Surprise Saturday Book Review

"City of Heavenly Fire"

I had to do a post to review this book. I know I'm behind but I just finished this little gem this morning. Let me tell you, I hate to admit when I make a mistake (my husband will agree) but I was WRONG ... but wrong in a good way. There are a few series I have read in the past that at the beginning I LOVED.  Then they keep writing more and more when the series could have ended 5 books back. (cough...House Of Night...cough) I was afraid that this was where this series was heading. After I finished The Infernal Devices series I was a little "shadowhuntered" out. That's why it took me so long to read this book.  However, I was WRONG ... DEAD WRONG! This was the perfect ending to this series. Cassandra Clare took us on a whirlwind adventure as the Shadowhunters fought to save the world from Sebastian aka Jonathan. The book kept me on my toes and although I was sure they would pull through, made me constantly ask, "How are they going to get through this one?"

Now for the best news ... there is another spin off coming in 2015!! The story will begin 5 years after the Dark War and will be based on the Blackthorns and Emma Carstairs, whom we met in Heavenly Fire. I absolutely love Emma Carstairs and am excited to read on about her adventure and quest for revenge. 

One thing I wish is that we could have seen the seelie queen at the end of Heavenly Fire, I don't want to spoil more then I have but I learned to hate her and I would have loved to see her in the end (but I have a feeling she will play a big roll in the next series).

To Read what Heavenly Fire is all about, keep reading...

And The Winner Is......

Times up! The winner of our Battle of the Vampires is....none other than our Italian aristocrat from the renaissance DAMON SALVATORE!!

HA HA HA Just Kidding...

(sigh) that's more like it!

Now time for the next battle. Get your clicking fingers ready! Introducing ...

BATTLE OF THE MORTALS

FINNICK ODAIR VS. TOBIAS "FOUR" EATON

This is going to be a hard one for me. I love both of our mortal men but for very different reasons. I will do my best to make a case for both of our men.

Finnick Odair

I have to say this man was one of my all time favorite characters from a book. Finnick is a male tribute from District 4 who won the 65th Hunger Games by using a trident and a net against other tributes (a skill unique to District 4's trade of fishing) at age 14. 

Pros:

Finnick is described as being very handsome, muscular, athletic and tall with tan skin, bronze hair, and stunning sea-green eyes. Now people, let's not be like the capitol and love him for his looks. He is also a trusted friend. He even saved Peeta by using CPR to resuscitate him (which Katniss notes as, "one of the things I will never stop owing him for"). My favorite thing about Finnick has to be his quirky sense of humor ... sugar cube anyone?

Cons:

There are not very many cons to go with Finnick Odair but the one that stands out the most is the fact that President Snow prostituted him to wealthy citizens of the Capitol.  This resulted in his reputation of many lovers and even more secrets. And ... well ... that about it.

Quotes:

"There supposed to be for horses, but who cares? They've got years to eat sugar, where as you and I ... well, if we see something sweet, we better grab it quick."

"Oh Peeta ... don't make me sorry I restarted your heart."

TOBIAS "FOUR" EATON

Oh, how I love thee. Let me count the ways ...  one two three FOUR! Four is a member of Dauntless and serves as the instructor to the initiates born outside of Dauntless. He was born in the Abnegation sector but chose to become Dauntless to escape his abusive father Marcus.

Pros:

Okay, let's start off with that tattoo. First off, I am not a huge tattoo girl but there is something about a back tattoo surrounded by all that muscle. ;) At the start of Divergent, Four seemed arrogant. This tends to be the way with Dauntless. However, it's not long before you start to see the softer side ... the selfless side of Four.

Cons:

Besides the fact that he throws knives at people's heads, four is a little temperamental and quick to react without always looking to see the whole picture.  Also ... nope. That's about it. No more cons for Four.

Quote:

"I don’t want to say this, but I feel like I have to. It is more important for you to be safe than right for the time being. Understand? … But please, when you see an opportunity ... ruin them"

Let the battle begin! Vote for your favorite mortal. Hope you will have an easier time than I will in picking your favorite.

Bring A Box of Kleenex

As is the tradition when a book is made into a movie, I am there opening night. (I even have my secret spot that I would say are the best seats in the house but no one ever sits there.) When I found out that Gayle Forman's "If I Stay" was movie bound, to say I was excited would be an understatement. The count down began and I watched the trailers over and over picking at it, trying to see if I could pick up if the movie would be true to the book. Opening night came at last. My friend and I talked throughout the day about how excited we were to go and the countdown had turned hourly. 

The movie did NOT disappoint! It was true to the book ... well at least as true as a movie can be.  I was in love with her parents.  Their rocker-down-to-earth attitude (what teenager wouldn't love to have parents like that) made for comedic points through the movie and brought a smile to my face while tears rolled from my eyes. To say you need a tissue in this movie is a sever understatement - you need the whole box. 

Chloë Grace Moretz as Mia Hall was amazing. She was believable and beautiful and I fell in love with her right from the start. To watch her play the cello and her love for music made me wish I could play and have such an all consuming first love like she did.

Now here is where the debate comes in ... I thought Jamie Blackley as Adam was a good match.  My girlfriend didn't agree.  She said he wasn't hot enough to be Adam. My thoughts are Rockers are not usually hot.  It's their music and their essence of coolness that makes them hot. I mean, don't get me wrong there are good looking rockers out there ... Jared Leto, Kurt Cobain, and when I was a 7 year old girl ... David Bowie in the Labyrinth.

 However, there are more not so good looking ones. You be the judge.  What kind of Rocker is Jamie Blackley?

Over all I loved loved loved the movie and can't wait to go see it again. I give this movie 4 stars out of 5 and would recommend this movie to anyone 17+ as there is some more mature content in the movie and the book. If you're reading this to find out if she stays ... well ... you're just going to have to go watch the movie or better yet, read the book first and then go watch the movie! 

To see the trailer keep reading...

Three Wishes

It's My 3 Wishes Wednesday!!!

I based my "Wednesday Wishes" off of this weeks novel pick 

Enthusiasm by: Polly Shulman

I picked this piece because it's super cute with a little humor 

behind it... Gotta love the handcuffs! 

"Best Friend~Partners In Crime" can be found at

SoulSparks on Etsy

Everyone loves these shirts and it reminded me of 

Ashleigh in the novel ~ she dreamed it and became it!

You can find these at 

TeeShirts24 on Etsy

K, I saved the best for last!!  Because Ashleigh took her 

BFF on all her adventures I fell in LOVE with these!  Based

on the Alice in Wonderland theme ~ necklaces that you and your

BFF wear that say "eat me" or "drink me"  there are others to 

choose from and you can find these super cute BFF necklaces at

choumie7 on Etsy

September Is Around The Corner

September - Week One - Book Releases

I don't know about you, but I am always looking for a new book to read.  However, finding what's coming out isn't always so easy.  That's where I come in!  I'm here to help you with your quest!  I've compiled a list of ten books that will be released the first week of September.  They look pretty interesting to me but remember ... I haven't read them yet.  I have no idea if they are good or not.  If you read them before me, I'd love to hear from you.  It's always fun to get other perspectives!  OK - enough gabbing.  Here are the books I picked:

If you want to read up on what these books are about, continue reading.  I've included book descriptions for each one.  Happy reading and let me know what books you are counting down the days until they are released!

"Enthusiasm"

(Don't forget our "Battle Of The Books" going on this week.

 Vote for your favorite vampire ... look to the right!)

"When someone asks for a reading suggestion, Enthusiasm is the first word off my tongue." --Stephenie Meyer, author of Twilight

Prior to reading Enthusiasm, I read a novel that just left me feeling depressed. I knew the next book I curled up with had to be a super fun, cute, light book.  I talked to my mom and she suggested I read Enthusiasm.  I decided to give it a whirl and let’s just say … I LOVED it!  Right from the beginning it caught my attention and I could not put the book down.  These past few years I have become a huge Jane Austin fan so this book was perfect for me!  I also love how Enthusiasm focused on teenage relationships and how important they are.  My mom has always taught me that “High School is about finding bridesmaids, not husbands” and this novel shows loyalty and friendship between two girls … the way it should be.  Julie and Ashleigh are always there for each other, through thick and thin and I really admired that.  If you love Jane Austin, romance, and a book that just leaves you smiling - Enthusiasm is the book for you!

Check out what Enthusiasm is all about:

Battle Of The Books!

Battle of the Vampires

DAMON SALVATORE VS. ADRIAN IVASHKOV

The thing I love the most about a good book is how lost you get in another world.  The upshot of this is I end up having very non-fictional feelings for fictional characters. I've had so many I lost count!

So here at Tidal Wave we have decided we need to find the ultimate book boyfriend and need your help to find our winner.

Each Week we will be pitting two of our favorite leading men against each other but the winner is up to you so don't forget to vote each week. Round 1 will have 8 "swoon"worthy characters starting this week with my two favorite vampires. The winners from the next 4 showdowns will face each other until we have found our perfect book boyfriend.

DAMON SALVATORE

Damon has been a long time book boyfriend breaking into the scene in 1991 in the Vampire Diaries series, by L.J. Smith. Fans of Damon have been lucky to see him brought to life in the T.V. series played by Ian Somerhalder, who  is the perfect choice to play this devil-may-care character. Although the book and t.v. series have little in common they stuck fairly true to the character of Damon. Let's be honest who wouldn't want to be the girl to bring out the good side of Damon.

Pros: 

Damon is an Italian aristocrat from the renaissance and has been described as having the looks and an Adonis. There basically isn't a vampire power out there that Damon doesn't possess:
Super strength, Healing, Super Speed, Shape Shifting, manipulation the list really goes on and on.

Cons:

Damon seriously doesn't have a moral code, while being a bad boy is a plus, serial killer may not be.

Favorite Quote:

"My brother (...) is a fool. He thinks that because you look like Katherine you're weak and easily led like her. But he's wrong. I could feel your anger from the other side of town. I can feel it now a white light like the desert sun. You have strength, Elena, even as you are. But you could be so much stronger...."
                                                                                                                   - The Struggle-

ADRIAN IVASHKOV

Adrian caught our eyes as the love interest of Rose Hathaway in the "Vampire Academy" series by Richelle Mead. This 6'1" green eyed hottie has always been an underdog in the romance department, his first love Rose cheats on him, breaking his heart, but leaving an opening for alchemist Sydney Sage in the Bloodlines series. For me it was the Bloodlines series that turned my book crush on Adrian into a full blown obsession. Readers start to see through his edgy arrogance and start noticing his vulnerable side, and makes us fall in love with him over & over again putting Sydney's happiness above his own.

Pros:

Adrian is a rare spirit user with the ability to dream walk. Adrian is moroi Royalty, he is the great-nephew of Queen Tatiana Ivashkov.

Cons:

Excessive drinker & smoker, spirit use causes some mental instability.

Favorite Quote:

" I tried to be a better person for her- but it was to impress her, to get her to want me. But when I'm around you, I want to be better because... well because it feels right, because I want to. You make me want to become something greater then myself. You inspire me in every act, every word, every glance. I look at you, and your like... like light made into flesh. (...) you have no clue how beautiful you are or how brightly you shine."
                                                                                                                                   -The Golden Lily -

Let the fun begin, time for you to vote on who you think is the most "swoon"worthy boyfriend. You have one week to vote and get as many other people to vote so your favorite can move on.

"The Giver" Give-Away WINNER and Movie Review

Before I announce the winner of our “The Giver Give-Away", I’m going to share my feelings about the movie.  Hang in there … enjoy the ride … and the winner will be revealed soon!

I am a fan of the 1993 book, The Giver by Lois Lowry, so my review of the movie may be a little bias.  To say I “LOVED” this book would not be accurate.  How can someone enthusiastically say they love a book as disturbing as The Giver?  You don’t walk away after reading it and say, “That was soooo amazing!  I loved it!!!”  Instead you walk away and think about what you just read for the next week … the next month … the next year.  That’s what makes me a fan.  Any author that can get their readers talking, pondering and feeling what they just experienced is brilliant.  This same sentiment goes with the movie.  I went to the movie with my family and after the final credits rolled, we found ourselves just sitting there, silently alone in the theater, letting everything we just witnessed sink in … and then the discussion started.  For this reason, I would recommend going to see it. 

3 Wishes Wednesday!!!

"My 3 Wishes Wednesday"!!

Here are my Fav's for the week!  I thought I would keep it in the theme of the book ~ Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier ~ and go with "Luscious Red" goodies .... So here it goes! 

Wish #1

This necklace says "Time Travel" all the way!  And if you look at it really close ... you can see the "rubies" on the face of the pendant.  I absolutely fell in love with it the first time I saw it.  If you love it as much as me ... here's the link:  Time Travel Necklace

Wish #2

Fall is right around the corner and these are perfect!  Who doesn't love Boot Cuffs Topper Socks.  I especially love the splash of red and the flower bead detail.  They will even do custom orders for you.  Check them out:
Boot Cuffs Topper Socks

Wish #3

Another fav ... this "Ruby Red" timepiece!  How cute is this!!!  Check this watch out here:  Ruby Red Timepiece

Book News and Food - What More Could We Ask For!

Okay - I'm going to start out with Happy news!!!  Straight from the mouth of Kiera Cass, here is the announcement ...

"We are writing a fourth novella about Marlee entitled "The Favorite"!  The Queen and The Favorite will be out in a paperback bind up early 2015!

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!

I'm so pleased to announce that we are writing TWO MORE FULL LENGTH SELECTION NOVELS!  The first of them, entitled "The Heir", will be out Spring 2015!

I hope you guys are just as excited as I am!  More to come soon!"
-Kiera Cass-

Let's just take a moment to let that all sink in ... ahhhhhh ... I'M SOOOOOO EXCITED!  HAPPY DANCE!

Now for the next purpose of this post:  Yesterday we had a wonderful review for the book "Ruby Red".  In honor of the book I am going to share a yummy recipe so we can all get cozy, curl up with the novel and eat some delicious pancakes.  You will love these as much as I do!  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.  I would love to hear from you!

Ruby Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Topping

Ingredients

Cream Cheese Topping

4

oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened

1/4

cup butter, softened

3

tablespoons milk

2

cups powdered sugar

Pancakes

2

cups Original Bisquick™ mix

1

tablespoon granulated sugar

1

tablespoon unsweetened baking cocoa

1

cup milk

1

to 1 1/2 teaspoons red paste food color*

2

eggs

Powdered sugar, if desired

Directions

• 1In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and 3 tablespoons milk with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually beat in 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, on low speed until topping is smooth. Cover; set aside.
• 2In large bowl, stir all pancake ingredients except powdered sugar with wire whisk until well blended. Heat griddle or skillet over medium-high heat (375°F). (To test griddle, sprinkle with a few drops of water. If bubbles jump around, heat is just right.) Brush with vegetable oil if necessary or spray with cooking spray before heating.
• 3For each pancake, pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbles form on top and edges are dry. Turn; cook other side until golden brown.
• 4Spoon cream cheese topping into resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag. Cut off tiny corner of bag; squeeze bag to drizzle topping over pancakes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

"Ruby Red"

O.k ... it's Monday, so you know what that means?!?!   That's right.  Another review of another great book for you to read!  

I recently got "Ruby Red" by Kerstin Gier but didn't have high hopes for it because one of my friends started to read it and never finished.  Well ... I was pleasantly surprised!  At first I didn't know what to think.  It didn't grab my attention right off the bat.  I felt the beginning moved a bit slow; however, once I got a few chapters in, I couldn't put it down.  There was a girl whose life turned upside down when she found out she could time travel. This same girl could also see ghosts.  That alone makes for a good read but then you add the "cherry-on-top" ... a hot boy she couldn't get out of her mind!  I would recommend this novel.  The mystery of the book caught my attention and I HAD to get the next book and the one after that so I could find out how everything ended.  If you love a good mystery with romance and a good time travel - this is the book for you.  

Here is what the book is about:  

Time To Give Things Away!!!!

Okay in honor of "The Giver" coming to theaters this Friday, we have a giveaway!

Here's how you can win ...

1) Start following "My Title Wave" = 1 entry

2) For every person you refer to follow the blog, have them post your name in the comments and you will get your name in the draw twice!!

The giveaway will be going on for a week.  The winner will be announced on Thursday, August 21st.

Here's what you will be winning ...

The movie addition of "The Giver" book and three limited addition "The Giver" nail polish.

Now let's get this going!  As much as I would love to keep this in my own collection (I have a little girl who has been eyeing the nail polish since I brought it home), I would love to send it to someone else to enjoy.

"To all the boys I've loved before"

After I bought "To All The Boys I've Loved Before", I was excited to sit down and cozy up with this book.  I wanted to get lost in the romance of it all. No one I knew had read this, so i was excited to be the first.

My feelings for this book are a little mixed.  I'll start with a few things that left me feeling a little "Meh" about the novel.  First of all ... Laura Jean.  Laura Jean is a sixteen year old girl who, in my opinion, acts like she is twelve.  At times, it was hard to remember that she was a junior in High school.  Maybe the author did that on purpose to show her growth throughout the story.  However, it was very distracting and made it hard to like her enough to care.

"Scarlet"

I always love books that friends recommend to me.  Firstly, it gives me new authors and new novels to dive into.  Secondly, it gives me a peek into the thoughts, feelings, and likes of my acquaintances.  I get to see a side of them that I may never have seen otherwise.  Most of the time I realize how much we really are alike on so many levels!  Books have a way of bridging people together and connecting us to others.

"Scarlet" is one of those books.  A friend that I really admire, and feel that we have a "book-bonding-kindred-spirit" ... recommended this book highly.  I quickly went out and purchased it only to have it sit on my shelf for a very long time.  One day I found myself in the mood for something "different".  I had recently been involved in a series of dystopia and historical romance novels, and knew that I needed to find a fresh genre to read.  If I didn't, they would all begin to blend together and each book would begin to sound the same.  That's when I revisited my bookshelf and found "Scarlet" ... calling out for me to pick her up. A retelling of Robin Hood might be just what the doctor ordered.