Stacking the Shelves: Month of May {1}

Stacking The Shelves started at Tynag's Reviews, is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Guidelines:

• Create your own Stacking The Shelves post. You can use my official graphic or your own, but please link back to Tynga’s Reviews so more people can join the fun!
• You can set your post any way you want, simple book list, covers, pictures, vlog, sky is the limit
• Tynga posts Stacking The Shelves on Saturdays, but feel free to post yours any day that fits you.
• Visit Tynga’s Reviews on Saturday and add your link so others can visit you!
• Visit other participants link to find out what they added to their shelves!

So this Month I have been lacking on my Sunday posts of all the books I've received in the mail. I was holding off until I found another meme to take part in because of the whole Story Siren issue I didn't feel comfortable partaking in "In My Mailbox" any more. BUT! Through some wonderful suggestions from fellow Bloggers, Tynga's Reviews I have found and have been loving her posts and her Saturday meme - "Stacking the Shelves"! So without further adieu I give you an entire MONTH of books ... the month isn't even over yet and I already have 31 books (I think that is basically a book a day! lol)

Romance Novels:

Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

Blood Bound & Shadow Bound by Rachel Vincent

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

The Dark Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

Between & Hell Transporter by Cyndi Tefft (AUTOGRAPHED!!)

      

Received:

Half Blood & Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout (sent by Brenna @ Esther's Ever After)

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout (sent by Brenna @ Esther's Ever After)

Eona by Alison Goodman (sent by RazOrbill)

Blackwood by Gwenda Bond (sent by Strange Chemistry)

Shift by Kim Curran (sent by Strange Chemistry)

Bought/Birthday Presents:

The Demon King by Cinda William Chima

The Taker by Alma Katsu

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins 

Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

I was SO incredibly excited for these two come May!!

RazOrbill Fall Releases:

The Friday Society by Andrienne Kress

(You) Set Me On Fire by Mariko Tamaki

Stony River by Tricia Dower

Lucid by Adrienne Stoltz & Ron Bass

Flash Point by Nancy Kress

The Edge of Nowhere by Elizabeth George

Rift by Andrea Cremer

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Venom by Fiona Paul

FAVOURITES: EEK! SO excited!

Teaser Tuesday (14): Kristin Cashore Obsessed!

Teaser Tuesdays is a bookish meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 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 participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Teaser:

Today we have a treat! I thought I wold post some of my favourite quotes from all three Kristin Cashore novels, "Graceling" "Fire" & "Bitterblue"

“I know you don't want this, Katsa. But I can't help myself. The moment you came barreling into my life I was lost. I'm afraid to tell you what I wish for, for fear you'll... oh, I don't know, throw me into the fire. Or more likely, refuse me. Or worst of all, despise me" ...

Character: Po

"Graceling" by Kristin Cashore

“Brigan," she said, annoyed that he had not understood.
"I’ll always be beautiful. Look at me. I have one hundred and sixty two bug bites, and has it made me any less beautiful? I’m missing two fingers and I have scars all over, but does anyone care? No! It just makes me more interesting! I’ll always be like this, stuck in this beautiful form, and you’ll have to deal with it."
He seemed to sense that she expected a grave response, but for the moment, he was incapable. "I suppose it’s a burden I must bear," he said, grinning.” 

Character: Fire

"Fire" by Kristin Cashore

"Queen Bitterblue never meant to tell so many people so many lies... It all began with the High Court case about the madman and the watermelons"

Character: Bitterblue (Intro)

"Bitterblue" by Kristin Cashore

Divergent Club: Desirable Divergent Beaus

In loo of "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth publication this week on May 1, 2012 a couple blogger friends and I have decided to put together a couple postings about or excitement over Divergent and express our upcoming love for this series! I decided to do a post on (3) main hotties from Divergent, including a photo of who I thought the actor should be to play them, and of course their stats & a brief description! I hope these boys make you swoon, and weak in the knees like they did for me throughout the book! I cannot wait to see what Veronica Roth has in store for us in "Insurgent" (in stores now!)

