What to Buy to Achieve the Ideal Aesthetic || #WICKEDLIKEAWILDFIRE

I'm not even going to pretend I'm not listening to my smooth R&B playlist while writing this...so...just excuse the array of velvet, lace, soft things, and yummy scents that will be found in this article. Though, quite frankly, all of those things are basically my entire Real Life life. Plus dark-as-my-soul lipstick.

*hums come through and chill horribly*

I'll add some lipstick to the list too. I have great taste in makeup, if I do say so myself.

OKAY BABES. LOMLs. FAVORITE HUMANS. ANY CATS OUT THERE READING THIS TOO.

I just finished a gorgeous whimsey of a book. It's called Wicked Like a Wildfire by the ever lovely Lana Popovic and I'm in love. The main characters are bi-racial. The best friends are of Traveler descent. And the entire book is flush to the brim with magic.

Y'all know how I love magic. Where is my rose quartz rock and dried sage when I need them? Because this book certainly got me in all kinds of an apothecary mood. *swoons* My ideal aesthetic, honestly.

#ARC Review || Heart of Ash by Kim Liggett

Heart of Ash by Kim Liggett 

   book 2
February 20, 2018
ARC won in giveaway
Goodreads || Amazon

Ash may have escaped the immortal-worshipping cult that killed her mother, but the love of her life is still under its thrall. 

Dane has been possessed by his diabolical ancestor Coronado, a man who's fabulously wealthy, dripping with fame, and the leader of Europe's most dangerous immortal network.

Dane begs Ash to join him at Coronado's castle in Spain, and swears that his blood bond with Ash is stronger than Coronado's hold over him. Ash is desperate to help Dane vanquish Coronado without having to sacrifice herself to the darkness.

But when you're all in, blood and salt, the only way to hold on to the light might just be by setting everything on fire.

Food Trucks and Tif Marcelo

Hey lovelies! Personally, I can’t believe y’all are still here reading this…my posts have been sporadic at best. So, thank you! Hello! Hey! I can’t promise that this will get any more consistent, but writing for the hell of it sure feels nice to do again.

2018 is Going to be Lit

ALL THE BOOKS.

GAH. There are so many I need/want/can't live with out oh-my-gosh breathing. Or something of that sort. I was wandering through my lovely little Goodreads page the other day and came to the realization that 2018 is going to be flipping amazing. There are more books than I can count on my two hands that are a necessity to my life.

Below is a list of a few that a need to complete myself. What are some that have got you reeeeady?

#BookLook || History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund

history of wolves by nobentspines featuring jimmy choo shoes

My Two Cents

Y'ALL. It as been SO LONG. Well, not on twitter. I'm here everyday. And then there's instagram. BUT THE BLOG. It has been terribly neglected. Poor thing. 

ANYWAYS. The look. Those earrings. THEY ARE SCREAMING MY NAME. 

It's Game Day! Here are some Sports Reads

Ah, football games. A great American past time...though not our nation's national sport (that's baseball, loves) it still brings people together. Of course, it also destroys friendships and family ties with the loss of the (hometeam?) team one is rooting for.

#THEKINGOFBOURBONSTREET || Weekend Drinking

Hello there, lovely reader folk!

#BookLook || Are You Sleeping by Kathleen Barber

are you sleeping by nobentspines featuring oversized glasses

#WINTERSONG || Weekend Drinking

Happy Saturday, lovely bibliophiles! 

#ARC Review || Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser

Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser
Goodreads || Amazon
ARC via NetGalley
June 6, 2017

Caroline Oresteia is destined for the river. For generations, her family has been called by the river god, who has guided their wherries on countless voyages throughout the Riverlands. At seventeen, Caro has spent years listening to the water, ready to meet her fate. But the river god hasn’t spoken her name yet—and if he hasn’t by now, there’s a chance he never will.

Caro decides to take her future into her own hands when her father is arrested for refusing to transport a mysterious crate. By agreeing to deliver it in exchange for his release, Caro finds herself caught in a web of politics and lies, with dangerous pirates after the cargo—an arrogant courier with a secret—and without the river god to help her. With so much at stake, Caro must choose between the life she always wanted and the one she never could have imagined for herself.

From debut author Sarah Tolcser comes an immersive and romantic fantasy set along the waterways of a magical world with a headstrong heroine determined to make her mark.

#BookReview || The Suffering Tree by Elle Cosimano

The Suffering Tree by Elle Cosimano 
Goodreads || Amazon
June 13, 2017

Galley via publisher in exchange for an 
honest review

“It’s dark magic brings him back.”

Tori Burns and her family left D.C. for claustrophobic Chaptico, Maryland, after suddenly inheriting a house under mysterious circumstances. That inheritance puts her at odds with the entire town, especially Jesse Slaughter and his family—it’s their generations-old land the Burns have “stolen.” But none of that seems to matter after Tori witnesses a young man claw his way out of a grave under the gnarled oak in her new backyard.

Nathaniel Bishop may not understand what brought him back, but it’s clear to Tori that he hates the Slaughters for what they did to him centuries ago. Wary yet drawn to him by a shared sense of loss, she gives him shelter. But in the wake of his arrival comes a string of troubling events—including the disappearance of Jesse Slaughter’s cousin—that seem to point back to Nathaniel.

#BookBlitz || Can't Stop Lovin' You by Lynnette Austin

Hey y'all! Welcome to the book blitz for Lynnette Austin's CAN'T STOP LOVIN' YOU. Today we'll see just what the book's about, feature an excerpt from the novel, and IF YOU'RE A LUCKY DUCK you'll win the giveaway!

Feel free to tweet Austin or leave a comment for her here.

Flying Isn't Only for the Birds || A Book List

#ARC Review || Can't Stop Lovin' You by Lynnette Austin

Can't Stop Lovin' You by Lynette Austin
Amazon || Goodreads
(re)Published July 25, 2017
ARC via Publisher + NetGalley

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME 

Maggie Sullivan can't wait to get out of Texas. Luckily, she just got the break she needed to make her big-city dreams a reality. But then Brawley Odell swaggers back into Maverick Junction, looking hotter than ever in his dusty cowboy boots and well-worn jeans. He's the guy she still dreams of at night. The guy who broke her heart when he left her behind.

Fed up with city life, Brawley jumps at the chance to return home and take over the local vet's practice-and get back to the smart, sassy woman he's never been able forget. He couldn't be prouder of Maggie's new wedding-dress business... until he realizes it may mean losing her all over again. Determined to win her back, Brawley must find a way to convince Maggie that their one true home is with each other.

These Books Look SO Good

#BookLook || The End of Our Story by Meg Haston

the end of our story by nobentspines featuring summer tops

#Review || Roar by Cora Carmack

Roar by Cora Carmack
Goodreads || Amazon
June 13, 2017
Copy provided via TorTeen. 
This did not influence my opinion
in any way.

In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora’s been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

#Review || Hunger by Eve Langlais, Kate Douglas, and A.C. Arthur

Hunger by Eve Langlais, Kate Dougals, and A.C. Arthur
Amazon || Goodreads
Published May 16, 2017
Book via Publisher

In The Alpha’s Mate, by Eve Langlais, villains aren’t supposed to rescue damsels, and pack alphas are known to have complete control of their wolf. But when Fabian saves a certain lady from drowning, everything he knows gets tossed away and only one thing becomes clear: she’s his mate—and someone wants to kill her. Hell no. Protecting her, though, is only part of his problem. He also has to convince her she belongs to him. In her words, “Hell no.”

When she flees, little does she realize this wolf loves to chase. And when he catches the woman he wants? She’ll become the Alpha’s Mate.

In Dangerous Passions, by Kate Douglas, finding a mate shouldn’t be all that difficult for a sexy werewolf on the prowl. Modern women want romance and seduction, and Feral Passions Resort has served that purpose for providing both for the men of the Trinity Alps pack. Only two are still unmated—alpha leader Traker Jakes and his lieutenant Evan Dark—but danger stalks the women they’ve chosen. Danger that threatens everyone in the pack at Feral Passions.
Previously published in the 2-in-1 e-original Claimed by the Mate Volume 3 and in print for the first time!

#BookLook || Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser

song of the current by nobentspines featuring short skirts

Pull Up that Beach Chair and Settle in With These Books

Y'all, I'm typing this with aching muscles. I remember why I made it my job to avoid working out for those high school years. I'm so tired that I may actually keel over. If I do, y'al are free to have your pick of my books. Loving homes are necessary.

#ARC Review || No Ordinary Fairy by Claire Davon

No Ordinary Fairy by Claire Davon
Amazon || Goodreads
March 15, 2017
ARC via NetGalley

Mysterious. Magnetic. Deadly. And his only hope.

When the new guy in town blows into Pani’s pet shop, bristling with impatience as icy as the Wyoming winter, she knows instantly he’s not there to buy dog food. She also knows exactly what he is. A cougar shifter. An apex predator not unlike herself.

Rafe Anderson needs help, which isn’t easy for a cat to admit. Not only has his dog mysteriously vanished, so has his ability to shift. The only creature who can find both is Pani, a woman the local coyote pack warned him to avoid. But he’s desperate—and running out of time. The longer his cat is caged, the closer he edges to insanity.

As a Vila, a fairy with the power to enchant men, even to their death, Pani has never dared reveal her true self, much less fallen in love. But something about Rafe’s fiery green eyes and uncommon vulnerability calls to her. And his touch tells her the feeling is mutual.

Desire rolls over them like thunder, but their search uncovers a dangerous secret that could turn everything to ashes…and bring destruction howling down upon all shifter kind.

#ARC Review || Back Piece by L.A. Witt

Back Piece by L.A. Witt
Amazon || Goodreads
April 25, 2017
ARC for Review

Colin Spencer is a tattoo artist with a past he’d prefer to keep a secret. Actually, he has a few secrets that he’d rather people didn’t know about, which is why Colin doesn’t do commitment. But when a shy sailor approaches him at the gym, Colin finds this guy pushing all his buttons.

Growing up in a conservative family, then escaping with the Navy, Daniel Moore is an unsure virgin who feels like he can’t share his true self with anyone. Seeing Colin—and his tattoos—at the gym are the sign Daniel needs to finally get those tattoos he’s always wanted, and maybe try his hand at flirting.

As Colin and Daniel spend more time together, their awkward hesitations turn into a deep passion neither expected. But with both men harboring secrets, will their relationship be able to survive their insecurities and become something beautiful?

Back Piece is a sexy, emotional journey of two people learning to love and finding acceptance for who they really are.

#ARC Review || When Danger Bites by Heather Long

When Danger Bites by Heather Long
Goodreads || Amazon
May 8, 2017
ARC for Review

Buttoned-up Corporal Kaitlyn Amador is dangerous on every level. As a human, she poses a threat to Marine Captain Jax Raymond’s special Force Recon unit. Though the team has a reputation among the other recon units, only their commanding officer knows their secret. As a woman, the danger posed is entirely different. Jax can survive the temptation for only so long before his wolf takes over and pursues what it wants.

Military intelligence specialist Corporal Kaitlyn Amador is the first woman in the Marines to be assigned to a recon team. And everyone’s watching her. Her mission? Not only prove herself worthy of her place in the group, but uncover the mystery of why Bravo Team is so successful. A mission that gets more difficult every time she’s near Jax…

Dystopian Dream Treehouse {Scavenger Hunt + #Giveaway} || Survivor Week

HEY FRIENDS AND NEWCOMERS AND LOVERS OF ALL THINGS BOOKISH. WELCOME TO MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME.

#BookLook || Lucky Girl by Amanda Maciel

lucky girl by nobentspines featuring ripped jeans

Release Day Blitz + #Giveaway || The Playboy Bachelor by Rachel Van Dyken

“I’m writing a kissing scene!” she blurted, mentally kicking herself for screaming it in his face. “And the guy’s a complete jackass. Since my only experience with jackasses is you…” Her voice was shaky, just like her body. Could he tell how much she wanted him? How much she hated that her response was this—raw. “I-I figured you were the only one who could show me what it’s like.” Good one, Margot. Do you really have to sound so…desperate?

#Review || Geekerella by Ashley Poston {Stepmonsters are Real}

Geekerella by Ashley Poston
Goodreads || Amazon
April 4, 2017 || Quirk Books
Book via publisher in
exchange for an honest
review

Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. But when she disappears at midnight, will he ever be able to find her again?

The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson || Here's How I Picture The Island

Let’s talk about survival, hot guys who are sweet to you but also slices throats for information in his spare time, and a revolution that left many captured, put to work, and longing to start a riot of their own. KAYLA OLSON’S debut THE SANDCASTLE EMPIRE was slow-moving in a way that let the story unravel in waves. Then the twists hits you like a tsunami and you’re left trying to keep your head above the water.

#BookLook || Everything Beautiful is Not Ruined by Danielle Younge-Ullman

everything beautiful is not ruined by nobentspines featuring a vintage midi skirt

What I'm Currently Reading

Let's Welcome March || Here's What's Up

Y'all, quite frankly, I can't fathom the fact that we're already into the third month of the year. Really, like, where is the year going. Am I really in college? Is this real life? IS ANY OF THIS REAL?

#BookLook || History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

history is all you left me by nobentspines featuring ballerina shoes

The Bad Ones || Music Playlist {minor fangirl}

"I would tear apart the whole world for you."

Casquette or Casket Girl—They’re More than Fiction

So, there I was, innocently reading The Casquette Girls by Alys Arden, when something extraordinary occurs to me. What was this thing that occurred to me, dear reader? I began to wonder if this tale of vampires and magic set in the lush, devastating aftermath of a whole-heart hurricane was based on some real hard-truths. NOLA is known for their heavy past of voodoo, creole traditions, the supernatural, and good old Southern prejudice. With all of this in mind, I went ahead and typed my question in the search bar.

#BookLook || Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty {Murderous, Secret, Space Adventure}

six wakes by nobentspines featuring leather gloves

#ARC Review || One Wild Night by Melissa Cutler

ARC via Netgalley + Publisher
Published: March 7, 2017
Goodreads || Amazon

Get ready for the ride of your life...

A cowgirl at heart, Skye Martinez has a rebellious streak she's determined to shake. Especially since she's poised to take the reins of her family's business at Briscoe Ranch Resort. It's time for her to settle down and get serious about her future...right after one last night of fun with a handsome stranger she meets in the resort's stable. But when a midnight horseback ride turns into a red-hot weekend with one of country music's biggest stars, Skye's world is rocked beyond her wildest dreams...

Gentry Wells rode his bad boy image all the way to the top of the country music charts. But churning out hits has dried up his creativity, and he can't remember the last time his life was his own. Skye is a sexy distraction he can't resist, especially since she breathes new life into his music. They bring out the wild side in each other, which is great for Gentry's career—but a major threat to Skye's. Too bad he's fallen in love with her. With their hearts and futures on the line, can Gentry convince Skye to turn their joyride into a real chance to ride off into the sunset together?

#ATragicKindofWonderful {Release Day}

We're loving this review from @NoBentSpines for @Eric_Lindstrom's new novel (coming 2/7!). https://t.co/1zyh9SwTFS #ATragicKindofWonderful pic.twitter.com/WCHL2SalCC

— NOVL (@TheNovl) January 28, 2017

#ARC Review || The Feeling of Forever by Jamie Howard || Let's Talk Positivity

The Feeling of Forever by Jamie Howard

Amazon || Goodreads

Published Feb 7, 2017

eARC via NetGalley + St. Martin's Press

Juliet St. Clair has spent her life under Hollywood's spotlight. While being America's favorite girl next door has had its perks, having to testify against her stalker to put him behind bars certainly wasn't one of them. But when she thinks about walking away from it all, she can't help remembering the enormous pile of medical bills her family is drowning under. Bills that just keep on coming.

Felix Donovan had it all--stunning good looks, gorgeous women, and a spot as the drummer to a band that's sitting pretty at the top of the charts. Until one life-altering decision left him paralyzed from the waist down. He doesn't know whether to laugh or cry when he wins this year's Sexiest Man award, but the one thing he immediately does is send out a Non-disclosure agreement. Hiding his condition from the public is hard as hell, but he's not ready to face the world while he's still struggling to accept his new reality.

Except this year's Sexiest Woman--Juliet St. Clair--never looks at him with pity, only desire. But falling for Juliet means a permanent spot in the tabloids, a decision Felix isn't sure he's ready to make. And when Juliet's stalker re-emerges from her past, Felix's secret isn't the only thing at stake, it could cost Juliet her life. 

27 Hours by Tristina Wright {Cover Reveal}

Rumor Mora fears two things: hellhounds too strong for him to kill, and failure. Jude Welton has two dreams: for humans to stop killing monsters, and for his strange abilities to vanish.

Addison Fox Talks Her New Book, Gaming, and Crime Shows

Hey y'all! Addison Fox's newest book, JUST ONCE, popped into my inbox just a couple of weeks ago. I just think it looks FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC. I was lucky enough to get a chance to host the author herself on my darling little blog. Stay tuned to hear her talk about her favorite shows of intrigue, as well as some games that she's addicted to!

#BookLook || The Beast is an Animal by Peternelle van Arsdale

the beast is an animal by nobentspines featuring leather shoes

#Giveaway {INTL} Follower Appreciation/ Y'all Rock

GIVEAWAY OVER || WINNER DRAWN


HEY Y'ALL.

Have I mentioned how much I actually adore you lately? Each and every one of you. To pieces. Seriously.

For Those Looking for a Bisexual Main Character {#Listicle}

#BookLook || Indelible by Adelia Saunders

indelible by nobentspines featuring beaded clutches

This Book Has Me Swooning Over Buildings. I'm Serious.

Three Slow-Cooker Recipes to Pair with "Status Update" by Annabeth Albert

#ARC Review || Ready Set Rogue by Manda Collins

Ready Set Rogue by Manda Collins
ARC via Publisher + Netgalley
Goodreads || Amazon
Published: January 10, 2017 || St. Martin's

WHO WILL WRITE THE BOOK OF LOVE?

When scholarly Miss Ivy Wareham receives word that she’s one of four young ladies who have inherited Lady Celeste Beauchamp’s estate with a magnificent private library, she packs her trunks straightaway. Unfortunately, Lady Celeste’s nephew, the rakish Quill Beauchamp, Marquess of Kerr, is determined to interrupt her studies one way or another...

Bequeathing Beauchamp House to four bluestockings—no matter how lovely they are to look at—is a travesty, and Quill simply won’t have it. But Lady Celeste’s death is not quite as straightforward as it first seemed…and if Quill hopes to solve the mystery behind her demise, he’ll need Ivy’s help. Along the way, he is surprised to learn that bookish Ivy stirs a passion and longing that he has never known. This rogue believes he’s finally met his match—but can Quill convince clever, skeptical Ivy that his love is no fiction?

The Controversy Surrounding Sensitivity Readers

Recently there’s been some conversation about the role of sensitivity readers in works of literature during the pre-publication process. 

Here are the Books I'm Selling my Soul for in 2017

Y'ALL. There are so freaking many books that I can't wait to get my hands on this year. I mean, let's be real, some of these covers alone can be bought for #bookstagram worthy-ness. All the flowers. I'm swooning.