Review: This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

This Is What Happy Looks Like
by Jennifer E. Smith
Published by Headline
Paperback (borrowed)
YA, contemporary, romance

If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds.

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?

This Is What Happy Looks Like was fast-paced and very addicting read. It was sweet and cute but it also had more serious moments and some conflicts. I liked the characters; Ellie who was smart and loyal and Graham who was lonely and had his feet on the ground despite being famous movie star. I liked how their lives collided because of one email send to wrong person, and I really liked how their relationship developed.

Despite the genre and sweetness, the story was still realistic and everything didn't magically come together at the end. This Is What Happy Looks Like was fun read and I enjoyed it thoroughly. If you're up for sweet yet realistic contemporary romance, then I highly recommend this!

4 of 5 stars

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Review: I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent, #1)
by Barry Lyga
Published by Corgi
Paperback (purchased)
YA, contemporary, mystery, thriller

You’re seventeen years old and your father is the most notorious serial killer America has ever produced.

He brought you up. Taught you everything he knows. Everyone in your ordinary American town knows who you are. So even though Dear Old Dad is safely behind bars, when the killing starts all over again, you are the first person the police come to see…

They don’t know whether it’s nature or nurture. And neither do you…

I find psychological crime mysteries truly intriguing when it comes to TV shows like Criminal Minds, and I Hunt Killers fell into the category where it's mysterious, dark, and twisted - and when it's so good because of the fascinating characters and surprising plot. It was utterly captivating read from the very beginning to the end.

Jazz's hilarious. His dark humor was hilarious. Not only that he was complex character who has a lot of potential to be extremely dangerous because of how he was brought up by his serial killer father; but he fights against it. It was almost brilliant to see the world through Jazz's eyes, and that only made the story so captivating. Jazz simply was the best and his friend Howie was not far behind because I loved him too.

And the plot and the twists, I can't even. It was just so utterly captivating and stunning, and I really need to pick up the sequel soon because I need more of this amazing world!

If you can handle some bloody scenes, then I definitely recommend I Hunt Killers because it's just so good and so hard to put down!

5 of 5 stars

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ARC Review: Insight by Santino Hassell

Insight (The Community, #1)
by Santino Hassell
Published by Riptide Publishing
eARC (received via NetGalley)
LGBT, paranormal, romance, mystery

Growing up the outcast in an infamous family of psychics, Nate Black never learned how to control his empath abilities. Then after five years without contact, his estranged twin turns up dead in New York City. The claim of suicide doesn’t ring true, especially when a mysterious vision tells Nate it was murder. Now his long-hated gift is his only tool to investigate.

Hitching from his tiny Texas town, Nate is picked up by Trent, a gorgeous engineer who thrives on sarcasm and skepticism. The heat that sparks between them is instant and intense, and Nate ends up trusting Trent with his secrets—something he’s never done before. But once they arrive in the city, the secrets multiply when Nate discovers an underground supernatural community, more missing psychics, and frightening information about his own talent.

Nate is left questioning his connection with Trent. Are their feelings real, or are they being propelled by abilities Nate didn’t realize he had? His fear of his power grows, but Nate must overcome it to find his brother’s killer and trust himself with Trent’s heart.

Insight blew my mind. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down, and when I was forced to due sleep and lectures, it was constantly on my mind; I still revisit it regularly even if I finished it a few weeks ago. I simply can't get enough.

Insight was such a perfect read for me because it had all the things a great romance and mystery needs. The characters were intriguing, complex and kept me guessing their motives and intentions, which is perfect when it comes to mysteries. Nate was so adorable and a very good main character because he was easy to approach as a reader. Trent was adorable too, in a different way than Nate, because while Nate second guessed himself, his influence and what he felt, Trent was adorably confident of a lot of things without being cocky at all. I just really liked them, and rooted for them from the very beginning. There were also plenty of secondary characters who were very interesting; Chase and Holden particularly. While some clarity was provided, there's still so many questions I have about Chase and Holden, who are half-brothers.

The mystery - whether Nate's brother killed himself and who possibly could have murdered him if it wasn't a suicide - was absolutely brilliant, edge of your seat material. There were so many suspicious elements and so many suspects in so many different things that just tangled together, that the story was irresistible and hard to put down. And true Santino Hassell style, there was stunning and steamy romance, which I couldn't possibly get enough.

I need more of this world, and I'm so incredibly happy that there's two books in The Community series scheduled for this year! I'll definitely check them out, and hope that Nate and Trent makes an appearance.

I highly recommend this to anyone who's up for unforgettable paranormal mystery and romance.

5 of 5 stars

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Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review Insight!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Book Blitz + Giveaway: The Piper's Price by Audrey Greathouse

The Piper’s Price
Audrey Greathouse
(The Neverland Wars, #2)
Published by: Clean Reads Publishing
Publication date: February 21st 2017
Genres: Fairy Tales, Retelling, Young Adult

Peter is plotting his retaliation against the latest bombing. Neverland needs an army, and Peter Pan is certain children will join him once they know what is at stake. The lost boys and girls are planning an invasion in suburbia to recruit, but in order to deliver their message, they will need the help of an old and dangerous associate—the infamous Pied Piper. 

Hunting him down will require a spy in in the real world, and Gwen soon finds herself in charge of locating the Piper and cutting an uncertain deal with him. She isn’t sure if Peter trusts her that much, or if he’s just trying to keep her away from him in Neverland. Are they friends, or just allies? But Peter might not even matter now that she’s nearly home and meeting with Jay again. 

The Piper isn’t the only one hiding from the adults’ war on magic though, and when Gwen goes back to reality, she’ll have to confront one of Peter’s oldest friends… and one of his earliest enemies.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

THE PIPER'S PRICE

Complete Playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMtUnDVkgb7dOS3Nf-qVFMuOcqFZ_gFQ2

1. Impossible Girl #1

The Impossible Girl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFFWhBnZots&list=PLMtUnDVkgb7dOS3Nf-qVFMuOcqFZ_gFQ2&index=5

She's the first one of her kind, and the last one in her line.

She's a creature so rare, you can't be sure she's really there.

Sometimes I like to remember that Gwen really is in a unique position, and look at her from the admiring eyes of everyone else around her. She might not admit it, but this is her song.

2. Start With Goodbye, Stop With Hello

Eliza Rickman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtEGD1JcMOg

We'll start with goodbye, stop with hello 

Never a hand hardly to hold...

Even though this is a more of a love song, it reminds me of Gwen and Peter because of how full of paradox and confliction all Peter's relationships are. It seems pertinent when he sends Gwen away from Neverland in the start of the book.

3. Businessmen

Snowapple

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-lXmTdntkg

Thousands of them businessmen crumbling, crawling up the stairs

Two thousand of them sleepy eyes fighting against time...

This song (and its music video especially) captures a little bit of the anonymous antagonistic force that Gwen starts to hunt down and put faces and names too in this installment of the story.

4. Seven Years

Lukas Graham

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHCob76kigA

It was a big, big world but we thought we were bigger

Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker...

This song seemed to be all over the radio while I was drafting The Piper's Price, and I think it captures Gwen's fear of how fast growing up can happen.

5. Circles

Machineheart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IECxREipzqE

If I get tired and say that I wanna change my mind

Pull me in a circle, so I can change it one more time...

If this doesn't sum up Gwen's decision making process, I don't know what does. She pulls 180 degree turns in her head so often, she always seems to circle back 360 degrees by the end of her fretting. She's very consistent for someone so conflicted.

6. I'm in Love Again

Maria Mena

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzjMsqmLo5k

Oh I'm in love again, again,

And you may call me tomorrow my friend, yes,

You may kiss me again and again...I'll hold on tight

There's nothing better than realizing you're in love and getting a second chance at things with a good friend. I can only imagine how this song loops in Gwen's head every time she sneaks out to meet up with Jay.

7. Phoenix

The Jane Austen Argument

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6WVpIqKL8s

Oh, what have I become? And where is my mother?

Oh, bring me my sticks and spices, that I may build this birthing pyre...

It wouldn't be a complete playlist without a melancholy song about questioning who you are and wondering if it wouldn't be such a bad idea to start this whole “life” thing all over again.

8. The Pied Piper

Del Shannon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isE5-WnRkZc

This was on a “Hits of 1960s” CD my Dad had, and I loved it for inexplicable reasons as a child. I like to imagine this peppy love song is playing as Piper walks into the bar, and its upbeat tempo curdles his already dismal mood.

9. I Walked Alone

Rachel Rose Mitchell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZFi8XOdN5M

If one's as good as their word,

There's nothing good in you 

And there's nothing I can do.

When Gwen makes a shady deal with the Piper and gets burned, you have to wonder whom she's more frustrated with: the mysterious man who tricked her, or the cocksure boy who sent her on the mission in the first place?

10. Come Little Children

From Hocus Pocus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t8-_pI1-9Q

Come Little Children, I'll Take Thee Away,
Into a Land of Enchantment...

Nothing says “kidnapping children with song” like this classic, originally sung by Sarah Jessica Parker for Disney's Halloween-y “Hocus Pocus” movie. I ended up going in a very different direction with. 

Author Bio:
Audrey Greathouse is a lost child in a perpetual and footloose quest for her own post-adolescent Neverland. Originally from Seattle, she earned her English B.A. from Southern New Hampshire University's online program while backpacking around the west coast and pretending to be a student at Stanford. A pianist, circus artist, fire-eater, street mime, swing dancer, and novelist, Audrey wears many hats wherever she is. She has grand hopes for the future which include publishing more books and owning a crockpot. You can find her at audreygreathouse.com.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY! (INTL)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz + Giveaway: YALit Giveaway Event

YALit Giveaway Event!

A bunch of authors who got together to bring you a YOUNG ADULT Big Box of Paperbacks Giveaway! One lucky winner is going to win FIFTY (50) Young Adult Paperback Books! How’s that for an epic Book-Lover’s Prize?!

THIS BOX OF BOOKS IS VALUED AT OVER $500! And this giveaway is open worldwide! Our first giveaway went to a winner in ROMANIA–and yes, we’re willing to pay the insane shipping on this oversized, overweight package to get the prize to WHOEVER wins!

—

Here's a sneak peek from a couple of the sponsors:

Adrenaline Rush by Cindy M. Hogan

As I hurtled toward my destination at 500 miles an hour, I pulled out a notebook, placed it on the shiny mahogany table in front of me, and scribbled a quick to-do list. Pick out an outfit. Get folders and notebooks. Switch into fourth period drama. I chewed on the end of my pen. Oh yeah—just one more thing. Get kidnapped.

According to my pre-mission briefing, kidnappings were up in the States by five percent over the last five years. The significance of which didn’t hit me until I found that the statistics for kidnappings had remained static for a good thirty years. The spike caught the attention of the FBI, and they put their best men on it. The problem? Right when they thought they’d discovered the pattern of the kidnappers, it seemed to change.

We hit some turbulence, and the force of it pulled me out of my reverie. I sucked in a deep breath, my hands resting on the soft leather side arms of my big comfortable seat as the Gulfstream jet jumped. I let the rollercoaster feeling wash over me like a wave, forcing myself to enjoy every last tingle. I only had this flight and a few hours tonight to assume my new thrill-seeking alias—the one that would lure the kidnappers and save the day before the pattern changed again. I might as well make the most of it.

 

Chosen Wolf (Curse of the Moon #2) Excerpt

The full moon inched higher in the night sky, growing bigger and brighter by the moment. One by one, the members of the pack ran behind the Moonhaven mansion to remove their clothes before they tore to shreds as their bodies turned from men to wolves. Howls sounded in the distance.

Toby squeezed my hand, holding my gaze. “Maybe this will be the month you can finally shift again, Victoria.”

Sharp pains ran through my body. My right hip cracked. I bit my tongue, trying not to cry out in pain. My skin felt on fire as fur tried to poke through, but couldn’t.

His face tensed, a pained look in his eyes. “Are you shifting?”

I shook my head. There was nothing normal about this, and it was proving to be more difficult and painful than my other months of un-shifts. Each one grew worse than the last.

Toby scooped me up, carried me inside, and helped me onto my bed. “I can’t keep my wolf inside any longer. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” I fought to keep my voice steady. Tears threatened.

He brushed hair from my face and kissed my forehead. “Ziamara’s upstairs sleeping. She said to wake her if you need anything.”

“I’ll be fine.” I grimaced, the pain nearly choking me.

Toby cried out and the sound of ripping fabric tore through the room. He spun around and dashed out the door. The back of his shirt had ripped, and fur poked through the split material.

I gripped a pillow, squeezing it as hard as I could to distract myself from the pain. It didn’t work, and the pillow exploded, filling the air with white feathers.

A loud pop sounded and then a horrific pain shot through my shoulders. I slumped down and screamed, unable to take the pain.
 

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Loved Less/More Than I Thought I Would

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!

...Loved Less Than I Thought I Would

While this was a solid read for me, I went in with high expectations because the blurb was basically all I've ever wanted from this type of YA trope. But while the story was good, it didn't blow my mind.

I had way too high expectations for this Robin Hood retelling because of it was RH retelling and blurbed by Sally Green. In the end I only gave it two stars because I was so disappointed on the way the story was going and I disliked Marian and her portrayal so much.

Once again, I dived into with high expectations for everyone's praises; and while I did like it and give it three stars, I couldn't stand Inej and her attitude and the fact that her faults and rudeness was never addressed. I'm still on the fence whether to continue with this one, because I did love the other characters and the world building.

I heard amazing things about this in YALC last summer and while it was good and unique and written in verse, I wasn't able to connect with the characters so overall it was a little flat for me, and I didn't end up loving it the way I thought I would.

I admit, I had way too high expectations for this after Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda. Don't get me wrong, I still loved this a lot and gave it four stars but still it didn't blow my mind the same way Simon Vs did, and I loved it a little less than I originally thought I would.

...Loved More Than I Thought I Would

I didn't have any expectations for this except to enjoy it, and oh my gods did it blow my mind how much I ended loving Theo and Jamie. It totally was something I couldn't have predicted.

The cover and blurb had me excited because 1980s and small town in middle of nowhere are not my usual go-to but I wanted to try something different. I fell head over heels because of how authentic the story felt and I just loved the characters and yeah, I didn't expect any of that.

After Captive Prince, I was a little on fence because while I liked the story, there were some aspect I wasn't so excited of. Everyone said that the last two books would blow the mind and change everything but I guess I didn't really believe it until I read this one and gods, did I love everything. Totally exceeded all my expectations.

I was a little skeptical about The Song of Achilles, because usually the Ancient retellings tend to go for more mainstream direction with the relationships. But I was so wrong to doubt anything because gods, this blew my mind in every way. I didn't expect it to be so well written and so easy to read at the same time, and I didn't expect the heart break even though I knew it was coming. I loved everything.

Vicious was something I heard so much about, mostly praise, but I didn't want to get my hopes up because usually anything that is described as villainous ends up being everything else. In the end I'm happy that I didn't have high expectations because I loved how Vicious proved me wrong in every possible way, and how it made me love it so much that I need more.

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Hard Wired by Megan Erickson & Santino Hassell

Hard Wired

Megan Erickson & Santino Hassell

Blog Tour

LoveBound Promotions Launch

 

 I'm delighted to be stopping by today to introduce you all to LoveBound Promotions, an up and coming book marketing company for romance authors, and to tell you a little about the services we provide, not to mention a special introductory offer you won't want to miss! But first…who are we? My name is Jamie and I'm an author myself, writing LGBT themed romances for young and new adults. In partnership with Jon, a graphic designer and the love of my life, I set up LoveBound Promotions with the aim of providing a variety of book marketing packages to authors across the romance genre. Born from a shared love of literature and a heartfelt understanding of the struggles authors undergo in the effort to bring their work to the notice of potential readers, our company seeks to offer a friendly, professional service at a price to suit all budgets.

Our Services and Special Promotion

Book any of our other marketing packages before May 1st, 2017, and receive a complimentary Review Query worth £20!!!

Services We Offer

• A Cover Reveal to show off your fabulous cover ahead of publication.
• A Book Blitz to generate buzz about your new release
• A Blog Tour which uses fun and original content to increase your exposure
• A Forget Me Not Tour if you’re seeking longer term promotion
• A Review Query to help obtain reviews for your book

To book any of our marketing packages and take advantage of the introductory offer, please see LoveBound Promotions' services page for full details, before filling out our online order form.

Contact/Join Us

If you’re a blogger who is passionate about the romance genre and would like to become a tour host with LoveBound Promotions, all you have to do is complete our simple signup form. Want to know more about our marketing packages? Questions about becoming a tour host with LoveBound? Whatever the reason, please don’t hesitate to contact us through our website and we’ll do our best to help. We look forward to working with you!

 

Cover Reveal: Omega by Jus Accardo

Omega (The Infinity Division, #2)

by Jus Accardo

Published by Entangled Teen

Release date: August 1, 2017

One mistake can change everything. Ashlyn Calvert finds that out the hard way when a bad decision leads to the death of her best friend, Noah Anderson.

Only Noah isn’t really gone. Thanks to his parents’ company, the Infinity Division, there is a version of him skipping from one dimension to another, set on revenge for the death of his sister, Kori. When a chance encounter brings him face-to-face with Ash, he’s determined to resist the magnetic pull he’s felt for her time and time again. Because falling for Ash puts his mission—and their lives—in danger.

Pre-order

Are you ready for the cover?

Here it comes!

Author bio

JUS ACCARDO spent her childhood reading and learning to cook. Determined to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps as a chef, she applied and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America. But at the last minute, she realized her true path lay with fiction, not food.

Jus is the bestselling author of the popular Denazen series from Entangled publishing, as well as the Darker Agency series, and the New Adult series, The Eternal Balance. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Goodreads

Release Day Blitz: Hard Wired by Megan Erickson & Santino Hassell

Hard Wired

Megan Erickson & Santino Hassell

Release Blitz

The Reading Habits Tag

I saw Helene Jeppesen's video of the Reading Habits Tag, and it looked nice so I decided to do it!

1) Do you have a certain place at home for reading?

Not really. I either read on my cozy chair, on my desktop chair, or on my bed. Basically anywhere except on the floor. I used to be very picky where I read a couple of years ago but now I read wherever the mood strikes me (or where I can).

2) Bookmark or random piece of paper?

Definitely a bookmark. I own a lot of bookmarks and I use them every time I read physical books.

This is my main pile of bookmarks, some of are in use but this shows a little bit just how many I own.

3) Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop after a chapter/a certain amount of pages?

I have to finish the chapter I'm reading before I can finish. The only exception is commuting by train, especially to uni when I have limited time to read. But if given a choice, I can't just stop reading; I have to finish the chapter.

4) Do you eat or drink while reading?

I might drink but I don't eat because I don't want to ruin my books with stains. And usually I even put the book down while drinking.

However, since I got Kindle, I sometimes read while eating breakfast because I don't have to hold the e-reader in my hands while reading/eating.

5) Multitasking: Music or TV while reading?

I used to listen music while reading but nowadays no. I need quiet when I read - even while commuting I usually have my earphones on even if there's no music, just to drown the noise around me.

6) One book at a time or several at once?
I am a book bigamist, which means that I have several at once. Usually I focus on one or two books at the time but I have several currently reading ones that I switch between (or sometimes the book is on my currently reading pile way too long because it takes me time to pick it up again).

Actually, I once made a confessional post about being a book bigamist.

7) Reading at home or everywhere?
Mostly at home but since I started commuting to uni by train, I read a lot on trains and train stations.

8) Reading out loud or silently in your head?
Definitely silently in my head. I never read out loud unless it's picture books for my cousins.

9) Do you read ahead or even skip pages?
Sometimes my gaze wanders to next page before I'm actually there, but I always go back and read what I almost missed.

10) Breaking the spine or keeping it like new?
Keeping it like new! I hate broken spines, it's a pet peeve of mine, and for instance, I won't buy a book I want in the second hand store if the spine isn't intact.

11) Do you write in your books?
No. I like my books to be pristine. If I want to remember some quote or such, I'll use post-it notes.

12) Who do you tag?
Anyone who wants to do this!

Stacking the Shelves (56)

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is all about sharing the book you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Purchased

 

(I'm finally getting around of purchasing the physical copies of Cyberlove series, starting with my favourite Fast Connection.)

Review copies

 

I feel so lucky with these ARCs, especially since I already read and loved Peter Darling and Insight - I hope the rest are as good!

Review: Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, #1)
by Rick Riordan
Published by Puffin
Paperback (purchased)
Young Adult, fantasy, mythology

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother's mysterious death, he's lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he's tracked down by an uncle he's never met - a man his mother claimed was dangerous. His uncle tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .

The Sword of Summer was one of the most hilarious books I've ever read - it had so many funny moments and the chapter titles are the best ever. I shouldn't have been surprised because it's Riordan, who always deliveries hilarious lines and sarcastic characters. This time, however, he outdid himself.

Magnus was my favourite character; he's sarcastic and funny and armed with comebacks that are golden. Blitz and Hearth were so Magnus's homeless friends (sort of) and they were so funny and cute and nice, and I just really liked them. And true Riordan style the gods were absolutely hilarious and had weird obsessions. Thor especially was so funny. Sam was the only one I didn't really connect with but that's not to say that she was a bad character.

Basically, the book is everything that Percy Jackson series is and then some. It's no surprise that I loved it, Riordan's books are genius and brilliant and so hilarious. I definitely recommend this to everyone!

5 of 5 stars

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ARC Review: Peter Darling by Austin Chant

Peter Darling
by Austin Chant
Published by Less Than Three Press
Ebook (received via NetGalley)
LGBT, fantasy, retelling, romance

Ten years ago, Peter Pan left Neverland to grow up, leaving behind his adolescent dreams of boyhood and resigning himself to life as Wendy Darling. Growing up, however, has only made him realize how inescapable his identity as a man is.

But when he returns to Neverland, everything has changed: the Lost Boys have become men, and the war games they once played are now real and deadly. Even more shocking is the attraction Peter never knew he could feel for his old rival, Captain Hook—and the realization that he no longer knows which of them is the real villain.

Peter Pan is one of my favourite fairytales, and Captain Hook certainly is my favourite villain ever, so when I heard there was a retelling of Peter Pan as a transgender and possible relationship with Captain Hook, I wouldn't have missed it by any chance. Peter Darling did more than meet my high expectations as I fell irrevocably in love with this story.

For one, Chant's writing style and world-building was perfect for the fairytale setting, especially for a retelling of Peter Pan; it gave the feeling of mystical, a little bit whimsical, and a bit vicious Neverland, a land made of dreams, lost boys, and fairies. And seriously, the description of Hook's clothes and hair were perfection (and I couldn't get enough of those). Of course, there's adventures and lots of fighting especially in the beginning when Peter goes back to Neverland and naturally he and Hook get back to fighting their war.

It was all good, until it became brilliant. The main characters went through a huge character development around the halfway mark of the story, and at this point I really fell in love with the story - and more importantly, with Peter and Hook. Okay, I loved Hook from the beginning but not necessarily Peter. I liked him and felt for him in the flashbacks that contained gender dysphoria as Peter was often misgendered. However, before the character growth, Peter was quite boyish and a bit naively vicious but I loved how he started to realize that world is not as black and white, and that Hook is not necessarily the villain he had made him to be. There were also a few secondary characters worth mentioning, as I really liked Ernest and Tinker Bell.

Overall, Peter Darling was touching and beautiful story that did not let me down. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down as I devoured every page. My only complain is that the book could have been longer as I couldn't get enough of it! Magnificent story, truly. All the diversity that got representation was fantastic. I just really fell in love with the story! And yes, I ship Peter and Hook with all my heart.

I highly recommend this to everyone. It's simply a must read.

5 of 5 stars.

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Thank you, Less Than Three Press, for giving me a chance to read and review Peter Darling!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Waiting on Wednesday #43

"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:

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Aliré Saenz!

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life

by Benjamin Aliré Saenz

Published by Clarion Books

Expected publication: 7th March, 2017

Young Adult, LGBT, contemporary

From the multi-award-winning author of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe comes a gorgeous new story about love, identity, and families lost and found.

Sal used to know his place with his adoptive gay father, their loving Mexican-American family, and his best friend, Samantha. But it’s senior year, and suddenly Sal is throwing punches, questioning everything, and realizing he no longer knows himself. If Sal’s not who he thought he was, who is he? 

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ARC Review: Trailer Trash by Marie Sexton

Trailer Trash
by Marie Sexton
Published by Riptide Publishing
Ebook (received via NetGalley)
YA, LGBT, romance, contemporary

It’s 1986, and what should have been the greatest summer of Nate Bradford’s life goes sour when his parents suddenly divorce. Now, instead of spending his senior year in his hometown of Austin, Texas, he’s living with his father in Warren, Wyoming, population 2,833 (and Nate thinks that might be a generous estimate). There’s no swimming pool, no tennis team, no mall—not even any MTV. The entire school’s smaller than his graduating class back home, and in a town where the top teen pastimes are sex and drugs, Nate just doesn’t fit in.

Then Nate meets Cody Lawrence. Cody’s dirt-poor, from a broken family, and definitely lives on the wrong side of the tracks. Nate’s dad says Cody’s bad news. The other kids say he’s trash. But Nate knows Cody’s a good kid who’s been dealt a lousy hand. In fact, he’s beginning to think his feelings for Cody go beyond friendship.

Admitting he might be gay is hard enough, but between small-town prejudices and the growing AIDS epidemic dominating the headlines, a town like Warren, Wyoming, is no place for two young men to fall in love.

Trailer Trash was one of my favourite reads of 2016. I absolutely fell in love with it, which is why it has been so hard to write a cohesive review of it.

First of all, Trailer Trash was one of the most authentic books I've read; it felt so real, the small town life in the middle of nowhere at the end of the 1980's. Which tells a lot about Sexton's writing skills as I've never lived in a small town in the middle of nowhere nor was I born in the 1980's. It just felt so real, I could imagine Warren and all its inhabitants. The story really takes you back in time.

The characters were perfection because of all their flaws. Nate was a sweetheart and I adored him, but he still had flaws; he was a bit obvious of certain things and times which caused some trouble. But he always meant well, and was determined to do what he felt was the right thing, and especially in the beginning Nate didn't care what people thought about him in Warren, or his friendship with Cody who no one seemed to like. And Cody, oh boy, he needed all the hugs. I absolutely loved him, and I kept wishing all the happiness for him. Cody was the scapegoat of the town because he was poor and because he was different in the way that wasn't acceptable at the time. Still, he was strong and refused to care that majority of the town thought that he wasn't worth anything.

It was also a great thing, that the story explored Nate's relationship with his newly divorced father, and with his mother who stayed in Texas. Cody's relationship and family dynamic with his mother was also equally explored, which I think made the story even more well fleshed - it wasn't just about Nate and Cody and how they found each other and learned how to stay in each other's lives when people were against it. No, the story was about so much more than simply that. It was about Nate growing up and learning how to live in a situation where his parents were divorced, when he was dragged to a town where he knew no one and couldn't find his place - and it was about Nate finding out who he was and what kind of man he wanted grow up to be. It was about Cody struggling to fight the odds and taking control of the direction where his life was going - to Cody finally reach for what he truly wanted. It was story about self-discovery and courage and love and acceptance.

Trailer Trash was brilliant. It was a stunning story which captivated me and I couldn't put it down until I reached the very end. It was a story so full of feels that even now, few months after finishing it, I still feel them. I love the story, and it'll stay with me a long time.

I highly recommend this to everyone.

5 of 5 stars.

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Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review Trailer Trash!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Blog Tour + Giveaway: In A Gilded Cage by Mia Kerick

In a Gilded Cage
Mia Kerick
(Evernight Publishing)
Publication date: October 21st 2016
Genres: LGBTQ+, New Adult, Romance

Lucci Grimley is indeed alluring—crowned with a mane of long blond hair, and blessed with an enchanting musical talent that draws a brave rescuer to a high tower hidden in the forest.

However, this modern-day Rapunzel is a young man, sold as a child to the wealthy and childless Damien Gotham for the price of a fast car and a pile of cash. And Lucci’s heroic prince is William “Prin” Prinzing, a handsome college student and star soccer player, hired to care for the grounds of the lavish Tower Estate. Prin climbs an extension ladder rather than a long golden braid to gain access to Lucci’s second floor bedroom window, ultimately penetrating the secrecy surrounding the cloistered young man.

Friendship, and soon romance, blooms. The tower captive eagerly gives his loving innocence to his brave rescuer, which sends the strict and reclusive Gotham into a frenzy of jealous rage. With Prin, Lucci gets a taste of real life, and he wants more. Together, the young men must face Gotham’s ruthlessness and pay the price of liberating Lucci.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Author Bio:

Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children—all named after saints—and five nonpedigreed cats—all named after the next best thing to saints, Boston Red Sox players. Her husband of twenty years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don’t ask Mia about that, as it is a sensitive subject.

Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled young men and their relationships, and she believes that sex has a place in a love story, but not until it is firmly established as a love story. As a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with romantic tales of tortured heroes (most of whom happened to strongly resemble lead vocalists of 1980s big-hair bands) and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to Dreamspinner Press for providing her with an alternate place to stash her stories.

Mia is proud of her involvement with the Human Rights Campaign and cheers for each and every victory made in the name of marital equality. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

MY REVIEW

In A Gilded Cage was hauntingly beautiful story about Lucci, who had been abused for years by his father figure Damien Gotham, and Prin, who's very ambitious jock. Prin was so knightly character, loved his courage and gentleman manners, although at the beginning of the story, Prin was very focused in his studies and getting the internship he yearned for. However, he learned that sometimes there are more important things than studies and internships when it comes to life. Lucci was adorable and such a poor boy who deserved so much better than what he had to endure! I really felt for Lucci and his situation, and kept rooting for him. Damien Gotham was creepy and definitely the villain and gods I hated him. The only thing I missed at the end was actual motive for what Gotham did, but it was never really clarified.

The romance was nicely done, and I liked how adorable Lucci and Prin were together, and I wished all the happiness for them from the very beginning. I just wished a little more happy scenes for them at the end but overall I'm happy about the storyline.

Writing style left the story a bit more telling and not showing which made the story a bit distant. However, that was the only minus, and I liked the drama and hurt and the journey to liberate Lucci of all his prisons. The story actually felt and read like a modern day fairytale, which was really nice.

3 of 5 stars,

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Wrapping the Month: January

What's greater way to start new month than taking a look at previous one?

January was all around nice. I read a bit, blogged some more, exercised, saw family and friends, and also started to get back of my studies by the end of the month. I'm starting to feel good about how I handle scheduling and fitting everything I want in my daily life. I've gotten back to the habit of writing reviews and doing posts like that, and for February there's even going to be two blog tours that I'm really excited about!

I'm really happy of all the books I got in January, and I'm excited the read them all (or re-read in the case of The Song of Achilles). Besides these gorgeous paperbacks I got ten ebooks (some for review, some for free and some purchased) because it seems that I'm on the roll with my new Kindle e-reader, which I finally got and fell in love with.

January's reviews:

The Perks of Being A Wallflower (5 stars)

Omega Enslaved (4 stars)

This Savage Song (4 stars)

Omega Untamed (4 stars)

Fast Connection (5 stars)

Leo Loves Aries (5 stars)

Reading wise January was a bit slow; of the five books I read, two were actually short novellas. Then again, I spend the beginning of the month with family in Finland and after that studies kicked on again. In the end, I'm pleased that I read five books (and started way too many, which I hope to finish in February).

 

I've seen my schedule for uni for the next two months and all the assignments that I need to do by the end of March, so we'll see how much I can actually read and blog. I think that I have gotten some drive to blog more back, and I'll try my best to keep steady pace for all aspects of my life.

Hugs,

Henna

(I got inspiration from Saruuh @ Dust Jacket Reviews to display the covers of books I read instead of listing them. So all the credit for her for inspiring me.