mentioned in the review itself.

Dexter is a selfish drunk prick throughout the book, although I was fighting for Dexter by the end and really really wanted things to work out, I found myself extremely angry at his character and up until the end (when he finally redeems) I ... (don't think horribly of me) didn't want things to work out for him. I mean he's rich. He's handsome. He's arrogant. All things that I thing I would have accepted had there not been....

He's a drunk/sometimes drug addict. He takes his family for granted. He takes his best friend for granted.... He's an extreme womanizer (um - he's counting off the women he has slept with while at a wedding - while his fiancee' is pregnant next to him *jerk). He's selfish to the N'th degree!  I suppose this was all part of David Nicholls master plan...hate Dexter for awhile...then feel extreme sadness for him when his life falls apart. It worked.

There were also a few things that I really really wished had of been included but were not. 

The sex between Em & Dex - okay. It's aaaaaaalllll building up to that right? The brushes of the hips, the holding of the hands, the kissing, skinny dipping, the watching each other SHOWER! Then when they finally do, we are left thinking...Good? Bad? Amazing? As they thought it would be? Who freakin knows? I don't.

The baby talk. We all know it happened. Was Dexter a jerk during this? Perhaps this is why it is not included? I really wanted him to realize he's a good guy with her want a child with her as much as she wanted one too. Maybe this is only mentioned in passing and vague because it never comes to head? I think this too could have been a redeeming heart-warming scene that we never got to imagine.

Well, these are all just my rambles, and as you probably can tell - if you have read the book, and aren't peeking at the spoilers - I haven't mentioned the most shocking thing of the entire book! And don't plan on it. I hope you read :)  Till next time.

Blue Blood Series by Melissa De La Cruz

Good Reads Description:

When the Mayflower set sail in 1620, it carried on board the men and women who would shape America: Miles Standish; John Alden; Constance Hopkins. But some among the Pilgrims were not pure of heart; they were not escaping religious persecution. Indeed, they were not even human. They were vampires.The vampires assimilated quickly into the New World. Rising to levels of enormous power, wealth, and influence, they were the celebrated blue bloods of American society.

The Blue Bloods vowed that their immortal status would remain a closely guarded secret. And they kept that secret for centuries. But now, in New York City, the secret is seeping out. Schuyler Van Alen is a sophomore at a prestigious private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapated mansion. Schuyler is a loner...and happy that way. Suddenly, when she turns fifteen, there is a visible mosaic of blue veins on her arm. She starts to crave raw food and she is having flashbacks to ancient times. Then a popular girl from her school is found dead... drained of all her blood. Schuyler doesn't know what to think, but she wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?

Could those vampire legends really be true? Steeped in vampire lore and set against the glittery backdrop of New York City, Blue Bloods will be devoured by Melissa de la Cruz's legion fans.

Thoughts...

These books are quick, easy, and entertaining reads.  They are definitely not your run of the mill, oridinary vampire novels.  There are a few new vampire ideas introduced throughout this series which was refreshing. The best way I can describe this series would be vampires meet Gossip Girl.  The novels surrounds a coven of vampires living in the upper east side (hence the Gossip Girl reference). Just for fun, please see my Gossip Girl character cross reference below...

Schuyler - Jenny  (Different fasion sense, unique)
Oliver - Dan    (Loyal, Oh so Loyal...just forget the fact that Jenny and Dan are brother and sister in Gossip Girl)
Jack - Nate   (Handsome, sometimes mysterious, every girls crush)
Mimi - Blair (Bitch, Queen Bee)
Bliss - Serena (Beautiful, Somtimes follows the in crowd, sometimes can lead her own way)
Kingsley - Chuck  (ARROGANT)

Now of course, each cross reference doesn't match up to the Gossip Girls characters perfectly, but surprising I found quite a few similarities to the characters in the Blue Blood novels and the Gossip Girl characters.

As I said, these books were entertaining and easy reads. I think I read like one book a day. There is a great cast of characters, entertaining dialogue, and a intriguing plot. That being said, I do wish that the plot developed a little quicker throughout the series.  Each book in the series is more like an installment that a stand alone book. Just because you are  getting to the end of the books does NOT mean that you will get any form of closure.  There are at least three minor stories going on throughout each book so the book flips points of view frequently which can be a cause of frustration.  Sometimes I though to myself, No, No, just get on with this.  That being said, it does keep you on your toes and you do get tired of any story line too quickly.

Overall, I recommend these books to anyone who enjoys young adult paranormal romance.  You get a little bit of everything rolled up together with this series...

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Good Reads Description:

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

A Favorite Quote (Of Many):
"You are the one girl that made me risk everything for a future worth having."

Thoughts...

Wow, just wow! I absolutely love it when I am surprised by how good a book actually is.  It really makes my day.  I didn't have super high expectations for this book even though I read a lot of reviews that said it was wonderful.  I figured that it would be a good, but ordinary teen romance novel. If you have read any of my previous reviews then you know that I tend to stick toward the supernatural side of things so this was stretching for me. Hah. I was totally immersed in this book. Sure, on the outside it might seem like any other teen book but it is so MUCH more. That leads to my next topic...

My absolute favorite thing about this book is the fact that the author does not shy away from sensitive subjects. She plows straight through the good, bad, and ugly. I do not claim to have any knowledge of gang life, cerebral palsy, or many of the topics that are discussed in this book, but I can appreciate that the author seems to provide a very realistic experience throughout the book and at times that can be disturbing.  Gang life in general seems pretty hard core and dangerous. We get to experience that first hand from Alex's point of view. And you get a first hand lesson that everything is not always as it appears. Especially for Brittany...her mother is the picture perfect mother to the outside. But within their four walls, she is a mess. Brittany tries to put on the front that she a perfect princess to hide the fact that her life is unraveling at home.

Ekleles didn't give the characters, Alex and Brittany, the easy way out either. They are faced with so many difficulties throughout the series and they have to work for their relationship. I like that in a book. Everyone loves a happily ever after, but I like mine realistic.  I don't want it to just magically fall into place because life isn't normally like that.

So....go and buy this book. It is a great story.  Definitely worth the time and money!!!

**While this is a teen book, I do want to point out that this is for a more mature teen (and of course older since I am 20 something). I don't want to pin point an age, but it does discuss mature things such as sex and violence; also includes foul language.  I don't want anyone to think this takes away from the book because it is all absolutely necessary to provide a realistic story line.

Legacy by Cayla Kluver

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: June 21st, 2011

Favorite Quote:
"An I can no more stop worrying about you than I can stop myself from breathing."
-Cayla Kluver (Legacy)

Good Reads Description:

I noticed his eyes. They were blue, sharp and intense. Despite the youthful glows of his suntanned face, his eyes were cold and unfriendly, suggesting he had great experience in the world and was now expecting the worst.

In her seventeenth year, Princess Alera of Hytanica faces one duty: to marry the man who will be king. But her father's choice of suitor fills her with despair.

When the palace guard captures and intruder—a boy her age with steel-blue eyes, hailing from her kingdom's greatest enemy—Alera is alarmed…and intrigued. But she could not have guessed that their clandestine meetings would unveil the dark legacy shadowing both their lands.

In this mystical world of court conspiracies and blood magic, loyalties will be tested. Courage won't be enough. And as the battle begins for everything Alera holds dear, love may be the downfall of a kingdom.

Thoughts:

I received this book through Net Galley via Harlequin Teen. I had no prior knowledge of the author or the story so I was definitely suprised...

I feel like no matter what, a book should be reviewed based on its content. Did you enjoy the author’s writing style? Did the plot keep you guessing? Did you connect with the characters? Those are the questions that most people consider when writing a review on a book. However, I feel like this must be said.  The author was only 14 years old when she wrote this book! Yes, you read that right me.  I still think that a book must stand on its own without the knowledge that the author was a very young adult. But, gosh, 14? That’s nuts. I kept thinking to myself the entire time reading that it amazes me that someone so young could write such a great story.

Legacy is for anyone how enjoys young adult historical fiction. The story includes very descriptive details. Kluver creates a brand new world with Hytanica. She describes the scenery in lush detail. The author’s aim is young adult so there is a longer than necessary (to me) focus on clothing and hair styles. Alera’s thoughts get caught up in other’s beautiful dresses and fancy up-dos just as many 17 year olds would. Kluver creates a story full of love, politics, and war all in the fictional kingdom of Hytanica.  If you are a fan of young adult books, princesses, and historical fiction, this might be the book for you.  This book is no small feat at 496 pages.  :o)

Masterpiece Monday (Week 6)

HAPPY MONDAY!

Stephanie Meyer's Breaking Dawn: Chapter 5 - Isle Esme

 Week 6!

 

This week's reading is one of our FAVORITE scenes! As usual we put our own unusual spin with some creative music details. Enjoy!

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Good Reads Description:
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

**I feel like I should include a disclaimer for this post...just had my wisdom teeth out when writing this review...so this review has been written under the use of the lovely percocet and the just tad bit of pain. lol **
Thoughts...

Normally, I try to exclude any kind of spoilers in my reviews. However, that will NOT be the case with this review.  There are too many thoughts swimming around in my head and none of them will make sense if I do not delve into this twisted plot.

So before I spoil away, the bottom line is...this is a mediocre read.  It is not a must read, but the story line was intriguing enough to keep me reading.  If you reseach other ratings of this book, you will find that either people LOVE it or HATE it. However, I am kind of in the middle (which will be explained below). Beware though, this book caused me to ramble and shout! lol

**Spoilers**

Where to start?  There were so many things wrong with this book!  First of all, the thing that sticks out the most after reading this book, Vee is a HORRIBLE, TERRIBLE best friend. I could not stand her.  She never had Nora's best interest at heart and only thought about herself. The first time I thought Vee was a horrible friend was when she wouldn't drive Nora home because it was too foggy.  What? That's just dumb! Now I get it that Nora wouldn't have had that first strange experience if Vee had been with her, but how can you expect me to like this chick when she acts this way. She constantly teases Nora about her lack of experience and how she dresses.  Then Nora plainly states that she doesn't trust Elliot and does not want to go camping with him and Jules and Vee doesn't care. She tries to persuade her into going anyway. She always thinks about what she wants...no one else.

So we have covered Nora's shitty best friend, now lets discuss Patch.  Sometimes I think that his character was just unredeemable.  I knew all along that he was going to be the one that Nora falls for, but his character was made out to be so horrible in so many ways that I don't know that you can get past it.  He stalks her (Strike One). He is rude to her and then in a flip of a switch tries to kiss her, in other words bi-polar (Stike 2). He admits that he wants to kill her (Definitely Stike 3). Then he admits that he just needs to sacrifice her so he can be a human instead of a fallen agen (Stike 4). The list could go on.  I really wanted to like Patch, but I never felt like anything happened to redeem his character. I sure as hell wouldn't trust him.  Oh and lets not forget that he puts ideas in Nora's head to sometimes scare her. For example, he makes her think she is falling to her death while on a roller coaster ride. That is just unacceptable and crossing a line.  He decides he will just scare her instead of kill her? Hmm...

Then we have all the times that stuff just wouldn't go down that way in real life...like the biology class.  No way, would a biology class / sex-ed class happen like that.  Nora is pretty much harrassed in class by Patch and the teacher does nothing about it. He pretty much encourages the behavior. And the way Vee speaks so candidly during class about sex, just wouldn't happen either. And then, Vee calls in the fake bomb threat from a pay phone so Nora can look in the student records. First off, calling in a bomb threat would be a much bigger deal and the cops wouldn't just let someone get away with it like that. Second, the room to the students records would not just be open and the drawer to the actual filing cabinets would definitely not be unlocked. I could go on with this topic, but then my review would be ten thousand words long!

The last topic I will bring up...Nora just all of a sudden decided that she loved Patch.  It was a flip of a switch. She is constantly hot and cold throughout the book. Hating him one minute and getting into a compromising postion with him the next. But, all of a sudden she decides that she is in love with him...before he did anything to justify all of the horrible behavior throughout the book. I just didn't get it.

Patch did however, redeem himself in the very end by not accepting Nora's sacrifice.  So, everything worked out TOO perfectly by Nora getting to live even though she sacrificed herself by jumping from a very high ladder and Patch is no longer a fallen angel because he choose to save Nora's life rather than choose to be a human. Even better, Patch gets assigned to be Nora's guardian angel...I guess this is the set up to book two now...Confused? Yeah, me too.

Overall, there was something intriguing about this book that did make me finish it.  I think I just assumed that something major would happen that would redeem the characters so I kept plowing through.  After my rambling, I would probably rate this with 2 1/2 or 3 stars.  I did get sucked into the story as it was unique and suspenseful, but in the end I was left unsatisfied and confused...