Friday 29 June 2012

Q&A with bestselling author Philippa Gregory on her new YA novel Changeling

The lovely folk over at Simon & Schuster were kind enough to put together a Q&A with bestselling author Philippa Gregory talking about her latest novel and first venture into YA Changeling for us bloggers to share with our readers. Seems as I’m doing a giveaway for this book at the moment I thought now would be an ideal time to share it with you guys for anyone who may want to know more about the book. I’ve heard amazing things for Philippa’s adult books and am really excited to read Changeling soon!

Synopsis 
The first book in the thrilling YA sequence, Order of Darkness. The year is 1453, and all signs point to it being the end of the world. Accused of heresy and expelled from his monastery, handsome seventeen-year-old, Luca Vero, is recruited by a mysterious stranger to record the end of times across Europe. Commanded by sealed orders, Luca is sent to map the fears of Christendom, and travel to the very frontier of good and evil. Seventeen-year-old Isolde, a Lady Abbess, is trapped in a nunnery to prevent her claiming her rich inheritance. As the nuns in her care are driven mad by strange visions, walking in their sleep, and showing bleeding wounds, Luca is sent to investigate and all the evidence points to Isolde's criminal guilt. Outside in the yard they are building a pyre to burn her for witchcraft. Forced to face the greatest fears of the medieval world - dark magic, werewolves, madness - Luca and Isolde embark on a search for truth, their own destinies, and even love as they take the unknown ways to the real historical figure who defends the boundaries of Christendom and holds the secrets of the Order of Darkness.


 Q&A with Philippa! 

Philippa Gregory 2011 c Johnny Ring

How was writing a book for teens different from writing a book for adults?
I don't think there is any difference for me in terms of the craft of writing. I think that the quality and enjoyment of the novel should be at least equal to a book for adults.

Do you have a favourite character in your new teen series?
I created the two principal characters of Luca and Isolde and liked them so much, but then I was amazed to find that the servant character of Frieze just jumped off the page. He is funny and full of common sense, wonderful with animals and has a great loving nature. His role just grew through the story as I came to like writing about him more and more. He is very important in book 2, and I think I will end up with a cast of 4 principal characters rather than 2. 

When you are writing a multi-book series, do you work from an outline (know all the beats) or do you work toward an ending (know how it all ends)?
This has been the first series that I have written that is not anchored completely by the historical record, so I have revelled in the freedom of it and have worked on each novel quite independently. I know where the whole series ultimately ends, but I don't know yet how I will get there. It's a truly creative process, I feel as if I am making it up as I go along and loving this.

Why did you set your new teen series in the 15th century?
The date of 1453 is such a key one - people really believed that it was the end of the world. It is this belief that means that Luca has his job in exploring the "end of days" and also means that there are so many manifestations of the supernatural that people report.

How is it working with fictional characters rather than real historical figures?
It has been a real holiday from the demands of accuracy and research. It has set the novelist in me free for the first time in a long time. I love discovering and researching the historical characters, but to be able to create characters from imagination has been a real treat.

End 

Sounds great right? For your chance to win a copy if you live in the UK fill out my Past, Present, and Future giveaway form here, and if you live internationally fill out my Book of YOUR choice up to the value of £10 or under form here to be in with a chance of winning Changeling, good luck!

Many thanks to the publishers Simon & Schuster for putting this interview together!

Wednesday 27 June 2012

Review for The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

WARNING 
This is a review for the second book in the Darkness Rising series and so may contain spoilers from the first book in the series.

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Atom
Release Date: 5th April 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher for review

Amazon Summary:
"Maya Delaney's paw-print birthmark is the sign of what she truly is - a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly anyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it's only a matter of time before she's able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents including local bad boy Rafe, with whom she shares a dangerous, powerful secret.

Now, Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. After a terrifying helicopter crash, they find themselves stranded in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home. But can Maya really trust her friends? And can she learn how to control the frightening new gift she has discovered before it controls her?"

Review 
The Calling has to be my favourite of Kelley Armstrong’s Young Adult books so far. I loved her Darkest Powers trilogy and enjoyed the first book to this new companion series The Gathering just as much, but this second instalment to the Darkness Rising series had everything I loved about Kelley’s previous books and more. I picked this up and had it finished under 24 hours later it was such a page turner of a read with constant action and suspense. I think after reading this book my love for the Darkness Rising series might just have over taken my love for the Darkest Powers books.

The book begins where The Gathering left off and straight away we’re thrown back into the action. During the first chapter in the helicopter all hell breaks loose with shocking revelations, powers unleashed and even deaths of characters to really get the ball rolling! After that explosive first chapter the book doesn’t let up for a second and only gets more urgent and intense as the book goes on. It felt like I read The Calling in a total frenzy I was that immersed in Maya’s world. This book grips you and refuses to let go till the final world, a quality that all of Kelley Armstrong’s books have, this one in particular.

The Calling is a real survival story. With Maya and her friends stuck in the wilderness with an increasingly dangerous group after them for their unusual powers, not only do they have to survive in the forest, try to avoid being captured or worse killed all whilst trying to find out what happened to their home, dealing with loss and figuring out who they can trust, they also have to deal with their powers starting to manifest at the same time, testing out how strong they are, and working out what extinct and rare supernatural creature they might be.

These books have a certain sinister chill to them with the supernatural powers not being achieved by magic but by actual scientific engineering, the corporations that Maya and Co have as enemies are scary and powerful ones that whilst may want to capture them for impure purposes might also be the only people who have answers and can help them control their powers.

As with the first book in this series I really loved Maya as our heroine and felt that this book gives us chance to get to know some of the other characters a little better too. If you’re a fan of Kelley’s books then you’ll know that her characters are always strong and likeable and that her writing and plot development seems so easy and natural that it seems effortless on her part and is compulsively readable. This book had a fantastic ending with enough left unresolved that I’m dying for the next book without it being a torturous cliff-hanger. I particularly like what Kelley was hinting at for what’s in store in the next book and find it an exciting direction she’s leading us in. Overall The Calling was a fantastic sequel and my favourite from Kelley Armstrong yet. If you’re a fan of this series this latest instalment isn’t going to disappoint.

