Know Me Better (week 2)

Know me better is a weekly event held by I Am A Reader Not A Writer

If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?


I would definitely bring enough food for a year – because I am not a huge meat eater, and the idea of eating island animals, fish or bugs just grosses me out. I’d definitely bring a ton of books because I love reading, and my boyfriend for company because the thought of being stranded on an island all alone is kind of creepy.

What is one book everyone should read?

That’s a tough one. I think the Harry Potter series is a really good one for all ages, because it’s an epic story and the characters have really good values and characteristics young ones can learn from (courage, the value of friendship, etc).

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?


I’d love to be able to fly. I know that’s not a very cool power when you look at Marvel characters that can phase through walls, have super strength, invisibility, control over the weather, etc – but the pure joy of flying through the air just seems like it would be amazing. Oh…teleportation might be kind of cool too since I had driving down the mountain.

Harry Potter or Twilight?


I’m probably about to get flogged by a bunch of Twilight fans…but I definitely think that Harry Potter is the better series. It’s written better, the character development is better…and when it comes to the movies – the acting and special effects are way better. I’m not a fan of Pattison or Stewart, and after seeing the first film I swore not to watch any more. I did enjoy the Twilight books, but the acting – Ugh!

Gum or Breath Mints?


I prefer mints… I really like those cherry flavored Certs. Do they even still make those things? Usually I carry a tin of ginger Altoids or Howard’s Violet Mints (I really love things with flower flavors).

Getting to know me (week 1)

Getting to know you is a meme hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer every Thursday
What's your favorite season/weather?


My favorite season is fall. I love when there is a little crispness in the air and the leaves change color. I love everything associated with Fall – bonfires, warm apple cider, raking leaves. My favorite weather though, is from May to June when it’s warm enough for shorts and sleeveless tops, but not yet too hot.

PC or Mac?

I’m a PC girl. I haven’t used a Mac since elementary school, and wouldn’t know where to find anything on a new Mac.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?

I wanted to be several things when I was little including Rock star (which changed when I realized my fear of singing in front of other people), Teacher (which changed when I saw how awful my classmates treated our substitute when I was in 8th grade, and I realized I would be teaching their children), Lawyer (which I’m still considering)…The most inappropriate thing I wanted to be growing up was a dancer like Jennifer Beals character in Flashdance. I don’t know why my mom let us watch that as a kid, but at the time I didn’t realize that she was an exotic dancer.

Favorite music?

I love music in general. I’ll listen to almost anything. My favorite music of all time is probably new wave/80’s synth pop/80’s goth. I’m a huge fan of the Cure, Depeche Mode, Erasure, Peter Murphy, Psychedelic Furs, Morrissey, The Smiths and many more obscure bands. I also have loved Tori Amos since I first discovered her at age 14 or 15. I really related to her music as a teen, and I’m still a fan, though her music style has changed. I like oldies and swing music as well. I went through a phase at 19 where I went swing dancing all the time with my friends and to sock hops and bought all my clothes authentic 30’s and 40’s from a vintage store specializing in those eras. As far as modern music goes, I hate to admit that Lady Gaga and Ke$ha get stuck in my head. I love anything I can dance to. I love dancing, so if it has a beat I can move it to I love it. I also am a big fan of Joss Stone and Adele – love their smoky, jazzy voices. I like the Band Perry and the Zac Brown band. I like Irish music and anything that sounds southern bluesy.

Facebook or Twitter?

I mostly use Facebook. It’s a very bad habit (darn you Farmville!) and a way for me to keep in touch with my family and friends scattered across the country. I do use twitter though as well, but less often.


What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?

I like the Secret Circle on the CW… its way out of my age range, but I loved those books growing up, and so I watch it like a junkie. Movie wise I love some bad ones, lol, - Harold and Kumar, Clerks 2, Grandma’s Boy and Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion to name a few. As for books, I am not really embarrassed about what I read.

November Giveaways and Giveaway Hops

There are tons of book giveaways going on in November, so I thought I'd post them all here like I did in October.  If you have a giveaway you want me to add, or see a really good hop, let me know via email and I will add it to my post.

