My Week on Instagram [June 8-14]

Good morning all of my beautiful readers! Hopefully everyone had an incredible weekend and even though I know it's a Monday, there should be at least something good about it, right? Like tons of coffee and messy hair that I could get away with at work because it is a Monday haha

Anyway, I have been thinking to introduce a more personal view on my blog in hopes to connect more to my readers and give updates on what is going on in my life. I decided to do a new segment called "My Week on Instagram" in which I would include all of my photos posted on Instagram throughout the week. 

 

Late posts from Sunday boating! We went over with some friends and ended up tubing for few hours. Yes, I had some bruises from tubing but it was still a blast! Also tried a new German cafe by my work, their Stuff Pepper soup is to die for!! 

 

IPSY bag arrived! I'm in love with the eyebrow tool that they sent me, mine are almost impossible to see and I like the design on it. Second pic is just a selfie I took at one of our model homes, I liked the flowers. Maybe one day my house will be just as fancy haha

 

End of the week did bootcamp workout that we have in my kickboxing gym, it was pretty good one! 6 different Tabata workouts + 2 burnouts. & last night had a promo for A.R. Rahman concert! We got to wear some traditional outfits and promoted limited edition JBL headphones. So fun! 

Well this was my week! Did you guys do anything fun? Feel free to follow me on Instagram, my username is @elvirka_xoxo, I always follow back! Hope you enjoy this new segment and I would love to hear some feedback! 

#StackingTheShelves 30 - Non-Fiction Rules

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews featuring the books we got this week.

 

It's so beautiful outside! Seriously, this never happens in Seattle so it's pretty crazy that we haven't had rain for a week. Let's hope the weather stays like this for awhile, this whitey needs some sun! 

Alright, alright let's get to the books. I received these beauties this week for review & completely love them! I love yogurt so it's crazy that there are so many thing you can make with it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. SO EXCITED!

After a While You Just Get Used To It seemed pretty interesting to me. Even though I am in no way ready for a family yet, I'm always interested in human behavior and how they react so I'm looking forward to checking this out as well.

What's on your list today?  Leave comments below & I'll be sure to return the favor! 

[Book Review] The Good Girl by by Mary Kubica

The Good Girl
by by Mary Kubica

For fans of Gone Girl, a blockbuster thriller about a young woman whose abduction unravels a story more sinister than anyone could have imagined...

"I’ve been following her for the past few days. I know where she buys her groceries, where she has her dry cleaning done, where she works. I don’t know the colour of her eyes or what they look like when she’s scared. But I will."

Born to a prominent Chicago judge and his stifled socialite wife, Mia Dennett moves against the grain as a young inner-city art teacher. One night, Mia enters a bar to meet her on-again, off-again boyfriend. When he doesn't show, she unwisely leaves with an enigmatic stranger. With his smooth moves and modest wit, at first Colin Thatcher seems like a safe one-night stand. But following Colin home will turn out to be the worst mistake of Mia's life.

Mia soon finds herself at the centre of a wild extortion plot. Colin's job was to abduct Mia and deliver her to his employers. But the plan takes an unexpected turn when Colin suddenly decides to hide Mia in a secluded cabin in rural Minnesota, evading the police and his deadly superiors. Mia's mother, Eve, and Detective Gabe Hoffman will stop at nothing to find them, but no one could have predicted the emotional entanglements that eventually cause this family's world to shatter.

An addictively suspenseful and tautly written thriller, The Good Girl is a compulsive debut that reveals how even in the perfect family, nothing is as it seems...

GOODREADS  | Amazon

THE GOOD GIRL is one of the books that keeps the reader thinking about the book even when you're not reading it. It will make you think about it during the shower, during your lunch, and during your sleep. Based in Chicago, it shows us a story of four desperate characters connected by one unfortunate event. Jumping through the times of "Before" the kidnapping and "After", it gives the story a different view of the story. 

Let's look closer at the characters

Eve Mother of Mia and Grace, a worried socialite that has realized that having money and power might not have been the best choice in her life. Over the years she found that this lifestyle is not for her and since she was born in a small town in English, she wishes everything was a lot more simple. She is on edge when Mia gets kidnapped and wishes she was a better mother.

James Father of Mia and Grace, a high-profile judge who depends on his reputation and what people think of him. Because he came from money, it was never a problem and he was used to covering things up to make sure it didn't mess up his life. Very cold, dis-likable person, one of the ones I hated the most.

Colin (Owen) First considered to be a criminal, he is a good hearted person who just got the worst in life. His intention was to kidnap Mia for someone who wanted ransom in exchange for large amount of money that would help to cover his mother's medical bills and hopefully get her good treatment.

Mia (Chloe) Talented art teacher an at inner city alternative North Center high school who wants to help children because they reminded her in the days. Even though she is the main character, her POV is not revealed until later in the book so the story is relived through mostly other characters. At times, she is very vulnerable and it makes seem like a weak person most of the time. There have been only few instances when I liked her but other than that, she was not as close to me. 

Gabe Detective with the Chicago Police Department that has been assigned to leading the case of Mia's disappearance. leads the case of Mia’s kidnapping. Besides Eve, he is one of the characters that I really liked. He was tough, strong, and even though he was never in love, the way he thinks is incredible. 

There have been couple of other secondary characters that are not worth mentioning but overall, the story is based on these people. For a debut novel, THE GOOD GIRL is incredibly strong. At times, the book is a little slow but it is always has that steadiness that makes the reader get more into the story. It has been said that it is similar to Gone Girl but I think it is only the feel of the story that's similar but the stories are completely different but still enjoyable. 

"Thank you to Harlequin MIRA for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

[Book #Giveaway] Modern Monsters by Kelley York

Modern Monsters

by Kelley York

Release Date: 06/02/15

Entangled Teen

Summary from Goodreads:

Vic Howard never wanted to go to the party. He’s the Invisible Guy at school, a special kind of hell for quiet, nice guys. But because his best friend is as popular as Vic is ignored, he went…

And wished he hadn’t.

Because something happened to a girl that night. Something terrible, unimaginable, and Callie Wheeler’s life will never be the same. Plus, now Callie has told the police that Vic did it. Suddenly, Invisible Vic is painfully visible, on trial both literally, with the police, and figuratively, with the angry and judgmental kids at school. As the whispers and violence escalate, he becomes determined to clear his name, even if it means an uneasy alliance with Callie’s best friend, the beautiful but aloof Autumn Dixon.

But as Autumn and Vic slowly peel back the layers of what happened that night, they realize that while the truth can set him free, it can also shatter everything he thought he knew about his life…

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo Books│iBooks

 

About the Author
"I like unicorns and cats and games...and stuff..." - quality author quote by Kelley

Kelley York was born in central California, where she still resides with her lovely wife, step-daughter, and way too many cats, while fantasizing about moving to England or Ireland. (Or, really, anyplace secluded.) She has a fascination with bells and animals and Disney. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or to at least write about them. She occupies her spare time with video games,designing covers, playing on Tumblr, and watching anime.

Kelley is a sucker for dark fiction. She loves writing twisted characters, tragic happenings, and bittersweet endings that leave you wondering and crying. She strives to make character development take center stage in her books because the bounds of a person's character and the workings of their mind are limitless.

Author Links:

   

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[Cover Reveal & Giveaway] Of Ice and Snow byAmber Argyle

Today Amber Argyle and Rockstar Book Tours are revealing the cover for OF ICE AND SNOW, a novella in the Faerie Queens series in August, 2015! Check out the gorgeous cover and enter to win an e-bundle of Amber’s Witch Song Books!

On to the reveal! 

Title: OF ICE AND SNOW

Author: Amber Argyle

Pub. Date: August, 2015

Find it: Goodreads

Otec thought destiny forgot him…

The middle child of the clanchief, Otec is the overlooked son in an overflowing house. He dreams of escape and adventure, so when a mysterious stranger offers both, he doesn’t need persuading. But when his faraway village comes under attack, Otec will do anything to save the people he loves. Cut off from his nation, he must trust a foreign woman with a dubious past as they race to save his clan. But nothing is what it seems, and Otec may have to trust his enemy if he is to become the leader he was never meant to be.

Destiny is not always kind.

Of Ice and Snow is being exclusively released in the Daring Hearts box set and the whole bundle is only 99 cents for 8 books! What an awesome deal!

Amazon | B&N | Smashwords

Daring Hearts synopsis:

Eight All New CLEAN Novels by Eight Bestselling Authors 

ONLY 0.99 CENTS FOR A LIMITED TIME!

From gorgeous heroes that make us swoon to the super sleuths and feisty heroines that make us cheer, this exclusive collection has something for everyone. Eight clean, sassy and BRAND NEW novels--a delicious mixture of fun, addictively romantic, action-adventure stories -- each handpicked by an award-winning gathering of some of today's most popular YA/NA authors. 

Eight Bestselling Authors 

Eight never-before-released novels spanning 1600+ pages 

Over 98% off retail for the individual books sold separately (a thirty dollar savings!) 

Only available until September (so get your copy today). 

THIS BOXED SET INCLUDES: 

REBECCA ETHINGTON ~ Monsters are real... Through Glass 

RASHELLE WORKMAN ~ Alice is a Dark Moth trainee in Wonderland, Arizona where the days are hot and the guys are hotter. The Dark Moth Society 

CINDY M. HOGAN ~ Some secrets are better left dead and buried. Kate Unmasked 

ELLE STRAUSS ~ Time traveling is wonky enough... and this time it's worse than ever. Counter Clockwise 

CHRISTINE KERSEY ~ College is murder... Witness 

JULI ALEXANDER ~ Solving mysteries is in her blood, but it might just get her killed. Paxton Private Investigations 

LILA FELIX ~ Fasta is an artist, not by choice, but by force. Sketchy Love 

AMBER ARGYLE ~ A storm is raging and not everyone will survive. Of Ice And Snow

About Amber:

Amber Argyle is the number-one bestselling author of the Witch Song Series and the Fairy Queen Series. Her books have been nominated for and won awards in addition to being translated into French and Indonesian.

Amber graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in English and physical education, a husband, and a two-year old. Since then, she and her husband have added two more children, which they are actively trying to transform from crazy small people into less crazy larger people.

To learn more about Amber, visit her blog at amberargyle.blogspot.com

You can find Amber on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive the eBook bundle of The Witch Song Series. International

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[Book #Giveaway] Days Like This by Danielle Ellison

Days Like This

by Danielle Ellison 

Release Date: 06/02/15

Bookish Group Press

New Adult

Summary from Goodreads:

Sometimes the only thing standing between fear and hope is yourself.

Almost a year ago, nineteen-year-old Cassie Harlen had a lot to deal with. A stack of college acceptance letters waiting for answers, a proposal from the boy next door, and a mother whose most recent bipolar episode left Cassie hurt and confused. Tired of cleaning up the messes caused by her mother's disorder, of resenting her mother for not being there, and scared of being trapped by an inevitable future—which included marrying Graham Tucker—Cassie did the only thing she could think of to keep from ending up like her mother: she left.

Graham never knew why Cassie walked away. He woke up one morning and she was gone—along with the life that he’d created around her. After eleven months, Graham has a new plan for his future. One that doesn't involve Cassie Harlen.

When Cassie's mom nearly burns down her house, Cassie’s forced to return home. Back to a mother she’s tried to ignore and the guy she’s been unable to forget. Graham doesn't know how he's going to spend the whole summer living next door to the person who broke his heart without letting those old feelings push through to the surface.

Neither does Cassie.

Buy Links:
Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo Books│iBooks│One More Page (Signed Copies)

About the Author
Danielle Ellison spent most of her childhood reading instead of learning math. It's probably the reason she can't divide without a calculator and has spent her life seeking the next adventure. It's also probably the reason she's had so many different zip codes and jobs. 

When she’s not writing, Danielle is probably  eating cookies, fighting her nomadic urges, watching too much TV, or dreaming of the day when she can be British. She has settled in Northern Virginia, for now, but you can always find her on twitter @DanielleEWrites.

Author Links:

   

GIVEAWAY:

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Book Blitz Organized by:

[Release Day #Giveaway] The Good Girls by Sara Shepard

It's almost time to find out who killed Nolan Hotchkiss! June 2nd is just around the corner, and with it come the release of THE GOOD GIRLS The Perfectionists #2 by Sara Shepard.

THE GOOD GIRLS
The Perfectionists #2Author: Sara Shepard
Publisher: HarperTeen
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | IndieBound

From Sara Shepard, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Pretty Little Liars series, comes the shocking sequel to The Perfectionists—with an ending you'll have to read to believe!

Mackenzie, Ava, Caitlin, Julie, and Parker have done some not-so-perfect things. Even though they all talked about killing rich bully Nolan Hotchkiss, they didn't actually go through with it. It's just a coincidence that Nolan died in exactly the way they planned . . . right? Except Nolan wasn't the only one they fantasized about killing. When someone elsethey named dies, the girls wonder if they're being framed. Or are theyabout to become the killer's next targets?

For as long as she can remember, Sara Shepard has been writing. However, when she was young she also wanted to be a soap opera star, a designer for LEGO, a filmmaker, a claymation artist, a geneticist, and a fashion magazine editor when she grew up. She and her sister have been creating joint artistic and written projects for years, except they’re pretty sure they’re the only ones who find them funny. 
She got her MFA at Brooklyn College and now lives outside Philadelphia, PA with her husband and dogs. Her first adult novel is called The Visibles/ All The Things We Didn’t Say. 
Sara’s bestselling young adult series, Pretty Little Liars, is loosely based on her experiences growing up on Philadelphia’s Main Line…although luckily she never had any serious stalkers. The series has also inspired the ABC Family television series of the same name. 
www.sarashepard.com | @sarabooks 

One winner will get finished copies of both THE PERFECTIONISTS and THE GOOD GIRLS!Ships in US only | Must be 13 + To Enter

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