tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65729895159979368782024-03-14T07:52:15.906-04:00Reading And CoffeeA combination that won't steer you wrong.Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.comBlogger332125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-41502010027472197942014-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-20T06:00:02.989-05:00DNF: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZwJ-D3DJA1ijQow_olXnGh9V7FN4x_kSGyLULKmMqqtyoqlBhtVFWMe8-cCuurxFENE8Ywcn4lTEN0NC05iLWDp5tYqR2g6UCKumcqr9lPetwNvMikygp3HPj3EPzcaug3vgbQvNveE/s1600/The+Raven+Boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZwJ-D3DJA1ijQow_olXnGh9V7FN4x_kSGyLULKmMqqtyoqlBhtVFWMe8-cCuurxFENE8Ywcn4lTEN0NC05iLWDp5tYqR2g6UCKumcqr9lPetwNvMikygp3HPj3EPzcaug3vgbQvNveE/s1600/The+Raven+Boys.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Published September 18th, 2012</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Scholastic</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>416 pages (Paperback)</b></span></div>
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”</em><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore. (From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17675462-the-raven-boys" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stopped reading at page 290 of 408.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried really hard with this one, but just couldn't get into the story. I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters. It's not that there was anything wrong with them, but rather that they just didn't fit my tastes. I felt confused, and not in the good, can't-set-it-down way. I had no clue what was happening, and, again, felt no connection to the story. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That being said, I do understand why so many people love this book. The writing is solid and I can see where the story would appeal to many people. There is a maturity to the book that stands out. There is also that complexity that I talked about above. There was a brief period about midway through the book that I really enjoyed, and a plot twist that I thought was awesome. Ultimately though, it just wasn't for me.</span></div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-15800672843284555742014-01-16T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-16T06:00:00.479-05:00Review: Crash Into You by Katie McGarry<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5261p5Zjo3zNMJfWA_Ep3LnkeBdMsCr1Ee8u-YDBfF7jzBXQ8KJA6Vp7uNaRE7YAIW1xCqVgyLzEa4oVwbyWUkvoalH5kkCdJwo7AHieBh_BSYcUOi_7AB-iER3DrSOO_VeBpWY8WNo/s1600/Crash+Into+You.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5261p5Zjo3zNMJfWA_Ep3LnkeBdMsCr1Ee8u-YDBfF7jzBXQ8KJA6Vp7uNaRE7YAIW1xCqVgyLzEa4oVwbyWUkvoalH5kkCdJwo7AHieBh_BSYcUOi_7AB-iER3DrSOO_VeBpWY8WNo/s1600/Crash+Into+You.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Published November 26th, 2013</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HarlequinTeen</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>474 pages (Hardcover)</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other. (From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17233800-crash-into-you" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Geez, why do you do this to me Katie McGarry?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like the cars. Cars are sexy. I know shit all about cars, but I like to drive fast and have spent a lot of time at the race track. That's my way of saying that I liked how the book revolved around cars. The addition of illegal activity and crime made the book. I was reading the books and felt the adrenaline. And then wanted to go see how fast I could make my '05 Pontiac Sunfire go down a back road (note that I didn't actually do this, but seriously considered it). To go along with the cars, the writing was just hot, like always. Be ready to fan yourself a wee bit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I heard this book would be about Isaiah, I was really excited. I've wanted his story since <i>Pushing The Limits</i>, and I'm glad he didn't end up with Beth. He is a far more complex character than past books suggested. His interaction with Beth was well done. His relationship with Rachel was a little bit too insta-love for my tastes, but the progression through the book was well done. Rachel was a nice addition to the series. Her internal struggle was great to follow. My one issue was her family, which seemed unrealistically crazy. The fact that no one noticed her health issues also threw me off. I did really like her character, but not as much as I like Abby. She needs her own book ASAP!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved <i>Crash Into You</i>. It is a great addition to anyone's shelf, and I can't wait for the next book. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-87315214380042197782014-01-15T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-15T06:00:10.399-05:00"Waiting On" (Don't You) Forget About Me<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.ca/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Jill at Breaking The Spine</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.563634872436523px;">Welcome to Gardnerville.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.563634872436523px;">A place where no one gets sick. And no one ever dies.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.563634872436523px;">Except...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.563634872436523px;">There’s a price to pay for paradise. Every fourth year, the strange power that fuels the town exacts its payment by infecting teens with deadly urges. In a normal year in Gardnerville, teens might stop talking to their best friends. In a fourth year, they’d kill them.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.563634872436523px;">Four years ago, Skylar’s sister, Piper, was locked away after leading sixteen of her classmates to a watery grave. Since then, Skylar has lived in a numb haze, struggling to forget her past and dull the pain of losing her sister. But the secrets and memories Piper left behind keep taunting Skylar—whispering that the only way to get her sister back is to stop Gardnerville’s murderous cycle once and for all. (From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18599667-don-t-you-forget-about-me" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 17.563634872436523px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is 100% because the cover is stunning. This must be on my shelf. This book sounds mysterious and awesome and I cannot wait to give it a read. <i>(Don't You) Forget About Me</i> hits bookstores on <b>June 10th, 2014</b>.</span></span><br />
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</span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-58107175686476213822014-01-14T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-14T06:00:04.786-05:00Reading Shouldn't Be A Chore<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is something that has been bothering me for a while, and I think a lot of book bloggers and reviewers can likely relate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was looking back on the books that I read in 2013. <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/07/coffee-talk-slumps.html" target="_blank">2013 was one giant book rut for me</a>. With a couple of exceptions (such as my binge on <i><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-star-cursed-by-jessica-spotswood.html" target="_blank">Star Cursed</a></i> and<i> <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-dark-triumph-by-robin-lafevers.html" target="_blank">Dark Triumph</a></i> in June), I just didn't enjoy a lot of the books I read. I think this is why I was in such a rut. You can only read so many books you don't enjoy before reading becomes a tedious chore.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want 2014 to be a better, more enjoyable year for reading. I don't request many ARCs, so it really don't have an obligation to read anything in particular. I want to go back to the days where I read books because I was legitimately interested in the story, not because I feel like I *<i>need</i>* to review it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To go along with this, I often feel like I have an obligation to finish books. I have a hard time justifying my ability to put a book down. I'm not the fastest reader, and I need to review it. This is the mentality I have gotten myself into. It sucks. Maybe if I read faster, it wouldn't be such a deal. I cannot read 150+ books per year like some people. In 2014, I want to escape this way of thinking. I would rather write a DNF post about why a book just wasn't for me than a negative review about why I really disliked a book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Negative reviews are a thing that just have to exist. There is no avoiding them. No one wants to write them, but I feel like we have an obligation to be honest in our reviews. I wrote way more negative reviews last year than I wanted to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This extends into the fact that I have been overthinking about what I read. I've felt like I've had to write deep, thought-provoking reviews. Yes, that's great and all, but that isn't me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, for 2014, I am going to stop overthinking and be okay with the DNF. I want to enjoy reading again, not feel like it's an obligation. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Have any of you guys felt like reading had become a chore? How did you deal with this?</b></span><br />
