Filling Up The Weekend (9)

A few tips for you all to read this weekend:

Young Adult: This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

The story sounds very romantic. I haven't read it yet, but I'm going to start it this weekend. My expectations are very high, this book just has to be amazing!

New Adult: The Wager (The Bet #2) by Rachel van Dyken

Anyone who has read my review of the Bet knows how much I absolutely loved it. If you haven't read the Bet, you should go do it soon. And while you're at it, try the sequel too! You won't be disappointed!

Young Adult: My Love Lies Bleeding (Drake Chronicles #1) by Alyxandra Harvey

I discovered this series when I was on vacation in New Zealand. I've read the first three books and loved them. It's a fun and lovely series that you should really try if you like vampires.

Chick lit: Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham

I still want to punch myself for not going to Lauren Graham's book signing when I still lived in New York. So stupid! Anyway, this book is a must read for all you chick lit/romance lovers out there.

My Wishlist Wednesday (16)

Romance: Wallbanger by Alice Clayton

The title gives me some weird ideas, but maybe that's just me. The reviews are really good and the synopsis sounds funny so I really want to read this one.

Chick lit: The Unpredictable Consequences of Love by Jill Mansell 

I don't have to explain this one. I mean, it's Jill Mansell!

Womens Fiction: Firefly Lane (Firefly Lane #1) by Kristin Hannah

After reading Night Road (which was beautiful btw, please read it if you haven't yet) I got very curious about Hannah's other books. This one sounds great so I'm going to read it soon.

Young Adult: Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi

Confession time: I haven't read Unravel Me yet. I know, I know, shame on me, but because I know it's going to be awesome, I already put the third book on my wishlist.

Review: Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad

Title: Sweet Little Lies (L.A. Candy #2)
Author: Lauren Conrad
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780061767616
Genre: Young Adult/Chick lit
First Published: February 2010
Buy It: Bookdepository

Jane Roberts was the average girl next door until she and her best friend, Scarlett Harp, landed their own hit reality show, L.A. Candy. But life on camera is getting complicated. . . .When racy photos of Jane are leaked to the press, she becomes the center of a tabloid scandal. She turns to costar Madison Parker for help, but does Madison really have Jane's back?

Scarlett's got a scandal of her own. She's fallen for a guy who's strictly off-limits--which means Scarlett has a big secret to keep. But nothing stays secret for long in Hollywood.In television star Lauren Conrad's dishy, entertaining novel about young Hollywood, the lies are only as sweet as the people telling them.

It's an okay story but nothing special. I feel like the book was too long, even though it only has 336 pages. There aren't that many exciting things happening. And it's crazy predictable.

The fact that Jane could only see the good in Madison and Jesse really annoyed me. How can someone be so dense?

I liked Scarlett the most in this book and I was definitely rooting for her and Liam. But with an ending like this, I can see a love triangle in the future for both Jane and Scarlett. That would be too much, but who knows, maybe I'm wrong.

I'm giving it 3 stars, because it's a cute story but not that great. Maybe it's more interesting for people who are a few years younger than me.

My Wishlist Wednesday (15)

Young Adult: Reached (Matched #3) by Ally Condie
I loved the first book, but was kind of disappointed by the second book. So I'm really hoping this third and last book will make up for that. The covers are certainly beautiful!

New Adult: The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden (The Coincidence #1) by Jessica Sorensen
It seems like all the Dutch book bloggers I know are reading this book, which made me curious of course. Almost everyone of them is in love with this book, so my expectations are very high!

Young Adult: Sisters Red (Fairytale Retellings #1) by Jackson Pearce
Fairytales are actually a guilty pleasure of mine. I love that they're making new movies of all the old fairytales and when I found out this writer that retells some of the most famous fairytales, I put them on my wishlist immediately.

Chick lit: Nine Uses for an Ex-Boyfriend by Sarra Manning
What do you do when you catch your boyfriend kissing your best friend. Forgive and forget, or get even? I know what I would do, but I definitely want to know what the writer made of the situation.

My Wishlist Wednesday (14)

It's been a while since I worked with a theme in MWW, so this week I've decided to show you what stand alone books are on my wishlist. And I have to be honest, it wasn't easy to find four stand alone books. I'm pretty sure at least 90% of the books I read are part of a series. But, my wishlist is só ridiculously long, of course I found a few stand alone books!

Chick lit: About a Girl by Lindsey Kelk
The cover of this book looks so cute and pretty that I don't even have to know what the book is about. I want it on my shelves.

Young Adult: Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout
This books sounds a teeny tiny bit like Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, and that book was seriously amazing, so I'm hoping this will be equally good. But it's written by Jennifer L. Armentrout, so I'm not worried.

Chick lit: The Ingredients of Love by Nicolas Barreau
This book sounds very intriguing. A woman comes across a book that's about her. She tries to find the writer but will she actually find him? And it's in Paris, the city of love. Should be the perfect setting.

New Adult: Ruin by Rachel van Dyken
I honestly have no idea what this book is about, because there is no description on Goodreads, but when the author is Rachel van Dyken, I have no doubt it will be an awesome book.

Filling Up The Weekend (6)

It's been awhile since the last edition of Filling Up The Weekend, I had a few other fun blog posts on friday, but now I'm finally back with some tips for you all to read this weekend.

Young Adult: Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy #1) by Jennifer Estep
If you love Greek and Norse mythology, then you should definitely read this series. But be warned, it's highly addictive! For me it was impossible to stop reading after I finished the first book.

Chick lit/Young Adult: The Look by Sophia Bennett
This book is funny, entertaining and I love the message it sends to all the readers. Everyone who has ever dreamed of a modeling career, especially you girls should read The Look.

Chick lit: Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
I have to be honest with you, I haven't read this one yet. But come on, it's a stand alone Sophie Kinsella. You know it's going to be good. 

Paranormal Romance: Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid #1) by Richelle Mead
This series is very underappreciated. That's why I'm asking you all to please read it. Georgina Kincaid is one of my favorite female book characters. She's a real badass and you're definitely going to like her. 

Review: Don't Want To Miss a Thing by Jill Mansell

Title: Don't Want To Miss a Thing
Author: Jill Mansell
Pages: 448
ISBN: 9780755355891
Genre: Chick lit
First Published: January 2013
Buy It: Bookdepository

Dexter Yates loves his fun, care-free London life; he has money, looks and girlfriends galore. But everything changes overnight when his sister dies, leaving him in charge of her eight-month-old daughter Delphi. How is he ever going to cope?

Comic-strip artist Molly Hayes lives in the beautiful Cotswold village of Briarwood. When it comes to relationships, she has a history of choosing all the wrong men. Leaving the city behind, Dex moves to Briarwood - a much better place to work on his parenting skills - and he and Molly become neighbours. There's an undeniable connection between them. But if Dexter's going to adapt, he first has a lot to learn about Molly, about other people's secrets...and about himself.

When I started reading this book, I wasn't sure what to think about Dex, the handsome playboy who has girls fighting over him. But when he went to visit his sister and her new baby in the hospital, I already melted a little. But after  disaster struck, and his sister died, leaving Delphi for Dex to take care of, I started to like Dex more and more. It's not easy to leave your normal life behind to be a dad when you know nothing about babies. 

Thankfully, his new neighbor Molly is there to help him. She's very sweet and funny. I almost felt sorry for her when she was dancing to YMCA and Dex was looking through the window, but it was too hilarious. Speaking about hilarious, this book is filled with moments that make you laugh, that's the power of Jill Mansell. I also love how she is able to intertwine all those storylines and not make it too confusing. Normally I'm not a fan of books that have that many storylines, but in Don't Want To Miss a Thing it's all perfectly done.

Of course you know from the start how it's going to end between Dex and Molly, but that doesn't make the book any less likeable. It does have some unexpected twists concerning the other characters which males the book even more entertaining. I'm giving it 4,5 stars. Already looking forward to Mansell's next book!

My Wishlist Wednesday (12)

A person can never have enough books. So it doesn't matter how many books I have on my shelves (or my kindle) I always want more. In this segment of my blog you can find out which books are on my wishlist.

