Top Ten: Words/Topics That Instantly Make Me Buy/Pick Up A Book

**Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish Top Ten Tuesday is a countdown spotlighting, well, anything bookish!**

Top Ten Words That Gravitate Me Towards Any Book: 

Forbidden: This word sounds so off-limits, how on earth am I supposed to resist?

Sizzling: I love, love, LOVE good romantic chemistry! Being a fan of romance, I appreciate it when a book promises a sizzling connection between the female and male leads, so hot that the page kind of chars a little. It can be love/hate or whatever, but reading about their chemistry has to make me sit back and dig deeper into the novel.

Magic: A little magic never hurt anyone! I appreciate a touch of the supernatural.

Heartwrenching: Tissues, anyone? I love a good cry. Man, when a book has me feeling that invested, you know it's good. Needless to say, the promise of said tear-jerking feelings always has me grabbing books of this sort fast.

Stunning: This word is especially powerful when the book cover backs it up! If it's pretty on the outside AND the blurb promises goodies on the inside, I can hardly keep from picking it up.

Romance: Really, this is almost a MUST. I adore romance and can never get enough of it! Got romance? Give. Me.

Fate: I love a little mysticism in the books I read, so why not throw fate in the mix? Usually books that mention this concept have a lot to do with Starcrossed Lovers, and we all know how I feel about my romance...

Secrets: I was addicted to Pretty Little Liars (the books) for precisely this reason! I love a good secret, especially when it is of catastrophic proportions. Who doesn't love for a little chaos to go down when all is finally revealed?

Mysterious: Think with me here: my mind is going along the lines of "Mysterious" Men. Yes, please! Or just give me mystery as a theme in general, it thickens the plot and a good amount of eeriness really helps carry the story along.

Adventure: I like knowing that eventually we will go somewhere! There is nothing worse than reading a novel and feeling as though NOTHING is happening. Seriously, just shoot me now! I like that when Adventure is mentioned, people at least wander around a bit, or slay a dragon or two, I really don't ask for much ;)

I've shared the words that pique my interest. What jumps out to YOU when reading a book blurb/hearing a recommendation? Maybe we think alike, share in the comments and let me know!

XX

Stacking The Shelves (11): April 2013 Splurge

**"Stacking the Shelves" is run by Tynga @ Tynga's Book Reviews and I'm linking up with some of the great books I found this week.**

Hello my Loves!!

It has been a WHILE, and I have missed you all :D I come with good news. I am a free woman, exams finished yesterday, and I am so excited to be done second year! Thank-you for bearing with me, I know it was inconvenient, the many hiatuses, but things should be relatively easier as the more stressful courses are out of the way. As promised, this post is also a massive haul of all my bookish expenditures over the last month. I ended up getting a lot, mainly because Amazon had such great deals on kindle books and I couldn't resist stocking Tookie up. Also, I stress shop. *hangs head in shame* What do you think of the splurge?

The Physical 

(Notice how Dante insists on being first up? That boy just has to always be the centre of attention!)

I got this mid-April, so yes, Dante Walker now resides on my shelf! He makes it look so good. Seriously though, I think the boy is getting to me.

How lovely are these novels, I can hardly wait to read them! I'm excited to be getting back into Christian Historical fiction - one of my all time favourite genres - and these titles look oh so promising. 

You know when you have the urge to buy a book, that little crave that just won't quit? That is exactly how I felt about Article 5! I lusted after it for MONTHS until I just couldn't take it anymore. I went ahead and just bought the book. Honestly I'm happy I did, I can't wait to read it, and it looks so fabulous among the other books in my cages :) Also, Pivot Point promises to be a great read, I'm loving the positive vibe I'm getting from other readers!

Did I mention just how GORGEOUS the historical Christian fiction covers are?? Seriously, I think the publishers have appropriately stepped up their game. The books are stunning and lovely, I can hardly wait to read them! Especially these two, I'm a Gist fan for life, and Mitchell has me really enthralled with her newest release. 

So confession time: I caved. I couldn't help myself! I finally got myself a copy of If I Stay. This book is like the golden grail of Contemporary YA fiction and I felt a bit like I was missing out by not reading it, an issue I will endeavour to remedy ASAP. Like Anna and the French Kiss, it was a great deal. In fact, all three books are in fabulous condition, and I got them second-hand! They made me really pleased.

More Christian fiction, I told you I was getting back into it! The newest one by Tyndall looks promising, this author is so great at writing pirate/nautical-type fiction with just the right amount of romance. All I could think when I saw this was GIVE. ME. Lol, I also got me some Lori Wick, because the woman - although responsible for breaking my heart by not writing more - has a history of penning such resonating and powerful fiction. I've read Sean Donovan before, but I needed a copy on my shelf. 

