Book Review: Matched by Ally Condie

Title: Matched (Matched #1)
Author: Ally Condie
Published: 2nd June 2011 (Penguin) 
Pages: 366

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow. [Via Goodreads]

My Thoughts:
GAAAHHHH! This book was so disappointing in so many ways! As well as hearing about this book, the main reason it did stick in my mind was the cover. I absolutely love the cover, the bubble the matching dress and bubble the idea of being trapped...yes! 

So as soon as I started this book it really did intrigue me. I loved the whole idea of how you find out your 'match', seeing them on a screen and then taking home a card which stores all the information about them. That part really got me, just imagining the whole build up to it. But for Cassia, her match doesn't appear of the big screen. It stays black because her best friend, Xander, is her match and he is in the same room! 

But then when she gets home to see Ky flash on Xander's card. Predictably, it is a 'glitch.' However, the question remains in Cassia's mind, since when does the Society make mistakes? Do they ever?

My main issue with this book was the danger. I didn't feel any sort of danger or threat whilst reading, maybe it just wasn't strong enough, but all I know is that Cassia, Ky and even Xander got away with so much without a punishment. The actions that were done to act as punishment were also quite small. From what I took in, I would of loved a bit more description about the Society as a whole, it wasn't really very clear throughout. 

I also didn't like Cassia's narration with her indecisiveness. It really bothered me with all her bouncing around. I can't stand it when feelings and thoughts bounce around so often! Yes, maybe it did show she was constantly thinking but I think there's always a limit. Going past that limit edges onto annoying. 

I was so completely disappointed with this book, I really thought it was going to be so much better, but sadly it didn't reach those high expectations. I don't know if I'll be reading the rest of this series or not yet!

Book Review: Heart-Shaped Bruise by Tanya Byrne

Title: Heart-Shaped Bruise
Author: Tanya Byrne 
Published: 10th May 2012 (Headline)
Pages: 336

They say I'm evil. The police. The newspapers. The girls from school who shake their heads on the six o’clock news and say they always knew there was something not quite right about me. And everyone believes it. Including you. But you don't know. You don't know who I used to be. 

Who I could have been.

Awaiting trial at Archway Young Offenders Institution, Emily Koll is going to tell her side of the story for the first time. 

Heart-Shaped Bruise is a compulsive and moving novel about infamy, identity and how far a person might go to seek revenge. [Via Goodreads]

My Thoughts:
I read this book after reading Dawson's books and it definitely brought the pacing down in comparison. It was slower paced but that didn't stop me from enjoying it, it definitely added to the eeriness to the book.

The layout of the novel was as if reading from a diary. We read about Emily almost in reverse order, as we know that she has done something, we just need to find out what and the 'deeper' answer to why. I loved reading about her session with her therapists as the story unfolds. She did everything with a purpose but with her reasoning I did find her a little weird. Her mind works in an odd way, which I didn't really see eye to eye with, but then the story really wouldn't of gone anywhere if she did what I would of done. 

What freaked me out at the beginning was the times when Emily, spoke to the audience.*shivers* But at least it didn't happen as often, which disappointed me a little, and yet was grateful there was a stop to it because...it just freaked me out a little, with the already eerie storytelling and... *shivers*

It was a neatly tied ending and I can't complain for that. Nearer the mid-point I did foresee what was going to happen and for me, that's what brought this book down a bit. 

It was a good read and I'd recommend it for those who prefer the easier going crime-type books. It was super easy to get through!

Book Review: Cruel Summer by James Dawson

Title: Cruel Summer
Author: James Dawson
Published: 1st August 2013 (Indigo)
Pages:324


Summary: 
A year after Janey’s suicide, her friends reunite at a remote Spanish villa, desperate to put the past behind them. However, an unwelcome guest arrives claiming to have evidence that Jane was murdered. When she is found floating in the pool, it becomes clear one of them is a killer. Only one thing is for certain, surviving this holiday is going to be murder…

A compelling and psychological thriller - with a dash of romance. [Via Goodreads]

My Thoughts
It's hard when the first book I read by Dawson was 5 stars, but the only reason for the 4 stars is because I didn't get the full surprise I wanted at the end (I saw what Dawson was doing and actually got my guesses right!!) 

Nevertheless, this book contained every obvious horror movie convention: the killer on the loose...scary silhouette, a dark cellar and, of course, deaths. With the twist of the horror format, this book twisted my guts even more than Hollow Pike because of these "horror conventions" that are build to be suspenseful and shocking. Every sentence screamed: "YOU ARE ALL SCREWED! SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN!" - literally....and it got me every time..

'But he didn't check everywhere.' Katie's voice was full of apprehension. 'Nobody looked in the cellar...' 

Dun dun DUNNNN!!!

I really loved Ryan. He was the key person who brought up the questions and pushed forward, equally loving his narration! (Well I loved the whole structure of the book). Like I said in my Hollow Pike review, I could imagine it on TV. Then I read this book, BAM, the layout is as if I'm watching a TV show! Nice nice, I like it...bonus points there! ;-) But it was more because of Ryan's way of thinking about life and I thought it was a really interesting way on looking at life (but then not really agreeing).

Even with the situation of the book, I liked how there was a merge of other themes that came with an individual. I think I am speaking more about Gregg. 

The highlights were when we got to read about two characters having a private conversation, which seemed to happen a lot in this book (Oooo, so many secrets!!!). These scenes are where we get to suss out our suspects as well as get our flash backs on the events surrounding Janey. 

Definitely a book to read.

Your mind won't be put to rest until the end...literally! 


** When I was telling my friend about Hollow Pike and Cruel Summer, she asked: "Did James Dawson just have a horrible time with teens and want to murder them all?" - I laughed. But a good question, don't you think? ;P

Book Review: Hollow Pike by James Dawson

Title: Hollow Pike
Author: James Dawson
Published: 2nd February 2012 (Orion Children's Books)
Pages: 416

She thought she’d be safe in the country, but you can’t escape your own nightmares, and Lis London dreams repeatedly that someone is trying to kill her. Lis thinks she’s being paranoid - after all who would want to murder her? She doesn’t believe in the local legends of witchcraft. She doesn’t believe that anything bad will really happen to her. You never do, do you? Not until you’re alone in the woods, after dark - and a twig snaps... Hollow Pike - where witchcraft never sleeps. [Via Goodreads]

My Thoughts:
I've had this book on my TBR shelf for a while, I bought it back in October (I think),  but was never really in the mood to read it. I'm currently in the "fairies, magic and witches" sort of mood, so what book fits one of those categories? Hollow Pike.

Wow. Just wow.

I've never held my breath so much throughout a book. Descriptions where written so well without it feeling too overwhelming and I felt like I was watching a TV series *cough cough* Yeah, I can imagine this being a TV series, every little scene in this book. (Not a movie because I feel that it can end on so many cliff-hangers at the end of each episode...and it's worth more than an hour long film! :P )

I was gripped to the book as soon as I started. I cannot think of a fault at all. The pace was perfect and I don't know how Dawson was able to keep it so suspenseful, making me frantically reading on until revealing the answers on the last pages. 

A creepy and eerie factor that I loved were from those figures were stalking Lis. But then the idea of paranoia also slips in and thinking back, yes, it does seem to run really closely to The Crucible (which I also had to study in GCSE like Lis - I hated it). This was almost like a modern day twist of the novel and it was perfect. 

"From the tangled bushes at the end of the garden, a figure watched the house intently. Pale fingers pulled leaves aside, seeking a better view of the building." 

WHO? WHEN? WHY? HOW?

Even with the gritty storyline, I think that the draw was the characters. I, strangely, really wanted to be friends with Lis as soon as I started reading about her. She seemed so down to earth and although initially siding with Laura, she did everything that I would of done in the end. I never once got annoyed at any of the characters for keeping secrets from the police, which I think is really difficult to do because there's always that thin line between annoying and being tolerable. 

HIGH RECOMMEND! 

If you don't follow through by reading it, I really do think you're missing out on some really good UKYA!

Book Review: Where You Are (Bewteen the Lines #2) by Tammara Webber

Title: Where You Are (Bewteen the Lines #2)
Author: Tammara Webber
Published: March 14th 2013 (Razorbill)
Pages: 304

Emma, Reid and Graham's story continues in this sequel to Between the Lines, by bestselling author of Easy, Tammara Webber. Emma has pursued her dream - she's trying to live a normal life and attend university. But when a twist of fate means she encounters Graham again in New York, life promises to be anything but ordinary . . . [Via GoodReads]


My Thoughts: 
I read Between the Lines and wasn't all to pleased, especially because I read Easy beforehand and literally fell in love with it, so my expectations were high. 

But let me tell you this: I loved this book! The main dislike I had for the first book was Emma's "bouncing" of  feelings. She was just so irritating!! But in this book everything was so much more settled. Emma felt a little more mature and less childish. 

