Dog-Eared & Bookmarked

Review: Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James | Published: Dec 6, 2011 | Martin's Griffin

Sixteen-year-old Trinity Monsour wants nothing more than to live a normal life. But that isn’t as easy as it seems. Trinity is different. She is special. She sees visions, and for those she’s seen, it’s already too late.

Trinity arrives on her aunt’s doorstep in New Orleans with virtually no knowledge of her mysterious heritage. She begins settling into life at a new school and even starts making friends. But all too quickly her dreams accelerate; twisted, terrifying visions of a girl locked in a dark room. And when the head cheerleader, Jessica, goes missing, Trinity knows she has no choice but to step forward with what she’s seen.

But people believe that Trinity has information about Jessica’s disappearance not because of a dream, but because she is involved. She is kind-of dating Jessica’s ex-boyfriend, Chase, and Jessica did pull a nasty prank on Trinity. Revenge seems like the likeliest scenario.

Nothing prepares Trinity for the dark odyssey that ensues while searching for Jessica, including the surprising romance she finds with Chase, or the shocking truths she learns, not just about the girl who has gone missing, but the past that has been hidden from her.

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Shattered Dreams, by Ellie James, is a book that took me by surprise. I never thought I would enjoy it, or invest so much of myself in it, as much as I did. After the first chapter, I was hooked and left wanting more, and more, and then some more. This is definitely a book that should be added to everyone’s bookshelves.

Following the life of Trinity Monsour, the 16 year-old girl who has strange visions, Shattered Dreams takes readers on an exciting adventure. A book labeled as paranormal winds up being a race to the bitter-end thriller. After her grandmother’s death, Trinity moves to New Orleans to live with her aunt. Soon after landing in the hurricane recovering city, Trinity finds herself the prime suspect in a missing person’s case.

The girl, Jessica, is not only the most popular girl at school, she’s also the ex-girlfriend to the boy Trinity is crushing on. Putting two and two together, the police automatically think Trinity is at fault. James kept me guessing from one page to the next. Did she? Did she not? Who really took Jessica? Not only that, but what in the world is up with all of Trinity’s visions? You see, this girl has visions that often come true. She can see, and sense, Jessica and does all that she can to find Jessica before it’s too late.

Admittedly, some of the story arcs confused me. I don’t know if it’s a case of trying to add too many plot twists, or just poor execution, but some of the story lines were a little hard to grasp. Shattered Dreams moved nicely from one scene to the next, yet there were a few occasions that I had to pause and ask myself “what just happened?” and then be left still wondering. I know Shattered Dreams is the first book in a series, so I’m not going to let some of the unanswered questions bother me. They’ll most likely get resolved as the story continues. I hope.

Overall, this book had likeable characters in Trinity, Chase (Trinity’s crush) and Sara (Trinity’s aunt). My favorite is Trinity. She’s not only young, but she’s funny, strong, and gentle-hearted. She’s everything readers could want in a character. She doesn’t let anyone walk all over her, yet she’s not too tough. I loved seeing all the range of emotions as Trinity narrated Shattered Dreams. Told exclusively from her point-of-view, I loved getting to see this story through her eyes.

To end, one of my favorite, I mean it… one of my FAVORITE parts of Shattered Dreams is the twist of adding Dylan later in the story. Just when I thought my heart was all a pitter-patter for Chase, mystery hottie Dylan shows up. With his scorching silver eyes and dark brooding attitude, I had to pause and say “hubba hubba” and then, “Chase who?” until I closed the book. I cannot wait to see what goes down in the next book. I can only hope that Dylan’s character will get more scripted pages!

I really enjoyed this one!

IMM [41]

2012-02-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

This meme is hosted by The Story Siren. For all the deets click HERE.

In My Mailbox is a weekly feature that allows blogs to share what great book related things they got in the mail. DISCLAIMER: All ARCs are provided to me in exchange for a review, or as a giveaway prize. All tour books & borrowed books are provided out of love and blogging friendship. Finally, I in no way use this feature to brag or to make fellow bloggers feel bad. I acquire books & loot the honest way. This feature is only to share my love of books & to get the word out about them.

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I would say this was an excellent week for me and books. The website I review for scores big with some of their books, and I'm happy I got my requests in before others beat me!

The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams | Words Spoken True by Ann H. Gabhart

Slide by Jill Hathaway | Partials by Dan Wells

And there you have it. What do you think? Have you read any of these, yet? Yes, no, not interested? Tell me in the comments; and also mention what you got this week!

Movie News: Say Goodbye to The Mortal Instruments (?!)

2012-02-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

If you've been surfing the internet, or even just playing around on Twitter. You may have come across a disturbing article stating Cassandra Clare's highly anticipated film adaption had been tossed out. Not just tossed out. The initial article stated the film director, Scott Stewart, had walked away from the project, as well.

"What?!" soon turned into "Oh my...!" and then a massive attack of dread swept over me like a bad case of heartburn. I know. I get really into this kind of stuff. Hello, it's Jace... ON THE BIG SCREEN!

When I first saw the Tweet I went on a mad mission to clear up ALL of the madness. With a pounding heart and sweaty brow, I hopped from one article to the next before I had answers. It only took a short time to find the correct sources and correct information.

Today's big question, of course after the initial OMG! and WTF?! reactions, is: Will there, or will there not, be a movie version of Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments series?

The original claim was this:

According to Collider, the ‘Mortal Instruments’ film (which is an adaptation of the popular series by Cassandra Clare), has been dropped by Screen Gems. Casting has already been partially completed – with Jamie Campbell Bower in the role of Jace, with Lily Collins as Clary. The director, Scott Stewart, has also left the project. However, fans, do not lose hope! Constantin Film still controls the rights and is trying to make the finances work to develop the project on its own.

via Page to Premiere [where I first saw this story]

COMMENCE FREAKING OUT!

And then I went to Collider and read this:

The Mortal Instruments may also have a shot as Constantin Film still controls the rights and is trying to make the finances work to develop the project on its own. Previously attached to the story about a human woman fighting alongside human-angel hybrids were director Scott Stewart and principals Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower. Stewart has left the project, but is sticking with angels, to focus on a television version of his Screen Gems film, Legion.
via Collider

After reading the Collider article I felt a little bit better about all of this. Still, I was sad. I've been looking forward to seeing how TMI movie would PROGRESS, not DIGRESS. Feeling all kinds of depressed and mopey, I clicked over to Tumblr to reblog awesome pictures...

While on Tumblr I ran into this blog post from Cassandra Clare. Can I commence more freaking out?

Clare had this to say:

Movie stuffs

“vita-libri-amator asked you:
Did the movie really get dropped? Love your books! And you, for that matter. Thank you.”

Whoa, so this is inconveniently timed given that I’m leaving the country and I was going to announce that I was turning off my Ask box till I get back in March. Eep.

So, THR’s is a slightly bizarre (and weeeirdly outdated) version of events. Screen Gems didn’t drop the project; they weren’t involved with it — it was given by Sony to a different division to develop back in… August of 2011, which is also when Sony took Scott Stewart off the project. But yes, Screen Gems and Scott Stewart aren’t involved with the movie of City of Bones any more. The rights are owned by Constantin, they always have been. Constantin makes movies: they just made The Three Musketeers with Logan Lerman. Screen Gems would have been the distributor and co-producer but it was never their project; it’s Constantin’s. Screen Gems hasn’t actually been involved with the project since — well, let’s just say it’s been a while. (Some people have asked me if this is the news Marlene King was talking about on Twitter last week but it wouldn’t be; she was brought on after Screen Gems wasn’t involved any more. She’s never worked with them so it wouldn’t be news to her.)

Why didn’t I tell you guys? This isn’t really even the sort of thing that people tell me. Constantin owns the movie rights: who distributes it and co-finances and all that isn’t actually anything to do with me in any real meaningful sense. Projects get moved from studio to studio all the time — Twilight started at Paramount and went to Summit, etc. Screen Gems isn’t even the only production company CoB has been involved with, or the most recent. And half the time I don’t know about it, so 1) I can only give out news that’s been confirmed and okayed for me to give out and 2) half the time I don’t even know this stuff or it’s so in flux there would be no point saying anything about it if I did.

In this case, I will say:

1) The movie isn’t “cancelled.” This really doesn’t make much of any difference at all except in who distributes it.
2) Lily and Jamie are still attached. I mean, it’s been months since Screen Gems was connected with the project, and L&J are still attached, so I’m fairly confident they’ll be attached for the foreseeable future. Will they be attached forever? NO idea. But nothing about this news makes it any more or less likely.
3) Really, this makes no difference to anything. I know words like “dropped” sound shocking and horrifying but in this context, it doesn’t mean much. I talked to Constantin last week and actually gave them a list of actors I liked for Simon (because why not?), and they gave me a schedule they expected to start filming by (August.)

No movie is going to be made until it’s greenlit. The movie was in development. It’s still in development. That said, Hollywood is like a big pinball machine. Projects bounce up, they roll around, they go this way, they go that way. This is (was) a bounce.

In the end, fans haven't dodged a bullet quite yet. With the Hollywood industry, movies getting made are very hit and miss. One never knows if a project will get the green-light, or not. As fans of The Mortal Instruments series, we can only keep our fingers crossed and our breath's held. Hopefully, soon, we'll all be sitting in a packed movie theater, and squealing in excitement at seeing our beloved characters on the silver screen!

From Shiver, Linger, & Forever... The Raven Boys Take Over!

2012-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

As the title suggests, Maggie Stiefvater excited her fans when she announced her upcoming book project. From the wonderful Wolves of Mercy Falls series, Stiefvater takes a step in an entirely new direction. Her upcoming book series is sure to be a major hit with book lovers!

Title: The Raven Boys
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: September 18, 2012

Filled with mystery, romance, and the supernatural, The Raven Boys introduces readers to Richard “Dick” Campbell Gansey, III and Blue Sargent. Gansey has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on the hunt to find Glendower, a vanished Welsh king. Legend has it that the first person to find him will be granted a wish—either by seeing him open his eyes, or by cutting out his heart.

Blue Sargent, the daughter of the town psychic in Henrietta, Virginia, has been told for as long as she can remember that if she ever kisses her true love, he will die. But she is too practical to believe in things like true love. Her policy is to stay away from the rich boys at the prestigious Aglionby Academy. The boys there—known as Raven Boys—can only mean trouble. When Gansey and his Raven Boy friends come into her life, Blue realizes how true this is. She never thought her fortune would be a problem. But she was wrong

via Goodreads

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In Maggie's own words:

It doesn’t mention that Gansey wears top-siders for practically the entire novel, but that is also true. It doesn't mention that this was the book that had me soliciting Twitter for all that "boys behaving badly" music for the playlist while I wrote it, but that is also true. It also doesn’t mention that THE RAVEN BOYS is book one in the four-book Raven Cycle, but that is also ALSO true.

So . . . there it is. I feel weird releasing this into the world, because it feels like such a different sort of project for me (which I now realize I have said every time I announce a new book). I’ve never planned out a series so painstakingly before, nor worked with so many characters. I’m having more fun than you can possibly imagine.

Well, possibly you can imagine it. Just insert my face hovering above three bowls of a cookie dough. That emotion is quite similar.

As always, if this sounds delightful, you can pre-order a signed and doodled in copy from Fountain Bookstore. Or you can pre-order from Amazon here.

I hope you guys love it. I leave you with the two songs iTunes informs me I listened to the most in this novel's playlist.

[click HERE for song(s) links & full article]

What do you guys think of Maggie's new book series? Sound like something that would interest you? As a fan of The Wolves of Mercy Falls series do you think it will fail in comparison? Drop your opinions in the comments!

Waiting On [25]: Flirting in Italian by Lauren Henderson

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Flirting in Italian
Author: Lauren Henderson
Publisher: Delacorte Books
Release Date: June 12, 2012

Four girls. One magical, and possibly dangerous Italian summer. Family mysteries, ancient castles, long hot nights of dancing under the stars . . . and, of course, plenty of gorgeous Italian boys!

via Goodreads

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Not counting in the fact (okay, totally counting in the fact) that this comes out on my Birthday, I think this looks like the epitome of Summer Reads! Fun, Hot Italian boys, abroad, hot Italian boys, dancing, hot Italian boys, hot Italian boys... you catch my drift.

Doesn't Flirting in Italian seem like a cute read? I'm excited for this one. For reasons I can't explain, I get giddy whenever I see the cover!

What book are you waiting on this week? Drop it in the comments.

Top Ten Tuesday [27]

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Created by: The Broke and the Bookish

If you are fond of lists, especially Top 10 lists, this feature is the one to go with! Every week, the lovely ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish post a topic of their choice. Participating bloggers are asked to list their top 10's. I like to participate whenever I can. I love this idea, and often go a little crazy with adding 15, even 20 in my posts. Hehe!

Top Ten Books: For People Who Don't Typically Read Books

Believe it, or not, this was not an easy list to come up with. I tried thinking of all the books that grabbed me and held me tight as I was reading them. Each of these books I rated 5 of 5. Might as well share the books that wowed me, right? So, in my typical fashion, my Top Ten is really a Top Twelve!

Listed in pictures {no links}

Did any of these books make your Top Ten? If so, and even if not, share with me in the comments!

New Week, as it's Monday, so this is what I'm reading...

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? Is brought to you, every Monday, by: One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

Heya Bloggers! It's Monday, how many of us are slagging and wishing for an IV coffee hookup? I always dread starting a new week. Who doesn't, right? It's the beginning of a new work week, or school week, or just a suck week altogether. One of the things I have that keeps me going is books. Without books I think I'd die. Maybe that's dramatic... yeah, not so much!

To start off this week, I'm sharing my current read, past read, and my future read!

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Currently Reading | Just Finished Reading | Planning To Read

Shattered Dreams is SO GOOD!!! I can't post my review until the website I wrote it for clears it, but just know I recommend it. Ashes, Ashes is going to be my first favorite book this year. I have mad love going on for it. And, Slide is on the way to me. I'm really excited to read this, soon!

What books are you reading, already read, and planning on reading? Make sure to tell me in the comments.

Remember, reading is sexy. At least Rob thinks so. *wink wink*

Disclaimer: the pic used [above] is not made by me [here]. Also, it was taken from the movie Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson.

IMM [40] | It's ALL About the Twilight, Today!

2012-02-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

This meme is hosted by The Story Siren. For all the deets click HERE.

In My Mailbox is a weekly feature that allows blogs to share what great book related things they got in the mail. DISCLAIMER: All ARCs are provided to me in exchange for a review, or as a giveaway prize. All tour books & borrowed books are provided out of love and blogging friendship. Finally, I in no way use this feature to brag or to make fellow bloggers feel bad. I acquire books & loot the honest way. This feature is only to share my love of books & to get the word out about them.

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FINALLY, I get to post the set of books I've been dying to post for a while now. I was waiting for the other half to arrive, and they did. So, without further adieu, here is my ALL TWILIGHT related IMM.

As you can see, my Twi-geek has come out to play. I not only got Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse in hardback to go with my hardback copy of Breaking Dawn. BUT, I also got the UK special edition books. I've wanted these covers since I heard the UK was releasing them for a short time in 2010.

I found a great price for the entire set. They came from the UK!!! Let me tell you... these pictures do not do them justice. They are so pretty in person. The lettering is a shiny red color; and the red on the pages is so vibrant. I. Heart. Them. Something. Fierce!

Okay, okay, enough squealing from my end! What books did you guys get this week? Make sure to tell me in the comments, or leave a link.

TGIF [24]

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Bloggers! I'm ending another full book week by joining with other bloggers to share bookish pictures, lists, and excitements. This weekly feature is hosted by Ginger over at GReads! It's a fun way to spend a bookish Friday. For all of the details, and to get involved/participate click [HERE] and join in.

Book Appeal:

When you're browsing Goodreads, the library, or another blogger's reviews,
what grabs your attention to make you want to read it?

This will be a pretty quick and easy list.

COVERS: Hello, if the book is sporting a fugly cover I'm out. I hate that I judge books by their covers, but sorry... if a book makes me gag by the disaster on the front, I can't see myself enjoying what's inside.
REVIEWS: If the average on Goodreads (or other places) is 3.5 or higher, I'll definitely take a second look. The last thing I want to do is read a terrible book, especially knowing everyone else thought it was terrible.
- Sometimes, I've read books that most people disliked and wound up loving them. I try to only let ratings slightly influence me.

