Tuesday, December 31, 2013

The Earl's Christmas Colt by Rebecca Thomas Review

The Earl’s Christmas Colt
By Rebecca Thomas
Publication Date: December 30, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-62266-439-9
Reviewed from: eARC provided by Publisher—Thank You Entangled Publishing!





2014 TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Hosted at Bookish

I am sitting here in my office and I have noticed that I have certainly managed to accumulated quite a few books during 2013--both physical and eBooks. So this challenge is just the incentive I need to get moving on getting these books read during 2014. 

Details:

Link ups will be posted at Bookish on the 20th of each month, and will feature an unique theme, mini-challenge, giveaway and more! 

2014 Book Bingo Reading Challenge


So I am bound and determine to complete the 2014 Bingo Challenge hosted by Kristilyn from Reading in Winter and Anne from Creativity's Corner. 

They have made some changes to the challenge and I am really looking forward to going for a blackout. 

End of the Year Book Survey Responses

One of my favorite blogs to read is The Perpetual Page Turner. Are you familiar with Jamie's blog? She is also one of the fabulous co-bloggers of The Broke and The Bookish--the blog that brings the ever popular Top Ten Tuesday.

This is my first year being able to participate in Jamie's end of the year survey. This is my first foray into posting a summary of my year--and what a crazy year this has been!

Monday, December 30, 2013

2014 Standalone Reading Challenge

2014 Standalone Reading Challenge
Hosted by Hafash from Icey Books and Lisa from Dizneeee's World of Books

The Details:

The lovely SAC hosts have challenged us to read 15 MG or YA books published in 2014. I personally love standalone titles as much as series. They can get lost in the shuffle of all the series and duos so this challenge is perfect reason to keep up with all those fabulous standalone books being published in 2014.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

2014 Prequel & Sequel Challenge


I have a whole lot of series that I have been wanting to read and needing to finish. I am using the Prequels and Sequels Reading Challenge as the encouragement to tackle that ever growing niche on my massive TBR to make 2014 the year to carve out the time to make that happen. 

Saturday, December 28, 2013

"The President Has Been Shot" by James Swanson Review

The President Has Been Shot
By James Swanson
ISBN: 9780545490078
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Reviewed from: copy provided by publisher--Thank you Scholastic!!

Purchase Notes:
  • I have purchased a copy for my library's collection 



2014 Rewind Challenge


It happens to all us book addicts, I mean fans--we are constantly on the lookout for great reads. I am personally surrounded by books on a daily basis--call it an occupational hazard if you want but, it is heaven on earth personally that I get to connect readers with books as a librarian on a daily basis. BUT truth be told, it wrecks havoc on my TBR list. LOL 

Bout of Books 9.0

Bout of Books

It is that time again! Bout of Books is having one their read-a-thons. I am really looking forward to digging in and tackling my ever growing TBR list and getting the year off to a great start.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Feature & Follow: Holiday Book Haul


Feature & Follow is put on by the lovely from Parajunkee & Alison Can Read and in order to participate, you must follow them, answer their prompt and link up to their linky. What also sets this apart is we also hop around discovering new blogs to follow as well. So if you are new to Love. Life. Read--welcome!! Follow with me by subscribing via Bloglovin', Feedly (or other RSS feed reader of your choice) or email. You can also join me on Twitter, Pinterst and Instagram for even more fun. :-)

Meet Samantha Sutton!! Character Interview

Here at Love. Life. Read. today I am thrilled to be hosting Samantha Sutton. We first meet her in Samantha Sutton and the Labyrinth of Lies, an archaeological action adventure mystery set in South America. She is back in Samantha Sutton and the Winter of the Warrior Queen. This time we are off with her to England—a dream location of mine!

Welcome Samantha! 

You dream of being an archaeologist. Can you tell my readers what has drawn you to this career path?

My uncle Jay is an archaeology professor at a university a couple hours from my house. Sometimes, on weekends, my parents drop me off at his office and he tells me stories about his excavations. He especially likes to tell me about all the adventures he’s had--like the accidents he's gotten into, or the trouble he's had with looters or wild animals. But I’m much more interested in his research. Archaeology is like a puzzle, and I low hearing about how he puts all the pieces together to figure out how people in the past used to live.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Incarnate Read-a-Thon

I am so excited to be starting the new year off with the Incarnate Read-a-Thon!!



Hosted by Kat from A Backwards Story and Alexa from Alexa Loves Books AND they will be working with the lovely Jodi Meadows and Epic Reads to bring an amazing Read-a-Thon. What are you waiting for? Join us!!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Dreamy December Days Read-a-Thon Day 6 Updates

For more about Dreamy December Days, click on the banner. 


Dreamy December Days Participation Post Update for Day 6:

Yesterday was a crazy day (as the whole week as seemed to be). I had to work yesterday and last night was a huge event for the city. So I continued to listen to my audiobook, Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell which I am really enjoying. 

Today's plan is to knock out The Queen's Choice and to participate in the Twitter chat later this evening with Francine. Will you be able to join us?

Friday, December 6, 2013

Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally Review

Racing Savannah
By Miranda Kenneally

Publication Date: December 3, 2013
ISBN: 9781402284762

Reviewed from: an ARC provided by Sourcebooks Fire—Thank You!! 

Purchase Notes:
  • I purchased a copy for myself
  • I purchased a copy for my library's collection



Story Synopsis from GoodReads:

They’re from two different worlds.

He lives in the estate house, and she spends most of her time in the stables helping her father train horses. In fact, Savannah has always been much more comfortable around horses than boys. Especially boys like Jack Goodwin—cocky, popular and completely out of her league. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries.

With her dream of becoming a horse jockey, Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules either. She’s not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack…

Dreamy December Days Read-a-Thon Day 5 Update


For on Dreamy December Days, click on the banner above. :-)

Dreamy December Days Participation Post #5:

Today I did not get much physical reading done today. :( So sad!! I really dislike days like this when my schedule does not permit me much in the way of reading time. 

I did start Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell yesterday as an audiobook, maximizing my time as I drove to and from work. I am loving it so far! I am three chapters into it. 

So I am working on two books right now:  
 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Dreamy December Days Read-a-Thon Day 4 Updates!

To learn more about Dreamy December Days, click on the banner above

Dreamy December Day 4 Participation Post Update:

Well today has not gone near as well as I hoped. I was able to chat with Francine for a bit on Twitter during the Twitter Chat so YAY for that. :-D BUT I have not gotten much read at all. My work meeting and errands too much longer than anticipated. Then this evening, we started to decorate our home for the holidays. Here's hoping I get more done tomorrow. :-)

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Dreamy December Days--Participation and Challenge Updates!

To Learn more about Dream December Days, click on the banner

Dreamy December Day Three Participation Update:


 


Celebrating FOOLISH GAMES by Tracy Solheim--Happy Release Day Tracy!!

Keep reading for your chance to learn more about Foolish Games, Tracy and how to win a $25 Amazon gift card!!



About Foolish Games:


SOMETIMES THE BEST DEFENSE IS A STRONG OFFENSE….

Bridal gown designer, Julianne Marchione knows better than to lose her head at a client’s wedding. But much to her embarrassment, a mix of migraine medication and a smoking hot football player lead to a steamy one night stand resulting in a surprise pregnancy. Julianne has every intention of leaving her NFL hookup far in the past until her son, Owen, is born with a life-threatening blood disorder that requires a transfusion—and Julianne is not a match.

Will “William the Conqueror” Connelly grew up tough shouldering the stigma of being a bastard child born on the wrong side of the tracks. He refuses to let any child face the same discrimination. When he finds out about Owen, he’s furious that Julianne kept his son a secret. But when he sees her again at the hospital, he realizes that his feelings for her go far beyond anger.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Dreamy December Days Read-a-Thon Updates 1 & 2


Dreamy December Day One Participation Post #1: Goals and Expectations

This is a busy week at work but I am hoping I can use this read-a-thon as enticement to keep up on my reading for enjoyment during this busy time of year as well. I have many books piled high on bookshelves staring longingly waiting to be picked up to be read. With this in mind, here is what my tentative goals and expectations are:

  • Read 2 to 3 books this week
  • Write notes about the books I do read (for those I intend on reviewing)
  • Write 2 to 3 reviews on books I have waiting to be finished up

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Top Ten Things I am Thankful For

Put on by the delightful bloggers at The Broke and The Bookish, join us as we list our Top Ten somethings each Tuesday.



This is the time of year we all reflect on what we are grateful for and upon what has happened in the last year. While the last several months have not gone as smoothly as I would have hoped and wished, I am still aware I have so many blessings in my life.

Other than the first thing on my list, I decided to keep these things with a bookish bent for the fun and challenge of it.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Racing Savannah Pre-Order Special

The amazing folks from Sourcebooks has a fabulous deal for those of us who are fans of Miranda Kenneally.

From Sourcebooks....

They’re from two different worlds, but Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules. . . get the next contemporary novel from blockbuster YA novelist Miranda Kenneally: RACING SAVANNAH! Right before her senior year, Savannah’s father whisks the family off to Tennessee to work as head groom at fancy Cedar Hill Farms. Savannah finally sees it as the perfect opportunity to earn extra money as an exercise rider—no matter how many others don’t want a girl around the barn. But she’s also caught the eye of Jack Goodwin, the owner’s son. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries. With her dream of becoming a jockey, Savannah is not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack. 


We’ve put together a fun campaign to thank readers for pre-ordering: send us your proof of pre-order and we’ll send you this fabulous horseshoe key chain! 

Monday, November 18, 2013

Dreamy December Days Read-a-thon


So while I am trying to get back in the semblance of a routine again here at Love.Life.Read, I thought I would take the time to participate in Dreamy December Days hosted by the lovely Francine of Always Lost in Books and Farzy of Books Keep Me Sane (me too Farzy). 

This is my sign up post declaring my intent on participating. If you are not familiar with it and a want to learn more about it, I encourage you to check out their highly informative FAQ page

It is happening December 1 through December 7--care to join us?? 


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Sunday, November 17, 2013

Taking a breather...


You may have noticed the crickets here at Love.Life.Read--things have been rather hectic in real life and things here have needed to take a back seat for the time being. I will be back when I can and I hope that when I am able, you might join me again. Until then...

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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Definitely, Maybe in Love by Ophelia London

Definitely, Maybe in Love
By Ophelia London
ISBN: 9781622661831
Publication Date: October 28, 2013
Reviewed from: a copy provided by Entangled & Macmillian--thank you! I have since purchased a copy. :)
Blogger note: this book is on sale for $0.99--a steal!! Be sure to check out Amazon, Barnes & Noble or other eBook vendors.




Monday, October 28, 2013

Author Interview: Jocelyn Davies

Today's featured author is Jocelyn Davies--the author of the trilogy A Beautiful Darkness--another series on my TBR list. :-) Here is a trailer for the first book:



To connect with Ms. Davies, be sure to visit her website or follower her on Twitter


Sunday, October 27, 2013

Author Interview: Lisa McMann

Wow, where has this year gone?! It is almost November so that means YALLFEST is creeping up on us quickly! It is on Saturday, November 9th and be sure to check out their website and Twitter to get more information.


Today's author is Lisa McMann. My experience with Ms. McMann's writing is through her Wake trilogy but she has so many other books to her credit. Find out about them by visiting her website and be sure to follow her on Twitter. Her newest title out is Bang, the second book in her Visions series. Here is how she had to answer our questions:

Q1: What one thing do you need to have when you write?

Silence.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Series Review: Abandon Trilogy by Meg Cabot

Series: Abandon
By Meg Cabot

Reviewed from: copies from my library
Titles in the Series:


  


1) Abandon—ISBN: 978545284103; Publication date: April 26, 2011

2) Underworld—ISBN: 978545284110; Publication date: May 8, 2012
3) Awaken—ISBN: 9780545284127; Publication date: July 2, 2013



Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Author Interview: Michelle Hodkin

Wow, where has this year gone?! It is almost November so that means YALLFEST is creeping up on us quickly! It is on Saturday, November 9th and be sure to check out their website and Twitter to get more information.

I am thrilled today is the interview with Michelle Hodkin. Her Mara Dyer series has been on my TBR list for so long. I truly need to bump it up! I had great time exploring Ms. Hodkin's website and her fabulous Tumblr blog.  Without further ado, here is how she answered the questions:


Sunday, October 20, 2013

New Feature: Series Reviews

New Feature here at Love. Life. Read: Series Reviews


This has come as a by-product of needing a bit of balance within my life. I love reading series and will run through them quickly if they are fully published (or mostly) but I find that I read them rather fast. I do not necessarily read and take notes about each book, finding the time to go back and review each title has become a bit cumbersome. Thus, my stack of books to be reviewed has gotten large. With this in mind, I decided I am going to start a new feature here: Series Reviews.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Broken by CJ Lyons Blog Tour Stop!

Broken
By CJ Lyons
ISBN: 9781402285455
Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Reviewed from: an ARC provided by Sourcebooks Fire--thank you so much!




Friday, October 11, 2013

Author Interview: Lisi Harrison



It is hard to believe that it is less than one month to go until YALLFEST. Where has this year gone? For more information regarding about it, be sure to check out their website and on Twitter too. If you can get yourself to Charleston on Saturday, November 9th, it is sure to be an event not to be missed! 

Fans of the Clique and Alphas series will recognize this next author--Lisi Harrison! Be sure to check out her website for more information about her and her books. :-)




Thursday, October 10, 2013

Author Interview: Shannon Hale


For more information regarding YALLFest, be sure to check out their website. If you can get yourself to Charleston on Saturday, November 9th, it is sure to be an event not to be missed! Be sure to check out YALLFEST for more information and be sure to follow them on Twitter too!

Today's interview is with the amazing Shannon Hale. Be sure to check out her website for more information about her books, her blog and much more! 



Friday, October 4, 2013

Author Interview: Melissa De La Cruz



For more information regarding YALLFest, be sure to check out their website. If you can get yourself to Charleston on Saturday, November 9th, it is sure to be an event not to be missed!

Today I am beyond thrilled that Melissa De La Cruz is our featured author! Taking a look at her GoodReads page, you can see she has some amazing books in her repertoire. She also has a fantastic website filled with information about her books (of course) but also writing tips and information for student reports.

One of her books is also being turned into a Lifetime television series--Witches of East End. I am looking forward to watching it on my day off next--my DVR is set to record it. How about yours? Her latest book, Frozen, hit shelves last month and it is the first in her newest series. Have you read it yet? I know it is on my TBR pile at home. :-)