Follow my Book Blog Friday #3

This is a fun way to meet and find other blogs that share your book interest. Link up your answers at Parajunkee's View or Alison Can Read

Q. Let's step away from books for a second and get personal. What T-Shirt slogan best describes you? 

A. I love this week's question! I could not pick just one!

 

Book Blogger Hop #2

Link-up your answer at Crazy For Books

“Highlight one book you have received this week (for review, from the library, purchased at the store, etc.) that you can’t wait to dig into!”

This week, mine is an ebook from the library:
It Happened One Bite by Lydia Dare

He's lost, trapped, doomed for all eternity... Rich, titled, and undead, gentleman vampyre James Maitland, Lord Kettering, fears himself doomed to a cold and lonely existence-trapped for decades in an abandoned castle. Then, beautiful Scottish witch Blaire Lindsay arrives, and things begin to heat up considerably...

Unless he can persuade her to set him free...
Feisty Blaire Lindsay laughs off the local gossip surrounding her mother's ancestral home-stories of haunting cannot scare off this battle-born witch. But when she discovers the handsome prisoner in the bowels of the castle, Blaire has no idea that she has unleashed anything more than a man who sets her heart on fire...

Mondays Bite! Twilight Re-Read Along Chapters 16-20

Discussion Questions for Chapter 16-20!

Link up your answers at The Reading Housewives

1. {SERIOUS question} If you where in Carlisle's position, do you think you would have been able to fight off your vampiric urges? Would you ever bring someone into that life, as he did with Edward and Esme? I am not sure how I would be, I could only hope to be as good as Carlisle. It was pounded in Carlisle's head how evil vampires and the like are, so I can see how his background affected how he lived as a vampire. If you in the end believed as Carlisle about a vampire's soul, there would be no problem changing someone. I like that Carlisle waited til someone was dying to change them. I really believe Carlisle made the best of the hand he was dealt in life.
   
2. {FUN question} We are introduced to Edward's playful side in these chapters, before he gets all manic about the new vampires, I think we have a better picture of who he is. If you had to describe him in 5 words, what would they be? Good and Bad qualities, whatever you like! Passionate, Caring, Unforgettable, Protective and I'm having trouble with a fifth word. Can't wait to see other answers for this one ;)   
   
   
3. {LONG question} While re-reading I have been taking notes: observations that I have come across re-reading and comparisons to the movie. One of my notes deals with page 383, in which Edward screams at Alice there is no other option. The first time around I didn't get that he meant the future that Alice saw for Bella as a vampire (because we obviously hadn't gotten to that part), but now that I know the whole story I see that is what he meant... Has this happened to you? Do you have any examples of things that are clearer now or things that you have realized while re-reading? I can't remember what I was thinking the first time I read Twilight, I just remember not being able to put in down! Can't think of any Ah-ha moments.
   
   
4. {PERSONAL question} We haven't talked about this yet, but I think the idea of your human gifts amplifying in your vampire life is interesting (Jasper's control of emotions, Edward's mind reading), what do you think your gifts would be? I'm not sure what I would have, I would be glad to even have a special gift!
   
   
5. {SURVEY question} We are coming to the end of the book, what has been your opinion on this re-read? First, when was the last time you read it? Second, do you feel you like it more, the same, or less this time around? I think the last time I re-read the books was when Eclipse came out on DVD. I enjoy the book more each time I read it, always MORE! *sigh* I finished it a while ago cause I could not put it down and then moved on to re-read New Moon!
   

Follow my Book Blog Friday #2

What a great way to find more book blogs and meet people who like to read and chat about the same books you do! This is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read, check out their sites to link up and follow!

Q. Name 3 authors that you would love to sit down and spend an hour or a meal with just talking about either their books or get advice on writing from?

 A. Just 3?! I guess I will have to say: Stephenie Meyer, Karen Marie Moning and Julie Garwood. They have all written some of my favorite books!

All Borders stores are going out of business

Just wanted to give you a heads up to check out your local Borders store for great discounts! Check out Borders online!

Free Harry Potter Cookbook!!! /Kindle Downlaod

For all the Happy Potter fans! Kindle has a FREE Harry Potter Cookbook download on Amazon!!! The special Harry Potter Cookbook has 10 Summertime Treats for Harry Potter fans of all ages!

Spoilers in Book Reviews

How do you write your book reviews, with or without spoilers?

Does it depend on the book?

If you write without spoilers, how do you manage to write a review for the last book in a series?

If you included a spoiler, do you put up a warning first?

Is there a secret to writing a good book review without spoilers?

Let me know your thoughts!

Mondays Bite! Twilight Re-Read Along: Chapters 11-15

Discussion questions for chapters 11-15

Link-up this week at The Secret Life of an Avid Reader

1. Do you think the name "Twilight" for this book is fitting with the story? Do you think a better name could have been chosen? What about the series and the names as a whole?

I never thought about the title before, but after reading this question a scene in chapter 11 comes to mind: 

"It's twilight, " Edward murmured, looking at the western horizon, obscured as it was with clouds. His voice was thoughtful, as if his mind were somewhere far away. I started at him as he gazed unseeingly out the windshield.  I was still staring when his eyes suddenly shifted back to mine. "It's the safest time of day for us," he said, answering the unspoken question in my eyes. "The easiest time. But also the saddest, in a way . . . the end of another day, the return of the night. Darkness is so predictable, don't you think?" He smiled wistfully.

(The scene in Port Angeles also appears to happen at twilight, along with the last scene of the book)

As far as this book goes by itself,  I look at Edward's comment about twilight being the end of another day and see by Bella meeting Edward, it closes a chapter of her life and starts another.

I feel the names of the series as a whole are very fitting!

2. On this re-read, what’s your favorite part of the book? Is it the vampires, setting, plot, characters, Edward, or something else?

I would have to say Edward! Always Edward! I like that he is a vampire who reads minds and I love his relationship with Bella. These chapters are some of my favorite, where they take there relationship to the next level: the getting to know each other, the meadow, their touching, first kiss, the first night he stays with her, meeting the family and playing the song he wrote for her. I could go on and on! Twilight is one of my favorite books!


3. Edward shows his stalkerish/controlling tendencies during these chapters for the first time (at least Bella is aware), did this bother you the first time you read Twilight? Does it bother you now that you’re re-reading it? Should Bella be more worried about it?

It is very hard for me to remember how I felt the first time I read Twilight besides reading it fast and being unable to put it down. With this question I find myself thinking of Midnight Sun, yes I read it. :) It really is the other side of the story so I see Edward's stalking as being curious. He has had many chances to take Bella's blood and he has already decided not to.

I have felt that Bella needs to realize a little more what Edward is capable of .

On page 141- I opened the window - surprised when it opened silently, without sticking, not having opened it in who knows how many years- and sucked in the relatively dry air.

In Midnight Sun, you see Edward is the cause for the window not sticking, due to his nightly visits and watching her sleep. It is a little creepy that he has been so close, watching, without her having any idea.   


4. Do you find yourself, during or after reading another paranormal/supernatural book, comparing it to Twilight? If you do, why do you think that is? Is it because it’s popular or because it’s just a book that makes an impact?

This book has defiantly made an impact on me, it was this book that introduced me to the paranormal world! I do find myself comparing vampires, it seems in every paranormal book they are different. I do sometimes find myself wishing the Twilight vampires did not kill the humans when taking their blood, and that the bite would be a bonding with ones mate. But I guess that would change the story too much and take the part of the risk factor away from Edward.   


5. Bella is introduced to the Cullen Family in chapter 15, who is your favorite Cullen and why?

Besides Edward, right?! They are all so different, you like each one for a different reason. Alice for her acceptance and caring nature, Carlisle is too kind and pure to be "a monster", Emmett for his easy to-get-along-with, teasing nature, Jasper for encouraging Bella, helping make things easy for her and loving Alice, and Esme for her kind, motherly nature.

Book Blogger Hop #1

This week’s question comes from Veronica who blogs at:  

Read Books, Have Fun

How/Where do you get your books? Do you buy them or go to the library? Is there a certain website you use like paperbackswap?

Most of the books I read come from the library and they are mostly ebooks, straight to my NOOK Color! Due to my families budget, it really is the best way for me to continue with my hobby. I also get some cheap and free books from Barnes & Noble for my NOOK, gotta love free book Fridays. I LOVE McKay's Book Store! You can take in the books & media you don't want anymore and get store credit, their books are very cheap (I never have many books to take in, if I buy a book it's because I want to keep in on my shelf)! My Mother, Mother-in-law and Grandma read too so sometimes I get books from them!

Follow my Book Blog Friday #1

I have been seeing this everywhere, so I thought I would link up and check out some other blogs! You can link up too!

This week: 

Q. What do I do when I am not reading? 

A. Well, I am thinking of what I want to read next! Just kidding, maybe :) Right now I am working on my blog, it has a long way to go. I mostly take care of my kids and hubby! I love having play dates and spending time with my friends and family!

 

TGIF {2} Hosted by GReads

TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.

 This Friday's Question:

Book Blogger Appreciation: Which book blogs have inspired you or made a difference in your blogging experience?

Well as you can see by my blog I'm still new at this, it's my first blog ever! So, I'm still searching for some of my favorites. 

The first book blog I came across was The Book Vixen and it inspired me to have my own! From there I came across GReads! and joined the Twilight Re-read. Then I came across Julie at Yummy Men & Kick Butt Chicks, sorry Julie, I'm having trouble writing A** :) Her About Me had me laughing so hard I had to e-mail her! I hope to find more book bloggers who share passions for the same books I do and find more books to read!

Mondays Bite! Twilight Re-Read Along Chapters 6-10

 This weeks questions are hosted by Lisa The Nerd!

Questions for Chapters 6-10

1. Because we have to talk about it sometime - are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?  Does that impact how you re-read the book?

TEAM EDWARD!! I defiantly have OCD, Obsessive Cullen Disorder! It does not really impact me whiling re-reading Twilight but it sure does for New Moon!

2. Bella spends a lot of her time by herself in her room when she's not at school. what do you think this says about her as a character? Can you relate to her introverted nature? 

 Just that she is a quiet homebody. I think I could spend all day in my room reading a book and dreaming about Edward too! :) Once she finds Edward, her time is spent with him.

3. Probably my favorite chapter of the entire book, chapter eight brings us dress shopping, nearly getting assaulted, and then wraps up nicely with a quaint dinner and confession time. in this we see the blend of typical teenage existence starting to get tainted by the paranormal world. if given the choice right then, would you push to know more about the paranormal, or bury your head in the sand and live the teenage dream?

To know more, of course! I think I would react the same as Bella has, I find we are similar in a lot of ways. 

4. Already, it's pretty clear that Bella is falling for Edward. is this happening too quickly to be plausible, or is it totally reasonable to you? What about Edward do you find to be swoonworthy at this point?

Yes and Yes! I feel she has thought about it and made up her mind that she is going to love Edward. Like me, once I've decided, I'm all in with both feet. Isn't that typical for your first love, for it to become your life? As for Edward- his tenderness and abilities.

5. Jessica has to forcibly remove all of the details on what's going on from Bella, but through that we learn more about how she's feeling and how she's falling for Edward already. if you were in Jessica's shoes, what would you say to Bella?

 I love how Bella throws things in for Edward to hear. I would ask, "What is he really like?" I would also probably have to have more details. 

I must say I could not just stop at chapter 10! I think this is my 5th time reading Twilight and each time I find myself not able to put it down!

TGIF {1} Hosted by GReads

"Who's ready for the weekend?!  I know I am!", says Ginger at GReads, who is hosting a feature for Fridays to re-cap the week's posts & to propose a question to her followers. Feel free to get involved by linking up.

   
This Friday's Question:

Blogger Confession: What's the last book you could not finish? (or had a hard time finishing?) 

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson - since this book has become popular and it was recommended to me I decided to give it a try but only got through a little bit. But I do plan to try it again one day. :) 

The Untamed Bride by Stephanie Laurens -after starting this book I had to put it down thinking the book was not what I expected, but a while later I picked it up again and really liked it and have since started reading the rest of the series.  

I have found that at times I'm in the mood to read a certain kind of book and if I pick up a different type I have a hard time getting into it. So I put it aside, read what I'm in the mood for and after I have my fix I try it again. ;)

REVIEW: Her Vampire Husband By Michele Hauf

Title: Her Vampire Husband

Author: Michele Hauf

Format: paperback, 357 pages

Genre: paranormal romance

Source: personal self

Published: April 2010 by HQN Books
Buy From: Amazon

Back of book: 

She may resist his bite, but she can't resist his charms…

Werewolf princess Blu Masterson won't allow her seductive vampire husband to consummate their marriage with his bite, marking her forever. Alone in a secluded estate with her sworn enemy, Blu curses the marriage arranged to bring their rival nations together, especially since Creed Saint-Pierre calls out to her most feral desires.

When Blu uncovers her pack's secret plot to destroy the vampire nation—and Creed—she is forced to confront her growing feelings for her sexy undead husband. Will she choose the only life she's ever known or accept his vampire bite?

The werewolfs and vampires are at war and the counsel has decided it's time for peace. Their solution is an arranged marriage between Blu Masterson, the werewolf princess and Creed Saint-Pierre, a vampire elder and tribe leader. The marriage contract states that Blu is expected to take the vampire's bite which is the ultimate bonding, but she swears that is something she'll never do.  The counsel's hope is that this marriage will show there can be peace and others will follow along, but each side has their own agenda. 

Blu and Creed are opposites in almost every way, and they never expect to fall in love. They encounter many obstacles along the way, including learning to trust each other when everything is riding against them. Through this story we see love conquers all and when we have someone to love and that loves us, it's all we need. 

In the beginning I had trouble liking Blu; I felt she was very immature and not the right type for Creed, how could they possibly fall in love? But maybe that is the idea, two people who are nothing alike being forced to be together? Blu hates the male attention from her wolf pack, but yet she dresses provocatively, to me that is just asking for male attention. As I read I began to understand why she acted the way she did and I felt sorry for her having a rough past and abuse from the pack.

 Creed seems like a “saint”, a rogue at one point but now trying to atone for it.  He treats Blu different than anyone ever has and takes care of her. I love that Blu looks beyond what he is to see who he is and Creed does the same for her. Through out the story, I saw how their good qualities made the other better. By the end, Blu really stepped up to the plate and became a good fit for Creed.  A few of the sexual scenes were not my cup of tea, Blu’s masturbation and another incident where she becomes sexually aroused while watching Creed take blood from another man. Don’t get me wrong, I do like a good love scene and there are some, but those did not do it for me. 

Some other things I found myself disliking were that Blu and Creed claim to love each other before they established trust for one another. I would think love and trust come together? Another situation is the witches on the Council expecting the vampires and the wolfs to let go of the past and stop fighting, but yet it does not seems like the witches themselves have let go of their past with the vampires and Creed specifically. How can they expect others to do what they have not?

Another character I liked was Ridge, he is honorable and the only wolf who treated Blu with respect. I would love for him to have a story of his own. :) Nikolaus and Ivan sound like they would have good stories too! Overall I enjoyed the story and the ending is great! 

                                So I give this 3 stars!

This book is for adults only; contains foul language, sexual and violent content.

ASH to NASH Tour

I am excited to see and meet Myra McEntire, Victoria Schwab, and Beth Revis, 3 young adult authors headed my way in August! If you are any where between Asheville to Nashville Tennessee, check out their website to find out where they will be and if any special guest authors will be there as well. I will have to catch up on their books before then. ;)

Mondays Bite! Twilight Re-Read Along Chapters 1-5

I have been wanting to re-read Twilight and this is the perfect opportunity! If you’d like to re-read along too, you can get more details and sign up here. This is one of my favorite books and look forward to reading it again. I will have to spend this week catching up with the other bloggers. :) 

Questions for Chapters 1-5

1. Have you ever had to start over in a new place, like Bella did in Forks? This new place could be a job, school, or town. How easy or difficult was this for you?

Yes, first in grade school when I went from a private school to homeschooling and then to a public school. I had lots of different kinds of friends and even lost some in the end going back and forth. Next was moving to Argentina for college, talk about feeling out of place! But it was only for a year and I knew I was coming home. The biggest change has been since I was married six years ago and we have moved twice. Both times we moved further from my family and each time I feel like I'm starting over. It has been hard leaving friends behind and trying to find a group to fit into and make new friends.

2. Do you picture the actors from the movie as the characters in the book?

Some yes- Jacob, Billy, Charlie, Esme, Carlisle, Alice, Emmett, Rosalie, Mike and Jessica.
Some no- Bella (I see me! he he), Edward (in some ways yes), Jasper and Eric.
A lot of scenes I like to picture things the way I want and not the way the movie does. 

3. What are your first thoughts on meeting Edward in Bella’s Biology class? At first he was annoyed by her presence, but then after a week away he returns & finds him self very interested in her. Do you think this helped or hindered the storyline?

I think like Bella, confused. I think it helps the storyline, it shows Edward is conflicted. He wants to get to know her but also wants to protect her from himself. 

4. Out of the secondary characters Bella meets at school, who is your favorite and why? (I am referring to the humans, not the vampires in this question)

I will have to say Angela, she is more of a friend to Bella.

5. There is a lot of dialogue between Edward and Bella in these first few chapters that I feel played a major role in developing their relationship. What are some of your favorite quotes? or moments? 

Ah, so many!
Edward- "It would be more...prudent for you to not be my friend," he explained. "But I'm tired of tying to stay away from you, Bella." I feel this was a turning point where Edward decides to give them a chance and "let the chips fall where they may."

Had to laugh when they were talking about Bella's gas mileage. Bella- "I don't see how that is any of your business." Stupid, shiny Volvo owner.


I also love chapter 5, with the blood typing. I see a soft side of Edward and how he is starting to care for Bella.