Wordpress or Blogger?

By now, many of you may know that Kristi at The Story Siren has switched her blogging platform from Blogger to Wordpress.org. She has posted a list of her grievances and reasons why she decided to make the switch (you can read her post here). She informs us that the decision was made over several years of brain-racking back-and-forth and that we shouldn't let her decision to switch affect what we do with our own blogs. But how can we not, at least, consider it? I'm sure without the full intention to, Kristi and The Story Siren has become a role model to a ton of bloggers both old and new and what she says and does can sometimes set a precedent that others will gladly follow.

She makes great points about Blogger having limitations in their design department which can make blogs resemble each other when we're all trying to express our individuality. I know I would definitely like a little more freedom with the look of my blog and making it easier to do wouldn't hurt either. But one issue Kristi had with Blogger is one we should all take into consideration or at least keep in the back of minds is that Google, at any time and for any reason, can delete our blogs WITHOUT NOTICE! Now, I don't know about you guys, but after all this hard work I would be SUPER PISSED if my blogs were deleted!

So it makes me wonder if making the switch to Wordpress is worth doing. Personally, I have no idea how easy or hard it is to switch everything over but I encourage all of you to make sure that the platform you're using is fitting your needs; and if it isn't to do your homework and find one that does.

  

Have you been thinking about making or

have you recently made the switch?

Tuesday Review Day! And More...

Welcome to my late night, late (as in overdue) Tuesday Review Day! As I've mentioned, homework is ridiculous; papers, essays, textbook readings, discussion posts, more reading, online assignments and more papers and essays. It's only the first week of OCTOBER! I'm doing all this reading and none of it is any fun. Not one fairy! Hmph.

In the midst of all that, I found some time to read a short book...uh, a dirty book, you might say. Okay, you'd definitely say it was a dirty book :-) From time to time I like to indulge in an adult read. Plus they're often short and therefore a great selection to squeeze in between assignments!

But please remember! 18 and over only! I'm not even sure 18 is old enough. I know I wouldn't want my daughter reading it at 18, so 21. 21 and over.

I have a little more than just dirty talk for you. A couple of new titles and what's new on my shelf and I'll even mention some big releases this coming this month.

First, a quick review:

Double Punch 
Written by: Tilly Greene
Publication date: February 22, 2010 by Tease Publishing, LLC
Released in paperback and ebook
222 pages - (somebody had a thing for 2's - check the pub date and pg count)

3 stars


Synopsis: Mount Olympus is buzzing with activity - the challenge for immortality is on! Castor and Pollux, universally known as the twins who aren't really twins, have been existing amongst the stars as the Gemini constellation for years. Without any warning, Zeus pulls them from the sky, and offers both men a second chance at immortality. The challenge is simple: they have one year on Earth to find their true mates. Every type of woman crosses their paths and while they make up for lost time when it comes to seeking sexual gratification, none of their partners complete them. None, that is, until they meet the stunning woman who they both claim as a mate. 

Anissa George knows how lucky she was to be adopted as a child from a Bhutanese orphanage. Her family heaped love, an understanding that there was nothing wrong with being different, and to always live life to the fullest. To do that, she put an educational computer game concept together, and the company she wants to work with, took on her project. Once she settled the work issue, it was time to pay attention to her non-existent love life. Before she can look for a date, two men who fit her perfectly arrive at her side, asking her to choose one. Impossible. WARNING: The fire starts with one on one loving and then the flames rage out of control when they become three.

My Review: I found this little number during my last trip to Borders, days before they closed. I've always love Greek mythology, so when my best friend pointed it out, I  didn't see a reason not to take it home. She bought a copy too.

Right off the bat, the first thing that grabs you, and not the frisky way, is the way Zeus speaks. He preaches to his sons Pollux and Castor not to belittle his infinite existence by calling him "Dad", yet he himself talks like some hoodlum off the street. As though he lives in New York City as opposed to Mount Olympus. Then there are no descriptions of the twins for a really long time. They keep telling you that they're twins but not twins, yet the author never really goes into detail about it.

So the not-twins get a chance to live on Mount Olympus again IF they both find their true mate. They get one year. Well they spend this whole time "playing the field", if you will, instead of looking for love. With two weeks left they finally meet "the one". Only it's "the same one" for both of them. So the games begin as they both try to win her over via seduction. Twins...but not twins. Consider this: they have been side-by-side in the sky (as stars but every bit conscious, watching people on Earth) for centuries, and centuries as men before that. Essentially they are brothers but they are not identical.

Pollux is smooth, charming, gentlemanly. No rush with this one, he takes his time.

Castor is straight to the point. Just as much the gentleman with the right amount of bad.

In contrast to the way Zeus speaks, when the twins and Anissa speak, it's far more proper. Much of the dialog was corny and hard to read and the editing was really bad. Tons of typos. On the bright side, there were clever parts of the book, quips and play-on-words, and such.

The crazy part of the storyline was the alternative to what would happen if the DIDN'T find their true mate within the year: they were sentenced to live in Hades in the underworld! It's as if they were on trial for committing a crime! Why couldn't they just go back to the stars if they couldn't find love? I don't know.


Overall: A fun, quick read. Not a "can't miss". But fun. Perfect for just three bucks! I wouldn't have paid more for it.

Who else is desperately waiting for Wings 4?? April 28, 2012 is waaaay too far! At least we don't have to call it Wings 4 anymore, the title of the next installment is....

DESTINED!

Yes, Aprilynne Pike is aware that the new House of Night sequel is also titled Destined, but she really wanted that to be the title because she said it was really fitting. I hope that means Laurel gets her act together and chooses Tamani and goes to live in Avalon. Because THAT is what is destined! The books are also released months apart, so there should be little confusion. House of Night #9 comes out October 25th, 2011 for those that would like to know.

Did you know that Miley Cyrus was picked to play Laurel in the Wings movie?? I came across this on some website that will remain nameless because it's obvious they didn't know what they were talking about. They were announcing that Miley Cyrus was going to "grow wings" for her next movie; Laurel doesn't have wings, she has a giant flower that grows out of her back! Big Difference!! I think Miley is the wrong choice for this part. I love Miley, but she's not Laurel.

The next Firelight novel has been titled as well: HIDDEN!

I can't wait to see the cover for this one! According to goodreads.com, it is due out in 2012 but does not yet have an exact release date.

I think I've ranted long enough. I'll save the October new releases and my new additions for next time. Time to call it a night. Happy endings!

Caster Chronicles Book Three Title Reveal!!!!!!

Yesterday, Margaret Stohl revealed on the Beautiful Creatures website, the title of the third book in the Caster Chronicles series!

Beautiful Chaos 

Isn't it just...amazing, intriguing and full of promise?? I LOVE it. I have to be honest, I haven't read Beautiful Darkness yet, although I do need to choose my next read...

Ready for more? The cover will be revealed Thursday, March 3rd @ 3pm EST on MTV Hollywood Crush! Click here or the link above to go to the Beautiful Creatures website for more details.

Also on the website, there is talk about "the Beautiful Creatures & series movie adaptation"! I don't know where I was when this information was released because I had no idea? Exclusive news on that will be released with the cover.

Any fans of the Drake Chronicles by Alyxandra Harvey? If you're answer was no and you're about to skip this part, I implore you, to please read these books! They are so addictive! I just came across the title of the fourth book in the Drake Chronicles, it's...wait. I should present it like the title above right? I mean, it's only fair. Okay, ready...

Bleeding Hearts

It's set to release November, 2011! I can't wait!

So maybe you're not all Drake fans but I know, I KNOW you guys are Mortal Instruments fans! That being said, remember the end of City of Glass, Jace leaves a letter for Clary before he goes out on a dangerous mission? Have you been wondering what he wrote in that letter? Well one way to find out is to purchase your copy of City of Fallen Angels from Barnes & Noble. They, and only they, will be selling copies of COFA with the Jace's letter inside! Click here fore more info.

See the sticker below?

Pretty cool huh? Even though promoting B&N makes me feel like a total trader to Borders. 

Can a girl love both? Time will tell.

Mini-Post

Unfortunately, I don't really have much book news today. But I do have a little something to share and a creepy story to tell!

Have you read Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantasky? It's sequel, expected to hit stores January 9, 2012, is entitled Jessica Rules the Dark Side!

Here's the cover!

I can't really make out what's in her hand but I love this cover! Their dance-like stance in reminiscent of its prequel but this time "Jessica" is older and ready to play her role. Lucius looks luscious even without the top of his face! I can't wait!

Now for my creepy little story. In 2006, I received a watch for Christmas. The following March I went to Aruba. I wore this watch the whole time only removing it to swim. Well, one of those days, I must have forgotten to take it off and needless to say, the watch stopped. Christmas of 2008, I got another watch to replace my broken one. A year later, this watch too, stopped working. I put this one next to the old one in my jewelry box.  Time passes. A few weeks ago, I noticed these two watches next to each other and picked them up with the thought in my head, "What a waste."

That's when I realized this:

They're both stopped at the same time!! How weird is that? What are the chances?

Got a kooky story you'd like to share? I'd love to hear it!

Borders Files Chapter 11 Today!

Today I'd like to share tons of book news with you! First, according to the Borders Facebook page, Borders has begun a reorganization through the Chapter 11 process. You can read more about it here at bordersreorganization.com, but they assure us the business will continue as usual both in stores and online. I don't know about you guys, but if my local Borders closes down, I'll have to travel an hour to the nearest Barnes & Noble. That does not sit well with me. Hopefully, we won't have to worry about that anytime soon! On to book news!

Last year I read Blood Oath by Christopher Farnsworth (my review here) and I enjoyed it so much I've anxiously been awaiting the release of it's sequel. Well the wait won't be much longer! The President's Vampire will be released April 28, 2011!

I'm super excited about this book yet, I'm not crazy about the title or the cover. This looks and sounds like it should have been the first book, not the sequel. Still, I'll be first in line on release day!

Silence. Usually a word associated with peace and serenity. Well today I refer to the title of the next book in the Hush, Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick. Silence (Hush, Hush #3) is expected to be released October 4, 2011 but its cover will be revealed in May!

Do you guys read the Soul Screamers Series? There are four of them out now with number five on its way later this year (October 1st) and it's been titled...If I Die! No cover yet but I hope it stays in the same theme as the others. If you have an ereader, check out Reaper, a Soul Screamers Novella about Tod Hudson, a typical teenager turned grim reaper! His character is introduced in the other books but I'm glad Rachel Vincent decided to highlight him in this ebook exclusive because he is definitely a character worth giving his own story to!

Now, if you're like me, you're always trying to stay on top of all the amazing books that come out or are coming out. One way I keep up with it all is by checking Goodreads.com. While doing so, I found a list of the Most Popular Books Published in 2011, so take a look because there might be something new on there for you!

Books, Book-to-Movie News and Review!

Hello Beloveds!

It is officially 2011 and so far it's been great - book-wise anyway! Unfortunately, I was not able to come back with new layout like I wanted to but that doesn't mean I'm giving up on it! I've been gone for so long, I wanted to give you as much as I could. So what I've got for you below is a little bit of everything: new books I've added to my shelves, some great book-to-movie news and updates, and my review of Last Sacrifice!

To get it started, here are the amazing books I've gotten between Christmas presents and Borders Gift Cards!

Immortal Beloved (Immortal Beloved, #1)

Infinite Days (Vampire Queen, #1)

Crescendo (Hush, Hush, #2)

Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy, #1)

Supernaturally (Paranormalcy, #2) - tentative release date - September, 2011

Spells (Wings, #2)

Matched (Matched, #1)

 Out For Blood (The Drake Chronicles, #3)

Each one of those covers are more beautiful in person! I can't wait to read all of them! However, I think the next one off the TBR pile will have to be I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, #1) by Pittacus Lore. The reason? Well, as I watched the Winter Season Premiere of Pretty Little Liars (which was awesome), I saw a preview for the movie version of I Am Number Four!! How amazing!? It comes to theaters (near me) February 18, 2011! On top of all that, the movie was made by Michael Bay! The same guy who did the Transformers movies and some other great movies I can't seem to remember right now. Don't miss it!

Also, in book-to-movie news: actors have been picked to play Jace and Alec in the City of Bones movie! I wish - I really do - that I had names and pictures to share with everyone, but it appears that those are still under wraps :(  What I get from Cassandra Clare's Twitter is that these guys are really hot!! If anyone finds out who they are, PLEASE let me know!!

Now, if you're still reading this super long post - here is my review of Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead.

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6)
Written by: Richelle Mead
Publication date: December 7, 2010
Released in Hardcover, 594 pages
Penguin Group (USA)

Synopsis: She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardian to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back… and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you?

How I Came To Read This: Are you kidding? I couldn't wait for this to come out!!!

My Review: It's been roughly seven months since I read Spirit Bound, the the minute I started reading Last Sacrifice I fell right back into the world of Rose! It was so easy to get back in the swing of things. The story picks up  right where it left off and wastes no time getting to the action. The plot in this series is so intricate, so detailed, I don't know how Mead does it! Not one page of these books are boring. Never a dull moment. Never. My friend and I were discussing it last night and we were comparing them to other books. How, in Vampire Academy, so many different things happen, there are so many issues that so many different people have to deal with and each character has his or her own background and motives and secrets. In other books, one thing happens and they deal with that one thing the entire book. Mead gives us a multitude of situations to imagine, each one exciting, jaw dropping and seemingly impossible to get out of! Enter...Rose!

Last Sacrifice is my favorite Rose. As funny and witty and kick-ass, as Rose is, her nobility is my favorite part of this book. She's been framed for a horrible crime she didn't commit and for said crime is being hunted by guards who have been instructed to shoot-on-sight! In spite of all that, she fights, almost literally, to the death to clear her name, do the right thing and above all else, protect Lissa.

!!SPOILER ALERT!!

AT THIS POINT, I WILL BE DISCUSSING DETAILED PARTS OF THE BOOK! PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK. NO, REALLY. IT WILL RUIN IT.

Here is what I liked and what I didn't like. I loved that Rose and Dimitri went on a journey, pretty much just the two of them. It was exactly what they needed to work things out and seeing as how that's exactly what happened, I was was very happy with the results. What I didn't like was that Adrian got hurt because of it. He was crapped on this whole book and I felt that Rose should have been made to find the time to tell him. And the way he found out? OMG. Okay. I also liked that they found Sonya, restored her, and she was helpful, not resentful or bitchy. Without her they wouldn't have found the last Dragomir! Which is what I didn't like. I was so excited to be following Rose while she looked for the Lissa brother or sister. With every turn of the page, we would get closer and closer, I was on the edge of my seat. But...when the sister, it turns out, was revealed, I deflated. It didn't bother me that it was someone we all knew. Someone we've known all along! No, what bothered me was that it was Jill! I was hoping for someone more exciting, more interesting. Instead, she was this scared little girl who wasn't even happy to find out she was royalty! Absurd! Speaking of royalty, Lissa becoming Queen? I like it, for all the reasons that are pointed out in the book. She was preparing for it the whole time, we just didn't know it. Finally, my biggest disappointment was the very end. I'm actually torn. Lissa and Rose losing their bond. That, I do not like. It made them unique, special. Without it I felt their loss. However, I know it means they can both have their own lives and I guess that's good, too. Whatever. I still don't like it.

!!SPOILER ALERT OVER!! 

Who Should Read This: Honestly, if you haven't gotten into this series yet, I can't imagine why. It's got it all! Action, romance, politics, friendship, secrets, twists and turns, and a happy ending to top it all off!