So after filming a film, what happens next? Promotion and the premiere! The best part about this book was the POVs from all four characters (Emma, Graham, Reid and Brooke!). Not only do we get their prospective on the situation but Webber went into great detail about their past, which I absolutely loved, especially with Graham since we hardly get to know him in the first book. 

I loved Reid's character development as well and it has got me super excited about reading Good For You. But from the Good For You blurb, it's sad to know that it's also a goodbye to Emma and Graham - I hope they'll make an appearance in the next one even though the focus isn't fully on them. Maybe a mention? ...Hopefully...?

"Reid turns to Graham. They're standing two feet apart - the tension rocking between them like punches thrown. And then suddenly Reid is completely at ease. 'Graham,' he says.
Graham's jaw remains rigid. 'Reid.'
Boys."

If you didn't like Between the Lines, give the series another shot and read the second one. It'll change you're mind over the series. Trust me!

Book Review: Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cress
Author: Marissa Meyer
Published: February 6th 2014 (Puffin Books) 
Pages: 560

Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard. 

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army. 

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice. 

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can. [Via Goodreads]


My Thoughts:
When I first got a hold of this book, my first thought? This is a fat book! I didn't expect it to be as fat as it was, but am I complaining? Hell no! Yay for a fat book!

I don't know how Meyer is able to pull it off but she did. I am more impressed with the balance of characters! As we move on in the Lunar Chronicles more characters are introduced but each and every one of them were well balanced to make it an enjoyable read.

The spark of new romance is more than obvious in this twist of Rapunzel but that doesn't decrease the enjoyment of their mutual feelings - not sure if it topped the ending of Scarlet in the happily ever after department though!

Occasionally, I felt that the build up to the wedding was a bit of a pain, although that may have just been because I wanted the Cinder and Kai reunion because I love them together!! But then again, everything to the build up is super important: action packed with a twist I didn't see coming. It definitely kept me on my toes.

What's happening next? A war!

Should you read this book? Hell yeah!! 

Book Review: Façade (Games #2) by Nyrae Dawn

Title: Façade
Author: Nyrae Dawn
Published: September 24th 2013 (Forever)
Pages: 304

Can love save them? 

After her father commits a crime that shatters her family, eighteen-year-old Delaney Cross is tired of pretending everything is alright. Packing up her car, she sets out to find the people her father hurt. Her search leads her to places she's never been--and into the arms of Adrian Westfall. 

To the outside world, Adrian is a sexy, charming ladies man. But his playboy persona is just an act. Secretly his soul is tortured by a memory too painful to share. Only Delaney seems to see through his façade to the real man underneath. And for the first time in his life, Adrian feels he can begin to open up about his past.

Together, Adrian and Delaney share a passionate, carefree love they never expected to find. Yet both still harbor their own secrets. When the dark truth is finally revealed, will it bring them closer together, or tear them apart forever? [Via Goodreads]

My Thoughts:
After read Charade, I couldn't wait to read another book by Nyrae Dawn. I did not expect it all to pan out how it did! It was all so heart-breaking and a tear or two did appear :(

I was really interested in this book before starting it especially since it's about Colt's room mate - and from Charade, we got to see what a party animal he was. But now - Oh. My. God. The build up to the truth being laid out is killer, with an unexpected twist. As well as the two POV narrations, it was interesting to read about Adrian's past through flashbacks and also dreams, it created something quite powerful.

Something that did carry on from Charade is the nicknames. From Tiny Dancer for Chey to Little Ghost for Delaney. Strangely, I didn't really like the fact that Adrian gave that name to Delaney. I felt that that was more of Colt's thing and having Adrian using the same idea for the nickname made me feel like he has something from Colt that I only wanted Colt to have....Anyway...it's a pretty lame excuse for not liking it I know...

Just thinking about it now, the story kinda reminds me of a mash-up of Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines and My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick.THIS ONE IS A MUST! 

Book Review: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Title: Dare You To
Author: Katie McGarry
Published: 7th June 2013 (Mira Ink)
Pages: 456

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all.... [Via GoodReads]

My Thoughts:
I wasn't so keen on Pushing the Limits after I finished reading it. I felt that the characters where pushed into a characteristic that didn't really seem like them. There is a little of that in Dare You To as well but then I preferred this one way more!!