FRIENDS: Let's face it, most of my friends, or blogging friends, share the same book tastes as me. So, if someone is bragging about a book, and I know and trust their judgement, it makes me want to read the book.
- MOST of the books I've read since blogging are because they were recommended to me!

And that my friends is my list. What about books grabs your attention? Share with me in the comments!

Giveaway: Swag Pack for The Book of Wonders | International

2012-02-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

24 Hour Giveaway!!!

Hey everyone, the tour hosts' for The Book of Wonders, by Jasmine Richards, are holding an international giveaway for a swag pack, and I get to pick the winner!!!

Magic, Djinn, Ogres, and Sorcerers. Thirteen-year-old Zardi loves to hear stories about fantastical beings, long banned from the kingdom of Arribitha. But anyone caught whispering of their powers will feel the rage of the sultan—a terrifying usurper who, even with his eyes closed, can see all.

When her own beloved sister is captured by the evil ruler, Zardi knows that she must go to any lengths to rescue her. Along with her best friend, Ridhan—a silver-haired, violet-eyed boy of mysterious origins—and an unlikely crew of sailors led by the infamous Captain Sinbad, Zardi ventures forth into strange and wondrous territory with a seemingly impossible mission: to bring magic back to Arribitha and defeat the sultan once and for all. via Goodreads

The swag pack includes:

Bookmark
Bookplate
Necklace

To be entered just leave your name and email in the comments below.

Rules & other information regarding this giveaway:

Leave your name and email address in the comments
International
No follower nesscessary
Giveaway from Thursday February 2nd - to - Friday February 3rd
One winner
Winner will have one day to reply back
The prize pack will not be sent out for several weeks
One entry per person
Winner chosen via Random.org

Good luck to all that enter!

Cover Reveal: A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

A Midsummer's Nightmare, by Kody Keplinger, is the newest YA Contempt for fans to freak out over. As someone who is pretty new to Keplinger's works, I can say I'm looking forward to this one. I heard so much postive feedback on her debut The Duff, that I went out and bought it. After that, when I saw a book tour sign-up for Shut Out, I immediately jumped on securing a spot.

Whitley Johnson's dream summer with her divorce dad has turned into a nightmare. She's just met his new fiancee and her kids. The fiancee's son? Whitley's one-night stand from graduation night. Just freakin' great.

Worse, she totally doesn't fit in with her dad's perfect new country-club family. So Whitley acts out. She parties. Hard. So hard she doesn't even notice the good things right under her nose: a sweet little future stepsister who is just about the only person she's ever liked, a best friend (even though Whitley swears she doesn't "do" friends), and a smoking-hot guy who isn't her stepbrother...at least, not yet. It will take all three of them to help Whitley get through her anger and begin to put the pieces of her family together.

Filled with authenticity and raw emotion, Whitley is Kody Keplinger's most compelling character to date: a cynical Holden Caulfield-esque girl you will wholly care about. via Goodreads

Expected publication: June 5, 2012

I like this cover! What do you guys think? Is this book going to be on your TBR lists'? I've heard Keplinger mention that this book is her favorite, so far. I hope I can say the same thing.

Waiting On [24]: The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by M. Jensen

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: The Fine Art of Truth or Dare
Author: Melissa Jensen
Publisher: Speak
Release Date: February 16, 2012

Pretty in Pink meets Anna and the French Kiss in this charming romantic comedy

Ella is nearly invisible at the Willing School, and that's just fine by her. She's got her friends - the fabulous Frankie and their sweet cohort Sadie. She's got her art - and her idol, the unappreciated 19th-century painter Edward Willing. Still, it's hard being a nobody and having a crush on the biggest somebody in the school: Alex Bainbridge. Especially when he is your French tutor, and lessons have started becoming, well, certainly more interesting than French ever has been before. But can the invisible girl actually end up with a happily ever after with the golden boy, when no one even knows they're dating? And is Ella going to dare to be that girl?

via Goodreads

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When I first heard about this book I automatically added it to my TBR pile. After reading more about it, I started getting really excited for it. So, I pre-ordered it! It comes out in just a couple of weeks! YAY! Hopefully, it will be as good as I'm wishing for it to be.

What book are you waiting on this week? Drop it in the comments.

Welcome to My New Obsession ((Downton Abbey)) Squee!

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Amazing Downton Abbey…

Welcome to today's epic post, and epic gushing over Downton Abbey. If you've never heard of this series, well YOU NEED TO!

Taking it back a few weeks, I started hearing about this show through Tweets. People I follow were going on about this amazing period drama. I hadn't heard anything about it, so I moved on from those Tweets and continued to fill my head with whatever was on the DVR. This all changed a few days ago. When I was browsing through Netflix, Downton Abbey was on the list of shows recommended to me. "Okay," I thought. "I'll give this show a try."

I enjoyed the first episode. It was everything I love about Masterpiece Classic. It's entertaining, it's set in a different time period, it's British, and it's addicting. After the second episode, I was sold, hooked, and looking for more!

The gist:

The Downton Abbey estate stands a splendid example of confidence and mettle, its family enduring for generations and its staff a well-oiled machine of propriety. But change is afoot at Downton — change far surpassing the new electric lights and telephone. A crisis of inheritance threatens to displace the resident Crawley family, in spite of the best efforts of the noble and compassionate Earl, Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville, Miss Austen Regrets); his American heiress wife, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern); his comically implacable, opinionated mother, Violet (Maggie Smith, David Copperfield); and his beautiful, eldest daughter, Mary, intent on charting her own course. Reluctantly, the family is forced to welcome its heir apparent, the self-made and proudly modern Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), himself none too happy about the new arrangements. As Matthew's bristly relationship with Mary begins to crackle with electricity, hope for the future of Downton's dynasty takes shape. But when petty jealousies and ambitions grow among the family and the staff, scheming and secrets — both delicious and dangerous — threaten to derail the scramble to preserve Downton Abbey. Created and written by Oscar-winner Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park), Downton Abbey offers a spot-on portrait of a vanishing way of life.
via Masterpiece | PBS

Season 1 preview:

Watch Downton Abbey Season 1 Preview on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.

Downton Abbey: Opening Theme

Set during the early 1900's, Downton Abbey is all about drama. From the illicit affairs of the elite, to the scandalous behavior of the staff, this show brings it all to the table. The acting (YAY that Maggie Smith a.k.a. Professor McGonagall from the Harry Potter film series is in this) is far better than I thought it would be. Expecting soap stars with British accents, I was surprised (in a good way) to find myself sucked into each storyline portrayed by the cast. Each one emulates their character superbly!

Most of the show takes place at Downton Abbey. The MASSIVE estate belonging to the Crawley family. Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, along with his wife and three daughters are a family trying to keep Downton in the family. The main premise behind this show is the securing of a male heir. Taking place right after the Titanic tragedy, the Crawley family works with, yet mostly against, one another in order to repair the devastation brought from the sinking ship.

One of the things I enjoy most about Downton Abbey is the staff. These characters take up half of the story lines, and I love them all. From backstabbing, plotting against one another, to finding true love. The ins-and-outs of this staff are facinating. I HATE O'Brien (Lady Grantham's maid | pictured 5th from the left) and Thomas (footman | pictured 4th from the right) with a passion. These two are pure evil. With only envy in their eyes, they plot to bring down anyone who steps in their way. Although I hate them so much, this show wouldn't be as good if they weren't on it! ~~~ The two staff member's I ADORE are Bates (Lord Grantham's valet | pictured 5th from the right) and Anna (head house maid | pictured 3rd from the right). They bring humor, love, and everything nice about this staff.

Another thing I love is the fashion. Starting from 1912, I love the clothes everyone wears. It makes me wish I could walk around in their outfits. Adorable!


The Crawley sisters: Sybil, Mary, & Edith

Gasp! I just adore their clothes!

So pretty! Edith, Sybil, Mary

What I love most about Downton Abbey, and yes I do love something most, is Mary and Matthew. Admittedly, I didn't care for Mary AT ALL in the first couple of episodes. She came off as harsh and stuck-up. I was rooting for the other sisters. However, the ice started to chip away and I could see that the real Mary is a loveable girl. She keeps her deepest feelings bottled up, and I can't help but ache for the pain she experiences. On the other hand, her fast mouth gets her in trouble... as do a few other things. She takes risks, yet not the ones she's expected to take. With the future of Downton riding on her shoulders, this girl is strong, determined, and all-around awesome.

Mr. Matthew Crawley

Now, my sweet Matthew. I cannot say how much I love this guy. He's so handsome. Not in the OMG HOLY HOTNESS way, but in the loveable and adorable way. He's a sweetheart with amazing eyes. I fell in love with him right about the time he fell for Mary. When he set eyes on her, I knew this show was going to be my obsession. Days later, I'm swooning over every second Mary and Matthew are together.

Matthew rides a bike. HOW FREAKING CUTE IS THIS?!

Matthew + Mary = LOVE

While looking up information, and squealing over all of the awesome pictures, I happened upon a beautiful spread that was done with the actors who portray Mary and Matthew. I know these are the actors, but these pictures made me fall for Mary and Matthew even more-so!

Check out this amazing photo-shoot with Michelle Dockery (Mary) and Dan Stevens (Matthew):

ZOMG!!!!!!!

Okay, I think I can conclude this post. I've only seen Season One, so please don't spoil anything for me! I'm starting Season Two within the next couple of days. I'm dying to dive back into all the drama. Of course, I cannot wait to see what happens with Mary and Matthew. Will they, or won't they? I want them to be together. So bad. Please, I beg the show to make this happen for me. Pretty please?!

Are you guys fans of this show? If so, you should fangirl with me in the comments!

Monday Music Musette [6]

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

"If music be the food of love, play on." - William Shakespeare

How about starting your week off with great music? This weekly feature, created by me, is a way to showcase my favorite music artists and bands. From new releases to kicking it old school. All music is represented here! Instead of posting songs, I'm showcasing entire albums that rock from the first track to the last. Below is my pick for album of the week. And yes, I still call them albums. That's what the cool cats say!

Today's recommendation is: 21 by Adele. Released on February 22, 2011.

Let's face it, Adele's album is one of the best the music industry has heard in a long time. I think it's already set a number of records. All of which I support. This girl has more power in her voice (and lyrics) then some of these dance-pop artists do in their crazy outfits. When most artists are gaining fans by acting (and dressing) as odd as they can, Adele is taking fans on an amazing (and honest) journey with her soul reaching music.

21 Playlist

1) Rolling In The Deep

2) Rumor Has It

3) Turning Tables

4) Don't You Remember

5) Set Fire To The Rain

6) He Won't Go

7) Take It All

8) I'll Be Waiting

9) One And Only

10) Lovesong
11) Someone Like You
12) I Found A Boy

Preview 21 on iTunes

I first fell in love with Adele's voice when she appeared on Saturday Night Live. Ever since then, I've been a fan. Her music stops me cold and makes me appreciate the beauty that CAN come from heartbreak. 21 is proof of this. Her lyrics not only put her ex in his place, they give everyone else hope that there's better out there. Also, the power in her vocals isn't just singing. Adele does something a lot of artists forget. She sings with everything she has. When I listen to her, I feel every lyric wash over me.

The very first time I listened to 21 I had chills. I cried. I loved. I fell in love with music again!

The Songs I Obsess Over:

Someone Like You
Don't You Remember
Turning Tables
Rolling In The Deep
Set Fire To The Rain
I'll Be Waiting
Rumor Has It

Favorite song on 21: Someone Like You. Just incredible!

Here's a YouTube video of Adele singing I'll Be Waiting

I hope you guys love this song, and the entire 21 album as much as I do. Try to check out her other album 19, sometime.

IMM [39]

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

This meme is hosted by The Story Siren. For all the deets click HERE.

In My Mailbox is a weekly feature that allows blogs to share what great book related things they got in the mail. DISCLAIMER: All ARCs are provided to me in exchange for a review, or as a giveaway prize. All tour books & borrowed books are provided out of love and blogging friendship. Finally, I in no way use this feature to brag or to make fellow bloggers feel bad. I acquire books & loot the honest way. This feature is only to share my love of books & to get the word out about them.

:-:-:-:-:

I didn't get a chance to post an IMM last week, so this week is full of so many books. I tease... just two. One last week, and one this week. Both came UPS, so very exciting for me!

1) Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
2) Everneath by Brodi Ashton

I've been planning a special IMM post for a while now. I got a set of books that I've been dying to get, and finally did. The time to put the post together hasn't been there, so I've had to postpone it. Hopefully, next week it'll be up.

In the meantime, what books did you guys get? Leave me a comment (or link).

TGIF [23]

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Bloggers! I'm ending another full book week by joining with other bloggers to share bookish pictures, lists, and excitements. This weekly feature is hosted by Ginger over at GReads! It's a fun way to spend a bookish Friday. For all of the details, and to get involved/participate click [HERE] and join in.

Buy or Borrow:

Where do your books that you read come from? The bookstore? The library?
Do you prefer to own a book, or have it on loan?

Amazon, Amazon, Amazon! I'm a frequent visitor. I'm a big fan of cheap and used, so I'm always looking for the bargain books. As long as they're in good condition, I'll buy them used.

As for borrowing books, I do this quite a bit. The more bloggers I get to know, the better I feel about sending my books out there. I've been fortunate enough to receive some ARC's for review, so if friends/bloggers want to borrow, I'm all for it. In return, I've read some of the best books thanks to blogging friends who've sent them to me.

I don't have a local bookstore, so I rarely go to them. I wish I had a local Barnes and Noble, or Indie store, but alas, I don't. When I'm out shopping at Wal-Mart or Target I browse and sometimes buy the books I really want.

And, I haven't been to the library in ages. I hate to admit this, but I don't really have the time to get out. Another reason why I frequent Amazon so often. Suffice it to say, my Kindle and I are pretty close!

What about you guys? Library, or online like me?

Waiting On [23]: The Thing About the Truth by L. Barnholdt

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: The Thing About the Truth
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: July 10, 2012

In this humorous love story from the author of Two-Way Street, an unlikely romance is the best sort of surprise—but the wrong secret can ruin everything. Kelsey’s not going to let one mistake ruin her life. Sure, she got kicked out of prep school and all her old friends are shutting her out. But Kelsey’s focused on her future, and she’s determined to get back on track at Concordia High.

Isaac’s been kicked out of more schools than he can count. Since his father’s a state senator, Isaac’s life is under constant scrutiny—but Concordia High’s his last stop before boarding school, so Isaac’s hoping to fly under the radar and try to stay put for a change.

When Kelsey and Isaac meet, it’s anything but love at first sight. She thinks he’s an entitled brat, and he thinks she’s a stuck-up snob. So it surprises them both when they start to fall for each other. Kelsey’s happy for the first time in months, and Isaac’s never felt this way about anyone before...But nothing’s ever completely perfect. Everyone has secrets, and Isaac and Kelsey are no exceptions. These two may have fallen hard, but there’s one thing that can ruin it all: the truth.

via Goodreads

:-:-:

I'm a big fan of Lauren Barnholdt's books, so it's no big guess that I'm eagerly anticipating her new book. I'm SUPER excited for it!!!

What book are you waiting on this week? Drop it in the comments.

Top Ten Tuesday [26] Mystery Freebie Week!

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Created by: The Broke and the Bookish

If you are fond of lists, especially Top 10 lists, this feature is the one to go with! Every week, the lovely ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish post a topic of their choice. Participating bloggers are asked to list their top 10's. I like to participate whenever I can. I love this idea, and often go a little crazy with adding 15, even 20 in my posts. Hehe!

Top Ten is a little bit different this week. Because it's a freebie, I decided to go a little off-the-wall and create a music related topic. Hey, I'm a huge music nerd so I needed to find a way to sneak it in. The only way I could was to list the music I have on while I read.

Top Ten Bands/Musicians/Soundtracks I listen to While Reading:

I decided to go with this topic because of my insane love of music. Nine times out of ten, when I'm reading I have music playing in the background. I love having a soundtrack to go along with books. It sets the moods and gets my head where the author wants me to be. So, if the book is funny I pick silly songs. Sad books get sad music. You see where I'm going? Okay, here is my list of bands/musicians/soundtracks I frequent while reading.

Florence + The Machine. Hello, every book mood is represented within Florence's music!
Gregory Alan Isakov. This guy has an amazing voice. He's gentle and has a mellow sound. His music is perfect in the background. Not too distracting, yet just right.
Ray LaMontagne. This guy has the smoothest (and sexiest) voice. Ooooh, I can listen to him croon me a sad song.... and then a lovemaking song. Books set to his music are always made better!
Mumford & Sons. Just listen and you will find a mood. I have them playing quite a bit when I'm reading.
Chopin. Classical geek meets Contemporary YA. Chopin will always be my music man. He wrote the most heart-wrenchingly beautiful music for the piano. My gosh I can listen to his compositions and read; and then weep. This is music meets books at its finest. In my nerdy opinion!
Coldplay. They, like the others, write music for every mood. I have them on iTunes a lot when I'm reading.
- To be more specific: 42 & Lovers in Japan are my go-to Coldplay songs when reading!
Snow Patrol. I always use them when I need a slower/sadder song on for mood purposes.
- To be more specific: Run and Chasing Cars are the two songs that I turn to.
Movie Soundtracks: I listen to movie soundtracks A LOT when I'm reading. They usually have a variety of music on them, so I can change it to match the tone of the books I'm reading.
Movie Scores: Just like with soundtracks. I'm a big movie score nerd. I listen to the scores more then I do the soundtracks. There's a few that I use a lot when reading.
- To be more specific: Water for Elephants, The Duchess, The Village, Welcome to the Rileys (this is both score and soundtrack), & all of the Twilight Scores.
Pandora. When I'm not wanting specific music (see all the above) I flip my computer, or phone app on to Pandora and pick a station. They always have something for me to listen to while I read.

There you have it! Do you guys listen to music when you read? If so, share in the comments. I'd love to see (and hear) what you guys like to listen to!

Author Guest: Julia Karr "When I'm Not Writing" via Truth Tour

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Truth tour continues on my blog. I'm so excited to have [author] Julia Karr stop over and share some personal deets about her life!

Nina Oberon’s life has changed enormously in the last few months. When her mother was killed, Nina discovered the truth about her father, the leader of the Resistance. And now she sports the same Governing Council–ordered tattoo of XVI on her wrist that all sixteen-year-old girls have. The one that announces to the world that she is easy prey to predators. But Nina won’t be anyone’s stereotype. And when she joins an organization of girls working within the Resistance, she knows that they can put an end to one of the most terrifying secret programs the GC has ever conceived. Because the truth always comes out...and the consequences can be deadly. via Goodreads

Truth is the sequel to XVI. A popular dystopian YA book.

Brought to you by: The {Teen} Book Scene [Tours]

For more details for this tour click HERE

"When I'm Not Writing" by Julia Karr

I have a full-time job, besides my writing. I’m a human resources administrator for a manufacturing company. I like my job. I get to work with lots of different kinds of people and it takes care of a lot of my socializing with other people. If I didn’t go to work, I could be a bit of a hermit!

It’s a challenge to keep up with hobbies, etc. I have five cats and one dog. They keep me busy what with walks and cleaning kitty litter!

My daughters are grown and don’t live at home any more, so my Mom duties are relatively light. I have a sister who lives in New Mexico and I love going out to visit her (although I don’t do that nearly as much as I’d like to!)

I like to garden, but don’t really have a green thumb. The last two years though, I discovered “Chard!” It practically grows by itself and I love eating it! So - maybe my gardening is looking up.

I also enjoy cooking, particularly baking and have been told I make the best apple crumb topping pie in the world! Pies are my favorite thing to bake. I have a pie cherry tree in the back yard and if it doesn’t get nipped by a late frost, it produces the most delicious pie and jam cherries ever!

That’s a bit of what keeps me busy when I’m not working and/or writing!

---Julia Karr

Thank you, Julia, for taking the time to write this up for my blog! It's so nice to read what authors do when they're not penning brilliant books. I, too, like to bake. For a while I was gearing all of my college courses to study at a Culinary Arts school here in Southern California. I had dreams of opening my own bakery. Those dreams faded, but I still enjoy baking whenever I get the cookie bug.

Make sure you guys check out Julia's book, Truth. It's out now!

Cover Reveal: The Goddess Hunt (#1.5) by Aimee Carter

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Goddess Hunt, by Aimee Carter, is a novella set between books one and two in the series. I'm REALLY exicited for this one! I loved The Goddess Test when I read it, and was over-the-moon when I won a personalized copy from Aimee. Yep. I have a book that Aimee wrote in JUST FOR ME! Squee!

A vacation in Greece sounds like the perfect way for Kate Winters to spend her first sabbatical away from the Underworld...until she gets caught up in an immortal feud going back millennia. Castor and Pollux have been on the run from Zeus and Hades's wrath for centuries, hiding from the gods who hunt them. The last person they trust is Kate, the new Queen of the Underworld. Nevertheless, she is determined to help their cause. But when it comes to dealing with immortals, Kate still has a lot to learn....via Goodreads

Info: The Goddess Test & Goddess Interrupted

Goddess Interrupted comes out on March 27, 2012

The deets: it's expected publication date is February 21, 2012.

I'm so excited to read this one! How do you like this cover? I love how each book has the same tone and colors. It makes it stand out. This one definitely intrigues me. More than ever, I feel like this book is all about Kate.

Make sure to add it to your lists. If you haven't already.

TGIF [22]

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Bloggers! I'm ending another full book week by joining with other bloggers to share bookish pictures, lists, and excitements. This weekly feature is hosted by Ginger over at GReads! It's a fun way to spend a bookish Friday. For all of the details, and to get involved/participate click [HERE] and join in.

Recommend It:

Which book from the last 10 you've read would you recommend to a friend?

This question is so hard for me to answer! Out of the last 10 books I've read, I'd probably recommend ALL of them; however, I did pick one. It's a book that comes out soon and I know EVERYONE will enjoy it!

NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life. via Goodreads

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows! I had the privilege of writing an early review of it [HERE] and I loved it. It's one of those books that didn't have me in the beginning, but by the end I couldn't put it down. It is made of some pretty awesome stuff!

Top Ten Tuesday [25]

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Created by: The Broke and the Bookish

If you are fond of lists, especially Top 10 lists, this feature is the one to go with! Every week, the lovely ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish post a topic of their choice. Participating bloggers are asked to list their top 10's. I like to participate whenever I can. I love this idea, and often go a little crazy with adding 15, even 20 in my posts. Hehe!

Top Ten Books: I'd Recommend To Someone Who Doesn't Read Adult Fiction

I decided to go with Adult Fiction because most of the people I encounter are HUGE fans of YA. I always talk about YA books and how much I love them. Sadly, I often forget all of the amazing Adult books I've read over the years. Today, I'm correcting this.

Listed in pictures {no links}

I did sneak in a couple extra books, but I couldn't help myself! I wanted to add more!!! As much as I love YA books, I started off reading Adult Fiction, so I feel it's my duty to recommend these amazing books. I'm definitely making it a goal to read more AF, this year, so I hope to do more of these lists in the future.

What Top 10 did you come up with?

Monday Music Musette [5]

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

"If music be the food of love, play on." - William Shakespeare

How about starting your week off with great music? This weekly feature, created by me, is a way to showcase my favorite music artists and bands. From new releases to kicking it old school. All music is represented here! Instead of posting songs, I'm showcasing entire albums that rock from the first track to the last. Below is my pick for album of the week. And yes, I still call them albums. That's what the cool cats say!

Today's recommendation is: Lungs by Florence + the Machine. Released on October 20, 2009. Deluxe Edition was released on April 26, 2011.

Okay, it's been AGES since I last did a music post. I'm back, for now, with another album suggestion. It's only fitting that I return with a Florence + The Machine album. I've been listening to Lungs non-stop for about 10 days. Every time I try to put something else on, I always end up putting Lungs back on. It's THAT good!

Lungs {deluxe} Playlist

1) Dog Days Are Over

2) Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)

3) I'm Not Calling You A Liar

4) Howl

5) Kiss With A Fist

6) Girl With One Eye

7) Drumming Song

8) Between Two Lungs

9) Cosmic Love

10) My Boy Builds Coffins

11) Hurricane Drunk
12) Blinding
13) You've Got The Love

[Deluxe Songs Below]

14) Swimming
15) Heavy In Your Arms

Preview Lungs on iTunes

Because I love Florence so much, I think this album is pretty perfect. When trying to come up with an ultimate list, I just couldn't. Each song is so good. I love the new album, Ceremonials, but Lungs will forever be one of my all-time favorites!

What started my fascination was the song Dog Days Are Over. I heard it on the TV and searched everywhere for it. After I tracked it down on YouTube, I started listening to more songs and falling for each of them. There's just something powerful, playful, and magical about the music. It makes me want to dance around, carefree, and just have a blast!

The Songs I Obsess Over:

Dog Days Are Over
I'm Not Calling You A Liar
Girl With One Eye
Between Two Lungs
Cosmic Love
You've Got The Love
Heavy In Your Arms

Favorite song on Lungs: You've Got The Love. This song is probably my favorite Florence + The Machine song, ever!

Here's a YouTube video of Florence + the Machine singing Dog Days Are Over.

I hope you guys love this song, and the entire Lungs album as much as I do. Try to check out Ceremonials, too!

In My Mailbox [38]

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

This meme is hosted by The Story Siren. For all the deets click HERE.

In My Mailbox is a weekly feature that allows blogs to share what great book related things they got in the mail. DISCLAIMER: All ARCs are provided to me in exchange for a review, or as a giveaway prize. All tour books & borrowed books are provided out of love and blogging friendship. Finally, I in no way use this feature to brag or to make fellow bloggers feel bad. I acquire books & loot the honest way. This feature is only to share my love of books & to get the word out about them.

:-:-:-:-:

Be prepared. Because there's a bunch of books in this IMM....

1) Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins [Kindle gift from the lovely Mindy!]
2) The Book of Wonders by Jasmine Richards [ARC for review]
3) Bunheads by Sophie Flack

These are ALL of the Kindle books I've picked up over the last few weeks. You guys have all seen the amazing $0.99 deals, right? If not.... you're definitely missing out!

{Pictures only | no links provided for these}

Okay, I know that is A LOT of books, but I've been hitting up the Kindle sales pretty frequently lately. It should be chilling out now for a while. Some of these I've already read, but I couldn't resist having them on my Kindle, as well.

SO, there you have it! What awesome books did you get in your mailbox?

Cover Reveal: Untouched (Denazen 1.5) by Jus Accardo

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

One of my FAVORITE books of 2011 was Touch by Jus Accardo. When I saw that she was seeking bloggers to reveal the cover of Toxic (the highly anticpated sequel) I jumped on it. Moving forward a few days, when I first saw the cover in my email I did a happy dance. It's so nice to see Dez gracing the cover! Oh yeah, this book will be made of awesome! THEN, I got ANOTHER email from Jus with the cover for Untouched in it.

O M G! O M G! KALE IS BACK!!!!

Drool, drool, drool! I'm beyond stoked for this one!

The deets: it's expected publication date is February 21, 2012. Plus, it's a novella to go along with the series. I'm so excited to read this one!