The Tattooed Duchess by Victor Gischler

19 Oct

The Tattooed Duchess

Book Two in the Fire Beneath the Skin Kindle Series

Rating: Five out of Five Stars

These books are bomb diggity. I can’t bear to read them as a Kindle Series so I must wait until the whole thing comes out in one book. I assure you, it’s so worth the sweet sweet torture of waiting.

I like this series. Like really really like this series. It’s intricate and exciting and wonderfully fast-paced. Gischler plays quite a bit with mystery in this book and it adds much to the story. If you read a lot of YA, well actually, read ANYTHING a lot, eventually you figure out what to look for and what all the foreshadowing will lead to. I personally do this without trying and then I spend pages and pages waiting for the author to finally tell me what I already know. It’s quite depressing… but lo! Here come’s Mr. Victor and he does a nice job of not giving up too much too soon. This is no Gone Girl mystery, I assure you, but the plot doesn’t show it’s hand before it places it’s bet.

The thing that really shocked me, and still surprises me, is that a male writes this series. For some reason I cannot wrap my head around it. Perhaps it’s because our main protag is a female and he writes her impossibly well. I see and feel her as only a female written by a female. And that, my friends, makes him such a stellar writer. He’s not the first male author to write from a girl’s perspective (John Green, dear thing, is a master) but I find it so rare to genuinely embrace a character written by the opposite sex. It’s of course, a mark of a great author, and so I give my props to Victor Gischler.

My last comment on this book is simple. There’s some controversy about the vulgarity in this book; the foul language, the sex, sometimes the brutality of the fights. But I loved it. It would not be the same book without it. The Duchess would not be as likable if she didn’t chain smoke and and drop the F bomb once in awhile. So back off people and embrace the bad side a little.

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My Mid-20s Book Life Crisis

31 Jul

Hello world!

It’s been awhile since we’ve talked….I am ever so sorry and I am sure you want to put me in the Bad Blogger of the Year category, to be honest, I probably deserve it. So let’s take a moment to imagine me in blogger purgatory for a min:

box of shame

*end moment*

Great, now that we have that out of the way let’s move on, shall we?

I’ve been doing some soul searching of late since I am getting married in a few months and am gagging on my *gasp* almost late 20s status. Since when did I graduate high school almost 10 years ago? Why are my friends getting pregnant ON PURPOSE? Whoa, whoa, you bought a house? WTF! And worst of all, it’s been YEARS since I’ve gotten shamefully drunk which, above all else, shows my age.

To learn and respect one’s own alcohol tolerance is a sure sign of age.

feel these things

I am bringing up these sad, adult-life points because it’s made me realize I have come to a turning point. I’m adulting every day now. Vacuuming the house 4 times a week because, ew, husky fur and wood floors DO NOT mix well. I have a well organized filing system with my bills and vet vaccinations and I have a fireproof safe for all my important legal documents. Since when did I start caring about legal anything?

And since when did I stop loving YA novels?

Since I started adulting every day it would seem. Now, let me just say that I still love me some YA-fantasy, sci-fi, dystopia, stories. But I am MUCH pickier about which one’s a choose to spend my time with. I don’t just grab the HOT HOT author’s anymore and don’t force myself to finish books I know I won’t enjoy. My time has become precious and and more valuable and thus the books I read now must have a higher caliber.

My life has revolved around reading and books since I was just a wee one and my passion for them has only grown with age. The simplicity of reading a great book is the most complicated love story one can ever experience. A great book can change you, mold you, inspire you to BE things and DO things and WANT things. A good story takes you on an adventure and when you come back to reality you aren’t the same person you were before. You’ve lived whole lives while you’ve been away. You know joy, love, death, heartache differently now.

And that, I think, is the point of this post. I love who I am and I want to experience that change when you shut the pages. But now I want a different journey. I want books that compel me differently than they did 2 years ago because that me saw the world differently. I know love, I know heartache, I know joy and passion and jealousy. I don’t want a 17-year-old to tell me about how wrenched she was when her insta-love banged another girl. I don’t care to listen to a 15-year-old’s love triangle dilemmas. I want something more. Something deeper, something that speaks to me now, as an adult.

Let’s just pump the breaks for just a minute. Now DO NOT think I am bashing YA books in any way because damn, I will still read the shit of out a good YA author (Hey Sarah J Maas!). And in no way am I turning my backs on Young Adult books forever. I just think for now, I want to expand my reading genre a bit and get to know adult fiction a little more.

I just think I am growing up a bit. That’s all.

So, in conclusion, I may not post a lot anymore (because shit, I AM an ADULT!) but when I do, you may see different kinds of books on here now. A little more complex, a little more… something.

