Summer reading challenge

As the summer holiday and summer are rapidly approaching I decided to make a reading challenge that will help me choose what to read. So this is the challenges:

1. A book that takes place during summer;
2. A book involving travel;
3. A book about a love story;
4. A “true crime” book;
5. A book based on a Fairytale;
6. A book about a band;
7. A book with a protagonist that has your occupation;
8. A book with a one-word title;
9. A book you've been meaning to read;
10. A cover buy
11. A book that is your favorite color;
12. A book you've been meaning to read;

You are allowed to double any of the challenges, but no more than that. Enjoy your summer and your reads!

June reading & blogging plans

As the summer holiday is fast approaching and I escaped for the most part of exams, I can finally get back into reading and blogging. So this is what I want to do with this month posts and reads:

On 3^rd- 4^th of June, 10^th - 11^th of June and from 23^rd to 30^th I am going to host a read-a-thon. The rules are simple: you read as much as you can during those days, but it has to complete one of the summer reading challenges or be on your summer To Be Read, in my case, it must be on my series I want to finish this summer. Feel free to read along with me.

For the blog I wish to diversify my post, not only literature and books but more like a lifestyle kind of posts. I am going to post stories from real life, discussions and tips and tricks that have helped me until now. I am really interested in nutrition and what a healthy lifestyle is involving and I had experimented around this lately. Maybe I am also going to upload some videos, who can tell for sure?

So just stick around if you want to find out more about my future posts! :)

Series I want to finish this summer

I have started many book series in the past, but haven't finished even half of them. This has to change and what better way to do that than to start from somewhere. This is the series I want to finish this summer:
1. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

I've started this series a while ago and I got to the 4th book, but something made me stop. This summer I am going to reread the first four books and I will finish this series or at least I hope so.
2. The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

 
I've read the first book sometime last year and I LOVED it. I have finished it in one seating, it was completely addicting and one of the best books I have ever read, but again, from I don't know what reason, I haven't continued with the series and this has to change.
3. The Dark Elements by Jennifer L. Armentrout

It's not a mystery that I have enjoyed the first two books in this series in 2016, but once again something held me back from finishing it. Whit a little bit of luck I am going to finish & enjoy the last book this summer.

 4. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

Everyone knows that Cassandra Claire is a genius in writing and there is no surprise that her name appears everywhere. I read the first book last summer in a week. I remember being so sad that it ended and I postponed it until the last moment. This summer I have high hopes that I will finish all three books.
5. Rosemary Beach by Abbi Glines

Another series I started in 2016... What a year! I have finished the first four books, Blair and Rush's story and, despite the fact that it was a slow read for me, I really liked the way it was written. I am going to read these books in the summer not only because I have a lot of free time but also because I consider it's the best time of the year to read this series
6.The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine

I know how bad it sounds, or maybe I don't... I don't remember anything from this series. NOTHING! Not even what books I have read. But I know it will be a fun quick read for summer so why not giving it a shot?
7. Sweet by Wendy Higgins

I read the first book last year in April during the boring classes. I remember all the fun I had and how appealing the story seemed to me. I am really curious if I am going to love the rest of the books just as much as the first.
8. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
 I started the first book and never finished it. And before doing that I read the third book. Yeah, I'm not the best reader, not even close. I know everyone talks about these books and that I loved the movies so I am planning on a binge read the whole thing this summer to have my own opinion.

I don't expect to read all these books this summer, no matter how much I would love to, but I will give it a shot anyway. And who knows? Maybe I will have a pleasant surprise and finish most of them

Valentine's day, book recommendation

Being February, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to write a romance book recommendation. I don't know about you, but I am just in the vibe of reading a good, quirky romance, maybe it is because of Valentine's day or because of the cold weather and the fact that it is the "month of love". And yeah, hope you will enjoy it.
Family & friendship relationship:
1. Witch and Wizard by James Patterson;
   This is a fantasy story about a brother and a sister who are separated from their parents into a world they know nothing about. The book follows the bound between Whit Allgood and his sister, Whisty and the struggles they go through while trying to find their family and help their new friends and discovering their magical powers. In the book briefly appears Whit's girlfriend. 

2.Half-blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout;
   Another great fantasy book, also the first book in a series. This deals more with friendship and self-discovery. Alex is trying to hunt her mother and kill her, but things complicate a little. She is behind her training and what she discovers about herself is turning her world upside down. It also has a surprisingly interesting love triangle.

Love relationships:
3. The boy who sneaks in my bedroom window by Kirsty Moseley;
OMG!!! This is the best romance book I have ever read in my life! It was sweet, cute, funny, fascinating, real and it deals with family abuse. I loved it and personally think it is the perfect book for Valentine's Day time. And by the way, there is Liam in this story which basically says it all, because he's the best! Wanna know why? Then go and read this book, what are you waiting for?

4. Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespear;
This is a classic love story where two young people fall in love and think the world would end if they lose each other. Everyone heard about it and even if it's not my favorite romance story I thought it deserves its place on this list.

5. The bad boy series by April Brookshire;
A great series! It is a fun read, you will finish it quick! Gianna and Caleb share a cute relationship and have completely different characters which make their evolution interesting.

6. The Too Far series by Abbi Glines;
 A new-adult romance series that will make you dream of summer and hot weather. The setting is gorgeous and I love writing. The chemistry between Rush and Blair is undeniable and sweet. It also deals with family issues and shows how strong the love of a brother to his little sister is.

7. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell;
  This book is exactly what I would call an authentic American book. I love how Rainbow Rowell developed this love story between two high-school kids and that the ending wasn't "happy ever after". It is a great read and I firmly believe that it would make a great read or reread on Valentine's Day.

8. These broken stars by Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner.
  Who doesn't love a good SF book? These broken stars is the first book in a SF series. The story follows the steps that Trevor and Lilac take in order to escape from a strange, unknown planet. The book describes their adventure and how they fall in love during this trip. Plus the cover is so beautiful!

January wrap-up

January was an amazing reading month for me. Not only I have read a LOT, but I also have participated in the first read-a-thon of my life, I read my first audio-book this month, and I managed to keep you guy updated pretty well. So without other information, let me show you the books I have read this month:
1. Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare
I had to read this book for my English literature class. It was a reread for me and I enjoyed it.

2. Dash and Lily's book of dares by Rachel Chon
I LOVED THIS BOOK SOOOOO MUCH! I wanted to keep the holiday spirit with me even if Christmas had already passed and this book was just perfect! It was everything that I might want and need. It was fun, mysterious, interesting and a good young adult story.

3. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
I read this during the winter biannual bibliathon. It wan a good book, one of the few mystery books I have ever read. It was fascinating at the beginning but then it kind of lost me on the way. I loved the ending though, I liked that they left to Romania to study medicine. I gave this book 4/5 stars on Goodreads.

4. A court of thorns and roses by Sarah J. Mass
OMG! This was the best book I have ever read. I read it during the bibliathon and I have only two words to describe it mind-blowing.

5. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
This was another debut for me. I have never read such an emotional book. I am not the biggest fan of poetry books, but this was surely a 5/5 star book.

6. Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout
As you probably know so far Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of my favorite writers. So far anything I read from her I had truly enjoyed. There is no doubt I liked this book a lot.

I am currently reading "The boy who sneaks in my bedroom window" by Kirsty Moseley.

White hot kiss review

Title: White hot Kiss
Series:  First book in The Dark Elements
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Format: ebook
Review: 5/5 stars
Goodreads description:
One kiss could be the last. 
Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she’s anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses. 
Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden, she’s crushed on since forever. 
Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she’s not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn’t an issue, considering Roth has no soul. 
But when Layla discovers she’s the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

“With this first title in her new Dark Elements series, powerhouse author Armentrout delivers another action-packed, believably narrated ride… Intense, well-plotted, and very readable, this title should fly into the hands of every paranormal reader out there.”
—Booklist


My Review:

 “The narrative sizzles with as much tension as romance… Totally entertaining.”
—Kirkus Reviews


We met Layla in Bitter Sweet Love as the girl with white-blonde hair and large, gray eyes. She’s half Warden, half Demon and last we saw her, she was crushing big-time on her forever friend and sorta-kinda-not brother, Zayne. He’s a Warden with a big heart that has a giant soft spot for Layla. It’s obvious he cares for her and while others in the clan see her, at minimum, as a menace and at worst, as a treasonous outsider, he sees her as someone he must protect. She’s grown up with the Wardens and despite her best efforts to deny the demon side within, she feels she is never fully accepted.

“I would never truly be a part of the Wardens. And no matter how badly I wanted it, I’d never really been their family.”

The clan uses Layla to tag demons, a single touch from her is lighting them up in order for the Wardens to hunt them at night. But one day it all changes when she runs into a demon who was looking for her. Never had she expected to encounter yet another demon – an upper-level one – to help her get out of such a dangerous situation.
Roth is a great character. As we learn later, he’s multi-dimensional with a lot more than meets the eye. He’s witty and self-assured and all up in Layla’s business. Their chemistry is undeniable… a promise of things to come. I found his unique charm funny and intriguing.

“For the love of all unholy things, why must you be so difficult? I apologized for calling you a prude. I’ll even apologize for yesterday. I scared you. I threw your cell in a toilet. See, I was raised in Hell. You could say I’m socially awkward.”

 “Well-paced and peppered with intriguing details that allow both Romeo-and-Juliet swoons and a zombie apocalypse to have their turns.”
—Publishers Weekly

With Roth not leaving Layla alone, they end up spending more time with each other. With Roth encouraging her to try new things she becomes who she really is, not being so scared of her insecurities anymore.

“Your life is so much more than what you can’t do. What about all that you can do?” 

As the truth comes out, Layla starts doubting what she was told and she becomes uncertain of who she truly is. Roth seems to have some answers and unlike the clan, he doesn’t hide the facts.  Roth seems to treat her not as a child, but as someone who is beautiful, independent and perfect.

“There was something about Roth that spoke to me, all of me. Something I wasn’t sure I’d felt before.”

“A must-read for fans of…Armentrout’s and for those wanting an exciting book that leaves you wanting more.”
—San Francisco Book Review (5 stars)

“I lost myself the moment I found you.”

 

“Armentrout…pairs a fast-moving plot with a colorful cast and a strong-willed heroine. Fans and newbies alike will definitely love this.”
—RT Book Reviews

Overall: Nothing seems clear. Nothing is certain. Exciting with the magic that only Jennifer L. Armentrout can cast, captivating me from beginning to the shocking end. How the story developed kept me guessing and the cliff-hanger from the end was mind-blowing. I love Jennifer's way of writing and I love how she can turn the story at 180 degrees so fast. I truly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fantasy book. It's exciting and intriguing and is going to catch your attention super fast. Love this book!

Winter biannual bibliathon TBR

Hello, guys! Welcome back! I decided to participate in my first read-a-thon and to post my "To be read" pile for it.
1. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

• The group book 
  

2. A court of thorns and roses

• Read a retelling;
• Read a book in a different format;
  
  
  

3. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

• Read a 2016 book;
  

4. Did I mention I love you by Estelle Maskame

• Read a book a booktuber recommends to you;
• Read a book you are excited for but never picked up;
  

5.  The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

• Read a diverse book;
  
  I hope you enjoyed! Leave in the comments if you are participating in this read-a-thon, your TBR and if you have some advices. Stay tuned for new posts this week. Bye! :)

Top 6 Thursdaya - books I want to read in 2017

Being the first month of the year and because I have just posted my reading and blogging goals for 2017, I thought it would be suitable to also write a "top 6 books I want to read in 2017" type of post. So enjoy!
1. A court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

2.The Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman

3. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

4.The Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

5.The sweet evil trilogy by Wendy Higgins

6.Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Bookish blog goals for 2017

2016 was a great reading year, not because it was my first one, but I managed to read around 32 books, reaching my reading goal. In 2017 I would like a kind of challenge and try to read at least 100 books. I know this is pretty ambitious, but I believe it's worth the effort.
For my blog, I want to post more often and more diverse. In order to do so, I am going to plan my post and write them ahead. I am already working on some interesting posts, in my opinion, and I hope you will be looking forward to them as much as I do. I am going to post some reading challenges, more book tags, participate in some read-a-thons, and a lot more. So stay around for them!

Until the next post have a great day (or night)! :))

Top 6 Thursday - Top 6 books of 2016

The end of 2016 came so fast! There are 3 more days in this year, this chapter of our lives... This year I started reading, I started this blog, I started high-school, it was a year full of firsts.
Today I am doing the top 6 books I read this year, so let's get started!
1.Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

2.Bitter Sweet Love by Jennifer L. Armentrout

3.Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

4.These Broken Stars by  Amie Kaufman and Maggie Spooner

5.Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

So this is it for today's post. Please leave in the comments down below the books you loved the most this year 'cause I would love to read them!

Top 6 Thursday - Book I want to read this winter break

Tomorrow is my official last day of school, even if it actually was on Tuesday. Now that I have a little free time I can finally write a post. How the winter break is approaching with big steps I thought it would be a good idea to tell you which are the 6 books I am dying to read this month.
1.Romeo and Juliet ( This book is a reread for me but I will study it at school soon and I want to cut it off my reading list once more)

 2.Dash and Lili's book of dares (This book sends me the Christmas vibes. How should I not want to read it?)

3.A great and terrible beauty

4.The unbecoming of Mara Dyer

5.Am I normal yet

6.Every last breath