Claimed by Him by Red Garnier

Claimed by Him (A Billionaire's Club #1) 

by Red Garnier

Graves Buchanan has had to climb farther and higher than any of his friends, single handedly becoming a billionaire in less than two decades, even with a rotten poor childhood in the streets. He likes sex the way he learned it; animal, raw and without any strings attached. But even as messed-up as he is, he cares deeply for his best friend’s baby sister, Chloe Lexington. But Chloe is an heiress, a ‘princess’, and no matter how much he wants her, Graves doesn't think he has it in him to handle a girl like her.

But Chloe has other plans for him, and she’s not taking no for an answer. She’s been warned against Graves by her brother, Daniel, and against all of his eccentric billionaire friends, but Chloe has merely been biding her time. Now that she’s almost twenty-five, she’s determined to have the man she’s always wanted, and she’ll use anything as incentive to be claimed by him, at last.

Goodreads - Amazon - B&N

My Thoughts:

This book was amazing! It's a short read, only about 100 pages, but it feels like so much more. There is so much anticipation and sexual tension when reading this book! It's hot and steamy and I just couldn't wait to get through it. The main characters were great. Since it was so short there wasn't too much back story, but the characters were developed. There's also 4 more books to this series, so there's plenty of time for lots to happen. I gave this book 5 stars on Goodreads, so I'd recommend it to anyone who likes romance or erotica. 

Is this on your TBR?

It should be!

Book Review: The Duff by Kody Keplinger

The Duff: Designated Ugly Fat Friend 

by Kody Keplinger

[Goodreads - Amazon]

SYNOPSIS:

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

My Thoughts:

I kept seeing this book all over Goodreads and everyone was saying that it was great, so I put it on my TBR. I actually came across one of Kody Keplinger's other books, A Midsummer's Nightmare, and it sounded really interesting -so I read that first. I completely loved that book, you can see my review for it here. So, I thought that this book would be great just like that one was.... Well, I was wrong..

I didn't hate this book, I don't think I even disliked this book. It was just okay, kind of like blahhh. When I read the synopsis and thought of where the story could go and the possibilities, I was thinking this is gonna be wayyy good! There could have been so much juicy drama. But it just didn't happen. Stuff was going on, but I felt it was simple, boring drama.

The writing was great to me, the style that Kody Keplinger has just appeals to me. I don't know why. I don't know why I didn't like this book, I can't pinpoint it no matter how hard I try. I guess it just wasn't meant for me. But I really did try to get into this book, and really get into the characters and story, I tried switching from text to the audiobook. I figured listening to it would be better some how. But that failed too.

The whole "duff" thing kind of pissed me off. Not because I'm a bigger woman, but because Wesley took to calling Bianca that all the time, like she didn't have a name. Like hello?! RUDE! And her dumb self just kept letting it happen. Yeah, she was pissed and hated it, but then it seemed like she got over it and just let him. I would've never kissed anyone that continuously called me that. But whatever.

Things sucked for both Wesley and Bianca in their home life. I understand why they found their medium with each other and realized they could talk about things and help each other forget and be happy in that moment. But it was just pretty unrealistic to me. That would never happen in real life. But I suppose that's the purpose of fiction.

All in all, I would recommend this to others. The majority seem to like it. I think it just wasn't meant for me. Maybe our personalities don't go well together :) I feel i gave it an honest try. I actually did finish the book, there were a few times i wanted to give up, but with it only being 280 pages, I had to finish it. So I say give it a try if the synopsis appeals to you. To each their own :)

Have you read it?

What did you think?

Leave me a comment!

Have a great day everyone!

Waiting On Wednesday: Every Day

Waiting On Wednesday #7! 
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I picked:

Every Day by David Levithan

Expected Publication: August 28, 2012

Goodreads - Amazon

SYNOPSIS:

Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

With his new novel, David Levithan has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.

This book sounds crazy good. 

I absolutely can't wait for this. 

I haven't read anything by David Levithan yet, 

but this one sounds like a good place to start :) 

What are you waiting on?

Leave a comment and tell me.

Have a blog? Leave a link?

Have a great day everyone!

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

"He was afraid of nothing. Until he'd met me."

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Goodreads - Amazon

SYNOPSIS:

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn't drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

My Thoughts:

Honestly I don't know what to say about this book.... It was everything I ever wanted, needed and could ask for without even knowing I did. It did take me a while to read, which I was not happy about, I had so much going on and I was really busy. But when I had time to read I was into it! And I still can't get over the story. All the ups and downs, my god was it ever a roller coaster. It was so worth it.

I thought the characters were great. I have no complaints on them whatsoever. Abby aka "Pidge" (still don't understand how that name came about) was perfect. Fun, nice, caring, smart, outgoing, --all the good qualities that make up a good college character :) And Travis! Omg! Travis! I really wish he was a real person and living in my little crappy town. Oh the things i would.... Wait, I'm getting off subject... He's a bad boy who rides a motorcycle, a hot little cutie with an attitude and a bunch of girls always chasing him. He has tattoos and he's just awesome. Who wouldn't wanna sit here all day and talk about Travis, but I must move on. I thought Shep and America were good side characters. They did their job in supporting their friends and sticking up for one another.

In the synopsis it talks about the "new Abby Abernathy" and getting away from the "darkness of her past"... It really confused me when I was reading the book because I kept thinking -"well what it is? Tell me already"... And you have to wait a while. Then when I did, it was like that's it?!? Then it went into it a little more and it made perfect sense why she moved, started over, and wanted nothing to do with the past. I would have too.

And the ending... Like holy hell. Who was that coming? Like seriously! Okay, I've run out of things to say without spoiling it, I'll leave the rest for my rant/discussion post. So once again, here are my famous last words. Just go read it! I gave it 5 stars!

Have a good day!

Tag: Would You Rather...?

Intro: 

My name is Angela and I run this blog with my sister Nika. We talk about books and movies and all that junk. Enjoy!

The questions:

Reading: Would you rather read a classic book or a dictionary?

A classic book. I haven't read any of them. Not even in high school.

Getting: Would you rather receive a $50 gift card to a bookshop or a library card?

The gift card. I like to build my collection. I usually don't check out library books.

Shopping: Would you rather look at books at a bookstore or a library?

The bookstore. Because I'm usually gonna buy whatever I find that I like.

Sleeping: While you read, would you rather stay up and see what happens in the book (and it's a part where it's a must) or go to sleep?

I like to stay up late at night and read. Especially when it's a crazy good part. I have to see what happens.

Writing: Would you rather write on a laptop/computer or in a notebook/paper?

On a computer. I hate paper.

Eating: Would you rather eat while you read or keep glancing at the bag of food?

Eat while I read. 

Have a great day!

Author Interview: Sherri Hayes

Sherri Hayes is the author of four published novels, Hidden Threat, Slave (Finding Anna Book 1), Behind Closed Doors and her newest release, Need (Finding Anna Book 2).


Welcome Sherri!

What inspired you to become an author?

I’m not really sure you could say anything inspired me to become an author. I’d posted a few stories online, which my publisher saw. They approached me, and as they say, the rest is history.

Who is your hero?

My grandfather. He died when I was thirteen, but he was the most compassionate man I've ever known. If more people were like him, the world would be a much better place.

Who is your favorite author?

Diana Gabaldon

Why do you write these kinds of books?

I write the types of stories I like to read. It’s just icing on the cake that other people love them too.

How did you come up with the idea for Slave and Need?

I’d been reading some D/s stories online when the news coverage for the Jaycee Dugard story began. Over the next few days, more stories on human trafficking hit the news, and I started to wonder what would happen if I mixed the two.

What other future projects do you have in mind?

We've just started edits on the second novel in my Daniels Brother’s Series, Red Zone. The first book, Behind Closed Doors, came out in February 2012. There will be four books in that series, one for each brother. I’ve also started writing book three in Stephan and Brianna’s story. Between the two, they should keep me busy for the next couple of years, at least.

Any advice for baby writers?

Keep writing. I go back and look at that first story I wrote, and it’s hard to believe where I am now, and what I’m doing. Find one or two good critic partners, people who will be honest with you. If all they do is tell you how great you and your writing is, then they aren't doing anything to help you become a better writer.

Biography:

Sherri is the author of several novels, and a short story. She lives in central Ohio with her husband and three cats. Her first love was singing. Throughout her school years she was involved in various choirs, and has had eight years of classical vocal training. She also enjoyed acting in her teen years and feels that has helped her in her writing. Her mother fostered her love for books at a young age by reading to her as a child. Stories have been floating around in her head for as long as she can remember; however, she didn't start writing them down until four years ago. It has become a creative outlet that allows her to explore a wide range of emotions while having fun taking her characters through all the twists and turns she can create. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found helping her husband in his woodworking shop.

She is currently working on the third book in the Finding Anna Series.

Favorite Books:

The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon, The Bronze Horseman Trilogy by Paullina Simons, The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell, Shadow Dance by Susan Andersen, and my current addiction, The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.D. Ward.

Sherri's Books:

Where to find Sherri:

Goodreads - TWCS - Twitter - Author Blog - The Playroom Blog - FB Page

Blog Tour: Need by Sherri Hayes

Need by Sherri Hayes

(Finding Anna #2)

Author: Sherri Hayes

Publisher: The Writers Coffee Shop

Published: July 26, 2012

Formats: E-book & Paperback

Where to find the book:

Finding Anna Series Blog

Goodreads 

TWCS

Where to find the author:

Goodreads - TWCS

Twitter - Author Blog

The Playroom Blog

FB Page

Synopsis:

As Brianna comes to terms with the realization that she is no longer a slave, she must figure out what she wants for her life. Forgetting her past isn't an option. It is an integral part of who she is now, and it will forever shape her view of life. The one thing she knows is that she cannot imagine her life without the man who saved her, but can she be what he needs?

Stephan never imagined falling in love with the woman he rescued, but the thought of her no longer being part of his life is physically painful. The scars from her past continue to haunt her, and he is helpless to stop them. All he can do is try to help her work through the traumas of her past. Can he be everything she needs and help her move on?

Here is my review for Slave, the first book in this series, along with my review for Need.

Blog Tour Stops:
7/18 - Ali's Bookshelf
7/19 - Close Encounters
7/20 - Kinky Book Reviews
7/21 - Tattooed Book Review
7/22 - The Write to Make a Living
7/24 - Lori's Book Blog
7/25 - Ruby's Books
7/26 - Musings of a Bookworm
7/27 - Under the Covers Book Blog
7/28 - More Than a Reading Journal
7/30 - Addicted to Words
7/31 - Nightly Reading
8/1 - ME! :)

Hope you all enjoy! And thank you to
Sherri Hayes and TWCS Publishing
for the opportunity! Have a great day!

Book Review: A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

Goodreads - Amazon

SYNOPSIS:

Whitley Johnson's dream summer with her divorcé dad has turned into a nightmare. She's just met his new fiancé and her kids. The fiancée's son? Whitley's one-night stand from graduation night. Just freakin' great.

Worse, she totally doesn't fit in with her dad's perfect new country-club family. So Whitley acts out. She parties. Hard. So hard she doesn't even notice the good things right under her nose: a sweet little future stepsister who is just about the only person she's ever liked, a best friend (even though Whitley swears she doesn't "do" friends), and a smoking-hot guy who isn't her stepbrother...at least, not yet. It will take all three of them to help Whitley get through her anger and begin to put the pieces of her family together.

Filled with authenticity and raw emotion, Whitley is Kody Keplinger's most compelling character to date: a cynical Holden Caulfield-esque girl you will wholly care about.

What I have to say:
I'm drawing a blank on this one. I have so much to say, but it's all spoiler-ish. I don't have anything negative to say about this book. The only thing I wish is that it was a little longer.

I liked this book. It had all the drama, love, family issues,teenager issues that I love! It was perfect for me. All the characters I think were well developed. I loved all of them, everyone had their own personality. No one was bland.

All I'm gonna say is read it, it's the perfect summer read. I gave it 4 stars!

For those of you who HAVE already read it and want to know more of what I though with the spoilers...

Head on over to here for the discussion part of the review!

Have a wonderful day!

Book Review: Easy by Tammara Webber

Easy by Tammara Webber

Goodreads - Amazon

SYNOPSIS:
When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she’s single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, stalked by her ex’s frat brother, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Her econ professor gives her an email address for Landon, the class tutor, who shows her that she’s still the same intelligent girl she’s always been. As Jacqueline becomes interested in more from her tutor than a better grade, his teasing responses make the feeling seem mutual. There’s just one problem—their only interactions are through email.

Meanwhile, a guy in her econ class proves his worth the first night she meets him. Nothing like her popular ex or her brainy tutor, Lucas sits on the back row, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. At a downtown club, he disappears after several dances that leave her on fire.

Review:

This is the first book I've read that was actually labeled "new adult." It's older than young adult but younger than adult, so basically college books. I also don't really read "contemporary" either. But I have to say I loved this book. I cut out about half of the synopsis, because it was very spoiler-ish. It gave away a whole lot...

I thought the characters were great.. They were developed and mature and they continued to grow while I was reading the book. Jacqueline was nice, sweet, caring, fun and very smart. Her best friend/roommate Erin was also very lovable. Ahhh- and the love interests... Fabulous! I can't really say too much or I'll give it away, but i was oo-ing and awww-ing.   

The plot was good. Well paced. Love. Fun. Heartbreak. Drama. And a few BIG issues. I wasn't expecting them, but they're done very well. There were a lot of times in the book that I found my self smiling so hard and a few where I was about to cry. Overall I'd say I absolutely loved it! Not perfect, because I wasn't completely and totally drawn in, and I don't know why. I can't really pinpoint what was missing. Needless to say, I gave it 4 stars!

Have you read it?

Let's discuss it!

If not, go read it!

Have a wonderful day!

Book Review: The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

My Favorite Author, My favorite Genre 

Author Philippa Gregory I have to say is one of my most favorite authors. I started reading her historical fiction in high school. The first of her books that I dove into was her twist on the infamous Boleyn family The Other Boleyn Girl. The book was magical, the tale was extraordinary though it was for the most part true. She has a way of pulling the reader into past worlds and making them feel part of the story. She has a knack for taking historical characters that are over shadowed by more popular ones and bringing their story to the front. In the case of The Other Boleyn Girl she focuses on the sister of Anne Boleyn and her story.

 In comparison with her sister Anne, not much is known about Mary Boleyn except that she bedded two kings and had two children. She was married twice and died young. That mystery surrounding little known people in history is a gold mine for writers of historical fiction! Because they are free to fill in the missing bits without much objection. Gregory does this very well.

Goodreads - Amazon

So, if you, like me, are a fan of historical fiction. It is certainly worth reading all of Philippa Gregory's works, but the Tudor series is my favorite. 

Tag: Inside & Out

This is the Inside & Out Book Tag! It was created
by: MathomBooks as a BookTube thing. You can
find the original video here. Also, I don't think
there is a proper "button" for the tag, so I stole
borrowed the only one I found. 

I - Inside flap/Back of the book summaries: Too much info? Or not enough? (Discuss)

Usually it's just enough to let me know if I'll like the story and where the story's gonna go. But sometimes, it gives away a little too much, and it makes me mad.

N - New book: What form do you want it in? Be honest: Audiobook, E-Book, Paperback, or Hardcover?

Well, I read everything on my iPad, so I want it on e-book just so I can devour it, but I want a hardcover for my collection :)

S - Scribble while you read? Do you like to write in your books, taking notes, making comments, or do you keep your books clean clean clean? (Tell us why)

I would never leave any marks in my physical books. And not until recently did I start taking notes in my e-books.

I - In your best voice, read for us your favorite 1st sentence from a book.

I actually don't have a favorite 1st sentence.

D - Does it matter to you whether the author is male of female when you’re deciding on a book? What if you’re unsure of the author’s gender?

I don't care about the author's sex. As long as it sounds really good, and the reviews aren't horrible on goodreads, I'll read it!

E - Ever read ahead? or have you ever read the last page way before you got there? (Do confess thy sins, foul demon!)

I have never read the last page of a book. But sometimes when I'm reading a really intense part and I just can't get my eyes to move fast enough over the pages, my eyes tend to look down at the bottom of the page just to know everything is okay. So I usually have a letter or something and I cover the bottom of the page when I get to those intense parts.

&

O - Organized bookshelves, or Outrageous bookshelves?

I organize by hardback and paperback, and within those I go by size. I can't stand the whole up and down look. But for some people it makes them happy. Whatever floats your boat :)

U - Under oath: Have you ever bought a book based on the cover (alone)?

Yes. The beautiful covers tend to overpower me when I wouldn't normally buy/read a book. I just want to have that pretty cover on my bookshelf.

T - Take it outside to read, or stay in?

Depends on the weather. If it's a nice day outside then I'm all for that.

I tag anyone & everyone who wants to do this one!
If you do it, leave me a comment with your link,
I'd love to know all of your answers.

Have a good day!

Book Review: Slave by Sherri Hayes

Slave by Sherri Hayes
(Finding Anna, Book #1)
Goodreads -- Amazon


SYNOPSIS:
Stephan has lived the lifestyle of a Dominant for five years. After several rebellious teenage years, it gave him the stability and control he had been seeking after his parent’s death.

As president of a not-for-profit foundation, he knows what his future holds and what he wants out of life. All that changes when a simple lunch with his college friend and Mentor, Daren, leads him to buying a slave.

Thrust into a situation he never thought he’d be in, Stephan can’t walk away. He is compelled to help this girl in the only way he knows how. Brianna knows only one thing, she is a slave. She has nothing. She is nothing.   Can Stephan help Brianna realize that she is much more than just a Slave?


Review:
Okay... Wow... Unreal... Wow again...

This book was amazing for me! It was so unlike anything I'd ever read or heard of. I'm still stuck on the park that she's a slave! Like a real slave! I just can't fathom that... even though I know that people are kidnapped and sold as sex slaves. But still...

So this book was supposed to be 'erotica'... but unfortunately there was no sex. When I got this book I was thinking -"OOOOh, a dominant buys a slave! There's gonna be a whole lot of nastiness!" Wrong! But the characters totally make up for it. Brianna was so scared and shy (obviously because she is a slave.) And Stephan, omg, he is so nice to her from the very beginning. All he does is think about her and how she feels emotionally and physically and how he can help her get back to 'normal'... Bless his heart.

So, I'm gonna say this book is not for everyone. I say that because some people might not even want to think about her being a slave. Some people might think it's boring. Some people might think it's slow. Some people might even say it doesn't have a plot. I beg to differ. It's not one of those action-y, drama filled, holy crap books. It's much more of a psychological/sociological read. You're trying so hard to read into Brianna's mind, see what's going on. Why is she a slave? How did she get into that position? And how it's effected her mentally, emotionally, and even physically. I found it very interesting, even cute. The way he showed so much compassion for her. It was fabulous.

Like I just mentioned, you're trying to understand everything about her and how she became a slave. Well, I forgot to mention that this book is written from Stephan and Brianna's point of view. So you do get some insight here and there. One thing I loved about the POV switching, was that the author would sometimes do the whole scene over again from the other persons POV. But don't go thinking crazy stuff, it was perfect. Everything was not repeated, you just simply heard the other side of the story and the thoughts in their head. It was great.

Another thing is- I can see a lot of people comparing this book to the 'fifty shades' books. They both have a handsome rich man, who is a dominant, with a playroom, coming into some kind of situation with a younger woman and her being practically clueless... But this is NOT fifty shades. It is 100% completely and totally different.

All I can say is go read it! I loved it! I couldn't read it fast enough. I stayed up many nights trying as hard as I could to keep my eyes open and try to finish it. I really need to do more reading during the day... Anyways, If it sounds like something you're interesting in... Go get it! You'll love it!

All in all I gave it 5 stars. And I can't wait to read the sequel, 'Need'!

Have a great day!

*This book was provided by the publisher for a honest review*

Middlesex

Pulitzer prize winning author Jeffery Eugenides second 

novel Middlesex is one of my favorite books of all time. 

His first book the Virgin Suicides is also quite a masterpiece. However, this story explores a lesser known facet of human life. The story is told through the eyes of Calliope  Stephanides a girl who is dealing with issue of being inter-sex. It Chronicles her life, growing up in the sixties as a girl in Detroit. Until she discovers that she is more male than female. The book examines the history of the Stephanides family and their struggle to make it to America from Greece. Family secrets are revealed and cultural taboos explored in an attempt to explain the unusual predicament the main character finds herself in. 

Eugenides uses instances from his own life to lend a hearty scoop of truth to his tale, though it is fiction. He developed the idea after reading Herculine Barbin: Being the Recently Discovered Memoirs of a Nineteenth-century French Hermaphrodite. Which is the tale of a french hermaphrodite who was born in the mid 1800's and forced to life her life as a male after illegally falling in love with a woman. Barbin later comitted suicide. Eugenides read the memoirs and was inspired to write Middlesex as a way to further explore the life of a middle-sexed person. The book not only focuses on gender reality, but also takes a inside look at American life during this time period. The novel also discusses the concepts of nature versus nurture, rebirth, and the adherence to gender roles. in addition the book discusses the pursuit of the American Dream. Though it is fiction, Eugenides writes in such a way that makes his main character Calliope seem very real. The insightful and descriptive nature of the book draws a reader in and lets them feel what it is to be middlesex. 

If you're looking for a lovely and touching piece of work, that will give you insight into the emotions of a person experiencing gender limbo than the book Middlesex is a great read and I recommend it.  It was a pleasure to read and I am sure you will find it so as well. Obviously the givers of Pulitzer's thought so  too.

Dead White: White Oleander

 Janet Fitch and her 1999 bestselling novel White Oleander is a must read.

It is the story of Astrid Magnussen, a twelve-year-old girl living in LA. She lives with her mother, Ingrid, a poet. Astrid's father is not involved in her life and she relies only on her mother. Because of her shaky home life she has trouble fitting in at school. Her mother Ingrid is self seduced and cold. She abides by a list of her own rules and demonstrates little interest in her struggling daughter. As a result of her mother's constant neglect, Astrid fears abandonment more than anything. After an altercation with a male friend Ingrid is imprisoned for murder and Astrid is thrust into the unpredictable and unforgiving world of foster care. Throughout her trials she makes friends, personal relationships and deals with her own battle with drug addiction.

Imaginative and eventful Fitch demonstrates the sour nature of the nation's foster system and the effects of bad parenting. Though the book is quite depressing at times and rather shocking at others, it is a testament to the unbridled girl power that girls and women must exhibit to survive in a male run world. And the struggle for us to escape our mothers, who hold such sway over our lives. Astrid decides to take hers back. 

I totally recommend this book,

it is a great read.

Swoon Thursday: Fifty Shades of Grey

Swoon Thursday #1!

Swoon Thursday is a HOT meme hosted by YA Bound.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished,
tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your
skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in
the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on
your blog! We want to know :)
This is my first ever Swoon Thursday! It seems like a really great and fun idea! On with the book! It just so happens that when something really epic happens, or something a character says that makes me feel a certain way -- I always take a screenshot (I mostly read e-books.) I'm actually on the third and final book in this trilogy, but this was the first thing in this series that made me SWOON!

The book is Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. Also, these books have a lot of "sexy times" just in case you didn't already know. However, I picked a clean scene! I remember thinking "OMG, he has so much power and authority! Ooooooo!" He's so strong and handsome and rich and powerful (yes, I said it twice) and the list can go on forever! I instantly fell in love with Christian Grey! Onto the swooning!


Goodreads -- Amazon

Christian Grey is asking me on a date. He's asking
if you want a coffee. Maybe he thinks you haven't
woken up yet, my subconscious whines at me in
a sneering mood again. I clear my throat, try-
ing to control my nerves.

"I have to drive everyone home," I murmur
apologetically, twisting my hands and fingers
in front of me.

"TAYLOR," he calls, making me jump.
Taylor, who had been retreating down the cor-
ridor, turns and heads back toward us.

"Are they based at the university?" Grey
asks, his voice soft and inquiring. I nod, too
stunned to speak.

"Taylor can take them. He's my driver. We
have a large 4x4 here, so he'll be able to take
the equipment, too."

"Mr Grey?" Taylor asks when he reaches
us, giving nothing away.

"Please, can you drive the photographer,
his assistant, and Miss Kavanagh back home?"

"Certainly, sir," Taylor replies.

"There. Now can you join me for coffee?"

Grey smiles as if it's a done deal.

FABULOUS-NESS!!
So, tell me, what made you swoon?!
Enjoy your day!
-Angela

Angela's Book Haul #5

I have been looking all over for a thrift/bargain book store in my new (little) town... I finally found someone at the library who knew of a few places I could try, and it was quite a success!
My first trip, I got there just before closing, so I only had time to go through half of the store. Needless to say I got 4 books for $6! I got 3 hardbacks and 1 paperback! SCORE!

White Oleander by Janet Fitch Add it on Goodreads

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides Add it on Goodreads

Mother of Pearl by Melinda Haynes Add it on Goodreads

Cross by James Patterson (Alex Cross #12) Add it on Goodreads
There's kind of a funny story that goes with this book.. So I pick up the book thinking- "Oooh, it's James Patterson, must be goood, lets read the synopsis..." I read it..., -"Oh, I've heard about this Alex Cross character, this must be that book..." I get home and go on goodreads to add it to my 'to-read' list, and what?!? It's number 12 in the series! I thought "OH MAN!" I guess I have a lot of catching up to do in that series! :)
The second time I went in there, which was only a few days later, I got a chance to really look around. There were sooooo many books I wanted, but I couldn't buy the whole store! :) This time I got 6 books for $10! I got 4 hardbacks and 2 paperbacks... SCORE AGAIN!


Sundays At Tiffany's by James Patterson Add it on Goodreads

The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings Add it on Goodreads

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini Add it on Goodreads

Missing Witness by Gordon Campbell Add it on Goodreads

Nightmares & Dreamscapes by Stephen King Add it on Goodreads
Double Cross by James Patterson (Alex Cross #13) Add it on Goodreads



Have a good day!
-Angela

Book Review: The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight

Buy "The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight" on Amazon Check it out on Goodreads

SYNOPSIS:
Who would have guessed that four
minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of
seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan’s life.
She’s stuck at JFK, late to her father’s second
wedding, which is taking place in London and
involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley’s
never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy
in the airport’s cramped waiting area. His name
is Oliver, he’s British, and he’s in seat 18C.
Hadley’s in 18A.

So... Yeah... The beginning of this book was like this: "Ooh.. that's interesting.. he sounds cute! This seems like a good book. Family drama, traveling out of the country, a British boy..."

Then the middle was like this: "Wow.. This is getting boring, let's skip a few pages... Okay, maybe more than a few pages... Okay, skim the page... Oh, there's some dialogue, let's read that... Okay, didn't miss much there..."

Then the end was like this: "Oh, well that's nice... I guess. Not what I was thinking, but okay..." THE END!

It could've been A LOT better. It had a WHOLE bunch of potential. I was thinking this will be a cute, short, summer read. And little love stories are always fun in between all the crazy, action-y, drama filled books... But I almost couldn't finish this book. And that's bad considering it's only 236 pages.

I also read a review on goodreads for this book. I will link it here, so you can go read it if you like. It explained exactly how I felt about the book.

With all that said... Read at your own risk!

My rating for this book was (unfortunately) only 2 stars.

Enjoy your day!
-Angela

Angela's Book Haul #4

So I spent an hour or so this afternoon looking on Thriftbooks for some books I've been wanting. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to buy since my list is REALLY long! :) But I'm very pleased with my purchase. I just hope they hurry up and get here!
I'm so excited that I finally ordered the whole HARRY POTTER SERIES! -"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling -"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" by J.K. Rowling -"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling -"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" by J.K. Rowling -"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" by J.K. Rowling -"Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling -"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling Also got one of the companion books to Harry Potter: -"The Tales of Beedle the Bard" by J.K. Rowling The first book in the "Dave Gurney" Trilogy -"Think of a Number" by John Verdon The third book in the "Uglies" series -"Specials" by Scott Westerfeld Enjoy your day! -Angela