Super Short Update!

Hi guys!

I'll make this short and sweet because I'm at the moment kidnapping the boyfriend's computer because my laptop has sadly broken down :( It keeps overheating and shutting down and UGH! I ordered a new one and it should get here somewhere in the following week, but in the meantime, I'll probably not be around so much.

See you on my shiny new laptop and I hope you're all having a relaxing Sunday!

Review of Raven Flight by Juliet Marillier

Title/Author: Raven Flight (Shadowfell #2) by Juliet Marillier
Publisher/Date published: Knopf Books For Young Readers, July 9th 2013
How I got this book: received it from the publisher as an egalley
Buy this book at: The Book Depository

Goodreads summary: Neryn has finally found the rebel group at Shadowfell, and now her task is to seek out the elusive Guardians, vital to her training as a Caller. These four powerful beings have been increasingly at odds with human kind, and Neryn must prove her worth to them. She desperately needs their help to use her gift without compromising herself or the cause of overthrowing the evil King Keldec.

Neryn must journey with the tough and steadfast Tali, who looks on Neryn's love for the double agent Flint as a needless vulnerability. And perhaps it is. What Flint learns from the king will change the battlefield entirely — but in whose favor, no one knows.

***WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES***

So I REALLY enjoyed Shadowfell, this is my kind of fantasy and I cannot believe that this is still the only series/book by Juliet Marillier I've read so far! I mean, seriously, I'm loving this, I should really start reading more of her books!

So in Shadowfell we left Neryn at Shadowfell with the rebels and Flint going and risking his life by going back to the evil king and returning to his spying. Just as this achingly sweet romance was developing between them and I had started loving Flint myself and GAH, he's just such a good character!!
So I was kinda sad that we don't really get to see all that much of him in Raven Flight.

But we do see a LOT more of Neryn! She is really growing as a person and a Caller and it is amazing to watch! She's toughening up, manning up, gearing herself up for this enormous task that's been placed on her shoulders. She's standing up to Tali, forging connections with the folk who live below Shadowfell, building bridges and generally being awesome. I mean, sure, the pining for Flint got a little bit annoying at times, but hey, I'd probably have been doing the same thing. It was just a bit boring to read about sometimes.

I love all the different beings we come across, both the new ones and the ones we were already introduced to in Shadowfell. I really liked that while they may not be really be all that excited to join the humans in their war, they are slowly coming around and willing to make changes from how things have been done for centuries. Though they're not easily swayed, they're not unreasonable.

One thing I really appreciate: Neryn is really thinking about what it will do to all these beings if she Calls them for the battle. Or for anything else really. She's not willing to just throw their lives away or mess with them because it might come in handy for her. She actually realises that with this power she has a responsibility as well and I like that. She's not just using her gift left and right to make her own life easier and I respect that.
Also, I loved that while Neryn is a pretty fast learner, it's not insta-power, you know? She has to work hard for it and her teachers do not let her take the easy road.

And guys, can I just say how much I love Tali? Seriously, that girl got on my nerves at first, but over the course of this book, I've really grown to love her. She's not the warm and fuzzy type, but she's fiercely loyal and OMG, this one scene towards the end made me REALLY respect her. I don't want to give anything away, but she totally fooled me.

There were heartbreaking moments (one that made me go AAAH!!! THAT DID NOT JUST HAPPEN) and beautiful moments and romantic moments and I really loved it! Sometimes I wish there would actually be a magic battle, we did have some minor ones, but I guess I'm just straining for the epic battle that is sure to come in the next book!
There's one major revelation at the end that left me gasping and seriously, just GIVE ME CALLER AND NOBODY GETS HURT! I really need to know how it all ends!!

My rating: 4,5 stars

Made me crave: goat cheese salad

Review of Love and Other Scandals by Caroline Linden

Title/Author: Love and Other Scandals by Caroline Linden
Publisher/Date published: Avon, July 30th 2013
How I got this book: received it from the publisher as an egalley
Buy this book at: The Book Depository

Goodreads summary: Joan Bennet is tired of being a wallflower. Thanks to some deliciously scandalous — and infamous — stories, she has a pretty good idea of what she's missing as a spinster. Is even a short flirtation too much to ask for?

Tristan, Lord Burke, recognizes Joan at once for what she is: trouble. Not only is she his best friend's sister, she always seems to catch him at a disadvantage. The only way he can win an argument is by kissing her senseless. He'd give anything to get her out of her unflattering gowns. But either one of those could cost him his bachelor status, which would be dreadful — wouldn't it?

Guys, I was really ready to read some wonderful historical romance by an author I've come to trust to deliver just that. And Caroline Linden didn't let me down this time either!

I LOVED Joan! She's spunky and trying to catch a little freedom wherever she can, while placating her mother all at the same time. I love that she's not the swooning type and is skirting the edges of respectability with some of her actions. But maybe one of the things I loved best about her is how she was terrorizing her brother! And he totally deserved it! I loved this scene, she was just being the most obnoxious female she could possibly be and it worked! As I have a brother myself, I know that they sometimes need a little push ;) Besides, it's totally fun! (Just kidding, I'm actually a very nice sister) (most of the time anyway)

Also: I totally loved the aunt that steps in when Joan's parents have to leave town because of her mother's health. She was such an amazing lady! And I loved how she truly wanted to help Joan and helped her choose more becoming gowns instead of just following the latest fashion. Because, really, not everyone can wear everything.

But you really came here to hear me talk about The Romance right? And let me tell you: it was AWESOME! Tristan and Joan had such amazing chemistry and I truly believed that they would work as a couple! And that Joan could change his mind about marriage. I loved that they bickered and had passion and that Tristan stuffed the scandalous bit of reading material down the back of Joan's dress at a ball so it wouldn't be discovered.

So the only problem I had that the trouble at the end was resolved a bit too easily. I mean, don't get me wrong, I loved the romance between them, but something that happens towards the end had such delicious potential for heartbreak and TEARS and all of the good stuff that leads to a happy ending. And if that had been played out a bit better, this book would have gotten the full five stars probably. I was truly invested in Joan and Tristan's story though.

I love when a romance novel brings both the funny and the romance, the only thing that would have made Love and Other Scandals better would have been if it had actually made me cry!

My rating: 4,5 stars

Made me crave: chocolate

Review of True Love by Jude Deveraux

Title/Author: True Love (Nantucket Brides #1) by Jude Deveraux
Publisher/Date published: Ballantine Books, July 9th 2013
How I got this book: received it from the publisher through NetGalley
Buy this book at: The Book Depository

Goodreads summary: Just as Alix Madsen is finishing up architectural school, Adelaide Kingsley dies and wills her, for one year, the use of a charming nineteenth-century Nantucket house. The elderly woman’s relationship to the Madsen family is a mystery to the spirited Alix — fresh from a romantic breakup — but for reasons of her own Alix accepts the quirky bequest, in part because it gives her time to plan her best friend’s storybook wedding.

But unseen forces move behind the scenes, creaking Kingsley House’s ancient floorboards. It seems that Adelaide Kingsley had a rather specific task for Alix: to solve the strange disappearance of one of the Kingsley women, Valentina, more than two hundred years ago. If that wasn’t troubling enough, Alix must deal with the arrogant (and extremely good-looking) architect Jared Montgomery, who is living in the property’s guesthouse.

Unbeknown to Alix, Jared has been charged with looking after her while she lives on the island — an easy task for him, considering the undeniable chemistry between the two. But Jared harbors secrets of his own, which, if revealed, may drive a wedge between the pair.

With a glorious Nantucket wedding on the horizon, sparks fly, and the ghosts of the past begin to reveal themselves — some of them literally. Finding their lives inextricably entwined with the turbulent fortunes of their ancestors, Alix and Jared discover that only by righting the wrongs of the past can they hope to be together.

I'll admit that I'm more of a historical romance kinda girl, there's just something about the big dresses and forbidden affairs and all that, that makes my heart beat a little faster. BUT True Love by Jude Deveraux proved to me that I can just as easily love a good contemporary romance!!

I must say that, not being from the US, I'd never heard much about Nantucket before. And OMG, it sounds completely AMAZING!! I can totally understand the Nantucketers dislike of tourists, cluttering up their beautiful island, especially because they have this tight community going on. So yes, I very much fell in love with the idea of this island and all the gorgeous houses Jude Deveraux describes.

And I loved seeing it all through Alix's eyes! She's a spunky, intelligent girl and generally a good person. I liked that she was fresh out of architectural school and 26, because I can totally relate to being done with your education and holla for a heroine that's close to my age! She's a little starstruck by Jared at first, but once she gets over that I loved that she doesn't hesitate to give her own opinion, even if he is one of the greatest architects of America.
And Jared was swoonworthy! Admittedly, he was a little grouchy at first, but once he gets over that and shows his true character, I fell for him right along with Alix. They had such great chemistry and their banter was really fun to read! They had a lot in common and I actually believed their lovestory.

So I was pretty intrigued by the whole mystery about one of Jared's ancestor's and had thought that the book would be centered around finding the answers. But it actually kinda wasn't. And that's one thing I didn't like. I mean, Alix's whole reason for being on this island is that she is supposed to look for answers regarding Valentina's disappearance and she doesn't even really look for them until pretty much the last couple of chapters. She didn't seem remotely interested in this. And ok, I get that there's a sexy man around and you're designing beautiful houses and such together, but really, it was all just SO MYSTERIOUS!! I wouldn't have been able to control my curiosity.

Another thing that I liked somewhat less was that the ending felt rushed and Alix and Jared's relationship was rushed right along with it. I know there's this thing when people say when you know, you just know. But really, they've only KNOWN each other for what, two months? I wouldn't put on a wedding dress after two months.

But for the most part while reading this book I was just smiling and happily moving along in whatever direction Jude Deveraux took us with this story! And it is a beautiful story, I'm very much looking forward to the other books in the trilogy!!

Jude Deveraux combined all those things I love in a romance novel: a heroine I could root for, a manly swoonworthy hero, secondary characters to steal my heart and hold a promise for future books, witty, engaging writing and just a romance that makes me smile!

My rating: 4 stars

Made me crave: pancakes!!

Daisy Update (47)

Hi guys!

I hope you've been having an amazing week! I sure did :)

It's wonderful to have all these days of lovely summer weather and basically having not much better to do than sit around, reading a book and doing fun things with friends! :D

Monday was a quiet day, I went to the lake just outside of the city and lay there all day, relaxing, trying to get my legs to show some other color than white (alas, they are not cooperating). For the first time in about 5 days I just stayed in at night with the boyfriend, which was nice!

On Tuesday we drove over to some of our friends who were on vacation about an hour away by car and had a lovely barbecue with them. It's so nice that we get to do stuff with other couples! We have some couple-friends, but not many that we actually hang out with often. These two are so much fun and like to eat and chat, just like we do, so it was really fun!

On Wednesday I went to the spa with one of my friends. Yes, again ;) I love going to the sauna and one of my friends wanted to try it and I had this coupon I'd gotten a while ago lying around... I love hanging out with her and catching up and just basically talking all day and relaxing in the sauna and the hot tub. And they have a salt bath! I love floating around in that, I pretty much always fall asleep there, it's wonderful!
We both got these really pretty tea mugs, here's mine:

Cute, right? And it has this thing where I can put my tea in and a little cover and I'm just very much in love with my new mug :) I already had a ton, but this one is different. Obviously.

At night we went to a concert in a church, which was so amazing! It's such a lovely setting for a concert and the acoustic is wonderful! As part of the festivities surrounding the four day walking event they're having all these concerts and performances all over the city and this was one of the special things they organised. After we hung out at another stage with some friends for a bit before heading home.

Thursday I did nothing but complain about my abs hurting. And read. It was a good day.

Friday was the last day of the walking event and I met up with some of my friends for dinner and after we went out in the city, where we met up with the boyfriend and some of our other friends. It's been so lovely out that we could just stay outside at one of the outdoor performances and dance and chat with friends. It was so much fun!

Saturday had me a bit exhausted from Friday's activities ;) But I pulled myself together and met up with some friends for a bit of shopping and then a high wine, which was fun, but we probably won't do it again. You get 2 glasses of wine and some snacks. We can probably also get this by just going to a restaurant, but it was fun to try it sometime.
I bought this totally cute bag and scarve and jeans and two really nice shirts :) Almost all of it was on sale, so yay! I think I'm most in love with my bag, I'll show you guys a picture next week, as I'm totally lazy and don't want to get up so snap a picture now ;)

The boyfriend and I will be escaping to the lake in a couple of hours, because it's totally hot and sunny and YAY SUMMER! It's way to nice to stay at the apartment! Tonight we're going out to dinner with my parents at a really lovely restaurant, YAY FOOD!

Oh, and I've started doing Blogilates and guys, I'm LOVING IT! It's so much fun, but it hurts so much! But at least I know I'm actually using the muscles Cassey mentions we should be using because they hurt the next day ;) I've been doing a bit of little-old-lady walking because of it, but oh well, it's for a good cause. I really want to get in shape a bit more, but I hate working out and this is just a lot of fun and I can do it at home, which totally helps.

I hope you're all enjoying amazing weather and a lovely weekend as well!

Daisy Discussion: Audible!

So today I'm talking about Audible. It may not be like my usual Daisy Discussions, but it's still a discussion.

I was contacted by the lovely people over at Audible, asking if I wanted to try out Audible as part of the outreach program and then write about it on my little old blog here. I've been getting so many recommendations to try out audiobooks and I'd heard good things about this particular site to get them, so I was pretty excited to give this a go!

I've been exploring the site and searching for random books from my TBR list and I have to say that I was pretty happy with the selection they offered! There were hardly any books that I couldn't find and I'm not even sure if the books I couldn't find even had an audiobook.
The site is very user friendly and easy to navigate and I like that you can make a wishlist. I got one free credit and it felt a bit like shopping in a candystore with just one dollar when I was a kid and couldn't decide what to spend my saved up allowance on!

In the end I chose Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay and guys, I'm loving it! It's so nice to be able to do mindless stuff around the house and not have it feel like a complete waste of time because I'm listening to a book while doing it!

I liked that Audible has an app for your phone, so I can walk around or go pretty much anywhere and still always have my book with me, because you know, I take my phone with me everywhere. The app is pretty handy with bookmarks and such, though one time I accidentally skipped to the next chapter and it was kinda hard to get back on track after that. But that is mostly due to my clumsiness I think.

I really think Audible.com is a great resource for audiobooks and I've actually extended my membership beyond the free trial because I like it so much! I'm hoping to get a bit more into listening to audiobooks this way and make my travelling and chores less dull. I can also see how this would be great during the 24-hour read-a-thon, because sometimes I have to go places and I hate not being able to read during those times!

So if you're interested in trying their services, the lovely people at Audible gave me a link to share with you so you get a free trial membership:

http://www.audible.com/t1/30DayGoldFT_at

It only works if you've never had a free trial before (I tried clicking it to get the link, but that didn't work ;) )

Have you tried Audible before? Have any recommendations for me as to what should be my next audiobook? Let me know!

Disclaimer: I received a free trial membership from Audible, but this in no way influenced the opinions expressed above

Blog Tour: Review of Truly, Madly, Deadly by Hannah Jayne

Title/Author: Truly, Madly, Deadly by Hannah Jayne
Publisher/Date published: Sourcebooks Fire, July 2nd 2013
How I got this book: received it from the publisher through NetGalley
Buy this book at: The Book Depository

Goodreads summary: Sawyer Dodd has it all. She's a star track athlete, choir soloist, and A-student. And her boyfriend is the handsome all-star Kevin Anderson. But behind the medals, prom pictures, and perfect smiles, Sawyer finds herself trapped in a controlling, abusive relationship with Kevin. When he dies in a drunk-driving accident, Sawyer is secretly relieved. She's free. Until she opens her locker and finds a mysterious letter signed by "an admirer" and printed with two simple words: "You're welcome."

I don't think I've ever mentioned how much I love Pretty Little Liars. The TV show, I haven't read the books yet (though the boyfriend's sister tells me they're fun). And reading Truly, Madly, Deadly felt a bit like watching an episode of Pretty Little Liars!

Sawyer was a likeable, is very much troubled, heroine. She's had to deal with her boyfriend's death and the aftermath in which she felt she couldn't admit he'd been abusing her. I'd actually thought this would be much more on the foreground though. It's mentioned and at times we see her cringe away from people because of it, but we don't really get to see exactly what he did to her. I never really felt like I knew much about Kevin and why he did what he did.

I really liked the witty banter between Sawyer and her best friend Chloe. They'd been friend for ages and it showed in how well these two knew each other. She's the stable factor in Sawyer's tumultuous home life, with a father remarrying and procreating with his new wife and her mother being far away.

I couldn't quite figure out how much time had passed between the events in Truly, Madly, Deadly and Kevin's death. It seemed fairly recent. And this also meant that although I absolutely got that he'd been hurting her, it did seem strange that she seemed so ok with everything. I don't know, the guilt she felt over kissing Cooper felt very real, but other than that I didn't really get much of an emotion from her over the whole thing.

Truly, Madly, Deadly really shows how easy it is to make someone look bad. It's very easy to get framed for something. It's very easy for someone who knows you well to come into your life and with the best intentions scare the crap out of you and do others serious harm without people finding out who it is. And OMG, IT IS SO CREEPY!! I was suspecting EVERYONE and totally didn't figure out who had done it in the end!

I zipped right through this book in about 3-3,5 hours! I was just on the edge of my cushion (lazing around on the balcony, holla) and even postponed my DINNER so I could read the end! It's a fast, easy read and I really like Hannah Jayne's writing style!

And in the end when we got told the who in the WHODUNNIT??? I was SO not expecting that! I mean, seriously, it was SUCH a surprise, but looking back I cannot believe I didn't figure it out! Hannah Jayne had definitely left clues around the novel and one big one that I am really kicking myself for not seeing! I totally loved that I couldn't see it coming form miles away, because it made it believable that Sawyer and the people around her didn't see it!

Also, reading this book and watching PLL, I'm SO happy that nothing every happened around my high school.

My rating: 4 stars

Made me crave: PIZZA!