I won’t spend long wrapping up this month because I feel it has already all been said. My months have gone too fast and I don’t know how we’re at the end of another month or another year! It’s shocking how time flies. My December has been busy and filled with Christmas and relaxing and ended on the biggest book slump ever! I won’t say more than that because I need to go look back on my year as a whole soon and to do that I actually need to write some posts. Have a quick catch up with my music, books, blog posts and some fun links before you go.
I will say that December has been one of those months where it feels like everything has been happening. If it wasn’t busy at work then my social life was suddenly booming and if it wasn’t that then the news was blowing up with things. I just feel like this month hasn’t stopped. As such, I want to spend the end of the New Year relaxing. I will be posting this Saturday when I have every intention of sitting in and watching TV with my family and playing lots of video games and fully embracing my inner recluse.
Can’t Stop Listening
Dick & Jane – Sidney York
Million Reasons – Lady GaGa
December Reads
Searching For Perfect // Iron Kin // An Offer From A Gentleman // The Three-Body Problem // The Job // Hot Winter Nights // Relativity // Frostblood
December Posts
December Links
It Starts At Midnight | 10 Super Legit Reasons To Ignore Your Blog // Book Hoarder Survival Guide // The Effects Of Becoming A Bookperson
Paper Fury | How My Reading Habits Have Changed in 2016 // 10 Reasons I’ll Decide To Read That Book // The Absolute Worst Bookworm Logic To Ever Exist
The Book Voyagers | A to Z: A Guide to Finding Your Perfect 2017 Book (you can never find too many books for next year, after all)
Bustle | 17 Of The Best Romance Novels of 2017 (tell me if you agree) // 15 Long Ass YA Books That Are Totally Worth Finishing
Stay Bookish | 2016: The Year of “Problematic”
How was your month? Anyone got some funny stories of Christmas or got a book they loved as a gift? And what songs can you not get out of your head lately? I need to know these things.
28 December 2016
How Not To Let Go // A Book That Concluded An Excellent Romance And Gave Me The Warm and Fuzzies
Published: 27th December 206
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
My Rating:
From the author of How Not to Fall comes an electrifying, powerful new story about love, trust, and emotional surrender.
Once upon a time, med student Annie Coffey set out to have a purely physical fling with Charles Douglas, a gorgeous British doctor in her lab. It didn’t quite work out that way. Instead, secrets—and desires—were bared, hearts were broken, and Annie knew she had to leave this complicated, compelling man who remains convinced he can never give her what she needs.
Walking away is one thing. Staying away is another. Annie and Charles reunite at a London conference, rekindling a friendship they struggle to protect from their intense physical connection. Little by little, Annie gets a glimpse into Charles’s dark past and his wealthy, dysfunctional family. Soon, she’s discovering what it means to have someone claim her, body and soul. And she’s learning that once in a lifetime you find a love that can make you do anything…except let go.
I read the first book in this little duology just a few months ago and I there just weren’t enough good words to say about that book. I will say now my review may contain spoilers for the first book so for the love of all that is holy read that book first before reading this review.
How Not To Fall was this fantastic and refreshing romantic read that was so very different to anything I’d read before. It was a romance that on paper sounds like it could be Fifty Shades, but in reality is this amazing, emotional, layered exploration of romance and damaged people with issues trying to make it through in life. It was utterly amazing and the resolution we have in this book was just amazing. And cathartic. Which is a strange thing to say about a book.
Let Me Get My Negatives Outta The Way
I was utterly enamoured with these two books but I do realise there were flaws. Flaws I want to address head on, just in case you care.
First of all, compared to the first book this book felt a bit more disjointed with the flow of time. Occasionally, the chapters felt like they jumped around, especially when they changed perspective between Charles and Annie. This second book takes place over a longer period of time than the first so I think that may be why it felt a bit more disjointed. It bothered me a bit as I was reading to skip chunks of time or have chunks of time just brushed across then to have time slow again. The pacing wasn’t off, but I noticed the time changes.
Also, I felt the ending got rushed. It built up for a while and then I could see where it was building to and when we reached the precipice and we could see the end it was like we went rolling down a hill and everything rushed by so fast that I was left questioning how we got there. I mean, I liked the ending but at the same time I felt like it was all over too soon. Maybe that is me being upset over the book ending and wanting to hold on a bit longer, but it did feel rushed to me.
Now We’ve Gotten Past That Why Was This A Favourite?
Look, I’ve still not gotten over how much the clinical descriptions of sex just worked for me in the last book and they continued to work for me in this one. Especially as the sex is very controlling with Annie being to the point of not being able to move from orgasm and Charles then using her for his own pleasure. When phrased in that way it sounds insanely creepy (and is something which Annie begins to question with her friends if this is normal behaviour and gets addressed with Charles as well. I love the fact that sexual practices are addressed when they are uncommon and questioned) yet in the book, maybe due to the way sex is described in a passionate but clinical way made it so good.
I loved the way the book is written, sure I needed to look up a few of the more archaic words at times but this book is written intelligently. At no point are things dumbed down to readers, instead things are explained when necessary and both characters, although being insanely intelligent, are still human and say completely normal things with Aristotle quotes and such interspersed.
I love that we found out more about both Annie and Charles's life and past and actually got to see some of their family and childhood. I really liked that. Especially as the time with both of their families allowed for a vast amount of character growth as well. I mean, they both went through a lot of character growth at other times as well (another favourite aspect, the way these characters were determined to grow and develop and still be in one another’s lives regardless of what role they played in it) but the way that their families helped to trigger a lot of growth and revelations for them both was just fantastic so they weren’t stuck in this angsty isolation as a couple.
And the way mental health problems are addressed was insane. I mean, I was thrilled with the character growth which occurred in this book, but the fact that mental health is addressed and the lasting affects a history of emotional abuse can have on characters was just astounding. I mean, Charles and his siblings all experienced emotional abuse and each of them dealt with it in very different ways, from Biz’s anorexia as her consumption of food was something she could control in times of high stress. And then there was Simon with his stuttering and piano collection with his ability to use algorithms to analyse future events. Then there was Charles who chose to cut himself off from emotional pain by cutting off and controlling his interactions with others so he didn’t risk getting emotionally entangled (which was obviously destined to fail). The way each of those characters grew and developed was really interesting and seeing how they handled and coped with the abuse they experienced. Charles grew and battled against his bit of despair. Biz was taking steps to overcome anorexia and her battle with food. Simon had learnt to be his own man and was all the better for it. It was amazing. And the fact they issues were never made to appear like they were miraculously better but instead it was something they continually struggled with ups and downs. That is something people will find far easier to relate to than someone who is instantly better.
I loved how Annie was not seen as a cure for all of Charles issues and that Annie’s love for Charles grew from the simplistic love of the first book. She grew and changed and it wasn’t simply enough that she loved him any more. She realised he was more than that to her and that friendship love was something she could deal with. And Charles learnt that he had to want to grow for himself and not just one person. He realised that the things he thought he knew about himself weren’t necessarily true. And most importantly his character growth was not simply that he wanted to change for Annie but instead he realised he had an issue and spoke to a therapist! I loved that he wasn’t doing it alone (another cheer for good mental health care).
Basically, It Was Love
If you can’t already tell I was utterly enamoured with this second book, too. I know there were negatives, but they just aren’t substantial enough to shatter my love. I just really liked this book with its angst and drama to it and I wouldn’t have changed a thing about it even if it did resolve my complaints because it was perfect. This is what I want from my books. But I don’t want every book to be like this as it would be difficult to live up to this book for me. Emily Foster has won a lifetime fan and I do hope she continues to write romance. I’m off to debate buying Come as You Are to see how her science-y writing compares to her romance.
