Showing posts with label georgia cates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label georgia cates. Show all posts

Sunday, 25 November 2012

Shallow by Georgia Cates

 
Welcome to the Shallow Blog Tour!! 
 
Payton Archer's best friend, Claire, strives to be perfect in every way. Payton doesn't and this is her story.

Nick Hawke likes his car fast and his girls even faster. He blows through females quicker than his muscle car races down the "The Strip" in Collinsville and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Determined to avoid the devastation he has watched his father endure in the aftermath of his mother leaving, he believes there is no room in his life or his heart for a relationship lasting more than one night. He seeks happiness in things that won’t let him down...fast cars, adrenaline and one night stands. To his absolute dismay, all of that changes when he unexpectedly runs into an old friend and is introduced to Payton Archer, the first girl he ever wanted for more than one night. There’s only one catch...she is completely immune to him and his smooth talking ways.
Payton Archer is looking for what Claire has with Jessie, but she has given up on finding it...at least until she leaves for college in the fall because she is certain that is where she will find the perfect guy to fit into her perfect world. She plans on summer being nothing but three uneventful months of fun, but it turns out to be anything but ordinary when Payton is introduced to Nick Hawke, one of Jessie’s old Collinsville friends. She is shocked by her immediate and intense attraction for “Hawke” because nothing about him is what Payton is looking for. Sure, he’s hot and sexy but he comes from Collinsville and that is definitely not on her list of prerequisites. Everything about him makes Payton’s heart speed because he is exciting and dangerous, but his fast car and the dangerous chances he takes aren't what scares Payton the most...it’s the way Nick Hawke makes her feel every time he looks at her. Can Payton find that moment of total fearlessness and make the decision to leave the safe, shallow end of love to risk going under completely?
 
I loved Going Under so I was excited to read more about Payton, Claire's feisty best friend! This book delivered above and beyond what I was anticipating!
 
What I loved:
  • Payton- I loved her feistiness in Going Under and I just loved it more in Shallow. I found it much easier to relate to Payton than Claire. I liked that underneath all the armour she was just a girl who wanted real love and wouldn't settle for less! I did find her slightly ott on judging other girls who had lower standards than her.
  • Nick- I loved him! Such a good bad boy! I loved that he had morals and ambition for himself and his family. He hadn't been the luckiest guy but he was making the most of his life. I liked how self assured he seemed when it came to Payton initially.
  • Dallas- She was so sweet! I loved her relationship with Nick, she completely believed in him even when he didn't believe in himself. I thought it showed a lot about the nature of their relationship that Nick was willing to invite her to hang out with Payton, Jess and Claire straight away. I loved her with Dane, such a cute seemingly uncomplicated relationship!
  • Jessie/Claire/Payton- I loved this triangle! Jessie is the boyfriend you always hope your best friend will get. Friendly and protective of you and a genuinely good guy for your friend. I loved how well Jessie understood Payton, he knew when to step in and when to back off.
  • Epilogue- There are few things I love more than epilogues which give you the perfect glimpse into the future of the characters!

What I didn't love as much: 
  • More- I wanted more! I would have liked to read more of Payton in Nick's world and more of them together in general!
  • Tilly- Could not believe her! I won't spoil but she made me so angry!

I loved this slightly more than Going Under but they are a great set of companion books!
*Just heard Dallas and Dane are getting their own book!!* So excited!

Opinions on Shallow?
Much Love!
Lettie
xxx

Wednesday, 31 October 2012

November Feature!

 
 
I declare November the month of Contemporary Young Adult and New Adult fiction on Above Average Below Special!

Why?

I've been on a slight contemporary book binge recently and I had a few contemporary blog tours scheduled for November so I thought why not devote a month  to contemporary reviews and features?
 
What will this month include?
 
Blog Tours!

Reviews!
 
 
Features
  • A discussion of genres in Young Adult/New Adult!-  The banner says Young Adult and New Adult but I will be discussing the boundaries and implications of these genres!
  • Cover discussion post!
  • *Possibility* A revamp of my Series vs Stand Alones Discussion post- Revamped to be solely related to contemporary books and will include related series.
  • Top Ten Contemporary Reads of 2012!
  • Friday Fab Five- Five older Contemporaries that remain firm favourites!
 
Are you excited for this feature?
Any Recommendations?
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

Sunday, 30 September 2012

Stacking The Shelves!

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What is Stacking The Shelves all about?
Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Picked up a few books this week and I stumbled across this meme! Such a good idea :)

Borrowed
From friends!

As I mentioned in my Holiday post I need to read the Artemis Fowl series asap- luckily my friend was happy to lend me the first two!
Once I unearth Seeing Redd and read it I'll have Archenemy on hand to finish off the series!

Library

My late reserve book which a friend had to pick up for me- Glow was so intriguing I'm excited for the sequel!
I love Paige Toon but I don't always love her books so I decided to borrow instead of buy this one.

Books for Tours
I've signed up for a couple of November blog tours due to Bloggiesta and received the books!
I'm so excited for Shallow- I loved Going Under.
Swell sounds a bit different which is always good!

Previewed

I'm on a Amazon ban (again!) because my TBR list is getting of control! So I've been previewing books to see if I want them :)

Measuring Up and Crash are sort of 'random finds- their previews were so intriguing definitely on the ebook wish list!
Breathe- I really need to read the first Sea Breeze book especially as I love the others so much!
Shallow- I was checking it out as I really enjoyed Going Under!

I've added quite a few books to my TBR this week!
Let me know if you love any of them!

Much Love!
Lettie

Xxx

Monday, 3 September 2012

August 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!

August in numbers!
Total posts= 14
Book read= 11
Reviews Posted= 4
Meme Posts= 5
Other Posts= 5
Total Posts- 13 (unlucky!)

What I read in August!


*Plus*
The Future of Us by Kahlen Aymes.
The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window by Kirsty Moseley.


What I Reviewed!
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Going Under by Georgia Cates

Weaker review month than July!
However this is because I stock piled reviews for my September holiday so the blog isn't abandoned while I'm gone!
I read two more books than July and I have reviewed over half of August's books all scheduled for Thursday onwards, not too bad!

What I Posted!
Discussion post- I'm really proud of this post- it took me awhile to write and post as it was my very first discussion post so I'm happy it's been well received! Just need to decided on the next subject!
Favourtie Books Post- Check out what books have been my favourite since starting this blog!
Update post- Technically a meme update but it evaluates which of the books I anticipated I'd read over summer and the result!


Did I achieve my blog goals?
Post at least one review and one book non meme post a week.
Didn't think this one through. Before August I had written very few non meme/review posts so I set the bar way to high for August! I am hoping to spend some time coming up with a good amount of ideas for these posts for October.
Make strong progress on my challenges.
Whoops! I kind of went on a YA contemporary spree- unfortunately I'm not taking part in a contemporary challenge!
Take part in more 'activities' like readthons and read alongs.
Yay- I did this one! I took part in the Summer Wrap-Up Readathon (4th August to 12th August) and Bout of Books (13th August to 19th August). I really enjoyed this goal and I hope that next time I can take part in the social aspect of readathons as well!
Beat my total monthly posts of 17!
I totally forgot to factor in the Olympics! All my friends and family caught Olympic fever so I neglected my blog- whoops. At least it's only every four years!

What I hope to achieve in September blog wise!
  • To post 15 posts- This one is more achievable than last month as already have a lot of scheduled posts ready and I've factored in outside life! I am also hoping to post at least 8 reviews.
  • To improve the standard of this blog- I have updated and posted a clear Review Policy. I am launching a ratings system today to help differentiate between reviews. I would love suggestions on how else to improve!
  • To learn more about blog design. - I really want to change up my blog but my knowledge of blog design is so limited. If anyone has any tips or hints please let me know!!
I really enjoyed August as a blog month, I am disappointed I didn't achieve my goals but I have set more realistic ones for this month!
I will be posting my Autumn TBR list tomorrow so stop by to see what I plan on reading!  

How was your August? Did you succumb to Olympic fever too?
Much Love
Lettite
Xxx

Wednesday, 29 August 2012

Going Under by Georgia Cates

Jessie Boone is a self proclaimed bad boy and doesn’t march to the beat of anyone’s drum, but his own. Growing up in less than desirable circumstances has made him no stranger to the hard knock life and his determination to leave it behind is fierce. When he finds himself transferred to East Franklin High School, he sees his opportunity to use his athletic ability to snag a college football scholarship, but Forbes Henderson, the player Jessie means to replace isn’t giving up his spot willingly. In fact, Forbes is willing to go to extreme measures to retain his place as first string quarterback. When Forbes’ malicious plan to injure his replacement fails, Jessie is furious and determined to show him he messed with the wrong person; not only is he going to take the position of first string quarterback, he’s going to take his girl, too.
Claire Deveraux is perfection at it’s best. She is beautiful, intelligent and unaware she just became Jessie Boone’s conquest as revenge against her boyfriend, Forbes Henderson. Like her flawless performance as the perfect daughter and student, Claire’s production of being the perfect girlfriend has everyone fooled, except Jessie Boone, and she fears this tattooed bad boy will see her secret desire to explore his crude threats and promises to rock her perfect world. If she decides to give in to one uninhibited moment with Jessie, will she learn too late that it was all an act of vengeance or will Jessie learn the taste of first love is sweeter than that of revenge?


This was a random download from months ago that I finally read and really enjoyed!

What I loved:
  • Jessie- He reminded me of Noah from Pushing The Limits , he was a supposed 'bad boy' who is actually a good guy with a bad family situation although Jessie's life had arguably been harder than Noah's. I liked how he focussed on sports as a way out of his situation. I just really loved him-  I will even forgive him being called Jessie!
  • Claire's parents- Despite a major/minor blip with Claire's mum they were awesome parents! Her dad willingly overlooked Jessie's supposed bad reputation in favour of Claire's happiness. They even made a huge sacrifice for Jessie's safety. Good grounded parents- a rarity in YA fiction!
  • Claire and Payton- Great best friends. I loved how no nonsense Payton was especially how forward she was with Jessie to make sure he had Claire's best interest in minds. She knew Claire so well, she clearly didn't believe her whole I'm not even in Jessie thing.
  • Dale- Another good friend. I liked how he befriended Jessie irregardless of the team's opinion and looked out for him.
What I didn't love as much:
  • Forbes- I am starting to dislike how many awful ex boyfriends I have to read! Forbes was really vengeful, forceful and aggressive- not a good combination! I get that being dropped from the starting line up in favour of a 'poor' guy is a little humiliating but he was prepared to seriously injure Jessie and ruin his sports career- too far! I don't even want to get into how creepy and inappropriate he was to let himself into Claire's house...
  • Rita and Wayne- Two stellar examples of how to ruin and potentially ruin two lives. I can't even imagine how a Grandma could be so cold and criminal...
  • Drug dealing- Never a fan obviously but seeing as it was an important condition of Jessie's living with his Grandma it didn't actively get mentioned that much. As in he didn't seem to do much of it!
I really enjoyed this it avoided being completely cliche but was suitably fluffy!


Let me know if you liked this one!
Much Love
Lettie
xxxx

Tuesday, 21 August 2012

Top Ten Tuesday- Favourite Books!


Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish.
This week's topic is Favourite Books You've Read During The Lifespan Of Your Blog!
 
 
 
This topic was difficult as  I usually define a book as one of my favourites if I still love it months later- seeing as I've only been blogging since June, I really had to think which books I had read since starting my blog and go from there.
In no particular order!


The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

 

This book definitely convinced me that dystopia was a genre I would enjoy. It was my favourite of the trilogy! Full review.

Because of Low by Abbi Glines

Loved the relationships and revelations in this book- introduced me to what an amazing author Abbi is!

While It Lasts by Abbi Glines

Loved this even more than Because of Low- it was fun, the characters were realistic and the plot was something I hadn't read before!

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
This book will stay with me forever- it was breathtaking! Full review.

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

If I Stay was a hard act to follow but Where She Went managed to follow it beautifully. Full review.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

I love how this book covers so much emotionally in such a short summer. Full review.

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry


Really lived up to the hype surrounding it and had such an intriguing plot and characters. Full review 
The Selection by Kiera Cass

I loved this as it was a more light hearted dystopia book! Full review.

I Heart London by Lindsey Kelk

 Such a good end to the series and I loved finally seeing Angela 'at home'!  

Going Under by Georgia Cates

This one surprised me as I never would of thought it would end up as one of my favourites but it was such a good read it deserves to be on this list!

Honourable mentions
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan which was just too disturbing to make it onto this list and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins which got left off due to The Hunger Games!


Wow! I read a lot more books than I'd thought since June!
Let me know what your favourites are!
Much Love!
Lettie
xxx


Monday, 20 August 2012

Monday Round Up/Wrap Up

One of my favourite memes hosted by the lovely Shelia over at Book Journey! This week my Weekly Round Up has been hijacked (again!) as a Readathon wrap up! The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organised by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal .


Read!

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Just as good as I'd hoped!
Going Under by Georgia Cates
Great read- cover was misleading but it was so easy to read and the characters were great :)
The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window by Kirsty Moseley.
Started strong but really weakened- not a fan! I really wanted to like it!
While It Lasts by Abbi Glines.
This one was all over my twitter so I just had to read it! Replaced Beautiful Disaster at the last minute as my favourite book of the week!

Goals Met?
Prediction= 6 Result= 4. Total Page count- 1,356
Same as last week! But this week I seemed to have an impromptu YA contemporary week which I really enjoyed! I also read more pages than last week so slight improvement.
I did have to cover two extra days at work which is why I read ebooks- easier to read during lunch and breaks!
I learnt the pitfalls of being taken in by Kindle samplers and cheap ebooks!
I really enjoyed Bout of Books- Unfortunately I missed all the Twitter chats which I was looking forward to.
I will definitely be taking part again :)

Readathon posts!
Goals Post!
Update post.

Reviews Posted!
Better blogging week!
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire- How quick was this one reviewed!
The Selection by Kiera Cass- Finally finished up this review.

Reading 

This one was just missed out on the Bout of Books! So far it's living up to my expectations!

To Be Read

 So excited for this one- hopefully it won't disappoint!

I really enjoyed the Bout of Books readathon- definitely going to be taking part in it again!

Let me know what you've been reading and loving!
Much Love!
Lettie
xxxx

Sunday, 19 August 2012

Bout of Books Update!

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organised by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal .

Slow start as I had a lot of work this week but I've got this weekend to make it to six! Fingers crossed!

Progress So Far!

Beautiful Disaster courtesy of NetGallery! Already reviewed here
Going Under- Loved it!!


Started

I seem to be on a YA contemporary spree atm!
So far so good :)

Let me know how you've doing with the readathon!  
Much Love!
Lettie
xxx