Tag: Commentary

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Secret Life…

When you are asked what you like to do when you’re not working, at school or wherever, how do you answer? I’m sure as a book blogger we should be big hand wavers when it comes to admitting that we love to read. However, when I do, I find it fascinating to see how people respond. Is it abnormal to like to read as much as I do? Gageing from some of the wide eyed looks I get sometimes I feel like that must be true.

When I look back on my life and it’s big events I do remember how I had to find time to read. When I met my husband we immediately clicked and spent every moment together. I remember having to explain to him that I had to read the last half hour of my day in bed before going to sleep. I HAD TO. Well, we are married now, and he gets it! For awhile, he would read beside me quietly- until notebooks came out and he spent the end of his day surfing Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. I, however, still read and he loves me anyway!

Single

When you start a new job and go out for a glass of wine, lunch or whatever with your new co-workers, do you confess to the amount of time you actually spend reading? The conversation goes something like, “So, Deborah, what do you do when you aren’t at work?” I say, “well, my husband and I like to try out new restaurants, I love taking my dog Nash for walks, and umm, I read 4 hours every night.”  Confession time. I probably do read about 3-4 hours every night. I know! But don’t you do that too? I certainly DON’T admit that to my friends though. Is that bad? Somehow, I feel like if I admit to reading that much they’ll look down on me like I don’t have a life or something. Why is reading considered a bad thing?

Reading

OK, that picture above is pretty funny (and kind of gross) but as Book Bloggers we SHOULD be screaming to the world that we LOVE to read! We need to encourage others to read, that enjoying books is a wonderful thing. Sharing a great book and talking about it with your friend or family member is one of the best feelings ever. I would like to convey my love for a good book to a child and encourage them to read every night for a half hour before sleeping like my own mother did for me. It helps me shrug off a bad day, encourage fantastic dreams, and helps me sleep. That’s not a bad thing.

Benefits of reading

So Book Bloggers, share your love of books outside your blog. Take off your mask and reveal your true identity and shout it out to the world!

I, Deborah- The Reading Chick love to read! How about you? Join me!

Until next Sunday,

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: Re-makes, Re-tellings, and Repeats

Have you noticed that re-makes, re-tellings and repeats seem to be a trend? If it was done well the first time why would you try to make a better version? Is it even possible? Bad 70’s TV shows have been made into movies and were those movies any better? The only movie I can think that may have surpassed the original show would be 21 Jump Street and that is in large part due to Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill’s chemistry. Charlie’s Angels, my favorite campy TV show is being re-made with the third set of angels.  How successful does the first re-make need to be to make a re-make of a re-make?

It seems to be pretty normal for a great story to be re-told in a more modern manner. Jane Austen’s books have been re-told a great number of times. From the movie Clueless to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Jane’s stories are re-invented into fantastic new tales and genres quite frequently. Does anyone every get tired of all of these re-tellings and classic re-mixes? I’ll admit, unless the original title is quoted I usually miss the tie-in and just enjoy or hate the new story on its own merits. Maybe I’m not the most sophisticated reader/watcher…

Pride

In the past couple of years fairy-tale re-tellings and re-imaginings have gotten to be very popular in fiction. Do I like them? I have read a couple that have been well done and now that I’m looking back on them I think it’s because they didn’t stick to the story verbatim. As I mentioned above, I was able to forget it was a re-make and lose myself in the story.  I’ve also read a few that didn’t win me over because they stuck too close to the original and didn’t improve upon it. Should they have left well enough alone?  I know, that’s kind of harsh, but why re-create something that was done so well in the first place? It’s like on American Idol when someone chooses to sing a Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston song and they just weren’t as good as the original. Doesn’t the judge tell them that they were taking a huge risk? Yes! I believe the same thing applies to iconic stories like Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin, Snow White, etc. I do give them points for trying though.

Why can’t originality become a trend? That’s kind of sad isn’t it? Our world has so many talented, creative, and clever individuals who want to be noticed for their own originality. I want to help them rise to the top! Let me just finish this one last fairy-tale re-make…

 

Do you agree or disagree with my opinion on re-makes?

If you’ve read a re-telling that you think is just fabulous, please share! I love a good recommendation, as long as it’s not a re-telling of Star Wars or something….

Until next Sunday!

Deb

 

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads10 Comments

Blogger to Blogger Series: An Interview with Kelly from Just Another Book in the Wall

The first thing I noticed about Kelly’s Another Book in the Wall book blog is that it is filled with great content! Her thoughts transcend her youthfulness and when I read her discussion posts her point of view crosses all age groups. She and I share a love for fantasy, romance, young adult and gosh I could just go on and on about what types of books we have both connected with. When you hop on over to Kelly’s blog, take note of her pretty graphics (sample art below!) and incredible writing style. I know you’ll get lost in the great content, but come on back here and read her interview when you are done!

Kelly @ Another Book in the Wall

Another Book logo

Here is how Kelly answered my 10 questions:

Blogging is universal and even though we inhabit the same community, we don’t always live in the same country. What country do you live in?

  I was born and raised in the United States, and have never once left the lovely state of California. Thankfully, this state offers a wide range of environments, so I’ve been to deserts, beaches, mountains, etc. But, I’ve always dreamt of travelling, and hope I’ll be able to do so in the future!

What is the view outside your front door?

Another ViewMost blogs have a quirky name and a fun story of origin. Please share the story behind your blogs name?

I’m not entirely sure how the idea for my blog’s name wandered into my thoughts, but it’s a play on the classic Pink Floyd song, “Another Brick in the Wall”. I simply replaced “Brick” with “Book” and thought it had a nice ring to it. Lo and behold, my blog was born! Haha.

Describe where you write your blog. 

 I do the vast majority of my writing in the comfort of my bed – often with a nice, steaming cup of chamomile tea. My bed is far too relaxing. Why sit on a desk, when I can cuddle with pillows?

Another PhotoMost of us have a stack of books sitting next to our couch or bed waiting to be read. What books are in your stack? (Include a photo if you’d like!)

 I primarily read e-books on my Kindle, so I mostly have a digital to-be-read pile. Although, I do have an empty shelf at the top of my bookshelf, that has a few books that I plan on reading soon.

If you have had a bad day and want to spend an hour reading a book, what is your go to genre or favorite book that will lift your mood?

 YA contemporary novels never fail to put me in a great mood. They truly help me wind down and relax. I love the simplicity of them and enjoy falling in love with the light-hearted story and characters. These fluffy, sugary novels will always have a special place in my heart.

When you aren’t blogging, how do you spend your time? Work, Play, School?

 When I’m not blogging, I’m often at school, but since it’s now the summer, I’ve currently been searching for a part-time job. Fingers crossed that I’ll find one soon! I have been able to occupy a great deal of this free time with reading (naturally), so at least I’m being productive! I also love playing piano, so I try to play as much as I can when I have a spare moment or two.

My favorite blog post banner

What is your favorite blog post you’ve ever written?

My favorite posts that I write are typically discussion pieces, and this one is no exception. I wrote a post about Sensuality in YA Literature a little while ago, and I really enjoyed sharing it because it’s a very personal topic. I was scared to post something that I knew others may not agree with, but it felt so cathartic, and I heard so many great opinions on the matter in the comments section!

https://justanotherbookinthewall.wordpress.com/2018/06/01/lets-talk-about-sensuality-in-young-adult-literature-is-it-appropriate

Have you ever met one of your favorite authors? If so, what did you say to them? Looking back, what do you wish you had said instead?

Yes, actually! I met Marissa Meyer a few years ago when her book, Winter released. At the time, I recall being a babbling fool, so I don’t wholly remember what I said to her. It was a short meeting and signing, but she was super sweet. I believe, I thanked her and told her which book was my favorite at the time. I wish I would’ve asked her if she had names in mind for the future children of all my favorite couples in the book. Haha!

If you could sit down with an author for a slice of cake and a question, who is the author, what kind of cake would you serve, and what is the first question you’d ask?

I would love to meet Markus Zusak, since The Book Thief is my favorite book of all time. I’m not a huge fan of cake, so I would probably opt for a key lime pie. It’s one of my favorite desserts, and I’m sure everyone would love it. If not, well … more for me! Haha. I would ask him if there were any plot points in the story that he wished he had changed.

The Book Thief

I really enjoyed Kelly’s answers! I myself am a cake person, but I do also love Key Lime Pie! Has anyone else not read the Book Thief? I know I need to, I’ve heard it is so good! There is something that has been holding me back and Kelly isn’t the only person who has loved it.

If you haven’t read Kelly’s favorite blog post about Sensuality in YA novels, pls do, she makes some great points and it’s a perfect example of her POV and her friendly and frank writing style.

Thanks so much for reading Blogger to Blogger!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads4 Comments

Blogger to Blogger Series: An Interview with Holly from Nut Free Nerd

 

I have always enjoyed Holly’s book reviews, they are insightful, fun and make great points about the books she’s reviewing, but I really became a fan of Holly when she went to school overseas and started writing her Holly Goes Abroad posts. There’s nothing like seeing and experiencing different cultures through another persons eyes. It’s why we read books, isn’t it? If you haven’t checked out Holly’s blog Nut Free Nerd, please click on the link below and check it out. She is worth your time, I promise!

Holly @ Nut Free Nerd

Nut Free Logo

Here are Holly’s answers to my 10 questions.

Blogging is universal and even though we inhabit the same community, we don’t always live in the same country. What country do you live in? 
I live in New England in the United States. I love where I live–it’s woodsy and pretty, yet close enough to cities, the beach, and the mountains. What more could you want?
What is the view outside your front door? 

The first thing I see when I look out my front door is my mom’s lovely garden. She’s been maintaining this garden since we first moved in nearly twenty years ago, so at this point it’s bursting with a plethora of pretty flowers in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Most blogs have a quirky name and a fun story of origin. Please share the story behind your blog’s name? 
My blog’s name is Nut Free Nerd, which accurately describes me in two ways: 1) I’m nerdy and 2) I’m severely allergic to nuts. I also adore alliteration (see what I did there?!) so when I first thought of this name years ago I was immediately hooked. It has stuck with me ever since!
Describe where you write your blog. 
When I’m home for summer or winter break, I usually write my blog posts at my dining room table. If I’m at college, then I most often write them at the desk in my room while eating breakfast in the morning. Blogging is definitely one of my favorite breakfast activities!
Most of us have a stack of books sitting next to our couch or bed waiting to be read. What books are in your stack? 
The current stack next to my bed is made entirely of library books that I recently checked out: Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, and East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

February 1862. The Civil War is less than one year old. The fighting has begun in earnest, and the nation has begun to realize it is in for a long, bloody struggle. Meanwhile, President Lincoln’s beloved eleven-year-old son, Willie, lies upstairs in the White House, gravely ill. In a matter of days, despite predictions of a recovery, Willie dies and is laid to rest in a Georgetown cemetery. “My poor boy, he was too good for this earth,” the president says at the time. “God has called him home.” Newspapers report that a grief-stricken Lincoln returns, alone, to the crypt several times to hold his boy’s body.

From that seed of historical truth, George Saunders spins an unforgettable story of familial love and loss that breaks free of its realistic, historical framework into a supernatural realm both hilarious and terrifying. Willie Lincoln finds himself in a strange purgatory where ghosts mingle, gripe, commiserate, quarrel, and enact bizarre acts of penance. Within this transitional state—called, in the Tibetan tradition, the bardo—a monumental struggle erupts over young Willie’s soul.

Lincoln in the Bardo is an astonishing feat of imagination and a bold step forward from one of the most important and influential writers of his generation. Formally daring, generous in spirit, deeply concerned with matters of the heart, it is a testament to fiction’s ability to speak honestly and powerfully to the things that really matter to us. Saunders has invented a thrilling new form that deploys a kaleidoscopic, theatrical panorama of voices to ask a timeless, profound question: How do we live and love when we know that everything we love must end?

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

DAY ONE: THE NAME OF THE WIND

My name is Kvothe.
 
I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
 
You may have heard of me.

So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature—the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

In his journal, Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck called East of Eden “the first book,” and indeed it has the primordial power and simplicity of myth. Set in the rich farmland of California’s Salinas Valley, this sprawling and often brutal novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—whose generations helplessly reenact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel.

The masterpiece of Steinbeck’s later years, East of Eden is a work in which Steinbeck created his most mesmerizing characters and explored his most enduring themes: the mystery of identity, the inexplicability of love, and the murderous consequences of love’s absence. Adapted for the 1955 film directed by Elia Kazan introducing James Dean, and read by thousands as the book that brought Oprah’s Book Club back, East of Eden has remained vitally present in American culture for over half a century.

If you have had a bad day and want to spend an hour reading a book, what is your go to genre or favorite book that will lift your mood? 
My go-to book for any problem (homesickness, stress, heartache, etc.) is always The Hobbit or part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. These books always remind me of when I first read them in middle school, making them the perfect pieces of nostalgia to cheer me up when I most need it.
 
When you aren’t blogging, how do you spend your time? Work, play, school? 
During the summer months I work at a local non-profit writing grant applications, which I love. The rest of the year you can usually find me writing essays and reading articles at Wheaton College in Massachusetts, where I attend university as an English major/Spanish minor. In my free time I love to write, knit, tap dance, and watch old Star Trek reruns.
My favorite blog post banner
What is your favorite blog post you’ve ever written? 

