November TBR 2017

This is a tentative TBR. Since I never stick to TBR's. I read 14 books in October. I hope to read that many in November or more. The first weekend in November I'm helping my brother and his girlfriend move into their house. So I probably won't get much reading done Friday or Saturday. I will try to read before the football game on Sunday.My team is the Philadelphia Eagles. Other than the usual family gatherings for the Thanksgiving holiday. I don't have any other plans.

The books I'm hoping to read in November.....

- to finish either the Fallen series by Lauren Kate or The Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
-The Outliers by T.M. Frazier ( expected release date November 9th)

After Thanksgiving I will try to read as many Christmas themed books as possible.

I also want to read some romance books. Whatever catches my eyes.

Here's my TBR for November....

What are you planning on reading in November?

Happy Reading, Ashley

October Wrap Up 2017

October was a great reading month for me. I read 14 books!!! That's the most I've read in one month all year long. Most of them were on my kindle. A couple of short physical books. I'm happy with everything I've read. And how much I was able to get through. I did DNF There's Someone In Your House by Stephanie Perkins. I just couldn't get into it.

Here's the books I read in October:

1. The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson 5/5 stars
I'm sad to have finished the Remnant Chronicles.
2. Fliers: 20 Small Posters With Big Thoughts by Nathaniel Russell 5/5 stars
3. You Do Something To Me by Bella Andre 5/5 stars
4. Warcross by Marie Lu 5/5 stars
I need book 2 ASAP!!!
5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling Raveclaw edition (reread) 5/5 stars
I always love revisiting Hogwarts and it was great to learn more about the Raveclaw house. Since that is the house the sorting hat put me.
6. True Scary Stories;Volume: The Shadow Man by Dark Mistress Aurora 3/5 stars
It was free from Google Books
7.Forbidden Affair by Amy Andrews (reread) 5/5 stars
I read this back in 2014.
8. Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts 5/5 stars
I love Nora Roberts. It was great to read a paranormal mystery from her. I need to get books 2 and 3 soon.
9. Halloween Stories by Arnie Lighting 3/5 stars
10. I Could Pee On This: And Other Poems by Cats by Francesco Marciuliano 5/5 stars
I loved this book. As a cat lover I could relate.
11. A Very Scary Pumpkin by Jeff Minich, Renan Garcia 4/5 stars
12. Dirty Little Tease by Kendall Ryan 4/5 stars
13. Naughty Boss by Whitney G. 4/5 stars
14. The Spider Kingdom by M.D. Spenser 3/5 stars

I read some spooky books, romance books, and just random books. All in all I'd called October a success even with my bestie in real life's wedding. Which by the way was amazing!!!

What books did you read in October? Read anything I mention in my wrap up?

Happy Reading, Ashley

A Simple Post

I finished reading Blood Brothers. Which I posted a review for. I haven't picked up a book since. I caught a cold. Not really feeling the urge to read right now. My family also added another kitty to the household. The number is 11 right now. Some may think it's crazy. But our house isn't a mess. And all of the cats are safe and loved.

I don't know if I will pick anything up before October is over. I want to read but nothing is really catching my eye. I am also debating about participating in NaNoWriMo this year. I didn't even attempt last year. I think I've come to the conclusion I like reading better than writing. I'm not the best story teller. To be honest writing stories aren't my strong suit. I can write song lyrics. Although those days are few in between anymore. I think with getting older my anger and pain I had as a teenager is gone. What did bother me then still does. I just don't channel it out into my songs anymore.

I'm good with just being a reader. A songwriter. Nothing wrong with that.

I hope to pick up another book soon. But I'm not going to push myself. New kitten. Cold.... not the best situation to read in.

Hope your October is going well. I'm not even excited for Halloween this year. It feels like someone stole my excitement for the holiday. I'm so beyond ready for 2017 to be over. This year was so difficult. Losing family members, furbabies and other crazy stuff.

Sorry for the odd blog. but I just needed to get my thoughts out.

Happy Reading, Ashley

Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts

Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts
Released: November 27th 2007 (first released January 1st, 2007)
Publisher: Jove Books
Series: Sign of Seven Trilogy
Page Amount: 314 Mass Market Paperback
Source: Own

"Every seven years, there comes a week in July when the locals do unspeakable things--and then don't seem to remember them. The collective madness has made itself known beyond the town borders and has given Hawkins Hollow the reputation of a village possessed. This modern-day legend draws reporter and author Quinn Black to Hawkins Hollow with the hope of making the eerie happening the subject of her new book. It is only February, but Caleb Hawkins, descendent of the town founders, has already seen and felt the stirrings of evil. Though he can never forget the beginning of the terror in the woods twenty-one years ago, the signs have never been this strong before. Cal will need the help of his best friends, Fox and Gage, but surprisingly he must rely on Quinn as well. She too, can see the evil that the locals cannot, somehow connecting her to the town--and to Cal. As winter turns to spring, Cal and Quinn will shed their inhibitions, surrendering to a growing desire. They will form the cornerstone of a group of men and women bound by fate, passion, and the fight against what is to come from out of the darkness..."
-Information from Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:
I was a bit nervous to pick this book up. I saw so many negative reviews on Goodreads. But I decide to give the book a chance. I'm glad I did. I loved every minute in Blood Brothers. Nora never disappoints me. It was great to see something different from her. I am going to be picking up books 2 and 3 soon.

