Monday, November 3, 2014

Review Policy Update

For those who don't often check my review policy, this is an update that review requests are currently closed. I am very behind on reviews, and do not feel right accepting new requests until I am caught up! I will be requesting a few books on NetGalley that I know I will enjoy, and know I have the time for, but other than that I will not be receiving any new books for review.

I will be posting a combination IMM and update vlog this coming weekend, just letting all of my readers know what I have been up to, and what to expect for the remainder of this calendar year. It will be an informative vlog, so be watching for that!

Have a great week, everyone!

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Readathon Wrap-up

I'm back, as promised! First off, thanks to everyone who came by and left comments encouraging me. Even if I didn't respond, I did read them and I appreciate them! And now for my wrap-up survey.

Which hour was most daunting for you?
Probably hour 19 and into hour 20. I was so exhausted at that point (it was 11pm my time) and I had already worked a shift that afternoon, so I was just wiped.

Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
Anything Sarah Dessen, Also, the Matched series! one I finish Date or Soulmate? I will be reading Matched next, so watch for that review!

Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
While I understand the doorprize drawings were random, I saw a lot of repeat names. (Meaning they won multiple prizes.) That was a little frustrating for me, because that means so many people got nothing! I think if a blogger already won a prize, they should not be able to pick out a second one. However, since mini-challenges are different, that would be an exception. Also, I didn't feel like I got cheered for very much this year. I loved that last year, because it kept me motivated. This year I struggled with motivation, and I think more cheerleaders could have helped me.

What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
Having the fun little videos on each hour's post! It broke up the looong mundane reading periods, and made much more fun.

How many books did you read?
2.5!
What were the names of the books you read?
Praying for Your Future Husband, Scars, and partway through Date or Soulmate?

Which book did you enjoy most?
They were all great, but Scars impacted me deeply. I really enjoyed it.

Which did you enjoy least?
Probably Date or Soulmate? I always read at least 100 pages before marking a book as Did Not Finish (DNF) and I was concerned this book would be the case, as it started reallllly slowly. As I got further in, it became more enjoyable.

How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
I would definitely like to do the April one! I've only ever done the October one. I don't think I can handle being a cheerleader yet, because I want to focus on my reading goals more.

So there you have it readers! As for my huuuge goal of 1000 pages, I didn't come close. My realistic goal was 500 pages, and I almost made it! My grand total of pages read was 414 pages! Not bad, considering I worked 4 and a half hours, took a couple naps, and bowed out at hour 19! Next readathon I'm really gonna try and hit that 500 page mark.

How did you guys do on your goals? I'd love to hear them! Thanks for sticking around during the readathon!

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Halfway Through Hour 19...

I was hoping to make it until midnight my time, which would mark the start of hour 20. Unfortunately I am fighting to keep my eyes open and focuses on what I am reading, and my sugary snacks are not helping! I officially need to crash. I definitely won't post again for the remainder of the readathon, but I will be checking back in the morning and doing my wrap-up post as well, so check back! thanks guys, and happy reading!

I'm back! Hour 15 Update

I am BACK! And ready to read :) I did read a little during my break, but not enough for my taste! I missed the mid-event survey and a couple of challenges while I was gone, so this may be a long post :P

Mid-Event Survey:
1. What are you reading right now?
I'm finishing up Scars by Cheryl Rainfield. It's really impacting me!
2. How many books have you read so far?
Almost 2.
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
Anything on my Kindle. I don't read on there near enough!
4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
Just work. I managed to read on my break!
5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
How easy it is for me to get distracted from reading. I'm bad at it when I spend too much time at it :P

Color Cover:


I chose green! I know they're not technically all green.... but these are the closest I could come up with :P

Mini Challenge Hour 9: On Food and Books

I am plowing through my second book! Unfortunately I was called into work, so I won't be posting most of the afternoon. Should be back by 7pm PST, so check back then!

I found this recipe for Butterbeer Cupcakes awhile back, and it sounds sooo good! It's not my recipe, but I definitely plan on trying it someday! After all, who doesn't dream of Butterbeer?? Oh... that's just me? :P

Butterbeer CupcakesMakes 18
.
For the cupcakes:
.
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon butter flavoring
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup cream soda
.
For the ganache:.
1 11-oz. package butterscotch chips
1 cup heavy cream
.
For the buttercream frosting:.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup butterscotch ganache
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon butter flavoring
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 16-oz. package powdered sugar
Splash of milk or cream (as needed)
.
For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line cupcake pans with paper liners. Combine your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, cream your butter until light and fluffy. Add your sugars and beat until well-combined. Beat in your eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then beat in your vanilla and butter flavoring.
.
Alternate adding your buttermilk, cream soda, and dry ingredients in batches until all are well incorporated. Fill each cupcake liner 3/4 full, then bake for 15 to 17 minutes until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean and cake springs back to the touch. Cool completely on wire racks.
.
For butterscotch filling: In a double boiler (heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water on the stove), combine butterscotch chips and heavy cream and stir until completely combined and smooth. Cool to room temperature. Fill a squeeze bottle with ganache and insert into the center of each cupcake, squeezing until filling begins to overflow.
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For buttercream frosting: Cream butter in a large bowl until fluffy. Add in ganache, vanilla, butter flavoring, and salt and mix until well combined. Beat in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until reaching desired consistency. Add milk or cream by the Tablespoon as needed. Frost cupcakes and top with a drizzle of butterscotch ganache.

Mini Challenge Hour 8: Special Books

So this may be cheating.... But I chose my Kindle Fire :P I just adore her and would definitely grab it if there was a fire! You can see my photo on Instagram here. What are some of your most prized books?

Mini Challenge Hour 7: Book Tower

So for this mini challenge, we're supposed to make the most creative book tower we can think of. I honestly can't think of anything creative, so I'm gonna skip this one :) Leave links to yours below, I'd love to check them out!

Mini Challenge Hour 6: Name Your Readathon

I just finished my first book! Granted I was already over halfway through it, but seeing as I woke up at 5 this morning I think that's an accomplishment :P

For this challenge, we are to pick a few books from our readathon stack, and take part of the titles and make a name for our readathon! Here's what I came up with:

Date a Matched Two Way Street

Books Used:

  • Date or Soulmate?
  • Matched
  • Two Way Street
Not too bad for someone who is one 5 hours of sleep :P What did you name your readathon?

Mini Challenge Hour 5: Book Staging

You're probably wondering "What happened to hour 4??" It's on my Instagram! If you're interesed in seeing my shelfie, head on over! My username there is angelvelvet :)

For this hour's challenge, we were tasked with posing our book with something relating to the cover.


I think I nailed it, don't you? ;) Let me know what books you staged!

Mini Challenge Hour 3: Weird Reading Position

This isn't really that weird of a reading position, but it's a little odd I guess :P


Yes, that is my laptop on my lap. Yes, those are silver sequined slippers. And yes, that is my Disney princess blanket. Don't judge :P I'm comfy!

Now that's I've been up for awhile, I'm starting to get sleep. I think a nap is in order! I'll be back around 8:30am my time :) Happy reading!

Mini-Challenge Hour 2: Coffee or Tea?

We made it to hour 2! And yes, I know I'm 30 minutes late with this :P I needed something to wake up up... like coffee!


Yep, I am #TeamTrollope all the way! I have recently started to enjoy tea more, but it has to be a sweeter tea, and I usually add sugar to it. For my coffee, I still can't drink it black, but I usually added my Torani Salted Caramel syrup and a little bit of half and half. It's sooooo yummy! If you like salted caramel, you should try it :) What about you? What's your book reading drink of choice?

Opening Meme!

I know I'm late in posting this, but seeing as it's 5:30 am here, I needed time to wake up :P

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?

I'm reading from Salem, OR!

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?

Either Matched or Two Way Street. It's too hard to choose!

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?

Definitely my Lays BBQ chips. I've been craving them for awhile now :P

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!

I'm Ariel! I'm a 23-year-old college student who also works part-time. I spend my time with friends, reading, and generally just relaxing. This is the first year I've seriously attempted the readathon, so I'm excited!

5) If you participated in the last readathon, what's one thing you'll do differently today?

I'm really hoping to finish at least one full book. I'm pretty sure I can do it, but I just hope I can stay focused!

Friday, October 17, 2014

24 Hour Readathon stack!



Keep checking back for u[dates and mini-challenges as the day goes on! Happy reading!

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Amazing giveaway!

229 giveaway  

It’s time for the next $229 Kindle Giveaway Hosted by I Am A Reader.
She is giving away 2 great prizes both valued at $229!
Winner’s choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash!
 
The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below.
The 2nd is available only to those share this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.

Win a Kindle Fire HDX 7", Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only) The price of this Kindle recently dropped to $199. The winner will still receive a prize valued at $229.
  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
Each of these bloggers/authors paid to help sponsor this giveaway.  
 
Sponsor List: I Am A Reader
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Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton
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A Leisure Moment: A Casual Conversation about our Love for Literature
Artist/Author BT
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Author Claudia Burgoa
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Author Zoe Forward
Helen Smith (author)
MyLadyWeb: Women's History & Women Authors
Mini Myths: Be Patient Pandora! / Play Nice, Hercules!
Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
Author - Cindy A Christiansen
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Author Inger Iversen E.B. Black
Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups  

  Giveaway Details: 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only), $229 Amazon.com Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). Ends 10/27/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Update!



So for those who don't want to listen to me ramble, here's the update!


  • I have finished a few books lately! Be looking for some new reviews :)
  • My Goodreads isn't up to date yet, so ignore it until I fix it :)
  • I am participating in Dewey's 24-Hour Read-A-Thon! (Unless I'm working... then I will simply read as much as I can fit around my work schedule)
  • I will be posting an update vlog on my main blog as well, Keys to My Life if you follow me there, or are interested!
Thanks for reading and sticking around guys! <3

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Cover Reveal: Sacrifice by Jennifer Quintenz

"Sacrifice" (Daughters of Lilith: Book 3) by Jennifer Quintenz

 For fans of Braedyn Murphy, the wait is almost over. “Sacrifice,” the third book in the Daughters of Lilith series, will be released on January 31, 2014.

 "Sacrifice" (Daughters of Lilith: Book 3)
 Just when Braedyn Murphy thought she understood the danger descending on Puerto Escondido, a new threat arrives. A cult devoted to Lilith has taken up residence in the little town, and when Cassie gets tangled up its intrigue, Braedyn realizes she might have to chose between protecting her friends and stopping Lilith from reclaiming this earth. With her duties to the Guard wearing on her, Braedyn turns to Lucas for solace. Together they wonder if now is the time to claim their one night together—knowing that one night is all they may ever have. Darker forces have their own plans for Braedyn and the Guard. Braedyn knew this fight could be brutal—but how much can one girl be asked to sacrifice in order to save the world?

 Check out the previous books in the series: Praise for "Thrall" (Daughters of Lilith: Book 1) "Before you even start this review, put down anything you are doing and go read Thrall. It's AMAZING! BREATHTAKING! Engaging and smart, Thrall leaves you speechless!" - Savannah, Books With Bite "The writing style is so smooth, yet gripping. Add some good characters, well-paced story and you have something that I like. No, not like. Love... No surprise that “Thrall” gets full five stars and the highest recommendations I can give." - Linda, The Fantasy Librarian "How do I even begin to put all the crazy, gushy, ramblings in my brain about this book onto paper?!? Where to even begin?....This book is a MUST read!" - Hooked In A Book review on Amazon

 Praise for “Incubus” (Daughters of Lilith: Book 2) "If you like gutsy fantasy of the urban variety this should definitely be on your 'must read' list. Don't let the YA label put you off either, like all the best YA fiction, this can be enjoyed by adults as well. I give it an unreserved 5 stars." - Tahlia, Awesome Indies, http://awesomeindies.net/2013/10/01/hard-book-put-review-incubus-jennifer-quintenz/ "This is one of those books that I have been looking forward to since June of last year... I loved this book and I'm so happy I finally got to read it. I recommend the entire series for the fully developed characters, the impressive mythology, and the fight scenes. I am dreading waiting for the next book." - David, David-Reviews.com "Great reading. LOVE IT. Jennifer Quintenz is a special writer who can be very riveting... Spent several sleepless nights in a crazy rush to see how it ends. Can't wait for the next books." - Terri, review on Amazon About the author:

 Jennifer Quintenz is an award-winning film and television writer, author, and graphic novelist. She has written for Twentieth Television, Intrepid Pictures, and Archaia Studios Press. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. JenniferQuintenz.com Jenn on Facebook Jenn on Twitter Jenn on Goodreads

Friday, January 3, 2014

Cover Reveal: Morning Glory by Amber Stokes

Today I have another cover reveal to share from my dear friend Amber! Show her lots of love!



About the Book
The depths of fear. The dawning of hope.

Myghal’s story continues… Summer 2014

The Book’s and Series’ Blogs
In conjunction with the cover reveal, Amber’s doing a double “blog reveal,” as well! You can check out the book extras for Morning Glory (more coming soon!) on the Morning Glory blog, and you can keep up with all the exciting news for the series on The Heart’s Spring blog, the new home site for all three of the main books and the companion short stories!



About the Author
Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion for the written word – from blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at a time and pursuing her passion via freelance editing and self-publishing. You can connect with Amber on her blog, Seasons of Humility.



About the Cover Designer
Lena lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. She writes fiction for young adults, mostly light fantasy with a healthy dose of "sigh-worthy" romance. You can visit her online at www.lenagoldfinch.blogspot.com.




Rafflecopter Code
Enter via the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win morning glory note cards (set of four) from Cindy Lindgren and lavender & copper flower earrings from Jaye L. Knight! Giveaway limited to U.S. residents only.




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