Blog Tour: Friends and Lovers Trilogy by Bethany Lopez.

 

Make it Last:

In a small town, it's hard to recover from being dumped by your high school sweetheart. That's just what Briana has to do after Colin leaves her to follow his dreams. She focuses her energy into her friendships and the pursuit of her own goal of becoming a chef. Just when she finally feels like she's on the right path, he comes back to town.

Colin knew breaking up with Briana before leaving for college was the right thing to do. He was determined to leave small-town life behind forever, and that included his high school girlfriend. But when a sports injury puts him on the side-lines, he's forced to return home. Seeing Briana again brings back a lot of memories, and Colin wonders if he made the right decision. It doesn't take long for him to realize he wants her back, and this time, he wants to make it last.

I Choose You:

Up until now, Nicole's life has been mapped out for her. She'd go to college, marry Jake and become the upstanding minister's wife. When she leaves that life to begin again in a small town in Texas, she finally has the freedom to live as she chooses. There, she meets Kent, a guy whose charm and passion make it hard to stick to her morals.

Dodging his father’s fists and protecting his twin sister made Kent into the man he is today. He learned by watching his mother stay by his father’s side that it’s better to keep relationships simple. Then he meets Nicole. Her sweet smile and genuine response to him land like punches to his resolve. After a lifetime of learning to protect his heart, can he finally let down his guard?

Trust in Me:

Roni’s dreams of becoming a contemporary dancer were smashed under the brutal rage of her ex-husband's fists. Getting divorced and starting over at the age of twenty-two was never her plan, but maybe in Texas, she'll find her path. When the town's local player, Rich, opens a Rec Centre, she sees a way to rekindle her dancing dreams...and maybe have a little fun with her sexy new boss.
Rich never expected to fulfil his dreams in the town he planned to leave behind, but that's just what he's doing. His reputation as a noncommittal ladies' man might make it challenging to earn respect in the business world, but he's willing to prove that he's serious. In fact, when it comes to pursuing Roni, he's more than willing. But she's taking a page out of his book, not wanting to risk another relationship. Can he convince her that his playboy days are over and that she can trust him with her heart?



I love Bethany's Friends and Lovers series! I've already reviewed Make It Last and I Choose You which I enjoyed but Trust in Me was my favourite!

 

Why?

Rich! I think Rich was the main reason I loved Trust in Me so much! I loved Rich in Make it Last so I couldn't wait for him to take a more main role! His recreation centre was such a clever and giving idea- I loved how devoted he was to the idea and how seriously he took all aspects of setting it up. The way he was with Roni was so sweet despite his so called reputation.

I also liked the deeper plot line regarding Roni's past. After I Choose You I knew there was more to Kent and Roni's background so I was both intrigued and disgusted to read the full extent of their awful parents and Roni's ex husband. I loved how connected Kent and Roni were and how Nicole fit in with their little family.

I loved Alex and Jason- I was hoping they would get their own story! There was definitely more than met the eye with them!

The only negative, as usual, was I wanted more closure on Roni and Rich!

 

Epilogues!

I mentioned in all of my Friends and Lovers' reviews that I felt they were too short so I was so glad all the books got bonus endings!

Make It Last:

I loved that Brianna and Colin are really growing in to their new lives together although I was a little disappointed that their extra scenes weren't in their new home!

I Choose You:

Kent and Nicole were definitely the sweetest couple of the three and their extra scenes were exactly what I expected. I loved that it tied up some important threads from their book and paved the way forward for them as a couple.

Trust in Me:

Rich and Roni's story had a more muted ending so I was eager to see how they were progressing. I liked how their scenes included flashbacks to important moments that happened after the end of the book. I loved that their scenes really gave them hope and a definite future together!

 

I'm sad that Friends and Lovers is over but I'm looking forward to more from Bethany Lopez!

Which couple is your favourite?

Much Love!

Lettie

Xxx

Blog Tour: Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

 

For Cricket Thompson, a summer like this one will change everything. A summer spent on Nantucket with her best friend, Jules Clayton, and the indomitable Clayton family. A summer when she’ll make the almost unattainable Jay Logan hers. A summer to surpass all dreams.
Some of this turns out to be true. Some of it doesn’t. 

When Jules and her family suffer a devastating tragedy that forces the girls apart, Jules becomes a stranger whom Cricket wonders whether she ever really knew. And instead of lying on the beach working on her caramel-coloured tan, Cricket is making beds and cleaning bathrooms to support herself in paradise for the summer.

But it’s the things Cricket hadn’t counted on--most of all, falling hard for someone who should be completely off-limits--that turn her dreams into an exhilarating, bittersweet reality.
A beautiful future is within her grasp, and Cricket must find the grace to embrace it. If she does, her life could be the perfect shade of Nantucket blue.

Why?
Nantucket Blue was on my 2013 radar for ages so when I caught wind of this blog tour I was so excited!

First Impressions!
The first chapter brilliantly set up the cast of characters and Cricket's world view through a game of lacrosse. It felt unique and I was instantly drawn in.

What I loved:
Cricket- I loved Cricket! I really felt for her with her divorced parents and the ending of her surrogate family. I loved how she grew so much during one summer. She started out as a girl who had dealing with her parent's divorce by immersing herself in her best friend's family and believed heavily in her ideals of people, but she ended as a girl secure in her own worth, independent and self sufficient.
Diary feel- The whole book felt like Cricket's personal diary with all her thoughts and feelings laid bare. This increased with the addition of her mum's actual diary entries that popped up. It made Cricket's emotions and issues much more real and authentic.
Side Cast- I loved the side cast. Jules, I felt for her but she was at times unfairly harsh to Cricket especially with Jay. I loved Zack he really owned who he was and showed Cricket true friendship despite his own situation. I loved how brash Liz was and how she was so friendly towards Cricket. George, I liked how his project really connected Cricket to the Nantucket and opened up a surprising plot line. The whole Nantucket community had such a feel of community and all the different personalities even the horrible ones added to the feel of the book.
Twists- I loved all the little twists and turns! I guessed a few and a few shocked me! They all really added to the plot, the flow of the story and kept me guessing
Setting- The setting was what initially drew me in and I really enjoyed it! It was removed from Cricket's comfort zone forcing her to adapt to the situation. I loved the small community feel and the isolation.
Timeframe- I loved how summer framed the book from beginning to end. Summer is always a magical time and this book explores that time through so many different avenues. I liked that the book ended at the end of summer, even though I do want to read more I think it was the best ending point for such a summery read.

What I didn't love as much:
Resolution- The book did end at the end of summer which was appropriate but I wanted more resolution! Especially between Cricket and her Dad and with Jules!
Cricket's Dad- I was appalled by her father's lack of enthusiasm in his own daughter! He'd divorced his wife not his children. He put more thought, effort and expense into his new wife's son's 6th birthday than his own daughter's 18th and was surprised that she was upset! Cricket's mum may have been abit vacant but she clearly adored her daughter the same could not be said for her Dad!

 

I really enjoyed this book and I know I'll be dipping in and out of it for ages it was the perfect combination of light sweet beach read and serious contemporary!

 

Will you be giving Nantucket Blue a try?

Much Love!
Lettie

Xxx



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

Blog Tour: Nissa by Bethany Lopez

At 900 years old, Nissa is finally ready to follow her mother's path and become the best Fairy Godmother she can. She’s not thrilled when her first assignment turns out to be a teenage human girl with self-esteem issues, but she knows she has to start somewhere. Her assignment has dealt with bullies since her freshman year and they haven’t let up. If Nissa can’t help her regain her self-confidence her future is bleak.
To complicate matters Nissa experiences all the signs that she's met the being fated for her. This impossibility distracts her from her purpose. After all, fairies and humans aren't meant for each other. How can her heart believe otherwise? Can Nissa successfully complete her first assignment as a Fairy Godmother? Will the fates allow Nissa and Levi to be together? And even if they do, will Levi believe Nissa once she reveals the truth?

Why?
I love Bethany's contemporary books so I was interested in reading her contemporary fairy tale!

First Impressions!
I instantly loved Nissa and her world! I liked that it started out in a separate world as it really made it feel more like a fairy tale!

What I loved:
Nissa- I loved how relatable she was despite the fact she was a 900 year old fairy! It was so interesting seeing her adjusting to the human world, especially seeing how bullying confused her so much! I liked how she grew in to her first solo assignment more and more and became genuine friends with Vicky. Nissa was a strong clever lead character and I loved reading her!
Plot- I liked the plot! I loved how the Fairy Godmother program worked and functioned in the real world. I liked Nissa's assignment and Vicky. I loved the idea behind Nissa and Levi. The plot progressed well and flowed really easily.
Setting- I loved the fairy world, how it operated and how it co-existed with the human world.

What I didn't love:
Short- I always finish Bethany's books wishing they were longer! I would have loved more on Levi and Nissa's relationship because it all felt a bit rushed.
Ending- The ending was in a way perfect but I didn't love it. I don't want to spoil it so I can't say much about why. I think an epilogue would have made me love it more!

I loved the concept, the plot and I adored Nissa! It just needed to be longer!
Check out the rest of the tour here.
Have you read Nissa?
Can you recommend any other contemporary fairy tale?
Much Love!
Lettie
xxx

April~ A Review

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!
 
April! A month of new jobs, city hopping and poor blogging!

April in numbers!

Total posts= 16

Books read= 7

Reviews Posted= 6* 

What I read in April!

Could have been better!

What I posted!
Bout of Books 7.0~ Sign up and goals post!

Stacking the Shelves: April~ A month review of what books joined my shelves!

Monday Round Up!

Friday Five~ Dystopia Characters~ New style post!

Mini Reviews: Liz Reinhardt Edition!~ 3 mini reviews! 4 hearts all round!

Update!

Cover Reveal! Lost and Found by Nicole Williams

April TBR

 

Challenge Progress

Genre Variety Challenge- 4/12

New Adult Challenge- 20/20!

YA Contemporary Challenge- 2/10

First Reads- 14/20

TBR Pile- 4/11-20

Dystopia- 4/15

Good progress- I completed the New Adult challenge!!Just need to get started on the British Books Challenge!

Did I achieve my goals?

NO!

I had an appalling blogging month so neither of my goals were achieved! I struggled to post ten posts and more than 2 reviews... I've been adjusting to my new job and blogging as I'm used to working completely different hours. I think I'm getting there!
However I did post my new Friday post idea so I moved towards one of my goals!

 

What I hope to achieve in May!

• Posts!- I want to post at least 12 posts in May! I also want to keep up some post diversity with so many blog tours going on this month.
• Comments!- Stay on top of my comments replies and comment backs!
• Amazon- Curb my Amazon spending! If you check out my Stacking the Shelves posts you'll see I have an ebook obsession- I need to catch up with reading them!

How was your April?

More productive than mine?

Much Love!

Lettie

Xxx

Bout of Books 7.0!

 

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team.

 

Cannot believe it's Bout of Books time again! This time it falls on the week I'll be house sitting at my Grandparents= perfect reading time :)

 

Goals

• Finish up all my May review books. (I should have finished the majority by them but just in case!)
• Catch up on books I keep putting off!
• Read at least 3 'hard copies'
• Take part in a twitter talk! Fingers crossed as the timing always goes against me!
• Comment on at least 5 new blogs.

Bout of Books TBR!

The Last Hour by Charles Sheehan-Miles.

Just Remember to Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles.

Shallow Pond by Alissa Grosso.

The Academy: Game On by Monica Seles.

Wait for You by J. Lynn.

Bunheads by Sophie Flack.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin.

The Truth About Faking by Leigh Talbert Moore.

None of The Regular Rules by Erin Downing.

Crossed by Ally Condie.

 

Are you taking part?

Much Love!

Lettie

Xxx

Stacking the Shelves: April

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!

Welcome to my monthly haul!
April was once again a great month- now I'm behind with reading them all!

Actual Shelf!

The Diviners by Libba Bray. I had a couple of WHSmiths vouchers so I decided to finally pick this one up!
Reckless by Cornelia Funke. This one caught my eye and I love Cornelia Funke!

Virtual Shelf!

 

A Beautiful Lie by Tara Sivec. Random buy- the cover caught my eye!

If You Stay by Courtney Cole. This one keeps popping up on people's blogs and Twitter so I took the chance when it was 77p!

Off Sides by Sawyer Bennett. I loved the blurb and the cover!

Forty Days by Stephanie Parent. Sounds like such a great plot!

Review Shelf!
NetGalley

The Elite by Kiera Cass.  I loved The Selection so I jumped at the chance to read this one a little early!
Wait for You by J. Lynn. Another one I keep seeing everywhere so I'm looking forward to reading it!
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover. I want to try this one even though I'm not a big fan of Colleen's other books.

Review Copys

All my May blog tours! Some are authors I love and some are new to me!
Nissa by Bethany Lopez.
Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland.
Off Limits by Sawyer Bennett.
Lost and Found by Nicole Williams.
Stripped by Brooklyn Skye.
The Last Hour by Charles Sheehan-Miles.

How are your shelves looking after April?
Much love!
Lettie
Xxxx