Top 10 Tuesday (22)

Top 10 Tuesdays

Topic: Top Ten Bookish Confessions

This meme is created by The Broke and the Bookish, anyone can participle telling about their top 10 topic items are.

1. I have an book addiction  
Surprise! Like all the rest of the bloggers I have so many books on my shelves and on the floor. I have books in every room and I have no room for them. I have three 5 shelf bookcases, a slim dvd turned bookcase, a 4 shelf bookcase, 2 rubber maid tubs filled with books in my closet and stacks of books laying round everywhere.

2. I hate paying full list price for a book
As much as I want to support the authors and bookstores, I have always been a saver, a coupon and a sale person. Since I also used to work at Borders and get a discount paying full price is so hard for me, I will only buy 1 book at full price to support the book event. Other than that I scour used bookstores, thankfully we have some awesome used bookstores that have a lot of new in good condition books.

3. I hate/love starting a new series/trilogy where book one has just been released
This is always killer knowing I have to wait years for the whole series to finally be out. I would rather I had picked up the series as it was just finishing.

4. Don't care for the classics
I read Pride and Prejudice but I prefer the movie. I just don't get the old language, the courtship stuff and the ___shire stuff is so freaking weird. There are a few others I would like to try, but I will always drag my feet with ever starting them.

5. I haven't checked out a book from the library to read in years
I do how ever check out audio books from the library. I figure if I read the book and like it I'm going to want to buy it anyways, so I might as well just buy the book, read it and keep it. I rarely end up with books that I don't like.

6. I have a kindle but I have never bought a book for it
My friend gave me her old kindle that she wasn't using. I have only used it for eARCs and free Amazon books. I just can't justify buying a file when I could spend less on a used book and actually have the book to maybe get signed.

7. I have gone to signings where I haven't even read the books or anything from the author
This is a very common thing for me to do. If the book interests me I will go to the event, get the book and hopefully read it one day.

8. I didn't like to read when I was younger
I started liking to read when my cousin (same age as me) had me read Danielle Steel's Star in the 8th grade which was given to her by our grandma. I devoured lots of Steel for a few years, but then I stopped and I haven't read anything of hers since.

9. I'm not an hours long bookstore browser... anymore
I have my sections young adult, paranormal romance and sci-fi fantasy that I search through. If I want it can take me 20 minutes to look through each section or a little as 8 minuets. I'm trying not to buy anymore new series or get books that I just won't have time to get through.

10. I have 3 extra copies of 1 book
Hardback 1st edition Kushiel's Chosen by Jacqueline Carey, it took me 2 years searching through used bookstores to find 2 copies of first 3 books in this trilogy for my cousin and I. So now when I pass another copy I have to pick it up. I now have 3 extra copies and I don't know who to give them to and who I am willing to give them to, they are just so precious I just don't want them to leave me. Oh man, see number 1.

What are your bookish confessions

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Girls' Nightmare Out Tour

Tour by Tor

at Third Place Books
on August 23, 2012

Authors

Kendare Blake of Girl of Nightmares

Lisa Desrochers of Last Rite

also joining the Seattle stop Amanda Hocking of Wake

Marta Acosta of Dark Companion

Before the event blogger Benji set up a dinner with Kendare, Lisa, Marta, a local publicist, me and blogger Rachel. Traffic was terrible at 5pm of course and all of us bloggers were late. Rachel wasn't even able to make it at all, so sad. The rest of us had a lot of fun though, it was nice just to talk to the authors about anything. We talked about The Hunger Games, things that scare us etc. It was a blast and I would love to do it again with another group of authors. Being a blogger has some fun perks. 

Leading the discussion was Bill Kenower from Author Magazine where he does interviews with authors called Author2Author. He was a bit late so initially the event was started off with one of the Third Place Books event coordinators leading the discussing and then being passed off to Bill for the remainder of the time.

We did a fun author blogger photo, all the authors put a hand on one of our shoulders, it was entertaining
Benji of The Non Reluctant Reader
Anna of Peace, Love, Teen Fiction 
Pregnant me
Rachel of Beauty and the Bookshelf

Another fun event, they keep on getting more and more fun the more bloggers I'm able to meet and chat with at the event.

<3Events

Bookography #47

Bookography

Bookography is a fun new way to share the beauty of books with photography. Take a picture with the book being the focus or inspiration and share the picture(s) you have created for the week.

Duel 

Harry Potter Style

Light Writing Photography

I have been wanting to do this for a while now but never had all the tools to do so, I needed a tripod and a remote for the shutter. I finally now have both and since I went camping last weekend I decided to try doing light writing with my family. We had a blast playing with glow sticks and the camera. My sisters had the idea do to a duel Harry Potter style, we have everyone do one of these pictures, but my sisters did the best. We also had everyone do some sort of power shot with the light being an attacking power. Needless to say we had a lot of laughs and were even told by the camp ground owner to quiet down.

How to Do

Camera needs to be able to be put into Bulb mode. Low ISO. f/8 or higher. Manual focus. Tripod. Remote for the shutter. A very start area with no light of any sort behind.

Set of camera position and frame, shine a light on the person being photographed to get the focus right, but a stick down to keep the person on that field of focus. 

Open shutter. Quickly shine a light on the person, keep really still. Start light painting if using glow sticks move very slowly and always have the light pointing towards the camera. The model person should stay in place just until light position is needed, but they can move once the light is off of them. Once finished light writing close the shutter.

A few attempts will probably happen until you get it down. It took us a few times before we got it down pat.

If you would like to participate please do. I will post my Bookography post each week on Wednesdays. I would love if you would link back to my blog and share your own link in the comments.

To see my previous weeks pictures check out my Bookography tab 

Other Participators 

---BookPics--- Bookography Post


<3Bookography

Top Ten Tuesday (21)

Top 10 Tuesdays

Topic: Top Ten Favorite Books I've Read During the Lifespan of My Blog

This meme is created by The Broke and the Bookish, anyone can participle telling about their top 10 topic items are.

My YA List

in alphabetical order

 

Touch by Jus Accardo 

Review 

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini  

Review

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross 

Review

Fateful by Claudia Gray

Review

Cinder by Marissa Meyer 

Review

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Review

My Adult List

in alphabetical order

Fates Edge by Ilona Andrews

Review

Fair Game by Patricia Briggs

 Review

Naamah's Blessing by Jacqueline Carey

Review

 Dark Dynasties by Kendra Leigh Castle

Dark Awakening Review 

Midnight Reckoning Review

Shadow Rising Review

Night Seeker by Yasmine Galenorn

Review

What are your top ten books you have read during the lifespan of your blog?

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The Sweetest Spell Review

The Sweetest Spell

By Suzanne Selfors

 
Summary

WELCOME TO ANGLUND, A FAIRY-TALE KINGDOM WHERE CHOCOLATE IS ONLY A LEGEND.

Emmeline Thistle, a dirt-scratcher's daughter has escaped death twice-first, on the night she was born, and second on the day her entire village was swept away by a flood. Left without nothing and no one, Emmeline discovers her rare and mysterious ability-she can churn chocolate, a delicacy more precious than gold.

Suddenly, the most unwanted girl in Anglund is desired by all. But Emmeline wants only one- Owen Oak, a dairyman's son, whose slow smiles and lingering glances tempt her to believe she might someday be loved for herself. But others will stop at nothing to use her gift for their own gains-no matter what the costs to Emmeline.

Magic and romance entwine in this fantastical world where true love and chocolate conquer all.

What I Loved

Story

In this world chocolate isn't created from cocoa beans, but with magic and that magic has disappeared from the world. Gasp, a world without chocolate isn't some place I could live happily. Our wonderful character Emmeline the dirt-scratcher people of the kingdom has been given the gift to make precious chocolate and now every greedy hand wants her. From beginning to end I didn't want to put this book down, I was completely entranced with every bitter and sweet moment that happens to Emmeline on her journey.

Characters

Emmeline Thistle: Not the common perfect character we usually read, but a girl reject by everyone in her village because of her misshapen foot and odd affinity with cows. Even with everyone treating her like trash she still has remained sweet and kinda, in a way a little of a Cinderella story. She won't let anyone or anything break her spirit and I love that about her, she is a wonderful character. 

Owen Oak: What a wonderful guy and I love that he doesn't judge people. His passion and protect instincts are admirable. 

Romance 

There isn't romance in the since of kissing and actually showing attraction towards each other, but internal feelings that have yet to be expressed towards the other. 

Stand Alone

I believe this is a stand alone book. I love reading single novels without series, with how many books I have that are series I enjoy reading individual books.

Didn't Like 

Nothing, I just hope Suzanne writes more fairy-tale stories like this.

Recommendation 

Great read for all those who love to read fairytales and love those sweet stories.

