tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74426538344952323702024-03-14T15:35:42.647+00:00{ ⊱Aoibh Reads⊰ }"Happiness is a cup of coffee and a good book!" ♥
New Review Every SaturdayUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-1568221670373657112017-11-25T13:00:00.000+00:002017-11-25T13:00:00.280+00:00REVIEW; TEN: My Brother's Best Friend (Men by Numbers #1), by Ker Dukey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Recommend:</u> Meh</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Book 1</b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Alex fell for her brother's friend, Dalton, as soon as she saw him move in across the street. She was only 10. As they grew up, he promised her they would get married and Alex clung onto this, keeping their feelings secret from her brother, Jonah. But Jonah was breaking laws, dabbling with drugs, and with a sheriff father, Jonah often got out of trouble as Dalton would take the fall. Years later, Alex has to return to town for her father's funeral, having not spoken to Dalton or Jonah since the night Jonah found about them. Dalton hates Alex for ruining his life, but Alex has to find out why. </i></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Thoughts:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This was a much quicker read than I had expected, I'd say under the 2 hours to complete and possibly that's why I don't feel that positive about it. The story flips between the POV of Alex and Dalton, and then within that changes between the present and past. I liked the changing of time frame, as we got an insight into their young, blossoming love along with Jonah's protective streak, alongside their current hateful relationship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Alex:</i></b> I wish she'd been a little bit stronger against Dalton. Their first time together in the present, I hated and wished didn't happen. Dalton was being an ass to her, and she just let him. I understand it was meant to signify how much she loved him, but all it showed was that she loved him more than she respected herself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Dalton:</i></b> I didn't love him (Six, though...swoooon).<b> I don't think I will ever understand a character who is madly, blindly in love, and straightaway assumes the worst about that person</b> - without even clarifying. Now, if you've been given hints and reasons to be jealous, usually jumping to conclusions is natural. But he had years of proof that Alex loved him. And he had oodles of proof that Jonah was getting involved with dodgy dealings. But yet he automatically thinks Alex is part of what got him arrested, and <i>doesn't even ask her about it</i>. Not only that, but then in the present, he stands back and watches her be physically assaulted - by a male! - because she's back in town. No. That is not cool. Granted, he changes his tune pretty quickly when he learns the truth, but perhaps he should have used his noggin and tried to discover the truth a little earlier...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Alex then, weak as ever, totally forgave him at the drop of a hat. I know the whole premise of this was how true love never ends, and you can't love another person once someone else has your heart. But where's the whole part about loving yourself as well? Protecting yourself? Sometimes, loving someone with all your heart, means walking away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">There were a LOT of secrets revealed, allowing for twists. But I couldn't feel all the drama was just kids in a playground. Alex barely survived attack after attack, and the assaults were pretty brutal. But I couldn't feel the fear. I didn't feel like I was reading about drug lords. They all seemed too dumb and brute to have got away with what they had. </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>This was a decent quick read. There was a lot of angst, and miscommunication acting as a major plot device. There are a good few twists and the underlying story is an addictive one. </b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-36912873542157144582017-11-18T13:00:00.000+00:002017-11-18T13:00:00.167+00:00REVIEW; Easy (Contours of the Heart #1), by Tammara Webber<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Romance</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Recommend:</u> Yes</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Book 1</b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Jacqueline's passion was music, but she foolishly followed her high school boyfriend to his state university, only to be dumped soon later. When one of his friends attacks her, mysterious Lucas saves her. He sits at the back of her classes, always with his head down and busy doodling.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>After falling behind in class following her break-up, Jacqueline has to receive help from a tutor by email, Landon, who appears to be crossing the lines of tutor/student boundaries. Jacqueline has to work around her new stalker, Lucas' secrets and Landon's identity. </i></span></div>
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I've had this on my wishlist since 2014... so three years later I finally got to read it and I was not disappointed. I always worry that books I marked years ago will no longer be relevant or I'd find too young for me now, especially as the characters in this were younger than me.</div>
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<b><i>Jacqueline:</i></b> Immediately we meet her at the party before she gets attacked. She is quite a strong character, persevering to get a second chance at making up her grade for one. I think she will stand as being quite an empowering character for younger women. When she gets attacked, she tries to just bury it all. But her friend enlists her in self defense classes so she can feel safe. Following another assault, Jacqueline pairs up to report the rapist and Webber highlights how society tend to react when it's a person with status or money behind them. I feel one of the most important scenes was the Sorority taking charge to build a case against him and stand up for the targeted girls, disregarding reputation. </div>
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<b><i>Story:</i></b> This was a fantastic story. Never once did it come across as a damsel in distress story; with a good few twists involving characters and their history. The pacing was brilliant, there was always something of suspense to keep me reading and guessing as to what would be the outcome. </div>
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I don't think much more should be said as it would give more of the plot away, and I believe it should be enjoyed with little known. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>This did not disappoint after waiting 3 years to read. A fantastic, heart-wrenching tale of love and heart-break, and the social status game that permeates society. </b></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-68157568475067427192017-11-11T13:00:00.000+00:002017-11-11T13:00:00.197+00:00REVIEW; Pushing The Limits, by Katie McGarry<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="10194514" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1322770025l/10194514.jpg" width="264" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><u style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Rating:</b></u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ★</span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Romance</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Book 1</b></h3>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Echo Emerson has lost her brother. Her mother is not around. She ended things with her boyfriend and now wears long sleeves, ending her social game completely. She plummeted from popularity to a nobody. All she wants to know is what happened the night she got her scars, the scars everyone is intimidated by. Noah lost his parents in a fire and is fighting for custody over his younger brothers. Attending the same counsellor, Noah and Echo strike up an unlikely friendship, as they help each other to gain the answers they need. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The fact we know going into this book that Echo has scars, signifies it's going to be a heavy read, but I was not expecting it to be as gut-punching. Like, WOW. It was dual POV, switching between Echo and Noah throughout.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Echo:</b></i> We meet Echo in a counselling meeting with her useless father and his new wife. She wears long sleeves to hide her scars, and she has plummeted in social status. I think she was an extremely interesting character and there was a lot to do with self acceptance. She hid her scars as everyone else would wonder/comment/stare, but as Grace pointed out, Echo was repulsed by them also and shouldn't care what other people thought. It was all an interesting dilemma. She was definitely a character with great determination and knew her worth. She didn't fall under Noah's spell when he outlined their life together, instead she knew what he was actually thinking and stood up for herself. Bravo! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Noah: </i></b>Noah also attends counselling but he wants custody of his two younger brothers. Initially, he has no time for Echo until he realises they can help each other and before long he wants her. He doesn't do relationships and I loved that he didn't just switch for her. He had the internal struggle of did he just want her or did he want a life with her. It wasn't insta-love, insta-change. There's tons of character development for Noah, as he morphs from a hot-headed guy to an understanding, loving man who could set aside his feelings for others, and accept he can love others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This is not a light read, and I had tears more than once, which is rare for me. I don't often get emotionally affected by reading, but this story really got under my skin. The pain that Echo has endured, emotionally more so than physically, is just unbelievable. We think we know what has happened and yet there's more secrets uncovered as her world just falls apart, bit by bit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">My heart grieved for both Echo and Noah. What struck me though is there was very little of the unnecessary drama... so a lot of the time a MC would assume something about their love interest, being a catalyst for drama and keeping the plot turning. However, the plot surrounding the pair just wanting their own truths sufficed, and there was very little petty, unwarranted drama, which I really applaud. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>If you're looking for an emotional rollercoaster that will have you ugly cry, work its way under your skin so you're reading by candlelight (lamp), this is definitely for you. I'll remember this story for a long time. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194514-pushing-the-limits">Goodreads</a> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-71850852005251367452017-11-04T13:00:00.000+00:002017-11-04T13:00:00.242+00:00REVIEW; Illicit, by Ava Harrison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Contemporary </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Lynn leaves a party to get some fresh air on the beach after catching her boyfriend cheat on her. Carson leaves the same party to get space from everyone. Two strangers both finding solace on the same beach, staring at the night sky and bonding over the constellations. What turns into a wonderful night of passion, is soon tainted when Lynn turns up to class and finds Carson as her teacher, Mr Blake. They have an unimaginable amount of chemistry, but both know they can't revisit that night while she remains his student. </i></span></div>
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I loooooove student/teacher romances to find out how different authors portray the taboo relationship and how it all develops. I think straight away there is such a strong boundary between right and wrong in society's eyes, and I love reading how that boundary turns grey between characters. </div>
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<b><i>Lynn: </i></b>Poor Lynn catches her boyfriend cheating on her, and she goes to the beach for some space. When mysterious and charming Carson joins her, the two form a bond over constellation talk, which soon leads to swimming together and doing the deed. Lynn expects it to be a one-night stand and part of her healing process. But, she was held back a year and is still in high school. Her parents are divorced and she is left living with her evil bitch mother, as her dad stays away and pretty much ignores her calls. Thankfully, Lynn has her best friend. </div>
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<b><i>Carson:</i></b> Bless him. Straight away when he realised Lynn would be a student he tried to do the right thing and get her to change classes. It was clear from that start that he was uncomfortable and it showed he had a conscience. But as he learns more about Lynn's life, they can't stay away and so the most wonderful forbidden romance ensues!</div>
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<b><i>Story:</i></b> There was a lot more going on than just a student/teacher romance. I think it was really beautifully written and Harrison addressed some serious issues and also didn't romanticize them at all (yay!). She includes a huge emphasis on counselling and seeking professional help for various issues and it's refreshing to read a serious topic being treated that way and not just thrown into a story for the lols. As for other drama... well it all added up for a good read. I felt the subplots were woven really well together with the main plot and it all seamlessly flowed as the drama intensified. </div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This was a highly addictive, dramatic read about a forbidden relationship and the stakes of being in love. It deals with some heavy topics and about healing and recovery. A beautiful story! </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34807867-illicit">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-73674744649397745912017-10-28T13:00:00.000+01:002017-10-28T13:00:00.284+01:00REVIEW; Frosh: First Blush (Frosh #1), by Monica B Wagner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Contemporary, Young Adult</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Book 1</b></h3>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>At Hillson University the drama is like no other; Ellie, an aspiring journalist, will learn just what it means to "do what you need to do to get the story". Grant is a star football player trying to live up to everyone's expectations. Devon is Queen Bee, and will stop at nothing to get Grant and parade him around on her arm. And then Charlie is about to change his nerdy, shy attitude in order to catch Devon's attention. What could go wrong? </i></span></div>
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I quite enjoy books that move between a lot of POV's. In this case the story revolves around the four main characters - Ellie, Grant, Devon and Charlie. It reminds me of reading series like <i>The It Girl</i> about 7-8 years ago. </div>
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I think a main thing to note from the start, is that this is rather predictable. Nothing really happened that was a huge shock or was a twist, so if that's what you're looking for, keep looking. But it does serve for a good light summer read that I read in one day. </div>
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<b><i>Ellie:</i></b> She is a typical innocent and fresh heroine, starting university with high hopes and dating not on her agenda. I feel she was a little weak though. It all felt too convenient, with how Tanner instantly took a shine to her (although there were other reasons) before he even knew who she was and simultaneously Grant also noted her as a woman of interest quite early on. But why do these heroines always have to be so naive and dis-trusting. I'm so tired of a heroine seeing/hearing something and totally jumping to conclusions. I understand there is need to keep a plot turning, but can authors not think of other ways? Like, I really felt sorry for Grant because she was pretty cruel to him, even if it was out of defense, she still didn't even allow him a chance to explain his side of anything, and that to me is such a frustrating trait. </div>
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<b><i>Characters:</i></b> There were a lot of characters in this, with their own agendas, and at times I did get confused with the secondary characters and how they were all inter-related with different main characters. But they all had a substantial difference to them, so every character felt like they served purpose and were distinct. I enjoyed the suspense and secrets surrounding Devon's drama and uncovering her family secrets. I really liked Charlie though. He was such an adorable character and I always loved reading about his nerdy t-shirts. I think he was the one I felt for most and was really rooting for, being the underdog and letting Devon treat him like shit but then he'd stand up for himself and it would be amazing! </div>
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I don't really like when there is cheating in books, and there wasn't really in this, but the love triangles gave me a headache. Ellie liked Grant, but also Tanner liked Ellie. Charlie liked Devon who was after Grant. Then Grant went out with Devon and Ellie with Tanner and it was just a bit messy for my liking. Appeared more like high school drama than university... </div>
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I read a similar review that actually mentioned legal drinking age and I feel that's a really good point. At this point, all the characters are underage as per American law. Whereas in Ireland (where I grew up) and the UK (where I now go to Uni) the legal age is 18. So by the time I got to uni I was already 18, and one of the youngest in my year, and most people had those rebellious alcoholic years behind them (save a few dodgy nights!) but on a whole, most people drink responsibly so the drama levels are not the same. </div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sure a lot of NA readers would enjoy this, but personally feel it's more suited at YA due to the maturity levels and drama. I can't really relate to the characters and the scheming as being that of 18+. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25154047-frosh">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-37074509896790120702017-10-21T13:00:00.000+01:002017-10-21T13:00:00.194+01:00REVIEW; Home Tears, by Tijan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1480302360l/33135499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1480302360l/33135499.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Contemporary </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Dani has just returned to her home town, after everyone believing she had died. The love of her life had left her for her sister so she left for 10 years. When she returns, her family aren't overjoyed to see her except for her Aunt who gives her a place to stay. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Jonah, a bad boy back in high school, befriends Dani, and the two begin to test the waters of a relationship. But the more time spent back home, Dani begins to uncover some hard truths about her family and she wonders if she was better off letting them believe she had died. </i></span></div>
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I think unfortunately something was missing for me to entirely love this. I did read it in a day and found it just as captivating as other Tijan books, but I wasn't in love with the characters like I usually am. I didn't form those emotional connections...</div>
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<b><i>Dani:</i></b> I really felt a lot of sympathy for her and liked how we got some development with her character. She has been through hell with her ex Jake, not just marrying one of her sisters but also having dated the 3rd sister. That for me, was a little extreme. Now she's back in town and they all couldn't be more uncomfortable with her return and refused to try and even understand the grief that Dani harboured. She must be one of the most resilient characters ever. I know if I were here, I would not have returned to the shit storm that awaited. </div>
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<b><i>Jake:</i></b> I hated him. What an absolute ass. I feel like he should have stayed the hell away from Dani as he was meant to be marrying her sister, who couldn't be less pleased with her return and who feared Dani would steal him back. Jake had no backbone and Dani was much better off leaving him in her past...</div>
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<b><i>Jonah:</i></b> He was pretty cool! An apparent reformed bad boy, everyone loved him and I loved how well he complimented Dani. He helped her grow and spread roots and pushed her to mend relationships as they both fought against the town's judgement. He was a real core in Dani finding herself and having someone to confide in who had her best interests at heart. </div>
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So, we had sister drama. We had boy drama... now onto family drama. </div>
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Dani starts to dig and finds out that there was a lot more family drama than just a death and a guy who slept with each sister. As she aims to uncover the truth about her mother and her family, it's woven beautifully with her own journey of forgiveness and allowing herself to love again (because of Jonah).</div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I can't really explain it well, but this was a beautiful read about betrayal, forgiveness and secrets. It sort of highlights what's important in life and in family units. It explores the journey of Dani recovering from lies and heartbreak and allowing herself to have a new beginning and new chance. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33135499-home-tears?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-32137758991536814472017-10-14T13:00:00.000+01:002017-10-14T13:00:00.281+01:00REVIEW; Bad Mommy, by Tarryn Fisher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>Romance, Psychological Thriller </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Fig lost her little girl and believes that her soul is present in a girl she watches at the park. She learns where the girl lives, and conveniently moves into the house next door, befriending parents Jolene and Darius. She wants everything that Jolene has - her child, her husband, her house, her style. As the imitation reaches new levels, so does the danger. </i></span></div>
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Well where to start with this whirlwind of a book. I think this was definitely the best book I've read this year - it has to be. I love Tarryn Fisher's books and they usually hit me pretty hard, but this was on a whole new level of crazy (or maybe on par with <i>Marrow</i>). </div>
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We know Fig has lost a child, and her relationship disbanded as her partner didn't want to try again while Fig couldn't cope with the loss. She slowly becomes fixated on a little girl she sees in the park, following her therapist's advice that she would meet her child's soul again. </div>
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But Fig is an obsessive person, and moves into the house next door to Jolene and her young daughter. Fig is envious from the start; of Jolene's life including her home, her husband and her sense of style. It starts of rather minor, with Fig buying similar home decor, or vising places that Jolene has posted on her social media. But her stalker tendencies are dismissed by Jolene, but her husband, Darius, can't let it go. </div>
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This book is told from three different POV in three distinct parts; Fig (The Psychopath), Darius (The Sociopath) and then Jolene (The Writer). And HOLY SHIT! It's hard to know who to believe as the plot twists and totally blindsides you and makes you feel sick with worry and... it's just a book that is impossible to put down. To the reader, it appears like Jolene and Darius have a happy, tight marriage. But after Fig's meddling, is it all for appearances? Can we trust Darius? There are just so many times that I had to stop and try and piece together the puzzle and THE ENDING! </div>
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The ending of this will never escape my memory. This wins the best ending ever and it absolutely punches you and guts you. I even ran out of the room to my mom to tell her how it ended because I was so in shock. Even now, what wonderful literary wisdom to write that way. </div>
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As victim to emotional blackmail in a relationship with a narcissist, I feel like this is an important read. It really highlights how blind love can be when you are being lied to and how you need to be stronger to rise above it all, now matter how much it F's you up. I got chillsssss...</div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Wonderfully psychotic and captivating - one of my favourite reads from 2017 with some twisted characters brought to life with magical writing skills.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33561990-bad-mommy?from_search=true">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-37576814989518747382017-10-07T13:00:00.000+01:002017-10-07T13:00:00.219+01:00REVIEW; Tangled Beauty, by K.L. Middleton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://nebula.wsimg.com/d05841880bae79cb54ed90d94c068c2a?AccessKeyId=6F0C27405D68F82DEE90&disposition=0&alloworigin=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://nebula.wsimg.com/d05841880bae79cb54ed90d94c068c2a?AccessKeyId=6F0C27405D68F82DEE90&disposition=0&alloworigin=1" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> ★</span></span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Suspense, Romance</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Recommend:</u> No</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Book 1</b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Sinclair is asked by her best friend, Jesse, to pretend to be his girlfriend at a family event. He can't come out to his parents as he risks being cut off. Visiting the grand home for the weekend, Sinclair meets Jesse's attractive lawyer brother, Reed, and sparks fly. Meanwhile, Sinclair also has a secret admirer who will stop at nothing to get his girl.</i></span></div>
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All right, so this is definitely a quick read, coming in at well under two hours. As a quick read, it fills the gap nicely. </div>
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<b><i>Writing:</i></b> This needs to go back to the Editor's desk for starters. Names were spelled incorrectly, punctuation missing (at the end of a chapter once). The pacing is horrendous. Set over the course of one weekend and leading up to a big party, the suspense is slowly built just for it all to go off in one big explosion and then a chapter at the end to round it all off. Totally unbalanced.</div>
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<b><i>Story:</i></b> What a whirlwind. I feel the thriller aspect of this should have been excluded. It read like two totally different plots; the plot with Reed/Sinclair happening with all the family drama as a romance novel. And then a chapter here and there from Michael (who we don't know anything about, other than he is watching Sinclair) to add in the suspense and create totally unnecessary drama. I feel there was a substantial plot in the romantic drama alone, without trying to just add a kidnapping/murder on top randomly. </div>
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<b><i>Characters:</i></b> The only character I liked was Jesse. Sinclair is very one-dimensional, with no idiosyncrasies or personality. Reed appeared to be mature but was a character you could find in most NA books - reformed player. Throw in two characters with similar names - Sela and Sera? And then Jack! Jesse's father was an absolute slimeball. He was probably necessary for the whole romantic dealings and lying, but I didn't understand how Jesse and Reed were so accepting of his actions. Reed admitted that Jack had hit on every woman he brought home. He knew right away he couldn't trust his fiancée but yet let them just continue behind his back. Sinclair knew Sela was cheating on Reed, but yet believed her when she called Reed's name to make Sinclair jealous. Ugh - there was just no brain involved in any of this! </div>
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They were all cliché characters. The proud, rich parents that were homophobic - and no real issue explored about how this is wrong etc. Slut-shaming. Reed is supposed to be a lawyer and busy with his clients, suggesting his is rather successful and there is reference to how he has earned his money. In parallel though he is well known for his female company - surely that's not an image that bodes well for a lawyer? </div>
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I feel like there were some decent topics just thrown about in this novel (homophobia for one) as if that made it a good novel. It doesn't. There was no character development or issues explored in any detail to allow for reader thought or moral dilemmas. It was all just so shallow. </div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Cut out the thriller story-line and there is a premise for a great novel. Sadly, it would need to be packed out properly, with character building and development and the pacing of everything totally revised. Do not recommend. </b></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-8365948835097472502017-09-30T13:00:00.000+01:002017-09-30T13:00:00.153+01:00REVIEW; One Condition (The Lust List #1), by Nova Raines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcNgRPXsvnEWHnoq2FqnbCkiH6rtNUNJXn-sxxcs-99oCNebTayE3U8OwRhBW_OrDXlhkEL9VTDa9uCZhdD_d1ag45igGI15JqLYjVncmN6bU5ptqEBVDON_jpIYvWVuBAx4OSe4Nsa6O/s1600/one+condition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcNgRPXsvnEWHnoq2FqnbCkiH6rtNUNJXn-sxxcs-99oCNebTayE3U8OwRhBW_OrDXlhkEL9VTDa9uCZhdD_d1ag45igGI15JqLYjVncmN6bU5ptqEBVDON_jpIYvWVuBAx4OSe4Nsa6O/s400/one+condition.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">★</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">★</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">★</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">☆</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">☆</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Genre:</u> </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">New-Adult, Romance, Contemporary</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Book 1/4</b><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Hayley Wade returns to Los Angeles following the death of her rock star father. Leaving her a large inheritance with conditions, Hayley is left to deal with his dangerous debt involving drugs. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Kaiden Stone is number one on The Lust List - a list of the hottest, wealthiest bachelors. In a Paparazzi encounter, he "saves" Hayley and the pair have an undeniable chemistry. But both have pasts and drama that catches up with them, and when lying to Kaiden becomes part of the plan to get her inheritance, all they've built up could fall down even quicker.</i></span></div>
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This was an OK read. I read it in nearly one complete sitting so it definitely drew me in and held my attention. I think in one way, I wish it had been longer as it all just felt like an introduction to the characters and their story more so than a first novel in a series.<br />
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<b><i>Hayley:</i></b> I liked her for the most part. She was independent and had been through all sorts of hell and now suffering for her father's actions. She had no interest in being a part of the Hollywood life and I became totally swept up in her whirlwind of a life. However, I was a little let down with how she acted in the club with Kaiden... I felt like she didn't have any self respect or dignity and at this stage she hardly knew the guy! She lived for the validation from Kaiden rather than just being her own person completely and not caring what he thought. Oh well.. everyone has flaws.<br />
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<b><i>Kaiden:</i></b> I finished this still not really understanding him. Like Hayley, I couldn't help but like him from their first encounter. But then he became a total riddle. This sort of worked though, no guy is an easy read. At times he appeared like an ass and I'd have expected that by the end we would get some insight about him, but nope... nothing. Hard to feel anything towards him, positive or negative. Mystery is good but too much and you just become disinterested.<br />
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<b><i>Story:</i></b> The story was pretty standard for a NA novel. Wasn't too much of a fan the drama at the end, personally. But it was a good cliffhanger and a part of me really wants to read the second book to find out what happened, sooo it did succeed in grasping my attention at least. The chemistry between the two was palpable and they had good banter.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>A quick read but an electric one. Filled with chemistry and drama and death threats, this is a captivating romance read. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26020564-one-condition">Goodreads </a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-76821309962419422942017-09-23T13:00:00.000+01:002017-09-23T13:00:00.159+01:00REVIEW; Punk 57, by Penelope Douglas<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Romance, Suspense</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Recommend:</u> Yes</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Misha and Ryen were set up as pen-pals in 5th grade, both their teachers believing they were the same gender. Growing up, Ryen gave Misha the best version of herself, as she tried to be better for his sake. Ryen was the only girl that Misha ever cared about. She wrote him letters, nearly 3 for every one he replied to, but she knew he needed her. Her words kept him focused. They don't follow each other online, so to keep that distance in their lives and certain anonymity. But when Misha believes he has met Ryen in real life, he goes above and beyond to meet her. Ryen is unaware Misha has been right in front of her all along. </i></span></div>
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I've been waiting to read this for so long and I wasn't disappointed. From the beginning I was hooked as we delve into Misha and Ryen's story, told from dual POV. </div>
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<b><i>Ryen</i></b>: I really liked her because she truly wasn't perfect, possibly even not a nice character. For once we got a character that wasn't completely naive, innocent, oblivious to their good looks etc. Ryen was a bitch at times, allowing weaker characters to be bullied if it saved herself. Misha didn't like the real Ryen he saw in person, and so chose to torture her instead. I think there was wonderful character development for Ryen, as she yearned to be the best version of herself that she wrote on paper to Misha and as she grew in real confidence to commit to her moral high ground and defend those in need and put the real bullies back in their place.</div>
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<b><i>Misha:</i></b> He was a total ass, but mostly for the right reasons. Misha is a musician and Ryen's letters and words act as a huge muse for his work. He meets Ryen on a night out, both unaware of who each other is, but he instantly learns that she is the Ryen behind all of his music. After numerous life changing events, Misha joins the same school as Ryen under the false name of Masen, shielding his identity from Ryen and gradually becoming a staple person in her life. He battles with admitting his real name, but he has other reasons to be in the same town and can't let his true identity be known. As Masen, he treats her like shit, trying to charm her into submission and crack her icy exterior and queen status. All the while Ryen can't help but fall for him as Masen, while feeling guilt about Misha. </div>
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There was a great sub-plot propelling this story all along. We got the main hype about Misha and Ryen's online vs real relationship, but there was also a lot going on in Misha's life that kept the pace tumbling along nicely with a lot of suspense. There's quite a bit revealed about Ryen as she develops along with the story line, and it makes for a very surprising read. </div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This was a highly addictive read, full of drama and emotion, with an original plot. One of the best books I have read this year as the battle of choosing between who you are and who you want to be is explored in depth. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29104680-punk-57">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-56212964527352345572017-09-16T13:00:00.000+01:002017-09-16T13:00:00.215+01:00REVIEW; Kaleidoscope Hearts, by Claire Contreras<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TC1QOEZ60G9KqN7PA0XZayNYjkqNPtbX68O6Tk5eUDnRnDtKe3AYRbPoXC684zsJ_i3Ve9i_3UxQpCCJffiYMT9UgBx-ArfpKK_-o_b45WLrOPedfHHgOOpxVjLGa64aAXBbr1hMhjvM/s1600/kaleidoscope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TC1QOEZ60G9KqN7PA0XZayNYjkqNPtbX68O6Tk5eUDnRnDtKe3AYRbPoXC684zsJ_i3Ve9i_3UxQpCCJffiYMT9UgBx-ArfpKK_-o_b45WLrOPedfHHgOOpxVjLGa64aAXBbr1hMhjvM/s400/kaleidoscope.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">★</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">★</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">★</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">☆</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">☆</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Genre:</u> </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">New-Adult, Romance,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Recommend:</u> Yes</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Standalone</b><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Elle is trying to move on with her life, following the death of her fiancé. Returning home and moving in to live with her brother, she comes face to face to his best friend, Oliver. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Elle has always been off limits to Oliver, but when she was younger he broke her heart when he left for college. Elle tried to move on with Wyatt, but realised it was a different type of love, one that wasn't enough. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Now faced with the opportunity to give Oliver another chance, Elle has to decide if she is ready to move on, and if it can really be with the one who broke her. </i></span><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </i></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Thoughts:</span></u></b></h2>
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I'm a little torn with this as have some mixed feelings about it all. </div>
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<b><i>Elle:</i></b> I really liked her and felt a huge amount of sympathy for her. She was tormented by what she should feel following the passing of Wyatt. I really loved how subtly it was portrayed that she did love him, but just not as much as her feelings for Oliver, and how guilty she felt by this. At times, I did want to give her a kick to just jump into things with Oliver, but at the same time could understand her hesitation and fears. It was a great battle between two different loves but also fighting against what society expect you to act like vs your own emotions. She was such a compassionate and kind-hearted soul and it was beautiful watching Oliver draw this out of her. </div>
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<b><i>Oliver:</i></b> He was one adamant man! I loved his resolve and how he wouldn't give up on her. Elle was the one person that made Oliver want to be different and she changed him. He wanted her for so long but never could due to her being his best friend's sister. He didn't have the perfect track record but he grew up as he got older and knew what he wanted, so it was interesting seeing his character development from the flashbacks of when they were teenagers. </div>
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3 stars? I liked it, but didn't love it. By the time of writing this I had read a few books in between and honestly, very little of this was memorable. It was a decent cute read but I didn't really care for the relationship between them. There was too much focus on why they couldn't be together and I would have liked more secretive dalliances before they told Vic. </div>
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<u>Overall:</u></h2>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>A decent romantic read worth a shot. It's different and is a heartwarming story about two forbidden loves finding their way back together. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23545800-kaleidoscope-hearts">Goodreads</a> </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-21435553132924883602017-09-09T13:00:00.000+01:002017-09-09T13:00:00.325+01:00REVIEW; Cousins (Cousins #1), by Lisa Lang Blakeney<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1441328580l/26222151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="26222151" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1441328580l/26222151.jpg" width="266" /></a><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b></span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Romance</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Book 1</b></h3>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Elizabeth is with her boyfriend when thugs break into her room, threaten her boyfriend and beat her up. Tied up with drugs, he very quickly becomes her ex. For her safety, she moves in to live with her Aunt. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Her cousin Roman comes and goes. The same cousin who used to prank her as kids. Meeting as strangers, the two form a bond on intense chemistry and attraction. When they meet as cousins, they wonder is it too late to ignore all they'd built as strangers. </i></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Thoughts:</span></u></b></h2>
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Firstly, by the time I've gotten around to writing this review (less than a month since reading), I've already forgotten the majority of the book... especially the ending. </div>
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<b><i>Elizabeth </i></b>is attacked when with her boyfriend, and for her safety, moves to live with her Aunt. She married and acquired a step-son; Roman. Roman and Elizabeth aren't actually blood related, so it's not as taboo as it all sounds. They met briefly when they were kids, but twenty years on they now meet in a night club and don't recognise each other. When their paths continue to cross, their chemistry is unbelievable, and they begin to act on their mutual attraction.</div>
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<b><i>Roman </i></b>is a fierce, hot-headed guy who fixes things for a lot of money. His latest venture is to fix up an elite night-club subject to an attack. His latest unprofessional venture is to mind his spoiled cousin, Elizabeth. Roman is fully aware of the effect he has on her, and uses his charm and power to make her squirm and cringe at every possible moment until she gives in to their undeniable chemistry. </div>
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<b><i>Story:</i></b> This was a decent story line. The romance is not as taboo as initially considered, so it's not too daring or cringe, but there's still lines to be crossed and rules to be broken that make it somewhat forbidden. The writing level is rather average, making for pretty easy reading. We also got a dual POV and I didn't like that aspect. I think this would have had a lot more allure and suspense had it just been from Elizabeth's POV, as then there would have been some reader doubt over Roman's intentions instead of finding out everything.</div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall:</span></u></h2>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It was a decent quick read, but nothing too memorable. Ends on a cliffhanger too, which I didn't really enjoy. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17662788-cousins">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-41266212615087682382017-09-02T13:00:00.000+01:002017-09-02T13:00:00.178+01:00REVIEW; Pushing The Limits, by Brooke Cumberland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Contemporary </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Recommend:</u> Yes</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Standalone</b></h3>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Aspen's life changed when her twin committed suicide. Surviving with immense guilt, she turns to art classes as a form of therapy. Morgan moved state to escape heartbreak, and teaches art in the college. Both hurting, the two form a sensitive bond involving a mutual appreciation of art. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Neither want to cross the lines of student and teacher, but when Aspen has to pose naked, Morgan wonders where the boundaries truly are of their relationship.</i></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Thoughts:</span></u></b></h2>
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Firstly, this is a lot more than just a student/teacher romance. </div>
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<b><i>Aspen</i></b> is of age and an adult, taking art classes as a form of therapy in dealing with her sister's death, which her parents have forever blamed her for. At a young age, she has suffered and lived well beyond her years, and has now built walls around her heart and emotions to prevent anyone getting close to her again. Through her art, she expresses her grief over Ariel. Most of the time, Aspen is a bright and happy girl, able to joke with her friends and have fun. But in seconds, she can be triggered and have panic attacks.</div>
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<b><i>Morgan </i></b>has returned to California after he left a few years ago following a heartbreak and a family bereavement. He finds himself as guardian for his 12 year-old niece. Seeing Aspen's portfolio, he is instantly drawn to her work and how evocative her pieces are. He can't imagine how much more Aspen will affect his life in person, far beyond the powers of her art. Throw in his feisty, zestful niece, Morgan realises he has a lot to learn about women.</div>
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Immediately Morgan had inappropriate thoughts about Aspen, and I guess this could be taken two ways. Either he was unprofessional from the get go and only had one thing on his mind, or it just portrays how much Aspen affected him from day one. He remained respectful for a considerable length of time, and his compassion and care for Aspen was alluring. </div>
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Forced to acknowledge their limits, they can't help but fall for each other as they spend more time together; bonding over grief and art. Both have their insecurities and concern about allowing anything to develop and their pain about that is palpable. Both have heartbreaking pasts, and they're each other's salvation. Morgan forces Aspen to acknowledge her pain and trauma, properly mourn her sister's death and let go of her guilt. While Aspen shows Morgan that he can love again. </div>
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We get an insight into their story from both POV's and I really enjoyed that. We got to learn a little about Morgan's past and his struggles following the heart-wrenching start of Ariel's funeral from Aspen's POV. Reading their love unfold from both sides built a complete picture of forgiveness and love.</div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This is an amazing story, pushing far beyond the limits of student & teacher, as two broken souls fight all odds to save each other and give the hope of life again. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23288809-pushing-the-limits?from_search=true">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-88891576354369998262017-08-26T20:16:00.000+01:002017-08-26T20:16:00.197+01:00REVIEW; Roommates With Benefits, by Nicole Williams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Contemporary </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Recommend:</u> Yes</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Standalone</b></h3>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Hayden Hayes is pursuing a modelling career in New York. With only a few dollars to her name, she moves into a tiny apartment, where bedrooms are separated by dividers. Oh, and her roommate is Soren Decker... a guy. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The two fight over everything, but Soren has her back. As time flies, they both have to acknowledge their mutual attraction. But Soren is fighting for a baseball career and distance threatens their relationship. </i></span></div>
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I enjoyed this so much. It was such an entertaining and witty read for the most part, with some twists that do pull on the heartstrings a little bit and bring you back down to Earth with a bang. </div>
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Soren and Hayden's relationship at the beginning was hilarious. I really think Nicole Williams portrayed brilliantly what it is like when a girl and guy live together and the little things that annoy a female that males don't even notice. It allowed for some hilarious dialogue and sass. </div>
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<b>Soren was an absolute sweetheart</b>. He has the cocky sense of humour (penthouse view - lol) that although irritates Hayden, you can't help but love. What really made him a concrete good guy in my eyes was the balance of sacrifice. From the beginning he was willing to help Hayden financially, but without straight up telling her and embarrassing her (hurrah for a guy not TELLING a girl he'll take care of her in an arrogant alpha way!) and the subtle gestures he did to help her out while considering Hayden's feelings were amazing. </div>
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At the same time, he had his own career dream and he was ambitious and focused and not willing to just give up on his own dreams because the woman of his life walked through his door. I really, really, loved that. I'm tired of reading stories where a character gives up everything they've ever wanted for the person they love. (I know, that's what love is, but when you're young, you should still keep in mind your own dreams!) </div>
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Hayden was trying to make it in the modelling industry, and still shows her innocent and naive side. Now, I've read a few negative reviews claiming Hayden was so stupid not realising her agent was making advances on her and defending his behaviour. And I'll just respectfully say that those reviewers have clearly never worked under an older male, as a young female, and put up with similar behaviour (perhaps out of naivety) so to not upset the apple cart and not make a who-ha out of minor actions until lines are actually crossed. Nowadays, it is so hard to know what is and is not meant as a joke or crossing boundaries and sometimes girls just suck it up to get where they need to be in their career... and Hayden didn't stand for his advances when he clearly crossed the line... moving on. </div>
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I really applauded her ambition and empathised with her fear about losing Soren. Although a little annoying, her fears were realistic and required to keep the plot active. I would've liked more of an update regarding Hayden's career in modelling... but hey ho. </div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall:</span></u></h2>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I'd recommend this to anyone who wants an entertaining, romantic read. A great charming story!</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35295153-roommates-with-benefits">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-16760183967181555742017-08-19T13:00:00.000+01:002017-08-19T13:00:06.369+01:00REVIEW; Fair Game, by Monica Murphy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Contemporary </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Book 1</b></h3>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Jade's boyfriend bets her at a poker game, in the hopes he can win $50,000. He loses. Jade now owes the arrogant infamous Shepard Prescott. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>He loves watching her squirm and chasing after the one girl who keeps saying 'No'. But as Shep starts to fall for the feisty girl, he has to convince Jade he is no longer playing games and may actually be falling in love with her. </i></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Thoughts:</span></u></b></h2>
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I don't know if I am in a lull in regards to NA Romance novels, as a lot I've read lately I've just been skipping paragraphs and eye-rolling. But then Tijan, Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher can still write words that get inside my heart and my head and keep me awake at night and <i>think</i>. </div>
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<b><u>First 50% of this book:</u></b> It was really good and I actually read it in one sitting as I was so hooked. I feel the start was extremely strong; it begins with the poker game and Jade being part of the bet. The chemistry between Jade and Shep is amazing, their banter hilarious. But honestly, the book fell from there. </div>
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<b><u>Second 50%:</u></b> Predictable, boring. Ok, it wasn't bad. But as soon as everything starts up with the two, it just follows the same pattern in 95% of other YA/NA books. There were no twists or aspects that make the book stand out. Once they got together, everything was hunky dory and wonderful together - which, yes, can happen in real life obviously. But it was just boring :( sorry!</div>
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All the intimate scenes just felt like repeats, and I ended up skipping a lot of the last few as they added nothing to the overall story and the whole plot of the book felt like a massive shift. Meanwhile, slut shaming galore! So, Jade talks about how her roommate just goes from guy to guy but isn't '<b><i>a slut or anything</i></b>'. Why does that statement have to be added? Just state how Jade and Kelli treat guys differently but stop with the slut shaming in every goddamn NA book! </div>
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<b><i>Shep:</i></b> I didn't like him. I liked him for the first chapter, but for the intimate scenes, or when he was trying to charm Jade early on, I just cringed so much at his lines and arrogance. As he fell for Jade, granted, he did improve in respecting her and behaviour and there was a struggle between his old "player" self and trying to be a good boyfriend to Jade. I didn't find his arrogant nature swoon-worthy in the slightest anyway. </div>
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Both main characters, of course, had parental issues!! What NA book would have a main character with a nice family?! But anyway, neither actually acknowledged the issues they had with their parents until it was imperative for the story and keep the plot turning. </div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I nearly DNF'd, but persevered. Not the best book I've read and a very flat and predictable story line. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25162114-fair-game">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-47200764181746468752017-08-12T13:00:00.000+01:002017-08-12T13:00:04.073+01:00REVIEW; Luckiest Girl Alive, by Jessica Knoll<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>Thriller</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Recommend:</u> No</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Standalone</b></h3>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Ani FaNelli is engaged to a notable figure, she has a promising glamorous career, and is moving up the ranks in city's social scene. Ani is determined to keep her image prestigious and proud. She now has landed an interview/documentary series about her life. But when she was a teenager and attended Bradley School, there were some drunken nights and painful events that Ani has worked hard to bury. With the documentary looming, Ani's past threatens to come to life. </i></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Thoughts:</span></u></b></h2>
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DNF at about 60%. Up to this point there was no aspect that constitutes as psychological thriller in the slightest. In the 60% I read, all that had been covered was Ani attempting to keep her facade up in front of her fiance, and then the ordeals she endured as a teenager at school... She judged other women based on how they looked and what they wore and apparently depending how you place a clam shell down on your plate is a giveaway on how posh you are... wonderful - but still no thriller... </div>
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Ani is reunited with her teacher, who cared for Ani when he heard she had been attacked by a student. Now older, he is taking part in the documentary about Ani's life and she is concerned about what he will disclose, whilst also fancy-ing him and being jealous of his partner, despite Ani supposedly being happily engaged. I somewhat enjoyed her vindictive side and attempts to be a socialite... but nothing happened! </div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I can't recommend this due to not being able to complete it. By 60% nothing had occurred to warrant it being a thriller, never mind a psychological one. I really don't see what has won so many high ratings and a movie deal. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22609317-luckiest-girl-alive">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-90378419341798736732017-08-05T13:00:00.001+01:002017-08-05T13:00:01.564+01:00REVIEW; Unseen Messages, by Pepper Winters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Contemporary </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Recommend:</u> Yes</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Estelle ignores all the signs before getting on her flight. She knows the universe is trying to tell her something. After crash-landing on a secluded island in Fiji, she has to step up. Along with Galloway, the pair find themselves taking care of two orphaned children, and learning to survive in the wilderness along with their injuries. As hope turns to acceptance, the new family unit have to fight to survive and live alongside each other, adapting to island living. </i></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Thoughts:</span></u></b></h2>
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With 591 pages, I was so excited to get lost in this book and escape. Although not as lost as they get in the book! </div>
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I feel like this is a total different genre of book compared to what Pepper Winters has written before. There was no taboo or dark themes in this. </div>
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<b><i>Estelle: </i></b>Poor woman! She has been flung into stardom and following her music tour all she wants to do is go home. Despite all the warning signs to not get on the plane - she ignores them so she can get home quickly. I don't quite understand her reasoning to get on a dodgy helicopter after her haste to return home, but hey ho. </div>
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<b><i>Galloway:</i></b> I didn't really like him for the majority of the book. He only saw Estelle as a sex object for the initial time when stranded. He had a broken leg and couldn't walk, but was angry with Estelle for taking care of them. How archaic! While the survival instinct flared up in Estelle, I never felt it did with Galloway. However, with the dual POV, we do get an insight into his past and thought process and I think this really saved him as a character as viewing him from Estelle's POV would not have sufficed. </div>
