The Lizzie Bennet Diaries: Episodes 91-100!

It’s Friday! And that means that it’s time for my last recap and review of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries! That’s right – this week is the last ten episodes of the Lizzie Bennet diaries! 

That’s right – this is the LAST TEN EPISODES of the Lizzie Bennet Diaries! And despite the fact that these finished screening months ago – I”M STILL EXCITED! because that’s just how this web series makes me feel. After so many episodes I feel justified in being just the tiniest bit emotionally involved in these fictional characters.

Note: This week all my links for the videos will direct you directly to YouTube.

 

She may have graduated from the Green Bean Gelatin Plan, but Mrs Bennet is still up to her old matchmaking tricks (How About That – Episode 91). Jane and Bing have agreed to be friends but the matriarch of the Bennet family still imagine something more… and tries to direct their lives by inviting Bing to every single family dinner. Mom is in full mom force and Bing is central to all awkwardness. Jane’s new news may change everything.

Costume theatre clarifies the situation with Jane playing Bing and Lizzie getting her Mrs Bennet on!

New York New York! Leaving tomorrow for a new job in a new city, Lizzie is trying to be upbeat and optimistic about Jane moving thousands of miles away (Goodbye Jane – Episode 92). But before we say goodbye to the oldest Bennet sister, there is some more drama to be had with Bing stopping by and dropping a bombshell. He’s not asking her to stay… he’s asking to go with her!

Look who’s back! (Episode 93). With Game of Gourds finally finished, Charlotte is back in town to visit her family and to help Lizzie come to terms with just what she should do next after graduation.

Still recovering after the scandal, Lydia has something she wants to share with Lizzie and the viewers (Revelations – Episode 94). The mystery person who put a stop to the tape going viral was none other than Mr William Darcy! *shock!*.

“My name is Lizzie Bennet and I am so glad for Jane and Bing.. or as Lydia would say – Jing!”

Episode 95 brings a confrontation as Caroline Lee makes a surprise visit the Lizzie’s den. It’s a bit of a stand-off and Caroline blames Lizzie of being the reason why Bing has run off to New York and accuses her of seducing Darcy!

Lizzie is confused (Talking to myself – Episode 96). And without Jane to talk things out with her she feels a little at odds… not even costume theatre with Lizzie portraying Jane, Gigi, Charlotte and herself sheds any light on the situation. Maybe it’s time she takes the first step and reaches out to Darcy?

It’s Lizzie and Charlotte’s 25th birthday (Special Delivery – Episode 97)! A very important year to be sure. Charlotte brings up Lizzie’s thesis again – just to make sure viewers are aware there’s more going on in Lizzie’s life than just Jing! drama and the mysterious Darcy…

After weeks of second guessing herself and wondering why all she was receiving from Darcy was silence, he appears on her doorstep (Gratitude – Episode 98)! Oh my… he got her voice-mail and wanted to return the greeting to her in person! It seems that Lizzie wasn’t the only on who was confused… but in the end – Lizzie and Darcy are FINALLY on the same page!!!

That’s right! Lizzie and Darcy are now officially together (Future Talk – Episode 99)! And after being together for a week it’s time for the talk – the one about just what the future holds for them.

And now we’re up to the 100th – and FINAL – episode of the Lizzie Bennet diaries (The End – Episode 100)! That’s right! After a year and a hundred episodes, Lizzie feels like this is a good place to stop before she moves on with the next chapter of her life.

“My name is Lizzie Bennet and thank you for watching my videos”

—

And that’s it. Ten weeks of my recaps and a hundred episodes of Lizzie showcasing her life – and those of her friends and family – for all to see. I love this story – and I’m delighted to see how it stood up with regards to the Jane Austen original. It was both true to old and a brilliant new take on the classic story. The characters were cast perfectly – being authentic and original – and it was written beautifully.

And whilst that’s all there is to the LBD, the creators have made a new series, Sanditon, featuring Gigi Darcy which is a vlog adaptation of an unfinished Jane Austen work.

So please, leave me a comment and tell me what you think. Did you like this vlog adaptation of a classic novel? Who was your favourite character? Anyone you despised? Were you satisfied with the ending?

Thanks for reading and being a part of my Friday feature 🙂

Book Blitz: Vigilante Nights by Erin Richards

Book & Author Details:

Title: Vigilante Nights 

Author: Erin Richards
Publication date: July 18th 2013
Genre: YA contemporary w/light supernatural element

Synopsis (goodreads):

A “good boy” will do anything for vengeance when a gang rite kills his twin sister. Will Lucas win, or follow his sister Silver into the darkness?

After a hideous car wreck, Lucas wakes from a coma to find that his world is gutted. Not only is his beloved twin sister, Silver, gone forever, but Lucas is broken in body and spirit. He will never be a college athlete, and is robbed of what he now realizes was the most important bond of his life. Although they weren’t identical twins, Lucas and Silver shared a bond so fierce it defied reason, and was nearly supernatural.

After her death, that bond seems to endure when Lucas sees Silver everywhere he turns. Either he’s crazy, or Silver is trying to tell him something about the California gang initiation they stumbled into that cost Silver her life. Lucas is bent on revenge, turning on Raymond, Silver’s former boyfriend; the one Lucas never wanted her to date. He forms a posse of vigilantes to take out the gangsters responsible for Silver’s death, but he risks not only his own life, but the love of the new girl on his block, who knows more about Lucas and Silver than can be accounted for by mere chance.

Purchase:

Amazon | B&N

—-

 

AUTHOR BIO

After bemoaning the lack of young adult books to read, Erin wrote her first novel at the age of eighteen hoping to shift the tide. Then everyday life took its toll on her writerly dreams until 2003 when she couldn’t ignore the writing bug any longer. By then, she had immersed herself in reading adult fantasy and romance novels. Writing paranormal & fantasy romance was a no brainer. Erin has published two adult romance novels: CHASING SHADOWS, a paranormal romantic suspense (EPPIE award finalist and Night Owl Romance 5-Star Top Pick) and WICKED PARADISE, a fantasy romance, released in August 2012. Erin will finally realize her lifelong dream of publishing a young adult novel when VIGILANTE NIGHTS debuts in July 2013.

Erin Richards lives in Northern California. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, photography, and American muscle cars.

Pre-Order your copy of Vigilante Nights before its official hardcover release date of July 18, 2013 and get an exclusive gift! Details at: http://www.erinrichards.com

LINKS

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAYS

Grand prize giveaway

$25 Amazon or B&N CG (US & Int’l)
One autographed hardcover copy of Vigilante Nights (US & Int’l) with swag included
Three eBook copies of Vigilante Nights (US & Int’l)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZDA0MjUxMjM1OGRlZWRmZWM1YmUyMmFkYTM3OWE5OjE2Nw==/

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Book Review: Feeling Sorry For Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty

I thought that after I was RAVING about this book I better try and get my feelings down in a somewhat coherent review.

Title: Feeling Sorry For Celia (Ashbury High #1)
Author: Jaclyn Moriarty
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction, Epistolary
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Publication Date: May 2000
Pages: 288
Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis (from goodreads):
Life is pretty complicated for Elizabeth Clarry. Her best friend Celia keeps disappearing, her absent father suddenly reappears, and her communication with her mother consists entirely of wacky notes left on the fridge. On top of everything else, because her English teacher wants to rekindle the “Joy of the Envelope,” a Complete and Utter Stranger knows more about Elizabeth than anyone else.

But Elizabeth is on the verge of some major changes. She may lose her best friend, find a wonderful new friend, kiss the sexiest guy alive, and run in a marathon.
So much can happen in the time it takes to write a letter…

A #1 bestseller in Australia, this fabulous debut is a funny, touching, revealing story written entirely in the form of letters, messages, postcards—and bizarre missives from imaginary organizations like The Cold Hard Truth Association.

Feeling Sorry for Celia captures, with rare acuity, female friendship and the bonding and parting that occurs as we grow. Jaclyn Moriarty’s hilariously candid novel shows that the roller coaster ride of being a teenager is every bit as fun as we remember—and every bit as harrowing.

My Review:

Feeling Sorry for Celia is a story told though letters and notes – both real and imagined in Liz’s head showing a very small snapshot of what life is like for somewhat typical Australian teenage girl. A scatter-minded yet well-meaning single mother, absent father and a best friend who runs away to join the circus are all parts of Liz’s life but somehow she keeps it all together.

Liz is a great narrator as such. Most of the letters within this novel are letters to her from organizations such as The Association of Teenagers. And then there’s Christina – the pen pal Liz’s teacher assigns her from a local high school. I loved the letters exchanged between these two. They’re honest and random and yet perfect. This is one of those books that make me remember just how much I love reading books set in Australia by Australian authors. There are things so intrinsically HERE about this book – things that I can’t even describe to people from overseas and yet I feel like other Aussies would know exactly what I’m talking about. I could relate to Liz in a way that feels bizarre consider how little we have in common and yet I felt like this book was a window into my teenage soul. Oh my… that sounds a little trite but I’m keeping it in because that’s exactly how I feel. 

One of my favourite things about this book is how relevant it still is. This book may have been first published over thirteen years ago but you wouldn’t know it. The concept of letter writing makes perfect sense within the constructs of this novel and I never once thought that the addition of technological advancements (such as email or text messaging) would have added anything extra to the novel.

This is a great novel that I can imagine appealing to young and old – and I can’t wait to make a trip to my nearest library and check out the rest of the books in this series!

Purchase the novel from:

Amazon

Book Depository

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I’ve Read So Far in 2013

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.

The topic for this week is:  Top Ten Books I’ve Read So Far In 2013

This year has been such a great year for me regarding books I’ve read. All these five star reads and I’m excited to share them with everyone 😀 Most of these books weren’t published this year – 2013 is just the year that I finally got around to reading them.

Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarity

I finished this one a few weeks ago (and the review is coming soon) and I just wonder why I didn’t read this book sooner. Originally published in 2000, Feeling Sorry for Celia is a look at a somewhat typical Aussie girl told though letters. I love epistolary fiction and it’s books like this that really drive home to me why I love reading books set in Australia by Australian authors. It’s not just a patriotic thing – it’s more the culture differences that I never quite realize we have when reading contemporary novels set overseas.

 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone AND Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

These books are beautiful written. The story, the characters, the setting – it all boils down to a truly fantastic reading experience. I loved these first two book and can’t wait (!) for the next book in the series. Find my reviews for Daughter of Smoke and Bone here, and Days of Blood and Starlight here.

 

Blood Storm by Rhiannon Hart

Another FANTASTIC Aussie author with a series that I love very much. Rhiannon Hart’s Lharmell series is set in a magical world with a new type of vampires, bad-ass (which is a word I don’t really like but I think it fits Zeraphina to a T) women who can rock a bow and arrow,  and amazing twists and turns. Blood Storm is the second book in the series and my review can be found here.

 

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Another one that’s the second in the series (the first being Cinder), Scarlet continues following Cinder on her quest as well as introducing some amazing new characters! The new characters are the ones that made this book so special for me. It’s a great continuation of the series and is building up for an epic rest of the series!

 

Slammed by Colleen Hoover

This book is one that I adored for a number of reasons. The characters are sincere and have real problems. The concept of slam poetry fascinates me and I found the ending more than satisfying. Read my review for Slammed here.

 

Breathless by Brigid Kemmerer

Pardon the pun BUT Breathless left me breathless. This may be a novella with only 65 pages however I loved reading Nick’s traumas and how everything with Quinn and his brothers is making him feel.

 

The Eternity Cure by Julia Kagawa

The second instalment in the Blood of Eden series, The Eternity Cure is a great addition to the world Allie inhabits. It’s suspenseful and beautifully written. (read my review here)

 

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Able to be read as a standalone, Lola is set in the same universe as Anna and the French Kiss. I love this book because it’s funny and cute but also heartfelt and emotional. This book is so much better than the cover and title may lead you to believe – definitely one of my favourites that I’ve read so far from 2013 (my review can be found here)

 

 

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

I adore Richelle Mead so it should be no surprise that the third book from her Bloodlines series makes it into my top ten for this week. The Indigo Spell (click link for my review) shows Sydney growing as a character and as an Alchemist. I’m so excited to see where Mead takes this series next especially considering some of the clangers she threw in the works throughout this novel.

 

Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

Not a YA book but on of my FAVOURITE Urban Fantasy series – Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson #7) is a fantastic addition to the world Ms Briggs has created. If UF is your thing and you haven’t read any Mercy Thompson – get your hands on a copy of the first book – Moon Called – and tell me what you thought! I really really love this series.

 

I’ve read so many great books from the first half of this year – I can’t wait to see what reading treasures the second half brings me. Leave me a comment with any books you’ve loved this year that you recommend I should read. I LOVE getting recommendations! Thanks!

Novella Review: All Over You by Beverley Kendall

Title: All Over You (Unforgettable You #1.5) – formerly know as Those Nights in Montreal (Language of Love #1.5)
Author: Beverley Kendall
Genre: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Romance, New Adult 
Publisher: Season Publishing LLC
Publication Date: 6th May 2013
Pages: 138
Rating: 1.5. stars

Synopsis (from goodreads):
An ex is an ex for a reason

To Rebecca Winters, it’s not just a saying or the title to a catchy tune, it’s a rule she staunchly lives by. Especially since the break up with her ex. What’s the point in trying to fix the “unfixable”? Besides, only a girl hell-bent on more heartbreak would go back to the guy who bailed on her when she needed him most. But saying no to Scott is becoming more difficult than surviving the breakup itself. And unfortunately for her, the kind of pressure he’s exerting is making her rule all too easy to break.

Scott Carver has given up trying to get over his ex. He’s still in love with her and their year apart has done nothing to change that. Yeah, he knows he screwed up. Just how royally, he wasn’t aware of until now. So when Becca agrees to give him a second chance, he grabs on to it with both hands. But it’s clear the only way things will ever truly be right between them is if he comes clean…about everything. He can only pray the truth doesn’t send her running—for good this time.

My Review:

After a bad break up 12 months ago, Rebecca Winters still wants nothing to do with her ex. Scott Carver. But unfortunately for her – he hasn’t given up on her. For the past month, Rebecca can’t go anywhere on campus without Scott turning up. One incident with a little too much to drink and the gorgeous and hard-to-say-no-to Scott, leaves Rebecca doing something she swore she would never do – giving him a second chance. Has Scott really changed? Or is he just going to end up breaking Rebecca’s heart again… and this time permanently.

I wanted to like this novella. I really did. I found Rebecca to be an effervescent character when she was first introduced in Only For You (formerly know as When In Paris) but somewhere in between Olivia’s story and now – she changed for me. In this story, Rebecca is the kind of girl who loves to play games – and I’m not even sure she knows she’s playing them. A person who thinks they’re low maintenance but in all reality they couldn’t be any more insecure or temperamental. She leads Scott on and then shuts him down, is jealous of his liaisons with other women and yet gets an almost perverse pleasure out of turning him away and messing with his emotions. Scott is a little flat and I don’t understand his motivation for wanting Rebecca. They don’t make sense as a couple and have some rather severe communication issues.

Okay, so maybe I’m being a little harsh on Rebecca. The relationship between her and Scott – whilst it doesn’t make sense to me why either party is interested in the other except for sheer sexual attraction – is full of obstacles and does reach a satisfying conclusion. Are they perfect for each other? Yes (but maybe that’s just because I don’t want anyone else to have to put up with either of them).

Despite all I’ve said – I enjoyed reading this book. It’s hot – like sizzling in parts! – but involves people who frustrate me to no end because of the games many people play in relationships.

NOTE: Due to language & sexual situations, recommended for readers 18+ yr.
Warning: The sensuality level of this short novel is high

Grab a copy now whilst it’s still free on Amazon!

Purchase from:

Amazon

Book Blitz: Romancing the RA by Ashelyn Drake

Romancing the R.A. (Campus Romance #1)

by Ashelyn Drake

Release Date: 05/28/13

Summary from Goodreads:

Noelle Buckman is looking forward to making a fresh start in college, one that doesn’t involve immature high school boys. The second she steps on campus for freshman orientation, she can sense the possibilities. Especially when she spots Andy, a resident advisor who’s not just hot but also thoughtful enough to open doors for a girl. 

And Andy has his eye on Noelle. Even when her nerves take control and she thinks she comes off as a hillbilly with no direction, Andy can see what she’s really like and he’s more than a little interested.But orientation is less than two full days and there’s an entire summer between Noelle and Andy. Will her attempt to romance the R.A. be as short-lived as college orientation?

 

(only $.99!)

***Excerpt***

He’s stunned at first and doesn’t move. I start to pull away, thinking I’ve made a huge mistake, but then I feel Andy’s hand on my lower back, pulling me closer. His lips part, and he deepens the kiss.

Every inch of me is on fire. Andy’s an incredible kisser, but the position we’re in is awkward. I reach my hands up and bury my fingers in his hair, which prompts him to lift me onto his lap. Much better. Our bodies are pressed so close I can feel every inch of him. My lungs are screaming for air, but I’m not willing to give in to them. I’ve been
dying to kiss Andy ever since he first smiled at me, and I’ll be damned if I’m backing away that quickly.

His hands move up my back to my hair, and he pulls my head back gently exposing my neck. His lips trail down my jaw and to the nape of my neck. I bite my lip to stifle a moan, but it manages to slip out anyway. Andy slowly eases off, opening his eyes to see my reaction. I debate pulling his lips back to mine, but for the moment I drape my arms around his
shoulders and just stare into his baby blue eyes.

“Wow.”

He can say that again. “Yeah.”

“I can honestly say that’s the first time I didn’t have to make the first move.”

“And it’s the first time I ever made the first move.”

           

He smiles. “Then I’m honored.” He leans forward and places a single kiss on my neck. His hips rise under me, and I know exactly where he’s hoping this is going to lead. My body is screaming for his touch, but I don’t want to be that girl. The one who goes off to college and sleeps with the first guy she meets. As much as I want Andy, I can’t do this right now.

About the Author

Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author represented by Lauren
Hammond of ADA Management. Look for her debut New Adult romance, Romancing the
R.A., from S.B. Addison Books!

 

*Author Links*

Website│Twitter│Goodreads│Facebook

***GIVEAWAY***

Signed Romancing the R.A. postcard and $10 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

I love the look of all books that are set in colleges – especially ones where they live on campus 😀 This book looks fun and cute and oh-so romantic.

Book Blitz: By Blood by Tracy E. Banghart

Welcome to my stop on the By Blood book blitz. This book by Tracy E. Banghart looks fantastic! I’m including an author’s interview as well as her playlist for the novel. And be sure to check the end of this post for information on how to enter Tracy’s giveaways for this blog tour.

 

Title: By Blood (By Blood #1)

Author:  Tracy E. Banghart
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publication date: February 18th 2013

Synopsis (on goodreads):

For 17-year-old Emma Wong, spending a summer in England should be a dream come true. Gorgeous scenery? Check. Lots of hot guys with accents? Yes, please.

Throw in an estranged mom, annoying new stepdad, and drooling baby half-brother, and it’s a disaster even her favorite cherry red leather jacket can’t fix. Even worse, there’s (hot) live-in research assistant Josh to contend with. The only thing more embarrassing than   drunk-kissing him hours after they meet? Knowing he’ll be witness to her family’s dysfunction all. summer. long.

But when Emma meets a mysterious girl who happens to be a Druid, her vacation suddenly promises to be far more intriguing than she  anticipated. Powerful rituals, new friends, an intoxicating sense of freedom…and Simon, the sexy foreign stranger she was hoping for. It’s all a perfect distraction from dirty diapers and awkward family dinners.

Trouble is, intriguing doesn’t often mean simple. And Emma is about to discover just how not simple her life really is.

By Blood is a novel about the ways that blood can bind us to others – or tear us apart.

GUEST POST ~ THE BEAUTY OF A BADASS CHICK

One of my biggest role models when I was in high school was Buffy Summers, of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Growing up, I constantly felt like I had to prove I was just as strong/smart/brave as the boys.  And here was Buffy, a short, dainty blond chick who was constantly underestimated…and then totally kicked people’s butts.

The truth is, being a girl can be awfully scary sometimes. It’s just a fact of nature that we’re often shorter or weaker than our male counterparts, and that can lead to moments where we feel powerless or out of control.

Emma, the main character in By Blood, is a short, curvaceous chick, but it was really important to me that she also be strong enough to take care of herself. Not with special powers, but with knowledge and a little skill. Her dad’s a cop and she helps him teach self-defense classes, so she has the tools to defend herself (which, yes, she has occasion to use in By Blood! ;-)). Here’s a little peek at one of these classes:

Dad moved to stand behind me, then simulated a slow-motion attack so I could demonstrate as I explained the best techniques to evade or incapacitate an assailant. I walked the girls through “SING” – solar plexus, instep, nose, groin – and they laughed at the funny face Dad made when I pretended to hit him in the crotch.

“Remember,” I said, “it doesn’t matter how tall or short you are, or whether you’re in shape.” I made a grand gesture that started at my black sneakers and swept up purple leg warmers, black leggings, to the loose gray tunic that clung to my curves. “I’m not exactly intimidating, right? I’m shorter than most of you for one thing. But that doesn’t mean I can’t protect myself.” I shifted my position, ready for the next move. “The more we practice, the more muscle memory we build, so our instincts when in danger will be the right instincts.”

Now came the best part—the part that got the oohs and aahs. Dad reached over my shoulders and before you could say “speeding ticket” I had him on the floor, belly up on the mat. The girls started clapping and a couple laughed in surprise. Dad grinned up at me. I loved that he let me lead the class, and that he was okay with me throwing him around in front of a bunch of girls. Not all cops were cool like that. Not all Dads either.

There are lots of places to take self-defense classes, and resources online and elsewhere that can give you tips on how to protect yourself. As Emma says, you don’t have to be in great shape or a black belt to save yourself in a scary moment. All you need is knowledge – and maybe a little practice!

Here’s an example of some good self-defense tips! link to lifehacker.

SOUNDTRACK FOR BY BLOOD

To get in the mood to write By Blood, I listened to British pop music for the fun Oxford touristy bits and dreamy, atmospheric songs for the Druid rituals. Some of my favorites:

Follow Me Home, Sugababes

Sin Sin Sin, Robbie Williams

You Never Get What You Deserve, Starsailor

Goodbye My Lover, James Blunt

People Got a Lotta Nerve, Neko Case

On My Way Back Home, Band of Horses

Your Heart Is As Black As Night, Melody Gardot

First Love, Adele

Cannonball, Damien Rice

Criminal, Fiona Apple

If You Want Me, from the movie Once

Finding My Own Way, Charlotte Church

The Moon and Sky, Sade

TRACY E. BANGHART AUTHOR BIO

Tracy E. Banghart is a cheesy movie–loving, fantasy football–playing (go Ravens!), globe-trotting Army wife who began “practicing” her craft at the age of five, when she wrote her first story. She loves visiting the international friends she met while pursuing her MA in Publishing and spends a portion of every summer at her family’s cabin in Canada, where she finds inspiration and lots of time to relax on the dock. She lives with her husband, son, two lazy dogs and one ornery cat. When not writing or spending time with her family, she is on a mission to bake the perfect cupcake.

Tracy’s next novel, Moon Child, a companion to By Blood, will be available this August!

LINKS:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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I love the sound of this book – Europe, Druid and sexy foreign strangers? Sounds like a blast! I love that song from Once and to be honest – that playlist is making me even more eager to check out By Blood. Oh and I didn’t forget. Here are the details for the tour wide giveaway.

GIVEAWAY

Grand Prize Giveaway:

Giveaway Prize Pack #1 (US only)
Signed paperback copy of By Blood

Plus (all hardcover):
Beauty Queens, by Libba Bray
Starcrossed, by Josephine Angelini
The Body Finder, by Kimberly Derting
Jane, by April Lindner
By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead, by Julie Anne Peters
Sean Griswold’s Head, by Lindsey Leavitt
Under the Never Sky, by Veronica Rossi
Slide, by Jill Hathaway
Wither, by Lauren DeStefano
Imaginary Girls, by Nova Ren Suma

Giveaway Prize Pack #2 (Intl)
Signed paperback copy of By Blood + $50 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: The Truth About Letting Go by Leigh Talbert Moore

Title: The Truth About Letting Go (The Truth #2)
Author: Leigh Talbert Moore
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction 
Publisher: All Night Reads
Publication Date: 2 March 2013 
Pages: 276
Rating: 4.stars

Synopsis (from goodreads):
Ashley Lockett has always followed the rules. She’s always done the right thing and played it safe until her ideal life is shattered when her dad dies suddenly.

Fueled by anger and grief, she vows to do everything opposite of how she lived before. Then she meets Jordan. He has big dreams, he’s had a crush on Ashley for years, and he’s a great kisser. But he’s also safe.

Enter Colt. He is not safe, and he’s more than willing to help Ashley fulfill her vow.

My Review:

Since Ashley Lockett’s father got diagnosed with cancer six months ago, she’s felt like the world is a different place – and she’s not quite sure she likes where she fits in. Now, with her dad passing away, her brother in a different city for college and her mother becoming a workaholic, Ashley wants to be someone different. Ditching her cheerleading threads and taking notice of people outside her social circle, Ashley tries to experience what else there is to offer. Even if that includes taking a walk on the wild side with new student, Colt.

This is a book that whilst it’s a part of a series, it works fantastically well as a standalone.

For a character who has just gone through the emotional trauma of losing a parent – Ashley felt authentic to me. She’s angry and egocentric but felt justified in her emotions. Her decision to try to change her life was interesting to follow – I loved that whilst she was trying to change who she was, she never completely lost sight of the girl she used to be. Her relationships with her friends and family evolved throughout the novel and I liked that Ashley grew as a person over the duration of the novel.

Book that have a religious element can sometimes be over the top and feel preachy but The Truth About Letting Go manages to incorporate faith perfectly into the story and character’s lives. Jordan is an unlikely hero but ultimately he plays the part well.

One part of this book that I found to be fascinating was just what effect pop-culture and trends have on the youth of today – with the popularity of erotic novels becoming mainstream I found it interesting at the author’s view of just how this craze trickles down through society.

The Truth About Letting Go is a short but sweet and heartbreaking story about a girl having deal with not only the death of a parent but how it touches the rest of life as she knows it. Recommend it to fans of contemporary romance who enjoy a hearty dose of realism.

 

Thanks to All Night Reads and Netgalley for the digital review copy.

Purchase the novel from:

Amazon

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on my TBR list for Winter!

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.

The topic for this week is: Top Ten Books on my Summer Winter TBR List

I have so many books I want to read in the next few months. This is just a small selection of the books I want to read in the next few months.

Between the Lives by Jessica Shirvington

This one look FANTASTIC! Same person, two completely different lives in different locations.

Siege by Sarah Mussi

I have a strong feeling that this one is going to make me want to cry.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

I love the cover. I loved TFioS – I just hope my expectations aren’t too high!

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

I’ve started this one – and it is fantastic!

Deadly Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

I’ve wanted this book for the longest time. And then when I bought it a few weeks ago… so EXCITED! Yep… this is me flailing around like a jellyfish.. Oh – very mature.

Shadows by Paula Weston

I love the look of this book and the second one came out a few weeks ago.

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Cover lust. And hopefully story love too.

Hidden by Marianne Curley

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy (it’s not YA but I bought a copy the other day and LOVE the movie so I’m pretty excited to read this one)

That’s the top 10 books I hope to read this winter. Do we have any in common? Any books you think I NEED to read this season? . Feel free to comment – I love hearing from everyone.

Novella Review: The Flute Player by Shawn Mihalik

Title: The Flute Player
Author: Shawn Mihalik
Genre: fantasy, novella
Publisher: Asymmetrical Press 
Publication Date: 12 March 2013 
Pages: 67
Rating: 3.5.stars

Synopsis (from goodreads):
For nearly ten years, young Oliver has begrudgingly accepted his position as the flute player of the peaceful village of Drommar—a responsibility thrust upon him after the previous flute player, and Oliver’s best friend, drowned in a tragic childhood accident.

Now on the cusp of adulthood, a mysterious young woman enters Oliver’s life, and he begins to question the nature of his world and the importance of his place in it.

My Review:

In the village of Drommar, the Flute Player is a position of honour and prestige. Every morning and evening, the player inspires, motivates and soothes the villagers with his tunes. But it’s not a position Oliver wanted. When his childhood friend died in a tragic accident, Oliver inherited the role and the flute. Shut out from the world by his father, Oliver spends his days trying to write new tunes for the villagers. But devoid of stimulus, Oliver lacks the motivation and inspiration to write. After discovering there’s more to the world than just sheet music and the flute, Oliver thrives and finds so much more to life. There’s a girl, Alexandria – a stranger from another land that only he can see. But things are not right and Oliver needs to find out what’s meant to be and what isn’t before it’s too late for Alexandria.

This short story is a very interesting read. I found it a little uncomfortable to begin with. There are some sentences that go for over a hundred words broken up with a series of commas. But as I got into the story, Mihalik’s style of writing grew on me and only added to the fantastical nature of Oliver’s story. The simplicity of village life nicely contrasted with Alexandria’s modern (or at least modern compared to Oliver’s standards) way of living and I liked how they interacted with each other. Both isolated in the world and yet – though each other – not alone.

Mihalik has crafted a great story with a different style and vibe to most. Despite it’s length, The Flute Player still manages to give some twists and delivers beautiful imagery. To sum it up in one sentence – The Flute Player is a  quick read with a great journey.

P.S. – how great is the cover!

Purchase the novel from:

Amazon