Aire by Lena Goldfinch

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Aire by Lena Goldfinch 3 Stars 

Goodreads Synopsis: 
Annalisia is a seer, a princess with a courageous spirit—and a soft spot for Legends. Jovanni is a Legend, a commoner with no patience for pampered royals.

Principessa Annalisia is stunned and conscience-stricken when an unknown enemy mistakenly abducts her maidservant. Determined to find the girl, Annalisia disguises herself as plain Anna and slips away from the palace. She tracks down Jovanni, her maidservant's daring older brother, and they soon begin to search together. As they uncover clues, Anna also discovers a kindred spirit in Jovanni. But would he be so free with her if he knew who she really was? Doubtful. Even so, she reveals her secret gift of visions to him, and in so doing disobeys the orders of her beloved grandmother, the queen.
 When she learns that he also has a secret—he's a sentinel, an ancient shapeshifter who can take the form of a falcon—it seems as if they were destined to be together, as in the legends of il Sentiro. Though Anna is tempted to wish otherwise, she can’t forget that she’s a princess and it's her duty to marry another. Meanwhile, their hunt leads Anna ever closer to danger, for she herself is being hunted.

A princess and a commoner.  They never should have fallen in love...but they did.

Isalla

Cover: Pretty 
Rating: PG
Overall: Pretty Good 
Characters:  Jovanni, Ilan, Anna
Page Turner:  Sometimes
Series Cont.?  No
Recommend:  To some
Book Boyfriend: Jovanni
Genre: Young Adult 
Sex Scenes: NOPE
Setting: Isalla 

Overall -- so first off I got the book for free in exchange to give an honest review. Im not certain I like this book, and Im still figuring that out. The book is good, its well written, with just enough mystery, action and love to keep me entertained.  I feel bad giving it only 3 stars, because there isnt one thing I can put my finger on to make it a bad book, I just didnt love it. Part of the issue, for me, is that I think it is a little outside of my typical genre. Given that though, I must say the author did an amazing job with the verse for the time period. I was impressed. Her world building was great too, I just didnt feel completely enthralled with the book.  

Anna

Plot-- The book had a great story line, there werent a lot of "twists" but there were times where I thought, how will this really play out, and I was surprised. I liked that the book moved at a more normal pace, there wasnt a time where it was always action or always love. The story line moved appropriately, both in time and plot. The relationships all seemed very developed. 

Characters- I like Annalise a lot, her character is very likeable. even if she isnt "relateable" in some ways, she is in others, specifically her caring nature, the compassion and empathy that she shows. Anna has a big heart, and a caring soul. It is so very interesting to read from her point of view, to feel what she feels the way she feels torn between her duties and her heart. I think the author captured this lifetime and culture very well. I also really like Ilan. I wondered whether he was in love with the princess or was he just a friend, and Im glad with the way it turned out. He was a good man. 

Jovanni

I loved Jovanni, he was protective, and honest, caring, kind. He is the kind of normal guy, that girls dream about. many times, books glamorize a love story or a male character, but Jovanni was not created and developed that way. Instead he was a normal guy with a good heart who happened to fall in love with the princess. Their love story is so perfect. I love the way it ended.
At first I didnt like the queen but by the end of the book I actually like her, "respect" her even. 

Overall- this is a good light hearted romance with mystery and action intertwined! 

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire 5 Stars 

Good Reads Synopsis:
INTENSE. DANGEROUS. ADDICTIVE.
Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.
Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.


Overall- I absolutely loved this book! I couldnt put it down. I love how the characters develop. I cant wait to read the book from Travis' perspective! This is exactly the kind of book I like. The rocky relationship and chemistry between Abby and Travis is addicting. I will be reading this more than once for sure! This book has love, romance, a little action, but the intensity is what really kept me going. Its for those of us that arent quite young adult, but not really interested in the "adult" books, and a love story out of high school and without the eroticism that tends to present in the adult romance books. I cant wait for this book to be made into a movie, I only hope they dont ruin it!


Cover: Gorgeous
Rating: PG14
Overall: LOVED IT
Characters: Abby, Travis, Parker, America and Shepley 
Page Turner: Yep
Series Cont.? Kind of. Travis' side
Recommend: YES
Book Boyfriend: Travis 
Genre: New Adult
Sex Scenes: Yes
Setting: College





Plot

What a great New Adult Novel. I seriously could not put this book down. Its absolutely spectacular. I had to know what was going to happen between Travis and Abby



Their relationship is like many in college. Intense. Addictive. Dangerous. Yet they struggle to prove they can make it work and last. Every college relationship can be a struggle when you have a rough past. I like the background story on Travis and Abby that somehow end of "connecting" that their lives intersect in a way that is supposed to happen naturally, of course theirs is a bit more dramatic than most :-) I think that the plot moves at a great pace, we watch as a couple struggles to come to terms with loving someone when it isnt always easy, but is always worth it. I fell in love with all the characters and could read this book over and over again. I enjoyed this book more than many of the others that I have EVER read.



