REVIEW; #Nerd (Hashtag #1), by Cambria Hebert

Rating: ★★★☆☆
Genre: Young-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Yes

Book 1

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Rimmel is solely focused on her studies to ensure she keeps her scholarship. Considered a nerd, she keeps to herself and hides beneath baggy and frumpy clothes. Roman is the star football player but with slipping grades, is looking at losing his spot and his college dreams. 

Until Rimmel is set as his tutor and Roman soon faces a dare for initiation involving wooing Rimmel and obtaining photographic evidence. But as time goes on, the two opposites form an unlikely bond and friendship, as the drama ensues. 

My Thoughts:

This book was on my wishlist for ages, and I regret not reading it sooner. This is definitely a YA novel and I would say totally unsuitable for NA. However, I will try to review it by my younger self and rate it as it is. 

Plot: The plot is totally cliché and predictable; a popular hot jock falling for the nerdy girl that everyone looks down on and bullies. The whole hashtag aspect had an ounce of Gossip Girl to it, with the secrets of campus being revealed on social media, making life hell for those reported on. Although it sort of worked to bring the typical story into modern days. 

Rimmel: I really warmed to her. She wasn't the typical underrated heroine that can easily exist in these type of novels. She didn't fawn over Roman at first glance and stuck to her morals at all costs and stayed strong. I was totally rooting for her! I think a lot of readers will relate to Rimmel. I especially connected with her feeling of not belonging and finding solace with animals. She was a gem. 

Roman: I feel he is a huge reason as to why this is a 3 star read. I struggle to find novels depicting a teenage boy as teenage boy and not have traces of the female mind interwoven in his actions. He has internal struggles which made me slightly warm to him, but overall, I didn't like him that much. I feel like he switched over from his notorious player persona to the sweet dutiful boyfriend too quickly and I just didn't fall for him. 

Overall:

This is a sweet and cute young adult read. It's a safe comfortable story with some drama and although predictable and cliché, would still recommend for those who love a good love story between two from the opposite sides of the track. 

Goodreads

REVIEW; Royally Screwed, by Emma Chase

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: Romance, New Adult

Recommend: Yes

Book 1 (Individual Story)

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Nicholas and his brother Henry are under the rule of their grandmother - The Queen of Wessco. Henry is off partying after being released from service, and the Queen has informed Nicholas he must marry by the end of the Summer, choosing from a list of noble women she has picked, and also fetch his wild brother from New York. Nicholas wants nothing less than to get hitched, and begrudgingly goes to find his brother and bring him home. 

Olivia runs a café, famous for their pies, whilst taking care of her 17y/o sister and her drunken father, who never coped with the loss of his wife. Olivia has set her life aside to continue her mother's business, until one day Nicholas walks into the café and tries to buy a night with her. Olivia. not knowing who he is, throws a pie in his face, and ultimately begins their forbidden romance. 

My Thoughts:

I have been holed up for a few months focusing on my thesis for university and have picked up a few books and not made it past chapter 1. This was the first novel I have managed to read in among exams/assignments etc and has made me fall back in love with reading. 

I am a sucker for any royalty type love story - The Princess Diaries was one of my favourite series growing up (with a reference to them in the first chapter!). However, this wasn't the typical story of the girl being wrapped up in the drama and chaos of taking up a royal position and the trials and tribulations that follow - really, it was just a love story between two that weren't allowed to be together. 

Olivia: I really love her! She is one of my favourite heroines and I'd love to be friends with her IRL. She is oblivious of who Nicholas is when he walks in and tries to charm her, and I enjoyed her battle between having fun and knowing her worth - i.e. from her POV we often got an insight into the true mind battles girls have, and not just a heroine who always does the noble or right thing. I would have liked her to be a little more like that girl we say throw a pie in his face though. Since that night, the only big standing up she did was go back home after he hurt her. It would have been nice to see her be a little "hard to get" at times whereas sometimes I wondered if she made it all too easy for him? 

Nicholas: Whatta guy! Cocky, arrogant and excessively charming, he's everything a book boyfriend starts out to be. What was refreshing about his character was that he didn't fall hard and fast for the good girl. Intrigue and wonder was the hook and he stayed realistic by putting the end of their time together out there to begin with, He didn't just meet her and become a changed man and fight to marry her; instead he fell in love gradually, as a journey. He also didn't always do the right thing either. The book is written from dual POV so we get an insight into his mind and thoughts and he's one of the best presented male characters I've read in a long time! I think Henry or Logan will be my book boyfriend from the series however. 

Story: The story was probably predictable but there were some shock horrors and twists. Half way through I did find it lulled a little, which is why I rate it 4 stars, as I did start to speed read until it picked up again. However, I was expecting the whole story to be a little sub-par and it definitely was not! I liked that the reader got a wrapped up ending and there was no cliffhanger. 

There was loads of character development and every scene felt it had purpose in adding to the overall web of events. Often I find with NA, there are countless scenes which add nothing and are just page fillers, so I enjoyed this aspect of the book a lot. 

The author, Emma Chase, has actually linked her highlights and notes of the book here. I read this after reading the book and it really made me connect more with the story - I was able to nod in agreement with the points I had spotted, but also it emphasised how every description or word spoken had a role to play and added conviction to the whole narrative. 

Overall:

I had this book in my wishlist before it had been published as it sounded like just my type of romantic drama - it did not disappoint! It's a cliché storyline, but that's obvious from the blurb, so if you like to get lost in a fictional world of romance and drama, this is totally for you! 

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; Blood to Dust, by L.J. Shen

Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: yes!

Standalone

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Prescott is fighting to stay alive, when she is kidnapped by her ex's father. She is thrown into a basement and kept hostage by two men. Her days are numbered, knowing she will be murdered when her ex arrives back from the UK, so she has to work fast. Beat, one of the kidnappers, has a sensitive side and Prescott targets this. Through charm and flirtatious actions, Prescott aims to get Beat on her side so she can win and be free. And then murder her ex and his father for targeting her.

My Thoughts:

I haven't read anything else by this author but the blurb given is so vague it really piqued my interest - and I was not disappointed. 

Prescott: She once had it all. But her mom went AWOL. Gay brother missing. And betrayed by her father. Now she is on her own, out for revenge. She is by no means a weak victim and I loved her for this. She was a badass strong heroine and it was refreshing to see how she fought back. 

Nate: "Beat" is also quite badass with a rather dark history. Caught between a rock and a hard place, he owes Godfrey and this is in the form of keeping Prescott down in his basement and not to go near her. If he obeys, he lives. For Nate, this is simple. Or not. He has murdered and he has been violent, but he isn't really a bad guy - he would never hit a girl. He has standards. And after seeing the torture Prescott endures and her determination to not give in, he begins to admire her and question if his loyalties are in the right place. 

Story; There is a lot of violence, abuse and pain - so not for the faint hearted to read. However, the writing is wonderful and the story of the characters is intriguing and addictive. The story is presented to the reader as a countdown to the day Prescott will be killed, and the constant tension and suspense is palpable. Eventually, Prescott and Nate realise they need to pair up and fight against the same enemy, and their journey is brilliant together, as they fight so hard to trust each other but can't break old habits too easily. 

Overall:

This wasn't a story- it was a journey of freedom and breaking free from the safe constraints to trusting someone with your life. Both Nate and Prescott are used to life on their own, but if they want to survive, they need to trust each other - a foreign gamble to both of them. 

Goodreads

REVIEW; Twisted Palace (The Royals #3), by Erin Watt

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: New-Adult, Romance

Recommend: Definitely 

Book 3 of 3

SPOILERS 

Summary:

Ella has finally found a family and is loved by them all - she has never known happiness like it. But her boyfriend's stepmum has been murdered and Reed is the main suspect, with evidence stacking up against him. Amongst it all, Ella's father, previously presumed dead, has turned up and is trying to make up for lost time. Ella doesn't want to move away from the Royals and live with her father, and is terrified of losing Reed as she tries to do her own detective work into the murder of Brooke. 

Thoughts:

Drama: This followed straight on from the cliffhanger of book 2, so there will be spoilers in this review. Ella finds out her father is alive and her boyfriend is the prime suspect for murdering his soon to be stepmother. I thought the plot was going to be predictable and the final installment would not live up to the expectations of the first two books - and this was sort of true. The drama towards the end saved the book overall. I felt at times it wasn't too clear where the book was heading and then for the final climax, it all seemed a little rushed and then just tied up nicely with a bow to finish. It is quite a slow burner, but there is a lot of mystery that kept me reading.

Ella: I really like her character and her strength and we definitely see a more vulnerable side of her. She is wary of letting her father just waltz into her life and goes back to her default of fending for herself. It was so heartwarming seeing how she clearly views the Royals to be her true family after everything. Now, that being said - she annoyed me a little. I'll put this down to being a 17 year old girl but I didn't like how she flickered between believing and doubting Reed. Considering the amount of love they had for each other, I'm sure even if it were possible she would be blinded by love and be in denial. 

Romance: Meh. Ella and Reed finally do the deed but meh, Wasn't that interesting or exciting and just felt like it was all at the wrong moments for their personalities. Oh well. 

The Royals: I loved watching how their family dynamic changed and adapted due to Ella's presence. They really became a loyal unit rather than dis-jointed as at the beginning. They may not have been the average representation of family, but they were a great example of how a family acts, and it was beautiful seeing how a young girl could make them grow. 

Overall:

This was a perfect ending to the series. Everything was finished up nicely with a satisfying end to the overall plot. Such a brilliant series and recommend it for both YA/NA readers. 

Goodreads 

2016 Favourite Reads

Below is my selection of some of my best reads throughout 2016.

1. I Am Pilgrim, by Terry Hayes

Rating:  ★★★★★
Genre: Thriller, Suspense

Not only is this a top favourite, but this book is the first one I think of when someone asks me for a recommendation. I devoured this book and read it any second I could. This is a brilliant thriller, set around the acts of terrorism as the race to save America is on, led by top secret agent, Pilgrim. To fully enjoy this story, you have to go in blind. The standard of writing and story-telling is brilliant. It's all a great web with the minor stories and plots intertwining and coming together. Such an exhilarating read.

My Review

2. A Different Blue, by Amy Harmon

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: New Adult, Romance

Blue Echohawk doesn't know who she is, or where she came from. She doesn't even know her real age. Her teacher, Wilson, takes an immediate interest into Blue and her mysterious nature. And so begins a beautiful story of self love and discovery with a soft romance woven between it all. The writing is so powerful and will blow you away with poignancy. 

My Review

3. Needing to Fall, Ryan Michele

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre:   Dark, New-Adult

This is a dark, dark read. Reign was passed from foster home to foster home and collected scars along the way. She is damaged and barely surviving. Along the way she meets Lynx. He too has his demons and suffering, but they help each other in moving forward. It's a haunting story about finding love in darkness and the importance in moving forward in life and not giving up. 

My Review

4. Paper Princess (The Royals #1) , by Erin Watt

Rating:  ★★★★★
Genre:  New Adult, Drama, Romance

This series blew me away! The story is so captivating and addictive. Ella was orphaned as a teenager and was well capable of looking after herself. She finds herself with a legal guardian and housed with his sons. Naturally, a romance blossoms between her and Reed but it isn't all that wonderful - it's heartbreaking! This story will beautifully destroy you and you will be swept up as Ella fights for herself in the new world she finds herself in. 

My Review

5. Cinder & Ella, by Kelly Oram

Rating:  ★★★★★

Genre: Romance, Young Adult

This is a great teen read. It's a wonderful modern adaption of the fairytale with some great twists and plot line. I read the book within 24 hours and the relationship between Cinder & Ella was hilarious to read about. The writing isn't at the highest standard, but as it is aimed for teens, this can be easily overlooked for the great story.

My Review