Gorgeous books, I want to read The Fairest Beauty because of its fairy-tale factor. Snow White is far from being my favourite Disney Princess, but the story is prime for retellings and such. I've never seen it done Christian-style, but this looks good! Also, Colleen Coble: I see your gorgeous book cover AND premise, hoping it doesn't disappoint! 

The eBooks

Betrayed by Ednah Walters 

Existence by Abbi Glines 

Dark Seraphine by KaSonndra Leigh

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

That Boy by Jillian Dodd

Awakened by Ednah Walters 

 If You Stay by Courtney Cole 

A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles 

One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy 

The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski 

VAIN by Fisher Amelie 

The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken

Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris 

Everblue by Brenda Pandos 

For Review

The Mackenzie Legacy by Derrolyn Anderson

I start reading this book in a few days!! Because the first book was as good as it was, I want to see what happens in this sequel :) If you haven't entered already, be sure to drop by my Giveaway for both books in the series. Don't forget to enter!!

Right. So that is the haul! I think I might have stress-shopped a bit, but having the books helped me get through the exams quicker. I kept imagining reading them as soon as the papers were done :P Now I can't wait to start! I love all my books and adore my subscribers as well. What did you guys think of the books purchased this month? Have you read any of the books listed? I'd love to hear your opinions on them!

I'm looking to post a few more round-ups if possible, mostly of cover reveals and April new releases. I'll keep you posted!

Until then, you know I love you lots, take care!

XX 

WIN: "The Mackenzie Legacy" AND Charm Bracelets

Hey Guys!

I'm so excited to share this post with you, mainly because I have a huge prize up for grabs! One winner will get 3 fabulous prizes, one beautiful charm bracelet and both books in The Athena Effect series! Derrolyn Anderson, the author, has generously included her newest release, The Mackenzie Legacy in the prize, so be sure to enter for your chance to win! If you're unfamiliar with the series, please see the blurbs below:


The Athena Effect by Derrolyn Anderson
Published: August 30, 2012
Format: ebook
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 221

Goodreads Summary 

Country girl Cali has been kept a secret her entire life, raised in isolation by two very troubled people. Despite her parent’s disturbing fits, Cal is perfectly content, living at one with the nature that surrounds her, and finding adventure inside the pages of her beloved books. When an awful tragedy tears her away from her remote cabin in the woods, nothing she’s ever read has prepared her for a world that she knows very little about.
Girls and motorcycles are what bad-boy Cal’s life is all about. Brought up in a raucous party house by his biker brother, he’s free to do as he pleases, going through the motions on his final days of high school. Aimless, Cal stopped thinking about his future a long time ago.
 Attacked by a gang of thugs while running an errand for his brother, Cal is in serious trouble until a fierce girl appears out of nowhere to intervene. She chases off three grown men, sparing Cal a brutal beating before disappearing into the night like a spirit. He can’t stop thinking about his mysterious rescuer, and when she turns out to be the weird new girl at school who goes out of her way to avoid him, he can’t contain his curiosity.
He’s never met anyone like her before, and the more he learns about the unusual girl who shares his nickname, the more he wants to know. Cal can’t help falling for Cal, but can he keep her from falling victim to a dangerous enemy from her parent’s tragic past?

The Mackenzie Legacy by Derrolyn Anderson
Published: April 4, 2013
Format: eBook
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 200

Goodreads Summary

As their story continues, Calvin and Caledonia find themselves madly in love, on the run, and nearly out of money. When Cal stumbles upon a way to cash in on Cali’s powers, their life on the road becomes a life of leisure. Despite the easy money and newfound luxury, Caledonia’s conscience begins to trouble her. A disturbing warning only serves to confirm her misgivings, making her question her purpose in life. Finally, a shocking discovery about the true nature of her powers points the way forward, sending the two Cals on a dangerous rescue mission. Caledonia tries her best to right the wrongs of the past, but will she only end up provoking new and even more dangerous enemies?

If you haven't read The Athena Effect, then not only are you missing out, but this is your chance to read the novel, and its sequel, for freeeeeeeeee. Haha, kidding, but on a serious note, I read The Athena Effect months ago and really liked it. I'm so excited that the author has written a second book in the series! The ending of the first one was kind of a cliffhanger so that bummed me out a little, but now I can't wait to read more of Cal and Callie in this next instalment since the first book was great!

For those interested in the bracelet, this is what you stand to win:

It has adorable little hearts, motorcycles and Hamsas that totally emulate the whole series and its vibe; I'm really happy to be giving one gorgeous bracelet away :D


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Quick Rules:

- Be fair, no cheating y'all! I will be checking.
- The Giveaway is International (as long as you have an eReader for the books). I will forward both email address and mailing address to the author as soon as the winner is chosen.
- Make sure to fill in your details in the Rafflecopter below so that I can contact you!
- Have fun! I know that this is kind of implied, but I couldn't help myself. GOOD LUCK!

Have you read the series, what do you think of the books so far? Let me know!

Love you lots,

XX

Mini Hiatus: Exams Are A'Coming!

Hey Loves!!

I hope you are all doing well. Miss me?! I needed to check in with you super quick because life is a crazy bowl of STUFF right now. Yes, I know, that was super eloquently put, but a lot really is going on and my finals are this month! *gasp* I don't have to tell you that Choice Reads is a blog for reviews, but then again I haven't really been reading much lately. I have books on the side that I glance through, but not anything I really let myself get lost in. As most of you wonderful people in school know, something is always due at these faculties of education. When you think you're done? There's always more cropping up. So to those readers wondering: Where have you been , you nut?! or The reviews! Why you no write any? 

I'm still here! See my hand? It is peeking out from beneath stacks of books and notes. The crazy is still here, I'm just a little swamped at present. Rest assured, reviews will come as soon as these exams are through, I promise. Until then however, and for the time being, consider me the weird Hermit Lady.   

Darn it! I never thought it would come to this :P

As always, there are courses that prove to be harder than others Ahem, Politics, but I want to give them my best shot. Even though I'd rather lick a monkey. I don't want a situation where I look back and think, 'Oh, I could have studied more.' I NEED to try my best. That means I can't be a whiz with the Review or Cover Reveals, and I probably won't be at the liberty of updating as frequently. The downside here is that my Blogoversary is in 2 DAYS!!























Naturally, I am pretty freaking excited to be turning One, it took me long enough! and my baby is a year old in 2 days! Book blogging has taught me so much and I really am so blessed to have made it this far. Choice Reads is my baby, home to all the craziness going through my mind while I read, and I never want it to be anything else. There is of course a Giveaway planned to commemorate the occasion as well as a New Design in the works! A lot is happening this month, and as I mentioned about the exams, the Giveaway will probably have to wait until post-final exams. 25th of April is when I should be done, and I really do look forward to celebrating with all of you.

I will do a massive Stacking the Shelves post at the end of the month, as well as a HUGE round-up of all the lovely new releases, and maybe Cover Reveals too. I just wanted to give you guys a heads-up, so that you knew what was going on if I neglected to post as often, say like this week. I really do just want to put the textbooks down and pick up some Laini Taylor, and forget about school for a while, but sadly this is not the way the world works. I will try my best to drop a post now and again, but please understand, and don't hate me, if I'm a little slow. Don't be shy to share what you think.

Wish me luck and know that I love you!!

XX 

Cover Reveal: Across a Star-Swept Sea

**Bringing you the best cover reveals, one post at the time!**

Some killer covers this week...

Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund
Expected Release: October 15th 2013

Series: For Darkness Shows the Stars #2

Publisher: Blazer + Bray

Goodreads Summary
Centuries after wars nearly destroyed civilization, the two islands of New Pacifica stand alone, a terraformed paradise where even the Reduction—the devastating brain disorder that sparked the wars—is a distant memory. Yet on the isle of Galatea, an uprising against the ruling aristocrats has turned deadly. The revolutionaries’ weapon is a drug that damages their enemies’ brains, and the only hope is rescue by a mysterious spy known as the Wild Poppy.
On the neighboring island of Albion, no one suspects that the Wild Poppy is actually famously frivolous aristocrat Persis Blake. The teenager uses her shallow, socialite trappings to hide her true purpose: her gossipy flutternotes are encrypted plans, her pampered sea mink is genetically engineered for spying, and her well-publicized new romance with handsome Galatean medic Justen Helo… is her most dangerous mission ever.
Though Persis is falling for Justen, she can’t risk showing him her true self, especially once she learns he’s hiding far more than simply his disenchantment with his country’s revolution and his undeniable attraction to the silly socialite he’s pretending to love. His darkest secret could plunge both islands into a new dark age, and Persis realizes that when it comes to Justen Helo, she’s not only risking her heart, she’s risking the world she’s sworn to protect.
In this thrilling adventure inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel, Diana Peterfreund creates an exquisitely rendered world where nothing is as it seems and two teens with very different pasts fight for a future only they dare to imagine.

My Thoughts: How sad is it that I have a beautiful copy of For Darkness Shows the Stars just sitting on my shelf, and I have yet to read it?? Seriously, this is very lame of me, I need to remedy this ASAP. Until then, however, I am just going to stare at the cover of Across A Star-Swept Sea just a mite longer, because this little darling is Amazeballs. I WANT IT. Also, that girl kind of reminds me of Christina Aguilera in her early days, like she's singing to the ocean or whatever. I'm loving it, you go girl!

What do you guys think??