Thoughts Weekly Update (26)

Welcome to the Weekly Update here on Thoughts! This is where I will share what books I finished, what I am currently reading, the current word count on my WIP, links from the posts from the last week, and maybe a little something on what's going on in my life.

Finished

~~NONE~~

Currently Reading

Precious Things by Stephanie Parent (-Goodreads-)
Escape Theory by Margaux Froley (-Goodreads-)
Requiem by Lauren Oliver (-Goodreads-)
Hysteria by Megan Miranda (-Goodreads-)
Addicted To You by Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie (-Goodreads-)

Up Next

Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Black (-Goodreads-)
Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson (-Goodreads-)
Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald (-Goodreads-)

Word Count 

If Only We ~ 57,556
Check out my writer blog for the latest.

On The Blog This Week

•  Choke, Book #2 in the Breathless Novelette Series by S.R. Johannes is now available!
• Gilmore Girls Mondays (2)
• Review: Edge Of Disaster by A.M. Hargrove
• On the writing blog: Listening to the bands and music we love

The Latest With Me

So, this last week was kind of a fail for me. I don't even know how it happened either! I had all these good intentions to finish two books and to get caught up on writing, but... nada. Hmm... I think I may need to reevaluate a few things so that I can get a better routine going. I have been spending way too much time online on blogs and Twitter, and while I love to do this, I may need to cut back a little bit and use that time for writing and reading more. Sorry to my blogging buddies! It's not like I'll be absent... I'll probably be tweeting complaints about the revisions and whatnot, so you'll hear from me plenty. I also need to take some time over the weekend to schedule as many posts as possible for next month so I can focus better on writing and reading.

Last week I mentioned having a photo shoot with a couple friends. SO MUCH FUN. I have the pictures uploaded and may be sharing some of them with you guys soon. I'm still working out the details as to what I want to do with them (some I want to make photo prints to sell in my Etsy shop, others I might be uploading to Dreamstime). Once I get that figured out, I'll try to share at least a couple of them!

This weekend, aside from blog writing, reading, and revising, I'll be going to the ZOO. And seeing my lovely little lemurs and their new BABIES. Ahhhhh!!!! <3 So excited. I'm going with a friend and her 2 year old son. Oh, it will be a blast, I just know it!

Hope you have a great weekend!!!

Review: Edge Of Disaster by A.M. Hargrove

Title: Edge Of Disaster
Author: A.M. Hargrove
Published: December 20th 2012
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers

Alexia Hammond, broken and destroyed by a tragedy she can’t seem to recover from, is on a downward spiral toward destruction. A life of partying, alcohol, drugs and men has brought her near the edge of disaster. That is until one night while at work as a waitress in an upscale restaurant, she falls under the spell of one of her customers, Pearce Middleton. Once she gazes into his smoky gray eyes, her life takes on new meaning. But can she put her past behind her and allow herself to fall for the exciting and gorgeous Pearce, or will her lewd behavior come back to haunt her and ruin her chances of happiness forever?

My Thoughts:

I have enjoyed every book by A.M. Hargrove that I have picked up. They all are well written and have great story lines to them. So when she sent me a copy of a new book, written in a completely new category, one I am getting into lately, how could I NOT want to read it?

Alexia has been through the ringer in her life, she really has. She deserves better... and then Pearce enters into her life and everything changes for her. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and I have to say, it is intense. The way he cares for her, with everything she has gone through, it makes you adore him. And, well, he's just sexy anyways, so... *wink, wink*

I have to say, my only complaint is that everything happens too quickly. It works for this story, yes, but the whole jumping to the end of the story before the middle of the story can be told can sometimes get old. I suppose it goes back to the whole insta-love issue that most people have with books. Sometimes I'm okay with it, other times I want to punch things. I didn't want to punch things this time around though. Alexia and Pearce deserve a happily ever after, whether it happens super fast or at a slower pace.

Edge Of Disaster was well done in every way. A.M. Hargrove has stepped into New Adult and added a great story with everything: a deep back story, wonderful characters, and amazingly steamy romance. I could read some scenes over and over again. Mmm... Overall it was a very good book, I would definitely recommend it to those who like NA and are looking for something new to read.

My Rating:

Gilmore Girls Mondays (2)

Welcome to Gilmore Girls Mondays!

In the last two weeks, I have watched episodes 3 and 4 of season one. In the third episode, Rory mentions how she and her mom want to go backpacking in Europe and "do the whole hostel thing." I was like GAHHHH!!! I want to do that. And then on the fourth episode, Lorelei told Drella to NOT play Steely Dan. I was like WHAT?!? I looove Steely Dan. Haha! The things I pick out of these episodes. :P

My favorite quotes:

Michel: I'm not talking to them.
Lorelai: Yes you are.
Michel: Well I'm not talking to them nicely.

Lorelai: I'm talking about that you take my sweaters and you wear them and you stretch them out.
Rory: I couldn't possibly stretch them out! Your boobs are way bigger than mine.
Lorelai: That is not true.
Rory: Yes it is.
Lorelai: Your boobs are totally bigger than mine!
Rory: You're crazy!

Oh, good times. So anyways, I'm not watching as many episodes as I should be. At least I can watch the first season again and remind myself of everything that happens so I can watch the second season at some point soon.

So, my lovely followers, do you like watching Gilmore Girls? Join in and watch with us!

Choke, Book #2 in the Breathless Novelette Series by S.R. Johannes is now available!

Choke, the second book in the Breathless Novelette series, is now available! If you love dystopian/science fiction stories, you need to check out this series. S.R. Johannes makes this world come alive and after reading Suffocate, the first book, you will want to get your hands on Choke right away.

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Suffocate #1 in The Breathless Novelette series

Suffocate is the first novelette in THE BREATHLESS series. It is a 15,000 word young adult thriller that combines the dystopic and science fiction genres.

For centuries, the world outside the Biome has been unlivable. Today, marks the first time anyone will attempt to leave the suffocating ecosphere. Eria is not worried because her scientist father has successfully tested the new Bio-Suit many times.

It's a celebratory day until something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of tragedy, Eria uncovers a deep conspiracy in her perfect bubble. If those responsible find out what she knows, they won't stop hunting her until she takes her last breath.

The 2nd novelette in the series, CHOKE, is scheduled for June 2013. The 3rd, EXHALE, is scheduled for Winter 2013.

~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~

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Choke, #2 in The Breathless Novelette series

When Eria escapes her home in the Biome, she uncovers more about her features and specifications as a HumaNot. Following her father's instructions, Eria embarks on a journey into a dangerous and unpredictable world.

Along the way, she encounters a young rebel, Dirk, who explains he's from the Anarchy, an underground human resistance rising up against the BOTs--advanced man-made robots gone wild. Together, Dirk and Eria battle underground serpents, desert dingos, sand storms, and advanced Bots that are always hot on their trail. As they become closer, Dirk reveals his hatred of machines, forcing Eria to hide the secret of what and who she really is.

When the truth of her identity comes out, Eria is forced to become the very thing she hates the most.

~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~

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Go get your hands on a copy today!!!

Thoughts Weekly Update (25)

Welcome to the Weekly Update here on Thoughts! This is where I will share what books I finished, what I am currently reading, the current word count on my WIP, links from the posts from the last week, and maybe a little something on what's going on in my life.

Finished

Suffocate by S.R. Johannes (-Goodreads-)
Serial Hottie by Kelly Oram (-Goodreads-)

Currently Reading

 
Escape Theory by Margaux Froley (-Goodreads-)
Precious Things by Stephanie Parent (-Goodreads-)
Requiem by Lauren Oliver (-Goodreads-)

Up Next

Hysteria by Megan Miranda (-Goodreads-)
Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Black (-Goodreads-)
Addicted To You by Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie (-Goodreads-)

Word Count 

If Only We ~ 57,556
Check out my writer blog for the latest.

On The Blog This Week

• Review: Triangles by Ellen Hopkins
• Waiting On Wednesday: Smoke by Ellen Hopkins (12)
• Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop!
• On the writing blog: Thoughts on my song of the moment and alcohol

The Latest With Me

Slowly making my way through the lists of things to do. I get ahead, I fall behind... I just need to focus for a moment and finish stuff. Then I can relax and not have to worry so much.

I've got plans this weekend (hopefully the weather will cooperate and NOT RAIN like the forecast claims it will) to have a photo shoot with a couple friends. I have this idea for photo prints and needed some people to help by modeling for me, and since I had two volunteers, it's time to get to it! We'll be going to my FAVORITE park and walking down the path by the canal and in town. It should be fun no matter what. I hope I can get some good photos to work with for prints! ^_^

Hope you have a great weekend!!!

Winners Of The Waiting For The Storm Giveaway Are...

.....(drumroll please).....

CONGRATULATIONS

Dodie R.

Alexia B.

Mary P.

You will be receiving an email from me with more info.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the giveaway! *many hugs*

Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to the Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop! Brought to you by the wonderful I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. The dates for this hop run from June 21st through June 30th.

Click here to check out the rest of the participating blogs!!!

 
Since I didn't have enough time to put together a specific list of books to give away... I am going to give you the opportunity to win the following:

ONE EBOOK OF CHOICE UNDER $5!*

* Ebook can be from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords, depending on which is your preferred way of receiving Ebooks.

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Sound good? Good! Here's the official rules/guidelines for the giveaway:

1. You must be a follower.
2. You must be over 15 years old.
3. This is open to international followers.
4. This contest runs from June 21st through June 30th.
5. You can gain extra entries by "liking" my Facebook page, following me on Twitter @Jess_Sankiewicz, &/or "liking" my writer page on Facebook.
6. Winner will be selected at 12:01 a.m. on July 1st via Rafflecopter random selection.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thank you for following and entering!!! <3

Waiting On Wednesday: Smoke by Ellen Hopkins (12)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we get to let everyone know about what books we are eagerly anticipating the release of. WoW is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine.

This week I'm waiting on...

Smoke by Ellen Hopkins

Pattyn Von Stratten’s father is dead, and Pattyn is on the run. After far too many years of abuse at the hands of her father, and after the tragic loss of her beloved Ethan and their unborn child, Pattyn is desperate for peace. Only her sister Jackie knows what happened that night, but she is stuck at home with their mother, who clings to normalcy by allowing the truth to be covered up by their domineering community leaders. Her father might be finally gone, but without Pattyn, Jackie is desperately isolated. Alone and in disguise, Pattyn starts a new life, but is it even possible to rebuild a life when everything you’ve known has burned to ash and lies seem far safer than the truth?

OMG. You guys. Burned was the FIRST Ellen Hopkins book I read and the reason why I adore her work so much. There is just so much feeling throughout the story, the kind that makes you elated and the kind that makes you furious. I am SOOO freaking excited to read the sequel. I actually think that I will reread Burned before I read Smoke. I don't usually do that but it's been YEARS since I read it (at least 5 or more), so it would probably be a good thing for me. It is coming out September 10th.

What are YOU waiting on?

Review: Triangles by Ellen Hopkins

Title: Triangles
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Published: October 18th 2011
Source: Purchased
Genre: Adult Contemporary
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers

Three female friends face midlife crises in #1 New York Times bestselling author Ellen Hopkins’s no-holds-barred exploration of sex, marriage, and the fragility of life. Holly is filled with regret after eighteen years at home with her three children. She sheds sixty pounds and loses herself in the world of extramarital sex. Andrea is a single mom watching her friend Holly’s meltdown with a mixture of concern and contempt. Holly is throwing away what Andrea has spent her whole life searching for. So what if she picks up Holly’s castaway husband? Marissa has more than her fair share of challenges—a gay, rebellious teenage son; a terminally ill daughter; and a husband who buries himself in his work.

As one woman’s marriage unravels, another’s rekindles. As one woman’s family comes apart at the seams, another’s reconfigures into something bigger and better. In this story of connections and disconnections, one woman’s up is another one’s down, and all of them will learn the meaning of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness.

Unflinchingly honest, emotionally powerful, surprisingly erotic, Triangles is the ultimate page-turner, told in gorgeous, expertly honed poetic verse that perfectly captures the inner lives of Hopkins’s unforgettable characters.

My Thoughts:

Being the huge Ellen Hopkins fan that I am, when I found out she was going to step into Adult Contemporary for her next novel, I was thrilled. I've read practically all of her Young Adult novels and absolutely loved them. There's something about the characters and story lines she puts together that throw you smack dab into a situation that could really happen. These stories aren't just some formulaic "everyone lives happily ever after"--they often showcase real life consequences, not all of them painful and tragic, sometimes they're good learning experiences.

Like in the case of this book, there are a lot of lessons to be learned for all of the characters. Parents dealing with their children, trying to make sure they make the right decisions. Husbands and wives struggling to keep their marriage in tact despite the obstacles in their way. I can't go into detail on these things without giving away how the story goes and ends. It goes to show how the little things and the big things can bring people together or tear them apart.

The characters themselves were believable, and I found myself either infuriated, frustrated, fascinated, or respecting them. My favorite character was Marissa's son, Shane. He was one of those persons you just want to applaud for how great they are. He was constantly doing these wonderful things for his mom and sister. It makes me really want to read the YA companion novel, Tilt, that has his POV.

Triangles is definitely compelling. There's something about Ellen Hopkins' books, like this crashing fluidity of the facts of life. The way she brings out these serious issues within marriage and between lovers and among children. This strong tie between it all keeps me reading to find out how people really think about things, to understand why they act the way they do. I really enjoyed this one, maybe not as much as I do her YA books, but it was still amazing just the same.

My Rating:

Thoughts Weekly Update (24)

Welcome to the Weekly Update here on Thoughts! This is where I will share what books I finished, what I am currently reading, the current word count on my WIP, links from the posts from the last week, and maybe a little something on what's going on in my life.

Finished

Shut Out by Kody Kepplinger (-Goodreads-)
The Get Fuzzy Experience: Are You Bucksperienced (-Goodreads-)

Currently Reading

 
Escape Theory by Margaux Froley (-Goodreads-)
Suffocate by S.R. Johannes (-Goodreads-)
Precious Things by Stephanie Parent (-Goodreads-)
Serial Hottie by Kelly Oram (-Goodreads-)

Up Next

Hysteria by Megan Miranda (-Goodreads-)
Requiem by Lauren Oliver (-Goodreads-)
Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Black (-Goodreads-)

Word Count 

If Only We ~ 57,556
Check out my writer blog for the latest.

On The Blog This Week

• Stacking The Shelves #14: May Edition 
• Gilmore Girls Mondays (1)  
• Review: Snowed Over by Angie Stanton 
• The Top 5 Reasons to Read Waiting for the Storm This Summer + GIVEAWAY!

The Latest With Me

It's been pretty much same old all week for me. Except for Wednesday night when there were some bad storms in my area. They were threatening tornadoes so I had to pay attention for sirens. Of course, they had to go off at MIDNIGHT when I had to get up early for the morning shift at work. UGH. I had very little sleep that night. Far as I know, nothing serious happened near me so that's good. I think it was mostly just powerful winds, even though a couple funnel clouds were spotted.

Other than that, I've been looking into some new craft ideas. Haven't decided what I want to go for yet but I'm looking into the cost to start making them. I need to sell off a little more of what I already have first. ^_^

Hope you have a great weekend!!!

The Top 5 Reasons to Read Waiting for the Storm This Summer + GIVEAWAY!

Now that summer is finally here, don't you just want to read a nice summery book? Look no further, I've got exactly what you're looking for... Waiting For The Storm by Marie Landry! And she's got five reasons WHY you should read it this summer...

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Top 5 Reasons to Read
Waiting for the Storm This Summer

by Marie Landry

1) Charlotte: In the beginning of Waiting for the Storm, Charlotte is broken. Her mother just died after a long illness, her sister hates her, and her dad is so buried in grief he can hardly function. Charlotte has to be strong and brave, and not only figure out how to take care of her crumbling family, but also remember how to really live since she’s been shut away taking care of her mother for the last year. I think Charlotte is a relatable character because even if you haven’t been through tragedy and heartache the way she has, we’ve all felt lost at some point in our lives, and we’ve all had to learn to carry on.

2) Ezra: Ezra’s pretty swoonworthy if I do say so myself! He’s got this quiet, understated way about him and he’s there for Charlotte in a time when she desperately needs someone. Plus he’s a good boy with just the tiniest edge of a bad boy to him, which is pretty sexy. Also, he has secrets…deep, dark secrets…

3) It’s set at the beach: I don’t know about you, but during the summer months, I love reading books that are set in summer, especially at the beach. There’s just something about the beach - the smell of it, the feel of sand under your feet, the sound of crashing waves. Angel Island is at once the last place and the only place Charlotte wants to be because her mother spent time there and loved it, and because it was her dying wish that the family spend the summer there. She’s torn because she feels close to her mother there and yet she feels haunted in a way.

4) A mini road trip: Who doesn’t love a road trip? This one’s not an epic cross-country one, but the journey is more than just a physical one. Plus there are a couple scenes during the road trip that are really special to me personally and I was excited to get to share one in particular in this book. But that’s all I’ll say! ;-)

5) Self-discovery, growth, heartache, romance, an emotional journey - ok those are five reasons but to me those are the things that make up great contemporary fiction, and I hope you’ll agree!

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Seventeen-year-old Charlotte O’Dell knows this summer is going to suck. Her mother just died, her sister hates her, and her dad has completely checked out. Fulfilling her mother’s final wish, the family heads to Angel Island for the summer to stay in a beach house her mother once loved.

After a year of being shut away taking care of her mother, Charlotte is numb and practically afraid of her own shadow; she hopes going to the island will give her the time and space she needs to begin healing, and an opportunity to bring her family back together. When she meets her mysterious neighbor, Ezra, it doesn’t take long for Charlotte to confess the issues she’s developed. Ezra begins giving Charlotte assignments to get over her fears, and although she accepts his tasks, all she really wants is to be with him. When she’s with Ezra, she’s able to forget the hollow ache in her heart and the fact that her family is falling apart. But Ezra has secrets…

Can Charlotte pull what’s left of her family together, mend her broken heart, and allow herself to fall for Ezra? Or is it all just a storm waiting to happen?

~*~Goodreads~ ~Amazon~ ~Barnes & Noble~ ~Smashwords~*~

Find & Follow Marie on:

~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube ~

~ Book Blog ~ Author Blog ~ Personal/Photography Blog ~

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GIVEAWAY!

Marie has generously provided THREE ebook copies of Waiting For The Storm for you!

Rules:
1. You must be a follower.
2. You must be over 15 years old.
3. This is open internationally.
4. You can earn extra entries by adding Waiting For The Storm to your Goodreads shelf, liking Marie Landry, Author on Facebook, following Marie on Twitter, and tweeting about the giveaway.
4. This contest runs from June 12th to 19th.
6. Winners will be selected on June 20th and notified via blog post announcement and email.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Fan Appreciation Event
on Ramblings Of A Daydreamer

To thank all of her fans for their support, Marie Landry is giving away a $25 gift card to Amazon and $25 USD PayPal Cash (or $25 from The Book Depository if you don't have PayPal). If she gets to 50 reviews for Waiting For The Storm on Amazon, she'll add another $25 Amazon gift card! So, if you win a copy from my giveaway, you can read the book, write a review, and enter Marie's giveaway too! Talk about awesome!

Enter The Fan Appreciation Giveaway HERE!

Also, another awesome thing is that she has marked her debut novel, Blue Sky Days, down to 99¢!

Buy Blue Sky Days:

~Amazon || Amazon Canada || Amazon UK || Smashwords || Barnes & Noble || Kobo~