Blogspiration #22

Blogspiration is a Brand Spankin' New weekly meme hosted by both GrowingUp YA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation, and just a little SOMETHING.

Hello there! Yes, it's Nea, the incredibly stressed student of Psychology.

God, I can't believe that I am this close to finish and still don't have the energy or the will to do it. I thought the thesis will be easy to write down. In fact it is easy. But I can't force myself into it. The whole weekend I've been just, well, chilling and complaining how much I didn't want to sit down and write it. And now the time is running out and I am not even freaking out. God, I really suck. I guess I won't go to sleep tonight so that I can finish it. Hopefully. 

The thing is.. I have a beautiful there for it - Interpersonal Relations. It will be how Attraction affect the beginning of relationships - but God help me, I can't find a way to motivate me. My motivation and inspiration and will had gone AWOL. Geez.

Maybe I should just stop complaining and put my shit together and write it down. That would help. Probably is what I will do now. Wish me luck! 

Pic found at Fab Quote.

What's your blogspiration this week? :)

Across the Hall by N. M. Facile Review

Across the hall

by N. M. Facile

Published on October 20th 2010

Central Avenue Publishing

Sylvia O'Mara has spent the last four years trying to get over her high school sweetheart, who after breaking off their relationship left town without any reasons. With the help of her friends she has moved on and started dating a mysterious bad boy. She isn't happy, but she's content; until she meets the new neighbor.

Quinn Lobato has recently moved to Minneapolis to finish college close to his parents. His mother found the perfect apartment for him close to campus and assured him it has everything he needs. Quinn has had his own hurtful past and is looking forward to starting med school and a new life.

Little do they know that what they each need is waiting just across the hall.

- Goodreads.com description

Across the hall was recommended to my by my great friend Ines. :) She said.. ah :P I'll quote her: "OMG what a book! This book was so fucking good, one of the best I've read in a long time. It isn't too short, it isn't too long, it's hilarious, it's funny, it's sad, and sometimes it's so annoying, and I think you'll really like the boys in it" ;)

Obviously I needed to read it, right? :)

Sylvia is a nice girl who was left by the love of her life Quinn. She needed years to move on and now she seems to do just fine. She has friends and she is happy. She also got a new boyfriend, Beau, who is really a bad guy. But she's ok with it. As a character she is pretty cool, but sometimes I was just annoyed by her decisions and thinking. Lots of sadness could have been prevented.

Quinn is a good guy. Nice, funny and he feels really bad about living Sylvia. Actually he is still heartbroken about her. But he thinks he made the right decision to lieve her, because he felt it was right for her. And now that he is faced with her living across the hall, all the past emotions resurfaced and Quinn can't stop thinking about her.

The story was good. I really liked how Facile has put it. Their friends played a big part in the book too, and I was glad about it. Sometimes side characters are just on the side, but this wasn't the case!

The writing was also good! The steemy, hot scenes are written very good and I loved that. What I didn't like in this book is that there is a dual POV. You've got to know the whole day from Sylvia and Quinn, and sometimes I just wanted to know what happens next and not read about the one or other whole day before the drama kicks in.

Anyway, Across the Hall is a good read. It's New Adult. So, if you're looking for a funny, interesting, sometimes sad, with a bit of drama New Adult read, Across the Hall is the perfect book for you! ;)

Foretold: Homecoming by Richelle Mead Review

Foretold: 14 Tales of Prophecy and Prediction
Homecoming
by Richelle Mead
Published on August 28th 2012
Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 368 pages
Find the title on Goodreads

Book Depository - Amazon

Have you ever been tempted to look into the future? To challenge predictions? To question fate? It's human nature to wonder about life's twists and turns. But is the future already written—or do you have the power to alter it?

From fantastical prophecies to predictions of how the future will transpire, Foretold is a collection of stories about our universal fascination with life's unknowns and of what is yet to come as interpreted by 14 of young adult fiction's brightest stars.

- Goodreads.com description

OH!! OMG OMG. How on earth did it happen that I didn't know about this?! Jesus. I mean, I knew Richelle Mead said she would write a short story about Dimitri and Rose going to Russia, but hell I didn't know it was out already! Damn. I feel like the worst fan ever.

Rose Hathaway, I've missed you like crazy!! <3 <3 Reading this short story felt like a balsam for my soul. Literally. I think Rose will be my favourite character forever. God, I wish she was real and she was my best friend. Though, she is my best friend even if she isn't "real". But she'll always feel real to me, in my heart. 

In this short story Rose and Dimitri went to Russia to visit his family. It the first time they visit after Dimitri was restored to dhampir. And he is so so cute!! I've missed him too. And his family, they were so happy.. awww. 

Rose is still the badass Rose. Her sarcasm hasn't vanished! She is still the same Rose like always :) 

“Of course they’ll be glad,” I assured him, marveling at the change in our relationship. I’d started off as his student, in need of his reassurance. I’d graduated to become his lover and equal. “They know we’re coming. Hell, you should’ve seen the party they threw when they thought you were dead, comrade. Imagine what they’ll do when they find out you’re actually alive.”

A debate then broke out between the three of us over who would lead and who would go last to carry a lantern. Dimitri and Mark came up with lame arguments about why they should go ahead of me. Mark’s was that, as the oldest, his life was more expendable, which was ridiculous. Dimitri’s reasoning was that he was safe, thanks to Yeva’s prophecy. That was even more ridiculous, and I knew he was only saying so to protect me. Yet in the end, I was overruled and ended up behind them.

Know that I am rating only the Homecoming short story. I haven't read the whole book :P But I was dying to read this one, and it didn't disappoint one little bit, because it was just that awesome!

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi Review

Under the Never Sky

Under the Never Sky #1
by Veronica Rossi

Published on February 7th 2012

Atom, 374 pages
Find the title on Goodreads

Book Depository - Amazon

WORLDS KEPT THEM APART.

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

- Goodreads.com description

 

I wanted to read Under the Never Sky since it came out this Winter, but haven't got around it till now. The book is good, so definitely, I wasn't disappointed.

Under the Never Sky is a different kind of dystopian. The world that Veronica Rossi created is quite fascinating. Realms. Every possible reality that can be possible just by a thought. WOW. Society that let people live just trough realities of the Realms. Better than real. Pretty incredible, but I think I would have missed the real world and feelings that makes me feel alive.

Aria. Wow, this girl is some baddass heroine. An unexpected event happens in the beginning and is going to change her life forever. She gets thrown into a completely new world and she doesn't know how to survive. But she does. And she become great and fierce and amazing. She grows a lot as a character. 

Perry. Well, well he is one of a kind. He doesn't live in the Realms. He lives outside. And he is powerful because he is a Seer and a Scire. Which means he can see perfectly in the night and he can sense emotions from other people. And he is strong! 

Their way is joined when both of them are on path to save another person, and it has drawn them together. Their path is full of danger and they will struggle to survive. And between all the obstacles.. they will find love <3

So, if you're searching for a good dystopian book filled with action, danger, friendship and good romance, Under the Never Sky is the perfect book for you!

"You don't scare me with that."

Perry inhaled deeply. Her lie was acrid and sharp, bringing a bitter taste to his mouth. She wasn't scared. She was terrified.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked. 

"Your scent."

Her lower lip quivered. "You drink from a rabbit and you think I smell?"

She looked up. "A world of nevers under a never sky."

She fit well then, he thought. A girl who never shut up.

This wasn't the Realms, where a thought delivered a result. But she also knew she'd given herself a better chance. And in life, at least in her new life, chances were the best she could hope for. They were like rocks. Imperfect and surprising and maybe better in the long run than certainties. Chances, she thought, were life.

Why I extremely love and incredibly hate Dystopian books

Interesting title, huh? I'll explain.

A dystopia is the idea of a society, generally of a speculative future, characterized by negative, anti-utopian elements, varying from environmental to political and social issues. Dystopian societies, usually hypothesized by writers of fiction, have culminated in a broad series of sub-genres and is often used to raise issues regarding society, environment, politics, religion, psychology, spirituality, or technology that may become present in the future.

- Wikipedia.org

Recently I am all into Dystopian books and I love it. These stories are so freaking unique! And awesome and amazing and utterly fantastic. But let's stick to the point.

The beginning. 

OMG the beginning of every dystopian book is so freaking difficult to understand! I remember when I read The Hunger Games, for the first couple of chapters I didn't have a clue what was going on!

Same for Article 5. What was it with the articles? What's wrong with their society?

And, now frankly, same for Under the Never Sky. I took me to read half of the book to understand how the world was built. Duh. Incredible world indeed, though.

What I want to say is.. The beginning is the most difficult part of these books for me. Sometimes I just want to quit the book just because I can't understand what in the world is going on?! But then I always say to myself to keep going and everything will turn out ok.

And when you're passed over the introduction of the world and society of the book, well, then you start to feel how amazing the story is. I mean, for me it's always amazing.

I love that there are some individuals that just don't want to cooperate with the society design. And the funny thing is, that mostly these individuals are girls. And they make a difference! And I think this is utterly amazing. I mean, I am a girl and sometimes I just feel so small and insignificant. Like I can't change anything in the world. Like I can't do bigger things because noone would listen to me. 

But Tris was also small and she made a big difference. Katniss hasn't felt that important either, and she became the head of a revolution against the Capital. These girls didn't have supernatural powers and still, they did make some pretty baddass changes to the world to make it better. :)

I really love Dystopian books, because they light this fire of hope in yourself. That makes you want to make and do better for yourself and for the world. And if you're fighting for a right cause, you are gonna succeed. The way there will be tough, but in the end is going to be worth it.

What do you think of Dystopian books? How do you feel about the beginnings? How do you feel about societies so different from ours? And about strong female characters that make a difference? :)

French Kiss by Sarra Manning Review

French Kiss 

Diary of a Crush #1

by Sarra Manning

Published on June 8th 2006

Speak, 224 pages

When Edie and Dylan first see each other in photography class, an instant attraction draws them together. But true love never does run smoothly—the two spar as much as they can’t keep their hands off each other. Then comes the college trip to Paris: Edie’s willpower will be tested to the limit! In between furious arguments and trips to the Louvre, the two share some passionate moments—but will it last?

- Goodreads.com description

French Kiss is the first book in the serie Diary of a Crush. It starts with Edie moving to Manchester and everything is new and she feels very shy about everything. And the she sees him. Her whole world changes. She fall in love with Dylan.

Edie. Edie was a sweet and funny character. She is really cool. And she loves to shop - so if you're a shopaholic you'll love this book ;) She is also a nice girl who gets thrown in the middle of the drama between her new friends Dylan, Shona, Mia and Paul. Here we don't have a love triangle, but a Pentagon haha :D

Dylan. Well, he is the kind of guy you had in high school that every girl fell for. Edie was no exception. But he doesn't treat her good. He's actually very moody and weird. He's sweet, but has many fellers. 

The story was somehow good. Though, I didn't agree with many actions Edie did, and when she finally spoke for herself I was really proud - but everyone said she was too harsh. WHAT? I thought she was completely awesome, finally. 

The writing was very good! I loved it that it was written in Diary style. I really liked it. Also the kissing scenes were witten very good ;) ;) It was an enjoyable read and Edie pretty much rocks! So, if you're searching for a Young Adult Contemporary book with a 16-year old female character who faces her first big crush and struggle to survive college with her new friends and loves to shop - French Kiss is the perfect book for you! ;)

We were both speaking English but we weren't taking the same language. He was telling me all the reasons why we should't be together and I just wanted him to kiss me.

Y'know how sometimes, you end up doing things that aren't actually a good idea, just cause you can't think of a reason not to do them?

You know that split second when you wake up and you feel alright, and then you suddenly remember all the bad stuff that happened the night before? That's what happened to me the next morning.

OPAL Cover Reveal

So excited!! :D

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love. 

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Follow this link to an ~~~ EPIC CONTEST ~~~ Announcement. You will want to bookmark this page!

http://jenniferarmentrout.blogspot.com/p/october-1-2012.html

USA TODAY Bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn.

Find Jennifer on: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Blog

So, tell me, what do you think of the cover? I think it's so stunning <3 I love it! And can't wait to read Opal! <3 The summary sounds amazing :) And I can't wait for the adventure to go on!

Thank you Jennifer and Entangled for this cover reveal event!

JLA Summer Blog Tour or Ten Reasons Why to Read The Lux Serie

The Jennifer L. Armentrout Summer Blog Tour is an idea of K-Books. Today is my stop and I am really excited about it! 

Ten Reasons Why to Read The Lux Serie

1. Hot, snarky guy - Daemon

Omg, this guy!! This guy will make you forget about the Prince Charming, Edward Cullen, whatever! Yes, he is that hot.

“Beautiful face. Beautiful body. Horrible attitude. It was the holy trinity of hot boys.”

2. Every character speaks sarcasm fluently

“I always liked you. From the moment you first flipped me off.”

3. The main character, Katy, is a book blogger and a baddass

“The day my internet was hooked up was better than having a hot guy check out my butt and ask for my phone number.” 

“Your mail could've waited." Daemon followed me into the kitchen. "What is it? Just books?"
Grabbing the OJ from the fridge, I sighed. People who didn't heart books didn't understand.” 

4. The Covers are amazingly beautiful

5. The romance, is the kind of romance that sparks (sometimes literally)

“For a moment, I pretended. Not that we weren't two different species, because I didn't see him that way, but that we actually liked each other. 

And then he shifted and rolled. I was on my back, and he was still on the move. His face burrowed into the space between my neck and shoulder, nuzzling. Sweet baby Jesus...Warm breath danced over my skin, sending shivers down my body. His arm was heavy against my stomach, his leg between mine, pushing up and up. Scorched air fled my lungs. 

Daemon murmured in a language I couldn't understand. Whatever it was, it sounded beautiful and soft. Magical. Unearthly. 

I could've woken him up but for some reason I didn't. The thrill of him touching me was far stronger than anything else. 

His hand was on the edge of the borrowed shirt, his long fingers on the strip of exposed flesh between the hem on the shirt and the band of the worn pajama bottoms. And his hand inched up under the shirt, across my stomach, where it dipped slightly. My pulse went into cardiac territory. The tips of his fingers brushed my ribs. His body moved, his knee pressed against me. 

I gasped. 

Daemon stilled. No one moved. The clock on the wall ticked. 

And I cringed.”

--

“Daemon pressed his forehead against mine. "Oh, I still want to strangle you. But I'm insane. You're crazy. Maybe that's why. We just make crazy together.” 

6. The Side Characters are equally hilarious

Dee, Daemon's sister, is pretty awesome! Adam too :D And Lessa, hahaa YES! Any Katy's mom :D

“I don't think he meant to kiss me," I said finally.
"What? Did he slip and fall on your mouth? Those things are known to happen.”

“How long have you been standing there?"
"Just long enough to see you give Daemon the middle finger."
"He deserved it.” 

7. There are good and bad Aliens

It's pretty cool that we can read about something new. Vampires, Faeries are awesome, but hell, Aliens are awesome too!

“Will you show me what you really look like? You don't sparkle, do you?” 

8. The Writing is pure awesomeness

The scenes are written beautifully. You can practically picture the story in your mind :)

“You look like you got more of a bath than the car. I never thought washing a car would be so hard, but after watching you for the last fifteen minutes, I’m convinced it should be an Olympic sport.” 

9. The Story is Unpredictable

Really, there is always something that you haven't seen it coming!

“Not in this lifetime, buddy,” I said finally. “Resistance is futile, Kitten.” “So is your charm.” “We’ll see.”

10. Jennifer L. Armentrout rocks!

“Jesus.” Blake rubbed his throat. “You have anger management problems. Its like a disease.”
“There’s a cure and it’s called kicking your ass.”

Hopefully, if you haven't read this serie yet, this post will convince you to do it ASAP! :) Believe me, it's so freaking worth it!

Right book for the right mood

I've been thinking.. I read Divergent in December and I've been dying to read Insurgent. I couldn't wait for May to come so I could hold Insurgent in my hands and sob and laugh and scream "OMG I've Insurgent in my hands!" - like I did when I hold The Fault In Our Stars. It was quite hilarious. You can laugh about it here.

But lets back to the point. I got Insurgent in May and it was sitting on my shelf till last week. Sad I know. Also, I was really excited about Under the Never Sky and Article 5 and all other dystopian novels, but I haven't got around them, till now.

What I want to say is.. I think I need to be in the right mood to read a Dystopian book. Romance I can read the whole time. Paranormal and Contemporary I can read too, most of the time. But Dystopian I just can't. I kind of need to prepare myself for all the destruction I will face while reading the book. 

In the last couple of months I've been under a lot of stress. Two jobs, University, the Thesis to write down.. and last week I saw Insurgent on my shelf and I was like "YES! I'm in the perfect mood for Dystopian!" I've picked it up. 

I finished it in two days. It was amazing. And I felt a lot better after reading it. I think it's the effect of - you know - when your world is falling down and you don't know what to do and how to stop it, it's perfect to have a book with characters which are faced with a lot more destruction and problems and death and they still fight no matter what. They make you want to do more, to do better and to fight back. And I love it. 

So, I'm absolutely positive that this month it's a Dystopian month for me. I'm gonna read all the Dystopian books that I haven't come around yet to read. And really, I feel less stressed about life. I feel good.

SO, I wanted to ask you.. Do you have any awesome, amazing, great Dystopian book to recommend me? I've read the Hunger Games, Divergent, Article 5 and now I'm reading Under the Never Sky. I need some strong female characters who will make me want to fight more :)

And also, do you also pick books based on your mood? For the sake of your soul? I would love to know :)