Nicole Williams on New Adult.

Last but not least Nicole Williams shares her thoughts on New Adult!

 

What does “New Adult” mean to you?

To me, it means a new sub-category that’s been created to bridge the YA and Adult markets. Sweet and simple!

What first drew you to New Adult?

I love reading and writing about college-aged characters and there were so few books actually about that age-range when I was in my late teens/early twenties. I love that the characters are figuring out who they are in life, making a bunch of mistakes, and not afraid to pick up the pieces along the way. I love the drama, angst, and intensity of the category.

Why did you want to write a New Adult book?

My very first books were New Adult, before the term had been coined. They were about college-aged students and even though there wasn’t a lot of sexual content, or heavy language, there were still mature concepts these characters dealt with that separated them from typical YA books. It was less about wanting to write a New Adult book, and just what I wrote at the time and someone put a label on it later. 

What would you love to see next in New Adult?

I’d love to see some paranormal and dystopian New Adult. The trend is contemporary right now, and I love it, but I think it would be great to see this New Adult category branch out some more. 

 

I’m the New York Times and USATODAY bestselling author of the Lost & Found series, the Crash series, and a handful of others. Basically, I get to do what I love. Every single day. I write romance because I’m a sucker for a good love story, and I write happy endings because there are too few of them in real life.





Thank you so much to Nicole for very kindly taking the time to feature on my blog!

I think Nicole put it perfectly, New Adult definitely bridges the gap between Young Adult and Adult!

 

What do you think?

Much Love!

Lettie

Xxx

Clash by Nicole Williams

The only easy thing about Jude and Lucy’s relationship is their love for one another. Everything else is hard.
Especially when it comes to reigning in Jude’s trigger touch temper and Lucy’s increasing jealousy of Jude’s Spirit Sister on the cheer squad who’s attached herself to him in just about every way a girl could. Feeling the stress of trying to hang on to her quintessential bad boy while becoming the foremost dancer in her class, Lucy knows something’s going to break. She wants both. She needs both. But if she doesn’t make a choice, she risks losing everything.
For Lucy Larson and Jude Ryder, love might be the thing that just isn’t enough.

Thoughts!

Sequels where the couple are together can often go the cliché route of cheating etc. but Clash avoided that completely. I liked how their relationship was explored further and underlying issues were brought up and dealt with properly.

 

Jude and Lucy also stayed true to their characters from Crash. I still really loved Jude, he was the perfect bad boy grown up into a good guy! I liked how he remained unfailingly loyal and true although he was like all boys completely oblivious to Adriana's obvious behaviour! I liked Lucy even more in Clash- she was much more rounded as a character but remained determined to reach her dreams no matter what. Jude and Lucy also both remained very poor at communication or reading between the lines when it came to each other.

 

I definitely still really enjoyed Lucy's Dad as a character. I admired how much of an effort he made to make Jude feel welcome and comfortable despite the unbearably awkward situation they were in. I felt Lucy's mum really stepped up in Clash and engaged with Lucy. She gave great advise and actually parented Lucy instead of being as distant as she had been in Crash.

 

Holly was one of my favourite characters, she has such a pivotal role as Jude and Lucy's friend. I want to read more about her life, work and Jude junior! I also would have liked more of Lucy and Jude's school lives but there is one final Jude and Lucy book!

Rating!

I loved Clash! It didn't just throw an obstacle at Lucy and Jude but explored their relationship, the good and the bad!

I read Clash ages ago and this review has been sitting in my draft posts for ages!
Have you read Crush? Is it as good as Crash and Clash?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx.

Blog Tour: 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 old. Fast.
Falling in love with the broken girl who had at first seemed immune to anything resembling love was the best thing to happen to Jesse since the Walkers adopted him when he was five.
As Jesse’s life continues at the ranch and Rowen begins making her mark in the Seattle art community, they wonder where the middle ground is. Or if there even is one.
As push comes to shove, they’re forced to make choices neither are eager to make, and 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 expect a promising future together? Whatever the answer, they’ll need a lot more than love to make it.

Why?
I loved Lost and Found so I was planning on reading Near and Far when I got the chance to sign up for the blog tour!

What I loved:
Plot- I really liked that the plot wasn't the clichéd long distance relationship where they get tempted by new people. Instead the plot explored deep personal issues of Rowen and Jesse that weren't really seen much in Lost and Found. I liked seeing Rowen's artistic side and how hard she was prepared to work. I wanted to know more about Jesse's past and I really enjoyed seeing his point of view. It's hard to explain what I loved about the plot without spoiling it but I liked seeing a different side of Jesse and Rowen's relationship.
Garth Black- I liked Garth in Lost and Found but I loved him in Near and Far! I think Jesse's point of view gave more of an insight into his character. Garth also seemed to be a slightly better person in Near and Far, he was definitely a much better friend to both Jesse and Rowen! I have a feeling his book will involve him and Josie and their shared history/future.
Side Cast- I loved the side cast in Lost and Found! Near and Far added a few more characters and explored old ones further. I loved that Josie and Rowen had remained best friends and Josie was just a fun as always. I loved Alex, she seemed like an insanely fun compulsive person, I think she brought out a more relaxed side to Rowen. I loved her interactions with Jesse, poor guy didn't know how to handle some of the things she threw at him! I liked her relationship with Sid, it was random, serious and light-hearted at the same time, I wouldn't mind a novella on them...... :P Two side characters I loved to dislike were Jolene and Jax. Jolene I disliked because not only was she single-mindedly pursuing a taken guy but she was also heavily flirting with two boys who had 'dated' her best friend/cousin which is just rude! Jax was just completely arrogant and inappropriate . I did however like the roles these two characters played in Jesse and Rowen's love story!

What I didn't love as much:
Willow Farm- Despite getting Jesse's viewpoint much of his time at home was spent out working meaning there was much less of the Walker family and Josie! I wanted to see more of his sisters especially Lily so I was slightly disappointed!

Rating!

I loved the side cast, the dual viewpoints and Jesse and Rowen's very realistic relationship.

 

Are you a Nicole Williams fan?

Much Love!
Lettie

Xxxx

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 

Book News!

I sometimes feel like I'm the last to find out about book deals or new books so I thought I'd do a round up post of recent news!

I feel like May contained a lot of books news to digest so I've rounded up the news I've been most excited by!

Nicole Williams
Lost and Found is now a series!
Lost and Found is a very recent love of mine, I loved the characters, the setting and basically the whole thing!
NEXT! (30th July 2013.) Near and Far- Jesse and Rowen's story continues! Lost and Found did leave me wanting more Jesse and Rowen. I'm looking forward to the new distance factor in their relationship and how it changes the dynamic between them.
COMING UP! Garth Black is getting his own book! I can't say I was a fan of him in Lost and Found but I do want to find out more about him! 

Steph Campbell
Shayna and Carter get their own book!
I always enjoy Steph Campbell's books and I loved the themes and characters in the 'Quinn' series. (I don't know if the series has an 'official' name I refer to it as Quinn seeing as she's the constant!) 
Friend is a Four Letter Word- I think Shayna and Carter definitely deserve their own book and I'm looking forward to 'seeing' them take centre stage!
with Jolene Perry
My Heart from Yours goes from Stand Alone to Quartet!

I found My Heart from Yours a sweet quick read with surprising depth so I'm so excited for more!
NEXT! July) My Fate for Yours- A prequel featuring Tobin's brother Eamon! I'm kinda apprehensive for this one as I know how it ends. However I was very intrigued by Eamon and the mystery surrounding him!
COMING UP! My Love for Yours and My Life for Yours complete the quartet but no other details...

Monica Murphy
Drew and Fable's series has been expanded!
One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend were great reads and a few of the side characters definitely need their own books!
NEXT! Three Broken Promises- Jen and Colin's story
I loved the hints and glimpses about the backstory and situations between them so I'm excited to find out more about them!
COMING UP! Owen's story and maybe more Drew and Fable!

Have you heard of any other book news I've missed?
What books are you looking forward to?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxxxx

Blog Tour: Lost and Found by Nicole Williams.

Follow the rest of the tour here.

There’s complicated. And there’s Rowen Sterling.
After numbing pain for the past five years with boys, alcohol, and all-around apathy, she finds herself on a Greyhound bus to nowhere Montana the summer after she graduates high school. Her mom agreed to front the bill to Rowen’s dream art school only if Rowen proves she can work hard and stay out of trouble at Willow Springs Ranch. Cooking breakfast at the crack of dawn for a couple dozen ranch hands and mucking out horse stalls are the last things in the world Rowen wants to spend her summer doing.
Until Jesse Walker saunters into her life wearing a pair of painted-on jeans, a cowboy hat, and a grin that makes something in her chest she’d thought was frozen go boom-boom. Jesse’s like no one else, and certainly nothing like her. He’s the bright and shiny to her dark and jaded.
Rowen knows there’s no happily-ever-after for the golden boy and the rebel girl—happily-right-now is a stretch—so she tries to forget and ignore the boy who makes her feel things she’s not sure she’s ready to feel. But the more she pushes him away, the closer he seems to get. The more she convinces herself she doesn’t care, the harder she falls.
When her dark secrets refuse to stay locked behind the walls she’s kept up for years, Rowen realizes it’s not just everyone else she needs to be honest with. It’s herself.

Why?
I love Clash and Crash so I was looking forward to reading one of Nicole's stand alones!

First Impressions!
Rowen was not what I expected much more self-loathing and hesitant. Willow Springs Ranch was also not want I was expecting. I was thinking reform harsh ranch and Willow Springs was everything but! I could not put this book down!

What I loved:
Rowen- Rowen was such a conflicted character who really evolved during her time at Willow Springs. I liked how beneath it all she was simply just a misunderstood girl who had made a few bad decisions and been unlucky in the parent lottery. I loved how she slowly learnt that she needed to be honest with herself and that she deserved love and trust.  The gradual shift in her outlook in response to the kindness of the Walker family and Josie was realistic and exactly what Rowen needed.
Walker Family- I loved this family! The whole family were so welcoming and accepting from the start! Jesse, wow! Jesse was literally perfection, from his tight jeans, to his way with words to how perceptive he was to his surprise past! Rose was so maternal and loving towards Rowen straight away, I knew I'd love her! I liked how tactfully she approached Rowen's fashion choices, making it clear that she loved her style  and giving her the option of sticking with her clothes or changing for work hours. I did not get how she was ever friends with Rowen's mother but I loved how she adopted Rowen and really nurtured her over the summer. Lily was obviously excited for Rowen's arrival and I loved how that didn't really diminish when Rowen wasn't exactly what she expected! Rowen and Lily bonded so well, I loved how Lily brought out a sisterly side to Rowen with the makeovers and advice. I would love to read more about Lily! I also adored Hyacinth, Clementine and Nell who were all just as warm, welcoming and non-judgemental as the others!
Setting-  I loved the difference between Rowen's home of Portland and Willow Springs. It took her so far out of her comfort zone! I liked how 'small town' it was and how remote it felt.
Plot- I liked how the characters really drove the book forward. I loved all the situations Jesse and Rowen got in to and their subsequent interactions. I really enjoyed all the hidden plot points like Garth Black, Jesse's past and Rowen's mother. They all surprised me in their own way and moved the plot on well

What I didn't love as much:
Rowen's mum- I did not understand this character at all! She could not care less about Rowen's feelings and treated her so awfully I'm surprised she cared enough to send her away. I have no idea what made her friends with Rose who how on earth the friendship lasted so long! Awful woman!

I loved the setting and the characters. I just enjoyed pretty much everything in the whole of the book!

Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you a Nicole Williams fan?
Can you recommend any other ranch setting books?
Much love!
Lettie
Xxx

Cover Reveal! Lost and Found by Nicole Williams

There’s complicated. And there’s Rowen Sterling.

After numbing pain for the past five years with boys, alcohol, and all-around apathy, she finds herself on a Greyhound bus to nowhere Montana the summer after she graduates high school. Her mom agreed to front the bill to Rowen’s dream art school only if Rowen proves she can work hard and stay out of trouble at Willow Springs Ranch. Cooking breakfast at the crack of dawn for a couple dozen ranch hands and mucking out horse stalls are the last things in the world Rowen wants to spend her summer doing.

