Waiting On Wednesday #75!!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted at Breaking The Spine  that spotlights those can't-wait-to-get-my-hands-on-them books that we are eagerly awaiting!

This week I'm highly anticipating and dying for my preordered copy to arrive early and crossing my fingers so it doesn't take long in the mail for a copy of the sequel in a new middle grade series that I discovered this year and loved! And what book is that one? Arsenic For Tea by Robin Stevens!

Goodreads Summary:

"Schoolgirl detectives Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are at Daisy's home, Fallingford, for the holidays. Daisy's glamorous mother is throwing a tea party for Daisy's birthday, and the whole family is invited, from eccentric Aunt Saskia to dashing Uncle Felix. But it soon becomes clear that this party isn't really about Daisy at all. Naturally, Daisy is furious.

Then one of their party falls seriously, mysteriously ill - and everything points to poison.

With wild storms preventing anyone from leaving, or the police from arriving, Fallingford suddenly feels like a very dangerous place to be. Not a single person present is what they seem - and everyone has a secret or two. And when someone very close to Daisy looks suspicious, the Detective Society must do everything they can to reveal the truth . . . no matter the consequences."
 

Why am I eagerly awaiting Arsenic For Tea? Well, I loved the first book in this series that I discovered through one of my fave blogs, The Midnight Garden, and I fell back in love with middle grade books! Now I cannot wait to read more about Daisy and Hazel and see what whodonit are they getting into solving this time!


What are you all (im)patiently awaiting this week?

Tell Me Tuesdays #22!!

Tell Me Tuesdays is a meme/feature created by the awesome ladies of Please Feed The Bookworm and La La In The Library where we can share how we choose the book we are currently reading from our TBR pile!

I'm always curious about that, cause as much as I tend to make myself a rough schedule for books to read and the like, I'm quite a mood reader and sometimes I just HAVE to ignore my schedule and read something else!

 Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Fans of Maggie Stiefvater and the hit television show True Blood will flock to this first book in the supernatural mystery series set in a town where werewolves live in plain sight.

Mackenzie Dobson's life has been turned upside down since she vowed to hunt her best friend Amy's killer: a white werewolf. Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country, and bloodlust is not easy to control. But it soon becomes clear that dangerous secrets are lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, Mac's hometown—and she is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her in grave danger.

Kathleen Peacock's thrilling debut novel provides readers with a mystery that Kimberly Derting, author of The Body Finder, calls "clever and frightening," while Sophie Jordan, New York Times bestselling author of Firelight, raves: "Forget every werewolf book you've ever read. This one breaks the mold."

 The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick

Timeless, beautiful, and haunting, spirals connect the four episodes of The Ghosts of Heaven, the mesmerizing new novel from Printz Award winner Marcus Sedgwick. They are there in prehistory, when a girl picks up a charred stick and makes the first written signs; there tens of centuries later, hiding in the treacherous waters of Golden Beck that take Anna, who people call a witch; there in the halls of a Long Island hospital at the beginning of the 20th century, where a mad poet watches the oceans and knows the horrors it hides; and there in the far future, as an astronaut faces his destiny on the first spaceship sent from earth to colonize another world. Each of the characters in these mysterious linked stories embarks on a journey of discovery and survival; carried forward through the spiral of time, none will return to the same place.




I got The Ghosts of Heaven as a Read It Now on NetGalley and so far I've loved the first story and I've just started the second one. I am having a bit of a reading slump, and the fact that the second story deals with Catholic priests wanting to kill people (mostly women) in the name of God, isn't helping since that ALWAYS makes my blood boil.

Hemlock is my December Alyssa Recommends book and I'm hoping to finish it before the year ends, even if my review will have to be posted in 2015! 

So what are you all guys reading and how and why did you decide to pick up that book? Shiny new ARC? Comfort read? Scheduled for review? Must have new release? Tell me!!

Cover Reveal: Hunting Season by Nikki Jefford!!

Hello guys!!

Today I have the pleasure to share with you all the cover of one of my fave indie series' next book! I don't read many vampire series any more, but the Aurora Sky books are ones I keep eagerly awaiting!!

Are you ready to see the cover of book #5: Hunting Season?!

Hunting Season

Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter, Vol. 4

Releases 3-3-15

Better to be a hunter, not prey.
Ever since her partner was kidnapped, Aurora Sky has been on
a personal mission to get him back. To do that she needs the vampire
responsible for destroying her life.

In order to have a snowball’s chance at success, she’ll have
to team up with her most loyal friends—including a certain vampire in black
with a provoking talent for distraction.
Old cravings aren’t easily quenched, nor past passions. With
knowledge comes danger and Aurora is at risk on all sides.


Pre-order on Amazon or sign up for a Release Alert to receive links to Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iBooks.

Cover design: Phatpuppy Art. Photography: Teresa Yeh. Typography: Najla Qamber Designs. Models: Gabriella and Lee.



About the Author:



Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan, born & raised in Anchorage, now living in northern Washington state. She loves meeting people from all walks of life, from around the globe, and wouldn't trade her French husband in for anyone--not even Spike! The dark side of humanity fascinates her, so long as it's balanced by humor and romance.



Stop by and say hi to Nikki on Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, and Goodreads.

2014 Challenges Recap: How did I do?

Hello guys!

I am in a bit of a reading slump these days, even if I have a few really cool and interesting books started, I just cannot seem to hold my attention down to read them, or even find the motivation to get sucked into them... so I'm going to do a needed Challenges recap!

I joined a total of 5 challenges in 2014 and now it's time to see how well or how bad I did at them!

This is probably the challenge I failed more completely! I really haven't read many books from my TBR pile and I've kept on adding more and more! I am not signing up for this one again, because of my absolute failure and because I've already signed up for 4 2015 challenges!

I aimed for the First Kiss level (21-30 books) and I read a total of 10!! *hangs head in shame*

I joined the Classic YA & MG challenge later in the year, in June, but this one I've done rather well, I managed to read the 8 minimum of books to join the giveaway and I'll be joining again in 2015 because I love discovering books I missed in my tweens and also taking part in the monthly discussions of the #tmgreadalong

This one I almost failed because I started great, since I was in a BIG dystopian binge the first half of the year, but then after the summer I barely read any, got burned out a bit, but then in Nov and December I read the books I needed to reach the 24 books top level: Leader!

The Review Pile Reading Challenge was one that I thought I had failed but once I checked my GR list for it and my sign up post, I realized that I did much better than I was expecting! I had aimed for the Journeyman level (11-22 books) but I read over 40! So I ended up hitting the Adept level!

This one was a challenge that I was expecting to do very well, and I must say that I failed, maybe not completely and horribly badly, but I did fail! I completed some series that were not in my original list, and completed a few that were, but I did fail to complete 6 of the series I had in my list!! O_O


I have signed up for 4 challenges for 2015, and I might also join up the Dystopian challenge if Ula from Blog of Erised decides to do it again next year!

So guys, did you sign up for any challenges for 2014? How did you do? Are you signing up for any cool challenges for 2015? Tell me!!

Showcase Sunday #50!!

Showcase Sunday is a weekly feature hosted by Vicky of Books, Biscuits, and Tea where all book lovers can share with others what bookish goodness we got this week, be it purchased (physical or eBook), won, gifted or for review!

It's been well over a month since my last Showcase Sunday and although I haven't accumulated too many books given the book buying ban (except for a Boxing Day Book Outlet SALE order, but 50% off was a good deal!) but I had some books still pending to arrive, I was approved for some AMAZING ARCs and my bookish friends were amazing! I also participated in the #TBTBSanta and got an amazing parcel all the way from Finland!!

The wonderful Jamie from The Broke & The Bookish organizes a Secret Santa for bookish bloggers, and I decided to sign up this year! Not only I had a blast preparing the parcel for my person, but I got an amazing parcel full of all sort of goodness from Titta! THANK YOU!!

Tea, cupcake goodies, chocolate and historical fiction books, Titta did get everything right!!

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

Maid of Secrets by Jennifer McGowan

Purchased

I got signed copies of The Assasin's Blade & Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas via Books of Wonder! I needed the physical copies of these two to complete the collection!

My Black Friday order from Book Outlet finally arrived! Tin Star, Crewel (I needed this gorgeous hardcover copy!), Renegade (signed!), Broken Heart, Fences & Other Things to Mend and Bellman & Black!

And I just had to get myself these most gorgeous editions of His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman! I adore this trilogy to pieces, and once I saw these editions when Carina from Carina's Books posted them in her IMM, I knew I had to get them! Bought them at The Book Depository and they arrived in perfect shape!!

I also got myself a copy of Every Breath by Ellie Marney because Kim from The Midnight Garden told me that I would want to read it before the end of the year and add it to my top 10 reads, and boy was she right! I need the next book NOW!! I bought this one from Amazon.ES

For Review (via NetGalley)

I got approved for some REALLY amazing books in this time on NetGalley!! Thank you so much Penguin Random UK Children, Bloomsbury Publishing UK and Random House - Del Rey Spectra for the approvals!!

Golden Son by Pierce Brown

The Dagger in the Desk by Jonathan Stroud

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

Gifted

I got some amazing gifts from my bookish friends in the mail, along with some lovely Xmas cards. THANK YOU SO MUCH LADIES! You've all made this year suck a lil less than it would have otherwise.

Xmas cards from Becca and Shelly!! Thank you my dears!!

My dear Becca from Pivot Book Reviews sent me The DUFF and I cannot wait to read it, I must read more contemporaries!

Code Name Verity was sent by the very awesome Britt from Please Feed The Bookworm! YAY historical fiction & WWII!

I also got a card and some amazing swag from La La from La La In The Library but I have no photo of it, thank you La!! AND another big thank you goes to Claire Legrand, she had this contest for Winterspell preorders and I got some lovely signed swag in the mail this week, also no photo. Thank you Claire!

Octavia from Read Sleep Repeat sent me a book for my Kindle but Amazon.ES doesn't allow books sent as gifts so exchanged it for a gift card. Amazon can be a douche sometimes... but thank you so much anyways Octavia, I'm getting Scarlet no matter what! ;)

I think that is all... but if I forget anything I can always add it to the next SS post that will be in 2015, after Reyes! I will have to show off my gifts! (Reyes is the Spanish equivalent to Santa with gifts, the three magii brought gifts to baby Jesus so we exchange gifts that day, or something along those lines).

'Tis The Season Book Tag!!

I don't usually do many tags or awards, but this one was short, cute and festive and I felt like I had to do it! So thank you for tagging me Eileen from BookCatPin!!


1. Do you have a favourite winter read?

Hmmm, no not really, not something I re-read in winter or anything, but I feel like My True Love Gave To Me anthology is quite the right read to get yourself in the mood for the festive season, so I foresee myself re-reading it next year to get in the Xmasy mood!


2. Find a book with blue in the cover?

Currently reading this one! Fascinating, creepy and quite graphic & disturbing at times if you are not in the health care or similar line of work!










3. Find a book you'd use as the star on the Christmas tree.

It's very apt as far as the light and shine for top of the Xmas tree, and can also be a little bit of an inside yoke for myself given the title and theme!










4. Pick one fictional place that would be perfect for a winter vacation!

I have to agree with Eileen! Hogwarts would be perfect, with all the amazing food, roaring fires and magical trees and ornaments!!


5. Pick one fictional character you'd take with you on your winter vacation!

Oh, that one's easy! I'd take Jamie Fraser, from the Outlander series! I have the most massive fictional crush on him, and not only he's hot but he's also a great storyteller!


6. Name one book on your wish list this year.

Just one? I can't name just one!! Cruel Beauty, Beware The Wild, The Kiss of Deception, Exquisite Captive, Forbidden, Zodiac... You know what? I'll just link you to my GR wish list!


7. Favourite holiday drink, treat and movie?

Hmmm, favourite drink? Probably hot chocolate or a nice spice chai, but I drink both year round... Probably one of those lovely Xmas teas that smell and taste amazing! Favourite treat? Roscon de Reyes! (Spanish pastry with whipped cream eaten around Epiphany) and favourite movie? Love Actually!!


Yep, that was short, sweet and quite fun! I'm gonna tag a few of my friends, but guys you can do it or not, no worries!!

Alyssa @ The Eater of Books
La La @ Lala in The Library
Britter @ Please Feed The Bookworm
Becca @ Pivot Point Reviews
Kristen @ My Friends Are Fiction

Top 10 of 2014: Top 10 Books I'm Looking Forward in 2015!!

This year I'm very happy to once again join in the Top 10 of 2014 week hosted by Rachel from Reading YA Rocks, Jamie from Two Chicks On Books, Mindy from Magical Urban Fantasy Reads and Nancy of Tales of A Ravenous Reader.

For the final day of the Top 10 of 2014 week, we're sharing the top 10 books we're looking forward to in 2015. I'm gonna be making two lists, one for books in a series, sequels & final books since I have quite a few of those coming, and another for standalones and first books in a new series.

 Top 10 Books I'm Looking Forward in 2015 (Sequels of ongoing series) 

This list is still cut short cause there are so so many books I'm looking forward to next year that are next on a series, but I've only added those that have a cover and title revealed so far!

 I haven't added those that I've already got my hands on an ARC and devoured them, like Polaris by Mindee Arnett, The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski or Golden Son by Pierce Brown.

Neither I have here others that even if I'm dying to get my hands on them either don't have a title, or cover or both, like Throne of Glass #4 by Sarah J Maas, The Raven Cycle #4 by Maggie Stiefvater, The End of Days by Susan Ee, Public Enemies by Ann Aguirre, Gabriel by Nikki Kelly, Ungodly by Kendare Blake, Hidden Huntress by Danielle L Jensen, The Untimely Deaths of Alex Wayfare  by M. G. Buehrlen and Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch!!
 

Top 10 Books I'm Looking Forward in 2015 (Standalones or First in a new series)

These ones are also a small example of some of the books I'm dying to read next year, also only the ones with a cover revealed so far!

Most of these I already have preorder and I'm dying to get them in the mail already!!