Readers, something you will quickly learn about me is that I love Nora Roberts. I'm kind of obsessed, actually, and have been since the day I was way too young to start reading her books, and picked up a copy of Montana Sky.
Montana Sky was released in 1996, when I was 11. I probably read it when I was around 13 or 14. I knew instantly I was hooked. My Aunt had a few of her books, so I read those when I would go to her house, I'd get them from the library, used book stores... pretty much anywhere I could find them! In a few short years, I had read her entire catalog of work, including her J.D. Robb In Death series.
I've had so many people ask me what it is about her books that I love so much, and it's hard for me to touch on. Is it because I started reading them at such an important age in my development? Is it because they contained such strong female characters that I felt I could look up to? Or is it because her books are about so much more than the romance to me? I think it is all of the above, and more.
For those of you that aren't familiar with Ms. Robert's books, they generally have an overall plot point, with a Female lead and a Male lead. Sometimes the POV begins with the female character, and sometimes it begins with the male character, but eventually they intersect and you are getting in the head of both.
Her female leads, especially as of late, are always very strong, self-sufficient women. The male characters are also strong, but usually somewhat sensitive. Even the hard asses have a sensitive side when it comes to the women they fall in love with.
And there are always great, amazing supporting characters, that are fully fleshed out in a way that many authors don't always do. She takes the time to really introduce you to that girls best friend, or that guys dad. She wants you to get to know the supporting characters, because it gives you another glimpse into the main characters.
What really got me hooked, though, is her trilogy/series novels. She usually does a series a year, wherein you follow the characters throughout three or four books. I always, always buy these on the day they come out, and have since Dance Upon the Air (the first book of the Three Sister Island trilogy) was released. After that book, I knew I was hooked- I got to follow the romance to another story? I got to learn more about the characters before they fell in love (if they were the focus of the second, third, or fourth story)? This was brilliant to me, for romance. I'm sure she wasn't the first author in the genre to do this, but she was definitely the first I read in her genre.
I also think she got me hooked on series books in general- I had never read them before! I always read stand-alones before.
After buying Dance Upon the Air, I started tracking down the others she had written before, like the MacGregor novels, and the Born In series.
After I got caught up to her most recent releases, I made the decision to start reading the In Death novels from the beginning, which are set in the future, and are such great stories. The main characters are Eve Dallas, a homicide cop in future NYC, and her husband, Roarke. They don't start out together in the first book, but are married relatively quickly in the series. The books center around Eve and her investigations into murders. Sometimes we know who the killer is from the get-go, and sometimes we don't know who it is until the last few pages. Sometimes I am able to guess who it is if it's not revealed, but I still always enjoy the process of getting to it- I'm never upset when I guess, because I want to know why this person.
I have been heartbroken by her stories, and generally cry at some point while reading them, whether it be that the love has begun to blossom and it is tender and sweet, or maybe there is a heartbreak along the way. Or, in the case of In Death, something very serious happens to a main character and I am far to attached to them for my own good. To me, anything that gets me to that point is worth reading.
To those new to Nora, I always recommend first reading The Villa, which is a stand alone novel, and probably my absolute favorite stand-alone novel of hers. It has everything I love about her novels- strong female characters, great supporting male characters, and probably the most fleshed out supporting characters of any of her stand-alone novels.
As far as trilogy/series books go, it is a little harder for me, as I love them all. Obviously I recommend starting at Book 1 of a series. I guess if I had to choose one to really get you in to the series, I would probably recommend the first I read, which is the Three Sister's Island Trilogy. She also does some paranormal stuff, and if that's more your speed, I recommend starting with The Key trilogy.
If futuristic mystery/romance is more your speed, I recommend In Death, and I recommend you begin with the first novel in the series, Naked in Death. There are currently 36 books in the In Death series as of this blog, and the 37th will be released September 10th, 2013.
If you are a really big fan (like me), she even owns an Inn, Inn Boonsboro, that she opened in Maryland. It has several rooms inspired by great literary lovers, including an Eve/Roarke room!
I haven't been fortunate enough yet to be in a place where I can go see this Inn and stay in a room, but maybe one day!
Nora Robert's is extremely prolific, and her bibliography
will definitely keep you in books for awhile, should you choose to
start reading her entire catalog. I highly recommend if you are a fan of
romance, you check her out!
FTC: I am not in any way affiliated with Nora Roberts, I am just a huge fan of her work.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Wishlist Wednesday: Lorac Pro to Go Fall 2013 Collection
When I opened my e-mail on July 1st, I knew exactly what my next Weekly Wishlist item would be- the new Lorac Pro to Go palette!
(click above to watch the YouTube Video)
To say I am excited about this is such an understatement! I just got the Lorac Pro Palette recently, and I use it in some form almost every day, it seems.
It looks like this is going to be a palette with three shimmer shades and three matte shades, two blushes, a bronzer, and two brushes! I frequently visit Musings of a Muse, and recently she posted more about this palette on this blog post, and the only dupe appears to be Black, which is a matte black shade, which you really can't get enough of! Considering this is the only dupe, I will definitely be picking this up!
This palette is currently available online only through Sephora.com for $38.00.
(click above to watch the YouTube Video)
To say I am excited about this is such an understatement! I just got the Lorac Pro Palette recently, and I use it in some form almost every day, it seems.
It looks like this is going to be a palette with three shimmer shades and three matte shades, two blushes, a bronzer, and two brushes! I frequently visit Musings of a Muse, and recently she posted more about this palette on this blog post, and the only dupe appears to be Black, which is a matte black shade, which you really can't get enough of! Considering this is the only dupe, I will definitely be picking this up!
This palette is currently available online only through Sephora.com for $38.00.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Pinspiration: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
I received the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette as a birthday gift from my sister-in-law, Jenna. It wasn't something I planned on buying myself, but when she asked my opinion on getting either this one or the Naked 2, I told her I would probably get the Naked Basics. Of course I didn't realize she was literally asking what I wanted for my birthday, but it has definitely worked out.
However, I quickly realized there's not a lot I can do with it, and only it (meaning: without other palettes). It's a bunch of matte shadows, and I'm definitely a shimmer girl. So I turned to Pinterest for inspiration, and this is what I found!
(All photos direct to the pin if clicked.)
This is a really beautiful, simple look, that I think would be really flattering for day, for work, but could also be a great nighttime look!
Another very beautiful day time look. I think the Walk of Shame (or WOS) shade is probably my favorite of the bunch, and definitely the one I use the most often on my lid.
The final and most dramatic look. This is definitely a way to use this palette for a night out!
You can get the Urban Decay Naked Basics at Sephora, Ulta, and urbandecay.com for $27.00.
FTC: This was a birthday gift from my sister-in-law. This post does not contain any affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
However, I quickly realized there's not a lot I can do with it, and only it (meaning: without other palettes). It's a bunch of matte shadows, and I'm definitely a shimmer girl. So I turned to Pinterest for inspiration, and this is what I found!
(All photos direct to the pin if clicked.)
This is a really beautiful, simple look, that I think would be really flattering for day, for work, but could also be a great nighttime look!
Another very beautiful day time look. I think the Walk of Shame (or WOS) shade is probably my favorite of the bunch, and definitely the one I use the most often on my lid.
The final and most dramatic look. This is definitely a way to use this palette for a night out!
You can get the Urban Decay Naked Basics at Sephora, Ulta, and urbandecay.com for $27.00.
FTC: This was a birthday gift from my sister-in-law. This post does not contain any affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Blog Schedule!
My husband and I were talking about my blog today over breakfast, and he mentioned having a schedule. At first, I was like "absolutely not, I don't see the point" but as I started thinking about it, I realized he's right- I SHOULD have a schedule. Something that I can keep, and something that my readers can rely on.
So, my blog schedule will be new posts every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Which also means the Weekly Wishlist thing is not going to be a regular thing, just an every once in awhile thing where there is something I have to talk about that I am wanting. I am just going to re-title it "Wishlist Wednesday".
The first week of every month will most likely be my favorites of the month, as well as my Nail of the Month, and Kindle Monthly Deals posts.
Hopefully I can keep this schedule going!
So, my blog schedule will be new posts every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Which also means the Weekly Wishlist thing is not going to be a regular thing, just an every once in awhile thing where there is something I have to talk about that I am wanting. I am just going to re-title it "Wishlist Wednesday".
The first week of every month will most likely be my favorites of the month, as well as my Nail of the Month, and Kindle Monthly Deals posts.
Hopefully I can keep this schedule going!
Book Review: Scarlet by Marissa Mayer
This is the second book of four in a series. If you would like to read more about Cinder, the first book, please check it out at Good Reads.
Description from Good Reads
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.
My Review
Scarlet is the "Red Riding Hood" of the story, a farmer's granddaughter whose grandmother is kidnapped, though the town thinks grandmother is crazy, and does not believe Scarlet when she says so. "The Wolf" is a street fighter who rescues Scarlet in a restaurant after she causes a scene regarding people thinking her grandmother is crazy. They eventually join forces to rescue Grandmother from the "pack" The Wolf used to be in.
Cinder's story continues intermittently with Scarlet's with her escape from jail. Along for her escape is "Captain" Thorne, a cadet who stole a spaceship. Cinder helps him escape from the jail in exchange for passage in Thorne's spaceship. Cinder also begins to unlock her Lunar powers. To me, Cinder feels more well-rounded than in the first book, but this is to be expected- the continuation has allowed her character to become more fleshed out.
Scarlet and The Wolf's story takes a turn that, I admit, I did not see coming. At all. I enjoy the turn, though, and think that it kept the story going. The beginning of the novel took a little time to get into, but I believe that is because we're being introduced to new characters that add a new element to the already existing world. It's one of the big reasons I love a story with multiple books- usually they start off slow and then pack a huge punch!
And then Cinder... well, she begins to come into her Lunar powers in an incredible way and starts to accept who she actually is.
I don't want to say much more because I do not want to ruin the story. But I believe if you enjoyed the first book, you will definitely want to check this out. I am still very interested in finding out what's next, so I will definitely check out Cress when it is released on February 4th, 2014 (which is the expected release date as of this blog post).
You can purchase Scarlet here for Kindle, or here for a physical copy. You can also check out the first 5 chapters on Kindle for free! I usually download the samples to read before I get a book from the library or buy it, so I think this is a great way to get to know a book before you commit!
Or, you can probably find it at your local library like I did!
FTC: I borrowed this book from my local library.
Description from Good Reads
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.
My Review
Scarlet is the "Red Riding Hood" of the story, a farmer's granddaughter whose grandmother is kidnapped, though the town thinks grandmother is crazy, and does not believe Scarlet when she says so. "The Wolf" is a street fighter who rescues Scarlet in a restaurant after she causes a scene regarding people thinking her grandmother is crazy. They eventually join forces to rescue Grandmother from the "pack" The Wolf used to be in.
Cinder's story continues intermittently with Scarlet's with her escape from jail. Along for her escape is "Captain" Thorne, a cadet who stole a spaceship. Cinder helps him escape from the jail in exchange for passage in Thorne's spaceship. Cinder also begins to unlock her Lunar powers. To me, Cinder feels more well-rounded than in the first book, but this is to be expected- the continuation has allowed her character to become more fleshed out.
Scarlet and The Wolf's story takes a turn that, I admit, I did not see coming. At all. I enjoy the turn, though, and think that it kept the story going. The beginning of the novel took a little time to get into, but I believe that is because we're being introduced to new characters that add a new element to the already existing world. It's one of the big reasons I love a story with multiple books- usually they start off slow and then pack a huge punch!
And then Cinder... well, she begins to come into her Lunar powers in an incredible way and starts to accept who she actually is.
I don't want to say much more because I do not want to ruin the story. But I believe if you enjoyed the first book, you will definitely want to check this out. I am still very interested in finding out what's next, so I will definitely check out Cress when it is released on February 4th, 2014 (which is the expected release date as of this blog post).
You can purchase Scarlet here for Kindle, or here for a physical copy. You can also check out the first 5 chapters on Kindle for free! I usually download the samples to read before I get a book from the library or buy it, so I think this is a great way to get to know a book before you commit!
Or, you can probably find it at your local library like I did!
FTC: I borrowed this book from my local library.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Wishlist Wednesday: Samsung Chromebook
My first Weekly Wishlist item is not a Beauty product, and is not a book.
I mentioned in my First Post that I would be doing "A Little Something Different" and this qualifies as that. And it has a little to do with blogging.
I am currently using an Acer Aspire One. I like it, but it's getting old. It's been doing weird things, I've had to reformat a couple times since I got it back in 2010, and I need just a little bigger screen, but still something a little more compact than a computer.
This is where this little baby comes in-
(image from Amazon.com)
This is the Samsung Chromebook. It is 11.6 inch, 16gb RAM, and weighs just 2.4lbs. And it does everything that I want in a computer- it gets online and let's me do what I want to do. And I can watch YouTube and Netflix, both of which I have issues with on my little Acer netbook.
It's powered by Google, and runs on the Chrome OS. I don't actively use the Google Apps feature (I have an iPhone), but I'm fairly tech savvy and I'm not worried about trying to get to know the layout. I think this would be a great little laptop for me!
You can find out much more about this on both the Google Chromebook Website as well as on Amazon.com.
I mentioned in my First Post that I would be doing "A Little Something Different" and this qualifies as that. And it has a little to do with blogging.
I am currently using an Acer Aspire One. I like it, but it's getting old. It's been doing weird things, I've had to reformat a couple times since I got it back in 2010, and I need just a little bigger screen, but still something a little more compact than a computer.
This is where this little baby comes in-
(image from Amazon.com)
This is the Samsung Chromebook. It is 11.6 inch, 16gb RAM, and weighs just 2.4lbs. And it does everything that I want in a computer- it gets online and let's me do what I want to do. And I can watch YouTube and Netflix, both of which I have issues with on my little Acer netbook.
It's powered by Google, and runs on the Chrome OS. I don't actively use the Google Apps feature (I have an iPhone), but I'm fairly tech savvy and I'm not worried about trying to get to know the layout. I think this would be a great little laptop for me!
You can find out much more about this on both the Google Chromebook Website as well as on Amazon.com.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Amazon.com Kindle Monthly Book Deals, $3.99 or less for July 2013
Some of you may or may not have a Kindle. I apologize if you don't, but these posts are for anyone with either access to a Kindle or a way to get the app downloaded.
Every month, Amazon sells books for $3.99 or less that typically cost more. I have been able to purchases some really great books from these sales, and always check on the first of the month. I also check their daily deals as often as I can remember.
Some months are not as good as others, so this may not become a monthly series. However, this month, there are 4 books that I am going to be purchasing, and that I highly recommend checking out!
Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life by Steve Martin ($2.99 - 80% off print list price)
Okay, this is one of two books that I have not actually read for this month's recommendations. So why am I recommending it? Because it gets great reviews, I am a Steve Martin fan, and almost everyone I know that is both a reader and a fan of his have recommended this book to me countless times, and at 80% off the list price? Sold!
Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews ($1.99 - 75% off print list price)
This is the first book in a series. This is one of the best trashy novels with a plot you will ever read. It is not the most well written piece of literature you will ever read, but it does have a pretty shocking, sickening twist, but you still feel sorry for the main characters in a way. Most of you probably already know what it is, but I still won't spoil. it. Suffice to say, when you lock kids with hormones in an attic, you dig your own grave.
The Secret Language of Girls by Frances O'Roark Dowell ($1.99 - 72% off print list price)
This the two of two books on the list that I have not actually read. But it's on my Want to Read list on Good Reads, and I have heard good things. It is about two best friends that have been friends since they were in nursery school, but things change in sixth grade when another girls move into town. It just feels like those kinds of stories that completely change your view, and will probably be a good book to own for later in life when I have a kid of my own, or when my nieces or nephews come to visit.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame ($0.99 - 72% off print list price)
This is an amazing children's book. I read this countless times as a child, and it is a classic. I remember fondly my adventures alongside Mole, Rat, Badger and, of course, Mr. Toad. This is another "investment" into my children's digital library, a book I will love to read along side them as they learn to read and love the stories as much as I have.
There are 96 other books available, and all of these will be available until the end of July. Be sure to get them while the price is low!
FTC: All opinions are my own. This post does not contain any affiliate links, the links are for your reference only. This post is not sponsored by Amazon.com or any subsidiary of Amazon, I just love my Kindle and wanted to share my love of a great deal!
Every month, Amazon sells books for $3.99 or less that typically cost more. I have been able to purchases some really great books from these sales, and always check on the first of the month. I also check their daily deals as often as I can remember.
Some months are not as good as others, so this may not become a monthly series. However, this month, there are 4 books that I am going to be purchasing, and that I highly recommend checking out!
Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life by Steve Martin ($2.99 - 80% off print list price)
Okay, this is one of two books that I have not actually read for this month's recommendations. So why am I recommending it? Because it gets great reviews, I am a Steve Martin fan, and almost everyone I know that is both a reader and a fan of his have recommended this book to me countless times, and at 80% off the list price? Sold!
Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews ($1.99 - 75% off print list price)
This is the first book in a series. This is one of the best trashy novels with a plot you will ever read. It is not the most well written piece of literature you will ever read, but it does have a pretty shocking, sickening twist, but you still feel sorry for the main characters in a way. Most of you probably already know what it is, but I still won't spoil. it. Suffice to say, when you lock kids with hormones in an attic, you dig your own grave.
The Secret Language of Girls by Frances O'Roark Dowell ($1.99 - 72% off print list price)
This the two of two books on the list that I have not actually read. But it's on my Want to Read list on Good Reads, and I have heard good things. It is about two best friends that have been friends since they were in nursery school, but things change in sixth grade when another girls move into town. It just feels like those kinds of stories that completely change your view, and will probably be a good book to own for later in life when I have a kid of my own, or when my nieces or nephews come to visit.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame ($0.99 - 72% off print list price)
This is an amazing children's book. I read this countless times as a child, and it is a classic. I remember fondly my adventures alongside Mole, Rat, Badger and, of course, Mr. Toad. This is another "investment" into my children's digital library, a book I will love to read along side them as they learn to read and love the stories as much as I have.
There are 96 other books available, and all of these will be available until the end of July. Be sure to get them while the price is low!
FTC: All opinions are my own. This post does not contain any affiliate links, the links are for your reference only. This post is not sponsored by Amazon.com or any subsidiary of Amazon, I just love my Kindle and wanted to share my love of a great deal!
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