Summer Shows and What to Watch

I thought it would be fun to do something a bit different today. Most of us, while avid readers are also avid Netflix addicts and with summer literally right around the corner I thought it would be fun to see what everyone plans on binge watching this summer. Any big plans?

 Plus, okay in all honesty, with all my favorite fall shows going on hiatus for a few months, I desperately need something to watch so I want to hear what your favorites are and what you recommend as well as what you will be binge watching this summer.

As much as I love reading, I sometimes need a good TV show to get me out of a slump or just because I need a *gasp* break from reading for a bit. So bring on the recs!

First though, here are some of my most favorite shows I watch and those that I've already binge watched on Netflix or Hulu and absolutely loved. 

One of my most favorite TV shows to date is Supernatural. I only discovered this series about two years ago and after watching the first season seriously couldn't figure out what the big deal was. I mean, I liked it but I wasn't in love...yet. It wasn't until season two that I was completely hooked.  It only took me a summer (I should be embarrassed by this but I'm not) to catch up with it (8 seasons at the time) and eagerly await each new episode each week. I hate it when it goes on hiatus because I truly do miss Sam and Dean and their witty one liners. 

I started watching this show on a fluke and while it can be cheesy I absolutely love it. There is just something about it. 

Seriously zombies were never my thing, that is until I started watching this show and as gross as it can be (seriously, some of the scenes turn by stomach) I am weirdly fascinated by it and completely hooked. It is probably the grossest show I watch. 

I'm definitely starting to see a theme here with my show watching. What can I say, I love the paranormal side of things!

I've had fun with this TV series but with the ending to the latest season, I'm not sure I will be continuing with it. I just don't think it will be the same (fans know what I am talking about).

And my latest and newest TV series that I was hooked one is this one. I can't believe how I love the sass that comes out of this man's mouth. 

This series is only on it's second season but I just started watching it and am weirdly drawn to it. There is just something about it that I like. I won't lie, it can be downright cheesy at times but still, it keeps me watching.

Sadly this series was just cancelled after 8 seasons but I've been a fan of it since the beginning. Nathan Fillion is so freaking funny and I just adored his character on this show. I'm sad to see it over but happy with the way it ended.

So yeah, there you have it. Those are the shows that I'm currently watching and loving that are still on air.

Here are a few others that I didn't even know existed or at least never tried, until Netflix corrupted me and I learned what binge watching a series was all about.

I think there were only four seasons of this series but they were all good and I believe it was the first TV series that I ever binge watched as well. It was pretty addicting. 

I can't even begin to express my love for this TV series. I had no idea you could have a TV hangover until I got to the last season and then the last episode of this series. I was heartbroken that it was all over. 

This is still one of my top ten favorites. 

Another series that I was heartbroken when I came to the last episode. I was so not ready for this to be over. I loved Veronica and her dad, they were such an amazing team and I loved their relationship. I watched the movie and while it was good, it just wasn't the same. 

This TV series is just terrifying and has made me so paranoid now but I love it anyways and while it is still active, I haven't watched the latest season because Netflix doesn't have it yet. I'm hoping like heck they get it this summer. 

So there you have it. Shows I've watched in their entirety (to date) and have loved like crazy.

Other shows that are on Netflix now but I watched when they were actually airing and loved and would highly recommend include these:

(miss these two like crazy and I keep hoping they will do something together again)

(I wish this would pick back up again! I keep waiting and it keeps getting pushed back every year :( )

(this one goes off and on all the time on Netflix, right now I currently think it is off but once in awhile they will put it back on there so if you want to watch it, search for it periodically.)

I'm sure there are more I'm forgetting but this is all I can think of off the top of my head (like I need to add more right? I'm starting to think I watch way too much TV).

Anyways, with these shows in mind, anyone have anything similar that they watch that I could start over the summer?  They don't have to necessarily be ones that are competed but I would like them to have at least a few seasons so I'm not stuck only watching one season and then having to wait for the others and left with nothing else to watch again.

Also, I love historical movies and classics (believe it or not based on that list up there). And am pretty open to a lot of things as long as it isn't rated X or anything. ;) 

Oh and I should add that I'm up for older shows as well (think 90's). I tried Dawson Creek, Kyle XY, Buffy, and Roswell but while I liked them, I didn't like them enough to even get through the whole first season of them (besides Buffy, I did watch almost three seasons of it but after awhile I got tired of it). Oh and The Librarians, I really wanted to like this one but the two episodes that I watched were so cheesy I didn't watch any others. If they get better then let me know and I will try again. ;)

I've heard Parenthood is really good and I've seen most of Friends off and on through the years and thought about starting from the beginning with them both but, I don't know, they aren't grabbing me right now and I feel stuck on what to do. Help me you guys, I need suggestions. 

What are some of your favorites and ones you absolutely were heartbroken over when they were done or ones you eagerly await each week for the new episode to air?

Happy Memorial Day!

(Thanks to www.euclidlibrary.org for the picture!)

Just a quick note to wish you all a very Happy Memorial Day. I hope you are all with family, friends, and are having a nice time. 

I am so thankful for this country that I live in and for the freedoms that I have. It truly is a blessing that so many brave men and women have sacrificed so very much for us to make this country what it is today. I am beyond grateful to them and to those still serving and protecting us. 

Stay safe everyone!!

Mini Review: Autofocus by Lauren Gibaldi

Title: Autofocus
Author: Lauren Gibaldi
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Harper Teen (June 14, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Contemporary
My Rating: 3.5 Stars


Book Description:
Family.

It’s always been a loaded word for Maude. And when she is given a senior photography assignment—to create a portfolio that shows the meaning of family—she doesn’t quite know where to begin. But she knows one thing: without the story of her birth mother, who died when Maude was born, her project will be incomplete.

So Maude decides to visit her best friend, Treena, at college in Tallahassee, Florida, where Maude’s birth mother once lived. But when Maude arrives, she quickly discovers that Treena has changed. With a new boyfriend and a packed social calendar, Treena doesn’t seem to have time for Maude—or helping Maude in her search.

Enter Bennett, a cute guy who lives in Treena’s dorm. He understands Maude’s need to find her mother. And as Bennett helps Maude in her search, she starts to find that her mother’s past doesn’t have to define her own future.


Lauren Gibaldi has crafted a beautiful and timely coming-of-age story that poses the question: Is who we are determined at birth, or can we change as we grow?

*Amazon*B&N*

I have always been a sucker for a great well told coming of age story that can hit you in the feels. Leave you nodding your head in agreement in parts, teary eyed in others, and always, with a warm feeling in your heart when that very last page is turned and the story told. 

Autofocus is one such story. A story that is at times is raw, real, hard, but also one that is hopeful and beautiful. 

A story that I think anyone can relate to regardless of their circumstances and one I think a lot of teens will relish and finally feel like someone else out there “get's it”. 

One about finding oneself, coming to terms with other things, and most importantly what matters most in life of living, loving, and letting go. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Review: Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich

Title: Lean Mean Thirteen
Author: Janet Evanovich
Series: Book Thirteen in the Stephanie Plum Series
Published By: St. Martin's Press (June 19, 2007)
Source: Purchased
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4 Stars



Book Description:
New secrets, old flames, and hidden agendas are about to send bounty hunter Stephanie Plum on her most outrageous adventure yet!

MISTAKE #1

Dickie Orr. Stephanie was married to him for about fifteen minutes before she caught him cheating on her with her arch-nemesis Joyce Barnhardt. Another fifteen minutes after that Stephanie filed for divorce, hoping to never see either one of them again.

MISTAKE #2

Doing favors for super bounty hunter Carlos Manoso (a.k.a. Ranger). Ranger needs her to meet with Dickie and find out if he's doing something shady. Turns out, he is. Turns out, he's also back to doing Joyce Barnhardt. And it turns out Ranger's favors always come with a price...

MISTAKE #3

Going completely nutso while doing the favor for Ranger, and trying to apply bodily injury to Dickie in front of the entire office. Now Dickie has disappeared and Stephanie is the natural suspect in his disappearance. Is Dickie dead? Can he be found? And can Stephanie Plum stay one step ahead in this new, dangerous game? Joe Morelli, the hottest cop in Trenton, NJ is also keeping Stephanie on her toes-and he may know more than he's saying about many things in Stephanie's life. It's a cat-and-mouse game for Stephanie Plum, where the ultimate prize might be her life.


