~Stacking the Shelves~

                Welcome to Stacking the Shelves was created by Tynga and the full details can be found on her page here.  Basically you showcase the books you bought or received each week.  Little, or not so little, weekly book hauls.  Last week I didn't have anything so I didn't post but this week I have a few newbies!

E-Books:

Collide by Michelle Madow

Review:

Beauty& the Beast (Fairy Tale Retellings #1) by Rache L. Demeter

GhostMachine:  A Gothic Steampunk Novel by Kristen Brand

                That's if for this week.  Share a link below with what goodies you got this week.  

Deity (Covenant #3)

                Hello happy readers!  So diving right into this last week I reviewed the second book in the Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout Pure, and I loved it but was anxious to continue.  Well I had been into the next book before the post went up and after it did I was even more determined to finish it.  Hence why this is up so quick!  So without much more my thoughts on Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout.  Spoilers for the first two books, duh. 

Rating:  5 Stars

                So wow.  So much is happening in this.  Alex is reeling from what happened in the last book.  She is used to breaking rules but she killed a Pure and more, Aiden broke even more laws risking himself to cover it up for her.  She is getting closer to her birthday but everyone seems ready to kill or use her, neither of which are cool.  It’s hard to know whom to trust.

                This book was all about some characters for me.  I of course loved Alex even though I had some issues with her here and there like her inability to see things for what they are and to ignore signs.  I understood why and it made sense to her which I appreciate.  Aiden.  OMG he is my favorite!  He is awesome!  He covered for her and then everything in this book, all the tension and feelings.  He is just…wow do I love him.  There are some things I totally called and others I figured in a wide view but the final result was intense. 

                Now I mentioned in the last book I didn’t like Seth.  I didn’t like him for so many reasons but just from the first quarter of this book, probably like 50 pages really I actually hated him.  I felt like he was like a rapist.  That might seem harsh I know but that's what it felt like to me.  I don't blame him for what happened in the last book with the brew I get that.  I mean when he keeps pushing her into things.  Alex says she wants space and breathing room and he just forces himself on her until the cord comes out and calms her down and basically roofies her.  He keeps pushing until that takes hold.  She was hardly conscious at one point trying to make more marks appear even though she is scared and not ready for it.  But he's riding high and she's hardly able to breath and he's trying to get her naked.  I fear what would have happened had someone not intervened.  That is not cool.  And even if she is not complaining or seeing how wrong it is, because she’s basically drugged, she is confused by this connection she says she is and how it clouds her head but nope listening to her would deny him what he wants.  That is just from like 50 pages and not even counting the other BS that happens in the book.  Just saying I didn’t like him from the start.

                Some seriously awesome things happened in this as well.  Swoon worthy things.  And some horrible things.  This book was a roller coaster.  I think each book keeps picking up the pace and the thrills.  There are so many revelations about so many characters.  I am both anxious and scared to start the next book because who knows what could happen.  Deity did focus more on Alex and the conspiracy she is unknowingly/unwillingly at the center of, being the second Apollyon is not stress free that's for sure.  Aside from some swoon stuff that had me jumping for joy my favorite part was that we did get to know more about the Gods and even meet some of them.  I can even explain but to say there is awesome suspense and tons of action happening along with all the other drama that we love so much.  Highly recommend this series.  Also loving that I'm reading them late so I can go straight through them without having to wait, definitely the way to go.  That's all for now.

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Cherished (Beholder #3)

                So I skipped yesterday Top Ten Tuesday as I was just hitting a blank and couldn't come up with anything I had to many ideas for topics and then couldn't settle.  Sigh.  But do not fret my “Waiting On” Wednesday is on schedule.  As always it's hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Cherished (Beholder #3) by Christina Bauer

Out: 5/30

From Goodreads:

                For Elea, there’s never been a better time to turn away from witch life.  The Tsar is in exile.  The Vicomte is dead.  And Rowan?  Falling for him only broke her heart.  Instead of casting spells, Elea spends her days running Braddock Farm and enjoying the flirtations of the very handsome and non-magical Philippe.  Everything is going perfectly, except for one problem.

                Someone’s trying to kill her.

                Shujaa is a Changed One, a Creation Caster mage whose mutated form makes him invincible in battle.  Now that the Tsar and Vicomte are gone, Shujaa wants to rise and rule.  To do so, he must eliminate all those powerful enough to oppose him, and Elea is top on his list.  Anyone who offers her aid quickly ends up dead.

                In the end, there’s only one person who can keep Elea safe while helping her defeat Shujaa:  Rowan.  Like it or not, Elea must team up with her old love.  With Philippe along for the ride, Elea plans to team with Rowan without losing her heart this time.  But that’s when all her plans fall apart…          

               

Why I’m Waiting:

                OMG so yeah I love this author and her series so I’m ready for more always.  But this one….Book 2 had me going through a rollercoaster of emotions and I’m unsure how I even feel about Rowan at the moment.  I want to root for him but I’m also completely pissed off at him but I flip flop so much it’s impossible to keep track lol.  That said I can’t wait to see what Elea is up to now. Previous reviews: Cursed / Concealed 

                 

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out. 

Pure (Covenant #2)

                Hello happy readers!  Another joyous Monday, I admit my weekend felt much too short.  But I did get a couple of things done so cheers to that.  I didn't have any new books last week so I had nothing to share on Stacking the Shelves but I already have things for next week ;) One thing I worked on my review for today which I'm excited for as I work my way through the series.  Last month I review Half-Blood (Covenant #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout (review)and now I have my thoughts and feels for book two, Pure.  Spoilers for book one of course.

Rating:  5 Stars

                We pick up where we left off.  Shit got real in the last book.  I had expected things to happen but if I'm honest I never expected her to get that marked up by things so when it happened I was shocked.  So now she's back in school and training with dreamy Aiden but wait she now has to train with her "other half" Seth the first Apollyon whom she is supposed to belong with.  Still daimons are infiltrating Covenants all over and now we know Half's can be turned it is an uncertain world.  Still it's not just the daimons after her but all those who aren't fond of her being the second coming of the Apollyon and what that will mean. 

                This story really hit me in the feels.  First being in her head as she deals with everything that happened with her mom.  That was just hard she was struggling so much but trying to stay strong because that is what is expected of her.  If she shows weakness there is the chance she could end up in servitude.  Then there is the dreamy man you're in love with who is totally off limits because of ancient laws from the Gods that are punishable by servitude or death.  Really tries to kill the romance but still the heart never is a logical thing.  And then you have Seth who is suddenly everywhere and this weird connection with him, this cord you don't understand and that's not even counting the whole Apollyon to be thing or the furies that have been planted in the lobby of all Covenants. 

                We get to see more on her training which is fun.  I love that she isn't just magically good at things and while she is tough and good she is also working her ass off to make it that way.  I love the dedication.  I also loved that we got to see more of the class differences here.  It was much stronger especially when they go to the council to answer for what happened with her mother.  Dealing with so much and already vulnerable she has to face off with people who know just how to play her and will stop at nothing to put an end to her.  Seriously this was insane. Plus all the dialogue, the witty banter and back and forth between all the characters just made it flow!

                 Between the emotional and all the espionage and such it was a packed read.  I still adore Alex because well she's everything we can relate to even when she does stupid things and I yell at her like she were real and could hear me.  Aiden is amazing and I still want one of him, but without all the danger and complications because it just rips on my heart!  Then we have Seth…okay I don't like him.  There I said it.  I didn't care for him tons in the first book but then this one my feelings just solidified.  I mean boundaries hello.  And I don't like that he's trying to get between my ship.  Now I admit he has his moments where I kind of like him but then he usually ruins it.  Plus I have a feeling he knows way more than he's telling.  I also hold to my feelings about Lucien and Marcus.  Marcus I think is okay just not warm and fuzzy but I don't trust Lucien at all. 

                I did like getting to know some more of the students and class mates.  The divide between Half's and Pure's being drawn about more now that they can be turned.  The sudden shift in treatment and how everyone reacts to it.  I'm really hoping one of the end game plays is going to be abolish this whole class difference between them and also allow relationships.  Just saying I'm hopeful for the future.  More so after seeing much more of the servants and how they are and are treated.  It got under my skin so badly.  I was all into this book.  But yes we got to meet new people at the Council like Laaden who I enjoyed getting to know she added a bit of femininity to the mix as Alex is generally surrounded by men. 

                Anyways lots of things are happening and while I don't like some of them they are winding up my feelings and making me anxious to continue on.  More loses that feel like a knife to the heart, seriously though I was hoping it wouldn't happen but I was so wrong.  And then some of the discoveries and things happening….oh yeah it's on.  I can't wait to read the next book and continue on.    

                Until next time…

The Edge of Juniper

                Hello happy readers!  So last year I read and reviewed Outspoken by Lora Richardson (review) and really enjoyed it.  When I was asked about reviewing her next book The Edge of Juniper I was more than happy to do so.  Things got a bit crazy and I’m more than a bit behind but I was finally able to read this book in pretty much one sitting.  Would have been one but I got off work and hard to drive home to finish it ;)  So here are my thoughts and feels on it.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Sixteen-year-old Fay is spending the whole summer with her Aunt, Uncle, and cousins in the small little town of Juniper, Indiana.  She is excited for the adventure having been close and loving her week long visits to spend with her cousin Celia.  Though she quickly discovers that things are not what they seem and far from the perfect way she imagined.  Her Uncle has a grudge with the Dearing family in town and no one is supposed to speak with them, off limits.  Not a problem.  Until Fay is left with lots of free time as Celia has a boyfriend keeping her busy most of the time.  Enter Malcolm, the sweet, warm, and attractive boy who caught her eye.  Only one problem, he’s Malcolm Dearing and off limits.  This only makes her think of him even more as the summer and all the happenings going on in Juniper.

                I really enjoyed this one.  It was super sweet in so many ways.  I just adore Malcolm.  Seriously book boyfriend material of the highest quality!  The story was also very real.  It tackled so much in handling so many issues from alcoholism, first love, and all types of relationships and loves both healthy and not so healthy.  Still while some items really tugged at your heart or upset you there was so many other funny or lighthearted scenes that all flowed so wonderfully together.  The story as a whole really came together and I just had such a good time reading it.

                I enjoyed being with Fay as she stayed with her family for eight months and learned so much but mostly about herself.  She came to really know who she is as a person and the self discovery was wonderful.  While I didn't always agree with Fay she had he reasons for things and she was willing to admit when she was wrong.  Malcolm was just wonderful in so many ways and what I think most would adore in a boyfriend.   Celia is so much different from Fay in many ways but at the same time you see the similarities as well.  Their relationship also had me turning the pages to see what would happen. The Edge of Juniper is a beautiful contemporary that you can fly through on a nice lazy day but that might also tear at your heart as well.  I know I got teary in parts.  Falling in and out of love, first love, and family love are just a few of the loves to love about this book.  I highly recommend it. 

                Until next time…

~Waiting on Wednesday~ A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOTAR #3)

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOTAR #3) by Sarah J. Maas

Out: 5/2

From Goodreads:

                Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

                Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees.  But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

                As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

                In this thrilling third book in the series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

Why I’m Waiting:

                 Holly Crap!  I took forever to read ACOMAF, not because it wasn’t good but because I knew it would leave me hanging with a horrid cliffhanger.  Also some other reasons that I went into full detail on in my review here.  But anywho let’s just say once I got over that one part and really dove in I am beyond ready for this one.  I just need it.  I need so much more.  I am somewhat concerned about it going from a three to six book series though as that just means more can go wrong and happen to my people!  Just yes OMG I need this book and I need to discuss ACOMAF.

                 

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out.

Top Ten Tuesday: Visuals

                Hello everyone!  Top Ten Tuesday is just how it sounds, a topic is picked and we put our Top Ten for that in a post and share and check out everyone’s answers.  Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

The top ten today is:  Visuals (Graphic Novels, Illustrated, Comics, etc)

                First let me pick any books with MAPS huge plus!  They are so pretty.  And things like Six of Crows that had a character sketch poster those kind of things are on point! 

Harry Potter Illustrated Editions- Harry Potter with pictures=perfect!

The Infernal Devices Manga- Black and white and really interesting to see my characters and relive the whole series in a quicker more visual format.

A History of Notable Shadowhunters & Denizensof Downworld- This is something I saw someone haul and just knew I needed it.  A guide of characters in different series and information on them but mostly the art....so many books should have this.

Legend Graphic Novels- The first two were awesome and I have the final one on pre-order for April.

Vampire Academy Graphic Novels- One of my fav series of course I love these!  I can't wait for the rest!

House of Night Novellas bind-up Graphic Novel- I was sad to see this series come to an end so when I found the novellas in graphic novel form I had to!

You Were Here by –Each character had their own voice and style in chapters and the art show as one of those was perfect some normal book format others in art work and some in graphic novel style. (review)

Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas- The coloring book.  So a bit different but the pages in the book are so pretty.  This could really go to any of the many coloring books coming out as of late for series like Lunar Chronicles, The Selection, etc. 

Wires and Nerve (Vol #1)- This comes out today and I can't wait for my copy to arrive!

               I've mostly stuck to graphic novels of series I already love but I have been wanting to check out more, full stories I just don't know where to start.  Hoping to get some good ideas this week!

  

                 What books have I been missing out on?  Tell me what you think of my list in the comments below.  Also please link back to your Top Ten as well so I can check out your list and see what I missed!