One True Pairing? || Bout of Books 11

Choosing my OTP is not easy.
How do you choose; there are way too many!

But since I have to choose one, I decided to choose a couple I have shipped and shipped and shipped for such a long time.

EVERLARK.

Did you see it coming?

I know that Everlark is shipped by millions of people and it isn't a very original choice. However, they truly are my OTP.

And I have my reasons:

• They're brought together without the intentions of falling in love, but falling in love anyway.
• They defy the stereotypes of a couple, where the male is physically strong and always protects the female. In Everlark's case, Katniss is physically stronger than Peeta. However, even though Peeta isn't as strong as Katniss, he will do anything for the people he loves and he will give up anything to make sure they are safe and happy.
• Though Katniss is the dominant protector, they both save each other numerous times.
• They never stop fighting for each other.
• Despite what happens to Peeta in Mockingjay, he never stops trying to fight against it so that he can be with Katniss and love her again.
• They never give up. No. Matter. What.
• They play to each other's weaknesses and strengths, making a team as strong as hoops of steel.

Their love is like a phoenix. It catches fire, but unlike a normal bird, it is reborn. Over and over again.

Now, let the GIFS explain the rest.

Travelling Adventures: Paris

I went on a 4-day trip to Paris and it is such a beautiful city, despite the amount of rain that fell upon us during our time there.

One of the highlights of my trip was the street food. The patisseries and the crepe stands were absolutely amazing and the food they sold were heavenly. Just looking at the food makes you melt.

The vintage looking buildings in Paris are beautiful!

We took a ride up the tallest building in Paris (Yes, taller than the Eiffel Tower) Tour Montparnasse. 56 FLOORS IN 38 SECONDS. OK.

Then we went to a very famous garden in Paris: Jardin du Luxembourg.

This is such a beautiful place and we sat here and had our lunch, which I bought from one of many patisseries. 

And if you've read Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, this is the location at which they kissed on the grass!

Then we took walked to the famous Notre Dame.

This cathedral is famously known because of the novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo.

It is a breathtaking landmark. One thing I will definitely look out for in the future is Point Zero, which is located near the cathedral. 

And of course, you cannot go to Paris without going to see the Eiffel Tower now, can you?

It was beautiful, especially as we went during sunset!

We also went to L'esplanade du Trocadero to see the turning on of the Eiffel Tower lights!

On the third day, we went to Disneyland! It was such a magical experience and a place I've dreamt of going to ever since I was a little girl.

On the final day, we went to the Sacre Coeur for the second time. There are tons of souvenir shops, crepe stalls and macaroon shops nearby!

Then, we took the coach down to see the Arc de Triomphe. Such a beautiful landmark!

In order to get in the middle of the busy road, where the Arc de Triomphe was, we had to walk in an underground bypass.

We also spent a few hours on the Champs Elysees and did some shopping.

We also walked to the Louvre to see the very famous painting of Mona Lisa.

Finally, our last stop for the day was the Lock Bridge on the River Seine. So many locks, so many couples, friends, siblings and moree!

For the most part of the trip, it rained and it was cold, but that did not take away the beauty of this city. I definitely want to go back!

Bout of Books Scavenger Hunt

I love the Bout of Books Challenges! Here's one that I decided to take on today!

1. A Book that begins with “B”  (for Bout of Books!)

2. A book that has been made into a movie/tv show

3. A series you love

4. An anthology of poems or short stories

5. A book on your TBR shelf, or your full TBR shelves

Bout of Books 11 | TBR

I'm going to be participating in the Bout of Books readathon again! Woo!

Here is my TBR for the Bout of Books 11

I'm going to start with Geek Girl by Holly Smale because I need a light, funny girly read as I have fallen into a little reading slump and I have a feeling it'll pull me out of it!

I've also put in the Clockwork Princess Manga because I can zoom through it! I'm also really excited because the previous two were amazing and I love the art inside.

I'm also going to be picking up The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and Landline by Rainbow Rowell. TNC because it is the Booksplosion BOTM and Landline because it is Rainbow's most recent release and I am beyond excited to read another one of her novels because Fangirl was perfect!

Want to enter? Click here: http://boutofbooks.blogspot.co.uk/

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the more outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And everything is pretty perfect in her life (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the negihborhood. When Cricket, a gifted inventor, steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.





Another great read from Stephanie Perkins!
Lola and the Boy Next Door, like Anna, was such a quick read and it fills you up with the excitement of love and friendship and of course, the fictional boy to die for.

I loved Lola, her individuality and her passion for creating quirky costumes.
CRICKET BELL OH MY LORD.
He is such a nice and genuine guy! What I love about this story is that it isn't a "girl loves boy, girl gets hurt" and it shows that guys can be hurt too.

The plot was amazing and I loved the pacing and the ending...so perfect.

Reasons to love Cricket Bell:
*He's tall
*He's nerdy
*His bar soap smell
*His hair
*His gentleness and politeness
*His name

I do prefer Anna&the French Kiss a tad bit more but this book is still epic.
READREADREAD NOW.

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House Trap by Mike Mauthor

House Trap by Mike Mauthor

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rachel Evans is a sixteen year old overachiever who would take nothing less than to achieve her goal of getting into Dartmouth College. But Rachel’s life would never be the same once she stepped into the house of Alicia Hausefalle, the most popular girl in Wedds High School. Rachel was there to tutor her. She never expected to meet two strangers who were ready to end her life.

I used to love horror and thriller stories when I was younger: Goosebumps, Shivers, Point Horror... but I haven't read one in a long time.
This book gripped me right away. It is a very fast paced book with a lot of action and the plot was very unique. The whole 'House Trap' concept intrigued me and I was already trying to figure out what would happen because I knew something would go terrible wrong!
The climax of the story was so exciting and also a little scary! There is a lot of description in this book and it helped a lot in some parts but I felt that it was unnecessary to have loads of description all the time.
The ending was a little too rushed and there was very little character development, but I think that is due to it being a short story and not a full novel.
There were a few mistakes here and there and the dialogue was a little to unrealistic at times. When I read them they didn't fit with the character's personality or age.
If adapted correctly, I think the concept of the 'House Trap' invention itself could make a quite scary horror movie.
I think that Mike did a very good job and I enjoyed this book a lot:)

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My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, 

first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

I thought this story was amazing and so cute!
I loved Sam's character and the way she dealt with situations. I don't think I could have handled them any better than she did. Obviously, I adored Jase. He was caring, kind, cute and completely dedicated to his family.
The storyline had me turning the page faster and faster. I loved the Garret family and the dynamics potrayed. I really liked seeing the personalities of all the Garret kids.
The ending was beautiful and I was upset to turn the page and find the acknowledgements.
I loved hating on Clay. And I also loved the character development that went on with Tim and Sam's mum.
I didn't give it 5 stars because there were some minor things I didnt like. I would have reallllllyyyyyy liked to see Nan and Sam fix their friendship and at times I felt a little uncomfortable with Jase and Sam's relationship.
BUT THIS BOOK IS REALLY GOOD. GO READ IT.

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Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have a curse
I have a gift

I am a monster
I'm more than human

My touch is lethal
My touch is power

I am their weapon
I will fight back

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior



Shatter Me. Shatter Me. Shatter Me. Shatter Me.

So good.

Reasons for loving this book:
- The Writing - poetic, beautiful and straight out the mind of our main protagonist (strikeouts and whatnot).
- Fast paced and captivating (need I say more?)
-Adam and those goddamn eyes. And lips.
- Warner and his I'm-a-douchebag-psycho-stalker attitude, which I think is either a facade or the end product of a messed up upbringing. Whatever it is I don't think it's his fault that he is that way. TIME SHALL TELL.
- KENJI. Why is he so bloody hilarious? His sarcasm and remarks are just so refreshing, I love them.
- James. Cute innocent James. I love his relationship with Adam.
- Tension. Tension. Tension. Between Warner and Juliette. Adam and Juliette. Adam and Warner.
- Finally, the ending! I did not expect the story to go in that direction. I'm captivated and engaged. Bring on Unravel Me!

One thing I didn't really enjoy were the intimate scenes between Juliette and Adam. They made me feel a little uncomfortable and the development of their relationship seemed rush (even though they knew each other a few years back).

Cannot wait to find out how the series continues!

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Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.

It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend."

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie...and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.





OMGOMGOMGOGMOGMGKG
I have just finished it and I CANNOT THINK CLEARLY RIGHT NOW.

-A few hours after (once I've had time to learn how to function normally again) -

What can I say about this book? How do I even think about it without feeling the feels?



I loved Throne of Glass. I was captivated by the world, the concept, the kick ass female protagonist. It was a great read, though I expected it to be a lot more fast paced.

Crown of Midnight gave me that. And so much more.

First, let's talk plot (view spoiler)[!SPOILER ALERT! (hide spoiler)]
During the first half of the book, Celaena learns a lot about the king, the rebellion and other affairs going on outside of the castle walls.
Then, we reach the halfway point and


It takes off like a rocket
When Chaol was captured I couldn't breathe. There was that feeling lurking inside me that he was going to die. But then Celaena came with her bad-assery and saved him.


AND THEN NEHEMIA DIES.

To top off that, Celaena tries to kill Chaol.
You know, just a little trouble in paradise. Thank the lord for Dorian's magic, WHICH I DID NOT EXPECT HIM TO HAVE AT ALL.

Can we please talk about what happened behind the secret door in Celaena's room. The whole thing with the portal and Nehemia and that creature! Then Chaol comes with Dorian. And then there is that possibility of a major death, again. Then Fleetfootwent into the portal and Chaol runs after him. So does Celaena. I THOUGHT THEY WERE ALL GOING TO FRICKING DIE
Wyrd save me.

I also loved the wyrdkeys aspect of this book, and Celaena's journey to figure out the riddle, find the poem and the first key. It added so much to the story!

THE CHARACTERS
CHAOL. GODDAMN CHAOL WESTFALL. MARRY ME.

His character devolopment in this book. Holy mackerels.
He opened so many doors into his past, his feelings, his personality.

Celaena was even more bad ass and amazing in this book. The way she killed and fought for herself and those she loved. However, even though she is pretty amazing, she does have flaws and vulnerabilities. It was great to see them a lot more in this book. I think it reminded people that Celaena is as fragile as the rest of them. That she is also in danger.

Dorian! Sweet Dorian. It killed me to see him trying so hard to let go of Celaena and to try and not be jealous of what she had with Chaol. He helped her when she needed him the most, despite the hurt he's been though. I may be shipping Chaolaena but it doesn't mean I don't love Dorian, too!:(

TALKING ABOUT CHAOLAENA. OH MY DEAR LORD.
THE BDAY DINNER. THE KISS. THE BED STUFF.









DAT ENDING. Crap.
I wasn't expecting it. Celaena Fae. Chaol sending her to Wendlyn. Their goodbyes.Chaol telling her he loves her. Celaena telling him it will always be him. Chaol figuring out who she really is: the Queen of Terrasen.













To summarise: this book is amazing and it will blow your eyebrows off. Heir of Fire, come to me
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