"What do you want to be?" "Happy," she says with a smile. - Colleen Hoover

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Griffin Peterson Interview

Hello fellow book lovers today I am stoked because I get to share my interview with Griffin Peterson with you!! Ahh!! If you don't know Griffin has been on American Idol and he also wrote and sang the soundtrack for Maybe Someday by the fabulous Colleen Hoover. He is an exceptionally talented artist and I'm so grateful to him for taking the time to answer my questions. Also thank you to his team for being so wonderful and kind to me.
I also wanted you guys to know that I checked out the album and it's wonderful!! Griffin has a really clean voice which I like because you can understand every word he says - it's a huge pet peeve of mine when I can't understand the words. The songs are all so special and the entirety of the album calms me and just makes me happy. My favorite tracks are Wait, Say It, Any Other Night, and Wherever We Go.You need to get your hands on this album asap ;)
Enjoy!!


1. Out of everything you've been able to do so far in your career what tops the list?
I think just being able to continue making music is the coolest thing
I've been able to do so far. Still having a career and being able to
support myself from doing this has been unreal. Not a day goes by that I
take that for granted.

2. If you could collaborate with any artist who would you choose and why?
I would choose Foy Vance to collaborate with. He's a writer and artist
that sings through his soul and that is what it's about to me.  I love his
songwriting style and lyrics too.

3. What was it like working with Colleen Hoover and writing a soundtrack to her book?
Colleen is one of the coolest people, period. It was a blast doing the
MS soundtrack with her!  We didn't really know each other that well at the
time, so it was funny to figure out each other's working habits.

4. I always ask the authors I interview if their book could have a theme song what would it be, since you are a musician I want to know if your life had a theme song what would it be?
If my life had a theme song?...it would have to be "Riser" by Steve
Moakler. The song it beautifully written and leaves you feeling pretty
damn recharged and ready for whatever.

"Thanks so much Book Lover's Playlist! Really appreciate
all of the support with my music!" -Griffin

Listen to Griffins first single "Wait" off of his new album From All Sides by clicking
HERE

Follow Griffin on Social Media
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Official Website




Wednesday, July 29, 2015

The Affiliate by K.A. Linde Cover Reveal



Hey guys, today I have a cover reveal for The Affiliate by K.A. Linde!! The cover is awesome if I do say so myself. I have a little bit about the book for you, exclusive exerpt and some information about the author. Enjoy!!

Release Day: September 15th
Genre: YA Fantasy
 
About The Affiliate:
On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen as an Affiliate to the Queen.
Or so she thinks. When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of dangerous political intrigue and deadly magic, Cyrene's position only grows more treacherous when she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have...
King Edric himself.
Cyrene must decide if love is truly worth the price of freedom. Find out in this first book in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s new Ascension series.

Add on Goodreads by clicking HERE
 
Pre-Order Now:
Amazon

Exclusive Excerpt:
"Do you enjoy the view?" King Edric asked.
"The rains have made the gardens bloom, and it warms my heart to see it so."
"It is good to know that the gardener approves of the work."
Cyrene laughed lightly. "I have not gardened in a month's time. I fear I can no longer call myself a gardener."
She remembered when she had told the king of her interest in gardening at the last feast day almost a week ago. After that dance, Queen Kaliana added a list of plants to her assignment, forcing her to reread every page she had already dredged through for information. It had wasted two entire days.
"Perhaps I could change that," he offered.
He directed her down the staircase and into the courtyard below lit solely by the setting sun in the distance.
Her stomach churned at the thought of him offering assistance to any of her needs. It was like what she had read in her children's books of the tales of Leifs, and how one request would be necessitated by a much larger sacrifice. Her biggest sacrifice at the present moment was time. She wanted nothing more than to finish her work on agriculture and prove that she could get moved somewhere that involved traveling...and adventure.
"On the contrary, My Kind, I am fully enthralled in my Affiliate duties, and believe that gardening would only distract me from my work."
"You cannot spare on afternoon to spend in my gardens?" His blue-gray eyes searched her face. "if you have half the green thumb you suggest, then it would be delightful to have you on the grounds."
She swallowed, "I really have much work to accomplish before we go on Processional."
"I could speak to the Queen and request it be lessened," he whispered into the evening air.
"No!" It was the first time he had ever admitted to discussing her with the Queen. Hearing him admit it aloud made her voice come out strangled.
Cyrene missed her footing on the pebble path and stumbled forward a pace. Edric steadied her. He turned his body to face her in the middle of the garden, and her breath caught at the sight of him in the setting sun.
"You do not wish me to speak to the Queen?"
"I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me."
"I cannot forgive that which I do not understand. Did the Queen somehow offend you?"
Cyrene shook her head. "I fear that the Queen does not...like me."
Edric laughed softly, taking one of her hands in his own. "Oh Cyrene, I believe that the Queen likes no one but herself."
Cyrene found that she, too, could laugh at his comment.
"Now, tell me what the Queen has done to make you believe that she dislikes you."
"It's nothing, my King." She turned her face away from his. She couldn't' possibly tell him the real reason.
"Enough to infuriate you, which is enough for me."
When she looked back up into his blue-gray eyes she felt that same magnetic pull between them. Somehow she had not realized dhow close they were standing. HIs hand felt warm against her bare skin. His body only a few inches away from her. HIs breath hot on her face. Her heart contracted in her chest, and she forced herself to respond.
"She speaks of...of your interference, as if...as if you..."
Time stretched between them, and she thought for a split second he might move even closer to her. She was rooted in place, captivated by his gaze.
"Yes?" His other hand drifted to her waist, and she was suddenly on fire.
Their breath mingled together as she murmured, "As if you favor me."
"And do you think that?"
"I..."
"Yes?" he asked, stepping closer.
"I think you have your queen," she breathed.


About K.A. Linde:
USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde is the author of The Affiliate, the first book in the Ascension Series. As a military brat, she traveled the world with her family, imaginary friends, and ever-increasing supply of books. She has spent much of her life dreaming up new worlds and characters and forcing them into uncomfortable, usually life-threatening scenarios. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a masters degree in political science, she began spending every waking hour putting those characters onto paper.
When not writing, she spends her time dancing, collecting paperbacks in the hopes of filling a Beauty and the Beast style library one day, traveling to vist her friends who live all over the country, and still reading anything she can get her hands on. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and two puppies, Lucky and Riker, where she is hard at work on her next novel.
 




K.A. Linde's Social Media Pages:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
 
 

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Paper Towns Movie Review


It's no surprise that I'm a TFIOS fan but I'm also a huge fan of Paper Towns. PT is actually the second John Green book I ever read and it cemented my love for him.
When I found out that they were making it into a movie and that Nat Wolff who plays Isaac in TFIOS was starring I was all over it!!
So last night I went to see it.
And...
I really liked it.
Now it's been like 4+ years since I've read the book so I don't remember every detail but from what I do remember it stayed pretty true to the book.
This book/movie means so much to me because of the friendships Q has. His friends are simply wonderful and I would love to go on a road trip with all of them.
The funny thing though is that after watching the movie I told my boyfriend that I remember why Paper Towns isn't my absolute favorite - I hate Margot. Like I hate her.
I'm sure many of you out there think she's great and that's wonderful, we all have different opinions, but I can't stand her. I find her very selfish and I think she's a terrible friend.

If you haven't read the book or watched the movie yet then here's the gist. Q and Margot grew up next to each other and were best friends - until they grew up.
Q is a bit more reserved and Margot isn't content with life- she's always running away to find new adventures.
One night though Margot climbs through Q's window and the two of them spend the night seeking revenge on her cheating boyfriend and backstabbing friends. The next morning Margot is missing and then Q starts to notice the clues. Every time she leaves she'd leave clues for her little sister to let her know where she went and now she's left them for Q.
Once he starts finding these clues Q decides he has to find Margot and sets out on this road trip with his friends to achieve his mission.
I would most definitely recommend the book and the movie because they are great. The cast was wonderful in this movie and I love that John Green is always a huge part of his book turned movies.
There's also a guest appearance by one of our beloved characters from TFIOS - I'm not telling you who though. Nope. I'm not.
If you do read the book or check out the movie then please post a comment letting me know what you thought, I'd love to hear your opinions!! :)


Watch the trailer on YouTube by clicking HERE

Thursday, July 23, 2015

The Consequence of Revenge by Rachel Van Dyken

If you've been following my blog for a while then you know that I've read and reviewed two books by Rachel Van Dyken and was also given the opportunity to interview her - she's awesome by the way.
Interview
HERE
Ruin review HERE
Shame review HERE

When I saw this book on Netgalley I freaked because I think Rachel is awesome, however if you've read any of the Ruin books then just be aware that this is totally different. Ruin had it's moments where it really made me smile and giggle - as did Shame - but for the most part they dealt with some pretty serious stuff.
This book was Chick Lit at it's finest. RomCom material fo sho ;)
Apparently there is a book before this one but you can read this as a stand alone - which is what I did.
The book is about Max who is nominated to be the new Bachelor on a television show. Max is totally against the show but warms up a little when he finds out that Becca - the pretty Starbucks barista - is a contestant.
Max and Becca meet before the show when he gives her the worst pick up line known to man kind and completely turns her off. However when they meet again on the show they actually hit it off.
I laughed pretty much throughout the entire book at the characters and the situations that they got themselves into.
Max was hysterical but sometimes I'm like uh that's a little "feminine" or odd and if I were Becca I would not be attracted to that. Becca was a really cool female character and I grew to really like her.
Sometimes the comedy was a bit much for me but for the most part I laughed my ass off.
I smiled, I rooted for the couple, and I finished the book happy that I read it so I definitely recommend it!!

Buy The Consequence of Revenge Here:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Listen to my playlist on Spotify by clicking HERE


Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Book Fangirling Blog Award

So I get on my blog today and find out that Caroline from Just Another Bookish Blog nominated me for the Book Fangirling Blog Award. Caroline has quickly become one of my favorite bloggers so take my advice and go check out her blog by clicking HERE


The rules are pretty simple for this award all you have to do is...
1. Create a blog post to accept your award
2. Add the blog award button into your post and put it on the side of your blog as a widget
3. Answer the questions I have below
4. Nominate 5-10 book bloggers who you think also deserve this award
5. Come up with your own 5 questions for your nominees
6. Link me to your answers so I can see your answers :)

See, piece of cake. Lets get started!!

Questions for me:
1. Do you remember what the first book you bought on your own was? If so, what was it? :)
Oh gosh, not really. It was probably a Boxcar Children book that I got from a book fair.

2. What encouraged you to start blogging?
I had been considering it for a while because I love books and I was boring my family and friends whenever i'd try to talk to them about my recent reads. One day I posted my review of The Kiss Off by Sarah Billington on Goodreads and she commented on it and said she loved the review. I got really excited because an author had liked me review. About five minutes later I started A Book Lovers Playlist.

3. Favorite bookish youtuber?
Heather from
Bookables

4. When was the last time that you had to re-read a paragraph, or put your book down, because of a major plot twist that you didn't see coming?
To be honest I don't think that's happened since the last time I read Catching Fire. Well wait I did reread the last page in When I'm Gone by Abbi Glines because that ending was cuh-razy.

5. Which bookish fan group / role play / can fix are you most active in? (Like on wattpad, goodreads, etc...)
Goodreads for sure.

Alright so now for my nominees:
Ben from bensawyerbookshelf
Rachel from BeautyAndTheBookshelf
Ayesha and Monisah from TwinsTurnPages
Tessa from CrazyForYA
Kaylee from OneWellReadChick

My Questions:
1. If you could pick any book to read again for the first time what would it be and why?
2. If you could be casted in any book to movie which book to movie would it be and who would you want to play?
3. You're creating your own book event and you get to pick your favorite authors to do a signing, who do you choose?
4. Who was your favorite author as a kid?
5. Favorite book to movie adaptation of all time.



