Sunday 30 August 2015

Showcase Sunday #87

Showcase Sunday is a weekly meme held by Books, Biscuits and Tea. It allows fellow bloggers to show off any books or bookish things they've compiled over the week.

Hey, friends. How goes it? Can you believe this is it for August? Crazy. But now we're coming up on the busiest time of year for the publishing industry. Which makes me my favourite time of year. And probably when I'm at my poorest.
I've been seeing the Fever Series around quite a bit lately so I decided to pick up the first five books. My plan is to binge it well I'm away next month. Will make for great airplane reading. I saw The Copper Gauntlet out almost two weeks early, so of course I grabbed it. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book. And my plan was to read it right away but turns out I don't think I remember enough of the first book. So I gotta do a quick re-read as soon as I gots the time. Sustained was most excellent. My favourite Chase book to date. 


Purchased

Fever Series Books 1-5 by Karen Marie Moning

Sustained(The Legal Briefs #2) by Emma Chase
The Copper Gauntlet(Magisterium #2) by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare

Review

Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley
**Thanks so much to HCC Frenzy for sending this on**


E-Books Purchased


Kindle Freebie


Netgalley


What did you guys get this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Saturday 29 August 2015

Weekly Wrap-Up August 22nd-28th


This week I managed to finish seven books. Three physical books(one being an ARC). Four e-books(one an e-ARC and three borrowed from my library). One being a novella. And one being a re-read. 


Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between by Jennifer E. Smith ****.5
Review will be up next week.


Heir of Fire(Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas *****(re-read)
Queen of Shadows will be here in three days. I AM NOT READY!


Holding Strong(Ultimate #2) by Lori Foster ***
Review up next week.


Tough Love(Ultimate #3) by Lori Foster ***.5
Review up next week.


Happy Again(This is What Happy Looks Like #1.5) by Jennifer E. Smith ****
I always enjoy Smith's books. And I'm always happy to see where characters are after the finish of a book. This is What Looks Like left some stuff up in the air, so Happy Again give readers some closure. As well as the characters. It's super cute and I'm glad Smith decided to give readers more.


Humans: An A-Z by Matt Haig ****
The Humans is one of my favourite books. And this is kind of a companion to it. It's a guide for aliens coming to Earth. In true Haig fashion, it's hilarious and clever well not so subtly pointing out how off kilter our(humans) priorities are. I can't wait to buy myself a copy so I can mark my favourite definitions.


Sustained(The Legal Briefs #2) by Emma Chase ****.5
This is by far one of the funniest books I've read. And that's saying something. Chase is really good at writing a hilarious romcom with a sexy jerky male lead. Jake and Chelsea are great together. And I loved the kids so much. They are the most funny part of the book. A bunch of smartasses. Such a fun read. Which was no surprise because all of Chase's books are.


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What did you guys read this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Wednesday 26 August 2015

Top 5 Wednesday: Book Series I Wish Had More Books

Top 5 Wednesday is a meme started by Lainey at Ginger Reads Lainey. Find the list of all the #T5WFamily here.

This weeks topic is: Book series I wish had more books.

How am I supposed to narrow this down to five? All of my favourite series could carry on longer and I'd be on top of the world. And sometimes that does happen. Look at Maria V Snyder's Study Series; ended years ago. Or readers thought it did. The fourth book was released earlier this year and there's still two more to come. So turns out readers can wish and keep their hopes up because it can happen. The five books I'm mentioning this week are books where the endings were good but left just open enough that there's that possibility that the series will continue. So these are more on the realistic side of my wishing.

5. Shatter Me

I hated the first half of this series. For quite a few reasons. But Ignite Me was wonderful. And I feel like that's where the story was really hitting it's stride. Juliette was finally strong and coming into her own personality. So although the ending was satisfying, I felt like everything was finally starting. And I would love to see the story continue.

4. Fire & Flood
Here's the thing. Scott's publisher only bought a two book deal with Fire & Flood. So going into Salt & Storm I was expecting an ending. Sure there was one, but not a good enough of one. Pretty much everything was still left up in the air. Scott has said she has a third book planned, but it will depend on if her publisher picks it up. Like why would you do that? I understand she's planned it out and it doesn't fit into two books. But that's all you had; two books to tell the story. There wasn't and still isn't a guarantee of that third book. And I NEED that third book.

3. The Body Finder
The Body Finder series is so underrated. It's a unique and creepy YA thriller series. With a really good romance. A fifth book would be really appreciated from me. The fourth book brought up some answers that lead to more questions. Questions that should be answered because I say so.

2. The Ascendance Trilogy
I would absolutely loved to see this world and characters revisited as an adult fantasy series. The things that certain characters could conquer and achieve in the future on the kingdom. I'm trying not to say anything because of spoilers but pretty much I just want to see the story continue ten years after the ending of the trilogy.

1. Elemental Series

Oh man. It's no secret that this is one of my absolute favourite series. And that ending was a killer. Sooo much more needs to happen and be explored. What's encouraging is that Kemmerer has said she intends to revisit The Merrick Brothers down the road. I stalk her everywhere and she has asked readers to weigh in what time period they would want to see a potential next book in. ie: YA, NA, etc... I of course want it to be NA. These books are hot but just imagine them as NA. *fans self*

What series would you love to continue?

Happy reading!

Brittany


Tuesday 25 August 2015

Top Ten Tuesday: If I Taught LGBTQIA Lit 101

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme held by The Broke and the Bookish.

This weeks topic is: Top ten books that would be on my syllabus if I taught X 101.

This year more than the previous I have been consciously making decisions to read more diversely. And that includes reading literature that includes LGBTQIA characters. I love how in the publishing industry, more specifically in YA, it is becoming more predominant to find books being released with these characters. I think shows a big step.
The books I've chosen are all very different in story. But I absolutely love them all. To prevent spoilers I won't be getting into details.

10. Study Series

There is a inter sex character and the situation surrounding them is quite fascinating and a big part in Yelena's journey.

9. Grisha Trilogy and Six of Crows

Leigh Bardugo is so natural about including gay couples and relationships in her books.

8. Covenant Series
A very wonderful gay couple. I love them so much.

7. Addicted/Calloway Sisters Series
A later book, Fuel the Fire, takes a more important look at loving and how it doesn't matter if it's between the different sexes or same sex. It's the same love.

6. Outlander Series
Black Jack might perhaps be one of the most horrendous men I've come across. But he's not the only gay man in the Outlander books. 

5. Black Iris
This is a very dark book. And Raeder gives readers some very messed up relationships with a Bi MC.

4. Something Real
Benny 
is one of my favourite characters. And his relationship takes some outside hits. But in the end is so strong.

3. Elemental Series
Kemmerer
surprised readers when a character lets go of their secret in a later book. And how that character struggles and deals is so realistic.

2. Carry the Ocean
For the last few weeks I've gushed and gushed about Carry the Ocean. So of course I would include it in my syllabus. It would probably be the first book to be included.

1. Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Simon is and will be my favourite book of 2015. Positive, adorable, heartwarming. Absolutely a feel good kind of book.


Any books you would include in my syllabus?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Saturday 22 August 2015

Weekly Wrap-Up August 15th-21st



Only finished three books this week. Funnily enough they were all re-reads. I started my yearly re-read of the Throne of Glass books in preparation for the new release.

Throne of Glass(Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J Maas *****
This was my fourth read and I think I love it more every time.



On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves ***
I just had this sudden urge to reread this book. It's a well loved book, and when I read it a few years ago I thought it was alright. So I thought maybe as my tastes I've evolved and changed so would my enjoyment of this book. Well, no, not really. I think I liked the story a bit more this time around. And there's no getting around that this a very readable book. The time line is so quick that there's no way you can't read it in one sitting. I was stupid enough to start it at about midnight, so you know it was a late night. Unfortunately everything else is not all that special. Like I said I like the story. But I find both the main characters and writing are lacking. Especially the dialogue. There is no character to it. It's very straight forward. Which makes for boring writing. The time line is fine. I like how it jumps through their time on the island and doesn't drag through endless unimportant days. And even though the time line is quick, their romantic relationship is not. Mostly because of the age business. It does take time to develop and is realistic. I just wish the MCs and writing had more personality.



Crown of Midnight(Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J Maas *****
Still remains my favourite book in the series thus far. The Chaolaena feels are so real. Chaol is life.



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What did you guys read this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Friday 21 August 2015

Miniviews #27: More Than Fashion & No Limits


More Than Fashion by Elizabeth Briggs
Publisher: Elizabeth Briggs Books
Publication Date: July 28th, 2015
Pages: 223
Series: Chasing the Dream #3
Source: Netgalley/Publisher
Rating: 4/5
Add to Goodreads
Surprisingly More Than Fashion is now my favourite from the series. I don't say that because I wasn't expecting to like Julie's story. It's because I'm not into the fashion, designer stuff nor reality TV. Since More Than Fashion is centered around a reality show for designers I thought it might take away from my enjoyment of the story. But nope I was so invested in the competition. Totally right up in there. At points I forgot it was a book and I wasn't actually binge watching the actual show on TV. Behind the Seams has all the types of characters, arguments, romances and just good ol' reality TV fun we watch this kind of show for. And it was done all through text. For me to get caught up in this fictional(I realize that's an oxy moron as 98% of reality TV is partly fictionalized) show through a book is pretty cool. It seems, again, that books can achieve anything.
So Julie was a sassy, fierce little thing. Right off she shows you who she is by taking a racist guy to the cleaners. He sits down at the bar and his pick up line includes calling her Kitty because she's Asian. Yea, far from alright. But how Julie just straight up called him out on it made me love her right away. I just knew she was going to be my kid of women. Being the youngest contestant on the show Julie found herself having something to prove to almost everyone; herself, her parents, the other contestants. Julie was a little hesitant but believing she could make it till the end. I liked that she had some doubts though, it made her relatable. Julie still went in hard with a plan. Just some distraction in the form of a hot Brit might have derailed Julie at some points.
Julies meeting with Gavin was fun. At a bar, Julie wanting a one nighter(high-five for sex positive book) before starting the show. Her being drunk stops them from going all the way. But hey she'll never see him again. Ummm... Not true. Gavin turns out to be another contestant on the show. Oops. Gavin was a all around gentleman. He's the nice guy that everyone just likes. Gavin is considerate but also competitive. He's there to win too. The sexual tension was seeping off the pages when Julie and Gavin were together. It was one of those try to fight it with a bit of arguing but they're mouths always seemed to find each other. It was great fun. Especially with the grade A banter. Fantastic sexual tension, chemistry and banter what more do I need in a romance? I enjoyed their relationship progression immensely. Being competitors on the show really added a more fun and amusing element to their relationship dynamic.
The diverse supporting cast was an added bonus. There was just as much fun banter between Julie and her friends(Trina and Dawn for the win). Or snappy comebacks from Julie when the villains(there's always those horrible drama queen types) of the show got in her way. Just a really fun new adult romance. I gotta say it again, I really loved Julie. Her personality was spot on for being the lead of this story. If I caught myself actually watching a show like this on TV, she'd be exactly who'd I'd be gunning to win.

No Limits by Lori Foster
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: August 26th, 2014
Pages: 432
Series: Ultimate #1
Source: Borrowed from library
Rating: 2.5/5
This is a well loved series among a lot of my romance friends. So I figured it was about time I checked out what all the fuss was about. Especially since a sport is the back drop to the romance. And although I strongly dislike MMA, put it in a romance and I'm it's biggest fan. Unfortunately No Limits was lacking in the sports department. Cannon is on a high from just winning a big fight, but the MMA takes a way way back seat in this book. The lack luster romance did not make up for that missing plot point for me. I will say that No Limits is very readable. In fact for a decent size book it took me no time to get through it. But the speed at which I read it didn't take away from the fact that everything about No Limits was mediocre at best. The second half being quite a bit stronger than the first half as well.
Yvette was way to silly and submissive. The story tries to hard to make her seem like such an independent lady but in the end she needs a man to save her and only with him can she realize that she is a capable women. I realize Cannon saved her from a disturbing situation(which I still don't understand it and from what I'm gathering is so effing far fetched), but come on, you don't need no man to pick up your pieces and make you whole again.
Cannon was made to come off as a caring and nice man. And he is at times. But a lot of things he says brings out the oh no finger. Like with Yvette. They left each other with no closure, so for three years Cannon was in a foreplay limbo. He sees Yvette again and immediately thinks we will have sex. No hey how are you. Nope just how she got even hotter and he needs to do her. That is his main frame of thought for half the book until all the sudden he's decided he loves her and they will be together forever. What? Their was very little relationship development. It was a lot of Cannon forcing Yvette to be okay with him constantly kissing her even when she's like we shouldn't. That's pretty much a no and raising some flags in my head. But we're supposed to see it as Cannon wearing her walls down. No, not sexy just to forceful.
Yvette is one of the tropes I am so far over. The girl who doesn't realize how beautiful she is. She puts no thought into her appearance; which is fine except here. Enter the romantic interest who is constantly jealous over all the attention this girl attracts. But she's so unaware of it. God, it's the worst trope. And than it tends to make the love interest bring out his inner caveman. Again, something that is so far from sexy. The whole trope and play on it is so overdone and annoying.
I did really enjoy the relationship between Cannon and his gym buddies. It was pretty good banter and teasing. Definitely the strongest part of the book for me. And one of the reasons I am going to continue on with this companion series. I have hopes that I might like the other characters and romance better than Cannon and Yvette.


Happy reading!

Brittany

Thursday 20 August 2015

Brittany Recommends: New Adult

I'm pretty sure if you look at my past two years of reading, you will notice an influx of new adult books taking over my reading. New adult is a relatively new genre. For those that don't know it is
generally set through the MC's college years. Or more specifically covers the age range of about 18 to 25. I know there's still a lot of hater or readers unsure about this new genre. They think the books are all about the sex. Now that may be the case with some of them. But for the most part this genre covers more mature topics, sex included, than YA does. The characters are older, a lot of them they are in college, so they are exhibiting the type of behaviour college age people do. There are sub-genres within new adult; contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi, etc... Contemporary is where you will find a lot of the books. It's actually quite hard to find a lot of books outside contemporary. But the other genres are growing as new adult becomes more popular. The one thing all the books will have in common is romance. New adult is a romance centric genre. The main focus will be the romance and the character growth. Based on the age of the characters in the books it is the time when they are generally learning who they really are as a person and that includes what they're looking for in a partner and in love.

There is quite a few reasons why I've connected and thus been drawn into these books more and more over the past few years even though I am older than the characters. Mostly because they are easy to connect to because I feel like I'm still figuring my life out. As well as I'm loving the romance, the swoon, the sexy times, those three have pulled me in so so much. Plus the books tend to be very readable. Most of the ones I've read have been in one sitting. It's easy to find a light, fun read, or a heavier darker one. I really feel like new adult has a lot to offer romance readers out there. And with the amount of YA authors dipping their writing chops into the genre these days I'd say a lot of readers are feeling the same way as me. It's a genre that is growing and expanding rapidly.

I'm not a new adult expert, but the past two years I've read a lot(A LOT) more new adult books than any other genre. In fact of the 175 books I've read so far this year about 60(ish)% of the books have been new adult. It's where my tastes have fallen. It's why I want to recommend some of my favourite books. Of course I read and love the more popular new adult authors(I'll leave them for another post), they deserve the love their books get for a reason. But in this post I want to recommend some more indie titles; ones I absolutely love and feel like they deserve a much bigger readership. These are the books I recommend(push) on all my romance lover friends. So without further ado.



Leisa Rayven's Bad Romeo was a cover buy for me. Was browsing and the beautiful(and lack of kissing couple) cover made me buy it. Thank God the story was just as wonderful. Cassie and  Ethan's romance is super complex. Super hot. But complex. Bad Romeo has fantastic character growth. Very character driven story. Characters that are flawed. There's dual story line with the past and present, which is done so well. The sequel Broken Juliet was a perfect wrap-up, This duology is the one I am making people read.

Sister's Becca and Krista Ritchie really hit the nail on the head when they named their books. The Addicted series is truly addicting. Earlier this year I read Addicted to You and found something really unique. Not only is the subject matter is something I've never come across, the characters were everything. Complex and dynamic. I had every kind of feeling you could have well reading a book. Luckily upon finishing I had a few days off in order to binge the following seven books. So that's what I did; read all(currently released) eight books in less than four days. 



Having just read Carry the Ocean a few weeks ago, I'm still not over it. I've never read something so diverse and ultimately uplifting. Heidi Cullinan is not only telling a gay romantic story, she is giving a very positive and honest story on autism and mental illness. It was a very heart warming and insightful read and I can't wait to back and tab the hell out of it.

The Sea of Tranquility is one of the first NA books I read and after all this time still remains one of my favourite. The story has a much darker undertone which goes along with both of the MC's pasts. The romance is more on the slow burning side. The writing is beautiful. The story is beautiful. I honestly can't believe I've yet to reread it.

The Gaming the System series, starting with At Any Price was a Kindle freebie find. Which after reading it realized how lucky I was to come across it because I freakin' love Mia and Adam together. Or apart. Or fooling around. I just wanted to reach into the book and smash their faces together. I love me a good nerdy couple. And the sexual tension was just melting off the page. The change in tone from book one to three is heavy. But makes for a really solid story.

Helena Hunting is my girl. I love that I can support a local author honestly. I've read all her books and can say I've loved them, a lot. The Clipped Wings duology may have the basics to sound like 90% of the romance books out there but at its core is totally unique. The MC's both have pasts they're trying to make it out of, and I have to say, when done right, that can be one of my favourite tropes. Plus I'm really really into the inked up "bad boy". For a major change in tone, Hunting also gives us Pucked. A totally sexy romcom featuring professional hockey players. So much LOLíng.

When searching for military romances I came across Come Back to Me. Talk about emotional and suspenseful. I was fully invested in Jessa's life by the end of page one. The falling for the brothers best friend is another trope I'm addicted to. Mila Gray gave me that and so much more. But more importantly she gave me This is One Moment, the sequel. The setting of the army hospital is at points tough to read. But something that pulled me in. But the romance. Ah the angst and swoon and everything. Just on point. 

If you're looking for something fun and more light hearted, Zoraida Cordova did that really well with her On the Verge books. Luck on the Line was a Netgalley click(we know how those turn out more often than not) that turned out very well. The MC is super sassy and take charge. The love interest is smokin' hot chef; which who knew I'd find a chef so swoony. The story is fast paced and flowed really easily. The sequel; Love on the Ledge is just as fun. Changes the setting to The Hamptons where we get to be in the middle of a big Latino family event. Throw in a blue collar, always shirtless, unintentional romantic love interest who gets the MC's head spinning and I was instantly sold.

Who doesn't want a hot cowboy? Everyone does. Obviously. Lost & Found was a book I'd had sitting on my Kindle for forever. Until earlier this year when Samantha read it and than told me to get on it. So I did. And what the eff was I doing sitting on this wondrous book for so long unread? The angst is real. The hot cowboy is always in tight clothes. The sexual tension drips off the page. I mean it's all the good stuff. And it's spread out into five books. Three from one couple and two with another. All fantastic. I love both couples equally. The story is not heavy on the sex. The romance is there. Like so there. But I think this series is a great starting point for someone looking to get into NA. You'd start the genre on a very high note.



Well I hope that gives you guys some new reads to pick up. I, of course, highly recommend all mentioned. For more of my thoughts check out my reviews or hit me up. I am 100% down with chatting about or recommending more new adult books. 

Happy reading!

Brittany

Tuesday 18 August 2015

Review: Court of Fives by Kate Elliott

Court of Fives by Kate Elliott

Publisher: Little Brown Books
Publication Date: August 18th, 2015
Pages: 448
Series: Court of Fives #1
Source: Publisher **I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Rating: 2.5/5
Add to Goodreads

In this imaginative escape into an enthralling new world, World Fantasy Award finalist Kate Elliott begins a new trilogy with her debut young adult novel, weaving an epic story of a girl struggling to do what she loves in a society suffocated by rules of class and privilege.

Jessamy's life is a balance between acting like an upper class Patron and dreaming of the freedom of the Commoners. But at night she can be whomever she wants when she sneaks out to train for The Fives, an intricate, multi-level athletic competition that offers a chance for glory to the kingdom's best competitors. Then Jes meets Kalliarkos, and an unlikely friendship between a girl of mixed race and a Patron boy causes heads to turn. When a scheming lord tears Jes's family apart, she'll have to test Kal's loyalty and risk the vengeance of a powerful clan to save her mother and sisters from certain death.


Jes has a complicated family dynamic. In a society where class is everything her family is different. Jes's father is a general from good standing, who is able to provide for his family and live like the upper class. There's something holding him back from advancing and that's his family. Although Jes and her sisters live with their parents, they aren't married. As her mom is a commoner. So it makes for a very interesting situation. It makes it difficult for Jes and her sisters to fit in to society. Especially when for the most part they're hidden away. That leads Jes to train for The Fives in what she thinks is secret. After her first competition, where she meets what is to become an unlikely alley, disaster befalls the family. Jes's father is forced to give up his family. Shocked and let down by him, Jes has no idea what will happen to her mother and sisters well Jes is taken to the court training camp. Jes finds herself falling for a prince(Kal), keeping her head in the game and thinking of a way to rescue her mother and sisters.

There was unfortunately quite a bit about Court of Fives that just turned out to not be my cup of tea. Being a historical fantasy where the world centers a lot around class and privilege the language of the book reflects that and that's not really my thing. I'm not a classics reader; nor have I been able to get through a Jane Austin novel. Court of Fives seems perfect for those readers and fans. It adds a bit of action and more intrigue with a fantastical world as the setting to a book that reads like a classic.

I really didn't find the world and the history of the world to be flushed out. I was confused that I was missing something for half the book. Than all the sudden the history of the world, the court politics were introduced in more of the info dumping kind of way. It was like Jes realized she didn't know anything about her kingdom so a few characters pop up just to spew a bunch of names and different kingdoms to her and it was a whole bunch of confusing. The gist I got was that it was a whole bunch of extended family fighting each other. I guess that makes sense to this fantastical world but it was to much all at once. Especially with the long names that all look the same. I know the finished book will have a map, which will help some, but a  royal family tree would make a huge difference as well. Even with the switching between full names and nicknames for her sisters throwing me off, I just wasn't having any luck keep track of the many characters.

What I did really enjoy was The Fives. When Jes is sent to the courts training camp, where she's to train and thus meets other trainees it was fun. And I thought it would become a bigger more important part of the story as it's introduced right at the start of the book as Jes's passion and secret. So now that she's expected to eventually compete at a higher level it should be a more central plot point. But yet the training was rushed over. The bits that were shown were not only fun, but showed how strong of a competitor Jes was. And there was a great rapport between her friends(and frenemies) at the camp. The pacing was really off when it would go from intense yet amusing training sessions and hanging around with the trainees to long, very drawn out planning to save her sisters and mother scenes. Neither was unimportant, just not paced out well.

Jes was a good character. I had my reservations with her naivete and lack of knowledge. But she showed she was smart enough to adapt to her surroundings. Jes's love for her sisters and mother was her strongest trait. Jes's need to protect them even when she wasn't with them showed her perseverance in the face of the difficulty that fell upon them. Achieving success through The Fives could provide for them. She's doing what her father failed to do; keep them safe.

Kal could have easily been another arrogant prince. Thankfully he wasn't. Which was refreshing. With all his horrible family around him it was clear to him that he would never be like them. Kal was kind, friendly and sweet. Although very very naive. Kal's thinking that all he wants to do is compete in The Fives is far from realistic considering who he really is. Obviously he didn't want to face what his future holds. I foresee the sequel seeing some really good character growth for Kal. As much as I enjoyed him in Court of Fives, where his character can go intrigues me.

Jes's and Kal's relationship was a bit quick. Thankfully there was no declaration of love. It was more instant attraction and trust that brought them together. And from there they were able to work together in a solid way. Their relationship wasn't so much forbidden as unrealistic seeing as Jes was a commoner. And I liked that the romance was not the main focus of the book. 

The ending was well done and what will make me read the sequel. Obviously with my mixed feelings that might be somewhat surprising. But I eventually got use to the language, and I can force myself to overlook my confusion over the court names and family connections because Jes ended on a strong note. She didn't give up herself or her family for what I would have deemed a stupid decision. So that was a good surprise and I was unsure she would be strong enough to realize the right way to go in to pretty tough situation. I have hopes that I'll enjoy the sequel a lot more if Jes can keep on the right path. I guess it goes to show that a mediocre book can turn it all around with a strong ending and leave me wanting more.

Happy reading!

Brittany

Sunday 16 August 2015

Showcase Sunday #86

Showcase Sunday is a weekly meme held by Books, Biscuits and Tea. It allows fellow bloggers to show off any books or bookish things they've compiled over the week.

Hey friends! Few weeks since my last SS. Can't believe we're half way through August. I have to say I'm really enjoying my time off/unemployment. Nice to get a summer. Haha. Last Sunday I got to do something really cool. I was invited to the Harper Collins Canada office in Toronto for HCC Frenzy Presents. That's the YA division, and they were show casing a bunch of their upcoming winter titles to some local bloggers. It's the perfect even for a book nerd; got to meet new book friends(or finally meet some in person), talk books and snack. HCC was so nice to provide us with a goodie bag of swag and some ARC's(see below). I cannot wait for the next one. I'll actually be attending the Raincoast one next month, except this will be virtually as they're located in Vancouver.
Good pile of books I have to show you guys. I've actually read all but two of the physical books I purchased *pats self on back* And three of those are some new favourites(find my reviews to see why). Plus all those fantastic ARC's. Eeeeee. Fall is absolutely the best and busiest time in the publishing world.

Purchased

**July Owlcrate box**
The Night We Said Yes by Laura Gibaldi

How to Say I Love You Out Loud by Karole Cozzo
What You Left Behind by Jessica Verdi

Alex + Ada Volume 2 by Jonathan Luna
Carry the Ocean(The Roosevelt #1) by Heidi Cullinan

Play On by Michelle Smith

E-Books Purchased


Kindle Freebie


For Review

**Thanks so much to HBG Canada for sending these my way**
Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between by Jennifer E Smith
A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnston
Wolf by Wolf(Wolf by Wolf #1) by Ryan Graudin

**Thanks so much to HCC for sending these my way**
One by Sarah Crossan
A Step Toward Falling by Cammie McGovern

**Thanks so much to HCC for sending these my way**
The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis

**Goodies from HCC Frenzy Presents**

Negalley

Gifted
5 to 1 by Holly Bodger
**Thanks to Lynne for passing on her copy**

Won


What did you guys get this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany