I did it!

I have officially completed Goodreads 2014 Reading Challenge. I chose to read 35 books this year. I didn't want to pick an outrageous, unreachable goal but I wanted it to be an actual challenge. There were a few times when I was in a reading slump and didn't think I could make it, but I did! You can check it out here.

(Not the actual books I read this challenge,

 just a picture I had on my computer of a pile of my books.)

Book Review: Girl Defective by Simmone Howell

Publish Date: September 2nd, 2014
Publisher: Atheneum Books For Young Readers
ISBN: 9781442497603
Pages: 320
Series: None
Source: ARC from publisher for honest review

Goodreads Synopsis:
In the tradition of High Fidelity and Empire Records, this is the literary soundtrack to Skylark Martin's strange, mysterious, and extraordinary summer.
This is the story of a wild girl and a ghost girl; a boy who knew nothing and a boy who thought he knew everything.
It's a story about Skylark Martin, who lives with her father and brother in a vintage record shop and is trying to find her place in the world. It's about ten-year-old Super Agent Gully and his case of a lifetime. And about beautiful, reckless, sharp-as-knives Nancy. It's about tragi-hot Luke, and just-plain-tragic Mia Casey. It's about the dark underbelly of a curious neighborhood. It's about summer, and weirdness, and mystery, and music.
And it's about life and death and grief and romance. All the good stuff.

My Review:
Let's be honest here, for the first half of the book I thought I was reading a book called "Girl Detective" and while there is ironically detective work throughout the novel, something just wasn't sitting right for me. It wasn't until I finally realized that I had the wrong name the whole time that I finally got into the book and read it for what it was. And it was fantastic!! The story, the characters - oh the characters!! - everything was perfectly executed in this brilliantly written novel that read like "Perks of Being a Wallflower". That's what I would picture while reading Girl Defective. I was highly reminded of Stephen Chbosky's masterpiece. That and Empire Records, which is just as cool.
Skylar, her brother Gully and their dad own a record store. The mother left them to pursue her rock-star career so it's been the 3 of them since. While her life isn't extraordinary, it's anything but ordinary. Gully or Agent Seagull Martin is a detective (hence why I was convinced of the wrong title!) and he is out to save the world from your "brickers", "snouters", and other petty criminals. I really liked Gully, there was something about him that really stuck with me. His kindness towards everyone, his fun personality. He was definitely my favourite character. Skylar was likable too. She's just a young girl trying to get through life the best she can with what she has. She's funny and loves her brother even with all his quirks. Nancy, Skylars older, more experienced (in everything) friend is a force to be reckoned with. She was up and down and all over the place but played a huge part in the whole awesomeness of the book.
There's not much I can say about the book really, just that it was great! It's one of the books that you'll have to read yourself, and it will sit on your shelf after you read it for the first time and in a few years you will pick it back up and read it in one sitting (just like Perks), It's that kind of book! I also loved that in my ARC, there was a note from Vice President, Publisher for Atheneum Books, Margaret K. McElderry books and S&S books that said " This book is FAR cooler than I will ever be! I hope you enjoy."
That just about says it all!

Book Review: Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

Publish Date: October 7th, 2014
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 978-1-4711-1815-9
Pages: 392
Series: None
Source: From publisher for honest review

Goodreads Synopsis:

Britt Phieffer has never been that adventurous, but that's about to change. Wanting to impress her ex-boyfriend, Britt convinces best friend, Korbie, to take a trip with her and go trekking through the Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming. But when a freak storm leaves the girls stranded they seek shelter in a cabin, and find two knights in shining armour, Shaun and Mason, who are also hiding out.
But all is not as it seems, and Britt quickly discovers that the guys are there for reasons other than hiking…dangerous reasons that mean they need to get off the mountain, fast. In exchange for her life, Britt is forced to guide them down, and as they set out on a harrowing journey through the cold and snow, Britt realises the only way to get out of this alive is to pretend she is on their side. 
But playing nice is hard, especially when Britt is unsure whether Mason, gorgeous and sexy, is the enemy or an ally. And as she begins to lose track of who is in control it is only a matter of time before things turn deadly…

My Review:

**May have some slight spoilers.**

Alright, so I know there is a lot of hype for this book that comes out tomorrow. The cover, the synopsis and the author - New York Times Bestseller Becca Fitzpatrick is what is making Black Ice as talked about as it is. I'll admit, for me it was the cover that drew me in. I haven't read any of Becca Fitzpatricks books. I own Hush, Hush and Crescendo but haven't actually read them though I am a little more likely to read them now sooner then before. Fitzpatrick is a great writer. The detail in her work is amazing. There was a clear and vivid picture from start to end with Black Ice. And seriously, the mountains and snow covered forest are the perfect picture to envision. 
The story had me unsure at times. There would be some really good parts where I was hooked and couldn't put the book down. Then other times I thought the story was a little too far-fetched. When the hostage, Britt develops feelings for her captor and actually thinks she "falling in love"? I thought, "Oh come on! Really? This is ridiculous!" But then I would see her struggling with her emotions and I could feel Mason's sincerity therefore I could understand it a a bit more. It was difficult at times not to just give up with the book to be honest.
The twists and turns throughout Black Ice were extraordinary and besides the clear writing it was the only thing that kept me going. Just like Britt was all over the map to get off the mountain, I was all over the "whodunit" map! I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. And while I couldn't relate to any of the characters, I found each one to be unique and bring something to the book. The main character Britt was strong and though she admitted she loved to have a guy take care of her, she pulled through with independence and strength near the end when she needed it most. 
As I've mentioned, I didn't love Black Ice but I didn't hate it either. It was a book where I just could not make up my mind about. Will I tell everyone it's a book they have to read? Will I re-read it again and again in the years to come? No, probably not. But it's unforgettable and and well written and it will be someone elses favourite I'm sure. 

Blog Tour: Haze by Paula Weston

It's been exactly 1 year since I was part of the Shadows blog tour so I was happy to be a part of another blog tour for book #2, Haze. Make sure to follow the rest of the tour, you can click here for the full list, as there will be lots of fun things happening! Character reveals, reviews, giveaways and more. Happy Reading!

Publish Date: September 9, 2014
Publisher: Tundra Books
ISBN: 978-1-7704-9550-0
Pages: 448
Series: The Rephaim, #2
Source: Finished copy from publisher for honest review and participation in blog tour! Thank you so much.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Gaby Winters' life used to be pretty normal. She lived with her best friend. She worked in a library. She was slowly getting over the death of her twin brother, Jude. And then Rafa came looking for her.     With him, her blood-soaked nightmares stopped. But now they are reality. She is one of the Rephaim - a wingless half angel, descended from the Fallen. Demons exist and they are hunting her.

     She knows she's alive when she's meant to be dead. And that means maybe Jude is too. So why isn't she out there looking for him?

My Review:

We pick up one week after Shadows. Gaby and Rafa have been through so much and trust me, it's not over yet! In book two, we are re-introduced to the kick-ass heroine, Gaby who had held her head up high through all of this. (Thinking her brother was dead, to being told he could still be alive. Living life like a regular girl to find out she's got a whole life behind her that she can't remember and that includes being Rephiam, and so on) Rafa, who opens up a little more in Haze and could kick your butt with his eyes closed and Maggie who was brought into all of this unknowingly and hasn't given up on her friendship yet. We meet new characters too, that you will only meet when you read Haze yourself!

While I thought book #2 was going to revolve around finding Jude, it isn't just that. There is so much more to it! Twisted in with this plot we obviously meet more important characters (in barns and cornfields), we meet fellow Rephaim, and dig a little more into the past. There is so much revealed and so many new things to look forward to in book #3. At times I found it a little overwhelming with everyone and everything but with a clear head I was able to regroup myself. When one thing was resolved, 2 more issues would be brought up. We're definitely going to need book three and four to wrap up the series.

The last few chapters, I swear I read while holding my breath! The fast-paced, intense, action packed scene with that cliffhanger at the end? Really?! It was just too much! Haze comes with an excerpt of Shimmer, book #3 and I don't usually read those excerpts because it's too much of a tease, but let me tell you, I may be diving into it before I know it just to satisfy that need to know.

Paula Weston has created this world and these characters that come to life on the pages. The world she created has everything a reader looks for - a thick plot, friendships, enemies, romance, though the romance isn't overdone, it's just enough to make your pulse quicken, and fighting! The fight scenes are so much fun! Paula has put so much thought into her writing that the scenes are vivid and the fun Aussie feel is great!

If you haven't read this series, you might want to! Even if you don't love angels and hellbeasts and hellions, you'll find something in Paula Weston's Rephaim's series that you will love!

Fun Stuff:

This time with the blog tour, we were sent a few questions to answer, then Paula Weston would take those answers and show us which Rephaim character we were most like. Turns out...

That is awesome! Maggie is such a sweet and loyal friend. Her favourite ways to relax? Knitting, sewing and being crafty. While I may not knit or sew, I certainly would rather sit down and read. You know, nothing too extreme! Oh, and we share a favourite food - scallops. Yummy!

The Author

Twitter - Facebook - Website

Celia Southcombe, Flow Photography

Giveaway!!!

The lovely people over at Tundra Books are giving away a signed hardcover of Shadows and a hardcover of Haze to THREE lucky blog tour followers. All you have to do is follow the blog tour, post a comment on the blog post, and you're in! Good luck.

Book Review: Rumble by Ellen Hopkins

Publish Date: August 26th, 2014
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
ISBN: 978-1-4424-8284-5
Pages: 560
Series: None
Source: From publisher for honest review

Goodreads Synopsis:
Can an atheist be saved? The New York Times bestselling author of Crank and Tricks explores the highly charged landscapes of faith and forgiveness with brilliant sensitivity and emotional resonance.
“There is no God, no benevolent ruler of the earth, no omnipotent grand poobah of countless universes. Because if there was...my little brother would still be fishing or playing basketball instead of fertilizing cemetery vegetation.”

Matthew Turner doesn’t have faith in anything.
Not in family—his is a shambles after his younger brother was bullied into suicide. Not in so-called friends who turn their backs when things get tough. Not in some all-powerful creator who lets too much bad stuff happen. And certainly not in some “It Gets Better” psychobabble.
No matter what his girlfriend Hayden says about faith and forgiveness, there’s no way Matt’s letting go of blame. He’s decided to “live large and go out with a huge bang,” and whatever happens happens. But when a horrific event plunges Matt into a dark, silent place, he hears a rumble…a rumble that wakes him up, calling everything he’s ever disbelieved into question.

My Review:
Once again we are introduced to real life important struggles and issues in Ellen Hopkins new book, Rumble. This time we tackle sexuality, religion, bullying and the guilt and regret that is associated with all of it.
Matt was just a "normal" guy or so he thought until his world is turned upside down with the news of his younger brothers suicide brought on by bullying. What if Matt had been there? What if he took that last phone call a little more seriously? What it? What if...? That is all that Matt is left with. The what ifs, and a family that has been pulled apart even more. When your family is falling apart, your best friend/brother is gone, who do you turn to for support and someone to talk to? Matt's girlfriend Hayden should be the one, but he can't even do this anymore because she has become this extra bible studying, God fearing religious type that Matt - as an atheist - can't relate to anymore. So Matt turns to his uncle who is suffering from his own struggles.
Ellen Hopkins brings us back into her usual verse style novel that I find very intriguing, and adds a mixture of intensity and vulnerability to the character and the story line. She tackles issues with a level of expertise that only she has mastered. Not once while reading Rumble did it feel like she was throwing subliminal messages our way, and never did I feel that her own beliefs and values were overpowering in any way either. Each character had their values and that's all we got. They were characters that Ellen brought to life. In a way, at some point or another, I think every reader can relate to one of Ellen Hopkins characters. Maybe not in this book, but in one of her others. They are real, the issues are real and nothing is sugar coated when it comes to Rumble. Ellen Hopkins is the leader in books that deal with real life issues, and she is most definitely the leader in verse style novels. Whether you're a fan already, Rumble is intense and a must read.

Book Review: Running Like A Girl by Alexandra Heminsley

Publish Date: October 8th, 2013
Publisher: Scribner
ISBN: 9781451697124
Pages: 224
Series: None
Source: From publisher for honest review

Goodreads Synopsis:
In her twenties, Alexandra Heminsley spent more time at the bar than she did in pursuit of athletic excellence. When she decided to take up running in her thirties, she had grand hopes for a blissful runner’s high and immediate physical transformation. After eating three slices of toast with honey and spending ninety minutes on iTunes creating the perfect playlist, she hit the streets—and failed miserably. The stories of her first runs turn the common notion that we are all “born to run” on its head—and expose the truth about starting to run: it can be brutal.
Running Like a Girl tells the story of how Alexandra gets beyond the brutal part, makes running a part of her life, and reaps the rewards: not just the obvious things, like weight loss, health, and glowing skin, but self-confidence and immeasurable daily pleasure, along with a new closeness to her father—a marathon runner—and her brother, with whom she ultimately runs her first marathon.
But before that, she has to figure out the logistics of running: the intimidating questions from a young and arrogant sales assistant when she goes to buy her first running shoes, where to get decent bras for the larger bust, how not to freeze or get sunstroke, and what (and when) to eat before a run. She’s figured out what’s important (pockets) and what isn’t (appearance), and more.
For any woman who has ever run, wanted to run, tried to run, or failed to run (even if just around the block), Heminsley’s funny, warm, and motivational personal journey from nonathlete extraordinaire to someone who has completed five marathons is inspiring, entertaining, practical, and fun.

My Review:
I was excited to get this book! My sister and I have been running here and there for a few years, not a lot to be honest, we've tried though! So I thought that maybe this would be just the thing to get me motivated to keep on running and run some more. 
In Running Like A Girl, Alexandra talks about the ups and downs of running and what to do in any sort of situation. She'll talk about the ups and downs of a runners emotion. She tells you what it's like when you have to use the bathroom during a run, and what it's like to walk into a shoe store and feel intimidated.  And she tells it in a way that will get you laughing. 
I thought the book was going to focus more on actual tips on running, and how to get and stay motivated but the majority of the book is about Alexandra and her own journey into running. The last little bit does give you advice and helpful tips though. Alexandra's father is a big runner, and I feel that growing up with running in your family gives you a little more of a drive to run yourself. My own mother swears that she has two left feet so running was never something we would see on a regular basis, and so it never crossed my mind to "run a marathon like my mother".
Alexandra Heminsley tells you as it is, and it was a quick, easy but fun book to read. If you're looking to start running, or need a little pick-me-up during a running slum, Running Like A Girl may be the book for you! 
Good luck!

Book Review:Through to You by Lauren Barnholdt

Publish Date: July 8th, 2014
Publisher: Simon Pulse
ISBN: 978-1-4424-3463-9
Pages: 256
Series: None
Source: From publisher for honest review

Goodreads Synopsis:

Opposites attract—and then complicate—in this romantic, relatable novel from the author of Two-way Street and Sometimes It Happens.
It starts with a scribbled note in class: I like your sparkle. Harper had casually threaded a piece of blue and silver tinsel through her ponytail in honor of school spirit day. And that carefree, corny gesture is what grabs Penn Mattingly’s eye. Penn—resident heartbreaker of the senior class. Reliably unreliable. Trouble with a capital “T.” And okay, smolderingly sexy.
Harper’s surprised by Penn’s attention—and so is Penn. The last thing he needs is a girlfriend. Or even a friend-with-benefits. The note is not supposed to lead to anything.
Oh, but it does. They hang out. They have fun. They talk. They make out. And after a while, it seems like they just click. But Penn and Harper have very different ideas about what relationships look like, in no small part because of their very different family backgrounds. Of course they could talk about these differences—if Penn knew how to talk about feelings.
Harper and Penn understand their attraction is illogical, yet something keeps pulling them together. It’s like a crazy roller coaster—exhilarating, terrifying, and amazing all at once. And neither knows how to stop the ride…

My Review:

Through to You, a book about Penn and Harper falling for each other though they are the complete opposite - but opposites attract right? Penn and Harper are the definition of opposite. Loud, playful jock versus shy, quiet, keep to yourself type. But a little "sparkle" is enough to flick into something else. 
The idea of the book, while not necessarily original had some hope to it. But I was disappointed. The characters were all over the place, and I found it frustrating. It was off to a good start (both the book and the relationship) but it quickly went down from there. Penn and Harper would be happy and having fun, then Penn would put up a wall and a fight would begin. They would go a while without talking, and then all of a sudden they were back on. Just like that, and it would happen again and again. Something was missing in between all of this fighting. I needed more, and I just didn't get it.
I couldn't relate to the characters and I didn't find them dimensional or even interesting. There was potential in the overall story - Harpers dancing, the injury Penn is dealing with - but it felt too focused on the push and pull of the actual relationship. 
I was hoping for a fun little summer romance read, and unfortunately Through to You wasn't it.