Book Review: Gilt by Katherine Longshore

 

Title: Gilt
Author: Katherine Longshore
Publication date: May 15, 2012
Publisher:  Viking Juvenile
Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance
Format: Hardcover, purchased

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When Kitty Tylney’s best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII’s heart and brings Kitty to court, she’s thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat’s shadow, Kitty’s now caught between two men–the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat’s meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N |  The Book Depository

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This month, the book club that I am part of picked Gilt as our March read. And even though I didn’t love the book, I still enjoyed it. I love historical novels, but when it comes to King Henry VIII’s life being fictionalized, I usually cringe. He’s not my favorite king to read about, but there’s always something about his selfish choices and his numerous wives that lead to fascinating stories. Gilt was a great book to jump in and focus on the life of his teenage wife, Catherine Howard.

The author, Katherine Longshore, did a great job with sticking to a lot of the historical facts that took place during this time period. I’m one of those people that believes that history affects literature and literature affects history; so of course, this book focuses on the shenanigans that took place during Henry’s reign. Although the book highlights the marriage of young Catherine Howard and Henry, the main focus is wrapped around Catherine’s humble friend Kitty, who I adored. 

I’m not a big fan of Catherine Howard in the first place, so focusing on her marriage to Henry was probably my biggest complaint in the book. Catherine is so young and immature when she marries Henry, so it didn’t phase me that I found her annoying and infuriating in this book. However, her advancement to marrying Henry allows the character Kitty, Catherine’s childhood friend, to shine. I really enjoyed Kitty as a character. I think she is well-developed, and Longshore pays close attention to capturing Kitty as a vulnerable bystander that has a lot of spark and positive qualities, which only made me feel for Kitty’s situation and root for her success in the book. The ending is left open-ended, but I really do wish and pray that Kitty got her happy ending, especially in regards to one of her love interests. 

NOTE:  I was not provided a copy of this book by the author or the publisher in an exchange for a review. I bought this book with my own funds and reviewed it at my own discretion.  All statements and opinions in this review are mine.

W…W…W…Wednesday: 03/29/2017

W…W…W…Wednesday

W…W…W…Wednesday is hosted by Taking on a World of Words and includes Three Ws:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

(Click on the book cover to be linked to its Goodreads page)

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

I just started this book today. I’m part of the blog tour, and I have a strong feeling I’m going to love this book. 

WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING?

I really liked this book, and I’m currently putting a blog review together. I hope to have it up a few weeks before its release date in May.

OH MY GOD, YOU GUYS!!! A Million Junes is probably my new favorite book of the year. I loved every word and every chapter. I’m in the process of putting all my thoughts together, but overall the story is beautiful, the characters are sarcastic and funny, and throughout the work I just felt so enchanted by the words. Full review will be posted soon. 

Read this book for book club. I liked it but didn’t love it. Ugh, Catherine Howard just annoyed and infuriated me during the entire book. Kitty was the only character that I liked and kept me interested in finishing the book.

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL READ NEXT?

How cute is this cover? I bought the UK edition (pictured above) and I cannot wait to read it.

How does your week of reading look?

THE GLITTERING COURT Release Day Blitz & Giveaway

WELCOME to the PAPERBACK RELEASE DAY of THE GLITTERING COURT by RICHELLE MEAD! Be sure to enter the giveaway below to win a paperback copy of the book from Penguin.

THE GLITTERING COURT by Richelle Mead 
(The Glittering Court #1) 
Publication date for Paperback: March 28, 2017
Publisher: Razorbill
Genres: Historical, Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Book Depository  / Goodreads

SUMMARY 

Big and sweeping, spanning from the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World. But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court.

Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. Adelaide naturally excels in her training, and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mira. She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court.

When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide’s deception. Complications soon arise—first as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and then when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor.

But no complication will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalize the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly uncharted lands…

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GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win one (1) of ten (10) copies of The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on March 28, 2017 and 12:00 AM on April 5, 2017.  Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about April 7, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

RICHELLE MEAD BIO:

 

RICHELLE MEAD is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Vampire Academy series and its spin-off series, Bloodlines. Originally from Michigan, she now lives in Seattle, Washington.