In Pushing the Limits, we saw Noah as the "bad boy" and Echo the "good girl" (on the outside), in Dare You To the roles have swapped. Sadly, I had the same issue with this book as the first. It's the swearing. I'm not anyone who gets offended by swearing, I don't mind if you swear or don't. I know people who swear like sailors but this book places them oddly. I find it difficult reading this book with the unnatural sounding "fuck" placed in Beth's speech. But luckily, it eased out and became more natural than forced. 

Book Review: Storm by Bridget Kemmerer

Title: Storm
Author: Bridget Kemmerer
Published: 24th April 2012 (Kensington)
Pages: 353

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream.

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different.Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming . . . 

[via GoodReads]

My Thoughts: 

Not really sure about this book. I've heard so many raving reviews and I had really high expectations but they weren't fulfilled. Strangely, I found that there wasn't enough of the Merrick brothers - a bit odd since this series is about them! I didn't really like the duel POV (or it might of just been Becca.) Something in this book wasn't right. 

Book Review: Submarine by Joe Dunthorne

Title: Submarine
Author: Joe Dunthorne
Published: 2011 (Penguin)
Pages: 290

At once a self-styled social scientist, a spy in the baffling adult world, and a budding, hormone-driven emotional explorer, Oliver Tate is stealthily nosing his way forward through the murky and uniquely perilous waters of adolescence. His objectives? Uncovering the secrets behind his parents' teetering marriage, unraveling the mystery that is his alluring and equally quirky classmate Jordana Bevan, and understanding where he fits in among the mystifying beings in his orbit. Struggling to buoy his parents' wedded bliss, deep-six his own virginity, and sound the depths of heartache, happiness, and the business of being human, what's a lad to do? Poised precariously on the cusp of innocence and experience, Oliver Tate aims to damn the torpedoes and take the plunge. [via goodreads]

My Thoughts:
I'm just going to be honest and lay it all out. I'd never heard of Joe Dunthorne before (I have seen the movie poster before if that counts?). But anyway, Joe came to my college for a talk so I thought, it's time I pick up his book!

The novel is split into three parts. Each part focusing more on a different topic, part 1: Oliver Tate, part 2: his dad, part 3: his mum. I was quite surprised by this read. I didn't really see how the balance of humour on a topic that the book carries could work. But it did. 

Favourite part of the book? I really loved the "word of the day" sections that appear every time Oliver wrote into his diary. 

"Word of the Day: lemon - informally used to mean unsatisfactory, defective"

I'm not sure if the book really "filled" me though. There's humour, yeah, but the topics were put into a really odd way, Oliver's trail of thinking was distant whilst I read and there was nothing for me to connect with. He's a bit of a weird character, sticks out quite a bit. He's got his own mind set.

It's an alright read. Maybe read it for the layout. But overall I wouldn't be jumping at it.

Book Reveiw: Let The Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Title: Let The Sky Fall 
Author: Shannon Messenger
Published: 5th March 2013 (Simon Pulse)
Pages: 416

Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.

Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.


When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them [via GoodReads]

Thoughts:
Ok, so I read this book through Pulse It, which is a reading community made by Simon Pulse which shares free books online every month. With the lead up to Christmas they are releasing a free book everyday. I so recommend you check it out because I know I basically want to read all the books! Click here to find out more.

For those who enjoyed reading Under The Never Sky, this book is for you. I'm, yet again, stuck for words to even explain how much I enjoyed this book. The narrations were just so natural and the everything was just tied down so well.

Book Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Crescendo

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Published: October 2010 (Simon & Schuster)
Pages: 472 

Still Nora's point of view, she is completely shocked by the sudden change in Patch and his new attraction. The "new attraction" is none other than her arch-enemy Marcie Millar! How could he?! As a consequence to Patch's actions, she creates these excuses to just rebel against...everything. Not only this, she starts hanging out with Scott Parnell, an old family friend who's moved back to town, even after after Patch's warnings.

But the more pressing issue is who murdered Nora's father? She finds herself questioning if her Nephilim bloodline could be a reason for his death and as she starts putting the pieces together by herself, she finds herself in more danger. 

Thoughts:I have been meaning to pick up Crescendo for a while now. I borrowed Hush Hush from the library more than a year ago but I made myself swear that I'd buy it because I enjoyed it so much! Only this year did I go out and buy Hush Hush, Crescendo and Silence. I was so surprised how easily I managed to slip back into the series even after such a long break between reading the first book. 

