Monday, November 11, 2013

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

Sunday, November 10, 2013

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

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

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.

Raquel
xoxo

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

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


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

Sunday, November 3, 2013

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

Thursday, October 31, 2013

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


Monday, October 28, 2013

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


Wednesday, October 23, 2013

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.


Raquel 
xoxo

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

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


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


Sunday, October 20, 2013

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
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

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

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.


Raquel
xoxo

Sunday, October 13, 2013

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???

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Blog Tour: Found in You by Laurelin Paige



Title: Found in You (Fixed #2)
Author: Laurelin Paige
Release date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Mandevilla Press
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tour organized by: AToMR Tours; http://atomrbookblogtours.com


Book Description:
Alayna Withers has only had one kind of relationship: the obsessive, crazy stalker kind. Now that Hudson Pierce has let her into his heart, she’s determined to stay away from her past tendencies and develop their love into more than just amazing sex. At least Hudson is as dedicated to her as she is to him, though she could do without his new found jealousy and need to control everything. To complicate matters, Hudson has his own baggage including a penchant for mind games and a hateful alcoholic mother who’s set on destroying any happiness he might find with Alayna.

Needing insight, Alayna turns to an unlikely source—Celia Werner. Celia’s been in love with Hudson herself and knows how to ride the rocky waves of the emotionally closed-off man. But when Celia’s true motivations behind their friendship are revealed, Hudson’s commitment might not be as solid as Alayna thinks, and even their all-consuming passion for each other isn’t enough to fix their mistrusts. This is the first relationship where Alayna hasn’t spiraled out of control. And she might lose Hudson anyway…


My Thoughts:
I read the first book, Fixed on You and I absolutely loved it, so when I found out there was going to be a second book tour, I could not wait to sign up; and I have to say, this book did not disappoint. I could not get enough of Alayna and Hudson. 

We start off with Alayna going to Hudson’s apartment after her shift at the club. She is extremely nervous because she is the first woman Hudson has invited there. One thing, I adored about with this book, we learn just how twisted both Alayna and Hudson were. I think their pasts prepared them for each other because I don’t think anyone else would be able to understand why they are the way they are. I don’t think anyone else is better suited.

My first impression of the book would have to be that it is focused on trust. Trust between Alayna and Hudson and if they really have what it takes to have a healthy relationship. One thing that bugged me about this book was the fact that Alayna kept so many secrets from Hudson. I mean, he would definitely find out one way or another, after all this is Hudson Pierce. He knows everything.

I absolutely loved Hudson. He is domineering, alpha male, sexy and commands every room he enters. He has never loved any woman in his life but everything changes when he meets Alayna. She is the exception. I loved that he stood by her no matter what. If Alayna needed help in any way he would help her. I think after that moment I liked him even more. One thing I am really looking to is Hudson actually saying “I love you” to Alayna. In Found in You, he expresses it through his actions but it will be momentous when he does. January 2014 really can’t come fast enough for the third book to be released.

My Rating:
4 out of 5 stars

About the Author :
Laurelin Paige is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Mad Men and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine. She is represented by Bob Diforio of D4EO Literary Agency.

Author social media links:



To see other stops on the tour for reviews, guest posts, and excerpts click here or the tour button below.


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (26)

Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor

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

This is the 3rd book in the series. I have read the first book, Daughter of Smoke & Bone and I loved it. I have not read the second book but will when this book is released. I also love the cover.

Expected Publication Date: June 3, 2014

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)
By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her, if there can even be a future for the chimaera in war-ravaged Eretz.

Common enemy, common cause.

When Jael's brutal seraph army trespasses into the human world, the unthinkable becomes essential, and Karou and Akiva must ally their enemy armies against the threat. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people.

And, perhaps, for themselves. Toward a new way of living, and maybe even love.

But there are bigger threats than Jael in the offing. A vicious queen is hunting Akiva, and, in the skies of Eretz ... something is happening. Massive stains are spreading like bruises from horizon to horizon; the great winged stormhunters are gathering as if summoned, ceaselessly circling, and a deep sense of wrong pervades the world.

What power can bruise the sky?

From the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond, humans, chimaera and seraphim will fight, strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy.

At the very barriers of space and time, what do gods and monsters dream of? And does anything else matter?



Raquel
xoxo

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Review: Beauty from Surrender (Beauty #2) by Georgia Cates

Title: Beauty from Surrender (Beauty #2)
Author: Georgia cates
Release Date: May 30, 2013
Publisher: Self-published
Pages: 277
Source: Bought from Amazon/Kindle


Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)
How do you move on when he’s every song you sing?

After Laurelyn Prescott walks away from the love of her life, she returns to Nashville to pursue the only dream she has left. Determined to find a distraction from the pain of losing Jack Henry, she immerses herself in her music. But with her old life comes old acquaintances and new expectations. When Laurelyn refuses her record producer’s outrageous demands, she finds herself without a career—until an unforeseen opportunity presents itself. From there it’s a rocket ride straight to the top where Laurelyn finds the success she’s always dreamed of. Will it be enough to bring her the happiness she so deserves, or will the absence of Jack Henry leave her wanting more?

Jack Henry McLachlan never expected to fall in love with Laurelyn Prescott—but he did. After he foolishly let her slip through his fingers, he spends three months searching for her, but their reunion doesn’t come easy. The woman he finds isn’t the same one who drifted away without a goodbye. No longer an insecure girl on an Australian adventure, this Laurelyn is a successful musician with a promising career. Her dreams are becoming a reality, and Jack is terrified his American girl won’t have a place for him in her new life. With only a month to convince her otherwise, will it be enough time to make her visualize a life beyond the glitz and glamour, a life that includes him?


My Thoughts:
Beauty from Surrender takes place 1 week after Laurelyn leaves Australia without saying goodbye. Jack Henry is heart broken because he realizes he loves her and didn’t get a chance to tell her. Laurelyn misses Jack Henry so much she begins to become depressed. As Jack Henry beings his search for the love of his life, Laurelyn gets a chance to make it big in the country music industry. Laurelyn must decide what she wants; a life pursuing her dreams or spending her life with Jack Henry.

I could not her enough of Laurelyn and Jack Henry. They are so cute together. I love Jack Henry in this book although I did find him to be a little too sappy at times. I don’t remember him being even remotely sappy in Beauty from Pain (book #1). At the same time, I really liked the fact that one woman can change Jack Henry’s views. Previously, he was against marriage and having kids but since he met Laurelyn, he wants those things with her.

I absolutely loved Jack Henry’s mom. She is hilarious in this book. I found myself laughing out loud a lot when she was around. My favourite quote actually includes Jack Henry, Laurelyn and his mom:

“I know and if it does, it just does. By the way, you should know now that I’m not using rubbers on our honeymoon. Forget it. It’s not happening.” There. She has her warning.
“I know. I have some other stuff, but it’s useless if you don’t give me a chance to put it in.”
“Next time, babe. We won’t be in a rush.” We’re trying to beat the Margaret alarm.
“Next time, I’ll be your wife.” Wow. I hadn’t thought of that.
There’s a pounding at the bedroom door, followed by my mum’s voice. “I know you’re in there, you little shit, and I’m giving you two minutes to shut it down, get dressed, and get out of there.”
We look at each other in the mirror and laugh as we simultaneously say, “Busted.”

I loved how Jack Henry supported Laurelyn and allowed her to experience life on tour before she went back to him. He didn’t hold her back; he supported her in her dreams even though they may be apart for awhile. He knew Laurelyn would come back to him eventually.

2014 really can’t come fast enough, that is when the 3rd book in the series will be out. I am so excited for it.

My Rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Raquel
xoxo


Sunday, September 22, 2013

Stacking the Shelves (22)


Welcome to this week's Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews. It is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual.
Bought from Amazon:

Unchained by J. Lynn

A Little Too Far by Lisa Desrochers

Received for Review:

Found in You by Laurelin Paige

I have been looking forward to Unchained for awhile now. I will definitely be reading it soon. I have heard good things about A Little Too Far.
I have read the first book to Found in You called Fixed on You. I loved Fixed on You and will also be reading the second book soon. 

I hope everyone has a good week!

Raquel
xoxo