The Lizzie Bennet Diaries: Episodes 61-70

Thank god it’s Friday – and not only because here on whYAnot that means  it’s time for another watch and review for The Lizzie Bennet Diaries!

I have to admit that I am starting to want to slow down and hoard the rest of the episodes because we’re over half way though! And – much like Georgina Kincaid from Richelle Mead’s Succubus series – there’s something sp special about reading (and in this case watching) something for the first time. It’s true you can always go back and re-read/re-watch but the first time is just so special.

This week I’m recapping episodes 61-70.

NOTE: The links below in the episode titles will take you to the video for the episode on the Lizzie Bennet Diaries website so you can watch and join the fun.

 

After the fallout from the last video – and telling Darcy to watch the videos! – Lizzie gets a surprise visitor (Episode 61: Yeah I Know). And it seems that Mr. Darcy is come with both and apology for making her stay at Collins & Collins awkward and a mysterious letter. Charlotte is not surprised about Darcy’s proposal and Lizzie is left speechless…

In Letter Analysis, “Her name is Lizzie Bennet and she’s holding out on us!” It seems that despite everything Lizzie has said she does have some limits when it comes to divulging personal information. And the contents of the handwritten and wax sealed expression from Darcy is one of them. To quote Lydia – OMG! WTF! Whatevs… ZOLO!

After months of silence, a rather pushy Caroline is back in the picture (Unexpected Returns). Fishing – without much subtlety- for information regarding the Letter, Caroline dodges questions about her disappearance.

But Lizzie and Charlotte won’t take Caroline’s vagueness quietly! In Episode 64: C vs C, Lizzie finds out just why Caroline wanted to help with the videos.

My name is Lizzie Bennet and Caroline… you’re on!”

It’s almost Thanksgiving (Turkey Days) and after publicly addressing both Darcy and Bing in her video, Lizzie is ready to go home. Who knew that a life with Mrs Bennet would be calmer than the past few months at Collins & Collins?

But things at the office are crazy and it seems that Charlotte is the only one who can set things right (Giving Thanks). But Lizzie isn’t about to go home without her best friend! Dire situations call for desperate measures… and it seems the fair Miss Bennet isn’t above some blackmail!

In Episode 67: Back Home Again, Lizzie is reunited with Lydia and Jane! And zomg… have you heard? the G-dubs (George Wickham) is apparently back in town…

Using tactics that only a best friend would know how to apply – Charlotte gets Lizzie to tell us a story (Leftovers). A story of what a certain letter may have said… but to make things fair she goes back to the story she and George told about a boy named Da’vid and his friend Batman… Lizzie actually admits that she’s a little glad for having read Darcy’s letter.

“My name is Lydia Bennet and this is Episode 69…”. Despite all the drama, Lizzie manages to find time to work on her thesis.. and (un)luckily for her, Lydia steps in to do this monumental video! Roleplaying (cause it’s fun!)  with Lydia as Lizzie and Jane playing Lydia and a surprisingly serious talk about Summer Friends, show just why Jane and Lydia are great additions to the LBD.

Do you think you could crank up the adorbs to like a bazillion?

It seems that LA has brought out a New Jane. One that’s confident and loving the life she’s living. And one who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. But also one who is worried about Lizzie and wonders why Lizzie is staying at the Bennet house when there’s so much more to life out there…

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So that is this week’s run down of episodes 61-70! I have to admit I’ve been a bit slack and haven’t been watching the Lydia Bennet videos… but hearing that Lizzie hasn’t kept up with them either made me feel a little better. And – despite finding Lydia a little high maintenance – I loved her appearances in the last few episodes I watched this week.

What did everyone else thinks of these episodes? Any surprises? Got a new favourite character? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think 🙂

And for anyone looking for links to the Lydia episodes – here are the ones that go with these ten Lizzie episodes (and an extra Q&A featuring Ricky Collins!):

• Lydia Bennet: Episode 15 – Sister, Sister
• Lydia Bennet: QA1
• Lydia Bennet: Episode 16 – The D Word 
• Episode QA7: Lizzie and Ricky
• Lydia Bennet: Episode 17 – There’s Something About Mary
• Lydia Bennet: Episode 18 – Friction
• Lydia Bennet: Episode 19 – Friends
• Lydia Bennet: QA2
• Lydia Bennet: Totes Thanksgiving

Challenge Update!

I can’t believe we’re heading into June and are practically half way though the year!

I thought it’d be a good thing for me to get up to date on how I’m going with the challenges I signed up for.

Australian Women Writers Challenge 2013

I decided to sign up for the level of Miles – read 6 – review at least 4.

Reviews so far:

How to Keep a Boy From Kissing You by Tara Eglington

The Heiresses by Allison Rushby

Blood Storm by Rhiannon Hart

Status: 3/6
On track. Am currently reading two books written by Aussie women – Shadows by Paula Weston and Feeling Sorry of Ceila by Jaclyn Moriarty. 

The Eclectic Reader Challenge

For the Eclectic Reader 2012 Challenge (hosted by ShelleyRae @ book’d out), the aim is to read one book from each of the twelve categories.

Reviews so far:

1. Translated fiction
2. Historical mystery
3. Romantic suspense
4. Made into a Movie – Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
5. New Adult – True by Erin McCarthy
6. Urban Fantasy – Paranormalcy by Kiersten White 
7. Dystopian – Nameless by Lili St. Crow
8. Memoir
9. LGBT
10. Action Adventure
11. Humour
12. Published in 2013 – Hooked by Liz Fichera (published February 2013)

Status: 5/12
Not too bad. On track – although I think I’ve tackled the easiest categories first. If anyone has any suggestions of what I should read for the remaining categories – I’d be grateful if you would leave me a comment!

Debut Author Challenge 2013

I signed up to read at least 12 novels published by debut authors in 2013.

Reviews so far:

1.  Hooked by Liz Fichera
2. The Collector by Victoria Scott
3. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
4. The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher

Status: 4/12
Not the best start… slightly behind but there are a few books I’m going to read soon by debut authors.

Young Adult Audiobook Challenge

I’m well and truly behind on this one.

Reviews so far:

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Status: 1/12
Embarrassingly behind. But I recently joined a new library with a fantastic selection of YA audiobooks so hopefully I’ll catch up a little in the next few months. 

TBR Pile Reading Challenge

The aim of those challenge is to read books published prior to 2013. I signed up for the Friendly Hug level – 12 books.

Reviews so far:

1. Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout [review]. (published December 2012)

2. Model Spy by Shannon Greenland [review]. (published December 2007)

3. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White [review]. (published October 2010)

4. A Fault in Our Stars by John Green [review]. (published January 2012)

5. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead [review]. (published August 2011)

6. The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead [review]. (published June 2012)

7. A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest [review]. (published December 2012)

8. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl [review]. (published December 2009)

9. Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor [review]. (published November 2012)

10. From Ashes by Molly McAdams [review]. (published December 2012)

11. Die for Me by Amy Plum [review]. (published May 2012)

12. Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein [review]. (published May 2012)

13. Until I Die by Amy Plum [review]. (published May 2012)

14. Blood Storm by Rhiannon Hart [review]. (published August 2012)

15. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins [review]. (published October 2011)

16. The Selection by Kiera Cass [review]. (published June 2012)

17. The Silver Sphere by Michael Dadich [review]. (published November 2012)

Status: 17/12
I kicked that out of the park! I think perhaps I should aim a little higher and go for Love at First Sight (31 – 40 books)

 

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So that’s how I’m going so far this year. With the exception of the YA Audiobook challenge I’m on track for all of them! If anyone has any recommendations for me in any of the challenges – please let me know! I love getting suggestions and recommendations from people.

Book Review: School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins

Title: School Spirits (School Spirits #1)
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Genre: contemporary, paranormal, urban fantasy, witches, ghosts
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication Date: May 2013
Pages: 304 pages
Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis (from goodreads):
Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy’s mom decides they need to take a break.

Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who’s always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.

Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt?

