Review: The Trouble with Destiny by Lauren Morrill

The Trouble with Destiny by Lauren Morrill
Publisher: Delacorte
Publication Date: December 8th 2015
My rating: 4 stars 

It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey... With her trusty baton and six insanely organized clipboards, drum major Liza Sanders is about to take Destiny by storm—the boat, that is. When Liza discovered that her beloved band was losing funding, she found Destiny, a luxury cruise ship complete with pools, midnight chocolate buffets, and a $25,000 spring break talent show prize. Liza can’t imagine senior year without the band, and nothing will distract her from achieving victory. She’s therefore not interested when her old camp crush, Lenny, shows up on board, looking shockingly hipster-hot. And she’s especially not interested in Russ, the probably-as-dumb-as-he-is-cute prankster jock whose ex, Demi, happens be Liza’s ex–best friend and leader of the Athenas, a show choir that’s the band’s greatest competition. But it’s not going to be smooth sailing. After the Destiny breaks down, all of Liza’s best-laid plans start to go awry. Liza likes to think of herself as an expert at almost everything, but when it comes to love, she’s about to find herself lost at sea.  

The Trouble with Destiny was so much of a different read than I was expecting it to be. When I was first introduced to the characters, I thought I knew which way things would plan out, which characters would end up together and I believed myself to be a good judge of character too, but I couldn’t have been more wrong, Morrill really turned things on their head for me in this book, but I think I much preferred the character developments and story that Morrill gave us then what I thought was going to happen.

Liza knows this competition is her bands for last chance, the $25,000 is exactly what they need to keep their band going, if they don’t win the competition, the school will be making major cuts and Liza knows her band will be the one most affected. But the heat of the competition, being stuck on this cruise ship in order to compete and not getting enough band practice is really taking its toll on the band members that Liza knows she can’t bring herself to tell everyone the truth. Where I thought at first this was the best possible decision Liza could make, as the story progressed I could see that hiding it from everyone and at the same time trying to keep the band in check was becoming too much for Liza, so much that she was turning into somebody nobody knew, not even her best friend and snapping at band members wasn’t helping either. Then there was Demi and her show choir the Athenas who they have to compete with too, with her sabotaging the bands practice and making things worse there was only so much that Liza could deal with. I really did want Liza to go on and win the competition, not only so that the band could continue, but with all the effort Liza had put in, she deserved it. At times Liza could push people too hard or would misread things that were right in front of her, but under all that she was a decent person and I really wanted her to succeed.

Of course when Liza bumped into her old friend Lenny and former crush on the boat, it brings back all these old feelings flooding back and from the way he’d turned out now, Liza is ecstatic to see him. Lenny was adorable, I liked how when things would get tough for Liza, Lenny was there for her. But this is the part of the book that I liked the most Morrill throws in some neat, yet subtle character developments which really threw a spanner into the works, it had me double checking myself at times and really questioning characters at times. But the fun of events that Morrill implemented were great to watch unfold, as the character that I ended up liking the most (seriously he was the sweetest, he was totally under the radar until one point) and the way things ended up I couldn’t have wished for a better way. The Trouble with Destiny for me was a really cute read, it’s one of those books perfect for curling up with during these cold winter months, but what I loved a lot about it too was the fact that Morrill was able to weave in great underlying messages that our characters were able to take away and help them to make the right decisions. I think these take away messages will appeal to a lot of readers too.

 

Review: Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz

Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz
Publisher: Berkley
Publication date: December 8th 2015
My rating: 4 stars 
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository 

No one does romantic suspense better than Jayne Ann Krentz. Now, the New York Times bestselling author of Trust No One and River Road delivers a novel that twists and turns into a read that will leave you breathless.

Madeline and Daphne were once as close as sisters—until a secret tore them apart. Now it might take them to their graves.

They knew his name, the man who tried to brutally attack twelve-year-old Madeline in her grandmother's hotel. They thought they knew his fate. He wouldn't be bothering them anymore...ever. Still their lives would never be the same.

Madeline has returned to Washington after her grandmother's mysterious death. And at the old, abandoned hotel—a place she never wanted to see again—a dying man’s last words convey a warning: the secrets she and Daphne believed buried forever have been discovered.

Now, after almost two decades, Madeline and Daphne will be reunited in friendship and in fear. Unable to trust the local police, Madeline summons Jack Rayner, the hotel chain’s new security expert. Despite the secrets and mysteries that surround him, Jack is the only one she trusts...and wants.

Jack is no good at relationships but he does possess a specific skill set that includes a profoundly intimate understanding of warped and dangerous minds. With the assistance of Jack's brother, Abe, a high-tech magician, the four of them will form an uneasy alliance against a killer who will stop at nothing to hide the truth....

My Thoughts:

Madeline and Daphne were best friends, “secret sisters,” when they were young.  They parted ways when a horrific event set them going their separate ways, but they are thrown together again when the nightmare resurfaces.  Eighteen years later secrets thought long buried have somehow been unearthed and Madeline and Daphne are once again in great danger.  They’re not alone, though.  Madeline’s head of security, Jack Rayner and his brother Abe are there watching their backs.  And Madeline feels safe with Jack in her corner.

Eighteen years seems like a long time to be apart, but it feels like nothing when they’re reunited and have a mystery to solve.  I appreciated the positive female bond between Madeline and Daphne, and liked the support and healing they provided for each other.

Sometimes, with a mystery the events of the past are kept hidden with only small bits of information parsed out, and this can be very frustrating.  I’m happy it was revealed, almost from the beginning, what happened with Madeline and Daphne in the past.  The main part of the mystery in the present is trying to figure out who is stirring up the past.  Who knows what happened back then besides the five sworn to secrecy? As the killer takes aim over and over, it becomes imperative to flush this person out before they all end up dead.

There was plenty of danger, twists and turns in Secret Sisters!  I’m happy that the drama and thrills came from the mystery instead of the romantic relationships.  Jack and Madeline were each strong-minded, with romantic issues, but this made it easy to relate to each other.  They understood and didn’t pressure.  I liked Jack’s take-charge, protective nature, and Madeline appreciated his expertise in the dangerous situation they found themselves in.  Jack was the more experienced one in their predicament, but he never diminished Madeline’s strengths or smarts, and he took her counsel to heart.  Abe and Daphne’s romance was more on the back burner, but I enjoyed it as well.  They were an odd, but cute match-up. 

This is my second Jayne Ann Krentz romantic suspense novel, and I plan on reading more from her.  Secret Sisters was a highly entertaining and satisfying mystery! 

About the author:

Jayne Ann Krentz is the author of more than fifty New York Times bestsellers. She has written contemporary romantic suspense novels under that name, as well as futuristic and historical romance novels under the pseudonyms Jayne Castle and Amanda Quick, respectively. Learn more at jayneannkrentz.com and connect with her on facebook.com/JayneAnnKrentz.

 

Monthly Recap: November

Hi everyone so November was one of the most craziest, busiest months, hence the reason this post took a while to be posted, but it was also one the most memorable!

What I've been up to.

I finally went to the Harry Potter studio tour with the amazing Allie and can I just say it was amazing! It totally reminded me of the reason why I fell in love with Harry Potter all those years ago. And I loved being able to get a glimpse of how they were able to bring it to life on the big screen. Allie and I were once again goofballs, but I love spending time with this lady, she makes my days full of adventure and fun and I'm always a bit down when I have to come back home (you should have seen our snap chat stories I think we both got way over excited!).

It was my birthday month!!! I have to say my family and friends really went all out for me, my sister threw me a surprise party, I was able to have a lovely meal with my closest friends and I got to experience Nottingham Winter Wonderland for the first time. I love Christmas, so this was really one of the best places to go, they had Christmas markets and we went skating (my first time) and we ate at Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant! Oh my gosh this guy makes the most amazing food, of course I was completely stuffed after the starters and mains, but I still made room for the heavenly dessert!







We put our Christmas tree up, like two weeks early, I'd started shopping for new Christmas ornaments ages ago, even though we had new ones from last year, so I was itching to get the tree up, now I just can't wait to get the presents wrapped and underneath. 

I went to watch Mockingjay Part two. And whilst it seems like just yesterday that I read the book, I honestly couldn't remember a single thing, but I think the movie was done fantastically. I remember the book left a sour taste in my mouth when I'd finished, but this wasn't the case with the movie at all!

Disney tree at St. Pancras

What I've been watching

So since I finished How to Get Away with Murder, (how intense was every single episode) I've been in a bit of a funk with what to watch, I need something mindblowingly spectacular, also I need someone as good as Frank *sigh* so I started back with Once Upon a Time and whilst its okay so far, I'm hoping to watch quite a few shows, before my favourites return after Winter break. The only other show that I've been following regularly on TV is The Apprentice, this year has surprisingly been a year of firsts with this show, I know who I'd like to win, so lets just hope they make it to the final! Also if you follow BBCApprentice on Twitter, they're ridiculously funny at recapping scenes from the nights show. 

Music I've been listening to.

Sorry by Justin Bieber

What is with Justin Bieber creeping into my life? One of his songs was featured as one of the songs I was listening to last month and now here he is again. I don't think this day would ever come, but seriously his music has matured quite a lot and I'm really liking it.

Naughty Boy - Runnin' (Lose it All) ft. Beyonce, Arrow Benjamin

How amazing is this song? I'm not normally one to love all the songs Beyonce features in, it's normally my sister, but I think I heard this song in the gym and fell in love, whereas my sister for once doesn't like this song :/

Sigma ft. Ella Henderson - Glitterball 

I know this song is quite old, but my cousin recently made a video on Instagram of my little nephew and his adventures in the fall, and this was the song he used over the video and it just made me fall in love with the song all over again, it also always make me feel a little nostalgic! 

Reading

I read 7 books in November and actually had first my five star read since March! This book was Cress, of course I fell hard and fast for the characters and couldn't believe that I waited this long to read this book!

Books reviewed (Click on book for review)

Fictional crush of the month: Wolf from The Lunar Chronicles! I devoured three books with him and fell in love with him that little bit more each time. There was so much to Wolf's character that I honestly wouldn't mind any more books that feature him, he was just an amazing guy! I loved his vulnerable side to him, but also his possessive side. I for one wouldn't mind someone like him protecting me! 

Three Books I'm looking forward to next month. 

(Click on book for Goodreads link)

Night Owls is a book which I've had my eye on for sometime now, so I'm grateful to the lovely Allie for sending me this book for my birthday, I actually was a fan of the U.S cover, but I finally had this in my hands I think I love this one more, I can't wait to get stuck in with this book! Written in the Stars was a book which I hadn't heard of before until Siiri put it on my radar, is sounds like an amazing read! So a big thank you for Siiri for gifting me this one. And Lisa Kleypas has been an author whose books I've been itching to start but I didn't know where to start until Miranda pointed me in the right direction! I hope this series ends up being a hit for me! 


I hope you all have a fabulous December! I'll leave you with the Trailer to The Huntsman: Winter's War, I loved Snow White and The Huntsman and I love anything with Chris Hemsworth, so was delighted to see the trailer for the new film, out sometime in 2016!

Review: Call Me, Maybe by Ellie Cahill

Call Me, Maybe by Ellie Cahill
Publisher: Loveswept
Publication Date: February 9th 2016
My Rating: 3 stars 

Clementine Daly knows she’s the black sheep. Her wealthy, powerful family has watched her very closely since she almost got caught in an embarrassing scandal a few years ago. So when Clementine’s sent on a mission to live up to the Daly name, politely declining isn’t even an option. Of course, the last thing Clementine does before departure is grab a stranger’s phone by mistake—leaving the hunky journalist with her phone. Soon his sexy voice is on the line, but he doesn’t know her real name, or her famous pedigree—which is just the way Clementine likes it. Despite all the hassles, Justin Mueller is intrigued to realize that the beautiful brown-eyed girl he met at the airport is suddenly at his fingertips. They agree to exchange phones when they’re both back in town, but after a week of flirty texts and wonderfully intimate conversations, Justin doesn’t want to let her go that easy. The only problem? It turns out that Clemetine has been lying to him about, well, everything. Except for the one thing two people can’t fake, the only thing that matters: The heat between them is for real.

I adored Cahill’s NA debut When Joss met Matt, friendships which develop into something more are always my jam, especially when done so well. So being the eager beaver I was I decided to drop everything to read Call Me Maybe when I received a copy. Although I didn’t end up loving it as much When Joss met Matt, it still was a cute devour in one sitting sort of read. Also Cahill was on point with the passion and tension between our characters Justin and Clementine. 

I loved the way our characters were brought into each other’s lives, a mix up at the airport results in Justin and Clementine taking each other’s phones. And instead of risking it shipping it back to one another, they both decide to hold on to it until they could hand it back to one another when they saw each other in a few days time. With the way things had gone for Clementine in the past and who she was I could completely understand the reservations that she had, but I liked how what was happening between them was so new. Also Cahill made their feelings for each other so believable, I at times kept on forgetting that both Justin and Clementine had only known each other for little over a week. Their intensity of their relationship was off the charts! Also I’m a sucker for a person with dimples and was I was 100% behind Justin from day one. 

The initial first days of Justin and Clementine’s relationship was my favourite, it felt like they’d known each for years, with the way they get one another, they made each other happy and were the perfect fit. But of course I knew everything couldn’t be smooth sailing, with the things Clementine was holding back and the constant doubts that she had on her mind. Being burned badly once and everyone you cared about knowing you about it was embarrassing enough, but after the incident Clementine was warned to be extra vigilant and although I was quick to fall for Justin, I could understand how Clementine’s little doubts would constantly battle to the forefront. But I really wanted Clementine to give Justin the trust she needed to, to make their relationship work. 

Justin and Clementine’s cute relationship aside, I adored how Cahill incorporated Clementine’s love of books into the story not only did she convey her enthusiasm for devouring books so well, but Clementine was also a secret book blogger, I could relate to Clementine so well in regards to this as only a handful of people close to me knew that I had a book blog, I think just like Clementine I didn’t tell a lot of people, as people didn’t understand my love of books. But through Justin’s encouragement, Cahill was able to demonstrate that there was nothing wrong with being a book blogger or wanting to get lost in another world all the time. Some of Clementine’s scenes with her brother made me laugh out loud as they reminded me the way I was at times with my sister. 

Although Call Me Maybe was a lot different to what I was expecting, Justin and Clementine were characters which you couldn’t but help but fall for. Their relationship was one which was full of yearning, passion, and fun and was done beautifully.

Giveaway Hop: The Twelve Days of New Adult

We're participating in another Blog Hop Giveaway once again hosted by Valerie at Stuck in Books! This month the feature is New Adult reads so I'll feature my favorites for this last year.  Of course with a Blog Hop Giveaway you have the chance of winning a $10 Gift Card to either US Amazon or US Barnes & Noble or up to $10 at The Book Depository.  The giveaway is International as long as The Book Depository ships to your country. For a complete list of participating blogs click HERE or scroll down to the bottom of the post for the links.

Here are my top New Adult Reads for 2015:

(click on title for Goodreads link)

   

 

$10 Gift Card to either US Amazon or US Barnes & Noble or up to $10 at The Book Depository.  The giveaway is International as long as The Book Depository ships to your country.  Click HERE for a list of countries.

Mini review: Queen Song by Victoria Aveyard

Queen Song (Red Queen 0.1) by Victoria Aveyard
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: September 1st 2015.
My rating: 4 stars.

Queen Coriane, first wife of King Tiberias, keeps a secret diary—how else can she ensure that no one at the palace will use her thoughts against her? Coriane recounts her heady courtship with the crown prince, the birth of a new prince, Cal, and the potentially deadly challenges that lay ahead for her in royal life.

