Monthly Reading Wrap Up | September 2015

I had an excellent start to this month with reading, in fact the first 2 books I read were both 5 Star reads and both went onto my 'Favourite Books of 2015' list. But then I started stumbling downhill after that and only ended up reading 9 books in total, with 3 of those being novellas.

 

 

The Selection Stories: The Prince & The Guard by Kiera Cass // 4 Stars

 

I really enjoyed The Prince. Maxon was always my favourite character in the series, so it was so nice being able to finally see what he was going through and how it affected him. And despite Kiera writing her male characters a little on the feminine side, I will forever love him. The Guard, however, started off so well and got dragged along the lines of boring. But I love his protective instincts for America.

 

 

The Enemy by Charlie Higson // 4 Stars

 

I really, really enjoyed this book. The beginning was a little so paced but it picked right up from about page 100 and I finished it so quickly after that. I can now say I officially like Zombies! If you're missing The Walking Dead, then pick this up!

 

 

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins // DNF'd

 

I'm so over these characters. I liked Anna, hated Lola and didn't want to know Isla. I'm fed up with YA characters being written so juvenile and Stephanie Perkins is the perfect example of that. Isla wanted to live inside Josh's dimple. Really?! Just, no!

 

 

HIM by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy // 5 Stars

 

I absolutely loved this book. It was...spectacular. I cannot recommend it enough, everyone has to pick it up and read it. The writing, characters and relationship were all so perfect. Everyone needs a Jamie Canning in their life!

 

 

George by Alex Gino // 5 Stars

 

Without a doubt the best book I have read this year, it has to been on the school curriculum because it teaches so many important life lessons. The taboo subject was handled well and I honestly just want to hand every child and parent I cross a copy of the book. Please do yourself a favour and read it. You will not regret it!

 

 

Alienated by Melissa Landers // 4 Stars

 

I was so surprised by this book. It's a very quick read that is filled with gorgeous characters, a swoon-worthy romance and lots of suspense. You'll fall in love with it the same way I did; slowly and then all at once

 

 

The Deal by Elle Kennedy // 3 Stars

 

I wasn't the biggest fan of The Deal. I liked the characters but the story was so cliché and cheesy. I wanted something a little steamy, but all I got was a little bit of nothing. It's kind of classic New Adult but there is so much better out there.

 

 

 

 

 

I also read The All Souls Real Time Companion by Deborah Harkness (Free e-book) and I did enjoy it but I didn't love it. It was nice to see some extras but I don't honestly think it was at all needed. I ended up giving it a 3. 5 Stars.

What books did you read this month?

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.

Why I Don't Read E-Books

I honestly have nothing against E-books. I think they're are great stepping stone for the next generation of readers, however they're not the right fit for me. One of the things I loved as a child was being able to hold the book in my hand,  feel a connection like nothing else. Because when I was reading a physical copy, I wasn't just reading the book but living it as well. And that is something I just don't get when I use an E-Reader (I currently use the iBooks app).

Since the Kindle first came out I've noticed that everyone has started using them. Their prices for books are cheaper, all the books are stored on one device and they're a lot easier to carry around if you're going on a day out to the seaside. And there is no reason why anyone should stop using them.

But it isn't just a barrier problem with me for E-books. I tend to find that I can't focus as much when I read off one. I skim read and know that it's easy to just skip a few chapters and carry on from there, and that's not what I should be doing. For short stories and novellas, I find it easier to read on an E-reader because they take like 20 minutes to read and then it's over. Plus it's normally the only way to read novellas until they're published in paperback format with other novellas.

So really it's just a matter of me not being able to connect with the book as much on an E-reader as I do in physical form. I'm a book hoarder, collector. And maybe I'm sometimes a book sniffer, because some books do smell...nice, fresh. I'll still forever read my novellas on my iBooks app, but that's it. I own like 20 books on there but none of them will be really read. Just for show.



What do you guys think about E-books?
Let me know in the comments.

Reviews, no more!

Picture used from @LovelyReads on Instagram

 

A few weeks ago I entered my depressive state and started thinking about stopping blogging for good, but then I listed my least favourite reasons of being a book blogger and there was only one thing: writing up book reviews.

 

Book reviews are not at all easy to write, in fact they are very time worthy. A review may take me up to 2 hours to write, whereas in that time scale I could've written up 3 or 4 other blog posts. And the real truth about book reviews are that they are the least viewed/watched. People are scared to read a review in case they are spoiled, which I understand, because no one likes being spoiled on a book.

 

So this morning I woke up to an eye opening blog post from Queen of Contemporary - Bye, bye reviews! In the post she discussed that writing book reviews are seen as being a "real" book blogger, but in fact, is not.

 

So from now on, I am shaking the book blogging core and bringing my own way of introducing you guys to great books. Every 3 months, I will be posting up specific book recommendations from the books I have read during that time period (Dystopian, Fantasy, Contemporary and New Adult Recommendations). Each and every genre will have their own recommendation posts, which I hope everyone will like.

 

Writing book reviews doesn't show our love for books, our love for books come from our hearts and my heart is brought out while writing about any book, whether that be in a book tag post or a book recommendation post. But just know, I am so happy about this change! And I hope you welcome it with open arms.

2015 Book and Blog Resolutions

2015 Book/Blog Resolutions

 

Book Resolutions

1. Read 40 books (I'm going to University in September, so reading will be scarce.)
2. Read the 5th, 6th and 7th books of the Harry Potter Series
3. Start and finish at least 5 series (Duologies/Trilogies)
4. Read at least 10 Fantasy books
5. Read 2 Classic books
6. Adventure more into New Adult Fiction
7. Read more debut authors
8. Re-read books you need to


Blog Resolutions

1. Finish up series reviews
2. Try and review at least 30 books read in 2015
3. Take part in more blog tours
4. Update the blog (Index reviews)
5. Upload more posts about depression

 

 

These are the 12 steps I plan to achieve in 2015. What are your goals? Let me know in the comments.

The 5 Best YA Book Cover Designs Of 2014

YA book cover design had a strong year in 2014 and here are some of the designs I saw and fell in love with!

 

Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrios

 



Jacket Photography by Andre Schneider
Jacket Design by Michelle Taormina
Map Art by Jordan Saia


The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Cover Photography by Heather Landis


City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Cover and fold out Illustrations by Cliff Neilsen
Comic Strip by Cassandra Piedra and Cassandra Claire LLC


A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray

Jacket Art by Craig Shields
Design by Elizabeth Woods


Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Art by Jeff Huang
Design by Erin Fitzsimmons

What are some of your favourite YA covers of this year?

Gift Ideas: What to buy your friends who love to read

So, the most normal and cliché gift to get your friends who love reading would be a book, but buying a book comes with a lot of stress.

1) What if they already own the book?
2) What if they've already read the book?
3) What if it's not their Genre?
4) What if they dislike the author?

Stress. Stress. Stress. Stress.

S T R E S S !

So here are 5 bookish gifts that your reading friends will love.


1. A Gift card -  It may be small and simple, but at least they get to pick the books they actually want. Plus, who doesn't love a gift card? I would suggest Amazon Gift cards, B&N Gift cards, WHSmith Gift Cards and Waterstones Gift cards.

2. Bookmarks - Another simple gift. All you have to do is choose a design that your friend/family member would like and then wrap them up. Plus, we all know that booknerds love super cute book marks that befriends our pages. I'd recommend you look at the ones designed and made by craftedvan on Etsy.

3. Bookish Art - These are a little more pricey, but they look amazing. What way to show off their love of a book then having their favourite quote hanging beautifully on their wall.

4. A book scented Candle - This is a weird gift, but it's also very thoughtful. Is book sniffers need to satisfy our needs and with this one, all you'd need to do is place it up to your nose and enjoy!

5. DVD's - Uh, DVD's. You sure? Yes, I am one hundred percent sure. 2014 was a great year for Books to movies/TV shows. The Fault in Our Stars came out, so did Divergent. But then there's also If I Stay and The Maze Runner releases this month. Also Amazon has a great deal on where both Hunger Games movies are £10. TV show wise, I'd recommend The 100, which became a huge hit and also Season 1 of Under the Dome (S2 was terrible)

I hope I've somewhat given you a few ideas on what to get and if you've already bought your book loving friends something, maybe this will help for next year.

Top 10 Books I Want To Re-Read

This week I've decided to take part in Top 10 Tuesday, however, I won't be doing a post every week. My Top 10 Tuesday posts may be twice a month or just when a topic comes around that I like, especially since I take part in Top 5 Wednesday as well. Top 10 Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This weeks topic is Top 10 Books you want to Re-read and mine was very easy because I have a list of books I plan to re-read. So...lets get on with it!

 

The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare - Lady Midnight comes out next year, so I want to re-read both series so that they're both fresh in my mind. I probably won't read The Bane Chronicles because it comes out this month.

Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman - I read this this year, but due to a reading slump I couldn't enjoy it as much as I could've. I loved the first half - an easy 5 stars - but the second half didn't satisfy my slump.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness - I always read this trilogy every year and will do until I get old and can't read anything.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer - I love this book so much, but we'll never know if the sequel is coming, so this is my best bet on satisfying my craving.

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell - I read this in December last year, so it seems fitting to re-read it soon.

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover - I was in a reading slump while reading this book and I never got out of it what others did, so when I re-read it I hope to see what it was all about.

The Dark Heroine by Abigail Gibbs - I read this book about two years ago and I need to re-read it so I can move onto the sequel.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - Both times of reading this book gave me different rating. When I first picked it up I gave it 5 stars, but the second time I read it I only rated it four stars. Hopefully a third time will show me what I really think of the book.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins - Need I say more? Paris, cute boys and Paris.

That's the end of todays Top 10 Tuesday. What books do you want/need to re-read?

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon starts on October 18th

 

 

Now, I have heard of Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon, but I've never actually taken part because I like my sleep too much, but this year I will be taking part because I finally have a lamp in my room. Yay! Anyway, my plan is to read two books during the 24 hours, but I will have more on standby in case I

 

A) Finish both books

 

B) Can't get into one of the books

 

This way I won't be wasting time choosing which books to read after. Plus it means I can focus solemnly on reading and drinking tea.

 

 

BOOK ONE: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini.

 

Pages: 518

 

When shy, awkward Helen Hamilton meets Lucas Delos for the first time, she thinks two things: the first, that he is the most ridiculously beautiful boy she has seen in her life; the second, that she wants to kill him with her bare hands.
An ancient curse means Lucas and Helen are destined to loathe one another. But sometimes love is stronger than hate, and not even the gods themselves can prevent what will happen next...

 

 

 

 

 

BOOK TWO: Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini.

 

Pages: 384

 

Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.
Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian . . . Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe.
Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. (Summary shortened)

 

 

 

 

BOOK THREE: The Perfectionists by Sara Shepard.

 

Pages: 272

 

In Beacon Heights, Washington, five girls—Ava, Caitlin, Mackenzie, Julie, and Parker—know that you don’t have to be good to be perfect. At first the girls think they have nothing in common, until they realize that they all hate Nolan Hotchkiss, who’s done terrible things to each of them. They come up with the perfect way to kill him—a hypothetical murder, of course. It’s just a joke...until Nolan turns up dead, in exactly the way they planned. Only, they didn’t do it. And unless they find the real killer, their perfect lives will come crashing down around them.  

 

 

 

 

BOOK FOUR: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken.

 

Pages: 488

 

When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.
When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

 

 

 

 

 

So...that is my short TBR for the 24 hour read-a-thon. Like I said, I only plan to read the first two, but if I finish them then I can continue with the rest. My survival kit for the 24 hours is books, tea, tea, food, more tea, chocolate, more tea, hour nap, tea and then more chocolate.

 

What are you planning to read for the 24 hours? Will you survive?

 

To sign up:

 

Read-a-thon website

Sign up post

Times

 

 

Sit down and pour yourself a cuppa.

Cover Reveal: Wicked by Jennifer L Armentrout

Holy cow, y'all! We are so excited to bring you the Cover Reveal for Jennifer L. Armentrout's WICKED! WICKED is a New Adult Paranormal Romance and is a part of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Wicked Trilogy. It is being released on December 8^th, 2014. So make sure you pre-order it today!!

 

Amazon

WICKED Synopsis: Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans. Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart. Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her. But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

 

About Jennifer L. Armentrout: # 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.  

 

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Novel Goodreads ** Author Goodreads

Book Review: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

                                                          
Book Name: Maybe Someday
Author: Colleen Hoover
UK Release Date: 2014
UK Publishers: Simon and Schuster
Summary:

Sydney is living in an idyllic bubble - she's a dedicated student with a steady job on the side. She lives with her best friend, has a great boyfriend, and the music coming from the balcony opposite hers is fast becoming the soundtrack to her life.

But when Sydney finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her, her bubble bursts. The mysterious and attractive man behind the music, Ridge, gives Sydney hope that she can move on and they begin the write songs together. But moving on is harder than she expects, Sydney can only hope...

Maybe someday...

Praise for Colleen Hoover:

'I can't recommend it highly enough. Read this book. Live it. Love it. Allow it to take over you heart. It's an unforgettable journey that every reader should take. 5++ Star!' aestasbookblog.com

'Hoover is one of the freshest voices in new-adult fiction, and her latest resonates with true emotion, unforgettable characters and just the right amount of sexual tension.  kirkusreviews.com

Review:

I've heard such amazing things about Colleen Hoover and it's only made my desire to read her books grow and grow. And I got paid. Which led to me buying Maybe Someday. It arrived two days late. I read it.

First off I would advise everyone, and I mean EVERYONE to go into this blindly. Don't read reviews, don't even ask your friends what they thought of it because you will get spoiled. Just buy it and read it. And then you can gush with all your feelings and Fangirl all you like.

The prologue starts out with some awesomeness.

I just punched a girl in the face. Not just any girl. My best friend. My roommate.

I mean c'mon. All I could think was 'What has this girl done to get punched in the face?' I came up with many different ideas before I carried on reading.

She called her fat
She ate the last bar of chocolate
She "borrowed" her makeup
She kissed her boyfriend

Yeah, she didn't kiss her friends boyfriend. She slept with him, many times over the two years of Sydney and Hunter had been together. And just having that as a prologue made my stomach flutter with excitement. Who doesn't love a good bitch fight.

However, the story isn't about a girl who found out her boyfriend and friend have been having an affair. It's so much more than that.

It's a story of a girl finding out what exactly love is and how talented she really is when it comes to song writing. It's also a story about not judging everyone and how far you'd really go to not become someone or something you hate.

Colleen warped me into Sydney and Ridges world and I could've stayed there forever. You're met with secrets, friendship and a lot of flirting.

I just could not get enough of this book. And the biggest bombshell for me was when I found out Ridge was deaf. I know no one was expecting it because the back blurb doesn't say that, and it normally would, which is great because it's becoming a normal thing. And, Sydney, just treating him like a normal person meant so much to me because we shouldn't treat people who are unique any different than we would want to be treated ourselves.

Overall, I just absolutely adored this book. There were a few problems, but they were minor and didn't really take away from the book, only added to it! And the way that we could listen to the songs that were written as we went along seriously helped me to get in the mood for the writing and story. I cannot recommend this book enough! 4.5 Stars!

Quote:

'Colleen writes with such elegance that you're warped into the characters world and feelings. Beautiful.' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk

Character That Deserve Their Own Books

Now I have so many favourite books. Different genre's, different characters, different settings. But sometimes I love them that much that I over work my little brain and start thinking about sequels that could be written, companionship novels, or even novellas written in my favourite characters POV. And in these five books they were no different.

5th - Levi from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

This book was really good. Cath was quite annoying, but there's one character that I love, Levi. He made me smile, laugh and he's such an adorable book boyfriend. Rainbow also stated in an interview that she wasn't finished with these characters, so maybe she could be writing a companionship novel based on Levi. If not, then write it Miss Rowell! #LeviFans4Life









4th - Tim from Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Jamie is writing a new series based on the Maddox brothers, but I really want a book written in Tims' POV. I wouldn't mind it being set in today's time, but would rather it be about how he met Travis' mother, how they grew to love each other, getting married, having children and also how he felt when she died. It'd be an emotional rollercoaster but one that needs to be written.







3rd - Penryn's mother from Angelfall by Susan EE

Now I'm not sure if Penryn's mother is called named in the book. But she is such a character. She's crazy, but she comes across really funny and I definitely want a book based on her! She's kind of a killer, but can easily defend herself and has some of the most weirdest past times, but I love her. Move of Penryn and Raffe because your mother is out and about! SUSAN WRITE A NOVELLA OR SOMETHING. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'LL EVEN BEG!







2nd - Cole from Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Cole and Alice is perfect for each other, but I want to see what Cole's upbringing was like. When he first saw a zombie? When he started to fight them? How he met Frosty, Bronx, etc? All these questions are unanswered and we need them. Cole also has an awesome personality so it'd be awesome to have a book based on him.






1st - Sophie and Gideon from The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

AHHHHH! Sophie and Gideon are the definition of P E R F E C T. No joke. At first I hated both Sophie and Gideon, but over time I came to love them and watching their romance bloom was so special to me. It was like an actual movie playing in my mind. Also I feel like there was a lot more to come from them and if I'm honest I cannot live with Sophie and Gideon. Fan Fiction does not do it! Only Miss Clare can work her magic!






If you guys had to pick 5 favourite characters that you wanted to have a separate book/novella, who would they be and why? Tell me!

Top 5 Book Couples

So one of the aspects I enjoy in all my books are relationships. I'm not a lover of Insta-love, but once it is developed really well and I love the characters I can't help but feel like I'm watching two people fall in love. No matter their gender.


5th. Wanda and Ian from The Host by Stephanie Meyer -

I feel like I could always read the story of Wanda and Ian over and over. The DVD is good, but the book takes it's time to show how their trust and attraction changes. Ian tries to kill her at the beginning, but over time he begins to appreciate her seeing her for who she truly is. She's not a monster and we all know it, but seeing Ian's feelings change makes my heart flutter and together they are a perfect book couple. Their story always leaves me with tears in my eyes because Ian held her. Her parasite self and still thought she was beautiful. To be honest, who could not love Ian and Wanda?  


4th. Echo and Noah from Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry -

I must admit that at first I didn't like Echo. I thought she was a really annoying and selfish character, but over time I got to know her and why she felt like she did. But for me it was always better when she and Noah were together. They bounced off each other. They completed each other and I always loved their love/hate relationship. But what I loved most was their trust and friendship. Noah trusted her with his secret and so did she and for me I felt like that was when their relationship truly began. I also loved that they never gave up on each other and tackled every obstacle that came their way. They're one of my favourite couples.  


3rd. Eleanor and Park from Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell -

Eleanor and Park is my all time favourite contemporary book. Rainbow Rowell is the queen of contemporary, but the reason Eleanor and Park isn't higher on my list is because they didn't last. That is the premise of the book: First love never lasts and it does take you on an emotional roller coaster. What I loved about their relationship was how it came to be. They bonded over comics and music while traveling to and from school. No YA book has been developed like that. Did I think they were perfect together? No, I didn't. But that's what made me love them even more. They didn't match.  


2nd. John and Liv from The Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl -

The Caster Chronicles is not a very good series, but there are only a few characters I have a connection with and only four people who are couples that's I love and they are Link and Ridley and John and Liv. Of course, John and Liv are my favourite. John is a Hybrid. Part Caster, part Incubus, he's kind of dangerous in his own way. And Liv is kind, caring and British. Together they did not suit, but she changed him. The development of the friendship and romance changed them both and reading it was something special. I've even started to write John and Liv Fan Fiction because I want to see them in London. Maybe Kami and Margaret will write a series about them, who knows.

And taking the first spot for my all time favourite book couple is..... 


1st. Sophie and Gideon from The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare -

When I was introduced to Sophie I immediately loved her. She was witty, sarcastic and stood up for herself which was shocking because she was a maid. Just seeing her love/hate relationship with Will really helped me understand her character because was may have hated him but deep down she loved him as a relative or a friend. For Gideon, when he was introduced I hated him. His father was a horrible guy, so was his younger brother and I expected him to be the same, but he was a bit different. Cassandra is probably my favourite for relationships. She develops them so nicely and this was no difference. Through out the second and third book we're given scenes where their connection builds and it irritates me because he wants to say 'I love you' but won't because he's seen as quite important and she's a maid. But the one sentence that completely got to me and made me smile was:  "I see it," Gideon said in a low voice. "I am not blind, and we are a people of many scars. I see it, but it is not ugly. It's just another beautiful part of the most beautiful girl I have ever seen." I mean, how can that not make you smile? I re-read it and I just think of how perfect they are for each other. They're like a very sweet dream and I'd never get tired of them. And that's why I cannot wait until 'The Last Hours' trilogy because they will hopefully be in it.   So that is the list of my Top 5 Book Couples. What did you think? Who are your top 5? Let me know. 

Book Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

  Book Name: My Life Next Door
  Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
  UK Release Date: Published in 2012
  UK Publishers: Speak
  Summary:

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

Praise for Hunley Fitzpatrick:

'A summer romance with depth.' The Boston Sunday Globe

'Jase and Samantha have a heart-warming romance every girl will envy.' Simone Elkeles, Author of Perfect Chemistry

'On par with such authors as Sarah Dessen and Deb Caletti.' SLJ

Review:

My Life Next Door has been on my TBR Pile for the last five months, and finally I came around to reading it! My expectations weren't high, I thought this was going to be a great book, but very cliché. However, I was wrong!!

This book is just the perfect summer read. It's filled with personality. There's also a lot of wit and romance, which I thought was so cute. But there was also something missing for me. I have no idea what it is, I've spent the last three days trying to figure out what it is, but I just can't. I know I'm annoyed that Sam never told her mother that Clay was kissing some other woman. Man, that would've been explosive.

For me, there was another problem with this book: the writing. It became confusing in some parts. And it was because of some of the words she used during her sentences, some of them didn't fit. I had to re-read the sentence at least 3 or 4 times. But once it happened 3 or 4 times, you became used to it.

Overall, I did love this book. The characters were all very relatable. The story line was cute, and not all cliché. But I also loved the family theme that runs throughout this book. The Garretts, are just a lovely family. They know each other through and through. And I've never seen that in a book. It's mostly protagonists with divorced parents.

Anyway, due to the writing and there being something missing, I gave this book a 4/5 stars. I need 'What I Thought Was True' NOW!!!

And BTW Jase, if you see this, then here's a present ;)

 

My quote:

 

'Hot guy. Nerd girl. Complete opposites. Falling in love. Now that's my type of story.' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk

Book Review: Shattered by Teri Terry

  Book Name: Shattered (Slated #3)
  Author: Teri Terry
  UK Release Date: 6th March 2014
  UK Publishers: Orchard Books
  Summary:

When you don't know who you are, how can you decide who you want to be?

 

Kyla was slated: her mind wiped clean by the oppressive Lorder government. When forbidden memories of a violent past began to surface, so did doubts: could she trust those she had come to care for, like Ben? Helped by friends in MIA, she goes undercover, searching for her past and evading authorities who want her dead. But the truth Kyla desperately seeks is more shocking than she ever imagined.

Praise for Teri Terry:

'A gripping Dystopian debut.' Bookseller

'This series just gets better and better.' Jess Hearts Books

'Sophisicated, intelligent, thought-provoking. Watch out Suzanne Collins and Sophie McKenzie, there's a new writer in town.' talltalesandshortstories.blogspot.co.uk

Review:

Blogger note: This book was sent to me from Casey. Her blog is - http://www.dark-readers.com/

Now I am a massive fan of Teri Terry's Slated trilogy. Probably her biggest fan. Her writing is great and her scenes are tense, and for some reason I just want more from her, which I will be getting since she's writing a new series. However, for me, this book was the most boring one out of all three books.

Slated and Fractured were full of action, and tense scenes. But this book, not only was it smaller than the rest of them, but hardly anything went on. There was maybe one tense scene in the entire book, whereas there were at least 10 each in both Slated and Fractured. Now because I say that Shattered is the most boring one out of them all, it doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it because I did. Like in every book there's a new guy introduced, although this one doesn't want anything romantic wise to do with Riley (Kyla), he's a friend. A true friend.

Through out the book secrets were unveiled, which kept me going, but also there were a few twists and they were characters from Slated, and a little bit from Fractured. And, if truth be told, I kind of thought that one or two of them were very predictable: I had that eerily feeling about them. Like trusting them would be a  mistake.

Overall, I did still enjoy this book. And this trilogy will still be in my Top 3. But for me, the ending was offish. It ended like her new series could take place in that new world, but who knows.

I gave this book a 4/5 Stars!

My quote:

'Secrets. Twists. Murder. What more could you want?' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk

Book Review: Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter

   Book Name: Through the Zombie Glass
   Author: Gena Showalter
   UK Release Date: Published in 2013
   UK Publishers: Mira Ink (Harlequin)
   Summary:

 

Alice Bell has lost so much.

Family. Friends. A home.

She thought she had nothing else to give.

 

She was wrong.

 

After a new zombie attack, her world gets even stranger. Mirrors come to life and she can hear the whispers of the dead.

 

But the worst? A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do dangerously wicked deeds that are impossible to come back from....

 

Praise for Gena Showalter:

 

'Readers will love the brave girl trying to reclaim her life...' RT Book Reviews

 

'Showalter has created a promising playground for future story instalments.' Kirkus Reviews

 

'...A zippy story with crossover appeal that highlights the power of guilt, faith and self-confidence.' Publishers Weekly

 

Review:

 

I must admit that after reading Alice in Zombieland I felt empty. I missed the characters that I grew to love, and I also, kind of missed the Zombies that I just wanted to destroy myself. But when I found out that the Sequel was out I jumped up with joy and ordered it straight away.

 

The book starts off with a dream, which I loved because over the time since Alices' parents had died, she'd grown up and become more mature, and just going back to see old Alice was great because we got to see the difference between them.

 

What I loved about this book was that I loved it even more than 'Alice in Zombieland.' It had a lot more action in it, in fact on page 72 there is an amazing battle scene. Zombies are killed and people are hurt, and that's what I loved about it. More gore. Blood. It had me wanting more! More! Also there was a scene that I couldn't help but laugh at (It was Midnight, I was tired.) Alice had texted her Nana about her grade and she replied back with 'WTF, An A?' it turned out that her Nana thought 'WTF' meant 'Well that's fantastic' of course we know better. But just having that realistic element in it really made it better for me. My mom thought 'LOL' meant 'Lots of Love' and that was up until four months ago....

 

Also in this book we are brought on a journey. A journey of destruction. People break up. People are kidnapped. There's a spy. Oh, yeah. There's also two new characters on the good side. Although I hated 'Ronny' she brought that extra jealousy.

 

Overall, this book was fast paced, action packed, full of sexual frustration and just absolutely amazing! That's why I gave it 5/5 Stars.

Can the third book be even better?

 

Talking about the third book - Queen of Zombie Hearts, here's the cover!

 



 

 

Isn't it beautiful? She looks like a bitch, but who cares, there's pink on the cover! pink!

 

My Quote:

 

'An amazing read for both adults and teenagers who just live for the f**king thrill' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk

 

 

Top 5 Wednesday: Top 5 Villains

5. Nick from Fangirl - Now I know you're all thinking, Nick? Are you sure? Well, Yes, I am. Nick is kind of a villain. He could've been the reason Levi and Cath never got together, and he partly stole Caths story, even though they both worked on it. It was a suckish thing to do. So, Nick is in 5th place.

4th. The Headteacher from Alice in Zombieland - She's a headteacher who knows about Cole and his zombie defeating gang and accepts it. She actually helps them. Or does she? Well, no she doesn't. That's why she's on this list. She's a spy for the zombies. She "helps" Cole, Alice and the gang, while giving information to these "zombies". So she's on this list!

3rd. Eric from Divergent - C'mon. Eric was the definition of sexy bad ass dude. And yes, I had a major crush on him, but he is evil! He was ruthless. Yet sexy. He was mean, always challenging what people said, even with him being in a room everyone would know and you could tell he wasn't nice. But still, he was in my heart. And that's why he's third on this list.

2nd. The Dark Sisters from The Infernal Devices - As soon as we were introduced to them I fell in love. The Dark Sisters were, of course, demons. They were horrible to Tessa. Locking her up, trying to kill her and that's why I partly loved them. It's actually a pity they didn't kill Jem because he got on my nerves so much (Cassandra Clare take that as a hint) all he did was ruin my experience with the books. So, yeah. The Dark Sisters are amazing!!!

1st. This is a joint number one. Both from the same book. The Lorders and Kyla's "Dad" from Slated - The Lorders are mean. They will kill you. They will kidnap you. They will set fire to your house. They will make your life a living hell. They already control the world, what more could they want. And Kyla's "Dad" was the worst. Pretending he was lovely, but we always know to keep an eye on the "lovely" ones. He's a bastard. He is evil. He is on the evil side. Can I kill him?

Book Review: Fractured by Teri Terry

  
    Book Name: Fractured
    Author: Teri terry
    UK Release Date: Published in 2013
    UK Publishers: Orchard Books
     Summary:

 

"With what I did yesterday, I should be dead: zapped by the chip they put in my brain when I was Slated."

Kyla shouldn't be able to remember anything from before she was Slated, but dark secrets of her past will not stay buried. Caught in a tug of war between Lorder oppression and the fight for freedom, her past and present race towards a collision she may not survive. While her desperate search for Ben continues, who can she trust in this world of secrets and lies?

 

Praise for Teri Terry:

'Intelligent, carefully thought through, tense and moreish.' Bookbag

'A gripping thriller, dealing in conspiracy, deceit.' Eastlife

'Sophisticated , intelligent, thought-provoking. Watch out Suzanne Collins and Sophie McKenzie, there's a new writer in town.' talltalesandshortstories.blogspot.co.uk

Review:

 

In the second book, I did not know how Teri Terry was going to beat 'Slated' but she did. There was more action. More tense scenes. More secrets. And More about Kyla's past.

 

I seriously think I am addicted to this series. I could re-read it over and over without getting bored of it and that isn't because of how amazingly written it is. It's because of the characters and the world.

 

In 'Fractured' a lot more happens with Kyla's "Mom." Secrets are found out and there's even a massive betrayal in the family, and if I must say so myself, I guessed it in the first book. He was nice. And we all know it's the nice ones you have to look out for, plus he became shady more and more through out the two books.

 

What I kind of disliked about this book is that we are introduced to a new male character. I mean, we like Ben. He was amazing! He was funny, charming and I really thought that he and Kyla would be an item. But now he's missing and some other dude has come in; Not cool!

 

But even though I didn't want a new guy in, I didn't really dislike him. I disliked that there was a new guy, but certainly not him. He was a vital part in the book, and getting to know him was awesome. Actually, getting to know everyone was awesome.

 

But seriously, if you haven't read 'Slated' and 'Fractured' then go and buy them because they're seriously tense.

 

Once again, I gave this book a 5/5 stars!

 

My quote:

 

'A beautiful sequel to the already amazing 'Slated.' The future better look out!'

Book Review: Dirty Magic by Jaye Wells

 
    Book Name: Dirty Magic
    Author: Jaye Wells
    UK Release Date: January 2014
    UK Publishers: Orbit Publishers
     Summary:

The last thing patrol cop Kate Prospero expected to find on her nightly rounds was a werewolf covered in the blood of his latest victim. But then, she also didn't expect that shooting him would land her in the crosshairs of a Magic Enforcement Agency task force, who wants to know why she killed their lead snitch.

The more Prospero learns about the dangerous new potion the MEA is investigating, the more she's convinced that earning a spot on their task force is the career break she's been wanting. But getting the assignment proves much easier than solving the case. Especially once the investigation reveals their lead suspect is the man she walked away from ten years earlier—on the same day she swore she'd never use dirty magic again.

Kate Prospero's about to learn the hard way that crossing a wizard will always get you burned, and that when it comes to magic, you should be never say never

Praise for Jaye Wells

'A fresh, magical world full of potion junkies and alchemists that promises to break new ground in paranormal thrillers.' Laurell K. Hamilton

'A sharp, high-speed paranormal thriller.' SciFiNow

'Dirty Magic is like nothing else currently happening in urban fantasy. Grim, gritty, and great.' Seanan McGuire (aka Mira Grant, author of FEED)

Review:

 

First off I must say that I was sent this from the publishers for an honest review.

 

I've never read an Urban Fantasy before, and if I am honest I was scared going into it because I knew from the summary that this was a novel that I wouldn't be all that into because detective novels are something I've always struggled with. But I really did enjoy this book.

 

 

The beginning was really hard to get into, the characters were just living normal, boring lives and it was really slow. I did think it was going to be quite fast paced and action packed from the beginning, but after a few chapters it really did pick up. New characters were introduced, and my favourite protagonist was Morales. He was witty, cocky and just a general guy you'd expect to see in a detective novel.

 

Along the way, I did start to notice that the mysteries became more predictable, however, the first twist did shock me. I had suspected another character: Either her uncle Abe or her boss. It was neither of these people though. It was a character you would least suspect.

 

Now even though I liked the book, I did not love it. There were quite a few typo's: missing words or just unusual sentence structure. And, sadly it did take away from the book. But as for a first book in a crime/urban fantasy series I really do think it got off to a good start and I am certainly looking forward to the sequel Cursed Moon. Especially since the ending of the first book was so incredible.

 

Overall, I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5 stars.