I'm really pleased to be taking part in the blog tour for Sarah Alderson's new book 'Out of Control'. I've read it and I can tell you now that it's a fast-paced and frenetic thrill-ride through New York City which I absolutely loved. Here's a sneak peek at chapter 1 -
Thursday, 29 May 2014
Wednesday, 28 May 2014
Review: Rush Too Far - Abbi Glines
Rush Too Far by Abbi Glines, published by Simon and Schuster on 8th May 2014
Goodreads synopsis:
Fallen Too Far introduced us to Rush Finlay, the gorgeous charming son of a famous rock star, and Blaire Wynn, the girl from Alabama who rode into Rosemary Beach, Florida, in a pick-up truck with a gun under the seat looking for her estranged father. United under one roof by the surprising marriage of their parents, Rush and Blaire couldn't hate each other more. But it only took a summer to for everything to change…
Fallen Too Far was Blaire's story. Now it's time for Rush to share his side, and for readers to fall all over again.
Review:
Abbi Glines can do no wrong and with 'Rush Too Far' she treats all of us Rosemary Beach fans by taking us back to the beginning of Rush and Blaire's romance. We get to see events unfold from the point of view of Rush as he meets Blaire for the first time and falls ridiculously head over heels in love with her.
I have to say that at no point did the story feel repetitive, even though I already knew what the outcome was going to be. There were some new scenes featuring Rush which I loved and I particularly enjoyed the fact that even when he was trying to make Blaire dislike him, he was secretly already falling for her and falling hard. It was great to see how much he changes to become a better person for Blaire and the type of person that she can be proud to stand beside. He hasn't always made good decisions in the past but he determines that he will do better and be better and he really manages to turn his life around.
It was such a treat to see of my favourite scenes again from Rush's perspective. I am obsessed with the infamous 'peanut butter' kitchen scene which causes him to constantly want to watch Blaire eat (so sweet!) and I also love it when he sees her in her cowboy boots for the first time. No one else can leave him lost for words like Blaire can. It was also great to see how sweet and caring Rush was towards Blaire. Although he has been a big womaniser and has a chequered past, he comes such a long way in managing to put that firmly behind him.
Although I was already a big Rush fan, I think this book definitely gave me a greater understanding of his character and I ended up liking him even more than before. Although I don't agree with a few of the things he does in the first part of the book, I found that I was able to more easily put that to one side this time around. He and Blaire are such a wonderful couple and I loved getting to read their story again. It was truly magical!
Goodreads synopsis:
Fallen Too Far introduced us to Rush Finlay, the gorgeous charming son of a famous rock star, and Blaire Wynn, the girl from Alabama who rode into Rosemary Beach, Florida, in a pick-up truck with a gun under the seat looking for her estranged father. United under one roof by the surprising marriage of their parents, Rush and Blaire couldn't hate each other more. But it only took a summer to for everything to change…
Fallen Too Far was Blaire's story. Now it's time for Rush to share his side, and for readers to fall all over again.
Review:
Abbi Glines can do no wrong and with 'Rush Too Far' she treats all of us Rosemary Beach fans by taking us back to the beginning of Rush and Blaire's romance. We get to see events unfold from the point of view of Rush as he meets Blaire for the first time and falls ridiculously head over heels in love with her.
I have to say that at no point did the story feel repetitive, even though I already knew what the outcome was going to be. There were some new scenes featuring Rush which I loved and I particularly enjoyed the fact that even when he was trying to make Blaire dislike him, he was secretly already falling for her and falling hard. It was great to see how much he changes to become a better person for Blaire and the type of person that she can be proud to stand beside. He hasn't always made good decisions in the past but he determines that he will do better and be better and he really manages to turn his life around.
It was such a treat to see of my favourite scenes again from Rush's perspective. I am obsessed with the infamous 'peanut butter' kitchen scene which causes him to constantly want to watch Blaire eat (so sweet!) and I also love it when he sees her in her cowboy boots for the first time. No one else can leave him lost for words like Blaire can. It was also great to see how sweet and caring Rush was towards Blaire. Although he has been a big womaniser and has a chequered past, he comes such a long way in managing to put that firmly behind him.
Although I was already a big Rush fan, I think this book definitely gave me a greater understanding of his character and I ended up liking him even more than before. Although I don't agree with a few of the things he does in the first part of the book, I found that I was able to more easily put that to one side this time around. He and Blaire are such a wonderful couple and I loved getting to read their story again. It was truly magical!
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Review: Flashes - Tim O'Rourke
Flashes by Tim O'Rourke, published by Chicken House on 5th June 2014
Goodreads synopsis:
Flashes is the first in a new series of YA paranormal crime novels in which a 17-year-old girl cannot help seeing glimpses of dead people who seem to want her aid - much to the consternation of her boyfriend, who has just started work for the local CID.
Goodreads synopsis:
Flashes is the first in a new series of YA paranormal crime novels in which a 17-year-old girl cannot help seeing glimpses of dead people who seem to want her aid - much to the consternation of her boyfriend, who has just started work for the local CID.
Review:
'Flashes' was originally released in three instalments as a hugely successful e-book. Now appearing in print for the first time, I'm not sure if I would have been able to stand the suspense if I wasn't able to sit down and consume the whole book in one go. It was utterly gripping and a brilliant addition to the YA crime genre which keeps getting hotter and hotter!
British author Tim O'Rourke's day job is a policeman which meant that I felt assured from the start that all the details about the police force and the way in which they investigated the crimes in the book were absolutely authentic.
The main character, seventeen year old Charley, has flashes. She has suffered from them as long as she can remember but after the death of her best friend Natalie, they start to become more vivid. Charley is able to see through the eyes of victims of murders. She can see their final minutes. Desperate to prove to her father that the flashes are real, she sets out to investigate the death of a local girl called Kerry, wanting to show that she's not going mad or suffering from an overactive imagination. She ends up assisting a young police officer called Tom but what she begins to uncover is far more frightening than she could ever have predicted.
The point of view of each chapter alternates between Charley and Tom, showing events unfolding through their eyes. I thought this was a clever way of showing how Tom has to try to rationalise what is happening to his superiors and where all his leads are coming from, where as Charley has nothing to guide her but her instinct.
'Flashes' was a really thrilling read. I did guess the culprit quite early on in the book, although there were a lot of false leads thrown in, but I was still very surprised at some of the revelations which were revealed at the end. Also although I was correct in my assumption about who was responsible, I had no idea about what the motive could be.
This book is YA crime at it's best! I was glued to the fast-paced story and to Charley's need to unravel the truth no matter what the cost. I'm so pleased that there will be more in the series because I can't wait to see what cases Charley and Tom will investigate next.
Friday, 23 May 2014
Blog Tour: Dead Girls Walking - Suzy Cox
Today I'm thrilled to be taking part in the Dead Girls Walking blog tour and I have a great Q&A with author Suzy Cox.
1. Firstly, I really enjoyed reading 'The Dead Girls Detective Agency' and can't wait to get stuck into the sequel. Could you tell me a bit about your inspiration for the series?
Thank you! An obsession with Gossip Girl, Ghostbusters, Nancy Drew and New York (see below)!
2. Why did you decide to set the story in New York? (Incidentally it's the number one place I would like to visit)
You HAVE to go. I’m properly obsessed with New York. The Frank Sinatra film On The Town is one of my favourite movies. I’ve read Paula Danziger’s Remember Me To Harold Square so often I could quote it. And that’s before we get onto my Ghostbusters/ Breakfast At Tiffany’s/ Carrie Bradshaw problem. The first time I visited the city six years ago, I fell in love and actually cried on the plane home (*so* embarrassing). For me, New York’s the most magical, beautiful city in the world. If I had to be marooned in one place for eternity – as Charlotte and the other Dead Girls are in my books – it would always be Manhattan. No brainer.
3. Who was your favourite character to write in the book? I personally loved Nancy!
I love Nancy too. Every girl needs a Nancy in their lives – she should come as standard issue any time you’re going through a life crisis. Or just trying to get out the house when you’ve slept through your alarm!
In Dead Girls 2, I really enjoyed writing the character of Mercy Grant – the Upper East Side’s biggest drama queen. She’s super-confident, way arrogant and has zero self-awareness. It makes her incredibly annoying to be around, but made getting into her head a lot of fun. I’d love to have a bit more of her nerve – she really doesn’t give a damn – but I think I’d have a lot less friends.
4. If you only had one day to live what would your perfect day consist of?
Ohhh, that’s a toughie. I’m going to pretend I’ve got teleporting skills, like the ghosts in Dead Girls do, but I’m going to cheat and let myself port all over the place, instead of just Manhattan.
I’d wake up to a view of the sea (any sea as long as it was blue and the sky was sunny), then go to the fish market in Hamburg for breakfast – it’s a massive party which starts at 4am, and you can get the best potatoes and egg breakfast there, which everyone washes down with a glass of fizz, of course. I’d port over to New York, and spend most of my day walking around the Village where the Dead Girls’ hotel is – I love the way the streets are all leafy, but at the same time you can feel the buzz of the city on every corner. I’d take one last look at the skyline (sniff!), then port over to St Ives in Cornwall – my other favourite place in the world. And where I wrote a lot of Dead Girls 2. I’d have dinner with my family in the Porthgwidden Beach Café – it’s a tiny, perfect shack overlooking the sand – then go hang out with my friends on Porthmeor Beach and watch the sun set.
Ideally, I’d not end it getting pushed under a subway train like Charlotte did, but I guess you don’t get to pick how you go.
5. I love detective novels and TV series. Do you have a favourite detective?
I grew up in Oxford so I have a massive soft spot for grumpy old Inspector Morse. The stories are so intractably woven and clever. As a kid, whenever we spotted the TV crew filming or Morse’s red Jaguar, it was VERY exciting.
And of course Nancy Drew. She’s the coolest girl detective of all time. She never gets freaked out, gets to go all over the world solving crime, has the best side-kicks (George and Bess)… and I think I spent quite a lot of my early teens having a thing for Ned Nickerson, her boyfriend.
1. Firstly, I really enjoyed reading 'The Dead Girls Detective Agency' and can't wait to get stuck into the sequel. Could you tell me a bit about your inspiration for the series?
Thank you! An obsession with Gossip Girl, Ghostbusters, Nancy Drew and New York (see below)!
2. Why did you decide to set the story in New York? (Incidentally it's the number one place I would like to visit)
You HAVE to go. I’m properly obsessed with New York. The Frank Sinatra film On The Town is one of my favourite movies. I’ve read Paula Danziger’s Remember Me To Harold Square so often I could quote it. And that’s before we get onto my Ghostbusters/ Breakfast At Tiffany’s/ Carrie Bradshaw problem. The first time I visited the city six years ago, I fell in love and actually cried on the plane home (*so* embarrassing). For me, New York’s the most magical, beautiful city in the world. If I had to be marooned in one place for eternity – as Charlotte and the other Dead Girls are in my books – it would always be Manhattan. No brainer.
3. Who was your favourite character to write in the book? I personally loved Nancy!
I love Nancy too. Every girl needs a Nancy in their lives – she should come as standard issue any time you’re going through a life crisis. Or just trying to get out the house when you’ve slept through your alarm!
In Dead Girls 2, I really enjoyed writing the character of Mercy Grant – the Upper East Side’s biggest drama queen. She’s super-confident, way arrogant and has zero self-awareness. It makes her incredibly annoying to be around, but made getting into her head a lot of fun. I’d love to have a bit more of her nerve – she really doesn’t give a damn – but I think I’d have a lot less friends.
4. If you only had one day to live what would your perfect day consist of?
Ohhh, that’s a toughie. I’m going to pretend I’ve got teleporting skills, like the ghosts in Dead Girls do, but I’m going to cheat and let myself port all over the place, instead of just Manhattan.
I’d wake up to a view of the sea (any sea as long as it was blue and the sky was sunny), then go to the fish market in Hamburg for breakfast – it’s a massive party which starts at 4am, and you can get the best potatoes and egg breakfast there, which everyone washes down with a glass of fizz, of course. I’d port over to New York, and spend most of my day walking around the Village where the Dead Girls’ hotel is – I love the way the streets are all leafy, but at the same time you can feel the buzz of the city on every corner. I’d take one last look at the skyline (sniff!), then port over to St Ives in Cornwall – my other favourite place in the world. And where I wrote a lot of Dead Girls 2. I’d have dinner with my family in the Porthgwidden Beach Café – it’s a tiny, perfect shack overlooking the sand – then go hang out with my friends on Porthmeor Beach and watch the sun set.
Ideally, I’d not end it getting pushed under a subway train like Charlotte did, but I guess you don’t get to pick how you go.
5. I love detective novels and TV series. Do you have a favourite detective?
I grew up in Oxford so I have a massive soft spot for grumpy old Inspector Morse. The stories are so intractably woven and clever. As a kid, whenever we spotted the TV crew filming or Morse’s red Jaguar, it was VERY exciting.
And of course Nancy Drew. She’s the coolest girl detective of all time. She never gets freaked out, gets to go all over the world solving crime, has the best side-kicks (George and Bess)… and I think I spent quite a lot of my early teens having a thing for Ned Nickerson, her boyfriend.
Thursday, 22 May 2014
Review: Let's Bake - Cathryn Dresser
Let's Bake by Cathryn Dresser, published by Orion Children's Books on 22nd May 2014
Goodreads synopsis:
From parties to picnics, lunchboxes to the last day of school, and with Halloween and summer holidays in between - here you'll find 52 easy, delicious recipes for beginner bakers, and fool-proof family baking for every occasion.
Step-by-step instructions, photographs, and all the tricky bits explained in a fun and friendly way - there's no one better than Cathryn Dresser to get mums, dads and kids baking together.
Review:
I don't review many non-fiction books on my blog but anyone that knows me, knows that I am a huge baking fan and am absolutely hooked on the Great British Bake Off. I was extremely excited to get my hands on Cathryn's new book as I was rooting for her to win Bake Off season 3. It's great to see the success she's had since appearing on the show and I couldn't wait to have a go at making all of her lovely recipes.
'Let's Bake' is aimed at encouraging baking with your family. There are recipes to suit all levels of bakers, from those just starting out to those who feel more confident in the kitchen. The book is divided into four sections, each one encompassing a different season and incorporating some gorgeous seasonal recipes. For example in Autumn when the blackberry bushes are straining under the weight of all those ripe, juicy berries, why not have a go at making Cathryn's drop scones with bramble butter and fresh blackberries. I know I'll be trying this one out!
Each recipe is very easy to follow and the layout is extremely clear with handy step-by-step photos to lend a helping hand. Even the more challenging recipes look achievable with some handy tips to ensure that your all your bakes turn out perfect.
Some of my favourite recipes so far include the malty moon custard biscuits, the gorgeous easy feta cheese triangles and the sweetcorn and chorizo cornbread muffins. I would recommend following Cathryn's advice on the latter and eating them warm straight out of the oven. I also can't wait to make the beautiful white rabbit cake, as well as the cheese and chive biscuits in the shape of little mice. I think children would love these.
A round of applause to Cathryn for writing such a wonderful baking book. My copy is already splattered with flour but isn't that always a sign of a well-used and well-loved recipe book. I'm looking forward to whipping up lots more of these delicious looking recipes and I'm sure my family will enjoy eating them!
Goodreads synopsis:
From parties to picnics, lunchboxes to the last day of school, and with Halloween and summer holidays in between - here you'll find 52 easy, delicious recipes for beginner bakers, and fool-proof family baking for every occasion.
Step-by-step instructions, photographs, and all the tricky bits explained in a fun and friendly way - there's no one better than Cathryn Dresser to get mums, dads and kids baking together.
Review:
I don't review many non-fiction books on my blog but anyone that knows me, knows that I am a huge baking fan and am absolutely hooked on the Great British Bake Off. I was extremely excited to get my hands on Cathryn's new book as I was rooting for her to win Bake Off season 3. It's great to see the success she's had since appearing on the show and I couldn't wait to have a go at making all of her lovely recipes.
'Let's Bake' is aimed at encouraging baking with your family. There are recipes to suit all levels of bakers, from those just starting out to those who feel more confident in the kitchen. The book is divided into four sections, each one encompassing a different season and incorporating some gorgeous seasonal recipes. For example in Autumn when the blackberry bushes are straining under the weight of all those ripe, juicy berries, why not have a go at making Cathryn's drop scones with bramble butter and fresh blackberries. I know I'll be trying this one out!
Each recipe is very easy to follow and the layout is extremely clear with handy step-by-step photos to lend a helping hand. Even the more challenging recipes look achievable with some handy tips to ensure that your all your bakes turn out perfect.
Some of my favourite recipes so far include the malty moon custard biscuits, the gorgeous easy feta cheese triangles and the sweetcorn and chorizo cornbread muffins. I would recommend following Cathryn's advice on the latter and eating them warm straight out of the oven. I also can't wait to make the beautiful white rabbit cake, as well as the cheese and chive biscuits in the shape of little mice. I think children would love these.
A round of applause to Cathryn for writing such a wonderful baking book. My copy is already splattered with flour but isn't that always a sign of a well-used and well-loved recipe book. I'm looking forward to whipping up lots more of these delicious looking recipes and I'm sure my family will enjoy eating them!
Monday, 19 May 2014
Review: Searching for Someday - Jennifer Probst
Searching for Someday by Jennifer Probst, published by Simon and Schuster on 26th November 2013
Goodreads synopsis:
Kate has given up on love—at least for herself. She is both blessed and cursed with the ability to sense a romantic connection between two people—a gift that her family passed down for generations. When Kate launches her own matchmaking company, Kinnection, with her two best friends in a cozy New York town, she has to put aside her own romantic disasters to make her business a success.
But when a furious man stalks into her office and accuses her business of being a scam, Kate is given the ultimate challenge to prove herself. Slade puts himself in her hands and asks Kate to find him love. Enraged at his arrogance but stubbornly eager to prove herself, Kate agrees, dedicating herself to the journey of finding him love…only to find herself falling for him along the way.
Review:
'Searching for Someday' is a sparkling romance with a slight touch of the paranormal. I absolutely loved it and it made for the perfect weekend read. It's the first in a new series which I will definitely be following. It's also my first Jennifer Probst book and as I enjoyed it so much I will now be trying to get my hands on her back catalogue.
This title really fits into the adult romance genre rather than new-adult. The characters are all in their thirties and have successful careers which often seem to stand in their way of finding love. The story centres around Kate, who owns a match-making business with her friends called Kinnections. Kate has inherited the ability to tell from a single touch if a couple are destined to be soul mates. This comes in handy when she's pairing together members of the opposite sex but so far hasn't helped her to find her own Mr Right.
Kate undertakes the challenge of finding a match for divorce lawyer Slade Montgomery who is more than a touch cynical about the whole process of finding love. Their relationship starts off on rocky ground but soon sparks start to fly. The question is, will Kate deny their connection or has she found her own soul mate? I loved the way in which Jennifer Probst kept the sexual tension high between Kate and Slade. They have bantering down to a fine art and the attraction they share is evident right from the first time they meet, but instead of giving into their feelings, they dance around each other and refuse to acknowledge how they feel. Their romance kept me on the edge of my seat and their scenes together nearly set the pages of my book on fire!
I loved the underlying theme in the book of not giving up on others, even if they are struggling with personal demons. We all need somebody to believe in us. This is no where more in evidence than in the bond that Kate shares with her rescue dog Robert. He was absolutely adorable. I'm not kidding you, you will fall in love with him! He steals every scene he's in and made me laugh, smile and cry.
I'm dying to read the second book in the series, 'Searching For Perfect' which is about Kate's best-friend Kennedy. I don't know how I'm going to stand the wait!
Goodreads synopsis:
Kate has given up on love—at least for herself. She is both blessed and cursed with the ability to sense a romantic connection between two people—a gift that her family passed down for generations. When Kate launches her own matchmaking company, Kinnection, with her two best friends in a cozy New York town, she has to put aside her own romantic disasters to make her business a success.
But when a furious man stalks into her office and accuses her business of being a scam, Kate is given the ultimate challenge to prove herself. Slade puts himself in her hands and asks Kate to find him love. Enraged at his arrogance but stubbornly eager to prove herself, Kate agrees, dedicating herself to the journey of finding him love…only to find herself falling for him along the way.
Review:
'Searching for Someday' is a sparkling romance with a slight touch of the paranormal. I absolutely loved it and it made for the perfect weekend read. It's the first in a new series which I will definitely be following. It's also my first Jennifer Probst book and as I enjoyed it so much I will now be trying to get my hands on her back catalogue.
This title really fits into the adult romance genre rather than new-adult. The characters are all in their thirties and have successful careers which often seem to stand in their way of finding love. The story centres around Kate, who owns a match-making business with her friends called Kinnections. Kate has inherited the ability to tell from a single touch if a couple are destined to be soul mates. This comes in handy when she's pairing together members of the opposite sex but so far hasn't helped her to find her own Mr Right.
Kate undertakes the challenge of finding a match for divorce lawyer Slade Montgomery who is more than a touch cynical about the whole process of finding love. Their relationship starts off on rocky ground but soon sparks start to fly. The question is, will Kate deny their connection or has she found her own soul mate? I loved the way in which Jennifer Probst kept the sexual tension high between Kate and Slade. They have bantering down to a fine art and the attraction they share is evident right from the first time they meet, but instead of giving into their feelings, they dance around each other and refuse to acknowledge how they feel. Their romance kept me on the edge of my seat and their scenes together nearly set the pages of my book on fire!
I loved the underlying theme in the book of not giving up on others, even if they are struggling with personal demons. We all need somebody to believe in us. This is no where more in evidence than in the bond that Kate shares with her rescue dog Robert. He was absolutely adorable. I'm not kidding you, you will fall in love with him! He steals every scene he's in and made me laugh, smile and cry.
I'm dying to read the second book in the series, 'Searching For Perfect' which is about Kate's best-friend Kennedy. I don't know how I'm going to stand the wait!
Thursday, 15 May 2014
Review: Breakable - Tammara Webber
Breakable by Tammara Webber, published by Penguin on 7th May 2014
Goodreads synopsis:
As a child, Landon Lucas Maxfield believed his life was perfect and looked forward to a future filled with promise — until tragedy tore his family apart and made him doubt everything he ever believed.
All he wanted was to leave the past behind. When he met Jacqueline Wallace, his desire to be everything she needed came so easy…
As easy as it could be for a man who learned that the soul is breakable and that everything you hoped for could be ripped away in a heartbeat.
Review:
'Breakable' is the exquisitely written and heart-breaking companion novel to Tammara Webber's 'Easy'. This isn't a sequel but more of a prequel which takes the reader back to the beginning of Lucas and Jacqueline's relationship, presenting events from Lucas's point of view. The story also encompasses Lucas's life before he met Jacqueline, when he went by his first name Landon and was an innocent teenage boy with his whole future ahead of him. Changed forever by an unspeakable tragedy, he has to try and put his life back together again, even when he has no idea what his future might hold.
Gut-wrenching in it's emotional intensity, 'Breakable' will quite literally break your heart in two. Having already been familiar with certain aspects of Lucas's story from 'Easy'', I knew the terrible emotional trauma he had suffered but experiencing it all again and hearing about it in his words put it into a whole new perspective. I felt like I developed a much greater understanding of his character and fell in love with him all over again. I admired his integrity and determination to make something of himself and I enjoyed seeing his relationships develop with his best-friend Boyce and his Grandpa. I also loved seeing how he felt about Jacqueline and the way in which he respected her and treasured her as something very precious.
If you haven't yet read 'Easy' then you would still enjoy this book regardless but I would strongly urge you to get your hands on both books and allow Lucas and Jacqueline's stories to sweep you away.
I cried buckets at the end so be warned that you will definitely need a box of tissues to hand. You will also need to clear your weekend and forget any plans you were going to make. Believe me when I say that reading 'Breakable' is the best way you could possibly spend your Saturday. Tammara Webber continues to astound me with her beautiful stories. Originally a self-published phenomenon, I'm so glad that her novels have now found a wider audience and I look forward to joining her on the next stage of her writing journey.
Goodreads synopsis:
As a child, Landon Lucas Maxfield believed his life was perfect and looked forward to a future filled with promise — until tragedy tore his family apart and made him doubt everything he ever believed.
All he wanted was to leave the past behind. When he met Jacqueline Wallace, his desire to be everything she needed came so easy…
As easy as it could be for a man who learned that the soul is breakable and that everything you hoped for could be ripped away in a heartbeat.
Review:
'Breakable' is the exquisitely written and heart-breaking companion novel to Tammara Webber's 'Easy'. This isn't a sequel but more of a prequel which takes the reader back to the beginning of Lucas and Jacqueline's relationship, presenting events from Lucas's point of view. The story also encompasses Lucas's life before he met Jacqueline, when he went by his first name Landon and was an innocent teenage boy with his whole future ahead of him. Changed forever by an unspeakable tragedy, he has to try and put his life back together again, even when he has no idea what his future might hold.
Gut-wrenching in it's emotional intensity, 'Breakable' will quite literally break your heart in two. Having already been familiar with certain aspects of Lucas's story from 'Easy'', I knew the terrible emotional trauma he had suffered but experiencing it all again and hearing about it in his words put it into a whole new perspective. I felt like I developed a much greater understanding of his character and fell in love with him all over again. I admired his integrity and determination to make something of himself and I enjoyed seeing his relationships develop with his best-friend Boyce and his Grandpa. I also loved seeing how he felt about Jacqueline and the way in which he respected her and treasured her as something very precious.
If you haven't yet read 'Easy' then you would still enjoy this book regardless but I would strongly urge you to get your hands on both books and allow Lucas and Jacqueline's stories to sweep you away.
I cried buckets at the end so be warned that you will definitely need a box of tissues to hand. You will also need to clear your weekend and forget any plans you were going to make. Believe me when I say that reading 'Breakable' is the best way you could possibly spend your Saturday. Tammara Webber continues to astound me with her beautiful stories. Originally a self-published phenomenon, I'm so glad that her novels have now found a wider audience and I look forward to joining her on the next stage of her writing journey.
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
Review: The Lovely and the Lost - Page Morgan
The Lovely and the Lost by Page Morgan, published by Hot Key Books on 1st May 2014
Goodreads synopsis:
Gabby and Ingrid may have saved their brother, but their journey is far from over. Ingrid must learn how to control her powers before they begin to control her. She wishes Luc would help her, but he's refusing... Meanwhile Gabby has thrown herself into the Alliance, despite the eye patch she now wears thanks to a hellhound. But there are major changes afoot. When Nolan returns from the trials of the traitorous Alliance members he brings his father and his cousin, whose first order is to remove Chelle, Ingrid, and Gabby from their duties - women are no longer welcome.
But Paris needs hunters, especially now murder is sweeping the city again. Whole families are being slaughtered in their sleep, at the dinner table - even while out in the family carriage. Just who or what is behind these slayings?
Review:
This is the sequel to 'The Beautiful and the Cursed' in Page Morgan's series about the Waverly sisters. It feels like a long time ago since I read book one, so I was pleased that pivotal events were nicely recapped at the start. This refreshed my memory of the characters and the plot so I was all set to read on and engross myself in the newest instalment.
There is a lot going on in the story as we follow Ingrid, Gabby and their brother Grayson. They find themselves becoming more and more embroiled in the actions of the Alliance, particularly Gabby and danger seems to be following at their heels. There is plenty of mystery and action thrown in to keep the reader enthralled and there is also a generous dose of romance which I loved.
Gabby is my favourite character in the series, so I enjoyed all the parts of the book which centred around her. She desperately wants to be a member of the Alliance and she wants to learn to fight and defend herself and others. She is stubborn and determined but also extremely brave which I admired. Her budding romance with Nolan was one of my favourite things about the book. They work so well together and I loved all of their interactions.
The will they, won't they romance also continues between Ingrid and Luc, although adding Vander to the mix turns this into somewhat of a love triangle. I can't wait to see how things will eventually be resolved between them.
I found the middle part of the story a little slow at times, but the beginning and the ending were so good that they more than made up for this. My absolute favourite thing about this series is still the wonderful setting of Paris in 1900 which lends a dark and moody atmosphere to events and lends itself nicely to the gothic and supernatural elements of the book.
If you enjoyed the first book in this series then you will undoubtedly find yourself hooked on the sequel which left me with a lot of questions still about how Page Morgan plans to resolve things for all the characters.
Goodreads synopsis:
Gabby and Ingrid may have saved their brother, but their journey is far from over. Ingrid must learn how to control her powers before they begin to control her. She wishes Luc would help her, but he's refusing... Meanwhile Gabby has thrown herself into the Alliance, despite the eye patch she now wears thanks to a hellhound. But there are major changes afoot. When Nolan returns from the trials of the traitorous Alliance members he brings his father and his cousin, whose first order is to remove Chelle, Ingrid, and Gabby from their duties - women are no longer welcome.
But Paris needs hunters, especially now murder is sweeping the city again. Whole families are being slaughtered in their sleep, at the dinner table - even while out in the family carriage. Just who or what is behind these slayings?
Review:
This is the sequel to 'The Beautiful and the Cursed' in Page Morgan's series about the Waverly sisters. It feels like a long time ago since I read book one, so I was pleased that pivotal events were nicely recapped at the start. This refreshed my memory of the characters and the plot so I was all set to read on and engross myself in the newest instalment.
There is a lot going on in the story as we follow Ingrid, Gabby and their brother Grayson. They find themselves becoming more and more embroiled in the actions of the Alliance, particularly Gabby and danger seems to be following at their heels. There is plenty of mystery and action thrown in to keep the reader enthralled and there is also a generous dose of romance which I loved.
Gabby is my favourite character in the series, so I enjoyed all the parts of the book which centred around her. She desperately wants to be a member of the Alliance and she wants to learn to fight and defend herself and others. She is stubborn and determined but also extremely brave which I admired. Her budding romance with Nolan was one of my favourite things about the book. They work so well together and I loved all of their interactions.
The will they, won't they romance also continues between Ingrid and Luc, although adding Vander to the mix turns this into somewhat of a love triangle. I can't wait to see how things will eventually be resolved between them.
I found the middle part of the story a little slow at times, but the beginning and the ending were so good that they more than made up for this. My absolute favourite thing about this series is still the wonderful setting of Paris in 1900 which lends a dark and moody atmosphere to events and lends itself nicely to the gothic and supernatural elements of the book.
If you enjoyed the first book in this series then you will undoubtedly find yourself hooked on the sequel which left me with a lot of questions still about how Page Morgan plans to resolve things for all the characters.
Monday, 12 May 2014
Review: Run - Gregg Olsen
Run by Gregg Olson, published by Hot Key Books on 1st May 2014
Goodreads synopsis:
What if you discovered that everything you thought you knew about yourself was a lie?
Rylee is fifteen. She comes home from school one afternoon to find the most shocking thing possible - her father dead, with a knife through his heart, and a key clutched in his hand. Her mother's purse is on the counter, but she appears to be long gone. A message in blood is written on the floor... RUN.
With her brother in tow, Rylee begins a dark journey, one that will uncover horrific and chilling crimes and lead her to an unexpected and gruesome discovery about her real father and what - or who - is behind his insatiable desire to kill. By the journey's end Rylee's childhood is a long way behind her...
Review:
Fast-paced, bloody and unflinchingly brutal, 'Run' is a book you will not be able to put down. It is a scary and terrifying suspense thriller which will keep you on your toes the whole way through.
Rylee and her younger brother Hayden go on the run after their father is murdered and their mother disappears. They have been trained for this but nothing could have prepared Rylee for the truth she is about to discover. A truth which will change her whole life forever. I had my theories at the start about Rylee and her family and why they had moved so many times and assumed different identities but I was so wide of the mark that my original thoughts seem ridiculous now. The actual reason behind it all was utterly terrifying and shocking and very, very scary.
As I was reading 'Run', half of me didn't want to know what was going to happen next and the other half of me was impatient to tear through the story and see what lay in store for Rylee. She is a pretty spectacular main character. She is strong, courageous, determined and resourceful and she is brilliantly depicted as a whirlwind force of nature that has one goal in sight - to get her mother back. I was gripped by her journey and the way in which she refused to back down or give up, even when she was confronted by some horrible revelations. I enjoyed following her as she put all the clues together and came up with some clever ways of tracking her mother down.
The content of the story is extremely hard-hitting and there are some disturbing scenes in the book which I wouldn't recommend for younger readers. The ending in particular is full on and although it is brilliantly truthful to Rylee's character, did cause my jaw to drop big time. I may even have wanted to hide behind the sofa at times!
Gregg Olsen has written an incredible book and never once takes his foot off of the gas. 'Run' is the first in his Vengeance series, which will be followed soon by 'Hunt'. I can't even begin to imagine what lies in wait for Rylee next but I'm eager to follow her as she takes her next steps.
Goodreads synopsis:
What if you discovered that everything you thought you knew about yourself was a lie?
Rylee is fifteen. She comes home from school one afternoon to find the most shocking thing possible - her father dead, with a knife through his heart, and a key clutched in his hand. Her mother's purse is on the counter, but she appears to be long gone. A message in blood is written on the floor... RUN.
