Author Interview:Kelly D. Smith (Princess)

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Introduction:
So today, I am going to be doing something a little different today on my blog. I am going to be sharing a interview I did with the lovely Author Kelly D. Smith! So, I can give you guys the scoop on her book and maybe just learn a little bit more about this awesome lady. 


Interview/Questions
So Kelly, This is your first novel correct? What other sort of projects do you have in the works? 
Yes, this is my first full length work. As for other things I am working on, at the moment I've got another romance in the works. This time a paranormal one that fallows the daughter of the Devil as she makes her first trip to earth in hopes of becoming a demon hunter for her father. 

I think most people (myself included) are wondering what inspired you to write this book? 

Princess was inspired by a show I was watching that showed how spoiled people act in this day and age. Often times they are referred to as “princess’s”. I’d been toying with the idea of writing a romance that involved a wealthy character and after watching the show I decided I wanted to have a villain that was exactly like the people on the show. After that, everything just kind got put into place. 

What is your writing process like? Do you have any tips of aspiring writers about this process? 

Most days I wake up, work out and tidy the house. I walk the dogs, do some marketing and then get some reading done until around noon. Then, I get on my computer for work. I write from 12-5 each day and have a minimum word count of 2000 a day, and 10,000 a week.
As for tips for aspiring writers my best tip is to read. By reading other peoples work you will realize what is and is not good, and the better content you read the better your writing will be. For those who want to become authors, I encourage you to finish something and submit it! You will learn so many things from just finishing your novel, editing it and submitting it. Things you will never be able to learn form a book.

Another thing, which I know many aspiring writers are probably interested to know is more about the publishing process. Do you have any tips or tricks about going publishing? 

Honestly there are no tricks to the publishing world, at least none I've found (if anyone happens to know any please share!) but there are 3 things I suggest:
1) Write as much as you can
2) surround yourself with other writers/authors. Trust me, it helps keep you sane. 
3) Submit as many things as you can. I've gotten countless writing jobs and my first two contracts because I just kept trying. It didn't even occur to me not to try, even though I didn’t feel like my content was anywhere near amazing. But most of the time it pays off in some way. I once heard that the more manuscripts you send out the grater you increase your chances of getting accepted, and for some reason that has always stuck with me. 


Do you have any tips of marketing or promoting your book? How do you go about doing so? Marketing is hard! The best thing you can you though is to just keep trying. It’s like I said about the more things you send out the better your chances. 
Lots of book blogs accept authors, either in book reviews or guest posting. You can always pay for marketing, or ask friends and family to help. And, as I am sure everyone knows, work social media as much as you can without being annoying!

Can you sum up your main character Becky's relationship with John. Of course without relieving too much. Just tell us more! 

I would like to think that Becky and John have a very real, though passionate, relationship. Yes things move a little faster than they normally would but John and Becky are drawn to each other in a way that they’ve never been drawn to anyone else. 

Becky seems like a very down earth gal. Was your plan initially to make her this way?

 It was, I just hope I did it well enough! 

So your book "Princess" is in the Romance/Erotica genre. My question for you is have you always been a fan of romance books and movies? Also, do you think that you are romantic person in real life? 

Actually both answers are no. I find I’m not really the typical romance type and I didn’t start reading romance books (or watching movies) until about 2 years ago. I guess I was a bit of a late bloomer. 

Which actors/actresses (if any) could you picture playing your characters in a movie adaption?

I would love to see Emma Stone in one of my paranormal ones, but I think Amanda Baynes or Kristin Chenoweth would really bring my characters to life.

Kelly did you always know that you wanted to be a writer?

Since I was 14.

Who are your biggest influences when it comes to writing? Any favorite books or Authors you'd like to mention? 

My biggest influences would have to be the book I am reading at any given time. Authors I love would be Brent Weeks, A. Lee Martinez and Lilith Saintcrow. 

Do you have a lot of contact with your fans? What is the nicest thing one of your fans has said to you? 

I try to connect with every person who talks to me, either through my blogs, my Facebook or anything else I have. I can’t think of any one thing that someone has said to me, but I love knowing that people enjoy my writing. 

What formats can your book be currently purchased on? (E-read, paper back,etc) 

Currently, Ebook but a paperback edition will be coming out early next year! 

Is there anything you'd like to add that I happened to miss?

There is one quick thing. I got a really good question from someone on my Facebook page and I wanted to answer it. 
The question was: what is writing like?
The answer: Writing is like creating your own video game, movie or even entire world. It is crazy as you watch you character create themselves from the basics you give them, they grow up and are thrust into positions you well, can only imagine! It’s an escape from the boring day-to-day events or it’s just a way to relax. 
Writing is not the same for everyone but I know that for me, without writing I wouldn't have a passion. 

Well, Thank you Kelly for taking the time to be interview. I really appreciate and I wish you the best success in you written endeavors! 

And thank you very much for having me, I look forward to coming back, hopefully! Thank you so much for all the help!

Thank you all for reading and as always happy reading,

Kiki aka Alaska Book Girl!

Business email/Contact: alaskanbookgirl55@gmail.com 

Kelly's Contact Information:

Facebook:
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelly-D-Smith/445383865596535?ref=hl

Publishers site(purchase the book here):

http://www.bookstrand.com/princess-smith

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/16484881-deanna

Blog:

http://kittyjonesbookshelf.blogspot.ca/

What other sort of projects do you have in the works? Yes, this is my first 

City of Ashes-The Mortal Instruments Series: Mini Book Review

Introduction 

So, if you haven't guess by the title of this review: this is the second book in the series of The Mortal Instruments. I read this book rather quickly, just as I has read the first one pretty quickly as well.

Sorry, this review has been long awaited. Life gets in the way and all that jazz. Promises I'll be posting more reviews soon!

Summary

So this book starts right where it left off in the last book. Clary's mother is still in a coma, Jace and Clary found out that they are "related" aka brother and sister but are still passionately in love with each other (gross), Simon is still in love with Clary so in an effort to maybe "forget Jace" she and Simon start sort of dating, Alec and Magnus are in a "secret relationship" which everyone but his parents know about. Also, Valentine is still being a jerk trying to kill all "downworlders" and "demons" as well as destroy the Clave and everything it stands for by collecting all of the mortal instruments.

A lot, of things happen in this book which are "unexpected". In this book the Author goes more into detail about "The Fairy Realm" which is interesting. Different type of Demon's are introduced and of course more than ever more drama is a foot.

That's all I will say really for a "summary" of this book if you are looking for more "details" about the series as a whole feel free to check out my last review on the first book in the series.

Review

I must admit, that I didn't like this book as much as I liked the first book in the series.

I found it annoying and a bit "repetitive" the relationship between Clary and Jace. So, as "discovered" in the last book when Valentine revealed that he is in fact both Clary and Jace's biological Father (Which frankly I don't know why anyone listens to him. He's an evil prick but I digress) So basically most of this book, Clary and Jace try to "fight" their feelings for each other because they are "related" and it's clear as day to everyone that they are in love with each other.
  *Spoiler* At one point after they share a somewhat "forced" kiss Jace suggests that they share a "secret relationship" together but Clary turns him down. After that point they pretty much spent the rest of the book either avoiding each other or being mean to each other. Which is pretty lame. I kept waiting for it be revealed that aren't actually related. There were two points in the book when I actually thought it might happen :Once with Imogen "The Inquisitor" who I am pretty sure is his Grandmother or is related to him some how who was killed before she could confess anything, and another time with Valentine who it seemed like was going to confess the truth to Clary but just so happen to be interrupted by an "epic" battle scene. *End Spoiler*

Let me just say one more thing before, I end this "quicky" review (well maybe one than one thing) The one thing I did enjoy about this book was learning more about Clary's Mother and her relationship with Lucian. The author goes into more detail about Lucian's turning into a werewolf and his "struggle" I found that quite interesting. I also, liked the introduction to the character Maia Roberts and her relationship dynamic with Simon. I'm interested to see where there relationship goes.

As for Clary's and Simons "relationship" well I won't go into much detail but I disliked it. Maybe it was the Authors point to make their interactions "awkward" in that case she did a good job otherwise well, yeah like I was awkward.. Clary was just trying to get over Jace by using her best friend which is of course is not cool at all. Still, like I said I'll be happy if Simon manages to get the girl Maia even though they have this weird dynamic of him being a vampire and her being a werewolf.


Thanks for reading everyone! Sorry this review was such a quickie! I have something in the works that I think many will you enjoy so look forward to that soon!

Ta ta,

Kiki aka Alaska Book Girl!

City of Bones-The Mortal Instruments Series: Book Review

Introduction 

I first came across this book series a few years ago, It sounded interesting enough but for whatever reason I never got around to reading it.

I actually watched the movie a while back, which after reading the book let me tell you wasn't half as good. On a whim at my local bookstore, I decided to pick this book and the book two and three up and give the series a try.

Summary

I know this series is rather popular and I'm sure many people have read or at least heard of this series regardless I'll give a little "back story" as to what the book series is about or at least the first book.

The main character's name is Clary Fray, is fifteen years old and just shy of turning sixteen. She is "cute" in looks but never really considers herself "beautiful" she is never petite in both height and weight and unruly curly red hair. Clary's best friend is named Simon Lewis, he is your typical brunet dorky teenage boy and typically as you expect he Clary "friend zones" Simon and for most of the book Clary doesn't even realize that he has liked pretty much their entire lives.

In comes the "bad ass shadow hunters" while at a club for "all ages" Clary happens to notice three teenagers who all are very hot and dressed in black and another teenager (she suspects) becoming violent with each other and head into a storage room. So she does what any, silly adolescence girl does and runs after them, with no help I might add.

After a brief violent affair she witness one of the "boys" by the hand of the other "teens" and comes to find out that there is a secret hidden world where: vampires, werewolves, fairies, warlock and witches all exist. As well as Demons and Angel there for Nephilim exist as well.

From a series of events which happens to have her Mother kidnapped,by and evil shadow hunter everyone believed was dead and a family friend randomly does out of the picture. She finds out that she like the rest of the shadow hunters ( Jace Wayland, Isabelle Lightwood and Alec Lightwood) are Nephillim aka Human Angel hybrids that fight and kill demons and belong to a secret ancient society(The Clave) that humans or "mundanes" have no idea exist because they use a "glamour" of sorts and hide the supernatural world around them.

That's all I will say for the summary, if you guys want to more well you can look at other reviews, search the web for spoilers or just go read the book!

Now, on to my review. I won't reveal much else about the story line (if I can resist).

Review

This book was really easy to get into! I was surprised as soon as I picked it up I was hooked! I must admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for young adult books though, obviously I have broaden out a bit when it comes to my book selection I always find myself coming back what it seems my favorite genre.

I think the thing I love most about young adult books, is they way they are written a wide array of audiences can enjoy the stories produced in this genre.

Any way, back to my review! Clary well, I will admit when I first started reading this book was a bit well let's just say it annoying. Of course she is irrational and compulsive (it seems like most of the character in the book I've been reading are).  That becomes frustrating and after awhile I will admit that it became predictable which isn't always a bad thing but still and like I said above I had seen the movie prior to reading the book (Let me just say I enjoy, book much more than the movie and the casting of movie was pretty bad expect for Luke and Simon. I love both of the actors who play them from Being Human and Misfits) At some points in the book I found myself wanting to reach into the pages and slap Clary! I know a tad bit dramatic but still. I understand that Clary (her character anyway) is a teenage girl which obviously, I know what it is like to be a teenage girl being that I am in my early twenties, it wasn't that long ago that I was that age. Clary is can be really jealous, petty and just plain mean! Did I mention impulsive yes, she is very impulsive and she constantly doesn't seem to care or doesn't realize the consequences of her actions (the entire book really)  Clary, isn't the worst "main character" and towards the end of the book Clary even admitted that "she grew up" after all the things she saw. ( I hope in book two she is not so, well stupid) Being that said I grew to tolerate her in this series and maybe even slightly like her as a character (at least enough to keep reading the series)

I feel the same way about the rest of the character in the series as well, Jace annoyed me at first but I grew to like him and even cheer on Clary and Jace's budding romance *Spoiler Alert* I was just disappointed when Jace turned out to be her "brother" especially after they kissed and they both are pretty much in love with each other. It pretty much is obvious that down the line, it will be revealed that they aren't related surprise surprise. *End of Spoiler*

Alec, I thought was whinny and annoying at first (there seems to be to many love triangles in this book and it's getting a little to complicated. Just saying)  I really am rooting for Alec and Mangus to get together (just saying!) He turns out to be not "so bad" I guess, though he really isn't in the story that much to tell. Isabelle, well I really don't have much to say about her other than she is suppose to be beautiful and she can fight well and her and Clary have some rivalry going on *Spoiler* Some how, the rivalry between Clary Isabelle and Alec all seems to go away by the end of the book and the accept her apparently. *End Spoiler*

Simon on the other hand, I think I liked him better in the beginning of the book rather than the end. He was cute and dorky at first and light hearted, in a way he reminded me of Xander from Buffy he offered some comical relief. Towards the end of the book, he became "serious" and all "manly" which was kind of dull to be honest to me it felt like he lost most of his personality. I also, enjoyed Luke in the story as well and just over all liked him as a character.

I know many people compared, Valentine to Voldemort of the Harry Potter series and I was actually thinking the same thing in a way. Though, I don't really have anything else to say about him other than that.


I think my favorite thing about this book was the setting and story line of the over all story, it probably made the entire story ten times better without both the characters would really fall flat. The world Cassandra Clare created was beautiful and well crafted to say the least. I think that was really sucked me into this book, is I just wanted to learn more about the Shadow Hunters and the world that they live in! I look forward to to reading the next book in series and finding out what happens next!


Happy reading everyone!

Kiki aka Alaska Book Girl!

Book Review: Ravishing the Heiress by Sherry Thomas

Introduction

I received this book via goodreads.com as a "first read" in order to give this book an honest review. If you would like to send me a book to review feel free to contact me through this email, linked to my blog.

I haven't read to many Historical Romances before, for no reason really it's just I never got around to "exploring" this sub-genre.

My first impression, was well I wasn't sure I was going to like it but as I began reading this book I was completely draw into the world that Sherry Thomas created as well as the character too.

Summary

This story takes between the years 1888 to 1896 (I believe those are the correct dates).

The main character's name is Millie she is the daughter of wealthy man who's family made their money in canned goods. Millie had been trained her whole life to be a "proper wife" her family hoped that she would be able to marry someone who had a "title" meaning from aristocratic blood. Millie is depicted as a very agreeable, not particularly "attractive" and a bit plain. She doesn't really have a "rebellious" bone in her body and is the type of women who has always done what she is told.

Millie marries, Fitz whom she falls for instantly when she first meets him. Fitz all though comes from an aristocratic background, his family is no longer wealthy so he must marry into "money" in order to maintain his estate which he inherited from his distant relative. Alas, Fitz is already in love with any other women named Isabelle whom he cannot marry because her family is not incredibly wealthy.

The story flashes back in between the "present" time of the story and different moments in the marriage of Millie and Fitz.

In the beginning of their marriage Millie makes a pact with Fitz that they would have a "contract" marriage and all though they would be "technically" married either one of them would sleep together.

* spoiler*

They grow close and become "friends" within their marriage and Fitz begins to grow love and respect for her throughout the years. He doesn't think of her as so "bland".

Years after they are "comfortably" married Isabelle comes back into the picture. So Fitz decides to meet up with Isabelle and have an affair with her while still married to Millie. As promised he plans to give Millie an "heir" they will try for six months for her to get pregnant and then pretty much plans to leave her.

*End Spoiler*

In the book there is also brief mention of Fitz two sisters: Helena who is unmarried and is conducting an affair with her married first cousin I believe (Fitz best friend Hastings is in love with her "secretly") and  Venetia whom is already married (I believe her story was told in the previous book which I did not read).

I won't get really into their "story lines" in this review.

Review

 I would say the overall I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I really enjoyed this book.

I have to hand it to Sherry Thomas, I actually while reading this book I found that English is in fact not her first language and I never would I have guessed that!

She created such fluent imagery with her words, I felt as though I was actually there! To be at least it takes talent to write "historical" novels because you want to be true the dialect of the time but still make in understandable to the "average reader" and I feel like she did just that.

Reading some other reviews about this book, I saw certain people "complain" that Millie was "boring and anti-feminist" that she teaches women to "do exactly what you are told and everything will work out". I can't say that I necessarily agree with that statement. I think that Sherry Thomas, made Millie historically accurate, to the time she lived in. I think it would be silly to have a women who has a "20th century attitude" in that time period. Wealthy women back then were taught to be "timid" and very rule "abiding". I don't think Millie was at all a "push over" instead she was intelligent and found different ways than simply being "forward" about everything, she worked around the fact she was a woman and still managed to do the things she wanted.

I really don't have to many complaints about this book, Fitz obviously annoyed me at times because he was stupidly obsessed with Isabelle for most of the book and didn't always treat Millie very nicely. Still, she managed to treat him kindly and even he was surprised about the fact that she always almost always "composed" and took care of him even when he didn't deserve it.

I think any reader ( myself included) probably felt awful for Millie. I mean come on, she just wanted him to notice her the entire time!

I didn't always "enjoy" the flashbacks in the story sometimes I just felt to me that they were "stalling" the story and not getting to the good part!

There was no sex until page 226! I guess they just wanted to build up the story line more? I don't know it was a bit frustrating at times.

Over all, I thought this book was an excellent read and I enjoyed it very much. If you are into historical romance, I would recommend that you check out Sherry Thomas's books, she is a very good writer.

Thanks for guys for checking out my blog,

Kylia aka Alaska Book Girl!

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3451295-kylia

Book Review:The Fault in Our Stars

First as always let me state that I do not own the right to any of the image/s used in my blog. They were provided by Google search.

Introduction
In all honesty, I am not sure how to exactly "introduce" this book. I know it might sound "lame" but i actually only heard of this book from seeing the countless ads for the movie (which I have not seen). On a whim, I decided to give the book a "go".

I of course could kind of guess what was going to happen in this story as most stories about "children" or even "adults" with cancer they do not have usually have a "happy ending". I decided to give this book a try regardless of the fact that I kind of had an idea of what was going to happen.


Summary
As expected, (if any of you have seen the previews for the movie) the story revolves around Hazel Grace: a a sad girl who has cancer and really lives a sheltered life "waiting around to die", she has been told that she has terminal cancer and choose not to really do things "normal teenagers" do.

Hazel meets August or Gus (her love interest) at a support group for "teenagers" or "kids" with cancer. She also, befriends a boy named Issac who is very much in love with a girl ( I forget her name)

*Spoiler alert* .
Isaac has to get his "eyes" or should I say one "eye" removed because of his cancer. His girlfriend selfishly breaks up with him and become very pessimistic after the fact. Most scene with him in the book are a bit hard to read. Also, Isaac and his "ex" have a thing where they say "Forever" so Hazel and Gus later have a "thing" where they say "okay"; in case any of you where wondering what "okay" means in the context of the book.
*End Spoiler*
Most of Hazel and Gus's interactions are just so very cute! (At least at first) As the story goes on the book becomes more depressing. (Yes, it is true)

*Spoiler*
At one point they use Gus's "wish" and they visit Amsterdam so they can meet Hazel's "favorite author" and find out he "ends the story" because the book he writes ends abruptly without a defiant end. 
 This book also ends the same way and the Author is a washed up has been who is an alcoholic and a complete a**.

*Giant Spoiler Alert Here!!*
They have a very romantic date while in Amsterdam and they both loose their virginities  to each other.

After a their "Amsterdam Romance" together , Gus confesses that he in fact too is terminally ill and he has been hiding it from Hazel and he is actually in worse health than Hazel. Pretty much after that the book just describes how Gus deteriorates and how Hazel sticks around and stays by his side.

Gus eventually dies, after Issac and Hazel have a "mock funeral" for him which is all dreadfully tearful. At Gus's funereal the "Jerk Author" shows up and "apologizes" for being well obviously not nice. Hazle doesn't really forgive him of course and it turns out his book which focuses on a girl with cancer is about his daughter who passed away and he tells her she reminds him of her.(This is flattering I suppose)

Later, Issac clues her in about a "piece" written by Gus which is supposedly the "ending" to the book they both loved by the "Jerk Author". The "Jerk Author's" ex assistant sends Hazel a copy of what Gus wrote and basically in a nutshell it is a "eulogy" like what Hazel wrote for Gus he wants the Author to say at her Funeral. After that, the book abruptly ends.

*End Spoilers*


Review
Let me start out by saying before I write my "official' review this book is dreadful sad!

I liked this book,  I found myself dreading the ending through the entire book. This book was rather depressing well as expected; often I found myself wondering why I was reading such a sad book in the first place.

I really liked both Hazel Grace and August. I think that was probably the "crappiest" part. That being the reason, I probably read the book in the first place was because i liked the characters.

*Spoiler Alert*
I freaking of course thought, the author of Hazel's "favorite book" was of course an a**hole but that's to be expected because his character is one! I was disappointed for Hazel when he didn't tell her the ending of her favorite book. I mean who wouldn't be, they travel all the way across the globe and find out their "hero" is a crock; I think any one would be disappointed.

It was tear jerking when August died to say the least and of course of the how the book ended to "expect" to know that Hazel died as well. It was like i said down right depressing. Also, the way in the book that August is described deteriorating is awful as well. The part when he pee's the bed is probably the worse and when they read each other's eulogy.
 *Ah who am I kidding? SPOILERS EVERYWHERE!!!*

Of course I though it was cute when the couple was in Amsterdam having their little "romantic date". I think you'd have to be soulless not to think it wasn't cute. How Hazel was nervous and asked her Mom if her outfit looked okay. How August wore a suit and tie they had a cute romantic dinner and then a passionate encounter later.

Before they went to Amsterdam as well. When they first meet and he compared her to Natalie Portman and was making googly eyes at her across the room. When he made her "dutch sandwiches" and announced they would be going to Amsterdam. How cute it was when Hazel was all cutely excited!
*End Spoiler*

I didn't really enjoy the "endless rambling" or at least that's what I call it in the book I feel like there was a lot of it. Usually, I like a lot of dialog but at some points, it was annoying. I mean I get, the character are "free thinkers" or "philosophical" but still I know in real life it bugs they heck out me when people constantly talk like that and I feel the same way about books.



I think this book defiantly "goes up there" on the list of "best romance stories" that are just both "timeless" and "unforgettable".  I think you could defiantly compare this book to "The Notebook" or "Titanic" in the sense that like I said it is an "unforgettable love story".

If you are even slightly a romantic at heart, I suggest you check this book out but be prepared to have your heart strings tugged!!

I would say that I would give this book 3 1/2 stars out of 5. Even though it is a "epic love story" it wasn't really my "favorite book of all time" and there were certain things (mostly the endless dialog and the fact that at some points this book is down right depressing) that I did not like. I'm sure many people could argue that they both like the "rambling" and "depressing" or more "emotional" parts; you could say that really adds to the "hype" of the book but I did not enjoy those parts but that is of course just a matter of opinion.

Thanks for guys for checking out my blog,

Kylia aka Alaska Book Girl!

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3451295-kylia

Mini Review: Hide and Seek (The Lying Game #4)

First as always let me state that I do not own the right to any of the image/s used in my blog. They were provided by Google search.



Introduction/Summary
Hello, everyone! I know it has been a while. I just finished reading, the fourth book in The Lying Games series and I thought I would do a quick/mini review.

I have reviewed briefly the other three books in the series, and maybe at some point i'll edit them a bit and post them on here! For now, they are just on my goodreads account.

If you want see these and other reviews, which aren't on my blog i'll post a link at the end of this post.

I'm sure many of you have heard of "Pretty Little Liars" both the television show and the book series. Well, "The Lying Games" is also, a television show and a book series as well. Both, are book series written by Sara Shepard; they both revolve around "teenage girls" with "secrets" and other things revolving around "lies" and such.

For those who you who have never watched, "The Lying Games" or read the book series I'll give you a little bit of a background to the series. (Note: I have never read the "Pretty Little Liars" books or really ever watched the show. Though, I am a fan of "The Lying Game" Show. I'm not going to explain the differences between the books and the series in this book maybe at some point I will.)

The book series, revolves around two twin sisters: one named Emma Becker and the other named Sutton Mercer. Sutton Mercer: grew up wealthy, with a loving family, close knit group of friends, being popular and noticed in school. Pretty much Sutton Mercer was living every teenage girl's fantasy life or the "teenage dream". Emma Becker, on the other hand has a bit of a tougher up bringing: She never really had a home, She was never popular, only had one best friend, and grew up living from foster home to foster home.

Now, this where things get a little more complicated. (The story line, is different in the tv show!) In the book series, Sutton is dead. Yes, you read it right dead. So Emma travels from her home in Las Vegas to Arizona where Sutton "lives" because she receive a message on facebook from "Sutton" telling her she wants to meet her. When, she get to Arizona she discovers that Sutton is dead and is threatened, that if she doesn't "Play along" that she will be killed. So, she pretends to be Sutton all the while trying to figure out who Sutton's killer is. (Also, Sutton is a ghost who pretty much floats around and follows Emma without her knowing and kind of narratives the story)


So, this is my "quickie" summary of the series now on to the review.

Review
It took me a while to actually finish this book, book number three on the other hand I finished rather quickly. Granted, I am one of those people who reads more than one book at a time and I do have other things going on in my life but I admit I got distracted away from this book and over all I wasn't as into the book as I was at first like I was in the previous books.

This book was a bit repetitive at first, typical Emma trying to figure out who the killer is and making unnecessary assumptions who the killer actually is. So far, in the series every book there is a person in which Emma thinks is the "killer" and so far none of her "assumptions" have turned out to be true. I am excited that there are only two more books in the series (not counting the two novellas) so I can freaking find out who the killer is!!!!!!

This book, to me at least didn't really start "getting good" until about half way towards the end. When, the repetitiveness got "shaken up" a bit. There defiantly were some surprises in this book towards the end (so different from the tv show, which I must add I watched before reading the books)

I won't spoil to much about what happened but I am defiantly excited to read book number six and like I said find out who the killer is!

Over all, I rate this book three and half stars out of four.

Thanks for checking out my blog and happy reading guys,

Kylia aka Alaska Book Girl!

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3451295-kylia

Book Review: The one (selection #3) *Mini Review of the Entire Series*

First as always let me state that I do not own the right to any of the image/s used in my blog. They were provided by Google search.

Introduction
First let me say that I was so supper excited to read this book! I did review the other two books, on goodreads.com I'll post a link to both of those reviews so you guys can check them out!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/833011032?book_show_action=false
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/834768627?book_show_action=false
I will say that they are both brief reviews and are not nearly as long as this book review will be.

Summary
So like I stated above this is the third and final book in the "Selection Series". I know that many of you have probably read the series already and maybe some of you haven't read the series at all.

I won't spoil anything as always, for any of you out there who might want to read this in the future.I'll give some information as a whole what the series is about.

The series takes place, in the future in what use to be The United States and now is called Illea. In this country, everyone has a number of sorts called "castes" when you are in a "castes" it pretty much limits you to certain jobs you can do, if you will be wealthy and so and so forth.

In comes the competition The Selection! It is a tradition where many different young women both rich and poor get entered into a competition to ultimately "win the princes heart" and become rich and famous during the process.

Enter, our lovely main character America. Unlike most of the other girls in the selection she doesn't really want to be a "princess" in fact she would like nothing more to just marry her "secret boyfriend" Aspen who is a lower caste then she is and live a poor and happy life.

She enters the competition not really wanting to and of course "gets selected" to come to the palace and compete for the young princes heart.

Through out the series, there is a bit of a love triangle going on between Aspen, her first love and Maxton the Prince.

The series is almost like the bachelor really, only the winner becomes and princess. There are lots of twists and turns along the way in the series.

Especially, in this last book. There are so many unexpected things that happen in the book! I won't say much because I really don't want to give too much away.

Review
This was such a great book! I absolutely loved this book! I give it 5 out of 5 stars!
I really decided to read the first book in the series on a whim and I have really enjoyed the entries series as a whole.

I think Kiera Casss, did an excellent job bringing the series to a close. She gave us readers exactly what we wanted from the start. (I won't say what but you all can probably guess)

Spoiler alert, if you don't want to know skip reading this part!
I was saddened, of course by many of the events in the series! So many deaths. :( I was happy to see Celeste change her colors in the end and become friends with America of course it would have been nice to see her at the wedding so sad!

It was awful when, Queen Amberly and America's Father passed away as well. The wedding scene was very cute as well and very much enjoyed reading it!

I like how Lucy and Aspen ended up together in the end too! (Though I must admit it was bitter sweet and of course I was always Team Maxton all the way)

I also, enjoyed the meeting some of the rebels and seeing them work together with American and Maxton.

I was pretty surprised that Kriss was rebel all along! I did not see that coming.

Some parts, I was so mad at Maxton! So freaking, indecisive when obviously he wants America! Like how he was going to choose Kriss instead! Come on man noooooo!


Read Here, no more spoilers.
I have checked out some other review for the book and I do think some parts were a bit rushed but like I said I do think this was a good ending.

So much was going on in this book, not to say that nothing happened in the others but at some points it felt "off balance" in comparison to the other books in the series.

I am sad that series is over because I really enjoyed this series! I hope maybe in the future this series could turn into a movie or a tv series. I would love that but then again I might hate who they pick for America.(That always happens in series when there go from book to tv or movie to me any way)

Defiantly, check this series out if you already haven't such a great book series!

Kylia aka Alaskan Book Girl

Book Review: A Connecticut Fashionista in King Arthur's Court

First as always let me state that I do not own the right to any of the image/s used in my blog. They were provided by Google search.



Introduction
I came across this book at my local used bookstore. I thought the title sounded catchy and as I read the back and flipped through the pages; the book seemed utterly entertaining!

A "prissy" "fashionista" or "diva" stuck in Medieval times without starbucks, designer high heels and especially no in door plumbing!

Really, my first impression was that it would be just a really fun read! This book defiantly exceeded my expectations!

Summary
I don't think I will do a "super" long summary of this book because really I just want to get the good part the review! (Plus I don't want to spoil it completely for all of you guys and dolls!)

As, I said above the main character Katherine or "Kat" is a twenty-nine year old woman from New York. I am not exactly what year this book "takes place" but from the pop culture references in the book, I think around 2005. Kat works at a fashion magazine and some what dissatisfied with her job because, her boss is constantly making her do "filler" assignments instead of ones she truly wants to do.

While covering a Medieval, "Resonance Fair" she just so happens to stumble into a tent were a "gypsy" women (whom she deeply offends) puts a curse on her and sends her back into time.

Right off the bats see meets and falls of The Knight Lancelot, (There is a almost instant attraction there) she also meets Guinevere and becomes close friends with her and some what acquaintance with King Arthur.

Now, I won't spoil anything for you guys but a few other characters which are in the story are: Merlin, and Morgan (King Authors Sister), The Lady of the Lake, and a few other characters as well.

Now, like I said I really don't want give to much away because I really encourage all of you to read this book!!!! :)

Review

I was so pleasantly surprised with this book! I think this is probably one the first books that I've read in a while that I really enjoyed and just "captured" putting me into another world.

With this book I think through out the story, it just keeps getting better and better! At first, when I was reading it I did find Kat a bit annoying. Well, I am I can understand she was thrown into another point in time. One thing that was really funny was when she would talk in normal "twenty first century" lingo. She would say things like "dude" and " that's cool" and no one would have any idea what she was saying.

More than anything I love, love the relationship between Kat and Lancelot. I mean who wouldn't want an ultra romantic guy who: literally speak poetically about how beautiful you are and how much he loves you, and also, is protective of you and saves you from being kidnapped and other awful things!

Also, the sex scenes yummy! ha ha What I liked about the sex scenes is they weren't over detailed, it left some parts to the imagination. The way the Author used imaginary you could really feel the passion between the two characters.

I really enjoyed this book, I really hope there is a sequel! (I haven't checked yet) If not I think I will check out some more of this Authors books. I really am sad to say this book is over because I enjoyed it so much.


