June 2017 Wrap-Up

I failed this month guys. I had so many plans for so many different books. And guess how many I finished? I finished only ONE book this month. I cringe every time I see that number. It's not that I'm not reading, it's just that I barely have time to read between work and family. I'm currently reading 4 anticipated books of mine, however, and hopefully I'll have at least 6 books in my July wrap-up. But, I guess, without further ado, here's my teeny tiny June wrap-up...

1.
Title: Tradition Be Damned
Author: Rebecca Royce
Rating: 4/5 stars
Review
Author Spotlight
Author Interview

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Thanks for reading

xoxo

Lauren

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Get 10% off your first order on A Court of Candles when you use this link

Subscribe to Owlcrate using this link and get 15% off your first box using "BOOKING15" or "BKWORM15"

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Let's Talk: Persuasion

Title: Persuasion
Authors: Jaymin Eve & Jane Washington
Series: "Curse of the Gods" #2
Genre: Paranormal RH
Page Length: 386 pages
Publication Date: May 30, 2017
Date Started: May 30, 2017
Date Finished: May 30, 2017
Rating: 5/5 stars
Book 1 Review

I was so happy when I finally got to read this book. I have been waiting for it since I finished book 1 the day it released and the anticipation kept building in me every single day I waited. And I was not let down one bit.

Let's talk first about the boys. Oh the boys. I loved the boys. Never will I not love these boys. Every time they said the word "Pact", however, I wanted to throttle every single one of them. I just want them and Willa to do the sex already! Is that so much to ask for? But Jane Washington is one of the queens of slow burn, so I guess I'll be waiting for a while.

I thought the mythology was really expanded in this book, which made me excited. We got to know more about the gods and their history. I especially thought a certain competition was so exciting. There was a huge revelation that I kinda saw coming but at the same time was surprising nonetheless. I'm very interested in seeing how Willa and the guys deal with it in the next book.

There were moments where I was literally screaming "no no no no" in my room. I think if you've read the book, you probably know what I'm talking about. It involves Chaos and a certain neutral party. Jaymin and Jane are cruel people for putting me through that.

I thought the ending was fabulous. I finally got a taste of what I was wanting and I couldn't be happier with the three characters that were involved. I hope we get a lot more of what happened in the next book.

All in all, I thought this was a great installment. I honestly can't decide if I like Trickery or Persuasion more. It's just so hard to choose as both have their amazingness. I feel like the first book was awesome because it was the boys and Willa meeting each other and learning about each others' quirks (and Willa's penchant for nudity). However, in this book they're already friends and know each other well. I thought both books were fantastic.

I also have a new favorite word/insult: schweed: cross between a shit-head and a weed. I love it just as much as I love Willa. I also should mention I still identify with Willa more than any other character and I think that we become more and more alike as these books go on?

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Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Lauren

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Get 10% off your first order on A Court of Candles when you use this link

Subscribe to Owlcrate using this link and get 15% off your first box using "BOOKING15" or "BKWORM15"

Get free worldwide shipping with Book Depository using my affiliate link:

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Owlcrate Unboxing: June 2017

Wow, it's been over a year since I've done an Owlcrate unboxing! I've missed getting Owlcrate in my mailbox. When I had the extra funds and found out about all the special items in this box this month, including a SECOND book, I knew I had to subscribe again. I thought I knew what books were going to be coming in the box, but I was dead wrong. That's all part of the fun, though, as it meant I was surprised when I opened the box.

The theme for this month was "Make It Out Alive" and this month there were 5 items and 2 books. I thought this box was pretty good but, honestly, it wasn't my favorite Owlcrate box. I loved most of the items but I feel like some of their past boxes that I missed out on were even better. Now, this doesn't mean I hated the box. I still am super excited about all these items, though. So, without further ado, I present the June 2017 Owlcrate box.

You can see all of the items I'm about to list pictured above:

First we had an exclusively designed Ember in the Ashes inspired magnet from Little Inklings Design.

Second we had a double-sided bookmark inspired by A Court of Wings and Ruin designed by Hey Atlas Creative.

Third we had a Divergent inspired bath bomb by Fizzy Fairy Apothecary.

Fourth we had a zombie sleep mask from Archie McPhee.

Fifth we had a The Giver inspired patch designed by Laserbrain Patch Co.

The bonus book we got this month was New World Rising by Jennifer Wilson, published by Oftomes Publishing. 

And the book for this month was Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson. It came with a signed bookplate, letter, and exclusive sticker sheet. The cover was also an Owlcrate exclusive!

Here are a few close ups of some of the items listed...

The An Ember in the Ashes inspired magnet (I may have squealed when I saw it-fav item right here!) 

One side of the double-sided A Court of Wings and Ruin bookmark.

The zombie sleep mask, Divergent inspired bath bomb, and June Owlcrate pin. 

Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson, with the exclusive Owlcrate cover.

I thought this was a good box and I enjoyed most of the items in it. The patch, while unique and something that I've never seen in a box before, is not something I see myself using. I didn't really enjoy The Giver when I read it and I don't really have anything I put patches on. If it were for one of my favorite series, I would probably enjoy it more. Still, I think the patch itself is beautiful and a unique idea.

I am super excited for the July box, which I am planning on continuing my subscription for! The theme is Wanderlust and our first sneak peek is that it will feature an officially licensed Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them item! 

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Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed!

xoxo

Lauren

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Get 10% off your first order on A Court of Candles when you use this link

Subscribe to Owlcrate using this link and get 15% off your first box using "BOOKING15" or "BKWORM15"

Get free worldwide shipping with Book Depository using my affiliate link:

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Author Interview: Rebecca Royce

Hey everyone! Today I have a super exciting post for you: an interview with author Rebecca Royce! I was graciously given the chance to interview Rebecca shortly after her newest book was released. Rebecca writes paranormal, fantasy, and science fiction books both in RH and non-RH. For more about her and her writing, check out my author spotlight here :) Without further ado: the interview...

Q: What are you currently working on?
A: Hi there! Thanks for having me. Right now (this very second) I am writing Destiny Be Damned, the third book in my Reverse Harem series called "Last Hope". 

Q: How many RH series have you written? non-RH?
A: I have two RH series currently. The first one was called "Wings of Artemis". There are five books so far (well 6 because one is a novella).  And "The Last Hope" series.  
As for Non-RH, I have ten series, some of them finished. Some of them ongoing

Q: Do you have a favorite book that you've written?
A: No, that's like picking between my kids. 

Q: Where do you find your inspiration to write? Does it come from other authors, books, movies, or some otherworldly power whispering to you? What is your writing process?
A: From EVERYWHERE.  I once came up with a whole book while standing online at the deli. 

Q: How do you balance family, life, and writing? Do you write full time?
A: I do write full time. I don't know if I am balancing it well or not. Hmm. I have three kids and a wonderful husband. I think we all just do the best we can. 

Q: What was the first reverse harem book you ever read? Is that book what got you into wanting to write RH?
A: The first RH I ever read was by Laurell K. Hamilton.  She's always been very inspiring to me so I think that is probably a big inspiration. Also, CL Stone is amazing.  

Q: What is your favorite RH book? What about non-RH book? 
A: My favorite RH book is a tie.  Introductions by CL Stone and Finding Honor by Ripley Proserpina. They tie.  My favorite non RH? Taken With The Enemy by Tia Fanning. 

Q: What is your favorite snack to eat while writing or reading?
A: Pretzels! They are a must. 

Q: If you could pick one of your books to be turned into a movie, what book would you pick and who would play the lead roles? 
A: Oh wow!! I don't know!!! But that's a great question. 

Q: Anything else you'd like to share with readers?
A: Thanks for having me today!! 

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A huge thank you to Rebecca and her team for allowing me this amazing opportunity!

xoxo

Lauren

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Get 10% off your first order on A Court of Candles when you use this link

Subscribe to Owlcrate using this link and get 15% off your first box using "BOOKING15" or "BKWORM15"

Get free worldwide shipping with Book Depository using my affiliate link:

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Author Spotlight: Rebecca Royce

Hey guys! So today we're starting a new segment on my blog called "Author Spotlight". These will be occasional and a special treat both for me and for all you readers. This first spotlight will be focusing on an author who has written many books in many different genres: Rebecca Royce.

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The Basics:

Rebecca is an author who has written dozens upon dozens of books in science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal. A few of her series have also been categorized in the sub-genre of Reverse Harem (for more information on what specifically reverse harem is, see my blog post about it here). For more personal information on Rebecca, check out her website linked below!

You can find her online at these locations:
Rebecca's Website
Rebecca's Goodreads
Rebecca's Twitter
Rebecca's Facebook
Rebecca's Amazon

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Where To Start:

Rebecca has 107 books listed on Goodreads, which might seem a bit overwhelming when trying to decide what to read first. Thankfully, I have narrowed it down for all of you to a few I think you should read first! Now, the two I am going to feature are RH series as I primarily read Rebecca's RH books. I think that her RH's are amazing and the characters are realistic yet swoonworthy.

First, Rebecca just released Tradition Be Damned, book 1 in the "Last Hope" series.

Synopsis:

"It is the end of days…

Taken from her family at birth, and raised by the mystic Sisterhood, Anne understands she will fight the demons for the rest of her life. Often referred to as the Weird Sister, Anne longs for a life she knows she can never have and dreams of her five guards affections although she believes they hold her in disdain. 

She couldn’t be more wrong. 

Bryant, Mason, Garrett, Kieran and Milo see Anne for who she is and they’ve loved her every day they’ve known her, although they can never see her face. Fate has chosen them as her beloveds and when the already destroyed world falls apart, they will see they are meant to be…and that maybe all hope is not lost at all. Maybe it is just the beginning."

I just finished reading this book recently and absolutely adored it. I won't go too much in depth but if you want to know more of my thoughts, my review is posted here.

Another RH series of hers is "Wings of Artemis" with book 1 being Kidnapped By Her Husbands.

Synopsis:

 "Alone in prison.

No recollection of the past.

A baby grows inside her.

In a futuristic world where women are scarce and only the wealthy can afford a wife, Melissa Alexander is trapped in a prison rehabilitation center with no memory of who she is. The unborn child growing inside her is all that keeps them from making her pay for the sins she's committed--sins she cannot recall. But when five sexy strangers, claiming to be her husbands, kidnap her and bring her to safety, Melissa fears she can't trust them. All she can remember is what she was taught under the prison's watchful, vengeful eye: to hate them. But how can she hate--or love--what she can't remember?"

I have not read this book but I have wanted to for a while. I read a companion novel that is later in the series that focuses on a different character and I really enjoyed it. This whole series is definitely on my TBR!

What People Are Saying:

On Kidnapped By Her Husbands...

"Loved It!" 5/5 stars - Shamika Moore, Goodreads

"I LOVED this book! The changes in Melissa throughout the story make my heart soar! Don't even get me started on the men!" 5/5 stars-Abigail, Goodreads

On Tradition Be Damned...

"I am a huge fan of the paranormal and post apocalyptic genre. This book surprised me in the best way possible. I love love love the new world that the author created. Not only do you have demons and spirits and angels, but it's Reverse Harem and filled with hot guys! It's got action, love, and steam. Stop reading this to go click the buy button. You won't be disappointed!" 5/5 stars-Brandy Slaven, Goodreads

"I loved it! An awesome reverse harem story about lies, wrong assumptions, pure heart and deep love. Every one of her man got a chance to show who he is and his own specific kind of love. It was sexy, tense, brutal and ultimately joyful! Loved it!" 5/5 stars -Peter Carlstrom, Goodreads

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Thanks for reading! I would definitely recommend checking Rebecca out on the sites linked above!!! For an interview with Rebecca, follow this link :)

xoxo

Lauren 

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Get 10% off your first order on A Court of Candles when you use this link

Subscribe to Owlcrate using this link and get 15% off your first box using "BOOKING15" or "BKWORM15"

Get free worldwide shipping with Book Depository using my affiliate link:

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Let's Talk: Tradition Be Damned

Title: Tradition Be Damned
Author: Rebecca Royce
Series: "Last Hope" #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance RH
Page Length: 330 pages
Publication Date: May 26, 2017
Date Started: June 8, 2017
Date Finished: June 9, 2017
Rating: 4/5 stars

*I was asked to read this book in exchange for an honest review*

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I knew that I would enjoy it because of the stellar feedback I'd heard, but I was still surprised. I went into it not really knowing what it was about nor about what was going to happen and I was shocked at every turn.

So first off, I like the take on the "Chosen One" Trope. A lot of books nowadays, especially fantasy ones, have the main character as a chosen one or a character who is better than anyone else. This was unique as the main character was taken away at birth to be trained as a Sister. However, many other girls also have this happen to her. And there's a reveal later on in the book that reveals she is not the only Sister to have ever done a certain thing (I don't wanna spoil anything so I'm sorry if that sounds confusing).

I also enjoyed the male characters. Each one was different and brought something unique to the character dynamics. I think my favorite would have to be Bryant *swoons*, followed by Kieran, Mason, Milo, and Garrett.

I'm excited to read the next installment even if it is about a different character. I can only hope that these characters show up at some point so that we can see how they have progressed.

All in all, I enjoyed the book. The writing style was definitely above par and I enjoyed the story and plot. I thought that the main character was badass but wasn't unrealistic in never needing others like some female protagonists I've read. I'm so glad I had a chance to read this book and I hope we get another book from these characters' story.

If you want to know more about Rebecca or her books, I did post an Author Spotlight on her and did an Author Interview with her!

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Thanks for reading

xoxo

Lauren

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Get 10% off your first order on A Court of Candles when you use this link

Subscribe to Owlcrate using this link and get 15% off your first box using "BOOKING15" or "BKWORM15"

Get free worldwide shipping with Book Depository using my affiliate link:

http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=laurensboookshelf

~

May 2017 Book Haul!

So this month I got quite a bit of books. There's a bit of a reason why, of course. Firstly, there were so many amazing book releases this month! And a lot of the new releases were some of my most highly anticipated books of the year! Then I also graduated in the month of May and I have some amazing family and friends that I am so grateful for who gave me money and gift cards. So I did get a few books with said gift cards. All in all I got 24 physical books, 9 eBooks, 5 audiobooks, and 2 exciting merch items. As always, enjoy.

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To start off this haul, I got 24 physical books. As usual, there are descriptions for each as to why I bought/received them. Let's jump right in!

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This month started off by releasing my most anticipated book of the year: A Court of Wings and Ruin. by Sarah J. Maas. I ended up with four copies, all shown here:

First and foremost, I had my preorder from Amazon (above) so that I could read the book the day it came out. I ended up highlighting and annotating all over this book. Then there were two special editions from Target (top) and Books-A-Million (bottom), pictured here:

I am a collector and of course I needed these special editions on my shelf. Then I also preordered a signed copy because of course I needed this book to be signed!

I absolutely adored this book. It's my new favorite book of all time (sorry Empire of Storms). For more of my thoughts, here is my review (TK).

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Also on the same day ACOWAR released, the ACOTAR Coloring Book dropped, and I had to buy it of course. 

The illustrations are so amazing and I love seeing my favorite characters brought to life. I wish there was more pictures of shirtless Illyrians, but I'll make do with what I can get ;) Plus, seeing my main man Cassian in picture format is just amazing.

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Next I bought a book I've been interested in for a while now and that is Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin. 

I've seen this book around for a while and ever since I heard the synopsis I've been interested. Finally the hardcover was available on Amazon again and I snatched it up. I am so excited to read this alternate history about the aftermath of WWII, which is something I've been fascinated with for a while.

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Then I got the Grisha Trilogy boxset, including Shadow and Bone, Seige and Storm, and Ruin and Rising all by Leigh Bardugo.

I participate in a monthly blind date with a book group and my date this month sent me the entire trilogy! I was so surprised and felt so spoiled. I've read SoC but not CK or this trilogy. I enjoyed SoC but can't really remember it and I didn't fully love it. I am excited to read this trilogy as I've heard simply amazing things about it.

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Then I bought The Falconer by Elizabeth May.

Now, I've been interested in this book for a while and decided to buy it from an independent online bookseller through Amazon Marketplace. I was so excited because I ordered what was described as a brand new copy for a few bucks less than Amazon's price. When it arrived, however, there was a big rip on the front cover as well as the spine of the book was a little beat up and the corners were bent. They refunded me half of my price and let me keep the book, so I'm okay with the situation but it's just disappointing that it happened in the first place. Still, I'm beyond excited to read this book. It was even blurbed by my queen, Sarah J. Maas!

