Sharon L

Truth be told, I read lots of YA books. Not all of them are good, most of them will NOT be classics. [fact is, in the YA genre you can find a mash up of as many genres and you'd like- from Sci Fi, fantasy & romance to horror, thrillers and contemporary that will teach you a valuable lesson].

But claiming that a book is inferior because it is directed to a younger audience, is complete bull shit and patronizing. Sorry, but as far a literary fiction (for adults) go- there is just as much garbage. 

In the end it is not the audience but the author, the story and the quality of writing that determine just how good a book really is. No matter it's audience, almost each book has the potential to break your heart or lift your spirits.

So reading an article like this one, well, that's just disappointing
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2014/06/against_ya_adults_should_be_embarrassed_to_read_children_s_books.html


http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2014/06/against_ya_adults_should_be_embarrassed_to_read_children_s_books.2.html

On a private note- The examples she gives (Like the Fault in Our Stars & The Perks of Being a Wallflower), if this is all she read in the genre I can see why she's not impressed. But her lack of ability to find good reading material does is something she has to deal with. 
A friend of mine claims that more often than not she does not like a book written in the NA genre, well, that didn't (and still does not) stop her from browsing through them. She found a few favourites

today The Accidental Reader is hosting the (hot) cover reveal of Alex the first book in The Cold Fury series by Sawyer Bennett. 

here the link: thebkreader.blogspot.com/2014/05/cover-reveal-alex-by-sawyer-bennett.html?m=1

Don't keep this hottie waiting! 

p.s. I wonder, am I the only one who thinks hockey players are totally drool worthy in books? (maybe it's because in my country it's either soccer ot basketball and they tend to look like gorillas)

Visit my blog The Acciental Reader

Before I start, I have to admit I really don't like this book. REALLY. 

Which is why I'm going to border on bitchy (assuming, I'll be able to control myself). 

You see that line I markered? ( Some of the best stories of urban enchantment from the last few years gathered in one volume full of hex appeal and arcane arts ) That's a total lie, in my very honest and very direct opinion. 

This is an anthology with stories about magic. I don;t know what about you (though you might agree with me if you read Harry Potter as a child and fell in love with magic), but as I grew up over the years there were quite a few things that never changed for me. One of them is Magic. If you asked me when I was little kid I'd probably tell you- Magic is awesome(!). 

Because what is magic? it's about breaking limits, it's about a strong mind and stronger will, it can be about nature or defying nature, it's tricks of the mind, it can be a full-scale vicious battle, it can heal, it can hurt and kill, it can help, it can be about elemets, it can be science, it can be about the unexplained. Magic can have a terrible price, it can be your savior and your executioner. Magic can be about everything, anything and nothing in particular. The options are unlimited, infinte. 

Never have I imagined there would come a day I would say magic could be as boring as watching one of those Baby Mozart DVDs over and over again. Then again, I just said that magic had infinte number of options- maybe I should have seen the boring option coming around the corner chasing it's exciting and lively siblings. But I didn't see that option happening, I didn't think the day would come (I never wanted it to come). This anthology proved me wrong. Magic an be boring, people can be boring (and most times I think people are never boring- they are fascinating creatures).

This anthology proved me wrong. In regards of magic- this anthology is the doomsday of magic and everything magical. [maybe I exaggerated a bit. After all I can count on one hand a few stories that get 3 or 4 stars]

Still, I'm going to side step for a moment. Have you heard of the book Practical Magic ?To cut a long story short it's a book about a family of strong women that casts spells. Their magic is small, subtle and even though Practical Magic is not an action packed book and even though it's very slow paced, I'd rather read any scene from it than read almost any story form this anthology. Yes, I am well aware of the fact I actually loved Practical Magic but even so it had scenes about everyday life- like the scent of carameled apples carried on the wind in a summer noon.

But this anthology? It's boring. At first I thought I'll write about each story. Well, no more. I really don't have the power or the time (to waste) on writing about Charlie boy and his nineteen cousins that are as ugly as him. I'm also not going to talk too much about his four somewhat not ugly cousins. Maybe, just maybe, I'll talk a little his Good Looking cousin.

SO, first of all I'd like to point out the stories written by: Elizabeth Bear, Amanda Downum, Jim Butcher and Holly Black. These stories were midldly interesting and quite well written though nit very original. In comparison to Charlie Boy and the rest of teh cousins they stand out well. But you know what? I give them 3 stars and still feel like I was VERY generous. 

Once again I'm going to side step for a moment. So when I was in the 11th grade my whole grade went out to some trip (for five days). You may cal it some sort of camoing trip. They boys and the girls were separated and hardly saw each other during that week- there wasn't any interaction between us. Now, the girls were split to small group of 12, and each had her own guide. All the guides were girls, and there was the guy who was like chief guide. The chief guide was the only guy we saw and had interaction with for a whole five days. He wasn't good looking, he was below avarage. Still, he was the only guy we could see for a mile long, s naturally, most of the girl had a crush on him. 

The fact is that when you surround someone with other people that are way more stupid than him, even if that someone isn't a genius suddenly he will be the smartes guy on the block which is why he will be considered as really smart. 

So yeah, everything is relative. Fact is, if you're company is stupid it does not mean that you are smart. Which is why I give these stories only 3 stars and I feel it's generous. Because these stories were surronded by stories I would have given minus infinte stars to originally. So in a relative way they are better. But if I take them outside if that scale and put them in my normal everyday scale the fact remains that I wouldn't have given them 3 stars. 

Another story is the one written by Scott Lynch, which is also a 3 stars one. But, unlike the others it is a solid 3 stars story. It is well written in a creative world, and the only thing that stopped me form giving it more was the same reason I gave only 2 stars to his latest book in the Locke Lamora series. Because Scott Lynch writes a story that is planned from start to finish, he makes his characters do and say what needs to be done and said in order to achieve the story he wanted, however it feels soemwhat forced. Because he does not let his characters ahve free reign. They do and say things in a way that does not fit them. Yes, I know they are his characters so he probably knows them better. But I can't ignore that sense of wrongness I felt while I read the Locke Lamora books and this Short Story. 

The last story I'll talk about is Seeing Eye by Patricia Briggs. This story is a solid 4 stars for me. I'll call it the seventh cousin of Charlie Boy. It's my favourite, it's Mister Hot Guy.Seeing Eye is quite well known, and as well written. But as much as I might praise it (and I could write poems of it's beauty), it is not worth to but this book just to read this shorty. You can read it in other anthologies (as well as the new Mercy Thompson book that would come out soon and contains all the Mercy Universe short stories). Fans of Mercy Thompson would love it. Others would enjoy teh well developed characters, the conflict and the great world that is learned/explained here so effortlessly. Which leads me to the most important thing- I understand what this story is doing will all this boring bunch. You know how sometimes people hang out with the golden, well liked, popular kid hoping that in someway some of his popularity will rub off on them? Well, this is the golden boy, case in point it is puted and teh seventh story- right where you might lose you patience and would like to throw the book out the window, it is so good you'll keep reading afterwards in the hope of uncovering another jem in this aweful anthology. Personally, I think that instead of putting it with this bunch of well meaning but stupid fellows, the teacher should have just required from them the same level of quality. It might sound bad, But hiding behind your Mama's skirt has never made anyone independant. 

Now, as for Charlie Boy (the first story and a great example to all the other ugly cousins) is a street wizard that protect humanity from all the things that go bump in the night. Sounds amazing, right? So many possobilities! Well, Charlie thought (for no apprent reason) it was important to tell me that he brush his teeth every night (when he wakes up), that he sees the world as it really is- with demons and other creatures (That are supposedly dangerous, but truth is Charlie would kill you of boredome before any of them will get a chance to even lay a finger on you), he tells us about Red (the working girl). But that's really as exciting as it got. Nothing happens with Red, actually nothing practically happens beside Charlie walking the streets.
And truthfully, When I walk the street it tends to be more interesting.

Some of the boring stories were about Fae- in the TinkerBell, and Shakespear style. Well, if you read Fever by Karen Marie Moning you'll probably understand how boring that is. If you have yet to read Fever, I say- Go read it now instead of wasting you time on this boring excuse of a book. 

A review copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Pop by my blog The Accidental Reader because you really want to :) 

I'm going to keep this short. For lack of a better term I think of calling this series a guilty pleasure of mine. Only, I don't feel guilty and it is not a pleasure of mine if life had taught me anything about pleasure. 

I have never before in my life encountered a book (let alone a series of books) that frustrated me and made me laugh in equal degree.

The Alpha Girl series has the very dubious pleasure of being my first. 

Becoming Alpha was a frustrating book with a borderline TSTL heroine, who was really annoying the hell out of me- only I enjoyed making fun of her. So, I kept her. As for the rest of her gang, well, I liked Meredith and I could care less for the rest of them. Really.

I hoped that this book will finally help me reach a desicion. Do I love this series or hate it? Do I want to keep in reading or should I just quit? 

It is with sadness I'm admiting I'm still on the fence here.

On the one hand- Tessa is still borderline TSTL, Dastien still proves some creeper signs, Tessa is still special for no apparent reason (IMO), this book contained lots of religion (which is something that kind of annoyes me), Meredith was sleeping most of the book so I didn't get to enjoy her company, and the rest of the gang is just plain boring without much of character development. Oh, and the whole witches story line, what the hell?! [too weird, I didn't understand where did it come from] 

To make things worse, I felt like half the book was beating around the bush and that it could be shorter (by half). Which coming from someone like me says something- Need I remind you? As long as a book is well written and well developed I don't care how long it is (especially if most of it is justified).

