Showing posts with label david levithan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label david levithan. Show all posts

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer TBR!

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish.
This week's topic: Top Ten Books At The Top Of My Summer TBR List. 
 The Top Ten Tuesday Summer TBR was my very first Top Ten post almost a year ago! Cannot believe it's time for the 2013 version!
This year I've divided into 'easy' beachy reads and then series books that you need a good amount of time to get in to. 
 
Summer Books!
Four Summers by Nyrae Dawn.
Charlotte Gates is tired of being Charlie Rae. She loves the lake she was raised on, their rental cabins, and spending her nights under the stars…but inside she yearns for more.
After his freshman year, Nathaniel Chase’s family spends their first summer at The Village. From the beginning Charlotte intrigues him. She’s the girl who always says what’s on her mind, wins at night games, and each time she looks through her telescope, gets lost in the sky.
Over the course of four summers together, Charlotte and Nathaniel become best friends, share firsts, mend broken hearts, protect each other’s secrets, overcome tragedies…fall in love. And say goodbye…
Charlie wants out of The Village. Nate wants her to have her stars. And they dream of being able to do it all together. But life isn’t as easy as their summers.
Each summer is told in alternating points of view between Charlie and Nate. Journey with the pair, and their friends, as they share their story about growing up, discovering who they are, making tough choices, and falling in love again and again.
Status: Waiting on my Tablet to be read!
This sounds like the perfect summer read so I've been holding out for sunny weather to read it!
 
The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy.
This isn't a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I'd be happy to recommend one, but I don't have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions and finding out that your dream guy is bad in bed. It's the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it's also the story of my freshman year of college and realising Mr. Right might have been there all along.
Status: Another one waiting on my tablet!
Again I'm holding this one back for summer!
 
Façade by Nyrae Dawn.
 Can love save them?
After her father commits a crime that shatters her family, eighteen-year-old Delaney Cross is tired of pretending everything is all right. Packing up her car, she sets out to find the people her father hurt. Her search leads her to places she’s never been—and into the arms of Adrian Westfall.
To the outside world, Adrian is a sexy, charming ladies’ man. But his playboy persona is just an act. Secretly his soul is tortured by a memory too painful to share. Only Delaney seems to see through his façade to the real man underneath. And for the first time in his life, Adrian feels he can begin to open up about his past.
Together, Adrian and Delaney share a passionate love they never expected to find. Yet both still harbour their own secrets. When the dark truth is finally revealed, will it bring them closer together—or tear them apart forever?
Status: Released 2nd July!
I loved Charade so I cannot wait to read about Adrian!
 
Near and Far by Nicole Williams.
There’s optimistic. And there’s Jesse Walker.
If he wasn’t so charming, his sunny disposition and incessant grin would get annoying. Fast.
Falling in love with the girl who had at first seemed immune to it, was the best thing to happen to Jesse since the Walkers adopted him into their family when he was five. But loving the girl who has her fair share of secrets is about as easy as that same girl loving the boy who seems to have none.
As Jesse’s life continues at the ranch, and Rowen begins making her mark in the Seattle art community, they begin to wonder where the middle ground is. Or if there even is one.
As push comes to shove and choices aren’t only needing to be made, but forced to be made, Jesse and Rowen have to face what their lives might look like without the other.
Can two people with such tragic pasts and different presents, go on to expect a promising future? Whatever the answer, they’ll need a lot more than love to make it.
Status: Released 30th July.
I loved Lost and Found so this is another sequel I cannot wait for!
 
Right of Way by Lauren Barholdt.
Can a road trip repair a romance gone wrong? Find out in this standalone companion to Lauren Barnholdt’s Two-way Street.
Here are Peyton and Jace, meeting on vacation. Click! It’s awesome, it’s easy, it’s romantic. This is the real deal.
Unless it isn’t. Because when you’re in love, you don’t just stop calling one day. And you don’t keep secrets. Or lie. And when your life starts falling apart, you’re supposed to have the other person to lean on.
Here are Peyton and Jace again, broken up but thrown together on a road trip. One of them is lying about the destination. One of them is pretending not to be leaving something behind. And neither of them is prepared for what’s coming on the road ahead…
Status: Released 9th July.
Lauren Barnholdt has been one of my summer staple authors for years so I'm super excited for this one!
About a Girl by Lindsey Kelk.
I’d lost my job. I’d lost the love of my life. My mum wasn’t talking to me. My best friend was epically pissed off. And my flatmate probably had a hit out on me by now. I never meant for things to get so out of hand…
Tess Brookes has always been a Girl with a Plan. But when her carefully constructed Plan goes belly up, she’s forced to reconsider.
After accidentally answering her flatmate Vanessa’s phone, she decides that since being Tess isn’t going so well, why shouldn’t she try out being Vanessa? With nothing left to lose, she accepts Vanessa’s photography assignment to Hawaii – she used to be an amateur snapper, how hard can it be? Right?
But Tess is soon in big trouble – she isn’t a photographer, she isn’t Vanessa, and the gorgeous journalist on the shoot with her, who is making it very clear he’d like to get into her pants, is an egotistical monster.
Far from home and in someone else’s shoes, Tess must decide whether to fight on through, or ‘fess up and run…
Status: Released 16th July.
Lindsey Kelk is one of my favourite authors so I'm glad her new stand alone comes out in time for Summer!
 
Series Books.
Throne of Glass by Sarah L. Maas.
Meet Celaena Sardothien.
Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for greatness.

In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake: she got caught.
Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament—fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin’s heart be melted?
Status: Sitting on my bookshelf.
I've got the next one downloaded so I'm going to make a start on this series this summer!
 
Insurgent by Veronica Roth.
 I HAVE DONE BAD THINGS.
I CAN'T TAKE THEM BACK,
AND THEY ARE PART OF WHO I AM.

Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family, but she has paid a terrible price. Wracked by grief and guilt, she becomes ever more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future.
Yet if Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger than ever... because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead.
Status: I just added this one to my bookshelf.
I loved Divergent so I tried to hold out until Allegiant comes out because I know Insurgent will be a cliff-hanger!
Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan.
 Stephen has been invisible for practically his whole life — because of a curse his grandfather, a powerful cursecaster, bestowed on Stephen’s mother before Stephen was born. So when Elizabeth moves to Stephen’s NYC apartment building from Minnesota, no one is more surprised than he is that she can see him. A budding romance ensues, and when Stephen confides in Elizabeth about his predicament, the two of them decide to dive headfirst into the secret world of cursecasters and spellseekers to figure out a way to break the curse. But things don’t go as planned, especially when Stephen’s grandfather arrives in town, taking his anger out on everyone he sees. In the end, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how big of a sacrifice they’re willing to make for Stephen to become visible — because the answer could mean the difference between life and death. At least for Elizabeth.
Status: Finally found this one in a bookshop!
This one was on my Spring TBR but I couldn't find it in any bookshop until this week!
 
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin.
 Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger. She wakes from a coma in hospital with no memory of how she got there or of the bizarre accident that caused the deaths of her best friends and her boyfriend, yet left her mysteriously unharmed. The doctors suggest that starting over in a new city, a new school, would be good for her and just to let the memories gradually come back on their own.
But Mara’s new start is anything but comforting. She sees the faces of her dead friends everywhere, and when she suddenly begins to see other people’s deaths right before they happen, Mara wonders whether she’s going crazy! And if dealing with all this wasn’t enough, Noah Shaw, the most beautiful boy she has ever seen can’t seem to leave her alone… but as her life unravels around her, Mara can’t help but wonder if Noah has another agenda altogether…
Status: Sitting on my bookshelf.
I've been meaning to read this one for months but it seems pretty 'heavy' so I saved it for summer!
 
What do you hope to read this summer?
Is it actually sunny where you are?
Much Love!
Lettie.
Xxx 

Monday, 31 December 2012

Best of 2012!

2012 has been a phenomenal reading year for me!
After three years of hard work and partying I regained time for reading- I've read 50 books since June!
So my last post of 2012 is a quick round up of my 2012 favourites! I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year!

Favourite Debut
I picked this one up with nothing to go by and I loved it!

Favourite Start of Series
Divergent perfectly set the scene and the action for the rest of the series- just need to read Insurgent!

Favourite Standalone
 Morgan Matson is a firm summer time must read for me! I loved all the emotions and memories in this one!
 
Unexpected Favourite
I got this one free when I preordered Sophie Kinsella's latest book- I loved it! Very rarely does a free book surpass the one you paid for!
 
Favourite All Around
Dash and Lily had everything! Humour, sweet moments, stupid moments and action!

Favourite Latecomer
One of my last books of the year and one of my favourite! I'll be reviewing it next year!

The One I Should of Read Earlier!
Everyone's been raving about The Hunger Games for ages and I eventually picked it up in June this year- should have picked it up earlier!
 
Favourite End of Series
I was so happy to finally finish Ruby's story- I've loved her neurotic ways since 2006!
 
Favourite Sequel
I loved If I Stay but Where She Went had a little more resolution and perspective! Brilliant sequel!

Favourite 'Indie' Author
A random download led me to Abbi Glines! My favourite Indie author of 2012 because her books encouraged me to try other indie authors! 
 

Favourite Author
This one was hard! Veronica Rossi wrote a beautifully crafted world, a wonderful prequel and is very interactive! I'm already scouring my local bookshops for a freak early release!


Favourite Genre
 

 Before The Hunger Games I'd had no real interest in Dystopia but now I love it! I love all the different interpretations of the world, the intriguing mysteries and the characters. Not a fan of some of the love triangles but you can't love it all!


What were your favourites of 2012?
Happy New Year!
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxxx

Wednesday, 26 December 2012

Top Ten Contemporary Reads of 2012!



 
 I'm a bit late to this meme but it is Christmas! Hope you are all having a fabulous celebration!
I've chose Top Contemporary reads as my topic because I've read loads of contemporaries this year and I kind of already had this post written, so I just tweaked it! 
Easy by Tammara Webber
I have been re-reading this one like crazy! I love the side cast of characters, the theme, the romance, Jackie, Lucas... Everything really! Reviewed in October.

 
If I Stay and Where She Went by Gayle Forman
No surprises here! I loved these two books- brilliantly unique contemporaries with a fantastic cast of characters and a brilliant use of flashbacks! I loved how the two books are from two different point of views and both felt very emotionally deep and real. Reviewed in July!
 
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Morgan Matson has been one of my go to summer contemporary authors since Amy and Roger! I loved concept and plot line of Second Chance Summer and the complex characters. Reviewed in July.
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
A fun festive witty contemporary read which incorporates so much of New York City and it's diversity! Reviewed in October.
Because of Low by Abbi Glines

 
I have gushed over Abbi Glines Sea Breeze series it's no surprise this one made it on this list! Because of Low was so sweet and based around family drama which I loved. Reviewed in September
 
Lengths by Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt


I loved how hot and sweet this was! I liked how Whit seemed to be the more troubled on as usually in YA/NA the guy is the most 'broken'. Such an unexpected great read. 
 
Derailed by Alyssa Rose Ivy.
 I liked the setting and the pace- it really surprised me with how much I enjoyed it! So glad I got the chance to take part in the tour! Reviewed in December!
 Charade by Nyrae Dawn
Sped through this on Sunday- it is so amazing! I can't believe I waited so long to read it!
Review is on it's way!
 
What has been your favourite contemporary read of 2012?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxxx

Tuesday, 6 November 2012

Top Ten Tuesday: Contemporary Reads of 2012


Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish.
This week's topic is: I'm choosing Contemporary 2012 reads!
 
This freebie week fits in really well with my feature! I decided to do my top ten contemporary books I've read in 2012! YA and NA!
 
 
Easy by Tammara Webber
I have been re-reading this one like crazy! I love the side cast of characters, the theme, the romance, Jackie, Lucas... Everything really! Reviewed in October.
 
 
If I Stay and Where She Went by Gayle Forman 
 
No surprises here! I loved these two books- brilliantly unique contemporaries with a fantastic cast of characters and a brilliant use of flashbacks! I loved how the two books are from two different point of views and both felt very emotionally deep and real. Reviewd in July!
 
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
 
Morgan Matson has been one of my go to summer contemporary authors since Amy and Roger! I loved concept and plot line of Second Chance Summer and the complex characters. Reviewed in July.
 
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
 
A fun festive witty contemporary read which incorporates so much of New York City and it's diversity! Reviewed in October.
 
 
Because of Low and While It Lasts by Abbi Glines
 
I have gushed over Abbi Glines Sea Breeze series it's no surprise these two made it on this list! Because of Low was much more sweet and based around family drama whereas While It Lasts was hotter and involved more emotional drama. I love the contrast between the two and the continuation of the cast while keeping the two stories separate. Because of Low reviewed in September and While It Lasts reviewed as part of  Young Adult and New Adult Month.
 

  Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry
 
This book has everything you could ask for in a YA contemporary novel, a heroine you can connect to, a hot boy with depth, a unique yet familiar plot and utterly addictive! Reviewed in July
Lengths by Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt


 I loved how hot and sweet this was! I liked how Whit seemed to be the more troubled on as usually in YA/NA the guy is the most 'broken'. Such an unexpected great read. Reviewed as part of Young Adult and New Adult Month!
 
What has been your favourite contemporary read of 2012?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxxx

Saturday, 6 October 2012

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

I've left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don't, put the book back on the shelf, please.

Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favourite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions? Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.
 
I've wanted to read one of Rachel Cohn and David Levithan's collaborations for ages so I was excited when I got my request on Netgalley.  I loved the simple fun and witty air to this book!
 
What I loved:
  • Concept- I love the idea of two strangers exchanging a notebook of dares- such a unique and clever concept. It wasn't completely realistic but that's what made it so readable and fun. Setting it during Christmas
  • Dash and Lily- I loved how both their character were exaggerated but relatable. I loved how Lily learnt how to transition from shrilly to lily all by herself and branched out to make new friends.
  • Sofia- I was surprised how much I loved Dash's ex girlfriend. She was a refreshingly nice and realistic ex instead of the cliche crazy exes that always seem to pop up!
  • Lily's family- So amazing! From her quirky Aunt Ida who worked at the waxworks and offered out great advice to her Grandpa with his mini mafia of retired shop owners to her typical bored employee cousin Mark! They were all brilliantly written and cleverly inserted into the plot :)
  • Ending- I actually loved how it end with everything not completely resolved or clear but enough resolution to satisfy!
  • Dares- The central plot- loved them! They were inventive, fun and clever. I think make-a-monster was my favourite- mainly because it was cute and lasted throughout the book as a memento.
What I didn't love as much:
  • Ernest- He was sort of interesting but I didn't really see the point of him!
  • Lily's brother- Lily viewed him as her closest friend and had supported him through his break up but he was just so insensitive to her! He pretty much abandoned her despite her obvious loneliness.
 This was such a feel good read! It leaves you a smile on your face!
 
 
Which collab should I read next?
Nick and Norah or Naomi and Ely?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Monday, 1 October 2012

September Round Up!

Monthly Feature- rounds up all the books I've read, progress on challenges and reviews my blogging!
It is kind of an expansion (?) of my favourite memes hosted by the lovely Shelia over at Book Journey!
September in numbers!
Total posts= 15
Books read= 11
Books listened to= 2 ½
Reviews Posted= 5
Meme Posts= 4
Other Posts= 6
Total days spent in the UK= 12
 
What I read in September!
*Plus*
The Lost Son by Preston Norton and Tamra Torero
 
What I Reviewed!
Frozen by Mary Casanova.
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan.
Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide To Getting Girls by Tellulah Darling.
Because of Low by Abbi Glines.
Matched by Ally Condie
Stronger review month! I seem to be reviewing my books accidentally in order which is handy!
I'm hoping my scheduling will make the number of reviews a month higher and more consistent from now on..
 
What I Posted!
Reviews- A post clarifying my personal approach to reviewing.
Bloggiesta- Brilliant event which really helped me with my monthly goals! Check out my goals post to see what else I cleaned up blogwise.
Autumn TBR- What I plan on reading this season!
Cover Reveal- Check out the beautiful cover on Abbi Glines' next instalment of Sea Breeze!
Series I need to finish!- This top ten kind of works as a 'to read' list for my series challenge.
 
Did I achieve my goals?
To post 15 posts.
Just achieved this one! I think I managed it, thanks to my holiday forcing me to schedule posts in advance. However my short notice holiday stopped my hope of 8 reviews as I didn't have time to write them up and schedule them before leaving for France.
To improve the standard of this blog.
I think I've achieved this one but it's an ongoing process. My review policy is clear and concise. My ratings system has made me think more about my reviews, which I hope has made them better. Bloggiesta gave me the chance to improve it further with the mini challenges.
To learn more about blog design.
I've tried but I think this goal will take longer than a month! The Bloggiesta mini challenges were so helpful for this one so it's an ongoing process.
 
 

What I hope to achieve in October!
  • To blog to a schedule.- I created a proper blog schedule for bloggiesta which I will be posting later, I'm hoping to keep to it in order to give this blog a clearly defined structure and reliability.
  • To make progress on my challenges.- I've been slacking on the majority of my challenges, in particular finishing the series. I'm hoping to make a lot more progress in October.
  • To post two non meme/review posts.- This was originally last month's goal until I realised I wouldn't be able to write them up before going away! I've got a least one written up ready so hopefully this will be an easy goal!
  • To tweet every blog post.- I used to do this all the time and it generated a lot of traffic! Need to get back into the habit.
September was an odd blogging month as I was away for the majority of the month so I wasn't actively blogging! I will be posting my Bloggiesta wrap up with my schedule so hopefully this month will be run smoothly!

How was your September blog/book/life wise?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx