The 'Where Have I Been?' Book Haul

I'm finally on the last post of the week so I thought I would treat you guys with a book haul showcasing some of the books I've recently acquired, whether it be for review or ones I bought myself. Now if you do have any thoughts on the books I've recently gotten then please leave a comment but no spoilers, I beg you.

 

REVIEW COPIES

 

 

So over the last few weeks I've not been accepting as many books for review, mainly because I know I'm not going to have the time to read and review them in the time span that publishers or authors want. However, when I get the option to receive some books I've been anticipating then I will accept.

 

Because You Love to Hate Me edited by Ameriie is a YA Anthology where 13 authors pair up with 13 Booktubers to create a short story based around the Villains we love to hate. Now this book doesn't come out until July but Bloomsbury were nice enough to send me a signed sampler of the book.

 

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray has been on my wishlist since I found out about it and while this UK cover doesn't have the same appeal as the US edition I'm still super pumped to read what's on the inside. Hot Key Books were super lovely in sending this to me and I cannot wait to step into space and take a short vacation.

 

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer was sent to me by the ever so lovely Bloomsbury. Honestly Bloomsbury never fail to supply me with incredible books and I'm super excited to getting around to reading this one. I've heard it's a real tear jerker with a lot of home truths.

 

Release by Patrick Ness was sent to me by Walker Books UK the day it released in the UK and I'm so intrigued by this one. Essentially I thought it was just a coming out story within a religious household but the story also contains chapters from the ghost of the girl who's recently passed away. It holds this appeal and my friends have whispered nothing but high praise for this one.

 

 

 

BOOKS I BOUGHT THAT LEFT ME A POOR MAN

 

 

Lately I've been treating myself to US hardcovers because they're so pretty and also smaller than a standard UK hardcover. Plus the UK hardcovers normally end up with a demented spine because they're bound so tightly. One of these books was bought when I went to Liverpool for the day and partied the night away with RuPauls Drag Race Ambassador, The Vivienne.

 

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh ended up on my anticipated list after I read - and fell in love with - her debut novel The Wrath & The Dawn. It was beautifully written with such lyrical prose'. I just knew I had to have more of her writing so I instantly pre-ordered it. Flame in the Mist has been described as 47 Ronin meets Mulan and I am so ready for that.

 

Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines is actually one of my all time favourite YA Contemporary books, so I instantly needed to treat myself to the hardback copy. In fact I have the hardback copy of book 2 on it's way to me as well since the covers are so ascetically pleasing. It's a book that really hits home and also shouts out about controlling relationships. Abbi Glines can never do anything wrong for me.

 

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson really spoke to me when I was up Liverpool and shopped their Waterstones. Following the story of an unexpectedly pregnant sixteen year old Mary B Addison who's in jail because she murdered a 3 month old baby when she was 9. Allegedly. Need I say more about this one.

 

 

 

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli shouldn't have really been in here. In fact I wasn't going to pick it up until a friend of mine reviewed it and said that it was one of the best contemporaries she's read in years. And that was saying something as said friend isn't the biggest contemporary fan. Now it does sound like there's the possibility of a love triangle, which I'm not too fussed on but the synopsis had me gushing.

 

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han was the book I got half price when I purchased The Upside of Unrequited. I've not even started book one in this trilogy but I do now own all three books which means I can do some serious marathoning over the summer. I'm expecting meet-cute romance and a lot of drama.

 

Contagion by Teri Terry was a lovely surprise I found in my local WHSmiths as the book isn't actually out until later in the month so I'm so grateful that WHSmiths had it out super early for me to add to my Teri Terry collection. One girl missing. Two people out to find her. An epidemic that's sweeping the country. Why would I need anything else in my life?

 

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas is officially a book that intimidates me. I've not even started ACOMAF yet but seeing the size of this beauty has me scared. I'm sure my feelings are not prepared for the awesomeness that will ensue.

 

 

Review: Under the Lights by Abbi Glines

Title: Under the Lights (The Field Party #2)
Author: Abbi Glines
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Simon and Schuster UK
Published: August 25th 2016
Page Number: 336
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary:

Willa can’t erase the bad decisions of her past that led her down the path she’s on now. But she can fight for forgiveness from her family. And she can protect herself by refusing to let anyone else get close to her.

High school quarterback and town golden boy Brady used to be the best of friends with Willa—she even had a crush on him when they were kids. But that’s all changed now: her life choices have made her a different person from the girl he used to know.

Gunner used to be friends with Willa and Brady, too. He too is larger than life and a high school football star—not to mention that his family basically owns the town of Lawton. He loves his life, and doesn’t care about anyone except himself. But Willa is the exception—and he understands the girl she’s become in a way no one else can.

As secrets come to light and hearts are broken, these former childhood friends must face the truth about growing up and falling in love…even if it means losing each other forever.  

