So.. It's officially Autumn and I'm back to freezing my booty off at home AND outside. Yay? I do not regulate my temperature well at all, so I constantly some sort of 'cozy wishlist' thing going on. These are all the autumnal things that I'm coveting. Maybe it'll give you inspiration for any Christmas lists? Let's get onto all things warm and comforting...

Is it even Fall if you don't buy some new pajamas? Due to lockdown I can't venture out and buy some in person, so I'm sticking to Target as I already know they have some great pairs that are affordable and super soft. This long sleeved set is a different variation of a pair that I bought a few years ago (shorts and a short sleeved top) they've washed incredibly well so why wouldn't I want a warmer set? The fabric of these are so buttery soft while still keeping you warm (unlike silk sets). I like the pink piping on the black set as I think it makes them look more expensive than they actually are. 

Once you own a dressing gown, you basically live in it. Winter is made for wearing warm pajamas with a fluffy dressing gown on top. I have never owned a dressing gown that I've loved. I found one while thrifting a couple of years ago, tags still on, but upon getting it home realized that it was made for children. I mean, yay for being able to find something affordable but boo for not being able to bend over without flashing the cats. So, I've been on the hunt for something warm but still pretty. (Gossip Girl gave me unreasonable expectations) This is Richie House Bathrobe is decently priced, a gorgeous nude shade, and looks very warm.

Since the age of thirteen, the Internet has been my safe haven. It's acted as my place to meet people who have similar interests as me, and it's been where I met friends and my husband. It changed my life in a way that younger me could never of predicted. However, over the past few years it's been a place of toxicity to me for various reasons. It's broken my heart numerous times and no longer tries to repair the slices that it's embedded into my heart. If this were a relationship, everyone would be urging me to break up with it. However, as someone who is home for 95% of her life and is often only able to venture around through the world via the Internet, how can I say goodbye? Chronic pain can cripple you in various ways, but for me it's definitely frozen any and all outside world activities. As mentioned above, I rarely go out, I don't have any friendships that aren't defined by distance, and despite moving to a new country to physically be with my husband, it's led me to depend on the Internet for being able to interact with my family. Without my fingers on a screen or keyboard, my outside world is condensed down to a single human being. I love my husband dearly, but as humans we need more than that for sanity. So.. I'm stuck being connected to the WiFi. 

I know I'm incredibly lucky to have the Internet, especially when I'm in pain and stuck rooted in the same spot for possibly an entire day. But I think we can all agree that the Internet can be fucking depressing. It's a bubble of negativity, and as someone who seems to constantly be comparing myself to everything, it's not exactly great for the ole confidence. The Internet and messages it gives me leads me to hate myself daily, and that's ugly. Am I just surrounding myself with it? Is there a magical way to avoid these results by changing up what I choose to view online? Sure, and I can do that. For a few hours. Maybe a few days. But I inevitably end up back in the toxicity, whether by choice or through someone else. It's disheartening and so bloody unhealthy. 

So I hurt and I utilize the amazing Internet to take myself out of my own head and body for a few hours. I feel like I'm socializing by discussing books, or news, or utter nonsense with virtual friends. I feel understood by someone's tweet, or I laugh at TikTok's. But something pops up and BOOM, I'm back inside myself, only now on top of the pain I have a dark cloud of depression around my brain. I can't sleep because of the thoughts that have risen in my head because of this cloud, which leads to more pain the following day. And so on and so forth. It's a cycle of daily life that I hate, but what can I do about it? 

I guess over the years I've lost my safe haven, but have no way of leaving. It's an addiction to social interactions, which.. I think I need to not go insane? I don't really know the purpose of this blog post, but maybe you've been feeling vaguely the same? Perhaps you have chronic pain and struggle with your relationship with the Internet, or maybe Covid has led you to feeling obligated to be online. Let's chat. 

We're at that spooky time of year where we watch Hocus Pocus on repeat and fight the urge to watch Halloween H20 everyday (just me?) It's no secret that I adore a good horror movie. You can read all about my history with this movie genre in my 'Why I Love The Horror Genre' post. I think 90% of horror movies now have sequels, so here's a list of all my favorites that I scandalously think are better than the original!

