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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Buying New Books

Just a quick update since I'm out of town for a few days and probably won't be on again! I can't believe I'm already getting comments and followers! Super excited! I'm going to try to respond to you all as soon as possible, but I'm not anywhere with good internet at the moment.

I just wanted to brag about some new buys I had today. I have a nook, which is what I read on most of the time. My small apartment has very little space for book hoarding, so it's nice having them all on one small device. But, today I stopped by Barnes and Noble and bought 3 books I've been dying to read and just haven't gotten around to! I don't know what possessed me to buy the real books, they are way more expensive than the ebook versions, but I really missed holding a real book! Like I said. I love my nook it's handy, it's cheap and I can read books I would have never discovered by shopping at the local bookshops... but there is just something exhilarating about holding a brand new book and opening it up!

I probably looked like a moron to my boyfriend after we left the store. I was literally sitting there thumbing through the books like I was a maniac. But I don't care! So here are the books I just bought! Be prepared to listen to me talk about them over the next couple of weeks as I read them!


Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Top Ten Tuesday

Top ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish! This weeks theme is a freebie, so I thought I'd do my top 10 favorite book surprises from this past year. These are books I picked up on a whim, or because of others recommending them. I didn't go into the book expecting anything special, but a lot of these books are now on my favorites lists. So without further ado, my favorite surprises from the past year!!

Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley. Oh my goodness, this author became a favorite author this year, and it all began with this book. It was like 11 PM at night and I was trying to choose a new book to read... apparently the 1000+ on my to-read list just weren't enough to pick from. So I pulled up my goodreads recommendations and grabbed this one on a whim. The ebook was cheap, so I figured why not? Well 6 hours later I finally went to bed... thinking only about getting up and continuing the book. It was amazing!! And her men, oh man Kristen knows how to write a man. A hot man steamy man that I really really need to meet. Since I read this book I have read 15 more of her books... and I haven't found a miss yet. She's just amazing. I highly recommend her to, well, everyone.

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin. I received this one as an ARC early in the year. I hadn't ever read any steampunk before, so I really wasn't sure to expect. Well, this book made me a fan of the genre (although I have yet to return to it). This was a great story set in the future, with a distinct black death feel to the story. Griffin really draws you into the story and it was over way before I was ready for it to end. In fact, when it ended I was mad at myself because I had to wait another year and three months before I can read the second book in the series... So if anyone related to the publishing or writing of this series stumbles upon this blog.... I'd kill for another ARC of the second book!!! If you like dystopia books, then you'll love this one!! This was seriously a great read.

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison. This one was recommended to me in a challenge. I loved the cover, but wasn't sure I'd really enjoy the story. However, this turned out to be a great book! The characters are shifters.. not particularly something I enjoy often, but Thea Harrison pulled them off well. Then main hero in this book is a dragon and king of the shifters or something like that (I read this at the beginning of the year). Anyways, he is hot, and protective, and 100% alpha. Have I mentioned how much I love alpha men... in books anyways. In life I would never let I gut walk all over me... but in books -sigh- I'll do whatever you say. I also loved the supporting cast in this book! Which is great since it's the first in a series and the rest have their own stories. This is a series that I keep meaning to pick back up, but it keeps evading me. Too many books too little time!!

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter. I love this series... I mean love love love this series. I picked this one up because I saw a pretty cover... and it was on sale. As soon as I started reading it I was in love... and I have stayed in love. Hunter knows how to write a cast that you love. I love every single character... especially Kylie, our main girl. I guess the series is similiar to Hex Hall if you've read that (I haven't). It has lots of different paranormal creatures who have come together for summer camp. I'm not going to lie. The book is very similar to the other 9000 paranormal/fantasy YA books out there. But, the cast makes it. I love both boys in the love triangle (don't know who I want her to pick), I love her friends, I even fell in love with the bad guys... C.C. Hunter just creates great characters... and they really make the series worth the read.

Something About You by Julie James. I don't know why I didn't expect to like this book. I think I just dislike political type books. I heard all the hype about how great an author she was blah blah blah... and just wasn't interested. But, once again someone recommended this one to me and I figured I might as well at least give it a try. Thank goodness I did!! This book was hilarious! And Sweet! And sexy!! and just everything I love in a contemporary romance book!!! If you are like me and are not interested in political books... just give this one a try. Julie James knows her stuff.. I'm pretty sure she used to be a lawyer once upon a time. But, she doesn't overload you with the boring politics and criminal stuff at all. These people aren't stodgy, or boring, or anything! This was really just a great fun read! I read the rest in the series, and I'm once again eagerly awaiting the next book in the series... which doesn't come out until April sadly. :(

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I know I was just going gah gah over this series in my last post, but can we ever get enough of Daemon loving?! This book... like a lot on this list has really convinced me that I need to set my prejudices aside and just give books a chance. Because, after I am Number Four I was so done with alien books. I didn't dislike that book.. but aliens just once again weren't my thing. This book just kept catching my interest though. So Finally, two weeks ago, I started reading it... and I loved it. Daemon is just so hot. I'm in the 3rd book now and I still get all happy and giggly whenever he's on the page. I think it annoys my boyfriend... apparently I get this weird smile on my face or something. But, these books deserve it because they are just that great!

Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard. This is an older book, which sadly made me unlikely to ever read it. There are always so many new books I want to read... that all of the older ones tend to be shoved to the side. This one somehow squeezed through and ended up in my hand though. I'm gad it did, it was probably one of my favorite romantic suspense books that I have ever read!! The book was nonstop fun and action! Something I enjoy on lazy summer days which was when I read this. Also, I'm one of those people who can't stand not knowing whodidit... but this one kept me stumped! I thought I had it figured out but BAM!! I never expected the ending that I got. It was just amazing! I now know why Linda Howard is considered a great romance writer!

Easy by Tammara Webber. I read this one at a time when I had given up on contemporary YA and NA. I couldn't seem to enjoy the books the way that I used to.. I figured that I was getting too old and could no longer relate to the characters or something. So what if I'm only 22... everyone tells me I act like I'm 40... I'm that boring responsible person. Anyways, this book helped restore my faith in contemporary YA/NA again! I was in love with it! The story is just so sweet... and sad kind of in a way. I think it was such a real story that I couldn't help but feel connected to everything that was happening. I really, really wish Tammara Webber would write a sequel. I want to see more of Kellan and Jacqueline! I really want to see more of them! They are wonderful!

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis. I would be lying if I said this book was really a surprise for me. I love Jill Shalvis.. I think her books are hilarious, and cute, and hot, and just everything I love in a book. I loved her before this year already... but this series cemented my worship to Jill Shalvis for the next thousand years. I love the town of Lucky Harbor that she created! I love the towns people! I love the setting! This book was a great start to the series, and it has only gotten better as it goes along. I was going on about the short Christmas novella she wrote in my last post, but the full length novels are so so so so so much better. Yummy men, and fun girls all over the place. I have a pattern. I like alpha men mixed with hilarious, 'I can do it myself' girls... none of these books is lacking in that department. These are just plain fun books to read and enjoy!

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. I received this as a Christmas present last year, and didn't get a chance to look at it until early February. I think I opened it. Curled up in a chair and read all day.. and night.. until I finished it. I'm not sure I even ate that day. I just remember moving from my comfy pink chair, to my couch, to my bed... all with the book smooshed in my face. I think I've said it before, but psychological books are probably my favorite genres. I love the ideas of psychics... they are normal people... but with just one slight twist. I've read the other two in this series as well, and they've all enthralled me. They remind me of favorites from my actual teen years.. Like The Third Eye by Louis Duncan? That was a great book about a girl who can find missing children. This one is kind of similar, except this poor girl senses dead bodies. The books are just great! I can't wait until the next in this series releases this upcoming April.

Well there are my ten for this week! I hope you enjoyed my mindless rants. They probably make very little sense, but oh well! If I don't care... then neither should you. ;) I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! I got lots of new work clothes, and some things for my kitchen. I miss being young and getting fun gifts, but I guess it happens to the best of us!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Read this week!




 I've been home from school for a couple of weeks now, so plenty of time for reading! Except when I spend the whole day volunteering at elementary schools, or when my boyfriend comes into town. Both of which happened this week. Still, I've gotten a few books read this week! So here's a look at what I've read and what I thought of them!


Onyx (Lux #2) by Jennifer L. Arementrout

"Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…"
- goodreads.com

I love love love love love love this series. Especially Daemon!!!! I'm so mad at myself for waiting this long to read this series. It was just the alien things. Aliens have never interested me! But, I finally sucked it up and started it a couple of weeks ago, and I love it!!! I've blown through the first two in the series, and  last night I started the third book. So far it's just a good as the first two. So yeah, if you haven't read these books... try them. They are amazing!! 

Before I move on, I have to say a few things about our leading man Daemon. He' s become one of my book crushes... so say the least. Seriously, when he comes to protect Katy I feel like this!!! 
 Can I have a man like him please?!?! He's just so hot, and sweet in just the right way. Plus he's still 100% man. None of that sensitive girly stuff going on. Daemon is 100% yummy delicious man!

Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor 6.5) by Jill Shalvis

JUST ONE MORE KISS

There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he's overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he's ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia's love for a lifetime.
- goodreads.com

I love Jill Shalvis! She's a comedic romantic genius! Seriously, I cannot sing her enough praises. She is my go to girl when I'm upset or stressed. All of her new releases have become must haves for me... and this short novella was not a miss. It was a short novella, so obviously the story was quick and sweet with not too much conflict. However, the romance wasn't what made this read so enjoyable for me. It was catching up with the characters from the first three books in the Lucky Harbor series!!! I was so excited to see Maddie and Jax have two little ones now!! And We got to see Chloe and Dawson get married!!! 

As for the romantic story, it was so-so. Like I said it was a novella, so the story was rushed. It was nice to see Mia find her happily ever after, and I like Nick perfectly fine... however the whole bit with Carlos was unneeded in my opinion. I'd  have rather spent more time with Mia and Nick interacting. Instead we got to see quite a bit of Nick and Carlos circling each other. I just felt that it was a bit necessary. 

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

There are those who don’t get luck handed to them on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.

Luck was not on Callie’s side the day of her twelfth birthday when everything was stolen from her. After it’s all over, she locks up her feelings and vows never to tell anyone what happened. Six years later her painful past consumes her life and most days it’s a struggle just to breathe.

For as long as Kayden can remember, suffering in silence was the only way to survive life. As long as he did what he was told, everything was okay. One night, after making a terrible mistake, it seems like his life might be over. Luck was on his side, though, when Callie coincidentally is in the right place at the right time and saves him.

Now he can’t stop thinking about the girl he saw at school, but never really knew. When he ends up at the same college as Callie, he does everything he can to try to get to know her. But Callie is reserved and closed off. The more he tries to be part of her life, the more he realizes Callie might need to be saved.
- goodreads.com

I think this should be read by everyone out there. If that beautiful cover doesn't convince you, the summary should. This book is a roller coaster ride of emotions. I was exhausted after I finished it, but I want more. Lots more.

 Sorensen created real, lovable, characters. I think the best part is, these two wouldn't work with any one but each other. Sometimes you feel like your  main characters can be interchangeable with any other characters in any number of books. But not these two. I truly feel that they belong to each other. They give and take from each other  in just the right way. Supporting each other without anyone doing more than the other. Honestly, they are just amazing.

Now the end! Oh that tortured me!! I won't say what happened but let's just say that when it ended, my reaction was very similar to this. 

I needed to know what was going to happen! I still need to know what happens. The second book comes out at the end of February and I don't know how I will stand to wait until then!! 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine!It's a weekly event to showcase upcoming releases that we're eagerly awaiting! Here are my picks! One for YA and one from Romance

YA Pick - Mind Games


Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. 

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways… or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

- goodreads.com


I can't wait for this one. I've always loved the psychological YA books so this one is rught up my alley. Look for this one in stores February 19,2013

Romance Pick - My Bluegrass Baby

Sadie Hutchins loves her job at the Kentucky Tourism Commission. Not only could her co-workers double as the cast of Parks & Recreation, but she loves finding the unusual sites, hidden gems, and just-plain-odd tourist attractions of her home state. She’s a shoo-in for the director’s job when her boss retires at the end of the year…until hotshot Josh Vaughn shows up to challenge her for the position. 

Josh is all sophisticated polish while Sadie’s country comfort, and the two have very different ideas of what makes a good campaign. So when their boss pits them against each other in a winner-takes-all contest, they’re both willing to fight dirty if it means getting what they want. But it turns out, what Josh and Sadie want could be each other—and Josh’s kisses are the best Kentucky attraction Sadie’s found yet!
- goodreads.com


Molly Harper is hilarious. She's always a great read when I'm stressed or sad about anything. I was so excited when I realized this one was coming out soon! Look for it in stores December 26, 2012

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

What to Expect!

Hello everyone! I'm Alexis and I'm fairly new to the blogging world! I love to read, so here I'm just going to talk about what I read and how I enjoyed it. For this post, I'm just going to lay down a few of my favorites and give you a general of they type of books you are likely to see me read.

I guess my all time love is romance. I think almost every book I read has a dominant romantic storyline, followed by other stuff. My most commonly read genres are either Young Adult or Contemporary Romance. I do dabble in historical romance and paranormal romance, (see the romance coming out) but I'd say 8/10 books on here will be either Young Adult or Contemporary Romance.

I've read that I should only use one genre on my blog, but since I read very similar genres I thought I'd try to keep them all together... if it becomes too difficult I may eventually change it. This is all just an experiment after all!!

Finally, I need some major help on my layout. If anyone can give me tips on how to change things up I'd appreciate it!! My plan is to throw some random posts that sum up my reading of 2012 and give a bit more information about me until the New Year. Then My blog will officially launch in 2013! Thank you for reading!