Stacking The Shelves: August 10th #LibrarySale #Amazon #Goodreads

I haven’t done a Stacking The Shelves post since FEBRUARY!!!! I honestly just try not to collect too many books that often, maybe a couple a month. Nothing that would warrant a weekly post. This past month I have obtained quite a few books so I thought I would showcase what I got (and who knows when I’ll read) the books I got this month. I originally stumbled across Stocking The Shelves on Jill’s Book Blog (check it out). This is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews and Reading Reality. Here’s what they say about it…

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!

Here’s what I got this month…

Let’s start at the bottom and work our way to the top…the bottom 4 hardcover books I got through my local library. Look at the prices on those bad boys, how could I pass those up?!?! If they didn’t have books for sale by the entrance maybe I could restrain myself better, but I could not pass up these books!! Plus, I’m helping to support the library! It would have been rude of me NOT to buy them! Haha.

I have had Come Back For Me on pre-order for awhile now. A lot of you overseas (I’m in America) had access to this book way before I did and your reviews were all so AMAZING that I had to pre-order it. Thankfully this pre-order went through when it was released in the US. You may know I was worried about in my Pre-Ordering Books post!! PHEW!

Not My Daughter is another one that has been making its way around book blogs lately and honestly, I will save that one for when I want a good cry. As you may remember I like to put some books in my cart on Amazon and when my husband buys things he’ll usually get one and SURPRISE book mail for me! Haha.

Say You’re Sorry is my most recent Goodreads Giveaway win!! The only downside is it is a mass paperback book and I really just do not like reading those. They’re small and so compact. I don’t mind paperbacks, just the mass market ones. Had I know it was a mass market paperback edition I probably wouldn’t have entered. Oh well…but the likelihood of me reading that book is way down on my list…unless you all say to suck it up and deal with it because it’s an amazing book.

So that is it for this Saturday’s Stacking The Shelves. I had an unusual month of buying books so I felt it warranted a post. Next week I will probably go back to Top of the TBR because I do NOT need to be buying any more books for awhile; however, I will never stop adding to my list of books I want to read!! Happy Saturday!! What books have you bought lately or have added to your TBR list???

First Line Fridays: August 9th #ThingsYouSaveInAFire #BookQuotes #FirstLine #Books #ReadMe

As always First Line Friday comes courtesy of Hoarding Books Blog. I discovered this magic thanks to Crystal at Must Love Reviews. This week I am featuring Katherine Center’s upcoming release, Things You Save In A Fire.

Let’s get right to it…

Yes, I downloaded an app on my phone to make this fancy little image…I’ll try harder next week (“propositioned” really bugs me, haha). What book are you reading this week? Drop me a link to your First Reads Friday blog post and I’ll swing by! Happy Friday!

Book Review: The Third Mrs. Durst @MsAnnAguirre @midnightinkbook @Netgalley #Psychopath #Mystery #Crazy

Thank you to Netgalley and Midnight Ink for my advance copy of The Third Mrs. Durst! I would also like to wish this book a very HAPPY PUBLISHING DAY! It is out today!

Can I just say if you are looking for a book that stars a crazy twisted psychopath, this is THE book for you. Do not read any further, just go out and get this book because…oh my goodness…the star of the show is one of the craziest and most calculating crazy, psychotic people I have ever read as the protagonist. Woah.

This book is a thrilling mystery. There weren’t any big twists or surprises, but you may find yourself holding your breath as you wait to see what happens. Marlena (our psychopath, I mean, protagonist) runs away from home at 17 to try and better her life. Her mother is an addict and many times there isn’t even food on the table. She feels bad for abandoning her siblings, but like her older sister did before her, she has to break out before she winds up pregnant and addicted to drugs herself.

Marlena meets a man at a fast food restaurant who puts her in to modeling. This takes her from homeless to having money in a flash. Eventually after a few years she runs in to Mr. Durst and they start a relationship…yes, she becomes the third wife.

Fair warning, there is domestic violence throughout this book. Mr. Durst is a disgusting, vile, oxygen thief of a person. You can’t help but hate him. Why Marlena decided to stick with a man that she knew had these tendencies…well…it will be revealed. “Some people just need killing.”

This book isn’t for everyone. It is a darker, slower burn. Personally, I found it jumped around a little bit and lost me in places. I did read an advance copy so I’m not sure if that had anything to do with it. I love what Marlena did and how she handled herself. If you’re looking for a typical thriller or maybe even character development, this isn’t for you. If you are looking for a twisted, revengeful, crazy mind…read on!

Title: The Third Mrs. Durst

Author: Ann Aguirre

Genre(s): Mystery

Publisher: Midnight Ink

Release Date: August 8, 2019

Find it here on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Lost You @HaylenBeck @stuartneville @CrownPublishing @Netgalley #Thriller #Surrogacy #Kidnapping #4stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Crown Publishing for my advance copy of Lost You by Haylen Beck! This book was released YESTERDAY, so you’re able to run out and get yourself a copy TODAY!

I dove in to this book knowing nothing…and honestly, I loved that aspect. I knew it was a thriller and I absolutely loved the surprise roller coaster ride this book took me on, so don’t expect much of a description on this book from me.

The main subject in this book is surrogacy. At first I thought this book took place almost like a dystopian place, where (paid) surrogacy is illegal. I became curious and so I googled the subject…much to my surprise surrogacy is NOT legal in all 50 states! This book highlights a couple living in New York (where it’s illegal to have paid surrogacy) going through an agency to obtain their own baby. They use the surrogate’s egg, husband’s sperm. Oh what a tale that unfolds!

The opening paragraph is a sneak peek at the ending…it doesn’t spoil ANYTHING for the reader, just makes you more curious once we start to meet the characters! At first I thought they had given the ending away and when I went back to reread it, oooooo, what a move…WHAT. A. MOVE. I couldn’t put this book down after that realization!!

Fantastic 4 star read. This was a fantastic, fast paced thriller with secrets and twists and turns throughout. The only thing that bothered me throughout the book was that NO ONE took into consideration the fact that this was the husband’s baby too. I would have to research more to see what all entails in this kind of situation, but man, what an eye opening read about the issue of surrogacy. I could absolutely see this kind of situation happening…never mess with a parent and their child! Hooked yet? Get this book NOW!

Title: Lost You

Author: Haylen Beck

Genre(s): Thriller, Kidnapping Thriller

Publisher: Crown Publishing

Release Date: August 6, 2019

Find it here on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Ellie & The Harpmaker @HazelPriorBooks @BerkleyPub @penguinrandom #OutToday #Contemporary #Fiction @Netgalley

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for my advance reader copy of Ellie and the Harpmaker in exchange for my honest review.

Ellie is an Exmoor housewife who finds herself inside the barn of the Exmoor harpmaker, Dan. She falls in love with the harp and Dan ends up giving her one as a gift. What?! I know…crazy! Ellie takes it home and is immediately told to return it by her husband. She ends up leaving it at his barn and comes back to visit it to practice and take harp lessons from his girlfriend.

Some things to note…Ellie’s husband is a drunk, Dan cannot read social cues and is not of the societal norm, and Ellie is in love…with the harp. I wouldn’t classify this book as a romance as there is nothing all that romantic about it. This takes on a tale of everything that happens BEFORE a romance blossoms.

The book is told to us by Dan and Ellie. There are parts in this book where I am yelling at Ellie because this woman…oh, she gave me heartburn. If I were her friend Christina I’d be yelling at her. I felt nothing but compassion for Dan. Oh how I wanted to hug him and take him home with me, haha. I felt really bad for him towards the last part of the book…you’ll see why when you pick it up (and then even MORE at the end).

Ellie is such an amazing friend to Dan. I think my favorite part of reading this book was watching how she treated Dan. She almost became like his protector until everything went falling by the wayside. This book was beautifully written. It has an Eleanor Oliphant vibe to it as well.

This book is released TODAY. Stop reading all the reviews and go out and take a chance on the harpmaker of Exmoor! If you wind up craving sandwiches and coffee after you read this, don’t blame me, blame the author! 😉

Title: Ellie And The Harpmaker

Author: Hazel Prior

Genre(s): Chick Lit, Contemporary

Publisher: Berkley Publishing

Release Date: August 6, 2019

Find it here on Goodreads and Amazon

Cover Reveal: Forget The Stars @kelswritesstuff

Title: Forget the Stars
Author: Kelsey Kingsley
Genre: Friends-to-Lovers/2nd Chance Romance
Release Date: August 26, 2019
Cover Design: Danny Manzella
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44427670-forget-the-stars

I am SO excited for Kelsey’s next novel!! I am even more excited that it’s coming out THIS month!!! YAY!!!!! You can expect a review for this one here on September 4th (my stop on the blog tour)! Ready to get excited with me???

Blurb:

Guitarist Chad Wilcox’s life isn’t going according to plan.

At thirty, he never thought he’d still be unmarried and living with his parents. And with the added stress of his poor health, he’s convinced the only thing within his control is the success he’s found as a rockstar.

After reconnecting with his childhood best friend, Chad sets into motion a new plan to regain control over his happiness, and things start looking up. But when he finds himself diagnosed with a potentially debilitating chronic illness, he begins to wonder…

Is this as good as it’s going to get? Or is it at all possible for a guy like him to get everything he’s ever wished for?

Are you excited yet?!?! YES?!? You’re in luck…here’s your SNEAK PEAK at this upcoming novel with a little excerpt!!!

“What’s that look for?” she asked with a giggle, as she reached around to secure her bra.

I shook my head as a smile stretched over my lips. “Nothin’. Just …” I swallowed at the warmth crowding my heart and my lungs. “You’re my best friend.”

She tugged a tank top on and sighed, her exhale lingering in the air. “You’re mine.”

Mine. The word was simple and yet held the world. It was an agreement, it was possession. It was an invisible contract that lingered between us, and I would’ve gladly used my own blood to sign on the dotted line.

But instead of pricking a finger and sealing the deal, I simply nodded, as only two words left my mouth.

“I’m yours.”

Author Bio:

Kelsey Kingsley is an author of eight, almost nine, novels. She lives in New York with her family and a cat named Ethel. She loves tattoos, music, makeup, and Frasier reruns. Kelsey is a Slytherin. She curses a lot, and she f***ing hates cheese.

Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.kelseykingsley.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelswritesstuff

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kelswritesstuff

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kelswritesstuff

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/kelseykingsley

BookBub: http://www.bookbub.com/profile/kelsey-kingsley

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/c3K409

Book Review: The Turn Of The Key @RuthWareWriter @simonschuster @Netgalley #5stars #Amazing #BestBookThisYear #BookWorm

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for access to this book in exchange for my honest review. I have previously read The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware so I was ecstatic when I was approved for an advance reader copy of The Turn Of The Key!

Letters. This book is one big letter written by Rowan Caine, a nanny accused of murder, to Mr. Wrexham, a lawyer she hopes will take on her case. Rowan takes us step by step on how she was hired and what happened during her time as nanny at the Heatherbrae House in Scotland.

Is she unreliable? Ware wrote this to have the reader going back and forth wondering if Rowan is really innocent as she claims. Is she just going crazy? What really is going on? I don’t want to reveal too much more because the less I describe, the better it is for you the reader.

Side note: I couldn’t read this at night, there are some pretty scary parts. There are definitely some creepy parts. This is a TRUE psychological thriller…I have not read one this spooky in a LONG time. Talk about a modern ghost story, this one is chilling to the core. I was flipping through the pages wanting to seek vengeance on who could kill an innocent child as Rowan told us all she knows.

This ending. THIS ENDING!!!!!! This book made my head spin and kept me up at night thinking what could be going on. I never, NEVER suspected the ending…and I loved every second of it. It is not a let down and it’s a shock that will make you gasp out loud. There’s more than meets the eye with The Turn Of The Key. This was the best book I have read all year and will be hard to top!

This book is being released TOMORROW, Tuesday, August 6th. It is available for pre-order now! Don’t walk, RUN to the store to grab your copy!!!!

Title: The Turn Of The Key

Author: Ruth Ware

Genre(s): Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Thriller

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Release Date: August 6, 2019

Find it here on Goodreads and Amazon

Amazon & The Kindle: Part 2 #Kindle #Amazon #KindleTips

Welcome to part 2 of my Amazon & The Kindle series which highlights…

Kindle Owners’ Lending Library & The Amazon Store

The Kindle itself offers some unique perks, one of those being able to borrow 1 book each month from their owners’ lending library! Sweet perk! The only downside is you must be a Prime member to enjoy this perk! Here’s how you can do it from a Kindle E Ink device (Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, or Kindle Oasis).

Step One:

You must be in the Kindle Store for this to work from your Kindle device. Make sure you are in a place where your Kindle is connected to wi-fi! At the top simply select all categories and go down to Kindle Owners’ Lending Library!

Step Two:

Any book that has the “Prime” logo next to it is included within the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. YOU HAVE TO HAVE AMAZON PRIME IN ORDER TO CHECK OUT ONE BOOK A MONTH! There are some perks to having a Prime Membership and owning a Kindle, but, I’ll get more into detail about that in Part 3.

Step Three:

Click on “Borrow for Free” and you have the title for one month! I have also found that in order to get another title the next month, you must return the book first. I have found it easiest to return a book from my computer. You simply go to Manage Your Content and Devices, and then select the “Your Content” tab. Select the “Actions” button next to the book you want to return. Select “Return this book“, and then select “Yes” in the pop-up window. If you do not return it, you will get a message that says “Monthly Limit Reached” when you try to borrow a book the next month.

(For Kindle Fire editions here’s your way of getting to the Owners’ Lending Library: go to the Fire bookstore, then to categories, and then to Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. The same thing as above, the books eligible to be borrowed for free have the “Prime” badge. Then click on “Borrow for Free.” Easy.)

Something else I want to touch on is how easy it is to get books on to your Kindle. You go to the Kindle Store on your device or visit Amazon and pick out a book you like. To purchase it you simply hit “Buy Now” and it will appear on your device! If you have multiple devices (like myself) make sure you send it to the device you want it downloaded on (there will be a drop down menu option if you have more than 1 device).

Something that I do find frustrating with the Kindle is how the books are stored on the device. If a book is downloaded to the device, it will show a checkmark on the book cover. If it is not downloaded to the device it will still appear in your library, potentially clogging up your screen. I use folders to organize my Kindle books so books I have read stay out of my current screen, but it is up to your personal preference on this. If you need more information on this drop me a line and I will go over this in more detail! You can always go and delete the book off your account, but then it’s gone from your account and we don’t want that!

Tune in for Part 3: Amazon Prime & The Kindle next Sunday, August 11th! Also being featured (by popular request) in Part 3 is Matchbook pricing offered by Amazon! Tune in next week!

PAST AMAZON SERIES POST

Amazon & The Kindle: Part 1

July Wrap Up! #MonthlyReading #Books #Reading #July

WOW! I had an amazing month for myself!! Are you reading for my recap of books read???

12!!

I still don’t know how I managed that! Let’s break it down!

7 ebooks

5 physical books

4,337 pages

Here they are…

Did we read any of the same books last month?? Are any of these on your TBR list? I know, I haven’t gotten all these reviews scheduled on my blog yet…but I promise I always write a review for every book I read! 🙂 What did your July look like?

First Line Fridays: August 2nd #RuthWare #Thriller #ReadMe #TheTurnOfTheKey

As always First Line Friday comes courtesy of Hoarding Books Blog. I discovered this magic thanks to Crystal at Must Love Reviews. This week I am featuring Ruth Ware’s newest novel, The Turn Of The Key, out this coming Tuesday!

3rd September 2017

Dear Mr. Wrexham,

I know you don’t know me but please, please, please you have to help me

What book are you reading this week? Drop me a link to your First Reads Friday blog post and I’ll swing by! Happy Friday (PS…HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HUSBAND)!