Giveaway @ Randomness and Reading by Christina

Christina over at Randomness and Reading by Christina is having her first giveaway.  She’s offering Spellbound by Kelley Armstrong, it’s book 12 of her Otherworld series.  

I haven’t gotten into that particular series yet (although it's on my TBR), but I loved Armstrong’s Darkest Powers series.  So I know I’d enjoy this one as well.  Anyway, check it out and enter to win here.

--monica

It's Wednesday, I'm in Love...

It's Wednesday (or Thursday)!  So that means we're already in the middle of the week, Hump Day, if you will.  Everyone needs a little pick-me-up around this time, right?  We decided that to help us get through the week we would share our favorite fictional love stories.  It can be a favorite of all time or from the book you're currently reading.  As long as it involves love, come on over and share!

This Wednesday, let’s discuss our favorite Love Triangle.  We know they aren’t everybody’s thing, but here at Heart Bound, we just can’t get enough.

Monica’s Choice

I love me a good love triangle, especially when it's hard to decide between which pairing is the best.  This week I'm going to pick the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning.  I'm not sure if I would necessarily call the triangle between Mac, Barrons and V'lane a LOVE triangle, but a girl can hope that it will turn into one.  Can't she?  Of course!  Anyway, there are moments that I am torn between whether I prefer Barrons or V'lane or either one at all.  I don't know if I've shared on here my weakness for a fairy (not in real-life of course, my husband would probably like me to comment on his manliness that drips with virile testosterone) and V'lane pretty much fits the bill for what I like in my fairies.  Yet for the most part, I am all Team Barrons.  He's tall, dark, handsome, mysterious and lethal.  What could be a better combo?  He can be, and almost always is, a huge jerk, but he never fails when it comes to saving Mac's life.  Sometimes he's even tender, but it's a quick flash and before Mac can process it, Barrons is back to his cold self.  So can Mac trust him?  Or is he one of the bad guys that she'll have to kill in the end?  I can't wait to find out when I finish up the last of the Fever series, Shadowfever.  I just hope I can handle whatever happens!

Lindsey’s Choice

Julianne’s Choice

Who is involved in your favorite Love Triangle?

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday!  Don't you wish they were just as wonderful as the picture suggests?  Well, let's make them that way and talk about one of our favorite things.  BOOKS!  So it's time to share our reading plans for the week.  Whether you get to them all this week or change your plans by Wednesday, give us your titles...

Monica’s Reads

Lindsey’s Reads

Julianne’s Reads

What are you reading this week?

Friday Blog Hop

It’s time for Parajunkee’s Friday Blog Hop and we love the question this week.  All three of us our obsessed with the topic lately.  So join us for some fun...

Q.  In light of the Summer Solstice. Also known as Midsummer...let's talk about fairies. What is your favorite fairy tale or story that revolves around the fae?

Monica

I love a fairy tale.  I could probably say that any fairy tale is close to being my favorite.  But if I had to choose just one it would be the retelling of the Brothers Grimms’ (that sounds wrong) Goose Girl by Shannon Hale.  I’ve also read the original and Hale stays true to the tone and story.  Although it is not quite as dark as the Brothers Grimm version, it is not what you would call the Disney version.  Isi, the main character, never gives up and I love that message.  Highly entertaining and leaves you thinking about it for years afterwards.  

I also love stories about fae.  I have read a pretty good assortment, The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa, the Fairiewalker series by Jenna Black, Impossible and Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin, and the Need series by Carrie Jones.  But I would have to say my favorite is the Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr.  I’m a bit of a sucker for grittier, darker stories and this one fits the bill.  I like that each book follows a different character, but past characters make plenty of appearances.  I highly recommend this series.

Lindsey

Julianne

Having fun...

What is your favorite fairy tale or story about fae?

It's Wednesday, I'm in Love...

It's Wednesday!  So that means we're already in the middle of the week, Hump Day, if you will.  Everyone needs a little pick-me-up around this time, right?  We decided that to help us get through the week we would share our favorite fictional love stories.  It can be a favorite of all time or from the book you're currently reading.  As long as it involves love, come on over and share!

This Wednesday, let’s discuss our favorite Opposites Attract couple.

Monica’s Choice

Since I just finished up Perfect Chemistry, I have Alex and Brittany on the brain.  At times, they are complete opposites, extremes on either end of the spectrum.  He’s super bad, she’s super good and they’ve both worked hard to maintain those images.  And that’s the thing, they both live a life contrary to what they feel is right for them.  They sacrifice what they want for family, although the reasons are different.  Alex doesn’t like Brittany and she doesn’t like him.  So why are they drawn to each other?  They’re not headed for a fairy tale, but what they feel for each other is real and raw.  It will open them up to hurt and vulnerability.  Will it be worth it? 

This is who I picture as Alex.  This is who I pictured as Brittany.    

Lindsey’s Choice

This week my choice is mostly based on a TV show and partly based on a book.  I first read The Vampire Diaries over 15 years ago (yikes!).  I loved it then but that was also around the time that I quit reading.  Thank goodness L J. Smith is still writing them (or at least for now, that's another post).  Within the past year I have started reading it again.  Now it is a series.  I don't even know where to begin describing the books other than Stefan and Damon are vampires.  While Stefan naturally tries to be good, Damon, his brother is naturally bad.  So it's the whole good vs. bad thing.  In the book I love Elena and Stefan together (for now at least), but I have to say I LOVE the chemistry between Elena and Damon on the show.  It's a show I watch with my sisters and only my sisters.  I live in Memphis, one lives in Arizona, and the other lives in Birmingham.  So you can guess how often I get to watch the show.  I LOVE it though.  I feel like I am betraying them if I ever watch it on my own.  Because of this, I have missed this last season.  I really want to catch up.  I really want Elena and Damon to get together.  Watch this clip and you'll see why,

Julianne’s Choice

Has a life and is gone for the rest of the week...

Who is your favorite Opposites Attract couple in love?

Perfect Chemistry Review

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

4 Stars

Synopsis:

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

Review:

This book alternates between the POV of Brittany and Alex, which I’m not usually a fan of, but it worked here for me.  I enjoyed being able to see what they thought of each other and certain situations.  Brittany and Alex couldn’t be more different, but they also couldn’t be more similar.  Each is living a life they want to escape, but can’t for the same reasons.  I instantly liked Alex and warmed up to Brittany very quickly, especially when seeing her interact with her sister.

Although this is YA, it is very gritty and Elkeles does not hold back.  The romance is a bit more mature than most YA.  The characters face very serious situations and the outcome isn’t always sunny.  I was expecting a fast, breezy read, this was anything but.  I went through it quickly, but only because I couldn’t wait to see how their stories ended.  I was not left disappointed.  

--monica

Blogger is not letting me upload images, so go here for a looksy at the book.

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday!  Don't you wish they were just as wonderful as the picture suggests?  Well, let's make them that way and talk about one of our favorite things.  BOOKS!  So it's time to share our reading plans for the week.  Whether you get to them all this week or change your plans by Wednesday, give us your titles...

Monica’s Reads

Lindsey’s Reads

Julianne’s Reads

What are you reading this week?

Friday Blog Hop

We’re participating in our first Blog Hop!  We’re pretty excited.  We’ll be joining in on the fun had at Parajunkee’s Feature and Follow Friday.  She asks great questions each Friday and they are always fun to answer.  So we thought, what the heck, we might as well get in on the action. 

Today’s question:

Genre Wars! What's your favorite genre and which book in that genre made it your favorite?

Monica

This cover is way creepier than the one I had.

My favorite genre has been Paranormal for as long as I can remember.  It started with the ghostly Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn.  Molly’s family moves into a remodeled church out in the country near Baltimore.  Soon after, a dangerous ghost starts luring Molly’s step-sister away and sinister things begin to happen.  I first read this book in the 2nd or 3rd grade and have re-read it more times than I can count.  Lindsey and I would sit up late at night reading scary stories.  I love scary stories, especially if they have some sort of paranormal aspect.  I credit this genre for my love of reading.  I couldn’t get enough of ghosts, vampires, shape shifters, and witches.  Nothing much has changed since.  

Lindsey

I'm going to have to agree with Monica on Paranormal.  I can't get enough of them.  I hate to admit this, especially on a book blog, but when I went into middle school I thought reading was for dorks.  Maybe, it was because I was concerned that I was a dork because I loved Paranormal books so much.  Anyways, to try and be cool, I quit reading.  One of my biggest regrets.  For years I only picked up a book if it was for an assignment or school.  Luckily, as an adult, I don't care what people think.  I do what makes me happy and I'm happy to admit to my quirky habits.  It's what makes me me.  And I LOVE Paranormal!!!!!!!

Julianne

I would have to say that Paranormal is my favorite genre as well but since Monica has already talked about it I thought I would change it up a bit. My second favorite genre would definitely have to be Fantasy. It is after all the genre that got me hooked on reading. Now you may be wondering what such book could bring a girl (whose family was worried might never pick up a book) to absolutely be obsessed with reading. That wonderful book is HARRY POTTER. These books have been a HUGE part of my life. I am not afraid to say that I have been a crazy OBSESSED Potter fan. It makes me truly sad that after the movie comes out this summer that I will no longer have any new Harry Potter stuff to look forward to. But hey.... I always have Universal to go to and enjoy the wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

And to show Harry through the years I'm going to share one of my favorite pictures of all time....

Image found here

So, what’s your favorite genre?

Conspiracy in Death Review

Conspiracy in Death by JD Robb

5 Stars

Synopsis:

At a time when human nature remains as predictable as death, a killer plays God - and puts innocent lives in the palm of his hand...

With the precision of a surgeon, a serial killer preys on the most vulnerable souls of the world's city streets. The first victim: a sidewalk sleeper, found dead in New York City. No bruises, no signs of struggle. Just a laser-perfect, fist-sized hole where his heart had once been. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is assigned to investigate. But in the heat of a cat-and-mouse game with the killer, Dallas's job is suddenly on the line. Now her hands are tied...between a struggle for justice - and a fight for her career...

Review:

This was a very complex installment in the In Death series.  Eve was on the search for a serial killer, dealing with a whiny police officer that had it out for her, flashbacks of a tormented childhood, terrible accusations abound, and fighting for her job.  Robb/Roberts has spun a great story and not a single aspect is neglected.  Where do I start?

Eve and Roarke prove once again to be the perfect team.  Their banter is entertaining, their love inspiring and their loyalty unbreakable.  There are great moments in their relationship in this book. 

So far this is my favorite in the series.  It was a bit more personal than the ones before it.  We see the the vulnerable side of Eve.  Her identity is in her career, and when that’s threatened, she starts to unravel.  On top of this, she’s having revealing flashbacks.  Rather than push them back into the dark, she decides to confront them.  My heart ached for her and Roarke as she recounts those early years.  As strange as it sounds, I think it’s those early years that give her the push she needs to fight for her life and for the lives of others.  

Even when she’s sorting through all the personal stuff, Eve doesn’t give up on her current case.  There’s a killer out there, and they’re not getting away...

--monica

  

Friday Night! Movie Night!

If we’re not talking about books, we’re probably discussing movies.  Even better, movies adapted from books.  Whether it’s which actors should play what character or what we picture the book’s world looking like on the silver screen, we’ll spend hours  deciding just what will make the movie perfect.  

This Friday, let’s talk about the movies that inspire us to read the book it’s based on.

Monica

In most cases, I won’t watch a movie, unless I’ve read the book it’s based on.  I think there are a lot of moments in a movie that wouldn’t make sense if you hadn’t read the book first.  When I do watch the movie first, it’s usually because I had no idea it was based on a book.  This doesn’t happen a lot now, but it used to.  One of my favorite movies is Where the Heart Is, but I have never read the book by Billie Letts (didn’t know it was a book for years).  I know this is a problem easily remedied, but for some reason I also worry that the book will ruin the movie.  The opposite is usually true.  But I have added it to my TBR (to-be-read) and am really inspired to read it.  Harry Potter is another one for me, but I 

won’t start the books until after I see the last movie next month.  I am honestly so sad that the movies will be over!  I love them.  One of the reasons I have not yet read the books is that I am able to watch the movies and relax.  No comparisons to the books, no disappointment in omissions.  Just pure entertainment.  So sometimes watching the movie first, has its advantages.

Lindsey

I go through periods of time where I think that every movie is based on a book.  I'll see a movie, then think "I have to read that book!"  I look for the book only to find out that one does not exist.  Other times I think that a movie is just a movie, I never even consider that it was ever even a book.

