Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Source: BEA / Netgalley

Publication Date: 22 Nov 2011

Series or Standalone: Standalone

ISBN: 0373210248

Format: ebook

Pages: 336

Websites:

Hannah Harrington - Official Site

Hannah Harrington - Blog

Hannah Harrington - Twitter

Place(s) Traveled to: Grand Lake, Michigan // White Haven, Michigan // Chicago, Illinois // St. Louis, Missouri // Oklahoma // Texas // Santa Fe, New Mexico // Flagstaff, Arizona // Huntington Beach, California // Sauscilito, California

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First Line: According to the puppy-of-the-month calendar hanging next to the phone in the kitchen, my sister June died on a Thursday, exactly nine days before her high school graduation.

When I picked up Saving June by Hannah Harrington at BEA I hadn't heard much about it and I am a bit ashamed to admit that when I unpacked it on my shelf I forgot about it. I just have so many books that it was overlooked when I looking for my next read. But recently I started to heard more about it on Twitter, especially from Sarah, and it quickly became a book that I had to read. Fortunately it was available on Netgalley so I didn't have to waste time walking over to my bookshelf when I decided that this weekend was when I should read it.

Once I started Saving June I was unable to put it down. Hannah Harrington just sucked me in from the very first page and I couldn't stop turning until I hit the end. I became lost in the struggles of Harper and her friend Laney as they each dealt with the problems that they were facing. And Jake, wow, does Harrington know how to create a male lead that readers will love. And the very best part of this book...it involves a ROAD TRIP! I adore road trips and while this one was for a more serious purpose than road trips are known for it didn't make it any lesss compelling.

One thing I like about road trip books are that they are always about a journey, not just physically moving across states, but also in each of the characters lives. The place where Harper, Laney and Jake end up is far different from where they all started...and none of them could have predicted how things would go. Just as when you start an actual road trip its those unexpected side trips that lead to the most growth and adventure. The same thing happens in Saving June. A fun surprise in this book was a list of so much great music. After all, what is a road trip with out some great music. Some songs/bands I'd heard before but others were new. I'm so glad that all the songs (and more) were listed in the back of the book. I am pretty sure that I will be downloading many of these songs to add them to my music collection.

This was a real heart-achy book for me. My heart would swell until almost bursting and then it would come close to breaking at various points in the story. I am also not ashamed to say that by the end, I cried. I was warned that it could happen but it didn't make the story any less emotional for me. I loved every aspect of this book and I can not wait until Harrington's next book just so that I immerse myself in her words again. I know that I will be re-reading Saving June many times over but there is no greater feeling than discovering a books contents for the first time and that is why I can't wait for Harrington's next book. Her characters are just so raw and real and I can easily relate to them all on different levels. If you haven't checked this book out yet then move it up your TBR list...its so worth jumping over that other book you were just about to pick up.

Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart

Publisher: Random House Australia

Source: Gift from friend

Publication Date: 01 Sept 2011

Series or Standalone: Series

ISBN: 1742750966

Format: paperback

Pages: 290

Websites:

Rhiannon Hart - Official Site

Rhiannon Hart - Blog

Rhiannon Hart - Twitter

Place(s) Traveled to: Armentia, Brivora // Xallentaria capital of Pergamia in Brivora // Lharmell

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First Line: I was thinking of blood again so I went to practice my archery.

Lharmell Series Order

Book 1: Blood Song

Book 2: Blood Storm (Aug 2012)

Book 3: Untitled (~Fall 2013)

What first drew me to Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart was the cover. It was this stunning piece of art and then I became so very sad when I learned shortly afterwards that the book was only available in Australia. I tried to import it but there were issues and a friend took pity on me and we set up an exchange...and best of all...he was able to get the book signed for me. *huggles book* 

I was finally able to get to it this past weekend and I fell instantly in love with the world that Hart created. It was so rich and detailed...but not overly detailed that the story becomes bogged down with details. And the characters...oh readers...I can't tell you how much I love all the characters in this book. First there is Zeraphina who is strong and courageous and her mother Renata who Zeraphina gets her strength and who must make hard decisions. But most of all there is Rodden. #swoon

Remember how I read Poison Study a ways back and fell for that character named Valek. Well, Rodden reminds me a lot of Valek. He's all broody and aloof...but he isn't as assassiny minded as Valek. There is also so much chemistry on the page when he and Zeraphina are together. I would have loved to have every page devoted to them but alas there were other characters...not to mention that pesky thing called a plot as well. While I might call it pesky I did love the premise of this novel. I loved how Hart wove in the mythology of the world without sounding like she was giving a dry lecture. Instead we learned what we needed to know as we needed it. Readers are left with just enough thirst and want for more but never feel like something is missing. 

I devoured this book in just a few hours. I was amazed at how time flew and was so very sad to hit the end. I wasn't ready to leave the Kingdom of Pergamia. I wanted to see Renata scheme a bit more to find a suitable match for Zeraphina now that her eldest Lilith was married. I wanted to see Zeraphina and Rodden argue some more. I also wanted to see Zeraphina and her mother clash. I loved to see those two head butt. They were a great mother/daughter combo. You get the sense that they love each other deeply but they just don't see eye to eye on how life should be lived. I think that its a great and horrible tragedy that I have to wait almost an entire YEAR to find out what happens next in this story. The pages I had weren't enough. 

Have I mentioned just how much I love this world and its characters? Because if not then I did. There is something in this book for everyone. There is a hint of romance, some drama, action and mystery. The only thing that this book was missing was a map. (Yes Rhiannon I had to mention it here.) I adore maps in books. I love seeing how a world of fantasy fits together and am always sad then I don't have that map to flip back and forth to. I think Aussies might be a little different....or maybe its me that's different...but I do love me a good map. Other than that though this book was filled of awesome and you should all find a way to get your hands on it (legally of course) or better yet some US publisher should pick it up...because its amazing and needs to be read by all.

