Thursday 29 November 2012

Cover Reveal: Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend by Louise Rozett

Today I wanted to show off the cover of the second book in the Confessions series by Louise Rozett.

I present to you the cover of Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend!


I read the first book Confessions of an Angry Girl about two months ago and really loved it. I would recommend that you give the book a try because I thought it was pretty awesome.

I love this cover and I actually think I like it even more than the first one even though I did love the cover of the first one too!

The book is being released June 1st 2013 so there is still a long wait left to get through. I'm super excited for the book to come out and if you haven't read the first book there is still plenty of time to pick it up and read it before the second book comes out.
 

What do you think of the cover?
Have you read the first book Confessions of an Angry Girl?
 

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Teaser Tuesday {2}


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



My Teaser:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8591107-the-unbecoming-of-mara-dyer

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyers
Author: Michelle Hodkin


Teaser:

 #1: “Is there any point in asking what you're going to do to me?"
He grinned wickedly. "Not really."
Fabulous.
"Does it involve the use of a safe word?"
"That will depend entirely on you.”  




Leave the link to your teaser in the comments and I'll check it out!


Sunday 18 November 2012

Review: Spellbound by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Spellbound
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Publication Date: March 13th, 2012
Page Count: 336
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 3.5/5
 
 
Synopsis
 
Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?


Favourite Quotes

“Whoa, I'm your girlfriend now?"
Archer shrugged. "We've tried to kill each other, fought ghouls, and kissed a lot. I'm pretty sure we're married in some cultures.” 


“Um...Mercer? Haven't seen you in nearly a month. I was expecting something like, 'Oh Cross, love of my heart, fire of my loins, how I've longed--” 

“Okay, fine. But just so you know, following me into hell means you’re all definitely the sidekicks.” “Darn, I was hoping to be the rakishly charming love interest,” Archer said, taking my hand.” 

Few Words Quickie

Funny and witty like all the other books in the series.

My Thoughts

I've loved this series a grand amount but I felt SPELLBOUND was my least favourite. As a reader I was still captured by all the different elements of the book that makes the Hex Hall series unique. Strong and well developed characters. Archer and Sophie continue to make their sarcastic, funny and witty comebacks like usual which still has the power to make me smile. After reading DEMONGLASS I was super excited to get my hands on the last book SPELLBOUND especially as we were left with a huge cliffhanger.

After awaiting the release of SPELLBOUND I expected the series to go out with a bang but I felt it was lacking something spectacular, something mind blowing that would give it a WOW factor, I think there could have been some awesome plot twists. But with that said there were some shocking truths revealed that did surprise me and there were some parts of the book that had me on edge and glued to the book. Rachel Hawkins also managed to emotionally wound me at the end of SPELLBOUND through an unexpected event.

I continued to love Sophie's character, even in the worst of times she manages to lighten the mood and create this sense of hope. I also grew to love Elodie's character, some of her actions really made me realise how much more there is to her character from when you first meet her. At the end of the day even though she's the type of character you'd dislike at first, underneath everything she's a strong headed girl that will go to great extents for people she cares about.

Personally, I think a strong theme I noticed throughout the book was sacrifice, it was probably one of the reasons I came to love some of the characters even more than I did before, it's also one of the reasons that made this book special. Even though SPELLBOUND wasn't my favourite of the whole series it was still enjoyable and I'm glad I could follow Sophie on her adventure and see her grow in different ways.

I've heard there might be a spin off from the Hex Hall series so I'm excited to see what it will be about and I'm definitely looking forward to reading anything Rachel Hawkin's writes in the future.

Links
Goodreads: Hex Hall (Book #1)
Goodreads: Demonglass (Book #2)
Goodreads: Spellbound (Book #3)


Friday 16 November 2012

Dystopia Reading Challenge {2013}

Hosted by Blog of Erised
 
I've decided to  join this reading challenge as I think it will be great fun!
If you enjoy Dystopian books this challenge will be perfect for you. It will run from January 1st, 2013 to December 31st, 2013.
  • All formats are allowed
  • Re-reads are allowed
  • Must be full length books
  • It can be a stand alone book or a series
There are 4 levels of the challenge:
Level 1: Recruit (1 to 6 books)
Level 2: Rebel (7 to 12 books)
Level 3: Revolutionist (13 to 18 books)
Level 4: Leader (19+ books)
 I will be doing Level 2: Rebel
 Some of the books I hope to read are:
  1. Breathe by Sarah Crossan
  2. Crewel by Gennifer Albin
  3. Shatter Me by Taherah Mafi
  4. Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
  5. Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter
  6. What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
  7. Requiem by Lauren Oliver
  8. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
  9. Angelfall by Susan Ee
  10. The Elite by Kiera Cass

City of Bones trailer + The Host trailer

City of Bones
 
 
I've patiently (which doesn't happen very often) been waiting for the 'City of Bones' trailer for quite a while. Now that I've finally seen it, I can't lie, but I did a little happy dance around the house!
 
