Series Recommendation #16: Record by KA Linde

I cannot believe I haven't featured this trilogy yet in my series recommendation blog special. Because seriously I only have nothing but pure love, love, love for these books, its characters, and its author (of course!).

I came across the first book purely by chance and it was probably the best stumble-by-chance book I found last year. Well, there is no probably to that statement...because it really was. The wait for the next two books was excruciating. It was times like those when I really try to swear off recently started books that aren't standalones but I'm not a very patient person. But all the wait was worth it.

I fell in love with Brady and Liz in the first book and was hooked by the time I read the second book, I was pretty resigned to the fact that I will have a hard time letting go of these characters. Suffice it to say that I delayed reading the third book because I was becoming a mess at the thought of the trilogy ending.

Let me just say that this was a beautifully crafted story that was generously spread for a period of two years. That's a luxury that we don't get to have these days wherein stories almost always have hurried timelines. I really felt that I was able to see the characters grow over time and took that as a privilege.

So I guess I should stop now. I apologize but I get all fangirl-ly when talking about these books. It couldn't be helped!

(Click on the title links for my reviews.)

Off The Record

On The Record

For The Record

Series Recommendation #15: Call by Emma Hart

These books were my very first EH books and damned if I was not hooked! I just loved how well the storytelling was put together. The blurb may make you feel a tad apprehensive but then I was glad to have decided having a go at this gem of a series because then I wouldn't have met Dayton and Aaron.

It was a joy reading this love story. I read romance novels day in and day out and it's always a great feeling to read something that has something different--whether it be the unusual twist or the not-so-usual character stereotype. One of my more favorite plots is when characters have a history together well before the main story begins. It's almost always a win and this story definitely didn't disappoint in that department.

Without giving away anything, this series got my thumbs-up in so many things. It may not be perfect but it was great enough for me to keep on reading EH because, man, that writing is great. One thing is for sure, the next time I decide to read EH, there will be no more apprehensions after reading the blurb. Heck, forget the blurb. Let's just move on to the reading part already.

(Click on the title links for my reviews.)

Late Call

Final Call

His Call

Top Choice Reads From July-December 2014

I know, I know. I am now two Saturdays late for this post but here I am anyway. Quite a difference from the timely post that I did when I made the shortlist for my most favorite reads for the first half of last year.

The second half of 2014 was a real challenge. I was busy, busy, busy and didn't have much time for books. But reading is like breathing for most of us so I was glad that I still managed to squeeze in some time to do it. I mean, it's better that I have no time to read than for my favorite authors to have no time to write, right? I'm still thankful though that despite the minimal time, I still put in some reading time and despite the small reading count I made, I still managed to find some good reads. 

So here is my shortlist for the best books I read for the second half of 2014. I say it was a pretty good year and still, I hope that 2015 will do much, much better. (Click on the title links for my reviews.)

July

Best pick: About That Night by Julie James

Runner-up: Taint by SL Jennings

August

Best pick: Cherry Girl by Raine Miller

Runner-up: Love Of A Rockstar by Nicole Simone

September

Best pick: Dair by RK Lilley

Runner-up: On The Record by KA Linde

October

Best pick: Cinder & Ella by Kelly Oram

Runner-up: A Lush Betrayal by Selena Laurence

November

Best pick: For The Love Of A Lush by Selena Laurence

Runner-up: Love Irresistibly by Julie James

December

Best pick: Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren

Runner-up: Room For A Little Bit More by Beth Ehemann

Bring it on, 2015!

Series Recommendation #14: Reasonable Doubt by Whitney Gracia Williams

When I started this series, I actually thought it to be another sexy series of reads with nothing else but the sexy in it. I haven't read WGW before this so you have to forgive me for that initial bias.

And boy, was I wrong. Many times over, in fact. The first part in this novella serial may have started off with a lot of the sexy that I had expected but by the time I got to the third part, that was was the furthest impression I had about the series.

I loved how the story truly evolved through the entire series. Oh, what a joy to read! I was just a bit disappointed that the serial stopped at the third part because I was actually ready for more Aubrey and Andrew. But I guess you know all about stopping while the going is still good.

