Bout of Books 7.0

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

~ My Reading Goals ~

 

1. Finish The Garden: The Unauthorized Biography of Adam and Eve by Paul T. Harry

2. In Darkness We Must Abide by Rhiannon Frater

#1 Death Comes Home

#2 Death in the Shadows

#3 The Arrival of Armando DeLeon

#4 The Gift

#5 The Vampires

3. Delirium (Debt Collector #1) by Susan Kaye Quinn
4. Taking on the Dead (The Famished Trilogy #1) by Annie Walls
5. Ink (Ink #1) by Holly Hood
6. Of Silver and Beasts (Goddess Wars #1) by Trisha Wolfe

Are you guys joining in this read-a-thon? It's my very first one! I'm super excited! :D 

Feature & Follow #12 ~ Happy Mother's Day! Favorite Fictional Mom

I'm so excited to finally be joining Feature and Follow Friday!! This is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where they each feature a fellow blogger and ask a question which can be answered by participating bloggers. If you aren't already following the two hosting bloggers, please visit their blogs to follow them, the bloggers they're featuring, and enter your own blog in the linky. Hop around to other blogs - find new blogs to follow and gain some new followers as well. :D

Q: Happy Mother's Day! Who is your favorite mom from fiction? 

Instantly I thought of Mrs. Weasley from Harry Potter.  I still appreciate her warmth and comfort - she helped Harry find his way and feel at ease in the wizarding world. He became a part of her family the moment she met him, and it had nothing to do with the fact that he was "the boy who lived." She was just that kind of person. She was really cool. :D

Think Out Loud #10 ~ Epicness Coming Soon to a Theater Near You

Hey everyone! I'm now going to join the meme Think Out Loud hosted by Thinks Books. With this meme, you can post anything you want! Get to know other bloggers outside of the bookish realm. :) Click on the link to go to her blog and sign up. :) The posts go up on Thursdays or whenever you'd like. :D

I'm soooo excited for some upcoming flicks! I'm a huge horror movie fan, and there are a couple coming out that look like they might be good. Then of course, I'm also a huge Star Trek fan, and Star Trek: Into the Darkness comes out in eight days!!! I'm going opening night with one of my besties, Jill, and we're gonna see it in IMAX 3-D. It's gonna be EPIC! :D I can't wait!!

Opens May 17



Have you seen previews for The Purge? I love Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey, and I can't wait until this one comes out. Not too much longer, and it'll be here! I posted the preview below. :)

Opens June 7

I'm also waiting on The Conjuring. My husband isn't thrilled to see it even though he's a huge horror fan also, but I love movies like this. Just sayin'. :) I also posted the preview!

Opens July 19





Definitely not last OR least, I want to see You're Next. I don't want the summer to fly by, but um, is it August yet? lol

Opens August 23



It's gonna be a long wait for this one!

These are just a few movies I'm looking forward to seeing this summer. I just went with horror movies for today. There's also this gem - The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. Ye-yeah!

Opens August 23



So what movies are you waiting to see? Don't the horror movies look freakin' scary?! I'm ready to be scared right out of the theater! :D

Review ~ Love Me for Me (Safe Haven #1) by Kate Laurens

Love Me for Me (Safe Haven #1)

by Kate Laurens

Published March 26th 2013

Publisher ~ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

146 pages

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Average Rating: 3.86 / 5.00

My Rating: 4.00 / 5.00

Recommended for mature readers aged 17+ due to language and sexual content.

Add to Goodreads

~ Synopsis ~

A fresh start...

It’s been three years since Serena King learned to say no—no to the boys that were a desperate cry for help, no to the extra weight she put on in self defense, and most of all no to the abuse that has haunted her since she was fifteen. Now a sophomore in college, all she wants is to be normal. The last thing she expects is a guy who can make her want... make her want everything.

A new guy...

Alex Blackthorn is a bundle of contradictions, a sexy dark haired badness who goes slow... deliciously slow. And despite the iron will that has gotten her through the last few years, Serena finds herself unable to ignore the heat that sizzles between them whenever they’re together.

A dark past...

Serena never thought she could be involved in a relationship, but Alex makes her long for things she thought were out of her reach forever. When he finds out her secret... when he finds out what she did to keep herself sane... will he still want her, or he will treat her just like everyone else?

And Alex has a secret of his own.

Recommended for mature readers aged 17+ due to language and sexual content.

~ My Thoughts ~

Whoa! This was a really emotionally intense as well as a hottt book, and yep, I just used three t's! The story begins by introducing Serena, a college age girl who suffered abuse when she was a teenager. During that time, she engaged in various unhealthy behaviors in order to cope with the abuse - her promiscuity, for one. I think because she felt like an object, she allowed herself to be treated like one. She didn't feel like she should take care of herself. Once she begins attending college, she leaves those behaviors behind in the past.  

Serena meets Alex, and sparks just flew between them right away! Alex seemed so real and yet too good to be true. I loved everything about him - the tattoos, the way he managed to slowly break through barrier after barrier that Serena had put up, and the determination he had to love her no matter what ways she came up with to try to stop him. I really loved finding out along with Serena what made him tick, piece by piece.

Here were two emotionally damaged people with a lot of baggage, but I had a lot of hope for them to be able to work through their issues and find love. They seemed to fit together in ways they never had with anyone else before. I think they understood each other on a deeper level than if they had been in a relationship with someone who hadn't had the past experiences they had. They knew what it was like to want to run away from the pain rather than face it, and they understood this about each other.

I flew through the book! The story between Serena and Alex was so bittersweet and compelling, I was completely hooked. This was so well written and realistic, it almost hurt at times to read about Serena and Alex's pain. I wanted to get revenge for them and hurt the people who had hurt them. They were two people who had been through so much, and I couldn't help but want them together. I could see the potential in both of them to let go of their pain and find happiness.

The next book in the series (yes, it's a series!!!) is about Serena's roommate Kaylee and her entanglements which are hinted at in this first book. I'm looking forward to finding out more about her and the past she's trying to drown with all of her partying.

*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review* 

~ Purchase Links ~

Amazon    Barnes & Noble 

~ About the Author ~

Kate Laurens is a proud Canadian who loves beer, coffee, kickboxing and books. She writes New Adult romance and falls a little bit in love with each hero that she writes. She also loves to hear from her readers.

~ Author Links ~

Website   Twitter   Goodreads

Review ~ Visions (The Secret Watchers #1) by Lauren Klever

Visions (The Secret Watchers #1)

by Lauren Klever

Published September 26th 2012

Publisher ~ BookBaby

351 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Adventure

Average Rating: 4.57 / 5.00  

My Rating: 4.00 / 5.00

Add to Goodreads

~ Synopsis ~

Welcome to the world of Owen Ryer and The Secret Watchers. What would you do if you suddenly discovered that you could not only sense dark energy but individuals with evil in their hearts? What if you were given hints about horrible things that had already happened and you had no choice but to fix them? What if these things you were driven to do were not only dangerous but had to be concealed? Who could you trust with this perilous secret? How would you handle homework and chores when you felt like the weight of the world rested on your shoulders? Owen feels he has no choice... What would you do? Would you have the courage to try?
  

In Visions (The Secret Watchers, Book One) fourteen-year-old Owen Ryer hates school and his life in general, but dreams that there must be something more... until he is irrevocably drawn to a watch in an old pawnshop that unlocks his amazing and unexpected gift. Now it’s a race to see if Owen can master his special ability before the dark watchers destroy or turn him to the side of evil and chaos.
  

You will experience Owen’s confusion, frustration and compassion as he discovers that it is demanding enough just to be a teenager, let alone have a secret as big as the one he is burdened with. Who should he trust? Who can help him? Typically watchers work alone but Owen is the next generation - should he be the one to challenge the rules? 

Everyone needs a hero and sometimes the best ones are the unintentional ones. Owen is that kind of guy as he searches for purpose, acceptance and morality. He isn’t perfect, he doesn’t always do things right, but he has the greater good at heart – always.
  

You are invited to follow Owen as he journeys through the darkest walk he has ever taken; where he captures glimpses of the underbelly of society, a place he never knew existed and didn’t want to see. After you read Visions, will you be looking under your bed and double checking your closet? Please enter the Secret Watchers universe if you dare but beware – you may be sucked right into the good versus evil suspense of jaw-clenching action and never want to leave.

~ My Thoughts ~

I received a copy of this book for an honest review through a read and review group on Goodreads.

This book was better than I expected. I loved getting to know the main characters, especially Owen. He's a great hero to root for, and you can't help but like him. After being drawn to a watch in a pawnshop owned by his friend's uncle, Owen's special ability unlocks. He can sense people's evil intentions and sets out to stop these people from acting on their thoughts.

Owen has the weight of the world on his shoulders, and he's only fourteen. Not only does he have to worry about the issues that go along with being a teenager, but he also must keep his ability secret, train to develop and control his ability, deal with his parents' marriage falling apart, and on top of all of this, he has a crush on his friend, Lucie. No wonder he feels like he has so much weight on his shoulders!

Though Owen has this special ability, he stays grounded and doesn't let it go to his head, which I truly appreciated. He's responsible, helpful, and a great son and big brother. He seems older than his actual age--with the responsibilities he has as well as what you'll find out when you read the book, you'll be able to see why he seems older.

I gave this book four stars instead of five because the ending was so abrupt. Gah the ending! Talk about a cliffhanger, lol! I kept looking for more, thinking this couldn't possibly be the end, but alas, it was over. I really need to know what happens next! Like right now. :)

~ Purchase Links ~

Amazon        Barnes & Noble    



~ About the Author ~

Born in Portland, Oregon, Lauren Klever is an author and a teacher. Her two books in the Secret Watchers series include Visons and Whispers and are both available. 

She hated being told what to write in school and is happy she can write what she wants to now. Some of her influences include J.K. Rowling, Stephenie Meyers, Anthony Horowitz, and Rick Riordan.

   "It’s my wish that you, the reader, have at least half as much fun and connection to these characters as I have as I wrote them! These books are for my family, friends, students and mentors. Big hugs for you all! We can be better – together! Relax, enjoy and dream big! Only you know what your tomorrows can hold!"

~ Lauren Klever (Quoted from Goodreads)

~ Author Links ~

Goodreads    Website   Twitter  

 Author Facebook Fan Page  

The Secret Watchers Facebook Page

My Flash Friday Entry #2

This week, the prompt for the story is the below photo, and the word count had to be between 145-155. Here's my entry from last night that I posted at the Flash Friday blog .

Photo courtesy of Wondermar at Pixabay

“Saying Goodbye”

“Are you ready?”

“I’m not sure…does it have to be now? I’m afraid…”

Daddy looked down at me with his gentle smile, puffs of breath steaming in the cold air. I let go of Daddy’s hand and wrapped my coat around me tighter. The chill seemed to penetrate my thick coat. I grabbed his hand again.

“You don’t have to be afraid. I’m right here with you. Mommy’s waiting for you.” At the mention of her, I looked up and saw the tears gathering in his eyes. He blinked them back when he saw that I noticed.

“She is?” I asked uncertainly.

Daddy smiled through his tears. “Yes, baby, she’s always been waiting. I’m going to help you – you won’t be alone, I promise.”

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes against the weak sunlight. “Okay, Daddy, I…” The next thing I knew, I saw my Mommy. I had crossed over.


Okay, critique time! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Give it to me straight - I can take it, lol. Thank you so much! <3

Feature & Follow #11 ~ Fun or Fail?

I'm so excited to finally be joining Feature and Follow Friday!! This is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where they each feature a fellow blogger and ask a question which can be answered by participating bloggers. If you aren't already following the two hosting bloggers, please visit their blogs to follow them, the bloggers they're featuring, and enter your own blog in the linky. Hop around to other blogs - find new blogs to follow and gain some new followers as well. :D

Q: Give us a sneak! What are you reading? Tell us about a fun or fail scene in your current read.
 
I'm currently reading Darkness on a Pale Blue Stone by D.T. Peterson.  Okay, so to give you some background, the book takes place in 2072. A global blackout destroying all technology throws the world into chaos, and there is even talk of possible aliens whom the people of Earth are calling "Exterminators" destroying anything left that's human made.

Though this is a dark and scary kind of story, there's actually been some fun scenes that I've really gotten a kick out of. The opening scene was so much like an action movie with plenty of danger and suspense. I felt like I could picture Tom Cruise playing the main role - it was really cool. It felt like an homage to those kinds of movies like Mission Impossible, Snatch, etc. That's all I'll say so I don't give anything away! :D

How about you? I can't wait to read everyone's responses. This is a kick ass question!!

Since GFC is pretty much going by the wayside, I'd love to be followed by Bloglovin', email, and/or Twitter. Let me know if you're a new follower, and I'll gladly return the favor! :)

Think Out Loud #9 ~ Turn it Up to 11 Yo

 

Hey everyone! I'm now going to join the meme Think Out Loud hosted by Thinks Books. With this meme, you can post anything you want! Get to know other bloggers outside of the bookish realm. :) Click on the link to go to her blog and sign up. :) The posts go up on Thursdays or whenever you'd like. :D

I. Love. My. Record. Player. I just bought it several weeks ago, and I already have a fine record collection going on thanks to Half Price Books. Not only does it play records, but it also plays cassette tapes, CDs, the radio, and you can plug your MP3 player into it.

My beautiful record player from Target!

 I've bought all of my records at HPB - they're used and the most expensive one was $10. That one was The Lemon Piper's album with "Green Tambourine". The cover is awesomesauce, and I just had to have it. It's the original, too. :D And "Green Tambourine" is one of my favorite songs from the era.

Love this cover! Groovy!

I haven't had any issues with how they play except for my Queen album. I'm a bit sad about that one. It gets stuck, so I stay nearby and keep it going. 

I had to buy The Mamas & the Papas. Dear Lord how many memories this group has for me and my sister. Our parents, especially our mom, absolutely loved them. My sister is so happy with the albums I've bought so far, although she is not allowed to touch my player, lol. I saw her struggling to use it and was like, "No way, no how," lol. We grew up listening to records - our dad still has a record player, and now that I have my very own, I totally get why we weren't allowed to touch his record player or his records.

Great songs, great memories. <3

 

So far I own the following records: 

 

The Association ~ Greatest Hits

The Best of Tommy James & the Shondells

Boston

The Byrds ~ Mr. Tambourine Man

Deep Purple

Donovan ~ Greatest Hits

The 5th Dimension ~ Greatest Hits

Gary Puckett & the Union Gap

The Grass Roots ~ Move Along

The Grass Roots ~ Greatest Hits

The Lemon Pipers ~ Green Tambourine

The Mamas & the Papas ~ Farewell to the First Golden Era

Midnight Ride with Paul Revere & the Raiders Featuring Kicks

Elvis Presley ~ Pure Gold

Queen ~ Sheer Heart Attack

The Rascals ~ Greatest Hits

 

On my absolutely-must-own list are records from The Beatles, Janis Joplin, The Yardbirds, The Hollies, Jefferson Airplane, The Moody Blues, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, The Turtles, The Animals, The Zombies, Herman's Hermits...yeah, I've got quite the list, lol. Mother's Day is coming up hint hint, lol. :D

 

My Janis Joplin magnet. Love her!!

Did you know that a large percentage of sound is lost in translation when you listen to MP3s as opposed to records? I believe it, totally. There is nothing like listening to a record imo.

How about you? Do you have records? :D

I'll probably post more photos of album covers. Some of them are just too cool for school!

IWSG ~ May 2013

This group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. I've met and made friends with many cool writers and have been able to share my feelings and worries about the process of writing without fear of judgement. You don't have to feel insecure to join either. You can join and give support to those of us who are having those moments of wanting to give up or those days where we're just straight up freaking out. Either way, it's definitely fun and worth it!

Just last Friday I entered a flash fiction contest for the first time. It's held every Friday with a prompt at Flash Friday , and you post your entry in the comments. I posted my entry there and also on my blog here. If you'd like to read it and give me any advice about how to improve my lack of flash fiction writing skills for tomorrow, that'd be awesome!! :D I'm excited for the challenge. Who knows? I might even write something I can use in my 60s era zombie novel! :D

Cover Reveal ~ Endure by M.R. Merrick

Available June 5th

Endure (The Protector, #4) by M.R. Merrick
Cover by Parajunkee Design

YA Urban Fantasy
Final book in The Protector Series

Wrapped in darkness and woven with defeat, every action Chase has taken since being exiled from the Circle has been met with a devastating response. Now he’s been burdened with a quest that seems impossible, and he needs to evolve into something more—something greater than he ever thought he could be.

Armed with magic, friendship, and an unbreakable will, Chase must build an army and find a weapon capable of defeating the ultimate evil. But he knows that nothing great comes without sacrifice. Blessed by the very gods who have abandoned him and carrying the fate of all the worlds on his shoulders, Chase Williams is about find out just how much one man can endure.

 Book 1 - Exiled is FREE!

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

About the author:

M.R. Merrick is a Canadian writer, and author of Exiled, the first installment in The Protector Series. Having never traveled, he adventures to far off lands through his imagination and in between cups of coffee. As a music lover and proud breakfast enthusiast, he's usually found at the computer, between a pair of headphones and in front of a large bowl of cereal.

M.R. Merrick | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook