Monthly Reading Wrap-Up: January 2014

Another great month for reading! I probably owe it to the FIVE days of school that were cancelled due to weather throughout the month. Even better, I at least liked everything I read this month! I love months like this. :) What books did you read this month?

January Reads

A Very Hexy Valentine's Day

by Rachel Hawkins

Eh, nothing extremely special. It had a bit of humor, but it was quite short (a page and a half long) so it didn't wow me. It was just a nice Valentine's Day extra for fans.

ANNA: Deleted Chapter

by Stephanie Perkins

Was cute. Made me smile. Glad it was cut from the book because it wasn't entirely pertinent.

Vulcans Are Hot

by Stephanie Perkins

Cute, but I wish there had been more than a sliver of romance. I mean, come on, it's Etienne and Anna here. ;)

Wide Open

by Shelly Crane

Review to come on January 7th 2014 at Holly's Reading Hollow during Shelly Crane's Wide Open blog tour!

Pre-read reaction:
I am so excited for this!!! Can't wait until December January 7th, 2014!!! I wish it were available for pre-order...

The Kite Runner

by Khaled Hosseini

This book. I don't have any words to describe how incredible this story is. It tore me to pieces more times than I can count. It was complex and raw... Amir, Hassan, Sohrab, Baba, Ali, Rahim Khan, Soraya, Farid... I will not be forgettin...

The Other Fish in the Sea

by Jenn Cooksey

Shark Out of Water

by Jenn Cooksey

Anna and the French Kiss

by Stephanie Perkins

What a happy-inducing story! Anna and Etienne! <3 Film critic to neat-freak, hands and short stature to history lover, I loved all their characteristics and quirks that gave them and the book personality! So sweet and fun and a real page...

Between Shades of Gray

by Ruta Sepetys

Cinder

by Marissa Meyer

Nothin' like slacking off on all school work and housework to read a book in one day. ;) Review to come.

Incarnate

by Jodi Meadows

Ten Tiny Breaths

by K.A. Tucker

4 stars? 5 stars? I can't decide yet. So much wonderful development from the characters and beautifully written morals of the story.

The Kiss: An Anthology of Love and Other Close Encounters

by C.A. Newsome

I don't know the other authors in this anthology so I only read Colleen Hoover's novella. It was lovely and I am really happy that we were able to have a insight into the characters' lives after the Slammed series. Kel and Caulder intrig...

Number of Books Read: 

13 (4 were shorts)

Favorite Book of the Month:

I cannot accurately express how much I love this book.

Favorite Cover of the Month:

