A review for Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

Posted by Donna
Published Date: July 12th, 2011
Finished Date: July 3rd, 2011
Source: ARC, Galley Grab
Format: E-Galley
Pages: 320
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The Blurb from Goodreads: On the last day of her junior year, Hannah's boyfriend Sebastian dumped her. Facing a summer of loneliness, Hannah turns to her best friend Ava for comfort. Ava does what BFFs do: she stays by Hannah's side...until it's time for Ava to head up to Maine for the summer. Also left behind is Ava's boyfriend, Noah, who's such a great guy he gets Hannah a job at the diner he waits tables at. Slowly, Hannah comes out of her funk thanks to Noah's good conversation and their fun times at the diner. But things get complicated when their friendship turns into attraction--and one night, into a passionate kiss. 

The novel opens on the first day of senior year; the day Hannah is going to see Ava, Sebastian, and Noah all in one place. Over the course of the day secrets and betrayals are revealed, and alliances are broken and reformed. In the end, everyone is paired up once again, but not the way you might think.

The Review: Sometimes It Happens is a fun, enjoyable and quick read that any girl is sure to love. I didn’t realise how quickly I flew through this book until I finished it. Honestly, it was a matter of hours. 

The story follows Hannah; a high school student who is catches her boy friend making out with another girl at a party on the last day of school. It’s safe to say, their relationship ends. While spending the start of her summer mopping around after her ex, Noah helps her get a job working at a local diner. Fast becoming friend, Hannah and Noah end up spending more time together, listening to music, going to concerts and finally, Noah soon becomes Hannah’s shoulder to cry on. When Hannah realises she’s starting to fall for him, she’s knows that a problem, a big problem. Why? Because Noah is her best friend’s boyfriend. And would she betray her best friend to get the guy of her dreams? 

I was surprised by how much I liked this story. I’ve read Lauren Bardholdt ‘The Witches of Santa Anna’ series and was praying this wasn’t like it. Not that I didn’t enjoy her series but the books are so small and you pay a bomb for each e-book and there’s loads of them, anyway, back to the point Sometimes It Happens really surprised me. I liked the style of writing, I liked the character and I loved the whole genre plot of the story. 

The story alternates from what happened over the summer between our main characters to the present day, starting back at school. As you’re going back and forth between each chapter, it’s like a mini cliff-hanger that leaves you dying to know what happens next. It’s full of suspense and I loved it. I also really enjoyed Hannah and Noah as characters. Both totally loveable. I wasn’t too keen on the best friend Ava, who I found really self-centred but I suppose everyone needs a character like her in a book. 

The main reason I didn’t rate it 5 stars was because I felt the ending just kind of….stopped. The story was nicely tied up but I felt there was room for a couple more characters on the romance. Or on Ava and Hannah’s friendship but hey, that’s just my view. 

Overall, Sometimes It Happens is the ideal summer read. Fun, lovable and totally swoon worthy. Read it, enjoy it, I did! 

Unlovable Winners

And the winners are the Unlovable by Sherry Gammon giveaway are:

Paperback Copy: 

The Bookish Brunette!

E-Book Copies:

Veronica Briseno!

Brigit!

Jasprit Kaur! 

CONGRATS!!!! 

Winners now have 48 hours to contact us otherwise new winners will be picked. Winners were picked using Random.Org. 

Follower Poll

Hey Guys! 

Right, Jess and I have been chatting and we've noticed we've been gaining quiet a few followers lately. Don't worry, we're not complaining! Keep following us!! Lol BUT we're wondering how did you find out about our site? Was it from Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, a friend, another blog and so on. So...we've created a poll and we were hoping you would vote so we know how you found out about our site. 

So the poll is on the right hand side to the blog, so please cast your votes. If you picked 'Other' leave us a little comment below.

Thanks in advance! 

The Iron Knight Blurb Reveal

We're screaming right about now. Donna just noticed on Goodreads that the blurb was revealed for the book. We don't know how long its been on there by my, it sounds GOOD!! 

Here it is:

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul. 

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

HURRY UP OCTOBER!!! Enjoy! 

