Tag You're It!

 I was tagged by Laura over at sisterspookybookfangirl and I thought THIS IS COOL! :)

 

The Rules

1. Answer the eleven questions that were asked of you by the person who tagged you

2. Make up eleven new questions and tag eleven new people to do the meme!

3. Let them know you tagged them!

 

 

Heres the questions the awesome Laura asked! :)

 

1. What's your favourite dessert?

Ermmmmm hmmm I do love Flake Ice cream! its the best fricken ice cream in the world!

2. What's the last book you read that completely knocked your socks off?

I would Say My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares. There isnt a lot of hype around  this book and there really should be. Its so beautiful and Heart felt that it literally had me thinking about it for days. To be able die and come back in a different life and remember everything must be amazing. But also at the same time falling in love and having to follow the girl through all your second/third/fourth lives and making her remember you each time is heart breaking but amazing.

 

3. What's your snack food guilty pleasure?

I'd Say crisps I literally love crisps I could eat them for days lol

4. When you were little did you have a favourite toy and what was it?

I'm gonna be boring and say I use to love Polly Pockets! like collected them like crazy! and now I have them all still in my cupboard lol

5. Is there any skill or talent you wished you had but just don't? (wished you could play the piano or juggle??)

To be honest I wish I could actually have the skills to write a novel. Ive tried and failed many times!

6. What kind of music do you like? Any recommendations?

ohhh I have loads! with me I like any genre as long as its good? I could go from Rihanna to Evanessance LOL I have a wide range. a Recommendation would be Barcelona - please dont go. Its one of my all time favourite songs and I never get sick of it so LISTEN!

7. Last movie you saw at the cinema and what you thought of it?

Do i dare say it? the last movie I saw in the cinema was The Inbetweeners movie! it was hilarious I really wish they kept on with the series

8. What is your dream job?

Oh! a movie director! I would absolutly love that! I always loved the behind the scenes of the movies! how a director intructs his/her cast etc to be able to bring something to life it one of the best feelings I wish I could feel. I studied film in college and always enjoyed that! but I know being a women and being a director is very rare. That is why Catherine Hardwick is my hero! and im not saying that because of the Twilight movie because I dont feel that was her best work anyway,

 

9. What is your favourite kid's TV show (now or when you were a kid)?

I use to love Author and Tracey Beaker they were shown and still are on the CBBC channel in the UK :)

10. Favourite ice cream flavour?

Im boring. Vanilla

11. If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

Im going to be a bit serious now and say Auschwitz in Germany. Me and my Mum have always been facinated by the second world war and all the issues in it. Ive been to the war museum loads of times and to the Auschwitz part inside and eveytime I learn something new. Its one of those things that makes you really appreciate what you have in your life. Hitler will always be the most disgusting heart breakingly cold evil man that I will never understand and never want to.

 

 

My questions for those I tag and those who fancy doing it too!

1. If you had the chance to go back in time for 24 hours, where and when would you go?
2. If you had a snail that could magically grant wishes, what would you name it?
3. P.G: If you could have sex with any character from a novel you have read, who would you choose and why?
4. If you could re-write a book what one would you chooseand why?
5. If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like and what would it be for?
6. If you could meet any author, living or dead, who would you meet?
7. If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?
8. If you knew the world was ending in 2012, what would you do differently?
9. If you could know the answer to any question, besides “What is the meaning of life?”, what would it be?
10. If you were written about in the newspaper, on the front page, what would the headline say?
11. Have you ever had an imaginary friend?
 
Bloggers I've Tagged :)

districtya

Serendipity Reviews

Empire Of Books

The Pewterwolf

Abook-loversreview

Good Choice Reading

bookswithbite

 

 

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Book Review: The Things We Did For Love by Natasha Farrant

Name: The Things We Did For Love
Author: Natasha Farrant
UK Publishers: Faber
Summary: France: February, 1944.
UK Release Date: March 1st
As war rages in Europe, teenagers Luc and Arianne fall passionately in love.  But German forces are closing in and Luc, desperate to atone for his family's past, is drawn into the dangerous world of the Resistance. Arianne will do almost anything to keep him safe, but someone else is secretly in love with her - someone who will stop at nothing to get rid of his rival...
Review: I'm not usually one for wartime based novels but 'The Things We Did For Love' has completely changed my opinion.
My grandparents survived the war and at school I was always interested in this time. My grandad was an evacuee, he was sent off to the countryside where he would be safe.

