Tuesday, February 28, 2017

February Wrap Up 2017


Hey, guys!

       It's been such a busy month, but I managed to read at least 2 & 1/2 books this month. I've been so swamped with school, work, and other activities that I've barely been able to read. Because of that, I decided to reread ACOTAR & ACOMAF. I was feeling a book slump coming on, so I decided to do what I wanted and read something that I desperately needed. That would be ACOMAF. I am so glad that I am rereading these books. I'm so freakishly excited for A Court of Wings & Ruin to come out. It's kind of insane how excited I can feel for a book. It's been a while since I've felt like this for a book. 
via @livthebooknerd on Instagram


Wrap Up:


Currently Reading:


TBR:

      I'm not even going to set a TBR this month. My last TBR was a catastrophe, so I think TBR's are going to become a summer occurrence. I never know how much time I'm going to during the day and even my weekends. Most of my time is spent doing homework or catching up on writing. As human beings, I'm sure you understand. I hope to read more than two books this next month, but who knows what will happen. This year has already started out pretty hectic, but I will persevere! We can do this, guys!

      I've been updating almost daily on Instagram with bookish pictures and little blurbs in the description on what's going on with my life. I've also started using the Instagram story feature much more often. If you'd like to watch that, those are up there too. I've also taken to buying some nerdy and bookish things from small bookish businesses, lately. There are a couple of those items featured in my wrap up/currently reading picture so let's give them a bit of love as well.

The Candle:

I ordered this from ACourtOfCandles's page. I actually ordered 4 2-oz candles and received an extra! I ordered: Draco, Hufflepuff, Warner, & Rhysand AND Herbology as a surprise. I think I'm going to do a candle review really soon!

Her Etsy: {click here}
The Candle: {click here}
Her Twitter: {click here}
Her Instagram: {click here}

~~~

The BookMark:

My sister and I did a really unconventional kind of gift exchange for Valentines Day. I bought her $20 of beef jerky and she bought me $20 of what I wanted on Etsy. I chose to buy 3 things from NerdyGrlDesigns: a set of Fantastic Beasts magnetic bookmarks, a set of 3 magnetic bookmarks that had quotes from ACOMAF, and the one featured above. I AM SO IN LOVE!

I'll probably be doing a bookmark haul/tour on Instagram's live feature, so stay tuned for that if you'd like close ups on my newest bookmarks!

Her Shop: {click here}
Her Instagram: {click here}

I also have an update regarding my new affiliate link to Book Depository, but I'll be doing a more indepth post about it later in the week! The run-down is. You get reduced priced books, free shipping, and SO MANY books to chose from! I get 5% of sales that will go back to providing more giveaways and fun goodies for the blog! I'm not telling you to use the link, but if you'd like to, then that would be pretty cool! Thank you all!

Affiliate Link: {click here}

More about BD on Friday!


You can follow me on any of my social media for any kind of updates. I frequently update whichever, but I mainly go on Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads. 

Comment down below or DM me if you'd be interested in Snapchat updates! I love using Snapchat, but I'm wary of using it for updates. Tell me if you'd like that! 

Happy reading, everyone!
Olivia Williford
~LivTheBookNerd~

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Wednesday, February 22, 2017

{Exclusive Early Release} Grey Wolves Series Boxset (1-10) by Quinn Loftis

graphic made by me

Link to Purchase: {click here}



ABOUT THE BOXSET 



Books 1-10 of the Award winning Grey Wolves Series. 



Join Jacque, Jen and Sally as the learn about the Canis lupus and the supernatural world, find their true mates and battle the forces of evil that rise up against them. With each book, their journey continues as the others join them in the fight. 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR










Quinn is an award winning author who lives in beautiful
Western Arkansas with her husband, two sons, Nora the Doberman, and Phoebe the Cat (who thinks she is a ninja in disguise). She is the author of 14 novels,
including the USA Today bestseller, Fate and Fury. Quinn is beyond thankful
that she has been blessed to be able to write full time and hopes the readers
know how much all of their support means to her. Some of her hobbies include
reading, exercising, crochet, and spending time with family and friends. She
gives all credit of her success to God because he gave her the creative spirit
and vivid imagination it takes to write.

~~~

My Thoughts:

I'm still waiting for a boxset to come out in paperback, but this is just as great! I'm so excited for this series to be all together! This series is so fantastically written and the characters are so hilarious! I've only read up to book 4 or 5, but I still can't wait to finish the series! I've been a fan of Quinn Loftis for the past five or six years, and I never get tired of rereading Quinn's books. She's such a talented writer and her story is so addicting. The only reason I haven't binged the series is because I don't have much time nowadays. I can't wait to get my hands on electronic or print copies of these books. Someday, I would love to have physical copies on my shelf. Until then, I'll settle for e-copies. 

My Reviews:
~Prince of Wolves: 5 stars
~Blood Rites: 5 stars
~Just One Drop: 4 stars
~Out of the Dark: 5 stars







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Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Valentines Day Book Tag

      I'm a day late because I've been so busy with work and school and life, but it's alright to put this up a day late! Happy Valentines Day, everyone! I decided to put up this simple and cute tag up and make it a bit of a tradition to do holiday-centered tags. I know I know. Valentines Day is a made up holiday to make major stores money, but who doesn't love celebrating love? Anyway, I found this tag on The Bookie Monster's blog and I thought it was adorable, so here's the tag! I tag anyone who wants to do it!


The Bookie Monsters: {click here}
Graphic: made by me with Pic Collage

1. Favorite Couple Ever – You Want To Have Their Relationship:

Feyre & Rhysand from A Court of Mist & Fury by Sarah J. Maas




I ship this so hard. I haven't shipped two people so hard since I first read Harry Potter and Twilight. This is probably one of my number 1 fandoms...ever. I just adore this series. I'm about to reread it really soon just because I need to prepare myself for A Court of Wings & Ruin in May. I've already preordered my copy and I'll probably buy myself a Books-A-Million edition too. I would die if I got a copy of an ARC. I literally cannot handle how much I love this book. I'm so excited!
To get an official map, preorder the book and send proof of purchase to {click} and they will send you a free poster too! 

My Review: {click here}

~~~

2. Relationship That Never Happened – You Wanted Them To Get Together But They Never Did:

 Louisa Clark and Will Traynor from Me Before You by Jojo Moyes


      Words cannot describe how sad this book made me feel...I mean I tried to in my review, but it's not perfect. I still tear up a bit just thinking about the ending of this book. I have yet to watch the film, but I plan to really soon. I just loved this book and I even loved ranting about how I feel about the controversy. My opinions aren't exactly agreed with 100%, but they're my opinions so they don't really affect others. Anyway, I loved these characters and I really loved their story. I plan on reading more of Moyes's writing soon, but I'd have to get my hands on more of her work haha. I can't exactly get into my reasons for choosing this book without spoiling it, but if you've read the book or know about the ending then you'll understand...

My Review: {click here}

3. Your ‘Bookish’ Crush:

Rhysand from A Court of Mist & Fury by Sarah J. Maas


I just love Rhysand. He's just so perfect. Words cannot describe how much I love Rhys. He's such a fantastically written character and I can't wait to reread ACOTR & ACOMF and I can't wait for May to come and ACOWAR to be born. I cannot wait! I need more Rhysand!

Image: {click}

4. Favorite Feel-Good Romance:

Anna & the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins



I just adore the is book. Anna & the French Kiss was the first book that I reviewed on my blog, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I just love the characters that Stephanie Perkins has created. She writes these fantastic fluffy romances that aren't cliche and it's just one of my all time favorite romance books. I definitely need to reread this book sometime. 

My Review: {click here}

5. Favorite Genre To Add Romance To:


I just adore reading fantasy and retellings and I just love it when there's a bit of a romantic subplot. Of course, this tag ended up being a gush-fest about A Court of Mist and Fury, but I just love love love it when there's a fantastic romance in fantasy novels. 

Awesome Fantasy Novels:
      I hope you enjoyed this tag! I apologize for posting this so late, but I've just gotten so busy. When I actually have free time, I end up feeling guilty for not doing school work so I usually work on that. I've also tried to keep up with my Instagram and I'm trying to post almost every day. I've gotten so behind on reading and I've gotten in a reading slump and I've gotten really overwhelmed. I'm trying guys! :)

Anyway, happy reading everyone!
Have a great weekend!
Olivia 
~LivTheBookNerd~
@LivTheBookNerd on Books


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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

The Kingdom of Oceana by Mitchell Charles

28129039
Page Count: 222 Published on: November 27, 2015 Published by: Butterhorse Media Genre(s): Fantasy, YA, Historical Fiction, Action Source: Print: Paperback -via author Age Rating: YA
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon
Free on Kindle Unlimited!
Book Website: {click here}
My Rating: 2 stars




 Goodreads synopsis:

 SURFER SHARK TAMER FIRE WALKER EXPLORER TEENAGER HERO Five Centuries Ago, On the Island Now Called Hawaii, There was a Kingdom Filled with Adventure, Beauty, and Magic. When 16-year-old Prince Ailani and his brother Nahoa trespass on a forbidden burial ground and uncover an ancient tiki mask, they unleash a thousand-year-old curse that threatens to destroy their tropical paradise. As warring factions collide for control of Oceana, it sparks an age-old conflict between rival sorcerers that threatens to erupt-just like Mauna Kea, the towering volcano. With the help of his ancestral spirit animals, his shape shifting sidekick, and a beautiful princess, Prince Ailani must overcome his own insecurities, a lifetime of sibling rivalry, and a plague of cursed sea creatures brought forth by the tiki's spell. Can peace be restored to the kingdom? Can Prince Ailani claim his rightful place as the future king of Oceana? ONLY ONE CAN RULE.
~~~


Hey, guys!

       I was sent this book for an honest review

       I was actually really excited to get into this book. I had just seen Moana when I was contacted and asked to review this book. This book was described as something just like Moana and excited for something that would capture the feelings that Moana made me feel I gladly accepted. Unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations. As you can see from my rating, I wasn't impressed. This book had the potential to be pretty good, but I just kind of lacked everything that would have made it a great fantasy novel.

       This book had the potential to be really interesting and had the premise to be a really great series. I had no connection with the characters and all of the main events that occurred seemed much too easy and predictable. The dialogue was so rigid and forced and it was just awkward to read. There were so many overused tropes that could have been written in a different way that wouldn't have been annoying, but unfortunately, it wasn't. The evil/awful sibling trope is so overdone and in this instance, it wasn't done very well at all. 
      I couldn't connect to the characters at all. They were just so blah and I didn't really care what happened to them at all. There was also insta-love/insta-attraction which was really annoying. There was no context for the whole story bored me for 99% of the time. I basically had to force myself to continue reading...I'm not sure why I didn't DNF this book, but it was on the brink of being DNF'd. 

       Overall, this book wasn't very great. The major plot points weren't resolved much at all, and when they were somewhat resolved, the different parts were lamely resolved. The magic wasn't interesting at all and I had a hard time believing any of the stuff that was said. I mean magic is totally fictional, but it wasn't developed well at all. I don't think I'll continue with this series. 

 The only part of the book that I enjoyed was the setting. It was really cool to read a book that was set in Oceana. I'd love to read more books that take place there.

 Happy reading!
Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~

@LivTheBookNerd on Books
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Thursday, February 9, 2017

{Guest Review: Alex} [MINOR SPOILERS] Johnny & Jamaal by K.M. Breakey

30679683
Page Count: 340 Published on: June 20, 2016 Published by: K.M. Breakey Genre(s): Contemporary, Political, Realistic Fiction Source: Print: Paperback -via author Age Rating: YA
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon
Twitter: @kmbreakey
Alex's Rating: 4.25 stars







Goodreads synopsis:

 Two athletes from different planets are on the verge of greatness. Johnny’s a carefree Canadian making his mark in the NHL. Jamaal’s set to follow LeBron and Kyrie out of the ghetto. When their worlds collide, the catastrophic clash ignites racial conflict not seen since Ferguson. The incident tests the fledgling love of Johnny’s best friend Lucas and his African-American girlfriend Chantal, and sets them on a quest for truth and justice in the perverse racial landscape of 2016.

As chaos escalates across American cities, an MLK-like voice rises from the ashes. Wilbur Rufus Holmes may be salvation for Luke and Chantal, but can he stop society’s relentless descent into racial discord?

