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.

 

 

Favorite LGBTQ+ Reads

So I'm finally back from my time away where I've done nothing but work and catch up on some of my favourite TV series (and discovered new ones). With my comeback I thought I'd decide to recommend you guys some of my favourite LGBTQ+ reads. Being a gay guy myself, I'm ashamed to say I don't read much LGBTQ+ books but I am making it a priority from now on. In this list we do have a mix of both Middle Grade, Young Adult and New Adult books so there's something for everyone.

SIMON VS THE HOMOSAPIENS AGENDA BY BECKY ALBERTALLI

Definitely a more cute LGBT novel about a closet gay called Simon Spier who is blacked mailed by another student; either Simon helps the guy get with his friend or Simon's sexuality will be spilled to the entire school. Simon VS the Homosapien Agenda is a total meet-cute with relatable friendships and a love of Oreo's that goes beyond galaxies. Simon VS the Homosapiens Agenda is also currently being made into a movie starring Nick Robinson (The 5th Wave), Jennifer Garner (Juno) and Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why).


THE ART OF BEING NORMAL BY LISA WILLIAMSON

I wasn't too sure how I'd feel going into The Art of Being Normal, however, I quickly fell in love with both David and Leo and their character journey's. Being a UKYA novel I found it very easy to relate to the writing style and felt this is a coming of age novel that everyone can get behind. Not too heavy on romance but a great book that deals with Transgender issues, family and true friendship.


HIM & US BY SARINA BOWEN AND ELLE KENNEDY

Him and Us are by far some of my all time favourite books. They're brilliantly written with likable characters and a butterfly inducing romance. But my favourite thing about the novels are the fact both Sarina and Elle wrote Jamie and Wes as just two guys who love playing Hockey. And that was that. They never played up to stereotypes and I really appreciated that.


GEORGE BY ALEX GINO

You don't often find LGBTQ+ Middle Grade novels by George is by far one that I want to give to every child I know. It's a book that educates, not preaches about what it's like as a child to be born into the wrong body. George was a sweet book from beginning to end with a beautiful message. I'll never forget how it made me feel, especially as George and Kelly used their school play of Charlotte's Web to show to the world that George truly is a girl.




Have any LGBTQ+ Recommendations for me?
Let me know in the comments.

Recommending Summer Reads | Top 5 Wednesday

So I'm back doing a Top 5 Wednesday post. As you all know I used to do these all the time and absolutely LOVED taking part since the topics were always so diverse. Now, I don't know if I'll be posting one every week, but if I see a topic that I really love then I certainly will. Since the last time I posted about T5W there has been a major change and that is that Lainey no longer hosts it. As most would know, Lainey created Top 5 Wednesday but has decided to take a break from hosting T5W and the hosting job has been handed over to Sam over at Thoughts on Tomes

TOPIC: SUMMER READS

 

 

ALONG FOR THE RIDE BY SARAH DESSEN

Sarah Dessen doesn't seem to be as well known in the UK as she is in the US, but I was so happy I got persuaded to read Along for the Ride, it's a fantastic contemporary book that deals with real life issues. Not only that but the romance was so adorable.


MY LIFE NEXT DOOR BY HUNTLEY FITSPATRICK

Recently published in the UK, I decided to reread the book and it's just as good as the first time I read it. Sam and Jace are one of my favourite book couple of all time and I love the family orientation in this novel. My Life Next Door is dramatic as much as it is romantic and funny.


DID I MENTION I LOVE YOU? BY ESTELLE MASKAME

Step-sibling romance is certainly not something I'm comfortable with, however, Estelle just knows how to craft a well done YA book. It may help that she happens to be a teenager herself. What's great is that she captures everything so well and leaves you wanting more. And the best thing about this? It's a 3 book series, so always more Tyler.


NOWHERE BUT HERE BY KATIE MCGARRY

Nowhere but Here is basically a YA version of 'Sons of Anarchy' but in book form and with a hot romance to boot. I love the grittiness of this series and I can't wait for book 3 to be published next year.

 

 

LORALI BY LAURA DOCKRILL

 

Lorali is one of the most beautiful, enigmatic novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It's deep and haunting and a complete summer read. A boy finds a naked girl on the beach who may not seem so human.

 

 

 

 

What books would you recommend for summer reading?

Let me know in the comments!

Review: The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson

Title: The Art of Being Normal
Author: Lisa Williamson
Genre: YA Contemporary / LGBT
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Published: January 7th 2016 (Paperback edition)
Page Number: 357
Rating: 4/5

Summary:

Two Outsiders. Two secrets.

David longs to be a girl.

Leo wants to be invisible.

When Leo stands up for David in a fight, an unlikely friendship forms. But things are about to get messy. Because at Eden Park School secrets have a funny habit of not staying secret for long…

REVIEW

One of my blogger friends, Kayleigh recommended The Art of Being Normal to me. I knew the premise was something I was certainly interested but due to it being out in hardback I had to wait until the paperback release. And Kayleigh was right.

This book was so good.

Gender Identity is super important for me, I don't class myself as either male or female because I don't feel like I honestly am. I'm just myself. So it was really refreshing seeing a book deal with Gender Identity so well. Not only that but The Art of Being Normal is one of the most important books of our time. A lot of people could learn from this, not just children or teenagers. But parents and grandparents alike.

For a YA Contemporary book I was super happy that it was set in the UK, mainly because it was refreshing as most are set in the US on beach costal towns, which is fun sometimes, but sometimes I just want a good book set in the UK. Being completely honest though, The Art of Being Normal was also nostalgic for me, it took me back to the times when I was 9 and 10 years old strutting my stuff around the house in my self-made dress constructed out of my bed sheets, scarves and towels.

Right now I just want to raid a bookstore and hand everyone a copy of this beautiful, brilliant novel. Just. Pick. It. Up!

 

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

 

 

 

 

🎧: U Wear it Well by RuPaul

Review: The Last Summer of Us by Maggie Harcourt

Title: The Last Summer of Us
Author: Maggie Harcourt
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Usbourne
Published: May 1st 2015
Page Number: 304
Rating: 4/5

Summary:

Limpet, Steffan and Jared. Three best friends crammed into a clapped-out rust bucket of a car on a whirlwind road trip to forget their troubles and see out the end of the summer. But no matter how far they drive, they can’t escape the hidden secrets and slow-burning romance that could upset the balance of their friendship – perhaps forever.

REVIEW

The Last Summer of Us was one of the books I was extremely excited to read because the characters take a road trip around Wales, which I don't think anyone has ever written before. I also happen to live in Wales and while I usually prefer books set in the US, I can't deny that Maggie Harcourt didn't make me want to travel my homeland.

I felt everything these characters felt, I didn't see them as characters written onto a page I saw them as fully fleshed out people, the kind of people I grew up with. And that's something I wasn't expecting. Maggie Harcourt (who's also Welsh) did the Welshism's so well and despite it still being a super fun summer contemporary read the book also deals with heavy topics of death, alcoholism and grief. It's presented in a way that you feel so much for these characters. You're rooting for them in some way or another, and more than anything else I was rooting for their friendship because it's the type of friendship that you know will last a lifetime.

And you know what makes a book good? When you finished the book almost 9 weeks ago but its still very much present in your mind. When I see the book on my shelf, I find myself smiling and remember the journey all three characters went on. And I know for a fact that I will also be rereading this book when summer comes around because it's the type of book that can consume you. And you never know, I may also take my own road trip this year with my friends visiting the places Limpet, Steffan and Jared visited.

But honestly: if you're after a well written YA novel that's a super quick, fun read then this is it. But be prepared to get withdrawal symptoms.

Buy the book (Waterstones) | Buy the book (Amazon)

 

 

🎧: Coming Home by Rita Ora ft Sigma

Review: Remix by Non Pratt

                                                  

Title: Remix
Author: Non Pratt
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Walker Books
Published: June 4th 2015
Page Number: 304
Rating: 2/5

Kaz is still reeling from being dumped by the love of her life...

Ruby is bored of hearing about it. Time to change the record.

Three days. Two best mates. One music festival. Zero chance of everything working out.

 

I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Non Pratt's writing, and I was so excited to read Remix. I'm not just a music lover, but I'm also a music festival lover as well, so I thought I would've really loved this book.

 

That did not happen.

 

Straight away I knew that I wouldn't like Kaz. She's one of those people who is in a constant daze after being dumped, but being dazed leaves them being stupid, childish and naïve. And that's what you got from her from Page 1 to Page 304. She didn't grow as a character, she just seemed to do things to make herself feel less guilty for being reckless.

 

And then we meet Ruby. At first she was a character I rooted for; funny and honest, which is something I love most in some people. However, she then turned into Kaz. All she did was moan, cry and then moan all over again. She was selfish and irresponsible, someone I just wanted to slap across the face.

 

I think my biggest problem with Remix was how unoriginal it was. Non Pratt included every music festival / concert cliché, and if I am honest the music festival was hardly even in the book. It was more like 2% music and 98% sex, arguments and getting drunk. Oh, and it's not a book if half of the secondary characters are cheating on their partners as well. (Can you note my sarcasm?)

 

Leaving the negative behind, focusing on the only positive about Remix. I did actually really like the tone of the book. It was light, fun and a little flirty.

 

Overall, I just wish that Non could have written characters that weren't spoiled brats who thought everything had to be about themselves.

 

 

 

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