Stacking the Shelves--Stressful & Happiness Edition

 

Stacking the Shelves 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! The meme is now hosted by Reading Reality.

I survived another week. Quite literally too it seems. At least mentally! Just as I think work should be slowing down I am proven why I should not think happy thoughts! Lol. It's not so much getting busier per se, we're still kind of busy, but it's the requests that are coming in that we need to fulfill are BIG! And we still have not gotten our groove back and I am just feeling overwhelmed with the amount of requests I am handling and trying to keep track of then you throw in the slew of emails to balance and all that other jazz and it's just. A. Lot. Here's hoping that December begins the reign of calm!

Other than work...things were pretty good! I went to meet Devney Perry on Tuesday night and then Wednesday I was off with the holiday! So I spent the whole day reading...but then alas, Thursday I was super busy at work so I did not get to make progress on my breaks. Although the Outlook outage was kind of nice, but man was Friday rough when it came back! Lol. Then Friday after I got off work early, I spent the entire day at the library awaiting the event that night for Book Meets World! YES! Three of the Boy Meets World stars and the stars of the Pod Meets World podcast came to St. Louis and OMG! IT WAS AMAZING! I watched the show partly through re-runs growing up, but I think in the latter half of the show I watched it on TGIF nights! And it was awesome! I love that this trio are friends in real life still as it's always my "childlike allusion" that the TV stars that act as friends on TV are friends in real life and I feel like sometimes that is actually true if you can believe what you read in "news" articles, but that's hard to take in too. But it was awesome! We were originally told there would only be a signing line for the book, but the stars THANKFULLY made it to St. Louis before any flights were grounded early and signed all the books ahead of time so there was a PHOTO LINE! I LOVED IT! I was originally prepping for things I wanted to tell them while they would've signed my book but had to nix 99% of and just as I was saying my thanks and leaving, I told Will that Plays with Squirrels was my absolute favorite! Couldn't go into the detail as to why, but I was just happy to tell him that because that character truly did get me through hard times when I would think "happy thoughts" to escape unhappy times.

But anyway...onto the haul!

Here's what I got this week:

A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young--she's coming to my library next month and I am hoping I can attend!
The Secrets of Clarence Manor by Devney Perry--SIGNED! A little hesitant about this one as I am not sure if it will be "mysterious" enough for me. But we'll see how it goes.
Book Meets World by Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, & Will Friedle--SIGNED!!!

Then I received a surprise in the mail that I had NO IDEA was coming and was ECSTATIC to see:

The Golden Huntress by Katherine Quinn--early copy!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU Mayhem Books!

Then I got my bonus purchase incentive for The Emperor's Enemy:

double sided character poster of Tarantula!

THANK YOU MIRA!!!

And then I think it was last week I hopped over to LitJoy Crate's site for a sale they were having and got a HIGHLY MUCH needed item and one impulse purchase! 

a luggage tag to let TSA know why my luggage is so heavy and yet just under that 50lb limit! Lol. I mean would they adhere to an added caveat of "look, but don't touch"? I nearly spend a good hour Tetris-izing that luggage! Lol.
a silver stake letter opener a la Vampire Academy!

And that was it for me this week! Progress is still moving slowly on renovating my house, so no new pictures yet. We're almost done with the kitchen and the rest of the main floor. Still have the basement library room and upstairs to tackle. Pictures will come....eventually.

What all did you get this week?

Review--Harbinger by Geneva Lee

 

Arden Icaros was never supposed to matter. From the poorest of five noble bloodlines, she prefers life on the family farm with dirt under her nails over the fine dresses at court. She just needs to get through one boring ceremony, inherit her earth magic, and return home.

Instead, she's handed a dagger and with it, an impossible choice.

Now Arden is branded an omen of war, half the nobility wants her dead, and assassins are tracking her every move.

Her only chance of survival lies with the most feared man in Antares.

They call him Bishop. No one remembers the name he had before he dedicated his life to his order. Empowered to execute first and question later, Bishop is ruthless, terrifying, and utterly loyal to the kingdom that wants Arden dead.

He should kill her.

Instead, he offers her sanctuary.

But the longer Arden stays under Bishop's protection, the more dangerous he becomes. Because Bishop has secrets powerful enough to topple kingdoms...and a need for Arden that could ruin them both.

Another rough week had me slogging through my latest read, Geneva Lee's Harbinger! It wasn't bad by any means, but another heavy "romantasy" read during still busy times at work does not make for easy reading! Harbinger was an intriguing story though and its premise had me immediately hooked with the different types of magic one could have, but naturally, things quickly devolve into chaos at the start of Arden's testing and things only ramp up in the danger from there!

In the city of Antares there are noble families who have a sort "control" over a certain type of magic. Arden is reaching the age where she will be tested to see what kind of magic she will have and upon taking her test, it's revealed that she's a harbinger...pretty much get the idea from there, she's meant to bring about bad things to come and everyone is suddenly out to get her and wants her dead before she can bring worse things upon them.

She's quickly taken in by a man known as Bishop who is a police type figure for the king. But the night Arden's power is revealed, the king is found murdered and naturally, everyone wants to blame her even though she was already under Bishop's protection at the time. Bishop then whisks her out of public eye for her protection until her magic finally comes into play. But meanwhile more murders continue to happen throughout the kingdom, causing a bit of a mystery.

As I said, this was an interesting novel. I felt like the world-building was pretty unique! It's one of those fantasy type worlds where you're not quite sure if it's "past-fantasy" or more "future-fantasy" as I like to categorize them. There were sometimes mentioning of things like plumbing that had me wondering what time period era are we in? I guess my brain automatically puts "fantasy" novels in a past like setting where there's no such thing as indoor plumbing. But I have to say, it does make things interesting when you get the more modern like fantasy settings.

As one might rightly assume, there's a chemistry brewing between Arden and Bishop, but of course it's not an insta-affair. Neither one is quick to trust the other and there are definitely some secrets being harbored here. Ones that were just shocking in some sense, but at the time of the first reveal, I felt like there was definitely something coming because the timing just wasn't right for this event! Lol.

Needless to say Harbinger was not without its surprises! It was an engaging read that kept me guessing and making theories but at times I felt like I was missing other details to get the theory fully formed. But it is only the first book, so there's definitely more to come! 

The ending was a bit surprising and twisted too! I'm still trying to process it as I write this review and I pretty much just need that sequel now so I can dive into the aftermath and see what it all means! I just want answers! Lol. 

Be ready for this book to rip your heart out, but continue to come back for more just to see what happens next! This book put me through the emotional ringer but I am hungry for more!

Overall Rating 4/5 stars

Book Blogger Hop #437

 

This meme is hosted by Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addict!

This week's question is: What do you want readers to take away from your blog and your love for books?

MY ANSWER: That I am a book lover! I am a reader! I am someone who likes to gab about books! Honestly, if you wanted to get me talking in real life, just ask me about what books I like to read and be prepared to hear an earful! Sometimes I might not want to say too much too soon if it's a new person and I just get the vibe that they are being friendly, but if you happen to be reading a book I read and loved, oh boy! Be ready to talk! Lol. I am generally a quiet and shy person, but when with other bookish people I feel seen and heard and I love the community!

Books from the Backlog #211

 

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks. This is a fun meme hosted by Carole's Random Life in Books!

A gripping thriller by Kate Kessler (author of the Audrey Harte novels), in which an FBI agent becomes entwined in a missing persons case that directly connects to a horrific event from her past.

Eighteen years ago, FBI Agent Rachel Ward's mirror twin, Hannah, was taken by the Gemini killer, a serial killer who delights in sending photos of his victims to their twins. Rachel assumes her sister has been dead for years, but she's never stopped hunting the monster who took her. Now, another twin has been taken, and when the case reopens, Rachel is assigned as an agent. But her relentless hunt for the killer may drive her to her breaking point.

I added Kate Kessler's Dead Ringer to my TBR pile in November of 2018! The K--of many names! She wrote a wide variety of novels, most of which are still on my TBR pile. Although, it really may just be her thrillers I have left. I loved her YA series, I loved her historical paranormal fiction series, so I feel like I am bound to love her thrillers/mysteries once I get around to reading them! She's one author I would still love to meet, but I think she might have stopped writing? Unless she's written under yet another penname that totally slipped past me which is absolutely possible! Lol. I think I might have came close to meeting her once, but then she had to cancel her appearance last minute. It might have been an RT conference...? Or I could be imagining it and never came close to meeting her! lol.

Can't Wait Wednesday #274

 

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

The sweeping and romantic follow up to USA Today bestselling Until the World Falls Down, in which Nell and Enver must find a valuable artefact and vanquish a threat to the kingdom, without losing each other – or themselves.

****

The labyrinth has been destroyed and Enver’s curse broken. But despite the love between them and the searing attraction that binds them, Enver is still keeping secrets. And Nell doesn't know if she can fully trust him.

When she discovers that Enver is searching for his lost relic, she insists upon helping him with his quest, a journey that will take them across the realms – and bring them face-to-face with those once trapped in the labyrinth.

These encounters test their bond, allowing for moments of devastating intimacy, even as they tear at their insecurities. And when Nell happens upon the man responsible for Enver’s century of confinement and learns of his intent to rise to power, she must make a choice.

With the aid of the friends she helped break free, she comes up with a plan to avenge the wrongs done to her beloved and keep them all safe.

But should it fail, it might cost her Enver's heart – this time for eternity.

I STILL need to read the first book. I've literally tried to pick it up all year but event books got in the way, then review books came up...so I still haven't gotten back around to it yet, but hopefully...soon! Lol.

TITLE: Until the Stars Burn Out
AUTHOR: Jordan Lynde
PUBLISHER: Avon
GENRE: Fantasy Romance
RELEASE DATE: December 29, 2026

Worlds collide, secrets are laid bare, and nothing is sacred in this highly anticipated finale to the #1 New York Times bestselling series, Immortal Dark!

Beware the monster, beware the girl. They feed on wild devotion.

Kidan Adane stands at the edge of a world on the brink—where ancient rules no longer hold, forbidden power is stirring, and the consequences of past choices are beginning to surface.​

​With love turned to hatred and humanity hanging in the balance, Kidan must decide how much more she is willing to break to save the world she’s already doomed.

I still need to read book 2...I always start out so well with some series with every intention to keep up, but alas, I've failed. Again. Lol. Luckily it's a trilogy from what I recall, so if book 2 has another killer cliffhanger (which I think she said it did!) then my suffering won't be long! Lol.

TITLE: Infernal Vow
AUTHOR: Tigest Girma
PUBLISHER: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
GENRE: YA Paranormal
RELEASE DATE: January 5, 2027

Top Ten Tuesday #703

 

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and The Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

This week's topic is: Top Ten Book Characters I Wish Were Real People (and My BFFs!) (submitted by Lydia Schoch)

*in no particular order

10. FINLAY DONOVAN--Finlay is a very cool person! I love that she's a divorcee mom and a writer trying to wrangle kids and her job and a household. She's a very real person, but I dig here character!
9. ZORA--Zora was wicked awesome! I would love to be BFFs with her! Plus she has Squire and I love that little owl! He's a real...hoot! LOL!
8. JENKS--that smart-mouthed pixy has been a favorite of mine for many, many years!

7. IAN--He took a book or two to grow on me, but it really wasn't long before I was loving this dude despite some of his a$$hatness. Lol.
6. VANESSA--I need to get going on book 2 soon, but I remember enjoying her character and feeling like I could relate to her!
5. KATE--she was one of the first heroines I remember loving! The quite girl type but who was wicked powerful in her own right!

4. JESSICA--yup, a character that shares my own name! Jessica was my first favorite heroine so I obviously need to be besties with her in real life!
3. KATY--it was always something magical about finding a reader in another book! I loved that Katy was a reader and a blogger too!
2. EVANGELINE--honestly, I was half tempted to just choose 10 Stephanie Garber characters but felt like I ought to branch out a bit here! Lol. Evangeline was such a nice and sweet character! I loved her belief in magic and the power of love so much!

1. TELLA--so instead of 10 Stephanie Garber characters, you get two! Lol. Tella is definitely my favorite of the Dragna sisters, but honestly I feel like I am a combo of Scarlett and Tella when you compare and contrast their personality traits! But Tella always made me laugh and I agreed with her pretty much the entire time! So yeah, gotta go with Tella!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date. It's a fun meme where we gather to share what we've read last week and our reading plans for this week.

Last Week I FINALLY Finished:

Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry (4 stars)

Currently Reading: 

Harbinger by Geneva Lee

What I Plan to Read Next (For Real):

Devoured by Jordan Stephanie Gray

 

Other Posts of Interest: 

Top Ten Tuesday #702
Can't Wait Wednesday #273
Books from the Backlog #210
Book Blogger Hop #436
Stacking the Shelves--Pretty, Purpled, and Signed Edition

Stacking the Shelves--Pretty, Purple, and Signed Edition

 

Stacking the Shelves 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! The meme is now hosted by Reading Reality.

I write this post early as I'll be busy with volunteer work I do with my parents once a month and yesterday was our day to do it! Lol. So not sure what may or may not have come in the mail or I impulse shopped any books or what have you on Saturday, but they'll be in next week's post for sure! This week was a wild ride. Sunday I went to see Astrid Scholte and got my copy of Fallen Beauty TWO days early! Of course, I was in the midst of reading a book so I couldn't stop that one for this one. Then Monday night I went to the Heartless ball to see Marissa Meyer again because I can't resist seeing an author I love! Plus it was a fun excuse to dress up. Of course, it was probably going outside two days in a row in beautiful fall temps that my body hadn't acclimated to yet that led me catch a bit of a cold. It was mostly a head cold, so you know, a reader's death as it made reading a whole lot harder. I took different medicine each day I feel like plus some Zicam and by Friday I was mostly better! Work is steadily slowing down, but there's still issues here and there and I feel like our team dynamic has been shot down. I am still struggling to figure out why we can't work together nicely like we used to, but it is what it is.

This week I have another two signings to go to that I am excited about! Devney Perry on Tuesday. I am not so sure about this new book of hers, as I feel like it might be too contemporary for me, but we'll see I guess. Then Friday, the cast of Boy Meets Pod will be here touring for their book! I loved the show Boy Meets World, so I was ecstatic to see that three of the cast will be here! Plus I have been listening to the Podcast! Largely, I focus on the BMW and GMW episodes but I listened to a few different random interviews here and there. But it's been fun and I can't wait to see/hear/meet them in person!

Now onto the goodies of this week!

Fallen Beauty by Astrid Scholte--SIGNED

Heartless by Marissa Meyer--TRIPLE SIGNED Deluxe edition! Yes, it was tripled signed as first we tried using the silver sharpie, but it was dying, so she wrote over it in blue. But then she didn't like how that looked so we went to the first title page and signed it there in blue. So I have a TRIPLE signed edition! 
With Hearts of Flame by Briar Boleyn--SIGNED! I sadly had to miss this out of town signing, but I at least was able to get my signed copy sent to me!
Twelve Dark Hours by Amber Hamilton
Captive Traitor King by Brigid Kemmerer
Sharpest Court by Kiera Azar
East of Envy by Nikki St. Crowe--keeper copy!
Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard--her first YA book rewritten/edited to be an adult book and I CANNOT wait to read it again anew!

Then here is some of the pretty swag I got from the signings this week:

character cards from Fallen Beauty that Astrid drew herself!

character print from With Hearts of Flame

And just because this stacked looked so pretty with all their sprayed edges I had to share it here! And yes, Strange and Deadly at the top doesn't have any, but I didn't want to leave it out of the "haul" pic. Lol. One day it will have a pretty copy, I just know it!

And that was my haul for this week! What did you get?