 

REVIEW

 

After finishing up the first book in this YA series by Abbi Glines I had one thought in mind: I want more. So much more. The small town romance mixed with the drama and football. It reminded me of watching episodes of Friday Night Lights with a cup of cocoa on a Friday night as a child while having me dream of living the life of the rich.

 

That was until I read this book.

 

Abbi Glines delivers a book filled with drama. I thought RuPauls Drag Race could only bring the type of drama that has me shook but Under the Lights had me Shooketh. It was an addicting read that I honestly could not put down until I finish the last page of the book but that doesn't always mean it was a brilliant read.

 

Now don't get me wrong I enjoyed the book. I loved our main character Willa and how strong and honest she was about her past and what she wanted for the future. I saw so much of younger self in her. I also loved Gunner and how much he grew and developed as a character. He showed there was more to him than just a rich spoilt brat. And together their romance was something different all together.

 

But then we have the confusing part of the story, mainly in our third main character Brady. For me he didn't fit in the story, I grew tired of his POV. He was whiny and unlike the character I read about in Until Friday Night who came across as someone who'd do anything for anyone and wore his heart on his sleeve. I'm not sure if Abbi had him in the book for the added drama or because she saw him as a vital character in Willa and Gunner's story but I think the story would have been delivered better without his overdraught POV.

 

Despite the mishap in the series I'm still super excited for book three, After the Game, which focuses on Riley and Brady. I'm sure Abbi will use her power of writing luscious romantic scenes to pull me in and use the drama to keep me hooked.

 

 

 

Buy the book (Wordery) | Buy the book (Book Depository)

Anticipated Reads of 2017 | Part One

I can already feel that 2017 is going to be the year of books; both Young Adult and New Adult. 2016 was pretty much a lacklustre year for myself and reading but this year I am opening myself to new journeys. This post will be split up into two different posts. This post will feature books published from January to the end of June. Part Two will then feature books from July to the end of December. The reason I've split the posts up are because I didn't want to have a post that's too long, also most of
the books published after June don't really have covers so waiting to post Part Two in June will mean the books on the list should have had their covers revealed by then.

So here are my most anticipated releases from January- June....


LONG WAY HOME BY KATIE MCGARRY
Harlequin Teen - 31st January

I'm saddened that Long Way Home is due to be the last book in the thunder road series. It was confirmed to me by Katie McGarry herself on twitter. Originally this was going to be a four book series but Ha
rlequin Teen had changed their mind and only wanted three books. Violet and Chevy have been the vocal point of the series with every reader wanting to know whether or not they'll put their differences aside and give a relationship a try? We also get a sneak peek back into the world of the Pushing the Limit series as Violet and Chevy meet Isaiah and Rachel along the way.



HISTORY IS ALL YOU LEFT ME BY ADAM SILVERA
Simon & Schuster Children - 9th February

A story of grief, heartache and love. History is All You Left Me follows Griffin whose ex-boyfriend, Theo has passed away. With all the hurt Griffin is going through he ends up connecting to Jackson, Theo's boyfriend who is the only person who understands his heartache. However, Griffin's OCD is getting worse and the only way he can find himself is by opening up and fronting his past.


LIKE A MEMORY BY ABBI GLINES
Self-published - 14th February

It was only recent when Abbi announced that Seabreeze would be meeting Rosemary Beach and I was a little shook. Having only finished both series last year and now being able to read Bliss and Nate's story so soon after is possibly the best thing to happen in 2017. Bliss and Nate met when they were teenagers, fell in love for the first time. But now 10 years have passed and they're reuniting again. The only word I can think of right now for this book is heartbreak because I'm sure I'm either going to be crying or laughing and crying while wanting more.



THE HATE U GIVE BY ANGIE THOMAS
Balzer & Bray - 28th February

Inspired by the #blacklivesmatter movement, Angie Thomas had written a novel so at the heart of America that it's become a must on anyone's 2017 TBR's. The book follows 16 year old Starr who's the only witness to the murder of her friend Khalil by a police officer. When it becomes a media phenomenon, Starr's life is threatened. What she says could ruin a community, what she says could get her killed.


A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN BY SARAH J MAAS
Bloomsbury Children's - 2nd May

I'm not sure what to say about ACOWAR as I've still yet to read A Court of Mist and Fury, however, I absolutely loved A Court of Thorns and Roses. It was one of my favourite books of 2015 and I'm super excited to continue on with Feyre's journey and also get to know Rhysand more. From what I've heard the ending of A Court of Mist and Fury left everyone's jaw dropping and eyes popped in shock so that does intrigue me to get reading it. As of now there is no cover or synopsis for book three in this retelling series.



FLAME IN THE MIST BY RENEE AHDIEH
Putnam and Juvenile - 16th May

Described and Mulan meets Ronin 47 set in Rural Japan. That was all it took to have me hooked. Mulan is one of my absolute favourite movies and it's about time we saw some more retellings surrounding the baddest Disney Heroine. From the synopsis, our main character Mariko is forced into an arranged marriage for political power, however, while on the way there they get hijacked so she pretends to be a guy and joins the Black Clan who were hired to kill her. While getting closer and closer with the Clan she discovers things that make her question everything she's ever known.


LORD OF SHADOWS BY CASSANDRA CLARE
Simon and Schuster Children's - 23rd May

I will read anything Cassandra Clare writes, including her weekly shopping lists. Who am I kidding, she probably has people who do her shopping for her. Now while I've not read Lady Midnight I am super excited for the release of Lord of Shadows. First of all the cover is absolutely gorgeous but the series also has a character named Kieran (Same as my own) and has a character that happens to be Bisexual. I'm all about diversity and Cassandra Clare just knows how to write diverse characters who happen to go through the biggest battles of their lives.


ONCE AND FOR ALL BY SARAH DESSEN
Penguin Books - June 8th

I never grew up with Sarah Dessen. In fact I never even heard of her until 2015 when people started mentioning her on Booktube. I read 'Along For the Ride' and next thing you know I was hooked on her books. Once and For All follows a girl whose life surrounds weddings since her mother is a wedding planner. She also doesn't believe in true love, not since her first love broke her heart. After meeting Ambrose, a serial dater, she starts to question whether true love does exist.



Now I know there are a lot more fantastic books coming out this year, but like I said, this will be a 2 part series with the second part being posted in June. At the minute I have my list all saved for that post but I'm just waiting on covers and some synopsis' to be revealed. Anyway, not that this post is up why don't you let me know what books you guys are excited for?

My Favourite Books of 2016

We're 11 days into 2017 and I know I'm posting late but a Bitch has been working Eleven hour shifts and doing Four days straight leaving me no time to actually get things written up and planned out. Hopefully 2017 is the year I'll finally manage time to produce some great posts for you guys. To myself it seems rather fitting that my first post of the year is all about the books I truly loved in 2016. Did I think 2016 was a great year for books? Nope, absolutely not. However, I did read a few books that instantly became a favourite of mine and I feel like you guys deserve to know about them.


THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR BY NICOLA YOON

I had read Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon before it first came out as an e-Arc and really enjoyed it: the writing was beautiful and the characters lively, so I knew what to expect going into The Sun is Also A Star. Except I didn't. I never knew that one book could break my heart into a tiny pieces. I never knew how much of an affect on me it'd truly have until I read the last sentence of the book. I never knew just how powerful words truly were until I experienced the lives of Natasha and Daniel and the people all around them. It made me question society and how we live life. How we choose to live life not really thinking about how our actions can affect someone else. The Sun is Also A Star was an experience to read and I enjoyed every second of it.



THE ROSE SOCIETY & THE MIDNIGHT STAR BY MARIE LU


I had hesitantly read The Young Elites back in 2015 and ended up staying up until 2am to finish reading it, then I put off reading The Rose Society that same year because I wasn't sure if it could live up to the expectations I had built up. It did. In fact it blew all expectations out of the park and then got even better in the last instalment of the series, The Midnight Star. Marie Lu went darker, darker, darker with this series creating twists and turns that no one could have expected. The Rose Society gave us new characters, new loves and a whole lot of messed up and it all came to a beautiful conclusion. Adelina's story was a brave one and I'm so happy I gave it a chance. The fact that Adelina is an Antagonist may put people off it but she's a character with heart. Plus we all love to hate a Villain.


BAD FOR YOU BY ABBI GLINES

I never went into Bad For You expecting anything more than smutty romance and sweet filthy sex, however, Abbi Glines threw a curveball and wrote something so special and empowering. The characters learn so many life lessons during their story and seeing them tackle them on their own and as a couple was something that I feel like so man
y New Adult books leave out. Honestly? I should have been reading Because of Low since I had only read the first book in this series but Krit and Blythe's story captured my attention to the point where 'I'll just read a few pages' turned into me reading the whole book.




THE WRATH & THE DAWN BY RENEE AHDIEH

I finally gave into the hype of Renee Ahdieh and her writing and it was so worth it. The Wrath & the Dawn is simply stunning with such vivid characters that just have mundane problems. Essentially I thought the story would have a lot more of a fantasy element to it, however, it had enough in there to satisfy my needs. I lived and breathed the novel the entire time I read it. When I was in work my mind was going to when I could go on my break or lunch so I could read a chapter more of the story I was becoming to love. Even when I was sleeping I was thinking about the book: I was dreaming that Khlaid actually had an older brother who was gay but because of society's opinions he was in hiding. I was a servant in the story and fell in love with Jaaeh. Of course it was just a dream and no such brother actually exists but I was so inspired that I imagined so many novellas following different characters in this series.



What were some of your favourite books of 2016?
Let me know!

Majorly Disappointing Books of 2016

So we're coming to the last month of 2016, and therefore, that means many book bloggers will be posting about their favourite books of the year, their favourite authors, book covers, etc. And I've decided to start it off with my least favourite reads of 2016. This list will be completely honest, especially since two of these books were some of my most anticipated. If you're willing to share your most disappointing books of 2016 with me then please publish the link to your post in the comment section of this post.

Now let's get this started...


IF I WAS YOUR GIRL BY MEREDITH RUSSO

If I Was Your Girl was one of my most anticipated releases of 2016. The author herself is a Transgender woman and knowing the main character of the book is a newly outed Transgender girl called Amanda Hardy I thought she would have represented something stripped back, honest and heart-breaking. She did neither. What she represented was a passable girl with good feminine looks, soft voice and a girl who can get all the guys; if she wanted, that is. Meredith also doesn't have the writing and storytelling skills to have produced the book in the best way. It was short and choppy, leaving no room for Amanda to be liked. She had no personality. However, I did like that Meredith kept it very realistic on the scale of hormones as some books about Transgender characters have left that out.


IT ENDS WITH US BY COLLEEN HOOVER

I never expected a book by one of my all time favourite authors to be on this list but Colleen Hoovers release this year really left me feeling heart-broken. And not in a good way. I honestly just did not like the book. The main character, Lily was so conflicting and I could not connect to her at all. And while I appreciate what Colleen was doing with the taboo subject of mental and physical abuse, I just thought it got over shadowed by the awful love triangle in the book. I actually really liked Atlas, especially getting to know him through those letters Lily wrote to Ellen but Ryle's reasoning for the abuse was just utter bullshit and I think Colleen knows that as well.


THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER BY JENNIFER L ARMENTROUT

I was sent this book to review from the publishers. I've previously read and enjoyed books by Jennifer, so I was excited to read this one especially because I know how well Jennifer writes romance. But I was just so disappointed by every page. The characters only got worse as the book went along and the romance/relationship just did not sit well with me. I understood that Rider protected her when she was a child but the fact that they both love each other when they first see each other after like 4 years? Not at all realistic, or good to read about.




UP IN FLAME BY ABBI GLINES

This was the last book in the Seabreeze series and I was super excited as this was about Nannette who's known as the bitch in the series. However, what I got was a waste of time. If anything I don't think Abbi Glines had a clear plot for the story but just wanted to add one in for Nannette. Major (he's a character by the way) just did not need to be involved in the story and this whole mafia type thing between Major and Gannon was awful. A story of just Nan and Gannon would have suited me just fine.





Before I started writing this post I did believe I had more than 4 books that left me feeling disappointed, however, it turns out that some books I didn't have a high standard about before reading. Now while I did not enjoy these books that does not mean that you will feel the same. We're all different in regards to what we read and all views I've expressed are my own. There's no need to be getting salty over them.

My Favourite Books of 2016 (So Far)

So the year of 2016 has been a decent year of good books for myself. However, that is mainly due to the fact that I've been reading very little this year. Starting a new job and working over 40 hours a week does that but that doesn't mean I haven't read any good books. In fact I think I've read quite a few really outstanding books. So today I'm going to be highlighting my top 5 books of 2016 (so far). But the list is likely to change with a few books coming out over the next few months that I'm sure will change my life.

1. The Rose Society by Marie Lu (The Young Elites #2)

The Rose Society is without a doubt my favourite book of the year so far, and I cannot wait until the third book comes out in September. If you've not read The Young Elites by Marie Lu then I highly recommend that you pick yourself up a copy because you are missing out on something special and unique. The series has dark action to boot and sizzling romantic chemistry. I love everything about this series.


2. Bad For You by Abbi Glines (Sea Breeze #7)

I'm going to be honest with everyone and say that I've not read all the books in this series but Bad For You is so preciously good. I love the relationship dynamic between Krit and Blythe - her innocence and his addictive personality. Abbi Glines doesn't just deliver on sexiness but she delivers on every emotional level as well. I could forever read about this couple.


3. The Best Goodbye by Abbi Glines (Rosemary Beach #13)

I've been reading this series like it's the most precious chocolate in the world and I'm sad to see that it's officially over. Captain and Addy's story is so emotional and heart-breaking and it was so great seeing the past and present interactions. Captain's loyalty through the book is unquestionable and I love the fact that Abbi delivered so much drama with this one.


4. The Crown by Kiera Cass (The Selection #5)

I was honestly so disappointed by 'The Heir'. Eadlyn just wasn't a character I liked to follow, she was just too naïve and immature. But she really proved herself in The Crown. Her character development flourished and I'm so happy with her Selection pick. He was worthy of her as much as she was worthy of him. It's a bittersweet ending to the series, I just wish it hadn't ended.


5. Us by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy (Him #2)

I couldn't get over the perfection that was Him. I loved the relationship build up of Jamie and Wes, seeing their transition from friends to boyfriends. They're a couple so perfect. Us wasn't as good as Him but I immensely enjoyed it. Blake is now one of my all time favourite male characters. Ever!




What have been your favourite books of the year so far?
Let me know in the comments!

