50 Day Picture Challenge

This is mostly a challenge for Facebook, but I'm going to share my photos on here too, but I'm just going to post 7 pictures at the end of the week (or something like that), so I don't overload my posts. ^.^ Since today is day #1, I'll share the first picture now.

Day #1
Favorite picture of yourself

This picture is in sepia tone. My hair is fantastically long and underneath an amazing hat to keep my head warm. The black hoodie is comfy and I'm pretty sure I'm wearing some comfy sweats. 

Hope you guys join in on this challenge! You can either join on blogger or facebook or both (like me).

Here's the link to the Facebook page. Or if you just want me to send you the list of the days, just email me. ^.^

==================

<3CaroleRae

Walt Whitman

Okay, I'm not a huge fan of Walt Whitman but there is one poem I do like from him. I'm pretty happy that for my finals in my American Literature class I have an option to memorize this poem. Instead of a Wordless Wednesday post today, I'm going to share this poem. 

When I heard the learn’d astronomer,

When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,

When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them,

When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,

How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,

Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself,

In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,

Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.

~*~

Also for my finals I have to write a 10 page paper. The topic I picked for that was comparing

the fear usage by Poe and Hawthorne. Exciting. I'll have to stretch everything to barely get

10 pages. How exciting. -.- I'm so glad that next week is my last week for spring

semester.Woot woot! 

==========================

<3CaroleRae

Book Review: Hollywood Stories

Author:  Stephan Schochet

Title: Hollywood Stories
Genre: Nonfiction, biography
Pages: e-book

First Published: November 29th, 2010
Where I Got It: Read this and reviewed this for Promotional Book Tours at Ever After pr to give my honest opinion.

"Just when you thought you've heard everything about Hollywood comes a totally original new book -- a special blend of biography, history and lore.

Hollywood Stories is packed with wild, wonderful short tales about famous stars, movies, directors and many others who have been a part of the world's most fascinating, unpredictable industry!

What makes the book unique is that the reader can go to any page and find a completely engaging and illuminating yarn. Sometimes people won't realize that they are reading about The Three Stooges or Popeye the Sailor until they come to the end of the story. The Midwest Book Review says Hollywood Stories is, "packed from cover to cover with fascinating tales." 

Full of funny moments and twist endings, Hollywood Stories features an amazing, all-star cast of legendary characters and icons and will keep you totally entertained!"


I read this for Ever After pr. When this book was offered I jumped up on it and was one of the first to sign up! Being a girl in love with the old films and the old time actors/actresses this seemed like the book for me. 


I'll be honest though...I'm a little upset about this book. This book let me down. Yes, I highly enjoyed the little stories about actors and directors and etc. I remember my mom telling me some of these, so it was fun to see the story told by an "expert". Many of the stories made me giggle, laugh, or "awwwww". 


The part of the book that was a disappointment was the tone and set up of the book. I'm pretty sure Stephen Schochet wasn't a writer and this was his first book. However, I would LOVE to sit in on his tour. He seems like he would be an amazing tour guide! It just didn't seem to work transferring the stories he tells unto paper just....didn't....seem to work well. 


Overall, I enjoyed the stories themselves but not the way the stories were presented and written. I did like Stephen Schochet's tone and I would love to go on one of tours, but his writing style didn't really do it for me. It's hard to explain, but it is the way it is. Don't let my slightly negative view keep you away from checking out this book...you'll enjoy reading the stories of Hollywood's granddaddys and grandmamas. Out of five stars, I have no choice but to give this 2 stars. :( 


Oh, I don't really have any favorite characters or not-so favorite characters, so I'll skip this. ^.^

=====================================

<3CaroleRae

Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! Today we honor past and present soldiers . Without them our country would have fallen into ruin long ago. This country would not have been here today. Thank you for everything men and women.


I don't really have any videos today, so I'll just share these pictures: :)

This is my Grandpa Carol. I miss him so much, he passed in 2007

I don't have any military pictures of my Grandpa Hall, but he fought in France during WWII. This is cute lil ol' me and him.

