Road Trip Wednesday: September Favourite

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

What was your favouite book you read in September?

Guys, I have a confession.  I only managed to finish two books this month.  Thank you, post-secondary education...

It's sad because I think I have about FIVE books on the go right now.  I never do that.  I'm pretty good at waiting until I'm done one to start the next.  You could say I'm in a rut...

Since I feel as if I have to choose, I'm picking Entwined by Elisabeth Naughton.  This is an adult paranormal romance with some Greek mythology incorporated.  While I wouldn't call it a favourite, I did enjoy the book, and look forward to continuing the series.   I do have a review of this book coming up soon, but you can check out my review of book one of the series, Marked.

So, I need some help guys.  What was your September favourite?  Any recommendations to help me out of this rut?

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: School Reading

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

What's your favourite book you had to read for class?

I've told this story a couple times, but I managed to get through high school only reading four of the books they wanted me to.  In my defense, I read bits and pieces of everything.  I love reading, but hate being forced to read something.

I consider it a good sign that I really did love those four books I read, making this a hard choice between Romeo and Juliet, Lord of the Flies, 1984, or Anna Karenina.  I also read all of Hamlet, but I don't count it, seeing as I thought Rosencrantz survived the whole ordeal until about 3 minutes before my exam.  Apparently I didn't understand what I read.  Anyway, the winner is...

As much as I love a good tale of star crossed lovers, 1984 really inspired my love for dystopian novels.  Not only did Orwell inspire my imagination as to what the world could be, I feel that may also be the case for many authors today.  Themes from Orwell's novel can be seen in our everyday lives, creating a strong connection between book and reader.  Not only did I enjoy it when I read it in Grade 10, but I would gladly read 1984 again.

What was your favourite book you read in school?  Can anyone beat my record for slacking off in English class?

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Best of August

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

Favourite Book Read in August!

This one likely won't be a shocker to anyone.  Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout was freaking amazing.  This woman is a genius.  Just when I thought I couldn't fall further in love with her writing, I did.  And she has another book coming out this month!  I'm just going to channel my inner-Katy and say... Awsomesause with extra sauce.

I have a review of Onyx written that will be posted in the very near future.

In other, non-related news, I am officially moved back to school!  I don't actually have my first class until the 11th, but I was ready to move back.  I live in a house with four other girls, but there are only two of us here for now.  All-in-all, today will be spent unpacking and killing the hoards of spiders that seem to have taken control of the house.  I hate spiders.

Anyone have any tips for killing giant spiders?  Or just want to share their favourite book of August?

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Love List

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

What is your novel's "Love List"?

Again, I did this from a reader's perspective, rather than a writer's.  The list of things I love in books is a little odd and all over the place.  I sat down with a piece of paper and just started writing down random things I like in books.  I hope you enjoy this exhibition of sarcasm!

• leather pants
• sexual tension
• sharp, pointy things
• guys with big guns (take that as you will)
• assassins
• fighting classes
• hot neighbours
• drunken monolouges
• falling in love
• smart-ass comments
• exotic locations
• masquerades
• long adventures
• best friends
• balancing bravery with stupidity
• first kisses

Now you tell me.  What's on your "love list"?

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Sports Books

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

In honour of the Olympics, what is your favourite sports book?

For someone who spends as much time watching sports as I do, this should not be a hard question.  If it's a sport, I will watch it.  If I don't get it, I make up my own rules until I figure it out.  Seriously, try that sometime.  Sometimes it's more fun than the sport itself (ie I loathe Basketball).

I cannot think of a single book about sports that I've read, other than possibly some children's books about ballerinas, back in the day.  

This actually bothers me, so I am asking for recommendations!  If you've read any books related to sports, leave me a comment!  As long as it's not about basketball.  I can't stand basketball.

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Summer Soundtrack

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

This week, the topic is your Summer Soundtrack!

I'm one of those people who listens to a little bit of everything.  Heavy metal, country, pop, classical, it all does it for me.  

Heart Vacancy - The Wanted: British Boy Bands have been a staple in any playlist I've made this summer.  They just get me pumped up.

I Believe - Nikki Yanofsky: This was Canada's song at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and it has continued over into this summer.  Not gonna lie, I tear up every time.

Bad Romance (Skrillex Radio Remix) - Lady Gaga: Dubstep has been a new love of mine.  It makes for good driving music.

Chicks Dig It - Chris Cagle: I dig it.  ;-)

What's been your go to song this summer?

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Best Of July

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

This week, the topic is your favourite reads of July.

When I looked at what I read this month, I noticed I didn't have a favourite book.  I had a favourite author.

Jennifer L. Armentrout

In July, I read Half-Blood, Pure, Obsidian, and Shadows.  I have also pre-ordered Onyx, and, in writing this post, have managed to remind myself how badly I want Deity.  In the past 30 days, I have discovered a new favourite author.  Her books simply have an ability to suck you in, tear your heart apart, and never fully let you go, but you love the whole torturous ride.  She also writes exceptionally hot characters.  And can seriously do sexual tension.  It's like she knows exactly what I like in books, and put it into words.

However, I would like give an honourable mention to Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins.  I have a review coming up very soon for this book, which I completely adored.  It isn't all that often that I enjoy an angel/demon story!

What was your favourite read of July?  My TBR can always go for some new titles!

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Reincarnation

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

This weeks question was inspired by Incarnate by Jodi Meadows (which is currently on my TBR list!)...

If you could be reincarnated as any fictional character, who would it be?

Okay, so there are a couple ways to approach this.

If I could choose, I would be Rose from Vampire Academy or Isabelle from The Mortal Instruments.  It's no secret that I admire Rose, and the way she will stand up for what she believes in.  They are both fierce, bold, strong individuals and kind of badass.

However, if we took who I am now, and shoved me into a book, I would be a female version of Grey in First Comes Love by Katie Kacvinsky.  I am a 20 year old introvert who is seriously trying to figure out who she is.  I'm also really good at building walls around myself and not letting others in.  It takes a long time for me to open up and trust another person.  Grey and I have a lot in common.

Leave your answer below, or a link to your Road Trip Wednesday!  Until next week...

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Books To Movies

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

This weeks question is...
What movie have you seen that actually (gasp) IMPROVED on the book?

Y'all are going to think I'm nuts, but I really don't watch a ton of movies.  I like going to the theatre, but I'm not one to actually sit down on my couch and watch something.  Plus, the movies I tend to like are the ones that everyone else doesn't.

Crazy attractive actors help... 

So, I'm going to cheat again, and choose a TV show.  I don't watch a ton of TV either, but let me say that THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is a huge improvement on the books.

I have the first book of the series, which I attempted to read way back before the show started.  I couldn't do it.  I couldn't get into the story at all, and felt no connection to any of the characters.  Then I started watching the television version with a good friend of mine, and we fell in love.

Honestly, I didn't see much of the last season, thanks to school.  I do plan on catching up on it though.  It was so much easier to connect with the characters on screen.  That being said, I have no idea how far the TV version strays from the original books.

How about you guys?  Any books-turned-movies you recommend I actually watch?

Much love, Samantha

P.S. In case you're curious, my favourite movies are Stick It (Missy Peregrym is badass) and The Covenant (ladies, please check out the swimming scene [Taylor Kitsch in very little clothing]).

Road Trip Wednesday: What superlative would you win?

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

This weeks question is...
What yearbook "most" category (superlative) would your character win?

Me, just after Graduation.

Cheating time!  I am not really I writer (at least not right now).  So I'm just going to talk about myself!  Ha!

My high school didn't do superlatives.  I think it might be more of an American thing?  Chances are I wouldn't have won anything anyways, I kind of fluttered around the middle of the pack.  So here are some entirely random superlatives that I could have potentially won, under the correct circumstances...

Best Nickname (Presto-Change-o): I honestly don't even remember how this nickname started, but by the time I graduated, the whole school, including teachers and office staff, was using it.

Worst Hair:  I have thick, black hair that rarely cooperated.
Most likely to become a doctor:  I was smart.  Not really a cool story here.

Most likely to blog about books: I've always been the go-to person for book recommendations.  My friends actually blame me for obsessions, on occasion.
Most likely to fall down the stairs at graduation:  Yes, I am that kid.

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Best Read of June

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

This weeks question is...
What was the best book you read in June?

I have two winners for the month of June!

I posted my review of Born Wicked last week.  It's a beautiful book that kept giving me Little Women feels and left me a crying, inconsolable mess.

I have written a review of Before I Wake, but haven't posted it yet because it's loaded with spoilers.  While released only yesterday, my bookstore had put it on the shelf early.  I will post my official review shortly, after those who had to wait for realease day have had a chance to devour it.  But I will say, it was amazing, and my favourite Soul Screamers book thus far.

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Graduation

Source

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

This weeks question is...
How did you spend/will you spend the summer after graduation?

I spent my summer after high school working.  My life wasn't as exciting as your typical novel.  I use this excuse a lot, but I'm going to blame living in the country.  Doing anything requires driving somewhere, which can get tricky.  

I have bigger plans for my  university graduation, in two years.  After finishing school, I have at least a month before convocation, and a bit longer before I can write my licencing exams.  So I'm going to Russia.  I've always wanted to go, and I can't think of a better graduation present to myself.  I don't know where in Russia I'll go, yet, or who I'm going with, but I'll be going.

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Writing Retreat

This is my first time participating in Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

This weeks question is...

If you could go on a writing retreat anywhere, where would you go & who would you bring?

Not my photo.
I take zero credit.

Personally, I am more of the reader than the writer within my group of friends.  I would take my friends Keen and Leah, and I would act as more of a support system.  Maybe I could pull off a couple short stories, but, like I said, writing isn't exactly my strong point.

As for where we would go, I'm picturing a log cabin with a beach on one side, and a forest on the other.  This could pretty much be anywhere from Cottage Country to Sweden, as long as there is a beach and a forest.  Both elements are required.

Much love, Samantha