Releases 

August 21st 2012

Amazon / B&N / Book Depository

Information 

Other YA Novels
Saving Juliet
Mad Love
Coffeehouse Angel

Are you a chocolate lover?

<3Books

Hearts of Darkness Review

Hearts of Darkness

By Kira Brady

Summary

In the first of a dazzling new romantic trilogy, one woman’s courageous search plunges her into a millennia-old supernatural war—and an irresistible passion…

Nurse Kayla Friday has dedicated her life to science and reason. But for her, Seattle is a place of eerie loss and fragmented, frightening memories. And now the only clue to her sister’s murder reveals a secret battle between two ancient mythologies…and puts Kayla in the sights of lethally-sexy werewolf mercenary Hart. He’ll do whatever it takes to obtain the key to the Gate of the Land of the Dead and free what’s left of his soul. But seducing the determined Kayla is putting them at the mercy of powerful desires neither can control. And as the clock ticks down to hellish catastrophe, the untested bond between Kayla and Hart may lead to the ultimate sacrifice.

What I Loved

Paranormal 
Lots of shape shifters and magic that the vast majority of the public doesn't know about.
Location 
Love it when books are located in Seattle, my home state. Love being able to say I have been there to that location they are mentioning. Seattle is also the best location due to us being a natural hot spot for paranormal activity. (You can see a picture of mine I took when I went to Gas Works Park, mentioned in the book.)
Story
Fantastic! Perfect amount of romance with an awesome amount of paranormal creatures and happenings. The story was filled with adventure and mystery, never a dull moment in the whole book.
Characters
Kayla: She is a fun personality, I really enjoyed her character. She doesn't fall apart easy and stays relatively strong considering what she has to deal with the death of her sister. 
Hart: The social reject, got to love him. He is perfect for Kayla and I adore his weakness he develops around her.

Didn't Like Figuring Out

It took me a chapter or two to figure out what type of paranormal parameters this world has. I didn't read the prequel before I read this one, I do plan on reading it one day. But as any new book goes, I figured it out soon enough.

Recommendation 

Fantastic read for those who read and love paranormal romance.

Information 

Deadglass Trilogy

Hearts of Fire 0.5

Hearts of Darkness

Hearts of Shadow May 2013

Hearts of Chaos February 2014

<3Books

Bookography #46

Bookography

Bookography is a fun new way to share the beauty of books with photography. Take a picture with the book being the focus or inspiration and share the picture(s) you have created for the week.

Two Seattle Book Locations

Gas Works Park

The Gum Wall

A friend that moved from Seattle to Australia got married and brought his wife to visit family and friends and show her around. We went to The Fremont Troll, Gas Works Park, Pike Place Market, The Original Starbucks, The Gum Wall and the Pier. I forgot to take pictures of a few of the other structures that we visited without anyone standing in the picture. So I'm just going to show these two locations that have been featured in books.

Have you been to Seattle and seen either of these two attractions? Have you read about these two locations being in books? Eventually I want to add all the known Seattle locations to theses posts.

If you would like to participate please do. I will post my Bookography post each week on Wednesdays. I would love if you would link back to my blog and share your own link in the comments.

 

To see my previous weeks pictures check out my Bookography tab 

<3Bookography

Cold Fury Review

Cold Fury

By T.M. Goeglein

Summary

Jason Bourne meets The Sopranos in this breathtaking adventure

Sara Jane Rispoli is a normal sixteen-year-old coping with school and a budding romance--until her parents and brother are kidnapped and she discovers her family is deeply embedded in the Chicago Outfit (aka the mob).

Now on the run from a masked assassin, rogue cops and her turncoat uncle, Sara Jane is chased and attacked at every turn, fighting back with cold fury as she searches for her family. It's a quest that takes her through concealed doors and forgotten speakeasies--a city hiding in plain sight. Though armed with a .45 and 96K in cash, an old tattered notebook might be her best defense--hidden in its pages the secret to "ultimate power." It's why she's being pursued, why her family was taken, and could be the key to saving all of their lives.

Action packed, with fresh, cinematic writing, Cold Fury is a riveting and imaginative adventure readers will devour.

What I Loved

Action 

I have always been a fan of action packed books and movies and this book is filled with it. I was always wondering how Sara Jane was going to get out of her current mess and what the next step would be. I never had to skimming through the pages waiting for it to pick up. 

Character

Sara Jane: She is awesome! I love characters who know how to kick-ass, is logical and doesn't loose her cool in a really tough and hard situation. Her life is literal in shambles as she struggles to learn her families hidden secrets while on the run from a few different groups. 

Touch of Power

This is one of those magical realism books, only a little ability is added to enhance the value of the person wielding the ability. Definitely makes the book even better.

Didn't Like

When I first started reading the book I didn't know if Cold Fury was a stand alone book or a series, it is a trilogy by the way. When I was getting near the end and realizing she only had chapters to reunite with her family I came to the conclusion that more books would follow. This made me both sad and happy. I want more books, but I also want to know how she is going to rescue her family. I guess I just have to wait for the next two books.

Recommendation 

Awesome read. Very light on the romance and perfect for male or female readers who love action packed books.

Information 

Cold Fury Trilogy

Cold Fury

Book 2

Book 3

Do you like kick-ass female heroines?

<3Books

Top 10 Tuesday (20)

Top 10 Tuesdays

Topic: Top Ten Posts That Would Give the Best Picture of Me

This meme is created by The Broke and the Bookish, anyone can participle telling about their top 10 topic items are.

The majority of my posts that I chose have to do with being at events, taking pictures and having lots of fun. I want to show my blog readers that I not only love books, but I love meeting the authors who write them.

Marissa Meyer Cinder Launch Party Event

This was a wonderful and fun event. I loved taking pictures and writing an event recap for this event. Marissa has linked this recap on her blog and has used some of the pictures on her blog and Facebook as well, which makes me extremely proud.

Never Eighteen Launch Party Event

I meet Megan while at Meyer's launch party, while I wasn't able to read her book before the event I read it after and still attended the event. It was fun and again I had fun taking pictures and seeing some familiar faces.

Alexander Smith and Robin Wasserman Event

This was so much fun, I absolutely adore Alex and I loved all the props he brought to present. Alex ended up still the show and Robin described herself as the opening act.

The Last Echo Launch Party

Yes another launch party I was able to attend. I love Derting, this was the third time I have meet her and it has been fun because now she knows me and who I am. I love that to some authors I am actually a known reader. 

Fierce Reads Event Recap

When I attend 1 author events I will remember what the authors say and write it down, but on multi author events I have given up, it gets to crazy. Now I just take lots of pictures and try to capture the entertainment of the evening. At this event I actually meet up with some local bloggers and had dinner before the event.

Dark Days Fall 2011 Tour

For this event I was actually asked by Harper to be the official event blogger. I recorded the event and took pictures. I put a lot of time into this event and post, it was exhausting and lots of fun.

Author Interview

My very first author interview with Alexander Gordon Smith. I later got to meet him which make the experience event better.

My last favorite posts are some of my favorite Bookography pictures I have taken. I'm very proud of how my photography skill has progressed over the last year. 

Looking For Alaska

I was initially taking these smoke pictures just for fun and to do this for the first time. While I was going through them I realized that this picture looked like the cover of Looking for Alaska. I do want to take these smoke pictures again, it was a lot of fun.

Illusions 

I didn't start out with this picture in mind, I was first trying for a refraction picture but I wasn't liking. As I adjusted I ended up with this picture and I really liked the end result.

Snow White

An in the pages picture that I really liked. I took this picture around the time one of the Snow White movies came out.

What are your posts that best describe you?

<3Books

Rift Giveaway

*CLOSED*

Giveaway

Chronicling the rise of the Keepers, this is the stunning prequel to Andrea Cremer's internationally bestselling Nightshade trilogy!

Sixteen-year-old Ember Morrow is promised to a group called Conatus after one of their healers saves her mother's life. Once she arrives, Ember finds joy in wielding swords, learning magic, and fighting the encroaching darkness loose in the world. She also finds herself falling in love with her mentor, the dashing, brooding, and powerful Barrow Hess. When the knights realize Eira, one of their leaders, is dabbling in dark magic, Ember and Barrow must choose whether to follow Eira into the nether realm or to pledge their lives to destroying her and her kind.

With action, adventure, magic, and tantalizing sensuality, this book is as fast-paced and breathtaking as the Nightshade novels.

*CLOSED*
Win a signed copy of Rift 

Open only to US (sent via publisher)

Ends Wednesday August 8th at Midnight Pacific Time
Winner has 24 hrs to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Must answer the question on THIS post and FILL OUT FORM HERE

Question:What are you most excited about for this prequel? 

or

What do you like about this cover?

Make sure to follow all directions or you will be scratched
Answer the question on this post
Fill out the form
Before the end of 8/7/12
Respond within 24 hrs
*CLOSED*
No go and may Lady Luck be on your side


<3Giveaways