A girl needs something to look forward and whilst I am actually cutting my spending a touch for my holiday in September I will still be treating myself to a few books (I need something to read on the beach). I wanted to change up the format of this post because I admit, I don’t always have detailed reasons for wanting to read books and they can take forever to write up considering there is little original content in them. This time I am going to feature a lot more books and give less reasons for why I’m excited. Let’s see how it goes.
Books I Want To Buy
This book was on my TBR as soon as I heard about it. I loved I’ll Meet You There so much and so I was thrilled to see another book from Demetrios. I am a little nervous about this book, especially from the summary but I fully believe it will be a powerful and emotional read and I cannot wait. I will even be willing to invest in a full priced copy.
I am obviously going to buy myself a copy of the latest Sarah Dessen book. There was never any doubt on this. She is an author whose summaries I no longer even need to read, I will just add her book to my basket and go on my memory way. I mean, this one, I just know there are weddings involved but I don’t even care I don’t know.
I mean, I already have this one preordered so it kind of feels like cheating but This Savage Song was a favourite read. It was so totally awesome and I really put off reading so OMG I cannot wait to read the sequel and not put of reading it this time around.
This book has been on my radar forever and I cannot wait. I mean a grand tour and a historical setting would have been enough for me but the fact there is a m/m romance and a the MC has a crush on his bestie? Well, that just really is perfect. I have high expectations but this better me brilliant.
Stay will be brilliant. I know I haven’t read Good Boy yet but I will still definitely be buying this because I love the fact that this is a romance where they don’t begin actually meeting but instead flirt via phone first. It will be awesome and I cannot wait to start reading.
Books I’m Dithering Over
I won’t go into detail on any of these books but these four books are ones I’ve added to my TBR but are now dithering over wanting to read. I will hold out for reviews and if I spot them I may give them a shot.
Books I Have Already
I also won’t go into detail on these are they are all ones I have copies of. I am excited to read Shattered Minds as I adored False Hearts (guys, check it out) but the rest I’m also dithering over now. I was excited for Roar but I’ve seen a couple of mixed things. The Hundredth Queen, I’ve heard mention that it’s not brilliant with some of it’s representation, it’s a little generic. And Duke With Benefits I was dithering over even before I agreed to an ARC because of the first book. I’m willing to give the author a second chance, though, because library!
And those are my books for June. What are you most excited to read? And what books were you excited to read but have begun to dither over?
I am on a continual quest to read all the fake relationship books. This is an absolute favourite trope of mine, I am a sucker for a pretend romance in my books and I am not fully sure where my passion for this trope comes from, but there you have it. I found myself having a few fake relationship books lurking on my Kindle so decided now was the time to read and review them all for your pleasure.
Published: 30th May 2017
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Fake Relationship
My Rating:
Everything about Coleman Grant III oozes power and sex. And not the perfunctory kind either, but the sheet clawing, heart stopping, gasping for air after you’ve screamed so loud you can’t breathe kind. From his dark wavy hair that stands in an artfully rumpled mess, to the blue eyes that sear your skin, to his full, sensual lips - on the surface he’s pure perfection.
Too bad he's an asshole. An arrogant, uptight corporate raider hell bent on destroying the environment one species at a time.
Everything about Olivia Ramsey screams hippie humanitarian. From her blond hair tied in a sloppy bun, to her faded jeans with the Bonnaroo patch sewn on the thigh, to her combat boots still splattered with mud from the previous day’s site visit.
So it makes perfect sense that they would get married. In Vegas. Stone-cold sober.
Cole needs a wife. Olivia needs to save an endangered species. But what starts as a marriage of convenience soon turns into a battle of wills and sexual tension. Love is a game, and Olivia and Cole are ready to win.
Is this book perfect? Hell no. Is this book insanely fun and an addictive read? Definitely! When I was emailed about it I was intrigued but hesitant because I always get excited about fake relationship books and I have been disappointed a time or two. I was concerned that I would experience the same thing again. Thankfully, I didn’t.
It was originally proposed as being a book for fans of rom-coms and The Proposal and it is very true. I saw it as a cross between Two Weeks Notice and The Proposal. Two Weeks Notice for the rich man thing who is a bit of a dick but still charming. And then The Proposal as they stage a fake relationship to fool his family and convince them he has gotten married. I just loved the whole fake relationship and the entire relationship they staged as they were such opposites.
