Week in Review 12/30/12

What went on in my life:
Christmas, family, fun and then back to work. It was a great holiday spent with my family.  I have to admit to being slightly bah humbug going into the holiday but once it was here I was fully into it and enjoyed every minute. It was stressful, busy yet a lot of fun.  It was a wonderful Merry Christmas and for those of you who celebrate Christmas I hope yours was wonderful as well.  Above was my big surprise from my parents, my husband got a bike as well. We spent 4 days on Ocracoke this past summer and loved it and now have a chance to spend Easter week there this coming year. The best way to get around is by bike so my parents surprised us with bikes.  I see several day trips over there in our future as well.  If you don't know about Ocracoke, NC, I suggest you google it and learn about this tiny gem of an island.  It's a two-hour ferry ride from our house, but it's a blast once you get there.  Bumper stickers read "Slow down you're on island time" and once you stay you fully understand. I love it for the great food (there is an awesome taco stand), the interesting and friendly people, and the relaxing pace of life.  Easter can't get here soon enough for me.

How was your week?

What I read (links take you to my reviews or to Goodreads page):
Tempting the Billionaire by Jessica Lemmon (review) - This was a great read, wonderful romance with great characters using two people attracted to each other, one working for the other makes this very interesting. Review coming this week
 

What I received (links take you to Goodreads page):
The Lives We Lost by Megan Crewe - from the publisher, Disney Hyperion, release date 2/12/13, my review 2/15/13.
Mind Games by Kiersten White - from Amazon Vine, release date 2/19/13, review 2/19/13.
Risk by Jamie Freveletti - From the publisher, William Morrow through Edelweiss, published 12/4/12, review as soon as possible.

What I'm Reading Now:
Fall From Grace (Mad World #1) by Christine Zolendz (mine) - I left my Fire at home when I went to the gym and this was downloaded on my Kindle app on my phone so I started it and was hooked. It's great so far and I should finish it later tonight.

Imitation in Death by J.D. Robb (audiobook) - I'm 3/4 of the way through this and it's great, I think I'll listen to the next one as soon as I finish this one.




What are you reading?

Week In Review 12/23/12

What went on in my life:
My son turned 12 this week, that's him at our favorite local Mexican place after they sang to him!  This is why I don't really concentrate on Christmas until after the 19th, now I feel I can settle down and celebrate Christmas.  Oh my house has been decorated (all but the tree) but I just don't get in the spirit until after I know he has had a wonderful birthday.  So Wednesday was busy and it was a crazy week with one kid getting out of school on Tuesday and the other on Thursday and finishing up Christmas shopping for us and for my in-laws.  And last minute prep for breakfast at our house on Christmas morning, but it all seems to be falling into place. 

How was your week?

What I read (links take you to my reviews or to Goodreads page):
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson (library)- This did not disappoint, one of the better installments in the last few years. A page turner, read this on our rainy Sunday and it was really enjoyable.
All the Broken Pieces by Cindi Madsen (review) - This one is from Entangled Teen and I was excited to read it and was not disappointed in the least.
Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep (review) - I love the Mythos Academy and had this for review and interview with Jennifer this past Friday. I was excited to approach Jennifer about participating in her blog tour after reading her newsletter and she agreed :)  Make sure you check out the link and enter the giveaway when you check out my review!
 

What I received (links take you to Goodreads page):
Real Men Don't Break Hearts by Coleen Kwan - received from Entangled Publishing, released December 10, I'll be reviewing 1/16/13.
Dark Tide by Elizabeth Haynes - through Edelweiss, from Harper, release date 3/12/13, review date 3/8/13.
Kaylee's Ghost by Rochelle Shapiro- received from the author, already released, my review is planned for 2/11/13 unless I can get to it sooner because it sounds like a great book.
Wuthering Nights by Emily Bronte and I.J. Miller - received from Grand Central Publishing, through Netgalley, release date 1/29/13, review 1/25/13.
The Seventh Victim by Mary Burton - received from Joan Schulhafer Publishing and Media Consulting, releases 2/5/13, review and Q&A with Mary on 2/7/13.
Immortal Craving by Kendra Leigh Castle - received from Grand Central Publishing through Netgalley, release date 1/29/13, review  1/30/13.
Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace - received from Ballantine Books through Edelweiss. Pub date 4/30/13, review 4/26/13.
Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks - received from Ballantine Books through Edelweiss. Pub date 3/19/13, review 3/19/13.
Guilt: An Alex Delaware Novel by Jonathan Kellerman - received from Ballantine Books through Edelweiss. Pub date 2/12/13, review 2/13/13.
The Boleyn King by Laura Andersen - received from Ballantine Books through Edelweiss. Pub date 6/4/13, review 5/29/13.
Tempting the Billionaire by Jessica Lemmon - received from Forever Yours ebooks, Pub date 12/18/12, review as soon as I can, it's another one I can't wait to read.
Forbidden Sister by V.C. Andrews (Book One) - received from Gallery Books, out in Hardcover and Paperback on 2/26/13. Review 2/18/13.
Taken by Kelly Maine - received from Forever Books, through NetGalley, Pub 1/8/13, review as soon as I can.
No Take Backs (A Taken novella) by Kelly Maine - received from Forever Books, through NetGalley, Pub 1/29/13, review as soon as I can.
Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley -  received from Forever Books, through NetGalley, Pub 12/18/12, review as soon as I can.
Wild Man by Kristen Ashley -  received from Forever Books, through NetGalley, Pub 12/18/12, review as soon as I can.
The Forgotten Queen by D.L.Bogdon - received from Kensington through NetGalley, Pub 1/29/12, review as part of Historical Fiction Blog Tours on 1/23/13 and interview with the author on 1/24/13.
Riptide by Lindsey Scheibe - received from Flux Books through NetGalley, Pub 5/8/13, review 5/8/13.
Sweet 16 to Life by Kimberly Reid - received from K-Teen/Dafina (Kensington) through NetGalley, Pub 1/29/13, review 2/1/13.
A Passion for Life by Sylvia Day - received from Kensington through NetGalley, Pub 1/29/13, review as soon as possible.
From Ashes by Molly McAdams - received from William Morrow, it's out in ebook now, out in paperback 4/16/13, my review will be soon because as soon as I read this description I knew I wanted to read it.  Yes for some reason I'm into the love triangle thing right now.  It's all Thoughtless' fault!
Afterwife by Polly Williams - received from Berkley Trade, release 12/31/12, review as soon as I can.
Tidal by Emily Snow - bought with my first bit of Christmas money (I can pretty much promise a lot of my Christmas money will go to Amazon gift cards, hey ebooks don't take up space!)  I'm really into the New Adult craze right now :)
Serpent's Kiss by Melissa de la Cruz - I enjoyed the first book in this series (The Beauchamp Family) and looked today and this was down to $1.99 for Kindle so I grabbed it!
Unravel Me by Kendall Ryan - another title on my Kindle wishlist that was down in price a little bit so I had to grab it.  Hey it called to me! 
After: The Shock by Scott Nicholson - I really like Scott as a person and author.  No I've never met him, but he's a NC person and that makes me like him and we've emailed.  Again this one was $0.99 for a limited time and it's post-apocalyptic, what's not to like?

What I'm Reading Now:

Serpent's Kiss by Melissa de la Cruz (mine, ebook)- I enjoyed the first book in this series and bought it this week so I decided to start it.
Black City by Elizabeth Richards (library) - I've been wanting to read this so I was excited when my library got it in.
Imitation in Death by J.D. Robb (audiobook) - I realized I haven't read one of her books in awhile and it was time to read one.  I love these on audio.


Some Books that Piqued My Interest this Week (links take you to Goodreads page):
Thought I Knew You by Kate Moretti - saw the review for this one on Rainy Day Ramblings and it sounds really good, it's now on my wishlist.
Tempestuous by Kim Askew and Amy Helmes - I read an interview with author Amy Helmes at The Cheap Reader and it intrigued me about this book and it's been added to my wishlist. Good thing I know my FIL is giving me money for Christmas, I think it will all go to an Amazon Gift card for books for my Fire!

