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! =)
Slow week here on the blog. My desire for blogging and social media interaction has just been coming in fits and spurts lately. And I'm sure that has a lot to do with how things are going at work, too. But I did that to myself…I don't usually take both the week of Thanksgiving AND the week of Christmas off, but I decided to this year and it's really put a strain on me to get everything done before I hit my usual deadlines. But I feel the time getting away from me, and I want to spend as much of Katie's childhood with her as I can. Family trumps work every time.
In spite of that, though, I've been getting some phenomenal reading done. And I've been flying through some audiobooks, which means I'm scratching the bottom of the barrel trying to find new ones. :( I'm always looking for recs! And always wishing that my library would purchase more. :P
Anyway, here's what I scored this week...
For Review:
I've been looking at These Vicious Masks every time I check out Netgalley, but as I have enough books to review already, I kept telling myself to pass on it. But then Love, Lies and Spies was available this last time I checked, and I couldn't resist any longer. And I'm glad I didn't. I read TVM almost as soon as it arrived on my Kindle, and it was exactly what I needed to read at that moment. And it made me want to pick up The Dark Days Club immediately after. :)
Purchased:
I've been vacillating on reading this one since before it was released. I love Pride & Prejudice retellings as much as the next girl, but they don't always resonate with me. This one did, though. It was soooo freaking adorable. Like, I wish I could go back and listen to it all over again for the first time because it was so cute. Especially with the author narrating.
Library:
Court of Fives was better than I expected, based on all the middling reviews I'd read prior to listening. The Scorpio Rules was about as expected and completely weird, though I kind of think I have a thing for that AI. And I didn't finish The Eternal Ones because it was absolutely horrendous and narrated by Emma Galvin, who is not among my favorite narrators.
So, that's my haul. =) What fabulous bookmail did you get this week?
I am such a huge fan of Goodman's gender-bending Eon/Eona series, and I feel like I've been waiting forever for this book. I'm so happy to have an ARC, even if that means the wait for the second book will be that much longer. I just love the Regency era, but I like it even more when the women of that time toe the line of propriety. :D
Currently Listening:
I've literally had this book on my shelf for years. Honestly, I've had a lot of Lauren Oliver's books on my shelves for awhile without ever picking them up. I just didn't think they could compare to my love for Delirium, back in the day anyway. But it was available on audio from my library, and I had nothing better to listen to, so I downloaded it. And I'm really enjoying it so far. I mean, I hate the mean girl aspect, but it's about more than that, and I like it.
Upcoming Reviews:
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Like pretty pictures of books and bookish things? Follow me on Instagram! I also host IG giveaways from time to time. :D
Title: The Trouble with Destiny Author: Lauren Morrill Series:stand-alone Publisher: Delacorte Publication Date: December 8, 2015 Source: received from publisher via Netgalley Purchase:Amazon | Barnes & Noble
It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey...
With her trusty baton and six insanely organized clipboards, drum major Liza Sanders is about to take Destiny by storm—the boat, that is. When Liza discovered that her beloved band was losing funding, she found Destiny, a luxury cruise ship complete with pools, midnight chocolate buffets, and a $25,000 spring break talent show prize.
Liza can’t imagine senior year without the band, and nothing will distract her from achieving victory. She’s therefore not interested when her old camp crush, Lenny, shows up on board, looking shockingly hipster-hot. And she’s especially not interested in Russ, the probably-as-dumb-as-he-is-cute prankster jock whose ex, Demi, happens be Liza’s ex–best friend and leader of the Athenas, a show choir that’s the band’s greatest competition.
But it’s not going to be smooth sailing. After the Destiny breaks down, all of Liza’s best-laid plans start to go awry. Liza likes to think of herself as an expert at almost everything, but when it comes to love, she’s about to find herself lost at sea.
I loved Lauren Morrill's debut, and her sophomore novel was cute, but I have to admit that I was completely underwhelmed by her newest novel. It was cute, but it's that kind of cute where I'm cringing at what I know is coming because you can just tell that a disaster is on the horizon. I almost put it aside at 30%. To be completely honest, I almost put it aside several times with no intention of picking it back up, but I just kept hoping that it would redeem itself, especially considering how much I enjoyed her previous novels.
It's just…this book felt glaringly familiar. As in, I'd seem pretty much this same premise in Meant to Be. It's like she took versions of the same characters from her first book and rewrote them into this book. But instead of gallivanting around London, they were cavorting on a cruise ship. Same kinds of hijinks. Same bad decisions. Just more cringeworthy.
I didn't hate this book. It just wasn't nearly as fun as I'd hoped. Especially since I'd been anticipating it for a year. And it felt like the focus of the book -- the competition for $25k to save the band -- was lost along the way because of the romance drama.
Because of the similarities to Meant To Be, this book was extremely predictable. Not that her first book wasn't predictable in its own right, but it was still cute enough to keep me entertained, and I was able to look past it. The same can't be said for The Trouble With Destiny.
I really wanted to love this novel, especially with that adorable cover. But I barely made it to the end…and I was cringing all the way. I'm not giving up on this author just because of one disappointing book, though. She's got another contemporary novel slated for release next year, and I'll at least give it a try.
GIF it to me straight:
About the author:
Lauren Elizabeth Morrill is many things, including, but not limited to, a writer, an educator, a badass roller derby skater, a former band nerd, an aggressive driver, and a die-hard Mac person. She also watches a lot of TV, eats a lot of junk food, and drinks a lot of Coke. It's a wonder her brain and teeth haven't rotted out of her head.
Lauren is the author of Meant to Be, Being Sloane Jacobs, The Trouble With Destiny, and the forthcoming My Unscripted Life (October 2016), all from Random House.
"Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you . . . "
Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.
Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now- reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.
When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories.
By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.
What would he say . . . ?
I dare say, this may be my favorite Rainbow Rowell books thus far. I read Fan Girl a couple years ago, and I liked it, but the Carry On story within the story didn't do much for me. So I didn't love it, and clearly I will not be buying Carry On that just came out a bit ago. Then I bought Landline, the audio version. I really liked that too, but the whole paranormal magic phone crap annoyed me. The story and the message was great, but the other garbage killed it for me.
Attachments had no weird shit!!! It was a normal contemporary novel and I loved it. Lincoln is so lovable. I mean, I just adored him. Every little nerdy bit. I love nerdy guys, its true. While my husband isn't quite as nerdy as Lincoln, I could see some similar qualities in him, which helped me fall for his character even more.
Lincoln works for a news paper company. He's the go to internet security guy. So he gets to read everyone's flagged email. My favorite part of this book were the emails between Beth and Jennifer. Omg, they are laugh out loud funny at times. I can just imagine poor Lincolns face reading them. They were also serious too, there were a few that nearly choked me up. But I suppose that's how Lincoln felt too. He continues to read these emails. Even though he probably shouldn't, but he's grown attached to these women's lives. Especially Beth.
That's where this story becomes even cuter. Because he basically falls for this girl without ever seeing her. But it's not all mushy sweetness either. It's complicated, because how do you ask a girl out whom you've been reading her private emails for months. That's just fucking weird and stalkerish.
Oh but it all comes together and it's wonderful. Big fan of this one. It left my heart all warm and snuggly. <3
About the author:
Rainbow Rowell writes books. Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS and LANDLINE). Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK and FANGIRL). But she always writes about people who talk a lot. And people who feel like they're screwing up. And people who fall in love.
When she's not writing, Rainbow is reading comic books, planning Disney World trips and arguing about things that don't really matter in the big scheme of things.
She lives in Nebraska with her husband and two sons.
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
's Pick:
Title: The Poisoned Blade Author: Kate Elliott Series: Court of Fives, book #2 Publisher: Little, Brown (BFYR) Publication Date: August 16, 2016
Jessamy is moving up the ranks of the Fives—the complex athletic contest favored by the lowliest Commoners and the loftiest Patrons in her embattled kingdom. Pitted against far more formidable adversaries, success is Jes's only option, as her prize money is essential to keeping her hidden family alive. She leaps at the chance to tour the countryside and face more competitors, but then a fatal attack on Jes's traveling party puts her at the center of the war that Lord Kalliarkos—the prince she still loves—is fighting against their country's enemies. With a sinister overlord watching her every move and Kal's life on the line, Jes must now become more than a Fives champion...She must become a warrior.
I only just finished the audio for A Court of Fives, but I enjoyed it much more than I had expected to, based on the multitude of varying reviews for the book. It was very much the Little Women meets Game of Thrones story I was hoping for. And that ending left me wanting so much more, so I need August to hurry the hell up. =)
What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!
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! =)
One week down and two more to go until Christmas vacation! Woohoo! ;) And we're not hosting anyone, so it should make for a nice, relaxing holiday. Maybe I'll even get some reading done over this one, too. :D We're putting the finishing touches on our Christmas decorations today and then I plan to completely veg out. Maybe catch up on some shows -- I've heard Jessica Jones is not to be missed, so I'll definitely be queueing that one up -- and get a little reading in before we snuggle up for family time, aka watching all of the Christmas movies we can possibly fit into a single evening. We don't do the Elf on a Shelf at my house -- too creepy -- but I do an Advent calendar for Katie. It's actually more of a scavenger hunt each day, with "the Elves" leaving little hints in the calendar tins about where she can find each days' present. I kind of go overboard with it, but it's too much fun not to. =)
Anyway, here's what I scored this week...
For Review:
Nothing this week, so it's a good time to start some of the review books I already have, lol.
Traded:
Some in progress but nothing new this week. If you're interested in seeing what I have up for trade, check out this tweet or this post. =)
Purchased:
I pre-ordered a copy from Books of Wonder so I could get a signed poster to match my others, but it has yet to arrive. However, I also purchased the audiobook of Their Fractured Light the day it released, as one does. I'm too impatient. :P I listened to it in a single day and I have no regrets, except that I wish I could read it again for the first time. Such a great conclusion to this series, and the audio was as exceptional as the previous books.
Library:
I've had trouble finding audiobooks to entertain me on my commute and while I'm at work, so I took a chance with the Immortal Beloved series. So glad I did because they're so different. They also don't feel much like YA to me but I don't mind. :D I've been waiting on my hold for The Rose Society to come through for weeks, so while I waited, I started Gated. It's solid so far, but I've only just started listening. I've heard good things, though.
So, that's my haul. =) What fabulous bookmail did you get this week?
I loved Lauren Morrill's debut, and her sophomore novel was okay, but I'm having trouble with her newest novel. It's cute, but it's that kind of cute where I'm cringing at what I know is coming because you can just tell that a disaster is on the horizon. At about 30% I was considering DNFing, but I'm trying to soldier through. We'll see…
Currently Listening:
I know several friends who loved this novel, but I just couldn't fit it in back when it was released. Since I couldn't find anything else to listen to yesterday -- before my hold for The Rose Society came through, anyway -- I decided to give it a listen. So far, so good. I'm kind of fascinated by cults. I mean, I grew up less than 100 miles from the Branch Davidian compound in Waco. Also, it's crazy to me that some of you reading this might not even be old enough to remember that. o_O
Upcoming Reviews:
Like honest reviews & giveaways? Be sure to follow us on Bloglovin' so you never miss out!
Like pretty pictures of books and bookish things? Follow me on Instagram! I also host IG giveaways from time to time. :D
I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
Saturday, December 12, 2015
{The Weekend Update} 12.12.15
In spite of that, though, I've been getting some phenomenal reading done. And I've been flying through some audiobooks, which means I'm scratching the bottom of the barrel trying to find new ones. :( I'm always looking for recs! And always wishing that my library would purchase more. :P
Anyway, here's what I scored this week...
For Review:
I've been looking at These Vicious Masks every time I check out Netgalley, but as I have enough books to review already, I kept telling myself to pass on it. But then Love, Lies and Spies was available this last time I checked, and I couldn't resist any longer. And I'm glad I didn't. I read TVM almost as soon as it arrived on my Kindle, and it was exactly what I needed to read at that moment. And it made me want to pick up The Dark Days Club immediately after. :)
Purchased:
I've been vacillating on reading this one since before it was released. I love Pride & Prejudice retellings as much as the next girl, but they don't always resonate with me. This one did, though. It was soooo freaking adorable. Like, I wish I could go back and listen to it all over again for the first time because it was so cute. Especially with the author narrating.
Library:
Court of Fives was better than I expected, based on all the middling reviews I'd read prior to listening. The Scorpio Rules was about as expected and completely weird, though I kind of think I have a thing for that AI. And I didn't finish The Eternal Ones because it was absolutely horrendous and narrated by Emma Galvin, who is not among my favorite narrators.
So, that's my haul. =) What fabulous bookmail did you get this week?
The Week in Review:
Reviews:
Check back soon!
Promotional/Discussion Posts:
Currently Listening:
Upcoming Reviews:
Friday, December 11, 2015
An Underwhelming New Novel from a Favorite Author - The Trouble With Destiny by Lauren Morrill
Author: Lauren Morrill
Series: stand-alone
Publisher: Delacorte
Publication Date: December 8, 2015
Source: received from publisher via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
I loved Lauren Morrill's debut, and her sophomore novel was cute, but I have to admit that I was completely underwhelmed by her newest novel. It was cute, but it's that kind of cute where I'm cringing at what I know is coming because you can just tell that a disaster is on the horizon. I almost put it aside at 30%. To be completely honest, I almost put it aside several times with no intention of picking it back up, but I just kept hoping that it would redeem itself, especially considering how much I enjoyed her previous novels.
It's just…this book felt glaringly familiar. As in, I'd seem pretty much this same premise in Meant to Be. It's like she took versions of the same characters from her first book and rewrote them into this book. But instead of gallivanting around London, they were cavorting on a cruise ship. Same kinds of hijinks. Same bad decisions. Just more cringeworthy.
I didn't hate this book. It just wasn't nearly as fun as I'd hoped. Especially since I'd been anticipating it for a year. And it felt like the focus of the book -- the competition for $25k to save the band -- was lost along the way because of the romance drama.
Because of the similarities to Meant To Be, this book was extremely predictable. Not that her first book wasn't predictable in its own right, but it was still cute enough to keep me entertained, and I was able to look past it. The same can't be said for The Trouble With Destiny.
I really wanted to love this novel, especially with that adorable cover. But I barely made it to the end…and I was cringing all the way. I'm not giving up on this author just because of one disappointing book, though. She's got another contemporary novel slated for release next year, and I'll at least give it a try.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Review: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Series: n/a
Publisher: Dutton
Publication Date: April 14th, 2011
Source: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Attachments had no weird shit!!! It was a normal contemporary novel and I loved it. Lincoln is so lovable. I mean, I just adored him. Every little nerdy bit. I love nerdy guys, its true. While my husband isn't quite as nerdy as Lincoln, I could see some similar qualities in him, which helped me fall for his character even more.
Lincoln works for a news paper company. He's the go to internet security guy. So he gets to read everyone's flagged email. My favorite part of this book were the emails between Beth and Jennifer. Omg, they are laugh out loud funny at times. I can just imagine poor Lincolns face reading them. They were also serious too, there were a few that nearly choked me up. But I suppose that's how Lincoln felt too. He continues to read these emails. Even though he probably shouldn't, but he's grown attached to these women's lives. Especially Beth.
That's where this story becomes even cuter. Because he basically falls for this girl without ever seeing her. But it's not all mushy sweetness either. It's complicated, because how do you ask a girl out whom you've been reading her private emails for months. That's just fucking weird and stalkerish.
Oh but it all comes together and it's wonderful. Big fan of this one. It left my heart all warm and snuggly. <3
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
{WOW} The Poisoned Blade by Kate Elliott
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
's Pick:
Author: Kate Elliott
Series: Court of Fives, book #2
Publisher: Little, Brown (BFYR)
Publication Date: August 16, 2016
I only just finished the audio for A Court of Fives, but I enjoyed it much more than I had expected to, based on the multitude of varying reviews for the book. It was very much the Little Women meets Game of Thrones story I was hoping for. And that ending left me wanting so much more, so I need August to hurry the hell up. =)
What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
{The Weekend Update} 12.5.15 -
Anyway, here's what I scored this week...
For Review:
Nothing this week, so it's a good time to start some of the review books I already have, lol.
Traded:
Some in progress but nothing new this week. If you're interested in seeing what I have up for trade, check out this tweet or this post. =)
Purchased:
I pre-ordered a copy from Books of Wonder so I could get a signed poster to match my others, but it has yet to arrive. However, I also purchased the audiobook of Their Fractured Light the day it released, as one does. I'm too impatient. :P I listened to it in a single day and I have no regrets, except that I wish I could read it again for the first time. Such a great conclusion to this series, and the audio was as exceptional as the previous books.
Library:
I've had trouble finding audiobooks to entertain me on my commute and while I'm at work, so I took a chance with the Immortal Beloved series. So glad I did because they're so different. They also don't feel much like YA to me but I don't mind. :D I've been waiting on my hold for The Rose Society to come through for weeks, so while I waited, I started Gated. It's solid so far, but I've only just started listening. I've heard good things, though.
So, that's my haul. =) What fabulous bookmail did you get this week?
The Week in Review:
Reviews:
Check back soon!
Promotional/Discussion Posts:
Currently Listening:
Upcoming Reviews:
Current Giveaways
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
View my complete profile