Book of the Month: Losing It by Cora Carmack


Book of the Month is where the Fluffy Readers agree to read one book together. It usually comes with a discussion, review, rambling, raving, etc. at the end of the month.

Everyone is invited to join and discuss with us!



This month's pick is:

Losing It (Losing It #1)
by Cora Carmack
Published December 5, 2012
by William Morrow

ADD TO GOODREADS
Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, Bliss Edwards decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible - a one-night stand. But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if that weren't embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She'd left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier.

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More on this book soon on the blog.

Wrapping Up:

June 2014

June was a pretty good month in our personal lives. Valeria finished her internship. (Yay Valeria!) and she was hired by a really good law firm. We have a lawyer on our side. ;) Francine turned 21 and Sandra turned 18. Both are legal ages for various countries. Look at us. We're all growing up. :P Sandra passed her exams too, and she's now happily on a short vacation in Germany to see her boyfriend.

We had our Giveaway, which will be ending soon:
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Sandra also had her own Giveaway
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Some Fluffy Reads this June:
  
Valeria read Ex-factor by Elisa Dane and found it to be quite good with a strong message. It helps that there was a swoony boy too. Sandra started reading Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell and is finding it to be so romantic and cute. (Let's see what she has to say when she finishes it. :P) Francine revisited her favorite Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, and she'll be meeting the author this weekend. So exciting! She'll be telling you more about that and the book next week.

Posts on the Blog:

This blog is a work-in-progress. There are so many possibilities and lots of things to explore, but we all agree to moderate this blog in a certain way starting this July. There will be some changes, although I'm not sure how many people would notice. But we're looking forward to it. That's all for now.

Keep it fluffy~

Sandra's Birthday Giveaway!

Wooo, I know we (actually it's Francine) already did a giveaway for our birthday, but since today is my 18th birthday, I decided to do my own little giveaway on my own blog, Sandra's World of Books, but since I'm awesome, I also wanted to post it here so more people would see it and more people would have a chance at winning these prizes!

The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL so everyone who wants can join can enter this time. It runs until the end of July, so there is enough time to enter! You can check out my own blog for pictures of the prizes.  So good luck to everyone entering and I will email you the winners when I've drawn them. Please no cheating. That would lead into disqualification.

I want to thank Francine and Valeria for being so awesome and being great co-bloggers. I don't think I could ever do this on my own. Having a blog on my own is hard sometimes, as I am super busy, but both Francine and Valeria have been supportive and help me when I am not able to upload anything on Fluffy Reads.

Good luck, 
Fluffy Reader Sandra

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Chat It Up: Series or Standalone?

Before we go on further, I would like to set the parameters of this little discussion. I am only talking bout contemporary books, but most specifically, fluffy reads, as is the theme of this blog.

For contemporary books, it is most common to see standalones. And I love that. It doesn't require so much commitment. You get a full story. What's not to love? (Wanting more maybe) But overall, that is my preference.

For contemporary series books though, there are two kinds. I'm sure everyone knows this. The most common kind of series for any genre of books is one where you follow around the same characters and storylines. But another kind of series that we see a lot in contemporaries is that where there are different protagonists for each book that they can pretty much be a standalone. So I don't really know how to classify the two so let's just go with series and standalone-series.

If a contemporary were to be turned into a series, I would totally choose standalone-series. The thing about contemporaries is that they don't have a lot going on in terms of plot. A lot of it has been done already. What makes each book unique is usually the writing, characters, etc. So to drag it on for so long definitely doesn't work so well in my opinion. That's why I choose standalone-series. You get something new from each book while still seeing some characters you've loved before. Examples: Anna and the French Kiss series by Stephanie Perkins and Camp Boyfriend series by J.K. Rock. In a sense, they're like standalones too, which is my first preference.

With series contemporaries, I usually get annoyed. I really don't like it, especially when the sequel doesn't even give much. Too much drama is piled on. I just can't take it. But, there are those that have worked for me, although very few. Some that I liked were The Little Blue Envelopes series by Maureen Johnson and If I Stay series by Gayle Forman. So I don't really avoid this, but I'd be sour about it before I even read the sequels.


What about you? What do you prefer when it comes to contemporaries? Standalone? Standalone-series? Series?

Talk, ramble, discuss, 
Fluffy Reader Francine

Weekly Wrap Up

Happy Weekend!

Hello! How has your week turned out so far? We hope it has been a good one. The fluffy readers have had quite some things going on this week, and here is a brief recap on our reading life: Francine, finished reading Second Chance Summer and thought it was a bit too emotional for her taste; Sandra and Valeria finally finished reading Camp Payback and of course, we loved it. How could we not? This series is a Fluffy Readers' favourite, if you haven't already we recommend you give it a try.


On the Blog:

Don't forget our Birthday Giveaway is still running. Don't miss your chance to win a Fluffy Read Paperback from The Book Depository.
We hope you had a great week and have an even better weekend!

Happy Reading

Fluffy Readers Unite! Welcome Kayla of The Thousand Lives

Fluffy Readers Unite is a feature here at Fluffy Reads where we search for all the book bloggers who love reading fluffy reads.

Are you a fluffy reader? Want to share about your love? Send us an email! ;)


Kayla and I (Francine) had a little chat on Google Hangouts. That's where the emoticons are from. I had so much fun reading Kayla's answers so I hope everyone else enjoys this too! Without further ado...


Francine: So first off, tell us something about yourself and your blog.

Kayla: Well, I'm 18, just about 19 in a few weeks now, and I've been running The Thousand Lives for about a year. Actually, my blogoversary and birthday are about the same time! (It's towards the end of June! I wanted to do a giveaway, but I'll have to wait till the fall when my second job starts up again) TTL first started as a writing blog, but then I found the book blogging community, and I switched over quickly once I figured out how incredible it was. I've never looked back! Sometimes I still do some posts about writing, so I have a nice balance between my personal endeavors as well as my fangirling.

Francine: We'll gladly still celebrate that with you even if there's no giveaway  How did you find the book blogging community?

Kayla: Why thank you! Hmmm, that's a good question. I can't recall exactly... I think I followed Kate @ Fictional Thoughts, and then Chiara @ Delicate Eternity, and slowly a few others that I can't remember the chronological order of. And then I took part in Top Ten Tuesday, and found some more bloggers through that.

Francine: Next question. What do you think are fluffy reads?

Kayla: I think I'd actually have two definitions. 1) A book that is a bit flimsy in plot, and may be filled with a few cliches, but the characters and friendships/romance are so perfect and light-hearted that it takes you away from everything and just makes you happy for a few hours. The Espressologist by Kristina Springer comes to mind. 

Or, 2) A book that has some harder issues, but is still optimistic and lighthearted despite all of that. Also makes you feel light-hearted and warm fuzzied at the end. It may be harder getting to the uber happy bits, but it's a more long-lasting warmth that goes all the way to your toes and basically makes you the walking personification of I'd say that To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han and Open Road Summer by Emery Lord are good examples of this one.


Not that smiley! The one you just used! Whatever the shortcut for that is Oh man I need to stop trying. I failed, I failed (Francine: She means this one -> )

Francine: Lol. I don't know either. I use the emoticons on the app. Hahaha. And very well said. I tend to use the first definition more, but I really liked that second one.

So I've been following your blog for a while now, and I know you got into fluffy reads or contemporaries somewhere along your blogging career. How did you get into them?

Kayla: Well when I started book blogging, I was a staunch sci-fi/fantasy purist. The only contemporaries I would read were through NetGalley. But then I met Andi @ Andi's ABCs and Veronica @ Talking Bookworm, and let me tell you - those ladies are the biggest book pushers to ever exist. Andi recommended a few to me after I mentioned that I never read contemp, but it all started when Veronica and I met IRL for the first time (we're now best friends actually! The powers of blogging <3). We went to Barnes and Noble (of course!), and when she took me to the contemp shelf, since that's her favorite, I admitted I hadn't read a single book there. So she promptly shoved Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, and 20 Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler (I think?) into my hands. After I read Anna and SCS, I was convinced! And now I'm in the middle of a three month long binge of all the contemporaries, especially fluffy ones, that I can find.

Francine: So cool! It's so awesome when you can find awesome friends through blogging. You're so lucky you got to meet Veronica! And I love Andi's blog too. And we should make everyone read Anna and the French Kiss, and Morgan Matson books. Hahaha

Kayla: Amen to that!

Francine: Convert everyone! XD

Kayla: [aggressively throws Amy & Roger's Epic Detour at everyone]

Francine: Hahaha! I would gladly join you! One of my favorites of all time!

Do you think fluffy reads are important or valuable or should be as appreciated as other genres? And why?

Kayla: The short answer is OF COURSE. The long answer is somewhat of a rant - here we go: any type of read is important and in need of appreciation as a genre. I don't believe in things like "guilty pleasures" or "classics are the only good literature". Of course, there's a distinction between Fahrenheit 451 and Divergent. But who knows - maybe in 50 years Divergent will be required reading in high schools! I know I'd try to teach Allegiant if my school allowed me. So to pass something off as not as worthy because it's YA is just ridiculous to me. As far as fluffy reads in particular, I think they're incredibly important! I love my science fiction and fantasy stuff, but sometimes I just need a good fluffy read. They're perfect for escaping for just a few hours if you're having a bad day and just need to live in an alternate reality where everything has an HEA, or if you're just having a lazy afternoon and want to sit in the sun with some tea and smile like fool because of a book.

Francine: They definitely make me happy! What was your last fluffy read and how did you like it?

Kayla: *runs over to my bookshelf*

That would be... To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han! With Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson prior to that. And BOTH books are incredible, and should be read by everyone!

To All The Boys is one I'd actually like to reread already - it was that good. I was laughing and grinning the whole time, and it made my iffy afternoon be a great afternoon.

Since You've Been Gone is, of course, a Matson, so that's all the explanation there is to it! The playlists were perfect, Frank was near flawless despite his little quirks (a boy who loves Sudoku? count me in!), and the friendship aspect was just spot on.

Francine: I will keep that in mind. I had my eyes set on those books. I can't wait to read them!

And here's the most difficult question.

Kayla: BRING IT

Francine: Name your favorite fluffy reads

Kayla: Oh god anything but that! *cries* *runs back to bookshelf* (Francine: I was laughing the whole time waiting for Kayla. This still cracks me up)

The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider, To All the Boys by Jenny Han, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour and Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson, Open Road Summer by Emery Lord, Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins, and all of Katie McGarry's Pushing the Limits series *sigh* I did it!!!


Francine: What percentage of your contemporary bookshelf is that? Hahaha!

Kayla: Maybe 30%, haha! I only have one shelf for contemporary - I'm still trying to get a good collection! I have one shelf of contemporary to SEVEN sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal!

Francine: Maybe that will grow soon enough

Kayla: Hopefully! I'm working on it



FLASH ROUND!

Comedy or Drama? *wails* BOTH. But comedy if I really need to choose

Series or Standalone? Standalone, 75% of the time

Short Reads or Long Reads? Middle reads! 300-500 pages is good for me

Good Guys or Bad Boys? At first glance, bad boys. But longterm - good guys. Peeta Mellark forever holds my heart  (Update: Ryan from Dare You To also has my heart )

Dorky or Suave? DORKY ALL THE WAY! Cricket vs. Etienne - Cricket every time (Francine: Fluffy Reader Sandra will be pleased)

Small Gestures or Big Gestures? Small gestures, hands down




Francine: Alright. That's a wrap! Thank you so so much Kayla! I really enjoyed your answers. They made me smile and laugh.
Do you have any last words before you go? Anything else you want to share?

Kayla: Thank you so much for interviewing me! I had a blast too Well it isn't really directly related to this... but I just got approved for Heir of Fire this morning, and I'm pretty ecstatic about that Plus, I got to do this interview, so I'd say my day is starting out very well!

Francine: That is awesome! Thank you so much Kayla!

Kayla: Thank you!

Series Review: How To by Cassie Mae



How To Date A Nerd (#1) - September 24th, 2013
How To Seduce A Band Geek (#2) - May 6th, 2014
How To Hook A Book Worm (#3) - June, 2015

Published by Swoon Romance



This is the kind of series that just keeps getting better and better with every new book. I mean there are only two out of three published yet, but I definitely enjoyed book 2 the best. It’s because you can truly appreciate how the characters that you’ve met in the previous book have matured and grown over the time that goes between one book and the other. Plus, the issues dealt with in book 2 are much deeper than those in book 1.

How To Date a Nerd is the story of Zoe, a geeky girl who decided to change her whole personality when she started high school in order to avoid all the bullying that hurt her so much in middle school. Sadly, in the process, she lost her best friend and herself. Now she is trying to get both those things back but it’s harder than it seems.

It is funny and witty and the struggles Zoe has to endure are very real. There’s no playing hero, it’s just pure and honest fear and determination. The nerdy boy in the story is Zak, and you’ll be lying if you said you didn’t like him. He’s so freaking loyal, sweet, and he definitely proves chivalry is not dead. Bottom line he is smoking hot.

How To Seduce a Band Geek starts two years from where the first book leaves you and follows the story of Sierra, Zoe’s younger sister. You still get to see Zoe and Zak and how their relationship has progressed, but the main focus is on Sierra and Levi, Zoe’s best friend of whom we get a glimpse on the previous book.

If the first book was funny, this one was hysterical, oh my god I laughed so hard I’m sure my family started to wonder what was wrong with me. The story line was as good and honest as I knew Cassie Mae writes, but, as I already mentioned, the subject matter this book dealt with was much deeper. If book one was about being true to yourself, book two took it to a whole other level; and I loved to see how Sierra managed to handle all that was going on with her life so successfully. It obviously helped she had some great friends to rely on, and that Levi was watching her back, oh sweet Levi. In my opinion he doesn’t beat Zak but he is another to watch out for.

How To Hook a Bookworm, follows the story of Adam and Brea, Sierra’s best friend with Levi’s younger sister. I’m guessing that this one starts two years later from where the previous book leaves you as well. I’m very excited about this one because even if we didn’t get much of an impression of Brea in book two, I did get enough of Adam to love him. He is the best friend anyone can wish for, and I really want him to get his happily ever after. I can’t wait to see where this goes.

Bottom line, my favorite thing about this series is that it features very honest characters who deal with real issues teenager have to endure in their everyday lives. It doesn’t sugar coat anything, but Cassie still manages to lighten up the mood with some amusing situations. I loved how the relationships between the characters evolved in every book, and even from one book to the other, and how you could sincerely witness some growth.

This series is as fluffy as it can get, coping with relevant topics, full with important lessons, and overflowing with some swoony romance that will sweep you off your feet and keep you laughing out loud.


SERIES VERDICT:

Let The Geek in You Shine,
Fluffy Reader Valeria