What are you reading?

Week in Review 12/16/12

What went on in my life:
We were in our local parade last Sunday (it's our friend's daughter's truck not ours), then it was pretty much a normal week. I had flare-up issues again so it was a good reading week. I made progress on gift-buying for the boys who have been next-to-impossible to buy for this year. I have a little more buying to do, but I am mostly done. Now all that is left is to finish cleaning the house in preparation for Christmas celebration of my husband's family at our house on Christmas morning.  But first I hope the repairman can fix our oven before then so I can make the super-easy overnight french toast I always make.  So please send good vibes for the repairman tomorrow.  I thought that free Jenn Air stove was a blessing last year, but now I'm not thinking it is so much ;)

How was your week?

What I read (links take you to my reviews or to Goodreads page):
Heaven's Fury by Stephen Frey (library) -I haven't read Stephen Frey in awhile and decided to pick this one up. It was pretty good. Hope to review it in the next week or so.
A Million Suns by Beth Revis, Across the Universe #2 (library) -Oh my gosh, this was so great and I was so relieved to see the third book comes out next month. I don't think I could have waited much longer.  Review to come, but there was no second book lag in this one!
Baby It's Cold Outside by Heidi Rice, Amy Andrews, Kate Hardy and Aimee Carson (review) - what a great Christmas/New Year's romance anthology. I loved this, check out my review and giveaway.
All-Together Dead by Charlaine Harris, Sookie Stackhouse #7 (audiobook) - Pretty good, I love the audios of these and all entertain, not one of the best, but a so-so Sookie book is still a worthwhile read!
Political Suicide by Michael Palmer (review) - I received this for review and have read Michael Palmer in the past, and let me tell you this did not disappoint.  I loved this book. Good characters and great plot twists. Review on Monday or Tuesday.

What I received (links take you to Goodreads page):
S.E.C.R.E.T. by L. Marie Adeline - through Edelweiss from Broadway (a division of Random House), publishes February 5, 2013, review 2/5/13.
The Impossibility of Tomorrow by Avery Williams - through Edelweiss from Simon and Schuster  Books for Young Readers, on sale 6/4/13, review 6/4/13
A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy - through Edelweiss from Knopf, this is an author I have been meaning to read for a long time so I am excited to get this for review, on sale 2/12/13, review 2/8/13
The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay - through Edelweiss from Atria Books, I read a review of this one and it sounds really good, on sale 6/4/13, my review 5/31/13.
A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash - ARC from William Morrow , on sale 1/22/13, review 1/18/13
Reckless by S.C. Stephens - SQUEEE!!! - ARC from Gallery Books (Simon and Schuster) and I was so excited to get this one, now I can read Effortless!  Releases 3/5/13, review 3/1/13

Vicious Circle, Hallowed Circle, Fatal Circle, Arcane Circle, and Wicked Circle by Linda Robertson - from Pocket Books. I'm very excited to receive the whole series in preparation for release of the sixth book, Shattered Circle (which I should receive soon) on 1/29/13.  Look for my reviews of each of these books between now and the end of January.

What I'm Reading Now:
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson (library)- I love Alex Cross and continue to read the books every year.
All the Broken Pieces by Cindi Madsen (review) - This one is from Entangled Teen and I'm excited to read it, my review will be coming this week.
Imitation in Death by J.D. Robb (audiobook) - I realized I haven't read one of her books in awhile and it was time to read one.  I love these on audio.



What are you reading?

Week in Review - 12/9/12

What went on in my life:
I went back to work, my oldest went back to school, life resumes.  My youngest got his first report card of the year and it made me realize that no matter how different my two boys are, boys will be boys or second graders will be second graders.  I think if I pulled out my oldest's second grade report card it would read identical to my youngest's and I always thought my youngest was the more rambunctious one (and he is) but truthfully both liked to talk and got in trouble for it at that age and neither one could keep still, LOL.  And both love to read and it shows.  I love that.  The big difference, the youngest is really showing leadership ability, the teacher just wishes he could channel it better ;)  We'll work on that one.  It's been an excellent reading week with great books. And Saturday I decorated the house for Christmas, I'm finally feeling the spirit :)

How was your week?

