Cat Friday (1)

This is the first edition of Cat Friday! The idea came from Presenting Lenore's Cat Tuesday, which everyone loves because of how cute it is. So I've decided to do the same thing since I know my readers do seem to enjoy my cats. Here we go:



This is a picture of our cat Pearl who seems to be enjoying his nap on top of the couch. Isn't he adorable?

Tempestuous by Lesley Livingston

Tempestuous by Lesley Livingston
"'I don't love Sonny Flannery.'

That's the lie Kelley Winslow told to protect the boy she loves from a power he doesn't know he possesses. Devastated, Sonny retreats—to a haven for Lost Fae that's hidden deep underneath New York City.

But Kelley's not about to let things end in heartbreak. To get Sonny back, she's got to find out who's after his magick—and how to use her own. She's got to uncover who's recruiting Janus Guards to murderously hunt innocent Faerie. She's got to help rebuild the shattered theater company she called family. And she's got to do it all without getting dangerously distracted by the Fennrys Wolf, whose legendary heart of stone seems to melt whenever he's around Kelley."- summary from Amazon

I really enjoyed this conclusion to Livingston's Faerie trilogy; she does a great job and the final book does not disappoint. I really can't say too much since it is of course the end, but Livingston pulled me right back in to the story. She does a great job of catching the reader up to date while continuing the storyline.

I did miss all the Sonny/Kelley love and hated to see them apart and in pain, but there's still some lovin' happening between these pages, so that was nice. I also love the emphasis on the theatre cuz I love theatre and all that; it's a fun addition to an already great storyline.

I don't really know what else to say about this book or series, other than that it's absolutely amazing and everyone should read it. Go get this book as soon as possible!

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Ask Book Chic (19)

Here's the 19th edition of Ask Book Chic! Hope you all enjoy!

sablelexi asks "If you could only read 5 books for the rest of your life, what books would you choose and why?"

My re-readable list would go here and those are (list is shortened by a couple books to fit it in 5):

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot
Burned by Ellen Hopkins
In Your Room by Jordanna Fraiberg
Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe

A lot of these books are hilarious and I love to laugh so if I can do that the rest of my life, that'd be great. But of course, a dose of seriousness is needed so Burned by Ellen Hopkins is on the list; that's my favorite of all her books.


jecca asks "What is one book you truly regret reading? And why?"

I actually don't ever regret reading a book. I read everything I come across (except for like one or two books that I stopped within the first 50 pages) and review them cuz I'm easily pleased. I'm just a laid-back, go with the flow kind of reader, so I'm not as receptive to problems within a novel, or just didn't actually HAVE problems with novels. But as I've reviewed books over the years, I've noticed more things that stand out to me as bad while reading, so I think my critical eye is getting better. But nothing so far has really made me regret reading it.


Kailia Sage asks "If there was one author in history who you could have lunch with, who would it be and why?"

Meg Cabot, hands down. Meg is a very funny and awesome person, so that alone should be enough. But she's also the author who got me reading again and introduced me to the YA section. If it weren't for her (and the Princess Diaries movies), I probably wouldn't be here. I do actually hope to have lunch (or coffee) with her while in NYC in May for BEA if she's free and actually in New York, since she mostly resides in Key West now. But I'm hoping since Abandon (her new YA) comes out in April with Overbite (sequel to Insatiable, an adult novel) following in June, she'll be at BEA doing some book signings and stuff.

If I get a lunch with her, I will be sure to tell you readers all about it.

Also, it may seem kinda silly to use a living author as the answer to this question, but there's not a lot of (or, really any) dead authors I'd like to chat with.

Sequins, Secrets, and Silver Linings by Sophia Bennett

Sequins, Secrets, and Silver Linings by Sophia Bennett
"When they meet a Ugandan refugee girl who's an amazing designer, three trendy London teens combine their talents to create some kind of wonderful. A hip, cute, multiculti fashion fairy tale!

Nonie's a freak for fashion. Bleeding-heart Edie wants to green the planet. And starter-starlet Jenny has just landed a small part in a big Hollywood blockbuster. But when these trendy London besties meet a Ugandan refugee girl named Crow, sketching a dress at the Victoria & Albert Museum, their worldview gets a makeover. As they learn about the serious situation in Crow's homeland, they decide to pool their talents to call attention to the crisis. One of Crow's designs on the red carpet at the Oscars--quelle chic way to raise awareness! Now...how to "make it work"?!"- summary from Amazon

This was a really cute, fun book. I enjoyed the characters- their interactions are realistic and Bennett writes them well- and it made for such a quick read. It's pretty funny too, which I always enjoy.

I did feel though that the parts about Crow's past felt a bit shoehorned in, like the author wanted to make the book more "serious" in a way. It's mentioned near the beginning and then not touched again for over 100 pages. I will say though that Bennett weaved the two parts- fun and serious- really well in the latter part of the book. The serious part is very disturbing and the ending is a bit too tied up for me (I know, when have I ever said that?); I'd been hoping for a different direction.

Overall, I feel like this is more of a library or paperback book. It's a nice read, but not worth the hardcover price, in my opinion.

FTC: ARC received from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.

Meandering Monday (5)- Fragment Friday News + Cats!

I have Fragment Friday news! It's taking a new look in 2011- monthly instead of weekly. I felt like doing it weekly was just too hard on both myself and those participating. People (including myself) wouldn't do it every week, so the Mr. Linky numbers would fluctuate and I think it's because it's harder to do than a regular meme like In My Mailbox or Waiting on Wednesday.

So here's how the monthly Fragment Friday will work. You can post fragments every week on your blog if you want, or just do one a month. It's up to you! I will continue doing them for Fresh New Voice of YA each month, so the Mr. Linky will be posted on that Friday. At that time and to the end of the month, you can put in all your Fragment Friday links into one Mr. Linky and then we'll have all the January fragments in one Mr. Linky.

I will announce the Mr. Linky day at the beginning of each month (or before, if it's an early one) and will be sure to mention it in each Meandering Monday so everyone knows when it is. I may also just put it in bold underneath my header, lol. That might be easier for everyone.

Anyway, this month's will take place on Jan. 21! So now that it's monthly, what will I be doing the rest of the Fridays? Well, as you all know, I have plenty of cats, so I figured I'd do a Cat Friday where I'd show pictures of my cats. The idea obviously came from Presenting Lenore's Cat Tuesday and I would do it on Tuesday too, except that's one of my days for book reviews. So I chose Friday instead. I want to break up the book reviews with fun things.

Hopefully this all made sense. If it did not (and it may not have- it is VERY late and I am both sick and tired), leave a comment and I'll answer it.

By the way, hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! Happy New Year to all!