Feature and Follow Friday

I participate in this from time to time. Usually I work Fridays and am unable to participate but since I remembered to do it tonight instead of tomorrow I can this time! So for everyone stopping by, welcome!


RULES
To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

• (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
• (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
• Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
• Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
• If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
• Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
• If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
• If you’re new to the follow Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

This weeks question: 
 What is the first thing you would do if you woke up to find yourself in your favorite book?

My answer:  My favorite book is Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume. I would prefer I never wake-up in that book because it is so sad at points. I would probably cry if that ever happens. Yes, there are good parts and lots of adventures but I don't like the thought of my dad being murdered.

And When She Was Good (Laura Lippman)

And When She Was Good
Laura Lippman
HarperCollins
8/14/2012
From: Library

Grade: A+
Audience: Adult





Synopsis (Barnes and Noble):

When Hector Lewis told his daughter that she had a nothing face, it was just another bit of tossed-off cruelty from a man who specialized in harsh words. But now, Heloise considers it a blessing to know how to avoid attention. At home, she's merely a mom and a lobbyist with a good cause and a mediocre track record.

But in discreet hotel rooms, she's the woman of your dreams—if you can afford her hourly fee.

For more than a decade, Heloise has believed she is safe. Only now her secret life is under siege. One county over, another so-called suburban madam has been found dead in her car, a suicide. Or is it?

And then she learns that her son's father might be released from prison, which is problematic because he doesn't know he has a son. He also doesn't realize that he's serving a life sentence because Heloise betrayed him.

Heloise has to remake her life—again. Disappearing will be the easy part. The trick will be living long enough to start a new life.

My thoughts: 
I read a review for this book in a magazine and it sounded enjoyable. Sadly, most books that I find in magazines end up being overrated. Due to that I decided to check this book out from the library instead of buying it. I should have just bought it.  It was one of the best books I have read in a long time.

You will find yourself drawn to Heloise from the first chapter. There is an undeniable spark in her, something I look for in all characters. She is feisty and vulnerable at the same time. That makes her incredibly unpredictable and fun to get to know. She is the kind of woman who stands her ground and then goes home without giving it a second thought. Her personality is what made this book so spectacular.

The story itself was wonderfully written. I loved how we progressed through time with flashes back after each chapter that were relevant to what we had just read. I am not always a huge fan of flashbacks but this was done in a creative and insightful way.

Laura gives us just enough insight to want to keep reading but is careful to never give anything away. While reading this book I got back in touch with expecting the unexpected. There was a hint of mystery on each page, even when things should be looking up. It kept me flipping pages because I could tell something was coming and I had to know what it was.

I recommend this book to my adult (and older teen) readers. Please keep in mind that prostitution plays a key role in the story.

Wednesday Wishlist

Wednesday Wishlist is a feature I started doing years back when I started reviewing. I spotlight 1 book that has been out for awhile that I really want to read and review.

The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend

Kody Keplinger
Little Brown
6/7/2011








Synopsis (Barnes and Noble):
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. And eventually, through this realization, Bianca begins to see how harmful her unhealthy way of dealing with her problems has been, and finds a way to confront them head on.

Why I want to read The DUFF:
Friends-with-benefits is a fairly common topic but enemies-with-benefits is new to me. This book sounds like it has a great mix of drama, romance, and humor.

So have any of you read or reviewed this? Feel free to comment a link of your review. I would love to see what you thought!

Must Monday

Must Monday is a feature I started years ago where I spotlight a book that is not yet out but I am dying to read and review.

The Art of Wishing
Lindsay Ribar
Dial
3/21/2013

Synopsis:

He can grant her wishes, but only she can save his life.

Margo McKenna has a plan of attack for everything, from landing the lead in her high school musical to dealing with her increasingly absent parents. But when she finds herself in possession of a genie's ring and the opportunity to make three wishes, she doesn't know what to do. Especially since Oliver—not blue-skinned, not bottle-dwelling, but a genie nonetheless—can see more than what she's willing to show him. With one peek into her mind, he can see the wishes that even Margo herself doesn't know she wants.

But Oliver comes with more than just mind-reading abilities, a flair for magic, and the prettiest eyes Margo's ever seen. Someone from his past is hunting him—someone bent on killing him, along with all the other genies in the world, for the sake of honor. And as Margo soon discovers, it will take more than three wishes to save him.

A whole lot more.

