June Wrap Up

It's the end of June and I really don't believe it, I mean it's the end of June and it's Summer, the kids are out of school and everything.  And...Christmas is only 6 months from now, I know, I know...I'm crazy but I just had to do it lol

So, this month I didn't do as great as I did last month on my reading but I read really big books so I'm going to say I still did pretty good.

Here is what I read in June:

Charmed by Michelle Krys: 4 Stars

Loved it.  It was action packed and lots of witchy stuff.  Review to come soon.

The Heir by Keira Cass: 5 Stars

Don't blame me, The Selection Series are my guilty pleasure and The Heir didn't disappointed me, I loved it.  And it was nice to see a point of view from a woman in the Selection, can't wait for the next book.  Review to come soon.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson: 5 Stars

I finally gave in and read this book, it has been all over booktube and instagram last summer and it it was coming up this year again so I picked it up.  And I gotta say, I loved it.  Friendship, romance, family, summer...it was great.  Review to come soon.

 Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon: 5 Stars

This is an eArc that I got from NetGalley and I knew that I had to read it so I picked it up and it sure didn't disappointed me.  I loved it and the twist in the book?  Loved it.  Totally recommend, can't wait to do a review on this book.

 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn:  5 Stars

So I was I work last week and we started talking about this book/movie and because I hadn't watched or read the book and they kept bragging about I knew that I just had to pick it up and read it and that's what I did.  And holly molly, what a book, twists and twists, once you read it you cannot put it down that's for sure.  I can't wait to do a review on this book...soon, soon.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell: Half Way Done

I am almost done with it, I don't know why I haven't finished yet.  I am enjoying the book, but I just can't seem to be able to fly thru it like I do the others.  But I am going to finish this book, I'm going to try to finish it tonight, I just cannot do it anymore.  What do you guys think about this book?  Does it get better?

And that will do for my June Wrap Up, what did you read this month?

What are you planning to read next month?

XOXO,

Nelia

Nail of the Week: Orange You Jealous?

Happy Monday and Happy short week!!!  It's the 4th of July in US so we get Friday off, Yippee. 

Anyway, here is my nails for this week:

L'Oreal Orange You Jealous

What are you up to this week?  I'm actually working on my planner right now...lots of appointments but planning some fun stuff too.

XOXO,

Nelia

Nail of the Week: 4th of July

It's Independence Day Saturday and I get Friday off Yeah!!! Long Weekend here I come, and to start off...

I'm doing my nails in celebration of the 4th so let's take a look:

What are you all doing this week? I'm kicking off the long weekend with beach day tomorrow, if yoy leave in US what are you  doing?

XOXO,

Nelia

Weekend Reads: Gone Girl and FanGirl

It's Friday, It's Friday, did I say it's Friday? Oh YEAH...this week was HECTIC.  Lots and lots of appointments, so I am glad that it's over and that the weekend is here.  Saturday is still a busy morning but after that?  It's boating time, which means relaxing and reading time and that will equal to: Happy Girl.  And speaking of girl, that the word is on both of my current readings, believe it or not and that wasn't even planned, I actually just realized it lol

Let's check it out?

First of all I have been reading:

FanGirl by Rainbow Rowel 

And I have been really enjoying, however I got into a reading slump this week so...I just last night I picked up:

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

My coworkers were talking about how great this book was and it was time that I started reading so...I did and I cannot put it down now.   So, I'll probably read and finish this book this weekend or sooner lol

What are you guys up to this weekend?  I hope you all have a great weekend!!!

XOXO,

Nelia

Book Review: Shadow Scales Rachel Hartman

Book Review time and today's book is the sequel to Seraphina which I reviewed earlier this week.  So, who's ready for the review, but just as a disclaimer: SPOILERS.  If you haven't read the first book, please don't read this review and read the first book first.  But you can read my free spoilers review for Seraphina above.

Let's start the show:

Shadow Scales by Rachel Hartman

In the Kingdom of Goredd, both humans and dragons live side by side, some happy about it, others not so happy about it.  And then there are those few who are both human and dragon who must hide the truth.   Seraphina is one of them, half human, half dragon, who is also drawn into the politics of her world and not by choice but she also doesn't regret, because she would do anything to help her kingdom.

The second book picks up exactly where the first one left out: war has break out between human and dragons.  Seraphina is asked to travel the lands to find those like herself (she is asked to do that as she has an inexplicable connection to all of them) so that together they may be able to fight the dragons in powerful, magical ways.

As Seraphina travels, she meets humans who are against half dragons and want to stop her, but the most terrifying of all is this one half dragon, who creeps into other people's minds and take them over.  Seraphina starts to learn more about her kind and herself too.  She has learned that as a child she learned how to block other people into entering her mind, but now she is learning that also means she's held back her own gift.

Now she has an important decision to make, one that could save not only her life but many people's lives.  Will she do it?  Or will she still hold back?

Well, you will have to read it to find out.  Rachel Hartman, did it again with this book, the world build up was magnificent again, you got a map (Thank You Very  Much) and everywhere Seraphina traveled, it was described perfectly.  The characters?  Where should I even start, so many introduced in this book and you get to know each of them so deep and you get to connect to each of them individually.  But of course I did have a couple favorites, who doesn't, right?  Abdo was the cutest.  The history was there again, which is a plus again.  Seraphina been the hero, I am all for it and I kind of liked the way the war was ended and all and I'm glad the evil was destroyed and period, that's all I'm going to say about it.

Now, let's talk about the romance, or should I say: lack of?  And the reason I didn't give this book a 5 star rating?  The end was another reason for the 4 star rating and I think many people agree with me.  Kiggs, come on...seriously?  And Seraphina how could you agree with that?  I don't want to spoil the ending, so that's all I'm going to say about it.  And Orma, I cannot believe what Rachel this to this character, that was SAD and I'm still upset about it.  I love Orma.

I'm going to end my review on that note, I did really enjoy the book and would read it again in a heartbeat and totally recommend to anyone who loves reading a good book about dragons.  Seraphina was my first book about dragons and I'm so glad that I started with it, now I'm ready to move on the next dragon adventure.  4 out of 5 stars.

XOXO,

Nelia

Book Review: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Book Review Tuesday and today's book it's one that I'm pretty excited about it, I read this book a couple months ago already and it's about time I'm getting to this review because I loved it.  I'm going to stop babbling and get to the review...

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

This book takes place in Goredd, where dragons and humans live and work side by side, but tension and hostility still exist among them too.

At the royal court a new gifted musician named Seraphina has just become a member there but what no one there knows is her deep secret, one that she guards with all her life.

Then a royal family member is brutally murdered and Seraphina is somehow drawn into the investigation alongside with Prince Lucien who is...cute, hot and very suspicious you could say.

At first Lucien isn't sure if he could trust Seraphina but then he begins to realize that he can trust her more than he realized, especially when Seraphina is willing to go with him to uncover the plot to destroy the wavering peace of the their kingdom.

Seraphina in the other hand is struggling to maintain her secret a secret, especially the more she becomes closer with Prince Lucien and Princess Glisselda, but she finds that by helping them saving their beloved kingdom will justify her secret.

I loved the world building in this book, every time I was reading I was getting more and more captivating by the world, by the end of the book I felt like I knew Goredd and that I wanted to go there and visit.  And Seraphina's garden?  I mean, I know that isn't real but I still want to visit lol

The characters?  Where should I even begin?  Seraphina is AMAZING, loved her, that's all I'm going to say about her.  Lucien is another amazing character, down to earth but at the same time someone that is fair and isn't afraid to do justice and fight for what he cares for.  Glisselda, where do I even start with this one, she is carefree but loving and caring at the same time, you can't help but fall in love with her.  And all of Seraphina's garden characters?  You get to meet a few of them in this book but I can't wait to get to meet more of them.  All the side characters fit perfectly to the story, there wasn't one that was just hanging there, do you know what I mean?  They all had a purpose and I loved that. 

I also loved how this book talks about family and music and history (dragons and human history) it was fascinating, it's not a small book but once you start you just cannot stop reading it and once you finish it you feel like you need more of it.  It's like a long book that you want to finish and don't want at the same time.

I gave it a 4 out o 5 stars and I think it was because I wanted more...I totally recommend this book and really hope that you pick it up if you haven't done it already.

That will do it for my review.

XOXO,

Nelia

Nail of the Week: Neutral Nails

Happy Mani Monday Friends...let's start this week in a Positive note, shall we?  Lately I have been having some negativity so from now on it's time to ignore these negative people and just be positive, am I right?

Let's start this with a positive quote:

Focus On The Good

And now on to my Mani for the week:

Perfect Pair by Revlon

 

What are you guys up this week?  How was your Father's Day?


XOXO,

Nelia

Weekend Reads: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

It's Friday people...let's take a moment and Thank the heavens that we made it another week lol.

What are you guys up to this weekend?  It's Father's Day weekend so...I will probably be spoiled my Dad and hubby a LOT.  And I'll squeeze in a little reading of course, here is the book that I'm currently reading:

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Hope you all have a great weekend...

XOXO,

Nelia

Book Review: Graphic Novels Part 2

Book Review time and it's Graphic Novels Part 2 and today I'm reviewing 3 more, let's just get to them, shall we?

These 3 Graphic Novels are all based on Classics that's why I decided to include them together and separated from the others:

Les Miserables: 4 Stars

I read the Les Miserables book back when I was in High School so when I saw this Graphic Novel at NetGalley I knew that I HAD to read it and I'm so glad that I did.  This comic is a great introduction if you have never read the Les Miserables before or like me a great reminder of a great story that it is.  The art of this comic bring this story of love and tragedy set in the 19th century so perfectly, you will fall in love just the same way as reading the book.  Totally recommend this graphic novel. 

The ScArlet Letter: 4 Stars

I haven't read the book The ScArlet Letter so this graphic novel was a GREAT introduction for me and now I cannot wait to pick up this classic and read it.  Who doesn't want to read more about a tale of forbidden love, shame and revenge?   This classic was really well portrait in this graphic, the art was really well done and the story well written, as well as it can be for a graphic novel.  It was nice to read and to visualize as well and see the settings and the characters, very well done.  The romance was great, it was great how Hester could keep her secret so well kept it and not mind to go through what she did and doing what she did at the end?  I don't know if I would have done what she did, she really loved him.  So, I totally recommend this graphic novel as a great introduction to this classic or if you have read it then it would probably be a great reminder too.

Pride and Prejudice: 5 Stars

I loved, loved this adaption, Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite classics of all times; and this manga was just perfect for my craving of Pride and Prejudice re read.  Mr. Darcy, Oh Mr. Darcy, portrayed just as amazing as the book, I love him :)
For me P&P is a perfect classic to start and if you haven't then maybe you can start with this manga and then grab the book?  Try it, it's amazing, you will love it.  Who doesn't love a great love story?


And this will do for all my graphic novels reviews this week, Thank You NetGalley for all these amazing eBooks, I loved reading them, especially the classics. 

XOXO,

Nelia

Book Review: Graphic Novels-Part 1

It's Book Review Tuesday today and it's Graphic Novel week here on the blog, going to review all the graphic novels that I have read so far and I'm going to split between today and Thursday, let's jump to it?

Today I'll be reviewing 5 of them...

Transformers: Drift: Empire of Stone #1- 3 Stars

Transformers never disappoint you, right?  This one didn't again, but I felt like I needed more, it was a really short book, but it was entertaining while it last it.  And don't worry, there was plenty of action, lots of fighting and of course saving the world as usual.

Sweet Blood Volume 1- 3 Stars

I don't what I was expecting when I starting reading this book, but it wasn't what I got. Well, when I looked at the cover I thought I was going to get a vampire action comic book, but nope, there was a vampire but no action.  It was an ok read, but I will not continue with this series that's for sure.  I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but no action at all?  Come one...I could drop my rating to 2 stars easily, but I will keep it at 3 because the art was good.

Let's Eat Ramen and Other Doujinshi Short Stories- 3 Stars

I enjoyed the first story, but the other stories got me confused.  At first I thought they would somehow interconnect?  But did they?  I still don't know.  But some of them were really cute and I really liked the romance on them.  And the art was really amazing.

The Worrier's Guide to Life- 4 Stars

Want a good laugh?  Pick this one up, I loved it, not the best art, but you will laugh for sure.  And you will start nodding and agreeing to the stuff that is written in the book.  Good solid 4 stars.  Please read it.

 The October Faction- 3 Stars

Action, scary stuff and creepy family, you get it all and more than you want in this one.  It was fun reading it and I may even pick up the next volume and see where this story goes.  This is a family that their business is not what you may expect it to be, their hunt monsters.  The first volume is an introduction, so not much happens, which I think that's the reason I want to pick up the next volume and read it.

And that will do it for today, Thank You NetGalley for all these Graphic Novels.

Do you like reading Graphic Novels?  Which ones do you recommend?

XOXO,

Nelia

Nail of the Week: Daisies

Happy Monday and we have another beautiful week ahead of us over here in New England, spring/summer weather is finally here.  And for this week's nails I went a little bit flowery:

Let's take a look?

I went with Yellow nails and couple nails with Daisies...

What are you doing this week?

XOXO,

Nelia

Weekend Reads: Since You've Been Gone and Everything Everything

Happy Friday!!! So yesterday I was at my first Physical Therapy appointment and I didn't have my Since You've Been Gone book with me so...I started an ebook, what? I had my phone and I just got approved from NetGalley for the Everything Everything book and I just started reading and now I can't put it down. And guess what I'll be reading this weekend:

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

I'm pretty sure I'm going to finish one of them this weekend!!!

What are up to this weekend?

XOXO,

Nelia

Book Review: 5 to 1 by Holly Bodger

Book Review time and today's book is another NetGalley book:

5 to 1 Holly Bodger

Let me start with saying that this is one of my favorite book of this year so far and when I starting reading this book I didn't know I was going to enjoy it as much as I did.  Ah, the magic of reading :)

So, let's get to the review...

It's the year 2054 and India now has a ratio of five boys for every girl, making women very valuable.  The women who form the country of Koyanagar got tired of marrying off their daughters to the highest bidder and decided to make marriage "fair", so now that country has a new system; they have instituted a series of tests so that every boy has the chance to win a wife.

Sudasa is our main girl and it's her turn to go into these tests, well to see five boys go through these tests to win her as his wife, her in the other hand?  She doesn't want to become a wife.

And our main boy named Kiran?  He is forced to compete  the test to become her husband, but he also has other plans...

Sudasa's family is very powerful and they want nothing more than for her to compete and just pick a husband and live life comfortably.  But Sudasa wants something else, she wants freedom and she is tired of people deciding for her and telling her what to do. And more now than ever; when she realizes that the test are not what they seem, for once why is her cousin competing for her hand, there is only one way he could be there, it was all planned and now more than ever she is going to fight for what she wants, even if it means getting the help from the last expected person: Kiran.

Kiran, he is only participating because his family wants him to escape the country and in order for him to do that is by participating and failing the tests and so he agrees to go in.  But once he is there, things take a little twist and he ends up winning some of the tests, until he and Sudasa realize that they want the same thing and at he very end they realize that they may need each other more than they realize.

This book is so amazing, first of all the girl's perspective is written in verse, first time for me and I LOVED IT.  The boy's was your regular version but still beautifully written.  I'm in love with Holly Bodger's writing style.  Back to the book, it touches feminism which it was written fabulously.  Sudasa was such a strong character but with a soft side at the same time, a perfect character, you will fall in love with her from the first chapter.  Kiran, holly molly, I love that kid, I need more of him, he has such a great story, AH no spoilers you need to read, but trust me you will LOVE him, courageous, friendly and everything in between.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars, I read it in one sitting and when I was done there was only one problem: I needed the next book RIGHT AWAY.  I totally recommend this book and really hope that you will give it a try.

XOXO,

Nelia

Book Review: Whispers in the Dark by Chase J Jackson

Book Review Tuesday and today's review is another NetGalley review:

Whispers in the Dark by Chase J Jackson

Adrian is back in his hometown (Newman, Georgia) and he has finally landed his very first job after finishing college and it's an opportunity of a lifetime: teaching at the elite Finley Academy.  He returns home with his girlfriend and high hopes but once he starts his lifetime job things is NOT what he imagined.

Adrian suffers from anxiety disorder and he has kept that a secret all his life but his new job's pressure is making it hard for him to hiding it.  And now something weird is going on at the school that he is teaching and the identical twins Raven and Robin, two of his students, have something to do with it.  Adrian at first tries to just let it go, but then he gets accused who something that he didn't do and that's when he decides that enough is enough and he decides to find out what is the secret of that school.

Be prepared for some detective and some paranormal in this book.  When I read the summary of this book, I didn't think it would be too creepy but it did get a little creepy towards the end and I was reading the book in the middle of the night, I know not a smart move lol.

I really recommend this book, I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.  When I started reading it I didn't think I would enjoy as much as I did, maybe because it's a short book...I don't know, but I'm really glad that I read it.  Adrian is such a great character, your typical guy that is just out of college,  just wants to hang out with his buddies and then go home to his girlfriend and then do his job.  And when something this deep happens to him, I wasn't sure what to expect at first, will he screw up or act on it?  Ah, I'm going to stop it, I really hope you guys give it a try and read it because you will enjoy, especially if you like paranormal stuff.

And that will do for my review.

XOXO,

Nelia

Nail of the Week: Cafe Pink

Happy Monday and can this week be over yet?  Or at least half way?  I have tons of appointments to go to, my oldest is at Camp until Wednesday...I'm a MESS, I admitted, okay?  I'm going to dive myself into reading so I cannot think about that I'm missing a kid until Wednesday, well thinking about it, it maybe good for my TBR :)

Well, going way off topic here, let's get back to today's topic:

Nail of the Week:

Revlon Café Pink

Going light with my nails as this week it's going to be HOT, YEAH...at least one good thing this week.

What are you doing this week?

XOXO,

Nelia

Weekend Reads: Charmed by Michelle Krys

It's Friday, Friday...YEAH.  I want to REST and RELAX this week, what about you?  So, I already told my husband I'm grabbing my book and we will hit the boat and just read and relax, hoping the weather cooperates lol

Here's what I'll be reading:

Charmed by Michelle Krys

Have a great weekend...

XOXO,

Nelia

Book Review; World After by Susan Ee

Book Review time and this is the second book in a trilogy, I reviewed this first book earlier this week, Angelfall, go check the review here:

World After by Susan Ee

Spoilers...If you haven't read the first book; Angelfall, please go read and don't read this review.  But if you have read let's get to this review, shall we?

This book takes off right after where Angelfall ended, Penryn has found Paige and is reunited with her mother, however they think that she is dead, but she is not, she is just paralyzed from the monster's bite.  When she wakes up people are afraid of her and her sister, well everyone is afraid of her family, but soon they gain her trust as she is together with the same group that she met with Raffe in the first book.  

But soon Penryn realizes that her little sister is not the same anymore, the angels have done something terrible wrong to her and one day she is witness to one of those terrible things.  And then Paige disappears...and Penryn has to go and look for Paige because no matter what she is still her little sister, right?

Raffe is still on the hunt for his true wings and devastated thinking that Penryn has died.  Without his rightful wings he cannot join the angels as one of their leaders.  During one of his fights he finds out that Penryn is alive and then he has to make a decision, to recapturing his wing or keeping Penryn alive, what will he choose? 

Will they join forces again?  Will they fight against the angels?  What are the angels planing?  What is Paige?  Can she be saved?  Well, it is a lot of questions, right?  But I cannot answer them, because again, this is another fast, action packed book that Susan Ee gave us.  You will not be disappointed, that's for sure, but the end?  You will be left wanting more, but not worries, the 3rd book just came out recently and I cannot wait to pick it up and see what happens.  

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.  I really hope you guys read this trilogy, because it really is so good.

And that's it for this review...

XOXO,

Nelia

Summer TBR

It's June and that means Summer is pretty much around the corner, a couple weekends ago I did a Summer To Be Read list, there are a couple series that I really just want cross off my list this summer and a few other books that I want to read; so here is my list for this summer:

The Mortal Instruments Cassandra Clare (6)

The Heroes of Olympus Ricky Rodan (5)

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover (1)

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas (4)

We Will Always Have Summer by Jenny Han (1)

Yes, that's a lot of books so I'm hoping to get to most of them.  I know I will read We Will Always Have Summer really, really quick so...and I can't wait to find out how this trilogy ends.

The rest of them I just want to know what the hype is all about, I have heard nothing but great things about it so it's about time I get to them, right?

What are you guys reading this summer?

XOXO,

Nelia