Cole and Olivia were so good together, they were opposites, Olivia campaigning for the rights of animals and Coleman not caring about little more than making sure his business is successful and keeping his sister happy. Those are the things which are most important to him and nothing else matters. Together they were so good together and enjoyed reading them moving from attraction to actually caring about one another. I especially loved when they were at her parent's house because he was out of context. He was no longer just the rich guy but also got to relax away from work and expectation and he could be a little silly and fun and that was the time I liked them best. When they weren’t putting on as much of a show for other people.
Basically, this was a fun romance which included a favourite romantic trope of mine. I would recommend for a nice easy summer read. You will enjoy yourself and who doesn’t love that?
Published: 28th November 2014
Source: Bought
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Fake Relationship, New Adult
My Rating:
She needed a place to live. He needed a girlfriend. The rules were clear... until they were broken...The only thing Ethan Price and Stephanie Kendrick have in common is their screenwriting class at the NYU Film School. Ethan's family is loaded and expectations are high for his stepping into the family business one day, while Stephanie is the class outcast and from the other side of the tracks.When a project brings this unlikely pair together, Stephanie becomes the fake girlfriend who plays a part similar to that of the character in their screenplay. What Ethan didn't expect was to fall in love with her - but has he fallen for the real her? Or just the version he created...?Isn't She Lovely is a modern take on Julia Roberts' Pretty Woman and is perfect for fans of Jessica Sorenson and Tammara Webber.
Lauren Layne is a firm favourite of mine when it comes to contemporary romance. She knows how to hook me in with her romance and I love her books. Sadly, this one was a little disappointing. I mean, fake relationships are my favourite romantic trope. It makes no sense, it's a ridiculous trope and I love everything about it. I don’t fully know why this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I enjoyed it, but I could easily forget about it.
In this case, I loved that our couple, Ethan and Stephanie, were aware it was a farfetched trope and that it was partially their joint film project which motivated them to start their fake relationship. Sure, Ethan had lied to his parents about having a new relationship but there was no real reason he has to make Stephanie into his fake girlfriend. And the whole makeover thing was partly to make her less 'gothic' but also to mirror the Pygmalion concept of creating the ideal woman and falling in love with your creation. I think that's partly why I struggled to connect because the two were analysing their relationship via the context of their screenplay. It meant you couldn't get fully absorbed in their relationship as they weren't either, there was too much time looking at it through the context of their screenplay and it just didn’t work for me.
I also didn't love Stephanie or Ethan. I mean, I liked Ethan. He was rich and charming but had another layer to him he rarely got the chance to show. And then Stephanie, she had very good reasons for her prickly goth ways but it made me feel quite unsympathetic to her as she continually pushes everyone away. I mean, I get it, I don’t usually mind a prickly personality but for some reason, it just didn’t work for me with Stephanie. I think because I didn’t fully believe she was the goth she made everyone think she was. I don't know, just something about them made me…not dislike them... but not like them either. Even together, I liked them but I didn't fall in love.
I was bound to find a Lauren Layne I didn't love but it was sad all the same. I liked it and finished it but I didn't adore it and when I read romance I kind of want to get caught up in it, you know?
Published: 19th January 2015
Source: Bought (free)
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Fake Relationship
My Rating:
One little white lie leads to more than she planned…
Straight-laced lawyer Kate Matthews always plays by the rules. But when her ex gets engaged and a big promotion is on the line at work, she blurts out that she has a new boyfriend. And now that she’s proved she “has a life” outside of work, everything is perfect. Except for one teeny little detail—here is no boyfriend. And now Kate’s liable for her little white lie…
Dominic Sorensen is hot, charming, and very definitely not Kate’s type. But not only does Dominic want to help Kate renovate her home, he’s also willing to play “boyfriend.” All he wants in return is a little pro bono work for his sister. Now instead of Mr. Right, Kate has a delectable Mr. Fix-It-Right—and some unbelievable sexual chemistry. And if falling for Dominic is a breach of contract, Kate is guilty as charged…
Okay, I know I got a bit out of hand with three fake relationship books in under a month, but when you love a trope you love a trope. In fact, the only reason I got this book was the fake relationship aspect and the fact it was free on Kindle (or when I got it it was). I am so glad I did, though. I often find the freebies I get for my Kindle are some of the best reads and I think that’s because I go in with no expectations. Ashlee Mallory has gotten me interested in reading the rest of her books to see if they are just as enjoyable as this one.
Kate and Dominic are these complete opposites who only really meet as Kate moves in next door to Dominic’s aunt. He happens to do some house renovations she happens to need someone to renovate. I mean, that premise alone of her falling for the guy doing up her house whilst he’s being all burly and manly whilst telling herself that’s not what she wants would have worked fine for me. It’s taken a step further when Kate gets caught in a lie at work and ends up needing a fake boyfriend and it’s a case of mistaken identity when someone assumes that boyfriend is Dominic. He decides to take advantage and get a little legal assistance from Kate (she is a lawyer after all) and the fake relationship begins! That’s when it got good with the whole 'opposites attract' fake relationship awesomeness.
I think the reason this book worked better than the Lauren Layne one was simply the fact I liked the characters. I mean, I was annoyed by Kate dithering between her head and her heart within the book but I liked her. She was a good person who had been put down a lot in her life and doubted her wants. And Dominic was a bit of a dick judging Kate based on a past relationship but I loved how he continually tried to reassure Kate she was brilliant no matter what she did and anyone who told her otherwise could get lost. And the entire Sorenson clan was fantastic as well. I love a romance with a strong sense of family and you definitely got that with Dominic’s family. I especially loved how all his siblings and his parents could make fun of one another and tell embarrassing stories but were also there to offer support.
This book just worked for me in every way. If you’re looking for a fun fake relationship with a bit less sexy time and a bit more family time then this is the best book for you. And if you’re lucky you might find it still going free on Kindle.
And there are my mini reviews, have you read any of these? What were your thoughts? And please tell me your favourite fake relationship book, I am on a continual quest to find more.
05 June 2017
The Names They Gave Us // A Fantastic Summer Read It’ll Definitely Give You That Summer Feeling
Published: 1st June 2017
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
My Rating:
I really like Lucy and how she was a character many can relate to. She has been the good girl her entire life and it's not exactly been a hardship for her. She's liked being good and respected by her parents so when her mother's cancer returns and her parents ask her to go to the hippy summer camp across the lake from their church one she feels hurt and angry and doesn't quite know what is happening in her life. She's struggling to come to terms with the fact she may lose her mother in this second battle with cancer and she's learning that everything she thought she knew may not be entirely true. It's a feeling many of us know and when you add in her struggle with her faith then you have an interesting read.
I really liked the religious element of the book. Lucy was in many ways far more naïve than many teenagers as she hasn't had sex or gone to the usual raging high school parties but that made me like her more. Many people can relate to that, though. And the fact that she was struggling to reconcile her faith under the circumstances was great because religion isn't featured too often in books. Not in this way. I mean I'm not religious but I could relate to her struggles because the struggles of all teens figuring out who they are. And it was made all the more interesting in Lucy’s case as she has legitimate reasons to be angry. Her faith is something she has been raised with so when she gets so many different things presented to make her doubt herself seeing the path she takes is interesting.
I think the reason I didn't rate this 5 stars is the fact that I kind of wanted more which sounds harsh, doesn't it? I just wanted and expected a few more realisations and the discoveries at the end were fantastic but I felt like they were rushed in and I'd figured out some of it already. I feel like they could have been revealed sooner and then they could have been explored more in depth and we could fully have seen how this affected Lucy's own choices. Instead the reveals sort of tumbled out at the end and you’re left with that open ending which frustrated the hell out of me but I get it because this book was never about Lucy’s mom’s battle with cancer. It was about Lucy learning she can try different things and question her own religion and choices and it’s ok. It’s about her learning acceptance of herself and others and so when that finished the book ended.
In the end, there can never be any doubt that I enjoyed it because I did and it was definitely a favourite but I feel liked it missed taking advantage of some of the plot points. This book could have been more and I’m sad about that. But the questioning of faith and diverse cast of characters is plenty to enjoy. It’s also a brilliant, summer read… you know… if you’re looking for one.
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
My Rating:
From the acclaimed author of When We Collided comes a vibrant, compelling story of love, loss, faith, and friendship.
Lucy Hansson was ready for a perfect summer with her boyfriend, working at her childhood Bible camp on the lake and spending quality time with her parents. But when her mom's cancer reappears, Lucy falters--in her faith and in her ability to cope. When her boyfriend "pauses" their relationship and her summer job switches to a different camp--one for troubled kids--Lucy isn't sure how much more she can handle. Attempting to accept a new normal, Lucy slowly regains footing among her vibrant, diverse coworkers, Sundays with her mom, and a crush on a fellow counselor. But when long-hidden family secrets emerge, can Lucy set aside her problems and discover what grace really means?
Emotionally-charged and unforgettable, Emery Lord's storytelling shines with the promise of new love and true friendship, even in the face of life's biggest challenges.
I have been a fan of Emery Lord’s for a while now. I read Open Road Summer and loved it (I had to beg borrow and steal myself a copy of that… or, you know, go to my local library. Semantics!) and so I was so excited for her latest release, especially as Lord’s books have begun to get published over here in the UK too. I was also hesitant to begin, like every other release I’m excited for I always seem to have a sense of hesitance going in as I’m never sure if I’m hyping it up in my own mind. I wasn’t, thank goodness.
When you read an Emery Lord book you know you're in for an excellent read and I cannot dispute the brilliance of this book. It is the perfect summer read even for those of us who didn't go to summer camp. It just brings up those feelings of summer and how so much seems to change and yet stay the same.
I really like Lucy and how she was a character many can relate to. She has been the good girl her entire life and it's not exactly been a hardship for her. She's liked being good and respected by her parents so when her mother's cancer returns and her parents ask her to go to the hippy summer camp across the lake from their church one she feels hurt and angry and doesn't quite know what is happening in her life. She's struggling to come to terms with the fact she may lose her mother in this second battle with cancer and she's learning that everything she thought she knew may not be entirely true. It's a feeling many of us know and when you add in her struggle with her faith then you have an interesting read.
I really liked the religious element of the book. Lucy was in many ways far more naïve than many teenagers as she hasn't had sex or gone to the usual raging high school parties but that made me like her more. Many people can relate to that, though. And the fact that she was struggling to reconcile her faith under the circumstances was great because religion isn't featured too often in books. Not in this way. I mean I'm not religious but I could relate to her struggles because the struggles of all teens figuring out who they are. And it was made all the more interesting in Lucy’s case as she has legitimate reasons to be angry. Her faith is something she has been raised with so when she gets so many different things presented to make her doubt herself seeing the path she takes is interesting.
I also really loved the cast of characters. I mean, Lord writes brilliant characters, it is a fact, but I really enjoyed these specific characters and they were a diverse cast of several POC characters and a transgender BFF and religious characters presented in a positive light! It was fantastic. Sure, it was Christian characters presented in a positive light, I will forever search for a YA with characters with a different religious background but you take what you can get and really, all religion gets a bad rep now and again.
I think the reason I didn't rate this 5 stars is the fact that I kind of wanted more which sounds harsh, doesn't it? I just wanted and expected a few more realisations and the discoveries at the end were fantastic but I felt like they were rushed in and I'd figured out some of it already. I feel like they could have been revealed sooner and then they could have been explored more in depth and we could fully have seen how this affected Lucy's own choices. Instead the reveals sort of tumbled out at the end and you’re left with that open ending which frustrated the hell out of me but I get it because this book was never about Lucy’s mom’s battle with cancer. It was about Lucy learning she can try different things and question her own religion and choices and it’s ok. It’s about her learning acceptance of herself and others and so when that finished the book ended.
In the end, there can never be any doubt that I enjoyed it because I did and it was definitely a favourite but I feel liked it missed taking advantage of some of the plot points. This book could have been more and I’m sad about that. But the questioning of faith and diverse cast of characters is plenty to enjoy. It’s also a brilliant, summer read… you know… if you’re looking for one.
What’s your favourite Emery Lord book? And please tell me your favourite summer reads I’m prepping my Kindle for summer. Do you find yourself frustrated when an author misses a trick and don’t explore a plot point to it’s fullest?
Those who follow my blog a bit more closely may notice I haven’t posted that much this week and I’m sorry. I’d organised all these reviews but then I remembered it was the end of a month and a beginning of another so I ended up forgetting all about them and sorting out my monthly wrap up post (which takes way longer than expected to sort) and I haven’t even looked at my favourite releases for this month. I’m thinking I’m going to switch up that post and maybe have something sorted next week. Basically, June sneaked up on me and I am all over the place with my little mental posting plan. Don’t you hate when that happens?
Anyway, I only feel slightly annoyed that my blogging plans went out the window because I’ve had other things on my mind. It was back to working life (although only for another week before I get another long weekend and my mom’s birthday so yay!) but it has been totally hectic going back. We’ve got new people coming in, old people going on holiday and not enough hours in the day. I even got asked to do overtime and I can’t which makes me sad because money! But yeah, I go in and I can’t see straight with all the work we have it’s not fun. I am surviving, though.
My feeling cross-eyed is worsened by the fact my parents are away for the week. I love having the house to myself but the dog and the cat are not conducive to sleep and relaxation. They are like demanding children who can’t talk and you forget they’re nuisances because occasionally they’re all cute and adorable so you want to cuddle them. It’s exhausting. I am getting a bit more exercise having to walk the dog daily, though, so there is that. I like to think I’ll have these excellent toned legs from this walking but to be honest when I started to get tired I go back home so the walks are probably only half an hour long. I need to find my a good podcast to listen to whilst I walk, I think. Please recommend me some. I know about Smart Bitches and love that (although I am so behind!).
So yeah, as you can see my week has been all about work and my pets. It’s sad really. I didn’t realise, though, that being home alone makes me terribly indecisive. I have all the freedom to watch what I want and do what I want and I’m at a loss on what I want to do. Isn’t that weird? It’s like I have so much freedom I settle on doing nothing. Once I’ve taken the dog out today I will either blog lots (that’s a maybe, I am a week behind and reading and commenting) or I will play The Sims. I think you can guess which is more likely to happen.
What I’ve Been Reading
It’s been a slow reading week in that most of my reading was done before Wednesday. After that, I only read one book. It’s much like my dilemma of deciding to do nothing whilst at home. I just haven’t been able to settle. I think this is very much to do with reading White Hot and loving it. It’s moved me into slump territory. I mean, I enjoyed All The Lies We Tell, don't get me wrong. It’s a really great read… but it’s not an Ilona Andrews read, is it? I started reading as I got approved for the second book on Netgalley so wanted to do a joint review, I may have to insert a different read in between, though. I just, I have a strong need to restart the Kate Daniels series and read the books I’ve not bought yet. I just… why does Ilona Andrews do this to me every time?
New To Me
Surprisingly, I’ve not bought that much recently. I mean, the only book I purchased was White Hot, the other three were free and I’ve had White Hot preordered since forever. I’m basically really impressed with myself, go me!
Only one new ARC as well. I am very excited to get started on Summer’s Lease. This is the ultimate summer read (I hope). I mean, look at that cover! Doesn’t that just make you want to sit my a pool and sun yourself?
How has everyone’s week been? Anyone do anything interesting? What's your favourite read of the week been? And any advice to avoid a slump after a really good book?
May has been a month. I mean, you all know the crap which has gone down out there. It’s been a rough one, it really has. But it’s had it’s good points, I booked a holiday, my first in two years, I read a bunch of books. I watched terrible films and saw friends. I won’t go into the details of everything, you were all there. So yeah, it’s a month I’m glad is over but it definitely had some high points to go with those lows.
Can’t Stop Listening
Hard Times – Paramore
Bad Liar – Selena Gomez
Kiwi – Harry Styles
May Reads
Favourites: The Winter King // The Forever House // The Dark Days Pact // Captive Prince // Prince’s Gambit // Kings Rising // Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda // Dumplin’ // Burn For Me // White Hot
The Dark Days Club // Six of Crows // Spandex and the City // Black Tie Optional // Isn’t She Lovely // The Names They Gave Us // Taken by the Cowboy // Come Sundown // That Summer // Surrender the Dark
May Posts
May Links
Reverie Society | Why Book Blogging Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means
Geybie’s Book Blog | 5 Reasons Why I Don’t Judge Books By Their Covers
Cornerfolds | How To Escape The Dreaded Blogging Slump
Boats Against The Current | How To Be A Bookworm In Summer // How Do You Organise Your Bookshelves?
Feed Your Fiction Addiction | Do You Ever Add to Your Posts After You’ve Published Them? // What You Need to Know Before You Open a NetGalley Account
Molly’s Book Nook | 3 Ways Blogging Has Changed My Reading // 5 Of My Pet Peeves In Books
Metaphors and Moonlight | How I Use Goodreads (turns out I’m not utilising it to its full) // Tips For Writing Book Reviews When You Don’t Have Much To Say (we’ve all been there)
It Starts At Midnight | Things That Have Made Me A Happier Blogger (because you want to be happy) // Book Blogging Fears
Kirsty Chronicles | Do You Re-Rate Books?
And that is my month. How has your month been? What was your favourite read or favourite post?
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