Sunday 24 June 2012

Blogoversary Giveaway! (UK and International) Jess Hearts Books is 2!

Today marks the start of this blog and I can hardly believe it’s been two years already! I’ve had some wonderful experiences and received some amazing books but none of these experiences would have been possible unless this blog had a readership and so this is where I want to say a HUGE thank you to YOU the reader and give a little something back in a giveaway! Because my readers come from all over the world I will be doing an international giveaway (wherever The Book Depository ships) as well as a UK only one (UK residents are welcome to enter both) so I’m going to keep this short and sweet and get on to what YOU could win…

UK Giveaway Past, Present, and Future


Because Blogoverarys are a time to reflect on what you’ve achieved in the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future I’ve decided to celebrate that in a giveaway with a book set in the past, a present time contemporary and a futuristic novel so I’ve chosen to giveaway to one UK winner Changeling by Philippa Gregory (past), Emma Hearts LA by Keris Stainton (present), and The Selection by Kiera Cass (future) along with some swag. For your chance of winning please fill in the form.
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

International Giveaway (open to wherever The Book Depository ships) Win ONE book of your choice up to the value of £10 or under 


This Giveaway is open internationally just please make sure The Book Depository ships to your country here before entering, and that the book you might want is available from them and costs 10 GBP or under :-)
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules 
To enter either giveaway please fill in the Rafflecopter's.
Giveaways End: Sunday 15th July 2012
Winners will be contacted by email and will have 1 week to reply else another winner will be selected.

 Thanks and Good luck! :)

Thursday 21 June 2012

Review for Rapture by Lauren Kate

WARNING 
This is the final book in the Fallen series and although my review will contain NO SPOILERS from Rapture by talking about the plot there may be unintentional spoilers from the other books in the series.

Rapture by Lauren Kate
Publisher: Doubleday
Release Date: 21st June 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Angels
Rating: 5/5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher for review

Amazon Summary:
"The sky is dark with wings... And time is running out for Luce and Daniel. In order to stop Lucifer from erasing the past, they must find the place where the Fall began. Only Luce can break the curse, and it is her choice alone that will decide all of their fates. But as Dark Forces gather, great sacrifices will have to be made in this final, epic struggle... In the fight for Luce, and for Love, who will win?"

Review 
Rapture has been a hugely anticipated book for me. Ever since I read the first book in this series Fallen in 2010 I’ve been left with so many burning questions like “why has this curse been put on Luce and Daniel?” and “what will it take for them to break it?.” All of my questions were finally answered in this series finale and it was better than I could have hoped for, I’d even go as far as to say this is my favourite book of the series.

Rapture begins where Passion left off, there is a collection of short stories called Fallen in Love that’s meant to be read before this book as well and although it’s not essential to the series, I’d read it before Rapture anyway just because it adds a little extra detail to this book. Luce, Daniel, and all of our other favourite characters, come together to try and hunt down three ancient and lost relics that record the Angels fall from Heaven and are scattered all around the world in order to discover where the fall took place to stop Lucifer from erasing the past and re-starting time.

The first half of this book is a race against time as the gang have only nine days to save the world and so there’s a certain urgency as they travel the world searching for the relics. There are also some gorgeous scenes between Luce and Daniel now that Luce has her memories of her past lives with him restored her and Daniel are closer than ever which leads to some of the couples best and most romantic moments.

Nearing the last section of the book things get even more intense, lives are sacrificed for the greater good and we lose some fantastic characters along the way. With Luce now more connected to her soul than ever she starts to piece together her very first meeting with Daniel, why they’re cursed, and exactly what she has to do to break the curse and stop Lucifer before it’s too late.

The ending to this book completely blew me away. Although as I read this book I began to suspect a few things before they happened, I was in no way prepared for the full scale of things and thought it was absolutely brilliant. A word of warning: the ending is a total tearjerker especially if you’re a romantic and I found myself sobbing through the last few chapters of this book and got weepy just thinking about it for the rest of the day. The ending was absolutely perfect and it couldn’t have ended any other way.

It was so bittersweet for me saying goodbye to these characters I’ve come to know, love, and spend so much time with, although I do think with the way Lauren Kate ended this book she could always revisit this world in a spin off series if she ever wanted to. Rapture was an epic, heart wrenching, and totally moving finale to what’s been one of the most romantic series I’ve ever read. Read it, love it, just don’t forget to keep a box of tissues handy!

Monday 18 June 2012

Review for What I Did On My Holidays by Chrissie Manby

What I Did On My Holidays by Chrissie Manby 
Publisher: Hodder
Release Date: 21st June 2012
Genre: Chick-Lit, Fiction, Summer, Romance, Comedy
Rating: 4/5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher for review

Amazon Summary:
"Sophie Sturgeon can't wait for her annual summer holiday. Not only will it be a week away from work, it will be a chance to reconnect with her boyfriend Callum. So this upcoming trip to Majorca is a big deal. Sophie's spent a lot of time getting ready. She's bought a new wardrobe. She's been waxed to within an inch of her life. She's determined she and Callum will have the best time ever. Then Callum dumps her, the night before they're due to leave. In a show of bravery and independence, Sophie says she'll go to Majorca alone - but in fact, she hides in her London flat. But when her friends, family, and even Callum seem so surprised and delighted at her single girl courage, Sophie decides to go all out and recreate the ultimate 'fake break'...with hilarious results."

Review 
What I Did On My Holidays was right at the top of the list of books I want to read this summer. Despite never reading a book by Chrissie Manby before I’d heard what a fab writer she is and this book sounded so funny and uplifting that I was looking forward to reading it hugely and it certainly lived up to my expectations!

The book begins with our hilarious heroine Sophie looking forward to her annual summer holiday and this holiday in particular will be extra special as she plans to spend her thirtieth birthday celebrating in Majorca with long term boyfriend Callum. However as the hours pass before the plane takes off with no word from Callum Sophie starts to get slightly frantic and after several failed attempts to reach him he finally texts to let her know that he’s not going to be going to Majorca with her after all and worst of all dumps her hours before they’re meant to leave. Heartbroken and devastated with nobody who can accompany her on such short notice Sophie decides to stay at home and nurse her broken heart. But when her family and friends assume that she has gone ahead with her holiday alone and Callum gets wind of it he starts to regret the break-up and is impressed with Sophie’s new found independence. And so from her London flat, in the middle of a drizzly English summer, Sophie goes about trying to re-create the perfect holiday in Majorca in an all or nothing attempt to win Callum back.

What I Did On My Holidays was such a hilarious read. Sophie’s drastic attempts to live out an abroad holiday at home made for the wackiest staycation ever. Stealing pictures from the hotels website to send to her friends, checking club webcams to see what’s happening live, and even re-creating a beach scene in her garden with a whole lot of builders sand, Sophie does it all. Reading about Sophie’s staycation was the real highlight of the book for me and I’d find myself laughing out loud at just how far she was willing to go so as not to be found out. What I Did On My Holidays certainly celebrates the joys of having a holiday from home something which I’m sure a lot of people can relate to with more and more people having to cut back on their holidays with the recession.

Sophie was such a likeable, funny, heroine who I wanted the best for from the start. After being dumped so horribly at the beginning of the book she’s immediately endearing as a character and I was cheering her on throughout.

What I Did On My Holidays had everything I could want from a summer story. It was a feel good, light hearted, hilarious read that’s definitely made me want to check out Chrissie Manby’s other books. Whether you’re staying at home this summer, going on an English holiday, or going abroad this is a holiday read that can be enjoyed whatever the occasion and celebrates holidays of all shapes and sizes. Perfect to be read either by the pool with a cocktail or curled up on the couch with a cuppa this is a holiday book that has something to offer everyone.

Sunday 17 June 2012

Letterbox Love (6)


Letterbox Love is a new meme hosted by Lynsey @ Narratively Speaking for UK based book bloggers to showcase the books that they’ve received each week.

 Review Books 


The Demon's Lexicon (Book One) by Sarah Rees Brennan 
The Demon's Covenant (Book Two) by Sarah Rees Brennan 
The Demon's Surrender (Book Three) by Sarah Rees Brennan
When the lovely people at Simon & Schuster were pitching Sarah's new book to me and I mentioned that I hadn't had chance to read her first series they were all too eager to send the whole trilogy to me which was so unbelievably nice of them! I love the funky UK covers and have heard amazing things about this series so I'm looking forward to making a start on them and seeing what all the fuss is about!

Love at Second Sight by Cathy Hopkins This looks a little younger than I would usually read but the premise sounds absolutely adorable and the cover's so pretty so I'm excited to give this one a go! I loved Cathy's Mates, Dates series as a tween so I'm hoping to enjoy this one too!

Recipe For Love by Sasha Wagstaff This books cover you guys! It's so pretty but I don't think my picture quality does it justice! This sounds like such a gorgeous summer read with yummy food and sunshine to boot so I'm excited to read this sometime this summer!

Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson I've heard a lot of brilliant things for the first book in this series Hunting Lila and have it to be read so I'll be reading this series back to back sometime soon which I'm really looking forward to!

 Gifts 


Raising Demons (Hex Hall 2) by Rachel Hawkins 
Spellbound (Hex Hall 3) by Rachel Hawkins
These were sent to me as gifts from the lovely Leanna at Daisy Chain Book Reviews one of my favourite book blogs! When she found out that I haven't read this series yet she very kindly send me the last two books over (I already own the first one) This series sounds right up my street and now I have the whole trilogy I'll be making a start on them sometime soon! Thank you hun!

So those were all of the wonderful books I was lucky enough to be sent this week. As always HUGE thank you's to the lovely publishing people who have sent me these brilliant new titles this week especially to Simon & Schuster who all of my review books came from bar one, and of course to Leanna for being so generous! If you’ve read or are looking forward to any of the books I got feel free to let me know what you thought about them or request reviews and such in the comments. And if you decided to do a Letterbox Love, Book Haul, IMM, Showcase Sunday, Mailbox Monday or whatever else featuring the books you got this week leave me a link as I’d love to check out your books too! ^_^

 happy reading till next time folks!

Friday 15 June 2012

Review for Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate

WARNING
This is a collection of short stories from the Fallen series and by talking about the plot there may be spoilers from the first three books in this series.

Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate
Publisher: Doubleday
Release Date: 2nd February 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Angels, Short Stories 
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher for review

Amazon Summary:
"Unexpected. Unrequited. Forbidden. Eternal. Everyone has their own love story.

And in a twist of fate, four extraordinary love stories combine over the course of a romantic Valentine's Day in Medieval England. Miles and Shelby find love where they least expect it. Roland learns a painful lesson about finding-and losing love. Arianne pays the price for a love so fierce it burns. And for the first -and last- time, Daniel and Luce will spend a night together like none other.

Lauren Kate's FALLEN IN LOVE is filled with love stories . . . the ones everyone has been waiting for."

Review 
I have to say that usually I’m not really a fan of short stories mainly because I find that they’re not long enough to get to know the characters and there’s not enough time for plot development but when I heard about Fallen in Love I figured I’d give it a go as those reasons are irrelevant with these four short stories as they centre around the characters of the Fallen world, a series that I love.

The book is set alongside the same timeline as Passion, the third book in this series, and takes place in Medieval England on Valentine’s Day as Luce and Co travel through the announcers.

There are four short stories centring around each characters Valentine’s Day giving us readers a chance to learn more about the secondary characters love lives unlike the rest of the series where the focus is mainly on Luce and Daniel.

The first story is Love Where You Least Expect It: The Valentine of Shelby and Miles where the friends blossom into something more whilst trying to help the Lucinda of the past have a romantic Valentine’s Day with Daniel. The second story is Love Lessons: The Valentine of Roland where we get to learn of the only woman Roland has ever loved a mortal girl who Roland loved and lost during this time period and revisits on this Valentine’s Day through an announcer. The third story is Burning Love: The Valentine of Arriane where we learn about Arriane’s great love with a demon girl named Tessriel and how being on opposing sides comes between them. And lastly for the grand finale we have the star couple in Endless Love: The Valentine of Daniel and Lucinda which is the story of the one and only Valentine’s Day that Luce and Daniel ever got to spend together.

Surprisingly my favourite stories where Roland’s and Arriane’s. Both of them have sad heart-breaking tales of lost love which shows a different side to them both as characters and made me feel like I got to know them a little better. I found Arriane’s story especially interesting as it gives us some insight as to why she refuses to be on Lucifer’s side and why she’s a total martyr for Luce and Daniels love. I have to say that I’ve never been a particular fan of Roland but after reading his story and what he selflessly does for his lost love my heart really went out to him and I like him a lot more now.

Fallen in Love doesn’t add anything hugely new to the main storyline of this series but what it does do is give a deeper insight into the lives and loves of the secondary characters. It’s a short, quick, romantic, read that gives a little extra something to the fans of the series and also makes a good refresher of Passion ready for the series finale in Rapture. Although I don’t see why it would strictly need to be read as part of the series it makes a good little in between books read that I’d recommend to fans of the series.

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Review for The Gathering Dark by Leigh Bardugo

The Gathering Dark by Leigh Bardugo 
Publisher: Indigo
Release Date: 17th May 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Magic
Rating: 5/5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher for review

Amazon Summary:
"The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom's magical elite - the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfil her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina's childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can't she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance."

Review 
I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive to read this book simply because I literally have a love/hate relationship with the fantasy genre. I tend to either absolutely love a fantasy novel or loath it with no middle ground so I’m always anxious when starting a new fantasy book to see which category it falls under. I’d heard so much hype for this book in the US (US title Smoke and Bone) that I had high hopes for The Gathering Dark and I’m happy to say the hype is totally justified!

The reason I’m so picky with my fantasy is that I like to lose myself in a fantasy world from the start and so the book needs to immerse me in its culture. If the book doesn’t really go into the politics, names, and descriptions and I have to keep jarring myself out of the story to flick through and look it up then I give up on a book pretty quickly. For me it takes a talented storyteller indeed who can comfortably get me settled into their world and gives me enough information and description so that I can imagine the world with ease and can completely lose myself in their world without getting confused and having to constantly suss out the who’s who and what’s what in order to enjoy the book. I like to get sucked into a fantasy land smoothly and with effortlessness and Leigh Bardugo does that with the Kingdom of Ravka seamlessly.

Alina’s world is rich with detail and so well imagined. I loved the idea of having a magical elite in the Grisha with magicians who each have a speciality be it death, healing, fire, air, fabrics amongst numerous other things. I loved learning about the Grisha and their place in society. This book is a literal battle between light and dark as Alina discovers a power like no other Grisha that may be the key to saving Ravka from The Shadow Fold and restore the Kingdom to its former glory.

Alina is the perfect heroine she herself admits to being average in every way but as she learns about her new power she goes from being a normal girl to Ravka’s saviour and as the book goes on she makes a lot of tough calls and brave decisions and I totally respected her as our heroine.

My favourite kind of romance is when childhood friends grow into something more so Alina and Mals relationship was always going to be a winner for me. I fell for Mal pretty much from the start and only grew to love him more as the book continued. He’s charming, funny, and hugely likeable and his relationship with Alina was wonderful to read and watch develop.

The Darkling has to be the best villain I’ve come across in a long time you never quite know whether to trust him or not. He’s dangerous, seductive, and persuasive and I couldn’t help but be drawn to him along with Alina. I love when the bad guy has a good backstory and isn’t just bad for the sake of it but because he truly believes that what he’s doing is the right thing to do. The Darkling was powerful, charismatic, and fearsome and was everything I could hope for in a good villain.

I picked up this book purposefully because I was looking for a nice chunky book that could last me a while. Despite being a big book I read this in one night a rarity for me especially with a book of this size. I literally could not put it down and refused to part with it until I was finished in the early hours of the morning. The Gathering Dark held me captivated from start to finish and has to be my favourite book of 2012 so far. Even if fantasy’s not usually your thing I’d fully recommend giving this book a go. If you like books that transport you to richly imagined fantastical places, that introduces you to vibrant and warm characters, that has a gorgeous romance, and best of all an epic battle between good and evil then look no further. I loved every second spent with this book and thoroughly recommend it.

Monday 11 June 2012

Review for Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson 
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: 7th June 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Summer, Contemporary, Romance, Family, Friendship, Cancer, Grief
Rating: 4/5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher for review

Amazon Summary:
"Taylor Edwards family might not be that close - everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled, but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor's dad gets some devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains. Crammed into a place much smaller than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again, but as the summer progresses they're more aware than ever that they're battling a ticking clock. And as Taylor tries to deal with the drama at home, she is faced with the fact that the friends she thought she'd left behind haven't actually gone anywhere. Her former summer best friend is still living across the lake and still as mad with Taylor as she was five years ago, and her first boyfriend has moved in next door...but he's much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve. Can one summer be enough time to get a second chance - with family, friends, and love?"

Review 
Amy and Rogers Epic Detour was one of my favourite summer reads of last year so I was really excited to hear that Morgan Matson was coming out with another summer read this time centring around a summer at a lake house, one family’s last summer together, and the importance of grabbing those all too rare second chances when life throws them to you.

If I had to sum up Second Chance Summer in one word it would be Bittersweet. The book is equally heart-breaking and equally filled with carefree blissful summer moments, Morgan Matson getting the balance just right. Taylor Edwards is spending her summer with her family in their old lake house; her days will be filled with ice creams at Jane’s, movie nights on the beach, and relaxing out on the lake, sounds perfect right? Well not really. Taylor’s dad has recently been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and has been given only months left to live. It’s her dads wish that they spend one last summer together as a family so they spend the summer at the family lake house re-connecting, reliving old memories, and generally spending their last few months in each other’s company while they still can. If that wasn’t enough Taylor’s reluctant to go back to their old summer lake house not only because she knows by the end of summer she’ll be coming home without her dad but also because she didn’t part well with her old friend from childhood Lucy and her first boyfriend Henry the last time she was in town. But summer is a time when anything feels possible, will Taylor learn to face her fears and get a second chance before it’s too late?

I said it in my review for Amy and Roger and I’ll say it again here. Morgan’s writing reminds me SO much of reading a book by queen of summer stories Sarah Dessen. If you’re a fan of Sarah’s books you will love Morgan’s and vice versa. What they have in common is that they both have the perfect balance in their books of tackling a sensitive subject, in this books case cancer, and yet still pulling off a feel good summer read. They both have this gift of knowing just how far to push people’s emotions without the book feeling too heavy and when to add the fun summery goodness to lighten the mood. Morgan Matson has also included a cameo from Amy and Roger at the beginning of this book something that Sarah is famous for doing with her stories. The cameo was a nice little extra and brought a smile to my face.

Second Chance Summer is the kind of summer read that I love. There were moments where you could almost forget what Taylor was going through because she was so brave and lived by her dad’s wish that they have as normal and happy a summer for as long as possible. Then there would be a heart-breaking tender moment with her father that was so touching that I’m not ashamed to say I cried over on several occasions so much so that I’m surprised this book wasn’t a great big soggy heap of paper by the time I was finished with it. This book is the perfect mix of summer fun and heartbreak as you watch Taylor have this life changing summer and watch her grow as a person.

However I do have to say that as nice as Taylor and Henry were I didn’t come to love them as much as Amy and Roger but that’s just my personal preference although I had a lot of respect for Taylor and the way she handled her family situation. I did however fall in love with so many of the secondary characters particularly Taylor’s dad, Warren and Wendy and Lucy and Elliot. There were so many great characters to get to know and love and the community at the lake was a real highlight of the book for me.

Although I didn’t love Second Chance Summer quite as much as Amy and Rogers Epic Detour it was still a brilliant summer read that’s well worth checking out. A word of warning, you may want to read this one in privacy and don’t forget to read it with a big box of tissues!

Saturday 9 June 2012

Review for City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Warning
This is a review for the fifth book in The Mortal Instruments series. Although there will be no spoilers about City of Lost Souls there may be spoilers about the first four books in this series.

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare 
Publisher: Walker
Release Date: 8th May 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
Rating: 4/5 stars
Source: Bought

Goodreads Summary:
"The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?"

Review
Reading the latest The Mortal Instruments book is always like catching up with old friends. This has to be one of my favourite series and like all fans I was anticipating this books release something fierce. I know there were a lot of mixed opinions over City of Fallen Angels but I personally really enjoyed the extension on the series and like where Cassandra Clare was taking these books. The stakes are even higher now with Sebastian, to me, being an even more dangerous and twisted villain than his father Valentine with his evil plans that will affect the world as we know it, not just for Shadowhunters and Downworlders. I feel like Clare really upped her game in these last two books and I have really enjoyed where she’s taken this new plot.

That being said I did feel like City of Lost Souls had a few faults and for that reason it wasn’t my favourite of the series. I feel like I go through my ups and downs with Clary, in some books I really like her, and in others she just gets on my nerves. Sadly this was one of those books that she really annoyed me. She made some dumb, selfish, mistakes and I felt like screaming at her “How could you be so stupid!?” but by the end of the book she goes back to being the brave and strong Clary that I love so she redeemed herself a little but jeez it took her long enough! And she puts a lot of lives at risk in the meantime whilst she’s busy being a stupid girl, not cool. I also have to say straight off the bat that I love Alec, I really do, but seriously what is his beef with Magnus having loved other people before him? I mean, I get that Magnus has been alive forever and so has been in love with more people than your average person and how that makes Alec feel like just another notch on his bedpost, but regardless to how long Magnus has existed, we all have our baggage and a past so I really didn’t get his jealousy at all and would get annoyed with how he would treat Magnus, once again, not cool.

Those dislikes out of the way I loved everything else about this book. I enjoyed finding out what this new bond between Jace and Sebastian entails and the full extent of Sebastian’s evil plans. I really loved Cassie Clare’s writing and the alternating narrative between all of the characters is something I really love about these books as there are so many characters to love, and the switching perspective keeps things fresh with something constantly going down for one of the characters so there’s never a dull moment.

I feel like I’ve come to know these characters so well and I love to live inside this world through them that I’m sad that the series will finally be ending in the next book. Like in City of Fallen Angels I really liked how the prequel series, The Infernal Devices, is tied into the story and love reading the nods to that series as I’ve personally come to love The Infernal Devices even more than The Mortal Instruments.

I don’t think that fans of this series will be disappointed with City of Lost Souls. Despite it not being one of my favourites of the series on the grand scale of things it was still an epic read. Relationships fall together and fall apart, sacrifices are made for the greater good, and best of all (In my opinion) we get to know Sebastian better as a character; he’s certainly a villain I love to hate! This book doesn’t have a huge cliff-hanger but it definitely has an ending that has me interested to see where Cassie Clare takes us next. Overall, although not my favourite book in the series, it was still a fantastic read that builds up things nicely for what promises to be the grandest of grand finales.

Thursday 7 June 2012

Review for The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

WARNING
This is the second book in the Bloodlines series and a companion novel to the Vampire Academy series. Although this review will contain no spoilers from The Golden Lily by talking about the plot there may be unintentional spoilers from Bloodlines and the Vampire Academy series.

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead 
Publisher: Puffin
Release Date: 12th June 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Vampires, Paranormal Romance
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher for review

Amazon Summary:
"It's a risky game protecting vampire secrets, especially when you lie at the heart of the most dangerous of them all. Alchemist Sydney Sage is in hiding at the human boarding school, Amberwood, where she has been tasked with keeping secret and protecting the life of vampire princess, Jill Dragomir. But after a series of attacks, Sydney learns something shocking about the paranormal world she inhabits. Vampire hunters aren't just the stuff of legend. They're real. And someone very close to her maybe one of them..."

Review 
Richelle Meads Vampire Academy series and Bloodlines spin off are my favourite Young Adult series ever, so when a new book comes out I get really excited and have to read it right away and The Golden Lily was no exception. The book begins not long after where Bloodlines left off. Dimitri and Sonya have recently arrived in Palm Springs after the revelations in the last book that Strigoi who are returned to their former selves with the use of spirit magic are immune to being turned again and so the group are going through a series of experiments to see if they can find what’s in Dimitri and Sonya’s blood that prevents them from becoming Strigoi to hopefully discover a cure for the rest of the world.

I loved that Dimitri was very much a main character in this book as I honestly can’t get enough of the Belikov but what I find great about this series is that although Dimitri features a lot in this book the focus is very much on Adrian as the leading male of this series. Although Dimitri is beloved by me he didn’t over shadow Adrian like he did for me in Vampire Academy and I admired Richelle Meads capability of bringing such a strong, well loved, alpha male into this series and yet the story still belongs to Adrian, as for me as a huge Dimitri fan, it could’ve been easy for him to overshadow Adrian and so I was surprised when he didn’t.

Speaking of Adrian I have to say that I finally get him. Don’t get me wrong I really did like Adrian in Vampire Academy but for me it was always meant to be Rose and Dimitri and so I’d get annoyed with Adrian for interfering with that. In this series however now that he’s getting over Rose and him and Dimitri aren’t in competition for her affections anymore I’ve really got to know him as Adrian and not just the guy coming in between my favourite book couple. After reading this book I have to say that I now love Adrian just as much as I do Dimitri and I get why it never worked out for him and Rose and why there was always something missing between them for me and that’s because him and Sydney were 100% made for each other.

Adrian and Sydney guys! There is so much chemistry between them that I can actually feel it like it’s an actual tangible thing which is also how I felt with Rose and Dimitri. Who would have thought that these two unlikely characters would be so absolutely perfect for one another? I certainly didn’t! But it totally works and I want them to get together in the same passionate way that I did for Rose and Dimitri. The romances in these books are done so, so, well and not just between the main characters. Richelle Mead knows not only how to create the swooniest guys but also how to write unbelievable chemistry and sexual tension between a couple that practically sizzles off the pages.

Whereas Bloodlines was all about learning about the alchemists and the after effects of Last Sacrifice The Golden Lily focuses on a subject that was touched upon briefly in Bloodlines, Vampire Hunters, and introduces us to the corrupt group behind them, The Warriors of Light. The Golden Lily is also very much a growing pains book for Sydney. A lot happens in this book that makes her re-evaluate her beliefs as an alchemist and what she’s always believed about the Vampire world. I loved watching Sydney develop as a character as her heart told her one thing and her head another. This book is one giant learning curve for Sydney and I enjoyed reading her conflicting emotions.

Overall if you’re a fan of this series I don’t think The Golden Lily will disappoint. Even though this book did feel more character driven than plot driven I didn’t mind too much because I adore every single one of these characters! This is a book full of character development in both their personalities and relationships with one another; although this book didn’t lead to many huge revelations plot wise it did raise some interesting questions for the next book in the series. Reading a book set in this world be it Vampire Academy or Bloodlines is like coming home and like with all of the other books in the series comes with the highest of recommendations.

Wednesday 6 June 2012

Bookish News! Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick Cover Reveal!

Just a quick, unexpected, post to share with you guys the UK cover for the final book in Becca Fitzpatrick’s hugely popular Hush, Hush series Finale! I just got the email from the publishers this afternoon so this cover is hot off the press!


Synopsis
"Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or not, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean that they will always be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. But now they face their biggest challenge. Can their love survive a seemingly insurmountable divide. And in the end, will there be enough trust left to rebuild what has been broken? The lines are drawn - but which sides are they on?"

Pretty right? I think the covers to this series are absolutely stunning and this one is no exception! Finale will be out in the UK on 23rd October 2012, feel free to let me know what you think in the comments!

Second Chance Summer Blog Tour Stop! An Extract From Second Chance Summer

As part of the UK blog tour to celebrate the release of Morgan Matson’s Second Chance Summer I bring to you today for my stop an extract from the book so you can get a little taste of what to expect! I recently read and loved this book and my full review will be featured on the blog soon so keep your eyes peeled for that! But for now in case this book isn’t on your radar yet here’s our funky UK cover and the synopsis to give you an idea of what this book is about…



Synopsis
Taylor Edwards family might not be that close - everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled, but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor's dad gets some devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains. Crammed into a place much smaller than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again, but as the summer progresses they're more aware than ever that they're battling a ticking clock. And as Taylor tries to deal with the drama at home, she is faced with the fact that the friends she thought she'd left behind haven't actually gone anywhere. Her former summer best friend is still living across the lake and still as mad with Taylor as she was five years ago, and her first boyfriend has moved in next door...but he's much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve. Can one summer be enough time to get a second chance - with family, friends, and love?

 Extract From Second Chance Summer! 


“Hey,” I said, bending down to pick up a stuffed animal I thought I recognized. “I think that’s mine.” In fact, it was a stuffed animal I knew very well: a small plush penguin, wearing an orange-and-white-striped scarf. It wasn’t the finest stuffed animal ever constructed—I could tell now that the felt was fairly cheap, and the stuffing was threatening to come out in several places. But the night  of the carnival when I was twelve, the night I’d gotten my first kiss, the night Henry Crosby had won it for me, I’d thought it was the most wonderful thing in the world.

“I remember that,” Warren said, a look coming into his eyes that I didn’t like one bit. “Wasn’t that the one you got at the carnival?”

My brother had a photographic memory, but usually used it to memorize obscure facts, and not to torment me.

“Yeah,” I muttered, starting to take a step away.

