TGIF at GReads! (4) & Weekly Recap

This Friday blog hop is run by Ginger at GReads! (who also created this beautiful button). Each week she posts a new question for us to ponder.

Click the button to join in!

This week's question is:

Book Blogger Appreciation: Which book blogs have inspired you or made a difference in your blogging experience?

This list could include at least 20 people, but I'm going to try and limit myself to a few.

1. Small Review. Sometimes I worry this blog is too fangirly over Smalls. I name drop that girl like no one else. Recap post? Check. Signature? Check.

Her influence is all over this blog. She gave me the idea to properly index my reviews and features, as well as create boxes around my text. Her blogging tips posts are amazing. She's sweet, funny, and helpful. Her Newbie blogger event really helped get my blog off the ground, and I'll be her diehard fan and bosom friend forever.

I mean, she made me a signature. As a joke. In response to one of my (usually snarky) comments. I bet she never thought I'd use it. Joke's on you, Smalls!

2. The Unread Reader. Talk about amazingly nice! Missie has over 1300 followers and still manages to leave comments on so many blogs every single day (including mine, yay!). She taught me that not everyone with over 1000 followers will ignore you. Sometimes, they visit your blog. And sometimes, they leave you nice comments. And sometimes, they email you and ask you to co-host events with them. Missie reminds me that having a successful blog is about putting in the time and effort to put up quality content and have meaningful interactions with people. I'm trying to incorporate that into my blogging routine, because I look up to her so darn much!

3. Ruby's Reads. Ruby puts it all out there. She doesn't hold back. Her energy is infectious and her posts make me laugh crazy hard. She inspires me to really go there with some of my content. Say what you mean, mean what you say. She hosts interesting and unique events, she leaves tons of comments, and holds the distinction of being the first blogger to ask little old me to guest post on her blog (which I still haven't done...yet). She reminds me that blogging is about connecting with people, and that you can meet people who truly become your friends while doing so.

I also have to mention that I would never have even gotten this blog put together without the help of Writer Musings and Parajunkee's View. Tabitha at Writer Musings is the person who introduced me to the world of book blogging and I will forever be grateful to her. And Parajunkee? C'mon, who hasn't learned a thing or two from her? Her Book Blogging 101 posts have been incredibly helpful and got me started on the right foot.

Okay, enough gushing!

What blogs have influenced you?

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My weekly recap is inspired by the phenomenally talented, kind and generous Small Review. If you are not already following her, you are really missing out. Also, have I mentioned how much I love Cool Text? They're the folks that allow me to make these cool (and simple) text buttons - for FREE!

If you're a first time visitor, or just didn't get the chance to stop by this week, here's what you missed:

Features
TBR 911!
I whined about all of my books like an ungrateful brat.

Reviews
LEGACY by Cayla Kluver
2/5 stars

OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon
5/5 stars
In a special review, I talked about my love for this book and the new 20th anniversary edition.

LOVER REVEALED by J. R. Ward
4/5 stars
Book club time!
Black Dagger Brotherhood Challenge

Giveaways
I'm giving away SPELLBOUND and a signed copy of THE ESPRESSOLOGIST for my July giveaway. Hop on over and enter!

Enjoy your weekend everybody!


Amazingly beautiful and painstakingly crafted signature courtesy of Small Review