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turningpagebooks · 4 years

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A new papercraft, made for the Nerdy Post September 2019 box! Featuring the classic enemies-to-lovers duo: Elizabeth and Darcy from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice!

There were so many possibilities for this papercraft, so many scenes to consider: the dancing, the gazebo, the hand flex! Alexis, her team and I went with this one because we all favored the color palette and this scene in particular was just oooooozing with tension!

These are probably the largest characters I’ve built so far so I had a lot of opportunity to put in more detail, especially with their expressions. I loved building Darcy’s cravat in particular - I don’t know why, but neck dressings and three piece suits are so fun!

#reblog #art #pride and prejudice #jane austen

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turningpagebooks · 4 years

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ARC REVIEW: “The Worst Best Man” by Mia Sosa

Title: The Worst Best Man Author: Holly Black Publisher: Avon Source: HBG Canada Publication Date: February 4th, 2020 Format: ARC Page Count: 368 (paperback edition)

Plot Summary: A wedding planner left at the altar? Yeah, the irony isn’t lost on Carolina Santos, either. But despite that embarrassing blip from her past, Lina’s offered an opportunity that could change her life. There’s just one hitch… she has to collaborate with the best (make that worst) man from her own failed nuptials.

Marketing expert Max Hartley is determined to make his mark with a coveted hotel client looking to expand its brand. Then he learns he’ll be working with his brother’s whip-smart, stunning—absolutely off-limits—ex-fiancée. And she loathes him.

If they can nail their presentation without killing each other, they’ll both come out ahead. Except Max has been public enemy number one ever since he encouraged his brother to jilt the bride, and Lina’s ready to dish out a little payback of her own.

Soon Lina and Max discover animosity may not be the only emotion creating sparks between them. Still, this star-crossed couple can never be more than temporary playmates because Lina isn’t interested in falling in love and Max refuses to play runner-up to his brother ever again…

The Worst Best Man on Goodreads | Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA

I received an ARC from HarperCollins Canada in exchange for an honest review.

This book, folks. This. Book. It was probably my favourite romance that I read during my romance readathon at the beginning of January. If you have a weakness for hate-to-love romances, you need this book in your life.

It’s sweet, it’s sexy, it’s funny. It’s got banter and communication (omg I love it when characters learn to communicate). Lina and her family are diverse characters and we get some lovely insight into their culture. I really enjoyed that, and seeing Max learn more about Lina’s culture too. You can feel how much Sosa is celebrating the culture and family in this book, and that makes for a story that’s full of heart. Lina makes some important points about women of colour in particular being judged for showing any sign of emotion. It was powerful and so, so relevant.

Lina is such a compelling, well-rounded character. She’s a business owner thriving but facing struggle. It’s great to see her surrounded by supportive friends and family. All of them are fun to read about, and the interactions add so much life to the story. She’s got a past emotional trauma, and she’s confronted with that again with the job opportunity and seeing Max again.

Max is sexy, sweet, and dealing with his own personal baggage. He’s a hardworker looking for some recognition at work, and looking to step out of his brother’s shadow. I shipped him and Lina, even as I was frustrated with them. But hooo boy the banter and the steaminess makes up for that.

I’m so, so glad this was one of my first reads of 2020. It was fun, sexy, sweet. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a new romance or want to give a book to a Galentine who shares your love of romcoms.

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turningpagebooks · 4 years

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REVIEW: “The Queen of Nothing” by Holly Black

Title: The Queen of Nothing Series: The Folk of the Air, #3 Author: Holly Black Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Source: HBG Canada Publication Date: November 19th, 2019 Format: Hardcover Page Count: 308

Plot Summary: After being pronounced Queen of Faerie and then abruptly exiled by the Wicked King Cardan, Jude finds herself unmoored, the queen of nothing. She spends her time with Vivi and Oak, watches her fair share of reality television, and does the odd job or two, including trying to convince a cannibalistic faerie from hunting her own in the mortal world.

When her twin sister Taryn shows up asking of a favor, Jude jumps at the chance to return to the Faerie world, even if it means facing Cardan, who she loves despite his betrayal.

When a dark curse is unveiled, Jude must become the first mortal Queen of Faerie and uncover how to break the curse, or risk upsetting the balance of the whole Faerie world.

The Queen of Nothing on Goodreads | Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA

I received a finished copy from Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, before I get into the review can I just say THAT COVER IS GLORIOUS. Like, wow I didn't think it was possible for me to love a cover more than I loved the covers of the first two books of the series.

This review is gonna be really hard to write without spoilers, so bear with me while I avoid spoilers like Jude avoids her feelings.

What I think I enjoyed the most about this book is seeing how the characters have changed over the course of the trilogy. Politics and power games are fun until they aren't. It was interesting to see characters realize that power is important but is it worth everything? Is it worth sacrificing your morals? Is it worth sacrificing others? We see Jude grapple with this the most. It felt like an interesting and rewarding issue for her to contemplate, since her goal when we met her was power at all costs. It's cool to see what's changed and what hasn't changed.

