Sometime when im in reading I need to change things up, to avoid a slump. For maybe a solid two months I did all of my reading on my phone, and it actually ensured I got through alot of amazon books from Indy authors and it was awesome. But feeling a slump coming on I changed things up and picked up some physical books needing the change. Now again after getting through some honkers ive decided to show my kindle some love. I do still have to read my last Lux book but I broke that up with some kindle love which has me feeling very proud of my reading progress.

Now one book will be a physical book (Which will be marked as not pictures because well its not) And two of the list will actually be books I started months ago and let fall to the side when I gave my kindle a break. (Those will be marked with an *)

The Books-
Shadows / Opposition (Lux #0.5, #5) Jennifer L. Armentrout (Not pictured;Physical book)
Devoted in Death J.D. Robb *
The Infinite Sea Rick Yancey *
A Court of Thorns and Roses Sarah J. Maas ~ Now this one is a cheat because ive already finished it! I was so excited after taking the above photo I started it... and finished it within the next like 14 hours. It was amazing and ill be doing a review for it and the next in the series very very soon!
A Court of Mist and Fury Sarah J. Maas
The Star-Touched Queen Roshani Chokshi
Vengeance Road Erin Bowman
Ink and Bone Rachel Caine (Not pictured; E-book)

So if im heading to the beach or the lake, or snuggled up hiding from the heat in the AC these are going to be keeping me company. What are some of your most anticipated summer reads?

Beauty and the Blitz ~ Review

Beauty and the Blitz

Sometimes you find a book at the perfect time and it speaks to you in amazing ways and is just perfect for you. That's exactly how I felt about Beauty and the Blitz. This is the first Arc I've ever requested to read and it was simply an amazing experience from beginning to end.

Firstly the title gives us a serious play on words and gives a nod to a fairytale retelling that I'm totally a sucker for. So we were off to a good start. The cover art is .... Distracting in all of the ways I love. My friend teases all the time about my love for books with abs on the cover and I simply cannot help myself.

The characters of Cole and Piper I instantly loved and their dynamic was one I was a huge fan of. Both stubborn and head strong in very different ways you couldn't help but root for them in their lives in every aspect. Not to mention this book gives us one of the best written easy going interracial relationships I've seen in a book. It's not a topic they need to focus on at all and you see daily dynamics that also don't focus on it like some cliches can lead people to believe.

The writing itself was easy to read, quick and fun not ever yanking you from the story. This could be a perfect beach or poolside read. Or just a relax day when you really want to chill and take a break in someone else's world for a bit. There was steamyness and sweetness as well as sassyness so really id say Sosie Frost gave it all to us in this book.

On goodreads I gave this a happy 5 stars because I rate on the feels of a book and this one really hit all the spots. Today I got an email that Once Upon a Halftime had been released and instantly ordered my copy so I can continue on with this football team (Ironfield Rivets) and their lives.

Once Upon A Half-Time

Of your looking for fun and easy summer reads I'd say give these bad boys a try! Any romances I need to get my hands on for the steamy summer months? Leave me some recommendations!

#TOMETOPPLE READATHON

It has been a long while since I took part of a readathon. To be fair I have been reading, loads. But mostly they have been New Adult and Adult books on my kindle or phone before bed. Im three books ahead of my goodreads challenge and im feeling very good about it. So when I heard about the TomeTopple Readathon, hosted by Same over at Thoughts on Tomes I was excited. A challenge thats dedicated not to the small sprints of books but to the big honkers you put off because they will take some dedication? Im so in.

My TBR

The Challenges-
1. Read more than one tome (500+ pages)
2. Take a graphic novel break (doesn't need to be over 500 pages!)
3. Read a tome that is part of a series
4. Read over 500 pages in one week
5. Read an adult novel

I have two graphic novels (Suicide Squad goodness in preparation for the movie!) to break up my big books. The two Lux bind ups have over 700 pages each! Also They are two thirds of a series so thats also another challenge done. And for my adult read im going with American Gods because ive been so excited to dive into this one.

The Tome Topple Readathon is happening June 6th to June 19th so plenty of time to find some books you'd be interested in if you want to join in! Is anyone else partaking? Any suggestions on tackling the large books im hoping to get through? Drop any suggestions below!

Insurgents MC Series, By Chiah Wilder, Review!

There is something so satisfying about finding a new author. Some indie writer who is self publishing or trying hard to push their work through into the main stream. Its like the Cinderella story for modern book lovers. Handsome princes are for in the books, and really making it is getting those new works out to the world. So when in my Goodreads suggestions is came across the name Chiah Wilder I didn't know what to expect. I also didnt hesitate to download her books to my kindle. From what i can gather she self publishes through Amazon and all three of her books released within the last year! So knowing I was faced with this hard working woman telling stories about sexy bikers I was all in to try the Insurgents MC Series.

The premise of the books are simple. You get a peek into the lives of the men that are apart of the Insurgents Motorcycle Club, which is in Colorado. Each book follows a different brother and the women he wants or who wants him. There is always some legit and sometimes scary outside force that tries to swoop in and ruing their good time and there is loads of action and lots and lots of sexy time!

Now we all know when I do reviews I dont give spoilers. I hate being spoiled and I refuse to do that to you guys. But I will talk over some of the things I love and dont so much like about the series.

Firstly the premise is one That i love. I rarely give bad ratings on books because i will DNF (Do not finish) a book if i really am not feeling the pull to read. If the pull is there then its already a 2.5 our of 5 stars for me. Simply because im not looking for Shakespeare. I want to be entertained and men on motorcycles entertains me in ways you could not imagine. So this series in a win for me in that respect.

Next each of the characters are real. True, sometimes I feel like the men can come across a little one dementional, but in truth thats gotten better in each book. But some stunted dialog aside I believe these are people. With real problems. Crappy to be sure, and sometimes off the wall, but people in real life deal with weird awkward horrible things everyday and their emotional responses to these hardships make the characters real. You have people who work for a living, different body types, discussion on slut shaming. It really does feel like a peek into someones real world.

The downsides. Like I mentioned before sometimes the way a character will speak comes across as generic, though this problem has gotten better in each book and you can see and feel it in the way the story reads, there is much more flow which is amazing. In the earlier books its much more obvious, but the flow is so much better and really worth pushing through.

This is the next book in the series, and it was released two days ago. You can read more about it here. I have kindle unlimited so i can read it for free (Authors on unlimited still do make money if you read their books) but if you dont its currently up for a steal at $0.99 so totally affordable.

All in all this series is one that im always excited to get the next installment of. And id recommend it to anyone who likes quick reads about strong women and bad ass men who just so happen to be bikers. This series for me is a 3.5/5 stars!

My First Publisher Sent Book! {Live To Air}

Reading is a serious passion for me, its no secret. I was the kind of kid that being put on punishment in my room wasn't really to bad because I could open my window, lay on my bed and get lost in a story. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkeban was my go to at times like this as a child because back then it was the only book I owned in the series (The rest had been from my teachers class library.) Now a days I can still find time to do this. When hurricanes and blizzards knock out the TV or electricity im never left bored like the rest of my family because books take no batteries and only need some light, candle if necessary, to see the page. So when the lovely Magdalene from Greenleaf Book Group approached me about reading and maybe reviewing a new novel I was beyond excited. After reading the books synopsis I decided Live To Air was something I could really sink my teeth into.

Live to Air: An Ethan Benson Thriller by Jeffrey L. Diamond- Television, politics, and the Russian mob: Live to Air is a riveting crime thriller, jam-packed with intrigue and unforgettable characters.

Ethan Benson is a charming and principled-if sometimes difficult-television producer in New York City who detests doing crime stories. But that's of no significance to his high-powered boss at the network, and Benson finds himself assigned to investigating a bloody shoot-out in the Meatpacking District, whose old grime and new glitz provide a symbolic background for a sensational murder that has dominated the headlines.

As he pieces together his story, Benson literally covers New York-from Central Park and Fifth Avenue to Little Russia in Brooklyn and Rikers Island in Queens-crossing paths with a fascinating cast of characters on both sides of the law. Unknown to Benson, organized crime may be only one facet of the thrilling investigation. With his wife and son in hiding and his life in danger, Benson draws closer to a resolution that will have explosive results for the criminals-and for some members of New York City's political elite as well.

Tell me this doesnt sound like such an interesting read? I love how it will take you across the city, to these little sub worlds and give insight to a job many of us would know little about. I really love books that give you some world building though they take place in our real world. Im going to be reading and reviewing this on Goodreads and if you want to read along or check the end review my good reads is linked on this blog because again I love it so.

Any new thriller contemporaries that are worth adding to my TBR?

My AudioBook Library

So everyone knows im a huge nerd right? No secret I love books, I love learning and reading is a huge part of my ever evolving mind. Its my greatest love my longest love... yes im a nerd and I love it. Because I love books I have physical copies, hard and soft covers, e-books and slowly but surly a growing audio book collection. Its not huge but considering how much they can run im proud of my little collection.

Sadly my audible app doesnt have a pretty book self setup like I had hoped. But think of this as my first #shelfie which I think is pretty cool. I know 11 isnt a massive amount but I think they are awesome and will be adding to it in time. The ones im most excited about? Yes Please, Bossy Pants and Under the Dome. Now the last is just such a big physical book I dont know if id ever get over my intimidation of it to read it in paper.

Wish you could read more but dont have alot of time? Audio books might be for you. You can listen to them when you drive, cook, are working out. Even if its just a chapter a day while you are in the shower, it adds up. I have two small kids and sometimes listening just means I can get through more books then sitting down to read.

Im thinking maybe this should be a series. Paperback library anyone? Kindle Library? Box sets? I think this could be a thing we can have some fun with. Ever Tried Audio books before? What are some of your favorites I just have to pick up?

Empire Season 2 Premier Review {No Spoilers}

If there is one thing I love its getting into a good TV show. And while I complain regular TV doesn't let you binge watch things, there is something to be said for the anticipation of that show day coming and sitting down with friends or family and enjoying that hour together. For the last couple of years those shows have been The Walking Dead and the now completed Sons Of Anarchy. But last year a new show came along staring my loves Taraji P Henson and Terrance Howards and before I had even seen the show Empire was something I knew I would love.

Now ive seen the show described as a Shakespearean hip-hopera and that is so on the mark its uncanny. Take equal parts love of music, the ability to hustle and having a give no f*cks attitude and this sums up Empire. But though the structure is very harsh and the backdrop is this glamorous world colored by the not so glorious life of the streets the underlying story is about family, loyalty and honor. And how people have, use and abuse these.

In the first season you meet Lucious and his estranged wife Cookie, their three sons and the music empire they as a family have all in one way or another contributed to. And it is amazing! If you have seen the first season then you know just what I mean. And if you haven't its worth the look. Its got a lot of very gritty and real aspects, things that people from the big cities in America will understand and identify with. I myself was born in Philadelphia like the shows characters and I can attest to the realness they portray, even when things go over the top the mood and that attitude is very on point.

Each character gives you something to love and hate. And the ever changing alliances you feel to them just speaks to how real they are. Real people making real good or bad decisions that you either love or hate. And its not just the main family you have to fall in love with. They have friends and people they work with, a wealth of side characters that are so real and often times funny or the voice of reason to be heeded or ignored.

They have started season 2 off with a bang! You see all of our old favorites, some new people sprinkled in and even more drama! The music is already off to such an amazing start too! And since last season every week the music on the show was then available on Itunes I cant wait to update my Empire collection! There wasnt one dull moment in the premiere and if last season is any indication thats going to stay true for the rest of the season.

Is anyone else as obsessed with Empire as I am? Any other returning shows or new additions to the fall lineup that everyone just needs to check out?

Mean Girls Book Tag!

Yes, you are not mistaken, this is possibly the BEST tag I have ever come across! Of course I wasnt tagged, I know shocking right? But no really I saw this on youtube and was so anxious to do this sucker for myself. This tag was created by Sarah over at The Book Life and shes just a genius, im putting that out there. So lets get to whats gonna be some gif heavy questions!

1) "It’s pronounced like Cady” - Which fictional character’s names did you get completely wrong? For me this is hands down Hermione Granger. As a kid I said her name like Her-moan, and im not sure why that seemed so right. I grew up with the books as they came out and there was no movies to correct me and no google to check it on so yea... I was way way off.

2)“She doesn’t even go here!” - Which character would you like to place in a fictional world from another book or series? I was torn on if torturing a bad character was best served here or rewarding a good one? But im going to go with Elias from An Ember In The Ashes... I loved him so and his world sucked so hard and he would have just been great as like one or Robin Hoods men. So id like to send him to Sherwood Forest and let him be a merry bandit.... Yes I like that one.

3)“On Wednesdays we wear pink!” - Repetition. Repetition. Which book gave you dejavu of another book whilst reading it? I feel like any dystopian at this point gives me similar vibes. Lots of the same feels, but then thats why I seek those types of books out so there is that?

4)"You all have got to stop calling each other sluts and whores. It just makes it okay for guys to call you sluts and whores." - Which book gave you the complete opposite of girl power feels? I dont really have one for this. I kinda only seek out books with strong female leads. Even when I hate them as a character (*coughs* Katniss) I still can see their strength and how they carry these stories and their worlds. So I am totally out of this answer.

5)“You go Glen Coco!” - Name a character you felt like you wanted to cheer on whilst reading. RUFUS MERLE!!! From The Sons Of Thestian. He was my baby from like page three and I needed him to be ok, and overcome all the crap he had to deal with... im his flippin champion and he just needs to win at all of life.

6)“Get in loser, we’re going shopping!” How long do you typically spend at a book shop? Now this is a tough one! Do you remember when borders closed down? Yea thats the last time I have lived close enough to a book store to go in and really shop. So I do most of time shopping online... and I wont lie I can spend hours doing just that. But given the chance I can browse a bookstore for hours and not feel bad about it. I love it, there no better feeling them rooting around through thousands of books for something special just for you.

7)“It’s not my fault you’re like in love with me or something!” - Which character would have to get out a restraining order on you, if they were real? Shane Baxter AKA Bax, from Better When Hes Bad..... just give me a minute. I have a thing for the bad boy. Theres only two nice guys in my life I love the rest are those assholes you cant help but love. Its my type and im so aware of it. And Bax grew up rough, hes had a hard life and he doesnt say sorry for doing what he has to and being who he is. Now hes also not the type to call the cops so I wouldnt get a record from this but yes, just all the yes.

8)“I can’t help it that I’m popular.” - Which overhyped book were you cautious about reading? Throne of Glass... and im still kinda hesitant to start. I also think the covers are just ugly so if I did read the I think it would be on the kindle. But the hype is so strong I dont know that I could go there just yet.

9)“She’s a life ruiner. She ruins peoples lives.” - We all love Regina George. Name a villian you just love to hate. ARLEN ZACHARY! Again from The Sons Of Thestian. Hes showcased as the guy doing some not so cool things right off in this book and im just like not cool. But also im like I love you, and want to protect you, your snarky and precious.... see my type is showing again.

10)“I’m not like a regular Mom, I’m a cool Mom.” - Your favourite fictional parents. The Weasleys.... and I need to know in all seriousness has anyone said any different to this question?? Though honorable mention to Torin and Nora Merle for making the amazing Rufus Merle all he was... thank you for that you awesome fictional parents you.

11)“That is so Fetch!” - Which book or series would you love to catch on? The Sons of Thestian! Seriously people its a must read. I have every intention of preordering the second book the second I can... like I need it in my life. I have an unspoilery review up of it here and it is just so worth the read! Im in love if you couldn't tell.

12)“How do I even begin to explain Regina George?” - Describe your ideal character to read about. I love the smart girl who knows shes smart and is not afraid to show it! Yes kick some ass, take all the names. Save the world with your bad self. Be flawed and vulnerable and epic, be it all and I love you so much for being an amazing hot mess with a brain and smart mouth to match.

13)“I just have a lot of feelings.” - What do you do when a book gives you a bad case of ‘the feels’? List time! The Sons Of Thestian, Harry Potter but especially Order Of The Phoenix, An Ember In The Ashes, Clipped Wings, Clockwork Princess, The Vampire Academy (I dont remember which book but the one where the thing happens to Demetri... ugh, cried people I cried)

14)“Nice wig Janice, what’s it made of?” "Your Mom’s chest hair!” - Which characters one liners would you love to claim for your own? Will Herondale.... One of the many reasons hes one of my book boyfriends... hes just that good.

15)“Boo, you whore.” - Name a time a characters decision has made you roll your eyes Tris mother-effin Prior.... OH MY GOD never has a person in a book made me more mad with their poor life decisions.... just no Tris, no.

That is it for the means girls book tag! I enjoyed that i think way more then I should have. I tag anyoe who fancies doing this tag, on tumblr, youtube or your own blogs, I think its an epic tag and soooo much fun! If anyone does their own please leave the links below so I can check out your answers as well!

August Wrap-up!

Hey there my dears! So I had intended for this post to go live the first day of the month. But alas back to school had me a little busy so I ended up having to push my writing fun back a couple days and focus on my son starting the second grade! Exciting times let me tell you. But enough about that instead lets dish on all of the amazing books I read through the month of August!

This month I read a total of 7 books. Well 5 novels, one novella and one graphic novel. But its a great amount done, especially considering that I had a mid month reading slump. And at the end of the book list i will explain how I got out of said slump. And later on in the month ill have a tips and tricks to avoiding and jumping out of a reading slump up for you guys.

The Books-
Suicide Squad, Vol. 3: Death is for Suckers
Dark Hope
{Cue the reading slump. So my next two books were old faithful helping me out of it}
Twilight
New Moon
The Sons Of Thestian {My favroite read of the month and so far the year}
Between the Cracks
Inked Armor

I started off the month on a good reading slide and im not sure where my slump came from. But picking up some old favorites helped me to push through my dry spell. It also killed my entire TBR for the month. All the books I sorely wanted to read just couldn't be picked up. So I went with some new buys and it did the trick after I was feeling more in the mood. Because of that I wont have a TBR for September. With school starting for my son and a whole day one on one with my daughter the reading time is a little scrunched. Still im banking on having an epic September Wrap-up as well.

What have you lovelies been reading lately? Anything i simply have to throw to the front of my reading pile?

The Sons of Thestian ~ No Spoiler Review!

It is a very rare thing for me to find a book that moves me. I love stories, written and verbal, story time is the best time. My own father is one of those natural story tellers and time with my family is always spent laughing over tales. But because I have this saturation of stories while I love and appreciate many its so rare to find one that moves me so much I know it will stay with me forever. That is exactly how I feel about The Son Of Thestian.

{The Prince Jionathan is plagued by visions of death. With the King on his death-bed, and the tyrannical Queen in power, the Kingdom of Harmatia lies in peril. Fleeing the city in fear of his life, Jionathan is shadowed by Rufus Merle, a young, secretive magi tasked with bringing him home. Now, with the help of a fearsome sidhe warrior named Fae, they must traverse a dangerous faerie-wood together. Against bandits, faeries and cursed priestesses, these unlikely friends travel a path fraught with danger, not least from the blood-thirsty Night Patrol and the dark conspiracy that shrouds them. Inspired by Celtic Mythology and the Arthurian legends this epic tale explores the many forms of love, loss and fear, and follows five characters as they face their demons, both material and metaphysical and struggle to find their place in a darkening world.}

The sons of Thestian is the first book in a series called The Harmatia Cycle, and when I first got the book I was unsure of what to expect. I had the suggestion for the book as this epic fantasy, it had representations of people of color as well as different sexual orientations. It was alot of tall claims and I went into the book curious but with high expectations. Everything the book claims to have it does and then some. You dont get a onslaught of romances, though love is a heavy theme, romantic, familial, friendships. You get women bonding, men bonding and then a heavy mix of the in between.

You become invested in this journey Prince Jionathan and Rufus are taking, you want to know more about them, their families, their friends and the motivation behind the darkness their world faces. And its not just one struggle, one trial, one hard thing for them to over come. You see how this group of people over come many things, together and alone, and how those things shape the world and the minds of our heroes and anti heroes. Family bonds, friendship, disappointment and regret even depression are examined in this story and never in a dismissive or round about way. They face these things and many others head on.

I found I read this book like I do the classics. I didn't rush it or power read. I took my time with every word. I did little sections and processed everything as if I was trying to work through thicker language but that's not a struggle here. To me her writing is lyrical, it reads like something from another time yet its not hard to understand or in some old English you need a special translator for. It was really like reading a fairy tale, this classic story with Magic and intrigue. And for anyone having trouble with names, or imagining the way the journey unfolds there is a glossary of terms and people as well as a map on either end of the book to help you in your world building as you read.

Now i got the ebook first and before I finished it i ordered a physical copy. I was that invested in the story and its characters. This is a world I want to continue to learn about and watch grow and my collection will end up being a representation of that.

And i want to touch for a moment on the Author, M.E. Vaughan. She is a gem in every sense. I have never met an author who was so engaging with her audience, and is always willing to share her love for the world she has created. I love it so and It just makes the whole world more real for me because she does engage with you, on Tumblr and on Twitter. She will answer questions and share fan castings. Theres no shortage of interaction and content and it makes me love this story even more, like the world is ever growing. Lets face it we all still look for snippets of Harry Potter from J.K Rowling and love when she gives us new insight into a character. M.E. Vaughan gives us that same treatment but in real time and it cements the world building here for me.

But anyone who knows me knows theres two things that really matter when picking up a book. Did I care about the characters and do I want to know what happens next. And the answer to both is a very simple YES! With a tentative release date of 2016 for the next book, The Blood of the Delphi, I simply am on the edge of my seat. Anyone who likes series, fantasy, mystery and just an amazing enthralling read would really do well to give a read to The Sons of Thestian.

For more information-
The Harmatia Cycle Website
The Sons Of Thestian Goodreads
The Sons Of Thestian - Amazon {Where you can get a sample chapter to read!}
(Note:The images above are originally from The Harmatia Cycle Website)

Anyone in the market for a new epic adventure? Have any other stories of a similar epic fashion the rest of us should be reading as well?

Wordery Haul!

Hey there my dears! Today i thought i would share with you this baby haul i got from this new website i just discovered, Wordery. Now i don't know about you guys but i can be a bit of a book cover snob. If a cover isn't pretty it kills my desire to read. Bright colors and beautiful artwork are what draw me into a book and make me interested in the story well before i read a synopsis. So when i saw the American versions of these books i was less then impressed. There was nothing about it that drew me in. But i knew the books had some buzz and after seeing them in beautiful editions on youtube i had to have them. So i sought out a site that sold editions from other countries, in this case the UK, and hit the jackpot when i found Wordery.

(The book titles will take you to their goodreads page to learn more about the books. The price tag will take you to the wordery page to shop)

The Books-
Vicious - By V.E. Schwab $9.95
Attachments - Rainbow Rowell $10.69

Now while ordering from a site that ships overseas can take ages the shipping here was amazing. I had each book in about ten days and with a cute bookmark to boot, totally free. I imagine that for each country it will be different but their time across the Atlantic was amazing so id hope the same would be true for other countries as well. And the site boasts a converter right up top to switch to your currency so no confusing yourself making conversions yourself or having to let google do it for you.

The price point was also amazing, this is essentially what id have paid getting them here in America, just for less pretty books. With free shipping from another country and fair prices (To rival Barnes & Nobels) it is a really sound investment for a book lover and collector like myself. And for others in the same boat as me the site is worth having a look at.

What are some releases i just have to see in another countries cover? Anything the rest of us just need to add on our shelves? Feel free to leave suggestions below to share the beauty!

An Ember in the Ashes ~ No Spoiler Review!

Hey there my sweets! So i just finished the most amazing of books and i wanted to share it with you all. Now usually i'm really put off by hype. If theres a movie, book or TV show that goes from zero to sixty in like a couple weeks i just don't really want to see it. I only just saw Frozen because of this weird thing i have by being totally turned off by the hype. Now if you are a big reader you might have heard of An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. And because of this hype i almost didn't pick it up. But i saw the book trailer for it, and then read the synopsis and decided against my usual type to give it a try. So now i can tell you was it good and better yet was it worth the hype?

First can i say how engaged i was with these characters? Almost immediately i cared about Laia and wanted to follow her along, the same for Elias. Two very different voices to see this world through. Laia is a slave who is fighting to save her family. Elias is a soldier who is fighting for his freedom. The difference between them doesn't change how similar their battles are against the empire, from very different starting points.

Now i have seen a few reviews that complain about the simplicity of the world. Its high fantasy in that its not based in our world and takes a vast mixture of mythology bringing it into what would be their real world setting. But still some of the names for things i have seen ridiculed. I think what Sabaa did here was genius. Sure the people who values knowledge above all others were named Scholars and some might think thats to basic. But i think Sabaa did something that made her world more open to others. Ever Tried to read a series called The Song Of Ice And Fire? I have and the most confusing thing was learning all these complicated names. Places, things, roles, characters everything had a new and complex name. And it sounds amazing and ultimately beautiful. It also confuses the hell out of me sometimes and slows my reading progress. With this world i was sure of who was who, what their roles were and where they fit into the story. It made a high fantasy world less confusing and didn't pull me out of the story so i had to google things or back track.

The pacing was good as well. You were taken all around their realm, you saw flashes of the different peoples inhabiting this world and caught these colors of diversity even while it furthered the story. There was history lessons that didn't feel like school. Information slipped in so you learned things sometimes before, sometimes after the other characters. The women were just as strong if not stronger then the men as well and carried large chucks of the story, the history and the struggle on their backs. It was amazing.

The book itself is amazing quality. Firm binding with a velvety dust jacket and inside those front flaps the most amazing maps ive ever seen for a fantasy world. Every inch of the book is beautiful and not one millimeter was wasted everything used to draw you into this world that has been made for your enjoyment.

So the big question, Is it worth the hype? Short answer? Hell Yes! I was so happy with this book. Beginning to end it took me along for a ride i didn't want to end. I rooted for both of our main characters, and many of the people who touched their lives. It both ended with this desire for more and complete satisfaction at the end of the story. And i couldn't recommend it more if i tried, but seriously a must read.

Final Rating: ★★★★★

July Favorites!

Hey there my dears! Today i thought we could have a little chat about the things i have been loving for this past July. Now i know not a ton of makeup will be seen today but its just been too hot to layer much on my skin without the threat of breakouts. Summer and heat waves might just be the death of me! So here is a peak of the things i have been loving. For all that i can i will link you to where you can nab your own if something catches your eye.

The Favorites-
*Elizabeth Arden Good Nights Sleep Restoring Cream - Now sadly this one has been discontinued as all things i love tend to do, BUT they do have a substatute listed on their site that might be worth the try. As someone who suffers from very very dry skin though this product leavs me feeling soft and plump in the face after putting it on before bed. And a little goes a long way.
*Soft Matte Lip Cream - Abu Dhabi
*RIMMEL LONDON Professional Eyebrow Pencil - Dark Brown (My hair is black but black brows on my lighter complextion can look to jarring so the dark brown works well as a match between hair and skin)
* The Original Panama Jack Citrus Mint Lip Gloss - This is just a slap on and feel really good on the lips daily thing. Not much color payoff but feels nice if slightly sticky, and smells sooooooo good!
*AERIN Waterlily Sun - Now this little beauty smells fresh and clean and just all around amazing. Not sweet, no heavy floral or super candy sugary smell. The full size (Biggest size is only 50mil sadly) runs a whooping $110 but if you are willing to make that kind of perfume investment its worth a smell. Its one of those scents that links but fades enough to mix wth your own oils and just... its amazing. If you want a chaper alternative ive found it is similar to Elizabeth and James Nirvana White Rollerball
*Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 - This is my overnight lip treatment, and it can give a slight tint to the lips so its perfect for running around during the day as well. I have both Honey (Pictured) and the original untinted one (Not Pictured)
*Ribbon Hair Ties
*Avengers paperclip bookmarks - These were just so super cute when i ran across them on ebay i needed to have them. Of course my baby Thor is my favorite. They have minons and mickey mouse and tons of other options, they are really cute, small and handy.

Now i know this is cheating... kinda. But the new One Direction song Drag Me Down dropped on the last day of the month. But since i listened to it maybe 40 times in that first day its totally my final July favorite. You can listen to the boys belt it Here!

These are all of my loves for July. Anything that i have been missing out on thats a must have? Im always looking for new goodies to play with! I hope everyones week is starting off on the right foot!

August TBR pile

Hey there my loves! With the last unofficial month of Summer upon us i took a look at the books that i wanted to enjoy while i'm hiding from heatwave after heatwave we seem to be having these last couple of weeks. So these are the books im going to try and get through, including one of my favorite Graphic Novel series to date, a book series or two i want to start and some of the Novellas that go with them. Not pictured but to be added below will be some kindle books and a novel im still waiting to be delivered... Barnes and Nobel had a 20% off coupon for a single book and i couldn't help myself...

The Book List
*Suicide Squad, Vol. 3: Death is for Suckers
*City Of Bones
*Attachments
*Shadow and Bone
*Of Poseidon
Kindle Books
*The Stranger (The Syrena Legacy 0.4)
*Own The Wind
*The Sons Of Thestian
Still waiting on...
*Rook
(All books link to their goodreads page where you can find a synopsis for the book and a link to the authors page.)

Fingers crossed i can get through all 9 of these and maybe toss in another comic or two because i have been LOVING those lately. What reads are you guys hoping to get to while laying on the beach or like me, hiding from another heat wave? Leave your recommendations below!

July Reading Wrap Up

Hey there my sweets! I thought today i would share with you the kinda staggering 17 books i read in the last month!

Ok the picture isnt staggering but alot of the books were kindle books. Or i loaned out to my mom because they were just that amazing! But still between giant epic novels, novellas and some of my new Graphic Novels it was an amazing reading months. Below will be a rundown of all of the beauties i took in this month and i will link my good reads for anyone who likes reading and wants to be friends there. Ill accept everyone and love to talk books so dont be shy! My Goodreads (Books are in the order i read them)

The Book List
*Clockwork Angel
*Clockwork Prince
*Nowhere But Here
*Jack and Jill Went Up to Kill: A Book of Zombie Nursery Rhymes
*Clockwork Princess
*Suicide Squad, Vol. 1: Kicked in the Teeth
*Disarm
*Batman: The Killing Joke
*Code Orange
*The Wrath And The Dawn
*Every Zombie Eats Somebody Sometime: A Book of Zombie Love Songs
*Cupcakes & Ink
*Clipped Wings
*Suicide Squad, Vol. 2: Basilisk Rising
*Kate Fox & The Three Kings
*Better When He's Bad
*An Ember in the Ashes
(All books link to their goodreads page where you can find a synopsis for the book and a link to the authors page. The site is amazing and deserves a look around. Sometimes they even have giveaways, a chance to win ARC's {Advanced reader copies} of books before they are released!)

Impressive right? I mean not all novels but what ive been doing to avoid any reading hangovers is toss in a novella or graphic novel to kind of cleanse my pallet after an intense read or something that is deep fantasy. Dont have time to read these all and need my top three? An Ember in the Ashes is amazing and i will have a full review of it soon, as i will with The Wrath and the Dawn. More into contemporary? Better When He's Bad.... just a must read. Its a New Adult so not for the younger readers but still so so good. Need a YA option? Nowhere But here hands down.

What have you guys been reading this summer while you are soaking in the sun and enjoying your summer months? Have any recommendations you want to share? Leave them down below and dont forget to check out goodreads, we can be book buddies!

Little Life Update

Hey there beauties! Long time no see. I know life got busy and i got lazy and ive been anxious lately to get back to you all! That expression above clearly says im unhappy not blogging and need to get back now! So what have i been up to?

Well the school year for my son got to be very trying, though he rocked it and passed, hey second grader. My daughter didn't know being three now meant she should move past her terrible twos so the home life has been.... interesting to say the least. My family who lived multi generational in our home split up as it were and my parents are no longer in the house so slightly less help with the kiddoes now. So theres been a lot of home life changes to adjust to.

Ive been spending a lot more time reading, something i had kinda shifted to the back burner for a while which im glad to be back in the swing of things. I love reading. And for a while Netflix took its spot... there is something so additive about being table to watch 5 seasons of a show without commercials. I am going to do a post on my Netflix obsessions soon enough so we can binge watch and fan girl together. But my next couple of posts will show the book buying thats been happening and all the reading. Ive found some GREAT books so keep an eye out for reviews.

Following along that line i have decided that i want to move forward with a dream of mine that i have always wanted to pursue. I want to write a novel! I dont know just how i want to go about this, i mean there is so many options. Posting straight to online, doing solely ebooks, seeking an agent for publication. I dont know just how i plan on going about anything but first is the writing process. I have this story i want to tell, well I have many stories i want to tell actually but this one to start with needs some fine tuning, alot of drafting to start with. I really want it to be perfect, something ill be proud to share with the world.

As for my makeup buying it has slowed but i have had time to play with so much stuff while ive had some time off so i can share all of that with you guys. Reviews galore. Also i have a swap i never shared with you guys that i simply must! My friend from Ireland Eleanor and me did a makeup swap that originated on Instagram and the gems she sent must be shared with the world.

I think maybe thats all i needed to quick catch up on? I have a couple windows open working on lots of things just now so expect lots more content very soon! Ive missed writing and im so so glad to be back. Any comments, questions or concerns drop me a line below and ill get back to you my dears. Any requests for posts or reviews drop me a line here or through email. I hope everyone is having an awesome Sunday and has a great start to the week tomorrow.

