Stacking The Shelves: September 29, 2018

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly bookish feature hosted @ Tynga's Reviews & Reading Reality.

Bought:

Kindle Paperwhite
I got a new Kindle because my old one broke. Luckily it arrived in only a few days so I didn't have to be without it for long.

Won:
The Demon Race by Alexandria Warwick

It's actually so funny I won a Kindle copy of this book because I've already read it and reviewed it but it's nice to have a finished copy to re-read sometime. It's a desert fantasy inspired by the Middle East so you can imagine that it's a great read and it really is! You can read my review here.

For Review:
Lost by Constance Roberts

If you've read the catchphrase on the cover you can probably guess that this is a Peter Pan retelling. I've been so excited to dig into this story so I started reading it yesterday. also, that cover is gorgeous!

Freebies:
Peter the Great: A Life From Beginning to End by Hourly History
Another freebie from Hourly History. Anyone else love Russian history?

Cholama Moon by Anne Schroeder

This is a a historical western set in Central California in the 1870s that I was offered for me and my readers as a thank you for hosting the cover reveal this week. You can find the post here.

I hope you will all have a great weekend and happy reading! ♥

Cover Reveal: Cholama Moon by Anne Schroeder

Cholama Moon
Anne Schroeder
(Central Coast Series, #1)
Publication date: October 12th 2018
Genres: Adult, Historical, Romance

Young Virginia Nugent’s privileged life ends with the death of her mother and her father’s guilt-ridden descent into addiction. She is torn between her love of the ranch and her desire to escape, until a Southern friend of her late mother makes an offer that can change her life. Four years later, she returns from boarding school in Santa Cruz, the gorgeous image of her mother. She has become a lady, but she must make a life amid the earthquakes, banditos, remoteness and human failing of her beloved Cholama Valley. A faithful story of early California with real places, people and events, and a lot of imagination.

Add to Goodreads

Author Bio:
Anne Schroeder describes herself as a calorically-challenged Aphrodite with an unmistakable fervor for life. Second of seven children, she was born in Ventura County, California, the subject of her first memoir, BRANCHES ON THE CONEJO: Leaving the Soil after Five Generations.
In 1971 she graduated from Cal Poly, SLO, in the first wave of the Social and Sexual Revolution with a degree in Social Science, a husband, toddler and part-time job. Her memoir ORDINARY APHRODITE is an adventure tale about a life of small steps in the Boomer women's experience. Her fiction and memoir have won numerous awards.
She served as 2015 President of Women Writing the West, 2016 WILLA Literary Competition Chair and is a member of Western Writers of America. Her Central Coast Series features well researched, character-driven novels about the history of Central California in the Mission California era. CHOLAMA MOON is the first in the series, a western romance with gritty attitude. MARIA INES was released in October 2016. It follows a Mission Indian girl through the Spanish, Mexican and Yanqui conquests of California.
In this era of publishing it is hard for a writer to distinguish herself from the herd. I so appreciate my reader/fans and their valuable input. I strive to be an inspirational voice for people of the land, both modern and historical. For me, joy in writing comes from finding forgotten research books. I love combining facts with storytelling to create an unforgettable saga that remains in the heart long after the last page is read. For a bit morem here's a link to a recent interview by a fellow author. https://judithgrout.com/2018/05/10/interview-anne-schroeder/

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. It's based on Waiting On Wednesday hosted at Breaking the Spine.

Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff
Expected publication: September 3rd 2019 by Thomas Dunne Books

A ruthless young assassin's journey for revenge comes to a stunning end in the conclusion of this acclaimed epic fantasy trilogy. The Republic of Itreya is in chaos. Mia Corvere has assassinated Cardinal Duomo and rumors of Consul Scaeva’s death ripple through the street of Godsgrave like wildfire. But buried beneath those same streets, deep in the ancient city’s bones, lies a secret that will change the Republic forever.

Mia and her brother Jonnen must journey through the depths of the ancient metropolis. Their quest will take them through the Godsgrave underdark, across the Sea of Swords, back to the library of the Quiet Mountain and the poisoned blades of Mia’s old mentors, and at last the fabled Crown of the Moon. There, Mia will at last discover the origins of the darkin, and learn the destiny that lies in store for her and her world. But with the three suns now in descent, and Truedark on the horizon, will she survive?

New York Times and internationally bestselling author Jay Kristoff’s writing has been praised by critics and readers alike and has won many awards, including five Aurealis Awards, an ABIA, and David Gemmell Morningstar and Legend awards.

I realize it's still a very long wait until Darkdawn is going to be published, almost a whole year, but I just can't help being really excited about it already. Nevernight is one of my favorite books in the world and Godsgrave was a great read as well so I can't wait to get my hands in the final book. I'm pretty nervous about everything Jay Kristoff could have planned for the book but I'm ready for it. Now I just have to wait until September 2019. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Share your thoughts!

What do you think of this title?
Have you read Nevernight and Godsgrave? 

Are you also excited for Darkdawn?

Release Blitz: The Evolution of Man by Skye Warren

Ambitious. Intense. Irresistible.

The Evolution of Man, the stunning conclusion to the Trust Fund Duet by New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren, is LIVE!

I never wanted to fall for man.

And definitely not two men.

They tear me apart until I don’t know how I’ll ever be whole again.

Until I’m not sure I want to be. How can I choose between two halves of myself?

THE EVOLUTION OF MAN is the second novel in the USA Today bestselling duet, which begins with Survival of the Richest.

Download your copy today! 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Lnmprw 

iBooks: https://apple.co/2AkDJIS 

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TheEvolutionofMan 

Nook: https://bit.ly/2K07XjF 

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2LrFedm

Add to GoodReads: https://bit.ly/2LsFOY0

Start the series with Survival of the Richest 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2reGmoo 

iBooks: https://apple.co/2w5R2L7 

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/SurvivaloftheRichest 

Nook: https://bit.ly/2FAtmxX 

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2FACXom 

Google Play: https://tinyurl.com/yd8a7lz6

About Skye:

Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance such as the Endgame trilogy. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, sweet dogs, and evil cat.

Connect with Skye: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyewarren 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skye_warren 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SkyeWarrenBooks P

interest: https://www.pinterest.com/skyewarren/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyewarrenbooks/

Stay up to date with Skye Warren by signing up for her mailing list: http://www.skyewarren.com/newsletter/ 

http://www.skyewarren.com

Review: Waterfell by Amalie Howard

Title: Waterfell
Author: Amalie Howard
Series: The Aquarathi #1
Publication: October 29th 2013 by Harlequin Teen
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Play | Kobo
Rating: 4/5★

THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE QUEEN

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age.

Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?

It took me a long time to finally post my review of Watefell (over a year...) but at least I did it. Haha!

So I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. It was way more awesome than I had expected. I thought it was super original and the heroine was really badass.

I tend to dislike any type of books featuring mermaids or sirens, which is weird because I love all things mermaid related in general but this story was obviously way more special and different than other books of the same kind. The "mermaids" in this case were actually... wait for it... ALIENS! And boy, do I love reading about aliens. So yeah, I thought this was a very unqiue take on mermaids.

Nerissa, our heroine, was on the one hand like a typical teenage girl but on the other hand so very different and just, well, awesome. Oh and did I mention she's a princess? Yeah, there's that too.

I rally liked her love interest, Lo. I, just liked Nerissa in the story, felt really intrigued by him. It wasn't insta-love for her, but definitely insta-crush although she seemed to dislike him so much at first, which was actually really fun to read about. It was really obvious though who Lo really was. Usually I don't like books where something is quite obvious like that but in this case I just really didn't mind.

Overall, Waterfell by Amalie Howard was a really good read. Unique with a badass heroine and great supporting characters and amazing writing, it was quite the adventure. 

About the author:
AMALIE HOWARD is the award-winning author of several young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, School Library Journal, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Kid’s INDIE NEXT title. Her debut novel, Bloodspell, was a #1 Amazon bestseller, and the sequel, Bloodcraft, was a national IPPY silver medalist and Children’s Moonbeam Award winner. She is also the co-author of My Rogue, My Ruin in the historical romance series, the Lords of Essex. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Stacking The Shelves: September 22, 2018

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly bookish feature hosted @ Tynga's Reviews & Reading Reality.

It's been a month since I did a STS post so got lots of books to show you all!

Bought at secondhand store and flea market:

The Gun Slinger by Stephen King

The Canterville Ghost and Other Stories by Oscar Wilde

Doctor Who: The Silurian Gift by Mike Tucker

Grey by E.L. James

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

A History of the Modern World to 1815 by Joel Colton, R.R. Palmer, Lloyd S. Kramer

Won:
The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd

I won this signed copy from the author when she did a giveaway on Facebook. It's my favorite book of hers so needless to say I'm so happy with it. I definitely need to reread it!

Bought: 

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

These last few weeks I've been reading this series because I want to be caught up before Kingdom of Ash releases and I finally reached Tower of Dawn. I'm currently reading it.

Fairyloot box of September "Starcrossed Swoons" *featuring Apollo*
Yesterday I already received my Fairyloot of September which is incredibly fast. No spoilers from me (I will post my unboxing eventually) but I'm totally in love with this book. It's definitely one of the best I've received so far. Such fun and useful items!

Freebies:
The Viking's Chosen by Quinn Loftis

Hittites: A History From Beginning to End by Hourly History

The Sumerians: A History From Beginning to End by Hourly History

Bought:
Not So Nice Guy by R.S. Grey

Racing the Sun by Karina Halle

The Wild Heir by Karina Halle

Bought:
Crimson Vale by Jennifer Harlow

For Review:
The Evolution of Man by Skye Warren

I hope you will all have a great weekend! ♥

Review: While the Duke Was Sleeping by Sophie Jordan

Title: While the Duke Was Sleeping
Author: Sophie Jordan
Series: The Rogue Files #1
Publication: October 25th 2016 by Avon
Genre: Historical Romance
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Play | Kobo
Rating: 3/5★

Sometimes the man of your dreams . . .

Shop girl Poppy Fairchurch knows it’s pointless fantasizing about the Duke of Autenberry. Still, dreams can’t hurt anyone . . . unlike the carriage Poppy spies bearing down upon the unsuspecting duke. After she pulls him to safety, the duke lapses into a coma and Poppy is mistaken for his fiancée. But one person isn’t fooled: his arrogant and much too handsome half-brother, Struan Mackenzie. Soon Poppy isn’t sure what she wants more . . . the fantasy of her duke or the reality of one smoldering Scot who challenges her at every turn.

. . . is not who you think.

An illegitimate second son, Struan may have built an empire and established himself as one of the wealthiest men in Britain, but he knows he will always be an outsider among the ton. Just like he knows the infuriating Poppy is a liar. There’s no way the haughty Duke of Autenberry would deign to wed a working class girl. It doesn’t matter how charming she is. Or tempting. Or how much Struan wants her for himself.

This was my very first book by Sophie Jordan. I've always wanted to read something by her, so when I received one of her historical romances for review I was obviously really excited to read it.

While the Duke Was Sleeping was a very cute read. And as a historical romance novel it was indeed very romantic with a lot of kissing scenes and much more. I liked the book, but I didn't love it sadly enough. Some things just bothered me.

My first and main problem lay with the heroine, Poppy. She was an okay enough character, but some decisions she made made me want to pull my hair out. I also didn't like how she kept going back and forth between the duke and his half brother Struan. 

Which brings us to my second problem: Struan, the half brother of the Duke and the hero of the story. He gets bonus points for being Scottish and quite swoon-worthy but I found him a little too pushy when it came to Poppy. 

Other than those two issues I liked the story and I adored the Duke's family a whole lot. The writing was also really great. 

About the author:
Sophie Jordan grew up in the Texas hill country where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she's also the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Avon historical romances. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she's not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes and Diet cherry Coke preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with true-crime and reality-TV shows. Sophie also writes paranormal romances under the name Sharie Kohler.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Doctor Who: Twelve Angels Weeping by Dave Rudden

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. It's based on Waiting On Wednesday hosted at Breaking the Spine.

Doctor Who: Twelve Angels Weeping: Twelve stories of the villains from Doctor Who by Dave Rudden
Expected publication: October 11th 2018 by BBC Children's Books

Twelve extraordinary Doctor Who stories, each featuring a monstrous villain from the Doctor Who world.

On every planet that has existed or will exist, there is a winter . . .

Many of the peoples of Old Earth celebrated a winter festival. A time to huddle together against the cold; a time to celebrate being half-way out of the dark.

But shadows are everywhere, and there are some corners of the universe which have bred the most terrible things, lurking in the cold between the stars.

Here are twelve stories - one for each of the Twelve Days of Christmas - to remind you that to come out of the darkness we need to go into it in the first place.

We are not alone. We are not safe. And, whatever you do: don't blink.

Written by popular children's author, and lifelong Doctor Who fan, Dave Rudden.

I'm a huge Doctor Who fan so I absolutely need need this book. It contains twelve stories each about a Doctor Who villain. I think it'll be perfect for both Halloween and Christmas. Also, it releases a couple of days after season 11 of Doctor Who will begin (with Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor!) so that makes it even better. I can't wait to read it!

Share your thoughts!

What do you think of this title?
Are you also a Doctor Who fan as well?

Who or what is your favorite Doctor Who villain?