Today's Obsession: Fourth of July!

I'm so excited for the fourth this year. We are going to my husband's family reunion in Knoxville. I'm bound to have fun because they are loads of fun. I can't wait.

Bomb pops. A sign that summer is here!

  

umm, H2Omelon. Gotta get me some!

Insert Homer Simpson drooling noise here!!

Beautiful.

Every year I say I'm going to make one of these.

Summertime!

Happy Independence Day, America!!

Giveaway Reminder! ENDS TOMORROW!!!!

Don't forget to enter to win this awesome book, Betrayal (The Descendants #1) by Mayandree Michel! The giveaway ends tomorrow and the winner will be announced on Friday!!

Giveaway Deets:

-- One copy of Betrayal (The Descendants #1) by Mayandree Michel
-- Giveaway ends June 30th.
---Winner will be announced on here at Totally Obsessed and recieve an email.
-- Giveaway open to US residents only (sorry)

To win:

--  Must be a follower of this blog!
-- Please click below and fill out form.

Click here to Enter!!

Good luck!!

We Want to Know Wednesday (2)

We Want to Know Wednesday is a Q&A meme hosted by:

Impulsive Addict, Janette, Mamarazzi and Seriously Shawn

This week's questions are from Impulsive Addict:

{1} What was the last thing you searched for online?

{2} If we visit your home state, what is one MUST we should do before leaving?
{3} What do you think pharmaceutical companies should invent a pill for that isn't on the market yet?
{4} When was your first kiss? Was it good or bad?
{5} What is your guilty pleasure tv show that you can not miss?

My answers:

1. What was the last thing you searched for online? a website to calculate the gas cost for my upcoming trip. Going to my hubs family reunion in Knoxville this weekend. Can't wait!

2. If we visit your home state, what is one MUST we should do before leaving? Well, my home state is Colorado so I would say the mountains. You can't go to Colorado without getting close to the mountains. At least visit the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

3. What do you think pharmaceutical companies should invent a pill for that isn't on the market yet? What do you think pharmaceutical companies should invent a pill for that isn't on the market yet? Hmm, good one. I need a pill that if taken right after I eat, will dissolve all the fat and bad carbs and just leave the vitamins and nutrients. Just make all that bad stuff disappear before it and settle in my body. That would be awesome.

4. When was your first kiss? Was it good or bad? I don't even remember. I think middle school. That is when I had my first real boyfriend. I had little boyfriend in the 3rd grade (me and my bff shared him) but I think all we did was play outside together. Anyways, the kiss was probably the best thing ever at the time. I remember being totally "in love" with him. Lol. The memories.

5. What is your guilty pleasure tv show that you can not miss? Wow, I don't even want to say this out loud but um...The Secret Life of the American Teenager. I know, I know. This show is totally and completely unrealistic. The kids do what ever they want, the parents act like children and everyone is happy. No, really the 17 year old with the 1.5 year old son just moved in with her boyfriend who maintains his own apartment while working part time and going to high school. Then her little 16 year old sister got her GED behind her parents back and her dad allowed her to go on a road trip across the country with her 16 year old boyfriend? The mom moved with the youngest son somewhere and the dad is running around gossiping and talking to the dog. Craziness but I watch it every week.
Great questions!

Waiting on Wednesday (8): Born Wicked

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles, Book One) by Jessica Spotswood (TBR Feb. 7, 2012)

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship–or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word…especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren’t safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood–not even from each other.

Oooo, I can't wait! I love books about witches and this one sounds good! And isn't the cover absolutely gorgeous?

Tune In Tuesday (1)

Tune in Tuesday is hosted by Ginger at GReads. Hop on over there and join in the fun!

This song definitely isn't new but I did stumble across it when I was going through a bunch of CDs this weekend. I just love this song!

Plus Dia is a finalist on The Voice! She and Javier are my favorites. Good luck Dia!

Teaser Tuesday (7)

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Here are the rules: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page, and BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

Yesterday, I got my gift from my summer secret santa. Thanks Logan! I'm so excited I've been wanting to read this book for the longest. I started it last night.

 " 'Doesn't matter,' he says, pressing his temples. 'Love is a holy cause.' Once he goes off on one of these spiels, its hopeless." (page 39)

Awesome Giveway!

Click HERE!! This giveaway is too awesome to pass up and it ends July 15th! Look at the books that will be given away.

Music Monday (2)

Happy Music Monday! This is a weekly feature hosted by Gone with the Words where you post a video of a song that reminds you of something or someone I've read, anything that relates to it.

Well, this song doesn't relate to something that I read, but it does relate to something I'm writing. Plus, I just love the song!

Bruno Mars - Talking to the Moon

Overbite Excerpt

Meg Cabot posted the first chapter to Overbite on her website! Click below to read it. In stores July 5, 2011.

Click here!!

Follow Friday & Book Blogger Hop & TGIF (new meme!!)

I <3 Memes! So Fridays are always fun here! First,

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee.  This weeks featured blog is I'm a Book Shark and the weekly question is:

Q. In light of the Summer Solstice. Also known as Midsummer...let's talk about fairies. What is your favorite fairy tale or story that revolves around the fae?

I must say I haven't read many books about fairies and I wasn't much into fairy tales growing up, other than Cinderella. I loved Cinderella. I have heard about this book called Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr which is supposedly very good. It's about fairies. 

Next,

 Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy for Books. This weeks question is:

“When did you realize reading was your passion and a truly important part of your life?”

When I think back I've loved to read ever since I was able to read. These books were my favorites

and I would read them over and over. I think I had almost every Berenstain Bear book that came out. However, I don't think I realized that reading was my passion until the ninth grade. Eventhough all through middle and elementary school I read constantly, the Babysitters Club and Sweet Vally High, by the ninth grade I recongized that I loved reading not that it was just something to do. I also started writing in the ninth grade too!

Last, a New Meme

TGIF is weekly meme hosted by GReads! Today's question is:

Summer Love: Where is your ideal place to take a 

summer vacation & get lost in a book?

 

Ideally here:

 

Man, if I could just get to the beach with a blanket right now and just lay out with a book. However, I would settle for this

 In fact, if i could leave the office right now and go to the park with a blanket, some lunch and a book, it would be ideal!

Did you follow or hop?

TGIF! 

Book Review: Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

there are two sides to every breakup.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.
Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.
It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.
But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.
Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

I really liked this book. The one thing it was was honest. I found myself understanding exactly how Courtney felt. All of the emotions she was going through were completely understood. Getting "dumped" by a boy for a girl on myspace? I know that had to feel horrible. Being a girl, I totally related with all the images and ideas that Courtney created in her head about this girl. I found myself pulling for Jordan though. He wasn't a bad guy, just in a awkward situation.

Lauren's writing style was easy to follow and like I said before, with honest emotions. She goes back and forth between Courtney and Jordan's point of view and from the present to the past. However, it flowed nicely. The story fit together perfectly. Overall, it was a very enjoyable, not too heavy read.

We Want to Know Wednesday

I love these little Q&A memes! So you know as soon as I came across it I had to participate.

We Want to Know Wednesday is a Q&A meme hosted by:

Impulsive Addict, Janette, Mamarazzi and Seriously Shawn

This weeks questions are:

{1} What is the best or worst pick up line you have ever been given?

{2} What is your most and least favorite day of the week?

{3} How many hours of sleep do you require each night?

{4} Is there a song that takes you back in time? What song is it & what's the memory attached?

{5} What is your biggest guilty pleasure?

 

My Answers:

 

1. What is the best  worst pick up line you have ever been given? I'm not sure if it is considered a pick up line but I once had this guy try to convince me that I was his girlfriend in Kindergarten. He was all, 'Hey I know you. We went to Kindergarten together. We played house together. I was the daddy and you were the mommy.' I'm all like, 'I doubt it. I grew up in Colorado.' Then he's all 'Well, how about we play house now.' Um, no. Whoomp whoomp.

 

2. What is your most and least favorite day of the week? Monday is by far the worst. If possible I would say Sunday evening is the worst because that when the 'Noooooo, the weekend is over' hits. The best is Friday. It's like half workday, half weekend day. My brain checks out at about noon and I start doing my own thing.

 

3. How many hours of sleep do you require each night? Man, I love sleep. I could sleep for hours and hours but as long as I get at least 7 I'm ok.

 

4. Is there a song that takes you back in time? What song is it & what's the memory attached? Oh man, I have so many songs, so many memories. However, the first one that pops into my mind today is Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind. It takes me back to high school driving to lunch with my friends. We were always in a good mood bumping that song. Do Do Do DO, Do Do Do Do! 

 

5. What is your biggest guilty pleasure? Hmmm, I guess I will make this more interesting and take chocolate and buying/hoarding books off the tables since that is a given. My other guilty pleasure would be celebrity gossip. I don't know why I'm so into to but I am. My husband will mention a movie has so and so and I'll blurt out, you know she's pregnant by such and such or she just got butt implants. He just rolls his eyes.

This was fun! Stop by Dandelion Wishes to participate!  

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The First Day of the Rest of My Life by Cathy Lamb (July 26, 2011)

Madeline O'Shea tells people what to do with their lives. A renowned life coach, she inspires thousands of women through her thriving practice--exuding enviable confidence along with her stylish suits and sleek hair. But her confidence, just like her fashionable demeanor, is all a front.

For decades, Madeline has lived in fear of her traumatic past becoming public. Now a reporter is reinvestigating the notorious crime that put Madeline's mother behind bars, threatening to destroy her elaborate facade. Only Madeline's sister, Annie, and their frail grandparents know about her childhood--but lately Madeline has reason to wonder if her grandparents also have a history they've been keeping from her.

As the demons of the past swirl around her, a childhood friend with a gentle heart is urging Madeline to have faith in him--and in herself. And as she allows her resistance to thaw, the pain she expects pales in comparison to the surprises headed straight to her door. With one bold, unprecedented move, Madeline O Shea may just wake up out of the sadness and guilt that have kept her sleepwalking through life for so long--and discover that the worst thing that can happen is sometimes the very thing we desperately need.

 

I really enjoy books that dig into the past and trouble childhoods. I can't wait to read this book. Also,

Johnny Depp Photo Album (paperback) by Christopher Heard (July 12, 2011)

Just because I love Johnny Depp and could stare at him all day long (*sigh)

What are you waiting for?

Giveaway Reminder!

Don't forget to enter to win this awesome book, Betrayal (The Descendants #1) by Mayandree Michel!

Giveaway Deets:

-- One copy of Betrayal (The Descendants #1) by Mayandree Michel
-- Giveaway ends June 30th.
---Winner will be announced on here at Totally Obsessed and recieve an email.
-- Giveaway open to US residents only (sorry)

To win:

--  Must be a follower of this blog!
-- Please click below and fill out form.

Click here to Enter!!

Good luck!!

Top Ten Tuesday (2)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This weeks topic: Top Ten Reason Why We Love [Book] Blogging!

I am still fairly new to this but this question is relatively easy.

1. Other Bloggers: I have met some awesome people since I started book blogging. I rarely meet people with my same interests in real life. Meeting other bloggers is so refreshing.
2. Authors: I never knew how easy it was to communicate with authors/ debut authors/ aspiring authors.
3. Writing: I enjoy expressing myself here. It is a great outlet for a normally shy person. I really like participating in memes like this one and friday follow, blogger hop.
4. BOOKS!! Talking about my obsession with books and the written word is totally acceptable. Books are my shoes! Other readers/ book bloggers get that.
5. Read Requests: I'm sorry but I feel really important when a author approaches me and asks me to read their upcoming novel based on my blog.
6. Reading: I have read so much more since I've started blogging. I give myself deadlines so now it is easier for me to take time out to read.
7. Other Blogs: I really enjoy reading everyones blogs. Especially those who not only talk about books but their lives as well.
8. New Books: I have been introduced to new books/ new authors/ new genres since I began blogging. It has really opened up my eyes.
9. Creativity: I must say I love blogger. I wouldn't want to blog anywhere else. I love the design options and all the cool stuff you can do here. Others, who don't blog, see it and are really impressed and I can say I did that (eventhough its extremely easy).
10. ARC: I had no clue what a ARC was before I started blogging. They are great! Love them!

More than anything, I have gotten great ideas for when I publish my novel. I had no idea about how to self market your work and how book bloggers can help with that. 

What do you love about [book] blogging?

It's Monday....

and I've been slacking...um packing ....well, unpacking. Now blogging. This weekend I got to unpack 10 big boxes of books and restock my shelves. (BTW I totally got fussed out about the heaviness of the book boxes. I mean, but how can boxes of books not be heavy. I didn't know it was going to take two people to lift my boxes of books. Pffft!) Out of all the unpacking I had to do I swear unpacking my books was actually fun because I got to arrange the shelves, flip through books I haven't read in a while, get fussed at for taking 2 hours to unpack books. (Man, my hubs fusses a lot.) Anywhoo, that brings me to what I am reading this week. While unpacking I got stuck on Breaking Dawn. Now that the trailer is out for the movie I am super excited and I figure I need to brush up on the happenings in this book. So that's what I'm reading this week.

What are you reading?

Breaking Dawn Trailer. Can't wait for November 18th!

BDB Bookclub Questions - Lover Awakened

And now, this month's questions:
1. On a scale from 1-5, what would you rate this book? Briefly tell us why.

5! Absolutely. My favorite book of the series hands down! I wasn't really a fan of Zsadist in the first two books but this book turned it all around.

2. Let's talk about our feelings: reading about Zsadist's past had me choked up and provoked some serious feelings towards him for me. What did you think when you read about his past? His past was shocking and sad but it explained a whole lot about his personality. He was brutalized.

3. Obviously, Zsadist came a long way as a person in this book. What do you think of the post-Bella Zsadist? Of all the brothers and their over dramatic love declarations, Zsadist felt the most sincere. He was very Bruno Mars, he'd catch a grenade and all that.

4. Phury has always gone to whatever lengths to protect his brother. What did you think of him shaving his head and heading to the movies to meet the lesser? I wasn't surprised. Phury seems to live his life for his brother. In the beginning I was worried about the whole Bella/Zsadist thing because of how it would affect Phury and Zsadist relationship. I know it might sound sick but I was like 'can't she just be with them both.' But anyways, him shaving his head and meeting with the lessers totally made sense to me.

5. With O gone, do you see the dynamics of the lesser society changing? How so? Um, I pretty much tried to ignore the lesser through the whole book but I was glad he is gone.

6. We found out that John is "Darius' son." I have a feeling he might just be the reincarnation of Darius himself -- it's reaching, I know. What are your thoughts on John as Darius' son or, possibly, as Darius? Yeah, I totally thought that John was actually Darius since what was said in the first book. But I like that idea of him being Darius' son better.

7. Book 4 will about Butch. Do you think that Butch's book will be different from the first three books given that Butch is a human? Do you think Butch will remain a human? I was a little disappointed when I found out that book 4 was about Butch and not one of the brothers. I wanted to keep going with their stories. Butch won't remain human, he can't. I must say I was pleasantly surprised with his book.

Author Interview: Mayandree Michel

I would like to welcome Mrs. Mayandree Michel to Totally Obsessed and thank her for taking time out of her schedule to answer some questions.

    

As this is your first released novel, what inspired you to write Betrayal?

I was inspired by many things. First and foremost I was inspired by many of the Greek myths. About two and a half years ago I started reading the myths again and the story of the Descendants was born. I’m also inspired by some of my favorite author’s works that I’ve loved over the years.

Greek mythology plays a large role in this novel, has this always been an interest of yours? How much research did you have to do for this book?

Greek mythology is the premise of my trilogy. I’ve enjoyed the myths since first being introduced to it in high school. I still have my old copy of Edith Hamilton’s Mythology. I’ve read the Odyssey and the Iliad and they were both very essential to writing this book, but I actually didn’t have to research the myths as much as I had to research the Victorian era. I really didn’t have much knowledge of the time period, but always loved it. So I thought it’d be cool to incorporate both.

Is there a particular message you wanted to get out with this book? If so, what is that message?

Basically, things aren’t always what they seem. Everyone has a story, sometimes good, sometimes bad, no matter how wide their smiles are on the outside. Sometimes backstabbers come with wide grins. 

Who is your favorite character in Betrayal? Why?

I can’t choose. I love them all!

As an aspiring author I’m always looking for advice, do you have any advice for hopeful writers?

I don’t consider myself as resourceful with advice as I expect so many bestselling / veteran authors are. The advice I was given is what I’ll share. Read a lot, more than you write. Familiarize yourself with the genre you’re writing in, and never ever give up on your dream of becoming a writer / author - not even on the days you think you suck at it.

Do you have a favorite author? Who and why?

I simply adore Anne Rice, Edith Wharton, Cassandra Clare, Suzanne Collins, and Stephenie Meyer for their incredible talent to whisk me away to their made up worlds.

There are some pretty powerful people in Betrayal. If you could have any power or one of your characters power, what would it be and why?

I would love the power to stop time. The gods know that I could use a few extra hours to write.

Since this is book one of the trilogy, I know I’m eagerly awaiting the next book. Can you give us a little teaser, something to look forward to in book two?

Can you keep a secret? Yeah? Me too!

The cover of Betrayal is one of the first things that caught my attention. It is beautiful. Who designed it? Did you have a concept or idea for the cover?

As I wrote Betrayal I got the idea of how I wanted the cover to look. I had to have the forest, the Parthenon and Cordelia in the gold dress from the last scenes of the book, but I can’t take the credit for how wonderful it turned out. I have to thank my good friend Samantha Oyola for that.  (Click here to meet the model and designer of the cover.)

Random question.

 Other then writing, what is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

Hmmm…besides writing? Sketching Victorian fashions is a close second.

Thanks Mrs. Michel for stopping by and I look forward to the release of book two! You know I'm  impatient, I could have used a teaser but I will just have to wait like everyone else! Thanks again!

Book Review: Betrayal by Mayandree Michel and First Giveaway!!!

I'm so excited I got the chance to review Betrayal by Mayandree Michel and be a part of her blog tour! I loved this book by its cover the first time I saw it. Now Mrs. Michel is sponsoring a giveaway for a copy of her book. See giveway rules and enter below.

Betrayal (The Descendants #1) by Mayandree Michel
At seventeen, Cordelia is an ordinary teen with an extraordinary and frightening secret. A secret that induces vivid dreams which she not only experiences true love, but crippling fear while barely escaping with her life each night. After a life altering event, Cordelia has an unexpected encounter with Evan, the mysterious boy from her dreams, who reveals who and what she is – a descendant of the Greek gods. At that moment everything she knows of her world is a lie, and she must leave the present and go into the past to assume the role she was put on this earth for – safeguarding her ancient empire amidst evil forces that toil hastily to destroy it. In a race against time, Cordelia must decide if she is truly a part of this dangerous world, or risk defying the gods, and ultimately lose the boy who has put a claim on her heart.


Overview: I must say I loved this book! Mayandree has an incredibly intricate and detailed writing style. She created world so vivid while reading I almost felt apart of it. In the Capius mansion, the Nevada Sierra, the desolate Tieron Mansion, the amazingly beautiful garden, no aspects was left blank. The clothing of the late 1880's era was described in great detail as well. I would have loved to attend the Masquerade Ball if just to see the costumes. The introduction of the Greek mythological lineage for the main characters was incredible and something I haven't seen very often. The characters were descendants of the Gods given powers that directly correlate with their deity. The powers givien to Cordelia were amazing. It was very entertaining as well as a history lesson in Greek Gods. I had to stop myself many times from skipping to the end of the book. I wanted to know would Cordelia get her memory back and who would betray her. Mrs. Michel was good at building suspense.

Characters: Cordelia's personal growth throughout the book was amazing to watch. In the beginning I didn't see her as a strong person (having amnesia and being told you are a demi-god might cause anyone to be a little weary) but I loved how her strength grew throughout the story. Toward the end I could finally see her as powerful. Nickolas was my second favorite character. He just seemed like the right guy to have on your side, very protective but not overbearing and he seemed like a lot of fun. The three other guys - Victor, Evan and Gerald - played their roles nicely. I found myself rooting for Victor in the end over Evan. Evan just didn't do it for me and Gerald, I just felt a little bad for him. Bethany I was a little leery of as well in the beginning but by the end I understood her. Sacha and Lucas were badass. That's all I can say about them. I would like to have known more about Sun Paw, Night Wind and Moon Rose, they could have a spin off story all of their own.

Plot: Cordelia was definitely someone to root for. Her story wasn't an easy one and I felt everything that she was feeling about what was happening to her. She didn't know who to trust or what to believe. She even had doubts within herself which is something that we can all relate to. In the beginning I had my own speculations about who would betray her. I must say, I'm glad I was wrong!

In the end it was a great debut. However, this isn't a easy one day read. It is well over 650 pages. It takes time and effort but is very enjoyable and worth the time! I really cannot wait to see what happens in the next book due out in December!

For more information about this book and author, please visit:

Author website: http://mayandreemichel.blogspot.com
betrayal website: http://betrayalthedescendants.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10915691-betrayal

Where to purchase Betrayal:
Amazon for Kindle & paperback
Barnes & Noble for Nook
Smashwords for all ereaders
On to the giveaway!

Giveaway Deets:

-- One copy of Betrayal (The Descendants #1) by Mayandree Michel
-- Giveaway ends June 30th.
---Winner will be announced on here at Totally Obsessed and recieve an email.
-- Giveaway open to US residents only (sorry)

To win:

--  Must be a follower of this blog!
-- Please click below and fill out form.

Click here to Enter!!

Good luck!!

Betrayal Trailer

Great trailer for Betrayal by Mayandree Michel! Review and Author Interview coming Monday, June 6th!!

Music: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

I'm sorry I just had to post this video. It is the official Summertime anthem. It never gets old. This song just makes me want to hang out in the park, blast the boombox and bbq with friends. I love this song!

Do you have a song that just signifies Summer for you? If so, what is it?