My Week in a Wrapped #10

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. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

This week has been frustrating. The bank had a system “upgrade” and I’m unable to withdraw money. Money that I’ve worked for. When I asked them when would the system be fixed, they provided an indefinite answer. How can you say that if people need to pay bills and eat? I was so broke, I nearly cried. I can’t believe they decided to “fix” their system in time for the payout and on a Friday knowing they’ll resume operation Monday. Do they expect us to know it via precognition since they didn’t provide a notice? What the fudging hell?? My co-worker even tried to withdraw from an ATM. Unfortunately her account was debited, but no money came out and according to them, they will process it for a reversal within seven business days. Seven business days for God’s sake! I so hate them! How could them? So incompetent and so inconsiderate! Good thing my friend let me borrowed some cash so I can live on up until their system is fixed. Sigh. Sorry. I rarely rant about things in life, but this is way too much and I just need to let this out. Anyway, we were able to get the money Saturday night so I moved on. I just hope this won’t happen again. Ever. Again.

Last Week On The Blog

• My Week in a Wrapped #9
• Event for Colleen Houck Book Club ♥
• Colleen Houck Book Club: 
  Live Chat With Veronica Rossi about the Under The Never Sky series
• Book Confession: City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett
• Currently Reading│Teaser Tuesday : Under Different Stars by Amy Bartol
• Waiting on Wednesday #26: FrostFire by Amanda Hocking
• Book Review: Under Different Stars by Amy Bartol
• Currently Reading│Book Beginning :
  Under My Skin (Immortality Strain #1) by Shawntelle Madison
• Book Blogger Hop: November 28th – December 4th
• Weekly Photo Challenge: Converge

Weekly Photo Challenge: Converge

Weekly Photo Challenge is hosted by The Daily Post,
where we publish a new post with a photo interpreting the weekly theme..

The Grannies

This week’s theme is:

CON-VERGE
/ˈkənˈvərj/

verb
(of several people or things) come together from different directions so as eventually to meet.

This was taken at the airport when we need to pick up my Granny when she arrived from Seattle. That’s my Mom and Dad with my son (far left), my nieces and my nephew. This photo is priceless and I titled it The Grannies for some obvious reason. Go figure! 😀

“The best baby-sitters, of course, are the baby’s grandparents.
You feel completely comfortable entrusting your baby to them for long periods,
which is why most grandparents flee to Florida.”
— Dave Barry

Book Blogger Hop: November 28th – December 4th

This is from Billy of Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Question of the Week

Do you visit the same blogs each week or do you branch out and try to find new blogs?

My Answer:

I tend to visit the same blogs every day/week, but I always see to it that I have new blogs to explore. I’m quite an (Dora the) explorer (aka stalker) since I usually click most of the links from a friend’s blog and eventually find myself on a totally new one. That’s basically how I stumble upon awesome blogs every day. I also check new people on memes like Teaser Tuesday, Waiting on Wednesday and The Sunday Post. There are a lot of amazing and interesting bloggers there. 😀 I’m not saying that my current friends bore me, but it always feels good to meet someone new. Furthermore, I check those blogs that has reviews of the books I love. We’ll definitely enjoy a conversation about it and will end up following each other’s blogs. All happy 😀

Currently Reading│Book Beginning : Under My Skin (Immortality Strain #1) by Shawntelle Madison

Currently Reading #32

Name: Under My Skin (Immortality Strain #1)
Author: Shawntelle Madison
Number of Pages: 240 in eBook
Published: December 9th 2014
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia

“Everyone wants to either be a member of the Guild or work for them. Little does the populace know that the Guild hides sinister secrets… For Tate Sullivan, life in her small, coastal town is far from glamorous. The affluent lives of the Guild members and their servants isn’t something she has ever wanted. But all sixteen year-olds must take a simple test, and Tate’s result thrusts her into the Guild’s world, one where they hide horrible plans for those they select. Tate must fight the relentless General Dagon for control of her mind, body, and soul to keep the one precious thing she has always taken for granted: herself. Her only ally is the same handsome boy she is pitted against in General Dagon’s deadly game. Quinn desires nothing more than to end the life of General Dagon who has taken over Tate’s mind. While romance blooms between Tate and Quinn, General Dagon plots to eventually take over Tate’s body, and love might end before it even begins.

I’ve stumbled upon this on Goodreads and I’m intrigued by the book’s premise right away. Though I felt so skeptical in requesting an ARC from NetGalley, I did. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you would know why (wink). To my surprise, I received an email that it was approved (YES!) along with four other books. I am so glad! 😀 Since it will be published on the 9th of December, the following reviews came from ARCs too. Got a five star, a three star and a two star review (Didn’t find any one star reviews, that’s why):

THAT WAS SO DAMN REFRESHING. Hands down, best Dystopian SciFi I’ve read all year. Ignore that cover. Ignore that blurb. This book has like 4 pages of sweet Romance, the rest is just juicy awesomeness of body snatching, political intrigue, manipulation, warfare, power, friendship, and sacrifice.
— Kat of NotYetRead

