Black Friday Finds!!

FRIDAY FINDS showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your To Be Read (TBR) list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased). This is hosted by ShouldBeReading!

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Okay so it has been way too long since we have done a Friday Finds and since we have the day off from work and school we figured why not. This Friday Finds is going to have a bit of a twist since of course it is Black Friday! So today's finds are going to be books we found today while scouring the net for book sales, plus books we added to my Goodreads list this past week!! 

So let's get started!! :D

Click on cover to be redirected to sale site or Goodreads page!! 

How was ya'll Black Friday shopping? What books did ya'll ask for this Christmas?

Published by: K&C

Review: Fairest of All (A Tale of the Wicked Queen) by Serena Valentino

Fairest of All (A Tale of the Wicked Queen)

By: Serena Valentino

Genre: Fairytale Retelling 

Length: 250  pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

The tale of the young princess and her evil stepmother, the Wicked Queen, is widely known. Despite a few variations from telling to telling, the story remains the same--the Queen was jealous of the girl's beauty, and this jealousy culminated in the Queen's attempt on the sweet, naive girl's life. 

Another tale far less often spoken of is the one that explains what caused the Queen to become so contemptuously vile. Still, some have attempted to guess at the reason. Perhaps the Queen's true nature was that of a wicked hag and her beautiful, regal appearance a disguise used to fool the King. Others claim that the Queen might have hated the girl for her resemblance to the King's first wife. Mostly, the Queen is painted as a morally abhorrent woman who never loved another being during the course of her miserable life.

In fact, the theories about exactly what cause the Queen's obsessive vanity and jealous rage are too numerous to catalog. This book recounts a version of the story that has remained untold until now. It is a tragic tale of love and loss, and it contains a bit of magic. It is a tale of the Wicked Queen...

My Review:

Rating:

Okay so I have to start by saying I am a huge fan of all things Disney!! What girl isn't? My college roommates and I would have Disney movie marathons almost every weekend! :D A great way to wind down after a long week of classes and exams. Sure do miss those days!!

So when I saw this book in the store I couldn't past up the opportunity to purchase it. This isn't the first book I have read by Serena Valentino. The first book I read of hers was The Beast Within: A Tale of Beauty's Prince! That was also an excellent read. Especially being that Beauty and the Beast is my absolute favorite Disney Princess Movie!! :)

Now Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was never one of my favorite movies as a kid, honestly the Evil Queen always gave me the creeps. She was one scary witch, but this book took the story of the Evil Queen we all once new and turned her into a person one could come to love.

I never thought I would come to like the Evil Queen, but this book really turned me around. This story provided a new outlook on the Evil Queen's background. She didn't marry the King out of greed or hate. She loved the King more than anything. It was great seeing the Queen as a loving mother and wife. She didn't resent Snow White, not until the very end. 

The Queen was never truly evil until after she lost her true love. She became lost and broken-hearted after the loss of her dear husband. Shortly after his death she turned to the Magic Mirror for approval and comfort. 

Now the Magic Mirror had a a remarkable origin. I never thought of the man in the mirror being the Queen's hateful father. That was an amazing twist to the story I did not see coming. Having a father who constantly told you that you were ugly, a hag and that no one would love you would be heart-breaking to anyone. I can see why the Queen hated her father. However, when she needed comfort instead of turning towards her friends and family within the castle she turned to the Magic Mirror. Only to hear that she was the "fairest of all" from the one man that told her was tedious for years.

Then those three sister, they certainly did not help with the Queen's madness. Only to provide her with the spells and potions to practice her new skills. The three sisters reminded me a lot of the Fates from Greek mythology. I really enjoyed having them thrown into the story. It was almost as if Serena Valentino took parts of Hercules and added it to a classic Disney story.

I liked seeing the Queen in a new light, she wasn't hateful at the start she became the Evil Queen only after giving into her envy. She was told so often she was not beautiful and without her husband there to remind her she came to believe it was true. 

I loved the moral of this story that envy and hate can be the death of you. It's better to act graciously and not give into envious feelings. For someone, who loves Disney this was a remarkable read and I am really hoping for another book, shedding light on Disney villains pasts. If you are a fan of Disney this is definitely a must read.

Published by: K                            

Review: Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole

Dead of Winter 

By: Kresley Cole

Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult Romance

Length: 336 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Can Evie convince her rival loves to work together? Their survival depends on it in this third book of #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole’s Arcana Chronicles, a nonstop action tale of rescue, redemption, and a revenge most wicked.

Heartbreaking decisions 
Evie was almost seduced by the life of comfort that Death offered her—until Jack was threatened by two of the most horrific Arcana, the Lovers. She will do anything to save him, even escape Death’s uncanny prison, full of beautiful objects, material comforts…and stolen glances from a former love.

Uncertain victory 
Despite leaving a part of her heart behind with Death, Evie sets out into a perilous post-apocalyptic wasteland to meet up with her allies and launch an attack on the Lovers. Such formidable enemies require a battle plan, and the only way to kill them may mean Evie, Jack, and Death allying. Evie doesn’t know what will prove more impossible: surviving slavers, plague, Bagmen and other Arcana—or convincing Jack and Death to work together.

Two heroes returned 
There’s a thin line between love and hate, and Evie just doesn’t know where she stands with either Jack or Death. Will this unlikely trio be able to defeat The Lovers without killing one another first...?

My Review:

Rating:

With work and family outings I was finally able to finish Book 3 in The Arcana Chronicles. When reading Poison Princess I fell in love with the world Kresley Cole developed. A post-apocalyptic world where teens have to fight one another to survive, then throw in special powers. Plus the tarot card spin! Genius!! Who wouldn't be drawn to a storyline like that?!? Kresley Cole really brought this world to life. 

Dead of Winter picks up with Evie leaving Aric (Death) to find Jack and save his life from the Lovers. I was so excited for more Jack and Evie scenes. For them to be reunited once again, and they were for a short period until Death stormed Jack's  "castle." Why did he have to follow her? I'm always rooting for Jack and Evie!! I like their chemistry. Even though Aric is a sweetheart towards Evie I can't bring myself to be okay with their romantic feelings. 

Throughout this book Evie is plagued with the knowledge that she must decided between Jack and Aric. Thankfully that decision was made at the end of this book. I would have hated to wait until Book 4 to know who she had chosen. I can't stand when books draw a decision like that out until the end of the series. But of course we are left with a cliff-hanger, wondering what happen to Jack and could he possibly be the unactivated tarot. That boys too lucky in life and death situations not to be...in my opinion. :D

Most of this book focused on the twins (The Lovers). Those were two very creepy kids. We learn of Evie's betrayal in a past life that leaves the Lovers anger and vengeful. But not only are we learning more of Evie's past we get to learn more about Jack and Aric. I liked reading those snippets of their past. 

Even though I love this series. This book had to be the hardest out of the 3 for me to read. I felt the story had very little action. Every action scene went by way too quickly leaving me wanting more. I also felt parts of the story were predictable. Thankfully the last two pages made up for that leaving me screaming at the book begging for more. I just had to know what happen. 

Even though this book seemed to drag on and never really end up anywhere new. I was waiting for a big revelation or a twist in the storyline. I cannot wait for Book 4. I can only hope that the next book makes up for the flaws I found in this book. Keep me guessing, like with Book 1. I never wanted to put Poison Princess down.

Published by: K

Flea Market Book Haul!! :D

Yes...more books to add to our bookshelves!! :D We LOVE our books and cannot resist buying them when we have the opportunity. 

What new books have ya'll added to your bookshelves?

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Garage Sale Buys:

My Name is Memory by: Ann Brashares

Flea Market Purchases:

The Back Door of Midnight by: Elizabeth Chandler

Anna and the French Kiss by: Stephanie Perkins

Looking For Alaska by: John Green

Hereafter by: Tara Hudson

Ruined by: Paula Morris

Low Red Moon by: Ivy Devlin

Published by: K & C

Review: The Return by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Return

By: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: The Return (Titan #1)

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Greek Mythology

Length: 347 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

The Fates are cackling their bony asses off…

It’s been a year since Seth made the deal with the gods that pledged his life to them. And so far, the jobs they’ve given him have been violent and bloody–which is kind of all right with him. But now Apollo has something else in mind for Seth. He’s got to play protector while keeping his hands and fingers off, and for someone who really has a problem with restraint, this new assignment might be the most challenging yet.

Josie has no idea what this crazy hot guy’s deal might be, but it’s a good bet that his arrival means the new life she started after leaving home is about to be thrown into an Olympian-sized blender turned up to puree. Either Josie is going insane or a nightmare straight out of ancient myth is gunning for her.

But it might be the unlikely attraction simmering between her and the golden-eyed, secret-keeping Seth that may prove to be the most dangerous thing of all.

Because history has once again been flipped to repeat.

Book 1 in the new adult paranormal TITAN series, spin-off to the best selling COVENANT series.

My Review:

Rating:

Jaw-dropping. Spectacular. Captivating. 

Another amazing book by Jennifer L. Armentrout, she never disappoints! I'm already anticipating Book 2.  This was one book I did not want to put down for anything, it had me drawn in from the very first page. Bad boy Seth and quiet Josie pair up for the adventure of a lifetime. I loved both of these characters from page one! I couldn't wait to see where this roller coaster of a story was going to take me. 

Greek Gods. Hot Guy. Witty Comebacks. What more could a girl want?

The Return is a spin-off series to Jennifer L. Armentrout's best-selling series The Covenant series!! Sadly I have yet to read that series, my goal is to read all of the books she has released so far. Every book I have read of hers has been amazing!! :) Even without reading the previous series I found the story very easy to follow. Jennifer goes into a lot of detail regarding Seth's past which helps you understand what could have happened in the previous series. It always you to paint a picture of what happened to him and caused him to be so closed off and negative.

Titans have been released from Tartarus! Greek Mythology and Romance my two favorite things!! Hercules is one of my favorite Disney movies! :D 

Josie being a demigod so did not see that coming, but that is something we learn very early on in the story.  That is one thing I love about her writing she doesn't draw out the mystery to the point of boredom, Jennifer jumps right into the story, the mysteries and what may be coming down the road. 

The Walking Dead and Supernatural seem to make cameos in many of Jennifer's books. Two shows I love!! Which makes reading them in her books even more enjoyable! :D

The romance was adorable. I loved reading about Seth and Josie's blooming romance. They had such chemistry. Their snarky conversations and Seth's witty comebacks. He definitely has some funny one-liners. Jennifer does an amazing job writing dialogue between two characters. Every conversation feels so real, has if it is happening right in front of you.

I cannot wait to get my hands on Book 2 The Power. I am ready to know what is in store for Josie and Seth. What Titan is going to make an appearance in Book 2? And how is Josie going to cope with her new abilities? This should be interesting!!

Published by: K

Book Review: The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks

The Guardian

By: Nicholas Sparks

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Julie Barenson's young husband left her two unexpected gifts before he died: a Great Dane puppy named Singer and the promise that he would always be watching over her. Now, four years have passed. Still living in the small town of Swansboro, North Carolina, 29-year-old Julie is emotionally ready to make a commitment to someone again. But who? Should it be Richard Franklin, the handsome, sophisticated engineer who treats her like a queen? Or Mike Harris, the down-to-earth nice guy who was her husband's best friend? Choosing one of them should bring her more happiness than she's had in years. Instead, Julie is soon fighting for her life in a nightmare spawned by a chilling deception and jealousy so poisonous that it has become a murderous desire.

My Review:

Rating: 

Nicholas Sparks is a phenomenal author!! He never disappoints with his books. The first book of his that really got me hooked was Safe Haven!! That book had me hooked from page one. This book may not have been as good as Safe Haven, but it was not disappointing in anyway. It took me some time to get into the story but once I did it really picked up.

Oh Singer, the best dog ever!! Who wouldn't love a Great Dane like him!! Julie and Singer had the best relationship, the way she talked to him as if he were human. :) 

The blossoming romance between Mike and Julie was too cute to read. Them being old friends falling in love after the death of Jim, a dear friend and husband. However, before getting to that part of the story we had to meet Richard, the everyday good guy. But there are some secrets he is hiding and he won't be this perfect guy for long.

Shortly after Julie breaks things of with Richard, a dark cloud starts following her everywhere she goes. Once the suspense picked up I didn't want to put the book away. I just had to know what happen to Julie and Mike. Like all of Nicholas Sparks books it had a sadness to the ending!!

Published by: K

Release Day: The One Thing by Marci Lyn Curtis

The day is finally here folks, The One Thing is being released!! This was an absolutely breath-taking story. We had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of The One Thing Book Tour back in April!! This book was captivating from page one, it keeps you guessing and wanting more. Marci wrote an amazing story for her first debut novel!! We cannot wait to read more books by her. So please go out today and buy this wonderful book to support this talented new author!!

For more about this book check out our review:

Our Review

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The One Thing

By: Marci Lyn Curtis

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Length: 336 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

"A soaring tale of life and love, of sacrifice and renewal, and learning to see people as they really are."

Maggie Sanders might be blind, but she won't invite anyone to her pity party. Ever since losing her sight six months ago, Maggie's rebellious streak has taken on a life of its own, culminating with an elaborate school prank. Maggie called it genius. The judge called it illegal.

Now Maggie has a probation officer. But she isn't interested in rehabilitation, not when she's still mourning the loss of her professional-soccer dreams, and furious at her so-called friends, who lost interest in her as soon as she could no longer lead the team to victory.

Then Maggie's whole world is turned upside down. Somehow, incredibly, she can see again. But only one person: Ben, a precocious ten-year-old unlike anyone she's ever met.Ben's life isn't easy, but he doesn't see limits, only possibilities. After awhile, Maggie starts to realize that losing her sight doesn't have to mean losing everything she dreamed of. Even if what she's currently dreaming of is Mason Milton, the infuriatingly attractive lead singer of Maggie's new favorite band, who just happens to be Ben's brother.

But when she learns the real reason she can see Ben, Maggie must find the courage to face a once-unimaginable future...before she loses everything she has grown to love.

Order Your Copy Here!!

Amazon

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BAM!

Published by: K&C