3 Things I learned from 50 Shades of Grey

(Note: This is probably slightly NSFW, just based on the title and some key words that will be used below)

Hey there turtle doves! I hope everyone has been having a lovely week. I started mine off with a bang, pun fully intended. This past Monday i went to see Fifty Shades of Grey, in the awkwardly hilarious company of my mom and cousin. Suffice it to say we had a good time, who doesnt want to learn what genital clamps are with their mother? And my cousin was great for pointing out something silly whenever the panting got to heavy in our ears. But walking away from the theater, joking and debating the points of the movie i took away three main points, things that stuck with me even after the sounds of gasps faded from my memory.

1) I might not ever miss anything as much as i miss flip phones! Ok this might seem trivial but if you were in my theater then you heard my cousin rather loudly wondering why he could get her a new car and laptop but she was still trying to text with only 12 buttons. It brought back not only the nostalgia of being the fastest T9 texter ever, but the satisfying and resounding snapping close of a phone at the end of an angry phone call. Seeing Ana rocking her flip phone without a care in the world took me back to 2004 and i frankly miss them loads.

2) The Weekend deserves top listing on my ipods most played songs. So i have in fact always been a sucker for movie soundtracks, they got me with all 4 Twilight soundtracks and that was when i still got actual CD's too. I have three Hunger games album's on my itunes right now and when i saw that this film had one knowing Beyonce and Ellie Goulding were on it i grabbed it. But it hasnt been the pop Divas that had totally been my obsession, its The Weekend. Hearing both of his songs in the theater totally did things for me and since coming home ive listened to Earned Ot more times then i would care to admit.

3) Jamie Dornan is bea! Now when i first met him he wasnt the playboy billion in Fifty Shades but Sheriff Graham Humbert on Once Upon a Time. I loved him, i still hate how he left my show and might never get over the loss of the relationship i thought would be all and end all. (I am however a die hard Captain Swan shipper just FYI) But beyond that one show i hadnt really seen him in much. He was cute, and while i had originally been SO excited to see Charlie Hunnam as Christian i was willing to give Jamie a chance. Now that i have seen him though i am obsessed! So much so ive started watching him on The Fall. I wont list spoilers here but its on Netflix and its amazing. Its safe to say Jamie Dornan is a gifted actor and i cant wait to see him in more projects in the future.

Have you seen the film yet? How about read the books? Anything you found shocking or learned form the experience?

Before Bed Reads: The 100

Reading is one of my long time loves, actually my longest love that isnt a relation of some sort. Its stuck with me longer then any boy friend and has introduced me to some of those now called life long friends. The boy who lived, the girl on fire, the hobbit, we are all super tight, and thats thanks to books.

Ive been a casual user of the site/app Goodreads for just under a year, and before i just thought it was a cute idea. Two free books and inspiration to read more later im totally addicted. Its because of the site and their new years challenge that i read three books in January. Before hat it took me a month to pick through one because i just kept letting time get away from me. Ive come a long way from the little girl who didnt want to read the word 'us' out loud i can tell you that.

A book i got for free thanks to some Kindle credits, and since im a huge fan of the CW networks show by the same name i thought it would be a nice book to try on. It cost me $2.99 when i got the book, its now up on the site for $8.99 but still that usually beats the actual hard copy of a book price if you have a kindle (Currently the paperbacks are $6.99 BUT the prices for these kinds of things are almost constantly in flux). And if you dont have an e-reader both Kindle and Nook have apps you can use with most smart phones and tablets which means you kinda have a ready made one if you cant justify the space of buying more books or just want to start reading instantly without leaving your home.

Now to the juicy stuff. How was the book? Without giving anything away because dont we all hate spoilers?

* It is an easy before bed read. And easy read in general and you feel accomplished as the pages fly by.
* The story is original enough to keep your interest and keep you wanting to find out more about this very literal post apocalyptic world.
* Its different enough from the show that fans of both wont feel bored with whats on the page.
* The characters are at the same time other worldly and yet totally human. Flawed and damaged you can relate to them.
* If you finish the book and want more theres multiple books in the series and a TV show currently airing its second season on The CW.

If you are looking for an easy read thats fun, interesting and unique i completely recommend starting The 100. If you want a sample Amazon has a sample they can send to your kindle or you can check out on the site and see if its a good fit for you.

What books are guys currently into? Anything i need to check out for my reading challenge?

Fresh starts and whats been going on....

Hey there turtle doves! Its been a long time i know. The end of 2014 was a little rough over here at Noob Chic headquarters. Family, friend and just life issues plopping down on top of the holidays couldn't have been worse. But all of those have been resolved and now i am buckling down, back to doing something i love just for me. As you can see the site has been given a face lift, but thats not all that is coming.....

So whats coming in this so far amazing 2015 for Noob Chic? Well i have some amazing beauty reviews all planned up. I've been thinking of a book club of sorts, and would love some input from others as i'm doing a challenge to read 30 books at least this year. (Thank you Goodreads) Theres also alot of fashion bits im anxious to share with everyone and movies, music, just life in general and all of it to share with you wonderful people.

So keep an eye out for all of the goodies to come and remember till the next time we meet have an epic day!