Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, it's all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

This week we have a special StS from Louise :-) Here's what she got this week. 
I've got shit loads the last week, so I'll just tell you a few.
Bought Some zombie urban fantasy for my 10 year old The Dead by Charlie Higson The Enemy by Charlie Higson
For me (I've known some beautiful bastards in my time lol) Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
Review The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Drowning in You Blog Tour

Drowning In You by Rebecca Berto
Publication date: April 12th 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Secretly crushing

Crushed by a tragedy

Charlee May’s been crushing on Dexter Hollingworth since she was fifteen. Five years later, a horrific skiing disaster at Mason’s Ski Lift Resort leaves her millionaire dad critically injured and her mom dead at the hands of Dexter operating the lifts. Charlee is suddenly the sole caretaker for her little brother while their world falls apart.

Dexter couldn’t be more different from Charlee. He’s tattooed, avoids exclusive relationships and his Dad has a fair share of illegal dealings. With Dexter’s reputation, almost everyone believes he planned the Mason’s skiing disaster.

And after all these years he’s still crushing on Charlee May, the girl who’s too good for him.

When this cruel twist of fate ties Charlee’s family and Dexter’s reputation together, Charlee and Dexter wonder if their feelings are reciprocated, while Dexter discovers his dad is trying to steal the May’s millionaire fortune.

But like an addiction, one look, one touch, one taste—they’re hooked no matter the consequences.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17206928-drowning-in-you

Purchase: 

Amazon paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Drowning-You-Rebecca-Berto/dp/0987456628/
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Drowning-in-You-ebook/dp/B00C83XWN4/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/302783
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Drowning-in-You/book-M3hQgv8Al0mA7rZ-wyjJPg/page1.html

EXCERPT

From a note tucked under her pillow:

I like Dexter Hollingworth.

Dexter Hollingworth “killed” my parents.

1. Killer Crush

Charlee

As per all the fourteen- to eighteen-year-olds at our school, I started crushing on Dexter Hollingworth around the age of fifteen. There was one girl who hated him, but she was into girls.

From the football field sidelines to graduation day and beyond, my best friend Rosa and I have wanted him. But guys like Dexter don’t notice girls like us who spend most of our time talking about cool people like him.

At twenty years old, I still “love” him.

I love the way his body personifies what a male God should be without looking like Fabio.

I love the way his perfect tanned skin is inked and how he wears those aviator sunglasses and how he’d use up his lunchtimes to teach the little kids in our school guitar lessons.

But I hate the way I love him.

I hate how Dexter was the one controlling the ski lifts at Mason’s Ski Resort the day my mom was killed because it also put me here, in this position, praying to a God I’ve never believed in to spare my dad’s life.

In this hospital room, the air is as quiet as the still of night and my dad’s languid breathing and drawn-out, heavy movements remind me that my perfect family life was never meant to be forever.

If I’m being honest, it seems like things are already over. Dad’s skin keeps a yellow color—at best—from the IV drip. His meds help with the simple tasks his heart and other organs can’t. My thoughts wander again. I don’t let myself consider the alternative—that maybe it’s wishful thinking. I go with this:

“Dad,” I say, jealous my little brother, Darcy is holding our dad’s hand—the hand he can squeeze with. “Look at you.” I wink.

“Is she okay, Dad?” Darcy asks, sounding as though he’s confused.

“Charlee?” The confusion is contagious, but Dad’s patient zero—not Darcy.

There are bars that raise and lower around Dad’s bed, and they’ve been raised forever. Surely they must be there because they’re too hard to put down in their scratched, old state. My dad doesn’t need silly bars around his bed! My dad owns Roycroft Engines.

“I think you’re squeezing Darcy’s hand too tight,” I say.

“Wha-at?” Darcy says. He’s staring at me with squinted eyes, probably thinking what’s wrong with my sister? She’s supposed to be the adult.

It hurts smiling like this, the creases halfway up my cheeks. But maybe it’ll work. “Isn’t that right, Dad?”

Dad’s eyes are like I remember them now. There’s vibrancy in the rich brown color, like my eyes. I bet he’s thinking is his daughter crazy? He tilts his head to the side—

Injured people don’t understand things like this. Injured people don’t get what’s unsaid. Dad’s not that injured.

—as it clicks. Dad shakes out of Darcy’s grip and waggles his finger at him. “That nurse…”

“Lisa Hollingworth,” I say.

“Yes, Lisa. That nurse Lisa said motor function is good. Squeezing someone’s hand uses up a lot more strength than you think, son.”

Darcy’s mouth flops open and stays that way. He checks out Dad, who’s nodding, and me—should I nod?—so I nod also.

“Squeezing your hand probably takes Dad twenty muscles and millions of brain cells just to do something like that.”

“No way!” Darcy grins and punches the air. “Dad, that’s cool.”

And just like that, Darcy has that same face on as he had when Mom told him she had to wait three hours in line to buy Desert Warcraft and yeah, she really, really got it for him.

That face is why I haven’t downed twenty sleeping pills yet. God knows these last weeks have felt like months, which actually felt like years. That makes me the most ancient twenty-year-old alive.

Why, Dexter? Why did it have to be you in that seat, in that room, at that time?

AUTHOR BIO

Rebecca Berto is the author or the dark contemporary/literary novella, PRECISE and the upcoming new adult contemporary romance novel, DROWNING IN YOU. She is also a freelance editor.

She writes stories that are a bit sexy, and straddle the line between Literary and Tear Your Heart Out. She gets a thrill when her readers  are emotional reading her stories, and gets even more of a kick when they tell her so. She’s strangely imaginative, spends too much time on her computer, and is certifiably crazy when she works on her fiction.

Rebecca Berto lives in Melbourne, Australia with her boyfriend and their doggy. 

Author Links:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles #2)

by Kresley Cole

Expected publication: October 1st 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

I haven't see the OFFICIAL book blurb but this was on Goodreads.

In this second book thrilling book of The Arcana Chronicles from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole, Evie struggles to accept her place in the prophecy that will either save the world—or destroy it.
Evie has fully come into her powers as the tarot Empress, and Jack was there to see it all. As one of twenty-two teens given powers following the apocalypse, she now knows a war is brewing, and it’s kill or be killed. When Evie meets Death, the gorgeous and dangerous Endless Knight, things get even more complicated. Though falling for Jack, she’s drawn to Death as well. Somehow the Empress and Death share a romantic history, one that Evie can’t remember—but Death can’t forget…

Check out the MTV Exclusive cover reveal and video of the phot shoot that Kresley Cole Tweeted about just a few minutes ago, here!!!

If you haven't read Poison Princess (I think you're crazy, j/k) check out my gushing 5 star review here! 

Let me know what you think...Do you like the cover?

ARC Review: Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1)
by Richelle Mead
Expected publication: June 4th 2013 by Dutton Adult



Blurb:

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of Xseries, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

Review:

I had pretty high expectations for this one. Mead is a really good writer and I love everything I read from her so far.  THIS actually did exceed my expectations. Gameboard of the Gods is rather different from Mead's usual paranormal adult and young adult books. I was taken aback how much Mead has honed her craft since her first Vampire Academy book. Don't get me wrong, I think they are good, but this is seriously good stuff. Even while reading Gameboard I took note of it, but once I finished and all came together it was undeniable. In my opinion this is one of Mead's best works.

Mead mixed sci-fi, dystopian, mythology and mystery to make up a fast paced intricate plot, that kept me guessing and hoping at once. It's a Mead book so its fast and kick-ass, just what I like about her. But at the same time, there is depth to it and it made me think for a bit after. The first half or so has quite a bit of technical terms in it, being a geek I really enjoyed them though. 

The character building is superb, I think Mead has always been good at this probably my favorite part of her writing. I happily would read her books even if they would be totally character based. To my amazement she manages to improve with each piece she write on this aspect. And in Gameboard she came up with faceted intriguing and captivating characters. The two MC's Mae and Justin are flawed, likable and extremely different, at least on the surface. They have palpable chemistry and I loved seeing how their relationship evolved just as much as the two characters. The support characters though were extremely well written as well and I think they highlighted the different aspects of the MC's superbly. As example Justin's relationship with Tessa on the one end highlights how protected and naive she is (Justine being the opposite) but it also shows that Justin has a generous and sweet side to him. 

The world building is incredible! Mead created a post-apocalyptic world made up with pieces of the  world we know today, old school mythology and great sci-fi. It's so well done that it is totally believable and more importantly it's fresh and exciting and unique. I just must say, I loved the ravens!

Mead's prose was always beautiful and really great, and she does deliver another well written book. While this is really different than her previous books, it still is recognizably her style.  Her descriptions of the characters feelings and their relationship with others left an impression on me, that stayed with me for days and made me think about it. Which in means that Gameboard of the Gods will probably made it into my favorite books and definitely is one of my favorite releases in 2013 so far. 

My only minor criticism- the lusting for each other but cant have each other romance. It's kinda Mead's MO i guess and to be honest she does it so well, that I didn't mind too much.

Fabulous action scenes, well crafted mystery, fascinating world building and likable interesting character left me wanting more! I'm looking forward where Mead will take this exciting and fabulous new series. 

**I received this book from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for this review**

Audiobook Review: The Program by Suzanne Young

The Program
by Suzanne Young
Published April 30th 2013 by Simon & Schuster Audio
Narrator:  Joy Osmanski 
Source: self purchase via Audible
LENGTH 10 hrs and 56 mins



Blurb:

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

Review:

I really just want to gush about this book that it's so hard for me to write this review. I have to slow down, step back and think about this coherently. It's been 2 days since I finished The Program and I haven't started listening to another book YET. This is not my norm...I end one, I start one. I just can't get this one out of my head. Okay...let me back up.

This book has been on my TBR since I first read the premise last summer. I'm chosey about my dystopian and YA books especially but this one just sounded so interesting to me. I've seen mixed reviews about this book and after I was told the audiobook was good, I didn't hesitate. I listened to this book in 2 days. I usually just listen on the car rides to and from work, but this book was so addicting that I just COULD NOT stop. My addiction was to the point that my husband was even taking notice. LOL

I've seen other reviews and it seems like others are upset about the premise of the book "suicide as an epidemic". Listen...if you are SUPER nit picky about science not working out perfectly in your book, then this book may annoy you. If you want to read a book for the enjoyment and aren't going to harp on the tiny details, YOU'LL LOVE THIS ONE!!!

Okay, review really below.....

The Program is told only from Sloane, the heroine's POV. She is living in a time where suicide has become an epidemic, an epidemic that caused the loss of her brother. Teens are struggling with their raging emotions but aren't able to fully express themselves for fear of The Program. Tons of people have bought into the propaganda including teachers and parents. There are handlers watching students at school all day long for an signs of distress.

There are 3 parts in the book. The first part Sloane tells us about her world. We learn about her relationship with her friends, her parents and most importantly James, her boyfriend. All of the students in her high school are scared of The Program. The only thing they know is that after 6 weeks in The Program the once "sick" teens are now blank slates and have lost their memories.

Sloane and James have been together for two years and are madly in love with each other. These two are just adorable together. They are trying to be strong for one another so that they don't get sick. There is only so much that they can do when everyone is getting sick around them, so Sloane and James are faced with the likelihood that they will enter The Program. Since the book takes place with them already been together for two years, we don't see their love blossoming first hand. We do get to see them present tense, as well as Sloane's past memories (some flashbacks) and hear her feelings for James.

I don't want to spoil most of the book but readers do learn the ins and outs of The Program, including how their memories are taken away. Sloane continues to be very strong throughout everything. No matter what has happened to her, she continues to stand up for herself and what she believes is right.

There are several great secondary characters including Miller, Lacey and Realm. Tons of twists and turns in this one. Jaw dropping incidences that had me completely baffled. Realm...oye Realm!! Realm made me want to love him and kill him at the same time.

The Program is a love conquers all book!! “If it's meant to be, you'll find each other again.” 

**Note- This book is for mature YA readers. There is cursing and sex (not graphic at all) in the book.
(Fans of Shatter Me series would love this book!)

Did you read this one? What did you think?

My 21 Questions Interview with @TheBookNympho @Goldilox3Weres @LittleRead1

In preparation of my Blogoversary I threw out on Twitter if anyone would like to interview me. I got several responses, 3 to be exact. From 3 of my favorite bloggers. Each one decided to ask me 7 questions to make the nice number of 21.

Before we begin..I have to also say there was some SERIOUSLY hilarious discussions about the title of this blog post. Here are two that were thrown out: Readers Confession: Jenese Gets Gang Banged or 3 Girls, 1 Interview and it got worse! LMAO!! Hilarious!! 

1. Favorite Urban Fantasy book/series? Adult- Fever series by Karen Marie Moning or Downside Ghosts by Stacia Kane for YA- Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead or Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

2. Favorite snack while reading? Popcorn or KitKat (serious obsession lately)

3. Favorite audio book narrator? Lauren Fortgang or Khristine Hvam

4. How many packages of batteries do you go through in a month? You know what I mean, for your BOB. Not enough- haha! I broke my last friend and haven't had a chance to get another one. Sad times people! LOL!

5. What male character would you like to ride at a gallop until their legs buckled? Wow! He would have to have some serious stamina...how about Gideon Cross! Yum! :-)

6. Same question as #5 but a female character. Female character I want to ride? Yikes...I can't say that I've wanted to ride a female character. Do you have one Jen?

7. What book heroine are you most like? Really tough question...she has to speak her mind, bold, loud and curse A LOT! Hmmm...can't think of any...who do you think? Rose from VA maybe, Chess from Downside Ghosts (umm...minus the excessive drug usage)

1. Favorite drink - alcoholic or otherwise Diet Coke or Cranberry & Vodka

2. Favorite Author There are tons, but if I had to choose just ONE...I would say J.R. Ward

3. Favorite position ... you know ;-) I would have thought Jen would ask this one...haha! Umm...I'd saw I enjoy a LONG HARD RIDE! :-P

4. Favorite weekend hobby - other than reading Does sleeping count? Honestly the only other hobby that I have besides reading is blogging :-) Don't have time for anything else.

5. Pick 2 book boyfriends that get to be real for a day - what do you do (and your husband would never find out!) OMG...hot orgy!! LOL! Just 2 book boyfriends, huh? Ok, I'll go with...Rhage from BDB and Barrons from Fever series...yummy! 

6. What book heroine would you like to hang out with & why? Chess from Downside Ghosts. She's just so bad ass, honest and crazy all at the same time. It would be interesting to hang with her and go out on an assignment with her. 

7. In your year of blogging you've met a lot of cool people, both authors and bloggers. Who was your favorite to meet in person? YOU! *slaps knee* No really? LOL! (Love you Laura!) I really don't have a favorite. I've just been so excited to meet everyone. I will say it have been AWESOME to meet locals like yourself, Kait Ballenger, Tiffany King, C.A. Kunz and many more. 

1. What's the best part about listening to people have sex in your dirty dirty audio books? LOL! The unassuming passengers in the car next to me that have NO CLUE I'm listening to dirty sex. haha! No really...I haven't listened to many dirty books in audio, mostly UF books which is TOO dirty. 
2. Who is the handsome book hottie you'd most like to get down and dirty with? Oh, there are TONS Barrons, Bones, ALL of the BDB vamps, Ryodan, Terrible, Gideon Cross...hell the list goes ON AND ON!!! I could probably brake some laws with the YA hotties too. LOL!
3. ...and exactly which position would the two of you be getting down in? Position you say...up against the wall, on all 4's...hell I'll try just about anything once, twice if I really liked it. Ha! 
4. Which book heroine or villain do you have a girl crush on? Rose from Vampire Academy. I'm not sure totally why but I love her totally and completely. 
5. What's your favorite position...to read books in? (I know what you were thinking! In the gutter as usual!) :-P Usually laying down in my bed
6. What author have you been most starstruck to meet? Nalini Singh and Jeaniene Frost (saw Sherrilyn Kenyon too but didn't talk to her)! Saw them both at RWA literary signing in Orlando a few years ago. I was so excited to meet them and they were both sooooo nice. I even got picks with them. 

7. Why is it so funny when I say, "For fuck's sake!"? It's so funny b/c for people that don't know you...you look like such an innocent. Very much like your avi above^ blond hair, all doe-y eyed and pretty. Of course being a elementary school teacher adds to the "innocence" and when you curse it's hilarious to me! When I saw you in February you kept catching me off guard with "For fuck's sake!" and it just makes me laugh every time I hear it or see it! :-P

Thank you ladies for interviewing me, for keeping me sane and for making me laugh!! :-)

For my readers...do you have any questions for me? Ask away in the comments and I will answer them.