Review: No Angel - Samantha Summers

No Angel by Samantha Summers, published September 2018

Goodreads synopsis:
When a group of teenage assassins waged a war against the clandestine government branch that created them, their freedom came at a price. Not all of them made it. One never wanted to. This is the story of Gabriel, a boy whose angelic good looks hide a monster within. It’s the story of how he came to be there on the fateful night he sacrificed everything to save his unit. It’s the story of a moment in time, when he saw there was more to life than the death that had followed him his entire existence.

Review:
'No Angel' is a Project Five Fifteen novella. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from the author and I'm thrilled to say that I absolutely loved it! Project Five Fifteen is one of my favourite series and I'm so glad that Samantha Summers has taken another step into that world because I have been desperately wanting to see more of the characters.

The focus this time around is on Gabriel and Zach, who originally featured in the series containing 'First Light', 'As You Were' and 'Becoming'. The story shows them trying to survive on their own (prior to their later reunion). Zach wants to find a small beach town and finally settle down to a real life but Gabriel is struggling to adjust to normal life and finds oblivion in bar fights and one night stands. Anything where he can forget, if even for a short time, the things they were forced to do. Their lives are made up of this pattern, until Gabriel meets Lo. The first girl to see beyond the mask he always wears.

Gabriel was a really interesting character. He thinks he's incapable of feeling love but he protects Zach and would give his life for him. Although he has his faults, he cares about the people that matter to him and he's more selfless than he realises. I enjoyed getting to find out more about him and Zach and how they operate as a team. Survival is their number one concern but Gabriel's feelings for Lo certainly shake things up. The growing romantic relationship between Gabriel and Lo was one that I enjoyed seeing unfold over the course of the book. On the surface, they may have initially seemed like an unlikely couple but they provide some much needed balance for each other and a level of mutual trust and support that I don't think either of them has ever really had before.

The character perspective alternates between Gabriel and Zach, as we see the latter secretly meeting with a therapist. Zach is such a sweetie and is always trying to keep Gabriel on the right track. I definitely thought that he deserved the normal life he craved in the book, although he has his own demons to confront.

After reading 'No Angel', I got all nostalgic and dug my copies of the original trilogy off my shelves, ready for a re-read sometime soon. I'm a massive Samantha Summers fan and would beg you to read her books if you haven't discovered them yet. This was a fabulous addition to the series and I'm hoping (with all my body parts crossed!) that there might be more to come in the future.

Review: Becoming - Samantha Summers

Becoming by Samantha Summers, published on 31st October 2013

Goodreads synopsis:
You can’t run from darkness. Eventually, the sun has to set.

Turning his back on the killer he was trained to be wasn’t as easy as Kalen Smith had hoped. They’d tried to run. They’d tried to hide. People had lost their lives. The wrong people. Now, driven by a thirst for revenge, Kalen and his team are preparing to take down those responsible.

But vengeance comes at a price and Ronnie can feel the boy she fell in love with slipping away from her, as the darkness he’s been running from for so long threatens to consume him.

With danger looming in every direction, the possibility of a happy-ever-after is looking bleak, but The Agency isn’t the only obstacle in the way of Ronnie and Kalen’s future. Ronnie’s harbouring a tragic secret that isn’t hers to keep and the truth could destroy not only their relationship, but what’s left of Kalen’s humanity.

One way or another, everything is about to change...

Review:
I don't know where to start with my review of 'Becoming' because I loved this book and indeed this series so much that I can't believe it's all over!  When the final instalment landed through my letterbox I was equally torn between shutting myself away to start reading it immediately (because I really couldn't wait to start it) and wanting to wait and prolong the enjoyment and anticipation.  In the end, my desire to find out how the story was going to conclude and what was going to happen to my very favourite book couple, Ronnie and Kalen, won out.  I read it in one evening and could not put it down.  Samantha Summers storytelling held me in the palm of it's hand and each chapter delivered so much that I was gripped and absorbed the whole way through. 

It's no secret that I love the romance between Ronnie and Kalen.  What I love even more is the fact that there's no obligatory love triangle thrown into the mix just to shake things up between the two of them.  They've only ever had eyes for each other and although obstacles have frequently been put in their path, when it comes down to who their hearts belong to, there's no doubt that they are soul mates.  Although there wasn't quite as much romance in this instalment as I would have liked ('As You Were', the second book, delivered this in spades), I did enjoy the final twist that was thrown in and I thought it made the last few moments of the book even more special.  I'm trying desperately not to give away any spoilers but I do want to say that I thought the ending was mind-blowingly brilliant and was very true to all the characters and their stories.

Ronnie has taught Kalen so much about himself since they met.  I particularly liked some of the flashbacks in the book to when he first set eyes on her and how he couldn't get her out of his head, even when he tried desperately to forget about her.  They've always had an amazing connection and although at times Kalen has doubted whether or not they should be together because of the danger it puts Ronnie in, there has never been any doubt in my mind that they are a team and always work better together. 

With Kalen and co plotting to take down The Agency once and for all, there are lots of new faces in the book as the other boys of Project Five Fifteen begin to surface. I loved seeing them all together and although they're not actually related by blood they are like a family and have each other's backs.  Ace is yet again utterly adorable and I really warmed to Denver who steps up and takes charge when needed.  There's definitely potential for a spin-off featuring some of the other characters or even a TV show! (I pictured Colton Haynes in my head when I was reading about Kalen).

'Becoming' was a superb read which delivered romance, adventure, action and excitement in spades!  I was absolutely engrossed in the story and found it compulsive reading.  I'm so sad that the series is over because I've become invested in the characters and their lives and I don't want the adventure to end.  I'm going to be re-reading the trilogy over and over again because I have so many favourite moments that I want to go back and relive.  Samantha Summers, I applaud you and I will read anything you turn your hand to next.  Thank you for giving me Ronnie and Kalen and thank you for writing such a wonderful series of books. 

Cover reveal: Becoming - Samantha Summers

I am a massive fan of the Project Five Fifteen series by Samantha Summers so I'm thrilled to be taking part in the cover reveal for 'Becoming', the third book about Kalen and Ronnie which is set to be published on 31st October 2013.  This is probably my favourite cover of the series so far and is going to look fab on my shelves!   

Turning his back on the killer he was trained to be wasn’t as easy as Kalen Smith had hoped. They’d tried to run. They’d tried to hide. People had lost their lives. The wrong people. Now, driven by a thirst for revenge, Kalen and his team are preparing to take down those responsible.

But vengeance comes at a price and Ronnie can feel the boy she fell in love with slipping away from her as the darkness he’s been running from for so long threatens to consume him.

With danger looming in every direction, the possibility of a happy-ever-after is looking bleak, but The Agency isn’t the only obstacle in the way of Ronnie and Kalen’s future. Ronnie’s harbouring a tragic secret that isn’t hers to keep and the truth could destroy not only their relationship, but what’s left of Kalen’s humanity.

One way or another, everything is about to change..



If you don't already have this book on your wishlist then click here to add it to your Goodreads shelf.  I'm incredibly excited about it and will be reviewing 'Becoming' nearer to the publication date.

Review: As You Were - Samantha Summers

As You Were by Samantha Summers, published on 14th December 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Ronnie and Kalen are finally together, living their life in secret under the radar of the people who want Kalen dead. But when a visit from an old friend sends Kalen away on a rescue mission, Ronnie finds herself plunged back into the world of Project Five Fifteen quicker than she ever thought possible.

It’s fast becoming clear The Agency will never give up their hunt for the boys, and a betrayal closer to home starts a chain reaction that will change everything. Now, caught in a deadly web of lies and deceit, Ronnie is forced to question who she can trust; even the person she once trusted most.

As enemies close in, Kalen’s past threatens to destroy the happiness they sacrificed so much for, and it’s only a matter of time before the ultimate choice must be made…

Review:
This is the second book in the Project Five Fifteen series and the sequel to the amazingly good 'First Light'.

I stayed up until 2.00am reading 'As You Were' because I loved it so much and I couldn't bear the thought of going to bed not knowing how the story was going to be concluded.  I adored it even more than the first instalment and it gave me everything I wanted and more.

My absolute favourite thing about the book was the romance between Ronnie and Kalen.  After deciding to run away with him, 'As You Were' picks up with the two of them in the Swiss Alps, enjoying being together but always looking over their shoulders and aware of the threat of danger.  With The Agency still after Kalen and the other boys, they don't know how much time they will have with each other so they try to make the most of every moment.

I love the fact that their relationship is the heart and soul of the series.  Even when they're not together, they are always in each others mind.  Kalen is loving, caring and always protective of Ronnie which I found so sweet.  He's not afraid to make it very clear that she is his girlfriend and I loved the occasional jealous moments he has about her.  He's always aware of the danger he's put her in and wants only for her to be safe and happy. 

They are one of my all-time favourite book couples!  Samantha Summers provided me with so many happy moments reading this book because amidst the action and danger there are some wonderful scenes between them.  Their romance is what really makes the series tick for me.

I enjoyed getting to know more about the other boys as well, particularly Ace who is utterly adorable.  The short flash-backs to their time as part of the Project provide intriguing glimpses into their pasts, as well as bringing more understanding about their characters and personalities.  It would be great to see the others finding someone special, as Kalen has.  I would definitely read a spin-off featuring the others. 

The whole book is a real roller-coaster of a ride.  Each chapter is packed full of excitement, fraught with danger and laced with romance.  There is also a jaw-dropping revelation at the end which makes me even more desperate to find out what lies in store next. 

I'm only sad that as this is a self-published title, more people haven't discovered the series yet.  I read a lot but not often do I feel as obsessive about a book as I do about this one.  Samantha Summers is definitely an author to watch!  The third instalment will be called 'Becoming' but as far as I know there's no release date for it yet.  I don't think I can bear the wait to find out what will happen to all my beloved characters, so I think I'll have to make sure that I have 'As You Were' close at hand for a re-read.   

Review: First Light - Samantha Summers

First Light by Samantha Summers, published on 28th May 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Ronnie Rose is trying to cope with the loss of her father; now it looks like she might lose everything else that's dear to her too. Huge debts threaten to destroy her family, her childhood home and her future. Only one person cuts through her pain. Kalen Smith has just moved to town. He's trouble and everyone knows it. He and his mysterious friends keep to themselves and the town likes it that way. But when Kalen mourns at her dad's funeral, Ronnie wants to know why and her investigation plunges her into a dangerous world of murky government secrets, with deadly consequences. Ronnie knows she should walk away from Kalen before it's too late. Problem is, she's falling for him...

Review:
I don't review many self-published books but 'First Light', the opening book in the Project Five Fifteen series by author Samantha Summers is something special.  It exceeded all my expectations with an explosive plot, fast-paced action scenes and not one but five gorgeous boys thrown into the mix.

The story centres around teenager Ronnie whose father has just died.  Her older sister can just about look after herself and Ronnie is living all alone in her childhood home.  Trying to get her life back together, she's haunted by an event from her past and thrown by the mysterious boy who suddenly appears in her small town. 

I really, really loved this book but I have to say that there were a few typos near the beginning and I found some of the initial dialogue between the characters a little stilted.  However, this didn't detract at all from my enjoyment and once the story began to kick up a notch, I was absolutely hooked and there was no looking back.  Each chapter just kept getting better and better and although I'd only planned to read for a short while, I didn't move from my chair all day.   

Some of my very favourite series (such as Joss Stirling's books about the Benedict boys) feature a group of brothers and while Kalen and co may not be linked by blood, they are irretrievably linked together by their past experiences.  Laith is mysterious, Ace is so sweet and cute, Denver upbeat whatever the circumstances and Nash utterly dependable.  Then you've got Kalen whose romance with local girl Ronnie is at the heart of the story.  Believe me, you will lose your heart to these boys!

As I was reading 'First Light' I could definitely picture it as a television series.  I think the story would translate so well to the small screen.  I love the concept of Project Five Fifteen and I'm excited to see where Samantha Summers will take the plot next.  'As You Were', the second instalment, is out now and I'm dying to get my hands on it.  If like me, you don't often read self-published books then I would strongly urge you to make an exception for this very talented author.