Love story wishlist

Even though Love month will soon be over, my love for YA love stories will (I'm sure) never end. Here is just a small sample of some of the love stories I'm look forward to continuing or discovering soon...



Emma Hearts LA by Keris Stainton - Oh I love Keris Stainton! Her books are so funny and awkward. I've loved both of Keris' previous books and I'm really looking forward to Emma, especially because this thing where authors use setting really well (like with Jessie Hearts NYC) is a thing that I'm liking. I'm not enamoured of LA as a setting, but I'm sure after reading this book I will be! Published 7 June.


Adorkable by Sarra Manning - AHHH! Atom, when are you doing a cover reveal for this book?! I desperately want to know more about this book. I'm a HUGE fan of Sarra Manning's in general, but I'm insanely excited about her latest YA title, especially as it sounds so wonderful. Get here quicker, 24 May!


Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins - No real news on this one, just that it will be published in 2013. I thought Anna and the French Kiss was near perfection and I loved Lola and the Boy Next Door. I have extremely high hopes for future books by Stephanie Perkins!


We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han - I know that this book has already been published in the US. I'm waiting for the UK paperback, and not very patiently either! Over the last two books by Jenny Han I've agonised over Conrad and Jeremiah, just like Belly has. And now I NEED to know what happens between these three. The 24 of April cannot get here soon enough!


Starcrossed: Dreamless by Josephine Angelini - It's funny, when I first started reading Starcrossed, I didn't think I'd be all that bothered by it. And instead, I was BLOWN AWAY and I inhaled the story as quickly as I could because I was so desperate to read more of this interesting story with great characters and a really emotional love story. I can't wait to read Dreamless, published 5 July.


The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting - There's nothing I love more than a good love story between two best friends! And I think the couple and the series that epitomises this wonderful best friend relationship is Jay and Violet in this series by Kimberly Derting. I am GASPING to read this third book in the series, published the 29 March.

These are the books I'm most looking forward to, now I can't wait to hear the books YOU are most looking forward to?

REVIEW: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver is a book I've been dying to read for such a long time! Since that shocking ending to Delirium, in fact. Before THAT ending, I could see in my head how the rest of the series might play out, but then everything changed. I was heartbroken and absolutely bereft at the changes that happened at the end of Delirium, but then I also kind of loved how Pandemonium started off with this fresh start.

This story is told in two parts. Then and Now, which, at the beginning, was difficult to get my head around. It took me awhile to find my place with this disjointed-feeling narrative, but soon I found myself really loving the huge jumps between time periods and also unravelling the mysteries and all the questions that begin building up of what occurs between Then and Now.

Lena was all ready to leave her home and the oppressive society that she grew up in and live her life happy and free to love Alex. But in Pandemonium during the Then, Lena is at the start of her journey in the Wilds without Alex. Without anybody, grieving for the boy she loved and lost and wondering where to go, what to do.

When Lena recieves medical help from a group of members who belong to the Resistance, her path seems pretty clear. Lena really does her best to remain strong, to live with the pain of Alex's memory, but also to move on and to fight for the things that she believes in. During the Then, we are able to see a wider, more detailed description of what it is like to live in The Wilds and the hard work and difficulties that come with it. We meet a bunch of wonderful new characters and we can really see how Lena has grown through her heartache.

I won't give you too much more detail into this book, as I loved not knowing very much about it before I picked it up myself. But there is much to love with this book. It's a lot darker in tone than Delirium - Lena goes through some difficult times and emotions. There is a lot more violence and death and hard realities to be faced, but there is also the sweet beginnings of new love and the hopefulness of better things to come.

This is an amazing, action-filled sequel fit to burst with emotion and surprises! I really recommend it!

REVIEW: Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt

Oh I'm so in love with Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt! It's such a sweet and romantic story that manages to be both adorable, laugh out loud funny and also quite sad. I love books that can pull off such a mixture of emotions like this book did.

Payton Gritas is a typical 15 year old girl. She's pretty straight laced though - good grades in school, a penchant for organising things. But after finding out that her father is has multiple sclerosis and that her entire family has been lying to her about it for the past six months, Payton kind of goes off the rails - in her own style, of course. She stops speaking to her parents, quits basketball, blows off big tests and assignments. When she's forced into counselling sessions at school, Payton is told to pick a Focus Object which will help her to put all of her energy into one thing with the hopes that in time she'll be able to deal with her feelings about her dad's MS.

Payton chooses as her focus object, Sean Griswold's Head. Which I just find hilarious. Due to alphabetical reasons, Sean has been sitting in front of Payton since always, and Payton suddenly realises she doesn't know anything about him. Like what he likes, who he lives with, how did he get that scar on his forehead? What starts off as this harmless exercise (OK, borderline stalking tendencies but in the name of counselling!) turns into the start of something new and sweet as Payton finds out more about Sean and that they could have more in common than they realise.

But of course, nothing is without bumps in the road. Payton's best friend Jac, while having good intentions does stick her nose in a bit too much for Payton's liking and they have very different views when it comes to the issues of getting into a relationship with Sean and of Payton's dad. But it's really Payton's overwhelming feelings of fear and anger towards her dad's illness and the fact that she wasn't told that sets Payton off on this weird little journey. At some point Payton will have to actually speak to her father and deal with this head-on.

I really loved this book. I loved the characters in this book, from Payton going through her rebellious teen phase, Jac, her lovable best friend and their relationship together. I thought Sean was brilliant as was Grady the Goth. I really liked that there was some focus on judging people for who they are and not on appearances.

I didn't know very much about MS before reading the book, but I thought it showed the effects of how this could change a family and a person really sympathetically. You can tell that Payton and her father used to have this great relationship before and it really felt heart-breaking to see them going through such a difficult period. My heart ached for the pair of them. Such a sweet story, this one. One I can highly recommend!

Falling in love with my best friend

I've been thinking a lot about relationships in YA love stories during my planning of this month, and what I've come to realise is that the romantic relationships that I love the best are those between best friends. Today I bring you a small list of the books that deal with falling in love with your best friend excellently...

I think friendship is an excellent building block to a relationship, but in having your character fall in love with a best friend, an author really needs to up their game in order to make our hearts beat faster. There may not be as much initial attraction and falling for each other like with other stories, but I find the friend falling for friend story so much more romantic.

These two characters already know so much about each other, they're already familiar with each other's flaws and annoying habits. They were there when all the embarassing and awkward things happened, and yet they love each other anyway. Maybe even especially. All I can say is AWWW. And also, I'm really glad that things worked out OK between ME and MY best friend!



The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - When I think 'falling in love your best friend' I immediately think of Jay and Violet from The Body Finder! There's something just really appealing about these two characters, especially when they are together. Sure, Violet has a strange and sometimes horrifying 'gift' of finding dead bodies, but she's got her family there for her, and of course, her best friend to get her through it!


Fracture by Megan Miranda - I think the thing that I love the best about Fracture by Megan Miranda (and I do love many things about the book!) is the friendship between Decker and Delaney. My heart absolutely broke and tears flooded out of me when I heard what Decker did in order to drag Delaney out of that lake. That kind of loyalty and friendship and the extreme lengths Decker goes to STILL impresses me. I very much want a friend like Decker in my life. Especially if like Delaney, I end up meeting some rather creepy folk like Troy Varga and end up with an unusual ability to sense when a person will die.


Rockoholic by CJ Skuse - Oh man, Rockoholic is filled with some crazy-wonderful characters! There's Jody's grandfather, Cree the most adorable little girl ever, Jody herself of course. And Mac, lovely Mac who patiently puts up with Jody's crazy ideas and obsessions. Who helps Jody out in tough situations - like when she accidentally kidnaps a world-famous rockstar - and tries to fix things. And even when Jody seems absolutely oblivious to Mac's feelings, he is still there. Oh, I do love Mac and Jody!


Shug by Jenny Han - This is the book I was reading when I first realised my love for best friend love stories. Because at the start of this book, Shug has fallen for her best friend HARD. And I can completely remember being that age, going through the awkward tween years and having that mad, all-consuming crush on somebody who has no clue! And with Shug, everything felt so completely spot-on. But sometimes, it isn't the best friend who ends up with our hearts, is it?


Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers - This book isn't primarily a love story at all, and perhaps the falling in love with your best friend isn't a huge element to the book, but I still loved it. Our main character really needs her best friend, especially as Eddie's father has just committed suicide and she really needs to find out the answers to all of her questions. And even when her quest for answers leads Eddie towards a most awful and slightly creepy photography student, her best friend Milo is STILL THERE.

Do you have any favourite falling in love with your best friend stories?

REVIEW: Midsummer Tight's Dream by Louise Rennison

I'm a big fan of Louise Rennison's Georgia Nicolson series, so I was always going to be a bit excited about this new bunch of books about Georgia's mad Irish cousin, Talullah. Set in a Yorkshire drama school with some equally crazy characters and some hot boys? I'm completely sold.

Though Talullah isn't quite as funny and outrageous as Georgia, she is still adorable. And problems with school and friends and boys and SNOGGING is the same just about anywhere. What does 'see you later' really mean, eh?!

In A Midsummer Tights Dream, Talullah and her friends are back at Dother Hall Performing Academy and everyone's in a muddle. Possible couples are forming up, Talullah isn't sure what the kiss from Charlie means when he has a girlfriend. Plus, Talullah's teacher hates her, the school might be closing down and one of her mates is leaving for Hollywood!

Being Georgia's cousin, she does get quite a few mentions in this book which makes me YEARN to read another Georgia book, it really does. Talullah and her friends are introduced to some Georgiaisms, like the Snogging Scale, which was fun. And I did love to see the Ace Tree Gang add their own crazy kissing things to the scale.

There are owls and gigs and crazy dancing and even some questionable licking going on in this second book in the series. And while I was mostly thinking 'this is OK' all the way through, I have to admit, the book ends in a such a way that makes me want the next book just a little more. I think The Misadventures of Talullah Casey is heading into a very satisfying direction...

Love stories I wish had turned out differently by Tammy from The Book Fairy's Haven

I'm very happy to announce that today's lovely guest poster is Tammy from The Book Fairy's Haven! Tammy is wonderful person and friend, and I'm very pleased that she's here today. She's chatty and friendly and an absolute star. You really must follow her blog if you haven't already!

And she's here talking about such a fun subject! Please do share in comments the love stories that YOU wish had ended differently. Over to you, Tammy...

To find out more about Tammy, please do visit the following websites:

The Book Fairy's Haven ... Tammy on Twitter

So often, I've heard that the power of a novel lies in the ending.

The more unusual, open-ended or unexpected the ending is, the better. When it comes to love stories, it goes without saying that most of us love reading the story that has the happy ending.

I'm certainly no exception to the rule.

After all, what could possibly be the point of living and experiencing the journey through the heroine's eyes only for it all to end in devastation?

Having to witness the protagonist and her love interest going through the antagonism, the sizzling attraction, the blow-outs, the kiss and make-ups and the adrenaline-fueled moments is one of the main reasons that keep so many of us glued to the pages of a book (the other being plot, character development and writing).

Of course, we expect things to go horribly wrong for the couple, but we accept that because we expect it to end in a way that will leave us all gushing with the sweetness of it all.

But sometimes... just sometimes, things don't quite work out that way.

And as much as I admit to appreciating a book with an unexpected ending, there's also a fair amount of stories that I wish had turned out much differently.

And today, as part of the love month feature on Michelle's blog (thank you so much for having me Michelle), I thought I'd share a few of those stories (not just relegated to books) that I wish had ended up with a different ending.

Warning: this post may contain possible spoilers.

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Forbidden was one of the most gut-wrenching reads I've ever read to date. Anyone who has read the book and who knows how it ends, will know why. Tackling the subject of consensual incest, Tabitha Suzuma has written one of the most beautiful novels I've ever come across.

The strength of this novel lies not in its shock factor, but rather in the fact that Tabitha creates such a desolate home environment that brother and sister duo, Maya and Lochan's growing relationship not only seems believable, but also justifiable.

Both of them are written with such sensitivity, that regardless of your feelings about the controversial topic at hand, you just can't help but root for the two of them - another aspect which makes this such an unbelievably powerful and heartbreaking read.

That there was ever a chance for these two was something that I knew would come into question, but what I wasn't expecting was that the little hope that I had for them, would be shattered in the way that it was.

I cried for days, because never in my entire life, have I ever wished that there could have at least been a fighting chance for two beautiful souls who never knew anything but the broken home in which they had to survive on a daily basis.

The ending is one of the most poignant endings that I've ever read in a novel, which I do understand, is what gives this novel such a packing punch. But still, I often wonder... just what would have happened if things turned out differently for them?

A year and a half after reading Forbidden, I still think... could they have really made it? And if so, would the additional obstacles they would have had to face, be worth the effort?

I'd like to think that it would have.

For those who haven't read the book yet, you can check out my review of Forbidden on my blog.


One Day by David Nicholls

One Day is another one of my favourite books. If there ever were two characters who managed to drive me nuts and have me gunning for them at the same time, then it would have to be Dexter and Emma.

Their story starts during the 1980's on a 15th July. Following one night together (that night being graduation), their paths separate, although they do keep in touch. We as the reader are then given a glimpse of that one day every single year to find out what they've been up to and to see how they've grown.

Throughout the years that follow, the two dance around one another, snippets of their growing relationship slowly revealed, while we're left to fill in the blanks.

Between the moments of bubbly happiness, bitter antagonism, growing apart, finding new partners and losing each other along the way, the reader is finally given a bit of a reprieve when it seems as if they're going to get the ending that they so deserve.

Of course, being a David Nicholls book, this was not to be and suffice to say, I closed the book in the midst of choking on tears. One of the most beautifully written, witty and poignant reads, One Day is probably one of those books that, despite my love for the book and its original ending, still has me wishing that Em and Dex had more time than what they were given.

One Day review


Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Probably one of the most subtle and understated books I've read, this coming-of-age dystopian novel left me feeling rather desolate.

The sinister undertones of the novel had me guessing for quite some time as to just what was going on. I knew there was something off about the characters, but it wasn't until the nature and purpose of Kathy, Ruth and Tommy's existence were revealed that I realised just how hopeless their situation was.

And what hope do you have to hold on to, when you're living in a world where you have to prove you have a soul? Because at the end of the day, even if that were the case, the outcome would still be the exact same.

And this is what grabbed me the most.

We have 3 young people, purposely created to harvest their organs in order to give others a better life, while they themselves don't really stand a chance of carving out a little piece of Heaven for themselves. And having finally figured that out, I knew that there just wouldn't be a way for Kathy and Tommy to make it.

To this day, I still feel that sense of loss.

Never Let Me Go review


And on a movie related note....



Phantom of the Opera

From the moment I watched The Phantom, I was team Erik all the way. There's something about a sinister, beautifully broken and tragic figure that leaves me absolutely weak in the knees - and the Phantom is the very embodiment of this.

In fact, I'd say he is the very reason I adore characters who are so dark, brooding and mysterious. Even better? Is the fact that he's so musically gifted, and well, I've always had a thing for book/movie boys who could produce exquisite music through song or music instruments.

Tsk. I just can't imagine what Christine saw in Raoul.

And finally...



Labyrinth

It's David Bowie in tight, stretchy breeches. As the Gobling King. Ok, so he drugs girls with peaches, but at least he sends them a dream and serenades them.

Surely we could look past this little issue?

Why would you not want to be Queen to the Goblin King? I mean really now... (yes, I have a HUGE crush on him).

Sigh. Why could Sarah not just have sent her brother home and stayed with Jareth? I would totally have done that.

Also, did I mention how sexy David Bowie is as a fae-type creature? I certainly wouldn't mind if he sang "As the World Falls Down" to me in a ballroom full of masked and fantastical souls.

*Heads off to daydream about The Goblin King* (Someone needs to write a YA story with a sexy Goblin King - authors, are you listening?)

Right, so now that I've revealed just how obsessed I am with the Phantom and David Bowie, I'd (and I'm sure Michelle too) would love to hear about love stories you wish had a different ending.

REVIEW: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Oh, this book. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins was utterly sweet and adorable. And whilst I preferred Anna and the French Kiss, this book still made me incredibly happy and I felt very emotionally connected to the characters right from the start.

I really liked Lola as a character. I loved her wacky fashion sense and her originality, while at the same time you can see how vulnerable she is underneath the outrageous costumes she wears. She's a loyal friend and daughter and feels the pressure of her unusual family.

Lola is also still smarting a bit at the events that occurred so long ago with her neighbours - Calliope, the talented and snooty ice-skater and her adorable twin brother, budding inventor, Cricket. And despite Lola's musician older boyfriend, good job and seemingly perfect life, when Cricket returns, everything in Lola's life turns upside down.

This book was so good. I really loved how reading this book made me feel as though I were there in San Francisco, seeing everything happen through Lola's eyes. I could just really believe and relate to her story. Her two over-protective dads are wonderful, and I felt rather relieved to read a story in which parents are portrayed in a positive and supportive light. I thought Lola had a great relationship with both of her parents, which felt refreshing as well as heartwarming. I also thought it was rather fun to see Anna and Etienne appear in this book as older friends around to give Lola some advice and to be a sort of relationship guide.

And in terms of Lola's lovelife, at first I was pretty conflicted. I really liked beginning-of-the-story Max. Being older, and a musician, him having a literary tattoo and being very patient with Lola's dads. But of course, in walks Cricket. And oh god, I love that Cricket is so very NICE and NERDY as well as HOT. What a winning combination. I thought the build-up to their relationship was really sweet, especially as we can see how inexperienced and awkward Cricket really is and how much he really wants to be with Lola.

The conflicts between them were suitably conflicted and angsty and drawn-out. There seems to be some pressure from Lola's dads and family members on both sides on who should be with whom, but I love that both Lola and Cricket make their own decisions here. There is also a rather sweet and important message about being OK with who you are. All in all, a really sweet and romantic read which I thoroughly enjoyed!

REVIEW: Empress of the World by Sara Ryan

Empress of the World by Sara Ryan was a bit different that I expected it to be. It was an interesting story and I really enjoyed getting to know this brilliant cast of characters, but sometimes I felt let down a bit by the structure of the novel between narrative and diary entries.

Our main character, Nicola, has been sent to a summer camp for gifted youth. She's interested in becoming an archaeologist and has signed up for classes at the Institute. On her first day, she meets a group of people that quickly become friends throughout this eventful summer.

We have Katrina, this wonderfully outgoing computer nerd, Isaac, the nice guy with a huge crush on Katrina, and of course, there's Battle. Battle who is this beautiful girl who is smart and cool and slightly mysterious. Nic finds herself immediately attracted to Battle, which begins Nicola's questions about herself and her sexuality as she examines her feelings for Battle and the people around her.

I really liked Nicola as a character and narrator. I thought Battle and Katrina and Isaac were all believeable and realistic characters. I could definitely relate to the feelings of first love as being confusing and overwhelming. I especially loved this thing between Nic and Battle. It was very sweet and beautiful as Nic and Battle spent more time together and Nic realised how much she was attracted to Battle physically but also towards her as a person and her personality. I loved the beauty of how this this relationship builds up.

My only issue with this as a story, is sometimes Nicola's diary entries that she writes as a way of making sense of the world in an archaologist's way really breaks the flow of the narrative. Especially after a really sweet and tender moment between Nic and Battle - going between that and a journal entry felt jarring. The diary entries left me feeling distanced from the story and towards the end, after a big conflict, I couldn't quite find myself again inside these character's heads and hearts. Still, the first half of the book more than made up for the second and I'm very glad that I read this book!

Love Triangles - Good Guys and Bad Boys by Sophie from So Many Books, So Little Time

Today we have one of my favourite blogging buddies, Sophie from So Many Books, So Little Time here on the blog (Hello Sophie! *friendly wave*)

Sophie is here today talking about LOVE TRIANGLES. Do you love 'em, do you hate 'em, let us know in comments! Thanks Sophie, over to you...

To find out more about Sophie, please do visit the following links:

So Many Books, So Little Time ... Sophie on Twitter

If you read YA on a regular basis then you’ll be very familiar with the love triangle; in fact, you may even be hard pushed to find a popular YA novel without one. I’d been thinking about love triangles a little before the lovely Clover announced that she’d be hosting another brilliant Love Month and so when I received her email, I knew immediately that it’d have to be my topic.

I began thinking about how there is always the good guy who is possibly the sweetest person in the world and worships the ground the heroine walks on and then there is the bad/dangerous guy. He is disinterested, angsty, occasionally insulting and almost positively the cause of many tears. And usually, the bad boy walks away with the heroine. Not always, but very often, and I was just thinking about why that is because I usually end up shipping the bad guy, too...

There’s just something extremely attractive about them. They are often darkly beautiful with smouldering eyes and a deep voice as smooth as melted chocolate. And I want one. That’s what these characters do – they make you want to be a part of their world in a way that the sweet guys just don’t. These poor YA protagonists don’t have a chance really.

The first triangle to spring to mind is Clary, Jace and Simon from Cassandra Clare’s fantastic Mortal Instruments series. Simon feelings for Clary were obvious from the first time we see them together, and so is Clary’s purely platonic love for him. Though my heart ached for him, I wanted Clary to have Jace because he’s awesome. Actually, he’s incredibly damaged, removed, snarky and rude and yet I absolutely adore him, as does Clary. Clare does it again in the Infernal Devices with Tessa, Jem and Will. Once again, I’m in love with the bad boy. Will is very much like Jace; he has Romantic sensibilities and is very dark and damaged yet it’s he who captures me. Even in the beautiful face of the badly suffering, sensitive and funny Jem. But as there’s still one more book to go in the trilogy, we don't quite know which boy Tessa will choose...

All of the famous (in the YA world) love triangles are from paranormal series: The Hunger Games, Twilight, Vampire Academy. And don’t get me wrong, I was very invested in each of these and the protagonist chose the guy I wanted each time; and in these examples, not always the bad boy. I’m reluctant to be specific in case I give something away for those who haven’t finished/read the series yet! I struggled to think of triangles in contemporary YA and of the two I came up with, one fit the paranormal good/bad guy decision and the other was even more difficult for the protagonist because of them both being brilliant heroes.

The first is Jenny Han’s Summer trilogy; the book that began my thoughts about love triangles as with the first book I found it nearly impossible to reach a decision on which boy to champion by the end of the novel. I still couldn’t decide in It’s Not Summer Without You. Now, at the time of writing this, I’ve haven’t yet read book three, though the paperback is on pre-order, so I have no idea how the triangle plays out. I constantly switch between damaged, enigmatic Conrad and fun, loyal and completely besotted Jeremiah who is the reasonable choice, and yet I just can’t commit. I really do feel for Belly. This is perhaps the hardest love triangle I’ve ever come across.



This, however, is one of the easiest for me: Georgia, Dave and Massimo from Louise Rennison’s Confessions of Georgia Nicolson. I began reading this series before I even knew what a love triangle was and as the later books came out and I remained a Georgia fan-girl, I began to take sides. First there was the gorgeous Sex God himself, Robbie, but I soon realised that was just too serious for Georgia. Then came the Italian-American Luuurve God, Massimo, but Georgia just confused him, to be honest. Who was left? Dave the Laugh, a boy funny and ridiculous that he had to be with Georgia (well, I think so, anyway!). unlike lots of YA love triangles, there wasn’t a bad guy. All three boys were awesome and I would quite happily go out with any of them. But I guess you’ll just have to read this painfully funny (seriously, you will have cramp from laughing) series to find out who she chooses.

As you can probably tell, I love a good love triangle whether the protagonist ends up with the good guy or the bad boy. The only thing that matters to me is that she gets the guy I want her to!

Thanks for having me, Clover!

LGBT in YA fiction by Andrew from The Pewter Wolf

Today I have the great pleasure of introducing Andrew of The Pewter Wolf to the blog! I first 'met' Andrew through Twitter and have since run into him at bookish events. I love his enthusiasm for books and for music and I do love reading his blog. If you haven't followed The Pewter Wolf, I must insist that you do that.

To find out more about Andrew, please do visit the following websites:

The Pewter Wolf ... Andrew on Twitter

I have been trying to write this blog for the past few days now. I had an idea that I liked and plans on how to write it. But when it came to writing it, I found it extremely difficult to ACTUALLY writing it!

I want to talk about LGBT in YA fiction. Now, as a young gay man myself, I should be able to say “There should be more LGBT in YA” and I do agree with that statement. But the thing about that statement is that I’m there that there should be more and it should be more obvious, and that in itself is my problem.

The reason I am in two minds over this is because, when a book has a lead gay character, it shouldn’t be seen as a big deal, right? So, why, I hear you ask, should I be writing this blog post about it?

Because, there are people out there who are LGBT. And reading YA is a connection. To show that they are not alone. And to those who are straight and don’t “get” that what it’s like.

However, now this is where it gets a little tricky for me. I don’t want LGBT novels in YA forced upon me. I don’t want it to be made a big deal. I don’t want to see on the blurb or on the cover, in giant bold lettering, “THIS IS A GAY LOVE-STORY!” or “THIS IS AN ACTION-THRILLER WITH A TRANSGENDER MAIN CHARACTER!”

Because, we don’t see that in straight novels. And, also, because this shouldn’t effect the plot, right?

For example, when The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was released, was the fact that Lisbeth Salander was bi made the book a bigger success? No, it was because it was a really good crime novel. Did the fact that Lis was bi affect the plot? No. It was who the character is.

This is the same with Huntress by Malinda Lo. I read this, knowing that there will be two lesbian characters. But while I read this fantasy story, I read two characters who slowly fell in love with each other. It didn’t matter that these two characters were women. That’s because the author wrote an interesting plot and an engaging characters.

There, of course, will be people who won’t be comfortable reading LGBT. I remember when JK Rowling revealed that Dumbledore was gay after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released. The amount of news outlet and people’s reaction over this news was a mixed of both positive and negative. This is also true with Malinda Lo’s debut novel, Ash. When it was reviewed by US newspapers, it was called "a lesbian retelling", “...and one such development could send readers reeling. Parents will want to read the final chapter before handing this book over to their teens” and “conventional”.

But with books, no one is forcing you to read a book that handle subject matter that you feel uncomfortable. I, personally, feel uncomfortable reading several issues like self-harm and rape, but it’s my choice whether to read a book that handles this subject matter or not. Most of times, I refuse to read the book. It’s my choice. If I feel uncomfortable reading a book, then I would stop reading it.

Now, I completely understand that authors get their characters and they know, from the word go, if a character is gay or straight. The same way the author knows if the character is white, black or of racial descent. And I’m not asking for the authors to change a character’s sexuality or the colour of their skin to please us.

I’m just asking if we could have more LGBT novels which are compelling and have engaging characters.

And as for love (seeing as this is Love Month) is that everyone deserves love. Love isn’t a physical thing, but something deeper that crosses boundaries. Whether that be gender, racial descent or sexuality.

So, to everyone who’s in a relationship, I hope you enjoyed Valentine’s Day and enjoy the rest of the year with your loved one. If you are single, treat yourself and love yourself.

REVIEW: Legend by Marie Lu

I was really looking forward to Legend by Marie Lu. I had been hearing some good things about it and I sat down to read with high expectations of addictive book filled with action and romance. And while there is plenty of action and some romance and I did really enjoy it, I wasn't quite as blown away by this book as I was led to believe.

I really love the setting. I've been saying that a lot lately, but it's true. A futuristic story set in a war-torn Los Angeles sounds pretty cool to me. In this future world, the United States is torn apart by a Civil War - the Republic against the Colonies. I'm hoping that this war between the two is explored a bit more in future books!

And within Legend, we have a dual-perspective from our two main characters, June and Day. This was done really well and we are able to see a clearer view of what it is like to live in the Republic both from within the elite of the military as well as from the viewpoint of a criminal living on the street.

June is this super smart girl who has fast-tracked her way up through the Republic's military after gaining a perfect score on an intelligence Test given to all people of the Republic. When her older brother is killed during a mission, June makes it her goal to avenge her brother's death and to kill the Republic's Most Wanted criminal, Day. I really liked June. I liked that she's really intelligent and strong-willed. Her relationship with her brother seemed pretty great too. She has put all her truth and faith into the Republic and it was a little sad to see everything crumble around her.

Day on the other hand, failed his Test but managed to escape and has been creating havoc against the Republic ever since using his street-smarts and great agility in an attempt to create better living conditions for the poor. When people Day cares about become sick with plague, Day goes to great extremes in order to help, even if it means risking exposure and being caught by the Republic. I love the way in which Day has been turned into an exaggeration of himself, with people on the streets embellishing his actions and making him Legend. The reality of who Day is was a lot more interesting to me. Somebody who loved his family and his brothers, somebody who looks out for those who cannot help themselves.

I really enjoyed this dystopian world and these characters, discovering the hidden secrets of both June and Day and also that the government has been hiding. There's plenty of action here, with explosions and building-jumping but there's also some sweet relationships going on and an interesting questions to be answered. I look forward to the sequel.

TV Boyfriends by Jenni from Juniper's Jungle

Hello Jenni from Juniper's Jungle! Jenni is no stranger to Fluttering Butterflies as she is one of my favourite bloggers and friends. My life would be a much worse place without her in it!

So I'm thrilled that she's here today and here talking about some rather swoonworthy TV boyfriends.

Over to you, Jenni... And to find out more about Jenni, please do visit the following websites:

Juniper's Jungle ... Jenni on Twitter

When Clover asked for guest posts for Love Month I knew exactly what I wanted to write about, my current crop of tv boyfriends. These are the men I love most of all in my favourite tv shows, the ones I wish would appear in real life and whisk me away to somewhere warm and exotic.

Tim Riggins (Friday Night Lights, played by Taylor Kitsch)

The first name that instantly springs to mind for me is Tim Riggins. I know I’m not alone in having a crush on this troubled football player, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve ended up in the middle of rapid paced discussions on Twitter about him. So why do I love him? Well other than his obvious physical appeal there’s his loyalty, his huge heart, and the way he tries to do the best for everyone else. He may make some bad decisions along the way but he always makes them for the best of reasons.

Eliot Spencer (Leverage, played by Christian Kane)

When I started my list I imposed a rule of one boyfriend per show, Leverage was the one show that nearly made me cross that rule off as Alec Hardison is quite possibly the most attractive geek currently on tv. But the rule is there and so Eliot Spencer claims his rightful place on the list. Here we have a true southern gent with a proven romantic side, he’s taught the other men of the Leverage a thing or two about how to treat a lady. Yes he’s done things in the past he might not be proud of, but these days he’s one of the good guys. And if I could just draw your attention to his arms...

Dean Winchester (Supernatural, played by Jensen Ackles)

When I first started watching Supernatural I was wowed by both of the Winchester brothers. Initially Sam grabbed my attention, he could probably give Hardison a run for his money in the most attractive geek stakes, but the more I watched the more I knew I belonged on Team Dean. He can come across as a little gruff and intense, but then he cracks that beautifult smile and all is well with the world. He is fierce in his protection of his family and close ones, being prepared to make huge sacrifices for them on numerous occasions. And his taste in music is pretty similar to mine so there’d be no arguments about what was played in the Impala, regardless of who was driving.

Steve McGarrett (Hawaii Five-0, played by Alex O’Loughlin)

Former Navy SEAL turned police task force head, Steve McGarrett is quite the catch. He shows time after time that he’s willing to do whatever necessary to get the job done, just think how much care and attention he’d give to wooing a girl! He’s a man with many skills, showing he’s got the intellectual smarts to match up to his physical prowess. Fluent in multiple languages Steve is particularly good at delivering a snarky quip, I do love a man who’s good with a one liner. And again, if I could just point out the arms...

Neal Caffrey (White Collar, played by Matt Bomer)

Oh I do like a bad guy who’s become a good guy. Well almost a good guy. Neal Caffrey is smooth, suave, eloquent and utterly charming. He’s also incredibly intelligent, when he starts talking about the items he’s stolen or forged in the past, or the best way to pull off a con I’m quickly reminded just how attractive smart is. Neal’s a total flirt, turning it on as soon as new female crosses his path, but deep down he’s a real romantic. He’s a bit of a throwback to a bygone era, whether he’s wearing immaculately tailored vintage suits or singing a swing number he manages to ooze that timeless charm.

Sir Percival (Merlin, played by Tom Hopper)

I was pleased when Sir Lancelot returned to Merlin, but I was even more pleased that he brought Sir Percival with him. Over the last series we’ve got to know Sir Percival a little better, he’s proven himself to be a loyal knight, always willing to back his king in any battle. He’s very caring, often going to the rescue of small children or villagers when there’s something scary rampaging. Oh and if you’d care to take a look at his arms too, and appreciate the marvel that is sleeveless chainmail...

So there we have my list. It’s a jolly good job there’s no need for monogamy when it comes to tv boyfriends because I really don’t know which one would get the job!