Kylia aka Alaskan Book Girl

Book Review: Chocolates for Breakfast

First as always let me state that I do not own the right to any of the image/s used in my blog. They were provided by Google search.


Introduction
Strangely enough, I came across this book on cosmopolitan magazine's website; in an article (which I cannot now find) involving something along the lines "love these tv shows? try these books out which are similar". This book "Chocolate for Breakfast"  was compared to the popular tv show "gossip girl". Now I am not a die hard "Gossip Girl" fan but I have seen some episodes on netflix and didn't think it was to bad. So I thought I would give this book a try. I downloaded it on my kindle via amazon and started reading right away.

I am not sure, if I have ever really read a book quite like this before. Obviously this book has more a "formal" tone to it and I usually reads books which are more "informal" but this book was written in the 1950's, so obviously there are many different "cultural" or "society based" things in this book which are not current has the current year is, 2014.

Over all, I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. Why you might ask? Well obviously, if you are reading this review you are wondering what my opinion of this book is or maybe what it is even about.

Let me start out by saying for those people out there who are "recovering" from any sort of "self harm addiction" or "suicidal tendencies" I wouldn't recommend this book for you. All though the book's main character is in fact a girl the ages of 15 and 16, in my opinion this is a "mature book" and this book defiantly has some "mature subject matter".  Now obviously, you can do what you want to do and read this book if you so choose but please keep this in mind. I don't think this book really "encourages" sucicide or self harm or alcoholic behavior but still to be on the safe side, I thought I would mention that.



Summary
I had a hard time reading this book at first because it is a bit "depressing". The main character starts out being a trouble 15 year old Named Courtney who live at a boarding school with her only friend Janet. Courtney has trouble relating to most "young people" her age and her friend Janet who is a "partying socialite" encourages her to hang out with people her own age or at least closer to her age, go on dates with boys, drink and smoke cigarettes and most importantly "start a love affair" or loose her virginity.

While at the boarding school, she is rather close with an older woman named Miss Rosen,who is her "English teacher". Janet accuses her of having a "homosexual relationship" with the women which is false. The older English teacher, breaks off the relationship stating that she needs to talk to people her own age and it is unhealthy to talk to be who are so much older than her.

Her mother Sondra pulls her out of boarding school because she is "depressed" and not really getting along with the younger students. Sondra is an alcoholic, youth obsessed, divorce and just happens to be a washed up actress.

Her mother and father really haven't treated her as a child probably ever in her entire life. So to help her Mother and to cope with her every changing environment, she assumes the role of the "care giver" and thinks of herself mostly as an "adult" though through out most of the book everyone refers her as a "child". At first she detests to this but eventually she accepts this.

She is introduced another washed up actor and supposed "homosexual' has a brief moment with a her Mother's agent (whom is much older) and family friend. She looses her virginity the "gay actor" and has a love affair in secret with him for a while. All the while, her Mother can't seem to find any work in hollywood and they are increasing debut.


She eventually breaks off the affair with "older gay actor" and her Mother move to herself move to New York so she can get a "change of scenery" and also her Mother can see if she can get some acting work on television there.

While she is in New York, she meets up with Janet whom after being kicked out every boarding school you can think of is living with her abusive and alcoholic father and her mother who is rarely there and lives in a mental asylum.

Janet and Courtney take to partying with "Yalies" young men who either dropped out of Yale or who attended Yale. They drink constantly go on many dates with different "Yalies". Janet is pretty much labeled as a "slut" for the most part.

Janet introduces Courtney to Anthony a strange and very rich gentlemen. At first, Anthony out right scares Courtney with his "odd way of speaking and thinking". He talks almost in riddles, at talks openly about "strange" or "taboo" social subjects such as :homosexuality, ect. He wants to have an affair with Courtney and at first she refuse but eventually they do have a "fling". Most of their relationship is kept in secret, especially from Janet whom also had an affair with him.

She also meets a "straight arrow" guy who is also a "yalie" named Charles who she finds "snobby" and a bit annoying at times but grows to like him very much.

Janet has a very large fight with her Father so she stays with Courtney and Sondra for a while and all though she "lives there" she is rarely around because of Janet's moving in with her she starts seeing Charles more and more as a "cover" at first and sees Anthony less and less.


Sondra being a bit of a "control freak" or a "perfectionist" tells Courtney that she wants her to move out because of her "messiness" and she doesn't think that she is a good "influence" on Courtney.




Unfortunately, soon after Janet moves back in with her Father they get into a physical altercation (also after one of her boyfriend's breaks it off with Janet). This event results in Janet committing suicide.

Courtney of course is devastated by this and becomes a bit isolated after this. The book ends with her breaking up with Anthony who earlier on confesses that "he can never love her because he doesn't even love himself" and the book suggest that she ends up with Charles. She also makes the decision to no longer have "casual love affairs" and to stop "drinking to heavily and partying" for Janet.


Review

I enjoyed this book very much. I think this book is one of those book that will always be relevant. Being that the subject matter will always be relevant, this book is about depression, the struggle to find yourself, sexuality and the very real struggle in life to grow up.

I was surprised when Janet ended her life and of course sadden. I was secretly rooting for Anthony and Courtney to some how work out but you can't "change a tiger's stripes" and I suppose he was just to damaged.

This is such a great book! It is really worth the read and I would read it again in a heart beat!

Extra Bit



There is some  controversy surrounding the woman who wrote this book's life and all honestly I am not going to state my opinion on "suicide" stating that it is "right" or "wrong" really to me it is just a very sad thing.

Pamela Moore's story is a sad one and if you'd like to know more about her feel free to google her or even read this book ; there is plenty of information about her out there.

The fact that Pamela Moore committed suicide did not take away anything from this book to me! In fact, it interested me more to learn more about her and read her work.

Many great artists are often "pained" and I know many people believe that these people often make the best "art". As for myself, I'm unsure but I do enjoy this book very much and it was interesting at the end of the book to read her son's word about his Mother in the "foreword".


I hope you all enjoyed my review and thank you for reading,

Alaskan Book Girl aka Kylia

Novella/Short Story Review: Letters of Intent part one & two

First as always let me state that I do not own the right to any of the image/s used in my blog. They were provided by Google search.

I received this book on Goodreads.com from "First Reads", in order to review this book. 



Introduction
This "book" or more accurately at least to my definition a "Novella" is about 35 to 40 pages long. I have read quite a few "free kindle reads" similar to this in the past and I haven't done my research as to if this story is available yet from nook or kindle readers quite yet.

It was funny really when I receive this in the mail, I was so surprised how small it is! ha These short "novellas" just look so much different on "e-read " forum.

Review
I would say my over all rating of this book is 3 1/2 out of 5, which if any of you know me well that is usually my "average" rating of a book. I'll be honest I wasn't very "captured" or "taken" by this book  but being that said I don't think it is a "bad" book.

Like I have mentioned before I have read books similar to this before, in my opinion I do like "short reads" like this. Especially, if you just want something quick to read in one night or you just want a "casual escape". Compared to other "Novellas" that I have read, it just didn't strike my fancy.

I didn't feel that I could really relate to the main character "Abigail" very much. Most of her personality to me isn't very much revealed in the story.

Now, I know when you read "erotica" most people aren't looking for "detailed character background" but hey I am just saying that, even when I read these kind of "cheesy" book (which I will admit I like my occasional erotica and quirky romances) I want to know a more about the character! Other wise who cares what happens? If I don't like the character why would I want to read it? Well obviously for the sex scene!!! ha ha :p

Speaking of sex scenes, that's mostly what this book is sex scene.This book doesn't really "beat around the bush" so if you want a book that "gets right to" by that I mean doesn't go into much detail and "bam" there's a description of penis, then you will like this. :p

I always feel a bit "odd" reviewing this kinds of book, though I do enjoy reading them from time to time. I am not really sure why. Maybe I am secretly bashful because of the sex? who knows? Hey that's me! haha

Over all, not a bad read very fast paced and keeps you turning the pages with anticipation. Like I said my only really criticism with this book is that we really "didn't get to know the characters very well" but hey like I said I know some readers prefer to just get to the "good stuff". I know I can be overly "cheesy" and a big "romantic" so I prefer books with more "winning and dinning" then just "screwing" but hey we are talking about erotica here.

If you want a fast pasted "office romance" with lots of sex and not much  detailed characters or  to thick story line then this book is for you! It was an entertaining enough read, and I might check out the two authors other work in the future.



Thank you, to the publisher, goodreads and to who ever else actually sent me this book! It really is a dream to get books in the mail to review them! I hope to receive many, many more in the future!


Kylia aka Alaskan Book Girl

Netflix Movie Review: Crazy Kind of Love

Besides being a total book "nerd", I admit I am a fan of movies and tv shows! I mean who isn't really? Anything entertainment wise any way. ;)



So I thought I would do a short review, about the movie "Crazy kind of love". I was browsing netflix as I seldomly do and happened to come across the movie "crazy kind of love".


Sam Tramell (the true blood actor) looks a bit silly in the picture in the photo so I was a bit hesitant; just because I love me some True Blood but I decided to try it anyway.

" A broken family finds their relationships to one another changed by a new arrival in the household."

Pretty much the over all plot, of the movie is that there entire family, is messed up due to Virginia Madsen's character Augusta whose husband walks out on here. She has two young adult sons, who are seemingly both messed up. Henry played by Graham Rogers who is a recent high school graduate, typical party guy who doesn't have much self direction in his life. Her other older son is Matthew played by Zach Gilford, is a socially awkward and very smart.


There mother falls into a deep depression and while doing so her nerdy son Zach comes back for the summer. Henry meets and ultimately falls in love with Bette played by Amanda Crew.



Bette and Henry's relationship is endearing and Bette is quirky girl of sorts and decides to move into the family home and attempts to really help the entire family out.

Augusta ends up slowly but surely (while still in her depression and refusing to leave her room) make a connection with pot dealing and local business owner Jeff played by Sam Trammel.



Henry still dealing with his own personal issues (mostly the fact that his Father is with another woman and his Father forced him to lie about the relationship to his mother), ends up pushing Bette away.



Oddly enough, Bette comes the conclusion that the way to help "awkward" Zach by making him "comfortable with women" by sleeping with him. She still confirms that she is still in love with Henry. Eventually, Henry finds out and after punching his brother runs off to live with another "local girl" played by Aly Michalka. Of course Bette moves out as well.

As most movies do everything ends up working out; Zach dates a girl that Bette set him up with, Augusta recovers from her depression and ends up forming a relationship with Jeff. Henry moves back in and so does Bette and it turns out she's pregant; with Henry's baby not Zach's.

Over all, the movie was a cute and quirky watch. I would recommend it if you like "light hearted" and little "out of the box" kinds of movies.

Thanks guys, for reading and feel free to contact me if you wish. I plan on posting book reviews, soon!

Alaskan Book Girl aka Kylia

All images were found on google and I don't own any of them! If any image used is yours feel free to contact me and I will take it down.