Weekly Reading Update 4/17 - 4/21!

Another week, another obsessive amount of reading! Well, okay, maybe not obsessive, but definitely a fair amount. But hey, I just consider this practice for ALA’s Readathon on Saturday, May 21st. Let me know if you’re planning to participate! I definitely am.

As always, click the link to get more info on the book!

Continuing from last week’s Mediator series binge, I read the new novella The Proposal by Meg Cabot. I wanted to jump right into the last book in the series, Remembrance - but I couldn’t do it. I need to hold off a little bit longer. Spread out the joy, as it were. The Proposal was very cute, and really hit the spot. I wasn’t sure how Meg Cabot would be able to pack a full Mediator story into a novella - considering Suze’s ability to get things blown out of proportion, but she manages. And it was so wonderful to see Suze and Jesse a little older. I really can’t wait for Remembrance.

Continuing my obsessive nostalgia kick, I started rereading the Undead series by MaryJanice Davidson - Undead and Unwed (1), Undead and Unemployed (2), Undead and Unappreciated (3), Undead and Unreturnable (4), and Dead and Loving It (4.5). I really do love this series, it’s quirky and funny. And they are definitely fast reads, as evidenced by my reading so many of them so quickly. I’m currently reading number 5, Undead and Unpopular, but I think I might take a break after this one, just so they don’t start running together.

Next up was Midnight Heat by Cat Johnson, book three in the Midnight Cowboys series. I reviewed this one for Romance Reviews Today, so be sure to check out that website for my review, and for some other awesome content. This was a really good read. I think I liked it better than the previous books in the series. And I’m still holding out hope that Colton will get his own book, even though there’s no mention of it yet.

Last, but certainly not least (or maybe yes least) was Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend by Alan Cumyn. This was a whole rollercoaster of weird. You may be asking what the author means by a pterodactyl boyfriend - just that. A guy that is a pterodactyl. And he becomes (sort of) her boyfriend. If you like weird stuff, and who doesn’t now and again, definitely check this one out. It’s… certainly something.

Happy Reading
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Weekly Reading Update 4/8 - 4/16! Better late than never, right?

I know, I know, I'm a couple days late - but I had a lot to get done. Alas, sometimes real life gets in the way of reading - no fun, for sure. 

As always, click the link to get more info about the book!

Well, I finished the Princess Diaries series this week! When I originally read these books years ago, I stopped after book four or five, I think. And I'm not sure how I managed that, because they're just so good. I think re-reading this series was exactly what I needed to boost my spirits. I also made sure to re-read The Royal Wedding (which I reviewed last year!). It was just so much better reading it right after finishing the series. And I totally had to buy them all so I can re-read them whenever I want. So I have a mix of the original hardback covers, mass market paperbacks, and the re-issued new trade paperbacks. And I don't care!

Since I finished the Princess Diaries, I had to find a new series to obsess over - so I finally picked up the Mediator series, also by Meg Cabot. A friend suggested I read this series years ago, and I finally got the chance. I listened to the first two on audio, then had to read the rest because I couldn't wait for the audiobooks to come in from the library. I finished the original books, now I'm just waiting for the new novella to come in (yay library digital collection!), and then I can read the new Mediator book that came out this year, Remembrance! 

And since I was on such a throwback kick with the Princess Diaries, I also re-read Sloppy Firsts and Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty. Because really, the only thing that can help me get past my love of Michael Moscovitz is Marcus Flutie. They were as good as I remember. But alas, my copies are worse than I remember - I bought them all second hand, and my copies of Charmed Thirds, Fourth Comings, and Perfect Fifths aren't too bad, but books one and two are kind of a mess. I might have to invest in new ones. 

I also read Dragon Soul by Katie MacAlister - another favorite author! I got to review Dragon Soul for Romance Reviews Today, and I loved it. I love all of Katie Mac's books, she just has such an amusing writing style - I end up chuckling throughout the whole book. Dragon Soul is going on my wishlist as well. I own all of Katie MacAlister's books except for the two most recent dragon books (Dragon Storm and Dragon Soul) - but I'm sure I'll find them and add them to my collection soon enough. 

Another read this week was Hate to Love You by Elise Alden. Goodreads recommended this one to me, and my library had a digital copy, so I figured why not. It was definitely... interesting. I can't say I really liked it, but I didn't full on hate it either. Part one (several years in the past), was confusing and awkward. Part two (present day) was better, and reminded me a lot of some of the Harlequins I've read in the past, and enjoyed. But there were still some issues that weren't addressed, and I hate when stand-alones aren't wrapped up completely. 

I also read Lumberjanes volume 3: A Terrible Plan by Noelle Stevenson, and Paper Girls volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan. Both were interesting, and both had dinosaurs, strangely enough. I'm a huge fan of the Lumberjanes series, so I knew that one would be great. But Paper Girls is brand new, so I wasn't sure how it would go. However, I've read a few other comics by Brian K. Vaughan, so I knew it would at least be good, if not completely amazing. I recommend both of these to any comic reader!

I think that's enough for this week, right? I'll see you again soon!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

On re-reading old favorites - are they as good the second (or millionth) time around?

When I'm feeling down, or stressed, or just in a grumpy mood - I re-read some of my favorite books (or series!). You may have noticed something like that in last week's Weekly Reading Update - since I was working my way through the Princess Diaries series.

I guess I like the feeling of returning to a familiar world, seeing some familiar "faces" (or what I imagine them to look like, anyways!), and knowing what kind of ending I'm getting into. And I just figured that was something everyone also enjoyed. But apparently not!

A friend of mine once told me she rarely re-reads books. She already knows what's going to happen, so why bother reading them again? The magic is gone.

But is it? I don't think so. In re-reading a book, I always pick up on things that I missed the first time around. When you're first reading a book, you're picking up clues here and there to the ending, but so much gets lost because you're not sure what you're looking for. A reader is mostly paying attention to the main story, and all the little subtle things fall through the cracks.

But when you re-read... you can finally catch them! It just adds so much to the story. Also, at least for me, it really does feel like coming home. I generally stick with certain authors for re-reads, but every so often I get incredibly nostalgic and go for ones I read years and years ago. Some examples? The Princess Diaries series and the Jessica Darling series. I often toss the Georgia Nicolson books as well, since I read them all around the same time, so they are forever stuck together in my mind.

But what about everyone else? Am I just a crazy person for loving to re-read old favorites? It just always feels so comforting.

Let me know what you think!

REVIEW & EXCERPT: Listen to Me by Kristen Proby!!!

 

Kristen Proby is known for writing heartfelt characters with deep connections and sizzling passion. This April, she will seduce readers’ senses with a brand new series, Fusion, from William Morrow Paperbacks, in which five best friends open a hot new restaurant together. Today, we are thrilled to bring you the Review & Excerpt Tour for LISTEN TO ME, the first book in the Fusion Series releasing April 12, 2016. LISTEN TO ME finds a hot former rock star looking for a steady gig at the restaurant, but he’ll have to convince the prickly front-of-house manager to take a chance on him—with her business and her heart.

Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

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 My Review: Guys, we romance readers fully understand the stable (harem, maybe?) of book boyfriends. I have quite a few. But Jake - oh man, I think Jake is going to take the cake. He is something all together special - a guy I could actually see myself with. Not a fantasy guy that would be great for a cuddle or date here and there. Oh no, Jake is the real deal. He's a good, funny guy, and has a heart of gold. He's truly perfect. Well, except for that whole "I ruin everything!" mentality - but then, he would feel sickeningly perfect if he didn't have at least one flaw.

I knew this book was going to be fantastic. I've read several books by Kristen Proby at this point, and I have never been disappointed. But this book is the start of what is clearly going to be a fantastic series, and I cannot wait to see where it goes. Addie has amazing friends, and I need to see them all get their happy ending, because they deserve it. I think what makes this book so good, these characters so human, is that they screw up, and they know they screw up. At one point, Addie actually chides herself for what she just did and said, and goes to fix it. Their mess ups don't feel contrived in order to give the story some edge and drama, but because they're real people that make stupid, real mistakes. And that right there is proof that Kristen Proby knows what the heck she's doing.

Click the link below to pre-order LISTEN TO ME - you'll be glad you did! I know I will be placing my order ASAP. Sure, I may have a received a digital ARC in exchange for a review (Disclaimer!), but I think I need a physical copy of this on my keeper shelf - so I can revisit Jake and Addie whenever I need a fix!

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About LISTEN TO ME:

 

In New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby’s brand new series, five best friends open a hot new restaurant, but one of them gets much more than she bargained for when a sexy former rock star walks through the doors—and into her heart.

Seduction is quickly becoming the hottest new restaurant in Portland, and Addison Wade is proud to claim 1/5 of the credit. She’s determined to make it a success and can’t think of a better way to bring in new customers than live music. But when former rock star Jake Keller swaggers through the doors to apply for the weekend gig, she knows she’s in trouble. Addie instantly recognizes him—his posters were plastered all over her bedroom walls in high school—he’s all bad boy...exactly her type and exactly what she doesn’t need.

Jake Keller walked away from the limelight five years ago and yearns to return to what’s always driven him: the music. If he gets to work for a smart-mouthed, funny-as-hell bombshell, all the better. But talking Addie into giving him the job is far easier than persuading her that he wants more than a romp in her bed. Just when she begins to drop her walls, Jake’s past finally catches up with him.

Will Addie be torn apart once again or will Jake be able to convince her to drown out her doubts and listen to her heart?

EXCERPT:

“Can we help you?”

                “I’m looking for the manager. I was told I’d find her in here.”

                “And you have,” Blondie says and turns on her bar stool to look at me.

                And suddenly the air is stolen from my lungs. This is the woman I saw the other night at the club. The one I couldn’t take my eyes off of. The one that made the rest of the room fade away.

                The only word I have for her is bombshell, and I’ve never used that word in my life.

                She slides off her seat, perfectly at home in her mile-high black heels, and strides quickly and confidently to me. She’s in a high-waisted, black pencil skirt with a white button-down tucked into it. Her sleeves are rolled, the top few buttons unfastened on her shirt, giving me a glimpse at the most impressive cleavage I’ve ever seen.

                Her blond hair is piled high on her head, in lazy curls. Her makeup is simple and flawless.

                And she’s wearing black-rimmed glasses.

                Fuck me.

                I swallow hard and hold my hand out to shake hers, but she come to an abrupt halt about two feet too far to take it.

                “You’re –“

                “Jake Keller,” I interrupt and close the gap to shake her hand. Hers is warm and slender, but her grip is firm. Her eyes narrow.

                “Jake Knox,” she corrects me. “My friends all had your posters on their walls.”

                “You didn’t?” I ask with a cocky smirk, already enjoying her.

                “No, I wasn’t particularly smitten with you.” She pulls her glasses off her nose, much to my disappointment, and tucks them on top of her head in her hair.

                “God, I’m such a sucker for a beautiful woman in glasses.

                “Shame,” I reply and continue to smile at her.

                “How can I help you?”

                “I’m here about the job.”

                She frowns. “You want to be a busboy? Are times really that bad, Mr. Knox?”

                “Keller,” I correct her. “Actually, just call me Jake. And I’m here about the weekend music gig. Although, I can clear tables if need be.”

                She tilts her head, hooks a stray strand of hair behind her ear, and smiles and my heart stops. Fucking hell, where did this woman come from?

                And where the hell are these thoughts coming from?

                “I’m quite sure I can’t afford you, Mr. Keller.” She turns to walk away, but I catch her elbow, turning her back to me.

                “It’s not about the money,” I say quickly. “I’d really just like to play.”

                “Your whole band?” she asks with a frown.

                “No, just me. I’ll bring my guitar and all I’ll need you to provide is a mic and a stool, but I’m sure I can come up with a mic if you don’t already have one.”

                She blinks at me, as if I’m not speaking English, then finally says, “Okay, where are the cameras.” She looks around the room and points at Red behind the bar. “Did you stage this? Seriously, you guys are bitches for doing this to me.”

                Red laughs and shakes her head. “No tricks here, Addie. But send him over to me when you’re done with him.”

                Addie turns back to me with skeptical eyes. “She was one of my friends with your poster on her wall.”

                “And I’m not afraid to admit it,” Red says loudly as she stocks more wine.

                “So, the job.” I cross my arms over my chest and watch her eyes dilate when they land on the sleeve tattoo on my right arm.

                She’s not immune to me.

    About Kristen Proby: New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Proby is the author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.      

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LISTEN TO ME Goodreads ** Kristen Proby Goodreads

       

Kristen Proby’s LISTEN TO ME – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:

April 4^th

The Cantu Sisters Book Reviews – Excerpt

2 Girls & Their Kindles – Review & Excerpt

Book Sniffers Anonymous – Review

Queenzany – Review

She Hearts Books – Review

April 5^th

Melissa's Book Obsessiom – Review

BBBf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends – Review

Ticket To Anywhere – Review & Excerpt

EscapeNBooks – Review & Excerpt

April 6^th

Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads – Review & Excerpt

SnoopyDoo's Book Reviews – Excerpt

MEReadALOT – Review

Hike2Forty and beyond – Review & Excerpt

Take Me Away To A Great Read – Excerpt

April 7^th

Romance Addict Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Fiction Fangirls – Review & Excerpt

Between Books – Review & Excerpt

The Suburban Eclectic Review – Review

Princess Reads – Review & Excerpt

April 8^th

Two Unruly Girls With A Romance Book Buzz – Review & Excerpt

Literati Literature Lovers – Review

What Is That Book About – Excerpt

Random Book Muses – Review

An Asian Chick & Her Cat Walk into a Book Blog – Review

April 9^th

Novel Addiction – Review & Excerpt

Nerdy Soul – Review

BooksPieAndCoffee – Review & Excerpt

Short and Sassy Book Blurbs – Review

April 10^th

Emmbooks – Review

The Book Hoarders – Review

Bridget's Book Bungalow – Review & Excerpt

The Book Avenue – Excerpt

Smart & Savvy with Stephanie – Review

April 11^th

Once Upon An Alpha – Review & Excerpt

A Sky Full of Stars Blog – Excerpt

Rosemarie McKenzie – Review & Excerpt

Alleskelle Blogs But Mostly Reads – Review

Southern Vixens Book Obsessions – Excerpt

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Weekly Reading Update! 4/1 - 4/7/16!

Another week, another weekly reading update! This week I went on a bit of a nostalgia kick, so I've been reading The Princess Diaries series like it's going out of style! And of course, that's making me want to read the Georgia Nicholson series, and the Jessica Darling series, all over again as well. Maybe next week!

As always, click the link to check them out!

Since last week, I finally picked my 2016 Popsugar Reading Challenge back up by reading a book of poetry - "The Hunting of the Snark" by Lewis Carroll. I'm not a big poetry fan, and that might be because to really understand a poem, I have to read it out loud to myself. Which can get pretty weird, depending on where you're reading it. I live in fear that someone will stop by my house and hear me reading poetry to myself.. But anyway! This book was good, really. Very enjoyable, even for someone that doesn't really like poetry.

I also read "Knight" by Kristen Ashley. I didn't know what to expect when I started this - I picked it up on recommendation from someone else, without ever really looking into it. And I'm stuck somewhere between liking it (it was definitely hot), and disliking it (really? you can't think of another word besides "babe"?!). In the end, I gave it three stars because I was so conflicted. But then I promptly requested the second book in the series to read, so clearly I liked the author and writing enough to seek out more!

Next up was "Simon Says: Mine" by Cherise Sinclair. When I want a good, steamy, hot read - I pick up something by Cherise. This novella was part of a series I hadn't read before, but her books can often be read as stand alones - especially near the beginning of the series. This was offered as an eBook at my library, so of course I had to jump on it. Yum! I can't wait to start this series as soon as I finish the Shadowlands series.

And last, but certainly not least, I read books 2-5 of the Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot. (2: Princess in the Spotlight, 3: Princess in Love, 4: Princess in Waiting, 5: Princess in Pink). I read this series years ago, and stopped somewhere near the end, but I couldn't remember where. So I figured, since I was feeling nostalgic, I'd pick them back up. I listened to 4 & 5, but read books 2 & 3, since they were checked in at the library. If you like audiobooks, I'd give these a listen. The narrator does a fantastic job! I forgot how much I love Mia and her friends - and especially Michael. Oh, Michael Moscovitz. *Sigh*

Well, that's it for me this week. But I'm sure I'll have plenty to talk about next week!

Happy reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Release Blitz!!! FROM THE ASHES by Amber Lynn Natusch

Piper Jones can't catch a break. After a lifetime of animosity and indifference from the supernatural community, she thought she'd finally found a home with the vampire king’s enforcers. Then the dark and mysterious Merc walks into her life, and it takes a disastrous turn for the worse. Now under attack by enemies both known and unknown, Piper has little choice but to flee her refuge—and start over in a place few vampires ever go. Rural Alaska seemed to fit the bill, except for Knox and his crew of werewolves. The pack shares a connection with Piper that few of them can explain, and none of them can escape. With time running out for answers, Piper must fight the demons of her past to ensure her future—or die trying. A NEW SERIES FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR AMBER LYNN NATUSCH!  

RELEASED TODAY!

KEEP READING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BOOK!

 

Release Day Blast: THROW DOWN by Tessa Bailey!

He has one last chance to deserve the girl of his dreams... Overachiever River Purcell was never supposed to be a struggling single mom, working double shifts just to make ends meet. Nor was she supposed to be abandoned by her high school sweetheart, breaking her heart into a thousand jagged pieces. Now Vaughn De Matteo is back in town, his sights set on her...and River is in danger of drowning a second time. No one believed Hook's resident bad boy was good enough for River. Not even Vaughn himself. But he'll fight like hell to win back the woman he never stopped loving, to keep the daughter he never expected, and convince himself he's worth their love in the process––even if he has to rely on their fierce and undeniable sexual chemistry. But even as River's body arches under his hungered touch, the demons of the past lurk in the shadows. Waiting for Vaughn to repeat his mistakes one last time...

    

THROWN DOWN BY TESSA BAILEY IS NOW AVAILABLE

  Buy Links:
 Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B014CS5NDE/?tag=sbcnll-20
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thrown-down-tessa-bailey/1122566776?ean=9781633754478
 
About Tessa:
Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days. Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention. She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.