Young Adult: Angel Fever (Angel #3) by L.A. Weatherly
As you might have read in last friday's Filling Up The Weekend, this is a series I would recommend to all of you. The third book is coming out soon and I can't wait until I can get my hands on it!

New Adult: Stripped by H.M. Ward
Now that I've finished reading about one of the Ferro brothers, I'm ready for the next one! This book is about Jonathan Ferro, the youngest brother. I'm glad it's gonna be a full length novel instead of a novella, like the Arrangement books. Stripped comes out at the end of August.


Young Adult: Requiem (Delirium #3) by Lauren Oliver
I'm embarrassed to admit I still haven't bought this one yet. The first book in this series blew me away and even though the second one wasn't as great, I still love this series. Requiem is the third and final book. The one where we will find out how it all ends..

Chick lit: Every Girl Does It by Rachel van Dyken
I can keep my explanation for wanting to read this book very short: It's written by Rachel van Dyken.

Filling Up The Weekend (5)

Yaaaay it's weekend again. And a very special weekend at that, because it's my last weekend before I'm gonna start working again. The eight months I spend in New York and one month back home (being lazy) have spoiled me a bit. So much time to read and do other stuff that I like. But, until I win the lottery, I'm gonna have to work. Otherwise I won't be able to buy new books anymore! Here are a few tips from me to entertain you this weekend: 

Young Adult: Shadow of Time by Jen Minkman

I haven't read this book yet but the story sounds interesting and it has a lot of great reviews on Goodreads. Also, look at the pretty cover! 

Chick lit: Fancy Pants by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

If you're a chick lit lover and you haven't read anything by SEP yet, shame on you! She's one of my favorite writers and all of her books are amazing. This book is the start of the Wynette, Texas series. You can read the book as a stand alone book, but you can also keep reading the series if you love it as much as I do.

New Adult: Falling Into You by Jasinda Wilder

This sounds like a really good book. Not your typical romance book, but with lots of drama, pain and even death. A beautiful book, according to Goodreads. Definitely have to read it soon, are you gonna read it with me?

Young Adult: Angel by L.A. Weatherly

Just like vampire books, there are also lots of angel books out there. I haven't read a lot that I really like, but the Angel series is amazing. The first one seriously impressed me and the second one was even better! Definitely worth buying! 

My Wishlist Wednesday (11)

While I'm lying by the pool and enjoying the sun in Turkey, (no I'm not trying to make you jealous at all!) I have a new wishlist for you.

Young Adult: The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball (THEBW #1) by Risa Green
Almost everyone on Goodreads calls it a cute and funny story. Made me curious of course, I'm not one to turn down cute stories! 

New Adult: Moving Neutral (Moving Neutral #1) by Katy Atlas
The cover caught my attention. A microphone, does that mean sexy rockstars?   Why, yes it does! The storyline seems a little farfetched, (girl stands in line for coffee before going to a concert of her favorite band, and then the lead guitarist suddenly stands in line behind her to sweep her of her feet) but as long as the book involves rockstars, I'm in.

Chick lit: Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella
There are a few chick lit writers who's books are always an auto-buy for me. Sophie Kinsella is one of them. Although I really didn't like her Shopaholic series, all of her standalone books are lovely.

Paranormal Romance: Stray (Shifters #1) by Rachel Vincent
Goodreads is seriously one of the best websites ever. I don't know where I'd be without all the great recommendations. I recently found Stray, a book about werecats. That's a new one. It sounds very interesting, can't wait to start reading it. Thank you goodreads!

My Wishlist Wednesday (10)

During my last few weeks in New York, it was strictly forbidden for me to buy more books, because I'd already bought a LOT and books aren't exactly light. I even had to leave a few behind because my suitcases were completely full and already slightly too heavy. So when I moved back home last week, my mind was immediately thinking: YAY! Now I can buy books again!! Fortunately I came to my senses when I saw all the books I have in my room, that I still have to read. (The sight of all those piles of books will make anyone come to their senses, believe me) But before my brain caught up with me, I'd already thought of a few books I was gonna order first. Keep reading if you want to know which books I was thinking of.

Young Adult: Stealing Phoenix (Benedicts #2) by Joss Stirling

After reading the Dutch translation of the first book in this series, I knew I had to read the second one in English. (I'm not really a big fan of Dutch translations) The reason why I want to read this book so soon is because I love, love, love the Dutch publisher of this book. They're always so enthusiastic about their books, which makes me want to read all of them. I just hope they don't mind I'm gonna read the original version, and not the one they've published.

Paranormal/Chick lit: Kiss and Spell (Enchanted Inc. #7) by Shanna Swendson

There's something you should know about me and this series. I thought there were only gonna be four books. Back in september I was just looking around on Goodreads, and discovered there was a fifth book, and in october there was a sixth book coming out. This might give you an idea on how I felt about that discovery:

Last month my reaction was similar when I found out there was a seventh book. Even though the first four books were obviously better than their sequels, this series remains one of my absolute favorites. I can never reread it enough.

Paranormal Romance: Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy #2) by Deborah Harkness

I have to be honest with you, I'm gonna read this book in Dutch. As you've read above, I normally don't like to read Dutch translations, but the first book was so complex, that I immediately knew that I would never be able to read it if it weren't in Dutch. I'm kind of sad about that, but I want to understand every single word of this book, and with all the complicated terms that's gonna be hard when it's in english. 

Young Adult: Foretold (The Demon Trappers #4) by Jana Oliver

One of the most badass series. I wish more people would write about demons! This fourth and final book has been calling my name for months, so I don't know how long I'm gonna be able to keep ignoring it... And btw, don't you just love the cover, with all the pretty colors?

I have to admit, writing this blog post made my fingers itch. I know I can't postpone ordering these books for long. They're all so awesome. I NEED THEM!!

My Wishlist Wednesday (9)

A person can never have enough books. So it doesn't matter how many books I have on my shelves, I always want more. In this segment of my blog you can read what books are on my wishlist.

Young Adult: This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

Honestly, I don't read a lot of contemporary YA's, but this one immediately caught my attention. The synopsis sounds great and I'm pretty sure this book is really good. (If not, I'm gonna be really sad)

Paranormal/Fantasy: Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1) by Richelle Mead

Whenever Richelle releases a new book, I don't even have to know what's it about. Everything she writes is awesome and so this book will be in my possession very soon!

New Adult: Fallen Too Far (Too Far #1) by Abbi Glines

I just came across this book on Goodreads and it looks very intriguing. I'm a sucker for forbidden love and all that stuff. Can't wait to read this one.

Chick lit: Body Check (New York Blades #1) by Deirdre Martin

Goodreads recommended this book to me because I read almost all of Susan E. Phillips' books, and since I'm a huge SEP fan, this book has to be good too. I love sports romances! 

Filling Up The Weekend (4)

If you're like me, and have countless books but still have no idea what to read sometimes, here are some tips for you to read during those fantastic days called The Weekend:

Young Adult: Firelight (Firelight #1) by Sophie Jordan

If you haven't started reading this series, you definitely should. This was one of the best books I read last year. 

Paranormal Romance: Enchanted Inc. (Enchanted Inc. #1) by Shanna Swendson

This is one of my favorite series. The first four are better than the others though, but don't let that stop you from reading it. The books are very entertaining and funny.

Chick lit: The Single Girl's To-Do List by Lindsey Kelk

Although this book starts kind of slow, it eventually makes up for it. I'm ashamed to admit I haven't read the "I heart" series, but if it's as good as this book, I will love it.

Young Adult: Talented (Talented #1) by Sophie Davis

I'm actually reading this book now and it's really good. For those of you with a kindle, you can get it here for free, so get it soon, 'cause all of you YA lovers are definitely gonna enjoy it!

My Wishlist Wednesday (7)

A person can never have enough books. So it doesn't matter how many books I have on my shelves, I always want more. In this segment of my blog you can read what books are high on my wishlist.

Young Adult: The Iron Daughter (The Iron Fey #2) by Julie Kagawa

The thing I like most about this series is the covers. They are all so pretty! That's reason enough for me to want to see the whole series on my shelf.

Paranormal Romance: Red-Headed Stepchild (Sabina Kane #1) by Jaye Wells

I love books with fierce main characters. And since Sabina is an assassin, you can't get much fiercer than that!

New Adult: Love Evolution (Black Cat Records #1) by Michelle Mankin

If I can be brutally honest, I think the cover of this book looks so cheap and ugly that it would definitely put me off, if the story didn't involve rock stars. (That's why I didn't add the cover to this blogpost)

Chick lit: The Gift by Cecelia Ahern

Although I haven't read any books by Ahern yet, I loved the movie adaptation of P.S. I Love You, and that made me curious about her books. And no, I don't care that it's almost summer and this is a christmas book!

My Wishlist Wednesday (6)

I don't know about you guys, but I can never get enough of vampires. Twilight was actually the book that started this addiction, but ever since I found a lot more and better books. So I decided the theme of My Wishlist Wednesday this week is vampires!

Young Adult: Dinner With a Vampire (The Dark Heroine #1) by Abigail Gibbs
I've read a lot about this book, mainly because the author is only eighteen years old, and she started writing the book at the amazing age of fourteen! Very curious about this one.

Paranormal Romance: Bite Me If You Can (Argeneau #6) by Lynsay Sands
I just love this series. Every book is about a different member of the Argeneau family and they are all delicious! The books I mean, of course.

Chick lit: The Werewolf Upstairs (Strange Neighbors #2) by Ashlyn Chase
Technically this is a paranormal romance but the first book felt very much like a chick lit to me, so I think I'm allowed to put it here.

Young Adult: The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) by Julie Kagawa
It's been awhile since I read the first book but what I remember most about it was that I was very impressed. The storyline was really, really good.

Review: Second Chance Romance by Asrai Devin

Title: Second Chance Romance (Up in Flames #1)
Author: Asrai Devin
ASIN: B0039NMTFO
Genre: Chick lit
First Published: 2009
Buy it: Amazon

12 years ago Kip Turner let the girl of his dreams go to pursue his dream of playing hockey. Kip and Mandy were opposites in high school. He was popular and good looking. She was unathletic and shy. Despite their differences they fall in love. A year after high school, Kip is drafted into the NHL. He's going to a play across the country. Mandy is pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher and she refuses to go with him while insisting that Kip follow his own dream. Kip goes to follow his dream and they break off their relationship 12 years later ..They come into contact again. Mandy is a single mother and Kip has been playing hockey. But fate has moved them to neighboring Albertan cities. Could they renew their old relationship and have a successful end Or is Mandy going to let him go all over again

I got this book as a freebie on Amazon.com so I thought, why not try it? The cover looks kind of silly but I guess you don't need to spend much time on a cover if you're book is only available as an ebook. The thing I don't understand about this book, is why it has so many spelling errors and missing words, or words in places where they shouldn't be. It makes me wonder if she let anyone proofread it before it got published. For me, it was kind of distracting and I think it's one of the reasons this book didn't grab me. I couldn't really feel the chemistry between Sydney and Kip. Too bad, because it could have been a really good story.

What I also find annoying is that Devin keeps mentioning Sydney's weight. After a while I was like, yes I get that she's chubby! Stop talking about it! Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with Sydney not being skinny, on the contrary, I like it when main characters are far from perfect. But you don't have to talk about it all the time.

I've thought a lot about how many stars I should give it. 3 seems like too much but 2,5 seems like too little. But, after comparing it to other 3 star books I've decided to give it 2,5 stars. If there wouldn't have been so many spelling errors I would've given it more.

My Wishlist Wednesday (5)

Young Adult/Chick lit: Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham
The Gilmore Girls is an awesome show. That's just how it is. So when I found out Lauren Graham (aka Lorelai) wrote a book, I got super excited. Writing is very different from acting of course, so I'm very curious to see how this book is.

New Adult: For You by Mimi Strong
I came across this author on facebook by accident and then found out she writes New Adults! And you all know I will never turn down a NA..

Paranormal Romance: Succubi Like it Hot by Jill Myles
I'm a huge Succubus fan and I really enjoyed the first book in this series. The second one is on the top of my to-buy list when I get back home in June.


Young Adult/Fantasy: Abandon by Meg Cabot
I love Meg Cabot. Her Mediator series is awesome, so after reading the first three of those (my library didn't have the others) I decided I want to read all of her book, and this one has been on my wishlist ever since.

Review: Heart of Gold by Jessica Bird

Title: Heart of Gold

Author: Jessica Bird (also known as J.R. Ward)

Pages: 384

ISBN: 9780451237583

Genre: Chicklit

First Published: January 2003

Buy it: Bookdepository

She has a passion for unlocking the secrets of the past…

Archaeologist Carter Wessex is drawn to Farrell Mountain to solve a centuries old mystery- and find a fortune in hidden gold. One thing stands in her way: Nick Farrell, a notorious corporate raider with no patience for trespassers on his land, and way too much sex appeal. After an explosive introduction, Carter abandons the project…but with Nick in hot pursuit.

What she finds is something more valuable than gold…

Though wary of Nick’s change of heart, Carter is soon swept up into the mystery- and the arms of a man she swore she’d never fall for. As buried secrets surface and passion grows, the shocking details of the missing gold are revealed. So are Nick’s true motives, leaving Carter to wonder…has everything between them been just another cunning ruse? And how many more secrets has he yet to share? It will take a heart of gold to find the truth—and have faith in a timeless love...


As some of you might know, I'm a huge J.R. Ward fan. After reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood series I'm pretty much willing to read everything she writes. And this one didn't disappoint. It wasn't as good as the BDB books, but let's face it, what is?

I immediately liked Carter, she's strong and independent and doesn't let big bad Nick walk all over her. She's determined to keep things with him professional, but eventually she falls for his charm. I don't blame her, she lasted longer than I would. Of course there are some complications after they first give in to the lust they both feel. Otherwise the book wouldn't have 384 pages. Nick isn't entirely honest and Carter isn't putting up with his lies. But the question is, is Nick gonna continue chasing after her, even when she makes it very clear to him she's done with him and never wants to see him again?

Heart of Gold is a fun and sexy read. Nick is a dark and handsome guy that made me swoon instantly. I really liked the book so I'm gonna give it 4 stars.

Filling Up The Weekend (3)

If you're like me, and have countless books but still have no idea what to read sometimes, here are some tips for you to read during those fantastic days called The Weekend:

New Adult: The Bet by Rachel van Dyken
This book is #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and rightly so. My review will go online soon, but if I were you, I wouldn't wait for that. Just go read it! It's amazing.

Chick lit: The Trouble With Paradise by Jill Shalvis
A great book to take with you to the beach. I read it during the winter, but this book makes you long for the summer, believe me.

Paranormal Romance: Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
This series has the perfect blend of main characters, it has all the paranormal beings you could wish for; vampires, werewolves and incubi. I enjoyed it very much!

Young Adult: Avalon High by Meg Cabot
Normally I'm not really into Merlin and King Arthur stuff, but this book was so fun to read that I gave it five stars. It's been awhile since I read it, but I remember being very sad that it was a stand alone book.

My Wishlist Wednesday (4)

After writing about all the beautiful covers last week, I've decided to do another theme this week: Series. I'm gonna tell you which series I really want to read, but haven't had the chance to buy/read.

Young Adult: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

I bought the first book almost two years ago but still haven't read it. Shame on me, because it's supposed to be a really great series. The third book is coming out next month.

Paranormal Romance: Night Huntress by Jeaniene Frost

This one has been on my wishlist for a long time. I love books about strong and fierce women. And she's a half-vampire, I definitely like that.

Chick lit: I Heart by Lyndsey Kelk

I still regret not reading I Heart New York before coming here. Would have been excellent research ;)

New Adult: The Arrangement by H.M. Ward

After reading Damaged, I want to read everything Ward has written. That's how much I liked it. So I'm expecting this series to be awesome too.