April Wrap Up and May TBR

Hiya,

So exam season is upon me and A-levels are officially kicking me in all of the wrong places. I have managed to read some good books this month, though some have taken perseverance to read and I suppose this previous month, my reading slump officially started. I'd of like to have read more books - but don't I say that every month?
P.s: I know this wrap up is slightly late.

Never, Never Part Three by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher 
So, I really do have mixed feelings about this ending. On one hand, I love it. The characters made me laugh, love and cry and I felt like I connected to both sides of their writing. On the other hand, I felt like this whole thing was a bit of an uh. Like the ending was so far-fetched and a bit odd. I'm not sure it even fitted in with the story that much and it was kind of sprung on you randomly and out of the blue.

The characters I did like. Both were relatable and interesting and had different and noticeable dynamics which were easy to see. I felt that the secondary characters did have a purpose in this book and I'm glad they were consistent throughout. On the other hand, I did find this book cheesy. Like I had read it a thousand times. I'm not sure if this was the purpose, but it seemed like an over-romanticized rom-com at some points and I found myself cringing at the things some the characters said or thought.

RATING OUT OF /5: 2.5
LINK TO THE BOOK: click me

Carry on by Rainbow Rowell
I've always been a massive fan of Rainbow Rowell. I think the way she writes is so funny, interesting and grips me every single time. I loved Simon Snow's story in Fangirl and immediately wanted to ready this book after I found out that it existed. I must say I am impressed, I like the originality of it, although derived from Harry Potter and I think that the writing was humorous and worth the read.

Simon was such an interesting character. He was like nobody I have ever read before I really like how all of his personality wasn't just sprung on you on the first page. You really become to love Simon and his friends (Penny I heart you). I found Simon hilarious and enjoyed his chapters and thought he was such a good person. I really enjoyed Baz' chapters too. I thought he was such a dynamic character with a thousand different things to him, but I never once hated him throughout the book. I love, love, love Baz and Simon's relationship and how it grew and developed.

My only issue with the book, about half way through I got bored. Not because the story wasn't interesting enough, it just felt like a hundred page fillers until the exciting part happened where it could have been done in twenty. I felt the more it dragged, the more I was pushing myself to finish the book, however, I do think the ending is worth it.

RATING OUT OF /5: 4
LINK TO THE BOOK: click me

Davy Harwood in Transition by Tijan
So, this book is a sequel. The first book I loved, this one was a weird follow up. Like I felt half of the stuff didn't make sense and the new characters were very random and had little purpose to the story. It's not like me to dislike Tijan's writing, but this book felt rushed and weird like I couldn't find the right page or I was missing it. I don't know how to put it. I guess some sequels aren't the right sort of follow up.

I do like our main character, but I felt in this book she was slightly more whiny and boring and she didn't stand up for herself in the same respect she did in the previous books. I do like Roane as a character. He was interesting and fun.

I will be reading the third book, despite my opinions as the ending was left in a way that made me want to read more.

RATING OUT OF /5: 2-2.5
LINK TO BOOK: click me

May TBR:

Exactly the same as last months. I am half way through I'll Give You the Sun, so I am off to a good start! Find that TBR list here.

Happy Reading!

Hollie x

TV Show Recommendations (for all genres)

Hello Lovelies,

In this post, this time, my loves, (from high demand/request) I will be listing all my TV show recommendations and information. Most of these TV shows are on-going, some are completed. I will list how many seasons to date these shows have also and a small review of my thoughts. Hope you enjoy and find something to watch!

CRIME SHOWS:

1. Criminal Minds

Rating out of /5: 4.5

Number of current seasons: 11

Status: On-going

Info: This show is about a select team within the FBI called the Behavioural Analysis Unit and this team profiles criminals (typically serial killers, but it does range) and solve crimes. Each episode, a new crime is in question and the writing is great. The crimes are realistic and solvable, but also creepy and alluring and make you want to watch to see what happens. I have adored this show for years and I'm still watching eleven seasons later!

