Fallout (Lois Lane) by Gwenda Bond

From Goodreads: Lois Lane is starting a new life in Metropolis. An Army brat, Lois has lived all over—and seen all kinds of things. (Some of them defy explanation, like the near-disaster she witnessed in Kansas in the middle of one night.) But now her family is putting down roots in the big city, and Lois is determined to fit in. Stay quiet. Fly straight. As soon as she steps into her new high school, though, she can see it won’t be that easy. A group known as the Warheads is making life miserable for another girl at school. They’re messing with her mind, somehow, via the high-tech immersive videogame they all play. Not cool. Armed with her wit and her new snazzy job as a reporter, Lois has her sights set on solving this mystery. But sometimes it’s all a bit much. Thank goodness for her maybe-more-than-a friend, a guy she knows only by his screenname, SmallvilleGuy.

I have been super excited about this book - I really liked the idea of a teen Lois Lane! And I did enjoy it overall.

I loved the setting and the characters - especially Lois. I thought the world was really set up in this and while I wasn't the biggest fan of the whole gaming side of the story (I think this is more personal taste as I'm not that interested in gaming or virtual worlds) I did like the way it enabled Lois to connect with 'SmallvilleGuy' - and I'm assuming it will continue to do so in future books. I really liked that dynamic - having him be a part of the whole but making sure this felt like Lois' story.

As I said - overall I really liked this one and will definitely be picking up the next book in the series. I am very interested in seeing how this series progresses!

Looking forward to book 2!

Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson by Paige Toon

From Goodreads: The first YA fiction novel, from the bestselling adult author Paige Toon. 

Meet Jessie, the daughter of Johnny Jefferson, as featured in Johnny Be Good and Baby Be Mine…

My fifteenth birthday was the worst day of my life, and it's inconceivable to think that any single day in my future will ever be as bad. My mum was killed in a freak accident on her way to pick up my cake. Even when there was still no sign of her after two hours later, and my friends started to arrive at our house, it never occurred to me that she wouldn't be coming back.

That was six months ago. My mum died without telling me who my real dad was. And for a while I hated her for it. I thought she's taken the secret of my father's identity with her forever. But she didn't. Holy hell, she didn't. Because three weeks ago I found out the truth. And I'm still reeling from the shock of it. My dad is none other than Johnny Jefferson, mega famous rock star and one-time serial womaniser. And now I'm on my way to LA to meet him and his family. 

My tiny little world has just got a whole lot bigger…

Having loved all the books I've read my Paige Toon it comes as no surprise to me that I LOVED this! It's SO good! I loved Jessie, the setting, her relationship with her step dad, finding out who her real dad is, and then her meeting the famous Johnny Jefferson! I think having been a massive fan of the adult novels set in this world I was even more excited to catch up with Johnny, Meg and Barney (who is seriously cute! He needs more scenes!) and to meet Phoenix (also cute!) And I loved seeing them all though Jessie eyes (although I had to then question whether lusting after her dad was a bit weird…?) Anyway…

Can’t wait for more of this series – I have the feeling it will be one of my favourites.  I'm looking forward to seeing how see copes with being Johnny Jefferson’s daughter and I can’t wait to see how her relationships with Jack and Tom pan out!

Unremembered by Jessica Brody

Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN 9781447265528
Release Date: 27 February 2014 (previously published 2013)
Source: Provided for review by the publisher

From Goodreads: Sixteen-year-old Sera is the only survivor of an explosion on a plane. She wakes up in hospital to find that she has no memory. The only clue to her identity is a mysterious boy who claims she was part of a top-secret science experiment. The only adult she trusts insists that she shouldn’t believe anything that anybody tells her. In a tense and pacy novel exploding with intrigue and action, Sera must work out who she is and where she came from. Eventually she will learn that the only thing worse than forgetting her past is remembering it.

This is quite different from Jessica brody’s previous YA contemp novels – but at the same time everything I liked about them is still present here.

This is one of those books that is hard to talk about without giving spoilers – it definitely best to go in not knowing anything about it and let it unfold. I really, really enjoyed it and had no idea what was going to happen or where the author was going to take us! I can’t wait to read the rest of the trilogy because I really want to know what happens next.

Great characters, a brilliant plot and romance to die for (I really loved this element of the book!).

Hard Time by Cara Mckenna (Blog Tour)

Source: For review from publisher

From Goodreads: In this all-new novel from the author of Unbound, a woman with a rocky past finds romance in the last place she’d ever expect...

Annie Goodhouse doesn’t need to be warned about bad boys; good sense and an abusive ex have given her plenty of reasons to play it safe. But when she steps into her new role as outreach librarian for Cousins Correctional Facility, no amount of good sense can keep her mind—or eyes—off inmate Eric Collier.

Eric doesn’t claim to be innocent of the crime that landed him in prison. In fact, he’d do it again if that’s what it took to keep his family safe. Loyalty and force are what he knows. But meeting Annie makes him want to know more.

When Eric begins courting Annie through letters, they embark on a reckless, secret romance—a forbidden fantasy that neither imagines could ever be real…until early parole for Eric changes everything, and forces them both to face a past they can’t forget, and a desire they can’t deny.


I really enjoyed Hard Time!  I was in the mood for an adult romance (with some sexy times!) so this proved perfect.

I really liked the characters and how they met - it was something a bit different for me.  Annie is really sweet and I found her very easy to relate to - I liked that she is a librarian!  And Eric is awesome.  Yes their relationship is a bit insta-love - in a roll my eyes but secretly love it kind of way- so that's not a bad thing.  And really liked those letters!  I REALLY liked those letters! Usually I find there a thin line between a book being a great romance with some of those sexy times I was talking about or simple erotic fiction and I found Cara Mckenna did a great job of balancing it all - giving me just the right amount of each.

As I said,  I really liked Eric and I enjoyed having his story unfold - the way you know he did something that he was in prison for - that he admits he deserved to go to prison for - but the reason behind it?  Kind of made me like him even more...  Plus him and Annie have seriously good chemistry!

I can't wait to read more of Mckenna's books - I've already bought myself a copy of Unbound!

Make sure you check out the rest of the blog tour - information is below:-)

Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

Source: For review

From Goodreads: Sometimes danger is hard to see... until it’s too late.

Britt Pfeiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants—but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage.

In exchange for her life, Britt agrees to guide the men off the mountain. As they set off, Britt knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there... and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target.

But nothing is as it seems in the mountains, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally?

BLACK ICE is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick’s riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous…

I really enjoyed this one.  I read it in one sitting and couldn't wait to find out what happens.

Having recently read Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas I've come to the realisation that I don't have to like the main characters to enjoy the story.  Which is a good thing as I started Black Ice pretty much hating all the characters!  Britt was just a tad too spoiled and entitled, her best friend Korbie was seriously annoying and I disliked Calvin from the get-go.  However, I did like Mason the first time we met him (his introduction made me laugh!  I was so sure Britt was going to get caught out) and Britt completely grew on me as the story progressed.  I love stories that have a personal journey for the main character and I really enjoyed reading about how she was so reliant on everyone else and suddenly she'd in a situation where she not only has to fend for herself but actually save herself.

I really like Becca Fitzpatrick's writing style - just like her Hush Hush series it kept me completely gripped.  I did find some aspects of the story a bit predictable - or at least I thought I did but then I doubted myself quite a few times - but I loved how it all unfolds.  Did some of Britt's decisions annoy me?  Hell yes!  But that was part of what kept me entertained.

I also like how this one ended.  I don't want to say too much but I did really like it.  I'm looking forward to reading whatever Becca FItzpatrick writes next.

How to Love by Kate Cotugno

Publisher: Quercus
ISBN: 9781782060000
Release Date: October 2013
Source: Provided for review by the publisher.

From Goodreads: This is a love story. But it’s not what you think. This is not a first kiss, or a first date. This is not love at first sight. This is a boy and a girl falling in messy, unpredictable, thrilling love. This is the complicated route to happiness that follows.

This is real. This is life. This is how to love.

BEFORE:

Reena has loved Sawyer LeGrande for as long as she can remember. But he’s never noticed her, until one day… he does. They fall in messy, complicated love. But then Sawyer disappears from their humid Florida town, leaving a devastated – and pregnant – Reena behind.

AFTER:

Three years later and there’s a new love in Reena’s life: her daughter Hannah. But just as swiftly and suddenly as he disappeared, Sawyer turns up again.

After everything that’s happened, can Reena really let herself love Sawyer again?(less)

Just brilliant! I was completely addicted to this. I loved both the characters – although not the ‘before’ Sawyer quite so much as the ‘after' one. ‘Before' Sawyer was just a little too messed up and he seemed intent on dragging Reena down with him! Yes he had issues and I can understand his downward spiral – I just didn't like the way he seemed to want Reena to do the same. But I loved Reena and how complicated and flawed she was. How flawed they both were – I read so many stories with the perfect character doing the right thing - and while this isn't a bad thing-  it’s great to finally have a story where it’s messy and complicated!

I also loved the way it was written – with the before and after segments. Reena’s relationship with her dad and Soledad. Plus her friendship with Shelbe. I wish she’d treated Aaron better though – I hated her a little bit for that.

Plus I liked the ending. For me – despite what happens next, if it works out or not, Reena finally let someone in! And that, to me, was the point!

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
ISBN
Release Date: 16 January 2014
Source: Amazon Vine

From Goodreads: The war begins...

Darrow is a Helldiver, one of a thousand men and women who live in the vast caves beneath the surface of Mars. Generations of Helldivers have spent their lives toiling to mine the precious elements that will allow the planet to be terraformed. Just knowing that one day people will be able to walk the surface of the planet is enough to justify their sacrifice. The Earth is dying, and Darrow and his people are the only hope humanity has left.

Until the day Darrow learns that it is all a lie. Mars is habitable - and indeed has been inhabited for generations by a class of people calling themselves the Golds. The Golds regard Darrow and his fellows as slave labour, to be exploited and worked to death without a second thought.

With the help of a mysterious group of rebels, Darrow disguises himself as a Gold and infiltrates their command school, intent on taking down his oppressors from the inside.

But the command school is a battlefield. And Darrow isn't the only student with an agenda...

This is so good! I had no idea what to expect when I began reading - Dystopian? Science fiction or fantasy? Well I'm still not sure but it is so, so good. I was completely gripped!

I loved the way it was written - the voice the author gives to Darrow not only makes it a pleasure to read but also makes the book work on another level by making what Darrow is doing that more believable - it's so eloquent, intelligent, and full of details and insights that really make the story great. And Darrow great as well - someone worth investing in. I was completely immersed in his world, his journey, I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read the next installment!

Definitely recommended!

Storm and Stone by Joss Stirling

Publisher: OUP
ISBN: 978-0192735683
Release Date: 6 Feb 2014
Source: Amazon Vine

From Goodreads: Behind the ivy-clad walls of an exclusive boarding school, lurks a sinister web of corruption, scandal, and conspiracy. American student Raven Stone has noticed something is horribly wrong. First there were the unexplained disappearances. Then there were the teachers' lies. And now the death threats ...Also entangled in the disturbing turn of events is the enigmatic Kieran Storm - a fellow student with a killer intellect and a body to die for. He's heading for trouble and taking her with him. Raven can feel herself falling in love, but can she trust a boy she knows almost nothing about?

I liked this - I'm a big fan of Joss Stirling's other books so I had a good idea of what to expect and mostly it delivered. I really liked the characters and the plot (although I did find it a bit predictable I still liked seeing it all play out). And once the action really kicked in I was completely hooked - but there were a few places where I thought it slowed done a bit too much. But at the same time it does set up the book for more - I'm assuming this is a series? It definitely feels as if it could be - with great world building for both the characters and the YDA so that's good. I'll be picking the the next in the series if there is one.

After Eden by Helen Douglas

Publisher: Bloomsbury
ISBN: 978-1408828694
Release Date: November 2013
Source: Amazon Vine/purchased

From Goodreads: Eden Anfield loves puzzles, so when mysterious new boy Ryan Westland shows up at her school she's hooked. On the face of it, he's a typical American teenager. So why doesn't he recognise pizza? And how come he hasn't heard of Hitler? What puzzles Eden the most, however, is the interest he's taking in her.

As Eden starts to fall in love with Ryan, she begins to unravel his secret. Her breakthrough comes one rainy afternoon when she stumbles across a book in Ryan's bedroom - a biography of her best friend - written over fifty years in the future. Confronting Ryan, she discovers that he is there with one unbelievably important purpose ... and she might just have destroyed his only chance of success.

I really enjoyed this one. Loved the writing, the characters and the plot! It's full of mystery (I loved working out what was going on and then wondering if they were going to pull it off), romance and ... well I probably shouldn't say as it would be a bit of a spoiler and I had so much fun finding out what was happening ... but let's just say it's one of my favourite story lines and done really well!

I really loved the characters in this - Eden, Connor and Ryan. They all have great chemistry - the friendship between her and Connor and the building of a romance between her and Ryan. And I loved the England setting.

I loved the ending too - there is a sequel due and while the ending keeps that in mind there is no major cliffhanger which quite frankly is brilliant! I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Highly recommended!

Hysteria by Megan Miranda

Publisher: Bloomsbury
ISBN: 9781408834848
Release Date: Feb 2013
Source: Netgalley/Purchased

From Goodreads: Mallory's life is falling apart.

Her boyfriend was stabbed. He bled to death in her kitchen. Mallory was the one who stabbed him. But she can't remember what happened that night. She only remembers the fear...

When Mallory's parents send her away to a boarding school, she thinks she can escape the gossip and the threats. But someone, or something, has followed her. There's the hand that touches her shoulder when she's drifting off to sleep. A voice whispering her name. And everyone knows what happened. So when a pupil is found dead, Mallory's name is on their lips.

Her past can be forgotten but it's never gone. Can Mallory live with that?

Fracture was one of those books that completely blew me away when I read it last year so I was definitely excited to read this one – and while I didn't love it quite as much as Fracture I must say it was really, really good!

Mallory is quite a hard character to like. I'm not sure if it’s because we are getting the story from her POV and she’s kind of an unreliable narrator in the sense that all these strange thing are happening and that she cant recall what happened that night or just that she doesn't initially seem particularly sorry for what happened? I’m not sure – I couldn’t really put my finger on it. Maybe I was judging her for her choice – but who knows what you would do if you were in her shoes. I certainly don’t!

Despite not being certain I actually liked Mallory I did find myself completely emerged in her story. Everything that happens is really creepy – is she being haunted or is something else going on? I never knew what to think, what to believe and that was really exciting – I couldn’t wait to finish the book and find out what was actually going on. And it didn't disappoint!

I wasn't sure about the friendship between Mallory and Colleen either but grew to like it as the story progressed. And I adored the relationship that builds between Mallory and Reid – so, so good!

I’m looking forward to seeing what this author comes up with next – I'll definitely be reading it!

The Over It Review Tour

Synopsis: Warning: Sexual References, occasional coarse language.

Teen Youtube song writing sensation Poppy Douglas's lead singer boyfriend Ty's been criss-crossing the country and living it up on tour for months while Poppy has been stuck in the boring suburbs, finishing out the school year.

But it's Summer now, and the best thing just happened: Poppy's royalties for writing the hit song The Kiss Off just came in. She's minted, and she knows just what she's going to blow it on.

Ty's band Academy of Lies are headlining a summer music festival, and Poppy is taking her girlfriends along for the best weekend of their lives. It's all organized: the weekend is going to be full of camping under the stars, backstage passes, VIP rooms and partying like rock stars, not to mention some long awaited one-on-one time with America's favorite front man.

Except, when someone drops out of the trip and Poppy takes the opportunity to mend a broken friendship, it doesn't quite go according to plan. And when she meets her boyfriend's BFF from another band, the paparazzi form their own totally wrong conclusions. There's also the matter of Ty's 'super fan' stalker, but the less said about her the better.

The biggest test of all comes in the form of an opportunity too good to pass up. But will insecurities and jealousy stand in Poppy's way? Can Poppy and Ty's relationship even survive it?

Life is about to get much more complicated for Poppy Douglas, but what can you expect when your boyfriend is a rock star?

I've really been looking forward to reading this since I finished The Kiss Off and it didn't disappoint - I really enjoyed it.

I love the character of Poppy - she's that perfect mixture of sweet and quirky - she does things that gets her into all kinds of situations but she always does them with the best intentions! And she makes me laugh.

This instalment sees Poppy going to a musical festival for the weekend to see Ty. But things really don't go as planned. I liked the whole Nikki and Mads situation - and Hamish was an interesting character. Plus I thought the storyline concerning Poppy and Ty's relationship was good - I liked the fact that it wasn't made out to be easy given the fact he is becoming more and more famous. And there were so many laugh out loud moments!

While I would have preferred a different outcome in the end I did like it as I felt it was realistic - and I'm am hoping that it will be resolved in the next book. Please, pretty please? And I like that Poppy has her own independence and dreams and isn't solely defined by her relationships.

Roll on 2015! I need the next instalment!!!

---
As part of the Blog Tour there is a giveaway for US peeps!  Check out the details below:

1 winner of The Kiss Off & Over It paperbacks
1 winner of $10 itunes voucher
10 winners of signed postcard + magnet
10 winners of signed postcard
(US ONLY)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Sarah Billington is an Australian writer and editor who likes to write stories with love, laughs, suspense and zombies. Sometimes all in the same story. Her favouritest thing to write about are those horrendously awkward moments that come with being a teenager. Or a human being. Sarah was extremely accident-prone and klutzy as a kid and teen, so her cup runneth over with experiences of horrendously awkward moments to draw from in her writing. Thankfully, she has grown out of her klutziness. Mostly. She is, however, still an embarrassment.

She loves a variety of random things, which include Swing Dancing, Ice Hockey, Fly ball and she is a bit obsessive about paranormal investigation shows and channel E!.

Sarah Billington has experience in both editorial and writing, having been on editorial committees and section managed for Cursive Scripts literary journal, Darebin City Council's INSCRIBE Literary Newspaper and The Box Magazine.

She holds a Diploma of Arts (Professional Writing & Editing) and Bachelor of Writing & Publishing, so she is chock-full of writing and editing goodness. She has completed editorial for companies such as Open Humanities Press and Fast Profits as well as query letter and manuscript appraisals for authors, mostly of Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction.

Currently she works as a Digital Editor at Lonely Planet and as a freelance editor for Month9Books.

But wait, there's more! She has written and had published fiction, feature articles, reviews and interviews, and had her international adventures documented in a local newspaper. Currently, she writes movie reviews for Blockbuster Magazine and Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/SarahBillington
Facebook Fan Page: www.Facebook.com/SarahBillingtonBooks
Blog: www.SarahBillington.weebly.com/blog
Website: www.SarahBillington.weebly.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/SarahBillington

Over It links:

Goodreads

Smashwords

Amazon US

Amazon UK:

You can read my review for the first book in the series - The Kiss Off - here.  And make sure you check out the rest of the tour.  More information on all the stops can be found here

* A copy of the book was provided for review by the blog tour host YA Reads Blog Tours

Something Wicked by AJ Myers

Release Date: 2 September 2013

Source: Provided for review

From Goodreads: Welcome back to the World of Weird! I’m Ember Blaylock, and I’ll be your guide through this treacherous—sometimes downright deadly—world I call my own. Because if you thought our last trek through my reality was a rollercoaster ride, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

I thought I was going to get my life back. I swore off all things witchy. I lied to everyone I cared about. I was even dealing with the nightmares that plagued me every night—souvenirs of my first foray through this not-so-wonderful world of mine. Seriously, if the World of Weird doesn’t leave you with your fair share of issues, nothing will. I really thought I could go back to being a normal senior in high school.

I was so wrong.

Between my doubts about giving my heart to my vampire boyfriend, uncovering a whole new set of secrets and lies, and seeing my old friend Jack every time I turned around, there was nothing ‘normal’ about my life.

And if that wasn’t enough to keep a girl on her toes, Moonlight, Missouri just got its very own serial killer. A real psycho who seems to think it’s fun to turn his victims into Ember clones—and this creeper isn’t working alone. He’s got help. The witchy kind. Sucks to be me, huh?

And you thought just surviving high school was tough…

Even better than the first instalment - I loved Something Wicked. Ember is completely kick ass, Nathan as swoon-worthy as ever and I loved Ember's friends even more in this one! And are Grams rocks!

I am really intrigued by Tyler too. He's so likeable - I *think* I know what he is and I hope we find out soon. More worryingly though, is the traitor we learnt about at the end of book one...

Absolutely loved the ending - and it means I am guaranteed to read Something Wanton the day it is released. I think I may have found a new favourite series.

So yes, it is safe to say I can't wait for Something Wanton to be released!  In the meantime I get to enjoy the novella Eternally.  Nate's POV?  Hell yes!

Something Witchy by AJ Myers

Release Date: 2 September 2013
Source: Provided for review

From Goodreads: My name is Ember Blaylock. Welcome to the World of Weird—better known as my life. It wasn’t always like this. I was once a normal high school senior, just filling out college apps and trying to stay sane long enough to get out of Moonlight, Missouri. Preferably before I ended up in a straight-jacket out of sheer boredom.

At first, my only problems were my increasingly unwanted ability to see the dead and my desperation to remove the stalker known as my ex-boyfriend from my life. Somewhere along the line I must have pissed off the Bad Karma Fairy. Maybe I stepped on the wrong toadstool or peed in Loki’s personal swimming pool—I really don’t know. All I do know is I’m about to have the worst week of my life. Maybe the worst week of any teenager’s life. Ever.

All because of a dead guy.

From the second pale, too-hot-to-be-real Nathan Ashley stepped out of the wreckage of his mangled sports car, my life spiraled into complete and utter chaos. One minute, I'm quasi-normal, the next I’m being kidnapped by a vampire, I’m having weird, creepy powers sprout up out of nowhere, and I’m running from a demon who wants to get more familiar with my anatomy…or kill me. Again. Yeah, did I mention he's done it before?

Anybody know if those straight-jackets come in pink?

This book is seriously good fun! I really enjoyed it and it's definitely got me back into reading paranormal stories.

The thing I liked about it most is Ember and her voice! She's my kind of character! She strong willed and says what she thinks - and yes she's a bit oblivious to what is right in front of her at times - but she's instantly likeable. And really easy to relate to.

And Nathan is definitely swoon-worthy *sighs*

I loved how the story combines witches, demons and vampires. And that although Ember has power she can't instantly use it - she has to work at it. And the romance is really, really sweet. Sue me but I love the whole soul mate thing!

As soon as I finished this I couldn't wait to read the next book, Something Wicked. Which was even better...

Have a Little Faith by Candy Harper

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9780857078247
Release Date: 1 August 2013
Source: Provided by the publisher for review

From Goodreads:  Being fourteen is a minefield: with fashion dilemmas, teacher trauma, embarrassing parents and boy drama, Faith is just hoping to make it through Year Ten without too many disasters. But when she and her best friend Megs sign up to take part in an inter-school choir with the local boys comprehensive, Faith's life gets even more complicated… just how is she supposed to concentrate on becoming the next Cheryl Cole when she's trying to understand how teenage boys' minds work?

OMG! How much did I love Faith!!! She is so awesome and the whole book was an absolute joy to read.

Faith is a bit quirky, but boy is she funny! I had so many laugh out loud moments I was getting really strange looks. She is constantly getting herself into trouble and the things she says sometimes! Her voice is definitely what makes this book! 

I loved her friends too - especially Megs. You can definitely tell why they are friends. And I also have to say the moment Ethan uttered his first sentence had me convinced he is the perfect match for Faith...

I was really disappointed when I got to the end - I wanted more! However, it is a good place to leave things until the sequel which is due next year. I just wish I could read it now! I can't wait to find out what Faith gets up to next.

Perfect for fans of Louise Rennison, Sue Limb and Karen Saunders!

Up In Flames by Nicole Williams

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781471118463
Release Date: 1 August 2013
Source: Provided by the publisher for review.

From Goodreads: Elle Montgomery is a good girl. Born and raised in a small town in Washington State, she's always done exactly what she's supposed to and what everyone expects of her. She helps out at the cafe her family owns, and has been dating the pastor's son, Logan, since she was allowed to go on her first date at sixteen. Having just graduated from high school, and knowing that Logan wants to put a ring on her finger and get married as soon possible, Elle feels like her life is already mapped out. Cole Carson's life couldn't be more different. An adrenaline junkie, he has worked as a smokejumper for the past three summers, roaming from town to town following the fires. Cole lives his life day to day and dreads the thought of putting down roots or being tied to one person.

Following an awkward, embarrassing first meeting, Elle knows she should keep away from Cole and the feelings he ignites in her. And Cole just can't help but pursue Elle, the girl who seems immune to his charms. But as summer heats up, their attraction grows, and as tensions between them run high, Elle and Cole realise that one way or another, they're going up in flames...

Hello Cole! Nicole William really does write some swoon worthy characters!

Like Crash/Clash/Crush this is pretty much addictive from the get-go! It’s easy to read – I very quickly became engrossed in the story. It was a bit predictable – but that’s kind of the fun. Sometimes I want to read something where I know what’s going to happen, where it's going to go  – and  I get my enjoyment from watching it unfold. Maybe predictable is the wrong word? But hopefully you know what I mean.

I really liked Elle but I wish she had dealt with Logan better – I felt he deserved much better than she treated him. And I think that might put some readers off – but the pressure to live up to all the expectations put on her by those around her kind of explain her actions. That part of the storyline was really good.

Plus I loved Cole. Did I already say that?

Invisible by Marni Bates

Publisher: K-Teen
ISBN: 9780758269386
Release Date: 1 August 2018
Source: Provided by publisher for review via Netgalley.

From Goodreads: Jane Smith has survived three years of high school without making a single enemy, all by keeping a low profile. Not even her three best friends, Kenzie, Corey and Isobel, can say the same. But with Corey dating the lead singer from ReadySet and Kenzie in a relationship too, being invisible tends to be lonely. But now she's written an article for her school newspaper that has accidentally snagged the attention of some celebrities. Turns out, people get really upset when their innermost secrets are splashed all over the front page. And new her well-ordered life is being blasted to hell, with results that are wildly unexpected.

I officially love Marni Bates. To be honest I already knew that after reading Awkward and Decked With Holly – her books are so much fun you can’t help but fall in love with them.

Set in the same world as her previous books, we return to Smith High and get Jane’s story. With both her best friends pushed into the limelight (Mackenzie through the hilarious you tube video and Corey because he’s dating a famous band member) – you can understand why Jane feels… well invisible.

I really felt for Jane in this. You get why she feels the way she does but I did get annoyed at her too for not talking to Mackenzie and Corey. And when everything comes to a head it really did pull on the heartstrings too – I really felt for them all.

Add a really sweet romance (she rocks at this!) and this is another winner.

Just really good fun – I want Notable now please!

Crush by Nicole Williams

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781471117657
Release Date:  July 2013
Source: Provided by the publisher for review.

From Goodreads: Football glory. A giant diamond. A wandering eye.

Jude and Lucy are happily engaged . . . but that doesn't mean life's a bed of roses.

Once again, Jude and Lucy are torn apart by football training and a summer job that creates new tensions. This time Jude's the one with trust issues. Will Lucy's life-changing news bring them back together or end their relationship for good? Can love triumph forever?

The final book in the series was possibly my favourite. This time you really get to understand Luce and what motivates her. I loved the addition of Holly and little Jude! But I wanted to kick Anton. Somewhere painful! He really annoyed me! (Even if he may have been right...)

I love the ending – I really did enjoy this series. I know a few people aren’t loving the whole new adult thing but this is definitely right up my street – antsy romance, hot boy (man?) – what more could I want!!!

I can’t wait to read more of Nicole Williams books.

Clash by Nicole Williams

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781471117633
Release Date: June 2013
Source: Provided by the publisher for review.

From Goodreads: Their Romeo-and-Juliet-level passion is the only thing Jude and Lucy agree on. That, and fighting all the time . . .

Also not helping? Lucy's raging jealousy of the cheerleader who's wormed her way into Jude's life.

While trying to hang on to her quintessential bad boy and also training to be the top ballet dancer in her class, Lucy knows something's going to give . . . soon.

How can she live without the boy she loves? How can she live with herself if she gives up on her dreams? If Lucy doesn't make the right choice, she could lose everything.

This was really fun to read – but again I found myself a tad frustrated with Luce! I was also a bit concerned (and disappointed) that they don’t really deal with the revelation at the end of book one. Or was that just me? It felt a bit glossed over.  But despite possibly being a tad unhealthy, I do love Jude and Luce! And I loved all their relationship highs and lows.

I really do enjoy this kind of angsty romance so this was definitely a winner for me. And I picked up Crush to read as soon as I put this one down. I wanted to know if Jude and Luce got their happy ending!

Crash by Nicola Williams

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781471117619
Release Date: June 2013
Source: Provided by the publisher for review.

From Goodreads: Southpointe High is the last place Lucy wanted to wind up her senior year of school. Right up until she stumbles into Jude Ryder, a guy whose name has become its own verb, and synonymous with trouble. He's got a rap sheet that runs longer than a senior thesis, has had his name sighed, shouted, and cursed by more women than Lucy dares to ask, and lives at the local boys home where disturbed seems to be the status quo for the residents. Lucy had a stable at best, quirky at worst, upbringing. She lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, has her sights set on Juilliard, and has been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Up until now.

Jude's everything she needs to stay away from if she wants to separate her past from her future. Staying away, she's about to find out, is the only thing she's incapable of.

For Lucy Larson and Jude Ryder, love's about to become the thing that tears them apart.

I knew as soon as I meet the character of Jude Ryder that I would be addicted to this series. I think fans of Jamie McGuire and Abbi Glines will love this!

Luce is a character that I kind of wanted to strangle and hug at the same time – she’s likeable, don’t get me wrong but sometimes she could be a bit frustrating. Like the whole Sawyer thing – I mean, really??? Anyway… on the other hand I really liked Jude (of course!)  And I liked the way their relationship played out.

So yes, I found myself addicted to this!  And, I have to say the ending surprised me!  I was really glad I had Clash on hand to read straight away!

The Sound by Sarah Alderson

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781471115738
Release Date: 1 August 2013
Source: Provided by the publisher for review.

From Goodreads: When aspiring music journalist Ren Kingston takes a job nannying for a wealthy family on the exclusive island of Nantucket, playground for Boston's elite, she's hoping for a low-key summer reading books and blogging about bands. Boys are firmly off the agenda.

What she doesn't count on is falling in with a bunch of party-loving private school kids who are hiding some dark secrets, falling (possibly) in love with the local bad boy, and falling out with a dangerous serial killer...

The gripping new stand-alone novel from the author of Hunting Lila.

Sarah Alderson officially rocks! I loved her previous books and can now add The Sound to that list. Does it have anything to do with her ability to create hot, swoon-worthy guys. Well yes! But she also has the most addictive style of writing – I always find myself completely engrossed in her stories.

I loved Ren from the moment the story began. She has that sass - managing to hold her own but also being really likeable. I must admit I wasn’t very taken with her friends - I found myself wincing every time she interacted with them. Of course, as soon as Jesse was introduced I was practically shouting at her to ditch the others and hang out with him instead. Although a couple of them did turn out okay in the end...

And I have to mention Braiden and Brodie! How much did I love Brodie?

I also really loved the mystery element – both in the murders and what had happened between Jesse and Tyler the previous year. I must admit I kind of guess what had happened between them and why – but I enjoyed watching Ren work it out as well. I didn’t however solve the murder part of the story!

So yes, I really enjoyed this. I think it’s a standalone story – but I have to say I would love, love, love to catch up with these characters again so if she decided to write another I would be first in line to read it.

In the meantime, I shall wait impatiently for Control to be published! Roll on next year!