Happy Five Years To Me: A Look Back On Book Blogging + A Giveaway

Later this week (September 26th to be exact), my blog turns 5 years old.  I can still remember the day I sat down and wrote my first book review to be published here (it was Linger by Maggie Stiefvater -- and omg, look at that review! The image of the book is somehow gone & I almost replaced it before linking to it, but I thought.. nah! leave it! look what a newb I was! haha).  I still remember my very first commenters (looking at you Capillya, Carla, & Anna!).  And I still remember registering my very first twitter account because I thought, hmm I guess I need to use some social media with this thing.

Oh what a different world of book blogging it was back then.  I had no idea what an ARC was (and I didn't receive my first one until months later -- Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers).  There was no NetGalley or Edelweiss, but later the next year S&S would send out monthly galley grabs (who remembers those??!).  I purchased my books from the bookstore, or checked them out from the library -- that is how I acquired the books I read to review.  With time, as my blog grew, so did my relationship with publishers, and authors -- which opened up so many doors that I will forever be grateful for.  I've met some amazing people (in person, too!) through this industry.  Saying thank you for your friendship, your readership, and your generosity will never be enough.

Over the years there has been a lot of change with the way book blogs are perceived, to the people behind the scenes creating these personal, yet so informative sites.  I've seen so many friends say goodbye on their blogs, but I've also seen so many new faces emerge.  This corner of the internet is forever evolving.  But isn't that why change is so important?  Without it we'd forever stay in one place, and how boring would that be?!  As much as I miss the way it used to be, I'm still keeping an open mind about where this book blog may lead me to next.

This creation of mine is something that I am very proud of.  What began as just a hobby, has turned into a creative outlet that's opened endless possibilities.  Reading and talking about what I read will never grow old.  Whether I am typing the words here for the internet to see, or chatting up a student at work -- I will never stop sharing my love for the written word.  Stories are powerful, meaningful, entertaining, little creatures.  They fill me up, only to leave me starving for more!  If you're just starting out, my advice to you: have fun.  Try not to let the politics of blogging get you down, or the overwhelming need to climb that invisible ladder.  You have your own unique voice, and I promise there is someone out there who wants to read your thoughts.

Now what would this celebration be if there weren't any party favors?!  I'm a firm believer in paying it forward, offering kindness whenever possible.  That is why I am offering a Fall/Winter 2015-2016 book of choice to a lucky winner.  You may choose any book, just as long as it publishes between now (September 2015) and early next year (February 2016).  Thank you for being a reader of my words, and for inspiring me to continue on with this journey.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

+ Open internationally, just make sure Book Depository ships to you!

+ Giveaway ends on 10/1/15 @ 12a.m.

+ Please see my policies page for further contest rules.

My Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Have Shared With My Mom

This upcoming Sunday, the 20th, will be twelve years since my mother passed away.  So much can, and has, happened in those twelve years.  It still baffles me that my mother hasn't been here for all of it.  Reading is something I didn't fall in love with until after she died, unfortunately.  I know it would have been something the two of us bonded over though, for sure.  She was a reader.  Not as avid as me, but I can remember her women's fiction and romance novels sitting on her bedside table.  Those rare moments when she wasn't doing something for everyone else, she would steal time away to get lost in a book.  Now, that is something I can definitely identify with.

I thought for this week's Top Ten Tuesday freebie, I would put together a list of books that I've loved and would have loved sharing with her.  It's bittersweet to create this list because it breaks my heart a little bit more.  I had twenty-two unforgettable years with her.  Though she's not here to share a book with me now, I know she would have loved seeing me become such an avid reader.

This Week's Topic: Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Have Shared With My Mom

1. The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan -- since my mother lived in London the last few years of her life, I know she would have been a huge fan of this novel.  She loved everything about Princess Diana, and I know she would have loved following Prince William's love story, too (even if this is a fictionalized version).

2. The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase -- for sure a favorite of mine, that I have a feeling would have been a favorite of her's too.  Between the setting, the characters, and the personal journey, I feel like my mom would have gravitated towards this one.

3. Golden by Jessi Kirby -- I feel like she would have been a big fan of Jessi's writing, too.  Especially with this novel.  My mother always enjoyed the stories that made you think, and feel, yet reflected purpose on your own life.

4. The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler -- my mother would have had such a personal connection with this story, since she stood by her mother (my grandmother) as alzheimer's took her mind and eventually her body from us. I remember how painful it was for my mom and I'd like to think she would have found some comfort in these words.

5. Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices series) by Cassandra Clare -- I remember she liked to watch TV shows/movies with a bit of fantasy and historical fiction rolled into one, so I think that's why she would have really enjoyed reading this series. Plus it's set in London, another familiarity she would have identified with.

6. Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen -- she was always a big fan of re-tellings, and I know Robin Hood was one she would have loved to read about. I can just imagine myself sharing my copy of the first book with her, and then she asking for the second because she wants to know what happens next -- me too, Mom, me too!

7. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith -- between the two of us, romantic comedies never ran dry.  We mostly watched them on the big screen together, but I just know we would have loved reading about them together, too.  As soon as I finished this book I thought it would have made the perfect movie (still do!).

8. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell -- another example of a romantic comedy that I feel we would have loved laughing and swooning over together.  The year in this novel is fitting because that was also some of my last memories with my mother, since she passed just after the millennium in 2003.

9. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson -- Roger is definitely the kind of character my mother would have said, "He's such a sweet boy" about.  I just know it!  She would have really enjoyed the places they visited in this novel as well, considering a lot of their stops we ventured to as a family.

10. The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy by Jenny Han -- for the simple fact that this is one of my all-time favorites, I know my mother would have loved it as well.  She did things like that -- would share in my joys and want to experience that sort of happiness with me.  Among the many things I loved about her, that was one of my favorites.  Seeing me happy, is what made her happy.  Oh Mom, I miss you so incredibly much.

Review: Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Published: July 7, 2015 by Washington Square Press
Source: Purchased ebook

From the acclaimed author of Forever, Interrupted and After I Do comes a breathtaking new novel about a young woman whose fate hinges on the choice she makes after bumping into an old flame; in alternating chapters, we see two possible scenarios unfold—with stunningly different results.

At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of leaving yet another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of Los Angeles and takes up residence in her best friend Gabby’s guestroom. Shortly after getting back to town, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.

Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan?

In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into radically different stories with large-scale consequences for Hannah, as well as the people around her. As the two alternate realities run their course, Maybe in Another Life raises questions about fate and true love: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps, most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?

Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she’s found him. [goodreads]

This was my first experience reading a book with alternating plots, based on a character's decisions.  I found this concept to be really intriguing.  As the reader, you're able to see how a story may unfold differently based on the choices that the character makes.  This is something I often think about in my own life: if I had chosen option B, instead of A, how different would the outcome be?  For Hannah, her path in life has an alternate route because of a decision she made one night while out with friends.  The series of events that follow weave their way in different directions, yet eerily similar in other ways as well.

Hannah has moved around from city to city after her parents moved to London during her formative years, leaving her without a home and always searching, longing for that belonging feeling.  She finally decides to move back to L.A., where she grew up, borrowing a room in her best friend Gabby's house, until she gets her feet back on the ground.  On her first night back in town, they get together with old friends, including Hannah's high school sweetheart, Ethan -- the one who got away and she has constantly wondered about.  After a night of dancing, talking, laughing, and enjoying the company of one another she has a decision to make: stay at the bar with Ethan and see where the night takes them, or leave with Gabby who is her ride home.  We see the story unfold from here as if she'd chosen both paths.

Is fate determined by our choices?  Or is it something left up to a higher being, lighting our paths as we go?  Hannah questions this in both scenarios that are being told.  In alternating chapters we see how Hannah navigates the consequences of her choices and everything that ensues as a result.  I was never truly tied to one path over the other.  I found myself interested in both, just as equally.  It was the constant of Hannah's relationship with her best friend Gabby in both versions of the story that really pulled at my heart the most.  And quite possibly the stand out star of the entire process.

I recommend this book for fans of alternate endings, or for anyone who questions where we'd be if we'd chosen a different path.  Overall I was very much interested in the storyline itself, and not so much with the characters.  But sometimes, in the end, that's enough to equal a more than pleasant reading experience.

My Top Ten Finished Series I Have Yet To Finish Reading

Over the years my reading tastes have sided more and more with contemporary, which has caused me to walk away from a few (okay, more than a few) non-contemporary series.  I have intentions of finishing these books -- ONE DAY -- but there they remain, on my forever growing TBR list.  Have you finished any of these series?  Is there one I should bump up the list, another I should reconsider finishing?  Tell me your thoughts! (non-spoilery of course, please)

1. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare -- I read books 1-4, but stalled out at book 5. I DO want to finish this series one day since I made such an early investment in them; however, I can't even tell you what happened in book 4, so I'd have a lot of re-reading to do.

2. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling -- I have EVERY intention of finishing this series. It's probably my #1 series to finish.  I've read books 1-3, and have been warned that things begin to shift in book 4.  I am ready! (I think...)

3. Hush, Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick -- I was a devoted fan for books 1-3 in this series, reading them as they came out.  So I am not too sure why, or how, I missed reading the final book in this series.  Again, it's been so long, I'd have to re-read to even remember what was going on.

4. Scarlet series by A.C. Gaughen -- I just started this series this summer and I am so looking forward to reading the rest of it.  Books two and three are high on my wish list!

5. Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi -- This series, I'm not so sure I'll finish. I was invested in the first book, but the second left me feeling very unsatisfied and I think that is why it's remained unfinished.  And I think I'm okay with that.

6. Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shalvis -- Oh these books! I do love them, and I am sad that they've ended, so I think I'm purposely withholding myself from finishing. I don't want to say goodbye just yet.

7. Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout -- I am actually not 100% sure if this series is finished, so please let me know if it's still ongoing.  Regardless, I have a few to still read in the series.

8. Altered series by Jennifer Rush -- I really enjoyed the first book, so I am not too sure what happened here.  I would definitely like to see this one out until the end, though.

9. Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand -- Another series where I made it to the end, and somehow didn't read that last book.  I really enjoyed this one as well, and do want to see how it all ends.  I am hoping to make this happen sooner, rather than later.

10. Graceling Realm series by Kristin Cashore -- Next to Harry Potter, this is the series I most want to finish next.  I loved the first two books, so naturally I am curious to see how it all wraps up (or begins I should say?).  Hoping this gets read before the end of the year.

Pleasure Reading: Christina Lauren

Sometimes I just want to pick up a book and read it because I can.  There's something so fulfilling in losing myself to the pure pleasure of reading.  Over the course of my summer, I've been doing a ton of pleasure reading.  It's been so enjoyable and relaxing.

Today I wanted to share with you all my latest obsession: Christina Lauren.  This writing duo captured my interest last year when I first read Sweet Filthy Boy, part of the Wild Seasons series.  These books are definitely very adult, but very addicting as well.  I love the way they write, telling a story almost as if you're watching a movie.  Each voice was so much fun to follow, and losing myself for hours while reading on the couch was just the ticket I needed to escape.

The latest, Dark Wild Night, publishes in September, and I was lucky enough to receive an early copy from the publisher.  Upon finishing it, I have found myself recommending this series to every adult romance reader I know.  I've even started over from the beginning and reread each story, wanting to relive these moments.

So what are these stories about, and why do I find myself so engrossed with them?  It follows a group of girl friends, each book spotlighting a different one, as they embark on their early adult years and finding that transition between college and the working world.  In the first book, Sweet Filthy Boy, they take an adventure to Las Vegas to celebrate their college graduation -- thinking a few nights of gambling, drinking, and late night dancing is just what they need.  What they don't expect is to find themselves waking up married to a complete stranger, with a bad case of "what the crap happened last night??".

Each young woman has a story to tell, as well as a sexy young man to divert their plans.  Though their stories can be predictable, they're still very much entertaining -- and oh so hot!  The writing duo of Christina Lauren has definitely made a fan out of this reader.  If you're in the mood for pure pleasure reading, then I highly recommend picking up this series.  It's every bit fun and sexy, with laugh out loud moments, and an adventure worth falling for.

Add to goodreads: Sweet Filthy Boy || Dirty Rowdy Thing || Dark Wild Night

Wicked Sexy Liar (coming February 2016)

Review: The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan

The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan
Published: April 7, 2015 by Grand Central Publishing
Source: Gifted by my OTSP Secret Sister (round 2!)

The Washington Post and USA Today Bestseller
"I might be Cinderella today, but I dread who they'll think I am tomorrow. I guess it depends on what I do next."

American Rebecca Porter was never one for fairy tales. Her twin sister, Lacey, has always been the romantic who fantasized about glamour and royalty, fame and fortune. Yet it's Bex who seeks adventure at Oxford and finds herself living down the hall from Prince Nicholas, Great Britain's future king. And when Bex can't resist falling for Nick, the person behind the prince, it propels her into a world she did not expect to inhabit, under a spotlight she is not prepared to face.

Dating Nick immerses Bex in ritzy society, dazzling ski trips, and dinners at Kensington Palace with him and his charming, troublesome brother, Freddie. But the relationship also comes with unimaginable baggage: hysterical tabloids, Nick's sparkling and far more suitable ex-girlfriends, and a royal family whose private life is much thornier and more tragic than anyone on the outside knows. The pressures are almost too much to bear, as Bex struggles to reconcile the man she loves with the monarch he's fated to become.

Which is how she gets into trouble.

Now, on the eve of the wedding of the century, Bex is faced with whether everything she's sacrificed for love-her career, her home, her family, maybe even herself-will have been for nothing. [goodreads]

I devoured this 450-something page book in a matter of two days.  I could not put it down, if my life depended on it.  The moments when I had to do actual adult things, like feed myself, I found myself thinking about these characters, their story, and what might happen next.  This novel is every bit the modern day fairy tale of the American girl falling in love with the British prince.  Is it full of glass slippers and magical pumpkin carriages?  Not quite.  It's a twist on the reality of what would happen if an American girl was suddenly thrown into the tabloids because of her relationship with British royalty.  But it's also something much deeper, that anyone, who is attempting to find themselves in an overwhelming sea of opportunities can relate to.

Bex has left the side of her twin, very literally, to study abroad in England.  She sees this opportunity as her chance to find her own identity.  Its both scary and thrilling to not have the comfort of her twin sister right at her heels.  When she arrives at Oxford, she's immediately welcomed into a circle of good friends... one in particular who just so happens to be the future king of England.  I loved witnessing their first years at university together, keeping to the shadows, living inside their bubble as if the world outside could never penetrate their own realities.  It is here, in this safe zone, that Bex and Nick begin what is sure to be a romance for the fairy tale books.  But as time refuses to stop, eventually they must leave their college years behind and join the world.

As these two maneuver what any relationship must go through, they are also put on spotlight with their every move captured on the first page of every tabloid news outlet.  It's something Nick has always grown up with, but despises for personal reasons.  It's something that Bex is entirely foreign to and must learn to navigate around, or else lose her mind, and her heart too.  I was always nervous for the two of them, and if their relationship would be strong enough to withstand the constant scrutiny.  Their college friends, as well as their family members -- might I add Nick's delicious brother Freddie who stole my eye a time or two -- play a constant in their lives through out the entire novel.  Their interactions definitely catapulted this story forward, creating new, interesting plots along the way.

I want to relive this story all over again.  It's something I could definitely see on the big screen one day, too.  This is my first encounter with a British fairy tale for the modern day.  It is both fulfilling and left me wanting so much more.  I never wanted to leave their story behind, even though the ending was everything.  My connection to these characters felt so true, as if I was leaving behind people I actually knew.  Its rare you encounter a story that is so engrossing, yet so realistic too.  The Royal We took my heart to places that this realistic romance fan could not stop devouring.  The attention to detail and how cleverly this tale was weaved captured me from page one.  This novel is definitely in my top favorites for the year, and quite possibly for years to come.