Book Club | Easy by Tammara Webber

"I took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly before turning around. It was Lucas who stood there. His gaze was penetrating, not wavering for a moment, and my pulse hammered under his silent scrutiny.  I couldn't remember the last time I'd been so full of pure, unqualified desire.  Lucas is the stranger who saved Jacqueline from an attack by a fellow student - she'd never noticed him before then, and now he's everywhere.  But can Jacqueline trust him - or will the secrets he's hiding come between them?"

It's been a while since I last wrote a book review and that's mostly because I was re-reading one of the Harry Potter's.  Wizards aside, I've recently finished a book by Tammara Webber (yet another chick lit to add to the list...), an author I hadn't heard of before, but I'm glad I found her.  The novel Easy is a step up from Young Adult fiction, as Webber simply calls it "New Adult".  Think in terms of 50 Shades of Grey, this book would be a step down from that in terms of genre and the level of explicitness.  It was a really gripping read from the first word.  There's an extremely violent opening scene where the main character Jacqueline is attacked by a man with intentions of rape, before her rescuer, Lucas, saves the day.  The storyline then follows these two characters and how their relationship grows.  Overall I really enjoyed it and sailed through it pretty quickly.  The writing was good and sometimes extremely evocative.  It was also reasonably priced, at £2.99 for the Kindle.  

Currently reading: Between The Lines by Tammara Webber

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Book Club | Starstruck by Lauren Conrad

"Madison Parker has discovered that not all publicity is good publicity. After turning herself in for stealing some bling, the reality star is stuck doing community service while her Fame Game castmates soak up all the screen time. Not that newcomer Kate Hayes needs more attention—ever since her breakout song became an overnight sensation she's suddenly acting like she's Katy Perry. Aspiring actress Carmen Curtis is finally making a name for herself, but she's finding it harder than ever to get out from behind her famous mother's shadow. And in Hollywood, leading men are a dime a dozen, but a good man is hard to find. So when two of the girls have their eye on the same guy, that can mean only one thing: on-camera drama."

Surprise, surprise, another chick lit novel.  I've really been enjoy girly reads lately and Lauren Conrad's second book in the Fame Game trilogy is no exception.  An easy read, which could be a novel version of a season of The Hills, Starstruck has everything a great chick lit should contain; romance, drama and a good plot.  Each character goes through a transformation in the second instalment, Madison becomes likeable, Kate gets a bit too big for her boots and gets shipped off home (Heidi Montag being sent back to Colorado to get away from Spencer rings a bell...) and Carmen grows a thick skin against her mother.  If you like Lauren Conrad, The Hills or chick lits in general, you'll enjoy this book.  It's not groundbreaking in terms of writing, but as a quick escape, it ticks all the right boxes! 

Reviewed in the series: The Fame Game 

Currently reading: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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Book Club | The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

"Charlie is a freshman. And while he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it. Charlie is attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. But Charlie can't stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up."

"We accept the love we think we deserve."

Considering it's a New York Times Bestseller, I hadn't heard much about this book before I read it.  I knew it had been turned into a film with Emma Watson but as always, I like to read the book before I see the film.  It's only 187 pages long, so it's a short and sweet action packed novel, and the first I'd read by Stephen Chbosky (someone tell me how you pronounce that please!)  When I began reading it, I realised that I'd seen a lot of the quotes on Tumblr. The book grips you straight away. It's written in a letter format and the language Chbosky uses cleverly conveys the main character, Charlie's, social awkwardness. A lot happened in under 200 pages, some I didn't see coming, others that I picked up reading through. It's one of those cult books and I can see why, it was a really enjoyable read and if you love books, you'll certainly love this one! 

Currently reading: You Had Me at Hello by Mhairi McFarlane

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Book Club | Cheryl: My Story

"The nation’s sweetheart, Cheryl has achieved unrivalled success with Girls Aloud, as a solo artist, a judge on the X Factor, a fashion icon and as the face of L’Oreal. However, the path to fame is rarely easy and for Cheryl it has been a colourful journey.  From happy but humble beginnings growing up on a tough Newcastle estate, Cheryl saw firsthand the damage that drugs and alcohol can do. But this feisty Geordie never gave up on her dreams of being on stage.  With success came a level of fame no one could prepare for. As Cheryl’s career went from strength to strength her personal heartache was played out in the national media. From her divorce to her battles with malaria, Cheryl's every move was captured by paparazzi. There was nowhere for Cheryl to hide. However, a true fighter, Cheryl emerged from every challenge stronger.  Now it’s Cheryl’s turn to set the record straight. In this heartfelt account, she opens up about all of the incredible ups and downs of her life. Told with searing honesty this is Cheryl as you’ve never seen her before."

