#FriendFavourites ~ Day 1: Maria

Everybody has a list of favourite things.



We tend to use the word favourite a lot - at least, I know I do! Whether I'm fangirling over my 'favourite' characters, books, tv shows, or foods...there is a special VIP status that goes along with the term that's hard to resist.

But what truly makes a favourite special?

For me, it's the unique nature of favourites. They're different for everyone - they reflect diversity and differing opinions. They're an insight into a person's mind, their likes and dislikes, and what makes them them.

The #FriendFavourites tag is about showcasing this unique nature.

These aren't just book recs. These are book portraits - painting a picture of the readers who have grown to love these stories and relate to these characters. Each #FriendFavourites post will look at the why and the who behind each of these incredible books that my fellow bookworms and friends wish to share with you all.



I'm so excited to not only bring some great books into your lives and onto your shelves but to introduce some wonderful personalities to you. Each of these people holds a special place in my heart and my life :)

So without further ado, let's get started!

The Destined by E.J. Mellow ~ Blitz

It's time to celebrate the end of a beloved series.



After recently reviewing the incredible finale The Destined, my emotions are still very raw! I can't believe we've reached the end, the final stretch. But what an incredible finale it was - one worthy of a place in the Book Finale Hall of Fame!

And thanks to E.J. and the lovely people over at Xpresso Book Tours you guys have the chance to not only learn more about The Destined and the Dreamland series, but there's also an awesome giveaway to celebrate this wonderful milestone.

So without further ado, let's get blitzing!

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco ~ Chapter Thoughts (1-4)

Stalking Jack the Ripper is one of the best YA novels of 2016.

If you haven't heard of the lovely Kerri Maniscalco, or her debut novel Stalking Jack the Ripper, then you're either:

(A) Stuck in the 19th century

(B) Having tea with a bunch of lords and ladies

(C) Or clearly living under a very large, very wifi-resistant rock!

Awhile back I made some fun aesthetics for the book (which you can view here) but today I'm excited to reveal that I have some exclusive chapter thoughts from none other than the author of Stalking Jack the Ripper herself, Kerri Maniscalco!

This chapter thoughts segment - hosted on a range of blogs - is running alongside the Stalking Jack the Ripper Read-A-Long co-hosted by the lovely Ava and Sabrina. You can find out more info on the read-a-long here or join the Goodreads group here.

Read on for more info on the book + the author's thoughts!

The Destined by E. J. Mellow ~ Review

The Dreamland finale is here!

*blinks*

*pinches self*

*double-checks calendar*

Is this...actually happening? Have we really reached the end of the incredible Dreamland series by E. J. Mellow? Is this a highly vivid dream?!

Gosh, it seems like just yesterday that I was reading this series for the first time and discovering its magic. Not only was I introduced to The Dreamer (which won me over almost instantly) but I got acquainted with E. J. Mellow. Kind, lovely, and imaginative, she had so much passion for writing and I just knew her series would grow to become something every reader needed on their bookshelf.

The Destined concludes this magical cycle.

From awe-inspiring world building and perfectly paced action scenes, to sizzling romance and emotionally destructive endings...the Dreamland series has delivered time and time again. The Destined continues this tradition, bringing together everything that makes this series so addictive along with new elements that keep you guessing.

It's so hard to say goodbye.

It's so bittersweet! We may be closing the final page of a series that has changed our lives, but we're not leaving its world and colourful characters behind. Because those will always have a place on our hearts, in our minds, and on our bookshelves!

So let's raise a toast to E.J. and her winner of a series!

Celebrate the finale with me as I delve into The Destined and the conclusion of Molly's epic journey between worlds. Read on for more info on the book + my thoughts and a sneak peek!

#CritYourFaves ~ Unhealthy Romance: Respect & Communication 101

Welcome to #CritYourFaves!

This fun blog event is hosted by the lovely Aentee over at Read At Midnight and runs throughout the month of October. Here is the official event introduction from Aentee:

'Often, it’s too easy for us to turn a blind eye to the flaws in our favourite books or series. Although there is no such thing as an objectively perfect work of fiction, it’s difficult to confront issues in the things we love. While it may be uncomfortable, or at times painful, I think it’s essential to point out lack of representation or perpetuation of harmful tropes and themes – no matter what kind of media you consume.

The #CritYourFave blog event encourages you to post discussion throughout the month of October, analysing your favourite book or series through a more critical lens. It’s not my intention to tell you to stop the things you love, but to acknowledge any misgivings they may have. If this sounds like something you would like to do, then sign up here!'

Today I am going to be critiquing books with unhealthy romances.

In particular, I will be critiquing my favourite books that feature unhealthy romances where there is a major lack of respect and communication skills.

Why am I focusing on respect and communication skills, you may ask?

Because relationships are easily broken over a lack of communication, as well as over whether or not a significant other is treated with the respect they deserve. This leads to so many mixed messages for the reader.

I can't count the number of books I've read where the main characters have:

(A) Kept life-changing secrets from their significant other

(B) Not confessed their honest feelings

(C) Lied to their significant other

(D) Treated their significant other like dirt

...only to have a magic wand waved over everything at the end. Abracadabra! Suddenly all of that is forgotten and the main protagonist has to forgive and forget, nevermind their hurt feelings and broken heart.

And that's not ok. People - and characters - are allowed to be hurt by the actions of others. They're justified in their anger especially when they've been a part of an unhealthy romance.

Despite loving some of these books, authors, and characters to bits...this idea that it's ok to ice someone out, or lie to them, or treat them badly out of 'love' doesn't sit well with me. Not at all.

I dislike how common unhealthy romances have become in literature. Whether it's the obvious ones, like Fifty Shades of Grey, or the subtle ones, like the Maximum Ride series...unhealthy romances are not something we should be swooning over.

So without further ado, let's get critiquing!

Cell 7 by Kerry Drewery ~ Review

Dystopia is a hit or miss genre for me.



I crave originality. My attention and imagination is no longer held by recycled character arcs or refurbished old plots - I need dystopian novels with original concepts and raw characters who will challenge the rules and challenge themselves.

So if you're looking for 'the new Hunger Games' you'll have to look elsewhere.



As much as I loved The Hunger Games with its glittering rebellion, love triangle, and perfectly measured doses of heartbreak...today's focus novel is a world apart from that series.

Cell 7 is raw, gritty, and addictive.

I will probably use the word 'raw' a lot in today's review lol. But it's the most fitting word to describe this book's plot and characters and the sense of reality that accompanies them. I found the characters' pain to be believable, and their struggle caused me to tense up and to practically buzz with anticipation.

Want to find out more? Read on for my full thoughts on the book!

September 2016 ~ Wrap Up

September was a month filled with books and literary magic.



And today is about wrapping all of it up in a virtual bow and showcasing some of my fave reads and upcoming ones that September brought to my doorstep.

So without further ado, let's get wrapping!