Review: The Christmas Cottage

The Christmas Cottage by Samantha Chase

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A fun Christmas Romance.



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Review: The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This story is haunting, emotionally overwhelming, and fantastic.



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Review: Onyx

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Oh. My. Gosh. Another heaping helping of Daemon and Katy, and all that I can say is...Oh, WOW. With the entire world crashing down upon them and lives hanging in the balance, mainly their own, Daemon and Katy fight for survival while trying to find a balance between frustration and attraction they feel for one another. I just simply love this series!



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Review: The Fallen Legacies

The Fallen Legacies by Pittacus Lore

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Oh how I loved this, such an unexpected story. I really hope this translate into the series, it would be epic to see Adamus working with the guarde.



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Review: Sunnyside Up with Red Ketchup

Sunnyside Up with Red Ketchup by Ashley Andrews

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



A fun, quick read. I really liked Red's tenacity and determination; and seeing the world through her eyes was fun.



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Review: Unlikely Allies

Unlikely Allies by Tiffany King

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Another great story by Tiffany King. Kimberly's life just got dumped upside down and shaken, throw in a rustic cabin youth camp, and a broding but sexy Mason and you have the makings of an entertaining story. A good read.



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Review: The Wild Ones

The Wild Ones by M. Leighton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I have become such a fan of M. Leighton's books and have come to expect a well-written story with wonderful characters and "the Wild Ones" certainly did not disappoint. Thoroughly entertaining.

A Mature YA book.



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Review: The Last Place You Look

The Last Place You Look by T.J. Dell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



This story is the perfect example of the old adage, don't judge a book by it's cover, that's esoecially true when it comes to people. Others aren't always what you perceive them to be, don't judge a person by their outward appearance or perceived social status. Marilyn is quickly learning this old adage, especially when it comes to Benjamin Farther. Through Benjamin, Marilyn is finding out what true friendship, loyalty & love really look like. Benjamin is an amazing character with a lot of character and poise for a teenage boy, I absolutely adore him.



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Review: My Heart for Yours

My Heart for Yours by Jolene Perry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This story was heart wrenching, all consuming, and fantastic. A perfect illustration of choices, good, bad, and forced. I loved watching how the characters grew as they faced the challenges thrown at them.



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Review: Revolution

Revolution by Shelly Crane

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is one of my favorite series and I'm sad to see it come to an end, but what a fitting end it was. If you haven't read this series, you really should, Shelly Crane has woven an intriguing story with unique characters. Merrick is my Keeper!



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Review: Stalk me.

Stalk me. by Jillian Dodd

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I am so excited about this new series by Jillian Dodd (That Boy, That Wedding). Keatyn is such an awesome character, she's trying to figure out who she is and what she really wants, all while dealing with being a teenage girl. I loved the second half of this book so much, it sets up the next book perfectly. This is a mature YA book.



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Review: Mirage

Mirage by Kristi Cook

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Oh. My. Gosh. this book is as good as the first. More Aidan, more Violet, and more twists and turns. Bring on book 3.



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Review: Flat-Out Love

Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A good read.



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Review: Going Under

Going Under by Georgia Cates

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



OK, I really liked this book. Claire and Jessie, Oh. My. Gosh. Claire has had an easy life, Jessie has not; Claire is smart, Jessie is smarter; Claire is a cheerleader, Jessie is the new quarterback and he's good, college-bound good; Clair has a boyfriend (the old quarterback), Jessie plans to steal her away from him, just like he did the quarterback position. Just go and read it, it's good.



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Review: Almost

Almost by Anne Eliot

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This book really struck a chord with me, I couldn't stop thinking about the event that changed Jess Jordan's life and caused her to be Almost, Almost normal, Almost OK, Almost crazy, and how it was handled by the adults in her life. A wonderfully written story about strength, forgiveness, and love, it will stir your emotions. My heart ached for Jess as she struggled through her days and nights and soared as she opened up her heart to something new. Every young girl should read this book and hopefully recognize that at any given time she could be an Almost.



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Review: Freeing Carter

Freeing Carter by Nyrae Dawn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A realistic story with realistic charactes. Seventeenyear old Carter's life is full of secrets and he has more than his share of life to deal with. He's the star basketball player, miserably failing English, a good liar, a girlfriend that's wrappe up in herself, a special needs sister that he adores, and a mom who relies on him to take care of everything-especially when she checks out. Enter Kira, new student, unpredictable, gorgeous, and asks questions about everything, especially about him-how he's doing and what he feel. For the first time, Carter wants to tell someone about his life, no secrets, just truth, or dare.



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Review: Easy

Easy by Tammara Webber

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Life isn't Easy, Choices aren't Easy, Love isn't Easy or is it?. I enjoyed this book. The characters are well-written and the subject matter just draws you in, it's real and at times intense. "Easy" is a great read.



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Review: Trust in Advertising

Trust in Advertising by Victoria Michaels

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I really enjoyed this book. Victoria Michaels has created characters that are engaging, frustrating, funny, and downright human. Lexie is kind, selfless, loyal and at a cross-roads in her life. As she struggles to make a new life for herself she encounters Vincent Drake, her high school crush who she was completely invisible to in high school and who is now her new boss. Vincent is successful, arrogant, and a hottie. When Lexie becomes Vincent's new assistant things get interesting. Can her heart survive Vincent Drake, again? Read it, loved it, a second helping please.



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Review: Leif

Leif by Abbi Glines

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



3.5 Stars. I love to read scenes from other character's points of view (POV) "Leif" is a collection of scenes from Leif's POV from "Existence" and "Predestined" by Abbi Glines. We are also treated to a bonus scene from the upcoming Leif series. I can't wait to get to know Leif better.



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Review: Serial Hottie

Serial Hottie by Kelly Oram

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Kelly Oram ROCKS and so does her newest book: "Serial Hottie". This was such a fun read; it will make you laugh out loud.

Ellie and Angela are sisters that couldn't be more different from each other. Ellie is an athlete, has 3 best friends that are boys-the J's, is considered just one of the boys, and isn't overly concerned with how she dresses; Angela is popular, loves fashion, goes to parties, and the boys fall all over her. But everything changes when the new hottie, Seth, moves in across the street. Ellie's life is turned upside down as she experiences a lot of firsts: first bikini, first party, first kiss, first date, and first serial killer. Grab this book and settle in for a good time, you'll love it!




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Say What?

HOT THINGS
- a conversation between Auntie K and Ninja Dude at the grocery store

Ninja Dude: Do you like Hot Cheetos?

Auntie K: No, I don't like Cheetos. Do you like hot things?

Ninja Dude: Yeah, I like hot things, especially HOT GIRLS!

Review: City of Lost Souls

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Oh My Gosh, Another delicious bite of the Mortal Intruments scrumpdillyicious saga (book 5). This is classic Cassandra Clare, I absolutely freaking loved it!!!



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Review: Destined

Destined by Aprilynne Pike

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



"Destined" is full of non-stop action, love, loss and choices. With Avalon in danger of being overtaken by the enemy, Laurel's loyalty and love for her friends and fae home pushes her forward against insurmountable odds. This epic battle brings about choice after choice for Laurel, Tamani, David, and Chelsea, as they fight to save Avalon and each other. A perfectly, satisfying ending to a great series. Thank You.



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Aloha Cupcakes

Kimo Bandmann just turned 8 years old and was Baptized on May 26th.

For his Baptism Luau Celebration he wanted cupcakes.
Kimo told me that he wanted one that looked like the beach with blue frosting and sand; and one with a tiki.

Here is what we came up with:

Chocolate Tiki Cupcake: Triple Fudge Chocolate Buttermilk Cupcake with Green Buttercream Frosting topped with a Milk Chocolate Tiki Lollipop

Lilikoi Cupcakes: Passionfruit Cupcake with Passionfruit Glaze, Yellow Buttercream Frosting topped with a Pink or White Chocolate Plummeria Flower (Absolutely Delicious!!!)

Beach Cupcakes: Coconut Cupcake with Blue Coconut Frosting, Cookie crumbs (sand), White Chocolate Shells, and a Buttercream Flower

Say What?

HOT DOG DETOUR

A few days ago we - Dolphin Girl, Rainbow Girl and me - decided to have a picnic in the backyard . A few minutes into the picnic Rainbow girl handed me her plate with an empty hot dog bun. I asked,  "What happened to your hot dog?"

 

RAINBOW GIRL:  "It took a detour to my beeellllyyy!"

Review: Out Of The Dark

Out Of The Dark by Quinn Loftis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



A Howling Good Book! This is the 4th book in the Grey Wolves series and each one just gets better and better. "Out Of The Dark" has all that we've come to love and expect from this series and Quinn Loftis: Witty Banter, Romance, Drama, Love, Action, LOL scenes, it's absolutely charming:

Two curses, a severed bond, and a broken heart try to break the protectiveness, loyalty, and fierce love that two mates have for each other. As the darkness threatens to swallow Jen and Dec, with the help of their friends and pack mates (Jacque, Fane, Sally, Vasil, Alina, Costin, Sorin-the gangs all here, plus a few new faces), they fight to regain what has been lost. Bring on Book 5!




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Review: Wrecked

Wrecked by Elle Casey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A fun read. The dynamics between the four characters is great as they struggle to overcome their high school social and self-imposed flaws and really grow individually and as a group, as they have to rely on one another for survival. I really enjoyed this story.



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Review: Insurgent

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Insurgent is a thrill-ride, better than the first book which is amazing because Divergent was so freakin' awesome. We get to really delve in and learn more about each fraction and their role in the society. And there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested and guessing. One of my favorite books this year!



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Review: Until I Die

Until I Die by Amy Plum

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



First of all I have to start with the cover because it is absolutely gorgeous. I want to leap into it, live in it, and never leave. Love it! Second, I adored this book, it certainly did not disappoint! Kate is amazing, good at getting into trouble, and vigilant in her goals and love for Vincent. And Vincent, Oh Vincent, enough said. Amy Plum created a perfect bridge to the final book of this trilogy. Bravo, Kudos, Simply Wonderful!



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Review: Consume

Consume by Shelly Crane

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Loved this book. I just simply love everything Shelly Crane writes. I sure hope there's a third book - the Horde is hot on their trail.



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Review: What A Boy Wants

What A Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A well written story. "What A Boy Wants" is written from a teenage boy's POV. Sebastian is hot, conceited, and cocky, but most of all he has a big heart and a protective streak a mile wide for his mom and friends, especially Aspen his BFF. This was such a fun read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.



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Wedding Cupcakes

Kasey and Cassy Burnett were married on Monday, May 7 and they asked me to make their Wedding Cupcakes. There were 3 flavors: Chocolate Buttermilk with Purple Buttercream frosting, Lemon Poppyseed with White Lemon Cream Cheese frosting; and White with White Cream Cheese frosting. Yummy!

Review: Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Lovely and Inspiring. I love the "Forget not to be happy now" section. Sometimes we get so bogged down in trying to reach our goals that we forget to be happy in the journey.



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Say What?

My nieces and nephews keep us thoroughly entertained with the funny and crazy things they say. So I've decided to dedicate an entire page to their hilarity. You guys keep me in stitches so I've decided to share some of the funny/crazy things you say.The page is called "Say What?" and I have given each of them an Alias (to protect the not-so-innocent):

Boy Crazy - 17 years old
Sports Girl - 16 years old
Dolphin Girl - 13 years old
Ninja Dude - 12 years old
Bayblade Dude - 8 years old
Rainbow Princess - 7 years old

WATER
Rainbow Princess was jumping on my bed like a trampoline a few nights ago. She got really thirsty from all the jumping and asked for a glass of water. I gave her a large glass of water and she chugged the entire glass! I was laughing at her drinking ability and said, "Wow, you just drank that like a . . . ." she finished my sentence by saying "like an alcoholic?" Okaaay...I was going to say Camel. Where does a 7 year old come up with that?

SHORTS
"Keep track of your shorts. I decided this year I was not going to lose my shorts. But it's only the first game and I've already lost them!"

Sports Girl played 3 socoor games in 24 hours this past weekend. Ninja Dude also had 2 games this weekend. This is what she said in an attempt to impart some sibling advice to her brother.

Review: Point of Retreat

Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Oh my aching heart, be prepared for hardship and heartache. Collen Hoover takes us on another emotional adventure with her sequel to "Slammed". I adore that this book is told from Will's POV, a butterflyingly wonderful way to tell this story. I loved all the "Suck and Sweet" scenes. My suck: This series is done, My Sweet: This series exists!




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Review: Slammed

Slammed by Colleen Hoover

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Totally, Totally Awesome! I adore everything about this book it brought out so many different emotions. Love Will. Love Lake. Love this Book. One of my favorite books this year. You MUST read it.



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Here's the Scoop

My favorite quote today comes from Kami Garcia, author of the Beautiful Creatures novels:

"Books are like Ice Cream. Everyone likes (and hates) different flavors."

Which is so true. I love Pistachio but I don't like Grasshopper. You might like Grasshopper and dislike Oreo. Neither of us is wrong, we just like different things. So goes the way we rate and review books, it's totally subjective. Our like or dislike of a book comes from own personality, our life experiences, attitude and emotions while reading the book, the temperature of the room, did it make me laugh, cry, or want to throw something or some other crazy thing. Books affect each of us differently, at any given time.

So with that in mind and the fact that ice cream is my favorite treat, I've decided to start rating my book reviews with ice cream scoops. Yep, that's right ice creams scoops. Why you ask? because it's FUN.

So, Here's the Scoop:
1 scoop  = Awful

2 scoops = Did not like it

3 scoops = Liked it

4 scoops = Loved it

5 scoops = Devoured it

Happy Reading!

First Blog

This is my very first posting on my very own blog. I know, I know, you're thinking "Michele you are a tech savvy girl what has taken you so long?"  Answer: I don't know!  But I am so excited to get started now! So hop on board this runaway train and take this journey with me. Lets see what new and exciting things happen next.

~ Michele