The Sunday Post #33

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's a chance to share news - a post to recap the past week on your blog, 

showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is

coming up on your blog in the week ahead. You can find the info here:

Sunday Post Meme

It's been a good week... busy at the office, but still good. The Husband and I went to see The Girl on the Train last week. He'd read the book and I hadn't so I didn't sit there and pick it apart while watching it. :) Although he did say it was a pretty faithful adaptation. It was a dark one and definitely kept me guessing. Today we have tickets for a special showing of The Princess Bride. It's one of my favorite comedies ever and it will be so much fun to see it on the big screen again after all these years (how can that movie be 29 years old?!). So what's your favorite line from The Princess Bride? Everyone seems to have a couple they can always quote. Personally, I love the Impressive Clergyman: "Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam..." Love it! :)

Monday, October 31: On Moday I shared the October discussion topic for the #ShelfLove Challenge (I just squeaked it in there while it was still October). October was all about sharing our bookish gift wishlist and I went big. Did you see the pics of reading rooms I shared? Heavenly!

Tuesday, November 1: Renita Pizzitola's Just a Kiss trilogy includes some of my favorite new adult reads so I was excited about the first book in her spin-off series. Addicted to You was... okay, but I definitely had some issues with it. 

Wednesday, November 2: Did you see Wednesday's Best In Books post? I shared all my favorites from October including best surprise, best quote and best laugh. 

Friday, November 4: On Friday I shared my review (aka Gush Fest) of a Court of Mist and Fury. It's super rare that I rate a book 5 stars. I save those 5 stars for truly excellent books that are unforgettable or completely captivate me or bring on all the feels.  ACOMAF was all of that!

 

 

  

Finished:

A Thousand Boy Kisses - Tillie Cole

Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood (Audio) - Ann Brashares

Welcome Home for Christmas - Annie Rains

Current: 

Your Inescapable Love - Layla Hagen

Sisterhood Everlasting (Audio) - Ann Brashares

ARCS FOR REVIEW:

November 28, 2016

Fire in You - Jennifer L. Armentrout

January 31, 2017

By Your Side - Kasie West

April 18, 2017

Fireworks - Katie Cotugo

How was your week? Any new books? Any news to share? 

You know I want to hear about it! :)

Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #2

Genres: New Adult, Fantasy

Release Date: May 3, 2016

Format: Kindle and Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Find it here: GoodReads | Amazon

Synopsis

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

My Thoughts

It’s been almost 48 hours since I finished A Court of Mist and Fury (as of the time I’m writing this, anyway – it’s probably been longer by the time you’re reading this). I thought if I gave myself a couple days the book hangover would fade and I would be able to gather my thoughts for a reasonable review.

Nope.

Inside I am still a wailing, cheering, sobbing, fist-bumping, swooning, fangirling mess. So what follows may be a rambling collection of half-finished thoughts and overly emotional gushing. But if you’ve read it… you know. I mean, you just KNOW. 

Credit: annalisacoppolino.tumblr.com

When I read A Court of Thorns and Roses last year I quickly fell in love with the characters. I was captivated by the world SJM created. And I was completely invested in the story as it unfolded. ACOMAF provided all that and more – like ACOTAR, but amped up to the tenth power. The world expanded, the cast of characters grew, histories were revealed, alliances changed. To put it simply, A court of Mist and Fury was a total game changer.

First things first. If you have not read A Court of Thorns and Roses, there will likely be a few spoilery things ahead. So run along and go read the first book now, m’kay? It’s okay, I’ll wait. Really. For all you others, let’s chat, shall we?

The beginning of ACOMAF was plenty angsty. I mean, let’s face it, Feyre was a mess. Considering what took place Under the Mountain (love how that was always capitalized, by the way, it gave it such momentous feeling) it felt realistic that Feyre would still suffer the effects. But being in Feyre’s head, feeling her grief and pain and guilt – it was heartbreaking. And the fact that she was not finding comfort where she should have been able to… yeah, that was a double whammy. And so began one ship sinking (we’re talking as hard and fast as the Titanic, people) and another ship sailing (with flags flying!).

Credit: unknown

Feyre was not the only one suffering. Characters were struggling with the aftermath of what happened Under the Mountain – what they saw, what they endured, what they were forced to do. They handle it in different ways but none of them came out unscathed. 

Credit: nightcourtsquad.tumblr.com

Rhysand was such an intriguing character in ACOTAR. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know (especially after the scene with he and Feyre at the end where he obviously shocked by something). Learning more about Rhys and seeing layer after layer peeled back, revealing who he truly is, was one of my favorite aspects of the book. He is such a complex character and I loved him for his determination, his protectiveness, his selflessness, his bravery and ferocity, his intelligence, his tenderness, his cunning, his leadership, and so much more. I learned so much about Rhys that I never expected, particularly how he thought of himself (insert frowny face).

Credit: ihaveabookhangover.tumblr.com

The cast of characters introduced was simply ah-mazing (#SquadGoals). Second in command Amren who is beyond fierce, Morrigan who was so welcoming and willing to befriend Feyre, Azriel and Cassian, both ferocious warriors with painful histories of their own. They formed such a remarkable group of different but like-minded souls who were intensely loyal. I became so attached to this motley group.

The plot of ACOMAF felt like it was nonstop action and never once felt slow, despite the length. There was so much happening. Amarantha’s death was clearly not the end and there is still danger from Hybern. War is coming. Preparations are being made and that means a lot of behind the scenes machinations from Feyre and Rhys and his inner circle. Where ACOTAR felt pretty insular with just two main settings (Spring Court and Under the Mountain), the gang was definitely on the move in this one - the House of Wind, the Court of Nightmares, Velaris, the Summer Court, and beyond. The imagery for every single setting was so vivid that I could see it all. There were so many situations and so many conflicts that had me on edge and unsure of how they would be resolved. Maas was a master at weaving it all together seamlessly and keeping the momentum going (not an easy feat considering the length of the book!).

I was a wreck throughout the final scenes of this book. I couldn’t bear what was happening and found myself reading a page and then setting it down. Then reading a paragraph and setting it down. I couldn’t handle it! I was screaming in outrage, silenced by shock, cringing in fear and crying at the heartbreak of it all. Sarah J. Maas, you are a cruel, cruel woman. You played my every emotion over 600+ pages and turned me into a pathetic mess. Well done, my lady.

Credit: my own photo

The thought of waiting until next May for the third book seems unbearable but until then, despite the fact that I never re-read, I envision revisiting ACOMAF again and again. Because A Court of Mist and Fury was EPIC.

5/5 Stars 

 

Have you read A Court of Mist and Fury? What are your thoughts?
Let's discuss in the comments!

Best In Books | October 2016

Best in Books is a monthly feature created by BookTuber Hope Ortego. 

A playlist of her Best In Books videos can be found HERE.

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Welcome to my Best in Books for October! Best In Books was created by my friend Hope and she was kind enough to let me join in on her feature (because she's awesome that way). Her BookTube channel is linked above and I hope you'll check her out. Now on to all the best bookishness in October...

Hannah from The Deal

Hannah was a new adult main character that I could really get behind. She was intelligent, strong, determined and could be a total smart-ass with Garrett, taking him down a notch or three when he needed it. I loved that Hannah was no shrinking violet, swooning in the wake of the sexy jock. Quite the opposite, she totally gave him grief which led to some awesome banter. She also proved to be truly selfless even when it broke her heart to do it. 

Rhysand from A Court of Mist and Fury

This month's best male character was a total no-brainer so pardon me while I gush. After reading ACOTAR I was intrigued by Rhys but after reading ACOMAF I am in awe. This is a character who is so selfless and so dedicated to his people that is willing to do literally anything to ensure their care and protection. He is able to see the big picture and plan and strategize over the long term, but is still able to live in the moment and appreciate what is around him. I love his loyalty to his friends and his wit. And his care and concern and love for Feyre was what truly did me in. He saw her when those around her didn't. And he saw in her what she didn't even see in herself. The third book doesn't come out until May 2017 but I need more Rhys in my life now.

Furiously Happy
I listened to the audio version of Furiously Happy last month (recommended by Grace at Rebel Mommy Book Blog) and it truly has to be one of the funniest things I've ever read/heard. I'm not even sure I can pick a specific line or passage because every line from Jenny Lawson had me howling. Plus, taken out of context, they might just sound weird. Although, to be honest, even in context a lot of it was weird. :) But here's just one little snippet:

"AWESOME. In fact, I’m starting a whole movement right now. The FURIOUSLY HAPPY movement. And it’s going to be awesome because first of all, we’re all going to be VEHEMENTLY happy, and secondly because it will freak the shit out of everyone that hates you because those assholes don’t want to see you even vaguely amused, much less furiously happy, and it will make their world turn a little sideways and will probably scare the shit out of them. Which will make you even more happy. Legitimately. Then the world tips in our favor. Us: 1. Assholes: 8,000,000. That score doesn’t look as satisfying as it should because they have a bit of a head start. Except you know what? Fuck that. We’re starting from scratch. Us: 1. Assholes: 0.” 

From Feyre in A Court of Mist and Fury

“He thinks he'll be remembered as the villain in the story. But I forgot to tell him that the villain is usually the person who locks up the maiden and throws away the key. He was the one who let me out.”

And...

“I heard every word between you. I knew you could take care of yourself, and yet … ” He went back to his pie, swallowing a bite before continuing. “And yet I found myself deciding that if you took his hand, I would find a way to live with it. It would be your choice.” 

I sipped from my wine. “And if he had grabbed me?”

There was nothing but uncompromising will in his eyes. “Then I would have torn apart the world to get you back.”

it rode in on

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Loved it! Absolutely loved it! I remember when this one was *everywhere* last year I was only mildly interested. But last month I was browsing Overdrive for a new audio book and decided to download this one. And then proceeded to fall completely in love with Simon. This was charming and adorable and so precious. The narration was perfection and I know I'll also be picking up a physical copy because I want to revisit Simon and Blue again and again.

A Court of Mist and Fury

I don't want to get too carried away since my full review is coming in just a couple days, but suffice it to say that this book blew everything else out of the water this month. And there's no doubt ACOMAF will be among my favorites of the year. I think we've all read trilogies where the second book is the weak link, the filler, the break between the big introduction and the big finale. Well, Sarah J. Maas is having none of that because, if anything, ACOMAF is even stronger than ACOTAR. I felt like I was living in this book and my emotions were all over the place while reading it. By the end I was emotionally drained, utterly devastated, and totally in love with the main characters (all six of them). A Court of Mist and Fury was epic!

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Now it's your turn: What was the best book you read in October? 

Review: Addicted to You by Renita Pizzitola

Addicted to You by Renita Pizzitola

Series: Port Lucia #1

Genres: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 1, 2016

Format: Kindle

Source: NetGalley

Find it here: GoodReads | Amazon

Synopsis

In the sleepy fishing town of Port Lucia, everyone knows everyone, but Isla Diaz really knows Colby Callahan, with his blue-gray eyes and the tousled brown hair always tucked sexily into his cap. After all, Isla has been crazy about Colby ever since she can remember—even if he treats her like a kid sister. Now, without her best friend, Felicity, around, Isla spots a golden opportunity to take things to the next level . . . or at least wrangle a kiss out of Colby.

By random chance, a tropical storm is headed toward the coast, leaving them stranded together overnight—and there’s nothing to do but drink. As the evening wears on, Isla gets the feeling that her not-so-secret crush may finally release her from the friend zone. With her dreams finally coming true, Isla isn’t about to pump the brakes, but is this just a one-time thing? What if the next morning, she needs more than Colby’s prepared to give?

Little does she know, Colby would like nothing more than a real relationship with Isla. She’s always been the one. But there’s a very good reason he’s been keeping his distance. Someone else loves her too, someone who also means the world to Colby: his brother.

My Thoughts

I discovered Renita Pizzitola two years ago when I came across Just a Little Crush on NetGalley. It was an absolute gem of a new adult romance and I went on to request and review Just a Little Flirt and Just a Little Kiss last year. I gave each book at least 4 stars and when I heard Pizzitola was writing a spin-off series I was so excited. I requested Addicted to You as soon as it became available and jumped right in. And... *insert huge sigh*

Isla has been in love with her best friend Colby for years. And she feels like everyone knows it... except Colby. She's leaving for nursing school soon and is determined to finally take a chance. One boozy night leads straight to Colby's bed but then she hightails it home to avoid the awkward morning after. What comes next is a series of assumptions, misunderstandings and missed opportunities that were repeated again and again. 

Isla was consistently confused about Colby's feelings and yet she was never clear and upfront with him about her own feelings. It was so obvious (except to Isla) that Colby was in love her but he refused to make it known because his brother expressed an interest in her. One simple conversation with either of them saying what they felt would have solved everything. Instead, every potential talk was interrupted or abandoned, every encounter was misconstrued, and it all became very repetitive.

Another thing that was a real letdown was the fact that all this introspection of Isla's (how does Colby feel, he must not feel the same, but I love him, why is he pushing me toward his brother, etc.) took up almost the entire book. At the 85% mark I was still waiting for there to be an actual couple. Honestly, it was hard to maintain interest when there was no real relationship to read about - just a lot of build-up and missed opportunities.

Before it sounds like I have nothing good to say, there really are things that I liked. Isla was a character who was pretty self-aware (even if she didn't always act on her feelings) and I liked that she seemed determined to make the best of a situation that wasn't going the way she wanted. Colby was a real sweetheart. He loved Isla but he also loved his brother and felt like he was stuck in the middle. Unfortunately he chose everyone's happiness but his own. It's hard to fault such a selfless character. I also enjoyed the secondary characters like Isla and Colby's group of friends and Isla's doting grandmother.

It seriously pains me that I didn't love this one. The previous three novels I've read from Pizzitola were equal parts sweet and sexy, with realistic characters that I related to and empathized with. There was great banter and plenty of humor and the plots were engaging without being overly angsty. The best kind of new adult. But Addicted to You just did not hold that same charm for me. 

3/5 Stars (actually more like 2.75 stars)

Note: This title was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

 

October #ShelfLove Challenge: Bookish Gift Wishlist

October topic: Christmas is two months away! What books or bookish gifts are on your wish list this year?

This month's #ShelfLove discussion theme is bookish gift wishlists. When it comes down to it aren't all our wishlists pretty much the same? All the books to read and all the time to read them? :) But that's taking the easy way out so instead I'm going to share some of my favorite bookish reading rooms. Because if you're going to wish, wish BIG, right? ;-)

I'm not sure which I like more... 

the floor-to-ceiling bookcase or the pink chaise.  :)

Again, it just might be the chaise that I'm loving but even so 

those shelves are seriously impressive!

I have it on good authority that window seats are not nearly as comfortable as you might think but I don't care... this reading area looks super cozy.

This one looks incredibly cozy.

Does the spectacular view come with the room?

Because a bookshelf door that leads into a secret reading room is EPIC!

What's on your bookish wishlist?

The #ShelfLove Challenge is hosted by Julie and Lynn at Chapter Break, Terri at Second Run Reviews, and Brandee at Bookworm Brandee.