Monthly Rewind (4): April 2011

Must Read *Book of the Month*

Sadly, I read all of 4 books this month.  None of them were a *Must Read* for me, so I won't be passing any along this month!

Bookaholic Does Blogging hosted Month #1 of the Black Dagger Brotherhood Bookclub Challenge this month!  If you missed it, check it out here!

Book Reviews:

Ordeal by TK Varenko (DNF)
Save As Draft by Cavanaugh Lee (3 Stars)
Killer in High Heels by Gemma Halliday (4 Stars)
Shoo, Jimmy Choo by Catey Hill (4 Stars)
Dragon Blues by Edie Ramer (3 Stars)
Stray by Rachel Vincent (4 Stars)
Sparkle by Mara Altman (5 Stars)
Undercover in High Heels by Gemma Halliday (4 Stars)
The Recessionistas by Alexandra Lebenthal (2 Stars)

US vs UK Cover Challenge Features:

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret
Water for Elephants
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Author Interviews:

Edie Ramer

Challenge updates:

Horror & Urban Fantasy Challenge: 2 of 24

Vampire Challenge: 6 of 20

Outdo Yourself / 100 Books in a Year Challenge: 32 of 100

Nicholas Sparks Challenge: 0 of 10

Vampire Chronicles Challenge: 0 of 10

Black Dagger Brotherhood Challenge: 1 of 9

Mystery & Suspense Challenge: 12 of 12 **COMPLETED**
E-Book Challenge: 20 of 20 **COMPLETED**

Bookaholic Picks (1): The Royal Wedding

I know you are all thinking, "OMG. ANOTHER meme?"  But don't worry!!  Bookaholic Picks is part of the blog/meme overhaul that will be complete in t-minus 2 days.  I decided that I had to break out this meme early so I could do a special edition to celebrate the Royal Wedding today!  (Yep. Call me a fan girl.)  I'll explain it all on May 1st!  I promise. =)

For today, however, we have the very first edition of Bookaholic Picks.  Just so we're all on the same page: Bookaholic Picks is a monthly meme that will be replacing my Bookaholic Picks Book of the Day meme that currently runs on Twitter (again, more info. coming May 1st).

Bookaholic Picks is where I, the Bookaholic, pick books relevant to my chosen theme of the month.  Today's theme is obviously The Royal Wedding.  Below are my picks for some truly promising books that capture all of today's events!  I don't think I'll pre-order any, but I will definitely be scoping them out and picking up at least a few when they are released. =)

So, without further ado -- let's check out those books!

William & Catherine: Their Royal Courtship and Wedding in Photographs (Release Date: May 17th)

This richly illustrated keepsake book commemorates Prince William's fairy tale romance with Kate Middleton, and their spectacular nuptials at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. Through more than two hundred spectacular photographs, William & Catherine recounts the couple's wildly different childhoods, their romance and engagement, the events leading up to the wedding, and the grand affair itself. Here are the massive crowds lining the parade route, the sparkling celebrities at Westminster Abbey, the bride's spectacular gown, The Kiss on Buckingham Palace's balcony and the glittering post-nuptial receptions. Also included is a brief pictorial history of British royal weddings from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840 to Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981. With fascinating detailed captions and a foreword by renowned royal watcher Robert Jobson, author of William & Kate, The Love Story and royal correspondent for four major British newspapers, this book magnificently illustrates the pomp, the pageantry, the history and enchantment of the romance that charmed the world.


The Royal Wedding: The Official Westminster Abbey Souvenir (Release Date: July 16th)

Westminster Abbey's official book on the Royal Wedding 






William & Catherine: A Royal Wedding Souvenir (Release Date: May 24th)

On April 29, 2011, Prince William, son of HRH Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, will marry Catherine (Kate) Middleton at historic Westminster Abbey in London. This special souvenir guide celebrates the social event of the year and also tells a fairy-tale story of friendship, love, and courtship. In marrying her prince, Kate will become Princess Catherine.


As the prince and Catherine take their first steps in married life, the eyes of the world will be watching this couple who will one day become king and queen and who are now the image of a modern monarchy. The book covers every detail of the wedding as well as the public and private faces of the royal couple and their story so far: Prince William and Catherine’s childhood years, their achievements and interests, and the moment they met at St Andrews University almost 10 years ago.

