#JTWYAReadAlong Discussion Post #3 + Wrap Up + Short Review

Hi again, everyone! Today, I have for you the final and concluding post for our Just The Way You Are read along or simple the #JTWYAReadAlong. 

For this final post, we will be discussing part three of the book, where, in my opinion, the story really takes shape and we finally get to know what I had been wanting to know since the beginning- the story of Shagun and Sameer. I felt their story was nice and I especially liked the very different background that Shagun had. She and Sameer made for a decent couple and it was nice to see them together by first knowing their story and understating their acceptance of each other. 

I find myself having not much to discuss in this post, but if you guys have anything to contribute, please go ahead and say it in the comments below. I just have a few final questions! 

What are your final thoughts on the book? 

What are your thoughts about Shagun and Sameer as a couple and as individuals? 

What's your final rating for the book? 

If you missed any of the posts, here they are:

Read Along Kick Off

Discussion Post #1

Discussion Post #2

Discussion Post #3

Aayesha @  In The Classroom of Life (Review)

Arti @ Metro Reader (Kick-off + Review)

Priyanka @ A Booklion's Hideaway (Promo Post)

SHORT REVIEW:

While every single reader has raved about the really cute cover of author Sanjeev Ranjan's Just The Way You Are, I am not the biggest fan of sunshine and romance books, so cute as it may be, the cover barely mattered to me. I read the book as part of the read along that we hosted. I will admit that there was nothing extraordinary about the book, but it was a very quick read, which always stands as a positive for me. The story was simple and sweet, which made it very easy to follow and understand. Albeit lacking major character development that I was hoping for, the protagonist Sameer was portrayed as a decent enough guy who has really seen struggle in life. His life partner Shagun was well portrayed and possessed some quirky qualities. Other than that, the book was really very average. I would recommend Just The Way You Are to romance lovers. Pick this book up over a weekend and you'll enjoy it. The book was very simple, sweet and quick. 

RATING: 

2- it was okay! 

So that's it, guys! I had a blast hosting this read along. While we didn't get a huge response, we still managed to get a few people interested in the book. I especially want to thank reader Ravisha for joining us for this. Thank you also to Aayesha and Arti for being part of the read along and to Priyanka for being involved in the same. But most importantly, thank you to author Sanjeev Ranjan for giving his thumbs up for this idea and for all his help. Thank you also to you readers for reading out posts and for stopping by this one. 

Happy reading, and see you around! Also, if you still wish to read Just The Way You Are, you can buy it at the links below: 

Goodreads / Amazon (IN) / Flipkart

Review- Vision in White by Nora Roberts

Summary-

Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac's type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends-and business partners-to see her way to her own happy ending.

Review-

I had wanted to read Nora Roberts' Bride Quartet series since quite some time now. Well, I finally got to them and I really did enjoy each one of them. The Bride Quartet series has this dreamy sort of feel to it which makes every romance reader want to pick it up and devour it to pieces. That is exactly what I did. Vision in White was not my favorite out of the bunch but it was a good read.

The Bride Quartet series is about four life long friends who run a wedding business called The Vows. Mackensie or Mac as everyone calls her is the photographer. I really liked Mac. There was so much meaning behind her reasons and passion for photography. She thought things didn't last in real life and so captured the moments in pictures. She had her insecurities but it was justified.

Then we have Carter. Carter has been infatuated with Mac since high school. He couldn't do anything about it then but now Mac and her friends are organizing his sister's wedding which puts Carter in close contact with Mac. Carter was adorable. A total beta hero who had a sweetness to him. He was a klutz and completely smitten with Mac.

I liked the romance between Mac and Carter. It was hilarious how they meet. Carter somehow instinctively understood Mac and Carter's gentle nature was just what Mac needed. Things go quite smoothly between Mac and Carter but Mac's insecurities get in the way of their relationship. I could see how it was easy to lose patience with Mac's behavior but it seemed fitting under the circumstances.

I adored how solid the friendship was shown between Mac, Emma, Laurel and Parker. A good base was set in Vision in White with just enough information to make you curious about all the other books in the series. I really liked and enjoyed Vision in White.

Waiting on Wednesday #132

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Something Beautiful by Jamie McGuire

Publication Date- August 16th 2015

Goodreads Summary:

America Mason, a sassy undergrad at Eastern State University, is in love with a Maddox--Shepley Maddox. Unlike his cousins, Shepley is more lover than fighter, but a road trip to her parents' home in Wichita, Kansas could mean the next step, or the end of everything.

I have loved Mare and Shep just as much as- if not more than- Abby and Travis, which is why, I am super duper excited for their book. And that cover screams gorgeousness. Be here already, Augutst! 

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Teaser Blitz- In The Dark by Monica Murphy

IN THE DARK (The Rules Series, Book 2) August 25, 2015

Stuck spending the summer with his screwed up family, Gabriel Walker is bored out of his mind and looking for an adventure. And he seems to find it with the hot girl who lives next door. The attraction between them is instant. Electric. Soon they’re spending every stolen minute together. Talk about the perfect summer fling…

Lucy isn’t what she seems. She doesn’t live next door—she’s the girl who’s been hired to house sit for the summer while the family goes on a worldwide vacation. If Gabe wants to believe she’s a spoiled rich girl looking for some fun, she can go along with that. After the summer, she’ll never see him again.

They don’t count on running into each other at college. Now Lucy must keep up the pretense of being a rich girl—and it’s exhausting. She knows she’s falling in love with Gabe and she’s scared he feels the same. Will he still care about her when he discovers the truth?

Preorder:

iBooks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She's a workaholic who loves her job. When she's not busy writing, she also loves to read and travel with her family. She writes new adult and contemporary romance and is published with Bantam and Avon. She also writes romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

Facebook | Twitter | Website

Thanks guys and happy reading! :)

Review- Paper Towns by John Green

Goodreads Summary:

Quentin has always loved Margo Roth Spiegelman, for Margo (and her adventures) are the stuff of legend at their high school. So when she one day climbs through his window and summons him on an all-night road trip of revenge he cannot help but follow.

But the next day Margo doesn’t come to school and a week later she is still missing. Q soon learns that there are clues in her disappearance . . . and they are for him. But as he gets deeper into the mystery – culminating in another awesome road trip across America – he becomes less sure of who and what he is looking for.

Masterfully written by John Green, this is a thoughtful, insightful and hilarious coming-of-age story. 

REVIEW:

At first, when I began reading Paper Towns, it seemed like it was another Looking for Alaska with a nerd guy and an attractive, popular and quirky girl. For about fifty percent of the book, it was just that, except we have no girl. But it's when Paper Towns has barely twenty percent remaining that it really begins to kick and goes on to become this action-packed, comical, almost innocent and philosophically enlightening read. That obviously means that the first eighty percent of the book wasn't all that extraordinary, but it wasn't bad at all because overall, the book was great. Honestly speaking though, only the last twenty percent of the book- which makes up part three or The Vessel- is necessary because that is the part where there's that promised road trip. The rest is just filling pages up to make a novel. 

Quentin and Margo know each other since childhood as they are neighbours who end up going to the same school. Their acquaintance doesn't really go anywhere until one night when Margo decides to get into Quentin's window and take him on an adventure. Speaking of love and romance in this novel, it was very typical. And even dumb, if I may say so. But the end was simply superb. It was perfect not just in terms of the friendship and all stuff unspoken between Quentin and Margo but for Quentin and Margo as individuals. Quentin was just a regular guy with regular dreams, which was nice and refreshing. Margo was his opposite. While very unconventional, she did stuff without any reason, and both qualities are admirable. But her absence was more than her presence and that was disappointing. Also, her personality and story lacked depth. 

The most fun and interesting aspect of Paper Towns is Quentin's friends, Ben and Radar. They were just so fantastic and fabulous that it was hard not to laugh or at least smile when either or both of them were involved. Ben and Radar were amazing friends who were always there for Quentin whether he needed them or not. It is only for these two awesome guys that I have added another half owl to my rating. It would be really cool to read more about them. In the form of novellas, perhaps? Another really lovely aspect was all the hidden philosophy and thought-provoking stuff that John Green is famous for. Also, the pee jokes! I genuinely appreciate toilet humour, so it was hilarious. 

While Paper Towns was not something that can be called a marvel or a masterpiece, it was still a fun read that has many points to contemplate. John Green, once again, tells us a brilliant story of American teenagers who are very intellectual for their age. A nerdy book in its essence, Paper Towns is a nice read that is funny and contemplative all at once, which makes it very unique in some way. The reason I read the book is because I wanted to get to it before the movie, so I hope the movie is decent enough. But again, speaking honestly, a movie can be made with just the last twenty percent of the book. Just saying. 

RATING:

#JTWYAReadAlong Disussion Post #2

Hi, everyone! Today, I have for you the second discussion post of the Just The Way You Are read-along. If you missed out on the first one, you can check it out right here. I hope that all the participants are liking the book.

If you're done with part two of the book that's to be the topic of discussion today, you'll know that there's not much to discuss about this particular part of the book, which makes up the entire chapter eight. The only highlight of part two can possibly be the mother-son relationship portrayed there. It was all very filmy for me and I really do not see any reason that's convincing enough for me to understand why Sameer stopped talking to his mom. The obvious generation gap and upbringing differences didn't add up to much either. What I did like about this part is the pace of the book. Everything moved at lightning speed and that was really a positive because suddenly there was action. Something was happening, so that was great.

What are your thoughts on Sameer's relationship with his mother? Do you believe that any of the side was well justified? How would you feel about just stopping talking to your mother altogether?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, or you can even make your own post. If you have any questions, just ask! As for the author interaction this time, my question for Sanjeev is:

Does the mother-son relationship portrayed in your book have anything to do with your relation with your mother? What kind of relation do you share with your mother?

Thank you for stopping by, and happy reading! 

Review- Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh

Summary-

The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past...but Dmitri's need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel's right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality...the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting...and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more...

Review-

I was really excited to read Archangel's Blade because it was about Dmitri and Honor. After reading three books back to back about Raphael and Elena I wanted a change and I definitely got it. Archangel's Blade was an amazing read. Whatever you thought before about Dmitri completely changes when you find out his history and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

So as I previously said I was not a huge Dmitri fan even though I tried really hard to like him. He was super mean to Elena at times taunting her so I had no expectations of him. He was still the same guy in this book but we find out the reasons behind his behavior. I also started appreciating the fact that Dmitri was completely unapologetic in his arrogance and straight forwardness. My heart completely broke for him when we found out his past.

Now Honor I really liked since the beginning of the book. She is a survivor in the true sense of the word. After going through a brutal attack all she wants to do is move on with her life and in no way is she prepared for the likes of a vampire, especially Dmitri. Honor makes you understand what she is going through but never once do you feel pity for this strong woman. That was the best part about Honor.

Honor and Dmitri really do have sizzling chemistry. There are sparks flying all around when they are in the same room but they actually get together much later in the book. I also loved the angst in the book. There was a lot of pain and anger but seeing Dmitri and Honor fight through it made it worth it.

Nalini Singh is a fabulous writer and I loved how she intertwined Honor and Dmitri's past with the present murders wrecking New York. This book had a lot of focus on Dmitri and Honor as they had a hell lot to tell but we also get a few glimpses of our favorites. I loved Archangel's Blade.

Waiting on Wednesday #131

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Brown-Eyed Girl by Lisa Kleypas

Publication Date: August 11, 2015

Summary-

Wedding planner Avery Crosslin may be a rising star in Houston society, but she doesn't believe in love--at least not for herself. When she meets wealthy bachelor Joe Travis and mistakes him for a wedding photographer, she has no intention of letting him sweep her off her feet. But Joe is a man who goes after what he wants, and Avery can't resist the temptation of a sexy southern charmer and a hot summer evening.

After a one night stand, however, Avery is determined to keep it from happening again. A man like Joe can only mean trouble for a woman like her, and she can't afford distractions. She's been hired to plan the wedding of the year--a make-or-break event.

But complications start piling up fast, putting the wedding in jeopardy, especially when shocking secrets of the bride come to light. And as Joe makes it clear that he's not going to give up easily, Avery is forced to confront the insecurities and beliefs that stem from a past she would do anything to forget.

The situation reaches a breaking point, and Avery faces the toughest choice of her life. Only by putting her career on the line and risking everything--including her well-guarded heart--will she find out what matters most.

I have been waiting for Joe Travis' book since what feels like forever so I'm super excited to read what Lisa Kleypas has in store for us!

What are you waiting on? :)

Top Ten Tuesday #57

Top Ten Tuesday is a bookish meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's topic is: 

ten books that celebrate diversity/diverse characters

*For the purposes of this topic our definition of diversity is aligned with that of WNDB: "We recognize all diverse experiences, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities.

This is a really great topic as I love reading about diverse characters. My picks in no particular order are-

  

  

  

  

  

What are your picks? :)

#JTWYAReadAlong Discussion Post #1

Hi, everyone! Welcome to the first ever discussion post for our Just The Way You Are read-along. 

As decided, this discussion post is based on the first part of the book, i.e., from page number one up until page number ninety four. Those of you who have read the book till there, do share your thoughts so far in the comments below and please feel free to answer all the questions I have come up with. Those of you who are yet to finish reading part one, beware of spoilers! And don't worry at all. You have until Friday, before we start the next discussion post. So take your time, read and share your thoughts as and when you like. 

Coming to the book, I have planned on dividing this discussion into three parts and those are: writing, character(s) and story. So without much ado, let's get started.

Writing: I quite like the simple writing style of author Sanjeev Ranjan. There were a few points like ridiculous typos and the mix of Hindi and English that annoyed me, but if I put that aside, I must say that the writing is easy to follow.

What are your thoughts on the writing? Is it a positive or a negative for you when there's a mix of Hindi and English, not just in writing, but perhaps in speech as well?

Character(s): For me, from the very start until the part till I'm done with, the main focus is Sameer. This is his story throughout. I admit that it was shocking to see him leave it all behind and go to Switzerland within a few hours of his marriage. While his need to fit in, groom himself just because his friend said so and befriend girls was a complete turn off for me, I liked that he still believes in being kind. When he was so against tradition, I didn't see why he had to submit to it in any case. Anyway, he seems pleasant as a person and that was nice. 

As for the family mentioned in the book, it was over the top like I've come to expect from Indian writers. The drama adds some fun and comic elements to the story. 

Are you liking Sameer? Are you hoping for some major character development with him or do you believe he will be the same throughout the length of the book?

An additional question, if you were married and your husband/ wife did what Sameer did and left for a job in a foreign country on the day of your marriage, how would you react?

Story: As far as the story is concerned, there was a mix of past and present which at times was confusing for me, as a reader. While the whole idea of Switzerland was oh so exciting, I would have loved to see more of that, but Sameer kept taking us back to his past. Not like I mind, and on top on that, I guess the past is anyway important to understand the present. One aspect of the story that I'm looking forward to the most is how Sameer meets his then girlfriend now wife Shagun (what a name), and I hope that story comes up soon.

Is the story engaging for you? Are you looking forward to what happens next? What are you expecting Shagun to find in Sameer's diary?

Please share your thoughts with me, guys! I am looking forward to you responses. I hope you liked this post just as much as I liked putting it up for you. If you have any questions regarding the book or the inspiration behind it or just anything really, don't forget to Facebook or tweet the author, and he will gladly answer you.

My question to Sanjeev is: If Just The Way You Are were to be made into a Bollywood movie, which actor and actress would you like to see play the role of Sameer and Shagun?

Thank you so much  for stopping by, and until the next post, happy reading!