Review: Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle #1) by Rachel Hawkins

Sorry I've been slow at making new posts but I've been really busy at work :( Today, I want to share a review on a book that's fun and cute. I read it awhile ago but I think it would make for a very enjoyable summer read!

 

 

Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle #1)

by Rachel Hawkins

April 8, 2014

345 pages

Goodreads  Chapters/Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.

WoW #4: Opposition (Lux #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about! 

 

Opposition (Lux #5)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

August 5, 2014

400 pages 

Goodreads  Chapters/Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.

She can't believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.

Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.

They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.

War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.

For anyone who's read the Lux series, this is the book you're waiting for too, right? The fact is, you can't have read the previous books and not be waiting for this last one! That's how good this series is so go read it!!

What are you guys waiting on this week?

TTT #3: Authors I Own The Most Books From!

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme brought to you by The Broke and the Bookish where people share their top ten things according to the topic of that week.

I limited myself to choosing from the authors who I own physical copies of their books. I don't buy a lot of physical copies but if I have them, they tend to be my favourites. So again, in no particular order, here they are :)

1. J.K. Rowling - My sister gave me the Harry Potter 15th Anniversary paperback box set for my birthday, but I also own the US hardcovers of books five, six and seven (my sister has the first four books). I also have the original editions of the Hogwarts Library books which include Quidditch Through the Ages, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

2. Cassandra Clare - I love her books! So far I have both The Mortal Instruments series and The Infernal Devices trilogy. I've also got The Shadowhunter's Codex and am patiently awaiting for the arrival of The Bane Chronicles.

3. Veronica Roth - I own the Divergent trilogy and recently bought Four: A Divergent Collection because we all need Four ;)

4. John Green - I bought his gorgeous book set awhile ago and it contains The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska, Paper Towns and An Abundance of Katherines.

5. Marie Lu - I have the box set of her Legend trilogy. The coloured dual POV is lovely!

6. Rainbow Rowell - I recently bought a copy of Landline and the Special Collector's Edition of Fangirl so I have two copies of Fangirl now. Can you tell I'm a fangirl? ;)

7. Kerstin Gier - I have her Ruby Red trilogy. Can we just talk about how gorgeous the design of the books are? So beautiful!

8. Laini Taylor - Her Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy is sitting beautifully on my shelf.

9. Leigh Bardugo - I just completed my collection of her Grisha trilogy! I'm looking forward to marathoning the trilogy!

10. Marissa Meyer - I've got the first three books in The Lunar Chronicles and can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series when they come out!

Which authors do you own the most books from?

Review: Where You'll Find Me by Erin Fletcher

I don't recall where I saw this book from but not a lot of people seem to have read it so I decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised and maybe you will be too if you give it a try :)

 Where You'll Find Me

by Erin Fletcher

January 7, 2014

211 pages

Goodreads  Chapters/Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

When Hanley Helton discovers a boy living in her garage, she knows she should kick him out. But Nate is too charming to be dangerous. He just needs a place to get away, which Hanley understands. Her own escape methods (vodka, black hair dye, and pretending the past didn't happen) are more traditional, but who is she to judge?

Nate doesn't tell her why he's in her garage, and she doesn't tell him what she's running from. Soon, Hanley's trading her late-night escapades for all-night conversations and stolen kisses. But when Nate's recognized as the missing teen from the news, Hanley isn't sure which is worse: that she's harboring a fugitive, or that she's in love with one.

Discussion #2: YA books

It's Sunday where I am and it's a beautiful day. I get to be lazy and just read without interruptions! So, I thought I'd just post a short discussion today. This is mainly to satisfy my curiosity ;)

How did everyone got into reading YA books? When I was younger, I don't recall seeing books being labelled Young Adult. (Or maybe it's because I didn't use to read as much then.) I know there are a lot of debates surrounding the categorization of YA books. I've heard people say it's not a genre. So how do you classify it?

I've never read an adult book but how does it differ from YA? Besides the obvious part that the characters are older I'm curious to find out how different it is (or isn't). From your point of view, what sets YA books apart from Adult books? I'm looking forward to picking up an Adult novel to find out myself!

Sorry about the string of questions that are about to follow but I really want to hear your opinions! How did you discover YA? What about YA books do you find most appealing? How do you feel about people's claim that readers who aren't in the YA age range, shouldn't be reading YA? I know I'm above that age limit but I love YA. And no one's going to stop me from reading YA books!

Please share your thoughts with me!

Stacking the Shelves #3

  

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

This week I didn't buy any books but I did win two ebooks from Amber at Cosying Up With Books and Samantha at Chick Lit Plus! The giveaways were both sponsored by The Page Girls who were celebrating their birthday week. THANK YOU! They are all awesome bloggers, do go check them out!

          

Normal is the Watchword by Jasmine Tru

Here for the Cake by Emily Poule 

What did you guys add to your shelves this week?

Feature & Follow #2: Favorite TV Series

 

  

Feature & Follow is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where each host will have their own Feature blog to show off more new blogs!


My pick is Criminal Minds!! I don't think it's on Netflix but it's one of my favourite series of all time. The show can be a little disturbing and heavy (it does deal with criminals afterall) but it's definitely worth the watch. It will be going into its 10th season in October and I can't wait!

I also want to mention Veronica Mars since I know this one is on Netflix. My sister and I love this show. We ship Veronica and Logan. We love them together! They belong together.

Please share your favorite series and thanks for stopping by! 

Review: The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines #4) by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines is probably one of my favourite series of all times. So, in anticipation of the fifth book, which comes out next week, here's my review for the fourth book! All the excitement! *squeals

*Review contains spoilers from the previous books of the series.

The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines #4)

by Richelle Mead

November 19, 2013

420 pages

Goodreads  Chapters/Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure — and re-education — looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this smoldering fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

WoW #3: Silver Shadows (Bloodlines #5) by Richelle Mead

 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about!

Silver Shadows (Bloodlines #5)

by Richelle Mead

July 29, 2014

416 pages

Goodreads  Chapters/Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.

Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive.

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him. . . .

Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.

That ending of Fiery Heart almost had me screaming. It probably had all the fans of this series screaming. I need this book like now!

What are you guys waiting on this week?

TTT #2: Characters I Would Want with Me on a Deserted Island!

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme brought to you by The Broke and the Bookish where people share their top ten things according to the topic of that week.


This is such a fun topic! At first, I just wanted to pick all the hot swoony boys I've read about (even thought there are definitely wayyyy more than 10) but then I decided to be a little bit more rational. Just a tiny bit more :P After some thoughts here they are in no particular order!

LADIES:

1. Celaena Sardothien from the Throne of Glass series - Celaena is too kick ass to not have on the island with me! She can protect me and maybe even give me some lessons on self defense.

2. Harper Price from the Rebel Belle trilogy - Harper would be so much fun to have around because of her total girliness (don't think that's a word but I'm using it)! We can be girly together with Celaena. 

3. June Iparis from the Legend trilogy - June's so intelligent I definitely need to have her around. I also feel like she'll be the little sister that everyone can take care of and shower with affection (you know?).

HOT GUYS:

4. Levi from Fangirl - Just having Levi around would make me so happy. I'd be smiling all the time XD

5. Connor from the Pivot Point duology - This is a spoiler so it's under highlight - he heals! It would be very handy to have that ability around. Bonus that he's smoking hot and caring ;)

6. Will Herondale from The Infernal Devices trilogy - Who wouldn't want to bring Will Herondale?!? Ok, maybe some of you but he's WILL HERONDALE! If there are any demons on the island, he can send them back to their realms.

7. Jace Lightwood from The Mortal Instruments series - I love Jace's witty sense of humour. He'd keep me entertained all the time~ And just imagining him side by side with Will!

8. Magnus Bane from the Shadowhunter Chronicles - Two words to describe Magnus: Awesomeness and glitters!

9. Gavriel from The Coldest Girl in Coldtown - Gavriel's just so mysterious and passionate that I'd definitely want him around.

10. Adrian Ivashkov from the Bloodlines series - Adrian can paint and I can watch. Not creepy at all :)

Who are the characters you would want with you on a deserted island?

Reviews: Things I Can't Forget (Hundred Oaks #3) and Racing Savannah (Hundred Oaks #4) by Miranda Kenneally

Since Miranda Kenneally's newest book in the Hundred Oaks series, Breathe, Annie, Breathe just came out, I thought I'd post my reviews on the two books from the series that I've read :)

Things I Can't Forget (Hundred Oaks #3)

by Miranda Kenneally

March 1, 2013

308 pages

Goodreads  Chapters/Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…

This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt--with her.

Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

Discussion #1: Reviews with or without Spoilers?

I'm sure a lot of book bloggers have discussed this topic numerous times already but I really wanted to share my thoughts on it so here it is!

I'm really conflicted on whether my reviews should include spoilers or not. The whole reason I started writing book reviews was because I wanted to jot down my thoughts after I've finished a book. I want to remember the good, the bad, the anger, the butterflies and etc. Most of the time that's impossible to do without including spoilers about the storyline and the characters. I know people who read book reviews definitely wouldn't appreciate the spoilers if they haven't read the book yet. I really don't want people to turn away from reading my reviews because of this :( So do I include the spoilers or not?

Then there's the whole debate (within myself) on what counts as spoilers? I feel like I might be ruining a book if I say so and so were cute together. Even though it wasn't a secret in the book, it's something you won't know unless you're reading the book. How much can I say without people thinking they're getting spoiled?

I've just got a bunch of questions regarding spoilers swirling around in my head. I'm curious to see what other bloggers and readers think. Is there a certain genre of book that's easier for you to write reviews for without spoilers? Is there a genre that you feel like you have to include spoilers for in your reviews? I find contemporary books are the easiest to write spoiler-free reviews. I don't know why but maybe because it has little to no world-building?

I've been colouring the spoilers I have in my reviews so people don't see it unless they highlight it. Is this a good method? Thanks for reading and please share your thoughts! I would love to know what you think! 

How do you feel about book reviews with spoilers?

Stacking the Shelves #2

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.

I received these wonderfuls in the mail. I can't wait to start them! Got my lovely kitty to model them :P

Four by Veronica Roth

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

What did you guys add to your shelves this week?

Feature & Follow #1: Funny Youtube Video

  

Feature & Follow is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where each host will have their own Feature blog to show off more new blogs!


I love The Lord of the Rings movies and came across this video when my friend shared it on facebook. It's absolutely hilarious! It does seem a bit dangerous but I couldn't help but laugh :P

I hope this video made you laugh and thank you for stopping by!!

Review: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

I really loved this book so I wanted to share it here. If you haven't picked it up yet, you should!

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

by Holly Black

September 3, 2013

419 pages

Goodreads  Chapters/Indigo

Goodreads Summary: 

Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave.

One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown is a wholly original story of rage and revenge, of guilt and horror, and of love and loathing from bestselling and acclaimed author Holly Black.

WoW #2: Strange and Ever After (Something Strange and Deadly #3) by Susan Dennard

 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about!

Strange and Ever After

(Something Strange and Deadly #3)

by Susan Dennard

July 22, 2014

400 pages

Goodreads  Chapters/Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

In the conclusion to the trilogy that Publishers Weekly called “a roaring—and addictive—gothic world,” Eleanor Fitt must control her growing power, face her feelings for Daniel, and confront the evil necromancer Marcus...all before it’s too late.

He took her brother, he took her mother, and now, Marcus has taken her good friend Jie. With more determination than ever to bring this sinister man to justice, Eleanor heads to the hot desert streets of nineteenth-century Egypt in hopes of ending this nightmare. But in addition to her increasingly tense relationships with Daniel, Joseph, and her demon, Oliver, Eleanor must also deal with her former friend, Allison, who has curiously entangled herself in Eleanor’s mission.

With the rising dead chomping at her every move and Jie’s life hanging in the balance, Eleanor is convinced that her black magic will see her through to the bitter end. But there will be a price. Though she and the Spirit Hunters have weathered every battle thus far, there will be consequences to suffer this time—the effects of which will be irreversible. And when it’s over, only some will be able to live a strange and ever after.

Susan Dennard will leave readers breathless and forever changed in the concluding pages of this riveting ride.

I'm so excited for this book to come out so I can marathon the series! And just look at that gorgeous cover!

What are you guys waiting on this week?

TTT #1: Favourite Movies and TV Shows!

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme brought to you by The Broke and the Bookish where people share their top ten things according to the topic of that week.

I LOVE watching tv and going to the movies! Whenever I fill in a form where it asks for your hobbies, I'd want to put down 'watching tv'. I've always wonder, does it count as a hobby? Anyways, below is my list in no particular order.

MOVIES:

 

1. The Harry Potter series - I love the books more but who can resist the movies! I went to theatres for all eight movies and they were all magical!!

2. The Fault in Our Stars - SO GOOD! I had the opportunity to go to an advanced screening of the movie and I enjoyed every second of it. There was laughter and a lot of sniffling but it was perfect!

3. Independence Day - This movie is a classic that I can just watch over and over again. To me, this is one of the most original alien movies out there.

4. The Avengers - I absolutely love this movie! It was action-packed, funny and so much fun! Who doesn't love superheroes!!

5. The Lord of the Rings trilogy - I only have one word for it: EPIC!

TV SHOWS: 

 

1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer - My sister and I loved Buffy when we were little. She's so kick ass!!

2. Reign - I'm not so much a fan of the story as I am of their wardrobe. Some of the dresses they wear are just gorgeous!

3. Charmed - Again, my sister and I adored this show when we were young. What can I say? They had awesome powers and lots of hotties on the show ;)

4. Criminal Minds - This is possibly my favourite show of all times. Some episodes can get a little disturbing but they're still really good. They monologue lots of great quotes too!

5. Friends - Who can forget this show! My whole family loved it. We laughed and laughed and laughed~

What are your favourite movies and tv shows?