Saturday 31 January 2015

January 2015 - The Month of Indecisiveness... and Morpheus


OK, so I’ll NEVER be indecisive about Morpheus! He is just perfection, my mind is made up, and that decision is set in indestructible concrete for all eternity.

I will steal a football pundit saying that January has been a month of two halves. (YES, I just may be anxious about a certain football match this evening… COME ON CHELSEA!! … *cough* I digress…) The first few weeks of January was as normal, but the last two… I can’t make up my mind on ANYTHING! I’ve kept up my New Year’s resolution to eat better, and to try and to get up to date with some NetGalley books… but everything else – NOPE!

Thank goodness my dog is the only one that sees me when I’m trying to decide what to read next! I swear, I stand at the bookcase in my room for twenty minutes and I have an internal debate on each book I want to read… but to make it worse, I end up NOT choosing a book!! While this is going on, Jade is lounging on the bed watching me. When I try to move her so I can get into bed early, I either get “the glare” (NOTHING can give an evil glare like a Siberian Husky!) or a look that’s even worse… worry mixed with sympathy!!



You really do begin worrying when your DOG starts worrying about you!


I’m linking up to both Stacking the Shelves and The Sunday Post memes this weekend.


I read 7 books this month, but comparing this to January 2014, I’m WAY behind – I read 14 this time last year! I keep telling myself not to become obsessed with that little widget on Goodreads but, it’s so HARD! It’s always right there when I log in.

The BIG difference this year though? I rated all 7 books 3 Stars and above! I’m SO HAPPY about this and it more than makes up for being behind on my yearly challenge. I’ve become so used to one or two books that I’m very disappointed in each month, and it’s a real treat to enjoy them all. I can’t remember the last time it happened, but I’m secretly hoping this good-book-streak lasts!! (*Touches wood, looks for a four leaf clover… or maybe I should look for a horseshoe?! I’m open-minded, I’ll try anything!)


My favourite book, or my Book of the Month if you will, was easy to choose - ENSNARED. I don’t think anyone will be surprised by this! I’ve become even more obsessed with Morpheus, and I didn’t think it was possible. He is just pure awesomeness in Ensnared, and if you haven’t read this series, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?


All the Books I Read in January 2015


Books I Got This Week

I got these via NetGalley, and Thank You to both publishers for them!


Books I Read this week:

Elsker, and I just started Gone yesterday. I can't believe it's been sitting on my shelves for almost TWO YEARS, and I'm only reading it now. I really regret this - it's amazing so far!


Challenge Updates

I’ve set all my counters to the minimum amount for each challenge level – I really would like to read more… but it’s best to have a little breathing room!

Re-Read Challenge

0/10 Rereads

None yet. I’m trying to tackle those Netgalley’s first – I know once I begin rereading, I won’t stop! The Hunger Games is calling to me though…


Fairytale Retelling Challenge

1/10 Retellings

YAY, some progress! I read Ensnared – review here.


2015 New Release Challenge

2/16 books

I've read two 2015 releases so far: Ensnared by A.G. Howard and Tunnel Vision by Susan Adrian.


Posts I loved

Tracy asks about Book Buying Bans. I tried a ban for a month last year, and it COMPLETELY backfired. I ended up buying over TRIPLE the amount of books I’d normally get. I admire anyone that can stick to them… but they definitely don’t work for me! She also chatted about Bad Boys in YA Literature this month – and while I liked Beautiful Disaster when I read it, I completely agree with her. It was the first NA book I’d read, and it was new and shiny… if I read it now, I don’t think I’d enjoy it as much. Oh, and yes, MORE MORPHEUS! Always this *nods* :D

Cait asks What is the point of negative reviews? I love all the points she raised in her post. I think negative reviews can be just important as positive reviews – everything needs a little balance! Stay away from trashing people though - that's just NOT OK!

Becca talks about DNFing and wrote an excellent post In Defence of the DNF. For 2015 I’m going to be more relaxed with dropping books that don’t work for me. I’ve always tried to grit my teeth and push through… but it makes me miserable! Life really is too short to do something that upsets you.

Kristen chats about Our Audience Also Being Our Competition - Maybe I’m a little naïve, but I’ve never thought of other blogs and bloggers as competition! I see each and every one as a fellow reader and book lover, and that equals potential friend in my eyes. I LOVE what she said in this post – and the links she provided to Spreading Kindness and Book Bloggers Love-a-thon. We need to nurture respect, support and love in this community. It’s a precious place for us all of us, we need to try and keep it that way :)

Trish got inspired by a book she recently read, and chats about Wearing Masks, and how each of us can use a different mask, depending on the situation. It's true, we all do juggle different parts of ourselves, and we have a separate mask for each one!

Becca gives us 10 Reasons to Date a Boy Who Reads. I LOVE all her reasons… but now, the challenging part – to FIND one of these lovely rare creatures! ;-D



On the Blog this Month

Reviews:
Review: Ensnared by A.G. Howard
Review: Spiders by Tom Hoyle
Review: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
Review: Tunnel Vision by Susan Adrian
Other posts:
Ten 2014 Releases I Meant to Read, But Didn’t
February 2015 Releases I Need to Read
10 YA Books I’d Love to Read With a Book Club
My Bookish Resolutions for 2015


Soundtrack for the Week



Have a great week, and Happy Reading!!



44 comments:

  1. Oh oh how did you like Queen of Someday?! That ending killed me and I can't wait to see what happens next :D

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    1. Overall, I liked it! The first half was a bit... meh, if I'm honest, but the ending was amazing! I LOVED the ending so much, and I think I'll continue on with the series :D I was hesitant up to the 60-70% mark... but now, WOW... I need to KNOW!

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  2. I particilated in a promotion blitz thing for Queen of Someday and I was drawn by the cover. Then the second book's cover comes out and it's gorgeous and now I am tempted to read it. And that's great about wanting to rwad your Netgalley books. I remember I used to have tons of them and now I only have around 3 so mission accomplished :D I'm trying not to request more books. If I do, I request them through Edelweiss. I find that website so much easier to get accepted for eARCs.
    Anyway, I hope you can accomplish your resolutions!!

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    1. I saw the cover for book two! I really like it, and I'm really curious about it. The way Queen of Someday ended... I need to know what happens next :)

      Oh, I wish I could get down to 3 Netgalley's! I manage to chip away at them, and then three or four books come along at once that I'm desperate to read, and I just give in... One day, I'll be able to keep it manageable! I haven't requested on EW yet, I don't think my self-control is at the point of restraint just yet, LOL!

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  3. That dog is so awesome! I am auto-approved for the author of Queen of Someday so it's pretty awesome. Great haul by the way.
    My Stacking the Shelves

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  4. Your dog is beautiful, and I love that look! At least your dog truly understands you, Alma.
    I am very curious about Elsker, I have it on a TBR list somewhere, but I am not sure if I have bought it yet. The reason why I'm so curious is because the title is in Norwegian, and I just wonder if there are Norwegian characters, if it happens in Norway.. you know?
    Having read only books you enjoyed in January is a real treat! I think December was like that for me - and I was elated of having had so many good books in a row :)
    I hope Chelsea played well! And that you're enjoying your weekend.
    Happy reading:)

    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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    1. Thanks Lexxie, she's a handful at times, but as good as gold at others! Typical Husky :)

      With Elsker, yes, there are Norwegian characters, but the book is set in Cardiff, in Wales. The main female character is American born, but of Norwegian decent, but the main male character, Ull, is Norwegian :D It focuses on Ragnarok, and the fate of the Gods at Ragnarok. It feels more like a lead-in to the main story, it established the characters, but I'm hoping a lot more action will take place in book two. I'll definitely continue the series, though!

      And Chelsea got a draw against Man City... not bad! I'm happy, considering they had a tough match against Liverpool a few days previous, while City were lounging on their rears. (I don't like City or Man Utd... in case that isn't obvious, LOL!) I'm glad they didn't drop points, though :D Have a great week, Lexxie!

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  5. I really need to read Unhinged so I can read Ensnared! :-) I hope you enjoy all of your new reads and thank you for stopping by my blog!

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    1. Oohh, I really hope you love Unhinged! It's more character focused than Splintered, but I thought it was just as good :D Thanks Chrissi, have a great week!

