Books for Kids. Let's Give Back.

BOOKS FOR KIDS. LET'S GIVE BACK.

I came upon this acually a few times once on somebody's blog. (I'm sorry I forget whos) Then also on my facebook when Leah Clifford, Author of A Touch Mortal, posted it on her FB and asked for help.

I think this is such an awesome idea, and all it takes is a moment of your time to click on their youtube page, Books for Kids. Let's give back. and then click like. That's it. One like click= one dollar. A chance to make a difference in a kids life. So will you take that chance? Join Britney and Farrah from I Eat Words.

I'm going to leave you with a little story of my own. I didn't have it done at that particular hospital, but I still wanted to share. Now you have to forgive me because I had the operation when I was in first grade, so 6 years old. I'm now almost 25. A little forgetful. :) I had open heart surgery it was something to do with my aeorta being closed. I think at that age I'm not sure what was really going through my mind. All I knew was surgery. My parents had a hard decision before the actual surgery though. Did they want to try something less drastic? In hopes that maybe that would work? So they did. I don't know the technical terms for it so I just call it the balloon. It's where they went in and blew I guess like a balloon up. I remember this procedure because I actually woke up during it, and one of the people in there gave me some coke to drink. It was an odd feeling. This was one of the few things I remember. After that didn't work came the surgery. The few thing I remember of that was getting the anthesia (sp) and trying to hit my brother or someone with this power ranger walkie talkie I got a  hold of somehow and watching pippi long stockings and seeing the little engine that could. That was the last thing. Next thing I knew I was sitting in the hospital bed watching fireworks out the bedroom window in our down-town.

So try and put yourself in the mind of a child at a hospital. What are they thinking? How are they dealing with whats going on with them, or maybe even around them? Wouldn't it be nice if they could escape to a world where things weren't just black and white, but pink, purple, blue, green, yellow, and all those bright colors. To a land where they can be free from worry even if it is for just awhile.

Just think about it....one click.
I'm not exactly sure how long they're going to be doing it either.

My little Vlog pretty much saying what I said above...only in person.


 
I hope I got some of you interested. 

IMM17

This is In my mailbox hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren


Bought:
Artemis Fowl: The time paradox by Eion Colfer
Not that kind of girl by Siobhan Vivan
Dark Visions by L.J Smith
Glimmerglass by Jenna Black
Shadow Spell by Jenna Black
The Fallen: Book 1 by Thomas E. Sniegoski
Don't Judge a girl by her cover by Ally Carter
Switched by Amanda Hocking
Torn by Amanda Hocking
Peeps by Scott Westerfield
The last days by Scott Westerfield
Uglies by Scott Westerfield
Every soul a star by Wendy mass
The den of shadows by Amelia Atwater-rhodes
Rumors by Anna Goberson
Jealousy by Lili St. Crow
Things not seen by Andrew Clements

Won:
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Calendar from Amy at LadyReaders Bookshelf

Follow Friday (19) Blog Hop (18)

BLOG HOP
Do you ever wish you would have named your blog something different?
Nope not really. When I first started blogging back in September or October. I can't remember I started with the title Reading and Writing this way, but it was boring to me. I wanted something that seemed catchy to me. Then I started thinking of AA. (don't ask me why. I haven't the slightest clue) A place where I could be obsessed with others. :)

FOLLOW FRIDAY
Share your current fav television show! Tell us a bit about it...
I'm not really much of a tv person. I like watching older seasons of shows on dvd like Charmed, Friends, The O.C, Gilmore Girls, and shows that are already over. Although I have a few that I've bought recently that are newer the Vampire Diaries and True Blood. As for what I watch right now it's just Hawaii 5-0. I love H50!  I try not to get caught up in shows because I work when they usually come on then I'm confused as to what's going on if I watch just a random episode. I also use to watch Supernatural every week with my friend (who no longer is) because she recorded it, but now I can't do that so I've stopped watching it. I'm kind of missing my Dean and Sammy and Castiel if he's still on it.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING ON BOOKAHOLICS ANONYMOUS

REVIEWS:
Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

READ:
Never Cry Werewolf-read
North of Beautiful-read
The Body Finder-reading

EXTRAS:
Book Cover Reveal: Supernaturally
Book Cover Reveal: Vanish
A Touch Mortal Contest
In my mailbox 16
Accent Vlog (Fun you should do it)

Book Cover Revealed: Vanish

I know most people have probably already seen the cover by now, but I still thought I'd share with you. :)

How pretty is this cover? I'm not sure if I like this one or the firelight one better. I'm thinking probably this one. The silver-ish white and purple together are sort of mesmerizing. Sorry I don't know what else to say about it. It's just awesome. I'm hoping the story will be just as awesome as the bookcover. It sounds like it will be. So enough of my rambling thoughts. What do you think?

Want to read the synopsis of Vanish? Find it here on Goodreads. It is a little spoilery for those of you who haven't read the first book.

Accent Vlog (Randomness)

Ok So I saw this while reading peoples blogs, and I thought it was interesting. Being me of course I had to do it. What it is an accent vlog. It's where you say the words, and answer the question below to give your readers a listen to your vocie, or accent if you have one. Let's face everyone has some small form of an accent. Everyone says things differently. That's just who we are. I know my brother lived up in Wisconsin for awhile, and he told me one day somebody asked for a bag right. Well my brother had no clue what the customer was asking for because they were saying "beg" that's how he said they pronounced it. He had to ask the guy what they were asking for again, and they told him something you carry stuff in. I cracked up when he was telling me. So on to my Vlog. I kind of explain things in some question because I'm weird like that. :)

See K Read: Accent Vlog

Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas, Caught

• What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?
• What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball?
• What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?
• What do you call gym shoes?
• What do you say to address a group of people?
• What do you call the kind of spider that has an oval-shaped
• body and extremely long legs?
• What do you call your grandparents?
• What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry
• groceries at the supermarket?
• What do you call it when rain falls while the sun is shining?
• What is the thing you change the TV channel with?

So go ahead do it...if you Vlog at all!

Ashley

Leah Cliffords A Touch Mortal Contest

Alright Leah Clifford the author of the beautiful book above--A Touch Mortal. (I love the cover) is having an awesome contest. Her book comes out Tuesday. :) Want to get a little glimpse of it? Read the first 85 pages of A Touch Mortal. She wants to know.... What's the craziest thing you've ever done?

As far as anyone around the blogging community knows it could be anything, but I'll tell you right now I'm far from being or doing crazy, CRAZY things so trying to think of something was hard. The more I thought about it though I realized maybe there is one thing I've done that I normally would have never done had I not been asked by my best friend at the time. Want to know what that is? To bad I'm telling you anyway. I moved out of state with my friend maybe a year or two after graduating high school. Now to some of you that may not seem to crazy, but trust me that's not something I would normally do. I think we wanted to move because both of us were pretty much sick and tired of our families/jobs. (I'm not so much now, but I like to think I've grown a little since then) I lived at home with my Dad. (I can't remember if my crazy step mom still lived there or not at the time) Anyways we packed up my little silver 2 door Hyundai Accent with all our clothes, computer, and that was pretty much it. Trust me my car didn't hold much. I quit my job and we were off. We were officially headed on our way to....wait for it......




NEBRASKA

Yes we moved to Nebraska. Why? Well because we had a friend that lived there, and that's pretty much the only reason. It was definitely interesting we moved there in July so we didn't have to worry about the snow. On the way there we had some obstacles and by that I mean I got pulled over in Kansas. Yeah. That's definitely an old ticket that I never paid. Shhh! I think it took us 10 hours. We pretty much drove based off a map quest map we printed out. How we actually made it there...I'll never know. We did get turned around in a few places. (Of course somewhere in Kansas. I'm begining to think Kansas didn't like us)

Once we got there we were good. Like I said before we moved up there to live with a friend. Now this friend didn't live in a house. We had 4 people in a one bedroom, one bath apartment, and it was not a big apartment. So naturally my friend and I slept on the couch and an air mattress we bought. We went a few weeks with no jobs, and the only money we had was what we saved from before we moved which was not much. After awhile my friend got a  job at Target, and me well I sucked I couldn't find a job. I couldn't have transferred from my other job because they didn't have a Cvs in Nebraska. As you can imagine with four people in a tiny apartment it didn't take long for us to start getting tired of each other.

Our whole moving out of state only lasted a month. :) So if you think about it. It was more like a really long vacation. Not that Nebraska was fun because it really wasn't. Sorry for the people who live there. I just wasn't a fan. I have to admit though it was somewhat pretty for a place that had rows and rows of cornfields. :) I admit I missed my family and Texas after a month. I'm a whimp when it comes to leaving my family, and now I know. It was a lesson learned.


----------------------------------------------------
OMG! I just finished reading the 85 pages of A Touch Mortal. AWESOME! Now I have to get it when it comes out. :)

Leahs Twitter- @LeahClifford
A Touch Mortal Facebook Fanpage

Ashley

In My Mailbox 16: PO'd edition

Alright I'm a little pissed off right now because I can't get my stupid camera to work. I turn it on and it turns right back off. That's how I usually do my IMM Vlogs. Which I like doing by the way. Then I try with just youtube, and the stupid thing can't find my web cam. So with that being said it's just going to be plain old typed out version which sucks because I have some awesome books.

*Monday Edited- So As you can see I got my Vlog made. -grumbles at camera- I went out and bought me a web cam. Oh my hair is totally down in the video. I never have it down just an fyi.*


This is In my mailbox hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren

HPB:
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
The Eternal Ones by Kristen Miller
Virals by Kathy Reichs
Jessica's Guide to dating on the dark side by Beth Fantaskey
A great and terrible beauty by Libba Bray (FYI this book and the second one I bought because I had seen a really good review on someones blog. Sorry I can't remember who. Just thought I'd say that.)
Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
Return to Paradise by Simone elkeles
Gifted: Out of sight, out of mind by Marilyn Kaye
Heist Society by Ally Carter
13 reasons why by Jay Asher
Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin
The Betrayal of natalie hargrove by Lauren kate
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

WALMART:
Secrets and Shadows (13 to life book 2) by Shannon Delany (I still need the first book this was an impulse buy) (also bought one for a friends birthday)
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

FROM AUTHOR:
The Manufactured identity by Heath Sommer

ONLINE BOOKCLUB:
Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning (wasn't expecting this now I have to get the first 5 books)

LIBRARY:
Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
I now pronounce you someone else by Erin McCahn
Hate List by Jennifer Brown

MOVIES
The O.C Season 2 and 3
The princess diaries
Harry Potter 5 and 6
Mad Money
Annie

I told you I splurged a little.

Never Cry Werewolf Review

AUTHOR: Heather Davis

PUBLISHER: Harperteen
PAGES: 212
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Stand alone as far as I know

OUTLINE:
Okay, so maybe Shelby has made a few mistakes with boys lately. But her stepmother totally overreacts when she packs Shelby off to brat camp. Suddenly, it’s good-bye, prom dress; hello, hiking boots.
Things start looking up, though, when Shelby meets fellow camper (and son of a rock star!) Austin Bridges III. But soon she realizes there’s more to Austin than crush material—his family has a dark secret, and he wants Shelby’s help guarding it. . . .





STARTED: 2-10-11
FINISHED: 2-11-11

MY THOUGHTS:
I was really excited to read this one because it was dealing with werewolves, and lets face it I'm all about the Paranormal creatures. :) I was sadly disappointed though. Don't get me wrong I liked the book, and the storyline. The whole brat camp thing I don't recall reading anything like it, but the whole girl meets mysterious boy just didn't work for me. I think in order for that whole concept to work you have to like the characters. You have to want to invest your time in them. You have to want to know how it's going to undfold.   At first I did want to know about Shelby and Austin. Just how was this relationship going to blossom, and was it going to become something. How are these characters going to grow from being with each other? A rich boy from a family of rockstars and a girl whose dad works in cosmetics. Shelby comes from a home where her step-mom pretty much has a say so in whatever, and what she says goes. *Nice backbone dad* In a way I know how she feels. I had a step-mom who was kind of like that if she thought something sounded good for me then by all means it must be. Still I think that was pretty much the extent of me being able to connect with the character. I think maybe the only thing in my opinion that connected the two characters together was the whole not having a mom. Their relationship seemed rushed to me. *shrugs*

I will give the author this though there were a few statements made by characters that I truely loved, and thought those are so true. Ones that will definitely stay in my mind. Ones that made me think. I have those highlighted in purple below. :)

To be honest you pretty much knew who the werewolf was going to be before the "big secret" came out. Which isn't always a bad thing I guess. I mean you knew Edward and them were vampires. Sorry not my point. 

I'm going to say this the ending definitely left me wondering what's going to happen now. So I'm not sure if there's suppose to be another book coming out, or maybe it was left that way just in case. I do know that if it had a second book I would probably read it for a few reasons: 1. I want to see what might become of the character (All characters have room to grow and become likable) 2. I can't just leave a series unfinished. 3. Some books get better as the series/story progresses. :)


QUOTES:
-It wasn't bad for me---I'd camped in worse conditions up in northern Wisconsin, but a Brit, an out-of -shape old guy, and a wuss really would be bear bait. (Shelby)

-Mr. Winters didn't look like he could find his way out of a 7-eleven. I probably had better sense of direction than that old coot. (Shelby)

-I was going to literally pee in my pants and die. Or be eaten---which is totally worse. (Shelby)

-Oh Crap! Are we on fire? (Sara)
She threw herself over the side of her top bunk, managing to kick me in the head on the way down. Ahh! Watch it Sara! (Shelby)
Why don't they let us sleep? (Ariel)
Don't ask me. I probably have brain damage now. (Shelby)

-Lost. Yeah, right. Why do we always say lost when we mean people died on us?  Mom was not lost. And I spent the last three years trying hard not to lose myself. That's what really happens when people die---the family left behind loses a part of themselves. A tiny piece. A tiny piece you never get back. (Shelby)

-Maybe is never a sure thing.

-You're secrets are safe with me. I mean, unless you're planning to run off and scream -insert his secret here- at this very moment. (Austin)

-You know when something bad happens and you don't get a chance to get those feelings out, you delay the pain, but you don't get rid of it. It stays inside you, taking up space. (Mr. Winters)

-Adults don't always get everything right. So my question is, if they aren't  always right, then how can we be the ones who're getting everything wrong? Maybe both sides make choices that don't  turn out to be the smartest. But if you're afraid to make mistakes, you can't learn right? (Shelby)

-My worst day with you is better than one spent alone. (Austin)

2.5 OF 5 STARS
I would have made it 3 stars, but it's not quite to the point of I would read it again. I think the ending, and the little passages I picked out are the only things I truely liked. :(
Still everyone is different so try it.

Ashley

Book Cover Revealed: Supernaturally

Lookie lookie....it's the second book in the paranormalcy series. Ok well not the book but it's awesomeness of a cover. The book doesn't come out until August 30th. At least we get to stare at the pretty cover until then right?

I'll write a little more later today when I'm fully awake, and its not 2am. I had to share this though. :)

Follow Friday (18) Blog Hop (17)

Book Blog Hop
What book(s) would you like to see turned into a movie?
Hum this is a good question of course if you know me at all :) then there's one book or series I should say that I'm dying to see turned movie. I think it's on its way, but still Vampire Academy. Also after I finished reading Nevermore that seems like it would be an interesting movie. The House of Night (although that might be a more interesting tv series what with the drama and all) Honestly I think it would be cool to see any of our YA books turned movies, and with the way things look alot of them are on their way to that. The Mortal Instruments, The Hunger Games, Firelight (there was talk), 13 Reasons Why (which I haven't read, but I do have it to read now), The Dream Catcher Series


Follow FridayHosted by Parajunkee
If you are a fan of Science Fiction what is your favorite book? If you haven't read Science Fiction before...any inkling to? Anything catch your eye?
I haven't read in science fiction that I know of. I'm bad with knowing what genre a book is in. Whoops. I'm always up for trying something different though. I know my sister in law is more into that genre then me. Maybe I should ask her. :) Or perhaps you guys could help me. What's something that might catch my attention?


What's been happening at Bookahloics Anonymous

Reviews:
Nevermore

Reviews I'm working on:
Never Cry werewolf
The Adoration of Jenna Fox

Extras:

Bleeders Blog Tour: Michaela Haze interviews Sophia Taylor

Michaela Haze interviews Sophia Taylor

Hello readers, in case you didn’t know and are just thinking ‘Michaela Haze or Sophia Taylor—who here is the author and who here is the main character?’ Then I am Michaela Haze and I am the author of a novel called THE BLEEDERS—now The Bleeders is about a girl called Sophia Taylor, who prefers to be called Fia and is the story of how she ending up in an insane asylum after hiring a man named Henry Blaire to kill the two murderers of her sister.

That’s just a little bit of background and here is my interview with this rather…*clears throat* endearing character.


MH – Hi Sophia, how are you feeling today?

ST – What does that have anything to do with this interview?

MH – It’s an introduction…people generally say it when they first see someone…

ST – I fucking hate small talk.

MH – Alright.

ST – Do you have a lighter?

MH- Smoking is bad for you. You shouldn’t smoke.

ST – What am I getting in exchange for this interview? I am getting NOTHING! Give me a lighter so I can light my fucking lucky stripe or I am going to get up and walk away. There are so much more interesting people to talk to in life.

MH - *Whispers under her breath* I imagine insane asylums are full of interesting people…

ST – What was that?

MH – Nothing.

ST – Ask your questions.

MH – How did you feel when you found out your sister was dead?
Sophia is suddenly silent and stares at me for a few seconds as if she is trying to erase the question from her memories.

ST – You should call me Fia. I like to be called Fia—its better than being called Sophia.

MH – But I asked—

ST – I know what you asked. I felt like shit okay?
Fia Taylor no longer sounds angry to me, she sounds dead.

MH – Anything else?

ST – I felt as if it was my fault, as if I should have been there. I should have protected her. I always did, I spent my life being the one that reined her in and suddenly…she’s not here anymore and…I can’t talk about this.

MH – Do you consider yourself to have an addictive personality?

ST – Is that a joke?

MH – Not really.

ST – Yes, alcohol and cigarettes…even people, I have been told that I can get pretty obsessed with things and have to have them. I don’t see it that way but I have been told that I am like this.

MH – Who told you?

ST – My Mother.

MH – Do you get on with your mother?

ST – She is a whore. I haven’t spoken to her since her fifth husband and her third boob job.

MH – In a few words, how would you sum up this last year of your life?

ST – You should read The Bleeders, you know what happened.

MH – Humour me.

ST – I got addicted to this man, the man I hired to kill the murderers of my sister. He was addicted to blood—he had to drink it because he was a…daemon.

MH – A what?

ST – If you knew about them, they would kill you.

MH – What makes you say that?

ST – Because they are trying to kill me.

MH – Whose trying to kill you?

ST – You’re one of them aren’t you?! Oh GOD! Get away from me.
Sophia stands up, the chair hits the floor and suddenly she is beating her hands against her skull.

MH – I’m not a daemon…I’m just a writer…

ST – Get her away from me! Please! GUARDS! GET HER AWAY FROM ME!

MH – Stop! Stop hitting yourself, you’re going to get hurt.
I get up to try and help her, I grip her wrist to try and stop her from punching the side of her head, her knuckles are bleeding. Fia Taylor pushes me back.

GUARD – Miss Haze, I think you had better leave…

Ugh. What an eventful visit.

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Want to see more

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Note: Sorry I didn't get this up sooner. I thought I had it scheduled the right way, but apparently I didn't. I'm a bit stupid when it comes to scheduling things on here apparently. -Ashley

Nothing Important :)

Sorry like the title says this is really nothing of importance, or to do with books. I'm just really, really excited (and kind of nervous) so I needed to share. I have an interview tomorrow for a spot in a pharmacy hospital. Which is acutally a really good opportunity for me to better my abilities. I'm fine working where I am and all but there's only so much you can learn at retail level. I've been with my job almost 5 years, and I feel like I'm kind of stuck, and not always appreciated. So I put in an application two days ago, and they called me today to set up an interview. So I have an interview tomorrow morning with them. I know pretty quick right?

I'm hoping that everything goes good. Just thought I'd share and say wish me luck! :)

I have two reviews I'm working so look for those to come soon.

Adios,
Ashley

Book Cover Revealed: Everlasting by Alyson Noel

OMG! I think this has to be my favorite bookcover in the Immortal Series. None of the others actually showed Damon, or who I hope to be him. :) While I wasn't thrilled at times with the way the books were going about I still loved the series as a whole, and will be sad to see the ending of the characters I've come to love and sometimes hate. I can only hope that Ever, Damon, Miles, and the rest of them get their happy EVER after.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Everlasting is the sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears-all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.

Will they be united-or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion.

Release date is June 7th, 2011 by St. Martins Griffin.


Ashley

Nevermore Review

AUTHOR: Kelly Creagh
PUBLISHER: Atheneum
PAGES: 543
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Series (I believe)

OUTLINE: Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game.

Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind.

Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

His life depends on it.

STARTED:
FINISHED: 2-8-11

MY THOUGHTS:
First and foremost, for all you out there that love or hell even like Edgar Allan Poe in any way I recommend reading this book. If you don't know much about him there are references in it.. that help you to understand him better. No need to read a memoir on him because this is more of a fun way. So if you're like me, and don't know a whole lot about him or some of his other works that aren't "The Raven", "The Tell-Tale heart", "Annabell Lee" or a few others then this book helps with that. It goes in to detail about his life. (Not like full on detail, but just enough) This makes me want to go and read some of the books I have about him. I think I have his complete poetry, and another one I bought last year at HPB. Anyways, enough about Poe on to the rest of the review. I told you easily distracted.

I'm not very good at reading almost 600 pages because I'm easily distracted, and want to move on to other things. This is one of those books that was well worth the 543 pages of reading. I honestly didn't want to stop reading it, but after awhile my eyes started hurting so I had to put it down. Just to pick it back up again. :)

Why did I love it you ask besides the above mentioned reasons?

I love how Isobel and Varen's relationship didn't just BAM happen. It took its time, and it developed casually in my opinion. They are complete opposites as well Isobel is the perky cheerleader, with the star football player boyfriend, the popular friends. Even with all that though she seemed different as a character. Like there was more to her. Then you have Varen who is the gothy, mysterious boy who people like to make up rumors/stories about. (Poor guy some of the stuff they say about him. I would have him over Brad anyday. Just saying!) Then you had some of Isobel's popular friends. I'm sorry, but they are not your friends if they treat you that way just because you make a few friends who are different. I ab-so-freakin-lutely hate that. I had that happen to me in middle school I think. I wasn't in the popular crowd, but still same difference. (What does same-difference mean?) Anyway I made friends with certain people, and then a friend I'd been friends with since like 2nd grade stopped talking to me. What the hell is up with that? Granted I occasionally talk to her now. It still was hurtful. I loved Gwen's character as well. She kind of just pops out of nowhere. She's like the odd girl who becomes the one person wo Isbobel could talk to, and who tells you like she sees it. I think there is a little bit of a love triangle in the book with Brad, Varen, and Isobel. Which is fine most books have that. You can already tell whos side I'm on. :) I love me some silent types. I must admit I did get irritated with Reynolds. I'm not sure exactly who he was (maybe I have somewhat of an idea) but he would pop up at the weirdest times, and never fully answer Isobels question she asked. It was always him answering a question with another question, or something that was beyond Isobels understanding. Crazy guy! Yeah so that was my character analysis. :)

Not only did I love the characters, but the storyline itself kept me wanting more. At first it was just about the project, and I think Isobel trying to learn about Varen. Then after awile I think things escalated for her, and weird things start happening to her and around her. Her reality started to become more twisted. Her perception of things became distorted. Was she just dreaming, was it all in her mind, or is it in fact real? One minute she'd be in one place the next she'd be somewhere completely different. Did Varen have something to do with it. What was he hiding in his notebook? I think that's what kept me reading.

I think it wrapped up nicely as well. It's not one of those that leaves you on a complete cliffhanger. Maybe the epilogue at the end did a little. Hum. It would do well in my opinion as one book (although I'm completely looking forward to the second one that's apparently not coming til 2012. Such a long time.)

I've seen somewhere that the bookcover used to be a little different being that Varen had a lip ring. They shouldn't have messed with that. I think it would have made the cover sexier. :)

That is all I think I'm out of words to say for it. It was hard for me to write this. It took what a few days for me to get this out. Hopefully it was worth it, and I helped someone.


This is officially right up there with my VA series. You know if I say that then I must love it. :) I'm definitely going to have to buy me a copy of it since I got it from the library.

QUOTES:
-Aye, aye, O Captain, My Captain (Isobel)
Right era. Wrong poet. (Varen)

-What was this? Parent-daughter conference night? (Isobel)

-Why the snap-crackle-pop didn't you call me back? (Gwen)

-What the hell is that? (Varen)
Uh....Sloppy Joe. (Isobel)
Hmmm...May he rest in piece. (Varen)

-Yeah, well I tried to explain that my mind powers don't work on Tuesdays. (Varen)

-And now your dating a vampire? You know they bite right? (Danny)

-How can he be a vampire when he knows so much about slayers? (Danny)
Danny. (Isobel Mom)
Just saying (Danny)

-Isobel! (Sam-Dad)
Sam, stop yelling at her. (Mom)
If this were in Japanese, it could so be an anime. (Danny)

-We're doing the project on Poe. (Varen)
Hey wasn't that the guy who married his cousins or somethin? (Gwen) (I totally learned something because I had no idea that he actually did when I went to look stuff up about him)
Don't tell me he didn't cause I know he did. (Gwen)
And wasn't he the one who sliced off his ear, and mailed it to his girlfriend? (Gwen)
Van Gogh (Varen)
Van Gogh...Edgar Allan Poe. Close Enough. (Gwen)

-That's Slipper. (Vare)
Oh my gosh, he's gorgeous. (Isobel)
She. (Varen)
Don't let the elegance act fool you. She farts. (Varen) (Varen talking about his Siamese Cat)

-Could she really stop the play herself? Or would she get flattened into cheerleader pizza? (Isobel thinking)

-Honestly, you'd think I was sending you off as a virgin sacrifice. (Gwen)

-Ah, Var-obel. (Mr Swanson) (This just made me laugh because of all the putting names together they actually do in magazines)

-When there is no way, you must make a way (Reynolds)

-Whoops. Need a hand? (Pinfeathers)
Oh, wait, I already gave you one of those today, didn't I? (Pinfeathers)

-But, you have to understand, Isobel, there is always that fine line. Between doing what we want...and doing what we're told. (Pinfeathers) (Very insightful...and then...)
Open this door, and no matter what, you'll never close it. (Pinfeathers)
Kind of like you and your mouth. (Isobel) (You get this a smart ass remark..love it)


5 OF 5 STARS (my pictures aren't working)

Happy reading and blogging
Ashley

Book Review Party by Cym

In My Mailbox 15: Thank You Kristi Edition

Hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren



HPB:
Need by Carries Jones
Captivate by Carries Jones
The Hollow by Jessica Verday
The haunted by Jessica Verday

Wonderous Strange by Lesley Livingston
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble
Sea Change by Amee Friedman
Sucks to be me by Kimberly Pavley
The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogle Fredrick

Glass by Ellen Hopkins
Gaurdian of the dead by Karen Healey
Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Fearscape by Simon Holt

Won:
Audio books- Immortalis Series Katie Salidas
Bookmarks- Hybrids of 2050, Hunted of 2060

Movies:
True Blood Second 2
The O.C Season 3
Chicken Little
Iron Man

*Sidenote* I love doing the IMMs. I love being able to maybe put some different books on ya'lls TBR list just like when I watch everyone elses. If it weren't for some of these MeMe like this one that Kristi posts I wouldn't know about all these books. I wouldn't be able to say "Hey I've heard about that book from IMM post, and it's gotten great reviews when I check it out on GR (or maybe not so good reviews, but I like to read for myself to see.) I think I'll try it." So Kristi I appreciate the IMM you do weekly I'm always finding new books to add to my list because of what you do, and everyone who adds to this meme. Thank you!

Follow Friday (17) Blog Hop (16)

BOOK BLOG HOP
Tell us about one of your posts from this week and give us a link so we can read it (review or otherwise)!"
Hum I didn't do any kind of reviews, but here are two things.
My bookshelf tour 1: I had this suggestion from a friend on here, and I thought it was a cool idea so I did a little Vlog of my shelves. :)

Overview: Reviews and Upcoming Interview: This is pretty much what it says an overview of what I've been thinking, and what I plan on doing next week. Which means you should come back because it just might be worth it. :)

FOLLOW FRIDAY

What is your favorite romance hero-type? Stereotype wise. Do you like the strong silent type or the brute macho man?

I'm Definitely going to have to say the strong, silent type. :) This may be due to the fact that I just finished Nevermore, and loved Varen to pieces. I like the mysterious-ness of the guys. I'm sorry  but the whole macho what not is not my cup of tea. They seem more like the type to be abusive, and WAY overprotective like Ren from Nightshade. I know in the end it would probably be better to have a strong macho guy around if your in trouble, but what if they cause the trouble? I just started Never Cry Werewolf, and I'm liking Austin already. He seems like he fits the silent persona for now anyways. (I'm only like 70 pages into the book...mind you)

WHATS BEEN HAPPENING AT BOOKAHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Reviews:

None-(Sorry)

Reads:

Nevermore-Finished

The adoration of Jenna Fox-Finished

The Bleeders-Reading (computer)

Delirium- Reading (computer)

Never Cry Werewolf- Reading (Library)

EXTRAS:

Bookshelf Tour

An Overview of Interviews and Reviews

Cover Reveal: Bloodlines

Top 10 Tuesday

Here's what I'm thinking (rant)

In my mailbox 14

Snow Video of Texas

Overview? Interview and reviews

This is going to be a quick little overview of what I'm thinking because I'm actually tired, and want to cuddle up in my covers, watch some Dead like me, and sleep until I have to get up at 8am and work. :)

I got to do my FIRST interview today with Pam Langsam, Author of Vegas Dazzle, which was freaking awesome. At least I thought it was I hope she felt that it was good. Anyways, I have to figure it all out on how I want to write on here because I got to do it over the phone. Is that not cool?  I was nervous as hell, and my voice was shakey, and so were my hands. Lol. (Which was even funner. The phone interview part not the shakey hands. Is funner a word?)  So I had to make notes, and I have to decipher what I wrote. :) I can say with the interview I will be putting some other things with it dealing with the book of course. So you must read if you want to know my secret. (Which isn't really a secret because I posted it on another post. So if you read that then you know what I'm talking about.) I plan on getting this up in a few days or maybe next week because I have a few other posts. *cough* reviews *cough* I need to work on. Now with that being said.....

I'm working on my reviews for Nevermore and The Adoration of Jenna Fox. I promise I haven't forgotten, and I feel bad because I haven't posted any reviews in awhile. It's a book blog and I should do that in my opinion. I just can't seem to find the right words, or put them into the right form. Maybe, I'm just thinking to hard about it. I have no idea. You ever had that problem? Where you just can't seem to find those right words to express how you feel? I loved the books it's just putting the loving into words which gets me everytime. Nevertheless I will get it done. Which by the time that happens I'll probably have two or three other reviews to do, and I'm back in the same circle. This circle is a vicious little beast.

Okay seriously now I'm done. I need some sleep. Goodnight and good books. :)

Ashley

My book shelf tour: Num Uno

Alright here it is My Bookshelf Tour Number Uno.
Fyi- It gets darker at like my last two shelves sorry about that. :)

I could explain all my shelves here, but I kind of do that in the video so I won't bore you with that reading. There are some pictures though in order.

The first bookshelves (built in) I show you are in my hallway. There's 6 shelves, but the shelf on the bottom is still home to pictures until I get more books.

  

The second bookshelves (built in) were put (well built in I should say) over in the corner out of the way of everything.

Thank you for taking the time to watch the video. I always enjoy showing you parts of my life. :)

(On a side note: I know I haven't done any reviews lately, but I just finished Nevermore and The Adoration of Jenna Fox. So I'm working on those two. Then I'm almost done with Delirium and The Bleeders so those will be up soon as well. :) I Promise I haven't forgotten the reviews.)

Cover revealed: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

OMFG! You guys look it's the new cover reveal for Bloodlines by Richelle Mead. I don't know how many of you have already seen it, but I'm putting it up anyways because I LOVE the Vampire Academy series and this is it's spin-off. *screams* It's do out in August and you can bet I'll be right there when it comes out. I'm not sure you will actually have had to read the VA series to know what's going on in this book. I do know that it would make a little more sense with the characters probably, but none the less it's set in a different area then VA with characters that were more in the background in the VA series. So who are these secondary characters brought to the forefront? Sydney the Alchemist who is on the cover. (I'm not sure I pictured her like this. Still love the cover though and the models are not bad) and sadly they don't give us details on who the mystery guy is on it. Who do you think it is? I'm going with who everyone else seems to think which is Adrian. Although I didn't picture him that way either.  I think it will definitely be different having Sydney as a main character and not our beloved Rose/Lissa/Dimitri. Seriously though is this not a beautiful bookcover? I'm SO in heaven right now. :) 

To learn a little more about this series here's a bit of what was written on the site.

"Richelle Mead has graduated from Vampire Academy, her popular YA series that wrapped up in December with the release of its sixth and final book, and now she’s moving onto new territory. Well, somewhat new: Bloodlines will be a spin-off of VA, moving the previously tertiary character Sydney, a human alchemist, from the sidelines to the forefront. It will also be set in a sunny Californian high school instead of that rigid, preppy-bloodsucker academy, which I imagine will be like transferring from the Undead Poets Society to Bayside High. Check out the finalized cover for the first book of the series—that’s Sydney with the filigreed face, by the way—and watch a video after the jump of Mead talking about how it will differ from Vampire Academy. Bloodlines is set to hit shelves on August 23."

Want more go to Shelf life, and there is an author interview with Richelle Mead about the book. :)

Tell me what you think of this cover :) or the book itself. I always love VA type discussions.

Happy Reading and Blogging
Ashley

Top 10 Tuesday: Characters I'd name my children after

TOP 10 TUESDAY

Here's another Top 10 Tuesday list from yours truely. I told you I do these very sporadically depending on the topic and well I like this one. It's hosted by The broke and the bookish

This weeks list consist of....Characters I'd name my children after. In no pariticular order.....also know I'm a fan of the odd names in books. I love being able to read books that have very unique names, or ones you don't see often. :) with that being said some of these aren't though.

1. Rose from Vampire Academy Series- You guys should have seen that one coming as much as I love the series. She's a very strong character, and I think that's what appeals to me the most. She fights for what she believes in even though she may be out of line sometimes. She wouldn't be Rosemarie if any other way. :)

2. Delilah from Fixing Delilah- I've actually liked this name alot longer then most. I think I first started liking it after watching Homeward Bound: Lost in San Francisco. (I adore both the H.B movies. I actually named my Beagle I had after the golden Retriever Shadow.) The big white fluffy girl dog that chance falls in love with. :) Then again when the "Hey there Delilah" song came out.

3. Ever from The Immortal Series- I just think this is a unique name that I've actually never heard anywhere else.

4. Rowan, Poppy, Keller from the Nightworld series- I'm not sure why I picked these names, but like I said I like diferent names.

5. Zoey from the HoN series- I've always liked this name too.

6. Tamsin from Once a witch- Uniqueness

7. Evie from Paranormalcy- Maybe it's just the awesomeness of  Evie in the book. :)

8. Cabel from Wake- I like this name for a boy.

9. Varen from Nevermore- A unique guys name. ( I just finished reading this so these names are stuck in my mind) I even like his last name Nethers. Odd I know!

10. Isobel from Nevermore- I like how you're able to shorten it to Izzy or Iz.

IMM 14

Sorry the sound sucks I can never get these right. Then again I wasn't talking loud enough.
I also had my music playing again. :)


Half Price Books
Beautiful Dead: Jonas byEden Maguire
The year of secret assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty
Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

Swag Won
The Body Finder stickers and bookplate from I like these books

Library
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Never Cry Wolf by Heather Davis
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

E-reader
The Bleeders by Michaela Haze

Here's what I'm thinking (Giveaway, interviews, and other stuff)

I'm back! I know I haven't posted much this week with the exception of a few I do every week. Believe it or not I've been a good little worker regaurdless of our crazy-ass snow weather we've had, and have gone in to work. I made people from work come and get me. They want me there they come get me that's how that worked. (I was a little pissed, but I got paid so I guess it's ok.)
Sorry I had to post the picture. *Hangs head in shame* Yes, It's me standing out on the steps at 1 am in the morning while it's snowing. It was pretty I wanted to go run out and play in it, but I'm afraid I probably would have gotten the police called on me or something saying there's a crazy person running around outside our apartments. :)






On to the reason for my post. :)



I have been asked if I would like to help promote a book on here. (I guess you could say. Sorry still new to me!) My response being of course I would love to.  I actually have done a few posts on it. My WoW last week. Then in another one of my random post. The book is Vegas Dazzle by Pam Langsam. The first two chapters are on the Facebook Page. You should check them out and like the page. :) I've had the pleasure of being able to email back and forth with her, and with those emails comes some news. (FYI- She's very sweet)  Are you ready for this? Seriously are you ready? Okay, she's agreed to 1. Give me a few SIGNED copies of the book which doesn't come out until April to do a giveaway with it. YEA! (More about that later this week) 2. An interview! How awesome is that? I'm still in shock and also very excited. :) More on that later this week as well. Sorry I can't give away all the goodness together. :)

Outline: Envision your world being turned upside down in a place that changes your life forever. A place where anything is possible… Where you find a love for only your heart’s desire, your perfect other half, your soul’s mate. Together you are wisped away on an adventure of immaculate love, danger, and intrisity that alters your world forever.
Taylor has been forced to leave behind her life in England when her father takes a job as an executive pilot for one of the largest Hotels & Casinos in fabulous Las Vegas, leaving all that she knows behind. She must start over in a city full of lights that sits in the middle of the desert. There everything is beautiful, exhilarating and very lucrative.
People say Las Vegas is absolutely positively the most exciting place on earth! Being corrupt, getting away with murder and having tons of money seems to be a way of life, and oddly enough accepted.
At first Taylor is devastated leaving England, but she is pleasantly surprised when she finds that Las Vegas offers her new dreams that she never knew could exist or even possibly come true.
Meeting the mysterious, attractive Dario Mancini aka prince of the mob, forces her life to take a dangerous, exotic, thrilling turn. Their souls bound together gives them powers beyond the forces of nature altering them forevermore.
But keep in mind everything has its price…

So just in case you didn't click on the stuff above. I will gladly lay it out for you again because I'm cool like that.
Book Site- Vegas Dazzle Series (It's an adorable site with the graphics)
Author Site- Pam Langsam
Facebook Page- Vegas Dazzle (Go like it and read the first 2 chapters)
Goodreads- Vegas Dazzle (Yes, it's on GR so go..go mark to read)
Twitter- Vegas Dazzle

TA-DA! Now you have no excuse not to visit one or all. :)
-------------------------------------------------------------
My next order of business. (Got to sound all official and stuff)

On February 17th I will be hosting an interview here for The Bleeders by Michaela Haze. So stop by and read that if you have a chance. This is actually going to be the next book I read, and it shouldn't take me to long so I may have a review of it before then just depends. You know me I can be slow reading or fast. If I'm holed up in the apartment Tues and Wed because it's suppose to snow AGAIN starting tomorrow. Then I'll definitely have that read and probably a few reviews to do. I love the cover to this. I'm not sure why. I guess it being all black and white then the red lettering for bleeders kind of caught my attention. Then the girl crouched over. This could be interpreted in so many ways. Sorry not trying to analyze the cover here. Want to know more about this book.

Outline: Sophia Taylor knew that her life had gotten pretty surreal when she woke up on her sofa, bleeding from the head, with her boyfriend Henry smoking her cheap cigarettes (which he never hesitated to complain about before).Why was this surreal?1- Because she was only bleeding because he had effectively pushed her down the stairs.2- He, being Henry Blaire, her boyfriend, but also the man that she had paid ten thousand pounds to murder the two killers of her sister Alison.3- Henry was smoking all of her cigarettes because she was bleeding from the head.4- Which would have been so bad if Henry wasn't an incubus with an addiction to human blood and killing the scum of the earth to get it.There, Sophia's secret. And all she used to worry about was a double shift at the bar and when her cupboard at home was running low on vodka and peanuts.
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That is all I have for you tonight my darling readers. OH wait I've reached 150 followers. I'm so thrilled about that as well. You guys are awesome, and I couldn't do this without ya'll. Without ya'll (I'm from texas that is how I say it.) a blog is just words typed out, and is just a space on the web. The readers are who keep me going. I love to get comments. I love to be able to have a chance to chat with fellow book lovers, the authors, and everyone else in this awesome community. Thank you!

Ashley

Snow in Texas (video)

This actually has nothing to do with books what so ever, but I thought it was pretty granted it's just an apartment parking lot. I love when it actually snows....snows here in Texas not just the sleet/icey wintery mix stuff we've had the past 3 days. The actual thick flurries that fall and stick to the ground building a layer of snowy goodness on it. If it wasn't 12 in the morning I probably would have walked around longer and played in the snow more, but somebody might have mistaken me for some weirdo. :)

Ashley

Follow Friday (16) Blog Hop (15)

BLOG HOP
Hosted by Jen at Crazy 4 Books
What are you reading now and why are you reading it?"
I'm currently reading Nevermore by Kelly Creagh, The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson, and Delirium by Lauren Oliver. Nevermore I picked up at the library Saturday when I finally went to get myself a Library card. I've been dying to read this book, and was actually going to buy it on-line. (I probably still will) It is an awesome book. The 600 pages is well worth it. It has the suspense, and a little bit of romance. I'm sure I'll be finished in a day or two so look for my review. Delirium is one I've been reading on my computer so it's taking me a little longer. (My eyes start hurting after awhile) It started off slow, but these last 100 or so pages have picked up so I'm getting more interested. Then I've been reading TAofJF for a little while now I keep putting books in front of it. Don't get me wrong it's a good story I just keep switching back and forth. I have about 100 more pages to go on it. :)



FOLLOW FRIDAY
Hosted by Parajunkee
What is the book you are currently 'pushing'? (Pushing mean trying to get people to read it)First and foremost I will always tell someone if they haven't read the Vampire Academy Series then read it. Now that it's over you can read through and not wait an agonizing year or so for the next book. I'm telling you it is awesome, and forever will be my fave. :) That being said I honestly don't know of any other books. There's a few coming out that I have read excerpts to that sound really awesome that I would tell some people to check out, but other then that there's nothing. (Those would be Vegas Dazzle in April and then of course Wildefire in July)


WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT BOOKAHOLICS ANONYMOUS:

Reviews:
None this week. I promise come next week I'll have some. :)

Reading:
Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson

Extras:
My Weekend Rant
Waiting On Wed: Wildefire
IMM 13
Guest Blogger at Mystifying paranormal

Waiting on Wed: Wildefire

Sorry, I haven't been chatty the past day or two. I figured I would do another WoW this week. (I'm half way through two books so the reviews will come shortly) Which is hosted by Breaking the Spine. This week I chose Wildefire by Karsten Knight.

Ashline Wilde never received an instruction manual on how to be a 16-year-old Polynesian volcano goddess. If she had, it might have contained helpful warnings such as:

• Dreaming about your (thankfully) mortal boyfriend may cause your bed to spontaneously combust
• Oven mitts should be worn at all times during heavy make-out sessions

Instead, Ash has to learn these life lessons the hard way as her dormant powers erupt at the most awkward times. In the wake of a hometown tragedy, Ash transfers to Blackwood Academy, a boarding school nestled in California’s redwoods, where a group of fellow gods-on-earth have mysteriously convened. As if sophomore year couldn’t get any worse, her storm goddess older sister, the wild and unpredictable Eve, resurfaces to haunt Ashline. With a war between the gods looming over Blackwood, Ash must master the fire smoldering within her before she clashes with her sister one final time, which leads us to life-lesson #3:

• When warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

I chose this because it sounds awesome, and the excerpt I read on Simon and Schuster was awesome. It was funny, and I adored the MC Ash (and not just because we share the same nickname) she seems like the type who won't take shit from anyone. You have to admire that in a character. The give 'em hell attitude. :) The other characters seem just as good, her older sister, Eve (who seems like a complete mess of problems) will definitely make the story interesting. It did have a few laugh out loud parts. Honestly, I kind of wanted to hit Lizzie and Rich too. If that doesn't sell you then what about the whole god and goddesses thing it's always fun to see others interpretations. :)

It comes out July 26,2011.

Can't wait!

Ashley