{The Weekend Update} 1.9.15 - The Week of Highs and Lows

So, since my end-of-the-week post isn't just about what I got in my mailbox or on my Kindle each week -- though that is a big part of it, I won't lie -- I decided to change up the title and intro a bit.  I might tweak the format a bit over the next few weeks, but for the most part, it'll contain the same stuff: stuff I got, stuff I did, and stuff that's coming up on the blog.  Plus, I get to use the awesome GIF you see here and blow kisses to all the people who sent me lovely books and bookish things.  Oh, and I've started linking up to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews since I'm not using a specific meme title anymore.  April's also doing her own Stacking the Shelves posts on Sundays.  Stop by and say hi!  =)

And by that post title, I mean personally. Because this week was really good to me, book wise. :)

But something is wrong with me. One minute I'm upupup and the next minute I'm so far down I don't want to move or eat or read or do pretty much anything. (The only release I've found is rewatching The 100 in preparation for the return of Season 3.) It's probably just all of the other stuff -- the external stuff -- going on in and around my life right now. Especially all that family drama. Plus, I always get a little sad after the holidays. Or, if I'm being honest, the second all the presents are opened. Which is why I usually take my tree down the next day...can't stand to be reminded that all the holly jolly times are behind me. I mean, I know that there are still good times ahead, obvs, but it's so hard to get outta that mindset once I'm in it, ya know?

I think starting a book that I've been highly anticipating for some time might have done the trick, though. I debated doing so for awhile because even though I've essentially thrown my reading schedule out the window for my own sanity, I still update it. Probably not healthy when I'm trying to get back to reading for myself but I am a creature of habit. Still, I know from my own experience that I am MUCH more likely to enjoy a novel -- and the whole reading experience, period -- if I read it as soon as I have it in my hands. Waiting until closer to release (for review books) seems to diminish my excitement for some weird reason. Also might have something to do with how much of a mood reader I've become these days.

But, yeah, after a week of ups and downs, I think I'm feeling better. A little more social. A little less bitchy. (I'm sure my coworkers are happy about that one. :D) And ready to read to my heart's content.

On a side note, I feel like I've been getting a little more personal on the blog lately. Taking back my space, as it were. And it feels good...y'all don't mind, right? ;0)

Anyway, here's what I scored this week...

From Publishers:



So, if you know me at all, you know that Victoria Schwab is one of my very most favorite authors of ever. I even have a shelf dedicated just to her books, and I'm pretty proud of my collection. So, I'm even more excited to add this one to my shelves…but not before I read and fangirl all over it. Probably should re-read the first book real quick, though. :) Good thing I have it on audio!!! :P



I've been trying to be better about which ARCs I request due to the ever-decreasing amount of shelf space I have, and since I'm not specifically collecting this author's work, I didn't request this one. But I was super glad it was recently added to Netgalley so I'd still have the opportunity to read and review it for the blog, as I've done all of Lord's previous books. And a finished copy will eventually land on my shelves because I do love her novels and there is an awesome preorder deal going on for this book. :) Also, I'm trying to talk April into buddy-reading this with me. =)



I love reading about mended friendships. Maybe because I still have one in my past that I'd very much like to mend. At any rate, I hope this is full of the adorable and feels and emotions.

Things I Purchased:



Have an ARC, but sometimes I just want to listen to a book that's this hyped. So I snagged the audio. :) Worth it. Sooo worth it. I'm almost finished, but I'm savoring it because I really just don't want it to end.

Gifted:



So, I've suspected for awhile about the identity of my #otspsecretsister, but last month I finally took the plunge and asked...and I was right! It's none other than the lovely Helena from Book Nerd Addict sending me those lovely packages of cheer each month! She really has been such a treasure to correspond with these last several months. And as you've seen, she sends the most amazing packages! I'm so glad to have made a new and lasting friendship with another fellow book lover. But I guess that's the whole point of #otspsecretsister, right? :D

Procured From the Library:



Lauren at Love is Not a Triangle was talking about The Kiss of Destruction on her blog this week, and because of how she portrayed the relationship in this book, I knew I had to read it. I'm pretty unbiased when it comes to love triangles myself, but I definitely appreciate them more when they're painted in a realistic way.


So, that's my haul. =) What fabulous bookmail did you get this week?

The Week in Review:

Reviews:

• These Vicious Masks
• Burning Glass

Current Giveaways:



Promotional/Discussion Posts:  

• #WoW - Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill
• Library Lovers Book Tag

Currently Reading:

I couldn't wait a moment longer to read this. I just couldn't. I had planned on reading it over Christmas break but never found the time. And I know it doesn't come out until June, but I don't care. I needed this book right now and it is perfect. Monsters and evil and violence...just YES.

Currently Listening:

I know, I know. What took me so long, right? The hype. It scared me. No way could it be that good. Of course, I said the same about Six of Crows. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ But, sometimes I find that the audio version is even better. And in this case, I think it is because no way would I have read it with Cassandra Campbell's accents and emotions. It's really good. ;)






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