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Tuesday 30 April 2013

Blog Tour for The Space Between by Kristie Cook; Review, Interview + Int Giveaway

The Space Between (The Book of Phoenix, #1)
Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Release Date: April 5th, 2013
Finished Date: March 24th, 2013
Publishers: Kristie Cook
Source: For Review 
Format: Kindle 
When Life Falls to Pieces, Answers Lie in the Space Between

After a month-long dance tour through Italy, 20-year-old Leni Drago returns to Georgia to care for her great-uncle, only to find him gone, the home they shared empty and any evidence he ever existed wiped out. All that’s left is a journal she can’t open.

Jeric Winters has been searching for a piece of his past for over a year, only to reach a dead-end in Georgia. When an urgent and magnetic pull draws him out of his hotel room, he comes face-to-face with the beautiful dancer who’s been haunting his dreams day and night.

Jeric’s one to stay away from—a bad-boy, hit-it-and-quit-it type—but Leni can’t escape the fervent feelings between them. As their own existences begin to crumble around them and shadowy forms that are more monsters than men attack, they realize there’s more to the connection between them than physical fascination.

To solve the riddle their lives have become, they must embark on a journey that requires them to face their pasts and release their true souls. And they must do it fast—dark ones from another world are closing in, intent on killing them. Permanently.

The Review: 4.5 stars! 

The Space Between is a great starter to a new series from Kristie Cook, author of the most awesome Soul Savers series. The synopsis is spot on in its description as we are taken on an emotional journey in a search for answers to why Leni & Jeric are intensely connected, why no one can remember them & why the shadows that chase them, want their deaths. I’m such a character fan and the characters in this are so easy to connect with. Leni, after living out some of her dream of being a dancer returns home to find everything she’s ever known, everyone she’s ever loved are gone in some way or another. Who wouldn’t be terrified? When you’re a kid and go away from home, there’s always some inane fear that your parents will move home whilst you’re away and leave you and Leni is faced with that reality, her life, her existence – just gone and the only thing she has is her truck and a strange journal with no way of getting into it. Then there’s the man she meets briefly in Italy, the intense connection to him, who then starts appearing in her life – coincidence? Or something else at play? Having lived a fairly secure lifestyle she’s in for a shock when Jeric storms into her life in all his hot, toned, tattooed glory. Jeric is the epitome of the bad boy persona, I could list all of his traits but to be honest, I’d rather let you find them out for yourself as he steams up our pages, because this guy is HOT!! I always question why, as a reader that I’m drawn to such a man, in real life I probably wouldn’t touch him with a barge pole but in books I have a weakness for misunderstood bad boys in need of redemption. There are a few times I could murder him in this especially when it becomes clear what their connection is. They are both unprepared for the connection between the pair and try to pass it off which is just delaying the inevitable but the ride is lovely, there are some great scenes between the two, painful, heart-breaking, cringe-worthy and super –hot scenes. I’m a sucker for fated love but I don’t want them to just fall into each others arms, I want some resistance but to stay true to each other , again you will need to read this to see if that’s what we get. 

I really enjoyed the storyline, the focus of the book is mostly building the relationship between our main characters, why do they have this connection? What does it all mean? Why has Jeric dreamed of Leni before they met? but then we get some mystery, why are people forgetting them? Why are their lives disappearing? Add to that a touch of danger, strange shadows attacking & disappearing – what do they want? Why are they after them? And the only thing available to give them any insight is the strange old journal, if they can only open it. Rest assured by the end of the book, you will have all of your answers, you will be satisfied but you will want more. 
I’m really interested to see where things will go for this series, will we be following Leni & Jeric? Or will there be another couple? Will we find out more about The Space Between and what is really going on? 

Kristie Cook
Author Interview with Kristie Cook.

Could you tell us about your new release? 
The Space Between is about two different couples in two time periods - one in the present and one in 1989 - who are experiencing similar events that can only be called "weird." As the present day couple hopes to find insight from the past couple's journal, they realize their answers are in their own pasts. But do they learn this soon enough to save their own lives?

How did you come up with the idea for the new series? 
Actually, my husband woke up and told me about a dream he had. We were on an overnight motorcycle trip, so we were in a hotel room when he said, "I had the coolest dream!" The details were unclear in his head by the time he started telling me about it, but he gave me enough to spark an idea. His dream eventually became The Space Between.

How long did it take to write? 
Tricky question. Haha! My husband had that dream in October 2011, but I was finishing up Devotion, the 3rd book in the Soul Savers Series, so the idea percolated for a few months. In February 2012, I began to work on it, but I was also working on Power, Book 4 in the Soul Savers, and it took precedence. I started again in the summer of 2012, only to back-burner it once more for Power's release. I'd never done National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) but by October 2012, this book was begging to be written. I had to write it, so I decided I'd do it for NaNo, just to get it out of my head. I started from scratch and hit the NaNo target of 50,000 words, but the book was only half-written. By January, it was complete (after taking December off), and released the end of March. So four months to write...once I dedicated myself to it.

What was the most challenging thing about writing this book? 
Allowing myself to give it priority. Once I decided it took precedence, the story flowed out of me. I expected the different POVs and time periods to be challenges, but they really weren't.

How many books are you planning for this series? 
The Book of Phoenix is planned to be a trilogy. However, after that story is told, there are so many directions I could take the world. So from there, it will depend on what tickles the muse.

Who was your favourite character? 
Oh, hmmm...I love Jeric, of course. He's rough on the outside but for good reason and he has a heart of gold underneath. I identify a lot with Jacey, though. I haven't had any of her life problems, but she'd be about two years older than me, so we grew up in the same time era and hung out in some of the same groups. Of course, I also adore Leni and Micah, but if I had to choose, I'd say Jacey. No, Jeric. Definitely Jeric because he cracks me up.

Who would you picture playing Leni & Jeric in a movie or who do you picture them resembling? 
I have a Pinterest board for The Space Between, but I really don't like casting my characters. I prefer readers to take the features I suggest and create their own images, making the reading experience more personal.

Will there only be Leni & Jeric in this series or will there be more couples? The original trilogy is about Leni and Jeric and where they go from here, but there are possibilities to explore other couples' stories. How's that for vague?

Your books seem to be strong on the soul mate principal, I have to believe you are a romantic? Do you believe in soul mates? 
I guess I am a bit of a romantic. :) I'm not sure about soul mates, but the idea definitely makes for good story fodder. I'd like to think there's someone out there meant for each of us. It's a lovely concept, don't you think?

What message would you like readers to get from this book?
 Message? Um...I guess to keep our minds open because we don't know what's out there - beyond our world, beyond our lives. But especially open to each other because you never know who might be your Twin Flame.

Any teasers for book 2? 
Book 2 starts with Leni and Jeric receiving their first mission. We'll also get more of the mythology and learn more about Sammy and Ghost. 

What’s next for you? 
Soul Savers 5, then the next part of The Book of Phoenix.

Author Bio:
Kristie Cook is a lifelong writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at www.KristieCook.com.

Kristie is also hosting a major giveaway on her site at the end of the tour for a $200 gift card or a swag bag full of goodies!  

Monday 29 April 2013

A Review for Sealed with a Kiss (Diary of a Crush #3) by Sarra Manning

Sealed with a Kiss (Diary of a Crush, #3)
Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 30th, 2013
Finished Date: April 21st, 2013
Publishers: Atom
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback 
Pages:  288 
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

The third in the much-loved Diary of a Crush trilogy from bestselling teen author Sarra Manning

Edie and Dylan have been dreaming about their road trip across America for ever. But nine weeks in a car together is going to be a huge test for them. They're crazy in love, but what if that's not enough?

Trailer parks, diners, motels and glitzy casinos are the backdrop for an adventure that threatens the whole future of their relationship. Will Edie and Dylan be able to go the distance?

The Review: "You're not my friend," I said slowly, glancing at Dylan's tense face. "I don't want you to be my friend either, I just want you to be the boy I love who loves me back."

The Diary of a Crush series has literally consumed my entire weekend! I started the first book; French Kiss, on Saturday night and by Monday morning, I'd finished the final book. Talk about an addictive series!

In the third and final book, Sarra Manning brings us more drama. Edie and Dylan are still together but her parents are causing some problems for her. Her mother doesn't approve of Dylan but now Edie's eighteen, she can do what ever she wants, even if that's a trip to America during the summer, with Dylan. So, that's what they do! Edie and Dylan hit the road and take in the sights of America but of course, trouble always seems to find them... will these two ever get their happy ending or are they doomed? 

Sealed with a Kiss brings so many more hard times for these lovable characters. Both Edie and Dylan are not without their problems and for teenagers, of course they make mistakes but that's what I love about them. Their such an entertaining couple to read about, even though there's been so many highs and lows to their relationship, I love them and I'm honestly sad to see them go, but it's definitely the right time to end their story. 

Staying true to the series, author Sarra Manning sends Edie and Dylan on another road trip and this time it's America. I really found it great when they started going on the road, it has laugh-out-loud moments and it had sad moments. I love the way their are so many mis-understanding between the characters but by the end, I was ready for their happy ever after. I would have loved a epilogue set in the future, however, it wasn't really needed. 

In all, Sealed with a Kiss was a great finale - even with all the drama and I'm even more eager now to read something else by this author. 

Sunday 28 April 2013

Showcase Sunday (#35)


Showcase Sunday is a new weekly meme hosted by Vicky @ Books Biscuits and Tea. We will now be taking part in Showcase Sunday instead of In My Mailbox. If you'd like to join see HERE for more details.

Hi everyone, hope you're well!! As you can see, we have a huge post for you today. It's two weeks worth of books, so there's quiet a lot!

eBooks for review / bought:
Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend (Confessions, #2) Tremble (Denazen, #3) Unbelievable (Port Fare, #2) Feral Sins (The Phoenix Pack, # 1)
For Review: 
Casting Shadows by Sophie McKenzie  - I'm quoted on the back! 

Loaned / Gifted by Natalie & Jasprit:
 
As always Nat, thank you so much!! 

The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen
Gorgeous by Paul Rudnick
And thank you so much Jas!! <3

Signed Abbi Glines books from Kat @ Simon & Schuster & Jess! 

So that's it for me this week, a huge thank you to Atom, Simon & Schuster, Jess, Kat, Jasprit,, Natalie, Puffin, HarperCollins, Sherry Gammon, NetGalley, Entangled, Harlequin Teen. 

Ebooks for review/Bought:
Trick Feral Sins (The Phoenix Pack, #1) Wicked Cravings  (The Phoenix Pack, #2) Drowning in YouUnbelievable (Port Fare, #2) Resisting Her Unravel Me (Unravel Me, #1) Make Me Yours (Unravel Me, #2) Twisted Perfection (Perfection, #1)

As some of you know I went to meet Abbi Glines a couple of weeks back. She's absolutely amazing. AND I managed to get some books signed :)-Also I won a giveaway over at Totally Bookalicious which is run by Siobhan, so I got Unraveling as the book of my choice :)

That's it from me :) Have a great weekend!

Saturday 27 April 2013

A Review for Wait for You by J.Lynn

Wait for You (Wait for You, #1)
Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 25th, 2013
Publishers: HarperCollins 
Source: Bought
Format: Kindle
Pages:  336
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Some things are worth waiting for...

Travelling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago--an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe--please God--make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn't need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she's building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing...

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that's just so... so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet...

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she's has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for..

The Review: “F**k, Avery. You think I don't want you? There's not a single part of you that I don't want, you understand? I want to be on you and inside of you. I want you against the wall, on the couch, in your bed, in my bed, and every f**king place I can possibly think of, and trust me, I have a vast imagination when it comes to these kinds of things. Don't ever doubt that I want you. That is not what this is about.” 

Anything that J.Lynn aka Jennifer L. Armentrout writes, I'll read it. I don't care if it's a novella, a short story or a full book and I'll read it. She fast became one of my favourite authors and I'm hoping she'll continue knocking out fantastic books, like Wait for You.

Wait for You is a New Adult story and you all know how popular these type of stories have become in the last year, and by the looks of it, there's hear to stay. I'm a huge fan of it but what I find it sometimes, they can be a tad predictable. However, true to Jen's previous books, her work could never be predictable. 

Avery and Cam were such an enjoyable duo to read about. Their relationship is feisty, funny and so very steamy! There's an undeniable attraction between them that slowly builds over time and causes so much tension. Cam really brings out the best in Avery, but unbeknown to Cam, Avery's hiding a dark past that really can threaten everything they've worked for. I also loved the secondary characters too and I'm eager to see more of Cam's sister in the companion novel. 

In all, Wait for You is a hot and sexy read with a cracking story line and fantastic characters - what more could you want? I loved it and I'd highly suggest you read it!


Friday 26 April 2013

Blog Tour for Twisted Perfection by Abbi Glines; Review + INT Giveaway

Twisted Perfection (Perfection, #1)
Posted by Jess
Release Date: April 20th, 2013
Publishers: Abbi Glines
Age Group: New Adult/Adult
Source: For Review from AToMR Tours
Format: Kindle
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

Life outside of her house was a new experience for Della Sloane. The dark secrets of her past weren’t something she ever intended to share with anyone. They would never understand. No one would ever get close enough to find out. There was always a chance she’d go crazy sooner than they expected…

Woods Kerrington had never been one to be attracted to fragile females. They seemed like too much work. He wasn’t in it for the work just the pleasure. A night full of naughty fun had been exactly what was on his mind when he’d laid eyes on the hot little number that didn’t know how to pump gas and needed some help.

What he didn’t know was she was as fragile as they came.
The carefree girl who spoke her mind and didn’t care what the world thought of her was more breakable than he could ever imagine…

The Review: “Is she forever for you then? She's worth throwing it all away?" "She's it. No one else. She's all I'm ever going to want.” -Woods and Grant

For those of you that know me, will know that I'm probably Abbi's number one fan...amongst all her other number one fans, so when Donna said we'd be taking part in this blog tour and that I'd get to read Twisted Perfection 2 weeks before release, I did a happy dance. 

I've loved all of Abbi's books, and all my expectations were once again fulfilled with Twisted Perfection  It's such a wonderful story. I was so excited to read about Woods and Della, two very different people, from different worlds, who meet, fall in love and change each other for the better. As always with Abbi I simply get sucked in from page one, this wasn't any different. I couldn't put this book down and I just kept needing more and more. 

The story was perfectly paced for what needed to be told. The chemistry between Woods and Della is palpable, and you just feel it. This is the thing that I've found with Abbi's books Twisted Perfection included you FEEL everything! You do, you just feel it. Abbi has a way of telling her stories, and it comes out in her writing and it's just wonderful. (This is a gushing review, I'm sorry).

There were just so many great moments to be had, and I'm so in love with Woods that I honestly didn't know I could love him more than I thought I already did. He's pretty much an Alpha male like more of Abbi's boys are, and he's so fiercely protective of Della, but not in the sadistic way. His and Della's relationship was pretty well thought out, starting from a one night stand, to eventually a chance meeting 4 months on and then eventually falling deeper and deeper in love. It wasn't a slow progression but it wasn't instant either which is great because it totally worked.

Just going to touch on the ending a little. It was actually pretty perfect, it wasn't an ending I was expecting so it came as a little bit of 'whoa' moment for me; but it was a good ending, most may think it's a cliffhanger, I thought it was to begin with, but on a re-think and having met Abbi personally it's not a cliffhanger it's a nice pause to introduce the 2nd part of their story coming in late Autumn. It'll take you back, but it's worth it.

I can't really fault anything in Twisted Perfection, I honestly can't, and I don't know if that's because I'm biased because I'm in love with Abbi (such a girl crush) or because there just because I get so enthralled in the story that I completely miss anything off key, I don't know. What I do know is, that Twisted Perfection was a fabulous read, one that I will re-read over and again. I can never get enough of Abbi and her books filled with bad boys and intense passion with hot monkey sex, that I plan to read everything she writes. So if you basically haven't read her Too Far series yet, you should I think pick that up and it's sequel and then read Twisted Perfection. I promise you won't regret it. I anxiously (impatiently) await Woods and Della's sequel Simple Perfection. I. Can't. Wait!


“I loved her. I loved her with a something so fierce I couldn't even name it.” -Woods

“You are mine. Do you hear me? You are mine, Della Sloane. I will take care of you. Nothing is taking you away from me. Nothing.”-Woods

“If I had a life with Woods to look forward to I knew I could fight whatever darkness that tried to take me. Before Woods, I didn’t know what I was living for. In my search to find myself, Id found so much more. I knew now why I wanted to live. I understood love. I had found it.”-Della
Abbi Glines
Author Bio:

Abbi Glines was born in Birmingham, Alabama. She grew up in the small town of Sumiton, Alabama where she left the summer she turned eighteen. She didn’t get far… she chased her high school sweetheart down to the coast and she’s been there ever since.
Abbi now lives in the quaint southern town of Fairhope, Alabama with her three children and husband Keith (the high school sweetheart she chased after). Her life is never dull and Keith always makes sure there is another “experience” for them to explore.
Books published by Abbi include The Vincent Boys and the USA TODAY bestseller The Vincent Brothers, Breathe, Because of Low, the USA TODAY bestsellers While It Lasts and Just For Now, The Existence Trilogy that includes the USA Today Bestseller Ceaseless, and The New York Times bestseller and Wall Street Journal bestseller Fallen Too Far and Never Too Far.
When Abbi isn’t locked away in her office typing away she is hauling her kids to and from their many social activities. You could say her second job is the Glines Kids personal chauffeur. It’s a rather illustrious job.

Twitter: @abbiglines
Giveaway: iPad Mini (INT)

Thursday 25 April 2013

The 5th Wave is coming!

The 5th Wave (The Fifth Wave, #1)The 5th Wave
by Rick Yancey
Release Date: May 7th, 2013
Publishers: Puffin
The Passage meets Ender’s Game in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey.

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.



Are you excited? We are! We can not wait to read this especially since's it's being hailed as the next Hunger Games! 
Don't forgot, it releases on 7th May! Enjoy!

Wednesday 24 April 2013

Blog Tour for How I Lost You by Janet Gutler; Spotlight + Int Giveaway

How I Lost You
Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 23rd, 2013
Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire
Blog Tour Schedule: Jean Book Nerd 

There are a few things Grace Anderson knows for sure. 

One is that nothing will ever come between her and her best friend, Kya Kessler. 
They have a pact. 
Buds Before Studs. 
Sisters Before Misters. 

But in the summer before senior year, life throws out challenges they never expected.

 And suddenly the person who's always been there starts to need the favor returned. 

Grace and Kya are forced to question how much a best friend can forgive. 

And the answer is not what they expected.
    

Janet Gurtler
Author Spotlight!

Janet lives near the Canadian Rockies with her husband and son and a little dog named Bruce. She does not live in an Igloo or play hockey, but she does love maple syrup and says “eh” a lot. 

 Janet only gives 5 stars to the books she reviews because she is an author herself and knows that no book can appeal to everyone, but like a child, it is very special to the creator. 

I'M NOT HER was published by Sourcebooks Teen Fire in May 2011. 

 IF I TELL released Oct 1, 2011 from Sourcebooks Teen Fire.  

WHO I KISSED released by sourcebooks Fire 2012 and now, HOW I LOST YOU in April, 2013.

 Janet's work will also appear in the THE FIRST TIME anthology, DEAR TEEN ME anthology and WHO DONE IT anthology.


Tuesday 23 April 2013

A Review for Kiss and Make Up (Diary of a Crush #2) by Sarra Manning

Kiss and Make Up (Diary of a Crush, #2)
Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 30th, 2013
Finished Date: April 20th, 2013
Publishers: Atom
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback 
Pages:  288
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

The second book in the much loved Diary of a Crush trilogy by bestselling author Sarra Manning

Edie's having major boy issues. Trying to get over Dylan is hard, but snogging new boy Carter isn't hurting. . .

When everyone heads off to a summer festival, Edie wants to forget her troubles and try and have fun. But she didn't count on her leftover feelings for Dylan and now she's all churned up again. Edie's got some big decisions to make, but is she ready to kiss and make up?

The Review: “I went out with Veronique to take my mind of you, and when I'm with you I don't feel like I'm on a rebound, I feel like I've come home. It's like my world is just different combinations of black and white, but when you're around everything goes Technicolor. You're still the coolest girl I know".” 

As soon as I finished French Kiss, I immediately started the second instalment Kiss and Make Up. I needed to see what happened next in Edie's world because I just couldn't wait.

In Kiss and Make Up we see Edie who's now seventeen (she had her birthday near the end of French Kiss) and Dylan in their new relationship together, but no sooner than it started, it all goes incredibly wrong. So, Edie decides to go away for the summer and get over Dylan, however, she's still having trouble with boys when Carter comes along; Dylan's new girlfriends sister's brother. Complicated or what? But that's not the only problem Edie has, her and Dylan seem to have a connection that just won't go away, no matter how much they fight it, but can they get back what they once had or will it be lost forever?

I really enjoyed Kiss and Make Up and it was a really enjoyable sequel. What I noticed about it was how the author's style of writing changed as Edie matured. The story stopped being so teenage dramatic and became more older teenage dramatic (if that makes sense, lol) The story is an emotional roller-coaster, but that's also the beauty of it; it's rare and very hard, it's kind of story that you love to hate because it comes with so much emotional baggage. The character's have many faults but you love them, the story is cheesy in parts but it's also very addictive. So many pro's and con's about it but in all, I love it. 

In my mind this story is split in two parts; seventeen-year-old Edie and then eighteen-year-old Edie. For me in the first part, Edie's unsure if she can trust Dylan and becomes a very needy girlfriend, she's moody, temperamental and very immature but, then there's the second part, where Edie's grown up, and becomes more mature and calmer. She's not without her problems, but you can just see the change and I much preferred Edie once she turn eighteen.

Dylan and Edie's relationship takes so man different turns that you honestly don't know if it's going to work out for them. It's nail-biting and honestly, a bit of a train wreck, but no matter what I was constantly rooting for them all the way through. 

Overall, Sarra Manning has created a sequel that is even better than the first. It's full of drama, angst and love. I can't wait to read the final book; Sealed with a Kiss.

Monday 22 April 2013

A Review for French Kiss (Diary of a Crush #1) by Sarra Manning

French Kiss (Diary of a Crush, #1)
Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 30th, 2013
Finished Date: April 20th, 2013
Publishers: Atom
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback
Pages:  240
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

The first in the much-loved Diary of a Crush trilogy from bestselling teen author Sarra Manning.

New town, new college, new people, Edie's feeling overwhelmed. What if nobody wants to be her friend? But then something happens that turns her life upside down: Edie spots Dylan. Messy-haired, pouty, frustratingly elusive Dylan. . .

Fast forward to the college trip to Paris and things are really heating up. In between the shopping, the clubbing, the kissing and the making up, something happens between Edie and Dylan that changes both their lives for ever. But do boys like Dylan ever play for keeps?

"Dylan could make kissing the most exciting activity in the world. He kissed my shoulders and the stroked all the hair back from my shoulders before planting little butterfly kisses on my forehead and my eyebrows and my eyelids before reaching my mouth again. And when he kissed my mouth, it wasn't like those kisses you tell your friends about where you joke about boys trying to slip you a bit of tongue; it was as if he was touching my soul."

The Diary of a Crush series is one I've been aware of for some time, however as it's only available on Amazon to purchase by a second hand seller, so I've always put off reading it. Thankfully, Atom have decided to re-publish this series, giving them a new gorgeous covers with a new release date. Mark 30th May 2013 on your calendars guys, because French Kiss is an addictive, fast-paced and very entertaining read!

French Kiss follows the life of Edith aka Edie, a sixteen-year-old girl whose just moved to a new town and has to start a new college. Edie is a shy person but by meeting new people it starts to bring Edie out of her shell - especially the most gorgeous guy on campus; Dylan. He's broody, dark and very frustrating and it's clear from their first meeting that there's something between them. As Edie embarks in her new life, one that involves a school trip to Paris and a lot of kissing, can a guy like Dylan be for real or will he just end up breaking her heart?

I had no idea that this story was originally published in J17 magazine and then turned into a book. Seriously, J17! I used to read that magazine when I was a teenager! I loved it. Anyway, Fresh Kiss really lives up to it's name because it's written as diary entries rather than from a first person narrative. At the end of a certain days, Edie will tell us what's happened to her that crazy day. Admittedly, it was slightly hard to get into the way this story was told but, after a few minutes, it became very easy. 

Edie is a character that has so many pros and cons about her, she's loving, fun, caring, honest but then at times she is rash, stubborn and at times, very immature. With her being sixteen and most of the other characters being nineteen, you can sometimes see the age difference bewteen them. Dylan and Edie have a slight age gap (about 3 years)  and this seems to be the part of the problems for them, not only that but Dylan is emotionally troubled and doesn't believe he can handle a relationship with Edie as he believes she will only get hurt by him. 
For me, Dylan was a love/hate character that you tended to love more and more as the story progresses, he sends so many mixed signals to Edie to start with but in the end, he really does come around.

In all, I'm glad I got the opportunity to read French Kiss, Sarra Manning creates a very good YA read and I can't wait to read more in Kiss and Make Up!

Saturday 20 April 2013

A Joint Review for Walking Disaster (Beautiful #2) by Jamie McGuire

Walking Disaster (Beautiful, #2)Posted by Donna  & Jess
Release Date: April 2nd, 2013
Publishers: Atria Books
Source: For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages:  488
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

How much is too much to love?

Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. 

Just when he thought he was invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Jamie McGuire's New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster Abby had her say. 

Now it's time to see the story through Travis's eyes.

General thoughts:
Donna: Ever since I first read Beautiful Disaster, I’ve always wondered what was going through Travis’s mind in some of them emotional and hard times with Abby, and thanks to Jamie McGuire, now I know. 

I was super excited to get this ARC – so that’s  Atria books and NetGalley. It’s definitely one of my most ‘waiting on’ books, so to start it was pure bliss. I love Travis and the gang the first time around but what I was most looking forward too, was seeing what happens behind the scenes with Travis and Shep and of course, America. And let me tell you, it’s fantastic. I love this lot together; they have a great relationship – even though America gives Travis some tough talking too sometimes. ;)

So the big question is…..Abby’s POV to Travis’s POV? And as much as I love Travis, I’m going to say Abby’s. I felt her side of the story was so much more emotional because we didn't know what Travis was thinking at the time, not only that but there’s so much more detail to the story in her POV, rather with Travis’s certain chapters were skimmed through and there’s some details missing. But the main thing, Abby annoyed me from Travis’s POV. She was so freaking stubborn and each and every time, Travis proves he would do anything for her. Despite this though, I still loved Walking Disaster. How could I not? 

Jess: Couldn't believe I got approved for the galley. I was so excited. I remember when I read Beautiful Disaster, I really wanted to know what was going through Travis's head and thankfully...now I know. 

It absolutely didn't disappoint me...in a way. I did feel like something was missing, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what that was. It was great being inside Travis's head and I loved every minute of it, but something felt off, and eventually I came to the conclusion that this book probably would have worked much better as a duel POV the first time round. With two completely different characters with their own inner demons, it's always best to have a duel POV in the book...in my opinion. 

Favourite character:
Donna: Travis - of course Travis! He's still my number one! I love him!

Jess: Ha! Like you even have to ask. Travis :) definitely. I'm going to put Shep in there as a second and Trent as a third :)

Favourite quotes:
Donna: “A toast” I yelled, climbing onto a chair. On my way to the top, I stole someone’s beer and held it out in front of me. “To douche bags!” I said gesturing to Brad. “And to girls that break your heart.” I bowed to Abby. My throat tightened. “And to the absolute fucking horror of losing your best friend because you were stupid enough to fall in love with her. ”

Jess: "You can't tell me what to do anymore, Travis! I don't belong to you!" Her words ignited a deep anger inside me. I stomped to the bed, planted my hands on the mattress on each side of her thighs, and leaned into her face. "Well, I belong to you!" I screamed. I put so much force behind my words, I could feel the blood rush to my face. Abby met my glare, refusing to even flinch. I looked at her lips, panting. "I belong to you," I whispered  my anger fading as the desire  took over.

After thoughts and final rating:
Donna: Travis captured my heart in Beautiful Disaster and he certainly still has it now. Walking Disaster is a must read for any fans of this series! 4 stars!

Jess: Brilliant. Aside from the something missing that I felt wasn't there. It was wonderful to finally get into his head, see how he ticks. Jamie McGuire had me in Beautiful Disaster from page one. And she still has me in Walking Disaster. I look forward to more from her soon. A solid 4 stars from me :)
 
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