REVIEW; TEN: My Brother's Best Friend (Men by Numbers #1), by Ker Dukey

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Meh

Book 1

SPOILERS 

Summary:

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. 

My Thoughts:

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. 

Alex: 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. 

Dalton: I didn't love him (Six, though...swoooon). I don't think I will ever understand a character who is madly, blindly in love, and straightaway assumes the worst about that person - 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 doesn't even ask her about it. 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...

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.  

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. 

Overall:

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. 

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Easy (Contours of the Heart #1), by Tammara Webber

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

Book 1

NO SPOILERS!!! 

Summary:

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.
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. 

My Thoughts:

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.

Jacqueline: 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. 

Story: 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. 

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. 

Overall:

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.   

Goodreads

REVIEW; Illicit, by Ava Harrison

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New-Adult, Contemporary 

Recommend: Yes

Standalone

NO SPOILERS!!! 

Summary:

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. 

My Thoughts:

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. 

Lynn: 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. 

Carson: 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!

Story: 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. 

Overall:

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!  

Goodreads

REVIEW; Frosh: First Blush (Frosh #1), by Monica B Wagner

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Genre: New-Adult, Contemporary, Young Adult

Recommend: Yes

Book 1

NO SPOILERS!!! 

Summary:

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? 

My Thoughts:

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 The It Girl about 7-8 years ago. 

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. 

Ellie: 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. 

Characters: 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! 

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... 

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. 

Overall:

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+. 

Goodreads

REVIEW; One Condition (The Lust List #1), by Nova Raines

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Recommend: Yes

Book 1/4

NO SPOILERS 

Summary:

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. 
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.

My Thoughts:

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.

Hayley: 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.

Kaiden: 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.

Story: 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.

Overall: 

A quick read but an electric one. Filled with chemistry and drama and death threats, this is a captivating romance read. 

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Falling To Pieces, by Leddy Harper

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: Romance, New Adult

Recommend: Yes

Book 1 (Individual Story)

SPOILERS 

Summary:

At nearly 17 years old, Aubrey is solely focused on her studies so she can go to college and escape her mother. That is until after Christmas break she returns to find a new History Teacher - Mr Taylor. For the first time in her life, someone cares for her. After noticing bruising and facial injuries, he gets involved in her life and vows to protect and help her. But soon lines become blurred and the boundaries between student and teacher waiver. Mr Taylor wanted to save Bree, but it's possibly she who saves him. 

My Thoughts:

There is something about the student-teacher romances that intrigue me and I love seeing how different authors treat the subject. This was probably one of the best executions as lines were barely crossed. 

Bree: For the most part I really liked how strong she was, even though not realising it. She flipped when Axel tried to just help her and she had a mindset that she had to help herself. I loved that she constantly reminded him of the boundaries and set out her feelings from the get go. 

I don't know if the split time frame worked for me. The first half was told 6 years before present time and from Bree's POV. The latter half was then presented to the reader from Axel's perspective and I really enjoyed this dual POV as we find out the information from both sides and we got an insight into how much Bree really meant to him. I just didn't like the storyline of Bree having a daughter. There were just too many coincidences occurring for me to truly believe it all. 

For the first half of the story I could usually completely understand Bree and her reactions to everything. But in the second half she had clearly grown and changed through the six years but I felt like I was missing some pivotal information to understand her older self. I just didn't get her and the dancing around Axel and the unnecessary drama. I get that there was massive miscommunication on both sides, however it felt like Bree was a totally new character. 

Pace: one aspect of the writing that I applaud is the pacing. Every time Bree faced drama we weren't told immediately what had occurred or happened but found out as Axel did etc. It worked in adding another dimension to the story and prevented it from sounding like Bree was just retelling a story. 

I like how Axel didn't directly go after Bree either. Their connection wasn't based on flirting and attraction but a deeper concern and genuine care of her wellbeing, with the feelings growing from there. 

Overall:

Not your typical forbidden romance but a beautiful story nonetheless. Definitely recommend. 

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Did I Mention I Love You? (DIMILY #1), by Estelle Maskame

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

Book 1/3

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Eden's parents are divorced. She agrees to spend the summer with her father and his new family in California. She knows immediately she doesn't fit in. 
The eldest step-brother, Tyler is not happy she is a part of their family. But he can't ignore her when his group of friends take her in and show her the Californian lifestyle. Tyler's girlfriend doesn't make it easy for Eden to fit in either. Eden is thrown into a life of drama, secrets and deceit. But she can't ignore the feelings she has for Tyler, and the need to see him for who he really is.   

My Thoughts:

This is probably a 3.5 star rating. I loved the plot and the idea, but it was nothing special at the end of the day. 

Eden: I felt for her. She was thrown into a new life with a new family and a new group of friends and didn't feel like she fitted in. But she was so sincere and caring. I loved how she was determined to break down Tyler's walls and see the real him. Always being there for him despite being given the cold shoulder. She was such a good person. When she realised her feelings for Tyler, she couldn't continue if he was still with Tiffany - a girl who really didn't deserve that act of kindness and consideration from Eden. She's also very strong willed! She put an end to things for the greater good... I don't know how she managed that at all. 

Tyler: God, what a troubled guy. He had the typical rock hard exterior and acted like a right piece of work. He was hurting so badly and trying to put up a front to everyone, that he was on a direct path to self-destruction. He doesn't seem like a book boyfriend contender, but definitely a book best-friend. He's so charming and hides a wonderful personality behind his walls and I was cheering him on whenever he would let Eden in. 

I enjoyed this but felt the characters were too young. I would have rather they had been a year or two older just because I couldn't really place their mental age with their real one. It all seemed a little off. 

While this is about a forbidden romance it's also a great coming of age read. It deals with a lot of the pressures of being a teenager and growing up and dealing with all sorts of issues. There is drug and alcohol abuse as well as the usual insecurities we all feel. 

Overall:

This is a light quick but deep read. There are twists and turns and secrets and not too predictable. It will also probably drive you mad if you don't have book 2 ready to jump right into afterwards.

Goodreads 

REVIEW; F*ck Love, by Tarryn Fisher

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance,

Recommend: Yes

Standalone 

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Helena has a dream. A dream where her husband is Kit- who in real life is her best friends boyfriend. She barely knows him, but when she wakes up facts from the dream start unfolding in real life. Helena can't ignore the pull she feels towards Kit or the need to please him. But Kit is not hers to have. Meanwhile Helena is on a journey to discover herself, anything to distract herself from her best friends boyfriend. 

My Thoughts:

This is hilarious. I really didn't know what to expect with this book so I was going in blind and laughed so much. 

The writing is brilliant throughout with great one liners; 

"She is heavy with child, as I am heavy with topknot"

Helena: she is epic. She's far from perfect but just a woman trying to find herself and not get her heart crushed. She was so impulsive and I love how her stream of consciousness was depicted - not polished off to fit into a literary box but exactly how the mind of a young woman goes. Erratic and all over the place and it worked. 

"His text bubble appears as he starts to type, then abruptly it's gone. It starts, then it's gone again. He's typing things then erasing them. I strangle my phone, then slam it on the bed a few times. It's lying facedown on the comforter, and I lift the corner to peek at the screen. There isn't a text. I go to the kitchen for a snack, then circle my bed a few times while I spoon peanut butter into my mouth from the jar. I'm scared that he's texted. I'm also scared that he hasn't.  'You chicken!' I yell. I lunge for the phone, dropping the peanut butter jar on the floor."

I had to stop for a second when reading this. I've never read a more realistic depiction in a novel that I could relate to before. It's so funny to read the ridiculous actions or thoughts we have in actual words. 

"I almost have no nails left by the time his bubble pops up, but that's cool because everyone has fingernails, and I like to be different." 

L. O. L!!!!

Kit is a different love interest. He isn't some great gorgeous charming dream guy that will make it onto any book boyfriend list. But he is the man of Helena's dreams - despite not having a choice in the matter. I wished he had more of a back bone at times, but I suppose his weakness was integral to the whole story. 

What's great about this book is that the characters are realistic. They are not idealised or perfect representations of people who always do the right thing. Or some unattainable ideal of being an 100% great person. They're real and have their flaws and that's what makes this so brilliant. 

Overall:

I've never read a story like this. It's filled with humour but surrounding a serious story of ultimate heartbreak and friendships. I couldn't put it down and it's definitely a memorable novel! I look forward to reading more work by Fisher. 

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Beautiful Torment (Beautiful #1), by Paige Laurens

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

Book 1 of 2

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Luci Cunningham is ready to begin her senior year. But on the first day she is thrown off course when her chemistry teacher walks in and she can't help but stare. Mr Harrington notices Luci as soon as he walks in to his classroom, but chooses to ignore her. He's her teacher and he knows better. But soon the two face their lust and are finding reasons so spend more time together, extra tutoring sessions, make-up tests at lunch and the two embark on a secret relationship, risking everything. 

My Thoughts:

I loved this! I got sucked into this whirlwind forbidden romance and didn't look up until it ended- then immediately fell into book 2! 

Luci: I was really rooting for her. She's a typical young girl admiring a hot teacher like most would. She very quickly becomes obsessed with him and will do anything just to be able to get a glimpse of him. However when she realises he reciprocates the feelings, I love how bold she becomes in calling him out on it and addressing him directly. She becomes quite the seductress! Ultimately, I admired how she kept on telling herself it would never amount to anything real, that everything they had would always remain a dirty secret and she tries her best to accept this. Their romance never goes beyond the classroom. She really lets everything go to get wrapped up in him, she ignores her friends, doesn't apply to uni etc and falls hard for him. 

Mr Harrington:  Mmmm. I was surprised how easily he gave in and didn't try to deny his feelings. Although he left Luci to instigate anything between them, he certainly had his fun once she knew. But I loved the banter and games between them and how dangerous he played things. I was surprised they didn't get caught but it really made for an exciting read, just waiting for things to fall apart. He was battling the right and wrong front and it was clear he was conflicted about keeping it contained, but still entertaining to read his struggle to say no to his feelings and Luci. 

Writing: to get it out of the way, the writing in this needs some editing. There are a lot of typos scattered throughout and at times stilted the story. 

"It wouldn't be too would be too weird?"
"My mind is swirling, and for the quickest second, I loose my balance."

Other than that, the rest of the writing is brilliant. Their romance is forbidden but yet everything is so unbelievably steamy and hot and original. 

Ending: I am conflicted about the ending. I liked there was a huge climax and plot twist to throw them off course and add in that bit of drama, but there wasn't much hinting throughout that anything was happening or secrets were being kept. But it built up for a good lead into book 2...

Overall:

I loved this. It wasn't perfect, at times not realistic, but it as so damn addictive and hot!! I was almost jealous of Luci. Recommend as a light read to get wrapped up in.

Goodreads 

REVIEW; Fallen Crest University (Fallen Crest High #5), by Tijan

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance, Suspense, Dark

Recommend: Yes

NO SPOILERS 

Summary:

Samantha is reunited with Mason and Logan at university. They all share one enemy, Park Sebastian. 

After Mason set  fire to their fraternity house, if he steps out of line his future is over. Sebastian knows this and has set his eyes on targeting Sam, to provoke Mason. 

Sam wants to take him on herself and protect Mason. But when she realises she can't even trust her friends to be who they claim to be, Sam discovers the real danger she is in, and also some cruel truths about her own life come to light. Can the trio survive this, or is this finally what breaks them?

My Thoughts:

Fallen Crest High was my favourite series. When I read book 1 I was hooked like never before. But, somehow, I feel like the stories are weakening and I'm not sure why. I think maybe 5 books is just too many and the characters are becoming weaker or more transparent... or at least the relationship between Sam and Mason is.