I can't explain it but the trailer was pretty kick ass on so many levels. Just seeing all the characters come to life is exciting. The effects, music, setting and pretty much everything was awesome. I couldn't help but realise how cute Simon was and who could miss Jace's sexy accent. Did anyone else notice that Valentine had braid's in his hair, wouldn't you say that was cool? Maybe Magnus has been styling him.
 
 
Just look at Clary, Jace, Alec, Isabelle and even a topless Simon, is it not just perfect?
 
 
 
The Host
 
 
How can I express how much I love Max Irons who's playing Jared?
 
If the film manages to stay as true to the book as possible I will be super happy, the trailer sure is promising. The effects department sure did an amazing job, the music went along perfectly. I have faith that Saoirse Ronan will do a great job playing Melanie so I'm very much looking forward to watching it.
 
 
 
What did you think of the trailers?
 
 

Wednesday 14 November 2012

My Book Boyfriend #9 {Jace Wayland}

 
My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by Missie @ The Unread Reader and Lesley @ My Keeper Shelf. This meme is one of my favourites because it gives me the chance to show off some of the many awesome book boyfriends there are out there.
 
Tomorrow the 'City of Bones' teaser trailer is coming out so I thought it wouldn't hurt to feature one of the swoon worthy shadowhunters.
 
Jace Wayland
  • SHADOWHUNTER
  • Has various last names including Wayland, Herondale, Lightwood, and Morgernstern.
  • 17 years old
  • Blond/Golden hair
  • Amber/Gold coloured eyes
 
Quotes
 
“Have you fallen in love with the wrong person yet?'
Jace said, "Unfortunately, Lady of the Haven, my one true love remains myself."
..."At least," she said, "you don't have to worry about rejection, Jace Wayland."
"Not necessarily. I turn myself down occasionally, just to keep it interesting.” 

 
 
“Is this the part where you start tearing off strips of your shirt to bind my wounds?"
"If you wanted me to rip my clothes off, you should have just asked.” 

 
 
“Don't touch any of my weapons without my permission."
"Well, there goes my plan for selling them all on eBay," Clary muttered.
"Selling them on what?"
Clary smiled blandly at him. "A mythical place of great magical power.”

 
 
“Can I help you with something?"
Clary turned instant traitor against her gender. "Those girls on the other side of the car are staring at you."
Jace assumed an air of mellow gratification. "Of course they are," he said, "I am stunningly attractive.” 

 
ANYONE ELSE EXCITED FOR THE CITY OF BONES TEASER TRAILER?

Monday 12 November 2012

Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Title: Speechless
Author: Hannah Harrington
Publisher: HarlequinTEEN
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
Page Count: 288
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 5/5
 
 

Synopsis


Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.


Favourite Quotes

“Hate is...it's too easy," he says. His face calm, calmer than it has any right to be, his eyes not wavering from mine, like he's so completely sure of what he's saying. "Love. Love takes courage.” 

“You can be surrounded by people and still be lonely. You can be the most popular person in school, envied by every girl and wanted by every boy, and still feel completely worthless. The world can be laid at your feet and you can still not know what you want from it.” 
“I love the way he says my name, like it’s something he wants to keep safe.” 

Few words quickie

Love is louder, a beautiful read worth picking up.
 
My Thoughts

SPEECHLESS is a powerful and beautifully written book which captured me as a reader and was able to highlight all the many problems facing society today. Hannah Harrington has swiftly made her way onto my favourite authors list because of the wonderful way she presents her characters and develops them through the course of her books.

SPEECHLESS handles issues that teenagers face today. The book allows the main character Chelsea to some extent to find herself amongst all the problems that are thrown at her. One main lesson it illustrated for me is how we're all human, we're the same but different but we all make mistakes. It explores old and new friendships, ones that are temporary and at the end of the day not worth it and ones that have the possibility to last a lifetime. All the characters seemed so realistic and honest it would've been a hard job to truly dislike any of them.

I liked the way the author made Rosies' a kind of central place/area for Chelsea to go to, but it also let me see the change in her character while also allowing me to explore the other characters like Sam who I must admit I very much liked. More like LOVED. Sam and Chelsea's relationship was one of the many reasons this book made me smile, I pretty much was cheering them on to get together through most of the book.

If I had to give one reason why I dearly loved SPEECHLESS it would have to be because it's relevant more than anything else. I think as a whole it shows off how you can change as I person but to forgive yourself in the midst of it all. This book should definitely be picked up and read, even if you don't love it as much as I did (and I sure loved it a lot) you can't mistake the powerful message the book holds.

Links:
Hannah Harrington's website
Harlequin's Website
Harlequin TEEN on Facebook
Love is Louder website
Love is Louder on Facebook

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Teaser Tuesdays {1}

 
 
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
 
Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
 
My Teasers:
 


Title: Paper Towns
Author: John Green
 
 
"Call me selfish, but if I found her, I wanted it to be alone."
 
p.208
 
 
 
Leave the link to your teaser in the comments and I'll check them out!
 
 
 
 

Monday 5 November 2012

Review: Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett

Title: Confessions of an Angry Girl
Author: Louise Rozett
Publisher: HarlequinTEEN
Publication Date: August 28th 2012
Page Count:
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 5/5


Synopsis


ROSE ZARELLI, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some confessions to make...
1. I’m livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I’m allowed to be irate, don’t you?

2. I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who might be dating
a cheerleader. She is now enraged and out for blood. Mine.

 
3. High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the
time. (Mars is red and “seeing red” means being angry—get it?)


Here are some other vocab words that describe my life:
Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable.


(Don’t know what they mean? Look them up yourself.)

(Sorry. That was rude.)

Favourite Quotes

“Bad things happen whether you're scared or not, so you might as well not bother being scared. It's a waste of time.” 

“The most acrobatic thing that goes on here is a synchronised hair flip.”

Few words quickie

Couldn't put it down

My Thoughts

CONFESSIONS OF AN ANGRY GIRL had me hooked straight from the beginning. When I began the book I really didn't know what to expect. As soon as I started reading I knew I would probably be reading late into the night. Well that's exactly what happened.

From the summary I expected the book to be a pretty heavy and dark read but it was nothing like that. I can totally relate to Rose's character especially her personality and attitude, she isn't one to give under peer pressure just like myself I would say. I think one of the elements of the book that I found pretty fun and engaging was the different words at the  start of each chapter along with a definition which came along with a sarcastic comment. It brought about this feeling of anticipation in some sense for the next chapter.

I particularly liked the different characters even though a few were clique like the cheerleaders being the queens of the school and all that but I didn't mind as the other characters were different and unique. I really liked Angelo's character especially as he seemed to always lighten the mood but also carried a story of his own. Not forgetting mysterious Jamie who I was definitely swooning over throughout the book, I think he captured me straight from the start especially as his character is quite quiet but enjoys art, this is a quality in a guy that is worth fanning myself over. But it wasn't only his cuteness that I liked it was the fact he had a history that Rose slowly unravels as the book goes on and you fall more in love with him. At the end of the book you're still wondering about different aspects of Jamie and his life.

Another reason why I really loved this book was because it presented issues facing teens today, it highlighted them in a realistic manner and showed the reader some teens behaviour and attitude towards topics like sex. Rose's adventure of sorts explores her reaction and experience, one that was quite outgoing was her trip to the gynaecologist which was quite interesting and unexpected.

I  wouldn't really say Rose was exactly a very angry person as the title presents because with all things considered including her father's death she was quite a strong character because she didn't take out all her anger or frustration on everyone around but as you read the book you could see that she was slowly cracking and ready to burst. However I think by the end of the book you could feel some of that anger dissipate slowly. The author does an excellent job in taking us on Rose's emotional journey and does it in a way that the change is not sudden but kind of merges in slowly.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a short YA read that they will probably enjoy as much as I did personally. I'm already excited for the next book especially as the ending left me hanging and some questions unanswered. You'll probably find me counting down till the release of 'Confessions of an Almost Girlfriend' in 2013.

Louise Rozett's Website
Louise Rozett on Twitter
Louise Rozett on Facebook