Diary Entry

Diary Update 

November 4th 2013

Only two months left to get as much reading in to complete my challenges eek. I'm already sure I won't be able to complete them all. I accepted to many review books and overwhelmed myself this next year will be better.

Currently reading 
Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill - I really enjoyed Merit but never got around to finishing the series. I'm only just starting but I've been sucked in. Hope to finish this morning.

I have a whole bunch of books to read this week hoping for 6 or 7 but at least 5. My goal this month is 25.

Planning on reading the whole Harry Potter series before the end of the year. So my hubby won't complain.

The Reading Diaries 
I'm taking a tour break so I've been good about not signing up for any tours for the rest of the year and keeping them limited in the future. It's hard having 6 review tour books plus my regular pile. I may sign up for cover reveals or blitz's but nothing where I need to read.

Ender's Game
I read the book a week or two back and this weekend the hubby took me to see the movie. I think they did a fantastic job with the graphic's but he didn't age like he did in the book which makes sense but I could hope. I'm glad that I read the book. My hubby said he would see it in the theaters again. He's also planning on buying it on blu ray.

Well I have a huge typical monday to do list so catch all you lovely's later 

30 Day Challenge: Day 9

I stumbled across this 30 Day Challenge and just have to participate. 

I got the idea from Ya-Aholic Reviews

I'm stubborn and don't read books I don't plan to enjoy. They sort of sit on the shelf for ages. I've had the Harry Potter Series on the shelf to read for years and years. My hubby has been saying just read them but I never got around to it but I'll be starting the first tonight so maybe this will be the book I didn't think I liked that I will like. 

What about you?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? November 4th 2013

Welcome to It's Monday! is a weekly event hosted by Sheila at Bookjourney to share with others what you've read the past week and are planning to read the next.

Another great week of books.

Read this week

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (Review)
The Rising by Terra Harmony (Review)
Cursed by Lizzy Ford (Review)
The Quiet Professor by Betty Neels (Review)
Have Gown, Will Wed by Killian McRae (Review)

Currently Reading 
Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill (Goodreads)

Up Next 

Accidentally Catty by Dakota Cassidy (Goodreads)
Born in Flames by Candace Knoebel (Goodreads)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (Goodreads)

Not sure what else will be read but this is my start. 

What are you reading?

Review: WIcked Lovely

Title - Wicked Lovely

Author - Melissa Marr

Series - Wicked Lovely #1

Genre- YA Fantasy

Published - January 1st 2007

Publisher Harper Teen

Format - Ebook

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty - especially if they learn of her Sight - and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King, who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost — regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faery intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning twenty-first-century faery tale.

Review

Aislinn has always seen the faeries but never let on that she can see them. Since she was a child her Gram trained her to avoid them not draw attention to herself. She doesn’t know her father and her mother died in childbirth so Gram has been her rock. Aislinn isn’t along she has a friend who’s been a very good friend named Seth he’s been there for her when she needed him but things have started to heat up. Suddenly Aislinn has the attention of a stranger who’s intent on being more than just friends he’s determine to make her his.

As Aislinn is haunted by Keenan she decides to reveal that she can see the faeries if nothing more than to make them go away. As she is pushed deeper into their world she learns that Keenan is the Summer King hunting for his Summer Queen who will help him save his people. Aislinn doesn’t want anything to do with Keenan but as she learns the truth she will be given the choice that will change her life as well as everyone else. Will she become one of Keenan’s summer girls, replace Donia or become to true Queen?

At first I was frustrated by Aislinn but the more I got to know her more I grew to like her. I love how she owns her own destiny; she grows a lot from the girl in the beginning of the book. I love characters that grow through the story.  At first I wasn’t sure about Kennan but as the book progressed and we learned more about his motives I found myself cheering him on. I also really liked Donia’s character I found her interesting.

I've had this one on my to read list for a while because I've got a weakness for faeries but never got around to it. The book started a little slow in part because there was a decent amount of building but by 15 percent in I was sold it was hard to put down if not for sleep I would have stayed up all night reading. The concept is unique it reminds me a little of another faery tale but I like how the author has put her own unique touches in the story. I liked the characters some better than others but the y all enhance the story. The author has written a captivating book that mixes the faeries and humans using the sign as a way to bridge the two. I’m curious to check out the rest of the series, I’m bad but I read the synopsis of the next books. What can I say I've been known to read the last chapter first before. This is my first book by Melissa Marr but I plan to check out her other books. 

4 out of 5 stars

Blog Tour: Interview Terra Harmony

 Today I'm thrilled to share with you the an interview I was lucky enough to snag with the very talented Terra Harmony. She took the time to answer my many questions which I'm known for. Her answers are original and really great so I hope you enjoy getting to know a little more and what makes her tick. 

Mandy - Where did you get the inspiration for The Rising?

Terra - Mermaids have been on my mind for a long time, well before I began finishing up my last series. With the 'eco' themes my novels carry, how perfect would it be to concentrate on the oceans? I began reading as many mermaid books as I could get my hands on, and I was left feeling wholly unsatisfied. I took it as a personal challenge to do better, and hopefully readers will let me know if I did! I recently talked more in depth about inspiration here (URL: WILL SEND YOU THE LINK BEFORE YOUR POST IS DUE) – be sure to check it out!

Mandy - Are you happy with the way the cover turned out?

Terra - Very happy, and believe me, it went through several revisions. I had to take into account 'branding' for future books of the trilogy, the young adult genre, and the fact that a cover itself will attract many of the buyers. I ended up using another self-published author, Keary Taylor, to do the cover. She has done all of my covers thus far and she is amazing! I wrote a whole long blog post about the my cover's story here (URL: http://harmonylit.wordpress.com/2013/09/06/my-covers-story/).

Mandy - Do you see yourself in any of the characters?

Terra - Not really – in fact in this book I tried not to put any of myself in the main character. I'm not sure why I was so against it this time around. Maybe because the main character in the last series had almost too much of me in her. I tried to focus on the qualities of my younger sister – her rebellious nature that often conflicts with the desire to stay within her comfort zone.

Mandy - Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

Terra - Nope – and I still don't know if that is what I want to do. I think for me it is mainly about trying new things. But so far, I haven't grown tired of the exciting world of writing, so I think I'll stick with it!

Mandy - Do you prefer eBooks or physical books?

Terra - I prefer whatever fits in my purse – or better yet, my pocket. For now I read most of my books on my phone, just because that sucker is always with me.

Mandy - What is your preferred atmosphere when you write?

Terra - Lately, I've been hammering away at the computer between 5 and 7:30 am every morning before the kids get up. I have three kids, a full-time job outside of writing, and my husband is gone often for work so the rest of my day fills up pretty quick. I key up some classical music on Pandora and enjoy the peace that won't come again until the next morning.

Mandy - If you had a magic power what would it be?

Terra - The answer to that question depends on my mood! For right now, I'd say 'conjuring'. I really want to 'magic' a hot cup of coffee in my hands.

Mandy - Do you have a favorite beverage?

Terra - Coffee (speaking of magic), until it is time to switch to wine!

Mandy - Do you have a guilty pleasure?

Terra - Vampires – totally!

Mandy - What are 5 things you never leave home without?

Terra - Kid 1, Kid 2, Kid 3, keys and purse. You know – the essentials.

Mandy - Do you have a favorite quote?

Terra - Write drunk and edit sober. Though in reality it should say 'write drunk and edit hung-over', which really doesn't work.

Mandy - Is there anything you want to tell your readers?

Terra - If you check out my book, please, please, please let me know what you think by leaving a review or sending me an email directly. Also – keep our oceans healthy!

Mandy - Where can we STALK you?

Terra - Soooooo many places to stalk me:

E-mail: terra.harmony11@gmail.com 

Facebook: http://facebook.com/terraharmony 

Blog: http://harmonylit.wordpress.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/harmonygirlit 

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/terraharmony/ 

Google+: https://plus.google.com/101033059595962307629/posts 

The Rising on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18300412-the-rising

Author Bio:

Terra is author of the eco-fantasy novels in the Akasha Series, 'Water', 'Air', 'Fire' and 'Earth', as well as the Painted Maidens Trilogy. Terra was born and raised in Colorado but has since lived in California, Texas, Utah, North Carolina, and Virginia. Terra has served a 5½ year enlistment in the Marine Corp, has earned her bachelor's and master's degree and presently runs the language services division of a small business.

Terra currently lives in a suburb of Washington, DC with her husband of 14 years and three children.

Thank you so much Terra for being here today it's been a absolute pleasure and the highlight of my day!

Blog Tour : Review - The Rising

Title - The Rising

Author - Terra Harmony

Series - The Painted Maidens Trilogy #1

Genre - YA Fantasy Mermaids

Published - Nov 7 2013

Publisher - Patchwork Press

Format - Kindle review copy

(Goodreads)

Synopsis

Fifteen-year-old Serena is the youngest member of a dying race. The increasing acidity of the ocean is destroying her home, slowly eating away at the once thriving underwater landscape. But since the night of Serena’s birth, it is an outside force that most threatens their dwindling population. Werewolves, who once served as protectors for mermaids in the Kingdom of the Undine, now seek to eliminate all who dwell in the ocean — and Serena is about to find herself right in the middle of the deadly conflict.

Given the title of Werewolf Liaison, Serena is determined to make things right for her people. When she ventures to The Dry, she meets Liam, the werewolf with hazel eyes, and her whole world gets turned upside down. As Serena discovers the real history between werewolves and mermaids, she is left wondering who her true enemies are.

Review

I received The Rising in return for an honest review via the publisher Patchwork Press Via NetGalley. Serena is the youngest maiden in her caste which is also the last caste they have had due to the massacre that happened on the beach sixteen years prior. Upon reaching maturity they will graduate and hopefully be paired but the threat is still looking on the dry beach. It was the massacre that made Serena has grown up as an orphan always being different her home is dying she’s been looking for answer or solutions.

As the pairing grows closer she is caught meddling which is a serious crime for the Undine forcing her to go on trial and be given the job of werewolf liaison. Serena is determine to figure out why the wolves hate them so much because they were created to protect the Undine. While on land she befriends a young werewolf the son of the leader who is dead set on revenge against the Undine king.  As Serena dives deeper into the mysteries revolving around her people and the wolves she learns secrets that will change her life forever.

I like Serena she’s stubborn but has a good head on her shoulders. I found her character interesting she’s one of my favorite mermaids because she doesn't just have a tail. I actually like Liam’s character I found him interesting and would love to see more of him. I’m still on the fence with Kai but we will see in the next book. I honestly was spellbound by the story the characters are easy to connect with you can’t help cheering them on and feeling Serena’s emotional roller-coaster.

The Rising is a captivating story about unique mermaids and the wolves that once protected them. I found the concept for how the Undine use their scales really cool. I like the idea of being able to shift into human and then shift your scales from colored to skin color. I was engrossed in the book, it was hard to put down even when the hubby wanted to watch a movie I was sneaking peaks at my kindle. The book is fast paced filled with action that keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very end, add in a little romance and mystery for the perfect balance. The author has written a beautiful story that sparks the imagination. I loved everything about the story and can’t wait for the next one to see what happens to both Serena and Liam as their stories unfold. This is my first book by the author but I know I’ll be checking out her other books. 

