Can't Wait Wednesday #23

 

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by 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.

Hello hello! Hope everyone's week is going well! This week I am excited for a book that I cam across during Raincoast's Fall TBR Preview! Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber (Perhaps you've read the Caraval series by her). I like the sound of this one, and I just got approved for a copy so I can't wait to get started! 

Title: Once Upon a Broken Heart

Author: Stephanie Garber
Publish Date: September 28th, 2021
Publisher: Flatiron Books

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Caraval, the first book in a new series about love, curses, and the lengths that people will go to for happily ever after.

Evangeline Fox was raised in her beloved father’s curiosity shop, where she grew up on legends about immortals, like the tragic Prince of Hearts. She knows his powers are mythic, his kiss is worth dying for, and that bargains with him rarely end well.

But when Evangeline learns that the love of her life is about to marry another, she becomes desperate enough to offer the Prince of Hearts whatever he wants in exchange for his help to stop the wedding. The prince only asks for three kisses. But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’s pledged. And he has plans for Evangeline that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy…

 

Stacking the Shelves #12

 

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

If you want to find out more about Stacking The Shelves, please visit Reading Reality!

Well bookstores are back open for me so of course, I went for a visit to the second hand bookstore! (two of them actually lol) I left alot of them at my boyfriend's house though and can't remember what I got haha! So I'm posting all the ones I remember!

Purchased myself: 

From NetGalley:

Book Blogger Hop

 

This is hosted by Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer! Hop over to their page to grab a button and join in the fun!

This Week's Question:

How long have you stayed up to read a book? (submitted by Julie @ Jade Sky)

I have actually stayed up all night before... like literally all night and then got up and went to school lol! It was in high school and I was reading the Fifty Shades books secretly because my mom wouldn't let me (for good reason but I was being "rebellious") and I read the entire trilogy that night, didn't sleep at all. While I do still stay up late to read a book occasionally, I've gotten old and need my sleep lol so usually not later than 1 in the morning and even that makes me cringe. Sigh. Wonder what I'll be like when I'm in my 60's if I'm like this in my 20's haha! 

The Soul of a Storme by Sandra Sookoo Book Review

 

Title: The Soul of a Storme
Author: Sandra Sookoo
Publish Date: June 3rd, 2021
Publisher: Dragonblade Pulishing
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy!

An intelligent man realizes that letting go of his anger makes him stronger.

Welcome to book 1 in the exciting new series from USA Today Bestselling Author Sandra Sookoo.

Andrew Charles Storme—ninth Earl of Hadleigh—has been in a monstrous temper for the better part of two years. Unable to join the fight against Napoleon due to the declining health and subsequent death of his father, his rotten mood worsened when his two brothers survived the war with life-changing injuries. Ashamed, Drew retreats to his country estate in Derbyshire to spare them his ire. Why the devil was he not worth more than his title?

Miss Sarah Copeland is a poor relation. In exchange for room and board, she’s become the governess to her great-uncle’s two rambunctious offspring. It was better than being tossed in the street, but only just. Freedom and imagination are found in playing a flute, especially since dreams of her future died long ago. When she meets her handsome, growling neighbor, she believes she’s finally found her purpose. After all, didn’t music soothe the savage beast?

While Drew battles with his guilt and anxiety, he finds safety and solace in Sarah’s company. As they enter into a surprising marriage of convenience, the earl’s temper slowly begins to improve, as does her outlook. But while an unexpected romance blooms over the summer weeks, responsibility to the title rears its ugly head, and his temper flares anew, threatening to tear apart everything they’ve built.

Only patience, trust, and love will see them through to a happy ending.

Penelope's Review

This is the first book in a series focused around the Storme brothers. The book follows the eldest brother, Andrew Storme, and our female lead is Miss Sarah Copeland. I enjoyed this book for it's plot, but wasn't a huge fan of the characters. While I did like Miss Copeland, and enjoyed the role she played, I found it difficult to relate to Andrew. While I think it is great that this book tried to shed light on real world issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, etc. I found that it missed the mark with Andrew. His outbursts, rude behavior, and inability to keep his temperature in check all made it difficult to connect to him, and while there were times when I felt sorry for him, it was not enough to overcome my general dislike. 

Miss Copeland, on the other hand, I enjoyed as a character much more. I understood her desire to get out of her current situation with her great uncle, and was unsurprised when she accepted Andrew's marriage proposal. While I thought she put up with much more than she should have, I admired her strength and desire to see the best in Andrew and help him see the best in himself.

Overall, I think this book had some great ideas, but execution could have been a bit better in my opinion. I like the plot twists and will definitely read the next book in the series to see if I enjoy one of the brother's stories more. I encourage you to give this a try though, if you enjoy historical romance books with older characters (late 30's, early 40's) with some real world issues brought to light. 

Rating: 3/5 Devils!

Can't Wait Wednesday #22

 

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by 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.

Hi everyone! This week I stumbled across a book on NetGalley that's coming out at the end of this year called Sienna. It sounded so cool I couldn't resist requesting it, and I just got approved! My only concern is that reviews so far have not been great... I believe there are 4 from reviewers on Goodreads, all of which are three stars or less. Have you guys seen/heard of this one yet? I hope it's not as terrible as the reviews say... I've decided to give it a try for myself! 

Title: Sienna
Author: J.F. Jones
Publish Date: December 1st, 2021
Publisher: Ingram

I live in a world of chaos.

A world divided between humans and cyborgs.

A world where girls are snatched off the streets to become Marked Ones, their bodies inked with names and images. And now, now I am one of them.

I've been sold to a man called the Master. A notorious Hunter who kills cyborgs. I'm in the claws of the most feared man, trapped in a mansion with six other girls just like me.

I will find the way to escape this nightmare. To run from this world full of torture and death. And the Master's son, Ero, is going to help me. He'll help me save myself as well as the other girls. I will break the cage I'm trapped in, save the girl I'm falling in love with and destroy the evil that inhabits these four walls.

One way or another, I will be free. Even if it means becoming the worst monster of them all.

 

Highland Hero by Cynthia Breeding Book Review

 

Title: Highland Hero
Author: Cynthia Breeding
Publish Date: June 14th, 2021
Publisher: Entangled - Amara
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy for review!

If Juliana Caldwell said the sky was blue, Rory MacGregor would tell her it was gray, with a storm due any minute. No man gets under her skin more than the arrogantly handsome Scot. When she is abducted by a rival clan, Rory is the last person she expects or wants to call her hero.

Rory is the best tracker the MacGregors have, so when his brother’s sister-by-marriage goes missing, he’s ordered to find her. But binding himself to the fiery English redhead with an opinion about everything is not how he saw this rescue going. To save her from the clutches of the villainous Cameron laird’s son, though, he must declare them handfasted.

When their escape goes horribly awry, Juliana and Rory are forced to take the long way home. Surviving blizzard conditions, meddling clanspeople, and a near-fatal ambush on the trail, nothing compares to the unexpected and unlikely passion that ignites between the rugged Highlander and his English warrior princess.

Penelope's Review

This is the first book I've read by this author, and I am an instant fan! While it is technically the second in a series, it can be read out of order as with many historical romance series. While the first book followed Ian MacGregor and Emily, this book follows Ian's brother Rory and Emily's sister Juliana. My heart is still swooning over these two!

So the book begins right away with some action, as Juliana is kidnapped by rival clan's Neal Cameron. Rory is sent to track her down and bring her back. These two clash in the best way possible. This book brings in the enemies to lovers trope, and does it in such a fantastic way! I absolutely loved the chemistry between the two even when they were bickering and arguing lol! Cynthia Breeding wrote the characters in such a way that I was feeling each and every emotion they felt, and falling in love with them even more as each page went by. 

The plot itself was really well done in my opinion. I was never bored, and liked the way the storyline progressed. Juliana had faced some trauma with a man earlier in her life, and as such, had an intense distrust and fear of sexual encounters with any man. This aspect of the story was written in such a way that was not too graphic, yet conveyed the emotions of someone in her position quite well. 

I absolutely adored how Rory treated Juliana, right from the beginning of the book, despite his frustration with their conversations. There was never a moment when I was cringing at something being said or done between the two of them, which was such a relief. 

Overall, I think this was a really well done novel, with a great historical aspect to it. I loved the characters and the plot, as well as the writing style of this author. I look forward to reading the first book in this series, and any books that come after this one as well!

Rating: 4.5/5 Devils!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organize yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I got to go visit my grandparents for the first time since Christmas (they live 3.5 hours away from me) so that was very exciting! A long drive but well worth it :) I also got a call from my surgeon, and my surgery is booked for this Friday! I'm quite nervous about being put to sleep, but apparently that's the best part lol! I've just read too many books and seen too many movies where the person doesn't wake up again and it's terrifying. But alas, it's going to happen so I best put on my big girl panties as they say, and just get it done! Hope everyone has a fantastic week full of many amazing books! 

What I Read Last Week:

Highland Hero: Cynthia Breeding

What I Am Currently Reading:

The Soul of a Storme: Sandra Sookoo

What I am Reading Next:

Sweet Bliss: Jennifer Bardsley

Book Blogger Hop

 

This is hosted by Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer! Hop over to their page to grab a button and join in the fun!

This Week's Question:

How often do you post on your blog and/or social media? (submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews)

It varies... I try to post at least 5-6 times a week on my blog, but depending on how busy life is I sometimes lack the the time! In terms of social media, I do a post on Instagram every 2-3 days and Twitter whenever I remember lol! 

Can't Wait Wednesday #21

 

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by 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.

This week I can't wait to dive into a new ARC I was just approved for on Edelweiss! I've been seeing it around the blogosphere a bit lately, so I'm excited to give it a try! Have you heard about this one yet?

Title: The Last She
Author: H.J. Nelson 
Publish Date: December 7th, 2021
Publisher: Wattpad Books

Ara . . . I made a mistake, we all did . . . go back to the beginning . . . it’s not too late.

As the only female to survive the devastating virus, Ara hasn’t seen another human in months―not since her father disappeared. The plague has swept away humanity, and Ara’s world is desolate, haunted by the ghosts of her former life. Her mother. Her sister.

Kaden and his crew live by a code: stay alert, stay alive. When they catch Ara stealing from them, they are furious―and confused. She is the first girl they have seen in three years. And while Kaden knows taking her captive is wrong, he tells himself he’s doing it to protect her.

But with Ara determined to follow through on her father’s mission―Go back to the beginning. End the plague―Kaden becomes mesmerized by Ara’s will and beauty. He knows he will do anything to help her, even if it tears their worlds apart.

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organize yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

Omigoodness it's been over a week! Time got away from me and I didn't have a spare second to blog lol! I am officially waitlisted for medical school, which unfortunately means I probably didn't get in this year. So I am back to studying for the MCAT exam to see if I can get my score super high and become more competitive! In the meantime, I'm going to try my best to pre-schedule posts but reviews will likely be significantly decreased due to my lack of reading time over the next month! And here I thought I was going to get a relaxing summer lol!!

What I Am Currently Reading:

What I am Reading Next:

Book Blogger Hop

 

This is hosted by Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer! Hop over to their page to grab a button and join in the fun!

This Week's Question:

Where do you get book images for your posts? (submitted by Julie @ JadeSky)

I always get my images from Goodreads! I usually don't even have to resize them for my posts, but if I do they never get blurry which is awesome!