Perfect Moments

I wrote this last Monday. I figured as it is Sunday and everyone is getting ready to go back to school, work, ect this would be a nice quick post. Happy Sunday. Happy Easter! 

I just had to capture this, remember when I started this blog and I wanted to focus on those small moments when everything is right in the world?

Well, this is one of them. It's Monday the first "official" day of spring break and I am in a beautiful condo in Jackson, WY. I am done for the day with research. I am sitting down to read a book (Wide Awake by the lovely Shelly Crane) with a cold beer and a warm fireplace. D fell asleep and I can hear his soft snores through the door in the bedroom. To the right of me is snow covered mountains dotted with evergreen trees. There is silence and the only noise is the characters in my head.

It is times like this I am thankful for the small times of quite and calm.

View from our Condo in Jackson 

Book Review: Defect

Defect by Ryann Kerekes

* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review*

3 Stars for Defect by Ryan Kerekes

       

First I should say that the cover of this book is a bit misleading. It says more hey this could be a hot read. And well it was more on the dystopian/survivialist side of the spectrum. I liked the core of this story, I felt that the this was really a story of survival if anything else. It was gritty in Eve's pursuit to not only survive but to become a solider. Kane was a fun character that was full of evil. He pushes Eve and makes her understand the world she is trying to get into. And then there is Will, quiet strong Will who seems to be always looking out for Eve. The small glimpse of Will in the beginning was so sweet. The romance in this book is quite with brief moments of the characters. I think my favorite part of this book is actually the second part, and I fell in love with a character that we dont see until the last bit of this book.

I really liked the idea of this story, but I also was left wanting a bit more. It was hard for me to connect to some of the characters and I felt like I was missing details. But I prefer books with  a lot of detail, it helps me visualize and connect more with the story so it is possible that this writing style just didn't jibe with me. The second part of the book I loved and I could have read a whole novel about that section. I felt that I got to see a bit more of the person Eve was. And then the ending, man like I said this book could have easily been written into three full length novels. But it was nice to see the HEA as well, to see it put together.

Final Say: If you like dystopians that are about the survival of a person go read this book :) 

Cover Reveal! Frigid by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I am so excited to be a part of the cover reveal for Jennifer L. Armentrout's upcoming book, Frigid!!!! It is no secret I just love her books (Hello, Aiden Anyone??) and I am pretty sure I will read whatever she writes, like her grocery list. Ha! And I am so excited for this book PLUS it comes out my wedding anniversary. Sorry D!! Looks like I will be reading away that day. Just kidding (Kinda.  I think. ) Any who check out this awesome cover and the synopsis below!! Happy Reading. 

For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn't anything new. They'd been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the 'man' in man-whore. He's never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn't want to risk their friendship by declaring her love.

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she's perfect and she's everything. But the feelings he has for her, he's always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have.

But when they're stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor'easter, there's nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

Frigid will be available in digital formats on July 30^th 2013

Print release of Frigid will be November 5^th 2012

Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16122034-frigid?ac=1

         J. Lynn, also known as Jennifer L. Armentrout, is a # 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. She lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russel Loki.

             Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen.
She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.



Twitter  https://twitter.com/JLArmentrout
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/JenniferLArmentrout
Website http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/

Spring Break!

(From NPS.GOV)

If everything goes according to plan ( and it probably wont, lol) this is possible my LAST spring break. So, what pray tell, do I plan to do during this glorious week off??? Well I am doing research of course! And lets throw work in that mix as well. :)

I am taking two classes that work well with each other this semester. The first is a historical geography of National Parks and the other is a intro to ArcGIS. Living in Pocatello I am really lucky with my surroundings. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park are both only a few hours away me plus a few other such as Craters of the Moon as well as some of the great places in the west that attract many visitors (Jackson Hole, Sun Valley).

I am doing a project for these two classes where I am taking a time period (1933-1948) and I am looking at the cultural evolution in Grand Teton National Park. I am specifically looking at what the Civilan Conservation Corps (CCC) did during this time period. I am using ArcGIS to map out the specific trails and buildings they built.

I find that this project captures many of my interests. My masters focuses on Public Admin and well what is more public than the CCC plus I love history. I find history is like a really good book, a story that needs to be told. Many people might look at history as boring, as dates and a few people you need to remember. I find there is more to history than simple dates and places. It is a story of the actions of humans that is fueled by passion. There is deceit, hope, love, fear, and joy all interwoven into this landscape of a population. And in these projects I get giddy as I discover new things, as I make progress because it is like I am discovery and solving this mystery in time.

Nerdy? Definitely. Rewarding? Oh yes.

I plan on taking lots of pictures and updating through the break about all the cool things I find out. For those who are also enjoying a week off, have fun and be safe!!

I will be posting to Instagram and Twitter so follow me on our adventures!

The Unknown Journey

As I have mentioned before D and I have been in the midst of trying to figure out some things for the upcoming summer. Now, for the most part, I am not really a fan of the unknown. I like to have a plan or know what I am doing. I have been quiet because  some opportunities have arisen for me and I am excited  to say that I will be spending the summer working as an intern for a local non profit here in Pocatello that focuses on neighbored revitalization and other housing ventures! PLUS I get paid for it (in the world of internships I find this to be super sweet!)

D has applied for a few internships as well for the summer. Next fall  he has only one class to finish his degree and if everything falls into place I will be finishing my Masters of Public Administration next fall as well. And then we will BOTH be done with school and hopefully ready to move on to step

Which it is important to say, is a long time coming. D and I both started college right after high school in Fall 2006 and now, what 7 years later, we are still chugging along. It has been a long journey and one we have done on our own. We both have loving supportive families but we both have accomplished school pretty much on our own, working and going to school full time to further our education.

 And when I say hopefully I mean I hope to the higher being of whoever looks over us because what was suppose to be a three year jaunt in Pocatello to get my degree has turned into a six year adventure and I am getting antsy to either move on or get a job! ha! And I feel that D is in the same boat.

When I went in for this internship I was of course asked the where do you see yourself in five years question. In a way I have a love hate relationship with this question. When I answered it I think I mumbled my way through it not really giving a definite answer, go me right? And then I leave and I think of the best answer!!! Because this is what I learned about the future. As much as I have plans or where I want to be, generally that never happens. I mean seriously people if you look at where you are now and where you thought you would be I bet those are two different ideas. And that is not to say wherever you are is bad. While I thought I would be exploring the world by now I am happily married and that of course I wouldn't change.

But if I could answer the question again this is what I would  say:

Simply. I want to make a difference in this world. Not sure how but I just have this feeling that I have the potential to really make a difference, small or big. Many times people have the feeling that they want the good life: they want to get married, find a house, have kids, get a good job ect. But for me while I did get married and maybe one day kids will be in the picture (though not any time soon), my goals have always been focused more on what I can do to make the world a better place.

In the end of this long, slightly rambling post, basically D and I are on a journey of a bit of the unknown, things change frequently and we are excited, kinda scared, and ready for whatever happens next. And I feel like this is the epitome of being in our mid 20s- not really having any idea what in the hell I am doing or what is next. :) Right?

The Darkness of Jonathan

*Spoilers* If you have not read these books, beware *Spoilers*

I should preface that I am all for Evan in this series, Evan and Emma belong together! But I was instantly drawn to Jonathan in this book. And man did I feel guilty about it. You can tell he has issues form the start and by the end of the book you think, wait can I really feel like this man has redeeming qualities? Can he really be saved or overcome his really really dark past???

"Jump, Emma", he commanded, his voice stern but nonthreatening

Emma and Jonathan both are dealing with heavy situations and Emma finds something familiar in Jonathan. Emma believes that she can talk to him, and he in return finds someone that calms him like no one else. 

"It was true. Until that moment I hand't realized what was happening. I was able to share the demons that wrestled with me in the night, and Jonathan understood in a way that no one else did. He was fighting with them himself, and that had drawn us together." 

I really hope that Rebecca Donovan writes his story because I think it would be absolutely riviting. I mean this character is deeply flawed but you want nothing but him to be redeemed. I found the interactions between Emma and Jonathan to be natural and sweet, you could see that he really did care for her but maybe his love was a bit misplaced. He saw her as a saving grace and I think that spot was already taken. I hurt for Evan in this book but felt guilty when Jonathan would be hanging with Emma rather than Evan, mostly because I craved Emmas and Jonathan's interactions. 

"A chill ran through me when I found myself caught in the depth of his eyes" 

I find that Jonathan is such a unique character out there and I haven't seen an author gone to the dark and depth of him. What do you think of this slightly controversial character for those who have read the series?? 

And when I think of him I think of this song. 

Author Spotlight: L.W. Patricks

I love me a good dystopian. I find that authors can create these worlds that are complex and riveting. And Author L.W. Patricks delivers in his edgy and dark new novel Shadow of Wrath. I am so pumped to spotlight this book. I am about half way through it as we speak (type?). Finished it last night and it was full of twists, turns, and awesomeness. It is an all consuming read, making me wonder what is next and who will survive the arena. So for those looking for a story with a dark edge, I say go ahead and grab this book!!!! 

Here is all the info. Go get it. 

"If you strip away all of life's clutter: love, friendships, money; you're left with the true meaning of life- Survival." 

Shadow of Wrath Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Wrath-ebook/dp/B00BRPGURE

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/293875

Synopsis

*********

In the Arena, you’re either a killer or a victim.

If survival meant murdering an innocent person in cold blood every week, could you do it? Are you able to stick the knife into your opponent’s heart while they look at you with fear in their eyes? Life in the Arena turns everyone into sinners.

A homeless boy is kidnapped from the streets and finds himself imprisoned in a far more horrifying place: the Arena, a place where teenage boys fight to the death for the pleasure of various lowlifes in a modern gladiator pit.

The Arena is the brainchild of Ryker, an ex-convict addicted to alcohol, gladiatorial-esque combats, and money. When not devising new ways for boys to kill each other, he’s ruling his small empire with a ruthless fist, rewarding his guards with sex slaves and punishing those who oppose him with barbaric executions.

Renamed Dog, the boy from the streets must turn himself into a killing machine if he is to continue surviving, but as he leaves a trail of bodies in his wake, the ghosts of slain boys haunts him and the violence threatens to wake a beast inside him.

Allegra, a slave girl in the Arena and a victim of Ryker’s constant abuse, is his only key to salvation. She has lost everything already -- her family, her innocence, and her dignity -- while her will to live hangs on by a thin thread. Can she save Dog’s humanity before she too succumbs to the horrors of the Arena?

Seeking to defy Ryker as Dog rises to power as his champion, the stage is set for something to give in this murderous world of young gladiators.

A tale about survival, tragedy, and human perseverance, the complete Shadow of Wrath is the first book in the Sins of the 7 series.

So what are you waiting for??? Happy Happy Reading!!! 

L.W. Patrick's Website

L.W. Patrick's Twitter

Sebastian, the other brother

*Spoilers. If you have not read these books, beware. Spoilers*

Sebastian is Clary's brother. And he is pure evil. Like there is way more evil in him than good. Unlike the other two boys I have highlighted, I am not for Sebastian at all, but there are tiny tiny moments where I feel like he got the short end of the stick. That he is capable of caring. That maybe his love for his sister gives him a bit of creditability. 

“What do you think it would have been like if Valentine had brought you up along with me? Would you have loved me?" Clary was very glad she had put her cup down, because if she hadn't, she would have dropped it. Sebastian was looking at her not with any shyness or the sort of natural awkwardness that might be attendant on such a bizarre question, but as if she were a curious, foreign life-form. "Well," she said. "You're my brother. I would have loved you. I would have...had to.

Now the reason I highlight Sebastian is because I find him to be truly on of the more evil characters out there and I love how Clare really gives insight into him, that he has the ability to seriously cause damage. Plus the brother/sister relationship makes you wonder how well they represent good and evil. 

“Why did you?” Clary asked. “Why did I what?” “Help me back there.” “You’re my sister.” She swallowed. In the morning light, Sebastian’s face had some color in it. There were faint burns along his neck where demon ichor had splashed him. “You never cared that I was your sister before.” “Didn’t I?” His black eyes flicked up and down her. “Our father’s dead,” he said. “There are no other relatives. You and I, we are the last. The last of the Morgensterns. You are the only one left whose blood runs in my veins, too. You are my last chance.”

Team Warner

*Spoilers Ahead. If you have not read these books, be aware. Spoilers*

So I am just going to say it. Team Warner. Yep, I mean I like Adam well enough but there is just something about Warner that makes me say hey, you have some issues but I think your love for Juliette can really redeem you. 

"But right now everything tastes like romance and regret"

In Shatter Me, Warner is displayed as the man that takes Juliette away from her cell to use her as  a weapon in the war that is raging in this dystopian world. He is cruel and hard. He has a fascination with Juliette and the reader sees that this man has little to no mercy. 

But then. We get more into the mind of Warner and realize that he is doing what he has to. He has moments of mercy and thoughtfulness. And in a way, Warner knows who he is and doesn't have to apologize for it. 

"But I see layers, shades of gold and green and a person who's never been given a chance to be human and I wonder if I'm just as cruel as my own oppressors if I decide that society is right, that some people are too far gone, that sometimes you can't turn back, that there are people in this world who don't deserve a second chance and I can't I can't I can't

I can't help but disagree" 

He loves fiercely and this love coupled with the hate he has for his father fuels his need for change. But then there are moments when he reverts back to being Warner, the cruel man. Juliette is really the only one to make Warner realize that he can do good in the world and he doesn't have to accept his fate and the labels that have been given to him. Warner has spent a life without meaningful connections or love. He is cold because he had to be, showing emotion considered him weak. Mafi makes you understand why Warner is the way he is and you can't help to think that with love shown to him, he has the potential for great things.

"And I realize I don't want to be his enemy anymore"

Neither do I Juliette, Neither do I. 

Oh For the Love of Brennus

*Spoilers Ahead. If you have not read these books, beware. Spoilers*

It was this book that made me fall madly in love with the man that is Brennus, a evil undead man who uses his power to get what he wants but uses his love to woo the only women he wants as his queen.

 I love Bartol's Premonition series and Brennus is one of my favorite characters out there. He is on the mission of being Evie's one and only love (good luck Brennus, there a few in that race;) and Brennus will stop at nothing to have Evie by his side, as his queen. The best part, is that you can see at times how torn Evie is with Brennus. 

" I know that I have been a hostage here, his prisoner, but I'm also so confused about everything. He is seduction in the flesh. He keeps finding all the things that I crave and giving them to me. That is a powerful drug. It was easy to resist him when he didn't know me, but now that he does, it's making things much, much harder" Indebted 

So you see, Brennus has a lot of power and I think his love for Evie is real. Brennus wasn't always evil, he actually did the things he did for his brother. For Brennus, Evie represents the one thing he did right, the one way for him to correct the many evil things he has done. His interest in Evie is authentic and true. He, for the most part, keeps Evie in the know. He includes her in a way which Reed doesn't, at least from how I see it. And maybe that is why I like Brennus so much. For all of his shady ways Brennus does include Evie, together they make a team. A twisted team, none less. A team that brings out a different side to Evie. I might dare say a stronger side of Evie. Reed is so protective of Evie and I don't think he  gives her enough credit for what she is capable of.

Plus I tend to believe that Evie is a bit of redemption for Brennus, though he thinks that he can never be saved. And then of course there are many situations that Brennus takes a selfless approach and helps Evie out, even if it doesn't benefit him. His love for Evie is worth more than him than the power he holds. I don't think Brennus would ever admit that, of course. It's ok Brennus, you secret is safe with me ;) It seems that he is only doing what he can to survive, what is expected of him when it comes to some of his more shady tactics.

"However, when yer wee isle incinerated and I believed dat me fellas had annihilated ye, something happened ta me...I learned dat dere is a raging depth of pain dat I had yet to experience...'Twas na remorse...'Twas a loss on a scale I had never imagined. 'Twas an agony dat even da death of me own heart, or da heart of me brudder, could na equal" Incendairy 

In the end, I applaud you Amy Bartol and your genius work in creating the complexity and amaziness of Brennus. Plus the rest of the gang are all pretty epic as well. Let me know if you love Brennus too!!

Monday Inspiration: All about books

"I don't believe in the kind of magic in my books. But I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book" -J.K. Rowling 

(From my personal library) 

March is National Reading Month so this week I am talking about books!! Next week I will writing some posts about topics that I have encountered or discussed in school including a fun project I am working on. This week I am focusing on our favorite characters that we love to hate! I find that if an author can take the "evil" character and make him totally lovable, than it adds an interesting dimension to a book as well as shows some great talent. And here is the line up for this week:

Tuesday: Brennus from the Premonition Series by Amy Bartol

Wednesday: Warner from Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Thursday: Sebastian from the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

Friday: Jonathan from the Barely Breathing series by Rebecca Donovan 

The facebook page for Amazon Kindle has asked a question each day for March and I thought I would answer them here, because books have always been an inspiration for me. Feel free to answer these questions with me in the comments!!

1. What is the first line of the book you are currently reading?

"I've started dreaming of Portland again" Requiem by Lauren Oliver

2. What book had the largest impact on you as a child?

When I was a kid around the second grade, I actually couldn't read. I was really far behind and had to take one-on-one reading classes for a whole year. Angelina the Ballerina was the first book I read all the way through by myself. After that year and the help I got, it was like a switch was turned on. I jumped from a below K reading level to a 6th grade reading level the next year and I haven't stopped reading since! 

3. Have you ever read a book in one sitting? If so, which one?

All the time! I read really fast, it takes me about 4 hours to read a book that is roughly 300-350 pages long. 

4. Who is your favorite author?

There is no way I can pick just one so I will give you my top five: John Green, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Nora Roberts, Sarah Dessen, Jennifer L. Armentrout 

5. What is your all time favorite book series?

Again, I can only pick one?? Nope I am going to pick three: Harry Potter series, I grew up with HP it is something that was engrained in my age group. The Chicago Stars series by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, I can read those books over and over again. And The Sea Swept trilogy by Nora Roberts, which have some of my all time favorite characters. 

6. What was the best book you read last year?

Slammed by Colleen Hoover. Hands Down. 

7. What is one book you wished more people read?

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay 

8. What was the first book that made you cry?

I don't cry in books but I can list the three books I know I balled in. The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks and My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (the only book of hers I like) Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson 

9. What book always makes you laugh out loud?

Bahh so many: Anything by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Wallbanger by Alice Clayton. The Stephanie Plum series,  Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Cruise, How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran

Book Review: Fractured

Fractured by Amber Lynn Natusch 

Blurb from Goodreads:

I thought about watching from afar, hidden by the nearby trees or headstones, so I could avoid the onslaught of grief I was sure to be bombarded with. It was cowardly, but I was certain that when faced with the totality of my own grief, I would crumble under the weight of any extra. He was always so strong both physically and emotionally – I selfishly wished for his strength in that moment. If I couldn’t be strong, then I would at least be honorable and bear my pain publicly, for all who loved him to see. It was by my actions that he was about to be put six feet under, and I owed it to him to be there

Fractured is an a great example of a smaller indie published book that is a bit unknown but it is quickly gaining speed. A litte over a year ago, D didn't realize what he was getting into when he gave me a kindle for a graduation present. I have always been an avid reader but my kindle spurred my reading interest and I quickly entered the world of indie/self published books. It is quite the phenomenon. Many books that were being bypassed by traditional publishing houses had huge reader responses. And of course, on the other side, not every self pub/indie book was amazing. But the Caged series by Amber Lynn Natusch is a rare gem in a sea of books. I find myself totally attached to these characters and find them popping up in my mind at random times, like I am trying to remember how an old friend is doing.

"Light eventually falls on even the darkest of corners"

Fractured is the 5th book in the Caged series and Natusch weaves a complex story which asks more questions than answers, but also deals with some of the other issues in this book. Now I have always had a soft spot for Cooper and in the last book I was wanting for him to find his Happily Ever After. I felt in this book some of those things start to fall into place, we get to see more of the overall purpose of Cooper and I loved the direction it was taken. 

Then of course there is the combo of Sean and Cooper. In general, I really do not like overprotective male characters. But Sean and Cooper are perfect in their protective nature, and it makes sense why they each have their own reasons for their actions. Plus it is pretty funny, the pissing matches they get into. I mean Ruby has the uncanny ability to find trouble, or well trouble finds her. 

"...Ruby I was gone for half and hour. How much shit did you manage to stir up in thirty minutes? I gave him a sheepish look that told him everything he needed to know. Knowing my gifts, he scowled in return. "Worst case scenario?" he asked, leading the way down to the car" 

Ruby and Sean, it seems, to be somewhat on the same page and even looks like things might work out. Well of course with some advice from a character I have no trust in, it is really hard to say but I have a feeling that the next book some pretty big secrets are going to unveiled and things are going to get messy. It makes sense with the setting up of trust and strength between Ruby and Sean and that this newly appointed trust will be greatly tested. 

"Every pass drew the lightest hint of sorrow from him, his foreign words coming more frequently- a confession, a purging of remorse for a loss he couldn't quite understand" 

I could go on and on with this book, which I hope to do in the comments, but the final say is that if you havent heard or read the Caged series, take a chance on this gem of a series. You want the characters to be your best friends, you feel for Ruby and the heartache that follows her. You find yourself in awe of the complex story that is woven, the situations that arise, and what is hiding around the corner.....

And while writing this review this song came on random which I think is a perfect song for Ruby. 

Im an Animal by Neko Case
you could say it's my instinct yes, i still have one there's no time to second guess it yes, there are things that i'm still so afraid of but my courage is roaring like the sound of the sun cause it's vain about its mane and will reveal them to no one now i'm an animal you're an animal, too pick up that rock (drink from that lake) i do my best but i'm made of mistakes yes, there are things i'm still quite sure of i love you this hour this hour today and heaven will smell like the airport (airport) but i may never get there to prove it so let's not waste our time thinking how that ain't fair i'm an animal you're an animal, too you're an animal, too 

Book Review: Experiment In Terror Series

Experiment In Terror Series by Karina Halle

Blurb From Goodreads for DarkHouse:

With all the vampire, werewolf and faerie books out there, it's easy to become numb to all things supernatural. The antidote? Darkhouse introduces two real and unforgettable characters, Perry Palomino & Dex Foray, amateur ghost hunters who are "attractive, relatable and oddly heroic," "flawed but loveable," "slightly crazy" and just the most endearing pair to ever tackle the paranormal...just don't call them normal. Darkhouse is a thrilling and sexy new take on concepts like Supernatural and The X-Files, bringing a breath of fresh air to a genre that has been inundated with the dead. ***Darkhouse and the Experiment in Terror series is a horror/romance for mature audiences only. Readers who are easily offended by harsh language should think twice about reading it.***

The Experiment In Terror series is a 9 part series with the first 6 books out as well as 4 short novellas. I should preface that there is no way you will find me watching any horror films, and you wont find me in haunted houses during Halloween. Nope. Not my cup of tea. But, of course that doesn't mean I can't read about it and I pretty much devoured these books! I had read Halle's Sins and Needles (which is in equally awesome book) and DarkHouse, the first book in this series, had been sitting on my kindle for over a month, just begging for me to read it.

I finally sat down last Monday and soon found that my productivity levels were down because I couldn't stop reading these books. Seriously. It was bad. I think I talked to my husband last week??

Any who, Halle creates Dex and Perry and I must say that I have never encountered a team that deals with so many obstacles, are so screwed up, and generally luck is not on their side. But, I have also never seen a couple who are so right for each other. The reason why I liked these books so much was because Halle writes these characters in all my favorite ways. It is best to say that this couple is on a really long first date. I love their snarky banter and I found that when they are together I am constantly laughing. IHalle doesn't follow a lot of the rules other there when dealing with these two and I enjoyed how there isn't that desperate need for each other, I mean it's there dont get me wrong, but its not done in pathetic way. Dex and Perry are so real, crazy notions aside, and together they have such a natural way to them. Many times authors try to point out that their characters are soul mates, but I see this term exemplified in Dex and Perry. A bit broken of course and not in any way perfect, but real.

And of course there is the horror aspect of these books. It is legit. There were times I was totally scared out of my wits. The trip on D'Arcy island was the most terrifying for me. Not only the fear from the island itself but the fear of Dex and Perry dealing with each other. I really wanted them to stay on that boat! :)

I loved these books so much that it is hard to describe how amazing they are. So I guess the best is to give you a few glimpses into these two's cracked out relationship.

"You are short. And I know you can be sweet when you want to be. But there are different kinds of dangerous kiddo. I'm just going to leave it at that" (Darkhouse)

"'Really brings out your eyes," Dex said, standing behind me, meeting my gaze in the mirror's reflection. It was almost romantic. Then he said, 'They aren't as angry as usual" (Dead Sky Morning)

"But it was true. We were no good on your own. Only together did things make any sense" (The Lying Season) 

So in the end, if you like books that are forever about the tension between two people are are so right for each other but are face many many obstacles, then grab this series. You wont regret it.

Monday Inspiration: Chaos and Simplicity

"You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star"

(President's Day. Southeast Idaho)

Today's Monday Inspiration is simple, mostly because the last few weeks, for me, have been hectic. D and I are dealing with some decisions that need to be made and not all of them are easy. So I am embracing the chaos and going along with the ride...hoping to just enjoy the journey. A mantra I keep having to tell myself :)

A quick update for friends and family:

I am half way through my second semester of grad school. After this semester, I will only have 12 credits left and hopefully I will be able to finish all 12 next Fall. I am loving school, no surprise and I have the great opportunity to work on some sweet projects. I will be sharing one of my major projects on the blog here in the next few weeks but a sneak peak is that this project is taking me to Grand Teton National Park for a few days during our spring break :) 

D is in the midst of figuring out what we are doing this summer and when we have concrete plans I will be sure to let you all know. 

March is National Reading Month!!!!! In celebration I plan on next week dedicating a whole week to some of my favorite characters in books I love. These characters all share a certain "treacherous" quality ;) If you are like me, a fan girl that falls in love with fictionous characters rather than celebrities then come join me next week to discuss these characters and the fabulous authors that bring them to life. 

And for your Monday: