September Book Haul


I was late for the July and August SPCA booksale so my mother thought to remedy that by waking me up at 7AM. On a Saturday! I don’t know if she’s aware of the fact that I often work Saturdays and my days off are sacred. Anyway we got to the booksale at about 9AM (which is good since that’s when Bargain Books opens). After a quick browse, I came up with an armful of books as well as a collection of kids magazines such as “Sabrina’s Secrets”  and “Make it Groovy” . My inner kid was overjoyed since I loved Sabrina’s Secrets but never had more than one issue since I subscribed (should the correct phrase be “my parents subscribed” since I was only ten at the time?) to Make it Groovy. Eventually that subscription was cancelled (Damn recession) and I was left a sad child. But not anymore *cackles evilly* I am an independent woman and I will have these kids magazines. The guy at the SPCA asked me if I finished the books I bought last month. I admitted that I didn’t read as much as I bought each month and he laughed. (I’m going to get to them one day okay!) 

Obviously after this I visited Bargain Books. I knew I wanted Melissa Delport’s “Legacy” series but things didn’t actually go as planned. There was small hiccup where “A Million Worlds with You” didn’t scan as part of the 3 books for R150 deal. I don’t think I have ever visited Bargain Books and not had an issue at the till. The manager had to be called to fix this and she greeted me warmly before asking if I had finished my last batch of books from their store. I swear I felt so attacked. I laughed and admitted that I hadn’t and she said she thought as much since I had visited the store a few weeks ago. This is what freaks me out- I cannot remember visiting Bargain Books in the past month. Either I have a doppelganger or I’m going book-shopping before blacking out. 

Before leaving the Crescent I popped into Waltons to check their colouring pencils and I also quickly looked at the SPCA books again. Fun fact- they have more than just books. I found some DVDs.

After this the only bookish thing I had left to do was use my Exclusive Books voucher. I knew that I wanted to buy “And I Darken”. Unfortunately there were no copies at the store so I ended up coming home with Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas. I also caught a quick glimpse of Somizi who was visiting the store. Sadly there were too many people for me to take a pic but I was thrilled nonetheless. 

I came home totally exhausted but so happy. I got a great haul of books and other items and I loved it! 

Fiction Friday: Book Review- Now I Rise by Kiersten White (The Conqueror’s Saga, #2)

Now I Rise (The Conqueror's Saga, #2)Now I Rise by Kiersten White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had major doubts going into this book. It had been about a year or so since I read “As I Darken” and while I did enjoy it, I wasn’t sure that “Now I Rise” would be as good (second books rarely are).  I was wrong. “Now I Rise” was infinitely better and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Since I read “As I Darken” so long ago, I was sure that I wouldn’t remember much of the plot or the characters. In fact, I read about two pages before I realised I didn’t remember the events of the last novel (of course the only thing I remembered was the love triangle between Radu, Lada and Mehmed). Thankfully the novel recounted characters and events from the first book so I was able to read this without having to reread “As I Darken.”
“Now I Rise” follows Lada, Radu and Mehmed as they each go after the thing they want most. Lada wants to be prince of Wallachia, Radu wants to be respected by Mehmed (but any sort of positive attention from Mehmed makes Radu happy because he has an unhealthy obsession with Mehmed) and Mehmed just wants Constantinople. However for each of the characters to get what they want, they have to make difficult decisions- decisions that involve lies, betrayal or brutal deaths.
This book is nothing like what I would usually read. However there is just something about this series that drew me in and refuses to let go. I NEED to know more about these characters. Will Lada get her throne? Who will Mehmed choose? Will Radu ever grow a pair? (Can you tell he’s my least favourite Dracul sibling?) I need answers to these questions ASAP.
There was amazing character development in this novel. Both Dracul siblings see that their way is not always the best and they may need the other. Lada is as bloodthirsty in this novel as she was in “As I Darken”- but this time instead of just threatening people she is a girl of action and I loved seeing that side of her. She is fierce, she is vicious and it is incredible.
“Now I Rise” has a compelling plot and flawless writing which makes the book impossible to put down. Definitely get yourself a copy. NOW!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Fiction Friday: Book Review- Spellbound and Ever After by Nora Roberts

Spellbound & Ever AfterSpellbound & Ever After by Nora Roberts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think this book was a good read but just not a very realistic one. Both stories deal with the supernatural and of course love is the answer for these two couples. However while Nora Roberts normally uses these elements flawlessly, I found this novel difficult to follow.
The first story, “Spellbound” tells of a couple who have been separated through death and are now brought together. But while Bryna accepts their destiny together (since she has always known Calin is the one for her), Calin is far more disbelieving (which is ridiculous considering he had a childhood of the supernatural). However the story betwen Bryna and Calin is sweet and well-developed despite it’s relatively short length. I really enjoyed this story.
The second story, “Ever After” was just a really painful read. There was too much of insta-love and I did not find any of it believable. The characters seemed weak and I found the entire story to be over-done.
I warn anyone considering this book to proceed with caution.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Tower of Dawn by Sarah J Maas (Throne of Glass #6)

I didn’t really enjoy the first two books in the “Throne of Glass” series and I’m not really following it. But like “Game of Thrones” it is impossible to miss any news about this series. And with my order of Crown of Midnight (which I already read and cannot forgive Aelin for- SHE KNEW WHO SHE WAS! HOW DARE SHE NOT SHARE THAT WITH THE READER? I KNEW WHO SHE WAS AND I FELT SMUG THAT SHE DIDN’T KNOW BUT SHE BLOODY WELL KNEW!!! DAMMIT ALL) and Heir of Fire coming in a few days, I’ve begun to feel pretty excited for the release of “Tower of Dawn”. I really liked Chaol and I can’t wait to see his story.

 

Official Synopsis from Goodreads.com:

In the next installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, follow Chaol on his sweeping journey to a distant empire.

Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.

His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica—the stronghold of the southern continent’s mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.

But what they discover in Antica will change them both—and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined

Fiction Friday: Book Review- Firsts by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

FirstsFirsts by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mercedes has an unusual after-school activity. She helps virgins learn how to have sex. Mercedes believes other girls should have the special first-time experience she never did and so she coaches their boyfriends. But Mercedes’ life is about to get more complicated. As she tries to stop her unique service, things don’t work out as planned and everything starts to spiral out of control.

I absolutely loved loved loved this book. It was so well-written and the characters are so well-developed. Mercedes seems like a foolish girl but it’s hard to not feel sympathy for her. I especially liked how sweet Zach was no matter how often she pushed him away. This book was a great coming-of-age novel and I will definitely be reading it again. I recommend this to all fans of YA and contemporary fiction.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Without Merit by Colleen Hoover

I love Colleen Hoover’s books and her last one, “It Ends With Us” was an absolutely incredible piece of work. It was compelling, it was moving and it was real. There was less romance and more real life and I loved it! I don’t know much about “Without Merit” but I have no doubt that is going to be amazing. The only question is “will it be as amazing as “It Ends With Us”?

 

Without Merit by Colleen Hoover

 

Official Synopsis from Goodreads.Com: 

In Colleen Hoover’s gripping novel, reminiscent of the bestselling works of Liane Moriarty and Jojo Moyes, a young woman decides to reveal the dark secrets of her seemingly-happy family before she leaves them behind, but when her escape plan fails, she must deal with the staggering consequences of telling the truth.

 

Release Date: October 3rd 2017 by Atria Books

August Book Haul

Saturday was my monthly SPCA/bookstore splurge day. As usual I got a great combination of books I really wanted. My overall haul felt smaller than usual but that was probably for the best since I am rapidly running out of book space.

August Book Haul

 

SPCA BOOKHAUL:

SPCA BOOK HAUL 1 SPCA BOOK HAUL 2

I’ve already read (and enjoyed immensely) “Whiskey Beach” and “Key of Valour” by Nora Roberts (in fact I think I might already own a copy of “Key of Valour”. I also immediately finished “Spellbound” as soon as I started it last night. I can’t wait to read “Ever After”. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Nora Roberts’ writing. The rest of the books are all unread. I’ve been wanting to read “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office” ever since it was referenced in a Her Campus article once. It seems like a really interesting read.

 

Bargain Books Haul:

My visit to Bargain Books was pretty sad since I owned all of the YA books on sale (and I was certainly not buying YA at regular price because I’m too cheap for that). However as soon as I walked in, I found a copy of “Leave Your Mark” and grabbed it. Since it was part of the sale books, I needed two more books to get it at the discount price. It was a struggle to find those books but then I found Dumplin!!! IN HARDCOVER! Obviously I had to have it. And despite my best efforts I couldn’t find a third book so I settled for Melissa Delport’s “Rainfall”. I don’t really like that book since it made me cry like a baby and I am still not over it. I am so not over it that I reread the last chapter and started crying again before putting the book on my shelf without covering it in plastic. That book doesn’t deserve to be protected. I would tear it up myself if it wasn’t for the fact that I bought it with my own money. Stupid evil book.

Bargain Books Haul

 

What did your latest book haul look like? I’d love to know below!

Waiting on Wednesday: Christmas at Mistletoe Cove by Holly Martin

I’m not sure what it is about this book or it’s pairing but I have wanted to read this since I met Eden’s character in the first book in this series. I feel like Dougie might have feelings for her too so I’m interested in reading this book and seeing his perspective on things. Dougie and Eden seem like a great couple so I can’t wait for this book to release. I am sure that this is going to be one of my favourite contemporary novels.

 

Official Synopsis from Goodreads.com: Growing up on Hope Island, Eden Lancaster always believed that if you wished hard enough for something, dreams really could come true. But Eden’s greatest wish is also her biggest secret: she has been completely in love with her childhood friend, the charming and attractive Dougie Harrison, for as long as she can remember. And he has no idea.

When Dougie leaves his successful life in New York to return home to Hope Island for good, Eden can’t escape her feelings. Her heart is full of hope that her romantic dreams are finally, at long last, going to come true…

This Christmas could change everything. But can a lifelong friendship really turn into the perfect romance? And will Eden get the happily ever after she’s always wished for?

10 Problems that Only Bookworms Understand

Bookworms have different reading tastes. Some prefer fantasy or YA while others only read non-fiction. However hardcore bookworms are on another level. Here are a few problems that only hardcore bookworms can relate to:

1) Not having enough book space:

Excuse me while I just make a random stack of books here in the middle of the room. Please don’t trip over my babies.

435ff28865c3fa44098ace850104dc98--book-memes-book-quotes

2) Not having enough money for books- especially when there is a sale:

Can I just get a I.O.U? (Why are there always sales when I have no money?)
3) Making the decision between books or adulting:

Do you really need food? Because you could survive on sandwiches for the rest of the month just so you can finally read that new bestseller everyone is talking about. C’mon. You know it’s totally worth it.
4) Paperback vs hardback:

Paperbacks are more comfortable to read but hardbacks look so gorgeous on the shelves. Is both an option?
5) Having an endless TBR but still needing more books:

You need to get new books just so you’ll have something to read when you finish your TBR pile

no more books


6) Falling in love with a fictional character:

We all know boys are better in books.

book boyfriends


7) Mourning the death of a fictional character:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows almost killed me. Like it killed several of my favourite characters.

8) Not being able to function in The Really World after you finish a book:

Like after reading a Sarah J Maas. How can you live in a world with no faeries or wars? What do you DO with yourself?

9) Having someone tell you “It’s just a book” when a book tears you into a million shattered pieces:

Shut up, okay! You know nothing, you callous non-bookworm-person! This book is my life.

book hangover

10) Trusting someone enough to lend them a book only to get in back in awful condition…or worse, not at all:

Do NOT get me started on how many times this has happened to me. This is why I don’t lend out my books anymore. Insensitive non-bookworms!

My Favourite Blogging Apps

I love blogging apps. They make it so easy to create posts, edit pictures and blog on the go. This is great since I don’t have to be attached to the computer 24/7 in order to create content.Here are some of my favourite blogging apps:

My Favourite Blogging Apps

 

  1. JotterPad- I love using Jotterpad to jot down ideas or drafts for blog posts. I have a memo pad app on my phone but there’s just something about Jotterpad that I love when it comes to taking down quick notes. I also use JotterPad for non-blog notes such as phone numbers, lists or reminders.
  2. Trello- I use Trello to keep track of my social media and editorial calendar. I occasionally also use it to track my reading and book reviews. The Trello Android app now has the Calendar Power-Up which makes it even more   effective for blogging. It also makes using Trello as an editorial calendar SO much easier
  3. Pixlr- I don’t always edit pictures on my phone but when I do, I use Pixlr. This is mainly because when I first started adding pictures to post, I used Pixlr and the habit stuck with it. I’m just really comfortable with it and hey, if it isn’t broke why fix it?
  4. WordPress- For some reason the WordPress app on my phone does not let me blog but I use it to reply to             comments and check my blog stats. This is probably my least favourite app on my phone even though         WordPress is my favourite blogging platform.
  5. Pinterest- I love Pinterest for tips on blogging, sharing my own blog posts and to keep up with friend’s blogs. I feel like you can find anything and everything on Pinterest. It’s like a visual Google.

Blogging would definitely be far more difficult without these apps. What are some of your favourite blogging apps? I’d love to know below.

 

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