Wednesday 23 May 2018

Review: A Court of Mist and Fury + A Court of Wings and Ruin

ACOMAF

Synopsis
Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.
Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.


"When you spend so long trapped in darkness, Lucien, you find that the darkness begins to stare back."

You know, I'm not a big fan of this genre ( I was in high school, tho :D ) but this book is really amazing and I'm not saying that just because of the similarity to Persephone and Hades ( for those who don't know I'm a little bit too much obsessed about those two :D ), but because it really is a wonderful story.

"To the people who look at the stars and wish, Rhys."
-"To the stars who listen - and the dreams that are answered."



Yes, I'm a sucker for romance and tortured souls like Rhys so that's the main reason I've started reading this book (haven't read the first book btw :D but don't worry, I was able to keep up with the story :D ) but ACOMAF is so so much more than just a love story.

"Tell Tamlin, if he sends anyone else into these lands, I will hunt each and every one of you down. And I will demonstrate exactly what the darkness taught me."


It was great learning about this world, about Faes , about Night Court and ofc about Rhys. He's just so swoon worthy. I fell in love with him at the very beginning :D

"Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don't feel anything at all."


Feyre is finally a female character that is not boring. I was so sick of those oh-so-good-virgin-damsels that probably don't even know what sex is :D
She's smart, she's powerful and she's snarky. Those little snarky remarks between her and Rhys were the best!!!

A Court of Mist and Fury is definitely one of my favorite books I've ever read. 10 stars!!!


ACOWAR

Synopsis
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's manoeuvrings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit – and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords – and hunt for allies in unexpected places.


"Remember that you are a wolf. And you cannot be caged."

I've started reading A Court of Wings and Ruin when it first came out but I was caught up in finals, then my vacation and what not so I've just dropped it and was waiting for a right time to start again. And I know some of you have conflicted thoughts about ACOWAR but, as I've said - I'm not much into fantasy but I devoured these books. Everything is still fresh and new to me so I was enjoying enormously while reading it.

"The most powerful High Lord in the world lost his mate, and has not yet come to claim her, even when she is defenseless in the woods. Perhaps that’s because Rhysand has not lost you at all. But rather unleashed you upon us."


The only thing that was missing for me is a big fight between Rhys and Feyre. I think it would add much to this book. Sometimes when main characters finally get together the book turns out to be a bit boring. At least for me.

"I would have waited five hundred more years for you. A thousand years. And if this was all the time we were allowed to have... The wait was worth it."

All smiles, unicorns and rainbows make me want to throw up :D I love a book with angst and drama, or constant banter and snarky comebacks and that's why I loved ACOMAF so much more.

"If Rhysand was Night Triumphant, I was the star that only glowed thanks to hiss darkness, the light only visible because of him."


See what I am talking about about? We need more Feysand from the second book.


"I hope you're wise enough to keep your mouth shut, because the next time you look at my mate with that disdain and disgust, I won't bother to explain it again, and I will rip out your fucking throat."

Yep, Rhys as a High Lord is much more interesting. And I must say, Feyre as a High Lady is something I'm looking forward seeing in the next book.

"But here I did not thank anyone. Here I took what was mine, and offered no gratitude or apologies for it."


The next part contains spoilers, so read it at your own risk :D
Remember that moment when Rhys died and Feyre couldn't bring him back? That nearly broke me. Even tho I've read the ending (because I'm that kind of a girl) it devastated me. I think that was the best part of the book. Wonderfully written. Mass never ceases to amaze me with her writing.

"Only you can decide what breaks you, Cursebreaker. Only you."

Overall, I loved this book so much, the writing, the storyline, but not as much as ACOMAF so I'll give it 3.8 stars. Stay tuned for ACOFAS review. I've just started reading it. #happydance

XOXO, B.


ACOMAF + ACOWAR Playlist
Karliene - Become the Beast
Michael Malarkey - Scars
Ursine Vulpine ft. Annaca - Wicked Game
Dean Lewis - Waves
Raign - Don't Let Me Go
Ruelle - Take It All
Ruelle - Invincible
Kristian Kostov - Beautiful Mess
Valerie Broussard - King of Pain
Kygo - Stargazing
Imagine Dragons - Dream
Cesar Sampson - Nobody But You
Equinox - Bones


About the Author
Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series, as well as the A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
Sarah lives in Bucks County, PA, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much tea, and watches an ungodly amount of TV. When she's not busy writing, she can be found exploring the historic and beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with her husband and canine companion.



Saturday 3 June 2017

Review: When It's Real

Synopsis

Meet Oakley Ford-teen celebrity, renowned pop star, child of famous movie stars, hottie with millions of fangirls… and restless troublemaker. On the surface he has it all, but with his home life disintegrating, his music well suddenly running dry, and the tabloids having a field day over his outrageous exploits, Oakley's team decides it's time for an intervention. The result: an image overhaul, complete with a fake girlfriend meant to show the world he's settled down.
Enter seventeen-year-old Vaughn Bennett-devoted sister, part-time waitress, the definition of "normal." Under ordinary circumstances she'd never have taken this gig, but with her family strapped for cash, she doesn't have much of a choice. And for the money Oakley's team is paying her, she figures she can put up with outlandish Hollywood parties and a team of publicists watching her every move. So what if she thinks Oakley's a shallow, self-centered jerk? It's not like they're going to fall for each other in real life…right?


I have mixed feelings about this book.
I mean I like it, but I expected more drama because.. um, hello.. Royals!!
But no, this one is really sweet, quick and fun summer read.

"If she's angry at me , then that means she's not ignoring me. I don't like being ignored."


Oakley and Vaughn have an amazing chemistry. They are pretty great together. I loved seeing them bicker 24/7 :D

"I can't believe my girlfriend is such a prude."
-"I can't believe my boyfriend is such a douche."


Oh, that was fun!!


I love books that have social media in it because I'm an addict when it comes to Instagram. :D
And there were some really fun tweets between those two.. It kinda reminded me of Spencer by Kerry Heavens (You should read that book, if you haven't already, you won't regret it).


Overall, When It's Real is cute and enjoyable read that will leave you laughing in no time. It's perfect for beach days. You can read it in one sitting, just like I did. So grab your hat, pick up a margarita and off you go!


When It's Real Playlist ♥
Feder - Lordly ft. Alex Aiono
Mickey Valen - Meet Me ft. Noe
Halsey - Not Afraid Anymore
Dua Lipa - Blow Your Mind (Mwah)
Miley Cyrus - Malibu
Elle King - Wild Love
Marian Hill - Down
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee - Despacito ft. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber - Company
Arctic Monkeys - Do I Wanna Know?


About The Author
Erin Watt is the brainchild of two bestselling authors Elle Kennedy and Jen Frederick, linked together through their love of great books and an addiction to writing. They share one creative imagination. Their greatest love (after their families and pets, of course)? -Coming up with fun--and sometimes crazy--ideas. Their greatest fear? -Breaking up.
#1 New York Times bestselling author duo of The Royals series.


Wednesday 24 May 2017

Review: Blood on Paper

Synopsis

In these pages, Poet Victoria Raine takes us on a journey of her deepest, darkest moments, of trials, failures and betrayals. In hopes, that others not feel so alone through theirs.
You find yourself haunted by the heartache that is almost tangible in these pages, and exhilarated for her triumph over suffering and adversity.
Through her tribulations, her endurance and faith were tested many times over. She shared the beauty in the lessons and the grace through the pain. She found an inner strength she didn’t know she had through the power of perseverance, and ultimately surrendering to spirit to sort it all out and lead the way.
This book will make you fall back in love with the magic poetry brings into our hearts and enrichment into our lives.


"Are we waiting to die
or dying to live"


Wow. Victoria really touched me deeply with this incredible work of art. You can tell she poured her heart and soul into this.

This is going to be a tricky review to write because every page is a new tale, a new feeling, a new life.

"She's been out past the shadows
become part of the underworld
she gave away all her virtues
and threw away all her pearls"



This book slayed all my emotions. I could actually feel the emotion behind the words, and I'm still absolutely astonished about it.
There is a lot of suffering in this book, which is part of what makes it so raw and intense.
In this gorgeous collection Victoria Raine addresses some of the darkest and most hopeful matters of the human heart.

"This is what I wanted?
For this I've begged borrowed and stole?
Her laughter now just beyond
the edge of control"



When you pick up your copy you'll see that this book is so heartbreaking but at the same time really healing.

"All the things I did not want
were all the things that I got"


She addresses what it feels like to be broken and to be stronger on your own.

"I've let go
I have broken free"


The poems in this book are beautiful, tragic, raw, and inspirational. There aren't enough words to describe how much I loved this book. Blood on Paper is definitely going to stay on my mind for a while, and I hope to come back to it time and (time) again.


Blood on Paper Playlist ♥
Camila Cabello - I Have Questions
Olivia O'Brien - Empty
Mary Noyes - Haunted
Kelly Clarkson - Because of You
Sanja Vučić - Goodbye (Shelter)
London Grammar - Sights
Rupert Pope - Catch Me
Ruelle - Where Do We Go From Here
GEMS - W/O U
Empress Of - Water Water
Frances - What Is Love
Dihaj - Skeletons


About the Author
Victoria Raine has been writing poetry since she was a teenage girl. After a poetry writing assignment in 9th grade, her English teacher asked to see her after class, and requested she bring in anything else she had written, after reviewing her work she encouraged Victoria to continue writing. Since then, Victoria Raine has filled countless notebooks and only recently decided to publish her work. Blood on Paper is the first book being published in 2014.
Victoria Raine is the CEO of Kairos Cards in Virginia Beach, Virginia specializing in cards with heartfelt messages capturing your treasured moments with poetic prose and specialized artwork for each collection. Her cards will begin featuring upcoming artist for new collections in 2014.
Victoria resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia where she enjoys her gardens and her dogs Samson, Gypsy and Sophie. Her son lives on the west coast who is a musician and writer.


Wednesday 29 June 2016

Review: Hades Hangmen Series

Synopsis

It Ain't Me, Babe
Sinning never felt so good…
A fortuitous encounter.
A meeting that should never have happened.


Heart Recaptured
Even salvation can be delivered through the love of the damned…

Beauty can be a curse.

Faith can be a cage.

Only love can set you free.


Souls Unfractured
"For fractured souls are like magnets.
Drawn to collide into an impossible bliss…"


It Ain't Me, Babe is the first book in Hades Hangmen series and it revolves around Mae A.K.A. Salome (runaway girl) and the President of the notorious Hades Hangmen MC - Styx (River). They are both broken on so many levels but at the end I just couldn't think of two better suited characters for each other.

"You will never know, but in the two darkest moments of my life, you have shown up. You say it ain't you who is good and who will keep me safe, but you already have. You have saved my life twice."


Heart Recaptured follows Lilah (Delilah), a girl that is so terrified of the outside world and Ky (Kyler) - VP and the biggest manwhore in the MC. Despite their differences they find in each other what they were looking for their whole life. Watching them grow feelings for each other was the best part of this book.

"He was my very own forbidden fruit, one of which I had to keep far far away."


Souls Unfractured
The love story between Maddie (Magdalene) and my favorite Hangmen - Flame really shattered me. They are both so damaged but that's what drew them together in the first place.
This book will made you fell all the feels. It's really intense and it's far hardest book in series, so you need to prepare yourself with tissues. Believe me!

"I know I'm different. I know I don't see the world like everyone else does. But I want to see your world, Maddie. Even if it's the only one I'll ever understand."


These are the first MC books I've read. Little did I know about these series when I first picked them up but the covers drew me in. Who would have guessed that it would became one of my all time favorites.
It was really hard reading about what happened to those little girls, about their hard life at the Commune. I wasn't able to think straight for days.

I've read few other MC books but nothing could compare to this. It's just different and shows us more than just a love story. It's beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Hades Hangmen series are full of drama, angst, violence, taboo subjects and shocking revelations. Just how I like it. When it comes to Tillie Cole you'll never end up disappointed. 10..... 10..... 10..... 10 STARS!!! ♥


P.S. Deep Redemption will be out in July and I'm counting down the days. I'm so, so, sooo excited! #TheProphetIsComing

Hades Hangmen Playlist
Hozier - Better Love
The Civil Wars - Devil's Backbone
Metallica - Nothing Else Matters
Hidden Citizens - I Ran
Amber Run - I Found
Joy Williams - Until the Levee
Ella Henderson - Ghost
Jasmine Thompson - Adore
Alan Walker - Sing Me To Sleep
Tove Lo - Scars
Sia - Alive
Hozier - Take Me to Church
Linkin Park - Catle of Glass
BIRDY - Shelter


About The Author
Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and multitude of rescue animals. After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Proffesional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.
Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Rolmance, Dark Romance. Young Adult and New Adult novels.


Wednesday 15 June 2016

Review: Paper Princess

Synopsis

From strip clubs and truck stops to southern coast mansions and prep schools, one girl tries to stay true to herself.
These Royals will ruin you…
Ella Harper is a survivor—a pragmatic optimist. She’s spent her whole life moving from town to town with her flighty mother, struggling to make ends meet and believing that someday she’ll climb out of the gutter. After her mother’s death, Ella is truly alone.
Until Callum Royal appears, plucking Ella out of poverty and tossing her into his posh mansion among his five sons who all hate her. Each Royal boy is more magnetic than the last, but none as captivating as Reed Royal, the boy who is determined to send her back to the slums she came from.
Reed doesn’t want her. He says she doesn’t belong with the Royals.
He might be right.

Wealth. Excess. Deception. It’s like nothing Ella has ever experienced, and if she’s going to survive her time in the Royal palace, she’ll need to learn to issue her own Royal decrees.


When I first saw this cover I instantly fell in love (I think everyone who follows me on Instagram noticed that :D) . It reminded me of Kiera Cass's Selection series (that's on my TBR list, in case you're interested :D ).


Ella Harper is a survivor.

"My life is mine. I live it. I control it."

It's really rare that I like heroine in books, but Ella is something else. She's really tough and even if she's alone in the world she seems to manage it quite well without anyone's help.


Reed Royal.

"The apple is dangling in front of me, juicy red and delicious, but, like the fairy tale, Reed Royal is the villain disguised as a pretty prince. Taking a bite out of him would be a huge mistake."

Yep, that kind of sums it up. But if you want to know more about our new hottie, you need to read this book. PRONTO!


I loved seeing tension between Ella and Reed. It was so passionate. Their story reminded me of Hessa (After by Anna Todd). It's really intriguing, it's full of twist and turns and you won't be able to put it down.

"You're playing a dangerous game," he rasps out.
"I don't know any other way to play it."



Elle Kennedy and Jen Frederick are an amazing authors and their writing is marvelous. They really have a way with words.

“No one wants to be ruined. We all want to be saved.”

There are so many unanswered questions, so many secrets and so many lies that I can't wait for July to come to get my hands on Broken Prince.
If you haven't read Paper Princess yet, you should really get on that. I highly recommend it. It's definitely one of my favorite reads this year.

P.S. Did I ever mentioned that I hate cliffhangers???? Well I do. I hate them!! These Royals really ruined me.


Paper Princess Playlist ♥
BANKS - You Should Know Where I'm Coming From
Imagine Dragons - Demons
The Federal - You Don't Wan't Me Around ft. Rachael Kime
Jhene Aiko - Lyin King
Florence + The Machine - What Kind Of Man
Nick Jonas - Chains
Yall - Hundred Miles ft. Gabriela Richardson
Rixton - Wait On Me
Aluna George - I'm In Control
Years & Years - Desire ft. Tove Lo
Years & Years - Eyes Shut
Years & Years - Ties
Halsey - Empty Gold
Halsey - Control
Halsey - Trouble
Halestorm - I Miss The Misery


About The Author
Erin Watt is the brainchild of two bestselling authors, Elle Kennedy and Jen Frederick, linked together through their love of great books and an addiction to writing. They share one creative imagination. Their greatest love (after their families and pets, of course)? -Coming up with fun--and sometimes crazy--ideas. Their greatest fear? -Breaking up.


Tuesday 17 May 2016

Review: You

Synopsis

When a beautiful, aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card.

There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting.

As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder.


"I watch you daily, I watch you go to bed, I watch you wake up, I watch you all the time.."

This book is really fucked up...on so many levels.

I'm sitting here and don't know what to write.

I haven't read anything like this since The Girl on the Train (and yes, there's no similarities except stalking). But Joe bring stalking to a whole new level.
These characters are so crazy... No they are deranged. Big time! Their whole relationship is so wrong, so sick and so unhealthy, but that's what makes this book so good.



"You are a woman and I am a man and we belong in the dark together."


Joe, for starters, is so twisted that my mind was spinning the whole time .......

"You are gone, forever and she is here, now."


He's so smart, so shrewd and so psycho. Aaaaand he watched too many chick flicks. I mean, seriously???
But I kind of liked him. It's like I was in his head, living his life, hearing his crazy thoughts. This man has some crazy shit going on in his head.
I could rant about it for hours but you just need to read the book to understand it.



"Before you, there was Candace. She was stubborn too, so I'm gonna be patient with you, same way I was patient with her. I am not gonna hold it against you that in that old, bulky laptop computer of yours you write about every fucking thing in the world except me. I'm no idiot, Beck. I know how to search a hard drive and I know I'm not in there and I know you don't even own anything resembling a notebook or a diary.
One possible theory: You write about me in the notepad on your phone. Hope remains."



"I don't like you right now. You make me do terrible things like hold you down and clap my hand over your mouth."

Beck... Hmmm Beck. I don't know.. She's just meh..
Really fucked up, just like Joe, but I didn't like her. She's an attention seeker (at all costs) and I don't like that kind of people. I just don't.

