Monday, April 23, 2012

Mature Monday's (1): Fifty Shades of Grey

Mature Monday's is a feature I've decided I'd like to host on the blog. You don't have to participate if you don't want too - although I find it hard as a Young Adult reviewer to post more Adult content such as reviews for romance novels, erotica, etc. SO! I have designated Monday's as my day for my adult review of choice. It can be of a book, of a TV show or of a Movie. I don't know if anyone is going to be interested in participating but for now if you'd like to participate leave a comment with the link to your review or post about an adult orientated topic :)
To start us of I thought I would post a compilation review of ALL 3 Fifty Shades of Grey novels devoured of the last 4 days of my life! Its a bit long, but I think does each book enough justice to quicken your heartbeat and make you weak in the knees!

Review: Fifty Shades of Grey Series by E.L. James

There are only a few words that could describe this series as a whole accurately enough … steamy seductive … and enchanting. I know enchanting is not a word usually associated with erotic romance, but "Fifty Shades of Grey", "Fifty Shades Darker", and "Fifty Shades Freed" all had an enchanting aspect to them which made this series all the more addicting. As many have probably seen throughout twitter, facebook and goodreads.com - all last week I could not put these books down! They literally haunted my dreams - I fell asleep reading them, and woke up thinking “what is going to happen next?!” “is she going to stay with him” “Can he give more?” - it was a little unnerving, and I don’t think I have ever felt this strongly about an erotic romance series before. Yes the word erotic does put most people off because they think they’re going to be labelled as one of “THOSE” people who reads dirty smutty romance, and HECK Fifty Shades has exactly that, kinky sex. But without the “smut” it wouldn’t have been as exciting, or irresistible as it was - it just wouldn’t have been my Fifty Shades of fucked up (one of my favourite descriptors used by Ana the main female character).

Because this is a compilation review of all three books, I am going to break down my review into small paragraphs about each book, and then my overall thoughts.


Fifty Shades of Grey: I was a bit unsure about how I felt about this book at first. I wasn’t sure if I was going to love Anastasia Steele as a main character or Christian Grey for that matter. Both seemed doomed from the start, Ana a sweet inexperienced girl fresh out of University, and Christian the control freak, and dark business tycoon almost on the verge of obsession with Ana just within the first couple of pages. Although I enjoy a fast paced novel this one seemed to move at lightening pace. So much happened in such a short period of time - I loved and hated that aspect of the book. I wanted to savour Ana & Christians love affair for what it was - just sex. But it turned into so much more by the last page, my mind was basically spinning out of control due to pure confusion and anticipation I HAD to have the next book as soon as I could. Overall I was not worried about the kinky sex scenes, but was worried about the over the top too quick “I Love Yous” that normally happen within romance novels. But Fifty Shades did not disappoint at all, there were some overly romantic periods, and we were touch and go for a bit but in the end I enjoyed the first of this fabulous series much more than I had anticipated.

Fifty Shades Darker: The one thing I absolutely loved about this series was how they wasted no time getting straight into the story. Picking up from the heart wrenching conclusion of the last novel, Ana and Christian are once again thrown into their passionate love affair. Christian is still an overbearing control freak, but Ana not so shy anymore and learning that not everything has to be HIS way, has become a force to be reckoned with. She has grown into a dominant, and confident young woman, who is the perfect match for her Fifty Shades. Although still trying to convince Christian of this and her feelings, she learns more and more about his past which explains why he is the way that he is in the present. The audience also gets a better glimpse at Christians family life, two adopted siblings (like himself) and a very successful mother and father. I enjoyed getting to know all the other characters a bit more as Ana was - I felt like I was connected through her to everything that was going on. I felt everything she was feeling towards her best friend Kate, Christian, and even the evil seductress Elena. I was so enthralled with book number 2 I couldn’t believe it had ended when it did. Now don’t get me wrong this series is not only about their romance, it also had some dark rooted drama that only leads to stronger and more predominate drama within the third book. The best thing about this series, and also its worst is how all three books happen within about 6 months - EVERYTHING that happens happens so quickly it almost feels unrealistic at times. But pushing that aside, the second book did not disappoint at all - infact I think it is a fantastic bridge between the beginning and end of the story (obviously); giving enough to the reader to lure them back in but also leaving enough for the end of the book that we are blown away!
Fifty Shades Freed: BY FAR my favourite of the three! I usually NEVER say that about books because I am so unhappy that the series has ended. But with Fifty Shades you want to know what happens in the end, you wish and hope that everything works out for the best and reading about Ana and Christians seductive journey is the best part! I actually had to pace myself with this book because I just didn’t want the series to end, I wanted to savor each and every page of this book, but at the same time the anticipation and suspense was eating away at me! I cannot say too much about how this book turned out because I do not want to ruin it for people who are wanting to read it or currently, but there are some mind blowing turn of events, some major explosions from Christian and Ana, but in the end I gave in and couldn’t help myself slowly swooning over their passionate and undying love for one another. Corny as it may sound, the reader cannot help but smile everytime Christian and Ana are together in this book. In the end I thought that the epilogue was the best part of the book. After everything the two of these individuals have gone through, betrayal, heartbreak, pain and fear - you just want them to end up happy with one another, they almost deserve that in the end. Although the third book is written differently than the rest meaning that more time takes place within fewer pages, and a lot less happens drama wise, it is still a quick paced and well written conclusion to one epic love story. Final Thoughts: Overall this series is definitely 5 out of 5 stars all the way through. There is nothing I would change about these books, every aspect fits perfectly with each character's personalities. Christian Grey although not my favourite character at first, haunted my dreams, and is definitely one book boyfriend I am going to covet forever! (so back off girls :D haha!) He quickens your heart beat, and makes you weak in the knees for a romance such as theirs. Although unorthodox throughout the entire series, Ana and Christian in the end were the perfect match and character combination! It was refreshing to meet a well educated and insightful young lady who loves literature as much as myself. If anything I would highly suggest this series to anyone not afraid of kinky sex between the pages. It was and is a seductive whirlwind of emotions that grips you until the very last page of the series. A wonderfully written story, that is strongly plot and character driven. A good mixture of crazy ex girlfriends, hidden secrets, and an insatiable need for love, the "Fifty Shades of Grey" series delivers all that and much much more.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

In My Mailbox (24): VIDEO is BACK!

"In my Mailbox" is a weekly meme hosted by the fantastic Kristi "the Story Siren". Bloggers are able to post what new books they've received either by buying, borrowing, on loan from the library, or publisher sent throughout the past week.

EEEP! So many AWESOME
adult books I got over the last two weeks, BUT also so many great Y.A. novels! I am so excited to share them with you all this week AND be able to do it through video (FINALLY got my sound fixed) - ENJOY!

Shout Outs!
Giselle @ Book Nerd

NEW FEATURE! I've been trying to plan a way to share my addiction of the adult genre on my blog, and I have decided to dubb mondays - "Mature Mondays" where I'll be posting reviews, or videos, or any posting to do with mature content, may it be books, TV shows or Movies in the last week I want to review. If you would be interested in participating in this "feature" let me know in the comments section and perhaps I'll look into getting a "InLinkz" link :)

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (28)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by "Breaking the Spine" were bloggers can post their anticipated upcoming publications! This week I've chosen a new author for me, but some of you may know her from her wolf series, Shiver.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Expected Publication: September 18, 2012


There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

"It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive."

"Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her."

"His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble."

"But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys. For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.
"

Thoughts: Seeing as this is a new author for me I can't really comment on the writing style I'll be expecting, although I do love the synopsis and overall premisis of this novel! I honestly think after reading about Rachel Vincents "Soul Screamer" novels I have become hooked on anything to do with "seers" and spirits and reapers and such. Maggie seems to be delivering an entirely new and different twist on the lore of these seers with the opening statement, "either you're his true love ... or you killed him". It really sparks my curiousity because the main character, Blue has been destined to kill her true love! So along with an opening in a graveyard (creepy) we also have a "love" interest. AND who are these Raven Boys - I am dying to know more about them as well. This book just screams unanswered questions that BEG to be answered! Annnnd of course the cover art! *sigh* how could you not just love the cover - I know its not the typical beautiful girl or handsome boy, but still in itself speaks volumes of what you can expect for this upcoming publication. I just love the placement of everything, very catching to the eye, and also the eye's in the wing of the raven - creeepy! Keep on the look out for this book once September hits, I have a feeling I'll be diving into this one around Halloween :)

Monday, April 9, 2012

Cover Reveal: "Blue Moon" by Julie Belfield

Today we are hosting another fantastic cover reveal for the author Julie Belfied! Her series the "Holloway Pack" as taken off with enthusiasm and love for these new found paranormal romances. Just a little bit about the lovely Julie, she lives in Solihull, England, with her husband, two children, three cats and a dog. She writes paranormal romance, with a second love for urban fantasy!

"Blue Moon" by J.A. Belfield
Expected Publication: December 2012
Publisher: J. Taylor Publishing

"Someone is watching the Holloway Pack, and this time, the female isn’t the target. Life with a group of seven male werewolves worries Jem Stonehouse not one bit. She is engaged to the Alpha’s son Sean Holloway after all. So what has Jem’s territorial instincts on high alert? The pack’s latest addition. Both of them. None of the men think there’s a problem with the new girlfriends. Jem’s intuition tells her otherwise—that and a nagging suspicion the new females aren’t there to partake.Jem believes they’ve joined in to take.The question is ... What? As the eve of the blue moon draws ever closer, Jem’s running out of time to find the answer and outwit a thief of the worst possible kind."

"A woman who believes she can’t lose."

THE COVER ...

My Thoughts: I can't tell you how much I adore this cover! Being the "cover coveter" that I am, I have loved both of the cover reveals I have done for Julie. This one in particular I can't get enough of! Simple with only a few items drawing your eye, not too busy, and clearly describing the title. The women on the left hand side is placed perfectly to not draw too much attention to her (even though she is wearing almost a sheer gown) but to give most of the attention to the title, and also the pale blue moon (in the upper right hand corner). The cover is almost seductive in a way with the use of the different hues of blue, and also the curves of the womens body in line with the title! I just can't get enough of this cover, I could rant and rave about it for hours on end!

Check out the other Holloway Pack Novels: HERE!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

In My Mailbox (23): Two Weeks Worth!


"In my Mailbox" is a weekly meme hosted by the fantastic Kristi "the Story Siren". Bloggers are able to post what new books they've received either by buying, borrowing, on loan from the library, or publisher sent throughout the past week.

This weeks post is an accumulation of two weeks, and I apologize to those who enjoy my video rants about books, but my microphone has stopped working so I couldn't record sound. I hope these photo's will help until I get it fixed, lol! ENJOY :)


HAPPY EASTER! (and if you don't celebrate) HAPPY SUNDAY!


"The Opposite of Tidy" by Carrie Mac
April has been deemed Carrie Mac MONTH! :) RazOrbill will be having a Live Chat & Giveaways!!
"Black City" by Elizabeth Richards
"War Brothers" by Sharon E. McKay

"Wither" by Lauren DeStephano
"White Cat" by Holly Black
I have been told on multiple occassions how awesome these two books are ... *cough* Browsing Bookshelves* ... (lol!) So I decided to pick both up & one was on sale!

"City of Fallen Angels" by Cassandra Clare
"Graceling" by Kristin Cashore
BOTH! Have been on my "to buy" list forever! I have read "Graceling" but want to re-read before "Bitterblue" & "City of Fallen Angels" I NEED to read before "City of Lost Souls" comes out :) Worked out quite well! lol

"Above" by Leah Bobet
I actually won this from the lovely Mountie 9 (Jenn - I think, LOL) host of "Misbehavin' Librarian" (AWESOME BLOG!) - I am super excited about this book & can't wait to start it!

"Daimon" by Jennifer L. Armentrout
"Half-Blood" by Jennifer L. Aremntrout
BOTH sent to me by Brenna host of "Esther's Ever After" (FABULOUS BLOG!) - She is so incredbly sweet and wanted to spread the love (and her obsession, LOL!) with Jennifer L. Armentrout series! I can't thank her enough for sending me these two - I know Im going to LOVE them!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

150+ Follower Giveaway: WINNERS!!

Thank you to everyone who participated, and welcome to everyone new! (SO sorry it has taken me a week to post the winners, my family and I had a little bit of some issues last week, so it has been hectic) BUT! I would like to take this time to announce the winners for the (1) Y.A. Book & (1) Adult Book of their choice... *drum roll* ...

(1) Y.A. Book: Emily Kaiser
&
(1) Adult Book: Bonnie

CONGRATULATIONS ladies!! I will be emailing you both soon for your snail mail address, and which book you'd like to receive!

Waiting On Wednesday (27): We're BACK!

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by "Breaking the Spine" were bloggers can post their anticipated upcoming publications!

I am pleased to be back in April with some more Waiting on Wednesday posts! The Blog & I, kind of took a hiatus from everything in general during March - trying to finish up school, and deal with multitude of family issues. BUT! With spring on its way (BAH! I love the sun) and some AMAZING books coming out we are back in business! SO! Without further adieu I give you my WoW pick for this week.

"The Friday Society" by Adrienne Kress
Expected Publication: December 6, 2012
Publisher: Dial (Penguin Group USA)

"Be your own hero..."

"Set in London at the turn of the last century, the novel follows the stories of three intelligent and very talented young women, all of whom are assistants to very powerful men: Cora, lab assistant to a member of parliament; Michiko, Japanese fight assistant to a martial arts guru; and Nellie, a magician's assistant. The three young women’s lives become inexorably intertwined after a chance meeting at a ball that ends with the discovery of a murdered mystery man."

"It’s up to these three, in their own charming but bold way, to solve the murder—and the crimes they believe may be connected to it‐‐without calling too much attention to themselves."

Thoughts: I had the luxury of meeting Adrienne Kress at our RazOrbill launch party in February - she was absolutely the type of author and person I can see myself being friends with! She is just - AWESOME - there is no other word to describe her :) When she was telling me about her upcoming debut Y.A. novel, I couldn't help but be excited, and captivated about these three women she has woven such an exciting mystery around! Now seeing the cover, and full synopsis on goodreads.com, I remember why I adore steampunk, and Adrienne so much. But honestly, just LOOK at that cover! On first glance I instantly thought "these girls are "Bad-Ass"! - one is holding a samuri sword, one is holding a gun, and the other looks like she could bewitch you with one glare! The synopsis keeps you even more captivated, who doesn't want a good mystery entangled with strong, and independant women? The catch phrase "Be your own hero..." I couldn't help thinking this is the perfect book for me. I adore a rebellious heroine driven plot, and Adrienne is delivering THREE all in one story. I just couldn't be more excited about this upcoming Steampunk novel; be on the look out come winter 2012, "The Friday Society" is going to take the bookshelves by storm!