Friday, May 29, 2015

"Friday Favs": Forbidden Waters (Mica & Lexy Book 2) by Melissa Pearl and Brenda Howson

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Romance. 203 pages.
Price: $ 2.99 ebook (at time of post)
Publisher & Date: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. May 18, 2015.
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 . 8
Price I Paid: Zip,**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**
My Rating:  ðŸ“”📔📔📔📔

My Thoughts: Annoying Company, Scary Lake Adventure and Running From A Madman . . .

       Mica and Lexy are at it again! Seriously those girls are too much for their own good. Where one goes the other follows and this time around the duo head into trouble that leads to more danger than they can handle. It's probably a good thing they have each other and some boyfriends who are there when the girls find themselves in more trouble than they can handle.
       The girls are adjusting to life after their close encounter with the drug dealers in the bush. Both are settling into their new relationships, however while Lexy and Tom seem to be advancing a little more, Mica and Eli find they have to work on a few things. So due to Mica being a bit ticked off at Eli for working to much and forgetting about her, again, she decides to get Lexy and take off to explore the other side of the mysterious lake, which is surrounded by rumors and ghost stories. The two are joined on their excursion last minute by an annoying classmate Tracey, who can't keep her mouth shut or her opinions to herself. Now what should have been a simple trip around the lake turns into a crazy, dangerous, life in peril adventure that only Mica and Lexy can get into.
        Overall, loved it! Mica and Lexy are really becoming my favorite book girls. Those two are just too funny, sometimes frustrating, but you love them, so you want to keep reading more and more about them. I seriously thinks it's cause I relate to both of them in different ways and see my BFFs in them too. Now, grant it, our antics and adventures never got so crazy, well a couple times maybe, but I think that's the fun part about Mica and Lexy, a reader gets to relive a bit of yourself in them and enjoy their lives all while safely reading about their adventure in your favorite reading spot. Can't wait to read more about these two.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Hey, BOOK IT OUT!! - Price Drop

  !! SALE ALERT !!
In My Dreams 
by Cameo Renae
Price dropped as of May 27, 2015
from $3.99 to $0.99 (that's a 75% Price Drop)
Genre: Young Adult, SciFi, Fantasy. 248 pages.
Price: $0.99 ebook (at time of post) 
**LIMITED TIME ONLY 4 DAY SPECIAL**
Publisher & Date: Cameo Renae Books. Books [2nd Edition]. March 15, 2015.
Book Link: CLICK HERE
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 . 8
Price I Paid: $0.99 on May 27, 2015

My Confession: So I've had this book in my ever growing TBR list for weeks now and its literally been on my kindle for weeks taunting me. I have Kindle Unlimited and I rented it the moment it was released. Well now I own it. I can't personally tell you if it's amazing BUT the reviews and rating on this book don't lie. I've read other books by Cameo Renae and enjoyed her writing, so when I saw she was releasing this story I wanted to try it out. Now I own it, which means I'll probably get to it sometime soon. But I just could let that price cut go by without grabbing it for my own and sharing it, even if I haven't read the book myself . . . yet.  


"Wed's Wonderings & Wanderings": Rating Books Per Their Genre

                             
Now I recently had a long discussion with my sister on how I choose to "judge" the books I read and review. I've found people will commonly read and review books thinking nothing about why they've judge the book the way they have, or perhaps what they are comparing the book to in order to judge the book appropriately. Reviewing something whether it be a book, meal, song or a piece of artwork requires thought and sometimes objectivity before one makes their final assessment.

To be objective one needs is not to be influenced by feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts. As a history major in college, I was taught this was the ONLY way to present your thoughts for historical purposes. So in writing reviews, which are obviously meant to be based completely on ones personal feelings, tastes or opinions, a reader is called to become subjective in their writing.

What I always try to do when I begin a book is read it objectively and by the end allow myself to be subjective in my reasoning when writing my reviews. Actually a review can sometimes become more comparative than subjective, but I'll get to that later. Because here's the thing most readers tend to do, by accident mind you, when they read a book most read it the same way they read any other book. Now before you think I'm a loon let me explain, a reader will accidentally find themselves reading a RomCom the same way they read a Romantic Suspense or Historical Fiction novel. 

With every genre, and author, there subsequently comes a different style and mindset a reader needs to be set in to read such a book. Which is why when books are mislabeled readers get frustrated, I know I do. Readers can't expect their last romance to read like their next mystery novel. The case for every genre and author changes from book to book, and so should ones expectations for each book. 
                            
Consequently, when I judge books in a certain genre I evaluate them based on that genre, not how it read in comparison to another book, which was in a different genre. It's that principle of you can't compare apples and oranges, they maybe both fruit but they are different. Same goes with genre comparisons no good reviews will come of it and you won't be satisfied with your read if you try a new genre and only compare it to your favorite books, which probably aren't even in the same category. For example when reading a crime thriller written by a woman and lets say there's romance thrown in, and she enhances the romance more than the crime solving. Then there is a male author who also throws in romance to his story, in the same genre, because it's essential to the plot, but it's not the main point for his story so he doesn't overly focus on it. Now if you are a reader and you love romance novels and decide to try out the crime thriller genre for the first time you'd most likely love the woman author more and dislike the male author. Why? Only because the female author played to the genre you preferred, not to the genre you were actually reading. Meanwhile the male writer stuck to the genre, while the female writer may have gone to far into the romance genre distracting from the crime thriller plot line, which was meant to be the purpose of the story all along. So in the end personally I'd rate the male author higher than the female writer, because he comparatively stayed closer to the genre than the female author did. 

So in the end rating and reviews always seem to boil down to personal tastes, which leaves people in the Subjective category. It's not always the case as this is a general assumption, but I would say most people don't think before they read or review. I know I will wait a few minutes to think things through and asses a few points before reviewing. Not before I verbally react mind you, because after I finish a book I definitely spew a few things out to the nearest friend or family member, or to myself. Either way the key to fully enjoying a book is to know what you'll be reading, as in the genre, and keeping an open mind especially if it's a new genre. Never be afraid to try a new genre, it's like going on a trip to a new place or trying a new place to eat with new exotic food, you may find that you like it and that is never a bad thing.

Monday, May 25, 2015

"Misc. Monday": The Chronicles of Izzy Box Set by Michelle Graves

*Book Synopsis*
I lived an ordinary life. Perhaps it was life of loss, maybe even a lonely life, but ordinary all the same. Never in a million years could I have predicted the events that would unfold after that fateful delivery. Some Seer I was.

But that doesn't matter any more, that life, the one I'd thought was my reality, was nothing more than a weakly constructed facade. The lines between reality and fiction have blurred, leaving me with nothing but the cold hard facts. The world is vastly different than I ever understood. Guardians and Seers are real, and I have the power within me to tip the balance in a war between good and evil that had been brewing since the beginning of time. The fight was coming to a head and the outcome hinged entirely upon me.


I have to make an impossible choice. Would I step into my role as a Seer and face the growing 
Darkness head on, or would I cower and let everyone I loved suffer and die? 

The Darkness will rise and the Prophecy remains, the Seer must Fall.

So Fall I will.


Friendships, love, and sacrifice will all play out transforming Izzy into the Seer of prophecy. Find out what happens in The Chronicles of Izzy.

Genre: New AdultBox Set, Urban Fantasy. 851 pages.
Price: $ 0.99 ebook (at time of post) **Limited Time Offer**
Publisher & Date: Michelle Graves. May 12, 2015.
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔. 8
Price I Paid: Zip,**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔📔

My Thought: Epic Might Be Too Small A Description For This Series!

     Holy Smokes!! From the prequel to the final book this box set is amazing! This box set is Ebook swiping madness, book hangover worthy and I totally have no time to socialize cause I MUST finish this series! From the beginning I was hooked on the characters, but like a true nerd, I was hooked by the author's usage of vocabulary. You'd think for most authors vocabulary would be a no brainier, but I find most books lacking in colorful and stimulating vocab, which is not the case in these books. Michelle Graves knows how to write and it's awesome!
      The stories are all centered around the protagonist Izzy Boone, who is introduced as a bike messenger in Chicago. She heads to the local bar that's been calling to her, in hopes of gaining a social life. It's there Izzy meets Kennan O'Malley, or K.O. who becomes her insta best friend. It's only later that Izzy finds her life and the world she lives in is not at all what it seems including her new BFF. Turns out Izzy is a Seer, a special woman gifted with looking into dreams of the future to see what is to come and help those they can. Just trying to swallow that knowledge alone, Izzy then finds out she's not just any Seer but may be more including the One. Luckily for Izzy she has her Guardian Kennan and some friends who aid her in the fight against the darkness and help pull her through the darkest times. The only question is will Izzy survive what she must do to save all whom she loves?
      Overall, A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! Seriously loved this author after reading the first few pages and as my sister puts it, the author used some big vocab words instantly endearing me to her. The story beautiful flowed and grew from chapter to chapter. Izzy is a great example of a modern female heroine, her faults are there but few and not annoying. Oh and the men in the story, super happy to report they may be overbearing at times but they are so not all alpha male, which makes me love them. The fact that Izzy doesn't let them get away with crap and then calls them on it each time even calling them stupid heads makes me love the characters all the more. Michelle Graves crafted a dangerous and mystic tale with light hearted moments, love and devotion to make a wonderful story spanning over 4 books a few novellas. So if you are looking for a great female heroine, who doesn't have a manual to her destiny, but will do whatever it takes to make the world right with the help of her friends and loved ones, then this box set is perfect. Plus at the price right now, what's not to love?

Book Links: Amazon and Barnes&Noble

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michelle Graves:
Media Sites: BlogTwitterFacebook and Goodreads.

Michelle Graves is a self-proclaimed nomad, moving every two to three years with her husband the Army man, her beautiful daughter, and a fat tailless cat named Torri. When she is not writing away trying to purge her mind of yapping characters she can be found entertaining her daughter, attempting to craft (whilst trying not to injure herself with the glue gun), baking yummy treats, or reading. She admits to having a restless spirit and forces her family to go out on adventures whenever possible. They lovingly play along. 

Hey, BOOK IT OUT!! - Price Drop

!! SALE ALERT !!
Love Waltzes In (Dancing under the Stars, #1) 
by Alana Albertson
Price dropped as of May 25, 2015
from $2.99 to $0.99 (that's a 66% Price Drop)
My Blog Review:  February 19, 2015

Saturday, May 23, 2015

"Spotlight Saturday"(May 2015 Edition): Freebie Highlights From Various Genres & Authors

In this vast market of ebooks there are tons of books on the market, some on the low end and others on the high end of price value. But every so often there are some that are FREE!! Those can be either great, or books you thank God you only wasted time on, not money. So for this Spotlight Saturday I thought I'd highlight some of the great books I've read over the last few months that are still free, and showcase my fav authors, who offer a few of their books for free. Either way you look at it free is about the best deal anyone can ask for, so I say click away and enjoy.
---------------------------------------------
Blood and Snow 1 (Volumes 1-4) 
by RaShelle Workman
Genre: Young Adult, Coming of Age, SciFi, Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Folklore, Paranormal. 265 pages
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date: Polished Pen Press [2nd edition]. November 15, 2013
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 . 4
Price I Paid: $0 (got it FREE on October 11, 2012)  
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔📔
Blog Post: February 17, 2015


Promise (Soul Savers Book 1) 
by Kristie Cook
Genre: New Adult, SciFi, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, 369 pages.
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
*$12.93 paperback
Publisher & Date: Ang'dora Productions, LLC. August 7, 2011
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 . 3
Price I Paid: $0 (got it FREE on November 1, 2012)
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔📔
Blog Post: February 10, 2015


The Space Between (The Book of Phoenix 1) 
by Kristie Cook
Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, 408 pages.
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date: Ang'dora Productions, LLC. November 28, 2013
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 .4
Price I Paid: $0.99 (got it FREE on March 30, 2013)
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔
Blog Post: Box Set Review


Cursed (The Devil's Roses Book 1) 
by Tara Brown
Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, 434 pages.
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. February 1, 2011
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 . 2
Price I Paid: $0 (got it FREE on February 8, 2013)
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 
Blog Post: None Available


Captured (The Captive Series Book 1) 
by Erica Stevens
Genre: Young Adult, Vampires, Paranormal Romance, 189 pages.
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. [re-released] March 14, 2013
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 ðŸ“–
Price I Paid: $0 (got it FREE on September 27, 2012)
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 ðŸ“– 
Blog Post: None Available


Renegade (The Captive Series Book 2) 
by Erica Stevens
Genre: Young Adult, Vampires, Paranormal Romance, 233 pages.
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. June 1, 2013
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 ðŸ“–
Price I Paid: $0 (got it FREE on February 1, 2014)
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 ðŸ“– 
Blog Post: None Available 


The Survivor Chronicles: Book 1, The Upheaval (Serial Story #1) 
by Erica Stevens
Genre: Young Adult, Suspense, Mystery, Thriller. 321 pages.
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. July 7, 2013
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 . 3
Price I Paid: $0 (got it FREE on October 23, 2013)
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔  
Blog Post: None Available 


Ravenous (Book 1 The Ravening Series) 
by Erica Stevens
Genre: Young Adult, SciFi, Romance, Mystery, Suspense, Post-Apocalyptic. 236 pages.
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. [re-released]November 22, 2013
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 . 2
Price I Paid: $0 (got it FREE on June 24, 2013)
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔  ðŸ“–
Blog Post: None Available 


Kindred (Book 1 The Kindred Series) 
by Erica Stevens
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal, Vampires. 260 pages.
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. [re-released]August 20, 2013
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 
Price I Paid: $0 (got it FREE on February 1, 2013)
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📖  
Blog Post: None Available 



The Trouble With Goodbye (Fairhope Book 1) 
by Sarra Cannon
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, and Woman's Fiction. 347 pages
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date: Dead River Books. May 18, 2013
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 . 4
Price I Paid:  $0 (got it FREE on February 7, 2014)
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔📔
Blog Post: May 5, 2015



Golden Blood (Time Spirit Trilogy Book 1) 
by Melissa Pearl
Genre: Young Adult, SciFi, Fantasy, Romance, Time Travel. 250 pages.
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. November 4, 2011
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔📖
Price I Paid: $0 (got it FREE on October 27, 2012)
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔📔
Blog Post: None Available 


Unknown (The Elements Trilogy Book 1) 
by Melissa Pearl
Genre: Young Adult, SciFi, Fantasy, Romance, Magic. 275 pages.
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. June 10, 2013
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 . 3
Price I Paid: $0.99 on October 5, 2013
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔📔
Blog Post: None Available 


True Colors (The Masks Series Book 1) 
by Melissa Pearl
Genre: Young Adult, SciFi, Fantasy, Romance, Magic. 370 pages.
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date: Evatopia Press. February 12, 2014
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔📖
Price I Paid: $0.99 on February 15, 2014
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔📔
Blog Post: For the Whole Masks Series 


Anathema (Cloud Prophet Trilogy Series Book 1)
 by Megg Jensen
Genre: Young Adult, SciFi, Fantasy, Sword, Sorcery, Epic. 193 pages.
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. [re-released] January 12, 2014
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔 . 3
Price I Paid: $00 (got it FREE on March 7, 2012)
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔📔
Blog Post: None Available 



The Crown In the Heather 
(The Bruce Trilogy Book 1) 
by N. Gemini Sasson
Genre: Action, Adventure, Biographical, Historical Fiction. 301 pages
Price: $0 FREE (at time of post)
Publisher & Date: Cader Idris Press. July 4, 2010
Book Link: Click Here
Listed Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔
Price I Paid:  $0 (got it FREE on February 14, 2015)
My Rating: ðŸ“”📔📔📔📔
Blog Post: February 23, 2015