I normally don’t do novellas especially novellas set before the actual main book, but being such a big fan of Red Queen, I really couldn’t wait to get a back story to the characters I’ve been introduced to in Red Queen. Once I started Queen Song I hadn’t realised how much I had forgotten, and because of that it took me a while to realise what was about to go down and so I didn’t want it to happen.

I loved learning about Cal’s mum’s Coriane’s back story and how she came from a poor family and was chosen to be the prince’s wife. Coriane was such a sweet individual, after spending more and more time with the Tibe, still clueless to what he felt about her, never once believing that someone like Tibe could fall in love with her, when there were so many other ladies that potentially had more to offer. Tibe and Coriane made a sweet couple, in the 100 pages we were given I loved watching their romance unfold. But there was so much heartache along the way that they had to deal with and because I couldn’t remember a lot from Red Queen I totally forgot who was behind it all, I even believed she was innocent when she was accused of being behind it all. I loved all the love and hope that Coriane had for her son Cal and how it came through her diary entries, she wasn’t one of those characters who hid her feelings, her sadness and worries were clearly apparent in entries she made, that I’m grateful we got to know Coriane’s character in this beautiful novella.

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Every Word by Ellie Marney

 

Every Word (Every #2) by Ellie Marney
Publisher: Tundra books
Publication date: September 8th 2015
My rating: 4.5 stars 
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository 

James Mycroft has just left for London to investigate a car accident similar to the one that killed his parents seven years ago...without saying goodbye to Rachel Watts, his 'partner in crime'.

Rachel is furious and worried about his strange behaviour - not that Mycroft's ever exactly normal, but London is the scene of so many of his nightmares. So Rachel jumps on a plane to follow him...and lands straight in a whole storm of trouble.

The theft of a copy of Shakespeare's First Folio, the possible murder of a rare books conservator, and the deaths of Mycroft's parents...Can Watts help Mycroft make sense of the three events - or will she lose him forever?

Sparks fly when Watts and Mycroft reunite in this second sophisticated thriller about the teen sleuthing duo.

My Thoughts:

In Every Word, James Mycroft and Rachel Watts are back for more Sherlock Holmesesque sleuthing. We’re eight weeks in time past the first book.  Mycroft and Rachel are young and in love with Rachel settling more into Melborne, and Mycroft working at a forensic pathology lab.  When news comes through of a carjacking/murder with similarities to his parent’s accident in England, Mycroft flees in the night with just a short text message to Rachel saying ‘Going to UK with Walsh. Don’t’ be mad. Will stay in touch.’  

Rachel is understandably panicked because Mycroft has been known to go off the rails when anything comes up about the death of his parents.  She knows he’s haunted and obsessed with conspiracy theories and determined to get to the bottom of their murder.  Rachel’s also very hurt that he would just up and leave without breathing a word to her beforehand. It’s a punch to the gut, and I couldn’t help but feel her pain.  In a spur of the moment decision, Rachel hops on a plane and journeys to the UK knowing full well Mycroft probably won’t be happy to see her.  Tough, she’s going to be there to support him no matter what.

I was ticked at Mycroft at first, but as you get his side and see how the memories just gut him, it was hard to be mad.  Thankfully, their strong bond carries them through some tough times.  Even with everything going on, their romance was hotter than ever!  Their chemistry would spark and ignite with just a touch or a glance!

Ellie Marney has a beautiful way of writing, talented in making you feel her characters love, lust, pain, and despair profoundly.  There was a surprising amount of emotion and depth considering this was an action/mystery/suspense novel, but it made the characters come alive for me.  

I adored the relationship Rachel had with Mike, her brother.  He’s supportive, sweet, and protective. I’m happy to see how his relationship is developing with Alicia.  I’m again a little put off by Rachel’s mother, although, I guess I shouldn’t be too judgmental, because I’d probably be pretty upset if I were in her shoes.  But hey, after everything that happened I’d like to think I couldn’t hold a grudge like that.

Every Word was more than Every Breath in so many ways.  In a good way, Rachel and Mycroft’s relationship became more intense and, by the end, rooted.  But it was also more heart wrenching, raw, and brutal in parts!  Man these two were put through the ringer, and I know they’ll have a tough time dealing with the fallout.  I’m looking forward to finding out (hopefully soon) how it all plays out in Every Move.

About the author:

Ellie Marney was born in Brisbane, and has lived in Indonesia,Singapore and India. Now she writes, teaches, talks about kid’s literature at libraries and schools, and gardens when she can, while living in a country idyll (actually a very messy wooden house on ten acres with a dog and lots of chickens) near Castlemaine, in north-central Victoria. Her partner and four sons still love her, even though she often forgets things and lets the housework go.

Ellie’s short stories for adults have won awards and been published in various anthologies. Every Breath is her first novel for young adults.

 Connect with Ellie Marney:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

 A copy of Every Word was generously provided to one Readers Den follower.  The giveaway is open to US or CA residents only.  Simply fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.

Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Puffin Books
Publication Date: February 7th 2013.
My rating: 4 stars.  

This is not the fairytale you remember. But it’s one you won’t forget. Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. The police have closed her case. The only person Scarlet can turn to is Wolf, a street fighter she does not trust, but they are drawn to each other. Meanwhile, in New Beijing, Cinder will become the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive – when she breaks out of prison to stay one step ahead of vicious Queen Levana. As Scarlet and Wolf expose one mystery, they encounter Cinder and a new one unravels. Together they must challenge the evil queen, who will stop at nothing to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner . . .

Well I’ve certainly been a fool for not picking up Scarlet sooner. I think that the fact that I didn’t enjoy Cinder as much as I was hoping, kind of put the rest of the books in the series on the back burner for me. But with the release of Winter around the corner and friends such as Allie, Rashika and Siiri encouraging me to give Scarlet a go, I’m glad that I finally did.

I was a fan of Cinder, but I absolutely loved Scarlet’s character, she was a strong and fierce and would go to any means necessary to get her grandmother back. Her grandmother had been missing for more than two weeks now, and the police were doing nothing about it, so Scarlet had no choice but to take things in her own hands, her grandmother had practically bought her up, and so she owed it to her. But she didn’t expect to get help from the mysterious Wolf, she’d only known him a day, he was willing to go above and beyond for her in her search for her grandmother. Could she really trust Wolf? And what were his real intentions? To be honest I fell hard and fast for Wolf, his protective demeanour, growls and green eyes were sort of hard to resist. But most of all I adored how he wasn’t really sure of himself most of the time, how he would shy away when Scarlet would question him, but also because he gave this vibe that he really didn’t want to lose himself when he was fighting and I was hoping that the time he spent with Scarlet would make him realise that there was a lot more out there such as tomatoes!

I have to admit that at first I loved the chapters we had with Scarlet and the Wolf, I wanted to be able to spend more time with them, and I could see eventually the time they spent together could end up developing into something more and I was up for this. But I did also appreciate the chapters from Cinder, I adored the introduction of Thorne, he was great at bringing humour at scenes when he and Cinder found themselves in dire circumstances. Also which other guy is willing to help a cyborg out and offer his ship to her when he knows nothing about her? I for one can’t wait to get more of Thorne in the next book. But most of all I enjoyed the small revelations that Meyer gave us along the way and how these two groups of people were connected. I couldn’t wait for them to get together; I knew they would make a formidable team.

Meyer has effortlessly reignited my enthusiasm for this series with Scarlet. Not only was Scarlet a farce to be reckoned with, the entire story had me eager for more from the very first page, there were tantalising tense scenes thrown into the mix, with me having no idea whether my favourite characters would make it out in one piece. But there were also subtle sweet scenes that tugged my heart strings that I hugely appreciated, because with all the betrayal and chaos being thrown at us, I needed it to give me the hope that things would be alright. Cress I’ve heard is a beast of a read, but with the great impressions that Meyer has left on me with her intricate writing and brilliant characters, I’m sure I will have a blast devouring it right up.