The Simple Wild – K A Tucker

Book: The Simple Wild (Wild #1)
Author: K. A. Tucker
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: 7th August 2018
Pages: 388

My Rating: 5 stars

I don’t know what it was that initially pushed me to purchase this book but I wasn’t super excited about it. When it arrived it got put straight onto my TBR shelf and forgotten about. It had been there for such a long time before I even considered picking it up.

Yesterday, I was struggling to find something new to read. Usually, if I am in a good reading place I know what I’ll be picking up as soon as I finish the book I’m reading. However, I had no plans and The Simple Wild jumped out at me. I’m so glad it did.

It’s been a while since I picked up a 5 star read. I definitely haven’t had many of them this year.

This is the first book by K A Tucker that I have read and her writing style had me hooked from the first page. Boy can she write a gripping and emotional story.

I feel that a lot of contemporary authors either focus solely on character development or they go in the complete other direction and focus entirely too much on the setting. When there is too much of one or the other it can really impact a story, and not in a positive way.  K A Tucker has the perfect mix of everything which pulls you into the most beautiful story.

I am a fast reader but I devoured this book in less than four hours. I couldn’t put it down. I easily fell in love with the characters and the Alaskan setting.

Did I cry? Of course I did…repeatedly. It made me ugly cry. If you don’t at least tear up you must be as hard as nails.

It’s a story of full of love, forgiveness and finding yourself.  I highly recommend it. It’s the perfect time of year to cuddle up on your couch with a cuppa, a blanket and this book.

 

Lucy xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tattered (Lark Cove #1) – Denvey Perry

Book: Tattered (Lark Cove 1) 
Author: Denver Perry
Genre: Romance
Release Date: 19th June 2018
Pages: 374

My Rating: 3 stars

Thea Landry has always known her place in modern-day society. It’s somewhere just above the trash can her mother dumped her in as a newborn but below the class where much comes easy. With her tattered shoes and bargain-bin clothes, her life has never been full of glamour.

So when a rich and charismatic man takes interest, she doesn’t fool herself into thinking their encounter is anything more than a one-night stand. Months later, she’s kicking herself for not getting his phone number. Or his last name. She’s given up hope of seeing him ever again.

Until one day, years later, Logan Kendrick waltzes into her life once more and turns everything she’s built upside down. This time around, she won’t make the same mistake. She’s going to fight to keep him in her life—not for herself.

But for their daughter.

Goodreads

 

My Thoughts…

I don’t really know what to say about this book. I don’t think I will have too much to say about it in all honestly. It was entertaining and I wanted to know where the story was going by the end of it but I wasn’t hooked and it’s defiantly not a 5 star read for me.

The characters were likeable most of the time. However, they did have their moments. You know those moments where a character says something or acts like a complete idiot and it make you want to slam your book down because they are literally doing your head in. I experienced these moments from both Logan and Thea’s behaviour. It was rare but it still happened and it just got annoying pretty quickly.

The suspense element at the end of the book was completely irrelevant too. It was not needed at all! I won’t spoil it but you’ll completely understand if you read it. Literally the most pointless thing to include!

Don’t get me wrong there was love and happiness and a cute kid that totally makes the story. When Perry’s story telling was good it was really good. She created good relationships between her characters by the end of the book and that’s what I look out for in a romance. I’m probably going to give her writing another chance in the future. I swear my negative opinions of Tattered won’t influence my opinion on Perry’s writing style and story telling. I will give her another change.

Tattered is a nice story (suspense and bratty behaviour aside) and it’s an easy read.

Sadly, it hasn’t helped me out of my reading slump. So, if someone could please send help it would be greatly appreciated.  The Bronze Horseman Trilogy (except the third book which I’m struggling with) has put me into a crappy situation where no books are doing it for me. Recommendations are welcomed at this time. Thank you in advance!

 

Lucy xx

 

 

 

 

Why is there so much negativity about reading Romance?

I recently read an article about how romance books have such a bad reputation. It’s not the most recent article I will admit but I still feel like there is so much stigma with the romance genre. People seem to believe that it is some lower, nonintellectual genre and I’m not going to lie it pisses me off.

So, I’m going to rant!

The article I read (which is one of many with the same views) touched on how people who read romance are seen as less intelligent than those who read other genres. Now, at this point of the article my blood was boiling. How can you judge someones intelligence by their choice of book or genre? I do love a good romance and I can tell you right now I worked as hard as everyone else who does not read romance and I’ve got my three degrees from University to prove it. I can assure you that I graduated with the same grades as those who don’t read the romance genre. I can also guarantee that I am not the only person to do this either! In today’s society where equality and acceptance is such an important part of life why are people being made to feel less due to the choice of genre they read? 

There are a lot of individuals out their who think that romance depicts unrealistic views of relationships and life. I’m not going to deny this. It happens and it happens a lot. However, if we were to attach these theories to the fantasy genre for example, doesn’t this genre also portray an unrealistic view of life too? Who in real life is going to get kidnapped by a cursed fairy or go to war with the rulers of the county because of their new magical abilities. Fictional literature isn’t always supposed to be a representation of real life! That is what non-fiction is for. Fiction is supposed to depict unrealistic views of life regardless of the genre.

I have found that it is not just a persons intelligence that is picked on either. A person who reads romance must be obsessed with sex or BDSM or controlling alpha-males. (Honestly, this list could continue but I think three examples is enough and you get the idea). Once again I am going to apply this to another genre. Does this mean that people who read thrillers about criminals are obsessed with criminals and criminal behaviour? I didn’t think so! Just because people like romance doesn’t make them sex addicts just like people who read books about criminals aren’t criminals themselves. If people who read thrillers aren’t judged like this though, why should people who read romance be scrutinised?

Romance has a target audience just like all literature does and not everyone is going to enjoy it. I understand that. It’s the judgemental opinions that really wind me up. Romance is going to have its target audience just like all other genres. Yes! Men are less likely to pick up a romance book just like an adult is less likely to pick up a children’s book. But if they do pick up a book that falls into a different category or genre that isn’t necessarily for them, they should not be given hassle for doing so. Surely, as a reader you should appreciate and respect that people are reading regardless of the topic. As big as the reading community is there are so many people out there who don’t read and won’t even consider giving it a try. Why would they bother when they see news articles on genres being slated? As an English teacher I have faced so many battles when trying to get students to read. It is so hard to do. If someone finally picks up a book and enjoys it enough to continue right until the end and then wants to read another book only to be criticised due to there genre choices it is very disheartening. 

Just like in young adult fiction a woman can be strong and independent. They can have hopes and dreams and they can fight for what they want. Just like in horror the female character can overcome their demons. Just like in children’s literature the main protagonist can go on adventures and learn life lessons. The only difference is in romance people fall in love along the way!

I just think that people should stop judging others for their reading choices. Just because you might not enjoy the genre a stranger across from you is reading  doesn’t mean you can berate them for it.  If you hear someone say they love romance or they’ve just read an amazing romance book you could ask them about it with no judgement. You never know it might surprise you.

For now. My rant is over.

Lucy xx

Most Anticipated Adaptations 2019 / 2020

I do love a good movie or tv adaptation and there are a few that I’m looking forward to over the next year or so. Here are just a few of them:

 

The Aftermath by Rhidian Brook

Hamburg, 1946. Thousands remain displaced in what is now the British Occupied Zone. Charged with overseeing the rebuilding of this devastated city and the de-Nazification of its defeated people, Colonel Lewis Morgan is requisitioned a fine house on the banks of the Elbe, where he will be joined by his grieving wife, Rachael, and only remaining son, Edmund.

But rather than force its owners, a German widower and his traumatized daughter, to leave their home, Lewis insists that the two families live together. In this charged and claustrophobic atmosphere all must confront their true selves as enmity and grief give way to passion and betrayal.

The Aftermath is a stunning novel about our fiercest loyalties, our deepest desires and the transformative power of forgiveness.

Goodreads

Now I know that this one has already been released in the UK. (I’m not sure about internationally but it is definitely out in cinemas here right now).  I can guarantee that if I asked my other half to go to the pictures with me to see this film it would be a straightforward no. Nothing would persuade him. Literally. Nothing. It’s one of those films that I’m probably going to have to wait to be released on DVD. I’m half way through the book so that will give me plenty of time to finish the book in time to watch the films.

Trailer

 

 

After By Anna Todd

Tessa is a good girl with a sweet, reliable boyfriend back home. She’s got direction, ambition, and a mother who’s intent on keeping her that way.

But she’s barely moved into her freshman dorm when she runs into Hardin. With his tousled brown hair, cocky British accent, tattoos, and lip ring, Hardin is cute and different from what she’s used to.

But he’s also rude—to the point of cruelty, even. For all his attitude, Tessa should hate Hardin. And she does—until she finds herself alone with him in his room. Something about his dark mood grabs her, and when they kiss it ignites within her a passion she’s never known before.

He’ll call her beautiful, then insist he isn’t the one for her and disappear again and again. Despite the reckless way he treats her, Tessa is compelled to dig deeper and find the real Hardin beneath all his lies. He pushes her away again and again, yet every time she pushes back, he only pulls her in deeper.

Tessa already has the perfect boyfriend. So why is she trying so hard to overcome her own hurt pride and Hardin’s prejudice about nice girls like her?

Unless…could this be love?

Now newly revised and expanded, Anna Todd’s After fanfiction racked up 1 billion reads online and captivated readers across the globe. Experience the Internet’s most talked-about book for yourself!

There was the time before Tessa met Hardin, and then there’s everything AFTER … Life will never be the same.

Goodreads

I still haven’t made my mind up about this series as I found so many issues with it. However, I am interested in how the adaptation has turned out. So I do intend to watch the film.

I still refuse to acknowledge that this series was created as Harry Styles fan fiction. I’m way too old for that!

Additionally, the film looks so cheesy in the trailer. And not in a good way. It’s like they have tried to copy the 50 Shades adaptations and that were bad enough.

We shall just have to wait and see I suppose.

Release date: April 2019 (US) (UK) I’m unsure.

Trailer

 

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

Goodreads

There was something about this book when I was reading it. I just found myself really struggling with it. I’m sorry to say I can’t tell you why either. I just haven’t really thought about it. However, I always intended it give it another go. Then I heard that there was a film adaptation coming out and I feel like this maybe something I may enjoy more as a film.

Release Date: (US) May 17 (UK) I don’t know

Trailer

 

 

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Generations of readers young and old, male and female, have fallen in love with the March sisters of Louisa May Alcott’s most popular and enduring novel, Little Women. Here are talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War.

Goodreads

There is nothing much to say about this adaptation other than it is probably going to be amazing. It has a great cast. It is a fantastic story! It has all the feels. I am really looking forward to it. It is the perfect time of year for the release date too.

Release date: (US) December (UK) 17 January

There is no trailer at present.

 

 

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The plot centres round Mary Lennox, a young English girl who returns to England from India, having suffered the immense trauma by losing both her parents in a cholera epidemic. However, her memories of her parents are not pleasant, as they were a selfish, neglectful and pleasure-seeking couple. Mary is given to the care of her uncle Archibald Craven, whom she has never met. She travels to his home, Misselthwaite Manor located in the gloomy Yorkshire, a vast change from the sunny and warm climate she was used to. When she arrives, she is a rude, stubborn and given to stormy temper tantrums. However, her nature undergoes a gradual transformation when she learns of the tragedies that have befallen her strict and disciplinarian uncle whom she earlier feared and despised. Once when he’s away from home, Mary discovers a charming walled garden which is always kept locked. The mystery deepens when she hears sounds of sobbing from somewhere within her uncle’s vast mansion. The kindly servants ignore her queries or pretend they haven’t heard, spiking Mary’s curiosity.

Goodreads

I loved the 90s film adaptation growing up. It is something that I can sit and watch over and over when it is on. It reminds me of my childhood. I am quite looking forward to the new spin on it.

Release date: All I know is that it is due to be released in early 2020

There is no trailer at the moment.

 

 

P.S. I Still love you (To all the Boys I’ve loved before #2)

Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.
She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.
When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

In this charming and heartfelt sequel to the New York Timesbestseller To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, we see first love through the eyes of the unforgettable Lara Jean. Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing

Goodreads

I love this story and I really did love the adaptation Netflix released last year 2018. I thought they did a pretty good job. I am so looking forward for the second adaptation.

Release date: Sometime in 2020.

There is also no trailer for this one at this time.

 

Are there any adaptations that you are looking forward to seeing?

 

Lucy xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tatiana and Alexander – Paullina Simons

Book: Tatiana and Alexander (The Bronze Horseman #2) 
Author: Paulinna Simons
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date:  2003
Pages: 559

My Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads

Tatiana is eighteen years old, pregnant, and widowed when she escapes war-torn Leningrad to find a new life in America. But the ghosts of her past do not rest easily. She becomes consumed by the belief that her husband, Red Army officer Alexander Belov, is still alive and needs her desperately.

Meanwhile, oceans and continents away in the Soviet Union, Alexander barely escapes execution, and is forced to lead a battalion of soldiers considered expendable by the Soviet high command. Yet Alexander is determined to take his men through the ruins of Europe in one last desperate bid to escape Stalin’s death machine and somehow find his way to Tatiana once again.

 

My Thoughts:

After I finished reading the first book in this trilogy I don’t think I could have gone without reading the second instalment straight away. I mean with an ending like that how could anyone want to have a break between the two books?

Now, don’t get me wrong I really enjoyed this book but I don’t think I enjoyed it as much as The Bronze Horseman. Something was lacking and I can’t quite put my finger on what it was exactly. I did feel like there was a little section at in the middle of the book that dragged out for a long while and I felt my mind drifting every so often. This was the same for the flashback elements from when Alexander was growing up. I just wanted to focus on the present. I feel like this book is a very slow burner and I mean VERY slow.

Regardless of the parts that I didn’t quite like, there were still things I loved, especially the intense relationship and fierce love between Tatiana and Alexander.

Moreover, I was so happy to see that there was a lot of character development in the book. In particular with Tatiana. I am so happy that Simons helped character mature.

Tatiana and Alexander is just as emotional as The Bronze Horseman. There are times when you’re on such a high because things look like they are going to get better and then suddenly things start to go all wrong again and you’re at rock bottom. When you read Paullina Simons’ writing you cannot help but be invested in the characters and their journey.

I can’t finish this review without mentioning the imagery throughout this book. It is just as enticing as you’d expect after reading The Bronze Horseman. You feel like you are in the middle of their story right along with them. You get all the feels. When they hurt you hurt. When they are sad you are sad. Paullina’s writing style is just extremely beautiful and not many authors can do what she does so successfully.

This book is a heartbreaking tale full of hope and love and it is worth every second of your time.

I genuinely can’t see where Tatiana and Alexander’s story is going to go in the third instalment (The Summer Garden) but I am eager to give it a go and my fingers are crossed that it is just as addictive.

 

Lucy xx

 

 

 

The Bronze Horseman – Paullina Simons

Book: The Bronze Horseman
Author: Paulinna Simons
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date:  2000
Pages: 637

My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads

The golden skies, the translucent twilight, the white nights, all hold the promise of youth, of love, of eternal renewal. The war has not yet touched this city of fallen grandeur, or the lives of two sisters, Tatiana and Dasha Metanova, who share a single room in a cramped apartment with their brother and parents. Their world is turned upside down when Hitler’s armies attack Russia and begin their unstoppable blitz to Leningrad.

Yet there is light in the darkness. Tatiana meets Alexander, a brave young officer in the Red Army. Strong and self-confident, yet guarding a mysterious and troubled past, he is drawn to Tatiana—and she to him. Starvation, desperation, and fear soon grip their city during the terrible winter of the merciless German siege. Tatiana and Alexander’s impossible love threatens to tear the Metanova family apart and expose the dangerous secret Alexander so carefully protects—a secret as devastating as the war itself—as the lovers are swept up in the brutal tides that will change the world and their lives forever.

My Thoughts

It is a rare occurrence for me to award a book a 5 star review. And to have two in one month I’m beginning to wonder if something is wrong? Maybe it is just that things are finally looking up and my book selection process has improved drastically!