My Review:

As a Brannick, Izzy has a family legacy to maintain – to fight things that go bump in the night. But Izzy, her mother and older sister Finley are the only Brannicks left and after Finley goes missing in the middle of a job things are different. Taking some time off to search for Finley, months go by with no sign of the missing teenager. To try to move on Izzy’s mother decides to get back to the monster fighting business and gives Izzy her first true solo mission – find and stop the ghost haunting a high school. Enrolled as a student and working undercover, Izzy gets to experience for the first time just what life as a typical teenager involves. With an evil warlock trapped in her mirror and the closest thing to teenage life Izzy has ever been is watching Ivy Springs (a fictional teen drama) on DVD, the next experience of high school is a novelty for Izzy. But ghosts with evil intentions stop for no one – not even one with best friends and boys on the mind.

I’ve not read Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins and had no idea School Spirits was a spin-off. That said – there’s no assumed knowledge of the world and before I knew it I was swept away in the characters and story in this novel. Izzy is an engaging main character who for all her naivety of “regular teenagers” and life outside of monster hunting is surprisingly relatable. Her mother managed to be both mentor and caring parent. And the members of the Paranormal Management Society (PMS) are delightful. I accepted and loved the team of misfits the way they embraced Izzy – without abandon. Romy, Anderson and Dex are equal parts fun, zany and  supportive.

Plot wise I thought it was dramatic and interesting. Paced perfectly, I enjoyed seeing Izzy go from nearly killing a boy in dodge-ball on her very first day to a more confident young woman who is trying to live up to the Brannick name. Torin – the boy in the mirror, is cocky and confident and I’m a little undecided as to whether I love or hate him. He’s just one of those characters that I desperately want to know more about.

Watching Izzy discover boys – specifically Dex – made me smile. She’s awkward and all she knows about romance and relationships with the other sex is from a teen drama. I loved it! And Dex is perfect. He’s quirky and geeky – and the opposite of athletic – and that just made me like him more. He’s an unconventional love interest but somehow it works.

The magic and ghosts are rampant and I liked the supernatural element in School Spirits. There’s drama and excitement with a lot of room for this series to grow in future novels. This is a great book for fans of Rachel Harkins but also anyone who loves a good young adult novel with engaging characters and things that go bump in the night.

 

Thanks to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for the review copy.

Purchase the novel from:

Amazon
Book Depository 

Top Ten Tuesday: Horrible Characters

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

Each week they will post a new Top Ten list that one of their bloggers over at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join.

This week’s topic is a freebie. It’s up to me what I put as my top ten this Tuesday.

My topic for this week is: Top Ten Characters I Can’t Stand

Have you ever read a book and absolutely DESPISED a character? Wondered why the author couldn’t make something terrible happen to them just to shut them up or make them disappear from the story for the rest of the novel? I have these characters. There are some that I want killed off practically as soon as they arrive on scene. Here are ten of my most despised

Joffery from A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Holden Caufield from A Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salanger

America Singer from The Selection by Kiera Cass

Violetta from The Reverants series by Amy Plum.

-Ever since watching Interview with the Vampire when I was younger – immortal beings in the bodies of children REALLY FREAK ME OUT.

The White Queen from Nameless by Lili St. Crow

Elizabeth from Spellcaster by Claudia Gray

Abby Abernathy and Travis Maddox from Beautiful Disaster

Charles from the Heiresses by Allison Rushby

Daemon from The Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Umbridge from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

 

So that’s my TTT for this week. Are there any horrible characters that you think I’ve missed? Any that you agree on. Feel free to comment – I love hearing from everyone.

Book Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

Title: The Elite (The Selection #2)
Author: Kiera Cass
Genre: dystopia, fantasy, romance
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 1st May 2013
Pages: 272
Rating: 3.5 stars

Synopsis (goodreads):
America Singer has the chance to leave normal life for a world of glamour and luxury… for ever.

She was chosen for The Selection, a reality TV competition to be gorgeous Prince Maxon′s bride. Surviving the rivalry and turmoil of the first round was tough, especially with secret feelings to conceal. But America′s gone further than she dared to dream and made it to The Elite – the final six.

Friendships are tested to breaking point as favourites emerge. America′s feelings for Maxon grow ever stronger, but she suspects darker mysteries in his family past. With Aspen close-by offering comfort, solace and something more, where do her loyalties truly lie?

My Review:

The Elite delivered exactly what I wanted in the second book of the Selection series. There’s more drama, more love triangles and more gorgeous gowns fit for a princess-to-be. America Singer is still in the middle working out her feelings regarding her two admirers – Crown Prince Maxon and her childhood sweetheart now Palace guard, Aspen. Every time she thinks she’s decided which way her heart is leading her something happens and makes her feel mixed up all over again. Maxon only has six girls left in The Selection and where America was once comfortable regarding his feelings towards the other girls she’s now anxious and more jealous than she ever though she’d feel. Emotions are running strong. Marlee is still acting oddly, Celeste has more nasty tricks up her sleeve and the King weighs in with who he think Maxon should pick…

The first half of this novel doesn’t have much regarding the dystopian aspect of this book but the second half ramps up and delivers some much-anticipated action. The rebels are back and the threat to the crown and country. The remaining girls from the Selection get more time to show who they are as people as well as learning the importance and responsibility of  being Maxon’s wife. America is still a little too amazing for my liking – being a hero to the people and the funniest girl in the Selection – but more of her flaws came out as this series is developing. The love triangles are a little overwhelming at times with America deciding on one of her men and then being adamant that it’s the other one she’s meant to be with. And then another flip-flop in her decision a few pages later.

For the Bachelor fans – there’s still quite a bit in this book for you! Extravagant balls, a bit of scandal and scheming competitors are still in the mix and feel like they’d be right at home on the show. Whilst the Bachelor aspect is what drew me to this series, I’ve grown attached to the characters and unique drama Kiera Cass has brought to her story. I can not wait to read The One and find out who America chooses and which of the remaining contestants will be Maxon’s bride – along with just how much more damage the rebels will inflict.

Purchase the novel from:

Amazon
Book Depository 

Book Review: Truth or Dare by Ella Monroe

Title: Truth or Dare (Capital Girls #3)
Author: Ella Monroe
Genre: contemporary, romance, chick lit
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Publication Date: April 2013
Pages: 304 pages
Rating: 3.5 stars

Synopsis (from goodreads):
Jackie, Lettie, and Laura Beth barely survived the holidays . . . literally.  Jackie’s on lockdown while the hunt is on for her stalker, who somehow got into the White House and left her an ominous note. Laura Beth and Sol are finally back together after a scandal almost tore them apart, and Lettie, who’s forced to live with Whitney and her gossip-mongering mom, has let down her guard enough to fall in love with Daniel.  For the Capital Girls life is always complicated, especially when they’re under 24-hour media scrutiny. But that won’t stop the three friends from making their senior year the most amazing ever—even as the mystery deepens over Taylor Cane’s death and First Son Andrew Price’s role in it.

My Review:

Truth or Dare is a brilliant addition to the Capital Girls series. Things are getting more complicated for the Capital Girls. Laura Beth’s stepdad-to-be is ramping up his political campaign and putting a wedge inbetween LB and her BFF Jackie. But Jackie has more on her mind than just politics. She’s caught in a love triangle between the First Sons not to mention her stalker still hasn’t been caught. Lettie is trying to adjust to life with her parents living in a different country and her being taken in by a celebrity blogger who is using Lettie’s White House connections to further her career.

Things just keep getting more and more entangled as the girls mourn Taylor’s death whilst at the same time trying to get to the bottom of just what happened on the night of the car accident.

I loved how this book managed to combine so many different storylines and dramas whilst at the same time successfully weaving them together. All the girls are managing to grow – all three seemed more mature than in the previous book – but still keeping their teenage sensibilities  Laura Beth is learning that maybe her dreams of the spotlight aren’t what they’re cracked up to be. Jackie has a personal dilemma to sort out and doesn’t know if she should follow her heart or keep her head in the political game. And Lettie is the sweet girl who balances out her larger than life friends.

I recommend this series for fans of Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl who love Mean Girls with a political twist.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the review copy.

Purchase the novel from:

Amazon
Book Depository 

Also by Ella Monroe:

   Capital Girls (Capital Girls 1)
Amazon / Book Depository

Secrets and Lies (Capital Girls 2)
Amazon / Book Depository 

Book Review: Earth Angel by E. Van Lowe

Welcome to my stop on the Earth Angel blog tour hosted by YA Bound.  Click HERE to see the full blog tour schedule!

Title: Earth Angel (Falling Angels Saga #2)
Author: E. Van Lowe
Genre: Paranormal, Angels, Demons, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: White Whisker Books
Publication Date: December 2011
Pages: 190
Rating: 3.5 stars

Synopsis (from goodreads):
Just because Megan Barnett recently defeated Satan, has a fantastic new best friend, and has won the love of deliciously
handsome, Guy Matson, doesn’t mean her troubles are over. Far from it. For Megan doesn’t realize it, but in her possession is a powerful weapon, a weapon sought after by both angels and demons and everything in between. They will do ANYTHING to get it.

In E. Van Lowe’s humorous, romantic and thrilling sequel to Boyfriend From Hell, Megan winds up in a gripping life or death battle to save herself, the boy she loves, and all of mankind from unthinkable evil.

My Review:

Megan Barnett doesn’t waste any time  – she’s just saved her mother, lost her best friend and is about to enter the serious stage of the school year – and already she’s back facing another supernatural enemy. Her formerly angelic boyfriend Guy Matson is heavenly and is everything she could want in a boyfriend but his former life as an angel is starting to take its toll on Megan. He has secrets that he can’t divulge and when mysterious people from his past pop up Megan isn’t quite sure how to handle things. When demons start appearing in her backyard Megan knows that something is up… and knows that she’ll need help in order to beat the beings of Hell again…

I love to see characters grow and Megan has matured quite a bit since Boyfriend From Hell. She’s still a little self-absorbed but deep down her heart is in the right place. When it comes down to it she will sacrifice all she has in order to help those she cares for. Her friendship with Erin is practically non-existent but I really liked that Megan didn’t just forget about her friend and move on. She’s trying. And the evolution of her romantic relationship with Guy is fun to read.

There’s new characters in Earth Angel that I loved reading about – Rocky and Harrison. And despite cringing every time Harrison spoke (I swear – us Aussies don’t sound like that!) they brought something new and exciting to the story. Maudrina is a fantastic BFF for Megan to have and confide in regarding the supernatural activity and Maudrina’s aunt is the kind of mentor that every Satan defeating heroine needs in her corner.

I would have loved to have seen more Guy in this story – but completely understand why he was on the down low. The romance was sweet and I liked where the author is taking this couple.

This is a quick and fun read where the angels are sinfully delightful and the heroine is trying to save the world whilst still muddling though high school. The third book in the trilogy, Heaven Sent,  is available now.

Purchase the novel from:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author

E Van Lowe was born in the Bronx a long time ago, back in the days when children were supposed to be seen and not heard. Fortunately for E, his parents allowed him to speak freely. Unfortunately for his parents and older brother, E had a lot to say. He was speaking quite freely until one day, while his mother was trying to watch her “stories” (which is code for soap operas), she suggested that instead of speaking freely, he write all his important thoughts down. E wrote down many important thoughts, such as: crayons melt when you leave them on the radiator, or toy soldiers melt when you drop them in the muffin batter before mom puts it in the oven. His brother thought he was weird, but E was only ten years old at the time. What did he expect, Shakespeare? E liked writing things down so much, he decided that when he grew up, he was going to become a professional writer.

 

E has gone on to write for many award winning TV shows including: The Cosby Show, and Even Stevens. He also co-wrote the Academy Award nominated short film, Cadillac Dreams. Never Slow Dance With A Zombie was his first teen novel.  Boyfriend From Hell is the first in the Falling Angels Saga.  The second novel in the saga, Earth Angel, will be coming out soon.  It seems E still has lots of important, and weird, thoughts to share with readers.

 

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

 

***GIVEAWAY***

1 winner will receive E-book copies of Boyfriend from Hell and Earth Angel (Open Internationally)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer

 

 

Title: Spirit (Elementals #3)
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Contemporary, Magic
Publisher: Kensington (I received an ARC from NetGalley)
Publication Date: May 2013 (Allen & Unwin are publishing Spirit in Australia in June 2013)
Pages: 301
Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis (from goodreads):
With power comes enemies. Lots of them.

Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.

He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.

Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.

With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…

My Review:

I don’t know how Brigid Kemmerer does it. With every word I read in the Elementals series – be it a full length novel or novella – I fall more in love with the stories, the series plot and especially the characters.
Spirit is Hunter’s story. He’s on the outs with the Merrick brothers, his mother is still weeping over his father’s death six months ago and his grandfather thinks he’s a delinquent – a theory that’s only strengthened when the headmaster rings home after Hunter is accused of assaulting another student.

And then he meets Kate. Sassy and strong, the new student makes Hunter feel like no girl ever has before. But as sexy as the mysterious transfer student is, she’s also secretive and may or may not have a boyfriend. Hunter’s father taught him to use everyone else before they use him but as Hunter gets to know the Elementals he’s starting to question everything he’s ever known.

I wasn’t expecting to love Spirit as much as I did. But I fell in love with how terribly life treats Hunter. He’s only sixteen but has been though so much. He survived a car accident that claimed the lives of his father and uncle, he’s somehow managing to cope with a withdrawn mother and grandfather who doesn’t know how to deal with his tattooed and pierced grandson. And I have to say it’s a fantastic thing for Hunter that he knows people who can draw on the elements to heal…

And through it all Hunter manages to pick himself up and try to carry on as he thinks his father would have wanted him to. His relationships with others are rocky and trust isn’t something that comes easily to the Spirit Elemental. But he evolves throughout the book. His romance with Kate was my favourite relationship to read so far in this series. They’re not conventional but somehow they work so well together.
The Merrick brothers and their other halves are brilliant in this latest instalment of the Elementals series. They add a spark of drama but in the end are there of each other (and Hunter if he lets them) when it storms. I really enjoy how Chris, Becca and Gabriel pop in and despite their happy endings, they aren’t over glamourized as characters. They have their faults and their finding love hasn’t completely changed their personalities.

This is my favourite book in what is quickly becoming one of my favourite series. I can not wait till early next year when the fourth book (Nick’s story!) is released.

Purchase the novel from:

Amazon
Book Depository 

Optional Goodies:

— code for free download for the Elementals ebook (available on Kensington site only, through link below):

http://bit.ly/105eIEt

The promo code is: VCARD

It’s active until May 31^st.

 

I’m delighted to have participated in the Spirit blog tour hosted by The Midnight Garden. I recommend stopping by and checking out the character interviews, exclusive content and giveaways!

Top Ten Tuesday: Favourite Book Spines

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

Each week they will post a new Top Ten list that one of their bloggers over at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join.

This week’s topic is: Top Ten Book Covers of Books You’ve Read

buttt….. I did a topic very similar to this when I posted my favourite book covers a few weeks ago. So I’m mixing things up a bit and posting my favourite book spines of books I own. Looking at my bookshelves I see so many fantastic book spines every day – I see them more often than I see the actual covers.

Here are some of my favourites.

Slated (Slated #1) and Fractured (Slated #2) both by Teri Terry

 

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The Diviners (The Diviners #1) by Libba Bray — This was the book that got me thinking about spines and inspired this TTT. I absolutely LOVE the spine of The Diviners. It’s just so beautiful.

Halo (Halo #1) by Alexandra Adornetto

Shadows (The Rephaim #1) by Paula Weston — I met Paula on Saturday at Literati 2013 and just HAD to buy this book after hearing her talk. I’ve only just started Shadows but am already loving where it’s going.

Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1), The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) and The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) all by Richelle Mead

Venom (The Secrets of the Eternal Rose #1) by Fiona Paul

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

 

So that’s my TTT for this week. How fantastic are book spines?! Are there any that you adore that I’ve missed? Any that you agree on. Feel free to comment – I love hearing from everyone.

 

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries: Episodes 51-60

It’s Friday again so that means that here on whYAnot it’s time for another watch and review for The Lizzie Bennet Diaries!

Okay, so I missed last week. Sometimes life just gets too busy and then you can’t find enough time to watch YouTube! Don’t you just hate that? So now this week I’m discussing episodes 51 through 60..

NOTE: The links below in the episode titles will take you to the video for the episode on the Lizzie Bennet Diaries website so you can watch and join the fun.

It’s official. Lizzie and Charlotte are Together Again! In the offices of Collins & Collins, Lizzie and Charlotte reconcile their feud and are best friends forever again! Ricky stops by and dangles a proposition in front of Lizzie that might just be too good to pass up on.

In Better Living, Lizzie tries to work out what she really wants in life – With Charlotte and Jane gone is there any point in going home? But never fear! No matter where Lizzie goes she will always bring her role playing cloths with her.

“My name is Lizzie Bennet and tomorrow I dine with royalty!” (Episode 53: Royal Dining) But Lizzie’s invitation to eat with Catherine de Bourgh comes with a list of behaviour suggestions complied by Mr Collins. Lizzie is slightly nervous but thankfully Ricky is around to put her at ease with a tour of the office…

“Have you seen my office? Its view of the car park is… breathtaking”

After meeting Catherine de Bourgh and acquainting herself with Annie Kins, Lizzie is horrified to find out that Ms de Bourgh’s nephew is none other than William Darcy. Yes – that William Darcy. Lizzie has no idea why everyone she loves seems to be somehow associated with Mr Darcy. And never one to let an opportunity to dress up pass by, Lizzie shows us just what she thought about the infamous Ms. Catherine de Bourgh.

Lizzie as Ms de Bourgh and her tiny asthmatic dog…

Alone at the office on a Sunday, Lizzie goes a little crazy (Robot Surprise). And not just because she finds out that Ms. de Bourgh’s new consultant is none other than Mr William Darcy… Lizzie wonders if Darcy is really a robot with a malfunctioning social interaction program…

More surprising than Darcy turning up at Collins & Collins is that his friend Fitz is surprisingly fun! Lizzie has found A New Buddy! Upon finding out about Lizzie’s vlog, he insists on being featured in them and even takes on Darcy in one of Lizzie’s interactions.

Meet Fitz!

In Episode 57, Lizzie is Weirded Out. At the office on a Sunday and Charlotte in meetings, an unexpected visit from Darcy is the last thing she was expecting. And an awkward and nervous Darcy? Even weirder.

In an attempt to help cheer Jane up, Lizzie enlists new buddy Fitz to help her make some  Care Packages for her broken hearted sister. In the middle of packaging up some fun! food and love, Fitz unintentionally drops a bomb and spills the beans on just who was to blame for Bing’s spontaneous relocation to Los Angeles…

Fitz brings the Fun!

Still reeling from the most recent Darcy Development, Lizzie is devastated in Staff Spirit . It’s been three days of avoiding him and trying to hold in her murderous rage focused in Darcy’s direction.

Are you kidding me! is probably one of the most anticipated episodes to date – it’s a first full on Darcy sighting! And oh my… does he drop a bombshell! In addition, he shows that perhaps Lizzie’s impression of him may not be all that far from the mark when he manages to both insult her family and compliment Lizzie all in the same breath.

The One, The Only, Mr William Darcy!

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I loved this series of ten episodes. Each one adds critical plot developments and culminates with the introduction of Mr William Darcy – I’ll admit I fan-girled just a little. These episodes had some of my favourite moments – the introduction of Fitz, Charlotte and Mr Collin’s Halloween costumes, and that all important Darcy sighting. But more than that, they are just so brilliantly put together. The consistency of characters, costume changes and the adherence to the original story. I fell a little more in love with this web series this week.

Coinciding with these ten episodes are some more Lydia Bennet episodes and a Lizzie Q&A with new buddy, Fitz. Links to those are below.

• Lydia Bennet: Episode 8 – Miss Me Yet?
• Lydia Bennet: Episode 9 – Study Break
• Lydia Bennet: Episode 10 – Ditching
• Episode QA6: Lizzie and Fitz
• Lydia Bennet: Episode 11 – Girl Talk
• Lydia Bennet: Episode 12 – Life of the Party
• Lydia Bennet: Episode 13 – Runaway
• Lydia Bennet: Halloween, Holla!!
• Lydia Bennet: Episode 14 – The High Life