M.L. Sparrow's Blog, page 7
October 15, 2018
Doomed
Doomed, (Damned Duology, Book 2), by Chuck Palahniuk 
Blurb:After a Halloween ritual gone awry, Madison finds herself trapped in Purgatory—or, as mortals like you and I know it, Earth. She can see and hear every detail of the world she left behind, yet she’s invisible to everyone who’s still alive. Not only do people look right through her, they walk right through her as well. The upside is that, no longer subject to physical limitations, she can pass through doors and walls. Her first stop is her parents’ luxurious apartment, where she encounters the ghost of her long-deceased grandmother. For Madison, the encounter triggers memories of the awful summer she spent upstate with Nana Minnie and her grandfather, Papadaddy. As she revisits the painful truth of what transpired over those months (including a disturbing and finally fatal meeting in a rest stop’s fetid men’s room, in which . . . well, never mind), her saga of eternal damnation takes on a new and sinister meaning. Satan has had Madison in his sights from the very beginning: through her and her narcissistic celebrity parents, he plans to engineer an era of eternal damnation. For everyone.My ReviewI really don't know how it's possible to love the first book so much, but seriously hate the sequel... It was a while ago that I read Doomed, but I remember that I really enjoyed it, but now I'm wondering if I should go back and re-read it to make sure, but I'm a little afraid to in case I hate it...I'll keep this review short. Personally, I felt that the plot was weak and most of what went on was back story and I just wasn't really interested. Maddison was precocious in the first book, but I kind of liked that about her, in this one, it just really annoyed me; she was a snob and a racist one at that. Nothing is off limits with Chuck Palahniuk and I'd usually appreciate that in a book, but I guess I just didn't like the way that everything is mocked in this book, even things that are good, like wanting to save the planet. There are literal no likeable characters.All in all, I think it's fair to say that I've given Chuck Palahniuk's work a good go and the only one I've enjoyed has been Damned, so I think I'll give up now.
My favourite quotes from 'Doomed':'You never know the complicated deals to people negotiate in order to stay married beyond the first ten minutes.' 'Those coughs. Simultaneously, they served as proof she was still alive, but that she wouldn't be forever.''I can't deny the appeal of a people-free planet.'
Blurb:After a Halloween ritual gone awry, Madison finds herself trapped in Purgatory—or, as mortals like you and I know it, Earth. She can see and hear every detail of the world she left behind, yet she’s invisible to everyone who’s still alive. Not only do people look right through her, they walk right through her as well. The upside is that, no longer subject to physical limitations, she can pass through doors and walls. Her first stop is her parents’ luxurious apartment, where she encounters the ghost of her long-deceased grandmother. For Madison, the encounter triggers memories of the awful summer she spent upstate with Nana Minnie and her grandfather, Papadaddy. As she revisits the painful truth of what transpired over those months (including a disturbing and finally fatal meeting in a rest stop’s fetid men’s room, in which . . . well, never mind), her saga of eternal damnation takes on a new and sinister meaning. Satan has had Madison in his sights from the very beginning: through her and her narcissistic celebrity parents, he plans to engineer an era of eternal damnation. For everyone.My ReviewI really don't know how it's possible to love the first book so much, but seriously hate the sequel... It was a while ago that I read Doomed, but I remember that I really enjoyed it, but now I'm wondering if I should go back and re-read it to make sure, but I'm a little afraid to in case I hate it...I'll keep this review short. Personally, I felt that the plot was weak and most of what went on was back story and I just wasn't really interested. Maddison was precocious in the first book, but I kind of liked that about her, in this one, it just really annoyed me; she was a snob and a racist one at that. Nothing is off limits with Chuck Palahniuk and I'd usually appreciate that in a book, but I guess I just didn't like the way that everything is mocked in this book, even things that are good, like wanting to save the planet. There are literal no likeable characters.All in all, I think it's fair to say that I've given Chuck Palahniuk's work a good go and the only one I've enjoyed has been Damned, so I think I'll give up now.My favourite quotes from 'Doomed':'You never know the complicated deals to people negotiate in order to stay married beyond the first ten minutes.' 'Those coughs. Simultaneously, they served as proof she was still alive, but that she wouldn't be forever.''I can't deny the appeal of a people-free planet.'
October 7, 2018
The Sun Is Also A Star
The Sun is Also a Star, by Nicola Yoon 
Blurb:Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story. Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us. The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?My ReviewDespite the important subject matter, this book was a very quick and easy read. The matter of deportation, and also race and living up to family expectations, were main themes in this book and I thought they were all very well handled and they felt very realistically portrayed. You could feel Natasha's desperation and it was extremely moving. However, the weight of those issues is lifted by the easy-to-read writing style and the cute, fluffy romance - it was exactly what I need to read at the moment! I enjoyed the multiple view points and I liked how everything connected, although some of the coincidences did feel like too much. Natasha and Daniel were both great main characters and I liked them both for different reasons. I love how cynical Natasha was and I found Daniel very sweet and charming, although the fact that he kept proclaiming his love for a girl he'd only just met kind of annoyed me; I just don't particularly like instal-love and I got the vibe that they made great friends, but I really couldn't imagine them being in love after only one day. Still, there was lots of character growth for both of them and I liked that they each handled their family issues by the end of the book.I also have mixed feelings about the ending... Trying not to give anything away, I will say that I was expecting some miracle and it did cross my mind that they might get married (insta-love and all that), but I'm so, so glad that didn't happen. I actually quite liked that the ending wasn't the HEA we were expecting, it felt more realistic, however, then there's the last little bit on the plane and I almost felt it would have been better if the author had left it more open ended...All in all though, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes YA contemporaries that aren't afraid to deal with real-life issues.
My favourite quotes from 'The Sun Is Also a Star': 'I'd give anything to really want the life my parents want for me.' 'We are capable of big lives. A big history. Why settle? Why choose the practical thing, the mundane thing? We are born to dream and make the things we dream about.' 'If people who were actually born here had to prove they were worthy enough to live in America, this would be a much less populated country.' 'Growing up and seeing your parents' flaws is like losing your religion.'"I guess I'm more interested in why people feel like they have to believe in God. Why can't it just be science? Science is wondrous.' '... he can't see past his own history to let us have ours.'
Blurb:Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story. Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us. The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?My ReviewDespite the important subject matter, this book was a very quick and easy read. The matter of deportation, and also race and living up to family expectations, were main themes in this book and I thought they were all very well handled and they felt very realistically portrayed. You could feel Natasha's desperation and it was extremely moving. However, the weight of those issues is lifted by the easy-to-read writing style and the cute, fluffy romance - it was exactly what I need to read at the moment! I enjoyed the multiple view points and I liked how everything connected, although some of the coincidences did feel like too much. Natasha and Daniel were both great main characters and I liked them both for different reasons. I love how cynical Natasha was and I found Daniel very sweet and charming, although the fact that he kept proclaiming his love for a girl he'd only just met kind of annoyed me; I just don't particularly like instal-love and I got the vibe that they made great friends, but I really couldn't imagine them being in love after only one day. Still, there was lots of character growth for both of them and I liked that they each handled their family issues by the end of the book.I also have mixed feelings about the ending... Trying not to give anything away, I will say that I was expecting some miracle and it did cross my mind that they might get married (insta-love and all that), but I'm so, so glad that didn't happen. I actually quite liked that the ending wasn't the HEA we were expecting, it felt more realistic, however, then there's the last little bit on the plane and I almost felt it would have been better if the author had left it more open ended...All in all though, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes YA contemporaries that aren't afraid to deal with real-life issues.My favourite quotes from 'The Sun Is Also a Star': 'I'd give anything to really want the life my parents want for me.' 'We are capable of big lives. A big history. Why settle? Why choose the practical thing, the mundane thing? We are born to dream and make the things we dream about.' 'If people who were actually born here had to prove they were worthy enough to live in America, this would be a much less populated country.' 'Growing up and seeing your parents' flaws is like losing your religion.'"I guess I'm more interested in why people feel like they have to believe in God. Why can't it just be science? Science is wondrous.' '... he can't see past his own history to let us have ours.'
October 3, 2018
Crazy Rich Asians
Crazy Rich Asians, (Crazy Rich Asians, Book 1), by Kevin Kwan
Blurb:When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home, long drives to explore the island, and quality time with the man she might one day marry. What she doesn't know is that Nick's family home happens to look like a palace, that she'll ride in more private planes than cars, and that with one of Asia's most eligible bachelors on her arm, Rachel might as well have a target on her back. Initiated into a world of dynastic splendor beyond imagination, Rachel meets Astrid, the It Girl of Singapore society; Eddie, whose family practically lives in the pages of the Hong Kong socialite magazines; and Eleanor, Nick's formidable mother, a woman who has very strong feelings about who her son should--and should not--marry. Uproarious, addictive, and filled with jaw-dropping opulence, Crazy Rich Asians is an insider's look at the Asian JetSet; a perfect depiction of the clash between old money and new money; between Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese; and a fabulous novel about what it means to be young, in love, and gloriously, crazily rich.My ReviewI want to start by saying that I really enjoyed the film, which is why I decided to read the book afterwards, however, I have to say, I actually thought the film was better, which is unusual for me.I felt like all the characters in the book were so shallow, which I get is kind of the point, but in the film there were redeeming characteristics and 'good' characters, whereas in the book, I just felt like everyone was so one dimensional, there was no depth to anyone, so I never really bonded with the characters. I didn't even feel any particular affinity for the main couple, Nick and Rachel - Nick also really, really irritated me. How is it possible to be so clueless about the fact that you and your family are filthy rich?Anyone who follows my reviews will know that I generally enjoy multiple points of view and this was no different, although I did find the chopping and changing a little jarring to begin with. However, I soon got used to that and I think my favourite part of this book was how many people and perspectives we got to see. I also feel I need to give a mention to the friendship between Rachel and Peik Lin, which was really relatable and honestly, I thought it was the best relationship in the whole book. I also liked the way Peik Lin's family treated Rachel as one of their own and gathered around her in her time of need; it reminded me of my own experiences with my amazing friends and their families.All in all, this was an okay read, but I don't think I'll bother with the rest of the trilogy, although they do have awesome covers that will look great on my bookshelf! :-)
Blurb:When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home, long drives to explore the island, and quality time with the man she might one day marry. What she doesn't know is that Nick's family home happens to look like a palace, that she'll ride in more private planes than cars, and that with one of Asia's most eligible bachelors on her arm, Rachel might as well have a target on her back. Initiated into a world of dynastic splendor beyond imagination, Rachel meets Astrid, the It Girl of Singapore society; Eddie, whose family practically lives in the pages of the Hong Kong socialite magazines; and Eleanor, Nick's formidable mother, a woman who has very strong feelings about who her son should--and should not--marry. Uproarious, addictive, and filled with jaw-dropping opulence, Crazy Rich Asians is an insider's look at the Asian JetSet; a perfect depiction of the clash between old money and new money; between Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese; and a fabulous novel about what it means to be young, in love, and gloriously, crazily rich.My ReviewI want to start by saying that I really enjoyed the film, which is why I decided to read the book afterwards, however, I have to say, I actually thought the film was better, which is unusual for me.I felt like all the characters in the book were so shallow, which I get is kind of the point, but in the film there were redeeming characteristics and 'good' characters, whereas in the book, I just felt like everyone was so one dimensional, there was no depth to anyone, so I never really bonded with the characters. I didn't even feel any particular affinity for the main couple, Nick and Rachel - Nick also really, really irritated me. How is it possible to be so clueless about the fact that you and your family are filthy rich?Anyone who follows my reviews will know that I generally enjoy multiple points of view and this was no different, although I did find the chopping and changing a little jarring to begin with. However, I soon got used to that and I think my favourite part of this book was how many people and perspectives we got to see. I also feel I need to give a mention to the friendship between Rachel and Peik Lin, which was really relatable and honestly, I thought it was the best relationship in the whole book. I also liked the way Peik Lin's family treated Rachel as one of their own and gathered around her in her time of need; it reminded me of my own experiences with my amazing friends and their families.All in all, this was an okay read, but I don't think I'll bother with the rest of the trilogy, although they do have awesome covers that will look great on my bookshelf! :-)
September 29, 2018
Onyx is LIVE!
Onyx, by the awesome Nikki Landis is LIVE! Get your copy for only 99c today! HERE Or add ONYX to your TBR for later...Goodreads
Dark shadows & exposed secrets ... Can you avoid the burn? Name: Derek Masterson Code Name: ONYX Alias: Shadow Master Classification: Tier 1, Class D Status: Active Derek is obsessed with Harleigh Quinlan. It doesn't help that he's been assigned as her guardian, a job he never guessed would bring him face to face with his darkest enemy. Haunted by a tragic and brutal past and forced to confront his own demons, Derek must find a way to protect the woman who's become his entire world and seek answers to the nightmares that plague his nights. As vengeance burns within his veins, will Derek become consumed by the flames? Be sure to read the companion novel Harleigh, available now! The SINNERS SYNDICATE is a sidekick companion series to the VOLATILE VIXENS. Every superhero . . . and villain needs a sidekick, but be warned these men aren't your average alpha males and they don't accept anything second best. THE VOLATILE VIXEN SERIES is a compelling and dark paranormal romance about a unique group of individuals that join forces in order to defeat a sinister master Collective. Obsessed with female villains, the Volatile Vixens explore their dark and twisted personas, dangerous lives, and sensual hunger in a world where reality mixes with fantasy with disastrous - and often humorous - results. Let a new series of mayhem, dark secrets & lies, villains & heroes, seductive eroticism, and thrilling adventure begin! *** This is NOT FAN FICTION but a totally UNIQUE & ORIGINAL STORY *** * AUTHOR'S NOTE: May contain triggers, recommended 18+ *
Dark shadows & exposed secrets ... Can you avoid the burn? Name: Derek Masterson Code Name: ONYX Alias: Shadow Master Classification: Tier 1, Class D Status: Active Derek is obsessed with Harleigh Quinlan. It doesn't help that he's been assigned as her guardian, a job he never guessed would bring him face to face with his darkest enemy. Haunted by a tragic and brutal past and forced to confront his own demons, Derek must find a way to protect the woman who's become his entire world and seek answers to the nightmares that plague his nights. As vengeance burns within his veins, will Derek become consumed by the flames? Be sure to read the companion novel Harleigh, available now! The SINNERS SYNDICATE is a sidekick companion series to the VOLATILE VIXENS. Every superhero . . . and villain needs a sidekick, but be warned these men aren't your average alpha males and they don't accept anything second best. THE VOLATILE VIXEN SERIES is a compelling and dark paranormal romance about a unique group of individuals that join forces in order to defeat a sinister master Collective. Obsessed with female villains, the Volatile Vixens explore their dark and twisted personas, dangerous lives, and sensual hunger in a world where reality mixes with fantasy with disastrous - and often humorous - results. Let a new series of mayhem, dark secrets & lies, villains & heroes, seductive eroticism, and thrilling adventure begin! *** This is NOT FAN FICTION but a totally UNIQUE & ORIGINAL STORY *** * AUTHOR'S NOTE: May contain triggers, recommended 18+ *
September 22, 2018
Queens of Geek
Queens of Geek, by Jen Wilde 
Blurb: Three friends, two love stories, one convention: this fun, feminist love letter to geek culture is all about fandom, friendship, and finding the courage to be yourself. Charlie likes to stand out. She’s a vlogger and actress promoting her first movie at SupaCon, and this is her chance to show fans she’s over her public breakup with co-star Reese Ryan. When internet-famous cool-girl actress Alyssa Huntington arrives as a surprise guest, it seems Charlie’s long-time crush on her isn’t as one-sided as she thought. Taylor likes to blend in. Her brain is wired differently, making her fear change. And there’s one thing in her life she knows will never change: her friendship with her best guy friend Jamie—no matter how much she may secretly want it to. But when she hears about a fan contest for her favorite fandom, she starts to rethink her rules on playing it safe.My ReviewOriginally, I brought this book book because of the awesome cover; it's so bright, I love it! As it turned out, it was also a really good read and I managed to read it almost in one sitting.The characters were engaging and I loved how much representation there was in this story; we had bi characters, a character who was on the autistic spectrum and several different characters of colour. It was also sex positive, which I loved because, really as long as it's safe and consensual, what right have others to judge? I also loved the strength in both of the main characters and how they developed - Charlie learned to be herself and not let others opinions effect her and Taylor realised how brave she really was and also that she didn't need to change herself.Also, the setting was so fun! I've never been to any kind of convention, but after reading this I really want to! I loved that this book celebrated geekiness and fandoms and basically being who you are.I really only have two gripes. One, I wish Jaime had some chapters. Two, I felt like Charlie and Alyssa's relationship was too rushed. I'm not talking about the sex, I'm talking about asking someone you've only known for two days to make a huge life decision and get over their past, which isn't even really in the past yet... "If you still can't separate your history with him from a future with me, then maybe you're not ready for this." At this point they'd only been on one date, or two if you count the dinner... It just seemed very prematureStill, a really good, enjoyable book, that I thought was great fun! My favourite quotes from Queens of Geek:'Sometimes it feels like I'm allergic to the world, like I'm allergic to my own species. Being here, it's an assault on my senses.''History and experience have proven to me that it's very hard for people to understand, and all too easy for them to judge.' 'Just because it's happened before doesn't make it okay.' 'You can't pick and choose whose equality you support. That's not equality.' 'When making friends is the hardest thing in the world for you, you don't risk it all by telling one of them you're in love with him.' 'The hardest part was;t leaving her behind; it was feeling like I'd left pieces of myself behind.' 'It pisses me off that the world thinks my body is my most important quality.' 'If there can be someone like you in the world, then it can't be such a bad place after all.' 'I've spent all SupaCon trying to show others that he didn't break me, but that still makes everything about him, doesn't it?'
Blurb: Three friends, two love stories, one convention: this fun, feminist love letter to geek culture is all about fandom, friendship, and finding the courage to be yourself. Charlie likes to stand out. She’s a vlogger and actress promoting her first movie at SupaCon, and this is her chance to show fans she’s over her public breakup with co-star Reese Ryan. When internet-famous cool-girl actress Alyssa Huntington arrives as a surprise guest, it seems Charlie’s long-time crush on her isn’t as one-sided as she thought. Taylor likes to blend in. Her brain is wired differently, making her fear change. And there’s one thing in her life she knows will never change: her friendship with her best guy friend Jamie—no matter how much she may secretly want it to. But when she hears about a fan contest for her favorite fandom, she starts to rethink her rules on playing it safe.My ReviewOriginally, I brought this book book because of the awesome cover; it's so bright, I love it! As it turned out, it was also a really good read and I managed to read it almost in one sitting.The characters were engaging and I loved how much representation there was in this story; we had bi characters, a character who was on the autistic spectrum and several different characters of colour. It was also sex positive, which I loved because, really as long as it's safe and consensual, what right have others to judge? I also loved the strength in both of the main characters and how they developed - Charlie learned to be herself and not let others opinions effect her and Taylor realised how brave she really was and also that she didn't need to change herself.Also, the setting was so fun! I've never been to any kind of convention, but after reading this I really want to! I loved that this book celebrated geekiness and fandoms and basically being who you are.I really only have two gripes. One, I wish Jaime had some chapters. Two, I felt like Charlie and Alyssa's relationship was too rushed. I'm not talking about the sex, I'm talking about asking someone you've only known for two days to make a huge life decision and get over their past, which isn't even really in the past yet... "If you still can't separate your history with him from a future with me, then maybe you're not ready for this." At this point they'd only been on one date, or two if you count the dinner... It just seemed very prematureStill, a really good, enjoyable book, that I thought was great fun! My favourite quotes from Queens of Geek:'Sometimes it feels like I'm allergic to the world, like I'm allergic to my own species. Being here, it's an assault on my senses.''History and experience have proven to me that it's very hard for people to understand, and all too easy for them to judge.' 'Just because it's happened before doesn't make it okay.' 'You can't pick and choose whose equality you support. That's not equality.' 'When making friends is the hardest thing in the world for you, you don't risk it all by telling one of them you're in love with him.' 'The hardest part was;t leaving her behind; it was feeling like I'd left pieces of myself behind.' 'It pisses me off that the world thinks my body is my most important quality.' 'If there can be someone like you in the world, then it can't be such a bad place after all.' 'I've spent all SupaCon trying to show others that he didn't break me, but that still makes everything about him, doesn't it?'
September 19, 2018
Rebel Hard
Rebel Hard, (Hard Play Series, Book 2), by Nalini Singh 
Blurb:Nayna Sharma agreed to an arranged marriage in the hope it would heal the fractures in her beloved family… only to realize too late that a traditional marriage is her personal nightmare. Panicked, she throws caution to the winds, puts on the tiniest dress she can find, and ends up in the arms of a tall, rough-edged hunk of a man who has abs of steel—and who she manages to mortally insult between one kiss and the next. Abandoned as a child, then adopted into a loving family, Raj Sen believes in tradition, in continuity. Some might call him stiff and old-fashioned, but he knows what he wants—and it’s a life defined by rules… yet he can’t stop thinking about the infuriating and sexy woman who kissed him in the moonlight then disappeared. When his parents spring an introduction on him, the last woman he expects is her. Beautiful. Maddening. A rulebreaker in the making. He’s all wrong for her. She’s all wrong for him. And love is about to make rebels of them both.My ReviewThis is a book by my favourite author, so of course I loved it! I was really intrigued by Nayna and Raj when they met in Cherish Hard, so I was so happy when I heard that this book would be about them. As usual, Nalini Singh gave us amazing, likeable, realistic characters that you couldn’t help rooting for. I loved both characters from the start, but found it hard to picture them together considering they wanted such different things, but I wasn't disappointed! They came together perfectly and made a gorgeous couple. I can't count the times Raj made me 'ooh' and 'ahh', even after claiming he didn't do romance. There were also some hilariously funny parts, like Nayna's drunken phone call, which cracked me up.Add into all of that the Indian culture that was at the forefront of this book and it was a beautiful story. I loved all the information that was on offer in this book, about the culture, the language, food, clothes, arranged marriages and so much more. I loved how the culture was so much a part of the story, but I also loved that Raj and Nayna went their own way and made their own rules, whilst also appreciating their families values and traditions.I also loved the 'Seven Years Later' bit at the end, it was short but sweet and wrapped up the story perfectly.
My favourite quotes from 'Rebel Hard': 'Raj was a builder, a fixer, and already his mind was trying to work out ways to fix this so that Nayna saw a future in them.' 'He wanted Nayna to love him as fiercely as she loved the family for whom she'd swallowed her dreams.' ' "The real trick is finding a man who'll be lovely after the rings are exchanged." ' 'Nayna worried what place she'd have in Raj's life long term. She was a priority now, but what role would she have as the years moved on?' 'He'd help her fly... and hope she'd choose to fly to him.' ' "Love grows when it is tended." '
Blurb:Nayna Sharma agreed to an arranged marriage in the hope it would heal the fractures in her beloved family… only to realize too late that a traditional marriage is her personal nightmare. Panicked, she throws caution to the winds, puts on the tiniest dress she can find, and ends up in the arms of a tall, rough-edged hunk of a man who has abs of steel—and who she manages to mortally insult between one kiss and the next. Abandoned as a child, then adopted into a loving family, Raj Sen believes in tradition, in continuity. Some might call him stiff and old-fashioned, but he knows what he wants—and it’s a life defined by rules… yet he can’t stop thinking about the infuriating and sexy woman who kissed him in the moonlight then disappeared. When his parents spring an introduction on him, the last woman he expects is her. Beautiful. Maddening. A rulebreaker in the making. He’s all wrong for her. She’s all wrong for him. And love is about to make rebels of them both.My ReviewThis is a book by my favourite author, so of course I loved it! I was really intrigued by Nayna and Raj when they met in Cherish Hard, so I was so happy when I heard that this book would be about them. As usual, Nalini Singh gave us amazing, likeable, realistic characters that you couldn’t help rooting for. I loved both characters from the start, but found it hard to picture them together considering they wanted such different things, but I wasn't disappointed! They came together perfectly and made a gorgeous couple. I can't count the times Raj made me 'ooh' and 'ahh', even after claiming he didn't do romance. There were also some hilariously funny parts, like Nayna's drunken phone call, which cracked me up.Add into all of that the Indian culture that was at the forefront of this book and it was a beautiful story. I loved all the information that was on offer in this book, about the culture, the language, food, clothes, arranged marriages and so much more. I loved how the culture was so much a part of the story, but I also loved that Raj and Nayna went their own way and made their own rules, whilst also appreciating their families values and traditions.I also loved the 'Seven Years Later' bit at the end, it was short but sweet and wrapped up the story perfectly.My favourite quotes from 'Rebel Hard': 'Raj was a builder, a fixer, and already his mind was trying to work out ways to fix this so that Nayna saw a future in them.' 'He wanted Nayna to love him as fiercely as she loved the family for whom she'd swallowed her dreams.' ' "The real trick is finding a man who'll be lovely after the rings are exchanged." ' 'Nayna worried what place she'd have in Raj's life long term. She was a priority now, but what role would she have as the years moved on?' 'He'd help her fly... and hope she'd choose to fly to him.' ' "Love grows when it is tended." '
Gerald's Game
Gerald’s Game, by Stephen King
Blurb:Once again, Jessie Burlingame has been talked into submitting to her husband Gerald’s kinky sex games—something that she’s frankly had enough of, and they never held much charm for her to begin with. So much for a “romantic getaway” at their secluded summer home. After Jessie is handcuffed to the bedposts—and Gerald crosses a line with his wife—the day ends with deadly consequences. Now Jessie is utterly trapped in an isolated lakeside house that has become her prison—and comes face-to-face with her deepest, darkest fears and memories. Her only company is that of the various voices filling her mind…as well as the shadows of nightfall that may conceal an imagined or very real threat right there with her…My ReviewThis was my first Stephen King book and I have to say I was kind of disappointed… I felt it was an interesting premise, but it dragged on far too long. It would have made a good short story, but as a full length novel I found it boring and repetitive. I didn’t feel connected to the heroine at all and honestly, I didn’t particularly like her either. The only reason I kept reading was because I kept saying to myself “It’s a Stephen King book, it must get better”, but it didn’t. If I hadn’t already known that this was one of his less popular books, I probably wouldn’t bother reading any of his other stuff, but I’m sure I will at some point.I thought it brought up some very interesting thoughts about feminism and there were several parts near the end which I found creepy (although not scary, as I was expecting), but all in all, it was pretty boring.
Blurb:Once again, Jessie Burlingame has been talked into submitting to her husband Gerald’s kinky sex games—something that she’s frankly had enough of, and they never held much charm for her to begin with. So much for a “romantic getaway” at their secluded summer home. After Jessie is handcuffed to the bedposts—and Gerald crosses a line with his wife—the day ends with deadly consequences. Now Jessie is utterly trapped in an isolated lakeside house that has become her prison—and comes face-to-face with her deepest, darkest fears and memories. Her only company is that of the various voices filling her mind…as well as the shadows of nightfall that may conceal an imagined or very real threat right there with her…My ReviewThis was my first Stephen King book and I have to say I was kind of disappointed… I felt it was an interesting premise, but it dragged on far too long. It would have made a good short story, but as a full length novel I found it boring and repetitive. I didn’t feel connected to the heroine at all and honestly, I didn’t particularly like her either. The only reason I kept reading was because I kept saying to myself “It’s a Stephen King book, it must get better”, but it didn’t. If I hadn’t already known that this was one of his less popular books, I probably wouldn’t bother reading any of his other stuff, but I’m sure I will at some point.I thought it brought up some very interesting thoughts about feminism and there were several parts near the end which I found creepy (although not scary, as I was expecting), but all in all, it was pretty boring.
September 11, 2018
Geek Girl
Geek Girl, (Geek Girl Series, Book 1), by Holly Smale 
Blurb:Harriet Manners knows a lot of things. She knows that a cat has 32 muscles in each ear, a "jiffy" lasts 1/100th of a second, and the average person laughs 15 times per day. What she isn't quite so sure about is why nobody at school seems to like her very much. So when she's spotted by a top model agent, Harriet grabs the chance to reinvent herself. Even if it means stealing her Best Friend's dream, incurring the wrath of her arch enemy Alexa, and repeatedly humiliating herself in front of the impossibly handsome supermodel Nick. Even if it means lying to the people she loves. As Harriet veers from one couture disaster to the next with the help of her overly enthusiastic father and her uber-geeky stalker, Toby, she begins to realise that the world of fashion doesn't seem to like her any more than the real world did. And as her old life starts to fall apart, the question is: will Harriet be able to transform herself before she ruins everything?My ReviewBefore I say what I thought of this book, I'd like to say that I'm definitely not in the age range that this book is targeted at. I was when I added it to my TBR list, but it's been on my Kindle for a while and I'm ashamed to say I've only just read it.I realised very quickly that this book was too young for me. I read YA a lot, but this is definitely targeted at the younger end of the scale, despite the character being fifteen. I like the premise of the story, which is what kept me reading, but I kept expecting it to go further, but it never did. Personally, I thought it all fell a little flat and whilst I'm a little intrigued to know what happens later in the series, I don't think I'll read the rest of the books.The story was funny and there were parts that had me laughing out loud, but it kind of bugged me that all the characters, with the exception of Nat, were so ridiculous. I get that it was done for comic effect, everything exaggerated, but I just found it irritating. All in all, I think someone younger would enjoy this, thought I still think it's aimed at kids around 11-14 and not the older end, but I just felt like it was a book that didn't really go anywhere, didn't send a strong message and didn't have characters that engaged me...
Blurb:Harriet Manners knows a lot of things. She knows that a cat has 32 muscles in each ear, a "jiffy" lasts 1/100th of a second, and the average person laughs 15 times per day. What she isn't quite so sure about is why nobody at school seems to like her very much. So when she's spotted by a top model agent, Harriet grabs the chance to reinvent herself. Even if it means stealing her Best Friend's dream, incurring the wrath of her arch enemy Alexa, and repeatedly humiliating herself in front of the impossibly handsome supermodel Nick. Even if it means lying to the people she loves. As Harriet veers from one couture disaster to the next with the help of her overly enthusiastic father and her uber-geeky stalker, Toby, she begins to realise that the world of fashion doesn't seem to like her any more than the real world did. And as her old life starts to fall apart, the question is: will Harriet be able to transform herself before she ruins everything?My ReviewBefore I say what I thought of this book, I'd like to say that I'm definitely not in the age range that this book is targeted at. I was when I added it to my TBR list, but it's been on my Kindle for a while and I'm ashamed to say I've only just read it.I realised very quickly that this book was too young for me. I read YA a lot, but this is definitely targeted at the younger end of the scale, despite the character being fifteen. I like the premise of the story, which is what kept me reading, but I kept expecting it to go further, but it never did. Personally, I thought it all fell a little flat and whilst I'm a little intrigued to know what happens later in the series, I don't think I'll read the rest of the books.The story was funny and there were parts that had me laughing out loud, but it kind of bugged me that all the characters, with the exception of Nat, were so ridiculous. I get that it was done for comic effect, everything exaggerated, but I just found it irritating. All in all, I think someone younger would enjoy this, thought I still think it's aimed at kids around 11-14 and not the older end, but I just felt like it was a book that didn't really go anywhere, didn't send a strong message and didn't have characters that engaged me...
September 10, 2018
Wonder
Wonder, (Wonder, Book 1), by R.J. Palacio 
Blurb:I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse. August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.My ReviewThis is a really touching and heartwarming story, though there are plenty of places where I wanted to cry at the casual (and intentional) cruelty of people. As it's pointed out several times in this book, children rarely know they're being mean by pointing out and reacting to differences in others, but it's awful to think that there are adults that do the same, knowing how it could hurt someone.This book was a well-written, emotional, quick read. The characters were great and you real got a feel for them with the multiple points of view; they also made a relatively simple story more complex.My only problem was Justin's section, I don't understand why his was the only one that wasn't grammatically correct. I found it jarring to read, much like Room, or The Road, except with them there was a reason and I just didn't see the reason for it here.All in all, a good books for kids and adults alike. Personally, I feel like it would be a great read for YA, teaching about compassion, kindness and anti-bullying. My favourite quotes from 'Wonder': 'We've all spent so much time trying to make August think he's normal that he actually thinks he is normal. And the problem is, he's not.'' "Jack, sometimes you don't have to mean to hurt someone to hurt someone. You understand?" '
Blurb:I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse. August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.My ReviewThis is a really touching and heartwarming story, though there are plenty of places where I wanted to cry at the casual (and intentional) cruelty of people. As it's pointed out several times in this book, children rarely know they're being mean by pointing out and reacting to differences in others, but it's awful to think that there are adults that do the same, knowing how it could hurt someone.This book was a well-written, emotional, quick read. The characters were great and you real got a feel for them with the multiple points of view; they also made a relatively simple story more complex.My only problem was Justin's section, I don't understand why his was the only one that wasn't grammatically correct. I found it jarring to read, much like Room, or The Road, except with them there was a reason and I just didn't see the reason for it here.All in all, a good books for kids and adults alike. Personally, I feel like it would be a great read for YA, teaching about compassion, kindness and anti-bullying. My favourite quotes from 'Wonder': 'We've all spent so much time trying to make August think he's normal that he actually thinks he is normal. And the problem is, he's not.'' "Jack, sometimes you don't have to mean to hurt someone to hurt someone. You understand?" '
September 6, 2018
Author Ayana!
About the Author!
My name is Mariam Dotie also known as Author Ayana and I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I am a college student who is studying child development and loves working with children alongside writing. My passion for reading and writing began after I read the Twilight series and after my dad passed away from cancer. I wrote my first book at the tender age of 13 and continued writing after. I went from writing fan fictions to creating my own stories. I started writing on an app called Wattpad which allowed people to read my books for free from all over the world. After joining the site and being on there for two years someone reached out to me saying they enjoyed my first published book, You Can’t Make Me Love You, and know quite a few publishers who would love to publish my book. Connecting on Facebook, she led me to a few publishers until I decided to sign with Tiece Mickens Publications July of 2016. So far I have seven books published under Tiece Mickens:You Can’t Make Me Love YouUntil It’s Gone Part 1-3The Secret We Kept 1-2What’s Done In the DarkI will continue my passion for writing and working with children and hopefully become a bestselling Author and have one of my books turned into a movie alongside opening my very own community center for teen and single parents.Find Out More!Facebook @Author AyanaTwitter @ Author AyanaInstagram @ Author AyanaWebsite: https://mariamdotie.wixsite.com/ayana...
