Sick Compy

Hello faithful followers and accidental viewers. This blog post is going to be brief, and written with the heavy heart of a nerd who doesn't like outside social interaction or communication: My laptop is sick. It's currently in the (hopefully) very capable hands of the SalukiTech workers. In theory, they just have to reinstall Windows and back up my data. They tell me it should be ready in 2-3 business days, which means Bitches 'n Prose will be quiet for a little while. But, there's a plus to this. Since I am suddenly whisked back in time to having no technology (....Well I have an iPhone. Details.), this means I will be cooped up in my dorm room reading the books that I've been meaning to get to, but haven't thanks to the ever-distracting interwebs. As of now, I'm almost done with my current book and will hopefully get at least one more read. So, when I come back, I'll have some reviews to post. I hope your week is going better than mine is, and try not to work too hard, you beautiful people you. ad meliora, Jillyn

Blink Twice by Anna Piaff

Title: Blink Twice
Author: Anna Piaff
Format: Paperback, 156 pages
Pub. Date: January 7th 2013 by Hipso Media
Source: Hipso Media

★★★★

Four warm caramel filled chocolate stars.

Katharine Pearce doesn't know who she is anymore after going through a rather jagged break up with the man that she once intended on marrying. She moves into a London flat, and meets a mysterious, alluring cast of people that make her nights more interesting. There's the man that she can see in the flat across from her, stirring new fantasies within her searching soul. There's the painting come to life, a beautiful woman who works at a perfumery. Each character pieces together Katharine in a new, bolder, more sexually daring way, and by the time that she returns to the United States, she'll have only a ghostly memory of the tame woman she had once been.

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I am very impressed with this book, my first piece that I've read by the pseudonym-ed "Anna Piaff." I hope that this won't be the last thing I read from her.

+The thing that I love most about this book is the gorgeous attention to detail. Things from paintings on the wall to the displays on store shelves are described in such precision that one could lose themselves in the setting completely. Nothing was overly described, nor was such accuracy and imagery boring. It was almost hypnotizing.

+Part of that hypnotism stems from the seductive tones that follow Katharine's journey from the start of the first page to the very last word. Blink Twice reads like a sexy dessert- tempting, sweet, drizzling, and so warm that you cannot help but to be lured in.

+Blink Twice is written to a man in particular, almost in a letter-like format. I haven't read many books narrated in this format before, and I've got to say that in this particular book, it really worked well with the story that the main character wanted to get across.

The only real critique that I have for this book is that I like my heat a bit more spicy. The erotic scenes within these pages are very tastefully done, but I found them a little too tasteful. It left a lot to the imagination, playing into the mystery motif that underscores the book and highlights the choice of a mask on the cover. But for me personally, I enjoy my erotic rendezvous to be more blunt.

I would recommend this book to fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and the various other BDSM romances that FSG inspired. Be warned, this book contains scenes of bondage, voyeurism, and LGBT nature. If any of the aforementioned bother you, or if you don't enjoy slowly sizzling romance, than this may not be for you.

Thank you to the author, Anna Piaff, and Daniel Cohen of Hipso Media for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Stung by Bethany Wiggins

Title: Stung
Author: Bethany Wiggins
Format: ARC
Pub. Date: April 2nd 2013
Source: WinterHaven Books blog

★★

A very difficult 2.5, rounded down.

Fiona wakes up to a world that's different from the world she fell asleep in. She's alone in her dirtied, abandoned room with a tattoo on her wrist- an oval with five lines on either side. She knows she should keep it hidden as she walks out into the barren wasteland that, before the bees, was once her home. She must find out the meaning behind her tattoo, why she has been left alone, and why everyone who sees her mark wants her dead.
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I'm honestly torn here on a rating. I'm going to say a 2.5. It had some really strong points, but too many negatives for me to give it a three.

First, the positives:

+I love the concept. Bees are important, and most of us don't think about the impact that they have on the Earth on a daily basis. It was cool to see how honey became a luxury good, and just how much the world could be in danger if they were simply to disappear (or be modified by the government.....).

+In true dystopian style, I like the conflicting levels in society. The Fecs, who live in the sewers, the beasts, who are dangerous, the criminal raiders, and those who are allowed inside the wall. Each were affected differently by the change, and none of them are an ideal place to be in.

+I love a good fight to the death. A bit like the Hunger Games, those with the tattoo are pitted against each other in fights until only one is standing. There's something morbidly fascinating about children/young adults trying to kill each other, and I liked that addition to this story.

+I love the cover design. It does represent the major plot of the story in a cool if simplistic way.

But for me, that's where the positives end.

-Instant love. Why is that such a recurring theme for the books I read lately? What happened to learning to love someone, or even the old cliche of enemies becoming loves? I found the main couple in this book to be almost nonsensical and a bit over the top, especially considering all of the danger and threats surrounding them.

-The beasts (those injected with the vaccine in the "change") went from being sci-fi creations to being odd fantasy mixtures. Strong, crazy, violent.... With healing saliva? No thanks.

-Arrin/Arris is one of the most insufferable characters I've ever come across. I don't care what gender they are, or what point in the book it is, they're mean and little and always popping up a bit too conveniently. I was very excited at the end of the book when they got what was coming to them.

-It really fell apart for me in the end. I feel like it was somehow both rushed, and yet, didn't answer anything. At the end of soap operas, when they some up all of the crazy shenanigans about twins and comas and alien babies.... Well, that's how this ending felt for me.... But I was left with questions.

*Why am I supposed to hate the government so much? I understand it's supposed to be evil, but there wasn't enough background information for me to feel passionately about their downfall.

*Where were the bees? The book is called Stung. There's a bee on the cover. But really, they weren't discussed very much. I would have liked to learn more about them, or the change, or something.

*Why is there a fairy tale style happy ending at the end of a dystopian novel? Everything was somehow patched up at the end.... I'm not sure if shit's about to go down in a sequel, or if that really is just a very very very wishful thinking type end scenario, but I feel like I was left out of part of the story.

-To be honest, I didn't find the writing itself to be all that well structured or thought out. The characters felt very shallow and underdeveloped- I didn't really care who lived or died throughout most of the novel. The characters keep referring to the incident that changed America as "before everything changed." I feel like it needed a name, Bee Day or something. Admittedly, whenever I read that line, I actually read "everything changed when the fire nation attacked". The villains were talked up as being super dangerous and rape-y, but the protagonists didn't really seem to have much of a challenge. A quote from the book that sums up the writing in my eyes: “Three minutes,” the doctor says over his shoulder, sounding just like a … doctor." ....Really? All in all I was disappointed with this book. I thought it was going to be a four star read, until the last quarter or so just fell apart for me. I cannot stress this enough I love the concept for this book, and I want to like it. Unfortunately, it fell short. I wouldn't really recommend this, but if you're a fan of books like The Hunger Games or Matched, you may like this. If you didn't like The Hunger Games, I wouldn't recommend getting this book.

Thank you to WinterHaven Books blog for my ARC copy.

Interview with Candace Jane Kringle

Hello there bloggers, and happy Friday! It's been a bit quiet here on Bitches 'n Prose lately, and I'm sorry about that. Schoolwork has been getting into the way of my recreational reading. But, I'm hoping to make it up to you now. How, you ask? Well, today I have a very special guest stopping by, and I'm super excited. This girl is an utter delight, and I'm so happy that she visited my blog!

Candace Jane Kringle, daughter of Santa Claus and author of the memoir North Pole High: A Rebel Without a Claus and North Pole High: Beginnings, has taken a pause from her super hectic schedule to answer a few of my questions.

Thank you for talking with me, and a very warm wintery welcome!

What inspired you to start creating this fun memoir?

I sometimes peek at the letters people send my dad. One girl from Muskegon, Michigan, asked for a new dad because her dad wouldn’t let her stay out late and stuff. Boy, did she ask the wrong dad for help with that. Then it dawned on me that other teenage girls’ fathers can be just as mean as mine, and it might help them in some way to know about what I went through.

I know that authors shouldn't play favorites..... But I have to ask: Of the people mentioned in North Pole High, who is your favorite?

You have to promise not to tell Rudy, okay? But definitely it’s Chefy. We’re always playing pranks on each other. He always covers for me whenever I disobey my parents. And he makes the best candy cane strudel on the planet. Plus he always makes me laugh. If only he were younger, and not a penguin.

I definitely promise not to tell. ;)
While writing down your thoughts, what's the best yummy Yuletide snack to fuel your creativity?

Peppermint milkshakes, gummy Christmas ornaments, and hot gingerbread boys. The usual.

I haven't eaten breakfast yet, and a peppermint milkshake sounds totally delicious right now.
If you could only pick one holiday song to listen to on repeat all season, which would it be?

I actually wrote additional lyrics to my favorite song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” My extended version is called “The Three Hundred Sixty-Five Days of Christmas (Three Hundred Sixty-Six on Leap Year)” and it takes all season to sing it once.

Are you planning on penning another book anytime soon?

I sure hope so. I can’t wait to find out what happens to me and Rudy next.

Can I get a copy of that one too? (joking)

Come up to the North Pole and you can be IN the book!

Don't tempt me, you'd never get me to leave!
You briefly mention the theme of homosexuality in the North Pole.... Is Queero the only one out and proud in the land of Santa?

Absolutely not. There’s a thriving LGBTQ community up here amongst the polar bears, penguins, reindeer, nutcrackers, elves, and the humans too. In fact we’ve always allowed same-sex marriage. Human-elf unions are a much more recent development. Tinsel is actually the Pole’s first elfman.

Well now, maybe I have to visit the North Pole so I can marry my girlfriend!
It's the first day of Christmas and your true love has a present for you.... What do you hope is in the box?

A smile. If it were made out of chocolate-covered peppermint, that wouldn’t be bad either.

So, I have to ask. When it comes to unwrapping presents, are you a saver (opening gently and saving the paper) or an eager elf who rips the package open?

Rip ’em. No question about it. That’s the only way Christmas presents are meant to be opened. Just ask the Giftwrap the Elf.

Do you do anything during the summer months to help stay in the holiday spirit?

For me it would be hard to lose the Christmas Spirit, living in the same house as Santa. But when we’re little, we all go to Christmas Camp in the summer.

While you're writing, are there any quirks or habits that you find yourself getting into? (A special pen, a certain song, a specific chair, etc.)

I lock myself in my room and stay in my jammies all day while I write. And I can’t write a word if there’s even one bulb burned out in the Christmas lights in my room. That drives me nuts.

I can imagine!
What Christmas movie do you absolutely HAVE to watch year after year?

Elf. I really missed Buddy that time he went to New York.

That's my favorite holiday film too. Buddy seems like he'd be a great friend to have.

And now I have a few word association terms. For funsies. Just say the first word that comes to mind when I say....

SNOW:Angels
SPRINKLES: Ice-cream-sundae pizza.
PAPER: Books!
SHINY: Stars.
CHOCOLATE: Yum.
HOLLY: Ivy.

Now Ms. Kringle, is there anything else you'd like to add to this?

Thank you so much for asking me to do this interview, Jill, and for being my number one fan! I wish you a merry Christmas every single day!

Aw, shucks. You're most certainly welcome, and thank you for the much needed Christmas spirit.

I have previously reviewed both of Candace Jane Kringle's works, and loved them both. The five star review for North Pole High: A Rebel Without a Claus can be found here and my 4.5 star review for North Pole High: Beginnings can be found here. I definitely recommend checking them out, and I'm not just saying that so that you'll see my name in the ebook.....*cough*

About the Author

Candace Jane Kringle is a junior at North Pole High. She likes candy canes, unicorn races, and making snow angels. Her father is the most well-known and beloved toymaker and toy distributor in the world. Her memoir, North Pole High: A Rebel Without a Claus , is her first book. After high school, she plans to enroll at North Pole University and write more books, maybe even some fiction. :) (via Goodreads) Be sure to check her Goodreads page, in addition to her books. Click the picture for the Goodreads page!

Mail Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime

It's been a good week in the Bitches 'n Prose dorm room. Even though the people in the mail room are tired of seeing me. Is it a little sad that they know who I am because I get so many books? Ah well. I could be addicted worse things I suppose, eh? The weather's been getting hotter, and to most people that means staying outside. Nope! Internet and reading in the air conditioning forever!

Purchased/Downloaded:

Ignite (Midnight Fire Series)- Kaitlyn Davis
Life of Death- Nicholas McGirr
Walking Disaster- Jamie McGuire(review can be found here.

Won:

The Princess and the Bear by Mette Ivie Harrison
Stung by Bethany Wiggins
Stake & Eggs by Laura Childs

Gifted (from Lisa):

The Host by Stephenie Meyer



Keep an eye out for more reviews this week, including an interview with the one and only Candace Jane Kringle! Enjoy your week, bloggers! (All ebook pictures courtesy of Amazon)

Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Title: Walking Disaster (Beautiful #2)
Author:Jamie McGuire
Format: Paperback, 448 pages
Pub. Date: April 2nd 2013
Source: Purchased

★★★★★

Five tattooed, sizzling stars.

All of his life, Travis Maddox has listened to the words of his mother. He's wanted to find a girl worth fighting for, a girl he knows will be his forever.... But in the mean time the college rebel makes a name for himself, kicking ass in local fights and sleeping with any hot girl who seems presentable. His world flips upside down when at a fight, he sees a girl beautifully out of place. AN innocent girl, unlike the easy girls he normally takes home. He knows that this girl is special, and he'll do anything to claim her, and to be claimed by her. A bet comes into the picture, gambling a month of no sex for Travis or a month of living with Travis for Abby. Only, Abby isn't as innocent as she initially seems. None of it matters to Travis. When it comes to protecting his Pigeon, he'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, happy, and loved.

