November Reads 2015

I tried book blogging before...it didn't work out. I ramble too much. Then last year I decided to post once a month with a small blurb about each book I read that month. It works better for me. So much so that I'm going to continue this year. You can click on any picture and it'll take you to the Goodreads page.

November was a much better month.

The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer.

It's been 7 years since I originally read this series. I remember laying on my little boys floor reading while he played and staying up until all hours of the morning devouring each book. I read all four in four days. Since I've been in a book slump lately I thought "hey, why not go back to an old favorite?" So I did. I read a book a day on my vacation and I'm glad I did. It was like I never left the world of Forks.

Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics

This was one crazy book. A friend likened it to a split between Little House on the Prairie and Stephen King. I've never read a S King novel but I can guarantee after this book I'm not sure I will! Talk about creepy! Though very intriguing. Good, spooky read.

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Another re-read this month. I knew after re-watching the movies before the final Mockingjay I HAD to re-read the series. And I'm so glad I did.

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between by Jennifer E. Smith

Cute, fun read. Not my favorite of hers but I enjoyed reading it.

Kissing Max Holden by Katy Upperman

I love love LOVED this book! I wish everyone could read it right now! I read it when it was up on Swoon Reads for comments and critiques before it was selected a winner! Soon to be published!

October Reads 2015

I tried book blogging before...it didn't work out. I ramble too much. Then last year I decided to post once a month with a small blurb about each book I read that month. It works better for me. So much so that I'm going to continue this year. You can click on any picture and it'll take you to the Goodreads page.

Another bad month. One. ONE! That's the number of books I read. And...it was more of a health book than anything.

Very good, informative book if you're looking into veganism.

September Reads 2015

I tried book blogging before...it didn't work out. I ramble too much. Then last year I decided to post once a month with a small blurb about each book I read that month. It works better for me. So much so that I'm going to continue this year. You can click on any picture and it'll take you to the Goodreads page.

September was a bad, bad month. I read 3 books. And one wasn't exactly a fun read.

 Rebound by Noelle August

Bunch by Noelle August

I really enjoyed this series. It's fun to see how the previous couples story goes in the next book.

I read this book after a friend recommended it. Having already done research into the animal industry before I went vegan, I knew what to expect during some of the chapters (I skimmed over those). But hearing the psychological reason behind the book was really fascinating. 

August Reads 2015

I tried book blogging before...it didn't work out. I ramble too much. Then last year I decided to post once a month with a small blurb about each book I read that month. It works better for me. So much so that I'm going to continue this year. You can click on any picture and it'll take you to the Goodreads page.

August was a GOOD book month! I struggled with reading over the summer but I think this month has fixed me. I hope it keeps up.

99 Days by Katie Cotugno

I'm very torn with this book. While the writing is beautiful there was a lot that went on that just left me feeling....unsatisfied.

Things We Know By Heart by Jessi Kirby

I'm not sure where to start...except this may be my new favorite Jessi Kirby book. Within a few pages I knew this book would be one of, if not the best book I read all year. And I knew I had to take my time with it. Until I got to the last 70 or so pages and I knew I had to rip off the band-aid and just go for it. And it left me in a puddle of tears. Recently losing someone, a family member, didn't help soften the impact this book had. On the balance of life and death. On how we need to live our lives, live each day. Jessi did a fantastic job of creating two memorable characters and a story that will stay with me through the years.

 Devoted by Jennifer Mathieu


Once I started reading Devoted, I didn't want to stop. Jennifer takes such a touchy, taboo topic and turns it into a beautifully told, relatable story. Rachel is such an amazing character. Watching her transform into a strong woman was moving. Mainly because there are girls and women out there just like her. Ones who are silenced every day. And most will never find a Lauren. A way out. They'll never find their own wild and precious life.  

A Summer Like No Other by Elodie Nowodazkij

 

Such a sweet, heart breaking story. I loved getting to know Em and Nick and can't wait to read more about them in Always Second Best this October.

Map To The Stars by Jen Malone

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, fast read that hooked me from the start.

Jesse's Girl by Miranda Kenneally

Took me less than a day to read this book, and that included time outs to spend with my family. Once I started I didn't want to stop. There's just something about Miranda's writing and settings and characters that draws you in. Unforgettable and Unputdownable.

The World of Chameleon Blog Hop Day 4

Chameleon Releases Today!

"Wow! A fast-paced, science fiction delight with fabulous action, a seamless world, and the most unique characters I've read in a long time." Elana Johnson, Author of the Possession Series.

 

The World of Chameleon

Adrium,

Adrium is the alien parasitic metal found inside the meteors. It is a compound capable of blending with its surroundings, which feeds on electricity – and given too much, the parasite (being what it is) forms a vague sort of consciousness of its own.

Being that it feeds on electricity there were two obvious options when the scientists began experimentation – Machine and human. The first attempt failed abysmally. There was too much animal in what they created and the Hound was born. After that they went in the other directions and coupled the adrium with too much machine (never a good idea).

The third attempt was with human psionic DNA. They did this because the psionic gene was introduced into the human race after the meteor showers, and while they couldn’t be certain of a connection, the lead scientist who created the Dominos was fairly sure it would synch. It took many failed attempts, but eventually domino #12 was successful, and well… the rest is Chameleon.

 

The Blurb:

When Sai's newly awoken psionic powers accidentally destroy her apartment complex, she’s thrown into an intensive training program. Her only options are pass or die.

Surviving means proving her continued existence isn't a mistake--a task her new mentor, Bastian, takes personally. Her abilities place her in the GNW Enforcer division, and partners her with Domino 12, who is eerily human for an alien-parasite psionic hybrid.

After eliminating an Exiled scientist, she discovers nothing is what it seems. With each mission more perilous, Sai must figure out who to trust before her next assignment becomes her last.

Available at:

Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | IndieBound

If you'd like a signed physical copy, Watermark Books has them in stock.

CELEBRATION!

We're having a blog hop, and an e-card & mega swag Rafflecopter giveaway!

The blog hop stops are noted below. Each day has a different theme and you can find out about the process, the idea, and the evolution of Chameleon, and even a bit about K.T. by visiting each blog, when their posts go live.

4-Aug	5-Aug	6-Aug	7-Aug	10-Aug
Fun facts about the book	What I learned writing Chameleon	Author Interviews	The world of Chameleon	The Evolution of Chameleon
Manuel Soto	Marlo Berliner	Leatrice McKinney	Rebecca Enzor	Patricia Lynne
J Elizabeth Hill	Stacey Trombley	Dawn Allen	Sharon Johnston	Bex Montgomery
E.L. Wicker	JC Davis	Suzanne van Rooyen	Mandy Baxter	Madelyn Dyer
Jessie Mullins	Andrew Patterson	Heather Rebel	Jessica Therrien	Carissa Taylor
Emma Adams	Lady Jai	Elyana Noreme	Kendra Young

I’m giving away e-cards of your choice from B&N, iTunes, & Amazon – one to the value of $25, and three to the value of $10! Each prize includes a swag pack of a magnet, sticker, bookmark, postcard, and mousepad!

Just follow the options listed on the giveaway and you'll be entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

KT Hanna has a love for words so extreme, a single word can spark entire worlds.

Born in Australia, she met her husband in a computer game, moved to the U.S.A. and went into culture shock. Bonus? Not as many creatures specifically out to kill you.

When she's not writing, she freelance edits for Chimera Editing, interns for a NYC Agency, and chases her daughter, husband, corgis, and cat. No, she doesn't sleep. She is entirely powered by the number 2, caffeine, and beef jerky.

Note: Still searching for her Tardis

July Reads 2015

I tried book blogging before...it didn't work out. I ramble too much. Then last year I decided to post once a month with a small blurb about each book I read that month. It works better for me. So much so that I'm going to continue this year. You can click on any picture and it'll take you to the Goodreads page.

Get Even (Don't Get Mad #1) by Gretchen McNeil

	I'm not sure why more people aren't talking about this book! It's like Pretty Little Liars but it doesn't go on for 100 years (Don't get me wrong, I love PLL, but I stopped after book 8. I still adore the show). It's sassy and quirky and has a great mystery plot that I can't even begin to figure out.



 Something Real by Heather Demetrios

I wasn't so sure if I'd like this book based on the premise but once I read (and loved) I'll Meet You There I knew I had to give it a chance. And I am 100% grateful I did. I adored it. The characters and relationships were real and, though not always likeable, understandable. Chloe (Bonnie) is now one of my favorite female MCs. She's far from perfect but she's perfectly written. Her flaws are what make her so great. And I loved so much of the supporting cast; Patrick, Benny, Matt (best boyfriend EVER), Tess and Mer. Even Lexie (so much so I can't wait to read her story). It's also a book that makes you stop and take a good long look at things in our society. How real is reality TV? How much good does it do anyone compared to the damage it does we don't see. If you're on the fence about this one hop on over and give it a go! A must read.

Get Dirty (Don't Get Mad #2) by Gretchen McNeil


Another amazing book from Gretchen McNeil! And another one that kept me on my toes.I had no idea how this series was going to end. I'm not even sure I came close. And that's what makes such an awesome thriller.

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

I don't even know where to begin. I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did. I honestly don't know why I went in feeling that way. Maybe because it completely enveloped me. Elyse's story about voice -actual and metaphorical- really stuck with me. How she stood up for what she believed in and didn't give up. Not on herself or her friends.

Her friends - the majority of the side characters. Christian, Sebastian, Kirby, Vanessa...all incredible characters bringing their own flavor to the mix.

And the scenery - from the sea to the Pacific Northwest and all the way down to T&T, the details were amazing.

Basically the only thing I didn't love about the book was it ended.

 The Devil You Know by Trish Doller

Such a chilling read. It makes you stop and think about the people you know. Or don't. It's too hard to say anything about the book for fear of giving anything away. But I will say it is well worth a read.

Chameleon by K.T. Hanna

First a warning...this isn't a typical Mandie book. There isn't romance or kissing or even happily ever after. I just want to make readers aware of that first. I knew this going in (I was lucky enough to get an early e-book copy) and yet I still loved this book.

If you're a fan of sci-fi you'll enjoy Sai's thrilling ride as her psionic powers awaken and she trains to learn to control them. The characters she meets on her journey (humans, some with psionic powers, and Dominos (alien-parasite and psionic hybrids) help create a whole new world to get lost in.

K.T. does a great job of mixing whit, snark and sci-fi together that you can't help but enjoy this book. 

Ready? Set. Write! Week 6

Ready? Set. Write! is a way for writers to keep in touch with each other and keep themselves accountable to the goals they set. This year it's hosted by Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Jamie Morrow,Erin Funk and Elodie Nowodazkij. Check out their blogs for more details and be sure to link up each week.

1). How I did on last week's goals.

1). Start and complete my newest novel BLANK SPACE, a YA contemporary -Better! Not sure if I'll finish this novel by the end but I'm writing more and more each week.

2). Read at least one book a week -The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler. This book scooped me up and swallowed me whole. I've enjoyed Sarah's books but this one just grabbed me and didn't let me go!

3). Finish Harry Potter book 4 and 5 by end of RSW -One day!

4). Continue with 21 Day Fix and work on becoming a Beach Body Coach -I've "officially" decided to be an active coach! I've been working on getting organized, going through tutorials and creating pages (picky_eaters_fix on IG and Picky Eaters Fix FB like page if you're interested).

5). Keep up with my 25 before 35 - Slow going.

6). Get kiddo ready for soccer season - Weather has been INSANELY hot or rainy here so we haven't been outdoors much. Hoping for the temp to cool off soon.

2). My goal(s) for this week 

Create a bucket list for my MCs best friend. Read The Devil You Know. Do cross fit 3 times a week and my daily beach body workouts. 

3). A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised

"No, don't want it," I mumble as I pull the pillow closer.
"You're reverting back to a two year old," Leigh says as she kicks the bed. "Up and at 'em."

4). The biggest challenge I faced this week (ex. finding time to write).

Trying to juggle a full plate...and then some.

5). Something I love about my WiP.

Finding old scenes and trying to rework them.

Ready? Set. Write! Week 5

Ready? Set. Write! is a way for writers to keep in touch with each other and keep themselves accountable to the goals they set. This year it's hosted by Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Jamie Morrow,Erin Funk and Elodie Nowodazkij. Check out their blogs for more details and be sure to link up each week.

1). How I did on last week's goals.

1). Start and complete my newest novel BLANK SPACE, a YA contemporary -Work in progress. I got a few days of writing in but also spent time on querying my last novel, When The Wind Blows.

2). Read at least one book a week -Done and done. Get Dirty by Gretchen McNeil (fabulous series) and Something Real by Heather Demetrios (love love LOVED this one).

3). Finish Harry Potter book 4 and 5 by end of RSW -Umm.....it's on my night stand.

4). Continue with 21 Day Fix and work on becoming a Beach Body Coach -Again, done and done. I've set up a FB like page and IG account for my coaching and continuing with my current round of 21 day fix. 

5). Keep up with my 25 before 35 - Slow going.

6). Get kiddo ready for soccer season - Tryouts were Saturday. He already has his team. GO MUTINY! Have to say, he was one of the better ones out there.

2). My goal(s) for this week - Read, write, workout.

3). A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised

Stalled....plot snag.

4). The biggest challenge I faced this week (ex. finding time to write).

Motivation.

5). Something I love about my WiP.

That it doesn't judge me when I neglect it.

Ready? Set. Write! Week 4

Ready? Set. Write! is a way for writers to keep in touch with each other and keep themselves accountable to the goals they set. This year it's hosted by Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Jamie Morrow,Erin Funk and Elodie Nowodazkij. Check out their blogs for more details and be sure to link up each week.

1). How I did on last week's goals.

1). Start and complete my newest novel BLANK SPACE, a YA contemporary - With vacation and the Holiday weekend I didn't get as much writing done but I did go back and edit the words I've already written.

2). Read at least one book a week - Get Even by Gretchen McNeil. This book was SO good. I'm not sure why more people aren't reading this series.

3). Finish Harry Potter book 4 and 5 by end of RSW - I have made a plan! Going to work on 1-2 chapters a night.
 

4). Continue with 21 Day Fix and work on becoming a Beach Body Coach - On point. New challenge group started today.
 

5). Keep up with my 25 before 35 - Slow going.

6). Get kiddo ready for soccer season - Try outs this Saturday. We're going to work on drills nightly.

2). My goal(s) for this week

 

Write 30 minutes a day. Read one-two books.

 

3). A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised

Friendship

4). The biggest challenge I faced this week (ex. finding time to write).

Vacation and vacation recovery.
 

5). Something I love about my WiP.

Discovering my characters.

 

June Reads 2015

I tried book blogging before...it didn't work out. I ramble too much. Then last year I decided to post once a month with a small blurb about each book I read that month. It works better for me. So much so that I'm going to continue this year. You can click on any picture and it'll take you to the Goodreads page.

I feel like the biggest book loser this month. I only read FOUR books?! How is that even impossible? I'm just glad they were really REALLY good books.

 The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West. 

I can't help but love a good Kasie West romance! She does an incredible job of building up the story and not letting us down. I can't wait for her next one.

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Jenny Han has done it again with an amazing series. I had to re-read To All The Boys before starting P.S. because there was so much I wanted to remember clearly before this book. It's a typical Jenny Han romance and I want to say more but I don't want to spoil anything. I'll leave it at that.

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

Another fun beach read. I put off reading this one for a while because it took me a bit to get into but I'm glad I stuck with it.

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Two SD books in one moth? Yes, please. And Saint Anything was everything I imagined it could be, and more. Another great by Sarah Dessen. Top three for sure (Just Listen is first, of course, and this may top Along for the Ride). The characters and family dynamics are impeccable and the romance placed perfectly. Everything one could hope for from a favorite author.

Ready? Set. Write! Week 3

Ready? Set. Write! is a way for writers to keep in touch with each other and keep themselves accountable to the goals they set. This year it's hosted by Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Jamie Morrow,Erin Funk and Elodie Nowodazkij. Check out their blogs for more details and be sure to link up each week.

1). How I did on last week's goals.

1). Start and complete my newest novel BLANK SPACE, a YA contemporary - In progress. 

2). Read at least one book a week - Started and finished Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen. Can we say LOVE?!

 3). Finish Harry Potter book 4 and 5 by end of RSW - I'll get on that...soon?

4). Continue with 21 Day Fix and work on becoming a Beach Body Coach - first half of the week was great but since we've been on vaca I haven't been able to get a good exercise routine in and haven't ate the best. But, we did climb up and down the side of a mountain yesterday for 5 hours. I think that took care of it.

   

5). Keep up with my 25 before 35 - Slow going.

  

6). Get kiddo ready for soccer season - In progress. He mad it up and back on the mountain so I'd say he's doing great. 

2). My goal(s) for this week

I am LOVING this whole 30 minutes a day writing thing. Most days I even beat the word goal I initially set. But, if I don't, I don't beat myself up about it. Friday - Sunday I didn't get to write. Out of town for brothers wedding and it was busier/crazier than I thought it would be.

3). A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised

This is a little more than a line but I can't help it because I love it so much. An exchange between Katie, my MC, and Leigh, her BFF.

“Fro-yo.” She stared right back. “You said anytime we get so mad at the other we could kill them we had to stop whatever we were doing and get fro-yo.”

“At a time like this you want fro-yo?" I demand.

“Not want. Need.” Her voice was calm, even. Nothing like someone who’d just almost been smooshed. “Your eyes look like they might murder me right now.”

4). The biggest challenge I faced this week (ex. finding time to write).

Vacation.

5). Something I love about my WiP.

Spoty iwifo and busy week but I'm going to try to client.

  That it's finally coming along. Slowly but surely.

Ready? Set. Write! Week 2

Ready? Set. Write! is a way for writers to keep in touch with each other and keep themselves accountable to the goals they set. This year it's hosted by Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Jamie Morrow,Erin Funk and Elodie Nowodazkij. Check out their blogs for more details and be sure to link up each week.

1). How I did on last week's goals. 

1). Start and complete my newest novel BLANK SPACE, a YA contemporary - Yeah....about that goa. I revised what little I wrote last week and I did work around a plot issue I was having, but very few new words. 

2). Read at least one book a week - Only had time for one book, The Moon and More, but it was the perfect book to start the summer with.

3). Finish Harry Potter book 4 and 5 by end of RSW - Really need to pick up book 4 again.

4). Continue with 21 Day Fix and work on becoming a Beach Body Coach - Finished up my second round of 21 day fix. Taking a break, though keeping with the healthy eating, and back at it after brother's wedding.
5). Keep up with my 25 before 35 - Slow going.
6). Get kiddo ready for soccer season - Kiddo has been doing workouts with me a few nights a week. Sign ups are this week.
 

2). My goal(s) for this week 

 Revisiting my writing goal. Instead of X amount of words a day/week I'm going to write at least 30 minutes a day. I also need to create a "list" for my main character. Read/listen to a few books. Keep going with the healthy eating. The longer I go the easier it is.

3). A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised 

Standstill.

4). The biggest challenge I faced this week (ex. finding time to write). 

Life. Too much to explain but sometimes it's a bitch.

5). Something I love about my WiP.

  That it's about the best of friends despite their differences.


P.S. To everyone who commented last week THANK YOU for your encouraging words. I didn't get a chance to go back and reply to them.

Currently June 16, 2015

I really enjoyed the What's Up Wednesday posts I was doing for a while and have been looking for something to fill in. Then I saw a post by Katy Upperman titled Currently and thought I'd give it a try. Her first post linking back to the original is here.

Loving

Yoga! I took a two-hour Ashtanga workshop that a friend of mine hosted. It was a lot harder than I imagined yoga could be. But then again I think it's because I had the whole idea of yoga commercialized. This was the real deal.

Reading

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen. It's the perfect start of summer read. I'm also going to be looking up and studying yoga books and sites.

I love this cover much more than the hard cover. I actually own both, a signed hard copy and then this paperback.

Watching

Pretty Little Liars, Melissa and Joey and Baby Daddy. Love all three of these summer time shows. ABC Family has some of the best series.

Thinking about

The weekend. Work has been crazier than normal and I'm ready for that to end.

Anticipating

My (middle) brother's wedding. It's in less than two weeks!

Wishing

That friends and family didn't have to leave.

Making me happy

Summer! It's weird, I usually don't get into summer. It's my least favorite season. But I'm loving it so far. Last weekend kiddo and I hit the beach with my mom. This past weekend we rented a pontoon boat for a few hours out on the bay. We even happened upon a pod of dolphins! It was breathtaking.

Ready? Set. Write! Week 1

Ready? Set. Write! is a way for writers to keep in touch with each other and keep themselves accountable to the goals they set. This year it's hosted by Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Jamie Morrow,Erin Funk and Elodie Nowodazkij. Check out their blogs for more details and be sure to link up each week.

1). How I did on last week's goals. 

1). Start and complete my newest novel BLANK SPACE, a YA contemporary - Failed. Miserably. Let's just say I wrote as much all week as I should have done in two days. 
2). Read at least one book a week - This week was two, The Fill-In Boyfriend and P.S. I Still Love You. Really enjoyed both books.
3). Finish Harry Potter book 4 and 5 by end of RSW - Haven't touched book 4 in forever.
4). Continue with 21 Day Fix and work on becoming a Beach Body Coach - Going strong.
5). Keep up with my 25 before 35 - Need to read over my list again.
6). Get kiddo ready for soccer season - Kiddo has been doing workouts with me a few nights a week. We both really enjoy it.

2). My goal(s) for this week 

 Write 5000 new words on my YA Contemporary BLANK SPACE. That will most likely be my goal each week as long as I don't get behind. Again. Looking for a 55,000 draft by end of RSW. More reading and healthy living.

3). A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised 

 At the risk of sounding like a spoiled cliche it was a "sweet sixteen" gift from my parents. Though there was nothing sweet about them leaving the keys on the kitchen counter next to a card and bouquet of late-night store-bought flowers. ~Katie, my main character, on her car

4). The biggest challenge I faced this week (ex. finding time to write). 

 Mentally being able to write. Work has been insane and I'm trying to train a new co-worker and it's just taking up the majority of my brain space. I got in writing when I could but it wasn't nearly enough.

5). Something I love about my WiP.

 That I found a way to revamp an old idea I had from years, workout the plot holes I had and make it into something I could love.

CHAMELEON COVER REVEAL

I am so excited to be part of the Chameleon cover reveal for the lovely K.T. Hanna. I've been wanting to read a book from her for so long and it's finally happening!!

Chameleon (The Domino Project #1) is a YA futuristic science fiction story. It's set in the wasteland of earth after a meteor shower devastates landmasses, makes seas rise, introduces the psionic gene into the human race, damages the atmosphere, and gives the gift of an alien parasite to the world.

The goodreads blurb is as follows:

After Sai's newly awoken psionic power accidentally destroys her apartment complex, she’s thrown into an intensive training program. The only grades are pass or die.

Surviving means proving her continued existence isn't a mistake--a task her new mentor, Bastian, takes personally. Her abilities place her in the GNW Enforcer division, which partners her with Domino 12, who is eerily human for an alien-parasite and psionic hybrid. When her assassination duties are revealed, Sai understands the real reason for her training.

  On a mission to dispatch a dangerous Exiled scientist, she uncovers truths she never thought possible. Sai is unsure who to trust as her next mission might be her last, and a double agent seems to be manipulating both sides.

Without further ado - here is the cover, by the amazingly talented S.P. McConnell.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

It's finally here

Isn't it GORGEOUS!?!?!

Sit back and bask in this for a moment.

It's available for preorder for a special price of $2.99

About the Author

KT Hanna has a love for words so extreme, a single word can spark entire worlds.

Born in Australia, she met her husband in a computer game, moved to the U.S.A. and went into culture shock. Bonus? Not as many creatures specifically out to kill you.

When she's not writing, she freelance edits for Chimera Editing, interns for a NYC Agency, and chases her daughter, husband, corgi, and cat. No, she doesn't sleep. She is entirely powered by the number 2, caffeine, and beef jerky.

Note: Still searching for her Tardis

Celebration!

To celebrate, we're giving away 2 x $10 Amazon e-gift cards (open to anyone who can receive and use an Amazon e-card) Just click on as many options as you like and enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ready? Set. Write! Goals

Ready? Set. Write! is a way for writers to keep in touch with each other and keep themselves accountable to the goals they set. This year it's hosted by Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Jamie Morrow,Erin Funk and Elodie Nowodazkij. Check out their blogs for more details and be sure to link up each week.

Today is goal setting day!

1). Start and complete my newest novel BLANK SPACE, a YA contemporary
2). Read at least one book a week
3). Finish Harry Potter book 4 and 5 by end of RSW
4). Continue with 21 Day Fix and work on becoming a Beach Body Coach
5). Keep up with my 25 before 35
6). Get kiddo ready for soccer season

And don't forget to keep up every Monday using these headings

1). How I did on last week's goals.
2). My goal(s) for this week
3). A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised
4). The biggest challenge I faced this week (ex. finding time to write).
5). Something I love about my WiP.

Currently June 2, 2015

I really enjoyed the What's Up Wednesday posts I was doing for a while and have been looking for something to fill in. Then I saw a post by Katy Upperman titled Currently and thought I'd give it a try. Her first post linking back to the original is here.

Loving

Beach Body! Well, their programs and products at least. I don't like the whole idea that you have to be a certain size/shape to be "beach body ready" or go on crazy diets but I love the idea of being fit and healthy and feeling good about yourself. What I love about the BB community is there are all shapes, sizes and levels of fitness doing this together. I've done one round of their 21 fix healthy eating plan and dropped 6 pounds and a mess of inches. I'm starting a second round tomorrow, this time I'm including the workouts. I bumped up to the extreme level so I'll either be down pounds/inches or just down on the floor unable to move! And don't get me started on the Chocolate Vegan Shakeology....it's amazing.

Reading

I'm making my way through the Harry Potter series and am no on book 4, Goblet of Fire. About half way through. Really enjoying the series, but I'm taking them slow. A book a month/every other month. And then I'm rereading To All The Boys I've Loved Before before starting PS I Still Love You.

Watching

Seems all the shows I watch (except Game of Thrones) are off for the summer so I'm turning to Netflix and DVDs, rewatching old favorites. I'm currently on season 7 of Supernatural and season 3 of Sex and the City.

Thinking about

Summer. Weddings. My revamped book idea. Beach days.

Anticipating

I signed up for a yoga workshop later this month and I can't wait.

Wishing

That there were more hours in the day. Work has been hectic and I'm mentally drained. Can't focus to write or read. And I'm not liking it.

Making me happy

Lazy weekends. The weekends over the last few months were jam packed with training runs, actual runs (10K, Tough Mudder, Half-Marathon, Mud run), base ball games, family days, etc. And it's nice to just sit back and relax with a movie or two and just be.

May Reads 2015

I tried book blogging before...it didn't work out. I ramble too much. Then last year I decided to post once a month with a small blurb about each book I read that month. It works better for me. So much so that I'm going to continue this year. You can click on any picture and it'll take you to the Goodreads page.

Finished 7 books this month. Sadly 4 of them were audio books. It was a busy month and had more time on the go than to sit and read. But, I made it over my goal before the year is half over. Hoping if I keep it up I can bump up my goal from 80 to 100. 

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi/Audio

I'm glad I picked this series back up. 

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

I am so torn! I hate books that do this to me. I want to love them but then there's this little part of me saying no, don't. I didn't actually rate this book because I couldn't bring myself too. I did enjoy it but part of it left me hanging and I just couldn't figure out the why of it all. 

 Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi/Audio

So many twists and turns. Such a great series.

 

All The Rage by Courtney Summers

Another slam dunk for Courtney Summers. I wasn't sure if I'd like the story at first, but the more the layers started peeling back the more I loved it. I enjoyed getting to know Romy and what makes her tick. Courtney is great at writing authentic characters that make you want to care about them no matter how broken they are.

 The Heir by Kiera Cass/Audio

Not sure what to say about The Heir. It's another one I couldn't rate. It didn't hold up to my expectations. I loved the first three in the series and was looking forward to this one. It was slow going at first with little action and no romance. Then all of a sudden it started getting good. And then it ended. Like….bam, done. So I’m annoyed because I didn’t realize there was another. I kept waiting for the wrap up that never came. 

 

The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider/Audio

This book was a fun listen. It was a little crazy in parts and I kind of hoped for a different ending but I'm glad I finally picked it up.

Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

I honestly have no thoughts on this book. I just didn't get it like everyone else did.