Bought, Bagged and Wrapping it Up is where I share my new books, as well as what happened here at (un)Conventional Bookviews and elsewhere in the blogoshpere. I’m linking up with the usual suspects, AKA Team Tynga’s Reviews, Talk Supe and Caffeinated Reviewer.
STS #157 – Bought Borrowed & Bagged #107
Stacking The Shelves, hosted by Tynga’s Reviews is all about the latest additions to your library – virtual or actual, with books that are bought, borrowed, won or ARCs you will be reading soon. Bought Borrowed and Bagged is a homage to to Barron’s Books and Baubles from KMM’ Fever series, and is hosted by Braine over at Talk Supe. Without further ado, here’s what I bought, borrowed or bagged this past week:
Thank you, Sourcebooks, Running Press, Minnesota University Press, Harlequin, Algonquin Books and NetGalley!
Thank you, Avon, Harper and Edelweiss!
Thank you Pride Publishing and Enchantress Design & Promo!
And I have to say that this cover, plus the summary talking about a tattooed dancer made me think of this:
I had never even heard of Anna Todd when I went to the Bookfest in the south of France last month, but she was so friendly and funny I decided right there and then I wanted to read her books. So, here’s the first in her series 🙂
The Sunday Post #107 – Wrapping it Up
Kim @ The Caffeinated Reviewer, is our hostess with the mostest for the weekly Sunday Post where I’m wrapping things up. It is the perfect opportunity to share what happened here on my own blog, as well as some of the happenings elsewhere in the Blogosphere.
We spent the whole week in Spain, and while the beginning of the week was a bit bleak, with fog and a some rain, the latter part was beautiful! The sun shining and warm, the kids and Freddy went swimming in the sea more than once (and I went into the water, but not swimming…). Of course, we took full advantage of the empty beach, the near-empty restaurants, and peace and quiet everywhere. Now, we’re back home though, as son #2 has a hockey game today.
I also continued to make a little progress on my thesis, so I’m quite happy with myself to be honest. I may actually sign up for NaNo, just to have someone help cheer me on, and make me possible finish a full first draft of my thesis during November. That would be awesome, because my professor has to sign me up for the exam session, and I really want to do my defence for the February session next year, so that I know it’s all over with, and I can get into teaching college next year. Edited to add: Here’s my NaNoWriMo profile 😉
During the month of October, I have participated in Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup‘s blog ahead challenge, and I have to say I did really well! When October started, I didn’t have a single post planned. Nothing. It was as if my blog was going to be a blank page in the future. Not only have I had posts for every weekday in October, but I also have 18 posts scheduled and ready to go for November and December. I may even be able to do a few year-end posts before October is completely over. So, like last year, this challenge was a total win for me!
This Week’s Freddy in Action:
- [25 Oct] Release Day Blitz: Only You – Denise Grover Swank
- [26 Oct] Blogtour : Of Flame and Light – Cecy Robson
- [27 Oct] Thirsty Thursday and Hungry Hearts #88 – Her Naughty Holiday pt 2
- [29 Oct] Bought Bagged and Wrapping it Up #157
- [3 Nov] Thirsty Thursday and Hungry Hearts #89 – Mr. Mysterious
- [4 Nov] A to Z Bookish Blogger Tag
- [5 Nov] Bought Bagged and Wrapping it Up #158
- [31 Oct] Fling by Jana Aston ★★★★
- [1 Nov] Spell Cat by Tara Lain ★★★½
- [2 Nov] Sisters and Lies by Bernice Barrington ★★★★
Lola @ Lola’s Reviews rambles about Author Newsletters this week.
Karen @ Kissin Blue Karen wonders about The Things We Wish We Knew How To Do!
Michelle @ Because Reading is Better than Real Life continues her October guest post series of Monsters.
The wonderful ladies over at Happy Indulgence are celebrating their One Year Co-Blogger versary 🙂
Felicia @ The Geeky Blogger’s Book Blog shares her Thanks with Readers and Bloggers who have touched her in 2016.
Did you get some good books last week? What have you been up to this past week? Thanks for stopping by, I hope you’ve enjoyed your weekend, and that next week will be filled with awesome!
About Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Lexxie is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
Oh neat, I was curious about that Once Upon a Blue Moon Lodge so I’ll look forward to your thoughts and yay, the third holiday story.
That is a gorgeous Tara Lain cover and yes, the video does match so well.
I’m so glad your family enjoyed your holiday in Spain and fun to see Freddy enjoying it, too. That’s great with the thesis work and maybe doing NaNo. I’m doing it, too.
Have a good week!