Johnny and Jamaal is awash with sports, violence and political taboo, as America’s seething dysfunction is laid bare. 
~~~

 Minor spoilers ahead

      Liv was contacted about reviewing this book a couple weeks back. With a new semester starting up, she didn’t have time to check this out, so I decided to read it. This book ended up throwing me a curve. I expected the book to be  & about the titular characters. Early in the story, Johnny is killed with Jamaal being at least partially responsible. The story shifts to focus on Lucas, Johnny’s white best friend, and Chantal, Lucas’s black girlfriend, as the couple watch the racial discussion explode in the United States.

      Johnny and Jamaal were not what I expected at all. I anticipated a fairly generic sports story where Johnny and Jamaal meet, become best friends, and make an example of overcoming differences on a national stage. I was skeptical and then a bit appreciative that I was wrong. The author is not afraid to show every opinion of race relations in his book. I really enjoyed the different views presented throughout.

      There are a few issues that I’d like to mention. First is the language. Swearing is omnipresent in this novel. It is more realistic to the world today, but I would give an R rating if it were a movie. Another detractor is the abundant use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE). Again, its use makes the world more fleshed out, but written down is somewhat difficult to follow, at least for a small town white guy.

      Overall, I enjoyed reading Johnny and Jamaal. It was good to see someone write about race in the United States and present logical ideas. Not everyone will agree, and that’s okay. The book opens the dialogue to begin a discussion. It will surely upset some people, and that’s okay too. I think anyone remotely affected by race (so everyone) should check it out, as long as the reader is mature enough to handle the language and heavy material.
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Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Just A Normal Tuesday by Kim Turrisi

31934712

Page Count: 248 Published on: May 2, 2017 Published by: KCP Loft Genre(s): YA, Realistic Fiction, Mental Health, Tragedy, Coming of Age Source: Print: Paperback --ARC via Publisher Age Rating: YA
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon
Twitter: @KimmyT22
My Rating: 4.5 stars






Goodreads synopsis:

 It's just a normal Tuesday for sixteen-year-old Kai, until suddenly it's anything but. She's received a letter from her beloved older sister, Jen, a letter that begins, My very bestest sister, Kai, if you are reading this, I am already gone. From that moment on, Kai's life will never be the same, as she is forced to deal with the shock and horror of losing Jen to suicide. Consumed with grief, Kai looks for answers, lashes out at people who love her and eventually turns to excessive drinking and drugs, all with disastrous results and no relief from her suffering. Struggling with their own sorrow, Kai's parents realize she needs more help than they can give, and they enroll her in the Tree House, a "grief camp" for children. Though reluctant to go, once she's there, Kai finally finds others who truly understand her loss. No longer alone, she's able to begin dealing with her pain. And to see light at the end of the dark tunnel. 

Kim Turrisi's beautiful, wrenching young-adult novel sheds a much-needed light on the subjects of mental illness and suicide. Using the unique idea of a grief camp, Turrisi lays out a process for healing and moving forward for readers who have been touched by loss. But this book's appeal reaches beyond that. With combined elements of tragedy and romance, compellingly told in Kai's authentic voice, this ultimately hopeful story will be an unputdownable read for any teen.
~~~

Hey, guys!

       I was sent an advanced reader's copy of Just A Normal Tuesday towards the end of last year by KCP Loft for an honest review. When I first picked up this book, I knew it would be a hit or miss for me. Suicide is such a touchy subject and to write a story so skillfully is very difficult. This book was beautifully written and I really enjoyed the characters and the setting of this novel. Their stories were so touching and you can tell that this is a personal project for Kim Turrisi.

       The characters in this book were very complex and each person had a story that you could somehow connect to. Their emotions were very raw and realistic that really pulled the reader in. Each character had a different way of dealing with their grief which was what really drew me in. Kai, in particular, was one of my favorite characters. You could feel the desperation that she felt after her sister's death, although she didn't really learn from what her sister did, you really do feel the emotions that Kai is feeling. Her raw desperation for her sister and her panic about how she should have seen the signs were so realistically done. It was really great to see a character that wanted to stop the bad habits that they pick up. It was great to see that she understood that her sister wouldn't want her to dwell on what she couldn't control. Kai wanted to heal, but she still wasn't ready to fully let go of her sister.

       It was really interesting to have a book mainly focus on the healing aspects of grief. I really liked how the councilors were actually educated and understood what the kids were going through. They gave some really solid advice that I could see was working. It was really cool that it was a grief camp for kids and teens. One of my favorite parts was when Kai met the little boy who's mother passed away. I think YA fiction likes to just focus on how teens are affected by death and kind of neglect how little children would react and deal with the death of an important family member. Death, divorce, abuse...it affects everyone. I really enjoyed the interactions the teens had with the little children. I think it's an important subject that needs to be discussed in literature. 

      I have three sisters, my twin, and two younger sisters, and I literally could not allow myself to get emotionally attached to this book otherwise, I would be attacking my sisters with love. Which would be awkward for them...I'm sure...you know, without context. One of the most influential fictional deaths in my life was Fred Weasley from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I was absolutely crushed when Fred died. I bawl my eyes out every time I read that scene and watch it in the movie. Because I have a twin, I totally understand how George felt when Fred died. My sister, Sarah, had cancer for a good chunk of her life, and to think I could have lost her back then totally breaks my heart. Whenever I read books like this, I can't help but connect it with the hypothetical deaths of my sisters. I would not be able to cope, so I really connect with Kai's grief. Even now, I cannot let myself think about my sisters dying. I would be broken. I totally feel for Kai. She was such a raw character.

      The only reason I gave this book 4 stars was because I didn't enjoy the romance. It was really cliche and too predictable. It was great to see Kai happy with someone, but it was just not for me. 

 Other Books From KCP Loft:



 Happy reading!
Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~
@LivTheBookNerd on Books

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Wednesday, February 1, 2017

January 2017 Book Haul



Hey, guys!

      Well, I've managed to acquire more books this month. At least half were review copies, so I don't feel too bad. The problem is that I only read 4 books in January...I'm behind on reading, I'm behind on writing reviews, I'm behind on my own writing project. My main focus has been staying sane as I get through my second semester of college. I'm still figuring out how this semester is going to go, but so far I like my classes. It's kind of odd to have to go through the new teacher process all over again. I love the semester classes, but learning how my professors teach during the first few weeks can be really stressful. Anyway, I've acquired 15 books this month. One is not shown in this picture because it has been hidden in the stacks of books that I have yet to shelve on my new bookcases. They still have to be anchored to the wall, so it's better safe than sorry. I'll have a mini shelf tour once my bookshelves are full and fully situated. So enough rambling! Here are the books that I acquired this month! 

Review Copies:

  1. The Impossible Fortress by Jason Rekulak+
    • Review coming soon!
  2. The Aureate Spectacles by Eliott McKay+
  3. The Chronicles of Three: Bloodline by Tabitha Caplinger+
  4. The Intuitives by Erin Mitchelle Sky & Steven Brown+
  5. Dead Throne by Ryan David Fitzpatrick+
  6. Amish Weddings (Neighbors of Lancaster County #3) by Leslie Gould+
    • Not pictured
  7. If I Fix You by Abigail Johnson+
  8. Jorie and the Magic Stones by A.H. Richardson+ (For Bailey)

I Bought:

  1. Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
  2. Off the Page by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer
  3. Cloaked by Alex Flinn
  4. Spinning Starlight by R.C. Lewis
  5. Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth
  6. Beauty & the Beast: Lost In A Book by Jennifer Donnelly
  7. The Selection Coloring Book by Kiera Cass & illustrated by Martina Flor
Number of Books Read: 2
Number of Review Books: 8
Books I Bought: 7

A huge thank you to:
  • Inkitt
  • Tabitha Caplinger
  • Trash Dogs Media LLC
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick
  • Bethany House Publishing
  • HarlequinTeen & Abigail Johnson
  • Book Publicity Services
  • Simon & Schuster 
      Thank you so much for sending me these books. I promise to read them as soon as I can. I really appreciate that you all contacted me to work with me. It's such a cool experience and I love working with large and small publishing companies and independent/indie authors alike. Thank you for blessing the world with your stories.

Reviews for these books will be uploaded soon! I can't wait to share my thoughts with you all! 
Happy reading!
Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~
@LivTheBookNerd on Books


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