Monday Round Up

One of my favourite memes hosted by the lovely Shelia over at Book Journey!

Last week was crazy! I've managed to get myself the perfect temporary job- well paid, conveniently close by and in a brand new sector! Yay! I've got two weeks until I start though so I've got time to celebrate!

Read!

I have a bad habit of buying bargain eBooks and letting them sit unread on my tablet..... So I made an effort to read a few!

Reading!

Finally picked this one up! I'm really enjoying it :)

What's Next!

I will pick this one up this week!

Upcoming Posts!
Bloggiesta Wrap Up- Find out how successful I was later today!
Stacking The Shelves- March edition.
Two Reviews- Undecided I drafted up a couple for Bloggiesta.

How's your week been?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Bloggiesta- March 2013!

In short, Bloggiesta is a blogging marathon revolving around ticking off those items on your to-do list and improving your blog while in the good company of other awesome bloggers doing the same thing. Hosted by  Suey from It’s All About Books and Danielle from There’s A Book.

Bloggiesta time again! I've got a bigger to do list this time round but the tasks are mainly housekeeping!

Goals!

• Review Format.- I want to change it up a little bit! I still like the like/dislike format but I want to alter it a little bit!
• Reviews.- I want to write up 4 reviews, draft up my next mini reviews post and draft up Netgalley reviews.
• Mini-challenges.- Take part in at least two
• Bloglovin.- I've 'claimed' my blog but I want to play around with it a little.
• Clean Up- Draft posts, email inbox, blogger subscriptions etc.
• Posts- Brainstorm some new ideas, draft up some posts!

Fingers crossed I make a dent in these tasks!
What are your goals?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally Read-a-Long

I saw Jude's Week 1 post and it inspired me to finally pick up Catching Jordan and take part.
However I kind of just read it straight through- Read-a-Long fail!
I did make notes for Week 1 and Week 2 though!

Week 1~ March 1–9: Pages 1–70.

First Impressions.

• I did not know women could play in American Football! I know every sport in the UK has a women's league but it never thought about American Football! The team is so cool, I love all the individual personalities especially Henry, he's my favourite!
• Jordan's parents. I love her Mum- I love how supportive she is of Jordan and how she makes sure she attends all the games. Not a fan of her dad obviously has an issue with women playing American Football despite the fact he must have inspired her!
• I'm already suspicious of Ty- there's just something about him!
• Jordan seems quite isolated despite all her friends but I like her so far!

 
Week 2~March 10–16: Pages 71–140.

Second Impressions.

• I really want Jordan to give Marie a chance, she could use some female friends! Even though she is clearly making a play for Henry!
• Ty- His secret was awful but not quite what I was expecting- interested to see how this plays out.
• Henry- He is so obviously in love with Jordan. I really hope Jordan goes for  him in spite of Ty's tragic life and good looks!
• Photo Shoot- Such an inappropriate photo shoot to feature a minor on school grounds! Heartbroken for Jordan as she clearly isn't being taken seriously.
• Jordan- I cannot believe how fast she moved with Ty! Wow! It seemed out of character and a massive leap. Makes me distrust Ty even more!

Midway Prediction!
Jordan and Ty will end up together even though I am in love with Henry!

Are you taking part in the Read-a-Long?
Did you love Catching Jordan too?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Monday Round Up!

One of my favourite memes hosted by the lovely Shelia over at Book Journey!

First of all I've finally got on the Bloglovin' train! So go ahead and Follow my blog with Bloglovin. I wanted to add another way to follow my blog especially due to the whole RSS demise!
Last week I had a film filled week, I saw:
Oz, the Great and Powerful which was a really clever storyline.
Wreck-it-Ralph- I love Disney and Wreck-it-Ralph was brilliant lots of fun!
Last but not least Jack The Giant Slayer, courtesy of Sky Rewards- I loved the interpretation and how surprising it was despite being based on a traditional story!
I'm tempted to do a little post on cinema trips just to add some diversity and because I love films- thoughts?

Last Week's Posts!
Teaser: The Edge of Always by J.A. Redmerski- A sneak peek of the sequel to The Edge of Never.Mini Reviews! Steph Campbell Edition!- 3½ hearts- 4 hearts! New review format please let me know what you think!Top Ten Spring TBR List! - Books I can't wait to read this spring!

Read!

Why did I put Catching Jordan off for so long? I couldn't put it down- I kind of skipped ahead of the Read-a-Long!
I loved Depths- I always love Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt and I loved Lengths so I knew this one would be fab!
Finally finished off Delirium - great concept!

Reading!

Just started this today!

What's Next!

Looking forward to reading this one! 

Upcoming Posts!

Reviews- Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, Make It Last by Bethany Lopez.

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally Read-a-Long- First two weeks combined!

 

Have you seen any good films?

What have you been reading?

Let me know!

Much Love!

Lettie

Xxx

Teaser: The Edge of Always by J.A. Redmerski

He was taking the long road. She was taking the road to nowhere. It just so happened that they led to the same place…

Five months ago, Camryn and Andrew, both dealing with personal hardships, met on a Greyhound bus. They fell in love and proved that when two people are meant to be together, fate will find a way to make it happen. Now, in the highly anticipated sequel to The Edge of Never, Camryn and Andrew are pursuing their love for music and living life to the fullest as they always swore to do. But when tragedy befalls them, their relationship is put to the ultimate test. As Camryn tries to numb her pain, Andrew makes a bold decision: To get their life back on track, they’ll set out on another cross-country road trip. Together they find excitement, passion, adventure—and challenges they never could have anticipated.

I was so thrilled when I heard The Edge of Never was getting a sequel! Beautiful cover- love how it mirrors The Edge of Never cover. Check out the teaser and start counting down the days!

Camryn shrieks and I start laughing as we dash away from the cows and toward the car.
“Awww, shiiiit!” I yell when I step in a huge pile of it.
Camryn cackles with laughter and we both practically stumble the rest of the way through the field, me trying to scrape the shit off the bottom of my shoe while running at the same time and Camryn’s flip-flops getting caught on the ground trying to keep up with her feet.
“I can’t believe that just happened!” Camryn laughs as we finally make it back to the car. She arches her body over forward and props her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath.
I’m out of breath, too, but I still relentlessly scrape the bottom of my shoe on the asphalt. “Dammit!” I say, rubbing my foot back and forth.
Camryn jumps up on the hood of the car, letting her legs hang over the front. “Can we finally say that we did it?” she asks with laughter in her voice.
I stand still finally and catch my breath. I look at her, at how beautiful and bright that smile of hers is and I say, “Yeah, babe, I think we can safely mark it off our list.”
“Good!” she says.
Then she points behind me. “Do it on the grass,” she says with one side of her mouth pinched into a hard line. “You’re just spreading it around doing it like that.”
I hop over into the grass and start rubbing my foot back and forth again. “Since when did you become an expert on shit?”
“Better watch your mouth,” she warns, getting into the driver’s seat.
“What are you going to do?” I taunt her.
She starts the Chevelle and revs the engine a few times pressing on the gas. There’s a cruel gleam in her eyes. She props her left arm across the top of the open window and next thing I know she’s driving slowly past me.
I give her the warning eye, but her grin just gets bigger.
“I know you won’t leave me here!” I shout as she goes past me.
Surely she wouldn’t….
She gets farther away and at first I call her bluff and just stand here, watching her get smaller and smaller…
Finally, I take off running after the car.

Cannot wait for this one! Camryn and Andrew are such a brilliant couple to read!
How about you?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Mini Reviews! Steph Campbell Edition!

Mini reviews~ Sometimes I love a book but I just can't do a full review or I just back log reviews!

*This is a new feature so the format isn't fully tested! I think I will post the cover, blurb, one thing I loved and one thing I didn't and a rating!*

This edition is dedicated to Steph Campbell- one of my favourite 'new' authors. Together with Liz Reinhardt she released her latest book, Depths, early this week and at 77p- how kind is that!

Delicate
Sydney Pierce has just met the guy of her dreams…just don’t tell her psycho boyfriend, Trevor.
With a gorgeous boyfriend, a thriving gymnastics career and a stellar academic record, anyone would assume that Sydney has it all. That's precisely what the seventeen-year-old perfectionist wants you to believe, and she works hard to keep up the pretense. Especially now that there are cameras following her for a documentary on Olympic hopefuls.
When Grant, the charming new student, disrupts her carefully crafted routine, the cracks beneath her perfect façade begin to rise to the surface and despite Trevor's objections to their friendship, she can't stay away from him.
As her connection to Grant pulls her closer to him, the once lighthearted relationship with Trevor takes an intense and dark turn, forcing her into a position in which not only her happiness, but her safety is at stake. Can Sydney learn to let go of everything she is clinging to in order to gain everything she has ever wanted, or will she realize her breaking point too late?

I had to read this one before Grounding Quinn as it's the prequel! As usual it was 77p!
What I Loved:
Quinn- Quinn definitely shone in this book! I enjoyed getting a sneak peek of her personality and her issues. It made me desperate to read Grounding Quinn.
Gymnastics- The inclusion of gymnastics was really different. Sydney's devotion, really set her apart from her friends and made her character much more engaging.The documentary, although intrusive, was a brilliant plot device!
Grant- I LOVED him! He was such a decent guy and so perceptive. I loved how he treated Sydney and how he built up a relationship with her.
What I Didn't Love as Much:
Depth- Delicate wasn't as 'deep' as Grounding Quinn despite the subject matter! It certainly suited the characters but I wanted more!

I loved the plot and the characters, it really set the scene for Grounding Quinn!

Lengths.

Nineteen-year-old Whit Conrad leaves her conservative Pennsylvania home for sunny California, looking for independence, a fresh start, and a place to stash her grief. She promptly finds a job at a tattoo parlour, a craptastic first apartment, and one friend—Ryan—who is a little less friend, a little more benefits.
Deo Beckett is a soulful surfer with a passion for tattoos and beautiful women. On the eve of his twenty-second birthday, he finds himself living with his grandfather, recently unemployed, and seriously adrift. He doesn’t know much about what he wants out of life, but he does know his current situation isn't cutting it.
When Deo meets Whit, she’s all sexy makeup and fierce, smart-ass fun. It doesn’t take him long to see past her tough shell. And when he gets a good look at what's under all the superficial stuff that usually gets his attention, it leaves Deo wondering if there might be more to life than living fast and free.
Too bad Whit has a past she doesn't plan on sharing—no matter how hot Deo is. She might want him, but she knows better than to let her guard down.
Deo falls for Whit, and falls hard. But everything about her, down to that mysterious tattoo and the way she thrashes in her sleep, tells him that the girl he loves is hiding something. And the more he pushes for answers, the more Whit pulls away.
Having your guard up is one thing, but are the lengths Whit goes to to protect her secret worth throwing away the second chance she has at happiness with Deo?

I was so excited when I found Lengths for 77p- at the time it was the only Steph Campbell book I hadn't read!
What I Loved:
Whit- I really felt for Whit- she made one rash and immature statement that most people in her situation would of and it led to the worst possible consequence! I admired how she had struck out on her own and worked so hard to make up for it. I loved how she 'tamed' Deo but she did frustrate me with her inability to let Deo in properly!
Side Characters- The side characters made this book so entertaining! Deo's Mum, Marigold, was such a hippie fun character! She was so good to Whit and I loved her relationship with Rocko. I liked how Rocko bonded with Whit and how good he was for Marigold. Deo's Grandad was the perfect old veteran- I loved how much he positively influenced Deo and all his sarcastic comments. I was also intrigued by Cohen, he was a really good friend to Deo seeing the best in him when he couldn't and giving him tough love when he needed it- Excited for his book!
What I Didn't Love as Much:

More- I just wanted to read more of Deo and Whit together! Maybe more of Whit reconnecting with her family. Maybe Deo's Dad to popping up! So glad that Cohen got his own book so I get more of him!

I have picked this one back up time and time again- it is such an engaging story and the characters are so full of life!

A Toast to Good Times

It’s the eve before Christmas Eve, and all that twenty-three-year-old Landry has on the agenda for the holiday is moping in the bar that he left everything behind to open.
And he’s got plenty to mope about.
He found his girlfriend treating herself to a little holiday delight with his best friend;
He hasn’t seen his family in over a year- since he alienated them all and ended up spending a night in jail;
And he may have just ruined the perfect, uncomplicated thing he had going with his platonic hot roommate, Mila.
Drinks all around!
But when he gets a call from his sister, Paisley, begging him to make it home for a huge announcement, he tosses aside his better judgement, (or, what’s left of it after that last round of drinks) and hops on the first train back home to Jersey.
But home for the holidays isn’t all mugs of cocoa and fireside chats with his family.
Landry left the people he loves the most high and dry when he fled to Boston and spent all of his inheritance…the inheritance money that he was supposed to use to help save his family’s floundering bar.
His dad will hardly look at him, his ex is maybe stalking him, his sister has dropped a bombshell on the family, and a flame from the past catches his eye. When Landry’s present and near past collide, it only further complicates things.
Landry thought he was leaving all of his problems behind when he left his family in New Jersey. But he comes home to find out that problems, like family, never go away. And sometimes facing the past with the help of someone who’s fearless about the future is the only way to move on.
Cheers?

I was so excited for another Campbell and Reinhardt collab! It didn't let me down!
What I Loved:
Viewpoint- I loved the strong male viewpoint. Landry was hilarious and gave real insight into his thoughts and feelings especially surrounding his family issues and Mila. Which was good it made sure he came across properly as some of his actions would have seemed awful from another point of view!
Relationship- I loved how the relationship developed slowly and realistically especially as Mila and Landry were in different places emotionally. I liked how their roles weren't rigid and they adapted and changed to accommodate each other.
Family- Landry's family was so detailed and layered! I liked the issues that Landry had with them,they weren't over the top or too much just sadly realistic. I loved how they started resolving their issues and getting back to their old relationships.
Toni- Perfect secondary character! I loved how brilliant her advice was and how even though she still had feelings for Landry she knew they didn't belong together. She was so good to rise above what had happened between them and give him honest advice.
What I Didn't Love as Much:
Boston- I wanted more of Landry and Mila in Boston together- just because I loved them together!
Heather/Tyler- What a selfish and inappropriate couple!

I really enjoyed this collaboration- it was fast paced and full of surprises, great read!

Beautiful Things Never Last.

It’s been a year since Quinn's life was changed for good by that Christmas kiss from Ben.
A year spent getting her life together. No more crazy parents looking over her shoulder, no more self-destructive behavior or secrets. Now, she and Ben share everything— including a tiny apartment, and a beautiful love.
Since he met Quinn, Ben’s life has been full of change. After finally standing up to his mom, he’s cut ties with his family and moved across the country with the only girl he’s ever wanted. But there’s something to be said for feeling needed, and he’s not sure that he is anymore.
When Quinn’s accepted into a month long culinary program in Italy, she’s ecstatic. But while she’s in a gorgeous country learning gnocchi and pesto, Ben’s blowing off her calls and pulling back.
But someone from Ben’s past walks back into his life, and he finally feels like he has a purpose again. Someone to take care of... Someone to save.
When Quinn returns, and the who's and why's of Ben's behaviour are revealed, how does she have any choice but to walk away from the only guy she's ever loved?
And how can Ben ever learn to let her go?

I was so desperate to pick this one up that I got an American friend to buy it for me!

What I Loved:

Carter and Shayna- Shayna was so different from Grounding Quinn and I really wanted to read more about how she  had progressed to such a committed relationship. I loved how Shayna and Quinn had begrudgingly become friends! Carter was so well developed in this book- I liked how he took Ben under his wing and how supportive he was of Quinn.

Quinn- Quinn's evolution! I was worried she would start becoming overly dependent on Ben but instead she became stronger in herself! I loved how she realised and accepted that Ben and her weren't perfect so mistakes would happen and how she learnt to move on from those mistakes. It was a brilliant character evolution.

What I Didn't Love as Much:
Sydney- I wanted to hear more about Sydney and her life! As Quinn's best friend I expected to read more about her!

Ben's Family- Ben's family were so over the top and inappropriate especially his mother. I mean Quinn's family had obvious and clear issues but Ben's family were unnecessarily awkward and rude. Quinn wasn't that awful that they needed to cut their only child out of her life and undermine him constantly!

I loved catching up with Quinn and Ben and seeing how much they had grown as characters as well as seeing more of Carter and Shayna!

I love Steph Campbell's books- they never disappoint!

Have you read Steph Campbell?

What do you think of these Mini reviews?

Much Love!

Lettie

Xxx

Top Ten Tuesday- Spring TBR List!

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's topic: Top Ten Books On My Spring 2013 TBR list!

 

It's not very spring like here in the UK atm- I got snowed on yesterday! However it is time for my Spring TBR list! So excited for all the new releases.

 

The Elite by Kiera Cass

In America Singer’s world, a bride is chosen for the prince through an elaborate televised competition. In the second book of the Selection series, America is one of only six girls left in the running. But is it Prince Maxon—and life as the queen—she wants? Or is it Aspen, her first love?

Status: To Be Published 23rd April 2013

I love The Selection and cannot wait to read The Elite!

 

Reckless by S.C Stephens

Can love survive when life gets Reckless?
When the band hits it big, Kiera and Kellan must ask themselves: Can their love for each other survive the constant pressures of superstardom? The friendships they've formed, the new family they've found, and the history they've forged will all play a part in helping them navigate the turbulent waters of the band's exploding popularity. A greedy executive hell-bent on success, a declining pop star looking for an edge, and a media circus that twists lies into truths are just some of the obstacles the lovers will have to overcome if they are going to remain together. Fame comes with a price-but will it cost Kiera and Kellan everything?

Status: To Be Published April 2013....

I have loved this series for years!- so sad it's been delayed in the UK! I've already reserved it at my library so I'm ready whenever it finally arrives!

 

Crush by Nicole Williams

A football fantasy. A giant diamond. The modern-day Romeo and Juliet are taking their relationship to the next level. . . .
Jude and Lucy are happily engaged, but that doesn't mean life's a bed of roses.
Once again, the hottest couple around is torn apart, this time by football training and a summer job. Now it's Jude with the trust issues.
Will Lucy's life-changing news bring them back together or end their relationship for good? Can love triumph forever?

Status: To Be Published 23rd April 2013!

I really enjoy the intensity of Lucy and Jude in Crash and Clash- not keen on the cover change though! Lucky I have them as ebooks :)

 

Wrecked by Alyssa Rose Ivy.

When your past catches up, it's time to stop running.
Jake Mathews messed up yet again— but this time his misstep lands him in the hospital. He wakes up to find the girl of his dreams and the memory of having his deepest secret revealed.
Emily Taylor needs a break. She's been working double shifts as a nurse just to pay the bills while trying to heal a broken heart. The last thing she needs is to fall for a patient.
Strapped with community service and the knowledge that he's disappointed everyone in his life, Jake is determined not to let Emily slip through his fingers. Emily wants Jake, but can she really open herself up to heartache again?

Status: To Be Published April 2013....

I've been awaiting this release since my Clayton Falls day in December!

 

Abbi Glines

I know a sequel to While It Lasts was planned for a Spring release which would automatically be on my TBR! I'm also intrigued by Twisted Perfection which sounds like I'd love it! Either way Abbi is on my TBR!

 

Crossing The Line by Katie McGarry

Lila McCormick, Echo's best friend from Pushing the Limits, first met Lincoln Turner when tragedy struck both their lives. But she never expected their surprise encounter would lead to two years of exchanging letters—or that she’d fall for the boy she’s only seen once. Their relationship is a secret, but Lila feels closer to Lincoln than anyone else. Until she finds out that he lied to her about the one thing she depended on him for the most.
Hurting Lila is the last thing Lincoln wanted. For two years, her letters have been the only thing getting him through the day. Admitting his feelings would cross a line he’s never dared breach before. But Lincoln will do whatever it takes to fix his mistakes, earn Lila’s forgiveness—and finally win a chance to be with the girl he loves.

Status: To Be Published 1st April 2013!

I really like Katie McGarry's writing style and I loved Lila in Pushing the Limits so I'm pleased she gets her own novella!

 

Daughter of The Flames by Zoe Marriott

What if your deadliest enemy were the only one who could save you?
Inside an ancient temple in the mountains, fifteen-year-old Zira trains in the martial arts to become a warrior priestess who can defend the faith of the Ruan people. Bearing a scar on her face from the fire that killed her parents, the orphaned Zira is taught to distrust the occupying Sedornes. Terror strikes when the forces of the tyrannical Sedorne king destroy the only home she knows. To survive, Zira must unravel the secrets of her identity, decide her people’s fate — and accept her growing feelings for a man who should be her enemy.

Status: Pride of place on my bookshelf for too long!

I just need to pick this one up!

 

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin.

Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.
She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.
She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.
She’s wrong.

Status: Added to my Bookshelf in January!

I've been desperate to read this one and now the second book is available!

 

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: 7th May 2013!

I've had this on my TBR list for ages- looking forward to this one!

 

ArchEnemy by Frank Beddor

 

 Imagine this...
The power of imagination has been lost!
Now it's all about the artillery as AD52s, crystal shooters, spikejack tumblers, and orb cannons are unleashed in a war of weapons and brute force.
As Alyss searches wildly for the solution to the disaster that has engulfed her queendom, Arch declares himself King of Wonderland. The moment is desperate enough for Alyss to travel back to London for answers, where Arch's assassins are threatening Alice Liddell and her family. But after coming to the Liddells' assistance, Alyss discovers herself trapped in a conundrum of evaporating puddles. The shimmering portals that exist to transport her home through the Pool of Tears are disappearing!
What is happening in Wonderland? Deep within the Valley of Mushroom the Caterpillar Oracles issue this prophecy: "Action shall be taken to ensure the safety of the Heart Crystal. For Everqueen." But who is Everqueen?

Status: Borrowed from a friend!

I enjoy the Looking Glass Wars but I always need a nudge to pick up the next book!

 

Excited for any of these?

What's on your Spring TBR?

Much Love!

Lettie

Xxx