"You're not afraid of me, of anyone. Men love you. You know it. No man can ever be a mouse in your house because you'll always have someone - a hot clerk in a bookstore, a horny shrink, a closeted rich girl. Someone will always watch over you and you believe that you are special. In the cage, you feel loved, not trapped. Just like me."


The writing is amazing. Kepnes really knows how to pull you in. I need to know more about my new favorite psycho but I will make a break to recover myself first. Sooo, Hidden Bodies wait for me.

When it comes to rating...
It's not that I didn't like this book. I did, very much. It was addictive but I expected more mystery, more drama, just more.. Sooo 4.2 stars from me!

I couldn't help but think of Bang La Decks' song Kuedon the whole time I was reading this book. :D


About The Author
Caroline Kepnes is a native of Cape Cod and the author of many published short stories. After graduating from Brown University, Caroline moved to New York where she covered pop culture for Entertainment Weekly and Tiger Beat. She also worked as a staff writer on the first season of ABC Family's The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Caroline’s second novel, Hidden Bodies, is the follow-up to her debut novel, You, which was optioned by Showtime. Caroline now lives in Los Angeles, where she writes fiction, drinks artificially sweetened caffeinated beverages, and avoids freeways.


Friday 18 March 2016

Review: A Thousand Boy Kisses

Synopsis

One kiss lasts a moment.
But a thousand kisses can last a lifetime.
One boy.
One girl.
A bond that is forged in an instant and cherished for a decade.
A bond that neither time nor distance can break.
A bond that will last forever.
Or so they believe.
When seventeen-year-old Rune Kristiansen returns from his native Norway to the sleepy town of Blossom Grove, Georgia, where he befriended Poppy Litchfield as a child, he has just one thing on his mind. Why did the girl who was one half of his soul, who promised to wait faithfully for his return, cut him off without a word of explanation?
Rune’s heart was broken two years ago when Poppy fell silent. When he discovers the truth, he finds that the greatest heartache is yet to come.


There aren't enough words to describe how much I loved this book.

I was up almost all night reading it and I never wanted it to end. It's the type of book that sticks with you and leaves you in tears in no time.

"I have come to understand that death, for the sick, is not hard to endure. For us, eventually, our pain ends, we go to a better place. But for those left behind, their pain only magnifies."

Poppy's and Rune's story is truly beautiful and heartbreaking. They pulled my heartstrings, and I couldn't think of two better suited characters for each other.

"A life without Poppy. No infinity. No forever always. Just ... nothing."

I loved this book. Like crazy... It's so much more than a love story.


It's been a while since I've read anything quite so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. This story was really heavy and unforgettable and I was crying all through it but I couldn't have asked for a better ending to it.

"There was no beginning to us and no end."

It's just so fantastic and I keep going back and re-reading things because this book had me wrapped around it's finger!
I'm seriously mind blown with this book. It's definitely in my top 5 favorite books of this year. You will fall in love with this book and never be able to get out of it.

"The best things in life die quickly, like cherry blossom. Because something so beautiful can never last forever, shouldn't last forever. It stays for a brief moment in time to remind us how precious life is, before fading away just as quickly as it came."


Tillie will make you feel all the feels. She killed this book! If you haven't read anything by her you are truly missing out on some absolutely fantastic books and stories. Tillie always creates such moving and inspirational reads, and this one doesn't disappoint.

"I didn't know why, but capturing moments fascinated me. Maybe it was because sometimes all we get are moments. There are no do-overs; whatever happens in a moment defines life - perhaps it is life. But capturing a moment on film keeps that moment alive, forever. To me, photography was magic."

A thousand "as special as special can be" stars!


A Thousand Boy Kisses Playlist ♥
Rupert Pope - Infinite ft. Daniel Knigh
Major Lazer - Be Together ft. Wild Belle
3 Dors Down - Here Without You
Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine
Odessa - I Will Be There
Raign - Don't Let Me Go
Ruelle - Where Do We Go From Here
Sofia Karlberg - Writings On The Wall
Hilary Duff - Someone's Watching Over Me
Faith Hill - There You'll Be
Woodkid - Never Let You Down ft. Lykke Li
Rihanna - Final Goodbye
Years & Years - Eyes Shut
Tom Odell - Heal
Paloma Faith - Only Love Can Hurt Like This
Hidden Citizens - I Ran
London Grammar - Stay Awake
London Grammar - Hey Now
London Grammar - Sights
Sigma - Coming Home ft. Rita Ora
Emeli Snade - My Kind Of Love


About The Author
Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and multitude of rescue animals. After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.
Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance. Young Adult and New Adult novels.