So join me, if you want to, and let’s go get our adult fiction on!!

rh

(BTWs, I am not that grown up because I am having a Harry Potter themed Wedding Shower!! #hellsya)

Wine and Women Wednesday – Which YA #WCWs would actually make awful #WCWs

21 Aug

Apothic

On the Menu: Apothic Red Winemaker’s Blend 2012

Description: This is my all-time favorite wine. I drink it whenever I feel like drinking and on any an all occasions. Am I sad? Apothic. Am I happy? Apothic. Am I lazy and just want to get a little buzz? Apothic. It’s a beatiful blend of a Zin, Merlot, Syrah and Cab. (seriously, all those nummies in one bottle?! HELLO!). And since this week I am talking about crushes, it is only appropriate I show everyone my wine crush as well.

Alright so I am a little rusty at W&W Wednesday because it’s been a minute since I did one. But lets jump right in and get to the nitty gritty shall we?

Which YA #WCWs would actually make awful #WCW

We all know that hashtags are the “thing” nowadays and we are ALL guilty of at least doing one of the following: #mcm, #wcw or #tbt. (For those living on the moon and have no idea what I am talking about… 1.) Come back to Earth please and 2.) #mcm = Man Crush Monday, #wcw = Woman Crush Wednesday, and #tbt means Throwback Thursday.) I am an offender of both #mcm and #tbt but have never actually done a #wcw. Should be #wcw be like, my bffl? or should it be the person I would most likely wanna go lesibhonest with? I can’t win that debate with myself which is why I’ve never done it. But I got to thinking who my #wcw would be in the YA genre. Would I choose Celeana Sardothien because she is a smexy little badass or Linh Cinder because that would be quite an experience? Would I chose Evie Green because girls got mad skills or Elina from Fire and Thorns because she is just a damn nice person?  So because I try to keep my blog PG13, I am going to say this week’s #wcw is all about who would I want to be friends with the most in the YA world. But the more and more I thought about it, the more I kept thinking that all my #wcws have their faults. So I present to you my top five #WCW who would actually make awful #WCW.

*WARNING WARNING WARNING* There are some spoilers in this post so if you have not read all of these books tread lightly.

bestfriends

5.) America Singer from The Selection

The Good: Although America ends up getting everything she ever wanted, she had to work hard and make sacrifices to get there which is an endearing quality in my mind. She seems like she would be a killer party guest and a great friend for gossiping with.

The Bad: Because she’s a princess and will eventually be a queen, we would NEVER get an privacy. And she is waaaay too headstrong for me. If she doesn’t agree with something you say she will literally call you out on live television to get her way. Not cool.

4.) Clary Fray from The Mortal Instruments

The Good: Clary is a badass and could save you from a lot of shit. She’s got some sweet hookups and hottie friends. I would love to just go to her little coffee house and get a half caf with her and listen to some poetry readings.

The Bad: Girl has some SERIOUS issues. Family drama and friend drama alike. Not only that but she will chose bros over hoes any day and will stop at nothing to get with her boyfriend which is a slight bit pathetic.

3.) Cinder Linh from the Lunar Chronicles

The Good: Cinder has skills when it comes to fixing things and she’s charmingly shy and sweet. I like that she is different and quirky and is a CYBORG! I want a cyborg friend!

The Bad: Although shy is good, meek is not. And Cinder hovers the line between shy and meek a little too much for my taste. Plus, I do not want to get on the bad side of the Lunar Queen because I do not wanna get killed. Sorry, Cin.

2.) Alina from The Grisha

The Good: I will never ever be cold or scared of the dark. And Alina is fiercely loyal to her homies which is much needed for any lasting friendship.

The Bad: She is a bit crazy. And ridiculously power-hungry no matter how she tries to hide it. Surrounding myself with someone who has that much naked ambitous is not smart. Not only that, but her friends have a tendency of dying. Which I am not cool with.

1.) Celaena Sardothien from Throne of Glass

The Good: She is witty, sarcastic, loves to read and is loyal to her friends. I would want to drink with her, read books with her and play chess with her all day, every day.

The Bad: She likes to work out a lot and I am so not ok with that. See these spindly arms? Yeah, I like them.

Cinder by Melissa Meyer

19 Aug

Cinder

Book One in the Lunar Chronicles

Rating: Five out of Five Stars

Why oh why ooooh whyyyy did I not read this sooner?!?!

slap

I am slightly angry at myself for not reading this sooner. I was terrified that this book would never ever ever live up to the hype and so bought it and then shelved it FOR YEARS!! YEARS!!!! And I just glanced over it, passed it by, pushed it aside like some mediocre story. I even MET MELISSA MEYER in person and STILL did not pick up the book. How awful right? Like, that’s just a slap in the face.