Tobias/Four: Dauntless through and through, Four is one of our 3 delicious book boyfriends of Divergent. Deep-set dark blue eyes, lean and tame looking Four is one of the deadliest, and yet attractive boys in the Divergent series. Four is introduced to us when Beatrice/Tris is the first to jump down the dauntless entrance as an initiate. Noticeably the first thing we are introduced too about “Four” is his lips - spare upper lip and full lower lip (irresistible and kissable); and of course his deep set, dark blue eyes, and luscious eyelashes. As one of the first boys to be seen as a love interest in Divergent, Four made us (me especially) swoon at first read. Although he makes us weak in the knees he can be cruel and almost “tyrant” like as Tris had described him in Divergent when in training. He is known to be one of the top trainers although he differs when it comes to training techniques and morals in the Dauntless Faction compared to that of his rival Eric, a dauntless leader. Among the top dauntless initiates to be accepted as dauntless he is very quick and smart when it comes to computers. Noticeably, he has a lean build not appearing to be as blatantly “dauntless” as some in his dress and demeanor, he almost has a tame look to him but is still extremely deadly when holding a gun, knives or hand-to-hand combat. Decorated with many tattoos running along his spine, he is a mysterious and dark individual with a sweet, gentle side that not many see. With a slightly arrogant and ferocious side, Four is by far one of my favourite bad boys of the Dauntless faction. My actor of choice to play him in a movie would be none other than, Matt Dallas.

Stats:

• ·      Dark Blue Eyes
• ·      Long Eyelashes
• ·      Spare upper lip, and full lower lip (kissable)
• ·      Tame looking; lean tight build; Intimidating demeanor
• ·      Hidden Tattoos
• ·      Talent with Computers
• ·      First place overall his initiation
• ·      Divergent
• ·      Faction Change: Abnegation – Dauntless

Eric:  Described as being a ruthless, cunning, and “scary” individual Eric is our second boyfriend of the “Divergent” world. Although not portrayed as anyone’s love interest and more of an antagonist of Tris’ and all initiates, he still has his strong points as being an attractive book boyfriend. A one of a kind bad boy through and through, Eric is on the verge of being labeled dangerous within his Faction, which is exactly what they expect from the youngest leader ever. Pushing and breaking initiates seems to be a joy of his and seeing how far he can push their limits in training and within the Dauntless compound is “fun” to him. Eric embodies everything the “new” dauntless is suppose to be – ruthless and feared. He despises Four for having old Dauntless ways set as his guidelines and antagonizes him more than anyone. Not described as being a “hottie” or attractive Eric does have long dark hair, and a couple of facial piercings, which in my mind only intrigues me more about him. Within “Divergent” we only see Eric as a bad boy leader, bent on bringing Fours demise, and seeing the fall of Abnegation. But, I think Eric has potential to be a steamy book boyfriend, he just needs to show everyone a little more peace and a lot less intense all the time. My actor of choice if I had to choose would be Samuel Larsen – extremely attractive even with long dark hair, and facial piercings!

Stats:

• ·      Cold Eyes
• ·      Calculative & menacing
• ·      Dark longer (greasy) hair
• ·      Piercing’s cover the majority of his face
• Eyebrow
• Lip
• ·      Power hungry
• ·      Insecure
• ·      Youngest Leader of Dauntless
• ·      Second place overall his initiation
• ·      Faction Change: Erudite to Dauntless

   Caleb Prior: A selfless and sweet hottie, Caleb Prior is our last delicious guy of “Divergent”. Who doesn’t love a sweet, selfless, honest guy with brains too boot! Caleb is sister too Beatrice/Tris, and a shocker to his family for choosing Erudite over Abnegation. Good at hiding his genius mind from his entire family, and bookworm tendency, Caleb is any sweet girls dream. Not a lot is given to us by Tris regarding her brother although if in any other faction Caleb would have been gawked at by the other girls. With dark hair, and green eye’s he is a definite cutie to be on the look out for in the future. The one thing that stood out for me about Caleb was his pure instinct to be the utmost selfless individual, but still have something that is all, his books. Also the fact that he is a total book nerd definitely makes us weak in the knees for a fellow book lover! If Caleb were to be played by any actor of my choosing I would choose, Lucas Till. Although not a dark haired individual, his gentle smile, and innocent look to him says it all.

   Stats:

• ·       Dark hair
• ·       Hooked nose
• ·       Green Eyes
• ·       Selfless
• ·       Kind
• ·       Book Smart
• ·       Good at hiding his true self
• ·       Faction Change: Abnegation to Erudite to Factionless

Enter to win a FANTASTIC prize: Divergent & Insurgent

Rules are simple: Canadian entrants only. 

You can gain up to 4 entries by commenting once on each post. 

Include an e-mail address in case you win.

Winners will be chosen on May 14th, 2012

Don't Miss the other Two:

Brenna @ Esther's Ever After

Amanda @ Stuck in YA Books

Mature Monday's (1): Fifty Shades of Grey

Mature Monday's is a feature I've decided I'd like to host on the blog. You don't have to participate if you don't want too - although I find it hard as a Young Adult reviewer to post more Adult content such as reviews for romance novels, erotica, etc. SO! I have designated Monday's as my day for my adult review of choice. It can be of a book, of a TV show or of a Movie. I don't know if anyone is going to be interested in participating but for now if you'd like to participate leave a comment with the link to your review or post about an adult orientated topic :)
To start us of I thought I would post a compilation review of ALL 3 Fifty Shades of Grey novels devoured of the last 4 days of my life! Its a bit long, but I think does each book enough justice to quicken your heartbeat and make you weak in the knees!

Review: Fifty Shades of Grey Series by E.L. James

There are only a few words that could describe this series as a whole accurately enough … steamy … seductive … and enchanting. I know enchanting is not a word usually associated with erotic romance, but "Fifty Shades of Grey", "Fifty Shades Darker", and "Fifty Shades Freed" all had an enchanting aspect to them which made this series all the more addicting. As many have probably seen throughout twitter, facebook and goodreads.com - all last week I could not put these books down! They literally haunted my dreams - I fell asleep reading them, and woke up thinking “what is going to happen next?!” “is she going to stay with him” “Can he give more?” - it was a little unnerving, and I don’t think I have ever felt this strongly about an erotic romance series before. Yes the word erotic does put most people off because they think they’re going to be labelled as one of “THOSE” people who reads dirty smutty romance, and HECK Fifty Shades has exactly that, kinky sex. But without the “smut” it wouldn’t have been as exciting, or irresistible as it was - it just wouldn’t have been my Fifty Shades of fucked up (one of my favourite descriptors used by Ana the main female character).

Because this is a compilation review of all three books, I am going to break down my review into small paragraphs about each book, and then my overall thoughts.

Fifty Shades of Grey: I was a bit unsure about how I felt about this book at first. I wasn’t sure if I was going to love Anastasia Steele as a main character or Christian Grey for that matter. Both seemed doomed from the start, Ana a sweet inexperienced girl fresh out of University, and Christian the control freak, and dark business tycoon almost on the verge of obsession with Ana just within the first couple of pages. Although I enjoy a fast paced novel this one seemed to move at lightening pace. So much happened in such a short period of time - I loved and hated that aspect of the book. I wanted to savour Ana & Christians love affair for what it was - just sex. But it turned into so much more by the last page, my mind was basically spinning out of control due to pure confusion and anticipation I HAD to have the next book as soon as I could. Overall I was not worried about the kinky sex scenes, but was worried about the over the top too quick “I Love Yous” that normally happen within romance novels. But Fifty Shades did not disappoint at all, there were some overly romantic periods, and we were touch and go for a bit but in the end I enjoyed the first of this fabulous series much more than I had anticipated.

