Thursday, July 26, 2018

July Wrap Up 2018

July was a reading better month for me then June. I managed to read 6 books. Taking part in the #24in48 readathon helped. I read a whole book in 2 days.

July Wrap Up 2018:

1. Let Me Be The One by Bella Andre
I have a review of this posted on my my blog. I loved this book. 5/5 books
2. Under The Mistletoe by Bella Andre
This is the story of Jack and Mary Sullivan the parents to the Sullivan siblings. I loved reading about their story. 5/5 stars
3. Haunted Love by Cynthia Leitich Smith 3/5 stars
4. Every Time We Fall In Love by Bella Andre
I have a review for this as well on my blog.I received this for a review from the publisher. 5/5 stars
5. Melissa Explains It All" Tales From My Abnormally Normal Life by Melissa Joan Hart
Another book I have a review for. I loved the audiobook of this. 5/5 stars
6. All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover
I was looking through the books available from my library's overdrive. I saw this was not checked out. So I grabbed it. I knew Colleen was releasing a new book. I didn't know what this one was about. And honestly going into it blind I believe is the best way to do so. 5/5 stars

That is a wrap up on July!! I read alot of books I loved and one not so much.
What books did you all read in July?

Happy Reading, Ashley   

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Melissa Explains It All: Tales From My Abnormally Normal Life by Melissa Joan Hart

Melissa Explains It All:Tales From My Abnormally Normal Life By Melissa Joan Hart

Released: October 29th, 2013 (first released January 1st, 2013)
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Pages: 276, US Hardcover Edition
Source: Audible


"Melissa Joan Hart explained it all—from dating to bullies—in her groundbreaking role as Clarissa Darling on Clarissa Explains It All. She cast a spell on millions more television viewers as Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Now, in Melissa Explains It All, Melissa tells the frank and funny behind-the-scenes stories from her extraordinary past and her refreshingly normal present.

Melissa has been entertaining audiences most of her life; when there were no girls named Melissa on her favorite show, the forceful four year old decided she'd get on TV her way. From that moment on, Melissa has shown a singular determination and focus—whether it's for booking three national commercials so her dad would build her a tree house or for nailing the audition for Clarissa.

From her first commercial to her current starring role in ABC Family's hit Melissa and Joey, Hart never let fame go to her head. She always had one foot in Hollywood and one foot in reality—and still does. Melissa makes us laugh along with her as she talks about:

--guest appearances in shows like Saturday Night Live and The Equalizer 
--auditioning for Punky Brewster and Clarissa
--her early Broadway days
--wacky parties she's thrown and attended
-- the actors who influenced her and whom she befriended, worked with and competed against 
--her experiences both on and off-set—with Sabrina's Salem the Cat and Elvis the Alligator on Clarissa 
--how she met the love of her life at the Kentucky Derby

Melissa Joan Hart explains all that she's learned along the way—what's kept her grounded, normal and working when others have not been so fortunate—and that she's the approachable, hilarious girl-next-door her fans have always thought she'd be."

-Information from Goodreads.com 

My Review:

Being a kid from the 90s I know Melissa from her roles as Clarissa and Sabrina. Upon learning she wrote about her life. I wanted to read about it. I picked up the audio book from Audible. I wasn't disappointed. Melissa has managed to do what few in Hollywood can. Stay grounded in who she is even with the success she has experienced. I did tear up a bit towards the end. If who grew up watching her in Clarissa or Sabrina I highly recommend picking up this book.

I adored this so much!!!
5/5 stars
Happy Reading, Ashley

Reading Check In So Far For 2018

I saw someone on BookTube talk about their reading stats so far in 2018. She did from January to June. So I will be doing the same.

The number of books I've read so far from Jan.- June: 47
Out of the 47 Books I've Read:           25 YA
                                                             22 Adult

I have finished so far in 2018 4 series.


In not having a set number of books to reach by the end of the year. Has taken the pressure I've felt in previous years to read more. Don't get me wrong I love reading. But there are times I can't read or simply just don't want to. I can take breaks when I want to!! Or if the occasional reading slump should happen just let it go the course.

My only notes is to read more Adult books. Whether its romance books or thrillers. And finish more series I have open. Keep having fun reading!!

How is your reading going so far in 2018?
Do you have a Goodreads Reading Challenge? If so did you reach it or are you behind?

Happy Reading, Ashley

Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag

Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag 2018

Created by IsThatChami and Elyjane from BookTube.
I saw this tag from a few Booktubers I watch and wanted to take part. So here is my answers to the 15 questions.

1. Best Book You've Read in 2018?
Up In Smoke by T.M. Frazier, I was lucky enough to be apart of the blog tour for this. I was so happy to be able to read and review this book!!
2. Best Sequel You've Read So Far In 2018?
The Death Code by Lindsay Cummings. It not only is a sequel but the finale to the dulogy. This world was crazy.
3. New Release You Haven't Read Yet, But Want To?  Legendary by Stephanie Garber
4. Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half Of The Year? Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas, Perversion by T.M. Frazier
5. Biggest Disappointment? 2 through 4 of the Caster Chronicles. That series put me into reading slumps each time I read the books. Also Alice's Adventures In Wonderland. I didn't care for the story.
6. Biggest Surprise? From This Moment On by Shania Twain. Being a big fan of hers I was excited to finally read her story. I listened to this on audio book. She does read the first part and the ending. I was shocked on learning about her life. There was things I never knew. Like how she is a big time swearer. Ha! Never saw that one coming.
7. Favorite New Author (debut or new to you)? Tricia Levenseller and Becky Albertalli
8. Newest Fictional Crush? Smoke from Up In Smoke. Even though he had a few appearances in the King series by T.M. Frazier. It wasn't until his book that I got to know the character better.
9. Newest Favorite Character? Princess Alosa from a Daughter of  A Pirate King and Riden
10. Book That Made You Cry? A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
11. Book That Made You Happy? Doppelbanger by Heather M. Orgero
12. Favorite Book To Film Adaptation You Saw This Year? I haven't been to the movie theater in a year. So no answer for this one.
13. Favorite Review You've Written This Year? Daughter Of A Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller 
14. Most Beautiful Book You've Bought So Far This Year (or received) ? A Court of Frost and Starlight
15. What Books Do You Need To Read By The End Of The Year? Tower Of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas, Kingdom Of Ash by Sarah J. Maas, Legendary by Stephanie Garber, Perversion by T.M. Frazier, Daughter Of A Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller. Hopefully finish a few more series would be great!!

Hope you enjoyed this tag!! If there any other book tags you want me to answer just send me the links!!

Happy Reading, Ashley

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Every Time We Fall In Love by Bella Andre

Every Time We Fall In Love by Bella Andre
Released: July 18th 2018 (expected release date)
Publisher: Oak Press,LLC
Series: The Sullivans,Book #18
Page Amount: 207 Kindle Edition
Source: Publisher

"Harry Sullivan has always put his family first, even when it meant losing Molly—his one true love. He’s never been able to forget her, even after fifteen years. Now that his siblings are all blissfully happy, Harry hopes it’s not too late for his own happily-ever-after. But then his doorbell rings…and one look at the teenage girl standing on his doorstep changes absolutely everything. 

Molly never thought she’d see Harry Sullivan again, so she's beyond stunned when her fifteen-year-old daughter brings him back into her life. At eighteen, Harry was already strong, sexy, and honorable. And now that he's even more handsome, more brilliant, more loyal and caring? Molly can't stop herself from falling in love with him all over again. Especially when his kisses and the sizzling attraction between them are hotter than ever. 

But with more at stake now than they ever thought possible, will they be able to move beyond the mistakes they both made in the past, and fall in love forever this time? 

EVERY TIME WE FALL IN LOVE 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. "
-Information from Goodreads.com

My Review:
I received an ARC ebook exchange for an honest review. Reading Harry's story gave me a chance to understand how he dealt with being the leader of the family during his father's grief. He put them first in everything he did. Which is why he lost so many years with Molly and their daughter. Seeing them get a second chance at getting it right was beautiful. I laughed so many times while reading this. I always feel like I can't possibly love another Sullivan story more than the last one yet Bella proves myself wrong each time.

5/5 stars!!!!

Happy Reading, Ashley

Monday, July 9, 2018

Let Me Be the One by Bella Andre

Let Me Be the One by Bella Andre
Released: December 31st 2013 (first released August 28th 2012)
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Series: The Sullivans, Book 6
Page Amount: 348, Mass Market Paperback Edition
Source:  Own

"How far would you go for a friend? 

Back in San Francisco preparing for her big art show, Vicki Bennett needs help protecting herself and her career from the unwelcome advances of one of the judges. She knows that her longtime friend and baseball star, Ryan Sullivan, will know just how to handle things, and he's the only person she can imagine asking for help. 

Ryan is thrilled to have Vicki back in his life, and he will do anything to protect her from harm, including playing the role of "pretend boyfriend." But when their staged kisses and caresses lead to an incredibly sensual night, they both worry that they may have damaged their friendship forever. 

Have they made the worst mistake possible? Or is the perfect combination of friendship and love finally within reach? "
-Information from Goodreads.com 


My Review:
I adore each installment I read of this very large family. Ever since reading The Look Of Love I've become addicted to reading more about the Sullivan family and them falling in love. Ryan and Vicki's story was definitely no exception. We first met them as teenagers. Vicki saves Ryan's life and he feels he owes her for that. What neither of them knows is each is falling for the other. However when Vicki moves away, she and Ryan try to keep in touch over the years. When Vicki happens  to be back in San Francisco she and Ryan meet up. I loved seeing them be best friends to becoming more. I think this might be my favorite so far out of the series.

I highly recommend this book and the series!! Bella is an amazing author. I am always glued to her books from beginning to end. So if you are looking for a fast read for summertime. I think you should pick up Let Me Be the One by Bella Andre.

Rating it 5/5 stars!!
Happy Reading, Ashley

Thursday, July 5, 2018

When I'm Not Reading # 5

Another edition of When I'm Not Reading. I wrote a song a few days ago and would like to share it with you all.

Dreaming Love

A new dream has begun
And you gave it to me (yeah you gave it to me)
All the “I love yous” and “you are the one”
Will never be enough to describe just what you mean to me

My life line
My partner in this world
My love
My hope
My dream

I…I am speechless by you, baby
How could you break down my walls?
Like they never meant a thing
Like you didn’t care

You stood by my side even in my dark days
All the “I love yous” and “you are the one”
Won’t ever be enough to describe just what you mean to me

My life line
My partner in this world
My love
My hope
My dream

Dream….Dream…. You gave me it!!

A reason to breathe
A reason to love
Oh my sweet boy
How will I ever truly thank you?

For being a dream I never thought I’d find
I was closed down for so long
Then you came along (yeah you came along)
Now I know I will never be alone again

A new dream has begun
It all started with you saying
Give me all your fears, all the things you never told anyone

My life line
My partner in this world
My love
My hope
My dream
My incredible dream


I write them few and far in between these days. I miss when I wrote fiercely. Oh teenage years... I think alot of what inspired me back then has faded away. Trying to get back into the swing of writing songs. I hope you enjoyed this one! It was just something that popped into my head.

Happy Reading and Writing, Ashley