BONUS MATERIAL: Tiger's Curse Character #Tweets

While Colleen Houck is taking a short break from her daily/weekly character tweets in Tiger's Quest, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at the Tiger's Curse character tweets! Tiger's Curse was my favorite book in the series so I adore these tweets. Rereading them now rejuvenates all the feels this book gave me the first time I read it. <3

~~~

Wheat grass shakes? Seriously?! What I wouldn't give for chocolate chip pancakes and a slice of bacon! #Kelsey

I'm worried about grandfather. He despairs of ever finding the one he seeks. #Nilima

They just moved me. I smell rain...and trees. Would it kill them to put me near a window? #Ren

Spending today in the corner of a bookstore reading. Graduation coming soon and then I'll look for a job. #Kelsey

Raining hard in Dallas tonight. Start job search tomorrow. #Kelsey

Davis finally let me out of my cage today. I must have spent 10 minutes just stretching. #Ren

It's been a while since I checked on the prince. I should make the effort again soon. #Mr. Kadam

Got a job. All those times I thought about running away to the circus and now I'm actually doing it. #Kelsey

Tonight was our first performance in the new town. The troupe is on edge. Funds are low. It doesn't bode well for the tiger. #Ren

Started my new job today. Love the people. A white tiger performed! Wish I brought my sketching book. #Kelsey

There's a new girl working here. She's helping Davis. I find myself watching her whenever she's near. #Ren

Sometimes I feel like the tiger is watching me, I mean more than an animal usually does. #Kelsey

She read me poetry. I devoured each word, repeating them in my mind so I wouldn't forget, then I watched over her as she slept. #Ren

I fell asleep near the tiger's cage last night. It was strange but I felt cared for, like when my mom used to tuck me in. #Kelsey

She was leaving so I made a sound and thought, "Please. Just stay a little longer. Don't go yet." That's when...she touched me. #Ren

I touched the tiger. It was crazy and stupid but I...had to. #Kelsey

Something's happened. I took human form for the first time in this century. I spent my minutes relearning to walk on two feet. #Ren

I think the tiger is sick. He's acting strange. He's pacing a lot and he's messing up his routines. #Kelsey

Today is my 18th birthday. Doubt I'll have a party. Do they make soy cakes? I hope not. Sigh...Nothing exciting ever happens to me. #Kelsey

On my way to see the prince. To take human form again after all these years...I can't imagine how difficult it's been for him. #MrKadam

Spoke with Kadam. We think Kelsey is the girl we've been looking for. I hate to deceive her but I really feel it’s the only way. #Ren

The prince is remarkably well adjusted despite his captivity. I worry over the girl. There's sadness in her eyes. #MrKadam

To my great relief the young lady has agreed to accompany us. On our way to the plane now. Nilima is unhappy with me for lying. #MrKadam

There's a fire in the girl. I didn't expect that. And she's totally unafraid of the prince. It's hard to believe the beast is a man. #Nilima

When the back of the plane opened, I lifted my head and smelled the air. India! I was home. #Ren

I have never disagreed with Ren's choices before but today we argued hotly over the decision to lead her haplessly into the jungle. #MrKadam

I was immediately aware of her when she stood at the window but I didn't move at first. I wanted to look at her with my human eyes. #Ren

How did I end up in the middle of the Indian jungle with a tiger? I win the prize for world's worst decisions. #Kelsey

Had to chase off a leopard before settling down for the night to watch over Kelsey. She's handling the jungle surprisingly well. #Ren

Spent the night near Kelsey. I buried my nose in her sweet scented hair and when I woke up, I forgot for a moment that I was a tiger. #Ren

I smell like campfire. I have a sunburn. There are bug bites all over my body. And my hiking buddy is a tiger. What's next?! #Kelsey

As a man, I instantly became aware of the gold in her hair, her height measured against mine, and how easily she'd fit in my arms. #Ren

Dropped off the Jeep with Nilima who loudly expressed her concerns with our plan. She's not wrong. I hope Miss Kelsey is safe. #MrKadam

She set her trembling hand in mine & followed me. In the hut she quickly moved away but I could still feel the press of her fingers. #Ren

I told her who I am, what I am, and she didn't run away. For the first time in centuries, I feel hope. #Ren

Leaning about herbs in a hut in the middle of the jungle. What's going on is too crazy for you to believe. #Kelsey

We're heading to the car. She's overheated and sunburned but she's coming. I wish I could talk to her and take care of her properly. #Ren

Nilima has prepared a room for the girl. I'm unsure if the prince would prefer to eat as man or tiger. I have prepared for both. #MrKadam

She twirled in her blue dress & I thought her the most enchanting creature I'd ever seen & her hair, I wanted to bury my hands in it. #Ren

Miss Kelsey and Dhiren have left for the cave. I did all I could to prepare her. I hope it is enough. #MrKadam

Driving to Mumbai with her chatting away, I felt like a man on a date with a beautiful girl, except I was sitting in the back seat. #Ren

I wove a path through the jungle avoiding hundreds of dangerous creatures that could take her life. It’s better that she doesn't know. #Ren

When Kelsey found the opening to the labyrinth I caught the fresh scent of lotus and followed it. #Ren

We made it through the traps. Though dangerous, I'd go back through them all just to have her wrap her arms around me like that again. #Ren

We made it out of the cave only to be stalked by another tiger! I fought her off only to find Kelsey being attacked by a panther. #Ren

We made it out by the skin of our teeth or perhaps the skin in my teeth and we're headed for home. I think the hard part is over. #Ren

Hearing her on the veranda, I used 3 precious min to shower & dress. Opening the door, my stomach twisted with nerves & anticipation. #Ren

I had hoped the curse would be broken after the cave but it appears there is much more that must be done. #MrKadam

Kadam told me that breaking the curse meant more danger for Kelsey. Convincing Kishan to give up his amulet is only way to protect her. #Ren

Ren wants to find his brother. I don't believe Kishan will help him. The tiger seems to have taken over the man. #MrKadam

I was stalking dinner when I came across the scent. After all these years he was still alive. Prey forgotten, I trailed my brother. #Kishan

I watched her standing by the waterfall. She laughed as butterflies rose & landed in her hair. All I could think about was kissing her. #Ren

Led Ren far from his campsite, I want to see what he's protecting out there. #Kishan

She read a poem & I found a summer's day in the blush of her cheek, the sun's glint in her hair, & the peach blossom scent of her skin. #Ren

I had no right to be in love. I had nothing to offer her. But reason drowned in the beat of my heart, & I asked permission to kiss her. #Ren

Blushing, she stammered, embarrassed by my suggestion. I’m a fool. How could I ask her to return my affections when she only knows the tiger? #Ren

I crouched in the trees watching the girl. She was writing something. I was fascinated by the expressions flitting across her face. #Kishan

He tricked me, doubling back to follow his own tracks & when I realized he was headed for Kelsey I ran faster than I ever had before. #Ren

He fought me. I've never seen Ren act this way before. He was always the model son, the diplomat. Has he changed or is it her? #Kishan

I was out of time and as a tiger there wasn't much I could do, other than killing him, to prevent Kishan from sweet talking Kelsey. #Ren

Ren asked me to watch over Kelsey. I can understand his interest in her. She's brave & determined but she's also tender hearted. #Kishan

I can't hunt, can't focus. All I can think about is Kishan either not taking care of Kelsey well enough or taking care of her too well. #Ren

I woke Kelsey from her nightmare and wrapped her in my arms. The thunder of my heart was more powerful than the raging storm. #Ren

A big animal moved outside my tent. Assumed it was Ren and was shocked to see the younger prince instead holding Miss Kelsey's bag. #MrKadam

Circling back, I found the camp deserted. Running fast, I caught up and watched them from the trees. I didn't want her to leave. #Kishan

I was relieved that Kishan loaned his amulet to Miss Kelsey. She seemed...out of sorts upon her return from the jungle. #MrKadam

When we left Ren in the jungle it was like a #Iscrewedupmydatewithadreamyguy + #Iabandonedmypetonthesideoftheroad feeling. #Kelsey

I paced in the jungle and then, suddenly, I just started running. When I found her hotel it was late. I let out a breath and knocked. #Ren

She opened the door & I asked if I could stay. It wasn't proper to ask but she was my light in a dark room & I craved her desperately. #Ren

I didn't expect anything. I just wanted to be near her. The world outside fell away. Melted around us. Then, she kissed me. #Ren

I cupped her precious face in my hands & she trembled. She seemed frightened, fragile at first, but then she clung to me & I was lost. #Ren

She was a perfect bloom. I smoothed the soft petals of her hair, touched my lips to her delicate arched neck, & tucked her into my soul. #Ren