I know that there are plenty of issues with this book and I know that there are so many people out there who hate this book due to the story and its characters. I’ve read so many negative reviews online and I was seriously in two minds about picking it up but I am so glad that I did. I genuinely think that this might be one my favourite books. Judge me all you want. Honestly, I don’t care. This story has stolen my heart and left me in the worst reading slump ever. (I am probably being over dramatic and I may need to work on this. In the meantime recommendations for my next read are welcome at this time. I need help!)

Getting back on track and discussing the issues with this book a little more. I’ve already said that there are issues, I won’t deny it. Take Tatiana’s attitude and behaviour for example. Throughout the beginning of the book she is extremely irritating. But if I can get over this I’m sure you can too. Especially when you consider she is a 17 year old girl. Who wasn’t an annoying person when they were 17. Everyone goes through that period in their life where they think they know everything. You walk around thinking you’re so grown up. It isn’t until later in life when reality hits and you realise what a little shit you actually were.  I can relate and I’m pretty sure most of you can too.

When you combine the romance, the history and all the events that each character goes though in this story it’s going to stick with you for a while. It is a heat-wrenching tale that I love so much. I can’t put into words the emotions I felt while reading it. I’m pretty sure my fiancée took the flack for it when I went into one of my moods. You know the one right? That huff that you get into when your current read starts pissing you off or even worse when it makes you cry. It is like a roller-coaster that just never stops. The worst of it was when I finally thought that it could only get better I crashed straight back down to rock bottom all over again. 

I really cannot believe that I had not heard of this book before now. I stumbled upon it while watching Youtube videos. Someone was doing a bookshelf tour (I’m not ashamed to say that I spend a lot of my time watching these videos when I have nothing else to do). I saw the book and thought ‘Oh that’s a nice cover. I want it in my life. I might give that book a go.’ Low and behold I ordered myself a copy.

Yes! I just admitted to buying a book due to it’s cover. How beautiful is this cover though? It is a total shame that this is not the cover that turned up.

I studied the Second World War in school during my GCSE’s but we did not focus on the Germany and Russia aspect of it so I learnt some new things while reading this book. The imagery that Simons creates is amazing. You can feel what the characters are feeling all the way through the story. The hunger. The cold. The loneliness. The heart-ache. Every little thing that Tatiana and Alexander feel, you feel right along with them.

As a side note which probably has no relevance to you I would just like to mention that the historical aspect of the story also prompted discussions between my Dad and I about history.  My Dad and I have always been interested in different historical topics and eras. I like classic history, the old history (this will be the incorrect term for it – but it works). My Dad has always enjoyed learning about modern history.  So to be able to ask questions and have conversations about topics he is interested in it’s been good. Of course I left out that The Bronze Horseman is primarily a romance book but he was happy to chat away and teach me new things about war around Europe in the early 1940s.

I read (or maybe watched) an interview with Paullina Simons about this book and how she was going to leave it as a standalone novel. Well lets all thank our lucky stars for her husband who persuaded her otherwise. My book buying ban was well and truly forgotten once again after completing this book. As soon as I had put this book down I went in search for the next two instalments of the trilogy. I cannot wait to get tucked into the second book when it arrives.

This book has rekindled my love for historical romance novels and surprisingly it has started me off with a new little obsession. I have not read many books set during this era but I think my Step Mum would be proud of my new interest as they were her favourite. If anyone has any recommendations within this genre I will be happy to take them.

I highly recommend this book. Please do pick it up and give it a chance if you haven’t already. It is so good!

 

Lucy xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WWW Wednesday!

So it is Wednesday and I am really not a fan of this weeks Top 5 Wednesday. Due to this I’m thinking of avoiding it for a while. Hopefully next months will pick up a little and I will be more interested.

Instead of struggling to write I have decided to participate in WWW Wednesday.

This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and it was then taken over by Taking on a World of Words.

It is a simple post and anyone can have a go. You just have to answer the three questions  and leave a link to your post in the comments for others to look at here.

The love is to be shared so once you have completed your post visit the other blogs to see what is going on in there world.

Without further ado here is my WWW for Wednesday 6th March 2019. (As if it is March already!!)

The Three W’s are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

---

 

What are you currently reading?

Raw: Rebirth by Bell Aurora

It had been six years since my world was turned upside down.
He exposed me to the darker side of life and I could never go back to the person I was.

I had been through more things the average person couldn’t even relate to.

If I had the chance to go back and do things differently though?
Not a chance.

I’d pick him a thousand times. A million times. For eternity.

I guess not much has changed.

My name is Alexa Ballentine, and I am still in love with my stalker.

Goodreads

 

What did you recently finish reading?

Raw by Belle Aurora

Growing up the way I did, you’d think I’d be more screwed up than what I actually am.

Soon as I turned sixteen, I left that bump in the road I called home and took my chances on the street.

Best decision I ever made.

Now, at the age of twenty six, I’m educated, employed and damn good at my job.

My friends have become my family. Like me, they know what it’s like to grow up unloved.

But the saying is true.

The world makes way for those who know where they are going.

That’s me.

I know where I’m going and I’ll get there eventually. On my own terms and at my own pace.

But then there’s him.

I feel his eyes on me. I see him hiding in plain sight. He watches me.

He makes me feel.

It’s unconventional.

But it’s real.

I’m sure you’re wondering how a person falls in love with their stalker.

So am I.

This isn’t a story.

This is my life.

Goodreads

 

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (My Review)

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases — a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn’t help that Stella has Asperger’s and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice — with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can’t afford to turn down Stella’s offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan — from foreplay to more-than-missionary position…

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he’s making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic..

Goodreads

 

What do you think you’ll read next?

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

The golden skies, the translucent twilight, the white nights, all hold the promise of youth, of love, of eternal renewal. The war has not yet touched this city of fallen grandeur, or the lives of two sisters, Tatiana and Dasha Metanova, who share a single room in a cramped apartment with their brother and parents. Their world is turned upside down when Hitler’s armies attack Russia and begin their unstoppable blitz to Leningrad.

Yet there is light in the darkness. Tatiana meets Alexander, a brave young officer in the Red Army. Strong and self-confident, yet guarding a mysterious and troubled past, he is drawn to Tatiana—and she to him. Starvation, desperation, and fear soon grip their city during the terrible winter of the merciless German siege. Tatiana and Alexander’s impossible love threatens to tear the Metanova family apart and expose the dangerous secret Alexander so carefully protects—a secret as devastating as the war itself—as the lovers are swept up in the brutal tides that will change the world and their lives forever.

Goodreads

 

Your turn…

 

Lucy xx

The Kiss Quotient

Book: The Kiss Quotient
Author: Helen Hoang
Genre: Romance
Release Date:  30 May 2018
Pages: 314

My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads

A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there’s not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases — a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn’t help that Stella has Asperger’s and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice — with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can’t afford to turn down Stella’s offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan — from foreplay to more-than-missionary position…

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he’s making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic…

My Thoughts

Before picking this book up I had heard nothing but goods things about it. Whether this was online via twitter and Booktube or down in the salon where I get my nails done. Quite a few people have read, loved and recommended this book. To be honest I had no intention of reading this book but I have to admit I am so glad that I did. I was pleasantly surprised by the story and I definitely enjoyed in more than I anticipated.

I loved the story and the characters from the very beginning which can be rare thing for me as I to tend to look for the faults in both of these areas. Helen Hoang should be really proud of the diverse story and characters she introduced to the world. Yes, I am aware that other people may find faults in the book but due to the pure enjoyment I got when reading it I am willing to overlook them.

To start with I don’t think I was expecting the story to be quite as smutty as it was. I don’t know why this was a shock to me. Maybe this was due to the cartoony style book cover that is all over the internet and the fact that I avoided all detailed conversations regarding the synopsis. I just don’t think I was expecting it to be as sexy as it was. I can assure you though, this is not a bad thing!

Both Michael and Stella are lovable characters from the very beginning. They both have their own things going on and Hoang does an excellent job in telling you what is going on in both of their minds alternatively throughout the entire book. This keeps you in the loop with both the characters thoughts and feelings so you’re not left behind at any point.

Hoang’s representation of diversity is very well done from Stella’s Asperger’s to Michael’s Vietnamese and Swedish descent. For someone like me who doesn’t know much both living with Asperger’s or the Vietnamese culture I found it really interesting to read. It was embedded within the story very well and I did learn a few things along the way.

I was hooked to this story from the get go. The first sentence made me smile and I had a feeling I was going to enjoy this book as soon as I had stated it.  The Kiss Quotient is charming, funny, emotional and super hot.  I seriously cannot recommend it enough.

Yes! I know it has been out for a while as it’s been stuck on my TBR shelf for so long and I seriously had no intention to pick it anytime soon but this is my first 5 star read of 2019.

Lucy xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARCH 2019

So 2018 ended in the shittest way possible and I’m not going to lie I generally could not be bothered to read and write.  To be honest, I didn’t really have the time to read and write between work and travelling between home and Sheffield. I’ve had minimal me time over the past 6 months or so.

The start of 2019 was definitely tough. However, a little time has now passed and I’m starting to feel myself again. I’m determined to change a lot of things in my life as I have so much to look forward to. Therefore, I am back.

Now, my opinion of TBR lists has once again changed and I think I have a new way to keep myself on track. Especially with my reading. Hopefully, this will eradicate all stress out of my life and help me complete my monthly tasks with ease.

With regards to my TBR, I intend to pick two maybe three books a month that I have to read and then all of the other books I pick up will be selected due to my mood at the time.

The books I will pre-select will be from my TBR shelf as the pile is ever growing and I would really like to make a dent into it before I start buying more books. I’m not strict enough to put myself on a book buying ban. That is just setting myself up for failure straight away but I do intend to spend less money each month though. I have a wedding to save up for!

I am also tempted to bring my book jar into play again as there are quite a few books that have been on these shelves for far too long that I don’t seem to be picking up.

So March TBR:

The two books that I will be reading this month are:

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang 

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases — a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn’t help that Stella has Asperger’s and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice — with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can’t afford to turn down Stella’s offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan — from foreplay to more-than-missionary position…

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he’s making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic…

Goodreads

 

Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood series) by J R Ward

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other – six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…

Goodreads

Both of these books have been on my TBR shelf for a long time and I’ve decided now is the time to read them. Two completely different genres but I’ve heard nothing but goods things about them both!

All of the other books will be selected randomly depending on my mood. By doing it this way in the past I’ve had pretty good reading months so my fingers are crossed.

If you do have any recommendations let me know. Or if you have read either of the above two books tell me what your thoughts are I’m eager to know.

Lucy xx

 

 

 

 

October TBR

 

This is yet another late post and I don’t know whether to blame having so little free time or the fact that I have a new bullet journal that I’m obsessing over. When I do eventually have some time to myself I’m doing that.

I have another eventful month coming up with a trip home for a week and my engagement party / huge family get together. Due to this I fear that a weeks worth of reading time is probably going to be taken from me. This does depend on the plans my family make around my visit. I am selfishly hoping that there will be a couple of days where I can veg on my mum’s sofa with the dog and do nothing but read. I’m not going to lie, my mum’s dog is like a tornado and being alone in the house to read with the terror will inevitably result in no reading time. It’s most likely going to leave me with a half eaten book.

Due to the visit home I have purposely made my TBR small this month. This just means that if I do get some extra reading time in throughout October I can pick a few books out of my TBR jar.

So the three books I will read this month are:

Shadow of Night – Deborah Harkness.

I started this book at the end of September and I mean the end. I think I managed to pick it up on the last day of the month. I intend to get this finished at some point this week.

The Book of Life – Deborah Harkness

The third book in the All Souls series is the second book I intend to complete this month.

 

His True Queen – Jodi Ellen Malpas

I read the first instalment of this duology last month and I do intend to complete the series as soon as possible.

As I said it’s a short list this month.

It just feels so empty.

There is a fourth book by Debora Harkness called Times Covert which I have avoided looking into in case there are spoilers of the series around. As far as I am aware it is a follow on from the All Souls series. Depending on how the series turns out and if I am still in the mood for the story this may also be added into my October TBR.

Additionally, as I stated above my ever-growing TBR jar really does need some attention. Once I have completed the books above I will be selecting my next reads at random. Hopefully, if I start using the TBR jar to chose my next reads I will have more space on my TBR shelves by Christmas.

What is on your TBR this month?

Lucy xx

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