September Book Subscription Box Unpacking

So we decided to start a new feature here on RFTC. With book subscription boxes becoming all the rage we thought that it would be fun to share our thoughts and reviews for the boxes that we currently are subscribed to.

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I have been getting a few book boxes over the last few months, and I always love to talk about them with my friends and family. So when Dani asked me if I would be interested in sharing them with the blog, I thought it was a great idea! Subscription boxes have become extremely popular over the last few years, and there are some really great ones available for those of us who love books! So we thought we would put something together for those that might be interested in getting more information about those available. I love getting a surprise in the mail, and the best part is that I get to discover books or authors that I might never have heard about otherwise. I currently get two book box subscriptions, The Bookworm Box and The Book Candy Box. Below are the boxes that I received in September, but here is a little information on the boxes before I get into sharing the content.

The Bookworm Box was started by author Colleen Hoover, and was created with the purpose of spreading good and donating to charity. Each month a different charity is selected, and 100% of the profits from the box after overhead costs goes to that month's charity. Though the Bookworm Box has gone through a few changes since it started earlier this year, it is now available as a subscription service that renews each month. Once you sign up, you are billed on the 25th of each month for the following month's box. Each box features 2 signed paperbacks and swag. Though they do have some featured authors listed on their website, the books in each month's box are always a surprise, and there are a variety of boxes each month. So while you might get the same box as some others, you will not get the same box as every subscriber. The boxes are $39.99 a month plus shipping costs. Because they have a limited number of boxes available, new subscribers will have to wait for current subscribers to cancel their subscriptions or until the Bookworm Box opens up new spots. To get more information on when spots are available, make sure to follow their Facebook page as that is where they announce when new spots will be opened.

August Bookworm Box

The Bookworm Box that I received in September was actually the August Box. I received a signed copy of Real by Katy Evans and a signed copy of Clear by Jessica Park. Swag received this month was a Bookworm Box tin of mints, Bookworm Box chapstick, Bookworm Box pen, Indie Bound button, Chelle Bliss Bookmark, Stacey Lynn Bookmark, Gabbie S. Duran Bookmark, and a Kim Carmichael rack card.

Clear by Jessica Park

Stella Ford's grasp on reality is already loose, and it's about to come undone.

When the college junior flees Chicago and leaves her toxic family behind, she heads for coastal Maine to find the one person who brought her peace years ago: Sam Bishop. But the Sam she once knew now has painful secrets.

Stella is determined to heal them both. Healing, however, is a challenge when the walls of her everyday existence collapse. And when Sam's best friend is his worst enemy.

When the line between life and death blurs.

When an end is just a beginning.

When lust and rage rule.

Yet during extraordinary chaos, there can be extraordinary love, even if that love comes with a twist.

Welcome to death tripping.

A thriller, a paranormal, and a passionate romance, CLEAR crosses genres and breaks boundaries.

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depository |

I have heard of Jessica Park, but I have never read anything by her before. Clear is something completely new to me as well. It is described as being a thriller, paranormal and romance. I absolutely love this cover, and I am interested to give this one a shot even though it isn't anything that I would normally gravitate towards. Clear is the first book in Jessica Park's Death Trippers Series. 

Real by Katy Evans

A fallen boxer. A woman with a broken dream. A competition... He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting...

Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I've ever met in my life. He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I've never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong—but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents... But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me. I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations. If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depository | iTunes |

Real by Katy Evans is one of my all time favorites! I absolutely love the characters, and this is one of those books that I just couldn't put down. I highly recommend this book if you haven't read it, and I am super excited to now have a signed copy! Real is the first book in her Real series.

The Book Candy Box is a subscription box service that offers a few different options as far as which box you would like to purchase. These boxes are secured on a month by month basis, so you need to purchase one each month as it does not auto-renew. Prices vary per box selected. The Book Candy Box store is open from the 1st day of the month until the 15th day of the month for boxes shipping the next month. (IE: To purchase an October Box, you need to order between September 1st-15th.) The contents of your box will vary, depending on which box you select. The options are as follows: Option 1: 1 Signed Book, Swag, and a Signed Model Photo for that month's featured model. This box is $20.00 plus shipping. Option 2: 2 Signed Books and Swag for $22.00 plus shipping. Option 3: 2 Signed Books, Swag, and Signed Model Photo for $30.00 plus shipping. Though you know what items you will be getting, the titles and authors are a surprise each month. The only thing that is not a secret, is who the model featured each month is as they announce that on their facebook page. The one thing that you should be aware of though is that while each book is signed, sometimes it is a sticker or label (bookplate) rather than a signature on the page itself. The great thing about The Book Candy Box is that because they are open for a limited amount of days and order books based on signups, they do not run out of boxes and they are available to customers throughout the entire sales period. There is no waiting for spots to open up or for others to cancel. As long as you order between the 1st and 15th, you are guaranteed a box.

September Book Candy Box

The Book Candy Box that I received in September included a signed Emerge by S.E. Hall (this one had a bookplate) and a signed Don't Close Your Eyes by Hilary Storm. Swag in this months box was a signed postcard and bookmark from Ashley Erin, A signed bookmark, rubber bracelet and pendant from Tijan, a business card and button from Sidonia Rose, and a postcard for the Books Are Bigger In Texas Author Event. The signed model photo was of model Jacob Wilson.

Emerge by S.E. Hall

Laney Walker is a quick witted, athletic, southern tomboy who lets few get too close, using her sarcastic zingers to deflect and no idea how others view her.

Evan Allen's always been "friend zoned" yet protected and coveted Laney since they were children. But college puts a gap between them that neither were prepared for- old relationships are tested, new ones are formed and nothing will ever be the same.

Especially when in walks one Dane Kendrick, not at all the familiar, southern charmer of home, but an animal all his own.

A story of growing up, friendship, loyalty, first love, primal love...and life.

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depository | iTunes |

Emerge is one of those books that I have heard of before, but have never actually read. My TBR list is a mile long, and this is definitely on it. I am really excited to give it a shot though, and I was very excited to see this in my Book Candy Box. This one is a signed sticker (bookplate) rather than a signed page in the book, but I was excited to get it with a signature all the same. Emerge is the first book in the Evolve Series by S.E. Hall.

Don't Close Your Eyes by Hilary Storm

My life ended the day I answered the door and found out James had died. Writing has become my only release and secluding myself from the people who constantly judge me for my way of grieving has made me famous. I'm not ready to love again, in fact it's not even a thought.  Someone needs to tell that to Liam. He's breaking through all of the walls I've worked so hard to create. How can one man be so intriguing? He just gets me, maybe a little too well.

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depository |

Don't Close Your Eyes by Hilary Storm is another completely new book and author for me. I hadn't heard of either the book or author before receiving it in my Book Candy Box, but I am definitely interested after seeing the cover and reading the blurb. This one sounds right up my alley, and I am really looking forward to reading this book and getting to know an author that I might not have heard of had I not purchased this box. Don't Close Your Eyes is the first in Hilary's Bryant Brothers Series.

So what did you think of Casey's loot? Are you currently subscribed to any subscription boxes? Tell us what you think about the monthly book box craze. Worth it or not?