Weekly Catch Up

 

Books I Read:

 

Pawn by Aimee Carter: I really enjoyed this one and have already posted the review.  Check it out HERE.

Origin by Jessica Khoury: Technically I'm currently reading this one.  So far it's pretty fantastic.

TV I Watched:

Teen Mom OG premiered on MTV! I must admit I'm excited to see the original cast back.... Well, I'm excited to see Maci and Catelynn, I could care less about Farrah and Amber.  I started watching Teen Mom back when it was first on and I wasn't a mommy myself, then when I found out I was expecting it was fun to see others going through the same thing. You may be thinking how could it be the same? Well I wasn't sixteen but I was young compared to most first time moms, at only 23 there weren't a whole lot of people going through the same things as me.  Granted I had/have a way better support system considering I was/am married and had/have a full time job.  But now it's fun to see what they have all been up to since they were on TV last.  And the kids have gotten soo cute!

iZombie I realized this week why the show reminds me so much of Veronica Mars... it's developed by Rob Thomas who also was a part of Veronica Mars!  The second episode in the series was just as entertaining as the first and I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that the show is gaining popularity.

Grey's Anatomy had me on the edge of my seat waiting for this weeks episode.  I was literally biting my nails at the end of the episode hoping for a good outcome so of course I'm excited to find that (spoilers!) Derek Shepard is BAAAACK!!! YAY!! Also the whole leech in that lady's sinus cavity grossed me out...blech!!


Only 2 weeks and 1 day until Season 5 of Game of Thrones airs on HBO! I'm so ready!


GAMES I PLAYED:

I ended up buying myself a Nintendo 3DS XL and let me just say, I am a woman obsessed! I bought three games to go along with it; Batman Arkham Origins Blackgate (which I really don't like so I doubt I will play it much), Super Mario 3D Land (one of the main reasons I went with Nintendo is because I LOVE Mario! I'm currently on W4 and lovin it), and Harvest Moon A New Beginning (I'm finally about to leave the tutorial behind.  It was pretty slow moving in the beginning but I'm quickly learning that this will be my go-to game).  I do hope to get some new games in the future, I would really like to try out Animal Crossing or Zelda but we'll see...

Have a great weekend everyone! See you all next week!

Review: Pawn

PAWN

Author: Aimee Carter

Publication Date: 11/26/2013
Audience: YA

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian

 

YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING.

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

 

Summary from Goodreads

 

 

REVIEW

Review: Breath, Annie, Breathe

BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE

Author: Miranda Kenneally

Publication Date: 07/15/2014

Audience: YA/NA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race.

But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.

Summary from Goodreads

REVIEW

 

Graphic Novels / Manga

 

 

I have never, ever, had any experience with graphic novels or manga (are they the same thing?). I feel like I missed something in my childhood by not getting into comics (graphic novels?) at a young age, but just because I'm an adult doesn't mean I can't start now! As I've grown as a reader I have found myself interested in trying new things and am now at a point where I would like to give these items a shot, especially manga.  Problem is, I have no idea where to start!!  Anyone have any facts or info or ideas for me?? Recommendations on where to start?.. HELP!

Weekly Catch Up

Welcome one and all to Head In The Clouds' Weekly Catch Up.  Let's Discuss...

Books I Read:

Over the weekend I was able to start and finish two books, Stolen by Lucy Christopher and Confess by Colleen Hoover, both of which I have already posted a review on so check that out! I then tried, and failed, to get into the second book in the Throne of Glass series, Crown of Midnight.  I'm in a type of reading slump right now that I just couldn't handle the depth and complications of this beautiful series so I gave up and left it to be read at a later time.  Luckily, I had much better luck with Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally so the week didn't end with a reading loss.


TV I Watched:

I've been binging on Criminal Minds on Netflix for the past month or two.  I blame Netflix for my slow down in book reviews, it's pretty much an addiction.  Anyways, I'm on season 3 and now I find myself constantly comparing things to the show and wondering what the Team would think about certain crimes in the news.  It's a problem.

The Royals premiered Sunday over on E! and I must admit that it's kind of a guilty pleasure watch.  I'm not sure how long I will follow the series because I wasn't completely impressed with the series opener, it's kind of like watching a train wreck.  I also couldn't help wondering what the real Royal family thinks about this American show.  It seems bad taste to me...

Eye Candy on MTV aired their Season Finale Monday night. (SPOILER WARNING) I can't believe that Jake ended up being the Flirtual Killer!! In the beginning I really thought Tommy was the killer but by the last few episodes it became clear it wasn't him.  Still, I thought Jake was cleared so I actually started to like the guy!! Also..what is Sara up to? I'm looking forward to next season!

iZombie premiered on the CW and I am a fan! It has a zombie with a brain who is a comic book hero complete with super powers and Veronica Mars investigative skills. Now I'm just hoping everyone else loves it since the CW is notorious for canceling shows I fall for...

Grey's Anatomy how you like to play with my heart. I bawled like a baby for most of this weeks episode. And then... Derrek, Derrek, Derrek how you make me hate you!  Of course up until this episode I was starting to lose interest in the show, the producers sure know how to pull a girl back in...

Only 3 weeks and 1 day until Season 5 of Game of Thrones airs on HBO! I'm so ready!


GAMES I PLAYED:

My husband downloaded a new game onto the Playstation for the kids enjoyment.  It's called The Castle of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse.  Turns out it's a pretty fun game and it has me contemplating getting myself a gaming system.  I'm pretty sure the husband and I couldn't share the playstation plus I like being able to be close to the screen so I can see what's going on, so I've been looking at PSP's or DS's any thoughts on either?

Have a great weekend everyone! See you all next week!

Review: Confess by Colleen Hoover

CONFESS

Author: Colleen Hoover

Publication Date: 03/10/2015

Audience: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover Owen is keeping major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin…

Summary from Goodreads

REVIEW

Review: Stolen by Lucy Christopher

STOLEN: A LETTER TO MY CAPTOR

Author: Lucy Christopher

Publication Date: 05/04/2009

Audience: Young Adult

Genre: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction

It happened like this. I was stolen from an airport. Taken from everything I knew, everything I was used to. Taken to sand and heat, dirt and danger. And he expected me to love him.

This is my story.

A letter from nowhere.

Sixteen year old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. This wild and desolate landscape becomes almost a character in the book, so vividly is it described. Ty, her captor, is no stereotype. He is young, fit and completely gorgeous. This new life in the wilderness has been years in the planning. He loves only her, wants only her. Under the hot glare of the Australian sun, cut off from the world outside, can the force of his love make Gemma love him back?

The story takes the form of a letter, written by Gemma to Ty, reflecting on those strange and disturbing months in the outback. Months when the lines between love and obsession, and love and dependency, blur until they don't exist - almost.

 

Summary from Goodreads

REVIEW

Review: The Impossible Knife of Memory

THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

Publication Date: 01/07/2014

Audience: YA

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Realistic Fiction

For the past five years, Hayley Kincain and her father, Andy, have been on the road, never staying long in one place as he struggles to escape the demons that have tortured him since his return from Iraq. Now they are back in the town where he grew up so Hayley can attend school. Perhaps, for the first time, Hayley can have a normal life, put aside her own painful memories, even have a relationship with Finn, the hot guy who obviously likes her but is hiding secrets of his own.

Will being back home help Andy’s PTSD, or will his terrible memories drag him to the edge of hell, and drugs push him over? The Impossible Knife of Memory is Laurie Halse Anderson at her finest: compelling, surprising, and impossible to put down.

Summary from Goodreads

REVIEW

 

Review: Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

UNINVITED

Author: Sophie Jordan

Publication Date: 01/28/2014

Audience: YA

Genre: Science Fiction, Romance

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

Summary from Goodreads

REVIEW

Review: My Forever by Kira Adams

MY FOREVER

Author: Kira Adams

Publication Date: 05/18/2014

Audience: Young Adult

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

 

Grief and loss can make a person act out in all the worst kinds of ways. Madalynne Johnson has always been a bit of a handful, but with the loss of her brother, separation of her parents, and her boyfriends unexpected news of joining the army she has gone into a full on tailspin.

Parker Grant experienced loss firsthand when his brother took his own life. Darkness closed in. Madalynne saved him; showed him the light. And even though he isn’t sure what the future holds--he wants Madalynne and this time he won’t give up without a fight.

My Forever is the second book in the Infinite Love series.  

 

Summary from Goodreads

 

 

REVIEW

 

 

Thanks again to Kira Adams for providing me with a ePub copy in exchange for an honest review!

 

Ummmmmmmm.  Well.  Sad day.

I absolutely LOVED Learning To Live, so it was with excitement that I started My Forever fully expecting to blow through it in no time.  Imagine my extreme disappointment when it seemed as if My Forever was written by a completely different person.  There was tons of info dumping and repeating of already known facts, granted the POVs switched between Madalynne and Parker so you can expect some overlap but the way it came across seemed forced and unnecessary.  In fact the switching of the POVs felt really choppy and inconsistent.

There was also the case of extreme hypocrisy on Parker's part.  He goes on and on about how he felt disconnected from Madalynne and pushed her away after the suicide of his brother Bo but when Madalynne's brother, Mason, is killed in war and she starts pushing Parker away and shutting him out she's a bitch.  He even gives her an ultimatum instead of allowing her the space she requests.  Granted how she is dealing with her grief isn't the best but I feel like Parker could have been more supportive.

I really think that the reason I didn't like My Forever is because I didn't like Parker and I felt that his and Madalynne's relationship was volatile at best.  She conforms to him, does everything to make him happy, but he gets to do what he wants no matter what she thinks about it.  Sorry, no.

 

In the end My Forever just wasn't for me but there were a LOT of 4 star reviews on Goodreads so I may be the minority here.  In cases like this I highly suggest giving it a shot because it could be other readers will get more out of it than I did.

 

Blog Tour and Review: The Infinite Love Series

Review: Red at Night by Katie McGarry

RED AT NIGHT

Author: Katie McGarry

Publication Date: 04/01/2014

Audience: YA

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

In Red at Night, Stella and Jonah are total opposites. She's the girl with purple hair from the wrong part of town. He's a high school senior who hangs with the cool crowd. Until a car accident leaves him haunted by guilt, and Jonah starts spending time at Stella's favorite refuge…the local cemetery.

Stella knows she should keep her distance—after all, she spent her girlhood being bullied by Jonah's friends. Once he's sorted out his tangled emotions, Jonah won't have time for her anymore. Too bad she's already fallen for him.

Summary from Goodreads

REVIEW

Review: This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summers

THIS IS NOT A TEST

Author: Courtney Summers

Publication Date: 06/19/2012

Audience: Young Adult

Genre: Science Fiction, Apocalyptic

It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self. To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up. As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually want to live. But as the days crawl by, the motivations for survival change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life—and death—inside. When everything is gone, what do you hold on to?

Summary from Goodreads

REVIEW