31 December 2013

My 13 Books, Movies & Blogs of 2013



13 things I loved to obsess over in 2013! 








13. Book Boyfriends - I'm clearly too old to ever think, let alone write the words 'book boyfriend' but they have become one of my very favourite things of the year! Cam, Daemon, Hunter, Rule and Jake are on top of my list. Who is on yours?


12. Going to my roomie's Wedding in Portugal - It was super chilled and beautiful (this is from the gal who doesn't really like weddings or anything formal). It was also really emotional see her get married and be all grown up!



11. City of Bones Movie - I love Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments series and had been greedily anticipating any news about the movie. When the movie was released I didn't actually end up liking it as much as I thought I would, but sometimes it's all about the build up!



10. Twitter - my obsession with Twitter became apparent when I left the country for a few days and didn't have wifi. Needless to say I didn't handle it well and I need my daily fix of the madness.



9. Doctor Who 50th Anniversary - I'm such a massive geek (but can't bring myself to say Whovian out loud) that I even made a TARDIS cake for the occasion!



8. American TV Shows - I've been hooked by Supernatural, Bones and Dexter for years but I've now added Sons of Anarchy, Grimm & Boardwalk Empire to the list.



7. My MA - Finishing my dissertation & gaining a Masters Degree was amazing. BUT to then Graduate in the beautiful Cambridge cathedral was above and beyond!!



6. Game of Thrones - I've LOVED the books for years BUT am obsessed with the TV show.



5. Ian Somerhalder - I'm not really sure this needs much explaining BUT there's just something about his slightly evil looking smirk as Damon in TVD!



4. Meeting all you fab bloggers!! Thanks for all of your feedback, hints and support. You all rock!!



3. Christian Grey - I spent an obscene amount of time this year obsessing over who would play Christian Grey in the 50 Shades movies. I was very much in team Somerhalder or Cavill but quickly warmed to the idea of Charlie. BUT I love Jamie Dornan and think he'll be amazing!



2. New Adult - For me 2013 was all about NA books. I love discovering fab new authors (Sabrina Elkins, Genna Rulon) & reading the next instalments in some great book series' (Jet & Rome or Before We Fall).



1. Starting this blog! - I love everything about reading and writing, so for somebody who spent the past two years reading Milton, Blake and Bronte, my blog is a great way to interact about less classical and more lighthearted books.




My Top 13 Books of 2013 (my full guest post can be found over at The Book Lovers):







Walking Disaster – Jamie McGuire
Obsession – Jennifer L. Armentrout
Only For You - Genna Rulon
Wait For You – Jennifer L. Armentrout as her naughty alter ego J. Lynn
A Little too Far – Lisa Desrochers
Recklessly (Documentary #3) A.J. Sands
Wallbanger – Alice Clayton
Call Me Crazy – Quinn Loftis
Jet (Marked Men #2) – Jay Crownover
Mine (Real #2) – Katy Evans
Bully – Penelope Douglas
Losing It – Cora Carmack

Rome – Jay Crownover


What made your list?
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Vain by Fisher Amelie Review


Vain (The Seven Deadly #1):


If you’re looking for a story about a good, humble girl, who’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she’s not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah...then you’re gonna’ hate my story.



Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It’s not the “I can do anything, now that I’ve found you/I’m misunderstood but one day you’ll find me irresistible because of it” tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I’m a complete witch. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I’m every girlfriend’s worst nightmare and every boy’s fantasy.

I’m Sophie Price...And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.




What I say: Sophie is rich, beautiful, wealthy and uber spoiled! She's mean and nasty (think Gossip Girl and then some) and doesn't care who she hurts. Sophie is the Queen bee of the trust find set, she has no parental supervision (other than her lawyer) and pretty much does what she wants. 

When she gets caught with drugs and booze again she finds herself being sent off to Africa to work at an orphanage for injured children. Without sounding too cheesy, Sophie goes on a huge journey in Vain. She discovers the true meaning of suffering and even though she is in a very dangerous situation she actually begins to feel 'something'.

Dingane/Ian has swiftly been added to my book boyfriend list. He's caring, hot and works hard. I also loved how he constantly challenged Sophie and called her out on her faults. 

Other than Pemmy (I'll let you figure that name out) the only sort of positive person in Sophie's life is Spencer, who turned out to be a far nicer guy than I was expecting.


Some of the events in Africa were horrifying and really sad; make sure you have tissues at the ready for this one. Be prepared to be shocked by certain events; Fisher Amelie's writing is so descriptive I could actually visualise the hideous scenes.


4 Stars in my Sky!

My fav non-spoilery quotes:

  • I was a spoiled, repulsive brat, but I'd never had anyone actually tell me so before to my face.
  • "When you undo them and run your hands throughout the waves. That's my favourite part of the day."
  • "You exude something and I can't quite place my finger on it. You practically glow with it. You devastate me."

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30 December 2013

This Man Confessed Review



This Man Confessed (This Man #3):




The Manor, the very place where their passionate love affair began, fills with guests on what should be the happiest day of Ava and Jesse's lives. She has accepted that she'll never tame the fierceness in Jesse-and she doesn't want to. 


Their love is profound, their connection powerful, but just when she thinks that she's finally gotten beneath his guarded exterior, more questions arise, leading Ava to believe that Jesse Ward may not be the man she thinks he is. He knows too well how to take her to a place beyond ecstasy . . . but will he also drive her to the brink of despair? 


It's time for this man to confess.







What I say: This Man Confessed is like one giant therapy session. There are so many ups and downs in the story and I really felt sorry for Jesse once the revelations started. I REALLY wished he'd been more forthcoming from the beginning though!

Ava and Jesse have to fight to find a HEA and face a constant struggle against outside forces (and each other). Jesse's past comes back to haunt him a number of times, but it explains a lot about his controlling and possessive ways. Angst doesn't even begin to cover the story; Jesse and Ava are really put through the ringer!

The pill situation is finally addressed and I was pleased to see Ava's fury (I'd have been SO cross)! The epilogue was really sweet (it's in Jesse's POV) and I loved getting inside his messed up head.

I don't want to spoil anything from the dramatic conclusion to the series, but be prepared to be shocked! There are many naughty scenes (*ahem* handcuffs) and some uber cute moments. A memorable end to a crazy and dramatic series!


4 Stars in my Sky!

My fav non-spoilery quotes:

  • "My mind is being filled with beautiful images of us, and they are replacing a history that lingers. They're chasing away my past, Ava."
  • He really is obsessed with me, and if I'd have known about this in the early days, like when he persistently pursued me, I think I'd have ran faster and farther.
  • He really does live in terror, but it's far worse than I ever imagined.
  • "And you are my temptress. Or you could be my Lady of The Manor." I jump out of his chest and find him grinning at me. "I am not being the Lady of the Sex Manor."

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29 December 2013

Beneath This Man Review


Beneath This Man (This Man #2) - Jodi Ellen Malpas:



Jesse Ward drowned her with his intensity and blindsided her with his passion, but he kept her away from his dark secrets and broken soul. Leaving him was the only way Ava O'Shea could survive. 


She should have known that Jesse Ward is impossible to escape--and now he's back in her life, determined to remind her of the sensual pleasures they had shared. 


Ava is equally determined to get at the truth beneath this man's steely exterior. That means letting herself get close to the Lord of the Manor once more. And it's exactly where Jesse wants her--within touching distance...





What I say: If I wasn't convinced Jesse Ward was crazy after book one, well I bloody well am now! Whether it's crazy good or bad I'm still not sure. The stuff with the pills was sort of ridiculous, I'd be fuming if I were Ava.

The book pics up a few days after the horrible ending to This Man and whilst Ava is devastated, Jesse is...awol! I think I gave enough 50 Shades and Crossfire comparisons in my review of book one, so I'll leave them out for now.


Ava does get some answers in this instalment but Jesse is still very dismissive and evasive. He's so desperate to keep Ava he hides things from her and makes matters worse. I think sometimes with all the angst and drama the love story element is often forgotten. Jesse is extremely romantic but he cannot handle his feelings.


A Lot happens in Beneath This Man and Jesse seems determined to make up for lost time; he's defo got his foot firmly on the turbo speed button. Ava and Jesse's relationship borders on obsession, they really drive each other crazy. This obsessive love is destructive and toxic at times yet sweet and caring at others. Jesse is alpha to the extreme, for which I both love and hate him! I do wish he'd be more honest and open, as there's nothing more annoying than a guy who lies or omits details!



3.5 Stars in my Sky!

My fav non-spoilery quotes:

  • This man is like the sex version of Jekyll and Hyde.
  • "I lose my head just at the thought of losing you. It makes me a total madman. Believe me, I'm aware of that."
  • My sanity is certainly questionable, but I'm sane enough to admit that. I was a normal, sound-minded girl. I definitely don't qualify for that anymore.


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28 December 2013

This Man Review by Jodi Ellen Malpas

This Man, Beneath This Man and This Man Confessed by Jodi Ellen Malpas series review! Be warned there are lots of naughty bits and the books are definitely adult books!



This Man:

Young interior designer Ava O’Shea has an appointment for a first consultation at The Manor with the owner, Mr Jesse Ward. She is expecting nothing more than an overweight, cravat wearing, well-to-do countryman, and on arrival, nothing would suggest otherwise. How wrong could she be? 

This Man is devastatingly handsome, charming and confident. He is also a conceited, hedonistic playboy, who knows no boundaries. Ava desperately does not want to be attracted to him, but she can’t control the overwhelming affect he has on her. Every instinct is telling her to run, so she does, but Jesse Ward is not so willing to let her go. He wants her and is determined to have her. She knows she is heading for heartbreak, but how can she run when he won’t let her?







What I say: 26-year-old Ava is a successful interior designer/decorator who has just finished working on an exclusive building in London. She is personally requested to work on a series of new rooms at The Manor. Ava is expecting a stuffy, balding old man so is extremely shocked when the owner turns out to be the handsome and mysterious alpha-male Mr Jesse Ward! 

In some ways This Man is very 50 Shades of Grey-like but in other's it's not, I hope this becomes clearer after reading. It's difficult to go too much into the plot without giving much away. Where Christian Grey has a red room, Jesse Ward has a manor!

I still cannot decide whether I loved or hated Jesse. He's hot, strong, confident, possessive and skilled BUT at the same time he's controlling and takes stalking to another level. The cursing stuff was a bit too Christian-like at times BUT Jesse is not CG!

To me Ava is an amalgamation of Eva from the Crossfire series and Ana Steele from 50 Shades. She's more determined than Eva and Ana and I felt she was stronger than the two. I did find her annoying at times because for all her running and protestations she kept going back for more and allowed and encouraged Jesse's questionable behaviour.



I liked the secondary characters, but the did remind me of those from 50 Shades, but they work well in this story. I liked Jesse's determination and the mystery of The Manor (seriously how Ava didn't work it out straight away I'll never know). If you don't like alpha-male leads then This Man is defo not for you, but if you give Mr 'Control-freak' Ward a chance you'll want to figure out all his secrets...mainly how old is he? But be warned there is a cliff hanger!



4 Stars in my Sky!


My fav non-spoilery quotes:

  • "You persistently fighting this is only making me more determined to prove that you want me."
  • "If you want full length skirts and polo neck jumpers, then I suggest you find someone your own age."
  • "Why, are you indestructible?" He holds the helmet above my head. "No, lady, self-destructible."
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27 December 2013

Entropy by Addison Moore Release Blitz



Entropy - The Countenance #3
by Addison Moore

Release Date: December 27th 2013




Summary:

Laken Stewart is sure of one thing—she must free her loved ones from the notorious Celestra tunnels.

Laken along with Cooper Flanders set out to free their families from the hands of the Countenance before it’s too late. Laken will do anything to assure their safety, even if it means losing the one she truly loves.

When Laken finds herself in a position that might embed her into the Countenance organization for all eternity, her faith in her ability to pull off the ultimate sacrifice wavers.

Once her old boyfriend, Wesley, realizes who he really is, and what the Counts have cost him, he’s more determined than ever to win Laken back.

Laken’s heart becomes divided, and yet she knows she must make a decision that has the power to shape all of their destinies forever.

Laken has fallen hard for Cooper, but Wesley is back, and now her heart is torn.
Cooper would give up his life to protect Laken, and he might just have to.
Wesley remembers everything from his true past, and he wants Laken more than ever—nothing or no one will stand in his way.




Author SpotlightAddison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who writes contemporary and paranormal romance. Previously she worked as a therapist on a locked psychiatric unit for nearly a decade. She resides on the West Coast with her husband, four wonderful children, and two dogs where she eats too much chocolate and stays up way too late. When she's not writing, she's reading.







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My Guest Post at The Book Lovers



The lovely Zoe from The Book Lovers asked me to write a guest post featuring my 
Top 13 Books of 2013...


You can check out my list and Zoe's awesome blog here!!




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Before We Fall by Courtney Cole


The Beautifully Broken Series: Book 3


What they say: In the bestselling tradition of J.A. Redmerski and Jessica Sorensen come the next novel in Courtney Cole's New York Times bestselling Beautifully Broken Series...


Sometimes before we fall . . . we fly.



One dark moment was all it took to turn twenty-four-year-old Dominic Kinkaide's world black. On the night of his high school graduation, a single incident changed him forever, and he became a hardened man-famous in the eyes of the world, but tortured inside. Now all he cares about is losing himself in the roles that he plays.

At twenty-three years old, Jacey Vincent doesn't realize how much her father's indifference has affected her. She is proof that sometimes it isn't one specific moment that wrecks a person, but an absence of moments. She tries to find acceptance in the arms of men to fill the void-a plan that has worked just fine for her, until she meets Dominic.

When jaded Dominic and strong-willed Jacey are thrown together, the combination of his secrets and her issues turns their attraction into the perfect storm. It could change their lives for good-if it doesn't tear them both apart...

  • Published 3rd December 2013 by Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
  • ISBN: 9781455550852

I received a copy of Before We Fall from Forever via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!


What I say: I really enjoyed Courtney Cole's other books in her Beautifully Broken series and I couldn't get the Before We Fall blurb out of my head. Cole take's her readers on a pretty dark journey in this instalment. Although I wasn't always expecting the direction the story went, particularly with Dominic, I found myself hooked by the confusing and often disturbing world some of her characters reside in.

Dominic is a spoilt actor with a dark past and an even darker present. He's rich, famous and beautiful, but he's also sorta disturbed (according to himself) and is trapped by horrible memories. Dom's brothers are in a famous band and the three of them most definitely do not live a normal life. At one of his brother Sin's (great name) parties he meets Jacey (Gabe's sister and Maddie's best friend from book 2), who is still coming to terms with her part in the horrific events in the previous book. 

I don't want to spoil anything by revealing too much of the plot so I won't go into details about Dom's issues or why he's like he is, but I will point out that Before We Fall goes deeper into non mainstream sexual desires than I was expecting (it's not an erotica book, but Dom has some kinky idea's surrounding sex). Dom is surrounded by self-loathing and despite his successful career and cocky persona he had no self-worth.

When Jacey and Dom meet, he is very drawn to her natural charm and beautify, yet doubtful of her goodness. Jacey blames herself for everything that happened with Jared in the last book and relies heavily on Brand. I had previously been hoping Jacey would end up with Brand but totally changed my mind once we met Dom in all his disturbing glory.


Before We Fall is cleverly written because just when I though I'd figured everything out, then Cole would throw in another twist and mix things up. I really enjoyed the story and found myself drawn to both Jacey and Dom. They have both suffered a lot and have sabotaged themselves in the past but I really wanted them to find a HEA.


4 Stars in my Sky!


My fav non-spoilery quotes:

  • I'm sitting right smack in the middle of a group of prostitutes. Fun fact: they're all wearing more clothing than me.
  • If two consenting adults do deviant things to each other in the dark, did the deviant things actually happen? There's a question for the ages.
  • I shouldn't be happy about anything concerning Jacey. Because once I'm through with her, there won't be anything left to smile about. There never is.
  • I can't help but smile, just a little, just enough to pull the corners of my mouth up. "Dominic will do. I tend to drop the 'f**king.' Unless of course, I'm actually f**king."
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