Just recently I had a birthday.  My dad was so excited for me to get my present.  I could not imagine what it could be.  Finally it arrived and to my amazement it was the Amazon Kindle.  Gasp!!!!!  I love it!  I never thought I would enjoy one simply because I love the smell of books, the look of books, and having that collection on my shelf (not to fail to mention that I do judge a book by it's cover).  But I do love my Kindle (I'll get to the point soon enough).  After a while I got bored of reading the manual, I decided to go to Amazon and look at books, see what I could find.  I was so excited to see they had books for free and only $0.99 (trust me, I got a lecture from my husband "I know how much you read......we're not going to go broke over books....).  One of the suggestions that popped up was The Princess Bride.  Wait!?  What!?  That's a book?  I know I sound silly, especially to those of you who know that this is a book, but I honestly had no idea.  The Princess Bride is in my top 5 favorite movies.  After this discovery, I'm hoping the book will be up there too.

Julianne
I love finding out when movies are based on books because then its just another book for me to read. So normally if a movie is about to come out and it looks interesting I try to figure out if it is based on a book. My inspiration to read a book because of a movie goes back a few years.



When I was in 5th grade I went and saw The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. And let me say I LOVE THAT MOVIE. So right after I saw the movie I flew through the entire series. To this day it is still one of my FAVORITE books.

What movie has inspired you to read the book?

Bookmarks

When I read a book I do not have a designated bookmark.  I sit down somewhere, I read a book, and if I have to get up to go anywhere, I grab what I can find.  I've used my phone, receipts, a dvd, photos, tp, a sock, neosporin, a flower, a leaf, blades of grass, I've even used my own hair (doesn't work great).  What's the oddest thing you have used as a bookmark?  (come on, I know I'm not the only one who uses random objects)

~Lindsey


image from here

It's Wednesday, I'm in Love...

Image from here.

It's Wednesday!  So that means we're already in the middle of the week, Hump Day, if you will.  Everyone needs a little pick-me-up around this time, right?  We decided that to help us get through the week we would share our favorite fictional love stories.  It can be a favorite of all time or from the book you're currently reading.  As long as it involves love, come on over and share!

This Wednesday, let’s discuss our favorite couple from a Paranormal.

Monica’s Choice

Paranormal is one of my favorite genres, so naming my favorite couple is harder than I thought it would be.  Hmmm...  Okay, I’ve got one, Jay and Violet from The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting.  They are best friends, pretty much from birth and I love watching the slow, plausible progression into something more.  Violet fights the attraction, gets sweat-inducing nervous around Jay and all the while he seems totally oblivious.  But is he really?  You’ll just have to read to find out.  This is one of the best YA books I have read in quite a while and I recommend it to anyone that loves a good Paranormal.  

Lindsey’s Choice
This was pretty tough for me too.  I mean, seriously, just one?  I guess there will plenty more Wednesdays. 
Now, when I read a book, I like a good love story, but I hate it when it starts to get a little too mushy (sorry Twilight, I loved the books but there were times when i got a little fed up).  I thought the love connection between Aislinn and Seth in Wicked Lovely was PERFECT.  Aislinn is shy, especially when it comes to dealing with boys.  She has a good friendship with Seth, who is no where near shy when it comes to girls.  He can get any girl he wants, and often does.  There is always a lot of energy between the 2 of them, and flirting lots of flirting.  I love the flirting.  Will they ever make a love connection?  Or will Keenan steal her heart before she has a chance to fall for Seth?  You'll have to read to find out.

Julianne’s Choice
Yes, i am in fact a REAL person. I am not just a figment of my sister's imagination. Anyways like my seesters I love reading Paranormal novels. I have been meaning to post for the past couple of weeks but I've been busy with the end of school and camp to get around to posting. So you get to hear my thoughts at last! So here goes....

Image found here

Jace and Clary have got to be hands down one of my most favorite couples ever. Since I have just finished reading the fourth book in the Mortal Instruments Series, they have been on my mind A LOT. Actually to be honest they are always on my mind because I just LOVE the two of them. I knew they were meant for each other since the moment they met. It maybe helped that Jace was also very, very sexy. When they found out that they were brother and sister, I went into denial and would not accept it. Throughout the whole series I just would not believe it. Besides them being possibly related they have to be one of the ANGSTIEST (I know that isn't a word but oh well) couples ever..... and i LOVE it. When I read scenes with them together I just can't help but smile and feel happy inside. You have to be wondering... are they related? You'll just have to read to find out.

Who is your favorite Paranormal couple in love?

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday!  Don't you wish they were just as wonderful as the picture suggests?  Well, let's make them that way and talk about one of our favorite things.  BOOKS!  So it's time to share our reading plans for the week.  Whether you get to them all this week or change your plans by Wednesday, give us your titles...

Monica’s Reads

Lindsey’s Reads

Julianne’s Reads

What are you reading this week?

Friday Night! Movie Night!

Image from here.

If we’re not talking about books, we’re probably discussing movies.  Even better, movies adapted from books.  Whether it’s which actors should play what character or what we picture the book’s world looking like on the silver screen, we’ll spend hours  deciding just what will make the movie perfect.  

This Friday let’s talk about who our favorite book character-to-movie character is.

Monica

This makes me want to lop off all of my hair!

I have not read these books yet, but I love Emma Watson as Hermione Granger from Harry Potter.  It might be because I have a tiny girl-crush on her, but I think she’s just brilliant.  I’ve read a little here and there from the books and have heard an awful lot about Harry Potter (I have 3 siblings that are obsessed), so I feel like I can make an informed enough decision about this.  You’re more than welcome to disagree...  I have loved watching her grow from the awkward know-it-all to a stunning know-it-all.  Hermione is one of my favorite fictional characters and I haven’t even read the books!  So I obviously believe Miss Watson has done an excellent job with the character.  

My husband and I went to a movie last year, it might have even been Deathly Hallows Part 1, and I had a 10 minute chat with one of the concession stand workers about my love for Emma Watson.  He also agreed.  My husband just shook his head at me and laughed.  But she’s great!

Lindsey

Julianne

Still romping through the wilderness...


Who is your favorite book character-to-movie character?

Chasing Fire Review

Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts

3.75 Stars

Synopsis:

There's little as thrilling as firefighting-at least to Rowan Tripp. The Missoula smoke jumpers are in Rowan's blood: her father is a legend. She's been fighting fires since her eighteenth birthday. At this point, returning to the wilds of Montana for the season feels like coming home-even with reminders of the partner she lost last season still lingering.   Fortunately, this year's rookie crop is one of the strongest ever-and Gulliver Curry's one of the best. He's also a walking contradiction, a hotshot firefighter with a big vocabulary and a winter job at a kids' arcade.

Everything is thrown off balance when a dark presence lashes out against Rowan, looking to blame someone for last year's tragedy. Rowan knows she can't complicate things with Gull-any distractions in the air or on the ground could mean the end-but if she doesn't find someone she can lean on, she may not make it through the summer. . . .

Review:

For the most part I really enjoyed this story.  It sucked me right in from the beginning and the life of a fire jumper was fascinating to read about.  Roberts did an excellent job there.  

I instantly liked Gulliver Curry.  He was charming, friendly and all-around-good-guy.  I struggled a bit more with Rowan Tripp.  I think she’s been the center of her dad’s universe her whole life, so she tends to be a bit self-centered.  She can come across a bit abrasive at times.  And though I knew stuff about her, I never fully connected with her character.  I related better to Gull or even Ella and Marg.  I did, however, enjoy the interactions between the fire jumpers.  The ribbing and loyalty amongst the crew was well done.  I knew they would give their lives for each other, but go down with one final wise-crack on their lips.

I picked out the killer pretty early on and was correct.  Still there were some parts that seemed off to me, after it was all said and done.  Some things were a little too convenient or it didn’t jibe well with the character.  With that being said, the ending was a bit more exciting than the last two Roberts books I’ve read.  So points there.

While I enjoyed most of the story, it had the tendency to get hijacked by the fire jumping.  There were times I found myself forgetting that there was anything else going on in it, like murders (which should be a hard thing to forget).  The romance was enjoyable, and I loved watching Gull work to win over Rowan.  Dobie was one of my favorite parts of the story, great character, always good for a laugh.  And there were some emotional moments also, Roberts did well with the gut-wrenching.   Overall, good story and I’d recommend it to anyone.

--monica