Raw Blue by Kirsty Eager

Publisher: Penguin Books Australia

Source: Purchased

Publication Date: 29 June 2009

Series or Standalone: Standalone

ISBN: 0143011456

Format: ebook

Pages: 274

Websites:

Kirsty Eager - Official Site

Kirsty Eager - Blog

Kirsty Eager - Twitter

Place(s) Traveled to: Sydney, Australia

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First Line: Friday morning. I'm heading down to the break, feeling antsy because I slept in.

I am not a fan of surfing. I had an ex once that was boarderline obsessed (which is kinda funny since we don't have a ton of surfing in the northeast) and was always threatening to take me. I never saw the point and assumed that I'd somehow get myself killed. So when I first heard about Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar I dismissed as a surfing book and thought it wasn't for me. But to call Raw Blue a book about surfing is to do it a HUGE disservice as it is so much more than that.

Raw Blue is told from the point of view of Carly, a 19 year old chef-of sorts, who has arranged her work schedule so she can surf all day. She has a kooky upstairs neighbor named Hannah who just won't leave her alone and soon a friend in Danny a teen boy with Synesthesia. Since leaving Uni, Carly has tried to distance herself from people but isn't having much luck. She is this beautiful, broken girl that you just want to hug and tell her that it will be ok. And then there is Ryan....oh dear reader here is a swoon worthy male character for you...Ryan is this quiet surfer that finally makes Carly start to notice people around her. From the moment they meet there is a tension between them that simply leaps off the page. There is just so much emotion written into this book that its impossible not to feel everything that Carly is feeling.

I was hooked on this book from page one. I absorbed all of its words and almost cried when I reached the end and had no more story. I kept trying to turn the page on my ereader begging it to yield more story. But alas, more story wasn't to come. Though the characters didn't leave my head. They all stuck inside it and even as I write this my mind is swirling with ideas on where they all go from the place where Kirsty left them. That's not something that I can say about a lot of books out there. 

I find it so hard to put into words all that I feel about this book. I loved all of the characters and the story was like Mary Poppins (nearly perfect in every way). I was engrossed and time passed without notice. I laughed and I cried. My heart broke and it was healed. This is a total heartachy book and one that I know I'll be reading over and over. I am always sure that with each re-reading that I'll still lament and rail that there are no more pages. If I had a physical copy of the book it would be tossed across the room for failing to yield up more words. If you haven't read this book yet I strongly urge to do all that you can to get a copy into your possession. Its just so amazing and I think that everyone should read it.

What I Watched - 20 Nov 2011

What I watched this week is a weekly feature here on the blog where I discuss the tv shows and movies that I watched during the week. This post has been inspired by Galleysmith's weekly TV Talk and Pop Culture Junkie's monthly TV/Movie Recap. As always if you haven't watched the episode mentioned then you might want to skip the recap as I will not be avoiding spoilers.

What I Watched 

Grimm - Beeware (1x03)

Modern Family - Season 2 (watched over the last week, finished this week)

Lost Girl - Fae Gone Wild (2x07)
Once Upon a Time - The Price of Gold (1x04)
How I Met Your Mother - Tick, Tick, Tick (7x10)
Hart of Dixie - The Crush and the Crossbow (1x07)
Modern Family - Season 3 (episodes 1-7)
American Horror Story - Open House (1x06)
Lost Girl - Death Didn't Become Him (2x08)
Bones - The Prince in the Plastic (7x03)
Revenge - Treachery (1x08)

SUNDAY

Grimm - Beeware (1x03) - This episode fell a bit flat for me. The whole thing just lacked interest and the Nick was just so blah. Even the appearance of Monroe wasn't enough to make this episode likable. I also wonder just how long Nick can go with telling his partner how he "stumbled" on just that right clue that leads to the break in the case. And now apparently Nick just killed a good beastie in order to save a bad one. And I really don't blame the bee that stung him in the end. Wonder how that will play out in future episodes. We also still haven't learned very much about what it is to be a Grimm. I know we're probably supposed to learn as Nick learns but he isn't learning fast enough. I really enjoyed the first 2 episodes of this show but this one not so much. It is defiantly veering away from the fairy tale and moving more into a lack luster crime show. I'll keep watching, for now, but may not stick with it for the full season.

Modern Family - Season 2 - I adore this show so very much. I don't think I laughed as much this season as I did with the Season 1 DVD but there were still lots of great moments. I really enjoyed seeing all the family grow a little bit more in this season. Although I really wish that Lily was allowed to stand a bit more. It seems like in every episode that she appeared in someone was holding her. Its also a bit odd that she really doesn't say anything. Although I've heard that changes a bit in Season 3. Cameron and Mitchell continue to be my favorite characters though Phil has some of the best one liners ever. They are just so randomly bizarre.

Lost Girl - Fae Gone Wild (2x07) - The more I learn about Lauren's backstory the more boring I find her. I also still don't fully buy the lesbian backstory...and really don't like how she's cheating on her comatose girlfriend with Bo. And doesn't anyone miss Nadia? Seems so odd that she's being kept so secluded in fae territory and no one misses her. But I really can't bring myself to care overmuch about her or Lauren and will be happy when this whole story line is over. I'm also over Dyson finding a reason to take his shirt off in every episode. He's not that cute. I liked him well enough when I first started to watch the show but when the Norn pulled out his love for Bo he turned into kind of a dick. I also don't like his new girlfriend. I will not be shocked if she turns into a big bad in a future episode...and I think she might be behind why the normally peaceful Fae are going crazy. I also wonder if maybe she had something to do with the Norn's bargain with Dyson...she showed up not long after that happened after all. As always the best part of this show is Kenzi and Hale. Sadly they didn't have many scenes together this episode but they each had some good lines and I can't wait to see more from them.

Once Upon a Time - The Price of Gold (1x04) - I enjoyed this twist on the Cinderella story. I also enjoy how they've added Rumpelstiltskin into more of the fairy tales as he is my favorite character on the show I think. Him and the Sheriff...but that's more for the eye candy right now than anything else. With Rumpelstiltskin there is such a delightful creepiness to him that has me hooked. I also wish people on tv would read more. If they did they would know to not sign a contract without reading it and to never make a promise of a favor to a member of the fae lightly. Both Cinderella/Ashley and Emma failed at these tonight. But I am glad that Ashley/Cinderella got to keep her baby and that she seems to be getting her Happily Ever After back. Now we just need some gaps filled with how Snow and Prince Charming came to be a couple and just why the Evil Queen destroyed all of the fairy tale world to get back at Snow. I'm also really curious to see how the Queens affair with the Sheriff will come into play with the whole story line. We still don't know who he was in the fairy tale world...or the use the the Queen has of him in this one. I also wonder if Snow and Cinderella were pregnant at the same time...because Rumpelstiltskin was already in prison before the curse was unleashed - which was when Emma was born...and Cinderella was visibly pregnant when she helped to trap him. So I'm just curious about how the whole timeline fits together. And was Ashley pregnant her entire 28 years in the modern world? I know they said time stopped...but it didn't stop completely as Henry did age the 10 years he was there...so there are some shenanigans going on. I am probably also over thinking this too much so I shall stop. All in all a good episode and the two week wait until the next one will be hard.

MONDAY

How I Met Your Mother - Tick, Tick, Tick (7x10) - I was so annoyed and bored for most of this episode. I hated the scenes with Robin and Barney discussing their plans to break up with that respective partners. And I found the scenes with Lily, Marshall and Ted to be a bore as well. This was an episode where I didn't laugh once and I even considered turning it off mid-way through. But I kept watching and in the end I thought that I might cry. Barney carried out with the plan, to break up with Nora, and he did it even though her parents were in the room and it seemed as though she might forgive the cheating. If he hadn't admitted to caring for the other person. Robin, on the other hand, couldn't go through with it because Kevin declared his love for her and she is just a tad bit insecure and couldn't go through with breaking up with him. So there Barney was waiting for her and she showed up with her boyfriend. That was hard to see, but that closing scene with Barney cleaning the rose petals off her bed. Crushing. Barney really cares for her...and its taken him so very long to get over his man whore ways. So in the end, I ended up hating Robin just a little for the crushing blow that she dealt Barney.

Hart of Dixie - The Crush and the Crossbow (1x07) - Tonight was the night for annoying television. Zoe has finally decided to day someone in Bluebell and she approaches Wade only to learn that he is married. And has been married for years. What is it with shows and characters cheating lately?!?! I mean, seriously, Wade has had a serious flirt on with Zoe from the day she arrived in town. You'd think that somewhere in there he'd mention that he was married. But then Wade and his wife deicide to finally divorce - so she can get remarried and presumbly to free up Wade to date Zoe. Things aren't that simple in Bluebell though. Wade takes exception to the guy Tansy wants to marry so tears up divorce papers and Zoe tries to date a vet from Mobile (a really cute vet too). She then gets cold feet and stands up Hottie McHotterson  and my heart breaks a little when he sees her walk away. My heart also broke some more when Tansy was telling Wade that girls like Zoe don't fall for guys like him. Which he seems to be starting to believe by the look on his face when he watched Zoe ask Jed (the previously mentioned Hottie) for a makeup date. I swear these writers will be the death of me.

TUESDAY

Modern Family - Season 3 (episodes 1-7) - All caught up and going through withdrawal! I don't have a brand new Modern Family to watch when I want to watch it. This is super sad news!! I am so addicted to this show and love every moment of it. I love Phil's new neighbor of 8 years Andre and hope we see more of him. I love Cameron trying to get a girls phone number and him helping Gloria find Jay's dog and yelling STELLA at the top of his lungs on the street. But the best moment for me so far in this season was the episode Hit and Run where Cameron runs down the street freaking out. Then later when he calls shotgun to help Haley get freed from her inadvertant crime ring....Mitchell's response was priceless - No weapons! Lily had a great line in that episode as well. Not entirely sure about the new Lily but I do like having her speak. I just wish that they'd let the poor girl walk or stand more.

WEDNESDAY

American Horror Story - Open House (1x06) - This episode scared me, answered some questions, scared me some more, raised a bunch of new questions, and grossed me out a bit. So all in all well done AHS! I am a bit at a loss for words with this one. I am a bit confused now on the Burned Man's story. I thought he was the one who burned the house and killed his family but now I wonder if it wasn't his wife. I am also curious why this is the first time we've seen Constance's other son - the one she keeps chained in the attic and where her other child is. It was also curious to learn that she'd had an affair with the Burned Man and he is apparently still in love with her. When it comes to this show my brain turns to mush trying to figure out where its going. The obvious is rarely what is and the writers just love to f*(&k with my poor little brain. Next week is an episode all about the freakiest character of them all the Rubber Man. I am so curious to find out who he is. If its one person at all as Tate has been seen wearing the suit and so has Chad. There is a theory it could be Constance's husband and so anything is possible. I just hope that its not Tate....or at least...its not Tate who got Vivian pregnant as that would be gross as he's dating and falling for Violet - which is a bit gross on its one since he's well....dead. I also wonder if Vivian might be a rare case of twins with two daddies...and one will be a normal human and the other will be that devil child that the nurse saw that one time on the monitor. Either way though there are a lot of people who seem to want these babies and it probably won't end well.

