January 31, 2013

2013 Reading Challenges

2013 Reading Challenge
My goal is to read 65 books in 2013. Seems easy for an avid book reader and blogger, right? But this year I am concentrating on studying and editing more, leisure reading less. You can monitor my progress by the tracker in the lower right column of this blog.





Dare I say that I prefer reading eBooks to physical books? Just call me a Memory Stick because my goal is to read 50 eBooks in 2013. #LivingLaVidaNOOK





What a cool idea to count how many pages I will read in a year's time. My goal is to read 10,001+ pages in 2013.



View all of Literary Marie's Memes and Reading Challenges here.

 

January 29, 2013

A Deeper Love Inside: The Porsche Santiaga Story


"I was a nice girl when I was home with my family. They, 'the children snatchers,' interrupted me, aggravated me, and pushed me into a more rougher state of mind." ~ pg. 88

Bookhearts, this is the sequel you have been waiting for! 

Porsche worships her older sister Winter. But the "invisible middle daughter" is forced to make a life of her own when drug kingpin father, Ricky Santiaga, is imprisoned. The family is torn apart. Porsche is put into the system of foster care, group homes, and juvenile detention. Yet the instability does not deter the young girl from reclaiming her status. Like her notorious father, Porsche is a natural-born hustler. Her quick wit and passion to succeed fuels Porsche to get back everything that belongs to the Santiaga family.

Porsche's story isn't easy; in fact, it is a roller-coaster ride. Like Midnight, I found it hard to believe that a child aged 10-14 could plan and execute such complex plans. At times, Porsche's thoughts and feelings seemed too intimate for a young girl. Then I realized, there could be young girls that are forced to grow up at such a young age. Their mentality is far more mature because of the hardships they had to endure. If Sister Souljah intended to open our eyes to this shocking reality, then well done. 

I am grateful for the advance review copy of A Deeper Love Inside because it took me months to digest and to finally write a review to reflect its content. There were moments where I had to stop and think about what was just read. Could that really happen? How would I have handled that situation? Wait...she what?! There were also moments where I wished Sister Souljah went into more detail instead of leaving the unknown up to the reader's imagination. And yes, within its 400+ pages, there are dropped jewels like only Sister Souljah can.

It has been 14 years since The Coldest Winter Ever was originally published. Readers have waited over a decade for a sequel. At last, this is it! A Deeper Love Inside—which releases today—is raw, intense and unforgettable. Like most Sister Souljah novels, it will draw emotions as you read the coming-of-age story told from Porsche Santiaga's point of view. Our favorite characters, like Winter and Midnight, make appearances. However, they take a backseat to the main character. This is one sequel you cannot put down until the end.

DISCLAIMER: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Title: A Deeper Love Inside
Author: Sister Souljah
Published: January 2013
Pages: 434
Edition: Galley
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♡
 
 

January 27, 2013

Series Sunday: Just One Night Part 1: The Stranger


Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Share your review/recommendation below.
  • Include the title, author and series name.
 
My Series Sunday pick is Just One Night: The Stranger, the first part in the Just One Night trilogy by Kyra Davis. We all know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. So when Kasie Fitzgerald enters a Vegas casino and sees a mysterious sexy stranger, she gives in to one passionate night with him. It was only supposed to be a one night fling. But the billionaire CEO hires her global consulting firm. His demanding instructions command attention inside and outside of the boardroom.

Responsible, steady and reliable describes Kasie. Sometimes predictable, fun and reliable describes Sophie Katz, another one of Kyra Davis' characters. These two characters and series are different though. I am used to reading the fun chick lit series featuring Sophie. Kyra, I didn't know you had it in you. I am pleasantly surprised that the author stepped out of the box to write a different genre. And she does it well! So well that I cannot WAIT until March 19 for Just One Night, Part 2: Exposed and Just One Night, Part 3: Binding Agreement on May 20.

Just One Night, Part 1: The Stranger was just published January 21. Download your eBook copy today for just $1.99

DISCLAIMER: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Title: Just One Night, Part 1: The Stranger
Author: Kyra Davis
Published: January 2013
Pages: 129
Edition: Galley
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

 

January 26, 2013

January eMags

New year. New magazine subscriptions. I am Living La Vida NOOK with these January eMags:



Ebony ~ Power 100: Our Annual List of the Most Influential African-Americans 

Essence ~ Is Reality TV Hurting Our Girls?

MacLife ~ Power vs. Portability

The Writer ~ Advice From Experts on Freelance Writing, Grammar, New Publishing, Marketing and e-Books

Real Simple ~ A Year of Organized Living

Rolling Stone ~ What Obama Must Do About the Climate Crisis

Entertainment Weekly ~ A First Look at Catching Fire

Marie Claire ~ Power Prints, Tailored Jackets, Killer Heels

Vogue ~ Beauty's Breaking News

US Weekly ~ Kim & Kanye Tortured By Her Ex

Time ~ The Gunfighters

 

January 25, 2013

Happy 3rd Blogoversary


♬♬ Happy Blogoversary to me 
Happy Blogoversary to me
Happy Blogoversary to meeee
Happy Blogoversary to me
And many moooooooooore ♬♬

Thank you for your continued support, bookhearts.