Hello Reader, Welcome to my domain. You may know me, you may even think you know me, or you may not know me at all, but in this realm I go by the name of Supreme-Divine-Ruler-of-the-Far-Reaching-Spaces-of-the-Little-Bit-of-Random. jk, Minnow will do...
I’ve always known she was too good for me, but that never stopped me from wanting her.
And then I finally had her for one night.
A night I don’t remember.
I figured I’d blown my shot.
But now she’s walked back into my life, and this time, I have the upper hand. I want my second chance.
Will she be able to see the man beneath this ink?
********
Just like the first in the Beneath series, this book swept me away. When I saw it was Con and Vanessa's story, I was sooooo excited and could not wait to read it. Though it wasn't quite as amazing as the first, it was still a phenomenal read. I mean, what to chose? Your life dreams or the guy you want to spend your life with? And even though a lot of us (myself included) would berate Vanessa for not immediately choosing the guy as is done in many books ever written, the truth of the matter is if this was a real world problem, many men would be left in the dust. So props to Ms. March for continuing to make realistic but still likable heroines. Again, this book MUST be on your next or soon to read list.
Book Ratings: a solid 4 butterflies
Boy Rating: Again with the romance... I promise I'll do some more boy friendly books soon.
He loves me, and he doesn’t even know my real name.
The limelight that follows him could expose everything I’m hiding. But even knowing the risks, I can’t force myself to stay away.
I’m going to break his heart, but mine will shatter right along with it.
Will we lose it all when I reveal what’s beneath this mask?
************
This. Book. Was. Absolutely. Fantastic.
I just can't really say much else about it. The characters were fun and easy to love and the writing was good. The girl running from her past and the boy who would but her right back in it. Charlie is a fantastic heroine who is very down to Earth and selfless - but not to the point of unrealistic. And the story is set with the sights and sounds of New Orleans, a beautiful place in itself o=and one of my all time favorite places in the world. Theres not much I can really say about it without massively spoiling the whole plot line, which I am disinclined to do because of how fantastic it was, except that this should most definitely be on your next or soon to read book list.
Boy Rating: Lotsa romance
Book Rating: 4&1/2 butterflies - but only cause I'm holding out for that perfect 5 book that I know is out there - like Easy by Tammara Webber or Beautiful Disaster by Jamie Mcguire.
Chased Dreams by Lacey Weatherford AND Chase Waldon
Book Description:
Dreams of the future, dreams of love and happiness, dreams of being able to move on and get past the heartache that still resides in his soul, Chase Walker believes things are finally starting to look up.
But are they really?
When Chase suffers a devastating injury on the football field, his life is thrown into a tailspin once again. Feeling like he’s lost his identity, he struggles with keeping his relationship with Brittney from falling apart, while also trying to find out who he really is inside.
But when dreams from the past resurface, causing old feelings to rise anew and clash with the life he’s living now, Chase is left to wonder if all he has is Chased Dreams.
********
For my opinion/description now... (spoilers beyond here)
This book was all over the place - in a good way.
Lets start with Chase getting shit on yet again, with his knee this time. After his very successful college career and looking forward to a NFL spot, things just turn south when the chance presents itself that he might never play again. Enter mopey Chase that I really have no sympathy for. Brittney is trying to help him out, cause you know, she's his WIFE after all, and thats what supportive spouses do. But Chase is not having any of it and is frankly getting on my nerves massively. To add to this, we now have something Nikki ish in what seems every chapter. Dude. You're MARRIED. Its been four, close to five year now. Shouldn't you be over this a little? At least not at the point where you continue to hear her voice in your head.
And then... shit hits the fan.
NIKKI ISN'T ACTUALLY DEAD!!!
But... what?... I... huh?
And it all comes together. Everything in his head is just his minds interpretation of what everyone has been telling him while he's been in a coma. Which, as a geek, is really cool from the science standpoint. Now we have sarcastic witty Chase back. No longer mopey, with the right girl (Nikki of course!), and a bright future, still without football. And the way the whole community came together around him was kinda beautiful. And Matt can still go die in a hole.
Although the beginning seemed dragged out and the end seemed rushed, it was still a good book overall. Definitely the way to end this series with a bang.
This Book: 3&1/2 butterflies
Boy Rating: Again, lotta romance. Make your own call
Life hasn’t been easy for Chase Walker. He’s experienced tragedy, and at times he’s not sure he wants to continue living. But he made a vow to go on with his life, and he intends to keep it.
After getting a college scholarship to play football, Chase heads off to school, hoping his time on the field will help to bury the intense emotions that still linger in his heart. Fate doesn’t work that way though, and he soon finds himself having to face all the things he’s carrying inside, or he may miss the one shot he has to learn how to love again.
********
Another great romance from the pen of Mrs. Weatherford. And this time, I read the Author's Note as well, which Made the whole story just that much more endearing. That being said, it wasn't quite as great as the first book.
As a major shipper of Chase and Nikki, I couldn't really completely get behind Brittney, but they did make an adorable couple. Chase, when not depressed, is still his same romantic self. However, a lot of the time he is quite depressed. And I get that Nikki died, and I get that he loved her, but there should be a point where as he continues to date and fall in love with Brittney that he think and mourns over Nikki less and less. So to Chase: GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER. No girl, even one as compassionate and nice as Brittney, is ever really ok with her guy constantly thinking of his dead ex. But their relationship was a good one. The only thing I really didn't care for in their relationship was how abrupt their marriage happened. I don't really think the whole getting married fast thing was smart, but I can see where it came from.
The plot was good, and I enjoyed the whole Chase/Matt/Jared events. But Chase didn't seem to be himself. He wasn't really as sarcastic and witty in this book as he was in the last.
Overall, what I guess I'm trying to say, is that this was a really good read, but not as great as what I kinda expected given the first one. Now for Chased Dreams.
Chase Walker used to be a good kid-charming, athletic, and with a bright future ahead, but that was before travesty struck his life, sinking him into deep despair. Caught up in a world of drugs and alcohol, he doesn't notice time slipping away until he's arrested for underage drinking one night. Fed up with watching her son destroy his life, Chase's mom relocates him to live in a small ranching community with his ex-military grandfather. Chase is far from happy about the situation until he meets, Nikki, the cute cheerleader who won't give football players like him the time of day. Chase enjoys a good challenge though and sets out to claim Nikki for his own. He soon discovers she's more than a pretty face-she's a balm to his troubled spirit also. But when tragedy strikes Nikki's life too, suddenly Chase finds himself put to the ultimate test. Can he trust Nikki, and all that she's taught him? Will it be enough?
*******
I do love a good romance novel, and this was definitely one of them. It had the ups, the awwww moments, the he-didn't-just-do-what-I-thought-nooooo moments, the sobbing hysterically moments, and of course the why-the-hell-are-you-a-fictional-character-I-want-you-to-be-mine moments. From the beginning it caught my eye as it is told from the perspective of Chase, the guy, which already breaks this book from the norm, and thats what I love about this book. It is NOT the norm. If you are looking for your classic ya romance novel, then this isn't it. Just when you are feeling comfortable enough with the characters and plot line, Mr. Weatherford decides to change things up a bit and throw you for a loop. Or two. As for the characters, they were amazing and incredibly easy to bond with. Which is wonderful but can also lead to more tears in the more heartbreaking sections of this work of art.
Now, on to the more spoilery portion of this post...
It all started when Chase's dad dies... on his 17th birthday of course. Naturally, he spirals downward, causing his mom to uproot him and resettle in middle of nowhere with the grandparents. Enter beautiful girl with standards. The way Chase goes after Nikki is absolutely swoon worthy and romantic. If every guy paid as much attention to detail about a girl that Chase did to Nikki, we would be living in one hell of a romantic beautiful world. And, cause no book boyfriend can be without this, he has a smart mouth that is pure genius, even if it does land him in detention his first day. Like every romance, they bloom and revolve around the other...
And then Nikki goes and has a car crash.
Now we have the frantic reader wanting to make sure she is ok, who's concern is only overshadowed by Chase, who can't leave her side of course, and when forced to seems to slide into nasty habits broken when he met Nikki. But he quickly comes around and we feel things will turn out all right.
AND THEN WEATHERFORD GOES AND KILLS NIKKI
Enter massive sobbing. In fact, I was about to lose it myself. So much so that I read the reviews and plot lines and spoilers of the next two books to make sure things still went kinda ok otherwise I probably would not have finished reading the book. But it does, so if you are feeling kinda iffy at this point, I encourage you to continue with the series all the way to the finish to see how things turn out.
All in all, this is a beautiful book and a great read making itself worthy of the 4 butterflies awarded. Very excited to see how the sequel, Finding Chase, turns out.
This book: 4 butterflies!!
Boy Rating: Definitely a more girly book cause its a romance... but it is written from the guy perspective
She’s the worst thing to come along since the black plague, and she will do anything to alter the destiny she was made for. Failure is not an option. But if the shadows of evil overcome her…
Only one person can stop her.
When she meets Micah, she doesn’t expect him to save her life, or to offer his help. They were born enemies after all. Though he boasts noble intentions and a belief that, together, he and Kris could swing the tide of the war to the side of good once and for all, Kris can’t help but suspect that he is hiding something.
They have a plan…
Strengthened by new allies, Kris and gang take their fight to the Skotadi. As they discover shocking secrets and grow closer to learning of the evil-doers ultimate plans, Kris worries that time has run out. Struggling with her inner demons, she does the only thing she can to protect the ones that she cares about most, even if it tears her heart in two.
Question is, where will her heart lead her?
Book two in the Ignited Series, Sacrificed continues the journey of Kris, Nathan, Alec, and Callie as they set out on an adventure to alter destiny. Lasting friendships are formed, lives are changed, romance sizzles, and hearts are broken in this exciting follow up to Desni Dantone’s debut, Ignited.
*********
This was another fantastic read by Desni Dantone. I definitely got into the plot and it was incredibly hard to put down at times. I absolutely loved the double personality of Kris an her slight schizophrenic tendencies. The classic love triangle was ever present, but with an interesting twist of being a love square. Team Nathan, of course, but Alec is so adorably amazing as well. And even though I expected the angsty relationship drama, the characters were so easy to bond with that I was shouting at Kris to not make stupid decisions regarding Nathan the entire time. My roommate may have increased her opinion on my level of strangeness, but thats to be expected when immersed in a good book. Not much to say for Micah, but maybe more in the next Ignited book?
Although I still stand by what I said in the first book (the writing being a little choppy and not flowing at some points), this book was better with only a few plot jumps. I am excitedly awaiting the release of the third book, Savaged Soul, to see how the story continues to play out. Especially now that Nathan and Kris have gotten over all their rather entertaining drama and can move forward with their relationship!!! Eeep!!!
This book: 4 full butterflies!
Boy Rating: A little more romance, but to be expected with this ya style.
Seventeen year old Kris Young is on the run from a throng of superhuman golden-eyed freaks hell-bent on seeing her dead, and she doesn't know why. Good thing she has her guardian angel to protect her...sort of.
Kris is aided by Nathan, the mysterious man that ends up being anything but angelic when he rescues her for the fourth time in fourteen years. Even if the handsome hero illusion is shattered by his harsh treatment of her, he knows how to fight this strange enemy and is determined to keep her safe at all costs.
As the body count rises in their wake, Nathan introduces Kris to a world in which not everyone is human and the battle lines between good and evil are clearly drawn. Kris's piece in the puzzle is something neither is aware of and, as they uncover the truth, neither is prepared for what they find. Overcoming twists and revelations that shatter both of their lives, they discover that nothing is as it seems and nothing, least of all their hearts, are safe.
From debut author, Desni Dantone, Ignited is the first novel in a tale of first love, mystery and adventure that will introduce you to an exciting new world as Kris discovers how she fits in it.
*******
Sooo, a little on what I saw. This book is a classic ya novel. Nothin really overly special about it, but not to be passed up by the reader looking for a good read. From the beginning it was captivating and even though a little predictable at times, was very not so at others. I can officially add both Nathan and Alec to my list of book bfs, and Kris wasn't too bad as a heroine. Although I think the author could have expanded on some points such as SPOILER
maybe what happened to Gran????? was very disappointed we don't know exactly what happened. And then things might get a little disjointed towards the end, this is her first book published, so I expect the writing to get better in the next few books. Overall, it kept me intrigued and looking forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series, Sacrificed!!!
This book: 3&1/2 butterflies
Boy Rating: Not too much romance. A good read for either gender.
So, with no suggestions on books to review (and a lack of current reading material) I have decided to embark on the more "random" trail of this blog, and expand it to include movie reviews. To open this line of thinking, I've created an "At the Movies" page and have decided to review and comment on the (somewhat) recent release of Spiderman.
To start off, I'm not much of a famous super hero type of person. Superman and Batman just don't cut it for me. However, after watching this movie, I'm going to have to reevaluate my opinion of the classic super heros. Reason Being?