THURSDAY

Lost Girl - Death Didn't Become Him (2x08) - Ok...what was up with Bo in this episode? Turning all red and sucking out all those chis at once...then that weird demony voice. I guess this is all part of that prophecy thing that we haven't heard much about since Season 1. There is something different about Bo and this unexpected power of hers is probably a part of that. Other than that I could have done without her bits in this episode as she was mostly with boring Lauren. Lauren who says she wants a cure for her girlfriend but then keeps flirting with Bo. Blah boring blah. I also have a theory that the nail that she needs to free Nadia will be found in the Ash's things. I think that the old Ash probably saw what an asset that Lauren could be to him and so arranged to bind her into his service looking for a cure to a mysterious disease that isn't a disease at all. If that's the case then maybe Lauren will finally get some fire when she realizes it. Though probably not since the old Ash is dead and so there can be no real revenge for her...just tears and regrets. The best part of this episode was all the Hale and Kenzi time. I loved watching as they babysat the teen daughter of another Fae. Those moments often made me laugh...and included the special bonus of seeing Hale shirtless. Lost Girl could totally cut out Bo, Dyson and everyone and make this show all about Hale and Kenzi...oh and some Trick tossed in for kicks...and I'd be a happy girl.

Bones - The Prince in the Plastic (7x03) - Sweets goes badass and trains for weapons training. They really seem to be setting him up to be a full time agent. He's in his office less and less so I won't be surprised if he becomes a full time field agent. Especially now that Bones is pregnant and probably won't be going in the field as much once the baby comes. I was also pretty thankful for the return of Daisy in this episode as the intern they had last week trumped her in annoyance. One thing that I'm really getting tired of with this show is how they change Bones's demeanor to suit the plot. The last few years she's really grown emotionally but since she got pregnant they've regressed her a lot just to try to make things funny but they really just fall flat. I did enjoy Angela vs the baby toy though and thought that was funny and really wish they would have shown her and Bones in the toy store.

FRIDAY

Revenge - Treachery (1x08) - I am still amazed that Lydia can fall from the height she did and still be alive. Not just alive but also already released from the hospital and with the added complication of memory loss. How convenient for everyone...especially Emanda and Victoria who both have secrets to hide. Though its odd that she can't remember most of the summer but she does remember the picture. Sometimes I think the writers think we are stupid. Yet, I gobble this show up anyway. Amily is a curious girl and I would still like more details on why the prison wardon got involved with Emanda's whole revenge plot. What is in it for her? And why did she want Amily involved in it all? I loved Nolan in this episode...even more than normal. He wasn't just Emanda's lacky. He showed some brains and spunk and I hope that we get to see more of that. I'd love to see him get all up in Emanda's face sometimes when she's playing her bitchy evil plotter self. I also laughed when Amanda was telling Nolan that something wasn't part of the plan...she should expect this by now...so few things recently have been going according to plan. I'm not sure how I feel about the whole Amily and Jack attraction...wasn't he just so over the moon over Emanda last week and now he's all into this girl? Will Emanda be jealous....and what will she do to Amily when she learns that she didn't go to Paris as planned. As always Charlotte and Declan are such a waste of screen time. Why oh why can't they just be written off and leave more time for the cheezy over the top plots of revenge and bitterness? They add nothing to the story. They don't move any plot forward and just annoy me beyond anything. There was more I wanted to say about this episode...but I'm totally blanking...so leave your thoughts in the comments and hopefully it'll trigger something! =)

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Publisher: Harper Collins

Source: Publisher

Publication Date: 03 May 2011

Series or Standalone: Series

ISBN: 0062024027

Format: paperback (ARC)

Pages: 489

Websites:

Veronica Roth - Official Site

Veronica Roth - Blog

Veronica Roth - Twitter

Place(s) Traveled to: Chicago, Illinois

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Line: There is one mirror in my house.

Divergent Series Order

Book 1: Divergent

Book 2: Insurgent (28 May 2012)

Book 3: Untitled (~May 2013)

When I received Divergent by Veronica Roth in the mail I was so super excited but then when everyone just raved and raved over it I got scared. I have read many an over-hyped book only to be let down and I really didn't want this one to join that list. So I put off reading it. For if I never read it then I could still be entranced by the possibility of it and not be disappointed with the reality. Then more people that I trusted and who were also skeptics of over-hyped books read it and loved it and I felt my resistance cracking. Then I finally picked it up and I wasn't let down. But I wasn't all over the moon in total love with this book either. In part because I still had pretty high expectations for this book.

I enjoyed the world that Roth created and enjoyed how there was a  little history on how it came to be. Though there are still loads of questions waiting to be answered on that front. I also enjoyed the world of the factions and the ideas that they stand for. How on paper they seem like a great idea but in the end the reality of human nature tends to corrupt and destroy. One thing that I am really curious about is why the gates to dystopian-Chicago are locked from the outside and just what that might mean in the grand scheme of things. If it means anything at all. I sometimes fixate on small, unimportant details and really need to work on that. 

The characters were all pretty realistic and I did enjoy reading about them. But I do have to admit there where times when I got bored with them all. I also have some thoughts on what might happen to some of them in Insurgent and that thought just fills me with fear. Not because I am scared that bad things will happen, but because I think that there is a major plot cliche about to happen. In the end, I did enjoy Divergent, but I wasn't gaga for it. I can appreciate why it is so popular and I hope that its sequel won't fall flat. I read this book quickly so I was engaged in it. I don't feel like I wasted any time. I will probably also recommend this to others and I know that I will read the sequel. Divergent took me away from my reality and really isn't that all you need in a book?

Once Upon a Winter's Eve by Tessa Dare

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Source: Author

Publication Date: 15 Nov 11

Series or Standalone: Series

ISBN: 9781609288822

Format: ebook

Pages: 112

Websites:

Tessa Dare - Official Site

Tessa Dare - Blog 

Tessa Dare - Twitter

Place(s) Traveled to: Spindle Cove - Sussex, England (1813)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First Line: In December of 1813, the officers' ball had a profound effect on Spindle Cove's economy.