Fifty Shades Darker: The one thing I absolutely loved about this series was how they wasted no time getting straight into the story. Picking up from the heart wrenching conclusion of the last novel, Ana and Christian are once again thrown into their passionate love affair. Christian is still an overbearing control freak, but Ana not so shy anymore and learning that not everything has to be HIS way, has become a force to be reckoned with. She has grown into a dominant, and confident young woman, who is the perfect match for her Fifty Shades. Although still trying to convince Christian of this and her feelings, she learns more and more about his past which explains why he is the way that he is in the present. The audience also gets a better glimpse at Christians family life, two adopted siblings (like himself) and a very successful mother and father. I enjoyed getting to know all the other characters a bit more as Ana was - I felt like I was connected through her to everything that was going on. I felt everything she was feeling towards her best friend Kate, Christian, and even the evil seductress Elena. I was so enthralled with book number 2 I couldn’t believe it had ended when it did. Now don’t get me wrong this series is not only about their romance, it also had some dark rooted drama that only leads to stronger and more predominate drama within the third book. The best thing about this series, and also its worst is how all three books happen within about 6 months - EVERYTHING that happens happens so quickly it almost feels unrealistic at times. But pushing that aside, the second book did not disappoint at all - infact I think it is a fantastic bridge between the beginning and end of the story (obviously); giving enough to the reader to lure them back in but also leaving enough for the end of the book that we are blown away! Fifty Shades Freed: BY FAR my favourite of the three! I usually NEVER say that about books because I am so unhappy that the series has ended. But with Fifty Shades you want to know what happens in the end, you wish and hope that everything works out for the best and reading about Ana and Christians seductive journey is the best part! I actually had to pace myself with this book because I just didn’t want the series to end, I wanted to savor each and every page of this book, but at the same time the anticipation and suspense was eating away at me! I cannot say too much about how this book turned out because I do not want to ruin it for people who are wanting to read it or currently, but there are some mind blowing turn of events, some major explosions from Christian and Ana, but in the end I gave in and couldn’t help myself slowly swooning over their passionate and undying love for one another. Corny as it may sound, the reader cannot help but smile everytime Christian and Ana are together in this book. In the end I thought that the epilogue was the best part of the book. After everything the two of these individuals have gone through, betrayal, heartbreak, pain and fear - you just want them to end up happy with one another, they almost deserve that in the end. Although the third book is written differently than the rest meaning that more time takes place within fewer pages, and a lot less happens drama wise, it is still a quick paced and well written conclusion to one epic love story. Final Thoughts: Overall this series is definitely 5 out of 5 stars all the way through. There is nothing I would change about these books, every aspect fits perfectly with each character's personalities. Christian Grey although not my favourite character at first, haunted my dreams, and is definitely one book boyfriend I am going to covet forever! (so back off girls :D haha!) He quickens your heart beat, and makes you weak in the knees for a romance such as theirs. Although unorthodox throughout the entire series, Ana and Christian in the end were the perfect match and character combination! It was refreshing to meet a well educated and insightful young lady who loves literature as much as myself. If anything I would highly suggest this series to anyone not afraid of kinky sex between the pages. It was and is a seductive whirlwind of emotions that grips you until the very last page of the series. A wonderfully written story, that is strongly plot and character driven. A good mixture of crazy ex girlfriends, hidden secrets, and an insatiable need for love, the "Fifty Shades of Grey" series delivers all that and much much more.

In My Mailbox (24): VIDEO is BACK!

"In my Mailbox" is a weekly meme hosted by the fantastic Kristi "the Story Siren". Bloggers are able to post what new books they've received either by buying, borrowing, on loan from the library, or publisher sent throughout the past week.

