Top Ten Tuesday #11

Top Ten Tuesday

http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/ 

Brokeandbookish provides a topic each week and bloggers list their top ten within that category.
Top Ten Characters I'd Like to Switch Places with for 24 Hours



1. Echo (Pushing the Limits)- If you read my review of PTL from yesterday then you know I fell hard for Noah.  I wouldn't mind dating him for 24 hours...just sayin lol

2. Sookie (Sookie Stackhouse Series)- Having all those hot guys fighting over me would be fun.  Eric, Bill, Quinn, the list goes on.  I also wonder what it's like to be blond...is it true that blonds have more fun?

3. Emerson (Hourglass)- I always wanted to time travel so I think switching places with her would be fun.  And I wouldn't mind fun banter with Kaleb either.

4. Jenna (Hex Hall)- I think Sophie is hilarious so I'd want to switch places with her bff for a day and hang out with her.  Maybe learn some spells or something. 


5. Allison (The Immortal Rules)- If I knew it would only be for a day, then I would want to be Allison.  The world she lives in is scary, but I would want to see what being a vampire is like. 

6. Hermione (Harry Potter)- I think I need to go to Hogwarts in Florida soon.  I would love to switch places with Hermione and get to live at Hogwarts and do magic.  

7. Clara (Unearthly)-  How cool would it be to learn to fly?  And also, I want to meet Tucker because there is no man on this earth as perfect as him. 


8. Tris (Divergent)- I wouldn't want to have to fight all day long, but I love tris' bravery and her overall character.  I think it would be fun to zipline and jump off trains if I knew I wouldn't get hurt, because let's be honest, main characters never die.

9. Allie (The Notebook)- I think every girl wants a romance like in The Notebook.  I'd want to be the young version of Allie though lol.

10. Jessica (Sloppy Firsts)- I always wanted to be snarky and have quick comebacks like Jessica so it would be nice to be a quick thinker.  I also would want to meet Marcus as he is one of the oddest characters I have ever read.

Who would you switch places with?

ARC Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

5 Stars

Title: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Publisher:  Harlequin Teen
Publication date: July 31, 2012
How I got the copy: Netgalley (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.



-   Characters that feel so real
-   Both Noah and Echo's Point of View
-   Mystery, relationships, trust, and more

It seems like every YA Contemp these days is about a girl who has forgotten or blocked her past memories (One Moment, Where it Began, etc.)  And I was beginning to get very bored of it so of course I was skeptical going into this one.  Let me tell you, that wariness was lost after about two chapters.  I couldn't stop reading.  Echo not remembering a traumatic event in her past really added mystery to the story.  Unlike One Moment where we already kind of know what happened, in this story we go on the journey of figuring it out with Echo.  

She was such a real character that I found myself so emotional along with her.  Although, I thought her name was weird a first, it surprisingly fit her as I got to know more about her.  She's really unique, yet so normal.  She wants to appease her dad, she hates her "stepmom", she misses her brother, and she is a social outcast because of the scars on her arm (which, in my opinion, she brought that social outcast status upon herself).  I loved watching her grow as a character and really discover who she was.

Noah...just thinking about this character makes me smile.  He's like the epitome of what every girl wants in a guy.  He's strong and kind of rebellious, yet he's vulnerable and loves his family.  Oh and he has tattoos.  He also really grows as a character and I think it was great how together he and Echo helped each other.  I also loved reading in his POV every few chapters.  Although, the eARC I had didn't tell you when the point of view was switching, so it was kind of confusing at times.  I'm sure the finished copy will tell you though.


The guidance counselor was a character that also stuck with me.  As someone who has mentored and taught children for the past six years, it was nice to finally see a teacher/counselor portrayed as many really are, caring, understanding, and full of good intentions.  I feel like most books make teachers out to be cruel, but most aren't!

The only thing I didn't really get is how Echo would just get floods of memory back at one time.  She'd just be standing there and then pow she'd remember something, fall to the floor, and practically seize.  Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but still, I wondered if that's how recovering memory really is.  Other than that I thought this book was flawless and recommend it to everyone!  If you like Simone Elekes books (like Leaving Paradise) you should definitely try this one!


 
If  you are planning on reading this and want someone to discuss it with there is a Read Along going on that starts tomorrow!  I'll probably participate even though I've already read it.  Click the picture above.

Stacking the Shelves/Sunday Post #9

Stacking the Shelves


STSmall_thumb[2]
 The Sunday Post is a meme hosted by  Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.  Both are a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and talk about what is coming up for the week on our blog. Link up each week.  I will be doing Weekly Recap, What books I got that week, and a sneak peek of what to expect for the next week on my blog.

  

Beautiful Disaster


I only got one book this week, but I've been dying to read this one!  I got an email from Netgalley saying it was pre approved for the month of August I think.  So if you wanted to read this one too and you use Netgalley you should definitely get it while you still can.

Guest Post & Giveaway: Susan Dennard

Blog Tour Stop
I'm so excited to welcome Susan Dennard, author of Something Strange and Deadly, to Harley Bear Book Blog!  Thank you Susan for taking time out of your busy schedule to do a guest post!


On this blog tour stop, she will be telling us a little about the main characters in her book and what they wore.  Something Strange and Deadly takes place in 1876 so fashion showed your social status and gender.  


I wish I had seen this post before I read the book so I could picture the characters even more clearly.  If you want to see what I thought about the book my review can be found here.  Don't forget to scroll down and enter the GIVEAWAY!




One of the most fun things to research for Something Strange and Deadly was the fashion--at least for
Eleanor. Men's fashion in Victorian days was rather drab. Frock coats, top hats, and a nice tie--boooring.



Fortunately, my three main characters in men's garb are so different, they demand different styles. For Joseph
Boyer--leader of the Spirit-Hunters and son of a plantation owner--only the finest, most elegant clothes will do.
And, as a young gentleman, he would never leave home without his top hat, nor would
he EVER be seen without his gloves. He's a firm believer in cleanliness being next to godliness.

Jie Chen, the Spirit-Hunters' "muscle", said good-bye to Chinese garb in favor of an
American boy's fashion. Trousers, a waist coat--or more often, just suspenders--and a bright red tie leave this brawl-loving character happy...and more importantly, mobile enough to knock skulls when needed.

In fact, the only thing still Chinese about Jie--other than the lovely facial structure, of
course--is the Manchu Queue, which was required for all Chinese men (punishable by death!) and leaves the front
half of the head bald with a long braid behind.


As for Daniel Sheridan--the inventor for the Spirit-Hunters'--fashion is about as important
to him as...well, snowfall in Antarctica (not at all, in other words). That said, he does care what people
think of him, so he's been known to clean up on occasion. But, when it comes to working in the lab, he's most
comfortable in loose trousers and a baggy white shirt--collar scandalously unbuttoned at the top and hands
glove-free (gasp!).
Oh, and we can't forget his flat cap--which he never leaves the lab without. I imagine it
looking exactly like this:
Daniel would NEVER be seen in public without it...at least not in book 1. In A
Darkness Strange and Lovely, well...let's just say, things change.
Finally, we have the heroine of the story, Miss Eleanor Fitt of the
Philadelphia Fitts. Though she was born into privilege, her family has fallen on some seriously hard times. No more
new wardrobe each season; no more scouring the pages of Godey's and Harper's
Bazaar for a new walking gown; and no more worrying about which parasol would look best with which hat.
I had so much fun finding somewhat plain--though still stunning--gowns for
Eleanor since she needs things that will stay as timeless as she can make them. Even though she may
not care about fashion, her Mama does as well as all the people in her social circle. When the book opens, she's
wears something like:
And then later on, she gets to dress up all fancy like this:
But by the end of the book, Eleanor has pretty much taken to no corsets...and no skirts
even! (It's not like it's easy to fight the dead in layers of petticoats and bustle!) Yet, by the end of the
trilogy, Eleanor has gone back to skirts because--despite her love of mobility--she's still a curvy young woman and proud of it. I imagine her dressing in something of her own design, similar to this image by anndr on Deviantart:
Oh, and let's not forget her parasol--the perfect protection against the sun
and zombies! As Jie teaches her, Aim for the Knees!

You tell me: What do you think of Victorian fashion? Are you a
fan of all the ladies' frills or more into the simplicity of men's clothes?


I love dresses and am glad that girls are starting to wear them again.  Not sure if I'd like to wear one with all the frills every day though.  I don't like corsets so I would probably be like Eleanor and complain about it all the time.  The men's clothes are nice.  Daniel's hat reminds me of what Noah (Ryan Gosling) wears in The Notebook lol so of course I like that!  What do you guys think?


Susan, thank you again for stopping by! 
I can't wait to find out what happens next for the spirit hunters in book 2!


Check out other blog tour stops at Itching for Books
or enter the giveaway!


a Rafflecopter giveaway




Author Spotlight:

Susan Dennard is a reader, writer,
lover of animals, and eater of cookies.

She is a writer turned marine biologist turned
writer again. Among the traits she shares with
her heroine Eleanor are a weakness for
Shakespeare quotes, a healthy appetite for
baked goods, and an insatiable curiosity.
Sadly, Susan does not get to wear a corset or
wave a parasol on a daily basis.
She lives in Germany with her French husband
and Irish setter, and you can learn more about

her crazy thoughts and crippling cookie-addiction on her blog, twitter, facebook, or Goodreads. Something Strange and Deadly is her debut novel.




Waiting on Wednesday #8

Waiting on Wednesday



Bloggers feature books that they are eagerly anticipating to be published.

The Murmurings






Goodreads.com summary:

After her older sister dies from an apparent suicide and her body is found hanging upside down by one toe from a tree, sixteen-year-old Sophie starts to hear the same voices that drove her sister to a psychotic break.



Release date:  March 5, 2013

Why I am excited:  The cover, summary, and title are so creepy they give me goosebumps.  Why is she sideways on the cover and wet like she drowned?  Does she go crazy?  What happened to her sister?  I can't wait to find out!

Review: Secrets by: Sara Daniell

4 Stars

Title: Secrets
Author: Sara Daniell
Publisher:  Sara Daniell
Publication date: April 30, 2012
Have you ever wondered how much of love is about the hear?  How much is about hormones?  Does love at first sight really exist?  Or is it just something Hollywood has concocted, yet another money-making scheme in the film industry?  And what about chemistry-can you create it, or does it just happen?

What about destiny?  Is this the correct path for my life?  I was human- now I have magic.  I made decisions without really thinking.  I hope, one day, I can say this was the right choice.  But right now, I'm not so sure.

I cannot explain why I fell in love with Luke so fast or even know if I am in love.  My life has changed in just a matter of days, and I do not understand it.  Something inside me tells me to run, that this isn't right, but then another part tells me to stay.  I love Luke.  I do.  Right?


--Holly



þ   Realistic/relatable main character (New Adult genre)
þ   Major swooning for Luke
þ   Magic unlike anything I've ever read

Thank you Sara for creating a character that is actually realistic.  I'm so sick of main characters in books falling instantly for a boy, risking their lives for them, and then not regretting it or questioning it at all.  How do you know at 19 that you found your soulmate?  I know at 19 I didn't think every guy I dated was my soulmate so I was really glad that Holly wasn't sure either.  After everything goes down in book one, Holly finds herself questioning the impulse choices she made.  She realizes that she didn't really even know Luke that long and maybe she should have thought about things before jumping into his world of magic.

Luke's world is so different from other magical places.  It's not typical of what you've read before.  In this story there's no spells or wands.  The characters just use their minds and they can transport or make things appear.  I loved when Holly's new found magical powers get out of control when she's angry.  Doors slam uncontrollably or break.  It was very entertaining.  I wish I could step into that world for a second just to experience the magic, even if the royalty is corrupt and there is a war going on.

Top Ten Tuesday #10

Top Ten Tuesday

http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/ 

Brokeandbookish provides a topic each week and bloggers list their top ten within that category.






Top Ten Most Vivid Worlds/Settings in Books
#10

1. Harry Potter- I think this was the best world ever to be created.  J.K. Rowling does a great job of describing it that we can all imagine it vividly.  I want to someday go to Harry Potter land in FA to see it come to life.

