Review: A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

June 5th, 2012 ∙ Poppy

Source: Purchased
Format: Hardback

Page Count: 304

Whitley Johnson's dream summer with her divorcé dad has turned into a nightmare. She's just met his new fiancée and her kids. The fiancée's son? Whitley's one-night stand from graduation night. Just freakin' great.

Worse, she totally doesn't fit in with her dad's perfect new country-club family. So Whitley acts out. She parties. Hard. So hard she doesn't even notice the good things right under her nose: a sweet little future stepsister who is just about the only person she's ever liked, a best friend (even though Whitley swears she doesn't "do" friends), and a smoking-hot guy who isn't her stepbrother...at least, not yet. It will take all three of them to help Whitley get through her anger and begin to put the pieces of her family together.

Filled with authenticity and raw emotion, Whitley is Kody Keplinger's most compelling character to date: a cynical Holden Caulfield-esque girl you will wholly care about.

Review:

When I first heard Kody had a new book releasing I was excited and after reading A Midsummer’s Nightmare I am pleased to say that it doesn’t disappoint!

Kody has written yet another splendid novel full of swoon and doesn’t disappoint with her newest male lead. Introducing Nathan, Whitley’s one night stand and soon to be stepbrother. Cue drama! I can understand why some people might find it hard to accept it but I personally didn’t have a problem with it. Sure it’s awkward but it’s not like she did it on purpose. You can’t help who you fall in love with and that certainly applies in this case.

Whitley acts up – a lot. She parties, she drinks and whilst I didn’t necessity approve of her behaviour and decisions, I understand why she did; it was her way of coping. Although it does take her awhile to get it together she eventually does. If you’re looking for some great character building you’ve come to the right place!

I love everything about Nathan. He’s caring, sweet, supportive and not to mention hot, but more than that, he never gave up on Whitley. Bailey is such a cute, fun, sweet sister; I really enjoyed her role throughout the book. 

Kody has out done herself. This book deals with a lot of things and I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s about family; growing and finding yourself and becoming the person you want to be; meeting your problems and fears face on; taking control; dropping your guard and letting people in rather than shutting them out. And yet Kody does it in such a subtle way that she touches on all these issues without overdoing it and trying too hard. It’s impressive. This isn’t a dark or gritty contemporary, there’s still plenty of laughter, wit, smiles and fun amongst these pages for sure, but it does have a bit more depth than her previous two books.

If you’re a fan of Kody’s work or love a good contemporary, this book is for you!

4.5/5

Blogspiration (2): Wise Words

Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by GrowingUp YA & Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers & writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation & just a little SOMETHING.

I found this a few months back when I first discovered pinterest. I loved it then and I still do. So true and beautiful and inspiring. Do I really need to go on? I think not. These words speak loud enough for both of us. ♥

Happy Blogoversary To Me!

Hip Hip Hooray! *throws confetti*

 

Today marks my first official blogoversary! It was on this day, exactly one year ago, that I published my first ever post. I actually made my blog in May 2011, but it took me awhile to get my act together, but boy am I glad that I finally did!

When I first decided to start my blog way back then (it seems more than a year ago!) I couldn’t have imagined all this. I thought blogging would be a challenge (it definitely is, but the best kind), and would allow me to share my thoughts and opinions with others, but blogging gave me that and so much more. The experiences I’ve had, the authors I’ve chatted with on twitter and gotten to work with, the beautiful comments that can brighten my day and put a smile on your face, connecting with other readers and bloggers who love to read just as much as I do and most of all, the friendships I’ve made. I can’t imagine my life before I started blogging. It just seems so RIGHT. I truly don’t know what I used to do before I met you all. Thanks for making me feel like I belong, this community sure is amazing!

Since Author Appreciation August starts very soon (only a couple of days to go!) and I’ll be spending money to help host that, I’ve decided to give away something small and bookish from etsy but I promise it will be awesome. To enter all you have to do is leave a meaningful comment on this post and since this is all about saying thanks for your support and comments, you must be a follower. I will pick a winner via random.org at the end of the month!

Thanks for following, commenting and overall, being so awesome. I really appreciate it! Here, have some virtual cake! ;D

YUM. Red velvet, pink, sprinkle cake or super duper chocolate cupcakes - take your pick!

Sabrina <3

Review: Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson

Losing Lila (Lila #2) by Sarah Alderson

August 2nd, 2012 ∙ Simon and Schuster
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 320

Alex and Lila are on the run, desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the Unit, which somehow is managing to track their every move. Whilst Alex is determined to keep Lila safe and her ability secret at any cost, Lila’s only thought is of finding a way back to California so that she can rescue her brother and mother from the military base where they’re being held.

Struggling to control both her growing power and her deepening feelings for Alex, Lila decides the time has finally come to stop running and start fighting. Together with Alex, Demos, and the people she’s come to think of as family, Lila plans not just to save her brother and mother, but to completely destroy the Unit and everything it stands for.

But the plan requires Lila to return alone to California, make friends with the enemy, and to risk losing everything - Alex, her family, and even her life.

Review:

To say I was excited for Losing Lila would be an understatement. I literally did a happy dance when this arrived in the mail. With it being my most anticipated series instalment of 2012 and after the way Hunting Lila ended, leaving us in the lurch, gasping for air, I was expecting Losing Lila to be excellent and had high hopes for it but I can happily say it surpassed my expectations. Sarah Alderson has outdone herself. And just when you thought this series couldn’t get any better…

The story picks up right off where Hunting Lila ended with Lila and Alex on the run. The author doesn’t waste a second before throwing the reader into the action and mayhem, making for an exciting ride. The pacing is spectacular; Sarah Alderson has the reader in the palm of her hand from beginning to end. There was never a second I wasn’t entertained. I couldn’t read fast enough, I needed to know what was going to happen next!

Losing Lila will have you on the edge of your seat; hooked and anxious to know what’s around the corner. It’s action-packed but even so, it still it had me grinning, giggling and squealing aloud.

Just when you think you’ve got it sorted, another bombshell drops. Revelations and secrets slowly unravel and yet it’s done in such a way it never felt overdone. You can see that the author has planned it well, with a clear purpose in mind and has included these twists with reason, not just for the heck of it.

The characters are back and they’re not going down without a fight - even if it means risking it all. Our favourites, along with characters we despise, return but we are also introduced to a few new faces. Lila truly is an incredible protagonist; she’s courageous and strong, but most of all, I love how much she cares for her family and the people closest to her. Alex is a dreamboat. He’s protective, caring and sexy. If only he existed in reality… It was inevitable I had missed these characters, but it wasn’t until I finally began reading Losing Lila that I discovered just how much. I didn’t think it was possible but after reading the sequel, I love these characters even more!

The ending wrapped up well even though I never ever wanted the book to end. As of yet there isn’t news of a third book but I really hope there is! If you thought Hunting Lila was good just wait til you get your hands on Losing Lila.

5/5

Blogspiration (1): Keepin' It Real

Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by Growing Up YA & Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers & writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation & just a little SOMETHING.

I really love this picture - it's bold, funky, true and most of all, it applies to the book blogging community and what's been happening recently. You should never have to sacrifice your opinion of a book when writing a review or be scared to put forward your honest thoughts. I’ve made some great author friends but even when I read one of their books and review it I always tell the truth. Always. Just because you might not like a certain book doesn't mean you should diss or verbally abuse an author. You won’t like every book you read and that is absolutely fine but it's important to keep your reviews honest yet fair, that’s really all authors can ask. You’re entitled to your opinion but just remember to be careful with your words, they can be powerful things. To wrap this up: keep it real and don't be afraid to voice your opinions. Let them be heard. 



Review: Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin

Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin
March 1st, 2012 ∙ G.P. Putnam's Sons
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardback

Page Count: 288

Kelsey Finkelstein is fourteen and FRUSTRATED. Every time she tries to live up to her awesome potential, her plans are foiled – by her impossible parents, her annoying little sister, and life in general. But with her first day of high school coming up, Kelsey is positive that things are going to change. Enlisting the help of her three best friends — sweet and quiet Em, theatrical Cass, and wild JoJo — Kelsey gets ready to rebrand herself and make the kind of mark she knows is her destiny.

Things start out great - her arch-nemesis has moved across the country, giving Kelsey the perfect opportunity to stand out on the soccer team and finally catch the eye of her long-time crush. But soon enough, an evil junior’s thirst for revenge, a mysterious photographer, and a series of other catastrophes make it clear that just because KELSEY has a plan for greatness… it doesn’t mean the rest of the world is in on it.

Kelsey’s hilarious commentary throughout her disastrous freshman year will have you laughing out loud—while being thankful that you’re not in her shoes, of course…

Review:

I was in the mood for a light, funny contemporary so I looked upon Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters and it was everything I had hoped it would be and more.

Kelsey is a stand up character. She deals with A LOT of embarrassing moments and handles them surprisingly well. What I loved most is that even after all the embarrassment she endures she soldiers on which for a fourteen year old is pretty inspirational. Kelsey is hyper and has a ‘Can Do’ energy which when you are starting high school is a good quality to have!

The secondary characters are all written superbly well and were such fun to read about. At the start I was little confused about Kelsey’s friend’s - JoJo, Em and Cassidy - but once I got a little further into the story it was easy to distinguish who was who; I loved that they were all different and added something to the story. Kelsey’s group of friends were, for the most part, a great bunch. Sure, there were a few friendship fights, even some betrayal but when you’re dealing with boys and the joys of high school (notice my sarcasm) these things are bound to happen.

I normally don’t read Middle grade, haven’t for years, but I’m so glad I took a chance on this one as it was fantastic, super enjoyable and despite the difference between mine and Kelsey’s first year of high school, easy to relate to. This book is such FUN, I literally had a smile on my dial the entire time.

Just like Kelsey, I also was in the school play of Fiddler on the Roof a few years back and reading about her experience was not only great fun but it brought back all those fun memories of my own.

Meredith Zeitlin is a great writer; I connected with her prose so easily. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

Completely cringe worthy and oh-so hilarious, Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters is a debut that isn’t to be missed.

4/5

P.S – Meredith, if you are listening I would ADORE a second book on the happenings of Kelsey’s life and would love to see her story continue! If you need persuading, I make a mean cupcake! ;)

Review: Changeling by Philippa Gregory

Changeling (The Order of Darkness #1) by Philippa Gregory
May 24th, 2012 ∙ Simon & Schuster
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback

Page Count: 272

Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of the first-ever teen series from #1 bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl

Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days.

Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape.

Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon.

The first in a series, this epic and richly detailed drama is grounded in historical communities and their mythic beliefs. It includes a medieval map of Europe that will track their journey; and the interior will include relevant decorative elements as well as an interior line illustration. And look for a QR code that links to a note from the author with additional, detailed information about the setting and the history that informed the writing. With Philippa Gregory’s trademark touch, this novel deftly brings the past—and its salacious scandals—vividly and disturbingly to life.

Review:

I hadn’t heard much about Changeling or read many reviews about it so when it arrived on my doorstep one day although I wasn’t overly fussed, I was intrigued about how it would pan out. Whilst this book wasn’t for me, if you’re a fan of Gregory’s other work or love to get your hands on anything historical, hopefully this will appeal to you more than it did for me.

There were a few interesting parts of the story where my interest was piqued but for the most part I really struggled to continue on and sometimes even found myself skimming. The pace isn’t slow nor is it fast; for the most part it just plods along. Even though I struggled with this, I actually moved through it pretty quickly.

Though I didn’t connect with Luca’s voice or care for his character, I had a better time reading from Isolde’s POV. I admire that the author has written such strong female roles instead of ditzy, damsels in distress which made for a refreshing read. Trust me when I say they could kick-butt (especially Ishraq who reminded me of a historical version of Rose from Vampire Academy).

Overall I’m not dying to get my hands on the sequel and don’t have much incentive to continue the series. I wouldn’t mind reading something else by this author in the future but only if it really sparks my interest.

2/5

Event Announcement: Author Appreciation August

2012 has been a fantastic year for us readers. We've had breathtaking debuts from the likes of Brigid Kemmerer, Jessica Spotswood and Marissa Meyer, and we've had follow-ups from our all-time favorites, Lauren Kate, Lauren Oliver, and the amazing Sarah Alderson--that’s not to forget the film adaptations of our faves, with The Hunger Games reaching screens around the world, The Perks of Being A Wallflower nearly out, and a release date finally set for Cassie Clare's The Mortal Instruments.

It wouldn't be possible without one rather incredible species of human: The Author. This elusive creature is dedicated, determined, and can be found on Twitter, touring bookstores, and spending hours typing away at computers in-between juggling children, jobs, and deadlines. I don’t know about you, but I think they deserve a big fat ‘THANK YOU’. So Sarah from saz101 and I have teamed up to bring you Author Appreciation August (AAA): a month dedicated to showing authors we care and appreciate them.

Kicking off on the 1st of August we’ll be bringing you an entire month of author interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to chip in and write a post about your favorite author and what they mean to you. Excited? It gets better. Take the time to comment, say ‘thank you’ to an author, or spread the word, and some truly amazing publishers will say ‘thanks’ back, with tons of incredible books up for grabs!

Appreciation Posts
Is there an author you really love? Want to say thanks? Write a post talking about your favorite author, share a story about what they mean to you, or just talk about why everyone needs to read this book. Whether you want to focus on an author individually or group a few together in a post; say thanks for a book or a series, it’s up to you!

Linky Love!
Throughout Author Appreciation August there will be Linkys available for you to share your Appreciation posts! Feel free to stop by and post your links so others can come by and read why a certain author or book is so special to you! Also, if you want to spread the love even more why not host a giveaway to celebrate your favorite authors! There is absolutely no pressure at all - you make the rules, set the dates and all that jazz. In a way it’s kind of like a blog hop except a very laid back version!

Giveaways!
These are still being finalised, but thanks to some truly amazing publishers across the globe we already have dozens of books to be given away. Participate, promote and comment for the chance to win!

Amazing Authors!
Want a sneak peek at what to expect?

Throughout August, we’ll be bringing you interviews and guest posts from the likes of:

Brigid Kemmerer

Elizabeth Norris

Gail Carriger

Huntley Fitzpatrick

Jay Kristoff

Jennifer Echols

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Jessica Shirvington

Jessica Spotswood

Jodi Meadows

Kody Keplinger

Lauren Kate

Lauren Oliver

Maria V. Snyder

Marissa Meyer

Sarah Alderson

...and that’s just to name a few!

♥ Spread the Love! ♥

Would you like to help spread the word?

Thanks, guys! Pick a button, any button!

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Peek into My Mailbox #6

Inspired by The Story Siren's IMM, Peek into My Mailbox allows me to share all the marvellous, bookish goodies I receive in the mail!

Here's what I've received in the past couple of weeks:

Bringing the Summer by Julia Green

Losing Lila (Lila #2) by Sarah Alderson

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg  

Apocalypsies swag:

A massive thank you to Bloomsbury, Simon and Schuster, Ange @ the Moonlight Reader and Laurisa White Reyes!

Not a huge haul but I am SO excited about these books! They all sound fabulous; I can’t wait to start reading them!!

Til next time,

Happy Reading J

Discussion - Book Slumps

Once upon a time in the land of crazyville a girl name Becca used to read wether she was enjoying a book or despising it with great hatred.