================================

<3CaroleRae

Book Review: I'm Yours

Author:  Lindsay Paige

Title: I'm Yours (Bold as Love#2)
Genre: YA, Fiction, Romance, Drama
Pages: e-book

First Published: November 30th, 2011
Where I Got It: Given me to read and review from Charisma Media Network for my honest opinion


"After the incident with Claire, Emily encounters more problems. Conrad is back with explanations and hope. Emily wants to give him a chance to explain himself. She can't help but wonder why he left. However, Jake isn't comfortable with Emily going out to eat with an old lover. 


Will things be too much for Emily to handle? Will Emily do the one thing she knows best and withdraw? Will Emily and Jake's love for one another keep them from shattering?"

This is the second book in the Bold as Love series by Lindsay Paige. I also read this for CMN for my honest opinion.

Like the previous book, this was pretty short. Perhaps about 100 pages with some change. However, it took me longer to get through even though it was shorter than the first one. The first one I flew by in, but I kept getting distracted and to be honest...I wasn't into this one as much.

This one was a little more sexy and not so YA-ish. Don't get me wrong, I love sex parts as much as the next girl, but once Emily gave it up to Jake that was all they did. Every 10 pages or so they were kicking off their shoes and heading to the bedroom. I got a little bored with all the sex. However, I do applaud Lindsay Paige for keeping the sex bits clean. Sex....clean? The scenes weren't too into detail  and the sex was mostly described as "making love" and it worked. It was a YA for heaven's sake.

Yes, there was a lot of drama in the last few chapters, but beforehand I was bored. Simply bored. I hate to say that, but I'm honest. I really was into the last few chapters! The ending kept me on the edge of my seat! At one point I really felt like Emily was sinking into her oldself and was never to return. I know I would had a hard time not sinking into a pit of despair. Events like that are horrid and sad. 

There was no real cliffhanger at the end of this one, which made me happy. However, there is going to be another book coming out soon. I think its about Jake's and Emily's previous life before they met each other. Not 100% sure. I wonder if Lindsay Paige will write a continual of their story. I hope she doesn't. I like how she ended it, but I wouldn't mind reading more. 

Anyways, besides for the boring beginning, I did like this book. It's a cute read and I enjoyed the drama. I enjoyed Jake's and Emily's story and their love. It's a nice read when the summer heat is too hot and you just want to chill by the pool. I wouldn't recommend this to young readers even though it is YA. I would recommend this to lovers of cute romances, drama, and for those that need just a quick read. Out of five stars I grant this 3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Jake, Drake (even though his appearance was limited), Mike, and Emily

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Conrad (unnecessary and smelly, well, I'm not sure if he was really smelly or not) and Sidney Cosby (being a loyal Red Wings fan, my hatred for Cosby most be noted)

=====================

<3CaroleRae

Flash Saturday aka Friday

Every Monday Dottie over at Tink's Place posts a picture and on Friday we share a story to go along with the picture. The story has to be at least 350 words, give or take. 


I'm a bad coconut...this was meant to be posted yesterday. B is a bad influence on me. *winks* haha. This isn't my best, but I'm in love with it. Hope you like it too:

Pink

by: Carole Rae

Tears ran down her face as she sat at the red light. What was the point? Why bother? She questioned over and over again. She loved him with every fiber of her being, but he made a fool out of her. They all did. She thought he liked her back, but he didn't. He lied to her and embarrassed her in front of everyone she has known since she was in diapers. Why did he have to do that? Stupidly she had gained up the nerve to ask Bryan to the prom and he said yes. Yes! That was the highlight of her life! The moment the last school bell rang she went home to ask her Papa if she wear her late Mama's gown. She explained to him that Bryan was the man of her dreams and perhaps he was her true love. He agreed and they had the dress altered to fit perfectly.

A week later the prom arrived. He said they'd meet there because Football practice would run a little late and he didn't want to keep her waiting and miss a “single second of the best night of your life.” She recalled how those words made her weep for joy, but now she wept out of sorrow. How could he do that me?

As she made her grand entrance down the grand staircase, she glanced everywhere for him. Finally, he waved to her and yelled for to come to him. Without a glance anywhere else she kept walking. If only I hadn't been so blinded by love! Within a couple of feet she seen just a glimpse of Bryan's teammates heave a bucket over her head. Pink paint came splashing down. Laughs exploded and her heart stopped. Her love, her hope, her dreams were scattered. Without a moment to waste, she escaped from the horror of that moment. She ran back up the stairs and out to her car. She could still hear the laughter as she zoomed off. The broken pieces of her heart scraped and hurt her. Why? What did I ever do to them?

Once the light turned green, she stepped on the peddle. She looked to her left and saw an extremely bright light heading towards hers. Every moment of her life flashed in front of her eyes and once the moment her descent on the staircase arrived, everything stopped as the light overtook her.

She awoke and she could feel the sand on her hands and legs. After a moment of shock, she stood up. There was a sunset in the sky and all the previous pain was gone. Where am I? She wondered.

A man walked towards her and kissed her hand, “You're finally where you belong, Princess.” Her shock obviously pleased him, because he smiled, “Welcome home.”

She smiled and all the pain Bryan and his friends caused seemed to slip away like the tide on the shore. Without much hesitation, she followed the man to her fairytale she really did deserve.

THE END


===============================
<3CR

Next Movie of the Week

This is just going to be a quick post...I have a paper due tomorrow at 10 am and I'm only 50% done! Oh no! Anyways....the next Movie of the Week is.....
THE VOW!

Can't wait to watch it! I've been dying to see this forever!

===================

<3CaroleRae

Music Monday: Tribute to Anne Boleyn

Happy Monday everyone. As many of you may know, May 19th was the anniversary of Queen Anne Boleyn's death. She is one my favorite historical figures and I couldn't skip on showing a video or two in honor of the infamous woman. She was a woman far ahead of her times. She was smart, charming, ambitious, a dreamer, strong, and could play the political field. The only reason why she is infamous is because of the time period she was born in and she lost the game. Women were suppose to be meek and weak and she was neither one of those. Yes, she was human and did some bad things to people. She did break up a broken family, but she did it for her family and her own advances. Without this woman the light of England would never have been born. Her daughter was Queen Elizabeth I, who was another infamous woman of history. I always have felt some odd connection with Anne Boleyn. It is hard to explain.

This first video is a tribute to Anne by the wonderful tiukudaa


 I can't remember if I shared this or not, but this is heart-breaking video and song:

I'm really starting to like Mozart Opera Rock. I understand the majority of their songs which are on French:

Hope you enjoyed my selections for this week. RIP Anne.

============================
<3CaroleRae

Book Review: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Author:  Mark Twain

Title: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Adventures #2)
Genre: Fiction, Classic
Pages: 368

First Published: 1884
Where I Got It: My shelf

"Of all the contenders for the title of The Great American Novel, none has a better claim than The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Intended at first as a simple story of a boy's adventures in the Mississippi Valley-a sequel to Tom Sawyer-the book grew and matured under Twain's hand into a work of immeasurable richness and complexity. More than a century after its publication, the critical debate over the symbolic significance of Huck's and Jim's voyage is still fresh, and it remains a major work that can be enjoyed at many levels: as an incomparable adventure story and as a classic of American humor."

Pretty much every summary is like this, so I'll sum it up myself:

Huck Finn is the right-hand man of the infamous kid Tom Sawyer, this story follows Huck and one of his grand adventures. Huck decides that being civilized is out of the question, so he decides to find his freedom. Along the way he comes across Jim, a runaway slave, and the two decide to be friends and explorers and find their freedom together. Along the way Huck and Jim find themselves meeting new people and finding lots of trouble.

I read this when I was a freshmen in High School and here I am reading it again in my American Literature class. In some twisted way I was actually excited about reading this again. Why? Well, with time comes a different perceptive. I did like it beforehand, but now that I'm older my taste may have change. It's always fun to re-read books from your youth. 

Okay...I'm still not a Mark Twain fan, but I did like this book. I also sort of liked Tom Sawyer (I should re-read that too). I like it even more that I believe that Jim is the hero, or so says my professor, and not Huck. Huck is butt-cheek near the end there. I love Jim though. He is such a great guy and just a wonderful character. He is the only "good" character in the book. He is selfless and is such a sweetheart. All the other characters (Huck included) sooner or later show their true colors. 

I must applaud Mark Twain for throwing  a loop into the literature world. During this time slaves had been free for a while, but racism still was like mold; blackening the hearts of everyone. However, he managed to make this a very popular story even though Jim was a main character (and the hero of the story). I'm not sure how Mark Twain managed that, but he was a genius. 

Besides for not being a fan of the majority of characters, I also wasn't a fan of the ending. I forgot how badly it ended. We discussed this in class. My professor asked, "Is the ending meaning something or do you think Twain just dropped the ball on this one just to get this book out of the way and published?" It was a surprising ending and slightly confusing.

Everyone in class said Twain did this on purpose. I agree. There is great meaning on how it ended, but I can't really share my thoughts on what the meaning is. Mark Twain wasn't the sort to "drop the ball". Everything had a reason and so was this.

Sorry about adding some class material to this review, but I couldn't stop myself. It was a fun story and I do believe that everyone who likes classics needs to read this. I can see why it lasted throughout the generations like it did. It'll last many more years. Perhaps my own kids will read this in High School. Out of five stars I grant this one 4 stars. It's the same rating as before, but oh well.

Favorite Character(s): Jim and Huck (beginning and middle)
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Pretty much everyone else

===============================

<3CaroleRae

Book Review: Sweetness

(For some reason blogger hates me...this didn't automatically post last night and I had to work nearly 12 hours today, sooooo yeaaa. I apologize to CMN and the author of this book.)

Author:  Lindsay Paige

Title: Sweetness (Bold as Love#1)
Genre: YA, Fiction, Romance, Drama
Pages: e-book

First Published: November 11th, 2011
Where I Got It: Given me to read and review from Charisma Media Network for my honest opinion


"Emily wished she was invisible. But after moving to a new town with her dad, a charming boy makes it impossible for her to disappear. Despite her feelings of unworthiness, Emily soon finds herself drawn to the safety of Jake's world.

Good looking and the star of the hockey team, Jake has a lot going for him. What most people don't see is the difficult life he has at home. When quiet Emily steals his heart, Jake vows to help her discover she is worthy of love. 

Just when the two of them realize the sweetness of their relationship, they are put to the test. Only together can they overcome their haunted pasts to fight for a future together."

Like I earlier stated, I read this for CMN to give my honest opinion. This is the first book I've read by Lindsay Paige and it is also the first book of the series.

At first I was little unsure how I would take to this book. Usually I don't read YA novels, but I took a chance with this one and the second one (which I'll be reading soon). Why? Well, I'm a sucker for guys who play hockey or baseball. How many books have you read that the hero is a hockey or baseball player? Not many! When I read that Jake (the hero) was a hockey player I was giggled like a pre-teen and put my name into read this. I also really wanted to see if Lindsay Paige could make this very unlikely romance seem legit or if it would be cheesy like many YA romances are. 

To put it simple: I was not let down. I was drawn to Emily's and Jake's story. I can't say that I can connect with these characters on the same level as these two, but I understand. It's hard to explain, but I really was intrigued. They both had pretty bad experiences in their past and they suffer in silence until they find one another. I found it very sweet and I was highly jealous of Emily. Jake, even though classified as a popular guy, was a wonderful person. I love how he was so dedicated to help Emily and bring her back to life after such horrid experiences with her mother being a (sorry for the French) bitch and the guys her mom hired to pretty much rape her. Poor girl. However, I love how Emily stood by her man even though he blamed himself for his mother's death. 

