Monday Update!

Hosted By: Book Journey

My "read more books" pledge seems to be getting off to a good start, as I read 4 books (and am half way through another) between Saturday and Sunday afternoon - which I consider impressive since I just read during late afternoon hours. This will probably never happy again in my life, which is why I'm bragging. ;)

Last Week...
Banished, by Sophie Littlefield
Choker, by Elizabeth Woods
Confessions of a Vampire's Girlfriend, by Katie MacAlister
Trickster's Girl, by Hilari Bell
Vesper, by Jeff Sampson*

*Okay, so Vesper was read randomly last week during holiday chaos ... but since I didn't do a Monday Update then, I'm adding it here.

This Week...
Five Flavors of Dumb, by Antony John*
The Fortune of Carmen Navarro, by Jen Bryant
Origins (The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #1), by LJ Smith
The Radleys, by Matt Haig
The Water Wars, by Cameron Stracher

*Five Flavors of Dumb was my book that I was half-way through this weekend, but since I'm finishing it today - it's going as this week's book.

I'm hoping to read more than this (I have a stack of these plus six more to review, PLUS about nine more coming in that I absolutely have to review before the end of this month), but this is what is scheduled to read.

Monday Update!

Hosted By: Book Journey

I'm home from out of town - a little stressed, but so relieved to be here until after the holidays. First off, something crazy happened... my debit card was flagged as fraudulent! Why? Because I have been pretty inactive using my own debit card since my husband and I have had a joint account. However, I used it multiple times out of town to get gas, mail off packages, and order books. The crazy thing about it was that it kept getting approved, so I didn't know until I got a letter from the post office telling me they couldn't mail my packages that have been up there for almost two weeks! The bank flagged it the first time I used my debit when I got gas and used it as credit instead of debit. Apparently, that was "suspicious" - even though that's how I always use my debit card because I'm always weird about people getting my pin number! SO, tomorrow I have to go to the post office and get that straightened out. After, I need to either e-mail or call Book Depository and see if I can straighten out that hot mess. So for anyone that I owe books and packages to ... I'm not trying to screw you out of what you deserve - I'm just trying to straighten everything out. Sorry! I didn't know it was going to be such a big ordeal to use my own account. ;)

In other news ... I'm looking very forward to next year. I have several new features for this blog that I hope you guys will enjoy. I'm working out kinks and e-mailing like crazy to see if one of the features will be possible, so I'm going to wait a few days to tell you guys about that. However, I will tell you that one of the features is going to be called "After Hours", which will be where I post reviews for more adult-oriented books after 9pm. During my "free read" time, I took a break from Young Adult and read more adult books I'd love to review on here. I'm really excited about this!

So, that's the news ... now, time for books!


Last Week ...
The Nightmarys, by Dan Poblocki
The Cries of Vampira, by Sean H. Robertson
Tyger Tyger, by Kersten Hamilton

These were books for review, but so enjoyable! I had fun reading all of them while I was out of town.


This Week ...
Memento Nora, by Angie Smibert
Shadow of the Sun, by Laura Kreitzer
The Long Weekend, by Savita Kalhan

The last two are for book tours and I'm looking forward to them. Memento Nora was a review request, and I'm planning on reading that ASAP!

I'm taking it a little easy this week because I know I will be getting a massive pile of books for review this week to read over the next couple of months. AND I happen to know that I'll be getting the Vampire Academy series for Christmas. I've read all but Last Sacrifice ... so, I've decided to wait until after then to post all of my reviews. I'm thinking an epic re-read is in order. ;) I can't wait!!

Monday Readings

Hosted By: Book Journey

Last Week...
How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire, by Kerrelyn Sparks
Vamps and the City, by Kerrelyn Sparks
Be Still My Vampire Heart, by Kerrelyn Sparks
The Undead Next Door, by Kerrelyn Sparks
All I Want For Christmas is a Vampire, by Kerrelyn Sparks
Secret Life of a Vampire, by Kerrelyn Sparks
Forbidden Nights With A Vampire, by Kerrelyn Sparks
The Vampire and The Virgin, by Kerrelyn Sparks

I was out of town with extra time on my hands and these have been on my TBR list for a while, so I decided to take advantage of the free time during nights! This was just pleasure reading, so next week is back to business with reviews!


This Week...
The Nightmarys, by Dan Poblocki
The Cries of Vampira, by Sean H. Robertson

These are two that are scheduled for review. Whatever else I read will also be for review, just randomly picked off the shelf. You'll know soon enough. ;)

Monday, Monday!

Hosted By: Book Journey

Last Week...
Dangerous Angels: The Weetzie Bat Books, by Francesca Lia Block
The Frenzy, by Francesca Lia Block
Modern Fairies, Dwarves, Goblins & Other Nasties: A Practical Guide by Miss Edythe McFate, by Lesley M.M. Blume
Wildwing, by Emily Whitman

This Week...
Heavenly, by Jennifer Laurens
My Worst Best Friend, by Dyan Sheldon
Slice of Cherry, by Dia Reeves
Tyger Tyger, by Kersten Hamilton

Monday, Monday!

Hosted By: Book Journey

Last Week...
The Bloodlight Chronicles: Reconciliation, by Steve Stanton
The Familiars, by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson
Infinite Days, by Rebecca Maizel
Truly, Madly, Deadly, by Becca Wilcott

This Week...
Dangerous Angels: The Weetzie Bat Books, by Francesca Lia Block
The Frenzy, by Francesca Lia Block
Modern Fairies, Dwarves, Goblins & Other Nasties: A Practical Guide by Miss Edythe McFate, by Lesley M.M. Blume
Wildwing, by Emily Whitman

Future News...
Gratitude Giveaways is coming up this week! Don't forget to stop by where you'll get the chance to sign up for my giveaway!!

Don't Forget!...
You still have time to enter my contest to win a copy of Minder and a signed copy of its sequel, Adversary, from the author! Click here to be directed to the post to find out all of details and put your name in the drawing!

Monday, Monday!

Hosted By: Book Journey

Last Week...
The Fledgling Handbook 101, by PC Cast & Kim Doner
Vixen (The Flappers #1), by Jillian Larkin

This Week...
The Bloodlight Chronicles: Reconciliation, by Steve Stanton
Dangerous Angels: The Weetzie Bat Books, by Francesca Lia Block
The Familiars, by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson
The Frenzy, by Francesca Lia Block
Infinite Days, by Rebecca Maizel

Future News...

Gratitude Giveaways is coming up next week! Don't forget to stop by where you'll get the chance to sign up for my giveaway!!

Hosted By: Should Be Reading

Article: "Trendspotting: Readers' Spending on Books"

My questions for today are ones that are asked at the end of this particular article: What are your responses to this report? Does it match with what you –as a reader– have observed? With your own buying habits? When was the last time you bought a book? What did you buy and why?

This report hasn't told me anything that I haven't guessed on my own from keeping up with the trends. Of course e-books will rise because their price is cheaper in most cases and it's also a lot easier to download a book and read immediately, rather than go out to purchase OR buy online and wait for the book to be shipped to you.

I just bought a book last week. My buying habits fluctuate depending on how much money I have to budget for. I don't have a job so all of my money comes from my husband ... and the independent girl in me doesn't like asking for a lot of money for my own addiction. With that said, I do try to buy books regularly. Hardcovers I love but because of their price, if I have a choice between a new hardcover book I don't know much about or two+ paperbacks that have been on my list, I'm going to go for the paperbacks. If it's a part of a series or an author that I love, then I'll definitely go for hardcover. Oh, and if I really REALLY like a book ... I'll buy the e-book when it's less expensive to keep on my portable hard drive to read when I'm not at home. =)

Monday, Monday!

Hosted By: Book Journey

Last Week...
Of Bees and Mist, by Erick Setiawan (review)

This Week...
Vixen (The Flappers #1), by Jillian Larkin
The Bloodlight Chronicles: Reconciliation, by Steve Stanton

Future News...

Next week on Missy's Reads & Reviews, the entire week will be dedicated to Kate Kaynak's wonderful Ganzfield series! There will be reviews for the first two books coming out, themed memes, an interview with the wonderful author, and a giveaway at the end! Be sure to drop by and check it out!!

Hosted By: Should Be Reading

Do you have any special reading that you do as it gets closer to Christmas? If so, tell us about it! And, if not, tell us why not!

Like Halloween, there are certain traditions that I do during the Christmas holiday season. I do like to read some of the children's classics, as well as watch some of the shows. But when it comes to serious Christmas readings, I always do two things: I typically write short stories of my own to make me get into that whimsical mood, and I also concentrate on Christmas crafts and decorations. I'm all about some homemade gifts and decorations (and food!) when it comes to Christmas, so I try to concentrate on that more than themed readings. Plus, with all of the books I have lined up for reviewing, I don't think I'll have time for that!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Hosted By: Book Journey

What's going on with me??
Too much! I've been out of town for the past two weeks and this upcoming weekend is the weekend of my birthday party. I have a TON of things to catch up on, and a ton more to actually start on. My reviews for SFBR are also due this week. Argh, too much! I'm confident I can finish it all, though!

What did I finish last week??

Nightshade, by Andrea Cremer
Wicked Girls: A Novel of the Salem Witch Trials, by Stephanie Hemphill
Fear: 13 Tales of Suspense and Horror, by R.L. Stine & Various Authors

What's in the plans this week??
I don't know if I'll get to read anything this week with all that's going on. Therefore, I won't even attempt to list goals!

So what are you reading??

Monday, Monday!

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event - hosted by the wonderful Sheila - to share what we are reading this week, as well as what we read the previous week. Feel free to share in on the fun, or just click on the link to see what others are reading!

What's Going On With Me??

I forgot how much painting houses exhausted me - especially when you have to take texture off of ceilings before you even begin to paint! I've started feeling muscles I forgot that I had!

As far as reading goes, I got through all of the books that I said I would read last week. That includes three re-reads and three new books I've been dying to read. Reviews coming soon!!

 

What Did I Finish Last Week??

Torment, by Lauren Kate

Minder, by Kate Kaynak

Adversary, by Kate Kaynak

New Moon, by Stephenie Meyer*

Eclipse, by Stephenie Meyer*

Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer*

What's In The Plans This Week??

Nightshade, by Andrea Cremer

Wicked Girls: A Novel of the Salem Witch Trials, by Stephanie Hemphill

Fear: 13 Tales of Suspense and Horror, by R.L. Stine & Various Authors

All three of these books are being reviewed for a publication, so they're going to top priority. I might read more this week, but I have to make sure I focus on these first!!

* All books part of re-read for a better and more accurate review.

Monday, Monday!

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event - hosted by the wonderful Sheila - to share what we are reading this week, as well as what we read the previous week. Feel free to share in on the fun, or just click on the link to see what others are reading!

How's The Reading Going??

My epic series re-reads between review books is going well! I'm starting to post more reviews of books I've already read, as well as getting a refresher on each of the books! 

What Did I Finish Last Week??
Gothic!, by Various Authors [review]*
Revelations, by Melissa de la Cruz [review]*
Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer [review]*
Arson, by Estevan Vega [review]
The Darkest Night, by Gena Showalter*
The Darkest Kiss, by Gena Showalter*


What's In The Plans This Week??
Torment, by Lauren Kate
Minder, by Kate Kaynak
Adversary, by Kate Kaynak
New Moon, by Stephenie Meyer*
Eclipse, by Stephenie Meyer*
Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer*

* All books part of re-read for a better and more accurate review.

Monday, Monday!

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event - hosted by the wonderful Sheila - to share what we are reading this week, as well as what we read the previous week. Feel free to share in on the fun, or just click on the link to see what others are reading!

How's my reading going???

It's not up to Missy-standards by far, but it's getting better! I'm up to my fifth book in the past two weeks - two of those are re-reads, but they still count!

What did I finish last week???

Since I didn't do this last week, I'm telling you my past two weeks' worth of reading!

Dead Until Dark, by Charlaine Harris - The first in the Sookie Stackhouse (aka Southern Vampire Mysteries) series. One of my re-reads I had to finish before the beach so I could let my friend borrow it.

Living Dead In Dallas, by Charlaine Harris - The second in the SVM series. This was my lying-on-the-beach read. It definitely helped me survive the sun. ;)

The Darkest Passion, by Gena Showalter - I lied... three of my books were re-reads. I flew through this one the first time I read it and decided to read it again before Gideon came into the picture.

Paranormalcy, by Kiersten White - HAD to get to this before it came out ... and I think I finished it in record time. It's sooo good - look for my review SOON!

What do I plan on reading this week???

The Darkest Lie, by Gena Showalter - Actually, I plan on finishing this one. I find I'm going extremely slow with this one - probably because I want to take in every single detail and make my time with Gideon last longer!

After The Darkest Lie, I have no clue what I'm going to read.. but, I can say that I am leaning toward The Eternal Ones, by Kirsten Miller. It sounds awesome!

How's YOUR reading coming along???

Monday, Monday!

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event - hosted by the wonderful Sheila - to share what we are reading this week, as well as what we read the previous week. Feel free to share in on the fun, or just click on the link to see what others are reading!

How's my reading going?

Reading is still taking back burner to some more pressing issues, like the complete re-organization of my entire house.

What did I finish last week?

Poison Study, by Maria V Snyder - It was a great read and I'm glad I made the time for it.

What do I plan reading this week?

Stolen, by Lucy Christopher - It's been on my TBR shelf for quite some time. I'm excited to read it, though it may take some time to read with all the stuff going on around here!

How's your reading going??

Musing Mondays is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. This week's musing is ...

Do you review books? If so, for who?

If not, have you ever thought about doing so? Why, or why not?

I do review books, obviously. It started as just something as easy as word of mouth. I would practically review every book for my friend and got so excited about particular books that I would blab to my husband - who didn't appreciate it as much as my friend. So, instead of annoying him anymore, I started this blog. My reviews are personal opinions and the blog is a way to shamelessly promote books that I love and other blogs that I read and get more recommendations. On occasion, I do get books from authors and publishers - so I do it for them as well. I also some times post my reviews on Goodreads and other sites, but I don't keep up with them as religiously as this blog. I wish I could, but I honestly cannot afford to spend that much time on a hobby right now.

It's Monday!...

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event - hosted by the wonderful Sheila - to share what we are reading this week, as well as what we read the previous week. Feel free to share in on the fun, or just click on the link to see what others are reading!

How's my reading going?

I did manage to finish Shade, which surprised me considering all the time spent with people from our internet provider coming out to "fix" our internet (still not fixed), and the time spent at the vet's office (I now have two animals with ear infections).

What did I finish last week?

Shade, by Jeri Smith-Ready - Holy crow, this book was amazing! I cannot wait for the next!

What do I plan reading this week?

The Darkest Passion, by Gena Showalter - I've been meaning to get to this one for a while now. It's priority now!

The Darkest Lie, by Gena Showalter - I'm plowing through The Darkest Passion to get to this one. It's GIDEON!!

How's your reading going??

Musing Mondays is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. This week's musing is ...

Can you read amidst distractions? (tv, others talking, sporting events, etc)

My parents like to joke around about it and my husband likes to complain about it, but I can definitely tune out everything around me for a good book. That's the catch, though - it HAS to be a good book. If I get the least bit disinterested in the story, my attention wanders and I can't read it no longer. It's not a true gift or anything, it's just something I've learned to do over the years. When I was a kid, someone from my family was always over visiting my parents. Most of the time, it was just adults ... no kids to play with. So, I'd find a comfy spot somewhere in the house and start reading. I come from a typical Southern family, so they're always loud ... learning to space out the volume of the voices was the hardest part for me - tv was never really an issue.

Now, like I said, it does have to be a good book to keep me involved. If not, my mind automatically wants to go figure out what's happening around me. It takes no effort whatsoever to be distracted by what my parents may be doing, my dogs, or my husband's activities. But if it is a really awesome book ... it's just as effortless to become immersed.

Monday, Monday!

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event - hosted by the wonderful Sheila - to share what we are reading this week, as well as what we read the previous week. Feel free to share in on the fun, or just click on the link to see what others are reading!

How's my reading going?

It's been better. I finished Beastly, which I've been working on. Besides that, I was working on my womanly duties of house work to prepare for my trip to see my friends the weekend of the Fourth. Now, I'm home ... hoping to jump back in the saddle soon.

What did I finish last week?

Beastly, by Alex Flinn - LOVED it, despite my fear. It took me a while to get to it, but it was worth the wait.

What do I plan reading this week?

Poison Study, by Maria V Snyder - I started this last week and it looks promising.

Since I have my laptop back, I want to catch up on reviews and everything, so this will probably be my only read this week.

How's your reading going??

Musing Mondays is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. This week's musing is ...

What are you currently reading? Would you recommend it to others? Is it part of a series (if so, which one)? What are you thinking about it? What book(s) would you compare it to, if any?

I actually just finished Beastly by Alex Flinn which is a modern, Young Adult re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. It's not part of a series, though Flinn also recently did another re-imagining of the classic fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty.

I actually avoided this book for a small amount of time because, well, I'm kind of tired of the whole black-and-red marketing of all paranormal-type YA stories now. Then, I saw the movie trailer - and avoided it more because of Vanessa Hudgens. Ha. However, I finally came to my senses and realized that I was being really unfair to the author by doing these things and, honestly, I loved Beauty and the Beast when I was younger - so, I put it on order. I'm so glad I did. I don't know if I would actually compare it to any other books, unless you do go with the other re-tellings that are floating around these days. I'd say I'm already liking the book more than the movie, though I will be checking out the movie when it comes out. I don't know if I've read anything that is similar to actually compare it to, unless you DO compare it to the Brothers Grimm story. If you liked the old, then I'm sure you'll love the new.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event - hosted by the wonderful Sheila - to share what we are reading this week, as well as what we read the previous week. Feel free to share in on the fun, or just click on the link to see what others are reading!

How's my reading going?

I finished Blood Promise and started Poison Study, but didn't get too far. Not much free time to do much last week and probably the same for this week. This is always a busy time for me!

What did I finish last week?

Blood Promise, by Richelle Mead - It's finished and I am getting more addicted to this series! YA is definitely one of those series I don't regret starting.


What do I plan on reading this week?

Spirit Bound, by Richelle Mead - I don't have much free time this week, but I do want to finish this and maybe one of my early reviews as well.

How is YOUR reading going?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event - hosted by the wonderful Sheila - to share what we are reading this week, as well as what we read the previous week. Feel free to share in on the fun, or just click on the link to see what others are reading!

How's my reading going?

Well, I did read The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner like I promised myself. Aside from that, Jekel Loves Hyde. That's all, though. My trip to Gastonia to see my parents was full of cleaning, painting, and doggie grooming ... so, no reading was accomplished.

What did I finish last week?

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, by Stephenie Meyer - As a big fan of the Twilight series, I fell in love with this book. Yes, it's short (hence the term "novella") and yes you know the ending if you've read Eclipse, but you should read it for a good look at the newborn and non-vegetarian vampires.

Jekel Loves Hyde, by Beth Fantaskey - Maybe I shouldn't have been in Twilight mode when I read this right after Meyer's novella because there was a few spots where I thought the descriptions of Jill and Tristen could go for Bella and Edward. Getting over that, this didn't disappoint and was definitely as good of a read as I thought it would be after Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side.


What do I plan on reading this week?

Blood Promise, by Richelle Mead - Hi, my name is Missy and I'm addicted to the Vampire Academy series. I'm trying to reign in my addiction by only reading one a week or so, since I'm so close to the last book and I'll have a while before the sixth book comes out.

I'm thinking after Blood Promise, I'll go in my library pile and pull out something. I'll let you know what it is when I grab it and read it.

How is YOUR reading going?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event - hosted by the wonderful Sheila - to share what we are reading this week, as well as what we read the previous week. Feel free to share in on the fun, or just click on the link to see what others are reading!

How's my reading going?

Incredible, only it wasn't always what I promised to finish. My trip to the used bookstore proved fatal to my goals as I picked up two Gena Showalter books that I hadn't read and obviously HAD to read as soon as I got them home. LOL

What did I finish last week?

Shadow Kiss, by Richelle Mead - I got through this last night and I'm so glad that I did. Despite what I may think about the main character's love life, I can't get enough of the series!

Truly, Madly, Deadly: The Unofficial True Blood Companion; by Becca Wilcott - I found this a little easier to soar through since it's a lot of True Blood and vampire stuff.

The Pleasure Slave, by Gena Showalter - I've always wanted to read her earlier stuff before the Lords series (Atlantis, Tales of an Extraordinary Girl, and Alien Huntress series aside) but I could never find them in local bookstores. I found two at the used bookstore!

The Stone Prince, by Gena Showalter - Yeah, this became first priority as soon as I got home from the used bookstore.


What do I plan on reading this week?

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, by Stephenie Meyer - I'm about halfway through and I *need* to finish this. Don't get me wrong, it's good ... I just want to make sure I truly devote all of my attention to it when I read it!

I have a TBR list that rivals ribbon lengths that are too long for their own good. I'm thinking I'm going to call a potluck on this and just grab in the bookshelf and read whatever it is that I may pick up.


How is YOUR reading going?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event - hosted by the wonderful Sheila - to share what we are reading this week, as well as what we read the previous week. Feel free to share in on the fun, or just click on the link to see what others are reading!

How's my reading going?

I have to be honest, I'm lacking where I need to be dominating and domination where I should be lacking. What do I mean by that? The books on my TBR that I should be reading are falling in priority thanks to the library getting in my hold requests and books coming in via the mail. So, I have about ten books that I'm going in between when I just need to focus on two. This is a HUGE problem when I'm trying to get through books for more reviews. It's not making my happy, and I'm putting my best effort forth to remedy this problem.

What did I finish last week?

Frostbite, by Richelle Mead - The only book that I got to finish off of my TBR list of last week. As much as I hate to admit it, I'm kind of addicted to this series, which is why my other priorities are dropping.

Bitten & Smitten, by Michelle Rowen - I picked this up at the used bookstore and read it while I was visiting my parents because I intentionally didn't take any of my books so I would spend more time with my family and less with books. This, however, turned into my midnight reading after my parents retired to bed.


What do I plan on reading this week?

Shadow Kiss, by Richelle Mead - One of the reasons while some of my books are going to be pushed back.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, by Stephenie Meyer - As if I have a choice but to make time for this!

Truly, Madly, Deadly: The Unofficial True Blood Companion; by Becca Wilcott - I'm about a quarter of the way through, I'm hoping to make it to the end after the others.


How is YOUR reading going?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? [4]

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event - hosted by the wonderful Sheila - to share what we are reading this week, as well as what we read the previous week. Feel free to share in on the fun, or just click on the link to see what others are reading!

Last Week:

The Mermaid's Mirror, by L.K. Madigan
Prom Nights From Hell, by Various Authors
Wicked Lovely, by Melissa Marr
Vampire Academy, by Richelle Mead


Currently Reading:

Frostbite, by Richelle Mead
Truly, Madly, Deadly: Unofficial True Blood Companion; by Becca Wilcott
Wherever Nina Lies, by Lynn Weingarten
Fang, by James Patterson

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? [3]

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event - hosted by the wonderful Sheila - to share what we are reading this week, as well as what we read the previous week. Feel free to share in on the fun, or just click on the link to see what others are reading!

Last Week:

Oh. My. Gods., by Tera Lynn Childs
Dead In The Family, by Charlaine Harris
The Vampire and The Virgin, by Kerrelyn Sparks


Currently Reading:

Goddess Boot Camp, by Tera Lynn Childs
Need, by Carrie Jones
Captivate, by Carrie Jones


This Week:

Into The Dark, by Gena Showalter
Grave Secret, by Charlaine Harris