Oooh, such a difficult question! I think I’m going to cheat and say that my favorite KIND of post I’ve ever written are my Classic Couple posts, where I pair up classic and contemporary novels. It sparks such great discussions! Post:

 
Have you ever met one of your favorite authors? If so, what did you say to them? Looking back, what do you wish you had said instead? 
Yes! When I was in high school my best friend and I met Michael Grant, author of the Gone series. I asked him if he knew how he was going to finish the series, and he replied something like, “Not like how Lost ends.” I wouldn’t change anything about my question because I love his answer; not only is it cleverly vague, but it also involves one of my favorite TV series.
If you could sit down with an author for a slice of cake and a question, who is the author, what kind of cake would you serve, and what is the first question you’d ask? 
 
So many amazing authors to choose from! I think my answer to this is going to have to be William Faulkner because I feel as though I have an endless stream of questions for him. I would hand him a slice of cheese cake and ask, “What is the point of ABSALOM, ABSALOM!?”
Thanks so much Holly! I myself was an English major and a lot of what you said brings back memories. I also had to read Absalom, Absalom and I remember scratching my head over that one! LOL.
I hope you all enjoyed learning a little bit more about Holly, and more importantly will go check out her blog if you haven’t already.
Thanks for reading Blogger to Blogger!
Deb
On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments

Blogger to Blogger Series: An Interview with ZeZee from ZeZee With Books

I have been following ZeZee’s blog for a while now and what keeps me coming back is the look, content, and her insightful reviews.  I have in fact bought a couple of books featured on ZeZee’s blog, which is the greatest compliment one blogger can give to another. If you haven’t checked out her blog, well what are you waiting for!!

ZeZee With Books

How did she answer my questions? Let’s find out!

ZeZee logo

Blogging is universal and even though we inhabit the same community, we don’t always live in the same country. What country do you live in?

I’m in the U.S. Right now, it’s my favorite season – summer – but not my favorite weather – hot, very humid, and sticky.

What is the view outside your front door?

Wide-sweeping manicured green lawns bordered by a bounty of blossoming flowers that lead up to brick-front, colonial-style houses that line streets of my neighborhood. It’s a beautiful scene to look at in the spring and autumn when the leaves start to change. Other than the nature outside my front door, it’s a pretty boring area ‘cause it’s the ‘burbs.

Most blogs have a quirky name and a fun story of origin. Please share the story behind your blogs name?

Erm…(a pause while I look at the blog posts where I talk about my blog’s name because I forgot why I named it so).

So…I don’t why I called myself Zezee. It’s not my real name. When I started blogging, I named my blog Zezee’s Link because I didn’t know then what my blog would be about. I just wanted to join the blogging community and share my thoughts on stuff. When I realized that my posts mostly focus on book-related topics, I decided to change my blog name to Zezee with Books.

…yeeaahh…still don’t know why I call myself Zezee on here other than I think the name sounds cool. It makes me think of zing-zing and zip and zoom-zoom!

Describe where you write your blog. 

I write in the most comfortable place — my bed. I wish I had a writing desk so I could write there. I think it would give me more structure and help me to focus better. I daydream a lot when writing in bed and easily get distracted by things – Facebook, Instagram, the funny patterns on my sheets.

Yup! I shall include a pic for this one. It’s the head of my bedstead that I lean against as I write. I use my pillows as back cushions.

ZeZee's bed

Most of us have a stack of books sitting next to our couch or bed waiting to be read. What books are in your stack?

Well, I would have taken a pic but we recently completed a home-improvement project – changed carpets – so my room is a mess at the moment and my nightstand looks alien to me at the moment for all the random shit that’s on it, so instead here’s a pic of books I’m currently/recently completed and would have placed on my nightstand if I had access to it. That’s:

The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus

Fool’s Fate by Robin Hobb

City of Saints & Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

ZeZee's books

The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro

It is 1962, and Elisa Esposito—mute her whole life, orphaned as a child—is struggling with her humdrum existence as a janitor working the graveyard shift at Baltimore’s Occam Aerospace Research Center. Were it not for Zelda, a protective coworker, and Giles, her loving neighbor, she doesn’t know how she’d make it through the day.

Then, one fateful night, she sees something she was never meant to see, the Center’s most sensitive asset ever: an amphibious man, captured in the Amazon, to be studied for Cold War advancements. The creature is terrifying but also magnificent, capable of language and of understanding emotions…and Elisa can’t keep away. Using sign language, the two learn to communicate. Soon, affection turns into love, and the creature becomes Elisa’s sole reason to live.

But outside forces are pressing in. Richard Strickland, the obsessed soldier who tracked the asset through the Amazon, wants nothing more than to dissect it before the Russians get a chance to steal it. Elisa has no choice but to risk everything to save her beloved. With the help of Zelda and Giles, Elisa hatches a plan to break out the creature. But Strickland is on to them. And the Russians are, indeed, coming.

Developed from the ground up as a bold two-tiered release—one story interpreted by two artists in the independent mediums of literature and film—The Shape of Water is unlike anything you’ve ever read or seen.

Fool’s Fate by Robin Hobb

FitzChivalry Farseer has become firmly ensconced in the queen’s court. Along with his mentor, Chade, and the simpleminded yet strongly Skilled Thick, Fitz strives to aid Prince Dutiful on a quest that could secure peace with the Outislands—and win Dutiful the hand of the Narcheska Elliania.

The Narcheska has set the prince an unfathomable task: to behead a dragon trapped in ice on the isle of Aslevjal. Yet not all the clans of the Outislands support their effort. Are there darker forces at work behind Elliania’s demand? Knowing that the Fool has foretold he will die on the island of ice, Fitz plots to leave his dearest friend behind. But fate cannot so easily be defied.

The City of Saints and Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson

In the shadows of Sangui City, there lives a girl who doesn’t exist. After fleeing the Congo as refugees, Tina and her mother arrived in Kenya looking for the chance to build a new life and home. Her mother quickly found work as a maid for a prominent family, headed by Roland Greyhill, one of the city’s most respected business leaders. But Tina soon learns that the Greyhill fortune was made from a life of corruption and crime. So when her mother is found shot to death in Mr. Greyhill’s personal study, she knows exactly who’s behind it.

With revenge always on her mind, Tina spends the next four years surviving on the streets alone, working as a master thief for the Goondas, Sangui City’s local gang. It’s a job for the Goondas that finally brings Tina back to the Greyhill estate, giving her the chance for vengeance she’s been waiting for. But as soon as she steps inside the lavish home, she’s overtaken by the pain of old wounds and the pull of past friendships, setting into motion a dangerous cascade of events that could, at any moment, cost Tina her life. But finally uncovering the incredible truth about who killed her mother—and why—keeps her holding on in this fast-paced nail-biting thriller.

If you have had a bad day and want to spend an hour reading a book, what is your go-to genre or favorite book that will lift your mood?

Fantasy and most likely I’d reread a Harry Potter book. Fantasy provides a distraction from whatever is stressing me out and Harry Potter books always perk me up (the first to the fourth books).

When you aren’t blogging, how do you spend your time? Work, Play, School?

I’m either working or watching TV or at the movies or hanging out with family and friends or walking around the city checking out art museums or architecture or some random artsy event or, sometimes, a party.

My favorite blog post banner

What is your favorite blog post you’ve ever written? 

Oh, wow! Well. That’s a hard question that made my mind immediately go blank. Umm…well, my favorite posts are usually my Weekend Reads posts, which are discussion posts that include the books I’m currently reading. So of the Weekend Reads posts, I think my favorite is… “On Writing,” which is about my struggle to write, and (I couldn’t choose just one now that my brain has started working) “Hooked on Comics,” where I discuss my love of comics.

Have you ever met one of your favorite authors? If so, what did you say to them? Looking back, what do you wish you had said instead?

Well, I’m not one to try to meet authors because I’m a bit shy and don’t know what I’d say to my favorite author and am scared that I might embarrass myself by saying something rude, but I did meet Marlon James once and was over the moon that I got to meet him and get my book, A Brief History of Seven Killings signed (haven’t read it yet).

What did I say to him? Umm… I think it was “MARLON! Mi love yuh Book of Night Women and mi mek mi madda read it and she did love it too, but she tink it too violent and it mek her cry!” Then he said something along the lines of “ Well, she probably shouldn’t read this one.”

Marlon James is a Jamaican author. He won the 2015 Man Booker Prize with A Brief History of Seven Killings which is a fictional account of the attempt to assassinate Bob Marley.

A Brief

 If you could sit down with an author for a slice of cake and a question, who is the author, what kind of cake would you serve, and what is the first question you’d ask?

At this exact the moment, the author I most want to sit down with is Robin Hobb. We will eat whatever cake she likes and I would ask her a bunch of questions about Fitz and the Fool and the world her Realm of the Elderlings series is set in and cross my fingers that she will answer them all. I’m totally hooked on her fantasy novels at the moment.

Oh my gosh ZeZee your answer on the question about meeting an author in person was hysterical! Then I got to what the book was about and I felt horrible for laughing! That does sound a bit serious… You and I share a love for Fantasy novels! I have not read Robin Hobb, but I think I may need to go on that fantasy journey!

I really enjoyed reading her answers, didn’t you? Which was your favorite?

Have you read any of these books? I’d love to know your opinion!

Thanks for reading Blogger to Blogger!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads5 Comments

Blogger to Blogger Series: An Interview with Jenn, Caitlynn, and Eden from Thrice Read

You know when you read a good book and you just want to discuss it with your friends? When these ladies from Thrice Read dish on a book, they rarely have the same reaction to it. I love that! Their opinions vary and are very interesting to read and really does feel like you are at a book club, without the wine. Although truthfully maybe there’s a little virtual wine drinking behind the scenes of their blog. These ladies don’t just post reviews, but also discussions, tags and other bookish posts. If you haven’t checked out their blog, I would highly recommend it!

Click this link to check out Thrice Read!

They very kindly agreed to take part in my Blogger to Blogger (or in this case Bloggers) post answering my ten questions.

Blogging is universal and even though we inhabit the same community, we don’t always live in the same country. What country do you live in?

J: We live in the United States.

What is the view outside your front door?  

C: It is summertime here in Florida, so everything is super green and super hot!

Thrice photo

E: It’s very, very hot right now. So hot that I’ve been avoiding going outside at all.

Thrice 2

J: Just like Eden and Caitlynn I live in Florida and it is already way too hot out.

Thrice 3Most blogs have a quirky name and a fun story of origin. Please share the story behind your blogs name?

E: When we were coming up with blog names we had several in mind, however, we wanted them to incorporate the three of us. Thrice Read was thrown out as a suggestion (I actually think it may have been a joke at first), but we couldn’t stop coming back to it. Jenn sent me an emblem she’d made for it just to see it and from there we decided that was what our name would be.

Describe where you write your blog. 

C: I usually write my blog in my living room or at my dining room table. It kind of just depends!

J: Typically I write my posts on my desk (when it’s cleaned off) or in my bedroom.

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E: I write anywhere and everywhere. I wrote a post on my phone a few days ago while on the road to St. Petersburg. If I’m at home I’ll write it on my computer but it doesn’t really matter where I am.

Most of us have a stack of books sitting next to our couch or bed waiting to be read. What books are in your stack? (Include a photo if you’d like!)

J: The books I have that are waiting to be read are currently sitting on my bookshelf out of alignment with the rest of the books. I used to have them on a bookshelf beside my bed but they kind of took over.

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E: My stack has actually just recently been put away. They’d turned into a tower next to my bed. Right now though there is one book that has made it back to the stack and that’s The Crown’s Game.

C: I just cleaned off my nightstand, but right before I cleaned it I had The Upside of Unrequited, An Enchantment of Ravens, Without Merit, and Dear Martin all on it

RESTORE ME by Tahereh Mafi

Juliette and Warner’s story continues in the electrifying fourth installment of Tahereh Mafi’s New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series.

Juliette Ferrars thought she’d won. She took over Sector 45, was named the new Supreme Commander of North America, and now has Warner by her side. But when tragedy strikes, she must confront the darkness that dwells both around and inside her.

Who will she become in the face of adversity? Will she be able to control the power she wields, and use it for good?

THE CROWN’S GAME by Evelyn Skye

Perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone and Red Queen, The Crown’s Game is a thrilling and atmospheric historical fantasy set in Imperial Russia about two teenagers who must compete for the right to become the Imperial Enchanter—or die in the process—from debut author Evelyn Skye.

Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know.  The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.

Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?

For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.

And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love . . . or be killed himself.

As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear . . . the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.

WITHOUT MERIT By Colleen Hoover

The Voss family is anything but normal. They live in a repurposed church, newly baptized Dollar Voss. The once cancer-stricken mother lives in the basement, the father is married to the mother’s former nurse, the little half-brother isn’t allowed to do or eat anything fun, and the eldest siblings are irritatingly perfect. Then, there’s Merit.

Merit Voss collects trophies she hasn’t earned and secrets her family forces her to keep. While browsing the local antiques shop for her next trophy, she finds Sagan. His wit and unapologetic idealism disarm and spark renewed life into her—until she discovers that he’s completely unavailable. Merit retreats deeper into herself, watching her family from the sidelines, when she learns a secret that no trophy in the world can fix.

Fed up with the lies, Merit decides to shatter the happy family illusion that she’s never been a part of before leaving them behind for good. When her escape plan fails, Merit is forced to deal with the staggering consequences of telling the truth and losing the one boy she loves.

Poignant and powerful, Without Merit explores the layers of lies that tie a family together and the power of love and truth.

If you have had a bad day and want to spend an hour reading a book, what is your go to genre or favorite book that will lift your mood?

C: My go-to genre is YA fantasy or contemporary. A book that will always lift my mood is A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas.

J: I would have to say that contemporary would be my go to read for a bad mood. They are typically short and simple reads. I don’t want to have to think through and entire political system when I’m having a rough day.

E: It used to be that my goto genre was fantasy, but in the last year I’ve learned that the best genre for me when I just need to read and stop thinking is contemporary. It allows me to stop thinking about the world and just lets me read without having to process a million different things.

When you aren’t blogging, how do you spend your time? Work, Play, School?

C: Definitely working if school is in session, if not you will most likely find me hanging out with Eden and Jenn.

J: Caitlyn, Eden, and I are all teachers. So, that’s where most of our focus goes. However, outside of that you will find me hanging out with Eden and Caitlynn or at a theme park. I am a huge fan of theme parks. Especially Disney parks.

E: Like Caitlynn and Jenn said, I work constantly. Whether I’m actually at work or planning for work, my life is a bit consumed with it. However, when I’m not working I’m usually watching tv or reading. I actually watch a lot of tv.

My favorite blog post banner

What is your favorite blog post you’ve ever written? 

C: I think one of my favorite blog posts that I have done was my TBR Of Shame post (The 2017 TBR Shame Book Tag )it was super cool getting an inventory of all of my books and seeing that list grow and shrink throughout the year.

J: I would probably have to say my Thursday Thoughts on Reading Pressure and Trends. I liked switching up the format for my posts and it was my original Thursday Thoughts post. (Thursday Thoughts Reading Pressure and Trends)

E: My favorite post is my book review on The Lovely Reckless by Kami Garcia. I really enjoyed this post because I thought the writing was pretty decent. Also, Kami Garcia also loved it. During YALLfest she actually told me about how her and Tahereh Mafi talked about how accurate a description it was. I was, of course, on cloud nine. (The Lovely Reckless by Kami Garcia-Spoiler Free Book Review)

Have you ever met one of your favorite authors? If so, what did you say to them? Looking back, what do you wish you had said instead?

C: We met Susan Dennard and that was an amazing experience! We got to talk about Truthwitch and I don’t think there is anything about that experience that I would change.

J: We met Stephanie Garber last year at YALLFest. It was a very quick and chaotic meeting, but she was wonderful. I would love to be able to pick her brain a little bit more about the world she created in Caraval.

E: I met V.E. Schwab about two years ago. I was so excited to meet her and so overwhelmed by everything around me that I struggled to speak to her. I remember saying something to the effect of, “I also have a tattoo on my wrist!” and then having a conversation with her about it. I wish though that I would have told her that it was her books that really made me understand how much of writing was an art.

If you could sit down with an author for a slice of cake and a question,  who is the author, what kind of cake would you serve, and what is the first question you’d ask?

 

C: Sarah J. Maas, definitely chocolate cake with buttercream icing and I would 100% be asking her for more details about her new adult series she is currently working on!

J: Leigh Bardugo and I would serve red velvet cake with cream cheese icing. I would ask her to recommend her favorite music, books, and movies. I feel as though I would get some great recommendations from her.

E: Susan Dennard. I’d probably serve white cake with buttercream frosting. The first question I’d ask is if she’d be my friend because every time I’ve seen her speak she’s just so funny and welcoming. Also, I believe friends get the perks of reading books first.

 

I like Thrice Reads posts because their book club posts sound like they’ve had fun discussing the book, which translates into making me want to read it as well and join the discussion. they are also very well spoken and their individual posts are really well written, they have great taste in cake (!), and they all love fantasy and contemporary novels, which as you know are my favorites as well.

I hope you all enjoyed learning more about these talented ladies! Do you have one of the books they’ve mentioned on your own nightstand?

Thanks for reading!

Deb

 

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads
www.thereadingchick.com

This Chicks Mid-Year Freak-Out Book Tag and Best reads of 2018 so far…

Wow, is it that time again???? June is here! Well, actually it’s almost gone, but that’s ok! I still have time to do the Mid-Year Freak-Out Book Tag, but because I’ve been tagged by the indomitable, amazingly creative and well, really nice Marie from Drizzle and Hurricane Books, we are putting a little spin on it. I will be talking about the best reads of 2018 so far…

www.thereadingchick.com

Check out Marie’s answers HERE!

Now, I’ll admit, I don’t always read books in the same year they were published, so my books may reflect my laziness, lack of time, and sporadic choices based upon my mood at that moment. What I’m trying to say is that I will talk about the books I’ve read so far this year, but they may not be brand new books from 2018. OK. Confession over.

Here goes…

BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ YET IN 2018

MIdnight Valentine (Adult Contemporary Romance) Midnight Valentine took me completely by surprise, which is why I would pick it over all of the other great books I’ve read this year. It has a big twist in a Sixth Sense sort of way. J.T. Geissinger always writes intense stories, but Midnight Valentine took it to a whole other level.

BEST SEQUEL YOU’VE READ SO FAR IN 2018

514RZowbbGL._SY346_ (YA Fantasy) It took me forever to get around to reading this second installment in the Rebel of the Sands series. I don’t know why? I loved the first book and maybe was afraid Traitor wouldn’t live up to the first, but in this case the second book was even better. LOVED it.

NEW RELEASE YOU HAVEN’T READ YET BUT WANT TO

June Uppercase 4 (YA Contemporary) I just received Saved the Date in an Uppercase Box subscription but haven’t gotten around to it yet. It has a ton of positive hype around it so I hope it’s as good as the press!

MOST ANTICIPATED RELEASE FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR

Magic Triumphs (Urban Fantasy) It is definitely Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews. This is the last (and 10th) book in the Kate Daniels series. It’s one of my all time favorite Urban Fantasy series and I will absolutely hate to see it end. It also comes out on my birthday. 8/28! Kismet, right?

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

The Hazel Wood (YA Fantasy/Fairy Tale) I’ll preface this by saying that I have definitely read worse books than The Hazel Wood this year. The reason why it’s my biggest disappointment was that I was so disappointed! The hype was so huge, so I didn’t read it right away trying to let all that die down and to try to forget about what I’d heard. When I finally read it, it was just eh. I thought it had such a great premise, was written well, but then the ending sucked. I think I gave it a 3.5? It should’ve been a 3.0 but it started off so well….

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Night Shifts Black (Adult Contemporary Romance) My sister recommended this book to me and she is seldom wrong when it comes to a great romance novel. This was such a surprise because the author leads you astray. You are reading about two characters who you assume are each others love interest. But are they really? I don’t want to spoil the surprise but if you like Rock Star romances you need to read this one.

FAVORITE NEW AUTHOR(s)

 

 

Yeah, I know, I picked three. I couldn’t choose! They are all YA authors, two in the contemporary genre and one in the fantasy. I really liked Once and For All. I loved Sarah Dessen’s style of writing and the emotion she imbued in her characters. If there wasn’t one minor flaw this book would’ve receive a 5.0 rating from me. Megan Crewe’s Ruthless Magic was a really fun and energetic fantasy novel. I loved the premise and the authors style. I did give this one a 5.0. Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills was another YA contemporary. The characters in this novel were so well done! It was very diverse and I connected with the main character, which is hard for a middle aged woman to do in this genre! I’d definitely read Emma Mills again.

NEWEST FICTIONAL CRUSH

From Lukov (Adult Contemporary Romance) I really don’t do crushes, but I did really like Ivan Lukov with Jasmine Santos in From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata.

NEWEST FAVORITE CHARACTER

img_1405-1 (YA Fantasy) Brienne from Rebecca Ross’s The Queen’s Rising. She was young and insecure in the beginning but showed great growth. Also, as the heroine you expected her to all of a sudden gain some big power that would make her the hero and save the day. She definitely was a main part of the plot, but didn’t make the choices you’d expect a hero to make. This book kept things real.

BOOK THAT MADE YOU CRY

The Air He Breathes (Adult Contemporary) I think Brittainy Cherry tries to make her readers cry? I immediately got the box of tissues out for this one. It was very good. And sad. And emotional.

BOOK THAT MADE YOU HAPPY

Neanderthal (Adult Contemporary Romance) Anything by Penny Reid makes me happy. Her characters are quirky and fun. I always smile when I read their stories.

FAVORITE BOOK TO FILM ADAPTATION

I haven’t read any books that have been adapted to film this year. ☹️

FAVORITE POST YOU HAVE DONE THIS YEAR

I have a very sarcastic sense of humor and I think some of my posts don’t come across in the way I intend them to. I’ve really liked my posts about Annoying Female Heroine Characteristics, and then the reverse post about Male Hero’s, but I think I like my post about YA books and how Young Adults Save the World… and we believe it.

Young Adults Save the World 

MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK YOU’VE BOUGHT THIS YEAR

Lake Silence I think it would have to be Anne Bishop’s Lake Silence. I know, it’s not your typical kind of beauty, but it really gives you a hint of the otherworldliness you will be entering when you read this book. Plus the author signed it for me! I had a moment…

WHAT BOOKS DO YOU NEED TO READ BY THE END OF THE YEAR

Hero I would really like to finish Alwyn Hamilton’s Rebel of the Sands series. I liked the first two books so much and don’t want to lose that mental momentum!

Iron and Magic I kind of hate this book cover, but am really looking forward to the first book in the Iron Covenant series by Ilona Andrews. How will they take their ultimate evil character Hugh D’Ambray from the Kate Daniels series and make him a hero? I can’t wait to find out!

I’m going to tag:

Kelly @ Another Book in the Wall

Anna @ Dole Whip and Books

Jill @ Jill’s Book Blog

Dee @ Novel Deelights

Kaleigha @ Wicked Scribes

NO worries if you don’t feel like doing this tag, and if you do and weren’t mentioned above, feel free!  I’d love to read your answers so please tag me on your post.

thanks and happy reading!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads14 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: The Soul Ripping Romance Tag!

I have not done a tag in a really long while, but I thought this one sounded like fun! Thanks Anna from Dole Whip and Books for tagging me. Anna and I share a love for YA, Romance novels, and all things Disney! Anna, you probably didn’t realize this but I grew up in Southern California and used to have an annual pass to Disneyland. Now that I’m in Tennessee I miss Disneyland! Go check out Anna’s blog for some great reviews and a peak into her life.

Anna at Dolewhipandbooks.com.

Here are the Rules as created by Nel at Reactionary Tales.

  • Thanks the person who tagged you and create a pingback to the original author- Nel at Reactionary Tales.
  • Share at least 5 (you can do more!) romances that tugged at your heart strings. They can be from books, movies, TV shows, manga, anything! The can be examples of sad tears, angry tears, happy tears or a combination of all three.
  • Nominate 5 (or more) people to share their emotional trauma.

Soul ripping

I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for a great romance. It’s my go to genre when I’m feeling down and I have several that I’ve read over and over. Soul ripping might be a stretch, but these couples certainly tugged at my heart strings.

  1. Sal and Rey from Kulti by Mariana Zapatsavonne

I just re-read this novel for like the 4th time and will probably read it once a year for the rest of my life. Rey is Sal’s coach on a professional women’s soccer team. She’s had a crush on him since she was a kid and he was the best men’s pro soccer player of his time. She’s so excited that he is going to be her coach but reality is nothing like her dreams. He’s an ass. Mariana Zapata writes slow burn romances and she builds their relationship through every level; from antagonistic, to friendship, to love. When Rey admits how he feels for Sal her soul is rocked. She can’t believe that this man who she had idolized returns her feelings. My skin breaks out in goose bumps and my eyes tear up EVERY TIME. That is a well written romance. Period.

To purchase Kulti click this link! Kulti

2. Ross and Rachel from Friends

Ross and Rachel

Friends was THE show to watch in the ’90’s and Ross and Rachel were the “It” couple. I lived in LA at the time and all the girls had Rachel’s haircut and every boy next door wanted his own Rachel. There’s nothing like that moment when you realize that the thing you wanted most – to be loved- was right in front of you the whole time. Their first kiss was a tear-jerker!

To purchase an episode of Friends click this link! The One After Ross Says Rachel

3. Nevada and Rogan – Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews

industria

Ilona Andrews is a husband and wife writing team. They write both perspectives so well! I can just imagine Ilona writing a scene and turning to her husband Gordon and he makes a face saying ” a guy wouldn’t think that way at all!” and re-writing the scene. Their characters perspectives are spot on. Connor “Mad” Rogan and Nevada Baylor are in my top five favorite fictional couples. He knows he wants her from the start, but she isn’t willing to let him in easily and he knows he has a fight on his hands to win her over. That quote above? Shivers… this is a series well worth your time!

To purchase Burn for Me click this link! Burn for Me (Hidden Legacy)

4. Jack and Rose from the movie Titanic

The historical costumes, sweeping music, and Kate and Leo. All things that made this couple so easy to love. Regardless if there was room on that door for Jack or not, I loved this movie and this couple!

5.  Satine and Christian singing Come What May- Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge 3

Moulin Rouge

OK, yes I know Satine was a prostitute, however this movie was so romantic and the song Come What May was the song my husband and I danced to at our wedding. I LOVE this song. It still gives me the chills and is one of the most epic romantic songs. Of course the tragic ending does help that a bit, but it’s still a beautiful song with a lot of meaning in those words and I still picture my husband and I dancing at our wedding.

What did you think about my choices? would you pick any of the same Soul Ripping moments or couples? Let me know in the comments!

This post was a lot of fun! I would like to nominate a few bloggers. Feel free to join in the fun or not. If I didn’t nominate you and you’d like to do this tag, please join in! Tag me so I can see your answers!

Kelly @Another Book in the Wall

Holly @Dressed to Read

@Books and Love

Jill@Jill’s Book Blog

Donna@Heron There and Everywhere

Thanks!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads1 Comment

Blogger to Blogger Series: An Interview with Kat from Life and Other Disasters

This week in my Blogger to Blogger Series I am highlighting Kat from the blog Life and Other Disasters. Kat loves to talk about the TV shows she’s watching, the books she is reading and shares other tidbits about her life. Her blog is a lot of fun and when you check it out you will take a deep dive into Kats life and thoughts.

Check it out by clicking this link! Life and Other Disasters

Let’s get to the questions!

Blogging is universal and even though we inhabit the same community, we don’t always live in the same country. What country do you live in?

KAT: I was born and raised in Austria, where I still live to this day even if I do disappear for a couple months to go elsewhere every now and then. I could very much imagine moving away someday, maybe to an English-speaking country.

What is the view outside your front door? (Include a picture if you’d like!)

KAT: I live in an apartment complex, so the view really isn’t that great. I like that we are on the top floor, even though a lot of the surrounding area is now under construction with more apartments already there or coming soon, which has kind of ruined the view a little bit. I used to be able to see hills in the distance and that’s unfortunately not happening anymore.

Most blogs have a quirky name and a fun story of origin. Please share the story behind your blogs name?

KAT: I wish there was a good story to my blog name, but I think that the movie title “Love and Other Disasters” just always stuck with me and I adapted it into “Life and Other Disasters” for my own uses, especially because I didn’t want the blog name to just be about books.

Describe where you write your blog. Include a picture if you’d like!

KAT: Hmmm … there’s definitely not one place in particular I tend to write my blog at. I sometimes lounge on the couch, other times I am at the desk in my room, then I just make it work on my bed and if I am in the right mood, I even write at Starbucks. Although I prefer to work on my book when I am there and not on my blog.
(I’ve included a picture that shows the backside of my closet with character aesthetics for my book “Arcadia” as well as some of the pillows on my bed)

writingspotbedKat

Most of us have a stack of books sitting next to our couch or bed waiting to be read. What books are in your stack? (Include a photo if you’d like!)

This is a mix of the books I am currently reading or about to read as well as my sketchbooks for drawing and painting.

nightstandbookKat

Want to check out the books on her nightstand? Read the Synopsis’ below!

Synopsis: The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

If you knew the date of your death, how would you live your life?

It’s 1969 in New York City’s Lower East Side, and word has spread of the arrival of a mystical woman, a traveling psychic who claims to be able to tell anyone the day they will die. The Gold children—four adolescents on the cusp of self-awareness—sneak out to hear their fortunes.

The prophecies inform their next five decades. Golden-boy Simon escapes to the West Coast, searching for love in ’80s San Francisco; dreamy Klara becomes a Las Vegas magician, obsessed with blurring reality and fantasy; eldest son Daniel seeks security as an army doctor post-9/11; and bookish Varya throws herself into longevity research, where she tests the boundary between science and immortality.

A sweeping novel of remarkable ambition and depth, The Immortalists probes the line between destiny and choice, reality and illusion, this world and the next. It is a deeply moving testament to the power of story, the nature of belief, and the unrelenting pull of familial bonds.

Synopsis: Beastly Bones (Jackaby #2) by William Ritter

In 1892, New Fiddleham, New England, things are never quite what they seem, especially when Abigail Rook and her eccentric employer, R. F. Jackaby, are called upon to investigate the supernatural.

First vicious shape-shifters disguise themselves as a litter of kittens, and a day later, their owner is found murdered. Then in nearby Gad’s Valley, now home to the exiled New Fiddleham police detective Charlie Cane, dinosaur bones from a recent dig mysteriously go missing, and an unidentifiable beast starts attacking animals and people, leaving mangled bodies behind. Charlie calls on Abigail for help, and soon Abigail and Jackaby are on the hunt for a thief, a monster, and a murderer.

Synopsis: Only Human by Silvain Neuvel

Brilliant scientist Rose Franklin has devoted her adult life to solving the mystery she accidentally stumbled upon as a child: a huge metal hand buried beneath the ground outside Deadwood, South Dakota. The discovery set in motion a cataclysmic chain of events with geopolitical ramifications. Rose and the Earth Defense Corps raced to master the enigmatic technology, as giant robots suddenly descended on Earth’s most populous cities, killing one hundred million people in the process. Though Rose and her team were able to fend off the attack, their victory was short-lived. The mysterious invaders retreated, disappearing from the shattered planet . . . but they took the scientist and her crew with them.

Now, after nearly ten years on another world, Rose returns to find a devastating new war—this time between humans. America and Russia are locked in combat, fighting to fill the power vacuum left behind after the invasion. Families are torn apart, friends become bitter enemies, and countries collapse in the wake of the battling superpowers. It appears the aliens left behind their titanic death machines so humankind will obliterate itself. Rose is determined to find a solution, whatever it takes. But will she become a pawn in a doomsday game no one can win?

If you have had a bad day and want to spend an hour reading a book, what is your go to genre or favorite book that will lift your mood?

KAT: If I had a bad day, there are generally two options for me. One would be to indulge the bad mood and go into something very emotional like a family drama or some sort of tragic love story. However, the other option would be to really just dive into a light and fluffy YA contemporary. Something that wouldn’t require too much thinking but mainly entertainment.

When you aren’t blogging, how do you spend your time? Work, Play, School?

Admittedly, I do spend A LOT of time on my laptop. I am currently working on my own Fantasy book (it’s called Arcadia and if anyone is interested you can find more details on it here: https://lifeandotherdisasters.com/2018/02/05/lets-talk-about-arcadia/) and I am obsessed with TV shows, so I definitely have a screen with me at most times. I also really like to draw and have indulged in that hobby more and more lately.

What is your favorite blog post you’ve ever written? Please include the link!

My favorite blog post banner

Last year I went abroad and didn’t have as much time for blogging during that time as I used to have. My content changed a lot and I struggled to know my place in the community, which lead me to write a post about “blogger identity”. It was something that really weighed on me at the time, but it helped me so much to put my frustration into words. I feel like I have found my way since, but the support at the time was really helpful.

Discussion Time: Blogger Identity

(I think we can all identify with an identity crisis on our blogs! I certainly have!)

Have you ever met one of your favorite authors? If so, what did you say to them? Looking back, what do you wish you had said instead?
I haven’t really met any of my favourite authors yet, as they don’t really tend to visit my country a lot. However, I have had the opportunity to see Nicholas Sparks and Cecelia Ahern, who were both very nice. There wasn’t really time to say much, as the line was pretty long and we were ushered along quickly. I am pretty sure I thanked them and told them which book was my favourite, but I don’t wish I had said something more.

If you could sit down with an author for a slice of cake and a question, who is the author, what kind of cake would you serve, and what is the first question you’d ask?
I would give right about anything to meet Pierce Brown, so he would definitely be the author I’d want to meet. I am not sure which cake he likes the most, that would need some research I don’t have the resources for right now, but my go-to-cake would be the red-wine cake after my grandma’s recipe. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love that cake. And lastly the question, I think I’d go with something really stupid like “How do I get a part or job on set of the adaptation of your books?” and then I would immediately laugh it off and take it back, while in all honesty, I would love to be on that set.

I loved getting to know Kat a little bit better! I can see we share a love for YA and Fantasy novels. I have had both William Ritter’s Jackaby series and Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series on my TBR forever! It’s always nice to hear how much someone loves an author, it makes me want to just reach for that book next, doesn’t it? Oh, and Kat, I’m dying to try that red wine cake. Would you share the recipe?

Thanks Kat!!

Do you share Kat’s taste in novels? If not, I’d love to hear what books are on your own nightstand!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads8 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: Male Romance Character-istics

I wrote a post a few months ago about my pet peeves for female characters and thought I needed to follow up with a pet peeves about male fictional characters post just to keep the conversation even.

The Alpha Male- OK, I’ll admit, I kind of like the alpha males in romance novels. An alpha male is great in an emergency. They take charge of the situation, have a first aid kit on hand (always!) and know how to sew up a wound. Really!  I would hate to be a mom of an alpha male because how did they get that knowledge?!! Oh! The other thing I love about the alpha males is that they ALWAYS pay the bill. That’s both in and out of the sack. Their women get the big O, but they also don’t have to pay for their clothes, dinner or security systems! When you need a new security system look for an alpha male, seriously. Now, what are my pet peeves about the alpha male characters? Hmmm, the above has made me re-think things a bit. Searching, searching… Oh yeah! Alpha men are not very emotional. They do know what they want and reach out and grab it (and only let go upon death). However, they are big on the actions speak louder than words scenario. Usually at the very end of the novel you get those three words said, but throughout the novel he is showing his woman his love by performing manly actions; mowing the lawn, a few hundred big “O”‘s and of course saving her life and buying security systems. (My favorite alpha male of them all is in the book below!)

Motorcycle Man

The Indecisive Man- This one drives me crazy!  He likes her, then decides he isn’t ready, or his ex comes back to town, then gets cold feet and disappears for a while. He shows back up when his woman is in trouble or goes on a bad date with another guy. Then he’s all in. OK, I know men aren’t all like the alpha male who knows what he wants and goes after it two seconds after meeting his woman, but there has to be some kind of in between. My leading man shouldn’t take one look at me, stick his toe in the water (or something somewhere else) and then say “yeah, maybe not right now.” Then change his mind and come back. That’s a hard guy to go all in with! (I gave the main character the benefit of the doubt below, and he did deliver!)

Every Little Kiss

The Angry Male- A man with a little mystery is attractive, but when he emotes anger, bitterness, and doesn’t trust? I’m a girl who has to buy a house where I can see everything I’m getting. If I can’t see beyond that anger? I’ll admit, I probably wouldn’t stick around to dig through and find out why. But, I know many ladies love a challenge! (I actually loved the angry male in the book below, I’ll admit!)

The Gravity of Us

The I Love to Emote male- Then there’s the guy who is over compensating for all of the alpha and indecisive men in romance novels. This is the guy who is totally comfortable with saying he loves you, your kids, your bad credit and insane mother. The guy who sticks with your mile high baggage even though he should probably run in the other direction. Wait a minute, maybe this guy isn’t all bad! Maybe it’s me? I just don’t trust the emotional male who see’s beyond all of the chaos in his chosen queen’s life and says I love you anyway. Wow, maybe I do need to talk this one out with a professional. (said guy in book below doesn’t over emote but he definitely sticks with her mile high baggage!)

Do You Want

The Charming but Useless Male- Admittedly this male character is usually in historical novels or ya books, but he is hovering around the perimeter of romance noveldom and needs a mention. If you are asking yourself while reading the novel, “yes, he’s all that, but what else does he do?” Admittedly you’re probably insane, but I admire a woman who likes a man with a job, or in the case of a ya male, a high school diploma! Charm can get you a lot of places, but how are you in an emergency? Can you afford a security system? Sorry, got off track there, but there’s something fishy about humor, charm, and good looks. LOL. Not really, but I do like men with jobs! (OK, great book below, but Ambrose is pretty much spot on for this male!)

Once and For All

OK, now that I have admittedly unloaded my issues with men, not just fictional characters, I will say that romance novels do have a raison d’etre! (did I spell that right?) Every woman who reads a romance novel wants a different kind of man for the mood she is in while reading that romance novel. Sometimes, after a tough day making decisions and kicking office butt, I want an Alpha Male to take charge, deliver the “O”‘s and pay for dinner.  Sometimes a woman is in the mood for romance, charm, and doesn’t care if her hero has a job. I’m not usually ever in the mood for an indecisive man, but I’m sure some women go for that guy! (If so, then we need to talk!) The point is that reading is selective. We all want different things at different times. That’s why romance novels are so great! You’ve got five novels in front of you and you get to pick which man you want tonight. If only that applied to real life, right? (Sorry, hubby if you’re reading this! jk! I swear!)

Of course, with that man comes a romantic female lead, but if you want to hear my opinions on those ladies you’ll have to read my other post…

My Pet Peeves with Female Fictional Character Traits

What are your favorite or most hated leading male characters or traits? It doesn’t matter the genre!

Which romantic male lead is your favorite of all time? I think I’m a bit indecisive (Oh No!) on that one, but this morning I’m feeling the need for fun and charm.  I’m going to skim through my men, um I mean kindle, and take a look!

Until next Sunday!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads