#FreeReadsWeek Wrap Up

Oh well. I failed completely as I managed to read only one book during the week for free reads. I'm happy that I read it as I enjoyed it a lot, and it inspired me to focus a bit more on those books on my Kindle app which I usually tend to ignore.

The reason why I failed so majorly is simple: drama in life. An unexpected thing demanded my attention, and it couldn't be avoided. I was also way too hooked up on Downton Abbey so I marathoned it a lot while I could have been reading. Oh well. I'm still happy that I participated because I managed to read that one free story and now I have a desire to read more of them so I'd say the challenge did something good for me.

What I read:

My review of Playing for Keeps.

And here's a link for my original sign up post.

Review: Playing for Keeps by Avery Cockburn

Playing for Keeps (Glasgow Lads, #1)
by Avery Cockburn
Self-published
Ebook (Kindle freebie)
Adult, LGBT, contemporary, romance

Rule One: No Drama!

Fergus Taylor is damaged goods. Reeling from a brutal breakup, he’s determined to captain his LGBT soccer team out of scandal and into a winning season. For that, he needs strict rules and careful plans. He does NOT need a brash, muscle-bound lad messing with his head and setting his body afire.

John Burns has a rule of his own: Don’t get attached. Boyfriends are for guys with nothing to hide. Nobody—not his university mates, not the men he beds—knows his family’s shame. Now his double life is starting to unravel, thanks to a certain Highlander whose storm-riddled eyes turn John inside out, who wears a kilt like he was born in it.

Fergus is the first man John wants to share his secret with—but he’s the last man who could handle it. John knows the truth would shatter Fergus’s still-fragile heart. But how can he live a lie when he’s falling in love?

I'm not a football fan, in fact, I'm not sure if I have ever even watched a whole match. However, I simply couldn't miss out when the story was about Scots and such diverse subject - I had never even heard about LGBT football team! I'm very pleased I didn't pass Playing for Keeps just because it was about football.

Playing for Keeps is fast paced and despite Fergus number one rule, there's bound to be drama when it's about falling in love, coming in terms who you are and how your life is, and forgiving those who have hurt you. The story kept me on the edge of my seat as Fergus and John's relationship deepened and the obstacles seemed to pile up. I loved how John's secret was tied up to the history of Scotland and how it was a legit secret to keep. It was both a pleasure and agony to follow John and Fergus struggle with trust, falling for each other, and trying not to get hurt. And of course, the story had plenty of steamy scenes between the two hot Scots and I dare say, a kilt got even hotter than it was before.

Fergus and John were both interesting main characters and I liked each of them own, although I fell for Fergus a bit more. He was vulnerable and strong at the same time, which I liked a lot. The various side characters, mainly rest of the football team, Fergus and John's families were all different, and the Scottish culture came through them very well, especially the diversity among them, and how the environment they grew up affected them (mainly the economic situation because there were characters from all sides of the wealth spectrum).

I'll definitely read more of this series because the characters were intriguing and I'm yearning to learn more of several of them, especially of Lord Andrew (who, I believe, stars the second book) and Liam (who stars the third book if I'm not mistaken). And I need more books about Scotland in my life.

If you're up to some diverse contemporary romance, then I'd recommend Playing for Keeps.

4 of 5 stars.

On Goodreads.

NY Times By the Book Tag

The tag was originally created by Marie Berg, and I found the existence of this tag from Helene Jeppesen.

1) What book is on your nightstand right now?

This romance with gorgeous Scots:

2) What was the last truly great book that you read? 

I have read some truly great book this year but the latest has to be Winter by Marissa Meyer.

3) If you could meet any writer - dead or alive - who would it be?
I'd really like to meet both J.K Rowling and Rick Riordan, because their books made my childhood and I still enjoy immensely of their books. So meeting them would be a dream come true.

 

4) What books might we be surprised to find on your shelves?
I'm not secretive about the consistent of my shelves so I don't know if there's any surprise finds. It's mostly various genres of YA books, some adult fiction, lots of LGBT themes, classics, history books and dictionaries of various sort.

5) How do you organize your personal library?
I'm afraid I don't have any logical way of doing it. I still have a bookshelf full of books back in Finland and it's disorganized at the moment. My book collection here in Scotland is organized by size mostly, however I have a favourites shelf and a classic shelf plus my history books for university has their own shelf.

6) What books have you always meant to read and haven't gotten around to yet? 
Oh boy, there's a lot of those. Just to name a few;

7) Disappointing, overrated, just not good: What book did you feel you were supposed to like but didn't? Do you remember the last book you put down without finishing?

8) (1) What kinds of stories are you drawn to? (2) Any you stay clear of?

(1) I'm drawn to anything that's either LGBT or unique in some manner - even better if the books is both.

(2) I steer clear of stories I have heard contains love triangle - which is the reason why I'm still so hesitant reading anything written by Sarah J. Maas because apparently she's big on love triangles, and I can't stand them. I also mostly steer clear of plain heterosexual contemporary romance because I feel like after reading a lot of them, they all start to seem the same. However, if the premise sounds unique, then I'm always willing to give it a chance.

9) If you could require the president to read one book, what would it be?
It would depend some on which country's president we are talking about. But it would probably be Atonement by Ian McEwan because I think it shows perfectly how wrong accusations can ruin multiple people's lives, and how perspectives are just that, perspectives, and not the ultimate truth. I think both of those are lessons that everyone should learn, especially world leaders if they haven't learned those things yet.

10) What do you plan to read next?

I plan on reading Vicious by V.E. Schwab before attending the YALC next week. So it'll be my next weekend read.

Waiting on Wednesday #36

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

Heartless by Marissa Meyer!

Heartless

by Marissa Meyer

Published by

Expected publication: November 8th, 2016

YA, retelling, fantasy, romance

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

I loved the Lunar Chronicles so I can't wait to read this one!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Set Outside The US

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week participating bloggers can create lists of topic given by the host, and share them with others!

I have twelve books set outside of the US that I want to mention so instead of ten, here's twelve books.

Half Bad trilogy by Sally Green

Takes place in: England, Wales, Switzerland, all over Europe

The first book takes mostly place in England and Wales but the sequels have variety of settings. I love to have a vivid fantasy world that's focused on Europe instead of US.

The Blackhouse by Peter May

Takes place in: Western Isles, Scotland

It's a crime/thriller which is something I don't usually read but I liked this a lot, especially since it was set in Isle of Lewis and the description was so vivid that I felt like I was there.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Takes place in: Ancient Greece, Troy

This was my favourite read last year and it's one of my favourite books. It also gives a perfect description not only of Ancient Greece and Troy, but also how lives was back then.

Queen of Someday by Sherry D. Ficklin

Takes place in: Russia

I think this is one of the only books I have read that takes place in Russia but oh boy, does Ficklin give us such a good description of Russia's court life.

Memory of Water by Emmi Itäranta

Takes place in: Future Scandinavia, majorly nowadays Finland

I love how for once a dystopia was set in somewhere else than in US, especially since Itäranta managed to create a vivid world that focused on Finland. It was unique read in many ways.

Down London Road by Samantha Young

Takes place in: Scotland (Edinburgh)

This was actually first book I read that set in Edinburgh and it really made the city live in my eyes. I still think this book at times when I visit Edinburgh.

And now, few books set in England which I have enjoyed

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Takes place in: England

Such a vivid image of life in an English town.

Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman

Takes place in: England

I think that with this book, it's more about the British culture that's prominent. There's not too much description of the setting but the British culture shows in everything I rather like that. You can really see that it is written by British author.

Falling by Barbara Elsborg

Takes place in: England

A great M/M romance set in England - what else could I hope for? I'm glad that the setting isn't always the US.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Takes place in: England

My favourite classic, so of course I have to include it. The historical England shines through this.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Takes place in: England

A classic in every possible way.

Atonement by Ian McEwan

Takes place in: England and France

I love how this gives a vivid description of British countryside, the shores of France and London.

And of course, as a bonus:

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

Takes place in: mostly Scotland and England.

I couldn't do this without mentioning Harry Potter. Naturally.

Book Blitz + Giveaway: November Rain by Shannon A. Thompson

November Rain (Bad Bloods #1)
by Shannon A. Thompson
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: July 18th 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Seventeen-year-old Serena isn’t human. She is a bad blood, and in the city of Vendona, bad bloods are executed. In the last moments before she faces imminent death, a prison guard aids her escape and sparks a revolt. Back on the streets determined to destroy her kind, Serena is spared by a fellow bad blood named Daniel. His past tragedies are as equally mysterious as her connection to them.

 Unbeknownst to the two, this connection is the key to winning the election for bad bloods’ rights to be seen as human again. But Serena is the only one who can secure Vendona’s vote. Now, Daniel must unite with her before all hope is lost and bad bloods are eradicated, even if it means exposing secrets worse than death itself. United or not, a city will fight, rain will fall, and all will be threatened by star-crossed love and political corruption.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

EXCERPT:

“She used to tell me that a full moon is when mysterious things happen and wishes come true.” I stared at the little paper in my hands. “Do you think she tells my sister those stories?”

Daniel didn’t respond. He only listened. I had told him before I had a sister. He had probably assumed I lied, but I hadn’t. It was the truth, and it tumbled out like a story my mom created before bedtime. I tried to picture her telling stories to my sister, but nothing came. I only saw the little girl, with Mom’s hair and Dad’s eyes, standing in the road, saying my name.

“I’ve never met her,” I confessed, staring at the writing bleeding through the folded end. “I think her name is on this, but I can’t read.”

Daniel reached for it. “I can—”

“No.” I held the note against my chest. “I want to learn and read it on my own,” I explained, softer than my previous snap.

Daniel’s head tilted. “Robert never taught you.”

I wasn’t sure if it was a question or a statement, but I responded anyway. “He can’t read.”

Daniel’s eyes swept over me. He took the time to rub his face before looking away.

“He can’t read,” I repeated, studying his reaction. “Right?”

Daniel’s hand lowered to his lap. “I can teach you,” he said, and when he faced me again, he was remarkably closer than I realized. His hand moved to rest on my knee. My heart stabilized. “What else do you want?”

It was a question I had never heard before, and the way Daniel stumbled over the sentence suggested he had never been able to say it before either. Bad bloods weren’t allowed to want anything. Not even life. So, when I was asked, my mind spiraled into obscurity, never actually solidifying an answer even though I searched for one.

“I’ve never been allowed to want anything,” I confessed.

“Me neither,” Daniel agreed, and for a brief second, I was oblivious to the fact that his lips were on mine.

Author Bio
Shannon A. Thompson is a twenty-three-year-old author, avid reader, and habitual chatterbox. She was merely sixteen when she was first published, and a lot has happened since then. Thompson's work has appeared in numerous poetry collections and anthologies, and her first installment of The Timely Death Trilogy became Goodreads' Book of the Month. As a novelist, poet, and blogger, Thompson spends her free time writing and sharing ideas with her black cat named after her favorite actor, Humphrey Bogart. Between writing and befriending cats, she graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in English, and she travels whenever the road calls her.
Visit her blog for writers and readers at www.shannonathompson.com.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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Waiting on Wednesday #35

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

Turn the World Upside Down by Nyrae Dawn!

Turn the World Upside Down

by Nyrae Dawn

Expected publication: October 20th, 2016

LGBT, contemporary

Hunter Donovan’s temper never used to be a problem. He lived the perfect life with the perfect family before the dark truth came spilling out. Now his dad’s in prison, and after Hunter explodes at school, accidentally hitting a teacher, his mom has him committed.Hunter doesn’t belong at Better Days. He needs to be stronger, not sent to a well-dressed loony bin. If he’d been better, less selfish, he would have realized something was going on under his own roof. No amount of psychoanalyzing and group therapy can change the past.

But among the bullies, fights, and bad cafeteria food, Hunter meets a group of friends: anxiety-ridden Casey, wild and exciting Rosie, recovering bulimic Bethany, and Stray, a self-harmer who doesn’t think he belongs anywhere. Around this group of misfits, Hunter doesn’t feel so alone and angry anymore.

Still, as he’s making friends and falling in love with Stray, the guilt is always there. If Hunter can’t open up and find a way to deal with what happened, he might fall victim to his mental illness—and he won’t be the only casualty

What are you waiting for this week?

#FreeReadsWeek Reading Challenge Sign-Up

Free Reads Week is a reading challenge hosted by the lovely Saruuh Kelsey @ Syntax Reviews and it's sole purpose is to read as many free books as you can within a week. I'm so ready for this because my Kindle app is full of free books that I ignore way too much.

The challenge takes place 15th July - 21 July

Begin reading whenever it's 00:00 in your time zone. For UK residents (such as me) it runs from 00:00 GMT on 15th July to 11:59 GMT on 21st July.

The Rules

Read as many free books as you're capable of.

This includes books you got during a free promotion and permafree books.

Post as many reviews as you can! If you don't have a blog, twitter reviews, Goodreads, and Instagram are all awesome!

(Reviews are massively important to indie authors and help readers find these books, even when they're as short as one line, but if you're not able to write a review please at least rate the book on the retailer you purchased from.)

Use the hashtag #FreeReadsWeek when possible!

I haven't set any solid TBR but here's some of the free books on my Kindle that I'm hoping to read. No, I will not be able to finish all of these, probably not even half, but I like to give myself lots of options so here we go:

 

I'll do a wrap-up post once the reading challenge is over, to let you guys know how did I do and what books did I read.