(Click on titles for reviews.)

Reasonable Doubt Volume 1

Reasonable Doubt Volume 2

Reasonable Doubt Volume 3

Sex Me Up Readathon

Sooo...first, let me apologize for this long overdue and definitely last-minute blog post for the Sex Me Up Readathon happening next week. Yep! It's going to be running on July 21 to 25. That will be Monday until Friday NEXT freakin' WEEK!!! And this post was supposed to be up by last weekend at the latest. Ha, I even tweeted about it. Fail. Typical.

Anyway, what is Sex Me Up Readathon and why join it? Now, I would like to thank the ladies over at the Gosling Girls Book Tour and The Hot Bed  for coming up with this readathon. See, I love romance novels and the sexier, the better. (And when I say sexy, I don't always mean a book that is all sex.) But whenever the subject of reading comes up with people that don't really know me well, I tend to shy off from discussing the books I read. This came about when someone made a passing comment that I should do more "intelligent" reading. I might have felt insecure at that time and that was probably why I started this blog because I needed a place where I can talk about books. But I have eventually come to the realization that no one tells me what to read. Screw people who judge what other people do!

This is actually going to be my first readathon (imagine that!) because I have always loved to read at my pace. But then again, we are talking about sexy books here so who am I to let this pass? I read them more than half the time anyway so this should be a piece of cake. (LOL! Let's see how I will fare by the end of next week.) I have never had a hard time talking about sex with friends but somehow there is still that apprehension talking abour sex in books. I admit that there are still times that I don't admit to having have read Fifty Shades of Grey. I love Christian Grey, okay? Sue me. But next week's readathon should be the perfect time to talk about sex and sexy people in sexy stories in steamy, sexy books. I'll be the first one to admit that my TBR pile is probably 80% dirty. Aint't changing that so suck it up. Pun intended.

This might be a bit late to give recommendations but what the heck, these recos are for everyone who are not done doing their Sex Me Up TBR list yet. I'm so glad that I see a lot of people choosing Christina Lauren's Beautiful Bastard series for the readathon. Hell, yeah! I finished this series earlier this year and it was soooooo good and definitely a great choice. Another reco would have to be Jodi Ellen Malpas' This Man trilogy. This may have a few shades of Fifty in it but it was still a beautiful read--you'll never look at peanut butter the same way again! For our rockstar-loving readers, you can't go wrong if you pick up Olivia Cunning's Sinners On Tour series. Holy guacamole! I'm not done with this series yet but I love, love, love each of the books I've already finished--talk about steamy sex and some very lovely and well-written characters. Everything goes in this series that even yours truly had some wtf moments. And lastly, for those who haven't tried M/M romance, you might give Ella Frank's Try, well, a try. This was only my third M/M read and first intentional one (the other two being parts of series and I didn't see coming). I have yet to read the second book but I think I'll love it regardless.

As to my own TBR for the readathon, I have chosen to go with standalones only. I am currently into several series already so I'll take this opportunity to have a break from them. These things are hard to find though as every book out there seem to be parts of series. Phew! So here are what I will be reading next week:

It should be awesome.

And then what's a lovely reading time without music? If there's anything I love as much as I do books, it will have to be music. So I came up with this playlist of, ahem, what I think are sexy songs just to set the mood for next week. Everyone may not agree with my choices but here is my smutify playlist anyway.

Freak Me - Another Level

Scandaluous - Mis-Teeq

Naked - South Jordan

When You're Mad - Ne-Yo

I'll Make Love To You - Boyz II Men

Doin' Dirt - Maroon 5

Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado

When I Get You Alone - Robin Thicke

T-Shirt - Shontelle

Lips Of An Angel - Hinder

Naked and Sacred - Chynna Phillips

Love In This Club - Usher

Series Recommendation #11: Rock Her/Rock Him by Rachel Cross

I was going through my previous series recommendations and realized I never did put these things on. But trust me when I say that these were good books. These books were completely unassuming and I went into them without any clear expectations at all. And then boom! 

I didn't expect to enjoy these books so much. If you're looking for a fresher voice in romance, you should trying to check out RC. This duet had solid storylines and very well written characters you can't help but fall in love with. These books do come with the highest recommendations. (Click on titles for reviews.)

Rock Her

Rock Him

Top Choice Reads From January-June 2014

I cannot believe that I have read a total of 90 books already this year. I have never bothered counting the books I read in a year before so I thought setting it at 100 was high enough. Huh, little did I know.

So this year had been pretty awesome when it comes to books. Although I have stumbled on some bad ones, I primarily was able to get my hands some very great books. Which in turn did not make picking out the best easy. As you can see I have added a runner-up...because it's that hard to choose.

So here they are, my favorite reads from the first half of this year. I hope you can get copies of these and enjoy them as much as I did. (Click on the links for my reviews.)

January

Best pick: Faking It by Cora Carmack

Runner-up: VIP by M Robinson

February

Best pick: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Runner-up: Beautiful Player by Christina Lauren 

(or you can make this the whole BB series)

March

Best pick: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

Runner-up: Off The Record by KA Linde

April

Best pick: the Just Human duet by Kerry Heavens

Runner-up: Love Show by Audrey Bell

May

Best pick: Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren

Runner-up: the Cranberry Inn duet by Beth Ehemann

June

Best pick: Scoring Wilder by RS Grey

Runner-up: Breathe With Me by Kristen Proby

Cheers to a better second half of the year!

Series Recommendation #10: Innocence by Alessandra Torre

I will not go against anyone who thinks that this is a bit 50 Shades-ish. But then again that is not uncommon these days. The difference is how well authors can make it their own. And it isn't a bad thing to be compared to 50 Shades when we all know that series was also based on another one, yeah?

Anyway, this series was an enjoyable read. There were ups and downs on my opinion as to the things that took place in the pages of these books. But the ups overwhelmed the downs so I will not hesitate to recommend these books.

The connection between Brad and Julia are scorching hot. Like, tssssss! Have I mentioned there's lots of steamy sex here? Hmmm, thank you, AT. Okay, while this series may not be perfect, I still had a good time spending time with the characters--very interesting ones, if I have my say, and a storyline with a bit more twist. I suggest you get your copies and read for yourself.

Blindfolded Innocence

The Diary Of Brad De Luca

Masked Innocence

End Of The Innocence

 

Book Blogger Test

A big, big thanks to Anette The Wicked for tagging me. Here we go.


What are your top three book hates?
Dog-eared pages, creased spines, and bad book covers--yes, I do judge them. I'm a bad, bad person.

Describe your perfect reading spot.
My bed. I could lie down or sit up but it has to be in my bed. I may read anywhere else but it just isn't the same.

Tell us three book confessions.
- I don't care for paranormal and fantasy books. I want to give them another try but I just don't feel like picking up one again. Blame it on the Twilight series.
- I have too many smutty books than I know what to do with them so I try to put in a YA or NA read every once in a while.
- I hate it when someone reads the book I'm reading over my back. That ain't nice. Scat!

When was the last time you cried while reading a book?
When was the last time I didn't cry while reading a book? Crybaby raising her hand here.

What is your favorite snack while you're reading?
I rarely snack when I'm reading (I'm lying down in my bed, remember?) but if I am, it will most likely be with a mango-flavored Mogu-mogu.

Name three books you would recommend to everyone.
- For YA lovers, Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. Because I think everyone has already read Harry Potter.
- For adult romance, either Paradise or Perfect by Judith McNaught. Because it's Judith freakin' McNaught.
- Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series. Ahhh, the feel of reading something the church has frowned on. (You should've seen my uncle the priest's reaction when he saw me the heretic niece reading The Da Vinci Code.)

Show us a picture of your favorite bookshelf on your bookcase.
I apologize. I don't have bookcases right now--ill-effects of moving. But my books look good in crates. Look--I have six of these filled to the brim! (The rest of my newer books are scattered all over my room.)

Write how much books mean to you in just three words.
Life-changing escape.

What is your biggest reading secret?
Oh, hey, the three book confessions aren't enough? Okay, I hate DNFing a book. It takes a really bad one for me to totally quit it. I would probably just give it a rest for days or even weeks and I'll get back on it. (C'mon now, the author put effort in putting the whole thing together!)


Tagging:
Kevin of I Heart...Chick Lit
Syrel of The Bibs and Music
The ladies over at The Bookwhore Diaries
Victoria of Victoria Loves Books
Rowena of The Book Binge
Simona of Sky's Book Corner

#BookADay: 3rd Day, One With A Blue Cover

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Need I say more?

Well, maybe for the fact that I'm watching the movie tomorrow.

#BookADay: 2nd Day, Best Bargain

The Chronicles Of Narnia by CS Lewis

I may have bought this book at full price but I thought that it was already a great deal since this edition has the complete seven books in it. At the time I got this, buying the series in separate books would have cost me twice as much. Or maybe even more if I can remember things correctly.

And let's not forget that this is a great read. I have already shared this book with a number of friends and everyone always enjoy it. Have I mentioned that Aslan rules?

#BookADay: 1st Day, Favourite Book From Childhood

Amazing Spooks And Mysteries by Peter Eldin

I got this book when I was around ten years old. Trust me, that was a looooong time ago. I and my sisters loved this book so much. The first half was full of ghost stories I was scared of reading about. The second is full of stories about mysteries, coincidences, conspiracy theories, etc. that my ten-year old self could not help but read about. The fact that this book survived a flood or two and moving from one home to another is testament to how it has always had a place of honor amongst all the books I have been collecting all through the years.

#BookaADay For The Month Of June

I have meant to do The Borough Press' #Bookaday feature for this month of June. But wonders of wonders, I pretty much slept the hours away of what I was supposed to spend blogging last weekend. This included precious hours of book reviewing and review posting.  I earned a lot of zzzzzzzzs lastely that's for sure.

Nevertheless, I will catch up. What's a short post everyday, right? Here's the list of books we need to feature on a daily basis for the entire month.

Let's get this on then!

Series Recommendation #8: Losing It by Cora Carmack

This series tells the stories of three college friends totalling to three standalone books and two novellas. I am still unhappy about the fact that my Cade, of all main characters, did not get a novella. It's a cruel, cruel world!

Nevertheless, this was a good series. I was very impressed with CC's stuff when I read Losing It because it was my first time reading her. And just when I thought I was over-the-top crazy for the first book, she gave me Faking It. I. Adored. This. Book. Totally, totally fell for Cade. I loved him! Sigh. I want more of him to read though.

I know people who loved every written word of this series. This is an obvious recommendation for everyone who loves an NA story taken to the next level...of awesome.

Losing It

Keeping Her

Faking It

Finding It

Seeking Her

International Chick Lit Month Featurette

May is International Chick Lit Month. Kevin of I Heart Chick Lit was awesome enought to do a featurette on me and my blog that was originally posted on the International Chick Lit Month blog. Thanks again for including me in this helluva month-long party!

Here is our little somthin' somethin'.


1. First all, tell us about your blog, Bookabulary.

I started Bookabulary in 2006 when I was in between jobs. I already had a personal blog but I wanted a place where I can solely talk about (and gush!) about the books that I have read. Sadly, I had to stop after just a little over a year after I started because I got swamped with my new job. I just didn’t have the time to review all the books I read. But I decided to give book blogging another go late last year…and here I am!

2. Why do you like chick lit? Which book sparked your love for chick lit?

Reading has always been one of my most favorite things and I grew up loving books. I guess it was only a natural progression that I would start reading whatever was easily available at home. Venturing into ‘chick lit’ means going through my mother’s collection of Barbara Cartland novels when I was around 12! (That happened because I ran out of Nancy Drews and Sweet Valley Highs that summer.) Chick lit satisfies my inner romantic with all the happy-ever-afters I can take because in reality, I am a cynic when it comes to romance and love. Really.

3. Do you think bloggers play an important part in publishing today?

Definitely. Bloggers have been effective in spreading the word out about the latest books that are being published. They have also effectively helped in the booming business that is the self-publishing industry by authors that may have had little access to agents and publishers in the past. Whether bloggers love or hate a book, their opinions get put out there into the consciousness of the reading public. There definitely is no such thing as bad publicity.

4. If you can marry a literary hero, who would it be?

Oooh. How do I answer this? I don’t think I can marry everyone I like in this lifetime. I’m sure there are more recent heroes that I love to bits but I have to consider longevity. With that, I would say Matthew Farrell from Judith McNaught’s Paradise. I read this book when I was 14 and I still love it and Matt everytime I re-read it. Every time. I guess that can only mean we would have made a good marriage, right?

5. What’s the perfect reading companion for you?

Well, thank God for e-readers! I don’t think I can go out of the house without either my iPod or iPad Mini with me. One can never tell when you need to pull out an instant read to rescue one from boredom. As lovely as a book smells, there’s nothing quite like the convenience of having a number of books at the tip of one’s fingertips.

Series Recommendation #7: Just Human by Kerry Heavens

I was a lucky girl to have come across this two-part series. There's too many feels in these two I didn't know what to do with myself when I finished them. Huh, I didn't know what to do while I was reading them except skip meals because as much as I love food, there was no way I was not going to finish these two in one go.

I loved KH's writing. And I loved the fact that there are only two books to this series and none of those stories that just drags on too long that the main focus of the story gets lost somewhere between the second or the fourth books. This series was just right with the laughter, the tears, and just this awesome feel of gooey inside that it will wring from you. Bottom line is, these two books are must-reads. You'll thank me later.

Just Human

Still Human

The Chocolate Book Tag

Because this is long overdue. And because Goodreads is down.


1. Dark chocolate: a book that covers a dark topic.

VIP by M Robinson. I generally steer clear from books that has infidelity all over it but this book kept my interest and I was pleasantly surprised by how the story turned out. 


2. White chocolate: your favourite light hearted/humorous read.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. I thought I have grown from YA books and then this book came along, smacked me back to the reality that no matter how many Christian Grey-ish books I read, nothing leaves me feeling all good quite like a great YA read does.


3. Milk chocolate: a book that has a lot of hype that you’re dying to read.

The Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth. I'm sorry but when I first watched The Hunger Games, my next thought was "I can't wait for the next movie to come out." But right after I watched Divergent, my first thought was "I will read this series no matter what." And I will. Whether it's sooner or later, I will.


4. Chocolate with a caramel centre: a book that made you feel all gooey in the middle while you were reading it.

Faking It by Cora Carmack. Because Cade. Need I say more?


5. Wafer free Kit-Kat: name a book that has surprised you lately.

Still Human by Kerry Heavens. I did not expect the feels I would have reading this book. Ohhh, my.


6. Snickers: a book that you are going nuts about.

Kristen Proby's With Me In Seattle series. I just can't get enough of the characters--there are Hollywood stars, rockstars, MMA fighters, Navy SEALs. And the ladies in the series are such a hoot and never fails to make me laugh.


7. Hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows: a book that you would turn to for a comfort read.

Paradise by Judith McNaught. This have been my comfort read since high school and probably will not change anytime soon. I cannot get enough of Matthew Farrell, okay? I love that man. Love, love, love him.


8. Box of chocolates: what series have you read that you feel has a wide variety and something for everyone?

The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. C'mon, is there any other series that would answer this question?


Thank you for tagging me, Kevin of I Heart...Chick Lit. I am now tagging Novie, Syrel, Camille, and Amanda.

Series Recommendation #6: With Me In Seattle by Kristen Proby

As much as possible, I would like to post a series recommendation for one that is already done and good. But sometimes some reads are just too good to have to wait for the series to be over before I spread the good word. Although I'm pretty sure a lot more readers have already gushed about these books before me. Because why not? These have only ever been great reads. I think Kristen Proby knows only know how to write the awesome kind.

So here are the first 5 1/2 books of the With Me In Seattle series. There are still more installments coming for this series but it can't hurt to start with these. If you haven't read them yet, well, I hope you enjoy when them like I did. (Duh!)

Come Away With Me

Under The Mistletoe With Me

Fight With Me

Play With Me

Rock With Me

Safe With Me

You're welcome.