Books of November

Another slow reading month but I did slightly better than last month. I've also been quite on my blog recently but I do hope that once Christmas and the New Year is over I will be able to put more time in reading as well as blogging.

Here's what I read in November:

• The Accidental Engagement (Chance Romance, #1) by Maggie Dallen - 2.5/5
• For Better or Worse (The Wedding Belles, #2) by Lauren Layne - 5/5
• Royal Scandal (Royals in Exile, #1) by Marquita Valentine - 4/5

and the book of the month goes too...

For Better or Worse (The Wedding Belles, #2)

by Lauren Layne

Synopsis:

Sex and the City meets The Wedding Planner in For Better Or Worse, the second sexy contemporary romance in Lauren Layne's The Wedding Belles series. Will a budding wedding planner and her bad boy neighbor stop banging heads and start hearing wedding bells? For fans of Jill Shalvis, Julie James and Rachel Gibson.

When small-town girl Heather Fowler finally gets promoted from assistant to actual wedding planner, she's determined to make it as one of Manhattan's elite Wedding Belles. Unfortunately, her first client demands an opulent black-tie affair at the Plaza...in five months' time. Heather's days quickly become a flurry of cake tastings, dress-fittings, RSVP cards, and bridal tantrums. But what she's really losing sleep over is the live music blaring from her playboy neighbor's apartment all night.

Five years ago, Josh Tanner was an up-and-comer on Wall Street, complete with the penthouse and the migraines. But a grim cancer diagnosis made him realize there is more to life than the corner office. If only he could convince his pretty, workaholic neighbor to let loose, too. As Heather lets down her guard, Josh is surprised when he starts falling for the sweet, vulnerable woman hiding beneath those power suits. Soon, it's Heather's turn to convince Josh to take the biggest risk of all: love

Books Received in November

I had to buy this in hardback as soon as I saw it as I have enjoyed Meyer's books in the past so I'm hoping this one will be just as good.

 

Just a couple that I'd thought I would get whilst I had some vouchers left.

  

  

I hope these books are as good as they look!

What does your books of November look like?

Book Tag: Nintendo

The Reading Pile has taken inspiration from the vloging Book Tag community over to the blogging world. Like her I'm not actually going to tag anyone but you're more than welcome to give it a try like I have just head over to her page and leave a link in her comments or in mine as I'm nosey and love to know what everyone else has done.

Over at The Reading Pile she has done the posts every Thursday and has already done a few so I thought I would go through the ones she has already done and do the ones I like the look of.

My Book Tag post this week is: Nintendo Book Tag:

1. NES (Nintendo Entertainment System): A classic you want to read?

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum - I've had a special edition of Wizard of Oz for a few years so I really want to read it more than other classics that I have had my eye on.

2. SNES (Super Nintendo): A sequel you liked more than the first?

Pure (Covenant, #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout - I did enjoy the first book but it took me a while to get into it but with the second book I loved it from the moment I started it, to the very end.

3. Nintendo 64: A book that revolutionised the way you looked at the world?

This is One Moment by Mila Gray - This one was hard as I like to read books as an escapism but I guess this book made me think about the world and how our soldiers give everything to fight for our country and not all come out unscathed mentally and physically.

4. Gamecube: A popular book that didn't go over so well with you?

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling - I'm being very controversial here but before you all start shouting at me I will say I love the Harry Potter series and will forever be one of my favourites. The reason why I chose this book as a popular book that I didn't get on with was because out of this series this one is my least favourite as I did find the beginning slow but it did get better as it went on. This is my opinion from when I first read it back when it first came out and I haven't reread it since so maybe I will give it another try and see but I don't hold out any hope as in the films again Chamber of Secrets is my least favourite.

5. Wii: A new favourite book?

Stage Dive series by Kylie Scott - I was able to narrow this one down by the fact I have finished the series now and I loved each and every book an amazing series that I would highly recommend to everyone!

6. Nintendo Power: Favourite graphic novel series or a series you want to start?

City of Bones: The Graphic Novel by Cassandra Clare - This was a hard one for me because I have never read a graphic novel and most likely never will as I don't think I will enjoy them. If I was forced to pick up one graphic novel I would go for City of Bones as I love the books so I feel like I would get on better with the graphic novel version.

7. Super Mario: A character you would like to squish like a Goomba?

America Singer from The Selection by Kiera Cass - America is such an annoying character who in both of the first two books has got on my nerves. 

8. Zelda: A newer fantasy that you consider a modern classic?

Harry Potter by J.K.Rowling - The only book I could think of for this answer was Harry Potter and I think that's because it is such a popular series that everyone has heard of even if they haven't read it.

9. Samus-Aran: Favourite sci-fi novel or one you want to read?

The Host by Stephenie Meyer - Another genre I tend to stay away from but I did read The Host as I wanted to read the new book that Stephenie Meyer wrote and I really enjoyed it but even though I enjoyed this one I still avoid sci-fi but I don't know why as I would probably like them.

10. Pokemon: Book editions that you want to collect?

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare - There's new covers for TMI which look stunning which I feel like I need but I would also like other versions of this series as they all look stunning.

11. Donkey Kong: A book with original characters?

Inspire by Cora Carmack - I've read so many paranormal books with the same kind of mythical characters but with Inspire the main character was original and new for me with her being a muse, there may be other books about muses but this one was the first for me.

12. Nintendo Fandom: Favourite Nintendo games or a game you really want?

I haven't played many Nintendo games but out of the ones that I have the Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games has to be my favourite it was so much fun to play at christmas with the whole family.

BOTM #14

So in November I had a great month of reading where nothing I read was rated under 3 stars and even those I loved in parts. I have done a vlog of the books that I have read and books that I am going to read in December. (warning the video quality is a bit bad)



Books that I have read in November:

• Reread: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer - 4.5/5
• Reread: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer - 3/5
• Reread: Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer - 3.5/5
• Reread: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer - 4.5/5
• Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick - 5/5
• Destined by P.C. & Kristin Cast - 3/5
• Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile - 3.5/5
• The Trouble With Nightingale by Amaleen Ison - 4/5
• Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout - 4.5/5
• Phoenix by Jennifer Mason-Black - 3/5
• Breathe by Sarah Crossan - 3.5/5
• League of Strays by L.B. Schulman - 2.5/5

And the book of the month goes to...

 

In the end there was only one book that could be my book of the month and that is Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick. I loved this series and the last book in this series is no different as I loved this book too. I am sad that the series has come to an end but what an end it was and I will be rereading this series at some point. For full review click here.

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #56

It's Monday What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey in which we plan our reading week!
(Click on images to send you to Goodreads)

Finished Reading

(Click on title for review)

 

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer 

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

 

Reread both these books in time to watch the film which I loved and I will do a review for the film in a couple of weeks as I don't want to give anything away.

 

 

Currently Reading

 

Destined by P.C. & Kristin Cast

Not too bad a book but I feel like nothing is really happening. Now that I have finished my rereads I will definitely get this one finished this week.

 

Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile

Like Destined I will definitely get this one finished this week. I feel like I have been reading this one for ages yet last week I never even read it.

 

 

Reading Next

 

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I can't wait to start this series I have heard nothing but great things about it so I am sure I will enjoy it too.

 

The Trouble with Nightingale by Amaleen Ison

If you read my post a couple of weeks ago you would have seen that I was planning on reading this but I never got around to it so I'm going to try again.

 

 

 

So that's my week of reading planned let me know what your reading or leave me links to your post so I can take a look.

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Breaking Dawn (Twilight Saga #4) by Stephenie Meyer

May contain spoilers from both the book and the film

 

Format: Hardback

Publishers: ATOM

Published: 4th August 2008

Pages: 756

Main Characters: Bella, Edward, Jacob

Reread Date Started: 13th November 2012

Reread Date Finished: 16th November 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

WHEN YOU LOVED THE ONE WHO WAS KILLING YOU, IT LEFT YOU NO OPTIONS. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved?

To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to a werewolf Jacob Black, she has endured a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife to reach the ultimate turning point. her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fate of two tribes hangs.

Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating and unfathomable consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life - first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse - seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed...forever?
 

I just had to reread this book before I went to see the film which I wasn't sure that I was going to make it but I am pleased to say I read it just in time.

This is my second favourite cover of this particular series  as I love the black and white with a hint of red. Again it hasn't nothing to do with the book but I do like that they used it in the film (BD part 1).

As well as the cover being my second favourite this is my second favourite book as I love the humour in this one I found myself laughing at different scenes especially my favourite where Bella and Emmett have an arm wrestle match. I did feel a little disappointed with there being no real action it was a bit anti-climatic. I loved that we got to see things from Jacob's point of view as I always wonder what other people are thinking so it was nice to see. I think this book could have been better with it split into two separate books like the film did it would have been easier to take in everything as I kept forgetting what happened during the beginning while reading the end.

Bella I felt was a bit better in this book as she finally got what she wanted and she was a bit less selfish once she was a vampire. Edward I loved just as much as I did in the first one. I liked Jacob a little more than before too as with seeing things from his side I felt what he was going through. Emmett was his charming self and I just love him as nearly everything that I found funny had him in the scene. I love all the new characters that we was introduced to especially Renesmee she was so sweet and it was nice to see the interaction with her and everyone else. I also loved the relationship between Edward and Bella especially the wedding it was just so sweet.

Overall It was a great end to the series I just wish it was an epic ending.

 

Book Review: Eclipse (Twilight Saga #3) by Stephenie Meyer

(May contain spoilers)

 

Format: Paperback

Publishers: ATOM

Published: 7th August 2007

Pages: 628

Main Characters: Bella, Edward, Jacob

Reread Date Started: 11th November 2012

Reread Date Finished: 13th November 2012

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob - knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?
 

 I felt the need to reread this series before the film came out so instead of starting with the last one I thought why not reread the whole series?

This cover is one of my least favourites from the series as it's just a broken ribbon. Although I don't feel as though it makes sense to the series I do love the composition as it makes the cover look less plain.

Eclipse isn't my favourite of the series but it's also not my least favourite either so I was a little more excited to reread this one than New Moon. I love that there is a bit of action in this book although that doesn't come until closer to the end. I also love that it makes me laugh especially in a couple of scenes I was laughing out loud. There is more to the romance in this one where it's more of a love triangle and yes I could see the draw to both of them but it was a bit too predictable honestly who else was she going to choose?

Bella was just as selfish maybe even more so in this one and for most part I didn't understand where she was coming from. Edward at the beginning I was actually getting annoyed with as he just seemed far too controlling which wasn't very nice to read. Although he does get better and in the end I understand him. Jacob I loved just as much as New Moon and I really did feel for him for the most part anyway as he did get a bit annoying towards the end but again I understood where he was coming from. I like that we got to see more of the other characters in this one as I think they make the book that much better especially Emmett!

Overall a good book but it did have it's annoying moments.

 

Teaser Tuesday #47

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! To find out more about the books click on the picture which will take you to Goodreads.




My Teasers:

Destined by P.C. & Kristin Cast

And we walked into a future that was already making my stomach clench and feel like a raging IBS episode was going to hit me at any moment.
Ah, hell. - Page 22

I decided to chose this teaser as I don't feel like it will give anything away which I found hard to find with this being book 9. I also haven't read much of it yet so I don't know what to think about it as of yet.

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

"Ow! OW!" I screamed, frantically hopping up and down in agony while I clutched my hand to my chest. It was broken I could feel it.
Jacob stared at me in shock. "Are you all right?"
"No, dammit! You broke my hand!" - Page 331

Like the first teaser I had problems finding a teaser that didn't spoil anything for anyone hasn't read/seen it. I chose this one because I found it one of the funniest scenes it makes me laugh everytime I read this particular part.

Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile

After a long, awkward moment, we start talking about school, everyone, gossiping a little even, and she, too, asks me about Tomas. Lacey really grilled me the other night. I tell her that we are just friends as my phone goes off in my hoodie pocket. I pull it out, and see that it’s a text from Tomas asking how my house arrest is going. My face instantly reddens, and she begins to laugh. - Page 50

I may still be reading this book but it doesn't mean I don't like it, it's just I am reading a lot of books so I haven't gotten around to reading this one yet but I'm sure that will change as of next week. (Teaser may differ to final copy as this is from an arc copy)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #55

It's Monday What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey in which we plan our reading week!
(Click on images to send you to Goodreads)

Finished Reading

(Click on title for review)

 

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

 New Moon by Stephenie Meyer 

 

 

Currently Reading

 

Destined by P.C & Kristin Cast

Not read much of this book as of yet but it seems alright although not the best book I've ever read.

 

Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile

I still haven't gotten around to finishing this book yet but that's not because it's bad more that I am reading two other books at the same time.

 

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

I'm now onto rereading this book which I like a little bit more than New Moon but still not as good as the first.

 

 

Reading Next

 

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

With me trying to get this series reread before Friday I will be mainly focusing on this series rather than starting new books.

 

 

 

So that's what I'm read/reading this week let me know what your reading.

Book Review: New Moon (Twilight Saga #1) by Stephenie Meyer

May contain spoilers.

 

Format: Paperback

Publishers: ATOM

Published: 30th September 2007

Pages: 563

Main Characters: Bella, Edward, Jacob

Reread Date Started: 8th November 2012

Reread Date Finished: 11th November 2012

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could ever have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning...
 

So with me rereading this series I had to read this one again but this is always the one that I look forward to the least.

Out of the four covers I would say this is my second favourite cover as I love the flower being white with the blood it just looks the most effective.

Like I said this is my least favourite book out of this series as I just think there was far too long and half of it wasn't needed. With me only rereading it I found that I skipped most of the book but I still knew what was going on. There was parts that I loved just as much as the first book but it just wasn't enough to make me rate it any higher. For most of the book I was eye rolling but then the very beginning I enjoyed until that fatal moment then it spiralled from there. There is parts throughout the slow parts where it was really good but it wasn't until about 200 pages left when it picked up making me not want to put it down. I do think this book is better when you read it for the first time but once you read it for a second or even third time it gets a bit too much.

Bella is the most annoying character ever in this book as she is whining for pretty much half of this book which it did get very annoying. I found she was also very selfish and just a drama queen. Edward isn't in this book that much but I did like him maybe not as much as the first one but I still liked him. We did get to see Jacob a lot more in this book and I actually seem to like him more than I did before maybe it has something to do with the film ;)

Overall not a bad book but it was a bit too over dramatic for me.

Book Review: Twilight (Twilight Saga #1) by Stephenie Meyer

 

Format: Paperback

Publishers: ATOM

Published: 23rd April 2007

Pages: 434

Main Characters: Bella, Edward, Jacob

Date Started (reread): 4th November 2012

Date Finished (reread): 8th November 2012

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret. What Bella doesn't realize is that the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be too late to turn back ...
 

When I first read this book it was back when the films had yet to be released and I was watching E News! and they where talking to the cast. It sounded like a good film so when I found out that it was a book I had to try it first and I loved it. I loved it so much that I read it again straight after I had finished it. Ever since then I have had a love/hate relationship with this book but with the last part coming out soon I thought I would give them another go and I'm glad I did.

The cover I do love especially with it being simplistic however the cover has nothing to do with the book so I don't get why this particular cover was used. The cover is now very iconic and inspired a scene in the film but I wish it tied in with the book.

The first time I read this book I rated it 5/5 but now that I have read loads more books that I love even more I thought it would be best to lower the rating to 4.5/5 not much I know but I still love it nearly as much as before. Now that I have read other books I now know that I love a bit of action but this is where this book is lacking I would say this is closer to just a romance book than paranormal not that I mind as I do love a romance I just needed more. I am very much addicted to this book as before seeing as I just wanted to read this book and not the others that I was also reading which I was surprised at as one of the other books that I was reading is another one of my favourites. I am glad that I reread Twilight as there is some scenes that isn't in the film that I love in the book so it was nice to revisit them.

With the characters I am still very much team Edward but again after reading other books I have found that I prefer a bit of a bad boy and even though Edward is a vampire I would in no way say he is a bad boy. Bella is just plain weak compared to other female leads and I would even say she is selfish. Jacob we don't get to see much of in this book but I still enjoyed the parts the parts that he was in. Emmett was never my favourite character in the books but I loved him in the films but I thought that was down to the actor but now that I have reread the book I realize I love his character as I found myself smiling at some of the things that he said so I can't wait to reread the rest of the series just to see the funny side to Emmett.

Overall I can now see the weak points to Twilight but I can forgive them as I just love the romance side of it. I will also be very grateful to (the first time I read it) Twilight as since reading it, it had given me back the love of reading.

Teaser Tuesday #46

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! To find out more about the books click on the picture which will take you to Goodreads.




My Teasers:

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

"I'll bring my stuff over later this week. My mom is driving me crazy, and we both agree I need somewhere else to crash for a while. Your place is as good as any. Well, I for one am glad we had this talk. If there's one thing my dad taught me, it's that Nephilim stick together." - Page 75



Good start to the last book which is why I picked this teaser as it doesn't give anything away if you have only read a couple of the books.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Another complication, Edward had said.
Billy still stared at me with intense, anxious eyes. I groaned internally. Had Billy recognized Edward so easily? Could he really believe the impossible legends his son had scoffed at?
The answer was clear in Billy's eyes. Yes. Yes, he could. - Page 206


I thought I would pick a less obvious quote from this book. I must also say I seem to be just as addicted to this book as the first time I read it.

Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile

"If I feel overwhelmed, I will not be afraid or ashamed. I am who I am; no one can change that. I am strong and brave. I am worth my life." This is the mantra my therapist wants me to tell myself, to remember my value. The hallway has emptied, and I close my locker, afraid that I might be late on my first day. - Page 6 (Quote may differ to final copy as this is from an arc)


This book I have only just started but it seems good so far just not as good as the first in this series.

It's Monday What Are You Reading? #54

It's Monday What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey in which we plan our reading week!
(Click on images to send you to Goodreads)

Finished Reading

(Click on title for review)

 

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

Really bad week of reading hopefully that will change this week.

 

 

Currently Reading

 

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

Only just started it but I am already enjoying it can't wait to see how it all ends.

 

Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile

Again only just started but I feel this one hasn't started as good as Becoming a Butterfly but I'm hoping it will pick up soon.

 

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

This is a reread as I'm hoping to get the series in before I go see the film although I don't think I will but I'm going to give it a go.

 

 

Reading Next

 

Destined by P.C. & Kristin Cast

 

The Trouble With Nightingale by Amaleen Ison

This book is only 38 pages long so I'm sure I will get it read pretty quick.

 

 

 

 

So that's everything I am going to read this week please leave links below to your posts or just let me know what your reading.