Waiting on Wednesday (#138)

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

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

This Raging Light by Estelle Laure

Expected Release Date: December 22, 2015

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Synopsis:

Can the best thing happen at the worst time?

Her dad went crazy. Her mom left town. She has bills to pay and a little sister to look after. Now is not the time for level-headed seventeen-year-old Lucille to fall in love. But love—messy, inconvenient love—is what she's about to experience when she falls for Digby Jones, her best friend's brother. With blazing longing that builds to a fever pitch, Estelle Laure's soulful debut will keep readers hooked and hoping until the very last page.

The cover is so pretty and the synopsis completely hooked me.

What are you "Waiting on?"

Review: This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp

This Is Where It Ends
Author: Marieke Nijkamp
Release Date: January 5, 2016
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Source: ALA AC 2015
Review by: Jenn

10:00 a.m.
The principal of Opportunity, Alabama’s high school finishes her speech, welcoming the entire student body to a new semester and encouraging them to excel and achieve.

10:02 a.m.
The students get up to leave the auditorium for their next class.

10:03 a.m.
The auditorium doors won’t open.

10:05 a.m.
Someone starts shooting.

Told over the span of 54 harrowing minutes from four different perspectives, terror reigns as one student’s calculated revenge turns into the ultimate game of survival.

4 stars out of 5 stars

The reason I picked up this book was mainly because of the subject matter. I was curious to see how the author would handle such a delicate subject. Considering where we are in the United States with school shooting happening all more often, I wanted to see how it would play out in literature. Marieke handled it with as much care and delicacy as she could while still having giving me the impact that she wanted.

This Is Where It Ends follows four teens story lines. In the beginning it was a little confusing because we didn't really get a sense of connection from each of them. However, at one point, the dots start connecting and we learn of their connection to the shooter and it makes all the more terrifying.

Going into this book, I knew that the outcome wasn't going to be pretty. Because of this, I just had read page after page without stopping because 54 harrowing minutes can go by so fast but as the same time, it can feel like a decade. I felt the pain and despair for everyone lost and hurt and for those that just had to watch their friends die right in front of them. Marieke did a great job with this book but it may not be for everyone. It could be considered a trigger topic and might make you uncomfortable. But unfortunately, it becoming part of new normal in US and it just horrifying and scary.

Quotes (#135)

Link

Morning Swooners, 

Christmas shopping has me like Merida... The closer we get to Christmas the more stressed I feel about the holidays. So in the midst of procrastinating on my Christmas shopping I have spent the weekend reading This Shattered World and I am loving it! So today's quotes are some of my favorites from this story... on to our quotes!

“Letting yourself get hurt isn’t brave, love. Brave is protecting others from hurt.”
~Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, This Shattered World

“You’ve ruined me,” she repeats, her voice quieting a little as it catches. “You’ve ruined me—you made me wake up. And now I can’t get rid of you.” Her voice surges again as I reach out, curling my hand around her arm, her skin flushed hot under my fingers. “You won’t leave me alone.”
~Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, This Shattered World

“Life is pain. We are all in pain, all the time".
"There are other things this universe has to offer," says the creature, "Light; live; touch; sensation. The way you are all made of the same pieces; the same fragments of stardust and yet you are all so different.”
~Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, This Shattered World

“You think I want to be here with you?" I reply, my voice hoarse. "You think if you walked out right now, I'd chase you?"
She gazes back at me, her eyes a challenge. "Wouldn't you?"
"You know I would," I snap, surrendering. "And I have no idea why that's such a problem."
She jerks her arm free and backs up a step until she hits the door. "It's a problem because I'd let you!" she blurts. Then, after a harsh breath, she murmurs, "It's a problem because I'd want you to.”
~Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, This Shattered World

“The last thing I need added to my list of credentials is ‘stabbed by a mattress,’ in addition to a cocktail skewer”
~Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, This Shattered World

“You don’t understand the unbearable beauty of being you.”
~Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, This Shattered World

“He can’t take his eyes off the stars, but I can’t take mine off his face.”
~Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, This Shattered World

Have a great week everyone!

Favorite Friday (#51) - Tessa Ever After by Brighton Walsh

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly 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: Tessa Ever After by Brighton Walsh.

In this grippingly emotional New Adult novel from the author of Caged in Winter, what you want isn’t always what you need…

Jason’s been living (and loving) the rich playboy lifestyle for five years, but now his parents are pressuring him to get involved in the family business. The last thing he wants is another obligation, but when his best friend moves out of state and asks Jason to look after his sister, he can’t just say no.

Tessa had to grow up way too soon. After dealing with the aftermath of her parents’ deaths, then becoming a teenage mom, she knows the meaning of responsibility. Which is why, at twenty-two, she’s looking for so much more than a party boy. She’s looking for someone who can stand by her and her daughter…forever.

A relationship between them is doomed from the start, but who says they can’t have a little fun? But as Jason gets closer to Tessa—and her daughter—fun starts to turn into something else… Something Jason’s not sure he’s ready for.

I love Brighton Walsh's books and her story telling abilities. She is one of those authors that I will always read her books because her books contains sweet, sexy heroes, feisty heroines, hot sexy times, and a great plot. This book, you have all the right factors to make it into one of my favorite reads from Brighton. If you haven't already read this book, I sincerely recommend it to you.

About the author: 

Brighton Walsh spent nearly a decade as a professional photographer before deciding to take her storytelling in a different direction and reconnect with her first love: writing. When she’s not pounding away at the keyboard, she’s probably either reading or shopping—maybe even both at once. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and two children, and, yes, she considers forty degrees to be hoodie weather. Her home is the setting for frequent dance parties, Lego battles, and more laughter than she thought possible. She is multi-published with Berkley, St. Martin’s Press, and Carina Press, and is represented by Mandy Hubbard of D4EO Literary Agency.

Author Links: Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Website

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?

Review: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

These Broken Stars 
(Starbound #1)
Author: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Release Date: December 10, 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Source: Personal Copy
Review by: Nahomi
    

Luxury spaceliner Icarus suddenly plummets from hyperspace into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive -- alone. Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a cynical war hero. Both journey across the eerie deserted terrain for help. Everything changes when they uncover the truth.

The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.

4.5 stars out of 5 stars

        A while ago I went to the book signing for This Shattered World. After hearing Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner talk about their stories, I had to have them (it didn't hurt that the covers are gorgeous)! So, I bought These Broken Stars and This Shattered World and they’ve been on my to-read list ever since. I was finally able to reading These Broken Stars and I am so happy I did! I am not a Sci-fi fan but this book is sooo good.

       These Broken Stars is a great story that depicts strength in the face of adversity. I love how this book highlights the ability to adapt and change through Lilacs and Tarver’s experience and character growth. The banter and dialogue between Lilac and Tarver is great; and I really enjoyed the love hate relationship between them. Lilac comes off as spoiled and superficial but turns out to be this really smart, strong, and a kind person. In the beginning Tarver was annoying, and a little too judgmental for my taste. Don’t get me wrong I really loved his character. Tarver is rough around the edges but a total sweetheart who had me swooning a lot. Lilac and Tarver are really multidimensional characters that I grew to love as the story progressed.

        My curiosity of how Lilac and Tarver's relationship would play out was the reason I kept reading this story; because I found the beginning a little slow. As I mentioned before I’m not a fan of Sci-fi and there was some world building in the beginning that was necessary but that I wasn’t into. After the beginning and the action started I was hooked. The pacing alternated between spurts of action and waiting. There is an element of mystery which really keeps the plot interesting and left me wanting more. There was a point in this story during which my heart literally broke and I was a hot mess. I couldn't believe Kaufman and Spooner did that. I was so freakin' sad, jeez. I was biting my nails right until the very end. These Broken Stars is a great story it has a little of everything: action, suspense, mystery, romance and heart break. I can't wait to read This Shattered World and Their Fractured Light.

Waiting on Wednesday (#137)

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

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

Feverborn by Karen Marie Moning

Expected Release Date: January 19, 2016

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Synopsis:

When the immortal race of the Fae destroyed the ancient wall dividing the worlds of Man and Faery, the very fabric of the universe was damaged and now Earth is vanishing bit by bit. Only the long-lost Song of Making—a haunting, dangerous melody that is the source of all life itself—can save the planet.

But those who seek the mythic Song—Mac, Barrons, Ryodan and Jada—must contend with old wounds and new enemies, passions that burn hot and hunger for vengeance that runs deep. The challenges are many: The Keltar at war with nine immortals who’ve secretly ruled Dublin for eons, Mac and Jada hunted by the masses, the Seelie queen nowhere to be found, and the most powerful Unseelie prince in all creation determined to rule both Fae and Man. Now the task of solving the ancient riddle of the Song of Making falls to a band of deadly warriors divided among—and within—themselves.

Once a normal city possessing a touch of ancient magic, Dublin is now a treacherously magical city with only a touch of normal. And in those war-torn streets, Mac will come face to face with her most savage enemy yet: herself.

I can't wait to see what Mac and Barrons are up to in this new installment of the fever series! I love the Karen Marie Moning's writing. When I read KMM's books I become completely immersed in her stories.

What are you "Waiting on?"

DNF Mini Review: The Importance of Being Alice by Katie MacAllister

The Importance of Being Alice
(Ainslie Brothers #1)
Author: Katie MacAlister
Release Date: August 25, 2015
Publisher: Signet
Source: Berkley
Review by: Jenn

First in a new series!

From New York Times bestselling author Katie MacAlister comes a series about finding your own wonderland—through one roadblock at a time…

Nothing about Alice Wood’s life is normal right now. Her fiance called off their wedding and relationship days before their luxurious tour down Europe’s most romantic rivers. And due to a horrible misunderstanding, now Alice is cooped up in her honeymoon suite with a strange—yet mysteriously handsome—British aristocrat.

All Elliott Ainslie wants is some quiet time to write his latest book. But his stodgy, serious self is about to be sidetracked by a woman who seems to have jumped out of the pages of a fairy tale, one who is determined to shake up his life…and include him in her own happily ever after.

1 star out of 5 stars

*I received a free finished copy of this book from the publisher but it did not influence this review in any way.*

**This is a DID NOT FINISH review. I only read up to page 85 so these are my thoughts up to this point.**

I had high hopes for this book. I was looking forward to it but after suffering through a few chapters, I just didn't like it.  I couldn't connect to any of the characters and actually found them to be a bit irritating. Alice is supposed to be a quirky character but, again, it ended up showing up as irritating. Another unfortunate moment right before I called it quits, was when I saw the hint of instalove. Since I didn't read all that much, I can't confirm it, but I did see it happening.

It disappointing that I didn't end up liking the book considering that it supposed to take place as both Alice and Elliot travel Europe in a cruise. Ah such a missed connection.

Quotes (#134)

Source

Morning Lovelies!

I hope to those that celebrate, you all had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend. Thanksgiving weekend is the time for lots of food and quality family/reading/relaxing time to be had, perhaps. That's always my favorite part at least. I'm super excited today because after being unemployed for almost four months, I am starting my new job today. I'm a little nervous but it to be expected of course. I just hope I'm not like that guy in the gif up there. Hopefully, I'll get the hang of it quickly and won't make too many mistakes. Now, let's get to the quotes!

“Too many of us are hung up on what we don't have, can't have, or won't ever have. We spend too much energy being down, when we could use that same energy – if not less of it – doing, or at least trying to do, some of the things we really want to do.” - Terry McMillan, Disappearing Acts

“Whatever you're meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible.” - Doris Lessing

“The starting point of all achievement is DESIRE. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat.” - Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

“It makes you wonder. All the brilliant things we might have done with our lives if only we suspected we knew how.” - Ann Patchett, Bel Canto

“Time is the coin of your life. You spend it. Do not allow others to spend it for you.” - Carl Sandburg

“Be reverent before the dawning day. Do not think of what will be in a year, or in ten years. Think of to-day.” - Romain Rolland, Jean Christophe Vol I

“Only someone who is well prepared has the opportunity to improvise.” - Ingmar Bergman

That's it for me today. I hope you all have a great day!

What We're Thankful For

Link

Morning Swooners,

Nahomi and I had our readers share what you're thankful for this year on this giveaway post and so we wanted to do the same. With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us and with all the tragedies going around the world, we wanted to share the good in us and you. To remind us that there is still good things and people and that we should take a moment to just acknowledge it. I'll start us off.

I am thankful for my husband. He may not always understand where I may be coming from but he tries to cheer me up and bring me sweets even without me asking.

I am thankful for my parents and family. We may not be the closest family but I know that when the chips are down, we band together and tackle whatever it may be together.

I am thankful for my friends. Without them, I'll probably be one crazy, obsessive, lonely girl with no one to share my crazy, obsessive, and random ideas with.

I am thankful for the readers of Books and Swoons. To those who have stuck with us or come visit every now and then. I am forever grateful for that.

And I am always thankful for Nahomi. Without whom I probably wouldn't have passed Statistics II or Research Methods. And for always being there and understanding me when no one else does.

Link

Beautifully said Jenn. I've been thinking about what I am thankful for since we decided to do this post. I realized that it is really easy to get caught up in the daily rush and not take a moment to appreciate everything I have. So here goes.

I am thankful I am alive and healthy. I often take for granted that being healthy isn't a given in life and at any moment that can change.

I am thankful for my family. Tony, Mia, my mom and many others that put up with my craziness on a daily basis. Thank you for bringing me joy, laughter and so much love.

I am forever grateful for Jenn. My person. You keep me sane, and accept my crazy and unorganized self.

I am thankful for Dai. She is the best friend/sister in-law I have.

I am thankful for my boss and co-workers. Sometimes we clash but we are like a family. They have a special place in my heart.

I am thankful I have a roof over my head, clothes, and food to eat.

I am thankful for you our readers! I really appreciate that you take time to come visit us and read what we have to say. Thank You!

The list continues for both Jenn and me, we have so much to be thankful for. I want you to slow down and just be thankful for a moment. Take the time to appreciate your life and the people in it.

Link

Waiting on Wednesday (#136)

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

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard

Expected Release Date: January 5, 2016

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Synopsis:

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery,” a magical skill that sets them apart from others. In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.
Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.
Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.
Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

I feel like everyone and their mother is excited about this book and I hope to love it when it come out.

What are you "Waiting on?"