Discussion Post: What Do You Think About Blog Hops?

Today, I'd Like to Discuss Blog Hops.  As a Blogger, What is your take on participating in them? 

So, as bloggers we get the option to participate in blog hops...

For those of you that don't know what a blog hop is, it's where blogs sign-up to give away something on their blogs.  It can be books (ARCS, Books in Print, eBooks,) Amazon Gift Cards, PayPal Cash, etc.  

The people participating enter a raffle, in order to get entries towards possibly winning the prize.  The entries can be earned in a variety of ways decided by the blog participating.  For example, participants can follow the blog on various social media platforms, comment on a post, tweet, or follow the blog via email, BlogLovin, etc.  Then, there is a form right underneath the raffle called a "Linky," where participants can "hop" from blog to blog, and enter for the chance to win prizes in multiple raffles.

On the one hand, I feel like blog hops might be used exclusively by some participants whose only intention is to "win" as many awesome prizes as possible.  As Book Bloggers, are we then really getting genuine followers on our blog, and meaningful comments on our posts?  Technically, after the hop ends participants could go back and unfollow the site/social media platform.  Does the "hop" just become a means to an end?  

On the other hand, it's a great way to get noticed by book lovers all over the world, by bringing exposure to your blog.  Blog Hops bring traffic to your website.  I know in the past, before I started blogging, I participated in hops.  I wanted to win beautiful books, gift cards, and prizes.  However, along the way, while I may have initially visited for the prizes, as I looked around, I discovered and fell in love with so many new-to-me book blogs.  It was so much fun exploring so many book lovers, with different and vast tastes in books, and unique book blogs, with different styles, voices, and posts.

My overall verdict is...I like participating in blog hops.  While I think there may be participants "hopping," to different blogs exclusively for prizes, and then unfollowing after the hop has ended; I think it's worth it for the traffic, exposure, and possibility of bringing new followers that may fall in love with your blog.  After all, as bloggers, I think most of us want people to read what we take so much time to write.  We hope that other passionate book lovers out in the blogosphere will share in our love and joy of reading!

Here are two upcoming blog hops hosted by BookHounds that I signed up to participate in.  If you're interested in more information as bloggers or blog readers, and would like to participate in the Splash into Summer Blog Hop click here.  If you would like to check out the Christmas in July Giveaway Hop click here.

Book Bloggers, What do you think about participating as a host in blog hops? Have you ever done so?  If so, were you happy with the results? If you haven't participated in hosting, would you ever do so?

Book Bloggers & Non Book Bloggers, have you ever participated in "hopping" from blog to blog? Did you enjoy it? Was it a waste of your time or did you discover new book blogs to love?  Did you win anything?  Did you continue following the various blogs you signed up to follow after the hop came to an end?

Discussion Post: Who Are Your Favorite Book Crushes?

Who are your Favorite  Book Crushes?  

There are so many bookish leading men to crush on and swoon over!  Oh the possibilities!  LOL. Here are the leading men that first come to my mind when I think of my book crushes...

1. Daemon Black from the Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout-He's charming, protective, witty, has a great sense of humor, and the best inner dialogue ever!  When he loves, he is willing to give everything, even his life to save the woman he loves.  He is a modern day, paranormal, "knight in shinning armor!"  The chemistry between him and his leading lady is off the charts, but they also have so much more than that.  They truly are soulmates, and I think everybody would love to have the kind of love and connection that we see between Daemon and Katy!

2.  Remy Tate from the Real Series by Katy Evans-He's dark, brooding, very masculine, broken in many ways, and emits sexuality!  Reading this series made me have all of the "feels!"  Remy is so sexy, carnal, and the kind of man that I imagine walking down the street that woman can't help but admire for their good looks ands sexual swagger.  If you're looking for the ultimate sexy read and don't mind an alpha male to the extreme, along with insta-lust and a whole lot of it; this is a great series!  

3.  Tatum Jackson from Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley-He's a sexy and manly mountain man! While initially he comes off as a jerk, we quickly see that he is a loyal, giving, and protective man.  I love the way he banters back and forth with his leading lady, Laurie; but most of all I love how he treats her.  He makes her feel treasured, cherished, loved, and beautiful.  Tatum brings out the best in her, and becomes the catalyst for her transformation! I find that to be the ultimate sexy when picking a book crush!

4. Kaiden Rowe from the Sweet Series by Wendy Higgins-If you read this series, you will indeed "Sigh for Kai!"  Gorgeous, British accent, and the drummer in a band; His father is "The Duke of Lust." It is Kai's job to get ladies to commit the sin of lust, but when he meets Anna, he fights his base urges, because he falls in love with her.  I thought he was romantic, sexy, charming, protective, and I loved how he was willing to sacrifice for the good of the woman that he loved.  Kai took swooning to a whole other level, and is one of my favorite young adult leading men!

5. Michael Phan from The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang-
Michael made me swoon throughout his entire story.  He was so patient, kind, caring, giving, thoughtful and tender with his leading lady, Stella Lane.  I loved the way he treated her, embraced her challenges and admired and loved most what made her unique due to her having high functioning Autism.

 

 

Eeeeep!!! Let's talk about book crushes!!! They are so many to name, but I finally made found my top ones. Here they are! Who are your book crushes??


1. Remy Tate from the Real Series by Katy Evans- I agree with everything Lindy mentioned about Remy. He's all of that and more! He's my number one and that will never change. He's my ultimate book crush and book husband. He even surpassed the book boyfriend status. I can't even deal with how many chill-inducing moments his book gave me. He was a mystery from the very beginning and I loved discovering who the real Remy was. His love for Brooke is breathtaking!

2. Bowen Driscoll from the Crossing the Line Series by Tessa Bailey-If you're a fan of bad boys, don't look any further. Bowen Driscoll is the kind of trouble you want to come face-to-face with! Tessa Bailey writes the most intoxicating dirty talkers and Bowen is no exception! He's a bad boy with a heart of gold and I'm seriously so in love with how he loves Sera. 

3. Jared Trent from The Fall Away Series by Penelope Douglas-Just like Tate Brandt, I could not stay away from Jared Trent. He might be the bully in this story, but he totally stole a piece of my heart. I went through so many emotions during this reading journey. He will captivate you from the very first moment and you will no doubt end up cheering for him. I absolutely loved how he fell for Tate. 

4. Cameron Hamilton from The Wait for You Series by J. Lynn -Cam is the kind of hero that will make you swoon from beginning to end! And, did you know that he bakes cookies? He says his cookies are the best *Wink! Wink!* He's such a wonderful, caring and understanding hero. I love everything about him and I find myself reading Wait for You over and over again so I can swoon all over again.

Who Are Your Favorite Book Crushes?

Discussion Post: What 3 Books Would You Ask the Book Genie For?

If You Came Across a Magic Lamp, and Instead of Granting You 3 Wishes, the Genie Offered You 3 Books, What Would They Be?  Why?

Books are so precious to me, and I would be so excited if I came across my very own Book Genie!!!!  Well, this is a hard decision, because there are a TON of books that I want; but here are my Top 3:

1.  The Burning Shadow by Jennifer L. Armentrout-

Hands down JLA is one of my favorite authors!  I've read everything that she's ever written, and I love her!  She has amazing world-building, fun stories, and the best characters!  Her leading men always make me swoon, and her characters always make me feels so many emotions.  When I read her books, the characters feel so real, that as far as I'm concerned, it's like they are walking right off of the page.  They come to life before my very eyes.  The Lux Series is my favorite, and The Burning Shadow is part of the spin-off called The Origin!  The first book in the new series, The Darkest Star, was a 5 Star Read for me, and Luc is my newest man-crush!  

2.  The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black-

So I just finished reading The Wicked King and the ending just about killed me!  I was completely lost in the land of Faerie; the beauty, danger, deceit, and epic Love/Hate story between Jude and Cardan!  What a wild ride!  I don't want this adventure to end, and it's absolute bookish torture waiting for The Queen of Nothing!  As an extra, I just LOVE the book cover, and I love pretty things!!!   

3.  Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare-

I just can't get enough of the shadow hunting world!  Action, danger, magic, fierce female leads, and of course, beautiful love stories!  I've loved The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, and The Dark Artifices.  Chain of Gold gives me a brand new series to love; The Last Hours!!!  Plus, book covers are one of the things that make me want to read a book, and Chain of Gold's cover is beautiful!  It reminds me of a watercolor painting, and I want the hard copy for my book shelves!  

2019 started off with a bang when it comes to my reading escapes. Every year I have a list of books that make it on my "Most anticipated book" list and for this year, these 3 books completely have my attention.

1. Nine (King, #9) by T.M. Frazier- Gah!!!! This book is my most anticipated book of 2019 and the waiting time is passing so slow because I want to be reunited with the King Series crew so bad!!! They are some of my favorite characters in book town. If you have not met Preppy Clearwater, you are seriously missing out on one of the most intriguing and fun character that you will ever meet! This book is about his younger brother Kevin Clearwater. T.M. Frazier always exceeds all of my expectations. I am positive that this book will leave me breathless and on the edge of my seat, just like the other books in this series. If you are a fan of dark romance, T.M. Frazier is an author you want on your TBR list. 

2. Raphael (Deadly Virtues, #1) by Tillie Cole- I'm a huge Tillie Cole fan and I love that she writes in so many genres. I love the way she writes dark romance and I can't wait to get my hands on this new series!!! I have no doubt that it will be an all-consuming reading journey from beginning to end!

3. Orlando (Boyle Heights, #4) by Elizabeth Reyes- I have read every single book that Elizabeth Reyes has published and I'm really excited for the next book in the Boyle Heights Series. Would you look at that book cover??? *Swoon* I love Elizabeth writes style. When I read one of her books, I always feel like I reunite with my family. I want to know what the Boyle Heights crew has been up to so this book can't come soon enough!!!

What 3 Books Would You Ask the Book Genie for?

Discussion Post: What Are 3 of Your Favorite Contemporary Romances? What Do You Love About Them?

What Are 3 of Your  Favorite Contemporary Romances?  What Do You Love About Them?

I have so many favorite books, but the three contemporary romances I'm going to pick are stories that have left their mark on me and cemented my love and passion for reading.  They are the first books that I recommend when someone asks me for a good book to read, or when a person that doesn't normally love reading the way that I do asks for a recommendation.  In my opinion, these are three guaranteed 5 star reads.

1. The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay-This story ripped my heart to shreds!  I don't think I've ever shed so many tears while reading a story.  To this day, I remember my husband looking at me like I was crazy asking me if I was ok.  This book is so beautiful.  I wish I could read it all over again for the first time.

2.  Slammed by Colleen Hoover-This is the book that made me fall in love with Colleen Hoover's writing.  It was an epic love story, and I devoured this book in one sitting.  I just couldn't stop reading it.  The book literally went with me everywhere I went.  I also loved the poetry in it, and it was my introduction to Slammed poetry.  It was another book that made me cry a lot, and any book that can make me feel that much emotion, always ends up being a 5 star read for me!

3.  Tangled by Emma Chase-I have to agree with my co-blogger, Mikki, on this pick!  It was hilarious, and made my checks hurt from laughing so much!  Anything written by this author is perfect for a good laugh, or needing a pick me up, if you are feeling down!  

  

Like many readers around the world, books are my escape from my everyday reality. We are so blessed as readers to be able to read all these amazing books! The 3 books I would pick all have one thing in common ... They are unforgettable!!! The first one made me fall in love with a cast of characters. The second made me laugh. The third one completely destroyed my heart.

1.  Bully by Penelope Douglas- Penelope Douglas is without a doubt one of my favorite authors. After I read Bully, my reading life completely changed. It was the first time that I fell in love not only with the main characters, but with the entire  supporting cast as well. When I finished my reading escape of Bully, I wanted to be officially adopted as a character. The cast of the Fall Away Series are more than characters to me. They are FAMILY! I have cheered for them, cried with them and felt every moment with them. This book gives me ALL THE FEELS!!! No matter how many times I read a book by Penelope Douglas, the butterfly in my stomach never fail to make an appearance.

2.  Tangled by Emma Chase- I have one name for you. Drew Evans. This is hands down my favorite book when I need a pick me up. Drew is unforgettable and he always puts a smile on my face. I love how he always has an answer for everything and how he never fails to get himself into trouble. If you need a dose of happy in your life give this book a try! If you love books written in a male POV, you will absolutely love this one! 

3.  A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole- Where do I even start with this book? No other book as made me cry as much as this one did. The heartbreak was so real!!!! Trust me when I say that you will need more than a box of tissue next to you if you start this incredible and all-consuming reading journey. Poppy and Rune grab you from the beginning and their love story will never let you go. It will linger with you for days and you will never forget it. I'm getting emotional just thinking about them. Leave it to Tillie Cole to take a piece of your heart and never give it back. That piece will forever belong to Poppy and Rune. 

What Are Some of Your Favorite Contemporary Romances?