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<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-35147649390044560292014-01-13T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-13T06:00:11.289-05:00Review: Prodigy by Marie Lu<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EMZnIOnaUWo8aDUKFOuu3yffSZTwkUIwadCJv5twg1SyOijuELda26FtzgcEQPFQIPvU5SYfu4jPNoIilw8OiNQPHwopXz-O6kwICsPmyIpBaw0N0qvHhyphenhyphenjbY0wgu4Hbp6Gzu07aoNc/s1600/Prodigy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EMZnIOnaUWo8aDUKFOuu3yffSZTwkUIwadCJv5twg1SyOijuELda26FtzgcEQPFQIPvU5SYfu4jPNoIilw8OiNQPHwopXz-O6kwICsPmyIpBaw0N0qvHhyphenhyphenjbY0wgu4Hbp6Gzu07aoNc/s1600/Prodigy.jpg" width="206" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Published January 29th, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Putnam Juvenile</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>371 pages (Hardcover)</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic's most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots - a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games? (From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13414446-prodigy" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prodigy didn't do it for me. I get the love for it, but it just didn't quite work for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My biggest concern with<i> <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/12/review-legend-by-marie-lu.html" target="_blank">Legend</a> </i>was the characters. I can't say <i>Prodigy </i>really solved those concerns for me. I still didn't buy in to either Day or June. I still felt like the characters were older than the writing suggested they were. It's a difficult thing to explain, but neither character felt *real*. I didn't feel a connection with either. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The romance did improve slightly. I'm still not digging the insta-love, but there is at least some tension now. The tension comes in the form of a love triangle (Rectangle? Quadrangle?), which isn't fantastic but at least it added some tension. Seriously, these two are just a pair of horny teenagers and their insta-love makes no sense to me. Hookup? I get it. Undying love? I need some serious convincing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The world-building was all over the place. You thought you knew what was happening, then you didn't and then we're on another track. It worked though. The society here is complex and each country and group has a different perspective on the situation. I found it a little confusing, but it definitely worked. Similarly with the plot, it was back and forth. One minute the Elector is to be hated, then loved, and back and forth until I just gave up trying to figure out where the story was going.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I was *<span style="font-style: italic;">sooo*</span> bored for a good half of the book. Nothing was happening and I just wanted some action or something. I am shocked that I actually finished the book. I was a good two/thirds through the book before I got interested whatsoever, and you know what got me interested? ACTION and RELATIONSHIP TENSION. Serious. If it weren't for the "oh-no-he-didn't" moment at the very end, I'd likely give up on the series here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Prodigy </i>didn't work for me. There was a brief chunk that I did really enjoy, and it was mostly because shit was hitting the fan. Fans of <i><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/12/review-legend-by-marie-lu.html" target="_blank">Legend</a> </i>will likely enjoy the sequel. As for me, I am going to give <i>Champion </i>a shot, if only for the events of the last couple of chapters in <i>Prodigy</i>.</span><br />
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<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-43557103925778746572014-01-09T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-09T06:00:07.295-05:00Review: Alice In Zombieland by Gena Showalter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGbELmaSElyybyKNk2Xrc-ygQVSCgjg4PXPrUG_lYfOClLHUlayrw3qYpmkiT6y3B76E7jIBtFizaerAi9sEpePcX2Fef-BGrFzfeKwGe7W9DAfaI2ffo4lfdXtzk7icg-8FX1a5oL0I/s1600/Alice+in+Zombieland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGbELmaSElyybyKNk2Xrc-ygQVSCgjg4PXPrUG_lYfOClLHUlayrw3qYpmkiT6y3B76E7jIBtFizaerAi9sEpePcX2Fef-BGrFzfeKwGe7W9DAfaI2ffo4lfdXtzk7icg-8FX1a5oL0I/s1600/Alice+in+Zombieland.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Published September 25th, 2012</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Harlequin Teen</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">404 pages (Hardcover)</span></b><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.</strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Her father was right. The monsters are real….</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….</span><br />
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.<br />
I'd tell my sister no.<br />
I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.<br />
I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.<br />
Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mom and my dad one last time.<br />
I'd tell them I love them.<br />
I wish... Yeah, I wish. </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">(From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11300302-alice-in-zombieland" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book has been sitting on my shelf for so long. Let's just say I am glad that I finally gave it a shot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Alice in Zombieland </i>was NOT what I expected. I was expecting it to be more of a <i>Alice In Wonderland</i> retelling, but besides the references to the original story, it is an entity of it's own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The world-building was great. There is this complexity to the world that felt very straight-forward. We've got these zombies that only certain people have the ability to see. After her parents death, Ali gains the ability to see these zombies and eventually joins a crew of zombie fighters. There are complexities in how the zombies are seen and killed, as well as the visions, that left me semi-confused, but the world just worked for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book is engaging from the very first page. The first chapter/prologue thing drew me in and I never turned back. I also liked the balance here of action, development, and sexytime. The action wasn't spectacular, but I truly enjoyed it. The development of the plot and characters throughout the book worked really well. As for the sexytime, you can tell this isn't the first rodeo for Gena Showalter. I felt interested and engaged throughout the novel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was a fan of these characters. The only issue I really had was with Emma, and it was that the dialogue didn't fit with an eight-year old. Clearly, that is a very minor issue. I'm really excited to see Ali develop through future books. She has the potential to be a kickass heroine and I'm excited to see her character grow and reach her potential. Even more though, I loved Kat. Snark. Snark snark snark snark SNARK. I just love the humor and level of sincere friendship her character brings. Finally, let's just take a moment to acknowledge the pure hotness that is Cole. Like I said, this isn't Gena Showalter's first rodeo. Cole is a hot douchebag at times, but then he does something and I just could not hate him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really enjoyed <i>Alice In Zombieland</i>, despite it not being what I expected whatsoever. I love the characters and the plot and cannot wait to see what happens next!</span><br />
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-47580574015015142732014-01-08T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-08T06:00:04.221-05:00"Waiting On" Ruins<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.ca/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Jill at Breaking The Spine</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCrO_irClNz0K6xDyp7B9QGeB4HPHc4cj6wk9nj0RhHznfkh9BJyn182lRX_l44XHWtbW4TRxqPE10j8F3Ap6g0J6waXUd2lkZExYKUBoJ2EMGtbmSTltNwuwMK97seM91Ho8t-RAWR0/s1600/WOW.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCrO_irClNz0K6xDyp7B9QGeB4HPHc4cj6wk9nj0RhHznfkh9BJyn182lRX_l44XHWtbW4TRxqPE10j8F3Ap6g0J6waXUd2lkZExYKUBoJ2EMGtbmSTltNwuwMK97seM91Ho8t-RAWR0/s1600/WOW.png" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aA6qPIoufNU9yQ6hd3kscwExh9ip2xb3h9cs_zLlbzawquzBHaa_JiPYqcNkrThI7_YXC7QCJ4HcKQ9XP_UZYdMxHQO4yn9LrO3KGcB_VneQjyziZ0xz3DSt932vvDabPGvSKf3VR1w/s1600/Ruins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aA6qPIoufNU9yQ6hd3kscwExh9ip2xb3h9cs_zLlbzawquzBHaa_JiPYqcNkrThI7_YXC7QCJ4HcKQ9XP_UZYdMxHQO4yn9LrO3KGcB_VneQjyziZ0xz3DSt932vvDabPGvSKf3VR1w/s1600/Ruins.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Kira, Samm, and Marcus fight to prevent a final war between Partials and humans in the gripping final installment in the Partials Sequence, a series that combines the thrilling action of The Hunger Games with the provocative themes of Blade Runner and The Stand.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">There is no avoiding it—the war to decide the fate of both humans and Partials is at hand. Both sides hold in their possession a weapon that could destroy the other, and Kira Walker has precious little time to prevent that from happening. She has one chance to save both species and the world with them, but it will only come at great personal cost. (From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17607716-ruins" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Oh my god, am I ever pumped for this conclusion. I loved both <i><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/04/book-review-partials-by-dan-wells.html" target="_blank">Partials</a></i> and <i><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/07/review-fragments-by-dan-wells.html" target="_blank">Fragments</a></i>, and cannot wait to give this one a read for two reasons: Samm and the sciencey-ness. Samm may not be completely human, but I don't care. I love his character and the way he has grown through the series. I also love the science and biology here, even if some of it *seems* a little far-fetched (</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm not exactly an expert</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">). I'm curious as to how it all ends, but am definitly going to need a reread of the series before <i>Ruins </i>hits shelves on March 11th, 2014!</span></span><br />
