Indulgence Insider is our version of Stacking the Shelves, Bought, Borrowed & Bagged and the Sunday Post, bringing you this week’s haul, bookish news and discussion posts from around the blogosphere!
OMG MY HEART. Aila surprised us with some amazing artwork of our co-blogging adventures! This is totally perfect and depicts me being a chirpy morning person and Jenna being a night owl! Being in Florida, Aila talks to us during all hours of the day!
I’m so excited, I have 2.5 more days until I’m officially on Christmas holidays! It’s been a pretty big year at work, and I’m keen to just kick back, relax, take a break from house hunting and read more books! It’s our 10 year anniversary with the boyfriend next week, so we’re going to a tropical island at the Whitsundays (on the Great Barrier Reef) to celebrate for a few days. I’m really looking forward to it!
On the house hunting front, we almost put in an offer for a house that we weren’t 100% happy with. We’ve decided to take a break for the rest of the month and give it a fresh start in January. Our lease runs out in February though, so we have to weigh up our options on what to do soon. I hope something comes along soon (after viewing 30 houses over the past 3 months!).
Happy Indulgence reached 1500 followers on Instagram! Thank you so much for your support! I love the bookstagram community so much, it’s just so supportive, drama free and relaxing to browse through beautiful pictures of books.
The next Read Play Blog topic to be posted on the 16th is: What games are you looking forward to this holiday season? This is a unique meme for gamers that is posted on the 16th of every month! To participate, post your answer, recommendation & currently playing on the 16th or anytime during the month and link up!
Book Haul
Review copies
This Raging Light by Estelle Laure – I’ve been sent this YA contemporary from Hachette Australia three times lol! I think I’ll host some giveaways soon. Thank you!
Liquidator by Andy Mulligan – A book centred around an energy drink and a rock concert. Thank you to Scholastic Australia for sending me this!
Purchased
Chasing River by K.A. Tucker – Got a $10 voucher to spend at Big W so I bought the next in the Burying Water series, which is a NA romantic suspense series. Check out reviews for Burying Water and Becoming Rain.
Reading Update
- Currently reading The Wrath and the Dawn which is as amazing as the raves! I love the Arabian setting and Shahrzad is fiesty and fearless.
- I really enjoyed The Martian with all of its’ heart, humour, survival and space goodness! I read this after watching the movie and it was fantastic. 4.5 stars.
- Chimera was a horrific continuation of the tapeworm zombie series, and it wrapped up nicely (but not without tense moments and hard decisions). 4 stars. Review to come.
- Lady Helen and the Dark Days Club took a rather slow start. I’ve passed this onto my co-blogger Aila because the regency era wasn’t for me, and I’ll be interviewing the author tomorrow.
Bookstagram
On #bookstagram I’m doing the #allthebooksof2015 challenge, which lists the “best of” books for the year. Here’s some of my pics! Follow @happyindulgence to see more pics!
Bookish News
- Fierce Reads revealed redesigned covers for The Winner’s trilogy by Marie Rutkoski and we’re not happy, because apparently you can’t be kickass in a pretty dress.
- Jillian’s Books’ Blogger Positivity Campaign has come to an end, after spreading lots of wonderful posts and positivity throughout the blogosphere. Check out the wrap up here.
- Everyone likes compliments, that’s why Project Serendipity is here, to be matched up with a blogger and give them compliments!
- Download these beautiful phone graphics by the lovely Aila at her blog, One Way or An Author!
Discussion Posts
Here’s some discussion posts I enjoyed this week:
- Cait @ Paper Fury lists 10 types of characters she absolutely loves
- Ella @ Once Upon a Bookish Time talks about the pain of being a bookworm
- Joy @ Joyous Reads offers a powerful post on ignoring the guilt that comes with reading
- Nuzaifa @ Word Contessa lists changes in the book blogging community since she started.
- Rachel @ Istyria Book Blog is giving up ARCs
- Keionda @ Keionda Reads talks about how blogging has changed her so far
- Rashika @ The Social Potato does a hilarious post on why people shouldn’t read YA
- Nereyda @ Nick and Nereyda’s Infinite Book List talks about body image and double standards when it comes to fictional men
You May Have Missed…
- I did mini reviews for 4 contemporary books, some which were interesting and others disappointing
- Jenna reviewed The Cracks in the Kingdom which turned into more of a fantasy read in the sequel
- Aila talks about why she reads science fiction and recommends some great YA sci-fi reads
How was your bookish week?
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I feel like a slacker after looking at your pretty shelves. Mine are just thrown in wherever they fit right now. I really liked The Wrath too, glad you're liking it too!
I'm also counting down the days till my holiday vacation ( you beat me because I think yours already started LOL). Congrats on being together so long! Me and my hubby have been together 9.5 years and have been married for one of those 🙂 House shopping can be so stressful but you'll find something!
I still haven't read the Wrath and the Dawn but I really want to. And the Mira Grant series too!!
My recent post TTT: Best Books I Read In 2015
Yay!!! Congrats on reaching over 1,000 followers on Instagram! I love using Instagram too! Here's my Sunday Post:
http://rabbitearsbookblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/th…
Congrats on 1.5k followers Jeann! You absolutely deserve it! <33 And that picture is so cute! xD Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous recap! xx
Happy anniversary! I hope that you enjoy your break 🙂
The Winner’s trilogy covers are staying the same in Australia, at least that's what the publisher said on twitter (I can't remember which one it is, but I saw it! lol) maybe it's just a USA only thing. They do strange things over there sometimes :/
My recent post Wattle’s Wonderings #7 – Oops…
Aw the picture is the absolute cutest! I love! Aila is quite talented 🙂 Congrats on the Instagram followers too, you definitely deserve every one of them, I adore your pictures! So glad that you didn't end up going through with the house. It is so stressful, but you definitely don't want to end up saddled with a place you don't love, so you made a very wise choice. I think it's hard right now, and maybe after the new year you'll even see a lot of new places being available.
I am laughing that you've been sent that same book 3 times! I have one book in 3 different formats somehow, but to just keep sending you that book… well, guess they really want you to read it hahah. Glad you're enjoying Wrath, it is absolutely one of my favorites of the year!
My recent post December New Release Giveaway Hop!
I am still freaking out over the AWESOME AWESOME gift from Aila. I need this as my screensaver, my phone wallpaper, an oversized poster in my bedroom, an oversized poster at my office desk… BEST GIFT EVER *CRIES*
I completely agree Jenna! I LOVE IT SO MUCH. I want to put it behind me for my booktube videos 😀
Nice book haul. And that's such a fun picture. Reminds me of me and my sister!
My recent post What’s New On My Bookshelf #139 and The Sunday Post
Thanks Laura, yup always a morning person lol!
Hold off everything else, 10 years with the BF?!?! Girl! That's awesome! Congrats, not sure what youre views on the matter is, but I hope he puts a ring on you soon, if he hasn't yet. Or at least the equivalent of it. Enjoy your vacay and share pics, okay!
My recent post #Steampunk Sundays: Aether Psychics by Cecilia Dominic @RandomOenophile + Character Chat & #Giveaway
Don\’t worry I\’ve had that discussion with him already 😉
Glad to hear you're keen on reading it – it's out today! I love The Martian! I actually think it gets better after the first 30% because of the science, it kind of focuses on the survival more.
THAT PIKACHU PLUSH THO
also, I lovelovelove the raging light. it's really so good. (I did have a little bit of a problem with it but it's so well-written! I'm so excited for your review!) and rainbow bookshelves! my fave!
oooh. the emery lord quote. I'm tempted to make that phone wallpaper. congrats on 1500 followers! 😀
My recent post Review: Blackhearts
Hehehe I love Pikachu, it's so cute! Glad to hear you liked This Raging Light!
Awesome haul of books. I like the blogging picture. It's very cute indeed. I hope you love all of your new books this week.
Grace @ Books of Love
Thank you Grace, I think it's super cute too!
Oooh, this is all wonderful. Aila, your drawing is ADORABLE <3 And wow I will forever be envious of those phone graphics. Pwetty Pwetty. I loved the Wrath and the Dawn so much this year, and This Raging Light is also a good read, and woah those pictures are beautiful.
I agree, the bookstagram community is wonderful, and congratulations on getting so many followers! I'm still relatively new lol, but I hope to get there one day as well.
My recent post Review: The Book of Ivy // Wherein It’s Hidden Agenda of Torture is Discovered
It really is, I love it so much! I love TWATD SO MUCH! It's sooo good. I love Bookstagram too, it's so relaxing and fun! I bet you will <3
That picture is great!! When I was in Australia we went to the Whitsunday islands and it was so beautiful! Have a great time and enjoy your time off! Glad you enjoyed the Martian! Have a great week!!
My recent post Weekly Rewind ~ 12.13.15
Yay I'm glad you went there as well, it really is very stunning! Thank you Grace, you too!
That's such a cute pic!! Great job Aila!
I have to agree with the disappointment on the new covers for The Winner's Curse series… I raged quite a bit on Twitter myself, and I'm now happy I hadn't yet preordered the US HC because I'm NOT buying it! I'll be getting the UK paperback instead…
Glad to hear you really enjoyed Chimera! I still need to get it, hopefully next month!
Big congrats on the anniversary and have a blast on your vacation! I do hope taking a break for the house hunting will be exactly what you guys need and then you can find the RIGHT house very soon!
My recent post Friday Reads: Empire of Sand by Teresa Yea!! #DiverseDecember
She did really well didn't she? Yeah, at least the uK paperback is staying the same. Thank you so much Pili, I'm looking forward to it!
Aww, sorry The Dark Days Club didn't quite work for you. I'm really excited about it!
I started listening to The Martian on audiobook, and I was really enjoying it but I put it down because all the science-y explanations were just boring me, lol. I think I may pick up the physical book in the future and just skim past those bits. xD
My recent post Sword and Verse by Kathy Macmillan
Aila, WOW, that is incredible! Literally in awe of your talent (I've also seen some things that you've posted in Twitter too) and I'm so jealous! Wish I could draw like that. 🙂 Jeann, so glad you're liking THE WRATH AND THE DAWN. Loved that book so much.
My recent post What I Learned From Posting Work Online + Recent Book Haul
She's really artistic isn't she? I wish I could too Kara! Apparently this is something she whipped up together quickly! TWATD IS SOO GOOD!
I don't like new covers for for The Winner’s trilogy either. Initial ones were more original and eye-catching.
But I am glad to hear that you enjoyed The Martian. It was a great story, wasn’t it? 🙂
Enjoy your Christmas holiday and 10 years anniversary celebration, Jeann!
My recent post THE BEST OF ALL THINGS BOOKISH IN 2015 + GIVEAWAY
I don't know anyone who has liked them so far either! I loved the Martian, what great characters! Looking forward to it, thank you Lucia.
Congrats on the Instagram followers!! And yay for almost being on Christmas holidays – I'm working all the way up to Christmas Eve, but I'll be rich so it's all good 😀
My recent post My Writing Goals in 2016
Thanks Emily! I can't wait until Christmas woohoo! Hehe damn straight Emily 😉
Enjoy your break and happy anniversary. I love the artwork. So glad you loved the Martian and Chimera 🙂 Grant rocks;) Congrats on Instagram!!
My recent post Clean Slate Read-A-Thon
Thank you so much Kimba! I love Mira Grant so much <3 More people should too!
Love the drawing! How very cute!! Congrats on all your Instagram followers!
My recent post Looking for a List of 2016 Reading/Blogging Challenges? Look No Further!
Thank you so much Nicole!
Congrats on 1500 followers! That's amazing. Also happy early anniversary. I hope you have an amazing holiday 😀
I just started reading Lady Helen and I'm okay with the slow pace haha. It usually comes with historical novels I read (I love anything set 1800s or earlier) so I'm used to it. Plus I expected a slow build because Alison Goodman's Eon also took a while to build.
I'm glad you're enjoying The Wrath and the Dawn! I want to read that someday.
OMG the Winner's trilogy cover change. The covers themselves aren't terrible and I can understand the theory behind the change, but when you compare them to the gorgeous original covers and other problematic elements it's disappointing. Plus WHY DO THIS FOR THE LAST BOOK?!?! Why not wait for the US paperback release or boxset release or something?!
My recent post 5 Things about Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Thank you Bec! I'm really looking forward to some time away and relaxation time! I'm glad you're keen on Lady Helen, I'm interviewing the author today but unfortunately it wasn't for me. I look forward to picking up Eon though! TWATD is SOOO GOOD. I don't understand why they changed the cover, it's so frustrating!
Ahhh Christmas holidays! I can't wait for mine either. Though I have a couple of more weeks left of work before I can relax. Congratulations, Jeann! You're Instagram account rocks. 😀
P.S.
Thanks for the ping back!
I'm looking forward to it Joy! I hope yours goes fast! Thank you so much! <33 Ahh I love yours as well!
Awk, I'm RAGING about the Winner's Curse switchover. Plus they now look generic and cliche and, zomg, who says you can't do everything in a dress?!?! PLUS Kestrel doesn't actually go out and punch people. Which is 1000% okay, but gah, I'm pretty angry. >_> I hope Australia still comes out with the Winner's Kiss in the original dress covers. *heavy sigh*
Zomg thank you for linking to my post. :')
And that picture is Aila drew is SUPER CUTEEE.
I have Liquidator too and not really sure what to think. XD I did like Trash though, so maybe it'll be good?! 😛
Hope you have a happy start-of-your-holidays soon and lots of relaxing time!! 😀
I know right, I don't think anyone is happy about them! And why do they have to switch in the middle of the series? Grrr…I think we will actually have the old version. Hopefully. Yeah, I don't know about Liquidator either…not too sure it's my sort of thing. Thank you Cait! I can't wait!
Thank you for sharing the pic!! <3 <3 so grateful to be a part of the Happy Indulgence crew. (And for sharing the graphics too brb crying rn)
Omg- not gonna lie, totally looking forward Lady Helen and some of those octopus moments. ;))
Have the FUNNEST time at Whitsundays!! You deserve all the sunshine and more~~ *counts down for 2.5 days*
My recent post Introducing: Project Serendipity – Because Who Doesn’t Love Compliments?
No problems Aila, I am so grateful that you are a part of it too! Your graphics always deserve to be shared lol! Thank you, it's going to be so much fun! I can't wait <33