Outlander by @Diana_Gabaldon

 

 

 

 

I totally watched the show before reading the books. I had started it and tried to get through it and made it about 50 pages. I think that the book being so big just made it a daunting task.

We are at the end of season 2 in the show now and I had to know what is happening next. Obviously, I can't just skip books, so I decided to really plunge into it.

 

I'm so glad that I did. The books are always better than the movies/tv! I really got much more from this than the show was giving me, big surprise.

 

I LOVE Jamie and Claire in the show, they were

cast perfectly. Their characters are amazing. I love how they compliment each other but at the same time are so different. The both can stand on their own but will do anything for each other. Claire is a bad ass. She really is. Not only does her medical training in the "future" really help her out now, she really does know how to take care of herself. It's one of the things that I really like about her, she's no damsel in distress and her sharp tongue can be quite amusing at times.

 

I know that some people thing this is just a book about sex, but that's not true. Yeah, there's some in here but you can always skip ahead. I mean, there is so much detail about history that you know Gabaldon really did her research. There's so much to Jamie and Claire's relationship than just sex. I love the time travel aspect too. Seeing how she tries to fit in a different world is a majority of this book.

 

I love that I watched the show first because I know how to pronounce EVERYTHING! Haha! I also like having faces to names. If you don't want to read the book, you really don't have to. I just think you get a little more to the story. The tv show does a great job pulling out a lot of these books! I really like the tv show and I highly recommend it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Court of Thorns and Roses by @Sarah_J_Maas

 

 

 

I decided to start this and see what all the fuss was about. I started this book when I got home from work and finished it the next morning.

 

This is loosely based on beauty and the beast. I didn't know that before I started. I totally got the Beauty and the Beast vibes when I was reading it. There are a lot of similarities but in a faerie world. I love Beauty and the Beast and fairies!

 

I liked this story but I didn't really care for the main "beast" character that much, Tamlin. I actually liked his friend, Lucien, much better. It might be because we get more of a dialogue between he and Feyre. I felt like this story lost a lot in the middle. We started off good and interesting but then lost something in the middle. I think it was just way too long. The ending is where all the action happens.

 

Feyre was okay as a character. I really feel like she should have asked more questions or should have tried harder to find out what was going on. She just kind of took everything as it came. She lost so much of what she was in the  beginning of the book. She was strong and took care of her family. Then she just kind of is blah in the middle. Towards the end, that's when she becomes more like the beginning of the book. So, I wasn't in love with her character in this one.

 

I feel like this book was just basically a love story. It felt really romanticized and I didn't really get any of the bigger issues going on. At the end of this book, I was like.... what really could be next but a messy love triangle? I didn't get anything about the world or the problems/oppression. I felt like this book was really just a stand alone book.

 

I did like all the supporting characters and Rhysand. The last 1/3 of this story is what makes this book. I love how she had to fight for what she wanted. All the tests. where brutal but I loved her dedication. I really liked how it all came together.

 

I'm in the next book now and I'm not sure how I feel about it about 200 pages in. We will see.

 

 

 

 

WoW: Carve the Mark by @Veronica_Roth

 

This is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating. 

 

 

 

Here is mine:

 

 

 

Expected Publication: January 17, 2017

Katherine Tegen Books

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

 

Fans of Star Wars and Divergent will revel in internationally bestselling author Veronica Roth’s stunning new science-fiction fantasy series.

On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power—something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuvhe, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive—no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive—or to destroy one another.

 

 

 

I happened to come across this online and was immediately intrigued by the book cover. I then read the blurb and I'm not sure how it will go. It could be either good or bad. I really liked the Divergent books, so I'm really looking forward to giving this a try!

 

 

 

 

Red Queen by @Victoria_Aveyard

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have seen this book everywhere. It’s been on my list for a while and the hold list at the library was so long. I finally got it in and started reading it on my lunch break. After the second day, I took it home and finished it that night. I just got so caught up with the story, I couldn’t just read it at lunch time anymore. I really liked this book but there are some reasons that I gave it only 4 stars.
First, I would like to say that this is such a unique take on a dystopian world. I was really intrigued with the different classes being the blood type, Reds vs. Silvers.

Mare is a red and she is from the other end of the class spectrum. She is supposed to work hard or enlist in the army. If you are not blessed with any special skill, the army is your future. This is what Mare is looking at when we first meet her. She’s trying to find a way to save herself and a friend from the war front. I liked her character enough; I want to see her evolve a little more. Her love quadrangle is just annoying. Ugh. I hate love triangles and this is just the worst! I also find it hard to believe that she had NO signs of her GREAT power for 17 years. It just doesn’t seem that there would be no little signs or anything.

I really liked Cal too. I think that we will see some great things from him. We don’t get a lot of him in this book, just touches here and there. You can see him fighting a battle with himself. He’s torn between a better world and following his father’s footsteps. I can’t wait to see how he develops as a character.

There are some things in this book that are very predictable. I actually, saw everything happening, way before Mare. It was quite obvious but that’s okay. I am very surprised when a YA book is able to shock and awe me. Aveyard, did a good job keeping this book flowing and interesting. I just couldn’t put it down. I’m really excited to see what happens in the future. I have heard horrible things about book 2. I think I’m going to take a break and wait until closer to the release of book 3. If book 2 is horrible, I may never pick up book 3 later on.


View all my reviews

WoW: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

 

This is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating. 

 

Here is my WoW:

 

 

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

 

Publication Date: August 2, 2016 by Atria Books

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

 

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up. She graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant and has a total soft spot for Lily; and the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head, but Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his no dating rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan, her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

With this bold and deeply personal novel Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. Combining a captivating romance with a cast of all too human characters, “It Ends with Us” is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.

 

 

I don't usually read many romance books but I really like Colleen Hoover. I haven't read any in a while and this cover caught my eye. So, I'm excited for it and can't wait for it to come out! It will be good to take a time out of the YA genre for a book or two. :)

 

 

 

Ten Facts about Me

Ten Facts About Us (bookish or just general about you facts or ten facts about you as a blogger...whatever you want.)

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by,The Broke and the Bookish, featuring a different top 10 theme each week.

Facts about me:

1. I am obsessed with Disney but mostly The Little Mermaid. 

-This has been since I was a child. My parents said they had to replace the VHS (lol) three times because it would play non-stop. I love everything about it. It might be why I'm obsessed with Aquariums and all that. I do hate being in the beach though, I only like the fish when they can't bite me! haha :) If I can't see my feet, I'm not going in. 

2. My favorite color is purple

-Funny fact that goes with this.. my husbands favorite color is also purple :)

3. I am very creative and crafty. I make a lot of my gifts and not to brag, but they are pretty awesome! I'm more crafty than artsy. I'm not a painter but I love working with paints. I also make my own cards. I also refurbish furniture and do all kinds of things! I love anything and everything craft related. For example, I was so excited that the Michael's store, just came out with a rewards card. FINALLY! Now, only Joann's needs one! haha. 

 I usually post some of them on my other blog: craftsbeautyandreviews.blogspot.com 

4. I am originally from San Antonio, Texas. Some of my sports followings are Texas teams. Go Spurs and Hook 'em Horns! I live in Cincinnati, Ohio now and love it here. Go Reds and Go Bengals! 

5. I'm a tad OCD when it comes to things being clean and orderly. This applies to my books too, they have to be in great shape. I won't lie, I cringe when someone has borrowed a book and they have folded pages or bent my spine. 

6. I work at a Library but I got my degree in Psychology. It sometimes comes in handy though ;-) I kind of went to college because everyone was doing it. I never really knew what I wanted to do. I took a Psych class my freshman year and fell in love. I love everything about it. I got through my bachelor's degree and the master's program that I wanted to do doubled in price. I couldn't justify the amount of money I would have to take out to be a guidance counselor. So, I worked at Kohl's for a few years and then moved to Cincinnati three years ago, for my husbands job. The library was hiring, I found it the last day it was posted and the rest is history. I don't know that I would go back to get my MLS though. 

7. I prefer a physical book over an ebook. I've got a good amount of books on my ereader and use the Library's overdrive service a lot. I just can't completely cut out physical books. There's just something about it and I always have to come back. It just feels like home in my hands! 

8. I love make-up and don't wear it everyday. About a year ago, I got into makeup. I got an IPSY glam bag subscription and it's what started it. I literally had like 4 items before that. Now, I have a vanity, a 8 cube storage shelf and tons of makeup to fill it. I have to have it all but I only wear it on my days off work and when I go out. When I stay at home or run errands, I hardly wear it. I love it though. I do a ton of reviews on items on my blog too. It's the same blog as my crafts, see #3. 

9. I am the queen of thriftiness. I can find a sale anywhere and always have a coupon. I am patient when I want new things and usually wait for them to go on clearance. If it's not there, it wasn't meant to be. I seriously, do not buy things, unless they are on a super sale or on clearance. Same goes with make-up because that stuff is not cheap! Maybe, I should start blogging about my deals and finds. 

10. I am half Mexican. My mom is from Mexico and I used to be fluent in Spanish. Then I moved to Ohio like 16 years ago and lost it. If you don't use it, you truly will lose it. I'm good at understanding most and can help out those who come into the library and need some help communicating. I am horrible at speaking it. I keep saying that I need to re-learn. I hope it's like riding a bike! 

This is so fun! I can't wait to read about everyone's top ten!!

Queen of Shadows by @Sarah_J_Maas

I feel like this series has just been a rollercoaster ride. I didn’t really care for the first book that much and was wondering what all the fuss was about. I decided to keep going and give the second book a try. I’m glad I did because I loved the second book. The second book was fantastic and still my favorite of the series, so far. The third book was solid too. Now…this book was good about half way through. The first 300 pages, I was struggling a bit. I was getting a little bored with the plot and felt like the development of the characters was also slow. Now, this book is huge. It’s a lot and most of the book is just set up and I think that is why I kept getting lost. It’s basically, the reason that I docked it a star. 

I was getting quite annoyed with Chaol actually. I hated the way he was portrayed in this book. He just felt like a completely different character than the first three books. I get that some people have miscommunication and that happens but this was just too much. Then he flips his switch towards the end.. umm nope. It was just not believable. I really loved his character in the first two books and just hated it this book. 

The romantic love interests were driving me a bit mad in this book too. Like really? We are onto the third guy?! THAT being said, I prefer Rowan over Dorian and Chaol. He’s the much better option, in my opinion. 

I LOVE Lysandra in this book! She really is one of the best characters that developed in this one. I love her banter with Aelin and all the characters really. She becomes a major player and I’m excited to see her in the next book. 

I found that I was very interested in Manon and her storyline this book. We actually spend a great deal there. Maas, has all these supporting characters all over the place that are just making big impacts on this storyline. I feel like that might have something to do with how this book felt a bit slow in the first half. She was just slowly doing all the setup, in all these different places, for most of the book. I guess, it was fine because in the end, it was completely worth it. What happens is so awesome and not just with Aelin! 

It is so hard to write a review on this book and get my thoughts straight. Really, all that I need to say, is that it’s a good book but not the best in the series. There are some issues and lots of slow development but the last half of the book makes up for it. I really can’t wait for the next book and see where we go from here. 

Waiting on Wednesday: Truly, Madly, Guilty by Liane Moriarty

This is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating. 

Here is my WoW this week:

 Truly, Madly, Guilty by Liane Moriarty 

 Pub date: July 26th 2016

Blurb from Goodreads:

Six responsible adults. Three cute kids. One small dog. It’s just a normal weekend. What could possibly go wrong?

Sam and Clementine have a wonderful, albeit, busy life: they have two little girls, Sam has just started a new dream job, and Clementine, a cellist, is busy preparing for the audition of a lifetime. If there’s anything they can count on, it’s each other.

Clementine and Erika are each other’s oldest friends. A single look between them can convey an entire conversation. But theirs is a complicated relationship, so when Erika mentions a last minute invitation to a barbecue with her neighbors, Tiffany and Vid, Clementine and Sam don’t hesitate. Having Tiffany and Vid’s larger than life personalities there will be a welcome respite.

Two months later, it won’t stop raining, and Clementine and Sam can’t stop asking themselves the question: What if we hadn’t gone?

In Truly Madly Guilty, Liane Moriarty takes on the foundations of our lives: marriage, sex, parenthood, and friendship. She shows how guilt can expose the fault lines in the most seemingly strong relationships, how what we don’t say can be more powerful than what we do, and how sometimes it is the most innocent of moments that can do the greatest harm.

 I have really enjoyed all her books so far. I cannot wait for this one! :)