I'm a big Cheryl fan and have been since the beginning when she first got into Girls Aloud. When I saw that she was releasing an autobiography, I initially wanted to read it to find out the truth about Ashley because there'd been so much speculation when they were together.  It was an entertaining read, although at times the writing was pretty basic.  I was quite shocked at how much she hates the paparazzi, becoming one of only a few celebrities who have been granted an injunction against them.  Cheryl talks very openly about her battle with Malaria, which is quite difficult to read especially when she was being told her organs were one by one shutting down.  

Although there were quite a few lows in the book, there were a lot of laugh out loud parts too, especially her relationship with Simon Cowell, who she described as money hungry and vain.  It was also quite funny reading about when she got arrested in Guildford, somewhere I shop and go out quite often myself.  There's also a great story of how Cheryl met Prince Harry on Simon Cowell's dressing room floor... If you like Cheryl, than you'll definitely like this book or if you just like to be nosey and find out more about people.  Like I said, it's not very well written but for the entertainment factor that can be forgiven.  

Currently reading: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

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Book Club | Reflected in You by Sylvia Day

It's been a long time since I last did a book club post, but truth be told I've been buried in academic texts, researching for my dissertation and haven't really been able to pick up my Kindle.  The second novel in the Crossfire trilogy came out at the beginning of October and it was just the kind of easy to read book I needed.  

"Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn't stay away. I didn't want to. He was my addiction, my every desire, mine.  My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We'd never work. It was too hard, too painful, except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity.  We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession..."

Just like 50 Shades of Grey, this book is fast fiction and definitely a fantasy.  The quality of writing is better than 50 Shades, but the plot in the second sequel is pretty much the same apart from the addition of Eva's past.  I quite liked the addition of Brett, Eva's ex-boyfriend, which had Gideon being even more unbearably controlling in their on-again-off-again relationship.  It's definitely an entertaining read and I will more than likely read the third, but if you're looking for something better written, I'd steer clear of these trashy chick lit stories.  

Currently reading: Cheryl Cole: My Story

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Book Club | Bared to You by Sylvia Day

"Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness - beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily.  Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds and desires.  The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart..."

After the phenomenon that was 50 Shades of Grey, their were quite a few authors to hop onto the bandwagon.  The most successful runner up to the 50 Shades trilogy is the Crossfire series, with it's first installment 'Bared to You'.  Reading this book, their are many comparisons to E. L. James' popular books.  The main protagonist is a rich business man who's also gorgeous and haunted by his past, whilst the female lead Eva (not Ana) is also haunted by a horrific past.  They go about a far more realistic relationship than what Christian and Ana did, but by no means less glamourous.  The writing is so much better in Bared to You - I actually think Sylvia Day may have got an editor involved, whereas 50 Shades is debatable.  I found the story a lot more enjoyable, too.  If you liked 50 Shades then this is definitely another one to add to your booklist.  The only downside was that the sequel isn't out until October.  

Currently reading: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (going back to my childhood...)

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Book Club | Fifty Shades Freed by E. L. James

"Romantic, liberating and totally addictive, the Fifty Shades trilogy will obsess you, possess you and stay with you for ever.  When Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably.  Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy, and being together poses challenges neither of them had anticipated. Ana must learn to share Grey's opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity or independence; and Grey must overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that still haunt him.  Now, finally together, they have love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities.  But just when it seems that they really do have it all, tragedy and fate combine to make Ana's worst nightmares come true..."

The third and final instalment in the trilogy that has cast a spell upon women all over the world is probably the best out of the three.  Although we got a small glimpse of what was to come in the second book with the final pages reading from Jack's point of view, I was hooked and didn't see anything coming.  The writing, however, was still a bit iffy in places, but it was still compelling to read. Ana finally figures out her Fifty Shades and makes compromises along the way to keep both him and her happy.  The third book is probably the least sexual and it turns into more of a love story, but the Red Room of Pain still exists.  At the end, we get an insight into Christians mind at a few stages of his life, including when he first met Ana.  I really think E. L. James should continue writing it from his point of view.  At an event last week she hadn't quite made up her mind about if she wanted to re-write the story from his point of view. If you enjoyed the first two, then you'll definitely be happy with the third.  

I'm really struggling to decide what to read next, I started reading the sample of Delirium, but it  failed to captivate me.  The exact same thing happened when I finished the Twilight saga - No more books with Edward and I couldn't find a story I wanted to read! If you've got any book recommendations, I would love to hear them!

Other books in this series:

Fifty Shades of Grey (#1)

Fifty Shades Darker (#2)

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Book Club | Fifty Shades Darker by E. L. James

"Romantic, liberating and totally addictive, the Fifty Shades trilogy will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you for ever...  Daunted by the dark secrets of the tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Ana Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a US publishing house.  But desire for Grey still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, she cannot resist. Soon she is learning more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades than she ever thought possible.  But while Grey wrestles with his inner demons, Ana must make the most important decision of her life. And it's a decision she can only make on her own ..."

After quickly finishing the first in the infamous trilogy, I couldn't wait to start reading the sequel.  What started off as a seedy and salacious story in the first novel, quickly became a lot deeper in the second.  Although there is no denying that the book is still extremely erotic in places and lives up to it's reputation, it also turns into a love story.  Christian Grey is still a mercurial mess, but he slowly begins to open up to Ana showing a few more of his many shades.  I was completely obsessed with this book, it's not well written, in places you wonder if E. L. James actually had an editor but it's so compelling that you can almost forgive the writing.  It made me laugh, cry and occasionally made me angry - all emotions that a compelling story should.  

Have you been taken under Christian Greys spell?

Just finished: Fifty Shades Freed

Currently reading: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

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

"When literature student Anastasia Steele interviews successful entrepreneur Christian Grey, she finds him very attractive and deeply intimidating. Convinced that their meeting went badly, she tries to put him out of her mind - until he turns up at the store where she works part-time, and invites her out.  Unworldly and innocent, Ana is shocked to find she wants this man. And, when he warns her to keep her distance, it only makes her want him more.  But Grey is tormented by inner demons, and consumed by the need to control. As they embark on a passionate love affair, Ana discovers more about her own desires, as well as the dark secrets Grey keeps hidden away from public view."

I feel like everyone one and their wives have now read this book. Whilst I was on holiday I bought this book for a bargainous £2.69 for my Kindle and from the first page I was sucked into Ana Steele's world.  I was on the fence about reading this to begin with, as it's known for it's erotic nature - which is no lie, it's definitely mouth-open, eye opening at times - but it's so good! E L James really sucks you into this innocent, virgin's life and takes you through the motions of falling in love, with a bit of erotica thrown in for good measure.  If you enjoy romantic novels and aren't a prude or likely to cringe when reading the more intimate parts (pun not intended) of the book - which there are many - then I really recommend it! It's the first book for a while that's actually reduced me to tears (yes, an erotic novel made me cry - the ending is SO sad!) and I immediately bought the sequel and began reading almost instantly after turning the last page.  

Have you read this eye opening novel?

Just finished: Fifty Shades Darker

Currently reading: Fifty Shades Freed

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The Kindle Review

Meet my latest obsession.  I asked for a Kindle for Christmas, initially because I wasn't sure what I wanted but now I'm so glad my parents bought it for me.  I've always enjoyed reading since an early age.  My nose was always in the latest Jacqueline Wilson novel and I was even lucky enough to meet her with a friend when I was about nine or ten.  Since growing up I've gone through the various phases of Twilight, The Hunger Games, Harry Potter as well as a few dry spells when I wouldn't read anything.  I first thought about getting a Kindle when I was reading - or trying to read - A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness.  If you've read the book you'll know it's big and bulky and I found that it was difficult to read just because of how heavy it was.  Getting my Kindle has completely revolutionised the way I read. I read a lot faster and a lot more now than I ever did as a child.  If you hadn't already guessed, this is going to be a rave review post. 

For starters, I have just the Kindle without keyboard. It's extremely light and easy to use.  It has four buttons and a trackpad to navigate around the device as well as two buttons either side to go back and fourth pages of the book you're reading.  The home screen (above) lists all the books currently on your Kindle and your progress, marked by dots.  I'm currently reading Fifty Shades Darker.  

One of my favourite Kindle features is samples.  It's the most annoying thing in the world when you buy a book and you just can't get in to it.  All Kindle books allow you to try a sample which is usually 2-3 chapters worth and then you can choose whether you want to continue reading by purchasing the book or you can simply delete it.  The only thing that annoys me about samples, is that when you buy the book it doesn't continue from where you left off, instead it starts from the beginning.  

Font size is easily adjustable, although I've never had a problem with the font that automatically comes with the books.  You can track your reading progress using the percentage bar along the bottom and you can see how many pages you've read by pressing the menu button.  Another feature I like is the integrated dictionary.  Using the trackpad you can scroll to the word you're not sure of and it will give you a definition.  There is also a full Oxford Dictionary installed onto the Kindle.  

The Kindle store allows you to browse the whole library in sections - books, newspapers, magazines and blogs or alternatively if you have a specific book or author in mind, you can search it by clicking the keyboard button.  You can also view the book charts and Amazon will also fix recommendations for you, based on what you've bought and read already.  You can sync your Kindle up to your Facebook and Twitter accounts so that you can share when you've finished a book.  

There are plenty of accessories for the Kindle.  I purchased this skin to both prevent it from getting scratched and also to make it look a bit prettier.  There's a wide selection all priced at £17.99.  I have a plain hot pink case which I put my Kindle in.  When it comes to cases, I find there is a limited choice so the way forward is caseable, a website that lets you create the case you want.  I don't really need a case with the skin but I find that I still like to hold on to the Kindle with both hands, like you would a book. Holding it in one hand just feels weird.  

I understand theres a debate on the book vs. the e-book.  I, too, enjoy the feel of the book, but I find my Kindle so much easier in so many ways. It's thin and takes up less room in my handbag (and my bookshelf for that matter), the books are usually a lot cheaper on the Kindle (I got Fifty Shades of Grey for £2.69 compared with the RRP of £7.99 - that's a big difference!) and you don't have to deal with weighty novels.  I love my Kindle and I'd certainly be lost without it. 

Do you have a Kindle, or do you prefer the feel of a book?

Book Club | The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad

In Hollywood, fame can be found on every corner and behind any door. You just have to know where to look for it. Nineteen-year-old Madison Parker made a name for herself as best frenemy of nice-girl-next-door Jane Roberts on the hot reality show L.A. Candy. Now Madison's ready for her turn in the spotlight and she'll stop at nothing to get it. Sure, she's the star of a new show, but with backstabbing friends and suspicious family members trying to bring her down, Madison has her work cut out for her. Plus, there's a new nice girl in "reality" town—aspiring actress Carmen Price, the daughter of Hollywood royalty—and she's a lot more experienced at playing the fame game... When the camera's start rolling, whose star will shine brighter?

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't the most intellectual of books I've ever read, but sometimes after a long day at uni or work it's nice to kick back with an easy read and just relax.  I noticed some similarities character wise in the book. Obviously it follows on with Madison and Gaby but the new additions Kate and Carmen were definitely the new Jane and Scarlett (in that order).  I'm excited for the second book in the series, out in September, as I could have quite happily read another 400 pages of this book.  If you like chick flick novels you'll love this book - and all the other novels Conrad has written as well.  

Reviewed in the series: Starstruck

Currently reading: The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Kindle 'To-Read' List

Since getting a Kindle for Christmas, I've turned into a bit of a bookworm.  I always was an avid reader but for some reason, I've found that my Kindle makes it easier to read.  One of the features I love most about the Kindle is that you can download samples of books which you would like to read or that have perhaps been recommended to you.  I don't know about you, but I used to by books that were recommended or sounded good and I've not gotten past the first 30 pages - money I'll never see again!  This gimmick completely erases that and if you're not wanting to read on when it finishes, you can delete it and not feel like you've chucked a fiver down the drain.  The downside? I've accumulated quite a list of samples! I thought I'd share my current to-reads with you and a blurb for each - you never know, you might come across a book you'd like to read.  

The Fame Game - Lauren Conrad

"In Hollywood, fame can be found on every corner and behind any door. You just have to know where to look for it. Nineteen-year-old Madison Parker made a name for herself as best frenemy of nice-girl-next-door Jane Roberts on the hot reality show L.A. Candy. Now Madison's ready for her turn in the spotlight and she'll stop at nothing to get it. Sure, she's the star of a new show, but with backstabbing friends and suspicious family members trying to bring her down, Madison has her work cut out for her. Plus, there's a new nice girl in "reality" town—aspiring actress Carmen Price, the daughter of Hollywood royalty—and she's a lot more experienced at playing the fame game... When the camera's start rolling, whose star will shine brighter?"

I've read all of Lauren Conrad's L.A. Candy novels and loved them.  They are extremely easy to read and after a long day at work or uni, they take the edge off.  I thought she was no longer writing but here we have the first of another novel series which I will probably dive straight into, once I've finished Mockingjay. 

Can We Still Be Friends - Alexandra Shulman

"It's the summer of 1983 and best friends, Salome, Annie and Kendra have left university to embark on adulthood. Three very different girls with very different paths ahead.

- Annie, the capable domestic beauty, convinced that marriage will give her everything she wants.

- Sal, the aspiring journalist whose personal demons threaten to destroy everything she has achieved.

- Kendra, the daughter of chic, liberal parents who, searching for her own identity, encounters a life she never expected.

As they navigate the decade of ra-ra skirts and shoulder pads, Duran Duran and Margaret Thatcher, they discover that the future is what happens to you, not what you plan.

Their interwoven tale captures brilliantly what it is to learn the exhilarating and painful truths about love, work, family and the ties of friendship."

I found this book whilst flicking through the latest Vogue.  I was completely unaware that Shulman had penned a novel and the reviews seem pretty good so I quickly clicked 'send sample now' on Amazon.  

Divergent - Veronica Roth

"She turns to the future in a world that’s falling apart.

For sixteen-year-old Tris, the world changes in a heartbeat when she is forced to make a terrible choice. Turning her back on her family, Tris ventures out, alone, determined to find out where she truly belongs.

Shocked by the brutality of her new life, Tris can trust no one. And yet she is drawn to a boy who seems to both threaten and protect her. The hardest choices may yet lie ahead….

A debut novel that will leave you breathless."

Elle Fowler from YouTube has a vlog series for books called 'Glitterature' which I always watch and this was one of the books she reviewed.  It seems a bit like The Hunger Games and Uglies trilogy which I loved, so I'm sure this will be a winner too! 

The Lucky One - Nicholas Sparks

"Is there really such thing as a lucky charm? The hero of Nicholas Sparks's new novel believes he's found one in the form of a photograph of a smiling woman he's never met, but who he comes to believe holds the key to his destiny. The chain of events that leads to him possessing the photograph and finding the woman pictured in it is the stuff of love stories only a master such as Sparks can write."

Nicholas Sparks is one of my favourite authors of all time.  He wrote the book which later turned into my favourite film, The Notebook and every other story he has written always grabs me.  Not to mention, they always transfer so well onto the big screen.  His latest book-to-film is The Lucky One, which is one of the only books I haven't read by him.  I'm 

really looking forward to this one - will probably be a holiday read!

The Vow - Kim & Krickitt Carpenter

"Life as Kim and Krickitt Carpenter knew it was shattered beyond recognition on November 24, 1993. Two months after their marriage, a devastating car wreck left Krickitt with a massive head injury and in a coma for weeks.
When she finally awoke, she had no idea who Kim was. With no recollection of their relationship and while Krickitt experienced personality changes common to those who suffer head injuries, Kim realized the woman he had married essentially died in the accident.
And yet, against all odds, but through the common faith in Christ that sustained them, Kim and Krickitt fell in love all over again. Even though Kim stood by Krickitt through the darkest times a husband can ever imagine, he insists, “I’m no hero. I made a vow.”

When I saw the trailer for this film, I wondered if there was a book behind it, as it was based on a true story. There was. But it was Kindle ready. I headed on over to Goodreads and found that A LOT of people were petitioning to get this on the Kindle and we got our wish! I'm really excited to read this, although it is sure to be a tear jerker.  

The Fault in our Stars - John Green

"Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means) Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly, to her interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind."

Gemma from Gemsmaquillage on YouTube started a book club and this was the first book in it. I liked the idea of the story and downloaded a sample ages ago but since then got hooked onto The Hunger Games.  

Have you read any of these books or got a recommendation? 

Book Review: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins

Katniss survived the Hunger Games. Now the Capitol wants revenge. It's payback time, and her chance of survival is even slimmer than ever... After winning the brutal Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta have returned to District 12, hoping for a peaceful future. But their victory has caused rebellion to break out - and the Capitol has decided that someone must pay. As Katniss and Peeta are forced to visit the other districts on the Capitol's Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. Unless they can convince the world that they are still lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying. Then comes the cruellest twist: the contestants for the next Hunger Games are announced, and Katniss and Peeta are forced into the arena once more...

May the odds be ever in your favour. 

I enjoyed the second novel in the Hunger Games trilogy, although I couldn't get over the fact there was no arena. That was until the twist. It was a good follow up and developed the characters beyond the first book. I loved the Quarter Quell twist, where Katniss and Peeta are forced back into the arena, alongside other previous victors.  While this book was good, I enjoyed the first, Hunger Games, a lot more.  

Currently reading: Mockingjay (Hunger Games trilogy) by Suzanne Collins

To read list: The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad

Have you got any book recommendations? 

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

A fight to the death - on live TV. The game show where you kill or die, and where the winner's prize is survival. In District 12, where Katniss Everdeen lives, life is harsh and brutal, ruled from afar by the all-powerful leaders of the Capitol. The climax of each year is the savage Hunger Games - where twelve boys and twelve girls from each District face each other in a murderous showdown. When sixteen-year-old Katniss is chosen to represent her district in the Games, everyone thinks it's a death sentence. Only one person can survive the horrors of the arena. But plucky Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature...

May the odds be ever in your favour. 

This has been hands down one of the best books I've read in a while.  Suzanne Collins has written this so well that you just have no idea what's coming. *Spoiler* I had an inkling that Katniss wouldn't die because she's the central character in a trilogy but that didn't stop me thinking she would die.  This book greatly deserves the hype surrounding it and it's definitely one I'll read again and again.  I wanted to read it before the film came out (trailer below) and honestly when I first saw the trailer when I went to see Breaking Dawn in the cinema, I didn't think it was for me.  Suzanne sucks you into this world of District 12 and into the premise of The Hunger Games, which is essentially like Big Brother as it's a yearly reality programme watched by all but the only difference is to win the Games, you must kill and survive.  If you like books like The Maze Runner, Uglies, Divergent and even Twilight - you're going to love this book.  As soon as I finished I instantly bought the second book on my Kindle. 

Currently reading: Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins

Have you read The Hunger Games? 

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Book Review: The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

Dawson and Amanda were from two different worlds when they met and fell in love.  He was from a notoriously violent family, she was from a well to do, upper class home.  After almost 20 years apart, a death of a dear friend brings them back home, and back to each other.  Saying their final farewells to Tuck brings them back to each other and the problems they left behind 20 years previous.  With Amanda trying to make the right choice and Dawson's family having a score to settle with him, the couple realise the love they once share is still very much there.  Until the accident and the incident that changed both of their lives forever.  

This was the first book I purchased and read on my Kindle.  I enjoyed the book, although the storyline was typical of Nicholas Sparks, two people from different worlds, fall in love and then inevitably one of the main characters dies.  I enjoy his way of writing and there is something about his books that are both romantic and relatable.  Each section of the book was told through a different characters eyes as well as Amanda's and Dawson's, which gives you a more honest (in my opinion) story, seeing through others eyes.   I'd love for Nicholas Sparks to get out of his comfort zone when it comes to storylines, as he writes so beautifully.  I wouldn'y be surprised if this ended up as a film before long, so many of his other novels have.  Overall, I'd give this book a 3 out of 5. 

Currently reading: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld 

Have you got any suggestions for books I might like? 

Compulsive, Impulsive Shopaholic

My student loan was welcomed into my bank account last week and with the rest of my Christmas money burning a hole in my back pocket, I thought a shopping trip was deserved.  Admittedly, most of my purchases were online but I also did a spot of sale shopping too! Along with online shopping, I also booked flights with my good friend Gina (check out her blog here) as we're going to Spain for 10 days in the summer!

If you follow me on Twitter, or read my blog during the week you'll already know what a couple of my purchases were, including an investment which I'm SO pleased with.  When I get my maintenance grant (the one you don't have to pay back), I always try to make sure that I invest in something that's going to benefit me, last year it was my beloved Macbook Pro.  Without further adieu...

John Lewis; Canon 1100D with 18-55mm Lens £341

My investment buy was this DSLR camera.  I've really loathed the picture quality that my point and shoot gives when I'm taking pictures for my blog.  It is a great camera to take on a night out, but when you're trying to take pictures for reviews and what not, it just doesn't do any products justice.  I'm extremely lucky to have gotten this so cheap (usually retails around £400ish), as my Auntie kindly asked her brother-in-law if we could use his staff discount! I haven't had enough time to sit and play as I've had so much uni work to complete, but I'm already noticing a difference in my pictures and learning different techniques.  

Amazon; Canon EOS Rebel T3/1100D for Dummies Book; £15

The manual I get with the camera isn't all that, so I thought I'd get this to help me out when I'm trying to do various things.  It's 400 pages long, with lots of tips and tricks to help out beginners, which is what I most definitely am...

Amazon; Decal for Kindle; £17.99

I wanted to get some kind of skin for my Kindle, so that I wouldn't scratch it when it's not in its case.  I saw these Decals on Amazon and after flicking through the different designs I came across this Paris illustration.  The application is fiddly, a bit like a screen protector on an iPhone but if you're patient with it, it goes on well.  

Lush; I Love Juicy Shampoo and American Cream Conditioner; £8-10 each

You may well recognise these from my 2012 Beauty Wish List post.  These are possibly the most gorgeous smelling products ever.  I've washed my hair using them twice now and I have to say they really linger on your hair.  Usually after blowdrying or sleeping on my hair, the products smell fades completely.  These didn't. I then straightened my hair and usually the smell is definitely gone at that point. These didn't. Amazing! Oh, and they also leave your hair squeaky clean and silky to the touch!

Love-makeup.co.uk; Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush; £13.99

I finally have this infamous brush in my collection! I have wanted this brush for about 6 months now, but could never bring myself to pay the extortionate shipping fees.  I then heard about Love-makeup.co.uk and the rest is history.  A word of advice, if you see this on the website and you want it, get it in your basket ASAP as they sell out within a day!  I'd really recommend Love Makeup after my experience.  I'd heard their shipping took a while but my brush turned up next day after despatch.  I've used the F80 a couple of times now and it really does give you a flawless finish.  A full review will be up soon, no doubt.

FeelUnique.com; Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment and Deep Repair Masque; £11.50 £10.35 and £18.50

Another off of my 2012 beauty wishlist... I have only literally just received the Masque an hour or so ago .  I'm really excited to try these products as all the reviews have been rave and I've heard it beats the Moroccanoil Restorative masque in both price and product quality.  I'll get back to you on that! The oil treatment is literally filled to the top and the masque is an extremely thick, paste like conditioner that smells amazing.  These can both be used together to create an even more nourishing treatment, or separately.  

Harvey Nichols; Marc by Marc Jacobs iPhone case; £30 £15

One of my sale bargains.  I recently had to purchase a new phone as my Blackberry became extremely difficult to use, it would crash on a daily basis and the Blackberry company itself went down AGAIN but not for as long as the first time.  I was fed up and got myself a refurbished iPhone 3GS to hold me over until my contract is up in September.  I bought this case in the sale as I always wanted a Marc Jacobs case.  

House of Fraser; Benefit Porefessionally Pretty £23.50 and Stella by Stella McCartney Eau de Parfum £36.50 £18.25

Oh Benefit, how I love thee.  I have wanted Porefessional for a while and while I was walking around I noticed the gift set on the shelf. Immediately I thought that it would be about £35 knowing what Benefit can be like when they add a couple of samples but when I heard it was £23.50 (same price as just Porefessional on it's lonesome) I knew it was fate and I must buy it. I then saw Stella and the 50% sale sticker that was on her box.  I've been lusting after this for a while as a nice everyday scent. 

Sainsburys; Gok Wan for Tu Satin Shirt; £25 £12.50

I've always had my eye on a few of Gok's pieces in Sainsburys, after it was launched in September/October time.  It was definitely fate that I found it today, the only one left in my size. I think the colour is gorgeous and will look great with some black leggings and boots.  I also think the collar is a bit different, a lot larger than the average and far pointier! 

Matalan; Be Beau Teal Chiffon Shirt; £14

I have a thing for chiffon shirts (and shirts in general), if you hadn't guessed by now.  This 3/4 length beauty caught my eye in Matalan, a place I rarely shop.  I picked this up for  a bargain price and know it's the type of top I'll wear to death.   

So that's why my Christmas money and some of my student loan went towards.  Have you picked up any bargains in the sales?