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Next I got Burned by Karen Marie Moning.

Then I was at Schnuck's looking for mother's day flowers for my mom and I, as usual, looked through the bargain book bin and found this book. It has to do with fae and mystery and steaminess, or so I have been able to garner from the description. I'm interested, but I don't know if I should read the rest of the series first. From what I understand, it doesn't look like you do and this is book 12, so I'm not going to buy the rest of the series just to read this one. Anyway, I was drawn by the cover and those glorious abs *swoon*

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Then I got Flame in the Mist by Renée Adieh.

This book released this month as well as many I bought. This actually wasn't even on my radar until April, as Adieh's other series never appealed to me and I didn't know anything about this one. However, reading that it was somewhat of a Mulan retelling sold me on this book at once! I love Mulan and am so excited to read this when I get a chance, whenever that may be.

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Then I picked up Wandering Star and Black Moon by Romina Russell, books 2 and 3 in the Zodiac series.

I randomly picked up the first book in this series this month and loved it. So, naturally, I bought the rest of the available books in the series for when I finished. I'm excited to continue on, but I don't know when that will be as a few others books released this month that I'm dying to read first.

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Next up is another copy of Charcoal Tears by Jane Washington.

I got home one day to this waiting in the mail for me and I was a little confused. I love this series and this author, but I hadn't won a giveaway and I already owned a signed copy from the author. Still, I'm grateful to have it and it will be great for reading and bookstagram. If you want to know my thoughts on this book, you can read my series review here :)

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Then, I got Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare!

I am so excited to have this book in my hands after such a long wait. I can't wait to be able to dive into it, as at the time I am writing this the book just arrived in the mail on release day and I haven't been able to start yet. The ending of LM killed me and I can't wait to see how these characters progress and grow!

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Then a wonderful human sent me A Poison Dark and Drowning by Jessica Cluess.

I am so excited to have an ARC of this book in my possession. I adored ASBAB (book 1) and I didn't want to have to wait until September for this installment! I think I might do a reread of book 1 before diving into this sequel. Also, this cover is GORGEOUS, am I right?

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Then I got The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

My friend convinced me to go to Barnes & Noble the same day I had bought 6 books on Amazon with a gift card (more on those next). Luckily enough I had spare dollars and change in my purse and was able to get this book, which had been sitting in my Amazon cart since Christmas. I finally have it in my hands! I've heard amazing things and I am excited to read it when I get a chance.

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Then I had an Amazon order where I got quite a few books, the first being Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller.

This is a novel about a female pirate and I'm so excited to read it. I love pirates and the main character has been said to be a Lady Jack Sparrow, and since Jack is my favorite pirate I'm pretty excited. I don't know much else other than it is about a female pirate, and I think I'm going to keep it that way.

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Second in that order I picked up Trickery by Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington.

I love this book so much. I first read it when it came out on Kindle and I'm so glad to finally have the physical edition in my hands. This is hands down one of my favorite books of all time and I adore the main character. Willa is my soul animal and I've never related as much to a book character as I have with her. More of my thoughts on this book can be found in my review here.

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The next three books I got were Trying to Live With the Dead, When the Dead Come A Knockin', and When to Fear the Living all by B.L. Brunnemer and the first 3 books in the Veil Diaries series.

I adore this series and was so psyched when the author finally put them all out in matching paperbacks. Originally I had the first book in a format that was kind of like a mass market paperback, but these new editions are so big and beautiful. I love seeing them on my shelf. I have already read all three of these books so if you want to know my thoughts and feels on them, I have linked the reviews here:
Book 1
Book 2
Book 3

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Lastly from this order I got From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch.

I was first drawn to this book because of the stunning cover and the fact that the author said it was leaning towards RH/Menage. I love that subgenre and this book sounded so interesting. So I decided to read it in eBook format because it was a lot cheaper. I ended up loving the book so much that I used the last of my gift card to buy the physical edition! It's even more beautiful in person!

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I bought/received 9 eBooks this month, most of them being new releases or RH books. I've read some of them but not all. Let's jump on in!

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First I had preordered Roadie by C.M. Stunich, which was delivered to me on release day (yay!)

This is the sequel to Groupie which is a steamy RH novel about a lonely girl and a group of rockstars. It's a bit cliche but I really liked it and decided to continue on with the series. I have already read it and you can see more of my thoughts in my monthly wrap-up (linked down below). 

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Then I got The Falconer by Elizabeth May

Yes, I did already buy this book in hardcover, but I was on BookBub and the eBook popped up at only $0.99, so I bought it. As I stated above, I'm super excited to read this book as it sounds amazing!

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Then I grabbed When to Fear the Living by B.L. Brunnemer.

This was another anticipated book for me and I'm so excited to have gotten it and read it. I thought it was a fantastic continuation to this series and I loved the B.L. released it two days early! I read it the moment it went live and didn't care that I was up until 3:45 am finishing it. For more of my thoughts, check out my review here.

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Then I bought From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch

I had seen this book before and had decided to get the sample on my Kindle App. One day I randomly started reading it and couldn't stop. I bought the book and I flew through it, reading through the night. I finished it in the wee hours of the morning and loved it. Plus, the cover is gorgeous. You can get more of my thoughts in my monthly wrap-up :)

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Then I got Forseen by AJ Anders

This is the second installment in the Soulja Guild series. I read the first book when I bought the Falling For Them anthology with a bunch of different RH novellas and loved it. I'm so glad to have this book so that once I finished my reread of book 1, I can jump straight into this one. 

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I also got an ARC of Make Me A Wish by K.B. Ladnier and Anita Maxwell.

I'm about a third of the way into this book currently and I'm not sure how I feel. I was excited about it but it's just dragging on so far. We'll see how I feel by the time I finish this book. It has an interesting premise and the cover is gorgeous, so hopefully I end up liking it more by the end.

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Next, Tradition Be Damned by Rebecca Royce.

I'll be honest, I don't even remember what this book is about, just that I remember thinking it looked interesting. I preordered it and have yet to read it as I'm kind of getting into the groove of summer and switching between my two jobs. However, this cover is stunning and I've heard amazing reviews on this one.

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A Demon's Blade by C.C. English-Rose.

This is another RH book I had preordered and have forgotten the synopsis. I've heard great reviews and will probably end up reading it sometime within June. I've also heard it's hilarious and amazing, so I'm excited.

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Lastly, I got Persuasion by Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington.

This was probably tied with When to Fear the Living as my most anticipated RH release this month. I'm so excited to have it, and by the time this gets posted, I will probably have already finished reading it. 

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I picked up 5 audiobooks this month, which is actually a pretty big number when you think about how expensive audiobooks are. So grateful that Amazon has Whispersync for voice or else my audiobook collection would seriously be lacking.

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First I used a credit I had from April to get The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon

The samples I'd heard of this audiobook sounded so good and I figured it couldn't hurt to switch between listening and reading for this sequel. I'm excited to read/listen when I get the chance as I loved TBS and need to know what happens next.

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Of course I got  A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

You can't expect a SJM book to release without me getting the audiobook, now can you? Despite the fact that the narrator changed for this one, I still love it. I've listened to it occasionally whenever I want to revisit Prythian and my favorite characters and it's just as good as the first two audiobooks. 

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Then I got Zodiac by Romina Russell

A friend recommended this book to me earlier this month, which is why I randomly read it since it wasn't on my TBR. But I had my May credit for audible and I decided to get this one. I switched between listening and reading and I honestly think that it just improved my overall experience with the book and these characters. More thoughts on this book in my monthly wrap-up :)

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I also got The Falconer by Elizabeth May

Wow, a book that spans three categories in this haul...impressive. I got this audiobook simply because I'm really interested (as I've stated before) and because it was only $2 since I owned the eBook edition as well.

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Lastly I picked up Trickery by Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington.

I absolutely adore this book so when I saw the audiobook had discreetly released, I flipped out and one-click ordered it so fast. I'm so excited to listen to Willa's sassiness and the amazing Abcurses.

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I also got two awesome bookish merch items, both themed from ACOTAR. Firstly, I got this amazing pillow. It was a graduation present/library aide gift from the librarians at my school. I seriously cried when they told me they bought me it.

I also got the preorder promotional swag from Bloomsbury for the release of ACOWAR. This year it was an amazing color map of Prythian and the surrounding lands. I love it so much! I'm planning on framing it so that it won't get all bent from the times I'm going to move in the future.

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Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed seeing all the books and merch I bought/received this month! Stay tuned for June, because there are definitely some exciting releases coming up soon! If you want to know about the books I read this month, click here :)
xoxo
Lauren

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Get 10% off your first order on bookish candles from A Court of Candles when you use this link

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Get free worldwide shipping with Book Depository using my affiliate link:

http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=laurensboookshelf

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May 2017 Wrap-Up

This month was actually a pretty good reading month for me. I read a total of 8 books and I'm still reading a couple I started in May but haven't finished. I also liked all of the books I read this month and they were all 4+ star reads for me. There were so many new releases this month that I was so excited for and I can't wait to get to the rest of the ones I bought in June. For all the books I bought this month, follow this link :)

1.
Title: A Court of Wings and Ruined
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Rating: INFINITY
Review: TK

2. 

Title: When to Fear the Living

Author: B.L. Brunnemer

Rating: 5/5 stars

Review: http://laurensboookshelf.blogspot.com/2017/05/lets-talk-when-to-fear-living.html

3.

Title: Zodiac

Author: Romina Russell

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

This book slayed me! I switched between listening to the audiobook and reading and it was honestly an amazing decision. I enjoyed the audiobook quite a bit but by the end I was running out of time before work and wanted to finish, so I just sped through the last few chapters. It destroyed my heart. I'm not going to go into spoilers, but I loved it. They characters! Hysan! Mathias! Rho! Agh! I do have to say that I am Team Hysan. At first I wasn't sure if I could like someone more than Mathias but it happened. Also, everything in this book...all the twists, all the betrayals, all the surprises...they all contributed to my overall awed experience listening to/reading this book. At times it was a little slow, hence the 4.5 rating instead of 5, and I was glad I was listening to the audiobook for those parts. I highly recommend it and I'm excited to see how the next book goes. 

4.

Title: From the Ashes

Author: Amber Lynn Natusch

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

I really really liked this book. I thought the pacing was pretty good for the most part and the plot was so interesting. I binge-read this so fast and I can't wait for the next one to come out. I loved Knox, Jase, and Dean! They each were amazing but I 100% ship her with Knox. The whole thing with Merc surprised me for reasons you will know if you read the book. Currently this series is looking like it's headed towards RH but even if it wasn't I still am completely on board. If it does become RH, I'm interested in seeing who she will end up with. I only had a few small problems. While overall the pacing was good, I felt like at times it was a little fast or a little slow. Plus, I did get some insta-love vibes from it, but that could just be because I read it so fast. Overall I loved this book and am excited for the sequel this summer. 

5. 

Title: Roadie

Author: C.M. Stunich

Rating: 4/5 stars

I thought this was a really nice sequel to the first book. I think I may have even liked it better. Things were a bit more laid back in this book in terms of drama, which I enjoyed. We got to know a little bit more of different boys' backstories, and we even got a little more of Lilith's. There was also plenty of smut and even some surprises that I didn't see coming. I don't want to give anything away, but I thought that this book was a great follow up to the first. I enjoyed it and I am excited for book 3 which is releasing this month as well! 

6.

Title: Precursor

Author: A.J. Anders

Rating: 4/5 stars

I'm glad I reread this before heading into the sequel when it released. I first read it in the Falling For Them anthology and it was my favorite of what I've read so far. I eagerly anticipated the sequel just to see what happens with all of the characters. I enjoyed revisiting and meeting all these characters again. I am especially excited to see how all of them handle the ending of this book. 

7.

Title: Foreseen

Author: A.J. Anders

Rating: 5/5 stars

This book amped things up! I blew through it and it was over way before I wanted it to be! Already I can't wait for the third book to release! We got more of each of the characters, more backstories, and more world building. We got a little bit of mystery, a little bit of suspense, and just a hint of steaminess. It was incredibly teasing. It was fantastic. I have found a new favorite RH series and I can't wait to see where the story goes. I only wish I had 6 sexy Surmata mates (even if they didn't all know about it yet). Excellent sequel and addition to this series! 

8. 

Title: Persuasion

Author: Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington

Rating: 5/5 stars

Review: TK

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Thanks for reading! What was your favorite book you read this month?

xoxo

Lauren

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