ARC Review: Something Strange and Deadly by: Susan Dennard

YA

Title: Something Strange and Deadly
Author: Susan Dennard
Publisher:  HarperTeen
Publication date: July 24, 2012
How I got the copy: From publisher in exchange for an honest review (Thank you HarperTeen and Eidelweiss!)
The year is 1876 and there's something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia...

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about.  Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen to hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she's just read in the newspaper--The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor...from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well.  If Eleanor is going to find him, she'll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces.  But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire.  And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.



þ   Set in Philadelphia during time period of corsets and chaperoned dates.
þ    Zombies (The Dead) that will rip your flesh right off your arm who are being controlled by a necromancer!
þ   Complex characters--you won't know who to trust!

When I saw there was going to be a blog tour for this much anticipated novel I was so excited to sign up for a guest post from Susan. I was even more excited when Edelweiss approved me for an arc!  So thank you Susan, Edelweiss, and Shane from Itching for Books  for hosting the tour.

I can honestly say Susan Dunnard has one of the most fun imaginations I have ever experienced.  Maybe it's because I've never read a historical fiction or a zombie story, but the two together were a very entertaining combo.  

The book starts off right away with action.  I think this is the first book I've read where the first page is completely action packed.  I was instantly hooked. Unfortunately the action is stop and go.  The parts that weren't very action packed lost my attention a little bit, but then the action would start up again and I'd be hanging on every word.  I think this may be because I don't read historical fiction so I didn't like that she had to be really reserved with her crush(es).  Not like in contemporary novels where things can actually get heated.  You all know I'm a sucker for romance so the scenes in between the action were just her talking a lot.

Eleanor is a fun character because she's not very ladylike in a time  period when that's all that mattered.  She has a mind of her own, cares for her family, and is very brave.  I'm not sure I'd be able to fight off disgusting rotting zombies like her.  And she does it in style using her parasol as a weapon.  She should get her own Rosie the Riveter poster lol.  She meets the Spirit-Hunters who are a very eccentric group.  Joseph was instantly like-abe and the respected leader of the pack.  Daniel is pretty cute, but when we start learning about his past it's hard to know if we can trust him.  Jie was easily one of my favorite characters.  I love when she tells Eleanor that she always has a choice in life.   A choice to be happy even if what you want to do doesn't fit the mold society has set for you.  She helped Eleanor change for the better.

R.I.P computer

So I'm writing this post from my phone because my computer died this morning. It was getting old and I knew it was coming, but it was still sad. So I'm going to try using an old laptop that I have that's really slow until I get a new computer. This'll probably impact my blogging this week so if I'm not around as much that is why. I'm trying to figure out if I should splurge on Mac or just get a cheap pc. I have lots of apple products so that's why I want a mac. What do you all think?

Stacking the Shelves/Sunday Post #8

Stacking the Shelves


STSmall_thumb[2]
 The Sunday Post is a meme hosted by  Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.  Both are a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and talk about what is coming up for the week on our blog. Link up each week.  I will be doing Weekly Recap, What books I got that week, and a sneak peek of what to expect for the next week on my blog.

#8
      

From Library:

Of Poseidon
I'm going to start this one next because I promised my cousin I'd lend it to her when I was done.  Has anyone read it?  How is it? I've never read a mermaid book yet.


Deadlocked
I'm nervous to read this one because everyone said it wasn't as good as the rest of the series, but I don't want to dislike it.  I love Sookie and her boy toys.  


Bared to You
I got this digitally out of the library because someone suggested it since it's like 50 shades.  It is like 50 shades, but it's not as f'd up.  The people still have dark pasts, but there is an actual relationship trying to form.  And did I mention there wasn't as many grammar mistakes or mentions of inner goddesses lol.


I wanted to do better last week and actually do all the posts I planned, but like always life got in the way.  I had taken about a month off from exercising so I decided to start up again last week.  Well, turns out running on the treadmill for an hour is too boring for me...so it's back to Zumba tomorrow!  I can't wait.  Any other Zumba enthusiasts out there?

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