Meet the Book Blogger: Melissa

Welcome Melissa, book blogger from the JUST ONE OPINION blog. 

Melissa and I met through Danielle from The Book Whore Blog and I'm grateful to her for participating in my interview series. So, let's get to know Melissa, shall we?

When and how did you start book blogging?

I started a few years ago when I became a stay at home mom with my son, nap times I'd grab a book and relax. I would always take notes about the story I was reading, my personal opinions about each book. That's  when I decided to share my thoughts on a blog! I didn't do it as a way to get "free books" or speak to authors as many people have asked me. I started because I didn't want to forget the books I'd had the pleasure of reading.

Spoken like a true lover of the written word! Do you like paper books or ebooks?

Don't get me wrong I see the advantages of Ebooks especially when traveling, but I love paper books. I enjoy looking at the cover art work and the smell!!! New book smell is amazing it makes me giddy.

You're not alone. My 11 yr old daughter opened the book she just got for her birthday and held it to her nose. After a deep inhale, she said, "I just love the smell of a new book!"

What do you find is the most challenging part about book blogging?

The great thing about books is they are so diverse and what one person thinks is an awesome read another person can think its the worst. When I write a negative review I feel so bad because I appreciate the work that goes into each book, but I always stress it's only one opinion and try to be constructive but it still makes me feel bad.

Share with us 5 authors who are auto buy for you:

Cassie Clare
Becca Fitzpatrick
JR ward
Kresley Cole
Karen Marie Moning

What is your favorite M&M's flavor?

Peanut!! Crunchy, sweet and savory it has everything, Although you will probably find the chocolate ones too..M&Ms are my kids' favorite candy.

How much do you feel is too much for an ebook?

An Ebook that costs more than a regular paper book I would never buy. To buy an ebook it has to be a little cheaper. I understand the positives of an ebook, but for me nothing compares to turning an actual page and sitting your copy on your book shelf.

Is your family supportive of your book addiction?

While my husband constantly complains about my books taking over the house he understands how important they are to me. Whenever gift giving days roll around he's always the first to offer a gift card to my favorite book store!

My mom is very much like me when it comes to books we book share a lot and even though we live in two different countries. We speak almost every day... I like to think books have made our bond stronger as we share a common interest.

That's an awesome that books (among other things, I imagine) bring you closer to your mom. 

Have you ever stayed up reading all night even when you had to work the next day, and what was the book you cursed while fighting to stay awake all afternoon?

Karen Marie Moning's Fever series had me up until all hours of the night. I was so enthralled in her books. It wasn't just a story to me it was a world she created with vivid characters and quality writing, for me those books contained everything! You know a book is awesome if you still think about characters long after you've closed the book. Jericho Barron's and Mac Lane still remain my favorite.

Do you have a favorite "fan girl" moment?

When I first started book blogging I saw authors as celebrities. I love my books as much as others love movies and so Kresley Cole or E.L. James are my version of Angelina Jolie! I once wrote on twitter about a review for a Night Huntress book by Jeanine Frost she tweeted me back and thanked me for the awesome review. This was the fist time an author had ever done this to me! I felt like a rock star and jumped up and down with excitement I still remember the feeling because I never assumed at that point I could talk to Authors!

We LOVE talking to readers as much as you love talking to us. :)

Do you know how many books currently reside on your To Be Read list?

My to be read list grows daily there are so many books and never enough time!!! On top of that pile is Gabriel's Inferno and Gabriel's Rapture by Sylvian Reynard they were a birthday gift from hubby.

Your hubby sounds like a keeper! Your whole family is beautiful.

Check out JUST ONE OPINION for Melissa's reviews

Melissa, thank you so much for taking time out of your reading schedule to chat with us. Here's hoping you read through your current mountain of books and that your hubby keeps adding to it. 

Readers and authors, you can find Melissa and all her reviews at her blog, or chat with her on Twitter.

Anyone have a book blogger question I didn't ask?

Now's your chance to Ask Melissa!