“Wasn’t it the one Henry won for you?” Warren put a special spin on his name. I had a feeling that I was being punished for making fun of Warren’s fear of small, harmless dogs. I glared at my brother. Gelsey was looking between the two of us, interested.

“Henry who?” she asked.

“You know,” Warren said, a small smile starting to take form on his face. “Henry Crosby. He had a little brother, Derek or something. Henry was Taylor’s boyfriend.”

Davy, I silently corrected Warren. I could feel my cheeks get hot, which was ridiculous, and I found myself looking for an escape. If there was a way that I could have walked away from the conversation without it being totally obvious that I was uncomfortable, I would have.

“Oh, yeah,” Gelsey said slowly. “I think I remember him. He was nice to me. And he used to know the names of all the trees.”

“And—” Warren started, but I interrupted him before he could continue, not sure I could take any more.

“Anyway, you should get that cleaned up before Mom gets here,” I said loudly, knowing even as I said it that it was highly unlikely my mother would yell at Gelsey for anything. But I tried to pretend it was true as I left with all the dignity one can muster while holding a stuffed penguin, and went to the kitchen for no reason whatsoever.

Henry Crosby. The name reverberated in my head as I put the penguin on the kitchen counter and opened and shut one of the cabinet doors. He was someone I had consciously tried not to think about too much over the years. He’d become reduced, shortened to a slumber-party anecdote when the inevitable question—Who was your first boyfriend?—would arise. I had the Henry story down perfectly now, so that I barely had to even think about it:

Oh, that was Henry. We’d been friends, up at my summer house. And the summer we were twelve, we started going out. He gave me my first kiss at the summer carnival. . . . This was when everyone would sigh, and if someone asked me what happened, I would just smile and shrug and say something along the lines of “Well, we were twelve, so it became pretty clear there weren’t exactly long-term prospects there.” And everyone would laugh and I would nod and smile, but really I would be turning over what I’d just said. Because it wasn’t that any of those facts had been technically incorrect. But none of them—especially about why it hadn’t worked out—had been the truth. And I would push thoughts of that summer out of my head and rejoin the conversation, relegating what had happened—with Henry, and Lucy, and what I’d done—back to the anecdote that I pretended was all it was.

Warren came into the kitchen a moment later and beelined for a large cardboard box sitting on the counter. “Sorry,” he said after a moment, opening the top. “I was just kidding around.”

I shrugged, as though I couldn’t have cared less. “It’s nothing,” I said. “It’s ancient history.” Which was true. But as soon as we’d crossed the line that separated Lake Phoenix from the rest of the world, Henry had been circling around in my thoughts, even as I’d tried to turn up the volume on my iPod to drown them out. I’d even found myself watching for his house. And I had seen, to my surprise, the house that had been a soft white was now painted a bright blue, and the sign out front that had always read Camp Crosby now read Maryanne’s Happy Hours, decorated with a silhouette of a martini glass—all proof that new owners had taken over. That Henry wasn’t there any longer. I had kept my eyes on the house even as it faded from view, realizing that I might really never see him again, which the presence of Maryanne, whoever she was, seemed to cement. This realization caused a strange mix of feelings—nostalgia coupled with disappointment. But mostly I had felt the cool, heart-pounding sensation of relief that comes when you know you’ve gotten away with something.



Sounds great huh? Big thank you's to Kat at Simon and Schuster for arranging this tour and asking me if I wanted to take part! You can find the banner for the tour in my side bar be sure to stop by the rest of the stops for Giveaways, Guest Posts and more! Second Chance Summer will be available in the UK as of 7th June 2012 you can pre-order your copy here and be sure to follow Morgan Matson on Twitter @morgan_m

Monday 4 June 2012

Review for Emma Hearts LA by Keris Stainton

Emma Hearts LA by Keris Stainton 
Publisher: Orchard
Release Date: 7th June 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Summer, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4/5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher for review

Amazon Summary:
"Emma's just arrived in Los Angeles, a million miles away from all her friends, and any chance of a boyfriend. Unless you count geeky Oscar - which she doesn't. Not at first, anyway. Teen heartthrob Alex might have potential too. If she can get him away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi, that is. Two boys, unlimited sunshine, and a new life amongst the stars. Maybe LA's not that bad, after all."

Review 
I loved Jessie Hearts NYC so when I heard that Keris was writing a companion novel featuring Jessie’s best friend Emma I was beyond excited. Keris is one of the loveliest authors and always makes time to talk to her fans on Twitter, her books are fun, romantic, quick reads that make perfect summer stories. I read Emma Hearts LA on a sunny Sunday afternoon in one sitting and closed the book with the cheesiest grin on my face, Emma Hearts LA is total feel good reading and left me in a cheerful mood for the rest of the day.

I have to say that as much as I loved Jessie Hearts NYC I loved Emma even more! It’s funny because I’ve always considered myself to be a New York kinda gal ( I LOVE big cities!) but Emma Hearts LA was just so much more me and I connected to the story more because of that. Emma was a really great protagonist, unlike her little sister who dreams of becoming the next big Hollywood teen star, Emma is less than thrilled at the prospect of living in LA when her mum decides to move them out there. Emma feels like she’ll have nothing in common with the stars and wannabes who live there and she’s sad to be leaving her old life behind even if it does mean being in the same country as her BFF Jessie. Her mum and dad have recently split up and Emma’s relationship with her dad is messy because of it and moving across the world from him is sure to only increase that tension. Reluctantly Emma moves with her family to LA and leaves behind life as she knew it, well, almost, because waiting in LA is old family friend Michael and his teenage son Oscar her geeky childhood friend. Except Oscar’s kinda grown into his geekyness and owns it making him kind of hot to Emma’s surprise. As Oscar shows Emma that life in LA isn’t all that bad Emma starts to fall in love with this way of life. But when the latest Hollywood heartthrob Alex shows an interest in her Emma will have to decide which boy will win over her heart.

One of the main things I love about Keris’s books is that she has this way of writing which really makes you feel like you’re there. Like in Jessie Hearts NYC where I got to experience New York through Jessie in this book I got to experience LA through Emma. Emma’s house on the canal sounded absolutely beautiful and the ocean front walk would totally be my local hangout. I closed this book feeling like I’d been on a trip to LA myself and I love the total escapism you get with Keris’s books.

Once again I loved the characters in this book, Emma, Bex, Alex and Emma’s mum were all great characters and I loved that Jessie was in this book too and that we got to catch up with her. But my ultimate favourite character had to be Oscar. Oscar is the kind of guy I personally go for. He’s dorky, not afraid to be different, is comfortable in his own skin, caring and has a big heart of gold. I love stories where childhood friends blossom into something more so Keris really ticked all the right boxes with Oscar and he quickly became my latest book boy crush.

Overall I loved everything about Emma Hearts LA. If you like books that completely sweep you away to somewhere sunny and exotic, have sweet summer romances, and swoony book boys this is the book for you. Emma Hearts LA is like the perfect holiday, fun filled, care free, hot and romantic, and over too soon. This is summer reading at its best.

Sunday 3 June 2012

Letterbox Love (5)


Letterbox Love is a new meme hosted by Lynsey @ Narratively Speaking for UK based book bloggers to showcase the books that they’ve received each week.

 Review Books


Taken by Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes I haven't read any books from this series yet but have heard that it's one of the best werewolf series out there! I do love my wolf stories so I'm looking forward to getting round to this series eventually.

Rapture by Lauren Kate SO excited to read this! I love this series and am intrigued to see how it's all going to end I've heard it's a weepy so I'm anxious to see what that's all about! Will be reading and reviewing this one soon.

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James This book has some mixed reviews but the premise sounds interesting so hopefully I'll enjoy it.

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead I'm reading this now and LOVING it! Vampire Academy and Bloodlines are my very favourite series so this was always going to be a winner for me! Review will be coming soon.

Revived by Cat Patrick I loved this authors first novel Forgotten so I'm excited to read this one!


The Villa by Rosanna Ley (Proof Copy) This sounds like a good summer read which I'm hoping to get round to sometime this summer.

What I Did on My Holidays by Chrissie Manby This will be my next chick-lit read it sounds absolutely hilarious and I've been pining for it for months now!

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Maria Kalman I have heard AMAZING things about this book but had no idea we are publishing it in the UK so was very excited and surprised to get this copy, will be reading this one over the summer.

The Ninety Days Of Genevieve by Lucinda Carrington To be honest this one doesn't really sound like my kind of thing, but with the success of the Fifty Shades books I might dip my toe into erotic fiction and give it a try some time!

 Gift


Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops by Jen Campbell This was a gift from my lovely friend Ellie at Musings of a Bookshop Girl I love reading her bookshop anecdotes of weird things customers say in her bookshop so I'm excited to read this one, plus she's actually got one of her stories in this book so I'll be looking out for that! This was one of those "just because" gifts because I'd been ill and she wanted to cheer me up, that's the kind of friend Ellie is, thank you shug!

So those were all of the wonderful books I was lucky enough to be sent this week. As always HUGE thank you's to the lovely publishing people who have sent me these brilliant new titles and to Ellie for my lovely surprise! If you’ve read or are looking forward to any of the books I got feel free to let me know what you thought about them or request reviews and such in the comments. And if you decided to do a Letterbox Love, Book Haul, IMM, Mailbox Monday or whatever else featuring the books you got this week leave me a link as I’d love to check out your books too! ^_^ I'm feeling very patriotic today what with it being the long Jubilee weekend and waving the flag for the Brits with Letterbox Love. I hope all of my fellow Brit readers make the most of the bank holiday and get lots of extra reading done! And for everyone outside the UK, happy reading till next time folks!

Saturday 2 June 2012

May Round-Up and Book of the Month!

May's BoTM is Adorkable by Sarra Manning 

I LOVED THIS BOOK! This is the kind of book that I like to think of as a "Jess Book" meaning that for me personally it couldn't get any better! This book ticked all the right boxes for what I look for in a good contemporary romance. There's a swoonworthy book boy, a strong yet imperfect heroine (a tough balancing act indeed!) there's sexy times and giggles and a whole bunch of smarts and dorkytimes. It was slick and funny and romantic and if I were you (You.Yes.You. The Reader!) I would snatch it up and read it immediately. For an in-depth look at what I thought you can check out my 5 star review here.


Books Read in May
35.) Adorkable by Sarra Manning (5*)
36.) Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (4*)
37.) Emma Hearts LA by Keris Stainton (4*)
38.) City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare (4*)
39.) The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting (4*)
40.) Life Eternal by Yvonne Woon (4*)
41.) Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson (4*)
Total Books Read = 7 
Thoughts: Seven books is a bit low for me but considering I was ill for a week and didn't get any reading done seven isn't so bad. This month it was all about the quality over quantity, as you can see all four stars and even one five! I did a lot of series catch up reading which I really enjoyed and it's something I may do as an official month challenge for everyone to join in later this summer so stay tuned for that! ;)

This Months Book Awards
Best Plot: Life Eternal by Yvonne Woon
Best Writing: Adorkable by Sarra Manning
Best Cover: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Best Characters: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
Best Ending: Emma Hearts LA by Keris Stainton
Best Romance: Adorkable by Sarra Manning
Most un-put-down-able: The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting
Most Memorable: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Best Moral: Adorkable by Sarra Manning

Top 3 Most Recommended Books: Adorkable, Life Eternal, Emma Hearts LA AND Second Chance Summer tied, I can't choose between them!

Books I’m Looking Forward to Being Released in June
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Flirting in Italian by Lauren Henderson
Rapture by Lauren Kate (x1000!!!)
The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead (x1000!!!)
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris
(Links lead to books Goodreads page for more info!)

 Have you read any of the books I’ve read this month? What were your thoughts on them? Do you want to see a particular review for any of the books I’ve read this month sooner rather than later? Leave me a comment and let me know and don’t forget to treat yourselves to Adorkable – you won’t regret it! Here’s to another month of fab reading ahead!
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