REVIEW; Kaleidoscope Hearts, by Claire Contreras

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance,

Recommend: Yes

Standalone

SPOILERS 

Summary:

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. 
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. 
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.   

My Thoughts:

I'm a little torn with this as have some mixed feelings about it all. 

Elle: 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.  

Oliver: 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. 

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. 

Overall:

A decent romantic read worth a shot. It's different and is a heartwarming story about two forbidden loves finding their way back together. 

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Marrow, by Tarryn Fisher

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Adult, Suspense

Recommend: yes

Standalone

NO SPOILERS 

Summary:

Margo Moon lives in the Bone. She is overweight and lives in the "eating house" with a mother who does not fulfill the role. Men come and go, as Margo stays hidden. 

One day she befriends her wheelchair-bound neighbour, Judah and begins to find herself and grow. When a young girl goes missing and the Police fail to act, Margo takes it into her own hands to deal with the killer. Soon Margo has uncovered a side of her that seeks for justice and vengeance, and takes on the role of neighbourhood vigilante. But if Judah discovers the truth, she may lose the only friend she had. 

Thoughts:

"I am a writer and words are my weapon" - Tarryn Fisher

The first book of Fisher's I read was F*ck Love, and I loved it so much. I was foolishly expecting the same sort of quirky and upbeat prose that I had devoured the first time. Emphasis on foolishly. 

This is a shocker of a read. And it is dark. 

Margo has suffered a lot. She lives in silence in a derelict house in a bad neighbourhood, with a mother who doesn't deserve the title. Men come and go to visit her mom, as Margo is often locked in her room. The only conversing between mother and daughter being that of orders. 

Then, Margo's life changes dramatically and something inside her breaks. 7 year old Neveah, who she often sees on the bus, goes missing and Margo is enraged by the lack of urgency adopted by the authorities as the poor are just ignored. No one is going to save them. So what does she do? Takes the law into her own hands and avenges the death of the little girl. 

Margo gets a taste for more and assumes vigilante role, as she takes matters into her own hands to teach rapists, murderers, con men a lesson. In the Bone, people turn their heads away from crime and injustice but Margo has had enough of innocent suffering. 

It's hard to review without giving any spoilers away but this is a gut-wrenching read. The first half is slow and methodical, we get an insight into Margo's mind and psyche. Then shit hits the fan and the rollercoaster descends from the top, bringing the reader through twists and turns that will cause confusion and nausea. 

Fisher is one of my favourite authors, not based on story line but on writing talent. I've read loads of brilliant books but the writing has been lacklustre, which is fine for a quick read.

But you can't quick read this book. Every word has a purpose. The prose is delicately psychotic and nimble, and not overworked or written. Skip a line and you risk missing something huge. Big dramatic moments are given 3 lines, emphasising the lack of impact the situation has on our heroine. 

"I crack my neck as I leave the alley. I have to stop fucking killing people."

This read should anger you. It should cut you deep. 

There is a great plot line that is not answered, which I applaud as it sort of drives the reader slightly insane wondering what is real. 

I started out not being so sure where this book was headed and if I would enjoy it. but writing this 24 hours after completion and I'm still affected by it.  

"Unlike Lady Gaga, who asserted her line across radio channels, as millions bopped their heads to the anthem of sociopathy, I was not born this way. I was not born with the capacity to murder. Life brought it out in me."

Overall:

If you want soft romance go elsewhere. If you want to read something that speaks the uncomfortable truth about the world, this is for you.  A dark and twisted psychological thriller. 

Goodreads

REVIEW; Predator, by Michelle Horst

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance, Suspense

Recommend: Yes

Standalone

NO SPOILERS 

Summary:

Cara has been on the run through America since the murder of her parents in South Africa. Trying to fly under the radar, Cara soon finds herself kidnapped and locked up after letting her guard momentarily slip. But she's a fighter, and doesn't give up when she is being beaten or raped. 

Then in lands Predator, hired to kill her captors and save her. But he has his own demons and reasons for protecting her. Together, they need to work on saving Cara and rebuilding her life, while flying under the radar. But Cara doesn't want to rely on him and is trying to battle her feelings for him. They can't get too comfortable though, as the danger is always out there. 

My Thoughts:

Predator: He is a hired killer. He gets rid of the bad guys and rescues if necessary. Cara's uncle hires him to save Cara and he busts in and rescues her, hell bent on building her back up to the girl she was. But I am disappointed he didn't remain as Predator for long, he very quickly became human and less powerful by being called Damian. Being Predator allowed him to appear more powerful and secretive but stripping him of the title stripped also the intimidation. He wants to save Cara because he couldn't save his first love which is absolutely devastating to read about the amount of guilt he has being harbouring. 

Cara: I liked her strength and independence. When kidnapped she could have taken the easy route by succumbing to the torture to receive a lesser punishment. Instead, she proved to be a difficult victim by always fighting back. Even when Damian rescues her, she remains independent and tries not to rely on him for anything. But then at times, she did a 180 and appeared extremely weak, panic attacks and crying after everything. Understandable at times but then at others it was just frustrating. 

Story: there's quite a simple storyline that allows for focus on grief and trauma and character development. I was expecting a lot more action compared to what there was. Apart from a few scenes, there wasn't much else going on.  The story was told from both POV's and I wish it wasn't. Allowing the reader an insight into Damian's mind further stripped him from the secretive allure around him. But we get some truths revealed before they are to Cara and we learn a lot more about the danger Cara is still in despite being rescued. 

Overall:

This is definitely more of an emotional read and it does work if you have the patience for it. It deals with real harsh issues and the mental process of moving on and natural reactions. While I would have liked more action, I can appreciate the delicate nature of the topic at hand and think it was depicted realistically and truthfully. Definitely recommend. 

Goodreads 

BOOKTOUR REVIEW; Loving Amber (Riverstone Estate #1), by Roya Carmen

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

Book 1; The Riverstone Series

NO SPOILERS 

Summary:

Amber always loved Paul from a young age while Aiden always bullied her. But Amber put up with Aiden hating if it allowed her be a part of their group. 
But as adults, Amber loses Paul and her brother in the same night, and Aiden survives. As a result, she can't help but put all the blame on Aiden and vows to keep him out of her life. 
As time passes and they are constantly thrown together, Aiden will stop at nothing to prove he deserves a place in her life, and is not the bad guy she thinks he is. After all, he only annoyed her as a child because he liked her. 

My Thoughts:

***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***

From soon on we know this is going to be a story that involves emotions and heart-strings. 

Told from dual POV we get an insight into the story from both Amber and Aiden's side. I'm uncertain if I liked this - the viewpoints switched often and during the same scenes and it got a bit confusing that it changed for no reason. I think the story would have had more impact if it was majority the POV of Amber and occasionally changed to Aiden for imperative moments or scenes...

Amber: The poor woman has lost her twin and husband in the same night so I can't help but feel for her. She wants to protect herself and her son and choose the guy who can provide stability and be a good father figure. All through the books she's fighting against her head and her heart. But good grief she certainly pushed and pulled a lot and it got a tad frustrating. 

Aiden: He really won me over. He was so sweet and utterly patient beyond belief concerning Amber. I felt sorry for him with how Amber constantly used him. Although I understood why she did what she did, his feelings were taken advantage of in sorts and that's not something usually seen regarding the hero.

Story: This is a heartfelt and emotional story about allowing yourself to be loved and moving on. I found it to be a little slow though. By 40% in there was still no action or romance between the two... it all just took a bit too long to ever occur. Following the climax and drama the story finished up then quickly. However, this deals with the healing process of loss and love, and that is a slow journey so I suppose the tension and emotional warfare is accurately represented by the slow story. 

Overall:

This was a beautiful read and I would recommend it. It's a gorgeous story of the battle between head and heart and the truth about love.

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Killer (Savages #2), by Jessica Gadziala

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Dark, Romance, Suspense

Recommend: Yes

Book 2/3

NO SPOILERS 

Summary:

Following Shooter being saved by Alex and Breaker, he is sent back to Alabama after word of his father's death. He expects to be in and out. 
Amelia lived beside Shooter's dad, and is grieving over the loss of her friend. She meets Shooter and he gets more than he expected when she grills him for bad-mouthing his father. But she gets her illusion shattered when he confesses how his father treated him as a child. As sparks fly between the pair, Shooter tries to break down her walls. But trouble follows him and Amelia is in direct danger and he wonders if she will ever fit into his world.

My Thoughts:

I didn't think I would prefer Shooter's story over Breaker's but I fell hard for him. 

And yes, like a lot of people, I imagined him exactly like Stephen James... <3 

Shooter: He has had a really hard life. His father abused him and he didn't care that he died. But he gets quite the shock when he realises that his father was doing better for himself and was sober. After befriending Breaker he was able to turn his life around and make a name for himself, now being one of the best contract killers and earning the nickname Shooter. I liked his personality from when we saw him in "Monster", his carefree and smart-mouth attitude was just infectious. It was interesting to see him try to take Amelia serious and not revert to his old ways of joking around all the time. It was great being able to see a deep side of him and be raw and vulnerable to Amelia. 

Amelia: She is totally different to Alex. Amelia has had no involvement in the dark and dangerous world, although having a hard life herself, and she recognises she doesn't belong in his world. She is quite innocent and almost naive, despite having a strong attitude. Even I wanted to wrap my arms around her and give the poor girl a hug. But she was capable of standing her own and didn't need Shooter emotionally or to save her. 

Story: I loved the action in this. In some way there was a lot more suspense and drama involved as the threats weren't known straight- away and we find out the danger alongside Amelia. There was a lot more romance in this one, with the relationship between the two building slowly and steadily. It was so fragile between the two and I was willing them on so much and nearly screamed a number of times at Shooter to wake up and say the right thing! There was again, great pacing with the balance between action and character development perfectly depicted. It was great seeing Alex and Breaker appear and have them still fighting as usual, riling each other up. 

Overall:

I loved this. It was so much more emotional and I became so invested in these characters and their story. Absolutely adored it.

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Night Shifts Black, by Alyson Santos

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

Standalone

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Callie is disturbed one day having breakfast, when a tattooed stranger asks for her seat in a café despite others being free. She gives it to him, later finding out that the staff watch him come in every day to stare at the seat before leaving again - never staying or buying anything, just starting. Callie feels drawn to him. Drawn to finding out what has him come in every day and why that chair is important. Slowly, he lets her in. But Callie may find out more than she bargained for.  

My Thoughts:

I'm really frustrated by this book. This started out as a 5 star read and then slipped rather quickly to 3 stars and I'm so annoyed about it...

Callie: I liked her. I liked she was the only one brave enough to speak to Luke, get to know why he came into the café all the time and just listen. Soon she becomes integral to Luke's story, as we are reminded this isn't about him though. She is a huge rock for him in dealing with his depression and moving on and her strength is admirable at never giving up or becoming dissuaded from his actions.

Luke: Oh man, I felt for him. That man was torturing himself and I could totally see why. If only he had gone to meet his wife that night. I nearly hated him for causing her death! Or for not caring enough in the first place at least. But he did his suffering times over and deserved a break. I loved reading his part in things. He loved Callie and needed her, but wasn't in love with her. He just needed her to make him realise things would be okay. He could forgive himself and move on to a better life. He needed to get over the chair though... so what's the chair all about? The chair that has him come into a café and even steal it on one occasion after causing a scene, is the chair he was meant to be sitting in to save his marriage. The chair his wife sat opposite waiting for him to show to save their marriage. The chair she sat opposite when deciding to commit suicide. The chair she sent him a photo of so he could carry his guilt around with the "if only's"... heavy. right?

