Something Strange and Deadly Readalong Discussion Questions Chapter 15-End #SSaD

3. What do you think about Daniel's answer to Eleanor's question? Do you think he was being honest?

Oh I remember this the first time I read it. I was so frustrated and of course I didn't think he was honest. I was like seriously Daniel, seriously. Of course then I read the novella to get a better understanding.

Which I definitely recommend reading

7. Who is your favorite character in the first book and why?

Eleanor Fitt has was my favorite character in the first book and remained so the whole series. Again it's so hard for me to speak about her since I've read all the books. Of course there is the series after The Sheridan Institute as well. Eleanor is such a strong female lead and I can tell you, that you won't be disappointed as you continue to read the series.

8. How would you convince your friends to read this book?

I would shove it in their hands and say. I loooove this series you need to start reading now my friend. They would say, Jen you are always right, I'm going to read this series. :)

Sailor Moon has joined Link and Zelda to encourage you to keep reading. Mwah ha ha ha. Yes I feel like I have all these figures around they need to be incorporated into pictures.

Something Strange and Deadly Readalong Discussion Post Chapters 1-14 #SSaD

I actually read the Something Strange and Deadly series as it came out. I think it was one of the few series that I’ve managed to be that dedicated to. You know sometimes you read the first two books and then the third comes out and even though you want to read it, it falls to the wayside of your TBR. (This is Clockwork Princess for me). Anyway so doing these discussion questions is slightly difficult for me because I already know the characters so well and what is going to happen.

1. How do you think you would react to the Dead walking around in your city?
2. What do you think about the Dead? Are you glad it isn't too Zombie-ish, or were you hoping for a more Zombie-esque theme?

I feel that it is easy to tie these two questions together. I actually read Something Strange and Deadly because Sooz was doing a signing with Sarah J Maas (which I love any signing that the two of them are together btw because they are hysterical) So I picked up her book because that’s just what I do. I had never read a Zombie book before, they scare the complete piss out of me to be honest. I look at Zombie’s from every angle and people kind of stare at me. So if they were walking around my city I would probably run, scream, cry and be immediately eaten. I was really happy with the way the dead is presented in this series. I love that Necromancy is a part of it because it makes more sense to me. Yes you heard me, magic is something I can understand. The books have the right amount of Zombie for me.

3. How do you feel about Eleanor as a character?

I love Eleanor from beginning to end to this series and how much she changes. She is such a great female lead. She is strong, feisty and pure awesomeness.

4. What was your first impression of Daniel Sheridan? Joseph Boyer?

Daniel run away with me. I enjoy Joseph (okay seriously I’m not so great at this discussion part)

Zelda and Link want you to get back to reading!

Elementals by Michelle Madow #CoverReveal #Giveaway

Title: Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows

Author: Michelle Madow

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Release Date: January 26, 2016

Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing

Series: Elementals #1

Format: eBook

ISBN: 2940152448849

When Nicole Cassidy moves from sunny Georgia to gloomy New England, the last thing she expects is to learn that her homeroom is a cover for a secret coven of witches. Even more surprisingly … she’s apparently a witch herself. Despite doubts about her newfound abilities, Nicole is welcomed into this ancient circle of witches and is bedazzled by their powers—and, to her dismay, by Blake—the school’s notorious bad-boy.
Girls who get close to Blake wind up hurt. His girlfriend Danielle will do anything to keep them away, even if she must resort to using dark magic. But the chemistry between Blake and Nicole is undeniable, and despite wanting to protect Nicole from Danielle’s wrath, he finds it impossible to keep his distance.
When the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for the first time in three thousand years, Nicole, Blake, Danielle, and two others in their homeroom are gifted with mysterious powers. But the comet has another effect—it opens the portal to the prison world that has contained the Titans for centuries. After an ancient monster escapes and attacks Nicole and Blake, it’s up to them and the others to follow the clues from a cryptic prophecy so that they can save their town … and possibly the world.

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Michelle Madow wrote her first novel, Remembrance, in her junior year of college. Remembrance is the first book in The Transcend Time Saga, a three part series about reincarnation and true love that Michelle successfully self-published. The series was inspired by Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video. Michelle's latest YA series, The Secret Diamond Sisters, about three sisters who discover they are the secret heirs to a Las Vegas billionaire casino owner, was published in March 2014 by Harlequin Teen. The second book in the series, Diamonds in the Rough, released in November 2014, and the third book, Diamonds are Forever, will be coming out in November 2015. Michelle is active on social media networks and has toured across America to promote her books and encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing.

Michelle lives in Boca Raton, Florida, where she is writing more novels for young adults. She loves reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling the world, shopping, Disney fairy tales, Broadway musicals, and loves talking with fans on Facebook (/MichelleMadow), Twitter (@MichelleMadow), and Instagram (@MichelleMadow).

To chat with Michelle and other fans about her books, join Michelle Madow's Street Team on Facebook!

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Diamonds are Forever by Michelle Madow #BookReview #Giveaway

Title: Diamonds are Forever
Author: Michelle Madow
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Series: The Secret Diamond Sisters #3
Genre: Young Adult
Length: 368 Pages
ISBN: 9780373211524

It's cold outside, but the drama is hot!

The Diamond sisters jet to the mountains for spring break, and Savannah's flirt-mance with an international pop star heats up as her pursuit of stardom succeeds. But is this romance meant to be, or has the right guy been in front of her all along? Meanwhile, Courtney takes the next step with her secret boyfriend—and future stepbrother—and as their parents' wedding approaches, the pressure's on to reveal their relationship.

Peyton's figuring out a plan for her future, but she still feels guilty about getting her former bodyguard fired and wonders if she can get over him in the arms of someone else. But the biggest bombshell will change everything once again, because Madison's ready to tell the huge secret she's uncovered. And with the boy who betrayed her but who could be the love of her life fighting for his own life, she might need the Diamond sisters more than ever.

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Diamonds are Forever is a great ending for the Diamond sisters story. I loved seeing how the girls have changed and grown. Now finally settling into their new lives. Plus the Vegas setting and trip to Aspen is a great setting for the drama.

So Peyton is such a lost soul. Sometimes I get really irritated with her and sometimes I really feel for her. One of my friends actually did a gap year where she spent that time in Japan. She’s a doctor now so it was obviously a good thing for her. I like that she really starts to consider her options more seriously. It’s just took a little nudge from a special source. Peyton is odd girl out in the romance department since Jackson has left town. (for GH) With Jackson gone and that causing her lack of interest in guys. Peyton has to find a way to make herself happy which makes her a better person for a relationship.

When I was reading about Savannah and Damien I was thinking about the first book and how much their relationship has changed. Savannah is not perfect and I remember not liking her in the beginning. She still has this innocence about her but it’s more like it’s her armor. To believe in the best of everything. Make the most of situations. She’s not as naive as she is open. She is almost the best person in the series because of her unconditional way of living.

Courtney is kind of navigating not having to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders. She is still mourning her loss and dealing with how to respond to her mother and grandmother after they kept such a huge secret. Her secret relationship with Brett is a big deal to her since she is not a rule breaker. Plus her relationship with him is something that is special, precious and new for her. They are so cute together and I liked seeing Courtney allowing herself happiness.

Madison is definitely really different. She really wants to be close with the Diamond girls but also realizes she damaged that relationship. She is putting herself out there way more than she did before and trying. Same goes with Oliver, she realizes after almost losing him how important he is. In true Madison style she is not going to take no for an answer and takes charge of her fate.

I’ve really enjoyed this series. It has the great setting of Vegas, which was really fun to read about. I like having so many different perspectives so that you could root for one girl while being annoyed at another. Then the next day you might flip flop, kind of like having them as actual siblings. I liked how things end up wrapped at the end. This is an ending we have been working for through the whole series and it’s not just something that pops out of nowhere. We’ve really seen these girls change and figure out how to fit into their new lives but I also really liked how saw their relationships change. I would have to say that’s my favorite part.

So if you are looking for a fun drama filled contemporary. This is definitely a great one. I could see this being an awesome TV show.

Michelle Madow wrote her first novel, Remembrance, in her junior year of college. Remembrance is the first book in The Transcend Time Saga, a three part series about reincarnation and true love that Michelle successfully self-published. The series was inspired by Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video. Michelle's latest YA series, The Secret Diamond Sisters, about three sisters who discover they are the secret heirs to a Las Vegas billionaire casino owner, was published in March 2014 by Harlequin Teen. The second book in the series, Diamonds in the Rough, released in November 2014, and the third book, Diamonds are Forever, will be coming out in November 2015. Michelle is active on social media networks and has toured across America to promote her books and encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing.

Michelle lives in Boca Raton, Florida, where she is writing more novels for young adults. She loves reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling the world, shopping, Disney fairy tales, Broadway musicals, and loves talking with fans on Facebook (/MichelleMadow), Twitter (@MichelleMadow), and Instagram (@MichelleMadow).

To chat with Michelle and other fans about her books, join Michelle Madow's Street Team on Facebook!

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads 

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Unspoken by C.C. Hunter #BookReview

Title: Unspoken
Author: C.C. Hunter
Published: October 27th 2015
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Despite her superhuman strength and enhanced senses, Della Tsang's life as a vampire certainly hasn't been easy. Especially since she was reborn and bound to the mysterious, infuriating, and gorgeous Chase Tallman.

But if there's one thing that's always kept Della going, it's her dream of being an elite paranormal investigator. Her newest case is the opportunity she's been waiting for, but as Della tries to solve the twenty year old murder and clear her father's name. She uncovers secrets about the vampire council. And about Chase.

Feeling betrayed by all the secrets he's kept hidden from her, Della is determined to keep him as far away from her heart as she can. But she'll need his help to solve the case that will lead them into the darkest and ugliest vampire gangs in town and into the scariest reaches of her heart.

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The original Shadow Falls focused more on the Boarding School/ Camp vibe, where I think After Dark has always been more the FRU investigation vibe. So my favorite part of this series besides Della because she is a kick butt female character but also the murder mystery that goes along with it. Of course we do have romance, don’t worry it’s in there and even though there was a love triangle at the beginning of the series it’s definitely evened out in this book and is not really a main focus.

So here’s the deal. I have had a hard time liking Chase. I wasn’t sure if it’s because I struggled to let go of Steve. I’m sorry if you are Steve hater but I’ve been attached to him since Della’s novella and I guess I’ve got some loyalty there. The thing that always rubbed me the wrong way about Chase is his frequent use of the bond mate making them belong together. Then claiming the feelings are real. Really Chase you kind of aren’t making sense. The thing about Steve is he has always been supportive of Della being able to make her own choice. Now the thing is the book is in two perspectives both Della and Chase’s so I had to get over my dislike of him. I had to force myself to remember the Chase from the novella that I liked. Not so much the Chase that runs around saying you must be with me. He really does mellow out quite a bit in the book though and it helped. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be completely Team Chase but I really like how Della and Steve relationship turns out. Steve is always honest with Della and I loved when he lays it out there.

Della has so much going on in her life. I’m not sure how she manages to hold it together. Her feeling for Chase are definitely something but she has her father’s murder investigation that really needs to take the forefront for her. She kind of adopts a “not now” mindset of putting some things aside. The time is ticking on her dad and she is having trouble trusting Chase. He hasn’t always given her a reason to. Plus she has ghost problems and murder problems. Della is a survivor though and she always manages to push through.

The murder mystery was great. So many different pieces that need to fit together. I love investigating the crimes with the crew. I don’t want to reveal anything but of course there is a lot with Della’s father and siblings.

Kylie and Miranda were in the book but not as much as I would have liked. Although I kind of feel like since Della is more FRU involved it makes sense. Although I would have liked to see more Lucas (that’s a boy I will always be able to ship). Now I have to say I did notice that Miranda’s story doesn’t seem to be over. hmmmmm.

I really enjoyed Della’s series and I was definitely happy with how it ended. Such a fun read. If you’re a fan of the original Shadow Falls, you will enjoy this. If you haven’t read the original and want to jump in on this series, you could definitely do that as well. I’m hoping we are going to be seeing more with Miranda.

The Revolution of Ivy by Amy Engel #BookReview #BishopisMine

Title: The Revolution of Ivy (The Book of Ivy #2)
Author: Amy Engel (Goodreads Author)
Published: November 3, 2015
Publisher: Entangled Teen

Ivy Westfall is beyond the fence and she is alone. Abandoned by her family and separated from Bishop Lattimer, Ivy must find a way to survive on her own in a land filled with countless dangers, both human and natural. She has traded a more civilized type of cruelty--forced marriages and murder plots--for the bare-knuckled brutality required to survive outside Westfall's borders.

But there is hope beyond the fence, as well. And when Bishop reappears in Ivy's life, she must decide if returning to Westfall to take a final stand for what she believes is right is worth losing everything she's fought for.

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Wow...wow. This book was just simply amazing. If you haven’t read this series you need to because it’s fantastic. The Revolution of Ivy was perfect

We pick up where we left off. Ivy is now outside the fence and must figure out how to fend for herself. The amazing thing about Ivy is her drive to survive. If it were me on the other side of the fence, I don’t think I would be as strong as Ivy is. Her family always considered her the weak link but really she is the strongest one of all of them. She has the ability to not let herself become consumed by her hate. Which we see her demonstrate during a very scary scene where she comes across someone from the past. There is one part where she throws up her arms even though she is almost done and is like come on at me.

When Caleb and Ash enter the picture Ivy is at her limit and they save her. Ash becomes such a great support for Ivy and Caleb although Leary of her at first. Also ends up becoming an important person in her life. I loved how they form their own little family and begin to depend on each other. Ivy is not afraid to do her share and work hard.

Bishop, oh Bishop. Talk about the awesome amazing fantastic book boyfriend that is Bishop. Holy smokes. He finds Ivy and even though she tries to push him away. He still the kind, patient, loving boy that he has always been. He is there for her, no matter in what capacity that has to be.

The thing I like about this book is that it gives us a real view of hate. How people can sometimes hate so much and for so long that the hate ends up becoming bigger than they are. It ends up becoming their essence that without it they don’t really know how to live. This is definitely the case for Ivy’s family. Ivy knows that she cannot move forward until she can let go of the past. She doesn’t want to end up like her Father and Callie, which is what drives the end of the book.

It’s so hard to write a review for such a fantastic book like this because I don’t know if I can do it justice. I loved this series so much and I can’t wait to read more Amy Engel’s works. She will be auto buy for me without a doubt. I really think you should pick up this book and fall in love with the series like I have. I want to share the love.

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett #BookReview #Playlist #Giveaway

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart
by Jenn Bennett
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: November 3rd 2015

Artist Beatrix Adams knows exactly how she's spending the summer before her senior year. Determined to follow in Leonardo da Vinci’s footsteps, she's ready to tackle the one thing that will give her an advantage in a museum-sponsored scholarship contest: drawing actual cadavers. But when she tries to sneak her way into the hospital’s Willed Body program and misses the last metro train home, she meets a boy who turns her summer plans upside down.

Jack is charming, wildly attractive . . . and possibly one of San Francisco’s most notorious graffiti artists. On midnight buses and city rooftops, Beatrix begins to see who Jack really is—and tries to uncover what he’s hiding that leaves him so wounded. But will these secrets come back to haunt him? Or will the skeletons in Beatrix’s own family’s closet tear them apart?

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The Anatomical Shape of a Heart is hands down one of the best contemporaries that I have read. I actually read this book coming off of saying “I need a break from contemporaries”. Everything about this book is perfect. I loved the characters, the pacing and the plot. It all fits together so well. I want to pick up Jenn Bennett’s other books now.

Beatrix, or Bex, is such a cool girl. She is someone who doesn’t necessarily have the greatest life. Her family consists of her mom and brother after their dad left them. Her bedroom is the dining room but she is not a woes is me girl. She is a I’m going to find a way girl. Another character describes her as a Lake, calm and still. Which is exactly what she is. I’m not sure if it’s because she loves to draw anatomically correct organs but she has a way of dissecting things in her mind. Looking at them with that scientific eye.

Jack, Jackson, is the nobel bad boy with the not so bad background. Everything that we find out about Jack explains his actions. He makes a great counterpart for Bex, where she is creative/scientific he is more creative/adventurous. I don’t want to give too much away about his backstory just because finding things out about him is a great part of reading the book.

Their love story is the best. The best from the minute they meet on the Owl. I just want to hold that moment forever and it will always be my favorite meeting in a book. Plus I admit the fact that the Night bus is called the Owl makes me think of Harry Potter. My best friend lives in San Francisco and now I want to convince her to take the Owl. She will, I’m sure, think there is something wrong with me. I love that their relationship has sort of a role reversal. Not so much in life but in the way we see it in books. It’s hard to explain until you read but it was nice to see Bex have the upper hand in some things. One of the things that I love and wish that we would see more is that the characters don’t spend the book trying to get together. They go into things together and are able to be support for each other. The drama isn’t necessarily them but the things that happen around them and how fits together with them.

There is also a side point about divorce that I like how it was portrayed. Simply because even parents with good intentions can have selfish motivations when they themselves are hurt.

Pacing is absolutely perfect. Sometimes with a contemporary I can get a little bored. Just because it’s hard to have stuff happening all the time. There is no magic or monsters attacking you every other second. The Anatomical Shape of a Heart manages to keep every second interesting always something going on. It made me want to keep reading. This a book you could easily finish in one setting.

Simply stated this is one of my favorite books of the year. So yes read it. Read it as soon as you can.

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Jenn Bennett is an artist and RITA-nominated author of the Arcadia Bell urban fantasy series (Kindling the Moon) and the Roaring Twenties romance series, including Bitter Spirits, which was chosen as one of Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2014 and winner of RT Book Reviews Paranormal Romance Book of the Year, and Grave Phantoms—which was awarded RT's May Seal of Excellence for 2015. The Anatomical Shape of a Heart, (akaNight Owls in the U.K.) is her first YA contemporary romance. She lives near Atlanta with one husband and two evil pugs. Visit her at www.jennbennett.net.

Want to be notified when her next book is coming out? Join her mailing list: http://eepurl.com/V5il9

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