Sam: I feel in this she went a little backwards. She has gone through so much and I expected more fight in her. I also found her boring... Her character just seemed so flat and feeble at times. I also ended up skipping any romantic scenes between her and Mason. Not sure why, but I just lost interest in them two this time round. There were many of secrets/lies in this but I found the over-reacting of Sam and Mason just annoying. After everything, I just would have expected them to be more mature with each other and actually understand the reasoning behind any secrets.

Mason: Mason was still himself in this book. He is hellbent on protecting Sam but also focusing on not being caught stepping out of line so to not threaten his career. But I want the scary, ruthless, intimidating Mason back. Not sure if it is because being with Sam has softened him up, but I want him and Logan back as being the threatening presence they once were.

Logan: Thank God Logan is in this story. This would not be a 4 star review without him. He really kept the story solid in my opinion, with his typical "charm", humour and antics. He seems to be the only character still true to the initial one we met back in book one.

Writing: I love Tijan's writing but I found it difficult to follow this one a little. Possibly due to not being able to sit down and get a good amount of reading time in, but the constant changing of POV per chapter and the lack of name use when people spoke, made it difficult to remember who was who. e.g. using I, he, she, we instead of naming people. As I said, this could be my fault though.

Overall: 

Fifth book in the series, it was good, had the drama and everything we expect from Fallen Crest and Tijan. But perhaps time to wrap it all up? 

Goodreads 

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; Embrace (Evolve #2), by S.E. Hall

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

SPOILERS (If haven't read book #1)

Summary:

Evan Allen left his university to be with Laney... but he was too little too late. Now at her uni, seeing her with Dane is killing him. Knowing nobody doesn't help him either. 

But Sawyer and the others kindly take him in and help him to meet other people. Evan soon begins to find his feet again and get back on the scene, and realises his situation isn't as bad as he thinks. 

Losing Laney may have been the wake-up call he needed to embrace his new life.

My Thoughts:

*** Emerge (Evolve #1) Review*** 

I really loved the first book in this series and was so excited to continue the drama. But part of my was a little let down with this one...

Evan: Gah, I felt SO bad for him at the end of Emerge and was eager to see how his chance at luck went. The only negative for me was that it was obvious this was written by a female. There were times where his reactions and thoughts were definitely not male characteristics and had the typical traits of a "perfect guy" created by countless authors. Now, he's meant to be the die-hard romantic "good guy" but it was a little too much at times. Maybe he was just too cutesy for my liking but I fell a little out of love with him in this and his double standards with Whitley got quite frustrating considering how much she cared for him. 

Format: Quick little point out - kindle edition needs format editing. Nearly every "texting" conversation is all over the page and a there are numerous sentences where it stops mid line and continues on the next one. Just interrupts the overall flow for the reader. 

POV: Mostly portrayed from the POV of Evan, I enjoyed how it swapped over so we still got the insight into Laney and Dane's life and it wasn't a strong cut off to Book 2. They were still included as integral characters, although slightly sidelined as this was Evan's story. It was all executed quite smoothly and the writing style appropriately adapted per character. 

Whitley: Ah, bless her! Even I nearly fell for her. Like probably most readers, I wasn't a fan of her in Emerge, but we aren't meant to be. We only see the bitch side of her and immediately dislike her meddling nature, but we ~should~ know we women are bitches usually when we're hurting or defensive over something and this is exactly her situation. She is such a great person underneath her defensive nature and persona she plays and I loved reading more about her person. Her unconditional love and affection for Evan from the start was so endearing and even her warming to Laney showed how mature and kind-hearted she really is. 

Character Development: There was great development of the characters in this. Evan changed dramatically through the story and in fairness, so did Laney. I felt sorry for her position as she wasn't really to blame for the whole "love triangle" as such. (Read Emerge review for further dissection of that mess!) I could understand how awkward and guilty she felt at the beginning but then she also got mad as Evan was only trying to move on and live his life accepting he'd lost Laney. As she woke up to realising how he must have felt etc, she matured greatly and even welcoming Whitley into her group despite everything. 

