February Wrap Up!

So this months reading got WAY off track! If you saw my February TBR then you'll know I didn't stick to it... At all... And it's all Cassandra Clares fault! 

My local bookstore announced that she was going to be doing a signing in town (!!!!) in March and I immediatly through my TBR out the window and set out to finish The Immortal Instruments series before the event! 

So hopefully I'll be able to make up a little bit of my February TBR in March but to be honest I don't even feel bad about it! 

First my 5 Star reads! 

1. The Vincent Boys 

I did give this 5 stars because it was a super fast, cute read but to be honest it was more like 3.5 or 4.

2. The Red Queen

This was a re-read. I wanted to refresh my memory before I read Glass Sword but then I got sidetracked and didn't have time to pick up Glass Sword... 

3. The Shadow Queen 

Probably one of my favorite reads of the month! Such an amazing book! 

4. I was in the middle of reading this at the end of January and I finished the last 3 novellas in this bind up. The Assassin and the Desert was my favorite and of course the last one (I can't remember the title) killed me. Made me want to cancel all my plans and just sit and finish the series! 

5. Me Before You 

This book was awful and beautiful and gut wrenching and I loved it! I cannot wait to see the movie.

6-9 

I have read nothing but these books for the past... two weeks? Maybe week and a half? 

I had already read City of Ashes and City of Glass but I couldn't remember a thing so I skipped over City of Bones (which I pretty much know by heart) and reread 2 and 3 then jumped right into 4. I'm almost done with 5, I have about 50 pages left and then I'll tackle the beast that is City of Heavenly Fire. Hopefully finishing by the time I meet Cassandra Clare! These obviously are all 5 stars and I loved reading them! 

I don't have any 4,2 or 1 stars reads this month so the last book I have for this wrap up is a 3 star. 

Oh Shadow and Bone, how I wanted to like you...

I actually listened to this one this month, and it took me all month to get through it!

When I like an audio book I listen to it constantly, in the car, while working out, even in the shower. This one started out great and I went through about two hours in one night but then it just got so slow and so boring. It took me the rest of the month to finish it and I'm still not sure if I want to try and finish the series... 

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And that's it! Even though I didn't get through my original TBR I'm still pretty thrilled with my reading this month. 

We'll see how March goes! 

Until next time, 

Ginger 

Stacking The Shelves (41)

"We are all book lovers and the need to share our enthusiasm is sometimes overwhelming. 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 the physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! 

If you're anything like me, you are probably hoarding books and even though you are excited about your latest book arrival, it might be a while before you get to review it and Stacking The Shelves is a good way to express your undying enthusiasm for those titles."

This week I was sent three books for review and (surprisingly enough) I didn't buy any to add to my overstuffed shelves!!! 

First up! 

Wandering Wild 

This cover it just gorgeous!!! This is about a girl who is a 'wanderer', she never stays in one place and she makes a living off of scamming people. It's how her camp works and it's the only life she has ever known or wanted. This is until she meets and boy and starts thinking if 'wandering' is really what she wants to do for the rest of her life.

Yes please! 

Release date is May 3rd... Please someone stop me from requesting books that come out in May! I have enough May releases to last me months!

Ugh. 

Next! 

My Kind Of Crazy

Cute boy with bad luck almost burns down a girls house while spelling out 'Prom?' in sparklers...  

I'm already loving this book and I haven't even picked it up yet! 

Release date is April 5th 

Lastly! 

Holding Smoke

All I know about this book is that it's a murder mystery with a pink haired love interest! Honestly I only requested this book because I know the authors previous series (Nearly Gone) has great reviews and I love a good YA mystery!

This one comes out... May freaking 3rd! 

Can we just make May national "Do Nothing But Read Month"? Please? The amount of YA books that are coming out in May is INSANE!!! I will never have time to read them all and it's giving me stress people! 

... 

Anyway... 

Those are the books I've added to my TBR for the year! 

Let me know if you've heard of them! 

Until next time, 
Ginger 

Waiting On WEdNesDaY

Waiting on WEdNesDaY (see what I did there?) is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Here is my selection for the week:

Kill the beast. Win the girl.