Just before dawn I woke, softly touched her cheek, & headed back to the jungle. My future was undetermined but I wanted her in it. #Ren

I plan to take Miss Kelsey to a temple of Durga today. I chose the one closest to Hampi. It may result in nothing but we must try. #MrKadam

Kelsey had the cutest smudge of dirt across her nose. It was nice exploring the temple with her. Nice until the statue came to life. #Ren

Sensing her fear, I leapt in front of Kelsey and came face to face with Durga's tiger. He snarled & watched Kelsey with hungry eyes. #Ren

The snake headed toward Kelsey & waves fear came from her, so thick it almost choked me. There was nothing I could do except watch. #Ren

I intended to check on Kelsey & Ren in the temple when a strange lethargy came over me. It caused me to sleep until their return. #MrKadam

The golden treasures amazed me. When Miss Kelsey lifted the gada with ease, I realized that I might not be meant to help them. #MrKadam

They spent the day in Hampi. I sat under a shady tree, licked my paws, & sulked, wishing I was the man at her side, holding her hand. #Ren

Kadam sent us into the ruins at night. I could see clearly enough but Kelsey struggled. Then, the golden snake lit up the landscape. #Ren

We couldn't open the passageway that night. Kelsey slept fitfully while I kept watch over the ruins & the woman I couldn't live without. #Ren

The trees attacked. I panicked when I sensed Kelsey giving up and beat the trees with violent desperation until we were safely through. #Ren

When I realized the tiger had no pull over me, I could have wept. Instead, I took hold of Kelsey's hand and walked beside her as a man. #Ren

I raced through the cave looking for Kelsey. I avoided imposters & finally caught her lovely scent. I found her dead & my heart stopped. #Ren

I paced the jungle worrying. Ren obviously wanted her, but I wondered if she felt the same. Why can't I stop thinking about her? #Kishan

I was so thrilled about being human it took half a day for me to realize that Kelsey was nervously pulling away. What am I doing wrong? #Ren

Kelsey slept in my arms. I pulled her close & pressed my lips to her shoulder. She sighed softly, whispered my name & I was enchanted. #Ren

Having Kelsey wake up in my arms was a gift but she seemed embarrassed & avoided me all morning. Something's wrong. Doesn't she trust me? #Ren

Kelsey avoided me all day. The only change in our relationship was that I was a man. Maybe she only cares for the tiger version of me. #Ren

She only loved the tiger. She didn't know how trapped I felt in that form. I allowed resentment to fester & lost my temper. #Ren

I plucked a mango flower from the golden tree hoping to apologize but she moved away again as if she couldn't stand to be near me. #Ren

When the monkeys attacked I tried to divert their attention & headed to the trees to dispatch them quickly so I could help Kelsey. #Ren

Leaving Kelsey in a safe place, I led the Kappa into the needle forest and savagely ripped them apart with teeth and claws. # Ren

Finishing off the Kappa I paused. Something was wrong. I raced back to the clearing like a madman cursing myself for leaving her alone. #Ren

At first I thought it had killed her. In a blind rage I destroyed it, then I heard her gasp & sunk to my knees. She was alive...barely. #Ren

I wouldn't have moved her but I heard the trees & knew more Kappa were coming. Cradling her in my arms, I raced back to the cave. #Ren

When we got to the cave, I treated the wound as best I could but she was still fading and there was nothing I could do to stop it. #Ren

Fear became despair as I watched her suffer. As her life ebbed away, I clutched her fingers & wondered how I'd go on living without her. #Ren

I was resting when the breeze suddenly died. An omen. I raised my head and sniffed the dead air. I shouldn't have let them go alone. #Kishan

I knew she was dying. There was so much I wanted to say but all I could do was try to make her comfortable. Then Fanindra struck. #Ren

I raised the gada intent on killing Fanindra but then I saw her golden venom was actually healing Kelsey. Instead I wept in gratitude. #Ren

She lived and my soul filled with gladness. If she would have agreed, I'd have happily stayed there with her forever. #Ren

She insisted on heading back & immediately pulled away from me. I need to know if what I feel is one sided or if she's just stubborn. #Ren

Something in me snapped when she marched up the stairs. A gentleman doesn't take, he asks. But I couldn't let her walk away from me. #Ren

I wrapped the unyielding woman I loved in my arms & kissed her slowly, hoping that some part of her would sense my absolute devotion. #Ren

She answered with a passion I didn’t expect & I was lost. In that moment our hearts beat as one. In that moment I knew she loved me. #Ren

