Bout of Books 6.0

Bout of Books
Bout of Books Read-a-Thon

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and runs through Sunday, January 13th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 5.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. 

Here's my very ambitious list.  I'll post updates every day.
I've been planning on making a trip to B&N to get some good books, but since I've been sick I haven't left the house in three weeks except for dr.s appointments.  So I decided to use a giftcard I had online and splurge.  I got these books coming soon and I can't wait to read them (and reread The Unbecoming of Mara Deyer).  I'm excited to start off 2013 right.  And I participated in the last Bout of Books and LOVED it!  

            
                           
Goals:
Read all & Review at least 4
Visit at least 3 blogs a day
Participate in tweet chats #BoutOfBooks
Participate in 3 or more challenges

MONDAY

What I’ve read today: Opal 
Total number of books I’ve read: --
On pg _ of _: 275 of 382 
Participated in: Scientific Discovery, Twitter Party, & visited blogs
Reviews: --
Thoughts: I waited so long for this book to come out and I was so excited to finally start it!  It's a perfect mixture of snark, romance, and action.  I've only got about 100 pgs left and I hear the ending is really sad.  I'm nervous for the cliffhanger that is inevitably coming.  Can't wait to finish it tomorrow.

TUESDAY


What I’ve read today: Opal
Total number of books I’ve read: 1
On pg _ of _: --
Participated in: Guess the Cover challenge & visited blogs
Reviews: --
Thoughts: That ending of Opal was brutal.  It was like going 100 mph and slamming into a brick wall.  AH!  I need Origin like right now.

WEDNESDAY


What I’ve read today: Half-Blood
Total number of books I’ve read: 1
On pg _ of _:  177 of 281
Participated in: Pg 48 Challenge, Twitter Party, & Visited blogs
Reviews: Opal
Thoughts: Today I had to get a 4 hr test done where I drank nasty stuff and got an xray every 20 minutes.  The only reason I wasn't dreading it was because I thought I would get to read some Half-Blood while I waited.  I ended up having to walk around the whole time to make the drink digest so I didn't get to read at all there.  But since I've been home I read 177 pages so I'm kind of proud of that.  I'm really loving Half-Blood so far.  I almost love it as much as the Lux series.  Aiden is freakin adorable and Alex is so like-able.  Although this series is really reminding me a lot of Vampire Academy.  Anyone else think so?  

THURSDAY


What I’ve read today: Half-Blood & Pure
Total number of books I’ve read: 2
On pg _ of _: 2 of 329 (Pure)
Participated in: 
Reviews: Half-Blood
Thoughts: I finally confessed just how obnoxiously obsessed with reading and blogging I am to my boyfriend and he didn't laugh at me so I think today was a success.  On the other hand, I got bad news today that I have to get this really scary test done to find out if I have Crohn's Disease.  I'm trying to stay positive though and read a lot to keep my mind off it all.  I finished Half-Blood and reviewed it.  I'm glad there wasn't a huge cliffhanger like JLA usually does.  I'm going to start Pure in a little bit.  Very excited to see what happens with Aiden!  I feel like I'm cheating on Daemon =X

FRIDAY


What I’ve read today: Pure
Total number of books I’ve read: 2
On pg _ of _: 
Participated in: 
Reviews: 
Thoughts: Started Pure and am loving it.  I like that for once I don't really know where the series is headed.  It's a nice surprise.

SATURDAY


What I’ve read today: 
Total number of books I’ve read: 2
On pg _ of _: 
Participated in: 
Reviews: 
Thoughts: I spent most of today in pain and then the rest of the day at the ER because I got really dehydrated from not being able to eat or drink anything for weeks.  I was kinda bummed I wasn't able to read today at all.  I started out so well with my goals, but life got in the way.  And to top it all off I missed the Twitter Party =(

SUNDAY


What I’ve read today: Pure
Total number of books I’ve read: 2
On pg _ of _: 149 of 329
Participated in: Visited blogs
Reviews: 
Thoughts: I'm feeling a lot better today!  But I still didn't read that much for some reason.  I am loving Pure though.  Definitely Team Aiden (already added him to my teams on the right sidebar as you can see), but he's frustrating the hell out of me!  Come on and man up and just date her already.  Stop being so noble!  And Seth is confusing me.  And Grandma Peperoni or whatever her name is is confusing me even more.  And CALEB!!! wtf.  So much is going on!  I'm sad Bout of Books is over already!

Challenges:



 Best Friend: I laughed out loud so much while reading this book because of Sophie.  I would love to be her best friend and just make snarky jokes all day long and do magic.  She is one of the few characters I've read that felt like they could actually be a real person.  



Boyfriend: Daemon is my top book boyfriend currently.  If you've read this book and you don't agree...I'm sorry, but we can't be friends lol.  He's hilarious with his witty comebacks, gorgeous, and has super powers.  He's also protective of who he loves and loyal.  He does the whole dark mysterious thing exactly right!  If I couldn't have Daemon I'd take Pepe (The cover model) haha.  


Book: Half-Blood by J.L.A

"Aiden's eye's closed and he sighed."

My story:
Aiden's eye's closed and he sighed.
"I wouldn't get too comfortable if I were you" the bitterness dripped off my tongue as I quickly removed his hand from it's new favorite location, my waist.  
"Don't pretend you're not enjoying this as much as I am," his lips so close to my ear it tickled when he whispered.  I fought the involuntary chill that swept through my body.
"I swear, when we get out of here, I'm going to..." loud obnoxious laughter cut off my words.  Aiden's wide eyes met mine. Despite the darkness in the cramped corner I could see he wasn't as confident in the plan as he pretended to be the past few hours we'd been stuck here.  The laughter was drawing closer followed by heavy footsteps on the marble floor.  This time when I felt his hand on my waist I didn't pull away, but sank back into him.  Holding our breaths as one, we waited until the shadows of the guards came into view.  Aiden tapped my hip, the signal to attack.  One, two, three.  Springing like a coil, we flew from the alley.  


End of the Year Book Survey 2012

survey
Jamie from The Perpetual Page Turner is hosting her third annual end of the year survey.  I've seen this around on a lot of people's blogs and it looks like fun.

Best In Books 2012


1. Best Book You Read In 2012? (You can break it down by genre if you want)
Adult fiction: When She Woke
Contemporary YA: Anna and the French Kiss
Dystopian YA: Shatter Me & Under the Never Sky
Sci-fi/supernatural/paranormal-ish (big lumping together): Obsidian
New Adult: Easy & Beautiful Disaster
2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?
The Maze Runner.  I thought I was going to love this book.  It had gotten such good reviews.  It was actually kind of a depressing book and the slang the boys used got annoying.  It was only interesting the last few chapters of the book.  Very disappointing.
Anna Dressed In Blood. Again everyone raved about this, but I just didn't enjoy it.  The whole romance creeped me out and it was kind of predictable.
 3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012? 
Sweet Evil. I got an ecopy of this book from the library for a long road trip just because I didn't know what else to get.  I ended up loving it and reading it on the trip.
 4. Book you recommended to people most in 2012?
Probably Obsidian again lol.  I've been pushing that on everyone who will listen.  Also, Divergent/Insurgent.
 5. Best series you discovered in 2012?
I picked this one up from the library shelf because I thought the cover was interesting.  I remember sitting down to read a bit to see if I wanted to take it out.  A few hours later and I was addicted and glad I picked it up. The Unbecoming of Mara Deyer.
 6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2012?
Jennifer L. Armentrout.  I will read anything by this lady.  Her writing has humor, romance, and adventure all in one.  And she never disappoints.
7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?
I had never read any mermaid books before, but this one made me change my mind.  Of Poseidon was hilarious and I can't wait for the next book to come out.
 8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?
Insurgent. I read it in one sitting it was  that good!
 9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:
I want to reread Wanderlove this summer!
10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2012?
I love her dress, the hidden skulls, the border, the off with their heads, the font.  I couldn't wait for this one to come out basically because of the cover.
11. Most memorable character in 2012? 
Since I don't want to answer Daemon for every question I'll say Echo and Noah from Pushing the Limits.  Their story was beautiful and I loved watching them grow together and as individuals. 
 12. Most beautifully written book read in 2012?
Shatter Me.  It was more like poetry writing than a novel.  It flowed so smoothly and was so descriptive.  And I loved the lines crossed out.
13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012? 
I don't know why I waited to read this until 2012, but it made me think about everything in life and will definitely stay with me forever. Perks of Being A Wallflower was amazing.
 14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read? 
See question 13.
 15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012? 
“we accept the love we think we deserve.” 
― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

 “And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.” 
― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

 “The moon is a loyal companion.
It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human.
Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.” 
― Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me

 “In your dreams, Kitten." He smirked. "Oh wait, I'm already starring in those, aren't I?"
I rolled my eyes.
"Nightmares, Daemon. Nightmares.” 
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, Obsidian
 16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2012? 
Longest — Daughter of Smoke and Bone went on FOREVER!!! It was beautifully written, but around page 300 I was ready to give up.  I pushed through and finished it though.  I hear it's going to be a movie soon.
Shortest — Hex Hall.  It was so thin that I finished it in a day I think.  It was funny and a quick read anyway.
 17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!
I'm going to agree with Jamie...The ending to Pandemonium in the Delirium series!!! I literally considered throwing my ipad at the wall when I read that ending, but decided not to haha.  I can't believe she left it like that.
18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).
Travis and Abby's relationship in Beautiful Disaster was just so messed up and realistic.  I had a friend in college whose relationship was kind of like that.  It was just so dysfunctional and different than any relationship I ever read in a book.

 Daemon and Katy were hilarious and their banter made me laugh out loud.
19. Favorite Book You Read in 2012 From An Author You Read Previously
I read the Iron King and didn't really like it, but I'm glad my goodreads group was reading The Immortal Rules because I ended up loving it!
20. Best Book You Read That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else:
Val over at Stuckinbooks.com suggested I read Vampire Academy because I liked Obsidian so much.  I was so glad I listened to her I read all the books in the series!

 Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2012 (optional)


1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2012? 
Well considering I started blogging in 2012 there are a lot lol here are a few.
          
   
2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2012? 
This was the first time someone told me they were going to purchase a book based on my review and it made me so happy.  And I shared a little piece of my life experiences in this review too. Anna and the French Kiss
3. Best discussion you had on your blog?
I haven't done a lot of discussions yet because for the first year I focused on reviews and memes, but here are a few.

 Cover Changes: Good or Bad?
Hi, My Name's Melissa and I'm a Cover Snob...Help!
The Hunger Games: Age Appropriateness

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else’s blog?
I love this blogger and reading her post Lets Talk: How Reading Saved My Life really made me think.  She talks about how reading has pulled her through hard times.  I'm sure most of us can relate.  If you don't follow Danielle yet you should!
5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
Before I started blogging I'd never really followed authors on twitter or anything (except Sarah Dessen...I used to stalk her blog in hopes she'd come to the tristate area for a signing lol).  But now that I have twitter I was able to find out about an awesome opportunity in the city to meet some amazing authors.  It was my first signing so I was the obnoxious girl that asked for pictures with all the authors haha.
      
Tahera Mafi is just as funny in person as she is on twitter.  Veronica Rossi is sooooo nice.  She wrote down my blog address and followed me on twitter that day. And she visited my blog when I tagged her on twitter in one of my posts.  Lauren Oliver is just awesome and waited patiently as I had my cousin retake the picture twice since the first one was blurry.  I can't wait to go to another signing.
6. Best moment of book blogging in 2012?
I think this would have to be

 1. When I was emailed by the publishers of Dear Teen Me to be part of the blog tour.  It was the first time I'd been contacted by someone other than an independent author to review something.

 2. The twitter parties I attended including the #LoveJLA one we had the other night!

 3. I also started using a new rating system this year that I love and I redesigned my blog layout/background and love it...for now lol.

 4. When I was interviewed =)

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
This post had 279 views.  My guest post from Susan Dennard author of Something Strange and Deadly.
8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?
I wrote this post and then it got deleted.  I was sooooo angry, but I rewrote it.  Then it only got a few views lol.  Book Boyfriends I'd Like To Meet Under the Mistletoe
9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
I found goodreads this year which transformed my life.  I also like Netgalley and Bookblogs.ning.  And of course Books Of Wonder where the signing was.
10.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
I set my 2012 goal for 100 books and actually read 105!  I think it was because for awhile I was just working part time and I was sick for a few months.  I'm not sure what goal I'll make for 2013.  Maybe 50?  What are you guys doing?

 The Bout of Books readathon was awesome and I plan on doing the next one this January.  Here's the first one I did BOB #1.  You basically set a goal of books you want to read that you haven't gotten to yet and there's challanges, twitter parties, update posts, etc. 

Looking Ahead…

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?
The Evolution of Mara Deyer and Opal just came out and after waiting forever for them I didn't end up buying them right away, but those will be the first books I purchase in 2013!
2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?
The obvious: Sweet Peril, Origin, Unravel Me, etc. This one is a stand alone that I can't wait to read:
3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2013?
I want to either create a meme or new event to host on my blog.  I also want to do more discussion posts and possibly if I ever have enough money a giveaway.  I really want to make more friends.  I talk to lots of bloggers regularly on twitter, but only have a few that actually come to my blog regularly.  Kimba the Caffinated Book Reviewer is one of them who always visits and I love her for that.  She also runs Sunday post which is a lot of fun.

Book Boyfriends I'd Like To Meet Under The Mistletoe

Romance

+  = Book Boyfriends I'd Like To Meet Under The Mistletoe


I've been reading a lot of books with hot love interests and I thought it would be fun to make a list of my book boyfriends (hey don't judge I'm not the only one who calls them this!) that I wouldn't mind meeting underneath some mistletoe.  Or in Daemon's case...kidnapping and putting underneath the mistletoe!

(I accidently deleted the first virsion of this post so this one won't be as detailed.  It was either that or I throw my computer out the window).



         

For the sake of my sanity I'm not going to rewrite everything.

Patch- Mysterious and dark! I start Crescendo today and am very excited about this.

Lucas- He was really vulnerable.

Dimitri- His love was intense, but I think every girl wants to be admired like that secretly.

Kaiden- The Duke of Seduction...seriously he knows what he's doing.

Daemon- Hottest guy character ever!  Do yourself a favor and go read this.  Merry Christmas to you.

Noah- He loved his little brothers so much it was adorable.  

Tucker- Good old Tucker.  If I ever moved down south I'd find me a Tucker haha

Noah- He was so brave and loyal to his family.  I got emotionally attached to him by the end of the book.

Noah- I think he's brittish from what I remember.  He's also mysterious and just plan hot.

Edward- I know many people are rolling their eyes at this one, but I happened to enjoy this character!  and R Patz too.

Who would you like to see under the mistletoe tomorrow?

Merry Christmas!


Stacking the Shelves / Sunday Post #20

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.

FROM THE LIBRARY, B&N, & AUTHOR

      
    
Something Like Normal
I've heard such good things about this book and I'm in need of a good contemp right about now!


Crescendo
I really liked Hush Hush and was excited when I saw this book was in the library already.  I might read this one first.  Gotta have more Patch in my life.


I've Got Your Number
I love Sophie's books so I'm finally getting around to reading her new book.  It'll be the first adult fiction that I've read in a while. 

WEEKLY RECAP

      
  

         This week has been a roller coaster, but the doctors FINALLY figured out what's wrong with me and I'm on antibiotic now so hopefully I feel better before Christmas!  Being sick has given me a chance to do some great reading and blogging this week though.  I finished The Maze Runner, Perks of Being A Wallflower, and Nobody's Damsel.  My twitter friend Jenna stopped by for a guest review of Dash & Lily's Book of Dares!  I also did a post asking for help on if I should read books that I don't like their covers (Click the Pic of Sheldon from Big Bang Theory to help me out).  

 Dec 21 from 12-7 am we had CRAZY 50 mph winds that knocked out the power in some places.  I hadn't believed the world was going to end, but during that random storm I was kinda nervous not gonna lie lol.  But I'm so glad the world didn't end because I have so many books I still want to read!  Hope everyone has a great Christmas and New Year!

 NEXT WEEK

Reviews to come:
*The Maze Runner
*Perks of Being A Wallflower
*Where I Belong
*Easy

Posts:
*New Adult Post
*Bout of Books 6.0 Goals
*Top Ten/Teaser Tuesday
*WOW

What goodies did you get this week? 
 Leave a link and I'll stop by.

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