I'm A Duff: Barbra

Today's DUFF story was written by one of the best people I've ever had the privilege of knowing, my friend Barbra. Barbra or as I so very fondly call her - my Barbie Doll - and I have been friends since we were five. I don't know if she's really thought about it but that means that we've been friends for 21 years!!

My dearest Barbie is one of the kindest and most genuine people you could ever know so when I asked her to write this I was honored when she agreed.

I hope you all love her story as much as I do and I hope you love her even half as much as me.

Thank you Barbie Doll, I love you lady :)

 

 

"So when Kayleigh first asked me to do this I was like ‘Yeah I'll do that for you no problem.’ Then I realized I have never read the book and I have never really heard about it so I decided to go online and watch a quick clip of what the movie is about. Which by the way makes me now want to watch the movie.

After watching the movie trailer of what a DUFF is I realized that is kind of how I felt through high school and through college. I have never been the outgoing kind of person. I have always been very shy when it comes to people. I am always friendly to people and try to be nice to everyone. In high school I did some sports but I wasn’t super athletic.  I wasn’t the prettiest person in school. I wasn’t one of the popular people but I had quite a few friends. High school was a little rough for me with everything that was going on with my family life. The summer before my junior year of high school my brother and I were put in foster care. It wasn’t the worst thing in the world but adjusting to a new family was a little difficult. The family I moved in with lived outside of town and most of my friends that I hung out with lived in town or had their driver’s license. I wasn’t always allowed to go hang with my friends because they were a protective and kind of religious family. So, I kind of felt like I lost touch with some of my friends at the time because we couldn’t hang out as much.

After living with them for almost a year they decided they no longer wanted to have a foster care. They were wanting to move out of state and because we had not been adopted they needed to have us move to a different home. To me this was devastating; I had just figured out how to fit in with the family and now I was being up-rooted again. Little did I know I would have a little more freedom and be able to hang with my friends more and do more after school activities. We ended up staying with this family and getting adopted in. The family legal adopted my brother and even though they didn’t legally adopt me I’m still considered their child. Thinking about my family and group of friends I am most certainly the DUFF. Even my family members are more outgoing than I am. This includes adopted and biological family. I am the one who tries to keep the peace between everyone. I’m the one who keeps quiet and doesn’t want to bother anyone with my problems or feelings. When it comes to my friends and family I try to make sure to be there for them and do whatever I can for them whenever they need it. I always have an ear to listen and help them through whatever I can. Because, to be honest, without them around I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am.

The one thing that I have to say that I love about myself or that motivates me the most when I need it is how close I am with my family and friends. Like I said before I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am without all of them. With everything I have been through my entire life this is what has gotten me through it all. Knowing that I have a support system and people that love me and care for me. Knowing that I have friends like Kayleigh, who I have known since kindergarten, but could still call if I needed someone to talk to any time day or night and knowing that she knows that it goes both ways.

I love that I am able to create relationships with people that will last a lifetime even if I am a quiet and shy person. I love that I am friendly and able to make friendships. I may not be the prettiest or the best looking but I know that my friendship means something to people.

 

 

 

For my song that motivates me I would say Hearbeat Song by Kelly Clarkson.

 

Top Ten Tuesday: June 28, 2016

This weeks T10T is a freebie week so basically you can pick whatever you want - including old T10T. A couple weeks ago there was one that I missed and I wish I would've done it so my friends I'm doing it now.

Top Ten Reasons I Love _____ <- Insert The Fault in Our Stars

Don't roll your eyes at me.
Here we go.

10. The Cast
When I found out this was being turned into a movie I was a bit nervous. All I kept thinking was please don't ruin it. But guys, the cast. Oh. My. Gosh. Everyone is so perfect and spot on as these characters, I literally have nothing to complain about.

9. The Quotes
The Fault in Our Stars is full of so many stunning quotes it's crazy. "It would be a priveldge to have my heart broken by you." "Okay? Okay." "You gave me forever within the numbered days and I'm grateful." And one of my favorites, "I fell in love the way you fall asleep; slowly and then all at once." My God those are good.

8. Augustus Waters
Augustus Waters is by far my favorite male character ever. He will always hold a very special place in my heart. Not only is he one of the sweetest characters I've ever read about he is also one of the funniest.

7. Hazel Grace
This girl is amazing. Hazel keeps me laughing throughout the story but she also makes me feel for her. When I read the book or watch the movie I feel protective over her. When she's angry I am too. When she's sad I'm crying with her. When she's laughing I can't quit smiling. I love her oh so much.

6. It's a Metaphor
I LOVE the scene where Hazel sees Gus smoking and has a cow. This part is not only one of my favorites from the book but from the movie also.

5. Isaac
I absolutely adore Isaac and I think he's a fabulous friend. There are many moments in this book that bring tears to my eyes but Isaacs eulogy is one of the saddest things I've ever read.

4. Hazels parents
I think that Hazel Grace has some of the coolest parents around. I love them in the book but the movie makes me love them even more. They are so strong and the love they have for their daughter is beautiful to read about.

 

3. The Movie
I can't even begin to tell you all how much I love this movie. The other day while my son was napping I decided that I was going to put it in and watch it. From the second it started I was taken back into Hazel and Gus' world and I loved every minute of it. I've read the book 3 times and that was the 3rd or 4th time I've seen the movie and I love it more every time.

2. The Comedy
This book makes me laugh which is strange because of the subject matter. John Green has a way of making you fall in love with his characters that is just fantastic. I laugh so much when I read this which kind of balances out the fact that I'm a sobbing mess by the end.

1. The Love
Hazel and Gus are my favorite couple ever because they're real. They've been dealt some pretty crappy cards but they're still wonderful. They aren't fake, they don't sugar coat, they just are.

Abbi Glines Interview

I know you probably think that you read the title of this entry wrong but you did NOT!! I finally got to interview Abbi Glines!!
You guys know how big of a fan I am of hers so when the amazing Ariele Fredman from Atria Books arranged this for me I fangirled like non other!!
Huge thank yous go to Ariele for helping me and to Abbi for taking the time to answer my questions. It means so much to me.
I could go on for years on my love for Abbi but I think you all get the gist already so without further ado here is the interview.
Enjoy!!


1. You are an auto buy author for me because I absolutely love your books. Who are your auto buy authors?

 

Thank you for trusting me with your time and your money. I hope I always live up to your expectations. My auto buy authors are: Samantha Young, Kristen Ashley, and Mia Sheridan. 

2. "The Rosemary Beach" series  books are some of my favorite of all time. How did you come up with the idea for them?

I was vacationing in Rosemary Beach, Florida the spring of 2012. I love the town, and while relaxing on the beach one day, I began weaving the story of Rush Finlay in my head. Then I threw in a girl from a completely different kind of life and the story began. 

3. If "The Rosemary Beach" series could be turned into a movie or a television show, which would you prefer?

Television. It has too many couples with stories that connect. It would make an epic television series!!

4. If you could go on a book tour with any 3 authors who would they be and why?

Colleen Hoover (because she cracks me up and I always have fun with her), Jamie McGuire (because she is one of my favorite people on earth), and Jenn Sterling (because if you haven't met the woman you need to. She's a blast! Between her and Colleen we'd never stop laughing.) 

5. My blog is all about music and books so this is my favorite question to ask: if "The Rosemary Beach" series had a theme song what would it be?

What You've Done To Me by NEEDTOBREATHE

Up In Flames by Abbi Glines

It's happened.
The Rosemary Beach series has come to an end.
I'm not going to lie, my heart hurts.

