Book Review: WitchBlood By Emma Mills

Name: WitchBlood
Author: Emma Mills

Summary: When Jess steals a glance at a gorgeous guy in a Manchester nightclub, little does she realise how he is going to change her life…or should that be death?

Yet, the vampire clan could never have predicted what they were taking on. With Luke pronounced ‘off-limits’ and the blood of a vampire simmering in Jess’s body, can she forget the love of her life and move on? If not, she will risk exposing the entire Northern clan to untold dangers, in order to live her life the way she wants.

Can Jess be sure that Luke is all he appears to be? Will she succumb to the attraction she desperately tries not to feel for Daniel? And why does she still crave a packet of crisps more than a tasty teenage boy’s blood?

Review: I found out about WitchBlood via Twitter and after speaking with Emma Mills the author, she sent me the first two novels WitchBlood and WitchCraft ahead of the release of WitchLove in February. I don't have a Kindle or an e-reader (at the minute) but since I got my iPhone 5 I have been downloading e-books like no ones business. I finished reading a festive novel whilst at work and thought I would read a glimpse of WitchBlood and see what it was all about. All it took was a few pages and then I was a few chapters in. I never used to read more than one book at a time but just lately I have been, and now I may just have to go back to one at a time.
Having WitchBlood on my iPhone meant I've been reading here and there whenever I got a spare second, and I'd sadly neglected other books for Jessie's story.
WitchBlood is an addictive and compelling new read, that takes supernatural to a whole new level. I've loved reading about Vampires but after a while it feels like so many authors are jumping on the bandwagon following the success of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries.
What Emma Mills has written is inventive, captivating and fresh and what I love most is that it's based in Manchester, YAY! a UK based read. Not many series's are based here so it's nice to see something that us Brits can relate to.

The twists relating to Jess's heritage and Luke had me on the edge of my seat begging for more. I'm a lover of Witches and Vampires and this new series is well written, addictive, compelling and just bloody brillant. If you love a good supernatural read, with twists and intensity then download WitchBlood now and I bet you'll be reaching for WitchCraft once you've read the last sentence of the very last page. I would have done just that but I have a few festive reads to complete first and then I will be itching to get back to Jess and co and see where the saga takes her next. I've managed to get a few of my friends compelled by these books and my mate Debbie managed to overtake my reading altogether that is how great this new series is. SINK YOUR TEETH INTO IT NOW! you won't regret it.

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Book Review: It Started With A Kiss By Miranda Dickinson

Name: It Started With A Kiss
Author: Miranda Dickinson
Publisher: Avon

Summary: Join our heroine Romily as she discovers how far she will go to find the man of her dreams.
As the singer in a wedding band, Romily Parker has seen her fair share of happy endings, even though her own love life isn't quite as simple. On the last Saturday before Christmas, (shortly after a disastrously declaring her love for best friend Charlie), Romily has a brief encounter with a handsome stranger whose heart-stopping kiss changes everything.
Determined to find him again, Romily embarks on a yearlong quest, helped (and sometimes hindered) by enthusiastic Uncle Dudley, cake-making Auntie Mags and flamboyant Wren.
Will she find the man of her dreams? Or could true love be closer than she thinks?


Review: I kept seeing this book on the shelves in many bookstores and this year 'It Started With A Kiss' was the first festive read I purchased. A truly inspiring tale of love, hope and friendship.
This novel will bring out the romantic in you, a compelling read from cover to cover.
Before devouring this I read 'Love Loss and Coffee Cake' which featured the loveable Dudley and Mags- I'm glad I read this first as it explained a great deal about their relationship and how much of a struggle they had before they got together.
It also showed me how lovely these characters are and it was a pleasure to read two novels about them.
Romily is such an inspiring character she thinks she's weak, but she's oh so strong. I would love for a handsome stranger to sweep me up and kiss me- but would I be brave enough to search for him I'm not so sure.
Romily's story has made me think, next year will be my final year of my 20s (just like Romily and just like her I want to make it count).
What I loved about this story is that no matter how hard her quest got she was spurred on by comments on her blog. It's funny how people who know nothing about you are sometimes the ones that spur you on.
I loved all the characters from the band and I can safely say I would love to read about them again. Jack is like the big brother you'd always wanted, Charlie is cute, shy and in general a man who is blind to his feelings. Wren is fun and unpredictable, Tom is a typical lad and Sophie isn't always around but she's the life and soul when she is.
Throughout the book I found myself shouting at them especially Charlie and Romily- I don't want to give anything away but the twists had me making strange sounds on the bus. YES! I got a few funny looks.

If you're looking for an inspiring tale of love, friendship and life then this is it.
A perfect page turner that I could read over and over again.
I now look forward to devouring more of Miranda's novels starting withn When I Fall In Love' which I got for Christmas.

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Book Review: Through To You by Emily Hainsworth

Title: Through To You
Author: Emily Hainsworth 

Release Date: 3rd January 2013

Publisher: Simon and Schuster 

Summery: Camden Pike has been grief-stricken since his girlfriend, Viv, died. Viv was the last good thing in his life: helping him rebuild his identity after a career-ending football injury, picking up the pieces when his home life shattered, and healing his pain long after the meds wore off. And now, he'd give anything for one more glimpse of her. But when Cam makes a visit to the site of Viv's deadly car accident, he sees some kind of apparition. And it isn't Viv.

The apparition's name is Nina, and she's not a ghost. She's a girl from a parallel world, and in this world, Viv is still alive. Cam can't believe his wildest dreams have come true. All he can focus on is getting his girlfriend back, no matter the cost. But things are different in this other world: Viv and Cam have both made very different choices, things between them have changed in unexpected ways, and Viv isn't the same girl he remembers. Nina is keeping some dangerous secrets, too, and the window between the worlds is shrinking every day. As Cam comes to terms with who this Viv has become and the part Nina played in his parallel story, he's forced to choose—stay with Viv or let her go—before the window closes between them once and for all.

Review: Death is a sensitive subject for all of us. It has affected everyone in some way and we all have our own ways of dealing with it. Through To You is a beautifully honest story of just that, And even though there are paranormal portholes and other worlds, the heart of the story is just a boy trying to live life after being left behind by the one he loved.  

Never once with this book did I ever come across a part where I could think I could put it down and pick it up again later, the whole book had a sense of anticipation and endless questions running needing answers that made it impossible to stop reading.  There are paranormal sides to this book, but strangely not once did I feel like I was reading a paranormal book, it felt like this is how it should be and I didn't even want to question it.  

Without a doubt my favorite character in this book is Camden, he’s who we see the story through so we naturally empathize with him, but his unwilling determination to give up on the girl he loves and his constant struggles made him impossible for me not to love, even throughout his mistakes. He has a lot to deal with in this story and I can guarantee that everyone who reads this will be able to relate to one of his problems, from death and troubled home life to see how people really are. Another great character to read was Viv, love her or hate her she was a great source of drama, and proved that you never really know a person.

The only thing bad about this book was that it ended, I loved it, it’s the kind of books that makes you, think, question, cry and cheer and I would read again in a heartbeat. 

Chanel

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UKYA Book Blogger Secret Santa PRESENTS!

Lynsey of Narratively Speaking set up a Secret Santa especially for the UKYA book bloggers and of course I had to take part!

 

I Received my presents two days ago and I am so happy! If you guys know me or follow me on twitter you will know I am obsessed with Shakespeare and Romeo & Juliet. So when I received these I knew exactly who got me these. Check it out!

 

THIS is a personalised Romeo and Juliet. You may ask how is it personalised? WELL Juliets name is replaced with my own through out the book! its amazing ;')

 

 

Dedication in the book :)

 

 

Romeo and Juliet annotated script from the 1996 movie!!!! :O

 

 

Some lovely nail varnish, lip gloss and CHOCOLATE :)

Last but not least I have a tad crush on Harry Styles from One Direction (I KNOW I KNOW) and this explains it all haha.

I want to Thank the AMAZING Laura from Sister Spooky Blog. It made me cry and made my week Thank you! mwah xxx

 

 



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LetterBox love #9

 

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

Hidden Among Us By Katy Moran

Through The Never Sky By Veronica Rossi Thank you GoodChoiceReading for sending it.

OMG! is This Actually my Life By Rae Earl

Received

Spintered By A.G Howard

Level 2 By Lenore Appelhans

Received

Dance Of Shadows By Yelena Black

Requiem By Lauren Oliver

 

Thank you to all the Publishers and friends who sent me books these past couple of weeks :)

 

 

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Ebook Review: Winter Warmers By Carole Matthews

Name: Winter Warmers
Author: Carole Matthews

Summary: Three short stories from the wonderfully warm Carole Matthews: Winter Warmers - a gift for you. 

All I Want for Christmas is You
Christmas is around the corner but Maria just can't get into the spirit - will she ever find Mr Right? But when a secret admirer starts leaving her poems and notes, it looks as though her luck is about to change . . .

Cold Turkey
Tara is in love with a man she can't have. She expected to spend Christmas with him but when the big day arrives, she finds herself alone. Sad and upset, Tara just wants to ignore the festive season - and then a chance encounter changes everything.

About Gardening
I love my husband Sam but our relationship isn't what it used to be. Can I find a way to bring us back together? 

Treat yourself to this heart-warming collection - it's perfect for warming up those winter nights.

Review: Last year I truly enjoyed Carole's festive read 'Wrapped Up In You' so I was overjoyed to hear of 'With Love At Christmas' this year. When I got my iPhone I then found out about 'Winter Warmers' as I don't have a Kindle or ereader I was over the moon to be able to download these three short stories on ibooks. I love that Carole has a 'Dear Reader' at the beginning of her novels. What I love about this one is that not only does she get me in the festive spirit I also learn a little more about Carole, just like chatting to a friend over coffee.

All I Want For Christmas Is You- From the very first line I felt like Maria...a truly loveable story of love and Christmas cheer. My advent calendar seems mundane after Maria's treats from a stranger. A short story that feels my heart with hope and love. I enjoyed every single page.
Cold Turkey- A story that is very true to many people. (That is not me saying I have a married lover) I don't have any form of lover. Tara and Danny's story just proves that the kindness of a stranger can make you're dreams come true, when you least expect it.
About Gardening- Habit? Routine it happens to us all. A good read, but the shortest of the three.

I really loved this awesome free read and I now cannot wait to get my teeth into 'With Love At Christmas' another fab read from the lovely Carole Matthews.

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Book Review: I heart New York By Lindsey Kelk

Name: I heart New York
Author: Lindsey Kelk
Publisher: HarperCollins

Summary: When you're running away from a broken heart, there's only one place to go...Adjusting tiaras at the foot of the aisle, Angela and her best friend prepare for the wedding of the year. But events don't go as planned. And when a girl is in possession of a crumpled bridesmaid dress - and can't go home - New York (for the very first time) seems like an excellent idea. Angela's new friend Jenny Lopez gives Angela a whirlwind tour of the city that never sleeps, and a makeover. Who hasn't dreamed of starting afresh with a sassy New York wardrobe, a new haircut and a trip to the make-up counter? Before she knows it, the new Angela is getting over her broken heart by having dinner with two different boys. And, best of all, she gets to write about it in her fabulous new blog. But it's one thing telling readers all about your romantic dilemmas. It's another trying to figure them out for yourself! 

Review: Firstly, I've wanted to get hold of these books for what seems like forever! Yep, I know I'm way behind compared to some of you, but this series kept passing me by. 
I'm now going to contridict myself here by saying I wanted a break from a series and you're thinking aren't the I heart books a series. Yes indeed they are, but when I chose to read this I had been truly mesemerised by books one and two of The Hunger Games. So I decided to read this before I read the final instalment of the gripping series. (I'll let you in on a secret I still haven't read the final book.)
The funny thing is I was on holiday in California when I got around to reading I heart New York. 
Angela is a brave you woman, who has discovered that her fiancee isn't who she thinks he is, and in discovering this she flees to New York.
Brave and some may say stupid but Angela transforms her life for the better and in doing so she made me look to the future with a positive mind.
This novel will have you hooked as it is just like reading your best mates blog...from the first few chapters I was well and truly hooked by Lindsey Kelk's feel good summer read. 
Angela is a loveable character who you will cheer on throughout, as a reader all you want is for her to be happy. She is inspiring by the way she changes her life, sometimes all it takes is a haircut, and I really do believe that as recently I had a well needed haircut and it made me feel like a totally different person.

When Angela meets Jenny at first I was dubious until I realised that they both needed each other, what a rollercoaster ride these girls go on. It's as if they both needed each other, and they found each other just at the right time. I loved all the twists and turns and I really enjoyed seeing Angela get her confidence and her life back, I cannot wait to read the rest of this series and to delve further into the wonderful world of Lindsey Kelk.

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Book Review: Whisper By Alyson Noel

Name: Whisper
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: Panmacmillan

Summary: Riley Bloom- ace Soul Catcher- faces her toughest challenge yet.
She must travel to ancient Rome and convince dead Gladiator Theocoles to accept his fate and move on. Then she meets the charming Messalina, who gives Riley a dramatic makeover, transforming her into a beautiful teenager. Finally Riley experiences her first kiss...in a world this enchantingm will she ever want to leave?

Review:
Whisper is the final book in the Riley Bloom series, so far Alyson Noel cheekily informs me. Having now finished this awesome series I am so glad that Alyson has the option to return to Riley at a later date.
She is such a cheeky character, one you cannot help but fall in love with.
Over the four novels she has blossomed into an even more delightful young woman and following her story has been a pleasure. She's a fun character and reading about her latest Soul catch, and seeing her experience dramatic changes has been emotional.
This book was the most frustrating of the four, my heart was well and truly in my mouth for a good few chapters. So many twists and turns, just when you thought you knew what Alyson was planning bam something changed everything.
I do love Riley and Bodhi- I was kind of wishing those two would realise they should be more than friends but hey there is still time.
There were points during reading this where I wanted to shout at Riley and Bodhi. Messalina frustrated me so much and I'm glad part of my instincts were right about her.

An out of this world read and if that is the end of Riley Bloom's stories what a way to go!!! She sure as hell got her "glow on".

LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!!!!

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