REVIEW; 500 Days, by Jessica Miller

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Drama

Recommend: No

SPOILERISH

Summary:

Casper is a musician and has one night stands. But he can't get one girl out of his head from New Year's. 

Alex doesn't entertain any men. Raised by four protective brothers, she learned how to fight and be tough. But deep down she wants to be treated like a girl and experience things every other girl does. 

As their paths cross they're faced with a mix of hatred and love. They can't stand each other, but yet they can't stay away. Persistant to fight against their wants, will they see it through and overcome their own fears and demons?

My Thoughts:

Firstly, the cover... I really dislike it. It looks like a bad stock image edited in Word and it's difficult to read. Having an appealing cover is something I love in a book and this just didn't work. If I had come across this in a list in Goodreads etc, I doubt I'd click on it - it doesn't give any inclination into what genre/type of book this is meant to be. 

Names: One of the first thing that I spotted in this were the choice of names... Jaxson, Jasper, Jack, Jacob - four brothers. Add on a Jared into the mix somewhere... Then in another family unit there's Casper, Cayden, CiCi, Candace and Charles, and throw in a friend Colton. Seriously - what the hell? This bothered me so much as it was just so unrealistic, especially as it was both with the letters J and C and not just in a singular case. Then the main girl was called Alex (cool) and her friend was Declan... Now, I have no issue against going against defying gender specific names - but it was like every character had to have a quirky name! Why? 


Editing: There was none... or if there was then Miller needs to fire her editor and get a new one. To say this was a painful read due to the editing is an understatement. From the start it was plagued with errors; punctuation, mixing of tenses, incorrect/bad grammar. 

"He thanked me for the offer but decided to go surprise Jaxson now."- tense change.

"I'm glad your home" - That pained me to even write.

Sadly, this standard permeated the whole read. I am a Grammar Nazi and do make mistakes myself and understand they can be hard to spot - but the amount in this was just unacceptable. Also, Mobi format needs A LOT of work. The text sizes changed mid paragraph from this to something like this and it just pained my eyes.


Characters: UGH! Okay, to begin with there were way too many. Alex did not need those four brothers. Really, she needed one, two max. Casper's family - wtf? They were totally irrelevant and I couldn't follow ANY of their family conversations and there were just too many names (beginning with C) and no character depth or description to identify who was who. Everyone was just thrown at us in one go and the reader was expected to just jump on board and know immediately everyone inside out. Which brings me onto character development. This is a huge must for me in a novel. I want to feel like I really know them and understand them but there was none of that. Every. Single. Person. In this was one dimensional. They had no depth whatsoever and no building or development. 


Alexis: What a bitch! Was the intention to hate the main female in this book? She was so unlikable from the get go. She had herself so high on a pedestal and judged and stereotyped every single guy she met and as she felt they were judging her. Hypo. Crite. 

"Guys didn't use me. I used them."

Wow. What a tough girl, Alex. Or, you know... What a bitch! She hated on guys that wanted one night stands (even though the girl was willing in the first place so, slut shaming much?) But yet she played a much more manipulative game of purposely using guys regardless of whether they knew the deal or not.

"Better to be the heartbreaker than the one who gets their heart broken" 

This is 50/50. One way, I understand the point the author tried to get across - it's all a defense mechanism. But nothing gives you the excuse to purposely hurt people. Just no.


Casper: Meh. He's nowhere near the Book Boyfriend list. He's just boring and bland. Typical young guy who just wants satisfaction. He has no redeeming factors to make you feel for him or want him to get Alex or anything. It's just impossible to feel anything for any of them. He was a victim of Insta-Love and if you've read any of my previous reviews, you will know this automatically means you lose a star in the rating. IT'S SUCH BULL! The whole damn book is just him moaning about wanting her, not wanting her, wanting her again. 


Writing: The writing in this wasn't too great. Moving on from the grammar etc, it wasn't thought out well or executed properly. It was nigh on impossible to follow the mind-numbing conversations and it rarely said who was speaking and following person A speaking, it'd list person B's actions, and it just got hard to follow. The same conversations were repeated again and again and again and again... I've never seen the one point been dragged out so much. 

 "Alex swayed her hips to the beat and swung her arms in the air."

This is to show just how unoriginal everything is. Generic overused sayings are implemented instead of trying to describe her dancing in any imaginative or unique way.  The portrayal of every action just lacked any emotion or feeling and it all just fell flat. 

"Our dad died when we were young and our mom, well, she had to go away for a while. Jack stepped in and took over the role of both parents, and shopping for a girl was not something he knew how to do." 

This really annoyed me. I always commend Show Not Tell. This just felt like being face slapped with a big piece of information and it didn't fit in with Alex telling this to the reader. We aren't a character in the book so why is she hesitant to reveal information? This should have slowly emerged throughout a conversation with another character and not stringing the reader along. 

Overall: 

I really don't like posting bad reviews but I need to be honest. This was just a wreck. I'm so sorry and maybe it just wasn't for me as it has gotten some great reviews. I just couldn't connect or become invested in any aspect of this and in the end gave up towards the latter end. 

Thanks to the author for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review. I'm sorry it didn't work out.

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REVIEW; Just a Few Inches, by Tara St. Pierre

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Drama

Recommend: Yes

SOME SPOILERS

Summary:

Carrie wants to fit into The Dress. It's less than a week until the Valentine's Dance and Carrie has the perfect dress to woo her boyfriend, but she needs to she a few pounds to fit comfortably and look the part. Resorting to the pull of diet pills, Carrie decides they're worth the shot to lose a few inches.

As the dance approaches, Carrie notices results when trying on her dress. Ceasing to take the pills as she has reached here desired level, everything has worked out... or so she thought. Carrie soon realises her height has been what's been reducing, causing her weight loss. 

Forced to come clean to her parents, her life is changed forever after one insecure decision. Battling losing an inch a day, Carrie sees life from a whole new level, and doesn't know when it'll stop...

My Thoughts:

I really loved the idea of this novel. The blurb drew me in as it dealt with such a common and serious issue, in a clever way with some humour and imagination.


Carrie: She was a great lead character and dealt with an issue many females can relate to. Her change of attitude and growth ~ lol ~ throughout the story was extremely admirable and enlightening. She resorts to the diet pills early on due to her insecurities that she's not good enough physically, and needs to change her appearance to be worthy of keeping her boyfriend or being anyone significant. As she goes through her shrinking and physical change, she slowly realises that nearly everyone wants to change something about them and very few are happy in themselves, a sad revelation really. By the end, both in her narration and blog, she really pushes that we are who we are and only have one body so just embrace it. There's nothing wrong with wanting to healthily improve aspects, but it shouldn't be anyone's main concern. 

Theme: This novel really works due to the deep and crucial theme that’s dealt with. It’s definitely one I can really relate to and its execution is probably one of the best. By incorporating the theme into a sci-fi, original and humorous manner, it subtly delivers a message of great importance. The media and inherent competition and envy has made nearly everyone to focus on the negatives of their body and what they deem “wrong” or in need of change by comparing themselves to other people, that are built differently and have different genetics, and to photo-shopped airbrushed pictures published by the media. In a world where perfection is glorified and want of a constant youthful appearance creating a mutli-billion industry, growing up we are subject to believing we can’t embrace our natural selves. This novel really portrays that everyone is different and whilst we can’t help but compare ourselves to others, we need to put our own body’s abilities first make sure we take care of our one body.

Story: As already said, this was also a great story if not looking too deep. It was definitely an original take on insecurities and self-image issues. Carrie gets down to being only 6 inches and it’s a captivating read as regular household objects prove to be of a lethal danger or troublesome to operate. There was great thought put into working out what actions we tend to overlook or take for granted, prove to be of great effort if we are to be smaller, e.g. reaching a doorknob or even operating a phone or keyboard. Add in a domestic pet that’s bigger than you, and the real danger is imminent.

Characters: The characters in this were well developed and realistic. I really liked watching the role Carrie’s two best friends played; Lauren and Trish. At first, I didn’t like Lauren much as I felt she wasn’t too supportive of Carrie and wasn’t too sympathetic towards what was happening. But really, she was probably the better friend as Trish acted like her publicity manager. Lauren actually cared for Carrie’s well-being from the get go, advising her against the pills from the start. She was described as curvy and not thin, but yet she had no want to change for the approval of others. Evan was beautiful; he clearly cared for Carrie at the beginning, before she started to change and he was such a crutch as she battled her issue. Whilst everyone focused on the change she was enduring, he helped her see that nothing else was changing and she was still the same gorgeous person he wanted to be around. 

Pace: Majority of the time, the pace was spot on in this. However, the shrinking began within the initial 20%, making me wonder where the story would lead. Whilst the story didn't drag, it did seem to reach the main point quite quickly as it slowly built up to the ending. Which brings me to the ending... there was a great high point towards the end where Carrie faces a danger holds great suspense, but the ending was a little bit of a let down. It seemed a little sudden and rushed to cap off the story, after such a good build up and preceeding content.

Overall: 

I would definitely recommend this so all NA/ YA/ teens. It holds such a powerful message, whilst highlighting the dangers of becoming obsessed with your appearance - albeit in a more sci-fi manner but there's emphasis on the mental aspect too. It was a great piece of original work and I loved reading it.

Thank you to the author for allowing me read this in exchange for an honest review! 

Goodreads

REVIEW; Fallen Too Far (Rosemary Beach #1), by Abbi Glines

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Drama

Recommend: Yes

SPOILER-FREE

Summary:

Blair Wynn is 19 and off to live with her father after her mother's death. He walked out on her a number of years back and she'd do anything to not have to see him again. 

Leaving Alabama for Florida, she meets her new stepbrother- Rush Finlay. Forced to stay with him as her father travels with his new wife, Rush has very little regard for Blair as she occupies the room under the stairs. 

But soon, Blair starts to seek Rush's attention and approval. And he can't deny his protective flair for her. He doesn't do relationships, but he can't ignore the strong attraction as secrets and drama threaten to ruin everything they know.

My Thoughts:

I put off reading this for ages simply as I didn't like the cover! Just seemed too cliche for my liking. However, I was pleasantly surprised and immediately drawn into this story. 


Blair: I love her! Right in the beginning she pulls a gun on someone - she's not weak or a damsel in distress and can clearly take care of herself. She doesn't even swoon too much over Rush, but just minds her own and stays in under the stairs without complaint. She allowed Rush be the player he is and didn't pine or act like a desperate puppy. She's lost all the family she knew and isn't eager to get close to anyone else. 


Rush: BOOK BOYFRIEND ALERT! Typical player/bad boy with a history and a suitcase of secrets. He immediately puts up walls to Blair and tries to keep her far away where she can dislike him. He soon realises they have things in common and her gentle and innocent nature gets in under his skin. But he thinks he's broken and doesn't want to harm Blair and I love how he has a deep sensitive side in how he cares for her in his own warped way. He is battling his own demons and has to balance them with his feelings for her.


Characters: Starting with Woods, he's cool- I liked him. He was extremely flirtatious but also harbours a love for Blair and looks out for her. Then Nan- she's such a bitch but creates a good drama and is clearly fundamental to the plot. Bethy is such a cute best friend and so good to Blair. All of the characters were woven brilliantly into this story - they all had a definite purpose and distinct personalities. 


Story: I loved it at the beginning, then felt it lulled a bit, and then ended on a high. The relationship between Rush and Blair was so exciting to watch develop. There was a great balance of tension and chemistry between the two. The plot twists and drama in this were immense - by the end I was so invested in everything and wanted to know what was being kept from Blair so badly! Thankfully, I'd the second book to go straight onto - so after getting over the cliffhanger, I could immediately continue the emotional rollercoaster!

Overall: 

I recommend this to anyone who loves NA/YA romance with a baggage of emotion and drama. It's an addictive love story with so many plot twists and it'll have you crying, laughing and screaming! And my condolences to anyone who doesn't have the second book to cure the heartache at the end! 

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REVIEW; Jaded (Rock Star Trilogy #1), by Mercy Amare

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Drama

Recommend: Yes

SPOILER-FREE

Summary:

19 y/o Scarlett Ryan is a famous rock star since the age of 15. Having had enough of her controlling manager/father, she decides she wants to graduate high-school. Going to the town of Hope, she aims to lead a normal life away from LA.

Here, she meets Ethan and Stephan, stepbrothers, and befriends the two. Gradually getting closer to Stephan, she believes living a normal life may actually be possible.

But then more family secrets are revealed and Scarlett's life changes again. Just when she feels she has control over everything, more drama rocks her world, and she questions whether she'll ever be suitable for a "normal" life.

My Thoughts:

Alright, so I've read and reviewed the first installment of The Kihanna Saga by Mercy Amare and hated it. I was unsure as to whether I wanted to give Amare another chance, due to the nature of the negatives in that book... But, this first installment was free so I thought, what can I lose? 

And it was worth it. 


Scarlett: At first she seems so stuck up, but in her efforts to blend in, she is hilarious. I couldn't help but laugh along at her attempts to be normal. Despite having had four years of huge fame, she was still so grounded and likable. Her reaction to Stephan at the start was funky and as she began to let him in, it was great watching their relationship flourish. The great thing about her was that she had flaws, and selfish tendencies, but it all worked and she appeared plausible entirely. 


Stephan: This guy - he earned the book a star alone. He was a great character from the start, with a great sense of humour. He has a great balance of seeming like a bad boy but being a genuine sweetheart deep down. He's not overwhelmed by Scarlett's fame or reputation and you can see that he's not using her. He too has his own secrets and history, and the small clues and discoveries are dotted perfectly throughout the story.


Story: This was a cute but dramatic story and plot. It went beyond your usual high-school love story and the drama worked in this. At times it did seem a bit over the top, but overall, it did work. There were good twists with Scarlett's family story that kept my interest. I liked the addition of the cars too. I'm a car girl and I appreciated the detail about them and the added bit of drama with the racing Stephan was a part of. (Also, Paul Walker is mentioned in this... sad times!)


Writing: Okay, there were some errors dotted along the way and certain facts were wrong. (Thor not a Greek God). But really, I didn't care with this. I raced through this and both laughed and wanted to throw my Kindle off a wall. The chapter names annoyed me as they just weren't necessary - but that's trivial.


Ending: WHAAAAAAT?!? C'MON SCARLETT. Safe to say I DID. NOT. LIKE. THE. ENDING. But hey, I guess cliffhangers is what makes you continue the story. But whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!! I'm excited to continue this series and find out what  happens!

Overall: 

I loved this. I'm glad I gave Mercy Amare another chance and I'm so happy this was a success. With "The Fab Life" a lot of my issues were to do with the writing and content, and I worried I'd have the same problems. Honestly, it feels like this was written by an entirely different author. I would so recommend this to YA/NA. Definitely a series I plan to continue.

Goodreads 
Amazon UK
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REVIEW; The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window, by Kirsty Moseley

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Drama

Recommend: Yes

SPOILER-FREE

Summary:

Amber and Jake Walker have an abusive father. One night when Amber is crying, Jake's best friend Liam spots her from his room, and goes to comfort her. For eight years Liam goes to her every night, to sleep with her as a comfort blanket. But both can't sleep without the other. 

When Amber is 16, she finally notices her feelings for Liam, as he admits he's always loved her. But Amber is still scarred deeply from her father's actions, and Jake does not want his best friend dating his sister. 

The pair embark on a rollercoaster relationship, that is set to face bigger obstacles than Amber could've imagined. Especially when her father isn't totally out of the picture as she had hoped. 

My Thoughts:

I've had this in my wishlist for about two years as the cheesy title always put me off. As it turns out, I should've read it two years ago as it is definitely more for YA than NA. 

Amber: I really don't know how to feel about her. I sympathised at the start of the story but her "scarring" didn't seem so real. She hated to be touched but yet had no issue with Liam sleeping with her every night and holding her? Okay, so I'll allow that he was comforting her at the start so she grew up with his hold, so that may be understandable. But then she purposely dressed in a short skirt to show off her legs etc for attention? Doesn't seem like the actions of someone that had been abused and molested. There wasn't much focus on the actual psychological scarring she was meant to have suffered, apart for her dislike to being touched. In every situation some guy comes on to her, and when one forces himself and kisses her, she's not upset because it triggers memories- no, she's upset because he stole her first kiss. *rolls eyes* 

Liam: He seems cool, sort of. But a typical 18y/o "hot" guy that everyone pines after. I didn't like the double act with him and Amber. In the day he was a player, but night time he went to her and comforted her. I just can't comprehend how she could let him in every night to be that close, and not feel anything for years and let him after he was an ass to her in the day. It was the whole "boys are mean to you because they like you thing," and it seemed so childish. 

Story: Overall, there was a substantial story and I did read the book quite quickly. It would've been better if it weren't so childlike, but maybe that's the target audience. After pages of cheesy flirting, there was little to no sexual content in detail, making me presume it is for young teens. But even still, it didn't take Amber long to make the plunge with Liam, even solely for being 16, never mind the abuse on top of that. I think the whole story line and subplots that I don't want to give away, would've been more suited if they were 20 and 18 rather than what they were. I didn't like how they sought their revenge either. As spoiler free as I can say it- they should've called the police back when Amber was 13 rather than letting her father roam free and possibly target others.

Overall: 

I'm torn with this book. It had tons of potential and I did really enjoy it. It just wasn't executed brilliantly. I think I would have loved it a lot more had I been younger, and more into swoony young romance, but being older it was just "meh." I would recommend this book though, but to younger adults/teens rather than the mature reader. It's still an exciting and dramatic read regardless.

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