And now, oh Melissa, I am ashamed and disgusted in my behavior. This book is brilliant. Clever, beautiful, ingenious and stunning. You’ve opened up my scared little heart and nestled Cinder snugly into a corner. Please forgive me for doubting you as now swear my undying allegiance to this fantastic series for life. Now come back here so I fangirl all over you!

Letmeloveyou

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A Roses for the Crown by Anne Easter Smith

25 Apr

21062

(not really a series but kind of a series…. just go read all of them.)

Book One

Rating: Five out of Five Stars

This book. THIS BOOK. THIS FREAKING BOOK!


Anne Easter Smith, please accept my undying devotion to your authorhood. I commit to read and love all the books that you have placed in this world and shall forever be committed to praising your holy writing with reviews. I hearby swear my love for your words. Amen. 


OMG. I cannot get over how amazing this book is. After the awful YA I’ve been reading lately, this beauty was an amazing breath of fresh air. It is so magically majestic in every way. From the characters, to the pace, to the historical research, I have absolutely nothing bad to say about Smith. She should be every author’s fantasy when it comes to storytelling. 

I write this review is reverent silence because I am literally awestruck by this book. While I don’t always use gifs in reviews, I do tend to use them to lighten up a post because they make them more interesting. I cannot use a gif in this one. It would distract and demean and takeaway the pure perfection of this story. Because the main character in this book is my sister, my soulmate, and my sweet best friend. Kate, my lovely, modest, smart beautiful Kate. You are in my heart forever. Anne Easter Smith created such a perfectly simple yet complex character in Kate it breaks my heart knowing that I won’t see her again tonight when I open my book. She’s so lovingly rendered and so fully complete it’s hard for me to accept she’s fictional and not in the next room spinning some wool. I fell in love with Kate the instant I met her. And being able to follow her on her life’s journey that Smith created was the most heart-wrenching, achingly beautiful, soul-full filling, delicious mind feast I’ve had in a long, long time. 

I still smile slightly when thinking about Kate meeting Richard, giggle a little when thinking about their blissfulness, cringe when I think about all the awful things she faced. Anne Easter Smith has created a fictional character that has wormed her way into my book-loving heart and I welcome her with open arms. 

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New Book Alert – Mortal Danger by Ann Aguirre

16 Apr

Mortal Dangers

 

Mortal Danger by Ann Aguire

Book one in the Immortal Game Series

Release Date: August 5, 2014.

 

Aight so I know this isn’t really a brand new “you heard is hear first” kind of alert… but can we all just take a minute and appreciate the badassry of this cover???

*moment of awed silence*

K thanks.

 

As per Goodreads:

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Edie Kramer has a score to settle with the beautiful people at Blackbriar Academy. Their cruelty drove her to the brink of despair, and four months ago, she couldn’t imagine being strong enough to face her senior year. But thanks to a Faustian compact with the enigmatic Kian, she has the power to make the bullies pay. She’s not supposed to think about Kian once the deal is done, but devastating pain burns behind his unearthly beauty, and he’s impossible to forget.

In one short summer, her entire life changes, and she sweeps through Blackbriar, prepped to take the beautiful people down from the inside. A whisper here, a look there, and suddenly… bad things are happening. It’s a heady rush, seeing her tormentors get what they deserve, but things that seem too good to be true usually are, and soon, the pranks and payback turns from delicious to deadly. Edie is alone in a world teeming with secrets and fiends lurking in the shadows. In this murky morass of devil’s bargains, she isn’t sure who—or what–she can trust. Not even her own mind…

So from what I hear around the block this book is freaking dark. Edgy and intense and is meant to appeal to both YA and adults.

orgas

 

So pumped.

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Greatest Day of My Life

14 Apr

I am so sorry that once again, I have fallen off the face of the Earth.

My new job in Cali is going exceptionally well, which is a good and bad thing.

 

Good:

Well, I mean, planning events IS how I make my money to ya know… survive. And let’s face it, I don’t have the attention span to probably ever write a book so I should stick to my event planning ways since I can actually profit from it.

(Not that I don’t  like #AHDORE you guys. But ya’ll aren’t paying my grocery bill.)

 

Bad:

Um. I feel like I NEVER read. And no reading means no reviews and no reviews means no blog posts. So in this circle of work, I never get to interact with my favorite people. YOU!

 

On the up side, I did get to nerd out and go to the Los Angeles Times Book Festival yesterday and MEET SARAH J MAAS!  She did an awesome panel with Melissa Meyer and Leigh Bardugo (and some other sci-fi lady no one really knew about) and was bomb. She’s even cooler in person than I thought she would be. Very humble with a dry, self-depreciating humor (much like Jennifer Lawrence) and totally made me want to hang out and drink with her.

NOT TO FREAKING MENTION that when I went and had her sign my book and told her I named my blog after one of her quotes, SHE FREAKING RECOGNIZED ME.

In which I promptly fan-girled the f*ck out.

Me =

best day

But I tried to stay cool

I love you

 

And Leigh Bardugo was pretty legit too. Those two cracked me up like no other. It’s really awesome to see authors appreciate their fans. Loves you two soo much.

1497473_10152090625131376_8980211381367945672_n

 

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Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender

10 Mar

marie

 

Rating: Two out of Five Stars

This book was nice. Cute. It’s definitely a cross between Heist Society by Ally Carter and Tarnish/Gilt by Katherine Longshore. The voice is like an amateur version of Ally Carter with the same easy, girlish tone, but sadly, not the same level of storytelling. I would recommend this for a beachy summer read. It can easily be read in a sitting which is good when you aren’t reading any thing uber magnificent and don’t want to spend days trudging through BS for a lame ass story. So, it’s good for a fluff read.

With that being said, this book is shallow and cliche. *shocker* With her bitch-pretty rich girl frenenmy and oh-so-sweet chubbier bffl, Colette (love the name btws) goes on a Parisian adventures. They go to parties (tres cool!) and meet boys (Je t’aime!) all while poor little Colettie is seeing scary ghosties (mas no!). And of course, she just has to solve the mystery because, omg! SUCH a coincident, the murders have to do with her! *gasp*

Ok, so besides the pretty lame plot, I actually enjoyed the read. It’s easy and it flows and I got suckered in for a little bit. But then the ending happened and well…. well… um… it was… stupid. There, I said it. The climax was such garbage. It was poorly written, way to cliche, and stupid as hell. I mean, why did she just have to get dressed up in a fancy time period gown with hair and makeup and go to a castle? Yeah, no point. I don’t even remembered WTF happened.. something about a key.. and a bookcase falling.. oh and of course the ghostie. All I know is that it ended and *SPOILER* everything magically worked itself out. *shocker again*

herm

Congratulations to you. Wootie woot woot.

But besides the dumb ass climax (you were just trying too hard, sweetie) the book is cute and quirky and fluffy.

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Tarnish by J.D. Brink

27 Feb

Tarnish

 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

So I was lucky enough to actually a signed copy of this from the author. CHEA! So thank you thank you Mr. Brink for the fantastical read.

dance

Different than my normal read purely because it has a male pro-tag but VERY good. I would say this is more of a crossover YA-Adult book based on the storyline, characters, and tempo.

The longer I am away from this book, the more I like it. What’s amazing about this book is that it is its own story. It’s well written, although it got a little choppy (more on that in a minute) and the characters are their own beings. It’s not some spin off, take off, bullshit twisting of the same young adult themes. And honestly, I think that’s mostly because for ONCE we get a very real male pro-tag.

Billy/Will, our main homeboy, is adorable. This is my Will:

will

 

Smexy, and buff and clean faced. He’s exactly what I would think a medieval teen-aged adventure junkie would be. And I think it’s completely cute how smitten he is with the illusion of Will vs Billy. And love how he has to wrestle with the age old “who am I?” question and how Brink makes it very entertaining. He has all these ups and down and highs and lows and by the end, he’s really gotten booted off this pedestal he put himself on. But I couldn’t help but giggle at the last name he comes up for himself, Thunderstrike. Call me dirty minded but heyyyy…

wink

 

Personally, I am A HUGE fan of switching narrators. I love being able to feel and see the story through different eyes and voices. It adds depth and dynamics to a book. And while a did enjoy all our narrators, I only wish we got to spend a little more time with each of them. I felt like sometimes we would meet someone and he’d be gone before we got a chance to know him.

who are you

 

And OMG, I love love love that you get all these stories within stories because there’s all these storytellers in the story. It’s like, bookception.

you're awesome

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Fallen by Lauren Kate

24 Feb

Fallen

 

Book One in the Fallen Series

Rating: Two out of Five Stars

Thank god that’s finally over with…

Let me sum up this book with a few short gifs:
Luce:

Teenagedgirl

 

Daniel:

flawless

 

Cam:

unicorn

 

And for the plot…

Take some

rihan

 

and some

brooding

 

with a dash of

sad

And there ya go. The end.

Which by the end, I mean a super weird, awkward, WTF just happened ending…

And BTWS, I audio booked this book. Don’t do it. The narrator is annoying with her voices. I dreaded every second that Gabby or Daniel talked. Ugh.

 

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