Goodreads / Website

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I Would Love to Meet

HOSTED by The Broke and the Bookish

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This week’s topic is…

Top Ten Ten Authors I Would Love to Meet

For the longest time, I have been obsessed with meeting authors and getting my books signed. I have over 400 books signed, but I’m not sure of the number of authors I have already met. Below are 10 authors I would LOVE to meet! 

1. Sharon Biggs Waller
2. Ilona Andrews
3. Alwyn Hamilton
4. Stacey Lee
5. Melissa Landers
6. Meagan Spooner
7. Kasie West
8. S. Jae-Jones
9. Evelyn Skye
10. Lauren Gibaldi

What authors would you love to meet? What authors have you already met?

If It’s Not a Rant, It’s a Rave: Starfall by Melissa Landers

 

Title: Starfall 
Author: Melissa Landers
Publication date: February 7, 2017
Publisher:  Disney-Hyperion
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Sci-Fi 
Format: Hardcover, purchased

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When Princess Cassia Rose fled her home world of Eturia to escape an arranged marriage, she had no idea her sudden departure would spark a war. Now after two years hiding as a ship hand, she is finally returning to her beloved home, but not in the way she imagined. Shackled by bounty hunters, she is violently dragged back to account for her crimes. Her only solace is that the Banshee crew managed to evade capture, including Kane Arric, her best friend…with occasional benefits.

Meanwhile, Kane and the rest of the crew of the Banshee plan a desperate rescue mission. But when they arrive on Eturia, Cassia isn’t exactly in need of heroics—she’s claimed her birthright as Eturia’s queen, but has inherited a war-torn planet simmering with rebellion. Cassia must make alliances, and Kane, the bastard son of a merchant, isn’t a choice that will earn her any friends. Kane knows he will never find someone to replace Cassia—and is certain she returns his feelings—but how can he throw away his own promising future waiting on a queen?

When the outer realm is threatened by the dangerous Zhang mafia, Cassia, Kane and the rest of the Banshee crew uncover a horrifying conspiracy that endangers the entire universe. In the face of unspeakable evil, Cassia must confront her own family’s complicated legacy on Eturia and decide once and for all who her real family is.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N |  The Book Depository

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I swear Melissa Landers should write for a TV show. Her gift for storytelling is so engaging, and Starfall had me on the edge of my seat from chapter 1. There were so many twists and turns that I did not see coming, and I could not have asked for a better story to unfold in the Starflight series. UGH, WILL THERE BE MORE IN THIS SERIES?! PLEASE TELL ME THERE WILL BE MORE!

I love the chemistry between Cassia and Kane. Their dialogue, actions, and feelings toward each other is sizzling, swoony, and oftentimes frustrating (but so, so good). Their friendship, teasing on-and-off-again relationship, and sacrifices that they make for one another throughout the book fueled me to the very end. Their relationship is so imperfect, yet swoony, which made me root for them throughout the entire novel. 

Starfall is so quick-paced and action-packed, but it’s the development of the roguish Kane and the smart, cunning, and fierce princess Cassia that strengthened my love for this book. And I loved that behind Cassia is a gang of misfits who would sacrifice anything to keep her, and each other, from becoming a victim of their enemies. The friendships in this book (and series) are true squad goals, and allow the story to unfold with excitement and adoration. If you’re a fan of television shows like Firefly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and even The Magicians, this book is for you! You will fall in love with the strong friendships, wild escapades, snarky attitudes, and witty dialogue that meshes this novel into a one of a kind sci-fi adventure.

NOTE:  I was not provided a copy of this book by the author or the publisher in an exchange for a review. I bought this book with my own funds and reviewed it at my own discretion.  All statements and opinions in this review are mine.

Book Review: Get it Together, Delilah by Erin Gough

 

Title: Get It Together, Delilah
Author: Erin Gough
Publication date: April 4, 2017
Publisher:  Chronicle Books
Genres: Young Adult, Contempoary, Romance, GLBT+
Format: e-arc from Netgalley

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A story about falling in love, literally.

Seventeen-year-old Delilah Green wouldn’t have chosen to do her last year of school this way, but she figures it’s working fine. Her dad is on a trip to fix his broken heart after her mom left him for another man, so Del’s managing the family café in his absence. Easy, she thinks. But what about:
– homework and the nasty posse of mean girls making her life hell
– or how one of Del’s best friends won’t stop guilt-tripping her
– and her other best friend is so in love with his tutor he might go to jail for her if Del doesn’t do something

But who cares about any of that really, because above all else, she can’t stop thinking about beautiful Rosa who dances every night across the street until one day Rosa comes in the café door . . .

And if Rosa starts thinking about Del, too, then how in the name of caramel milkshakes will Del get the rest of it together?

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N |  The Book Depository

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***Please note that this review contains some spoilers.*** 

At the very beginning, I found Get It Together, Delilah to be a constant page-turner. Plus I was instantly in love with the cute and creative cover. I really enjoyed how Erin Gough’s storytelling wraps you up in the aroma of coffee, but in the end, I had hard time connecting with the main character and rationalizing some of her actions. 

Get It Together, Delilah spans over about four months, in which the main character, Delilah, takes on an overwhelming amount of responsibilities. For me there were some missing pieces in this book, and some situations that did not add up. For example, while her dad was off on “vacation,” I kept wondering, where is the adult that Delilah’s dad thinks is running the café with Delilah’s help? Is her dad even communicating with him? Did I miss something? Did I read over the explanation? My mind was always screaming, where is the parental responsibility in this book?!

In regards to the main character, I was a fan of Delilah’s confidence and her straight-forward attitude. But as the story progressed, Delilah started irritating me. She began taking on too much and everything started slipping through the cracks for her. In the second half of the novel, I felt that she was overbearing at times, inconsiderate of other people’s opinions and feelings, and she never rationalized situations too well. 

Delilah also makes too many assumptions when it comes to her friends and their actions, and often fails to communicate with them to know the actual truth. At times, Delilah frustrated me, and then I wanted to scream the book’s title, and say “OMG, GET IT TOGETHER, DELILAH!” When it comes to the girls she has crushes on, she is often inconsiderate of their feelings, and sadly only focuses on her own needs and wants. I’m not too sure if it’s my age showing (i.e. I’m not a teenager), but I at least think Delilah was smart enough to use common sense. 

One of my favorite things about the novel was the relationship that starts between Delilah and Rosa. Their interactions are so awkward and cute. I was cheering on their relationship the entire time. In all honesty, I think it was their realistic and adorable relationship that saved this book for me. 

Get It Together, Delilah contains a cast of memorable characters who become Delilah’s support group. I loved the quirky friendships in this novel, and how much love and support they give to each other. Although Delilah was not my favorite person in the last half of the book, I think Get It Together, Delilah realistically portrays the hardships and harassment that young adults face in and outside of school; especially those who have found themselves but society fails to accept them for who they are. This is definitely a book I would share with high school and middle grade students; I feel like they would relate to Delilah’s struggles and frustrations more than I could. 

My Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

 

 

 

NOTE: Thank you to Netgalley and Chronicle Books  for providing me an e-galley/e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All statements and opinions are my own.

W…W…W…Wednesday: 03/22/2017

W…W…W…Wednesday

W…W…W…Wednesday is hosted by Taking on a World of Words and includes Three Ws:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

(Click on the book cover to be linked to its Goodreads page)

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

Emery Lord is one of my favorite contemporary authors, and so far I am really enjoying this book. 

WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING?

I didn’t love this book as much as I thought I would, but it was still a good read. My full review will be up on Thursday.

I have heard mix reviews for Traitor to the Throne. I, however, loved it. I should have a review up soon.

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL READ NEXT?

I won a copy of The Beast Is An Animal from SimonTeen on Goodreads. The cover is so beautiful and creepy. I cannot wait to read it.

How does your week of reading look?

Top Ten Tuesday: Read In One Sitting

HOSTED by The Broke and the Bookish

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This week’s topic is…

Top Ten Books I Read In One Sitting

(Click on the book cover to be linked to its Goodreads page)

Leigh Bardugo wrote one of my favorite series, The Grisha Trilogy, and once again her storytelling did not disappoint with Six of Crows. Now I just need to motivate myself to read Crooked Kingdom, but I’m too afraid of what’s going to happen.

I read Rebel of the Sands for book club, and I absolutely loved it. I love the world and more importantly the characters. I just finished the sequel, which was so good. Now I need book 3!

Another book club pick that I absolutely adored. I read Tell Me Three Things in one sitting because it was so fun and quick to read. Plus that cover was obviously screaming my name.

Oh, Uprooted, I fell in love with you so fast, and I still adore you. I remember reading this book when my mom was alive, and I could not put it down. I kept telling my mom, you have to read this after to me.

Anna and the French Kiss is always a book I turn to for a reread. It’s cute, funny, and quick. It’s also a great cure for a reading slump. Trust me, you want this swoony read in your life.

When a book takes place in Kentucky, I usually gobble it up. And Katie McGarry’s Thunder Road series is definitely a book that will keep your heart racing and have you on the edge of your seat.

There is something about Moïra Fowley-Doyle’s writing and storytelling that is so magical and enchanting. The Accident Season will bewitch you, and I always hope the next reader loves it as much as I did.

Illuminae is filled with pictures, transcripts, and fast-paced dialogue. The whole book is such a quick read, so I have no doubt that any reader will be able to read it in one sitting.

Contemporary books are always fast reads for me, and Fangirl was definitely a great page-turner. I related to Cath on so many levels. I also really enjoyed the story, the quirky characters, and witty dialogue.

Caraval is so enchanting and mysterious. I could not put the book down. I’ve read it twice already and it just came out in January, hahaha.

What are some books that you could not put down and
ended up reading in one sitting?

The Blogger Aesthetic Award

The Blogger Aesthetic Award was created by Liam @ Hey Ashers! Be sure to check out his original post about the award here. I was nominated and tagged by Kirsty at Kirsty’s Book Reviews. Thank you, Kirsty!

THE RULES:

• Collect any number of images that you feel represent you as a person—your personality, aspirations, favorite things, anything at all that makes you you.
• Put your chosen images together into a collage of whatever size and shape you find pleasing.
• Share your masterpiece with everyone, in all the places.
• Maybe nominate other bloggers as a way to tell them, “Hey, you, I think you’re awesome, and we should celebrate that awesomeness.”
• Share these rules (and maybe the below tips, if you’re feeling helpful).

TIPS:

• Find inspiration by spending (minimum) three hours scrolling through aesthetic Tumblr posts relevant to you.
• Two great places to hunt for pictures are Pinterest and WeHeartIt. Pinterest requires an account; WeHeartIt does not.
• PicMonkey’s collage editor is free to use and doesn’t require an account, heck yes. YouTube has plenty of tutorials on how to use it; I watched this one (which begins with tips on how to find decent photos).

I don’t know if this is breaking the rules, but below is a mash-up of my own pictures that I gathered to express my aesthetic. 

I like to think that this collage aesthetic is me in a nutshell. As you can see I’m a mix of donuts, books, witchiness, Funko Pops, fandom candles, NKY/Cincy sunsets, more books, feminism, coffee love, cemetery visits, cute shoes, books and more books, awesome mugs, organization, tote bag hoarder, fantasy lover, Jane Eyre fanatic, and my furbaby–Josephine the poodle. 

I tag:

Kayla
Laura
Sydney
Rendz
Lia
And anyone who would love to participate! 

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Review of Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde

Queens of Geek
Jen Wilde
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: March 14th 2017
Genres: Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Young Adult

About Queens of Geek:

Three friends. Two love stories. One convention.

Charlie likes to stand out. She’s a vlogger and actress promoting her first movie at SupaCon, and this is her chance to show fans she’s over her public breakup with co-star Reese Ryan. When internet-famous cool-girl actress Alyssa Huntington arrives as a surprise guest, it seems Charlie’s long-time crush on her isn’t as one-sided as she thought.Taylor likes to blend in. Her brain is wired differently, making her fear change. And there’s one thing in her life she knows will never change: her friendship with her best guy friend Jamie—no matter how much she may secretly want it to. But when she hears about a fan contest for her favorite fandom, she starts to rethink her rules on playing it safe.Queens of Geek, an empowering young adult novel by Jen Wilde, is all about fandom, friendship, and finding the courage to be yourself.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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There is so much I love about this book, but I’m afraid my fangirling will give too much away. I hate spoilers, so I am going to try to make this review as spoiler-free as I can.

I think one of the best things about life is fandoms and then finding friends that will geek out over the same fandoms with you. Queens of Geek is a story about friendships and the love for fandoms. In a nutshell, it is a story about three friends, who are about to head off to college, so for a friendship vacation they attend a convention very similar to San Diego Comic Con. Their adventure is a page-turner that you will not want to put down. Fangirling ensues. Friendships strengthen. And swooning is guaranteed. 

Queens of Geek focuses on two main points-of-view. First there is Charlie, a well-known vlogger/indie actress, who has her own group of fans. I liked Charlie, because she is a girl that knows what she wants in life. She has a plan and a daring attitude. She is the girl that a lot of us inspire to be. And then there is Taylor, who I mainly related to. Taylor has a heart of gold, and often deals with severe anxiety.  

In Queens of Geek, I love that opposites attract, but it is the similarities between these two characters that bring Charlie and Taylor closer together. Both of the characters are honest, trusting, and so damn likable. Along for the ride, Jamie, Taylor’s best guy friend, geeks out with them at the convention. But in this story, the convention is more than fangirling or freaking out over you favorite vloggers, super heroes, sci-fi characters, or fantasy authors–instead it’s about growing up, stepping out of your comfort zone, and understanding who you are. 

Although Queens of Geek takes place in the span of a few days, a lot occurs. Panic attacks happen, ex-boyfriends get stupidly drunk, and crushes start developing into actual relationships. I really enjoyed that this fast-paced book touches base on issues that a lot of teenagers deal with in their everyday lives. And without giving too much away, I loved the healthy and realistic approach that the author, Jen Wilde, takes in regards to highlighting topics like anxiety, body issues, and bisexuality. If you are in the mood for a book that realistically portrays the love for fandoms, along with real-life issues, definitely give Queens of Geek a read. 

Enter to win a print copy of Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

March 13th
–Bibliobibuli YA >> Interview
–Fic Central >> Review
–Adventures with a Book Nerd >> Review

March 14th
–Rattle the Stars >> Guest post
–To Be Read >> Review
–Girl vs Books >> Review
–With Love for Books >> Review
–Happily Ever Chapter >> Review
–Hopeful Reads >> Review

March 15th
–books are love >> Review
–Twirling Book Princess  >> Excerpt
–Padme’s Library >> Interview
–Quartzfeather >> Review
–Rolling with the Moments >> Review

March 16th
–Books and Ladders >> Review
–A Dream Within A Dream >> Excerpt
–Rants and Raves of a Bibliophile >> Review
–My Tiny Obsessions >> Review
–Book Stacks Amber >> Review

March 17th
–The Cover Contessa >> Guest post
–Kourtni Reads >> Review
–Betwixt the Pages >> Review
–The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange >> Review
–Flavia the Bibliophile >> Review

Jen Wilde is a writer, geek and fangirl with a penchant for coffee, books and pugs. She writes YA stories about zombies (AS THEY RISE), witches (ECHO OF THE WITCH) and fangirls (QUEENS OF GEEK). Her debut series reached over three million reads online and became an Amazon bestseller.When she’s not writing, Jen loves binge-watching her favorite shows on Netflix, eating pizza, traveling to far away places and going to conventions in Marty McFly cosplay. Jen lives in a sunny beachside town in Australia with her husband and their cheeky pug, aptly named Heisenberg.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter