Thursday, November 27, 2014

NaNoWriMo completed!



How is everyone doing?

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope the weather in the North East didn't mess up anyone's travels plans and you got where you were going all safe and sound. I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday filled with great food, family, and friends. Hope that you also brought a good book along with you and get a little reading time in too!


I confess the pie is always my favorite part of the meal!
What's yours?



Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Mini Review: Daily Zen

An inspiration to take 5 to 10 minutes out of your day for a peaceful relaxing few moments. Start a drawing, read an inspirational quote, and let yourself relax while you're mind is focused.

The Good: 
It's fun to see the different drawings and to draw on the pages to see what you can create - especially if you're not talented at drawing. The beginning pages give you a head start in the right direction, but soon, you're left to your imagination.
The quotes are great and often go with the drawing for the day and leave you something to think about.

The Bad:
Just a nit-picky thing - but the numbered pages don't correspond to the days of the year.

Overall:
What will inspire you today? It's great to have a plan for a whole year on how to relax your mind, especially for those moments when life gets you down. You can turn towards something creative and inspiring. A fun book, a great idea for a holiday gift. 

* Sent for review

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Winter TBR pile

This week's topic is our top books in our Winter TBR pile. I'm stating winter as December -February. Here are my picks.

Teen:

The Ruby Circle (Bloodlines, #6)Kalahari (Corpus, #3)A Wicked ThingRed Queen (Red Queen, #1)The Boy Next Door
The Zodiac Legacy: Convergence (Zodiac, #1)All Fall Down (Embassy Row #1)I Was HereWe Can Work It Out (The Lonely Hearts Club, #2)The Conspiracy of Us
Firefight

Adult:
Shadow Study (Soulfinders, #1)Double Fudge Brownie Murder (Hannah Swensen, #18)First Time in Forever (Puffin Island, #1)Earls Just Want to Have Fun (Covent Garden Cubs, #1)The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy (Smythe-Smith Quartet, #4)
Criminal ConfectionsFeta AttractionA Single Kiss (Sweetest Kisses, #1)All the President's Menus (A White House Chef Mystery, #8)Snow Way Out

What are you hoping to read this winter?


Saturday, November 22, 2014

Mysterious Saturday Review: Killer Instinct

* Book 2 in the Naturals series
After the narrow escape Cassie had last time the group worked on an open case, security tightens around the Naturals. When a new murder occurs - the team can't believe that it's a perfect copy of Dean's father's crimes.

More than anything, the group wants to help Dean by catching the killer so life can return to normal. But lying, sneaking out, and putting themselves in danger doesn't seem to be helping - especially when every lead only goes cold.

Cassie hates watching Dean relive his past - even more than she hates him withdrawing from her. Can they figure out the  truth out getting themselves into too much trouble - or killed?
My Thoughts: I adore this series - it's intense and leaves me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't read this after dark - but I also couldn't put it down. I loved how the team came together to try to help Dean even though he tried shutting everyone out. I liked the moments between Cassie and Lia - and how they learned much more about each other. I admire the group's sense of loyalty even though they're not the best of friends.  My heart broke for Dean and how he had to talk with his father and relive the moments of his worst nightmares. I liked the addition of Sterling -she is touch, determined, fair, brave, and smart. I figured out the ending just before the final plot twist. A gruesome fantastic read that I highly recommend. I can't wait to see what happens to the group next in light of the new rules. 

Cover Thoughts: I love it -especially how it ties into the book
Source: My Library


Friday, November 21, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Adult Spin-Offs Sequel

This week we talked about Sequel and I had a huge list, so I broke up my sequels in YA and adult. Here's the adult list.

Dark Chocolate DemiseDouble Fudge Brownie Murder (Hannah Swensen, #18)Wicked Charms (Lizzy & Diesel, #3)All the President's Menus (A White House Chef Mystery, #8)

The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy (Smythe-Smith Quartet, #4)Still the One (Animal Magnetism, #6)This Heart of Mine (Whiskey Creek, #8)Shadow Study (Soulfinders, #1)

Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover (The Rules of Scoundrels, #4)Dogwood Hill (Chesapeake Shores, #12)

No Covers Yet:
At the Drop of the Hat
Lure of the Moonflower
Last One Home







Thursday, November 20, 2014

Holiday Thursday Review: My True Love Gave to Me



I usually don't read short story collections but I make an exception for Christmas ones. I loved these. With so many great author contributors - how could I not?

My favorites (and it is hard to pick) were from Ally Carter and Stephanie Perkins. I want a book from their stories. I also really loved Rainbow Rowell's story too. 
There's something for everyone here: fun, friendship, family, romance, and of course holiday spirit. 

If you haven't read it, snatch this one up. 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

What's on my Hold List (95)

My Librarian friend Jess from I Read to Relax came up with a great idea.  It's to highlight the books on hold at the library. I usually have 20-40 items checked out at the library and another 20 items on hold. 


Sequels: I love series, titles I can't wait to read. 
The Job (came out Yesterday): Great series of a thriller with tension and lots of humor. 

One in a Million: The last book in the Lucky Harbor series - I will be so SAD when it's over because I love this series


Captive: I loved Pawn and can't wait to see what happens next. 

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Upcoming Sequels

This week's topic is our top upcoming sequels that we want to read. I'm going to slip my lists into two (look for the adult spin-off on Friday). I love series books, so this is hard for me to narrow down, but I'm going to do it.


Throne of Glass #4 (no cover or title yet)
Firefight

Firefight
The Ruby Circle (Bloodlines, #6)


Ruby Circle
The Fixer (just finished book 2 and it was AMAZING - no cover)
The Heir (The Selection #4)
The Heir
PS I Still Love You (no cover)
Miss Mayhem (Rebel Belle, #2)
Miss Mayhem
A Conspiracy of Princes (Allies & Assassins, #2)
Conspiracy of Princes
We Can Work It Out (The Lonely Hearts Club, #2)


We Can Work it Out
I Am the Traitor (The Unknown Assassin, #3)
I am the Traitor