5 Books to Read This Autumn

So I did a '5 Books to Read This Summer' post and everyone loved the idea, and so did I. I really enjoy recommending books that I think are perfectly fit for the season. For this one, I really was inspired mainly by Halloween, but I also wanted to show that you haven't got to read Horror and Paranormal for Autumn. Not that there is anything wrong with Horror or Paranormal.

These 5 books I completely recommend. I've read and adored/loved everyone of them. Do I think you'll like them? Hell to the Yes! They're fun, amazingly written and serve the perfect Autumn vibe. And PS. Sorry for the not so amazing photograph but as you can see down below, I took them in a wall in a Graveyard.

Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines

This is a recent release and I can honestly say that this is the perfect autumn book. It's YA Contemporary mixed with Football players, secrets and a girl who doesn't speak. I honestly couldn't find a fault with this book. Every page is utterly brilliant and so relatable.


A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

This is one of my all time favourite series and I know that I will be re-reading this series this Autumn. It's the perfect blend of everything that makes for great reading. We have Witches, Vampires and Daemons. But we also have romance filled with mystery and intrigue. You'll want to pack up and move to Oxford after reading this book. Trust me!


The Enemy by Charlie Higson

Everyone likes a little bit of Action and Horror during Autumn. It's why we all love Halloween. Well it's why I love Halloween anyway. This book is perfect for teenagers and adults alike. It's action packed with Zombie attacks and the characters are so great. You have likeable characters and dislikeable characters, which is what makes it so real. I cannot recommend this book enough!


Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

Okay, so not everyone is a New Adult fan and not everyone is going to want to read a book about 2 men getting together but I recently read and loved this book. It's perfect from first page to last and I only hope you guys check it out. The sexual scenes are all fresh and exciting, the transition from friendship to relationship was so thorough. I want a Jamie Canning and Wes in my life.


Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I read this book last year and really adored it. It's a story about a teenager called Jacob whose Grandfather has died, so him and his father go to this fictional island in Wales where things are like nothing you'll ever see before. This book really delivers on entertainment. Who doesn't love books with unusual, creepy photographs?



What books would you recommend people read in the Autumn?Let me know in the comments.

August Book Haul

This month has been a little crazy for books. I've bought a lot, received a lot and the outcome for the month was...A WHOLE SHITTING LOT! I thought I had gotten about 10 books but after counting I actually got 15. It's a little crazy, so hopefully I can cut down in the next few months.

I received all these books from the publishers for a honest review, that is exactly what you guys will get after I've read them. I know I included What We Left behind in the last haul, so just ignore that. I forgot I had included it in the Random Book Haul post.

Tempting the Best Man by Jennifer L Armentrout // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

Mosquitoland by David Arnold // Pre-order the book (Waterstones)

 

Reawakened by Colleen Houck // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between by Jennifer E Smith // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

 

 

I unexpectedly received a copy of GEORGE from Scholastic. They are the bomb.com.org.co.uk. GEORGE is a middle grade novel about a 4th grade transgender.

 

George by Alex Gino // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

 

 

I then went on an extreme Abbi Glines purchase and don't regret a single second. One More Chance was shown in my last book haul post as well, but I've been so down lately that I forgot.

 

One More Chance by Abbi Glines // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

You Were Mine by Abbi Glines // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

When I'm Gone by Abbi Glines // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

When You're Back by Abbi Glines // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

 

I am luckily enough to be apart of a very special Rainbow Rowell group, the lovely Kat McKenna from MyKindaBook sent me a signed copy of Fangirl. THANK YOU KAT! YOU ROCK!

 

Knife Edge by Malorie Blackman // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

Landline by Rainbow Rowell // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

Exclusive edition of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell // Buy the book (WHSmiths)

 

 

 

 

 

So what books have you bought/received recently?

Let me know in the comments.

 

 

Monthly Reading Wrap Up | August 2015

I thought I did quite well this month especially since I was ill a few times and got carried away with TV. A lot of my favourite shows have started back up, so I've been more bothered by them. This month I read some really good books as well as some horrid books!

Twisted Perfection by Abbi Glines // 5 Stars

Woods was my favourite male character in the 'Too Far' Series, so getting to see his story was so good. I loved every moment of this book, even the slow build up in the beginning. Honestly, Woods and Della are just so.....perfect!

Simple Perfection by Abbi Glines // 4.5 Stars

This was a fantastic sequel to Twisted Perfection, but I did find some things too over the top in here that it wasn't entirely believable. Still a great book though.

Take a Chance by Abbi Glines // 3 Stars

I've loved reading about Harlow and Grant, but reading from their perspectives was a horrible experience. Grant was too possessive and Harlow is a truly weak example of a woman. Their relationship still annoys me to this day.

One More Chance by Abbi Glines // 3 Stars

Abbi Glines rehashed the storyline where the girl leaves and comes back pregnant, and I stopped reading there. A left it a while and came back to finish it off. It was okay, not good or her best.

