My Muse Monday: 08/31/15

Found this on google, credits to the photo owner (:

Name of my WIP: UNTITLED

Last Muse Monday: So last time, I wanted to write 1000 words and I completely failed. I was really busy and had no inspiration, so I didn't write a word. I'm still disappointed in myself though because I'm so disorganized and seem to not do anything productive for the past few weeks. Hopefully, it'll get better. 

I didn't write a word in the story I'm working on, but in my World Literature class, we had to write our version of Little Red Riding Hood and if my prof gives it back to me, I'll post it here (:

Goals for the week ahead: I'm going to try to write as much as I can. I won't say a specific number of words, I just want to at least write something hahah. 

Writing Tips: WRITE, WRITE, WRITE! :D

THE SUNDAY POST!

Picture from college magazine: http://www.collegemagazine.com/thoughts-twentysomething-college-student/

Hello readers!

Sorry I haven't been posting much. I just started college last week and damn! It was overwhelming and I was really disorganized! X_X

I haven't been reading much as well. Actually, I haven't even read a book in a while. However, I'm going to read the books that I have to review for authors/publishers for the next few weeks. Those are my priorities right now along with the books I have to read for college. 

I'm currently taking seven courses this semester, so I have a lot of essays and other school work to do for the next few months and I don't know if I will have time to post every day. I just want you guys to be aware of that. 

Like I said, I'm going to read and review the books that was given to me in exchange for my honest opinion. I will be reading those for sure and that for the other books in my TBR pile... well... they will have to wait. :P

AND GUYS! My friend is going to give me his Harry Potter books for FREE! I can't believe it! I hope he doesn't change his mind though ahahha. I read the first book and wasn't a big fan, but I'm going to give it another try maybe I'll end up loving it after all (:

Have a great week,

Rochelle 

Mini Review: Off The Page by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publication date: May 19th, 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 356
Rating: 5/5

My review: 

I never heard about this book until I watched one of Christine's videos (polandbananasbooks) on Booktube. The plot got me really interested and I told myself I would read it one day. So, when I saw it at the library, I immediately grabbed it. I am so HAPPY I did. 

This book talks about a girl who's dating his fictional crush who just became an actual human being. Obviously, there are some supernatural/unrealistic elements in this book, but I really enjoyed them. There is a lot of kissing in this book which gets a little weird at some point, but the rest is still worth reading. This is actually a companion to Between The Lines, but I never read that book and in my opinion, it's no big deal. You can read this as a stand-alone, or read this and then read Between The Lines. You don't need to know more than what I just said to you. The best way to enjoy a book is to not know much about the story and so, if this interests you, read it and comment on this posts and share your thoughts. (: 

Friday Finds:The Moment Of Letting Go by J.A. Redmerski

Summary:

You can follow the rules or you can follow your heart...

THE MOMENT OF LETTING GO
Sienna Murphy never does anything without a plan. And so far her plans have been working. Right after college, she got a prestigious job and gained the stability she'd always craved-until work takes her to the sun-drenched shores of Oahu and places her in the path of sexy surfer Luke Everett. For the first time, she lets her heart take control. Drawn to his carefree charm, she makes a spontaneous and very un-Sienna-like decision to drop everything and stay in Hawaii for two more weeks.

Luke lives fast and wild. When he meets Sienna, he's convinced that some no-strings-attached fun is just what she needs. As their nights quickly turn from playful to passionate, Luke can't deny the deep connection he feels. But there's a reason Luke doesn't do long-term. He can't promise Sienna forever, when the enormity of his past has shown him just how fragile the future can be . . . 

Pages: 432

Rating: 4.05

Publication date: August 11th, 2015

Publisher: Forever

|| Goodreads ||

Waiting On Wednesday: Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Summary:
Self-proclaimed fat girl Willowdean Dickson (dubbed “Dumplin’” by her former beauty queen mom) has always been at home in her own skin. Her thoughts on having the ultimate bikini body? Put a bikini on your body. With her all-American beauty best friend, Ellen, by her side, things have always worked . . . until Will takes a job at Harpy’s, the local fast-food joint. There she meets Private School Bo, a hot former jock. Will isn’t surprised to find herself attracted to Bo. But she is surprised when he seems to like her back.

Instead of finding new heights of self-assurance in her relationship with Bo, Will starts to doubt herself. So she sets out to take back her confidence by doing the most horrifying thing she can imagine: entering the Miss Clover City beauty pageant—along with several other unlikely candidates—to show the world that she deserves to be up there as much as any twiggy girl does. Along the way, she’ll shock the hell out of Clover City—and maybe herself most of all.

With starry Texas nights, red candy suckers, Dolly Parton songs, and a wildly unforgettable heroine— Dumplin’ is guaranteed to steal your heart.

Pages: 384
Rating: 4.16
Publication date: September 15th, 2015
Publisher: Balzer + Bray

|| Goodreads ||

Teaser Tuesday #1

TEASER #1

“All I can see, all I can think about, is you. I want you. You don’t just cross my mind once in a while you live in it.” 

― Kristen Proby, Easy Love

I'm only going to share one teaser, just because I didn't reach half of the book yet. I'm currently listening to the audiobook and so far I'm liking it (: 

Release blitz: We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino

From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a love story about a Craigslist “missed connection” post that gives two people a second chance at love fifteen years after they were separated in New York City.

Excerpt:
To the Green-eyed Lovebird:

We met fifteen years ago, almost to the day, when I moved my stuff into the NYU dorm room next to yours at Senior House.

You called us fast friends. I like to think it was more.

We lived on nothing but the excitement of finding ourselves through music (you were obsessed with Jeff Buckley), photography (I couldn’t stop taking pictures of you), hanging out in Washington Square Park, and all the weird things we did to make money. I learned more about myself that year than any other.

Yet, somehow, it all fell apart. We lost touch the summer after graduation when I went to South America to work for National Geographic. When I came back, you were gone. A part of me still wonders if I pushed you too hard after the wedding…

I didn’t see you again until a month ago. It was a Wednesday. You were rocking back on your heels, balancing on that thick yellow line that runs along the subway platform, waiting for the F train. I didn’t know it was you until it was too late, and then you were gone. Again. You said my name; I saw it on your lips. I tried to will the train to stop, just so I could say hello.

After seeing you, all of the youthful feelings and memories came flooding back to me, and now I’ve spent the better part of a month wondering what your life is like. I might be totally out of my mind, but would you like to get a drink with me and catch up on the last decade and a half?

M

AMAZON   ***   BARNES & NOBLE ***  iBooks

About the author:

Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of romantic women's novels. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.

FACEBOOK  WEBSITE  TWITTER  INSTAGRAM

My Muse Monday 08/17/15

Found this on google, I found it really cute. Credits to the photo owner

August 17th, 2015: My First Muse Monday!

Name of my WIP: Untitled (I haven't found the right title for my story yet)

Goals for the week ahead: Write 1000 words I haven't been writing much lately, so let's start with a lower number of words. I'm going to start college next Monday, so that's kind of nerve-wracking if you ask me. I don't know what to expect besides the fact that I will be having a lot of homework. I'm going to study Literature so, I will be reading and writing a lot which is a GOOD and EXCITING thing. My only problem is that I don't read much classics. Since I've been in a French elementary school and high school, I really hope I won't have much trouble in an English College. I'm excited to improve my writing in English though (:

Writing Tips: The tip that I can share with you guys from experience is to only write when you feel like it. Do not force yourself to continue on with your story when you don't have a new idea on what to write next.

x

Rochelle A.

New schedule!

Hello readers!
I just changed my blog schedule and I'd like to inform you about it.

So, on Monday, I usually have nothing planned. I found out about this interesting topic to talk about and it's called 'My Muse Monday' hosted by Write All About It.

Basically, it's to write an update about my writing goals. I think it's a really good idea to just set a goal and post it, then the week after I can write about failing or achieving that challenge I gave myself.

So, hopefully, I can post about my writing updates every Monday, but I can't promise anything especially once school starts.

Then, on Tuesday, I will be doing the 'Teaser Tuesday' hosted by MizB over at A Daily Rhythm. This means I will share two sentences from a book I'm currently reading to kind of make you guys want to read it. Obviously, If the book I'm reading is bad, I wouldn't recommend it. When that happens, I won't be posting anything.

On Wednesday, I will still be doing the 'Waiting On Wednesday' hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Instead of posting reviews or book recommendations on Thursday, I will be doing the 'Thursday Tracks' hosted by Gone with the Words. Basically, I will talk about a song I've been enjoying lately. This is actually great because there has been a lot of songs that I've discovered and loved lately. I can also talk about a book that reminds me of a song or the other way around.

Then, on Friday, I will be doing the 'Friday Finds' hosted by MizB over at A Daily Rhythm. This means I will be sharing with you the books that I have found intriguing recently. This doesn't necessarily mean I've purchased the book.

Saturday is the 'Saturday review of books' hosted by Semicolon. I will post a book review or more on this day.

Last but not least, Sunday, I will be doing the 'The Sunday Post' hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. I will be writing about what's next, what's going to happen in the next week, just basically giving you guys an update on what's going on in my life and what I'm planning for the week.


Before you leave, I wanted to just say that this schedule doesn't mean I will be posting each day.

Yours truly,

Rochelle

This week's wrap-up/ UPDATE

Hello readers!
This week wasn't a big reading week, I only read one book because I was back in a reading slump just right at the end of the booktube-a-thon last week. However, I really enjoyed that one novel I read and I gave it a 5/5 stars. It is called 'Off The Page' by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer. I wrote a review on it on Goodreads. Click here to check it out.

I posted my tbr pile for the bout of books 14.0 yesterday and I don't know if I'm going to complete all the challenges I gave myself. Also, I will probably change my mind on some books and read other books than the ones in the list. That always happens to me during read-a-thons. Believe it or not guys, I love read-a-thons, but I'm not really good at it. Although, even if I fail each time, I keep on participating hahaha.

Anyways, have a nice weekend and I'll talk to you guys in my next post (:

x

Rochelle A.

Bout Of Books 14.0 TBR

I want to read as many books as possible in this readathon because the week after, I'm starting college. I don't know how busy I will be, but I don't think I can read a lot of books from my tbr pile. 

This readathon starts on Monday, August 17th to Monday, August 24th. Click here to get more informations about this reading marathon.

I gave myself a goal for this readathon and those are:

1. Start & Finish a series
2. Listen to an audiobook
3. Finish a book you've already started
4. Read an ebook
5. Read a book from a genre you aren't familiar with

I'm planning on reading 7 books and they are:

1. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
2. Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier
3. Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier
4. Easy Love by Kristen Proby (audiobook)
5. City Of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
6. Divine Vices by Melissa Parkin
7. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Review: The Edge Of Never (The Edge Of Never #1) by J.A. Redmerski

Title: The Edge Of Never (The Edge Of Never #1)
Author: J.A. Redmerski
Publication date: November 15th, 2012
Publisher: Createspace
Genre: New Adult/ Contemporary Romance
Pages: 426
Rating: 5/5

Summary:
Twenty-year-old Camryn Bennett had always been one to think out-of-the-box, who knew she wanted something more in life than following the same repetitive patterns and growing old with the same repetitive life story. And she thought that her life was going in the right direction until everything fell apart.

Determined not to dwell on the negative and push forward, Camryn is set to move in with her best friend and plans to start a new job. But after an unexpected night at the hottest club in downtown North Carolina, she makes the ultimate decision to leave the only life she’s ever known, far behind.

With a purse, a cell phone and a small bag with a few necessities, Camryn, with absolutely no direction or purpose boards a Greyhound bus alone and sets out to find herself. What she finds is a guy named Andrew Parrish, someone not so very different from her and who harbors his own dark secrets. But Camryn swore never to let down her walls again. And she vowed never to fall in love.

But with Andrew, Camryn finds herself doing a lot of things she never thought she’d do. He shows her what it’s really like to live out-of-the-box and to give in to her deepest, darkest desires. On their sporadic road-trip he becomes the center of her exciting and daring new life, pulling love and lust and emotion out of her in ways she never imagined possible. But will Andrew’s dark secret push them inseparably together, or tear them completely apart?

Due to sexual content and language, this book is recommended for 17+ – Adult Contemporary Women’s – New Adult Fiction

My review:

“Heart always wins out over the mind. The heart, although reckless and suicidal and a masochist all on its own, always gets its way.” 

What I really enjoyed about this book is how the characters helped each other with their struggles and their fears throughout the entire novel. The relationship between the two was just an amazing thing to read. They both try to hide what they're really feeling with jokes and smiles, but deep inside, they're miserable. 

What they're going through made me tear up because it's always heartbreaking to know that someone who seems happy and is smiling all the time is actually broken in the inside. 

I really am proud of Camryn. When I finished reading this book, I was glad she's not the same person as the Camryn I knew from the beginning of the story. Her character development was remarkable and I truly am happy because she became a brave woman who's not afraid to tell someone what she really wants to say.

Andrew, on the other hand, I still feel like there's still some things I need to know about him. In the book, the author talked about both of the characters' problems, but in my opinion it focused a lot more on Camryn. I don't really have a big problem on that, but I'm hoping to get more answers in the sequel on Andrew's side.

Overall, this book was amazing. It made me swoon, it made me laugh, it made me sad and tear up. I felt connected to the characters somehow and I really enjoyed reading Camryn and Andrew's beautiful love story. I definitely recommend this book to New Adult readers because there are some steamy scenes in this book. I also recommend to read this book without know much about the story. You can read the summary and maybe some spoiler free reviews, but try to avoid getting yourself spoiled. 

The sequel to The Edge Of Never: The Edge Of Always

Five months ago, Camryn and Andrew, both dealing with personal hardships, met on a Greyhound bus. They fell in love and proved that when two people are meant to be together, fate will find a way to make it happen.

Now, in the highly anticipated sequel to The Edge of Never, Camryn and Andrew are pursuing their love for music and living life to the fullest as they always swore to do. But when tragedy befalls them, their relationship is put to the ultimate test. As Camryn tries to numb her pain, Andrew makes a bold decision: To get their life back on track, they'll set out on another cross-country road trip. Together they find excitement, passion, adventure-and challenges they never could have anticipated.

About the author:

J.A. (Jessica Ann) Redmerski is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and award winner who juggles several different genres. She began self-publishing in 2012, and later with the success of THE EDGE OF NEVER, signed on with Grand Central Publishing/Forever Romance. She has since signed three more deals with GC/Forever for titles THE EDGE OF ALWAYS, SONG OF THE FIREFLIES and THE MOMENT OF LETTING GO. Her works have so far been translated into twenty languages. THE EDGE OF NEVER made it to #2 on the New York Times bestseller eBook list, and remained on the #1 spot on Amazon for two straight weeks. THE EDGE OF ALWAYS also made the New York Times bestseller list.

Jessica is a hybrid author who, in addition to working with a traditional publisher, also continues to self-publish. The Portuguese rights to her popular crime and suspense series, In the Company of Killers, have already been picked up by one of Brazil's largest publishers.

Jessica is a lover of film, television and books that push boundaries; and she's a sucker for long, sweeping, epic love stories. Things on Jessica's wish list are to conquer her long list of ridiculous fears, find a shirt she actually likes, and travel the world with a backpack and a partner-in-crime.

What book is Jessica most proud to have written? It's a question she gets asked quite often. The answer is, hands down, DIRTY EDEN. "DIRTY EDEN was an entirely organic experience for me, as was the story from beginning to end; nothing was planned, and I didn't know the end myself until I got there. As much as I enjoy writing love stories and crime novels, a big part of my heart really does lie in the satirical and strange. I just wish more people would read it."

Waiting On Wednesday: The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Summary:
Surprises abound and sparks ignite in the highly anticipated, utterly romantic companion to My Life Next Door

Tim Mason was The Boy Most Likely To:
- find the liquor cabinet blindfolded
- need a liver transplant
- drive his car into a house

Alice Garrett was The Girl Most Likely To:
- well, not date her little brother’s baggage-burdened best friend, for starters.

For Tim, it wouldn’t be smart to fall for Alice. For Alice, nothing could be scarier than falling for Tim. But Tim has never been known for making the smart choice, and Alice is starting to wonder if the “smart” choice is always the right one. When these two crash into each other, they crash hard.

Then the unexpected consequences of Tim’s wild days come back to shock him. He finds himself in a situation that isn’t all it appears to be, that he never could have predicted . . . but maybe should have.

And Alice is caught in the middle.

Told in Tim’s and Alice’s distinctive, disarming, entirely compelling voices, this return to the world of My Life Next Door is a story about failing first, trying again, and having to decide whether to risk it all once more. 

Publication date: August 18th, 2015

I don't want to have high expectations on this book because last time, I was disappointed. I really loved and enjoyed My Life Next Door, so I really had high hopes for the author's next novel What I Thought Was True, but I didn't like it at all. I didn't even finish it actually. However, this book is about one of the Garretts, so I hope it'll be cute, fast-paced and enjoyable like My Life Next Door. 

August TBR!

Hello readers!

The books in the picture are going in my tbr list for this month.

I borrowed all of these books at the library and I have to bring them back by September 1st, so I want to read them by then.

It's going to be quite a challenge since I'm in a reading slump! ughhhhhh -.-

I also want to add City Of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare in my tbr because I borrowed it from a friend. I already have it for over a week and I don't want my friend to wait too long for her book to return.

Usually when I'm in a reading slump, I read a contemporary book by Abbi Glines, but I already read all of them. Each story is still fresh in my mind, so I don't feel like rereading them yet. I don't really know what to do. Do you have any tips for me? Please, let me know if you do.

Much love,

Rochelle

Writing Session #2: Book Buying Ban

Hello readers!
So, for this week's writing session, I wanted to discuss about book buying bans.

I find it really hard to not buy any books whenever I have money in my pocket. It doesn't really matter if I'm looking for a book in particular or not, as long as I have money, I buy any books that catches my attention.

That's definitely not good though.

It's every bookworms' problem I guess. We just can't help ourselves. (;

This past month though, I haven't purchased any books. The reason I managed this long is because I was saving for something really expensive, a macbook air. Now that I have it, I still need to save for college. Sooo, yeah.

I realized that the only way I can stop buying books is to have something else to buy, something more important that I really need. Like the laptop, I need it for college and since it costs more, I had to save up and sacrifice my buying books.

That didn't stop me from getting new books though. These days, I go to the library a lot. Surprisingly, they have some awesome books in there, books that I actually really want to read. The only thing I don't like about libraries is that the majority of the books are damaged and you have a date where you have to return the book. I hate that. It's stresses me out a little bit because it means I have to read the book immediately because I have to bring it back on a certain date.

Bad news is I'm in a reading slump... AGAIN! Gosh, it's so annoying guys! I need to start reading more as soon as possible!

Anyways, that's it for this session. I hope you guys have a wonderful day!

x

Rochelle

BOOKTUBE-A-THON WRAP UP!

Hey readers!
So, I was trying to film a video, but I sounded so awkward every time. I'm just going to write a post about the book I read this past week because I'm better at writing than talking anyways. haha

On day 1 of the booktubeathon, I reread Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout and three short stories from the Grimm's Complete Fairytales. Reading those complete three challenges:

- Read a book with blue on the cover (Obsidian)
- Read a book by an author who shares the same first letter of your last name (Jennifer L. Armentrout)

- Read a book without letting go of it (Three short fairytales ;)

I also read Twilight Vol. 1 & 2 Graphic Novels. I read them in one sitting, so that also completes the challenge: Read a book without letting go of it.

Then finally, I read The Edge Of Never by J.A. Redmerski and I LOVED IT SO MUCH! It completes the challenge: Read a book you really want to read. This book was amazing and I gave it a 5/5 stars on Goodreads. I'm thinking of writing a review on it here on my blog.

Sadly, I didn't complete all the challenges, but I'm glad I read at least 5ish books in one week.

I hope everyone had a wonderful booktubeathon!!!

That's it for now (:

x

Rochelle

READING SLUMP!

Hello readers!
I hope everyone had a nice weekend.
Mines wasn't so bad outside my reading life. I have to say though that I'm so disappointed in myself! Why? Because I didn't complete all the challenges of the #booktubeathon. Reading slumps sucks so bad! I also forgot to post the release blitz of 'Dangerous Intentions by Dori Lavelle' and I'M SO GUILTY because of it! Dori, if you ever see this, I'm so sorry :(

I really need to write everything down so, I don't forget anything. I'll try my best to not let this happen again.

There's another #readathon coming up next week. It's starting on August 17th if I'm not mistaken. It's the Bout Of Book 14.0

For those who are not familiar with this readathon, it's basically a week long readathon created by Amanda over at On The Book Bender. I participated last year and I'm actually really proud of what I've accomplished during that week. I don't remember doing any challenges, so no pressure. Read whatever you like (:

That's it for today.

x

Rochelle

Waiting On Wednesday: Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines

SUMMARY:
To everyone who knows him, West Ashby has always been that guy: the cocky, popular, way-too-handsome-for-his-own-good football god who led Lawton High to the state championships. But while West may be Big Man on Campus on the outside, on the inside he’s battling the grief that comes with watching his father slowly die of cancer.

Two years ago, Maggie Carleton’s life fell apart when her father murdered her mother. And after she told the police what happened, she stopped speaking and hasn’t spoken since. Even the move to Lawton, Alabama, couldn’t draw Maggie back out. So she stayed quiet, keeping her sorrow and her fractured heart hidden away.

As West’s pain becomes too much to handle, he knows he needs to talk to someone about his father—so in the dark shadows of a post-game party, he opens up to the one girl who he knows won’t tell anyone else.

West expected that talking about his dad would bring some relief, or at least a flood of emotions he couldn’t control. But he never expected the quiet new girl to reply, to reveal a pain even deeper than his own—or for them to form a connection so strong that he couldn’t ever let her go… 

PAGES: 352
BOOK RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 25TH, 2015
PUBLISHER: SIMON PULSE

Writing!

Hey, readers!

I just wanted to talk about 'writing' today.

If you didn't know, I love writing very much ever since I was a little kid. I already had a big imagination. I just have so many stories to tell that I don't know what to write or where to begin anymore. It's crazy! I start writing this story I had in mind and the next thing I know I have another idea, so I gave up on the other story and write a new one. Many writers could relate to this. It happens to everyone I guess. Usually, I write a lot when I'm really mad or having a bad time. It really helps me calm down and I love how writing can have so much impact in my life and many others as well. It's just like reading books. Writing calms you down and gives you a chance to escape reality. My writing isn't perfect. Most of the time, I post things I didn't edit. The reason why I don't edit a lot of my posts is because I want to see how my writing improves over the years. My goal this year was to actually to write more, but I'm failing that completely because I'm reading more than I write. There's nothing wrong with that and I don't want to force myself to write when I don't feel like writing. Writing is my passion and I don't want it to turn into an obligation. I actually can't wait to study Literature in college and improve my writing even more. I think I'll do this little writing session every Tuesdays now, what do you guys think? This seems like something fun to do. I just have to find different topics to write about every time. Although, once school starts, I will probably not have much time, but I will definitely try.

That's it for today. Thanks for reading (:

xo

Rochelle

This week's TBR/ UPDATE!

Hey, readers!

Ahh' It's nice to blog again. It's been a while. I've been really busy this week, I had to schedule some post so I didn't forget them. I was also in a terrible reading slump. Right now, I can read a little, but I don't know if I can read for many hours straight like usually. I hope I can get back to my normal reading mode in time for the BOOKTUBE-A-THON! 

My tbr for that readathon is on my 'READATHON' page or if you want to watch my video, you can watch it here. I will post my review on 'Dangerous Intentions' by Dori Lavelle soon. It's actually on Goodreads already, but I'll post it here on my blog as well. 

This week, I will try my best to post some reading updates, if not I'll be filming them. I'm also going to film a TOP 5 favorite book covers so stay tuned on my booktube channel.