Waiting on Wednesday (26) Menagerie

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW! 

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

From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent comes a richly imagined, provocative new series set in the dark mythology of the Menagerie…

When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger's Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she's forced to "perform" in town after town. 

But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other "attractions"—mermaids, minotaurs, gryphons and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she'll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed. 

Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale.

Why am I waiting?

Hmm... is Delilah a supernatural or a human pretending to be super? Will she be able to break free? To be honest Rachel Vincent wrote it so I would probably reading it even without the supernatural aspect.

Teaser Tuesday (26) Scion

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

“Sure, you can. You just walk over there and say, “Gracie, I’ve been desperately pining over you for the last five months. I need you like a fat man needs Twinkies, and I’m going to die from heartbreak if you don’t go to the Spring Fling with me.”

Scion Kindle Location 272

“It could stay like this if I never let go.” I gave her a squeeze, hugging her even tighter against me. “When we touch, it all goes away.”

Scion Kindle Location 3029

I absolute adore Russ and his advice to Ethan is spot on. The second teaser to a sweet moment he has with Clara, there aren’t too many of those in this book. To be honest, I wish there were more but I understand now why there aren’t.

Review:Getting Lucky Number Seven

Author Cindi Madsen
Format e-book
Print Length ?

Publisher Entangled: Brazen
Published April 28, 2015

What's your lucky number?

Lyla Wilder is done being the shy, chemistry nerd extraordinaire. While every other college student is out having fun, Lyla is studying. With her cat. Well, she's played it "safe" quite enough, thank you. So she creates a "College Bucket List"―with item #7 being a night of uninhibited, mind-blowing sex...

But she needs some help from her man-whore best friend.

Hockey player Beck Davenport thought Lyla's transformation would be subtle. Man, was he wrong. With every item she ticks off, Beck finds himself growing seriously hot for his sweet, brainiac best friend. And if he's not careful, he'll end up risking their friendship in order to convince Lyla that he might just be her lucky #7...

My Opinion

Hockey player- sign me up

Chemistry gal- I can dig a nerd

Best Friends- oh my friends to lovers tale- my kinda story

Layla is a shy chemistry major that knows she is awkward around others. Beck is a popular hockey player who knows he is all kinds of awesome. They happen to be best friends. Quite by accidently, really- they met in chemistry class. Where she didn’t know who he was, he found that refreshing and a friendship was born. For Beck this friendship means everything, especially since most people are his friend based solely on his name. Lyla being the girl that she is makes a list of seven things that she wants to do before she graduates. She knows that it may be hard to accomplish this because of her awkwardness so she enlist Beck to help her. Beck agrees so that Lyla doesn’t get hurt.

The event that sparks Lyla’s list brought tears to my eyes- the way she handled it though made me smile. Her transformation was true to herself. She was logical throughout the book understanding each risk she took, even the ones involving Beck.

Beck is truly trying to be a good friend to Lyla. He tries to help her out but it gets harder and harder to see her with other guys. He doesn’t understand why. His discovery of his attraction to her is hilarious.

I loved, loved, loved this book. Puffy heart loved it. My heart broke for Lyla, then was sewn back together just to have it broken again for Beck. Oh the feels. If you are looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry and everything in between this is the one for you.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote No letting fear get the best of you. Remember, rapid changes take catalysts.

Other People

Aunt Tessa- Beck’s aunt, guardian of the estate
Megan- Beck’s little sister
Whitney- Lyla’s roomie and gal bestie

Shadow Falls After Dark: Unspoken Teasers

Now after the events of Spellbinder which released on Tuesday I just had to find out if Miranda was going to be okay in Unspoken. As one of Della's best friends she of course will be there for her favorite vamp. She just has a lot going on herself right now. A lot going on in the heart department for her, too. I honestly think for the first time ever, I have switched teams after Spellbinder.  No longer does Perry hold my heart- Shawn on the other hand....

How are these two gals going to keep it together with all these yummy guys after them? Of course, CC Hunter has a special message for all of her readers as well.

One written by Perry to Miranda

Can’t u understand? I broke up with u because I thought u deserved better.

One written by Miranda to Perry

Can’t u understand? I never thought I deserved better until you broke up with me.

One written by Shawn to Miranda

All I’m asking for is a chance? Go out with me once? Is that too much to ask?

One written by C.C. Hunter to her fans 

I can’t wait until u read Unspoken. There is so much going on.

