Tuesday 28 June 2011

Review - Jessie Hearts NYC By Keris Stainton

"Jessie's just arrived in New York, hoping to forget about her awful ex.
New Yorker Finn is in love with his best friend's girlfriend.
They might be perfect together, but in a city of eight million people, will they find each other?
"


This really cool book was lent to me by the fabulous Laura over at SisterSpooky: Book Fangirl.  She read it and really enjoyed it, so sent it my way.  And what a fun read it was!!

Firstly the cover is pretty darn awesome.  I love the Gold shininess - you really cannot make things shiny enough!!  And set with the New York landscape, its so eye catching.  I was really impressed with its style!!

This starts with our main character and her friend making their trip from the UK to New York City.  I could fully relate to their excitement, having made my first trip to the US last year.  Keris summed it all up perfectly.  Yes it really is that exciting on planes (or maybe I just have a dull life???)

The book is full of pop culture references, which for an all things entertainment fangirl like I am was so cool.  I wanted to say to the characters 'OMG I thought that' or 'I LOVE HIM TOO!!' I was rather thrilled by mentions of Jared Leto (YUM) My Chemical Romance (MCRmy) & Ugly Betty (she is like my sister from another mister!!)  My only slight concern is that this book won't have as long a shelf life just because in a few years people may not know how epically cool the people / things are that are written about.   I hope that’s not the case or if it is that it will educate people in the future on some awesome bands & TV that they have to check out!!!

The story is told from two perspectives - English Jessie and American Finn.  It was so enjoyable reading from both sides and seeing the use of language for both.  It’s amazing the differences that there are in our day to day speech!!
For instance Finn describes the girl he really fancies and says she is a Size 10, straight away I was thinking, so is that US sizing as he is American or is that UK as the book is highly targeted at the UK audience.  In the end I had to ask Keris herself.  She did confirm that is was US sizing, so the girl was a UK 14 - another thing that really impressed me - not all desired girls have to be a size 8!!!

There were parts to the story that I found a little convenient or just unlikely but put that aside this is a really fun and quirky book.

For me the story was quite similar to the movie 'Sliding Doors'  The way that Jessie and Finn are constantly thrown into similar places and situations, yet both being so focused on their own life’s they don't see each other.  For me this book was essentially about fate and I found that really comforting and hopeful for life and future.  Highly recommended for a quick fun read!!

Rating 3 1/2 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Orchard

This is available to buy HERE and at good book retailers

Sunday 26 June 2011

In My Mailbox (18)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren
All links will take you to Amazon


This week I wasn't really planning on any books.  That was until I went to a local town and found yet another The Works stores!!  It would have been rude to walk out empty handed right??!

Bought


I've been wanting to read this for quite some time now.  It sounds brilliant!!

A lovely friend gave me the first in this series of books, that I still need to read but I couldn't pass getting the follow up

So I hadn't actually heard of this book before (sorry!) and it is also the second book in a series, but it does sound really good, so shall get the first book as soon as possible

I ADORE the film I have to say.  I saw this in a charity shop and couldn't pass it up!  I heard it is better than the film, so I have my fingers crossed!!

That was my lot for the week!
What did you get?...

L-L
xoxo

Friday 24 June 2011

Review - The Taker By Alma Katsu

"When Dr Luke Findley turns up to his hospital shift in the small town of St Andrews, Maine, he's expecting just another evening of minor injuries and domestic disputes. But instead, Lanore McIlvrae walks into his life - and changes it forever. For Lanny is a woman with a past...

Lanny McIlvrae is unlike anyone Luke has ever met. Hers is a story of love and betrayal that defies time and transcends mortality - and cannot end until Lanny's demons are finally put to rest. Her two hundred years on this earth have seen her seduced by both decadence and brutality - but through it all she has stayed true to the one true love of her life. Until now.

An unforgettable novel about the power of unrequited love to elevate and sustain, but also to blind and ultimately destroy, The Taker is an immortal love story on an epic scale..."


I absolutely adore the UK cover.  Its definitely the first thing that drew me to it.  I even did a blog post based just on the beauty of it.  Imagine my happiness when I read the blurb and the story was right up my street too.  I love the victoriana style of it, with the Gothic roses and silver coloured branches.  The bi-line tells you just enough to get you intrigued and know what the story is about.  Also the edges of the paper are black - SO COOL!!!!  This alone gets a huge thumbs up from me!

So from reading the blurb it was safe to guess this wasn't a typical young adult book like I would normally buy, but there was just something about it that I just had to read.
It starts off about a guy called Luke & his life as a doctor in a small town in the US.  I was surprised on reading it, that it was in a narrated style and I most definitely didn't expect that.  Its not till the end of the first chapter you really learn that the story is more about the girl Lanny and so you are really reading from her perspective.  It was quite a cool reading twist.

You are thrown straight into a story of mystery, that is most definitely clever and engaging.  You feel a part of the story from the get go.  I just wanted to absorb every aspect of the it.

The book is set in 4 parts.  From the first part, I couldn't really see why it was an adult book.  There are some scenes of sensuality and passion, but nothing really gratuitous.  Then I got to the second part of the book and it took a very dark, sinister turn.  I could completely understand the adult classification then.  There really are some harrowing scenes that made me feel quite uncomfortable and I actually had to put the book down to process what I had just read.  But still I was absolutely captivated and I needed to know what was going to happen next, how they were going to get themselves out of the situation they were in, why they had done whatever it is that had just happened?  Its such an enthralling read.

The revelation of what the Taker is, happens quite close to the end of the story.  I must admit I did not guess the twist that Alma had in store, I actually kicked myself for not realising.  But I always love a surprise and these days its quite rare to get a good shock from a book.  Well done Alma!!

The end of the story left me a little deflated, with some questions still to be answered.  I have since found out that there will be a sequel - YESSSSS!  I am so excited to see what happens next, I really do need these nagging answers!!

This book had me up for hours a night, I just couldn't put it down.  I couldn't be woken in the mornings, so it was guessed very quickly I had 'one' of them books that was amazing.
The only reason I won't be giving this 5 out of 5 is because there were parts that I just couldn't relate too (thankfully) and so my connection to the characters wasn't as deep.  However I shall be recommending this to everyone.  It is a great jumping book from YA to adult, just be prepared for shocks and turmoil.

Rating 4 1/2 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Century

This Can Be Purchased From HERE & good book retailers

Thursday 23 June 2011

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (5) The Scorpio Races By Maggie Stiefvater

The Scorpio Races By Maggie Stiefvater
Due For Release 19th Oct 2011
Published In The UK By Scholastic
Amazon Link
Goodreads Link

"With her trademark lyricism, Maggie Stiefvater turns to a new world, where a pair are swept up in a daring, dangerous race across a cliff--with more than just their lives at stake should they lose"

So I am a HUGE Maggie fangirl and am literally jumping in my seat about this book.  Yes we don't know a great deal about it yet, but it by Maggie, its gotta be good right??!
What I do know is I will be first in line to get this beauty!!!

Sunday 19 June 2011

In My Mailbox (17)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren
All links will take you to Amazon

The end of yet another week - time does fly!!  But also means my TBR shelf grows even more!  I must say looking at all the books I have to read is a little daunting, but I just can't stop getting them!!

Here's what I got this week...

Bought

I got to go in the Works this week, so got to indulge in their 3 for £5 offer!!  So I got the books that were missing from Morganville collection By Rachel Caine



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The Iron King By Julie Kagawa
I found this one in a charity shop (insert squeal) I couldn't believe this was on the shelf and snapped it up instantly!!
 
 
Won
 

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I won these Sweet Signed Bookmarks from the Fantastic Victoria Schwab, the second book mark shall be stashed in a local library at the request of Victoria - someone is going to get a FAB surprise
 
 
 
So that was my week in books - what did you lovely people get???
L-L
xoxo

Thursday 16 June 2011

Cover Reveal: Bloodrose By Andrea Cremer

EEEE!  At the moment there are so many reveals coming, its all so exciting!!  Today is the cover release of Bloodrose By Andrea Cremer.  I have to say I was quite surprised at this being released before Wolfsbane is even released!!  Thrilled to see it anyway :D

Its absolutely gorgeous & the colours are so striking - don't know how I feel about the model though :\

You can read all what Andrea has to say about the release on her blog HERE

Wednesday 15 June 2011

Title Reveal: Divergent 2 By Veronica Roth

YAY so today marks another awesome bit of book news.  My favorite book of the year 'Divergent' has a sequel and today was named :D  It shall be christened..............


INSURGENT

An Awesome choice I think & now has me thinking about what the next book will contain?  Bring on the months of speculation - And anticipation of the cover reveal!!!!

Find out what Veronica Roth has to say about it on her blog HERE

Cover Reveal: Born Wicked By Jessica Spotswood

Today marks the release of an absolutely gorgeous cover to what sounds like a fabulous book!!!

BORN WICKED BY JESSICA SPOTSWOOD



"Cate Cahill and her sisters are considered eccentric bluestockings—a little odd, a little unfashionable, and far too educated for their own good. The truth is more complicated; they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it could mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave. Before their mother died, she entrusted Cate with keeping them safe and keeping everyone, including their father, in the dark about their powers. When her father employs a governess and Cate begins to receive notes from her missing, presumed-mad godmother, her task becomes much more difficult. As Cate searches for answers in banned books and rebellious new friends, she must juggle unwanted proposals, tea parties, and an illicit attraction to the new gardener. Cate will do anything to protect her sisters, but at what cost to herself?"

Now as most of you know, I really am not keen on seeing faces on covers, but in the case it really works!!  I like it A LOT!!!

Read more about what Jessica has to say about the cover on her blog HERE 

Tuesday 14 June 2011

Review - The Dark Divine By Bree Despain

"A prodigal son. A dangerous love. Haunted yearning...Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood. Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother. As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul."

I've been wanting to read this for some time now, but firstly never got round to purchasing it.  Then I found it in a charity shop and it would have been a crime to leave it on the shelf.  Then its been sat on my to be read pile for ages & a couple of weeks ago I picked up the sequel to this, so just thought lets get this started.  I'm glad I did!!!

This has a really beautiful eye-catching cover.  I'm not entirely sure why, but this just screams paranormal to me and I love it.  As I've said in other posts I really don't like seeing models faces on covers, so the lack of pleases me no end!!  The use of the colour purple is amazing too & does come up in the book, so it was a connection I was glad of.

The first thing that I really connected with in this book was the kind of brother envy.  Everyone loves Graces brother Jude and I have exactly the same with mine.  Hell I adore my brother too, but sometimes its just a little heartbreaking when your friends ask where your brother is & whats he up too?  Also how perfect he is.  Its hard enough for us girls to be up to scratch sometimes and these perfect brothers just show us up.
All that aside though, you pick up what a happy family Grace comes from & what a solid unit they are.  It makes you think they are kind of unbreakable which is not entirely accurate.

The book kicks straight off with an unraveling mystery.  I did feel like I was watching Lost again as just when you felt a question might get answered you'd be left with another.  However the mystery's to unravel, all be it slowly but they do very satisfactorily.  I really did enjoy the building of the story.  And this leads well into a heart rending revelation.  Something that actually made me feel quite sad.  It was so clever and beautiful, always a thumbs up from me.

I found having this set with a religious family quite interesting and different.  Paranormal stories don't always go with religion but this did it well.  It was fascinating seeing how the community react.

The conclusion to the story was well formed.  It answered everything I wanted to know and gave me a few sharp shocks.  There was also plenty of room left for the sequel which I am so excited to get started on in the near future.

Rating 3 1/2 Out Of 5

This Is Published In The UK By Egmont Books

This Can be purchased HERE and at all good book stores

Sunday 12 June 2011

In My Mailbox (16)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren
All links will take you to Amazon


Finally a post of books that I actually got last week.  Didn't expect to be adding many, but got a couple of cool surprises - I do love a surprise!!!


Bought


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Necropolis - Anthony Horowitz
I've seen these round and have been intrigued by it.  This week I was doing our weekly look round the poundshop (do love bargains) and found this & in Hardback!!!  VERY pleased with my find!!

Borrowed
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  Jessie <3 NYC - Kerry Stainton
The lovely Laura at Sisterspooky: Book Fangirl highly recommended this & kindly lent me her copy.  Shall devour it soon!!!

Won

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I won all this fantastic Swag some even signed from the Awesome I Read Banned Books

If you look at the top of the last picture you can see our beautiful dogs foot, so I had to include a picture of her too :D


Hoping you have all had a brilliant book week!!!
L-L
xoxo

Monday 6 June 2011

In My Mailbox (15)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren
All links will take you to Amazon


This is kind of a continuation of last weeks IMM, with a few books and bit from this week.  I would love to recieve this much in a week though :D

Bought


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The Lost Saint - Bree Despain
I have only just started to read The Dark Devine but am really enjoying it.  Saw this on offer with the below book and couldn't resist!

Pretty Little Liars - Sara Shepard
After watching the beginning half of the TV series of this I have been eager to read these books.  Really looking forward to starting it



The next few are my charity shop buys.  Could not believe I found all these.

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Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - Jane Austen And Seth Grahame Smith
I've been keen to see how these books have been adaptated.

Kiss Of Life - Daniel Waters
I've read the first of this 'Generation Dead' which a found a good read.  Would like to see what happens next.

Beauty - Robin McKinley
Another modernisation of a classic.  Keen to see how this one goes

The Secret Circle - L J Smith
I've read some of L J Smiths other books, so I'd like to see what she does with this one.  Plus I heard this is maybe going to be a TV show, so its good to know what is meant to happen in the book


Won


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An Elephant In The Garden - Michael Morpurgo
I was really lucky to win this in a twitter contest held by @Scholasticuk  They really are wonderful people, and everyone should follow their awesome tweets


The Poison Diaries - Maryrose Wood
This I won from the lovely people at @TeenToday Over on twitter, There were 500 copies so not much luck was needed on my side but its fabulous all the same.  Can't wait to read it!


Gifts

That fabulous Jenny over at Wondrous Reads, has been taking great care of my reading needs again - she ROCKS!!
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Angel kiss - Laura Jane Cassidy

I hadn't heard of this one but it sounds a really good read!!


Shift - Jeri Smith Ready
I haven't read the first of this one yet, so shall be treating myself to that soon


Ballad - Maggie Stiefvater
I'm a huge Maggie fangirl, so this is so exciting for me.  Really looking forward to starting it


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The Taker Swag - Alma Katsu
The lovely Alma sent me some signed swag, really excited to get these.  Shall be starting The Taker next!!



I hope you all got lots of lovely goodies this week!!!


L-L
xoxox

Thursday 2 June 2011

Review - A Most Improper Magick By Stephanie Burgis

"At twelve years old, any proper young lady in Regency England should be sitting quietly at home, practising her embroidery and keeping her opinions to herself. But Kat Stephenson is no ordinary young lady. Kat's father may be a respectable vicar, but her late mother was a notorious witch and Kat herself is the newest target of an ancient magical Order. In the first thrilling instalment of The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson, there are highwaymen to foil, sinister aristocrats to defeat and true loves to capture for Kat's two older sisters."

The first I actually heard of this book was when my other book blogger friends were receiving copies of the US version Kat, Incorrigible.  I remember seeing their cover & thinking WOW this is gorgeous.  I did a bit of digging & finding out about the book and soon realised we had a totally different cover & title.  At first I really did prefer the look of the US cover, but on actually seeing the UK book I have to say ours is quite gorgeous too.  In some ways its also more fitting to the themes of the book.

After my digging I was so excited to find a book that was not only set in the Regency period, but also included magic - HEAVEN for me to read.  Its a fantastic way to introduce younger reads to period set books, but with hints of what they are used to reading these days with the magic.

The book moves at a great pace with the right amounts of humour and building intrigue & suspense.  Totally enjoyable for me as the reader. 

Kat is a fantastic lead character and potential role model.  Of course you have moments of thinking 'No Kat, don't do it!!!' but at the heart of it, she is a lovely family orientated character that is admirable.
I also adored Kat's family!  Her step mother is quite a dragon, but the more you read of her the more I felt myself softening to her hard demeanor.  Her Dad is lovely, but quite useless.  Her brother is like most of us girl's brothers in that he is unreliable & needs to mature, but still makes everyone love him!!  Her eldest sister Elissa I got the most motherly feeling from and you can't help but feel sympathy for how she feels she has to look after her family.  Lastly Angeline her other sister.  She's the most like Kat with her fieriness and unpredictable nature, but is still a sister I would love to have had!!

The book comes together with a very neat resolution, but with plenty of room for follow ups, that's awesome as I really want to read more about the Stephenson family!!

This book is targeted at a younger age bracket than my normal picks of YA books, but I have to say at no time did I feel this was too young for me to be reading.  I would say the style is reminiscent of the Harry Potter books, just in the fact that anyone could read them.  Stephanie doesn't write down to or patronize the reader.  This is truly to be enjoyed by all! 

Rating 4 Out Of 5


This Is Published In The UK By Templar

This Can be Purchased From HERE and at all good stores