He even wrote about his experiences for us to take to school, it was really interesting to read and obviously for me it was really emotional as it's about my grandad.
It was clearly a difficult time to be separated from his family but he was safe. Through out the book I often wondered if I'd have been as strong as Arianne, if I'd have been alive in the 1940s.

At such a young age she's acting like a young woman. In reading this novel you're taken on a rollercoaster ride through many emotions. As a reader you can feel her pain, joy, passion and sadness.This is Natasha Farrant's first YA novel and it centres around the love story of Arianne and Luc.

I love that some of the novel is past and some present by the mysterious person telling us the story. (I didn't expect it to be who it is. I shant spoil for you.)

The imagery is so vivid it makes me feel like I'm actually in the novel, feeling the rollercoaster of emotions that Arianne, Luc, Romy, Solange and Teresa Belleville are feeling.

I immediately loved Arianne although the poor girl can be so naïve, she's just too kind.
Arianne and Luc are the perfect couple but is there really a perfect love and a perfect life?

What I loved about this novel was how real it is.
Natasha doesn't shy away from the brutality of war and how it changes people.
Some for the better some worse.

Luc is your ideal leading man but I'm not completely bowled over with love for him.
However, Luc and Arianne's love is very passionate and fiesty.

There are strong messages of love, passion, jealousy and betrayal within this novel.
As always there is an impending love triangle which results to a huge betrayal.

I also enjoyed Natasha's foreword at the end explaining just how much research went into explaining how life really was back in the 1940s.
I would definitely recommend this wartime based love story.

read more "Book Review: The Things We Did For Love by Natasha Farrant"

Review -- The Vow: The True Events that Inspired the Movie

Title: The Vow: The True Events that Inspired the Movie
Author: Kim & Krickitt Carpenter

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group

Summary: Life as Kim and Krickitt Carpenter knew it was shattered beyond recognition on November 24, 1993. Two months after their marriage, a devastating car wreck left Krickitt with a massive head injury and in a coma for weeks.When she finally awoke, she had no idea who Kim was. The woman he had married essentially died in the accident.Against all odds, Kim and Krickitt fell in love all over again. Even though Kim stood by Krickitt through the darkest times a husband can ever imagine, he insists, “I’m no hero. I made a vow.

Review: A friend of mine asked me if I'd read this book- and I responded with, What! The Vow is a book?" We were talking about wanting to see the movie and I hadn't realized til then that the movie was based on a true story. So this sparked my interest to first read the book before going to see The Vow in the theaters.


Written through the eyes of Kim, who had to watch his own wife try to remember the basic memories of her past life, was in more ways than one emotionally and moving. There were times that a reader could sense Kim's frustration and sadness in the situation that was dealt to him; but his dedication for his wife Krickitt was always there. Not too many are that strong - giving those circumstances, I probably would've questioned what my life had come to also. 

The Carpenters are Christians and got through a tragic event by prayer & relying on God. I loved how connected to their faith they were- no matter what society was telling them, or how the odds were even against them they stuck to God and in the end everything worked out- but not without doubt and sacrifice.

Other books have written by Kim & Kritckett based on their story, this is the most recent and up to date; it talks about the media and a tad bit about the upcoming film. 

I will warn you... there will be tears! I mentioned before that I talked about seeing The Vow in theaters with a friend? well, that was before I read the book. Honestly, after reading the book I know I won't be able to make it through. lol But I'm a sucker for a good love story & especially seeing that this was a true story- should give everyone a little hope. Very powerful book! 

Not for everyone. But if you enjoy sweet love stories, then this may be something for you! Or if you enjoy reading about people who have overcome great obstacles in their lives... this is it. 
 

read more "Review -- The Vow: The True Events that Inspired the Movie"

Review: Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Name: Iron Knight
Author: Julie Kagawa
UK release date: Out now!
UK Publisher: Mira

Summary: Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

Review: Its never easy when a book series you fall in Love with comes to an end. When you have read about and fallen in Love with these characters over the years and then have to say goodbye... Nothing lasts forever but I can say that while the Iron Fey series lasted it was one of the best journeys ever!

Ash is back and even more amazing than ever. I think Julie writing the last book in his POV was an awesome move and one that really paid off. If you loved Ash in the first books then you haven't read anything yet until you start this novel. His bravery, his handsome face, and just an amazing prince to be around made this book such an enjoyable read.

While there were some real shockers and some heart-wrenching but yet exciting moments I can honestly say Julie can write her butt off!  The plot is once again just as amazing as the rest of the books in the series. It was cutting edge, suspenseful and sometimes spine chilling. I think Julie has yet again written a jump out of your seat novel. Such a fascinating memorable read that I will never forget.

Julie has created word images so vivid that it is almost like watching a movie. She takes you for a romp through NeverNever with Ash, Puck, Grimalkin and some shocking characters you didn't see coming themselves in a action packed suspenseful event that had me second guessing things and crying my eyes out.

There are few new enticing characters in this novel I would be here all day if I talked about them all but I will say this: If you like heroic, challenging, attractive and amazing characters then this is the book for you.

As I say goodbye to these characters I want to say thanks to Julie for bringing these characters to my imagination and I cannot wait to read what else she has in-store! So until next time.....

read more "Review: Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa"

Author Interview with Julie Kagawa

So I sent Julie Some questions involving her new novel Iron Knight which is released already in the UK and The US so go get your copy! you wont be disapointed at all!

1. Did you enjoy writing as much as we loved reading Puck and Ash's

newfound friendship?

Ash and Puck are always fun to write because they play off each

other so well. They're best friends but also worst enemies, and they

have such a complicated history. The exchanges between Ash and Puck
were some of my favourite scenes to write.

2. How do you write such intense scenes?

I'm a great lover of conflict in stories, and mildly sadistic in

the fact that I'm constantly looking for ways to torment my characters.

I'll chase them up a tree and then throw rocks at them to see what

they'll do. Or I'll back them into a corner with no way out, then set

the corner on fire. I think that if characters are truly happy and

content in a novel, why are we reading about them? Conflict and anguish

and torture are vital to those tense, emotional scenes where you just

want to shake or slap or hug the characters, or at least those scenes
where the characters are fighting for their lives.

3. Are you sad to say goodbye to the series?

A little bit, but at the same time I quite satisfied with the

way the series ended. I feel like all the characters are where they

need to be, and I can let them go in peace. At least until the next

adventure. :)

4. Was Iron Knight your most favourite novel of the lot to write?

Very close, but I think that honor goes to The Iron Queen. I

did enjoy getting to write about Ash, even though there were times I

wanted to strangle him for being so closed-off. I'd be trying to write

one of those tense, emotional scenes, and he'd just cross his arms and

say nothing. That's what I get for creating a cold, unemotional

ice-faery, I guess. :P

5. Do you have any more novels planned that you can tell us about?

I do. My next series is called Blood of Eden, and is a

post-apocalyptic vampire series, beginning with the first book: The

Immortal Rules. I also have a second Iron Fey series in the works, this

time starring Meghan's little brother, Ethan, when he is older

Thanks Julie for taking the time to talk to Dark Readers it was fun!

read more "Author Interview with Julie Kagawa"

Casey's Favourite Place To Read: Stokenewington Cemetery

Since Ive had this new job the only places Ive been able to read are on the bus, tube and in bed. But before I use to read everywhere. Places that had secrets, that had meaning to me and places that I could just get lost in with an amazing book. The was one place....one place that only I could probably understand the beautiful meaning of being there. Stoke newington cemetery.

One of the most beautiful places Ive read and probably ever read. Being there being lost in your books world and never being intrupted unless its a tweet of a bird or a croak of a crow or the faint cry of someone near a grave. I use to spend hours here sitting on those steps pretending as the crying angel statues were all around me as if they were crying like I was at novels.

I am sure everyone has their favourite places to read not all in grave yards im sure but I always found them peaceful and relaxing....and I just hope when I am burried in the groud that theirs another child sitting where I was reading to us as we have our dreamless sleeps....

Be gentle, sky, and let me rest –
These bones are worn – they lack the zest
Of flesh in life – they’re marrowless! –
Their arid surface, nakedness! –

read more "Casey's Favourite Place To Read: Stokenewington Cemetery"

US VS UK Cover #1 The Other Life By Susanne Winnacker

US                           UK

Summary: 3 years, 1 month, 1 week and 6 days since I’d seen daylight. One-fifth of my life. 98,409,602 seconds since the heavy, steel door had fallen shut and sealed us off from the world

Sherry has lived with her family in a sealed bunker since things went wrong up above. But when they run out of food, Sherry and her dad must venture outside. There they find a world of devastation, desolation...and the Weepers: savage, mutant killers.

When Sherry's dad is snatched, she joins forces with gorgeous but troubled Joshua - an Avenger, determined to destroy the Weepers.

But can Sherry keep her family and Joshua safe, when his desire for vengeance threatens them all

 UK vs US covers! so guys what you think? Which cover is best out of Susannes The Other Life. I know which one mine is! Comment below!!



read more "US VS UK Cover #1 The Other Life By Susanne Winnacker"

Books To Look Out For!

So So many awesome books are coming out in the next couple of months and Me, Hayley and Andrea are so excited for them! so we wanted to give you guys a heads up on them just incase you didnt know!

Name: BloodRose

Author: Andrea Cremer

UK Release Date: 21 Feb

Publishers: Atom

Price :£6.59

So we have heard mixed reviews on this book from our fellow US book bloggers BUT if its as any good as the first 2 novels in this series then we have nothing to worry about folks! :D

Name: Torn

Author: Amanda Hocking

UK Release Date: 1st March

Publishers: Pan Macmillan

Price: £4.89

Now this is the sequel to Amandas amazing switched book and what a world wind that was. If you have read switched then I suggest you do then pic up torn in March! its EPIC!

Name: Pandemonium

Author: Lauren Oliver

UK Release Date: 1st March

Publishers: Hodder

Price (Hardcover): £8.70

Do I need to say more? If you haven't read the first in this series which is Delirium then you have not LIVED! what an amazing love/scary/exciting/jaw-dropping book this is! check out my review HERE!

Name: SpellBound

Author: Rachel Hawkins

UK Release Date: 29th March

Publishers: Simon and Schuster

Price: £5.59

So this book is highly anticipated 3rd book in the Hex Hall series. I was one of the lucky few to recieve and early copy of this novel and I am sure you guys feel like its been forever since Demon Glass came out... But now ladies and gentlement 2 months and you shall have this beauty in your hands!

Name: All These Things I've Done

Author: Gabrielle Zevin

UK Release date: 29th of March

Publishers: Macmillan

Price :£5.68

OMGGGGGG. Thats all I have to say If you want to hear me swoon about this book more then read my review on this amazing novel HERE

So some amazing books coming out in the next couple of months also I didnt put summarys on them because some people haven't read the first ones yet so I didnt want to spoil it for them!

all the best peeps! xx

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Dark Readers Valentines Day Book Crushes!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY GUYS!

Hope you guys are having a wonderful day! Love is in the air and especially here at Dark Readers! Me (casey), Andrea and Hayley have come up with our Book Crushes and we would love to share them with you! Make sure you comment below and tell us who your Valentines Day Book Crush is! :)

Andrea's Book Crush

 My book crush ... Augustus Waters from The Fault in Our Stars. Its hard to live up to Edward Cullen, especially being a human. But wow, I would choose this man for my (future) daughter any day. He was smart, witty, sweet, sensitive, caring. Very mature for someone his age. The way he acted around hazel made my heart flutter. It felt like such young love, but yet so much truth to it.

If i could choose 1 book crush to go on a date w for Valentine's day...I'd be right on the arms of Augustus Waters. If I could have any actor play him I would choose Logan lerman. He's super sweet! But funny & sarcastic when he needs to be...and I think Logan could play him!

Casey's Book Crush

My Book Crush Would Be Morpheus the God of Dreams. Now not many of you know who this is because the book isn't out yet. He's from Dreamless By Josephine Angelini this dreamy, seductive god is the most hottest character I've read in a YA and I cannot wait for you guys to meet him in July! Its worth the wait! I think Ian Somerhalder from the Vampire Diaries could play him perfectly! His hair and seductive eyes could seduce me any day!

Hayley's Book Crush

My book crush has got to be Patch from the Hush Hush series. He's smouldering and naughty. I was well and truly hooked with this series and when I'd finished Hush Hush I was depressed without my Patch fix. If the series was made into a film I think I would have Steven R Mcqueen as the sarcastic, yet completely loveable Patch.

So Who is your book Crush this 2012?!

read more "Dark Readers Valentines Day Book Crushes!"