I know this review is short and sweet. But I don't want to spoil the story for you all. If you like mysteries with a paranormal twist that has witches in it to. I highly recommend this book to you.

5/5 stars
Happy Reading, Ashley 

Recently Read

A little wrap of what I've recently read over the past week.

My last post I said I was hoping to get through a review book You Do Something To Me by Bella Andre. I did read that book. My review is posted if you want more thoughts on the book. I also finished and loved Warcross by Marie Lu. I will posted a review soon. I also read a very short story on my phone called True Scary Stories: Volume: The Shadow Man by Dark Mistress Aurora. It was alright.... my heart did get a little racey. But then again I'm a wimp when it comes to scary stuff. So it doesn't take much.

I'm currently reading Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts the first book in her Sign of Seven Trilogy. I'm really loving it. I hope to finish it this week.

Probably won't get much reading done. My best friend in real life is getting married on Saturday and I'm her maid of honor. I'm super excited to be apart of her special day.

Let me know what you've recently read. Did you read anything of the books I mentioned in this post?

Happy Reading, Ashley

Currently Reading/Weekend Reading

I do have some plans for today with my family. But I am hoping to get some reading done as well. I have already finished my second book for the month of October. Technology I have read 3 books for October..... I will talk more about that in my wrap up.

I finished reading for review You Do Something To Me by Bella Andre. I needed a book like this at the moment. I loved it and I'm sad I finished it. I do have 2 books from her to read. Maybe I'll get to them this month... we'll see.....

Going to start Warcross by Marie Lu. I have read mixed things about this. Since I loved the Legend trilogy I'm going to give this shot.


What are you currently reading? Planning on reading for the weekend.... Let me know.

Happy Reading, Ashley 

You Do Something To Me by Bella Andre

You Do Something To Me by Bella Andre

Released: October 11th 2017 (expected release date)
Publisher: Oak Press LLC
Series: The Sullivans # 17
Page Amount: 225 kindle edition
Source: Publisher

"Alec Sullivan has always believed he has it all. A billion-dollar private aviation business. A penthouse apartment in New York City. Beautiful women who know better than to expect him ever to fall in love. And great siblings for whom he’d do anything. But when Alec's business partner passes away and leaves everything to a daughter Alec never knew about, in an instant everything in his life turns upside down…all because of Cordelia. 

Cordelia always thought she was perfectly happy with her life. She owns a garden store she loves, lives in a pretty little cottage in the same town as her adoptive parents, and figures there’s plenty of time to meet Mr. Right. But she never counted on becoming the surprise heir to a fortune…or on meeting a man like Alec Sullivan. A shockingly sexy billionaire who makes her heart race and melt all at the same time.   

Neither Alec nor Cordelia plans on getting any closer than they have to. Only, how can either of them fight this kind of heat, this depth of desire? And when Cordelia needs Alec’s support, it’s pure instinct for him to be there for her. But when it’s her turn to help him confront his deepest pain, will Alec let her in? Or will he push her away, just as he’s pushed away everyone who's loved him for the past thirty years…  "

YOU DO SOMETHING TO ME is part of Bella Andre's New York Times and USA Today #1 bestselling series about The Sullivans. While it can easily be read as a stand-alone story, you'll likely enjoy reading the other books, too. 

"Not since Nora Roberts has anyone been able to write a big family romance series with every book as good as the last. Bella Andre never disappoints." Revolving Bookcase Reviews 

"The New York Sullivans are every bit as fantastic as their cousins." Deanna on Goodreads 

SAN FRANCISCO SULLIVANS: 
The Look of Love 
From This Moment On 
Can't Help Falling In Love 
I Only Have Eyes For You 
If You Were Mine 
Let Me Be The One 
Come A Little Bit Closer 
Always On My Mind 
Kissing Under The Mistletoe 

SEATTLE SULLIVANS: 
One Perfect Night 
The Way You Look Tonight 
It Must Be Your Love 
Just To Be With You 
I Love How You Love Me 
All I Ever Need Is You 

NEW YORK SULLIVANS: 
Every Beat Of My Heart 
Now That I've Found You 
Since I Fell For You 
Sweeter Than Ever 
The Best Is Yet To Come 
Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You 
You Do Something To Me 
More New York & Maine Sullivans are coming soon! 

THE MAVERICK BILLIONAIRES: 
Breathless In Love 
Reckless In Love 
Fearless In Love 
Irresistible In Love 
More Maverick Billionaires are coming soon! 