Book Review: Under Different Stars

Name: Under Different Stars (Kricket #1)
Author: Amy Bartol
Number of Pages: 297 in Kindle Edition
Published: December 19th 2013
by Amy A. Bartol
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance, Paranormal

“Kricket Hollowell is normally not one to wish upon stars; she believes they’re rarely in her favor. Well versed at dodging caseworkers from Chicago’s foster care system, the past few years on her own have made Kricket an expert at the art of survival and blending in. With her 18th birthday fast approaching, she dreams of the day when she can stop running and find what her heart needs most: a home.
Trey Allairis hates Earth and doubts that anyone from his world can thrive here. What he’s learning of Kricket and her existence away from her true home only confirms his theory. But, when he and Kricket lie together under the stars of Ethar, counting them all may be easier than letting her go. Kyon Ensin’s secrets number the stars; he knows more about Kricket’s gifts than anyone and plans to possess her because of them. He also knows she’s more valuable than any fire in the night sky. He’ll move the heavens and align them all in order to make her his own. When everything in their world can be broken, will Kricket rely upon love to save her under different stars?”

I forgot about this book last year and just recently stumbled upon it on NetGalley. Braved myself to request it and got approved the following day. Sweet. I love the book cover. Elegantly beautiful. I think that’s how the cover should be described. I’m a sucker for beautiful covers really. I’m also excited since I’ve learned that this book is self-published. That’s extra amazing points I think, ’cause self-published books mostly turned out amazing (That’s by experience BTW) 🙂

This is an easy read. The writing is not confusing and you could truly enjoy every bit of it. I’ve read this in just a day since I can’t afford to put it down. I’m hooked from the very first chapter up to the last. The book was actually funny in a cute way. The humor is quite entertaining. I can’t even count the times I grinned or giggled while reading this.

“His eyes narrow as he gives me a sidelong glance. “What’s nail polish?” “Paint.. for your toes,” I murmur, grinning. “Why?” he wonders, looking intrigued. “Uh,” I shrug, “I don’t know.. because it’s pretty?” He glances back at my feet again, his brow wrinkling in thought.”

How can you not find this funny? 🙂

Waiting on Wednesday #26

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Breaking the Spine and serves to showcase those books that aren’t released yet, but that we’re eagerly awaiting!

Name: Frostfire (Kanin Chronicles #1)
Author: Amanda Hocking
Number of Pages: 336 in Paperback
Published: January 6th 2015
by St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal

Bryn Aven is an outcast among the Kanin, the most powerful of the troll tribes. Set apart by her heritage and her past, Bryn is a tracker who’s determined to become a respected part of her world. She has just one goal: become a member of the elite King’s Guard to protect the royal family. She’s not going to let anything stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss Ridley Dresden. But all her plans for the future are put on hold when Konstantin– a fallen hero she once loved – begins kidnapping changelings. Bryn is sent in to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?

I’ve loved Amanda Hocking since Trylle Trilogy and when I’ve heard about this new series of hers, I knew that this is something I would definitely wait for. I’m unable to blog about my book review for Trylle Trilogy since those were the days when I’m still deciding if my blog would be a book blog or not. Go figure. I love the cover of this and I’ve mistaken it for a Christmas book. Have you noticed this is with Snow again? It. Is. Just. Coincidence. Haha! Just in time for the holidays right? I just love it. 🙂

I knew there’s a giveaway last month for one FrostFire gift pack, including a pin, fingerless gloves, and a Frostfire ARC, but I registered just in time the giveaway closed so that’s heartbreaking. The chance of winning this awesome gift pack slipped achingly away. Look at this awesome prize 😦

Currently Reading│Teaser Tuesday : Under Different Stars (Kricket #1) by Amy Bartol

Currently Reading #31

Name: Under Different Stars (Kricket #1)
Author: Amy Bartol
Number of Pages: 297 in Kindle Edition
Published: December 19th 2013
by Amy A. Bartol
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance, Paranormal

“Kricket Hollowell is normally not one to wish upon stars; she believes they’re rarely in her favor. Well versed at dodging caseworkers from Chicago’s foster care system, the past few years on her own have made Kricket an expert at the art of survival and blending in. With her 18th birthday fast approaching, she dreams of the day when she can stop running and find what her heart needs most: a home.
Trey Allairis hates Earth and doubts that anyone from his world can thrive here. What he’s learning of Kricket and her existence away from her true home only confirms his theory. But, when he and Kricket lie together under the stars of Ethar, counting them all may be easier than letting her go. Kyon Ensin’s secrets number the stars; he knows more about Kricket’s gifts than anyone and plans to possess her because of them. He also knows she’s more valuable than any fire in the night sky. He’ll move the heavens and align them all in order to make her his own. When everything in their world can be broken, will Kricket rely upon love to save her under different stars?”

After a lot of heartache from declined requests on NetGalley, I’ve been approved! YES! Not only for one, but four books and this gorgeous is one of them. I’ll include them on the Sunday post this weekend okay? Anyway, I’ve long for this since last year, but eventually forgot about it. Lol. I’ve stumbled upon it on Netgalley yesterday, requested for it and received an approval today. Yay! A lot of fantasy readers love this. I’ve included a five star, three star and one star rating reviews..

OMG this book was so captivating! I couldn’t put it down, I was hooked from the first chapter! I am so in love with all the characters, this book has it all. Lots of action, romance, humor,and dystopian! Under Different Stars takes place on both Earth and an alternate planet called Ethar which lends to the sci-fi feeling. I love the world Amy creates, it’s so interesting. Her descriptions of the people and places, especially on Ethar, help you picture this world. I really felt like I was there!
—Paulina of ReadMoreSleepLess

Book Confession: City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett

Name: City of Stairs
Author: Robert Jackson Bennett
Number of Pages: 464 in Paperback
Published: September 9th 2014
by Broadway Books
Genre: Fantasy, Adult, Science Fiction, Mystery

“Years ago, the city of Bulikov wielded the powers of the Gods to conquer the world. But after its divine protectors were mysteriously killed, the conqueror has become the conquered; the city’s proud history has been erased and censored, progress has left it behind, and it is just another colonial outpost of the world’s new geopolitical power. Into this musty, backward city steps Shara Divani. Officially, the quiet mousy woman is just another lowly diplomat sent by Bulikov’s oppressors. Unofficially, Shara is one of her country’s most accomplished spymasters-dispatched to investigate the brutal murder of a seemingly harmless historian. As Shara pursues the mystery through the ever-shifting physical and political geography of the city, she begins to suspect that the beings who once protected Bulikov may not be as dead as they seem-and that her own abilities might be touched by the divine as well.”

This is not a book review if you’re thinking it is. Book Confession. Yeah. Sort of. I just made it up for the sole purpose of explaining why I’ll have a new book to read. I’ve been reading for God knows when and this is the first time. First. Time. That I haven’t finished a book and not wanting to continue reading it. I must admit that I set aside Shatter Me after reading a couple of chapters, but I’m really finding time to pick it up again, but this? I tried, but failed. This. Is. Not. For. Me. I felt the need to explain why though since a lot of readers loved this. I feel like a villain, but still, I don’t want to go back reading this. I don’t normally read Adult books, but this book pulled me right into it because of the good reviews, book cover and the blurb. Yeah. The book cover is gorgeous. The reviews were promising. To be honest, I’ve mistakenly assumed the blurb for something else and yeah, that’s my fault.

Colleen Houck Book Club: Live Chat With Veronica Rossi about the Under The Never Sky series

Here are some of the snippets of the discussion from our live chat earlier with Colleen Houck and Veronica Rossi. I had so much fun fangirling 😀

*Tawney: Hi Veronica! Welcome to the chat. What do you find as inspiration to motivate you to write? Under the Never Sky is a fabulous series! Are you going to be delving into new territory regarding a new sparkly book idea?

*Veronica: Tawney, thanks for your questions! Well, for writing motivation, a lot of times I’ll listen to music or read or go for a long walk. As for STORY inspiration, that can be anything. Life. A movie. A book. A person. I think everything cooks in a sort of idea stew in my brain for a while, until I feel like I can see the story. Until the characters start taking shape, and their desires and wants and problems. Then I write!
As for what’s next, I have a two-book series coming up in 2016. It’s a little different from the UTNS series, but I’m really excited about it. And I just started working on a third series that I’m really hugely excited about.
Thanks again for your question – and I’m so glad you enjoyed the UTNS series!

*Yun-a: And you’ve probably been asked this question loads of times, but which character is your favorite/most like you?

*Veronica: This is such a tough one to answer, because there are so many of them I love. Obviously, Roar, Perry and Aria. But I was surprised by how much I enjoyed writing Soren and Brooke. I also have a soft-spot for Reef and Twig and Willow. And Cinder… see? I can never answer this question without ending up sounding like I’m listing ALL my characters 🙂

*NYZE: Hi Veronica! I love the trilogy! Would there be an extension series or the like? 🙂 That would be awesome! ♥

*Veronica: Hi, Nyze! Thank you! I’m so glad you liked the series. No plans for an extension series now, but perhaps some day!

*NYZE: Oh! I’ll still look forward to that since I miss all the characters ♥  Anyway, have you started writing Riders? 🙂 I’m excited about that too though it still a long wait from now.

*Veronica: I know! It feels like RIDERS is sooo far away! It’s written. It just needs to be edited and revised, which will take a few months. It’s just that the whole publishing process, from editing, to design, to printing, etc. takes so long. But hopefully the time goes fast!

*Shara: Do you ever base your characters on people you dislike? You don’t need to give names. 🙂

*Veronica: Shara – ha ha ha! No. I haven’t done that. Not EXACTLY. But I’ve borrowed characteristics, for sure! I definitely will write down things people say. Usually what I do is pull out my iPhone and email myself a great piece of dialogue, when I hear it 🙂

And then, there was this..

Event for Colleen Houck Book Club ♥

DATE: November 24, 2014 05:00PM-06:00PM
RSVP by: November 24, 2014 04:00PM
CLICK HERE TO JOIN US Ü