November 2017 Books Bought

Since starting my blog back in August of 2008 I always try to share what books I get with you so that you can see what I will be reading and I am always looking for a place to link them so that others can see them so from now on I will be sharing my links on Tynga’s Reviews and Reading Reality. As Marlene has offered to co-host Stacking The Shelves with Tynga’s Reviews. Marlene is a new to be blogger and I look forward to checking out her blog.

I just realized that I am sitting here doing some blog posts that I will have to back post this since the last day of the month is Thursday and I know I won’t be going out shopping till the weekend.

When I first started to write this post I found it a little hard to believe that I didn’t actually buy anything and then I went to check on good reads and low and behold I did buy a few books this month and they are:

  1. Shattered Memories by V.C Andrews
  2. All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater
  3. The Woodland Bakery #7 Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliott
  4. The Luxe Life by Fleur de Force
  5. Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas by Terry Spear

LEGO® City Advent Calendar - 60155

The Lego Advent calendar for Michael. Although I think this is going to be the last time I buy for him.

SPECKLED FIGURAL MUG – OWL

I am so happy that I bought this owl mug when I did because its sold out.

Total books bought this month:  5
Total books bought this month (Michael): 0

Total books read from this months haul:  3

Total books bought in 2017:  117

Total books read in 2017: 38

Review/ Mad Magic

Review/ Mad MagicMad Magic by Nicole Conway
Published by Month9Books on November 14th 2017
Pages: 300
Goodreads

Mad Magic is a beautifully dark and rich Young Adult fantasy from Nicole Conway, bestselling author of the Dragonrider Chronicles.
Josie Barton is a high school student living in terror. Invisible creatures torment her everywhere she goes, constantly getting her into trouble at school, and even haunting her apartment. But just when Josie thinks things couldn’t get any worse... she meets the guy from across the hall.
Zeph Clemmont is a changeling with enemies in all the worst places, fighting to undo a curse that threatens to end his life. Survival means he will have to swallow his pride and trust Josie with all his darkest secrets.
With the help of a gun-slinging shaman and the enigmatic Prince of Nightmares, Zeph and Josie are only a heartbeat away from defeating one of the most diabolical faerie villains their world has ever known.

I quickly have to thank Chapter By Chapter Book Tours for graciously sending me a copy of the book so that I could read it for my review today.

Just before beginning my review on Mad Magic I quickly had a look back on all the books I have read and reviewed this year and wow its been all over the place with the genre of books I have read and I think that is a good thing because I noticed I am reading genres I said I would never read. Has this happened to you or do you stay true to your genre?

This is the first book in a series and my first time reading anything by Nicole.

Not knowing what I was in for since I tend not to read too much of the description because I like going into books blind. I have to say that I was hooked from the first chapter. You will be riding a roller coaster throughout the book because you never know what is coming. Its action packed. I probably could have read this in almost one sitting but I had to stop myself so that I could take it all in.

Josie (who is 17) is our main character and to the outside world she looks just like your typical teenager and acts like a typical teenager but behind close doors there are invisible creatures wrecking her life. I have to say that I had mix feelings about Josie. We discover that she has lost her parents at a young age and a mysterious benefactor has been taking care of her and making sure she has what she needs at all times. She doesn’t know who this person is and I have to say I was curious to who it was.

Josie quickly learns there is more to her then she realizes and I loved how she sort of embraced her powers and wanted to use it for good. She took it serious which I think was important for her to do.

Enter mysterious neighbor Zeph who is not a human and doesn’t age like a human does but he is in his 20s. He is tall, dark and handsome and very mysterious. There was something about him that lured me in to want to know more about him and what role he plays with Josie. When we first met Zeph I knew there was more to him then he was letting on.

There is so much to say about this book because everything is not what it appears and I fear if I go on I will give away the book so all I am going to say is that this was a fantastic read and I am so happy I got the chance to read and I think you should read it too.

Since this is labelled as Sage #1 I am sure there is another book to come because as I finished reading it a lot of things were wrapped up but there was still a few things that I was wondering about as I left the book. I am curious to see where this goes and I would definitely read the next book.

Book Spotlight/ Mad Magic

Mad Magic by Nicole Conway
Publication Date:  November 14, 2017
Publisher:  Month9Books

After being orphaned, high school student Josie Barton only has one person she can turn to when things get rough—a mysterious legal guardian who calls himself her Benefactor. “Ben” takes care of everything for her. He pays her bills, provides food, clothes, and even a cell phone. But there is one thing Ben doesn’t know: Josie Barton sees scary imaginary creatures everywhere she goes. Even her apartment is being haunted by an invisible monster! And just when Josie thinks things couldn’t get any worse . . . she meets the guy from across the hall.

Zeph Clemmont is a man of many faces. He’s a changeling with enemies in all the worst places, fighting to undo a magical curse that could end his life. He loves a good argument and has incredible magical power, but he may have met his match in Josie. So far, she’s the only one who seems able to rein in his childish tantrums and magical explosions. Zeph will have to swallow his pride and finally let go of all his dark secrets if he really wants to break his curse. And with Josie at his side, he might actually stand a chance this time.

Link to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27212885-mad-magic

Purchase Links:
Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nicole is the author of the children’s fantasy series, THE DRAGONRIDER CHRONICLES, about a young boy’s journey into manhood as he trains to become a dragonrider. She has completed the first two books in the series, and is now working on the third and final book.  Other works include MAD MAGIC (Sept 2017), FAULBENDER (tbd), SCALES (tbd), and THE DISTANCE BETWEEN STARS (May 2017).

Originally from a small town in North Alabama, Nicole moves frequently due to her husband’s career as a pilot for the United States Air Force. She received a B.A. in English with a concentration in Classics from Auburn University, and will soon attend graduate school.

She has previously worked as a freelance and graphic artist for promotional companies, but has now embraced writing as a full-time occupation.

Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, shopping, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves watching children’s movies and collecting books. She lives at home with her husband, two cats, and dog.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

Link to Tour Schedule:

Tour Schedule: Mad Magic by Nicole Conway

Giveaway Details:

• One (1) winner will receive two rose gold necklaces – one with a crown pendant (for Eldrick) and the other with a feather (for Zeph) (INT)

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Book Blitz/ Right Gift. Wrong Day

Right Gift. Wrong Day
Natalie Decker
(Offsides, #1.5)
Published by: Swoon Romance
Publication date: November 24th 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Tyler Richardson is freaking out! Not only did he invite his new girlfriend to meet his entire family, this is also the day they will exchange gifts. But what do you get a girl after dating for only two weeks? Should he listen to his friends and just give her a card, or should he ask for a second opinion?

Layla can’t believe she agreed to have dinner with Tyler and his family. What if they don’t like her? To make matter’s worse, they agreed to exchange Christmas gifts. The boy already has everything. And what if she gets him something that’s nicer than what he gets her? That would be really awkward. Asking him what he would like is completely out of the question. Maybe she should ask his friends for help.

After a rocky start, Tyler and Layla’s relationship is everybody’s relationship goals. But can Tyler and Layla survive the holidays without losing their cool?

RIGHT GIFT WRONG DAY is a hilarious companion novella to RIGHT TEXT WRONG NUMBER from Natalie Decker.

Goodreads / Amazon

 

Author Bio:

Natalie Decker is the author of RIVAL LOVE series and the Scandalous Boys series. She loves oceans, sunsets, sand between her toes, and carefree days. Her imagination is always going, which some find odd. But she believes in seeing the world in a different light at all times. Her first passion for writing started at age twelve when she had to write a poem for English class. However, seventh grade wasn’t her favorite time and books were her source of comfort. She took all college prep classes in High school, and attended the University of Akron. Although she studied Mathematics she never lost her passion for writing or her comfort in books. She’s a mean cook in the kitchen, loves her family and friends and her awesome dog infinity times infinity. If she’s not writing, reading, traveling, hanging out with her family and friends, then she’s off having an adventure. Because Natalie believes in a saying: Your life is your own journey, so make it amazing!
Find out more visit: www.authornataliedecker.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

 

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Review/ The Infinity Gene

Review/ The Infinity GeneThe Infinity Gene by Sue Wyshynski
Published by Whitman Books on August 31st 2017
Pages: 228
Goodreads

My name is Aeris Thorne. I am a genetically modified human.

Discover the exciting, long-awaited sequel to The Butterfly Code, the sci-fi romance thriller that's captivating readers around the world.

Hurtful secrets.Terrifying warnings.Forbidden love.

All I wanted was to spend a last few weeks with the man I love before tearing myself away to lick my wounds.

I know Hunter and I can never be together--too many differences lie between us. He's a member of an elite group of superhumans. And what am I? His mistake.

But we will have no tender respite. No final few magical days. Not us. Not now that I've learned a death sentence hangs over my head. Powerful forces are descending upon the cozy little town of Deep Cove, Maine. Beneath the cover of whispering trees, along the shores of wave-tumbled beaches, people are vying for power.

And I have become the center of the war.

For Hunter's sake, I'm desperate to run away. Far away. To hide so that no one can find me. For if I stay, I'll destroy us both.

But there's a child involved now. A seven-year-old girl who's been pulled into my deadly vortex.

There can be no running. No hiding. Not with the child's life at stake, too.
Startling changes are beginning to take hold of me--I can feel them burning through my veins. My only ally is the man I love, the one I can never be with. I'm desperate to hide the truth from him. He can't know what I'm becoming. For if I put my faith in him, if we stand together, we'll both be dead.

Romantic. Dangerous. Action-packed. Discover the exciting sequel to the sci-fi romance thriller that's captivating readers around the world. For fans of The Pretties, Twilight, and The Mortal Instruments. If you love exciting romances, nail-biting action, urban fantasy, fated mates, young adult dark romance, and some devilish bad boys, then the world of THE GIRL ON FIRE SERIES awaits you!

I quickly have to thank Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me to be a part of the book tour for this today and for sending me a copy of the book to read for my review today.

Since this is book 2 in the Girl on Fire series I am going to try and avoid any spoilers for you.

The Infinity Gene picks up a few days from where The Butterfly Code left off. Which I am happy that I had this to follow up with because I think if I had to wait any longer the suspense would have killed me.

The book begins with Aeris receiving a interview letter asking her to attend an interview for a company that writes music for movies and tv. This is a great opportunity for her but little does she know she is almost walking into a trap until its too late.

We also realize why Aeris’s blood is in high demand and why they will stop at nothing to get it. Its a matter of life and death for a little girl named Nessa. What will Aeris do now that a child is involved?

From the previous book we know that Aeris is genetically modified human and is struggling with some side effects of receiving Hunter’s blood. She soon realizes that things aren’t going like she thought they would and feels like she is becoming more like Hunter.

Speaking of Hunter he is in a lot of trouble for what he has done in making super humans. This could cost him more then he expected so Aeris decides she needs to protect him and lets him think she is more human then ever and decides she needs to stay away from him to protect him. But can she distance herself from him to protect him?

As the book progresses you learn more about the characters and the past. I know as I was reading both books I had a lot of questions and it was nice to see it unfold in the book and things started to make sense.

Without going much further in my review if you had read the first book and enjoyed it then I highly recommend you continue with the series. I really enjoyed it and look forward to what is coming.

This was a fairly quick read and it was hard to put down at times. I am curious to see where this will go and how it will end in the next book which I am buying today so that I can finish this series up.

Book Spotlight/ Infinity Gene

The Infinity Gene
Sue Wyshynski
(Girl On Fire, #2)
Publication date: August 31st 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller

My name is Aeris Thorne. I am a genetically modified human.

Discover the exciting, long-awaited sequel to The Butterfly Code, the sci-fi romance thriller that’s captivating readers around the world.

Hurtful secrets.
Terrifying warnings.
Forbidden love.

All I wanted was to spend a last few weeks with the man I love before tearing myself away to lick my wounds.

I know Hunter and I can never be together–too many differences lie between us. He’s a member of an elite group of superhumans. And what am I? His mistake.

But we will have no tender respite. No final few magical days. Not us. Not now that I’ve learned a death sentence hangs over my head. Powerful forces are descending upon the cozy little town of Deep Cove, Maine. Beneath the cover of whispering trees, along the shores of wave-tumbled beaches, people are vying for power.

And I have become the center of the war.

For Hunter’s sake, I’m desperate to run away. Far away. To hide so that no one can find me. For if I stay, I’ll destroy us both.

But there’s a child involved now. A seven-year-old girl who’s been pulled into my deadly vortex.

There can be no running. No hiding. Not with the child’s life at stake, too.

Startling changes are beginning to take hold of me–I can feel them burning through my veins. My only ally is the man I love, the one I can never be with. I’m desperate to hide the truth from him. He can’t know what I’m becoming. For if I put my faith in him, if we stand together, we’ll both be dead.

Romantic. Dangerous. Action-packed. Discover the exciting sequel to the sci-fi romance thriller that’s captivating readers around the world. For fans of The Pretties, Twilight, and The Mortal Instruments. If you love exciting romances, nail-biting action, urban fantasy, fated mates, young adult dark romance, and some devilish bad boys, then the world of THE GIRL ON FIRE SERIES awaits you!

Goodreads / Amazon

 

Author Bio:

Sue Wyshynski is a small town Canadian girl who moved to the United States to pursue the American dream. Sue grew up in the same place as musician Justin Bieber. Her last name is pronounced wish-in-ski.

Sue’s style has been described as immersive, emotional, and action-packed.

According to Sue, “Writers must do more than write; they must try to speak to the hearts of the world.”

The Butterfly Code, coming this fall, is Sue’s first New Adult romantic suspense.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

 

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Review/ The Butterfly Code

Review/ The Butterfly CodeThe Butterfly Code by Sue Wyshynski
Published by Whitman Books on October 15th 2015
Pages: 346
Goodreads

My name is Aeris Thorne. I am a genetically modified human.

PAINFUL SECRETS. STARTLING TRUTHS.UNDENIABLE LOVE.
All it took was a chance meeting--one tingling glance across a darkened street to change my life.

I'd been searching for my two best friends in the crowded Zenith Club, which was a really bad idea because I'm totally claustrophobic .
I burst outside, and that's when I came face-to-face with the incredibly gorgeous Hunter Cayman. Dark-haired, tall, and leaning against an insane sports car, my pulse went haywire. Maybe things weren't so bad after all. The young doctor had his long muscular arms crossed over his leather jacket clad chest, and all his six-foot something would make any girl's knees turn weak. But then, if what Ella said was true, Hunter was the kind of guy who left behind a trail of broken hearts. And heartache was the last thing I needed right now.

Yet there's something strange, something almost superhuman about Hunter. It's more than that infuriatingly knowing grin. I'm trying to stop thinking about him, and I get the feeling he's avoiding me, too. Yet Deep Cove is a tiny town and every time we run into each other the tension literally crackles, sparking around us. It just figures that when suddenly I'm in danger, he's there to save me.

In truth, I should be dead. By all the logic in this world, I should be shattered to pieces. How fast was I going on that ATV when I smashed into those iron gates? Ninety? A hundred? And the men who were chasing me, where did they go?

Somehow I'm whole.

Maybe better than whole.

There's no one I can talk to, not even my best friend, Gage. Gage hates Hunter. He wants Hunter's laboratory to be shut down. He thinks Hunter's a monster. And yet, if that's true, if Hunter's a monster...than what am I? I'm not sure what terrifies me more, the metamorphosis taking place inside me, or the intensely powerful connection with a guy whose heart and soul has become linked with mine.

Get lost in THE BUTTERFLY CODE, the captivating first book in this YA sci-fi romance series.

"Warning!!! Seriously this book will take over your life once you start reading so plan ahead if possible, it is that engrossing."-Tonyalove, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

"Easily one of my favorite reads this year! I was completely and utterly consumed!"-Stacy, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
"I'll definitely be looking for more books by this author!"-MD, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

I always feel like I am a broken record when I say that one of the best things about being a book blogger and reviewing books is getting the chance to discover new authors that you have never heard about before and reading books outside your normal genres.

I recently got a email from Xpresso Book Tours looking for bloggers to take part in The Infinity Gene by Sue Wyshynski which is the second book in the series and after reading the description I instantly signed up because it sounded like it would be a interesting read and because she is a Canadian author even though she is living in the US.

If you are interested in read this first book Amazon currently has it free to download on your kindle. My Canadian readers can click on THIS and my American reader can click on This.

The Butterfly Code has a whole mix of genre’s in this ranging from Sci-fi, romance, fantasy, and mystery. Which I think makes a great read if you like these genres. Sometimes this kind of thing can’t work and sometimes it does work and this time it worked perfectly. Plus if you are a regular reader of my blog you know that I don’t tend to read fantasy/Sci-Fi but I think I am being converted.

When I started this book and this trilogy I was instantly hooked and I had a hard time to put the kindle down. After reading this I was happy that I had the second one waiting to go, I only wish I had the third book, The Modified Girl on hand to read right after but I know that I will be buying it during the black friday sale. I am curious to see where this will go.

Our main character is Aeris (who has come home from NYC to spend a little time with her father before she has to go back to start her job in NYC with the Philharmonic) and the book begins with her looking for her two best friends at a club being claustrophobic she decides to wait outside because she knows hey will eventually go looking for her. While she is standing in front of the club she notices Dr, Hunter Cayman parked outside and standing in front of his car. She has been warned by her father to stay away from him. But there is something about him that she is drawn to and I think vise versa for him as well.

What can I saw about Hunter? I was intrigued by him and wanted to know more about him. He is dark and mysterious and there is something about him that you want to know more. I was even lured in by him.

There is so much mystery and secrets around Hunter and his lab that I think the curiosity got to Aeris and she knew there was more to it then she knew and she was determined to find out its deep dark secrets but getting to close could be a problem. What will she do when she uncovers why everyone has told her to stay away?

As I am sitting her writing this review there is so much I want to say but afraid if I say anything more that it will give the book away and I don’t want to do that because I want you to go and read it and see for yourself. So what are you waiting for go and pick it up…

The cover! Can we just talk about the cover? I really like it and I think if this was facing me on a bookstore shelf I would definitely pick it up to see what the book is about and I would probably buy it. Would you buy it based on the cover?