Until Jesse Walker saunters into her life wearing a pair of painted-on jeans, a cowboy hat, and a grin that makes something in her chest she’d thought was frozen go boom-boom. Jesse’s like no one else, and certainly nothing like her. He’s the bright and shiny to her dark and jaded. Rowen knows there’s no happily-ever-after for the golden boy and the rebel girl—happily-right-now is a stretch—so she tries to forget and ignore the boy who makes her feel things she’s not sure she’s ready to feel. But the more she pushes him away, the closer he seems to get. The more she convinces herself she doesn’t care, the harder she falls.

When her dark secrets refuse to stay locked behind the walls she’s kept up for years, Rowen realizes it’s not just everyone else she needs to be honest with. It’s herself.

 

Expected release date- 7th May!

Lost and Found is automatically on my TBR! I love the sound of the plot and the setting!

 

Are you a Nicole Wiliams' fan?

Much love!

Lettie

Xxxx

Stacking The Shelves: January!

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!

I thought it would be easier to do monthly stacking the shelves posts opposed to weekly or periodically!

 Actual Shelf!

Easy by Tammara Webber- Made the leap from Ebook to 'real book' because I love it so much and it was half price!
Bunheads by Sophie Flack- This one caught my eye on one of my many Through The Ever Night Searches
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin- Decided to try this one out!
Through The Ever Night by Veronica Rossi- It took me three weeks to get my hands on this one!

Borrowed Shelf!

Reckless by S.C Stephens- reserved! So glad I get to finish the series off with a proper book- symbolises the success S.C Stephens has had :)
Island of Lost Girls by Jennifer McMahon- I don't really remember what prompted me to try out this book but I'm glad I did!

Virtual Shelf!

Beautiful Things Never Last by Steph Campbell- I loved Grounding Quinn and I had to catch up with their story
Up In Flames by Nicole Williams- Love Nicole Williams Love a sale :P
The Next Forever by Lisa Burstein-This one keeps popping up so I thought I'd check it out!
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally- This one is so popular I need to read it :)
Falling by Jolene Perry- Apparently when I'm drunk in charge of a smart phone I snap up 77p offers!

Review Shelf!  
(picture wont upload!)

Vain by Fisher Amelie- I loved Thomas and January so I jumped at the chance to review Vain!

Unmaking Hunter Kennedy by Anne Eliot- This one is high on my review list!

NetGalley

Speechless by Hannah Harrington- I've heard great things about Saving June and Speechless did not disappoint!
Dare You To by Katie McGarry- I loved Pushing The Limits, I'm excited to read Beth's story.

 
What did you add to your shelves in January?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Weekly Round Up + Bout of Books Wrap Up!

 

Well Bout of Books was my week aside from work and soaking up quality time before my friend goes to Australia!

 

Mini Challenge!

The New Year's Resolution Challenge!

hosted by Ex Libris

Pick a book and choose one or several characters from it and make up what would be their New Year's resolutions if they made any.

 

I picked my first Bout of Books read! Going for realistic resolutions because Lucy and Jude need some!

Lucy- To look past appearances and allow explanations before judgements!

Jude- To try and see situations from Lucy's point of view and lock doors before passing out!

Both- To communicate better through phone calls, texting, email, Skye- just communicate!

I love Lucy and Jude and their story is so compelling but they don't make their lives easy!

 

Goals Met?

Aims-

To read 5 books.

See below!

To participate in at least one mini challenge

See above!

To comment on other blogs...

I was awful at this one!

What I Read!

Success! My FIRST readathon where I reached my goal!
I actually read three of the books from my goals post as well, normally books I list before a readathon get 'jinxed'!
Only downside is Through The Ever Night isn't on the list as I cannot get my hands on it! I have searched 8 bookshops- I'm determined not to buy it online as I have a voucher!

Challenge Updates
Genre Variety Challenge- 2/12
New Adult Challenge-5/20.
YA Contemporary Challenge- 1/10.
First Reads- 2/11.
Steady start- keep an eye on my Challenge page for updates!
Other News
The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski- Review and blog tour!

Coming Up!
Reviews- This week will have at least two reviews!
Through The Ever Night- I will find it and read it!

How did you do with Bout of Books?
What have you been reading?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Crash by Nicole Williams

Southpointe High is the last place Lucy wanted to wind up her senior year of school. Right up until she stumbles into Jude Ryder, a guy whose name has become its own verb, and synonymous with trouble. He's got a rap sheet that runs longer than a senior thesis, has had his name sighed, shouted, and cursed by more women than Lucy dares to ask, and lives at the local boys home where disturbed seems to be the status quo for the residents. Lucy had a stable at best, quirky at worst, upbringing. She lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, has her sights set on Juilliard, and has been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Up until now.

Jude's everything she knows she needs to stay away from if she wants to separate her past from her future. Staying away, she's about to find out, is the only thing she's incapable of.

For Lucy Larson and Jude Ryder, love's about to become the thing that tears them apart.
 

I finally caved and brought this one! It lived up to all the hype and expectations!

What I loved:

• Lucy- I loved her spirit and determination, she really believed in her own potential and didn't let her financial issues hold her back! I admired the way she didn't need this new school to accept her and how she accepted her life for what it was! She did annoy at times with her inability to read between the lines with Jude!
• Jude-  I really liked Jude! His obsession with not being good enough for Lucy was annoying but understandable. I loved how he created different personas for himself so effortlessly and
• Side cast- I loved this side cast, they were realistic and fun if not always that likable! Kind of like a real school!
• Family-  I didn't love Lucy's family, I loved her Dad and I understood her Mum. Jude's family although important, weren't really 'seen'. I loved the slow reveal and twist involving the families, it was unexpected and clever!

What I didn't love as much:

• Sawyer- He was so good at hiding how creepy and sly he was! I was suspicious of him from the start but I still underestimated him!
• Background- I wanted more on Lucy before the move etc. and more on Jude in general! But I suppose that is what the sequel is for!
• The Boys- Not sure if  their names were mentioned but I didn't want to reread that part! They were such awful, spiteful people for no reason!
• Lack of Communication- Did Lucy and Jude not have mobiles? They could have phoned/texted? They didn't seem to communicate out of school time or prearranged meet ups!

I enjoyed this! It was realistic and full of misdirection. I've downloaded the sequel all ready!

Have you read Crash??
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Lettie Loves: Cover Judging!

 

New post which will feature book/reading related things I love! This post is on

Cover Judging!

Most readers are guilty of judging a book by it's cover at least once!

I've always spent ages perusing bookshops waiting for a book to catch my eye and now I tend to browse kindle for pretty covers and preview them! I am definitely guilty of cover judging! However I do pick up more books than I reject based on their covers so maybe I'm a positive judge?

As it is YA and NA Contemporary Month I thought I would share with you a couple of books I decided to read purely based on their covers!

When I posted the cover on one of my Monday posts the majority of the comments were about how beautiful this cover is! I think it is such an unique and gorgeous cover!  Most importantly this book lives up to the cover! Review!
 
 

 
This cute cover kept popping up on blogs and catching my eye! It is so sweet with it's juxtaposition of ballet and boy's trainers. This one turned out more spicy than sweet but just as good as it looks!
 

 

How can one book be allowed to have TWO such gorgeous covers?? I love how they both have a  cute 'young love' theme to them! I'm very glad this one caught my eye as it led to about 5 other awesome books!

 

 

 

This intriguing cover was randomly suggested to me by Amazon and is responsible for really kickstarting my trust in 'indie' books as well as making me a Sea Breeze groupie! The cover really stood out as it has so many hints to the actual book such as the case and the key.

Review! 

 

 



Clearly certain cover themes draw me in such as hearts on windows! I really loved this cover from afar for ages and finally got around to buying it... Lets just say I actually returned it to Amazon- guess covers can't always be trusted!

 

 

What do you think? Are you guilty of serial cover judging?

Have any of these books caught your eye?

Much Love!

Lettie

Xxxx