Thrilled with the knowledge that she loved me, it took me a moment to realize that she was angry. I found her tantrum irresistible. #Ren

Kelsey & Ren appeared shortly after sunrise. Seeing Lokesh in my dream filled me with a cold dread that I kept hidden from them. #MrKadam

That she was still angry was obvious, but nothing dimmed my mood until Kadam asked her about the vision & she confirmed what he saw. #Ren

Left in the jungle, I paced, hating my tiger form. In Kishkindha I had a taste of being a man. Now anything else feels insufferable. #Ren

I became a man the instant my body allowed. I waited for the pull of the tiger to overtake me. An hour passed, then two. Am I cured? #Ren

The prince met me as a man & we rejoiced together that he could now take human form for a few hours. It is more than we hoped for. #MrKadam

Ren spoke like the man I once knew. He instructed me regarding Miss Kelsey confirming my suspicions about his feelings for her. #MrKadam

With Miss Kelsey settled in at the hotel, Ren & I went into town. He got a haircut, bought clothes & walked the streets as a man. #MrKadam

The prince wanted to surprise Miss Kelsey at dinner. I hesitated but he assured me that he would be kind and behave as a gentleman. #MrKadam

I watched her enter the restaurant. Her lovely hair hung in soft waves around her shoulders. Needing to touch it, I rose to greet her. #Ren

She refused to look at me so I cupped her chin & her eyes finally found mine. I desperately hoped that she’d see a man & not a tiger. #Ren

She wanted to run from me. Again. Threatening her worked. She lifted her stubborn chin & narrowed her eyes, the frightened deer expression gone. #Ren

The waitress gave me a food list. What does entree, kebab, or marinated mean? Embarrassed, I told the woman to bring one of everything. #Ren

Kelsey was jealous of the waitress. I almost laughed. This beautiful girl was absolutely perfect for me. How could I look at another? #Ren

She announced that she might not be needed to complete the other tasks. I tried to hide the cold wave of panic that swept through me. #Ren

Something happened. I was hidden in the trees in human form watching a group of children kick a ball. An hour passed, then two. #Kishan

I tried to talk about us, but I was a novice at such things and she countered my every word with the ease of a skilled swordsman. #Ren

Our first date didn’t go as planned. She was determined to escape-the wrong thing to do with a tiger-it took all my restraint not to pounce. #Ren

We spoke for several hours. It is gratifying to see that despite his years as a tiger, the good man I once knew is still there. #MrKadam

Going from being a man 24/7 in Kishkindha to only getting 6 hrs/day was hard but for the first time in decades I look forward to tmw. #Ren

I stumbled into the village barefooted & asked the first person I met to help me find my friend. She fed me & called the authorities. #Kishan

I was going over the list of forged documents needed to bring the prince back from the dead when I got the call that Kishan wanted to come home. #MrKadam

I growled as I tried to make her a sandwich, annoyed with my inability to compete such a simple modern task. I’d been a tiger too long. #Ren

She said she wanted to talk & I was relieved. In my time a man who felt this way about a woman wasted no time declaring his intentions. #Ren

I parked near the village at dusk & a few moments later the big black cat emerged from the trees. Kishan was finally coming home. #MrKadam

Hearing her on the veranda, my heartbeat quickened. I've mingled with kings & warlords but only with her do I lose my composure. #Ren

The setting sun glinting off her hair & skin made her look like a goddess trapped in human form. I’d never seen a woman so beautiful. #Ren

I took her hand & enjoyed the moment. Six hours stretched ahead of me like a lifetime & my heart was filled with love and gratitude. #Ren

She was nervous so I massaged her feet. Blisters covered the delicate arches. I was determined never to cause her such pain again. #Ren

We passed through a city with impossibly tall buildings and as I marveled, I thought, how was I going to acclimate to this new world? #Kishan

At first I thought she was rejecting me because I wasn’t normal. It hurt but I understood it. Then I realized that wasn't it at all. #Ren

She believed she was ordinary? Impossible! Any man with common sense would see what I do. The more she went on the angrier I became. #Ren

She said I only loved her because of the curse & that I only wanted her because I felt pity. Obviously I’d failed in conveying my true feelings. #Ren

When she said she was leaving it was like the wide world, suddenly open to me, shrunk to a pinpoint of light. How could I breathe without her? #Ren

She closed the door & I felt caged, trapped. I pressed my palms against the offensive barrier & tried to stop myself from breaking it. #Ren

Stepping into the massive house was intimidating but I caught her scent immediately & knew I’d made the right decision by returning. #Kishan

I’m approaching this wrong. Maybe Nilima can help. Regardless, before she leaves I need to make sure Kelsey knows exactly how I feel. #Ren

Passing her door I heard water & something else. She was crying. Kadam shook his head and led on. If Ren hurt her, I’d kill him. # Kishan

Though exhilarating to consider the Golden Fruit's power, I worried over our blind leap into a world of seemingly limitless magic. #MrKadam

Tears came as she confessed her feelings for Ren. In the past I’d be overstepping my bounds to counsel the prince but I feel I must. #MrKadam

Kadam wants to let her leave. He was surprised by my defiance but I won't let her go, at least not until she knows exactly how I feel. #Ren

Kelsey went swimming. I rehearsed what I wanted to say, headed outside, & saw her hug Kishan. Insanely jealous, I broke the railing. #Ren

Kadam told me Kishan returned and now I knew why. I didn’t react much to his stealing Yesubai, but with Kelsey, he was risking his life. #Ren

I was nervous, but when she put her arms around me I knew I made the right decision. At that moment I truly felt like I’d come home. #Kishan

Kadam told me that Kelsey wasn’t betrothed to Ren but still, I refused to make the same mistake again. I planned to ask her outright. #Kishan

We talked and I asked her to accompany me to dinner. She agreed! Kadam will act as our chaperone. Also discovered I like root beer. #Kishan

They left for dinner & I paced. I thought of Kishan taking her hand & making her laugh. Unable to stand it any longer, I called a taxi. #Ren

I should’ve been out of my element, but as she described the modern world with enthusiasm, I felt as if there was a place for me. #Kishan

I urged the driver to go faster. I felt a strange pressing need to find her & knew somehow that if I didn’t hurry I’d lose her forever. #Ren

She danced with Kadam & I couldn't take my eyes off her. Not knowing how to court her or if it was even proper, I asked her to dance. #Kishan

Cold ice trickled through my veins as I stood there watching Kishan & Kelsey dance. I wanted to dash out on the floor & rip him apart. #Ren

I lifted my head when I caught Ren’s scent. He was fuming to the point that I thought a vein might explode in his head. Interesting. #Kishan

He was coldly indifferent to Yesubai. He was angry, yes, but with Kelsey my always-in-control older brother became a snarling beast. #Kishan

Kishan left and the moment I touched her, my icy blood warmed. The anger subsided and I felt as if I could breathe again. #Ren

I couldn’t let her leave. She needed to know what she meant to me. Guiding her outside, I mentally rehearsed what to say. #Ren

What could I say to make this beautiful girl know how desperately I needed her? Practiced words fled my mind & I shamelessly begged. #Ren

Ren had been enraged & I worried when he took Kelsey outside. I rose to check on her but Kadam held me back & said they’d be fine. #Kishan

I gave her an anklet I’d bought before our dinner date & couldn’t help feeling proud to see the girl I loved wear jewelry I’d given her. #Ren

Cage me? Didn’t she know I was only free when I was with her? I again cursed my inability to express myself properly in this century. #Ren

After confessing her love, she ran from me. I wanted to stop her but I let her go. If she really loved me how could she leave? #Ren

Miss Kelsey ran into the restaurant with streaming tears. Ah the drama of young love. I’d have to speak with the princes. #MrKadam

When I saw her tears, I took her arm & guided her towards the car. Now I was the one fuming. He hurt her? I’d hurt him. #Kishan

I spoke with Miss Kelsey and then told both of the princes that they needed to let her return to Oregon. In fact, I insisted. #MrKadam

In the shade of a tree, I watch as she drove off. How did Ren mess up so completely that she had to put half a world between us? #Kishan

I couldn’t bring myself to watch her leave. Instead, I ran off into the trees as a tiger worried that if I saw her, I’d never let her go. #Ren

At the last second, I sped back to the house, frantic to see one final glimpse of her. I felt I wouldn’t survive unless I did. #Ren

I raced alongside the car but they were too far down the road. Brokenheartedly, I roared out in hopelessness and grief. She was gone. #Ren

Past Tiger's Curse Saga Bonus Material:

All Hallow's Even (A passage from Ren's POV)

ORIGINAL ending to Tiger's Destiny WARNING: If you have not read Tiger's Destiny, the fourth book in the Tiger's Saga, do NOT read its original ending. It is SPOILER GALORE for those who haven't finished Tiger's Destiny.

Cress [by Marissa Meyer] Tour Dates!

Get ready for the CRESS (The Lunar Chronicles, #3) Book Tour! From February 4th to February 24th, author of this dystopian/fantasy romance series, Marissa Meyer, will be making appearances around the United States and Canada! Some special guests will be joining Meyer during some of the dates so check out the events page on Meyer's website for more information. RSVP for the tour dates near you HERE, *Some events on the tour will be ticketed and may require the purchase. Call your CRESS tour location for more information.*

CRESS Launch Party in Tacoma, WA!! (+ Virtual Livestream)

February 4, 2014 (6:30-11:00pm)

Cost: $5 (or FREE with book pre-order)

Category: Book Signing, Virtual Event

Organizer: Garfield Book Co. at PLU

Phone: (253) 535-7665

Venue: Karen Hille Phillips Center (formerly Eastvold Hall) at Pacific Lutheran University

Address: 12180 Park Avenue S., Tacoma, WA, 98447

CRESS Tour Dates (Book Talk + Signing):

Hood River, OR

February 5, 2014 (7:00- 9:00pm)

Waucoma Bookstore

212 Oak Street, Hood River, OR, 97031 Google Map

San Diego, CA

February 6, 2014 7:00-9:00 pm

San Diego Public Library

330 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92101 Google Map

Corte Madera, CA

February 7, 2014 (6:30-9:00pm)

Book Passage

51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera, CA, 94925 Google Map

South Orem, UT

February 8, 2014 (3:00-5:00 pm)

Barnes & Noble

330 East 1300 South Orem, UT,84058, Select a Country:

St. Boulder, CO

February 9, 2014 (4:00-6:00 pm)

Boulder Bookstore

1107 Pearl St. Boulder, CO, 80302 Google Map

Lansing, MI

February 11, 2014 (6:00-8:00 pm)

Schuler Books

2820 Towne Centre Blvd, Lansing, Michigan 48912 Google Map

RSVP

Washington, DC

February 12, 2014 (7:00-9:00 pm)

Politics & Prose

5015 Connecticut Ave W, Washington, DC, 20008 Google Map

New York, NY

February 13, 2014 (8:00-10:00 pm)

Books of Wonder

18 West 18th Street, New York, NY,10011 Google Map

Lewisville, TX

February 14, 2014 (7:00-9:00 pm)

Barnes & Noble Lewisville TX

2325 South Stemmons Frwy, Ste 401,Lewisville, TX, 75067

Conroe, TX

Montgomery County Book Festival

February 15, 2014

Lone Star College

3200 College Park Drive, Conroe, TX, 77385 Google Map

Austin, TX 

February 17, 2014 (7:00-9:00 pm)

Book People

603 North Lamar, Austin, TX, 78703 Google Map 

Orlando, FL

February 18, 2014 (7:00-9:00 pm)

Barnes & Noble #2998

481 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL, 32828 Google Map

*Two Canada Events*

Burnaby, BC
Saturday, February 22, 2:00 pm
Chapters Metrotown

Toronto, ON
Monday, February 24, 7:00 pm
Indigo Yorkdale

Let me know if you'll be attending any of the tour dates!

Happy winter :)

Review: Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover

About the novella:

This novella is a companion novel to the Hopeless series but can be read as a standalone. 

A chance encounter in the dark leads eighteen-year-old Daniel and the girl who stumbles across him to profess their love for each other. But this love comes with conditions: they agree it will only last one hour and it will only be make-believe.

When their hour is up and the girl rushes off like Cinderella, Daniel tries to convince himself that what happened between them only seemed perfect because they were pretending it was perfect. Moments like that with girls like her don’t happen outside of fairytales.

One year and one bad relationship later, his disbelief in insta-love is stripped away the day he meets Six: a girl with a strange name and an even stranger personality. Daniel soon realizes the way he pretended to feel about Cinderella and the way he really feels about Six may not be so different after all. Especially when the two loves of his life end up being one in the same.

Unfortunately for Daniel, finding Cinderella doesn’t guarantee their happily ever after…it only further threatens it.

Pages: 105

Published by: Atria Books (October 14, 2013)

Genre: NA contemporary romance

My rating for Finding Cinderella (Hopeless, #2.5)

Warning: This book contains language and sexual content.

I think it might be accurate to say this is my favorite novella I've ever read. Most novellas are wonderful additions to a series, but this one stands out because it can stand entirely on its own two feet... covers... metaphorical covers--whatever--and it was a wonderful story at that!

I'd like to warn that these two high school characters are promiscuous. It is what some would call an "insta-love" but the humor and realistic and unique personalities are displayed in the hero and heroine to offset the wariness an insta-love story brings. Of course, this is my opinion, but I am also a reader who isn't fond of insta-love stories and rather quickly overlooked the insta-love and thought the connection between the main characters worked because of everything else in the story.

Daniel, whose perspective you read from, is a silly guy. So silly that I giggled my way through this novella. He makes up names for everyone and acts like a total goofball.

"Go away."

"No. We're having a moment. You're my best friend, Holder. For real. You're my best friend and I love you. I'm not ashamed to admit that I love a guy. I love, Holder. Daniel Wesley loves Dean Holder. Always and forever."

"Daniel, go make out with your girlfriend."

"Not until you tell me you love me, too."

"I f***ing love you, now GO AWAY!"

"I love you more."

But he's also lovable, somewhat mature (that's questionable), and he cherishes small things. 

"Don't open your eyes. Give me ten more seconds to stare, because you look absolutely beautiful right now."

As for the romance, it was really refreshing. All that silliness and playfulness of Daniel and Six made the romance so fun. I knew there was going to be a plot twist (there always is with Colleen Hoover!) so I was trying to guess it. The funny thing is, I guessed right, but when it was revealed, I still gasped. Lol.

I didn't read this Daniel as the same Daniel from Losing Hope but that was a-okay with me. I love this Daniel and his silliness. I loved seeing Daniel and Six break down their walls and I am so grateful and honored that Colleen Hoover wrote Daniel & Six's story for her fans! Thanks CoHo!

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Please help me get my #FindingCinderella tweet on the back cover of the coming soon paperback by retweeting and favoriting THIS tweet! Thank you!

Review | Blood Will Tell by Samantha Young

About the book:

What would you do if you were born to be a predator? Would you fight your natural instincts or give in to your nature? 

Eden is a soul eater closing in on her awakening. Her family has convinced her that soon she will have to take a life in order to save her own. It’s a decision Eden doesn’t want to deal with even as her hunger for souls grows stronger every day.

To complicate her impossible position, new guy in school Noah Valois’ determination to befriend her puts Eden in touch with a humanity she’s never known. Addicted to his company, his friendship and affection, she becomes more and more terrified that giving into her hunger will mean losing him forever…

… But when she discovers that Noah is not what he seems, his betrayal forces her to face two choices. One will offer her revenge and the destruction of a boy she loved. The other may offer her a life of eternal redemption…

Release date: June 29, 2011 

Publisher: CreateSpace 

Pages: 273 

Genre: YA paranormal

My rating for Blood Will Tell (Warriors of Ankh, #1):

I held off reviewing this book because I wasn't thrilled about the novel. Now that I'm trying to write it's review, I can hardly remember how this book even ended, even though it's only been a week since I finished it. 

I wanted to like this story, the romance, but I couldn't. I know I had no qualms with Twilight and how Edward a 90-something year old vampire fell in love with a human; however, I did with this romance. The guy (I can't even remember the characters' names, y'all) was a seventy-year-old who hadn't aged a day past eighteen, who had had the sexual experiences of a seventy year old, and who currently was falling in love with a teenager. Ew!! Granted, when I read Twilight I was younger, but Edward hadn't had sex with a whole slew of women before meeting Bella. Bella and Edward were each other's firsts. This was clearly not the case with Blood Will Tell and it was in the back of my mind during the entire read.

The plot is coming back to me now. Okay, so I actually really liked the creep factor of this book. It was quite different than other books. You don't often read books where the main character and her family are the "bad guys". Seeing this perspective was interesting and I liked to see this type of inner struggle within the M.C. I did wonder why the heroine rejected her upbringing so much because wouldn't someone who grew up in an evil family think that what they were doing was okay? My doubts were cleared up later. The ending really through me for a loop and intrigued me, but not enough for me to read the sequel.

For the most part, the mood and subject of the book was intriguing, but the romance really turned me off and kept me from connecting with the book. If you think you can overlook the age and sexual experience differences, I'd say give this a try because I think you'll still really enjoy the paranormal aspect.