Home Archives for April 2016

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Weekly Wrap-Up April 23rd-29th

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Guys, I finished binging The Office yesterday. So this should mean I'm back to life and more reading will happen. 
This week I managed to finish four books. One e-book. Three physical books; one being an ARC and another being a re-read.


The Raven King(The Raven Cycle #4) by Maggie Stiefvater ****
It's as confusing and whimsical and weird and addicting as expected. There's no way to sum up this series. There's no way to explain this series. You go in reading it for the experience. And the characters. Because come on, the characters are the series. Blue and The Raven Boys. Maybe because it's been so long since BLLB, or maybe it's just how it is, but they were at their best in this book. 
The Raven Cycle is a great series. It's so weird and different and even beautiful. I'd like to say The Raven King has some shocking moments but I barely knew what the difference between shocking and what the hell is going on moments were, so let's just leave at it's exactly the book you think it will be, a Maggie Stiefvater book.
I will say that the lack of kissing was quite a disappointment. For me there was that one amazing moment, the other was to be expected. But that amazing moment, yea, it should have been multiplied a few times because kissing.

The Last Boy and Girl in the World by Siobhan Vivian ***.5
Find the review here.


The Wrath and the Dawn(The Wrath and the Dawn #1) by Renee Ahdieh *****(re-read)
This is even more glorious the second time around. Absolutely everything about The Wrath and the Dawn is stunningly beautiful.


Dirty(Dive Bar #1) by Kylie Scott ****
I enjoyed Scott's Stage Dive series and was excited to see her writing a spin-off type series. Now, after having read Dirty, I can say I'm super excited to see what this series brings. Because Dirty was a big step up from Stage Dive. That had a lot to do with Lydia, she's fucking awesome. She's mouthy and quick witted. Doesn't take shit from Vaughan. Not that Vaughan was a bad guy. He's was just a guy that needed to get his shirt sorted. Vaughan is a good guy that knows how to apologize after he's been a dick. Their chemistry and banter is great. The supporting characters were well rounded with complex problems of their own. Dirty turned out to be a really fun romance that brought the chuckles.













What did you guys read this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Thursday, April 28, 2016

10% Happier

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If you've always wanted to meditate, but could never figure out how to start, or how to keep going day after day, I would highly recommend a new meditation program called 10% Percent Happier. The program, which offers a "clear, easy to use, step-by-step guide" to meditation, is billed as "Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics."

Each day, the instruction begins with a short conversation between a highly experienced meditation teacher and ABC News Anchor Dan Harris. In 2004, Harris suffered an on-air panic attack in front of millions of TV viewers. The experience led him to daily meditation. These conversations are aimed at people who have looked askance at meditation, even as millions and millions of Americans are turning to the practice to reduce stress, improve concentration and boost brain health.






The introductory conversation is followed by a ten to 15 minute meditation with the experienced meditation teacher. The first seven days of 10% Happier are free, so you might as well try it (if you subscribe, the program costs only $10 a month.) 

Even after all these years I have been meditating, I am learning an incredible amount from this wonderful series. Try it and see for yourself!

Help! I'm Drowning in Books! (TAG)

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I was TAG'd by my good buddy, Sarah to do this TAG. Which was created over on BookTube by Lindsey Rey; who I've been watching for a few years now.
Is it any surprise when I say my TBR is out of hand? I could literally drown in my unread books. Does that stop me from buying new ones well all these perfectly good books are sitting here yelling at me to give them a go; of course not. I have a book acquiring problem and I will never try and cure it. Books make me happy and how can I deny myself happiness. And whatever, they'll get read one day.

What book have you been unable to finish?


I'm not shy with my DNF'ing. So there's a few I could have picked. But I thought let's go with a popular book that I thought was sooooo boring. I tried guys. I just don't get the appeal. Nothing happened in the first 42% of this book. There was no way I could make myself stick out the rest in the hopes it got better. I just didn't care.

What book have you yet to read because you haven't had the time?



There are a few reasons holding me back from spending the time to read The Name of the Wind. The main reason is the exactly the time I will have to devout to this read. It will be slow going and probably take me a week. And I like to read as much as I can. This will take ALL my time. I think the way to go about this is go to a beach for a few days with only this book.

What book have you yet to read because it's a sequel?



I didn't know how to take this question because I do have sequels I haven't read because I've yet to read the first book. But I choose Quintana because I lovvveeee this series and for some ridiculously stupid reason I haven't finished it off by reading Quintana. At this point I will need to reread the first two books because I've naturally forgotten all the details.

What book have you yet to read because it's brand new?



You all know I acquire new books every few days. Radio Silence is one of my latest(spoiler for my next haul) buys. I recently saw quite a few of my UK Goodreads friends reading this one and all were saying the same thing, incredible. And they all seemed at a loss for words. Needless to say it ended up in my hands.

What book have you yet to read because you read a book by this author and didn't enjoy it?



I read Sweet Evil a few years ago and found it to be kind of terrible, cliched and exactly what you would expect for a YA paranormal. For some reason I picked up See Me when it was super cheap for Kindle. Who knows when I'll get to it; but I guess that's the beauty of an e-book, it doesn't take up space.

What book have you yet to read because you haven't been in the mood for it?



I love Kristin Hannah. Of course I jumped at the chance to snag this for review in late 2014. The problem; Hannah's books are always emotionally draining. And yes I love a sad tale every once in a while, this one also happens to be a WW II tale. So that likes triples the emotional value. And I'm just not prepared as of yet.

What book have you yet to read because it's humongous?



The Outlander series is huge in page count and words. So many words. Dense words. Really these's no rush to read this book because who knows how long till we get the next one. It's always years and years. 

What book have you yet to read because it was a cover buy that turned out to have bad reviews?



So much beauty. Such mixed reviews. Even if I never read this book the cover will live on my shelf forever.

What is the most intimidating book in your TBR pile?


Besides all the classics I own which are intimidating because I don't want to read them. The Final Empire isn't intimidating because of page count, it's the love and popularity that scares me. I want to love this book sooooo much. More often than not I'm the black sheep and the hype can destroy the possible happiness a book contains. At some point, when I can go a week without seeing this book mentioned I will embark on this journey.


Have you guys read any of these books? Am I seriously missing out by overlooking them(Tanya, I know. I know)?

Happy reading!

Brittany





Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Review: Sidebarred by Emma Chase

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Sidebarred by Emma Chase

Publisher: Emma Chase
Publication Date: April 24th, 2016
Pages: 101
Series: The Legal Briefs #3.5
Source: e-ARC from author
Rating: 5/5
Add to Goodreads

Join Jake & Chelsea, Stanton & Sofia, Brent & Kennedy as they navigate the hilarious and heartwarming hurdles of love, life and the law in this final addition to the Legal Briefs Series.

There was a time when Jake Becker had it all together. He was controlled, driven, ruthless—in and out of the courtroom.

Then, six irresistible orphans and their heartbreakingly beautiful aunt crashed into his perfectly ordered life. They changed everything. They changed him. Now he’s a husband, an upstanding member of society, a father figure—a family man.

And he’s pretty damn good at it.

Sure, he has to referee sibling smackdowns, re-learn algebra, ensure his clients stay of jail, and keep his wife happy—but it finally feels like he’s got it together again....

So, of course something has to screw it all up. It’s huge. Life-changing. Kind of terrifying.

And it will be the most amazing, perfect thing he’ll ever do.



I loveeee The Legal Briefs series. And after reading the epilogue in Appealed I was satisfied. Everyone's happy! But hey, if Emma wants to change her mind and give me more of these characters, who's to question her. Especially when it's more Jake and Chelsea because they be my absolute favourite couple/book of Emma's.

Emma is great at writing a light hearted fun and sexy romcom that has a dash of deeper feelings. It's also probably true that no matter how light the book is, when you love the characters so much that when they're feeling sad so will you. Because we be like family, in paper form. That's still a real family though. IT IS. Moving on...

There was just that something that drew me into Jake's story the first time around. Here's this big aggressive lawyer type guy finding himself attached to a bunch of kids, and their hot aunt, without really having a choice in the matter. Sustained was life-changing for Jake and the gang, well four years down the road and it's going to get even more hectic.

Sidebarred is just a really funny and endearing book. I love really seeing how much a team Jake and Chelsea have become. Both of them found themselves in the parent role before they were ready(or even wanting to) and it's of course going to have a lot of obstacles. But watching them handle a gang of kids ranging in age is hilarious. I'm not going to lie, my favourite part of Sustained and Sidebarred is the kids. It's that big family mentality with the fighting and bugging each other, well still being super close siblings. But of course the best part is watching them keep Jake on his toes. Jake is a take control kind of guy, and yea, a lot of the time that can come off a bit brazen; especially when he "forgets" to involve Chelsea in her own life. But hey, that's the fun in this story, the unlikely family guy figuring out having a wife and kids. And he's got to get adapt as their gang gets bigger this time around.

Like I said, I love this series. And Sidebarred was everything I wanted but didn't think I was going to get. I'm so happy that Emma decided we needed a little extra more of the Becker-McQuaid clan. And since she was in a giving mood, you know another series featuring some of this series' kids would be well received; guaranteed.



amazon.com| amazon.ca| kobo| nook| iBooks


Excerpt

Chelsea sits beside me on the couch, facing me, her legs tucked, her pretty feet curled under her. Yes—Chelsea has pretty feet, okay? I never knew feet could be pretty—until I saw hers.

“So . . . that talk I mentioned before? We should probably have that now, while we can.”

I take a sip of my drink and nod. “Yeah—I wasn’t at all hoping you’d forget about it or anything.”

Her face slides into a grin. “Funny.”

I look back at her, straight-faced. “I’m a funny guy.”

When she doesn’t say anything for a few moments, I ask, “What’s up?”

Because now I’m actually getting concerned. My stomach tightens as I brace for whatever’s worrying her—and before I even know what I’m up against, in my head I’m already planning all the ways I’ll take care of it. Because that’s what I do—and I’m good at it.

But what she tells me next blows my fucking mind.

“I’m late.”

Two words—ten thousand thoughts exploding in my head at once.

I’m a big guy, six-five, 225 pounds of muscle. Guys like me, our voices don’t squeak. But at this moment, mine comes damn close.

“Like . . . for an appointment?”

Chelsea inhales deeply, then breathes out, “No.”






Emma Chase


Emma Chase lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two misbehaving (but really cute) dogs. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

Emma is an avid reader. Before her children were born she was known to consume whole books in a single day. Writing has also always been a passion and with the 2013 release of her debut romantic comedy, Tangled, the ability to now call herself an author is nothing less than a dream come true.






Happy reading!

Brittany

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Review: The Last Boy and Girl in the World by Siobhan Vivian

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The Last Boy and Girl in the World by Siobhan Vivian

Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: April 26th, 2016
Pages: 432
Source: ARC won from Publisher
Rating: 3.5/5
Add to Goodreads

From the critically acclaimed author of The List comes a stunning new novel about a girl who must say goodbye to everything she knows after a storm wreaks havoc on her hometown.

What if your town was sliding underwater and everyone was ordered to pack up and leave? How would you and your friends spend your last days together?

While the adults plan for the future, box up their possessions, and find new places to live, Keeley Hewitt and her friends decide to go out with a bang. There are parties in abandoned houses. Canoe races down Main Street. The goal is to make the most of every minute they still have together.

And for Keeley, that means taking one last shot at the boy she’s loved forever.

There’s a weird sort of bravery that comes from knowing there’s nothing left to lose. You might do things you normally wouldn’t. Or say things you shouldn’t. The reward almost always outweighs the risk.

Almost.

It’s the end of Aberdeen, but the beginning of Keeley’s first love story. It just might not turn out the way she thought. Because it’s not always clear what’s worth fighting for and what you should let become a memory.



The Last Boy and Girl in the World stood out as a book about relationships and how to leave the past and move forward. What's worth fighting for and when you should realize there's more important things in life. Sometimes a memory should stay just that.

The Last Boy and Girl in the World is based on an interesting concept; a town that is essentially dying. The constant flooding has become too much and the government has decided that the money paid out to the residents to relocate out weighs saving the town. Time to turn it into the lake it is slowly becoming anyhow. It's like the end of the world for its residents and everyone is going to handle it differently. Some want to try and save their home, some take it as an opportunity for a new life, and some, like Keeley and her friends take it as a chance to act like it's the end of the world.

Keeley was a girl I could understand. I can see how readers might find her bratty. But I found her to be awkward and goofy. Keeley is someone that needs to make a joke in every situation. She needs to keep it light. And I get that because I suck with emotions. I am the most super awkward person whenever there's a sad or depressing moment happening. All my brain is thinking is how do I deal? A misplaced laugh should do the trick. So yea, Keeley probably should have toned it down, but unfortunately your personality can be your own worst enemy. It did get to the point where Keeley's immaturity and lack of good judgement got to be too much. I'm nearing the end of the book and thinking finally she's starting to see that this can't be fixed with a joke or prank, and than she does something extra stupid. That there was the downfall; and what accumulates from that moment. The last 30ish pages were a big disappointment. 90% of the people around Keeley totally on board with their end points. But not Keeley, she just failed to really learn from her mistakes. It was a everyone will forgive me in the long run. And just nope.

Keeley's relationship with her parents was complex. Her parents were very prominent in the book. The end of Aberdeen brought forth all that was being left unsaid in their house. Her mom over working herself to the bone, well her dad has turned into the town hermit because of an injury. Until the evacuation brings her dad's overly opinionated and confrontational side the forefront. He's going to be the guy that saves the town. Well so he thinks. Obviously this brings up a lot of good and bad for their family. Keeley is happy to see her dad finally out and about, but of course that comes with its own set of problems. Keeley has tunnel vision and is being sucked into her dads plans. It was frustrating to see her going along and not asking him questions. I so felt for her mom and the responsibility and stress on her shoulders well her husband finally comes alive but not in a way that puts his family first. Ultimately I super proud of how Keeley's mom handled her life and emotions.

Keeley's relationship with her best friend Morgan, was refreshing. They weren't constantly trying to take each other down. They were just best friends in the sense that term is supposed to mean. Attached at the hip and there for each other. Morgan specifically was constantly putting Keeley first. I don't want to say that Keeley was needy, it was more that her personality needed Morgan's attention. I could see why their relationship hit a bit of a road block; Keeley was keeping everything so light and fluffy that she was holding herself back from the depth that Morgan wanted in their friendship. Keeley was being unintentionally selfish, and Morgan had every right to take a step back and say grow up a little, yea.

 Jesse is that guy that Keeley has had an unattainable crush on for forever. Until the shocking happens and he takes notice of her. With their town and home Aberdeen dying, both Keeley and Jesse see it as a chance to do anything. So although their relationship had no substance, and thankfully Keeley was seeing it what it was for, a good time in the time they had. Jesse is the fun, party type popular guy. So Keeley and him share a lot of the same traits. Jesse wasn't a bad guy, just him and Keeley being together really highlighted her overly jokey and immature side. I could see the points when she realized that, it's just here is the guy she's loved from afar for so long, how do you take a step back from that? And what's to lose; it's the end, it's not going to matter in a few months. Jesse and Keeley were always just a fun, quick romance and I wish that was all this book had romance wise.

Because the romantic ending, it was so out of place. I knew it was coming because obvious much. But I was still hoping that it wasn't going to go down. It just didn't make sense. I can't ship it. I can't get behind it, I can't make sense of it. They spent the whole book annoying each other because they are so different and than boom, last 20 pages and they, well Keeley, suddenly has feelings for this guy. And in all honesty, this guy let Keeley off the hook. His feelings were so misplaced. He was continuously kind and helpful towards Keeley. Yet Keeley was rude to him, left him hanging, stabbed him the back and than ultimately did something really shitty to him. Ultimately they should have just cleared the air and been done with it. No kissing and no romance.

The Last Boy and Girl in the World is super atmospheric. The constant rain and weather updates throughout the book kept me looking outside expecting to see rain and flooding. That was a fun feeling and totally fit in with the compelling nature of the book. I had no problem reading this in a sitting. The pacing was quick. And really if not for the last handful of pages this book was a strong four star. Yea sure, those pages pissed me off, but I still enjoyed this one overall. It was a good time.

Happy reading!

Brittany

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Weekly Wrap-Up April 16th-22nd

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This week I managed to read three books. As per these past few weeks Netflix has been stealing my reading mojo. Anyhow, two of the books were physical books and one an audio; this being a reread.



The Winner's Crime(The Winner's Trilogy  #2) by Marie Rutkoski ****
I'm going to get a series review up. Well that's the plan. I just need to make my lazy ass write it.


Days of Blood and Starlight(DoSaB #2) by Laini Taylor ****(reread)
I'm so glad I'm doing a reread before finishing off the trilogy. Apparently I did not remember as much as I thought I did. Note; the audio narrator is pretty fantastic. I do think Days of Blood and Starlight is a great book, it is also the middle book that is setting up the finale. And it makes it pretty obvious that's what it's doing. Karou has a really stellar character arc. She needs to find herself(remember her old life), come to terms with all she didn't know, and just be a really kick ass lady in a subtle yet strong way. I will admit to letting my attention wonder during the Akiva bits. I don't find them as fascinating as when I'm with Karou and the chimera. But of course the best bits are with Mik and Zu. They are hilarious and amazing. And I could go for a whole book of them traveling the world being their adorable selves. I do think Taylor is a genius in all aspects of story telling. Her writing is beautiful and her story walks that line between straight forward and confusing. Its just right in that sweet spot. Angels and demons, nothing new except, apparently, when Laini Taylor writes the tale.


The Winner's Kiss(The Winner's Trilogy #3) by Marie Rutkoski ***.5
See above. ^^



A photo posted by Brittany (@britsreadinglife) on





A photo posted by Brittany (@britsreadinglife) on



Apparently all I did was take pictures of The Winner's Trilogy and watch The Office this week. How about you guys?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Friday, April 22, 2016

About a Robin

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What magic is this
fluffy-breasted
robin, creeping so softly
over the green green grass.
As she passes my window
I marvel.

Here is another miracle.
Inhaling, I cannot
imagine which who what
unfathomable force or being
is at work here,
creating this black and
rust-colored  bird.
I have stared at so many
creatures and growing things
and still

I am awed by
Moutains
and Lakes
and Oceans
and Babies’ toes and fingers.
Still
I will always wonder,
My God, who makes them!?

Dedicated to a muse and my dear friend, Sharon Flitterman-King

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Jackson Pollock I am NOT...

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But I sure did get inspired seeing his work last week in an exhibit at MOMA.  He was brilliant and innovative and so prolific.


Here is the first painting I did after seeing the show:




Sunday, April 17, 2016

Showcase Sunday #101

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Showcase Sunday is a weekly meme held by Books, Biscuits and Tea. It allows fellow bloggers to show off any books or bookish things they've compiled over the week.


G'day. Been at least three weeks since I've posted a haul. Surprisingly I don't have a billion books. But I do have more than someones that unemployed should have acquired. *shrugs* Been a decent few weeks. Had my birthday; which we won't discuss the age because rude. Went to the Penguin Teen on Tour; signings are always fun and this one was no exception. Went to a baby shower yesterday because we are at that point in my life and why? *sobbing*
Books, glorious books! Out of the ones I purchased I've actually read most of them/reading one of them next/needed the new edition. US, Undecided and Forever Pucked are all e-books I read and NEEDED the physical copy. Half Lost and The Winner's Kiss are both series enders. *cries*  Anyways, who cares about explanations, you just came for the books. I understand.


Purchased

Undecided by Julianna Keyes| Forever Pucked(Pucked #4) by Helena Hunting
Us(Him #2) by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy| The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
The Winner's Kiss(The Winner's Trilogy#3) by Marie Rutkoski| Half Lost(Half Bad #3) by Sally Green
Love Lessons by Heidi Cullinan| Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E.K. Johnston| The Winter King by C.L. Wilson

Kindle Purchased

Kindle Freebies


Netalley


Won


Gifted

Dearest Clementine(Dearest #1) by Lex Martin| Glass Sword(Red Queen #2) by Victoria Aveyard
Thanks to my BFF, Heather. She knows me so well. And yes, I've already spent the gift card on pre-orders. So those books still to come.

The Gatekeepers Series by Anthony Horowitz| Ten by Gretchen McNeil| Glass Houses(The Morgaville Vampires #1) by Rachel Caine
Thanks so much to Samantha for spoiling me rotten. You are crazy. But all the best.


What did you guys pick up this past week?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Weekly Wrap-Up April 9th-15th

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This week I managed to read six books. Two physical books; one a re-read. And four e-books; three novella's one being an e-ARC.

Off the Record(Record #1) by K.A. Linde *
Find the full review here

The Whitechapel Fiend(Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy #3) by Cassandra Clare ****
Jem, Will and Tessa are still and will forever be my people. Maureen Johnson did a pretty good job of capturing Clare's characters. But really just the fact that this story focuses more on 1888 London makes it infinitely better than the rest.

Too Late by Colleen Hoover ****
So I'm not the only one out there that totally ate this story up. I waited impatiently for the whole story to be posted before diving in because how in God's name would I be able to wait days or even hours after every chapter? Anyways, Too Late was quite a bit darker and little more mature than what we're used to from CoHo, Drugs, a drug house, a drug dealer, assault, guns, you get it. Like all of CoHo's books, this one was just as compelling and addicting. I was fully invested and really scared for Sloan's life. Carter was the shinning light. And Asa, well to put it plainly, he's fucked up. Weirdly, I liked his story line the best. What that says about is whatever. There was of course the romance. Sloan and Carter weren't my favourite couple, I think it their relationship had more time to develop I would have believed it more than just seeing it as something that was saving them both. I liked them, just didn't love them. Another great CoHo book. And a free one at that. I love how authors are using Wattpad more and more to give back to their readers.

Nothing but Shadows(Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy #4) by Cassandra Clare *
Awful. Simply awful. It's truly unfortunate that Sarah wrote this story as it so easily could have been fun. TID world in any way should be a favourite of mine. But nope. The writing was terrible. I'm pretty sure an infant could have added more personality into this bland and utterly boring tale.

Sidebarred(The Legal Briefs #3.5) by Emma Chase *****
Review to come.

The Winner's Curse(The Winner's Trilogy #1) by Marie Rutkoski ****(re-read)
I did a re-read so I can finally continue/finish the trilogy. Find my original review here.






A photo posted by Brittany (@britsreadinglife) on





What did you guys read this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany
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