Have you read a book that you recognise has flawed but you still adored? And have you read either of Emily Foster’s books and want to share your feelings with me? (If not, why not? I mean seriously?)
It’s Christmas Day! Or, it will be when you’re reading this, anyway. It’s actually Friday morning that I’m writing with a few edits on Saturday. I’m sure you’re all very busy today so I will keep my rambling to a minimum.
What have I done this week? Very little, I’ve been the person sat inside waiting for everyone else’s parcels to arrive because my family are poor planners who don’t get their Christmas presents early like smug little me. It’s not been too bad, though. I’ve done housework, watched TV and read a lot.
I actually discovered the greatest Korean drama on Netflix whilst I was sat around doing very little. It’s called Hello My Twenties on Netflix and Age of Youth everywhere else. It’s about these five girls in their twenties who live together and it was so good. I occasionally get annoyed at how OTT Korean dramas can be with kidnappings and scheming parents and such but this one was just the right level of drama and reality and it was fun. I enjoyed every second of it and I really enjoyed the soundtrack which came with. I’ve discovered some new music watching that. I love how Korean dramas are normally shorter seasons and they wrap the storyline up in that season. No dragging those shows out for seasons and killing it for me (I’m looking at you Supernatural).
Anyway, I’ve not done much else this week. It’s been a week of relaxing in preparation for the big day, which I’m excited for. I love Christmas day. It’s just such a nice family day and I’m going to enjoy every second of it. Especially as I’ll be going back to work on Wednesday for a few days and I am not looking forward to that. Actually, I have been getting my bullet journal ready to start for 2017. I’m sat trying to figure out what collections I want. I know I want a few for reading but which ones? And I’ve also been planning out my goals and resolutions for next year so there is that as well.
What I’ve Been Reading
Yes, I’m still reading The Three-Body Problem, we’re working on getting to the end of chapter 20 now, though. God, this book is hard work.
I have had a lot of other books read, though. I’ve almost been working on a book a day. I forget how much I’m enjoying this new Evanovich series she’s writing with Lee Goldberg until I read another one of them. I’m glad I’ve made this a series I slowly borrow from the library each month. It’s just so fun! I then read a short little read which I impulse bought at Tesco, but I wanted to read it because I love Codi Gary’s other romance books so I had to. I was crying whilst reading After The Last Dance and questioning why on earth I hadn’t got to this book from her sooner as it was wonderful. Then there was Relativity, that was an intense read, a review is to follow next month in time for the paperback release here in the UK.
New To Me
Please watch me hang my head in shame. I meant to buy no new books over Christmas. I meant to begin conquering my TBR. Instead, I bought too many books because there were books on offer and I found books I wanted used and couldn’t help myself. Basically, I was sat at home alone too long with access to the internet. This is also the second copy of A Court of Thorns and Roses I won. I also have it on my Kindle. I have serious issues. It was cheap at the supermarket, though. I have problems. Big ones.
I did take a sneaky trip into the library this week, as well. I’ve still got one and a half books unread from my last trip, but I couldn’t help myself. I grabbed Ancillary Justice on impulse. I’d heard good things and just saw it. I’m definitely on a sci-fi phase. And when I saw a long loan copy of The Chemist on the shelf I couldn’t resist. I may hate the Twilight series but this sounds interesting. I had to borrow it. I’ve got until the 16th January to read it. Wish me luck.
I was emailed about these two books. I’ve not heard of Lily Everett before but this Sanctuary Island series definitely sounds like my kind of series. I mean, it’s a small town and there’s a second chance romance in one. Basically, I saw romance and couldn’t resist. Who knows how I’ll find the time to read these but I’m excited to get started.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday. I’ll be busy the next couple of days but if I’m not here before, see you in the New Year. I hope you all have some wonderful new books and a really fab day.
Welcome to the closing of my reading resolutions for 2016. I had many a grand plan for this year and I did fail epically at it. I got bored. My reading challenges got ignored and I got lazy. I am not destined for reading challenges which get me to read out of my comfort zone because I won’t do it if I don’t want to.
I will look at my challenges and resolutions and hopefully this will inspire me into what I will read next.
Resolutions
I want to read at least 100 books:Completed! I read way over 100 hundred books (I’m ready to hit 200 now, I think).- I want to read more widely: I succeeded to a degree based on my reading challenges. I read a horror book and began borrowing books from the library so I got to read a bit more variety but I didn’t achieve it like I wanted. I didn’t read non-fiction or anything like that. I think I’m happy that I am willing to try new books and genres now, though.
- I want to cut my TBR pile in half: This challenge was deluded by far. I don’t know what I was thinking.
- I want to review more books: I definitely succeeded on this front. I’ve written loads of reviews this year and I am getting better at not just reviewing those books I’ve been sent for review. I’m still not great at reviewing when I don’t feel I have to but it’s getting better.
- I want to use social media a bit more: This is hit and miss. I think I am not a queen of social media and never will be. It’s something I just have to accept. We all have our thing, right?
- I want to reread more books: I re-read 13 books this year. That doesn’t sound all that many but I’m still quite pleased with that number. Hopefully I can re-read some more next year.
Reading Challenges
I was doing three reading challenges by the end of the year. The Popsugar one, the Book Riot one and Broc’s Bookcase’s Bookoply. I gave up on the Popsugar reading challenge and the Book Riot Read Harder one by about 6 months really. I don’t think I managed to progress any further than that. As for Bookoply? I was excited about it but it got abandoned by Hannah because she had personal problems.
What I have learnt from my chosen reading challenges is that I don’t like being told to read certain categories or genres. I also don’t being required to read so many books. I want something which only commits me to a few books, not 50. I don’t need to push myself in the sense of the number of books but instead push myself to read a handful of different things.
I think my most successful challenge was my discussion one where I managed one discussion post a month. I didn’t look a the prompts all that much which Nicole and Shannon put up each month and I do think I will continue the challenge and try to do one of their prompts and one of my own ideas next year. To keep it interesting.
How have you done with your 2016 challenges and resolutions? Are you shocked at your pure idealistic self from the beginning of the year or are you pleased with your progress? Has looking back on how you’ve done in the past year sparked ideas for the next?
Published: 3rd November 2016
Source: Bought
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit
My Rating:
Life is in two parts: who you were before you met her, and who you are after.
A documentary crew discover a mysterious young women living alone in the mountains of West Cork. Strikingly beautiful she has an extraordinary talent for mimicry, like the famous Australian Lyrebird. The crew, fascinated, make her the subject of her story, and bestow the nickname upon her.
When they leave, they take Lyrebird with them back to the city. But as she leaves behind her peaceful life to learn about a new world, is she also leaving behind a part of herself? For her new friend Solomon the answer isn’t clear. When you find a rare and precious thing, should you share it – or protect it…
I’m a huge fan of Cecelia Ahern. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it all that much I am a massive fan of her work, but I am. I especially adore her magical realism books. In general, though, I just really adore her writing so was thrilled to see she had another book out this year. I bought it immediately and couldn’t wait to read. I was utterly shocked by what was within.
Let’s Begin By Saying It Is Not What I Thought
I went into this book expecting that it would be magical realism simply from the summary and the fact that I didn’t know that a lyrebird was a real thing (honestly, Google them, they sound amazing). I expected some magical element to be involved with this woman found in the middle of nowhere living alone. It just seemed too absurd otherwise. Turns out Cecelia Ahern proved me completely wrong. This book can be set in the real world and be utterly charming and beautiful. She used the beauty of language to open my eyes to this beautiful world.
I Was Enchanted By Laura
This was such a magical story of Laura and her journey from isolation in Cork to the overwhelming sounds of the city. It was a riveting read that had me glued to every page as you saw her plucked from her life by Bo, Rachel and Solomon and brought to the hectic world. What was brilliant was that I felt attached to every character, even those I disliked I still enjoyed reading about. Each of the characters was charming and flawed and real. It’s amazing how she can create such real characters who could be plucked from real life and then get you to care about them.
Also, Ahern’s writing was utterly enchanting. Her way with words is amazing. It made the everyday and mundane seem interesting and enchanting. Laura’s fascination with the world she hadn’t ventured to was just so sweet. Her naiveté could have come across as annoying but the way she was written as curious but not unlearned meant she was instead a curious person still learning. She makes stupid decisions, as does everyone around her, but she doesn’t lose that spark that makes her.
I Don’t Know Why I Just Loved It
I went into this book expecting another sampling of Ahern's skill at magical realism based upon the title and summary but that is not this story. Instead, it is a beautifully written story that demonstrates the magic in the boring, mundane everyday. You see the beauty in the things we take for granted and the joy in the every day and I adored it for that. This book was just beautiful and a joy to read and I would recommend it to everyone looking for a good contemporary set in Ireland.
Have you read this new release from Cecelia Ahern? What did you think, did you agree with my thoughts? What is your favourite release from Ahern?
Published: 27th September 2016
Source: Publisher
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
My Rating:
The Trouble With Mistletoe is the second in New York Timesbestselling author Jill Shalvis's Heartbreaker Bay series, featuring her trademark gift for humour, warmth and romance. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts and Marie Force.
If she has her way... Willa Davis is wrangling puppies when Keane Winters stalks into her pet shop with frustration in his chocolate-brown eyes and a pink bedazzled cat carrier in his hand. He needs a kitty sitter, stat. But the last thing Willa needs is to rescue a guy who doesn't even remember her...
He'll get nothing but coal in his stocking. Saddled with his great-aunt's Feline from Hell, Keane is desperate to leave her in someone else's capable hands. But in spite of the fact that he's sure he's never seen the drop-dead-gorgeous pet shop owner before, she seems to be mad at him...
Unless he tempers 'naughty' with a special kind of nice... Willa can't deny that Keane's changed since high school: he's less arrogant, for one thing - but he doesn't even remember her. How can she trust him not to break her heart again? It's time to throw a coin in the fountain, make a Christmas wish - and let the mistletoe do its work...
Want more warm, funny romance? Check out the first Heartbreaker Bay novel, Sweet Little Lies, visit gorgeous Cedar Ridge, spellbinding Lucky Harbor or experience some Animal Magnetism in Sunshine, Idaho in Jill's other unforgettable series.
Look, before we get to the good reviewing stuff I will begin by saying that I am a massive fan of Jill Shalvis. I always enjoy her books and it is no different with this one. I may have grumbles when it comes to her books but I always enjoy the way she writes and she always makes me smile. I just wanted to make you aware I am biased and was predisposed to love this book before even reading the first page.
Let’s Go Forth To The Review
Jill Shalvis proved, once more, she is the queen of contemporary romance. I was swooning and laughing and cheering on Keane and Willa every step of the way. I wish I knew how Shalvis managed to hook me in every time but I just can't figure it out. All I know is I put off leaving the house Saturday morning just so I could get to the end.
Much like the last book I was frustrated by the secrets kept at the beginning. I wanted Willa to just own up to Keane that she knew who he was and that she was still a little annoyed at him and her irrational grudge. It would have cleared the air between them sooner. Luckily, this time the secret comes out far sooner and isn't a major issue. I'm glad of that fact because I may have gotten annoyed at Heartbreak Bay if it had. That being said, I know Kaja said in her review that the fact that Keane had slighted Willa at high school by standing her up for a date seemed a bit of a strange thing to hold a grudge for. Especially as the two never really knew each other to begin with. I would have understood this barrier to their relationship more if they had been friends and he had stood her up and her holding a grudge. It was resolved in the early part of the book, though so I won’t hold that against the book.
