December Wrap up - Book Haul & What to Expect Next Month

Final post of the year!

This actually wasn't that good of a reading month for me.

The scores weren't that high and not one book was a favorite, sadly.

I'm currently reading Winter and also plan to re-read Illuminae, so high ratings will be there to come.

Also; I'm planning to do a very special, very cool Giveaway for a paperback. So make sure you check back this week!

2017 was great. I love to blog and have met so many sweet fellow bloggers and authors.

I feel blessed.

I wish you all lots of love and happiness for 2018 and thanks to all of you who read my posts and who follow my blog. Hope to see you in 2018!

🎆

Top Ten Tuesday #3 - 10 Books I'll Read In 2018

I haven't had much time this year to participate in TTT, but today I'm free since it's Christmas. So excited to write a TTT again!

For the ones who don't know yet; Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's theme is 10 books you're looking forward. I'm going to PLEDGE 10 books here that I will read in 2018!

I solemnly swear to read the following books...

Review: Shattered Roses: A Beauty and the Beast retelling

Author: E.L. Parfitt
Started reading: December 22nd 2017
Finished the book: December 25th 2017
Pages: 79
Genres: Fiction, Retelling
Published: April 24th 2017
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: Not enough ratings
My score:

Synopsis
A book for all Beauty and the Beast fans! A contemporary retelling viewed through the eyes of a teenager. Sixteen year old Megan wants to be a doctor. When Megan volunteers at a residential home she meets Lady. Lady tells a fragmented and confusing story of a duke who never aged; his fate tied to the roses that grew in his garden. As Megan hears more of Lady’s tale she is intrigued to know whether the duke existed or if he is a figment of Lady’s imagination. As Megan embarks on unravelling the mystery of the beast a hidden family secret emerges... will it shatter her life forever?

Goodreads: Your Year In Books Meme 2017

Hi there.

As a bookblogger I love to have lists. To-read lists, read-lists, books that I love, covers that I love and much, much more.

I'm always so excited to take a look at my Goodreads Year In Books!

I thought it would be cool to create a Goodreads Year In Books - Meme. I haven't seen this one before, so I hope bloggers will participate,
because I love to see your lists!




I was inspired by The Caffeinated Book Reviewer  , who organizes The Sunday Post, every Sunday!

If you want to share your Year In Books with me, I'd love to read your post so participate at the end of this post!

Review: An American Cage

Author: Ted Galdi
Started reading: December 11th 2017
Finished the book: December 21st 2017
Pages: 297
Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
Published: October 16th 2017
Source: Netgalley
Goodreads score: 3.88
My score:

Synopsis
Three inmates break out of a maximum-security prison in Texas, one of them Danny Marsh, a suburban man in his twenties who landed in jail because of a crime he never intended to commit.

An American Cage, a “tale of convicts on the run that convincingly examines their psychological states” (Kirkus Reviews), follows Danny and his two escape partners over a twenty-four-hour period as they struggle to cross Texas to freedom in Mexico. On this dangerous adventure, Danny has to evade the rabid Texas authorities, and even worse, the schemes of one of his closest allies, who isn't who he seems.

Review: Gladstones

Author: M.J. Manley
Started reading: December 10th 2017
Finished the book: DNF
Pages: 150
Genres: Fantasy
Published: May 25th 2017
Source: Got a physical copy from the publisher
Goodreads score: Not enough ratings
My score:

Synopsis
Buddy grows into a beautiful woman but no ordinary woman, as she is half human, half insect... a butterfly. Realising her destiny to become everyone's saviour, she has to fight to take over the power of her three worlds. She is the feisty heroine to this novel.
Buddy constantly battles not only with her own emotional journey but also to save her own kind and the human beings she has had to learn to grow and live with. Constantly soul searching to find herself but also on a quest to stop her three worlds colliding. Buddy must also fight the forces that could destroy all that she has finally learnt to love and within these realms finally has she found true love?

Review: Scavenger Girl: Season of Atchem (Scavenger Girl #1)

Author: Jennifer Arntson
Started reading: December 2nd 2017
Finished the book: December 9th 2017
Pages: 352
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Published: October 15th 2017
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: 4.45
My score:

Synopsis
Stripped of their birthright and shunned by the people of Ashlund, Una and her family are forced to live on the fringe of society as Scavengers. There is no question that her family's bond is strong, but the law of the Authority is stronger...and soon it will come to collect her. After all, the family is on borrowed time already.

When a night of torment and truth reveals well kept secrets, Una takes new freedoms - free from the Authority, her family, and possibly her fate. Pulled between the life she's always known and a world where status and rituals are everything, Una struggles to understand a culture that has rejected all she holds dear.

Review: Black Dawn

Author: Mallory McCartney
Started reading: November 26th 2017
Finished the book: December 2nd 2017
Pages: 187
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Published: February 14th 2017
Source: Won physical copy in Giveaway
Goodreads score: 3.66
My score:

Synopsis
The end of an Empire, The rise of a Queen.

Emory Fae enjoys leading a quiet, normal life. That is until two mysterious, and handsome soldiers show up at her apartment, and the life she knew is instantly whisked away. Memphis Carter and Brokk Foster come from the magical and war ridden world of Kiero, and upon Emory's arrival she will discover she is the long lost heir to the Royal Line and is thrown into the Black Dawn Rebellion with a dynamic role to ignite the rebels and reclaim her throne.

With both men being darkly woven in her past Emory uncovers hidden secrets, a power held long dormant, and will soon realize there are worse things than supernatural humans, love, loss, betrayal, and a Mad King.

November Wrap up - Book Haul & What to Expect Next Month

Oh lord, what an awful reading month this was! Only 4 books... I've been very busy. It's not that I'm in a slump, I'm just swamped with work and private appointments. November is a very busy month as a teacher since that's when I have a chat with all the parents after school time, it takes 2 weeks. Then I have to prepare all the Christmas festivities, so yeah.. Only 4 books this month.

I'm glad that I already completed my Goodreads goal. I plan to read much, much more in December!

I've been having this blog for almost a year. I can't believe it! I'm so excited to announce a one year anniversary giveaway! I'll give more information this January..

For now I'll tell you about this month's ratings, what to expect and my haul, which was awesome this month! I received HARRY POTTER ILLUSTRATED as a birthday present. YAY!

💛

Unboxing: Celebrate Books - Arabian Nights

Today I'm finally doing an Unboxing Post for a bookbox that I LOVE; Celebrate Books.

I have been ordering these book boxes since day one and I have loved every single one. There is usually a hardcover in the box with several awesome bookish goodies (like tote bags and mugs) and bookmarkers. Who doesn't love these goodies?!

I've always wanted to share an Unboxing with you guys, but usually I'm so busy writing reviews... That wasn't the case today, so YAY!

Review: Being Human

Author: Patricia Lynne
Started reading: November 18th 2017
Finished the book: November 25th 2017
Pages: 302
Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, YA
Published: September 8th 2011
Source: Got a digital copy from the publisher
Goodreads score: 4.07
My score:

Synopsis
For Tommy, there is only one thing he needs to do: survive. Only surviving isn't that easy. The hunt for blood can be tricky when humans know to fear the night. Desire sits on the edge of his mind, urging him to become the monster humans think he is. Vampire Forces, a special branch of police, is determined to turn every vampire to ash. Tommy included.

The only human Tommy can trust is his twin brother. A bond connects them, and with Danny's help, Tommy starts to understand the human world he struggles to survive in. He'll learn what friendships means and feel the sting of betrayal, find that sometimes the worst monsters are very human, and come to understand that family means more than blood.

Review (re-read): Red Queen (Red Queen #1)

Author: Victoria Aveyard
Started reading: October 26th 2017
Finished the book: November 16th 2017
Pages: 383
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Published: February 10th 2015
Source: Bought the book
Goodreads score: 4.08
My score:

Synopsis
This is a world divided by blood – red or silver.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.

That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Review: Out Of Play

Author: Joy Norstrom
Started reading: November 4th 2017
Finished the book: November 12th 2017
Pages: 212
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary
Published: October 27th 2016
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: 3.87
My score:

Synopsis
Gillian Campbell is out of patience.

Her husband is choosing his hobby over her. And the hobby in question? Live Action Role-Play, or ‘larp’. Larp involves dressing up as a character (be it medieval knight, banshee or centaur) and participating in imaginary battles for entire weekends.

Gillian is not impressed. She seeks professional advice and is surprised when her therapist encourages her to try larp. Who knows? It may make you smile. It may make you laugh. It may even improve your sex life. How terrible could it be?

Review: Mother of Shadows (The Chosen #1)

Author: Meg Anne
Started reading: October 27th 2017
Finished the book: November 2nd 2017
Pages: 257
Genres: Fantasy, Magic
Published: August 1st 2017
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: 4.30
My score:

Synopsis
Helena’s life had always been quiet. In fact, she liked it that way. When her childhood friend returns home and tells her that she is the prophesied ruler of the Chosen, those blessed with the gift of magic, her quiet life goes up in flames.

Suddenly Helena finds herself surrounded by a circle of protectors, each having sworn their loyalty to her since her birth. All except for one: her Mate.

It’s not enough that she learn how to use her magic and undergo a trial to prove her worthiness; in order to claim her title, Helena must also find the man who carries the other half of her soul.

October Wrap up - Book Haul & What to Expect Next Month

Hi there!

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read this post.

Can't believe it's almost November already. I have been blogging for almost a year now!

I'll definitely host an awesome January 1-year anniversary giveaway. I can't wait to organize it, seems so much fun.

Anyway, in this post I'll give you this month's ratings, my haul and what to expect next month.

Let's do it. ❣

I moved!

Hi there!

First of all; thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read this.

So... I've promised you a couple of times now, to write a post about my new house.

I haven't been reading that much, sorry again to all the authors that are waiting for reviews. I'm doing my best! Long story short; I haven't been reading that much, because I moved 3 weeks ago! The move actually went pretty fast, I slept there after 2 days and moved in after 5. I still have some small things to do, but it's mainly finished now!

I lived in Dronten, a small town in The Netherlands that's only 60 years old. It's actually build on a piece of land that's reclaimed from the sea. Sounds exciting, but it was kinda boring for me, because the nature is man-made and the streets are usually build up with houses that look all the same.

So I moved to Kampen, to one of the oldest towns/cities in the Netherlands! I bought a house that's a 107 years old, but completely renovated...

Read this post, to see the pictures!

Review: Collected Halloween Horror Shorts: Trick 'r Treat

Author: Kevin J. Kennedy and others
Started reading: October 21st 2017
Finished the book: October 25th 2017
Pages: 352
Genres: Short stories, Horror, Halloween
Published: October 1st 2017
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: Not enough ratings
My score:

Synopsis
If you love horror, Halloween is probably your favourite time of the year. Well… It’s ours, too.

A mixture of authors from Collected Christmas Horror Shorts and Collected Easter Horror Shorts have come back together, and invited a few friends, to make this Halloween an extra special one.

Lock your door, dim your lights, add some pumpkin spice to whatever you are drinking and light your jack-o’-lanterns. This will be a Halloween you will never forget.

Review: The Loneliness of Distant Beings (Ventura Saga #1)

Author: Kate Ling
Started reading: October 5th 2017
Finished the book: October 25th 2017
Pages: 269
Genres: Science Fiction, YA, Romance
Published: May 19th 2016
Source: Celebrate Books Box
Goodreads score: 3.46
My score:

Synopsis
Even though she knows it's impossible, Seren longs to have the sunshine on her skin. It's something she feels she needs to stay sane. But when you're floating through space at thousands of kilometres an hour, sometimes you have to accept there are things you cannot change.

Except that the arrival of Dom in her life changes everything in ways she can barely comprehend. For a while he becomes the Sun for her; and she can't help but stay in his orbit. Being with him flaunts every rule designed to keep their home in order, but to lose him would be like losing herself.

Review: The Urban Shepherd: Chasing the American Dream

Author: Ben Amor
Started reading: September 26th 2017
Finished the book: October 24th 2017
Pages: 178
Genres: Autobiography, Memoir
Published: January 11th 2017
Source: Got a physical copy from the author
Goodreads score: Not enough ratings
My score:

Synopsis
He has come a long way both literally and figuratively from his days as a poor shepherd boy in North Africa, but Ben Amor is a symbol of what can happen when someone's American Dream comes true. The successful career man reinvented himself again after a dream in 1983 of children crying because they were dying of starvation. Unable to forget the sound, he founded Terra-Genesis Inc., a nonprofit agency that began as a way to try to end world hunger through technology.

Review: Mind Virus

Author: Charles Kowalski
Started reading: October 15th 2017
Finished the book: October 18th 2017
Pages: 338
Genres: Thriller
Published: July 1st 2017
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: Not enough ratings
My score:

Synopsis
Robin Fox, peace-loving professor of world religions, wants only to leave his dark past as a military interrogator behind him. But when an unknown suspect tries to disperse a deadly virus in downtown Washington, Fox is unwillingly drawn back into the shadowy world of intelligence.

The FBI and CIA automatically suspect Islamic terrorists, but Fox digs deeper to discover the far more frightening truth: a global conspiracy to eradicate all religion from the face of the earth.

From Washington to Jerusalem, from Rome to London, Fox must use all his skills to stop devastating attacks on the world's holiest sites on their holiest days.

Review: Before I Let Go

Author: Marieke Nijkamp
Started reading: October 1st 2017
Finished the book: October 13th 2017
Pages: 368
Genres: YA, Mystery
To be published: January 23rd 2018
Source: Netgalley
Goodreads score: 3.13
My score:

Synopsis
Days before Corey is to return home to the snow and ice of Lost Creek, Alaska, to visit her best friend, Kyra dies. Corey is devastated―and confused. The entire Lost community speaks in hushed tones about the town's lost daughter, saying her death was meant to be. And they push Corey away like she's a stranger.

Corey knows something is wrong. Lost is keeping secrets―chilling secrets. But piecing together the truth about what happened to her best friend may prove as difficult as lighting the sky in an Alaskan winter...

The Blogger Recognition Award

Hi there! 

Time to post something..

I'm sorry for being away and not online that much.

The move went well and I'm so excited about my house! I will post something about it in a while.

I want to thank Erica Robyn Reads for nominating me for the Blogger Recognition Award. Thanks so much!!

So, without further ado, let's do this!

Giveaway: Holy Crap! The World is Ending! - The Winners!

The time has come! I'm so excited to announce the winners for the Holy Crap! The World is Ending Giveaway. I enjoyed this book and was very surprised. I'm so curious what you'll think about it!

I just drew the 5 random winners for this Giveaway.

Read the article, to find out more.

Review: Wrestling Demons

Author: Jason Brick
Started reading: September 26th 2017
Finished the book: October 1st 2017
Pages: 215
Genres: Action, Urban Fantasy
Published: June 19th 2017
Source: Got a digital copy from the publisher
Goodreads score: Not enough ratings
My score:

Synopsis
Varsity wrestler Connor Morgan and his mother moved to Portland, Oregon to get away from his drug-addicted father, but they didn't move away from trouble. At his new high school, three heavyweight wrestlers chase him through the halls. He runs away, in his underwear, past the girl he likes, into the January cold.

Then something weird happens.

September Wrap up - Book Haul & What to Expect Next Month

Hi there!

It's the end of September already. This month went by so fast.

I've been so busy. Started working again, 5 days a week with the kids in my classroom.

Have been going to school myself, on Thursday evenings to get my Gymnastics Certificate. That way I'll be able to teach the kids in my classroom gymnastics by myself.

I've been running together with the principal, to train for a 15K this November.

I'm preparing to move tomorrow, since I bought a house.

AAAAANNDD.. I've been sick. For a week now... Yup, that sucks. But I refuse to stay in bed, since I'm not THAT sick, but it just takes so much energy.

Anyway, I'm happy that I'm getting better, because I need all my energy to move.

I have been reading, but not that much. It's hard with such a busy schedule.

So; Sorry to all the authors, who are eagerly waiting for a review. I'm reading through my list, slowly but surely!

Here's this month's wrap up, my haul and what to expect next month!

Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend. 💙

Review: The Sweet Oil of Vitriol (Tom Glaze #1)

Author: Daniel Eagleton
Started reading: September 20th 2017
Finished the book: September 25th 2017
Pages: 221
Genres: Mystery, Suspense
Published: February 24th 2017
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: Not enough ratings
My score:

Synopsis
After a government sanctioned hit goes spectacularly wrong, Mossad agent Thomas is blamed for the mission’s failure by his superiors, ousted before completing his very first job. Desperate to prove himself, Thomas accepts an offer from his former handler, Yakov, to assassinate Jacob Okonjo, the head of the African Union. It seems Jacob is allowing certain parties to control Africa’s lucrative diamond trade, and in doing so has made some powerful enemies. But like that Mossad hit-team caught on camera in Dubi a few years back, how is Thomas supposed to terminate such a prominent figure without being caught on CCTV? The answer: to work undercover as a room-service waiter at a top London hotel, where, in a few months’ time, Jacob Okonjo will be staying. It’s the perfect plan.

GIVEAWAY: Holy Crap! The World is Ending! (5 Ebooks)

Hello there!

Hope you're ready to celebrate the weekend. I'm so happy to announce another Giveaway here on BiteIntoBooks.
This was maybe one of my favorite books this summer, and I did not expect that! I was happily surprised by this book and author and I highly recommend everyone to read this book and to participate in this Giveaway.

I'm, ofcourse, talking about Holy Crap! The World is Ending!: How a Trip to the Bookstore Led to Sex with an Alien and the Destruction of Earth (The Anunnaki Chronicles #1).

This Giveaway is open worldwide, so read this post to get all the information you need!

Review: Letters to Eloise

Author: Emily Williams
Started reading: September 10th 2017
Finished the book: September 17th 2017
Pages: 293
Genres: Contemporary, Fiction
Published: February 17th 2017
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: 4.55
My score:

Synopsis
When post-graduate student Flora falls unexpectedly pregnant during her final year studies she hits a huge predicament; continue a recent affair with her handsome but mysterious lecturer who dazzles her with love letters taken from the ancient tale of ‘Abelard and Heloise’, or chase after the past with her estranged first love?
But will either man be there to support her during the turmoil ahead?

Letters to Eloise is the heart wrenching debut epistolary novel by Emily Williams; a love story of misunderstandings, loss, and betrayal but ultimately the incredible bond between mother and child.

Yes, I'm still reading! (Sunday Post)

Hi there, how are all you lovelies doing?!

Since I haven't been posting as much as I did during my Summer Break, I thought it would be nice to join in on The Sunday Post.

A weekly meme by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. A meme to recap your week, share news and showcase books and things you've received!