Saturday, January 26, 2013

Liebster Blog Award!

So I found out that I had been nominated by Julianne at Jules Bookshelf , Emily @ Read It and Geek, The Read- a-holic, and Sab @ Sab the Book Eater!

As of March 7th, I have also been nominated by Joanne @ Fausti's Book Quest

A HUGE THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!


RULES OF THE LIEBSTER BLOG AWARD

1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog and link back to the blogger who presented this award to you.

2. Answer the 11 questions from the nominator, list 11 random facts about yourself and create 11 questions for your nominees.

3. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 11 blogs of 200 followers or less who you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen. (No tag backs)

4. Copy and paste the blog award on your blog.


Julianne's Questions! 
What is your first book(first love) you've read?
My first love book would have to be The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss when I was three! My mom read it to me so much I had memorized it, so when company would come over, I'd pull out the book and "read" it to them!

In the scale of 1-10 how addicted are you to books?
On a scale of 1-10, I would have to be an 8! 

If you could describe yourself with one word what would it be?
Lol, awkward c;
Imagine the typical high school stereotype. In all of those groups where do you belong?
I feel like I belong in between a nerd and and one of the "quiet" kids.

(I had to ask) What cartoon or anime character is you all time favorite?
My all time favorite would have to be Zero off of Vampire Knight

If you had a book that you've read that you really hate, what would it be?
This one is a little controversial, but 13 Reasons Why is definitely the only book I have ever truly hated. 

Who is the best hero and heroine for you?
The best hero would be Cage York and the best heroine would be Eva Brooks! Both are off of While It Lasts by Abbi Glines!

Who is your fave author for life?
Ohhh, fangirling herrree, but Abbi Glines!

In between blogging about books. What else do you do?
I go to school! I'm a full time high school student, part time college student, and in July I'll be starting a course to get my nail tech certification! 

Which do you prefer, authors with publishers or indie authors?
They both have their pros and cons, but I'd say I have to prefer authors with publishers, even if they're small publishing houses. But I have run across more than a few fabulous indie authors! I don't look at if they have a publisher or not, I look at the quality of the book itself.

What's the one tip you could give to other new bloggers?
One tip would be getting yourself out there! Posting reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, etc is a way. Joining groups on Goodreads targeted towards connecting reviewers with authors is another great way! 

Emily's Questions!

1. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because I love to gush and groan about books and I love meeting new people. c: 

2. What are some things you get a little too geeked up about?
Mmmm, probably Photoshop or my blog. 

3. What are some of your favorite movies?
Some of my favorite movies is Mean Girls, Easy A, and Juno.

4. What do you like to do when you're not blogging?
When I'm not blogging I'm either in school or hanging out with my boyfriend c:

5. What's your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is rudeness.

6. What are some things you like about blogging?
Some of the things I like about blogging is that other people are reading what I wrote, meeting new people, and establishing great relationships with authors!

7. If you could gain any ability in the world, what would it be?
If I could gain any ability, it would be the ability to do math...

8. What fictional character would you like to know in real life? (doesn't have to be from a book)
A fictional character I would like to meet would beeee......more than likely Romeo from In the Band by Jean Haus. c;
9. What's the craziest dream that you've ever had?
Well, last night I dreamt that I had to give a super secret file to the president..and there were people chasing me and explosions. I totally felt like James Bond.

10. What are some of your favorite books (this is a hard one, I know!)?
Some of my favorites would be Because of Low, Chasing Nikki, Barbie Girl, Ten Tiny Breaths and Beautiful Disaster.

11. On a scale of 1-10, how nerdy and/or geeky do you feel that you are?
Mmmmm....6ish c;

Read-a-holic's Questions!
  1. What's a book you decided to read by judging it's cover? A book I read by judging its cover would have to Ten Tiny Breaths..and it was well worth it!
  2. Jelly or Jam? Jam!
  3. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would go to California.
  4. What's one sentence you use to define yourself? I would have to say I'm super awkward. :3
  5. Do you play an instrument? Yes, the piano. c; 
  6. If you have one, what is your guilty obsession?  (Mine is one of my favorite types of books to read happen to be teacher-student romances, though I know theycould never work out in real life XD) Hmmmmmmmmmm...I'd have to say... New Adult books...
  7. Your favorite childhood show? Annies Big Blue Couch!
  8. Do you prefer cursive or print, with pen or pencil? I prefer print, with pen. 
  9. Do you sing along while listening to music whether it's out loud, ear buds, or in your head? I sing along with its loud. 
  10. Favorite fruit? Pomegranates! 
  11. What was the first thought to pop into your head after reading my questions? Welp, not the usual booky questions. 

Sabs Questions!
1. How old were you when you got into reading? I was five! 

2. If you were to write a book, under which genre and age group will you classify it? I would write it under New Adult and from the age group 16-100.

3. Rock, paper, scissors? Scissors!

4. If you were a character in a YA dystopia novel, what would your unique kickass name be? Lol, Sly c;

5. What got you into blogging? I had always been interested in blogging, but I couldn't quite get my niche. When I found a book reviewing blog, I knew I had found something I would love!

6. Name a book that you would want to be made into a movie and the actors you'd like to play the lead characters.
A book I'd like to be made into a movie would beee... Chasing Nikki! Chase Crawford or a more built Josh Hutchinson could play Chase and Lucy Hale could play Nikki. c;

7. Do you buy books from secondhand bookstores? ALL THE TIME! I love my books, but I'm super cheap about it! Otherwise, I'd spend all my money on books!
8. Do you let other people borrow your books? Yes, I have to shaw the love!!

9. What is your favorite series and why? My favorite series is Mob Wives and because the mob interests me.

10. What are your thoughts on Twilight? Well, I read it every December. I don't go absolutely crazy over it, but I enjoy the books a lot better than the movies.

11. What's your favorite book of all time?
My favorite of all time would be... Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire! 

11 Random Things About Me!
  1. I like learning about different exercises, just not doing them. 
  2. I've been with my boyfriend for a year and four months.♥
  3. I'm also currently wearing his jacket. 
  4. I absolutely love Salt and Vinegar Chips and pickles. 
  5. My favorite drink is water, but a close second is sweet tea. 
  6. I have a tumblr and a pinterest! Follow me c; sea-horses-and-sunshine.tumblr.com and http://pinterest.com/frombowstobooks/ !
  7. I'm really lazy when it comes to running errands. I'd rather just read! 
  8. I like taking notes and doing homework.
  9. I don't trust people easily. 
  10. I love comedy movies.
  11. I take a cup of Red Rose tea with me to class every morning. I feel off if I don't have it. 
My Questions for the 11 Nominees! 
  1. If you could have any job, what would it be? 
  2. Why did you start a blog?
  3. What's your favorite meal?
  4. What else do you do beside blogging? 
  5. What inspired you to start blogging?
  6. Which is more important to you, follower count or traffic count?
  7. How much time do you spend on your blog a week?
  8. What's your favorite junk food?
  9. What's your favorite book genre?
  10. What's your favorite social networking site? 
  11. Which do you prefer, PC or Mac?
Joanne's Questions: 
1.    Why do you blog
      I blog because I love it. The words flowing from my fingers and getting so much feedback from people all over the world is astounding. I enjoy meeting new people and new authors and having the chance to review oodles and oodles of books. c:
2.    What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself?
      Quiet, Sarcastic, and loving. 
3.    What advice would you give fellow bloggers?
       Be sure to get out there! There are tons and tons of bloggers, so make sure to have something that makes you different. Also, be super nice! A mean blogger is a lonely blogger.
4.    Who is your favorite fairy tale character?
       Ohhh, more than likely either Ariel from the Little Mermaid or Belle from The Beauty and the Beast!
5.    Do you have any book crushes?
       Travis Maddox (Beautiful Disaster), Jude Ryder (Clash), and Constantine (Rewrite Redemption)
6.    How many books do you want to read this year?
      I've set a goal for 150, but I'll probably have to stop it at around 130. 
7.    Where is your favorite place to read?
       In my warm bed during the winter and out in the sun during the summer. c:
8.    What is your favorite time of year?
       Summer!
9.    What are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
     I'm reading Crush by Lacey Weatherford, I'm kind of inbetween on recommending it at this point. But the twist is absolutely terrific!
10.  Do you prefer e-books or print books?
        I prefer print books, but I have mostly ebooks, thanks to the portability.
11.  Do you have any pets?
        I have one boxer/chocolate lab mix, Boo c:
My Nominees! 
Read-a-Holic @ Read-a-Holic 
 Lectus @ Lectus 

Blogger Interview with Laeititia a.k.a My Flurried Thoughts!


 "My name is Laetitia and I blog at Flurried Thoughts called Book Reviews, a young adult blog with some adult mixed in. When I'm not reading (or reviewing) I'm practicing my piano, oboe or guitar. I do spend some time wearing in my pointe shoes (toe shoes) with ballet. I'm a hopeless romantic (don't know if that's a pro or a con) too."


Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog; Flurried Thoughts called Book Reviews, because I wanted to help authors by providing reviews and also because I like spreading the word about the books I read...so why not tell the whole world? Book blogging also gives me an insight into the world of reviewing and editing, an option that I might want to explore when older. Lastly, putting pen to paper (wait...finger to keyboard) helps me to organise my extreme passion and sometimes exaggerated critisicsm for a novel and these take form as reviews.
What's the main focus?
The main focus of the blog is to provide honest reviews in the genres of Young Adult Romance, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Historical Fiction/Historical Romance, Young Adult Paranormal (no vampires),  Young Adult Fantasy, Young Adult 'Chick-lit'
Literature, Classics, Adult Historical Fiction/Historical Romance, Adult Fiction (e.g. The Time Traveller's Wife), Adult Fantasy
I also post stories that I write sometimes (Dreaming Fantastical Tales). Really, Flurried Thoughts is my little escapade to the world of writing and books.
Are you open to do reviews for authors?
Yes! I'm open to do reviews for authors. I do this free of charge. Currently in the process of reading two novels from authors that requested a review. You can read my review policy on my blog; http://myflurriedthoughts.blogspot.com.au/p/review-policy.html 
What do you love the most about your blog?
The aspect that I love the most of my blog are the book reviews. They're one of the main reasons the blog was created and they make me happy (cheesy, I know). It makes me happy to know that other people are getting the chance to choose the right books for themselves and at the same time I can help aspiring authors by providing them with both praise and at times constructive criticism.
What's your favorite book?
I have many favourites but one of my closests is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. 
The blurb:
The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called "Le Cirque des Reves," and it is only open at night.
But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway--a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love--a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.
True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per-formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.
Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.
Yes.It. Was. Amazing.

What are your boggy goals for 2013 and what do you want to accomplish the most?
My bloggy goals for 2013 are to review as many books as possible and more books than 2012. I also hope to achieve some traffic and followers this year.
What's your favorite song, color, and movie?
My favourite songs this year were She Wolf (Falling to Pieces) by David Guetta and Sia, Some Florence and The Machine and Birdy. I'd have to say my favourite colours are mostly pastels...so my favourite colour is lilac. My favourite movies are Titanic, The Other Boleyn Girl and Romeo and Juliet. Yes I'm a hopeless romantic. I like to watch some Downton Abbey too.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker

Ten Tiny Breaths (Ten Tiny Breaths, #1)
Read in: December, 2012
Format: eBook
Star Rating: ★★
 
 
 Prosecution: (from Goodreads.com)
Kacey Cleary’s whole life imploded four years ago in a drunk-driving accident. Now she’s working hard to bury the pieces left behind—all but one. Her little sister, Livie. Kacey can swallow the constant disapproval from her born-again aunt Darla over her self-destructive lifestyle; she can stop herself from going kick-boxer crazy on Uncle Raymond when he loses the girls’ college funds at a blackjack table. She just needs to keep it together until Livie is no longer a minor, and then they can get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

But when Uncle Raymond slides into bed next to Livie one night, Kacey decides it’s time to run. Armed with two bus tickets and dreams of living near the coast, Kacey and Livie start their new lives in a Miami apartment complex, complete with a grumpy landlord, a pervert upstairs, and a neighbor with a stage name perfectly matched to her chosen “profession.” But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle all of them. What she can’t handle is Trent Emerson in apartment 1D.

Kacey doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t. It’s safer that way. For everyone. But sexy Trent finds a way into her numb heart, reigniting her ability to love again. She starts to believe that maybe she can leave the past where it belongs and start over. Maybe she’s not beyond repair.

But Kacey isn’t the only one who’s broken. Seemingly perfect Trent has an unforgiveable past of his own; one that, when discovered, will shatter Kacey’s newly constructed life and send her back into suffocating darkness.
 
Prosecution:
The main character, Kasey, was selfish, in my opinion. She couldn't stop thinking about herself to worry about Livie. But Livie was also a little too squeaky clean herself. I really want another book that is told from Livie's POV.
 
Defense:
While Kasey was pretty selfish, I did love Trent. The twist was fersurrreee something else! I for one never saw it coming and I believe that is was made the story. I'm not going to give away anything but I'm happy that Trent isn't a pimp, like I thought in the beginning. But that twist is pretty mind blowing! Livie was a total sweetheart. She took care of herself, while also taking care of Kasey. But she also showed another side when she blew up on Kasey during a...scene...in the story c;.
 
Verdict:
Originally, I really wanted to give this novel a five star. However, after much deliberation and bickering with myself, it's now a four star. It's perfect for a $2.99 buy for your Kindle and I believe you'll fly through it just as quickly as I did. I found the novel engaging, and the twist and turns were natural while not overdoing things a bit too much. However, it did not quite hit the right notes for my criteria of a five star.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

2012

So since everyone else is blogging about 2012, I decided to join in on the fun. 
When I started this, I made a lot random facts about this year, but I really didn't like it. I know, me, who really likes to talk about herself. So here's an in depth look into my year. 

I learned how to love myself. Before this year, I thought I was the ugliest person alive. But thanks to a few new friends and yes, my boyfriend, I've learned to ignore what others have to say. They don't have to live with me for the rest of their lives, I do. 

Over the summer, I dyed the tips of my hair blonde. While it did turn out a little orange-y, I loved it. One big memory is when I had just come home from class, and my brother's friend Brad came by to pick something up and to check on me. He came in and it took about 10 or 15 minutes for him to notice. I remember how he asked first if I liked it. When he saw how happy I was, he said it looked really good. That's just how Brad is, he never had a thing to say against anyone if he knew how happy they were. 

In October, Brad died in a car accident. It was unexpected, to say the least, and although he was my brother's best friend, I still considered Brad like another brother. I miss him still everyday. 

I started college over the summer. My county offers the dual enrollment program. I take classes out at the local community college and they count towards both college and high school credit. 

My boyfriend and I celebrated our one year anniversary. ♥ He's my best friend and someone I want to keep in my life. He's just absolutely amazing, and I can't wait to spend even more years with him. (:

I took the plunge and started a blog. It was an idea I toyed around with for a few months. Yet, finally, I decided there was no harm and started From Bows to Books. I absolutely without a doubt have no regrets in starting this blog. I love it, I get to do something I love and create awesome relationships with my viewers and the authors who ask me to take a gander at their book. 

I discovered Rita Ora, Macklemore, and Lana del Ray. I feel like a lot of their music is made for my age group and I can connect with it. While I love my new music, I do still listen to my bby's, Pierce the Veil and Sleeping With Sirens♥

I've made three great friendships with new people. 

I started working to get healthier. I now try to do light cardio at least once a week and not eat as much junk. 

Finally, after 6 years of knitting, I have finished a project! My first scarf! 

Honestly, I just feel like I've grown a lot more. I like to think I'm not as self-centered and I've matured. 2012 was a hard year, which I had no idea when it started. But every single thing this year has happened for a reason. I've grown and I'm still growing. This year was a year I'll never forget. Thank you to all the people in my life, the people I have yet to meet, and the ones who have walked out. Everything happens for a reason. This year is just a testament to it. 

Now, here's to making 2013 even better. I love you all, thank you so much for following me on here and also for giving me the opportunity to write about, well, everything.
Ali.

P.S. keep tabs on the blog! Many new plans and opportunities are going on in the Winter, Spring, and Summer of 2013! Also, an Etsy shop may be opening in the Summer of 2012... I'll keep all of you posted! Just contact me on Goodreads. c;
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