Blog Hop, TGIF and Follow Friday

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books and is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love for the written word. This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect to other book lovers, make new friends, support each other and generally just share our love for books.

This week's question is: As a book blogger, how do you introduce yourself in your profile?

Well to be honest, I haven't really thought about this much. I have a little introduction stating where I am from (Ireland) and how old I am (21). I think it is important to let people know what kind of books I am into reading. But that is mostly covered in my review policy. I guess I'm pretty laid back and casual (or maybe lazy?) when it comes to introductions and rules!

TGIF is hosted by GReads and this week's question is: Book Disappointments: Have you ever come across a book that you were so stoked to read, but it failed miserably in your eyes?

As it happens, the last book I reviewed, The Wild Rose by Jennifer Donnelly, did exactly that. Jennifer Donnelly is a wonderful writer, with a huge imagination. She has the ability to make the craziest story lines completely believable. One of my favourite books is The Tea Rose, closely followed by The Winter Rose. But unfortunately The Wild Rose didn't live up to my expectations. I felt it was very rushed and seemed forced some how. Like the author wasn't that into it herself. That is just my take on it! So ya, it was a huge disappointment for me considering I waited 5 years for it's release. You can check out my review HERE

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee

This week's question is: It's that pesky magic book fairy again! She has another wish: What imaginary book world would you like to make a reality? 

I don't want to go down the same old road and pick Harry Potter, but I just can't help myself. I know it is the most unoriginal answer but come on?! Wizards and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans? You can't get much better than that. Although I do quite like the idea of The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. I think I would enjoy having a Daemon by side all the time. I'm needy like that!


GIVEAWAY TIME: Enter my Six Month Blogiversary for a chance to win the book of your choice from Book Depository. There will be two winners. Click Here to Enter

Review: The Wild Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

Goodreads summary:  The vast multi-generational epic that began with The Tea Rose and continued with The Winter Rose now reaches its dramatic conclusion in The Wild Rose. 

London, 1914. World War I is looming on the horizon, women are fighting for the right to vote, and global explorers are pushing the limits of endurance at the Poles and in the deserts. Into this volatile time, Jennifer Donnelly places her vivid and memorable characters: 

- Willa Alden, a passionate mountain climber who lost her leg while climbing Kilimanjaro with Seamus Finnegan, and who will never forgive him for saving her life. 

- Seamus Finnegan, a polar explorer who tries to forget Willa as he marries a beautiful young woman back home in England. 

- Max von Brandt, a handsome sophisticate who courts high society women, but who has a secret agenda as a German spy; 
- and many others.

I am going to keep this one short and sweet (well maybe not so sweet), since I wasn’t asked to review this book. First off, let me tell you how much I LOVE Jennifer Donnelly. I have read all of her books and I pretty much beg people to read The Tea Rose and The Winter Rose. I have been waiting 5 LONG years for this book so you can imagine how I felt when it turned out to be such a disappointment. It took me 4 weeks to read. I just wasn’t interested in picking it up 

Donnelly’s previous two books were Epic romances with some crazy twists and turns that she managed to make believable. The Wild Rose on the other hand is completely unbelievable. I feel like the author just forced out this last book because she had a contract to fulfil and we have been waiting so long as it is. The ‘epic’ romance between Willa and Seamus was over shadowed by their adultery and delusions. Normally I always route for the soul mates; no matter what stands in their way, they should be together! But I just didn’t feel it this time. I had no sympathy or liking towards Willa.

My favourite character was poor Jennie. She was like a breath of fresh air blowing through all the heart ache and war. I felt so sorry for her, an innocent person, stuck in a marriage to a man who loves someone else. She is wronged throughout the book and it didn’t sit well with me.

I also felt that there was just too much going on in this book; too many sub plots, too many POVs. The story was written in a very similar way to the last books so I found it incredibly predictable, which made it boring.

I don’t want to tear this story apart. It did have some good moments. I loved seeing Sid and India again. I was intrigued by post-war England; shell-shocked soldiers returning home to a ruined economy. I also enjoyed Max, the villain of the story. I felt him and Josie were the only two characters with any real depth. It is the first time I have ever felt sympathy for the bad guy! So ya, I am glad I read it. I did enjoy moments of it. I just had such high expectations!

Evidently this was not short and sweet at all. The Wild Rose aside, I still urge you all to read The Tea Rose and The Winter Rose. They are amazing stories by a wonderful writer. While they are meant to be a trilogy you can definitely read them as standalone books! Despite this let down, I will still run out to buy any new book Donnelly writes. I have loved all her books; I just felt this was rushed and tired. It genuinely pains and upsets me, but I am only giving this one 2/5 Stars.

Sophie & Carter Giveaway Winner!!

The Winner of the signed copy of Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine is 

Elizabeth

Congratulations! It really is a lovely read and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Be sure to stop by and let me know your thoughts on it! 

** For those of you who didn't win, don't forget to enter my Six Month Blogiversary GIVEAWAY! The winners get to pick a book from Book Depository. Click Here to Enter **

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee

This weeks question is: Have you ever wanted the villain the win at the end of the story? If so, which one?

Hmmm good question! I don't generally cheer for the villains. I'm a big fan of good triumphing over evil. But one character that jumps to mind is Sweeny Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street! Maybe it is a stretch to call him a villain but he does rack up an impressive number of innocent people to cook in those meat pies! When I went to see the musical I was praying the whole time that he wouldn't get caught!

Don't forget to check out my Six Month Blogiversary GIVEAWAY. Click Here to Enter. The winners get to pick the book of their choice from Book Depository.

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books and is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love for the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect to other book lovers, make new friends, support each other and generally just share our love for books.

This weeks question is: "Many of us primarily read one genre of books, with others sprinkled in. If authors stop writing that genre, what genre would you start reading? Or would you give up reading completely if you couldn't read that genre anymore?

I think I would keel over if author's stopped writing romance!! I don't even want to imagine it. Honestly, I think I would take a break from reading and go and lick my wounds for a while. But I'd come back. I'd miss it too much. I think I would start reading a lot more historical novels. At least I could still lose myself in past worlds. I'd say I would start reading more Young Adult too. What about you?

Pssst don't forget to check out my Six Month Blogiversary GIVEAWAY! Just Click Here to Enter! The winners get to pick the book of their choice from Book Depository.  

Review: Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine and GIVEAWAY

Genre: YA, Romance
Published by: Acacia Publishing
Pages: 117
**This book was sent to me for free for an honest review**
Goodreads Summary: While other high school seniors are dreaming about their futures, Sophie and Carter are just trying to make it through each day. Carter is overwhelmed by issues at home as he struggles to support his mother. Meanwhile, next door neighbor Sophie is left to care for her three younger siblings in place of their absent and troubled mother. All that holds these two best friends together is each other, and knowing that each night they'll sit together on Sophie's front porch swing and escape from their troubles, if just for awhile. But as their relationship reaches a turning point and high school graduation nears, what lies ahead for Sophie and Carter?


What a pleasant  surprise! I had no idea that I would enjoy this little book so much. It only took me a couple of hours to read and is a perfect story to pick up if you are looking for a quick escape from your day. Sophie and Carter are neighbours and best friends who share secrets and support each other in the noblest of ways. They have both suffered greatly in the past and come from severely dysfunctional families. Sophie's mom is a prostitute who has left Sophie to take care of her three younger siblings. Carter cares for his mother who has been driven to insanity by the beatings she and Carter took from her husband. 


The chapters alternate between the two POVs. I felt Sophie's POV was stronger than Carter's. Both characters are so easy to fall for. They have been through so much in their short lives and yet, they still soldier on for those they love. I have so much respect for them both. The romance between them is sweet and endearing. They look out for each other and would do anything for one and other. They had me swooning over a bag of vegetables, cups of coffee and hand holding on porch swings.


The only thing I didn't like about this book was how short it was! I would love to have read more about them growing up, about their other relationships in school and more about Carter's dad. But I am only saying this because I enjoyed the story so much and I want more now that it is over. Chelsea Fine has a wonderfully creative imagination and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future. 4 / 5 Stars. I choose Carter as My Book Boyfriend this week. Check out the post below.


GIVEAWAY TIME: I was very kindly sent a copy of Sophie & Carter to send to one lucky reader. I will be picking a winner on Saturday morning. That's 10th September. 
You don't have to be a follower to enter (although it would be nice if you were). Since I am a poor student this giveaway is open to INTERNATIONALS ONLY, sorry guys!
Just leave a comment and your email address under this review if you want to enter. Good Luck!


Don't forget to check out my 6 Month Blogiversary Global Giveaway! You'll be in for a chance to win a book of your choice!

My Book Boyfriend #9

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by Missie over at The Unread Reader, which provides us an opportunity to swoon over the men in our books.  This week I have fallen in love with Carter Jax from Sophie and Carter by Chelsea Fine.


Name: Carter Jax
Age: 18
Appearance: "Broad shoulders, square jaw, piercing gray eyes...everything about his appearance is picture-perfect. Everything except his scars."
Home Life: Cares for his mother who was beaten to insanity by her husband.
Traits: Loyal, Protective, Caring and Understanding.

"We sit for a minute and I'm falling into our comfortable silence when Carter reaches over and gently wraps his fingers around my hand. My day just went from crappy to great."  - Sophie


"And when Carter loves something he is fierce about it...He protects it and cares for it...and devotes himself to it. And Carter...he's loyal when he loves. He always shows up and makes everything better. He listens and he's patient." - Sophie about Carter


"She's the most amazing girl I've ever known. I'm quiet because I'm trying to keep myself from shouting something stupid like, 'Sophie, I would die for you! Will you please always hold my hand on the swing!'" - Carter


"Then I kiss her. In this moment, everything bad, everything painful, everything unfair disappears. It's just me and Sophie. Connected. And I've never felt so whole." - Carter