November 1st to 14th - Thanks for the Books Hop hosted by Livre de Amour.

November 8th to 11th - Giveaway Hop hosted by I am a Reader not a Writer.

November 14th to 25th - Nurture Your Books Giveaway hosted by Nurture Your Books

November 17th to 27th - Gratitude Giveaways hosted by I am a Reader not a Writer.

November 23rd to 30th - New Author Blog Hop hosted by Of Thoughts and Words

November 25th to 27th - Black Friday Bonanza hosted by Book Savvy Babe  (I will be participating in this giveaway so check back on the 25th to enter).



October RAK Wrap Up

October was a big month for RAK.  I sent out quite a few books and got three in return. 

For starters, here are the books I sent out:

  to Katie at A Book Obsession, Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

 to Jennifer at The Book Nympho, Broken by Shiloh Walker

 to Amanda at Hippies Beauty and Books Oh My, Shadowspell by Jenna Black

 to Joli at Actin Up with Books, First Girls of Baxter Academy by Pamela J. Roskin

 to Amanda at The Musings of ALMYBNENR , Somber Island by T. Lynne Tolles

 to Zoey at Zoey's Uncreatively Titled Blog, Shattered by Sophia Sharp.

All of the books that I received in October were kindle versions:

 from Amanda at The Musings of ALMYBNENR I received Bloodthirsy by Flynn Meaney

 from Joli at Actin Up with Books, I recieved the Witches of Santa Anna by Lauren Barnholdt
also from Joli at Actin Up with Books, Lucky by Alice Sebold



 from Dani at Refracted Light Reviews, I received Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep.

Thanks everyone for the RAKs.

If you would like to take place in RAK during November sign up at Book Soulmates.

Review of Shattered by Sophia Sharp

Shattered by Sophia Sharp

Goodreads says:
Laura Cubus was perfectly content with her life. A junior in high school, she felt perfectly normal. She had good friends, a great family, and did well in school. Nothing particularly exciting ever happened where she lived, and everything was stable.




But that all drastically changes when a new student arrives at Laura's school. Wild rumours swirl about his past, and Laura becomes determined to find out the truth.

As she gets to know the mysterious student, he shares with her an ancient secret... one that may yet put both of them in grave danger.

And for the first time in her life, Laura is exposed to a completely unfamiliar world. She is swept away on an exhilarating journey that takes to a place where romance and great destiny may yet await... and where supernatural powers run rampant.

Shattered is a teen romance / paranormal romance, and is the first book of the Dream Realms Trilogy.

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I had been wanting to read this book because of the gorgeous cover (though, it is somewhat similar to the covers of the Fallen series by Lauren Kate). The kindle book is 99 cents which seemed like a steal, but I gues you get what you pay for in this case.

For starters, the amount of grammar and spelling mistakes is ridiculous. That's one of my biggest pet peeves in books. Authors, please take the time to have your work proofread. The amount of errors almost killed me.

This book also reads like a story for younger children. Laura has no depth to her and it's hard to relate to her or Logan. Additionally, their relationship isn't built upon, and when she leaves everything she knows to be with Logan, you're kind of left feeling weird about it.

There are also inconsistancies in the story, which I won't spell out here because I dislike giving spoilers. The story has the potential to be really good...but at this point, it's not. I will read the next book in the series to see if the storyline/characters improve.  I'm not giving up on the series yet.

Spooktackular Giveaway Blog Hop Winner

The winner of a book of her choice for $15 or less from Amazon or the Book Depository is entrant #180

Traci Hicks.  Traci has 48 hours to respond to my email notification before an alternate is drawn.

Congratulations Traci!

Reading Goal Met & Questions for my Readers

For the first time in the last few years I have met my goal of reading 100 books during the year (surpassed it already, actually).  I'm incredibly proud of this, and I'm debating whether or not to increase my goal (and possibly not make it).  I have the kindle app to thank for the last few books, because thanks to the app, I can now have access to books no matter where I'm at.