Characters-

Travis

Travis- Wow where to begin. Travis is a beautiful disaster. Pun intended. He is sexy but broken. He learns to care about someone even though it was not easy for him, and watching that transition was so fun! I loved the way they played each other and misunderstood each other but someone how still managed to fall in love, when they told each other they wouldnt. Their relationship is like many in college. I love that he does sweet things for her, that seem so out of place yet he makes it work. He cares and he struggles to show it in the right way. I think everyone struggles with this sometimes. His relationship with Shepley is also really interesting. Watching him become more compassionate and caring is a beautiful thing.

My Alternate Travis

Abby is so awesome!!! She is tough on the outside but freaking out on the inside, much like many of us are in college. Trying to figure out who we are, and who are friends are, trying to understand where were going in life and how well get there. Watching her grow was really fun. Her personality really resonated with me, because I was able to relate to some of the issues she was going through, the idea of trying to leave your past behind you but having it always catch up anyway and then dealing with that. Learning which guy is the one for you when you arent sure who you truly love or care about and when what you want and actually need dont seem to make sense. I loved the ending too!! So good!

I love Abby and America. Their relationship is so amazing and beautiful, as best friends they make the perfect pair. America is such a great friend and as a reader, you can watch her grow even though she isnt the main character we see her learn to make her own mistakes and choices along the way as she learns about life and love. I think her protective nature of her best friend is also sweet and loving, and everyone should hope to have a friend like her.

America

She and Shepley are so freaking cute too!! I love this couple. They are such a cute and wonderful pair.

Shepley

Shepley seems like a good guy, from this point of view, Abbys, we see him trying to care for America and be a good boyfriend, trying to prove they can last no matter what. He is sweet and caring.

Parker, where to start. I dont understand why Abby kept going back to him. He didnt seem like her type, then again I guess thats the point. I dont want to give too much away, but Im not a Park fan :)

Travis' opponent to a fight match! 

TV Spring Finales

TV Spring Finales

Its finale season!!! And you know how I love my tv shows! So I put together a small list of shows I follow and my impression of the finale. I will update as the finales occur.


Hart of Dixie May 7
This one was disappointing. I mean, isnt this where we left off last season essentially? Im a little confused too. Honestly, I dont understand this show, but I of course cannot stop watching because I love Rachel (OC!!!) but the show seems to get worse week to week. Its a great idea, but I think its almost too realistic (most parts...maybe?)



The Following April 29
HOLY COW!!!! What just happened?! What an amazing show. Seriously I love Kevin Bacon and I love the main female lead too shes great. I am wondering where the show will go now though? While the Cult still "survives" with or without Joe, I am very curious as to how they will continue this show. It seems to me it is similiar to Revenge. The first season will be great, and catch viewers but the 2nd season will be a let down. Hopefully it will remain 13 episodes and not 22, which would mean less lag time in the episodes.

Revenge- OMG what the hell just happened?! I need to know! Seriously. I loved this episode. Talk about everything finally coming together. The writers are seriously good at their jobs, keeping me bored yet on my toes all season and then ending with a bomb (no pun intended) like that!!! Ah I do not want to wait until next season. The whole Jack/Emily thing I want a little resolution. I want them together. I liked Aiden, but I think she belong with Jack. I am so sad about what is happening though to our dear friend Nolan. Ugh Padma really screwed him.

Once Upon a Time- I was a little let down by this one. I guess they have to take the show somewhere...But I was really happy with where a lot of the characters were that I was disappointed with the direction the show went. I really want Emma to be with her love and I want Mr. Gold to be with Belle. I am starting to dislike this show though. It seems a bit long. Im not sure how much more the show can handle. I give it one more season.

90210- HOT SHIT! I wasnt sure it was going to "end" I thought they might leave a cliff hanger, but I was REALLY happy with the way things ended, I think it gave enough closure to make the fans happy given the final season improptu. I think the characters were all in a place that worked and made sense.

Vampire Diaries--May 16--I am so happy that Elena finally made a decision! Its about damn time!!! I was a little disappointed in the ending, but maybe next season will be good. I did not care for the person that ended up with the cure, mainly because I dont feel like there was closure on the cure issue. And Im super confused about what happened to Bonnie and Jeremy. Im all around a little disappointed with everything other than Elenas choice in men!