Love/Romance: Mehhh... this is where this book fell down for me. I couldn't connect with the romance in this AT ALL. I don't know why seeing as I loved it in Emerge. It all just seemed like the same scenes retold and possibly with different characters at times but it was just dull. I'm so tired of reading the "baby" in every romantic scene in every book now too... just major cringe. 

Overall: 

It may have let me down a little, but I still loved the journey this book took and how the overall story continued and grew. I cannot wait for book 3 being focused on Sawyer - I bet this will be the best one yet!!

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REVIEW; Cinder & Ella, by Kelly Oram

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

SPOILERS

Summary:

Ellamara's life is forever changed on her 18th birthday where she loses her mother in a car-crash and is left scarred from burns and sent to live with her father and his new family, after not having spoken to him since he walked out on her family. The only positive in her life is her best friend- Cinder, as she knows him by. Except he's an internet friend so she's never met him before. 

Cinder - or better known as the new most loved hottest actor, Brian Oliver, fell for Ella long ago, but doesn't want her to know his true identity as she's the only person who treats him normally. Fighting with the media's expectations and trying to protect his career, all Brian wants is Ella, but knows he has to protect her from his crazy life. 

But when fate intervenes and their paths eventually cross, can both of them accept each other's secrets? Or will the revealed truths about each of their lives prove too much to handle. 

My Thoughts:

Ah where to start? 

Firstly, I was a little apprehensive in reading this after reading negative reviews about it and was worried I'd feel the same and DNF. But c'mon guys! It's a HEA book! You should know what you're getting into from reading the blurb!!


Young-Adult: This is definitely for the teenagers/Young-adults so it's unfair to comment on any of the teen drama or cringe-worthy scenes. It's meant to be! If I were 5 years younger reading this I'd have fallen straight into their world and know I'd be OBSESSED with this story. So hence, I'm rating it from a teenager me - as that's who it's clearly aimed at. 


Research: Okay, so there were plot holes with the legalities of A LOT of things in this - mainly in relation to how easily Ella could be committed to a mental institution and how little control she had over her life but so what?! Normally, I am a huge stickler for exact details being correct, but again - 15 year old me wouldn't bat an eyelid at these holes and what about poetic license? It's meant to be a novel of highs and lows and drama. If it toed the line for being legality correct there wouldn't be a story! 


Ella: I think it's quite hard to write and depict a character who has been through hell and back and then is suffering and failing to cope brilliantly with new circumstance. It's borderline "feel immense sympathy" or "stop feeling sorry for yourself" and it can be easy to waver between the two as you get fed up of the self-pity. But I never did with Ella. Whilst I could see both sides of why people acted how they did ~ her father, Jennifer, Juliette ~ they never had any tact with actually noticing Ella's reactions and adapting their approach accordingly. They drove me insane and I don't know how Ella didn't throttle them with her cane to begin with. But she really was an extremely strong character - no way could I have dealt with even the bullying in school remaining together like she did. Made of steel!


Cinder: He's not Brian Oliver in my mind. Cinder is such a great book boyfriend. I didn't quite fall or swoon over him, but I did for Ella. He was a mix of the stereotypical Hollywood heart-throb, but with a lot more common sense. Depicted as a somewhat bad boy with a reputation, we didn't get much of an insight into this and his love and affection for Ella was so apparent through how he joked with her.


Fairy-tale: Obviously, this is going to be a romance adventure. Oh wow! It really was such a great twist on Cinderella. It had the slightest thread of the fairy-tale interwoven throughout but it was such an original twist. It is exactly as it sets itself up to me - a whirlwind of drama and despair but all fairy tales have happily ever after's? 

Overall: 

I read this in less than 24 hours and loved it. Don't take it too seriously and any die-hard romantic will fall in love with the story. It may not be the highest standard of prose or most factually correct, but look at who it's aimed at. If you look hard enough at anything you'll find imperfections, but choose to see the beautiful story, and they don't matter!

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REVIEW; All The Bright Places, by Jennifer Niven

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Mental Illness

Recommend: Yes

SPOILERS

Summary:

Theodore Finch meets Violet Markey, both standing on the ledge of the school Bell Tower, contemplating jumping. 

Convincing each other to step down sparks the beginning of a beautiful relationship as Violet surprises herself with how much she needs the unpredictable and "crazy" Finch - who fills his time quoting suicide notes and analysing different methods. 

Going hand in hand on a life-changing journey spawning from a class project, they go on the most important and educational adventure they could imagine - but you only see the suffering of someone if they decide to show you. 

My Thoughts:

Holy Mother of all books ever written. 

You know those books you read and think "Wow, that was amazing!"?
Or those where you think "I've been punched in the gut!"?
Or even "I've just read a book that describes my thoughts!"?

This book had all three of those statements. 

Firstly, I've read mixed reviews and people immediately slating it over its likeness (mainly to The Fault in Our Stars) to other novels and being about suicide with no depth... I really have to disagree. I can see how someone would dislike this and the predictability that goes with it, however what really struck me was the accuracy... The amount of Finch's words/thoughts that were like echoes of what I've thought/said/written really scared the crap out of me. Even the feelings that we often can't put into words, somehow Jennifer Niven managed to do this. 

"You don't know how it is. It's like I've got this angry little person inside me, and I can feel him trying to get out. He's running out of room because he's growing bigger and bigger, and so he starts rising up, into my lungs, chest, throat, and I just push him right back down. I don't want him to come out. I can't let him out." 

"Why not?" 

"Because I hate him, because he's not me, but he's in there and he won't leave me alone, and all I can think is that I want to go up to someone, anyone, and just knock them into space because I'm angry at all of them."

I've had such a similar conversation with a friend a few weeks back and it freaked me out so much - but also was comforting to read the same thoughts having clearly been endured by someone else. It's just chilling.

Characters: It's been noted that the characters were strongly depicted as their illnesses rather than actual people. I can understand how this can be perceived but I do disagree. I think it's a tricky topic to write about sensitively whilst also getting the punch across. Not everyone will be pleased but for those of us that have experience with mental illness and knowing how one can consume you to such an extent you feel you have become that label, it's a help reading about it as raw and unromanticised as it truly is. 

"We are all alone, trapped in these bodies and our own minds, and whatever company we have in this life is only fleeting and superficial."

Ain't that the harsh truth... 

This novel has clearly become a quick sensation and followed in the footsteps of TFIOS and I was wary of actually reading it because of how highly it was rated but also how much it was torn down. For some unknown reason, possibly to try and shed the taboo of it all, mental illness/health has become a hot topic to write about and has in someway become glorified. I didn't feel this happened in this. Anyone who has had any dealings with depression / suicide / bi-polar will know this is a raw and truthful story. 

The emotions, feelings, thoughts, actions... they're REAL. They may seem erratic or attention seeking but that's what it's like. And again - it's scary!!!  

Despite the blossoming relationship, it still culminates in Finch taking his life. Surprisingly, I didn't cry. I felt a calmness and actual relief for him. I felt immense sympathy for poor Violet. And that's what suicide is. The deceased is finally at peace whilst leaving a wake of destruction and despair. 

But at least there's hope for Violet- despite all the bad luck that had come her way.

"Your hope list in accepting your life as it now lies before you, forever changed. If you can do that, the peace you seek will follow." 

Many are so unhappy the suicidal teen took his life in the end. Does this signify there's no hope for those suffering? That things don't get better? That all those alike Finch have now been shown that's the only answer? 

Not at all of course. Naturally we all take something different from this, but that's not the point in this (I think!). There was no exact reason for Finch's state or demise... but that's how it is. Is there ever one reason for being like him? It's everything. 

Of course, there are areas that could be improved or certain aspects implored further but so what? A novel can't delve into the entirety of any subject to meet everyone's needs. 

Overall: 

This could very easily become a cross of a review/ personal response but then it would be a very long and stealthy post - so maybe for another time. But this book got me. It struck home and got way too close to the bone but I needed to read this and am glad I have. Love it or hate it, it's a masterpiece of work. 

Goodreads 

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