Waiting On Wednesday #6: Stalking Jack the Ripper

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


Title: Stalking Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper #1)
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
To Be Release: September 20th
Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world. 

What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Top Ten Tuesday #38: Top Ten ALL TIME Favorite Books Of X Genre

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is  Top Ten ALL TIME Favorite Books Of X Genre (I know, I know. Picking all time faves. I'm MEAN. But I like knowing people's definitive faves). Can also break it down into sub-genre if that helps? 

Shon's Top Ten Favorite New Adult books

1. Paper Princess (The Royals #1) by Erin Watt

2. Broken Prince (The Royals #2) by Erin Watt

3. The Score (Off-Campus #3) by Elle Kennedy

4. Him (Him #1) by Sarina Bowen, Elle Kennedy

5. Us (Him #2) by Sarina Bowen, Elle Kennedy

6. Raw (RAW Family #1) by Belle Aurora

7. Sugar Daddy (Sugar Bowl #1) by Sawyer Bennett

8. Sugar Rush (Sugar Bowl #2) by Sawyer Bennett

9. The Exception by Sandi Lynn

10. The Anatomy of Jane (WJM #1) by Amelia LeFay

Shon & Wendy Review: Sugar Daddy by Sawyer Bennett

Title / Author: Sugar Daddy by Sawyer Bennett
Published: May 24th 2016 by Loveswept
Page: 220
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Source: Bought
Series: Sugar Bowl
Rating: 4 stars


Synopsis
Seduction has never been so sweet! The New York Times bestselling author of the Cold Fury series—Alex, Garrett, Zack, and Ryker—returns with the first novel in a hot new trilogy.

Sela Halstead lost her innocence in a way that no sixteen-year-old should ever have to endure. She’s spent years trying to forget that night even while wondering about the identities of the monsters who brutalized her—until a telltale tattoo flashes across Sela’s TV screen. The incriminating ink belongs to Jonathon Townsend, the millionaire founder of The Sugar Bowl, a website that matches rich older men with impressionable young women. Obsessed with revenge, Sela infiltrates Townsend’s world, only to come face-to-face with a tantalizing complication: Beckett North, his charismatic business partner.

The tech mastermind behind The Sugar Bowl, Beck always gets what he wants, in business and in bed. And yet, for a man who’s done every dirty thing imaginable, there’s something about the naïve, fresh-faced Sela that sparks his hottest fantasies. Because with her, it’s not just about sex. Beck opens up to her in ways he never has with other girls. So why does he get the feeling that she’s hiding something? In a world of pleasure and power, the shocking truth could turn them against each other—or bind them forever.

Note: Sugar Daddy ends on a cliffhanger. Sela and Beck’s story continues in Sugar Rush and Sugar Free!

Shon's Thoughts: I loved it. It was a beautiful written story but the beginning started a little slow for me. I like that idea of Sela wanting revenge so I was a little disappointed when it turned into a romance novel. I was hoping that the author would have focus more on the revenge plot.

But that ending! OMG! That ending had me like. I can't even...

Wendy's Take: At first I didn't want to continue reading this book for the soul purpose of someone being raped, but then I kept reading and got interested in the story-line. I want to know what happened NEXT! The book ends with a very good cliff hanger and now I need to know what happened! Ahhhhhhhhh. This book is a new adult genre. I mean pretty Fifty Shades of Grey erotic. Although 50 shades didn't have this much drama, its pretty close to it when it comes to romance. Can't wait to start the 2nd book.

Blog Tour: REN: Awakened by Brittany Quagan

REN: Awakened by Brittany Quagan
Published August 24th 2016 by Balboa Press
258 pages
ISBN 1504362942
Genre:  Contemporary Fiction
Source: Review Copy

Add to Goodreads

Available for Purchase: Kindle


Seventeen-year-old Ren Nagel knows that the strange things she’s seen are real—even if no one else believes her. But, when she's locked up in a psychiatric hospital; she loses hope that anyone will ever truly be on her side.

Then everything changes. With the help of a new friend, Ren breaks out. It's when she's on the run that she learns who she really is.

