Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, Bought Borrowed and Bagged

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews,  check it out and sign up  here

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged is a weekly meme, hosted by TalkSupe, where I share with you the books I have bought, borrowed, or bagged. Link up with me here.

Currently reading:

How It Ends

Lo, Catherine *

Last Week on the blog:

• Waiting on Wednesday, WoW
• It's Not You, It's Me: DNF post

Breathe, Annie, Breathe source: library Review

Kenneally, Miranda *

My week: Got some bad news about my mom. She probably has lung cancer, but at least its a small mass and they think that a single surgery could be a cure.

Also my health hasn't been the best-- I think I have a hairline fracture in my hand so being on the computer hurts-- hence my lack of blogging participation with comments and visits this week. My ear has been hurting and went to the doc and they said that my eardrum was perforated/burst, so I am on antibiotics but still hurts right now.
I also just haven't felt like doing much besides laying around and watching tv. Reading hasn't been appealing to me either.

Sorry to complain and be so negative, that has just been my week. 

What are you reading? Any of my books new to you or have you read any of my books? If so, what did you think?
Also, feel free to link up your blog and mailbox post.

Review: Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally

Breathe, Annie, Breathe (Hundred Oaks) by Miranda Kenneally

Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race.
But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.

Publishes in US: July 15th 2014 by Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: ya contemp
Source: library
Series? yes Hundred Oaks but can read as standalone
#1 Catching Jordan
 Stealing Parker
#4 Racing Savannah

Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble |Books-A-Million | Book Depository | IndieBound |Powell's | Wal-Mart

Author stalk away: ~site Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Wattpad

    I liked Annie as a character and her determination. She is dealing with a lot of grief and perceived guilt. She feels like if she would have done things differently, her ex, Kyle would still be alive, and they could have still been together.

    There was strained family dynamics in this one. Annie and her mom had a big fight and she had projected her guilt on her mom and blamed her that if she didn't push her goals of college on Annie, that she could have said yes to the proposal. At least Annie and her brother is close. She doesn't let any of them talk about her loss, and try to suggest ways to heal or what she should do.

    The running was interesting. I am much like Annie in that I hate to run, never done it well or had the desire to do it. But the regimen of it started to appeal to Annie. She didn't have to worry about what to do with her time, and she found herself looking forward to the running, and the challenge of it.

   She is very conflicted about a new person, a boy, in her life. She feels guilt for having feelings for someone else and thinks its too soon, and also taking over her reason for running. To finish what Kyle couldn't do but put so much time into the training and goal of completing the marathon, But I did enjoy the exploration of the romantic feelings with Jere, and how he helped her to face some things, to realize more about taking chances even with the chance of loss or getting hurt.

   I will mention that while I loved the heat in this one, it is a bit descriptive with foreplay etc, so if you are sensitive to that sort of thing.

   I liked how it came together and left the book with a sense of completion but also hope for their happiness and what's next for the characters.

Bottom Line: Another good one from this series

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Are you a runner?

Waiting on Wednesday, WoW

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I also feature books that may have already released, but I am anxiously waiting to read.

This week, I'm featuring:

How It Ends

Lo, Catherine *

There are two sides to every story.

It’s friends-at-first-sight for Jessie and Annie, proving the old adage that opposites attract. Shy, anxious Jessie would give anything to have Annie’s beauty and confidence. And Annie thinks Jessie has the perfect life, with her close-knit family and killer grades. They're BFFs…until suddenly they're not. 

Told through alternating points of view, How It Ends is a wildly fast but deeply moving read about a friendship in crisis. Set against a tumultuous sophomore year of bullying, boys and backstabbing, the novel shows what can happen when friends choose assumptions and fear over each other.

Releases: June 7th 2016 by HMH Books for Young Readers

What are you waiting on?

It's Not You, It's Me: DNF post

     I have done this several times on my blog. Books that just don't work for me. I know my reading style pretty well, and I can tell whether I will like the book or not accurately about 80-90% of the time. If I finish a book, then there are aspects of that book that I enjoyed. I never talk about the author in a negative way, I only say what doesn't work for me. Normally if I finish a book, I give it at least 3 stars, meaning that I liked it.

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass, #4)

Maas, Sarah J. *

   Stopped at 9%

Loved the first, second and third wasn't as great, and the plot in 4 is just getting too dense for me. And I forgot way too much and was lost. I need a lighter fantasy.

  That isn't to say that the writing is poor or the characters are poorly constructed, it's personal on my end.
Positive Reviews:
JC's Book Haven
Readers Live a Thousand Lives

Teardrop (Teardrop, #1)

Kate, Lauren *

   Stopped at %4

Didn't understand the world building or terminology.

  That isn't to say that the writing is poor or the characters are poorly constructed, it's personal on my end.
Positive Reviews:
Once Upon A Twilight
Inside a Dog

Half Bad (The Half Bad Trilogy, #1)

Green, Sally *

   Stopped at %1

The POV. I can't do the "You" perspective.