Ha, that might be just a bit exaggerated…but it is true. Before I met book blogging and book blogging met me I used to read everything and anything whether I was loving it or not. Back then I didn’t stop midway because I wasn’t into it, I used to read until the very end. But a lot has changed since then…

Recently I’ve noticed I’m very picky when it comes to books, I don’t have as much patience like I used to. Since joining the book blogging world I’ve discovered reading slumps – the deadly kryptonite which harms readers. Last year I had countless reading slumps which were terrible. This year hasn’t been as bad but I don’t think I’ve been enjoying reading as much as I have in previous years. I still love reading, I still love blogging and I adore the online book blogging world like CRAZY but it’s just after being introduced to reading slumps and their horridness I’ve noticed when I start a book I sometimes expect it to be BAM amazing straight away. I know, I know this is terrible on my part, I should be put in timeout and be striped of my rights to read because sometimes all you need to do is warm up to the authors style or get hooked into the story or get into the spirit of things and become immersed in it all. Sometimes all it requires it a bit of time and effort. But when it comes to reading I’ve become a bit of a grumpy granny…

This is me...well kind of...

For instance, two books which I had trouble with at the start which I didn’t think I would be able to get into it, ended up being brilliant! One of them was Everneath by Brodi Ashton and the other was Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. Luckily I soldiered on with both these books because they ended up being AMAZING. If I hadn’t given them a fair go, I wouldn’t have ended up reading two fantastically written books and gotten to experience them.

I usually read up to page 100 or so and if I’m still not feeling it I put it down and start a new book. But recently I haven’t even been making able to make it past that…

So. My goal:

Give books a fair go like I used to. This means reading up to at least the 100 page mark! (Update: I’ve started doing this again and it’s going great! YAY me! :)

So whilst I do that, here’s a question (or two) for you!

How do you handle reading slumps?

and…

How much of a chance do you give a book before you call it quits?

I hope you have enjoyed my first discussion post! Feel free to leave me a suggestion of what you would like to see me chat about next; I’d love to hear your thoughts! :)

***Update: I'm actually not in a book slump. This discussion is more about me trying to avoid them at all costs (if that can even be done!)

Review: When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle

When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle
April 26th, 2012 ∙ Simon & Schuster

Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback

Page Count: 352

In this intensely romantic, modern recounting of the greatest love story ever told, Romeo's original intended--Juliet's cousin Rosaline--tells her side of the tale. "What's in a name, Shakespeare? I'll tell you: Everything.

"Rosaline knows that she and Rob are destined to be together. Rose has been waiting for years for Rob to kiss her--and when he finally does, it's perfect. But then Juliet moves back to town. Juliet, who used to be Rose's best friend. Juliet, who now inexplicably hates her. Juliet, who is gorgeous, vindictive, and a little bit crazy...and who has set her sights on Rob. He doesn't even stand a chance.

Rose is devastated over losing Rob to Juliet. This is not how the story was supposed to go. And when rumours start swirling about Juliet's instability, her neediness, and her threats of suicide, Rose starts to fear not only for Rob's heart, but also for his life. Because Shakespeare may have gotten the story wrong, but we all still know how it ends....

Review:

I’ve read a lot of books in my lifetime, met a lot of characters but I’ve never been so frustrated with a book before; this one takes the cake. For the first time ever I actually experienced what it feels like to want to throw a book across the room.

I have never been so disappointed, angry and annoyed with a character. Yes Rob, I’m talking about you. As you can probably tell from the blurb just as Rosaline and Rob finally start to get it together, Juliet comes to town and ruins it all. Sure, she’s a big contributor to the whole mess but I expected way more from Rob. The way he acted was inexcusable; so selfish and ditsy and plain flaky. He was supposed to be Rosaline’s best friend and this is how he goes and act’s? No, just no. As the book moves along a few things are revealed but it still doesn’t make up for the way Rob originally treated Rosaline.

Although I felt for what Rosaline was going through, I didn’t like her character or relate to her.

Love is blind, love is blind, love is blind…but it just seemed unrealistic. I was waiting for Juliet to pull out her crazy love potion elixir; I actually thought I was being Punk’d.

Your either going to dislike or enjoy this book; hopefully for you it's the latter.

1/5

Join in the Potterthon!

One of my closest blogging friends, Sarah (who is super amazing!) and her friend Lauren (who I’m sure is also amazing!) are currently hosting a Potterthon which runs throughout the whole of July, to help celebrate 15 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first released itself into the world PLUS it’s birthday which takes place on the 31st of July!

Whether you’re interested to finally start the series or want an excuse for a re-read this is your chance! As well as the read-a-thon, there will be polls, discussions, giveaways and much more!

For all the details click here!

Since I just read Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for the first time in April I won’t be rereading it but I WILL be continuing the series and reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Since I need some inspiration to get moving, another awesome friend/blogger/Harry Potter fanatic of mine, Brodie @ Eleusinian Mysteries has offered to join me in reading the second instalment! :D

So what are you waiting for? Head on over, get involved, dust your copy of the shelf, start reading, have fun and spread the Potter love!

Review: Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
March 13th, 2012 ∙ Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 338

It all begins with a stupid question:

Are you a Global Vagabond?

No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.

Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.

But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.

Kirsten Hubbard lends her artistry to this ultimate backpacker novel, weaving her drawings into the text. Her career as a travel writer and her experiences as a real-life vagabond backpacking Central America are deeply seeded in this inspiring story.

Review:

When I first heard of Wanderlove I was positively excited. A travel, coming of age story with illustrations – what more could you want! I went into this with very high expectations but unfortunately didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped.

What I didn’t like:

I didn’t have a strong connection with the characters nor really feel for them; they were kind of just there.

The beginning wasn’t exactly slow but it just didn't feel like it was my thing. I went in to this book expecting to be captivated straight away and I was a little taken aback, surprised almost. Here was a book that I had been expecting a lot from and it just wasn’t what I thought it would be...

I really struggled in the beginning and felt a lack of interest to continue reading; I really had to push myself. It wasn’t until almost half way that things started to eventually look up and I found myself starting to enjoy the story more.

What I did like:

The thing I love most about Wanderlove is its uniqueness. The idea hasn’t been done before; it’s safe to say there is nothing like it on the YA market which I think readers will really appreciate. Who wants the same, repeated, washed up story again and again? I certainly don’t. And I’m sure you don’t either.

The illustrations are GORGEOUS. Simple yet detailed; captivating; charming. They certainly made the reading experience a better one. Every time I came across an illustration my face lit up and my eyes were instantly drawn in; I didn’t want to turn the page.

Wanderlove gave me an adventure without me even having to leave the house. It truly felt like I was trekking throughout Central America right beside Bria and Rowan.

Overall:Personally, Wanderlove was an okay read. No, I didn’t fall head-over-heels in love with it like I originally thought I would, but I can certainly see why others did. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary that is fresh and creative Wanderlove might just be what the doctor ordered.

2.5/5

Books I'm Wishing For: July Edition!

With so many wonderful books coming out in 2012, I thought why not highlight all the books that I’m excited for each month!

Here are the books I’m wishing for this month:

Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglein – I love a good action packed read and this sounds like it ticks all the boxes.

The Thing About The Truth by Lauren Barnholdt – Last year I read Sometimes It Happens and enjoyed it so I’m looking forward to Lauren's latest story.

Such A Rush by Jennifer Echols – It’s by Jennifer Echols (one of my favourite authors!) and it’s a romantic drama! ‘Nuff said.

Insignia (Insignia #1) by S.J. Kincaid – The blurb sounds great, the reviews are positive and it’s from a male POV which is always refreshing.

So Close to You (So Close to You #1) by Rachel Carter – A mix of sci-fi, romance and time travel – YES PLEASE.

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry – SO excited for this one, it sounds amazing!

Which July releases are you wishing for most? Spill!