A Discovery of Witches (All Souls #1) by Deborah Harkness

A Discovery of Witches (All Souls #1 - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Fall under the spell of Diana and Matthew in the stunning first volume of the No.1 internationally bestsellling ALL SOULS trilogy.

A world of witches, daemons and vampires. A manuscript which holds the secrets of their past and the key to their future. Diana and Matthew - the forbidden love at the heart of it.

When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it's an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she's kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires. Sensing the significance of Diana's discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire genticist. Diana is inexplicably drawn to Matthew and, in a shadowy world of half-truths and old enmities, ties herself to him without fully understanding the ancient line they are crossing. As they begin to unlock the secrets of the manuscript and their feelings for each other deepen, so the fragile balance of peace unravels..

Review

This book is now my favourite book of the year and one of my all-time favourites. This has been on my TBR bookshelf for a few years. But with the Sky One adaptation fast approaching I wanted to give this a read before then. This is a paranormal fantasy with Witches, Vampires and Demons. But this is so much more than just your typical paranormal fantasy. It’s an incredibly well-written story with history and well-researched facts intertwined with a beautiful intriguing story.

At the start of the story, you meet Diana Bishop an American working as a Yale research professor back in her Alter Marta of Oxford. One day while working in one of Oxfords top libraries she stubbles on an old manuscript called Ashmole 782. Being a witch, she notices that the book is enchanted. Upon further inspection, it looks like the book what’s to share its secrets with her. Diana does not get as far as she wants to stay away from her magical background as much as possible. Her parents, both witches, who died long ago, was partly the reason she had given her powers. Another reason was that she wanted to use science and the world to figure out what was happening. So, she deposits the book back and thinks no more about the book. Until the next day when she meets a charming professor Matthew Clairmont. She can right away that Matthew is not just a professor but also a vampire. He speaks to her and wants to get to know her. It turns out that Matthew and the rest of the magical underworld want to get hold of the manuscript that Diana got from the library. Matthew offers his help and the adventures begin.

I adore Diana and Matthew and the chemistry between them. This story features a multitude of other characters including Diana’s witch aunts and Matthew’s vampire family. The aunts were great Sarah and Emily’s relationships were beautiful and funny at the same time. The bits that feature the house, cat and ghosts were great. I won’t say anymore due to spoilers.

I highly recommend this series if you have not read them read.

Claiming his Secret Baby (Evermore #3) by Clare Connelly

Claiming his Secret Baby (Evermore #3) - 5 Stars

Synopsis

One night and a lifetime of consequences...

A wild weekend of passion with powerful Xavier Salbatore had broken impressionable young Ellie's heart. She'd loved him madly, but then she'd discovered he was engaged to be married and she'd run a mile!

A bad car accident robbed the ruthless Spanish billionaire of so much. With a failed marriage and the discovery that he'd cheated on his wife and fathered a son with his mistress, Xavier is determined to put his life back together - even if it means marrying the woman who hid their child from him. A woman he'll never forgive!

Ellie knows she needs to keep Xavier at arm's length to avoid being hurt. She vows she won't respond to him, but night by night he wears away her defences, leaving her as powerless and lost to him as ever before...

An emotional story of mistakes, betrayal and the high cost of forgiveness, CLAIMING HIS SECRET BABY is book three in The Evermore Series. 

Review

I was hooked from the beginning until the end. I just could not put this down. I have adored everyone of these stories in this series. But this was the best one for me. I loved Elizabeth's (Elle's) and Xavier's story this was filled with heartache, bad timing and love everlasting. I adored their son Joshua he was just so adorable. Would highly recommend the author and series to anyone looking for a great romance.

The Greek's Virgin Captive (Evermore #2) by Clare Connelly

The Greek's Virgin Captive (Evermore #2) - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Three years ago, undercover journalist Eleanor Jones published a story that led to Apollo's father's fatal heart attack. So when the powerful and ruthless Greek billionaire discovers her working in his sister's palace, he knows she's up to no good! Not wiling to risk more harm befalling his family, he kidnaps Eleanor, spiriting her away to his isolated Greek island. White sand, turquoise ocean, and all the privacy in the world - now if only he can resist falling under Eleanor's spell twice!

Eleanor Jones had fallen hard for Apollo, which made it impossible for her to write the story she'd been commissioned to research. Rather than betray the man she loved, she quit her job as a junior reporter. Only her editor took her notes and used them to publish the article that would go on to define Eleanor's career. Apollo will never forgive her for her part in his father's death, but that doesn't mean he doesn't want her... Can the innocent Eleanor find a way around Apollo's shielded heart and remind him of what they once felt for one another?

Book two in THE EVERMORE SERIES, passionate stories about star-crossed lovers, destiny, and romance that sets your soul on fire. 

Review

I loved this book. This was a sweet beautiful tale of betrayal, heartbreak and finding each other again. I love the authors writing style. Would highly recommend.

The King of Bourbon Street by Thea De Salle

The King of Bourbon Street - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Hotel chain mogul Sol DuMont is about to learn that some of life’s biggest surprises come in deceptively small packages—namely a petite heiress named Rain who’s hell-bent on upsetting her family’s expectations—in this first book in the all new series by Thea de Salle, set against the sultry backdrop of New Orleans.

Thirty-seven-year-old Sol DuMont is a divorcee and the owner of a mid-sized hotel chain in New Orleans. Since Hurricane Katrina, his father’s death, and the decision that he and his ex-wife Maddy are far better off friends than lovers, he’s lost interest in almost everything he held dear—parties, people, and pushing limits.

All his limits.

Then Arianna Barrington checks into his hotel.

Twenty-four-year-old Arianna “Rain” Barrington could have been society’s sweetheart. Her family is moneyed, connected press darlings, and make sweeping headlines from coast to coast for reasons both good and bad. But when her mother shoves her at Charles Harwood—the obnoxious, entitled heir of Harwood Corp—to cement a billion-dollar business merger, Rain does the only thing she can think of to escape: she creates a scandal so big Harwood doesn’t want her anymore before fleeing to New Orleans for much-needed rest and relaxation.

All she wants is jazz piano, beignets, and to sail the Mississippi. What she gets is Sol DuMont, a whirlwind affair, and a hands-on education in sex, power play, and pushing limits.

All her limits.

Review 

Well this was a hot and smutty read. I loved the plus sized leading lady and her bi sexual leading man.

What I am Studying with The Open University

Hi All,

I thought I would pop in and say what I am currently studying and with whom. I have just realised I never mentioned what I am studying on my blog. I have currently completed 4 years of a 6 year course with Open University. Open University is a distance learning university where you learn and home instead of doing this at a normal university. This is helpful for myself as I can learn in my spare time when I am not at my full time job. Currently about to start my 1st level 3 module in Classical Studies. I have always enjoyed learning about ancient history since I was small child. I have enjoyed the course so far and would recommend anyone wanting to do a degree in their spare time to go with the Open University. I have had excellent support so far and love the course and materials.

Below is a summery from The Open University's Website about the BA (Honours) Classical Studies.

The ancient Greek and Roman worlds have given us a heritage of extraordinary richness and diversity. This accessible and rewarding course explores classical literature, history, culture, philosophy, art and archaeology through key places and periods – including Pompeii, Roman Britain, Classical Athens, and Republican and Imperial Rome – with options to study ancient Greek and Latin. Studying classical studies will also enhance your understanding of many aspects of the modern world, by providing new perspectives on contemporary societies and cultures. 

Modules that I have taken and that I have left to complete

Year 1 - AA100 - The Arts Past & Present

This broadly-focused module introduces you to university-level study in the arts across a range of subject areas - art history, classical studies, English, history, philosophy, music and religious studies. It is structured around four themes, in order to guide you through some of the basic concerns of arts subjects: Reputations; Tradition and Dissent; Cultural Encounters; and Place and Leisure. Your studies will range from poetry to string quartets, and from sculpture to short stories – across a wide variety of cultures and historical periods. This key introductory OU level 1 module is also a useful means of acquiring the key skills required for further study of arts and humanities subjects.

