Shon's June Reading Wrap Up & Book Haul

~ June Book Haul ~

The Iron Trial (Magisterium #1) by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare

The Copper Gauntlet (Magisterium #2) by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare 

Ruined (Ruined #1) by Amy Tintera 

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity #1) by Victoria Schwab

My Lady Jane (The Lady Janies #1) by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows

Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2) by Sara Raasch 

The Murder of an Angel (Confessions #4) by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Harry Potter: The Artifact Vault by Jody Revenson

~ June Warp Up ~

Cursed (Cursed Superheroes #1) by Jessica Sorensen

Maddening (Cursed Superheroes #2) by Jessica Sorensen 

Undead (Cursed Superheroes #3) by Jessica Sorensen

True Colors (True Love #2) by Anyta Sunday

Royal Pain (His Royal Hotness #1) by Tracy Wolffx

Strong Enough by Melanie Harlow & David Romanov 

Power Play (Scoring Chances #3) by Avon Gale 

How was your month?? What books did you add to your collection??

Happy Reading!

 

Friday 56! June 30, 2017

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice. Grab a book, any book. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it. Post it.

"Me, I'm more of a converse and T-shirt kind of girl, but I'm wearing my most flattering jeans. I move out of Jose's Hold and get up from our table."

From: Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

Happy Reading

Xo,
Wendy

"Waiting On" Wednesday / Can't-Wait Wednesday #37: Lucky in Love by Kasie West

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. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking The Spine.

Title: Lucky in Love
Author:   Kasie West
Publisher: Scholastic
Expected publication: July 25, 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance


In this new contemporary from YA star Kasie West, a girl who wins the lottery learns that money can cause more problems than it solves, especially when love comes into the picture.

Maddie doesn't believe in luck. She's all about hard work and planning ahead. But one night, on a whim, she buys a lottery ticket. And then, to her astonishment --

She wins!

In a flash, Maddie's life is unrecognizable. No more stressing about college scholarships. Suddenly, she's talking about renting a yacht. And being in the spotlight at school is fun... until rumors start flying, and random people ask her for loans. Now, Maddie isn't sure who she can trust.

Except for Seth Nguyen, her funny, charming coworker at the local zoo. Seth doesn't seem aware of Maddie's big news. And, for some reason, she doesn't want to tell him. But what will happen if he learns her secret?

With tons of humor and heart, Kasie West delivers a million-dollar tale of winning, losing, and falling in love.



What are you waiting for this Wednesday?  Let us know in the comment section below.

-Shon

Top Ten Tuesday #76: Best Books You've Read In 2017 So Far

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is Best Books You've Read In 2017 So Far. 

SHON'S PICK

1. Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) by Cassandra Clare 
In a kingdom by the sea…

In a secret world where half-angel warriors are sworn to fight demons, parabatai is a sacred word.

A parabatai is your partner in battle. A parabatai is your best friend. Parabatai can be everything to each other—but they can never fall in love.






2. Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2) by Cassandra Clare
Emma Carstairs has finally avenged her parents. She thought she’d be at peace. But she is anything but calm. Torn between her desire for her parabatai Julian and her desire to protect him from the brutal consequences of parabatai relationships, she has begun dating his brother, Mark. But Mark has spent the past five years trapped in Faerie; can he ever truly be a Shadowhunter again?




3. Strong Enough by Melanie Harlow and David Romanov

I wasn’t looking for Derek Wolfe.

I wasn’t looking for anybody. All I wanted was to start a new life in America. But when I found myself stranded here with no place to go, he came to my rescue, offering me a place to stay.

He’s smart, successful, and sexy as hell—I can barely sleep knowing he’s right down the hall. And when the chemistry between us explodes one night with fierce, fiery passion, it’s hard to deny there’s something real there. . .
But he does.


 

WENDY'S PICK

 

4. The Diabolic (The Diabolic #1) by S.J. Kincaid  

5. City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare

6. City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare

TINA'S PICK

7. A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas

8. Our Dark Duet by Victoria Schwab (Monsters of Verity #2)

The story is action packed and chock full of emotions and heart.  Great characters and complex story. I just want to sob when it was over.

9. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

This is such a sweet cute book. It's completely a feel good read. It's a little sarcastic but also witty and warm. It's short and to the point.

10. This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

Such a fun read! It started off reminding me of 13 Reasons Why then slowly the story unravels.  I love how the story revolves around music. It gives a magical essence and very uplifting.

Monday Reviews: Ruined series by Amy Tintera

Ruined series by Amy Tintera

Published by HarperTeen

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina
 

Synopsis

Emelina Flores sets off on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera’s borders, Em must infiltrate the royal family and find her captured sister Olivia. In a brilliant, elaborate plan of deception and murder, Em marries Prince Casimir, next in line to take Lera’s throne.


Review
I heard about Ruined for some time and it came highly recommended by Margot from #epicreads. I was skeptical at first but the story was entertaining and fast paced.

In the kingdom of Ruina, there are two kinds of people: the kind with the elements, the Ruined, and the kind without, the Useless. Em's kingdom is destroyed by Lera and Vallos and her sister is kidnapped. She puts together a solid plan with the backing of the Oslo country, the Warriors. With only one attendant, she kills the Vallos princess and enters Lera as the new bride-to-be. 

The series is unexpectedly fun. I felt Em is great as the brains behind the entire operation and Cas is charming and wanting to please (reminding me of Dorian's personality from the Throne of Glass series).

However, Avenged was a let down. I didn't like the direction it was going and the frustrating fact that Em took a back seat and let her sister rule the Ruined. It started to show a similar feel to The Young Elites series when the leaders lose all control and destruction is inevitable. There was nothing I want more than seeing the magical sister eliminated.

 

Sunday Post #11 Week in Review

Happy Sunday, Bookworms!!

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog. You can find more info here: Sunday Post Meme.


Can you believe that this is the last week of June? Where has the month gone? I feel like it's gone by so quickly, and I've not accomplished anything (and by anything I mean, I have still not finished Lady Midnight).


Here's what we where up to last week!

*Bookish
We received two ARC via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review.

True Colors (True Love #2) by Anyta Sunday
I gave this book a 2 stars

Not a big fan of how the book started. I did find myself intrigued at the beginning of the book. I was curious as to what happened between our two main characters. After I found out the reason for their fallout I was a little disappointed. I was expecting something more. I start to lose interest after this.






Royal Pain (His Royal Hotness #1) by Tracy Wolff

 

I gave this a book 4 stars.

I might do a full review after the book is release.

Also, we receive a package from Candlewick Press to celebrate the cover redesign of The Books of Pellinor epic fantasy series and the release of the prequel The Bone Queen.


Coming up this week is Top Ten Tuesday, "Waiting On" Wednesday, Thursday Thrills, Friday 56! and books review.

Until next week!

Happy Reading!!!

Friday 56! June 23, 2017

Happy Friday Everyone! I'm so happy it's the weekend, it means I get to read more! :) Hope you enjoy this Friday 56!

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice. Grab a book, any book. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it. Post it.

"Monty had been tracing my grandmother's path for so long, he was Walking between worlds at random, searching for a hint of the frequency that meant she'd been there. He'd never found one."

From: Dissonance by Erica O'Rourke

Have a safe and fun weekend
Happy Reading

Xo,
Wendy

"Waiting On" Wednesday / Can't-Wait Wednesday #36: Because You Love to Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy

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. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking The Spine.

Title: Because You Love to Hate Me: 13 Tales of Villainy
Author: Ameriie
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Expected publication: July 11, 2017
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Short Stories, Anthologies


Leave it to the heroes to save the world--villains just want to rule the world.

In this unique YA anthology, thirteen acclaimed, bestselling authors team up with thirteen influential BookTubers to reimagine fairy tales from the oft-misunderstood villains' points of view.

These fractured, unconventional spins on classics like "Medusa," Sherlock Holmes, and "Jack and the Beanstalk" provide a behind-the-curtain look at villains' acts of vengeance, defiance, and rage--and the pain, heartbreak, and sorrow that spurned them on. No fairy tale will ever seem quite the same again!

Featuring writing from . . .

Authors: Renée Ahdieh, Ameriie, Soman Chainani, Susan Dennard, Sarah Enni, Marissa Meyer, Cindy Pon, Victoria Schwab, Samantha Shannon, Adam Silvera, Andrew Smith, April Genevieve Tucholke, and Nicola Yoon

BookTubers: Benjamin Alderson (Benjaminoftomes), Sasha Alsberg (abookutopia), Whitney Atkinson (WhittyNovels), Tina Burke (ChristinaReadsYA blog and TheLushables), Catriona Feeney (LittleBookOwl), Jesse George (JessetheReader), Zoë Herdt (readbyzoe), Samantha Lane (Thoughts on Tomes), Sophia Lee (thebookbasement), Raeleen Lemay (padfootandprongs07), Regan Perusse (PeruseProject), Christine Riccio (polandbananasBOOKS), and Steph Sinclair & Kat Kennedy (Cuddlebuggery blog and channel).



What are you waiting for this Wednesday?  Let us know in the comment section below.

-Shon

Top Ten Tuesday #75: Top Ten Series I've Been Meaning To Start But Haven't

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is Top Ten Series I've Been Meaning To Start But Haven't.

Shon's Pick

1. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
2. The Half Bad Trilogy by Sally Green
3. Red Rising by Pierce Brown
4. The Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy by Laini Taylor 
5. The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare

Wendy's Pick

 6. The Gold Seer Trilogy

7. Three Dark Crowns series

8. Anna and the French Kiss series

9. The Thousandth Floor series

10. The Great Library series

Monday Reviews: Our Dark Duet

Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity #2)
Written by Victoria Schwab
Published June 13th 2017 by Greenwillow Books
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult
Page: 510
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina
 
Click here to see the review on
This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity #1)


Synopsis

There were two kinds of monsters, the kind that hunted the streets and the kind that lived in your head. She could fight the first, but the second was more dangerous. It was always, always, always a step ahead.


Review

I die.

The week leading up to the release I've seen twitter messages to VE congratulating and fangirling Our Dark Duet. Let me tell you, this is everything I heard it'd be and more. This is my absolute favorite series from Victoria Schwab. I cannot gush enough.

The story begins six months from the time Kate or August separates. Kate is now a kick ass monster hunter (like Buffy) and August rises to become a leader, taking over Leo's role as captain of FTF (like a war hero).

The story is action packed and chock full of emotions and heart. I just want to sob after the last page - all the trials that led up to that final moment, my heart broke. August, who has been struggling with his humanity, finds it in Kate and Kate was unyielding in her purpose and strength. I love both characters so much!

Friday 56! June 16, 2017

Happy Friday Everyone! I'm so happy it's the weekend, it means I get to read more! :) Hope you enjoy this Friday 56!

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda's Voice. Grab a book, any book. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it. Post it.

" If you think this is bad, you should see the other guy."

From the book A Week of Mondays by Jessica Brody

Have a safe and fun weekend
Happy Reading

Xo,
Wendy

Thursday Thrills 6/15/17

Happy Thursday Ya'll

I'm continuing to answer the 5 thrilly questions

and hope you can answer them too on the comment section below.

PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE:

1. Favorite childhood book?

Amelia Bedila

2. Currently reading?

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare and Dead Girls Society by Michelle Krys

3. Book you want to read most?

The last book to The Immortal Instruments Series...Like I have so much to say and hoping to do a combined review once I'm finished. 

4. Reading goals?

Check Our goodreads ;)

Link: Here

5. Book you could read forever?

Honestly Vampire Academy.

Xo,

Wendy

Shon Review: True Colors by Anyta Sunday

Title / Author: True Colors by Anyta Sunday
Published: March 14, 2017
Genres: Contemporary, M/M Romance
Source: Review Copy
Series: True Love
Rating: 1.5 stars

Synopsis

Oskar used to be Marco’s best friend. His everything. His sunshine yellow.

But that was before. Before Marco stopped being a hot jock. Before he learned to live with scars and pain. And before Oskar tore their friendship apart.

Now the boy next door has returned home, determined to rekindle his friendship with Marco, and Marco’s more afraid than ever. Afraid of getting hurt. Afraid of being humiliated.

Afraid of falling in love.

Can Oskar find a way through Marco’s fear, back into his heart?

True Colors is an enemies to lovers, boy next door, first time, slow burn M/M romance with a generous helping of LUST. This no-cliffhanger, HEA book can be read as a standalone.


 

My Thoughts. . .

Not a big fan of how the book started. It had three different beginnings and each one less interesting than the previous one.

As I read, I find myself intrigued. I'm curious as to what happened between our two main characters. I find myself thinking of all the things that could have happened to drive these two best friends so far apart.

Wait! They're not talking to each other because Oskar made fun of Marco's scars, burns and bruise on his body from the accident? I must say I'm a little disappointed right now.

Okay, I finally got the whole story. Kids can be so cruel.

WTF! Why are they outside? Marco has an apartment. So why are they outside on a frozen lake! Out all the places, they could have pick to make out, they pick a frozen lake. I'm so over this book.

You've got to be kidding me. Once again I say that Marco has an apartment so please tell me why! They first time they have sex is at Oskar's parents house with his parents and his little sister home?

That's how Marco coming out to everyone. Now I'm really over this book.

"Waiting On" Wednesday / Can't-Wait Wednesday #35: Now I Rise

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. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking The Spine.

Title: Now I Rise (The Conqueror's Saga #2)
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Expected publication: June 27, 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Historical, Young Adult

Lada Dracul has no allies. No throne. All she has is what she’s always had: herself. After failing to secure the Wallachian throne, Lada is out to punish anyone who dares to cross her blood-strewn path. Filled with a white-hot rage, she storms the countryside with her men, accompanied by her childhood friend Bogdan, terrorizing the land. But brute force isn’t getting Lada what she wants. And thinking of Mehmed brings little comfort to her thorny heart. There’s no time to wonder whether he still thinks about her, even loves her. She left him before he could leave her.

What Lada needs is her younger brother Radu’s subtlety and skill. But Mehmed has sent him to Constantinople—and it’s no diplomatic mission. Mehmed wants control of the city, and Radu has earned an unwanted place as a double-crossing spy behind enemy lines. Radu longs for his sister’s fierce confidence—but for the first time in his life, he rejects her unexpected plea for help. Torn between loyalties to faith, to the Ottomans, and to Mehmed, he knows he owes Lada nothing. If she dies, he could never forgive himself—but if he fails in Constantinople, will Mehmed ever forgive him?

As nations fall around them, the Dracul siblings must decide: what will they sacrifice to fulfill their destinies? Empires will topple, thrones will be won . . . and souls will be lost.



What are you waiting for this Wednesday?  Let us know in the comment section below.

-Shon 

Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith
Published May 2nd 2017 by Delacorte Press / Pages: 418
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Fiction, Young Adult
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina

Synopsis 
How much will your life change if you win the lottery? That's what happened to Alice. Alice doesn’t believe in luck but she does believe in love, and for some time now, she’s been pining for her best friend, Teddy. On his eighteenth birthday—just when it seems they might be on the brink of something—she buys him a lottery ticket on a lark. To their astonishment, he wins $140 million, and in an instant, everything changes. 

Review
This is Penguin Random House pick of the month. I excitedly dove into the book to discover a sweet cute story of first loves and the struggles of dealing with money. I felt this story hasn't been done before and it was a refreshing look on the trials and challenges that comes with relationships and money.

 
 

Top Ten Tuesday #74: Top 10 Best (And Worst) Father Figures in Literature

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is Father's Day related Freebie: favorite dads in literature, best father/daughter or son relationships, books to buy your dad, worst dads in literature, etc. etc.

Top 10 Best (And Worst) Father Figures in Literature 

Best

1. Arthur Weasley, Harry Potter Series
2. Sirius Black, Harry Potter Series
3. Luke Garroway, The Mortal Instruments
4. Charlie Swan, Twilight (the best thing about that series)
5. Carlisle Cullen, Twiligh

Worst 

 6. Valentine Morgenstern, The Mortal Instruments
 7. Jack Torrance, The Shining
 8. Tywin Lannister, A Game of Thrones
 9. Lucius Malfoy, Harry Potter Series
10. Humbert Humbert in Lolita

Sunday Post #10 Week in Review

Happy Sunday, Bookworms!!

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog. You can find more info here: Sunday Post Meme.

Bookish Things

Last week I read three books, Cursed, Maddening and Undead (Cursed Superheroes #1-3) by Jessica Sorensen.

Other Stuff

So last week was super fun. We, Tangled 'N' Books went to Disney California Adventure Park. It was so much fun hanging out with Wendy and Tina outside of work. I L-O-V-E Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! Below are some pictures.

 

Coming up this week is Top Ten Tuesday, "Waiting On" Wednesday, Thursday Thrills, Friday 56! and books review.

Until next week!

Happy Reading!!!