Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Sidewinder Series


I read these three books pretty much one right after the other. I think it helps the story if you read them all at once but they could be stand alone reads too. The characters are great and there is already some crazy disaster right around the corner. Nick and Kelly are quite the couple and you get to see their relationship unfold. The other characters add a lot to the story too and you can feel a real history with all of these characters and their military experience. My favorite part is the whole road trip story in the third book. I like how they explore the sexuality of the characters and show that it's not cut and dry/there are plenty of variations and complications. These books are definitely a great binge read.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

My Favorite Shows of 2015

Here are my favorite TV shows that I’ve been watching this year:

This show has been insane this year and the Inhumans have added a great dose of craziness to the mix.

 This show is hilarious and it’s my go to show that I watch reruns of over and over.

This is such a great take on the whole Holmes/Watson dynamic. Their chemistry just works so well.

I adore this show: the characters, the humor, all the superhero heroics. This show always finds a way to surprise me.

This show is just so darn positive, I really love it. It has some surprises of its own too. Plus its midseason finale ended at a very interesting point.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Top Books That I Read in 2015

These are the best books that I’ve read in 2015 and they all got 5/5 gnomes that you can read if you click on the titles. Hopefully you’ll check some of them out and enjoy them too.

My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories Edited by Stephanie Perkins

Why I Loved it: This is an superb holiday filled book and I know it really put me in the holiday spirit. The stories are great and there is quite a mix of stupendous authors who can build whole worlds and characters in a short amount of time.


Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop

Why I Loved it: This series is fast becoming one of my favorites. Anne Bishop is just supernaturally good at world building and making you care so much about all of the characters. The book was pretty darn unputdownable.


A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Why I Loved it: It has such elaborate worlds and the characters just draw you right into the story. Each London location ends up feeling like a character too. It's just a magical read.


Alien Separation by Gini Koch

Why I Loved it: A plethora of possibilities await and this series never fails to make me happy. This book took a surprising turn and shows that there is still plenty to explore in this series


The Big Fix by Linda Grimes

Why I Loved it: I adore this series, it’s always so fun and weird (in a good way.) It’s one of those books where you just have to smile while reading it. I went back and forth between 4 and a half and 5 gnomes but the ending really sold it for me. This series is full of great characters and humor.


Chasing Impossible by Katie McGarry

Why I Loved it: Katie McGarry is definitely an auto-buy author for me. This story like all her others is hard to pull yourself away from because you just have to know what happens next. This book had some great surprises.


Talon by Julie Kagawa

Why I Loved it: The keyword for this book is intense. The tension, oh the tension while reading this story is so very palpable. The dual point of view really helps this tension and the story zoom right along.


Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy

Why I Loved it: So much awesomeness packed into a tiny book package. I just couldn’t put this book down. I read at every free opportunity and just fell in love with it all. The characters, the humor, the crazy situations, the drama, it all equals one heck of a good time.


The Martian by Andy Weir

Why I Loved it: It’s such a great character study. Here’s part of the formal letter I wrote to the book - Dear THE MARTIAN, I think I love you. You my dear are one of the best books I've read this year and I can't believe I took so long to read you. You made me laugh a lot and are full of many truly quotable quotes.


Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Why I Loved it: Rowell’s version of fantasy is awesome. The magic system is fun and the characters are both weird and wonderful. It’s an amalgamation of so many great chosen one/fantasy stories yet it brings something shiny and new to the table.



Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson


Why I Loved it: So many feelings, I adore the heart and humor within these pages. You might not expect to actually LOL at a memoir but with this one you totally will. Plus just look at the cover (I know it makes me smile) it really stands out/shows you just a little of what to expect while reading


Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Why I Loved it: This new take on Norse mythology is really cool and the book definitely goes in unexpected directions right from the start. Magnus is a unique character that I can’t wait to read more about.


Alien in Chief by Gini Koch

Why I Loved it: Twelve books in now and I still adore the characters and care about what happens to all of them.

Friday, December 25, 2015

Happy Holidays

Here’s hoping everybody has a holly jolly holiday/an awesome day off work.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Our Christmas Tree

Here’s a look at our Christmas tree.

 
 

 

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Monday, December 21, 2015

Pipe Cleaner Wreaths

Here are the little wreaths I made for our tree out of pipe cleaners.

Friday, December 18, 2015

The Broke and Bookish Secret Santa


Had a lot of fun taking part in the TBTB Secret Santa this year. Shopping for a fellow bookish person was a ton of fun.

Check out the awesome package I received from Sara over at Medusa'a Library. I love it all and especially can't wait until I have the time to color in the Harry Potter coloring book.


Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Review - Fart Squad

Fart Squad by Seamus Pilger Illustrated by Stephen Gilpin

4 gnomes out of 5 gnomes

This book is stinking adorable, especially if you’re a fan of flatulent fart humor aplenty. I bought this book because it was on sale the other day plus look at the cover, it just looks like a fun read.


This book is a fast read of course but also pretty darn funny. The silent but deadly power made me laugh a whole lot. The whole way farts are treated will make you giggle. The whole story reads like it would make for a great cartoon.

There powers and the boot camp that they go through is pretty entertaining. It all goes together in the end for an entertaining/stinky conclusion.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

My Favorite Quotes/Lines - Fart Squad

“Terrifying tales were told of what had happened to the last poor soul who had eaten them.”

“Possibly,” Stan said, “but do you really want them to? Seems to me you’ve all been given some very special gifts. Smelly, but special.”

“Timing is everything, especially where farts are concerned!”

“Oh dear!” he shrieked. “I suspect I should not have indulged in that second burrito!”

“From great farts come mighty winds!”

Monday, December 14, 2015

Sentence Sneak Peek - Fart Squad

Fart Squad by Seamus Pilger Illustrated by Stephen Gilpin

The first sentence from each chapter of Fart Squad, it's a mini summary of what you can expect to read.


* Spoilers are highlighted like so :)

“Darren Stonkadopolis was determined to make it to the end of the school year without getting into any more trouble.”

“I’ve told you before,” the janitor said, “stay out of the basement.”

“It was recess, and the playground on the roof of the school was filled with kids enjoying the fresh air.”

“Darren still needed to get back in Miss Priscilly’s good graces, or kiss sports camp good-bye.”

“The next day found Darren stuck at a school assembly and not very happy about it.”

“I thought I smelled you coming!”

“Welcome to Fart Boot Camp!”

“So where were you on Saturday?”

“The Fart Squad refueled in a hurry.”

“Darren chased Harry out of the basement and up three flights of stairs.”

“Back at school, Stan took custody of the “special” burritos, saving them until the Fart Squad was needed again.”

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Weekend Read - Marked in Flesh

Thanks to NetGalley, I received a copy of this book early. :)

Anne Bishop is one of my favorite authors, I first discovered her books in high school and have loved them since then. She just has has such a way with characters and probably has the best world building I’ve read.



Thursday, December 10, 2015

Review - Alien in Chief

Alien in Chief by Gini Koch

* Read via publisher for review

5/5 gnomes

Love this series so much. You never know what's going to happen next. Twelve books in now and I still adore the characters and care about what happens to all of them.

Bought one of Koch's tuckerizations [wikipedia’s definition can be found here]  awhile ago and was very happy to see my name in this book. :) Can't wait to see what this character does.

The hybrid kids continue to be really interesting too, especially Jamie. You have to wonder what they'll all be like grown up.

More then one plan abounds and it definitely doesn't bode well. I really like how this story also brings in pieces from some of the short stories too which are definitely great seeing how everything fits together.

From the title of the book you can guess what happens at least to one character, I didn't know how it would happen though and it's pretty sad/unexpected. The pace of this book can best be described as rollicking and mysterious.

So much chaos in this book, it really is like an intense action movie. There was even a pretty good fake out about who's funeral would be happening. Plus what's happening on the cover of the book pretty much happens in the story too.

If you haven't checked out this series then you should start it ASAP. If you love caring about characters, actually laughing out loud, and crazy stories then this series is for you. This one actually ended with a cliffhanger too, which I think is a first for the series. I of course am now eagerly awaiting the next book even more.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

My Favorite Quotes/Lines - Alien in Chief

* Spoilers are highlighted like so :)


“Thanks for always being there for me.”

“And Becky’s here, too.”

“Ah, well,” Amy said slowly, “that’s one of the names we’ve been talking about—Rebecca Ann. But it’s not the only one.”

“It’s the one she likes,” Jamie said. “And she wants to be called Becky by her friends.”

“And if things get dull, we can always take them to Disney World.”

“He said that suggestions in these matters from the woman who averted the total destruction of Earth at least twice probably should be listened to.”

“And all the women fight nastier than all the men, other than Christopher.”

“She heaved a sigh. “But you’re right. I don’t want to do anything that puts . . . Becky at risk.”

“However, my experience was that the people really trying to kill me liked to call me and make it all really personal.”

“I treat bullies the same way you do and always have.”

“I had bulletproof glass installed years ago and I test it regularly, so look at the street as much as you want.”

“Your enemy doesn’t have that mindset. Remember that—it’s his strength. And he knows you don’t want to lose anyone, and that’s your weakness.”

“He laughed. “Just remember that your real strengths are that you always think outside the box and nothing actually throws you. Metaphorically.”

“There is. As always I’ll keep your needs and requirements foremost in my mind.”

“Aliens Were Weird was a statement I still repeated daily, though usually in my mind or under my breath.”

“That’s because I am the loose cannon.”

“I realize that’s not the Political Weasel Word of the Day Way, but it’s our way, and I strongly suggest you try our way for a while.”

“Just accept that I’m part hobbit, Mom. Action and boredom both make me hungry, what can I say?”

“No, but you’re happy helping the people of this country, and the world. You’re one of the few whose heart, head, and actions are always in the right place.”

“We were a well-oiled politically incorrect team.”

“Hey, if it was a Talk While You Kick Ass fight, I was damned well going to represent.”

“No one shoots at my animals you bastard!”

“This was nowhere on my Top Ten Ways To Die list.”

“That’d teach them to Side With Evil.”

“I was going to ache all over when this was done, but at least I now knew I had an alternate career in the WWE’s Ladies’ Division.”

“Wonder Triplets Powers Activate.”

“Someone very smart has always told me not to believe in coincidence.”

“Why yes, Ambassador. Your megalomania skills are in top form.”

“What did the bird suggest?” Jeff asked in the voice of a man who’s not sure who’s crazier, the world around him or himself.”

“But if what I wanted always happened, I’d have a normal life and that apparently wasn’t in my particular deck of cards.”

“Wise man knows when to take the naps.”

“Oh, Gigantagator and Alliflash were our friends, never doubt it.”

“But a rose by any other name would still kick the same amount of butt.”

“Clearly Georgia gators weren’t as feisty as their Florida brethren.”

“I’m not ready,” he said quietly. “Not for this.”

“Because, as we’ve seen, they can try to take the woman out of the fight, but they’ve never taken the fight out of the woman.”

“No, but apparently our entire extended circle should be doing Little Theater in the off hours. What do you guys think is going on?”

“Adriana was a great shot, for which I thanked God and Olga.”

“Wow. We really are Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, aren’t we? Let’s hope we get a better ending.”

“You’re my wolves, so not lone.”

Rebecca Ann Gaultier-White has officially arrived,” Melanie said. “And she’s perfect. Mother and baby are doing great.” “Christopher, on the other hand, is a blubbering mess,” Emily said. “I’m not supposed to tell anyone about that, though.”