Spindle Cove Series Order

Book 1: A Night to Surrender
Book 1.5: Once Upon a Winter's Eve (Novella)

Book 2: A Week to be Wicked

Book 3: A Lady by Midnight

I had the great opportunity to get a sneak peak of Tessa Dare's novella Once Upon a Winter's Eve and I fell in love with Spindle Cove all over again. This novella centers around Violet Winterbottom who is in Spindle Cove recovering from The Disappointment. On her last night in Spindle Cove a stranger interrupts a ball and Violet is the only one who understands him. This was a really fun novella and I barely noticed the time passing as I read it. I loved the tension and dialogue between the two main characters and the pages just flew by. I loved returning to Spindle Cove and seeing many of the characters that I first met in A Night to Surrender.

As this was a novella there isn't a ton I can say about it without giving much away. Just know that it was a really fun read and I hated for it to end. This is a book that I wish was longer as I really grew to like the characters involved. And since it was a novella the ending did feel just a tad bit rushed. But I was able to overlook that since I just got so absorbed in all that came before. 

If you are unsure of Tess Dare's writing, or meeting the girls of Spindle Cove, then Once Upon a Winter's Eve is a great introduction to it. There is also just enough Spindle Cove to give you a taste for the world but not enough to spoil too much of what happened in A Night to Surrender. Well other than that happily ever after bit of it....but really....its a romance so you know the hero and heroine get together and its the how that is important and not a thing to be missed, in either book. After reading Once Upon a Winter's Eve I am more excited than ever to read A Week to be Wicked.

What I Watched This Week - 13 Nov 2011

What I watched this week is a weekly feature here on the blog where I discuss the tv shows and movies that I watched during the week. This post has been inspired by Galleysmith's weekly TV Talk and Pop Culture Junkie's monthly TV/Movie Recap. As always if you haven't watched the episode mentioned then you might want to skip the recap as I will not be avoiding spoilers.

What I Watched 

Gnomeo and Juliet
The Accidental Husband
Glee - Pot of Gold (3x04)
Once Upon a Time - Snow Falls (1x03)
How I Met Your Mother - Disaster Averted (7x09)
Hart of Dixie - The Undead & The Unsaid (1x06)
American Horror Story - Piggy Piggy (1x05) 
The Big Bang Theory - The Orinthophobia Diffusion (5x09)
Bones - The Hotdog in the Competition (7x02) 

Sunday

Gnomeo and Juliet - 4 stars - I wasn't really sure what to expect from this one. But as I love Shakespeare I was excited when I saw that it was finally available on Netflix Instant. Romeo and Juliet isn't my favorite play but I found that I really enjoyed Gnomeo and Juliet. It was a cute movie filled with many moments that made me laugh. As it was based on such a famous play you can imagine that there was a lot about it that was predictable. The only thing that was a bit blah about this one was the ending. It was very quick and not sure that anything was really concluded after the big dramatic thing that came right before it.

The Accidental Husband - 3 stars - This was another movie that I was excited to see on Netflix Instant as I'd been wanting to see it since I first saw the previews. I mean hello...it had Colin Firth in it...and I love him so very much. Sadly though he wasn't in the movie as much as I would have liked. The story focused more on Uma Therman and Jeffrey Dean Morgan - neither of which I particularly care for (this is part of why I didn't go see this one in theatres.) As you can imagine with a rom-com this movie was pretty predictable but it wasn't horrible. It had its moments of cuteness and the last 5 min I could have done without. But it wasn't entirely unexpected as those last 5 minutes do wrap things up in a neat little bow. The only thing that was missing was an explanation as to what happened to Emma Lloyd's BFF who ran the sound booth and how/why her husbands best friend was there instead.

Glee - Pot of Gold (3x04) - I am seriously thinking about dropping this show. It just doesn't really hold my attention like it used to and the addition of a second glee club is just so...blah. In a school that can barely maintain one glee club there is now 2? How lame and contrived and just doesn't do it for me. I don't believe that Shelby would be so willing to let Quinn and Puck so much access to her adopted daughter and that they would all of a sudden want to be parents. I felt really bad for the new Irish transfer student but as with all the other members of the cast I really just can't bring myself to care too much. And as always Sue just really really bugs me. Plus there was that whole kiss between Puck and Shelby...seriously what is up with that? The only real saving grace of this episode was the appearance of Kurt's dad. But you can't watch a show just for one character and I mostly found my attention wandering a lot in this episode.

Once Upon a Time - Snow Falls (1x03) - Why oh why can't Snow White be as strong in the modern world as she is in the fairy tale one? I'm tired of the milk sop! I enjoyed seeing her re-imaged past in this episode. I also loved seeing more of Prince Charming...he's way too good looking to remain in that coma. Though how tragic that he's supposedly married in the modern world and to that annoying princess too. Though I am sure it will only be a matter of time before the truth comes out there and he'll soon be dating Snow...I mean Mary Margaret. I almost feel sorry for the Queen. Everything she does to try and keep her curse going and kick Emma out just seems to back fire. If only she'd have grown better at accepting defeat. I am so looking forward to next weeks episode and I am also deadly curious as to what favor that Rumpelstiltskin/Mr Gold will ask of the Queen when the time comes for him to collect his favor.

Monday

How I Met Your Mother - Disaster Averted (7x09) - I am a little confused at the timeline of this one. We found out at the end of last season that Lily was pregnant...but this episode said that Lily conceived during Hurricane Irene - which was in August of this year. But wouldn't she have been pregnant before then? Because a few weeks ago we learned the sex and you have to be several months along for that...I dunno...maybe I'm missing something but it just seems like something is off. Overall I enjoyed the humor in this one. I loved seeing the gang deal with the Hurricane and learn about the whole boogie board thing. I also enjoyed Barney's attempts to ditch the Ducky Tie....and how Marshall got some more slaps out of him. Though a bit sad he used up most of them. But we still have the one slap remaining from the slap bet. The thing that killed this episode for me was the very end when Barney and Robin kissed in the cab. Now I love the idea of them together. I do. But I HATE HATE HATE that they are doing it this way. Both Robin and Barney are in a relationship...and I don't like that they seem to be setting them up to have an affair.

Hart of Dixie - The Undead & The Unsaid (1x06) - This show is just so adorable. I can't get enough of it. Even though Lemon and Magnolia are such ridiculous characters and George is a bit lifeless and blah. But then there is Wade...oh sweet eye candy Wade. Why can't Zoe just realize how much she adores him? I mean look how sweet he was by staying over when she was scared to be alone. The story of the man who faked his own death and then hung about was a bit odd but then I don't fully expect the show to be super serious anymore. And if I am honest the main reason why I watch the show is because of Zoe and Wade.  Oh and Lavonn - I really like how he and Zoe interact as well...now if only he'd get over Lemon and move on with his life. Though I suppose that won't start to happen until we learn just why they broke up since they both have such obvious feelings for each other.

Wednesday

American Horror Story - Piggy Piggy (1x05) - I knew that Tate was dead! I knew it...though it was a bit of surprise on how he died. I guess now we know why Constance moved out of the house. Not only did it hold the memory of her shooting her husband and the Moira but her son was killed there too. I've also come to realize that Ben is the worst therapist ever. Seems every one he consuls dies. That is not a very good track record. Not at all. I am also really curious about what Constance wants with Violet. In one episode she's trying to poison her and now she seems to be taking her under her wing and saying she can commune with the dead. I don't think that Violet has any special abilities since everyone in the house seems to be able to see all the various ghosts that live there. But the creepiest bit in this whole episode was when Vivian was eating the body parts...that brain...blech...I almost threw up with that. A girl at work thinks that she might be eating Addy...and I really hope that isn't the case because that just adds a whole new level of gross to the whole thing.

Thursday

The Big Bang Theory - The Orinthophobia Diffusion (5x09) - Penny really annoyed me in this episode. She kept insisting that she wasn't on a date with Leonard but then took offense when he made her pay for things or insisted that they see a movie that he was interested in for a change. Then she ditched him to flirt with another guy. You don't do that to a friend. And you also don't try to sabotage that friend from flirting with another girl after the guy you ditched him for leaves. You can't have it both ways Penny. You didn't want to date Leonard so you need to just let him live his life. The bits with Sheldon and the bird were funny (minus when Amy Farrah Fowler was there) but they weren't enough to override my annoyance with Penny. Overall, I was pretty disappointed with this episode.

Bones - The Hotdog in the Competition (7x02) - This was a disappointing night of TV for me as this episode of Bones annoyed me as well. I can't believe just how apathetic Bones was with her various pregnancy milestones. How could she honestly think that Booth wouldn't want to be part of the ultrasound where they learn the sex of the baby? And how could she tell everyone else before him? He's the father for crying out loud...and she knows just how much he loved Parker and how he hates missing all the little things in his life since he isn't around him full time. Bones has come so far these past few years emotionally and such but this last episode was more like season 1 Bones...if not worse. I was also really annoyed with the new intern. I never thought I'd dislike anyone more than Daisy but I was wrong. His way of speaking is just so very over the top cliche and just makes me want to stick a fork in my eye to stop it from twitching. Can we please just settle on one intern...preferably Clark or find some way to bring back Zach.

What I Watched This Week - 06 Nov 11

What I watched this week is a weekly feature here on the blog where I discuss the tv shows and movies that I watched during the week. This post has been inspired by Galleysmith's weekly TV Talk and Pop Culture Junkie's monthly TV/Movie Recap. As always if you haven't watched the episode mentioned then you might want to skip the recap as I will not be avoiding spoilers.

What I Watched 

Once Upon a Time - The Thing You Love Most (1x02)
How I Met Your Mother - The Slutty Pumpkin Returns (7x08)
American Horror Story - Halloween Part 2 (1x04)

The Big Bang Theory - The Isolation Permutation (5x08)
Bones - The Memories in the Shallow Grave (7x01)

Grimm - Bears Will Be Bears (1x02)

Lost Girl - It's Better to Burn Out Than Fae Away (2x06)

Revenge - Charade (1x07)

Modern Family - Season 1

Sunday

Once Upon a Time - The Thing You Love Most (1x02) - First off, I've got to say Malificent is not how I pictured here. But then its hard to get the Disney version out of my head. Though I did like the character and I hope that we see more of her in the future. I still like the mixture of switching between the fairy tale world and the modern one and enjoyed learning how the curse came to be. A part of me thought that the heart that would be sacrificed would be the Evil Queens and that would explain some of her coldness....but that changed the moment they began to focus in on her servant and then when she called him Daddy well it was a lock. This episode also showed us who the mirror was in the real world and revealed that Rumpelstiltskin remembers far more than the Queen thought he would. He is still creepy and I still love his character. I can't wait to learn more of his story. I wonder if we'll see Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel since we've seen their evil counterparts. I also want to know who the sheriff is in the fairy tale world. Right now I am thinking that he might be the Woodsman. This was a fun episode, the Queen is seeing her control on the fairy tale world is starting to crumble and the things she's doing to hold onto it aren't helping the matter. She's also tried so hard to find happiness and despite the curse and destroying the fairy tale world she hasn't found it yet. This is going to make her a bit unpredictable and unstable. Hopefully Emma won't crack under the weight of her wrath....since she's the only hope after all. Although since fairy tales always end with a Happily Ever After I don't see her doing that. I also plan on sticking with this show for the time being I hope that it continues to get better with each episode.

Monday

How I Met Your Mother - The Slutty Pumpkin Returns (7x08) - I loved the start of this one...Barney finding out he's part Canadian? Classic. Also...props to Robin for rubbing it like she did. Especially after all the years of jokes she's been the butt of from Barney. And the costume that she chose for him...HILARIOUS!! Too bad Barney couldn't bring himself to wear it. The last few minutes of the episode though with Barney punching his inner Canadian self I could have done without...but the rest of Barney on this Halloween was classic. I was really looking forward to Ted FINALLY meeting the slutty pumpkin...but in the end all those scenes were just really really AWKWARD. I think that I may have cringed more than I laughed. So glad that it doesn't look like she'll be returning. Lily and her pregnancy brain had its moments of funny but that's something that could get old fast so hopefully they don't overplay that.

Wednesday

American Horror Story - Halloween Part 2 (1x05) -This episode started off a bit freaky but then that quickly fizzled and it was relatively tame. Although I loved learned that Tate was indeed Constance's son. I knew it! Now we just need to know when and how he died. Based on that cheerleader saying she should be 34 years old I am assuming that it was around 17 years ago. At least that's when Tate did the school shooting. And now we have the new burning question...just why doesn't Constance want Tate to know that Addy is dead? What will happen. And if Tate can't perform sexually with Haley...then maybe he's not the thing that walks around int he rubber suit...though how icky would that be if Tate slept with Vivian and got her pregnant and is now macking on her daughter. I also wonder if that thing that was under Haley's bed is the baby of the doctor's wife - that could explain why she is hanging around the house...although I think she was murdered there too. Didn't she have a gash in her head one of the first times we saw her? Still so many qyestions...I can't wait to see what happens next week.

Thursday

The Big Bang Theory - The Isolation Permutation (5x08) - This episode suffered from too much Amy Farrah Fowler. I loathe her more and more each time we see her. The scenes with her and Sheldon were so very awkward and cringe worthy. Why can't they just write her off the show? Because there was so much Amy in the episode I found that I mostly tuned it out so really can't comment much further.

Bones - The Memories in the Shallow Grave (7x01) - Its back! Its back! I love this show so very much and I love that Bones and Booth are finally trying to make it work as a couple. I am oddly happy that the writers decided to write in Emily Deschanel's real life pregnancy so they they were able to hurry things along a bit. Though its obvious from this episode that Bones still has a long way to go with trust and showing emotions and such. My heart broke a few times for Booth in this episode as Bones was her usual literal self. But there was growth seen in her and great advice given by Angela. I also loved how when Bones got stuck behind the boxes that the only person she thought to call was Booth. I'm glad that they showed Angela & Hodges's baby...though am I the only one who thought the baby was a girl when they first showed the video? Looked like wee Michael was dressed all in purple. And While I wouldn't put it past Angela to not care what colors that a baby wore I don't see Hodges going along so easily. Well...on second thought...he does seem to give her everything she wants so maybe.

Saturday

Grimm - Bears Will Be Bears (1x02) - I am really digging this show. I'm not sure what it is about it but I just love the gritty crime drama-ness of it. This episode dealt with the myth of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Though these aren't the three bears that we know of from the stories. They are far more sinister and a bit more like shapeshifters than bears. I was also glad to see Monroe return. I like him and think he adds some much needed comic relief to the show. He's also a good source of Grimm lore for Nick who is still floundering about trying to deal with the whole supernatural world that is around him. This show can be a bit predictable at times but I do look forward to learning more about just what it means to be a Grimm.

Revenge - Charade (1x07) - The relationship between Victoria and Conrad is such a farce its hard to see them trying to be all happy for a photo shoot celebrating their 25th anniversary. I also thought it funny that Nolan hired a body guard and am glad that he isn't totally backing away from Emanda's revenge plans. Even if he's trying to just play the role of consultant. Ok...so now is this warden person part of the whole plot and is she the one who helped Amanda switch identities with Emily? And if so, then why? And why would the real Emily be willing to do that? I'm curious to see what turmoil she adds to Emanda's plans now that she's moving in...and since she killed Frank. Emanda can't really turn her in without exposing herself so it will be interesting to see how that all plays out. I'm also very curious about the whole Nolan/Tyler thing and how that will play out. Tyler thinks he has the one up on Nolan and everyone but I'm sure its only a matter of time before all is revealed about him and he is cast out. I can't say as I am surprised that Nolan is gay...but I didn't think Tyler was. Although I guess Tyler is bi as he does genuinely seem to like Ashley for I can't see how she'd fit into his plans to go all SWF on Daniel and his life. Although perhaps I am just not paying attention enough and missing those details on how he is using her. This episode also made me hate Declan even more. I really didn't think that was possible. He and Charlotte are the most useless characters on the show...and Declan's whole holier than thou type speech to Emanda at the dinner party...ugh. I just wanted to smack him and his horrible accent all the way to next Sunday. Why oh why couldn't he the one that was shot in the pilot?

Lost Girl - It's Better to Burn Out Than Fae Away (2x06) - Its nice to have an episode  that is free of Dyson...and specifically Bo's angsty emo feelings for Dyson. Now to just have Bo move on from Lauren. I just don't feel the chemistry there. I prefer her with Dyson over Lauren...but what I would really like to see is Bo with the new Ash. I do like the Ash...he's just a lot more fun and evil than the old one. Speaking of evil, how mean was Bo in tossing Kenzi under the bus when it came to the Eye wanting a kiss and knowing if she was single. The Eye is so pedophile creepy and Bo all too happily made Kenzi kiss him. I hope that Kenzi doles out some serious payback for that one. Or maybe the payback comes from the revelation that Lauren has a girlfriend. Not sure where this is going because it always seemed like before Bo worked her mojo on Lauren that Lauren was straight. But now we seem to have evidence to the contrary. Moreover it seems that even though Lauren has a girlfriend the relationship might not have been a good one. Guess time will tell to see where things are going with this story line.

