{Thoughts on Thursday} Reads for Mommy on Leave

Thoughts on Thursday is a feature I've had on the blog for a while. This is where I pretty much discuss anything, even personal stuff, sometimes it will be book related but it's mostly to discuss what's been on my mind.

As you have all probably noticed my post have been less, as I normally post something everyday. But I'm now at 38 weeks into my pregnancy and its been tough to keep up with my reading! Ahh!! I hate not reading, but I'm always so tired after work now. Anywho, with my due date coming up quickly, I'm going to be taking mommy/baby time off work and I'm hoping to sneak in some good reads that I have been missing out on.

Here is my list so far for my mommy reads:

Hardwired: The first in the Hacker Series, I've heard a lot of hype about this one but I read some really great reviews of people enjoying the series as a whole. I'm hoping to start this.

 

Fire Touched: I'm so very excited for the next mercy Thompson installment. I'll be getting this goody in the mail soon to review a bit early, anything in the mercy universe is always my top read and I've never been disappointed.

Sebring: Is the last in the Unfinished Hero series and follows the main villian since the first book Knight. It follows bad boy Nick, Knights brother and troublemaker. He always seems like the bad guy but it sounds like there may be a lot of reasons for his actions and I cant wait to see how it will all end!

 

 

Mind Games: The 5th book in the YA/NA series The Demon Trappers series, I didnt even know this was out and now I need to read it asap!! I loved all the books prior, its dark, humorous, romantic and kick butt. I can't wait to see how this concludes! 

Now here is my question for all of you! Any books I should totally add to my list?

{Thoughts of Thursday} The Duff and the Drama of High School

Thoughts on Thursday is a feature I've had on the blog for a while. This is where I pretty much discuss anything, even personal stuff, sometimes it will be book related but it's mostly to discuss what's been on my mind.

I just watch the movie The Duff the other day and it made me think of high school. All the clicks and popularity contest that constantly went on...such drama. I haven't had the chance to read the book but I adored the meaning the movie represented, that being who you are and just be the better of who you are. 

It's funny to think back to the "mean girl" in school, "the nerd", "the jock", etc. but thankfully I went to a school that I knew everyone from a young age so it wasnt hard to talk to "jock" or the "popular girl".  There were the new kids however that thought they were "gold" and well... lets just say they are forgettable to me because they thought they were the best of the best.

Anyways, I'm curious now about reading the book, so for those who read it. Tell me yay or nay because I thought the movie was hilarious and so true to some of the things I saw in high school. Also tell me if you had any drama experience in high school, is The Duff similar to what you experienced?

BLURB:

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

Thoughts on Thursday: eBook Deals

Thoughts on Thursday is my meme where I discuss books, authors, book news, movies, convention and or anything related the the book world.

This weeks topic is Amazon's fabulous deal and authors that I totally want to try! I've been on the hunt for up and coming authors and oldies that have been recommended to me. Lately I've been super lucky with great deals on Amazon and being introduced to new and old authors that I'm now sucked into their writing. 

Below are this weeks great deals and authors who I cant wait to read and review.

Fashionably Dead - Price Right Now: FREE

Priceless - Price Right Now: FREE

Chosen for Power - Price Right now: 3.99

Happy Pants Cafe - Price Right Now: 4.99

Thoughts on Thursday: Book Covers & Storytelling

Thoughts on Thursday is my meme where I discuss books, authors, book news, movies, convention and or anything related the the book world.

This weeks topic is a favorite of mine, as a graphics designer I love the beautiful art of book cover designs and how they help tell the story that the authors work so hard to write. Below are a few of my favorites and all for very different reasons.

Each of these covers have wonderful stories, one of course I haven't read yet, but I love the movement in the models and the writing (Wicked). A lot of people judge books by the covers, I know I do. 

I have been fooled once or twice by a beautiful cover but I love how each genre differs so much. 

Such as Kelly Armstrong's Wild Justice is a mystery thriller with romance, but the need for characters on the cover isn't necessary to explain what the story is about. 