The Descent Part 2 (2009)

Starring: Natalie Mendoza, Shauna Macdonald

The 2005 movie The Descent has always been a favourite. A group of women venture to an underground cave for an adrenaline filled weekend away, only to discover that they aren't alone down there. I've seen a recent surge of love for the movie as I think it was finally added to some streaming network, however, I rarely see people talking about the sequel. Was it realistic? No, but so darn enjoyable which automatically gives it more of a rewatch value to me. In Part 2 a group of rescuers go in search of the missing woman mere days since they vanished. I think both movies take place over 36 hours which is such a fun touch. 

The Hills Have Eyes II (2007)

Starring: Daniella Alonso, Jessica Stroup, Lee Thompson Young

Now, we're talking about both the original 1977 The Hills Have Eyes, the 1984 sequel, and the 2006 remake here. The first two movies didn't have rape as such a huge scare tactic which does automatically put them higher in my mind. Rape in horror always puts me off as if it's a decent enough horror, you shouldn't have to use sexual violence to scare the audience. It's cheap and disgusting. (Don't even get me started on movies such as Eden Lake, I Spit On Your Grave, and The Last House On The Left. Blegh.) However, as horrors go, I didn't find the first two very creepy. They had that classic Wes Craven feel which I'm still unsure about. I know, I know, I automatically sacrifice my horror lover badge for saying that. The 2006 Hills Have Eyes had a great secluded feel to it, if you don't already know, the movie is about a family on a roadtrip who break down in the desert where inbred cannibals reside. The 2007 sequel is about a group of National Guard trainees who find themselves battling the same cannibals. What I personally think made the sequel better was how quickly you care for the characters. It made for a more high-stakes watch. The deaths were more gory, and I think the writing have the cannibals themselves more depth. But like always, I suggest you fast-forward the rape scenes.

Halloween (2018)

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak

I could very easily put Halloween H20 here as it's my all time favourite movie. However, I think 2008 Halloween that completely retconned my favourite movie from the franchise was.. *sniffles*.. better. The story, acting, characters, everything. That scene where Michael puts his mask back on? Classic. I also think it'll age very well, unlike some of the other movies in the series. Don't fuck with Mothers, basically. I'm so glad it wasn't a dumpster fuck like the Rob Zombie movies. I'm still personally offended at those "movies".

Final Destination II (2003)

Starring: A. J. Cook, Ali Carter, Tony Todd, Justina Machado

I recently rewatched this franchise with @BilliamSWN and color me surprised! I always thought that the third installment in this series was my favorite but I have to officially change it to the second. I know! The third is unquestionably a better overall movie. The three year gap between movies really did a lot for the overall quality of the filming and death scenes. However, now I've realized that the second is such a better overall story. It's cheesy AF but in an endearing way and I really like how it connected to the first with Clear. 

Conjuring 2 (2016)

Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Madison Wolfe

The first Conjuring movie sucked if you're familiar with basic plots from paranormal movies, I'm sorry. The only thing it had going for it were the better effects and actors. However, The Conjuring 2 was made to scare us all. (Ignoring the thin man thingy which was dumb) I don't know what it was about the second to really bring it, but it was so good. The child actors were all great (unlike 89% of horror movies) and I enjoyed the in-depth look at Ed and Loraine's relationship away from the paranormal stuff. The added bonus of it being Christmas time also thrilled me. 

Ouija: Origin Of Evil (2016)

Starring: Elizabeth Reaser, Lulu Wilson, Kate Siegel 

I think we can all agree that Ouija was a clusterfuck of a movie. The teens were basic bitches that literally did everything that was mandatory for them to die. Plus the plot was literally an entire Supernatural episode, plot twist and all. Like, huh? However, the sequel was rather enjoyable. I'll admit to mainly watching it because it starred Esme from Twilight  but it surprised the heck out me. The "jump scares" were decent, the story itself was realistic as far as paranormal movies can be, and the ending didn't make me roll my eyes. If you're looking for a haunting type movie, I fully recommend this. 

Annabelle: Creation (2017)

Starring: Talitha Bateman, Stephanie Sigman, Lulu Wilson

Another movie from The Conjuring universe? Yup. Annabelle was a huge let down. It was filled with cliché jumpscares, obvious plot twists, and 'my wife is just going crazy, let's not believe her' moments. So when Annabelle: Creation was announced I was dubious. However, this was darn good. Creation is centered around a nun and six orphaned girls who move into a farmhouse with a couple who are still mourning the death of their daughter Annabelle. Yup, this is the origin story of that creepy ass doll. There was something so wholesome about this movie while still keeping it's intended freaky elements. The child actors were incredible in their roles and it really sparked a desire in me to foster or adopt. 

The Purge Anarchy (2014)

Starring: Frank Grillo, Carmen Ejogo, Zach Gilford

As a movie, The Purge has such a cool synopsis. When the first trailer dropped I was so enthusiastic. In a bid to dispense of the lower class, the government has made every crime legal for a 12-hour period each year. I loathed the first movie, it fitted into every cliché possible and good God the characters were insufferable. I hated them all. But then The Purge Anarchy came to save the franchise. The sequel revolves around a group of people who accidentally find themselves outside during The Purge and are thus forced to fight for survival. The characters in this were flawed, diverse, and great. You want them all to survive, which is a miracle when in comparison to the first when I was hoping every single one of them idiots died. I really loved Leo's character in Anarchy and if I'm ever in a situation like this, I want him and Arkin from The Collector with me. 

Scream 3 (2000)

Starring: Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, David Arquette, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Foley, Parker Posey

Scream was one of the first horror franchises that I remember watching as a child and automatically loving. As it was originally intended to be a trilogy, I think Scream 3 did a wonderful job at wrapping up the story. The twist was surprising and aided in making the story come full circle. Sydney is a scream queen icon and I personally found this to be the movie that put her in the 'bad ass' category. The story within the story aspect of the movie was also really fun and came much more alive in this one with the actors playing Sydney, Dewey, and Gale becoming entwined into the actual characters lives. A whole lot of fun. 

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006) 

Starring: Jordana Brewster, Matt Bomer

Texas Chainsaw is a franchise with so many different remakes or reboots. I've lost count at how many new 'the beginning' movies we've had. Alas, the 2005 is superior in so many ways. It's a great origin story for both leatherface and the family, as I think we can all argue that the sheriff is the real monster. I liked how it only had four actual main characters, meaning that you get more time to grow to care for them without it being a huge cast with the obvious intention of getting a higher kill count. I also found the gore and violence in this movie much more unsettling than the others. 

Are there any movies on this last that you have yet to watch? Let me know! 

What bookworm doesn't want to read for free? Over the past few years I've discovered ways to read books for zero cost that could be beneficial for you too. So, here are all the ways that I read to my hearts content without having to break the piggy bank. Some of these may be available to you, some may not. But hopefully you'll take one nugget of advice from this! 

Little Free Libraries

This is a great way to pick up free books while also unhauling those books that sit on your shelf going untouched. The website LittleFreeLibrary.org offers you the option to find a local place and if you have the money, I fully suggest you buy a little house yourself. Who doesn't want a library at their doorstep? 

Libraries

Speaking of libraries.. I mean, you knew this would be on the list, right? I'm in awe at how many booktubers I watch who don't utilize their library. Libraries are awesome and it's our duty as bookworms to keep them going! When I was a child we couldn't afford a lot of new books so my favourite time of the month was venturing to the library and picking out way too many books to read. You'd be surprised at how many newly released books libraries have to offer nowadays, especially those that have a "Lucky Day!" section which involves a ton of very new books that you can borrow two at a time and not renew. (I once got Daisy Jones & The Six on the literal US release date.) It keeps the latest books circling without that dreaded backlog. If you aren't a member of your library, go do it once everything opens back up. You won't regret it.

Libby

Libby goes alongside 'libraries' but I don't think people realize that you can download an app through your library that offers you an array of recent (and old) audiobooks and ebooks that can be sent to your kindle. Libby is awesome! They recently started a 'skip the line' option which gives you new releases for 7 days. A great way to get to those hyped books without paying. I'm still unsure as to whether getting a book from the library helps the author in any way, so I make sure to push any books I enjoyed on my bookstagram @BranchingPages or on this very blog.

Libro.fm

Libro is dependent on how many followers you have on social media as you have to surpass 1k to qualify to be a part of their influencer program. It sucks, I know. But hopefully you the reader has that and would enjoy a chose of 6 free audiobooks each month. I only found out about this program/app through Chandler in July and I haven't turned back since. This is truly a great way to widen your reviewing without paying a penny if your accounts are book related. Unlike Net Galley you don't have a deadline to review the audiobooks which makes for a more comfortable reviewing contract. I strongly recommend this if you are applicable. 

Net Galley

So I mentioned Net Galley above and I stand by it. I was always reluctant to join Net Galley as I was afraid of being denied for everything I requested and feeling embarrassed. Alas, there is a whole section that literally offers ebooks to anyone. And I've gotten so many approvals for books that I never in a million years thought I would be "worthy" of. Bite the bullet and join up, the worst that could happen is that you get denied for a few things. But so what? You may be approved for a book that could become your new favourite. Jump the fence and risk it. 

So that's how I'm lucky enough to read current releases for free. Do you have any tips? Let me know! Have any of these tips helped you?

It's the spooooky season which can only mean a Halloween themed tag! For this I was kindly tagged by the wonderful Georgia over at BritVoyage and Emily over at ThatWeirdGirlLife. Both of these women create awesome content so I urge you to go over to both of their blogs and have a read. I'll tag their The Hallober Tag posts at the bottom of this so you can go straight on over. Thanks again, Georgia and Emily! Let's get answering.

Hallotober Rules

1. Thank the person who tagged you and link to their post 
2. Put the rules at the beginning or after introduction
3. Answer the 13 questions 
4. Tag 13 people to do the tag 
5. Delete Question 13, add a new question of your own
6. You are free to use the tag image somewhere in the post

1. What’s your favourite thing about October? 

A few years ago when I lived at a local estate in Wales, I would've said answering the door to trick or treaters. I loved seeing all their little costumes and handing out an array of sugar-fueled joy. Now, however, I live in the middle of nowhere, so I have to instead answer with horror movies. It's always a good time of year to watch a few slashers but the overall atmosphere of Halloween really adds to the watching experience. 

2. Are you a big celebrator of Halloween?

I was when I was in my late teens. But I think it was easier to amerce myself into the Halloween mood when I was able to dress up, answer trick or treaters, and carve pumpkins with my mother.  Nowadays it's hard to separate Halloween from the other 30 days in October. Being an adult sucks, basically.

3. What’s your favourite horror movie?

I've said it a million times before but I have to go with Halloween H20. I watched this for the first time when I was a literal child and it's kept my interest since. Not many movies can do that. If we're talking about a movie I only watch over the Halloween period, then the answer is and always will be Hocus Pocus. I always get emotional over Binx, but who doesn't?

4. Would you rather a cosy night in watching horrors or a big night out in a costume?

This leaves me torn. My hearts says to answer with the 'cosy night in' option but my mind says to be rebellious and say 'big night out'. I guess this comes down to the fact that I've never gone out on Halloween so I feel like I'm missing out on something. Obviously this year isn't going to be the solution to this decision making but hopefully 2021? Despite my hatred of crowds and public interactions, I still want to experience a traditional teen/early 20's Halloween night out. Maybe I'm crazy. Scratch that, I definitely am. How much do you want to bet that I'll still somehow end up home by 9pm with a glass of red wine and Michael on my screen? 

5. Which has been your most favourite costume to date? 

Honestly, I've never done elaborate costumes if it wasn't Christmas time and I was basking in my inner Elf soul. So.. I guess in 2015 when I randomly put together a Wednesday Addams outfit from my literal daily outfit? That year I volunteered at a local Halloween event for under 15's and it was so much fun. Definitely one of my favourite memories. 

6. Bobbing for apples or pin the hat on the witch? 

Seen as I will physically be hurt by apples (medical condition), I guess pin the hat on the witch..? I've never played this but once partook in a 'pin the sticker tail on the donkey' game and failed miserably. Again, I'm so sorry Mother for accidentally putting a sticker on the wallpaper.

7. How do you celebrate Halloween? 

Now I'm married I spend Halloween watching spooky movies, carving pumpkins, ordering pizza, and eating my bodyweight in candy. On the days leading up to Halloween me and my husband do a drinking game while watching Halloween 4&5. How many times does Jamie say Tina? How many times does Rachel say Jamie? How many times do we hear Michaels theme song? How many deaths? It's destructive but oh so fun. I highly recommend. 

8. What’s your least favourite horror? 

Ever? The Halloween Rob Zombie remakes. What a load of crap. I'm still personally offended. 

9. Do you have a favourite trick or treating memory? 

Sadly not. My mother used to kindly throw me Halloween parties and would stay out way too late allowing me to continue Trick or Treating. But I don't have a specific Trick or Treat memory that stays with me. If we're just talking Halloween then I'd have to go with the first year that me and my mother carved pumpkins. In the UK this wasn't a huge tradition until I was in my late teens and FUN. Granted, my mother gagged the moment she smelt the insides of the Pumpkin. But ya know, still fun.

10. What’s your favourite thing about Halloween?

Pumpkins. Pumpkin pie, carving pumpkins, pumpkin spice coffee, pumpkin scented candles, pumpkin patches. All of the pumpkin. I'm basic but thriving at this time of year.

11. Scary costume or Silly costume? 

Silly! I'm totally a Cady Heron.

12. What’s your favourite Halloween candy?

Kit-Kats and Candy Corn. Popcorn is also a must.

Georgia's Question: 13. Have you ever had a paranormal experience?

I regret to say, yes. I've had multiple paranormal experiences over my 24 years. Did I want them? Absolutely not. Maybe I'll write an entire blog post sometimes this month sharing my experiences, is that something you would read? Or too ramble scentric? Let me know!

Emily's Question: 13. Candy corn: Do you love it or hate it?

Love! I think, maybe. It kind of tastes like plastic but as a British gal who always lusted after candy corn until I finally got to try it when I was 18-years-old, it fulfills my childhood Halloween dreams. Now I buy way too many bags for the duration of October and instantly regret that choice after the first. Yay...?

My Questions:

1. What’s your favourite thing about October?
2.  Are you a big celebrator of Halloween?
3. What’s your favourite horror movie?
4. Would you rather a cosy night in watching horrors or a big night out in a costume?
5. Which has been your most favourite costume to date?
6. Bobbing for apples or pin the hat on the witch?
7. How do you celebrate Halloween?
8. What’s your least favourite horror?
9. Do you have a favourite trick or treating memory?
10. What’s your favourite thing about Halloween?
11. Scary costume or Silly costume?
12. What’s your favourite Halloween candy?
13. You're attending a fancy smancy Halloween party. Money is no issue, what costume do you choose?

Hallotober Nominees: 

1. Bill @ Billiam The Nerd
2. Sophie @ soinspo
3. Mercedes @  mercedes-stampinglife
4. Imogen @ Imogens Typewriter
5. Saph @ Simply Saph
6. Liza @ The Inharmonious Heroine
7. Kim @ Chimmyville
8. Anna @ Anna-Alina
9. Eloise @ Eloise Writes
10. Emma @ Lipgloss and Curves
11. Melina @ melinaelisa
12. Meagan @ Quibbles and Scribbles
13. Louisa @ Petals, Paws andpages

Felix Love has never been in love. He wants to, but struggles to find himself worthy of such a beautiful thing. Despite being proud of his identity, Felix also secretly fears that he's one marginalization too many- black, queer, and transgender - to ever get his own happily-ever-after. When someone in his school puts up a gallery wall of Felix's past identity and starts harassing the teenager online, Felix creates a fake Instagram account in a bid to find the perp. Through this, changes begin to happen in Felix's life. As the teen navigates his complicated feelings, Felix begins a journey of questioning and self-discovery that helps redefine his most important relationship: how he feels about himself.

This book was an eye-opening read for me. I can't comment on the rep for transgender teens, however, through Felix Ever After I was taught so many things about the process of transitioning and the issues that can arise after. The doubts, family problems, and decisions that come with going through such a huge life change. It has never crossed my mind that some people might question their choices after they've already made the leap in transitioning, now I realize how small-minded of me that was. So, thank you Kacen Callender for teaching me. I learned about deadnaming someone, which is a term I had never heard of before reading about it in Felix. I was shocked that people would ever do such a thing, but at this point, I shouldn't be surprised how brutal some humans can be. (Check out this article if you're interested in reading more on this) I guess what I'm trying to say is, this book was very educational and I think it's awesome that it's now out in the world for future teens to read and hopefully see themselves in Felix. Books should always offer comfort and this one is most definitely going to save someone's sanity. That's priceless. 

My main struggle with the book was that I often found it repetitive in the way that Felix explained the same things over and over to us. I wish the side characters had more page time as I think the story would've benefited from Felix interacting with them without it seeming to constantly be during a drama led day - especially with his dad. I liked the growth of their relationship throughout the book, but I so often wanted to yell at Felix to ask how his dad is doing during their one-sided conversations. Felix clearly had so much heart, but it never felt like he let the reader all the way in. Was that intentional by the author? I don't know. But it left me wanting more. More conversations, more pages, more of Felix.

This book had so many layers to uncover that we'd be here all day if I gave you my individual thoughts on all of them. It was a beautiful YA novel about an issue that we should all be more educated on. Does this book have the potential to save someone? Yes. What more can you say about a book like that?

Read this and be in awe of it's brutal honesty, candid beauty, and heart. Felix is a great protagonist who reads as a rainbow of colors. He will ink his way onto your heart.

Is this on your TBR?

So, I kind of went on a book series binge. Shocking, I know. September was a rough reading month for me. I was fighting off a reading slump for most of it and I had absolutely no motivation to pick up books. So I did the only plausible thing to do when that happens and picked up a book that I knew was going to be kinda trashy but fun to read. I was hoping to be swept up into a YA dystopian novel that kept my interest long enough for me to actually finish something. And guess what? I ended up reading the entire The Selection trilogy! Who am I? 

The Selection series by Keira Cass is basically The Bachelor in a dystopian world. It is mandatory for Prince Maxon to choose his future wife through a competition 'The Selection' wherein thirty-five girls from different backgrounds are prepared to fight for his love. For America Singer, a poor girl with her own true love at home, this is an opportunity to get her family higher up the social ladder and send them much needed money. What America doesn't expect is to slowly fall for the misunderstood prince.

I won't discuss the entire events of the sequels as it's pretty obvious from both the covers and titles where the story goes. As mentioned above, this is a cliché story that you will likely guess the order of. However, and that's a big however, this was so much fun. I've never watched an episode of The Bachelor but if it's anything like this trilogy, golly gosh. The Elite follows on with The Selection itself as the competition goes down to six girls. The One has four girls. I actually didn't expect the entire trilogy to be about the competition, I figured the prince would choose America at the end of the first book and from there we'd read about America's time adjusting to being a princess. Instead we had a lengthy Selection with, not one, but two love triangles. 

The main love triangle is between America, Maxon, and Aspen (the boy from home). In the first book it was actually done alright. I didn't feel a personal tug to either 'team', but it was an overall understandable triangle. It surprised me. However, then we got to book two. More to come on that soon.

As a YA protagonist America was.. okay. I liked her in The Selection. She seemed to have a strong head on her shoulders and showed compassion to so many of the "lesser" characters. I enjoyed her interactions with her personal maids and her friendship with one of the girls grew very strong throughout the duration of the book. Basically, I liked that her story didn't start and end with the prince. However, in The Elite she was insufferable. I've never read about a more flippant character in all my life (and I've read Sarah J Mass and Stephenie Meyer!) It felt like the chapters were out of order as she'd be so certain in her choice and then suddenly at the beginning of the next chapter she'd be aching for someone else. It didn't make sense, at all. Have you ever read a YA contemporary written by two different people? Like What About Us? or Yes, No, Maybe So? It felt like that. Almost as though two authors were silently battling as to who America would end up with so they kept changing the story. I hated it. 

Negative, right? However, then I started The One. This was the superior book of the trilogy by far. All the characters seemed to shine in this one. There was so much growth that it confused me as to why Keira Cass didn't do it sooner. Her writing was much, much better and there was a lot of depth in the story without it being just a black/white love story. Throughout the series you're told about rebels who break into the palace and plan to overthrow the kingdom. That story seemed to be the front and center of The One which made for a better book. America's biggest relationship in The One is with her family and, I mean, when don't we want to support a family driven girl? 

The highlight of trilogy for me was the relationship between America and her Father, a kind but intelligent man who you wanted to hug. (side note: I also really liked how America seemed to have a healthy relationship with her family throughout the entire series. Her older brother was a jackass but was out of their lives. Her mum seemed to care about America's wellbeing, her dad was her rock, and her sister was a pure ray of sunshine. It's a very rare thing to see that in a YA romance.) My other favourite thing (and my favourite character) was Celeste. What an utter bitch but in a Blair Waldorf/Petra Solano way. A #queen!

All in all, I'd give the series a 3.75 out of 5 rating. It was a lot of fun and the three books really did read like one long novel. 

If they're on your TBR, give them a try. If you enjoyed The Selection but want to DNF The Elite, stick with it. The One is worth it. I know the series continued with two more books surrounding a new Selection but I'm going to keep them aside for my next reading slump. I already know it'll work wonders.