Link up at Tynga's Reviews

Have I mentioned recently that I fail at any sort of book buying ban? Because, I do. I cannot stop looking for deals on books.. and when I find the deals, I MUST buy them. It's a problem. Anyways, I've gotten a few books over the last couple of weeks. More than I meant to buy, but not as many as I have been, so go me! Here are the books I bought.

         

Seraphina Series - I am really excited to read these books. I've wanted to for a long  time. I'll get to them soon.

An Ember in the Ashes - Another one, I just cannot wait to read. This has gotten such great reviews. I need to pick it up before the sequel comes out in September

The Heart of Betrayal - I wanted to wait until I had this book before I read the first book. Now that I have it, Kiss of Deception will be read very very soon.

One Plus One - I love Jojo Moyes. Enough said.

Joyride - I actually really enjoyed this author's Of Poseidon series. I have heard she does contemporary better than she does paranormal, so I'm excited to read this.

Salt to the Sea - I have been wanting this one since before it came out. I had $12 in gift cards at target and it was $13, so I had to get it. It is very high on my to read list.

The Raven King - I have already read and finished this. It was the perfect ending to the series. I just loved it.... only problem is, I want more!

The Rose & the Dagger - Another sequel I had on preorder, I can't wait to get to this one very very soon.

The Creature Vault - These books run at about $30 in retail... sometimes more. I got this on bookoutlet for a fraction of the price... it is so so so so cool! I want the rest of them now, but I have to wait for deals. Man, having to buy food enough to feed a toddler stinks sometimes.

I also got books signed! I met Maggie Stiefvater and got the first and last book in the Raven Cycle signed. Sadly, they put a 2 book rule because there were a gazillion people there. Oh, and Maggie is so funny! I laughed through her whole spiel, but she is also really sweet and ust genuine. I loved her... I want to be her when I grow up!

When you are in a reading slump...

Guys, it happened. I knew it was only so long. I've been on a reading high all year. I'm already about 65 books in... for 2016 alone. But, I finally got hit by a dreaded reading slump. I haven't wanted to read, or write blog entries, or do much of anything book related. So, now that I think I've worked my way back out... I'm here to tell you guys what I do to get out of these horrible things we all fear.

1. Give yourself a break.
           - Sometimes you just need that break. As fun as reading is, it can be exhausting. Your brain is literally going on one adventure after another. There is no harm in taking a day or two here and there to enjoy things in real life... or maybe binge watch a tv show. I got into a murder mystery party online with some friends, and we had a blast. I think I read about 10 pages of my book over those couple of days, but it was worth the break.

2. Don't force yourself to read a book
           - I try to give books a fair chance. I'll read 50% before I put a book down. 99% of the time I'm usually invested enough by that point to finish the story. Even if I don't enjoy it, I do finish most books. It is rare that I don't finish a book. But, when I feel a slump coming on. I do not force myself to read. It will only make you resent that book... it might be a new favorite that you miss out on because you just don't want to.

3. Reread an Old Favorite
           - The thing that never fails for me. Pick up an old favorite book. One you know you will enjoy. I just so happen to be in the middle of a reread of the Harry Potter Series. So I just picked up the next one for this month... and disappeared into my favorite world for a few days. This almost always breaks me out of any slump. Just like it did this time. But, if you are still struggling here are a few more tips.

4. Try a new genre
           - Sometimes, we just tire out of a genre. Maybe, you have been reading high fantasy for the last few months. So pick up a contemporary story. Maybe mysteries have been your thing, so pick up a humourous nonfiction book. Just mix things up some. It might just be the repetitiveness that is pulling you down.

5. Get around those other blogs/ or on booktube.
            -  Nothing ever makes me want to read, quite like hearing someone else who has really developed a passion for a book. Seriously, it excites me and I want to read that book THAT SECOND. So, find someone raving about a book you've had interest in... or maybe a new book you haven't heard of. Let their excitement pump up your own excitement.

6. Slowly get back in.
           - Don't feel like you need to immediately get back to your normal amount of reading. This kidn of goes back to tip 1. If you normally finish a book in about a week, spread it out even more. Even if you are only getting 5 pages of a book read a day, you are still reading more than a huge population. Slowly build yourself back into reading more, or maybe you'll discover that reading slower just works for you. That's fine do you!

7. Have you tried audio books?
            - This isn't a tip so much, as just a little tid bit. I have been falling in love with audio books. I usually try to get my hands on whatever book I'm reading in audio format. (Online libraries have some great selections these days!) Anyways, I listen to an audio book while I'm doing other menial tasks. Driving to the store, or work. Cleaning the kitchen, folding laundry. This way, even if I'm not reading with my eyes, I'm still listening to and enjoying a book. I have only recently discovered a love for audio books... but I am a huge fan now. A lot of times they carry me through a slow part of a book and get me so excited that I have to pick the book up and finish it as soon as possible.

So there are my tips. If you also have tips, I'd love to hear them. Like I said, I've been in a pretty bad one the last couple of weeks... and I'm not on a reading high now, but that's okay. I'm going out and enjoying the warmer weather with my son a lot. It is making me so happy to see the green leaves beginning to sprout.

Stacking the Shelves {12}

link up at Tynga's Reviews

I haven't been blogging much recently, I'm kind of in a readng slump. I just can't seem to really get into any of the books I pick up. Instead I'm binge watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer on tv. Hopefully, I'll snap out of it soon. Today is day 1 of a 3 days snowstorm, so I'm going to try to curl up and read a lot the next few days. Anyways, here are the books I've gotten the last couple of weeks.

       

The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima - I finished off my Seven Realms series, just in time. Cinda Williams Chima came to town and I got all of my books signed by her. She is really sweet.

Flamecaster by Cinda Williams Chima - I bought her new book at her signing. It is just so beautiful.

The Raven Boys Series 1-3 by Maggie Stiefvater - I read the first book through Amazon, and I loved it. So, I went ahead and bought the books in hard copies. I'm loving the series. 

Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson - I had a book depository gift card that I've been holding on to. I have been wanting to read this series, but I prefer the British covers... so I went ahead and ordered them. They are so beautiful in real life. The computer screen doesn't do them justice.

So, as you can see... it had been pretty quiet. My bank account is recovering from vacation last month and I haven't been working much because it is testing season. So, I've been scaling back a lot. What did you get this week?

Review: Too Late by Colleeen Hoover

Too Late
Colleen Hoover
Published: March 30, 2016 - April 9, 2016
Rating: ★★★★★

Summary:
Sloan will go through hell and back for her little brother. And she does, every single night. 

Forced to remain in a relationship with the dangerous and corrupt Asa Jackson, Sloan will do whatever it takes to make sure her brother has what he needs. 

Nothing will get in her way. 

Nothing except Carter. 

Sloan is the only good thing to ever happen to Asa. He knows this and he never plans on letting her go; even if she doesn't approve of his lifestyle. But despite Sloan's disapproval, Asa knows what it takes to get what he wants. He knows what he needs to do to remain on top. 

Nothing will get in his way. 

Nothing except Carter.

My Thoughts:
So here I was on vacation minding my own business, and when I get home I discover that Colleen Hoover one of my absolute favorite authors has released a surprise book... not just a surprise book, but a FREE surprise book. I love this woman for so many reasons. I think I adore her most, for how completely humble she is about the popularity of her books.

Anyways, she was slowly releasing a few chapters at a time of a book she wrote completely for herself on Wattpad. Well, she wrote it for her readers, but I mean she didn't have to comply to wishes of her publishing company or the expectations of her readers. This is not a clean YA/New Adult book. If you thought Ugly Love was a racy book... it is nothing compared to this book. I had to put off reading, because I tend to sit and read a whole Hoover book in one sitting... I knew I couldn't handle being forced to wait.

See the thing is guys, I'm not a patient person. Hence why I'm a fast reader, I don't like to wait. So, last night I decicided to give my self, just a small little sample of the story, nothing major. Just a chapter or two. I should have known better. Before I finally pulled myself out of the book, I was a solid 20 chapters in, and copletely in love with the story... Luckily, this morning I woke up to see a post on Hoover's facebook saying the whole story was now up. Is that good timing or what?! I quickly marathon read through the rest of the story... and guys. It was amazing!

Sloan is the sweetest girl, that has had a really really tough life. She has either lost, or cut off her entire family except for her severely handicapped brother. Everything she does, revolves around him and what is best for him. She is determined to give him the care he needs, at the wellbeing of herself. So she stays with her abusive and destructive boyfriend Asa, simply because he is willing to pay the bills for her. Until one day, she meets Carter who seems to be everything Asa isn't... except from what she can see... he is tied up in the same destructive world.

Carter has his own secrets, but tends to let his emotions rule his life. He becomes determined to save Sloan from the life she is stuck in... at the risk of his career and even his life. I loved Carter, like really loved him. He was adorable, and sweet, and imperfect in the exactly right ways. He thinks with his heart first, and I just love that in a guy. Yes, it was a bit of instalove... but the actual relationship was a very slow burn despite their feelings. And Carter, was not afraid to admit his feelings to Sloan... not even a little bit. He laid it out from the very beginning. It as beautiful.

I have to say, the chapters from Asa's point of view were super creepy. He was so wrapped up in his little delusions and paranoia... it was scary wondering what could he do next... at the same time, my heart kind of broke for the guy. He never stood a chance at a healthy normal life. He had such a horrible upbringing, on top of undiagnosed mental disabilities. It made me so sad... and scared for everyone wrapped up in his world.

Anyways, this book was fantastic. Plus, in case you missed it up there. It is FREE, as in forever FREE. If you haven't heard about it yet, you can find the story by clicking right here. If you have liked any of her past books and are okay with very graphic scenes, I highly highly recommend it. But, if you are under 16... or truly lack the maturity to deal with some very disturbing stories, I'd definitely hold off. 

If You Liked this Book I Recommend
  

Top Ten Recent Reads that I gave 5 stars

Link up here

First, I know this was last week's theme. But I was on vacation and already had it typed up. So I'm posting it this week instead of the great book bloggers theme this week. Sorry!

I tried to mix things up some, I had quite a few multiple books in a series that I have recently marathon read with 5 stars. For those, I just gave one book in the series. I also did not include the rereads I have recently done. Only first time reads were included... so here are my top 10 most recent 5 star reads!

    

1. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo - I finally read this book this month, and just as I expected... I LOVED it. It was phenomenal. I can't put into words how much I enjoyed it.

2. End of Days by Susan Ee - This is the final book in the Penry and the End of Days series... and definitely my favorite of the series. I really enjoyed the whole series. I marathoned through because I couldn't live with the cliff hangers. They are pretty quick reads and I highly recommend them.

3. The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury - I loved loved loved loved loved this book. It will definitely be one of my favorite reads this year.

4. The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace - I really enjoyed this book. I was between 4 and 5 stars.. but I rated up because I loved it. This is a great fantasy story about a young girl that comes from a family of carnival people or gypsies if you will.

5. Frozen Tides by Morgan Rhodes - This is the 4th book in the Falling Kingdoms Series and this series just keeps getting better and better. This is my favorite in the series so far and I cannot wait until the end of the year for the 5th book.

    

6. Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout - I loved this series. Probably more than I enjoyed the Lux Series. I couldn't put it down... it helps that I'm kind of in love with Aiden.

7. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff - This is not my typical book. I'm not a big sci-fi person. But, I loved how unique and engaging this book was. It was so wonderful.

8. Truthwitch by Susan Dennard - I think if you read my review, I gave this one 4 stars.. but I bumped it up to 5 stars... because I really loved this book. I cannot wait for the sequel... why is 2017 so fa away?!

9. The Rising by Kelley Armstrong - This is the final book in the Darkness Rising Trilogy and I really enjoyed this series. I read all 3 books in 2 days. I haven't read any of Armstrong's other books but I plan to soon.

10. To all the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han - I've been on a total fantasty kick recently, but I did really enjoy this duology, especially this first book. Such a cute cute read. Great for spring contemporary moods if you are looking for that.

Stacking the Shelves {11}

Link up at Tynga's Reviews

I spent most of last week in San Diego! We had an impromptu trip. It was wonderful, but I didn't read a thing. Except a few chapters on the plane. Toddlers on a plane are hard, so I was concentrating on my son more than anything. By the way. La Jolla is beautiful and I wish I were rich enough to live there.. I mean just look at it.

Anyways, I had a few packasges waiting when I got home, and I did pick up a book that I found a great deal on... so let's get to the haul shall we?

        

1. I found the new cover of City of Bones in hardcover at Walmart for $5. I had to buy it. That is cheaper than I've even seen the paperback. I'm hoping they'll eventually release them all in hardcover, but if not I'll eventually give in and purchase the rest in paperback.

2 &3. Nobody but You and The Winner's Kiss are both new releases last week that I had preordered. I can't wait to read them.

4. I've been wanting to read Kiss of Deception for a very long while. I finally got a good deal on it in hardcover. I'll be reading it very soon.

5. I'm still searching and collecting the Seven Realms series in hardcover when I find good deals. They are really expensive when I try to buy new, so I'm stalking the internet for very good or like new cheap copies of the series. I found The Gray Wolf Throne last week.. it's beautiful!

6-9. My best friend read and loved the Tiger Saga, but I never did. The first 4 books were on bookoutlet, so I went ahead and ordered them because I'm weird and buy a whole series if I'm pretty sure I'll love it.

What did you get this week? I hope you had a great reading week as well!

Oh, and I'm sorry for not responding to many people last week... it was so hectic for me after my husband sprung the surprise trip on me.