Us Collectors Edition: Royal Wedding (Release Date: May 6th)

There is a pre and post wedding version of this Book.  I have the pre, so I will definitely be scooping up the post!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Trailer

I don't typically post things like this, but since it's the VERY last Harry Potter ever, I feel I must.  Also, this one looks fantastic. =)

Review: The Recessionistas

The Recessionistas
Author: Alexandra Lebenthal
Characters: 2 out of 5
Plot: 2 out of 5
Overall: 2 out of 5
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrowed from my Library

Description: (Author's Website) It's the day after Labor Day, 2008, and the bottom is about to drop out of the economy. Hedge fund owner John Cutter is in the process of an ugly divorce and nearly in financial ruin, except for the assets he is hiding from his wife Mimi in the Cayman Islands. When he concocts a scheme to redeem himself, he enlists Lehman Brothers investment banker Blake Somerset as an accomplice. Blake is ripe for recruitment given that he, too, is on the verge of being in dire financial straits because of Lehman's decline and imminent bankruptcy. Blake's socialite wife Grigsby is barely aware of her changing world to begin with, and has no idea of the perilous situation her husband is about to enter. As autumn unfolds, Grigsby's fairytale life starts to unwind. Meanwhile, John and Blake's scheme comes to light when street-smart Renee Parker begins her new position as John's executive assistant. Convinced something is amiss, she enlists her friend Sasha Silver, CEO of Silver Partners, to help her decipher what is happening. This story of expulsion from a modern-day Garden of Eden captures what happens when economic decline spells ruin for Manhattan's pampered elite.

From My Point of View: I had pretty high hopes for this book going into it, however, twenty pages in and I was already checked out.  While Lebenthal certainly knows her financial stuff, the rest of this book was lacking for me.  I didn't find a single character I could connect with.  She tended to over share information on the menial characters and under share on the main ones.

The dialogue, for me, felt very off kilter.  It was almost awkward to read at times.  I never felt any real emotion from the characters speech.

As far as the plot, it felt pretty piece-y to me.  We spent most of the book focusing on the financial downfall, then all of a sudden there's a security fraud, a second divorce, attempted murder, and two main characters head off to jail.  There was no consistent flow.  It was almost like the main plot points at the end were thrown in as an afterthought.

Overall, this book was a big disappointment.  It had a lot of potential, but in the end, just didn't cut it for me.

Edie Ramer Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to:

Jules from The Great, The Good and the Bad
who won a copy of Dead People!

Lisa from Once Upon A Chapter
who won a copy of Dragon Blues!

& Norida from Pieni Pupu & Books
who won a copy of Cattitude!

The winners were chosen by Random.org.  I will be contacting them within the hour to let them know they're the big winners! =) 

Review: Undercover in High Heels

Undercover in High Heels
Author: Gemma Halliday
Characters: 4 out of 5
Plot: 4 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5
Format: e-Book (on my Kindle)
Source: Purchased by Myself

Book 3 in the High Heels Series

Description: (Goodreads) As the new wardrobe assistant on the set of Magnolia Lane, TV's newest hit show, shoe designer Maddie Springer is in fashion heaven. But then a young starlet is found dead. Now it's up to Maddie to sift through a secretive leading lady, an actor on the verge of a nervous breakdown, a sexy cyber scandal, and one tabloid reporter who'll stop at nothing to get the story of the century. Not to mention her tangles with the infuriatingly sexy lead detective, Jack Ramirez. In a biz where lies and deception earn Emmys, Maddie will have to play the role of a lifetime to catch Hollywood's hottest killer.

From My Point of View: I just realized I completely forgot to write a review about this book!  I finished the fourth book and was writing that review when I realized I never talked about this book!  Shame on me...

After book 3, Maddie has yet to truly grow on me.  I am having a really hard time coming to terms with some of her actions.  Granted, were she not the way she is, we wouldn't have much of a storyline on our hands.

It is all the supporting characters that make this series for me.  I LOVE Ramirez and Dana.  Both are absolutely wonderful characters.  I also enjoy Maddie's mom and Mrs. R, though they tend to get on my nerves with their charades, but that's what's fun about them!

The plot in the book was an improvement over the first two books.  I am definitely seeing "growth" (I don't know if that's the word I really want) in the author's writing and the was these plots are playing out,  so I will continue to read on.

One of my favorite parts of this series in the surprise endings.  I have yet to see one coming at me.  Huge props to Halliday for being able to pull this off.  There is nothing I hate more than figuring out what's going to happen before it actually happens.

Overall, I'd say this series is continually getting better.  I just wish Maddie was getting better too!

Review: Sparkle

Sparkle
Author: Mara Altman
Overall: 5 out of 5
Format: e-Book (on my Kindle)
Source: Received as a RAK

Kindle Single

Description: (Goodreads) The tradition of giving a diamond solitaire engagement ring has long been the ultimate statement of love and romance, but no sooner does newly engaged Mara Altman set her sights on a unique, inexpensive, and--gasp--muddy brown diamond ring, than she begins to doubt the decision of breaking this custom. If she doesn’t have a diamond ring, are others questioning the strength of her relationship and the depth of her love? In an almost obsessive quest, Altman seeks to discover how and when the tradition of diamond engagement rings began. Her witty insight, thoughtful observations, and self-deprecating humor lend this Kindle Single its unique luster, resulting in a modern look at the meaning behind happily ever after.

From My Point of View: In all honesty, I have no idea what a Kindle single is.  Amazon says a Kindle single "presents a compelling idea--well researched, well argued, and well illustrated--expressed at its natural length."  Hm.  Whatever that means.  I've pretty much determined it's a non-fiction novella. =)

Obviously, this was my first Kindle Single.  It was total LOVE.  I do think, however, you have to be interested in the topic for a Single to grab you because I tried to find other singles I wanted to buy and came up blank.  They all sound so boring (I'm a fiction kind of girl, myself).

This one, however, was awesome.  Right from the beginning I was hooked.  I found myself agreeing entirely with virtually every word written and feeling just as passionately about the subject as Altman did.  It was also interesting to read about the history of diamonds and how they came to be such a status symbol (don't misread this here -- it was by NO means a history lesson, but I did learn a lot).  Turns out, it's all in the Marketing.

I happen to be one of the few women in the minority when it comes to diamond rings.  You want to know a secret?  My e-ring?  Not diamonds.  But I don't willingly confess this because I think people will judge me based on my ring!  Come on - you know it's true.  You know anyone who sports anything other than a diamond is viewed differently.  "Huh. Guess they couldn't afford Tiffany's."  "Guess he's too cheap."  Guess... Guess... Guess!

Still riding on the high of reading a book that's so highly effected me, I'm going to share with you my little secret (yes, another one).

I. Don't. Like. Diamonds.

*Pause for the gasps.*

It's true.  I think they're ugly.  I hate how they sparkle - like they're dirty or something.  But I don't tell people this because I'm afraid of what they'll think.  "Oh she doesn't like diamonds because she can't afford them."  Well you know what?  I don't like Louis Vitton!  And not because I can't afford it, but because they're all ugly.  And I KNOW there are people who feel the same way.  It's the same concept with diamonds.  Who cares what I can afford -- it's what I *personally* like that matters.  (Louis does happen to be out of my college student's budget price range, but that's neither here nor there.)

So, when it came time to pick out my ring, I truly did not want diamonds.  I ended up choosing a White Sapphire ring (and I'm not a colored engagement ring kinda gal, so white it was)!  It was EXACTLY what I wanted AND, like an free sample when you buy so much at Macy's make up counter, it came with actual meaning since Sapphire is my birthstone.  But, again, I don't tell people this.  I'm afraid.

(That's it - by the way.  Look how clean it looks.  Not a dirty sparkle in sight!)

As you can clearly tell, I was deeply effected by this book (well, to the point that I no longer care what anyone thinks about my ring because I am totally in love with it -- deeply might have been a bit over the top).  And you can probably tell from the length of this review(/rant) that I loved it. =)

If you're a bit of a one-off like yours truly, I'd pick this one up as a confidence booster.  It clearly worked for me.

Happy Easter!

(I just love these guys!)

I hope everyone has a super fantastic Easter!

(if you happen to celebrate this holiday -- as I do)

I fully intend to stuff myself to the brim with wonderful easter goodness (ham, deviled eggs, mashy tatoes... ahh)!  I just hope I don't end up looking like YoYo does up there.=)

Blog Review & Giveaway!!

Now that Bookaholic Does Blogging is six months old (awwww...) I am looking to revamp the content.  Lately, I've been feeling like Memes are taking over!  I love them - don't get me wrong - and I do think they add to the blog overall, but I need to weed some out as I'd like to bring some new ones in.  I'd also just love some feedback on the blog content - it is about the readers after all!

I've created a survey I would LOVE if my followers would take.  It won't take long, 10 minutes tops, and when you're done, you'll be able to enter my giveaway for a $5 Amazon.com Giftcard!  Just for answering a few quick questions!  Survey and giveaway close April 30th at 11:59 pm EST.

To take the survey, click here.

When you're done, you can enter the giveaway here!  You MUST take the survey to enter the giveaway (and, yes, I will know.  You'll see how).  If you have not taken the survey (or have not proven to me that you have), your entry will be invalid.

Follow Friday (22)

This week's question is: What is on your current playlist right now?
Ohhh - good question!  I listen to a lot of music, but mostly country.  Here's the songs I've been singing the most as of late:
Colder Weather - Zac Brown Band (Don't LOVE it, but it's OK)Heart Like Mine - Miranda Lambert (<3!)A Little Bit Stronger - Sara Evans (<3!)Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not - Thompson Square (<3 <3!)What Do You Want - Jared Neman (<3!)Somewhere With You - Kenny Chesney (LOVEEEEEEEEEE!)Love The Way You Like - Eminem / Rhianna (It's a one off - I know!)

If you're stopping by this week, be sure to check out my Edie Ramer giveaway!! You could win one of her three books!

Changes to Review Policy

I just want to make a quick post regarding my review policy and some recent changes.

From now on, any book received that I am unable or unwilling to finish reading (i.e. it's poorly written, the topic is disturbing to me, etc.) WILL NOT receive a published review.  I've written one DNF review and decided that it does not add any content of value to the blog, therefore, reviews of this nature will no longer be published.  Books with low ratings (1 or 2) will continue to receive published reviews.

Additionally, I am now requesting a sample of books being sent for review.  I realize this is a lot to ask, so those requesting reviews containing a sample will simply receive priority over those that do not.  This makes it MUCH easier for me to gauge whether the book will be of interest to me or not and, thus, makes my job easier.  With an increase in review requests coming to me, I need to do something to help me be choosier so that each book receives the attention it deserves.

Should any further changes or amendments be made to my review policy, I'll make additional posts.  Thanks for your understanding!

Review: Stray

Stray
Author: Rachel Vincent
Characters: 4 out of 5
Plot: 4 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5
Format: e-Book (on my Kindle)
Source: Received as a RAK from Hilde at Turn of the Page

Book 1 in the Shifter Series

Description: (Author Website) I look like an all-American grad student. But I am a werecat, a shape-shifter, and I live in two worlds.

Despite reservations from my family and my Pride, I escaped the pressure to continue my species and carved out a normal life for myself. Until the night a Stray attacked.

This brush with danger was all my Pride needed to summon me back... for my own protection. Yeah, right. But I'm no meek kitty. I'll take on whatever and whoever--I have to in order to find my friends. Watch out, Strays--'cause I got claws, and I'm not afraid to use them...

From My Point of View: I've had this book on my TBR list for a while, so when the wonderful Hilde sent it to me as a RAK, I knew I had to read ASAP.  I was not disappointed.

While it took me a bit to get into the story, once I did, I could not put it down.  This is such a good book!  I was slightly annoyed by Faythe's attitude and overwhelming need for freedom from her Pride.  I completely understand where she's coming from and why she doesn't want her life controlled (who would?) but at times it was bit over the top.

And while we're discussing characters, let me just say how NOT a fan I am of Marc.  He drove me absolutely nuts with his overprotective nature and attitude issues.  I can easily see myself being Team Jace throughout this series.

As far as the plot goes, I loved it!  It was very original.  I've never read a book about shifters, so perhaps that's why I think so, but I just loved how everything I read was like nothing I've ever read before.  With my vampire books, I tend to see the same themes over and over again.  Obviously, this was not the case with Stray.

I'm am so excited to continue on to book 2 and read more about Faythe and the Pride!  I was hoping this series would be a good one and book 1 delivered on that for me.