Thankfully the issue in this book is actually Keane and Willa and the fact they are struggling with some emotional damage inflicted upon them at a young age and their inability to overcome it. I loved that it was simply the fact they were scared to let someone in so close that was stopping them getting together as I think that is something a lot of people can relate to. Falling in love is scary and the emotional damage letting someone in close to you can cause is terrifying. But if you never did anything because you might get hurt then you'd never get out of bed. I loved the characters realised and this and grew as I turned each page. They grew and developed and it was awesome.
My Verdict Is?
In the end, I loved this book. It isn’t my Shalvis by far, but it was still enjoyable and leaves me optimistic I will continue to enjoy the rest of the series. I loved the growth and the realisations both and Keane and Willa experienced and I loved the fact that they were willing to change and grow throughout the book and didn’t let their fears take over. It was just a really great romance, you know? I would recommend it for contemporary fans (if you haven’t already).
Have you read this, what did you think? What is your favourite Shalvis book? And what is your favourite contemporary romance as I am always on the hunt to expand my collection?
Welcome to the beginning of my Christmas holiday! I have the run up to Christmas off so I can indulge in whatever I wish and I, for one, am so excited. It has been a weekend for putting up Christmas decorations and relaxing and it has been fabulous.
I did begin the week on a low, to be honest. My Kindle killed itself Sunday night. I don’t know how, but the screen froze and it plain old died. Amazon support tried to help but failed. They said it sounded like a device fault but as it was out of warranty there was nothing they could do. Luckily, as a loyal Amazon customer, they gave me a discount to buy a new one so it could have been worse I suppose. I new one arrived for my Monday and it’s the new Paperwhite which is working better than my old one so I certainly can’t complain. I’ve got ads on it right now, but I may pay the extra £10 to get rid of those.
I spent a lot of time at my local shopping centre this past week. I was there Tuesday with my friend to go to the cinema to watch Office Christmas Party. That film was hilarious and dumb and the perfect pick me up film for the beginning of the week. Wednesday I went shopping with my stepdad to try and convince him he did, in fact, want something for Christmas (he has finally settled on wanting a gift voucher, unfortunately, he settled on that after we left the shopping centre). And I was up there again Friday to go see Star Wars Rogue One With my brother. I would fangirl all over you about that film (I loved it) but I don’t want to spoil things. It was amazing and dark and most definitely not a film you’d take kids to who loved Star Wars. It made me incredibly sad and I loved every minute of it. All it did was make me want to watch all the Star Wars films again.
Basically, this has been a week of being busy. We managed to get the majority of our stuff done at work before I broke up, which is good because someone left the team Friday. It was sad but she was ready to go and you could tell she was ready to go. It means we’re a man down again, but hopefully, we’ll find someone new to start in the New Year. We need the help, especially as we’ve been told we have a bit of extra work to do from next month. I will stay positive, though. I mean, we managed this month so surely we will next month too.
What I’ve Been Reading
As my Kindle broke I was left part way through The Alchemists of Loom for a couple of days so I began reading An Offer From a Gentleman. I needed some good old romance to soothe me over the death of my Kindle because I was angry. I really enjoyed it, as I do any Julia Quinn book, but the characters did annoy me. It wasn’t the romance I was looking for, I think.
As I was busy all week I didn’t end up finishing Alchemists until Thursday and then I picked up The Three Body Problem as I’ve begun a read along with Danya. I don’t know how I feel about it. I’m absorbed when I’m reading but I’m ten chapters in and all I am is confused. Like, really confused. It is interesting to read, though. Also, another book I read because of Danya is Illuminae. I saw her post on why you should read yesterday so decided to give it a go as it’s been sat on my shelf for almost a year. Holy shit that book is good! The hype is well deserved on that one. I stayed up too late reading and then spent all this morning finishing it off. Ugh, so good I need the next one. It better be as good.
New To Me
I’ve successfully bought no books this week! I feel so pleased with myself you would not believe. I do have two new review copies, though. I know, I didn’t need more but I like books and I can’t help myself. I do have a third I was emailed about which is Frostblood which I in fact have an ARC for on my shelf from a book box. I need to email the publisher back about so don’t let me forget.
Anyway, that is my week. How has your week been? Anyone seen Rogue One and want to flail about it with me? And are we all ready for Christmas? I realised my next Sunday post will be Christmas day so it may be shorter but can’t wait!
My Thoughts is a feature where I attempt to write bookish discussions. If you had spent any time with me in real life you would learn I have this habit of blurting out random thoughts from time to time when I allow my mind to wander. It’s from these random thoughts these posts emerge as I attempt to write some coherent thoughts about what’s been on my mind. I am trying to combine this with my attempts at participating in the Discussion Challenge this year.
This time my post is inspired by Kaja’s post listing this year’s rereads and how she is enjoying it because I commented asking how soon is too soon to reread. It is also inspired by my urge to reread Act Like It by Lucy Parker. I adored that book this year, I read it in a day and just curled up one Sunday getting lost in the book. I loved it so much and yet never gave it a full review for no apparent reason. I recently had the urge to reread it and began questioning if it was too soon for that. I then promptly decided who cares? I’ll read what I want to read and loved every second of my reread.
The thing is, I used to reread books all the time. Sometimes I used to reread books days after I last read it because I wasn’t ready to let go of the bookish world I had been immersed in. There were books which I reread regularly, like every few months. They were series like Harry Potter and The Secret Circle which I adored and continually went back to. I would reread constantly and I miss that passion that I had for rereading.
As I’ve gotten older I’ve begun rereading less, especially as I’ve gotten sucked into the book blogging world. I now have more to read than to rereads and so I prioritise differently. I want to read new things and rereads are reserved for comfort reads. Turns out my comfort reads are mostly romance and really, I don’t always want to reread romance though and all those series I want to reread get neglected because I think about how much time rereading them would take up and take me away from reading new things.
Anyway, rereading is not the issue, what I want to know is how soon is too soon to reread?
I never used to have a time limit on when to reread a book and then, for some reason, in the past few years I’ve developed some kind of mental time limit on when rereading is acceptable. I have to wait at least six months and normally I prefer to wait a year, if possible. I’ve got my own arbitrary mental time limits and I’m trying to shatter that. I’m trying to stop pressuring myself to read more. I’m trying to stop pressuring myself in general, but this reading thing is one thing I really not to pressure myself about.
I know my time limits are arbitrary and pointless but for some reason, I have them in place and I am slowly trying to get rid of them but I’m curious if you have them too? Have you created some arbitrary rules for rereading? Or reading in general?
Published: 30th November 2015
Source: Bought
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Fake Relationship
My Rating:
A sharp-witted heroine and an infuriating-but-swoon-worthy leading man bring down the house in this utterly charming contemporary romance debut from Lucy Parker
This just in: romance takes center stage as West End theatre's Richard Troy steps out with none other than castmate Elaine Graham
Richard Troy used to be the hottest actor in London, but the only thing firing up lately is his temper. We all love to love a bad boy, but Richard's antics have made him Enemy Number One, breaking the hearts of fans across the city.
Have the tides turned? Has English rose Lainie Graham made him into a new man?
Sources say the mismatched pair has been spotted at multiple events, arm in arm and hip to hip. From fits of jealousy to longing looks and heated whispers, onlookers are stunned by this blooming romance.
Could the rumors be right? Could this unlikely romance be the real thing? Or are these gifted stage actors playing us all?
I intended to review Act Like It when I first read it back in March but I didn’t for whatever reason. I am now going to review it now because it is a favourite of mine and I don’t know why I haven’t spoken about it sooner. I loved it so much I reread it in the space of 6 months so really, that says everything about my feelings on this book.
This is a book which got everything right in some way. It’s not that it’s a perfect book, it’s just that it managed to tick all my boxes. I think the reason I liked it so much was the fact it included my most favourite of all tropes in romance. It includes a fake romance!
The premise is simple, we have the rugged older misanthrope, Richard Troy, whose got a bad reputation for being miserable and mean, and you have sweet Lainie who is nice and has a good reputation who can help redeem Richard’s star. Together they must fake it through an on-set relationship with their West End Play say that Richard has a good enough reputation to get a job he has been aiming for and also so their play doesn’t close early due to low attendance. That would be fine except Lainie hates Richard and his miserable attitude and Richard probably doesn’t even remember who Lainie is. it was adorable go from enemies to friends, to something more. That romance is really what hooked me because one those two were good together they were fantastic. They were fun and interesting and that banter was absolutely fantastic. It was just flawless.
I think the great part was even the things which normally bother me in romance didn’t. When someone accidently reveals more than they intended and you have the usual misunderstandings between the couple I wasn’t annoyed as I knew Parker would resolve it in such a way that it would never bother me.
Basically, this was a really enjoyable read. It’s got funny and interesting characters and a swoon-worthy romance and it is insanely enjoyable. It has the same tropes and trappings of other romances but Parker’s writing and characterisation just hit the spot for me on this one and I want everyone to know it.
Have you read this and did you enjoy it? What is your favourite fake relationship book (because I cannot get enough of them)?
Welcome to another Sunday. I’ve made it through another week and it’s been kind of busy. I’ve been trying to grab the last few presents for Christmas shopping, buying stuff for myself, and I’ve been drawn into the idea of bullet journaling by Nereyda always going on about how wonderful hers is so I’ve been getting stuff together to start a bullet journal in 2017. I’ve been watching a lot of videos and looking at a lot of different posts about it this past week. Some people are so artistic and I am jealous!
I’ve mostly just been working and watching TV otherwise, though. Work is crazy hectic because we essentially have 5 more days to get out month’s work done and I so don’t think we’ll manage. Add into the fact that people have been off sick with a bug that’s shooting around the office (which I better not get because throwing up is the actual worst) and we are behind.
Also, can someone please explain to me why I am always drawn into these offers at supermarkets? All I wanted was a couple of rolls of wrapping paper and I came out with six! All because there was an offer on and in my mind I decided buying more than I needed meant I got a bargain although I spent more money than I intended to. It was premium wrapping paper, though. That makes it better, right?
What I’ve Been Reading
I’m not reading as much lately but these are the few things I’ve read this week. I loved How Not To Let Go so much. It was a great romance and it concluded so well. I had a few reservations about certain parts of the story, but over all I loved it. I then moved on to same fantasy because that is what I’ve been fancying. I read Iron Kin because it’s been sat on my shelf forever and then I’ve started The Alchemist’s of Loom because it’s the middle of December and it’s out next month! How did this happen? All I can say about that book right now is DRAGONS!!!!!
New To Me
Yes, I know, I shouldn’t be buying books, but one is a Christmas book with a fake relationship in it (my catnip). The other two? Well, there was a Kindle big deal on. When was I going to get them for 99p again? I’m planning on reading The Most Wonderful Time of the Year before Christmas as my final Christmas read. I also need to fit in reading 4 library books and a bunch of ARCs… there need to be more hours in the day.
I have gone a bit mad with my ARC copies this week. I know I shouldn’t have but I couldn’t help myself. I went onto Netgalley to post a couple of reviews and add some links… and then I requested a few books. I have issues. I am excited about them, though. Especially Done Dirt Cheap and Miranda and Caliban (for which I need to read/watch The Tempest). I’ve got a lot of review copies to read now.
How has your week been? Read any books lately? And can anyone motivate me into wrapping my Christmas presents?
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