Dean Winchester Friday

Dean Winchester (or sometimes Jensen Ackles) Fridays make me a very happy fangirl. You'll see why when you look at the picture.

  

Who knew sloppily eating a burger could look so sexy? ;)

Epic Reads' "Seven Quotes to Give You Chills" Video

I wish I had thought to make a video with all of the creepy quotes. Unfortunately, I didn't. But, the team at Epic Reads did. I've decided to share it on my blog so that all may feel the creepiness. The third one was the quote that made me shudder.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Queen & The Favorite by Kiera Cass

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, what's really got my pages in a twist is...

The Queen & The Favorite

Kiera Cass

(The Selection #0.4 & #2.6)

Publication Date: March 3, 2015

Paperback, 240 pages, Harper Teen

Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Goodreads

Two novellas set in the captivating world of Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series, now available in print for the first time! In The Queen and The Favorite, discover untold stories from the lives of two of the Selection series' most beloved characters.

Before America Singer's story began, another girl came to the palace to compete for the hand of a different prince. In The Queen, follow Prince Maxon's mother, Amberly, through the Selection that made her a beloved queen.

Marlee Tames came to the palace to win Prince Maxon's heart—but her own heart had other ideas. The Favorite goes behind the scenes of Marlee and Carter's life together, from the fateful night their secret was discovered to the events at the end of The One.

My Thoughts

I think this series is a guilty pleasure. Kind of. I don’t really like a lot about it—the characters aren’t that fantastic, the world-building isn’t very good, etc.—but I still want to read them.

What book are you waiting for this Wednesday?

My Favorite YA Witch Book

Over the next few weeks, I thought I’d share some of my favorite books with you. But these aren’t just any books, they’re monster books. Each day I’ll pick a monster-of-choice and tell you my favorite book featuring said monster. These posts were inspired by Katytastic’s “Creature of the Night Book Tag.”

The first monster on the list is WITCH. And for this particular monster, I chose…

Jinx

Meg Cabot  

Publication Date: August, 2007

Hardcover, 262 pages, Harper Teen

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Goodreads

It's not easy being Jinx.

The only thing Jean Honeychurch hates more than her boring name (not Jean Marie, or Jeanette, just...Jean) is her all-too-appropriate nickname, Jinx. Misfortune seems to follow her everywhere she goes—which is why she's thrilled to be moving in with her aunt and uncle in New York City. Maybe when she's halfway across the country, Jinx can finally outrun her bad luck. Or at least escape the havoc she's caused back in her small hometown.

But trouble has definitely followed Jinx to New York. And it's causing big problems for her cousin Tory, who is not happy to have the family black sheep around. Beautiful, glamorous Tory is hiding a dangerous secret—one that she's sure Jinx is going to reveal.

Jinx is beginning to realize it isn't just bad luck she's been running from. It's something far more sinister...and the curse Jinx has lived under since the day she was born might just be the only thing that can save her life.

My Reasons

I almost forgot about this book. I’m really glad that I didn’t, because besides Harry Potter, this is one of the best witch books I’ve read. It’s cute, funny, yet remarkably real at the same time.

What’s your favorite witch book?

My Favorite YA Ghost Book

Over the next few weeks, I thought I’d share some of my favorite books with you. But these aren’t just any books, they’re monster books. Each day I’ll pick a monster-of-choice and tell you my favorite book featuring said monster. These posts were inspired by Katytastic’s “Creature of the Night Book Tag.”

The first monster on the list is GHOST. And for this particular monster, I chose…

Shadowland

(The Mediator #1)

Meg Cabot  

Publication Date: August, 1997

MMP, 287 pages, Harper Teen

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Goodreads

Suze is a mediator -- a liaison between the living and the dead. In other words, she sees dead people. And they won't leave her alone until she helps them resolve their unfinished business with the living. But Jesse, the hot ghost haunting her bedroom, doesn't seem to need her help. Which is a relief, because Suze has just moved to sunny California and plans to start fresh, with trips to the mall instead of the cemetery, and surfing instead of spectral visitations.

But the very first day at her new school, Suze realizes it's not that easy. There's a ghost with revenge on her mind ... and Suze happens to be in the way.

My Reasons

I love Meg Cabot. She’s funny and awesome and just a great writer all around. These were the first of her books that I ever read. I love them. Jesse is HAWT! and Suze is strong and snarky. I can’t wait for the new series with them as grown-ups.

What’s your favorite ghost book?

Which Team Are You? : The Hunger Games Edition

I basically just post a book series every week and have people vote on what team they are. I know the YA Sisterhood does the YA Crush Tournament, but I just want to find out how much you guys like one love interest over another, in one series.

Last week's poll was over Team Maxon or Team Aspen from Kiera Cass’s Selection series. Team Maxon won!

So for this edition of “What Team Are You?” I’m going to ask you who your pick of hunky man-flesh is from The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins.  

You can choose from:

1)      Peeta

or 2) Gale

I’m Team Peeta (more the book version than the movie—Josh Hutcherson is cute, he’s just not what I pictured Peeta looking like) basically because he’s a) devoted, b) with Katniss through it all, c) sweet, and d) he can bake! If you had to choose one, who would it be, and why? If you haven’t read the books that are out right now (How is that even possible!?), who do you think sounds more appealing from the The Hunger Games summary below.

Winning will make you famous.

Losing means certain death.

The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The 'tributes' are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory.

When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.

Which Team Are You?

Team Peeta

Team Gale

Poll Maker

Dean Winchester Friday

Dean Winchester (or sometimes Jensen Ackles) Fridays make me a very happy fangirl. You'll see why when you look at the picture.

