Book Review: Rebound by Nicole Dykes

As always a disclaimer to say that I have been sent Rebound in exchange for an honest review. The following book review is in no way a biased one- but rather my own thoughts and feelings on the book regardless of receiving the book for free. Although, I attempt to steer clear of spoilers, some overarching themes I have explored may delve into spoiler town. Please read with caution if you are not wanting spoilers.

Published: 2015 by Nicole Dykes Page Length: 168 pages Series: Book #3 Soulmates Series



I love Ryan and I was looking forward to hearing his story, but I was a little skeptical going in as I usually prefer books written in the POV of a female, as I have found them more relate-able in the past. I was also a little curious about how this book would be as I knew it could not possibly involve a similar story to the other two Soulmates books (as they were essentially different POV's of the same story), and this somehow had me a little worried, as I was in love with the other books, but I was still excited, as I would be hearing a completely different story.

I have to say this book did not disappoint! In the reading of the other books I felt an excitement at the love story, and I thought this element may be missing a little from this book. However, Ryan and his charm, and kindness (I believe he is added to my ever growing list of book boyfriends), explored the notion of love throughout the book, whether it be the loss of a love, the love of a parent, the fear of new love, and the joy of love. I found my desire of a romantic read was met, and portrayed in a realistic way (love is not always kind or easy).

I also found Ryan to be a more relate-able character to me than the other characters in the series, as I found he was more mature, and on my wave length. I liked how the author recognized the age difference between the characters, and altered her writing style accordingly. This is not to say I did not relate to the other characters, as I certainly did, but I think this book felt more mature throughout, rather than seeing moments of maturity and then moments of childishness (because of the ages the other characters were at the start of the book). This is not a flaw, but rather a gift the author has to bring her characters to life in the age that they are, but rather something I enjoy with a book, is a certain level of maturity, because lets face it I am not exactly a teenager (in fact has anyone noticed that they refer to the 90's as some sort of historical decade? It was only yesterday people lol!!).

I really also enjoyed the exploration of a friend with benefits (FWB). I think this is often how people find partners these days, and I appreciate the authors acknowledgement of this. I often think love is explored in a more fairy tale fashion in books (which do not get me wrong I do enjoy), but it was a breath of fresh air to explore something that is becoming more common, and therefore, more relate-able to me (as I have certainly not had fairytale love in my life.... Prince Charming please stand up!).

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and give it 5/5 stars. Woop Woop to the author :)
Love Mis(sy)Understood x

Book Review: The Juliette Trilogy (The Princesses of Silicon Valley) by Anita Claire

As always a disclaimer to say that I have been sent The Juliette Trilogy in exchange for an honest review. The following book review is in no way a biased one- but rather my own thoughts and feelings on the book regardless of receiving the book for free. Although, I attempt to steer clear of spoilers, some overarching themes I have explored may delve into spoiler town. Please read with caution if you are not wanting spoilers.

Book 1: Meet me in Silicon Valley: The Juliette Trilogy
Published: Septembers 14th 2014 by Anita Claire
Page Length: 164 pages
Series: Book #1 Princesses of Silicon Valley Trilogy



Book 2: Kiss me in Silicon Valley: The Juliette Trilogy
Published: September 7th 2014 by Smashwords Edition
Page Length: N/A
Series: Book #2 Princesses of Silicon Valley Trilogy



Book 3: Be with me in Silicon Valley: The Juliette Trilogy
Published: September 21st 2014 by Anita Claire
Page Length: 164 pages
Series: Book #3 Princesses of Silicon Valley Trilogy



I will start with the things that I loved about the trilogy. I loved the fact that Juliette's character was an engineer working in a male dominated field. I have not found this to be a common attribute of female characters in books, and I appreciated it. I also loved the love triangle in the book. I have to say that I am team Nate, as although Zach sounds really attractive, I find his lack of communication towards Juliette annoying, none the less a good read for me :) Lastly, I loved the female friendship portrayed in the book. It is not often that you read about a group of female friends, but more often just one friend, or a housemate, and they usually come second to the love interest.

Although there was a lot I liked about the trilogy I also found a few things that I struggled with. I found it hard to relate to Juliette even though we are the same age. I found her at times to be boring (especially in the first book), and found she did not have much character- she couldn't make me laugh. I also found her extremely mature, but then called her vagina a hoo-ha which made me cringe, as I could not imagine her saying that in real life. I felt that I lacked a connection with Juliette, and this makes me sad as I was hoping to relate to her a lot considering we are the same age.

Overall I liked the books. I would have to say that I could only rate the first book a 3.5 stars, and the other two a 4 stars each.
So overall a 4 stars for the author- Bravo.
I look forward to checking out the further books in the series that focus on other characters as I may relate to them more so than Juliette :)

Love Mis(sy)Understood x

Book Review: That's A Promise by Victoria Klahr

As always a disclaimer to say that I have been sent That's A Promise in exchange for an honest review. The following book review is in no way a biased one- but rather my own thoughts and feelings on the book regardless of receiving the book for free. Although, I attempt to steer clear of spoilers, some overarching themes I have explored may delve into spoiler town. Please read with caution if you are not wanting spoilers.

Published: October 8th 2014 by Booktrope
Page Length: 278 pages
Series: Book #1 Promises, Promises Series



Can I just say upfront right now, that when making sure I had the correct details of publisher etc I discovered that a second book is out in this series, and can I say THANK GOD! I am pretty sure I would have gone into serious withdrawal if there was not another book (the next book in the series is called That's A Lie and is out now)!

Now as you probably gathered from reading my other reviews if a book can make me feel then I will most likely enjoy it. This book was no exception. I am so ecstatic that the author chose to be bold and courageous and speak about subjects within this book that are often avoided being spoken about as people may not understand them. However, the author made sure to speak about subjects using a sensitivity in both her writing, and in her direction to readers on services they can access should they be triggered by the book. However, I would love to see a mention of trigger warnings on goodreads, and amazon etc as some people may find the book triggers them in speaking about the trauma the main character experienced (and this is something that would be good for readers to know upfront).

I have a strong connection to the main character in this book (Josie), and was glad to see the way the author portrayed her. Unfortunately, society can often paint someone whom has undergone personal tragedies as a victim. This was not the case with Josie. She was strong, bold, and independent. She did not let personal tragedy define her, but rather used it to become the stronger person that she is now. Josie has a special place in my heart <3

Then there were the boysssss. Well I think I gained two new book boyfriends. I cannot decide if I am team Seth, or team Blake so I chose both (because I can do that :P). The passion that Blake brought to the book was Steamy with a capital S. However, Seth and the way he just is... well it's beautiful to say the least.

I got to the end of the book and I have to say OMG... I don't know if I was disappointed (the lover in me was) or happy at the alternative route of life that was portrayed (the feminist in me was). All I can say is that I actually hugged my kindle, and then could not sleep. This book is something that has really hit home for me, in more ways than one. When I can connect with a character as much as I can with Josie it is hard to forget that, and I think she will hold a place in my heart.

In conclusion, I just want to say thank you to the author for being brave and bold in your exploration of often neglected topics in this book. The inner counsellor in me is very humbled and blessed that someone may pick this book up one day and not feel alone, and may feel ready to speak up, and you have given them that, as well as providing a list of places they can access. Bravo Bravo- 5 stars :)

Love Mis(sy)Understood x