Pretty Little Memoirs - a YA Book Blog

Where The Storyline Continues. . .

2015

Book Review: “What We Left Behind” by Robin Talley


Title: What We Left Behind

Author: Robin Talley

Published: October 22nd, 2015

Publisher: Mira Ink

Find the Author: Goodreads

I received this book for review! As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.

From the critically acclaimed author of Lies We Tell Ourselves comes an emotional, empowering story of what happens when love isn’t enough to conquer all.
Toni and Gretchen are the couple everyone envied in high school. They’ve been together forever. They never fight. They’re deeply, hopelessly in love. When they separate for their first year at college—Toni to Harvard and Gretchen to NYU—they’re sure they’ll be fine. Where other long-distance relationships have fallen apart, their relationship will surely thrive.
The reality of being apart, however, is a lot different than they expected. As Toni, who identifies as genderqueer, falls in with a group of transgender upperclassmen and immediately finds a sense of belonging that has always been missing, Gretchen struggles to remember who she is outside their relationship.
While Toni worries that Gretchen, who is not trans, just won’t understand what is going on, Gretchen begins to wonder where she fits in Toni’s life. As distance and Toni’s shifting gender identity begins to wear on their relationship, the couple must decide—have they grown apart for good, or is love enough to keep them together?
When I read Lies We Tell Ourselves, it was clear that Robin Talley was going to be a huge hit in the YA and LGBTQ literature department so I was excited to start What We Left Behind with high expectations. I had heard mixed reviews about the novel and that there were issues with labels and pronouns for the characters (by the character), but read anyway to see my own view on it.

Gretchen and Toni are in love, but they’re facing different futures apart despite their close knit relationship. Whereas Toni, who identifies as genderqueer, is heading to Harvard, Gretchen who is not trans, is heading to NYU. This is the first real time they would be apart and they’re both worried for their future that prompts questions of doubt in their minds, especially after Toni falls in with a new crowd and for the first time in forever, feels at home and a sense of belonging with them. Gretchen starts to feel less and less like herself after she grows apart with Toni. She no longer feels like the person she used to be and worries for their future, if they even had one anymore – now distance and a sudden shift in their history make for an unsteady fate. Suddenly they only have two choices: will love keep them together or tear them apart?

I loved Lies We Tell Ourselves for the reason that it felt like I was reading something honest and true. With What We Left Behind, I still felt that, but I didn’t feel as much of a connection between Gretchen and Toni until later on in the novel, although reading about them separately and getting to know them, I connected to them individually. Their dynamic was a major plot device and it’s inspiring that LGBTQ characters are getting their chance to shine in novels – and in that way, it made for a great read. 

Inspiring, moving and a captivating read, What We Left Behind will give you a sense and feeling that you’ve just read one of the best in it’s genre. 

Have you read What We Left Behind?

What did you think?

Let me know in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!

happy reading!
post signature

Book Review: “Hello, Goodbye and Everything Inbetween” by Jennifer E. Smith

Title: Hello, Goodbye and Everything Inbetween

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Published: September 1st, 2015

Publisher: Headline

Find the Author: Goodreads

I recieved this for review. As always, my reviews are fair and unbias!


On the night before they leave for college, Clare and Aidan have only one thing left to do: figure out whether they should stay together or break up. 

Over the course of twelve hours, they retrace the steps of their relationship, trying to find something in their past that might help them decide what their future should be. The night leads them to family and friends, familiar landmarks and unexpected places, hard truths and surprising revelations. But as the clock winds down and morning approaches, so does their inevitable goodbye. The question is, will it be goodbye for now or goodbye forever?

Charming, bittersweet, and full of wisdom and heart, this irresistible novel from Jennifer E. Smith, author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, explores the difficult choices that arise when life and love lead in different directions.

I’ve always been a huge fan of Jennifer’s “one night” novels. As soon as I read the synopsis for Hello, Goodbye and Everything Inbetween, it sounded like another hit and I couldn’t wait to delve in.

This night is particularly important for Clare and Aidan. It’s the night before they go away to College, and on their check-lists of final things and decisions to be made, there’s only one thing left: break up or stay together. They love each other and there’s no doubt about that, but the question still hangs in the air.  Over the pan of twelve hours, Clare and Aidan take a trip down memory lane to the best moments of their relationship, trying to find some kind of sign to point them in the right direction – the direction that they should follow for their future.  This fast-paced, wonderment of a night leads them to their closest friends and family, places around town and most of all, an epiphany of sorts. All that was left to do was choose goodbye forever, or just for now. 
Full of friendship, emotion and sentiment, Clare and Aidan’s relationship is a flame that is on the verge of being blown out, but their affection for each other leads to a brighter fires despite the risk of being expelled. Overall, Jennifer’s newest novel was brilliant, bursting with wisdom and enchantment and even though it’s not my favourite that she’s written (This Is What Happy Looks Like shoutout! My favourite), it was still a great read that kept me wrapped around it’s finger for a whole day of reading, that I would recommend to fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han! 

YA fans of Contemporary Romance!

Have you read Hello, Goodbye and Everything Inbetween?


What did you think?


Let me know in the comments or on twitter @LittleMemoirs!

happy reading!

post signature

Book Review: “Nowhere But Here” by Katie McGarry




*I received this book from Harlequin Teen for a fair and unbiased review!*

Title: Nowhere But Here

Author: Katie McGarry
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary Romance
Published: May 26th 2015 by Harlequin Teen


An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible.

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she’s curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn’t mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both. 
Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They’re the good guys. They protect people. They’re…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club’s most respected member—is in town, he’s gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it’s his shot at his dream. What he doesn’t count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.
No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

Katie McGarry is and will always be one of my favourite authors of all time. No matter what genre, characters or plot, something between her writing and my brain just click. So when I heard about a new series called Thunder Road and the first novel being Nowhere But Here, I was already anticipating finding the next best thing on my shelf.

Emily, our main character, loves her life. Her perfectly normal life. She has friends and family who love her—well, except her biological father who chose the life of being a member of Reign of Terror, the motorcycle club—and it hasn’t phased her since. That’s until she witnesses the club for herself and the danger that their world is consumed with, and her life gets changed forever. Even though she’s conflicted about meeting relatives she hasn’t before, when she meets a mysterious boy who’s sworn to protect her, suddenly her priorities are differed. 
Oz wants to be a member of Reign of Terror for more than one reason. They’re a close knit group, like a family. He knows they’re the good guys in a town full of not-so-good ones. So when he gets a chance to prove to Emily’s biological father that he can protect her from a rival club, he jumps at it. But what he didn’t expect was to fall head over heels for the protected girl. 
With a fast-paced, explosive and engrossing plot, I was sucked in from the start. Katie wrote an epic whirlwind romance with passionate and lively characters that are standing up there with the likes of Echo and Noah. I loved getting into this new world of exciting themes that will cascade into the next novel (that I CAN’T wait to read!).
Overall, Nowhere But Here is a novel you can’t miss. If you’re a fan of Katie McGarry, or you haven’t read anything from her yet—this is going to be your next favourite YA book. 5 Stars completely through and through. Katie never fails to write another book that I don’t fall in love with.

YA Readers and extended to NA readers, alike.

KATIE MCGARRY was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, and reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.
Katie would love to hear from her readers. Contact her via her website, katielmcgarry.com, follow her on Twitter @KatieMcGarry, or become a fan on Facebook and Goodreads.
Have you read Nowhere But Here?

What are your thoughts?

Let me know in the comments or on twitter @LittleMemoirs 


happy reading!

post signature

Halloween Week of Horrors: All Week Spooktacular Fun

Isn’t Halloween just one of the best times of the year?
It’s Autumn and the weather is getting colder, colourful leaves cover the ground and Pumpkin Spice Latte’s are on order at Starbucks. But above all, my favourite thing about the Fall season is Halloween – the excitement of costumes, candy and spooky decorations – and this year, like last, I’ll be doing a special celebration on Pretty Little Memoirs called . . . 

 The Halloween Week of Horrors!

 This week leading up to Halloween, I’ll be posting some horror/thriller/paranormal reviews along with reminding you all of my vampire book giveaway from the ever-amazing author Rachel Caine. If you haven’t heard of the Morganville Vampire series (where have you been?!) they are one of my favourite series in YA literature. Sometimes Vampire books can be cheesy and predictable, but these novels are far from it. They’re captivating and addictive and they could be YOURS this Halloween. 

 To be in with a chance to win the first TWO in the series all week, read the rules and have a spoooky fun Halloween!

 – Must be following @LittleMemoirs on twitter
– Must be a resident of the United Kingdom and have a valid address
– No cheating (including entering if you’re not from the UK)
– You may not exchange these books for any money
– Have fun! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

happy reading!

post signature

Spotlight & Review: “Secret Garden: Artist’s Edition” by Johanna Basford


Title: Secret Garden: Artist’s Edition

Author: Johanna Basford

Published: September 14th, 2015

Publisher: Laurence King

Find the Author: Amazon


I recieved this for review. As always, my reviews are fair and unbias!

From the artist and the publisher that brought you the hugely successful Secret Garden and Enchanted Forest – this special artist’s edition features 20 beautiful, pull out art prints for colouring in. Colouring fans of all ages will enjoy immersing themselves in a selection of the most popular artworks from the original book, now presented in a new, large-scale format for maximum colouring enjoyment. Each detailed illustration is printed on high-quality card and can be removed easily for framing or craft projects.

Secret Garden: Artist’s Edition is something I can guarantee everyone will love. Whether it’s expressing your creativity, looking to start a new hobby, make art and colour on-the-go, there’s something for everyone. For me, colouring with the Artist’s Edition gave me creative ideas and I loved seeing a completed picture that I would proudly hang up and display. Johanna Basford has created something inspirational, visionary and stimulating – whether you’re young or old – Secret Garden will bring out your inventive side and before you know it, you’ll have a masterpiece right before your eyes. 

Like above, the first picture I brought colour to was a beautiful gated paradise and is still my favourite. I loved that being monochrome, I could add the colours I wanted and bring my own personality and style into the picture and it gave me creative freedom to do that. Of all the books I’ve seen alike, Johanna’s is a top contender for the most originative designs and sleek, beautiful pictures. I can’t wait to complete the entire book full of bursting colour – five stars worth design. 

Captivating and original, if you’re looking for your first – or fiftieth – colouring book, Secret Garden will win your heart.

I mean this when I say; EVERYONE.

happy reading (and colouring!)

post signature

Book Review: “Letter From Paris” by Thérèse

Title: Letter from Paris

Author: Thérèse

Published: June 10th, 2014

Publisher: The Story Plant

Find the Author: Goodreads


I recieved this for review. As always, my reviews are fair and unbias!



India Butler’s journey to America put her life on a new track. Now a trip to Paris threatens to derail her – or to make things all they are supposed to be. With a new job, a new friend, a potential new lover…and an old lover, India is dealing with nearly as much as she can handle. But that’s only the beginning.

The infectious sequel to India’s Summer, Letter From Paris is witty, glamorous, incisive, and refreshingly real.

 Having not read India’s Summer, the previous book about India Butler, I lost a little of that “before” chapter of her life, but after brushing up on India’s Summer, I felt like I gained a little insight on India’s life before reading Letter from Paris.

From Los Angeles to Paris, Thérèse takes India to a new scene with new sights, adventures and travel. Having a fresh look on India having not known her character in India’s Summer, I grew to see her character within the first few chapters as highly like-able (I can see why Thérèse’s novels are so popular with celebrities alike) and balanced person in life. I loved that as I was reading, I was aware that I didn’t have to read the first novel in the series to understand India and grew to know her characters quirks and ways; her humour and poise especially. 
As Letter From Paris delves into the story, we learn some secrets from India’s Summer and get straight into India’s growth as a person. Suddenly, we’re whisked away to Paris on streets I’ve never heard of but want to go to and descriptions of adventures I could only dream of. Not only does India’s life burst full of love and light, but romance and drama as the story progresses into personal and business relationships of conflict and mystery – above all, India trying to stay true to who she is and what she truly wants out of life. 
In a word, I would call Letter From Paris a book about change – change in surroundings, thoughts, life and relationships – and I truly admired Thérèse for how beautifully effortless she wrote India’s journey. The things that are thrown into the works of her life and as a reader, I wished they could ricochet off her and she could trudge through them over the course of the novel as I started to care for her character and realise how real she seemed, as if she could exist right ahead of me. There’s more to India’s life and to this novel than a stint in Paris, it’s much, much more. Even though the French way of things might seem parfait, India knows it’s always better to be herself.
A real page-turning, glamorous, wonderful adventure, Letter From Paris was an amazing read that swept me away for the week. Even though I sway to the more YA side of things and prefer reading about characters around my age, I loved getting a little vacation from it and spending time reading India’s incredible story – and I can’t wait to read India’s Summer to get the full experience!
 Lovers of adventures, Contemporary fiction and Parisian fans!

happy reading!

post signature

Spotlight: The Willoughby Book Club

Have you ever wanted to gift your friend a book or get some surprise new reads in the mail only to find that the services like these are only USA based, leaving no special services for UK readers?

I’ve been there. I searched long and hard to find book subscription services to post on my blog and gift to friends. So when the Willoughby Book Club found me, I was overjoyed to get to share this amazing site with all the readers who’ve been dying to get their hands on something this good. They’ve also been featured in a ton of amazing press, including The Guardian and The Telegraph to name a few big names, which impressed me further. 


So, how what is the Willoughy Book Club?

Adam & Chloe Pollard (the owners) found themselves that there were no services that offered a good range of books to readers in ways like this. So they started the book club with book subscription box gifts (available in all ages and interests from YA, Children, Adult and even picture books for babies) in 3, 6 or 12 month packages to suit your gifting ideals. 

Tell them about your gift recipient with a few short questions and sit back while they make the best bookish gift imaginable in a perfect little package. 


So, what did I get?


My book arrived in a pretty little box with a cute I heart WBC sticker that I couldn’t wait to get open.

Inside was this beautifully crafted and wrapped book that looked too pretty to open! They even threw in a little pin that I’ve pinned to my handbag and a bookmark.

I love E. Lockhart’s books so much (you’ve probably seen my ramblings about her novels on my blog a thousand times) so I was more than happy when I saw this inside! I didn’t have this novel of hers (although it was on my wishlist) and the personalised card was a beautiful touch.
 I’m over the moon with the service that the Willoughby Book Club provide. Not only do you get a great selection of books, but they also donate a book to Book Aid every time you place a subscription. I’ll be sending their information to all my UK book lover friends and around the world to take a look at their selection of affordable and amazing book packages from couples to classics to cooking fanatics. 

Don’t just take my word for it! Visit them here:


Happy Reading! 

post signature

Book Review: “Things We Know By Heart” by Jessi Kirby

Title: Things We Know By Heart

Author: Jessi Kirby

Published: April 21st, 2015

Publisher: Harper Teen

Find the Author: Goodreads


I bought this book myself! As always, my reviews are fair and un-bias.

When Quinn Sullivan meets the recipient of her boyfriend’s donated heart, the two form an unexpected connection.

After Quinn loses her boyfriend, Trent, in an accident their junior year, she reaches out to the recipients of his donated organs in hopes of picking up the pieces of her now-unrecognizable life. She hears back from some of them, but the person who received Trent’s heart has remained silent. The essence of a person, she has always believed, is in the heart. If she finds Trent’s, then maybe she can have peace once and for all. 

Risking everything in order to finally lay her memories to rest, Quinn goes outside the system to track down nineteen-year-old Colton Thomas—a guy whose life has been forever changed by this priceless gift. But what starts as an accidental run-in quickly develops into more, sparking an undeniable attraction. She doesn’t want to give in to it—especially since he has no idea how they’re connected—but their time together has made Quinn feel alive again. No matter how hard she’s falling for Colton, each beat of his heart reminds her of all she’s lost…and all that remains at stake.

I needed something meaningful and special to read getting back into blogging, and after book shopping online (like every normal Sunday, right?) I stumbled across Jessi’s new book and it looked like the perfect book to relax and delve into. I hadn’t read any of Jessi’s books before but I had seen reviews here and there, fives and four stars standing out deservingly. So I went in with high hopes that I would love Things We Know By Heart…

Quinn, still over a year later, is grief-striken by the death of her beloved boyfriend Trent. She deals with it in many stages and variables, from remembering the memories they made like they were yesterday and keeping his pictures close by in her bedroom. But most of all, reaching out to the recipients of his donated organs gave her some comfort. To know that someone out there was now alive and well because of Trent. 
But the most important part of Trent, his heart recipient, had not replied to any of her letters. 
Setting out to finally get some closure, knowing that maybe his heart is safe and beating, Quinn tracks down Colton Thomas, the boy who is now living with Trent’s heart. But the events that followed were unexpected with consequences she never could have predicted.
When Quinn meets Colton, it’s accidental. She never wanted to get this close. But when they spend more time together, delving into each other’s lives, their connection is undeniable. Still they hide their secrets. Quinn doesn’t tell Colton their true connection and he doesn’t tell her about his gifted heart either. 
Things We Know By Heart took my breath away. It was a beautiful, heartbreakingly eye-opening and told the story of a connection that is more than skin deep – it’s something by heart. I felt Quinn’s pain and her grief through her words and her thoughts of memories that still haunted her every move. Jessi didn’t just create a love story, she created a masterpiece of finding love in all the wrong places, showing just how heart-stoppingly brave and unexpected true love can be.
Overall, Things We Know By Heart was a five-star read that will forever stay in my heart as a stand-out novel full of character, love and pain that gave me brand new eyes. Magical.

 YA Fans of Contemporary Romance and fans of Jessi’s previous work.

Happy Reading!

post signature

I’m back!

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to say that I’m back blogging starting now. These past months have been the hardest for me in my entire life and writing reviews weren’t even a thought in my mind during the sad time. Although I’m not supergirl, and this is will be a few days thing to get back into the swing of things for now, some reviews and major ideas for this year on Pretty Little Memoirs will be kicking off. Maybe even a return giveaway or two?!

I just want to also mention my new blog design! This was weeks of hard work and I’m thankful it’s up and running smoothly. I hope you all love what I created!

If you hadn’t heard and are wondering why I have been absent, please check my twitter for details. 


Happy Reading,

post signature

Blog Tour: “Chopstix” by A. T. Raydan


Title: Chopstix

Author: A. T. Raydan

Published: 15 April 2015

Publisher: Unique Inspiration 

Find the Author: Goodreads



 “My heart was pounding and I was in a state of shock. I couldn’t believe what I had just done. My actions went against everything I had been taught. I arrived home and quietly made my way to my room. I locked the door to my bedroom and just collapsed into a heap next to it.”

Wendy Wu is an ordinary teenager, with a secure home and caring parents who worked hard running the family’s successful Chinese restaurant. Other than the occasional encounter with the bullies at her new college, Wendy could honestly say that life was good.

When out of the blue fate delivers Wendy a cruel blow, her life is turned upside down. Shaken by grief Wendy retreats in to her room, struggling to come to terms with terrible events that destroyed all she held dear. With her parents gone, it is her Aunt Daiyu who she turns to for support.

Why could Wendy always sense when danger was near? Why did she suddenly feel she had to save people under threat? Aided by her aunt, Wendy uncovers a mystical side to herself she never knew she had, and an ancestral secret that will change her life for ever…

Q+A with Brand New YA superhero Chopstix!




How did you discover you had superpowers?
 I was alone in my room one evening, carving chopsticks for the House of Wu, my parent’s restaurant that is no more.  It was burnt down in what police initially described as an accident, only, it wasn’t an accident. My parents were inside the building when it caught fire. They never made it out. Part of me fails to accept that this was a mere coincidence. In one painful night, I lost my parents, together with my family home. The chopsticks were my way of keeping my parents close to me. But, the more I thought about my parents and what has happened, the angrier I became. In the end, my anger got the better of me and the results took me by surprise. Over the days and weeks that followed I started to become more aware of myself and started to trust my instincts. The more I began to trust myself, the more I discovered about my abilities. 


Do your friends and family know about your powers?! How did they react when they found out?
 Aunt Daiyu is the only one that knows of my true identity. She has been a pillar of strength in my life and to my amazement has been very supportive. I can’t tell anyone else because I fear that in would endanger them. I don’t have many close friends. Those that I do may not approve of the path that I am choosing to follow. Maybe one day I can share my secret with them, but not today.


You use chopsticks to fight your enemies! What makes them so perfect for fighting crime?
 Why Chopsticks? Well, for a start, they can double up as a hair accessory! I have a strong heartfelt connection with my parents each time I handle a pair of chopsticks. It’s something that I can’t explain. I guess in time I will learn more about my destiny, about who I am and why I am the person that I am…
  
Tackling bad guys is terrifying! Do you ever get scared?
 Always. It’s the fear of the unknown. What if they are armed? What if there are too many of them? I am young and am still learning to deal with my powers. My mother and I often started each morning with a Tai Chi session, which provided skills for defence training. Some of these were serving me well during challenging circumstances. My father always told me to believe in myself and to stand tall, that I should never show fear in anything that I do in life.


When you were growing up were you into superheroes? If so who inspired you the most?
 Yes. When you’re young you let your imagination run wild and always aspire to be someone else.  When I was growing up, the superhero I looked up to the most was Wonder Woman. In fairness, it was all we really had! She was always fighting for justice, love, peace and equality. An inspiration to females everywhere.



What do you do when you’re not fighting crime? Are you into music? Fashion?
 I enjoy just watching the world go by, preferably over a slice of cake and a mug of hot chocolate. I’m curious about people, behaviours and enjoy people-watching.  I also love shopping. As for fashion, I’m always on the lookout for something that’s uniquely me. I’m not one for following trends. I’m a simple girl in many aspects. My mother always said, simplicity is elegance…

If you could give girls your age one piece of advice, what would it be?
 Be yourself. Believe in yourself. Stand tall and be counted. Above all, follow your dreams and destiny will find you.

Chopstix by A.T Raydan is published by Unique Inspiration (paperback, £6.99). Available online from Waterstones here.

NEXT STOP: Read a guest post by Chopstix author, A.T. Raydan on The Overflowing Library

Chopstix is honestly one of those books that’s going to be iconic. Not only does the book deal with subjects like bullies and grief, but it’s one of the very few books I’ve read that have a superhero who is female – something that I think is very overlooked in literature. While there’s a lot of male-fronted superheroes in literature and in television, female superheroes are far more rare, and that’s where Chopstix comes in.
Wendy Wu is your ordinary teenage girl dealing with the occasional bully, with loving Parents who own a Chinese restaurant – that’s where everything falls apart. Her Parents restaurant is burned down in what the Police say is an accident, and sadly her Parents never made it out. Grief-striken and feeling like her world is ending, Wendy connects to her Chopstix that keep the memory of her Parents everytime she picks them up. But the more anger that bubbles up inside her, the more of a mysterious and enchanting gift is unveiled. With her Aunt Daiyu being the only person who knows of her newfound abilities, she sets out on changing what she thought she never could – she was going to fight crime with her already quick skills having practised Tai Chi and stand up for those who couldn’t – whilst setting an example for girls along the way.
Chopstix is a breath of fresh air, a novel that will be something I’ll never forget. I was rooting for Wendy with her extraordinary abilities and fighting with Chopstix – something I’ve always loved styling my hair with. I never expected they could be used the way she does, but it’s all the more brilliant how A. T. Raydan came up with this amazing character who defies what we think is normal.
As I started with saying – this book will be iconic and set trends, making girls feel better about themselves, knowing they can be superheroes too. That’s why Chopstix is by far a five-star read that will leave you turning pages quicker than you thought possible.

All lovers of YA literature. I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t find something entertaining and loveable in Chopstix.

     


****
It was a pleasure getting to be part of the Chopstix Blog Tour and I couldn’t be happier with the result of the Q&A and how I expressed my feelings and thoughts about Chopstix. It’s one of those books where you read it and just think. . .WOW, where has this book been all my reading years? 
If you’re looking for a book that has a strong female character, action and unique themes, you’ll love Chopstix just as much as I did. The cover is one of my favourites I’ve seen this year and it’s definitely in my top five favourite reads of the year. Wendy Wu will be reigniting the flame for female superheroes this year for sure.
****



Have you read Chopstix?

Who’s your favourite Superhero – and do you think there should be more female ones?

Let me know in the comments!

happy reading!
post signature

Book Review: “There Will Be Lies” by Nick Lake

*NO SPOILERS REVIEW*


Title: There Will Be Lies

Author: Nick Lake

Published: January 6th, 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens

Find the Author: Goodreads


I received this for review from Bloomsbury for review. As always, my reviews are fair and un-bias.

Shelby Jane Cooper is seventeen, pretty and quiet. 

It’s just Shelby and her mom, Shaylene, a court stenographer who wears pyjama jeans, stitches tapestry, eats ice-cream for dinner and likes to keep Shelby safe. So safe she barely goes out. So safe she doesn’t go to school. Because anything could happen, to a girl like Shelby. Anything.

When Shelby gets knocked down by a car, it’s not just her leg that’s broken: Shelby’s world is shattered. Her mom turns up to collect her and drives off into the night, like it’s the beginning of a road trip, like two criminals on the run, like Thelma and Louise or Bonnie and Clyde. And somehow, everywhere she looks, there’s a coyote watching her, talking to her, telling her not to believe.

Who is Shelby Jane Cooper? If the person who keeps you safe also tells you lies, who can you trust?

Shelby Jane Cooper has led a pretty sheltered life so far. At home it’s just her and her mother; Shaylene. Shelby’s Mom likes to keep her safe, like any mother wants of their children – but with Shelby, it’s pretty different. Shaylene likes to keep Shelby so safe that she doesn’t go to school or barely goes outside to do anything, too terrified that something will happen to a girl like her. On one of the few outings Shelby is allowed, she is hit by a car and suddenly everything comes to a halt. Her leg is broken, and now everything else seems to be too. 

Setting off out of town, Shaylene pulls her daughter into a road trip. The overprotective mother that Shelby had mixed feelings about – whether she accepted the safety and understood her mother or craved more freedom – became clear that this was more than just a road trip. They were on the run. 

Now everything seems different to Shelby. Everywhere she looks, there’s a coyote watching her and taunting her, telling her things. Her dreams are wild and inquisitive, telling her things to believe. The storyline picks up right away, setting a scene for thrills and a story with layers you’ll love to delve into. 

I was won over by the enthralling enticement for There Will Be Lies, into the darkness of the lies and secrets hidden inside Shaylene and Shelby’s lives. At times it reminded me of something straight out of a movie like Gone Girl or Before I Go To Sleep, the tension and exhilarating storyline twisting into an explosive conclusion. 

Overall, There Will Be Lies is a book you don’t want to miss, thriller fans. You’ll be surprised, like I was, at the carefully crafted characters and significance of Coyotes and dreams that uncover the meaning of Shelby’s story. If you love psychological thrillers and stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, scoop up this and read just how amazing it truly is. 


         


 For fans of S.J. Watson and Gillian Flynn – you will love this. 

 What did you think of There Will Be Lies?

Did you think it was as thrilling as I did?

Let me know in the comments!

happy reading!
post signature

Ally Carter Giveaway! (Closed)

To celebrate the newly jacketed (and amazing-looking!) covers of the Gallagher Girls series Ally Carter a.k.a one of the best YA Authors I have ever read AND the brand new ALL FALL DOWN (seen in the pretty red and blue cover below), Hachette Childrens Group have been incredible to offer me THREE sets of: one newly jacketed Gallagher Girls novel AND a Miss Sporty Nail Polish to my blog followers!
Isn’t that amazing?! 
Take a look at what you could win below and find out how…

(Please bear in mind that the items above may differ from the actual prize)

To enter you must live in the UK and all you have to do is:

1. Be a follower of Pretty Little Memoirs here or here.

2. Leave a comment below telling me what your favourite thing about Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girls series is AND leave your twitter @ so I can contact you if you’re a winner!

3. Like Books With Bite’s Facebook page here.

If you haven’t heard of Ally’s Gallagher Girls series, you can read the first chapter here!

Happy Reading & Good Luck!

post signature
↑ Top of Page