Mini-reviews: The End of Our Story and Strange the Dreamer

The End of Our Story by Meg Haston
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: 4th April 2017
My rating: 3 stars

BEFORE: Bridge and Wil have been entangled in each other’s lives for years. Under the white-hot Florida sun, they went from kids daring each other to swim past the breakers to teenagers stealing kisses between classes. But when Bridge betrayed Wil during their junior year, she shattered his heart and their relationship along with it. AFTER: When Wil’s family suffers a violent loss, and Bridge rushes back to Wil’s side. As they struggle to heal old wounds and start falling for each other all over again, Bridge and Wil discover just how much has changed in the past year. Though they once knew each other’s every secret, they aren’t the same people they used to be. Bridge can’t imagine life without Wil, but sometimes love isn’t enough. Can they find their way back to each other, or will this be the end of their story?

The End of Our Story was really different to what I was expecting, I don’t know what I really expected to leave with, but I didn’t think I’d be left reeling and a little upset, Wil and Bridge’s relationship was beautifully done. I liked how Haston didn’t give us their complete story in one go, but switched between past and present in the chapters. I was quite gutted when I found out how things had ended between Wil and Bridge, as to me their relationship was a beautiful one, and also It’d sort of made me want to take a step back from Bridge’s character. But over the course of the story Bridge was able to win me back once more, she did make a couple of mistakes along the way, but she was one character who I’d wanted to get their happy ending. It was unfortunate the turn of events that bought Wil and Bridge back together and the back story that emerged from it did take me by surprise, as it had me constantly questioning whether I could trust every single character. The End of Our Story was a really beautifully written story with a lot of emotional punches along the way and although I was able to guess a couple of things, this didn’t take away the enjoyment of the book at all. I just wished that we’d got some sort of epilogue, just so that I could have peace of mind about how things ended. Despite this minor qualm aside, The End of Our Story was a poignant story and one I’m glad I didn’t miss out on reading this year.

 

The End of Our Story by Meg Haston
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: 4th April 2017 

The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around - and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he's been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance to lose his dream forever. What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving? The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries - including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo's dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?

I really don’t know what to say, I’m actually quite gutted that I didn’t end up enjoying Strange the Dreamer as much as I’d hoped. I was a huge fan of Taylor’s daughter of Smoke and Bone series, her writing was rich and complex and the story was woven utterly beautifully and I couldn’t help but become attached to such wonderful characters. Unfortunately this was not the case with Strange the Dreamer. I found the beginning such a struggle to get into, I’d heard from many readers that if I could stick out the beginning, then I had so much to look forward to. And although aspects of the book did pick up for me, I enjoyed the journey we experienced with Lazlo and the group of characters he came about. And I did become super intrigued by Azareen and Eril-Fane and what happened between them and made them become this way? I still however found the book to be a struggle, I found myself not fully able to lose myself in this world that Taylor had created and it really was one that imaginative and so creative, but at times it felt a little complex for me. Also I found that I could not connect to the characters as much as I’d hoped, they all really were a diverse bunch, with such mixed personalities, secrets and so much to offer, but I found I couldn’t care less about them (except for Lazlo, Azareen, Eril-Fane and even Thyon who’d won me over by the end). But don’t be put off by my review, as I think I fall in the minority of people who this book didn’t work for. Which I’m still bummed about, as Taylor’s writing was majestic once again, but this time around her book was just not for me.

The Readers Den Weekly Wrap Up #6

Hi everyone, with Rachel and I's crazy work schedules, we miss sharing whats going on with us. We used to have a lot of fun with our Showcase Sunday posts, so thought we'd do something regular on the blog, where we share bookish news and life news in general as a weekly recap!

WHAT I READ/REVIEWED

Jasprit 

(Click on Book for Goodreads link).

A mixed reading week for me this week, books I was expecting to enjoy I didn't end up liking them and one book I really ended up liking. However all of the above didn't get more than 3 star ratings from me :(

Rachel:

 (Click on title for Goodreads link)


>


 I haven't reviewed much on the blog lately, partly because I'm too lazy lately to write a full on review for some of the books I've finished and partly because I've be on a re-reading (listening to the audio books) binge of the Mercy Thompson series! I'm almost done with Fire Touched now and then I'm re-reading Silence Fallen. I love this series even more after the 2nd time around! On Second Thought, The Rosie Project, and One Fell Sweep were wonderful, even though I wish there was more at the end for the respective romances in On Second Thought. Everything You Want Me to Be was entertaining, but predictable, and I didn't like the sad feeling I had in the end. Can't just one of these psychological thrillers have a good (romantic) ending?! 


BOOKS RECEIVED 

Jasprit 

(Click on Book for Goodreads link).

I'm hoping The Names they Gave Us will finally be a winner of a book for me from Lord, the reviews for this book from friends have been fantastic so far. And I saw Nick reading a copy of Hate to want You and I knew I needed to get a copy asap! 


Rachel:
(Click on title for Goodreads link)

NEW TO MY TBR

Jasprit 
(Click on Book for Goodreads link).

When I first heard about The Girl Before I was super excited about reading it, it sounded like something that I would enjoy, but I'm like number 20 in the holds line at the library, and since then more and more mixed reviews keep coming in, so whilst my excitement might have died down a bit, I still can't wait to read this book. 

Rachel:
(Click on Book for Goodreads link)

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

Jasprit 

Season 2 of Jane the Virgin is finally on Netflix, whilst I haven't been able to binge watch the episodes as I'd like to, I'm super happy to return to these characters once more. 

Rachel:

It doesn't stay completely true to the book, but I'm enjoying it anyhow. The scenery is beautiful which is a perk. I live about 5 hours south of Big Sur and Monterey, and it really is that beautiful.

EVENTS OF THE WEEK

Jasprit:

I've finally been on top of my fitness these last few weeks, I've been able to go to at least two circuits classes a week and a visit to the gym too. I just wish I could have been a bit more better at controlling my eating though, I can never resist scarfing Doritos chilli heat wave or some chocolates! And I've been loving all the pretty flowers in bloom, I'm excited about using a lot more of these in my bookstagram photos. 

My bookstagram account can be found here.

Rachel:
I've got back into running which is good because I've been eating the same amount of calories even when I had to take a break because I kept getting sick.  I'm not happy with what has resulted in my body, and hope to shed the extra pounds soon, because I'm going to Stage Coach, a country music festival later this month and during the day we lay out by the hotel pool!  Ack! I'm going to have to cut back calories in addition to running. 
I've been working a lot and doing some home improvement as well. 


How was your week?

Review: Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens

Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication date: March 14th 2017
My rating: 4 stars 
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | TBD | Kobo

 

Eleven years ago, Lindsey Nash escaped into the night with her young daughter and left an abusive relationship. Her ex-husband, Andrew, was sent to jail and Lindsey started over with a new life.
Now, Lindsey is older and wiser, with her own business and a teenage daughter who needs her more than ever. When Andrew is finally released from prison, Lindsey believes she has cut all ties and left the past behind her. But she gets the sense that someone is watching her, tracking her every move. Her new boyfriend is threatened. Her home is invaded, and her daughter is shadowed. Lindsey is convinced it’s her ex-husband, even though he claims he’s a different person. But has he really changed? Is the one who wants her dead closer to home than she thought?
With Never Let You Go, Chevy Stevens delivers a chilling, twisting thriller that crackles with suspense as it explores the darkest heart of love and obsession.

My Thoughts:

Never Let You Go is a suspenseful read, one that will keep you anxious and guessing! The first third sets the stage with past and present chapters, giving a glimpse into Lindsey’s life and marriage, how it devolved into a terrifying mess. Lindsey gets away, we know this right away from the first chapter, and Andrew is sent to prison.

Lindsey was so in love with Andrew at first, and he was the perfect husband.  Even in those blissfully happy days, Andrew showed signs of controlling behavior; gradually isolating Lindsey and chipping away at her self-confidence. The tension grew as he became increasing abusive!  

Eleven years after her escape Lindsey has built a nice life for her and Sophie in a quiet, picturesque seaside town.  She has her own business, and is dating an fun, easy going man, but now that Andrew’s been released she fears it’s just a matter of time before he catches up with them.  Strange things begin to happen and Lindsey is convinced Andrew is responsible.  Her daughter Sophie is not so sure. Was her dad really that bad?

It’s really hard to write a review without spoiling things, so I guess I’ll just say the story was riveting! I read late into the night to see how it all played out.  I have mixed emotions about how it all ended up romance wise, but the mystery was thrilling.

Connect with Chevy Stevens:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Mini reviews: Truly and Madly by Ruthie Knox

Truly (New York #1) by Ruthie Knox
Publisher: Loveswept
Publication Date: August 5th 2014. 
My rating: 4.5 stars. 

May Fredericks hates New York. Which is fair enough, since New York seems to hate her back. After relocating to Manhattan from the Midwest to be with her long-distance boyfriend, NFL quarterback Thor Einarsson, May receives the world’s worst marriage proposal, stabs the jerk with a shrimp fork, and storms off alone—only to get mugged. Now she’s got no phone, no cash, and no friends. How’s a nice girl supposed to get back to safe, sensible Wisconsin? Frankly, Ben Hausman couldn’t care less. Sure, it’s not every day he meets a genuine, down-to-earth woman like May—especially in a dive in the Village—but he’s recovering from an ugly divorce that cost him his restaurant. He wants to be left alone to start over and become a better man. Then again, playing the white knight to May’s sexy damsel in distress would be an excellent place to start—if only he can give her one very good reason to love New York.

Truly was a book with one of the most atypical situations, but was a book which really ended up working for me. May finds herself with no money, no ID and so no way to get back home, she’s also just broken up with her boyfriend of four years, so has no place to go either. She ends up in a bar and hopes that some nice person will take pity on her dire situation, instead she ends up with a grouchy guy called Ben and he doesn’t come across as people person at all and has the shortest fuse ever. But like May I found myself drawn to his character, Ben had been through a lot and really wanted a change and maybe May was it, if only he would let himself try. I adored the time May and Ben spent together getting to know one another, like I mentioned both had rough pasts and so I just wanted both to finally find their happiness. It was definitely great seeing how they both bought the best out in each other, you’d think they were complete opposites with how May just let everyone walk over her and dictate her life and Ben losing his temper all the time so quickly. But you could say May and Ben were just the perfect fit for one another, the development of their relationship was mesmerising to watch and their scenes spent together off the charts *fans self*. I also liked how Knox made their relationship so believable, the way Ben was quick to help May out anyway possible when he didn’t even know her did come across as strange to me at first. But the evolvement of their relationship quickly helped me forget the initial doubts that I had and the obstacles that came along the way made me root for them even more. Truly was a book which completely took me by surprise, I enjoyed devouring the sexy as hell scenes and the witty and hilarious characters that Knox created. I for one can’t wait to dive into the rest of this series.

Madly (New York #2) by Ruthie Knox
Publisher: Loveswept
Publication Date: March 14th 2017. 
My rating: 3.5 stars. 

Allie Fredericks isn’t supposed to be in Manhattan, hiding in the darkest corner of a hip bar, spying on her own mother—who’s flirting with a man who’s definitely not Allie’s father. Allie’s supposed to be in Wisconsin, planning her parents’ milestone anniversary party. Then Winston Chamberlain walks through the door, with his tailored suit, British accent, and gorgeous eyes, and Allie’s strange mission goes truly sideways. Winston doesn’t do messy. But after a pretty stranger ropes him into her ridiculous family drama with a fake kiss that gets a little too real, he finds out that messy can be fun. Maybe even a little addicting. And as the night grows longer, Allie and Winston make a list of other wild things they could do together—and what seems like a mismatch leads to a genuine connection. But can their relationship survive as their real lives implode just outside the bedroom door?

Madly was a book which I was extremely looking forward to reading after l’d devoured Truly. I also really wanted to get to know Allie and have her chance to finally shine. This I knew however would be a big undertaking with the great impression that Ben and May had left in Truly, and I guess you could say that this was one of the reasons I didn’t end up enjoying this book as much as I did Truly. I really did like Allie’s character and seeing the development of her relationship with Winston come about, there was passion and a second chance in love that both characters deserved. But their relationship didn’t leave me with the same make my heart feeling that Ben and May left me with. This was definitely proven whenever Ben and May made an appearance in Madly. I guess you could say sometimes it’s just difficult to enjoy a relationship as much, when the bar has already been set so high previously. This minor factor aside, I enjoyed reading about the reason that bought Allie to New York in the first place and although it wasn’t under the best circumstances, I adored the group of friends that she was able to find to rally around her when she needed it the most. Despite having some issues, Madly was still a refreshing read, Knox was once again able to create a story that I found myself completely caught up with and one that I really didn’t want to let go off. Her writing was once again poignant and flawless. I’m utterly grateful that I decided to give this series a go, as it’s definitely been something that I’ve been in the mood for!

The Readers Den Five Year Blogoversary

Jasprit:
Hi everyone, wow I would never have thought that I would be writing a post five years on from when I first started The Readers Den. So much has happened these last five years, but I'm hugely grateful that because of your support and following we have managed to make it this far. A big thank you to my co-blogger Rachel, who seriously is the best blogger and friend a girl could ever ask for. Thank you to Allie, Rashika and Siiri who have become my best friends, I share everything with these ladies, so I'm hugely grateful to have these ladies in my life. And to all the bloggers who have been there for us from the very beginning: Nick, Joy, Keertana and Heidi and to those we've built great friendships with along the way: Lauren, Ari, Eva, Emma, Nereyda and anyone else that we've forgotten thank you so much, we honestly wouldn't have been here without you!

Rachel:
Can I just say ditto to everything Jasprit has said above?!  Seriously, though, I didn't want to blog and then I couldn't resist when Jasprit made me an offer to co-blog soon after she started The Readers Den.  I'm sooo thankful I took Jasprit up on her offer and I believe we're a great match. Jasprit is the easiest, nicest person to work with and we share the same motto on blogging. We've changed a bit and become a bit more relaxed to our approach, and I'm happy to say I have joy from sharing our love of books! Thank you so much to all the followers, commenters; people who've stuck with us since the beginning.  It would be a lonely void without all of you! I'm so thrilled to exchange ideas, and thoughts on so many books with like minded people!

To say thank you, we are giving two lucky winners the chance to win a 2017 release from the list below. This giveaway is international, as long as The Book Depository ships to your country. Good luck everyone!