Weekly Reading Update 2/20-2/26/16!

Another Weekly Reading Update! My week started off slow since I had to work all weekend and extra long days during the week, but I still managed to sneak in some reading time.

As we’re still in the midst of the Teen Reading Challenge, I started my weekend with some graphic novels..

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, volume 1: Squirrel Power by Ryan North. This was super cute, but I wasn’t wowed like I have been with some other Marvel titles. I’m definitely planning to continue with the second volume, though.

I also read The Adventures of Superhero Girl by Faith Erin Hicks. Goodreads has been recommending this graphic novel to me for years, and I always ignored it. Until I found this list of the best graphic novels written by women - and Superhero Girl was on it. So I broke down and requested it from the library, and now I’m mad at myself for waiting so long! It was great. Definitely check this one out. Girl power!

Another book I had been putting off even though I heard some great things - Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker. This is on a list of “Essential New Adult Books” that I found in a book review magazine. I copied down the list of titles, and I’m working my way through them, even though I had already read pretty many on the list. Ten Tiny Breaths was so good. Emotional, gritty… and definitely messed up. But so, so good. I’ve already requested book 2!

I also went on a bit of a Princeless binge.. as in, I read Princeless: The Short Stories, Princeless volume 4, and Princeless: Raven The Pirate Princess. If you like girl power graphic novels, this is definitely a series to pick up. In fact, Raven's book was like Rat Queens, but safer for a younger audience. They're so cute, well written, and everything I could have hoped for when I wanted a good new series to read.

I think that's more than enough for this week.. but don't worry, I have plenty more manga volumes requested from the library, so I will be a reading fool soon enough!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Weekly Reading Update 2/5-2/12/16!

Another week, another bunch of books read! Still working hard on reading as much as possible for the Teen Reading Challenge - got to make sure my team wins! Let's dive right in, shall we? Click on any cover to be taken to the Amazon page!

First up, I read Monster: The Graphic Novel by Walter Dean Myers. This is a book I've always wanted to read, but alas, it just never felt the right time whenever it was checked in at the library. So when I saw the graphic novel available, I jumped at the chance. It's not quite the same, and I still hope to read the book - but the graphic novel was great, and the story was excellent!

Next up, is Japan Ai: A Tall Girl's Adventures in Japan by Aimee Major-Steinberger. I found this to be super interesting. Half travel guide, have travel memoir - and all graphic novel! I thought the illustrations were adorable, and it definitely made me want to travel to all the cool places she visited. And I definitely learned about some local customs I hadn't before. For example, apparently I might not be so welcome at some hot springs because I have a tattoo, even though it's tiny. Apparently tattoos are mostly popular with gangsters in Japan, so they just won't let any tattooed people in.

Also this week, I read Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block. And.. well, I'm not going to talk about this one too much, because it was just too weird for me. I'm not sure I can even talk about it, because I don't know what to say. It's just... weird.

Bitch Planet, Volume 1: Extraordinary Machine by Kelly Sue DeConnick. I'm almost mad I read this, because now I have to wait to read the next volume. It's a great read for those that like alternative, dystopian, or girl-power comics. Definitely on my list of favorites for the year!

Next is Hawkeye volume 5: All New Hawkeye by Jeff Lemire. Lemire is an author I keep an eye on, because I love his stuff. Sweet Tooth was so good. And I was definitely interested to see what he would come up with for his first time working with Marvel - and with Hawkeye, no less. I liked this volume, it delved into Hawkeye's past, which I found incredibly interesting. But I need more!

And last, but by no means least - Nimona by Noelle Stevenson. Loved Loved LOVED this!! I figured I would love it anyways, because this author wrote Lumberjanes, and I can't get enough of it. But Nimona was special and perfect and I want to own it so I can read it again and again. I'm not even sure I could properly describe it - cutesy, but can be a dark dystopian fantasy kind of thing. But also amazing.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Weekly Reading Update! 1/16-1/22/16!

It's time again for my Weekly Reading Update, a new feature on this blog for 2016. I missed last week, but it worked out okay since I read NOTHING last week - I was too sick to function. But now I'm (mostly) all better and back at the reading game.