A review for Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Posted by: Jess
Release Date: 27th May 2010
Finish Date: 12th July, 2011
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 430
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Blurb from Goodreads: She is pretty and talented - sweet sixteen and never been kissed. He is seventeen; gorgeous and on the brink of a bright future. And now they have fallen in love. But ...They are brother and sister.

The Review: *Gets up from rocking in the corner to write review*. I'm...*breathe* you know that gut wrenching, heart ripping feeling you get sometimes? No, I didn't either until I read FORBIDDEN. *breathe*

I'm still trying to get over this book and to express my feelings about it. I slept on it yesterday and have since come up with these words: 

I'd read rave reviews about it. Every blog I went on the reviews were always amazing. So naturally I wanted to read this book. I was anxious to read this book. And finally, Monday I picked it up, yesterday at 11.30pm, I was done. And boy, I was not disappointed. Tabitha Suzuma, has written such an emotionally charged book on such a socially taboo subject, that I wonder HOW, just HOW she managed to do it? FORBIDDEN is an extremely compelling read, very powerful and so beautifully written that you find yourself questioning your beliefs on love, who you should love, and whether you should let society dictate who you should and shouldn't love. 

As most of you know FORBIDDEN is about two siblings, Lochan and Maya, who have taken over the roles as parents to their 3 younger siblings. With an absent father and a drunken mother these two siblings-whilst still juggling their own lives-manage to keep the family in tact. With a 13 month age gap, these two have been best friends forever, assuming the roles of parents, they ultimately form a deeper bond and a deeper connection that in the end finds them falling in love with each other. I can hear all you non readers going 'ewww' in your seats. But let me just say this, please, please (emphasis on the please) do not judge this book based on the topic it concerns itself with. FORBIDDEN isn't a book about incest. Its a book about a love so powerful, and so doomed that it really tugs at you mentally and emotionally. Its a book about two people so tuned into one another that when you're reading you forget that what they're doing is morally wrong. All the way through this book, I found myself rooting for these starcrossed lovers, knowing it couldn't end happily. Not once did I squeek at the intimate scenes, not once did I feel grossed out or appalled in anyway, and not because I'm a freak but because when you read about these two loving people you forget that they're brother and sister. You come to learn to love them, to root for them. The books narrative remains in 1st person and alternates between Lochan and Maya; reading it like that you get that deep sense of what each of them are feeling. They try everything to forget their feelings, they try dating other people, they try separating for a bit. But in the end the heart wants what the heart wants. And ultimately they can't fight it anymore and the inevitable happens.

Tabitha Suzuma has done an absolutely wonderful job at writing this book. She creates this dysfunctional family, but still manages to capture your heart with all the characters different and unique personalities. That you can't help but love them all. Except the mother-don't get me started, I'd really like to shoot her. She makes Cinderella and Snow Whites step mothers look like pretty pink icing on a pretty pink cake.

Let me quickly move onto the ending of this book (mostly because I need to go back to my corner and cry). GOD this ending. Nothing, NOTHING can prepare you for this ending. No amount of chocolate or Ben and Jerry's ice cream will cut it. My heart is still breaking. Lochan (Christ someone hold me!). This wasn't an ending I was expecting. I mean I knew there couldn't be an HEA but that ending crushed me. It felt like my heart had been ripped out, then ripped to shreds and then later burned in a furnace. That final chapter had me in a disgusting snotty (yes I had snot coming out of my nose) sobbing mess! My pages are still stained with tears and snot (seriously). It was heart wrenching, that when I finally managed to turn the page and read the Epilogue the floods of tears (and snot) came rolling back. I've never been so moved by a book in my life, this is the first book to make me sob and snot at the same time. It's probably one of the saddest (and yet wonderfully written) book endings to end all book endings (see I'm not even making sense now).

Have I changed my opinion on consensual incest relationships? No, I haven't. I have two brothers, and the thought of doing something like that with them makes me go icky inside. However I will say this, do NOT let anyone-society or other wise-dictate who you should and shouldn't love. I'm not condoning incest-absolutely not-I'm simply saying if you love someone, who you know is all wrong for you but you love them none the less, then good for you. You keep loving that person, you find a way to make it work. When you love someone, it becomes nobody else's business but your own.

So, will I read FORBIDDEN again? In all honesty, no I won't. I just simply CANNOT put myself through that kind of emotion and heartache again. By all means people read this book, its a strong, emotional and compelling read that will leave sensitive readers crushed and drained. But its none the less a great book.I do recommend this book, but I strongly only recommend it to the older demographic of YA as some scenes in the book aren't suitable for the younger ones. Tabitha Suzuma doesn't sugar coat it! 16+ should do it :) 

That's it! That's all I have to say. So if you'll excuse me I have to go back to my corner and rock back and forth.

P.S-Oh! I forgot, if you read this book, make sure you have tissues and are wearing waterproof mascara (seriously).Sorry this review is massive!

*walks back to her safe corner and cries wishing someone would hold her*

My Book Boyfriend (#7): Ashallyn'darkmyr Tallyn

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme, hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader. What is My Book Boyfriend you might ask.  Well it is a weekly meme where we talk about a literary crush including stats, a picture of what you imagine he looks like and some quotes from him that make you swoon.  If you are interested in participating please check out the My Book Boyfriend Introduction Page over at Missie's blog The Unread Reader.

So seen as I (Jess) am such a fictional man perv, Donna has let this be my weekly post. So this weeks My Book Boyfriend, I wanted to do someone who we all love... everyone's favourite Icy Prince, Ashallyn'darkmyr Tallyn from The Iron Fey Series.

Ash's Stats: 

Status: Unseelie Prince. He is a winter faery and Meghan's love interest.

Age: 17

Eyes: Silver

Hair: Black

Physical Description: Immortal, handsome, skilled and temperamental. He has high cheekbones and  dark tousled hair falling into his eyes.

(Actor-Adam Gregory)

" What do you want, Ash ? "
" Your head, " Ash answered softly. " On a pike. But what I want doesn't matter this time. " He pointed his sword at me. "I've come for her. " 

"Touch her, and I'll freeze your testicles off and put them in a jar. Understand?" 

"My name is Ashallyn'darkmyr Tallyn, third son of the Unseelie Court...Let it be known--from this day forth, I vow to protect Meghan Chase, daughter of the Summer King, with my sword, my honor, and my life. Her desires are mine. Her wishes are mine. Should even the world stand against her, my blade will be at her side. And should it fail to protect her, let my own existence be forfeit. This I swear, on my honor, my True Name, and my life. From this day on..." His voice went even softer, but I still heard it as though he whispered it into my ear. "I am yours." 

What do you all think of Ash? Have you read The Iron Fey Series?

Thanks to Missie for hosting this great meme.

Tune in next Wednesday for another installment of My Book Boyfriend.

Teaser Tuesday (#18)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should be Reading

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

1) Grab your current read

2) Open to a random page

3) Share one (1) OR two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

4) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

Donna's Teaser Tuesday: Vanish by Sophie Jordan 

1) " Don't worry. I'm not going to kill you. It's just tranq gun. We'll keep you alive until we figure out what the hell you are "


2) "Then I see him slumped into the backseat of the car. The driver's door yawns open, letting the fog in. The smoky haze curls around his sleeping for tenderly. For a moment, I can't move. Only stare, strangling on my own breath. Even bruised and battered, he's beautiful "

Jessica's Teaser Tuesday:  Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

1) "There is a long silence. All I can see is the top of Lochan's head. He leans towards me slightly. I reach up and put my arms around him and hold him tight. I lower my voice to a whisper. 'You're not just my brother, you're my best friend'"


2) "Only with Maya can I really be myself. We share the burden together and she is always on my side, by my side. I don't want to need her, to depend on her, but I do, I really do."

What's your Teaser Tuesday? 

Leave us a comment below.

US vs UK (#14)

Welcome to Book Passion for Life's 14th US vs UK book cover battle. We've seen this posted on a few other blogs, and thought we'd jump on the band wagon!

The idea of this battle is once a week we'll post 2 sets of books of our choice, one US cover and one UK cover, and we'll just give our opinion on which one we love the most. Which cover captures the story, which one would catch our eye if we saw it on the shelf in a shop. The US cover will be on the left, and the UK cover will be on the right.

The Scores so far are: 

US: 3  UK: 5  Draw: 5 

US vs UK Round 14

Mercy by Rebecca Lim 

vs  

Jess says:  Ooo. I like both of these covers. I haven't read the book yet so I'm not sure which one represents the story better. But I will say that I think I prefer the US on this one. Its beautifully dark and cryptic. The UK seems a little whimsical to me. So I give this one to the US. 

Donna says:  To start with I really liked the UK cover but the more I see the US cover, the more I find I like that more. So I'm going with the US. I've read the book and the covers slightly relate to the story but the reason I like the US cover more is because I find it a lot more attractive. I'm not usually a fan of dark covers but I like this one.

Which do you prefer?

_______________________

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

vs  

Jess Says: Ah one of my favourite trilogies. I haven't read this one yet but I will soon I hope. As for the covers, well I love them both. I love that the US has kept with their original designs and kept them matching with one looking at the other. I truly do like the US cover. But I have to say I think I prefer the UK cover. It's also kept it matching with the other three, and I love the grayness against the black, with the red rose being the center of attraction. It's just slightly more beautiful than the US. So I give this one to the UK.

Donna Says:  Wow! This is a major hard one for me. I love both of them. I love the colours of red on the US one and I really love that Grace as a wolf is on there watching Sam. But then I go to the UK cover an even though its just mainly tree's, I love the colours. The silver and black is so nice. Erm.....I can't choose! Yes I can....I'm going with the US.

Which do you prefer?

__________________

Okay guys, this weeks US vs UK goes to...US with 3 votes.

Tune in next week for more :) 

A review for Stolen: A Letter to my Captor by Lucy Christopher

Posted by: Jess
Release Date: 4th May 2009
Finish Date: 10th July, 2011
Source: Chicken House Publishing
Format: Paperback
Pages: 300
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Blurb from Goodreads: It happened like this. I was stolen from an airport. Taken from everything I knew, everything I was used to. Taken to sand and heat, dirt and danger. And he expected me to love him. This is my story. A letter from nowhere.
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The Review: I only heard good things about Stolen. So naturally I was anxious to read it. So when we contacted Chicken House Publishing and they allowed me to review it, I was ecstatic. Not only did I get a free book, but I got a GOOD book. I was amazed at how much I loved this book. The story was so captivating. I was moved. 

Stolen was written in second person, which was a new narrative to me but one I enjoyed all the same. Lucy Christopher has written this as a letter that Gemma our 16 year old narrator writes to her kidnapper Ty. Being able to read it in this form gave me more of an understanding as to what Gemma was going through, from the time she was 'Stolen' from Bangkok Airport, right through her ordeal with Ty, the relationship that was slowly emerging between them. Both of them are two very different characters, Gemma is surprisingly strong and mature for a 16 year old. Ty, is ultimately not evil but a troubled person who's only love is the vast land of the Australian outback. Gemma has love, she has a family, she has friends. Ty does not. He's a lonely sort, and has been in love with Gemma  for almost 3 years but has been following her for 6. He wants to share his love of the land with Gemma. Not only are Gemma and Ty two major characters (in fact for most of the book, they're the only characters), but the Australian outback is so ripe with description in this book that it almost becomes a character itself. 

My heart and my head were so torn when I read this book. I wanted to hate Ty, for what he did. For everything, but my heart kept saying no, he's not all bad; he's just starved of love and lonely. He's sometimes portrayed as a vulnerable sort of guy, but then scary as well in some scenes at the start of the book. I'm not condoning kidnapping, but when you read this book, you can see why Ty did what he did. I only wish this had a happier ending.  Eventually my heart was won over by Ty, and it was because of a particular scene towards the end of the book in his painting shed. During that scene and after it, was the moment I realised I was in love with Ty. Anyone who has read this book will know the scene I am talking about. If you haven't, well I'll leave it to you to find out. You won't be disappointed. That's the moment you fall in love with Ty, and the moment Gemma realises she does in fact 'need' him, and the land.  

Anyway, I hope this review is sufficient. And I urge everyone to pick up Stolen: A Letter to my captor and read it. Find out for yourself. In the end, I'd just like to say that I'm definitely in love with this book, and I am definitely NOT suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. Read it. It's fabulous.

I'd just like to thank Chicken House Publishing for allowing me to review this book. It was wonderful.