Reread Review #1: Charade by Nyrae Dawn

Genre: NA Romance
Rating: 4/4.5 Stars

I decided to reread this book because I remembered liking it when I first read it and wanted to see if I still did now I have many more new adult books to compare it to.

As it turns out I enjoyed it more the second time. Having more new adult to compare it to made me realise how great this book really is and here's why:

>The concept (of a charade) has the potential to be immature and I have read books in which this has happened. I generally don't enjoy books about using someone to make an ex jealous or sorry but this one wasn't like the others. The ex was a really small part of the book actually. Although he was the reason why the charade started, he wasn't the focus of the story in any way which I really appreciated. Their relationship was the focus and the whole charade concept was presented in a really mature way.

>I cried, I won't say why because I don't want to spoil but I did. I felt emotional ties to the characters, I felt the depth of the relationships and I cried with them.

>Their relationship was well developed. It started as a charade but the process of it becoming more was really wonderful to read and, in my opinion, well written.

>The character development was everywhere in this book. It was a constant factor as opposed to something which was thrown in last minute. It happens gradually, in a very believable way and ties together nicely with their relationship.

>I just loved their relationship for all it was, I loved their strength and I loved their understanding of one another. (This book has some really cute nicknames too which I also love).

Overall this is an example of really great new adult. It has drama without being over the top or ridiculous, it has a 'casual' relationship presented in a really readable way and a really great amount of depth and development.
I'm really glad I reread this.

Thanks for reading!
With all my bookish love,
Jess x

P.S. Click For Goodreads

Fancy A Quickie?

Here's a list of books all under 250 pages (some significantly shorter) which I think are small books with a lot to offer:

> How To Catch a Wild Viscount by Tessa Dare
Historical Romance
105 Pages
Rating: ****
Review: Short, romantic, meaningful...this little eBook was the perfect little historical read to help me out of a slump. It was a lovely little story with wonderfully vibrant characters. Although short, it didn't feel at all rushed. I devoured it in one sitting (probably less than an hour). Despite the short length I feel that the story and characters were such that I will remember the story and maybe even reread it when I'm in the mood.

> Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx
Glbt/Adult Fiction
64 Pages
Rating: ****
Review: I've never seen the film of this story but this book was really intense. 20 years packed into 60 pages was partly the reason for the intensity. It was also because of the writing and the story itself. This story is gritty and true; the concise writing style only added to this. The emotions of the characters were palpable and I found myself crying towards the end. I'm truly stunned at the impact 60 short pages can have but that is just testament to the incredible writing and storytelling present here. Overall this was gripping, emotional and a very tragic yet beautiful love story which I'm sure I'll never forget.

> Playing For Keeps by R.L.Mathewson
Adult Romance
220 Pages
Rating: *****
Review: Just read it! This book is hilarious and just an amazing story of two people who really were meant to be.

> The Reed Brothers Series by Tammy Falkner
New Adult/ Adult Romance
All less than 250 pages*
Rating: ***/****
* (All books and novellas in this series are less than 250 except the first book which is 323)


> The Unofficial Series by J.C. Isabella
Young Adult Romance
86 & 204 Pages
Rating: ***/****

> Chasing McCree by J.C.Isabella
Young Adult Romance
182 Pages
Rating: ****






> Barbie Doll by Heidi Acosta
Young Adult Romance
191 Pages
Rating: ****

> Love and Skate by Lila Felix
New Adult Romance 
238 Pages
Rating: ****





> The Giver by Lois Lowry
Young Adult Dystopia
224 Pages
Rating: *****
Review: Here's why it gets 5 stars:
>The world built in this book is intriguing without being confusing. 
>Jonas was a very wonderful character to read and the other characters woven into the story were also interesting to read.
>The end was my favorite part, I read the last 40 pages so quickly and I was completely satisfied with how it ended. 
Overall this book was a wonderful story with a truly inspiring message which can be read, and enjoyed, by anyone of any age. This is the kind of wonderful story which overcomes differences in reading preferences of genre by appealing to the inquisitive child we once were, the adult we are now and the reminiscing old person we will one day become.
Put simply, it is a book about memories that I will never forget.
~~~~~
Thanks for Reading!
With all my bookish love,
Jess x

Rant & Rave #2: Contemporary Romance Edition

My 'Rant' Review: Love Story by Jennifer Echols 
My Rating: *

This whole book is a pile of - no that's harsh but it was rubbish in my opinion. The ending happened when I felt like I was only 75% of the way through, I thought it was a mistake - like my copy was missing 75 pages. Overall the story wasn't great but then it ended with no resolution, it may as well have been halfway through a sentence. I still wonder how that even happened. Was the author writing and someone lured her away with a huge brownie and she never got back to writing it? Who knows. Either way the plot was possibly the worst I've ever read and executed poorly too. The characters were just plain awful. Just one big pile of suck.

My 'Rave' Review: The Distance Between Us by Kasie West 
My Rating: *****

This book was way more than I ever expected. Here are some of the things I loved:

>Caymen - She wasn't annoying as some YA female protagonists have a tendency to be. She was completely relatable, she didn't have it all figured out which made her more endearing. Also her humour was perfect.

>Xander - So sweet, so wonderful, so funny, so cute. He is the most amazing guy and yet he also feels real. The fact that he feels a little lost and his humour make him more accessible as a character. 

>The Humour - I adore sarcasm and it isn't used nearly enough in books because it can be hard to convey but it was done expertly in this book, not overdone to the point of silly or underdone to the point where it's hard to tell whether it's sarcasm or bad taste. 

>Caymen & Xander - Their relationship builds, it moves through stages of friendship and transitions to a place that feels natural by the latter part of the book. Their connection is tangible throughout the book; the chemistry and the flirtation is intertwined with the story in the most effortless way that allows the reader to see a progression into a relationship. Instant affections in books annoys me but not for the lack of time for development but for the actual development of a relationship. This story provides this development, there is no rush or haste to skip the little touches to get to the big moments. 

>The Friendship - I really liked Skye, she is eccentric and lovable. She isn't pushy or annoying in any way, she is simply a good friend. Their friendship is constant within this book and is definitely an important aspect. Part of Caymen being able to grow is by the help and support of her friend.

>Other Characters - I feel that characters such as Mason had the potential to become aggravating, to be used as a tool to make the plot more interesting. That wasn't the case, nor was it necessary, in this book though and his character was used in a way that made me respect him. He was mature and I appreciate that.

>The Conflict - Caymen and Xander both experienced some internal conflict in regards to their future which was handled in a really imaginative way which I loved. Caymen experienced external conflict with all the issues with her Mom/family which develop gradually throughout the book. None of the issues were over dramatized, they weren't unrealistic issues and they were dealt with in ways that were understandable. 

>Character Development - There is a lot more character development in this book than I have seen in a lot of other contemporaries of this length. What I like most about the development though is that it isn't forced or drawn out, again it felt natural. 

This is the best contemporary book I've read in a long while for all the aforementioned reasons but also because it just gave me that contented feeling of happiness that I get when I read a book that is so great from start to finish. I was worried that a book involving money as an aspect of the plot would irritate me in the ways other who have broached this topic usually do but this book dealt with these issues with humour and without drama. The characters aren't all evil and out to get Caymen, their relationship isn't under any huge threat and there aren't any immature people or parts of the plot. It is very well put together, well written YA - no immaturity necessary. 

Thanks for reading! 
With all my bookish love,
Jess x

Let's Be Literal

Having Fun With Book Titles...

Somebody Else's Life...A case of stolen identity.

A Monster Calls...Nope, just my teacher.

All The Bright Places...That one bulb I remembered to replace.

Let's Get Lost...Or as lost as you can in 326 pages.

My Life Next Door...At the bakery, mmmm brownies!

Since You've Been Gone...I've stolen all of your books [Terri you said I could ;)]

Beautiful Disaster...Is my room.

Walking Disaster..Is me.

The Last Letter From Your Lover...At least it wasn't a text.

Ask The Passengers...If they know why the bus is stuck in traffic and making you late!

Guy In Real Life...Isn't as cute and lovely as the one in my book *sigh*.

The Distance Between Us...Needs to be bigger until you've had a shower.

Catching Fire...At least I tried to cook.

Poison Study...Also known as eating the food I tried to cook.

Looking For Alaska...Apparently I've never heard of Google maps.

What Happens Next...Is still a mystery because I haven't read the book yet.

Pushing The Limits...Five minutes on the treadmill should do it.

Love and Leftovers...Awww you met him in a restaurant?

Let It Snow...So school gets cancelled and I can stay in bed.

Thanks For Reading!

With all my bookish love,

Jess x

Rant & Rave #1: NA Edition

My 'Rant' Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover 
My Rating: *

I hate giving books one star but the caption for one star (on goodreads) is 'did not like it' and that is how I would describe my feelings for this book...as well as frustrated, annoyed and aggravated.

This was my first Colleen Hoover book and I had some high expectations based on things I'd heard about her writing, unfortunately I was disappointed. I will give some of her other books, the ones I own, a chance but this one definitely wasn't for me. 

My main issue was with the story and the characters as opposed to the writing (which was quite nice, shame about the story really) although I'm not sure how I feel about the 'poety'. I'm not entirely sure what it is but I don't see that it really added anything to the story. I imagine it was used to add impact or because Miles' POV was set (for the most part) 6 years earlier. Whatever the reason for it, I didn't find it particularly effective in aiding my reading experience. 
Another issue I had with Miles' POV is that for awhile they seemed to be a little repetitive and drawn out (Also kinda creepy and obsessive).

Miles is not a nice guy in my opinion (actually he's an abusive jackass) I realise that he had dealt with some difficult circumstances in his past but I don't believe that gives anyone an excuse to treat someone like dirt. 

What was more shocking to me than the fact that Miles treat Tate like dirt was the fact that she took it, made excuses for it and went back for more when she should have left. Every time I thought she was going to see how badly he was treating her she annoyed me by going back to him, by defending him (and the way he treat her) and by choosing him over people she loved.

She was such a pushover that I wanted to climb inside the book and shake it out of her. She claims to be a strong, independent woman but I never saw that. All I could see was someone is too immature and weak willed to say what they actually think. It really frustrated me that her thoughts were written down but she never spoke them. She always said the opposite of what she actually felt or just said whatever would appease him. People pleasing in that respect isn't an admirable trait in anyone for me but especially not the heroine of a book who claims to be strong and independent. 

As far as the relationships in the book go I didn't feel that either of them were very viable. Miles and Rachel's relationship was instantaneous love which I couldn't buy (Also Miles' affections came across quite strong before he even knew her). Miles and Tate's relationship was empty, I didn't feel their connection on anything other than a physical level. I don't remember any conversations where they demonstrated that they have a real relationship, at least one that wasn't based in their pants. 

I struggled to get past page 208, I just wanted to stop reading. I won't spoil but around that time in the book I was getting so frustrated and I just didn't want to go on. I knew though if I stopped I wouldn't finish it so I pushed through. 

I am glad I finished it although I did start skimming certain parts more toward the end. For me the last 20 pages were the best part of the book, I was happy with the ending although it I feel more indifferent towards it than positive. It is the best part because I didn't feel negatively toward it...much (Tate's pushover personality still got to me).

As I said I plan to read some more of Colleen Hoover's books in the future and I won't let this book prevent me from doing so or from viewing those as objectively as possible. Hopefully the other books have characters who don't make me want to throw the book at a wall (I get upset if a book gets creased even a little bit so if I'm feeling that aggravated I know something is very wrong).

My 'Rave' Review: Façade by Nyrae Dawn
My Rating: *****

"Haunt me,
my little ghost,
Possess me.
Live inside me,
And scare aware my sins
Until there's nothing left.
But you."
(Adrian)

I reread the first book in this series a few days before reading this and decided to continue because I really enjoyed it and wanted to read Adrian's story. I was not expecting to love this story so much, certainly not more so than the first but I did. 

This book was truly incredible and probably the best new adult I've ever read. The writing was beautiful. The poetry was simple and perfect (not at all stalkerish, creepy or out of place - it felt very natural, heartfelt and appropriate)

The character development, as with the first book, was an important part of the story and incredibly well done.
The relationship was real and deep and wonderful to read. 

Again this book was able to convey some serious issues without dramatics so often seen in other new adult. It made me cry not only due to the themes of the story but the way they were presented and how they affected the characters. 

The name of this book is perfect for the story and really encompasses the kind of development that does take place within the characters lives.

I really didn't expect to love this book so much but as I saw the relationship progress I began to love both of the characters. They're both really broken due to their pasts and yet so strong.

Adrian was an especially complex character which is amazing to see, especially in this genre. He is quite sensitive in ways and very deep. 

Both Adrian and Delaney were immensely lovable and I definitely felt attached to their story.

The dreams, the imagery and the flashbacks were integrated in a subtle way, so much so that they blended with the story and became part of it. So often these techniques are included in books but don't feel like they fit, here they were seamless which is testament to the phenomenal writing this author is capable of. 


I feel like this review is all over the place and is a messy explanation of why I love this book but I won't rewrite it as much as I hate the disorganization. The reason why is because this unordered review is a representation of how I felt immediately after having read this book. I desperately wanted to write down how I felt but the impact this book had on me meant it came out in rush and became jumbled. That's okay though because to me it is the mark of an excellent book to leave the reader completely baffled and unable to form a coherent thought due to the immense emotions felt for the book and its characters.

~~~~~

So here are two NA books I've read relatively recently which have made me feel two completely different things. One made me angry, the other made me content. One made me want to cry in frustration, the other in blubbering tears of empathising sadness. One was given 1 star, the other given 5 stars. Ultimately these are only my thoughts and I am keenly aware of the fact that most people wouldn't agree. Despite this though I wanted to share my two reviews with you, please comment if you've read these books and have similar/different opinions - I'd love to hear them.

Thank you for reading!
With all my bookish love, Jess x

P.S. This 'Rant & Rave' thing is a new series type post I'm going to try to start on here by taking two books of the same genre, one I loved and one I loathed, and sharing my reviews in one post!

The "I don't know what it's called but I was tagged so I'm doing it" Tag

Thank you to Terri @Lebookchronicles (http://lebookchronicles.weebly.com - you should check her blog out because it's awesome) for tagging me!

She didn't know the name for this tag so I'm just going to jump into the questions:

1. Favorite children’s book/fairytale?

I was a huge fan of Roald Dahl and Jacqueline Wilson as a child. Of course I loved lots of books but these two stick out as my favourite authors, I read almost all of their books during my childhood. I still have all of these books and probably will keep them forever. As for a single favourite? That's hard to choose (mostly because I never pick favourites of anything, especially books). I did really love Matilda though (both the book and the movie - which I have on DVD and still watch frequently).

2. Do you have more than one copy of the same book? Same or different edition?

 Unlike most people I actually buy multiple copies a lot (sorry Terri!). It either happens because I want, or have seen, a different edition, I want the books in a series to match on my shelf, the book is in poor condition so I want to replace it (usually only if I see it cheap second hand) or when I have both Kindle and physical copies of a book. The last one is an issue; I usually buy books on Kindle, read them, love them and then I want the books for my collection so I end up paying way more than if I had just bought the paperback to begin with. Also if the Kindle version is cheap, I'll buy it so can choose which format to read on or reread it any time I want easily (and search for my favourite bits to reread). Oh dear I have some series issues...

3. If you could change the fate of one book character, who would you choose? 

Usually I'm pretty happy with a character's fate and I don't want to spoil so I'll pass on this one.

4. Do you use a bookmark or dog-ear the pages? 

Never dog-ear! It is so pointless when literally anything can be used as a bookmark. If I need to close a book for a moment and I don't have anything at hand I used remember the page number...not that difficult. And also any book lover always has something at hand that can be used as a bookmark so it really shouldn't be a problem. 

5. Choose a book character you would like to have as a friend in real life. 

Oh this is tough! I don't know who exactly but she/he would need to be fun (I need friends to laugh with), love to read (so we could talk books) and be a really genuine person. 

6. Which book do you think had the worst plot? 

Love story by Jennifer Echols has a pretty terrible plot. The whole book is a pile of - no that's harsh but it is rubbish. The ending happens when I felt like I was only 75% of the way through, I thought it was a mistake - like my copy was missing 75 pages (according to goodreads I'm not the only one who felt this way). Overall the story wasn't great but then it ended with no resolution, it may as well have been halfway through a sentence. I still wonder how that happened. Was she writing and someone lured her away with a huge brownie and he never got back to writing it? Who Knows? Either way the plot was possibly the worst I've ever read and executed badly too, characters were awful. Just one big pile of suck.

7. Which do you prefer: eReaders, tablets or physical books? 

Hmmm well I obviously own physical books and I also have the kindle app (as well as the Kobo app and my library eBook app) on my phone and tablet. I very recently purchased my first actual kindle too. I read a lot of eBooks because I like the convenience of reading anywhere (*ahem* lectures), I read a lot quicker on them and I can read laid down in bed. I buy a lot of cheap/free books on there which are great and a lot of those aren't even available in paperback so eBooks are definitely important for me (some of my favourite authors are eBook only). I own a massive amount of physical books though and ultimately I love their covers, smells, the way they feel...everything. Despite this I couldn't choose one or the other as they both have their own advantages/disadvantages. I love them both and as long as I can have both I will.

8. Do you watch book trailers?

Rarely, mostly because I like using my imagination which is one of the (many) reasons I prefer books to movies- I'm planning a post about this soon actually. 

9. Do you prefer a book series or stand-alone books? 

Stand-alone...actually companion series. This way you have the choice to continue, don't get bored with the same story dragged out and get to see more of your favourite characters without overdosing on them. I struggle to make it through series and stand-alone's leave me pining for more so I choose a good companion series.

10. Does the book cover affect your decision on whether or not to buy the book?

No! If it did all my favourites might not be my favourites. As an avid reader of romance books (including historical romance which have terrible covers) I have learnt to accept that the covers are what they are; weird, awkward, half naked embraces. There is always someone's hand on someone's breast, ass or in their jeans (down the front, pocket, anywhere really). They never look appealing but the books are often really incredible. I've also read a lot of books with beautiful covers and horrible stories so no I don't judge - I just keep the covers concealed sometimes in public (I hate that I feel like I need to do this but some people just doesn't get romance as a genre).

11. And what is your favourite book cover?

Urrghh with the impossible questions already whoever made this tag!...I really love The Sound Of Letting Go by Stacia Ward Kehoe. 

12. Did you ever buy a book you thought you would love but couldn't even finish? Which one? 

Will Grayson, Will Grayson, I managed 30 pages. I know that's not much but I just couldn't.

13. Which book has touched you the most? Why? 

The Age Of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker. I can't even say why but this book just hit me so hard. I felt so much when reading, and for a long time after, this book. I highly recommend it.

14. Which book have you re-read the most? 

I've not kept count so it would be one of the following; Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry. Playing For Keeps & Perfection by R.L.Mathewson. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire. Chasing McCree by J.C.Isabella.

15. How do you select new books to read? 

I'm a mood reader therefore I just go with what I'm feeling. There is no method in the madness that is my reading but I like that because I really believe you find the best books by accident.

If You want to do this tag, then please do. I tag you!

Thanks For Reading!

With all my bookish love,

Jess

xoxo

Growing Out Of YA?

I really only discovered young adult fiction at the beginning of 2014, before then I had primarily read adult books (after I grew out of children/middle grade fiction). I had read a few ya books before then but it was at that point when I really discovered this genre. 

Since then I've read hundreds of ya books and loved so many of them. In more recent months I have however noticed my interest in them waning. I've got plenty of ya on my shelves but I'm finding myself drawn to other genres. I don't think this is an aversion to ya seeing as I have reread some of my favourite ya books from last year recently and enjoyed them thoroughly.

I am definitely more discerning of the books I read now and much more critical which I feel does effect the types of books I choose to read.

Mostly though I do genuinely think it's simply that my taste is expanding, I'm not solely reading contemporary, romance or ya novels any more. I love that this is happening but I really hope that I can still find enjoyment in ya as well as in the new genres I've been exploring.

With that in mind here's a list of 5 ya books I really want to read this year:
>Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson
>Throne Of Glass by Sarah J. Mass
>Me, Earl & The Dying Girl by Jess Andrews
>All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
>The Mortal Instruments/The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

Truthfully I don't think I'll ever 'grow out' of ya so much as grow into other genres whilst maintaining my appreciation and admiration for ya as a genre.

Thanks For Reading!
With all my bookish love,
Jess
xoxo