This is the reverse story to Beautiful Disaster, told from Travis' point of view as opposed to that of Abby.

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Sigh. I waited so long for this book, and it was so worth the wait. I ran out to get it immediately after my classes were over upon its release, and it was definitely worth it.

+Travis. Oh my lovely Travis. My number one fictional boyfriend. Being inside his head is an amazing experience. It helped to explain a lot of his rage and rash decisions from book one, and it made him far more desirable. He's sweeter and deeper than he comes off in Beautiful Disaster, while still being an intimidating bad ass with just a hint of crazy.

+Surprisingly enough, I didn't even hate Abby in this book. I was expecting to, once the tables were turned, find her more insufferable and hard to get. But, I wasn't annoyed by her at all. In fact, she seems more perfect for Travis than ever. They're just so god damned imperfectly perfect.

+As my regular followers know, I hate fight scenes. A lot. However, I was able to follow the ones presented in Walking Disaster with relative ease. I was able to cheer Travis on through each blow and dodge, and I admittedly was nervous for him a few times despite me having read the book's previous installment.

+The cover is beautiful. I don't know if Jamie McGuire is in my head or not, but the one thing in males that I am most attracted to, aesthetically, is arms. The tattooed, muscular arm of Travis Maddox has been taunting me for months, and it finally looks so lovely on my shelf.

+The sex scenes are tasteful but scorching. There's enough tension and passion in Travis & Abby's scenes together to make the reader cheer them on and crave more of their togetherness. The scenes are never overly detailed nor are they skimmed over. Jamie McGuire finds the perfect balance of giving readers just enough of what they want while leaving the rest up to the imagination.

For once, I have nothing negative to say. If you are a fan of tattooed fighters, the New Adult genre, or of Beautiful Disaster & Travis Maddox, then give this book a chance. It's really cool seeing a romance, albeit a fucked up one, from a male protagonist's point of view.

Torched by Andrea Lynn Colt

Title: Torched
Author: Andrea Lynn Colt
Format: Paperback, 370 pages
Pub. Date: September 8th 2012
Source: Rainy Day Ramblings

★★★★★

Five incendiary stars.

Rose Whitfield is the girl we all knew in high school. A cheerleader, at the top of the food chain with smoking good looks and the hot designer labels to match. You either wanted her, wanted to be her, or loved to hate her. And oh, how people hate her. This comes to light once Rose finds herself in a jail cell framed for arson. She didn't do it, but the social hierarchy doesn't believe her. She uses this doubt as motivation to get her arch nemesis Paxton Callaway to confess to doing it. Help comes in an unlikely form in this explosive whodunnit that leaves you wanting more.

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I positively adored this book. At first I was a little put off, since the main character Rose is a preppy cheerleader. Personally, I hated that type of girl in high school, and I thought it would disconnect me from the novel. I'm so glad that I was wrong, and that I gave this book a chance.

+Starting with the cover, this book has it going on. I love the design and the teal coloring, since it's my favorite color. It's what drew my attention in.

+Paxton. I. Love. Paxton. He has officially been added to the fictional boyfriend list on my blog. He may pretend to be cool with his quarterback status, but he's a little nerd at heart. I love my boys muscular, funny, and able to quote Spock. I know Rose is the lead, but Paxton was my favorite character within this book.

+The intensity in this book is through the roof. There are so many emotions happening at once that it's like an awful roller coaster ride of feels. I was furious when no one would believe her, heartbroken when her best friend shunned her, giddy and sexually frustrated on her behalf when she feels kisses get a little bit heated. Emotions are hard to perfect, but Torched accomplishes it.

+Honestly, I wasn't sure who did it. Normally, my problem with mysteries is that I catch on rather quickly and then find myself twiddling my thumb for the next 200 pages. Pleasantly enough, that wasn't the case for Torched. I changed my guess about half a dozen times in uncertainty, only to find out that it was one of my first guesses. It drove me crazy, not knowing, and that was my reason for flipping the pages of this novel so quickly.

This book is a sizzling, arson-y five stars. This book is perfectly balanced parts of mystery, romance, and humor. Andrea Lynn Colt tells a great, clean story with vivid imagery and strong, relatable characters (even though they are rich and on the coast and I am poor and in the midwest). I recommend this to YA fans, clean romance fans, mystery fans, and chick lit fans. There is mild language in this book, but it was so light that I don't think anyone would take offense to it. I can't believe that it's Andrea Lynn Colt's book, but I genuinely hope that it isn't the last.