On Our Nightstand (#4)

On Our Nightstand is where we show the state of disarray our nightstand look holding all the books we are currently reading.

One night, I was halfway through a book when I knew I was going to finish it right then and there. So, before snuggling in for the night, I went ahead and grabbed my next TBR book and put it on my nightstand just so I didn't have to get up and get it. I looked at my nightstand, which is just stack of pretty boxes, and had an idea. After talking about this with Nahomi, we're going to be sharing, occasionally, how the towering books on our nightstands look with our readers.

This week, my nightstand look like this:
I am currently reading Rebel, Bully, Geek, Pariah by Erin Jade Lange, I am (hopefully) starting The Epidemic by Suzanne Young this weekend, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling is still sitting there gathering dust as my husband and I don't continue reading it. I might just read myself and forget about him.

Nahomi's nightstand is looking a little scary these days but since she's been listening to audiobooks lately we are spared her mess and get a look at her Overdrive account:

(Let's not mention how her low battery life is giving me a twitch.)

How does your nightstand look?

Mini Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead


The Indigo Spell
(Bloodlines #3)
Author: Richelle Mead
Release Date: February 12, 2013
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Personal copy
Review by: Jenn
Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch—a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood—or else she might be next.

3.5 stars out of 5 stars 

The Indigo Spell was the book that turned around the Bloodlines series for me. Before The Indigo Spell, I was reluctant in continuing with the series. In reading this book, I finally became invested in the story and in its characters. It took me a while to get use to Sydney but I love seeing her in this book. I've enjoyed in finally getting to know the real Sydney and see her start questioning her Alchemist beliefs.

I really enjoyed this book but so far, I'm not as obsessed with this series and its characters as I am about the Vampire Academy books. I see a ton of readers obsessed with Adrian and how it just make the series for them but I just cannot relate. I do, however, am looking forward to see how this series progress. Both Sydney and Adrian's character growth has been awesome and I love when those two interact with each other. Onto The Fiery Heart!

Waiting on Wednesday (#143)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spinethat spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:
Expected Release Date: February 2, 2016
Synopsis:
The enchantment continues....

The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories—and secrets—that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies?

With nine stories—five of which have never before been published—and an exclusive never-before-seen excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s upcoming novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

-- The Little Android: A retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” set in the world of The Lunar Chronicles.

Glitches: In this prequel to Cinder, we see the results of the plague play out, and the emotional toll it takes on Cinder. Something that may, or may not, be a glitch…. The Queen’s Army: In this prequel to Scarlet, we’re introduced to the army Queen Levana is building, and one soldier in particular who will do anything to keep from becoming the monster they want him to be.

Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky: Thirteen-year-old Carswell Thorne has big plans involving a Rampion spaceship and a no-return trip out of Los Angeles. The Keeper: A prequel to the Lunar Chronicles, showing a young Scarlet and how Princess Selene came into the care of Michelle Benoit.

After Sunshine Passes By: In this prequel to Cress, we see how a nine-year-old Cress ended up alone on a satellite, spying on Earth for Luna.

The Princess and the Guard: In this prequel to Winter, we see a game called The Princess

The Mechanic: In this prequel to Cinder, we see Kai and Cinder’s first meeting from Kai’s perspective.

Something Old, Something New: In this epilogue to Winter, friends gather for the wedding of the century...
I can't wait to get my hands Stars Above!!! I'm dying to get my hands on these stories that haven't been released yet!!!

What are you "Waiting on?"

Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer


Cinder 
(The Lunar Chronicles, #1)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Source: Library
Review by: Nahomi
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless Lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg.

She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

Leydy from Once Upon a Twilight recommended the Cinder audio book to me and I am so glad she did! I'm obsessed with the story! Rebecca Soler did a fantastic job with the narration. In the beginning I was a little skeptical because I am not a fond of retellings. I've had some bad experiences in the past, but this was definitely not the case with Cinder.

There are parallels throughout the book that are reminiscent of Cinderella but the story really takes a life of its own. I love this book from beginning to end but there are some elements in particular that I would like to single out. The book is separated in sections and in the beginning of each section is a quote from the original story, I absolutely love that! It sets the tone for the next sections of the story. The pacing and the plot twists really set the story a part from the original story and that is partially why I love the story so much.

The characters… I adore that Cinder is a damn good mechanic and that she is beautiful but not perfect. She is a cyborg which means parts of her are metal and that she has a computer in her head, which I find, would be useful all the time. Her friendship with Iko a droid is heart warming and strange at the same time. I love Iko’s quirkiness; she is such a funny character. Prince Kaito I am on the fence about him after finishing the story. I love all of his and Cinder’s interactions together, and I get where he is coming from there at the end but I still wanted him to act differently.

Cinder is emotional at the end and man I definitely can’t wait to get my hands on Scarlet which is the next book in The Lunar Chronicles.


Quotes (#141)

Source
Morning Swooners,

The weekend went by much too quickly for my taste. So much adult stuff done and not a lot of fun. I'm currently listening to Twilight by Stephenie Meyers on audio and I miss being in the Twi world. It been years since I read the books and wanted to revisit in a different medium. So today's quotes are all about Twilight.

“About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him-and I didn’t know how potent that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.” - Stephenie Meyer, Twilight

"Twilight, again.  Another ending. No matter how perfect the day is, it always has to end.” - Stephenie Meyer,  Twilight

“You are my life now.” - Stephenie Meyer, Twilight

“What if I'm not a superhero. What if I'm the bad guy?” - Stephenie Meyer, Twilight

“I am not really breaking any rules. Charlie said I could never take another step through the door again... I came in through the window... Still, the intent was clear," said Edward.” - Stephenie Meyer, Twilight

“And so the lion fell in love with the lamb.” - Stephenie Meyer, Twilight

"If I could dream at all, it would be about you. And I'm not ashamed of it.” - Stephenie Meyer, Twilight

That's it for me. Have a great day!

Stacking the Shelves (#28)

Stacking the Shelves, which is hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews, is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This mean you can include books you buy in a physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course, ebooks.

Happy Sunday!

For the month of December and January these are the books we received/bought/borrowed. 

For review I received:
Finished copy of SMART GIRL by Rachel Hollis
Finished copy of THE ONE FOR ME by Sydney Landon
Finished copy of WICKED SEXY LIAR by Christina Lauren
WALK THE EDGE by Katie McGarry
Nahomi got these for Christmas:
A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSE by Sarah J. Maas
QUEEN OF SHADOWS by Sarah J. Maas
HEIR OF FIRE by Sarah J. Maas
CROWN OF MIDNIGHT by Sarah J. Maas
THRONE OF GLASS by Sarah J. Maas
THE ASSASSIN'S BLADE by Sarah J. Maas
Audiobooks we borrowed from the library:
LAST SACRIFICE by Richelle Mead
TWILIGHT by Stephenie Meyer
ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins
MINI SHOPAHOLIC by Sophie Kinsella
SHOPAHOLIC TO THE STARS by Sophie Kinsella
SHOPAHOLIC TO THE RESCUE by Sophie Kinsella
THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho
THE MOON AND MORE by Sarah Dessen

Favorite Friday (#54) - Smart Girl by Rachel Hollis

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a bi-monthly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where we spotlight some of our Favorite Reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on the linky or leave us a comment!

This week pick is: Smart Girl by Rachel Hollis.


Brilliant designer Miko Jin is a hopeless romantic. She’s spent most of her life falling in love over and over again…with the men she finds in the pages of her favorite novels.

When Miko meets Liam Ashton, it’s love at first sight. At least, for her. Sure, the two of them are polar opposites, and yes, he seems to be dating someone new each week. But Miko knows what true love is and that you can’t rush it—after all, what she lacks in real-world experience, she makes up for in book smarts. With novels as her guide, and her best friends by her side, she knows she can get Liam to love her back. But just like any good romance novel, fate has a few plot twists in store. Will Miko get her own happy ending? Will she find the strength to stand up for what she deserves even if it means breaking her own heart?


I really love Rachel Hollis's writing style. I have loved both of her previous books Party Girl and Sweet Girl, but Smart Girl takes the cake! It was funny and had a ton of book references! At times it was painfully real and I hurt for Miko. This is just such a great story and definitely a must read!

About the author:


Rachel Hollis founded the LA-based event planning firm Chic Events at only 21. Six years later Inc. Magazine named her one of the Top 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30. She went on to turn Chic into the extremely popular lifestyle website The Chic where readers log in daily for the tips and tricks she acquired after years of planning fancy parties for celebrities!

She has designed and produced fabulous events for many of Hollywood's elite including Bradley Cooper, Al Gore, Rashida Jones, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ivanka Trump, Jamie King, Sara Rue and Cuba Gooding Jr… just to a name a few.

Rachel grew up in a big loud Okie family. Daddy was a Pentecostal minister and Mama was the church pianist… and PS, she knows the words to all the old-timey hymns in case you want to break into three-part harmony later.

She moved to Los Angeles to go to college and promptly met a boy named David who was as handsome as he was funny. First she made that boy her best friend, and then she made him her husband. 10 years later they have three equally handsome/hilarious little boys named Jackson, Sawyer, and Ford. They live in LA where they spend their time doing super cool/sexy things like going to soccer practice and hitting up any restaurant where kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Author's links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

I hope you can join us in sharing and talking about some of your favorite reads. Book talk always make me happy. 

What are one of your favorite reads?


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...