Unspoken Releases on Oct. 27, 2015.

Just Can't Put It Down Give Away Hop

Sometimes you read a book and you literally cannot put it down. The gates of Hades could open and demons could be spawning up everywhere and you would still be reading. It could be raining $100 bills and you would still be reading. Other times there are books that you are looking forward to read- just knowing it is going to be great and then you open it and you think what the what? Ohh..... the life of a reader.

 Here are a few books that I just could not put down.

Surprised me with how good it was:

I just knew this book would capture me:

For this giveaway hop I will be giving away a $15.00 Amazon gift card.  I of course recommend any of the books that captured me.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are some great giveaways below get to hopping!

Book Trailer Saturday (15) Ink & Bone

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight...

In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.…

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.

When he inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn.…

Review: Unmarked

Author Kami Garcia
Format e-book

Print Length 384 pages
Publisher Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Published September 30, 2014

The heart-pounding sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller, Unbreakable, by New York Times bestselling Beautiful Creatures co-author Kami Garcia.

He is here... and he could be anyone.

Kennedy Waters lives in a world where vengeance spirits kill, ghosts keep secrets, and a demon walks among us–a demon she accidentally set free.

Now Kennedy and the other Legion members–Alara, Priest, Lukas, and Jared–have to hunt him down. As they learn more about the history of the Legion and the Illuminati, Kennedy realizes that the greatest mystery of all does not belong to any secret order, but to her own family. With the clock ticking and the life of someone she loves hanging in the balance, Kennedy has to ask the question she fears most: what is it about her past that has left her Unmarked?

My Opinion

Unmarked takes place several weeks after Unbreakable ends. Kennedy is now at a boarding school wallowing in self-pity. She blames herself for what happened in Unbreakable. She wants to hid away in guilt but the demon they let lose won’t let her. He is coming for her and so is the Legion. Jared busts her out of boarding school right as Kennedy receives a message from the demon. From there they discover a bunch of stuff about Kennedy’s family. Along with the original team Ellie, Kennedy’s bestie is added to the group.

Kennedy follows clues that lead her to her aunt- Faith. Her daddy’s sister, who is a member of the Legion. She explains to her how she has stayed alive, but them finding her means the demon can find her, too. Once Faith passes away, Kennedy should receive her mark even if Faith doesn’t want this life for her- she doesn’t it will take a wealth of knowledge and the Illuminati to find out why.

The Legion members end up being saved by the Illuminati, which is a little weird- since they are mortal enemies. It all gets explained. As well as her unmarked wrist- the explanation is a dozy though. Be prepared to yell at both of her parents.

The romance level in this one is burning! Kennedy and Jared are swoon-rific together. Jared oh Jared has really stepped up his game. Both in fighting demons and fighting for Kennedy. The battle is heavy and the team takes a hit. Will Kennedy and the Legion be able to recover?

Kennedy does a lot of personal growing in this tale. Which is nice, she is no longer one dimensional but is a lot more relatable. The secondary characters step up to bat more and I gotta say sometimes even steall the show. Not sure if that is a good think or a bad thing.

Overall, Unmarked an impressive second book of a trilogy. Main character gets more depth. Secondary characters grow- ends on another cliffhanger. When is the final book coming out?

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “You belong with me no matter what,” he said.

Other People

Lukas- Legion member, Jared’s twin
Priest- Legion member-engineering expert
Alara- Legion member- alchemy expert
Ellie- Kennedy’s bestie
Dimitri- Illuminati
Gabriel- Illuminati
Faith- Kennedy’s aunt

Swoon Thursday (25) Getting Lucky Number Seven

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound!

How I should've told her she was perfect and sexy and the smartest person I knew. That I was

drowning without her, and that for the first time in my life, I got why they called it a broken heart, because all mine did was sit in my chests and ache with each beat.

Getting Lucky Number Seven Kindle Location 2863

I love it when a guy can admit that he is wrong. Even if he doesn't say it outloud but inside his own head. Hopefully, he will make it right.

Waiting on Wednesday (25) The Nightmare Charade

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

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

The final installment in a thrilling fantastical mystery series.

Sixteen-year-old Dusty Everhart breaks into houses late at night, but not because she’s a criminal. No, she’s a Nightmare. Literally. Dusty is a magical being who feeds on human dreams.

Being the only Nightmare at Arkwell Academy, a boarding school for magickind, and living in the shadow of her mother’s infamy is hard enough, not to mention the crazy events of the past year. Dusty may have saved the day, but there are many days left in the year, and with an old foe back to seek revenge, she'll need all her strength to defeat him and save her friends. 

Mindee Arnett thrills again in this stunning final installment in the Arkwell Academy series.

Why am I waiting?

This is the last installment of the Arkwell Academy series- a better question is how can I not read it. Will Dusty end up with her man, or will the magic counsel prevail? Who is the old foe?

Teaser Tuesday (25) The Fill-In Boyfriend

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

For a moment I forgot we had an audience and it was for them that we were performing this show. He made me forget I had come here to try to get him out of my head.

The Fill-In Boyfriend Kindle Location 1514

I love it when a guy makes you forget. Makes you forget your purpose, your reality for just a moment. A moment that you will cherish forever.

Review: Spellbinder

Author C.C. Hunter

Format e-ARC
Print Length ?
Publisher St. Martin’s Griffin
Published June 30, 2015

When magic, romance and family secrets collide, the result is spellbinding!

Miranda Kane has always felt like a screw up–at least when it comes to her ability to wield magic. Her only sanctuary is Shadow Falls camp, where she’s learning to harness her powers as a witch. But thanks to her shapeshifter boyfriend who called it quits and ran off to Paris, both her heart and powers feel broken.

When she unexpectedly lands a top spot in a spell casting competition in France, she flies out with her best friends Kylie and Della. But her trip takes her straight into the heart of a dangerous supernatural mystery–and a heated romance. What Miranda doesn’t expect is for her investigation to unleash shocking revelations…about herself, her family, and her arch enemy. Now Miranda must step up and show everyone that she’s a witch to be reckoned with….before it’s too late.

My Opinion

Spellbinder will make you fall in love with both of the Shadow Falls series all over again! Oh my goodness! After this novella, Miranda needs her own book- seriously, like yesterday.

Miranda wins a competition- her momma kinda bribes her into winning. You see, if Miranda got first place she would be on her way to Paris (where a certain shape-shifter who broke her heart is). Not only would she be on her way to Paris, but so would her besties with momma footing the bill. The only problem, someone is killing off the competition- so her life is in danger. Miranda takes that in stride and does not worry too much about her life. She is more concerned with everyone else’s safety. Gotta love how Miranda’s awesome magical ability shows up when she needs it most, but not when she wants it too.

Because her life is in danger- Shawn a FRU agent who is also a childhood friend is assigned to protect her. He is too cute in this story- he really cares about Miranda. It is evident that he cares, yet he still gives her space because of her broken heart. I feel so bad for him, because he knows he is perfect for her.

Once it is known to Perry that Miranda is in Paris- he comes running to see her. He knows he screwed up and is willing to do anything to fix it. Not only that but man, once he finds out she is in danger- off the charts swoon worthy moments.

Miranda’s family has secrets- ones that involve her archenemy Tabitha. Miranda doesn’t even know why they are archenemies. Tabitha is an amazing witch just like Miranda and ends up in the same competition- but is she the killer or the next victim. When they both end up in mortal danger you will never guess who shows up to save the day!

Spellbinder serves as a great reminder that Miranda has stories to tell and CC Hunter should listen to her. What a great novella- it makes me want to beg CC Hunter to continue the story after Unspoken is released in October. This story truly is that amazing!

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Why don’t you grow some fangs and admit you want to see him?”

Other People

Della- vampire bestie
Kylie- chameleon bestie
Tabitha- archenemy

Shadow Falls After Dark: Unspoken Teasers

The characters of Shadow Falls After Dark have been texting galore! What are they saying? Will it give us a hint about what will happen in Unspoken? I begged CC Hunter for a sneak peek into the lives of my favorite vamps and shape shifters.

Here are the texts that she teased me with. I am getting a little about being on Team Steve.  You got to hand it to him even in text he is a gentleman.  Please please Della forgive him...

One written by Steve to Della

I’m back at Shadow Falls. U can’t keep avoiding me. Sooner or later we need to talk. 

One written by Della to Steve

U were the one to leave me. So it will be later! 

One written by Chase to Della

I’m not lying to u. I’m here to help. Can’t u believe me? 

One written by Della to Chase

I’m not sure I’ll ever believe you again! 

One written by Chase to Steve

Della is mine. U need to respect that. 

One written by Steve to Chase

The only thing I need to respect is Della. And this is her choice!