Just please dear lord in heaven? Please?

My Favorite YA Werewolf Book

Over the next few weeks, I thought I’d share some of my favorite books with you. But these aren’t just any books, they’re monster books. Each day I’ll pick a monster-of-choice and tell you my favorite book featuring said monster. These posts were inspired by Katytastic’s “Creature of the Night Book Tag.”

The first monster on the list is WEREWOLF. And for this particular monster, I chose…

Blood and Chocolate

Annette Curtis Klause  

Publication Date: August, 1997

Hardcover, 272 pages, Delacorte Press

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Goodreads

In "Blood and Chocolate", Annette Curtis Klause does for werewolves what Anne Rice has done for vampires.

Sixteen-year-old Vivian Gandillon is trying to fit in to her new home in the suburbs. But trying to act "normal" isn't always easy, since Vivian and her family are werewolves. It's glorious to have the power to change, and Vivian is a beautiful "loup-garou" with all the young wolves howling for her. But she wants no part of her squabbling pack, left leaderless by her father's recent death.

Then Vivian falls in love with a human, a meat-boy. If she reveals herself, will he relish the magic of her dual nature? When a brutal murder threatens the pack's survival, Vivian's divided loyalties are further strained. What is she really--human or beast?

My Reasons

God. I wish someone would write another werewolf book like this. Or better yet, Klause should write a sequel. It’s the first true werewolf book that I ever read, and I loved it. Vivian is an independent girl who does make mistakes, but that’s really what the entire book is about. And DON’T judge this book by its movie. That movie was AWFUL!

What’s your favorite werewolf book?

The Kathleen Hale Debacle and My Thoughts

I'm not usually the type of person to comment on the "big issue" conversations happening in the book community. However, I went on No One Else Can Have You's Goodread page because I was curious about the book, and I saw some pretty terrible things. So I've decided to post my thoughts. I hope somebody finds them enlightening. And for those of you who don't know what this post is about, you can visit this link.

***

I think it's kind of ironic that Ms. Hale chose to share her story with everyone, about how unreasonable people can be when protected by the anonymity of a computer, yet people are still hiding behind their screen names to say hurtful things. Yes, what she did was not right, but she admitted that. She is a human being with feelings and friends and desires and bad days and happy days. She could have chosen to keep this entire debacle a secret, but she didn't. She wanted people to learn from her mistakes, and to simply get something off her chest. Some people will swarm her information, and be harsh, and they don't realize how much words can hurt. Have they never seen what bullying does to a person? There have been countless suicide attempts, successful suicides, gun attacks, and more as a result of inappropriate online behavior. Think before you post. Please. If you were a writer, and your book had just been published, would you like to see something like Kathleen did? And to say that she doesn't have the right to look up her own book on a website is a little ridiculous. What she should have, is the basic human right of respect. She did no irreparable damage. There are worse people out in the world right now. Perhaps they should be the focus of our hate.

Does this mean that you have to read her books? Absolutely not. But I think it should be obvious that coming on to her book's Goodread page just to say how much you "[insert various cuss word here] can't believe an author would do that" is simply feeding the problem.

What are your thoughts in regards to the situation? Please, keep comments civil. We're all human here.

*Note: This post was originally just for Goodreads, however I thought I'd share it with my viewers so that I can get their opinion on things.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, what's really got my pages in a twist is...

The Orphan Queen

Jodi Meadows

(The Orphan Queen #1)

Publication Date: March 10, 2015

Hardcover, 400 pages, Katherine Tegan Books

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Goodreads

Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.

She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others

Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world.

My Thoughts

I haven’t read Jodi Meadows’ other books, so I’m not sure about her writing style, but I’ve been seriously loving me some fantasy lately, and this looks promising. Plus, it’s got a beautiful cover. ;)

What book are you waiting for this Wednesday?

My Favorite Vampire YA Book

Over the next few weeks, I thought I’d share some of my favorite books with you. But these aren’t just any books, they’re monster books. Each day I’ll pick a monster-of-choice and tell you my favorite book featuring said monster. These posts were inspired by Katytastic’s “Creature of the Night Book Tag.”

The first monster on the list is VAMPIRE. And for this particular monster, I chose…

Evernight

Claudia Gray

(Evernight #1)

Publication Date: February, 2009

Hardcover, 327 pages, HarperTeen

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Goodreads

Bianca wants to escape.

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

My Reasons

I read this book such a long time ago. I can’t believe I almost forgot about it until I was perusing my shelf in search of a vampire book. There was such a huge plot twist in this book and Bianca and Lucas are amazing star-crossed teenagers. I love this series. Now, the vampires in this book aren’t the evil serial-killing kind, but they’re still pretty cool.

What’s your favorite vampire book?

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 - “Return to District 12”

Which Team Are You? : The Selection Edition

I basically just post a book series every week and have people vote on what team they are. I know the YA Sisterhood does the YA Crush Tournament, but I just want to find out how much you guys like one love interest over another, in one series.

Last week's poll was over Team Dimitri or Team Adrian from Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series. Team Dimitri won!

  

So for this edition of “What Team Are You?” I’m going to ask you who your pick of hunky man-flesh is from the Selection series by Kierra Cass. 

You can choose from:

1)      Maxon 

or 2) Aspen

I’m not sure what team I’m on, basically because I sometimes thinks Maxon whines a little too much and doesn’t really do anything to solve his problems, and Aspen just wasn’t even really around in the books. If you had to choose one, who would it be, and why? If you haven’t read the books that are out right now (and why haven’t you?), who do you think sounds more appealing from the Selection summary below.

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Which Team Are You?

Team Maxon

Team Aspen

Poll Maker