We've had our ups and our downs, our good times and bad but at the end of the day there's no denying that I love Rosemary Beach. Because I think of you all as my close friends I am going to be honest with you, I was skeptical about this installment. Since Fallen Too Far I have been 100% #NanHater so when I found out this book was about Nan...ugh. To say I was less than thrilled would be an understatement.
I can't believe I'm going to say this...I mean it...I really can't believe it but...I'm a...a...#NanLover now.
If you think I'm crazy then just wait until you read this!! (It will be released June 28th)
They say that people who are awful usually are that way for a reason. I tried to see the good in Nan throughout the series but could never really see any. Okay that's a bit harsh, she did have some moments. Like one in particular with Harlow that was pretty cool. But other than that she usually just sucked big time.
When I first heard about this book I was under the impression that it was going to be about Nan and Major. We meet Major a few books back in the series (he's Mace's cousin) and while I did like him he wasn't my favorite. However I did think that it would be good for Nan to finally find someone. Not going to lie I thought he was a poor choice just because he was kind of a man whore to be blunt.
I am a big fan of books where the guy meets the right girl though and then settles down - obviously, isn't that basically what this series is?
Turns out Major is supposed to get Nan to fall for him so he can find out some information on this super bad guy and see if Nan has anything to do with this dudes trouble.
Unfortunately Major isn't nearly as slick as he thinks he is so Nan runs off to Vegas and meets Gannon who she pretty much instantly falls for.
This installment in the series was really great because while it was still hot like the rest of the books and you still got that emotional aspect you also got a mystery that I REALLY enjoyed.
Abbi Glines can do no wrong.
I'm really happy that she concluded the series with Nan because I feel like we have a closure we wouldn't have had if this book had been someone else's story.
If you are a fan of this series then I think you'll enjoy Up In Flames as much as I did. And if you haven't started the series DO IT!!

 

Buy Up In Flames Here:
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Barnes & Noble

Kobo

 

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Listen to my playlist for Up In Flames on Spotify by clicking HERE

Books That Made Me Cry

So I was watching my dear Heather from Bookables the other day and she did a video where she talked about books that made her cry. I thought that it was a really great video so of course I wanted to do a post about it. If you'd like to watch her video click HERE

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
It's not like you're surprised to read that one. This book made me cry the first time I read it but when I read it the second time I sobbed. Like horrible ugly cry sobbing. It was bad. This book is just so beautiful and the love between Augustus and Hazel is the best. If you've not read this book then my gosh where have you been??

2. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
Boy oh boy did this book make me cry. I read this book shortly after my grandpa passed away so I felt like I related to this book really well. It was so sad and I cried so hard I couldn't read the words on the page.

3. Me Against You by Jojo Moyes
I haven't finished this book yet - I've got about 100 pages left - and I already know that this book is going to break me. I've gotten choked up a few times already so I'm not sure how I'm going to handle the rest of it.

4. November 9 by Colleen Hoover
This book really makes you feel all the feels my friends. I don't remember sobbing in it but I did cry quite a bit.

5. Rule by Jay Crownover
There is a moment in this book when they're talking about Remy that really makes me sad. I've read this book 3 times now and each time my throat gets a little tight and my heart gets a little sad.

6. Allegiant by Veronica Roth
To be honest I don't remember if I cried in this book. I believe that I did but I can't promise you that. I do however vividly remember chucking the book across the room because I was so gosh darn mad.

7. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
I cried in every installment in this trilogy because there are some deep moments. I'm sure you've all read this series by now so you all understand.

8. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
I cried when I finished this book because I was so sad that it was all over. The Twilight series is the first series I remember really loving so when it was done it was extremely sad for me.


NY Times By The Book Tag

 

I saw one of my favorite BookTubers -Jesse from Jesse The Reader - do this tag and it looked like a lot of fun. I feel like it's been a hot minute since I've done a tag so maybe that's why I got so excited. If you'd like to watch Jesse's video you can click this link right here --> JesseTheReader
Enjoy!!

1. What book is on your nightstand now?
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes.

2. What was the last truly great book that you read?

I've actually had a pretty good reading year so far. I don't think I've read anything that I didn't enjoy. The first book that comes to mind when reading this though is one I read last year and that is November 9th by Colleen Hoover. My goodness I love that book.

3. If you could meet any writer – dead or alive – who would it be? And what would you want to know?

Oh my gosh I don't know!! Part of me wants to say John Green so I could ask him how Hazel Grace is doing. But then I kind of don't want to know. So then I want to say Abbi Glines and ask about my beloved Rosemary Beach series but I think I'd fangirl to much. Oh wait no I know!! Stephenie Meyer and I'd ask her WHEN THE HELL SHE'S GOING TO RELEASE MIDNIGHT FREAKING SUN.

4. What books might we be surprised to find on your shelves? Hmm...I don't know if there is anything on my shelves you'd be surprised to see. Maybe some of the classics I have because I don't really read many. Umm...I'm not sure really.

5. How do you organize your personal library?

Unfortunately I don't have big beautiful bookshelves the Booktubers I watch have. I have book above my window, in shelves, in...gasp...totes...they're kind of everywhere right now. I do have all my signed books and books from authors I've interviewed put together but that's about as far as my organization goes right now.

6. What book have you always meant to read and haven’t gotten around to yet? Anything you feel embarrassed never to have read?

I keep meaning to finish the Infernal Devices trilogy. I started Clockwork Prince and then stopped reading it because I got distracted by another book and just haven't picked it up since.

7. Disappointing, overrated, just not good: what book did you feel you were supposed to like but didn't? Do you remember the last book you put down without finishing?
Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry. Everyone and their brother and sister seemed to like this book and I just didn't get it. Same with Eleanor and Park...I don't understand. I already answered the second part to this in the answer above, Clockwork Prince. Not because I didn't like it though...just haven't finished it.

8. What kinds of stories are you drawn to? Any you stay clear of?

I really love New Adult so I'd say that's what I'm most drawn to. I also am a sucker for Paranormal Romance sometimes. I usually stay away from Sci-Fi and Non-Fiction.

9. If you could require the president to read one book, what would it be?

Sorry guys...The Fault in Our Stars. It's just so dang beautiful. I know I should probably choose something like The Hunger Games and be like dude don't let something like this ever happen. But I just want everyone to read TFIOS so yeah...

10. What do you plan to read next?
I bought A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass a couple weeks back so I think that's next on my TBR.

 

 

 

 

Off Sides by Sawyer Bennett

I read the book Rommates a few weeks back and afterwards realized I really needed to read another book about a hockey player. I was hoping that I could find a book that was equally entertaining but perhaps a little bit less...fowl.
Luck was on my side when I found this book.
In Off Sides we follow Ryan and Danny who are complete opposites but absolutely perfect for one another.
Ryan is from a higher class family and Danny has basically taken care of herself her entire life.
One night Ryan goes out to eat with some friends - and his awful ex girlfriend - and Danny is their waitress. The ex makes a snotty comment towards Danny but instead of getting her feelings hurt Danny completely owns her and shows off her brain in doing so. Not only did she put the ex in her place but she's also beautiful and Ryan notices.
The next day Ryan goes back and asks Danny out on a date and the rest is history.
The two of them go through quite a bit because of their differences in family which gets kind of frustrating. Ryan's mother doesn't feel like Danny is good enough and as a reader it makes you mad. Danny is a very likeable character and you find yourself really rooting for her and Ryan's relationship.
I loved that Ryan is a hockey player but isn't as big of a pig about it as some of the characters in the book I mentioned earlier. He was romantic and sweet and basically everything a girl wants in a guy.
Danny is sweet but she can take care of herself and that is not only likeable but inspiring.
I really enjoyed Off Sides and I would definitely recommend it!!

Buy Off Sides Here:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Playlist coming soon!!