This. Movie. Was. Amazing.
Not only was Spiderman absolutely gorgeous (Andrew Garfield.. eek!!!) but the movie itself was completely fangirl-worthy. Going to see it July 4th, the entire theater was filled. Ad yet even from - literally - the back corner, the movie was still amazing. If you haven't seen it yet, then do so quickly and soon before it goes out of theaters.
A movie definitely for both boys and girls
Just a reminder, I rate with butterflies - ɛiiɜ - With five being best and one being worst. And as seen above, The Amazing Spiderman got: ɛiiɜ ɛiiɜ ɛiiɜ ɛiiɜ ɛi - 4&1/2
Below here comes the spoilery part
This movie is fantastically written, acted, scripted, all of the above. Now, I had never read the comics nor seen the original movies, so I really had no background information which to draw from. Therefore, for me at least, everything that happened came as a surprise plot turn or whatever cause all of it was unexpected. So when Uncle Ben died at the beginning, I couldn't believe it. I'm not gonna lie, I cried. And I absolutely loved how they brought his voice in later and even though he was dead, he was still an imprtant part of the movie.
The plot line was great - nothing there I would change. It was completely captivating from the opening hide and seek scene all the way to Peter Parker's subtle hint about breaking his promise to stay away from Gwen Stacy, played by the talented Emma Stone. Their whole relationship, though the predictable high school type romance deal, was none the less adorable, especially the part of skipping through the hallways >.< That made my day.
Overall, there is not really much I can say against the movie. It was, in short, absolutely breathtaking and definitely worthy of praise. However, it was a little dark for my tastes, hence the 4&1/2 rather than 5 butterflies.
Mk, So I'm going to start seriously reading and reviewing and all that stuff. Which means that I'm going to start needing a ratings system. I shall rate on a a scale of butterflies. Thats right, butterflies.
ɛiiɜ ɛiiɜ ɛiiɜ ɛiiɜ ɛiiɜ - The top score. Absolutely amazing. Very little if anything wrong with it. Definitely worthy of at least one reread.
ɛiiɜ ɛiiɜ ɛiiɜ ɛiiɜ - Very nice. Thrilling and captivating, but not utterly world shattering. Generally worthy of a reread.
ɛiiɜ ɛiiɜ ɛiiɜ - Not bad, not bad. Good book, but maybe more of an ebook type of book than a hard copy.
ɛiiɜ ɛiiɜ - Meh. Not awful but just not interest worthy. Worthy of a library checkout than real ownership.
ɛiiɜ - No comment. Nothing I've ever come across has been worthy of this nor should anything be able to sink this low.
THERE IS FINALLY A CAST COMING ALONG. So far, the people cast include Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Alec (though it has not been released who yet), Simon, Pangborn, Blackwell, Jocelyn, Magnus (eeep!), and Hodge!!! Actually names of people to follow.
So sorry for such a long break... but thin after thing kept coming up... As for now? Time to read and review. Hopefully more consistent posts to follow. :D
It was one of the things that had made her fall in love with him in the first place: realizing that this scarred, sarcastic boy was gentle with the things he loved.
Hey! Sorry, accidentally missed yesterday due to unforeseen circumstances arising. so here is the quotes for yesterday and today! And the theme for yesterday is:
The incredibly insightful and wonderful things that Katniss says!
But obviously this person's a hazard. Stupid people are dangerous.
-Katniss Everdeen
HAHAHAHAHA so true, so true
I've spent so much time making sure I don't underestimate my opponents that I've forgotten it's just as dangerous to overestimate them as well.
-Katniss Everdeen
And yet again, the great Katniss shares her great wisdom at survival with the rest of us mere mortals.
The theme for today:
The ironies of Effie!
"How you've both successfully struggled to overcome the barbarism of your district."
Barbarism? That's ironic coming from a woman helping to prepare us for slaughter. And what's she basing our success on? Our table manners?
-Effie Trinket and Katniss Everdeen
See? Even Katniss can see the irony here, and she doesn't even focus on English in school!
"Hey, Effie, watch this!" says Peeta. He tosses his fork over his shoulder and literally licks his plate clean with his tongue making loud, satisfied sounds. Then he blows a kiss out to her in general and calls "We miss you Effie!"
-Peeta Mellark
Oh Peeta, even though I'm definitely team Gale, its things like this that make me love you as well.
