Hey there, bibliophiles! Just a quick announcement!
All further reviews and book news/updates can be found on my new website the blabbing bibliophile. Head over there for the latest posts and more reading suggestions! I hope you enjoy the space!
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Thursday, May 12, 2016
A Bookish Announcement!
Good morning, bibliophiles, and happy (almost) Friday! First off, I had my 100th bookish post the other day, and I was so anxious to get to the review, that I didn't even notice until two days later. Shame on me. I'm kind of blown away that I've written so many posts already. It feels like such a short time ago (and I guess, in a sense, it was) that I chose to even start a blog. I've had several fun and interesting experiences since I began this little space, and I can only hope to keep the momentum going and expand onwards and upwards!
Today, however, I can finally get you all up to speed on some of the updates that I've been working on behind the scenes. I've had a few projects in the works, that will be coming to you all soon, but the one I'm most excited about is the launch of my website.
As of midnight last night/this morning, it's officially official! I have finally launched and you can now visit The Blabbing Bibliophile ! It's not quite where I want it just yet, but I built it all on my own and I plan to add more and update as often as I can. For now, I hope you enjoy browsing and telling a few friends so we can spread the literary love!
Thanks for joining and sticking with me on this hobby I've slowly turned into a journey. It's taken on a life of its own and I can't wait to see where it leads all of us next!! Until next time, happy reading! xx
PS- please feel free to leave comments or send me e-mails with feedback telling me things you'd like to see on the site! I'd adore suggestions so I can keep improving the space!
Today, however, I can finally get you all up to speed on some of the updates that I've been working on behind the scenes. I've had a few projects in the works, that will be coming to you all soon, but the one I'm most excited about is the launch of my website.
As of midnight last night/this morning, it's officially official! I have finally launched and you can now visit The Blabbing Bibliophile ! It's not quite where I want it just yet, but I built it all on my own and I plan to add more and update as often as I can. For now, I hope you enjoy browsing and telling a few friends so we can spread the literary love!
Thanks for joining and sticking with me on this hobby I've slowly turned into a journey. It's taken on a life of its own and I can't wait to see where it leads all of us next!! Until next time, happy reading! xx
PS- please feel free to leave comments or send me e-mails with feedback telling me things you'd like to see on the site! I'd adore suggestions so I can keep improving the space!
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
The Crown (The Selection #5)- A Review
Hey, everyone! Two reviews in less than 24 hours. Who knew? Today, I'm reviewing The Crown which is book five (and the final installment) in The Selection series by Kiera Cass. I binged on these books last month thinking that The Crown was already out in stores. When I got closer to the end of the books I already had, and found out it wasn't being released until May 3rd, I was beyond mad at myself. I had to wait a few weeks on a cliffhanger to find out what the fate of Eadlyn, her family, and their kingdom would be. Needless to say, when Amazon dropped this puppy off at my house on release day, I couldn't wait to dive in, so, here we are! To read my compiled review on books #1-4 along with their novellas, you can go here.
I was very pleased once I had gotten to the last page in The Crown. I'm so glad Eadlyn finally matured beyond what she was in The Heir. Between books four and five, she blossomed and opened her eyes to her people and to a love like the one her parents shared.
I have to admit, after five books and four novellas, I got a bit teary saying goodbye to these characters. We parted on fantastic terms, but coming to the end was bittersweet.
I couldn't decide which man would be best suited to the future queen of Illéa out of the Elite in the Selection. I liked each individual of the final six for different reasons and at points, I wanted her to choose all of them because I hated seeing them go. Ean and Hale were charming and protective, Kile became the most unlikely of friends and companions, Fox was a gentleman, Gunner was a constant source of support, and Henri was too precious for words. Eric (aka Eikko), Henri's translator also served a level of importance. I adored each and every one of these boys and what they each brought to the table when it came to their queen.
However, when it became obvious where her heart was directing her, I wanted to scream at her to start breaking rules and tradition, otherwise there may not be a happily ever after. I'm glad other voices in her circle felt the same.
Having to choose between true love and duty or obligation was absolutely nerve-wracking. I devoured this book so I could get answers for my own sanity and know where both Eadlyn's future and the fate of Illéa would lie. What a ride it was! I was unsure about picking up this series in the beginning, but I'm not only glad that I did, but I'm thrilled I saw it through and got to experience such a charming story.
My Final Rating: four out of five stars
I was very pleased once I had gotten to the last page in The Crown. I'm so glad Eadlyn finally matured beyond what she was in The Heir. Between books four and five, she blossomed and opened her eyes to her people and to a love like the one her parents shared.
I have to admit, after five books and four novellas, I got a bit teary saying goodbye to these characters. We parted on fantastic terms, but coming to the end was bittersweet.
I couldn't decide which man would be best suited to the future queen of Illéa out of the Elite in the Selection. I liked each individual of the final six for different reasons and at points, I wanted her to choose all of them because I hated seeing them go. Ean and Hale were charming and protective, Kile became the most unlikely of friends and companions, Fox was a gentleman, Gunner was a constant source of support, and Henri was too precious for words. Eric (aka Eikko), Henri's translator also served a level of importance. I adored each and every one of these boys and what they each brought to the table when it came to their queen.
However, when it became obvious where her heart was directing her, I wanted to scream at her to start breaking rules and tradition, otherwise there may not be a happily ever after. I'm glad other voices in her circle felt the same.
Having to choose between true love and duty or obligation was absolutely nerve-wracking. I devoured this book so I could get answers for my own sanity and know where both Eadlyn's future and the fate of Illéa would lie. What a ride it was! I was unsure about picking up this series in the beginning, but I'm not only glad that I did, but I'm thrilled I saw it through and got to experience such a charming story.
My Final Rating: four out of five stars
Monday, May 9, 2016
Honeymoon in Paris & The Girl You Left Behind- A Review
Happy Monday, everyone! My apologies for being a bit MIA. One, my reading has slacked big time. Adulthood has been kicking my butt lately so regrettably, my books have been a bit on the back-burner. Two, I had a minor hand injury last week (well, thumb) and that halted a lot of my writing/typing for a couple of days. You never realize how important thumbs are to that process until your dominant one is out of commission. It's actually going to take me several weeks to heal up, but it feels better than it did last week, so, forward I go!
I digress. Tonight, I'm finally going to be reviewing another novel (and bonus novella) from Jojo Moyes. Call it a gearing up for Me Before You movie release if you will. A few weeks back, a friend and I had a Barnes & Noble outing to just browse. My TBR is honestly endless, but as I wandered, nothing was quite speaking to me, until it hit me. I just had this feeling I needed to finally binge and stock up on every Moyes story they had on their shelves (I apologize here and now if I cleaned them out of their inventory). Although I have a love/hate relationship with MBY, I admired and adored Jojo's work, so I had to go through every book she's ever written and just read read read. With the following stories, I got a few more of her literary adventures under my belt.
Honeymoon in Paris was the prequel to The Girl You Left Behind, which I actually read after the main story. I had no idea these 60 pages were hiding in the back of my novel, so I didn't get to it until I had already read the book that was meant to be second in line.
This was a bit heartbreaking to read. I guess this is usual with a Moyes story. Two couples, decades apart, tell their stories of life after marriage during the lune de miel, also known as the honeymoon.
In 2002, Liv is left to wander the streets of Paris alone while her new husband, David, spends three of their five days in meetings with prospective partners in order to launch his reputation in the world of architecture. In 1912, Sophie must learn of her husband, Edouard's passionate past as an artist.
Both couples are in new and unknown territory, and the honeymoon phase is not going quite how they hoped or dreamed. Just goes to show that weddings and marriage aren't all they're always cracked up to be, you just have to wonder if they'll endure, or let their demons get the best of them. To have things end before they can start would be thoroughly heartbreaking.
My Final Rating: four out of five stars
I digress. Tonight, I'm finally going to be reviewing another novel (and bonus novella) from Jojo Moyes. Call it a gearing up for Me Before You movie release if you will. A few weeks back, a friend and I had a Barnes & Noble outing to just browse. My TBR is honestly endless, but as I wandered, nothing was quite speaking to me, until it hit me. I just had this feeling I needed to finally binge and stock up on every Moyes story they had on their shelves (I apologize here and now if I cleaned them out of their inventory). Although I have a love/hate relationship with MBY, I admired and adored Jojo's work, so I had to go through every book she's ever written and just read read read. With the following stories, I got a few more of her literary adventures under my belt.