Casey: This is where I am conflicted. I really loved him and his character. I loved his relationship with Callie and how much he wanted to help Luke but how he couldn't deal with always being pushed away. Plus, Luke's wife? Yeah, she was Casey's sister. So he had to live knowing his best friend failed his sister. But he is a friend everyone needs. He would move heaven and earth if it meant bringing Luke back to his music and back to him but he just can't get through to him and is growing tired. Cue him meeting Callie though... and the pair find themselves entangled in each other...

Romance: So at the first half, the reader is led to believe that Callie fancies Luke, even though she reminds herself it's never going to happen. She needs to support Luke and she can't confuse her role in his life. He is in no way ready to move on from the death of his wife until he can feel he is acquitted. But still, glimmer of hope that the two will help each other and find their happy little way together... nope!!! Apparently Casey and Callie are meant for each other and it very quickly becomes THEIR story and Luke battling depression and guilt on the sidelines. He is what the book is meant to be about! I know we are told it's Callie's story but I feel like the blurb is a fraud. Casey is integral but not even hinted at. It all just became focused on their relationship and slowly introducing Luke back into the music industry. It just lost all the tension and darkness by the turn of a page. 

Overall:

I'm still saddened by this. It wasn't the story I was expecting to read but I feel this is the purpose of the book and what the author set out to do. For me, I just felt disappointed as it started on such a high. That aside, still an addictive read.

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Broken and Screwed 2, by Tijan

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

Book 2/2

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Alex's parents have left her to fend for herself and she is angry. She has questions about her brother and his death and is demanding Jesse gives her the answers. But when she goes off to college she realises Jesse is considering a celebrity almost and being associated with him would put her right in the limelight. Also, once reunited the pair can't deny their chemistry, and soon fall back into old habits of finding strength in each other. But now Alex doesn't want a public relationship, and the secrets Jesse knows about the death of Ethan, may tear them apart for good. 

My Thoughts:

Alex: She is still hard as nails but opens up so much more. She is able so slowly let her guard down. She remains so strong solely to protect Jesse from knowing the truth about her parents- she doesn't tell him they upped and left her and don't care for her, so she doesn't shatter his illusion of the perfect parents. She's still happy with whatever she can get from Jesse, even if it means her own heartbreak. Alex also got money from her grandfather, enabling her to go to college and pay for anything. I liked for once a character didn't take the high road and turn down money just on principle of where it came from. 

"I hadn't known my grandfather was wealthy, but I capitalized on it. I had the money so I was going to use it"

Jesse: he is still as strong and powerful as ever, but we also get a rare glimpse of his caring side. He really wants to be with Alex, properly and not in secret but yet she's the one adamant to keep things quiet. Somewhere along the lines he found his closure, I think some of this coming from the truth concerning Ethan's death being finally exposed while he was keeping his promise to Ethan at the same time. 

Cord: It was really good being able to see more about him and see his character develop on the sidelines and see another side to him. Maybe he will get his own story? He was like an epic big brother figure and I loved his banter with Alex but yet his automatic protective nature as he know she is important to Jesse. 

Story: her parents in this really were horrendous and so awful, but it all makes sense to how they had acted, even if there was an attempt of justification and remorse. There's the added drama of the secrets surrounding the death of Alex's brother and her quest to really find out the truth. There isn't a huge epic romance, but yet there's still an exciting and realistic relationship built between the pair.

Overall:

This definitely lived up to the expectations set from the first book. It has everything and more, a story of jealousy, hurt and betrayal. And finally, all the answers we've been wanting from the beginning. 

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Broken and Screwed, by Tijan

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

Book 1/2

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Alex's brother died in a car crash and her life has never been the same. Jesse lost his best friend that night, and has a special bond with Alex - they're both hurting over the loss of someone they love. Thrown into a world of despair and darkness, they both find strength in each other. 

Alex loves him, but she knows they'll never be together. Jesse doesn't want to feel, and Alex is the only girl that understands what he needs and he will take what he can get. 

My Thoughts:

Hot damn. This far surpassed FCH. There were no sex scenes but yet it was the steamiest novel yet. 

"The nights were the worst as I stayed in my home. I had been abandoned. I was haunted. And all I wanted to do was destroy everything."

For a book about not feeling, I certainly felt a lot. 

Alex: She is one great character. I really feel for her. She's not some damsel in distress but yet needs Jesse to hurt with him. She's absolutely rock solid. She's been through hell and back and in some depression but gives no shits. She was in no way portrayed as perfect or an unrealistic ideal of the perfect girl who had it all - making it so easy for me to feel for her and want to see her kick ass and get her happy ending. 

She's so far gone that she recognises Jesse is using her and that she doesn't care if it results in her being hurt constantly. 

"He was going to screw other girls tonight and I know she'll still go for him if he ever calls her. You do that too. You're both so weak. You're spineless" 

Jesse: OH MY GOD! He is amazing. He's so heartbroken and raw and hurting and I love how he is portrayed. Deep down he appears to love Alex, but he needs her to cope and that's all she will ever be. I love how Alex didn't change him in this - he wasn't some project needing to be altered by the girl. Am fed up of novels where the main female converts the bad boy to a whipped boyfriend. Jesse remains aloof and stern and it's so fantastic and captivating. 

Friends: I liked how her friends Angie and Marissa were sort of shit friends. Reminds us all that there are times where we have friends that aren't good for us. I felt bad that Angie wouldn't really try and sympathise but then Alex did a good job of blocking everyone out. Really got an idea of Alex's numbness to all when Marissa tries to take Jesse and Alex can't even react. 

Story: the trauma and despair in this is crushing and it only gets worse for Alex. What is brilliant though is all that occurs is a domino from her brother's death. Her parents reaction or grieving state directly impact Alex and makes for an even bigger heart-wrenching story beyond just Alex suffering the loss of her brother. She's really mourning the loss of her whole family and dealing with the realisation her parents care more for Jesse than they ever would for her.  

Overall:

Thank God book 2 was available when I read this. I was totally sucked into their bleak world and couldn't believe how strong their attraction spewed from the pages despite them not even being together in this book. Best Tijan read so far. 

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Because She Loves Me, by Mark Edwards

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense

Recommend: Yes

NO SPOILERS 

Summary:

When Andrew meets Charlie he instantly falls for her. She is beautiful and funny and loves him just as much. Before he knows it, he's asking her to move in with him - everything is perfect. 

But is everything as it seems? Andrew notices some things have gone missing, he's losing friends on Facebook, his pretty young cleaner is replaced with an older woman, an ex-girlfriend winds up dead. Charlie has shown she has issues with jealousy... but how far will she go to ensure she keeps Andrew for herself? Is she capable of murder? Or is it just a chain of coincidences... ?

My Thoughts:

Story/ Paranoia: Similar to The Magpies, the cause of torment and menace is a simple one. Supposedly all down to the jealousy of a girlfriend, which adds to the creepiness as it's something that could easily happen to anyone. I love how Mark Edwards can take a simple concept and make it grow to create such horror stories. Towards the end I was nearly shouting at people to listen to Andrew and stop the deaths we were expecting to occur as it all got heated. The one thing this does is get inside your head. Is Charlie who she says she is? Who is she? Is she lying? Is she responsible for strange things occurring? Is she mentally unstable? Is she just insecure? WHAT IS GOING ON?! It drives you crazy. 

Twist: There is a twist in this and it is the reason why this isn't a 5 star rating... I didn't HATE the twist, which I won't mention as it is a huge spoiler. I just don't think it was necessary too much. It wasn't too awful; just before the twist occurred it was hinted at and I had a moment of calculating the possible plausible conclusions before the truth was revealed. I can see why people are annoyed at it - a solid story was built for everything that the reader knew to just be thrown to one side and BAM! something else with no warning... but a part of me liked it also. I liked it wasn't a complete predictable outcome and the reader was blind-sided by the events. I think my main issue is who was involved with the twist seemed off and it would have worked better if a different character was involved with a better reason... 

Ending: I think the hardest part about psychological thrillers is constructing the ending. Do you end it on a high of the shock? Or finish off the stories of the characters? And to what extent do you follow their aftermath? Endings are delicate aspects of every story and I have to applaud this one. There was a suitable epilogue to the events and a nice ending that still leaves the reader wondering what truly occurs in the future. 

Overall: 

I think this is my favourite Mark Edwards read so far. Possibly because I can relate to knowing jealous people and having been jealous myself at times, it's nearly more scary as you realise "this could be me", be it for either Andrew or Charlie's position! Recommend this for anyone looking for something unnerving and different to your regular reads.

Goodreads 
Amazon

REVIEW; Follow You Home, by Mark Edwards

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense

Recommend: Yes

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Daniel and girlfriend Laura are on their Grand Tour, travelling around Europe before they return to London and settle down. But on a midnight train, they find themselves thrown off at an abandoned station in a forest in Romania, after having their phones and passports stolen as they slept. 
There, they hike to civilisation but not without trauma. Out in the forest, Daniel and Laura witness horrific events that haunt them.
Back in London, Daniel and Laura are no longer together - both suffering and damaged from what happened in Romania. Something they vow not to speak of. 
But when Laura feels someone is out to get her, and Daniel gathers proof someone is after them, they have to face what happened in that forest, and wonder if someone has followed them home...

My Thoughts:

This was so spine-chilling and daunting and really draws the reader in and wondering what happened in Romania?! 

Pace: The pacing in this is spot on - enough is revealed leading up to the big Romania incident reveal to keep the reader interested and not just feel like the story was dragging. The ominous tone was set from early on, especially upon the return to London where more strange and unnerving events start to occur. Even after the big plot twist occurs, there's still some crumbs of twists to still devour and it even ends on a big punch! It's unbelievable. 

Writing: The story is mostly from Daniel's POV with some insights into various other characters, which builds the suspense as the reader gets to uncover more of the plot before the character does. It's fairly standard, basic writing but I wouldn't say it's bad like other reviews. The timing of everything was well judged and there was great technique in uncovering some information, thinking it's the truth, and then the full story being revealed a while later.

Story: This is a great story. It's extremely dark and disturbing and so evil! I wasn't totally on board with how Laura and Daniel reacted back in London, vowing to keep it all such a harbored secret. I could understand Laura's shut down coping method, but ultimately, it felt a little off in their reactions. 

Overall: 

This was a whirlwind of a read that will leave you feeling like you've been punched in the gut. It's scary and so unnerving, but captivating and addictive as it lures you into their paranoia and wanting to uncover what they saw in Romania. Definitely recommend for any mystery or suspense lover!

Goodreads 

Amazon

REVIEW; A Perfect Mess (Hope Parish #1), by Zoe Dawson

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance, Suspense

Recommend: Yes

NO SPOILERS 

Summary:

Aubree Walker left Hope Parish following a Summer of secrets, leaving her aunt behind and focusing on college in Tulane. But a phonecall brings her back to the town, following her aunt being in an accident. 

Booker Outlaw knows Aubree's secret and everything that happened last summer. And he has secrets of his own that he dreads telling Aubree. 

But when Aubree starts getting anonymous threats and messages, Booker assumes protector role and vows to keep her safe. As the two grow closer and remember the events of last summer, their secrets threaten to tear the two apart and ruin them as she may be more dangerous for him, than the bad boy is for the good girl. 

My Thoughts:

This story will suck you in, send you on a wild rollercoaster and spit you out at the end not knowing what just happened! 

Aubree: She has an obsession with being perfect and runs away from a dark past and from Booker, to follow a busy, studious life at college. She cuts herself off from her aunt, her only relative, so she does not have to return to the town that haunts her. Pursuing a relationship with Booker Outlaw, is the last thing on her list, especially when she is forced to return and their paths become forever entwined. Booker helps her see flaws are what make people perfect, and to let go of what restrictions she has set herself. 

Booker: He doesn't do "forever" and he tells himself to leave Aubree alone- Miss Perfect is the last thing he needs. But when she returns into his life, it's like a second chance for him at love.  Aubree was always different, and when she is in danger he can't help but step up and protect her any way he can. She stirs emotions in him that he's worked years to mask as he is sent on a journey of inner turmoil and despair. 

Aubree & Booker: I loved their banter and flirting between them. It flowed so naturally end effortlessly with the right amount of awkward exchanges between them here and there. There was a great chemistry evident from the start, and it probably helped they both had a huge shared secret which brought them closer. What was so endearing was how slow their romance built to one of substance and depth and felt real - none of that instant love nonsense. I liked that Booker called her "Sugar" instead of "baby" that's used in every other romance book!

Suspense: I would've liked a little more suspense in this, although there was a very good mystery element woven in to the story to make it more than just a romance. Admittedly, I guessed from the beginning what had happened last summer so a lot of it was fairly predictable, but the simplicity of it all made it seem more plausible and realistic I suppose. I think there needed to be an increase in threats leading up to the climax, as at times I forgot she was meant to be in danger. I like how there were hints to the secrets surrounding Verity and Boone, which will be the focus of the second novel, so rather than a cliffhanger, it was a nice way to gauge interest in those characters early on. 

Overall: 

This is a whirlwind of emotion; there is laughter, fear, tears, death, love, despair, jealousy, everything. Booker is actually the more fragile of them both, and this sets for such a captivating read as we get to read from both POV's. Definitely recommend!

Goodreads 
Free on Amazon  

REVIEW; 18 Things (My So Called Afterlife #1), by Jamie Ayers

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Genre: Young-Adult, Death, Paranormal

Recommend: Yes

NO SPOILERS 

Summary:

Olga Gay Worontzoff is crushed when her best friend and crush, is going to Prom with someone else. In an effort to show she wasn't bothered, she invited him out sailing. But, in a freak lightening storm, Conner got killed and Olga is sent down a spiral of guilt, leading to her suicide attempt.

At therapy, Olga meets Nate, who soon becomes her best friend and helps her forgive herself about Conner's death. He also helps her compile her list of 18 Things, suggested by her therapist. A list of 18 accomplishments to be achieved in the year of being 18. 

But as she crosses off the items on her list, her therapist admits there was a much deeper and vital meaning to her list... one Olga never once dreamed of. 

My Thoughts:

I'm a little confused with the genre of this novel - I was expecting the paranormal aspect to hit a LOT sooner. And even still, it's not so much paranormal and more so just a little strange twist... 

Writing: The writing in this really threw me off and took away from the story. "true dat" was said by nearly every character, "da bomb." It's just incredibly cringe worthy. And then childish language like "nearly touched her ta-tas". This is a YA novel, so why not just say breasts/boobs/chest? Why chose such juvenile words? Also, this novel could pass as a song-book for the amount of pages filled with lyrics... which I got very quickly bored of as ultimately without music I find it hard to care for song lyrics, especially when from an original song that's unknown. 


Olga: I didn't really warm to her as much as I wanted to. I was of course expecting the grief journey and guilt, but for some reason I couldn't bring myself to care for her well-being and I don't know why. She was so uptight with her list and then pushing Nate away when it was obvious he cared for her. It all got a bit tiresome and relentless and her constant mental battle between Conner and Nate. I only kept reading to find out what the twist was.


Paranormal: I won't give the twist away but ugh... As it neared the end I could start to predict what it was, although it wasn't all explained (I felt) as how it all worked out for the reader to have an explanation of what we had read meant and fitted together involving all the characters. It's probably better labelled as being more of a religious theme than anything, and if I had known there was such an interwoven religious thread, I probably wouldn't have read this just due to my own beliefs, but it wasn't too heavy, more so just at the end. 

Romance: There's deep feelings but little actual romance in this. No more than a kiss.

Overall: 

I feel 2.5 stars is an accurate rating for this. There is a solid concept that's good, but it just needs a lot of work IMO. Language and writing needs a lot of development and some better built characters. Relatively decent read.

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