Inside the June Book Case Box

The Book Case is a book box based in South Africa- it’s actually the only book box I know of that is based in SA. I’ve always wanted to ordered a Book Case box for never got around to actually doing so (mainly because I was unemployed but I don’t like talking about that time of my life). I ordered a box for my birthday and was thrilled when it finally arrived.

 

It's a treasure chest of bookishness
It’s a treasure chest of bookishness

 

Doesn’t it look gorgeous? The Book Case Box always has amazing bookish goodies inside and the June box did not disappoint.

 

INSIDE THE BOX:

  1. The book was Flame in The Mist by Renee Ahdieh: I was too scared to buy a box without knowing what the book was so I did some research beforehand to see if I wanted the book. Obviously I did because I LOVE Renee Ahdieh’s writing.

Flame

2.  A House of Targaryen coaster: I don’t really watch Game of Thrones but I am obsessed with Daenerys so I loved this. I don’t think I’m going to use it though. I’m probably just going to keep it and look at it. Don’t judge my weirdness.

Coaster

3. Mockingjay Keyring: I have wanted a mockingjay item for so very long and now I have one! *Squeals with joy*

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4. A Court of Thorns and Roses bracelet and necklace: The bracelet is a star while the necklace is decorated to look like the Night Court sky. I’ve been using these two nonstop since I got them.

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Fact- this is the main reason why I bought this book box. I desperately wanted ACOTAR merch
Fact- this is the main reason why I bought this book box. I desperately wanted ACOTAR merch

 

5. Hermione’s Enchantment Candle: I really like the way this smells

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6. A “Flame in the Mist” print: I’m not too sure what I’m going to do with this but I’ve never had a print before so I’m feeling pretty pleased with myself. Also, if this book turns out to be anything like “The Wrath and the Dawn” I’m going to get obsessed with it and having the print will be a great way to show that.

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I was really happy with my box and I absolutely recommend it to all the bookworms out there. I have always wanted a book box and I’m glad we finally have one in South Africa. You can find out more about The Book Case or order your own box here.

Book Review: One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

One of Us Is LyingOne of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and took ages to read it because I thought it would let me down. I had built this book up in my head to be totally amazing and I was scared that it wouldn’t meet my expectations. Luckily, I was wrong. This book was enthralling and I could not stop reading it. I actually felt sad once it ended because I had grown so attached to the characters (Death does tend to bring people closer. Just read this book if you don’t believe me).
Five very different students end up in detention after a misunderstanding…and then one of them dies. Simon’s death is quick and very carefully planned. The question is who did it? Simon ran a gossip blog and was not very well-liked. Anyone could have killed him. Unfortunately for the other student’s who were in detention with Simon, he knew secrets about them that he had planned to reveal the very next day.
This book should be called “All of Us are Lying” because everyone here has secrets which makes for an incredible story with several plot twists. This is a well-written book with characters that you can’t help but feel sorry for.
The ending was pretty obvious to me but it didn’t make it any less shocking. This was a beautiful, gripping read and I DEMAND THAT EVERYONE READS IT. EVERYONE!!!I don’t care who you are or what your reading preferences are. Just read this book. I promise you won’t regret it.

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Fiction Friday: Book Review- Run by Kody Keplinger

RunRun by Kody Keplinger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bo and Agnes should not be friends. Bo is the town’s typical bad girl while Agnes is considered a sweet angel by the town. They’re total opposites. Or are they?
When Bo and Agnes meet, they become fast friends. One day, things get too bad for Bo at home and she decides to run away. Agnes joins her. Their journey away from their small town and the events leading up to it form part of this story.
I thought this was an interesting story but it felt a bit lacking. There were several questions I had that were left unanswered at the end of the book. This was a quick read but I enjoyed it and I could not put it down. I loved how different Bo and Agnes were from each other. It was refreshing to see such a deep bond between females.
The characters in this book were all amazingly well-written and well-developed. I just wish that the ending was more complete. Reading this book was incredible but the ending left me feeling a bit empty.

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Summer at Buttercup Beach by Holly Martin

Summer at Buttercup BeachSummer at Buttercup Beach by Holly Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Freya and Rome have been best friends for the past six years. But while Freya has feelings for Rome, he only sees her as a sister. Or does he? Recently the two of them have been getting closer and closer. It seems like only a matter of time before the two of them are finally together. However there is still the issue of Rome and his tragic past. Rome lost the woman he loved in a brutal and tragic accident which has left him with deep scars.
This was a very interesting book and I loved reading it. I thought this book had hotter scenes that any of Holly Martin’s previous books which I really enjoyed. Freya and Rome’s characters are well-written and real. This book also sets up the background for the next book in the series (which I absolutely cannot wait for!).
Like all of Holly Martin’s books, this features a variety of entertaining and colourful characters, a beautiful small town and a great romance. I recommend this book to all fans of contemporary romance.

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Book Review: Duke with Benefits by Manda Collins (Studies in Scandal #2)

Duke with Benefits (Studies in Scandal, #2)Duke with Benefits by Manda Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

WE FINALLY HAVE A STORY FOR DAPHNE!!!
I have been waiting for this book from the very second we met Daphne in the first “Studies in Scandal” bok. Once again, Celeste has left behind a mystery for the bluestockings (Honestly, I don’t think I like Celeste that much. Why does she keep putting these girls in danger? She’s dead and gone so she’s safe from harm but what about the poor girls?).
Daphne is the only one who can decode the mysterious Cameron Cipher which apparently leads to a fortune. And of course this means her spending lots of time with the dreamy- I mean, with the Duke of Maitland. Their search for the Cipher turns bloody which puts Daphne at risk. Especially when it seems like someone close to her might want her dead.
I love the whole element of danger leading to people falling in love. Personally I think it’s a plot device that is used far too often but I love it nonetheless.
This was a great read and I found it impossible to put down. Maybe it was because of the plot that kept me glued until the end of the book or maybe it was because I was really eager to see what happened between Daphne and Maitland. This was just an absolutely amazing read and I can’t wait for the rest of the series to release.

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Fiction Friday: Book Review- Born of Defiance (The League #7) by Sherri Lynn Kenyon

Born of Defiance (The League, #7)Born of Defiance by Sherrilyn Kenyon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book even though I barely understood it. Talyn is a fighter and an Andarion with no father. As a result of the latter, he faces discrimination on a daily basis. He is treated as less than a person. When Talyn decides to get himself a companion, his entire life changes and he decides he deserves to have something more. I have no idea what an Andarion is (and the book doesn’t explain what it is) but I enjoyed the book nonetheless. I also didn’t understand Andarion culture and tradition but the book explained those. This was a really intriguing book. The plot was suspenseful and the characters well-written and well-developed. I’m definitely going to be following this series. Whatever the Andarions are, they have a rich history and I can’t wait to learn more about them. I strongly recommend this series to all fans of fantasy.

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Fiction Friday: Book Review- A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3)A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not sure how to review this without spoilers but I’m going to try anyway. This review may contain spoilers for the first two books in the series but I’m guessing you read them already if you’re reading reviews for ACOWAR (if you haven’t read them, go read them. They’re amazing and well-written and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM SO VERY MUCH!!!).

Feyre is back with Tamlin the Tool but this time she is determined not to let him push her aside. She is thirsty for revenge and she WILL have it. Honestly I didn’t expect much from Feyre- what was she going to do to Tamlin in his own court? Deny him sex as punishment for ruining her and her sisters’ lives? However this is not the Feyre we knew. This is no meek girl. This is the new Lady of the Night Court. She is dark and she embraces it.
My biggest issue with this book is that it was not as compelling as ACOMAF. I reread ACOTAR and ACOMAF while waiting for this to release. While ACOTAR was kind of boring at times, I found ACOMAF impossible to put down. ACOWAR however just tired me out at times and I found myself putting the book away just so I could get a break from the world (maybe Tamlin is just that boring). It was definitely difficult to read this book especially knowing that it was the end. Once things were in action, they were IN ACTION. I had to read during my breaks, during meals, before bedtime. And then the book ran out of pages and I had to go cry. What did I do with my life before I waited for ACOWAR to release? Did I even have a life?
I loved that I saw the return of so many characters that I loved throughout the series. ACOWAR also completes the first part of this series in a way that is both satisfying but still leaves room open for more. I can’t wait to read more about this world. Can the next book release already???

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Book Review: Never Trust a Pirate by Valerie Bowman (Playful Brides #7)

Never Trust a Pirate (Playful Brides, #7)Never Trust a Pirate by Valerie Bowman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first Playful Brides book I ever read was Daphne’s story (The Irresistible Rogue) and while there have been more than a few books released since then, I’ve always wondered what happened to Cade.
Apparently the mysterious Cavendish brother has moved in with Rafe and spends his nights out doing…something.
Danielle is a spy who has been hired to keep an eye on Cade but it isn’t long before an attraction sparks between them. Cade is supposed to be Danielle’s last job and the key to her freedom and a life of normality. So no matter how attractive she may find him, she has a job to do if she wants to get out of the business of espionage.
While I always like Valerie Bowman’s writing, I felt like this book was special to me since it reminded me of The Irresistible Rogue (of course, seeing characters from that book didn’t hurt matters eithers). All the spying, lying and disguises reminded me of The Irresistible Rogue and made this book different from the others in this series.
This book was well-written and entertaining. I can’t wait to read more of this series and I especially look forward to seeing more of Daphne’s younger cousin (hopefully in a story of her own).

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Fiction Friday: Book Review- Spring at Blueberry Bay by Holly Martin

Spring at Blueberry BaySpring at Blueberry Bay by Holly Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bella has been abandoned by her parents as a kid. She is also very broke. But when she finds a homeless man, Isaac on her doorstep, she takes him in and shares her last meal with him. What Bella doesn’t know is that Isaac is lying to her and is not who he seems to be.
I can’t say more without giving too much of the story away but if you’ve read Holly Martin’s other books then you probably will be able to predict the story. This book reminded me of Holly Martin’s other books so at first, I wasn’t really interested. It just seemed like a story that was told one too many times before. However I love Holly Martin’s writing so I pushed though and I’m glad that I did. Bella and Isaac are an adorable couple. It pissed me off that he lied to her but I eventually got over it. I loved their chemistry in this book and was really sad once it was over. Like all Holly Martin books, this one is full of colourful characters and I cannot wait to read more. I’ve developed an attachment to Bella’s cousins and would love to see them all get their happy endings.

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Fiction Friday: Excerpt from “Duke with Benefits”

Duke_With_Blog_Benefits_Excerpt Blitz Banner

It’s here!!! The next book in the “Studies in Scandal” series releases 27 June 2017 and I am so excited to be part of the excerpt blitz. But first, I want to share the synopsis:

 

LADY + DUKE = TRUE LOVE?

Lady Daphne Forsyth is a brilliant mathematician with a burning passion for puzzles. When she learns that the library belonging to her benefactress houses the legendary Cameron Cipher—an encrypted message that, once solved, holds the key to great riches—Daphne is on the case. Unfortunately, her race to unlock the cipher’s code is continually thwarted by a deliciously handsome distraction she hadn’t counted on . . . and cannot resist.

Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, is curious as to why Daphne is spending so much time snooping around his aunt’s bookshelves. He’s even more intrigued by her bold yet calculating manner: She is unapologetic about her secret quest . . . and the fiery attraction that develops between them both. But how can they concentrate on solving a perplexing enigma once the prospect of true love enters the equation?

Duke with Benefits is the second in Manda Collins’ Studies in Scandal series set in Regency England.

Who would think that ordinary blue-stockings would attract so much danger and mystery? Certainly not me. This series is my first experience with historical romance mysteries and I absolutely love these characters! This series is a must for anyone who enjoys historical romance or a good mystery.

Excerpt:

“There you are, my dear,” said the Earl of Forsyth with a beaming smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Maitland saw at once that Daphne favored him. Her green eyes were the same shade as his, though there were lines of dissipation bracketing the earl’s. And though his expertly cropped blond hair was shot through with silver, what remained of its original color was the same shade as hers. But whereas Daphne’s gaze was focused off to the left of whomever she conversed with, like a bird hovering just over a branch, Forsyth’s speared one with cold calculation. As he did to Daphne now.
“You are looking well, Daphne,” the earl continued, stepping forward to embrace his daughter, who looked as uncomfortable with the contact as Maitland had ever seen her. “The sea air agrees with you. As I knew it would.”
“The sea is very beautiful,” Daphne replied woodenly. “Why are you here, Father?”
“Is that any way to greet your Papa?” the earl chided, stepping back from her and wandering farther into the room, standing to stare out at the gardens below through the window. “I’ve traveled all the way from London to see you. And this lovely estate. I must admit that when I first learned of your inheritance, I thought it was all some sort of trick. But you would have your own way and leave the loving bosom of your family no matter what I said. Now that I’m here, though, and see it in person, I must admit that it’s a lovely spot. And your chaperone, Lady Serena, is quite beautiful, isn’t she? A widow, I take it?”
His jaw clenched at the man’s mention of Serena, and Maitland thought perhaps it was time to announce himself. Daphne seemed not to realize he’d followed her in, and the earl was too busy waxing rhapsodic over the beauties of Beauchamp House.
“I don’t believe we’ve met, Forsyth,” he said forcefully, stepping up to stand side by side with Daphne. He gave a slight bow, perhaps not quite as deep as was warranted, but not caring. “The Duke of Maitland. I am a friend of your daughter’s, you might say.”
What he meant by that last, he could not say, but the man made every bit of protective instinct within him go on the alert. He was her father, but all the same Maitland knew that Daphne was no safer with him than she would have been with Sommersby if he still lived.
At the sound of the duke’s voice, Lord Forsyth turned with almost comical haste from the window and stared. For the barest flicker, he looked angry. Well, if he were upset at the knowledge that his daughter was not without friends, then he would simply have to swallow it. Because Maitland was damned if he’d leave her alone with the fellow.
“Duke,” Lord Forsyth said with a tilt of his head, “I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I was a friend of your father’s, and had little notion I’d be meeting you here. He was a good man, your father.”
His father had been nothing of the sort, but Maitland was hardly going to discuss it with Forsyth.
“I am here visiting my sister, Lady Serena,” Maitland said coolly, letting the other man know in tone rather than words that he had not appreciated the older man’s speculative words about her earlier. “And of course my cousin, Kerr. He only recently married another of the heiresses here, and resides here with her.”
Forsyth’s eyes narrowed at the implication that Daphne was well protected should her father wish to cause trouble. At least that was the message Maitland was endeavoring to send. And by the looks of it, Forsyth read him loud and clear.
“Capital, capital,” the earl said with false cheer. “A merry party you must all make here. I had no idea you were in such fine company here, Daphne. No notion at all.”
“Because we have not spoken since I left,” Daphne said, looking from her father to Maitland then back again, as if wondering what went on between them. “And now, father, I really must ask you to leave. I have a great deal of work to do and . . .”
“Don’t be absurd, Daphne,” her father said with a shake of his head. “I only just arrived. And there is something very important I must speak to you about.” He turned to Maitland with a raised brow. “I’m sure you’ll excuse us, Duke. I’m afraid what I need to tell my daughter is private family business.”
Maitland was opening his mouth to tell the man he would leave Daphne alone with him when hell froze over, when Daphne did it for him.
“Maitland stays,” she said, reaching out to grasp him by the arm. It was as much of a cry for help as he’d ever thought he’d see from her. Wordlessly, he slipped her arm into his, as if they were about to promenade round the room. He covered her hand with his, keenly aware of the thread of tension in her.
Once more, the earl’s eyes narrowed, and he turned an assessing gaze on Maitland, perhaps realizing for the first time the threat coming at him from that direction.
His jaw clenched, Forsyth said grimly, “Very well. If you wish your friend to witness our dirty linen, so be it.” As if needing to be in motion in order to speak, the earl began to pace the area between the window and the fireplace. “You know, Daphne, you left me without any obvious means of recouping what I lost from years of paying that tutor of yours, old man Sommersby.”
“You agreed to pay him,” Daphne said tightly. “After I threatened to expose . . .”
Hastily, Forsyth continued, “And I am currently in need of funds. As such, I must insist you return to London with me for the time being and meet a particular gentleman who has expressed interest in marrying you. Though his birth is not as high as yours, he’s quite wealthy and will make you a good husband, I trust. He’s assured me he has no concern about your odd ways, if you’re as beautiful as your portrait.”
Before Maitland could burst out with the string of invectives the other man’s pronouncement inspired in him, Daphne said, “I cannot marry this person. I’ve never even met him. You promised me that I would not have to marry someone for money as long as I won enough at the tables. I did so. You promised me, father.”
“I never actually promised, Daphne.” Forsyth said with a shake of his head. “If you chose to interpret it as such, that is not my fault. Now, go pack your things.”
Daphne’s hand on Maitland’s arm gripped him tightly. And before he even knew what he was doing, he said, “I’m afraid that’s impossible, Forsyth. Daphne is staying here.”
“I don’t know who you think you are, Maitland,” said the earl through clenched teeth, “but I am her father, and I am well within my rights to take her back to London. Now, kindly take your hands off of her and let her go pack.”
“It might once have been your right, Forsyth,” Maitland said coldly, “but Lady Daphne is my betrothed now and as such, she will remain here. With me.”

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