I absolutely love reading books like this over the summer because I always feel like I need something light, easy and quick and that's exactly what thI absolutely love reading books like this over the summer because I always feel like I need something light, easy and quick and that's exactly what this book was.
Protagonist Lexie comes from a very small town and is home schooled. For as long as she can remember she has wanted to go to a proper school and envies her cousin Amanda who lives in Paradise City. When she gets the chance to move in with her aunt, uncle and cousin, Lexie is unbelievably excited but she soon finds out going to school isn't all she thought it would be.
Lexie was a likeable character although quite naive from her upbringing in a small town. She thinks she's ready for high school and everything it comes with but time after time she finds herself out of her depth and in unfamiliar situations. This made the plot really fun though and it also gave Lexie a good chance to develop over the course of the book. She really had a lot to learn.
Paradise City has a whole host of characters to get to know. Not only do we have Lexie who is trying to figure everything out but we have cousin Amanda who is not impressed with Lexie's appearance. Amanda was the typical bitch kind of character but she also grows over the course of the book and you realise there is a lot more to her than originally shown.
Of course, there is a love interest in the form of bad boy Luke Ballantine who has a very well-known reputation. The romance between Luke and Lexie was very slow burning but I liked that. It gave me a chance to get to know both characters on their own and also to really get to feel the tension between them as the attraction grew. Not only is the chemistry between the pair fantastic but I loved how it gave Lexie a bigger chance to grow as romance and boys weren't things she was used to having to deal with.
What I loved about this book was how Australian it was. I do get a bit sick and tired of reading either young adult or new adult books set in American high schools and colleges and the setting of Paradise City is what drew me towards this one. It was refreshing to have things like surfing included in the plot and while this could well be the norm for readers in Australia, we don't get much of that in books here in the UK.
Paradise City is a really fun read and perfect for the summer. The plot isn't too deep but there are plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged. C J Duggan also gives the plot a really fun feel to it and along with the characters, it made for a really good book. This one does end on a cliff-hanger and I can't wait to read the next book in the series now when it comes out. ...more
I had been meaning to read this series for so long now, after so many people had said good things about. This was one of the earlier New Adult books sI had been meaning to read this series for so long now, after so many people had said good things about. This was one of the earlier New Adult books so really it should have been higher up on my list to read.
Protagonist Abby has moved far away from home with her best friend to start a new life at college. She doesn't want anyone to know about her past or who she used to be and this is the best way to do that. Abby plans on keeping her head down, getting on with her school work and not being a typical party mad college student. When she attracts the attention of the campus bad boy Travis Maddox, well-known for his one night stands, she has no idea what to think... or do. A lost bet means everything changes and she ends up staying with Travis for a whole month.
Abby and Travis are so completely different and that's why I enjoyed their story so much. Abby wants to be this reserved, well behaved girl while Travis has a reputation and definitely lives up to it. However, both of them are outspoken, fiery and headstrong. Due to the nature of the lost bet, Abby and Travis end up spending a lot of time together and their personalities mean that there is a lot of tension and frustration between the two characters which at times was really fun to watch.
My main issue with Beautiful Disaster was how Abby and Travis acted when things didn't go their own way. Travis has anger issues and Abby wouldn't know a healthy relationship if it smacked her in the face. There are things that both characters do in this book that I just cannot agree with no matter what. Even though Abby is staying with Travis, and there is clearly something between them, she dates another guy and throws it in Travis' face at times. Not only that but she does some really questionable things when her and Travis do finally start to work things out.
While I did have issues with the actions of the main characters in this book I did actually enjoy it. I could see that there was more to things than stupid decisions and actions and it was really entertaining. The plot gets quite exciting towards the end and we get to learn about Abby's life before college. We also get to see a fair bit from Travis' family (who I loved) and these things made this book worth while.
Beautiful Disaster is far from perfect but it was still enjoyable to read. Although I have moaned about the character's behaviour, this would have been a really bland read without all of the madness that was going on between Abby and Travis. ...more
When looking over books for review on NetGalley, this one immediately caught my eye. I'm surprised it was on there though seeing as it was released quWhen looking over books for review on NetGalley, this one immediately caught my eye. I'm surprised it was on there though seeing as it was released quite a while ago. The reason why I was drawn to this book was because of the plot summary.
Protagonist Mia is a self-confessed geek. She's a blogger, gamer and a struggling student. I used to be a gamer, I am a blogger and I have been a struggling student so this sounded right up my street. The thing about Mia is that she's still a virgin and comes up with the idea to auction off her virginity after comparing it with the fact that this has been done in most cultures over time. Now, I can't say I was impressed with this aspect of the story as it really did seem like prostitution to start with (and yes, people tell Mia that)! However, the story isn't all as it seemed at first so I could overlook that quickly.
After the auction ends, Mia's best friend decided on which guy is the best suited out of the two highest bidders. This is millionaire Adam Drake, the guy responsible for Mia's favourite online game. The minute she meets him she's not impressed. He's arrogant and full of himself and she can't see the deal working out between them. It was only supposed to be a one night deal but the more time she spends with Adam the more she thinks she was wrong about him.
Both Mia and Adam are far from perfect and that's what I loved about them both. Brenna Aubrey makes it possible to be able to relate to both characters, even if you really have nothing in common with them. I mean, how many people can compare themselves with a millionaire!?
Mia is so strong willed and knows her own mind. The decision to sell her virginity was not a decision she made lightly and sometimes she really struggled with it. She also fights to be in control of the situation the whole time but quickly realises that you cannot control everything. She's also so geeky it's adorable. Add in some Firefly quotes and I fell in love with her.
Then there's Adam. He own's his own company and is filthy rich. Like Mia, he feels the need to be in control because of his career but he also has to learn that there is a lot of give and take and not everything can be one sided. He has to realise that there is a lot more to working himself into the ground and that there is a happy life out there waiting for him. He goes from being a hard ass to completely adorable.
The plot was extremely exciting and tense. There is so much chemistry between Mia and Adam and I loved watching them get to know each other better, especially as they weren't supposed to get to know each other at all. Adam's financial situation means that there are some exotic locations which was great as it broke up any monotony of being set in a city and it also made it possible to really see what his lifestyle was like.
At Any Price is the first in a series but it can be read as a stand-alone. The book ends well without a massive cliff-hanger which I appreciated. It means you don't have to carry on with the series if you were happy with this book.
I loved At Any Price and can't wait to read more from Brenna Aubrey....more
The Wait For You series is one of my favourite New Adult series, so much so that I have any new books on pre-order and it takes quite a lot for me to The Wait For You series is one of my favourite New Adult series, so much so that I have any new books on pre-order and it takes quite a lot for me to do that.
In the previous book, Stay With Me, we meet protagonist Roxy who works in a local bar. It was clear in Stay With Me that there was something going on between Roxy and Officer Reece Anders but there was only snippets of them both. I wanted more then so I couldn't wait to read their story.
Although Roxy works in the local bar, we quickly learn a lot more about her. Deep down she's an artist but she also goes to community college to get herself a 'career', even if it's not something she actually loves. Roxy is a really feisty and fun character and I really enjoyed her story. She's secretly been in love with Reece, Officer Anders, since she was 15 but one night changed everything and now she stays away from him as much as possible.
Together, Roxy and Reece are amazing. The chemistry between them has been building up for a very long time so there is a lot of sexual tension before they actually get it together. I really enjoyed the push and pull in this relationship and it was never like one was more dominant than the other overall, although each character did have their moments.
Fall With Me's plot is full of suspense and mystery. Roxy's best friend was seriously injured and the man responsible is just about to get out of jail. Reece feels extremely protective over Roxy but she doesn't want to let him in but she ends up with no other choice. Strange things are going on and Roxy is scared and Reece is the only one who can keep her safe. You never really know what is going on with Roxy until all is revealed and I loved that.
Fall With Me has been one of my favourites in the series so far but I do also tend to say that with each new release!...more
Cori really isn't looking for love, not after the recent death of her high school boyfriend. She throws herself into school and doesn't really care abCori really isn't looking for love, not after the recent death of her high school boyfriend. She throws herself into school and doesn't really care about much else. But, on an impulsive night out with friends she meets Luke, the boy she never expected and the boy she wasn't prepared for.
Jessica Ruddick's writing makes it easy to get lost in this book. I was hooked from the start and couldn't get enough of protagonist Cori. She has suffered a great loss since her high school boyfriend died and she's really struggling to move on from it. She throws herself into her new life at college because she doesn't know what else she can do. I liked Cori because she was real. She struggled with life, she was awkward around new people and she didn't want to be pushed into things she wasn't ready for.
The plot follows Cori and romantic interest Luke, who she meets at a party. The relationship between Cori and Luke was extremely natural and flowed nicely. Nothing was rushed between these two and I liked how they took things slow but still managed to have fantastic chemistry. Each character adds something to the other and together, they're great! What was also nice was that their relationship worked around their normal lives which is sometimes forgotten in both young adult and new adult novels. Sometimes books become all about the romance and I loved that Ruddick didn't forget the character's normal lives.
Although the romance was great, there was a lot more to this one. Yes, Luke becomes a big part of the story but the plot is really about Cori and her being able to lose the guilt she has over her boyfriend's death. A new man in her life does not make her forget what she once had and a big emphasis is put on how it's okay to move on but still remember things in the past. Cori struggles once she meets Luke because she's not sure how she's supposed to feel about liking someone new.
Letting Go is a really good new adult novel and Ruddick's writing and characters are spot on!...more
I have been searching for young adult books for a long time set in Canada or more specifically, Toronto. While this one isn't set in Toronto (althoughI have been searching for young adult books for a long time set in Canada or more specifically, Toronto. While this one isn't set in Toronto (although it is mentioned) I was so happy to find this one.
Protagonist Karen Webber is forced to move to a small town from her home in Toronto after her mother's death. She has to live with her father who she barely knows and his 'real' family who he seems to care about more than he does her. I had to feel sorry for Karen because of her situation. She obviously doesn't get on with her father or his family, especially her step-sister who seems hell bent on making things as difficult as possible. I can't imagine being put in this situation and having to deal with what Karen did.
Things to get a bit better for her though when she meets Tyler, a local hockey player heading for the NHL. Karen feels like she finally has someone she can talk to but she quickly learns of his reputation which puts her off. Karen and Tyler take their time getting to know one another and I really liked that. Each character has a lot going on in their lives and when they're together they can escape everything else that is happening around them.
The romance between Karen and Tyler was a bit too rushed for me. The book is quite short at only 196 pages and Cameron tries to pack in too much in only a short space of time. I don't feel like there was enough time to really have strong enough feelings for one another especially in the way that was described. It was also a bit too predictable for me as well.
It was refreshing to see ice hockey feature in a book because normally it's football. I guess ice hockey is a very Canadian thing though so it did fit really well in this book. However, there just wasn't enough of it for me. Karen had no idea when it came to hockey which I found a bit surprising to be honest. The whole hockey aspect was taken over by Tyler's overbearing father and his need to control Tyler's career. I found that all a bit too much.
Overall, this was really just okay but I think it could have been great if the book had been longer to make things more realistic. ...more
Faking Perfect is one of those books that I think will translate to a lot of teenagers for many reasons.
Lexi Shaw has worked hard to be a part of theFaking Perfect is one of those books that I think will translate to a lot of teenagers for many reasons.
Lexi Shaw has worked hard to be a part of the 'popular' group at high school and she intends to keep it that way. Her friends are, well, shallow as hell and they expect Lexi to dress and act in certain ways and she feels a bit bogged down by it all. She's pretending to be someone she's not every single day at school. This is the reason why I think this book will call out to many teenagers who feel peer pressure to fit in and be someone they're not. It's unfortunate that so many feel the need to 'fit in' and be what other people want them to be.
Faking Perfect not only tackles the issue of peer pressure but other things that really do happen in high school such as teenage pregnancy, sex and drinking. These things are often missed out of young adult novels in case they come across wrong or give the wrong impression but Rebecca Phillips doesn't cast these things in a positive light. She doesn't cast them in a negative light either but instead they're things that just are which is exactly how I think it should be done.
As a character Lexi has a lot going on and as the protagonist I have to say I didn't love her. I guess that was kind of the point though. I mean, how can you really like someone when you know they're lying their way through life and pretending the whole time? Anyway, I did really like how Lexi dealt with everything that was thrown at her. She tried to be mature and take on everything possible but it didn't really work out all that well for a while.
The relationships in this book are what are really important. Lexi has had a crush on Ben for as long as she can remember but she's been seeing Tyler behind everyone's backs. Tyler is not part of the popular crowd so he's Lexi's dirty little secret and she wants it to stay that way. It was really interesting to see how Lexi was around both Ben and Tyler because she was like two completely different people and she only really let one person see her true self.
Faking Perfect is a really good read that tackles so much but also manages to be humorous and intriguing at the same time. I really enjoyed this one. ...more
One morning Rosie Potter wakes up thinking everything is normal apart from the terrible hangover. It doesn't take long for her best friend to walk intOne morning Rosie Potter wakes up thinking everything is normal apart from the terrible hangover. It doesn't take long for her best friend to walk into her bedroom and realise she's been murdered. Not how Rosie was expecting the day to go at all! The beginning of the book is really funny because it takes Rosie a good while to figure out the whole being dead thing and what she can and can't do. Not only that but she's dead and stuck in the ugliest pyjama bottoms ever! It doesn't matter that no one can see her, she knows they're ugly and wished she'd died in something nicer.
Rosie was a pretty wonderful character. Instead of being down and sad about being dead she's angry to begin with and wants to know what happened to her. She also doesn't really dwell on the fact that she's dead and instead embraces it. Her personality shines through and she was a joy to read about and get to know. She was funny and full of life (pardon the pun) and she really shone through Kate Winter's writing.
The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter is set in the small town of Barrycalagh, Ireland which makes Rosie's death the most exciting thing to have ever happened there. This bring in a whole host of characters who are extremely colourful and different from one another. As much as I liked Rosie the other characters were so interesting and really brought something fun and different to the story.
Rosie has no recollection of her murder; she doesn't know when, why or who did it so there is a big murder mystery to solve in this book. However, it isn't all about finding out who killed Rosie which is something I loved about this one. Rosie has a lot to figure out about her life and the fact that she can watch people and conversations without being caught really helps her. I loved how Rosie changes over the course of the book due to realisations about many aspects of her life before she died.
The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter is a funny and original read and one I really enjoyed!...more
Protagonist Mia grew up in Alabama but hasn't been back for quite a long time. She's looking forward to spending the summer there with her best friendProtagonist Mia grew up in Alabama but hasn't been back for quite a long time. She's looking forward to spending the summer there with her best friend but she is not looking forward to seeing her annoying brother who caused her hell as a child. Tessa is a bit more wild than Mia and she doesn't want to spend the summer with her still being a virgin so she sets out to have one incredible night and she does, leaving her to spend the summer having fun.
For the most part, I really liked Mia apart from maybe in the beginning of the book. It's quite clear from the start that Mia is not like her best friend Tessa who is boy crazy and doesn't really have a filter on what she says. Mia feels like she should be more like Tessa so goes off to find herself a one night stand to lose her virginity. From what I got of Mia to begin with it wasn't really something it seemed like she would do. Once she gets to Alabama though she was a good character with lots of personality.
Obviously Mia's childhood enemy and Tessa's brother Ben is the guy she ends up sleeping with. It has been years since they have seen each other so are unrecognisable to each other and they have a night without names. The chemistry between the two for that one night was amazing and the scene written really well. I couldn't wait to get more of Mia and Ben after this.
Once Mia and Ben realise that they slept with each other they have very different feelings about it. Mia is so frustrated while Ben wants more. Mia has to battle her conflicting feelings for Ben while he makes it his mission to make sure she knows he isn't the same, childish little boy she used to know any more. I really enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and to get to know how they really felt about each other. There is a lot of fun banter between them and that lightened up the story.
J. Daniels writes characters that you can relate to and a plot that keeps you hooked. I really enjoyed this one. ...more
At the Stars begins full of tension and excitement. It's the middle of the night and Cassie is stood in the middle of the road facing off with on-comiAt the Stars begins full of tension and excitement. It's the middle of the night and Cassie is stood in the middle of the road facing off with on-coming traffic in the rain. She know exactly how it looks; crazy. She doesn't care though because she feels free and it's not like she's trying to get herself killed. Before she can move on her own though a big lump of a man knocks her out of the way. That's Jake. Cassie should feel threatened due to her past but she doesn't. Jake his this calming presence about him and actually seems to care.
Circumstances are what throws Cassie and Jake together. Cassie's car has died and Jake works as a mechanic in near by town Evergreen Grove. The fix will be a long and expensive one forcing Cassie to stick around in a motel for a while before she can get back on the road. She even manages to get a job in the bakery for the time being until she can get herself sorted. I really enjoyed the small town feeling in this book. It's a place where people seem to know one another quite well and a place where people cared about each other which was really nice.
Cassie and Jake do not get along well at first so there is no insta love relationship here. There's a lot of tension between the two characters for various reasons but I enjoyed the back and forth between them. Each character has issues from their past that they need to work through before they even think about starting something together. What I appreciated the most was that each of the main characters were very distinct on their own and they didn't need to be in a relationship to define them or to make them stand out as someone special.
The plot explores both Cassie and Jake's pasts although it does focus on Jake quite a bit more. I wouldn't call At the Stars exciting exactly but there is certainly enough going on and the plot moves along at quite a steady pace. Jack has a lot of secrets about his past and they throw a lot of spanners in the works. Jake is such an interesting character because of his past. I loved watching him unravel and for certain realisations to sink in.
At the Stars was a really enjoyable read full of emotion and tension. Elisabeth Staab gives readers fantastic characters, a slow burning romance and enough mystery to keep things interesting. ...more
Stella, Drew and Cara are triplets and each year they have a competition to see who can get the best birthday present. Cara is obsessed with The HeartStella, Drew and Cara are triplets and each year they have a competition to see who can get the best birthday present. Cara is obsessed with The Heartbreakers so Stella and Drew head off on a road trip where the band are doing a signing to get the perfect present. After standing in line for hours the band leave and Stella and Drew never got an autograph but a chance meeting in their hotels means spending more time with the band that Stella hates and she even tells them so!
The Heartbreakers is a really fun young adult read. Stella's twin sister Cara is a massive fan of The Heartbreakers whereas Stella doesn't like them one little bit. Still, she's prepared to wait for hours in line for an autograph for her sister. Cara has cancer and undergoing some pretty serious treatment so Stella and brother Drew want to do something amazing for her. I absolutely loved the relationship between the triplets. All three are incredibly close and I really enjoyed seeing how far they would go for one another.
Although Cara has cancer that isn't really the main aspect of the story which was refreshing. There are plenty of other novels out with characters with life threatening illnesses which are quite depressing and dark in parts but that wasn't what this one was like at all. Cara's cancer is part of the driving force behind Stella's actions and her interactions with The Heartbreakers. Cara herself was a great character. For someone with cancer she was upbeat most of the time, supportive of her sister and pretty funny as well.
Stella was a wonderful protagonist. She's fiery, outspoken and brave too. The relationship between Stella and Oliver (lead singer of The Heartbreakers) was so much fun. There is a lot of banter between the two characters, mainly due to Stella's dislike of the band. As Stella and Oliver are around other band members quite a lot of the time when they are together they add something as well. Each band member has a distinct personality and I would love to read their stories as well.
The Heartbreakers was a lot of fun and quite different to other books with similar ideas e.g. a band member and 'regular' girl. The characters made the plot more light hearted than it could have been and there was very little I disliked about it. The dialogue was a bit cheesy at times although I'd expected that so it wasn't a big deal. As I said before, I'd love stories about the other band members as I did enjoy this one. ...more
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