The reason why we think Cassandra Clare Choose London for the Infernal Devices

So as you guys know me (Casey) I live in London and one of my favourite things is to explore where books are set. Now I have done one for Maureen Johnsons The Name Of The Star and now im doing one for Cassandra Clares Infernal Devices Series. Here are some photos and some quotes from the novel. Just looking at these picks I think you will understand why Cassandra Choose London for these awesome series! do comment below and tell us what you think! :) p.s All These photos were taken by me and my awesome friend Aminah who is in most of the photos!

“Trains are great dirty smoky things," said Will. "You won't like it."

Tessa was unmoved. "I won't know if I like it until I try it, will I?"

"I've never swum naked in the Thames before, but I know I wouldn't like it."
"But think how entertaining for sightseers," said Tessa, and she saw Jem duck his head to hide the quick flash of his grin. - clockwork prince

“She smiled at him. “How did you know just what I’d want to see?”

“How could I not?” he said. “When I think of you, and you are not there, I see you in my mind’s eye always with a book in your hand.” He looked away from her as he said it, but not before she caught the slight flush on his cheekbones. He was so pale, he could never hide even the least blush, she thought — and was surprised how affectionate the thought was.” ― , Clockwork Prince

"He went down to the river and wandered about the docks. Never did he stop to speak to a single soul. It was like following a ghost" - Clockwork Angel

(Blackfairs bridge Jems Favourite place)

“Will rolled up his sleeves. "We'll probably have to knock down the door--"

"Or," said Jem, reaching out and giving the knob a twist, "not."

The door swung open onto a rectangle of darkness.

"Now, that's simply laziness," said Will.”- clockwork angel

“Sometimes, when I have to do something I don't want to do, I pretend I'm a character from a book. It's easier to know what they would do. -Will” Clockwork Angel

(St Pauls Dome)

The expanse of London stretched away on either bank. The great Dome of St paul's looming up behind them like a white ghost, and everthing shrouded in the softening fog that laid a gently blurring veil over the harsh lines of the city" - Clockwork Angel

(Outside the gates of St Brides Church where Cassandra based the Institute on)

“beyond this place of wrath and tears looms but the horror of the shade” -clockwork angel

(Outside the gates of St Brides Church where Cassandra based the Institute on if you listen hard enough you can hear Jem playing his Violin so beautifully with the wind..)

Sweet thames, run softly till I end my song.....

Hope you guys enjoyed our spooky trip through London and Cassandras novels. Until next time......

read more "The reason why we think Cassandra Clare Choose London for the Infernal Devices"

ARC Review: Partials by Dan Wells

Title: Partials
Author: Dan Wells
Publisher: HarperTEEN
Date Published: February 28, 2012

Summary: The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the population. Reduced to tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic in training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws threaten to launch what’s left of humanity into civil war, and she’s not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will discover that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them—connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.

Review: First off I want to give the cover some loving-it was one that grabbed my attention right away and I know if I was in the book stores browsing I'd be interested to know what the book is about. The skyline is beautiful and the cover ties in nicely with the novel. After seeing the awesome cover, I read the summary and knew this was a book I needed to read!  

Author Dan Wells' Partials was based around the idea that "Partials had created RM to wipe out humans-- and now babies are not surviving due to the virus". This was new and interesting to me and therefore I really enjoyed wanting to learn more about the virus and how it was formed- and when Kira (who goes about a different way trying to find a cure) found new information or got stuck at a dead end I couldn't help but feel the emotions she was going through: uplifted or defeated. Time was not on anyone's sides which added to the pressure and intensity of this book. There are lots of times when I was not expecting much to happen when all of a sudden I was taken off guard and switch things up.  

Kira- 

I didn't always want to agree with her, and she was not on the same page as everyone- but that is why I liked her! No matter was going on, she wasn't going to give up on her beliefs and in her heart one way or another,  she knew a cure needed to be found and wasn't afraid to put her life at risk and go against higher authority - the human race was already at stake so what did she have to lose?

Partials did feel "slow" at times. The reason being... there were many places that the group traveled to and most of what went on in the book had to do with territory and placement. That isn't always the easiest to explain, and so sometimes the depth of the details felt "heavy". Too much emphasis and focus on certain tasks.

There were times where I felt frustrated by the fact that I wanted my questions answered ASAP! Seemed to have MANY opened ended theories and my wandering mind couldn't help but come up with a list of questions and concern and predictions for whats to come. At the end of the book, I felt like the story had tied up all the loose ends and left room for more stories and excitement to happen in the next book! Yes, I still have questions and predictions-- but they are a little easier to cope with now ;-) Guess I'll just have to come up with my own theories and be patient for Failsafe. 

Overall, it is a good read

read more "ARC Review: Partials by Dan Wells"

The Other Life By Susanne Winnacker Release Party

On Wednesday 1st February, 2012 Casey and myself were invited to the release day lunch for ' The Other Life'.
As you know Casey reviewed the book for us here at Dark Readers, she truly loved the novel and we were both delighted to meet the lovely Susanne.
Casey has had many conversations with Susanne on Twitter and was over the moon to finally meet her.
What made me smile so much was when Casey opened 'The Other Life'  her quote is at the front of the book, the joy in her voice made me soooo happy, and I knew it was her by her scream ha.

What is truly remarkable is that Susanne is German yet she writes in English (what a truly talented woman eh?)

It was lovely for me to finally meet the guys from Usborne as Casey know's them really well so it was good for me to finally meet them.

The event was at the gorgeous Soho hotel in London.

Look at what we had to eat.

The Cupcakes were amazing and we all had to take photos of them.

Isn't that just the COOLEST CUPCAKE EVER!

SERIOUSLY COOL??

Susanne signed for us all...we're still sooo chuffed that Dark Readers quote made the book YAY!

US bloggers and the lovely Susanne.

We would like to take this time to thank Usborne again for inviting us to a lovely event and to wish Susanne the best of luck with 'The Other Life' and we look forward to what's next?

read more "The Other Life By Susanne Winnacker Release Party"

In My Mailbox #58

Today's IMM is rather special because it features the book BETWEEN by Mary Ting!! If you remember, a few weeks ago Dark Readers participated in a Between Blog Tour. This is the second book to the Crossroads saga- and once again I was honored to have Mary ask me to write a blurb about Between to be featured in the beginning section of her newest novel.

More Mailbox Goodies:::

Otherwise by Jennifer B. White
OakBluffs Press

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
Balzer& Bray -- April 24th


Two days before her junior year, Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed —as in blinding light, her life flashing before her, then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And though it isn’t possible, she knows with every fiber of her being that Ben has brought her back to life.

Dead Asleep by Jennifer B. White
OakBluffs Press

If it were possible, I’d never sleep again.

Everyone was talking about my dreams—even though I hadn’t told a single soul about them. Wherever I went, strangers were discussing my nocturnal visions. I wanted to chalk all of this up to coincidence, but then, only minutes after a chance encounter with a young woman I didn’t know, after she told me in perfect detail of the dream I’d had the night before, she was killed. And I knew I’d have to figure out what was happening to me.

Huge Thanks to Mary Ting, OakBluffs Press And Harper for providing these awesome books!! And Thanks for Megan Miranda & Jill Hathaway for the signed bookmarks!!

read more "In My Mailbox #58"

Book Review: Fallen In Love By Lauren Kate

Name: Fallen In Love
Author: Lauren Kate
Publisher: Random House
Release Date: 2nd February

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. True love never says goodbye . . .


Review: When I heard there would be another novel from the very talented Lauren Kate I was on tenderhooks for a copy.

I love the way Lauren writes and I love all of the characters from the Fallen series.
This novel is released for Valentines Day and as I began reading I was in awe of the stories.
Shelby and Miles make me smile so much.
Miles is the nicest guy but when you spend so much time together he ends up more like a big brother.
Until he loses the cap and Shelby can see the piercing blue eyes beneath the cap.
It's not just Shelby who sees Miles in a different light.
Shelby and Miles story had me all girly and smiley, their love is simple yet perfect.
I really liked the way you had both Miles and Shelby's thoughts and points of view, seeing their love blossom made me so happy for them you'd think Shelby was my kid sister I was that excited for her.

Roland isn't my fave character yet the first introduction of him I was well and truly bowled over. I must admit I thought Lauren was describing Daniel I was genuinely shocked.
Roland's love story is captivating and intriguing I just did not want to put the book down.
As I said before he's not my favourite character as sometimes he can come across sour, mean and cruel.
Yet, seeing him so selfless and scared has changed my view on him. I'm eager for each sentence on each page.
I honestly didn't think I'd care for Roland's story yet I didn't want it to end.
It was powerful and heart-breaking, Lauren had me hanging on every word.
This novel made me see Roland in a different light and I can't wait to see what's next for his character in 'Rapture'.

Ariane's love story had me on tenderhooks.
In the Fallen series I've never been sure on my thoughts on Ariane, although I wasn't expecting her love story to be the way it was at all.
In reading her saddening love story I've been on the edge of my seat throughout willing her to get the happy ending she deserves. Lauren has built the tension of Ariane's love so much that I found myself hanging on each sentence.
I'm not going to say either way you'll have to read it yourself to find out.
All I will say is this part of the book had me wanting to shout and scream, I literally could not put it down.
I loved the way each story flows into the next with the next person appearing at the end of the last romance.


The final love story is that of Lucinda and Daniel.
I loved that 'Fallen In Love' took me on a journey through the Fallen series.
Daniel and Luce's epic love-story has always had me on the edge of my seat and it's not different in this book.
 I loved the fact that some of the historical pieces of 'Passion' are evident in 'Fallen In Love' as I loved the way Lauren did that then and it's just as good in this novel.
Valentines is the most romantic day for a couple, my oh my, the way Lauren describes their kiss is exciting, sensual, romantic and frustrating.
As a reader you are willing the happy ever after that they deserve.
This book had me hooked on every single word, Lauren has yet again outdone herself.
I don't think I've ever felt so many emotions for a book, series and set of characters ever before.
I love that there is also an extract of 'Rapture' although it's made me even more eager for June. I want it NOW.

Even though it's the end.

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Book Review: This Is Not Forgiveness By Celia Rees

Name: This Is Not Forgiveness
Author: Celia Rees
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: 2nd Feb

Summary: Everyone says that Caro is bad… but Jamie can’t help himself. He thinks of her night and day and can't believe that she wants to be his girlfriend. Gorgeous, impulsive and unconventional, she is totally different to all the other girls he knows. His sister, Martha, hates her. Jamie doesn't know why, but there's no way he's going to take any notice of her warnings to stay away from Caro.

But as Jamie falls deeper and deeper under her spell, he realises there is more to Caro – much more. There are the times when she disappears and doesn't get in touch, the small scars on her wrists, her talk about revolutions and taking action, not to mention the rumours he hears about the other men in her life.
And then always in the background there is Rob, Jamie's older brother, back from Afghanistan and traumatised after having his leg smashed to bits there. Jamie wants to help him, but Rob seems to be living in a world of his own and is increasingly difficult to reach.
With Caro, the summer should have been perfect… but that isn't how things work out in real life, and Jamie is going to find out the hard way.
This taut psychological drama is the brilliant new novel from acclaimed Celia Rees.

Review:  Until now, I had never read a novel by Celia Rees.

This Is Not Forgiveness isn't the sort of book I would usually read.
When I first picked up this novel, I'd said I wouldn't read it but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Never ever judge a book by it's cover or you'll miss out on some gems.
What I liked was that Celia used different fonts to identify different characters entry and obviously each of them had their own distinct voice.
The explanation and detail was so vivid, if you closed your eyes for a second you can imagine their voices.
It made the story stand out and it helped to identify each individual.
Throughout the novel I felt for the characters such as Jamie, all he's ever wanted is to fit in and to date the gorgeous Caro, but is she really the girl he wants her to be?
Jamie is a naïve character and I think that's what made me as a reader feel for him.
Jamie by far was my favourite voice, you were constantly hoping he'd be thrown a life-changing chance.
It was an intriguing read, it was kind of like reading a series of diary entries, so in a way it made you feel a little naughty like you were overlooking someone on the train/bus as they were writing their private thoughts and feelings.
I've never read a novel quite like this. I was truly amazed by Celia's writing and I found myself losing track of time whilst reading.
Most characters in this novel are strange, compelling and such an addiction.
I really wasn't expecting the ending, I gathered something would happen from the summary.
Celia has built the suspense for this novel so amazingly, I was left cursing and pulling strange facial expressions.
Resulting in me nearly screaming on my bus to work because of it.
If you're looking for a read with a difference definitely pick up a copy of This Is Not Forgiveness, It is also quite a short read.

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