Well, here we were going in circles, it was annoying, Especially with the fact that things were resolved SO VERY EASILY in the end. 

On the other hand- Dastien is really cute. Tessa is building a good relationship with Datien most of the time, which makes me really happy considerig how many books showes aweful (stalkery, too dependant) relationship between to teens in love. Yes, sometimes Dastien border on creeper, but guess what? Tessa at least tells him that he is a creeper on those times and she doesn't accept that. Also, they try to build an equal relationship where they relay on one another and respect each other (yes, sometimes they mess up but they try. I think they deserve lots of points for trying). Meredith and Donovan are really cute together and I want to see more of them [Actually, I have this great idea, how about we ditch Dastien, Tessa and the gang in favot of Meredith and Donovan???]. Last but not least, while Tessa keeps on annoying me greatly I have to admit she's evolving, she's coming to terms with herself and the wolf thingie. She is doing some development- and it gives me hope that in the next book she won't be so annoying. 

So yeah, while I can't reccomand it whole heartedly. I still find it better than Twilight & Co. 

A review copy was provided by Ink Monster through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

The Accidental Reader is hosting a teaser reveal of Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor

come and see :D

http://thebkreader.blogspot.co.il/2014/05/teaser-reveal-worth-fall-by-claudia.html

For more reviews roam to my blog The Accidental Reader

I want to clarify a few things before I start this review

1. I know some people do not love the cover, personally, I think it's gorgeous. 

2. This book is long. Then again, so are many other books. and I don't mind the lentgh. IMO, if a book is well written and well developed- I don't care how long it is. 

3. In the blurb there is comparison to both Serephina and Graceling. I have yet to fully read the former, but I skimmed through it and though it looks like a great book I doubt I'd love it. As for the latter, I read it and throughky enjoyed it- but it's a far cry from being a favourite of mine. Which is why I was somewhat hesitant to read this book. What made me want to read it anyway? The rest of the blurb that sounded just right up my ally. This is one of those times I'm glad I listened to my instinct. 

Now, then. 

I will not tell you that I couldn't put this book down, because I could and I did quite a few times for various reasons (it was late, I was busy, my eyes were tired, I had a headache). 

Truth be told most books can be put [and are put] down. However, the real question is how fast did I want to pick it back up again? the answer is every five minutes. 

Another question is while reading the book and after reading it, did it hunt me? The answer is like villagers hunting a witch in the old times. 

Stolen Songbird is this amazing book that achieved so many things I always want to see in a book I read, I'll try to explain.

I. A Great Heroine

Cécile was great, she was fun and realistic and smart. She was nice, and courageous, full of life. She was brave. While she was kidnapped, she fought her captor. When she arrived in Trollus she soon realized that she might not be able to escape as fast as she'd want, but she didn't give up hope on escaping. 

She learned about the trolls and Trollus realizing that while she's there she might as well get to know the gameboard and the players. 

II. A Wonderful Hero

Tristan. oh, Tristan. He was so many things- kind, brutal, caring, manipulator, politician, honest. At first I appreciated him as a character and later on I came to love him. 

Through the book, Tristan is playing a dangerous game. 

III. A Mature Relationship

Triatian's and Cécile's relationship develops under the most horrible conditions, and yet, the development is nothing short of spectacular. 

“I cringed, though; for as much as I did not want to 
marry a troll, I was just as certain the troll didn’t 
want to marry me.” 

They start as strangers, enemies even, thrust together in an unlikely situation that each of them wish he could have escaped. They becoming begrudging alliances, working together to achieve their goals. 

Slowly, they become friends and evetually lovers. Even then, they are both aware of the fact that their circumstances aren't ideal and it stands between them. 

But their love is true. 

IV. The Setting

I just loved the setting. Trollus exist underneath a mountain, and it's folklore and the Troll's origin are interesting, well thought of and simply enchanting. 

"Not all of them were deformed, but they were 
monsters still, every one of them." 

Trollus is this magical place covered in darkness, horrors and empty beauty. 

"At his side stood an exceptionally lovely troll, 
long black curls cascading over her jeweled velvet
clothing. Her expression was vacant and unseeing,
and I shivered as a dreamy smile crossed over her 
lips."

The Trolls are these crazy, intelligent, beautiful yet terrifying creatures. They are cruel, they choose to be cruel, they are evil that chose to be evil. I was afraid of the dark while I was reading the book. 

V. Side Characters

The side characters, the supporting characters are standing out just as much as the main ones. 

“I think it is our nature to believe evil always 
has an ugly face,” he said, ignoring my question.
“Beauty is supposed to be good and kind, and to
discover it otherwise is like a betrayal of trust.
A violation of the nature of things.” 

There's Tristan's cousins, who become good friends with Cecile. 

And then, there is Tristan's childhood friend that on first impression might seem like the beautiful mean girl that Cecile is supposed to hate, but actually she has more to her than that and it was sheer joy to read that. 


I need the next book like ten years ago, and I'm willing to bribe in any way imaginable in order to get my hands on an early copy. Yup, you heard that right. 

A review copy was provided by Strange Chemistry through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

For more awesome reviews roam to my blog The Accidental Reader

What happened the first time I read the book 

This is a book about Nature versus Nurture and many other seintifics dilemas, e.g; Does a genetically engineered person have a soul? a personality? a will of his own? What about clone? Does it have a right to live?

While not attempting to answer this questions in a definite and directive way, this book does raise them and gives us some points to think over. 

This is a well-written, action packed book. 

The question is, why only 3 stars? 

First I'd like to clarify that 3 stars is not a bad rating, it means the book was OK and is certainly worth reading. 

However, it also means the book either does not stand up as something unique on it's own or that I just didn't love it. This time it's both. 

The book started out so promising I was sure it would be a 4 stars for me. It didn't disappoint, it just didn't meet my expectations. 

Futhermore, while I can't say for sure how many books were written in the previous couple years in the same genre with the same blurb (clones, Nature vr. Nurture, genetic engeneering). The fact remains that all in all over the years there were many books written in that criteria. Some were better, some were worse. Some were just like this one. Which means, that in my opinion, this book failed to add something new to the genre-which was what I hoped it would do- thus, it failed to amaze me. 

On a more personal ground, Xan was nice character and while the book was a little confusing at first nothing was spoon-fed to me. I appreciate it, because I really do hate it when authors mock my intelligence. 

All in all, great YA light sci-fi book to read. And I do rec it. 

Thank you so much for Curiosity Quills Press for approving me on NetGalley for this one, and for sending me a digital copy when I missed the archive date. You are the best! 

Wanna read more reviews? visit my blog The Accidental Reader

Well, 

Written in a funny approchable way, Don't Put That In There!debunk all sorts of sex myths I never had. 

Maybe, that came out a little wrong. 

So let's start at...well, I'm not sure. 
What made me want to read this book was sheer curiousity as to what myths there are regarding sex? Beside the funny name and the cover promised something that while being informative will also be easy to read. 

Was that promise delivered? YES!

There are Many myths regarding sex, sexuality and the whole things involving it. I was surprised at how many (thankfully, I didn't hold any of them).

I think this book is necessary, especially for teens and peopleslightly-OK! just older- because sometimes you want to know something and you don't feel comfortable asking anyone. 

To those of you that will say- But we have the internet,yes, you are right. But guess what folks? the internet is FULL of information and not all of it true or relevant to what you want to know. 

Not to every question you'll find the correct answer. So, in situations like this (in order to avoid awkward moments) you can read this book. 

I say, it's a must in every home (Or building). 

A review copy was provided by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. Thank you!

pop by The Accidental Reader for more reveiws

I look at all the glowing reviews, maybe not glowing, but most of the reviews are very complimenting, and I feel bad. 

I'm in a minority here. What book did I read, I wonder…

Mistwalker was one of my most anticipated books of 2014. When I saw it on NetGalley, I hit the 'request' button immediately. Then, I crossed my fingers and I waited…anxiously…and I was approved. 

I actually did a little happy dance then. And happily(!!) I settled down to read it. Imagine my surprise once I realized I was bored. The pacing is slow, the writing is beautiful but I've seen better. 

Yes, the setting is fairly interesting and beautiful, the idea is 

great. But the pacing is so damn slow that I found myself dozing off. 
I wanted to like it so badly, but I could barely finish reading it. 

Yet, looking at all those great reviews I kept wondering- 'did I miss something? Was I missing something?' 

I kept on reading, pushing through it and hoping that at some point. At any point something would happen, something interesting. At one point I was so desperate for Something . 

Sadly, for me it never came. Yes, there is that thing that happened eventually (view spoiler). But I felt as if it wasn't explained well. Why did it happen like that? WHY?

Zero. Nada. 

Maybe it just wasn't for me. I don't know. I've been putting off this review long enough, and now I don't have much to write or explain. 
I actually wish this book would have made me feel something. Even rage. But I feel nothing, beside maybe that it was a waste of my time. It's a weird feeling for me, to be so detached from the book and the characters. So very bored.

A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review 

for this review and more visit my blog The Accidental Reader

Ricochet is a weird book. 
Mainly because the love interest is missing. After the events in Addicted to You, Lo is in rehab and lily started therapy. For the first time they can remember, they are separated for 90 days. 
More over, they hardly talk to each other because of Lo's rehab program. 

Lily copes by crying. She's got Rose's unconditional support and she tries to be a better sister to Daisy. Also, she learns some harsh truths about herself and her addiction. 

While being physically missing most of the book, Lo's presence is stronger than ever because of his unique relationship with Lily. 

They are so Co-dependent on each over, their love so consuming it is hard to know where one begin and the other ends. 

We also get a glimpse to Rose's and Connor's unique relationship, to Daisy's fire and to Ryke's soft side. 

We also get to know better Samantha and Greg Calloway. As well as Jonathan Hale. They are far from being perfect parents, or even dotting one s. But they still all care, they love, even if that love comes through in a wrong way. 

What hurt me was seeing how Rose and Lily were both forced to see the faults in their parents parenting. They understood the consequences, and now were left to fend for themselves and deal on their own. 

"the damage is done. I think we ate old enough to feel the scars of our upbringing. Now we just have to find a way to heal.

This series describe it so well- being part of a family, with the complexity of each and every relationship within. Trying to find your own place, to know your limits and overcome your fears. To understand your parents are far from perfect, that sometimes they won't hear you while you tell them what you need. and still love them. to know that despite their flaws your family will stand by your side when you need them most, just like they do when everything is OK and you wish to be left alone. To know you are loved

I'm going to sound like a broken record, but the Ritchie sisters have created a wonderful set of characters. So great they feel real. 

P.S. Krista and Becca Ritchie shows different ways of therapy regarding sex addiction. They stress how hard thise addiction is. Because unlike alcohol, a sex addict need to learn to live with his addiction and control it. It is a constant battle. The Ritchie sisters treat the addiction problems seriously throughout the series

For this review and more visit my blog The Accidental Reader

My name is Sharon and I'm addicted to books. I'm also addicted to chocolate. 

Out of my two addictions I think the first is the less harmful. But that would be a lie- thinking of all the nights I decided to stay in and read instead of going out with friends (luckily, they never resented me for that), thinking of all the times I read instead of doing things I ought to do because I was just so engrossed in a book- I wasn't studying, I wasn't talking to people, I wasn't sleeping. 

While it's not bad, it is not good either. Hell, my room is full of books. I even once half joked that the perfect man will be the one who will build me a house with a big room for all my books, a place where I could read quietly. And if he buys me books that I wanted, I'd love him forever. 

I am by no means an expert in books. But I am a reviewer, and as a result I think I developed a criticizing mind over the years. I speak my mind. 

So believe me when I say that when I read the blurb of this book all I could think of was 'just another NA book'. I mean, don't most of them talk about two people who lead shitty life while trying to find their place in a cruel-cruel world? Well, they aren't. Most NA books try to be about that, but sometimes despite the author's good intentions they relapse into stupidity. 

I thought that Addicted to You will be just another one of those, which is why I decided to avoid it at first. I mean, how many times one of my friends complained that the NA genre contain slut shaming?! How many times I made that complaint?! And here we have a book that talks about addiction. SEX addiction. it seemed like a sure recipe for slut shaming, for disaster. 

What made me change my mind?

One of my friends gave this book a high rating. Then this book appeared on NetGalley, I hit the request button and was approved. This means, a copy was provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review. This has not affected my opinion on the book in any way. In the name of full discloser, I have to admit the authors are my friends. But they became my friends only after I became so engrossed with the series. Now, I read this book a few weeks(?) months (?) ago. And it took me so long to review it because I was simply speechless when I finished the book [I immediately continued reading the series]. BTW, you can read my pre-review if you scroll down, just to understand how speechless I was. 

At first I was flooded with so many emotions. Then, I kept reading the series and with each book my ability to speak returned. But in was still incoherent. I think, I hope I am now in the state to review this book, and the rest of the series in the way it deserve.

This is going to be a long review. So be prepared. [if you have no power/will to read it, feel free to PM me and I will send you a short version….or not…the short version is- "Read it because it smart, beautiful, realistic, funny, heartbreaking, thought provoking. Because Lily, Lo, Rose, Connor, Daisy & Ryke are all my friends. Because you don’t want to miss it."] 

First of all, I'd like to talk about the setting of the book- college kids, privileged kids. What I appreciate about the setting is that even though the characters are privileged, their parents practically swim in money, it serves to make their lives easier on the material level. But the problems, the stress, the emotions are all the same, actually their problems are something money can't solve. 

Yes, living is easy when you don't have to pay bills, when you don't have to work and earn money to support yourself. It's easy when you get into college because your daddy is rich.

On the other hand, there are the expectations. The pressure. The need to save face. Money does not guarantee happiness, Sunday morning in the park playing football with dad, Saturday evening sitting around playing cards with the family. It does not guarantee movie nights or happy birthdays. It does not guarantee sweet kisses before bed-time and huge smiles in the morning. 

The story is told from Lily's POV, she's a sex addict, living with her best friend, Lo, who is alcoholic. Their families think they are dating. When we meet them, they are still faking it, but slowly we see how they keep on stretching the line between fake and real, how badly they want to cross that line, how they don’t because crossing it might be a turning point in which they'll have to face their addictions and take responsibility. 

They enable each other, they care about each other, and they worry. But they also know that saying something, anything will be hypocrisy. It is hard thing to watch. 

Slowly, they are spiraling. At first Lily spirals out of control because of her feelings for Lo. Then, they both descend rock bottom so slowly it's terrifying. 

We also meet other characters (that play major roles here and later books). Lily's sisters- Rose and Daisy. And two other friends Connor and Ryke. 

The sex addiction is portrayed very well with Lily's needs, her fantasies, her compulsive behavior without ever showing it as something disgusting, or using it as an excuse for multiple sex scenes. 

I'll be honest; I love Lily & Lo whole heartedly. I loved them in the first book and I love them even four books later. But, they are not likeable. They are selfish, they keep to themselves, and their promises are worth nothing. They are shitty friends, shitty family members. They cheat, they lie- all in order to get what they want, the satisfaction of their addiction. they have built this relationship where they support each other, enable each other. Lily drives so Lo can drink. Lo plays Lily's boyfriend once she finish screwing someone, so the guy would go away. They are weak. Lily is goofy and later on very dependent on Lo. Their relationship is far from healthy. Lo is a selfish asshole that slices into people with words. And still, I love them. I hurt for them. I root for them. I admit that while reading the first book, I thought Lily's & Lo's love is so selfish and wrong that it was hard to understand that they really do love each other. That they need each other like one needs to breath [but I understood that after reading the second and third books]. 

For those of you that wonder, yes, there's slut shamming. But it's one you'll want to see. In the end of the book, Krista and Becca Ritchie mention how they wanted more people to be aware of sex addiction and it's implication. How they wanted people to understand that slut shamming is a bad thing. Lily suffers from slut shamming throughout the series- from herself, from society. 

She feels like she needs to be ashamed of the number of people she slept with, that she needs to be ashamed of her compulsions. Society told her she's disgusting, and her friends tell her that she needs help because she's an addict. The series shows that everyone has a right to sexual freedom, that they can do what they want however and with whomever. that's an important message.

Just a heartbreaking story, that was so beautiful and hopefull. Full of wonderful, deep, round characters. Also, there's great banter and lots of funny moments.


Pre review:

ever had a book break your heart? tear it apart? have you cry so much you hardly see the book and the lines? 

I had a few times, but never like this. I can't explain this level of sadness. 

This book is so realistic, so hunting, such wonderful chatracters each flawed and strong and broken, each different, each so very beautiful. 

The subject is a tough one to deal with, yet, the Ritchie sisters doe it so well. yes, this book is not your average New Adult book, it deals with real problems. I don't think it's right to compare to other books in the genre. For me it stands on it's own. 

I want to say review to come, but truthfully, I'm not sure I'll be able to review much more than what I wrote here. 

Let's just say, I do not do angsty books because so rarely do I feel while reading them. I've been called ice princess and cold hearted more than once by many people. This one has my emotions all over the place, I feel so many things all at the same time I need time to gather myself.

For this review and more visit my blog The Accidental Reader

Here is the thing about Ktista and Becca Ritchie, their first book tore me apart. The second left me bleeding and the third, the third healed me while leaving a huge ugly scar. And I'm thankful for all of it. Actually, I can't wait for the next books in the series.

I am not a masochist. Not even a little. Or at least, I thought I'm not until I met the Ritchie sisters. Seeing Lo & Lily's journey broke my heart. It was a sad, beautiful, hopeful journey.

Addicted for Now ends with a satisfying ending, and still leaves much to be desired. I am not ready to say goodbye just yet, in a way, I wonder if I ever will. But that's what rereads are for.

I'll try to make sense. But I promise nothing.

I would start with the writing, it's good. It's very good. Full of harsh truths and wisdom. The first and second books are solely from Lily's POV. But we get Lo's POV as well in third book. And both voices (Lo's and Lily's) are solid so much so I am sure I could tell them apart. There is more, please don't hate me. But not many female writers can write a good guy's POV. Same to be said of male writers and female POV. But Lo's voice is good and realistic.

The guys in the addicted books are just as real as the girls- in words, behavior, feelings. Everything.

As for the characters- Rose is my favorite. And Connor is the type of alpha male I really love and respect, maybe because he's not really alpha, but more of a gamma. So you can imagine how excited I am for their book to be released soon (24th January 2014). 

That aside you need to understand something about the characters- they are complex, human. They are not very likeable. Sometimes I wanted to hit them hard, other times I was tempted to yell in frustration because they annoyed the hell out of me. They have faults, many many faults.

And yet, I love them. I feel like I met new-old friends. Each one stand on their own. 
Lily is supportive, perspective, slow, weak, dependant, true to herself, slowly she becomes stronger. She finds her strengh but she stays fragile. She is determined. 
Lo is an A-hole, he's selfish, protective, strong willed, understanding, twisted anf broken. 
Ryke is brutally honest, he's a busy body that shoves his nose in other people's business. He's caring and knows no limits. 
Daisy is full of fire, she takes dangerous risks all the time, she's mature for her age. She is honest and smart, she's cool and tries to please everyone. 
Connor is super smart, he's vain and hardly lets anyone in. He's an manipulator and almost nothing is beneath him in order to get to the top. Still, he has principles. He notice everything, he collects information and use it for his own benefit. He's a manipulator. But also a true friend, and a caring boyfriend. 
Rose is smart, cold, composed, she can hurt people with her words very easily, she's full of pride, competitive, she loves without limits and support those she care for. She's fragile, insecure and self confidant. She's a fighter.

And that's exactly the thing. We get to know the supporting characters just as well as the main ones. Each relationship is complex. Nothing is easy. There is no black and white- just like the covers of the books, it's crystal clear but it's also very grey. Each relationship is different and fucked up in her own way, while still being oh so right.

I can't talk about the plot- because each book is long and lots happen. If in the first book we see how Lily and Lo become a couple and slowly, painfully spiral to rock bottom, then the second is about them being apart. Starting recovery. And learning to relay on others. The third is about relaying on each other, finding balance and intimacy, fighting their addictions together. Finding support in friends, family, each other and themselves. It's about screwing up, it's about falling and getting up. Keep trying. It's about finding their way, facing the demons, learning limits, facing the truths, accepting them and move on. It's about learning from mistakes, learning to forgive. Even to the things you think are unforgivable. It's about forgiving yourself.
Seeing Lo and Lily supporting each other when, even with tough love when needed was heartwarming. I love seeing the two of them growing up. 

The truth is, after this book you can stop reading the series. It's satisfying. Personally, I don't want to. I want to see all the journey. I want each and every book to come out already so I can read them. Yet, I don't because then I'll have to say goodbye. I can only hope that once this series is over, Krista and Becca Ritchie will write something new. Just as good if not better.

For more reviews cisit my blog The Accidental Reader

The book starts in the past with Eddie saving a baby girl. Sixteen years later that assignment comes back into his life- with a teenaged girl, A king, some problems and magic birth. 

The ending, of course, is a HEA in an Eddie kind of way- meaning no cliffhanger. 
Also, the writing level and style are kept throughout the series- which is a good thing, I recall not so long ago one of my friends complaining on a deteriorating writing style in a series she used to love. Not here.

Moreover, the characters are charming and amazing as usual. 
However, I still felt a problem with this book, I might even be bold for a moment and call it a weird problem. 

I shall explain. 
While each book in Eddie's series has its own adventure (as well as some overall development) and none of those adventures are recycled. He drank, and Saw the Spider was still less interesting than the books that preceded it. Why?

It took me some time to understand, but I now have this theory.The author had grown comfortable in the world he created . Yes, the world building is great, solid with definite rules- there are magic and technology. But there was nothing new. 

There was nothing new to discover in this book. Eddie and his girlfriend are great characters they are deep, they have conflicts in them, they are likeable. Hell, you can say Eddie is a PI in a world where magic exists, he solves magic mysteries and he doesn't believe in magic!

While Eddie's character has much left to be discovered, he hasn't yet reached his full potential the world he lives in need something new in it. If this problem won't be solved, I'm afraid the next book will be great but not interesting all the same, a MEH . In such s case, IMO, Eddie's series should come to an end and I wouldn't want that. 

I would LOVE to see Eddie go back to his home kingdom, I think that could be interesting. It's just that there's a need to find something new in Eddie's world, something that would challenge him. 

On a more private note-there was a new aspect to Eddie's and his Girlfriend relationship. An aspect that felt forced and a little Out of Characters for them (sexual bondage and BDSM). 

So, to summarize while old fans will enjoy it, perhaps it's time for something new, some change, or and ending (which will be sad as there's still so much to explore with the characters)

A review copy was provided by Tor in exchange for an honest review 

For more reviews cisit my blog The Accidental Reader

The book starts in the past with Eddie saving a baby girl. Sixteen years later that assignment comes back into his life- with a teenaged girl, A king, some problems and magic birth. 

The ending, of course, is a HEA in an Eddie kind of way- meaning no cliffhanger. 
Also, the writing level and style are kept throughout the series- which is a good thing, I recall not so long ago one of my friends complaining on a deteriorating writing style in a series she used to love. Not here.

Moreover, the characters are charming and amazing as usual. 
However, I still felt a problem with this book, I might even be bold for a moment and call it a weird problem. 

I shall explain. 
While each book in Eddie's series has its own adventure (as well as some overall development) and none of those adventures are recycled. He drank, and Saw the Spider was still less interesting than the books that preceded it. Why?

It took me some time to understand, but I now have this theory.The author had grown comfortable in the world he created . Yes, the world building is great, solid with definite rules- there are magic and technology. But there was nothing new. 

There was nothing new to discover in this book. Eddie and his girlfriend are great characters they are deep, they have conflicts in them, they are likeable. Hell, you can say Eddie is a PI in a world where magic exists, he solves magic mysteries and he doesn't believe in magic!

While Eddie's character has much left to be discovered, he hasn't yet reached his full potential the world he lives in need something new in it. If this problem won't be solved, I'm afraid the next book will be great but not interesting all the same, a MEH . In such s case, IMO, Eddie's series should come to an end and I wouldn't want that. 

I would LOVE to see Eddie go back to his home kingdom, I think that could be interesting. It's just that there's a need to find something new in Eddie's world, something that would challenge him. 

On a more private note-there was a new aspect to Eddie's and his Girlfriend relationship. An aspect that felt forced and a little Out of Characters for them (sexual bondage and BDSM). 

So, to summarize while old fans will enjoy it, perhaps it's time for something new, some change, or and ending (which will be sad as there's still so much to explore with the characters)

A review copy was provided by Tor in exchange for an honest review 

For more reviews visit my blog The Accidental Reader

There are many reasons to love this book- the effortless beautiful writing, the paranormal side that really is just there without making a big deal out of it, the small town setting, even the time period that is mostly felt through things that are missing than being shoved down you throat. 

And still, I can't explain how annoyed I was at this book. You see, both Owen and Sara are really good together. I really loved their interactions when it was just the two of them, but whenever someone else joined to the party I felt the rage coming through. 

Why?
Sara and Owen are just so good…they are smart, kind, funny, the care for others, they are selfless they are Mary & Gary Sue. 

On their own they are OK. They can even be funny. And Sara can take care of herself. If not for one person in this story I probably wouldn't have felt it all that much. 

Sara's sister. I just hated the way she was treated. As if Sara is everything that's good and kind in the world and her sister is not. 

Even their parents acted like that and I was so angry with that. Especially with what happned to her later on. The poor girl was just not the favorite child, and was ignored, neglected and judged for it and her choices in each and every moment of her life. 

I do recommend this book, and I will read the next one. However, I warn you from the Sue syndrome here, and I really hope the next book will be without that problem. 

A review copy was kindly provided by the publisher through NetGalley. Thank you! 

For more reviews, visit my blog The Accidental Reader

3.5 stars

This book came to me at just the right moment. You see, I felt in desperate need to read more historical romance books after finishing The Luckiest Lady in London . 

Historically wise, this book is very accurate and there is lots to learn from it. It is quite obvious the author, Isabella Bradford, paid great attention as well as research. 

The whole story of Harry's recovery was very realistic and I appreciated that, as well as the way Harry and Goose fell in love. Even if, at times, I felt like he didn't deserve her. 

This is a good brain candy to pass the afternoon. However, I'd like to point out that this book's fort point is also it's weakest. You see, Harry's recovery is the hardest thing that happens there, the longest one. I dare say the conflict is all about Harry's recovery and his feelings toward the fact that his leg will never be the same. 

Even though that is all nice and good. I'm sad to admit that, well, this book lacks in any other conflict. 

Yes, Goose's and Harry's relationship has some ups and downs. But each one of them is solved within a few paragraphs…5 pages top!


On the one hand, one might say their relationship is so solid it's good. And it is the little challenges in life that are the real test. 

On the other hand, one might claim that many times you read romance book to see a relationship evovlving. Including some uncertainty. 

It is a good book, but it lacked in drama and scandal so very much so that I felt a little disappointed. Had it been funnier, or more witty I probably wouldn't care. But it wasn't. 

I would recommend it for rainy days, I think, when you want a stress free brain candy that will make you lips curve into a smile and forget you had a bad day. :D

In case you were wondering, I think the next book will have more scandal and conflict to it. I sure do hope so.

A review copy was kindly provided by the publisher through NteGalley. Thank you!