Trouble by Non Pratt

Publisher: Walker
ISBN: 9781406347692
Release Date: 6 March 2014
Source: Gifted

From Goodreads: A boy. A girl. A bump. Trouble.

Hannah’s smart and funny ... she’s also fifteen and pregnant. Aaron is new at school and doesn’t want to attract attention. So why does he offer to be the pretend dad to Hannah’s unborn baby?

Growing up can be trouble but that’s how you find out what really matters.

I have been looking forward to reading this from the moment I heard Non Pratt was writing it. And I LOVED it! It’s everything I love in a book – just awesome!!!

I loved Hannah. I love that she’s flawed – she’s not perfect but her heart is always in the right place and she is coping with a lot!

Baby daddy had a lot to answer for – but I didn’t hate him which I thought was good. It was complicated and messy but I'm glad that Hannah seems to realise he's not good for her.

Aaron – love him too! I loved how he treated Hannah and the relationship he has with his parents (how much he is trying for them) and I loved that he has his own story and issues to deal with!

I can say without any hesitation that I can't wait to read more by this author!

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Release Date: 2006
Source: Purchased

From Goodreads: To find the truth, you've got to be willing to hear it.

When she's modeling, Annabel is the picture of perfection.

But her real life is far from perfect.

Fortunately, she's got Owen. He's intense, music-obsessed, and dedicated to always telling the truth.

And most of all, he's determined to make Annabel happy...

How on earth have I managed to this far without reading a Sarah Dessen book? Yes I have no idea either! Because this was absolutely amazing – I loved everything about it.

There is so much going on in this story. What happened to Annabel and how she is dealing (or not dealing) with that. Her home life and her sister’s anorexia. Having to deal with no longer having friends at school. It was really engaging – finding out what had happened to Annabel to get her to this point in her life and then as the story progresses seeing her sister fight her illness and Annabel face her demons.

I also adored the relationship between Annabel and Owen – it is so good. I just loved it. Every romance should be like this!

On the back of this I bought every Sarah Dessen book I could get my hands on and have already read Lock and Key and Along for the Ride – both of which I really enjoyed. I'm looking forward to reading all her others.

What Happens Next by Colleen Clayton

Publisher: Poppy (Little Brown Books for Young Readers)
ISBN: 9780316198684 (HB) 9780316198691 (PB)
Release Date: October 2012
Source: Purchased

From Goodreads: How can you talk about something you can’t remember?

Before the ski trip, sixteen-year-old Cassidy “Sid” Murphy was a cheerleader (at the bottom of the pyramid, but still...), a straight-A student, and a member of a solid trio of best friends. When she ends up on a ski lift next to handsome local college boy, Dax Windsor, she’s thrilled; but Dax takes everything from Sid—including a lock of her perfect red curls—and she can’t remember any of it.

Back home and unable to relate to her old friends, Sid drops her college prep classes and takes up residence in the A/V room with only Corey “The Living Stoner” Livingston for company. But as she gets to know Corey (slacker, baker, total dreamboat), Sid finds someone who truly makes her happy. Now, if she can just shake the nightmares and those few extra pounds, everything will be perfect... or so she thinks.

Witty and poignant, Colleen Clayton’s stunning debut is a story about moving on after the unthinkable happens.

I’m really not sure why I haven’t reviewed this yet, especially since it is one of my favourite reads. Dealing with the repercussions of rape, it is brilliantly written. It also has one of my favourite friendship/romances ever.

One of the main aspects of this story is that while Sid ‘knows’ what happened to her she can’t remember it. And she absolutely cannot bring herself to tell anyone what happened. It’s this silence – and the repercussions of her silence – that drive the story.

At first I was furious at her friends for letting her down and not being there for her. But then I realised they didn’t know there was anything to be there for – to them Sid was just acting out – pretty much without reason and getting them into trouble for it – so you can kind of see their point of view.

What is does mean though, it that Sid is forced to find friendship elsewhere – and she does! In the form of Corey. Who I absolutely and completely loved. Their relationship is so genuine and slow building and just completely brilliant – love, love love it! He’s definitely an example of why you shouldn't judge someone by their appearance or reputation!

It’s not easy reading all the time – it’s raw, honest and emotional - it is such a poignant read. it really has stayed with me long after I finished reading it! I am desperate to see what Colleen Clayton writes next!

With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent

For Review: Mira Ink
Published: 5 April 2013

From Goodreads: After spending the last year undead, Kaylee Cavanaugh has had enough of the paranormal creatures who have plagued her ever since she came into her banshee powers. Now she's ready to take her school back from the evil hellions, once and forever.

To protect her friends, Kaylee will need to find a way to turn the living incarnations of Avarice, Envy and Vanity against one another.

Yet when one more person close to her is taken, Kaylee realises she can't save everyone she loves without making some powerful sacrifices...

To say I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book is a massive understatement! But at the same time, knowing it was the last in the series, made me hesitant to read it. Not because I was worried I wouldn't like it - but because I didn't want the series to end! And what can I say? Rachel Vincent has outdone herself with this - it is such a brilliant end to one of my favourite series!

It's really hard to review this one as I really don't want to give out any spoilers. But lets just say that the stakes are raised event higher and I had no idea how Kaylee & co would get out of this one! One of the things I absolutely love about Rachel Vincent's books is not just how well they are written (and the awesome characters!) but how well plotted they are. Everything falls into place brilliantly -  but I never see any of it coming. She always manages to surprise me with details I had completely overlooked - it's one of the things that continues to amaze me with her books.

So does all end well for Kaylee and her friends? Well, you are just going to have to read it to find out!

I can't wait to see what Rachel Vincent writes next - and I know I'll be first in the queue to read it.

Dear Zoe by Philip Beard

From Goodreads:  Philip Beard’s stunning debut novel is fifteen-year-old Tess DeNunzio’s letter to her sister, Zoe, lost to a hit-and-run driver on a day when it seemed that nothing mattered but the tragedies playing out in New York and Washington. Dear Zoe is a remarkable study of grief, adolescence, and healing with a pitch-perfect narrator who is at once sharp and naïve, world- worried and self-centered, funny and heartbreakingly honest. Tess begins her letter to Zoe as a means of figuring out her own life, her place in the world, but the result is a novel of rare power and grace that tells us much about ours.

There are some books you just fall in love with and can’t quite put your finger on why. This is definitely one of those books. I actually read it in 2011 and haven’t written the review until now – I just wasn’t convinced I could do the book the justice it deserves.

The story is written by Tess, as a letter to her sister Zoe, who is killed in a hit and run. It looks at her struggle to deal with the events of that day and is absolutely stunning. Philip Beard does an amazing job of getting into the head of a grieving 15 year old girl, and creates some wonderful characters for her to interact with.

I loved her mother and step-father and completely understood why Tess feels the way she does – especially her decision to go and stay with her father. I also adored her father – someone who, in theory, might not have been the person you rated all that highly – but in actuality is the best person to help Tess. The same with Jimmy - who she develops a relationship with – he treats her with so much care and respect and is exactly what she needs to get herself back to the place she need to be.

The author also does a brilliant job of bringing Zoe to the forefront of the story – making her as real to the reader as she is to Tess and her family. It creates a raw and completely heartfelt story you can't help but be affected by.

Absolutely brilliant!

Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar

From Goodreads: Carly has dropped out of uni to spend her days surfing and her nights working as a cook in a Manly café. Surfing is the one thing she loves doing … and the only thing that helps her stop thinking about what happened two years ago at schoolies week.

And then Carly meets Ryan, a local at the break, fresh out of jail. When Ryan learns the truth, Carly has to decide. Will she let the past bury her? Or can she let go of her anger and shame, and find the courage to be happy?

I had read so many great things about this book I was dying to read it. I was so excited when I learnt it was going to be published in the UK that I started to wonder if it could ever live up for my expectations for it – but it really did. It is brilliant!

Carly’s voice is spot on. I love Kirsty Eagar’s writing – she made me believe I was in Carly’s head. She’s such a broken character – for good reason - and the story tackles a very difficult subject. But from a different angle - by looking at how someone lives with its aftermath.

I had to commend Carly for trying to get on with her life. She drops out of college but is managing to support herself and spend time doing what she loves – surfing. It’s here she meets Ryan and they form a connection. I loved Ryan! He’s honest with her about being in Prison and the reason why, and he’s just so patient with Carly – despite not having any idea why she is the way she is I love the way he slowly gets to her, slowly breaks down the wall she has and lets him in. Lets him see her by telling him about her past. I had to love him for refusing to let her push him away.

This story deals with serious and sensitive issues. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea - it’s definitely more character driven that plot driven - but I absolutely loved it.

Pushing the Limits Blog Tour (Review and Beth Interview)

For Review:  Mira Ink
Published: 3 August 2012

From Goodreads: No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

This is hands down my favourite read so far this year - I absolutely loved it!

The story is a dual narrative (which many of you will know I love) and it works brilliantly here.  Not only does Katie McGarry give a distinct voice to each character but they both have an equal weight in the story.  I was just as invested in Noah, and what was happening in his life, as I was Echo's.

I loved both characters from the beginning.  Echo's story is something of a mystery that needs unravelling over the course of the novel and I enjoyed every minute of Echo trying to remember what had happened and coming to terms with it.  She's also having to come to terms with the death of her brother as well as everything else and her grief for him is palpable.  You really get the impression that he was her life line.

At first I though I was going to hate her father - but as the story unfolds you just see someone trying to make sense of what has happened and his guilt over the fact it happened. I really loved him by the end of the book.

Noah is referred to as the 'bad boy' but in different circumstances he would have been in the same circle of friends as Echo.  There is a lot of anger in him (understandably) and I couldn't help but think his brother's foster parents were just making things worse.  As for Isaiah and Beth - I adored them.  They were obviously family to each other and as secondary characters they really stood out.  I'm not surprised that Beth will be getting her own story - I can't wait to read it!

I also loved Mrs Collins and how she deals with Echo and Noah.  She really does come across as someone who cares and someone who has the skills to actually help.

As for the relationship that develops between Echo and Noah?  Well, what can I say?  It it absolutely awesome!  Gentle, a real connection, everything you want in a romance, but believable too.  It definitely gives all of my favourite romances a run for their money.  I just loved it!

I have been describing Pushing the Limits as the potential love child of Simone Elkeles Perfect Chemistry and Courtney Summers' Cracked Up to Be and I stand by it.  I has everything I loved about those books and more.  I don't know what else to say - except please read it.  It's seriously good!

And here is the character interview with Beth...

Hi Beth! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a Junior in high school, soon to be a senior. I work at the dollar store a couple of blocks from my aunt’s house. I split living between my aunt and my mom. My mom doesn’t have the best taste in men. There are times I have to cut out quick and lay low at my aunt’s place so one of mom’s psychopaths of the week doesn’t beat the crap out of me.

You seem very close to Noah and Isaiah - what are they like? And who are you closest to?

Noah and Isaiah are the closest thing I’ve ever had to brothers. I trust them, which says a lot.

Noah, I guess, would be the leader of our sad parade of misfits. He’s always calling the shots; making decisions. He can be bossy as hell. Sometimes it’s annoying, but he does it because he cares.

I’m closest to Isaiah. We’ve known each other since we were fourteen and my aunt took him in as a foster kid. Isaiah is easy going, yet not. Don’t let him fool you. He may be all relaxed back in his seat looking like he doesn’t have a care in the world, but his mind is going—twenty-four seven. He knows everything about cars, possibly a little too much.

I don’t know what to say about him…he’s my best friend.

You haven't had the easiest of upbringings. If there was anything you could say to the people who have treated you badly what would it be?

That they can rot in hell. And that’s a special shout out to the string of reject boyfriends my mom’s dated.

What would you say your best quality is? And your worse?

Well hell…can we talk about Isaiah and Noah again? I don’t know. My best quality? I can take care of myself. I know how to pack up and move on a moment’s notice. I’ve had practice in it all my life.

My worse? I’m sure you can talk to anyone at school and they’d give you a laundry list. I do a lot of stupid stuff at times and I regret it after I do it…but sometimes life is what it is, you know?

What do you think people would be surprised to learn about you?

That I’m smart. No, I’m not all honor student, but I have a brain and it works properly. Someday, I’m going to be more than all of this.
---
Thanks Beth!  I can't wait to read your story when it's released!

Make sure you check out the whole of the blog tour - all the blog stops are listed below (and links will take you to the blog tour post):

Passion For Life

Pen To Paper

Narratively Speaking

So Many Books So Little Time

Planet Print

Once Upon a Bookcase

Fluttering Butterfiles

Feeling Fictional

Bookaholics Book Club

And if that's isn't enough to convince you to read it - check out the wonderful trailer:



Pushing the Limits is available to buy now.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

For Review: Simon & Schuster
Published: 7 June 2012

From Goodreads: From the Flying Start author of Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, a powerful novel about hope in the face of heartbreak.

Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.

I really enjoyed Amy and Roger's Epic Detour when I read it last year so this was a definite on my lists of books I really wanted to read. It sounded so good - sad obviously - but it hooked my interest. And all I can say is WOW! I absolutely loved it.

Taylor is one of those characters I just instantly loved. She has flaws - she doesn't do the perfect thing. In fact most of the time she runs in the other direction but I loved that. And she goes on a journey in this story. She's forced to face a situation she ran away from when she was 12 and she'd forced to deal with what is happening in her family. That is not something she can run from - and that makes her have to look inside herself and decide who she wants to be.

The storyline with Lucy and Henry was sweet. I could understand why it still played such a big role in her life - even with everything else going on. Plus I loved Henry - I'm really liking this tendency for stories to have nice male characters as opposed to the bad boy, treat them mean kind. Henry is sweet and very understanding of Taylor and what she is going through. A great friend who could make a really great boyfriend!

The true brilliance of this story though is the family dynamic and Taylor's relationship with her dad. There is a section of the book titled 'The Best of Times, the Worst of Times' and what happens that summer just completely embraces what that means. I imagine it would have been the hardest thing they have ever had to face but at the same time there would be so many memories from that summer that the whole family would treasure.

I loved her dad. I loved their breakfasts together - the way he allowed Taylor to really get to know him. The way he reached out to all his children despite the pain he must have been going through. I tear up even writing this review because I was so invested in their story that I cried my eyes out at the end. The whole 'I love you daddy'! Honestly! Thank the heavens I was reading it at home and not in public!

I don't know what else to say, except it's beautifully written and a story that will capture your heart. I can't praise it enough. Seriously brilliant!

This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summers

For Review: Netgalley

Published: 19 June 2012 (US) & 9 July 2012 (UK)

From Goodreads: 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?

To say I was excited to read this would be a massive understatement.  I devoured it the moment it arrived on my ereader and I can honestly say it completely lived up to all my expectations for it.

As many of you have probably worked out I adore Courtney Summer's books.  I have been a huge fan of hers since I first read Cracked Up To Be and the minute I heard the synopsis for This Is Not A Test I knew, just knew, I would love it.  As a big horror fan, the idea of her writing a story based around zombies filled me with glee!  And I loved the way she approached it.

The story is narrated by Sloane Price, someone who has reached rock bottom and decided she no longer wishes to live.  Through her eyes we see the Apocalypse unfold, how she and others are forced to fight to survive, but in Sloane's case, with an internal battle raging inside of her.  She was ready to die.  She still is, but with everything going on she's forced to think of the people she is with.  And to fight, even if she thinks she doesn't want to...

Sloane was such a fascinating character.  I loved her.  She's so broken - with very valid reasons to be that way - and seeing the events unfold through her eyes was really interesting.  For someone convinced they no longer wanted to live she still seemed to have a lot of fight in her and still cared for those around her.  I also really loved Rhys.  From pretty early on you could feel a connection between him and Sloane and I really liked the way their relationship progressed.  Cary was also a very intriguing character - someone forced into making the hard decisions.

The setting in the school gave the story both a safe and claustrophobic atmosphere.  The idea of the all that banging and sounds coming from outside gave me the creeps, and of course,  the idea that they could break in at any minute was terrifying.  But at the same time it gave enough of a feeling of safety that the moments and arguments between the characters felt realistic - and it's interesting how in this kind of situation it becomes less about what is happening outside and more about the dynamics and dangers inside.

I loved the ending too.  I know for some it will be too ambiguous but for me it gave me the answer to Sloane's internal battle.  I felt a decision was made.  Of course, if Courtney Summers decided to write a sequel I would be first in queue - I loved this world and wouldn't hesitate to go back there.  It's the first book that has creeped me out so much in a long time (I'm embarrassed to admit I slept with the light on after finishing it!) and if I ever needed more evidence of Summers brilliance as a writer I found it here.  Seriously fantastic!

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

For Review: HarperCollins
Published: 1 May 2012

From Goodreads:  One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature

I absolutely loved Divergent when I read it last year -  it really surprised me.  Not only did I love Insurgent but I loved it even more than Divergent - and it managed to surprised me too.

The story picks up pretty much where it left off in Divergent.  All the characters are having to face the consequences of what has happened and face up to their actions.  And that proves not to be an easy task. Plus there is still danger and more choices to face.

One of the things I love about this series is the relationship between Tris and Tobias.  I love them both as characters individually and I adore how there are together.  Even in this instalment, when their relationship is strained by the secrets they keep, you can still see how much they care for each other and how good they are for each other.  I loved that Tobias calls Tris on her recklessness and I loved that she tells him some hard truths too.  I love the way she stood up to him at the end.  It was kind of a fist pump, you go girl moment for me (internally at least, I'm kind of hoping I didn't actually do it...).

Again the story was action packed and I flew through it at break neck speed.  I think it's safe to say I enjoyed every minute.  What surprised me though, was how there were consequences for what happened in Divergent.  The characters were all given time to process it and their part in it - and I loved the fact that Tris found her part in it hard.  That she had to deal with what she'd done.  It gives the story an anchor, a believability that is needed given everything else that is going on.  It meant I emotionally invested in the story too and that really makes it a book of awesomeness!

I can't wait for the next instalment.  I loved the end to this - how it answers questions and raises new ones.  Characters I thought I knew completely surprised me (both in a good way and a bad way) and I'm really looking forward to the repercussions -  I really, seriously can't wait to continue the story!

Wonder by R J Palacio

For Review:  Random House
Published: 14 February 2012

From Goodreads: I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.

I completely and utterly fell in love with this book! It's definitely going to be one of my favourite reads of 2012.

Beautifully written I found myself drawn into the story straight away. The voice R J Palacio gives August is truly mesmerising - I couldn't help but love him and the way he sees the world. He could have been completely self pitying but he wasn't at all. He saw things many of us overlook and his story shows us the real meaning of who people are, and how they can be.

I loved the decision to tell the story from different points of view. It really adds to the story and gives us a much bigger insight into Auggie's family and friends. I loved his sister Via - she loves her brother unconditionally and her acceptance that he will (nearly) always come first. Jack Will was a great friend - even if he did make a rather awful mistake - he more than makes up for it. And I adored Summer - she befriends Auggie unquestionably and isn't afraid to stand up for that friendship when she is essentially bullied for it. And seeing Auggie through their eyes - how much respect they have for him and the way he deals with all the negative things in his life - makes his story even more powerful.

I have to say the story really did make me stop and think. It really made me realise how much importance we place on how a person looks. It is almost as if looking good is equated with being a good person and that shouldn't be the case. I don't doubt for one second that many of the horrible reactions depicted in this book have probably happened in real life and it angers me that people can be that cruel. But at the same time I also don't doubt that there are families out there just like Auggie's. Parents who love their children unconditionally, who fiercely protect them and who create a home where their children know how much they are loved.

A truly beautiful, inspirational and heartwarming story. An absolute must read!

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

For Review: Hodder
Published: 1 March 2012

From Goodreads:
I’m pushing aside
the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana
and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
Behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

Honestly I could not wait to read this! The moment I had it in my hands I had to read it and I think I loved it even more than Delirium! There is just something so beautiful and captivating about Lauren Oliver's writing - it demands my attention from the beginning and doesn't let go until I've finished.

The story is split into alternating chapters of Then and Now. 'Then' picks up where Delirium left off and 'Now' takes place a few months later. While some may prefer a more chronological order to the story I loved having the story told this way. It added intensity and an air of mystery to the story - it felt like two stories running parallel to each other with you needing to understand how the two fit together - how the Lena in 'Then' becomes the Lena in 'Now'.

Lena really grows in this too. There is a big difference in the Lena we know from Delirium and the one we know at the end of Pandemonium. She takes the role Alex played in Delirium to some extent - trying to open Julian's eyes to what the cure really means. And what it will mean to live without it.

I loved all the new characters we meet too, especially Raven and Blue. Julian is someone I really, really liked, but at the same time I found myself unable to invest in a possible relationship between him and Lena. I'm still invested in Alex - and I believe Lena is too - despite being led to believe he didn't survive their escape at the end of Delirium.

There is so much going on in this - making it fast paced and intense. I completely and utterly loved it! And as for the ending? IT COMPLETELY BLEW MY MIND! Honestly, I need to read Requiem right now! I so need to know how this is all going to turn out!

If I Die by Rachel Vincent. (Blog Tour: Review and Q&A)

For Review: Mira Ink
Published: 3 February 2012

From Goodreads: No one wants to be this teacher's pet…

The entire school’s talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr Beck. That is, everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee’s no ordinary high-school junior. She’s a banshee — she screams when someone dies.

But the next scream might be for Kaylee.

Yeah — it’s a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee’s going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine — her boyfriend’s needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr Beck…before he discovers they aren’t quite human, either.

But Kaylee’s borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life. Anything.

As everyone has probably worked out I am a massive fan of this series. I'd heard that this one was a series changer and now I know why! But it's in a really, really good way!

The story picks up where we left off at the end of My Soul to Steal. Kaylee and Nash are trying to work out their troubles, a possible Incubus is feeding off high school students and Kaylee is informed she only has a few days to live...

This is most definitely my favourite of the series so far. It takes elements that have been set in place in previous books and kind of fits them all together. I had no idea how Rachel Vincent was going to tie the storyline up - what would happen at the end of the book - but I had absolute faith that I would love it. And love it I did!

Kaylee really grows in this instalment. Because of the news she receives about her impending death this is kind of inevitable - she has to face those tough decisions she's tried to ignore in the past. And I love that she focuses on fighting the Incubus and helping people even with everything she is feeling and going through.

I have to say I felt really sorry for Nash in this. Despite my reservations for him and Kaylee as a couple I love his character - he has some issues he really needs to face and I love that Vincent hasn't given him the easy way out. She also throws additional stuff at him in this so I'm looking forward to seeing how he reacts when we catch up with them all in Before I Wake. 

As for Tod - I think I love him even more! I am so pleased he shared the story of how he died with Kaylee - I have been looking forward to that since reading Reaper. And Sabine is on fine form too! Honestly I adore her and am so glad she is now a permanent part of the gang.

As for the ending - HOLY BLINKING NORA and YAY! Let's just say I got my wish and the ending to this really sets up the next book as a must read!

Awesome with a side of awesome!

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As part of the blog tour for the release of If I Die, Rachel Vincent also took the time to answer a few of my questions...

I'd heard If I Die described as a series changer and now I understand why! Was it always your intention to take the story in this direction?

No. Honestly, while I don’t deny that If I Die is a game changer in more than one way, the path to most of those changes actually began way back in My Soul To Keep (book 3). Maybe even earlier, though I didn’t see it coming at first. What happened to Nash in My Soul To Save and the decisions he made in MSTKeep changed him. They changed him for the better, as a character, in my opinion. No one calls him a cookie-cutter YA boyfriend anymore. He has real strengths and weaknesses, and he deals the best he can. But in a group as tight-knit as Kaylee’s circle of friends and relatives, no one character can go through a change that big without affecting all of the others. Nash changed. His relationship with Kaylee changed. Her understanding of what she wants (for him, for them as a couple, and for herself) evolved and changed.

The reason for that is simple: the things that Nash is going through can’t be fixed in a day. Or in a week. Or in a month. Or, most likely in a year or more. He’s not going to recover overnight, like a television sitcom character, and if I’d tried to make him bounce back that fast, I would have been lying to him, to myself, and to the readers. Consequences are real in the Soul Screamers world, just like in our world (though the breadth is certainly wider there than in our world). Nash’s relationships have been tested. They’ll continue to be tested. But he’s fortunate enough to have a great support system, whether he sees that right now or not. ;)

I love the world you've created with this series. How much work goes into planning and mapping it all out? And how do you keep track of it all...?

Um…a lot, though I don’t really know how to quantify it. At the beginning, I kept track with an Excel chart, but I got really bad about that after a few books. Now, I mostly search the previous manuscripts for any bits I’ve forgotten. That works, except in the cases when things were changed at the page proof level and are slightly different from the printed version.

And, sometimes I ask my readers on line if they remember a certain bit of information, which I then verify. My readers are awesome, and they don’t seem to mind helping me remember how old Kaylee’s dad is or what color Harmony’s eyes are. ;)

Another thing I love about your stories is the way the characters stay true to themselves. They may evolve and grow but they don't change in order to service the plot. Is something that is important to you as an author?

SO very important. Characters should grow. Without growth, the stories will stagnate. But grown shouldn’t be confused with a sudden, miraculous shift in outlook or action. Unless something really big happens to a character. As in the end of If I Die. ;)

I've been looking forward to it since reading Reaper so I'm really pleased Tod shares his story with Kaylee. Will Nash ever learn the truth?

About how Tod died? I suspect he’ll learn in the final book. It doesn’t seem fair to keep it from him much longer.

Do you have any plans for another YA series?

Plans? Yes. Contracts? Not so far. I won’t have time to finish a new proposal until after I’ve turned in the last book.
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Thanks Rachel!

You can find Rachel Vincent at her Website, on Facebook and Twitter.

Saving Daisy by Phil Earle

For Review: Penguin
Published: 5 January 2012

From Goodreads:
Losing love, fighting guilt, seeking hope.

Daisy’s mum is gone. Her dad refuses to talk about it and as far as Daisy’s concerned, it’s all her fault…

Saving Daisy is a powerful and moving story that follows the life of Daisy Houghton who first featured in Phil Earle’s critically acclaimed debut, Being Billy.

As Daisy struggles with misplaced guilt over her mother’s death, she turns to extreme and violent measures and soon her life starts spiralling out of control. This leads to tragedy and suddenly Daisy finds herself left all alone. But sometimes the kindness of a stranger can turn things around. A stranger who desperately wants to save Daisy – if she’ll only let herself be saved.

Since reading the fabulous Being Billy I have been looking forward to reading Daisy's story. Now that I have, Phil Earle has truly cemented himself as an author I will read simply because his name is on the cover. I absolutely loved it.

The events of Saving Daisy take place before Being Billy making this a prequel of sorts. I loved finding out all about Daisy and having the story told from her point of view - I adored her in Being Billy and loved her even more after reading this. One of the things I really liked about Being Billy was the authentic voice given to Billy and I have to say that he did it again with Daisy. She's so real you can't help but get swept up in her story and feel everything she felt.   I felt so bad for her and everything she goes through. She's so convinced that everything is her fault - that she deserves to be alone. Her reaction to her mother's death is understandable - it must be very hard to deal with - and I hated that someone used that to get close to her when he shouldn't. And, of course, the accident would be hard for anyone to deal with - add it all together and it's not surprising that she finds it hard to cope.

Again it's obvious that Phil Earle has experience working with kids - it shines through in his writing. He has such an understanding of what Daisy and kids like her are going through - the whole story is just spot on and feels completely realistic. Powerfully so. I so desperately wanted Daisy to stop blaming herself - to find a way to see that none of it was her fault.  And I loved Ade - her key worker - and how she manages to help Daisy see the truth.

I can't recommend this highly enough. I loved Being Billy but this managed to surpass all my expectations. An absolute must read!

Ashes by Ilsa J Bick

For Review: Quercus
Published: 29 September 2011

From Goodreads: Alex has run away and is hiking through the wilderness with her dead parents' ashes, about to say goodbye to the life she no longer wants to live. But then the world suddenly changes. An electromagnetic pulse sweeps through the sky zapping every electronic device and killing the vast majority of adults. For those spared, it's a question of who can be trusted and who has changed... Everyone still alive has turned - some for the better (those who acquired a superhuman sense) while others for the worse (those who acquired a taste for human flesh). Desperate to find out what happened and to avoid the zombies that are on the hunt, Alex meets up with Tom - an Army veteran who escaped one war only to find something worse at home - and Ellie, a young girl whose grandfather was killed by the electromagnetic pulse. This improvised family will have to use every ounce of courage they have just to find food, shelter, while fighting off the 'Changed' and those desperate to stay alive. A tense and involving adventure with shocks and sudden plot twists that will keep teen and adult readers gripped.

I have been looking forward to this book since I first read the synopsis. YA horror, dystopian and Zombies? How could I possible resist?  And it's seriously, seriously awesome!

Alex is a fantastic lead - she has a lot to deal with and just seems to get on with in. She's very capable, comes across as someone you can really depend on and I really liked her. Ellie is annoying but in a lovable way and Tom is gorgeous! I really took to him. And I loved the scenes between the three of them - how they really seem to have a genuine connection.

The whole novel is terrifying and just completely gripping - I read the whole thing in one sitting because I couldn't pull myself away. Ilsa J Bick has an interesting style of writing - it's very matter of fact and it doesn't shy away from some of the rather gruesome details! And expect the unexpected! There were twist and turns galore - which I absolutely loved. There is also a bit of a shift about two thirds of the way in - changing the pace slightly by slowing things down and introducing some new (and very interesting) characters. It's just as suspenseful as the first part of the novel, just in a different way.

And, of course, there is the cliffhanger ending! Which, as usual,  made me want to throw the book across the room! But despite making this feel like part one of a larger story I did actually really like the ending. I like being excited to read the next one in the series - I just wish I didn't have such a long wait to find out how all the characters are doing.

Seriously good, addictive and compulsive reading for horror and dystopian fans. I can't wait for the next book to be released!

Shelter by Harlan Coben

From Goodreads: Mickey Bolitar’s year can’t get much worse. After witnessing his father’s death and sending his mom to rehab, he’s forced to live with his estranged Uncle Myron and switch high schools.

A new school comes with new friends and new enemies, and lucky for Mickey, it also comes with a great new girlfriend, Ashley. For awhile, it seems like Mickey’s train-wreck of a life is finally improving — until Ashley vanishes without a trace. Unwilling to let another person walk out of his life, Mickey follows Ashley’s trail into a seedy underworld that reveals that this seemingly sweet, shy girl isn’t who she claimed to be. And neither was Mickey’s father. Soon, Mickey learns about a conspiracy so shocking that it makes high school drama seem like a luxury – and leaves him questioning everything about the life he thought he knew.

First introduced to readers in Harlan Coben’s latest adult novel, Live Wire, Mickey Bolitar is as quick-witted and clever as his Uncle Myron, and eager to go to any length to save the people he cares about. With this new series, Coben introduces an entirely new generation of fans to the masterful plotting and wry humor that have made him an award-winning, internationally bestselling, and beloved author.

Being a big fan of Harlan Coben's adult novels I was super excited to hear he was writing a YA novel. So when I realised it was going to be set in the same world as his Myron Bolitar novels I practically keeled over in excitement. I was desperate to get my hands on a copy, so when a friend offered me the chance to read an advance copy I (obviously) accepted and ran home to read it. And I can honestly say it lived up to all my expectations and then more!

First off, you don't have to have read Harlan Coben's other novels to understand this one. It works as an excellent introduction to the world. But on the other hand, the other books are seriously good so I would recommend giving them a try.

Mickey Bolitar is such a fantastic character. Written with humour he is incredibly likeable as our lead. I also loved the kooky friends, especially Ema. And of course I loved Myron - I'm hoping him and Mickey develop a really good relationship over the course of the series.

The story was exciting - I didn't want to stop reading! And the ending means I'm now dying to read the next book in the series. I've been waiting for a series like this - one that takes everything I enjoy about adult crime thrillers and gives it a YA spin. I loved it!

This won't mean anything to those of you not familiar with the Myron Bolitar books but I was hoping for a cameo from Win - so I was a little disappointed that wasn't the case. I know his absence was explained in Live Wire but I'll still keep hoping that he will turn up in this series because he's one of my favourite characters!

But I'm digressing - this is a great start to what I'm convinced will be a brilliant series. As soon as it's listed I'll be ordering the next one! Fantastic - I really loved it!

Hunting Lila Blog Tour: Review & Guest Post

For Review: Simon & Schuster
Published: 4 August 2011

From Amazon: 17-year-old Lila has two secrets she's prepared to take to the grave. The first is that she can move things just by looking at them. The second is that she's been in love with her brother's best friend, Alex, since forever. After a mugging exposes her unique ability, Lila decides to run to the only people she can trust - her brother and Alex. They live in Southern California where they work for a secret organisation called The Unit, and Lila discovers that the two of them are hunting down the men who murdered her mother five years before. And that they've found them. In a world where nothing and no one is quite as they seem, Lila quickly realises that she is not alone - there are others out there just like her - people with special powers -and her mother's killer is one of them...

I loved this!  I enjoyed every minute - it just ticked all the right boxes for me and I can't wait for more!

When Lila uses her ability to prevent being mugged, it scares her and she decides she need to get away.  She's desperate to see her brother Jack and his best friend Alex so she jumps on a plane to go see them in California   Lila has been secretly in love with Alex for as long as she can remember and she can't wait to see him.  But things are not what she expects when she gets there.  Who do Jack and Alex work for? And why are they both so determined to protect her? 

This is such a great balance of action, romance and the paranormal.  I love all things psychic so I was like a kid in a sweet shop reading this.  And I loved the romance element of the story.  Lila and Alex have some major chemistry!

Lila is perfect as the narrator as the story - I really liked her even if I did want to throttle her every time she ran away from Alex or Jack!  And Alex is all kinds of awesome.  He's just soooo hot!  And I loved Jack too.  The three were really great!  I also loved the characters that come into the story later on - I won't mention names as I don't want to spoil anything - but they are equally fab.

Great action, an engaging - and unpredictable - mystery, an intense and totally awesome romance, and some great humour.  Honestly, what are you waiting for?  Read this book!

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As part of the Blog Tour for Hunting Lila, Sarah has stopped by to give us a day in her life...

Day in the Life

Let’s get one thing out the way first. I live in Bali. It’s basically paradise, with a few more coconuts thrown in for good measure. I live in a house overlooking the rice paddies, cloud-ringed volcanoes silhouetted in the distance, palm trees swaying in the breeze, the taco casa on speed dial – it’s pretty much heaven.

Once upon a time I lived in a row of terrace houses in South East London. I had to commute into work every day. I would write in the snatched hours after my daughter was in bed and edit on the train on the way into work the next morning. There were no coconuts.

Now my days are a bit different. I just scribbled down on a piece of paper everything I did today to try and figure out where the time goes. It went something like this:

• Woke up
• Checked email / Facebook etc,
• Made Alula (my daughter) breakfast (eggy bread),
• Got her ready for school, argued with her about wearing underwear
• Edited three chapters
• Had a pilates lesson (when will I get a body like my teacher’s?)
• Wrote a blog post
• Watched an episode of Game of Thrones
• Went out for lunch with a friend (lunch = two chocolate milkshakes).
• Picked up daughter from school and dropped her for a play date
• Went for a massage
• Ordered sushi and frozen margaritas
• Put daughter to bed
• Had a girlie movie night with four friends

Life’s a whole lot easier when you a) don’t have to commute, b) get coconuts and frozen margaritas delivered to the door c) don’t have to do your own laundry.

I admit there’s a lot of massage involved in my daily life these days. And a lot of sushi too. This was actually a pretty sociable day, but that’s because I’m not writing a book, I’m editing one. And that isn’t quite as absorbing. When I’m in the midst of writing a book (I’ve just finished my fifth) I’m a total recluse and pretty much hermit myself away, talking only to the taco delivery boy and occasionally my family.

I wake up at six every morning whatever I’m doing. The first thing I do is turn on my computer to check Twitter, email, Facebook, my blog and Goodreads. Social media addicts could learn something from me. I’m so addicted if you took away my computer I’d probably need to be hooked up to a drip of Valium until you gave it back.

If I’m in the middle of writing a book I might sneak out onto the balcony for sunrise and to use the precious minutes before my daughter wakes to pound out another chapter or two. I write very fast – up to 4000 words a day. My last book took just 30 days to complete. Generally I take six weeks between each book to get some headrest because after I finish a book it feels like someone pressed delete on my inner dictionary and I’m pretty much brain dead. I spend the time in between books tinkering with manuscripts, working on edits with my publisher and trying to think up new ideas.

Once my daughter’s at school I’m back at my desk, headphones on, listening to music and writing. If I’m not writing a book I’ll be writing something else – a blog post, an email, a Facebook status update, anything. I need to write. It’s an addiction.

The times I get stuck on plot or am feeling blocked I’ll go for a swim. It’s the most therapeutic thing I know, swimming under a wide blue sky, watching the butterflies dance. The pool is the place where all my plotting happens. I keep a notebook right by the edge of the pool and will stop and write down whatever comes to me.

I do Pilates twice a week too – not because I’m an exercise freak because um, if you saw me you’d know that I’m not, but because I have a really bad back and sitting for hours at a desk really doesn’t help much. Pilates is my only concession to exercise. The swimming doesn’t count as I go so slowly it’s more like floating.

I don’t cook. I gave up cooking after my husband decided he didn’t want to buy any more saucepans. I think I’d managed to destroy about six by that point. That frees up time for writing. Most days I either order food in (Sushi or Tacos) or my husband makes something (how lucky am I?).

Afternoons are generally spent having to manage a house-load of under fives without resorting to the drinks cabinet.

When my daughter’s bedtime rolls around at seven I’m back at my desk, writing some more until I can’t mentally produce another word. And then I’ll generally fall onto the sofa with the husband and watch a movie. But only if he makes his honey sugar popcorn. Though on a Friday I dance ecstatically (ie. Like a lunatic) in a big barn under the stars.

Life’s crazy good.
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Thanks Sarah!  How jealous am I  - Bali sounds AMAZING!!!!

You can find Sarah on her Website and Twitter.  She also has the blog Can We Live Here - where she talks about her move to Bali.

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

For Review: Random House
Published: 28 April 2011

From Goodreads: It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

If I Stay was one of my favourite reads of 2009 - it was one of those books that became so much more than just the sum of it parts.  It completely blew me away.  When I heard there was going to be a sequel I have to admit I was excited but also worried - I just couldn't see how it could possibly compare.  But how wrong was I to be even slightly concerned? I loved this one as much as If I Stay, maybe even more!

It's been 3 years since the events of If I Stay and Adam is now at the 'height' of his musical career.  Famous, easily recognised he finds his success not what he thought it would be.  And despite it being years since she left, Adam hasn't stopped loving Mia.  When he finds himself stuck in New York for the night it leads to a meeting with Mia ...

I really like Adam in If I Stay but I absolutely adored him in this.  There is just something so raw and brutally honest about his narration.  He obviously misses Mia but it's more than that - he's still grieving for her family.  I also found it interesting that he didn't like the fame that came with his success as a musician - that he no longer enjoyed what it was he loved about playing in the first place.

Mia was just as I remembered her and I enjoyed seeing her through Adam's eyes.  Losing your whole family is impossible to conceive - and how you would continue your life after is equally unfathomable.  I would imagine you would either embrace whoever is left in your life or lash out at them.  I'm guessing cutting Adam out of her life must have been her way of lashing out.  But everything she says - has done - makes complete sense.

The interaction between the two felt as if they were just picking up where they left off - and that fate brought them back together at just the right time.  I just couldn't stop reading - I honestly felt as if I could have read forever and I had to know if these two characters would get a 'happy' ending.

A stunning sequel, beautifully written, with characters that will capture your heart.  It is a story of loss and love - choosing how you want to live your life and having the courage to actually live it in the way you want.

A perfect companion to If I Stay - I absolutely loved it!

Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough

For Review: Random House. 
Published 7 April 2011

From Goodreads:  A chilling, beautiful debut novel inspired by a haunting folk song about murder, witchcraft and revenge. Beware of Long Lankin, that lives in the moss ...When Cora and her little sister Mimi are sent to stay with their elderly aunt in the isolated village of Bryers Guerdon, they receive a less than warm welcome, and are desperate to go back to London. But Auntie Ida's life was devastated the last time two young girls were at Guerdon Hall, and now her nieces' arrival has reawoken an evil that has lain waiting for years. A haunting voice in an empty room ...A strange, scarred man lurking in the graveyard ...A mysterious warning, scrawled on the walls of the abandoned church ...Along with Roger and Peter, two young village boys, Cora must uncover the horrifying truth that has held Bryers Guerdon in its dark grip for centuries - before it is too late for Mimi. Intensely atmospheric and truly compelling, this is a stunning debut.

Not only was Long Lankin one of those books I wanted to reread as soon as I'd finished it but I also wanted to thrust a copy into the hands of everyone I know and demand they read it.  The story is as creepy and atmospheric as the cover suggests and I completely and utterly fell in love with it.

The story begins with Cora and her little sister Mimi arriving in Bryers Guerdon to stay with their Aunt Ada. It soon becomes apparent that their Aunt does not wish for them to stay with her,  but not necessarily for the reasons they first think. Quickly befriending Roger and his brother, the four are drawn into the mystery surrounding the village. Who is the strange man they see lurking in the graveyard? And why is Cora's Aunt adamant they do not go near the old church? Determined to find all the answers Cora begins to undercover the terrifying truth... but will it be too late?

I honestly don't know where to begin. I found the story completely mesmerising - I could not put the book down and I found myself transported back in time to the 1950's to this small village called Bryers Guerdon. Told in alternating viewpoints between Cora, Roger and Ada we slowly uncover the truth. This works brilliantly, cleverly infusing the book with an energy that might have been missing otherwise. It also gives readers the opportunity to get to know each of the characters really well.

Cora is great as the driving force behind the story. She is very determined to find out what is going on, and as such comes across as very strong willed. I found myself liking her straight away. Roger is a fabulous character and I instantly liked him. His segments provide amusement and I loved his family. He prevents the story from being too melancholy and I found myself laughing out loud many times during his narration. At first I didn't particularly like Ada, but as I learned more and more about the history of the village and everything that happens I came to understand and really like her.

The story itself is brilliantly crafted. It's completely believable and compelling - a slow and intense build up that pays off beautifully at the end.  The scenes featuring Long Lankin towards the end are especially creepy - wonderfully so in my opinion.  I can't fault this one at all. A stunning debut.

Valentine's Day of the Undead by Stacey Jay

Q: What could be worse than spending Valentine's Day alone?
A: Spending it with evil zombies!!

Megan Berry is no stranger to heartbreak, but spending Valentine's Day serving other happy couples hot dogs while mourning the loss of her one true love is almost more than even a highly trained Zombie Settler can handle. So when her recently estranged boyfriend, Ethan, texts her asking her to be his Valentine, she ditches her bodyguard and rushes to his side.

But soon, Megan's dreams of chocolates, flowers, and lingering make-up kisses take a turn of the rotted-corpse-and-maggot variety, and Megan fears that her first Valentine's Day with Ethan may be her last.

I am a massive fan of the Megan Berry series so I was really excited to learn this novella was being written.  I literately could not wait to get my hands on it so I bought both the ebook and the paperback version!

When we catch up with Megan she is still coming to terms with how her involvement with Cliff has affected her relationship with Ethan,  so when she gets a text to meet up with Ethan on Valentine's day she jumps at the chance to make things right between them.  But is everything really what it seems...

I absolutely loved it! Megan is such a great character and I adore Ethan, and the mythology behind the series is really, really good.  They are always such fun to read, with fast paced action and great character interaction, and this one is no exception.  I am always completely sucked into the story and don't want to put it down.  At around 80 pages, this can easily be read in one sitting and I enjoyed every minute!

This novella works really well in 'finishing' the story -  giving some closure - but at the same time leaving it open for more books in the series.   I really do love this series and I really hope sales for this are good.  If so, there is the possibility that we could get more and I do hope that is the case.  A great addition to an awesome series!