A. A. Aguirre's Bronze Gods shows the leads characters dressed in the period clothing but it's the weapons and clocks that explain in detailed the storyline. 

Molly Harper's How I Run with a Naked Werewolf is all about the title and the cute humor of it, her writing is always funny and its clearly expressed on this design. 

Wicked is a beautiful new cover, the two leads are intertwined together clearly stating their romance. I love the underwater movement the is brought into the typography as well, it brings a hint of sensual romance and totally hooked me.

Lastly Altered by Jennifer Rush, I wasn;t really sure about the cover, but I know Rush's writing and could see this male chacter was going to be different, tough, and also broken, all from the look of the cover.

So how about you? What are some covers that really spoke to you and that you felt really explained the storyline.

{Thoughts on Thursday} What book or series would you pick for the screen?

After watching the first episode of Outlander at Comic Con last weekend, I realized how many awesome books out there that I'd love to see on the big and small screen. I read the first in the Outlander series so long ago, but it refreshed my memory and how much I adored the time travel romance. The characters and acting seriously hooked me and I can tell the series is going to be a success on the small screen.

For me I have a couple series I'd love to see adapted, such as: Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, Allie Beckstrom series by Devon Monk, Mythos Academy by Jennifer Estep, just to name a few.

With True Blood ending I know many are looking for the next big book to TV hit, so I have to promote Outlnader because it was that freaking fantastic, but also would like to recommend Bitten on Syfy because season 2 is right around the corner and Kelly Armstrongs series was seriously well done. It may not of followed the book completely but I actually liked it better.

So here is my question for you: If you could pick a series or a stand alone to be brought to the big or small screen which one would it be and why? Also who can you see as the leads?

{Thoughts on Thursday} How do you choose a book to read?

Thoughts on Thursday is a meme I created to talk about book related topics, news, and events that I find interesting this week.

I'm always on the hunt for the next book, the newest author to try, the latest release by my favorites or try out the biggest hype. 

I'm a reviewer and of course like to know what others think before starting. Luckily the book community is huge and I havent had too hard of a time with choosing in the past. But lately I have too many choices. (Which is a wonderful thing!)

I also noticed a major change in my genre interest lately, leaving behind the YA and moving into the NA, as well as moving from Paranormal to Contemporary. I'm not sure how it came about but I noticed the shift ism't just me.

I still love my paranormal books of course, but I use to only read paranormal and now I'm having more of an open mind to mystery, contemporary, historical and more. (But the must have some romance :)

So whats everyones thoughts on the shift in the book world? How do you choose what to read next? Is it the hype? The genre? The Author?

{Thoughts on Thursday} Upcoming books to movies (Must see Trailers!)

Thoughts on Thursday is a meme I created to talk about book related topics, news, and events that I find interesting this week.

After watching Divergent the other day I was shocked with how many books to movies are coming out soon. Have you seen this awesome trailers below? And if you have what do you think? Which one are you most excited to see?

For me The Giver looks so good! I haven't read The Maze Runner but this trailer made me want to read it asap!

The Maze Runner:

The Giver:

The Fault in our Stars:

Thoughts on Thursday: Books to Movie Round 2

Thoughts on Thursday is a meme I created to talk about book related topics, news, and events that I find interesting this week.

Topic: Book to Movies

This week I wanted to talk about the upcoming books to movie that at the moment are the most talked about.

Tomorrow the very popular young adult series Hunger Games is coming out with it's sequel, Catching Fire. I'm super excited to see this one as I liked the second book more than the first. But I also like the strong acting from the very talent cast.

Are you seeing Catching Fire this weekend? Do you think this one will beat the first?


VAMPIRE ACADEMY

Next is another popular young adult series, that doesn't have shinny vampires but has some really kick butt female leads. I enjoyed this first four in the series and really couldn't get myself to continue after that. But I didn't enjoy the first which the movie is based off of, so I'll hope for the best. 

Will you be seeing Vampire Academy in February? Do you think they can do the book justice, better or worse than the book?

50 SHADES OF GREY


Lastly I can't forget about 50 Shades of Grey, I have read the first two and even though I don't understand the hype around Christian himself, its actually a pretty interesting read. I'm super curious however how their going to make this a movie, it's extremely adult and I'm hoping they can tell the sad story of both these characters without it getting to uncomfortable.

I also was surprised by their choice for Christian, it isn't how I pictured him, but this actor did a great job in Once Upon a Time as the sheriff. So I'm rooting for him that this movie is successful.

Do you link the choice for both lead roles? Are you going to see this steamy flick?

{Thoughts on Thursday} Book to Television

Thoughts on Thursday is a meme I created to talk about book related topics, news, and events that I find interesting this week. This week I'm excited for some upcoming and new released titles.

Topic: Book to Television

This week I wanted to talk about the upcoming book to television series coming soon to the Syfy channel. I absolutely loved Kelly Armstrong' series Women of the Otherworld, but more so because I love the two lead werewolf characters Elena and Clay. 

I watched some sneak peeks and so far it looks really promising especially for a show on Syfy, which have there ups and downs for certain show.

I do love the lead Laura Vandervoort, she is definitely fit to play the role of Elena. The boys however I'll need to see if they grow on me since I have had my own picture in my head of what they would look like from the writing in the books.

What do you think? Check out the video below to get some inside scoop on the upcoming series.

http://www.syfy.com/bitten

Coming Soon

For those who are big fans of Diana Gabaldon, her very famous time traveling series Outlander is coming to Starz.

16 episodes have been ordered and it sounds pretty awesome! Centered around a World War II nurse who accidentally travels back in time to 1743 and is caught in the middle of raiding border clans in Scotland. RDM, back on the small screen. We missed you!

Thoughts on Thursday: Cover Lovin

Thoughts on Thursday is a meme I created to talk about book related topics, news, and events that I find interesting this week.

Topic: Cover Lovin

This week I have spotted some seriously outstanding cover designs, that I really just wanted to show some love too. As a designer I may be guilty of picking up a book because the cover just screams read me. But I always like the praise a design because I can see and know how much love went into designing something as beautiful as these covers below.

Witch Fall by Amber Argyle: October 2013

All things fall.

Even Witches.

Supreme in their dominion over seasons, storms, and sea, the Witches have forgotten the unmatched destructiveness of mankind. And among the weapons men seek are the magical songs of the Witches.

Lilette is one of the few who see the decadence and decay weakening the Witches. As an outsider amid her own kind, can she help them survive the coming war?

Why I love it: Just look at the details the illustrator put into this beautiful design. As I have read the first book in this series, I can pin point the reason for the cover, I love how each cover has told a little story with focus on the main character. What do you think?

Unhinged by A.G. Howard: January 7th 2014

Alyssa Gardner has been down the rabbit hole and faced the bandersnatch. She saved the life of Jeb, the guy she loves, and escaped the machinations of the disturbingly seductive Morpheus and the vindictive Queen Red. Now all she has to do is graduate high school and make it through prom so she can attend the prestigious art school in London she's always dreamed of.

That would be easier without her mother, freshly released from an asylum, acting overly protective and suspicious. And it would be much simpler if the mysterious Morpheus didn’t show up for school one day to tempt her with another dangerous quest in the dark, challenging Wonderland—where she (partly) belongs.

As prom and graduation creep closer, Alyssa juggles Morpheus’s unsettling presence in her real world with trying to tell Jeb the truth about a past he’s forgotten. Glimpses of Wonderland start to bleed through her art and into her world in very disturbing ways, and Morpheus warns that Queen Red won’t be far behind.

If Alyssa stays in the human realm, she could endanger Jeb, her parents, and everyone she loves. But if she steps through the rabbit hole again, she'll face a deadly battle that could cost more than just her head.

Why I love it: Well if you haven't seen the first cover you should know that they are similar except for the character focus. Also this will excite all the Morpheus fans who adored this crazy guy in the first book, plus we can put a face to him now. I love the references of his character and wonderland that are on the cover with him, plus doesn't it have the wonderland vibe with a bit of eeriness that the story is? What do you think?

The Unbound by Victoria Schwab:  January 28th 2014

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Last summer, Mackenzie Bishop, a Keeper tasked with stopping violent Histories from escaping the Archive, almost lost her life to one. Now, as she starts her junior year at Hyde School, she's struggling to get her life back. But moving on isn't easy -- not when her dreams are haunted by what happened. She knows the past is past, knows it cannot hurt her, but it feels so real, and when her nightmares begin to creep into her waking hours, she starts to wonder if she's really safe.

Meanwhile, people are vanishing without a trace, and the only thing they seem to have in common is Mackenzie. She's sure the Archive knows more than they are letting on, but before she can prove it, she becomes the prime suspect. And unless Mac can track down the real culprit, she'll lose everything, not only her role as Keeper, but her memories, and even her life. Can Mackenzie untangle the mystery before she herself unravels?

With stunning prose and a captivating mixture of action, romance, and horror, The Unbound delves into a richly imagined world where no choice is easy and love and loss feel like two sides of the same coin.

Why I love it: Well I love consistency of course but what I also love is that each of these cover in this series have represented or hinted something that is key to the story. The key in the first book and now the ring. If your read the first book you'll know what I mean. But I loved Archive and serious love these mysterious designs and focus on Mackenzie.

So what are some covers out there that have caught your eye and did it make you add it to your wishlist?

{Thoughts on Thursday} Continuing a series or wait until it's finished?

Thoughts on Thursday is a feature on Seeing Night Reviews that focuses on current events in the book world, author news, and anything book related in general I would like to discuss.

This weeks Thoughts on Thursday topic is: Continuing series or wait until the end?

I'm always curious as to what fellow bloggers/authors/reviewers feel about sequels/trilogies/sreies after finishing the first book in a series that was downright awesome, do you continue? or wait? For me I'm starting to wait until the whole series is finished before continuing with the series, I'm not sure if its because I have a lot in my TBR pile or I just can't bring myself to dread waiting for each book to come out... 

Have you ever not continued a series or waited at least until the series finished to continue reading it?

I can totally answer that question for me personally... I have and I'm actually doing it right now. There are two series that I love. I'm waiting for both to end so that I can read it all in one sitting. I'm one of those reviewers who reads reviews of course and noticed some not so fun comments about what's going on, so it made me nervous to continue. Since then I stopped reading the reviews and am just going to wait until I can buy them all and read them one after another.

Chicagoland Vampire series is on of the ones I'm waiting for to finished so I can dive back into this awesome world without the stress of waiting. Luckily I have many stand alones coming out that I can do this. But I do miss this series and can't wait to see what's been happening to theses characters.

So my question is... what series (if at all) are you waiting until its finished to read?

{Thoughts on Thursday} Series that are ending!

Thoughts on Thursday is a feature on Seeing Night Reviews that focuses on current events in the book world, author news, and anything book releated in general I would like to discuss.

This weeks Thoughts on Thursday topic is: Series that are ending! I'm sure I'm not the only one out there who is sadden by the end of a long series or even a series that is a trilogy.

Yesterday was a lucky day for me, I joined many fellow book lovers for the ARCPARTY with EpicReads on twitter, where they spoiled us with many upcoming titles (Look Here). I won the huge prize pack of 20+ titles!? What!? So awesome! Thanks to the wonderful ladies who hosted the party at EpicReads. But what many of us noticed in the pile and lately is that many series are coming to an end.

Such as: Hereafter series by Tara Hudson, Revenants series by Amy Plum, Angelfire series by Courtney Allison Moulton, The Chemical Garden Trilogy by Lauren DeStefano, The Goddess Test series by Aimee Carter and that's to name a few. It always breaks my heart to leave these characters and the world that was created by these wonderful authors.

My #1 most sad about series that is ending: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter. I absolutley love greek mythology and the story of Hades and Zeus. I loved the romance and how its slowly developed instead of an insta love. Though its only been three books I felt that the pace was well thought out and that three is a perfect number to end for this series. I don't think a series should ever drag on. I'm excited to read the final book!

My #1 most loved character in a series ending: Ellie from the Angelfire series by Allison Moulton. I have high respect for a girl who can keep but especially one that has a prepare to get into the middle of a battle between heaven and hell.

Which series have you followed from the begining and are really going to miss? Who are your favorite characters?

But alas there are new series to come! New characters to love and new teams to follow! What are some titles your looking forward to in 2013?

Thoughts on Thursday {5} Amazon Freebies + Giveaway

Thoughts on Thursday is just my thoughts on some reading, news, author updates, and future books that I want to discuss with all the readers out there.

This week I found some really great free reads on amazon! Just wanted to share what I added to my kindle.

BLURB:

Bound by love and magic. Betrayed by those they trust. Not everyone survives.

Gasp-out-loud action, heart-pounding romance and an OMG ending that leaves you hungry for the next book.

Last day to get for free Jan. 3rd

Amazon link: click here

BLURB:
Mina Grime is unlucky, unpopular and uncoordinated, that is until she saves her crush's life on a field trip, changing her High School status from loser to hero overnight. But with her newfound fame brings misfortune as an old family curse come to light. For Mina is descended from the Brothers Grimm and has inherited all of their unfinished fairy tale business. Which includes trying to outwit a powerful Story from making her its next fairytale victim.

To break the fairy tale curse on her family and stop these deadly events, Mina must finish the tales until the very Grimm end.
Amazon Link: click here

Also dont miss out on my facebook giveaway which ends tonight at midnight PST.

Enter to win a copy of Splintered by A.G. Howard! 

CLICK HERE

{Thoughts on Thursday} Should I Read The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling?

Thoughts on Thursday is just my thoughts on some reading, news, author updates, and future books that I want to discuss with all the readers out there.



What is The Casual Vacancy?

A BIG NOVEL ABOUT A SMALL TOWN ...

When Barry Fairbrother dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock.

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils ... Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

The Hype
As a big fan of J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter series, which I grew up with, I was thrilled to hear about her going into the adult genre. Now an adult I was glad to have a more grown up story with the great writing that captivated me in Harry Potter.

I just recently heard that The Casual Vacancy is also being adapted into a BBC series, since its that good of a book. So of course I was ready to get reading!

The Reviews
As a blogger and reviewer I follow many blogs like mine but my major place to discover books in on goodreads. I was shocked to see that this book has a really low rating and I started reading some of the comments. The reviews are mixed those who like the book because... well it's J.K. to some who couldn't finish it. That got me thinking, is all the hype just for the author, not the story?

I would love to hear what more fellow reviewers and bloggers thought about this book, I'm iffy about the synopsis but I do enjoy her writing. Should I give a try or wait till the price isnt so extreme?.. 13.00 bucks for a kindle book dang!

Thoughts on Thursdays {2} Are you missing a good book by judging the cover?

Thoughts on Thursday is just my thoughts on some reading, news, author updates, and future books that I want to blab away about.

Today's Thoughts:

I know a lot of book readers judge books by there covers, it's no secret, I do it! But sometimes there is that book that really catches your eye once you randomly read the synopsis. Your read it and Bam! Its a fantastic book that you totally would of passed over if you hadn't bothered to read the back.

For me I had never read anything by Katie MacAlister, I heard she was a great author but never really picked up one of her books. Then one day I decided to read one and It was amazing, I have now read all of her books and loved them. When I think back I remembered her covers didn't catch my eye and that was one of the reasons I passed it over.

Have you ever done this? Do you ever go in a book store and just ignore the overs and read the synopsis? Tell me below and leave your email to be entered to win a this months Thoughts on Thursday giveaway!

Prize: Because it is my blood by Gabrielle Zeven. USA/Canada only