Mundie Moms

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

#TheTaking Live Twitter Chat TONIGHT With Kimberly Derting!


Happy Book Birthday to the Kimberly Derting's THE TAKING! To celebrate today's book release,  TONIGHT we're chatting LIVE with Kimberly on Twitter!!! I would love to have all of you join in! Just follow #TheTaking at 7 pm EST / 6 pm CST! If you have any questions you'd like to ask Kimberly, please leave me a comment and I'll be sure to ask them.

Here's a little bit about the book



Published by: Harper Teen
Released on: April 29th, 2014
Series: The Taking #1
Purchase it from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Add it to Goodreads

A flash of white light . . . and then . . . nothing.

When sixteen-year-old Kyra Agnew wakes up behind a Dumpster at the Gas ’n’ Sip, she has no memory of how she got there. With a terrible headache and a major case of déjà vu, she heads home only to discover that five years have passed . . . yet she hasn’t aged a day. 

Everything else about Kyra’s old life is different. Her parents are divorced, her boyfriend, Austin, is in college and dating her best friend, and her dad has changed from an uptight neat-freak to a drunken conspiracy theorist who blames her five-year disappearance on little green men. 

Confused and lost, Kyra isn’t sure how to move forward unless she uncovers the truth. With Austin gone, she turns to Tyler, Austin’s annoying kid brother, who is now seventeen and who she has a sudden undeniable attraction to. As Tyler and Kyra retrace her steps from the fateful night of her disappearance, they discover strange phenomena that no one can explain, and they begin to wonder if Kyra’s father is not as crazy as he seems. There are others like her who have been taken . . . and returned. Kyra races to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had, but what if the life she wants back is not her own?

About Kimberly Derting

Kimberly is the author of the BODY FINDER series (HarperCollins), THE PLEDGE trilogy (Simon & Schuster), and THE TAKING trilogy (coming April 29th from HarperTeen). She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the ideal place to write anything dark or creepy...a gloomy day can set the perfect mood. She lives with her husband and their three beautiful (and often mouthy) children who provide an endless source of inspiration.


My Not So Super Sweet Life by Rachel Harris, Blog Tour: Book Review & Giveaway




Hello & welcome to today's stop in the My Not So Super Sweet Life by Rachel Harris. I've loved reading this series (check out what I loved about book 1, My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century and book two,  A Tale of Two Centuries), and I'm excited to share my thoughts on Rachel's most recent release. 


By: Rachel Harris
Published by: Entangled Teen
Released on: April 21, 2014
Series: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century #3
Source: e-book to review from the publisher
Rating: 4 stars, I Enjoyed It!
Purchase it from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Add it too: Goodreads
Cat Crawford just wants to be normal—or at least as normal as a daughter of Hollywood royalty can be. And it looks like fate is granting her wish: she’s got an amazing boyfriend, Lucas; her fabulous cousin, Alessandra, living with her; and her dad planning his second marriage to a great future stepmom. That is, until her prodigal mother reveals on national television that she has something important to tell her daughter…causing a media frenzy.

Lucas Capelli knows his fate is to be with Cat, and he’s worked hard to win her over once and for all. Unfortunately, Lucas has his own issues to deal with, including a scandal that could take him away from the first place he’s truly belonged.

As secrets are revealed, rumors explode, and the world watches, Cat and Lucas discover it’s not fate they have to fight if they want to stay together…this time, it’s their own insecurities.
Well, and the stalkerazzi.
What a great way to wrap up this enchanting series! In true Rachel Harris fashion she packs in the entertainment  sigh worthy romance, plenty of laugh out loud moments/lines, and characters I'm not ready to say good bye to. 

What a fabulous series. As I said in one of previous reviews for the series, I'm not sure why it took me so long to read it. I've fallen in love with some great characters. I've absolutely loved getting whisked away into this enchanting world Rachel has created. I've loved reading about characters who felt real, and loves watching their relationships grow and bloom into romances. I've loved swooning and sighing, and laughing out loud with the characters. 

This time around this story is told from Lucas and Cat's point of views. I really liked getting into Lucas's head. I felt that I really got to know Cat from the previous two books, but Lucas almost seemed to good to be true. I mean that in a very positive way. He is fabulous! He was patient in book two, and now this time around he has want he wanted, and he'll do everything he can to keep Cat, and always be there for her. 

Lucas is Cat's knight in shinning armor. He's that guy who came into the series, and proved to her that she can love again. More than that, Lucas is someone who loves Cat for who she is, and allows her to just be her. He accepts her for her. In the midst of all the crazy that goes down in this book from Cat's mom, and that pesky magic that keeps bringing the past into the future, Lucas is the one person who gives Cat what she needs, and that's someone who will fight for her. *sigh* Oh yes.... Rachel brings that 16th century romance I first fell in love with in book one, into this story via Lucas. 

Lucas and Cat both have a lot going on in this book. They both have their own issues that arise that they need deal with, while at the same time, figure out where their future together stands. Austin and Less are just as fabulous as ever. These two are the perfect side kicks for Cat and Lucas. They give those swift kick in the butts when needed, listen and give advice, and are just there for each other. All four of them have that genuine relationship that I totally loved watching develop as the series has gone on.

I won't give anything away, but I will say this is a series worth reading! I read all three books back to back, and it was totally worth being sleep deprived over. Rachel Harris has become one of my "go to authors". Those are the authors who's books I know that when nothing else holds my attention, I can sit down with one of her books and immediately get sucked into her story. Though that ending felt complete, there's still part of me that hopes that maybe one more book will be published... I don't want this series to end just yet. 

Now I'm going to impatiently wait for the publisher to publish this book. It's a huge pet peeve of mine when publishing houses don't publish the last book like they do with the rest of the series. Now my books will sit on my shelf incomplete, and that's totally annoying to me. There, I said it. It is. I want this book in my hands. lol 


About Rachel


As a teen, Rachel Harris threw raging parties that shook her parents’ walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels. As an adult, she reads and writes obsessively, rehashes said embarrassing fodder, and dreams up characters who become her own grown up version of imaginary friends.
She grew up in New Orleans, watching soap operas with her grandmother and staying up late sneak reading her mam's favorite romance novels. Now a Cajun cowgirl living in Houston, she still stays up too late reading her favorite romances, only now, she can do so openly. She firmly believes life's problems can be solved with a hot, powdered-sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations.
She homeschools her two beautiful girls and loves watching reality television with her amazing husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult Fun, Flirty Escapes, and LOVES talking with readers!  


The Giveaway



1 a handmade sterling silver necklace that retailed over $130. It is an eight petal rose and a replica of the one Lucas gives Cat for Valentine's Day in the book. And 1 rare, signed paperback. US Only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


The Tour Schedule
Week One
4/21/2014- Jenna Does BooksReview
4/21/2014- Coffee, Books and MeInterview
4/22/2014- Meredith & Jennifer's MusingReview
4/22/2014- Vi3tbabeExcerpt
4/23/2014- Pandora's BooksReview
4/23/2014- Stuck In BooksGuest Post
4/24/2014- Library of a Book WitchExcerpt
4/25/2014- Every Free Chance Book ReviewsReview
4/25/2014- Book Loving MomExcerpt
Week Two
4/28/2014- The Book BellesReview
4/28/2014- Mercurial MusingsExcerpt
4/29/2014- Mundie MomsReview
4/29/2014- The Cover ContessaGuest Post
4/30/2014- Book Angel BooktopiaReview
4/30/2014- Swoony Boys Podcast- Interview
5/1/2014- Bookaholics AnonymousReview
5/1/2014- TSK TSK What to ReadExcerpt
5/2/2014- Once upon a twilight- Review
5/2/2014- Fantasy Book AddictGuest Post

A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris, Book Review

In gearing up for today's blog tour stop for Rachel Harris's My Not So Super Sweet Life, I made it a point to finally read the first two books in her series. I know, it's sad I've had these books since they came out and yet they've sat in my never ending stack of books waiting for me to read them.


When it comes for reading, I've found myself getting pickier and pickier with what I read, and that's only because my time has become more limited. When I sit down to read a book, I want to enjoy what I'm reading. Rachel Harris's books are ones I definitely enjoyed. She gives me a little bit of everything I enjoy. I loved the sweet romance, the snark, and great characters Rachel introduced me to. I really enjoyed the way she continued the story with each book, and the way each story ties into the next. What a fabulous read this series is. 



By: Rachel Harris
Published by: Entangled Teen
Released on: August 6, 2013
Rating: 4.5 Stars- I Really Enjoyed It!
Source: purchased
Add it to Goodreads

Alessandra D’Angeli is in need of an adventure. Tired of her sixteenth-century life in Italy and homesick for her time-traveling cousin, Cat, who visited her for a magical week and dazzled her with tales of the future, Alessandra is lost. Until the stars hear her plea.

One mystical spell later, Alessandra appears on Cat’s Beverly Hills doorstep five hundred years in the future. Surrounded by confusing gadgets, scary transportation, and scandalous clothing, Less is hesitant to live the life of a twenty-first century teen…until she meets the infuriating—and infuriatingly handsome—surfer Austin Michaels. Austin challenges everything she believes in…and introduces her to a world filled with possibility.


With the clock ticking, Less knows she must live every moment of her modern life while she still can. But how will she return to the drab life of her past when the future is what holds everything she’s come to love?


Just as enchanting of the first book, Rachel Harris delivers a fantastic sequel with even more romance, magic, and snark. I think I might have fallen in love even more with the characters. Though this story is a continuation of Cat's, it's also told from her cousin, Alessandra, who's journey from the past to the future proves to be every bit as complex as Cat's journey to the 16th century. I adored Alessandra in the first book, and I loved getting to know her more in this one. 


Alessandra is as sweet and innocent as you might except a girl from 1507 to be. Luckily she's got her cousin to help her get accustomed to modern times. Though Alessandra, or Less, has a lot to learn, this girl is a smart girl and a quick learner. I loved how authentic Rachel made her reactions to all that goes on now a days compared to her time. Alessandra and Cat together made for some highly entertaining times. I admired how over protective Cat is with Less (Alessandra). Given Cat's back ground, and the society she's grown up in, it's almost excepted. I love the bond these two share. They're cousins and close friends, and it was so great to see these two grow together, as they both try and figure out what the magic that brought them into each other's lives has in store for them next. 

The person who really brought Less out of her shell is Austin. Hello snarky, handsome, cocky, and not at all as you portray yourself to be. Oh Austin! This boy definitely brings a lot to Less and Cat's story. Let's just say Austin is a layered character who made it impossible for me not to fall in love with him. He and Less are such a great match for each other. These two are opposites on many things, and at first they couldn't stand each other. It was comical watching these two interact, and how they got under each other's skin. Kudos to Rachel for not rushing their romantic relationship. It was such a realistic approach to how a relationship like their's would develop, and I loved every moment of it. In the process of going from not standing each other to friends, to something more, Austin and Less uncover each other's layers bit by bit.

Austin wants to break Less out of her shell, and does so with some challenges that in the process make her seem him in a different light, and get to know him on a level he doesn't allow others to seem him as. Their relationship is so beautifully crafted. There are moments that are heartbreaking, tender and sweet, and then there are some down right sizzling scenes between these two! I loved it!! Just like Cat's story, Less's is one that is highly addictive, entertaining, and one I loved spending time reading. Rachel has done such a great job at continuing Cat's story, as well as creating a new one with Alessandra. Both girls are there for each other, and I love the advice they both give each other. They help each other in ways no one else can. They're more than just cousins, they're best friends, and I loved the bond they share. 

I love Austin and Alessandra's relationship, but I also adored Lucas and Cat! Lucas is introduced at the every end of Cat's story, and let's just say these two made an impression on each other. Like Austin and Less's relationship, this one isn't an instalove either. I loved how Lucas and Cat's relationship developed. Alessandra stepped in at the right moments to give her cousin the push she needed. After all, these two share each other's secrets about the past, but it's funny how history and magic have a way of messing with their desires. When it comes down to it, both girls learn to love, let go, and fight for what they want. They think through their decisions, and once they know what they want, and want they want to do, they do it. I admire strong female characters like that. I loved the guys for being there for them, and supporting them in their decisions. What an awesome sequel! With that killer of a cliff hanger, this is one of the few times I'm glad I read this series in it's entirety verses having to wait to read book three. 

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris, Book Review

In gearing up for today's blog tour stop for Rachel Harris's My Not So Super Sweet Life, I made it a point to finally read the first two books in her series. I know, it's sad I've had these books since they came out and yet they've sat in my never ending stack of books waiting for me to read them.

When it comes for reading, I've found myself getting pickier and pickier with what I read, and that's only because my time has become more limited. When I sit down to read a book, I want to enjoy what I'm reading. Rachel Harris's books are ones I definitely enjoyed. She gives me a little bit of everything I enjoy. I loved the sweet romance, the snark, and great characters Rachel introduced me to. I really enjoyed the way she continued the story with each book, and the way each story ties into the next. What a fabulous read this series is. 


By: Rachel Harris
Published by: Entangled Teen
Released on: September 18, 2012
Rating: 4 Stars- I Enjoyed It!
Source: purchased
Add it to Goodreads

Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore. Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

Historical fiction, romance, snark, and a few surprises, YES please! Thank you Rachel Harris for giving me a book I happily lost sleep over, because I had to stay up reading it. Rachel's writing in this book is fabulous. This is one of those books I sat down to read thinking this will be the perfect book spending a few minutes with. Wrong.... this was a book I spent more than a few minutes reading. Once I started reading it there was no stopping until I was done. 

Rachel has this rich writing that hooks me. Her imaginative world easily comes to life, and gives way to thinking, "what if". What if fate had a silly way of taking you on this incredible journey back in time to the 16th century where you mingled among relatives in the beautiful country of Italy. What if while there you learned a little bit more about yourself, fell in love, and gained a better appreciation of who you are. 

Cat is one of those characters I couldn't help but fall in with love. This girl definitely gets herself into some tough situations, but she also finds a way out of them. She's a smart girl who figures things out, though sometimes it may take her a bit. I loved going on her journey between now, and back to the 15th century. Along the way I watched Cat grow into this incredibly strong person who learned to take risks, stand up for herself, and learned to love. In true Rachel Harris fashion, she infuses her story with moments that were laugh out loud funny, moments that made my heart melt, other moments that broke my heart, and oh there were moments that were sigh worthy.

Lorenzo..... I do believe Lorenzo could give Romeo a run for his money. This heart throb literally steals the show when he comes into Cat's life, or should I say when she finds herself in his time. No matter how hard she tried to resist, she finds herself falling for him, as much as he's falling for her. I'll admit a small part of me wanted her to run off with him *coughs* What!? I did. How romantic would that have been? After all much of this book has a very romantic setting. But luckily Cat is smart girl, and doesn't do anything too foolish, though she does find herself in a bind, and not being in modern times, she is in a predicament that she can't easily get out of. 

Everything about Cat's journey felt incredibly real. I loved finding myself feel emotionally attached to a story I didn't think I would be. The "what if" accept of this story was fabulous. I love it when an author can tell a story that makes me wonder & wish that something like that could happen, and what would I do if something like that happened. Rachel Harris has definitely created an enchanting story that has romance, magic, beautiful world building, action, and a few surprises. I'd definitely recommend picking up this book!

#TMITuesday - Cassie Reads An Excerpt from CoHF

Happy #TMITuesday Shadowhunters! Check out Cassie's newest meme posted here


Another brilliant postcard from Cassandra Jean for #tmituesday . Puzzle it out for a while! An ancient statue with an alarming plaque…
Meanwhile, since it’s #tmituesday, another sneak peek is up on the Shadowhunters website. 
Go here: http://www.shadowhunters.com/TMITuesday/ and tumbl or tweet or email the link. That will open up content #3 to you, which is me reading an excerpt from the book, which is also provided in text. Hope you like!

Oohhhh that is one awesome excerpt from CoHF that Cassie reads! Later today I'll post the video and share more of the excerpt that's posted on the link above. For the sake of not spoiling anything, and out of respect to Cassie and Simon & Schuster, I'm not sharing it now, to give Shadowhunters fans the chance to unlock the awesomeness for themselves. Trust me, you want to!!! 

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