You Were Mine by Abbi Glines // 4 Stars

Oh, Bethy and Tripp. So, so beautiful. I was crying from the heartbreak in this book and I loved seeing what happened to Bethy and Tripp when they were teenagers. Although those teenager parts were incredibly slow I still enjoyed them.

When I'm Gone by Abbi Glines // 4.5 Stars

I'm getting myself a Mase Mannings because he is perfect to a 'T'. Him and Reese were a perfect couple and I really enjoyed the fact that there wasn't much sex in this book. It was laid back and I  found it to be perfect.

When You're Back by Abbi Glines // 2 Stars

YAWN! This book was an entire snooze fest. When I'm Gone should've been a standalone. The storyline turns up like 80% into the book and by that time I officially wanted to burn the book and pretend like Abbi didn't even write the book.

Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway // DNF'd

I read 68% of this book before deciding that I just didn't care about the characters to see what happened to them. The awkwardness between Emmy & Oliver was cute, and I loved them so much together but other than that this book was a hot mess.

 The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black // DNF'd

The beginning was eerie and I liked the characters but nothing was entirely going on. I was literally left yawning. I do hope to go back and pick it up again next month though.

Monster by CJ Skuse // 3 Stars

I have mixed thoughts on this one. I liked the characters and the story but I felt I may have read it at the wrong time.

All I Know Now by Carrie Hope Fletcher // 3 Stars

Not for me. I'm a 19 year old guy, not a 13 year old girl.

Kiro's Emily by Abbi Glines // 3 Stars

This was a quick, cute read but nothing else. Kiro was....obsessed though, literally.





What books did you read this month?

Let me know in the comments.

Review: Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines

Title: Until Friday Night (The Field Party #1)
Author: Abbi Glines
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: August 25th 2015
Page Number: 320
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary:

To everyone who knows him, West Ashby has always been that guy: the cocky, popular, way-too-handsome-for-his-own-good football god who led Lawton High to the state championships. But while West may be Big Man on Campus on the outside, on the inside he’s battling the grief that comes with watching his father slowly die of cancer.

Two years ago, Maggie Carleton’s life fell apart when her father murdered her mother. And after she told the police what happened, she stopped speaking and hasn’t spoken since. Even the move to Lawton, Alabama, couldn’t draw Maggie back out. So she stayed quiet, keeping her sorrow and her fractured heart hidden away.

As West’s pain becomes too much to handle, he knows he needs to talk to someone about his father—so in the dark shadows of a post-game party, he opens up to the one girl who he knows won’t tell anyone else.

West expected that talking about his dad would bring some relief, or at least a flood of emotions he couldn’t control. But he never expected the quiet new girl to reply, to reveal a pain even deeper than his own—or for them to form a connection so strong that he couldn’t ever let her go…  

 

REVIEW

 

Some people may think I am biased because lately I've been reading Abbi Glines's books like they're chocolate, but that is nowhere near the case. I've only been reading her steamy New Adult books, so I was slightly nervous that her YA books wasn't going to be as good. But I was so wrong.

 

Until Friday Night is easily one of the most realistic YA Contemporary books I've ever read. The characters were incredibly relatable, yet still going through their own terrors in life. Anyone who has ever lost a loved one will completely relate to West and the pain he is going through. He's got no one to rely on because his mother is going through the exact same thing, his friends don't know and I know from past experiences that keeping secrets becomes impossible until you have to tell someone before you crack.

 

I've never experienced anything like Maggie has and I've certainly not stopped speaking (I can talk for Wales, apparently. I think it's a Welsh thing; we're all chatter box's.) however, that didn't refrain me from connecting to her. She has her fears, but I saw so much of my former self in Maggie. She's quiet, loyal, compassionate and selfless. She cares about everyone else rather than herself, because at least she hasn't got to confront what she's going through.

 

West and Maggie's relationship did confuse me a little. Their chemistry was...off the scales. Like in any Abbi Glines book, but Abbi really did something that I've not seen in any YA or NA book; she called out the guy being possessive. And I'm so happy that Maggie's character did that because I think it's something that needs to be done. You're meant to love her, not own her. She's not a trophy you can keep on the mantelpiece of your living room, she's a human being with feelings.

 

This is definitely one of my favourite Abbi Glines book and I'm super excited to see what's going to happen in Book 2 (It follows Maggie's cousin, Brady.) I love these small town romances too much. I may need to go to rehab.

 

A finished copy was provided by the publishers for a honest review

 

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Review: Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines

Title: Fallen Too Far
Author: Abbi Glines
Genre: New Adult
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: July 4th 2013
Page Number: 247
Rating: 4/5

Summary:

When Blaire Wynn's mother passed away, Blaire's life changed in an instant. Having cared for her sick mother for the last three years, suddenly Blaire has to leave the small farmhouse in Alabama they shared, to move in with her father and his new wife in their sprawling beach house along the Florida gulf coast. But what she isn't prepared for is the lifestyle change that comes with the move, and she knows she'll never fit into the new world of luxury and extravagance that suddenly surrounds her.
Even worse, her father has run off to Paris for the summer with his wife, leaving her stranded with Rush, her new stepbrother, who's irritating, arrogant and… seriously sexy. Rush is as spoiled as he is gorgeous; his famous father's guilt money, his mother's desperation to win his love, and his charm are the three reasons he has never been told no. Blaire knows he is anything but good for her, but somehow she can't fight the attraction she's feeling, especially when she starts to think the attraction might be mutual… Rush is jaded and has secrets Blaire knows she may never uncover but even knowing all of that Blaire just may have fallen too far.  

REVIEW

I'm going to be honest and tell it to you straight. I'm not a fan of step-brother (or any other sibling) romance. I find it a little uncomfortable, however, I absolutely adored this book. Abbi Glines created some amazing characters that I fell in love with.

From the beginning, Blaire is a character you find yourself rooting for. She's young, independent and had an incredibly hard life. She lost her twin sister when she was 14, and then her father walked out on her a few weeks later, leaving her to look after her sick mother. There wasn't any character growth from Blaire because she had already grown up too quickly, but what we did see was Blaire learning to have fun and just be a normal nineteen year old.

If I'm still being honest, Rush was a generic male character in New Adult. He was rich, spoiled and a complete and utter dick. But I think that's part of the "Rush Finlay Charm". He's a difficult character to get to know because he doesn't know what he's meant to do in the situation he is in, but I think he was mature enough about it all and made the right decision.

Abbi Glines' writing is so easy to follow. Her writing is no masterpiece, but it's simple and fun, kinda reminds me of Jennifer L Armentrout's writing. The only thing I would say needed to be improved would be the editing of the book. There were so many editing errors that needs to be fixed. The editors had one job and they couldn't do that properly.

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Anticipated 2015 Pre-Orders | Top 5 Wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday was created by GingerReadsLainey

 

 



 

 

 

 

Sadly, there aren't that many books that I am dying to get my hands on. However, these four have been on my radar for a few months now and I am so excited for them to be released. If I could get ARC's of these books then I would die. No joke.

 

 

 

The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick - August 18th 2015

 

 

Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines - August 25th 2015

 

 

Lies About Truth by Courtney C Stephens - November 3rd 2015

 

 

November 9 by Colleen Hoover - November 10th 2015

 

 

 

What releases are you most excited for?

Let me know in the comments.

 

Most Anticipated Releases of 2015 | Part Two

We're a few months into 2015, and already some incredible books have been published. So here is the second - and last - part in my Most Anticipated Releases of 2015. However, there is three books on this list that I am dying to own RIGHT NOW! Those are The Last Summer of Us, Until Friday Night and November 9.

 

The Last Summer of Us by Maggie Harcourt - Publishes May 1st

 

PS, I Still Love You by Jenny Han - Publishes June 4th

 

Not After Everything by Michelle Levy - Publishes August 4th

 

Never Always Sometimes by Adi Alsaid - Publishes August 13th

 

Awake by Natasha Preston  -  Publishes August 4th

 

 

 

Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines - Publishes September 25th

 

The Land of Stories: beyond the Kingdoms by Chris Colfer - July 7th

 

All Played Out by Cora Carmack - Publishes May 12th

 

A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis - Publishes October 6th 

 

November 9 by Colleen Hoover - Publishes November 10th

Do you plan to read any of these?
Let me know in the comments

New Adult Recommendations

New Adult was never really a huge genre before, but now it's one of the biggest and most loved. I started reading New Adult after I found Erotica (50 shades) to be too much sex for me. I wanted something sexy, but fun, with great storylines as well. So here are 5 of my favourite New Adult books.

 

 

 

 

After by Anna Todd - Anna Todd became famous after 'After' become one of Wattpad's most read books. It may have been a 1D Fan Fiction originally, but everyone fell in love with it. I haven't read the published version, but I have read the Wattpad version. It was good.

 

Breathe by Abbi Glines - This is a big series, so you may want to make sure you have a lot of time on hand to read these. Not only is there the Sea Breeze series, but there's also the Rosemary Beach, and the Too Far series. That is a lot of sexy New Adult.

 

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire - Jamie is one of my favourites. Her books are so addictive with incredible characters and a lot of drama. The relationship in Beautiful Disaster is a little intense, but Travis 'Mad-Dog' Maddox is sexy-as-sin and so are his brothers.

 

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover - Colleen Hoover is the Queen of New Adult. There isn't one book I've read by her that I haven't loved, and what makes Maybe Someday the perfect New Adult is that it's more up-beat and comes with a side track. Also, Maybe Not was recently released, so it's definitely the right time to read it!

 

Slammed by Colleen Hoover - Like I said, QUEEN! Slammed is even better than Maybe Someday. It's filled with three beautiful, intense, heart-breaking storylines. And it's also got incredible slam poetry. Everything about this book was beautiful and I guess it's why she's been quotes as the 'female version of Nicholas Sparks'

 

 

What are some of your favourite New Adult books?

Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Title: Ugly Love
Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: New Adult
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: August 5th 2014
Page Number: 323

Summary:

An unforgettable love story that breaks all the rules.

When Tate Collins finds airline pilot Miles Archer passed out in front of her apartment door, it is definitely not love at first sight. In fact, they wouldn't even consider themselves friends. But what they do have is an undeniable mutual attraction.

He doesn't want love and she doesn't have time for a relationship, but their chemistry cannot be ignored. Once their desires are out in the open, they realise they have the perfect set-up, as long as Tate can stick to two rules - never ask about the past and don't expect a future.

Tate convinces herself she's ok with it, but soon realises that it's harder than she thought. Will she be able to say no to her sexy pilot when he lives just next door?

Review:

 

"Colleen Hoover is a sneaky woman. Without you knowing, she rips your heart out, bit by bit until you realise it's not there. Just beautiful." Bookbitchreviews

I've only read one other book by Colleen Hoover and that was Maybe Someday. That's story blew me away and instantly lodged itself in my heart, both the book and the characters. But just when I thought Colleen couldn't get any better she brought this book along. I captured my attention, took me on a journey of broken hearts and love and without myself knowing, ripped my heart out. There is no doubt that this is one of the best books of 2014.

The one thing that Colleen does so well is create characters that are not only realistic, but also characters that you grow to love. It's a very rare and special talent and one that should never be wasted and you can tell that these aren't just Colleen creations. They're like her adopted children. Only fictional.

Both Tate and Miles are great characters and from chapter one you are attracted to Miles because of his drunkenly behaviour. "I'm so sorry, Rachael." Who is Rachael? Why is he crying? and that made me want to read more and more and more and more.

I felt like I was drowning while reading this book.

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We all know that Miles has this secret and seeing his story from Six years before, was probably the best thing that could've happened in the book. I loved seeing his back life, while he was so recluse to Tate and it made you understand his actions. I have to say that what happened, I did not predict. I had two situations in my head that I thought was going to happen, but it wasn't any of them, it shocked me. My heart had died.

 

D

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The epilogue was the tear jerker for me. I shed a few little tears, but the whole story wrapped up beautifully and it made me realise that love is both beautiful and ugly. We should never take it for granted.

 

5/5 STARS!

Book Review: Breathe by Abbi Glines

    Book Name: Breathe
    Author: Abbi Glines
    UK Release Date: 2013
    UK Publishers: Simon and Schuster
    Summary:

Sadie White doesn't get to spend her summer on the beach like most kids. Her mother can't keep a job, so Sadie is forced to work during the break at one of the mansions nearby instead.

Then Sadie discovers that Jax Stone, the hottest teenage rockstar around, owns the house, and things get a lot more interesting. Jax is adored by teenage girls everywhere - except for Sadie, that is -  but the fact she's not impressed by his reputation is exactly what he finds fascinating about her. As the summer passes, Jax and Sadie find themselves drawn to each other, even though their different worlds want to keep them apart. They're about to discover that love can be suffocating, until you find a way to breathe...

Praise for Abbi Glines:

'Every time I read one of Abbi's books, I declare it my new favourite.' Colleen Hoover, author of Slammed

'Abbi Glines really knows how to write hot male characters; she really does make you swoon.' Serendipity Reviews

Review:

Since being in a reading slump I really needed something that was either A) Set on or around a beach or B) Based around music. And this book was perfect because its both of those things.

Now I've been dying to read an Abbi Glines book for a while, and I finally caved. The outcome: I loved it!

Abbi Glines knows how to write great characters that you just swoon over, male or female, you'll soon find yourself in love with them because they're so elegantly developed. Sadie, the main female protagonist, is too kind. She won't stand up to her mother, she'll do anything for anyone and she'll even go as far as dating a rockstar and getting upset over fake girlfriend publicity. However, for me, Sadie was a bit immature for a seventeen year old. I thought I was reading about a fifteen year old, and then automatically she'd mature. But then again I still liked her character.

Jax Stone really confused me. Through out the book he was a great character: Flirty, cocky and jealous. But with a kind side to him. But there were a few scenes where I felt his character voice completely changed to something new and those were in the sexy scenes. He aged by like ten years and turned into something like Christian Grey. Only younger and a lot less experienced.

However, the story did grip my attention. The premise worked very well and I felt so many different things towards the characters and their personal stories. You can very much tell that this is Abbi's first book, and I know from this that her writing has so much promise and potential. And I really look forward to reading the rest of the Sea Breaze series. As well as her other intertwining series.

Overall, I gave this book a rating of 3.75/5 Stars because I couldn't decide between 4 stars and 3.5 stars, so I went for the middle of them.

Quote:

'Abbi certainly knows how to write great sensual escaping stories.' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk