Book Review: Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books; Unabridged edition (28 Aug 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1447260821
• ISBN-13: 978-1447260820
• Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns.
  This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.
  Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian . . . Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.
  Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.
  But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?

For as long as she can remember, the world has been trying to kill Lily Proctor. She is allergic to just about everything and it stops her from living her life the way she wants to…the way her friends take for granted. But the one positive thing in her life has always been Tristan. He is her best friend and has never given up on her when most other friends fall away when Lily can’t do all the same things they can. Of course, Lily is head over heels in love with Tristan. She is overjoyed when Tristan seems to return her feelings. But a devastatingly embarrassing night in front of her entire class destroys Lily. And when she hears a voice whispering to follow it, she has no reason not to.

Lily finds herself in her town of Salem, but it is not her town. It is a terrifying new world that is ruled by dark witches - the strongest of which is Lily’s other self, Lilian. Lily is thrown headfirst into a war she can’t begin to understand and if she discover her true potential, Lily might the only thing that can stop it. She is armed only by a few friends, one of which being the alternate Tristan…who I much preferred! And the distrustful Rowan, who used to be the closest person to Lilian.

I loved, loved, LOVED this book. I’m not usually one for witches and alternate realities, but I totally fell down the rabbit hole with this one. Lily is such a sympathetic and strong character. I loved that she effortlessly led us through the story and I cheered for her every step of the way. 

Trial by Fire is action packed and pulse-pounding and I sat on the edge of my seat for most of it. I cannot wait for the next in the series

Many thanks to Macmillan Children's Books for the review copy.

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Book Review: Unforgotten by Jessica Brody

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books (27 Feb 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1447221141
• ISBN-13: 978-1447221142

After a daring escape from the scientists at Diotech who created her, Seraphina believes she is finally safe from the horrors of her past. But new threats await her and her boyfriend, Zen, at every turn as Zen falls prey to a mysterious illness and Sera’s extraordinary abilities make it more and more difficult to stay hidden. Meanwhile, Diotech has developed a dangerous new weapon designed to apprehend her, a weapon that even Sera will be powerless to stop. Her only hope of saving Zen’s life and defeating the company that made her is a secret buried deep within her mind. A secret that Diotech will kill to protect.

Zen and Sera have escaped from the scientists at Diotech who created Sera. They have travelled back in time to 1609 and, so long as they keep to themselves and make sure nothing they do becomes part of public record, they can live out the remainder of their days in peace and safety but more importantly, together. Diotech can never find them. 

But something is making Zen ill, and even before that life was a daily struggle. Every move Sera makes she has to be thoughtful and cautious. One wrong move could expose her as different…something you really don’t want in 1609. And when Zen’s life is threatened it isn’t even a choice - Sera acts to save him and is apprehended shortly after. She is accused of being a witch and put on trial, which means it will be public record. 

Diotech has learned it’s mistakes and has created a weapon specially forged for Sera. They are equally matched and on paper, she cannot overcome him. But Zen will die if she doesn’t do something and so Sera must channel her human side and learn to get creative if either of them have a hope of seeing daylight as free people again.

I absolutely LOVE this series. Zen and Sera are very likeable characters, as are Kaelen and Cody. I could barely rip my eyes away from the pages and I raced through it as quickly as I could just to know what happened. It is fast paced and chock full of action and turmoil. Every emotion is channelled through this book and I think I felt every one. 

Fans of this first book will not be left disappointed and I sincerely cannot wait for the next book. 

Many thanks to Macmillan Children's Books for the review copy.

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Book Review: A Kiss in the Dark by Cat Clarke

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Quercus (3 April 2014)
• ISBN-10: 1780870477
• ISBN-13: 978-1780870472
• 
  
• When Alex meets Kate the attraction is instant.
  Alex is funny, good-looking, and a little shy - everything that Kate wants in a boyfriend.
  Alex can't help falling for Kate, who is pretty, charming and maybe just a little naive...
  But one of them is hiding a secret, and as their love blossoms, it threatens to ruin not just their relationship, but their lives.

A Kiss in the Dark was raw and frank and I was gripped from the very beginning.

I have been staring at a blank page and blinking cursor for ages now, and still cannot think how on earth to write this review to both do the book justice and convey just how amazing it is. 

Alex and Kate are two teens who meet and form an instant bond. Straight away they fall deeper into their feelings for each other and can barely stand to be apart. But one of them is keeping a secret and the other has no idea. 

Told firstly from Alex’s POV and then Kate’s, we get an incredible insight into both of these characters. A secret, a lie and an impossible situation. Cat Clarke has an amazing talent of showing us gritty story lines in unflinching honesty and I admire her bravery and this book shines because of it. It was rich and vibrant with Edinburgh as the backdrop to the story and the characters simply leapt off the page is startling clarity and Technicolor. 

