Weekly Roundup [10/7-10/14]

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend, because I sure did! It was fall break, so I was able to go home Thursday and spend the entire weekend hanging out with my parents. We went to the movies (we saw Romeo and Juliet and it was AMAZING), went shopping, and I ended up going to Barnes & Noble three times in the three days I was home. My mom found Book Lover's Scrabble and it is so much fun! So, of course, we had to go back and pick up a set for them to have since she had bought the first one for me. I ended up getting a copy of Just One Year by Gayle Forman and words can't even describe how excited I am to start reading that book. This week is definitely going to start off on a high note since I'll be spending every free chance I have reading that book :) So yeah, it was a pretty great weekend. But now it's back to school and classes for me! Hopefully I can survive this week back :)

Book Reviews

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

Never Desire a Duke by Lily Dalton

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Memes

Top Ten Tuesday: Best/Worst Series Enders

Waiting on Wednesday (112)

Follow My Book Blog Friday (106)

Stacking the Shelves (70)

Book Review: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility 

By Jane Austen

Release Date: 1811

Source: Barnes and Noble

Summary: Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love - and its threatened loss - the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love.

Review: This is the second time I've read this book, but the first time reading it for fun (the other time I read it for a class and had to write a paper about it). That being said, I think this book was even more enjoyable the second time around. I just can't go wrong with Jane Austen!

Marianne Dashwood is definitely more emotional than her sister Elinor, so when she meets the dashing John Willoughby, it's no surprise she falls head over heels for her handsome savior. While it's no secret who Marianne has fallen for, Elinor hides her true feelings for Edward Ferrars, a more reserved man who's perfect for Elinor's sensible character. However, when Elinor learns a secret about Edward that crushes her, she hides her emotions as Marianne becomes an emotional mess when her own relationship goes south. Can either sister find happiness when it comes to romance, or will they be perpetually longing for more? 

Like I said, I really loved this book. Elinor and Marianne approach romance so differently, so it's interesting to watch how each of their stories unfold. While there were times I wanted to strangle Marianne for being such an emotional wreck over a guy that I didn't particularly like, her emotions are what made her so charming. 

Now onto the men. While Edward is far from the kind of man who can sweep a girl off of her feet, his awkwardness is so adorable and I love how his relationship with Elinor is definitely not a perfect one. Yeah, he was kind of an idiot at certain parts of the novel, but his imperfections are what made him so perfect. Colonial Brandon was quite a character too. I don't know how a guy could be so patient and doting of a girl who shows exactly zero interest in him. But he's persistent and isn't one to give up, which makes it impossible not to like him. 

In the end, Jane Austen delivers another romance that will sweep you off your feet. And it's a book you can read over and over again and never get tired of. The characters are real and, like any true Austen novel, have to go through many trials until their romances come true. If you're looking for a classic to read, you'd better pick up Sense and Sensibility. Austen won't let you down!

Stacking the Shelves (70)

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where bloggers share what they got throughout the week!

From Publishers

 

These are the books that have been sent home for me over the past 4 or 5 weeks. Lost have come, so you can only imagine how excited I am to finally have all of them! They look awesome and I really can't wait to finally have the chance to read them. 

Books I Bought

Now that I'm home for the weekend, it's no surprise that one of my firsts stops was Half Price Books! The three I got from there, and then the last two I got from Barnes and Noble in order to get free shipping when I ordered The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks (which was awesome, by the way). I love Elizabeth Hoyt and I've heard great things about Where'd You Go Bernadette, so hopefully they're great reads. 

From Netgalley

Ahhhhh I'm so excited that I got approved for these two books. I love the previous books by these authors, so these two are bound to be really awesome. I'm dying for the time to finally read these! 

From the library 

I know, I have WAY too much to read, but I just couldn't help myself when I saw these two at the library! I've heard The Virgin Suicides is a great read and the second book by Gina Lamm just looked too fun to pass up on. We'll see if I have the time to get to these!

Book Review: Never Desire a Duke by Lily Dalton

Never Desire a Duke

by Lily Dalton

Release Date: September 24, 2013

Source: Publisher

Summary: A secret from his past holds the key to their future...

A Marriage Beyond Hope

Lady Sophia has long been estranged from her husband, Lord Vane Barwick, the Marquess of Claxton, whose rumored list of amorous conquests includes almost every beautiful woman of the ton. Yet a shocking encounter with him in a crowded ballroom—and a single touch—are all it takes to reawaken her furious passion for him. But how can she trust the man who crushed her dreams and took away the one thing she wanted most?

A Love Beyond Reason

Lord Claxton has never forgiven himself for the youthful mistake that ruined his marriage to Lady Sophia. Now, after nearly a year abroad, the reformed rogue vows to win back the only woman he's ever truly loved. He'll do whatever it takes to prove he can be the honorable husband she deserves—and the passionate lover she desires. As the snowdrifts deepen outside their ancestral home, can they rekindle the flame that burned so bright and find a new path to forever?

Review: I always forget how much I love historical romances until I decide to pick one up again and become completely wrapped up in the story. And boy did this one wrap me up! This Christmas romance made me feel so warm and fuzzy, and I didn't want to put it down. 

Lady Sophia and Lord Vane haven't been on the best of terms lately. Ever since Sophia lost their baby and has been hearing various rumors of Vane's nefarious lifestyle, they haven't spoken to or seen each other in months, leaving their marriage in shambles. So when Vane shows up at a ball completely unannounced, Sophia is embarrassed, yet longing for the man who had hurt her the most. Running off to one of Vane's ancestral homes, Vane follows and they find themselves trapped by the snow. Can a few days shut off from the world help Sophia and Vane rediscover the passion neither of them can seem to forget? 

Wow, this book. There was everything to love about this historical romance. I am so obsessed Christmastime, so the fact that this one takes place in the week leading up to Christmas made the story that much better. Not only was the setting perfect, but I absolutely loved the characters. And I mean every single one of them. 

Sophia and Vane are so adorable, with the way they bicker and fight. I loved how the story followed their reacquaintance after they married. They had a history already, but now they're on their way to rekindling that romance in a much stronger way. And who wouldn't want to rekindle a romance with Vane? He's so gosh darn stubborn yet so gosh darn handsome. No wonder Sophia has no idea what to think or what to do whenever she's around him. Sophia's sisters, Vane's brother, and all of the other characters that pop up along the way are charming as well, and add so much more to the story. 

A good romance doesn't only need great characters, but it also needs a great storyline. The trials that Sophia and Vane go through really show them more about each other than they've never known and force them to grow closer. Finding the letter from Vane's mother adds mystery and adventure as they embark on the quest to find even more letters and answers. Not only that, but the quest brings out the fun sides of Sophia and Vane, and allows us to watch their relationship grow in a super sweet way. 

Overall, Never Desire a Duke was pure perfection. Lily Dalton knows how to create a sweet holiday romance with real emotions and charming characters. I know it's only October, but after reading this one, I'm longing for those cold, snowy nights to curl up with a steamy historical romance just like this one. Sadly, I have to wait until Spring to read Lily's next book in this series that focuses on one of Sophia's sisters. Until then, you all should pick up a copy of Never Desire a Duke now! It's the perfect holiday historical romance to curl up with during any time of the year.

Follow My Book Blog Friday (106)

This is a meme hosted every Friday by Parajunkee, where book bloggers answer a question each week and check out how others answered it. It's a cool way for bloggers and viewers to connect and learn more about each other!

Question: Feature you own favorite blogger. Have it be a surprise. 

Answer: Well, I read a lot of blogs. I love seeing what other people have to say about books I've read and just see what other people are reading. That being said, I don't have one "favorite." So here are some blogs that I frequently visit that I think you all should check out too!

Maji Bookshelf

Fiction Folio

Supernatural Snark

Alexa Loves Books

I always stop by these blogs to see what they're up to and what reviews they've posted. Not to mention their blog designs are so adorable! I love blogs that are pretty and fun to look at, and these four book blogs definitely go above and beyond in that department. If you guys haven't checked them out yet, then I'd highly recommend that you do! The links are above :)

Book Review: The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

The Longest Ride

By Nicholas Sparks

Release Date: September 17, 2013

Source: Barnes & Noble

Summary: Ira Levinson is in trouble. At ninety-one years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash. Suffering multiple injuries, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. Urging him to hang on, she forces him to remain alert by recounting the stories of their lifetime together – how they met, the precious paintings they collected together, the dark days of WWII and its effect on them and their families. Ira knows that Ruth can’t possibly be in the car with him, but he clings to her words and his memories, reliving the sorrows and everyday joys that defined their marriage.

A few miles away, at a local rodeo, a Wake Forest College senior’s life is about to change. Recovering from a recent break-up, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke, who bears little resemblance to the privileged frat boys she has encountered at school. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward -- even life and death – loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans -- a future that Luke has the power to rewrite . . . if the secret he’s keeping doesn’t destroy it first.

Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.

Review: Finally. FINALLY. I wasn't able to read this book until three weeks after it came out, and it was pure torture. Once I finally got my copy, I read the entire book in one day. Nicholas Sparks writes with such magic that he's simply impossible to put down. 

On a dark, snowy night, 91-year-old Ira finds himself crashed in a snowy ditch. Too injured to move for help, Ira finds himself seeing his deceased wife Ruth and reliving their entire relationship together. Ruth pushes Ira to hang on and continue to live a life he's deemed worthless without his best friend and love by his side. Jump to four months earlier and a couple of miles away, and you'll find college senior Sophia about to start a once in a lifetime romance of her own. After a hurtful breakup with a cheating boyfriend, Sophia's friends take her on a girls' night out to a rodeo. The last thing Sophia expected to find there was Luke, a cowboy and bull rider who's smile could make any girl's heart race. Can two people with two completely different tracks in life but true feelings for each other really make it work?

Oh my goodness, where do I even start? Let's start off with the characters. I absolutely fell in love with Luke and his cowboy hat and boots. Who doesn't want a hard working guy who would do anything to help out his family? He's so mature and so different from the annoying frat guys Sophia is always around, that's it's entirely impossible to not fall for him. I also really liked Sophia as well. While I was super jealous she got the hunky cowboy all to herself, I really liked how she viewed college life because it was so relatable to me. Sometimes, she feels like college is so disconnected from the world and wants people to be serious grownups every once in awhile. Enter extremely hot cowboy who knows exactly how many responsibilities life really throws your way. Why can't we all have a Luke of our own?

I wasn't sure how Ira and Ruth's story was going to fit in with Sophia and Luke's, but I really liked how they entwined throughout the book and in the end. Ruth and Ira were reliving their own romance while Sophia and Luke's was just beginning. And boy were those romances sweet. It's no secret that Nicholas Sparks knows how to write a romance, but they're just so gosh darn perfect and heart wrenching. I think Ira's story added even more to this book and I'm so happy both romances were mixed together in this book. 

I absolutely loved watching Luke and Sophia grow to love each other, and how realistic their relationship was. They was no insta-love or anything; their relationship grew from a friendship into something much more. They spent time together before taking any big steps, which I appreciated as I read the novel. You really get to see a relationship grow and form, and you couldn't ask for anything better. Seriously, can I take Luke home for myself? Because he's just too amazing to pass up. 

If you can't tell, I loved this book. Loved. It. There's a lot of depth and dynamic to the relationships, and the romance is exactly what I love. Not to mention it's going to be released as a movie in early 2015. I can't wait for that! If you're a Nicholas Sparks fan, you definitely have to pick up this book right now. Even if you're just a romance fan in general, the The Longest Ride is the perfect book to give you a sweet story with romance, relationships, and simply real life. 

Waiting On Wednesday (112)

This is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine where every Wednesday bloggers highlight a book that they are eagerly anticipating the release of!

What I Through Was True

By Huntley Fitzpatrick

Release Date: April 15, 2014

Summary: From the author of My Life Next Door comes a swoony summertime romance full of expectation and regret, humor and hard questions.

Gwen Castle's Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, is slumming it as a yard boy on her Nantucket-esque island this summer. He's a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and housecleaners who keep the island's summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she'll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen's dad gives her some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is.

A magnetic, push-me-pull-me romance with depth, this is for fans of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, and Deb Caletti.

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First off, can I obsess over how much I love Huntley Fitzpatrick? My Life Next Door is such a great book and I absolutely loved it as I was reading it. When I saw that she had a new book coming out, I almost starting hyperventilating because i was so excited. And look at that cover! It's just so gosh darn gorgeous. Not to mention the summary describes this one as a "swoony summertime romance." Seriously, why don't I have a copy of this one in my hands right now? Oh yeah, because it doesn't come out until APRIL. I don't know how I'm going to last that long...