Beauty and The Beast May 16  this show really bored me. I gotta be honest I didnt think it would be coming back for another season. Though given the finale Im glad there will be. I admit though the show is one of those take it or leave its for me. I think the ending solidified why I liked it though. there is just enough mystery, love and action. The problem is the drama between the love. They break up they get together they break up they get together...whawhawha....


Arrow-May 15-- Ok where to begin. Its a love/hate relationship. I love Laurel and Oliver. Though Id settle for Felicity. I dont really like the ending though. First off the death was unexpected and unnecessary. Not sure why that happened and there better be a good reason for it. Also not a fan of the mom coming out on national tv that there was a conspiracy. Kind of weird. And then theres roy and thea. I love them. And I need Roy to finally be on team Arrow. Thea though ugh she annoys me. She needs to get a clue.

Grimm- May 21--What a great way to end the season. I loved this. Even though it was a cliff hanger I think the show is great. It continues to surprise me, and even more, it continues to go against the grain.  The Juliette issue from last season that moved into this one was great and Im happy with the "ending" that they provided I think it fits in so much better! I am a fan of this show, even if its a little weird!

Red widow- May 3 -- Im glad this had a conclusion. Not really much else to say about this show.



Scandal May 16- Holy cow!!! What an amazing show. The conclusion was awesome. Next season is going to be amazing. I dont really want Oliva to be with the president I am glad the mole was outted however I must say, the mole was disapointing, in fact i would call it anti climatic. I think the show is really great and every episode keeps me on my toes. I cant wait for next season.




Nashville- May 22--I really liked the finale. I did. BUT, it also felt like something was missing. I did not like what happened with deacon, I was really disappointed, but I realize that the show might need some more plot points for next season. I hope everything works out. And poor Juliette! She lost here mom and her "boyfriend" and now shes alone!!! even though she is bitchy, I cant say I blame her, I just hope it all works out in the end!!

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Revolution - June 3rd

Sanctify by Colee Firman

Sanctify by Colee Firman 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis The Overseer’s Stone is destroyed and all of the Scattered Akori are back. That’s exactly what Addy wanted. The part she didn’t bargain for was being swept away, landing in a fascinating world just under the surface of her own. 
The search for a way back to Tremain proves to be a monumental task, with a roadblock at every turn. Unimaginable secrets from the past unravel, leaving Addy wondering if there’s anyone she can really trust. 
Will mistakes from Eva and Andrew’s past be the end of them all? Old enemies resurface, forcing Addy and Tanner to make impossible decisions that will change everything.
I absoultely loved this book. It was SOOOO good. I couldnt decide between Tanner and Gage. I fell in love with Jax and I finally like Juliette. Amazing.

Overview: This book was amazing. I could not put this book down. I didnt love the first book, so when it ended with a teaser I was not happy. I didnt REALLY want to read the 2nd book. But I was bored and decided to start the sample. And before I knew it, it was 2 am and I was so immersed I couldnt move until I was done with the book. I absolutely loved this one. I found myself liking the characters a lot more too. There was more depth and understanding to all of them. I liked the story line too, except for the ending which was a total twist! I cannot wait until the next book is out.

Addy

Cover: Pretty I dont like the cover people
Rating: PG 13
Overall: Loved it!
Characters:  Jax; Gage; Tanner; and Addy 
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: YES
Book Boyfriend: Gage and Tanner 
Genre: Paranormal/Sci-Fi Young Adult/New Adult 
Sex Scenes: No
Setting: Earth/Florida and inner layer of Earth (not sure how to explain)

Plot- This book was much better than the last one. I REALLY loved this. I finished it in one sitting on a Saturday night! I know lame. But I was Really into it. :-) I think the plot pace was much better, the events moved along at a more appropriate speed and things seemed to always be happening even when "nothing" was really happening. It felt as though each scene had a purpose, whether it was now or later in the book. It was VERY fun to read and I was dying by the end of the book. I was devastated that the book came to an end and the cliff hanger! So not okay. I only have to wait a few weeks, which makes me feel better. I think the plot also grew. There was movement, it wasnt just a good plot, it moved you along, and made you want more, to read further and to find out what happens. AWESOME BOOK. 

Tanner

Characters-

Gage

 I actually liked this book way more than the last one! It wasnt just the plot, which moved along at a better pace. It was the characters. I felt like I got to know the characters better in this book. I enjoyed getting to know Tanner better, even though Im still missing a piece of him, I loved getting to know Jax and Juliette, better, and seeing a bit more of who they are. I thin most of all though I liked Addy more. In the first book I found her immature and at times annoying, but I think she really grew into her own in the book, She is stronger and more sure of herself. Her personality is more alive in this book, whereas in the last she was trying to figure out who she was and has too many questions. Now, the questions relate more to her past and her future rather than who she is a person. Her relationships also changed, with everyone. She is more sure of herself more confident and more of a leader. She is strong willed and determined, but a lover and a caring woman. Her relationship with Gage changes, which is saddening. I dont know who I want her to be with. Tanner or Gage. I feel like with Tanner she has more of a connection, but I dont like him, I think she is too needy with him. Whereas with gage, I feel like she is missing a little bit of the connection which is just due to the time they spent apart and he is a better match for her. Its hard to say though. I cant wait for the next book to find out what will become of all these relationships. 

Fall 2013 TV Schedule Day by Day

Schedule for Fall 2013 Day by Day

So, if you are anything like me....and obsessed with this stuff, then you will appreciate these handy daily charts for TV guide. Im very excited for the upcoming seasons. Finales have been great. And I will make a post next week regarding the finales, for anyone who actually cares/reads this. ;-) 

Heres what your Fall 2013 TV Schedule will look like 

SUNDAY	8:00pm	8:30pm	9:00pm	9:30pm	10:00pm		10:30pm
	Once Upon a Time		Revenge		Betrayal New
	The Amazing Race		The Good Wife		The Mentalist
CW	Local Porgramming
	The Simpsons	Bob's Burgers	Family Guy	American Dad!
	Sunday Night Football
	American Dream Builders, Believe and Crisis replace Sunday Night Football at midseason.

MONDAY	8:00pm		8:30pm	9:00pm	9:30pm	10:00pm	10:30pm
	Dancing with the Stars					Castle
	How I Met Your Mother	We Are Men New		2 Broke Girls	Mom New	Hostages New
CW	Hart of Dixie			Beauty and the Beast		Local Programming
	Bones			Sleepy Hollow New		Local Programming
	The Voice					The Blacklist New
	Almost Human replaces Bones in the late fall. Intelligence replaces Hostages at midseason.

TUESDAY	8:00pm	8:30pm	9:00pm	9:30pm	10:00pm	10:30pm
	Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. New		The Goldbergs New	Trophy Wife New	Lucky 7 New
	NCIS		NCIS Los Angeles		Person of Interest
CW	The Originals New		Supernatural		Local Programming
	Dads New	Brooklyn Nine-Nine New	New Girl	The Mindy Project	Local Programming
	The Biggest Loser		The Voice (Results Show)		Chicago Fire
	The Voice moves to 8/7c at midseason and is replaced by About a Boy and The Family Guide at 9.

WEDNESDAY	8:00pm	8:30pm	9:00pm	9:30pm	10:00pm	10:30pm
	The Middle	Back in the Game New	Modern Family	Super Fun Night New	Nashville
	Survivor		Criminal Minds		CSI
CW	Arrow		The Tomorrow People New		Local Programming
	The X Factor				Local Programming
	Revolution		Law & Order: SVU		Ironside New
	American Idol replaces The X Factor at midseason.

THURSDAY	8:00pm	8:30pm	9:00pm	9:30pm	10:00pm	10:30pm
	Once Upon a Time in Wonderland New		Grey's Anatomy		Scandal
	The Big Bang Theory	The Millers New	The Crazy Ones New	Two and a Half Men	Elementary
CW	The Vampire Diaries		Reign New		Local Programming
	The X Factor (Results Show)		Glee		Local Programming
	Parks and Recreation	Welcome to the Family New	Sean Saves the World New	The Michael J. Fox Show New	Parenthood
	American Idol replaces The X Factor and Rake replaces Glee at midseason.

FRIDAY	8:00pm	8:30pm	9:00pm	9:30pm	10:00pm	10:30pm
	Last Man   Standing	The Neighbors	Shark Tank		20/20
	Undercover Boss		Hawaii Five-0		Blue Bloods
cw	The Carrie Diaries		America's Next Top Model		Local Programming
	Junior Masterchef New		Sleepy Hollow (Encores)		Local Programming
	Dateline NBC		Grimm		Dracula New
	Crossbones replaces Dracula at midseason. Bones replaces Junior Masterchef and Raising Hope and Enlisted replace Sleepy Hollow in late fall.

http://www.tvguide.com/special/fall-preview/fall-schedule.aspx

MidSeason Shows:
CW:
The 100, Star-Crossed and a new reality show Famous in 12 are being held for midseason. Nikita, which will end after a six-episode run, is currently not on the schedule. 
CBS
Intelligence; Friends with Better Lives; Reckless 
ABC
Mixology; Mind Games; Killer Women ; Resurrection 
FOX
Murder Police; Surviving Jack;  Us & Them; Almost Human ; Gang Related ; Sleepy Hollow; Rake;  The Following
NBC
American Dream Builders; About a Boy; The Family Guide; Undateable; Believe;  Chicago PD;  Crisis; Crossbones; The Night Shift