  That isn't to say that the writing is poor or the characters are poorly constructed, it's personal on my end.
Positive Reviews:
Alison Can Read
Studio Reads

The Crown's Game (The Crown's Game, #1)

Skye, Evelyn *

Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook


I want to read crowns game because I like the sound of the magic and the excitement of the game. Vika sounded like a strong main character that I could relate with.

I did go into a little wary though because I read some negative things about the love triangle coupled with some instalive and just the whole romance aspect not being very well realized.

It didn't start out well for me because it started back in 1825 and I am very much a person who likes for things to be rooted in the now or in the future not the past. While I understand well it did it to give us some background on the game and the rich historical significance it just kind of threw me off.

it kept going in the first four chapters there were 4 different point of view. I like mine to be in first person but can get away with some third person when well written. but I also prefer either one person's point of view or to 3 is pushing it and for just gets to the point where I get confused about who did what and I mix up who they are and their characteristics.

  That isn't to say that the writing is poor or the characters are poorly constructed, it's personal on my end.
Positive Reviews:
It Starts at Midnight
Helena Reads

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you have any POV preference or dislike? (1st, 2nd, 3rd, dual, multiple POV)

Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, Bought Borrowed and Bagged

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews,  check it out and sign up  here

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged is a weekly meme, hosted by TalkSupe, where I share with you the books I have bought, borrowed, or bagged. Link up with me here.

Currently reading

Endure (Defy, #3) source: library

Larson, Sara B. *

From my mailbox: fun swag pack from trisha wolfe

What I read:

The Glittering Court (The Glittering Court, #1) source: bought

Mead, Richelle *

Ask Me How I Got Here source: edelweiss

Heppermann, Christine *

Breathe, Annie, Breathe source: library

Kenneally, Miranda *

Last Week on the blog:

• Waiting on Wednesday, WoW
• Review: The Flip Side by Shawn Johnson and A.L. So...

A Walk in the Sun Source: Harperteen via edelweiss Review

Zink, Michelle *

The Flip Side Source: Simon Teen via Edelwiess Review

Johnson, Shawn

My week:

me and hubby leveled up as nerds when our firefly expansions now take up majority of an 8+ person dining room table

what we're playing:

Firefly: The Game 

Firefly Board Game: Kalidasa Expansion Board Game, 

Firefly Expansion: Blue Sun Rim space expansion set

Back is much better, still muscle sore, but the nerves being burnt def helped.

What are you reading? Any of my books new to you or have you read any of my books? If so, what did you think?
Also, feel free to link up your blog and mailbox post.

Review: A Walk in the Sun by Michelle Zink

A Walk in the Sun by Michelle Zink

In this Bridges of Madison County for teens, Michelle Zink weaves a magnetic tale about summer love that stays with you long after the seasons change.
Rose Darrow never wanted to spend her life working on her family’s farm. But when her family is rocked by an unexpected tragedy she has no choice but to put her plans for the future—and dreams of escaping her small town—on hold.
Bodhi Lowell left home as a kid and hasn’t looked back. Years of working farm jobs has given him the one thing he wants most: freedom to travel without answering to anyone. He’s already looking past his job at Darrow Farm and plans on leaving in September—until he meets Rose.
Neither Rose nor Bodhi can deny the sparks flying between them, but with the end of summer looming, they must decide if it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all....

Publishes in US: May 3rd 2016 by HarperTeen
Genre: ya contemp
Source: Harperteen via edelweiss
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, PREORDER A SIGNED HARDCOVER IndieBound Book Depository

Author stalk away: ~site Facebook Twitter Tumblr  Instagram

    I wanted to read this one because I like the sound of a summer romance and a bit of a lighter contemporary read than I have been reading. Plus the cover is super adorable, so it caught my eye. 

    Rose's has been handling things on the family farm because her mom passed away and since then her dad hasn't been able to really handle things. so with the help of a neighbor she has been learning the business and the animals and what needs to be done. she's taking on a lot of responsibility but she realizes it and she wants to help even if it does seem like she resents it a bit. She's missed out on college applications and deadlines and that sort of thing and it's also limited her social life.

    As the novel is beginning Bodhi is just wandering into town. we learn about him that he's also from a pretty rough past and was kind of hiding out and the solitary life. He wanted out from under his dad house and not in foster home so he learned ways for that to happen. He's found his home working with animals on farms and ranches having a roof above his head and somewhere to stay and food and he's been fine with that life.

    I liked Rose's friendship with lexie. She keeps her honest and brings a new perspective to boys, trying to get her to focus on things outside of the farm, and remember that there is another kind of life she could strive for.

   There was a lot of tension between Rose and Bodhi and I really liked it and I also like the fact that they questioned this attraction and the awkwardness and if the other one was interested. it was just kind of a fun and give and take and I was wanting for things to work out for them. I liked their timing and progression of their relationship. Both learned to let go and let someone new in even if it meant that they might part ways, and leave the other's life at the end of the summer. 

  I liked the resolution, and could see how the whole novel was pointing that way. It helped show a family's timeline through grief, and the different things that opened their eyes and illuminated the unhealthy ways they were coping, and I was glad to see progress in their life. Seeing how they can keep a memory alive and still stay in the land of the living- life that changes and develops, and brings different people in at the right times. 

Bottom Line: Liked the sweet romance and the emotional touches.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Ever been on a farm?

Waiting on Wednesday, WoW

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I also feature books that may have already released, but I am anxiously waiting to read.

This week, I'm featuring:

The Art of Not Breathing

Alexander, Sarah *

Since her twin brother, Eddie, drowned five years ago, sixteen-year-old Elsie Main has tried to remember what really happened that fateful day on the beach. One minute Eddie was there, and the next he was gone. Seventeen-year-old Tay McKenzie is a cute and mysterious boy that Elsie meets in her favorite boathouse hangout. When Tay introduces Elsie to the world of freediving, she vows to find the answers she seeks at the bottom of the sea. 

Releases: April 26th 2016 by HMH Books for Young Readers

What are you waiting on?

Review: The Flip Side by Shawn Johnson and A.L. Sonnichsen

The Flip Side by Shawn Johnson and A.L. Sonnichsen

From gold medalist and reality TV star Shawn Johnson comes a debut YA novel inspired by her own experiences as an elite teenage gymnast—just in time for the Summer 2016 Olympic games.
Charlie Ryland has a secret.
She may seem like your average high school sophomore—but she’s just really good at pretending.
Because outside of school Charlie spends all her waking hours training to become one of the best gymnasts in the world. And it’s not easy flying under the radar when you’re aiming for Olympic gold…especially when an irresistible guy comes along and threatens to throw your whole world off balance.
Inspired by her own experiences as a fifteen-year-old Olympic gymnast, gold medalist Shawn Johnson writes a delightfully entertaining novel about chasing big dreams and falling in love, all while trying to keep it real.

Publishes in US:  June 7th 2016 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genre: ya adult
Source: Simon Teen via Edelwiess
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away:
Shawn Johnson ~site ~twitter
A.L ~site ~twitter ~facebook

    I wanted to read The Flip Side because I enjoy gymnastics, and wanted to read a fictionalized account of olympic goals. 

   She was a fun character she's very interested in gymnastics and she's hoping to make the Olympic team. But she leads a life as Charlotte where she goes to school and she doesn't tell anyone that she is a gymnast and then she leaves the life of Charlie where she is learning next to Impossible moves and being in competitive meets and trying to get everything perfect so she gets a shot at her dream.

    She wants to live somewhat of a normal life but you can tell that she's very torn because she has a best friend and both of her life setups and she can't even mention the other one to her Charlotte best friend because she doesn't tell her what she's doing. In some ways I can understand that she wants be a normal girl that she dreams of a boyfriend that she wants to do normal things. but she has the very intense desire and the skill for the gymnastics so she has to make herself realize that boys and parties would just be a distraction and it would prevent her from fully committing to the life of an elite gymnast.

    it's hard when the inevitable blowup happens for her. She was sneaking around and doing some things she shouldn't have. she was interested in a boy and going behind her parents back. not only that it basically came out to the boy that she likes and her best friend at school that she been lying to them and they understandably took it very hard. on another hand I can see why she would want to tell everyone at school because everyone's all the sudden treating her different now that they know that she's famous and might make it to the Olympics. but the question remains with the people that she was closest to like Zoe and Bobby she could have put her trust in them and it hurt and it damaged the relationship. allies and going behind her parents also could have put an end to her dreams of the Olympic because she ended up hurting herself right before the trials.

   I liked the ending and where it left off.
 

Bottom Line: Fun read.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Ever done gymnastics? Compete if you did?

Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, Bought Borrowed and Bagged

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews,  check it out and sign up  here

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged is a weekly meme, hosted by TalkSupe, where I share with you the books I have bought, borrowed, or bagged. Link up with me here.

Currently reading

The Glittering Court (The Glittering Court, #1) source: bought

Mead, Richelle *

What I read:

A Walk in the Sun source: edelweiss

Zink, Michelle

Last Week on the blog:

• Waiting on Wednesday, WoW

Riders (Riders, #1) Source: library Review

Rossi, Veronica *

The Art of Not Breathing Source: earc from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via edelweiss Review

Alexander, Sarah *

My week: Recovering from part 2 of back procedure. Sleep was elusive, but less pain... Just trying to get over my ripped through muscles.

woo, featured:

“Bottom Line: powerful, emotional and raw.” (BRANDI BREATHES BOOKS)


What are you reading? Any of my books new to you or have you read any of my books? If so, what did you think?
Also, feel free to link up your blog and mailbox post.