What I read (links take you to my reviews or to Goodreads page):
Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens (review) - finished on Sunday after starting on Saturday night, I pretty much read 400+ pages straight-through on Sunday!
Reached by Ally Condie (library) - Great conclusion, I loved seeing this from all three points of view.
The Last Victim by Karen Robards (library) - Great suspense, loved the NC setting and the suspense/paranormal angle. Look forward to more books in this series.
Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake (library) - I loved Anna Dressed in Blood so I have been anxious to read this one. It was a great read and satisfied my Cas, Thomas and Carmel fix.

What I received (links take you to Goodreads page):
Losing It by Cora Carmack - received through Edelweiss, invitation by email from William Morrow, this was on my wishlist so I'm excited to add it to my review queue. Releases in paperback May 28, 2013.

Taking Chances by Molly McAdams - received through Edelweiss, invitation from William Morrow, another one on my wishlist. Releases in paperback April 16, 2013.
Ten Days by Janet Gilsdorf - received from Kelley and Hall book publicity and promotion, released in September 2012, I plan on reviewing in January.


What I'm Reading Now:
Heaven's Fury by Stephen Frey (library) - I have read a bunch of Stephen Frey's books in the past but it's been a few years, so I thought it was time to revisit him.
All-Together Dead by Charlaine Harris, Sookie Stackhouse #7 (audiobook) - I'm enjoying this, about 2/3 of the way through this now.



What are you reading?

Week in Review - 12/2/12

What went on in my life:
This week's picture features my cat keeping my oldest son company while he rests and plays video games while staying home.  Sickness!  My oldest and I have been hit with a sore throat and sinus infection. Mine started Monday morning, his Monday afternoon. He missed Tuesday-Thursday of school and I missed a week of work due to it coinciding with a flare-up of my other symptoms as well.  We did see the doctor together on Thursday, he was able to go to school on Friday due to an antibiotic shot and a negative strep test but we've kept it low-key this weekend.  So that meant lots of rest and reading for me.

How was your week?

What I read (links take you to my reviews or to Goodreads page):
Crossed by Ally Condie (on my Kindle Fire) - It was good, not as gripping to me as Matched, but it was completely different. I liked it though and it's why I was very excited to get Reached from the library on Thursday for reading this week!
Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent (my audio book) - Good urban fantasy/paranormal romance. Enjoyed the setup and world building and can't wait to read the second in the series.  The narrator was great too in this one because she changed her voice enough that I was never confused about who was speaking, I purchased this through Audible.
Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead (library) - Great third installment in this series.  Can I just say if you are like me you won't even know you are speeding through these pages.  I realize I wasn't working or doing much of anything, but this book just flew by.  I have immediately requested the next book in the series from the library as well.
The Emperor's Conspiracy by Michelle Diener (review) - review coming tomorrow, but this was another fast read and I'm always concerned going into historicals if I will get bogged down.  Not this one for sure.

What I received (links take you to Goodreads page):
Fallen Crest High by Ti Jan - I was looking through my suggestions on the Pure and Sinful by Killian McRae page on Amazon which I bought last week, and this looked like it would hit the spot, I loved Beautiful Disaster, yet this sounds different enough and interesting enough that I had to get it.  Besides it's just $0.99 with 30 5-star reviews and while I don't base my purchases solely on that, it did help swing my decision. I'm going to try and read this one during this week.
Headed for Trouble by Suzanne Brockman - received through Edelweiss and I can't wait to read, releases April 30, 2013, I plan on reviewing April 29.
Hunk for the Holidays by Katie Lane - received as a Happy Holidays package from Forever Romance and Forever Yours along with Last Chance Christmas. It released September 25, but will be a great read for this time of year.  Stay tuned for giveaway of this book and the next three.
Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsey - as mentioned received as part of the Happy Holidays package, can't wait to dive in and let you know what I think.  Released September 25.  
Under the Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis - This was mentioned in the materials I received in the package and I will take all the Jill Shalvis I can get so I promptly went to NetGalley and requested.  Can't wait to read this novella which will release on December 3.
A Highlander for Christmas by Paula Quinn - another author I had to read, and who doesn't need a Highlander for Christmas?  Sounds like a good novella for a early December night and it will go great with the hot cocoa Forever sent in the package.  This e-novella released October 2.
Betrayed by Shadows by Nancy Gideon - through Edelweiss and an invitation from the publicist at Simon and Schuster, sounds like a great one.  On Sale December 17, 2012, my review around then.
Chance of a Lifetime by Jodi Thomas - from Berkley for a blog tour, my date is January 2, 2013. I love Jodi's Harmony, Texas series so I cannot wait to read this one! Release date is 12/31/12.
Running a Marathon for Dummies by Jason R. Karp, PhD - received through the Amazon Vine program. Why do I receive a book like this when I'm down and out with a horrible sinus infection?  But next week I'll start reading it, I have a goal to run a half-marathon by the time I'm 40 so I have a little over a year left so I need to get busy.


What I'm Reading Now:
Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens (review) - excellent so far, I am having a hard time putting it down.  The emotions have really drawn me in. 
All-Together Dead by Charlaine Harris, Sookie Stackhouse #7 (audiobook) - not too far into this yet but I love these on audio, love the voice.
Reached by Ally Condie (library) - Just starting, can't wait to see how this trilogy turns out.



What are you reading?

Week in Review - 11/25/12

What went on in my life:
School for the kids, Court of Honor with Boy Scouts for my oldest son, he advanced in rank and also received Scout of the Month for September (they do Court of Honor for each quarter).  I was a very proud Mom.  And this comes on the tail of last week's school awards.  He's just making me proud all around.  The little one (who is 7 and not so little) had a short and uneventful week thankfully so that was good.  I had another week of not feeling so hot.  I didn't work Monday, did on Tuesday and Wednesday, but really was just waiting for 3:00 when I could leave and go home and veg out.  Thursday was Thanksgiving and time spent with family which was great.  Friday found me home, and not fighting shopping crowds.  I read most of the day, and the only time I left the house was to take Logan, my oldest out to The Bridge which is our local teen hangout on weekends which is about 15 minutes from my house and to pick him up. Saturday was spent doing laundry, some cleanup around the house and reading, another night at The Bridge for my son and some TV for the husband and me. Then more reading.  I spent the day reading Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep, what a great book, and I needed my Mythos Academy fix!  I also hooked up my Tumblr account and started some small posts there, it will mainly be pictures and small updates, leaving the reviews and big updates for the blog.

How was your week?

What I read (links take you to my reviews or to Goodreads page):
Invisible Boy by Cornelia Reed - I read The Crazy School which is Madeline Dare #2 and loved it so I checked this one out from the library.  It was good, a little here and there, but then again her writing can be.  I really enjoyed the story though and enjoy the characters. More on this later this week.

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer - this was really cute and a fast read. I loved the changing points of view and the way the actual story from the storybook was woven in.  A delightful read for the day after Thanksgiving for me, I hope to review it this week.

Last Frost by Jennifer Estep - I won this back when it was released but never could get to read it though I adore this series. Then I volunteered to be a part of Jennifer's blog tour for Crimson Frost which is out in December so I have to get this read so I can read Crimson Frost (such a hardship I know).  It is great so far, love getting back to Gwen, Logan, Daphne and Carson and others at Mythos Academy.

What I received (links take you to Goodreads page):
Vanished by Irene Hannon, e-ARC from Revell for blog tour January 6-12, 2013, I love Irene Hannon and can't wait to read this one
Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian - from NetGalley, review February 22, releases February 26, 2013)
The Young and the Ruthless by Victoria Rowell - from Netgalley, review March 5, 2013 (it's release date).  I was a huge fan of The Young and the Restless for many years until I gave up soaps for lent back in 2000 I think. I still kind of miss them so this is my way of revisiting the past :)
Absent by Katie Williams - from Edelweiss, review & release April 1, 2013
Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza - from Edelweiss, review & release April 12, 2013
Catch a Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt - from Netgalley, review April 30, 2013, release May 7, 2013 from Howard Books
The Long Way Home by Mariah Stewart - from Netgalley, review January 31, 2013, release January 29, 2013
The Siren by Tiffany Reisz - I bought this from Amazon for my Kindle Fire, it and The Angel (which I have) are on special for $2.99 until December 3rd, so run get your copy.  The Prince was just recently released.
Pure and Sinful by Killian McRae - I bought this one on special Black Friday (no going out to shop!) through Amazon, thank you Killian for sending this through your newsletter!  I have been wanting to read it but forgot to add it to my wish list.  I've read some of her historicals and want to try this.  It's still $0.99 today (11/25) so grab a copy if you haven't


What I'm Reading Now:

Crossed by Ally Condie (on my Kindle Fire) - Not much progress this week, it just hasn't called to me like the other books I've read.
Zoo by James Patterson (my library book) - it's okay so far, we'll see . . . 
Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent (my audio book) - I'm at 3/4 done now, hope to finish this week.

What are you reading?

Week in Review

In an effort to recommit to my book blog I thought I would do a week-in-review type post.  I know I enjoy reading what others have done with their weeks, but I'm just that type.  So I thought you might like to see what I read, what I received and what I did :)  And I love comments so feel free to tell me something you read, something crazy that happened or anything in general that is going on in your life.  Hey if you have a prayer request, I will even add those to my prayer list!

What went on in my life:
Work, work, work, then I had a flare-up.  Flare-ups really frustrate me now that I'm gluten-free and feel well for the most part.  So when I feel bad, it really gets to me.  This flare up caused me to miss work on Friday, I felt better yesterday (a little) and then woke up feeling horrible again this morning.  Our weather is probably the cause, it's blowing a gale, raining and just can't seem to make up it's mind whether it wants to be 60 or 45 here and my body doesn't do well with that.  But I've been able to read so that is good.
My oldest got his first academic award this week! The school he went to before didn't even do honor roll or principal's list so this was great, they had an award's ceremony that my Mom went to for me and Logan received an award for Honor Roll (2 points away in one class from Principal's List) and an Accelerated Reader award (wonder where he gets that from).  Yay for him!  Jacob also tells me he is way ahead of his class in his individual reading.  I'm proud of both of my boys!

What I read (since last Saturday, links take you to my reviews or to Goodreads page):
Double Time by Olivia Cunning (Sinners on Tour #5), Whew, that is one hot book!
The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson, such a sweet Christmas story
Love, Anthony by Lisa Genova, I finished this up on audio and I can't even begin to gush enough about this one, my review will come this week.
Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro - looks to be a good start to another series by James Patterson, review to come
Across the Universe by Beth Revis, major gushing to come!
The Racketeer by John Grisham - wow, the master is definitely back in this one, review to come

It was an excellent reading week, lots of reading time and lots of great books to read. I honestly wasn't sure I would like Across the Universe, but it hooked me, I can't wait to read the next one, hope it comes in from the library on Tuesday!  And The Christmas Pony was so delightful.  The Racketeer kept me reading all day on Saturday, a definite could not put down.

What I received (links take you to Goodreads page):
The Emperor's Conspiracy by Michelle Diener - tour date December 3
Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep - tour date December 21
Political Suicide by Michael Palmer - review date December 12
Haven of Obedience by Maria Anderson - review in December
Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens - review December 5
Effortless by S.C. Stephens - review December 7
Hysteria by Megan Miranda - review January 29, 2013
Release Me by J. Kenner - review January 1, 2013
Also Known As by Robin Benway - review February 26, 2013 (my birthday!!!)

What I'm Reading Now:
Invisible Boy by Cornelia Reed - I read The Crazy School which is Madeline Dare #2 and loved it so I checked this one out from the library. So far it's great.
Crossed by Ally Condie (on my Kindle Fire) - I loved Matched and I bought this when it came out.  And now I have Reached coming from the library so I figured it's time to read it!
Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent (my audio book) - I love her YA series, and now I love this series as well, can't wait to see what happens next.  Love Liv and Cam!

What are you reading?