Once I started this book I could barely put it down and the deeper into the story I got, the more it held me until the end. It is real and I can’t stop thinking about it.

Many thanks to Quercus for the review copy.

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Book Review: Amy & Matthew by Cammie McGovern

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books; Unabridged edition (27 Mar 2014)
• ISBN-10: 1447239008
• ISBN-13: 978-1447239000

Amy is unflinchingly honest about her limitations. Born with cerebral palsy, she can’t walk or talk without help. But trapped inside this uncooperative body lies a brilliant mind and a luminous spirit – a girl capable of truly loving and worthy of being loved in return.

Matthew has his own set of challenges – a mind consumed by unwanted repeated thoughts, obsessive rituals and a crippling fear that he can't explain. But underneath all of the anxiety lies a deep seed of hope for someone to come along who believes in him…

This is the story of Amy and Matthew. It may not be a fairy tale romance or set in an imagined world far from our own. But the love they share is real. And yes, there's magic in it.

Amy has cerebral palsy but like that is going to stop her from living her life exactly the way she wants to. Her parents, however, have other ideas. Amy has always attended school normally, though with an adult aide that never leaves her side. But now Amy is a senior and she is tired of having no friends, so she enlists her mother to hire students to help her between classes and at lunch, whatever she needs. She has no disillusions that technically she is paying people to be her friends, but what she really wants is the chance to show people what lies beneath her obvious disability, and the roaring person behind it. 

Matthew does not want to be Amy’s aide. Everyday he is crippled by a fear he can’t name and driven to distraction by obsessive thoughts and rituals without throwing responsibility for Amy into the mix. Too bad for him Amy doesn’t take no lightly. 

Amy & Matthew is one of the best books I have ever read. I wasn’t sure what to expect from it, but I was blown away by the words between the covers. Amy and Matthew are two of the most vibrant characters I have ever encountered and I devoured their story as though it was the last slice of chocolate cake and tomorrow’s diet begins. 

The plot itself is cleverly written with a story arc I did not see coming. It was handled beautifully, as was both characters and their impairments. 

Whilst I liked Amy and I really loved her appetite for life and her dry humour and thought she was incredibly inspiring, my heart just went out to Matthew. I thought for sure it would be Amy I really rooted for, but there was something more vulnerable in the limitations Matthew faced everyday that just about broke me,

The relationship between the two teens was beautiful to read and it was fascinating to witness their journey, not only with each other, but in their lives. I laughed out loud, sat on the edge of my seat and prayed for a happy outcome. 

Amy & Matthew is the kind of book that you feel bereft upon finishing it. You hug it to your chest, let out the long held breath and try and imprint every word in your brain. Everyone should read this book at least once in their lifetime. It feeds your soul better than food ever could. 

Many thanks to MacMillan Children's Books for the review copy.

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Book Review: Stella by Helen Eve

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books; 1 edition (2 Jan 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1447241711
• ISBN-13: 978-1447241713
• 
  

17-year-old Stella Hamilton is the star blazing at the heart of Temperley High. Leader of the maliciously exclusive elite, she is surrounded by adulation; envied and lusted after in equal measure. And she is in the final stage of a five-year campaign to achieve her destiny: love with her equally popular male equivalent, and triumph as Head Girl on election night.

By contrast, new girl Caitlin Clarke has until now lived a quietly conformist life in New York. With the collapse of her parents’ marriage she has been sent across the Atlantic for an English boarding school education, only to discover that at Temperley, the only important rules are the unwritten ones. It's a world of the beautiful and the dangerous, and acceptance means staying on the right side of Stella Hamilton, the most beautiful and dangerous of them all.

Not everyone is happy to be under the Hamilton rule. But fighting the system means treading the same dark path as Stella - and if Caitlin puts a foot wrong, it's a long way down . . .

Stella Hamilton is the star of Temperley High School. Literally. She is the leader of an elite group of Stars who rule the school and set the standard for all other girls and is in the final stage of her campaign of supreme reign: love with her male counterpart and win position of Head Girl.

Caitlin Clarke is the new girl at Temperley and has a lived a quiet life compared to Stella. After her parents separation, she travelled with her father from New York to England to attend school and had to say goodbye to the little brother she adores. Caitlin quickly learns that those in charge at Temperley aren’t necessarily the teachers and the most important rules are the ones no one tells you about. 

When Stella takes Caitlin under wing, Caitlin blossoms. She sees what life is like on the beautiful side and she doesn’t ever want to go back. Life in the popular circle isn’t always sunshine and happiness. Some aren’t happy to be under Stella’s rule but going against the system means doing things like Stella would. And if you fall, it’s a long way to the bottom. 

I absolutely loved this book. It is one of the rare books that has me switching allegiances gradually throughout. It is fraught with the perils of teenage politics and drips elegance of wealth and luxury. At times the story did go that stretch too far to be believable, but it’s largeness only made it more fascinating. 

As the story progressed each girl grips furiously to what she has claimed at the school and neither will admit defeat, and even becomes a little unhinged in their mental state. There has been a lot of comparison with the Cecily von Ziegesar books, Mean Girls and Great Expectations and I can see why, but also, Stella stands up pretty well all on its own. 

Read it and be glad you never went to this school. 

Many thanks to My Kinda Book and Macmillan Children's Books for the review copy.

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Book Review: Sea Glass by Maria V Snyder

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Mira Ink; New edition edition (2 Aug 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1848452470
• ISBN-13: 978-1848452473
• 
  

A Game of Magic Student magician Opal Cowan's newfound ability to steal others' powers makes her too powerful. Trapped under house arrest, Opal dares to defy her imprisonment, searching for Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks because she is sure another man - now her prisoner - has switched souls with Ulrick. In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn't sure whom to trust. She doesn't know the real Ulrick's whereabouts and can't forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn't want to let her get too close. And now everyone is after Opal's special powers for their own deadly gain...

Times aren’t getting any easier for Opal. Her unique glass messengers have become a vital part of society. But now dangerous factions are trying to gain control of them for themselves which would mean control of Sitia and Opal herself.

Opal is still meeting resistance when she tries to prove the existence of blood magic. At every turn she is faced with doubt and even begins to doubt herself. Family, friends and mentor deny its existence and Opal fears no one will ever believe her until it is too late. She has no idea who to trust and but in the end Opal must take a leap of faith. 

Whilst I haven’t fallen into this series with loving abandon like I have with other works by this author, I do really enjoy Opal’s series. It is more of a slow burner than a roaring inferno and I find myself thinking a lot more about these books. I am constantly wondering what will happen next as the plot twists and turns. 

Opal is a wonderful character. She is passionate and driven and sympathetic. I really felt for her when no one believed her about Ulrick and Devlen and rooted for her throughout the book. I cannot wait to read the third and final instalment of this series.

Many thanks to Mira Ink for the review copy.

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Book Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books; Unabridged edition (30 Jan 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1447263227
• 
  

Cath and Wren are identical twins, and until recently they did absolutely everything together. Now they're off to university and Wren's decided she doesn't want to be one half of a pair any more - she wants to dance, meet boys, go to parties and let loose. It's not so easy for Cath. She's horribly shy and has always buried herself in the fan fiction she writes, where she always knows exactly what to say and can write a romance far more intense than anything she's experienced in real life.

Without Wren Cath is completely on her own and totally outside her comfort zone. She's got a surly room-mate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

Now Cath has to decide whether she's ready to open her heart to new people and new experiences, and she's realizing that there's more to learn about love than she ever thought possible . . .

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1447263227/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1447263227&linkCode=as2&tag=wencwrit-21

Cath and Wren are identical twins and all their life they have done everything together. They went to the same parties, had the same friends, had the same interests. But now they are starting college and Wren craves individuality. Cath is the more reserved of the two, and doesn’t like new situations. Wren throws herself into college life, makes instant friends with her new roommate and loves the nightlife. And all Cath wants to do is bury herself in the fan fiction she writes and pretend the outside world doesn’t exist. 

Cath’s comfort zone is totally ripped from her. Her sister is non-existent, the fiction-writing professor she idolised came down hard on her fan fiction and she can’t stop worrying about her dad. Everything feels like a battle, and all Cath wants to do is wave the white flag and admit defeat. But those around her won’t let her give in so easily.

I absolutely adored Fangirl. It was one of those books that you just sink into like a piece of mouth watering chocolate cake. Cath is a great protagonist and very true to what she believes in, though she can be stubborn to a fault.

One of the most interesting things I found about Fangirl was the relationships around Cath. There are a lot of different types and not all of them perfect or even good, and how unaware she is that they are there. 

Levi and Reagan have to be my two all time favourite characters of this book. Reagan is my kinda gal, straight talking and unapologetic for who she is. And really, who couldn’t adore Levi with his floppy hair and charm?

This book is a little on the tame side, considering it is set in college but it hits some serious notes. I loved the interactions between Cath and her dad and the dynamic of the twindom. 

All in all, you’d be crazy to pass this book by. Read it and love it. And pray for a sequel. #NEEDMORELEVI

Many thanks to My Kinda Book and MacMillan Children's Books for the review copy.

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Book Review: The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Quercus (7 Nov 2013)
• ISBN-10: 1780876823
• ISBN-13: 978-1780876825
• 
  

Cassie Hobbes can tell you what you will do before you do. She can tell what kind of person you are, how you will react and how you will behave. But she can’t tell you what happened to her mother.

Cassie is recruited by the FBI, identified as a ‘Natural’, one of few who are uniquely gifted in human behaviour, emotional reading, lying or statistics. Cassie is a natural born profiler, and the FBI want her to join it’s team of teenage naturals to solve cold cases and to hone her talents. For Cassie, it is a rare opportunity to perhaps work on the inside and find out what exactly happened to her mother that night in the dressing room that Cassie found drenched in blood.

Pretty soon Cassie is living with four strangers. People who can answer her questions before she’s even asked it, read her feelings off her face, call her out on lies and tell the exact probability of certain situations. Life isn’t easy and Cassie has to figure out the two boys and her feelings for them, all while a serial killer has locked their gaze on Cassie. Pretty soon the case the Naturals focus on aren’t so cold...but active.

Okay, first of all, let me just say that I LOVED The Naturals. I’m a huge fan of movies like The Silence of the Lambs and TV shows like Criminal Minds. This was like an amazing mash up of the two and maybe The. O.C. Boy drama, girl drama, and serial killers. 

It was expertly written and very clever. I didn’t get lost in the information or the details, but sunk fully into the story as though it was happening all around me. Dean was probably my favourite character...and more than likely will be for a lot of people. After all, we’re all suckers for the dark, brooding type, aren’t we?

I seriously couldn’t put this book down and very much hope there will be another one to follow on. 

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Book Review: Iron Prince by Julie Kagawa

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Mira Ink (1 Nov 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 184845189X
• ISBN-13: 978-1848451896

After the events of Iron Prince, Ethan Chase is dealing with the fallout of going missing for a week. His parents worried sick, he is banned from ever seeing his girlfriend, Kenzie, ever again, and Kenzie herself is dealing with poor health after the adventures. All Ethan wants is to get back to normal. To date Kenzie and forget all about the fey.

But unfortunately for Ethan, his sister is queen of the Iron fey, and desperately needs his help. His nephew, Keirran, has gone missing and no one has any idea where he is. Except Ethan. He knows his nephew would do anything to save the fate of the summer faery he loves with all his heart...even potentially fracture the gap between the human and faery worlds.

Once again Kenzie and Ethan are thrown into the tumultuous world of faeries - of bargains and betrayals, hidden agendas and life-threatening decisions. When Keirran and Ethan’s fates are entwined, it is up to Ethan to pull Keirran from the darkness he is falling into...and hopefully save them all in the process.

Iron Traitor felt a lot darker than its predecessor. I’m really enjoying Ethan’s spinoff series, and he is a fascinating character. And while Megan’s books are wildly different from Ethan’s, they are very similar in the natures. Both would do anything to save the people they care about, both feel the weight of duty and expectation on their shoulders. Ethan is way more upfront in his feelings and has no issue in telling it like it is. He’s a tortured yet refreshing character and though he probably wouldn’t say the same about himself, is about as loyal and dependent as they come.

The story was a roller-coaster ride of adventure and danger and intrigue. I quite simply couldn’t put it down, and happily let myself be pulled into the Nevernever to catch up with friends - old and new. I do really like that we see glimpses of past characters (though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to see more of Ash...) but am very much liking the new set of characters. Keirran and Ethan are the two alpha males and together create a storm of testosterone. 

There was never a spot I felt like I wanted to put the book down. After each chapter I had to know what happened next and gobbled up this book like a giant fat-free chocolate cake. The way Ethan struggles with trying to keep a normal life when the fey keep throwing themselves into it really made me feel for him. In a way, Megan threw herself whole-heartedly into her heritage but Ethan still craves to be ‘normal’. 

I simply cannot wait for the next part of Ethan’s story, and the wait is sure to be excruciating. 

Many thanks to Mira Ink for the review copy.

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Book Review: True by Erin McCarthy

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 584 KB
• Print Length: 235 pages
• Publisher: InterMix (7 May 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00B7NPS60

When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.

Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…

Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost… 

Rory is studious, focused and uncertain around guys. She knows exactly where her future will lead and won’t allow herself to become distracted. Her roommates have different philosophies. They work hard and party harder. They enlist the help of tattooed bad boy, Tyler, to get Rory’s eyes off the books and start living her life...starting with losing her virginity.

Rory is intrigued by Tyler. He smokes. He drinks. Has tattooes. Sleeps around. And yet the more she gets to know him, the more she discovers there is to him. She learns how he protects his younger brothers with a loyalty so fierce it takes her breath away. He is smart with a burning desire for knowledge, ploughs through books and escapes into their worlds. He makes her feel beautiful.

Tyler and Rory fall into a fast and burning hot romance, both of them awakening in ways they never thought possible. But desire is not the only factor in their relationship, and when their different backgrounds threatens to pull the pair apart, Tyler and Rory must decide whether to fight or let go.

True is a welcome addition to the New Adult genre. With so many flooding the bookshelves, it’s hard to find an original one. Going in, I must admit, I expected True to be very similar to other ‘tattooed bad boys with a heart and surprising intelligence’ books. But, it holds its own. There is a rawness to this story that plucks at heartstrings and a romance so hot and tender all at once it has you melting. 

Rory and Tyler were memorable characters. I sympathised for both of them and thoroughly enjoyed reading their story. 

Many thanks to Netgalley and InterMix for the review copy.

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Book Review: Vortex by Julie Cross

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books; 1 edition (3 Jan 2013)
• Language: Unknown
• ISBN-10: 0230757162
• ISBN-13: 978-0230757165

Jackson Meyer has thrown himself into his role as an agent for Tempest, the shadowy division of the CIA that handles all time-travel-related threats. Despite his heartbreak at losing the love of his life, Jackson has proved himself to be an excellent agent. However, all that changes when Holly—the girl he altered history to save—re-enters his life. And when Eyewall, an opposing division of the CIA, emerges, Jackson and his fellow agents find themselves under attack and on the run. Jackson must decide between saving the love of his life and the entire world . . .

Jackson Meyer has thrown himself into being an agent for Tempest. While still struggling with a broken heart, Jackson proves himself to be a brilliant agent. But all the training in the world can’t prepare Jackson for when Holly reenters his life. Holly, the girl who altered history to save.

Vortex starts shortly after Tempest ends. With the loss of Holly still very raw for Jackson, he throws himself into his training. Jackson must prove himself not only to his instructors, but to many of his other classmates, a lot of whom have seen him in his pre time travel days living it up as an Upper East Side party boy. 

Vortex was a lot more complex than the first book in this series. We have a lot of jumps and more questions than answers.  In this book we get more of a scientific explanation of time travel, and why certain EOT’s and Jackson have different jumps. For this reason, I found I could only read Vortex when I was feeling sharp. No distractions. You will lose yourself in this book like never before and the world around you will be totally shut out. 

The Jackson we see in this book is a lot harder than Tempest Jackson. Because of his training he bulks up and because of Holly, he has extra thick, bomb-proof walls up. I adore Jackson. He’s the kind of guy who takes everything on his shoulders and expects so much of himself. The guy who thinks he has to save everyone and figure out everything else. 

And, can I just say, I love the girl power in this book! Stewart and Kendrick, two completely different women, two totally kickass agents. Stewart is this bilingual chameleon than can work any situation to her advantage. Kendrick is super smart with a softer side, who is determined to work for Tempest and have her home life too. She grounds Jackson and reminds him the world isn’t the hard place he makes for himself. 

Vortex is full of action and suspense. It is utterly heartbreaking and tragic. Really, it is everything. It steals you away to another world (or two) and makes you believe it is possible for people to appear right in front of you from the future. And with an ending like that? Safe to say, I need the third instalment like yesterday. 

Many thanks to MacMillan Children's Books for the review copy.

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Book Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Mira Ink (1 Feb 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 184845192X
• ISBN-13: 978-1848451926
• Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can’t keep a secret
  
  
  Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.
  
  
  Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she’s ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.
  
  
  But there’s strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she’s done. If only she can forgive herself.

Speechless is a brilliant new contemporary YA. Speechless will have you cringing, laughing, swooning and everything in between.

Chelsea is best friends with the most popular girl in her school. She goes to all the great parties, crushes on the hottest guy and knows she has to earn her keep if she wants to stay at the top. Chelsea takes her cues from those around her and doesn’t think twice about ruining someones reputation by sharing all the gossip she hears. But when her last secret nearly gets someone killed, Chelsea does some serious life-evaluating. 

After reading an article about vows of silence, Chelsea figures this is best for everyone if she simply stops talking. But people don’t appreciate her silence. Her secret and truths have already been spoke and it’s too late to take them back...no matter how much she is pressured. 

Her friends abandon her. She is verbally attacked in school. No one understands her. Except Sam. Who should, in theory, hate her more than everyone else combined. But Sam takes the time to listen even when she doesn’t say a word. Sam is the one who tries to get Chelsea to forgive herself. It is Sam who shows Chelsea who she really is. 

Speechless concentrates on some really important matters. But it doesn’t lose its quirky and funny voice. I couldn’t put this book down. It was simply brilliant. And I want to reread it, like right now. 

Many thanks to Mira Ink for the copy to review!

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Book Review: Unremembered by Jessica Brody

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books; 1 edition (28 Feb 2013)
• ISBN-10: 1447221125
• ISBN-13: 978-1447221128

Sixteen-year-old Sera is the only survivor of an explosion on a plane. She wakes up in hospital to find that she has no memory. The only clue to her identity is a mysterious boy who claims she was part of a top-secret science experiment. The only adult she trusts insists that she shouldn’t believe anything that anybody tells her. In a tense and pacy novel exploding with intrigue and action, Sera must work out who she is and where she came from. Eventually she will learn that the only thing worse than forgetting her past is remembering it.

When Sera wakes up in hospital, she realises she has absolutely no memory, and no way to answer the question on everyone’s lips: how did she survive the plane crash when no one else did?

Suddenly she is front page news. Everyone wants to know who she is. Including Sera. She doesn’t know who to trust and knows that people around her are lying. A strange boy keeps appearing, insisting she isn’t safe.

Trusting him is like taking a leap of faith and while she cannot deny the pull she has to him, or the familiarity of his words, Sera will come to realise that forgetting is sometimes better than remembering. 

Sera and Zen are two unforgettable characters. I felt almost maternal towards Sera as she struggled to make her way through a world with no memories to aide her. 

Unremembered was a fantastic adventure read with corrupt societies and evil corporations and true love. It will appeal to a broad audience, fans of The Hunger Games and The Bourne Identity will love it. Every page had me guessing and I didn’t anything coming. This is sure to be a brilliant new book series. 

Many thanks to Macmillan's Children's Books for the copy to review. Make sure to check out MyKindaBook for all the best Macmillan news and gossip and bonus material!

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Book Review: Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 693 KB
• Print Length: 322 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1476715920
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK (10 Aug 2012)

Layken and Will have managed to overcome the obstacles that threatened to destroy their love, proving that they are destined for one another. What they are about to learn, however, is that the things that have brought them together may be the very things that ruin their connection forever…

Layken is left second-guessing the relationship whilst Will is jumping over hurdles to prove his love for her. What the young lovers discover about themselves along this journey may change their entire world and the lives of those who depend upon them the most...

Layken and Will have been through a lot. Way more than any other couple their ages. The events of Slammed were intense and emotional and I absolutely loved that book. And for that reason, Point of Retreat had a lot to live up to.

Lake and her brother are still coming to terms with the death of their mother, but always there for them is Will and his brother. Together the four of them make up a happy, if somewhat dysfunctional, little family unit.

Until someone from Will’s past shows up and threatens to ruin everything. Now Will has to work to regain Lake’s trust, and rebuild what has been broken. Because Will cannot, will not, live without her.

Point of Retreat is told this time from Will’s perspective, which I just loved. His head is an interesting place to be and he carries the reader through the story with ease.

This story is not for the faint hearted. It is raw and often brutal, but also tender and poignant. This is a book to read cuddled up in bed with the duvet for comfort, a million calorie box of chocolates and an unlimited supply for tissues. I really love a book that can make me feel anything, and this one made me feel just about everything. Read it. Love it. I know I did.  

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Book Review: Love Unscripted by Tina Reber

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 1494 KB
• Print Length: 670 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1451533969
• Publisher: Atria Books; Original edition (8 Sep 2012)

An A-List Movie Star . . .

Ryan Christensen just wanted to be an actor. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine a life where fans would chase him, paparazzi would stalk him, and Hollywood studios would want to own him. While filming in Seaport, Rhode Island, Ryan ducks into a neighborhood bar for a quick escape from legions of screaming fans . . . and finds much more than he expected.

A Small-Town Girl. . .

Nursing a recent heartbreak, Taryn Mitchell believes men are best kept at a safe distance. But when Ryan Christensen unexpectedly bursts through the front door of her pub, she can’t help but be drawn in by his humor, charm, and undeniable good looks. At six foot two, with dirty blond hair, blue eyes, and an incredible body, Ryan has every girl in Seaport swooning. But Taryn isn’t every other girl.

A Relationship That Doesn’t Follow the Script . . .

Despite her better judgment, Taryn soon finds herself falling hard for Ryan. But is their bond strong enough to survive the tabloid headlines, the relentless paparazzi, and the jealous fans who seem determined to tear them apart.

Ryan Christensen is a household name. He gets chased down the streets, is the subject of every woman’s fantasy, and just longs to be left alone. Taryn Mitchell owns a local pub and feigns her contentment. Things are steady and unpredictable, until a movie shooting in Taryn’s town brings Ryan crashing into her life.

Taryn is one of the few locals who doesn’t obsess over the every move of the film and its stars, and when she aides Ryan after he is hunted down like an animal and physically injured, she is the breath of fresh air he has been craving. But Taryn is nursing a heartache, and doesn’t want to get burned again.

Within Taryn, Ryan sees what he has always wanted  - a good, down to earth beautiful woman, a place he could settle down and call home and someone to share his life with. And lowly but surely, Taryn lowers her defences and lets Ryan in – to her life, and her heart.

But just because there is obvious chemistry and affection involved, doesn’t mean the road will be easy for the new lovers. Jealousy, Ryan’s lifestyle and Taryn’s insecurity threatens to rip the couple apart.

Love Unscripted is one of those books I really can’t make my mind up about. In a lot of ways, it was a great read. There was good plot turns, interesting characters and a believable romance. But on the other hand, it was vastly over written and the book as a whole could have been a lot shorter. There was a great deal of repetition involved, with Taryn stressing over the same old things, Ryan pacifying her, Taryn getting wound up again. There was no clear resolve for the end of the book, which irked me.

But on the whole, Love Unscripted will appeal to a broad audience. This is the perfect book for when the rain is lashing down outside and you want to curl up on the sofa and disappear for a few hours.

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Book Review: Between The Lines by Tammara Webber

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 549 KB
• Print Length: 320 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0983593167
• Publisher: Penguin (13 Sep 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0097JYTLG

Seventeen-year-old actress Emma is starring in her first major film role, opposite Hollywood It Boy Reid. The exclusive nightclubs, snapping photographers and screaming fans are a normal part of life for Reid but it's all new to Emma. The rest of the cast befriend her but Emma can't help feeling out of her depth. She's grateful to fellow actor Graham for his friendly support and thinks maybe he's interested in something more - until she sees him sneaking out of beautiful Brooke's room one night . . .

Reid has no holds barred in his pursuit of Emma; he loves the thrill of the chase but he's also experiencing something new. Could he be genuinely falling for his co-star?

He’s Hollywood’s hottest teen heartthrob. She’s just landed her biggest break after years of commercials and bit parts. Reid and Emma are worlds apart when it comes to their careers, but after undeniable chemistry in a screen test their worlds are going to be thrown together.

Reid is used to the fame – to the girls throwing himself at him, so when Emma doesn’t react to him like he expects, he is even more intrigued by her. Emma has no idea what’s in store for her. She didn’t really consider the consequences of accepting the leading role opposite Reid and how her life would change. Suddenly there are pictures of her everywhere, stories fabricated about her.

The longer Emma is immersed in Reid’s world, the more she can’t help thinking what her life would be like if she was normal. She would get to do normal things. Date. Prom. College.  And as if she didn’t have enough to keep her mind occupied, Reid’s interest in her beyond their working relationship intensifies. So when she is kissing the best looking guy on the planet, she shouldn’t be thinking about co-star, Graham, should she?

Reid wants nothing more than for Emma to fix him. For so long he has taken what he wanted and never looked back. But now he actually sees himself able to commit…if only Emma will give in and give him what he wants. And in between charming Emma, he is avoiding Brooke who is not only a fellow actor in the movie, but his ex, too.

Between The Lines was so much more than I thought it would be. I was expecting a light romantic read. What I got was something so much better with a fuller story. Emma and Reid’s relationship with their parents was nothing short of heartbreaking. I honestly felt for both of them and was brought to tears more than once.

Even though he has some serious character flaws, Reid was likeable and very believable. He drew my sympathies and I wanted nothing more than for things to work out for him.

Between The Lines could have been a glossy and completely unrealistic book. Instead it was gritty and raw and I really felt as though I caught a glimpse into the lives of real people. Each character, even secondary ones, were fully developed and riveting. I wanted to know more about all of them.

This book hit every note perfect for me. It made me feel plenty of emotion, I could barely put it down and when I had to, it was on my mind almost constantly. It left me craving more. I could not ask anymore from a book. Except a sequel. Which there is. And I want it right now. 

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Book Review: Fifty-One Shades of Blonde by Jessica Knoll

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 298 KB
• Print Length: 33 pages
• Publisher: Cosmopolitan (28 Aug 2012)
• The sexy story that first burned up the pages of Cosmopolitanis here—with three new chapters that are so hot they may steam up your screen
  
  
  Christopher Reiss is the handsome and extremely intimidating CEO of a major financial firm. Megan’s nothing but a lowly assistant. But when she stumbles upon some incriminating evidence that could threaten Christopher’s career, she finds herself on his radar . . . and eventually his desk, his kitchen counter, his bed . . . you get where this is going, right?

Fifty-One Shades of Blonde is a fast and direct sexy as sin read. Megan is the lowly assistant with dreams of being a journalist. Christopher Reiss the high powered CEO Megan just happened to catch at dinner with a known mobster. 

Right of the bat Megan and Christopher are attracted to each other in a flaming passionate way. But Megan is stuck at in impasse. Does she go public with the story she has on Christopher? Or does she let go for the sake of an orgasm?

Fifty-One Shades of Blonde is yet another product of the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon. With a domineering man who comes complete with an insatiable sexual appetite, Jessica Knoll does not mince around with her words or intent. Of the thirty pages of this short story, about twenty are sex scenes. And whilst the sex scenes are very well written, with the author really going for it, the story as a whole just felt lacking. It seemed one massively long sex scene with a story line thrown in at the last minute for good measure. We are left with a less-than-satisfactory ending, with too many questions still raised and no hint of a sequel. 

If you are looking for a fast and sexy read with not much story, then this is the book for you. 

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Book Review: Blazing Midsummer Nights by Leslie Kelly

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 1839 KB
• Print Length: 222 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: B007JJEFJC
• Publisher: Mills & Boon Blaze (1 Aug 2012)
• 
  
• Anything can happen on a magical midsummer's eve Marketing director/workaholic Mimi Burdette has The Plan-work for her father and date his right-hand man. Problem is, there's no heat in the relationship. Not even a spark. And worse still, Mimi is having some seriously sexy, panties-ablaze dreams-and the star looks a lot like  Xander McKinley, the hunky firefighter next door. 
  
  
  Mimi's dreams might be due to the strange tea she drank. Or the predictions from the fortune cookie she ate. Or they could be due to Xander's smokin' hotness. But whether it's magic or just old-fashioned fireworks, Mimi is about to break all of the rules-including her own!

Mimi Burdette is a young workaholic set on showing her father just what she is made of, and igniting some spark in the dull as dishwater relationship she is having with his right hand man, Dimitri. But before any of that can happen, new neighbour Xander McKinley crashes head first into her life...and dreams.

Xander is a muscly, gorgeous firefighter with an ache in his heart after the death of his father. He has been involved with rich girls before and expects Mimi to be just like the others - spoiled girls who just want to slum it for a little while. But he cannot deny his attraction to Mimi, both physically and emotionally. He starts to fall hard and fast for the woman who climbs a tree for a kid she doesn’t know to help rescue a cat, or who unwittingly disturbs and beehive just to pick some flowers. 

Mimi can’t stop thinking about Xander, and how after a few minutes of his company she wants him more than she could ever imagine. One thing she is certain - she can’t pretend Dimitri is enough anymore. And it’s time to take charge, and go after the things she really wants. 

Xander and Mimi are two feisty and head-strong characters. I loved their sass and chemistry. Whilst this book is insanely erotic, it is also funny and light-hearted with a heart of gold. This is a perfect book for any romance fans with a penchant for firefighters. 

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Book Review: The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin Teen; Original edition (31 July 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373210752
• ISBN-13: 978-0373210756

For millennia we've caught only glimpses of the lives and loves of the gods and goddesses on Olympus. Now Aime e Carter pulls back the curtain on how they became the powerful, petty, loving and dangerous immortals that Kate Winters knows.

Calliope/Hera represented constancy and yet had a husband who never matched her faithfulness....

Ava/Aphrodite was the goddess of love and yet commitment was a totally different deal....

Persephone was urged to marry one man, yet longed for another....

James/Hermes loved to make trouble for others-but never knew true loss before....

Henry/Hades's solitary existence had grown too wearisome to continue. But meeting Kate Winters gave him a new hope....

Five original novellas of love, loss and longing and the will to survive throughout the ages.

The Goddess Legacy gives us a unique insight into the gods and goddesses that Kate Winters introduced us to in The Goddess Test.

With five unique short stories featuring Calliope, Ava, James, Persephone and Henry himself, many questions are answered that have been building as the series progresses. We get a look at the power hungry Calliope, the love-struck Ava…the unhappiness of Persephone.

The Goddess Legacy has the same wonderful writing feel as The Goddess Test and Goddess Interrupted, but it was refreshing to get another character’s take on things, so five was just amazing!

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and the look into the gods’ early years. The only down side is it has made me yearn even more for the third instalment of this amazing series. 

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