THE MORRISONS: 
Kiss Me Like This 
Tempt Me Like This 
Love Me Like This 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Bella Andre's New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and she has sold more than 6 million books so far! Known for "sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance" (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine "Red Hot Reads" twice and have been translated into ten languages. She also writes "sweet" contemporary romances as Lucy Kevin. There are more than 50,000 5 star reviews for Bella Andre's books on Goodreads!
-Information from Goodreads.com


My Thoughts:
I've received this from the publisher exchange for an honest review. I have yet to read a Bella Andre novel where I don't fall in love with the characters and story. Each of her books brings me such happiness and You Do Something To Me is no different from the other books I've read by her. In You Do Something To Me. We are introduced to the oldest of the New York Sullivan clan Alec Sullivan. He has been in charge of taking of the family since he was five years old. After losing his mother to suicide and his father to the grief of losing his wife. For the reason alone Alec has decided not to become a helpless victim to love. But when his long time business partner and father figure Gordon has an unexpected heart attack.  He comes face to face with Gordon's secret daughter Cordelia. They quickly become friends. And start bonding over the loss of Gordon. Slowly they each open up to one another. Will Alec over come his resistance to love? You should pick this up to find out.

I loved watching Alec and Cordelia's interactions in this story. I adore the Sullivan family so much. And always happy to read another story about them. I needed a pick me up and You Do Something To Me was that.

I cannot wait for more from this family and Bella Andre. If you haven't picked up one of her novels yet you seriously need to ASAP!!!!

5/5 stars

Happy Reading, Ashley

Fliers: 20 Small Posters With Big Thoughts by Nathaniel Russell

Fliers: 20 Small Posters With Big Thoughts by Nathaniel Russell

Released: October 3rd 2017
Publisher:Clarkson Potter an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
Page Amount: 21 pages USA paperback
Source: Blogging For Books


"The perfect present for bros and dormroom inhabitors, this collection of viral fake fliers is at once strange, thought-provoking, and hilarious. Printed on heavy, cardstock-like paper, these 20 "fake" fliers both celebrate and embody surreal posters--like the kind plastered all over college campuses, only taken to the next level. As a bonus feature, the sturdy paperback comes with a french-fold jacket that, when removed, opens up to reveal a larger poster. Images include a duck posting about the pet dog he found and an anonymous group posting about a quiet universe. There is something in this collection for everyone who ever looked at a postered telephone pole or coffee house bulletin board and wondered "is there more out there?"
- Goodreads.com



My Thoughts:
I loved this odd book with some very cool posters. I think this would be a great addition to your bookshelves if you love silly and funny books. The cover for the paperback can come off and is a poster of a big tree with just a glimpse of a house. I was excited to request this from Blogging For Books. My favorite poster is the cat with bright eyes. Being a big cat lover and all.

I needed a book like this to cheer me up. So whenever I feel down in the dumps I will look through this corky book from time to time.

5/5 stars
Happy Reading, Ashley

Confess by Colleen Hoover

Confess by Colleen Hoover

Released: March 10th 2015
Publisher: Atria Books
Page Amount:320 pages ebook edition
Source: Overdrive


"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…"
-Goodreads.com



My Thoughts:
This is my second Colleen Hoover novel. Owen ands Auburn I fell in love with them. I was rooting for them. Flinching during some tough scenes. But all in all I adored Confess. The painting are a lovely addition to the story.I really need to get a physical copy to look at the paintings in person.

I Confess you should definitely read this amazing, heart breaking, have you on the edge of your seat New Adult novel. 

Excited for November 9, the sequel (?).

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley.

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Released: March 4th 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children USA
Series: Throne of Glass, Book #0.1 - 0.5
Page Amount: 435 pages, USA Hardcover Edition
Source: Gift

"Discover where Celaena Sardothien's thrilling saga began

Celaena Sardothien is her kingdom's most feared assassin. Though she works for the powerful and ruthless Assassin's Guild, Celaena yields to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam.

When Celaena's scheming master, Arobynn Hamel, dispatches her on missions that take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, she finds herself acting independently of his wishes—and questioning her own allegiance. Along the way, she makes friends and enemies alike, and discovers that she feels far more for Sam than just friendship. But by defying Arobynn's orders, Celaena risks unimaginable punishment, and with Sam by her side, he is in danger, too. They will have to risk it all if they hope to escape Arobynn's clutches—and if they fail, they'll lose not just a chance at freedom, but their lives...

A prequel to Throne of Glass, this collection of five novellas offers listeners a deeper look into the history of this cunning assassin and her enthralling—and deadly—world."

Included in this volume:

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
The Assassin and the Healer
The Assassin and the Desert
The Assassin and the Underworld
The Assassin and the Empire
- Goodreads.com





My Thoughts:
 It was great to get the back story of Celaena before Throne of Glass. How those events shaped her into the person we meet. I loved Sam Cortland. And I hate how betrayed them. Seriously didn't see that coming.

Sarah did it again. Her writing is beautiful and enchants you from beginning to end. I believe this is a must in order to fully understand why Celaena acts the way she does.

I'd give this all the stars if I could. 5/5 stars!!! Happy Reading, Ashley.