A strange beast stirs fear in the kingdom of Lochlanach, terrorizing towns with its brutality and hunger. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage.

Princess Aerity understands her duty to the kingdom though it pains her to imagine marrying a stranger. It would be foolish to set her sights on any particular man in the great hunt, but when a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention, there’s no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment.

Paxton is not keen on marriage. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast and protecting his family—yet Princess Aerity continues to challenge his notions with her unpredictability and charm. But as past secrets collide with present desires, dire choices threaten everything Paxton holds dear.

Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ tale, “The Singing Bone,” New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins delivers a dark fantasy filled with rugged hunters, romantic tension, outlawed magic, and a princess willing to risk all to save her people. 

Release date is March 8th 2016

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To be perfectly honest, just reading the synopsis on this book is doesn't sound like my kind of book BUT (!!!!) it's by Wendy Higgins who I've recently discovered and I LOVED reading her Sweet Trilogy! So of course this is on my list!

Let me know what you're waiting for in the comments! 

Until next time, 
Ginger

Stacking The Shelves (40)

"We are all book lovers and the need to share our enthusiasm is sometimes overwhelming. 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 the physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! 

If you're anything like me, you are probably hoarding books and even though you are excited about your latest book arrival, it might be a while before you get to review it and Stacking The Shelves is a good way to express your undying enthusiasm for those titles."

So this week I purchased one book and I was sent three. 

First up are the ARCS I received: 

1. Beware That Girl 

Reading the description for this book it pretty much sounds like Gossip Girl meets Hitchcock so I'm very excited to be able to read this one!  

Release date is May 31st 

2. And I Darken 

Here's the thing, I don't know ANYTHING about this book and I don't want to. Kiersten White is one of my auto-buy authors, I would read her grocery lists so even though I don't know what it's about I know I'm going to love this book! 

Release date is June 28th 

3. Whisper To Me

The way I understood the synopsis is that this book is basically a giant letter written by a girl, to the boy whose heart she just broke. She tells him the entire story of the summer she lost herself and why she pushed him away. It sounds like the PERFECT summer read and, the cover? It's insanely beautiful! 

Now for the book I bought.... 

I was technically on a no-buy week buuut Audible had a deal where Outlander was only 3.99!!!!! Now I already have the e-book (it was on sale a while ago for like two dollars) but I keep putting off reading it because it's a BEAST! So while 30+ hours of listening may seem just as daunting to most, I would much rather listening to it and be able to read other books in their physical form. 

I don't know when I'll start Outlander, I'm currently listening to Shadow and Bone so depending on how it ends I might start Outlander or I might jump right into Siege and Storm. 

And that's it! Let me know in the comments what books you got this week! 

Until next time, 
Ginger 

ARC Review of "The Shadow Queen"

The Shadow Queen   

By C.J Redwine   

Stars: 5

Source: EW

Release Date: February 16th 2016 

Lorelai Diederich has a plan to get her kingdom back. With the help of her little brother and a loyal friend, she's been training, growing more powerful everyday, getting one step closer everyday to killing the evil queen and reclaiming her rightful throne. 

But when Queen Irina creates the perfect huntsman to track down Lorelai and kill her it throws a wrench in her carefully laid out plans. 

Suddenly she has Kol to worry about. A new King, a Draconi (DRAGON!!!) forced to make a deal to save his people from a gruesome Ogre attack that will surely wipe out his kingdom. 

Lorelai will do anything to get her crown back, Kol will do everything to save his people and Irina, she'll kill anyone who gets in her way. 

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This was my first C.J Redwine book and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! 

I was just on the edge of falling into a reading slump when I picked up this book. I made it about 6% into it and almost gave up and DNF it. Crazy! I know! But I'm so glad I kept reading. 

This book is pretty much everything you could wish for in a fantasy 're-telling'. 

I myself am not a fan of re-tellings because I always feel like you know where the story is going and there aren't any big surprises or plot twists. 

But I actually have a hard time calling this a re-telling because it is so unique and a story all it's own. 

I mean it has magic, dragons, family drama, revenge, did I mention dragons? 

Also, and I feel so dumb mentioning this, it has a gyrfalcon. Which up until, well today, I thought was a mythical creature... 

Thanks FaceBook for correcting me... 

Awkward. 

Anyway, Lorelai has a special telepathic connection with this (very real) gyrfalcon, Sasha, and honestly, their conversations were my absolute favorite. It added the perfect amount of... Lightness to the book without downplaying the darkness or the danger. 

I also adored Lorelai and Kol's slowing burning romance. It definitely wasn't your typical YA love story, what with him trying to murder her, and that's what I really enjoyed about it. 

It was refreshing to see a strong, powerful, female character who could stand on her own two feet and didn't go all 'damsel in distress' every time the love interest entered the room.

All in all this is one of my favorite books that I've read this year and I'm excited to get my hands on some more of C.J's books and discover some new favorites! 

Until next time, 

Ginger 

In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review. 

My review is my honest opinion.

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Here is my selection for the week:

What if the person you were falling for was a total mystery?

While Lily is spacing out in Chemistry one day, she picks up her pencil and scribbles a line from one of her favorite songs on the desk. The next day, someone else has written back to her on the desk! Soon enough Lily and the mystery student are exchanging notes, and lyrics, and even sharing secrets. When Lily finds out that her anonymous pen pal is a guy, she's flustered -- and kind of feels like she's falling for him. She and her best friend set out to unravel the identity of the letter writer -- but when the truth is revealed, the guy is the LAST person Lily could have ever imagined it to be. Now that Lily knows the truth, can she untangle her feelings and gather the courage to listen to her heart?

From beloved author Kasie West (The Distance Between Us) comes an utterly charming story about mixed messages, missed connections, and the magic of good old-fashioned secret admirer notes.

Release Date: July 26th 2016 

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I'm a HUGE fan of Kasie West so I'm really excited to get a copy of this book! She's quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary writers and I'm sure I'll love this book! 

Until next time, 
Ginger

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Here is my selection for the week:

Big and sweeping, spanning the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World. But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court. 

Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. Adelaide naturally excels in her training and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mira. She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court. 

When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together, they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide’s deception. Complications soon arise—first, as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and later, when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor. 

But no complication will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalize the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly uncharted lands. . . .

Release date: April 5th 

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The reason I picked this book was because I couldn't stop looking at the cover! It is BEAUTIFUL! Shockingly enough I haven't ever read a Richelle Mead book... Please don't hate me! But I do have The Vampire Academy on my TBR for this year... summer maybe? And once I read/finish that I'm thinking I'll need this book! I went to one of her signing's last year and I need to read at least one of her books before she comes back this year! 

Let me know if you've adding this one to your TBR or what you're waiting for this Wednesday! 

Until next time,
Ginger 

January Wrap UP!

I'm really embracing the snow for this months 'theme' so I hope you guys like it! 

Here's my January Wrap Up! 

1. Sweet Reckoning: The conclusion to Wendy Higgins "Sweet Series". I listen to this one on Audible and I LOVED it. 

2. Shade Me: The first book in the new "Nikki Kill" series. If you like Veronica Mars you will love this book! 

3. See Me: Nicholas Sparks isn't everyone's cup of tea, but dammit, he's mine! I read this book in one sitting! 

 1. Slammed: I've only ever come across one Colleen Hoover book that I didn't like and this was not it! While I didn't give it 5 stars it was without a doubt one of my favorite books I read (listened to) this month. 

2. The Assassin and the Pirate Lord: This was for my TBR Challenge (read a prequel)and it was a quick, fun read. I'm currently reading The Assassin and the Healer so that will be in my February Wrap Up Post. 

3. Sword and Verse: This was a really pleasant surprise for me! I didn't know anything about this book going into it and I flew through it! I'll have a review up later this month. 

 4. The Year We Fall Apart: This book was a hard one for me to rate, I'll go into why in my review (to come) but I just felt like it was missing too much for me to rate it 5 Stars/Snow Flakes. 

5. Smart Girl: This was my first Rachel Hollis book and OMG I laughed so hard I cried! And not just at one part, it was the entire book! It was a super fun, sweet read and I'll be reviewing it sometime next week! 

6. Flat Out Celeste: This is the third book I listened to this month and while it wasn't quite as good as the first book in the series, "Flat Out Love", I really liked seeing things from Celeste's point of view and I loved how it wrapped up everything for all the characters. I haven't read the "Flat Out Matt" yet which is book 1.5 in the series but its on my list. 

1. Shallow Graves: This was one of my most anticipated books of the month and it just fell short for me. I liked the idea behind it but the story itself wasn't enough to hold my attention. I'll also be review this later this month. 

2. I Remember You: Oh how I wanted so badly to love this book. Its been on my TBR since before it was released and I was so excited to read it. Sadly I ended up almost hating this book, along with the characters. I couldn't relate to the MC and the story just dragged on and on. Honestly this one should've been rated 2 Stars and I don't know why I gave it 3 on Goodreads... 

 All of my 1 "Snow Flake" books are books that I DNF. 

1. Elementals: I love stories about modern day witches and I LOVE this cover but the story just wasn't there for me.

2. Thicker Than Water: Another good concept and intriguing synopsis but it just dragged on and on and I couldn't make myself finish it. 

3. The Mystery of Hollow Places: I was actually really excited when I started this book. I went into it blind and it started off with a really interesting couple of chapters but I found myself forcing myself to pick it up and the story started to lag. 

4. Other Broken Things: I'm all for a rebellious teen with an attitude problem but oh. My. God. I hated this MC. I usually make myself read 30% before I DNF but I don't even think I made it past 15% with this book. 

5. A Madness So Discreet: A little back story on this book. I actually met Mindy McGinnis at an event before she ever started writing this book. I overheard her talking about an idea she had for her next book and I was hooked. I immediately inserted myself into the conversation to get the tentative title and possible release date. A year or two later I finally saw it on EW and I was SO EXCITED. Sadly I just couldn't get into it...

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So there's my January Wrap Up! I feel like I had a really good reading month! I think what helped me read SO MUCH and what kept me from falling into a slump is DNF when I felt like it and not forcing myself to push through. Last year I fell into a MONTH LONG slump and it was awful so I'm trying to not let that happen again. 

Let me know what you think and I'll talk to you soon! 

Until next time,

 Ginger  

Waiting On Wednesday "Tonight The Streets Are Ours"

 Waiting On Wednesday 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Here is my selection for the week:

Recklessly loyal. That's how seventeen-year-old Arden Huntley has always thought of herself. Taking care of her loved ones is what gives Arden purpose in her life and makes her feel like she matters. But lately she's grown resentful of everyone--including her needy best friend and her absent mom--taking her loyalty for granted.

Then Arden stumbles upon a website called Tonight the Streets Are Ours, the musings of a young New York City writer named Peter, who gives voice to feelings that Arden has never known how to express. He seems to get her in a way that no one else does, and he hasn't even met her.

Until Arden sets out on a road trip to find him.

During one crazy night out in New York City filled with parties, dancing, and music--the type of night when anything can happen, and nearly everything does--Arden discovers that Peter isn't exactly who she thought he was. And maybe she isn't exactly who she thought she was, either.

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This isn't really a shocking pick for me because I LOVED Leila's previous book, "This Song Will Save Your Life". I'm dying to get my hands on this one and I know I'll love it just as much as her last book! 

Release date is September 15th 2015 

Until next time, 

Ginger 

Waiting On Wednesday

 Waiting On Wednesday 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Here is my selection for the week:

On the night before they leave for college, Clare and Aidan only have one thing left to do: figure out whether they should stay together or break up. Over the course of twelve hours, they'll retrace the steps of their relationship, trying to find something in their past that might help them decide what their future should be. The night will lead them to friends and family, familiar landmarks and unexpected places, hard truths and surprising revelations. But as the clock winds down and morning approaches, so does their inevitable goodbye. The question is, will it be goodbye for now or goodbye forever?

Charming, bittersweet, and full of wisdom and heart, this new irresistible novel from Jennifer E. Smith, author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, explores the difficult choices that arise when life and love lead in different directions.

Release date is September 1st 2015 

I have only read one Jennifer E. Smith book but that alone was enough to hook me and even though I have to make it through quite a few of her previous books I'm still really excited about this one!

Until next time,

 Ginger