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</span></span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-30576208315049280962014-01-07T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-07T06:00:01.656-05:00Top Ten Tuesday: Book and Blog Goals<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful ladies over at</span></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Broke And The Bookish!</span></a></i><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This Week's Topic:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Top Ten Goals for 2014</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week, I posted my personal goals for 2014. I prefer goals to resolutions, but I also hate failing at my goals, so they're all pretty reasonable. Today, I present my 5 book and 5 blog goals for 2014!</span><br />
<a href="http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/samanthapreston47/media/ttt7_1_zpsa6aaee56.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo ttt7_1_zpsa6aaee56.png" border="0" src="http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag21/samanthapreston47/ttt7_1_zpsa6aaee56.png" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/samanthapreston47/media/ttt7_2_zpsc49baca8.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo ttt7_2_zpsc49baca8.png" border="0" src="http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag21/samanthapreston47/ttt7_2_zpsc49baca8.png" /></a><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">What are your goals for 2014?</span> Let me know in the comments, or leave me a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-10411659846638844712014-01-06T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-06T06:00:00.899-05:00Review: The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKm2_ejxUPFBAa3iKQgkoRSekTpn_iu64BfTMCXDuS0ZRAUtI1VhAqZyBL6epyKoK3hOX9isTfoCzyluu_pF7HsLVmfRwSF_cKKwaEs68t7zotpHepOGJeFUT741ZXlS-EPycZaqC-5gs/s1600/The+Fiery+Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKm2_ejxUPFBAa3iKQgkoRSekTpn_iu64BfTMCXDuS0ZRAUtI1VhAqZyBL6epyKoK3hOX9isTfoCzyluu_pF7HsLVmfRwSF_cKKwaEs68t7zotpHepOGJeFUT741ZXlS-EPycZaqC-5gs/s1600/The+Fiery+Heart.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Published November 19th, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Razorbill</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>438 pages (Hardcover)</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure — and re-education — looms larger than ever.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Pulses will race throughout this smoldering fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe. (From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9833184-the-fiery-heart" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, Adrian. <i>The Fiery Heart</i> stepped up a series that I was never really engaged in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Fiery Heart</i> continues from where <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/02/book-review-indigo-spell-by-richelle.html" target="_blank"><i>The Indigo Spell</i></a> left off. There were aspects of The Fiery Heart that I really did like. The romance between Sydney and Adrian really heats up. That was something lacking previously in the series. There was lots of kissing time, so yay for that. There was also a brief appearance by my favourite <i>Vampire Academy</i> crew. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With all the Sydney and Adrian time, there was a lack of other characters. Where was Eddie the whole book? I was a little disappoint in this. Yes, we get to see some Rose and Lissa. I enjoyed that. Until the end of the book, we barely saw any of the others. It slowed the book down a lot, and began to get a little repetitive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other issue I had was <b>WHERE WAS ALL THE ACTION?!</b> Again, until the climax not a lot of anything happened. The climax was good, and I really enjoyed the twist, but the lack of action slowed the book down further. There really isn't a lot of drama either, beyond that in Sydney and Adrian's relationship. In addition, I ended up so confused over a lot of the details brought forward from past books. Holy complicated plot. Some action may have helped my brain relax.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If it weren't for the addition of Adrian's perspective, I don't know how I would have taken this book. Adrian is a far more emotional and insightful narrator than Sydney, who is far more analytic. Adrian's artistic way of looking at the events of the story made the book for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Fiery Heart</i> has been my favourite of the <i>Bloodlines</i> series, but has yet to meet the love I have for the <i>Vampire Academy</i> books. I'm hoping the next book brings the action and the Eddie.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-26290845737819441832014-01-02T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-02T06:00:06.364-05:00Review: Trust In Me by J.Lynn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbqTvISzKyHcrWtL-LGznx821Y9jrmK_GybKdNgPgDvq18o3BOiKPEhQDFJgXurDcSYV2IoVX5Bo6oFSPYga4htQmV-Sf39tUFRRWbiLV9iGlVyo6yg6M7X7UMoJPzqcFuBMXGbsTEAc/s1600/TRUST+IN+ME+cover%255B3%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbqTvISzKyHcrWtL-LGznx821Y9jrmK_GybKdNgPgDvq18o3BOiKPEhQDFJgXurDcSYV2IoVX5Bo6oFSPYga4htQmV-Sf39tUFRRWbiLV9iGlVyo6yg6M7X7UMoJPzqcFuBMXGbsTEAc/s320/TRUST+IN+ME+cover%255B3%255D.jpg" width="198" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Published October 22nd, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>William Morrow Impulse</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>352 pages (Kindle Edition)</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">It’s Wait for You as you’ve never seen it. Trust in Me lets you in on Cam’s side of the #1 New York Times Bestselling story.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Cameron Hamilton is used to getting what he wants, especially when it comes to women. But when Avery Morgansten comes crashing into his life – literally – he finally meets the one person who can resist his soulful baby blues. But Cam’s not ready to give up. He can’t get the feisty and intriguing girl out of his head.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Avery has secrets, secrets that keep her from admitting the feelings Cam knows she has for him. Will persistence (and some delicious homemade cookies) help him break down her barriers and gain her trust? Or will he be shut out of Avery's life, losing his first real shot at the kind of love that lasts forever? (From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17860217-trust-in-me" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a rule, I am against this kind of thing, where a book is rewritten from another character's perspective. In fact, I actively avoid it. The only reason I gave Trust In Me a try is that I have complete trust in Jennifer L. Armentrout. And Cam. I do love Cam.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trust In Me was actually a great read! It really is basically the same story as <i>Wait For You </i>(<span style="font-size: x-small;">which I LOVED</span>), but Cam's perspective was so interesting that it worked. I knew the story, but it still felt all new. Example, hearing Cam's perspective of the Halloween party was really cool.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trust In Me gives us more Jase and Ollie, which I am completelyyyy okay with. Really, I have no problems with this. None at all. When are their books/novellas coming out again? (<span style="font-size: x-small;">FYI <i>Be With Me </i>featuring Jase and Teresa is out Feb. 4th</span>)</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like <i>Wait For You</i>, I can see myself reading<i> Trust In Me</i> multiple times. It just has that quality about it that gives you hope for humanity. No, I'm not even exaggerating on that one. I had faith in humanity again. Mostly in the fact that not all men suck all the time, but you catch my drift. Words are failing me. Just go read the book.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a><br />
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-1775017366768728932014-01-01T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-01T06:00:01.095-05:00My Personal Goals for 2014!<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Happy 2014 friends!</b> Welcome to the new year and a fresh start! <b>What are your New Years Day plans?</b> I'll be spending mine with family and watching the Winter Classic on TV (<span style="font-size: x-small;">GO LEAFS GO #SEAofBLUE</span>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never really make resolutions, but I do try to set goals for myself each year (<span style="font-size: x-small;">or are they the same things?</span>). This year's are pretty straightforward. 2014 has the potential to be a huge year for me. I'll be turning 22, graduating University, hopefully passing my RN licensing exam, and moving out on my own for good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are my personal goals for 2014. If you want to see my book and blog related goals, check back next week for Top Ten Tuesday! <b>And don't forget to share your New Years resolutions/goals in the comments below!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-36476843776361734582013-12-31T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-31T06:00:01.139-05:00December Recap!<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's start with a quickie recap of 2013. Overall, not my greatest reading year, but it wasn't awful. I read a lot of great books, but also dealt with several looonnng ruts where nothing appealed to me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to December. I love December. I think it's the holiday spirit that's in the air. I wish people were like this all year round. Imagine a world with this much magic and spirit and love. I would like to live there. December also offers a time to reflect and look ahead to a new year. 2014 is going to be a big year for me, and I cannot wait for it to get here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took this photo after the ice storm that hit us here in Southern Ontario. No joke, I was carving three inches of solid ice off of my car, which was conveniently located underneath a tree threatening to break apart. I should also mention how close those branches were to my neighbor's's power lines. We were lucky in my neck of the woods, and my power was only out for about 4 hours, with a couple of flickers here and there. Some people were without power for over a week. Hopefully everyone is doing better now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alright, to the books. I did a good bit of reading this month, but most of it was series reading. Curse you, Amazon one-click buying... I really don't have a favourite. I enjoyed most of these this month!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What was your favourite read from this past month and what are your plans for New Year's Eve tonight?</b> I'll be at a country bar wishing I was on my couch with a fuzzy blanket!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-65976529425190494702013-12-30T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-30T06:00:16.055-05:00Review: Such A Rush by Jennifer Echols<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3ocFhNfev8TInYIAwZOcS0R-vj5VHdXkHtmPdFdXI69xMRjB1mv4iJo544f0L74Jp6VuUUbY2XvvrExkGNdPoAVTO1UIytiRJqtZNykadijMaFXxVKAGQhf2ek6EaVNGVhnG-HAx8XQ/s1600/Such+A+Rush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3ocFhNfev8TInYIAwZOcS0R-vj5VHdXkHtmPdFdXI69xMRjB1mv4iJo544f0L74Jp6VuUUbY2XvvrExkGNdPoAVTO1UIytiRJqtZNykadijMaFXxVKAGQhf2ek6EaVNGVhnG-HAx8XQ/s320/Such+A+Rush.jpg" width="210" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Published July 10th, 2012</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MTV Books</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>325 pages (Hardcover)</b></span><br />
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">When I was fourteen, I made a decision. If I was doomed to live in a trailer park next to an airport, I could complain about the smell of the jet fuel like my mom, I could drink myself to death over the noise like everybody else, or I could learn to fly.</em><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Heaven Beach, South Carolina, is anything but, if you live at the low-rent end of town. All her life, Leah Jones has been the grown-up in her family, while her mother moves from boyfriend to boyfriend, letting any available money slip out of her hands. At school, they may diss Leah as trash, but she’s the one who negotiates with the landlord when the rent’s not paid. At fourteen, she’s the one who gets a job at the nearby airstrip.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">But there’s one way Leah can escape reality. Saving every penny she can, she begs quiet Mr. Hall, who runs an aerial banner-advertising business at the airstrip and also offers flight lessons, to take her up just once. Leaving the trailer park far beneath her and swooping out over the sea is a rush greater than anything she’s ever experienced, and when Mr. Hall offers to give her cut-rate flight lessons, she feels ready to touch the sky.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">By the time she’s a high school senior, Leah has become a good enough pilot that Mr. Hall offers her a job flying a banner plane. It seems like a dream come true . . . but turns out to be just as fleeting as any dream. Mr. Hall dies suddenly, leaving everything he owned in the hands of his teenage sons: golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson. And they’re determined to keep the banner planes flying.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business—until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers—and the consequences could be deadly. (From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12989112-such-a-rush" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guys! This is my first Jennifer Echols book! I really liked it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my mind, Jennifer Echols' books equated to those of Sarah Dessen and Nicholas Sparks, which I just wasn't into. I take it all back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The plot here was really cool. Don't lie, you like airplanes. It makes for an original plot and I respect that. Leah is ambitious and hard-working and is defying what she was given in order to be something more. Again, I respect that. There is a level of maturity there that really matches the tone of the story. Also, snark. Everyone loves snark.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know I say this a lot, but the characters really make this story. The relationships between Leah, Grayson, Alec, and Molly felt entirely real. There was that genuine quality. And I won't lie, I was cheering for Leah and Grayson from the start. I really liked that the story started in a place where most of the characters all ready knew one another. I think that is what made it feel so genuine, in that the development flowed and didn't happen too quickly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Such A Rush</i> was a roller coaster. I was content, then heartbroken, confused, swooning and cheering. It is a great read that has lead me to want more from Jennifer Echols!</span><br />
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<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-3009380844563670652013-12-27T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-27T06:00:05.990-05:00Top Ten of 2013: Looking Towards 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From December 23rd through 27th, we celebrate our favourite books of 2013 and look ahead to those of 2014. Be sure to check back each day, and check out our gracious hosts (Rachel from </span><a href="http://www.fiktshun.com/fiktshun/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">[Fikt]shun</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Mindy from </span><a href="http://www.magicalurbanfantasyreads.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Magical Urban Fantasy Reads</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> & Jamie from </span><a href="http://www.twochicksonbooks.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Two Chicks on Books</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rules: Must have a release date in 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13576132-the-murder-complex?from_search=true" target="_blank">The Murder Complex</a> by Lindsay Cummings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've followed Lindsay on twitter for ages and cannot wait to read her book!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Expected Publication: June 10th</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13188676-ignite-me?from_search=true" target="_blank">Ignite Me</a> by Tahereh Mafi</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Holy shit, I am not ready for this ending. #TeamAdam</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Expected Publication: February 4th</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8755785-city-of-heavenly-fire?from_search=true" target="_blank">City of Heavenly Fire</a> by Cassandra Clare</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(cover to be released)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another conclusion a long time in the making, except I'm ready for this one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Expected Publication: May 27th</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13360957-pointe?from_search=true" target="_blank">Pointe</a> by Brandy Colbert</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm an ex-ballet dancer so yes please.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Expected Publication: April 10th</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17558817-be-with-me?from_search=true" target="_blank">Be With Me</a> by J. Lynn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will read anything she writes, and given my love for Wait For You, this is a giant YES.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Expected Publication: February 4th</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15835877-raging-star?from_search=true" target="_blank">Raging Star</a> by Moira Young</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another conclusion a long time in the making that I am ready for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Expected Publication: May 13th</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14061957-ruin-and-rising?from_search=true" target="_blank">Ruin and Rising</a> by Leigh Bardugo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(cover to be released)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Woah, another conclusion I'm excited about!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Expected Publication: June 3rd</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18249281-the-infinite-sea" target="_blank">The Infinite Sea</a> by Rick Yancey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(cover to be released)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The 5th Wave</i> had a great ending. I'm excited to re-enter this world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Expected Publication: September 2014</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17149396-avalon?from_search=true" target="_blank">Avalon</a> by Mindee Arnett</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mercenaries. Spaceships. If you're not sold we're going to have an issue.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Expected Publication: January 21st</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17455585-white-hot-kiss?from_search=true" target="_blank">White Hot Kiss</a> by Jennifer L. Armentrout</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, she could write anything and I would be tearing my skin off to read it. ANYTHING.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Expected Publication: February 25th</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2013 was fun, but there are some exciting titles coming in 2014! <span style="color: #3d85c6;">What book are you most excited for? </span> Leave me a comment so I can check out your list, and thanks for spending this week with me!</span><br />
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-50721992301227867312013-12-26T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-26T06:00:09.660-05:00Top Ten of 2013: Best Book Boyfriends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From December 23rd through 27th, we celebrate our favourite books of 2013 and look ahead to those of 2014. Be sure to check back each day, and check out our gracious hosts (Rachel from </span><a href="http://www.fiktshun.com/fiktshun/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">[Fikt]shun</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Mindy from </span><a href="http://www.magicalurbanfantasyreads.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Magical Urban Fantasy Reads</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> & Jamie from </span><a href="http://www.twochicksonbooks.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Two Chicks on Books</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rules: Must be a book released and read in 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cam</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wait For You by J. Lynn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Because he freakin' waited. From my experience, they just don't wait for you to get your shit together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Adam</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/03/book-review-unravel-me-by-tahereh-mafi.html" target="_blank">Unravel Me</a> by Tahereh Mafi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I don't care what you say, I'm still rooting for Adam because he is just amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hector</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/09/review-bitter-kingdom-by-rae-carson.html" target="_blank">The Bitter Kingdom</a> by Rae Carson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I may have a thing for the gruff, protective, badass type.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Aiden</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/11/review-sentinel-by-jennifer-l-armentrout.html" target="_blank">Sentinel</a> by Jennifer L. Armentrout</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Again, badass. How do you not love Aiden, who is strong and courageous and goes after what he wants?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Isaiah</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crash Into You by Katie McGarry</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He can fix my car any day. We can connect over our love for speed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kaiden</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/05/book-review-sweet-peril-by-wendy-higgins.html" target="_blank">Sweet Peril</a> by Wendy Higgins</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Drummer. That's really all I have to say here. Read the book. He brings the heat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-star-cursed-by-jessica-spotswood.html" target="_blank">Star Cursed</a> by Jessica Spotswood</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Because he loves books and wears glasses and is unique and I like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ryan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/07/review-dare-you-to-by-katie-mcgarry.html" target="_blank">Dare You To</a> by Katie McGarry</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I like baseball, but I cheer for the Jays and I'm sorry but none of them are *that* attractive (except Rasmus, who I will forever love). I like athletic types who will play/watch sports with me and drink beer and listen to country music.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-dark-triumph-by-robin-lafevers.html" target="_blank">Dark Triumph</a> by Robin LaFevers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Again, strong manly man. I have no issues with that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ben</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/10/review-5th-wave-by-rick-yancey.html" target="_blank">The 5th Wave</a> by Rick Yancey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm not entirely sure why. I just felt a connection to this character throughout the book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Question time! Who was your book boyfriend of 2013? Share them with me!</span></div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-86240817120724145272013-12-25T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-25T06:00:05.325-05:00Top Ten of 2013: Best Couples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From December 23rd through 27th, we celebrate our favourite books of 2013 and look ahead to those of 2014. Be sure to check back each day, and check out our gracious hosts (Rachel from </span><a href="http://www.fiktshun.com/fiktshun/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">[Fikt]shun</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Mindy from </span><a href="http://www.magicalurbanfantasyreads.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Magical Urban Fantasy Reads</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> & Jamie from </span><a href="http://www.twochicksonbooks.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Two Chicks on Books</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rules: Must be from a book read in 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blay & Qhuinn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/05/book-review-lover-at-last-by-jr-ward.html" target="_blank">Lover At Last</a> by J.R. Ward</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">because it's about freakin' time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/09/review-bitter-kingdom-by-rae-carson.html" target="_blank">The Bitter Kingdom</a> by Rae Carson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">because they would stand by each other through anything!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wait For You by J. Lynn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">because these two stood out as a pair I was actually rooting for, among the NA club!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cath & Levi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/10/review-fangirl-by-rainbow-rowell.html" target="_blank">Fangirl</a> by Rainbow Rowell</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">because they're cute, okay?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Addie & Trevor</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-pivot-point-by-kasie-west.html" target="_blank">Pivot Point</a> by Kasie West</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">because the ending of Pivot Point broke my heart!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoufi_KL7nOuW6AjoH0biSQ5AqGvLSpGxHxR7uJB15GVz7koGlCzrTVDUmj4lolfbIUg-Bi-guqNJp-DU7xTSd9Em_no4xQZZ9_MqvYXuFl8nCru3-GaaUHwe-mNdim-9QCzoNg4q9aE/s1600/2013week-bestcouples2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoufi_KL7nOuW6AjoH0biSQ5AqGvLSpGxHxR7uJB15GVz7koGlCzrTVDUmj4lolfbIUg-Bi-guqNJp-DU7xTSd9Em_no4xQZZ9_MqvYXuFl8nCru3-GaaUHwe-mNdim-9QCzoNg4q9aE/s1600/2013week-bestcouples2.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sybella & Beast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-dark-triumph-by-robin-lafevers.html" target="_blank">Dark Triumph</a> by Robin LaFevers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">because they battled their demons together!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Aiden & Alex</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/11/review-sentinel-by-jennifer-l-armentrout.html" target="_blank">Sentinel</a> by Jennifer L. Armentrout</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">because they broke a few rules for love (<i>yes, this was corny but I don't care</i>)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anna & St. Clair</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/09/review-anna-and-french-kiss-by.html" target="_blank">Anna and the French Kiss</a> by Stephanie Perkins</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">because love at a french boarding school!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/05/book-review-with-all-my-soul-by-rachel.html" target="_blank">With All My Soul</a> by Rachel Vincent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">because they got their happy ending!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cate & Finn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-star-cursed-by-jessica-spotswood.html" target="_blank">Star Cursed</a> by Jessica Spotswood</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">because I'm still rooting for them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's share! <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Who was your favourite bookish couple this year?</span> Leave me comment and tell me what your list was about today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And to those that are celebrating, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, from my family to yours!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're not celebrating, have a Happy Wednesday!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-48145877893676357662013-12-24T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-24T06:00:09.480-05:00Top Ten of 2013: Best Covers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNyE6WAEv-7tN3SUPSI-4CjxkD_v64SCISuKfddqL4vacMxlWwL7sKIsYeVdE4C49R-1B8oEsB4k8ZZzSzRrEKGXtUWhEtr0HzMr50rBaDu1z_xgDoP7D3cL2VeWl-ilHoyzqcs09OAE/s1600/Top+Ten+2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNyE6WAEv-7tN3SUPSI-4CjxkD_v64SCISuKfddqL4vacMxlWwL7sKIsYeVdE4C49R-1B8oEsB4k8ZZzSzRrEKGXtUWhEtr0HzMr50rBaDu1z_xgDoP7D3cL2VeWl-ilHoyzqcs09OAE/s1600/Top+Ten+2013.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From December 23rd through 27th, we celebrate our favourite books of 2013 and look ahead to those of 2014. Be sure to check back each day, and check out our gracious hosts (Rachel from </span><a href="http://www.fiktshun.com/fiktshun/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">[Fikt]shun</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Mindy from </span><a href="http://www.magicalurbanfantasyreads.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Magical Urban Fantasy Reads</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> & Jamie from </span><a href="http://www.twochicksonbooks.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Two Chicks on Books</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVkhafPIpijZZs7JbAvFh5G7la-aIOkpmW2YPNtxPf_X2_Lp-26HtOpfwvAVtBZY2m1L0tWmUwNBdY6rkqvaMbwPj1I4_h8K_VT94DDYENZmEte86-VaJEaQfCNTs79NJcOe9ky_3WaA/s1600/2013week-day2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVkhafPIpijZZs7JbAvFh5G7la-aIOkpmW2YPNtxPf_X2_Lp-26HtOpfwvAVtBZY2m1L0tWmUwNBdY6rkqvaMbwPj1I4_h8K_VT94DDYENZmEte86-VaJEaQfCNTs79NJcOe9ky_3WaA/s1600/2013week-day2.