This week I read and reviewed "Fighting Dirty" by Lori Foster so be sure to check out that review if you haven't already (find it HERE). Another great one by Lori, and I can't wait to see how her next series goes!

But this weekly update is for books that I have read and did not review on the blog - such as books I just read for fun or books that I received to review for Romance Reviews Today, and I am unable to cross-post.

And as always, feel free to follow me on Goodreads (link on the sidebar) to see all my status updates!

First up: MISCONDUCT by Penelope Douglas. I think what I loved most about this was the dialogue between the two. They had a playfulness that seemed so genuine and even had me smiling a few times. So thank goodness I didn't read it in public. Same goes for the sexy scenes - definitely hot. This isn't one of those "read it in the break room at work" type of books! Make sure you check it out if you like your books steamy! Click the cover to to Amazon.com and buy it today!

Last but definitely not least, I read DESCENDER, VOLUME 1: TIN STARS by Jeff Lemire. This one blew me away. Everything I have read by Jeff Lemire so far has been fantastic, but this one definitely so. If you remember the movie AI from forever ago - this has a similar feel. But it's so good. I can't wait for volume 2! Click the cover to find it at Amazon.

Well, that's it for me this week, so far! Hopefully next week I will be back in the full swing of things, with plenty of reviews and updates to keep your reading lists overflowing!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

RAGT15! Reader Author Get Together - After the Magic - Part 2!

So, the post from Tuesday contained books that I received for free while attending the 11th annual Reader Author Get Together. This post, I'll be highlight the books (and their authors) that I bought during the event. It's just so convenient that Barnes and Noble sets up a store in a boardroom featuring books by the attending authors. It's also not so great for my wallet. But definitely worth it!

First up, a picture of my entire haul for the weekend - books both free and paid for, and some (not even all!) of the swag I accumulated. 

Like Tuesday's post, if you click the title of the book, it will take you to Goodreads. Click on the author's name and you will be taken to their website to find all kind of goodies!

A BUCKHORN SUMMER by Lori Foster. Of course we have to start off with the Queen herself! Lori Foster started this event because she wanted a way to connect readers and authors, and have it be affordable. And boy is it! They could charge way more, and you would still get more than your moneys worth in free books, swag, events, and food. While I haven't even read any of the Buckhorn series, I bought this book. You may be asking why (or not, I'm telling you anyways) - that's because this book is only available in print at this event, and all proceeds go to the Animal Adoption Foundation. This is a wonderful no kill animal shelter located about thirty minutes away from me. Not only does Lori support them throughout the year with generous donations, but this event is a great opportunity for Lori to raise even more money for one of their favorite charities. Besides being an animal lover - I absolutely support this because, well, I got my own dog there. Mattie is my best little buddy, and I am so grateful that the Animal Adoption Foundation was there to give her a chance. 

TESLA'S IMPRINT by Kimberly Adkins. Long time readers of this blog will recognize the name Kimberly Adkins. During my blogoversary several years ago, Kimberly Adkins generously donated a prize. One of the cool things about the Reader Author Get Together is that authors are encouraged to sit at tables with new readers, and chat during meals. This is how I met Kimberly. We sat at her table several years ago, and she always makes sure to come say hello every year since. She's a super fun person, and I love her work. She's also a huge Doctor Who fan, and donates nerdy baskets for the benefit raffle at RAGT (all the proceeds from the raffle go to One Way Farm, another amazing charity!). Be sure to check out Kimberly Adkins' website and see what fun paranormal stories she has in store for you. 

MASTERS AT ARMS & NOBODY'S ANGEL by Kallypso Masters. So I first became aware of this author due to the fact she was giving out back scratchers with a funny slogan on it. So during one of the book signings at the event, I decided to have a quick chat and figure out the reading order of her books. For those interested, this book is available FOR FREE on kindle (go here to purchase), but I decided on the paperback version. Why, you may ask? Because I wanted her to sign my book, but most importantly - instead of signing "nice to meet you," this lovely author writes "Great to PERVERT you!" I can't pass that up! Another book I can't wait to sink my teeth into! 

ALIENATED by Melissa Landers. This is one of those books I have had my eye on for so long, and knowing that the author was going to be at the event, I couldn't pass up the chance! Melissa was very kind and fun to talk to, and Alienated will now have a proud place on my bookshelf. I've heard such amazing things about this series, and frankly, I'm ashamed it has taken me this long to take the purchase plunge. 

OWNING VIOLET by Monica Murphy

. I read this book, enjoyed it, and thought the name sounded vaguely familiar. It wasn't until I saw the author list for RAGT that I realized this is the author of One Week Girlfriend, which I obsessed over for months, but also the author of Fair Game, which keeps taunting me every time I look at my kindle wishlist. I did get the chance to meet Monica Murphy and had her sign my favorite author bag (a canvas bag I decorated myself, and currently has a dozen something signatures by favorite authors I have met.. sans John Green who was unable to sign anything but books, alas..). Unfortunately this copy of Owning Violet remains unsigned due to my own poor planning.. but hey, I got to meet her and now I own this book I loved - so who cares!

Last, but oh certainly not least...

BETTER WHEN HE'S BOLD by Jay Crownover. So what if I haven't even read the first book in this series yet? I own it, and now I own a signed copy of the second one. I love Jay Crownover and I'm fairly positive she can do no wrong, so I know Better When He's Bold will be a signing star in my collection. I got to visit with her and take selfies, she signed my bag, and then later signed my book. And when I visited her table at the open signing event, she said "You want some... you know what, I'm not even going to ask - you get goodies!" and gave me plenty of magnets and keychains. If you love some seriously good New Adult and you're desperate for more? You need to read Jay Crownover, for sure! 

Thank you so much for go through my book haul with me! And be sure to check out the above links, not just to the authors and their books, but also to the two charities I mentioned (found under Lori Foster and Kimberly Adkins). 

I already cannot wait until next year. 

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

RAGT15! Reader Author Get Together - After the Magic

Hello everyone! So, this past weekend, June 4-6th was the 11th annual Reader Author Get Together, and my 5th year attending! This year was bigger than ever, and I cannot wait to share my haul with you.

I'm going to talk about RAGT in two posts, that way I can highlight as many authors as possible. I was even able to chat with some authors and publishing groups about my blog, so hopefully I will be able to get even more awesome content out to you guys.

Today, I'm going to talk about the free books I got in my goody bag. That's right, FREE. Attendees got 7 (SEVEN!!) free books in their welcome bags, and I can tell you right now, at least two of these were ones I was eyeing to buy on my next book store binge. So let's begin.

So as you see in the above picture, this is the swag I got during the conference. This does not include book covers, business cards, etc - I have those in a separate pile because I need to go through and all them all to my Goodreads To-Read shelf! What you see above are the books and goodies that I got in my bag or got during special events. Included: Earbuds, mirrors, chapstick, bottle openers, bracelets, pins, bookmarks, cups, a wine glass, notebooks, lotion, soap, and so much more! 

Now on to the books. Today I'll be talking about the free books I got. I'm saving the books I purchased for later in the week. Clicking the author's name will take you to their website. Clicking the title will take you to Goodreads for all your TBR needs!

  MIXED MESSAGES by Linda Lael Miller - this includes a bonus book, THE SECRET CHILD & THE COWBOY CEO by Janice Maynard. I've actually never read Linda Lael Miller before, but as a librarian, I have definitely heard the name. And I could see a lot of happy ladies when they pulled this book out of their bags. Also, excuse me while I get a little bit excited that the cover model will be playing Miles Archer in the Ugly Love movie!

BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY by Jessica Lemmon. I remember seeing this author at the event last year, and after reading the blurb on her newest book, it immediately went into my TBR pile. She was very fun to talk to, and I cannot wait to dig into this book.

SLAVE by Cheryl Brooks. This is a new to me author. I think I was vaguely aware that this series existed, but I had never really come across it anywhere. And now I own it and can read it at my leisure! Not to mention, this is the very first book in the series, so I can start at the beginning! I read a lot of paranormal and contemporary romance. It will be nice to switch it up with some futuristic science fiction romance.

UNDONE by Shannon Richard. Another new to me author, but one I am super excited to check out as soon as possible. Not only am I in love with the cover, but the synopsis on the back got me all revved up - hehe, get it? Because he's a mechanic. Yeah, all right, I'll stick with book blogging and give up comedy, I promise. Another first in the series, so I cannot wait to dive right in. And not so great for me, there is a preview in the back of the book for the next novel - so I'm sure I'll be one-clicking that as soon as I finish the first one.

SLEEPING WITH THE WOLF by Maddy Barone. Another book one! And what a sexy looking book it is. We have contemporaries, a futuristic, and now futuristic paranormal romance. And what can I say, there is just something about werewolf romances - I can't get enough. I love the paranormal genre, romance or no, but I don't think I've read a shifter romance I haven't enjoyed at least a little. And now I have not only a new book, but a new author to sink my teeth into.

So I'll be honest, it wasn't until now that I realized these are all first in the series. Well than goodness! As a reviewer, I have learned to deal with diving right into a series in the middle, if that's how it works out. But I can't help but always feel bad about not starting at the beginning.

CALLUM by Melissa Schroeder. This is one of those books that just feels good. Something about the cover, I don't know. I'm apparently a very tactile person. Another first in a series, and a paranormal to boot. From the synopsis and a brief run through Goodreads reviews, it looks like I am in for a sexy, wild time with this one!

A MANSION, A DRAG QUEEN, AND A NEW JOB by CC Dragon.  Our last book of the morning is the first in the Deanna Oscar Paranormal Mystery series. Well, I'll have to admit, the title sold me in the heart beat. I'm not the biggest mystery fan, but this book looks and sounds like it will be a great time, and I am definitely down for that.

Well, thank you for sticking around for my freebie book haul from RAGT15. Coming up in the next few days will be a list of books I purchased from the event, along with some (okay, maybe a lot?) of fangirling.

Happy Reading! 

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Snow day February 21, 2015 - READATHON!

This morning, bright and early as I was getting ready for work, I got the call a librarian always hopes for in winter - SNOW DAY!

SO! Since I have an unexpected day off, I decided to do something new (for me) and fun - a READATHON!

I have some books I need to review for Romance Reviews Today, some books from the library, and some review books for here to go through, so I will be mixing and matching all day. Breaks will be taken, of course - food and stretching are of the up most importance during a strenuous readathon day. Plus I will probably take the time to jot down some notes after each review book, so I don't forget my initial thoughts. 

Anyone interested in joining in is welcome to it! If so, comment with your blog link talking about your own readathon updates, or maybe link to your Goodreads account (but don't be surprised if I start following you!).

I'll post every so often with updates. 

UPDATE 10:15 A.M.: I've read 80-some pages of PLAYING DIRTY by HelenKay Dimon - Caught somewhere between really liking the storyline, and really disliking how it's done.

UPDATE 12:52 A.M.: Took a break from PLAYING DIRTY to read THE SCULPTOR by Scott McLoud. Holy cow was it amazing! Definitely a four if not FIVE star read! Highly recommended to fans of graphic novels, specifically sci-fi or speculative fiction readers (think Neil Gaiman).

UPDATE 4:37 P.M.: Well, the weather took a turn for the worse, so I crawled into bed to read. Unfortunately, this meant that I was snuggly warm, and soon fell asleep - I lost an hour and a half! Not including my half hour for lunch earlier. Oh well. Next up, I have started on IN SEARCH OF LOST DRAGONS. This is a sort of graphic novel, or maybe a fictional journal with pictures? It reminds me a lot of the Memoirs of Lady Trent series. Just when I got to a third of the way in - Low battery warning! ARGH! So another break for me, this time to do dishes (Alas, I am completely out of spoons, and of course - now all I can think about is soup). 

UPDATE 9:08 P.M.: So my readathon is winding down. After dishes (aka "food laundry") and dinner, I got myself to the halfway mark of PLAYING DIRTY, and read SHELL GAME, a short story by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg, part of the Fox and O'Hare series.. which happens to be my guilty pleasure.

