Blog Tour: Book Review + Excerpt: Conspiracy Girl by Sarah Alderson

(Click image to take you to Goodreads)

Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository 

Format: Kindle 

Publishers: Simon & Schuster

Published: 12th February 2015

Pages: 320

Genre: YA, Contemporary Romance, Thriller

Main Characters: Nic, Finn 
Date Read: 20th January - 25th January 2015

Rating Given:

Synopsis:
Everybody knows about the Cooper Killings – the Bel Air home invasion that rocked the nation.There was only one survivor - a sixteen year-old girl.And though the killers were caught they walked free.
Now eighteen, Nic Preston - the girl who survived - is trying hard to rebuild her life. She’s security conscious to the point of paranoia and her only friend is a French Mastiff bulldog, but she’s making progress. She’s started college in New York and has even begun dating.
But then one night her apartment is broken into and the life Nic’s worked so hard to create is shattered in an instant. 
Finn Carter - hacker, rule breaker, player – is the last person Nic ever wants to see again. He’s the reason her mother’s killers walked free from court. But as the people hunting her close in, Nic has to accept that her best and possibly only chance of staying alive is by keeping close to Finn and learning to trust the person she’s sworn to hate.
Fleeing across a snowbound New England, frantically trying to uncover the motive behind the murders, Nic and Finn come to realize the conspiracy is bigger than they could ever have suspected. But the closer they get to the truth and the closer they get to each other, the greater the danger becomes.
To survive she has to stay close to him.To keep her safe he has to keep his distance.

I was offered a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I do love this cover as its bright but it's also dark which is very fitting for this book although there was a lot more dark moments but I don't think that would have worked with only a bit of brightness.

As soon as I started this book I was hooked as it was thrilling from the get go keeping me on the edge of my seat. I loved that I never quite knew what was going to happen next as usually the books I read I can guess what the outcome is but with this book I didn't. There was a few similarities between this book and Sarah's other book Out of Control but I did prefer this book to Out of Control just because the ending was way better. I have a feeling that this book was in the same world as Out of Control as I'm sure a couple of characters from that book was mentioned in this book and if that's the case I think it makes both books feel more realistic. Even though there was a lot of dark moments in this book there was a little bit of light relief with the humour of certain characters and some of the interaction between certain characters gave the lightness that was much needed. The romance side of the story was a nice slow burner and took a bit of a back seat but with all the action added to the story made for a perfect blend. I'm not sure what is holding me back from giving it the full five out five as there was not one thing wrong with this book it's just that I prefer some of Sarah's other books more than this one. I absolutely loved the ending as everything was cleared up and I got the ending that I craved for throughout the book.

The main characters in this book where great there where a few other characters that I was never sure about as I never knew if they where the ones doing this to Nic. Nic was an amazing character in the way that even though she went through so many traumatic things she never gave up, to even have a little bit of fight left in her after everything is surprising but she had more than a little fight in her. I loved Finn he had had quite a traumatic past as well and like Nic he didn't let it beat him. He was really sweet at times and so smart but he was also this strong guy that Nic could lean on.

Overall I loved this story as there was never a dull moment.

Giveaway

Giveaway is International and four prizes are up for grabs!

1 prize of 1 x signed copy of Out of Control, 1 x signed CG, 1 x signed The Sound, signed bookmarks

2 prizes of signed copies of CG, signed bookmarks

1 prize of having a character named after you in next book

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio:

Sarah is the author of Hunting Lila (winner of the Kingston Book Award), Losing Lila, Fated, The Sound, Out of Control and Conspiracy Girl (all Simon & Schuster).

Having spent most of her life in London, Sarah quit her job in the non profit sector in 2009 and took off on a round the world trip with her husband and daughter on a mission to find a new place to call home (a journey that was documented on this blog and which is shortly to be turned into a book).

After almost a year spent travelling the world, they settled in Bali where they lived for five beautiful years before the vagabonding urge became too great and they decided to embark on Can We Live Here part two. They are currently located somewhere between India, London, Canada and the US.

As well as writing young adult novels and screenplays, Sarah also writes adult fiction for Pan Macmillan (Simon & Schuster in the US) under the name Mila Gray.

Her first adult novel, Come Back To Me, was published in June 2014. The second, This One Moment, will be out in August 2015.

Sarah has co-written the Hunting Lila screenplay, which is currently in the early stages of production, and continues to blog about her life and travels.

Author links:

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Website

Extract

 For a few seconds I think I must have imagined it, but then it comes again, the wooden floorboards creaking under the weight of a footstep.

     Someone is inside my apartment. 

     It takes me several seconds to process that fact. And once I do, my brain stalls and paralysis takes over, despite the adrenaline that’s making my heart smash into my ribs like fists against a door. 

     Finally, my legs unglue themselves and I dart for the front, panic fuelling me. At the very last 

moment I catch sight of the three bolts drawn across it and veer in blind towards my bedroom. 

     ‘Goz!’ I shout hoarsely as I sprint towards it. ‘Get over here!’

     Goz glances at me, then back at the door, and I see him hesitate before his training kicks in and he turns and races after me. I slam my bedroom door shut and draw the bolt, scrambling towards the panic button that’s built inside to the bedside table and ramming the heel of my hand down on it. Collapsing to my knees, I stare wide eyed at the door. Three minutes, I tell myself. The armed response unit will be here in three minutes. 

     The door is reinforced with steel. Nothing , no one, can get through it. The security guy told me my apartment was safe as the President’s nuclear bunker. Even so, my whole body is locked rigid and a sob is blocking my throat. The room is starting to close in on me. 

     Glass shatters somewhere in the apartment and I shrink back against the bed with a whimper, drawing my knees to my chest. Oh God. Not again. Footsteps make their way slowly across the living room. Where is the armed response team? How long has it been? It feels like hours but it must only have been a few seconds.

     I bury my head in my arms and cover my ears but it doesn’t matter because the voices are inside my head and I can’t get away from them. I hear my mum pleading, begging for her life. I hear Taylor - her screams echoing in my skull. Their voices drown out Goz, who is working himself into a wild frenzy, bashing against the door. 

     I want to call him over to me, but my voice won’t work. Get it together, I order myself furiously. Come on! Forcing my eyes open, I struggle to my knees and grab my phone. I dial 911. Nothing happens. There’s no dial tone. I shake the phone desperately. What the hell is going on? I dial again, terror now taking hold of my breathing, making me almost hyperventilate. Still nothing. The phone won’t connect. All of a sudden my attention flies back to the door. Goz has stopped barking and is edging silently backwards away from it.

     We watch the door handle twist slowly one way and then the other. Goz hunkers down and lets out a low growl. The door handle stops moving. I keep staring, holding my breath, half expecting the door to burst open. 

     But then, from the living room, comes a scraping sound as the bolts on the front door are drawn back. My head flies up. Are they leaving? I strain to listen. 

An explosion - what sounds like a gunshot – makes me jolt backwards. A second later I heard the front door smash against the concrete wall of the landing and footsteps careering down the stairs and then, as I huddle unmoving, unsure what is happening, desperately hoping it’s the armed response unit, I hear something else. 

     The faint sound of someone begging for help. 

Book Review: Made For You by Melissa Marr

(Click image to take you to Goodreads)

Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository

Format: Kindle (earc)

Publishers: Harper Collins

Published: 16th September 2014

Pages: 368

Genre: YA, Contemporary Romance, Thriller

Main Characters: Eva
Date Read: 11th July - 19th July 2014

Rating Given:

Synopsis:
Bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely books Melissa Marr’s first contemporary YA novel is a twisted southern gothic tale of obsession, romance, and murder. A killer is obsessed with Eva Tilling. Can she stop him, or will he claim her?
When Eva Tilling wakes up in the hospital, she’s confused—who in her sleepy little North Carolina town could have hit her with their car? And why? But before she can consider the question, she finds that she’s awoken with a strange new skill: the ability to foresee people’s deaths when they touch her. While she is recovering from the hit-and-run, Nate, an old flame, reappears, and the two must traverse their rocky past as they figure out how to use Eva’s power to keep her friends—and themselves—alive. But while Eva and Nate grow closer, the killer grows increasingly frantic in his attempt to get to Eva.
For the first time, New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr has applied her extraordinary talent to contemporary realism. Chilling twists, unrequited obsession, and high-stakes romance drive this Gothic, racy thriller—a story of small-town oppression and salvation. Melissa’s fans, and every YA reader, will find its wild ride enthralling.

This was my Waiting on Wednesday post not so long ago and was surprised when Melissa Marr's assistant got in touch to say Melissa was willing to send me a review copy of Made For You which gave me a fangirl moment. Made For You was just as good as what I had hoped if not even better...

I do love the simplicity of the cover especially the use of very little colours and the colour that was used is a beautiful colour which stands out. Not sure what reference the fly makes as to the best of my knowledge there wasn't any flies mentioned (could've forgotten about it). I love the font used for the title as it does remind me of a stalkers' note which is in keeping with the story.

This book is one of the best books that I have read all year, it was such an addictive and on the edge of your seat book that kept me guessing until the very end. I haven't read many thriller books but the other thriller book that I read had an unknown killer on the loose but that is where the similarities end as the rest of the book was different to what I have read before. What made this book different to most books that I have read was that some of the chapters was from the murderers point of view which I liked as we was able to get into his head to see just how sick and twisted he was. I would love to see this book as a film it was so engrossing and very realistic which is always a plus for me. There was a bit of romance in Made For You but it wasn't the main focus but I didn't mind as everything else was so entertaining that I forgot I love romance as the main focus. What romance we did get I loved as you could see how much they really did care for each other with some very sweet moments but also those moments when you just want to smack them upside their head. I would also say there was a hint of paranormal in Made For You but that's all I will say on that as I don't want to give anything away. The ending was great as every question you have throughout this book is answered and I found it really sweet as well.

There is so many great characters in this book that it is easy to feel for everyone of them except one although that person I felt like I understood him more than if we didn't get his views across but he was still very twisted. Eva seemed to really grow into herself thoughout Made For You as she started off being in the background and pleasing everyone but herself but once she has her accident I feel like she came out of her shell and went for things that she wanted. I would say she was a very strong character as the things that she went through and still be able to get up in the morning is just astonishing.

Overall there is so many things that goes on in this book that I could go on forever but put everything together you get one perfect book! If I could give this 10 stars I would it was just pure perfection!!

Book Review: Out of Control by Sarah Alderson

(Click image to take you to Goodreads)

Format: PDF (earc)

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK

Published: 22nd May 2014

Pages: 320

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance, Thriller

Main Characters: Liva, Jay

Date Read: 18th April - 26th April 2014

Rating Given:

Synopsis:When 17 year old Liva witnesses a brutal murder she’s taken into police custody for her own protection. But when the police station is attacked and bullets start flying it becomes clear that Liva is not just a witness, she’s a target.
Together with a car thief called Jay, Liva manages to escape the massacre but now the two of them are alone in New York, trying to outrun and outwit two killers who will stop at nothing to find them.
When you live on the edge, there’s a long way to fall.

He is blown instantly backwards, the force of the bullet throwing him several feet across the room. Gunfire detonates all around. But I don’t notice. I’m just staring at the body of the cop, lying on the floor not fifteen feet from me, his face no longer recognisable as a face, just a crater foaming with red, with shards of white poking out of it.

Out of Control was my Waiting on Wednesday post a couple of weeks back and when Sarah Alderson had noticed she kindly offered me a copy as a thank you, which I am so grateful for as it was a great book.

I love this cover and was the second thing that drew me into the want of having this book. It looks different to any book cover that I have seen before with its vivid colours and different style of font. I feel like it is one of the most eye catching covers that I have seen in awhile.

As soon as I started this book I was hooked as I haven't read anything like it before and there was a lot of action happening but it wasn't too over powering. I loved that I never knew what was going to happen next which sure kept me guessing throughout the book with some shockers that I was not expecting. The added romance to this book that I wasn't actually expecting but I am glad of it as I do love romance in the books I read. With Out of Control being set within a day or two it was surprising how believable the romance was as in some books it feels rushed but not in this case as it was more of a grower. I would have liked a bit more in the romance department as I didn't feel like there was much closure for them. I think this is because the ending didn't feel like 'The End' as for me there seemed to be a couple of unanswered questions which is why I couldn't give it the full 5 out of 5 that I was going to give it until the end.

‘Why are you here?’ I ask, still reeling from shock but trying not to show it. Seeing him again has sent my pulse rate rocketing, even as my stomach folds over on itself. It’s not just the surprise of seeing him, it’s the fact that I wanted to be mad at him, expecting to be, but I find I'm not. I’m relieved. So relieved I could cry.

I loved all the characters even though I wasn't quite sure who Liva could trust. I didn't think I was going to like Liva as at the beginning she seemed a bit annoying as she seemed to be one of those weak characters that no one likes but this wasn't the case and after everything she went through anyone would understand the way she was at the beginning. She was really smart and knew how to hold her own which really surprised me but in a good way. Jay was great and like Liva I had a different idea of who he was at the beginning where he came of as a bad boy he was actually just misunderstood and he had me laughing out load at times too. There was a couple of other secondary characters that I liked mainly Yoyo he was great especially the dance scene.

Overall this book was great and if it wasn't for the ending it would have been amazing.

My mind chugs desperately, trying to piece together all the events of the last thirty or so hours, probing to see where the fear has gone. I come up empty. There’s no more fear. Gently it tests to see what else I'm feeling. Am I still numb? No. There’s an unrelenting pain in my chest, like a bullet has tracked a path right through me, and lodged in my heart. There’s hurt and grief and guilt and regret thrown into the mix too. 

Book Review: Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

(Click image to take you to Goodreads)

Format: Paperback (Review)

Publishers: Hodder

Published: June 2014

Pages: 368

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Thriller, Mystery

Main Characters: Sam, Carson

Date Read: 1st March - 6th March 2014

Rating Given:

Blurb:  

What if you had the chance to start again...but only if you promised never to look back? Samantha is popular, rich, and seemed to have it all...until the night she and her best 'frenemy' Cassie disappeared and only Sammy resurfaced, with no recollection of who she is or what happened. Sammy's a stranger in her own life - a life she no longer wants any part of. Losing her memory is a chance to start again. Then Sammy begins receiving mysterious notes warning her about that night, urging her to not look back. But she can't let it go. As she starts poking around in her past she begins to remember...and something sinister begins to surface.

I am so thankful to Hodder for sending me a copy of this book for review as I loved every minute of it.

When I first saw that us in the UK have a different cover to America I was gutted as I loved the American version. It wasn't until I read the book that I felt ok with the cover as it is in keeping with the book so much so it looks like it could be a part of a scene in the book.

This book was such a compelling read that even when I flicked to the last page to see what happened (yes I do that) I still thought it was someone else who hurt Sam I was that drawn into it. I haven't read many thriller genres but the couple that I have (including this one) I have loved I should really try more thrillers and I haven't read any of Jennifer's books that wasn't paranormal and I still loved it. I loved everything about this book the way in which we got learn everything the moment Sam learnt something new. I loved all the twists and turns that you will never see coming especially when you find out who did it. Even though there wasn't a huge focus on the romance side but what we did have was so sweet and I just wanted them to be together from the moment they was in the same space. It was great to see that it was also about learning who your true friends are which I thought was a great addition. I felt the ending was perfect in the way it wrapped things up but then still made it believable in the way that not everything was perfect in her life.

I loved most of the characters although not all of them was good. Sam was a great character but she wasn't always that way as before her accident she was completely different and it just goes to show what you can do differently if you had another chance. I loved that you never really know if she is a sane person yet you feel so sorry for her. I also liked that even when things got difficult she never gave up. I absolutely loved Carson he was so understanding and very forgiving and for most part so sweet. Her brother Scott was definitely one of my favourite characters as he was so funny but he also had a caring side and he always looked out for Sammy just like Carson. There was a lot of mean girls in this story who wasn't very nice but that was how Sam was before everything had happened to her. I really didn't like Del he was so annoying and you just know he was lying about his relationship.

Overall if you love Pretty Little Liars this one is for you as it is surrounded in mystery that you will never know what to think.

Entangled Embrace Pre-launch Blog Tour: Book Review: Hushed by Kelley York

Format: Kindle

Publisher: Entangled: Embrace

Published: 11th November 2013

Pages: 229

Genre: New Adult, Thriller, Romance

Date Read: 16th December 2011 - 21st December 2011

Rating Given:

 

Blurb from Publishers:

He’s loved her. Killed for her. Yet he may not be able to save her. 

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids. Since then, he’s never stopped trying to

shelter her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when skipping from one toxic relationship to another. Archer is always there, reeled in and tossed out, waiting to be noticed.

Then Evan Bishop breezes into town with a warm smile and calming touch, and Archer can’t deny his attraction to him. Evan is the only person who keeps him around without a single string attached. And the harder Archer falls for Evan, the more he sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and once she finds out Archer’s dark secret, she threatens to expose the truth if she doesn’t get what she wants. And what she wants is for him to end his relationship with Evan...permanently. 

I actually didn't realise that I had already read this book when looking through the books that Entangled: Embrace was wanting to review. So when I read the blurb I thought it sounded good and I asked for it which was accepted. What I am going to do is just update my review and post it again.

 

The book cover used this time was different (probably why I didn't get that I already read the book) and I have to admit that this one is far better. I love that it's dark and that the models are in the shadows as it definitely ties in better with the actual story.

When I first started Hushed I found myself thinking that I wasn't going to like it but I without noticing I wanted to find out what is going to happen next. I would just read one more chapter before I could stop so I obviously liked it more than what I actually thought I did. Hushed is a very dark and a bit of a twisted book and had me on the edge of my seat especially towards the end. I would have liked a bit more to the ending maybe a few years into the future just so you know if everything worked out.

 

2011 thoughts: After finishing it I do kind of feel a bit down as it was very dark I don't think it's one I could read again anytime soon as it was a bit depressing.

 

2013 thoughts: After going through my review I think I will actually read it again in the next couple of weeks!

Even though the main character Archer was a bit of a serial killer I found myself routing for him and trying to think of excuses to why he would do something like that you even end up forgiving him of being a killer. He was a deep character as a lot of the male characters in other books that I have read they seem a bit shallow but I didn't find that being the case with Archer. I loved Evan's character as he was so sweet and caring and you get the relationship between Evan and Archer which I like to see in books as sometimes you just don't get why a certain couple are together but that isn't the case for Evan and Archer. Vivian's character was a hard one because at the beginning you could kind of understand her a bit with going through what she had to go through but then by the end I just couldn't stand her. I think this would be because of us reading it from Archer's point of view we kind of go through his emotions so you kind of think like Archer.

Overall a dark, emotional roller coaster ride that leaves you wanting more.

 

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

 

Author Bio

 

Once upon a time, Kelley York was born in central California. And it's there she she still resides with her lovely wife, step-daughter, and an abundance of cats, while fantasizing about moving to England or Ireland. She has a fascination with bells and animals, is a lover of video games, Doctor Who, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she’s a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or at least write about them.

Kelley is a sucker for dark fiction. She loves writing twisted characters, tragic happenings, and bittersweet endings that leave you wondering and crying. Character development takes center stage in her books because the bounds of a person's character and the workings of their mind are limitless.

Her first book, HUSHED, was released by Entangled Publishing in December 2011. Her second and third books, HOLLOWED and SUICIDE WATCH, were released in 2012, and her next Entangled book, MADE OF STARS, is slated for October 1st, 2013. 

 

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

Entangled Embrace Pre-launch Blog Tour: Book Review: Trouble Comes Knocking by Mary Duncanson

Format: Kindle

Publisher: Entangled: Embrace

Published: 11th November 2013

Pages: 238

Genre: New Adult, Thriller, Romance

Date Read: 23rd October 2013 -  October 2013

Rating Given:

 

 

Blurb from Publisher:

It’s hard not to answer when trouble comes knocking 

A girl who can’t forget… 

Twenty-two-year-old Lucy Carver is like Sherlock Holmes in ballet flats, but her eidetic memory is more albatross than asset, and something she usually keeps hidden. When she notices that something’s amiss at her dead-end job, she jumps at the chance to finally use her ability for good. That is, until, a man is murdered, and she becomes the target of the killer. 

A detective on his first case… 

Detective Eli Reyes is overbearing, pompous, way too hot for Lucy’s own good, and seems as determined to ruin her relationship with her boyfriend, John, as finding the murderer. He brings Lucy in on the case, thinking she can help him get to the truth, only to cut her loose when he realizes he’s gotten far more than he ever bargained for. 

A past that won’t go away… 

When memories from her childhood invade her present, Lucy discovers a mystery bigger than she could have imagined. With the killer still after her, and Eli nowhere to be found, she takes things into her own hands, determined to expose the truth no matter what—before trouble comes knocking…again. 

The Publishers over at Entangled asked people for help to pre-launch there new adult Entangled: Embrace and with me being a fan of new adult books I jumped at the chance and I'm so glad I did as I have read some really good books.

 

 I'm not a huge fan of the cover although I do like it I just don't love it. I like the way that we have a close up of the girl as usually they are far away so it does make a change.

 

When I first started this book I wasn't sure I was going to like it as it kept jumping backward and forward in time without any warning which made it a little confusing. Once I got further into it I got used to the style of writing which then became easier to follow. It was also a little slow to start with but again once I got further into the book the more I got hooked on the story. I loved that it was different to any other book that I have read as it made a refreshing change to the types of books that I usually read. With this book instead of the main character being a physic she see's every detail that no on else see's. The romance side of the story was ok but not really believable, I think that if there's going to be another one then it's likely that it will pick up as it seems like there could be a love triangle on the horizon. The ending I loved as it wrapped up most of the story but also left it open for another story which I for one can't wait to read.

 

I really liked most of the characters there was a couple that wasn't too sure about. Lucy I liked as she was a strong female protagonist who fights for her friends no matter the consequences. Although there was a couple of times when her 'gift' wasn't working as well as what she makes out as I saw a few things that she didn't! John was a character that I'm just not sure about there where times when I thought he was a sweet guy but for most of the time I just didn't see the attraction. Eli is one of my favourite characters in this book as I just loved every side of his character. For the most part of the book I liked Anna but there was something that she has done that I just didn't feel like a true friend would do. Lucy's Aunt Dee was great she was really funny but also fierce.

 

Overall a slow start but once it gets going it really gets going as it was so addictive.

Author Bio

 

Mary Duncanson, who also writes as Mary Malcolm, lives in North Texas with a menagerie of animals and feral roommates. She is currently looking to adopt a husband, preferably housebroken, preferably as silly as her. When she’s not corraling her household, she’s talking to the characters in her head and hoping they talk back. When she’s not doing all that, she can be found wandering around Central Market with a happy, drooly foodie look on her face. Do not judge her, it is her Mecca. Mary’s been writing since she was a teenager though spent quite a few

years studying toward becoming a doctor before she realized she wanted to be a full-time author. Unfortunately, the people who own her student loans still want to be paid for the years they supported her medical dreams. Mary lives on a steady diet of coffee and chocolate and believes, like Eleanor Roosevelt, that people should believe in the beauty of their dreams. She also believes people should ignore the word should because really, it’s kind of a judgmental word. Mary dreams of one day living as a full-time, well paid novelist (hint, hint) and also of one day traveling to Chile to pay homage to her soul mate, Pablo Neruda.

 

Author Links

Website | Twitter |  Facebook