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  6. You have the most beautiful dog! I just love huskies of any kind and would LOVE to cuddle her! I know what you mean about choosing my next read-I can stare at the bookcases all night and not make a decision! I get so frustrated with myself, debating what genre I feel like reading, do I want to try a new author or read the latest in a series I love...too much pressure!!! Like you, I decided to eat better this year and I'm finally getting a grip of the pesky tbr! Thanks for visiting my blog and enjoy your books!

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    1. Thanks Chuckles! Huskies really do give the best cuddles, but mine seems to have a strict limit of 20 seconds of hugging time every 24 hours, LOL! After that, you get pushed away, and if you don't move she'll sigh, get up, give you a dirty look, and swagger away. She's such a diva, LOL!

      Not being able to decide what to read is the worst, isn't it! I've been thinking about creating a TBR jar... I've heard it can help so much. But, I'm afraid I'll end up doing a best-out-of-three... or a best-out-of-ten draw each time! Then I'll be back at square one! Have a great week :)

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  7. The books are new to me I confess but I hope you'll enjoy them. Happy reading!

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  8. OMG Morpheus is so amazing!!! I'm so glad we're on the same team and that you loved Ensnared! I totally know how you feel trying to pick a new book... Sometimes I end up picking one, read a few pages, and put it back. Rinse and repeat. The struggle is real!!! Haha!

    Here's my Weekly Recap!

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    1. YES! Morpheus! Lots and lots of Morpheus :D Jeb made up a teeny tiny bit of ground in Ensnared... but... there really is no contest!

      I'm so bad at deciding what to read... seriously I think I have some synopsis memorized at this stage, I read them that often!! And they just don't appeal, or I'm not in the mood. Argghh! It's so frustrating, but I'm so glad I'm not alone though, haha :D

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  9. Looks like you had a great month even with some indecisiveness. I wish my big guy Grimm was as supportive as Morpheus. So nice to find another northern breed blogger we are rare. I read the prequel to Elsker and really enjoyed it. I plan to read Elsker this month. I still need to catch up on Splintered still have it sitting on the shelf. I hope you have a great new month!!! Happy reading. Enjoy all the fur. We already started to blow our coat...

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    1. I love the northern breeds :D But I'm not looking forward to the fur! I'm noticing a bit of fur around the place, but it hasn't kicked in fully just yet. I expect to be buried in white fur by the weekend, though! LOL, my wardrobe will be sorted for a few weeks - avoid all black clothes! Have a great week, Mandy!

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  10. Your dog is absolutely beautiful. Enjoy your books and have a great week!

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  11. I think Tunnel Vision looks good, I may have to get that one. Has a great premise. And good luck picking your next read- I have that problem too! :)

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    1. I loved Tunnel Vision! I highly recommend it :D Have a great week, Greg!

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  12. I have to say that I am currently Team Jeb although I've yet to read Unhinged or Ensnared so that may well change :) I know exactly what indecision is like! I will sit on my bed thinking about how much I want to read and staring at my shelf but then will decide that I don't want to read any of those. But then since I can't buy anything I'll just end up watching TV. This happens every two days or so and is pretty unproductive :/

    Yay for liking all the books you've read! I've had a few unusually bad ones this January which sucks but have also had some amazing ones :) Nice work with the challenges and happy reading!

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    1. I didn't mind Jeb that much in Splintered, I could see why he acted the way he did, but he really got on my nerves in Unhinged... and that was decision made, never to be changed =) I had always liked Morpheus more though :D Can't wait to see what you think after Unhinged!!

      Ooh I know the feeling! When I can't decide on a book, I know I should tackle and ARC or something, but... nope, not happening! Then, I'll end up mooching around YouTube instead of reading. Thanks for stopping by, Zareena!

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  13. I can be the same as you. Sometimes I just stare at my book shelve for half an hour. Pick up a book, put it back in. Choose a different one and put it back again. And then in the end up without a book.

    I'm really glad that you liked all the books you've read this month. That's always such a great feeling!

    Thanks for stopping by my post!

    El @ So Bookalicious

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    1. Yep, I know the feeling! Sometimes I just want to yell "Make up your MIND!" :D Thanks for stopping by, El :)

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  14. how do you make those awesome progress bars??

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    1. I found an awesome tutorial (that actually worked, woohoo!) by The Book Vixen - link here. I added some more styling to the basic code she gives, just to match it into my design :) Hope it helps!

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  15. I think we do wear masks. Not that it is bad, I think it has to do with the many hats we wear especially as women. Awesome haul. LOL..dogs are so loyal even when we act crazy.

