Book Review: A Very Accidental Love Story By Claudia Carroll

Name: A very Accidental Love Story
Author: Claudia Carroll
Publisher: Avon
UK Release Date: 27th September, 2012 

Summary:

Eloise Elliot is one of the youngest newspaper editors in the country. Respected and revered by her peers, she’s at the top of her game.
But, on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, finding herself surrounded by some pathetic looking balloons and mangy sandwiches in The Daily Post’s conference room, Eloise is hit but a long sharp pang of loneliness.
Suddenly, and with dazzling clarity, she realises what she wants to make her life more complete. A baby.
One successful trip to the sperm bank and almost three years later and she is the adoring mother of a gorgeous little girl, Lily. Juggling a high-powered job with motherhood is not easy and when she finds herself without childcare she sends an SOS to her sister Helen. Yet it’s when Lily starts asking about her ‘daddy’ that Eloise really starts to panic. What will she tell her?
So Eloise decides there’s nothing for it – she’s going to find Lily’s father. After all, she chose the perfect donor so surely there won’t be any surprises. Except that there are plenty, and Eloise gets a lot more than she bargained for.

Review:

So today is the day I fly to California, so I thought I would leave you with a little something from me. ENJOY!

It's a sad state of affairs when you don't have at least a handful of real friends around you. It's even worse when you hit a milestone like 30 years of age and there is no one who actually CARES about you.
Eloise Elliott might be a hard nosed workaholic but I can't help but feel sorry for her.

The story starts three years later.
I love the way Claudia writes so carefree and it's like reading a friends diary or something. As a reader you're so at ease with Eloise and her story, that you're constantly wanting to know more.
Eloise's guilt for her daughter and her sister is so apparent, the hard faced journalist does actually have a heart of gold underneath that tough exterior. 
When I attended a brunch with Claudia she said we'd hate Eloise but I cannot help truly adoring her. 

You can see just how much research Claudia has done by the way the story goes. With Eloise getting Ireland's best investigative hack in on finding Lily's father.
There are some turbulent moments in this novel that made me extremely angry. 
The worst thing was during this part of the novel my lunch break ended and I was on tenderhooks to delve back into the world of Eloise and Jake.  

The further I got to the end the harder it was to put down. It was long into the early hours of the morning when I finished this romantic masterpiece.
When I attended a brunch with Claudia she was so worried about how readers would find this modern day take on My Fair Lady and pygmallion. I can safely say this book had me angry, smiling and in tears of joy.

Good old Lily had me sobbing so much. That little girl is a treasure and I love the way Claudia has written the cheeky scamp, the way she can't say her R's is extremely cute.Eloise Elliott may have started out in this book as a hard-faced workaholic but the change in her as a person is somewhat remarkable, so remarkable you wouldn't believe it.

I would love to see 'A Very Accidental Love Story' as a film it would be surperb is it wrong that I can already see Gerard Butler as Jake.
This is the second novel that I have read from Claudia Carroll and I honestly cannot wait to read more from her. 

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Book Review: Debutantes By Cora Harrison

Name: Debutantes
Author: Cora Harrison
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Summary: It’s 1923 and London is a whirl of jazz, dancing and parties. Violet, Daisy, Poppy and Rose Derrington are desperate to be part of it, but stuck in an enormous crumbling house in the country, with no money and no fashionable dresses, the excitement seems a lifetime away.

Luckily the girls each have a plan for escaping their humdrum country life: Rose wants to be a novelist, Poppy a jazz musician and Daisy a famous film director. Violet, however, has only one ambition: to become the perfect Debutante, so that she can go to London and catch the eye of Prince George, the most eligible bachelor in the country.

But a house as big and old as Beech Grove Manor hides many secrets, and Daisy is about to uncover one so huge it could ruin all their plans—ruin everything—forever

Review: 'Debutantes' is a gorgeous book set in the 1920s.
If I'm honest I am not the girliest of girls but I love the Tudor-eske dresses, and gorgeous hairstyles.
'Debutantes' is the story of four girls sisters in fact. There is Rose- the novelist, Poppy- the jazz musician and Daisy- the film director.
The novel is based in London in the 1920s. I just love reading books that are based on my hometown.
If I am honest I thought this book was going to be aimed at young teens, but I was surprised by the depth of this novel. The 1920s was a beautiful era when girls wore huge dresses and the rich ones were presented to the king, with the hope of marrying his eldest and wealthiest son.
The girls are from a wealthy family, yet they have lost their wealth and are trying to keep up appearances which means it's paramount that Violet marries a rich young man, so in this I really do feel for her as the pressure is on her shoulders.
Violet- wasn't my favourite character I found her very stuck up especially at the beginning of the novel.
The twists and turns were unexpected yet blindingly obvious later on.
There were many OMG moments especially at the end of the novel.
What I really enjoyed was you got to know each sister and I must say Daisy was my favourite by a long shot I just loved reading her parts more, the twists I wasn't ready for and I was left wanting more when I started to read this novel I didn't realise it was a series it could have been a standalone book, but it would obviously leave you wanting more. Which regardless as to whether it's a series or not is what I like in a book, I love to be challenged and 'Debutantes' definitely did that, it's also a rather short read if you have a good day to yourself you could definitely devour this stunning read.
I cannot wait to see what's next for the girls although I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm most anxious to know what happens next for Daisy?

A stunning read that will leave you wanting more?

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Throne Of Glass Blog Tour: Sarah’s Guilty Pleasure Reads

 

Hey Guys! So the next stop on the blog tour it stopping here! we have Saraj J. Mass author of the AMAZING, Throne of Glass is on the blog talking about her pleasure reads! Read my Review HERE and check out Sarah's Post:

These days, between my writing career and personal life, I don’t have much time for reading (honestly, it’s been the hardest thing to adjust to since getting a book deal). So when I do have an evening free, you can find me on the couch with my kindle, devouring my guilty pleasure: adult paranormal romance novels. Actually, my favorite thing about having a kindle is that it makes it so easy to finish one book and immediately download the next—which is precisely what happens every time I go on a reading binge.

So, I thought I’d share my top three guilty pleasure series—which are all also books that I think Celaena, the heroine of Throne of Glass, would go absolutely gaga over. It’s no coincidence that her guilty pleasure is reading romance books, too!

 

Thea Harrison’s Elder Races series (starting with Dragon Bound):

This was my gateway drug to the world of paranormal romance. Hot guys that can shape-shift, strong female leads, vibrant world building—what more can you look for in a guilty pleasure read? After seeing a rave review for Dragon Bound online, and in need of a change from my typical YA fantasy fare, I figured I’d give it a shot. A day later, I was downloading the second book in the series. Then the third. And then the fourth. And then I wrote emails to my closest friends, demanding that they immediately read the books. I actually loved the first four books enough that I bought them all in print, too (just in case the apocalypse happens and I somehow can’t find a way to charge my kindle)! Thea Harrison has also written a number of companion e-novellas, which are all absolutely delicious!

 

Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series (starting with Angels’ Blood):

 

Raphael. Enough said. Need more convincing? Okay. How about super-powerful (and sexy!) angels, kick-ass and compelling heroines, and a fascinating re-imagining of our world, in which angels and humans (and vampires!) live alongside each other? Not enough? Well, in addition to having majorly steamy romance, Nalini Singh is an incredible writer. Her characters, the world-building—it’s all top notch. I read the whole series, and as soon as I finished, I did two things: 1) Learned when the next book is releasing and 2) Downloaded the first book in her Psy-Changeling series. I am THAT much of a fan

J. R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series (starting with Dark Lover):

 

Oh, where do I even begin? I read all ten books over the course of a few weeks (and in the middle of drafting the sequel to Throne of Glass, too!). I swooned, laughed, and cried (at the end of Lover Awakened I was in a fetal position, weeping). The series is dark and sensual and heartbreaking—and utterly addictive. Books by J. R. Ward are now instant-buys for me. (And Goodness help me if I ever meet her, because I will probably dissolve into a puddle of fangirl goo.

Thanks Sarah, These are awesome reads!
guys check out the Throne Of Glass Book Trailer! and make sure you get the novel because guess what? ITS OUT NOW!

www.sarahjmaas.com

www.sjmaas.livejournal.com

www.facebook.com/THRONEOFGLASS

www.twitter.com/SJMaas

 

 

 

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LetterBox Love #8

 

Letterbox Love is a weekly feature hosted by Lynsey on Narratively Speaking inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie

It came out of a group discussion on twitter for the desire and need for a UK feature to share our weekly grabs, buys and haul of a bookish nature as well as any other goodies we care to share.

Received

 

The Dark Heroine by Abigial Gibbs

 AMAZING BOOK! here is my review

Thank you Harper Voyager!

 

Hidden By Sophie Jordan

Thank you Dee at Good Choice Reading for this! been wanting this for ages

 

Poison Princess By Kresley Cole

Thank you Simon and Schuster! I cant wait to read this! the cover

is so pretty!

 

Blink Once By Cylin Busby

Thank you to Bloomsbury! this sounds amazing! I cannot wait to start!

 

Ruthless By Sara Shepard

Thank you Atom for sending this!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A little hello from Hayley

Hello all,

I just thought I would say hello, I have a few reviews that I am working on and they will definitely be up in the next few days.
I've had lots going on, had a bit of an emotional one at home, that is all well and good now thankfully.
Over the last few days I've been feeling very fluey so haven't got a great deal done, so I apologise as I have been meaning to finish the last parts of these reviews and get them up, they are nearly there.

I gave in to the hype and started reading the 50 Shades series, don't worry I shant be reviewing on here, I must say I quite enjoyed the first book but the second one hasn't grabbed me as much, hence why it has been left on the side.

On the otherhand I have been late to the party with The Hunger Games but I am addicted to it, I am currently reading 'Catching Fire' I also have the DVD but due to illness and needing sleep I haven't watched it as yet. So over the next few days you shall see 'The Wedding Diaries', The Debutantes' and 'A Very Accidental Love Story' on the blog from me. In 6 days time I shall be departing for California USA I cannot wait and you never know I may return with some goodies for the blog.
To those awaiting goodies from me they are on their way.

Do let us know what you've been reading? I am always open to recommendations.

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Book Review: The Dark Heroine By Abigail Gibbs

Name: The Dark HeroineAuthor: Abigail Gibbs
Publisher: Harper Collins
UK Release Date: 13th September

Summary: One moment can change your life forever…
For Violet Lee, a chance encounter on a darkened street draws her into a world beyond her wildest imaginings, a timeless place of vast elegance and immeasurable wealth – of beautiful mansions and lavish parties – where a decadent group of friends live for pleasure alone. A place from which there is no escape… no matter how hard Violet tries.
Yet all the riches in the world can’t mask the darkness that lies beneath the gilded surface, embodied in the charismatic but dangerous Kaspar Varn.
Violet and Kaspar surrender to a passion that transcends their separate worlds – but it’s a passion that comes at a price
 

Review: So I was asked if I would review this novel after reading the summary and I jumped at the chance. It sounded exciting. Something fresh for the vampire world of books. London based and one of the most exciting and hard hitting beginnings of a book ever I was sucked in (pun intended)

London, vampires everywhere, hot bites, hot scenes, very original plot and on the edge of combustion moments.

I had heard nothing about this story or how it came to be. It has had over 16 million views on wattpad and the author is only 17!!

This Book was deliciously good from the first page! The action started and kept me reading. I love my city (London) so when a book is set here especially a paranormal one I always get excited to read it and boy I was!

 

A girl witnessing something that will change her life forever. Meeting the sexiest of vampires in a London landmark and then falling into their seductive trap especially from Kaspar.

The addictive male lead of the story. His one liners and evil sexy self was more than I could handle. He's domineering character made this book what it is! One hell of a addictive story!

We have Violet Lee the confident "Heroine" of the story who's such a joy to read. She isn't annoying, she isn't reparative she's exciting and addictive as well.

I love that we have all different ages of characters! We even have children  vampires! I thought that was clever!

I absolutely loved the sexual tension between Violet and Kaspar their relationship kept me turn the page.

The Dark Heroine is an epic Sexy vampire story set in London with afflicting characters and nonstop action (literally) I cannot wait for this book to be published because it will be HUGE! Bigger than it already is! :)

 

 

 

 

 

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