Hunted by evil, Ren must learn to control a power she never knew she had, organize a coalition of people she never knew existed, and remind humanity why fighting the darkness is a big part of being human.

Sometimes, feeling different is much more than just a feeling. For Ren, it means the fate of the world.

Sometimes I want to scream at the top of my lungs until my voice is completely gone. Or until the pressure blows off my head, whichever comes first. The stress they put on me; I can’t handle it. It just builds and builds, and one day I’m going to POP. It’s even worse when I’m mad. The things that happen … well … I can’t help it; they just do.

You’d probably be just as pissed if you were in my shoes. I mean, do you have any freaking clue what it feels like to have been lied to for your entire life about who—or what—you are? To know that everything you thought was real couldn’t be further from the truth? And still, after everything I’ve learned, the lies keep coming.

I’m supposed to do things … change reality as we know it. But every corner I turn brings me to another obstacle, another lie.

You’d think that asking a simple “what” or “how” would get you the answers you need. Not when you’re dealing with these people. They have so much to say, yet they say nothing at all. And you know what? Secrets really piss me off. I know they’re hiding plenty from me.

By the way, I’m Ren. I’d love to have a typical going-off-to-college story with all sorts of teenage, rebellious debauchery. But I don’t. My story isn’t working like that; it never has. I’ve always been different than most. Whatever that means. For me, it means that my life has never been one you could call normal. Some of you can relate, which is great because you’ll be a big help in all of this.

I’ll try to break this down quickly for you so we can get on with the story. A few months ago, my life changed completely. Not that I had some lovely fairytale life to begin with. Life had always been a struggle, but then things got crazy. Things I never thought could—or would—happen, did. And now I, well, we (and by “we” I mean you and me and the rest of the world) really are smack dab in the middle of mayhem.

Before my life flipped upside down, I couldn’t even walk in public without thinking I was going to die. It didn’t matter where I went or who I was near; my chest would get heavy; I’d sweat bullets and twitch; my heart would race; I couldn’t breathe. Sometimes I’d want to throw up or curl into a ball. Sometimes I’d faint. I didn’t know why it happened. If I tried to explain to anyone, like a doctor, what I experience, they would just tell me I was paranoid or that I had anxiety disorder. Then they’d slap me on meds. It all changed when I met them, though. Everything changed. Because I learned the truth. And now it’s time for you to learn.

___________________________________________________________________________

About the Author:

Brittany Quagan, known by family and friends as "Brittles," was born in Connecticut, twenty-something years ago and spent most of her life day dreaming like the stereo-typical Gemini she is.
Growing up, she wanted nothing more than to live a life of magic, mayhem, and writing, never knowing her dreams were being manifested into a reality with every wish and intention.

As a teen, her anxiety-riddled existence became nothing less than a burden, but she was determined to escape it and convinced there had to be more going on than just "being anxious." It wasn't until she met a new group of friends who guided her down a path of understanding energy and intuition that her life changed and she was able to overcome this.

Today, Brittany owns Journeys: School for the Soul, LLC in Windsor, CT.; an anxiety relief, intuitive development & healing center to help others who suffer from anxiety/panic disorder, those who believe in the unseen to tap into their intuitive selves, and to help people grow, find empowerment, manifest like a boss, and heal from wherever it is they feel stuck.

Ren's story isn't one that just came to Brittany; it's a story she lived. Most of what you read about in the adventure-filled series are experiences that are very real, that actually happened as it is entirely based on Brittany's life, and people she has met along the way. The series is one that's dwelled inside Brittany since she was a child, but couldn't be told until she finished living it for herself.

When Brittany isn't teaching, counseling, or writing, you'll find her traveling with friends  & family on a quest for adventure wherever she can, dying her hair every color of the rainbow, playing with her three nephews, trying craft beers, ruthlessly rating buffalo wings from all over the country, and talking to the moon. Most recently, she traveled to Alaska to dance on a glacier and bike down a mountain crying from hysterical laughter and extreme fear of plummeting to her death.

REN: Awakened is her first published book.
______________________________________________________________________________

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: http://www.brittanyquagan.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrittQuagan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bittyinwndrlnd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyboop123/

_______________________________________________________________________________

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

_______________________________________________________________________________

TOUR SCHEDULE:

September 5th: Jen 
(http://www.happylilbooknook.com)

September 6th: Wilmarilys & Melissa (https://bookalmighty.wordpress.com/)

September 7th: Tangled N' Books (http://tanglednbooks.blogspot.com/)

September 8th:  Maia 
(http://www.silver-dagger-scriptorium.weebly.com/)

September 9th: Brooke (http://www.brookebibliophile.wordpress.com)

September 10th: Lisa 
(http://www.instagram.com/@_the.bibliophile)

September 26th: Laura 
(http://www.lifeisabookblog.com)

October 1st: Jordan 
(http://www.readbyroe.com)

Blog Tour Organized by: Happy Lil Book Tours 

*Hosts were provided with a copy of the book for review purposes in exchange for their honest reviews and opinions.*

Top Ten Tuesday #37: Top Ten Favorite TV shows of all time

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is Top ten favorite TV shows of all time, ten new shows coming out this Fall that are on my radar, TV shows I wish never got cancelled, TV shows I would recommend to book characters, books I wish would be TV shows, ten favorite shows from the late 90's or early 2000's, ten TV shows for every fantasy lover, etc.

Tina's Picks - 

Top Ten Favorites Shows from the late 90's - early 2000's

 

Shon's Picks - 

Top Ten Favorites shows from the late 90's - early 2000's

Tina Reviews: Ink and Bone

Title/Author: Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine 
Published July 7th 2015 by Allison & Busby
Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopia, Young Adult
Page: 320
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina


Synopsis
In 48 AD, a fire set by the troops of Julius Caesar destroyed much of the Great Library of Alexandria. It was the first of several disasters that resulted in the destruction of the accumulated knowledge of the ancient world. 

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a separate country, a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. It has grown into a vast power, with unquestioned and unrivaled supremacy. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.
 
 


 
Review 

I have so many emotions.

The story takes place in Europe. It is believed to be heresy to mass produce books. People were simply put to death for thinking and inventing the printing press. All original texts are stored in the Archive and books are read on the Blanks (tablet-like reader technology). This led to years of revolts as new criminals rise in succession: cutters (runners/book stealers), burners, and ink lickers (buyers of stolen books).
 
The Great Library is the judge and executioner of human lives. They act as "Big Brother", watches all of mankind, and plays behind the scenes.

The actual meaning of a librarian is a far greater more profound role. They preserve, study, and protect original texts (scrolls and books). There are several positions within the library that serves their purpose. Besides a Scholar, an Obscurist works behind the blanks and all library technology, and is valued to be backbone of the Great Library.

I find Ink and Bone very fascinating. I've never seen the Word play in such a complex system. We all know for centuries, the Roman Catholic have tried to withhold the knowledge of the Bible from its believers and Europe tried to keep their citizens illiterate, but both have failed. This is such a gritty violent story of Man vs Word. Can word hold more value than human lives? Men will die to protect books, destroy books, and steal books. This is truly a very creative story.




 

Shon Review: Stark Springs Academy Series by Ali Dean

Title / Author: Black Diamond (Stark Springs Academy #1) by Ali Dean
Kindle Edition, 189 pages
Published January 10th 2016 
Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, New Adult
Source: Amazon
Rating: 3 stars

Synopsis

When Roxie Slade snaps into a pair of skis, there’s no one on Sugarville Mountain in Vermont who can keep up with her. Not even the boys. Still, Roxie was shocked when she received a scholarship to Stark Springs Academy, a boarding school that churns out Olympians in each graduating class. Entering as a high school junior, Roxie can’t wait to learn from renowned coaches and train with the fastest ski racers from all over the globe. But, upon arrival, Roxie discovers that Stark Springs lives under its own set of rules, and it appears one boy plays dictator.

Ryker Black is not friendly and Roxie cannot fathom why everyone wants to be his friend. Sure, he’s gorgeous and rides a snowboard like it’s his fifth limb, but he’s cold, ruthless, and holds way too much power over the Stark Springs population. Roxie won’t put up with it. She’s here to train, and she doesn’t care about impressing anyone off the slopes. The only problem? Ryker Black doesn’t permit defiance. Not without consequences.

Title / Author: Double Black (Stark Springs Academy #2) by Ali Dean
Kindle Edition, 186 pages
Published April 4th 2016 
Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, New Adult
Source: Amazon
Rating: 3 stars

Synopsis 

* This is the second book in the Stark Springs Academy series, which should be read in order. You should read Black Diamond before reading the description below.* 

If you don’t like the rules, make new ones.
If you want to be the best, show no fear.
And if Ryker Black is your boyfriend, you better be ready to fight. On and off the slopes.
 
Overnight, Roxie Slade went from an outsider at Stark Springs Academy, to a ruler at the prestigious boarding school for elite winter athletes. But Roxie didn’t know if she wanted that power, and she definitely wasn’t sure about sharing it with Ryker Black, who came from a different world and lived by a different set of morals. Ryker may have decided to trust her, but could she trust him?
 
Roxie only cared about her rising position in the ski rankings, but now her status at Stark and within the winter sports community is skyrocketing, whether she asked for it or not. Can she handle both while attempting a real relationship with Ryker Black? Roxie once believed that her sole purpose was proving herself on the slopes, but she’s done that once, and she’s far from satisfied. She has so much more to prove.
 

Title / Author: Black Ice (Stark Springs Academy #3) by Ali Dean
Kindle Edition,  pages
Published August 31th 2016 
Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, New Adult
Source: Amazon
Rating: 2.75 stars

Synopsis

When your enemy dies under strange circumstances? Don’t stop looking over your shoulder. When secrets of a past scandal are plopped into your lap? Solve a mystery.
 
And when you’re a member of the National ski team? Don’t get distracted.
 
Roxie’s senior year at Stark Springs Academy is not what she envisioned. She never intended to be privy to Stark’s biggest secrets, but she’s thrown right into the middle of it, whether she wants to carry that burden or not. As Ryker Black’s girlfriend, nothing is simple or straightforward. A ski racer first and foremost, Roxie can’t let the ghosts of Stark Springs Academy distract her from the race course. Will she be able to pull it off?

Shon & Wendy's Thoughts on Black Diamond

Shon's Thought: I don't know what happened the book start off so promising and towards the end it kind of just fizzle out. In the last 20% of the book Roxanne just whined and cried. I'm like what just happened? I don't think I want to continue with this series.

Wendy's Thoughts: OK so in the beginning I was so into this book and about mid-way it started to get to childish. A lot of whining and back and forth rants. NO ACTION lol. 

My Thoughts about Double Black

Why do I keep doing this to myself? I'm not really enjoying this series but I'm also sort of enjoying this series. It's like a bad accident, you know you should not look but you slow down look anyway.

Basically, book two was just a set up for book three.

My Thoughts on Black Ice

I'm not really liking how this book start off. Roxanne think Ryker had Petra killed. Now our two main characters think they're Colombo. So, because your girlfriend think that you are a murderer, you and her are going to find the real murderer. What the heck am I reading?

Oh look she's whining again. I made it a whole hour into the book before she started whining and complaining. Make it stop!

I made it two hours before I see a technical terms. You would think after two books of the same thing. This would not be necessary. There's a bright side to all of this if I ever decide to watch the Winter Olympic ski racing on TV at least I'll know what they're talking about. LOL

Okay I decided that they're not Columbo they remind me more of Fred and Daphne from Scooby Doo.

I love how everything came magically together and they find out who the killer is. I was witting for some one to say "And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids"

I love how Wendy said in her review about the first book how there was no action. Thank goodness this author does not know how to write 'sexy time' scenes.

Spoiler Alert!

He takes his time kissing me and moving us to the bed and the urgency that has been building for days, weeks, months, is finally satisfied when he pushes inside, and we're one. Well, it seems neither of us are satisfied for a long, and as soon as we've a moment to recover, it's building  again. We hardly sleep at night, but in the morning, neither one of us is tired.

My Final Thoughts...

Stark Springs Academy Series was an okay series. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it. It was hard to get into the story at times because there was too many technical terms and too much information about skiing and it took away from the story.