In My Mailbox (22) & Stacking the Shelves (28)

Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks.

Purchased on Amazon:

Altered by Jennifer Rush

I bought Altered because I have heard great things about the book and I wanted to see what all of the hype is about. From the description, the book looks great though.

Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The last book I read in this series is Pure which is book #2. JLA is a good author and I always look forward to when she publishes a new book.

What did you get in IMM/STS???

Raquel 

xoxo

P.S. I am currently having a few giveaways on my site. One is My Birthday Giveaway Celebration and the other is the Gratitude Giveaway. If you like, you can enter.

Gratitude Giveaway Hop

Hosted by: I am A Reader, Not A Writer

This is the 4th Annual Gratitude Giveaway Hop and I am happy to be apart of it. This is a way to thank all my followers for the wonderful 9 months I have had. 

I am giving away (1) $15 Amazon Gift Card

You can enter below using rafflecopter. 1 entry per person. Follow my blog your favourite way (facebook, twitter, google friend connect {gfc} OR by email). Please enter only using 1 way. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

Winner of the Gift Card must have an Amazon account. Open to anyone 13 and over. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter widget.

I am also hosting another personal giveaway: My Birthday Celebration Giveaway. If you like, you can enter for a chance to win more prizes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (30)

The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12) by J.R. Ward

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

I have been  waiting for this book since the first book, Dark Lover. Wrath and Beth are my favourite couple in this series. I am so excited for Beth to go into her needing period, Wrath will not be able to resist :)

Expected Publication Date: March 25, 2014

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

J.R. Ward's # 1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood continues as a royal bloodline is compromised by a grave threat to the throne.

Long live the King…

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle--with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything--and everyone--at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response--or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out... or tortured legacy take over?

Add to Goodreads

Raquel

xoxo

Cover Reveal: Love and Cupcakes by Susan Bishop Crispell

Adult Romance

Releasing January 21, 2014

Publisher: Swoon Romance

Book Description:

For Jaclyn “Jack” Pace, sensing what sweets people crave is as easy as breathing. But it’s not enough to keep her cupcake bakery in the black. So, when her estranged sister Harper comes back to town with an affinity for making art out of icing—and a past full of secrets—she reluctantly gives Harper a job and a place to crash. As their sisterly relationship begins to thaw, the one with her business partner Graham starts to heat up. Given the legend that says Hollingsworth men will recognize their soul mates at first touch, Jack’s always been resigned to the fact that she’s not his. But when she starts sensing desires that are decidedly not dessert-related, it’ll take all of her magic to set things right with customers and make her own desires come true. Love and Cupcakes is a delightfully sweet and sensual romance from Susan Bishop Crispell.  

   
  About the Author:

Susan Bishop Crispell is not one of those writers who's been scribbling down stories since she could hold a pencil. She didn't read constantly growing up (blasphemy!), and she can still be found in public without a book tucked into her purse (again with the blasphemy!). She is, however, the kind of writer who lives for the imaginative spark that introduces her to a new character or story idea that pushes her to turn everyday life into something magical. She lives and writes near Wilmington, NC.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Tumblr 

My Birthday Giveaway Celebration

November is my birthday month and I am so excited this year, I want to share it with everyone...HOORAY! This year, it is my champagne birthday and I am giving away 2 great prizes. 

1) I am giving away a $28 Amazon Gift Card

2) Book of your choice (max. $15) through The Book Depository

This giveaway is international. I am only giving away a book from The Book Depository, if it does not have the book you want I am sorry :( The Book Depository will be shipping the book. I am not responsible for any damaged packages. Winner of the Amazon Gift Card must have an Amazon account. Open to anyone 13 and over. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In My Mailbox (21) & Stacking the Shelves (27)

Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks.

Purchased on Amazon:

Mine by Katy Evans

Night Owl by M. Pierce

I have heard great things about both of these books. I read Real which is the first book of the series by Katy Evans and it was great. I'm sure Mine will be great as well. I first heard of Night Owl through Aestas Book Blog. I really value her opinion so I am sure it will be great as well.

What did you get for your IMM/STS???

Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (29)

Landry Park by Bethany Hagen

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

Expected Publication Date: February 4, 2014

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

ORDER, ELEGANCE, PROSPERITY.
The words might as well be branded on
seventeen-year-old Madeline Landry herself.
Here in the future United States, ruled by the
lavish gentry, very little is left to choice—and
even less is left to Madeline. Gentry decorum
and Madeline’s domineering father insist that
she must marry, like a good Landry woman,
and run the family estate. But as she steps
outside the decadent walls of her world,
Madeline begins to question everything she
has ever learned. In her desperation, she turns
to the only person who seems to understand:
handsome, beguiling David Dana.
Soon, rumors of war and rebellion start to
spread, and Madeline finds herself and David
at the center of it all. Ultimately, she must
make a choice between her duty—the family
and estate she loves dearly—and her desire.

Add to Goodreads

Raquel

xoxo

Mini Review: Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy #2) by Wendy Higgins

Title: Sweet Peril

Author: Wendy Higgins

Release Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 371

Source: Bought from Amazon/Kindle

Add To Goodreads

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things.

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?

My Thoughts:

An unexpected lost message from the angels appears and Anna is sent all over the world to gain support of fellow Nephilum. A fight between the Dukes and Neph is imminent if the Neph want their freedom and Anna is the key.

I loved Sweet Peril. It was just as good as Sweet Evil. Actually, I think I liked this book even more. One thing I have to say is that Kaiden is SWOONWORTHY in this book. So is Kope. I loved how Kaiden and Anna try to have a relationship even though it is forbidden. They are risking their lives to be together. They are so cute! Their chemistry is still AMAZING. I also loved that Anna is more confident in this book.

The secondary characters were great as well. For me, they really helped make the story. Anna’s father was hilarious; he was just as funny as he was in Sweet Evil. I also really liked Blake.

The cover truly reflects the book in every way; with some light and dark both on Kaiden and Anna. I am really looking forward to the final battle. I am incredibly excited for the last book and how everything will play out.

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

In My Mailbox (20) & Stacking the Shelves (26)

Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks.

Purchased on Amazon:

I bought Perfect Ruin last week but I forgot to include it in my IMM/STS post. I loved the author's first book, Wither, and I am sure this one will be great as well.

Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano

Steel Lily by Megan Curd

Vain by Fisher Amelie

I have also heard great things about Steel Lily and Vain. I am looking forward to reading these books. I just wish I had the time to read more :)

I hope everyone has a great week!

Raquel

xoxo

Dystopian Giveaway Hop

Dystopian Giveaway Blog Hop  hosted by My Shelf Confessions 

I am giving away any book being released which has a dystopian theme to a maximum of $15. This giveaway is international. I am only giving away a book from The Book Depository, if it does not have the book you want I am sorry :( The Book Depository will be shipping the book. I am not responsible for any damaged packages. Open to anyone 13 and over. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In My Mailbox (19) & Stacking the Shelves (25)

Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks.

Bought from Amazon:

Like Gravity by Julie Johnson

I have heard some great things about this novel. I am looking forward to it.

Received for Review:

Fates by Lanie Bross

When I read the description of this book, it sounded great so I requested and I was approved for it by NetGalley. 

Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (28)

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

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

This book has a beautiful cover. I think it is my favourite one yet. There are going to be some great books coming out in 2014.

Expected Publication Date: February 4, 2014

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, called "a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love"

Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she'll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong.

In Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi created a captivating and original story that combined the best of dystopian and paranormal and was praised by Publishers Weekly as "a gripping read from an author who's not afraid to take risks." The sequel, Unravel Me, blew readers away with heart-racing twists and turns, and New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia said it was "dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense." Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and climactic end.

Add to Goodreads

Raquel 

xoxo

Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Title: Born Wicked

Author: Jessica Spotswood

Release Date: February 7, 2012

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Pages: 330

Source: Bought from Chapters Indigo

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

A gorgeous, witchy, romantic fantasy by a debut author! Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and the Beautiful Creatures series!

Everybody thinks Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship--or an early grave. Then Cate finds her mother's diary, and uncovers a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. But if what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe--not even from each other.

My Thoughts:

Born Wicked is a great story of what one person will sacrifice to protect herself and her family. I read this story slowly because I wanted to savor and enjoy it. I believe this is the first book about witches I have read since the Harry Potter books and I am so happy I did because it was awesome.

Born Wicked starts off with Cate and her sisters, Maura and Tess, who are powerful witches. After their Mother died, Cate is left in charge of protecting her sisters from The Brotherhood. She thought she was doing a good job until a mysterious letter arrive that changes Cate’s world and she starts to question everything.

I absolutely loved Cate. She is smart, outspoken, selfless, and extremely protective of her sisters. She knows (kind of) when to fight for what’s right and when to let things go. Cate is also a worry-wart.  She worries about everything and she has every right to. She has to choose if she is going to marry or join the sisterhood, and also about her sisters doing magic and getting caught, she has A LOT on her plate.

Another thing I loved about this book is the boys. In the beginning of the novel, I really liked Paul. But then he said some things that made me changed my feelings about him a little. Also, I fell hard for Finn. He became the object of my affection. It’s like he could see into Cate’s soul. He is sweet, caring, and fiercely protective of the ones he loves. Who couldn’t love a guy like that? I just could not get enough of him in this book.

I really didn’t like the ending. I was shocked at how everything played out and it took me a couple of days to get over it. I hated the fact that Cate had to give up everything, all her hopes, her dreams and I was really sad about that. But I am extremely excited for the second book. Cate and her sisters live in an extremely dangerous time to be a witch. I know Star Cursed, book 2, will be awesome as well. 

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

In My Mailbox (18) & Stacking the Shelves (24)

Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks.

I got some awesome goodies this week and I am so excited to share it with you all. So without further ado...

Bought from Amazon:

Crashing Into You by B.D. Rowe

Hard to Handle by Jessica Lemmon

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Die For Me by Amy Plum

False Memory by Dan Krokos

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Pivot Point by Kasie West

Received from NetGalley:

Crashing Into You by B.D. Rowe

Hard to Handle by Jessica Lemmon

Waterfell (The Aquarathi #1) by Amalie Howard

Pawn by Aimee Carter

I am so excited to read all these books. Thank you  so much Harlequin Teen for approving Waterfell and Pawn for me to read. I am still currently reading All Our Yesterdays and I am loving it! Have a good week!

Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (27)

Sweet Reckoning (The Sweet Trilogy #3) by Wendy Higgins

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

When I saw the cover for this book last night on Goodreads I was literally screaming. I was so happy it also had a description as well. I am really looking forward to this book. I have read both Sweet Evil and Sweet Peril and I am so excited to see how everything plays out. My review for Sweet Peril will be up on the blog in the next couple of days.

Expected Publication Date: April 29, 2014

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

It’s time.

Evil is running rampant and sweet Anna Whitt is its target. Nobody knows when or how the Dukes will strike, but Anna and her Nephilim allies will do anything necessary to rid the earth of the demons and their oppressive ways.

The stakes are higher than ever, and Anna is determined that the love she feels will be her strength, not a liability. But trying to protect the ones she loves while running for her life and battling demonic forces proves to be perilous—especially as faces are changing and trust is fleeting. When the Duke of Lust sends Anna’s great love, Kaidan Rowe, to work against her, Anna must decide how much she’s prepared to risk.

In the most sensual and fast-paced installment yet, Sweet Reckoning brings all the beloved Neph together one last time to fight for their freedom.

Add to Goodreads

Raquel

xoxo

In My Mailbox (17) & Stacking the Shelves (23)

Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks. 

Today I will be having a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with my family. Happy Thanksgiving to all Canadians this weekend. I hope everyone enjoys it!

Purchased:

Playing With Her Heart by Lauren Blakely

Own the Wind by Kristen Ashley

Take This Regret by A.L. Jackson

All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill

What books did you get???