Thursday, July 16, 2015

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between by Jennifer E. Smith

I requested this book from Netgalley a month or so ago because I am a Jennifer E. Smith fan. I read and reviewed This Is What Happy Looks Like - which you can read by clicking HERE - and loved it. I also had a chance to interview Jennifer - which you can read by clicking HERE.
Because I was such a huge fan of TIWHLL I figured I'd be just as crazy about this book. However that wasn't the case for me. Don't get me wrong I liked it just fine but it didn't capture me the way the other book did.
Unfortunately I didn't bond with the characters in this book as much which made me sad because you want to relate and connect with characters.
This book follows Aiden and Claire who are about to head off to college. The two of them are pretty much high school sweethearts but are going to attend colleges on opposite sides of the country. Claire is a very realistic person so she decides that the two of them should break up before they leave for school. Aiden isn't thrilled about this idea and spends a lot of the book trying to convince Claire that they can make things work even if it will be hard.
Throughout the course of the book we follow the two of them for one night while they relive some of their best memories and visit places that they had some of their firsts together - such as first kiss, first time one of them said I love you, first time they..ahem.
The book itself was super easy to read and I found myself wanting to read it a lot. It made me sad a few times because I liked Claire and Aiden as a couple and wanted things to work out for them. Also as someone who is 25 I remember what it's like having to part ways with friends/significant others so you could move to the next chapter of your life and it's hard.
I feel like Jennifer E. Smith really captured what it's like to be in love but having to face reality.
Even though I wasn't 100% connected to the characters I am a big fan of them.
Whether or not you've read Jennifer E. Smith before I'd recommend this book - just be warned that it could pull at your feels.

Release Date: September 1, 2015

Pre-Order Hello, Goodbye, & Everything In Between Here:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

I'm a Book Depository Affiliate! If you want to buy a book with free shipping WORLDWIDE click HERE

Listen to my playlist for Hello, Goodbye & Everything in Between on Spotify by clicking HERE


Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday: July 14, 2015

Last Ten Books That Came Into My Possession (bought, library, review copies)


10.  Asa by Jay Crownover

9. The Consequence of Revenge by Rachel Van Dyken

8. World After by Susan Ee

7. Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson

6. Beautiful Collision by Toni Vallan

5. Oh My Goth by Gena Showalter

4. When You're Back by Abbi Glines

3. Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between by Jennifer E. Smith

2. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

1. Gonzo Girl by Cheryl Della Pietra



Thursday, July 9, 2015

Bookish Academy Tag

I was tagged to do this by Caroline at Just Another Bookish Blog She's awesome guys so you should definitely check out her blog!!

1. Best Actor - Best Male Protagonist
I'm sure none of you will be surprised when I say..Augustus Waters from TFIOS. He's my favorite, I can't help it.

2. Best Actress - Best Female Protagonist
Well shocker...I'm going to choose Hazel Grace Lancaster from TFIOS because she's simply wonderful.

3. Best Cinematography - Best Plot Twist
I have always been a huge fan of the end of Catching Fire because I was like whaaaat?!

4. Best Costume Design - Best Book Cover
I'm still kind of obsessed with the cover for Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Mattson. I love the girls eating ice cream and their sunglasses, it's super cute.

5. Best Supporting Actor & Actress - Best Male & Female Sidekick
Patrick from Perks of Being a Wallflower
Cora from Marked Men

6. Best Original Screenplay - Most Unique Plot/World
I think the world in The Mortal Instruments is pretty fantastic.

7. Best Adapted Screenplay - Best Book To Movie Adaptation
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is my favorite book to movie adaptation hands down. TFIOS is fantastic also.

8. Best Animated Feature - A Book That Would Work Well As An Animation
I haven't read it yet as I've previously mentioned but Harry Potter would probably be pretty cool as an animation.

9. Best Director - Best Author You Discovered For The First Time
Jay Crownover made me beyond happy when I read her for the first time. I first read her book back when she only had one and that was Rule. She's wonderful.

10. Best Visual Effect - Best Novella or Short Book
I know it came out forever ago but I really enjoyed The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer and I also loved A Beautiful Wedding by Jamie McGuire.

11. Best Picture - Best Standalone
Sorry guys...TFIOS.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday: July 7, 2015

Top Ten Hyped Books I've Never Read

10. Catcher in The Rye by J.D. Salinger
I'm not a huge fan of the classics. Sue me.


9. Me, Earl, and The Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
I have an ARC of this copy that I never picked up because I didn't feel like reading a book about a dying girl. I've heard it's super funny and all that but still...just can't do it.


8. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins
I LOVED the Hex Hall series by Rachel Hawkins so I have no doubt that I'll be a fan of Rebel Belle, I just haven't had the chance to get my hands on it yet.


7. To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
Everyone seems to love this book and the cover is awesome so of course I want to read it, I just haven't yet.

6. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
I actually got about 80 pages or so into this book but it just wasn't grabbing me so I quit reading it. Maybe I'll pick it up again someday but I make no promises as to when.


5. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
I attempted to read The Monstrumologist and I felt like it was over my head so I put it down and have yet to pick it back up. I figured since I felt a certain way towards that book I'd feel the same about The 5th Wave.

4. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Don't hate me but I read Eleanor & Park and reeeeally disliked it. I bought Fangirl on my kindle when it was on sale one day but I don't know if I'll pick it up anytime soon if ever.

3. Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken
I did read The Darkest Minds but I never picked up the other two books in the trilogy. I'm not sure why I just can't seem to bring myself to want to read them just yet - even though I loved the first book.


2. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
I did pick this book up but I read one or two pages and put it back down. I wasn't in the mood for it and I knew that if I read it then I wouldn't like it. I don't want to force myself to read a book but I do want to pick it up someday.

1. Harry Potter
I have never read any of the Harry Potter books because I suck. I've always wanted to read them but then I saw the movies and it was like well I've seen the movies and they're fresh in my mind so I should wait to read the books. Then I decided I'd read them as soon as I collected all of the books in the series. Currently I have all but the last book so we're getting closer.


Thursday, July 2, 2015

Time Traveler's Book Tag

I saw this tag done by Heather on YouTube and it looked fun so I'm going to do it. I'm a follower.
Watch Heather's video
HERE
Watch the original video HERE


1. What is your favorite time period to read about?
To be honest I like reading about the present. I suppose I'd also enjoy a book set in the 80s or 90s.

2. Name a character from a classic novel and a character from a more recently published novel who you think would make great friends. Why?
Oh geez, I think I've read maybe two classic novels. Wait does The Outsiders count as a classic? If so I think that Johnny and Augustus Waters would be good friends because they are both so optimistic and wonderful.

3. Which author now passed would you most like to travel back in time to meet?
The only person I can think of is Jane Austen but I don't know if I really want to meet her. I suck at this tag. Boo.

4. Name a novel set in present day, and imagine it set in another time period. What would that time period be, and how would that affect the story?
I'm picking Twilight, I'm setting it in the 20s and I don't think it would really affect the story. I mean maybe Bella would have more rules from her parents but that's all I can think of.

5. In which book's version of the future would you most like to live?
Huh?

6. What upcoming book release do you wish you could zoom forward into the future to get your hands on?
I really wish John Green would come out with a new book so I'd zoom into the future for that.

7. If you could time travel, which fictional character would you most want to time travel with? (This doesn't have to be a character who currently has the ability to travel in time; it can be anyone!)
I think Augustus Waters or Adrian Ivashkov would be awesome traveling partners!!

8. If you were stuck in a time-loop (a la Groundhog Day), which book would you not mind reading over and over and over again?
Twilight, TFIOS, Rule, or Fallen Too Far.

9. What is your favorite book or book series that features time travel as a key plot point?
I'm not a big fan of time travel so I don't think I've ever finished a book that has time travel. I read a good chuck of Ruby Red and hated it so yeah.

10. If given the chance, would you time travel, where/when would you visit first, and what book or book series would you bring along on your journey?
I don't think I'd time travel to be honest. I remember watching Kate & Leopold and if you change something in the past it changes everything in the future and I don't want to do that. So I'm going to stay where I am, thank you.

11. Tag people. ;-)
Just Another Bookish Blog
http://justanotherbookishblog.blogspot.com/