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In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier’s parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life–and memories–behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate’s guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he’s a revenant–an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again

My Thoughts:

In Die for Me, Katie is reeling form her parents recent deaths.  In an effort to get a fresh start, Katie and her sister Georgia moves to Paris to live with their paternal Gandparents.  Katie spends the first few weeks wallowing in her pain and grief, and isolating herself from everyone and everything.  Things begin to look up for her when she meets a cute guy named Vincent.  But unbeknownst to Katie, Vincent is much more than he seems.  He is actually a member of the undead, a revenant, compelled to save the lives of humans over and over again.

First I have to start off by saying that the story was entertaining and managed to keep my interest.  But the whole time I was reading I couldn’t help but feel like something was missing.  I felt like I was constantly on the cusp, or the edge of something really good, but I never quite got pushed over.  And this left me with very shallow feelings about the story.

I had a hard time connecting to the main characters.  Katie was only mildly interesting to me.  I liked her interest in books, museums, and art, but nothing about her really stood out.  And although Vincent is cute and tough, I just didn’t feel myself getting all swoony for him.  At times it almost seemed as if he were too perfect.

However, Vincent’s undead ‘family’ managed to keep my interest.  I found myself wanting to know more about them, their own personal histories, and the whole revenant history and dynamic.  I was charmed by Jules, and pleasantly mystified by Ambrose, and longed to know more about them.

I wish the book had less of a superficial feel to it, but despite my misgivings, overall it was a pretty decent story.  I will admit to being intrigued enough to eventually continue the series and hope that the next in the series grabs me more fully than the first.

Books in this Series:

©2012 Sort of Beautiful. All Rights Reserved.

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**Disclaimer: All images, clips, and characters belong to Stephenie Meyer and Summit Entertainment. No copyright infringement intended.  Editing is by Bombonrosa.

©2012 Sort of Beautiful. All Rights Reserved.

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Why I Love Wednesdays is a weekly meme created and hosted by Alexis of Reflections of a Bookaholic. Each week she posts a Why I Love Topic that she answers. If you would like to participate head on over to her site for the topic and the image. This week’s topic:

Humorous Reads:

The Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series is probably some of the funniest books I’ve read recently.  I’ve only read the first three books so far, but each of them had me laughing out loud several times.  The first in the series had me laughing so hard I was bent over clutching my stomach with tears in my eyes.  This series is so simple, and fun, and such easy reading.  Definitely good pick me up books if you’re having a bad day, or are just in the mood for something funny and lighthearted!

©2012 Sort of Beautiful. All Rights Reserved.

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The last two weeks I’ve went over the players in House Stark, and the Players in House Lannister.  This post will introduce the other characters in the show who also think they have a claim to the Iron Throne and intend to go to war to win it.  I swear once everyone gets into it its going to be a shit storm.  This list is not as extensive as the other ones, so it should be easy to keep up.

Daenerys Targaryen:

Isn’t she beautiful?  Widowed by the now deceased Khal Drogo (you have to watch season one because Drogo was awesome!), The Khaleesi is the daughter of the former Iron Throne King.  When he was killed and replaced he was survived by his son and daughter.  Daenerys, the Mother of Dragons, intends to get it back.  With her newly born dragons, and her ability to resist fire, she may stand a fighting chance.  If she can get an army and make passage to Kings Landing that is.

Renly Boratheon:

Renly is the youngest brother of the deceased King Robert Baratheon and in love with his wife’s brother.  He intends to use his massive army to fight his ‘nephew’ Joffrey for the throne.  Renly is thought to be a good choice for the throne as he is a mostly pleasant and kind ruler.  Lady Stark has asked for his alliance with her son so that both armies may lay siege on Kings Landing.  But something most unfortunate happens to Renly, which could possibly mean a dead alliance and him out of the running for the throne.

Stannis Boratheon:

Stannis is the other brother of Robert, the now deceased King.  Stannis had the support of Ned Stark before he was killed as the heir to the Throne, since Ned knew the truth about Joffrey.  I wonder is Stannis really wants the throne or if he’s being coerced by his woman.  There is something sinister and hincty about her, and because of it, Stannis is being backed by something very evil and dark.  I don’t know that Stannis is aware of who his lady truly is, and I wonder how things will turn out for him in the end.

That’s it!  Of course there are many other minor characters at play in all of this, but the these are the main ones vying for the throne.  The manipulations, the scheming, the cunning of the characters is all so mesmerizing to me that I can’t look away.  Hope these posts were helpful to anyone thinking of watching this series one day.  And if you haven’t started yet, I’d suggest to hurry and catch up on this because it;s pure brilliance!

©2012 Sort of Beautiful. All Rights Reserved.

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A passionate December love affair.
The meeting of an unexpected traveler.
The consequences of protecting a young new acquaintance.
A journey into an unknown past.

In the stories of While I’m Still Myself, Jeremy Lane eloquently describes the life changing impact of the brief encounter, showing that life and love are not shaped by an entire lifetime, but by the fleeting moments with unexpected people in unexpected places.

My Thoughts:

While I’m Still Myself is a collection of short stories that instantly gets the reader emotionally invested and provokes them into thought and reflection.  While I enjoyed all of the short stories in this anthology, The Reflection, Only Hers, The Pebblestone Five, and Round Bale were among my favorites.

The Reflection, Only Hers is about a young girl whose mother suffers from schizophrenia.  Thinking to see the world before the disease begins affecting her, she hops a train out of town, to explore the world.  On the train she meets and befriends an older man whose friends call him Rocky.  There is a paranormal element surrounding Rocky, which we find out in the end.  I’m still a bit confused by it but I wonder if the author left it so open on purpose to inspire thought, or if he fully intended for the reader to get it.

The Pebblestone Five is just beautifully heartbreaking.  A band of abused, young misfits help each other document the abuse by the hands of their parents and guardians.  The leader and oldest,  Ceely Dawn, is unsure what to do with the evidence until a tragic event occurs.  Round Bale makes you ache for the kids and their circumstances, mentally and physically.  It also makes me wonder if the kids even were aware that the implied wrong doing is indeed, wrong?

Beautifully written and brilliantly poignant, While I’m Still Myself explores themes of drugs, child abuse, racism, and incest.  Though the stories are generally short, you will find yourself invested in the characters, and contemplating their stories long after you’ve finished the book.  Definitely a great read.

Giveaway

The author Jeremy Mark Lane has been kind enough to offer one free e-copy of While I’m Still Myself to one lucky reader.  The giveaway will run for only a day, so make sure to get your entry in!  Please see below for giveaway rules and to fill out the rafflecopter form!  Good Luck!

Giveaway Rules:

1. Must be 13 yrs or older to enter
2. Open Internationally.
3. Free Entry Mandatory.
4. All other entries are optional.

Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

©2012 Sort of Beautiful. All Rights Reserved.

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Congratulations to Cricket!  She is the winner of  The Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop @ http://sortofbeautiful.com.  Cricket has won a brand new copy of Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.

Cricket has been notified and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.  Congrats to Cricket and thanks to everyone who participated in the Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop!

©2012 Sort of Beautiful. All Rights Reserved.

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I’m beyond fascinated by this show, and it just gets better every week.  Last week I profiled House Stark and promised to give the run down on House Lannister this week.  This show has A LOT of characters, but after watching a bit, they are fairly easy to keep up with.  Especially once you understand what family or house they belong to.

Character Run-Down: (Correct me if I’m wrong please!)

House Lannister

Tywin Lannister:

Tywin Lannister is the father to Tyrion, Cersei, and Jamie Lannister.  He is also the battle strategist for House Lannister but is currently getting his ass kicked by Robb Stark.  Currently he is hanging out in some random castle full of prisoners.  He has claimed Arya for his “cup girl”, but has no idea that she is the Stark girl in disguise.  He finds her interesting and intelligent for someone so young and especially a girl.

Tyrion Lannister:

Edited 5/27/12 : (Thanks Missie!)

Probably the most intriguing character of this series, I’m always entertained when Tyrion is on screen.  He is the imp son of Tywin Lannister.  But he is probably the most likable of all the Lannisters.  He’s down to earth, intelligent, and a great planner.  Unfortunately for him, his family can’t stand him because he does not bite his tongue and will tell them all like it is.  And the fact that he is a little person  doesn’t help him at all.  But even though he’s tough as nails at times, he also has a kind spirit.  He takes no shit from his family or his bratty nephew who is the current King.

Cersei Lannister:

This lady disgusts me.  She is the current Queen of the Iron Throne and the mother of the young King, Joffrey Baratheon.  She’s sneaky and cunning, and schemed her way into having her son be King.  I say that because he is not the TRUE son of the King that was killed.  No, her son is a result of her having a long-term affair with…dun dun dun…her brother Jaime Lannister!  Yes these nasty asses are smashing each other and loving it.  I do believe they are in love with each other, but really, that shit is just nasty.  No wonder their son is crazy as all hell.

Jamie Lannister:

This man is despicable.  Besides the fact that he’s regularly boning his sister, he also shoved Bran Stark out of a window when he caught them in the act.  Now the boy is crippled.  I am losing no sleep over the fact that Jamie, the King Slayer, has been captured by Rob Stark and his army.  He’s just as sneaky and cunning as his sister, and has no regard for the lives of others outside of his loved ones.

Joffrey Baratheon:

Another little snot that I just can’t stand.  Something is truly wrong with this kid.  He is the young King currently occupying the Iron throne.  But as King he has no compassion for his people, or even the people he considers his loved ones.  He thinks being King gives him a pass to do whatever he wants.  He’s really into torture, beatings, and causing others physical and emotional pain.  He’s arrogant, bratty, whiny, and sadistic.  I really think he is psychologically unbalanced, and I would hate to be living under his rule.  He is a terrible King and stubborn.  He doesn’t like to take advice, and seems hell bent on pissing off everyone around him.

This is the summary of House Lannister.  Join me next week for the other major players in the series who believe that THEY have a claim to the Iron Throne.  Hopefully the last two posts have caught those of you up on the characters thus far.  It should be helpful if you should decide to jump in and start watching the show.

Game  of Thrones airs on HBO every Sunday @ 9:00 PM!

©2012 Sort of Beautiful. All Rights Reserved.

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THE BOLD, BREATHLESS TALE OF A REBELLIOUS WOMAN, A FIERCE CHIEFTAIN, AND THE SEARING LOVE THAT SEALED THEIR DESTINY!

An edict of the King could not be challenged.  Alec Kincaid, mightiest of the Scottish lairds, must take an English bride.  And Jamie, youngest daughter of Baron Jamison, was his choice.  From his first glimpse of the feisty, violet-eyed beauty, Alec felt a burning hunger stir within him.  This was a woman worthy of his fearless warrior’s spirit.  And he ached to touch her, tame her, possess her…forever.

But with the wedding vows, Jamie pledged her own secret oath.  She would never surrender her love to this Highland barbarian.  He was everything her heart warned against–an arrogant, brooding scoundrel whose rough good looks spoke of savage pleasures.  And though Kincaid’s scorching kisses fired her blood, though his seductive embrace roused her passion, she brazenly resisted him.  Until one impetuous moment of rapture quelled their clash of wills, and something far more dangerous than desire threatened to conquer her senses…

My Thoughts:

By edict of the King Jamie, the step-daughter of Baron Jamison, must marry a Scotsman in order to promote harmony between England and Scotland.  Fearing Scotland and Alec Kincaid, Laird of the Kincaid Clan and the man she is to marry, Jamie must learn to love her husband and make his house her home.  I loved this one from start to finish, and had a difficult time putting it down.

Jamie is my kind of heroine.  She’s smart, and capable, and has a unique, unassuming way of endearing those around her and winning their loyalty.  She is an anchor in times of trouble.  A result of being tasked with the emotional care of her sisters, even though she is the youngest.

Alec Kincaid is everything a Laird and man should be.  Fierce and protective, he easily commands the respect and loyalty of his clan.  Though Jamie tries his patience all the time he is unfailingly kind to her because although she’s skilled, she has a sensitive heart and manner.

It was such fun to watch these two fall in love.  Alec thinks it weak to love his woman and tries to think of her only as property.  But as she charms and delights her way into his clan’s hearts, Alec can’t help but be affected as well.  There were many laugh out loud moments for me, and the love scenes were the sweetest of agonies.  I was thoroughly entertained and completely enchanted by The Bride!

Julie Garwood has a special way with historical romances and The Bride was nothing short of BRILLIANT!  If you’re a fan of historical romance, this is a MUST read!

Books in this Series:

©2012 Sort of Beautiful. All Rights Reserved.

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Welcome to the Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop created and hosted by Kathy from I am A Reader Not A Writer and Co-hosted by Christin from Portrait of a Book.   Over 100 participating blogs are offering some type of book or book related giveaway.  We are all linked up together so you can easily hop from one giveaway to another. The hop runs from Friday, May 18th through Wednesday, May 23rd.

Up For Grabs:

I am offering a brand new copy of Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.  This book is brand new but does have a remainder mark on the bottom.  To enter the giveaway please read the rules below and fill out the Rafflecopter form.

Giveaway Rules:

1.  Must be 13 yrs or older to enter
2.  Open to US mailing addresses only.
3.  Must follow via Networked Blogs, RSS, Email, or the Linky (no more GFC for me…sorry).
4.  All other entries are optional.

The giveaway will run from Friday, May 18th through Wednesday 23rd.  Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

**Disclaimer: Jade of http://sortofbeautiful.com is not liable for any lost or damaged books once the item has shipped.

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Once you’ve entered the giveaway, hop along to all the other stops for a chance to win some more great prizes!

©2012 Sort of Beautiful. All Rights Reserved.

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My Dad introduced me and my siblings to this movie when we were young.  I don’t know how he came upon it, but I thank him for sharing this with us.  This was such a fun and cute movie and we would watch it over and over again.

Jonathan, trying to find his niche gets fired from a series of jobs.  But he has an artistic nature.  He was happy working at a job where he created mannequins, but was subsequently fired from there too.  One day he sees the mannequin he created in a window display of a flailing department store.  After he saves the owner’s life, She gives him a job doing window displays.  During his night shift, the mannequin he created comes to life, and all sorts of fun, adventure, mishaps, and romance ensue.

This is the first, and only other movie, that I ever saw Kim Catrell in.  And Andrew McCarthy was cute and hilarious.

Estelle Getty played the matronly older boss, and Hollywood (snaps fingers) was a flamboyant hoot!  I still have a copy of this movie and pull it out from time to time.

Anybody else familiar with this movie?

©2012 Sort of Beautiful. All Rights Reserved.

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