Book Review: The Perfect Game by J. Sterling

Title:  The Perfect Game
Author: J. Sterling
Published: October 2012 (Amazon Publishing)
Pages: 379

Cassie swears that she won't fall for Jack, the hottest guy around. Girls chase Jack everywhere. But with Cassie, it seems that Jack is doing the chasing and as much as Cassie denies the fact that she likes him, she knows there's something more. Before we know it they are together, but being with the top baseball player isn't such a smooth ride as she'd hope. Can she change Jack's old ways?

Thoughts:
Urgh! I don't even know where to begin. I am just SO disappointed in this book!! I had such high expectations after reading some reviews.

I found the scenes in each chapter way too short and there was a definite lacking in description, especially during the beginning of the book making it much harder for me to "connect" with the characters. 

Book Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Published: 28th February 2013 (Orion)
Pages: 327

Eleanor is the weird new girl. Park is the quiet Asian kid that she sits next to on the bus. Through connection of comic books, slowly but surely something grows between Park and Eleanor, surprising both of them. But through their comic book and mix tape exchanges can their first young love defeat all?

Thoughts:
Eleanor & Park has been a book that I've been waiting to read for a long time. The book was cute but not as full filling as expected.

Book Review and Book Soundtrack: SOULMATES by Holly Bourne

Title: SOULMATES
Author: Holly Bourne
Published: 1st September

This book is Holly Bourne's debut and it sure has got me excited about what she has in store. 

What if your love was so strong it could destroy the world, without you even realising it?

The book follows Poppy, aged 17 and totally against the idea of love. The meaning is rubbish. It's soppy. Cliché. Ew! Enter Noah, the guitarist from the new band Growing Pains, and something inside Poppy changes. A tug. A draw. Something unexpected. Before she knows it, her and Noah are falling so deeply for one another, it terrifies them both. Their chemistry sets sparks. Makes the floor shake beneath them. But not in a metaphoric way. 

Book Review: Flat-Out Matt by Jessica Park

Title: Flat-Out Matt
Author: Jessica Park
Published: 25 March 2013

DO NOT read this book or this review if you have NOT read Flat-Out Love.

First off, I need to thank that Jessica Park for writting this amazing cute companion book! I was so thrilled when I heard she was writing this and, like many of her other fans, I had to put my say in on what I wanted in it. Damn! She got it spot on!!

Book Review: The Almost Truth by Eileen Cook

Title: The Almost Truth
Author: Eileen Cook
Published: 4th December 2012

I've been needing to put a review up for this book for a while now. I read it, probably near the end of February and since then I just haven't had time to sit down a write one.

The Almost Truth is the first book I've read written by Eileen Cook...WOW...! I read the blurb of this book and was like, "yeah, this could be alright" and let me tell you, my "alright" was not the word to describe this book. I moment of almost in tears hit me when I was reading this book and I could probably say that if I was emotional, I probably would of cried...I am however rarely emotional during anything so an almost tear is HUGE!! (The only other book which made me almost shed a tear was The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks.) 

So this book revolves around a con. Sadie's mum wiped out all of her savings which was the only way she was going to get out of her "hell-hole" and move far away. She is in need to find money. And quick. With the assistance of best friend, Brendan, they set up the best con they can think of. But then this hoax becomes much more for Samantha. She starts living and breathing it. Believing in things she shouldn't. And uncovering something that could change everything.

This book definitely gives you the unlikely twists and turns when reading this book. So if you are thinking this will be a sweet "fall in love with boy and steal money" con, you are so so so so so wrong. Be prepared!

A word of warning if you do consider reading this book: do not read it expecting something realistic. There are somethings that are realistic, but the majority of the book is pretty fictional. The con isn't pick-pocketing or anything minor, it is pretty much a full convention, living and breathing each day with the con-filled air. If you're up for that....you WILL be blown away!

Book Review: The Moon And More by Sarah Dessen

Title: The Moon and More

Author: Sarah Dessen

Published: 4th June

AAHHH! Another Sarah Dessen book! I've been lucky enough to get a copy before the publishing date in the UK and I can't believe it. I wouldn't categorise this book into what Dessen normally writes, but a much more older, mature and a bit more realistic feel to it. I love reading Sarah Dessen books and she is one of my favourite authors so to read something very different from her usual, it is really nice for a reader.

Emeline lives in Colby, a small beach town that is there for the tourists. She works for the family run business Colby Realty and has her committed boyfriend by her side for the summer. But then Ivy Mendelson and her determined and ambitious intern, Theo, come to Colby.

"I'm not saying that, you know,we never get to go to the beach, you know, let loose. Fall in love and be different, with no permanent record."

And with the circumstances that suddenly turn out, Emeline might get exactly this. Will it be the Best Ever After?

"There's a difference between father and dad. And it's more than the three letters."

But on top of this her father also comes along to Colby to do have some "buddying" holiday with his son, and Emeline's step-brother, Benji. The relationship with her father is much more complicated than it seems, not even looking at her when she was a child and then broke a huge promise about getting her the education that she could never afford. Will this trip mend their disastrous past?

This story introduced some new and some old characters. The old, from Dessen's other books, came to give a wave to the reader and there was a little catch up between them and Emeline. As well as out well loved locations, Last Chance café and Eli (from Along for the Ride) named his bike shop ABE'S BIKES(!) (*insert your freak out here*...if you know what I mean..if you've read Along for the Ride).

Then we move onto the new, and this is where I have to really think about it. I'm a bit on hot and cold. I loved Morris and Benji. I can firmly say that they were the characters who stuck out. Morris, just because the way he's so caring about everything and I love the chapter where he takes Benji to eat the fudge ripple.

Now for the main characters. Emeline. Theo. Hmmmm. Theo is from NYU and as he soon as you hit the pages with him, there is a clear opposite between Emeline and Theo. Emeline has stayed in Cobly and is more than comfortable about where she is. Everyone knows mostly everything. She is shy and as we read further into the story, you see how much she keeps to herself. Whereas Theo, claims he has a wider-eye to everything and knows best because of this, which made me slightly annoyed with his attitude as he runs from page to page. Let's say he is *very* driven.  There is also another large contrast with the fact that Theo is the "tourist" and Emeline, who has been living there for a long time and she knows a great deal of history behind everything. With beauty from one persons eye, it can be misery for another.

Overall, I found this a really great read. This book has taken a new turn, which has worked out perfectly and it is definitely worth reading. It shows off Sarah Dessen's talent and how she can vary everything up, like her more serious book Dreamland.

Book Review: Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Published: August 4th 2011

So, Anna was looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta...she did not expect her parents to send her to the S.O.A.P (School Of America in Paris) which, yes, is in PARIS (but thank her parents that they did)! Anna meets Mer, Josh, Rashmi and most importantly meets the charming American with a British accent and a French name, Étienne St Clair. But the only problem is that he's taken...and "it's complicated" has taken a whole new turn of events.

The romance? Tonnes. Anna doesn't even realise it at first though, we get a great character development from when she first moves to where she becomes a bold individual. As for Étienne: bonjour! Ca va? Swoon-worthy? Yes, I definitely think so. Étienne won't let Anna sit around in her sulking, when she has the beautiful Paris around her. I would definitely let Étienne take me round Paris anytime. He can keep a conversation light hearted, jokes and teases.

Stephanie Perkins has never been to Paris?! Yes, that's right, Perkins has never been to Paris but she has managed to capture the beauty and excitement of the city. After reading this book I couldn't help but want to go to Paris again!

Book Review: My Life Next Door by Huntely Fitzpatrick

Title: My Life Next Door
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Published: 14th June 2012

Meet Samantha. She has everything ready for her in the long run, her fundings all laid out for her. Her mum running for Senator, dating/working with a younger man and keeps their house clean. When I mean clean, I mean spotless. Perfect.

So it's no wonder why her mother doesn't approve of the Garretts lifestyle. Meet their neighbour, the Garretts. Loud. Messy. Wild. Samantha only wished she could be a part of it. To be a part of something that is the complete opposite of her house. She watches them, outside her room. It is only when Jase Garrett notices her, climbs up to her hid out and takes her to the other side; her life gets turned upside down.

I really enjoyed reading about Samantha, who is a character who wants to look after everyone and do what is best for them. She is great with the Garrett family and just seems to get on with them so well, whilst at her house it is a completely different story. Even when it comes to the tricky situations, she knows her morals well.

Jase. Yeah, so Jase is pretty much perfect. He is one of the eldest in the Garrett family, fixes everything and adores his family. Perfect right?

But we have to cross the spotlight to George, a four year old who bouncing from page to page. A fun kid who is full of fun and laughable questions and statements. He truly reflects those curious young kids who just want to know everything. He is the main part of the humour in this book!

This is Fitzpatricks debut book and I think she did a brilliant job.
I will definitely check out her other releases.
A thoroughly enjoyable read!