Why I want to review it: 
 This girl sounds too much like me. I always have a plan and do not like when I don't have one. That part would make this book so easy to connect with. The other thing that draws me to it is the genie aspect. I have never read a book about a genie.

Reviewing through time...

Someone left a comment on my 500 Follower contest (if you have not entered now is the time) asking how I have been reviewing for 5 years and not got burnt out. The truth is I have. Twice I have taken lengthy breaks (so maybe that means I have really only been writing reviews for a total of 4 years).

Both of my breaks were much needed. I was in college. I was getting married. I started a career in medicine. Those had to be my priorities at that time. I knew I was going to lose some followers (a lot of followers) but that is not why I started reviewing, so honestly who cares?!

Another reason I needed a break was because I was starting to feel like this was a job and only a job. I was not enjoying reviewing. I felt like it was something I HAD to do everyday. So my husband and I talked and he told me I should quit reviewing. I didn't want to do that but I knew I needed a few months to fall in love with reading again... and I did.

I try to remember this is something I do for fun. That would be my biggest piece of advice on how to not get burnt out. There are nights when I say to my husband, "I have to go write a review". He reminds me that I do not HAVE to go write a review, I am CHOOSING to. So maybe because you take a few weeks off to breathe and enjoy reading and lose a couple followers? And maybe you don't get an ARC because your following count isn't high enough? OH WELL! That shouldn't be why you are reviewing to begin with. We should be reviewing because we love books and want to share our love of reading with others. If you are lucky enough to get an ARC from time to time fabulous! Just remember that's not why you started, don't let it get to your head.

My other piece of advice is to keep reviewing what you want to read. I was getting such a large amount of review copies at one point that I stopped reviewing books I had purchased. I wasn't even finding time to read them. That's not fair to yourself. Do what you enjoy! As you can see, I review a variety of ARC's, books I bought and library books. It keeps it fun!

Sorry that this post is very rambly. I just wanted to share how I felt, as inspired by a fabulous followers comment. Thank you for inspiring me to share Jennifer.

500 Follower Contest!

Wow, I cannot believe I have 500 followers. I have been at this for 5 years (last September). I started reviewing for a website and eventually decided to go off on my own. I have taken time off for college and to get married and such but I am back now!

In honor of my 500 followers I am giving away a $10 Amazon.com gift card. If I get to 515 followers I will add another gift card. If I get to 530+ I will add another.

You must be 13 or older to enter (or have your parents do it). You also must have a US mailing address as I will be mailing you the gift card and a couple bookmarks or something. I may choose to add extra prizes based on how many people are entering. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Is Not a Drill

This Is Not a Drill
Beck McDowell
Penguin
10/25/2012
From: Library

Grade: C
Audience: Teens





Synopsis:

Two teens try to save a class of first-graders from a gun-wielding soldier suffering from PTSD.

When high school seniors Emery and Jake are taken hostage in the classroom where they tutor, they must work together to calm both the terrified children and the gunman threatening them—a task made even more difficult by their recent break-up. Brian Stutts, a soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in Iraq, uses deadly force when he's denied access to his son because of a custody battle. The children's fate is in the hands of the two teens, each recovering from great loss, who now must reestablish trust in a relationship damaged by betrayal. Told through Emery and Jake's alternating viewpoints, this gripping novel features characters teens will identify with and explores the often-hidden damages of war.

My thoughts: 
I really wanted to like this book. Though it is a sad topic I still wanted a great book. For some reason I just couldn't. The first thing that could have influences my dislike is how close to the Sandy Hook shooting it is. It was not the same thing, obviously, but it was a a man with a mental illness terrifying a bunch of 1st graders with a gun. I kept flashing back to that with every page.

The other thing about it that I was not too fond of is the way it kept going back to the past. I would just be getting into the story and then *boom* rewind. I would have preferred it having separate chapters for the flashbacks.

If I could ignore those two things it was an okay book. The characters were likable despite their struggles. They had a great chemistry (when they were not being traumatized) and worked well as a team. The little kids were portrayed accurately. You could really feel their innocence.

I recommend this book to people who don't mind going back and forth between time periods.

Wednesday Wishlist

Wednesday Wishlist is a feature I started years ago. I spotlight 1 book that is already out that I want to read and review.

Winter Longing
Tricia Mills
Penguin
8/12/2010









Synopsis:

When Winter's boyfriend is killed in a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness, she's robbed of the future she'd only just allowed herself to believe might be hers. Winter and Spencer had been destined for one another. And after his death, Spencer's presence continues to haunt her.

But when her next-door neighbor becomes an unlikely friend, Winter begins to accept all that she can't change. Can she open herself to a new future . . . and a possible new love?

Why I want to review it: 
This sounds like an incredibly emotional story. I can feel Winter's pain just reading they synopsis so I can only imagine the emotions I would feel for her throughout the book.

Where the Light Falls

Where the Light Falls

Katherine Keenum

Penguin 

2/5/2013

 From: The publisher

Grade: B

Audience: Adult

Synopsis (Barnes and Noble):

As the Belle Epoque dawns, Paris attracts artists from everywhere. One is Jeanette Palmer, daughter of a prominent Ohio family, who has left Vassar College under a cloud of scandal.

Amid the city’s great bohemian neighborhoods and teaching studios, Jeanette befriends other female artists, as well as an American Civil War veteran named Edward Murer. She begins to achieve a level of artistic success. And her happiness increases as she and Edward grow more intimate with each other.

But Edward is plagued by his demons and addicted to laudanum—and as the world opens its arms to Jeanette, and the society around her is transformed by cultural and scientific innovations, she must resolve a conflict utterly new to so many women: the choice between ambition and love. 

My thoughts: 

Historical fiction is very touch and go with me. I think I have to be in the right frame of mind when I start reading it. I am a huge contemporary fan and when I do go back in time I prefer less 1950's and up. This book somehow made me want to read it from the moment it arrived at my door. I settled in to read it that night.

The characters were beautifully developed and I enjoyed learning their stories. It is so rare when you like every character in a story. I could not help but feel that way with these people. 

The story had a easy flow and kept you turning the pages. I stayed up way too late reading this book because of that. The story developed perfectly over time, not giving you too much too son. That played a key role in my desire to read it. 

I recommend this to all my adult readers.

 

Must Monday

Must Monday is a feature I started years ago. I spotlight one book that is not yet out but I am dying to read and review.

Star Crossed
Jennifer Echols
Pocket Books
2/26/2013









Synopsis:

He said . . . She said.

Publicist Wendy Mann has always competed hotly with her rival Daniel Blackstone, but this time they’re headed for a collision. Wendy’s job is on the line if she doesn’t save the image of a spoiled young starlet who’s posting provocative pictures of herself all over the Internet in a snarky attempt at revenge on her former boyfriend. Daniel is representing the ex, a onetime teen heartthrob who never grew up. With the feuding Hollywood pair scheduled to appear on the same Las Vegas awards show, Daniel and Wendy are determined to do whatever it takes to defend their own clients.

Unfortunately, the chemistry between Wendy and Daniel is even more explosive than that of their Hollywood stars. L-O-V-E was always a four-letter word for these two ultra-competitors; they never counted on the scorching heat that erupts between them. But Wendy’s high-gloss exterior hides a dark past—one that’s lurking behind the bright Vegas lights. Their careers are on the line, and so is Wendy’s life. . . .

Why I want to review this: 
I adore Jennifer and her writing is always superb. I worked with her back in 2009 when Going Too Far came out. Ever since then I have been a big fan.

Ali's Pretty Little Lies

Ali's Pretty Little Lies
Sara Shepard
Pretty Little Liars series
HarperCollins
1/2/2013

Rated: A
For: Teens





Synopsis:

Before there was A, there was Alison DiLaurentis. Boys wanted to date her, girls wanted to be her, and somebody wanted her dead. . . .

It's the end of seventh grade, and Alison DiLaurentis and her friends are the girls of Rosewood Day. Ali runs her clique with an iron fist, and she's got enough dirt on Hanna, Emily, Aria, and Spencer to keep them in line. But Ali's hiding a dark secret of her own, something so huge it would destroy everything if it ever got out. She's desperate to keep the perfect life she's worked so hard to build, but in Rosewood deadly secrets have deadly consequences. . . .

Set in the weeks leading up to Ali's murder, this special Pretty Little Liars tale is told by the prettiest little liar of all: Ali herself. For the first time ever, we see how the mystery began . . . and how Alison DiLaurentis's life ended.

My thoughts: 
I was incredibly surprised by this book. I only read it because I feel like I have to finish the series but now I am glad that I did. I really have no desire to read about a bunch of middle school kids running around because I am way past that stage in life. This book had no childish games being played. The girls seemed way older and more mature than any middle school kid I have ever met. They were going through very adult things. Do not let their age keep you from reading this book.

I really liked that this book helped me to see how things came to be. The story is not as black and white as we think it is. Was Ali really just a bitch? Is there more to the story? You will find out in this book. We have known all along that there was something that made each girl want to be her friend. From the outside I have always been skeptical because Ali seems like a real pain the butt to me. After this installment I feel like I have a better understanding. It renewed my faith in this series a little bit.

The storyline was pretty typical for this series. Not a lot at first but about half way through you can't put it down. The story became very addicting, as always. Some parts were cheesy and predictable but for the most part it was way better written then the last few books in the series.

I recommend this to fans of the series. I recommend the series to teens and reluctant readers. 

Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume

Tiger Eyes
Judy Blume











Synopsis:

 Davey has never felt so alone in her life. Her father is dead—shot in a holdup—and now her mother is moving the family to New Mexico to try to recover.

Climbing in the Los Alamos canyon, Davey meets the mysterious Wolf, who can read Davey’s “sad eyes.” Wolf is the only person who seems to understand the rage and fear Davey feels.

Slowly, with Wolf’s help, Davey realizes that she must get on with her life. But when will she be ready to leave the past behind and move toward the future? Will she ever stop hurting?

Resettled in the "Bomb City" with her mother and brother, Davey Wexler recovers from the shock of her father's death during a holdup of his 7-Eleven store in Atlantic City.

My thoughts:
This is my all time favorite book. I have read this book 7 or 8 times but not since I have been an adult. With the upcoming movie release (this girl is working on getting tickets to the Atlanta, GA premiere) I decided I had to read it again. This time my husband and I read it together! I was so happy that he loved it. I would go to put it down after reading to him for half an hour and he would beg me to read just one more chapter. Davey has the sarcastic spunk that he appreciates.

I have yet to read a book the dives so realistically into the depths of loss. Usually we see the loss from how one character reacts to the story. Judy was able to show us just how changed everyone in the story was because of this death, all while keeping the main focus on Davey. You can feel the hurt and desperation as if you were a part of the story.

Each character is incredibly well developed. You see all sides of them at some point. Davey's friend Jane is one of my favorite characters because of that. She is seen so differently through each persons eyes. Her parents see her as an angel, her teachers see her as intelligent, and Davey see's her as... actually I'm going to make you read and find that one out.

I recommend this book to everyone. I know I am a crazy fan girl but I accept that. I remember in Middle School my English teacher offered extra credit to those who wrote an author and got a response. I wrote Judy (not that I needed extra credit, can you say overachiever) and was so excited that she wrote back. Pretty sure that was the highlight of 7th grade....

Wednesday Wishlist

Wednesday Wishlist is a feature I started years ago. I spotlight a book that has been out for some time that I want to read and review.

Aces Up
Lauren Barnholdt
Random House
8/10/2010








Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old high school senior Shannon Card needs money. And lots of it. She's been admitted to Wellesley, but her dad just lost his job, and somehow she has to come up with a year of tuition herself. But Shannon's dream of making big bucks waitressing at the local casino, the Collosio, disappears faster than a gambler's lucky streak. Her boss is a tyrant, her coworker is nuts, and her chances of balancing a tray full of drinks while wearing high-heeled shoes are slim to none. Worse, time is running out, and Shannon hasn't made even half the money she'd hoped.

When Shannon receives a mysterious invitation to join Aces Up, a secret network of highly talented college poker players, at first she thinks No way. She has enough to worry about: keeping her job, winning the coveted math scholarship at school, and tutoring her secret crush, Max. But when Shannon musters up the nerve to kiss Max and he doesn't react at all, the allure of Aces Up and its sexy eighteen-year-old leader, Cole, is suddenly too powerful to ignore.

Soon Shannon's caught up in a web of lies and deceit that makes worrying about tuition money or a high school crush seem like kid stuff. Still, when the money's this good, is the fear of getting caught reason enough to fold?

Why I want to review it: 
I read her book Watch Me a year or so ago. It was incredibly enjoyable to read. I read it all in one sitting. I am hoping this one will be just as refreshing.

Must Monday

Must Monday is a feature I started years ago where I post about a book that is not yet out but I am dying to read and review.

Slated
Teri Terry
Nancy Paulsen Books
1/24/2013








Synopsis:

Kyla has been Slated—her memory and personality erased as punishment for committing a crime she can’t remember. The government has taught her how to walk and talk again, given her a new identity and a new family, and told her to be grateful for this second chance that she doesn’t deserve. It’s also her last chance—because they’ll be watching to make sure she plays by their rules.

As Kyla adjusts to her new life, she’s plagued by fear. Who is she, really? And if only criminals are slated, why are so many innocent people disappearing? Kyla is torn between the need to know more and her instinct for self-preservation. She knows a dangerous game is being played with her life, and she can’t let anyone see her make the wrong move . . . but who can she trust when everyone is a stranger?

Why I want to review this book: 
I have never read anything like this book. It sounds so intense. I feel like this would be the kind of book you have to dedicate an evening to reading because it is not letting you go.

The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2013

The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2013
Bob Sehlinger

Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated
8/28/2012








About this book:
Unofficial Guides

• Hotels, attractions, and restaurants in all price categories
• Evaluations based on reader surveys and critiques—compiled by unbiased inspectors
• Detailed, two-color maps

My thoughts: 
For Christmas this year my parents told my husband and I that they are taking us to Disney World. I have been 3 other times but not in years. My husband has never been. So to get him all hyped up I got us a few tourist guide books. This was the first one we read.

The author did a fantastic job highlighting the must-sees and reminding me about the overrated. There were even a few things I didn't know about. I was pleased that he did not spoil the magic, just emphasized it. I was instantly hyped up and so was my husband.

The chapters has an easy flow and were fun to read. It was not repetitive in the least. I now know I better start making dinner reservations.

February can not come fast enough....

Happy birthday to me...

Today is my birthday! Instead of posting a review I am taking a day to just enjoy life and celebrate me! Okay, actually I have to work and we celebrated my birthday yesterday, but that is when I would have done today's post. Enjoy some pictures of me. Sorry, my computer won't let me put them the right way, so tilt your head :)

Wednesday Wishlist

Wednesday Wishlist is a feature I started years ago when I started reviewing. I spotlight one book that has been out for awhile that I really want to read and review.




Plus
Veronica Chambers
Penguin
8/5/2010








Synopsis:

The perfect romantic makeover story about an every-girl whose dream comes true . . .

Beatrice Wilson is our lovable Cinderella, who just got dumped by her very first boyfriend and put on twenty-five pounds. But then she's discovered as a plus model. In the eyes of pop culture, Bee is Jessica Alba and then some! Now she must vanquish skinny rivals, fend off sleazy photogs, and banish jealous frenemies in her rise to superstardom. All the while, she's torn between her first love and the surprisingly sincere up-and-coming rapper she tutors in calculus. But what's better than finding your prince charming? Finally learning to love yourself!

Why I want to review it:
There are so many books about girls with problems because of their weight. How refreshing is it to see a book where a beautiful girl is rewarded for being who she is?

Two Truths and a Lie by Sara Shepard

Two Truths and a Lie
Sara Shepard
HarperCollins
2/7/2012

From: a friend
Grade: B
Rating: Teen





Synopsis: 

My killer is out there.

And my sister might be next.

Two months before I died, my best friend's brother went missing. I have no idea where Thayer is or why he left, but I know it's my fault. I did a lot of horrible things while I was alive, things that made people hate me—maybe even enough to kill me.

Desperate to solve my murder, my long-lost twin, Emma, is pretending to be me and looking into the many mysteries I left behind. She's uncovered my closest friends' darkest secrets, but she's never had the chance to dig into Thayer's past—until now.

Thayer's back, and Emma has to move fast to figure out if he's after revenge . . . or if he's already gotten it.

My thoughts:
This was by far the best book I have read in this series. Emma has kind of annoyed me from the very first book. I just cannot comprehend how someone so smart can be so stupid. I just want to scream at her for some of the choice she makes. Does she want to get herself murdered? Maybe this is the very reason I can't watch scary movies. I get a little too involved. This was the first book where I thought that she was actually a somewhat decent character.

The plot thickens in this book. Just when you think you have it all figured out something happens to make your vision unclear. This was the whole reason I enjoyed this book. It did not feel as predictable as the first two. I can appreciate that in a mystery.

After reading this book I would recommend this series over Pretty Little Liars. I can only hope she doesn't drag it on forever like she does with PLL.

Must Monday

Must Monday is a feature I started years ago where I spotlight one book that is not out yet but I am dying to read and review.

Going Vintage
Lindsey Leavitt
Bloomsbury
3/26/2013

Synopsis:
When Mallory discovers that her boyfriend, Jeremy, is cheating on her with an online girlfriend, she swears off boys. She also swears off modern technology. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in 1962, Mallory decides to "go vintage" and return to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn’t cheat on you online). She sets out to complete grandma’s list: run for pep club secretary, host a dinner party, sew a homecoming dress, find a steady, do something dangerous. But the list is trickier than it looks. And obviously finding a steady is out . . . no matter how good Oliver (Jeremy’s cousin) smells. But with the help of her sister, she’ll get it done. Somehow.

Why I want to read it: 
What a cute and unique idea. Sometimes I wish I had lived in a simpler time. This would be a nice escape from reality.

Burned by Sara Shepard

Burned
Sara Shepard
HarperCollins
12/4/2012

From: Purchase
Grade: B
Rating: Teens






Synopsis: 

It's spring break, and the pretty little liars are trading in Rosewood for a cruise vacation. They want nothing more than to sail into the tropical sunset and leave their troubles behind for one blissful week. But where Emily, Aria, Spencer, and Hanna go, A goes, too. From scuba diving to tanning on the upper deck, A is there, soaking up all their new secrets.

Emily is smooching a stowaway. Aria's treasure-hunting partner is a little too interested in her booty. Spencer's going overboard trying to land a new boy. And a blast—or rather, a crash—from Hanna's past could mean rough waters ahead for everyone.

The liars better tighten their life jackets. A perfect storm is brewing, and if they aren't careful, A will bury them at sea. . . .

My thoughts: 
I really was expecting this to be the end. The first book was one of the first books I ever reviewed. I loved it and was very excited to be sent the next three to review as well. I was told that this was going to be a four book series and I talked it up big time. Then it became an eight book series. Then a twelve. As I was reading every page of this book I was waiting for everything to fall into place. It did not. Little did I know until I finished reading it that there are more books to come. Oh joy.

I gave it a "B" because it is part of a series that I enjoy. I am a sucker and continue to buy every Pretty Little Liars book even though I find them to becoming a bit sold-out. Every problem that a "troubled" teenager could possibly face happens in this series. I just want to scream, "what the hell," over and over again.

The best thing about this series is that it has inspired so many reluctant readers to read. Many friends of mine have started reading because of this series. Sara should be very pleased with herself because of that. Even if it isn't a work of literary art she has inspired life long readers. That is something we all should be able to applaud.

There is no way to really review this particular book without giving away bits and pieces from past books. Therefor my general statement on this series is read it if you want something light and easy to devour but not if you want a "great" series.

I was lost...

Wow, somehow I managed to disappear for a few months. I had every intention of blogging but I could not motivate myself to do it. Reviewing was becoming a job for me, I was not enjoying it as much. There were a few reasons.

 First off, I was forcing myself to read books I had no interest in reading. I started this blog to review YA books but somehow I was becoming flooded with adult books to review. I should have stayed true to what I love and not forced myself to change.  Some adult books are awesome. Now that I am back I will be reviewing some adult books BUT my primary focus will be shifting back to young adult (and the ever fun New Adult trend).

The second reason I stopped reviewing was because I was tired of playing games. There are all these "who has the most followers" and "who gets the best ARC" games going on. That is not what I started reviewing. I was actually interviewed by a company years ago to review for them and that is why I started. I decided that it was fun and I wanted to go out on my own. Back then there was a very small, tight group of reviewers. We all were having a blast. Not very many of the people I started reviewing with almost 5 years ago do it anymore. Most of them got tired of battling with the people who started for free books.  All this drama started when they all came along. Now the community is much bigger and I don't see as much of the "free-book-aholics" as there use to be. Thank goodness.

The third reason I stopped reviewing was time. I work in the medical world. Weeks where I work 3 days I get 40 hours. For awhile I was working 5 days. I had no energy left to dedicate to the 30 or so hours I spent doing blog/book stuff when I was working 65ish hours a week. So that has made me decide that in coming back I will post when I have time and not kick myself the weeks that I only put 2 posts out there.

So anyways, I am now done rambling on. Glad to be back.