Cardan is, of course, a fun character. We get to see a bit of a different side of him in this book, but I felt it was a breath of fresh air. To me, it made him more complex. I know not everyone will agree with me about the character growth, but I didn't mind it in the case of our two mains.

Some other characters, however, felt like they needed more page time to justify their changes. It didn't feel believable for some, and that was a little jarring.

The power games and politics still play a big part in the story, and of course they're just as fun to read about. I did feel that the short page count meant we lost some complexity, though. The plot twist near the end was also very out of place. It kind of threw me for a loop, and I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. There are a lot of people saying this book was a let down, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. I didn't love it like I loved The Wicked King (review here), but I did like it.

The Queen of Nothing is the intense finale to the Folk of the Air trilogy. I'm sad to see the series end, but I'll always think fondly of the series. I wasn't blown away by it, but I did enjoy it. The romance, the family, the politics. All are fascinating and compelling. I wish some elements of the story had been handled better or more fleshed out. But I'm glad I read it.

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turningpagebooks · 5 years

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ARC REVIEW: “Winterwood” by Shea Ernshaw

Title: Winterwood Author: Shea Ernshaw Publisher: Simon Pulse Source: Simon and Schuster Canada Publication Date: November 5th, 2019 Format: ARC Page Count: 336 (hardcover edition)

Plot Summary: Be careful of the dark, dark wood…

Especially the woods surrounding the town of Fir Haven. Some say these woods are magical. Haunted, even.

Rumored to be a witch, only Nora Walker knows the truth. She and the Walker women before her have always shared a special connection with the woods. And it’s this special connection that leads Nora to Oliver Huntsman — the same boy who disappeared from the Camp for Wayward Boys weeks ago — and in the middle of the worst snowstorm in years. He should be dead, but here he is alive, and left in the woods with no memory of the time he’d been missing.

But Nora can feel an uneasy shift in the woods at Oliver’s presence. And it’s not too long after that Nora realizes she has no choice but to unearth the truth behind how the boy she has come to care so deeply about survived his time in the forest, and what led him there in the first place. What Nora doesn’t know, though, is that Oliver has secrets of his own—secrets he’ll do anything to keep buried, because as it turns out, he wasn’t the only one to have gone missing on that fateful night all those weeks ago.

For as long as there have been fairy tales, we have been warned to fear what lies within the dark, dark woods and in Winterwood, New York Times bestselling author Shea Ernshaw, shows us why.

Winterwood on Goodreads | Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

October was the month I wanted to absolutely delve into all spooky books, and Winterwood was high on my tbr. It's the perfect book to read during fall, and it was one of my favourite reads in October.

The language and storytelling is so, so beautiful. Ernshaw crafts a narrative that honours nature, shows love and respect for it. You can't help but to feel drawn into the book, with the lush and atmospheric descriptions. I felt an immediate connection to the book, and that feeling never faded. The writing style is almost lyrical, but most definitely magical.

Nora, our main character, is so fascinating and well crafted. We feel her hopes and her fears, her weakness and her courage, over the course of the novel. She's largely an independent young woman, who wants to embrace her magical heritage and also help Oliver. She undertakes this on her own, a daunting task in an isolated area surrounded by danger.

Oliver himself is interesting, and there's mystery to unravel about him. I liked guessing what had happened, and the twist was well-done. It made me even more invested in the story, and it made me emotional.The romance is sweet, and though for some it can be considered almost insta-love, on the page it mostly felt like a deep connection formed because Nora saved Oliver's life.

The magic and the mystery are two of my favourite aspects of the story. The mystery of how Oliver ended up in the woods is intricate, and keeps you guessing. I enjoyed trying to piece together what might have happened, and the reveal was intense. All of the pieces of the story came together to make for a riveting and rewarding ending. I honestly can't stop thinking about it. The book is interspersed with background on witches from Nora's family, and I loved that insight into the history of these women. The magic is very rooted in nature; I enjoy seeing that particular type of magic, and I think that magic made the setting come alive even more.

I can't even fully express how much I enjoyed Winterwood. It's a magical, romantic, dark novel with an interesting mystery to unravel. It was one of my favourite reads in October, and I can honestly see myself re-reading it in the future. It's such a magical story, and the setting itself is almost another character. If you love books about witches, you might want to check this one out!

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turningpagebooks · 5 years

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REVIEW: “Capturing the Devil” by Kerri Maniscalco

Title: Capturing the Devil Author: Kerri Maniscalco Publisher: Jimmy Patterson Source: HBG Canada Publication Date: September 10th, 2019 Format: Hardcover Page Count: 453

Plot Summary: In the shocking finale to the bestselling series that began with Stalking Jack the Ripper, Audrey Rose and Thomas are on the hunt for the depraved, elusive killer known as the White City Devil. A deadly game of cat-and-mouse has them fighting to stay one step ahead of the brilliant serial killer - or see their fateful romance cut short by unspeakable tragedy.

Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell have landed in America, a bold, brash land unlike the genteel streets of London they knew. But like London, the city of Chicago hides its dark secrets well. When the two attend the spectacular World's Fair, they find the once-in-a-lifetime event tainted with reports of missing people and unsolved murders.

Determined to help, Audrey Rose and Thomas begin their investigations, only to find themselves facing a serial killer unlike any they've heard of before. Identifying him is one thing, but capturing him---and getting dangerously lost in the infamous Murder Hotel he constructed as a terrifying torture device - is another.

Will Audrey Rose and Thomas see their last mystery to the end---together and in love - or will their fortunes finally run out when their most depraved adversary makes one final, devastating kill?

Capturing the Devil on Goodreads | Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA

I received a finished copy from Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Historical mysteries are my bread and butter. My cup of tea. My homemade pizza. My dream books. Stalking Jack the Ripper was a dark, sexy, and witty novel; it was with much excitement that I settled in to read the finale. Hold onto your hats, folks. Because this book was a wild ride.

First and foremost, the main driving force of this book is, unsurprisingly, the romance. I love their banter, their support for one another, and their passion for one another. I love seeing how their relationship has grown since the first book. I didn't love some of the relationship drama present in the book, as the way they handled it felt a little out of character. It frustrated me a bit. But overall, I ship them so hard you guys.

The mystery in this one is a bit more comple and drawn out. I love that Maniscalco ties in fiction with some people and places from history to give the book that much more of a creepy vibe. I love historical fiction, so these little inclusions and nods to history interest me and make the story more compelling.

Maniscalco writes in such a way that draws you into the story, and keeps you guessing. It was fun to slip into this world once again. I also enjoyed trying to guess who the killer is. It's so easy for me to immerse myself in the book, to totally zone out into it. And for me that means it's well written.

As usual, some of the characters make frustrating decisions, and I won't lie: that detracts from my enjoyment of the story. As I mentioned above, the romantic drama was not my favourite. Indeed, I felt it hindered the book a bit.

Capturing the Devil was a captivating read (pun intended). I enjoyed the mystery and the romance, but not so much the drama and some decisions the characters make. Overall, I'm happy with where the story leaves the characters.

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turningpagebooks · 5 years

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ARC REVIEW: “The Grace Year” by Kim Liggitt

Title: The Grace Year Author: Kim Liggitt Publisher: Wednesday Books Source: Raincoast Books Publication Date: October 8th, 2019 Format: ARC Page Count: 416 (hardcover edition)

Plot Summary: No one speaks of the grace year. It’s forbidden.

In Garner County, girls are told they have the power to lure grown men from their beds, to drive women mad with jealousy. They believe their very skin emits a powerful aphrodisiac, the potent essence of youth, of a girl on the edge of womanhood. That’s why they’re banished for their sixteenth year, to release their magic into the wild so they can return purified and ready for marriage. But not all of them will make it home alive.

Sixteen-year-old Tierney James dreams of a better life—a society that doesn’t pit friend against friend or woman against woman, but as her own grace year draws near, she quickly realizes that it’s not just the brutal elements they must fear. It’s not even the poachers in the woods, men who are waiting for a chance to grab one of the girls in order to make a fortune on the black market. Their greatest threat may very well be each other.

With sharp prose and gritty realism, The Grace Year examines the complex and sometimes twisted relationships between girls, the women they eventually become, and the difficult decisions they make in-between.

The Grace Year on Goodreads | Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

When I first read the synopsis for The Grace Year, I got sooo excited. Here, I was promised a book tackling the way men sexualize women from a young age. Here, I would see a dark feminist tale of young women on the verge of adulthood grappling with the situation these men have put them in year after year.

The concept of the book is so, so interesting. Once again, we see women blamed for the way men behave around them. Once again, we see women belittled and controlled, only valued as wives and mothers and pretty ornaments. Tierney is vocal about what she wants and doesn't want out of life, including her desire to work instead of become a wife. To her, becoming a wife - chosen by some creep from the village without her say - is a fate worse than death, it's the ultimate cage. And she wants to escape it. I felt so much for her and for all of the women. Regardless of whether they have resigned themselves to marriage or would rather have marriage over work, etc. I felt for them for being taught that it's an honour and a duty to be selected for a wife and bear children.

The romance in the book isn't quite fleshed out as much as I'd like, but I did enjoy it just the same. I love some of the things that happened, and I'm still a little divided over the ending. But I can see what the goal was in doing it this way.

Something else that kind of detracted from my enjoyment of the book was also that there could've been so much more done with these women forced together in isolation. I can't say much without spoiling the book, but I think that the way things unfolded took away from the overall message of the book in favour of focusing on a kind of dystopian-type plotline.

Overall, I did enjoy The Grace Year. The feminist message is, quite honestly, amazing. I wish it had ultimately been handled better, because the story absolutely had the opportunity and the groundwork to go in a different direction that would've - in my opinion - been stronger.

#personal #turningpagebooks #review #arc review #3 stars #the grace year #kim liggitt #book reviews #book review #novel reviews #novel review #books #book #novels #novel #reading #read

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turningpagebooks · 5 years

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ARC REVIEW: “Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Ninth House Series: Alex Stern, #1 Author: Leigh Bardugo Publisher: Flatiron Books Source: Raincoast Books Publication Date: October 8th, 2019 Format: ARC Page Count: 480 (hardcover edition) Plot Summary: Galaxy “Alex” Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. By age twenty, in fact, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she’s thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world’s most elite universities on a full ride. What’s the catch, and why her?

Still searching for answers to this herself, Alex arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale’s secret societies. These eight windowless “tombs” are well-known to be haunts of the future rich and powerful, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street and Hollywood’s biggest players. But their occult activities are revealed to be more sinister and more extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive.

Ninth House on Goodreads | Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warning: this book contains graphic violence and sexual assault. For a more specific list of triggers (contains spoilers) click here.

I sold my soul for an ARC of Ninth House, and I have no regrets. The benevolent rulers at Raincoast saw fit to bestow this great work of art upon me. I squealed and hugged the book when I opened the mailer. I looked at my towering stack of library books, and turned my back on them. I chose to read Ninth House at the start of October, and I'm so glad I did.

This book is such a perfect Autumn read. The setting, the characters, the magic and mystery. It's so atmospheric, and the setting only serves to add mystery, drama, and darkness to the story. It was so easy for me to get lost in the book. I didn't want to put it down. I counted down the hours til my shift would end and I could go back to reading. When I could, I curled up with a mug of hot chocolate and slipped back into the story.

I love love love Alex. She's such a compelling character, and I was with her and rooting for her from the moment I met her on the page. She's vivid, flawed, brave, and so much more. She's a fantastic main character, and she absolutely is one of the biggest reasons why I enjoyed the book.

Darlington, Alex's mentor in the magic world, is also such an interesting character. He's well-rounded and complex in his own right, and I enjoyed his POV very much. It never felt like I was taken out of the story when a chapter was told through his POV. Together? Together him and Alex make for an interesting and dynamic pair. The minor characters were also all compelling, and I enjoyed getting to know them.

The magic is pretty cool, but also often dangerous and creepy. It only added to the dark feel of the book, which is what Bardugo was going for. This book is very much a serious, dark tale. I love a good murder mystery, and of course fantasy/paranormal, so it isn't a surprise to me that I ended up enjoy it so much. I followed along, breathless, as Alex tried to solve the murder all the while coping with magic and the secret societies.

A lot of people have been talking about the graphic content, and indeed there is that. I chose to read a list of specific trigger warnings before reading, and I think that helped me. Yes, there are some sad, hard things to read. But I don't find that they're there simply for the sake of being shocking. I think that they help us understand backstory and characters. And I think it was handled fairly well. If you're hesitant to read the book because of things you've seen on social media, I really recommend visiting the link I included at the start of the review.

I really enjoyed Ninth House, and I'm so glad I read it in the first few days of October. It's dark, atmoshperic, compelling. It's the perfect addition to your October tbr, just keep in mind that it does contain graphic content as it's very much an adult book.

#personal #turningpagebooks #book review #ninth house #alex stern #leigh bardugo #4.5 stars #arc review #adult paranormal #book reviews #novel review #novel reviews #books #book #novel #novels #reading #read #2018 book review

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turningpagebooks · 5 years

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REVIEW: “Pumpkinheads” by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks

Title: Pumpkinheads Author: Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks Publisher: First Second Source: Raincoast Books Publication Date: August 27th, 2019 Format: Paperback Page Count: 224

Plot Summary: Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends.

Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world. (Not many people know that the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it definitely is.) They say good-bye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1.

But this Halloween is different—Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye.

Josiah’s ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn’t ready to let him. She’s got a plan: What if—instead of moping and the usual slinging lima beans down at the Succotash Hut—they went out with a bang? They could see all the sights! Taste all the snacks! And Josiah could finally talk to that cute girl he’s been mooning over for three years . . .

What if their last shift was an adventure?.

Pumpkinheads on Goodreads | Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA

I received a finished copy from Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review.

2019 has been my year of getting into graphic novels. Saga, anyone? But sometimes, I just want something a little less intense and a little more fun. A graphic novel set on Halloween, with all of my favourite Autumnal things and art by the fantastic Faith Erin Hicks? YEEEEES.

I’m in love with Hicks’ art, and I think it totally elevates the story. It’s whimsical and cute and fun and vibrant. It was such a joy for my eyes to feast on, and I’m not even ashamed to say I was as into the lovely art as Deja is into seasonal food at the pumpkin patch. Art can make or break a graphic novel, and Hicks’ art definitely made it. I love seeing a fellow Canadian doing great things. She’s previously illustrated graphic novels for Dark Horse and First Second (check out her website here).

The story itself is simple — almost too simple — , but a real treat for those of us who love Autumn and Halloween. So, basically, this book was MADE FOR ME. Autumn is my season, folks. I think where the simplicity hinders the book is the romance. It needed to be a little better fleshed out, since it seemed to be resolved too quickly at the end. I wanted more from it, and I wish I didn’t feel that way because overall this book is such a mood-booster.

Deja is a fantastic character, honestly. She’s part of the lgbtq+ community, and it was nice seeing that organically show to us through interactions with her exes. Deja is described as having a magnetic personality, and you can totally see that. She comes across as comfortable and confident in herself, joyful and smiling in almost every scene. And when facing obstacles in the novel, she handles it in a humorous and honest way. She’s queen.

Josiah is also a nice character, a shy cinnamon roll we’re all rooting for as he tries to work up the courage to ask out his longtime crush. His interactions with Deja are really nice; it’s good to see a healthy male-female friendship. He’s a little frustrating at times, and Deja tells him so. (Again, Deja is QUEEN). But I think the way crushes are explored is interesting.

Pumpkinheads is written for people who love October and thrive in that month, and it shows. It also shows how much both Rowell and Hicks loves the season. There are pumpkins, smores, hay rides, pies, mazes, and more! Reading this during one of the greatest times of year is like a celebration of everything beautiful about the season.

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turningpagebooks · 5 years

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ARC REVIEW: “The Girl the Sea Gave Back” by Adrienne Young

Title: The Girl the Sea Gave Back Series: Sky In the Deep, #2 Author: Adrienne Young Publisher: Wednesday Books Source: Raincoast Books Publication Date: September 3rd, 2019 Format: ARC Page Count: 336 (paperback edition) Plot Summary: For as long as she can remember, Tova has lived among the Svell, the people who found her washed ashore as a child and use her for her gift as a Truthtongue. Her own home and clan are long-faded memories, but the sacred symbols and staves inked over every inch of her skin mark her as one who can cast the rune stones and see into the future. She has found a fragile place among those who fear her, but when two clans to the east bury their age-old blood feud and join together as one, her world is dangerously close to collapse.

For the first time in generations, the leaders of the Svell are divided. Should they maintain peace or go to war with the allied clans to protect their newfound power? And when their chieftain looks to Tova to cast the stones, she sets into motion a series of events that will not only change the landscape of the mainland forever but will give her something she believed she could never have again — a home.

The Girl the Sea Gave Back on Goodreads | Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I really came to enjoy Adrienne Young's debut, Sky In The Deep (review here). Despite my review rating being 3.5 stars, I actually kept thinking about the book months later, and that made me feel like the book was actually a 4 star read. So, when the companion novel was announced it quickly became one of my most anticipated reads of 2019.

First of all, this book is being called a companion novel - and supposedly you don't need to read the first one to read this one. While I do technically agree with that, I think you'll enjoy The Girl the Sea Gave Back much more if you read Sky In The Deep first. Not only because we see characters from the first book, but also to fully understand the viking tribes and how they came to be in their current status.

What I really enjoy about Young's books, and this one is no different, is how much she draws you into the setting. She focuses a lot on nature, particularly the sea. The author's love of nature is clear, and it made me feel rooted to the story. Her descriptions are vivid and lush, and it makes the story so easy to fall into. It's so atmospheric, I can see this being a great read in Autumn.

Once again, this book tackles hate and greed. The tribes have a tentative peace, but we see that tested again and again. We also see characters grappling with isolation and being judged based upon their tribe. It's interesting that a novel so connected to nature also explores how humans connect, and how those connections are affected or not by beliefs and societal judgement.

I enjoyed seeing my favourite characters from the first book, but it almost made me want a sequel showing the years in between this book and the first one.

The romance in this book is definitely a slow burn, bordering on very very subtle. I think I liked that the book doesn't try to force a romance for the sake of romance. It felt more organic that way. I liked the main characters Tova and Halvard. I did struggle a bit with them in that they didn't quite feel fleshed out enough.

The pacing of the book is actually slow too. That combined with the short page count means the book feels like it could've used some more length to it. I also felt that the message in this book was a bit repetitive, and not executed quite as well.

The Girl the Sea Gave Back is a captivating story, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed Sky In The Deep. I wanted to love it, and while I did enjoy it and got swept into the story, I was left feeling a little underwhelmed.

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turningpagebooks · 5 years

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Pride & Prejudice (2005) dir. Joe Wright

#pride and prejudice #jane austen #reblog #movie #gif

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turningpagebooks · 5 years

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ARC REVIEW: “Twice In a Blue Moon” by Christina Lauren

Title: Twice In a Blue Moon Author: Christina Lauren Publisher: Gallery Books Source: Netgalley Publication Date: October 22nd, 2019 Format: eARC Page Count: 368 (paperback edition) Plot Summary: Sam Brandis was Tate Jones’s first: Her first love. Her first everything. Including her first heartbreak.

During a whirlwind two-week vacation abroad, Sam and Tate fell for each other in only the way that first loves do: sharing all of their hopes, dreams, and deepest secrets along the way. Sam was the first, and only, person that Tate—the long-lost daughter of one of the world’s biggest film stars—ever revealed her identity to. So when it became clear her trust was misplaced, her world shattered for good.

Fourteen years later, Tate, now an up-and-coming actress, only thinks about her first love every once in a blue moon. When she steps onto the set of her first big break, he’s the last person she expects to see. Yet here Sam is, the same charming, confident man she knew, but even more alluring than she remembered. Forced to confront the man who betrayed her, Tate must ask herself if it’s possible to do the wrong thing for the right reason… and whether “once in a lifetime” can come around twice.

Twice In a Blue Moon on Goodreads | Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA

I received an eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you've been following my blog for awhile, you'll know I've read a lot of Christina Lauren books. I really enjoy them, with their humour and romance. I was super excited for their latest release, but sadly I didn't enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed their other books.

I think my biggest issue with the book is that I wasn't personally grabbed by the story. The pacing is a bit on the slower side, and as its a more series book, it made the story drag a bit for me. We first meet the characters when they're young adults, and I kept waiting for the story to progress into their reunion. The thing is, that took awhile to happen on the page. We stay with them as young adults for a good chunk of the book, and the second half therefore seems like it didn't get enough time to develop.

I adore the two main characters, I really do. Tate is feeling stifled when we meet her, and as she's on the verge of adulthood and independence, she's hungry for new experiences. This includes falling in love for the first time, and having her first time. She's a well written character who we vey much root for. But I feel that as an adult, there's a lot of questions left unanswered.

Sam is the same, really. As a young man, he's kind and thoughtful, flirty and sexy. He's a bit of a mystery, but also not a mystery. It's very clear why they break up in their youth. This book is very much about forgiveness and a second chance at love. I loved how it was done in Persuasion by Jane Austen, but here the ending felt too open. As this is a modern story, I couldn't help but wonder why it ended the way it did. And where things would go after the book ends.

The book tackles some complex topics, like trust, love, family, and more. I was drawn to the power of love, which is a big theme in the book for various relationships. I enjoyed seeing how each relationship functioned, and how family plays such a vital role.

I think I just wanted more from this book. It's kind of a more quiet story, driven more by characters' actions and reactions. I did enjoy Twice In a Blue Moon, but I wasn't in love with the story the way I wanted to be.

#personal #turningpagebooks #arc review #book review #twice in a blue moon #christina lauren #3 stars #2019 book review #book reviews #novel review #novel reviews #books #book #novels #novel #reading #read #contemporary romance

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ARC REVIEW: “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston

Title: Red, White & Royal Blue Author: Casey McQuiston Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin Source: Netgalley Publication Date: May 14th, 2019 Format: eARC Page Count: 423 (paperback edition) Plot Summary: What happens when America's First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales?

When his mother became President, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius—his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There's only one problem: Alex has a beef with the actual prince, Henry, across the pond. And when the tabloids get hold of a photo involving an Alex-Henry altercation, U.S./British relations take a turn for the worse.

Heads of family, state, and other handlers devise a plan for damage control: staging a truce between the two rivals. What at first begins as a fake, Instragramable friendship grows deeper, and more dangerous, than either Alex or Henry could have imagined. Soon Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret romance with a surprisingly unstuffy Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations and begs the question: Can love save the world after all? Where do we find the courage, and the power, to be the people we are meant to be? And how can we learn to let our true colors shine through?

Casey McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue proves: true love isn't always diplomatic

Red, White & Royal Blue on Goodreads | Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA

I received an eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What do you get when you mix hate-to-love, humour, politics, and passion? Red, White & Royal Blue. It's a good recipe, and if you at all enjoy romcoms, this will be your cup of tea.

People have been raving about this book, and for good reason. Most romcoms are, shall we say, the opposite of diverse. The romance genre is getting better, and this book is one of the reasons why. It's an m/m romance, with characters that have different sexual orientations within the LGBTQ+ community. That alone is a big draw for audiences.

As I was discussing this book witha friend, we appreciated how the lgbtq+ romance was handled, specifically how one character realizes their sexual orientation. I don't want to spoil it, so I won't say more. Suffice to say, it was well done.

The romance itself? Oh boy, it's good. It's dramatic, yet sweet. I liked getting to know the characters, and getting to see how they grew close and changed due to their relationship. I ship Alex and Henry so hard, and they're the driving force behind the book. The book is definitely very character-driven, but with such compelling characters it's a joy to read.

This book is also sexy af, and hilarious. Like, laugh out loud funny. Bold. To see characters so comfortable in their own skin, and comfortable around each other is amazing. Their confidence is captivating.

Sometimes, there were cliches or little inconsistencies or some drama that I felt wasn't quite there. But overall I have very little complaints about the writing itself.

Red, White & Royal Blue is a unique romcom, and I'm so glad I got the chance to review it for you. Honestly, even if you're new to the romance genre, consider giving this one a go.

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ARC REVIEW: “Say You Still Love Me” by K.A. Tucker

Title: Say You Still Love Me Author: K.A. Tucker Publisher: Atria Books Source: Simon and Schuster Canada Publication Date: August 6th, 2019 Format: ARC Page Count: 373 (paperback edition)

Plot Summary: Life is a mixed bag for Piper Calloway.

On the one hand, she’s a twenty-nine-year-old VP at her dad’s multibillion-dollar real estate development firm, and living the high single life with her two best friends in a swanky downtown penthouse. On the other hand, she’s considered a pair of sexy legs in a male-dominated world and constantly has to prove her worth. Plus, she’s stuck seeing her narcissistic ex-fiancé—a fellow VP—on the other side of her glass office wall every day.

Things get exponentially more complicated for Piper when she runs into Kyle Miller—the handsome new security guard at Calloway Group Industries, and coincidentally the first love of her life.

The guy she hasn’t seen or heard from since they were summer camp counsellors together. The guy from the wrong side of the tracks. The guy who apparently doesn’t even remember her name.

Piper may be a high-powered businesswoman now, but she soon realizes that her schoolgirl crush is not only alive but stronger than ever, and crippling her concentration. What’s more, despite Kyle’s distant attitude, she’s convinced their reunion isn’t at all coincidental, and that his feelings for her still run deep. And she’s determined to make him admit to them, no matter the consequences.

Say You Still Love Me on Goodreads | Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

K.A. Tucker's The Simple Wild made an impact on me, and I've even re-read it since. So when I heard about Say You Still Love Me, I felt like I needed to read and review it. While I did enjoy it, I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped to.

What Tucker does well is, in my opinion, craft such compelling characters. Piper and Kyle leap off the page. Piper is a great main character, and I liked her from page one. As an adult, she's struggling against misogyny in the work place. As a teen, she's making friends and stepping outside her comfort zone by being a camp counsillor with people outside her wealthy social circle. I loved that the book tackles feminist issues and class issues.

Kyle is also an interesting character, though as an adult the character wasn't fleshed out as well as I'd like. As a teen, though, it's easy to see the chemistry between him and Piper. I shipped them so hard.

I think my main issues with the book is, actually, the reason why they lost touch as teens. It was one of the reasons I was guessing, and I was disappointed beyond belief when I was right. It felt like it did the book a disservice. I also felt like the romance when they're adults doesn't shine as much.

Say You Still Love Me is a good book, but for me it wasn't great. I loved the characters, feminism, and romance, but I felt that the conflict was a little cliche and disappointing.

#personal #turningpagebooks #arc review #review #3 stars #say you still love me #k.a. tucker #book review #book reviews #novel review #novel reviews #contemporary romance #books #book #novels #novel #reading #read

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turningpagebooks · 5 years

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ARC REVIEW: “Queen of Ruin” by Tracy Banghart

Title: Queen of Ruin Series: Grace and Fury, #2 Author: Tracy Banghart Publisher: Little, Brown Books For Young Readers Source: Publisher Publication Date: July 2nd, 2019 Format: ARC Page Count: 336 (hardcover edition) Plot Summary: Banished by Asa at the end of Grace and Fury, Nomi and Malachi find themselves powerless and headed towards their all-but-certain deaths. Now that Asa sits on the throne, he will stop at nothing to make sure Malachi never sets foot in the palace again. Their only hope is to find Nomi's sister, Serina, on the prison island of Mount Ruin. But when Nomi and Malachi arrive, it is not the island of conquered, broken women that they expected. It is an island in the grip of revolution, and Serina--polite, submissive Serina--is its leader.

Betrayal, grief, and violence have changed both sisters, and the women of Mount Ruin have their sights set on revenge beyond the confines of their island prison. They plan to sweep across the entire kingdom, issuing in a new age of freedom for all. But first they'll have to get rid of Asa, and only Nomi knows how.

Separated once again, this time by choice, Nomi and Serina must forge their own paths as they aim to tear down the world they know, and build something better in its place

The stakes are higher and the battles bolder in Tracy Banghart's unputdownable sequel to Grace and Fury.

Queen of Ruin on Goodreads | Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA

I received an ARC from HBG Canada in exchange for an honest review.

If you're looking for a feminist novel with politics, romance, and sisterhood, this series is for you. I was recommended the first book in the series, Grace and Fury, by my bestie. And thank god she shoved that beautiful book into my hands. I was lucky enough to be sent an ARC of the sequel, and once again I found myself riveted and fired up.

The first book in the series is inspiring, and this book is no different. In it, we once again see women coming together to fight those who seek to control them and harm them. To keep them 'in their place'. It's incredibly powerful, especially given how much women still struggle for equality today. The love and respect these women have for each other is beautiful. Even if they don't always agree, they support one another. That's the kind of feminism we need, not toxic feminism.

The anger the women feel towards the men who want them to be silent, obedient, and uneducated is palpable. The book makes you THINK, and it makes you angry. I consider it to have a profound message, and as such I think everyone should read it.

Serina grew a lot in the first book, and that growth continues. She makes some mistakes, but in the end she's there for her sister and the women of Mount Ruin. She's gains some clarity and self-awareness, and she realizes she may always struggle with the way she's been conditioned to act around men. Nomi is just as compelling, as she now realizes she judged the Graces too harshly. She's also reeling from Asa's betrayal, and angry beyond measure.

I think where I struggled with the book was, firstly, with the romances. I didn't care for Serina's love interest this time around. I'm not sure if it's due to some inconsistant writing, or whether my opinion of him suffered because his input about something had consequences. Nomi and Malachi had a sweet romance, though not fleshed out as much as it should be.

Overall, I really really enjoyed Queen of Ruin. It's powerful, angering, and so damn relevant. The feminist message is one I'll never forget.

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turningpagebooks · 5 years

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BLOG TOUR | Review: “The Storm Crow” by Kalyn Josephson

Title: The Storm Crow Author: Kalyn Josephson Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire Source: Raincoast Books Publication Date: July 9th, 2019 Format: ARC Page count: 352 (hardcover edition) Plot summary: In the tropical kingdom of Rhodaire, magical, elemental Crows are part of every aspect of life...until the Illucian empire invades, destroying everything.

That terrible night has thrown Princess Anthia into a deep depression. Her sister Caliza is busy running the kingdom after their mother's death, but all Thia can do is think of all she has lost.

But when Caliza is forced to agree to a marriage between Thia and the crown prince of Illucia, Thia is finally spurred into action. And after stumbling upon a hidden Crow egg in the rubble of a rookery, she and her sister devise a dangerous plan to hatch the egg in secret and get back what was taken from them.

The Storm Crow on Goodreads | Chapters Indigo | Amazon CA

The Storm Crow is a captivating book about magic, family, and fighting for your people.

I received an ARC from Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger Warning: this book contains self-mutilation

If you're looking for a book filled with magic, family, and political intrige, you might want to check this book out! It's a short, quick read that I didn't want to put down. Lately I've been feeling burnt out on YA fantasy, so that's a good sign.

The magic in this book is so awesome! Crows that have different abilities, and certain people who ride them (sometimes into battle). I wish this had been fleshed out a bit more, but nevertheless I enjoyed this aspect quite a lot. The crows themselves have fun personalities, which I love seeing in bookish creatures. The writing style is easy to read, and the descriptions of food made me hungry if I'm honest lol.

I found that sometimes the plot kind of meandered away from the goal of the characters in order to focus on the romances. This means that the progress was a little slower sometimes, and the ending was fast paced to pack a lot into the short length of the book.

The romance isn't a clear cut as you'd expect, but I didn't mind it. I think it's nice that we're a surprised with the way the romance goes, because it definitely plays with and goes against some common cliches. There's also some good lgbtq+ rep, which is nice. None of the main characters seem to be lgbtq+, but it's definitely widely accepted within the kingdoms in The Storm Crow.

The relationship between Anthia and Caliza is lovely to read. They struggle, as is natural when a family experiences loss. I would've liked to see the book mention grief and PTSD specifically, rather than placing it under the blanket term of depression. As someone who has experienced grief multiple times in my life, I'm also wary of how it's portrayed. I'm glad, however, that the book mentions depression anyway because mental health is important and shouldn't be a taboo topic.

The Storm Crow is a good book, and I enjoyed reading it. It has its weaknesses, but mostly I feel excited about where the series could go next.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kalyn Josephson currently works as a Technical Writer in the tech industry, which leaves room for too many bad puns about technically being a writer. Though she grew up in San Luis Obispo, California, she graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Biology and a degree in English (Creative Writing). Currently, she lives in the Bay Area with four awesome friends (because it’s the Bay Area and she’d like to be able to retire one day) and two black cats (who are more like a tiny dragon and an ever tinier owl). THE STORM CROW is her debut novel.

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