With her brother in tow, Rylee begins a dark journey, one that will uncover horrific and chilling crimes and lead her to an unexpected and gruesome discovery about her real father and what - or who - is behind his insatiable desire to kill. By the journey's end Rylee's childhood is a long way behind her...
Review:
Fast-paced, bloody and unflinchingly brutal, 'Run' is a book you will not be able to put down. It is a scary and terrifying suspense thriller which will keep you on your toes the whole way through.
Rylee and her younger brother Hayden go on the run after their father is murdered and their mother disappears. They have been trained for this but nothing could have prepared Rylee for the truth she is about to discover. A truth which will change her whole life forever. I had my theories at the start about Rylee and her family and why they had moved so many times and assumed different identities but I was so wide of the mark that my original thoughts seem ridiculous now. The actual reason behind it all was utterly terrifying and shocking and very, very scary.
As I was reading 'Run', half of me didn't want to know what was going to happen next and the other half of me was impatient to tear through the story and see what lay in store for Rylee. She is a pretty spectacular main character. She is strong, courageous, determined and resourceful and she is brilliantly depicted as a whirlwind force of nature that has one goal in sight - to get her mother back. I was gripped by her journey and the way in which she refused to back down or give up, even when she was confronted by some horrible revelations. I enjoyed following her as she put all the clues together and came up with some clever ways of tracking her mother down.
The content of the story is extremely hard-hitting and there are some disturbing scenes in the book which I wouldn't recommend for younger readers. The ending in particular is full on and although it is brilliantly truthful to Rylee's character, did cause my jaw to drop big time. I may even have wanted to hide behind the sofa at times!
Gregg Olsen has written an incredible book and never once takes his foot off of the gas. 'Run' is the first in his Vengeance series, which will be followed soon by 'Hunt'. I can't even begin to imagine what lies in wait for Rylee next but I'm eager to follow her as she takes her next steps.
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
Review: Cuckoo Song - Frances Hardinge
Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge, published by Macmillan Children's Books on 8th May 2014
Goodreads synopsis:
When Triss wakes up after an accident, she knows that something is very wrong. She is insatiably hungry; her sister seems scared of her and her parents whisper behind closed doors. She looks through her diary to try to remember, but the pages have been ripped out. Soon Triss discovers that what happened to her is more strange and terrible than she could ever have imagined, and that she is quite literally not herself. In a quest find the truth she must travel into the terrifying Underbelly of the city to meet a twisted architect who has dark designs on her family - before it's too late...
Review:
This is the second book I've read by Frances Hardinge, after 'A Face Like Glass' which I adored. Although I didn't enjoy this one quite as much, there is no doubt that Hardinge really knows how to craft a story which immerses you completely within it's pages and which whisks you away from reality.
'Cuckoo Song' is a creepy fantasy about Triss, who's not Triss. She wakes up after an accident with strange longings and cravings. She knows who she is but at the same time she doesn't. She recognises her mother, father and younger sister Pen, but the latter seems to look at her with true hatred and Triss can't understand why nothing feels quite as it should. As the story progresses, it twists and turns deeper into the fantasy realm where the truth about what really happened to Triss is stranger than anything I could have ever imagined.
Family is an important theme in the book. After the death of their son during the war, Triss's mother and father want to keep her at home, safe with them, but their behaviour is suffocating. Triss can't grow up while they are constantly fussing over her and trying to stop her from going to school or having any friends. Their attention is poisonous without them even realising it. The relationship between Triss and her sister Pen was one of my favourite things about the book. It starts off fractured and almost broken but things change for both of them and they begin to gain a better understanding of one another.
The story is a delicious blend of magic and fantasy which will entrance readers as they follow Triss on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. Although not my favourite of Hardinge's books, I was still in awe of the unique and original plot which kept me glued to the pages.
Goodreads synopsis:
When Triss wakes up after an accident, she knows that something is very wrong. She is insatiably hungry; her sister seems scared of her and her parents whisper behind closed doors. She looks through her diary to try to remember, but the pages have been ripped out. Soon Triss discovers that what happened to her is more strange and terrible than she could ever have imagined, and that she is quite literally not herself. In a quest find the truth she must travel into the terrifying Underbelly of the city to meet a twisted architect who has dark designs on her family - before it's too late...
Review:
This is the second book I've read by Frances Hardinge, after 'A Face Like Glass' which I adored. Although I didn't enjoy this one quite as much, there is no doubt that Hardinge really knows how to craft a story which immerses you completely within it's pages and which whisks you away from reality.
'Cuckoo Song' is a creepy fantasy about Triss, who's not Triss. She wakes up after an accident with strange longings and cravings. She knows who she is but at the same time she doesn't. She recognises her mother, father and younger sister Pen, but the latter seems to look at her with true hatred and Triss can't understand why nothing feels quite as it should. As the story progresses, it twists and turns deeper into the fantasy realm where the truth about what really happened to Triss is stranger than anything I could have ever imagined.
Family is an important theme in the book. After the death of their son during the war, Triss's mother and father want to keep her at home, safe with them, but their behaviour is suffocating. Triss can't grow up while they are constantly fussing over her and trying to stop her from going to school or having any friends. Their attention is poisonous without them even realising it. The relationship between Triss and her sister Pen was one of my favourite things about the book. It starts off fractured and almost broken but things change for both of them and they begin to gain a better understanding of one another.
The story is a delicious blend of magic and fantasy which will entrance readers as they follow Triss on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. Although not my favourite of Hardinge's books, I was still in awe of the unique and original plot which kept me glued to the pages.
Tuesday, 6 May 2014
Cover reveal: Atlantia - Ally Condie
I'm very excited about Ally Condie's forthcoming new book 'Atlantia'. The cover was revealed a couple of days ago, so here it is. What do you think? I really like the cover art which is simple but extremely striking.
In Atlantia, the heroine, Rio, is thrown into a precarious and upsetting situation after her twin sister, Bay, opts to leave their underwater world for "Above" first. Since only one family member can leave for the surface, Rio is then "left with increasingly dangerous questions about the complex political and religious system constructed to govern the fragile divide between land and sea."
Dutton Children's publisher Julie Strauss-Gabel said Atlantia features "an underwater world as complex and surprising as the one Cassia must unravel in Matched, and a heroine who must, literally, gain strength and confidence to find her true voice." For Condie, the new book was all about her heroine.
The author said that she always wanted to create an underwater world – which is one reason she wrote Atlantia – but what kept her coming back to the story was Rio. "When I left the manuscript to take care of something else, I always felt that she was calling me back.”
Source: publishersweekly.com
Sunday, 4 May 2014
Blog Tour: Love, Lies and Lemon Pies - Katy Cannon
Today I'm kicking off the blog tour for Katy Cannon's fabulous new book 'Love, Lies and Lemon Pies' which is out tomorrow from Stripes Publishing.
Review:
This book sounded exactly like my cup of tea and proved to be a real five star read!
The story is about a group of teenagers who form an unexpected friendship when they all join the school's new Bake Club. It centres mainly on Lottie, who, desperate to escape her problems at home, throws herself into her passion for baking - a way for her to feel close to her deceased father. Although she tries to keep the truth about her home life secret from her teachers and her fellow students, because of her involvement in the club she makes new friendships, finds romance and gradually learns how to open up to those around her.
I love the fact that the characters perhaps wouldn't have ordinarily have become friends but because of Bake Club they form a solid friendship through their shared love of baking. They begin to help each other with their personal problems and their bond with each other was something that I really loved. There are some great secondary characters in the story and I found myself wanting to know more about all of them.
The romance between Lottie and Mac is so sweet and cute. He's the school bad boy but underneath his tough exterior he is a caring and considerate boy. He's misjudged by a lot of the adults in the book but with Lottie by his side he begins to turn his life around and build a new future for himself.
What I particularly adored about this book was the way it combined my love of reading and baking. I am a massive baking fan and I never miss an episode of the Great British Bake Off, therefore I absolutely loved the bonus addition of some wonderfully tasty recipes. I've already made the pumpkin pie and blueberry muffins and the chocolate chip cookies* are to die for!
Like Lottie and co, when I'm baking, I forget about everything else that I have to do and just focus on the mixing, beating, measuring and stirring. This is captured perfectly in the pages of the story and was something I loved about the overall book which was truly as sweet and delicious as a cupcake!
Katy Cannon's next book is out in February 2015 and will be called 'Secrets, Schemes and Sewing Machines'. It's already top of my list of books I absolutely need to buy next year.
*To celebrate the release of the book I've made my favourite recipe. Here's my batch of chocolate chip cookies just after they've been taken out of the oven. This is the worst bit for me because I'm always impatient to eat one before they've cooled down. I usually can't resist because the chocolate is still warm and gooey.
I realised when I was making these that I'd run out of chocolate chips. I know, disaster! But I found a bar of milk chocolate in the cupboard which I used instead and so they have lovely, chunky bits of chocolate in. I bet Mac would love these!
Review:
This book sounded exactly like my cup of tea and proved to be a real five star read!
The story is about a group of teenagers who form an unexpected friendship when they all join the school's new Bake Club. It centres mainly on Lottie, who, desperate to escape her problems at home, throws herself into her passion for baking - a way for her to feel close to her deceased father. Although she tries to keep the truth about her home life secret from her teachers and her fellow students, because of her involvement in the club she makes new friendships, finds romance and gradually learns how to open up to those around her.
I love the fact that the characters perhaps wouldn't have ordinarily have become friends but because of Bake Club they form a solid friendship through their shared love of baking. They begin to help each other with their personal problems and their bond with each other was something that I really loved. There are some great secondary characters in the story and I found myself wanting to know more about all of them.
The romance between Lottie and Mac is so sweet and cute. He's the school bad boy but underneath his tough exterior he is a caring and considerate boy. He's misjudged by a lot of the adults in the book but with Lottie by his side he begins to turn his life around and build a new future for himself.
What I particularly adored about this book was the way it combined my love of reading and baking. I am a massive baking fan and I never miss an episode of the Great British Bake Off, therefore I absolutely loved the bonus addition of some wonderfully tasty recipes. I've already made the pumpkin pie and blueberry muffins and the chocolate chip cookies* are to die for!
Like Lottie and co, when I'm baking, I forget about everything else that I have to do and just focus on the mixing, beating, measuring and stirring. This is captured perfectly in the pages of the story and was something I loved about the overall book which was truly as sweet and delicious as a cupcake!
Katy Cannon's next book is out in February 2015 and will be called 'Secrets, Schemes and Sewing Machines'. It's already top of my list of books I absolutely need to buy next year.
*To celebrate the release of the book I've made my favourite recipe. Here's my batch of chocolate chip cookies just after they've been taken out of the oven. This is the worst bit for me because I'm always impatient to eat one before they've cooled down. I usually can't resist because the chocolate is still warm and gooey.
I realised when I was making these that I'd run out of chocolate chips. I know, disaster! But I found a bar of milk chocolate in the cupboard which I used instead and so they have lovely, chunky bits of chocolate in. I bet Mac would love these!
This is just one of the lovely recipes in the book. I'm going to follow in Bake Club's footsteps and try making them all. For now, I'm off to put my feet up with a plate of cookies and start reading 'Love, Lies and Lemon Pies' all over again.
Don't forget to check out the rest of the blog tour for Katy Cannon's new book. There are lots of great features planned for the week.
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