Sunday, January 5, 2014

Sunday Post - 78 & Stacking the Shelves - 49

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

This past week was pretty nice with work letting us off 2 1/2 hours early on Tuesday and all day on Wednesday. Husband and I rang in the New Year like old married people--asleep on the couch. I hope everyone else had a wonderful New Year's day. I got a lot of reading done this week. And topped off the end of the week by celebrating my brother-in-law's birthday last night. Oh and Husband and I got new cellphones this week too! YAY!

THIS PAST WEEK:

Monday: Review of Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (4.5 Stars)
Tuesday: 2013 EOY Book Survey
Wednesday: December 2013 EOM Wrap Up
Thursday: Review of Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John & Stasi Eldredge (5 Stars)
Friday: Review of Frigid (Frigid, # 1) by J Lynn (3 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Rome (Marked Men, # 3) by Jay Crownover
Tuesday: 2013 EOY Wrap Up
Wednesday: Waiting on Wednesday (maybe)
Thursday: Review of Breaking Nova (Nova, # 1) by Jessica Sorensen
Friday: Review of Origin (Lux, # 4) by Jennifer L Armentrout

Don't forget to sign up for the 2014 Series Enders Reading Challenge! Each month there will be a giveaway for those participating with a BIG giveaway at the end of the year! Click on the picture below or the link above to find out more!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Because of Low (Sea Breeze, # 2)

By: Abbi Glines

Published: February 7th 2012

294 pages

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

Source: Borrowed from my SNL, Holly @ Words Fueled by Love

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--In my debut novel, Breathe, Sadie may have fallen in love with the teen rock star, Jax Stone, but readers fell head over heels for Marcus Hardy. This is his story…

Marcus Hardy had hoped to enjoy a year away at college while he put the summer he’d rather forget behind him. But instead, he’s jerked right back to the coastal town of Sea Breeze, Alabama due to a family crisis. His dear ol' dad found himself a girlfriend only a few years older than Marcus. So now his sister needs help dealing with their mother who is mentally falling apart. The only bright spot to returning is the fascinating red head who sleeps over several times a week. The problem is she's sleeping in bed with his new roommate, Cage York.

Willow “Low” Foster needs a place to live. Running to Cage’s apartment every time her sister kicks her out isn’t exactly a long term solution. Juggling her courses at the local community college and a part time job doesn’t produce excess income. But Cage has a new roommate and suddenly sleeping over at her best friend’s apartment isn’t such a bad thing. Not when she gets to see those sexy green eyes of Marcus Hardy’s twinkle when he smiles at her like he wants her there.

Even though Cage seems a little territorial where Low is concerned, Marcus finds time to spend with Low without upsetting his roommate. Cage may use his small college baseball star persona to sleep with every hot female in his path but he’s still under the disillusion that when he’s through sowing his wild oats, he’s going to marry Low. Marcus intends to change that assumption for both Cage and Low. Until his carefully laid plans come crashing down with a revelation he never expected. He’ll have to choose between Low or his family. Because once the truth comes out.... there’s no other choice.

While It Lasts (Sea Breeze, # 3)

By: Abbi Glines

Published: July 31st 2012

304 pages

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

Source: Borrowed from my SNL, Holly @ Words Fueled by Love

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Cage brings his playboy prowess to the countryside as the Sea Breeze hookups continue, from self-published phenomenon Abbi Glines.

Low broke Cage’s heart by getting with Marcus in Because of Low. Cage went into a tailspin that ended in a DUI. In order to salvage his baseball scholarship—the one thing he truly valued besides Low—Cage must take a summer job. At a farm. Away from Sea Breeze. With lots of cows, but no hot girls. Maybe that’s what Cage needs to get back on track.

But wait—there’s that hostile daughter of the farm boss. She’s pretty and occasionally sweet, and there seems to be a lot of sadness and mystery behind her anger. Cage is dying to strip her down—physically and mentally—in the back of the barn. But is he prepared for what will happen afterward?

Just For Now (Sea Breeze, # 4)

By: Abbi Glines

Published: October 30th 2012 by Simon & Schuster

304 pages

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

Source: Borrowed from my SNL, Holly @ Words Fueled by Love

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--The day Preston Drake figured out that wealthy women paid well for a set of tight abs and a pretty face his life turned around.

The run down rat-infested trailer he had shared with his alcoholic mother and three younger siblings was now only a place he visited to pay the bills and stock the pantry with food.

He no longer worried about his family starving or living without electricity. The money he made entertaining rich older women more than covered his family’s needs and his own. He had it all figured out. Except…

There was this girl.

She was as innocent as he was tainted.

Amanda Hardy wished her knees didn’t get weak when Preston walked into a room. She hated the fact her heart raced when he flashed his smile in her direction. He had a different girl in his bed every night. He was the kind of boy a smart girl ran from. So, why was she coming up with ways to get close to him? Even when it was obvious he wanted to keep her at a distance.

Maybe her heart knew something the world didn’t. Maybe Preston Drake was more than just a pretty face.

Reason to Breathe (Breathing, # 1)

By: Rebecca Donovan

Published: May 10th 2011

377 pages

Genre: YA/NA, Contemporary

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--"No one tried to get involved with me, and I kept to myself. This was the place where everything was supposed to be safe and easy. How could Evan Mathews unravel my constant universe in just one day?" In the affluent town of Weslyn, Connecticut, where most people worry about what to be seen in and who to be seen with, Emma Thomas would rather not be seen at all. She’s more concerned with feigning perfection while pulling down her sleeves to conceal the bruises - not wanting anyone to know how far from perfect her life truly is. Without expecting it, she finds love. It challenges her to recognize her own worth - but at the risk of revealing the terrible secret she’s desperate to hide. Reason to Breathe is an electrifying page turner from start to finish, a unique tale of life-changing love, unspeakable cruelty, and one girl’s fragile grasp of hope.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro

By: Bobbi Brown, Debra Bergsma, & Sally Wadyka

Published: December 1st 2008 by Grand Central Life & Style

232 pages

Genre: Non-fiction, Self-Help, How-To

Source: Personal Library (Christmas gift from my SNL, Tonya & family)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--This is the book that Bobbi Brown's fans have been waiting for: her 25-plus years of makeup styling experience distilled into one complete, gorgeous book. Bobbi looks at everything from skincare basics to every aspect of facial makeup--from how to find the right color and type of foundation for any skin tone to how to apply every detail of eye makeup (Brows, Eye Liner, Eye Shadow, and Eye Lashes) no matter your eye color and shape. Of course there are never-before-seen tips on blush, bronzer, lip liners, lipstick, etc. And Bobbi looks beyond the face with informative chapters on "Hands and Feet" and "Body Skin Care." Each chapter has thorough step-by-step basic directions for makeup application and easy-to-follow photographs and line drawings, along with Bobbi's expert, yet assuring, advice. Plus, there's a groundbreaking section of the book that will be of special interest to women who've wanted to know how makeup stylists do what they do: the top beauty secrets only these artists know, essential equipment to keep on hand, how to break into the business, and how to work with photographers and celebrities.

Breathtaking photos of the finished faces-from everyday looks to exotic runway style-along with advice on putting it all together for every woman, make this a book like no other.

BOBBI BROWN'S MAKEUP MANUAL will be the only book any woman will need to look absolutely fabulous.

The Destiny of Violet & Luke (The Coincidence, # 3)

By: Jessica Sorensen

Expected Publication: January 7th 2014 by Forever

336 pages

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Luke Price's life has always been about order, control, and acting tough on the outside. For Luke, meaningless relationships are a distraction-a way to tune out the twisted memories of his childhood. He desperately wishes he could forget his past, but it haunts him no matter what he does.

Violet Hayes has had a rough life. When she was young, she was left with no family and the memory of her parents' unsolved murders. She grew up in foster homes, living with irresponsible parents, drugs, and neglect, and trying to fight the painful memories of the night her parents were taken from her. But it's hard to forget when she never got closure-and she can't stop dreaming about what happened that tragic night. To make it through life, she keeps her distance from everyone and never allows herself to feel anything.

Then Violet meets Luke. The two clash instantly, yet they can't seem to stay away from each other. Although they fight it, they both start to open up and feel things they've never felt before. They discover just how similar they are. But they also discover something else: The past always catches up with you . .

Lila & Ethan: Always & Forever (The Secret, # 4.5)

By: Jessica Sorensen

Published: December 24th 2013 by Forever Yours (Hachette)

87 pages

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Ella and Micha series comes a story of love, risks, and rewards . . .

Lila Summers just wants to know one thing for certain: that Ethan Gregory will be with her always. Once her friend, he's become so much more, melting the pain of her past away with each kiss. Now Lila is on a road trip with Ethan, in the wilderness under the stars, and she can't imagine her life without him. But when she talks about the future, something in Ethan changes . . .

Ethan has no doubts about his feelings for Lila. His life with her gets better every day-and that's the scary part. How can he walk into a future where he has everything to lose? With Lila, his whole heart is on the line for the very first time. But if Ethan can't give her the promise she needs, his greatest fear might come true: he'll lose Lila for good.

That's it for my shelves and recaps of my past and upcoming week. What did you add to your shelves this week? Any bookish news you want to talk about? Let me know!

29 comments:

  1. Michelle Albanese ParsonsJanuary 5, 2014 at 9:30 AM

    If we didn't have a party that day I would think we would be sleeping also :)
    I actually got Reason to Breathe at BEA last year and I still have not read it but I have been staring at it on the shelf the last couple of days. Very nice book haul.
    Happy Reading
    and Enjoy the week!!!

    Michelle
    Because Reading is better than real life

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  2. You've got some great series reading in your future, Sandy. Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  3. Sarah @ Girl!ReporterJanuary 5, 2014 at 10:14 AM

    I've largely stayed away from new adult, but I like the sound of Because of Low. And I love the make-up manual!

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  4. Great haul. I have Abbi's series waiting to be read on my book shelf, although I do have Breathe as an audiobook that I listened to..which made me want to buy the books :)

    Thanks for stopping by my haul and enjoy your books.

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  5. Nice looking bunch of books. I haven't read anything by Abbi Glines but have a couple on my TBR mountain. Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy reading!

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  6. I read one Abbi Glines book, Breathe, back before she got her publishing deal. I do remember enjoying it, and especially since she's gotten bigger I've been wanting to go back and read more from her.

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  7. I like Abbi Glines' books, but I haven't read these yet. Hope you like them!

    Take a look at what's In
    My Mailbox
    this week!

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  8. Bea @ Bea's Book NookJanuary 5, 2014 at 12:40 PM

    The Makeup Manual looks interesting. Enjoy all your new books :)

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  9. Asleep on the couch... LOL. We didn't do much better on New Years, it was very quiet around our house. I'll have to go read your review of Eleanor & Park, although I already know I want to read it. :) Heard so many good things. Have a great week!

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  10. Yay, for the new phones! Enjoy your new books.

    Thanks for stopping by.

    Jenea @ Books Live Forever's Sunday Post

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  11. AWESOME! Thanks for stopping by mine...I so want Because Of Low! It looks FABULOUS!!!!

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  12. Wow, looks like you're on a Abbi Glines kick! Hope you enjoy all your books!

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  13. The Bobbi Brown book looks really good. I have used a lot of her tutorials for my makeup. I hope you review that one!


    Sunday Post

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  14. Fantastic haul, girlie!! And I have GOT to remember, somehow, to come back this week for your reviews of Breaking Nova (which I have and STILL have to read) and Origin (I still have to start that series - I own book one). I love Abbi Glines and I need to make time to read more of her stuff!! And Jessica Sorensen is another author I haven't read yet that I desperately want to!!

    Jealous, jealous, jealous... tee, hee... And I LOVE how you spent your New Years - that's the cool way to do it now, didn't you know???? ;)

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  15. I'm hoping it's going to be good, but truthfully I'm not sure when I'll get around to reading Reason to Breathe. Got to get some ARCs under control first. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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  16. Yeah, I can understand that. I don't typically read much adult myself...but I'm not sure there is much difference between new adult and adult these days. Thanks for stopping by!

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  17. Oh I'm not sure I could do new adult on audio. But if it made you want to buy the books then maybe it's not so bad! Thanks for stopping by!

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  18. She pushes my graphic tolerance, but I enjoy the storylines a lot for her characters. Plus she's from Alabama and her characters (at least in this series and the Too Far series that I've read) are too! So that's neat. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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  19. Oh yes...these are all following up after Breathe. I do recommend her stuff...especially if you liked Breathe. Thanks for commenting!

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  20. I've actually already read these three and I did enjoy them! Thanks for stopping by!

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  21. Thanks Bea! I was pretty excited about that one. It was a late Christmas present.

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  22. Haha...yep. That's what happened. I think I saw 10:30. Husband later than that but neither one of us made it to midnight. Definitely check out Eleanor & Park. REALLY good! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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  23. Haha...yes, me too. I liked my old phone but it was slowing down, freezing up, and just having some general frustrating issues. So far I'm in love with my new phone. I just hope it stays that way! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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  24. Oh yes, I've enjoyed that whole series so far. I would recommend it for sure! Thanks for stopping by!

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  25. Haha...I was. I'm borrowing my SNL's kindle and needed to knock a bunch out in a row if I could. Plus they're quick and easy reads for me. Thanks for stopping by!

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  26. I definitely plan to review it once I'm finished with it. It was a late Christmas present and I was so excited about it! Thanks for stopping by!

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  27. I'd love for you to come back and check out my Breaking Nova and Origin reviews. I will warn you, Origin has some spoilers for earlier books in the series, but not spoilers for that book in particular. I definitely have Abbi Glines and Jessica Sorensen on my auto-read list--meaning I'll read just about anything they write.


    I'm glad Husband and I fit into the group with the cool kids--knocked out on the couch. :) Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comment!

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  28. We had a quiet NYE and went to bed at 12:30. lol I love and hate getting a new cell phone. It seems as if I've just gotten comfortable with it and then we upgrade. *sigh* Great book haul! Enjoy!

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