Honeymoon in Paris was the prequel to The Girl You Left Behind, which I actually read after the main story. I had no idea these 60 pages were hiding in the back of my novel, so I didn't get to it until I had already read the book that was meant to be second in line.
This was a bit heartbreaking to read. I guess this is usual with a Moyes story. Two couples, decades apart, tell their stories of life after marriage during the lune de miel, also known as the honeymoon.
In 2002, Liv is left to wander the streets of Paris alone while her new husband, David, spends three of their five days in meetings with prospective partners in order to launch his reputation in the world of architecture. In 1912, Sophie must learn of her husband, Edouard's passionate past as an artist.
Both couples are in new and unknown territory, and the honeymoon phase is not going quite how they hoped or dreamed. Just goes to show that weddings and marriage aren't all they're always cracked up to be, you just have to wonder if they'll endure, or let their demons get the best of them. To have things end before they can start would be thoroughly heartbreaking.
My Final Rating: four out of five stars
The Girl You Left Behind comes after the honeymoon period is long over. I adored this book. I knew it was a story of war and long, lost love, but I had no idea of the direction it would take me.
It's 1916 and Sophie is left in the French countryside with her brother, sister, and all of their respective children while her husband, Edouard and her brother in-law, Jean Michele, fight at the front in the First World War.
While that isn't hard enough, their village and home are occupied by enemy Germans. The hardships this family goes through is absolutely heart-wrenching.
In the 2000s, Liv is trying to navigate life as a young widow. Her husband, David, has suddenly passed a few years prior, and she's been lost and wandering ever since.
Both Sophie and Liv are connected by a particular painting that seems to have traveled through time, and they both fight their own wars to defend the priceless work of art. It's sentiment is worth more than any punishment or legal action they may endure. While I didn't necessarily agree with how they always handled situations presented to them, it was nice to see strong women holding their ground in variations of adversity. I loved being in Paris at the turn of the century and in current-day London in order to partake in the adventures these ladies embarked on in order to survive and truly endure.
It's 1916 and Sophie is left in the French countryside with her brother, sister, and all of their respective children while her husband, Edouard and her brother in-law, Jean Michele, fight at the front in the First World War.
While that isn't hard enough, their village and home are occupied by enemy Germans. The hardships this family goes through is absolutely heart-wrenching.
In the 2000s, Liv is trying to navigate life as a young widow. Her husband, David, has suddenly passed a few years prior, and she's been lost and wandering ever since.
Both Sophie and Liv are connected by a particular painting that seems to have traveled through time, and they both fight their own wars to defend the priceless work of art. It's sentiment is worth more than any punishment or legal action they may endure. While I didn't necessarily agree with how they always handled situations presented to them, it was nice to see strong women holding their ground in variations of adversity. I loved being in Paris at the turn of the century and in current-day London in order to partake in the adventures these ladies embarked on in order to survive and truly endure.
My Final Rating: four out of five stars
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Playing For Love- A Review
Hey all! I apologize, I'm a bit distracted this evening. I have this project going on that I'm hoping to announce sooner rather than later, but it's something I'm trying to navigate on my own and I'm getting frustrated because it's unknown territory. While I have finished my latest read early this morning, I'm just getting around to telling all of you about it now. Bear with me. Tonight, I'm reviewing Playing For Love by J.C. Grant. This is the sequel to her debut novel, Playing for Keeps which I reviewed awhile ago. You can find that review here.
If you are not a reader or fan of erotica, I suggest you turn back now!
I'll be anxiously anticipating book three because here I was, happily turning pages, waiting for what was next, and, BAM! Story ends. I have so many questions, and so much has yet to happen. I not only want but NEED.. desperately NEED more of these two asap.
David and Austin are back and are being whisked away on a private jet for their wedding. We essentially find them where we last left them, and are ready to encounter the next chapter of their lives as a couple.
If you have read this book, or my previous review of book one, you know that these two have relationship and boundary issues. They're both massively screwed up characters and I'm not even going to pretend to understand their logic or head space, because I honestly didn't. However, I knew they had this instant connection and could work through their obstacles to reach their happily ever after. Their bond was stronger than anything that was trying to keep them apart, as long as they were willing to fight for each other.
I tried to look past their flaws, because they each had a TON of them. David is beyond possessive, and Austin is indecisive to the point it could jeopardize their whole relationship, but when they finally do communicate (in whatever method they choose... most of the time it's sex), they make tremendous progress. What was important for me in this story was the fact they remained united when their exes of sorts kept trying to ruin their marriage. David was fiercely protective of his wife, and Austin did what she had to do in order to go to bat for her man as well. It's in those moments that they each realize what they actually mean to one another.
These two still have a ton of work to do and a lot of issues to overcome, but I'm confident they're making strides towards one main goal to be a happy and strong couple. I can't wait to see what's next for this pair. I'm sure it will be an interesting albeit sexy adventure!
My Final Rating: four out of five stars
If you are not a reader or fan of erotica, I suggest you turn back now!
I'll be anxiously anticipating book three because here I was, happily turning pages, waiting for what was next, and, BAM! Story ends. I have so many questions, and so much has yet to happen. I not only want but NEED.. desperately NEED more of these two asap.
David and Austin are back and are being whisked away on a private jet for their wedding. We essentially find them where we last left them, and are ready to encounter the next chapter of their lives as a couple.
If you have read this book, or my previous review of book one, you know that these two have relationship and boundary issues. They're both massively screwed up characters and I'm not even going to pretend to understand their logic or head space, because I honestly didn't. However, I knew they had this instant connection and could work through their obstacles to reach their happily ever after. Their bond was stronger than anything that was trying to keep them apart, as long as they were willing to fight for each other.
I tried to look past their flaws, because they each had a TON of them. David is beyond possessive, and Austin is indecisive to the point it could jeopardize their whole relationship, but when they finally do communicate (in whatever method they choose... most of the time it's sex), they make tremendous progress. What was important for me in this story was the fact they remained united when their exes of sorts kept trying to ruin their marriage. David was fiercely protective of his wife, and Austin did what she had to do in order to go to bat for her man as well. It's in those moments that they each realize what they actually mean to one another.
These two still have a ton of work to do and a lot of issues to overcome, but I'm confident they're making strides towards one main goal to be a happy and strong couple. I can't wait to see what's next for this pair. I'm sure it will be an interesting albeit sexy adventure!
My Final Rating: four out of five stars
Your Mess Is Mine- Cover Reveal!
Hey all! It's a rainy Tuesday in my neck of the woods, but I'm still bringing you a review a bit later, and also, a cover reveal! Get excited! I know I am! I'm not even going to ramble about this, but rather, just post the info so you can start saving copies to wish lists or clicking that "pre-order" option! Ready??
Your Mess is Mine by Stephanie Alba
Releasing May 31, 2016
Add on Goodreads – http://bit.ly/1SVlycj
Amazon – http://amzn.to/1OcjwQI
Synopsis:
I don't trust people who follow their hearts. Hearts are peculiar things. They're necessary muscles that keep us alive by pumping blood and oxygen into our veins. Hearts are also compulsory, often making us foolish. They pull us towards others with a force that aches, burns, and satiates you all at once. Before you know it that mass of tissue is no longer yours.
Maybe mine never was.
In my case, that draw came from a stranger that left my heart feeling both fulfilled and consumed. I didn't expect to fight her for the last standby seat to New York City. I didn't plan on letting her get under my skin. Or the way her vulnerability tore me up inside and compelled me to care for her. She didn't plan on letting me witness her chaos.Her anxious heart and my perfectionist mind let things get messy.
And though we didn't plan for it, our interrupting of each others' lives was exactly what we needed.
Sometimes the mess is the most beautiful part of life.
Your Mess is Mine by Stephanie Alba
Releasing May 31, 2016
Add on Goodreads – http://bit.ly/1SVlycj
Amazon – http://amzn.to/1OcjwQI
Synopsis:
I don't trust people who follow their hearts. Hearts are peculiar things. They're necessary muscles that keep us alive by pumping blood and oxygen into our veins. Hearts are also compulsory, often making us foolish. They pull us towards others with a force that aches, burns, and satiates you all at once. Before you know it that mass of tissue is no longer yours.
Maybe mine never was.
In my case, that draw came from a stranger that left my heart feeling both fulfilled and consumed. I didn't expect to fight her for the last standby seat to New York City. I didn't plan on letting her get under my skin. Or the way her vulnerability tore me up inside and compelled me to care for her. She didn't plan on letting me witness her chaos.Her anxious heart and my perfectionist mind let things get messy.
And though we didn't plan for it, our interrupting of each others' lives was exactly what we needed.
Sometimes the mess is the most beautiful part of life.
Isn't it stunning?? I am chomping at the bit for this one!! I can't wait to read and review!
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Stella's Awakening- A Review
Good evening, bookworms! Happy (almost) Friday! It's a rainy Thursday evening my way and it's actually matching my mood because my latest read has positively destroyed me. I figured, why not share a review and make all of you suffer with me? I think it's pretty brilliant.
On a quick side note, I have a few projects in the works, and plan to make some announcements soon, but for now, you can find The Blabbing Bibliophile is officially on Twitter! If you have interest in anything literary, give me a follow here.
Anyway, back to the book on deck. It's a debut novel from up-and-coming author R.K. Ryde and I am so beyond blown away, I'm sure this review won't make any sense. I love my romance novels and I adore a solid book boyfriend, but I think I have to say, if there are any sexy and steamy reads that are a MUST for 2016, Stella's Awakening is absolutely the number one for the year (on my list anyway).
I am left absolutely shattered by this story. Conrad and Stella have thoroughly ruined any heart I thought I may have! I can't tell you how close I am to hopping a plane from the States out to Australia to beg and plead Ryde for book two right this very instant because I'm so distraught!! I need answers, and I absolutely need more of this couple! She could write twenty plus books about these two and I'll still need more.
I tried as best as I could to savor the pages of this stunning tale, but I wound up having zero control and wound up devouring all 495 pages in less than a 48 hour period.
Stella Welsch is a thriving name in the interior design world. Her business and client list is ever-expanding, but her success came at a price. Being raised as a sheltered Jehovah's Witness, her education and independence aren't necessarily looked upon with unwavering pride.
Conrad Adams is a mogul and one of Australia's most eligible bachelors. When he spots Miss Welsch window-shopping at Tiffany's with her usual morning coffee, he knows instantly that he wants her in any way he can possess her. Striking up a business deal for an office makeover, the two become friendly on a professional level, but before it can cross a line into any gray areas, Stella takes a step back and cuts ties with the Adonis. Her devout beliefs frown on much of what Conrad is looking for; true love and a soul mate. It doesn't seem like too much to ask, but for Stella, she could lose everything she's ever known.
In a moment of weakness, Stella finds herself contacting Conrad for help. Her head and her heart are conflicted and it's all down (or up) hill from here on out. The pair have a walk and a heart-to-heart and become inseparable. Conrad is patient and attentive with Stella while she teaches him about her past and the demons she's been hiding for years. Through mutual respect and time spent understanding one another's boundaries, their feelings escalate relatively quickly, and life becomes a fairy tale for the two.
Unfortunately, the other shoe has to drop. I had a feeling something was lurking in the depths, but all Hell broke loose and I was left wanting to scream in the middle of my office. Hence my heart going bye-bye.
I don't remember the last time I met a man as enamored as Conrad was with Stella. He is gentle, kind, patient, and fiercely protective of her delicate innocence and I couldn't help but swoon over him for looking out for her. It made me glad to know how instantly devoted she was to him as well. When it came to their partnership, she was united with him and never questioned her morals. Yes, her inner voices battled it out on occasion, but never to the point she ran scared or frightened from his presence. She was bold, brave, and inquisitive about how worldly people like Conrad dealt with relationships. Her willingness to learn made it so easy for them to fall head-over-heels so quickly.
I also learned a great deal about her Witness lifestyle, and knew that would be the couples main obstacle. I knew little about the belief but knew it was a strict practice. The intricate politics behind the scenes were uncomfortable to deal with since I felt protective of Stella as well. I just wanted to see her and Conrad happy, but with her family and church community having such strong convictions, the pair knew an attempt at bliss would come at a price neither of them wanted to pay.
My heart aches for them both individually, and as a couple. I'm scrambling for book two because I have so many unanswered questions! Ryde did a fantastic job of tearing my heart out and leaving splinters when it came to these two, both in their good moments as bad. I'm left speechless as to convey my emotions properly. I'm clouded, and in an absolute funk until I get book two in my hands.
My Final Rating: five out of five stars
On a quick side note, I have a few projects in the works, and plan to make some announcements soon, but for now, you can find The Blabbing Bibliophile is officially on Twitter! If you have interest in anything literary, give me a follow here.
Anyway, back to the book on deck. It's a debut novel from up-and-coming author R.K. Ryde and I am so beyond blown away, I'm sure this review won't make any sense. I love my romance novels and I adore a solid book boyfriend, but I think I have to say, if there are any sexy and steamy reads that are a MUST for 2016, Stella's Awakening is absolutely the number one for the year (on my list anyway).
I am left absolutely shattered by this story. Conrad and Stella have thoroughly ruined any heart I thought I may have! I can't tell you how close I am to hopping a plane from the States out to Australia to beg and plead Ryde for book two right this very instant because I'm so distraught!! I need answers, and I absolutely need more of this couple! She could write twenty plus books about these two and I'll still need more.
I tried as best as I could to savor the pages of this stunning tale, but I wound up having zero control and wound up devouring all 495 pages in less than a 48 hour period.
Stella Welsch is a thriving name in the interior design world. Her business and client list is ever-expanding, but her success came at a price. Being raised as a sheltered Jehovah's Witness, her education and independence aren't necessarily looked upon with unwavering pride.
Conrad Adams is a mogul and one of Australia's most eligible bachelors. When he spots Miss Welsch window-shopping at Tiffany's with her usual morning coffee, he knows instantly that he wants her in any way he can possess her. Striking up a business deal for an office makeover, the two become friendly on a professional level, but before it can cross a line into any gray areas, Stella takes a step back and cuts ties with the Adonis. Her devout beliefs frown on much of what Conrad is looking for; true love and a soul mate. It doesn't seem like too much to ask, but for Stella, she could lose everything she's ever known.
In a moment of weakness, Stella finds herself contacting Conrad for help. Her head and her heart are conflicted and it's all down (or up) hill from here on out. The pair have a walk and a heart-to-heart and become inseparable. Conrad is patient and attentive with Stella while she teaches him about her past and the demons she's been hiding for years. Through mutual respect and time spent understanding one another's boundaries, their feelings escalate relatively quickly, and life becomes a fairy tale for the two.
Unfortunately, the other shoe has to drop. I had a feeling something was lurking in the depths, but all Hell broke loose and I was left wanting to scream in the middle of my office. Hence my heart going bye-bye.
I don't remember the last time I met a man as enamored as Conrad was with Stella. He is gentle, kind, patient, and fiercely protective of her delicate innocence and I couldn't help but swoon over him for looking out for her. It made me glad to know how instantly devoted she was to him as well. When it came to their partnership, she was united with him and never questioned her morals. Yes, her inner voices battled it out on occasion, but never to the point she ran scared or frightened from his presence. She was bold, brave, and inquisitive about how worldly people like Conrad dealt with relationships. Her willingness to learn made it so easy for them to fall head-over-heels so quickly.
I also learned a great deal about her Witness lifestyle, and knew that would be the couples main obstacle. I knew little about the belief but knew it was a strict practice. The intricate politics behind the scenes were uncomfortable to deal with since I felt protective of Stella as well. I just wanted to see her and Conrad happy, but with her family and church community having such strong convictions, the pair knew an attempt at bliss would come at a price neither of them wanted to pay.
My heart aches for them both individually, and as a couple. I'm scrambling for book two because I have so many unanswered questions! Ryde did a fantastic job of tearing my heart out and leaving splinters when it came to these two, both in their good moments as bad. I'm left speechless as to convey my emotions properly. I'm clouded, and in an absolute funk until I get book two in my hands.
My Final Rating: five out of five stars
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)