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 #158 – Bought Borrowed & Bagged #108
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, Jana Aston and Rutherford Press!
Thank you Carina Press and NetGalley!
Thank you Harper Voyager and Edelweiss!
I recently read Blood Red Kiss, and one of the novellas was from the Otherworld Assassins series, and I had the first novel in the series on my kindle (where it had been hiding for years!) and read that straight after – and knew I needed this second book as well.
This one has been on pre-order ever since that was possible… because Raphael and Elena *sighs and swoons*
The Sunday Post #108 – 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.
It’s both kind of on and off the blog, but this happened :
Nalini Singh actually mentioned me for helping out with something in French… A while back on Twitter, she asked about how to say something specific in French, and I answered. Can you imagine my happy surprise to find that mention? In the actual published book? I’m elated and giddy right now!
This also happened! I have given feedback 500 times on NetGalley! And my Feedback ratio is 93%. I’m really happy about this, as I really try my best to make sure I read all the ARCs I request, even at the detriment of the books I purchase.
I made a lot of progress on my thesis this week, and I have officially signed up to do my defence in February next year. I think having a real deadline will help me stay motivated, too, as I can procrastinate with the best of them until I don’t have a choice anymore. And NaNo really helps, too! Having my word count out there is exhilarating!
This Week’s Freddy in Action:
- [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
- [8 Nov] #ReadIndie Challenge – Sign-up
- [10 Nov] Thirsty Thursday and Hungry Hearts #90 – Ruthless
- [11 Nov] Up Close and (un)Conventional: Condescending Shelves
- [12 Nov] Bought Bagged and Wrapping it Up #159
Karen @ Kissin Blue Karen chats about What All Bookworms Can Relate To.
Jamie @ Perpetual Pageturner explains how hard it was for her to Revamp her Bookshelves and Cull Books.
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight wonders Why Are We So Attracted to Pretty Book Covers?
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!
Lots of razzle dazzle in that book haul. I’ve already devoured and loved Archangel’s Heart. I need to get Gemina soon.
How cool! I was wondering if that was you when I read the acknowledgements for Archangel’s Heart. 🙂
I’ll be rooting for you to be ready for your thesis defense in February. You’re right that a deadline is a big motivator.
Cute Freddy. 🙂
I’m in the middle of Archangel’s Heart right now, Sophia, and I love it! Singh always makes me happy and Raphael and Elena are swoon worthy 🙂
I was so happy when I saw the acknowledgements, I’m still elated when I think about it 🙂
Freddy sleeping on his back is the cutest thing! Yay for having a set deadline to defend your thesis. It sounds like it’s coming together well, so that’s awesome.
How fun that you were mentioned in the book for helping answer a question on French. That’s really sweet of the author to acknowledge all of you!
I really want to get a blanket from Society 6 at some point. I have a t-shirt and a tote bag, but there are so many amazing designs and items.
-Lauren
Yeah, he’s like that very often when he sleeps – complete abandonment 🙂 It is so cute, and I can never get enough of him!
I agree, Society 6 has some great stuff! I’ve used my blog design to have tote-bags and iPhone covers with my blog on. It’s great when I got to conventions – people recognize me straight away and from far away 🙂
Ooh ya got Replica I hope you like it! And I love that cover of Black and Blue. Very nice… and you’re doing NaNo too, looks like a good week. 🙂
Freddy reminds me of my cat, the way he curls up like that. How do they get so comfortable lol?
Congrats on the mention and also the ratio! Woo hoo!
I hope I like it, too, Greg. It sounds really good!
Yeah, sometimes, I’m surprised Freddy doesn’t purr 😀 And it is amazing that he can feel comfy enough to fall asleep like that!
It’s always nice to get a thank you from an author for helping them out. You got some great books this week. I hope you love all of your new books.
Grace @ Books of Love
Yeah, it was so nice! I was amazed at that thank you, Grace 🙂
Replica is on my buy asap list! As I just want to own everything LO writes, I love her style. And well done on the NG stats! That’s a huge amount of feedback, it makes me wonder what mine is. I must check next time on there. Like you my ratio is in the 90%. I’m too competitive with myself to have it lower!
I had to get it, and as I wanted the hard cover for Gemina, I just ordered both from Book depository.
I’m really happy about my NG stats – more about the ratio than the total feedback, but still 😀
Twitter: Irena_BookDust
OmG, you’re like Netgalley goal for me! Congrats on 500 feedback sent, that is amazing! I know I probably won’t ever review that many books judging by my reading speed, except if I continue to review for years and years (I don’t plan to stop any time soon). I just posted my 50th review on Netgalley, that’s like 10% of yours.
Can I ask you how many years do you review on Netgalley and how many are you a blogger?
Hey, your dog Freddy is supercute!
And I hope you’ll enjoy books you got. 🙂
Thanks, Irena 🙂 I started blogging in June 2012, so almost four and a half years ago, and I started getting eARCs from NetGalley at the same time. And hey, 50 reviews is great! You should use your own goals, based on your own likes, and reading speed – but I’m happy if I can motivate you.
Thanks for stopping by!
It’s so cool when an author gives you a mention like that…how exciting! I love the covers you’re featuring this week especially Black and Blue. That is very eyecatching and I hope it lives up to the cover for you. As always Freddy manages to look adorable…I wish I slept as well as he does! Have a good weekend and enjoy your books!
I know! I was so happy about that, Chuckles!
I agree, the cover of Black and Blue is absolutely gorgeous! I love how her dress kind of become the troubled water…
I wish I could sleep like Freddy, too. He looks so peaceful, right?
Twitter: ailynk
oh wow! love your selection of books! Hope to see your Gemina review soon. was not a fan of illuminae so i am holding out
Thanks, Ailyn 🙂 I actually haven’t finished Illuminae! I started it and then forgot it at home when I traveled somewhere… I really enjoy it so far, though, and look forward to Gemina.
Twitter: bmreviewsohmy
Look at all those great books and that is so cool you were mentioned for helping with French! Wow on that ratio, I have to decide how to tackle my TBR list for next year with my backlog of review books. I am going to have to start making a list of wants and not grabbing so many. Sighs. Or learn to read faster. 🙂
Love the Freddie pics!!
Have a great weekend!!!
Stormi xo
I know, that really is cool, Stormi 🙂 And it made me SO happy! I need to try to stay on top of things so I can keep my ratio this good. But it’s SO hard to not request new books every week.
xoxo
Lots of great books!! Interested to see what you think of replica. WOW on the NG feedback and ratio. That is awesome. Freddy is as adorable as ever 🙂 Have a great week!!
Replica looks really interesting because of the format and the fact that it follows two characters. I’m going to have to make a choice about how to read it though… First one girl then the other? If yes, which girl first? One chapter one girl, then one chapter the other? One / two / two??
Oh that’s great for the Nalini book! I can understand why you were so happy! I’m so curious about the Gemina novel, thanks again for the first one! happy reading!
I’m very curious about it, too, Melliane 🙂 And still elated about Nalini mentioning me in her book!
Oh wow! Looks like you had a great week! Nice new reads! And a mention by Nalini?! That’s incredible!! Just wow!! And yay for good work on Netgalley! I’m not sure how many books I’ve reviewed for them over the years, but I too make sure to review everything I request. Even if it ends up being a DNF review. And yay for progress on the thesis! That’s great!! Sounds like things were just awesome this week! And Freddy! I love how he’s always laying on your new blankets and things! It’s hilarious! I feel like our dog knows when something is mine too and goes for it! LOL!
I cannot wait to read Nalini’s newest Guild Hunter book. I am a bit behind in the series, whoops! I think I need to read like 2 more books before this one…maybe 3? I can’t remember! I will have to go back to Goodreads and check! LOL!
Happy Reading!
My STS will be up tomorrow, so be sure to stop by then if you can!
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
I did have a great week, Jessica! And yes, a mention by Nalini!!!
I review DNF books on NetGalley, too. I think the publishers deserve to know why I stopped reading and where, as they were nice enough to let me read a book before it was released.
This is awesome news – congrats on being mentioned! And look at all those great covers you ´ ve got – guess that Gena Showalter will go on my wishlist, love the color 🙂
my STS
Best wishes
Vi @ Gone With The Books
Thanks, Vi! I’m definitely very happy about that mention! And I think you’d really enjoy Showalter’s stories 🙂
Twitter: talksupeblog
OMG I’m so thrilled for you!!!! Year made lol
*smooches* You are right, Braine! Year made for sure 😀
Congrats on the author mention, and also for your NetGalley Feedbacks given. That’s a lot!
I love the look of Eye of the Beholder…and Freddy is as adorable as ever!
Enjoy your week!
Thank you, Laurel-Rain 🙂 You, too!
I really want to read Replica! 🙂 It looks amazing. Have a lovely weekend!
I agree, Chrissi, it looks really good!
Freddy is adores!! Just don’t tell my pups I said that. 🙂
I think all those books you listed are on my wishlist and I so need Gemina. Loved the first book and need answers.
Congrats on the mention! That is very cool!!
I won’t tell him if you don’t, Melissa 😀
Thanks for stopping by!
Oh I got the Alexa Riley book as well and there was screaming involved!! Like, crazy, what the heck is wrong with me kind of screaming. My husband did not understand my excitement at all.
Freddy is too cute when he sleeps!
Congrats on 500 reviews! That is totally awesome! I am at about 225 right now. And 93% feedback ratio is awesome! I think I hover around 86-89% and I am always watching it. I would FREAK out if I ever went below 80%!
WooHoo! My husband doesn’t really understand my excitement about books and bookish stuff, either, Samantha 😀 That’s OK, though.
I’m very happy with my feedback ratio! I was underneath 80 for a while in the beginning, but I want to try to keep mine way up now so that I don’t feel stressed out.
Twitter: BerlsS
Wow! You had quite the week 🙂 Congrats in the mention, that’s sooocool!!! And look at you, 500 books reviewed. I haven’t requested even 100 yet. I try to only take what I know I can review and that’s not much. I’m glad your thesis is going well, having that deadline should help. I know Nano is always pretty exhilarating 🙂 Hope you have anther awesome week!
I know! I’m still so excited about it, Berls 🙂 You know I’m a fast reader, and that’s why I’ve been able to read so many NetGalley ARCs. I really should try to stay away and read my own books, though. I still have books from both RT and BEA that I haven’t cracked open.
Yeah, having that deadline looming is a good thing for me, I work best under pressure, sadly.
Wow Lexxie, a mention in her actual book. That’s so awesome. 😉
Congrats on the progress of your thesis. And February.. Wow.. How exciting is that?
My week was very busy, but still pretty good. I miss the days were I could read all day though.. I don’t think I actually had a lot of those.. But it sure feels like I had them and I definitely don’t have them now. Sigh..
Have a great week and Happy Reading!
I know! It’s so exciting 🙂
February for my thesis is doable, and I hope that having the deadline and the added pressure of that will make me stay on track.
Reading all day would be so nice! I guess that won’t happen again until we retire 😉
Yay for getting a mention in a book! Very exciting! And how lovely of the author!
And your NG numbers are huge. I don’t know how many I’ve reviewed there but earlier this year I mostly had print copies from Oz publishers so barely requested any, but that’s changed a bit lately!
I know 🙂 Plus, I’m such a huge fan of Nalini Singh it felt very special 😀
The NG thing needs to be held in check a bit, though, because I mostly end up reading those books and not the ones I’ve bought…
Wow! Congrats on getting 93% on Netgalley! I’m still trying to read up on my arcs for Netgalley!
Check out this week’s Book Photo Sundays!
Thank you, Ronyell 🙂 I’ve been above the 80% for a long time, but now, I’m very happy to be way up there!
How awesome that you got mentioned in a book!!! And congrats on 500 reviews on NetGalley! It also makes me happy to see other bloggers who really do try to read every ARC they accept since I’m the same.
Freddy looks so confused in that one picture lol. Good luck working on your thesis 🙂 And oh, I love that Black and Blue cover!
Yeah, that made me so happy and kind of incredulous, Kristen! I do try and review every ARC from Netgalley and Edelweiss – I ask for them, so it’s the least I can do, I think!
That Black and Blue cover is beautiful – makes me want to buy the hardback 😉
I love the books you’ve acquired – Replica looks fascinating… And huge congratulations on the mention by Nalini Singh – kudos to her for taking the time and trouble to attribute your help. I’m awed at your productivity with NetGalley, you must read a hefty number of books a year. I’ve just passed 80% with NetGalley, but 93% is an amazing statistic. Hope you have a great reading and blogging week, Lexxie. Many thanks for swinging by my blog:)
Yeah, Nalini Singh is a class act! I usually read between 200 and 250 books per year, so yeah, I do read quite a lot 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
As always I’m adoring your Freddie photos! That’s so exciting that you’re in Nalini’s book, congrats Lexxie! YOU HAVE GEMINA I AM INCREDIBLY EXCITED FOR YOU TO READ IT. Have a lovely weekend LExxie!
Thank you, Jeann! And I’m incredibly excited about Gemina as well 😀
Twitter: limabean74
GOOD LUCK with your papers, you have worked so hard, I can’t wait for it all to be behind you so you can focus on what is next. <3
YAY! The best feeling is seeing your name in a book! What a wonderful surprise!
Freddie is such a cutie!
I hope you have a fantastic week, Lexxie! Miss you! Happy Reading! oxoxox
Thank you, Michelle! I have worked hard, and this is the last paper I have to do for my MA, then, off I go to get my pedagogy MA 🙂
Freddy is a cutie for sure 🙂 Have a great week yourself!
Those new arc’s you got look good, I hope they are all good reads! I like how her dress turns into the see on the black and blue cover.
That’s so awesome you got mentioned in a book for helping with something french! And 93% on netgalley, that’s so awesome! I keep hoping to reach the 70% and then I request another book and ruin that again. I wish I had been more careful when I just joined netgalley. And you’ve read 500 boos through netgalley, that sure is a lot. I think I have about 130 or so in total that I got approved for?
All the Freddy pictures are so cute! He sure seems to sleep a lot or maybe that’s the best moment to photograph pets ;). I hope you have a great week!
They do look good, Lola, and I look forward to reading them all. I agree, the dress becoming water is such a great idea!
🙂 It made me so happy to see my name in the acknowledgements, Lola, it was unreal!
I have caught up to my percentage on NetGalley this year, and I’m happy to have that feedback ratio for now.
I think he’s still sleeping quite a bit, as he’s still little. He also has moments when he’s moving a lot and very quickly, but then it’s impossible to take pictures of him 🙂
Way to go with Netgalley and the mention in her book. I was shocked to discover my name in a book this week too. That cover for Black and Blue is gorgeous. Most of her covers are outstanding. Freddy is as adorable as ever. He looks ready to bust out in that one picture! I bet he makes you grin every time those short little legs churn. LOL
Thanks, Laura! Which book?? Don’t leave us hanging 😉
I agree, Showalter has a lot of truly amazing covers for her books!
I do grin every time Freddy’s short legs run like crazy 🙂
Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
Nalini Singh mentioning you is AWESOME! Gemina was fantastic and I hope you enjoy it. I am loving your new books my friend and that dog of yours is just too cute!
I know! And she is so amazing, I love her 🙂
GEMINA! I want that book so badly. If I happen to see it at a bookstore I don’t think I’ll be able to resist it. :$
I had to buy it, Stephanie 🙂 I ordered it on Bookdepository 🙂
What a sweet little Freddy! Huge congratulations on being acknowledged by the author.
Oliver’s been hit-and-miss for me, but I do want to try Replica. I like creative formatting a lot.
Thanks for visiting Falconer’s Library!
He is the sweetest, Wendy 🙂 Thank you!
I am all kinds of jealous of your book haul this week! That Gena Showalter cover is blindlingly gorgeous, it makes me want to read it just for that! Enjoy your week Lexxie 🙂
I agree, that cover is so beautiful!
Woah and woah! A mention from a huge author, and 500 reviews on NetGalley! That’s amazing, congratulations. =) I loved Gemina! I think I liked book one better, but Gemina impressed me. I hope you enjoy all of your new books!
Have a fabulous week, Lexxie. 🙂
Check out my STS post!
Yeah that mention still has me in awe, Alyssa Susanna! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
That is amazing to be mentioned in the book. And wow on your Netgalley reviews. I’ve been wanting to read Replica and need to get a copy soon. I hope you enjoy all your new books and have a great week!
I hope you’ll get your hands on Replica soon, Kathy 🙂
Wow! That’s so cool that you got a mention from Nalini Singh! What an honor! And I’m so happy for you that you scheduled your defense. I bet it’ll feel great in February to be done with it. Best of luck these next few months!
I know! So exciting !
I want to just finish up my thesis right now, SJ, I am so over being a student!!
You had such a stellar week! I hope this one can compare. 😉 Congrats on all your new goodies and, of course, the mention. 😉 And KUDOS for your Netgalley rating, wifey. You’re as high on the spectrum as I am low. 😛 Keep it up. And maybe it’ll rub off on me. 😀 Also, keep plugging away at your thesis. You’re doing so well. You can do it. I know you can!
I hope you enjoyed your weekend. Ours was kinda quiet. 😉 Miss you and love you!!! *BIG HUGS*
I did have a great week, Brandee 🙂 I was quite amazed when I saw how my ratio was on NetGalley, plus the fact that I’ve given feedback for that many books!
Miss and love you, too, wifey! {{{BIG HUGS}}}
The cover of Eye of the Beholder is gorgeous! I hope it makes it to the final draft. 500 reviews is quite the achievement, congrats!!! Hope you have a great week!
I agree – it’s great, isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by, Stacey 🙂
Lots of great books there…and what a cutie Freddy is!! And congrats on the mention…how exciting!! Have a great week!
I can’t wait to read all of these, Melissa 🙂
I love the covers of all those books. Pretty awesome of your mention by Nalini Singh and your feedbacks on NetGalley. I’m slowly making my way up on that site. Slow and steady right? 🙂 Hope you have a great week! ~Aleen
I know, Nalini Singh is the queen! Slow and steady wins the race 😀
Awesome haul this week! I still really need to check out Replica! I hope you love all of these 😀
I can’t wait to get started on Replica, Tracy!
Way to go with getting mentioned in a book 😀 Congrats! Eeeep, GEMINA!!! My copy arrived last week but I was in a bit of a reading slump so I held off. Can’t wait to dive in though! And Replica sounds amazing too – I need to read more Oliver! The rest are new to me but Black and Blue is BEAUTIFUL ♥♥ Happy reading my friend! xx
Heh! That’s not at all why I answered her question about French, Micheline! It’s a huge pet-peeve of mine when authors use a language that is still in use, but they make silly mistakes! So when she asked something very specific, I just answered her 🙂 Because I love her books, and I wanted her to have the correct language use, you know?
Isn’t Black and Blue gorgeous??
I didn’t think that was why you answered her question at all and I’m sorry if it sounded that way. I just wanted to congratulate you on getting a shout out because that’s always fun 🙂 As a French person, I can certainly understand silly mistakes bugging you.
Twitter: lattenightsbook
That’s awesome that you got mentioned in a book!
And wow 500 reviews sent?! That’s great!
Freddy in that last picture made me laugh haha He sleeps so funnily.
Have a great week!
Genesis @ Latte Nights Reviews
I know, I’m still amazed, Gen! I don’t know how Freddy can sleep like that, but he definitely makes it easy to get new pics of him to share 😀
I like the Otherworld series, I listened to them on audio. Our library just got the guild hunter series on audio and I plan to listen to them soon.Congrats on the shout out in the book and on your 500 reviews. Have a great week.
Oh that’s good to know, Nise’! I have listened to some of the Guild Hunter books on audio, and I really enjoy the narrator 🙂 I hope you’ll enjoy them!
Is that mention in the author’s note of a book? That’s so cool! I have a blurb on a book cover, but being mentioned in an author’s note is way cooler. Congrats!
Yeah, that mention is in the acknowledgements at the back of the book 😀 I was elated!
I am soooo bad at adding my reviews on NG. I always add them on GR but not NG, I’m too lazy for that. I even have it in my NG bio that I add reviews maybe once or twice a year so congrats for reaching 500!
Gemina is coming up for me next week!
Nereyda│ Nick & Nereyda’s Infinite Booklist
I usually add my reviews to NG as soon as they’re up on the blog – and I have a handy plugin that posts my reviews automatically to GR so that definitely helps 🙂 Have a great week, Neyreda!
I want to read Replica (and I really enjoy the cover!) and Gemina. How cool that you were mentioned for your help!!
I know! I was ecstatic, Jaclyn 🙂 Replica sounds so interesting as it follows two main characters, not only one!
Good on you for being so up to date with everything you’ve been reading and reviewing! I try to churn out as many reviews for books as possible – I review everything I read but only really post my reviews for requested books. But my reading life is limited with school lately, so my percentage is dropping 🙁 Anyway, I also really like the looks of Replica and Gemina! Enjoy them :3
I try to review books very soon after I read them, but that doesn’t always happen to be honest 🙂 Of course, there are just times when reading for pleasure is difficult, and then, trying to review those books as well seems impossible. I’m sure you’ll be able to get your percentage back up!
Oh wow that is so great that she thanked you! I keep seeing Gene Showalter (books) around lately. I wonder if that is a sign…