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rules: Must have been released in 2013, should have been read in 2013 as well</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQbjzDciIviUmskYtY8WT1na3MCuDcVaZhHtQhohl6pb3aov9xhT0f39FAlPd6fb-n4WikZuHeZfODHEecVPXsZTXOKViCI3C-m-DjrXI4L2uYjrDwGBpJ4HF-mCC65lnKop_blUasyM/s1600/2013week-bestcovers1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQbjzDciIviUmskYtY8WT1na3MCuDcVaZhHtQhohl6pb3aov9xhT0f39FAlPd6fb-n4WikZuHeZfODHEecVPXsZTXOKViCI3C-m-DjrXI4L2uYjrDwGBpJ4HF-mCC65lnKop_blUasyM/s1600/2013week-bestcovers1.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJU_Mz2Scs-0qweSEMg6Du9_BoVPLLIjRCmUA9sxKtcB74ZJK4svbjcAz4g5J0weJbZ9FVas7UnUG96Gn2K3o3v4iGGRePMmafAo7k7oCYmr_7JR33kvdj8prdtu9dpb6vX5mPT3ElzTw/s1600/2013week-bestcovers2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJU_Mz2Scs-0qweSEMg6Du9_BoVPLLIjRCmUA9sxKtcB74ZJK4svbjcAz4g5J0weJbZ9FVas7UnUG96Gn2K3o3v4iGGRePMmafAo7k7oCYmr_7JR33kvdj8prdtu9dpb6vX5mPT3ElzTw/s1600/2013week-bestcovers2.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are all books that I had to have on my shelf. These are the ones that I want to "show off". So tell me, <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">what was your favourite cover of 2013?</span> Share in the comments below!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSk2ef-0dqO917o4SB_y9Y1D_dlmHEHqg74OXgpTGMUIlzFinzCT9u8o-0lzMHsyumAqcnIKKAyenCDPn3dt-NFWSU7Ht22asUEZscd-h2k9RYCuHO_ZtPGJLbBSNiPJkuHk_mxjV7_g/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>
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</span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-1960150937977925212013-12-23T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-23T06:00:05.540-05:00Top Ten of 2013: Best Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCwN50Xi83n5tT86cJ8WaZJP1zEewAd9UWm77Ej-2JPgjvUeOs1nBRZVblvp2kQx__ohzs46-BsPW60DfbHR4H5iFe_dEAKwE887ZqS3oV6D0teP9a_5X0Ja96I0xJHTkVhVw75JDJpY/s1600/Top+Ten+2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCwN50Xi83n5tT86cJ8WaZJP1zEewAd9UWm77Ej-2JPgjvUeOs1nBRZVblvp2kQx__ohzs46-BsPW60DfbHR4H5iFe_dEAKwE887ZqS3oV6D0teP9a_5X0Ja96I0xJHTkVhVw75JDJpY/s1600/Top+Ten+2013.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From December 23rd through 27th, we celebrate our favourite books of 2013 and look ahead to those of 2014. Be sure to check back each day, and check out our gracious hosts (Rachel from <a href="http://www.fiktshun.com/fiktshun/" target="_blank">[Fikt]shun</a>, Mindy from <a href="http://www.magicalurbanfantasyreads.com/" target="_blank">Magical Urban Fantasy Reads</a> & Jamie from <a href="http://www.twochicksonbooks.com/" target="_blank">Two Chicks on Books</a>)!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY3q_CHNxcq36yrohyphenhyphenqLRFdsxU42x1rIC2qmr-QN-7tfsrfgcRfVHvkks6nN68c6CtuDT4F5xJ1uZPmL6BXYNBE2oueiPniEMo6p2BUCuEAhR2roia2yRKtJcuP0Usei03N7qd0cVG_s/s1600/2013week-day1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY3q_CHNxcq36yrohyphenhyphenqLRFdsxU42x1rIC2qmr-QN-7tfsrfgcRfVHvkks6nN68c6CtuDT4F5xJ1uZPmL6BXYNBE2oueiPniEMo6p2BUCuEAhR2roia2yRKtJcuP0Usei03N7qd0cVG_s/s1600/2013week-day1.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rules: has to be read in 2013, does not have to be published in 2013</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/09/review-anna-and-french-kiss-by.html" target="_blank">review</a>)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Why it is the best</span>: Etienne St.Clair. Enough said. This book transports the reader to a beautiful Paris and a lovely romance. I had a serious case of wanderlust after this read.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/10/review-fangirl-by-rainbow-rowell.html" target="_blank">review</a>)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Why it is the best</span>: It's original and honest and awesome. I may not write fanfic, but I truly connected with Cate and her transition to college life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wait for You by J. Lynn</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Why it is the best</span>: OMG J. Lynn writes sexual tension like no other. Cam and Avery had me from the first page, and the companion novel <i>Trust In Me</i> could just as easily made this list!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/09/review-bitter-kingdom-by-rae-carson.html" target="_blank">review</a>)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Why it is the best</span>: The world needs a few more Hector-types. On top of that, the evolution of Elisa is beyond amazing and I just love the whole world and story!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/11/review-sentinel-by-jennifer-l-armentrout.html" target="_blank">review</a>)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Why it is the best</span>: I dub thee the most painful and heart-wrenching conclusion of the year. I cannot wait for Seth's turn in the spotlight in 2015 (<span style="font-size: x-small;">which, btw, is too far away...</span>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> (<a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-dark-triumph-by-robin-lafevers.html" target="_blank">review</a>)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Why it is the best</span>: I cried, like, six times. My copy is seriously tear-stained. Beast and Sybella get a slow clap from me. Historical isn't my thing, but this book had me from start to finish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/03/book-review-unravel-me-by-tahereh-mafi.html" target="_blank">review</a>)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Why it is the best</span>: Tahereh is a downright amazing author. This story is spectacular. The conclusion will likely destroy me (<span style="font-size: x-small;">haha</span>) in 2014, but I remain 100% Team Adam!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-star-cursed-by-jessica-spotswood.html" target="_blank">review</a>)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Why it is the best</span>: It's original and engaging and heartbreaking. Best worst ending ever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/01/book-review-through-ever-night-by.html" target="_blank">review</a>)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Why it is the best</span>: You can't not love these characters. When the secondary characters steal your heart as much as these ones do, you have a winner. TTEN also stands out in a genre where everything is starting to feel the same.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unbreakable by Kami Garcia </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/12/review-unbreakable-by-kami-garcia.html" target="_blank">review</a>)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Why it is the best</span>: The world building. The praise from Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson (<span style="font-size: x-small;">you've never watched Ghost Hunters?!?!</span>) backs this up. I'm not an expert by any means, but I know a fair bit about the paranormal and much of this book is solid. <i>Unbreakable </i>also had one of my favourite beginnings to a book this year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I leave you with a question: <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">What was your favourite read of 2013?</span> If I had to choose one of these, I don't think I could! I just can't commit.</span><br />
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-55326713425102316252013-12-19T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-19T06:00:02.133-05:00Single Shot: Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDh5XDAszJn-e-5BdIOIeyLrKlcNsq9Hg3cUMYnDytx2tRCmalOm7bN9DNNMC6n934XSQlhJ1wCSy8TysQQT7HghPCMxBxfUaF3p0gqdP-anzgR9v8mz5t2U7-Q4JESaeeCXr0S8rD56M/s1600/Fracture+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDh5XDAszJn-e-5BdIOIeyLrKlcNsq9Hg3cUMYnDytx2tRCmalOm7bN9DNNMC6n934XSQlhJ1wCSy8TysQQT7HghPCMxBxfUaF3p0gqdP-anzgR9v8mz5t2U7-Q4JESaeeCXr0S8rD56M/s320/Fracture+Me.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Published December 17th, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HarperCollins</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>68 pages (eBook)</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">As Omega Point prepares to launch an all-out assault on The Reestablishment soldiers stationed in Sector 45, Adam's focus couldn't be further from the upcoming battle. He's reeling from his breakup with Juliette, scared for his best friend's life, and as concerned as ever for his brother James's safety. And just as Adam begins to wonder if this life is really for him, the alarms sound. It's time for war.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">On the battlefield, it seems like the odds are in their favor—but taking down Warner, Adam's newly discovered half brother, won't be that easy. The Reestablishment can't tolerate a rebellion, and they'll do anything to crush the resistance . . . including killing everyone Adam has ever cared about. (From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17331518-fracture-me?from_search=true" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, shit. That was literally my only reaction. I mean it in the best way possible but geez, WHY DOES TAHEREH DO THIS TO US?!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not typically a connoisseur of novellas, but I couldn't hold back on this one. I am 100% #TeamAdam and could not turn down Adam's perspective. It was just as heartbreaking as I expected, especially when coupled with the <i>Ignite Me</i> preview. Adam has always had this crazy internal struggle going on, and see it in words pained me. I want to hug him and tell him it will all be okay. It's nice to see a little more of his relationship with his brother, as well. James is this constant force in his life, and I never realized how much that competed with his need for Juliette.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm now begging for <i>Ignite Me</i>. And I remain #TeamAdam entirely. Wholeheartedly. Tahereh Mafi has shattered my heart, but all the little pieces are still rooting for Juliette and Adam. Best $2.99 I've spent in a while.</span><br />
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</span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-35774980454267493852013-12-18T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-18T06:00:02.738-05:00"Waiting On" Roomies<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by </span><a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.ca/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Jill at Breaking The Spine</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCrO_irClNz0K6xDyp7B9QGeB4HPHc4cj6wk9nj0RhHznfkh9BJyn182lRX_l44XHWtbW4TRxqPE10j8F3Ap6g0J6waXUd2lkZExYKUBoJ2EMGtbmSTltNwuwMK97seM91Ho8t-RAWR0/s1600/WOW.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCrO_irClNz0K6xDyp7B9QGeB4HPHc4cj6wk9nj0RhHznfkh9BJyn182lRX_l44XHWtbW4TRxqPE10j8F3Ap6g0J6waXUd2lkZExYKUBoJ2EMGtbmSTltNwuwMK97seM91Ho8t-RAWR0/s1600/WOW.png" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6beWLiJAIa_LFKYa3ZLxqurtrAca7dZ6ITI88CHc1n8fzmCXTYCYYf8E0enWzQliZKqzvhoAytEr3IsaQvc0WkvbBNcfHFFkJIbB-TdBrrj92DSKSD3NjbQnSsXMEo1OVRCfrPE492og/s1600/Roomies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6beWLiJAIa_LFKYa3ZLxqurtrAca7dZ6ITI88CHc1n8fzmCXTYCYYf8E0enWzQliZKqzvhoAytEr3IsaQvc0WkvbBNcfHFFkJIbB-TdBrrj92DSKSD3NjbQnSsXMEo1OVRCfrPE492og/s320/Roomies.jpg" width="210" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">It's time to meet your new roomie.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">When East Coast native Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment, she shoots off an e-mail to coordinate the basics: television, microwave, mini-fridge. That first note to San Franciscan Lauren sparks a series of e-mails that alters the landscape of each girl's summer -- and raises questions about how two girls who are so different will ever share a dorm room.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">As the countdown to college begins, life at home becomes increasingly complex. With family relationships and childhood friendships strained by change, it suddenly seems that the only people Elizabeth and Lauren can rely on are the complicated new boys in their lives . . . and each other. Even though they've never met.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr and acclaimed author Tara Altebrando join forces for a novel about growing up, leaving home, and getting that one fateful e-mail that assigns your college roommate. (From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17573559-roomies" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a very specific reason why I am excited for this book. In the new year, I will be entering y last semester of University, and have to move for four months. I am renting a room in a two-bedroom apartment, which means new roommate. I literally know nothing about her. Different life stages, but I'm really excited to give <i>Roomies </i>a read! Get ready, because <i>Roomies </i>is out <b>December 24th, 2013</b>! So, get ready and curl up under the Christmas lights. That's where I'll be!</span></span><br />
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</span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-48787674811301881672013-12-17T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-17T06:00:06.484-05:00Top Ten Tuesday: 2013's New-To-Me Authors<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful ladies over at</span></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Broke And The Bookish!</span></a></i><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This Week's Topic:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2013</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Writing this list and <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/p/2012-reads.html" target="_blank">going through the books I've read this year</a>, I realized I really didn't read that many new authors. I read a lot from authors I already enjoyed. <i>Hellooooo</i> goal for 2014. I love finding those new authours. Last year, Jennifer L. Armentrout was my favourite new-to-me author. This year, I have to say it was Rae Carson. Guys, the <i>Girl of Fire and Thorns</i> trilogy did terrible things to my heart. I just loved it. I cannot wait to read more from Rae, as well as these 9 other awesome authors!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Links to my reviews </b>(if available):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/01/book-review-girl-of-fire-and-thorns-by.html" target="_blank">The Girl of Fire and Thorns</a> | <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/03/book-review-crown-of-embers-by-rae.html" target="_blank">The Crown of Embers</a> | <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/09/review-bitter-kingdom-by-rae-carson.html" target="_blank">The Bitter Kingdom</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/09/review-anna-and-french-kiss-by.html" target="_blank">Anna and the French Kiss</a> | <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/04/book-review-partials-by-dan-wells.html" target="_blank">Partials</a> | <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/07/review-fragments-by-dan-wells.html" target="_blank">Fragments</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/10/review-5th-wave-by-rick-yancey.html" target="_blank">The 5th Wave</a> | <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-pivot-point-by-kasie-west.html" target="_blank">Pivot Point</a> | <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/10/review-distance-between-us-by-kasie-west.html" target="_blank">The Distance Between Us</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/10/review-fangirl-by-rainbow-rowell.html" target="_blank">Fangirl</a> | <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/06/book-review-summer-i-turned-pretty-by.html" target="_blank">The Summer I Turned Pretty</a> | <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/07/review-burn-for-burn-by-jenny-han.html" target="_blank">Burn for Burn</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-fire-with-fire-by-jenny-han.html" target="_blank">Fire With Fire</a> | <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-golden-by-jessi-kirby.html" target="_blank">Golden</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Reviews coming for Ann Aguirre's Razorland Trilogy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Who was your favourite new-to-you authour this year? Who do I need to check out?</b></span></div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-4276567960111129842013-12-16T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-16T06:00:12.352-05:00Review: Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Published October 1st, 2013</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqXqAYbDoA83V_tU66MsmAmch8P81e9qlySHhhPNa6lqCgisU2-49T1Tbp8ZBsai3n3R-GoETIliMX3C73w2BSAUk12hMB4VPwIDsw1lEF7yyeiHWrAoGx6qTbkK0O9gyh8R9sj_kpKk/s1600/Stir+Me+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqXqAYbDoA83V_tU66MsmAmch8P81e9qlySHhhPNa6lqCgisU2-49T1Tbp8ZBsai3n3R-GoETIliMX3C73w2BSAUk12hMB4VPwIDsw1lEF7yyeiHWrAoGx6qTbkK0O9gyh8R9sj_kpKk/s320/Stir+Me+Up.jpg" width="202" /></b></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HarlequinTEEN</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>268 pages (Kindle Edition)</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Cami Broussard has her future all figured out. She'll finish her senior year of high school, then go to work full-time as an apprentice chef in her father's French restaurant, alongside her boyfriend, Luke. But then twenty-year-old ex-Marine Julian Wyatt comes to live with Cami's family while recovering from serious injuries. And suddenly Cami finds herself questioning everything she thought she wanted.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Julian's all attitude, challenges and intense green-brown eyes. But beneath that abrasive exterior is a man who just might be as lost as Cami's starting to feel. And Cami can't stop thinking about him. Talking to him. Wanting to kiss him. He's got her seriously stirred up. Her senior year has just gotten a lot more complicated… (From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18333827-stir-me-up" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, so this was a good read, but kind of forgettable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was reading it, I was really enjoying the story. It was hot and swoon-worthy. (<span style="font-size: x-small;">Side note: Why are ski lodges so hot and romantic and a place to bring out all the feelings?!</span>) Let's be honest, what girl wouldn't want Julian? The aspect of self-discovery was a nice touch. We get to watch Cami grow into her own person and reach for her own goals. We get to watch Julian heal, battle his own demons and discover what he wants out of his life. Plus, that ending was so friggin' cute and romantic. There aren't words for that ending.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The problem is that I found it somewhat forgettable. It's been a couple weeks since I read the book and, until I copied the description above, I had forgotten what the book was entirely. The description sparked my memory on the parts I loved, but there are likely large chunks I don't remember. I didn't remember the character names. I had forgotten that ending I loved. I forgot the ski lodge?! I'm not sure what the story was missing, but there needed to be something to make me remember. As nice as the cover is, it tells me nothing about the story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do recommend<i> Stir Me Up</i>. It was hot and I really did enjoy reading it. There was just a little something missing. That wow-factor wasn't there for me. Still, I wouldn't pass up on the sexy Julian time.</span><br />
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<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-44649240023956686822013-12-13T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-13T06:00:14.535-05:00Review: Unbreakable by Kami Garcia<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhoRe9ogptrTbVV3Xs0tKo7ADdzfRnoLqSMCOAYrXbA8kJhpvvc6xeWURH-xfmuTvI1HN8hM3-9Zqb5PVzUz-rtO7yfIzKWvNfEz19drbyzT9JR1zdgHcbA3r0JOfcAEnOKkHjph1VH4/s1600/Unbreakable+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhoRe9ogptrTbVV3Xs0tKo7ADdzfRnoLqSMCOAYrXbA8kJhpvvc6xeWURH-xfmuTvI1HN8hM3-9Zqb5PVzUz-rtO7yfIzKWvNfEz19drbyzT9JR1zdgHcbA3r0JOfcAEnOKkHjph1VH4/s320/Unbreakable+%25282%2529.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Published October 1st, 2013</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Little, Brown Books for Young Readers</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>320 pages (Hardcover)</b></span><br />
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.</em><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way. (From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12371862-unbreakable" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span></blockquote>
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</span> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I LOVED THIS BOOK. LOVED IT. LOVED IT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love secret societies and I love the paranormal. Integrating the two was perfection. Not going to lie, as excited as I was, I was skeptical as to how it would actually turn out. The paranormal aspects were well founded in actual beliefs. It was clear that Kami Garcia put some research into her novel. I will say that the Shift idea confused me a bit, but this didn't take away the overall story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved the pacing of the book. I think I only sat it down once, and not out of choice. From the start, I was completely engaged in the plot. The action starts fast and is spaced well. The book almost progresses in stages, with the bursts of action and drama. This created a nice flow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The characters were great. Each had their own distinct personality and complemented one another. I know this is predictable, but Jared was my favourite. Sigh, damaged and angsty Jared. I really enjoyed the interaction and tension between him and his twin brother. I also liked the relationship that developed between him and Kennedy. No insta-love here. We've got a nice slow-building and satisfying romance to go along with the story. But beyond this, the friendships between the group as a whole develop throughout the story. I felt Kennedy's emotions as the story progressed, although I do question why she trusted the boys so quickly. I mean, if two unknown (<span style="font-size: x-small;">attractive</span>) boys show up in my bedroom, I'm not hopping a van with them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved <i>Unbreakable </i>and cannot wait for book two. Fans of the paranormal will adore this book, but I would recommend it to anyone. Go get it now.</span></div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-80065712467582527932013-12-12T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-12T06:00:02.197-05:00Review: The Can't Cook Book: Recipes for the Absolutely Terrified! by Jessica Seinfeld<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7JKTwAwmPdAIAhnDluhCJu5J4b4tvVdKQf0_i44w-ydxZCLuUbPK_o3XG4zb2AY9oOKL_mypIg5arDw3z9_bJM_VxQnbOd4S6ih8zNAoc9QelfQLaa-5QFtME6BqCHV8RXo2S-GelIw/s1600/16130607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7JKTwAwmPdAIAhnDluhCJu5J4b4tvVdKQf0_i44w-ydxZCLuUbPK_o3XG4zb2AY9oOKL_mypIg5arDw3z9_bJM_VxQnbOd4S6ih8zNAoc9QelfQLaa-5QFtME6BqCHV8RXo2S-GelIw/s320/16130607.jpg" width="252" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Published October 3rd, 2013</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Atria Books</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>256 pages (Hardcover)</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Are you smart enough to dodge a telemarketer yet clueless as to how to chop a clove of garlic? Are you clever enough to forward an e-mail but don’t know the difference between broiling and baking? Ingenious enough to operate a blow-dryer but not sure how to use your blender? If you are basically competent, then Jessica Seinfeld’s </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">The Can’t Cook Book</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;"> is for you.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">If you find cooking scary or stressful or just boring, Jessica has a calm, confidence-building approach to cooking, even for those who’ve never followed a recipe or used an oven. Jessica shows you how to prepare deliciously simple food—from Caesar salad, rice pilaf, and roasted asparagus to lemon salmon, roast chicken, and flourless fudge cake. At the beginning of each dish, she explains up front what the challenge will be, and then shows you exactly how to overcome any hurdles in easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Designed to put the nervous cook at ease, </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">The Can’t Cook Book</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;"> is perfect for anyone who wants to gain confidence in the kitchen—and, who knows, maybe even master a meal or two. (From <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16130607-the-can-t-cook-book" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for also providing photos from the book for this review.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cannot cook to save my life. I know I'm not the only person out there in this boat, and I'm about to tell you why you should pick up this book!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First off, this book gives you the basics. It starts with a summary of the basics that a well stocked kitchen needs. I immediately realized that I lacked several things, and I think that is my only real complaint with the book. It sort of assumes that the reader can go out and pick up whatever they are missing. Some people with real jobs may be able to, but college students with limited budgets and no cooking skills can go out and purchase a food processor on a whim. There were a couple recipes I would love to try, as soon as I decide how to combat my lack of a food processor (apparently a blender won't cut it...).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beyond this annoyance, the book really does break down the basics of cooking for the reader. There is a whole section of how-to tips that the recipes will refer you back to. They're basic things, but so handy to refer back too. The book also includes conversion charts and a table of what's in season. These little details are awesome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The recipes are great. I've tried a few, including the Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, Your First Chili, and Toasted Pine Nut and Cranberry Quinoa, and I enjoyed them all. I wouldn't say any of the recipes are groundbreaking, but they're all simple, and the ones I have tried have been delicious! Overall, the directions are pretty simple to follow, and include an outline of all the ingredients and equipment required. And there are pictures of EVERYTHING, which I love having! The photography is fantastic (<span style="font-size: x-small;">as you can see oh my I am hungry now</span>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this book. Like actually love it. I wish this had been out when I first started living on my own. If you need to work on your cooking skills, or know someone learning to cook for themselves, check this out now!</span></div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6572989515997936878.post-40260980868209352112013-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-11T06:00:09.271-05:00"Waiting On" Split Second<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Jill at Breaking The Spine</a>, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE41d-Ct1RnqD9z2kMO46S2XLxjGv80qnbRRzFiP42oSP63KIwjPx1qthiw5EqUuG5AUO8Uk6XxOX5-UframhvJW5BPGZxqkHV46xMexJOZ74jL6o35ak0LC-FgO910ZExLG2JnsrSfA/s1600/Split+Second.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE41d-Ct1RnqD9z2kMO46S2XLxjGv80qnbRRzFiP42oSP63KIwjPx1qthiw5EqUuG5AUO8Uk6XxOX5-UframhvJW5BPGZxqkHV46xMexJOZ74jL6o35ak0LC-FgO910ZExLG2JnsrSfA/s320/Split+Second.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="211" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Life can change in a split second.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Addie hardly recognizes her life since her parents divorced. Her boyfriend used her. Her best friend betrayed her. She can’t believe this is the future she chose. On top of that, her ability is acting up. She’s always been able to Search the future when presented with a choice. Now she can manipulate and slow down time, too . . . but not without a price.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">When Addie’s dad invites her to spend her winter break with him, she jumps at the chance to escape into the Norm world of Dallas, Texas. There she meets the handsome and achingly familiar Trevor. He’s a virtual stranger to her, so why does her heart do a funny flip every time she sees him? But after witnessing secrets that were supposed to stay hidden, Trevor quickly seems more suspicious of Addie than interested in her. And she has an inexplicable desire to change that.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">Meanwhile, her best friend, Laila, has a secret of her own: she can restore Addie’s memories . . . once she learns how. But there are powerful people who don’t want to see this happen. Desperate, Laila tries to manipulate Connor, a brooding bad boy from school—but he seems to be the only boy in the Compound immune to her charms. And the only one who can help her.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">As Addie and Laila frantically attempt to retrieve the lost memories, Addie must piece together a world she thought she knew before she loses the love she nearly forgot . . . and a future that could change everything.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;"> (From</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;"> </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15792316-split-second?from_search=true" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.265625px;">If you have yet to read <a href="http://reading-andcoffee.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-pivot-point-by-kasie-west.html" target="_blank"><i>Pivot Point</i></a>, do it now! It is such an addicting book with an ending that left me a mess. I'm sure the sequel will leave me no better. Get ready guys, because <i>Split Second</i> hits shelves on <b>February 11th, 2014</b>!</span></span></div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06572297196253030456noreply@blogger.com3