// blog tour: the girl who fell by shannon m. parker + giveaway

Title: The Girl Who Fell

Author: Shannon M. Parker

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Publisher: Simon & Schuster//Simon Pulse

Format: Arc Ebook 

Release: March 1st

Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Book Depository // Kobo

Synopsis:

His obsession.
Her fall.

High school senior Zephyr Doyle is swept off her feet—and into an intense relationship—by the new boy in school.

Zephyr is focused. Focused on leading her team to the field hockey state championship and leaving her small town for her dream school, Boston College.

But love has a way of changing things.

Enter the new boy in school: the hockey team’s starting goaltender, Alec. He’s cute, charming, and most important, Alec doesn’t judge Zephyr. He understands her fears and insecurities—he even shares them. Soon, their relationship becomes something bigger than Zephyr, something she can’t control, something she doesn’t want to control.

Zephyr swears it must be love. Because love is powerful, and overwhelming, and…terrifying?

But love shouldn’t make you abandon your dreams, or push your friends away. And love shouldn’t make you feel guilty—or worse, ashamed.

So when Zephyr finally begins to see Alec for who he really is, she knows it’s time to take back control of her life.

If she waits any longer, it may be too late.

Review: 

I would like to thank the author herself, Shannon Parker, for giving  me an e-ARC in return for an honest review! 

I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book. Isha just asked me if I could read a book for her as our blog would be part of a blog tour. But I would like to thank Isha for forcing me to read this book! I absolutely enjoyed reading this book!  

Can we talk about how beautiful the cover is! If I saw this when I was younger at a bookshop, I would have probably bought it straight away. Have you heard of the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover"? I'm sure everybody has. Needless to say this book doesn't only have a pretty book cover but also is a fantastic book! 

Shannon Parker's writing is enticing that I felt like I was in an emotional roller coaster ride when I was reading The Girl Who Fell. I just got sucked in Zee's and Alec's world that it was really difficult to put the book down. (Well in my case, shut off my MacBook) There were times in the book where I wanted to throw my MacBook because I was getting really frustrated. There were times when I would stop reading because I could sense something bad was going to happen but of course, I didn't because I needed to know more.

Thank you to Stefani @ Caught Read Handed
for making this really cute quote graphic

Shannon shows you what and how it feels like to be in a toxic and abusive relationship. This is one of the reasons why I like this book. It puts in to light that toxic relationships like this actually happens in real life. I feel like every teenage girl should read this as a repercussion in the future.

I mean, I wouldn't say I could relate to this book because I've never been in a relationship where the guy would control me because I am not all about that shit. But I know people who are in a relationship where one of them would control each other, to the point where they would tell their partner  who they're allowed to talk to to what they couldn't do. And just seeing them do that, annoys the hell out of me. So, there were times in the book were I was getting really annoyed because Zee and Alec's relationship was getting out of hand and really unhealthy not only for them but to the people surrounding them as well. 

Overall, I enjoyed getting to know every single character in this book. (Maybe not Alec, haha) But you should definitely pick this book up when it's released. And we can all be emotional together. 

Meet The Author: 

Shannon Parker lives on the Atlantic coast with a house full of boys. She’s traveled to over three dozen countries and has a few dozen more to go. She works in education and can usually be found rescuing dogs, chickens, old houses and wooden boats. Shannon has a weakness for chocolate chip cookies and ridiculous laughter—ideally, at the same time. The Girl Who Fell is her first novel. Find her at www.shannonmparker.com




Author's Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Instagram

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// ootd: denim skirt

I've been debating for a few months whether to purchase a denim skirt. I was so worried that denim skirts wouldn't suit me or that I have nothing to wear it with. It's funny because before I made a purchase, I really did a lot of research on how to style it and what it goes it with, etc. Denim skirts are definitely a timeless piece. I think I remember seeing Rachel from Friends wear it once. Finally I gave in and finally got one from Stradivarius. 

Photos: Isha Camilon

Top- Bershka

Skirt- Stradivarius

Tights:- Dunnes Store

Boots- New Look

Let me know in the comments below how you style your denim skirt and if you have one? Thank you so much for reading! :) <3

// event recap;; jandy nelson signing + giveaway

I am so happy to have gotten to meet and take pictures with one of my favourite authors, Jandy Nelson. If you guys didn't know who Jandy Nelson is, you're definitely missing out! She's the writer of one of my all time favourite books, I'll Give You the Sun. It was on the 27th of September (I know, ages ago) and to make things ever sweeter, we got to catch up with one of our dear friends, Aisling.

The book signing started with a Q&A with Jandy. She is honestly the most jolly and happy person I've ever met. Then she told us where she got the idea for the book, her writing process and even told us she was superstitious like Jude. She even showed pictures to show us  her ideas. I loved it. She's unlike any others I met. If you've read I'll Give You the Sun (which you should have by now), that Jude is an Art student who is doing a sculpture. Jandy told us that she herself took a sculpting class for it and that she wasnt really good at it, but at least she had fun! She's currently working on a project that is due to be out next year and she's currently taking baking classes at the moment for it. She even proudly show us a picture of her souffle! I love how she get involved in the process of her writing. 

But f you haven't read I'll Give You the Sun yet, you could get it or order it from the links below. It is such a beautiful and heart-wrenching book filled with so much love and everyone should give it a read.

Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

But you can also join our giveaway if you haven't read I'll Give You the Sun, as we are giving away a signed copy of the book and an I'll Give You the Sun t-shirt! Thanks for reading! :) <3

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// updates with hanna: christmas holidays

First and for most, I just want to great every single one of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! (Ha! I know I'm a bit late) Secondly, I apologise for not blogging for almost a month. Life just got to me and I have no other excuse other than that. 

December is probably one of the busiest month for me. There was just a lot of stuff that happened during this month. For example, I had work experience for a whole week at a veterinary hospital. Which I have to say was a wonderful experience and I am absolutely delighted that I got the opportunity to experience what it was like to be a veterinarian. Justin Bieber also announced his Europe leg of his Believe tour during that week. Of course, I had to get tickets for that. My friends and I have tried two times to get tickets. They even skipped school so we can get them. (Don't do what we did!) We tried the presale and the general sale but we were unlucky, Justin Bieber really is popular in Ireland (Everybody used to say he's "gay" but look who's going to his concert now).

Me as hell every time we got new cats or dogs in for surgery hehe.

I actually have a little but sort of funny story to tell you. I was so disappointed and depressed because we didn't get tickets that we all forgot to eat breakfast. Unfortunate for me because someone's dog (someone who is really famous) came in to the vet hospital because the dog had a really bad cut on his tongue. It was really really bad and gruesome.  I mean, really really bad. The main vet asked me to help with the surgery (Cool, right?), I had to hold the tongue so it was easier for the vet to stitch up. After a few minutes, I started to feel light headed and numb, I knew what was going to happen next. I almost fainted and it was really embarrassing. 

At the end of that week, I spontaneously decided to go to town to get my mom a Christmas present. Everything was going well until I lost my phone in Lush. I was holding it then the next thing I know I don't have it anymore. My friend, Jodie, found a police officer to help us find the phone. Thank God for Find my iPhone tbh. Isha was able to track my phone from her phone and they were off to try and locate it. I was crying outside Lush for a good 10 minutes and everybody that passed by kept on looking at me. 

Then Christmas came. I'm going to be honest with you, I honestly didn't feel the Christmasy vibes at all. I don't know if it's because I'm old? (Well not that old) Was it just me? Our family (or every Filipino family) always open all of our presents at exactly 12 am and we have "Noche Buena", where we eat Filipino food. Isha and I were planning to stay up and watch Christmas movies, but this didn't happen this time because I fell asleep at 9 pm and woke up at 11:30 pm hahaha lol. When I woke up, I was getting really really excited. I was basically jumping in my seat whilst waiting. 

I want to thank everyone who gave me a Christmas present! I honestly love all of you with all my heart. I wish I could give all of you a big hug! I am really grateful for everyone, even the ones that didn't give me a gift tbh. Agh,I just love every single one of you! I want to give a shoutout to my mom, who tried to get everything I wanted. I love you so much even if I don't say it often. 

Isha and I also went to Funderland two days after Christmas. In Ireland, we don't really have an outdoor theme park because of Ireland's shitty as hell weather. So around the Christmas time, somebody sets up a roller coasters and rides inside and outside RDS. It's like our tradition, my group of friends, to go there after Christmas. I loved it nonetheless even though it was raining (typical Ireland) haha. Plus, I got a big minion plush. A friend of ours was super determined to win one that he spent more than 20 euro. It took him a heck load of times to get it. At first I was so confused when he gave it to me. I was like "Wth, why would he give this to me? He just wasted his money" but then I realised that he wanted to win the minion plush for the feeling. Well, I'm not complaining. I love the minion plush so much that it has never left my side haha. 

We also watched the new Starwars: The Force Awakens with our friends. Did I tell you that I haven't watched any of the Starwars films? But I have to say it's one of the best films I've ever seen, hands down. I wish I saw the rest of the other Starwars films before I saw the new one. Oh, and am I the only one who now has a girl crush on Rey? She's so independent and strong. OMG, she is goals tbh. *heart eyes emoji* 

I was also lucky that I got to spend my NYE with the people I love the most. Of course, my mom cooked Filipino food. What about you? How did you spend your Christmas Holidays? I hope everyone reading this had a wonderful Christmas break filled with love, happiness, family and friends! :) Thank you for reading! :) <3

// blog tour: truthwitch by susan dennard

I'm ecstatic to have been a part of the Truthwitch Pen Pal Blog Tour. I've never took part on such a unique approach to blog tours, since "Truthwitch" is being published under Macmillan in US and the UK, it's a joint tour. Each UK blogger is paired up with a specific blogger from the US for each stop. I couldn't have been paired up with a lovelier blogger, Heidi of YA Bibliophile whom I got to swoon over with how amazing everything was and exchange fangirl-y messages with. In addition, the both of us also got to ask Susan a question! 

Title: Truthwitch, (The Watchbands, #1) 

Author: Susan Dennard 

Publication: 5th of January 2015 by MacMillan 

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult 

Format: 416 pages, ARC 

Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

Synopsis: 

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

My Thoughts: 

Truthwitch is definitely one of the most anticipated reads of 2016 and the book that everyone wanted an arc of. There was so much hype around the it, every blogger and bookworm was talking about it. Even authors I admired were talking about it. I was intrigued, I had to read it for myself. So I prayed to the arc gods and it just so happen that Macmillan has UK arcs. You could only imagine my excitement when I managed to get a copy for myself. (Thank you, Lauren!)It was shiny and beautiful; I couldn't help but pause for a moment to admire (I may or may not have also pet it). As an avid fan of high fantasy, this was such a treat. I've never read a book about "witchery", nor read a book that Susan has written so I didn't know what to expect. 

To be honest, I was quite confused at first. There was so much to familiarise with; the different types of witches, their "witchery", the different nations, not to mention I was having a hard time telling which one was Safi and Iseult since they did everything together and sounded so alike. Some of you would probably experience this too but I tell you, DO NOT GIVE UP ON IT. Give it a few more pages and you will start to pinpoint their different quirks.  

I was blown away by Susan's writing and the world she has created. I've read a lot of books from different authors but Susan's, I've never read anything like it. She pays attention to every single detail and meticulously chose her words. Her ability to describe the world and everything in Truthwitch was so vivid that I could picture it clearly. It amazes me how something so beautiful can spur from someone's mind. Truthwitch is beautifully crafted. A masterpiece. It makes me question why I haven't read any of her books before (I'll have to remedy this asap!) 

When I was trying to list out things that I loved about Truthwitch, I came to realisation that I loved everything about it. I was definitely invested on the story and the characters. I love how fast-paced and action-packed it was. There was a never a dull moment in the book. My favourite element of the book was the friendships; how Safi and Iseult would do anything for each other and how deep their loyalty ran. They balanced each other out. Safi was more brash, while Iseult was more collected. There was romance, but I was delighted that they put each other first. They are the absolute definition of friendship goals. 

Now off to discuss about the other characters. Wow, Merik! *swoons* I can't wait for you guys to read about him. I enjoyed every scene with him in the book and so did reading from his POV. He was such a genuine character who wants nothing but to help his nation and his people and I admire him a lot for that. I also liked Aeduan, despite him being villain. I was drawn to the complexity of his character and liked how he wasn't portrayed as someone who had a tragic past as an excuse as to why he is the way he is now. He was very powerful that at times he seemed unstoppable. I cannot wait to read more about him in the second book. Can Windwitch come any sooner please?

Fun Stuff:

I think every single one of us have played, or have heard of the game MASH. Since Heidi and I played it when we were younger we decided to come up with a fun Truthwitch version of it! Click here or on the word bank below to start playing :) 

Author Question to Susan

"We love seeing strong female friendships in books. Safi and Iseult’s friendship is one of the best we’ve seen. We’d love to hear more about it! What makes a strong friendship? What aspects did you want to be sure to include?"

Susan: I think a strong friendship—like any relationship—is built on trust and acceptance. You have to accept a person, flaws and all. Expecting or hoping that someone will change…Well, that way lies madness! But if you can find that person whom you love—despite their imperfections and annoying habits and mistakes—and if they love you back! Whoa. A true friendship is bound to happen.And, when you find someone who accepts you so completely, you will also find that you trust them—and that they in turn trust you.

!! Make sure to head over Heidi's blog to get the second half of the answer !!  

About the Author:

I’ve come a long way from small-town Georgia. As a marine biologist,  I got to travel the world—six out of seven continents, to be exact (I’ll get to you yet, Asia!)—before I settled down as a full-time novelist and writing instructor.

I’m the author of the Something Strange and Deadly series as well as the forthcoming Witchlands series (Tor, 2016), and if I’m not writing, then I’m busy slaying darkspawn or earning bruises at the dojo.

Make sure to send her love here 

Her blog // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest

Giveaway
Thank you so much to the amazing people from TOR/Macmillan US & UK for making this giveaway possible. We're glad to announce that there will be TWO winners! A UK copy for the UK winner, and a US copy for the US winner. Use the rafflecopter below to enter. Must be 13 to enter :) Best of luck everyone! 

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// why i've been mia lately + leaving cert sucks

Deciding to co-own a blog with my sister has been a one of the best decisions I've made. Working together may not be always harmonious, it usually includes me nagging at Hanna for not posting enough or to finish reading a certain book quicker. But to be quite honest, I wouldn't want to share this blog with anyone else. Blogging is something I'm very passionate about, a creative outlet for my writing and a way I can communicate to people around the world that has the same interests as me. 

With the six months we've been blogging, I have made many blogger friends, once that I cherish and enjoy talking to. Not even timezone could stop us. They're such a supportive and encouraging bunch of people and it's sad because with me being in sixth year (senior year in Ireland) I haven't had ANY free time to do anything. All I've been doing the past couple of months is study, eat and sleep when what I really want to do is binge-read books and blog about it. Senior year is such a big year in Ireland. By June, people like me in the whole country will take state exams that will determine whether we could go to the university we want or do the course we want. Each grade we get has an equivalent set of points which would be totalled at the end. I despise the Leaving Certificate with a passion. I hate how nowadays, education systems put more importance on grades than actual learning and furthering of one's knowledge. Learning should be fun and enjoyable, prepares you better for jobs. I don't speak for everyone but for me the Leaving Cert has nothing but been a source of stress, anxiety and sleepless nights. So there you go, that's the reason why we (I, at least) haven't been blogging that much the past few months and I apologise for it. I'm sorry I'm not able to share new content for everyone who's reading our blog and for not being able to send love to my favourite blogs by commenting on your posts. I wish it would be June already and everything would be over so I can get back to what I love doing most. You'd be seeing more of me then. 

I hope all of you are doing well, that your blogs are doing fantastic and that you've been reading loads of blogs. Wish me luck that I do exceptionally well in my exams so I get in my university choice and be able to do law. Take care and I hope you guys won't forget about me for the time being. All the love.