Cover Reveal: Reached by Ally Condie

Absolutely stunning! This series has the best set of covers I have ever seen! I cannot wit to see it in real life and hold its beauty in my hands!

Review: Glimmer by Phoebe Kitanidis

Book: Glimmer
Author: Phoebe Kitanidis 
Edition: ARC, HarperTeen
Pages: 352
Pub. Date: April 17, 2012
Rating: B


Goodreads
"What if you forgot your identity and had to rely on other people to tell you who you were?

And what if to discover your true self, you first had to unravel a mystery so big and terrifying you were not sure you’d survive solving it?

When Marshall and Elyse wake up in each other’s arms with zero memory of how they got there or who they are, it’s the start of a long journey through their separate pasts and shared future.
Terrified by their amnesia, the two make a pact to work together to find the answers that could jog their missing memories. As they piece together clues, they discover they’re in the idyllic mountain resort town of Summer Falls, where everyone seems mysteriously happy, but as Marshall and Elyse quickly learn, darkness lurks beneath the town’s perfect facade. Not only is the town haunted by sinister ghosts, but none of its living inhabitants retain bad memories of anything—not the death of Marshall’s mom, not the hidden shame in Elyse’s family, not even the day-to-day anguish of high school.
Lonely in this world of happy zombies, Marsh and Elyse fall into an intense relationship...but the secrets they uncover could be the death of this growing love—and the death of everyone, and everything, they love in Summer Falls."
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My Review
When I saw that Phoebe Kitanidis, author of Whisper, had a new book being released I was beyond excited and unfortunately got my hopes really high. Though it is a great story, Glimmer was not at all what I expected. You begin by meeting Elyse and Marshall who have absolutely no idea who they are. Just think of how you would feel waking up, naked, in a place you don’t know with a person you are equally confused about. I think I would be freaking out and running as far and fast as I could. I wouldn’t wait for an explanation. But these characters are obviously a little smarter than I am, because they try and figure out why they are there. And this is where I start to falter about my love for the book: I expected so much more questioning of the situation, which would add to the bigger picture, but Elyse and Marshall practically skip that. They go from “What the hell am I doing here?” to “We are a team, let’s do this” in the matter of moments. I felt as if a giant chunk of the scene was left out. I had to reread the page a couple times before I understood it enough to move on. This is not the only time this happened.

Throughout the book you meet many people and are introduced to different things, but it was as if they were just thrown in without reason. Yes, you read in Elyse and Marshall’s POV and they obviously do not know anyone because they have no memory of them, so they can’t give you a rundown of what is going on. But as soon as they (re)meet everyone and thing, it’s like they never forgot them and instantly go on with it. Many times the feeling as if a chunk was missing, came back.

The characters are okay. Not perfect, not awesome, not horrible, just okay. The first half of the book, I was annoyed with how flat everyone was. No depth, just one straight line. Later on, though, as more interesting twists and turns happen, they grow and you see more of the true Elyse and Marshall. I loved the undeniable connection between them, it was a better quality of the book. They are both strong characters and you root for them to win no matter what.

It took me a while to get into this story. One reason I kept going was because I know Phoebe Kitanidis has a special way with words. She has of gift of quirky-smart-ass without being over the top or trying too hard. With that said, there are a few words and scenes that are not for children. Viewer discretion advised. I did enjoy reading Glimmer, it was a nice ride. I was so thrilled to have a chance to read this story that I feel I might have ruined it for myself.

Glimmer is a very interesting read. Not a favorite, but definitely one I would recommend. There is love, ghosts, witchy magic, and an extremely odd town. If your town ever starts having “heatnaps” and you can’t remember how you ended up where you are, GTFO of there. Don’t wait for the ghosts to eat you alive.

It's December, again. That means... READATHON!

It's that time of the year again, folks! I go back to December all the time... Or at least once a year. And December means the second annual READATHON! Hosted by the wonderful WhoRuBlog, December 2-4 is spent reading and giving. For even more information, please visit this link here.

Just like last year I could not say no when asked to host a mini challenge at Courtney Reads. I am very lucky to be on the long list of awesome giveaways.

This year my challenge is...

What is your favorite holiday dish or dessert?

You may simply just state the dish in a comment below. But if you want to give the details on how to make this fabulous creation, I'm not going to stop you! I may have to try them for myself!

I absolutely adore baking and this time of the year I spend most of my time in the kitchen. I have been craving something peanut butter for a while now and searched everywhere for a peanut butter pie recipe. Last week, I made some and fell in love. I think I actually ate 3 peices yesterday... Oops. :)

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Recipe:

-1 cup powdered sugar

-1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened

-1 cup creamy peanut butter (I used Skippy - Creamy)
-1 (14-ounce) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
-1 12-ounce tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
-2 9-inch graham cracker shells
-chocolate sundae syrup 

Prep:
Combine the first 3 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Add the condensed milk, and beat until combined. Stir in the whipped topping. Divide the mixture evenly between shells; chill 8 hours or until set (pies will have a soft, fluffy texture). Cut into wedges, and drizzle with chocolate syrup.

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Now I bet you are saying "Courtney, what is the prize?!" Well, one randomly chosen commenter will receive a custom made ornament by me, Courtney Rae. I do not have a picture at this moment, the gift is currently drying, but one should be posted by tomorrow morning.

Check out the READATHON fun and participate as much as possible! WhoRuBlog is hosting some amazing giveaways. Remember, if you talk about the READATHON on twitter, use the hashtag #READATHON so we can follow along with you.
Have fun, kids! Happy Holidays! Try the pie! :D

Interview with the lovely Lauren Hammond

1. What is one word that would describe your writing style?

Ohhhh my. This is a tough one! I'd have to say eccentric. It's definitely different. Believe it or not, it took me eight years to find my voice. No looking back now!


2. Out of all of your written creations, which one would you be most excited to see on the big screen?
Ohhhh wow. I'd have to say it would be a toss-up between A Whisper To A Scream and Asphodel. A Whisper To A Scream because I think it would be interesting to see who they'd cast to play Adam. He is pretty devilish after all. And Asphodel because well, I'm Greek Myth junkie! Love it!


3. Would you rather publish your diary or make a movie on your most embarrassing moment?
Publish my diary. Without question.


4. You are asked to star in the show of your choosing (canceled or still on the air), what show would you be in?
The Vampire Diaries. I swear, that show is addictive and it gets better every season!

5. Halloween is my favorite time of the year. I love creative costumes! If you could dress up as anyone or anything, who/what would you be?
Halloween is absolutely my favorite time of year too! I will say that this year I'm going as Marilyn Monroe, but if I could be anyone or anything I'd be Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter. Why? Because she's a lil on the looney side like me and because Harry Potter happens to be one of the best series of all time and she's my favorite character.
"Daddy, look--one of the gnomes actually bit me!" ~ Luna Lovegood


If you're a fan of the dark side, check out my book, A Whisper To A Scream... I promise... It's to die for.



Happy Halloween!


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BLURB: Sometimes love....can be deadly.

Website: www.sbaddisonbooks.com

Blog: www.laurenhammondnovelist.blogspot.com

Twitter: @NovelistLauren

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Ellory Graham detested high school. She relished the fact that she was a rebel. A wild, carefree, type of girl. She basked in the glory of being the type of girl who stood up to authority. Unfortunately for her, her upfront, honest and bitchy nature always managed to land her in some kind of trouble.

Adam Jacobs was everything Ellory was not. Not only was he beautiful, but he was smart, artistic, and sweet. To almost every girl he seemed like the total package- that all around perfect guy. But in a town were nothing particularly interesting happens, and gossip seems like the only fun thing to do, sometimes those perfections become flaws. And it doesn’t take long for Ellory to find out, even Adam has secrets.

But Adam’s secrets, are the kind of secrets people die for...

Where you can purchase.
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords

Review: He Love Me... He Loves You Not by Lauren Hammond

Book: He Loves Me... He Loves You Not... 
Author: Lauren Hammond
Edition: eBook
Pages: 97
Pub. Date: October 18, 2011
Rating: A+







Goodreads
"Riley loves Henry. Henry loves Riley, but he's dating Callie.

Riley Davis is mixed up in an emotional love triangle that she wants out of.
But she can't help the way she feels about Henry Garner. She's obsessed. And she's convinced that her on the sly relationship with Henry is going to end badly.
And Henry has a secret. A secret that could make or break one relationship. But which one will it be? His relationship with Callie? Or his romantic entanglement with Riley?"


My Review

Lately, I have been in a book rut. All I wanted to read was a quick love story, but I had none in my library and no money in my wallet. Seriously, that thing laughed when I opened it. But thanks to my good friend, Lauren Hammond, my appetite was satisfied.


I will forever raise praises for Lauren’s writing. It’s brilliant. And her novella He Loves Me… He Loves You Not… was no exception. If you want to just sit down for a couple hours with a steamy read, listen up! You will fall quickly in love with Henry and wish you were Riley. Those two together… turn up the AC!

Riley is in love and having an affair with school hottie, Henry. Henry also loves Riley, but won’t break up with his long time girlfriend, Callie. It’s one big mess for Riley and she is breaking apart. All she wants to do is scream and shout at Henry that she is absolutely in love with him. But she lets it eat at her; lets him call the shots. She keeps it all a secret, even from her best friend. I got a bit perturbed with Riley at some points. She let a boy get the best of her, but I thought it over and realized that this is what happens. This is the other woman’s side. She truly loves Henry, more than anything. I can relate. If this was me and my boyfriend, I would act the same exact way.

Now, Henry. Oh my my my. He will forever be a favorite of mine. In the beginning you see him as a jerk that has to be using this poor girl and playing with her emotions. As you read, you learn things about him and you open your heart. It makes you want a risky, forbidden romance. It’s hot.

HLMHLYN is a quick, easy read. Grab a glass of sweet tea, curl up in your favorite chair, and shush anyone that comes near. You’ll be very happy.

This novella is pretty steamy, so I will give a rating of PG-13. Mature audience. Use your own judgment. I love HLMHLYN. I love Lauren Hammond. Check out everything she ever touches!


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All while reading, this song played in my head. Enjoy.

Review: A Season of Eden by J.M. Warwick

Book: A Season of Eden
Author: J.M. Warwick
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 248
Pub. Date: October 20, 2008
Rating: A



Goodreads
"He's my teacher. I shouldn't be alone with him. But I can't help that he's irresistible.


I let the door silently close at my back. He stared at me, and a taut quiet stretched between us. "I like hearing you play," I said, moving toward him. He turned, in sync with my slow approach. He looked up at me but didn't say anything. I rested my clammy hand on the cold, slick body of the baby grand. "May I?" The muscles in his throat shifted, then he swallowed. "Eden." My knees weakened, like a soft tickling kiss had just been blown against the backs of them. "Is it okay?" I asked. His gaze held mine like two hands joined. He understood what I was really asking. "Let me stay," I said. "Please." "You're going to get me in trouble," he said."


My Review
I am a very big fan of this author. All her other stories have captivated me to no end. I knew this would be no different. Jennifer Laurens is a magical being from a magical story telling land, I am sure of it. The only reason it took me so long to get it was because I never wanted to spend the ridic shipping charges! I should have just dealt with it and then it could have been all mine faster!
 
If you like somewhat darker tales, this is right up your alley. Just the way it is told, it seems so dark and intimate. It's almost like it is you and you hold all the secrets, but you are learning them all for the first time.
Please note that the idea is mature. Don't let that throw you, though. It is pulled off in a very tasteful way.
You know exactly what Eden's main goal is from the beginning, but you don't always know what she wants. She is a very unique girl. At some points I found myself wanting to slap her and say "Wake up! Realize you are in way over your head." Since I can't do that, though, she is always getting into something. Which I do have to say, makes for a very fun and eventful read.
You have a wide variety of characters that all have their own idea about how you should be enjoying life. That is one thing I always look forward to in Jennifer's novels. You never have the same character twice in within the read.
The writing has formal moments, but otherwise you can definitely relate to the speaker. I could see myself doing or saying things that go on. Maybe not hit on my teacher, but you know what I mean.
As you read, you flow right with the words and you believe everything that is said. I find that a major factor while reading. If I can hook onto the storyline and it allows me to think it is my own thoughts, that is a good read.
This is the type of book perfect for a fall day, maybe add in some rain and a mug of hot coco. Just hide away, curled up in a blanket, and dive in.
But don't read too fast! The end will show up out of no where and you will be left wanting a heck of a lot more!

Where I plead my case with a sad excuse...

"Hey, guys!"

I'm alive!!! Yes I am! No need to call in a missing persons report. I've just been so busy.

Like, a boyfriend, and I turned 18, and college! It's all happening for me... Kind of. Well, it's starting. 

Also, I have been on nonstop Buffy The Vampire Slayer watch. Right now I'm season 5 episode 1. Needless to say, I'M ADDICTED!

I have stayed on my reading schedule, as in if I have a book in my vicinity, I'm reading it. And I really miss blogging, a lot. I want to come back, slowly. I will try and find time to get back on twitter and get back to writing reviews and staying on book watch. But I will need help! Please... :)

Right now I am reading Famished by Lauren Hammond. I love it and can't wait to review it for all of you. 

I won't abandon you anymore, my loves!