JOINING #GALLEYATHON + Prompts and My TBR

Hi, friends! I’m so excited to be writing this because I think this readathon is just brilliant for my current predicament. But if you know me, you know that I am a catastrophic disaster when it comes to readathons. I seem to lack the focus and commitment to finish even one full readathon, whether it be a short week or a whole month. With that, I became really skeptical about participating.

However, my NetGalley problem far overpowers my skepticism so here I am now, perusing my NetGalley shelves for my TBR in this readathon.

The Galleyathon is a readathon hosted by Connor and Brooke which focuses on the galleys we requested (and have been approved for) on NetGalley, but never got around to reading yet. This is a week-long readathon, which runs from June 15th up until June 21st. Through this, hopefully I can revive my feedback ratio closer to a hundred percent.

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Book Review: Cold Day in the Sun by Sara Biren

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Book Title: Cold Day in the Sun
Author: Sara Biren
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication Date: March 12th 2019
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

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Holland Delviss wants to be known for her talent as a hockey player, not a hockey player who happens to be a girl. But when her school team is selected to be featured and televised as part of HockeyFest, her status as the only girl on the boys’ team makes her the lead story. Not everyone is thrilled with Holland’s new fame, but there’s one person who fiercely supports her, and it’s the last person she expects (and definitely the last person she should be falling for): her bossy team captain, Wes.


Rating: 3 out of 5.

With the summer season just around the corner, a book about ice hockey and perpetual snow probably doesn’t seem all that appealing to most of you. I understand there are tons of other YA contemporary reads which are all summer-y and more appropriate for the season, but I ain’t about that right now. I personally prefer cold weather rather than hot, and this is a great book for escaping this heat that I dislike so much.

Set in a small town in Minnesota, Holland grew up with a special love (and skill!) for hockey. Growing up with three brothers who all share the same passion for the sport, she grew accustomed to playing with the boys. So this ultimately led to her decision to play for the boys’ hockey team of her school, instead of the girls’. Of course that doesn’t come easy as Holland constantly gets criticized and belittled because of her decision. So, she always has to try extra hard to prove them wrong and to “earn her spot” in the team. Regardless of the people who don’t believe in her and try to bring her down, what Holland doesn’t expect is that she has a passionate supporter in the form of their awfully crabby team captain, Wes. Now she’s not sure if that would complicate things, especially when feelings get involved.

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Blog Tour: Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith [REVIEW + GIVEAWAY]

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Field Notes on Love.jpgBook Title: Field Notes on Love
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Series: None (Standalone)
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: March 5th 2019
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Google Play

Having just been dumped by his girlfriend, British-born Hugo is still determined to take his last-hurrah-before-college train trip across the United States. One snag: the companion ticket is already booked under the name of his ex, Margaret Campbell. Nontransferable, no exceptions.

Enter the new Margaret C. (Mae for short), an aspiring filmmaker with big dreams. After finding Hugo’s spare ticket offer online, she’s convinced it’s the perfect opportunity to expand her horizons.

When the two meet, the attraction is undeniable, and both find more than they bargained for. As Mae pushes Hugo to explore his dreams for his future, he’ll encourage her to channel a new, vulnerable side of her art. But when life off the train threatens the bubble they’ve created for themselves, will they manage to keep their love on track?


I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour hosted by Bibliophile Soprano.

MY THOUGHTS

Look, I’m still pretty doped up by this book while writing this review so I apologize if this is too all over the place.

I’m so excited to be a part of this blog tour, especially since I loved this book so much! Field Notes of Love follows two strangers from different parts of the world as they take a one-week trip to find themselves, only to have discovered each other along the way as well. I loved getting to know Hugo and Mae, and seeing the changes in their interactions as they spend more time with each other. They become so supportive of each other without compromising their own endeavors. Plus, both their banters and deep conversations are so interesting to read about!

I was whizzing through this books, so engrossed in their story, that I didn’t even realize when it was ending. Their affection for each other wasn’t a slow-burn but I enjoyed reading about it nonetheless. But what made me love this even more is the fact that this book isn’t just a love story; it’s so much more! This also touches up on self-discovery and what it’s like to experience the world on your own, while you’re young. It also highlights the importance of support towards dreams. And, not to mention, the great familial aspect in the book.

As much as I loved reading about Hugo and Mae as a couple, I also cherished them both as individuals. Being part of a sextuplet, Hugo has a big warm family that has always stuck together from day one. They clearly love and support each other but, as I assume most people do, he can’t help wonder what it would feel like to be on his own for a change. To be known as Hugo, and not only as a part of a sextuplet. And then there’s Mae, a would-be filmmaker who was told to “live more” and so, she did. Together with her two dads and wonderful grandmother, they have an admirable family dynamic which adds up to my fun reading experience.

The ending of the book did feel quite abrupt and I could have done with a bit more time with Hugo’s family (since I love big families) but aside from that, Field Notes on Love is spectacular. I went through a lot of emotions with this one and I highly recommend it! I’ve only read and loved one other book from the author before but I could tell that Jennifer E. Smith is gonna be one of my auto-buy authors!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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JENNIFER E. SMITH is the author of eight books for young adults, including Windfall and The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. She earned a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and her work has been translated into thirty-three languages. She currently lives in New York City.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Goodreads

 


GIVEAWAY!

Three (3) lucky winners will get a proof copy of Field Notes on Love

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0d45c99745/

 

Book Review: The Queen’s Game by Carla de Guzman

35692900Book Title: The Queen’s Game
Author: Carla de Guzman
Series: N/A (Standalone)
Publisher: Midnight Books
Publication Date: August 1st 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Amazon #romanceclass

There are only two reasons why Nina would come back home to Cincamarre–one, if Auntie Delia promises to stop butting into her business, two, if her father died and she was made to ascend the throne to be queen.

Unfortunately for her, it was the second thing that brought her home.

As a princess who’s sunk a yacht and been caught kissing popstars, it’s easy for her aunt, the regent, to think she’s ill prepared for the throne. But Nina doesn’t think that having to fake date Felipe, the handsome, squeaky clean Prince of Concordia was the best solution for that.

Nina’s ready to learn the ropes of her new role and make it hers, and reconnecting with Felipe only makes her want to be a better queen. But is the monarchy ready for Queen Nina?


MY THOUGHTS

Y’ALL! This is my first ever #romanceclass and adult read, and I am so glad to have started with The Queen’s Game. Since I normally only read young adult and middle grade books, this one felt a teeny bit weird to read. Granted, this is a book intended for adult, a different audience, but nevertheless, I still thoroughly enjoyed this!

When I first read the synopsis, I was immediately sold. The fact that this was on sale on Kindle when I bought it was an added bonus! Royalty is one of my weaknesses when it comes to tropes and this one was incorporated with Philippine culture, and I AM SCREAMING!!! I loved seeing glimpses of our culture in the otherwise fantasy land of Cincamarre. It really warms my heart.

Aside from having a gorgeous name, Saturnina Inez Mercado, our main character, is a kick-ass woman that does not take shit from others when it comes to her life.  She has her own distinct personality! Also, being born as the king’s daughter and the next in line for the throne really puts a lot of expectations on her. I admire Nina for being her own person and not conceding to the norms set by her aunt and the title she holds. And Felipe, her love interest, is such a—and I cannot stress this enough—precious human being! Despite Nina’s horrid reputation, Felipe still believes that she can do wonders for her nation on her own. He has been a constant pillar of support for her and that is the energy I’m looking for in a relationship. Not to mention his swoon-worthy letters to Nina! *faints*

However, this book was too fast-paced for my liking. With only 165 pages, this one really was a whirlwind and I would have loved it if I got to spend more time with Nina and Felipe. Regardless, the romance here is just so sweet and got me smiling so much!

I feel so delighted to have supported, read and loved a book by a Filipino author. I highly recommend you read this one! I can feel that this is the beginning of my #romanceclass addiction.

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Can’t Wait Wednesday: The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring Blake

Can't Wait Wednesday

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa of Wishful Endings. This allows bloggers, such as myself, to feature upcoming book releases that we are ecstatic about.


Can’t-Wait Wednesdays are always so fun for me to do but sometimes I get so, so torn on what upcoming book to feature. It usually takes me ages to pick what book to spotlight and time is gold so for this week, I just randomly picked a title from my list of anticipated upcoming releases.

Here it is, The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring Blake. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the author and her work, plus there are literally no low ratings for the book on Goodreads. I’m so stoked to see how astounding this book would be and what its impact would be on me since I expect great representation and tackling of heavy topics for middle grade audience.

37539698Book Title: The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James
Author: Ashley Herring Blake
Series: None (Standalone)
Publication Date: March 26th 2019
Genres: Contemporary, LGBT, Middle Grade

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Twelve-year-old Sunny St. James navigates heart surgery, reconnections with a lost mother, first kisses, and emerging feelings for another girl in this stunning, heartfelt novel–perfect for fans of Ali Benjamin and Erin Entrada Kelly.

When Sunny St. James receives a new heart, she decides to set off on a “New Life Plan”: 1) do awesome amazing things she could never do before; 2) find a new best friend; and 3) kiss a boy for the first time.

Her “New Life Plan” seems to be racing forward, but when she meets her new best friend Quinn, Sunny questions whether she really wants to kiss a boy at all. When the reemergence of her mother, Sunny begins a journey to becoming the new Sunny St. James.

This sweet, tender novel dares readers to find the might in their own hearts.

What about you? What’s an upcoming release you can’t wait for? Leave a comment and let’s chat!


DISCLAIMER: By clicking the Amazon and Book Depository buttons, you will be directed to my affiliate links for the respective sites. If you purchase the book using my link, you have supported me and my blog since I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

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