I forgot to remark on your Blog Ahead numbers. Woohoo! That is fantastic.
Yeah, I was not very good when it came to NetGalley and Edelweiss this past week, Sophia, but just look at those shines!
Do you know if we have to share our stories online for NaNo? Mine won’t be a story, and I can’t have parts of my thesis floating around on the internet…
I’m very happy with my blog ahead numbers – I nailed it!
You will copy and paste your book into a place on your NaNo page to be counted, but nobody can see the words just your word count numbers. So your thesis will be safe. I had the same fear my first year, but then saw how they did it so it was hidden and protected. I like that b/c like you I didn’t want to work hard only to have it floating around on the internet. 🙂
Awesome, thanks for helping, Sophia! I could be accused of plagiarism if my words were out there… which would mean I wouldn’t actually get my Master’s. I totally get not wanting to have your words out there on the internet – even actual, published books get plagiarized and pirated, which makes me very sad.
Oh no, no, you definitely don’t want to lose your work and be accused of that. But you’re right, there are people who are ugly and steal and/or pirate so often.
Yeah, it’s really scary how often it happens, and how difficult it has been for some authors to get the much needed help to make it stop!
Too many comments to make! Firstly Spain! Sounds amazing, especially at this time of year, Autumn is my favourite time of the year but I wouldn’t say no to a week in a warmer climate!Saying that the beach, which I’d assume isn’t anywhere near Spain (!) looks amazing, and although it looks cold, I’d probably feel as happy there! Next, Freddy is gorgeous, such a cutie! Using Nano for your thesis is an excellant idea, hope it goes well for you, and lastly 18 blog posts?! I could only dream!!!
yeah, it really was nice to be in a warmer climate for a week, Bernadette 🙂 And yes, that beach is about 300ft from our apartment in Spain 🙂 The kids went into the water every day (as did Freddy) I stayed on a chair in the sand, with my kindle firmly in hand!
Thanks for stopping by!
Oh my lord, I thought that was a beach near your home that you went to AFTER you were in Spain, very wintry looking pics (love the beach in winter!)
Yeah, it was definitely colder in Spain – our place is up North, on the Costa Brava 🙂 I love the beach no matter the season, too, Bernadette 🙂
Freddy looks so funny all wet! Looks like he enjoys being at the beach as much as I do! Sadly I don’t live near the water that I love and I’m in for a noisy week with Halloween and Bonfire Night meaning non stop firework bangs everywhere, Gah!
Yeah, he looks SO skinny all wet. But he just loves jumping in the water, and then, getting sand all over. We don’t live near a beach at home, either. We’re not too far from Lake Geneva, but it isn’t the same thing.
I hope you’ll survive all the Halloween noises and stuff! Enjoy your weekend.
Twitter: lattenightsbook
Someone Else’s Summer has a pretty cover! I need to check it out. I got Codi Gary’s book a few weeks back and will be reading it this week! What She Saw and The Secrets We Keep both look very interesting.
Omg you did great in blogging ahead! I don’t have any posts schedule hahaha *starts sobbing* I need help.
I agree, Gen, that’s one of the reasons I wanted it 🙂 I try to have a few weeks scheduled in advanced – maybe not all the posts, but some reviews, my TT&HH posts and maybe a discussion post every now and then… It helps me not feel stressed. I was so happy when the Blog Ahead challenge started, because I had nothing!
You have the best posts, though, Gen, so maybe just writing and posting just works really well for you!
Glad to hear your trip to Spain was good! Never been there myself, naturally would love to! LOL! I’ve only been to Greece and Italy and that was…too long ago! LOL! Feeling my age sometimes when I realize how long it’s been! And I really want to go back there again too! Heehee! Glad things are going well with your thesis too! Nano should really help you out I’d think!
Nice new reads too! All new to me ones, so I hope you enjoy each and every one of them!
Once again enjoying the adventures of Freddy! He’s just so darn cute!
My STS will be up tomorrow, be sure to stop by then if you can!
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
Yeah, traveling is always nice, IMO. I hope you’ll be able to come back to Europe, and maybe got to more places than Greece and Italy? Nano should definitely help me with my thesis – it’s a way to also have someone ask me how I’m doing – and I feel like I really need that right now 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Jessica! I’ll be sure to come visit you tomorrow 😉
You did do quite well with your blog ahead challenge, didn’t you? I have to get better about that myself.
How nice that you were able to take a week in Spain, especially with the work load that a thesis brings.
I would read almost all of these books! I just recently discovered The Leavers. It sounds like it has a lot of dimension and I look forward to reading that one especially. I have to check to see if it ever officially made my list.
Yes, I’m very happy with my blog ahead challenge, Toady 🙂 It worked wonders for me!
I brought my thesis work with me to Spain, and managed to advance a little even while on vacation. I really, really want to finish that thing, you know?
Just discovered The Leavers myself, and it just intrigued me 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Enjoy your new books! I think NaNo would be a perfect time to write a thesis. Mine is done, but I totally would have signed up for NaNo to get it finished.
Oh wow, AJ, you’ve finished your thesis? So you’re all finished now? *envious* Congrats! That’s awesome 🙂 I can’t wait to tell people my thesis is done 😀
Great haul and such adorable Freddy pictures – thank you for sharing them with us. Happy reading and have a great weekend.
my STS
Best wishes
Vi
Thanks for stopping by, Vi!
Twitter: BerlsS
Congrats on the thesis writing! You should totally do Nanowrimo – I plan to do it, just to get myself back Into a writing habit. Would be awesome if you can finish by February!
Sounds like a great week – someday I’m going to visit you and we’ll have to do the France thing too. What I wouldn’t give for a secluded French beach *sigh*
Have a great week! *hugs *
Oh, yeah, you need to come visit me one day! I would love to do a blogger retreat with my blogger friends one day!
I have now signed up for NaNoWriMo, Berls 🙂 I hope that will help me just write now! {{{HUGS}}}
Love, love, love Hozier so I’m enjoying listening while I go back up now and read your post! That would be very cool to use NaNo to write your thesis. I always find accountability groups work well for me. And well done on Blog Ahead! I finally got some posts scheduled this week and it makes me feel much more in control. Now if I can just get back into the habit of doing this!
Nice haul, I love the look of Death Dancer. Have a great week Lexxie and I hope the hockey goes well!
I love Hozier, too! And this song is beautiful – plus with the dancer it just takes it to the next level 🙂
I’m very happy with the Blog Ahead, Trish, I wasn’t sure I’d find the time to do much – but see what accountability does for me?
Have a great week yourself!
Spain sounds wonderful, the weather was just opposite here. We had a nice beginning to the week, then it was blustery and cold at the end. Not warm enough for swimming though at all. 🙂 Glad you guys had fun. And good luck with NaNo if you jump in! That picture of Freddy all wet is great!
Awesome too about getting ahead. I was ahead for a while and am trying to stay that way lol. Have a great week…
Yeah, Spain is always wonderful in my opinion, Greg 😀 I hope you get some nice fall colors to keep you in a good mood while the temps get lower 🙂
I used to live 10 minutes away from the beach in Virginia and loved it. It was awesome when it was off season and we could enjoy the waves and cool breezes. Glad you had fun and love the doggy pics! Hugs…RO
Oh, how I wish I lived that close to the beach all the time 🙂 Alas, I’m able to go there for all my vacations, so I really shouldn’t complain, Ro 🙂
Twitter: Mlsimmons
Sounds like you’ve had a really great week. Good luck to your son with his hockey game. I’ve been a little MIA as I was on vacation and then playing catch up since I got back. I haven’t had much time to visit other blogs or post my own stuff. I’m hoping to get back to normal soon. Have a great week. 🙂
Great looking books! The Secrets You Keep is on my list….can’t wait!
Your time in Spain sounds wonderful, and what fun Freddy had…he does look a bit uncertain after his swim.
Enjoy your week, and good luck with the thesis!
I’m glad the weather improved for your time in Spain and well done with your thesis etc… It sounds like things are going well. I love the look of a lot of your new books.
And great clip – I’ve never seen it before!
I love the pics of Spain and the beach!! Freddy looked so adorable all soaking wet!!!! No wonder he needed cuddle time after 🙂
I love all your new books!! I need to stalk Tiffany Reisz’s books – that might be one to read during Kim’s read-a-thon coming up 😉 And GOOD LUCK with writing next month – I think NANOWRIMO would be a fabulous idea!!! It’s all writing!!! And they have so many great tools for you to use!! You’ll do great!!! I’m cheering for ya over here!!!
Aw, love the Freddy pictures. I’m glad you had a nice time in Spain and didn’t have to fight a bunch of crowds. You should do Nano for your thesis, even if you don’t officially sign up. I think I’m just going to use Nano has motivation to get my own writing worked on in November.
OMG your trip sounds great! I’m glad it went well. Empty beaches are the BEST. 😀 One Hot December looks like my type of read! I have not read anything by that author, though I’ve heard of her. I hope you enjoy all of your new books!
Have a fantastic weekend, Lexxie. 🙂
Check out my STS post!
I’m glad the second part of your week away cheered up Lexxie! What part of Spain were you in? You should sign up for NaNo! I’m doing it this year (and kind of feeling a bit panicky about the whole thing now it’s so close!) You look to have got some great books this week too, I hope you enjoy them!
Glad you’re having a great time in Spain! I hope you go to a lot of awesome places!
Here’s my Sunday Post!
Catch you over @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog and join in this week’s Book Photo Sundays!
Glad you had a wonderful holiday in Spain! I am jealous-I could use a holiday about now. Good luck with your NaNo and thesis. I would love to teach at the college level some day. That would be awesome!
Great book haul. My high school students loved the Anna Todd series when it was popular a year or so ago. It was originally One Direction fan fic so they were all about it!
Yeah, I saw that it was originally a One Direction fan fic… I have no knowledge of the group, my kids listen to other kinds of music, so we haven’t had the One Direction craze going on here 😀 I hope I’ll enjoy her writing, because she was such a great person!
Oh nice many new books there and I haven’t read any. I didn’t take any holidays but well soon! Good luck for everything!
Spain sounds wonderful. I’ve always wanted to visit. Best of luck with NaNo and your thesis, Lexxie:) Sounds like a good plan.
Freddy looks so adorable. It’s always a shock when you see them all wet. LOL
Sounds like you’ve had a great time. It definitely sounds nice having all those restaurants and the beach (almost) for yourselves.
Congrats on your progress on the Blog Ahead challenge. I didn’t do nearly as good as you. But I’m still happy with what I’ve got done.
Have a great week!
Twitter: limabean74
Good luck with NaNo! I am hoping to join that next year maybe. I would love to get some words down and see if I can really do it. 🙂
Love when the summer home is quite, we do that at the shore. The boardwalk is empty and the restaurants are light. It’s so relaxing. Freddy looked like he really had a great time! 🙂
Awesome job with Blog Ahead, this month went by so fast, I didn’t get as much done as I had hoped but I do have lots drafted so that helps with getting those posts done.
Have a great week, Lexxie! Miss you lots and lots! Happy Reading! oxoxoxoxo
Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
Your week sounds wonderful and you are ahead and making a dent on your thesis. Yes! I hope all this wonderful stuff carries into the new week! {{hugs}}
Your week sounds amazing and I love the pictures. It so cute seeing Freddy after getting wet. I don’t think my dog would have been so adventurist (she hates going out in the rain lol). You did amazing on Blog Ahead and one of these days I’ll get that organized lol. Have a great week!
Freddy likes to go in the ocean? Too cute. Mine won’t go in very far & gets cold really easy. My pit bull loves it though. Yay for making progress on the thesis. Enjoy your books. I’m contemplating What She Said.
aww glad you guys had fun in Spain, despite the fog and rainy weather! I bet it was still beautiful. Love the pictures
Ahhhh, Spain sounds so lovely right now…or any time. Hope you had a blast!
Codi Gary has been o my to-read list for a while. I really need to read one of her books soon.
Nereyda│ Nick & Nereyda’s Infinite Booklist
Twitter: talksupeblog
That video! I’m awestrucky!
NaNo & thesis, never thought of that but it works! Good luck, Lexxie! I hope you meet your deadlines and ace that paper!
I know, right? That dancer is so gorgeous, and the song is beautiful as well!
Thank you, Braine. I hope I’ll be able to do it all. I’m kind of tired these days, and just need to shake myself out of it!
Ooooh! I love Lorna Landvik! And it’s been so long since I read her. It looks like you made quite the haul, wifey. I’m really interested in your thoughts on After because I’ve considered buying it a few times but haven’t yet pulled the trigger. Thanks also for sharing the song and video – that dancer is incredible and I like the song too. 🙂 I’m glad you had a nice time in Spain and that you actually got some sun. I’m also happy you signed up for NaNo! Hopefully I can figure out how to cheer you on thru their website but you know I’m cheering for you anyway! You can do it, I know you can!!!
Hopefully your week is off to a great start! Oh, well, I guess it’s actually half over now. I’ve lost TWO days! *LOVE & BIG HUGS*
Once in a Blue Moon looks really good! And I’ve heard a lot about the one by Anna Todd so I hope you like it as well. Spain <3 I wish I was back there too! Glad you had a good time there though, and that the weather let up. And writing your thesis and Nanowrimo too? Girl, I certainly admire you!
Once in a Blue Moon looks very good, and I’ve really enjoyed the other books in the series.
Anna Todd was such a sweet person in real life, and I look forward to reading her book 🙂
Spain is a great country, I agree.
My NaNoWriMo is my thesis, because I needed the encouragement 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!