Year 2 - A105 - Voices, Texts and Material Culture

This is an interdisciplinary module built around the broad concepts of voices, texts and material culture. It will enable you to extend your understanding of the arts and humanities, both from the perspective of specific disciplines and through interdisciplinary study. The module incorporates elements of art history, classical studies, creative writing, English language studies, heritage studies, history, literature, music, philosophy and religious studies. Throughout the module you will have opportunities to consolidate and extend your critical and analytical abilities, to work collaboratively and to develop flexibility in your writing skills.

Year 3 - A220 - Exploring the Classical World

This module is for anyone interested in ancient Greece and Rome. You will investigate a wide range of topics such as Homer’s poetry and the society where it was created; 5th century Athens; republican Rome; and Roman social history. This module explores ancient poetry, drama and historical texts in English translations along with art, architecture and archaeological evidence, to build an understanding of the classical world. Whether your interest in Greece and Rome is long-standing or new, this module will give you a fresh perspective, develop your skills in analysis and evaluation and lay a firm foundation for further exploration.

Year 4 - A275 - Classical Latin: The Language of Ancient Rome (Just Completed)

This module combines a beginners’ course in Latin with the study of Roman culture and literature in translation. You will learn the core principles of the language, reading texts adapted from Livy, and supported by specially designed online resources. Alongside the language, you will explore a range of Latin texts in translation (including Livy, Virgil, Ovid, and Horace) from literary, cultural, and historical angles. The module focuses on the theme of ‘Roman identity and exemplarity’, considering Augustan culture’s preoccupation with identity, Rome’s origins, and exemplary stories from the past. You will also have the opportunity to reflect upon how translation affects our interpretation of ancient literature and culture.  

Year 5 - A340 - The Roman Empire (Starting Oct 18)

At its height the Roman empire stretched from Scotland to Syria. This OU level 3 module will introduce you to this empire, addressing questions such as how did this vast multicultural population of diverse ethnic, cultural and religious groups maintain itself? How was it viewed by those who ruled it? What forces held the empire together and what happened when these came under pressure? You will learn how to use written sources and archaeological remains to explore these fundamental questions about what the empire was, how it worked, what it meant to be Roman, and the continuing legacy of the empire.

Year 6 - A330 - Myth in the Greek and Roman Worlds

What is myth? This module is a broad interdisciplinary study of Greek and Roman myth in its social, historical, literary and visual context. It combines the detailed study of individual works of literature, art and architecture with an exploration of context, function and purpose. A particular aspect you will study is the reception of mythical ideas and images in later European culture. Interactive visual explorations of key ancient and modern sites, monuments and artefacts relevant to mythological themes are supplied on DVD-ROM – together with audio interviews with experts tracing the influence of myth on, for example, drama, science and medicine.

Blog Makeover - 2018

Blog Makeover 2018

Hi All, woke up today and thought that I would give my blog an overhaul and change the background. Been thinking of doing this for a while now. So now my exams have been done and completed, I thought this was the best time for a make over. I am pleased with the results and like the new classy layout.

XOXO Andrea

Milk & Honey by Rupi Kaur

Milk & Honey - 2.5 Stars

Synopsis

milk and honey is a collection of poetry and prose about survival. It is about the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity. It is split into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose, deals with a different pain, heals a different heartache. milk and honey takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look.

Review

This was okay but not for me. I have finally come to the realisation that poetry and me do not get on. So this will most likely be the last poem that I read. But I am glad a gave poetry another shot.

The Princess Saves Herself in this One (Women Are Some Kind of Magic #1) by Amanda Lovelace

The Princess Saves Herself in this One - 3 Stars

Synopsis

"Ah, life- the thing that happens to us while we're off somewhere else blowing on dandelions & wishing ourselves into the pages of our favorite fairy tales."

A poetry collection divided into four different parts: the princess, the damsel, the queen, & you. the princess, the damsel, & the queen piece together the life of the author in three stages, while you serves as a note to the reader & all of humankind. Explores life & all of its love, loss, grief, healing, empowerment, & inspirations.

Review

I am not sure how to rate this one. I am not a big fan of any poetry, so to actually like this is a miracle. I may give book 2 a go.  

Giant Days, Vol. 7 (Giant Days #25-28) by John Allison

Giant Days, Vol. 7 (Giant Days #25-28) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Esther, Susan, and Daisy continue to face the rigors of young adulthood in this Eisner-nominated series.

Fast friends Susan, Daisy, and Esther continue their second year at Sheffield University, and these are formative times, indeed. Education and looking ahead to the future isn’t all that college holds in-store for these ladies--grocery store protests, family reunions, and even an MMORPG wedding are all on this semester’s docket.  

John Allison (Bad Machinery, Scary Go Round) and illustrators Max Sarin and Liz Fleming, take us to Sophomore year’s second semester in Giant Days Volume 7, which collects Issues #25-28 of the Eisner Nominated series. 

Review

This was great, I really enjoy reading about the girls adventures.

Giant Days, Vol. 6 (Giant Days #21-24) by John Allison

Giant Days, Vol. 6 (Giant Days #21-24) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Esther, Susan, and Daisy have moved into their beautiful new house off campus, but the new living situation creates new challenges for the girls.

Second year begins and Daisy, Susan, and Esther have taken their friendship commitment to the next level by moving into their “beautiful home” off-campus. But the keys didn’t come without new responsibilities. Unwanted suitor visits, a robbery, and Susan living only a few blocks apart from her ex-boyfriend, McGraw, has made the dorms feel like a haven. The girls are in for a dose of reality when they learn that there’s more to being an adult than paying your own rent.

Eisner Award nominee John Allison (Bad Machinery, Scary Go Round) and illustrators Max Sarin and Liz Fleming welcome you back to Sophomore year in Giant Days Volume 6, collecting issues #21-24 of the critically acclaimed series. 

Review

This has a darker feel but still highly enjoyable.

Giant Days, Vol. 5 (Giant Days #17-20) by John Allison

Giant Days, Vol. 5 (Giant Days #17-20) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Going off to university is always a time of change and growth, but for Esther, Susan, and Daisy, things are about to get a little weird.

Their freshman year is finally coming to a close and Daisy, Susan, and Esther say goodbye to Catterick Hall forever. Literally forever. It’s being bulldozed and re-purposed as a luxury dorm next semester. But as one door closes, another opens and between end of semester hookups, music festivals, and moving into their first home together, the life experiences are just getting started.

Written by Eisner Award nominee John Allison (Bad Machinery, Scary Go Round) and illustrated by Max Sarin, Giant Days Volume 5 finishes off freshman year in style, collecting issues #17-20 of the Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated series.

Review

End of year 1 and the beginning of year 2. This series is addictive and fun.

Giant Days, Vol. 4 (Giant Days #13-16) by John Allison

Giant Days, Vol. 4 (Giant Days #13-16) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

t's springtime at Sheffield University — the flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and fast-pals Susan, Esther and Daisy continue to survive their freshman year of college. Susan is barely dealing with her recent breakup with McGraw, Esther is considering dropping out of school, and Daisy is trying to keep everyone and everything from falling apart! Combined with house-hunting, indie film festivals, and online dating, can the girls make it to second year? 

The Eisner Award-nominated series from John Allison (Bad Machinery, Scary Go Round) with artist Max Sarin delivers another delightful slice-of-life adventure in Giant Days Volume 4. Collects issues 13-16.

Review

Another excellent adventures with the girls.

The Kiss Quotient (Kiss Quotient #1) by Helen Hoang

The Kiss Quotient - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Cosmopolitan's 33 Books to Get Excited About in 2018

It's high time for Stella Lane to settle down and find a husband - or so her mother tells her. This is no easy task for a wealthy, successful woman like Stella, who also happens to have Asperger's. Analyzing data is easy; handling the awkwardness of one-on-one dates is hard. To overcome her lack of dating experience, Stella decides to hire a male escort to teach her how to be a good girlfriend.

Faced with mounting bills, Michael decides to use his good looks and charm to make extra cash on the side. He has a very firm no repeat customer policy, but he's tempted to bend that rule when Stella approaches him with an unconventional proposal.

The more time they spend together, the harder Michael falls for this disarming woman with a beautiful mind, and Stella discovers that love defies logic

Review

Wow, what can I say about this amazing book. This novel blew me away and has left me wanting more. In the book, we follow Stella a young gifted economics mathematician, who is feeling pressured by her mother to find love. Stella struggles to find this and struggles with certain situations due to having Asperger’s. One night a colleague on his way out to date gives her the idea to find a man to practice her social and sexual skills with. She finds an escort agency and finds an advert for a young man named Michael. Stella meets Michael and what starts off a one-night experience turn into a situation that neither of them had planned for. Michael is so swoon-worthy it's unreal. He is a family man that has been forced into escorting to help his family and he does this without complaint. I just adored Stella and Michael blooming relationship. Yes, this book is steamy, but I do my romance on the steamier side. The authors writing is beautiful and engaging. I did not want to put this book down and did not want to finish this either.

Would highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read book two.

Currently Reading & Why I am excited to read it - A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

A Discovery of Witches

Synopsis

Fall under the spell of Diana and Matthew in the stunning first volume of the No.1 internationally bestsellling ALL SOULS trilogy.

A world of witches, daemons and vampires. A manuscript which holds the secrets of their past and the key to their future. Diana and Matthew - the forbidden love at the heart of it.

When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it's an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she's kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires. Sensing the significance of Diana's discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire genticist. Diana is inexplicably drawn to Matthew and, in a shadowy world of half-truths and old enmities, ties herself to him without fully understanding the ancient line they are crossing. As they begin to unlock the secrets of the manuscript and their feelings for each other deepen, so the fragile balance of peace unravels... 

Why I am excited to read this

Well my mum has read this series and it's one of her favourites and I have wanted to read this for sometime. But the main reason is that it's being made into a TV mini series by Sky TV in the UK. I saw the teaser trailer and was blown away and that's what has made me want to read the books before the series premiers later this year. Plus I adore anything paranormal and romance. So far this is not bad around 15% complete. I cannot wait to carry on. 

Below are some pictures from the series that have been recently released.

Currently Reading & Why I am excited to read it - The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang 

Synopsis

Cosmopolitan's 33 Books to Get Excited About in 2018

It's high time for Stella Lane to settle down and find a husband - or so her mother tells her. This is no easy task for a wealthy, successful woman like Stella, who also happens to have Asperger's. Analyzing data is easy; handling the awkwardness of one-on-one dates is hard. To overcome her lack of dating experience, Stella decides to hire a male escort to teach her how to be a good girlfriend.

Faced with mounting bills, Michael decides to use his good looks and charm to make extra cash on the side. He has a very firm no repeat customer policy, but he's tempted to bend that rule when Stella approaches him with an unconventional proposal.

The more time they spend together, the harder Michael falls for this disarming woman with a beautiful mind, and Stella discovers that love defies logic.

Why I am excited to read this

1st I have heard so much good buzz about this book. It's all been positive and exciting. I love that the main character has autism and wants to explore her sexuality. So far I am halfway through and enjoying every minute. 

Also below is an inspiration of Michael photo posted by Helen Hoang herself. Wow this guy is so dreamy, I can see why he was the inspiration.

Below is the US Cover of The Kiss Quotient

The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones (Mabel Jones #1) by Will Mabbitt

The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Have you ever picked your nose? Have you ever picked your nose and EATEN IT? Have you ever picked your nose, eaten it, and, by doing so, opened a portal to a world run by PIRATES?

Mabel Jones has.

Kidnapped, Mabel is forced to serve aboard The Feroshus Maggot with the strangest crew you’ll ever meet. And the captain—an odious wolf named Idryss Ebenezer Split—won’t let her go until she helps the pirates uncover the treasure they seek. 

Mabel’s voyage takes her across the Greasy Pole of Certain Death, into the belly of a whale, and underground to a decrepit crypt. And she does it all…in pajamas!

Read on if you dare. You are promised a most unlikely adventure.

Review

This was a funny, gross, charming, delightful and high adventurous tale. Have this book on my shelf for some time. Really glad I gave this a ago.