Book Review: Dirty (Dive Bar, #1) by Kylie Scott

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Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository

Format: Kindle 

Publishers: St. Martin's Griffin

Published: 19th April 2016

Pages: 288

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, 

Main Characters: Lydia, Vaughan
Date Read: 14th February - 17th February 2016

Rating Given:

Synopsis:The last thing Vaughan Hewson expects to find when he returns to his childhood home is a broken hearted bride in his shower, let alone the drama and chaos that comes with her.
Lydia Green doesn't know whether to burn down the church or sit and cry in a corner. Discovering the love of your life is having an affair on your wedding day is bad enough. Finding out it's with his best man is another thing all together. She narrowly escapes tying the knot and meets Vaughan only hours later.
Vaughan is the exact opposite of the picture perfect, respected businessman she thought she'd marry. This former musician-turned-bartender is rough around the edges and unsettled. But she already tried Mr. Right and discovered he's all wrong-maybe it's time to give Mr. Right Now a chance.
After all, what's wrong with getting dirty?

  I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I do like this cover and I especially like that it's similar to the Stage Dive series but with a difference which is a good thing as this is a spin off from Stage Dive. I love that it looks like it could be from a scene from the actual book which I always love to see that in covers.

From the moment I started this book things was happening so needless to say there was always something entertaining happening. Even though there you would think that this was going to be a bit of a downer book you would be wrong as I found myself laughing out loud most of the time especially the shower scene at the beginning. I loved that everything was explained in the beginning with no secrets which I'm starting to get fed up of secrets between the two main characters so this was a refreshing change for me. There was moments when I though I was going to mark the book down but then something else would happen that brought it around again that for me I just couldn't mark it down. The relationship between the two main characters was very quick but in the end I forgot that they had only known each other for a short space of time as they just suited each other from the get go plus I felt that they started off more as friends with lust so it felt more believable in my eyes. The ending did feel a bit rushed but seeing as this is just the beginning in the Dive Bar series I could forgive it in the hope that there is more to come in the next book.

I loved all of the characters which was no surprised as I loved the other characters from the series that this was a spin off from and these was just as entertaining as the Stage Dive were. In the beginning I didn't think I was going to like Lydia but I was surprised that I thought she was such a strong character who wasn't a pushover. Vaughan was a great male character and loved him from the get go. There was some great secondary characters that I'm hoping will get their own book so I can find out more about them. I loved that we got a brief glimpse at one of the Stage Dive boys he made me want to go back and reread about the band.

Overall, another great book by the fabulous Kylie Scott and I'm very much looking forward to reading more from this series.

Book Review: Play (Stage Dive, #2) by Kylie Scott

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Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository

Format: Kindle 

Publishers: St. Martin's Griffin

Published: 25th March 2014

Pages: 288

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, 

Main Characters: Anne, Mal 
Date Read: 19th March - 22nd March 2015

Rating Given:

Synopsis:
Readers the world over fell in love with sexy drummer Mal in Kylie Scott’s first Stage Dive novel. Now, Kylie Scott is back, and this time it’s bad-boy Mal’s turn to fall in love. 
The drummer in a wildly successful rock band, Mal’s never had trouble with the ladies. It doesn’t hurt that he’s sexy as hell with a wicked sense of humour. But as much as Mal loves his ladies, romance and happily-ever-after just isn’t in his set of cards. Until one night, Mal meets the woman of his dreams. But can this cynical rocker ever trust in love? 

After reading the first book in this series (Lick) I had to buy the next book which is what I did and after reading it I just knew I should have started this series sooner...

I do love the covers for this series especially with them being similar so they match. I would have loved to see more of the model only to check that he is Mal, the body seems to be fitting to Mal even the tattoo's.

I was a bit wary about reading this one as I saw a lot of reviews saying that this book was a disappointment but I sure didn't feel that way even from the very first page I loved this book. I absolutely adored every minute of this book there was no moments when I lot interest as it kept me captivated. When I wasn't reading the book I would be thinking about when I could start reading it again. I loved the build up of feelings I felt like I could feel the chemistry leaping out of the pages they where great together even when they where pretending to be in love. I have not laughed as much at a book as I had done with this book but there was sad moments as well but I didn't mind. The ending was just as good as the rest of the book with a couple of months into the future which I always love, although I don't mind in this series as I know I will be seeing more of them in the next books. It also ended with a bit of a set up for the next book which never happened in the first book so that has got me even more excited for book 3.

I adored pretty much all of the characters even Jimmy who wasn't as annoying as he was in the first book plus we got to see a bit more of Ben making me even more excited to read his book not long now. It was great to see more of David and Ev to see how they are getting on. I never thought any of the band was going to be better than David but how wrong was I, Mal by far outshone him he is my new favourite band member. Mal was so funny and I think it was down to his character that I loved this book as much as I did because not only was he funny but he also had dark moments as well as being vulnerable. Anne was another great female main character because even though there was times when she was a bit of a push over she still had her fiery moments plus I think that both Mal and Anne together brought out the best in each other.

Overall book 2 was just as good as the first one maybe even (slightly) better. I can't wait to read the rest of this series.

Book Review: 13 to Life (13 to Life, #1) by Shannon Delany

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Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository 

Format: Paperback

Publishers: St. Martin's Griffin

Published: 22nd June 2010

Pages: 308

Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance

Main Characters: Jessie, Pietr, 
Date Read: 18th September - 28th October 2014

Rating Given:

Synopsis:
Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing.  Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town.It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid.

“What makes a man a man are his deeds, his responsibilities, and his reactions... These things are also what makes a man a monster.” 

I was actually gifted this book awhile back now but I have finally gotten around to reading it and I'm glad I have gotten around to reading it as it was a really good book.

I do like this cover especially with the blending more than one image into the one cover which I always think looks effective. I also love the colour as it is one of my favourite colour. Just by looking at this cover you can tell straight away what the book is going to be about which doesn't happen much any more.

It did take me a little while to get into this book as I was easily distracted about what was going on around me rather than what was happening in the book which for me is never a good thing. Once I got a little further into the story more things was happening making it more entertaining. In nearly every series I have read the first book always takes its time to tell us readers the paranormal aspect and this one was no different but there was a lot more hints of what was to come that I don't usually get. The romance side of the story kind of annoyed me as Jessie never seemed to make her mind up until it was too late. Also for most part there was no romance and then all of a sudden it was like they where together when in fact they couldn't have been as the guy was seeing someone else even if he didn't want to. I really enjoyed the second half of this book as there was a lot of things that happened with a few twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. The end was kind of good because it did leave me wanting more but there was a lot of unanswered questions.

For the most part I liked the characters. Jessie was a strong female character but she did annoy me at times as she changed her mind a lot and it usually came out of no where. I did feel for her with everything that had happened with her family life. Pietr I really liked as he was a lot more open than most male characters but obviously there was a few secrets but he did want those secrets aired with Jessie. He was always there for Jessie even when she couldn't see it which made me feel for him. I did like both of Jessie's and Pietr's family with only one exception. Max would have to be my favourite of Pietr's family as he was really funny. I thought I wasn't going to like Derek but there was a moment when I thought I wouldn't but that was cleared up and I understood where he was coming from but he was no Pietr. The one character I didn't like was one of Jessie's friend Sarah as even though a lot of the time she seemed sweet there was times when she went back to her mean ways from before her accident.

Overall it did take a little while to get into but in the end it was a good start to this series and I do look forward to seeing what is going to happen with the rest of the series.

“Beauty's only skin deep.
Everybody has ugly days.
We're all made of the same stuff underneath.
Acting right is better than looking right.
Realize what make you special beyond looks.
Evil can look pretty on the outside.” 

Book Review: Lullaby (Watersong #2) by Amanda Hocking

May contain spoilers from the first book!

Format: Hardback (arc)

Publishers: St. Martin's Griffin

Published: 27th November 2012

Pages: 290

Main Characters: Harper, Gemma

Date Started: 13th December 2012

Date Finished: 18th December 2012

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Harper only wanted a safe, normal life. But when her younger sister Gemma runs off with a dangerous clique of beautiful girls, Penn, Thea, and Lexi, everything changes. Vowing to get her sister back no matter what the cost, Harper must face dangers unlike any she's ever experienced. Fortunately, she has Daniel by her side, a gorgeous guy who's devoted to helping her find her sister—and who's immune to the girls' dark powers.

While Harper searches for her sister, Gemma struggles to adjust to her new life. Gemma's powers are growing by the day, and the longer she lives with her new "sisters," the harder it is to resist entering their magical world. It's a realm both dark and beautiful, and where she's plagued by strange hungers and unspeakable needs. Just as she's drifting far away from her old life, Harper and Daniel find her...but no one can deny how much she's changed. All she wants is to return to her family and the mortal world, but how can she do that when she's become something else entirely—and will they still love her once they learn the truth?

Prepare to fall under the spell of Lullaby, the second book in the Watersong series from New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking.
 

After finishing and loving the Trylle series by Amanda Hocking I fell in love with her work and had to read her other series. I enjoyed the first one in this series Wake but I didn't love it and I was hoping that I would like this one more and I did.

I love the covers for this series and this one is no different. I love the colours and the setting as it ties in with the book. I do prefer the cover for Wake but I still love this one.

This book very addicting and I am surprised about that as I love a bit of action in my books but there wasn't much of any in this book but in this case it didn't matter as what was happening had me intrigued. Like in Wake, Lullaby is from the sister's point of view but this time it was a little bit more from Harper's where as Wake was more of Gemma. In Harper's part it was showing her and Alex and Daniel trying to find Gemma. There was a will they won't they relationship happening between Harper and Daniel which I loved as the chemistry was undeniable and there was also a bit of light banter which was a welcome. In Gemma's part it was her journey on becoming a siren with some shocking things happening along the way. The ending was also a little shocking and I can't wait to find out what is going to happen next.

The characters was more likable in this one which I am pleased about. Harper was pretty much the same as she was in the first book but she seemed to loosen up a bit. Gemma was also better than she was in Wake but sometimes she was worse. With having a big bulk of the book from Harper's Point of view we got to see a lot more from Daniel and if it's at all possible I love him even more as he is funny but he is also dependable. Daniel is different from the rest of the boys in this series so I am looking forward to seeing what that is. I don't feel we got to see much of Alex this time around but when he was I loved him just as much as I did in the first book I just hope we still get to see him in the next book but looking at that ending I'm not so sure we will.

Overall a huge improvement from the first book which has me extremely excited to read the next book.

 

Showcase Sunday #22

Showcase Sunday is a new weekly Meme that I am taking part of. This weekly meme is hosted by Vicky over at Book, Biscuits and Tea and for more info click on the SS image which will take you straight to the blog. Click on the titles of the books to take you to Goodreads.




Books Mentioned

Review Books
Hidden by Marianne Curley
Ashes of Twilight by Kassy Tayler
Blood Prophecy by Alyxandra Harvey
Shadows by Ilsa J. Bick

Books Bought
Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Thanks to the publishers (Bloomsbury, St.Martin's Press, Quercus) for sending me the review books!

Showcase Sunday #21

Showcase Sunday is a new weekly Meme that I am taking part of. This weekly meme is hosted by Vicky over at Book, Biscuits and Tea and for more info click on the SS image which will take you straight to the blog. Click on the titles of the books to take you to Goodreads.




Books Mentioned

Review Books
Lullaby by Amanda Hocking (St. Martin's Press sent me HB signed for review!)
The Declaration by Gemma Malley (Bloomsbury)
The Resistance by Gemma Malley (Bloomsbury)
The Legacy by Gemma Malley (Bloomsbury)
Echo by Alyson Noel (Pan Macmillan)


Leave links/let me know what you received so I can check them out.

Book Review: Glitch (Glitch #1)

Glitch (Glitch #1) by Heather Anastasiu

Format: Paperback (arc)
Publisher: St.Martin's Griffin
Published: 7th August 2012
Pages: 320
Main Characters: Zoe, Adrien, Max
Date Started: 20th August 2012
Date Finished: 26th August 2012
Rating Given: ***

Blurb from Goodreads:

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

I have had my eye on this book for awhile now so imagine my delight when I was sent a copy for review from the lovely publishers over at St. Martin's Publishing (Thanks). Although I was excited to read this book I am in two minds about it.

The cover I used to love as I love the colours which makes it stand out but now I'm not too sure if I even like it anymore. I do like the way it has a futuristic feel to the cover as it ties in with the actual story.

This is my first book by Heather Anastasiu but I don't think it will be my last as I want to continue with this series to see how things unfold. I found it hard to understand what Anastasiu was writing about as it was set in the future so there was new words in which needed to be explained better. I don't feel she described everything in detail as I couldn't really imagine the place or even the characters which is a shame as I think it would have been more understandable if everything was described more clearly.

I found the first half very slow and very confusing but the second half of the book was loads better and I found it a really addicting read. Even though I got into the book I still found at times my mind wondering from the book. I did like that there was always something going on as it's what made me like this book. I never quite understood whether the people where robots as they seemed a bit robotic but then other times I thought they where humans so I was a bit lost with that but that could just be me. I did feel like the word Glitch was a bit overused which got very annoying.

Like the rest of the book I sometimes liked the characters and then other times I just didn't get them. Zoe did go through a lot of things during this book so I did feel like she grew as a character and I hope she is a more stronger character in the next book. Adrien seemed like a good character but I don't feel like we got to know him enough. Max I didn't like you could tell he was only after one thing. It was hard to understand how each of these characters was feeling as they are not used to the different emotions so they don't understand what it is they are feeling.

Overall I liked the book but I was too confused throughout most of the book. I will be continuing on with this series as I think they will get better.

Book Review: Semi-Charmed Life

Semi-Charmed Life by Nora Zelevansky

Format: e-arc
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published: 3rd July 2012
Pages: 336
Main Characters: Beatrice, Veruca, Ben
Date Started: 7th August 2012
Date Finished: 19th August 2012
Rating Given: ***

Blurb from Goodreads:

In Nora Zelevansky’s hilarious debut, Semi-Charmed Life, an Upper West Side naïf, Beatrice Bernstein, gets swept up in the seemingly magical life of socialite Veruca Pfeffernoose, while ghost writing her blog. Veruca’s glitteringly opulent world soon seduces Beatrice away from her own insular, arty family with a promise of fancy parties, travel outside Manhattan (for once) and one desperately cute guy. But when her new glitzy lifestyle starts to take on dark undertones, Beatrice has to decide who she is—once and for all. With her own magical touch, Zelevansky deftly explores the world of rarified Manhattan in this sparkling modern fairy tale of first love, finding one’s voice and growing up.

 I was sent an email from the publishers to see if I wanted to review this book which sounded like something that I haven't tried before and it sounded good so I thought I would give it a try. I am glad I did as it was a likable book just not a great book.

This cover I love and to be honest it would have sold me the book if I actually had seen it before I started reading it. I love that it looks like the cover has been drawn which is fitting to the actual story as there is a lot of art influence throughout the book. I do think the title should have been more bolder as the rest of the cover over powers it.

This is a debut novel from Nora Zelevansky which I think she has done a good job as I did find it funny and I think she will only get better with time. I did get confused to some of the things she had written as at the beginning I thought that it was set in the past but then when I went further into the book I found that it was actually set in the present time.

I did find it a bit too shallow for my liking as I was expecting a bit more from this book. When I got the email telling me about this book they said if I liked Gossip Girl then I would love this and yes I love Gossip Girl and yes this book was similar I just didn't love it as much because the characters was annoying. I did get a bit lost at times as I just didn't get what was happening even when I finished the book I felt lost. Some of the time when I picked the book up to read a bit more I didn't like it but there was a lot of times when I would pick it up and think it was a good book. There wasn't any action in any shape of form it just lacked that sparkle that I love to see in a contemporary book.

Beatrice was a bit annoying in the way that she just dropped her close friends for 'friends' that she had just met I just didn't get why she would do that. I also found her very naive and just let everyone walk all over her. Towards the end she did grow on me and found she started to act more like her age which was 21 instead of someone a lot younger. Veruca I didn't like throughout the book as she seemed like she just uses everyone but then there is a huge twist at the end which made me re-think her character. Ben I liked he was funny and I loved the interaction between him and Beatrice.

Overall a likable read but there was times when it was good and then other times when I just didn't get on with it. It was a light read with nothing too heavy going on.

Book Review: Wake (Watersong #1)

Wake (Watersong #1) by Amanda Hocking

Format: Hardback (arc)
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 7th August 2012
Pages: 309
Main Characters: Gemma, Harper
Date Started: 7th August 2012
Date Finished: 12th August 2012
Rating Given: ***

Blurb from Goodreads:

Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

 When I read the Trylle series which is also written by Amanda Hocking I knew that I would jump at any chance to read her other books. I was so glad when St. Martin's Press sent me a review copy and then they also sent me a Hardback copy as well so a huge thank you to them.

The cover I have always liked but when I was sent a finished hardcopy I fell in love with it. The reason why this hardback copy was better was because the part of the cover that was under the water had a smooth feel to it but also when you moved it in the light it gave a rainbow effect it just looked stunning.

This is my fourth book that I have read by Amanda Hocking and what she does that not many authors do is she has a slow build up in the first book but then the tension explodes by the finale book (well I'm hoping that's the case with this series as it happened with the Trylle series). I love that she puts a twist on the legend of the Mermaids or Siren in this case. She also tells the story from both the sisters point of view which is nice to see what each other are thinking. Hocking was also very good at describing certain scenes which at one point had me feeling a bit ill myself.

With this book being a slow build up it did take awhile before I even knew anything it took until about halfway through before anything interesting happened but I do have faith in this series to continue with it. I did find that there wasn't enough light relief in this book apart from when a particular character was involved. By the time it was coming up to the last couple of chapters I really got into the story and I am looking forward to find out where it's going to go from that particular ending.

The characters I found very similar to the characters from the Trylle series especially Gemma she seemed a lot like the female main character in Hocking's other series. The reason why I think that is because Gemma is annoying and seems spoilt and everyone would do anything for her but I am hoping that she will grow into a better person throughout the series which I'm sure she will as there was an improvement by the end of the book. Harper was supposed to be her older sister but not by many years but she acted more like her mother which I did get why that was I just didn't like she felt she couldn't just relax. My favourite characters where the boys Alex and Daniel who wasn't in it as much as I would have liked. I think Daniel had more of an edge as he was really funny but he was also sweet I have a feeling we will get to know him more throughout this series as there seems to be something about him. There is also three girls called Penn, Thea and Lexi and for the most they seem like they are not nice people but I do think there is a nicer side to Lexi.

Overall a good start to building up this particular world but I am hoping that the series will improve.

Book Review: Spark (Sky Chasers #2)

Spark (Sky Chasers #2) by Amy Kathleen Ryan

(May contain spoilers)

Format: Hardback (arc)
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published: 17th July 2012
Pages: 309
Main Characters: Kieran, Waverly, Seth
Date Started: 7th July 2012
Date Finished: 12th July 2012
Rating Given: ***

Blurb from Goodreads:

Waverly and Kieran are finally reunited on the Empyrean. Kieran has led the boys safely up to this point, and now that the girls are back, their mission seems slightly less impossible: to chase down the New Horizon, and save their parents from the enemy ship. But nothing is truly as it seems…Kieran’s leadership methods have raised Seth’s hackles— and Waverly’s suspicions. Is this really her fiancé? The handsome, loving boy she was torn from just a short time before? More and more, she finds her thoughts aligned with Seth’s. But if Seth is Kieran’s Enemy No. 1, what does that make her?

In one night, a strange explosion rocks the Empyrean—shooting them off course and delaying their pursuit of the New Horizon—and Seth is mysteriously released from the brig. Seth is the most obvious suspect for the explosion, and Waverly the most obvious suspect for releasing him. As the tension reaches a boiling point, will Seth be able to find the true culprit before Kieran locks them both away—or worse? Will Waverly follow her heart, even if it puts lives at risk? With the balance of power precarious and the clock ticking, every decision counts… every step brings them closer to a new beginning, or a sudden end...

I was asked by the publishers at St. Martin's Griffin if I wanted to review this book, and with me kind of enjoying the first one (Glow) I thought I would give this one a try to see if it was any better, to be honest with you I personally don't think it's any better. (Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin for giving me the chance to review this book).

I really do like this cover which does look better when you actually have a hard copy. I love the way the title is the main focus of the cover as it makes it more eye catching and also you know straight away what the book is called as well as the series because even though the series title is in a lot more smaller font my eye still goes to that part of the book second with it being next to the huge title font. The colours is my favourite part of this cover as it's just been left simple just like Glow had done.

This is only my second book that I have read by Amy Kathleen Ryan but what she can do that many others can't is create a very addictive storyline and explains things in such a way that I can picture them in my head which I like being able to do. The only thing I don't like about her style of writing is that the characters that she has created aren't very likable only a couple of the secondary characters are characters that I actually like.

There was so much going on in this book from the moment I opened the first page it was such a thrilling storyline that got me hooked on this book. The story of this book was a lot better than in Glow as it was more entertaining and I for one couldn't tell who I could trust.

As for the characters I didn't really like them although for each of the main characters they did have a couple of moments when I thought I would like them but in the end those couple of moments wasn't good enough. Seth was a lot more likable in this one than in Glow but because of the things he did in the first book I just couldn't forgive him enough in this book, but, maybe I will change my mind in the next book as I have a feeling he is going to do something huge. Kieran I actually liked in the first book but by the end of this second book I couldn't stand him as he was acting a lot like how Seth did in the first. Waverly was very annoying I couldn't stand the way she manipulated some of the characters. In this book Waverly and Kieran seemed as bad as each other as they were both hypocrites. A lot of the time I did forget these where all children as they were acting a lot older although the ones that acted younger were actually the oldest!

Overall I loved the actual storyline but the characters I near enough hated but because of the addicting storyline I will continue on in this series as I would like to know what happens next.

Book Review: This Is Not A Test

This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summers

Format: E-ARC
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 19th June 2012
Pages: 326
Main Characters: Sloane
Date Started: 9th June 2012
Date Finished: 14th June 2012
Rating Given: ****

Blurb from Netgalley:

It’s the end of the world.

Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self.

To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up. As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually want to live. But as the days crawl by, the motivations for survival change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life—and death—inside. When everything is gone, what do you hold on to?

I actually can't remember why I requested this book from Netgalley as it was awhile ago now but I think that it might have had something to do with Zombies but I'm not sure. Whatever the reason was I knew that I needed to read it soon as the archive date was coming up and I am glad that I have read it because in the end it was a very intriguing book to read.

The cover could have been another reason why I wanted to read this book as it's very captivating as we don't actually see the girls face so we don't know anything about what is going on with her but there does look like there is some blood on the top of the cover which does make me wonder what is going to happen in this book. It looks a bit strange but I think that fits the actual story perfectly. I love that there isn't much going on in the cover as it keeps me guessing which again fits into the story.

This is not the debut book from Courtney Summers but it is my first time reading one of Summers books and it won't be my last. There is a couple that I have wanted to read for awhile but never actually took notice of the name until now so I think they will go closer to the top of my list of books that I will be getting. Summers has written a very gripping book even if it was a bit strange. She was also able to add family problems into a world where zombies live is just brilliant.

To start with I didn't actually like this book as I was very confused to what was going on but the further I went into it the more I enjoyed it to the point of rating it four stars. There wasn't much action until nearer to the end but then one thing happened and then everything seemed to happened just like the domino effect. It was a very dark and depressing book so I would suggest before reading it make sure in the mood for that kind of book especially when there isn't any lightness to the story. We don't actually see the zombies for most of the book but we know they are out there especially nearer the end it sounded very gross. I didn't like the ending I felt the same way as the same last line what happens next?I don't think this is a part of a series which is a shame as I could see loads more happening as we have loads of unanswered questions.

The point of view of the story is from Sloane who has been going through some huge family problems for most of her life so throughout the book she seems very depressed to the point of wanting to die and because of this I wasn't a huge fan of her but I did understand where she was coming from. There was five other characters that where alright but we didn't get to know a great deal about them and for the most part they where annoying there was points in the story where I liked and hated them.

Overall a very intriguing book that keeps you gripped even in the darkest times.

Showcase Sunday #5

Showcase Sunday is a new weekly Meme that I am taking part of. This weekly meme is hosted by Vicky over at Book, Biscuits and Tea and for more info click on the SS image which will take you straight to the blog. Click on the images of the books to take you to Goodreads.

Another big week of books so here goes:

Gifted Books

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

This was what I ordered with some of the Christmas money that I mentioned last week but this one only arrived this week! I am very much looking forward to reading this book as I have been after it for what feels like a long time now, hope it was worth the wait.

Swap Books

Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg

This book was was a swap from Kayleigh from K-Books which has been on my wishlist for a while now again looking forward to reading it.

Review Books

Wake by Amanda Hocking

I loved the Trylle series so when I was accepted for a review copy of another Amanda Hocking book I was so excited. Thanks to St. Martin's Press

Blood Moon by Alyxandra Harvey

This series is one of my favourite series even even if I have only read the first two books. I do have books three and four on my shelf waiting for me to read before I start this one but I will be reading them very soon. Thanks to Emma from Bloomsbury

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

I saw this book on Pen to Paper last week and it sounded so good I asked for a review copy myself. Thanks to Alice from Quercus Children's Books

Trial By Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

When I asked about Shattered Dreams they saw that I was reading Raised by Wolves and asked if I wanted to review the next two books which I of course said yes. Thanks again to Alice from Quercus

Taken By Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Does anyone know if this is the last book or are there more to come? Thanks again to Alice from Quercus

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Really enjoyed the first in this series so I am looking forward to see what is in store for this series. Thanks to Jayde from Puffin Books

That's what I received this week, what did everyone else get?

Book Review: Ascend (Trylle Trilogy #3)

Ascend (Trylle Trilogy #3) by Amanda Hocking

Format: Paperback (arc)
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published: 24th April 2012
Pages: 336
Main Characters: Wendy, Loki, Finn, Tove
Date Started: 6th March 2012
Date Finished: 8th March 2012
Rating Given: *****

Goodreads:
Wendy Everly is facing an impossible choice. The only way to save the Trylle from their deadliest enemy is by sacrificing herself.  If she doesn’t surrender to the Vittra, her people will be thrust into a brutal war against an unbeatable foe.  But how can Wendy leave all her friends behind…even if it’s the only way to save them?
The stakes have never been higher, because her kingdom isn’t the only thing she stands to lose. After falling for both Finn and Loki, she’s about to make the ultimate choice…who to love forever. One guy has finally proven to be the love of her life—and now all their lives might be coming to an end. 
Everything has been leading to this moment.  The future of her entire world rests in her hands—if she’s ready to fight for it.

WOW - is the only place to start this review as I loved everything about it. It's the best book of the trilogy as everything picks up haste loads happen in a good way and a bad way but both of those together makes this book what it is. At the end of my review for Torn I said that this one had the makings of being epic and I wasn't wrong as that is what it was EPIC!!

This book didn't actually pick up straight from the end of the last one like Torn had but it wasn't much time inbetween these books so I don't feel like I have missed anything.

Ascend made me laugh out loud but it also made me cry and even awww in places which I think those are just a few reasons why I loved it so much as not many books can make me go through all these different emotions in just one book but when they do I have to give the book the full marks.

Wendy in Switched I really didn't like as she was just a spoilt brat who had to have everything on her terms not caring what anybody else feels. In Torn I felt she grew up a lot but she did have her brattish ways occasionally. By the end of Ascend I found her to have grown up even more and she was a selfless person rather than selfish it was great to feel like we watched her to grow up into a great person.

Loki was just the same as he was in Torn so I still love him as he is just a great character and he actually does wear his heart on his sleeve where Wendy is concerned. You can really tell that Loki loves her and he would do anything for her and even give up anything for her which is great to see in the male characters.

Finn was in this book even less than Torn but when he was in it he grew on me again as he showed more of his softer side.

I really felt for Tove in this book as you can really see how much his 'gifts' trouble him and the side affects are terrible.

I was so pleased with who Wendy ended up with as by the end you could really tell how each of them felt about each other and it was beautiful.

If this series is anything to go by Amanda Hocking is going to be one of my favourite authors. I know for certain that this won't be the last series of hers that I read.

Overall I fell in love with this book hook line and sinker!

Thank you so much St. Martin's Publishers for giving me the opportunity to review this series.

In My Mailbox #20

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that is hosted by The Story Siren. This is where we show what we have either bought or was given throughout the week gone by.









This week I got a few books:

Ascend by Amanda Hocking

A huge thank you goes out to St. Martin's Publishers for sending me a review copy of the final part to this trilogy which I am very much looking forward to reading it so I can find out how it all is going to end hope it's good!

Drive By by Jim Carrington

Another huge thank you goes out to Bloomsbury as they sent me this book as I won it I couldn't believe I won it as I never win anything and I never knew I was one of the first 20 I thought I was too late. Looking forward to reading it.

Heist Society by Ally Carter

A huge thank you too Lisa over at goodreads UK swap shop for swapping this book I have been after it for a while now and I am hoping it was well worth the wait!

I got a few books over at netgalley as well which sound good so fingers crossed :)

Hanging By a Thread by Sophie Littlefield

The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost

The Stone Girl by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

That's everything that was in my mailbox this week what was in yours?