 5 out of 5 stars

Blog Tour: Review - Darkness Watching

Darkness Watching by Emma L. Adams
(Darkworld #1) 
Publication date: September 30th 2013 
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn is one interview away from her future when she first sees the demons. She thinks she’s losing her mind, but the truth is far more frightening: she can see into the Darkworld, the home of spirits– and the darkness is staring back.

Desperate to escape the demons, Ash accepts a place at a university in the small town of Blackstone, in the middle of nowhere – little knowing that it isn’t coincidence that led her there but the pull of the Venantium, the sorcerers who maintain the barrier keeping demons from crossing from the Darkworld into our own world.

All-night parties, new friendships and a life without rules or limits are all part of the package of student life – but demons still stalk Ash, and their interest in her has attracted the attention of every sorcerer in the area. Ash is soon caught between her new life and a group of other students with a connection to the Darkworld, who could offer the answers she’s looking for. The demons want something from her,  and someone is determined to kill her before she can find out what it is.

In a world where darkness lurks beneath the surface, not everyone is what they appear to be..

Review

I received Darkness Watching in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours. Ash is sitting in a career assembly when the power goes out basking the room in the dark aside from the light coming through the window blinds. While the room is bask in darkness Ash sees a pair of violet eyes staring right at her from above with a voice saying her name. She starts questioning that she saw from hallucinations to ghost at last ending on demons before heading to bed. It’s after everything that day that everything changes Ash is haunted by demons seeing them everywhere but unsure as to why or how to stop it.

When she’s offered a place at Blackstone University one that she’s never heard of before she jumps at the chance after all it’s in a quiet north England village. After waiting ten months Ash arrives at Blackstone University where she will be staying in a flat with several housemates each unique. As Ash settles in she starts to learn about why she can see the Demons, why they are reaching out to her as well as how she can see them. When strange things start happening around the school Ash begins her own search to find out what is really happening. Will Ash be able to beat the demons? Will she pass her classes? Will she find love?

I like Ash she’s your typical college student she attends parties, makes friends and even falls in love but that’s where the similarities end. I found too connect with she’s smart, and determined to find out what’s going which I like. My favorite type of character is one that grows as the book progresses and I think the author did a great job of having Ash grow. I don’t know how I feel about David I wanted to like him but he’s the kind of guy I don’t care for. Maybe he will redeem himself in the next book it’s not like he was a bag guy.

Darkness Watching is a fast paced story right from the start we are pulled into Ash’s world. The story is a college story but with the mix of demons sorcerers it turns into a captivating paranormal story. I think the author has taken the demon concept and added her own unique twist to an intriguing story. I've not honestly read a lot of demon books but I really enjoyed Darkness Watching it’s a quick fun story. I feel like the characters are real they don’t have that fake quality maybe because they aren't all perfect. I think Ash is a great character with lots of potential for future books. The author had done fantastic job of creating Ash’s world but doesn't bog the story down with overloading. The story flows along start to finish with enough suspense to keep you guessing till the very end. I like that the book is clean that teens as well as adults will enjoy. Looking forward to see what happens next. 

4 out of 5 stars

AUTHOR BIO

Emma spent her childhood creating imaginary worlds to compensate for a disappointingly average reality, so it was probably inevitable that she ended up writing fantasy and paranormal for young adults. She was born in Birmingham, UK, which she fled at the first opportunity to study English Literature at Lancaster University. In her three years at Lancaster, she hiked up mountains, skydived in Australia, and endured a traumatic episode involving a swarm of bees in the Costa Rican jungle. She also wrote various novels and short stories. These included her first publication, a rather bleak dystopian piece, and a disturbing story about a homicidal duck (which she hopes will never see the light of day).

Now a reluctant graduate, she can usually be found in front of her writing desk, creating weird and wonderful alternative worlds. Her debut novel The Puppet Spell, published in 2013 by Rowanvale Books, is a fantasy tale for young adults and the young at heart, inspired by her lifelong love of the fantastical, mythology, and video games. Emma also writes supernatural fantasy novels for older teens and adults. Her next book, Darkness Watching, is the first in the upper-YA/New Adult Darkworld series, and will be published in September 2013 by Curiosity Quills Press.

Author Links:

Website: http://emmaladams.weebly.com/
Blog: http://throughthegateway.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ELAdams12?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ELAdams12
Goodreads profile: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6563991.Emma_L_Adams

30 Day Challenge: Day 8

I stumbled across this 30 Day Challenge and just have to participate. 

I got the idea from Ya-Aholic Reviews

Most Overrated Book

I haven't really read a lot of the trendy newer stuff. I have so many review books from Indie authors that I've not read a overrated book recently. So this question today has been haunting me for days. I've been unable to answer it. However I do have several highly rated books on my TBR list that I plan to read in the future.

Have you read any overrated books you want to share?

Follow Friday

Follow Friday

Hosted by:

Parajunkee's View 

&

Alison Can Read

The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee’s View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it’ll allow us to show off more new blogs!
Each week a new question, new answer, and new blogs to follow. 
If you want to follow via GFC just in case it goes away I ask you follow a second way, email, Linky, Bloglovin'. 
Thanks

Featured blogs this week:

Reading With A Vengeance

This Week's Question:

What book are you embarrassed to admit you LOVED? (try to think beyond Twilight)

Answer:

I'm embarrassed to admit I've read a few Paranormal romance that borderline Erotic. I've never read a true Erotic book but I've had my share of romance novels that I'll never admit I read. I also have not read Fifty Shades of Grey and never will because I don't want to admit I read the series.

Any books your embarrassed to admit you've read? I'm curious to see what others will say this week. 

October Re-cap

October 2013 Re-cap

What happened in October at The Reading Diaries

September was insane. Between the blog and real life it's just been nuts. I didn't read as much as I wanted nor post as much. However the next to months should be mellow I've limited my tours and reviews.

Read in October
16 Books

Darkness Watching by Emma L. Adams (Review to come)
Cursed by Lizzy Ford (Review)
The Quiet Professor by Betty Neels (Review)
Have Gown, Will Wed by Killian McRae (Review)
Shadow Eyes by Dusty Crabtree (Review)
Heartbreak Ranch by Anastasia Ryan (Review)
Permanent Shadows by C.E. Wilson (Review)
Scorched by Mari Mancusi (Review)
Enders's Game by Orson Scott Card (Review)
Blood Bound by Keshia Swaim (Review)
Skinwalker by Faith Hunter (Review)
Pendomus by Carissa Andrews (Review)
These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman (Review)
Haunted by Jill Kaelin (Review)
Fairies in My Fireplace by R.L. Naquin (Review)
Tangled Souls by Jana Oliver (Review)

November TBR list
I'm planning on reading 25 but we all know have that goes. 
This is just my starting list. I've got so many to books I'm excited to read I just hope they all fit on my challenges. 

Taking Back Forever by Karen Amanda Hooper (Goodreads)

Emerge by S.E. Hall (Goodreads)

Made to Last by Melissa Tagg (Goodreads)

The Dollhouse Asylum by Mary Gray (Goodreads)

Unfed by Kirsty McKay (Goodreads)

Volition by Lee Strauss (Goodreads)

Challenges

My year long challenge of 200 books doesn't look like I'm going to make it since I'm only at 139. This year has been harder for reading but with my hubby returning to flying and having a better routine things should be better.

Goodreads Games/ Reading challenges
Scavenger - hunt Almost over
Speed Reading - only a few weeks in long way
Monopoly - Started this week
Bingo - Starting this Sunday

I'm a glutton and I love them. I just can't seem to say no so I've got four going it should be interesting going to use as many review books as I can.

End of year goals
Clear as many review books on my TBR
Fine tune my routine.
Enjoy my stress free blogging next two months.
Finish off the remaining challenges and figure out my plans for next year.

Alright November hit me with your worst!!