A Thousand Letters by Staci Hart

My edition: Kindle
Pages:338
Standalone
Genre: NA, Romance, Glass Case of Emotion
Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis:

Sometimes your life is split by a sing decision.

I’ve spent every day of the last seven years regretting mine: he left, and I didn’t follow. A thousand letters went unanswered, my words like petals in the wind, spinning away into nothing, taking me with them.

But now he’s back.

I barely recognize the man he’s become, but I can still see a glimmer of the boy who asked me to be his forever, the boy I walked away from when I was young and afraid.

Maybe if he’d come home under better circumstances, he could speak to me without anger in his voice. Maybe if I’d said yes all those years ago, he’d look at me without the weight of rejection in his eyes. Maybe if things were different, we would have had a chance.

One regretted decision sent him away. One painful journey brought him back to me. I only wish I could keep him.

Review:

There’s a happy ending. I promise. It just takes the entire book to get there.

I think this is the first book I have ever cried through. It started sad but luckily it didn’t end sad.

Even though this book was sad. It was heart crushing, gut wrenching, and I couldn’t put it down for the end of the world. I loved the story. I don’t have words to describe it. For once a book has rendered me utterly speechless.

I never once hated the heroine or the hero, even though the hero has done somethings that were making me want to throw things at him. I loved these two. Battling grief from a close person who has cancer and is dying while battling the grief of losing each other before felt real.

Oh did I mention that this is a second chance romance. The book actually doesn’t have much romance in it. Not till the end. I’m emotionally drained but I don’t care. That ending was worth the tears.

Top 5 Celebrity Crushes

We all have them. A celebrity we think is drop dead gorgeous and a total day dream. I tend to use my celebrity crushes in my books. I can’t help but picture them. Here are the top 5 I use in my books.

5. Tom Hardy

5’9″
Actor
Favorite movie with him: Warrior

I have had a crush on Hardy for a while. When reading Dear John by Nicholas Sparks he was the one I pictured even though Channing Tatum was casted.

4. JJ Watt

6’5″
Football player
Appears in Bad Moms as a soccer coach.

When I have a big burly man I’m reading about I can’t help but picture the Texan Defense player. I use him and #3 in many of my football books.

3. TJ Watt

6’5″
Football player
Rookie in NFL this year (Loved when he played for Wisconsin)

Even though he is younger I think he is better looking than his brother. Plus he is just so adorable.

2. Ryan Blaney

5’7″
NASCAR Driver
Pod Cast Glass Case of Emotion

NASCAR driver and Star Wars nerd. He is Major Adorable. Don’t believe me? Look at the picture.

1 Chase Elliott

5’10”
NASCAR Driver
Surprisingly only 21.

Now this man is gorgeous. Total dream boat.

That is it for my top 5 celebrities. Who is your top 5?

 

Looking Forward: November 2017

I’ve decided that I am not going to read as much in November. Reason is I have some personal things going on in November and I don’t want to plan a bunch of books and not be able to get to them. Unfortunately this also means I won’t reach my yearly goal of 300 books this year. It was a big goal for me and I have read 168 books as of right now.

Planning books:

I have a few kinds of books I want to read but haven’t found a book on the certain subject.

Book 1: drawing techniques.

I want to get better at drawing and so I thought why not get a book on bettering one’s self. I may have found one but I haven’t decided if I want it just yet.

Book 2: Racing.

I am starting to follow NASCAR more and more thanks to Wy. NASCAR is almost finished for the year so I want to read a book that involves racing. Doesn’t have to be NASCAR.

Planned books:

Book 1: Born of Water by A.L. Knorr

I have this and another book listed on Goodreads as currently reading but I haven’t started them yet.

Book 2: Scala by Christina Baur

This is the other book I have marked.

Book 3: Kingpin by Alexa Riley

Book 4: Kicked by Celia Aaron

Book 5: A Strange Hymn by Laura Thalassa

Challenges:

There will be none for this month. I am planning for next month and will put them in the next looking forward.

Extras:

As stated earlier I am getting back into drawing again. I am trying to get better at it. Also I’ll be busy on Sundays since it is race day. To finish October off I will be reading short stories.

Have a great Halloween!!!

Dracula by Bram Stoker

My edition: Owned (Paperback)
Pages:461
Stand-Alone
Genre: Horror, Vampire
Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis:

Introduction and notes by Brooke Allen

The best-known figure of seductive evil in Western literature, bloodthirsty Count Dracula has inspired countless movies, books, and plays, but few, if any have been fully faithful to Bram Stoker’s original best-selling novel of mystery and horror, love and death, sin and redemption.

Written in the form of letters and diary entries, Dracula chronicles the vampire’s journey from his Transylvanian castle to the nighttime streets of London. There he searches for the blood he needs to stay alive-the blood of strong men and beautiful women- while his enemies plot to rid the world of his frightful power.

Though Dracula’s undertones of dark sexuality have always been of interest to readers of the novel, today’s critics see it as a virtual textbook on Victorian repression of the erotic and fear of female sexuality. In Dracula, Stoker created a new word for terror, a new myth to feed our nightmares, and a character who will undoubtedly outlive us all.

Review:

Finally, I have made it to one of my longest to be read books. Dracula along with Frankenstein have been on my reading list since I can remember. My first meeting with Dracula was in the year of 1998 when I watch along side my father Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. Our dear friend of the night was played by none other Bela Lugosi. This was the Dracula I grew up with till 2008 when my mother bought Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) starring Gary Oldman and Wilnona Ryder.

While watching this whole new version of Dracula, I was also being introduced to more of the vampire world. My mother, who is a huge Anne Rice fan, was allowing me to watch the movie adaption of Interview with the Vampire and Queen of the Damned. Lost Boys can be counted on the list of movies I was being allowed to watch finally. Take this and the books I was allowed to buy with my allowance money (Vampire Kisses, Vampire Diaries, etc) I entered the vampire world. Along with my introduction to this new world during school I was learning about the real Dracula, Vlad III or better known as Vlad the Impaler. Thus Dracula was added to my list. My mother didn’t allow me to read it just yet, seeing as to the subjects Dracula addresses. She thought I need to wait at least till senior year of high school.

It is now five years after graduating high school that I have picked this up. I’m glad my mother told me to wait. Considering the role women play, I would not have full grasped such a matter when I was younger. Thinking back I am glad to wait till now for I don’t think even I would have grasped the attitude of this book during my senior year, for I was still very naive in certain subjects. Hey there was a time when this brain didn’t get to touch an erotica. Dracula told through series of diaries, letters, telegrams, and news paper clippings we follow a gang of characters.

The beginning took a little long for me. While the Count had my utmost attention, Johnathon did not. I thought he was a bit of a dry character. Now other times, such as the newspaper clipping of the Demeter coming into port during a horrible storm, dragged on. At times the book is amazing and I can’t put it down and then there are such times that I wanted to skip certain entries but knew I couldn’t for I would miss something.

As reading this though I think back to the 1992 adaption and not liking it as much as I have in the past. Granted most Dracula movies haven’t done this book justice. There is one movie that I haven’t scene that was the start of it all. Nosferatu. Granted it is not named Dracula but is said to be based off of the novel just with a different name. It is one of my top lists to find and watch.

I hated that it took me a long time to finish this novel. I wasn’t in the mood to read a classic. I set it aside because I didn’t want to rate this book when I was not in a mood for it. I am glad I waited till I was in the mood again. I thoroughly enjoyed the tale of Dracula. It is probably going to be a favorite.

Angelbound by Christina Bauer

My edition: Kindle Unlimited
Pages:525
Series: Angelbound Origins #1
Genre:: Fantasy, Paranormal, Angels, YA, Demons
Rating: 5 star

Synopsis:

Eighteen year old Myla Lewis is a girl who loves two things: kicking ass and kicking ass. She’s not your every day quasi demon, half- demon and half-human, girl. For the past five years, Myla has lived for the days she gets to fight in Purgatory’s arena. When souls want a trial by combat for their right to enter heaven or hell, they go up against her, and she hasn’t lost a battle yet.

But as she starts her senior year at Purgatory High, the arena fights aren’t enough to keep her spirits up anymore. When the demons start to act weird, even for demons and the King of Demons, Armageddon, shows up at Myla’s school she knows that things are changing and it’s not looking good for the quasi-demons. Myla starts to question everything, and doesn’t like the answers she finds. What happened seventeen years ago that turned the quasi-demons into slave labor? Why was her mom always so sad? And why won’t anyone tell her who her father is?

Things heat up when Myla meets Lincoln, the High Prince of the Thrax, a super sexy half-human and half-angel demon hunter. But what’s a quasi-demon girl to do when she falls for a demon hunter? It’s a food thing that Myla’s not afraid of breaking a few ruls. With a love worth fighting for, Myla’s going to shake up Purgatory.

Next in Series: Scala

Review:

Okay where do I start. I love this. We have a badass heroine, a hero who lets her be said badass and loves her for it and an awesome world.

There wasn’t a thing I didn’t like about this book. For those close to me will tell you I love stuff like this. Angels, demons, anything supernatural. Total up my alley.

Story is set in Purgatory, which is described as mundane. The kind of bland that is Halloweentown during the Gray Spell. (Yeah I just showed my age, what you going to do about it?) Myla is part Furor demon and part human. She fights in the arena to send souls to hell. Her mother hates this. All Myla wants to do is fight and find out who her dad is, but unfortunately her mother won’t tell her. Then she meets Lincoln.

I love Lincoln. At first him and Myla are a enemies to friends then friends to lovers. I was so goo goo eyed. They are so adorable. Lincoln doesn’t hold Myla back. He sees her as a warrior and respects it. Totally awesome.

The world building and character building had me captured. I couldn’t put it down for a minute. I did guess a big important twist before it happened but I’m not even going to take a half star for that.

I don’t know why it took me forever to pick up this book. Another series that I more than likely reread.

Top 10 Things I wish Authors would put in Books More

Okay so I was thinking to myself last night that I haven’t done a top 10 in a long time. Well guess that means it’s time to start this up again. What’s a better way of getting back into the grove than the things I wish authors would put in their books. Now some of these may be in books but I haven’t read those yet.

10. heroines that are under 5′

Most books I read the heroine is 5’2 or taller. I am exactly 5′. I have to climb on to counter tops to reach the second to top shelf. If I want to reach the top shelf I have to full stand on said counter. I want to read those struggles. And of course instead of the hero helping the h he laughs at her. Why? Because that is what happens at my house. That’s why.

9. Bigger boobs

Another genetic problem I have. The dreaded DDs. Yeah that’s right, I’m a Dasiy Duke. I hate how heroines complain about having small boobs. Oh boo hoo. You know what you get with big boobs that you don’t get with small boobs? Back pain. Boobs getting in the way of everything. Not finding the right size shirt because while your waist is tiny you boobs aren’t and you look like a mutant or anime. Oh let’s not mention the cost of bras because Wal Mart and Target don’t carry your size and you have to go to expensive places such as Victoria Secret.

8. Cuddle scenes

I want more cuddle scenes! Yes I love my sex scenes but I want a more intimate moment.  Or a little more realistic scene such as watching tv and sitting at opposite ends of the couch with feet meeting in the middle. The part where they play awkward footsie tag till they get their legs situated and his foot is damn near kicking her crouch because he has longer legs and her’s legs meet his knee caps because hello short.

7. Periods

I know, gross, but it’s a very natural occurrence that doesn’t pop up in books. How about the heroine gets her period with hero while on a date and have to be embarrassed? I know I’ve done that before. Or started period at work and the day ends up crap so heroine goes home to a jar of peanut butter?

6. Pigging out

Heroines getting her grub on. I need a heroine that she wants to be alone with a book and junk food. Not all of us are eating healthy or health nuts who watch ever intake. Some of us get our grub on and I would like to see that more.

5.Day to Day activities

What I mean by this is a normal routine. I know reading about a morning routine is boring but I wouldn’t mind knowing the character at least brushed their teeth. Or forget their book while going to the bathroom and now has to read the back of a shampoo bottle. Or even run out of toilet paper.

4. Beyond quirk attitude

I tend not to have many friends because people don’t get my humor or don’t know that I am joking 99% of the time. I also have a tendency to say jokes at the wrong time. Wouldn’t be so bad to have a heroine like that. Just saying.

3. Realistic sex scenes for virgins

I’m really tired of reading virgins taking their first time like a champ. No. sex for the first time is awkward and painful for a girl. Even if it is with someone you love it still hurts. And enough of said virgins never giving bjs before suddenly can win an Olympic gold medal in the act. No that doesn’t happen. I’ve read one book where the hero coaches what to do and what he likes and I loved it.

2. Realistic Peanies

Come on authors not all men walk around hung like a horse. Just saying. I want the hero that looks at the heroine and say I’m not big. I’m not the greatest, but you will walk away pleased. Or some bull hockey like that.

1. Heroes talking about books with heroines

Hello, we are bookworms. We need at least one guy on our book boyfriend list that reads and loves talking about books.

 

Is this to much to ask for? What’s something you wish authors would put in their books?

October Currently

Hey yall,

How is it going in your part of the world? I have several things to talk about today so let’s get to it. This is my first ever doing this. It is a new deal I will be having on here. I will have a month’s Looking foward, Currently and Wrap up. I do this at home to help plan books so I thought why not put it up on the blog.

1. Challenges
2. Books I’m reading
3. Daily life
4. What’s next

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Challenges

I haven’t done as many challenges as I did last year. I am doing one on goodreads but on here I’m not going to do one on here until December. I don’t have much time to plan one for November but I can get started on one for December.

So far the planning is either a scavenger hunt or find books with covers related to certain items to the holidays in December.

Already thinking about Christmas when Halloween hasn’t happened yet. The travesty! 

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Books I Am Reading

For most of October I have been reading two different series that mesh together. Once Upon a Darkened Night and Darkened Night: History. I have taken a slight break from these series to read a few books that have been on my TBR list and KU for a long time.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley- I am currently on page 58.

Angelbound by Christina Bauer- Just got on to chapter 4 yesterday.

Dracula by Bram Stroker- I am currently on page 149.

I am hoping to finish Dracula and Frankenstein. They have been on my TBR list the longest. My thoughts so far is that Angelbound is the only one that has truly captured my attention.

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Daily Life/ Planning for Halloween

I’m still at work at an RV store. Wy and I are planning our Halloween costumes. I will be Lady Liberty while he will be Uncle Sam. We are super excited to do this. Halloween is my favorite time of year.

I have been reading but I have also been drawing again. I have a project I am working on to help better my drawing ability. Angels and Demons through the zodiac. I have been posting pictures on to instagram and snapchat accounts.

I have also been writing again. I have one book in the works and another book that I have begun researching. I am hoping to publish my very first book in the next year.

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What’s Next

As I’ve said before I won’t have a challenge for next month but I do plan to continue on with the all of the series I have been reading this month. I have pulled out my selections of what standalones I will be picking through to read. I hope to have that done next week and have November’s look ahead up and going.

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Hope everyone has a great rest of October. Happy Halloween!

The Cost of Dominance by Nicole Zoltack

My edition: Kindle Unlimited
Series: Darkened Nights: History book 8
Genre: Fairy tale retelling, YA
Rating: 3 stars

Synopsis:

This is the tale of an ordinary boy who grows up to become the magical man with the ability to spin straw into gold.

Review:

This was good. It makes me feel sorry for Rhysard. The story mostly follows him when he is five, then when he is seven and eleven. I think this was the shortest of this novella series. But now that I have read it, certain things are starting to make sense that didn’t in the book Of Gold and Deceit.

Of Gold and Deceit by Nicole Zoltack

My edition: Kindle Unlimited
Pages:135
Series: Once Upon a Darkened Night book 5
Genre: Fairy tale retelling, YA
Rating: 3 stars

Synopsis:

The king is a terrible, vile man. Cruelty and hatred are his only allies. Rich beyond measure, none dare to defy him, not even the miller’s daughter here in the royal spinning room with me.

She is as delightful as he is detestable, as beautiful as he is boring, and as charming as he is critical.

Her blond hair gives me hope for a brighter tomorrow, and if my magic and I can keep her safe, then I will. Yes, magic can come with a terrible price. Yes, she may not know my given name. Yes, she will not appreciate what I will demand from her.

Some might call me an imp, but what am I is powerful. I may not be king, but I have worth and my own interests.

This tale of a magical man with the ability to spin straw into gold is unlike any other version you’ve read before.

Review:

Rumpelstiltskin… this is one of the stories I do not know the original to but do know many retellings.

Our story starts off five years after Snow White has been defeated. King Kraft now rules over Saxonia. While our hero is in love with our heroine he has to make a deal in order for his magic to work.

Just like in the other books we bounce back and forth between past and present. I don’t know if I am a fan of this fairy tale. I think I might just have to read the original so I can get a better grip on it. This one didn’t seem as dark as the first four in the series. Still a good read it just wasn’t as great as the others.

 

Of Bones and Ashes by Nicole Zoltack

My edition: Kindle unlimited.
Pages: 102
Series: Once Upon a Darkened Night book 4
Genre: Fairy tale Retelling, YA
Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis:

You’ve head the story. Skin white as snow. Lips red as blood. Hair black as ebony. A real beauty, right? Good and kind and all that.

Lies. Every one.

Well, her skin is white but more like bones than snow. And her lips are red as blood, but her hair is black as sin.

In truth, not a beauty but a terror in the night and during the sunlit hours too.

Horrible and vicious. Terrible and frightening. Powerful and detestable.

You know her as Snow White.

I know her as the harbinger of my death.

This bone-chilling retelling returns a beloved fairy tale to its classic, dark roots.

Review:

Snow White is evil. The evil stepmother is really good.

I love that Zoltack is spinning the stories we grew up knowing into a twisted dark tale. While I did want to be Belle there were times I would rather have been the villain than a princess. Maleficent being an example. I always did love her.

While the rest of the world calls her Snow White the stepmother calls her Bone Ash. Bone Ash is a monster. Her mother was a witch and cast a spell to make her look a certain way. She also created a monster.

I don’t really know what to say on this one. It was good. I am just at a lack of words. Mostly because everything I want to talk about in my review will spoil the story.  I’ll just say you won’t look at Snow White the same anymore?