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    1. LOL, yes! At least dogs don't judge when we act a bit weird :D Thanks for stopping by, Kim!

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  16. I love huskies! You're so right though - no other dog can glare like a husky! Hopefully she lets you get into bed. I definitely agree about dating a boy who reads! I married one and it's lovely. You've got some interesting other links as well. I agree with you about not feeling the competition. Maybe since I'm not trying to get a specific number of followers or make money? Have a great week!

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    1. She has her moments, but she's a little sweetie under all the glares! There's usually a race to see who gets the most space on the bed - and the pillows. She has to have a pillow... sigh! She usually ends up sleeping on her bed on the floor, but has to be given one of the pillows from the bed... (Diva puppy!)

      That's a good point re: making money! I didn't think of it from that angle. For me, the added pressure would make it seem a little too much like work. I love a steady number of pageviews and followers (I think most of us do, anyway!), but I don't have any specific targets. Thanks for stopping by Katherine, have a great week!

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  17. I usually decide by publication date because I am so behind. Nice dog! Here's my post: http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/2015/01/shadow-in-summer.html

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    1. I wish I could be organised like that! I'm a mood reader, and half the time it's so hard to pinpoint what I'm looking to read! Thanks for stopping by, Steph :)

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  18. AFJDKAFLSD I CANNOT BE MORE OBSESSED WITH MORPHEUS AS WELL. OHHHH MY GAWSH. MORPHEUS. I'm really really happy with Ensnared. I used to hate Jeb, but not so much anymore. He and Morpheus' relationship go a bit adorable. ;-) aND AWK MORPHEUS WAAAAITED I AM GOING TO SCREAM. XDXDXD
    Anyway.
    *ahem*
    Thanks for linking to my post!! SSQUEE! Spiders looks awesome. I just finished Thirteen and am sutibly freaked. hehe. Gone is one of my favourites. XD

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    1. YAY!! MORPHEUS!! <3 I'm completely addicted to him, and I've been trying to convince myself I don't want to reread the entire trilogy just to obsess about Morpheus even more! Ok, I totally DO want to reread the trilogy, like, NOW, but I have a zillion books I probably should get to first, *sobs* AND ENSNARED WAS JUST PERFECT :D I tolerated Jeb a lot more than I was expecting, certainly toward the end. I still intensely dislike him though... LOL! Give me Morpheus any day!! (And everyday *cough*)

      Moving on... I really enjoyed Spiders! Out of the two, I preferred it so much more over Thirteen. It's even more creepy, and a lot more intense :D And cults! Don't see them every day in YA! Thanks for stopping by, Cait!

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  19. I was like that on Saturday. I sat in front of my books for like 20 minutes. The Mr. asked me why I was staring at them. I wound up not reading anything that day. I was just in some sort of book funk I guess.
    Kristin @ Book Sniffers Anonymous

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    1. It's so frustrating! I'm glad I'm not the only one suffering though =) Makes me feel a little better, thanks for stopping by, Kristin!

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  20. These all look AMAZING! I heard Jay McLean is a very awesome author, so I can't wait to check out one of her books. Happy reading!

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    1. Yes, so have I! I can't wait to read it :D Thanks for stopping by, Heather!

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  21. FAIL ALMA FAIL TRIPLE THE AMOUNT OF BOOKS???? YOU DIDN'T EVEN TRY.

    Also is it sad that I still have not read Unhinged. It's going to happen soon I promise, it's just there are so many other books and WHEN WILL I GET TO ALL THESE BOOKS? Probably never.

    Also Jade is so cute. hahaha I love huskies :)

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    1. I FAILED SO BADLY, VAL! The minute I tell myself I can't do something, that very thing is exactly what I'm going to do! To make it worse, once I bought all the books, I was perfectly happy to go three months with only one book bought! LOL, I should have known, restrictions and limitations don't work on me! I just do the opposite :) YOU NEED TO READ UNHINGED!!! Go, go GO! :D

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  22. Awesome books you have here! :) And some of them I added on my tbr too. Happy reading and hope you'll enjoy them all.

    My STS: http://readingadd.blogspot.com/2015/02/stacking-shelves-25.html

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    1. Thanks! Hope you like them when you read them :)

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