I guess that I have to get more used to the kindle app, because we recently recieved that bad news that our Barnes and Nobles is closing.  There are rumors of bankruptcy and rumors of the mall owners trying to increase the rent beyond what is fair.  Regardless, it saddens me that I won't have a local book store (I live in a small town) to go to for books.  I like the convenience of the kindle, but I would still much rather turn a page, hold a book, and be able to trade that book in at Bookmans for another book when I'm done with it.

I'm most proud that I made my goal, despite all the harships I've faced recently (which also explains why I haven't been posting as often as I mean to).  My school messed up on my financial aid, so I had to take 12 credit hours (when I normally take 6 to 9) during the same time that the clinic I work at was switching to EMR.  On top of that I had surgery in September, and then my Grandma Betty died at age 91 this month.  Anyway, I don't want to come across as whining - but despite all the challenges life has thrown at me, I still managed to surpass my goal, and I'm happy about that.

So, since I'd like to take off with my blog, make new friends, and post more often, I'd like to ask anyone reading this, what would you like to see more of?  What are your reading goals for the year, and how far along are you?  Some of you have goals up in the 200 and 300 range - how do you make those goals?  It's amazing to me that people can get that many books read in a year.  I'm thinking of doing a follower giveaway, but what number should I put it at?  I want real followers that will stay, not just people that follow for giveaway purposes and then delete me....so what will keep your interest?

Spooktackular Giveway Blog Hop Oct 24th - 31st

It's Giveaway Hop Time Again!  I am giving away a book of your choice for $15 or less from Amazon (if you're in the United States) or The Book Depository (if you are international).  This giveaway is open internationally as long as the Book Depository ships to your country.  If you are not sure, please check their website to see.

I am using Rafflecoptor for this giveaway so please make sure to use it for all entries, and be patient if you don't see it right away (I've noticed on other blogs it sometimes takes an extra minute to load).  You must have Java for Rafflecoptor to work.  If it still won't load, go ahead and enter in the comments section but be sure to leave a name and email so I can manually enter you into Rafflecoptor.

The only mandatory is your name and email address.  Following my blog is optional (an extra entry)  - but I'd prefer if you're going to follow that you stick around after the giveaway (which is why I made the only mandatory entry name and email address).  You can also follow on twitter, tweat, comment on another blog post, and suggest a book for me to read for extra entries.

Check out the other giveaways:

Wicked (Celestra #4) by Addison Moore

Wicked by Addison Moore $2.99 for Kindle only (Click photo for link to purchase).

GOOD READS SYNOPSIS:  Seventeen year-old, Skyla Messenger is wishing people would just stay dead.


With Chloe back, Skyla finds it difficult to live under her tyranny and threats.

A seemingly innocent misstep in Skyla’s past comes back to haunt her and could end up costing her relationship with Gage.

MY THOUGHTS: 

The fourth installment in the Celestra series ends with a cliffhanger, and the 5th book isn't out yet.  This book continues in the vein of the first three books - the love triangle (or should I call it a square) between Skyla, Gage, Logan and Dudley, Skyla continues to be accused of acts she doesn't commit.  The only thing different is that Chloe is back in the picture.  I really like the series and Addison's writing style, but I hope she brings something big in the next book.  The status quo is getting old.  Bring on the faction war!

*** 3 Stars out of 5

On My Wishlist

Duwop has these adorable eyeshadows commemorating Pirates of the Caribbean.  They come in sea shell compacts.  I really want greedy - the purple and green are both colors I'd wear a lot.  $25.00

Zales sells this pink topaz and diamond ring for $179.  I really want a heart ring with a pink stone.  It doesn't matter to me if it's pink sapphire, pink topaz or pink tourmaline.  It doesn't have to be this expensive either, just showing this one as an example.

Made by Sam at Etsy makes customizable necklaces that would make perfect gifts for your bridesmaids or just someone special in your life.  I love this starfish necklace $42.98 because it reminds me of home.

Scrabble is my favorite game, and Amazon has it in Pink.  How cool is that?  $33.65  They also have pink versions of Life, Monopoly, and Uno.