2. Quantico

Rating of /5: 3-4

Number of current seasons: 1

Status: On-going

Info: This show is about a bunch of FBI recruits who are going through the process of Quantico. The show splits between the past (the trainees doing the training to become agents) and the future, where a terrorist attack has launched and our main character has been framed. I really do like this show. It's got diverse characters (the first TV show I've watched where the main character is Indian) and has a really good plot line.

3. Scorpion

Rating out of /5: 3.5-4

Number of current seasons: 2

Status: On-going

Info: This show centres around a team of genius' who solve high profile crimes around the US and the world. They are handled by a homeland agent and it's about the characters finding out how to be 'normal' (in terms of the fact that their ability to feel or relate to others is harder as their brains are going 6000 miles per hour) and how their intellect can solve crimes. This show is good to make you think and you will always be wowed by the solution!

4. Blindspot

Rating out of /5: 5

Number of current seasons: 1

Status: On-going

Info: This is one of my favourite shows. It's about a girl who is found in the middle of times square in a bag that is labelled for the FBI to open. Presumably, they think it's a bomb, but out pops this woman who is covered (literally) head to toe in new tattoos and has literally NO IDEA who on earth she is and how she got there. The FBI work both to solve the mystery of who she is whilst realising that every tattoo on this woman's body leads to an upcoming crime. I adore this show. I love the cast and I think it's very mysterious and interesting. I'd defo recommend.

5. Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder

Rating out of /5: 4.5-5 (for both)

Number of current seasons: Scandal: 5 HTGAWM: 2

Status: On-going (both)

Info: Both of these shows are a lawyer based so it does involve crime. I loved them both to death, literally. They are interesting and intriguing and suggest arguments and points I wouldn't have thought of making. 

Scandal is based more politically around a woman who is known for being a fixer. She is currently working with the President. It's about herself, her small team and the white house. I love it.

HTGAWM is about a woman who is known for being a ruthless and a streak of winning cases lawyer who takes on five students to work at her practice with her. Many, (many) things occur here that suggest that the five students and the lawyer get tangled up into some messy murder business. It's my fave show currently.

6. Thirteen
Rating out of /5: 5
Number of current seasons: 1
Status: On-going
Info: This show aired on BBC three for you British lot, but it is coming to BBC America I believe very soon. This show is great. It's about a girl called Ivy who went missing 13 years ago and then 13 years later, escapes. It's her story about what happened, the mystery behind some of her stories and her kidnapper after her. It's my new fave!!

DRAMA SHOWS:

Pretty much every show I watch is a drama show one way or another, but this is more of a specific list.

1. The Fosters

Rating out of /5: 4

Number of current seasons: 3

Status: On-going

Info: If you are looking for a great, realistic and diverse TV show this is it. The Fosters is about a family with two parents who are both females. They have adopted children and one of the mom's previously had her own child in a different marriage. This family stumbles upon Callie and Jude who are in foster care and it's about both families journey in coming together and understanding love starts with family,

2. Recovery Road

Rating out of /5: 4

Number of current seasons: 1

Status: On-going

Info: This show is great. It deals with a girl who is (17) and has an alcohol addiction. As she is a minor, she is 'forced' to live in this house with a bunch of others who have different issues with sobriety and she has to learn how to cope without the alcohol and learn to deal with things head on. It's a really, really good show pack full of romance and interesting scenarios.

3. Chicago Med

Rating out of /5: 3-4
Number of current seasons: 1
Status: On-going
Info: This is a spin-off of Chicago Pd & Fire, however, you DON'T need to have watched these shows to watch this. It has its own storyline and is great for drama. It's obviously about a hospital with a bunch of different doctors and patients and their lives. It's one of my fave hospital shows.

4. Bates Motel

Rating out of /5: 5
Number of current seasons: 4
Status: On-going
Info; Well holy hell if you love Drama/thrillers, you'll love this. This show is based on the Hitchcock movies about Norman Bates as a teenager. It's great. It shows what he was like before the movie and the type of environment he grew up in. It makes you question yourself by knowing all of this stuff that is he truly evil? I have loved this show since it first came out!

FANTASY/SCI-FI/POST-APOCOLPTIC SHOWS: 

1. The Vampire Diaries and The Originals

Rating out of /5: 4.5-5 (both)

Number of seasons: 7 (TVD) and 3 (TO)

Status: On-going

Info: I put these two together as TO is a spinoff of TVD so it's only fitting. Some history for y'all here, TVD was the first American show I watched and loved! I have watched from the very start and still love it to this day. TO is a great spinoff of this show and has its own plot line. I love them both.

2. The 100
Rating out of /5: 5
Number of seasons: 3
Status: On-going
Info: I feel like this show is underrated for what it is. Nobody talks much about it, but it's freaking amazing. I adore, adore, adore the characters (it's a very character-driven show) and the story line is unique. It's about a group of a hundred delinquent teenagers being sent to earth which was previously considered inhabitable due to their space station in space running out of oxygen. It's fantastic. The characters are all unique and fun and the dynamics they face are so interesting.

3. Lucifer
Rating out of /5: 4.5
Number of seasons: 1
Status: On-going
Info: This is a fairly new show, but I LOVE IT. It's about a guy who is obviously the devil. But he's got bored, so he decides to leave hell (much to everyone's dismay) and he works together with this detective who is immune to his devilishly handsome charms.

4. Shadowhunters
Rating out of /5: 4
Number of seasons: 1
Status: On-going
Info: Calling all Mortal Instruments fans. Please get over the first two cringy episodes and I promise the acting and storyline picks up. I have grown to love it. I think the characters are growing into the characters I've imagined (particularly Simon and Alec) and I think that overall if you are a fan of the books - you'll like the show.

5. Once Upon a Time
Rating out of /5: 3-4
Number of seasons: 5
Status: On-going
Info: Well hello all of you fairytale fans. This show has it all. From snow white to beauty and the beast to Hansel and Gretel and red riding hood. If you love fairytales, you'll love them coming to life. It focuses on a girl, Emma, who all her life has presumed her parents gave her up. Much to her sudden confusion, that's not even the half of it.

Enjoy - Happy Watching!

March Wrap Up and April TBR

Hello,

This month has been crazy in terms of getting work handed in for school. I've found myself with little to no time to read, so I'm surprised I managed to finish the books I actually did read. If any of you have noticed from my Wattpad/Radish pages, my writing has suffered because of this and the small lack of updates have me tearing out my hair. I hope you all had a good reading month despite I haven't! Here is what I read this month and what I am planning to read next month.

Denton's Little Deathdate by Lance Rubin
At first, I thought this book was ridiculous, like to the point where I didn't want to carry on reading. (This was purely because I didn't get it). But two chapters in, I changed my mind. This book is hilarious. Like so funny I spent the whole time wiping tears from my eyes. I looved this book. I thought the mystery element towards Denton's soon to be death gripped the story. I thought Denton as a character was hilarious, relatable and just like any other teenage boy. I think the writing style fitted the character which isn't something I always come across. Lance is able to write as if he is Denton and it fits. It's written as somebody my age would write. This was useful to me as it added something to the story.
I feel as if this book included so many messages I didn't realise were there until the book had finished. I won't spoil these for you as I think it's different for everybody. What I did find was that the mystery element was intriguing and exciting. The whole thing seemed real, as if people right now did have death dates. I felt as if this was gripping throughout the story. I will definitely be reading on (THAT ENDING THO).

RATING OUT OF /5: 4.5
LINK TO THE BOOK: click me

We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach
Well everybody, did this book make me wanna cry or did it not? I one hundred and ten percent loved this book. I connected with all of the characters, I felt for them in all situation and I am so aware of how this book is supposed to make you feel. There's something about Tommy's writing that makes me want to understand the world differently, in a way I haven't seen it before. I think that's important to remember when reading this.
So this book focuses on four teenagers with different personality types in high school who don't ever meet. Then an asteroid is destined to hit and shatter the earth and pretty much wipe out everyone there and then these teens have got to sum up basically what the hell have they been living for - and then make sure that they start living for the reasons that they should be. All in all, I adored this book. I thought Eliza was my favourite character and Andy was relatable and funny. Anita made me consider things more differently than I would normally and Peter was so charismatic.

RATING OUT OF /5: 5
LINK TO THE BOOK: click me

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
This was the first book I read this month and the first book this year I have fallen head over heels in love with. It's great, like really really great. I adored the writing, I think the characters were honest and funny, relatable and interesting and the plot line was unique. I really considered how every aspect of this novel changed my life and it did - it really did.
This novel centres around Finch and Violet who meet on the bell tower at school, both for different reasons, both there to jump off. The story centres around Violet realising how much she wants to live from a boy who really, really wants to die.
It's phenomenal. I loved it. It made me cry, laugh, scream and smile so hard throughout the duration of this book. I am so overwhelmed by how much I love it that if I could, I'd write it a billion. This is definitely going to be on my favourite (ever) book list. I'd a hundred and billion percent recommend, especially if you're a fan of Rainbow Rowell, John Green or David Levithan.
I am planning on doing a full in depth review of this book, so look out for that. I will be making it half spoiler free and half spoilers as there are aspects of the book I need to write about. I have so many feelings and not enough time to deal with all of them!

RATING OUT OF /5: 5!!! 
LINK TO THE BOOK: click me

Embarrassingly, that's it folks. I'm not going to lie to you, my reading month was awful. But I'm planning to read some pretty great books next month so hopefully there will be more. Let me know what you read this month!

April TBR (to be read):

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

The Piano Man Project by Kat French

Run by Jeff Abbott

Thanks Lovelies!

Radish - What is it?

Hello Lovelies,

So in big response - and I mean (no joke) fifty private messages on my Wattpad page about it - I am here today to let you all know about Radish, what the app is and how you can use it. If you have any more questions, then let me know in the comments section or contact me using any of my social media. I'd be happy to help at the best of my ability. 

What is Radish?

In simple terms: it's a reading/writing app. Users (such as yourselves) will download the Radish app (currently it's only available on iOS, but is coming to Android in the summer), and you can browse loads and loads of fantastic authors novels. The difference with Radish is that the creators select the authors that are featured on the site. This means that you can be assured that the writing is quality over quantity of writers. Unlike Wattpad, their is a choice when uploading your novel to have the story set as Premium (which is what I have done) where the readers are able to use coins they have purchased (I believe 6 coins are £0.79, which is roughly over a dollar). These coins unlock chapters so you can read them.
So yes, this does mean that us authors are gaining literally the tiniest profit from our loyal readers purchasing our chapters. If you think about it this way: writers get known when their work is out there, and perspective publishers can see if a novel is worth publishing if people are already paying to read it.

How can I become a writer on the site?

I don't know all the ins and outs of how this happens, but I believe the creators are already sifting through a ton of suggestions, applications and other cool things like that and looking for unique writers to join their site. I think you may have to email the creators of Radish for this to happen, but I am unsure of the actual answer.

What does this mean for you?

This for me, is big. Like really big. I've always been super insecure about my writing. I have struggled with things academically when it comes to things that people may overlook as being a problem, i.e: my pen can't catch up with my brain. For me, this means that my writing, my inner ramblings and characters are being seen by someone. This to me means that somebody has seen something inside what I am writing that they think is worthy - which is ridiculously humbling and overwhelming at the same time.
Radish is giving me the opportunity to put my work out into a brand new platform where I can show my writing to others and possibly people pay for my chapters. I want people to be excited by what I'm writing, as if my chapter was a next episode of a TV show.

I want to support you, but I can't afford to.

That's fine! Honestly, I'm so totally cool with this. This is primarily the reason while I will always have Wattpad, so I can still share my work with others that can't pay for my work. I understand, I'm seventeen. I get it. I am just lucky enough to even have some of you who wouldn't mind spending a tiny bit of money on some coins for my chapters.
I love Wattpad for the reason that it is free. I won't stop posting (definitely not in the near future).

List some differences between Wattpad and Radish

• Wattpad is free, parts of Radish are not.
• Radish work is edited. This means what is being put out is gaurnteed to be of high standard. 
• Radish only selects certain authors, so the writing you will find will be of all different genres and styles, but will be again, at a high standard.
• You are supporting your favourite authors by using coins to purchase chapters. This is step further you can do for your favourite amatuer writers in order to encourage future publishing.

My story

My story is something that has been floating around my laptop for a while, and it's the Radish opportunity that has allowed me to develop it. Here is everything you need to know plus a teaser to the fourth and paid for chapter of the novel. (The first 3 CHAPTERS are free, the rest will need coins to unlock).

I have also made a trailer for the novel if you care to check it out, it's based loosely off of the type of actors I could see Aubrey and Alex looking like:

Teaser for chapter four:

The competition for FREE coins

I am going to be giving away to 10 people free coins to use on Radish. These coins can be used on any story. You can support mine, or switch between mine and someone else's or don't look at my novel at all. You can choose what you want! 

Info:

50 coins each for 10 people. I will pick the winners randomly and send off your usernames to the Radish creators to add it to your account. This means you need to download the app and actually make an account or you will not win the coins.

The way you enter is to follow this Rafflecopter link and enter in all the info asked for. I will be picking the ten winners in less than a month.

click me

REMEMBER:

You must download the app, follow all the rules on the competition in order to win. 

Thanks guys!

Hollie xo

February Wrap Up and March TBR

Hello!

So this month I have been crazy busy with launches of new stories on new, cool apps (cough, cough Radish) - another blog post coming on that soon! I have been drowned in coursework for my A Levels and I have been busy with other personal bits and bobs. But nevertheless, I've seemed to do pretty well on the reading front this month, reading 6 books when I only thought I'd get through 3. As usual, I will let you know what I have thought about each individual novel and give my star rating out of 5. Hope you all had a good reading month, what are your to be read books? I'd love some recommendations!

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

This book killed me. Killed me once, twice, three times I read it this month. I literally have no words to describe to you the 320 page wonder of this book. I loved it. This novel centres on our protagonist who is seemingly allergic to everything. Yep, everything. She lives at home with her mother and has a really nice nurse who takes care of her and understands her needs and what she wants. She's just like any other teenage girl, but with crap loads of time. So when handsome, wonderful (all around lovely) Olly moves back in next door, things go up a notch. 

I honestly loved this novel. It is a beautiful, heartwarming coming of age story that focuses on a girl having something that would honestly be life stopping. Though the climax of the story was predictable, I didn't mind as I was sooooo invested into these characters and Maddy's life that I was happy with what happened. Definitely, definitely, definitely recommend!

STAR RATING OUT OF /5: 5, duh :-)

WHERE TO BUY IT: click me

Did I Mention I Need You? by Estelle Maskame

Ah, so there is this thing about sequels not being quite as good as the first book. I haven't experienced this much before, but there was something about the second book in the DIMLY trilogy that made me find Eden (our main character), really annoying. 

SPOILER: I don't know about you, but she seemed to pine wayyyyy too much for Tyler in this book as if she was a puppy asking for treats at his feet. She felt untrue to herself (or what I felt for her in the first book). I'm not sure how to put it, she was just off.

On the other hand, I did enjoy this book. I do like where its set and the descriptions Estelle gives makes me excited as if I'm there with her. I loved Tyler's roommate and I do think I will purchase the third novel.

Okay, so this book focuses on Eden's summer trip to visit her stepbrother Tyler in New York where he is now living. Old memories and feelings and torn up and it's about Eden trying to sift through these whilst being a girlfriend to his best friend.

Maybe it was because I had such high expectations going into this novel, I just found it to be lacking.

Let me know if you have similar (or different opinions) below!

This was on my TBR list for last month.

STAR RATING OUT OF /5: 3

WHERE TO BUY IT: click me

Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski

Another love of the month. My favourite thing about this book was that it wasn't set in anyone in particular's point of view, it was set in ALL of the characters points of view, all at the same time. It was incredibly written and I felt as if I could understand the fact that these characters all were able to read minds.

As you may have gathered, this book is about a group of students (the majority of their homeroom 10B) have received a flu shot that is sort of dodgy. Now, it's only happened to 10B, (as far as they know), and suddenly the students find themselves being able to read each other's minds and suddenly the idea of privacy is out the window quicker than a cat being pinged out of a catapult. 

I really, really, really enjoyed this book and finished it in one sitting. I thought the characters were diverse and the problems they faced were ones that everyday people do, theirs were just magnified by the fact everyone knows about it. 

I thought the idea was original, particularly as we got everyone's perspective pretty much at the same time and the book is written as they have all sat around a table and written it together. For example: we all felt sad for Chuck because he was going through a rough time. (Made that up, but you get the idea).

I definitely will be continuing with the story and will be on my next TBR this month!

STAR RATING OUT OF /5: 4
WHERE TO BUY IT: click me

Never, Never Part Two by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher
I don't know if it's getting more confusing or not, but everytime I read another book in this series, I'm left like 'whuuttt' and not sure if it's the good or bad way? I do enjoy this series and I do like the characters, I'm just not sure where the hell this plot is going.
This book focuses on a girl and guy who have completely lost their memories (they forget everything after a day) and are trying to figure out why and what is happening to them. The ultimate question is: who took them? If so, why?
I will read the final book in this series because I'm curious to what the answer is, however, I have a feeling it may be farfetched.
I'm not sure, what do you guys think?

STAR RATING OUT OF /5: 2.5
WHERE TO BUY IT: click me

Davy Harwood by Tijan
Another big love of mine this month. I am a big fan of Tijan's books, ever since I got my Kindle. I have read pretty much all of her work which is usually young adult romance or new adult, but this one is a nice new fantasy novel that I really, really did enjoy.
This novel focuses on a girl who knows that she is able to sense people's emotions and feelings (emphatic) but she realises that it may be more than that when things start happening. She's aware of vampires, so in walks gorgeously frustrating vampire who sheds some light onto Davy's darkness. Basically, the book is a predictable vamp romance, but I have a weakness for these type of books.
I really, really, really did enjoy the characters. Davy is levelheaded and kind and I felt as if she cared about everyone because she could literally feel everything they are feeling. I did find her choices irritating sometimes though, they were slightly selfish.

STAR RATING OUT OF /5: 4
WHERE TO BUY IT: click me

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
God. I really really really really didn't like this book, and I love books with this genre. I don't know what it was, I guess after the massive hype about how good it was, I picked it up and only got round to reading it now, but I felt like it was seriously lacking in many areas. I hated the main character. She is obnoxious and annoying and off the bat I didn't care for her (this never happens for me in a book). I didn't like how she treated people, she just seems like someone who would step on you to get to what she wants and not apologise for it afterwards.
I didn't enjoy the story line or when it was set, it felt forced and I'm not sure why - I can't exactly pinpoint it. I did like Arin's character - he was relatable and I did like him.
I'm unsure if I'm going to continue with the series, I felt the whole thing was badly done. The writing was enticing or intriguing to me and I didn't have any emotional connection to the characters. Ugh. Let me know if you guys enjoyed it. 

STAR RATING OUT OF /5: 2 (pushing it)
WHERE TO BUY IT: click me

March TBR (to be read):

Servant of the Crown by Melissa McShane

Specials by Scott Westerfeld

The Innocence Game by Michael Harvey

Denton's Little Death Date by Lance Rubin

Thanks Lovelies!

- Hollie x

January Wrap Up and February TBR

Hey lovelies,

So this month I have actually found the time to read some books whilst juggling just about the busiest month I have every year. Since I have been on the go this month, most of the books I have read were brought (by me) on my Kindle Paperwhite which I love, (a previous kindle fire girl), and I have found that some of these books I should have gotten down to reading ages ago, and some of them I feel that I wouldn't really pick the book up again. Either way, this is my January wrap up for what I have read this month. 

Did I Mention I Love You? By Estelle Maskame

A fellow wattpader! I had heard from one of my favourite booktubers that Estelle had come out with her trilogy of books and I jumped at the opportunity to purchase the first one. I must admit, I was reluctant as the synopsis of the novel is much like the popular themed books on Wattpad, but I am obsessed with Estelle's writing (I always have been), so I gave it a go and ten pages in I was in love. I really appreciate and support writers who have come from a platform such as Wattpad, and will continue purchasing their work. I loved this story. It focuses on Eden who spends the summer at her Dad's house in L.A where he has recently remarried. Eden has a new step mom and along with that, comes new siblings. One of which is particularly irresistible. 

Without it sounding cliche, the book is actually really good. I found myself laughing, crying and enjoying every minute of the story. I finished it in one sitting. It's a good book if you're looking for a contemporary, young adult romance that makes you feel just about everything. 

The only thing I will say about this book, is that the plot is very predictable and although this can be seen as a 'yawn, I'll pass' sort of thing, I believe that people wouldn't use these plots and story lines if they didn't sell or made people feel something.
I have already purchased the sequel, Did I Mention I Need You?

STAR RATING OUT OF /5: 3.5

WHERE TO BUY IT: click me

Only Ever Yours By Louise O'Neill
This is literally one of my favourite books I have ever read. Like honestly, definitely in my top 10. This book is basically everything that shouldn't happen in a dystopian, romantic, modern day telling. But it's everything more. This book literally opened my eyes to how corrupt our society is, just by noticing there's. This book follows freida (with a lowercase 'f') who, with the rest of her 'sisters' at their school has turned sixteen which means that they will be ranked and placed into three different roles. The top, chosen girls are picked by men to be companions (their wives), and the ones who aren't picked are chosen to become concubines (which isn't good basically). The third role barely happens and these girls will become chastity's, the teachers of the girls. This is a life nobody would want. The story is so rare. It follows how the girls starve themselves to become their target weight, how they have to fight with the outside struggles of not being pretty enough, skinny enough or liked enough. It's basically everything the modern day girl has to go through, expect their teachers at this school force it on them, making each other point out their flaws and given them pills to stop 'disgusting' things such as their periods.
It makes me feel angry and sad that this society is happening in this book, and they are so focused on these wealthy men choosing them to be their wives at the end of their school time that I couldn't help but read it. It's phenomenally done, the writing is excellent and the use of lower casing the girls names highlights how they are nothing more than bred for men. It's makes me seethe in anger, but it shows me just how easy this could happen now. Louise O'Neill writes this brilliantly and if I ever could recommend a book to you that you must read, it would be this. I loved it.

STAR RATING OUT OF /5: 5!
WHERE TO BUY IT: click me

Side Effects May Vary By Julie Murphy
So I started this book loving it. I really did. It's my sort of young adult novel, but maybe it's because I have come off too very good highs on these superb books beforehand that when I got half way through the middle of the book, I found it tiring. I'm someone who has to finish a book, I can't bare leaving it unfinished as I believe that it could get better towards the ending, but this one just didn't do it for me. It focuses on Alice who is diagnosed with cancer. Before this point in her life, she seemingly has it all, but being diagnosed with cancer changes all of that, as it most likely would. Alice has a lifelong best friend, who, until this point, they have become distant called Harvey. The story basically focuses on their developing relationship and Alice and Harvey's dynamic with Alice being diagnosed with cancer, then be deemed in remission.
As I said, I started off loving it. I loved Alice's character and the flashbacks from her having cancer and her experience of now being in remission after thinking she was terminally ill. (This isn't a spoiler as it is in the blurb). I found that through the middle Harvey was just annoying. He was like a three year old wanting to be with his parents. I don't know, it just irked me. He was far too clingy to Alice and although I tried to emphasise with him and put myself in his shoes, I just couldn't see his perspective on his whole demeanor. Then Alice started annoying me as a character, so as the MC, I found myself skipping pages and chapters and reading quickly to get it over and done with. I just think the beginning started off very good, but the middle and end was stuck in the same place the beginning started off with. I just think so much more could have been done with it. I did enjoy the plot line so to speak. I loved the idea of the novel, and I thought some of the secondary characters were stronger than the protagonists.
I will try and pick up something from this author again as I do like her writing and her ideas, but I just think there was something missing in this story.

STAR RATING OUT OF /5: 2
WHERE TO BUY IT: click me

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith
This was another 'I think I am really going to enjoy this book, but half way through I got bored' sort of deal. I love, love, love the premise of this novel. It's based on two teenagers, Lucy and Owen who live in the same building and one day they both meet whilst stuck in an elevator. Their friendship/relationship all takes off from there really and it focuses on all the different, interesting places they visit and how they communicate being far a part. In general, it's a really interesting, my type of thing to read book and although I did enjoy it, I found some places dragged and the page length didn't need to be as long as it was (311). I feel like Jennifer could have completed the book at even 200-250 pages and the extra 60 or so were just fill in's.
In other words, I thought that the characters were strong. I liked both Lucy and Owen as people and appreciated the alternative points of view to get a more varied understanding of each character. I had a strong liking for Owen's Dad throughout the whole book which took me by surprise because I'm not one to like the secondary characters so much. It terms of the plot, the concept was interesting and refreshing and I did think as a whole Jennifer delivered with a consistent plot line. My only issues were with the irrelevant chapters that, if taken out, wouldn't affect the book so much as an inch.

I will be reading more of Jennifer E. Smith's work as I do admire her writing and find her to be a funny, contemporary novelist.

STAR RATING OUT OF /5: 3
WHERE TO BUY IT: click me

February TBR (to be read):

Never, Never Part Two by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Did I Mention I Need You? by Estelle Maskame
Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski
The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkosi

Davy Hardwood by Tijan

Thanks lovelies!

What have you been reading?

Disclaimer: all the links to where you can buy the books are from Amazon, however I have no affiliation with the company at all. I read a lot on my Kindle and purchase the books I read here, this is why I am suggesting this website. 

Mass Shout Out to Undiscovered Authors (Pt. 1)

Hey there,

So I would apologise for not updating this website, but I think this post will be long enough without it. The purpose of this post is that over a couple of months, lots of #holliehannahreads and other sneaky little things I have been doing on my account have contributed to the pile of people and their brilliant stories I wish to feature for you all to check out. All of these people at the time of this post have under 5k followers, reads etc and this post is something I really want to do to spread awareness to some of these talented undiscovered writers!

Part one will have romance and mystery writers featured! 

There will be lots of parts to this as I am planning to do one every month with a couple of my faves.

Romance Section:

These romance, teen fiction writers literally write similar themes/topics as I do, meaning if you enjoy any of my work, you're bond to enjoy there's too!

wohnderwall - Brewed Hearts

Blurb: ❝So maybe she had the kind of smile that made you feel happy to be alive and just that little bit more human. And maybe her smile shined like the stars in the sky, with no bright city lights to dim them. It was like the sun opened its eager light to shine about her, only brightening her perfectly aligned teeth. Maybe, It was the reason I gave her a smile that wasn't so lit with sadness.❞
Link: click me

My opinion: what the hell, if you haven't read this book or its been sitting in your library for too long, read it. I love it. I just do. You will too.

misconstrued - Gravity

Blurb: Because the galaxy loses its stars the day Max loses Wendy.
Then everything's just empty, and Max is left struggling for gravity
Link: click me

My opinion: there is something about this book that makes me think I am really excited to love. I don't know what it is, its just there.

Mystery/Thriller:

I love mystery and thriller books. It's my new thing.  I really enjoy the odd dabble in writing mystery too, (shameless plug to check out my co-written book, Melancholia). I think the following authors have nailed it, and they really are an inspiration.


confiance_ - Things You'll Never Know

Blurb: In which she learns that no one is ever as they seem.
Link: click me

My opinion: massive fan of this book so far. I find the characters to be complex and interesting and I really enjoy the perspectives. I think there is so much this author can do with the book and this makes me really excited.




stereohearted  - Fault Lines


Blurb: It's been almost three years since Astrid Rosewood's best friend died, yet she can't seem to shake off the idea that it was not a suicide. Moreover, when a boy moves in next door, things start to spiral out of control.
Link: click me

My opinion: so the book hasn't began yet, but doesn't the blurb just make you want to read it all in one sitting, cry and scream, love and laugh and all of that other crap that happens when reading a fantastic book? I just find this author to be incredible with words and I can't wait for the next chapters. I really recommend saving it to your library. Based off the other books, I'm looking forward to this one!

Thanks lovelies!