I'd like to thank everyone that left comments here, on Goodreads, or via Twitter. I hope you have a wonderful day, and stay warm!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

Whatcha Got Wednesday - 2 week edition

It's another edition of Whatcha Got Wednesday! ... On Thursday! Sorry for the delays in posting. My AOL account would not work AT ALL, so I was unable to check emails.. or do anything but sit on the phone with AOL until they fix the password issue. That said, anyone that wants to contact me from now on - contact me at my blog's email address  glowsnoveladdiction AT gmail DOT com.

So on with the updates and Wednesday funsies. Winners of my blogoversary celebration - Emails have gone out to either the authors (if you won an ebook) or to you (if you won a print book and your mailing address is needed), so please be on the lookout for those!


Now onto my received goodies!

FOR REVIEW:
"Temptation of a Highland Scoundrel" by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
"Sweet Kiss of Summer" by Sophie Gunn
 ** These will be posted on Romance Reviews Today, so look for the reviews there. **

WON:
Author swag and goodies - thanks to Anna!
"Stronger than Sin" - Caridad Pineiro
"Ripe for Pleasure" - Isobel Carr
"If He's Dangerous" - Hannah Howell

BIRTHDAY GIFTS:
Various Amazon.com gift cards - these will come in handy when I get my NEW KINDLE!! That's right, I bought a kindle! The 3G Kindle with Special Offers is only 139! Hurry and get yours if you've been holding off.
"Unearthly" - Cynthia Hand (love this book)

BOUGHT:
"Original Sin" - Lisa Desrochers

That's it for me this week. Be sure to share what you got!
Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Whatcha Got Wednesday #32

Welcome to another edition of Whatcha Got Wednesday! WGW is my own little weekly meme where I talk about what I bought or received in the past week. I don't do this to brag, but to spotlight books that I might not get to for a while, or might not review at all - Such is the case with my Romance Review Today books, since I don't review those here.

On to the bookies! I went on a bit of a buying binge this week. Yikes!

BOUGHT:
"Smokin' Seventeen" by Janet Evanovich - Still hoping the series will get better.. Also, stickers!
"Ruby Red" by Kerstin Gier - Time travel is my second favorite genre.
"Angel Burn" by L.A. Weatherly - Angels!
"Devil Without a Cause" by Terri Garey - and the author even sent me a match bookmark to go with it!
"The Goddess Test" by Aimee Carter - reviewed this a while ago, loved it so I had to buy myself a copy :)
RT Book Reviews magazine - I really enjoy going through these.. I think I might buy myself a subscription.

WON:
"Master and Apprentice" by Sonya Bateman - loved book one!
"Face of Danger" by Roxanne St. Claire (ARC)
"Shiver of Fear by Roxanne St. Claire
"Bone Cold" by Erica Spindler
"Thirteen Years Later" by Jasper Kent

That's it for me this week. What did you get?

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Whatcha Got Wednesday #29 and Carolyn was Randomly Kind to me!

Welcome to another edition of Whatcha Got Wednesday! WGW is my own little weekly meme where I talk about what I got in the mail/bought for the past week. I don't do this to brag, but to spotlight some recent books received for review that I might not get to for a couple weeks (especially with this show! Final week!). And this week, I also bought some excellent nerdy T-shirts that I thought I might share!

First up, the books!

WON: "Starfire" by Kate Douglas. She sent me the book, some swag, and even wrote me a nice note, saying she hopes to see me at the Reader/Author Get Together in June!

GIFT (via RAK): "Master of None" by Sonya Bateman. Blogger Carolyn from Reading Under the Moonlight was super duper kind to me, and got me "Master of None." Yay!! I'm sure Carolyn is sick of my gushing thanks by now.. but... too bad! Thanks so much, Carolyn! The book has already made it's home in a place of honor on my bookshelves. Be sure to check out Carolyn's blog, she's got some great content!

NERDY TSHIRT HAUL: (Blurry, sorry!)
Why yes, that is the TARDIS surrounded by weeping angels. And the banner below says "The Angels have the Phone Box." Fans of Doctor Who will recognize the quote from the episode "Blink." I LOVE Doctor Who!!
And Harry Potter Fans will love the second shirt - Harry Potter Russian stacking dolls! Each doll (starting at the smallest) is a representation of one of the seven Harry Potter books. The 1st year doll is holding the sorcerer's stone, the second year is holding the diary of Tom Riddle, and so on!
The Tshirts above were purchased at Teefury.com, which is probably my new obsession - besides books, of course.

Some Updateyness:We're on the final week of the show! Tonight is Final Dress rehearsal, and I'm so excited to have an audience! The show is wonderful, the cast is fantastic, and I know people will love it. I should be back to a semi-regularly blogging and reviewing schedule come Monday or Tuesday.. probably Tuesday, so I have a day to rest after all the singing and dancing. =)

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Whatcha Got Wednesday! #27

Welcome to another edition of Whatcha Got Wednesday - my own little weekly meme where I share what I received or bought within the last week. I don't do this to brag, but to showcase some reads that I might not get to in a while (due to my huge TBR pile), or I will be reviewing elsewhere - which is the case with my Romance Reviews Today books.

So Monday I was saying to myself "I guess I won't be able to do a Whatcha Got Wednesday post this week since I didn't get anything.." and then that very day I got THREE packages! Yay! So voila, a picture!

BOUGHT:
"Mind Games" by Carolyn Crane - I LOVED this when I read it, so of course I had to buy it. This copy is used, but still in good condition. And I have a brand spanking new copy of book two, can't wait to read it...

GIFT:
"Defiant" by Kris Kennedy (ARC) - Big big thanks to one of my critique group members, Robin! She got to review this for RRT, and offered it to me after she finished it.

FOR REVIEW:
"When You Dare" by Lori Foster (ARC) - Oh. My. Gosh. I wanted this soooo bad. And then I got an email from a publishing consultant, offering me book one AND two. Of course I jumped at the chance. I practically drooled when I opened this package.
"Trace of Fever" by Lori Foster (ARC) - Eeek, I'm still so excited about these.

By the way, there might be a giveaway of "When you Dare" by Lori Foster on the horizon, so keep an eye out!

Whatcha Got Wednesday #26

It's time for Whatcha Got Wednesday! My own little weekly meme where I talk about what I received in the past week. I mostly do this to talk about books I either can't review here (since I review them for Romance Reviews Today) or won't get to for a while. So without further ado... bookies!


FOR REVIEW:
"Chosen by Blood" by Virna DePaul - I've been wanting this for AGES! Yay!
"Beg for Mercy" by Jami Alden - Not heard a lot about this yet, but it has me interested.

FOR REVIEW:
"Embraced by Blood" by Laurie London (sorry about the glare). I haven't even read book one yet and I get book two, eek! Also, I've received manuscripts before, but never one bound like that..
"Blood Law"  by Karin Tabke - Woo! What a cover.

Also.. did anyone else sense a blood theme? RRT has caught onto my willingness (read: LOVE) to read paranormal books. Haha.

General Updateyness:
The show I'm in is going well, and as much as I love it.. I'm to the point where I'm ready for it to be over. I want my life (or more specifically, my evenings) back. I'm so behind on reviews because I wasn't prepared for just how much time rehearsals would take up. I've been in shows before, but I'm usually not in this many numbers! But at least when the show starts running, I'll be able to hide in the back and read between my scenes.

I recently finished "The Restorer" by Amanda Stevens (my review will be posted on Romance Reviews Today with the May 1st update) and I LOVED it! So good, I cannot wait for the next book. I was so into the book I didn't even realize that I hadn't moved from the couch in over three hours  - talk about stiff when I finally tried to stand, eek. Fingers crossed that I get to review the next book in the series when it comes out!
I also finished "Hard Bitten" by Chloe Neill. This was the first book in the Chicagoland vampires series that I've read.. but I was interested enough to try the previous novels in the series.. when I finally get my TBR pile down, ugh. Anyways, I thought it was pretty good, but that ending about killed me! I wasn't prepared for that shock, dangit!

You have until tomorrow (thursday) night at 11:59 PM to enter my contest to win a copy of "Beloved of the Fallen" by Savannah Kline. Click here to enter!
And check out the guest post by author Mindy MacKay! She dropped by to talk about crossing genre lines, which I am all for. Everyone needs a little something different now and again!

Until tomorrow...

Happy reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Whatcha Got Wednesday #25

Another Wednesday, which means another Whatcha Got Wednesday. WGW is my own little weekly meme where I talk about what books I got that week, whether bought, gifted, or for review.

WON:
"Highland Master" by Amanda Scott - I need to get myself one of those, a Highland Master, I mean.
"Master and Apprentice" by Sonya Bateman - YAY! I loved book one, I cannot wait to read this!

BOUGHT:
RT Book Reviews magazine - I don't buy these very often, because not too many places around here sell it, but I made a rare visit to borders and couldn't pass up the article on "Cowboy heroes."
"Double Cross" by Carolyn Crane - I couldn't wait to read book two, had to buy it now now now.
"Touched By An Alien" by Gini Koch - I've heard so many good things.

That's it for me this week. I'm still working on my Young Adult Fiction challenge for work. I read "The Demon Trapper's Daughter" and "The Iron Witch." I really enjoyed "The Demon Trapper's Daughter," though I think I would recommend it to older Young Adults due to some of the subject matter. However, "The Iron Witch" just didn't do it for me. I couldn't connect to the characters, which kind of depressed me because so many people were so excited about it.

For the next couple I have to read, it seems like a huge chunk of them are dystopian.. which I used to love, but they're starting to make me depressed. I need a good sappy, funny Young Adult book. Maybe one of the books will surprise me.

Happy reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Whatcha Got Wednesday #23

Another edition of Whatcha Got Wednesday! WGW is my own little weekly meme where I mention what I bought/received this week, whether it be for review or just for fun.

FOR REVIEW:
"Seduce Me In My Dreams" by Jacquelyn Frank - I've heard some great things, I'm excited.

WON: Thanks to Steph @ Fangs, Wands, and Fairy Dust!
"Love At First Bite - A Vampire Lover's Cookbook" - Not that I'm a great cook, but I'm can't wait to try some of these recipes.
"My Soul to Take" by Rachel Vincent - I've been wanting to start this series.
"The Time Machine" by HG Wells

BOUGHT:
"Eternal Rider" by Larissa Ione - Love this author, couldn't help but buy it when I saw such a great deal..
"Fallen Rogue" by Amy Rench - Only two bucks at Walmart. Thought it was worth a try!
"A Hunger Like No Other" Kresley Cole - I wanted to start this series, and it was only four dollars!

That's it for me this week. What about you guys, did you get anything you were excited about?
Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Whatcha Got Wednesday #22

Yay! It's Wednesday again, which.. well, doesn't mean too much for me because I have to work this weekend. But for those of you with a regular Monday through Friday job, that means it's halfway over! It also means it's time for my weekly Whatcha Got Wednesday meme, where I talk about my recent book arrivals.

I don't do this to brag or to show off, but as a chance for me to spotlight some books that I might not get to for a couple of weeks because of how huge my To Be Reviewed pile is. And, you know, that theatre thing I got myself into (yipes!).

So first up!
By now I'm sure most of you know I love author Jessica McHugh. She writes some seriously wonderful stories, and I've had the greatest pleasure to review two of her novels, The Sky, The World, and Song of Eidolons (Click the titles to see my review). She contacted me again to see if I was interested in reviewing her newest release Rabbits in the Garden and I said HECK YES. I also yelled at her for continuing to write good books and therefore making my To Be Read pile topple over, so umm.. Ahem, sorry about that. ;)

But anywhoodles, look for my review of "Rabbits in the Garden" coming soon, hopefully!




And lastly..
I'm a huge Sherrilyn Kenyon fan, and I love her Dark Hunter series. I'm also a fan of Young Adult fiction, so of course I enjoy her YA spin off featuring Nick. I can't wait to see how his actions affect the series.. if it comes to that. I couldn't wait to buy this one - good thing I was able to get it for a good price!

I did get a couple other books this week, but nothing noteworthy. I guess I better get back to reading! Up next is a review of "Rage" by Jackie Morse Kessler!

And don't forget, only two days left to enter to win one of three copies of "Night and Chaos" by Naomi Clark! Go HERE to enter!

And my contest to win one of three copies of "Cursed Mates" by Cara Marsi ends next Thursday. Click HERE to enter!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~