Announcement... WE ARE ON A BREAK !!!

Hello my lovely readers and fellow book worms and bibliophiles!!

How are you all? 

I am writing to you today to share with you a small announcement. 

THE SECRET READING GARDEN is on a break!!! 

WHAT?!? WHY?!?!

As you have noticed, the last couple of months have been quite ones. There wasn't enough reviews or posts. And it's completely my fault. My life and it's newest development got in the way. 

Before you ask, no it's not a fault of new found love or new boyfriend. Actually, I am still happily single waiting for the one guy to realise I am here!! Liam Hemsworth, Henry Cavill or Nick Bateman are just taking their time :)

There was a lot of happening. As you may or may not know I am applying to become a citizen of United Kingdom. Yes, I have been living here for past 9 years and I feel like it's time for me to make this huge step for my future. So I've been working to pay for the application and studying for various tests and exams - it's like being back at school to be honest. 

Secondly, I am moving to the Bronte Country - specifically to Haworth :) I have been living with my housemates/friends in our house for past 5 years. And after recently celebrating my 30th birthday (hey, Thirty is the new Twenty!!), I have decided to try it on my own. So there is a lot of happening around that. I need to plan the moving, buying new furniture, paying off bills etc.. You know how it goes when you are changing your location. There is so much to be paid for. But I am excited for the new chapter to start. 

So with it said, I have realise that I have been an awful blogger in last couple of months, so I have decided to take a break until new year. As you know, Sara agreed to be a part of our little family and together we are working hard to make this blog and its content loveable and enjoyable. So we have decided to take a break and concentrate on sorting our lives which would mean better things for the future of this blog. 

There are couple of surprise in works for you. I am planning many new adventures and ideas for you which I cannot wait to share with you .

So don't worry, we are not disappearing for ever!!! We are taking a little tiny break, and then we will be back with a boom and amazing content. So bare with us!!! 

Thank you for continuous support! See you in new year of 2016 !!!

In the meanwhile... HAPPY READING!!!!

Zuz & Sara 

xoxo

Sarra Manning : IT FELT LIKE A KISS

Warning! Every girl has a dream of their dad to be a rock star, but if your dream does actually come true and becomes a total nightmare?

IT FELT LIKE A KISS is a new adult novel written by the wonderfully talented Sarra Manning.

Ms Manning is the author of one of my favourite books - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me. That book put her writing skills on a pedestal and since then it's really hard to fill its shoes. Only one of her books managed to impress me enough to give it 5 stars - Adorkable. But I am not giving up on her works just yet, and I keep reading her books. Therefore I included IT FELT LIKE A KISS on my September TBR list.

*****

Ellie Cohen is living her dream. A great job at an exclusive Mayfair art gallery, loyal mates, loving family, and really, really good hair. Well, there's the famous rock-star father who refuses to acknowledge her and a succession of 'challenging' boyfriends, but nobody's perfect.

But when a vengeful ex sells Ellie out to the press, she suddenly finds herself fighting to keep her job, her reputation and her sanity. Then David Gold - handsome, charming but ruthlessly ambitious - is sent in to manage the media crisis ... and Ellie.

David thinks she's a gold-digger and Ellie thinks he's a shark in a Savile Row suit, so it's just as well that falling in love is the last thing on their minds...

*****

So let's have a little talk about this book. First thing first - the edition. I own the paperback published in 2014 by Corgi Books, an imprint of Transworld Publishers. 480 pages. 36 chapters. The cover is toned in lovely pastel colours of blue and pink shades. On the front cover, is a picture of a man and a woman gazing at each other with London skyline in their background. It's quite a fun, quite girly cover. 

The writing. In the true Manning's fashion the writing is fun, modern, relatable and very english. I love Ms Manning's female characters. I always find myself mesmerised by their stories and similar characteristics to my own personality. And I do appreciate that almost every single novel takes place in United Kingdom. As a resident of this lovely country, I always appreciate books taken place some place familiar.

What I haven't realise when I first picked up this book, is the fact that it's kind of a sequel (continuum?) of Manning's previous novel 'UNSTICKY'. The main characters of the previously mentioned novel aren't major game players in this story, but they do make an appearance. Which I think is a fantastic touch. Especially as I did enjoy this book a little more that the its previous sister.

Now, for the story. It's quite a captivating tale. A little on the Cinderella side. A girl's past come to a light in the most unexpected way. Her father, famous musician, abandoned her and her mother when she was a baby and he hasn't been a part of Ellie's life ever since. But when the vultures, aka paparazzi, get the whiff of Ellie and her connection to world famous rock star, Ellie's up-until-then simple, yet satisfying life, is thrown into chaos. She is followed everywhere by paparazzi and false gossips. And not to mention, that her guardian in this chaos, a lawyer of her father, is incredibly hot and un-optainable.

What I like about the plot of the story is that the author put on the paper what every girl dreams about. What it would be like to have a famous parent? Is it a fairytale like we imagined or a scary nightmare we fear of? Not to mention the subject of being followed by paparazzi on every corner and been a victim of vicious gossips which can ruin lives. You start to be more sympathetic towards celebrities and their hectic lives.

But having said that, even though this novel has been hilarious at times, it still didn't make a lasting impression like YOU DON'T HAVE TO SAY YOU LOVE. I loved that novel from the start and I feel it set the bar really high. Unfortunately, to this day, none of Ms Manning's new adult novels managed to get under my skin like her first one. 

IT FELT LIKE A KISS is a mediocre novel. A cute tale to occupy your autumn evening. There are some great issues approached in this novel - mistrust, broken relationships, parents not loving their child, gluttony... It's ok to read, but it fails to impress me to the level when I wouldn't be able to put it down. It's a nice story, but it's not as good as other stories written by this author. But it's a big step up from Unsticky. 

Sarra (do you mind if I call you Sarra?), I am a big fan of your story-telling and creative imagination, I am not giving up on your books, but please return to the likes of YOU DON'T HAVE TO SAY YOU LOVE or ADORKABLE. Those two tales were so charming and un-put-down-able that I lost many nights of sleep when re
ading them.

IT FELT LIKE A KISS was a good new adult novel, but I am sorry to say it wasn't your best one. But keep on writing and telling tales, so I am able to fall in love with one of your books all over again. 

Heather Demetrios : SOMETHING REAL

Warning! Ever wondered what it's like to be on Keeping Up With The Kardashians ? Well, this book will give an idea what it is like to spend your life in front of the cameras on daily basis.

SOMETHING REAL is a contemporary young adult novel written by the very talented story-teller Heather Demetrios.


I have had the pleasure of discovering Ms Demetrios amazing writing and stories earlier this year when I read her newest novel I'LL MEET YOU THERE. I was impressed and of course had to have in my library all of her books immediately. This is how I come to read SOMETHING REAL.

*****

There's nothing real about reality TV.

Seventeen-year-old Bonnie Baker has grown up on TV - she and her twelve siblings are the stars of the one-time hit reality show Baker's Dozen. Since the show's cancellation and the scandal surrounding it, Bonnie has tried to live a normal life, under the radar and out of the spotlight. But it's all about to fall apart ... because Baker's Dozen is going back on the air. Neither her mother nor the show's producers will let Bonnie quit, and soon the life she has so carefully built for herself, with real friends (and maybe even a real boyfriend), is in danger of being destroyed by the show. Bonnie needs to do something drastic if her life is going to be her own - even if it means being more exposed than ever before.

*****

Let's start with the easy part first. It's time to look at the edition of the book. I own the first edition. A hardback published by Henry Holt publishing house in 2014. 404 pages long divided into single episodes of season 17 & 18 of Baker's Dozen reality show. I like how the titles of each chapter (episode) captures the development of the story. The cover of the book illustrates a lot of different TV screens, obviously I think this represents the cameras and TV screens in the life of our main protagonists. It's quite a colourful design which immediately catches your eye. When we take off the jacket, there is a red book hiding inside. It is a beautiful edition.


Now, let's have a little talk about the writing. As I mentioned before, I was really impressed with Ms Demetrios style of writing and story-telling. It's modern. Very relate-able. Exciting. Emotional. Thrilling. Entertaining.  And very funny at times. It presents us with a great look into a life of reality TV.

Ever wonder what it would be look like to be a part of Kardashian clan and spend all of your life on TV? When it is not all glamorous and fun as it seems on the TV screens. It has been actually pretty great to have a inside look into the lives of these people and I did enjoy that the author chose somebody who doesn't like their life to be shown to everyone in the nation. Bonnie (Chloe) is a great example of when fame got wrong. She actually tried to kill herself because she was struggling with her family's problems and every details being recorded by cameras.


The story touches upon various issues like suicide, betrayal, break-down of a family, cheating, finding out your true self. It's a great read. It tells a story of a young girl and her brother, who have been struggling with fame. They have finally found piece, true friendship and a little stability in their lives. But nothing lasts forever and Bonnie's mum sign up the family for another season of Baker's Dozen. And their lives are thrown into chaos once again. Past mistake are brought up again. Heart-breaks are shown on live TV. There is no thing such as privacy. But this time Bonnie and her brother Benton decide to fight for what they love and what they want.

This book was a wonderful read. It wasn't as amazing as the first book I've read by Heather Demetrios - I'LL MEET YOU THERE. But it was an enjoyable read. There was laugh, tears, broken relationships, newfound relationships and friendships, fight for freedom and privacy... It's very emotional as it does portray family relationships at its best and at its worst.. And sometimes it breaks your heart when you see how much Bonnie's mum doesn't understand her children and does everything in the name of fame and high ratings. Nobody's family should betray them like Bonnie's. 


The characters are all loveable and very relatable. Every single reader can find bits and pieces of them in all of the characters. The emotions and characteristics are very raw and makes go on an very sensitive ride. 


But saying that, there was just something which held me back when reading the book. I didn't fall hopelessly in love with it. I didn't rave about. Even though, it was beautiful, I missed some important ingredient which would make it un-put-down-able. 

All in all, I would give this book a 3 star rating. It was a great read. Lovely. Emotional. Packed with some hilarious and  also some heart-shattering situations, but it was the best for me. I much preferred I'LL MEET YOU THERE. 

Mary E. Pearson : THE HEART OF BETRAYAL

Warning!! Prepare for a roller coaster of twists and turns you haven't seen coming!!

THE HEART OF BETRAYAL is a second book in the 'Remnant Chronicles' series written by the wonderful storyteller - Mary E. Pearson.

You all know how much I was blown away with the first book in this series - THE KISS OF DECEPTION. I read it earlier this year and I absolutely loved it. And I wasn't the only one. All over the world, bibliophiles fell under the spell of Pearson's story-telling. We all have been counting down the days till the next instalment - THE HEART OF BETRAYAL - was published. And that day came in July 2015. We had finally held the sequel in our hands. But the question on everyone's mind was : "Will it be as good as the first one?" Let's find out.

*****

Held captive in the barbarian kingdom of Venda, Lia and Rafe have little chance of escape. Desperate to save Lia's life, her erstwhile assassin, Kaden, has told the Vendan Komizar that she has the gift, and the Komizar's interest in Lia is greater than anyone could have foreseen. 

Meanwhile, nothing is straightforward: There's Rafe, who lied to Lia but has sacrificed his freedom to protect her; Kaden, who meant to assassinate her but has now saved her life; and the Vendans, whom Lia always believed to be savages. Now that she lives among them, however, she realises that may be far from the truth. Wrestling with her upbringing, her gift, and her sense of self, Lia must make powerful choices that will affect her country... and her own destiny. 

*****

Let's start with the easy part first. The edition. The sequel's design as beautiful as the first one. Dark blue colours. Silver writing. On the front cover there is a picture of Lia in red dress staring towards what I think is the kingdom of Venda and it's city. When you take of the sleeve, you find a hardback pack in dark blue cover and silver writing. 470 pages divided into 64 chapters. A beautifully design edition.


Now let's talk about the story. The story is told from 3 points of view: LIA, RAFE & KADEN are the tellers of this story, same as the last time. The tale picks up right where we left it. Kaden brought Lia & Rafe to Venda and they all start to play a dangerous game of power and deception.

Again, I have to express my gratitude and admiration towards Pearson's imagination and creative writing abilities. She have created a beautiful world I can get easily get lost in. I actually love spending my time in a world of old traditions, magic, unexplained gifts.. It's a wonderful fantasy world and makes you fall in love with Fantasy YA all over again.


Now, as I said, I have been a little worried about the sequel. You all know my history and my scepticism when it comes to sequels. Most of the time I hate them. But The Heart Of Betrayal is an exception to the rule. It's as good as the first one. Some might even say that it's even better. I disagree. I love them both equally.


This book is packed with heart-breaks, backstabbing, a lot of lies, deception, hunger for power, desperation for escape and love. Seriously, there are so many twists and turns you don't see coming. When you start to think that there cannot be possibly more to come, you are surprised again. There is another unexpected twist thrown into the mix. And you are left with your mouth wide opened. I just cannot believe how much the story has develop. The betrayal and Venda's hunger for power runs even deeper than we initially thought. And what you discover will blow your mind.

Absolutely stunning. Compelling. Mesmerising. Exciting. Thrilling. Emotional. I cannot even begging to describe how much I loved this sequel. Some new friendship has been made, alliances has been forged and broken. People disappointed and left hurt. I just cannot imagine what Pearson has in story for us in the last part. I cannot even start to think of possible predictions. One thing I know for sure though. I am #TeamRafe. I want Lia to end up with him as they love each other so deeply. Of course, I don't want Kaden end up heartbroken and alone. I wish for him and Pauline to get together. There I said. Sue me!!!


All in all, it was the perfect sequel. I, now, cannot wait to see how this story will end. I am looking forward to the epic conclusion in the last part in this series. THE BEAUTY OF DARKNESS is coming out on July 5th 2016. Mark your diaries!!

Another well done Ms Pearson. You have truly touched my heart with your beautiful, absolutely spell-binding story. I cannot wait to read the epic conclusion.

Brinda Berry : THE BEAUTY OF LIES ( Stand By Me #1)

Warning!!! Prepare for some good stay scenes ;-)

xpressobooktours.com

THE BEAUTY OF LIES is new adult novel written by the very talented Brinda Berry.

This is my first time meeting and reading the stories written by Ms Berry. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to read her new novel.

*****

Secrets are exposed, trust is betrayed and two people face the beauty of lies.

Leo Jensen has a secret - he is Mr. Expose, a blogger that reveals the truth about liars and frauds. It's a way to make a living, and he's had a motherlode of experience with liars. Cheaters. Women who live for drama and carry more hidden baggage than a Boeing 747. Even his twin sister can't seem to admit the truth about her relationships, so finding an honest woman is about as likely as finding a unicorn in the middle of Nashville. 

Harper Wade wishes life had a do-over button. She'd press that sucker and reset the last four years. Now, she has the chance to start fresh and make things right, but first she has to retrieve the damming evidence of her past from an annoying blogger. She's doing all the things she knows she shouldn't - breaking and entering, lying by omission, falling for the hot guy next door. Too bad he holds the key to her clean slate. 

*****

Xpresso Book Tour gave me the opportunity to be a part of their book tour and read this new novel. And of course, write an honest opinion on what I thought about it.

I have been given the E-book version of the book. 279 pages long. 22 chapters. The cover captures a handsome man, semi-naked, looking at you through piercing blue eyes. This is a first E-Book I read in a while. I still prefer the hard copy of a book.

To be honest, at the start, I was a little skeptical. Yes, the plot seemed interesting, but I was worried that the author might not be able to execute it well enough. But I went into reading it with an open mind and I am glad for it.

The story is told from two points of view - Leo's & Harper's. They both have their own backstory which we slowly see clues of. The story was a little slow at the start, it took me couple of chapters to get into it, but soon enough, I was hooked. The story developed in an interesting, saucy progress. Soon enough all I wanted to do is read it.

It's a story of two broken people. Their previous relationships have left scars - mistrust to others, being careful with their heart. Both of them just want to live their lives in piece without any more drama. But that changes when a pure coincidence brings them into each other lives (and maybe a little stalking). They both have secrets, they both have complicated past. But they cannot help but fall in love. Passionately. Truly.

The story is mesmerising, thrilling, very passionate at times. I was reading it at work and couldn't help but blush at certain parts. Entertaining & Engaging. I love how we can read the story from the points of views of both main characters. It's nice to have a look inside their mind and see how they tick and what they are going through. 

The most interesting thing about this story is the thought of polygamy and betrayal. Ms Berry was brave enough to approach this subject. The truth is it does happen. It is happening all around us. People cheat. People lie. People pretend to be someone else. People break law. People have secrets. Dark secrets which can ruin lives. I love how Ms Berry approached the subject. The presence of Leo's alter ego aka Mr Expose and his blog sheds the light on these issues. He names and shames. I also like the thought of what happens after you reveal the secret. There are repercussions to all our actions. We might want revenge, but do we ever think about what happens after we success in avenging ourselves.

All in all I really really enjoy reading this story. It was wonderful, cute, sexy tale of love, betrayal and ability to forgive. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. 

Well done Ms Berry, you have impressed me with your story-telling skills. I cannot wait to read more of your writing. 

Huntley Fitzpatrick : MY LIFE NEXT DOOR

Warning!! If you need a break from all the books which makes you cry, you should reach for this lovely summer romance ! It will make you all gooey and happy inside.

MY LIFE NEXT DOOR is a contemporary YA novel written by the wonderful Huntley Fitzpatrick.

I have been hearing about Huntley and her writing for quite some time. Many of readers who like the works of Kasie West, Jennifer E. Smith, Morgan Matson recommended her books to me. This was a first book by Ms Fitzpatrick I have read and I must say, the rumours were true. I was blown away with her writing.

*****

On one summer night, everything changed.

Life in Samantha Reed's home is newt and clean and orderly - precisely planned by her local politician mother. Next door, at the Garrets', things are loud, messy and irresistible. And when gorgeous Jase Garrett climbs the trellis outside her bedroom and enters her life, she finds herself falling passionately in love with him and everything he brings with him. Then something unthinkable happens, and Samantha is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

*****

Let's talk about the easy thing first - the edition. I have the paperback published in 2012 by Penguin. It's quite a soft edition. 394 pages divided into 53 chapters. There is a photograph of a young couple kissing in the front of big wooden fence. I think this represents Sam & Jase. It's quite a lovely design. Easy on the eye and beautiful. I quite like the edition. There is one thing I have noticed about Fitzpatrick's books. They all have pastel lined spines which match each other. So they compliment each other wonderfully. I quite like the summery feeling which the novel brings.


The writing. Oh how much I like the writing. So modern. Emotional. Lovely. Adorable. Huntley manages to capture the first moments of falling in love so perfectly. You cannot help but to fall in love with the story and the characters.


The story is a perfect summer read. It has all the key elements a summer romance has to have. First love. Parents against it. Unexpected twists and turns all packed in a beautiful tale. It's un-put-down-able. Seriously, as soon as you start reading it, you are hooked. You cannot help but keep reading on. Just one more chapter becomes your mantra which you break time and time again.

It's a story of first love, friendships, family and what really matters in the world. I love the contrast between Sam's own home and Jase's family home. It just shows that you don't have to have all the money in the world, to be happy with what you have. It teaches what is important. What qualities you need to look for in people. And sometimes people do disappoint you with their choices. But don't let them bring you down. As long as you are planted firmly with your feet and know what is right, you have a good future ahead of you.


All the characters in the story are loveable and so so relatable. Seriously, every single person can find a piece of us in them. We have the beautiful, intelligent Sam who always played by the rules and expectation and who's life is finally getting some colour and adventure in it. Then there is Jase. The adorable and attentive guy who love her and his family so dearly. Of course I cannot wait to forget to mention my favourite character who literally changed his world and turned it upside down - Tim. And then there is Sam's mum, Grace who is blinded by prejudice. These are characters with real emotions and character flaws and therefore we love them even more.

As I said at the beginning, I have fallen in love with this book completely. It made me giggle, laugh out loud, swoon, cry, holding my breath... It was an emotional ride but I loved every page, every chapter, every minute spent reading it. It was charming. Cute. Mesmerising. Un-put-down-able. And absolutely adorkable. A perfect summer read.



So thank you Huntley for putting this story on paper and sharing with us hopeless romantic always chasing the dreams. You created a beautiful tale I loved from the first page. I cannot wait to read more of your stories. I have already purchased 'THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO' and 'WHAT I THOUGHT WAS TRUE'. I am excited to bite into these novels.

So Ms Fitzpatrick, I think it is safe to say that you got yourself a new fan. I will keep on reading what you write !! Excited!!

OCTOBER READING CHALLENGE

HELLO OCTOBER!!!

My favourite month of the year is here!! With it, it brings Autumn weather, beautiful nature, my birthday, Halloween and lots of new adventures and new books.

As you can tell, I love everything about this month. I can already see myself wrapped up in a cosy jumper, a mug of hot chocolate in hand and a good book to read... that's all I need ! What do you like the most about October?

And with a new month, there is time to explore new worlds. I was trying to themed this month's reading list and somehow managed to put 4 different book series on the list. All together, we are reading 5 new adventures.

Enough talking, it's time to introduce you to my October TBR list.

*****

OCTOBER READING CHALLENGE

THE GODDESS WAR series by Kendare Blake

THE MORTAL GODS

Ares, God of War, is leading the other dying gods into battle. Which is just fine with Athena. She's ready to wage a war of her own, and she's never liked him anyway. If Athena is lucky, the winning gods will have their immortality restored. If not, at least she'll have killed the bloody lot of them, and she and Hermes can die in peace.

Cassandra Weaver is a weapon of fate. The girl who kills gods. But all she wants is for the god she loved and lost to return to life. If she can't have that, then the other gods will burn, starting with his murderer, Aphrodite.

The alliance between Cassandra and Athena is fragile. Cassandra suspects Athena lacks the will to truly kill her own family. And Athena fears that Cassandra's hate will get them all killed.

The war takes them across the globe, searching for lost gods, old enemies, and Achilles, the greets warrior the world has ever seen. As the struggle escalates, Athena and Cassandra must find a way to work together. Because if they can't, fates far worse than death await.

UNGODLY

For the Goddess of Wisdom, what Athena didn't know could fill a book. That's what her opponents said. So she was wrong about some things. So her carefully planned assault on Olympus left her team beaten and scattered and possibly dead. So they have to fight the Fates themselves, who, it turns out, are the source of the gods' illness. And, yes, Athena is stuck in the underworld, holding the body of the only hero she has ever loved.

But all is not lost. Hermes is still topside, trying to power up Andie and Henry before he runs out of time and submits to his death, or the Fates arrive to speed it along.

And Cassandra is up there somewhere , too, on a quest for death... with the god of death himself.

Just because things haven't gone exactly according to plan, it doesn't mean they've lost. They've only mostly lost. And there's a big difference.

DOROTHY MUST DIE series by Danielle Paige

DOROTHY MUST DIE

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.

But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado - taking you with it - you have no choice but to go along, you know? Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. But I never expected Oz to look like this. A place where Good Witches can't be trusted and Wicked Witches just might be the good guys. A place where even the yellow brick road is crumbling. What happened? Dorothy.

My name is Amy Gumm - and I'm the other girl from Kansas. I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked, and I've been given a mission :

REMOVE The Tin Woodman's Heart.

STEAL The Scarecrow's Brain.

TAKE The Lion's Courage.

And then - DOROTHY MUST DIE.

THE WICKED WILL RISE

My name is Amy Gumm - and I'm the other girl from Kansas.

After a tornado swept through my trailer park, I ended up in Oz. But it wasn't like the Oz I knew from books and movies. Dorothy had returned, and she was stealing magic from the land. The Wizard was back. Glinda could no longer be called the Good Witch. And the Wicked Witches who were left? They'd joined forces as the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked, and they wanted to recruit me.

MY MISSION? KILL DOROTHY.

Except my job as assassin didn't work out as planned. Dorothy is still alive. The Order has vanished. And the home I couldn't wait to leave behind might be in danger. But in a place where the line between good and evil shifts with a strong gust of wind .... who am I supposed to trust? And who is actually Wicked?

FIND Dorothy.

DESTROY The Road of Yellow Brick.

SAVE her home.

THE WICKED WILL RISE.

THE COLDEST GIRL IN COLDTOWN by Holly Black

Coldtown was dangerous. Tana knew. A glamorous cage. A prison for the dammed and anyone who wanted to party with them.

Tana lives in a world where walled cities called ColdTowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. It's an eternal party, shown on TV twenty-four hours a day - gorgeous, glamorous, deadly.  The problem is, once you pass through ColdTown's gates, you can never leave....

BAD GIRLS DON'T DIE series by Katie Alender

BAD GIRLS DON'T DIE

When Alexis's little sister, Kasey, becomes obsessed with an antique doll, Alexis things nothing of it. Kasey is a weird kid. Period. Alexis is considered weird, too, by the kids in her high school, by her parents, even by her own goth friends. Things get weirder, though, when the old house they live in starts changing. Doors open and close by themselves, water boils on the unlit stove, and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough for the girls to see their breath. Kasey is changing too. Her blue eyes go green, and she uses old-fashioned language, then forgets chunks of time. 

Most disturbing of all is the dangerous new chip on Kasey's shoulder. The formerly gentle, doll-loving child is gone, and the new Kasey is angry. Alexis is the only one who can stop her sister - but what if that green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore?

FROM BAD TO CURSED

Alexis is the last girl you'd expect to sell her soul. She already has everything she needs  - an adorable boyfriend, the perfect best friend, and a little sister who's finally recovering after being possessed by an evil spirit. 

Alexis is thrilled when her sister joins a club; new friends are just what Kasey needs. It's strange, though, to see how fast the girls in the Sunshine Club go from dorky and antisocial to gorgeous and popular. Then Alexis learns that the girls have pledged an oath to a seemingly benevolent spirit named Aralt. Worried that Kasey's in over her head again, Alexis and her best friend, Megan, decide to investigate by joining the club themselves. Soon, Alexis trades in her pink hair and pinky clothes for a mainstream look, and quickly finds herself revelling in her newfound elegance and success. 

The club's connection with Aralt seems harmless, and before long, Alexis can hardly remember why she joined in the first place. Surely it wasn't to destroy Aralt... Why would she hurt someone who has given her so much and asked for so little in return?

AS DEAD AS IT GETS

It's been three months since Alexis helplessly witnessed Lydia Small's violent death, and all she wants is for her life to return to normal. 

But normal people don't see decaying bodies haunting photographs. Normal people don't have to deal with regular intrusions from Lydia's angry ghost, sometimes escalating to terrifying attacks. 

At first it seems that Lydia wants revenge on Alexis alone. But a girl from school disappears one night, and Alexis spots one of Lydia's signature yellow roses lying on the girl's dresser the next day. Soon it becomes clear that several of Alexis's friends are in danger, and that she's the only person who can save them. But as she tries to intervene, Alexis realises that her enemy is a much more powerful ghost than she's ever faced before... and that its fate is tied to hers in ways she couldn't possibly imagine. 

Not even in her worst nightmares. 

MISS PELEGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN by Ransom Riggs

HOLLOW CITY

September 3, 1940.

Then peculiar children flee an army of deadly monsters.

And only one person can help them - but she's trapped in the body of a bird. 

The extraordinary journey that began in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children continues as Jacob Portman and his newfound friends journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. There, they hope to find a cure for their beloved headmistress, Miss Peregrine. But in this war-torn city, hideous surprises lurk around every corner. And before Jacob can deliver the peculiar children to safety, he must make an important decision about his love for Emma Bloom.

LIBRARY OF SOULS

A boy with extraordinary powers.

An army of deadly monsters.

And epic battle for the future of peculiardom. 

The adventure that began with Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and continued in Hollow City comes to a thrilling conclusion with Library of Souls. As the story opens, sixteen-year-old Jacob discovers a powerful new ability, and soon he's diving through history to rescue his peculiar companions from a heavily guarded fortress. Accompanying Jacob on his journey are Emma Bloom, a girl with fire at her fingertips, and Addison MacHenry, a god with a nose for sniffing out lost children. 

They'll travel from modern-day London to the labyrinthine alleys of Devil's Acre, the most wretched slum in all of Victorian England. It's a place where the fate of peculiar children everywhere will be decided once and for all. Like its predecessors, Library for Souls blends thrilling fantasy with never-before-published vintage photography to create a one-of-a-kind reading experience. 

*****

So there is my TBR list for this month. I am quite looking forward to the spookiness these stories will bring. What are you reading this month? 

Tabitha Suzuma : FORBIDDEN

Warning! This book is one of those Marmite effect books. You either love it, or you absolutely hate it.

FORBIDDEN is a controversial YA novel written by very british Tabitha Suzuma.

I have been hearing about this book for quite some time. And to be honest, I have to say it intrigued me. There were people in the YA blogosphere who absolutely fell in love with this story, others not so much. Talk about Marmite effect. So of course, I had to investigate and decide for myself if like this book or not.

*****

She is pretty and talented - sweet sixteen and never been kissed.

He is seventeen, gorgeous and on the brink of a bright future.

And now they have fallen in love. But.... They are brother and sister.

*****

First thing first, let's talk about the edition first. I own the paperback published in 2010 by Definitions, an imprint of Random House Children's Publisher UK. 418 pages divided into 26 chapters plus epilogue. The cover is very minimalistic. Black background. Only and white thorn heart with the title. Simple. But I guess it lets the story talk for itself.

The writing. It is very modern, easy to read, quite compelling to be honest. It starts off quite slow and it does take a while to get to the story, but soon enough you are thrown in the world Lochan & Maya's life. And quite frankly, their life isn't that great. Abandoned by their father, left to care for themselves by their alcoholic mother always chasing the lost youth, the older siblings look after the younger ones. Ms Suzuma managed to capture british life at the lowest quite well. It reminds me a lot of everyday life you can see around you, but at the same time it does feel a lot like an episode of Jeremy Kyle show.

The story is told from the point of both Lochan and Maya. It starts quite normal. They are brother and sister who are stuck looking after their three siblings. They don't have much time for themselves. They don't do much outside their little house apart from going to school. All their lives are submerged to an everyday routine of feeding the young ones, making sure that the house is tidy, shopping, going to school, cooking the dinner, tiding the house, sleep and then it's all over again the next day.

There is also the issue of Lochan's social anxiety. He is very intelligent. There is a bright future ahead of him and London College, but he can't talk in front of the class. He is good with the written assignments, but when it comes to presentation, he is lost. He gets a panic attack. I love that the author addresses the issue of panic attack, social anxiety and they way people suffering from it feel.

Having said that, I must say that I don't think I like this story. I felt really awkward reading it. I just couldn't look at it as a romantic love story where I route for the characters to be together. All the way through reading it, I just thought: "They are brother and sister!!!!!!!" Also, it seems like their incestual relationship just sprang on from nowhere. With one dance, their feelings suddenly changed and they craved each other in a whole different way. Also I felt like it was mostly Maya who was pushing the relationship. Lochan was careful and tried to fight it, but she kept on pushing and everything got really intense very quickly. But still I couldn't view it as a love story.

Yes, I did shed a tear or two at the ending. And yes, I do not think there could be an other way to end this story that the way it did. But I still wish that the author would go a different direction. I wish it would be more happier, more positive. It was a dark story which the saddest ending I've read in long time.

Now for the conclusion.. I am sorry Ms Suzuma, but I don't like your story as much as I don't like marmite. It didn't touch my heart and made me all mushy. Actually, I had to force myself to read it at the end as I couldn't get over the fact that it's a story about brother and sister falling in love. I know many people call your book romantic and beautiful, but I can't. Even though it reminds me of works of VC Andrews ( And I did read a lot of her books and I quite enjoy them.), I couldn't enjoy reading yours.

So I am sorry, but I won't be reading this story anytime soon again. I am glad that I have finally found out for myself what the story was about and what the fuss in the blogosphere was about. I am happy to meat Lochan, who I think is one of the most complicated and interesting characters I have the pleasure to meet in long time. But at the same time, I was a little disappointed with the novel. It wasn't the one for me.

Jesse Andrews : ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL

Warning! This book is nothing like what you believe to expect.

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL is a debut YA novel written by Harvard graduate and first time author - Jesse Andrews.

I have been hearing about this novel for quite some time, but only the recent film adaptation of this book made actually purchase it and try to find the time to read it. And since the film has been shown in the cinemas this September, I had to make sure that this story finds its way onto my September TBR list.

*****

ME: My name is Greg Gaines. I am seventeen. I am the one who wrote this book. My physical appearance is unsatisfactory, and there is probably a fungus eating my brain. I'm not even sure I'm a human.

EARL: Earl Jackson is the only person who is even sort of my friend. We make mediocre films together. Werner Herzog is our biggest influence. Earl is generally filled with violent rage.

DYING GIRL : During my senior year, my mom forced me to become friends with a girl had cancer. This brought about the destruction of my entire life.

*****

Ok, let's start with the easy thing first. The description of the edition. I purchased the paperback published in 2012 by Amulet Books. 295 pages divided into 40 hilariously named chapters. The book has a very colourful design with illustrations by Brian Levy. There are 3 colours representing the 3 main characters of this story - Blue for Greg, Green for Earl and Red for Rachel. The design is very cleaver and eye-catching. To be honest, I really like this paperback. It is strange to say but it feels very soft. The pages are printing on what seems to be recycled paper and they are soft to the touch but at the same time they are quite thick. I am liking it.


The writing. Well I can certainly say that Jesse Andrews took a very casual approach to writing this story. It's hilarious, written in a voice of a modern day teenager.  There's no brain to mouth filter. Every thought is on the paper. It creates some of the funniest sentences and thoughts I have ever read. It's a mess. But you cannot help but laugh out loud most of the time. And that's straight from the start until the very end. It's easy. No brain read. I love the original, very unique titles of each chapter.

Having said that though, I must say I was a little disappointed with the story. I was expected something completely different. Maybe some kind of a epiphany. Maybe a touching tale of loss. But instead I just thought - where is this book going? Is there a point in this story? I felt like I am getting a school report on Greg's life. And even thought it was hilariously written, it didn't charm me at all. I was forcing myself to read this book. It started so well, but at the end I had to make myself to pick up the book and find out what has happened next. Quite frankly, I thought that even if I leave the book on my book shelf - not finished reading it - I wouldn't miss much. I just felt like I don't really know what this story is about.


There is Greg, an average guy who is surviving high school by being everywhere and nowhere at the same time. There is Earl, his co-worker / best friend who seem so tough, but turns out to be more than you think. He does actually think things through, he has some kind of compassion. And then there is the dying girl - Rachel, who isn't fighting to live. She just gives up. She has no strength in beating this horrible disease. And these three form a connection by watching home-made films by Greg and Earl.

That's about it. That's all I gathered from the story. There is no point for it. I don't see the appeal so many were talking about. I don't see the charismatic story they have all been charmed by. I just see a hilariously written novel with no real plot and development. It's more like a chronicle, not a heartwarming tale.

And to be honest, we are warned at the start, that we shouldn't expect magnificent things. We shouldn't expect happy ending and some amazing, un-put-down-able tale.. But you still cannot help but hope that there is something magical about it. There must be something... Some special ingredient. Why else this story was made into a film? Why else is so loved by readers? But I have to say I don't see it. I can only appreciate the original, very funny writing style and hilariously named titles of chapters. That's it for me.

I was looking forward to see the film adaptation in the pictures, but instead I am going to wait for it to come out on DVD. This book just didn't make me talk about it. It didn't make me think about it after I finish reading it. Quite frankly, I was happy that it ended and I could read other, more interesting stories.

I am sorry Jesse Andrews, but I am not going to read your novel anytime soon again. I gave it a try but I was left disappointed.

Adi Alsaid : NEVER ALWAYS SOMETIMES

Warning!! Prepare yourself questioning all the boy-girl friendships in your life!

NEVER ALWAYS SOMETIMES is a contemporary YA novel written by the lovely and incredibly talented Adi Alsaid.

This is a second book by Adi I have read this year. I enjoyed reading LET'S GET LOST so I was expecting wonderful things from his second novel. Chosen by the readers for #ZCbookclub, I was excited to find out what this new material would bring into our lives.

*****

NEVER date your best friend.

ALWAYS be original.

SOMETIMES rules are meant to be broken.

Best friends Dave and Julia were determined to never be cliches, so they even wrote their own Never List of everything they vowed they'd never, ever do in high school.  Some of the rules have been easy to follow, but Dave has a secret : he's broken rule No.8, never pine silently after someone for entirety of high school. It's either that or break rule No.10, never date your best friend.

Dave has loved Julia for as long as he can remember. So, when she suggests they do every Never on the list, Dave is happy to play along. He even dyes his hair an unfortunate shade of green. It starts as a joke, but then a funny thing happens: Dave and Julia discover they've actually been missing out on high school.

AND MAYBE EVEN ON LOVE.

*****

Let's start from the beginning. The first this which makes you even look at a book is its edition. I own the paperback published this August by Mira INK, an imprint of Harlequin (UK). 308 pages divided into three parts - DAVE; JULIA; DAVE & JULIA. Baby blue background with dark blue title and scraps of paper which I assume represents The Never List. Simple, yet beautiful design. I quite like it.


The writing is modern. Easy to read and relate to. It's quite hilarious at times. Exciting. Emotional. Eye-opening. Written from points of view of both main characters.


The story. It is a YA novel about friendship, un-required love and the right fit for everyone. When I first read the blur on the back, I thought it would be the classic plot line. A boy and a girl has been friends for a long time. He is in secretly in love with her and she doesn't feel the same. But something will happen and it will bring them together. And I was a little right than I thought.

Yes, this story is similar and follows quite familiar pattern, but at the same time it is so different. Firstly, I have to say that this is the first time I am not routing for the couple (the two best friends) to end up together. Don't get me wrong. I love Dave. He is a great guy. Polite, well behaved, romantic. Yes, he isn't perfect and has his dark moments. But I really really don't like Julia. I think she is quite selfish and doesn't think or take into consideration feelings of others or that she might hurt them. Spoiler!! Move onto the next paragraph if you don't want to read the small spoiler!!  I think she only likes day or she only realises that she loves (?) him when he is finally moving on and she isn't the complete NO.1 for him. She needs to share him now. Quite convenient! Also, she doesn't care that she will hurt Gretchen as long as she gets what she wants. Yes, as I said, Dave isn't the saint himself, but I just don't like what Julia did.


But I having said that, although I am not routing for these to as couple, I am a fan and admirer of their friendship. They have a great chemistry and connection and quite frankly they are so easy with each other. But I am a shipper of Gretchen and Dave. I think they are a great, loved-up, couple - the better equitation. And just because Julia and Dave share this wonderful friendship, it doesn't mean that they will make a good couple. So yes! There! I said it! I don't want them to end up together. Sue me! I like Gretchen. She is my favourite character in this story. I see a lot of me in her.

What I like about this novel the most is the fact that we all ponder with the thought of falling in love with our best friend. It would be easier. You know each other so well. You have a good chemistry. You understand each other like no other. But what happens when you become a couple and the friendship disappears into background and all you are is a couple. You lose the original thing which brought you two together. Should you risk it? Do you think it would work out? Adi Alsaid addresses all these issues in this story. And he writes the perfect ending to it. It couldn't come to a better conclusion.


So all in all, I have to say that I truly enjoyed reading this story. I must say that I even liked it more than Let's Get Lost. It was a heart-breaking story which make you re-think all of your friendships and their course.

So thank you Adi for approaching this subject from a different point of view. It was beautiful. Mesmerising. Emotional. I cannot wait to read more of your stories. Keep it up!!