Modern Family - Season 1 -  This show is HILARIOUS. I've caught episodes here and there and have always laughed. This week I finally cracked and bought Season 1 on DVD and I laughed so much in the first episode that I just kept watching. I totally binged on the entire season this week and I don't have any regrets. This show far surpassed all expectations. I love all of the characters but think that Mitchell and Cameron are my favorite. Although all of them have their moments and I love how they all interact. Every episode makes me laugh and I've already purchased Season 2 so I can dive right into that one as well.

A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare

Publisher: Avon

Source: Amazon Vine

Publication Date: 30 Aug 11

Series or Standalone: Series

ISBN:0062049836

Format: Paperback

Pages: 372

Websites:

Tessa Dare - Official Site

Tessa Dare - Blog 

Tessa Dare - Twitter

Place(s) Traveled to: Spindle Cove - Sussex, England (1813)

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Line: Bram stared into a pair of wide, dark eyes.

Spindle Cove Series Order

Book 1: A Night to Surrender
Book 1.5: Once Upon a Winter's Eve (Novella)

Book 2: A Week to be Wicked

Book 3: A Lady by Midnight

Dear Reader,

Words can't even begin to tell you just how much fun Tessa Dare's A Night to Surrender is. There is lots of action which starts from the moment our hero, Victor "Bram" Bramwell, meets with our heroine, Susanna Firth. A meeting which involves a cannon and some sheep and it just doesn't stop. I love that Susanna is such a strong female lead. She is fiesty and independent and is pursuing activities that make her happy no matter that they aren't always what society would agree with. Bram is a bit more conventional. He's a solider and wants to remain a solider. He doesn't have time for love or settling down and so he has a rough journey in this book in accepting that maybe what he thought he always wanted isn't the path he was meant for. 

Its also not just the main characters that make this book....though likeable main characters are definitely a plus....but all the secondary characters just make you fall in love with them. They'll make you laugh and cry as you interact with them through Susanna and Bram's eyes. They make you wish that there really was a place called Spindle's Cove and that you could travel there for an extended holiday. Spindle's Cove sounds like a haven. Well, that is before they were invaded by Bram's militia! Though I must admit, one of my favorite characters didn't have a single line of dialogue as it wasn't a human but a wee lamb named Dinner. lol

This was a book that made me laugh and gave me many heart achy moments. I did find that the first time that Susanna and Bram...well (to quote a previous read that gave me an eye twitch) you know...to be a bit unrealistic. Not that it wasn't steamy...but...its hard to say my thoughts exactly without spoiling. You'll see what I mean when you read. Because, dear reader, you need to read this book. Its filled with great writing and wit and I am dying to return to Spindle's Cove with the next book in the series. And you will as well, once you read this delightful book. Which I hope that you'll go and do right now...because its so worth it.

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann (Audio)

Publisher: Simon Audio (Audio); Aladdin (Print)

Source: Publisher

Publication Date: 30 Aug 2011 (Audio); 30 Aug 2011 (Print)
Series or Standalone: Series

ISBN:  1442344914 (Audio), 1442407689 (Hardcover)

Format: Audio

Audio Length: 7 discs (~7.5 hrs)

Narrator: Simon Jones

Websites:

Lisa McMann - Official Site

Lisa McMann - Blog 

Lisa McMann - Twitter

Place(s) Traveled to: Quill // Artime 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Line: There was a hint of wind coming over the top of the stone walls and through the barbed-wire sky on the day that Alexander Stowe was to be purged.

The Unwanteds Series Order

Book 1: The Unwanteds

Book 2: Island of Silence (Aug 2012)

I was very excited to receive an opportunity to review an audio version of Lisa McMann's The Unwanteds as I've been meaning to read something from her for awhile now. Going into this book I didn't know anything about the story and so I was a bit shocked at its dark opening. A group of 13 year olds being sent off to their deaths as they have been deemed unwanted by the leaders of Quill. The opening chapter focuses on Alex Stowe, who is unwanted and who has known he is unwanted since he was 10. At the same ceremony, Alex's twin brother Aaron is not just found to be necessary (as was initially thought) but wanted. Which puts him in the most elite bracket of the society in Quill. Being unwanted though isn't as dire as initially thought though as the Death Farm isn't quite what it appears to be from the outside. Instead it contains this magical and hidden world filled with magic and creativity and is very very different from the sterile confines of Quill. 

The Unwanteds is a book that has many elements to be enjoyed by boys and girls alike and the narration is told from various characters of both genders. With no real rhyme nor reason between who is telling the story when other than for the convenience of moving the story forward. Taking this story at its bare bones there isn't a whole lot that is super original about it but when taken as a whole you get a delightful novel that is filled with possibilities. In many ways the story reminded me of Harry Potter though a slightly simpler version of it. Which is to be expected as The Unwanteds is geared towards Middle Grade readers and Harry Potter to Young Adults. I think that The Unwanteds is a great book to recommend to those children who want to read Harry Potter but many not be quite old enough for its darker themes. 

I enjoyed the time I spent in Artime and I look forward to reading more books in this series. I found the characters to be fun and entertaining. I look forward to seeing what will become of both Quill and Artime as the series continues as well as maybe learning about some of the neighboring nations that were only mentioned in this book. 

I also enjoyed how this book really glorifies the arts and just how important creativity is in a society. There is such a stark difference between Quill, a city that is bleak and gray and where creativity is shunned, and Artime, a city filled with color and light. There were moments in The Unwanteds where I found myself rolling my eyes as something cliche happened but the moments where I left or where I was totally engaged in the story far outnumbered those. This is definitely a book that I will recommend to others. I also think that I enjoyed this one far more by listening to it on audio than if I'd read it in print as the narrator was just so amazing.

About the Narrator

Simon Jones is a fantastic narrator, as I mentioned above. He was a real gift for bring all the voices to life and you never once question who is doing the speaking. He is the sort of narrator that I don't want to stop listening to and so I find excuses to extend the time spent in my car. This isn't the first audio by Simon Jones and it certainly won't be the last. His voice is magical to the ears and one that I highly recommend to all fans of audio books.