Perhaps the reason why Jake was drawn to Emily was the fact that she was his redemption. He would save her, because he wasn't there to save his mom. It's just so...sweet. I loved it. Perhaps that is why Lindsay Paige named the book Sweetness. Hmmmm.

The only thing that realllllllllly bugged me was how the book was written. It was written in present tense and at times I felt like I was reading diary entries. I don't mind it, but it was slightly irritating at times. Am I being too picky or have I become highly use to past tense novels? I don't know, but that was the only thing that irked me. Other than that, I adored this book.

Sweetness was a sweet book and its a good book to read while your laying by the pool or chilling on the beach. I can't wait to start the second book in this series. I would recommend this to those that need a nice, sweet book or for those that LOVE YA novels. It's one the best YA novels I've read in a long time. Out of five stars I grant this one 4 stars.

Favorite Character(s): Emily, Jake, Emily's dad/Mike

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Emily's mom, Claire (gah)

=========================

<3CR

Linky Followers & Wordless Wednesday

~Welcome to Linky Followers Blog Hop! This hop is created by Charisma Media Network ~

<a href="http://beautybrite.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h472/beautybrite/67db5d34-1.png" border="0" alt="Linky Followers Blog Hop"></a>

Link up to our Linky Followers hop! Before linking up, remembering the following:

1. Don't forget to sign up for a Linky. You can sign up here.

2. Link up your blogs so we can follow you.

3. Visit and follow as many blogs as you wish!

4. Leave a comment below and a link to your blog!

5. Don't forget to share this hop on Facebook and Twitter, which in turn helps more bloggers find this hop and increase our followers!

~This is open all week, so visit often.~



Brought to you by
=================================<3CaroleRae

Movie Review...better late than never: GDT

Length: 158 mins
Released: 2011
Genre: Drama, Suspense, Thriller, Mystery, Crime
Rating: R, violent content (rape, torture, etc), strong sexuality, nudity, and bloody language
Directed By: David Fincher
Where I Got It: borrowed from Library

The story follows two characters, Mikael and Lisbeth, who come from two different worlds and are brought together for a common goal: solve the mystery of a girl who went missing forty years ago. Mikael is a journalist who's reputation is brought crashing down when he decided to try and bring down this man of power for corruption. He is approached by Henrik Vanger, a wealthy business man, who wants Mikael's help in finding his niece. Mikael then finds Lisbeth to help him solve this case. Lisbeth is an outcast and considered a "punk", however she is a pretty clever at computer hacking. Can these two misfits find the girl who's been presumed dead for forty years?

The cast was pretty amazing, by my standards. Even though I haven't read the book, I really liked who they casted for the roles. They had the talented Daniel Craig (Defiance, Munich) as Mikael, Rooney Mara (The Social Network, A Nightmare on Elm Street) as the outcast Lisbeth, Christopher Plummer (The Sound of Music, A Beautiful Mind) as Henrik Vanger, Robin Wright (The Princess Bride, Forrest Gump) as Erika, and many others. 

Alright, this is WAY later than I originally planned to post this. I do highly apologize for me being a slacker. This semester is nearly done, so this little brain of mine should have more free-time. Huzzah! Anyways....

The first time I watched this was in Oklahoma with my cousin and her husband. I really enjoyed it the first time, even though I was sickly at the time. I watched it recently and I still really enjoyed it. Even though I knew how it was going to end, I was still on the edge of my seat! It's one of those mysteries that you can watch over and over and not really get bored of it. There's so much going and you can see and learn something new every time. It reminded me a little bit of Kiss the Girls with Morgan Freeman. One mystery that continues to please even though you watched it half a million times.

I sort of guessed the ending, but I was slightly wrong with motive and the details. I guess I'm magic, because I was surprised I was right-ish! It was a wild guess and I was sort-of right. However, it was a slight let down, *SPOILER* because she was alive and living under their noses the entire time. What the heck? She knew her uncle was looking for her and she couldn't drop a note to him and say, "Hey guess what! I'm alive! Oh by the way I ran away because I was being sexually abused by my father and brother!" C'mon it's been forty years and I'm pretty sure the Uncle would've helped her out." *SPOILER END* I'm glad I got that off my chest. 

There is a rape scene and pretty epic torture scene that was very justified! If you are squeamish then this is probably not the movie for you. Once you see the movie you'll understand why the torture scene near the beginning was very justified and I would have done the same thing if I was Lisbeth.  

There are only two things that I weren't too keen on: 1) the beginning and 2) the end. The first 15 minutes were simply boring. No 'ifs' or 'buts'. Boring as all sin. The ending just irritated me a little, but I still adored it...so you can say I have a love-hate relationship with the ending. Ha. 

Overall, it was a pretty good movie and I'll watch it again. I know my dad will get a kick out it, so I'll make him watch it with me someday. Even though the beginning was a little slow, don't miss out on the rest of the film, it surely does pick up! Also, just because I'm having conflicting feelings against the end...don't miss it. It'll have you on the edge of your seat! Out of five stars I grant this one 4 stars.

Would I re-watch?: 
Meh...once the mystery was solved, it won't be as exciting. 

Favorite Character(s): Lisbeth (kick-ass and just...awesome) and Mikael (such a good guy)
Not-so-Favorite Character(s): Ugggh, I can't really say! It'll ruin it...

=============================
<3CR

Flash Fiction #5

Every Monday Dottie over at Tink's Place posts a picture and on Friday we share a story to go along with the picture. The story has to be at least 350 words, give or take.

Happy Friday again! Hope you all had a great week! Mine was mixed, but I feel like a million pounds of stress has been lifted off my shoulders. I've been just relaxing thanks to B. I'm making time to read and do what I want to do. Studying and I need need to take a break from each other. ^.^

Angela

by: Carole Rae

 Slowly sitting down, Angela winced. These rehearsals were really taking a toll on her body, but she loved every, single moment of it. After all these years of being the second fiddle, she was now the lead. She was what little ballerinas inspired to become! She had won.

As she reached for her cup of tea, there was a shaky knock on the door, “Come in, Devon.”

Devon hesitantly opened the door and made his way. She gazed him over. He was tall and lanky. Thinning brown hair and wide brown eyes. He was one of those nervous types. Why ever did she hire him? Ah, he was cheap, she recalled. She was surprised he had kept his nerve this long. It had been almost a year since he and she rid of that “woman”.

Angela grumbled, “What the Hell do you want, Devon?”

“I-I-I,”He gulped, “I can't do this anymore, Miss Swan.”

Her eyebrow lifted quizzically, “Mhm, can't do what exactly?”

“I-I-I can't live with this guilt. W-we need to confess.”

She glared, “Confess? We did the world a favor when we rid of that little slug. The world is a much better place without Helen. No one suspects a thing. Now shut up and enjoy what I gave you.”

A little black cat meowed at Devon in accordance, “But Miss Swan!”

“No. If you so much hint at what we did, I'll kill you myself. No one will take this away from me. Do you hear me?” She leaned back and sensually massaged her leg. Somehow her dressed had pulled up quite a bit, exposing her thighs. She gave Devon a half smile, “I know how to rid of your nervousness.” Sex was always the answer to get a man to do as you pleased. Devon was always a such a sucker.

Forgetting his worry over confessing to the horrid murder of Helen, he eyed Angela with a hungry stare. A slight tap on glass diverted his eyes to first the window and then to the mirror. His eyes went wide when he seen a Helen in the mirror scratching and giving a soundless moan. For a moment he couldn't move or even breathe.

“What is it now?” Questioned Angela, getting a little annoyed with this sniveling man.

He then screamed an ear piercing scream and passed out. Angela's eyes went wide and she sat up. She looked around and her eyes settled on the deathly portrait of Helen in her mirror. Angela laughed and went up to the mirror, “Helen...I'm surprised at you. Haunting someone is soooo not classy. I won. You lost. Adios.” She took the mirror and threw it upon the ground. It shattered into a million pieces just like Helen's dreams. Angela sighed and sat back down. Nothing was better than the sweet taste of victory.

============================
<3CaroleRae

Wordless Thursday & Linky Followers

(Forgot to publish this yesterday! :0 Oh well...better late than never)

~Welcome to Linky Followers Blog Hop! This hop is created by Charisma Media Network ~

<a href="http://beautybrite.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h472/beautybrite/67db5d34-1.png" border="0" alt="Linky Followers Blog Hop"></a>

Link up to our Linky Followers hop! Before linking up, remembering the following:

1. Don't forget to sign up for a Linky. You can sign up here.

2. Link up your blogs so we can follow you.

3. Visit and follow as many blogs as you wish!

4. Leave a comment below and a link to your blog!

4. Don't forget to share this hop on Facebook and Twitter, which in turn helps more bloggers find this hop and increase our followers!

~This is open all week, so visit often.~














Brought to you by

Book Review: Adventures of a Graveyard Girl

Author:  Milda Harris

Title: Adventures of a Graveyard Girl (Funeral Crashing #2)
Genre: Mystery, Adventure, Thriller, Comedy, YA
Pages: e-book

First Published: April 23rd, 2012
Where I Got It: Given me to read and review from Charisma Media Network for my honest opinion


"Kait Lenox is back! It's Homecoming Dance time and Kait is excited. It's her first dance with a date and that date is none other than one of the hottest, most popular guys in her school, Ethan Ripley! For once Kait doesn't feel like a funeral crashing weird girl and it's the most perfect romantic evening ever...at least until a girl gets murdered in the high school bathroom. Rumors fly, panic ensues, and Kait can't help herself, she assigns herself to the case!" 




I do apologize, because this post is a day late! This was meant to be posted yesterday. College...you know.


This is the second book from the series. I didn't read the first one, but fear not! This book can stand pretty well as a stand-alone.


First off let me say: I LOVE KAIT LENOX! Such a witty and funny girl. Yes, she was a little...odd, but I feel like it added to her charm and made her a very interesting character. I would have loved her if I went to High School with her. I also loved her friends and her popular "boyfriend" Ethan. I would have been in love with him too *swoons*. Reading this made me recall my own bad and good memories of High School. My experience was mixed, but I could relate with Kait in a lot of aspects. Just like her, I was weird and not popular by any standards. However, I did manage to find some connects into the higher clan of the popular kids. Once that was established, the last two years of High School was better. I wasn't picked on anymore and I was not harassed by the popular kids, because I was protected by my connections. 


ANYWAYS *clears throat*, this was a fun little read. Only 100 pages or so, so it wasn't too challenging. I enjoyed the murder mystery and I was rather stunned at the end! It doesn't happen often, but Milda Harris bested me! She sure did throw in a rather surprising, but a fantastic ending. Brownie points for you good ma'am!


I also must give a bow to Milda Harris, because I was able to read this without reading the first book. I wasn't confused at all with what was going on. Events in the last book that did have relevance was explained to a degree, so readers like moi wouldn't be confused. 


At the moment I can't really think of anything I wasn't a fan off...I've been trying but the only thing that pops into my mind is that it is in 1st person. 1st person narration isn't my favorite if it isn't done right. Well, I don't dislike it, but I'm just picky. I don't know how to explain what I mean; I feel like 1st is the hardest writing style to perfect. However, Milda Harris earned more brownie points, because I feel like she did a very good job with it. Brava!


All-in-all, this was a fun, little book. I would recommend this for those looking for a light read, with a wonderful leading lady and a pretty cute sidekick (Ethan). It was a fun adventure and I'm glad I was able to read this. I have no choice but to grant this 5 stars! Woot woot!


Favorite Character(s): Kait, Ethan (*cheesy smile*), and Troy.
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Madison (she may have been the victim, but it doesn't mean I have to like her), Julia (bleh), and Ariel (grr, however she managed to sink her claws into Troy I will never know)

==========================<3CaroleRae

Music Monday

Happy Monday everyone! I'm in the library at my college and its thundering like mad outside. What a dreary day. My mom and the weather people said it's suppose to be sunny later on. It better! I just bought a new pair of sunglasses and I haven't been able to wear them for two days. Booo! Anyways, shall we play some music?

Many of you know I'm highly addicted to 'Once Upon a Time' and the Mad-Hatter from this show. So, here are two videos featuring my beloved:






This next one is 'Turn Me On' by Nicki Minaj & David Guetta. It's been stuck in my head for a while now, I especially love Nicki's rap part in the middlish end. Fantastic:

Here's another song stuck in my head. It's 'We Are Young' by FUN. The lead singer is cute, but in an awkward sort of way. ^.^ For some reason though...I keep imagining this song being in the supposed third Boondock Saints movie:

Hope you enjoyed my music selections today!
=================================
<3CR

Flash Fiction #4

Every Monday Dottie over at Tink's Place posts a picture and on Friday we share a story to go along with the picture. The story has to be at least 350 words, give or take. 




Happy Friday everyone! I've been dying to be able to share this story! You all know my love for Edgar Allen Poe and here is a story in honor of him and his tales. Enjoy! 

The Raven Queen

by: Carole Rae

Much as happened these many years. I found the love of my life, had to "die" and leave my love, and now I'm the queen of this dark, dark world. I had always wanted this crown and this throne, but alas, I had to leave him. The man that made my life worth living. I was but a child and he was but a child, but we loved with a love that was more than love. However, I "died" and was brought back here to my father's land. The only reason I was given this throne and not my twin sister, Ligeia, was because the blood vow I made with my parents: marry the man my father picked and leave that world forever.  That man my father picked sadly was not the man that owned my heart; he was back in that magic-deprived world. I moaned, "Oh, Edgar." 


An irritating voice questioned, "What was that, my Queen?"


I gave my husband a cool gaze and hissed, "Nothing, my dear husband." Before another fight could formulate, my faithful Councillor, Iago, entered the room and bowed at my feet, "Yes, Councellor Iago?"


"May I speak to you in private, my Queen?" Iago had much of the same looks as my beloved Edgar. Dark featured and strong-featured. I nodded to his request and waved away the rest of the room, including that bastard of a husband of mine. Once the room was clear Iago spoke again, "I have found it" He handed me a piece of paper folded up and old looking.


I grasped the page and tears formed in my eyes, "How ever did you find this?"


Iago smiled, "My Queen, I would go to all the worlds to please you, but we do have some business that needs attending to," I blinked away the tears and motioned for him to continue, "The Count of Usher has revoked his aid for the upcoming war, how shall you punish him? Also Princess Ligeia has put a request in to return to her husband from the Other World, since his new wife is dead." Ligeia, like me, was forced to abandon her true love and my heart bled for her. Since we both agreed that I would wear the crown and give the blood vow and not her, why not allow her to return to her beloved? At least one of us would be happy. 


"Princess Ligeia has my blessing to return to her Other World husband, so as long as she can explain why she isn't dead, "Councillor Iago chuckled at this, "The Count of Usher, on the other hand, and his house will now be cursed forever for this act of betrayal to this land and his Queen. He and his family are now banished to the Other World."


Councillor Iago nodded, "Very wise, my Queen."


I sighed, "Is that all?" I mindlessly petted one of my ravens.

"Yes," he bowed and gave me a look of pity, "but Annabel, you must forget you-know-who and move on. I have known you a long time and I know that you have gained what you so long desired for. We have a war coming and mooning over a lost love will not help fend off King Monrtesor and his army. Now that the crown is yours, you must protect this land." He then walked off and the door slamming behind him caused my ravens to take flight and dance among the room.

His words were true and I knew that I should push Edgar out of mind. However, I could not. My heart and my body ached for him. My soul and his soul are forever twined together, "Oh Edgar, perhaps I'll send one of my ravens to keep you company. You knew how much I adored ravens." I smiled and read the poem that Edgar had written in my honor when I left that world. 


~*~
Have a great weekend everyone!


==========================
<3CaroleRae