EEEP! So many AWESOME adult books I got over the last two weeks, BUT also so many great Y.A. novels! I am so excited to share them with you all this week AND be able to do it through video (FINALLY got my sound fixed) - ENJOY!

Shout Outs!

Giselle @ Book Nerd

Ang @ Eastern Sunset Reads
Under the Covers

NEW FEATURE! I've been trying to plan a way to share my addiction of the adult genre on my blog, and I have decided to dubb mondays - "Mature Mondays" where I'll be posting reviews, or videos, or any posting to do with mature content, may it be books, TV shows or Movies in the last week I want to review. If you would be interested in participating in this "feature" let me know in the comments section and perhaps I'll look into getting a "InLinkz" link :)

Waiting On Wednesday (28)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by "Breaking the Spine" were bloggers can post their anticipated upcoming publications! This week I've chosen a new author for me, but some of you may know her from her wolf series, Shiver.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Publisher: Scholastic Press
Expected Publication: September 18, 2012

There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

"It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive."

"Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her."

"His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble."

"But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys. For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore."

Thoughts: Seeing as this is a new author for me I can't really comment on the writing style I'll be expecting, although I do love the synopsis and overall premisis of this novel! I honestly think after reading about Rachel Vincents "Soul Screamer" novels I have become hooked on anything to do with "seers" and spirits and reapers and such. Maggie seems to be delivering an entirely new and different twist on the lore of these seers with the opening statement, "either you're his true love ... or you killed him". It really sparks my curiousity because the main character, Blue has been destined to kill her true love! So along with an opening in a graveyard (creepy) we also have a "love" interest. AND who are these Raven Boys - I am dying to know more about them as well. This book just screams unanswered questions that BEG to be answered! Annnnd of course the cover art! *sigh* how could you not just love the cover - I know its not the typical beautiful girl or handsome boy, but still in itself speaks volumes of what you can expect for this upcoming publication. I just love the placement of everything, very catching to the eye, and also the eye's in the wing of the raven - creeepy! Keep on the look out for this book once September hits, I have a feeling I'll be diving into this one around Halloween :)

Cover Reveal: "Blue Moon" by Julie Belfield

Today we are hosting another fantastic cover reveal for the author Julie Belfied! Her series the "Holloway Pack" as taken off with enthusiasm and love for these new found paranormal romances. Just a little bit about the lovely Julie, she lives in Solihull, England, with her husband, two children, three cats and a dog. She writes paranormal romance, with a second love for urban fantasy!

"Blue Moon" by J.A. Belfield

Expected Publication: December 2012

Publisher: J. Taylor Publishing

"Someone is watching the Holloway Pack, and this time, the female isn’t the target. Life with a group of seven male werewolves worries Jem Stonehouse not one bit. She is engaged to the Alpha’s son Sean Holloway after all. So what has Jem’s territorial instincts on high alert? The pack’s latest addition. Both of them. None of the men think there’s a problem with the new girlfriends. Jem’s intuition tells her otherwise—that and a nagging suspicion the new females aren’t there to partake.Jem believes they’ve joined in to take.The question is ... What? As the eve of the blue moon draws ever closer, Jem’s running out of time to find the answer and outwit a thief of the worst possible kind."

"A woman who believes she can’t lose."

THE COVER ...

My Thoughts: I can't tell you how much I adore this cover! Being the "cover coveter" that I am, I have loved both of the cover reveals I have done for Julie. This one in particular I can't get enough of! Simple with only a few items drawing your eye, not too busy, and clearly describing the title. The women on the left hand side is placed perfectly to not draw too much attention to her (even though she is wearing almost a sheer gown) but to give most of the attention to the title, and also the pale blue moon (in the upper right hand corner). The cover is almost seductive in a way with the use of the different hues of blue, and also the curves of the womens body in line with the title! I just can't get enough of this cover, I could rant and rave about it for hours on end!

Check out the other Holloway Pack Novels: HERE!