Saying goodbye to 2015

List of 10 things I want to do before the year is over.

1. Spend time w family
They drive me nuts half the time, but I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

2. Take my long awaited road trip
Been wanting to go visit my friend John in Portland for THEE longest time now. Vacation is finally here, maybe so is my trip?...

3. Finish watching old series I was hooked on
Whatever did happen to Revenge? I used to love that series. And Naruto (anime), olddie but goodie!

4. Take time to catch up with old buddies
We had the McGreggor fight a couple weeks ago on PPV and a few friends came over. It was nice to catch up on life. Need more of that.

5. CLEAN OUT CLOSET! haha!
I have a ton of clothing I just don't need (or want). I always donate all clothing to family in Mexico or goodwill. 

6. Make a date with my TBR pile
Ton of books on my bookshelf just staring me down... waiting for the day when I crack them open...

7. Forgive, and maybe forget
I want to stop missing someone who didn’t miss me back. I want to forgive those who have hurt me only, mostly because I deserve some peace.

8. Say sorry
I dont think I say this enough. I know for a fact I hurt people, sometimes I don't even notice it.

9. Do Nothing 
Probably my favorite thing on this list ;) haha 

10. Say goodbye to the all the flaws I see
I need to change the way I look at myself and start saying hello to all the wonderful possibilities, dreams, and opportunities that are waiting to manifest.
 

Review: Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Black Ice

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Pages: 400

My Rating:

Britt Pheiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn’t prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants—but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage. Britt is forced to guide the men off the mountain, and knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there…and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target. But nothing is as it seems, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally? -goodreads.com

This was such a good thriller! I was a fan of Fitzpatrick's Hush Hush series, so I had pretty high expectations for Black Ice and it did not disappoint!

Britt Pfeiffer (our main character, or mc) goes on a trip with her best friend. They're supposed to meet up with her best friends brother and Britt's ex-boyfreind at a cabin out in the mountains. On the way, the weather goes from bad to worse, real quick. They end up getting stranded with no way of communication. They are pretty much cut off from the rest of the world. It was at this point we see a completely different side of Britt. At first I thought she was a bit wimpy just because of how she felt towards her ex-boyfriend... I mean COME ON! When she ran into him (Calvin) at a gas station, she pointed to a random person and said, "that's my boyfriend" so she wouldn't look lame in front of him... but as soon as she went into badass hiker mode, I automatically adored her.  She was resourceful and acted fast!

The romance was good, but I can see why other reviews mentioned the whole Stockholm syndrome. Britt pretty much ends up falling for one of her kidnappers, Mason... BUT towards the end, you realize things are not always what they seem, and all of a sudden I appreciated their romance THAT much more.

Review: The Duff by Kody Keplinger

Title: The Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)
Author: Kody Keplinger
Publisher: Poppy Books
Pages: 320

My Rating:

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face. But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him. Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone. -goodreads.com

THIS BOOK MADE ME CRACK UP! The DUFF is funny, smart, honest, and fast read. It is about all the important issues that all teens deal with (probably on a daily basis). Things like love, friendship, family and insecurities.

Although I couldn't 100% connect with Bianca, it was easy to see how others could relate to her. She yells at people, gets pissed off easily, comes off as grumpy... but deep down she is a great person. What I liked best about this book is how realistic all the characters were. I loved how the story was snarky and funny, but then it was able to get deep and meaningful as well. But don't think it's a life lesson or anything. We get a bit about Bianca and her alcoholic father and we also git a glimpse at Wes's problems as well.

I do want to warn you, there are a ton of curse words. A TON. Personally, they only contributed to the story, made it more realistic... bc let's be honest, that's how teens talk. Also, sex. There's a lot of it in this novel. Either way, The DUFF was such a good debut. I still can't believe the author was only 17 when she published this.

Review: Dead Girls Don't Lie

Title: Dead Girls Don't Lie
Author: Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Pages: 352
Source: Own Hardcover

My Rating:

Rachel died at two a.m . . . Three hours after Skyler kissed me for the first time. Forty-five minutes after she sent me her last text. Jaycee and Rachel were best friends. But that was before. . .before that terrible night at the old house. Before Rachel shut Jaycee out. Before Jaycee chose Skyler over Rachel. Then Rachel is found dead. The police blame a growing gang problem in their small town, but Jaycee is sure it has to do with that night at the old house. Rachel’s text is the first clue—starting Jaycee on a search that leads to a shocking secret. Rachel’s death was no random crime, and Jaycee must figure out who to trust before she can expose the truth.In the follow-up to her powerful debut, Jennifer Shaw Wolf keeps readers on their toes in another dark, romantic story of murder and secrets. -goodreads.com

MY REVIEW: 
More like 1 heart an a half. It's been a while since I've written a review for a book I don't really care  much for... Don't get me wrong, DGDL hooked me in the beginning, it kinda reminded me of one of those CSI episodes, but as the story went on and as I turned pages, the story got a bit too dull for my taste.

Let's start with the basics.  Jaycee and Rachel are best friends, but have a falling out one night after hanging out. Fast FWD 6 months after and Jaycee receives a text from Rachel asking for help, she ignores it. The next morning she finds out that Rachel is dead. From here one would THINK the story is starting up and pretty soon will pick up speed and leave you wanting more... WRONG. I really did enjoy the world buildup and the whole "my ex-best friend is dead" and "I want to catch her killer" concept, but it was just lacking something.

Some things that I did enjoy were the small town settings. The descriptions were awesome and it made me feel like I was right there standing next to Jaycee. Being from a small town myself, I cold relate to her character a bit... Either way, DGDL started off great, hit a bumpy patch midway, and just couldn't make it's way back up. I will admit and say the plot twist caught me by surprise though. I thought I had figured it out, but I wasn't right about everything.

Review: Talon (Talon #1)

Title: Talon (Talon #1)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 449

My Rating:

THE DRAGONS OF TALON: Once hunted nearly to extinction, they are now poised to take over the world.   THE ORDER OF ST. GEORGE: The legendary dragonslayers will stop at nothing to wipe dragons from the face of the earth. These mortal enemies are locked in secret and deadly combat, with humanity none the wiser.   To take her rightful place in the Talon organization, young dragon Ember Hill must prove she can hide her true nature and blend in with humans. Her delight at the prospect of a summer of "normal" teen experiences is short-lived, however, once she discovers that she's also expected to train for her destined career in Talon. But a chance meeting with a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught.   As Ember struggles to accept her future, St. George soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian is tasked with hunting her down. But when faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything the Order has ingrained in him—and what he might be willing to give up to uncover the truth about dragons. -goodreads.com

Ya'll are going to hate me, but TEAM GARRET allll the way! Talon was such a captivating read. Of course we have our typical love story and star-crossed lovers, but Talon was much more than that. In the beginning we quickly learn that the Talon Organization/dragons pretty much have a secret plan to destroy the human race. Yup!... as in Poof! You're annihilated. Two counter the dragons there exists The Order of St. George, they want to wipe dragons from the face of the earth. Enter Ember and her twin brother Dante.

Both Ember and Dante are well developed characters. Ember is fiery and passionate about everything she does. She's determined to gain freedom and begins to have doubts about the Talon Organization after she meets a rogue dragon. Dante is protective of his sister and loyal, but also passive and easily persuaded. It was interesting to see how their relationship changed as they both made choices that led them away from each other.

Enter love triangle. Usually I'm not the biggest fan of love triangles but if anyone can make it work its Kagawa. Cobalt is a "bad boy" dragon and a rogue one at that. He's the black leather jacket, motorcycle driving type of dragon. Garret is the forbidden soldier love. He's been told his whole life that dragons are terrible creatures that must be destroyed, but he soon realizes that's all a lie because of one person, Ember. He's perfect gentleman, except they can never be together.... See the dilemma? A fast and fun read, can't wait for book 2!