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<b><i>Pacing:</i></b> The book spans about 7 or 8 years (I think). For the majority of the time on the island, the pacing was brilliantly done - with time skipped when necessary but notable moments developed, so it never really felt like it dragged. </div>
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<b><i>Plot: </i></b>I enjoyed (more than I expected) the story of survival and the information of how they learned to cope and survive e.g. Estelle testing the plants for any allergic reactions to try and discover more food. There was one death I really didn't enjoy (but sort of understand why it was required) and it tore me up! There was a lot regarding the blossoming romance that frustrated me. If there had just been some better communication there would have been a lot less drama and hassle, although that would've defeated the a lot of the sub-plots then... </div>
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<b><i>Ending:</i></b> I loved that the story continues beyond being rescued and the twists still occur once they get to Australia. There wasn't that immediate happy ending at being rescued and returning to civilisation. I actually think this was one of the best endings to such a great long story. </div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I think this would be a wonderful holiday read to get totally lost in. It's quite dangerous and graphic, with some truly heart-wrenching scenes. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29629362-unseen-messages">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-4384243248385421892017-07-29T13:00:00.000+01:002017-07-29T13:00:02.703+01:00REVIEW; House 23, by Eli Yance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>Thriller, Suspense</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Joseph Lee was framed for his wife's murder. She was bludgeoned to death as he was out cold on the bathroom floor. He wasn't convicted, but that doesn't stop his town from blaming him. Joseph hasn't left his house in 6 months, until a new couple move in to number 23, across the road. The wife looks the image of his dead wife, Jennifer, and Joseph feels a connection with her. Slowly, he befriends the couple and mourns his wife's death. But not everything is at is seems; especially as the real murderer has not yet been discovered.</i></span></div>
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This started off really promising. There was the initial suspense of who was the real murderer and what was with connection with Zala looking like Jennifer. </div>
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None of the plot fitted well for me. My interest was piqued when it was clear there was something more going on with Zala and her husband, but as soon as Joseph uncovered some information it all tumbled in a downward spiral with so much excessive, unwarranted violence. </div>
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So much of the build up to the action is also unnecessary. There is a lot that pulls you in; the desire to discover the real murderer for one, which is hardly even addressed. We do find out, but it's a totally new character that is just thrown in at the end with a typical, feeble excuse and reasoning. It all just boils down to an affair and a jealous husband. While conveniently the new neighbours are cons who are squatting in the murderer's house, so it all really comes full circle...</div>
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The pacing is a little off. As said, the first part is good as the drama and suspense steadily increases, pulling you in. But as soon as one thread of info is discovered, it all becomes unraveled in one breath. </div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I wouldn't recommend this novel, unfortunately. It didn't flow well and the whole plot was haphazard and alien. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28695806-house-23">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-72461035315894173632017-07-25T13:00:00.000+01:002017-07-25T13:07:39.134+01:00ARC REVIEW; Mirror Me, by Tara St. Pierre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>Young-Adult, Contemporary </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Recommend:</u> Yes</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Hannah now attends a prestigious, strict school, as a last effort of her mother's to tame her. After a rebellious past and an event involving Hannah's best friend, Hannah can't look at herself in the mirror. When she does, her reflection doesn't match what she expects, and Hannah fears for her sanity. When objects become displaced, screens appear backward, and Hannah is accused of going places & doing things she has no recollection of, Hannah debates if she can even trust herself. </i></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Thoughts:</span></u></b></h2>
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***Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review***</div>
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Wowww! The blurb provided doesn't really allude to the extremities of what occurs and I was SO hooked. There are so many questions; What happened with Nikki? Is Nikki alive? Who is really to blame? Is Hannah seeing things? What is going on with her reflection? Who is moving her phone? The list goes on. </div>
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It's actually quite a difficult book to review without giving spoilers away as you need to nearly go into this book half blind. </div>
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<b><i>Hannah:</i></b> I think Hannah was a brilliant main character. We know she has had a rebellious past and is now paying the price under the strict rule of her mother. She has had to move away from her old life, her best friend, Nikki, and doesn't even get to keep photos of her life. She is now trying to keep her head down, get good grades and just stay out of trouble, but it's not good enough in her mother's eyes. As a teenager, she also has the ongoing drama of school life and friends and trying to fit in and be a part of things as much as her mother will allow. Her mother only approves of one friend solely because she believes she helps Hannah's grades and that's all that counts. As the story builds, you really feel for Hannah and her loss of control over her life as the unthinkable drama unfolds. </div>
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<b><i>Story:</i></b> This is such an original concept, brought to life so well. Slowly, Hannah is being accused of doing things she has no memory of; plagiarizing and sneaking out, getting her in further trouble, and we have no idea how it's all happening. Told from Hannah's POV, the reader is left with the same wonder and questions as Hannah, not knowing the importance of mirrors and the messages left. Added with the mystery of Hannah's past and it's quite a page turner! <b>The pacing is executed brilliantly</b>; there's enough ongoing drama to prevent any dragging, balanced perfectly with answers, so it's not just an ending filled with all the answers we had.</div>
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<b><i>Characters:</i></b> I really liked that there weren't too many characters in this. They all held purpose and had distinct personalities and reasoning, that made them so realistic. I think I would've liked a teeny bit more of an insight into the beginning of Hannah's relationship with Cole, but then again, Hannah also missed out on most of that too! Hannah's mother is just awful, with absolute no emotional bond with her daughter, but yet even with her there is character development and attempted justification. </div>
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I thought I had figured out what was happening as we got a little bit more revealed, however the "twist" near the ending really got me (a positive). When the <i>why</i> is revealed, it's a bit like a punch to the stomach (in a good way) and there lies a great underlying message about forgiveness. <b>Everything is finished off expertly,</b> and it feels like the whole story is justified with solid reasoning rather than just being an unexplained event. </div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This is an extremely original and captivating read with great twists. There is a thread of Fantasy genre intertwined with a solid, thought-provoking theme regarding growing up and forgiveness. A magical YA read. Tara St. Pierre has one of the best imaginations!</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35528218-mirror-me">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-40220170733214603422017-07-22T13:00:00.001+01:002017-07-22T13:00:10.034+01:00REVIEW; Malik (Carter Brothers #1), by Lisa Helen Gray<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Romance</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Book 1</b></h3>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Harlow Evans has moved into her Grandmother's following the murder of her parents. Next door, 5 boys live with their grandfather - The Carter Brothers. On her first day at her new school, Harlow makes an enemy who will stop at nothing to humiliate and ruin her life. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>One Carter brother, Malik, claims Harlow as his, as they all fight to protect Harlow. </i></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Thoughts:</span></u></b></h2>
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I really don't know where to begin. The amount of notes and highlights for this book surpass any other - and not in a good way. </div>
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<b><i>Writing: </i></b>I appreciate self-publishing and love that it's becoming such a huge thing. But come on! At least get an editor of some kind. It's known you can't self-edit as you read what you expect to have written and not see it for the first time, but the standard of writing in this is abhorrent. I was honestly so shocked, especially as it is so highly rated and yet very few comment on the grammar. There are no typos (congrats on using spell check) but the grammar is horrendous. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">“Whose going to be there?’’ </i>- <u>Who's</u> surely?</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;">"Myles goes back to reading his health and social workbook, and go back to the laptop."</span> </b><span style="font-style: italic;">-</span><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>Yep, makes sense...</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>“Or they were click flicks,’’</i></b>- Chick Flicks or is click flicks a thing? </span></span></div>
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<b><i>"No one has lived there in over eighty year's"</i></b> - It should be "<u>years </u>", without apostrophe due to it not being possessive. (If it were, e.g. "she had eighty years' experience)</blockquote>
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<b style="font-style: italic;">"he turns to study his food, with his one hand resting on my thigh"</b> - using "his one" suggests he only has one hand and it doesn't read well.<b style="font-style: italic;"> </b></blockquote>
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The author clearly had an aversion to commas; none would be used when using a name e.g. <b><i>"What do you want Craig?"</i></b> and it should read "What do you <b><u>want,</u></b> Craig?" <b>It's vocative case and therefore is separated from the direct address!! This error was ALL THROUGHOUT THE DAMN BOOK!</b> I learnt a lot of punctuation rules from reading alone, and then a little research over the years for essays and further understanding - this should be a basic trait picked up by the author if she actually reads! </div>
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Also would be good if the headings weren't left as Word default - really added to the unprofessional nature. </div>
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SHOW, NOT TELL. The unwritten rule of writing a good story, yeah? You plant ideas in the readers mind to leave them to piece together feelings, or emotions... or jokes! </div>
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<b><i><br />"The name sounds like bust-her-cherry and not Buster Cherry"</i></b></blockquote>
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Thank you, for pointing the joke out. Would never have worked it out myself. <br />
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<b><i>Harlow:</i></b> What an annoying heroine. She appeared to only be affected by the murder of her parents when it suited her. Day to day life - there was no grieving whatsoever! She also happened to be a curvy, hourglass girl with brown hair and blue eyes... an hourglass figure which APPARENTLY all boys despise... um... what? Then to add to her innocence of ignorance, she never wore makeup!!! Oh, Em, Gee! A naive, innocent, poor orphaned 17 year old virgin, who is soooo beautiful and doesn't know it, but doesn't even attempt makeup as her parents said she didn't need it. Sorry, but if a teenage girl is insecure about how she looks, she will try makeup to boost her confidence, regardless of what her parents say... </div>
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She also did my head in regarding her relationship with Malik. I get the whole being scared to trust shit, I'm the least trusting person there is, but I wanted to smack her. She was so dense she believed BULLIES WHO HATED HER over her boyfriend. Like, they've tripped you up, humiliated you countless times, and yet you still believe what they say about the guy who has been by your side since day one? Whatever. </div>
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<b><i>Carter Brothers:</i></b> Now, there is a great opportunity for the series here- five insanely hot and witty brothers and their individual issues blah blah, wonderful. But 5 of them? And all 5 of them good looking and well built? Maybe 3 would've been realistic but I felt like I was reading a story from a teenage girl's fantasy of the perfect scenario. Oh, and all having names beginning with M? F sake. </div>
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<b><i>Insta-Love:</i></b> Christ on a bike. THERE WAS F ALL ROMANCE IN THIS BOOK ANYWAY! Day one, and Malik just CLAIMS Harlow, and this is meant to be absolutely breath-taking and romantic?! WTF? There's no emotion or build up to their relationship (not to mention zero chemistry) and Harlow flips from being a scared little virgin to a flirty daring minx as quick as the wind changes. Come on. </div>
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<b><i>Bullying: </i></b>I think authors have great power in what they write. Books often provide solace for struggling teenagers and therefore triggering topics should be presented well and dealt with carefully. It was all over the place here. It was all just used to propel the plot, with no real emotion behind it. Even rape was included and not very respectfully. </div>
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Why were Harlow's parents murdered? Why did the murderer come back to kill her? NONE OF THIS WAS ANSWERED! I'm surprised it wasn't the classic death by car crash. At least you aren't left wondering why they were killed. A murderer returning to kill the daughter would suggest more than a mugging or random killing. But nope. Never got to know any of that. </div>
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The story read like it was set in America. Even the names. Malik/Mason/Maverick/Myles - kind of all American names! There was some American english/terminology used too. The only giveaway to the setting was once or twice Pound Sterling currency was mentioned. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I think maybe YA would enjoy this more, as it all plays into the perfect fantasy of damsel in distress being saved by 5 guys. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25626525-malik">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-54030588576223744452017-07-15T13:00:00.000+01:002017-07-15T13:00:04.761+01:00REVIEW; Thief (Love Me With Lies #3), by Tarryn Fisher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>Fiction, New-Adult, Contemporary </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Caleb's marriage has ended and he realises he never got over Olivia. But she is now happily married and has built a wonderful life with her husband. The two have always had the worst timing in making themselves available for each other and now is no exception. Caleb soon finds it's not as simple as he thought to win the woman of his dreams back again. </i></span></div>
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The final installment of this series is presented from Caleb's POV, with the story being both from the present and flashbacks. The great thing about the alternative POV's throughout the series was the truth that get reveals. A lot of questions from the first two books were addressed from Caleb's truth and memories in flashbacks and conversations. I think overall, the three books work so well together and read amazing consecutively compared to most series where there's a strong end/start between each book. In hindsight I can't even be sure what happened exactly in each book, they blended so seamlessly. </div>
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This wasn't as good as the previous two novels but was a reasonable ending to the series. The ending/epilogue was probably as perfect as it could be. I think endings are rather tricky to compose - do a HEA and it's predictable, don't do a HEA and you've broken the hearts of everyone who has read the series... hard one to choose! But the epilogue was perfect, it wasn't completely perfect in terms of a 100% HEA but it was more realistic. </div>
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I don't want to give anything away for the last book, which makes it difficult to review. Caleb annoyed me so much. It felt like he thought Olivia would just come running to him after everything despite Olivia having her happy ending herself already. </div>
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I enjoyed seeing a greater Olivia presence than in <i>Dirty Red</i>, where she didn't really feature. I also loved how she had so much more of a backbone and didn't allow Caleb to just walk all over her. Half of me was rooting for them to just accept their love and get on with things, but the other half was rooting for them to just carry on with their separate lives. </div>
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Whilst this book is a bit of a mess, it's a wonderful mess! And I loved it. The whole series spans about 10 years and it's heart-wrencher! </div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I read both book 2 & 3 of this series on the one plane flight, so that highlights how addictive this series is. There are some decent plot twists and dramas's that will have you screaming at the characters. One of the best series I've read! </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16090981-thief">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-88064756819884130422017-07-08T13:00:00.000+01:002017-07-08T13:00:26.941+01:00REVIEW; Dirty Red (Love Me With Lies #2), by Tarryn Fisher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1364298887l/15832316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1364298887l/15832316.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>Fiction,<b> </b>New-Adult, Contemporary</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Recommend:</u> Yes</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Book 2</b></h3>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">SOME SPOILERS!!! </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></h3>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Leah Smith beat Olivia in winning Caleb's heart. Olivia is no longer competing and Leah has a marriage and a baby on the way. The perfect family. But Leah isn't finding marriage or motherhood the easiest - compromise was never her style. Being married and following "rules" is cramping her lavish lifestyle as she fears her image will be destroyed. After beating Olivia, she may now lose Caleb all on her own. </i></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Thoughts:</span></u></b></h2>
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<i>The Opportunist</i> blew me away and I always worry the follow on books won't be as exciting as the initial novel. The idea of a novel from Leah's point of view really intrigued me as she was such a hateful vindictive character. </div>
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I am a sucker for Tarryn's evil characters as she writes so twisted and amazing in their POV, and nearly justifies all the horrible things they do. What a woman Leah was. </div>
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In <i>The Opportunist</i> she mainly comes across as a jealous love rival, doing what she needs to do to keep Caleb. But <i>Dirty Red </i>exemplifies her true horrid nature. She is so manipulative and her lack of empathy borderlines sociopath behaviour. She even uses her new born as a weapon of manipulation. </div>
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There were times where I really felt for Leah. I actually had sympathy for the bitch. She is so insecure and that is the root of a lot of her evil actions, you want to just hug her and also bash her head against the mirror to just show her what she has. But her fear of losing Caleb and losing her "image" caused her own self-destruction to losing everything. She even is jealous of her own baby girl because she doesn't like another female having Caleb's attention - that is twisted! </div>
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We get an insight into her past, which <i>sometimes</i> eludes to her present behaviour, although not excusing the majority of it. It was also an opportunity to see a different side of Caleb. In book one Caleb is presented as a boy in love, wanting a restart in his life to find himself, possibly a little bit of a push-over. However in <i>Dirty Red</i> he becomes a man. A father who will protect his baby at all costs and we see his ruthlessness as he finally stands up to the bitch he married. </div>
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Just when you think you can justify Leah's actions, she continues to be more selfish and wretched. And I loved it. I loved reading from the POV of a despicable, vile human. </div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I am such a fan of Tarryn Fisher so of course recommend this whole series. Never before have I loved to hate a main character so much! </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15832316-dirty-red">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10785475023142988713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-78355598824504334332017-07-02T16:00:00.000+01:002017-07-02T16:00:01.185+01:00REVIEW; Wilde Like Me, by Louise Pentland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1495710252l/32498973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1495710252l/32498973.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>Fiction, Contemporary, Motherhood</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Recommend:</u> Yes</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Robin Wilde is a single mother doing her best. She has a wonderful friend in her 6 year old daughter, Lyla, but often the loneliness and absence of a companion weasels into her mind and destroys her confidence. After being on her own for years, Robin decides it is time for a change. Arming herself with red lipstick and a dating app, Robin is back in action, ready to find herself a team-mate. As her career takes off and life changes, nothing could prepare her for the wonderful journey she is about to embark on. </i></span></div>
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Oh myyy! Leading up to midnight on the release date I was like: </div>
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But I was in Crete visiting family so it didn't release until 2am for me.. So I headed to bed anticipating the morning. And just wow</div>
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I am a huge Louise fan and find her expression and story telling original and witty, so I immediately fell in love with her writing, exemplifying her idiosyncrasies. </div>
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All along Louise has stressed that this is not a story of her life, and is fiction, but that she wanted to write a book she could relate to. This novel proves you need to write about what you know. There is a distinct difference in books where authors have attempted to convey an emotion/feeling they've never experienced compared to this, where the emotions are so evocative and pronounced, the characters and story gets under your skin. </div>
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I can't remember the last book I read where I was SO affected by the emotions and thoughts of a character. </div>
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<b><i>Robin Wilde:</i></b> What a woman. She is doing a wonderful job of raising her young daughter, with her useless ex who doesn't even know how to take care of Lyla when she has a cough! Naturally, she compares herself to the other glamorous mothers at school who appear to have their shit together, while Robin has barely managed to get dressed for the school run. Robin witnesses every "perfect" family unit swan around her in apparent happiness, as she struggles to fit IKEA furniture into her car while her child yells she needs to pee! (lol). What is so poignant is the relentless efforts of this woman to be a good mother, and how evident to the rest of us that she is doing a fabulous job with Lyla, but yet she doesn't see or feel it. Robin is such a kind-hearted soul (taking care of Marnie) and you can't help but want to give her a hug and assure her she's doing good. </div>
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Robin goes on such journey of character development and it is amazing to watch as she blossoms (and wobbles) and how her wonderful support group of fellow mothers and friends are there for her to remind her what she means to them and how much she is valued. As Robin's confidence and belief grows, it allows for hilarious moments/altercations as she stands up to the bullies in her life! </div>
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All the insecurities felt by women on a daily basis are addressed and it's a wonderful novel to express empowering messages and motivation. I actually cried at the end and thankfully I had sunglasses on so no one could see my leaking mascara. </div>
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The humour and wit of Louise is palpable throughout. I laughed so many times and read aloud some one-liners or paragraphs to my mom as I read along - something I haven't done so yet this year. </div>
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Again, as Louise has taken inspiration from what she knows, Lyla's voice is very realistic. So often authors have a young child as a character but their voice/speech is incorrect for their age. Usually I keep away from stories that have a child character but I loved Lyla so much. She was responsible for so many chuckles. </div>
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One thing that really struck a chord with me was Robin's relationship with Theo. I am SO grateful Louise included this sub-plot and is quite similar to my experiences - meeting someone, letting them call the shots, allow yourself be unhappy with them but do it anyway for the little bit of happiness they do provide. Reading how Robin adapts as she learns more about Theo, to their final encounter, in some way it provided me some closure in my own life. </div>
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<b><i>We are so often told in society/media that to be worth something we should have another half</i></b>. Robin herself wanted this other half. <b><i>And a strong message that I took from this was that we don't need someone.</i></b> Robin wanted someone so badly on her team she allowed someone to treat her with no respect to try and fit in with the other mothers and what society expected. But yet she was raising her daughter wonderfully. She may not have had her shit together but where it mattered, she was ace-ing it. As her Aunt Kath told her, look at everything you do have rather the one thing you are missing. </div>
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Ultimately, don't settle. <b><i>Love yourself enough to know your worth. </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to everyone. So empowering and hilarious, but with low moments that make you well up. It really is like a huge hug in a book - and after reading the "Dear Reader" section at the end, I will certainly revisit this book (and probably a lot as I grow up) as a reminder to acknowledge my own worth and accomplishments. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Reading this, Robin Wilde is definitely a friend for life. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32498973-wilde-like-me">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-72063557115897166332017-07-01T13:00:00.000+01:002017-07-01T13:00:11.239+01:00REVIEW; Captured (Gowns & Crowns #2), by Jennifer Chance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1449619396l/28147955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1449619396l/28147955.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Lauren Grant is visiting Garronia as her best friend is soon to marry a Prince. She is a perfect woman with a perfect image to maintain, and never falters in front of a man. Dimitri Korba is set as her bodyguard, but he finds the sharp and confident American to be attractive and enticing. But Lauren has had an older admirer since she was a child. He is friends with her parents and when the threat of him causes her into hiding, Lauren and Dimitri are forced together as they explore their mutual feelings. But is their romance part of Dimitri's duty to protect her? And can they survive the threat of Lauren's future husband?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Lauren:</i></b> Oh, what a girl! She is an amazing character and I related so much to her. She has a rock hard exterior and always has the perfect mask in place to maintain a pristine image. She is actually quite a sensitive soul who is only protecting her heart. I found her quite alluring, as she attempted to use her looks to manipulate Dimitri but also let her heart betray her head so often. Her internal battle of head vs heart was such a strong theme and so relevant to young females. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Setting:</i></b> This was set on a fictional island, however due it not being an actual place there was a lack of history or culture presented. There were links to a Greek island, however the culture and nation were fictional. For me, this sort of affected the reality being presented and I didn't get an adequate description of the idiosyncrasies of the people or land to build a sufficient setting. It just felt like a no man's land between Greece and Turkey. Beautiful nonetheless though. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There was a beautiful romance built between Lauren and Dimitri, presented by dual POV. I rather enjoyed this insight into both of their minds as it was often comical - the pair were playing the exact same game and the author managed to shield enough information from us to still allow for doubt and speculation when required - for once not everything was just given to us on a plate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I appreciated how there were two plots really- their romance and the drama between Lauren and Henry. The drama certainly intensified where Henry was involved, and the two plots were well blended to propel each other and provide a good story. </span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall:</span></u></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I quite enjoyed this read. There was a beautiful balance of humour, drama and romance that kept me reading and hooked - read within 24 hours! A perfect summer read. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28147955-captured">Goodreads</a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7442653834495232370.post-10950011361803786662017-06-24T13:00:00.000+01:002017-06-24T13:00:18.459+01:00REVIEW; Rumor Has It (Limelight #1), by Elisabeth Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"><u><b>Rating:</b></u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">★</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">☆</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Genre:</u> </b>New-Adult, Romance, YA</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Recommend:</u> Yes</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Book 1</b></h3>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">SPOILERS!!! </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></h3>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary:</span></u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Ellie has returned to live with her mother following graduating college. After being the star of an embarrassing viral video, all she wants to do is keep a low profile. After falling through the bathroom window of a villa rented by a famous hip-hop artist, that low profile is heavily jeopardised. Mason Nash is taking time off work for a few weeks, and the pair agree to enjoy their time together while it lasts. But when Mason is signed up for a reality tv show, Ellie is thrust into the limelight and they each have to work out what or who they really want. </i></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Thoughts:</span></u></b></h2>
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<b style="font-style: italic;">Ellie: </b>I think ultimately I liked her, although annoying at times. She definitely read as a vulnerable character who was trying to remain true to herself and protect herself from further harm and keep from damaging her career prospects. I feel like she seemed more like a 17 y/o rather than a university graduate though. I appreciate her desire to remain out of the spotlight and she was adapting to the celebrity culture quickly, but she just didn't carry the maturity or personality that I feel a graduate, who lived away from home for a few years, would have. </div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Mason: </i>he's not on his way to the book boyfriend list, however he was rather amusing and charming. I didn't really appreciate his brash attitude in assuming Ellie's actions incorrectly. I accept it warranted for the necessary plots, but just felt after ALL they'd been through together, it was rather out of character of him to not even allow Ellie to explain herself, especially after his huge speech re trusting her explicitly. Although I am not a fan of hip-hop, I liked that we got to see some of Mason's family history and his personal life rather than his celebrity one. </div>
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<b style="font-style: italic;">Story: </b>I'd nearly say this is suited for YA readers, apart from perhaps the sexual content, although it was not really explicit. But the interaction and drama screamed YA in my head. The book was written in dual POV and unfortunately I feel this affected my rating; had it been presented from a single POV, the reader could approach the story with the same missing info and make the same judgment of trust, but in allowing us see both sides of the story, it left little to be worked/found out by the reader. </div>
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I feel like there was the attempt to build a solid relationship and chemistry between Ellie and Mason, but a big part of me felt it was a tad Insta-Love like. Quite soon on Mason just "knew" Ellie was different and his interest piqued from their first meeting and that instant attraction put me off a little and I just didn't connect with their chemistry. </div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall:</span></u></h2>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I think due to the immaturity of the characters/events, this is perfect for younger readers. It's a decent light story that is well written. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18517591-rumor-has-it">Goodreads</a></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0