With Janet Evanovich's flair for hilarious situations, breathtaking action, and unforgettable characters, LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN shows why no one can beat Evanovich for blockbuster entertainment.

*Amazon*B&N*

It truly is hard not to fall in love with this series. It is so outrageous so chaotic, and so much darn fun. 

With a cast of crazy laugh out loud lovable characters and danger and mayhem lurking around every corner, this series is my go to series when I need out of a book funk or just plain and simply need a good hearty laugh. 

Stephanie has a way of getting herself into trouble regardless of the situation and why it is ridiculous, it also can't help being hilarious at the same time. And the best part is, she has a crazy cast of friends to help her through it all not to mention two hunky guys vying for her attention. 

And while most books with a love triangle drive me crazy, this one some how seems to work for me and manages to add something to the series that probably wouldn't be the same without it. 

Laughs, danger, great friends and co workers, and a mystery that is always fun, this is a series that anyone that loves to laugh and still get some depth, will enjoy. 

WoW Pick of the Week!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It is a chance to share those new releases were are super anxious to get our hands on and read.

This isn't my typical pick because I think it might be middle grade or if not, then a young YA, either way, it still looks so good I just want to read it. 

I read this author's first book in her False Prince series and really liked it so I'm hoping the writing style will be very similar. 

Book Description:

As a lethal plague sweeps through the land, Ani Mells is shocked when she is unexpectedly captured by the governor's wardens and forced to submit to a test for the deadly Scourge. She is even more surprised when the test results come back positive, and she is sent to Attic Island, a former prison turned refuge -- and quarantine colony -- for the ill. The Scourge's victims, Ani now among them, can only expect to live out short, painful lives there. However, Ani quickly discovers that she doesn't know the whole truth about the Scourge or the Colony. She's been caught in a devious plot, and, with the help of her best friend, Weevil, Ani means to uncover just what is actually going on. 


But will she and Weevil survive long enough to do so?

Release Day Review: The City of Mirrors by Justin Cronin

Title: The City of Mirrors
Author: Justin Cronin
Series: Book Three in the Passage Trilogy
Published By: Ballantine Books (May 24, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Fantasy/Dystopian
My Rating: 5 Stars!



Book Description:
In "The Passage" and "The Twelve", Justin Cronin brilliantly imagined the fall of civilization and humanity s desperate fight to survive. Now all is quiet on the horizon but does silence promise the nightmare s end or the second coming of unspeakable darkness? At last, this bestselling epic races to its breathtaking finale.

"The world we knew is gone. What world will rise in its place?"

The Twelve have been destroyed and the hundred-year reign of darkness that descended upon the world has ended. The survivors are stepping outside their walls, determined to build society anew and daring to dream of a hopeful future.

But far from them, in a dead metropolis, he waits: Zero. The First. Father of the Twelve. The anguish that shattered his human life haunts him, and the hatred spawned by his transformation burns bright. His fury will be quenched only when he destroys Amy – humanity's only hope, the Girl from Nowhere who grew up to rise against him.


One last time light and dark will clash, and at last Amy and her friends will know their fate. 

*Amazon*B&N*

This review is probably the hardest one I've ever written. Ever had to contemplate, compose, and try to convey just how great the story was and not just this book, this book of genius, but the whole trilogy as a whole. 

Cronin is truly talented. I know I've said it before but the man is brilliant, hand downs a master at his craft. 

Words, my words, my simple non masterful words, can not do this series, this book justice. 

Honestly, I don't even know where to begin. So much was woven together, carefully plotted, planned, and executed and it showed in every single sentence, paragraph, and page. 

This book was like a magical journey to another time and place that you get so immersed in, so caught up in that you lose time while in it. The real world around you disappears and there is nothing but the world that he has created for you and thrown you into. 

It isn't like other books in its genre. It stands out. It's unique, creative, imaginative, and well designed and I couldn't of been happier with the way it all came together and came about. The way information, facts, and details slowly all came together, made sense, and most of all, was brilliantly laid out. 

It was both bittersweet and satisfying to have this trilogy end and one I soon won't be forgetting or recover from. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Review: My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

Title: My Lady Jane
Author(s): Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Harper Teen (June 7, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Historical (with a twist)
My Rating: 4 Stars!


Book Description:
For fans of The Princess Bride comes the comical, fantastical, romantical, (not) entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey.


Lady Jane Grey, sixteen, is about to be married to a total stranger—and caught up in an insidious plot to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But that’s the least of Jane’s problems. She’s about to become Queen of England. Like that could go wrong.

*Amazon*B&N*

I already knew liking this novel wasn't going to be hard, I mean, with a line up of brilliant authors like this one has, how could anyone not like it right?

What I was expecting, was to fall in love without even having finished the prologue. Yep, seriously, so. Much. Fun.

Truly a tragic tale retold, re-imagined, and with so many other news, it will make your head spin in the very best ways.

Told in the point of views of both Jane, “G”, and Edward, this was such a hoot. Witty, entertaining, (somewhat) historic, and always interesting, these authors know how to retell them. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Review: All Fixed Up By Linda Grimes

Title: All Fixed Up
Author: Linda Grimes
Series: Book Four in the Ceil Halligan Series
Published By: Tor Books (May 24, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4 Stars



Book Description:
The hilarious adventures of human chameleon Ciel Halligan continue in the fourth installment of this original urban fantasy series from Linda Grimes, All Fixed Up.

Ciel Halligan, aura adaptor extraordinaire, has a lot of experience filling in for her clients--as them. A rare genetic quirk gives her the ability to absorb human energy and project it back out in a flawless imitation. She's hard at work, posing as a well-known and celebrated astronaut, about to make a stunning announcement on behalf of the space program...when the photographer documenting the job sees right through her aura. Worse, it soon becomes apparent that he not only knows Ciel’s not who she's supposed to be, but means her harm.

When Ciel's elderly Aunt Helen—also an aura adaptor—is murdered in Central Park, and the same photographer shows up at the funeral, Ciel starts to feel even more exposed. Then more adaptors are killed in the same way, and she becomes terrified her friends and family are being systematically exterminated ... and it's starting to look like she's the ultimate target. She turns to Billy Doyle, her best-friend-turned-boyfriend, for help, but when an unexpected crisis causes him to take off without a word, she's left to rely on her not-so-former crush, CIA agent Mark Fielding.


Staying alive, keeping control of her romantic life, and unraveling the mystery of why adaptors are being pursued becomes a harder balancing act than ever in this new Ciel Halligan adventure from Linda Grimes.

*Amazon*B&N*

This series is so much fun. So different from most urban fantasies,  with humor interwoven along with mystery and romance and of course a very unique aspect of adaptors. 

You won't find witches, or demons, or vampires or werewolves here, instead, you will find magic of a different sort. 

This series has been fun and entertaining from the beginning and this latest release wasn't any different. While it is packed full of action and adventures it is also more family and romance oriented. It truly is a nice balance and a lighter one as well even amidst all the danger Ciel manages to always get herself wrapped up in. 

I was reminded all over again why I love Ciel, Billy, Mark, and the whole Hannigan gang, even if I did want to shake Billy more times than I could count. In fact, my opinion of him changed a bit in this and sadly, not for the better. This has always been a love triangle that worked for me which I don't say often but this time, this time I found myself rooting for the underdog more often than not. And while I love both guys and that will never change, it was hard seeing Ciel make some of the choices she did.

Nonetheless, this was still a fun outrageous read full of laughs, danger, and action, and it didn't take me long to once again get completely wrapped up in Grimes' writing and in her characters. 


Overall another outstanding novel in the series. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Review: The Long Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: The Long Game
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Series: Book Two in the Fixer Series
Published By: Bloomsbury (June 7, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller
My Rating: 4 Stars!


Book Description:
Tess Kendrick, teen fixer extraordinaire, returns in a pulse-pounding thriller about a deadly conspiracy at the heart of Washington.

For Tess Kendrick, a junior at the elite Hardwicke School in Washington D.C., fixing runs in the family. But Tess has another legacy, too, one that involves power and the making of political dynasties. When Tess is asked to run a classmate's campaign for student council, she agrees. But when the candidates are children of politicians, even a high school election can involve life-shattering secrets.

Meanwhile, Tess's guardian has also taken on an impossible case, as a terrorist attack calls into doubt who can--and cannot--be trusted on Capitol Hill. Tess knows better than most that power is currency in D.C., but she's about to discover first-hand that power always comes with a price.


Perfect for fans of Harlan Coben and Ally Carter, the second book in this thrilling series will leave readers breathless.

*Amazon*B&N*

It's easy to forget sometimes in between releases, especially with a new series, how much fun it is and how memorable the characters are. And let me tell you, when it comes to Asher and Vivvie, they are two characters (secondary characters at that) that stand out. In fact, this whole series is filled with memorable fun characters.

I was laughing out loud after the first couple of pages and had a smile on my face so big, that my cheeks hurt and because of it, I was immediately pulled right back into the story and was reminded once again why this series and really all her series, are always so much fun. 

There were so many things that took place throughout this book. Things I didn't see coming and never expected to happen and it was wonderful. It is so refreshing to have a YA mystery that isn't transparent. One that is entertaining, keep me on my toes, and keeps me guessing and above all, highly additive. I ended up reading this in a matter of hours and I hadn't even planned on getting so caught up in it, I truly love it when that happens. When you open a books and what is one the pages is so magical and captivating that before you know it, hours have passed and you are done and left wanting more. 

Barnes hands down has always been that author for me and it is why I will always pick up her books without hesitation and know that I am in for a treat when I read them. This was an amazing sequel, every bit as fast paced and wonderfully done as the first, if not better. I can't wait for more.

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

WoW Pick of the Week!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It is a chance to share those new releases were are super anxious to get our hands on and read.


I'm both excited and nervous about this weeks pick because I can see this book either being fantastic or a big disaster. I'm hoping like crazy it will be brilliant and just as good as the first but, sometimes, you just never know. 

Book Description:


From Colleen Houck, New York Times bestselling author of The Tiger’s Curse, comes Recreated, the second book in the epic Egyptian-inspired Reawakened series, in which a seventeen-year-old must literally go to hell to save the love of her life.

Lily Young thought traveling across the globe with a reawakened sun prince was a grand adventure. Now she’s about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

When Amon and Lily part tragically, he transports himself to the Netherworld—what mortals call hell. Tormented by the loss of his one true love, he’d rather suffer in agony during Lily’s mortal years than fulfill his duty to protect humanity.

Heartbroken, Lily seeks refuge on her grandmother’s farm. Yet she can feel Amon’s pain, and she has been having dreams—dreams of Amon continually suffering.

For before he departed, Amon gave Lily something very special, an item that connects them even though they are worlds apart. Now Lily must use this object to free him, and to free their realms from darkness and utter chaos. She will do whatever it takes.

Review: Kiss of Venom by Jennifer Estep

Title: Kiss of Venom
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Novella 8.5 in the Elemental Assassin Series
Published By: Pocket Star (June 22, 2013)
Source: Purchased
Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4 Stars!


Book Description:
The New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series continues with a new e-novella—from the hero’s point of view! Owen Grayson is bound and determined to get Gin back...if her enemies don’t get her first.


When you have a history of dating an assassin, a night out on the town can turn deadly—fast. Owen Grayson is still wracked with guilt over the end of his love affair with Gin Blanco, and there aren’t enough gin and tonics in all of Ashland to ease his heartache. But when Gin happens to show up at the same nightclub, he isn’t the only one hoping to get her alone. Some shadowy figures will do anything to take down the Spider, Gin’s assassin alter ego, and Owen will do anything to protect her. This could be the way to win her back, or at least give her a night off from fighting for her life—if Owen can survive... 

*Amazon*B&N*

I have a confession to make, me, the queen of not skipping books in series or reading out of order, read this out of order,

But, in my defense, I couldn’t resist. I mean, hello, a book told all in Owen's point of view? How can anyone resist that. And besides, the spoilers that this book held for books six and seven and maybe even eight, I already had some idea of so, why not take the chance and do it anyway right?

Honestly, I can say now that I have read this, it was worth it to read it not only out of order but to get Owen's side of things before reading Gin's. I think this way, I will not only be more prepared for the heartache that is to come, but I won't hate anyone because of it.

So yes, those are my excuses for skipping slightly ahead with this one and I'm sticking with them.

Honestly though, this was a fabulous novella like they all are in this series and I'm so glad we got this much needed, much appreciated look into Owen.