Book Trailers: What's Left of Me, Out of Reach and Defiance

What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang and Defiance by C J Redwine are available to buy now. Out of Reach by Carrie Arcos is published 16 October 2012 by Simon Pulse (US)

And Actually... by Denise Deegan

For Review: Hachette Books Ireland
Published: 3 September 2012

From Goodreads: When I moved to Strandbrook College, I met Alex and Sarah. They treated me like I was normal. A human being. They actually liked me - though it took a while for me to trust that. I've never told them about my life before I met them. That shame can stay in the past. Weird thing is, they think I'm the strong one. The one with all the answers. The guru. When I'm offered a part on a TV show, they think it's all my dreams come true. And it is. Except that it'll bring me face-to-face with someone from my past - and memories I've kept buried. But I've changed. And I'm sure Rebecca has too. Whatever happens, there's no way I'm going to let my past destroy my future.

I adore the first two books in Denise Deegan’s Butterfly Series so I pretty much read this the moment it arrived! I was really looking forward to getting the story from Rachel’s point of view and discovering more about her. I have to say I was very intrigued about Rachel’s past!

The story picks up two weeks after the events of And For Your Information and I was really keen to see how Alex was coping with Maggie, how Sarah was doing and just generally catch up with these characters lives.

I really liked Rachel in the first two books and loved her here. We definitely get to see a different side to her I think, one she has kept hidden. I love her relationship with Mark – they obviously adore each other and I really enjoyed their scenes together. But I can also understand why she could misinterpret his feeling towards her later on. I loved the ending though!

While I suppose it could be argued that it’s a bit of a coincidence for Rebecca to be on the same TV Show as Rachel, I thought it worked as a great catalyst to bring everything Rachel has tried to put behind her back into her life. I was horrified by what she went through and the impact it still has on her (and her family). But it does happen - and it happens to a lot of people - and this story has a great message for anyone going through something similar or knows someone in a similar situation. And I really loved Maisie – and how thoughtful she is with Rachel and how much she helps her.

The other aspect of the story I really loved was Jack. I didn’t realise Rachel had a twin brother – was this something I missed in the first two books? I thought it was sad how they were kind of forced apart – this obviously had an impact on them both. But I loved how close they were – how close the whole family was.

Of course, we also catch up with Alex and Sarah. Although obviously struggling, I was glad to see Sarah at least trying to get on with her life. And I was really pleased for Alex! I really hope this is not the last we see of these characters. I love the world and am really invested in all the character’s lives. I don’t know if there are any more books planned but I would certainly love to read many, many more. I’d love to see if Alex and Maggie's father make a go of it, to see Sarah fall in love again, to see if Rachel manages to achieve the acting career she desires and I would LOVE to catch up with David from the first book. Although I’m really happy with how things have turned out for Alex, I really did love David and would like to see what he’s done with his life since we saw him last.

This is an absolute gem of a series!

Trailer: Breathe by Sarah Crossan

Breathe is published 11 October 2012. You can also check out a blog tour that is happening this week - information is below and you can also visit the Bloomsbury website for more information.

• Monday 8th October www.steppingoutofthepage.co.uk

• Tuesday 9th October www.readaraptor.co.uk

• Wednesday 10th October www.stephlikesbooks.blogspot.com

• Thursday 11th October www.chooseya.com

• Friday 12th October www.flutteringbutterflies.com

• Monday 15th October www.cloverhillbookreviews.blogspot.com

• Tuesday 16th October www.the-reading-pile.blogspot.co.uk

• Wednesday 17th October www.ebonyblacklines.blogspot.co.uk

• Thursday 18th October www.vogue-pentopaper.blogspot.com

• Friday 19th October www.readwriteandreadsomemore.blogspot.co.uk

I want to read that...

The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar

From Goodreads: He can grant her wishes, but only she can save his life.

Margo McKenna has a plan of attack for everything, from landing the lead in her high school musical to dealing with her increasingly absent parents. But when she finds herself in possession of a genie's ring and the opportunity to make three wishes, she doesn't know what to do. Especially since Oliver--not blue-skinned, not bottle-dwelling, but a genie nonetheless--can see more than what she's willing to show him. With one peek into her mind, he can see the wishes that even Margo herself doesn't know she wants.

But Oliver comes with more than just mind-reading abilities, a flair for magic, and the prettiest eyes Margo's ever seen. Someone from his past is hunting him--someone bent on killing him, along with all the other genies in the world, for the sake of honor. And as Margo soon discovers, it will take more than three wishes to save him.

A whole lot more.

I really liking the sound of this. Plus the cover is cute!

It's published March 2013

Awkward by Marni Bates

From Goodreads: Mackenzie Wellesley has spent her life avoiding the spotlight. At Smith High, she's the awkward junior people only notice when they need help with homework. Until she sends a burly football player flying with her massive backpack and makes a disastrous - not to mention unwelcome - attempt at CPR. Before the day is out, the whole fiasco explodes on YouTube. And then the strangest thing happens. Suddenly, Mackenzie is an Internet sensation, with four million hits and counting. Sucked into a whirlwind of rock stars, paparazzi, and free designer clothes, she even catches the eye of the most popular guy at school. And that's when life gets really interesting...

This is just as hilarious as it sounds! Honestly, the whole YouTube incident is so funny I almost cried laughing – you can see how this (and Mackenzie) would become an overnight sensation.

I loved Mackenzie. How awkward she is - but how smart and kind she is as well. And I adored her friends Corey and Jane. Jane is the sensible, slightly quiet one and Corey is just awesome! I’m sure many will argue he’s a bit of a clique but I absolutely adored him. I wish I could have a friend like him! I also really liked Mackenzie’s family – especially her brother Derek! His reaction’s to Mackenzie’s overnight stardom is brilliant (both hilarious and endearing at the same time!) and her mother is great as a parent that actually trusts her child! Her dad though, well that’s a different story. I can’t imagine what that would feel like – to just have someone leave like that.

Of course, I loved Logan. And I kind of got the impression Mackenzie caught his eye before the whole YouTube overnight fame thing – but that could just be me. Either way I loved it – how they interact, how it becomes obvious he likes her but she just doesn’t see it. And the party scene? When she really starts babbling – loved it!

I loved ReadySet too – how awesome are they? Plus I loved that they are just down to earth guys that are happy to hang with some teenagers similar to their own age. Realistic? Why not? I can’t believe all famous people are horrible...right?

I can’t wait to get my hands on Decked With Holly – the next book set in this world and concentrating on Dominic from ReadySet-  hopefully there will be some Mackenzie & co updates!

Hilarious, and seriously great fun to read! Loved it!