My Latest Obsession : The Sims 4

I've been pretty absent lately, which is nothing new. Blogging really hasn't been my thing lately. It's not that I'm not passionate about books still. I am! Very! Probably even more so than before, because I have been reading a lot and not concentrating on what I'm going to say about the story. Just enjoying it for what it is.

But I'm sad to say, (but not sorry), my reading has taken a bit of a nose dive as well. You see, I finally upgraded to The Sims 4!!! Moving on to the next game installment is always bitter sweet for me. I become so attached, and when you make videos and such, it's hard to start all that over in the next game. There are different controls to learn, and lots of research.

Plus, I heard some not so great things about The Sims 4. I read about how it was a step back. And it is.. as far as lot size goes. In the Sims 3 you had these large worlds to work with. In 4, you have smaller worlds, and we are back to loading lots, where as you didn't have to do that in 3. I'm sorry if I'm boring all you none gamers.. but I do have a point!!

While 4 is a step behind in that aspect, it's allowed them to add so much more in the way of details and over all interaction. We now have careers!!! And we can go to work with our Sims!! This is awesome. I have spent the past couple weeks working with Aubrey on her family, the mom climbing up the Doctor career.

My poor husband has been neglected. lol. We eat dinner and head right upstairs to the computer. Poor guy. lol. Well, last night we finally achieved Aubrey's goal. She wanted to deliver a baby. Behold.....

We worked so hard on that promotion. You need to diagnose and treat patients. It's awesome, but hard, and time consuming.

I started my own family as well. She is also in the medical career, but not as far, because Aubrey's sim has getting the most attention.

She likes eggs and toast. lol. They are so stinking adorable when they eat. 

Her name is Samantha and this is her boyfriend Agustin. 

Here they are getting engaged. I've been working on planning their wedding. 

I know that sounds crazy, but the game play is a ton of fun! Sims 4 has a ton more to do as far as the game play. The events you plan have actual tasks that you need to do to make the event successful. 

So that's what I've been doing for the last few weeks. Living another life. lol. 

My favorite thing so far in The Sims 4, are the facial expression and personality the Sims have. I've been making little memes with them. I will leave you with a few. :) 

Feel free to take any of these if you want. lol. Now I'm off to get some reading done. :) 

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Labels: fun, gaming, memes, obsessed, sims, sims3, sims4

Review: 26 Kisses by Anna Michels

Title: 26 Kisses
Author: Anna Michels
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: May 24th, 2016
Source: Received for review from publisher via Edelwiess
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Breaking up with her boyfriend is not how Veda planned on starting her summer. When Mark makes it clear that it’s over between them, Veda is heartbroken and humiliated—but, more importantly, she’s inspired. And so she sets out on the love quest of a lifetime: use the summer to forget about Mark, move on, and move up. All she has to do is kiss twenty-six boys with twenty-six different names—one for each letter of the alphabet.

From the top of the Ferris wheel at her hometown carnival to the sandy dunes of Lake Michigan, Veda takes every opportunity she can to add kisses (and boys) to her list, and soon the breakup doesn’t sting quite as much. But just when Veda thinks she has the whole kissing thing figured out, she meets someone who turns her world upside down.

By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Anna Michels’s debut is the story of one girl who realizes that moving on from the supposed love of your life means taking a chance—and having the courage to love again.

Sometimes you just need a fun light read, and 26 Kisses fits the bill perfectly. I needed this book so bad. I had just read a pretty emotional story and this one had me smiling the whole time. 

The gist is, Veda gets dumped by her boyfriend right before summer. She's devastated. Her friend and her come up with a plan for Veda to kiss 26 boys, one for every letter in the alphabet. SO Fun! There were a few letters that had me laughing out loud. 

The romance was cute. Because there is a romance, and her kissing challenge gets in the way of that a bit. I also enjoyed her interactions with her best friends. Things get sticky for reasons I won't mention, but I liked the over all message there. Yay friendships! 

There really isn't a whole bunch to say about 26 Kisses, but that's not a negative thing to say. It's an adorable summer read. It's not going to make you cry or keep you mind reeling for days after. And that's okay. It's just not supposed to be that kind of book. It will make you laugh however. You get what is promised and I was very pleased. :)

About the author:

When I was writing 26 Kisses, I asked myself, "If you could be seventeen again and be
kissed anywhere by any guy, what would happen?" My favorite scenes in the book grew out of that question--scenes that are stuffed to the gills with the sights, sounds, and smells of summer, and the fluttery feeling you really only get with a first kiss. I loved writing 26 Kisses, and I hope you love reading it!

Find Anna:

Website | Goodreads 

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Labels: 2016 debut, 26 kisses, Anna Michels, fun, kissing, reviews, simon pulse, summer

{Audiobook} Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Narrator(s): Amy Rubinate
Series: The Selection Trilogy, book #1
Length: 8 hrs 7 mins
Publisher: HarperAudio
Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Source: audio from library
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

I've been wanting to read this book for the longest time. I had it on the back burner. Not because of the kerfluffle though. Regardless of all that, I still wanted to read this story. I was just busy reading other things, and then more and more of the books came out and then bam.. here I was, still haven't read them.

So I grabbed the Audio recently and decided to give it a go. I hated it.. the audio that is.. The Narrator sounds like my gps talking to me. No lie. I still listened to it, but took every chance I could to bounce to my kindle edition. I ended up kind of reading it with Jess by accident. We are just that awesome. lol. She felt the same way about the narrator and we've both decided to continue the series in kindle version only.

The story was pretty fun. I know Jen didn't like them as much, I really am enjoying this series. Back when Aubrey was a baby, I had no life and started watching the Bachelor. I loved it. Guilty Pleasure. I kinda feel the same for these books. While they may not be the best piece of literature out there, they sure have grabbed my attention.

One big complaint though is her name. I mean, really? America. Lame. Other than that, I didn't have any issues. I loved her first meeting with Maxon. Very cute and funny. Their banter in the beginning made me laugh.

I'm really looking forward to reading then next books. These books aren't for everyone, but they sure are for me! I can see myself devouring them.

I couldn't decide which Bachelor Gif I liked more, so you get both. You're welcome. lol

About the author:

100 Things I Love:

Being married. Cake. The smell of Autumn. Motherhood. Books. Elephants. Back rubs. On demand movies. Actually going out to movies. Faith. Cinnamon rolls. My family. Butterflies. When my kitchen is clean. Crayons. Pink. Tote bags. Dancing. Organizing via color coordination. That my wedding dress was tea length, not floor. Baking. My house. Writing utensils. Paper. India. The sound of water. Making videos. Buttons. The word Episcopalian. Making people laugh. Layering clothes. British accents. Pinterest. Animation. Fireworks. The smell of the Ocean. My wedding rings. Aprons. Reasons to get dressed up. Sex. Pop music. Stars. Taking walks. Daydreaming. Stickers. School Spirit. My friends. Living in a small town. Japan. Singing. Painting my toenails. Pranks/ practical jokes. Painting. Stretch canvas. Costumes. Dipping my fingers in melted wax. Style. Soda. Spending an hour typing at a coffee shop. Musicals. Back to school season. Mopeds. Good hair days. Naps. Not walking up but looking at a beautiful staircase. Driving alone. My ankles. Playlists. Spending entire days in pajamas. Holidays. Telling stories. Spontaneity. Theme parks. Bookshelves. The word copacetic. Boxes. Empty journals. Surprises. Doing things in groups. Doing things alone. Getting real mail. Decorating. Small forks. A good hug. Gift cards. New Years Goals. Going out to dinner. When someone else remembers some great story about me/us that I’ve forgotten. Toy stores. Fireplaces. Breakfast foods. Journaling. Crying for a good reason. Doorbells. Pointless adventures. Voting. My birthday. Reasons to make wishes. Recycling.

Find Kiera:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Labels: audiobooks, catty-bitches, fun, harper-collins, kiera cass, reviews, the selection

Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Title: Red Queen
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series: Red Queen
Publisher: Orion
Publication Date: February 10th, 2015
Source: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.

To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.

Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.

But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?

I was a little nervous about picking this one up, because it only earned 3 stars from Jen. You can read her review here. Red Queen is compared to Graceling and The Selection. I read Graceling a long time ago and I liked it. I can't really vouch for it's comparison to The Selection though, because I've only just started that one. 

I try not to read to much into the... "This book is such and such book meets such and such book". Because half the time.. it's all bull shit. And it's nothing like either. Red Queen reminded me of a lot of different books, but it worked for me. It was a nice blend. 

I'll be honest in saying that one of the things that made reading this so enjoyable was the fact I buddy read it with Jess. Reading with a friend is so freaking fun, especially when you read a book like this that has so many twists and turns. There were many WTF texts flying between our phones. 

Red Queen wasn't quite what I expected it to be, but I did go in somewhat blind and that added to the experience. I read the blurb months and months ago back when I added it to my 'to read' list, but I did not read it before we started. 

I loved the whole Silver/Red blood thing. It kind of reminded me of the Red Rising world, with the color classes.. but less complicated. I wish I had silver blood. How cool would that be. And not to be gross, but I kept wondering if these silver bitches had silver periods!! They would almost have to, right? I really want to know! And if a red and a silver were to procreate, would their blood then look pinkish? Like a metallic pink? 

Anyway, I thought Red Queen was super fun and interesting. It leaves you hanging a bit.. but what series book doesn't? I'm really looking forward to reading the next one. 

About the author:

After growing up in small town Massachusetts, Victoria attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. She graduated with a BFA in Screenwriting, which is exactly the degree being sought after in a recession.

She tries her best to combine her love of history, explosions, and butt-kicking heroines in her writing. Her hobbies include the impossible task of predicting what happens next in A Song of Ice and Fire, road trips, and burning through Netflix.

Find Victoria:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Tumblr

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Labels: buddy reads, fantasy, fun, harper-collins, red queen, reviews, silver period, victoria aveyard

{Audiobook} Review: Dash & Lily's Book Of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Title: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
Series: n/a
Narrator: Ryan Gesell, Tara Sands
Publisher: Listening Library
Publication Date: November 16th, 2010
Source: Purchased Audio
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

“I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

I love this time of year! And what better way to start out the Holiday than a story set during Christmas time! For years I've seen bloggers rave about Dash and Lily's Book of Dares. Saying what a fun holiday read it is, and you know what! They were right. I'm so glad I grabbed the audio.

First of all, the female narrator is a little annoying. But honestly, I think that's more because Lily is a little annoying. She's kind of immature.. well, kind of isn't the best way to describe her. She's full blown immature, but I think that really worked for her. I started out rolling my eyes at her, but she's endearing, really and by the end I loved her.

My favorite was Dash. His narrator was great, and some of the stuff he says and thinks, had me laughing out loud and making sure I didn't have it on while Aubrey was in the car. He was definitely intelectual. Maybe a bit too much for Lily, but they balance each other.

I love love loved!!!! the dares they gave each other in the book. They were witty and hysterical. It was so fun watching their relationship blossomOverall, this is such a feel good story. . Christmas falls from the pages. I just adored it. I can see why Jen listens to this one every year at this time.

If you are looking for a holiday themed book to get you in the mood, look no further. Give this one a try! It's quick, fun and jolly!

About the author:

David Levithan (born 1972) is an American children's book editor and award-winning author. He published his first YA book, Boy Meets Boy, in 2003. Levithan is also the founding editor of PUSH, a Young Adult imprint of Scholastic Press.

Find David:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

About the author:

Rachel grew up in the D.C. area and graduated from Barnard College with a B.A. in Political Science. She has written many YA novels, including three that she cowrote with her friend and colleague David Levithan. She lives and writes (when she's not reading other people's books, organizing her music library or looking for the best cappuccino) in New York City.

Find Rachel:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Labels: Audiobook, christmas, dash and lily's book of dares, david levithan, fun, rachel cohn, reviews

{Blog Tour} The Liberator by Victoria Scott: Review + Giveaway

So, it probably doesn't seem that long ago that I was excited to introduce you to the fabulous Dante Walker...oh, wait!  That's 'cause it was only April when I was touting that 2013 Belongs to Dante.  Well, he's back, baby, and he is better than ever!  Check out my review of The Liberator and scroll down for a giveaway!

Title: The Liberator
Author: Victoria Scott
Series: Dante Walker, book #2
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Bad boy, meet bad girl.

Dante has a shiny new cuff wrapped around his ankle, and he doesn't like that mess one bit. His new accessory comes straight from Big Guy himself and marks the former demon as a liberator. Despite his gritty past and bad boy ways, Dante Walker has been granted a second chance.

When Dante is given his first mission as a liberator to save the soul of seventeen-year-old Aspen, he knows he’s got this. But Aspen reminds him of the rebellious life he used to live and is making it difficult to resist sinful temptations. Though Dante is committed to living clean for his girlfriend Charlie, this dude’s been a playboy for far too long…and old demons die hard.

With Charlie becoming the girl she was never able to be pre-makeover and Aspen showing him how delicious it feels to embrace his inner beast, Dante will have to go somewhere he never thought he’d return to in order to accomplish the impossible: save the girl he’s been assigned to, and keep the girl he loves.

Dante's character took a little getting used to in The Collector.  But I grew to love his swagger and his self-absorbed ways.  And he showed tremendous character growth in the first book.  That said, it took a lot to get used to this new and improved Dante in The Liberator.  He's not himself.  He doesn't know how to be a liberator, but he's trying his best.  And yet, this dude stays locked inside his own head for a good portion of the first half of the book.

Talk about a complete 180.  Dante worries -- a lot -- about his relationship with Charlie, about his status as a liberator, and about how he's going to keep Charlie safe.  It was actually kind of cute.  And then he's given this new mission, which takes him away from his beloved Charlie, and he worries even more.  Dante can't fathom how he's supposed to liberate the soul of a girl who is his equal in every way.  It's enough to drive a guy crazy.  But after Dante has his little pity party, he's back to being awesome.  Annoyingly so, but still.  :)

There are quite a few new additions to the cast of characters, as well as the return of some old friends.  ;0) And if you're worried about the possible love triangle hinted at in the synopsis, fret not.  Aspen is awesome and spunky and fierce, but more than anything, she is a friend to Dante and Charlie.  Dante sees some of himself in her, but he never looks at her the way he does Charlie.  Charlie is his world, and that's that.

I was happy to see that the villains were more prevalent and took on a more sinister role this time around. Not that they were non-existent before, but they were lurkers.  In this sequel, those bad guys have upped the ante and have added to their ranks.  This is truly a story of good versus evil, a battle between Heaven and Hell, and the bad guys aren't ready to give up just yet.

The Liberator got off to a bit of a slow start for me, but once it hit its stride, I was reminded of why I enjoyed the first book so much.  This installment is more action-packed and intense, I think, but it also packs a more emotional punch, as everyone seems to be battling their own demons.  I'm really enjoying Victoria Scott's take on angels and demons and what they're ultimately fighting for, and I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.

Rating:  

About the author:

I’m a teen fiction writer with a die-hard affection for dark and humorous books. My work is represented by Sara Crowe of Harvey Klinger literary agency. I have a master’s degree in marketing, and currently live in Dallas with my husband, Ryan.

My first series started with THE COLLECTOR, and was published by Entangled Teen in April 2013. The second book in the trilogy, THE LIBERATOR, will release August 2013. My next series kicks off with FIRE & FLOOD and is being published by Scholastic, February 2014.

Find Victoria:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Youtube | Dante’s Website

a signed copy of THE LIBERATOR & a signed copy of TWILIGHT, international

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out the rest of The Liberator blog tour hosted by YA Bound Book Tours. Click HERE to see the full blog tour schedule!

Thanks for stopping by & happy reading!

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Labels: bad boys, blog tour, dante walker, demons, entangled, fun, giveaways, reviews, souls, the collector, tori scott