True (Elixir #3)

Judging A Book By Its Cover...

My Mom did her first youtube video with me!

Brooklyn Girls (#1)

Summary:

"Fantastically funny, fresh and utterly relatable, Brooklyn Girls by Gemma Burgess is the first novel in her brand new series about five twenty-something friends—Pia, Angie, Julia, Coco and Madeleine—sharing a brownstone in hip, downtown Brooklyn, and discovering the ups and downs and ins and outs of  their “semi-adult” lives. The first story belongs to sophisticated, spoiled, and stylish Pia, who finds herself completely unemployed, unemployable, and broke. So what is a recent grad with an art history degree and an unfortunate history of Facebook topless photos to do? Start a food truck business of course! Pia takes on the surprisingly cutthroat Brooklyn world of hybrid lettuce growers, artisanal yogurt makers and homemade butter producers to start SkinnyWheels—all while dealing with hipster bees, one-night-stands, heartbreak, parental fury, wild parties, revenge, jail, loan sharks, playboys, karaoke, true love, and one adorable pink food truck. And that's without counting her roommates' problems, too. Gemma Burgess has captured the confusion, hilarity and excitement of the post-graduate years against a backdrop of the pressures and chaos of New York City life, with heartfelt empathy, fast humor and sharp honesty.
A charming debut series about five twenty-something girls and the humor, heartbreak, and drama that bring them together"

Getting To Know You, Saturdays - My Life in YA Book Titles

Top Ten Tuesday: Things That Make My Life As A Reader and Blogger Easier

1. My Husband Allows Me To Read...

No, this isn't a possessive thing, what I mean is.. my husband and I have a sort of arrangement. We both have hobbies that require a time commitment. My Husbands being Gaming and Mine Reading/Blogging. So, when we get home from work we kiss Hello, ask each other about our days and then pretty much leave each other alone the rest of the night. This may seem weird, but it works for us. Our weekends are more open for us to be together and a new thing we started is reading "together" at bedtime. Which really is me reading a book of his choice aloud. 

2. A Supportive Family

My family funds my bookish ways. Whether it is buying me books, bookcases, gift cards or driving me (since I am carless) to book related events. It is great to have this support for not only my reading habit but my blog as well. 

3. The Library

I hate that I can't keep the books I read, but it allows me the ability to read A LOT more books then I would be able to, since reading can be a costly habit.

4. NetGalley

Giving me the ease of reading ARC's. 

5. Goodreads

I don't really use GoodReads to its fullest, but I love that it keeps track of what I read and how much I read. As well as my love of book quotes. It also doesn't hurt when it lets me know how far behind I am at reading!

6. My IPad

Well, it is my Moms, but she kind of gave it to me. I use the Kindle App and even if I am not an e-reader fan, i appreciate the accessibility it gives me to read books from Netgalley and at night.

7. My Book Cases

Not only do they keep my my apartment organized, but I can display my books like trophies and just looking at them on the shelves makes me happy.

8. The Book Blogging Community

Undoubtedly, if this community did not exist I would most definitely not have enter the book blogging world and although, I would still read books.. I would definitely read less than I do now. 

The Diamond of Drury Lane (Cat Royal #1)

Summary:

"Capturing superbly the hustle and bustle, flair and extravagance of late Eighteenth Century times in England's renowned capital, The Diamond of Drury Lane introduces its feisty heroine with an undeniably exciting first adventure. This is historical fiction for young readers at its best--authentic, exciting and fast-moving.Cat Royal is a veritable institution at Mr Sheridan's famous Drury Lane theatre of ye olde London Town, circa 1790. Adopted by the owner after being mysteriously abandoned as a baby on the steps of his infamous establishment, Cat has grown up backstage amidst the glamour of the bright lights, the exotic artistes, hammy actors, melodious musicians and riotous viewing public. The performers are her family, the stagehands her closest friends.However, Cat is growing up and she is beginning to think about what she wants to do with her life. Those thoughts take an unexpected turn when she overhears a conversation about a diamond hidden somewhere in the theatre. Her adventures begin when she tries to find the treasure. Pedro, a gifted musician who is new to the company orchestra, ably assists her. Ever present too are the political ramifications of a mischievous satirical cartoonist called Captain Sparkler, who some suspect is a very important person nearby in disguise.The narrative traverses London and takes in the rival street gangs of Covent Garden, boxing matches, theatre riots, spectacular stage productions and several moments of drama and intrigue. Cat is so likeable as a central character, that readers will soon be caught up in her journey. That journey may only be short geographically, but she learns lots about who she is and who her real friends are. It's great stuff. Look out for the sequel, Cat Among the Pigeons.(Age 9 and over)--John McLay"

 I have passed this book several times in the Young Adult section of the public library and have always been intrigued to read it. So last month I FINALLY checked the book out and began reading. The book appealed to me as being an 18th Century Nancy Drew series. I was pretty stoked, given I have a fancy for Historical Fiction and Mysterys. I like all kinds of mysteries but this seemed to be more cloak and dagger like and I love those the most.

Unfortunately, for me.. I was very misguided in the fact that this book was in the YA section and not the Middle Grade section. The book is very MG and quite predictable, as well as NOT that much of a mystery. There were parts I liked and enjoyed and the characters are great but honestly it was just a giant book of subliminal lesson teaching to 8-12 year olds.

My other complaint is that the book is a BIG book that dragged out, by page 150 I was only JUST beginning to learn the plot. I rarely complain that a book is too long, usually the opposite is said. However, someone should have heavily edited The Diamon of Drury Lane, the story and atomosphere could have easily been told is less than 200 pages. In fact, I have seen many books, with far more substance do just that.

With that being said... The Diamond of Drury Lane is not a bad book, it is just not a book that should be in the YA section. The right age group would most likely enjoy this book and series. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2)

Summary:

"Darkness never dies.
Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.
The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm."

Why HELLOoOoOoO.... Darkling!
It doesn't take much to get sucked back into the Grisha world. In fact, it only takes 25 pages to leave you with your mouth gaping.  The plot does more story and world building, than action and plowing through, which for Book 2, I think was the perfect choice. Bardugo, does a marvelous job at giving the reader what they want, while still making them beg for more.

I am liking Alina more and more especially as her confidence grows, I also enjoyed Mal more in this book, but still am not convinced in him as the leading man. I just feel there is something lacking in his and Alina's relationship. Mainly, because it is SO brother-sister like. There are 3 additions to the book, that I enjoyed very much. That being the Privateer, whose role I think is vital to caring this story, and who I definitely have a crush on. I am definitely wishing him and Alina to hook up! Then there is Tamar and Tamin. They become Alina's confidants and they have a way about them, that makes you love them. Maybe it is the protective gentle giant type thing.

And of course... we cannot forget the Darkling. He actually isn't present very much and it mostly, just a Shadow to be feared. However, when he does appear I still love him and I pretty much never love the bad guy. A bad boy sure, but not a truly evil person. Which, is something I truly admire about Bardugo's writing. She can make you not just LIKE the bad guy but become Infatuated with him.

There is SO much that happens in Siege and Storm and all very much important to the series storyline. While reading Siege and Storm though, I knew there was to be an epic ending, since I had heard SO much about this epic ending, I was read through the book rapidly, eagerly waiting and anticipating it and I was disappointed. ONLY, because I was anticipating it so much, that I already saw it coming. I had built it up A LOT. However, I can say it is a good ending and if you don't over think it like me, you will hate and love it. Bardugo's writing is beyond superb and Siege and Storm is just one of those books, that is hard to review... because you might let something possibly spoilery slip. It is a great sequel to Shadow and Bone and overall, a HIGHLY recommended series. 

Sapphire Blue (Ruby Red Trilogy #2)

Summary:

"Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean. At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out."

I love that Sapphire Blue pretty much picks up where it left off, although the prologue threw me off slightly. Anyways, The plot of Sapphire Blue is basically the same as Ruby Red , it just thickens a little.   And as I did with Ruby Red, I enjoyed the plot. However, I think Gier has a slightly different way of writing plots. She doesn't really stop at a cliff hanger, she just pauses at what she feels is a good spot and continues on in the the next book. It doesn't bother me, but it does make me want MORE when reading.

I love Gwen, she has just the right of confidence and insecurities.. as well as wit. Then there is Gideon, who I will admit I have a MAJOR crush on, but there is something I don't trust about him. I am loving the addition of Xemerius the Gargoyle as I think he adds the right assistance and humor to the story.

Historical Time Traveling fun! <--- basically="" books.="" favorite="" kind="" my="" nbsp="" of="" p="">

Not  a long enough book in my opinion.

Since this is a trilogy, I am hoping Emerald Green is a HUGE action packed, answering giving book! I know not everyone has been smitten with this trilogy as I have BUT if you love books that have history in them and you love books with Time Traveling and magic, then you really can't go wrong. Sapphire Blue was a great companion of Ruby Red and like I said I cannot wait for Emerald Green. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books in "X" Settings

Setting Picked....

EUROPE!

1.

She does go to Italy...

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

TPPT's A-Z Book Survey

Jamie over at The Perpetual Page-turner made a fun A-Z Survey and invited us bloggers to join! I mainly did it, because her reason for making this survey... resonated with me. I have said it a lot this year and I will say it again. I have been a BAD book blogger. I have been working non-stop on getting AttachaPack launched and it seems when I get home I am too tired to read or the only times I have "free time" are when I am out of town for the bazillion weddings our families seem to be having this summer or business trips to Vegas. I started to VLOGs on Saturdays to make my blogging fun, but that hasn't been going well... since again... I have NO time = ( I am most definitely NOT reading to give up blogging anytime soon and I know I am only going to get busier, however hopefully my busyness with just get less chaotic and I can you know get better at managing time and organizing my life.

Until then, I willl just do this fun survey!

Author you’ve read the most books from:

Oh this is hard... JK Rowling, Karen McQuestion.. Anna Godbersen ? Definitely hard.

Best Sequel Ever:

Damn, She is making it hard for me.... I will say Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo.. although, I am currently in the middle of reading it.

Currently Reading:

Siege and Storm By Leigh Bardugo

The Diamond of Drury Lane  By Julia Gilding

World War Z by Max Brooks --- I am reading this aloud to my husband at night

Drink of Choice While Reading:

Mainly Green Tea. Sometimes Coke. But Usually Green Tea. --Honestly, though those are just my drinks of choice in life as well. 

E-reader or Physical Book?

Physical book hands down!

Although, I use an E-reader for NetGalleys

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School:

If I was being honest. I would say no body... cause I didn't really date in High School or at all.

However, If this was an ideal world... my number 1 pick hands down is Adam Wilde from If I Stay by Gayle Forman. I mean he is so sweet and sexy and artistic. 

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead I was NOT into reading another Vampire book, but Mead's writing is PHENOMENAL.

Hidden Gem Book:

Asylum by Patrick McGrath and A Scattered Life by Karen McQuestion

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

Finding out their was a Book Blogging Community! Had I never discovered this, I probably would not have  become one myself.

Just Finished:

Sapphire Blue By Kerstin Grier

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read:

 Manga/Anime and I am not big on the Romance Genre and Dystopian Genres..

Longest Book You’ve Read:

Atlas Shrugged By Ayn Rand --  still reading it.

Major book hangover because of:

Vampire Academy Series and most recently Forever, Princess by Meg Cabot. I was just KIND of into the series until I read the last book and then I wanted MORE and I wanted it NOW!

Number of Bookcases You Own:

3/4.  3 actual book cases 2 small, 1 Big and then we have an extra coffee table that I use as a book case as well. 

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

Harry Potter.

Preferred Place To Read:

My Bed.

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

What Remains By Carole Radziwill, that whole book is filled with quotes that give me the chills. BEAUTIFUL

Reading Regret:

Not enjoying reading MORE when I was younger and appreciating it!

Series You Started And Need To Finish(all books are out in series):

Pretty Little Liars Series. I stopped at the first four books... but I WANT to continue reading!

Three of your All-Time Favorite Books:

Only 3?! I can't that is too hard! I mean top of my head, with a gun to it. The Book Thief, Paper Towns and If I Stay!

Unapologetic Fangirl For:

Every author I ever meet. Although, it doesn't look like Fangirling (inside I am, but outside I am a nervous wreck)

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins.

Worst Bookish Habit:

Uhm I don't think I have one really. I guess I don't mind bending the crack on my OWN paperbacks. Depends though. 

X Marks The Spot: Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book:

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Parsons -- which is funny since this a book I took from my 5th grade classroom and forgot to return.

Your latest book purchase:

Frozen by Melissa De La Cruz... Although, I may have done it because I was told we would get a free book in  the mail... I never did receive that book..

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):

Sapphire Blue By Kierstin Grier

Beautiful Days (Bright Young Things #2)

Summary:

"For the bright young things of 1929, the beautiful days seem endless, filled with romance and heartbreak, adventure and intrigue, friendship and rivalry.

After a month in New York, Cordelia Grey and Letty Larkspur are small-town girls no longer. They spend their afternoons with Astrid Donal at the Greys’ lush Long Island estate and their nights in Manhattan’s bustling metropolis. But Letty’s not content to be a mere socialite. She is ready at last to chase her Broadway dreams—no matter the cost.

Cordelia is still reeling from the death of her father at the hands of Tom Hale, the man she thought she loved. Now she is set to honor Darius Grey’s legacy . . . and take her revenge.

Promised to Cordelia’s half brother, Astrid is caught up in a world of dazzling jewels and glittering nights—and the sparkle is blinding. Charlie Grey is a gangster playing a dangerous game; and for Astrid, Cordelia, and Letty, the stakes could be deadly."

I enjoyed Beautiful Days way more than Bright Young Things and I think that is because I got tad more of a taste of the roaring 20's. I noticed the story is structured in a more natural and realistic way... Almost "real time"... so, sometimes we don't get resolutions to events that took place, until the next book. I don't know how better to explain it. Beautiful Days delivers in glitz, glamour and drama!

I adore Cordelia, Astrid and Letty! Each girl brings something to the table and their strengths and weaknesses, only make them as a group stronger and a plus, I don't find any of the girls annoying. I find Charlie to be the perfect representation of men back in the day and even though he can be stubborn. I really do like him. While Flyboy, drives me crazy, I still have a soft spot for him.

Fast paced, fun and a perfectly reflects 1920's New York. 

Too Short, just wanted a little more.

Anna Godbersen does such a great job at writing Historical Fiction and getting me to get involved in the characters lives. I am still on guard after The Luxe Series, but I do believe the Bright Young Things Series will make up for it! I cannot wait for the plots to pick up just a little more and for the love and drama to unfold.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Wish Had Sequels

Sometimes, you love a story, a character and a book so much... that you just want the story to continue... for like, EVER.