Rambling or, oh man really?!

I want someone to fight for me. (Is that so unreasonable?) Instead I get a society full of “adult” children who want to screw everyone just for the fun of it and that’s it. Fight for who? People these days don’t fight for anything. Because it’s either you fall at their knees in the first 30 seconds or you are too much effort. Which is like, What. The. Fuck.? So talking to me like I am a normal human being is already too much effort? Really?

When did society decide this “instant gratification” should become a norm, a value to aspire? Fuck, I don’t even understand how people live with it. I couldn't do this. Hell, I ruminate about stupid shit people in that situation have already forgotten. Does this all come down to no more moral values? I have no clue, but I am getting seriously pissed off. Why is that people think is okay to just disappear with no word? Everyone seems so full of themselves, but I am starting to think it’s just egocentrism and no-real-base self-entitlement. Because seriously, if you were so badass you would grow some balls and send the other person to hell, and to hell with it. But no. Damn these stupid unfinished gestalts. Un-fucking-finished-business.

Okay lets get personal. It happened to me in the past month that two guys just disappeared. Just disappeared. And, yes I have facebook so I would know if they died, which they did not.  And back to fighting? I might have not fought with everything I have (because beginnings) but I did send texts. Then I started to think that maybe I am annoying. But wait, really? Men out there, what exactly is running in those little minds of yours? You text me, all is good, nothing wrong is being said, and the pooof – you disappear from the face of the earth. And that leaves me thinking I am annoying because I text after 3 days asking if you’re alive? I don’t think so.

Oh and then I met guys out and they are like “oh, I wish I would find a smart girl. Smart girls are the best.” Please, people like that – just shut up. If you really believe that, cool, but most of you don’t want to meet that smart girl. Research proves it (Park, Young, and Eastwick, 2015). They did a study where they ask the participants if they would hypothetically rather date a very smart woman or an average smart woman, and the results were that man said that they would hypothetically rather date the very smart one. When they faced them with actual smart women vs average women, and they had to have a conversation with them in a speed dating environment, the results were that they would rather date the average smart woman. HA. Hippocrates. That is why I call them out when random dudes start saying shit.

So why do these thing keep happening to me? Am I projecting? Are these my mechanisms of defence in action?  Bad karma? But no, I read a book the other day about Karma and I did nothing to deserve this stupid silent treatment. I always say the truth to the face of the person intended, as ugly as the truth is. It is what it is after all, right?

And then of course, women are weary of man. Who can judge us because of it? It’s a natural consequence of things that have been boiling for the past few years when society decided that traditional values are for losers, and installed these modern values of using people (economic and sexual objectification – treating people as objects) and that buying things will make you happy and make you better than others (conspicuous consumption). Because excuse me, but I would rather be alone than treated like an piece of fancy furniture.

Look. You don’t have to move mountains. Not really. Just, show me you care. I won’t think of you as less manly if you do. I promise I won’t.

Literature:

Park, L. E., Young, A. F., Eastwick, P. W. (2015). (Psychological) Distance Makes the Hear Grow Fonder. Effects of Psychological Distance and Relative Intelligence on Men’s Attraction to Women. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 1459-1473.

Discussion: Followers or How You Follow Blogs You Love Without Loosing Track

During the Read-a-thon this past weekend I figured out that there is something that has been bothering me for a while now.

How to follow blogs, and actually follow them?

1. GFC aka Google Friend Connect

Once upon a life ago, we used GFC following as the main following tool. Which in my opinion was (is) the best following tool out there. You simply clicked follow and pooof – that was it. The blog updates were shown on your dashboard.

2. Bloglovin’

When google decided that GFC will not exist anymore (although I swear I still have it and it works!), Bloglovin’ was introduced. It’s a cool aspect of following, but call me lazy, but I want the blogs that I love at the reach of my hand. Bloglovin’ to me it’s messy, and it requires to click another web page and to check the list. And sometimes I have no idea who is who. To put is simply: I have it, but I almost never use it.

3. Twitter

Twitter is another great thing to follow bloggers you love. But honestly, chances are if I am not on twitter the exact moment you publish your post online, I will never see it. And keep up track with all the bloggers that I follow on Twitter (which are many), by clicking on the profile of each one – it’s exhausting. Plus with different names and Twitter handles, it’s impossible to keep track. I saw that some bloggers created Twitter lists – how exactly do you do that? That would solve some issues.

4. Facebook

Ah, don’t get me started. I have so many friends on Facebook and I like so many pages that chances are my Facebook feed will never show me your post.

5. Google +

Yes, my blogger account automatically posts on Google+ but honestly? I never use Google+. Does anyone, really?

6. RSS feed

I set it up for my blog, but honestly, I have no idea how this RSS thing works.

7. Follow by email

With all due respect, fuck no. I get SO MANY emails as it is, and my email is something I would like to keep as less messy as possible. You’d think that with Gmail sorting emails by primary, social, promotions, and updates it would make things easier. In some aspects it does, on the other hand, I have emails in promotions that keep on piling up. It never ends! So, as much as I would like to follow your blog, through email is not an option.

So, if GFC is still working (cause I can’t be the only one) why don’t you lovely bloggers use it?

It’s easy, fast, and very useful. And it saves so much time and stress, cause I can just click on the dashboard and poof there is your blog entry. Call me lazy, but I can’t be the only one who struggles with this.

What tool of following do you use? What is working well for you? Do you use Twitter lists? Let me know in the comments below!

Read-a-thon: Hour 24

End of Event Survey

Which hour was most daunting for you?

Between hour 13 and hour 15. But I managed. Life saver - coffee. 

Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?

I insist contemporary romance books are the best way to go. I read a YA, two NA, and one Adult book.

Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next season?

As I state every year (twice) this event is made of awesome. Keep the good work readathon people!

What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?

The hosts were amazing, the twitter feed was bat shit crazy good!

How many books did you read?

3 books + I finished one which I was a bit more than half way through.

What were the names of the books you read?

The Karma Club by Jessica Brody (258 pages)

Easy by Tammara Webber (321 pages)

Finding Dandelion by Lex Martin (310 pages)
Moto by M. Never (71 pages)
Total of: 960 freaking pages! 
HA! My goal was to reach 1000 pages, and hell, success! (well, almost - but who cares!)

Which book did you enjoy most?

Actually The Karma Club - this book was freaking hilarious!

How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?

Readathon events are made of awesomeness. I love participating in this event! It's a blast everytime! I hosted a mini challenge in Hour 9 and it was a success! Got LOTS of great quotes! Thank you amazing readers!!

See you again in October 2016 lovely people!

Read-a-thon: Hour 12

Official Read-a-Thon page

Mid-Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now?

Easy by Tammara Webber - half way through :)

2. How many books have you read so far?

One and a half! I finished The Karma Club by Jessica Brody (258 pages) - This book was HILARIOUS! 

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?

The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorenson

4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?

Apart from a 3 minutes phone call.. I am committed to the challenge to reach 1000 pages!

5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
The awesomeness that are the book bloggers and the people behind Read-a-thon! And twitter! It's an awesome event and enjoying every moment of it!

What I finished reading:

I finished The Karma Club by Jessica Brody (258 pages) - This book was HILARIOUS! Recommend for sure readathoners!
And half way through with Easy by Tammara Webber (150 pages)

Have you found any new blogs through the readathon? If so, give them some love!

I mostly checked the mini challenge ones. I really liked The Geeky's blogger book blog. Will check more blogs later on, for now I am concentrating on reading.
But I've twitted a lot with people, which was also fun!

I've participated in almost all the challenges! I think I've skipped only 2 or 3 of them, so YES I am pretty satisfied! :) And most of all, it was tons of fun! 

Hope you're having an amazing read-a-thon! Don't fall asleep! Make yourself a coffee and most of all, happy reading! And thank you cheerleaders for cheering! This means so much! :)

Read-a-thon: Hour 9 Mini Challenge "Share a Quote"

Hello lovely readathoners! Enjoying the read-a-thon? Its Hour 9 and you are doing a great job! I hope you are having a fabulous time. My name is Nea, and I am hosting the Mini challenge Share a Quote!

Task:

Pick a quote from the book that you are reading or books that you've read during this read-a-thon. I love quotes, so I would really love hear the one that made a big impression on you. The quote should be: FUNNY (or hilarious) or ROMANTIC (or sexy) or INSPIRING or WOW THIS IS WRITTEN SO BEAUTIFULLY.

Share a comment with the quote, and your twitter so I can contact you.

If you want you can leave a link to your Read-a-thon post so I can check out your blog :) Its always nice to meet new book bloggers!

To get you inspired, I am gonna share some of my favourite quotes ever from my favourite books. 

Funny quote: 

Romantic quote:

Inspiring quote:

Wow this is written so beautifully quote:

Okay, so this is it. The challenge will run for 6 full hours (till hour 14). I will pick a winner and notify them on twitter or their blog, and she/he can choose a prize from the Readathon Prize page. If you win, you will fill out the form noting that you are the Hour 9 Share a Quote winner.  

Good luck and happy reading lovely people! ;)

Read-a-thon: Hour 1

Readathon official page

#Readathon is here! :) :) I am so super excited about it! It's gonna be an awesome experience, I can feel it! :) Plus I am hosting a Mini Challenge in Hour 9 which makes today even more awesome! 

What is my goal? To read 1000 pages!! :D

To read list:

The Karma Club by Jessica Brody (258 pages)

Easy by Tammara Webber (321 pages)

The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen (313 pages)
if feeling extra motivated (and being super fast)
Finding Dandelion by Lex Martin (310 pages)

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

I am reading in the centre of Europe, Slovenia. Being specific, in Maribor :) Its a really nice day outside today. The view from my window:

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

Hmm.. The Karma Club is bound to be hilarious, so extra excited!

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?

Toasts :P And LOTS of coffee :)

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!

I got my Master degree in Psychology of Individual Differences! 3 days ago I decided to move back to UK, precisely Newcastle, and I am looking forward to it. I love to read Adult and New adult books. I like Romance. Dystopia, contemporary, historical.. it has to have some romance in it and I am happy girl!

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?

I've learnt that reading contemporary romance books is the best for this kind of events - it goes faster. And I'll try to check more blogs and meet new awesome bloggers :)

You can find me on Twitter here: @neabarabea

Happy readathon to all of you amazing people today :) Good luck! Lets have a good adventure together!

One With You by Sylvia Day Review

One with you
Crossfire #5
by Sylvia Day
Published on April 5th 2016
St. Martin's Griffin, 464 pages

Gideon Cross. Falling in love with him was the easiest thing I've ever done. It happened instantly. Completely. Irrevocably.

Marrying him was a dream come true. Staying married to him is the fight of my life. Love transforms. Ours is both a refuge from the storm and the most violent of tempests. Two damaged souls entwined as one.

We have bared our deepest, ugliest secrets to one another. Gideon is the mirror that reflects all my flaws ... and all the beauty I couldn't see. He has given me everything. Now, I must prove I can be the rock, the shelter for him that he is for me. Together, we could stand against those who work so viciously to come between us.

But our greatest battle may lie within the very vows that give us strength. Committing to love was only the beginning. Fighting for it will either set us free ... or break us apart.

Heartbreakingly and seductively poignant, One with You is the breathlessly awaited finale to the Crossfire® saga, the searing love story that has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

- Goodreads.com description

"Oh, the bittersweet moment when one of your favourite series comes to an end. Eva and Gideon, I am going to miss you deeply."

The book that I've been eagerly awaiting the past 4 years is finally here. I've been captivated by Eva and Gideon's story from the start. All I ever wanted was for them to strive and be happy. It's been a long journey.

The final installment wasn't short on surprises. But I must say it was short on unanswered questions. I anticipated that all the fucked up things that happened to Eva and Gideon would get resolved in this final installment, instead, we got more drama and no answers. 

Nonetheless, the Crossfire series is so far the best romance written in the 21st century. 

Eva in this final book becomes a confident and incredible woman. Gone is the insecure girl haunted by her past. She is badass. 

Gideon, on the other hand, becomes more... human (so to say). He is still cold and controlling from time to time, but Eva manages to make him calmer. She believes him, and that to Gideon means everything. Considering how he coped with no one believing him when he was a child, this is huge. 

The whole book revolves about their wedding, Eva moving into the penthouse, and more or less overcoming their issues and building a secure and confident relationship dynamics. It all comes down to trust - which is what matters the most. The romance was very good, the love that Eva and Gideon share is really consolidated in this book. Which I am so happy for because - after all the hell they've been through - they deserve it. In the end of the day it comes down to the two of them and their struggle to make this relationship work, and this is why this book, in my opinion, deserves 4 stars. 

So, if you haven't yet heard about this amazing Crossfire series, or you did but haven't managed to get into it yet, I strongly recommend you to do it ASAP. As I said before, this is the best romance out there right now. 

If you haven't read the book, please read no further.

SPOILER RANT!

I felt like the previous book left too many questions open and this one had left me with too many unanswered. I honestly thought that this book will concentrate on solving all those loose ends not creating more even more questions. Plus I have a feeling that all the questions and the answers from the previous book got swept under the table in this one. Like:

The book about Gideon that Corrine was going to publish which was such a HUGE deal in Captivated by you, and when we figure out that Deanna was the ghostwriter of the book, Gideon just offers her a job and that's it. We don't even know if she accepts it.

All the threat of Anne Lucas and her involvement with Cary was just... what? A filler? A fling? In the end she just disappears. Along with her husband, dr. Lucas. Odd. 

Where the hell is Brent?! He was so loud about Eva being the love of his life in Reflected in you and Entwined with you, and now what? He disappeared from the face of the earth.

All that Lancorp shit that broke Eva and Gideon apart in Captivated by you ... swept under the table? It just fucking disappeared. So much for "Eva they are coming for you to get to me" - never happened. 

And what about Cary's baby?! Tatiana does not even make an appearance in the final book. For fuck's sake we get to know that she might be dating someone else ... but booh who knows what is gonna happen there? Same goes for Trey. A mess.

And Gods, the death of Eva's mom was, honestly, the worst thing written. I think if Lucky died, Eva would have cried more than she did for her mother. He death was so pointless. They didn't even mourn her. Nothing. Not even a shed tear. Ridiculous. 

The whole deal about Monica's past and why she couldn't be with Victor... really? Ludicrous. 

And, I mean, out of all the enemies Gideon had.. a random stranger shoot at them and killed her mother? Anyone else shooting at them would have made more sense.

Did you feel the same? Some other feelings upon finishing the book? Let me know in the comments! :)