Musing Mondays

Musing Mondays 
Hosted by Should Be Reading

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.

• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).

• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it! 

• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren't) enjoying it.

• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!

• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

This week:

• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren't) enjoying it.

Currently I'm reading Vampire University by V.J. Erickson. It's one of those many kindle freebies that I picked up. I admit I'm not very far in yet but plan to spend the morning sipping coffee and reading. Taylor heads off to college and what she finds is more than she could imagine. 

Synopsis
Constantly moving as she grew up, Taylor had learned the hard way how to blend in wherever she went. But when she moves to VanCamp University for her freshman year of college, she immediately finds herself at the center of attention of nearly everyone she encounters. From the charismatic and mysterious Evans twins, to her quirky, clingy roommate Hannah, it seems that the people in Taylor's new college life have no intention of letting her be the wallflower.

It's not just blending in that Taylor has to worry about, though. At VanCamp University, there is more to the staff and students than meets the eye. While trying to adjust to her new life on campus, she finds herself in a world where fairy tales and reality collide, where gargoyles and leprechauns mingle with humans and vampires, and where nothing is as it first appears.


And as she discovers the truth of her own unusual heritage, Taylor learns that fairy tales are just the beginning.

This is how I will be spending my morning drinking coffee or tea and reading my book. Of course I like to keep the house on the cold side for my fur babies so a big soft fluffy blanket. 

What are you musing today?

Cover Reveal: Disturbingly Beautiful

Title - Disturbingly Beautiful

Author - J & L  Wells

Series - A Paradox in Time #1

Genre - New Adult, Romance, Time-Travel

Publication date - November 2014

Cover Design - Mae I Design 

(Goodreads)

Synopsis

“I find you disturbingly beautiful,” are the contradictory words bestowed upon the governess by her master.

Mr Buchannan’s infatuation is a shadow from which Nell cannot escape. The feelings he holds for her are not reciprocated, and though his lust soon turns to love, Nell’s feelings towards him turn to hatred. Dreams and a love of literature are Nell’s only escapism from the downtrodden life she leads as a governess in the nineteenth century.

One night, an intruder on the estate catches Nell off guard, but she gives chase; a decision that leads her through an opening in time between the centuries, where she finds equality, true friendship and a completely different outlook on life.

Despite using this to her advantage to escape the advances of her unwanted suitor, she is somewhat perturbed when she unexpectedly finds him at her side in the twenty-first century. Will love conquer all, or will time always stand in their way?

AUTHOR BIO:

Laura Wells is a swimming teacher, with a love of books, animals and, of course, Jane Austen. Once a national swimmer, she now runs three swim schools of her own. She enjoys spending her spare time with her family and two mad Shiba Inus. She lives in Staffordshire, England.

Judy Wells works at a school; in her spare time she enjoys writing poetry and novels, and spending time with her animals. She also lives in Staffordshire, England.

Laura and Judy are a mother and daughter duo; with Judy's love of poetry and writing and Laura's ideas, they work extremely well together. Time-travel and historical romance novels are their passion, and they hope that after you have read their books, you will feel the same.

Our website is: www.jandlwells.com

Why not come and say hello to us on Facebook - J & L Wells -

and have a look at our novels on Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23298081-disturbingly-beautiful

Diary Entry

November 2nd  2014

I've been neglecting my blog recently. I kind of turned it into a job while the hubby was gone. Now that he's due home in the near future things are sliding into place and I find myself missing the fun of reading and blogging. So new month time to rediscover my love of books and blogging. 

I've started my goal list for 2014
I want to start writing more discussion posts I've done a few over the years but not very many and it's the one thing I wish I did more of. 
Start using instagram.
I want to be more organized since I've been a little slacking on that aspect. 
I've been playing with redesign idea's and hope to have a new one for the new year. 
Revamp my review format. 
I can see this growing dramatically before the end of the year. 

Bookish updates 
Currently at 111 books for 2014 hoping to add 20 more this month. 

Currently reading
Getting ready to start
Vampire University by V.J. Erickson
Constantly moving as she grew up, Taylor had learned the hard way how to blend in wherever she went. But when she moves to VanCamp University for her freshman year of college, she immediately finds herself at the center of attention of nearly everyone she encounters. From the charismatic and mysterious Evans twins, to her quirky, clingy roommate Hannah, it seems that the people in Taylor's new college life have no intention of letting her be the wallflower.

It's not just blending in that Taylor has to worry about, though. At VanCamp University, there is more to the staff and students than meets the eye. While trying to adjust to her new life on campus, she finds herself in a world where fairy tales and reality collide, where gargoyles and leprechauns mingle with humans and vampires, and where nothing is as it first appears.

And as she discovers the truth of her own unusual heritage, Taylor learns that fairy tales are just the beginning.

What are you reading?

October Re-cap

October Re-cap 2014

What happened in October at The Reading Diaries

The whole month was crazy busy. I only finished 8 books but this month i'm going to at least double that.

Read in October
Total = 8

Tempting Fate by April White 

Dire by Alyssa Rose Ivy

True Colors by Melissa Pearl

Rush by Eve Silver
Icarus by Danika Stone 

Dead Over Heels by Alison Kemper
Lailah by Nikki Kelly
Diamonds Never Die by Jack Thompson

November 2014 Goals

~ Read more books I have big goals this month.

~ Be more active and social on media sites. I'm super shy so it keeps me from becoming more active. 

~ My goal was 200 books this year but with so much real life I've had to scale back to 150. I'm hoping to get to at least 130 this month. 

~Blog more & work harder at commenting and replying. 

Non-bookish

~ I've got some new crafts I hope to try and will share later this month.
~ I've decided this month to learn and start canning. I have plans for pickles, jam and tomato sauce.
~ I'm going to try to finish my sewing projects this month at least the ones I have fabric

for.
~ I want to start making Christmas 
cookies and a few other holiday projects.

Looking forward to working on my TBR list. 
Some of the books I'm reading this month.

What do you have planned for the month of November?

The Sunday Post

The Sunday Post 

Hosted by:

Kimba the "Caffeinated Book Reviewer"

The Sunday post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer~ It's a chance to share new ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 

What happened last week: 
Not as much reading as I would have liked but it was a good week. 

Diamonds in the Rough Blitz (Here)
Review - The Council by K.F. Breene (Here)
The Match Maker release Event + Giveaway (Here)
Month9Books Friday Reveal (Here)
Tempting Fate by April White (Here)
Otherwise it's been really quiet this week.

My Book Haul it's for a few weeks. 

Just a couple of the ebooks I've had my eyes on. 

Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis (Goodreads)

Young Elites by Marie Lu (Goodreads)

Atlantia by Ally Condie (Goodreads)

Talon by Julie Kagawa (Goodreads)

Around the blogosphere

Lose Time Reading has an amazing recap for the month. A must check out list of awesome posts.
Sci-Fi November hosted by Oh, The Books & Rinn Reads
Parajunkee has a review of Gone Girl - I'm tempted to read it.
These Paper Hearts has a review of a book I've been wanting to read Winterspell
This coming week 
A few reviews it's been quiet with the hubby gone.

I hope all of you have an amazing week!!!!!

Stacking The Shelves

Stacking The Shelves

Stacking The Shelves November 2nd 2014

Stacking the Shelves is a meme by Tynga Reviews that let's bloggers share their new books and swag, whether they are physical or virtual. I'll include books I've been sent, emailed, purchased, won and for review.

Another week of successful book buying at my house.

Reviews
I'm being good no new review books this week. Still need to catch up on the ones I've got.

Purchased
eBooks 

Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis (Goodreads)

Young Elites by Marie Lu (Goodreads)

Atlantia by Ally Condie (Goodreads)

Talon by Julie Kagawa (Goodreads)

What did you get this week?

Book Blitz: Diamonds in the Rough

Diamonds in the Rough (The Secret Diamond Sisters #2)

by Michelle Madow 

Release Date: 10/28/14

Harlequin Teen

448

Summary from Goodreads:

All-access doesn't mean no problems.

The three Diamond sisters survived the summer in style after coming to live with their long-lost billionaire father. But making a place for themselves at their exclusive new Las Vegas private school is throwing them any number of gold-plated curves. Savannah's YouTube stardom turns into a Sweet Sixteen reality show extravaganza—with complimentary enemies on the side. Dangerous flirtations don't keep Peyton from a gamble that will risk far more than she planned to bet. And when Courtney and the sisters' archenemy, Madison, uncover two explosive secrets, it will rock even this town of glittering illusion—and turn their lives upside down all over again.

Sisterhood, first crushes, and scandalous secrets explode in book two of Michelle Madow's riveting series, The Secret Diamond Sisters.

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million| Book Depository | iBookstore

Sequel to:

(Goodreads)

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | Book Depository | iBookstore

Savannah
At fifteen years old, Savannah is the youngest Diamond sister. Her older sisters have sheltered her for her entire life. Despite her rough upbringing, she’s optimistic and wants to think the best of people, although this can sometimes lead to her coming off as naïve. She wants to fit in at school, but has always felt like an outsider. She tends to feel overshadowed by the people around her. She trusts easily, and it sometimes leads to her getting hurt, but she’s always there for her sisters and friends when they need her!

Savannah loves singing, and has a fantastic voice, so it’s her ultimate dream to be a famous pop star. She’s been stage fright since a talent show disaster in middle school, but wants to record cover songs and post them on YouTube to try to get a following, like the YouTube stars she idolizes. She also plays guitar, but is self-taught, so she’s still learning how to improve. She mainly plays to accompany herself while singing. She’s athletic, and played on the JV volleyball team in her school in her hometown. She hopes to make Varsity as a sophomore. 

She loves shopping and wearing anything that sparkles—dresses, nail polish, shoes, eye shadow, you name it! She loves reading fashion magazines and trying to duplicate the high-end styles worn by the models. Her favorite meal of the day is breakfast, and her favorite food is pancakes. Savannah has never had a serious boyfriend, and wants more than anything to believe that true love is possible! 


Peyton

At seventeen years old, Peyton is the oldest Diamond sister. She’s been hurt in the past, but because of it, has developed a thick skin. She will do anything for her sisters, going as far as protecting them from their mom’s outbursts and getting home first from school to make sure everything in the house (including their mom) is ready for them. She’s tough, doesn’t trust easily, and while she has many people she hangs out with, the only people who she feels truly know her are her sisters. She doesn’t like school (she gets restless sitting in classrooms!) and can’t wait until graduation so she’ll be done forever. 

Peyton’s a natural night owl, and waking up in the morning is a constant struggle. (Her sisters usually resort to throwing things at her to wake her up, and often yell at her to hurry up showering so they can have time for their morning routines, too.) She needs at least three cups of coffee to get going. She loves rock music, and can usually be found with an earbud attached to her ear, even during her classes. She loves partying and dancing and getting lost in the music. She also enjoys an occasional chill night of movies and television shows, as long as it’s not a rom-com chick flick. 

She wears mostly black clothing—why bother with colors when black always looks hot on her? Her nails are usually painted black as well. She’s not afraid to speak up for what she believes in and she will always stand up for her sisters. She tries to not let anyone in to avoid getting hurt—but really she just wants to find that one person who cares enough to break down her walls. 

Courtney

Courtney is sixteen years old, and is the middle Diamond sister. She’s the responsible one—she studies hard, does well in school, is a student tutor, and works after school and on weekends to help out her family. Her main goal is to keep up her grades and do well on her SATs so she can get into Stanford, her dream school. She wants to major in English and someday get a career in publishing. She’s competitive with herself and always strives to do her best. 

Courtney’s closest friends are her sisters—with all the time she spends on school and work, she doesn’t have time for anyone else. She’s never had a boyfriend and is fine with waiting to date until college. (She doesn’t need any distractions right now!) She’s not into the high school party scene, and whenever she has time in her busy schedule, her favorite thing to do is read novels. She also loves listening to Broadway music (Phantom of the Opera and Wicked are her favorites) and would love to see a live show someday. 

She’s a natural early bird, and is always awake before her sisters. She could happily wear jeans, t-shirts, and flip-flops every day, and always goes natural with her makeup. Her favorite drink is chai tea. She’s quiet and reserved while first meeting someone, but she will do anything for the people she loves. She would love to travel the world to see historic sites and well-known museums, but it’s always felt more like a dream than a possible reality.

About the Author

Michelle Madow was inspired to write The Secret Diamond Sisters series while walking through her favorite hotel in Las Vegas. The next book in the series, Diamonds in the Rough, launches in October. Prior to The Secret Diamond Sisters, she successfully self-published The Transcend Time Saga. A tireless promoter of her work, Michelle is active on social media networks and has toured across America to promote her books and encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing. A graduate of Rollins College, Michelle lives in Florida ... but she loves going to Vegas.

To chat with Michelle and other fans about her books, joinMichelle Madow's Street Team on Facebook!

Author Links:

   


GIVEAWAY:

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Book Blitz Organized by:

Book Review: The Council

Title - The Council 

Author - K.F. Breene

Series - Darkness #5

Genre - Urban Fantasy

Published - October 30th 2014

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

With Sasha as the proclaimed Mage of high ranking power, she can't just slip under the carpet to a peaceful existance. Instead, she must present herself to the Council, a group of white mages who reside over the magical community, governing Stefan's people. There she must prove she has what it takes to be the mage of Stefan's clan, not something easily done.

Stefan, too, has been noticed by the large faction of rulers. An alpha leader with a firm hold over his people, he has outgrown in his position, and it shows. Ties to a human mage with a vast well of power, though, has made him a target. Sasha is sought after, and those who want to harness her power will take her by force if necessary.

With Dominicous' and Toa's help, Sasha and Stefan must face the trials coming up. Proving themselves is the easy part. Getting out with their lives becomes the challenge. 

Review

I received The Council in return for an honest review from the author. Sasha & Stefan are back this time they are headed to the council to get approval that will make it all official. For the next two weeks they will each be tested on their own. While Stefan faces off using his fighting skills it will be up to Sasha to use her skills with magic. Together they will have to fight each challenge hoping to win the approval of the council and Sasha the clutch.

Thankfully the duo won’t have to face the challenges alone they will be joined by her adopted father Dominicous and Toa as well as the shifters. However things aren’t all great at the council, there are those who hope to take Sasha for their own. As well as a few prisoners holding grudges. When Stefan is kidnapped by their past it’s up to Sasha to save him. Will the council accept them? What about the shifters? Will Sasha find Stefan before the past catch up with them?

I really like Sasha she’s living in a world of fantasy but she’s taking to it really well and found what she was always missing in life. She’s found the family she never had as well as love. She’s come a long way from the mage who couldn’t learn from classes growing with each novel. I love Stefan he’s the idea hero in any book even if she gets the save the day they work well as a team. I also love a lot of the supporting characters like Charles, Anna, Tim, Toa, Dominicous and of course Jonas he’s grown on me.

The Council is the 5^th installment in the Darkness series and very well might be my favorite of the series so far. I like the unique spin on the vampire concept at least they don’t’ sparkle like other vampires. I also like the integration of the witches, shapeshifters, demons, and mages. The council is an action packed novel loaded with steamy moments and fighting. It’s a quick read and easy to finish in a few short hours. I can’t wait to see what will happen next to Sasha and Stefan now that his people are starting to accept her. It does hint at adult situations but I think the author had done a tasteful job conveying the story. I honestly love the characters and the story my only complaint is they are to quick I want longer books because I enjoy the world they live in.

5 out of 5 stars 

Book Blast Release Event: The Match maker

Today I'm excited to share the exciting release of the second book in The Husband Maker Series by Karey White. Which by the way I love the series. It's one of my must reads.  

   The Match Maker by Karey White (The Husband Maker #2) (Summary contains spoilers if you have not yet read book #1 The Husband Maker) It’s been six months since Charlotte and Kyle broke up, and the Husband Maker strikes again. Kyle is officially engaged, while Charlotte is still nursing a broken heart. In an effort to get Charlotte out of her rut, she and her best friend decide it’s time for some good old-fashioned matchmaking. While Aleena arranges for Charlotte to meet up with a handsome Scottish tourist, Charlotte gets her two best friends together. But when sparks start to fly between Aleena and Angus, Charlotte is left feeling more alone that ever--at least until the charming Scotsman becomes more than just a safe, rebound guy and teaches her that maybe, just maybe, she can dare to open her heart again.

The Match Maker releases on November 1st

Order your copy Now!

Amazon

 

Don't miss the Blog Tour hosted by I Am A Reader November 4th to 21st Tour Schedule

The Husband Maker by Karey White Charlotte’s a girl with nicknames. She may not love being called Charles or Chuck, but the hardest nickname to take is the one she was given in college, the one that’s followed her now for too many years. They call her “the husband maker” and sadly, it fits. Every guy she's dated since high school has gone on to marry the next girl they date. Not two or three girls down the road. The very next one. Is she doing something wrong or is she just cursed? When Kyle Aldsworth enters the picture and sweeps her off her feet, Charlotte begins to hope that maybe she's not destined to be single forever. A senator’s son with political aspirations of his own, Kyle's wealthy, handsome, and in need of a wife. Will Charlotte be disappointed yet again, or will she finally be able to make a husband for herself?

Amazon

Author Karey White Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

    $75 Book Blast Giveaway $75 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/23/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.    a Rafflecopter giveaway