Title: Coast (Kick, Push #2)

Author: Jay Mclean

Genre: New Adult, Contempory Romance

Rating: 5 Radiant Stars!!

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My word.

Have you read Kick, Push? Because you have to read these books in order.

Better yet, have you read my Kick, Push review?

Because, honestly, I can’t even. To think that that was one of the most emotional reads OF MY LIFE, and then this happened.

I know that I was more.. emphatic while reading these books than I would imagine others could be, given the fact that I am a single parent, and like Josh, I have been through all the undeniable emotions that come along with single parenting. BUT, these books are so damn emotional that they just shred you. Shred.

“I kicked, and I pushed, and for the past year, that’s all I’ve been doing because it didn’t feel the same and I knew in my heart that without her, I’d never be able to coast.”

I can’t think of words that would fit for this review. None are big enough. The best I have to explain Coast is that for every emotion Kick Push fractured, Coast completely melts them back together again.
Jay Mclean has a natural talent. Not just for telling stories, but for the ability to string words together in the most influential and emotional way. The book is full of awe-inspiring quotes and stunning poetry which time and time again remind me why I continue to not only devour everything Jay Mclean writes but also why she has been sitting at the top, as my most favourite writer since I first picked up More Than This. And yes, Writer, not just an author, Jay Mclean is More. You need to read these books! They are full of hope and heartbreaking poetry.

In Coast, we get to revisit Josh Wardens life, though this book, unlike Kick Push, was predominately Becca’s.
I was so pleased to have more of Becca. To have her become more than this ‘broken’ girl, she was in Kick Push. To watch her grow and become her own, on her own.

“And I realized…
That the world was full of perfect things. And broken, faulty people.”

That was one of my most favourite features of this book. Becca’s strength. Everything she did was her own. She didn’t let herself be held back by others or even by herself. I loved the vitality and courage of this young woman.
And Josh. Well, we get to see a new playful side to Josh I don’t recall a whole lot of in Kick Push. Where Josh is acting more his age, and learning how to open his life to more than just being Tommy’s father.

“We loved in ways that can’t be explained, hurt in ways that can’t be justified. We felt every possible emotion under the sun.”

The book has tears and giggles, frustration along with moments of devastation. But above all, the natural progression of emotions we have to deal with in everyday life.
Jay Mclean not only writes amazing stories, but she writes honestly. With what I can only imagine as actual experience with these feelings, Mclean manages to capture the true emotions of these characters and transfer them to the reader, creating fiction with very real, very honest, very human reactions.

I loved this book, along with all of Jay Mclean’s other books.

The perfect conclusion of Josh, Becca, and Tommy’s journey.

#TimeToCoast

Kick, Push

Coast

Jay Mclean

Title: Broken Symmetry

Author: Dan Rix

Genre: Young Adult, Sci-fi

Rating: 4.5 blow my mind stars!

Publisher: Burning Ember Press

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This book! Someone grab my mega phone! I NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS BOOK!!

Dan Rix states at the very beginning of the book “No matter how you feel about this story – positive or negative – you’re likely to forget about it in a few weeks after you finish.”

No. Thats not happening. I have read countless books since this one. I have had my review sitting in my notebook for a couple of months. Yet I don’t even need to back reference in order to write it. This story stuck.

I love Sci-Fi, and all things fantasy and paranormal. This book is right up my ally. But not once have a read a story so fantastical and convincing. 

Dan Rix has spun a story that held me to the literal edge of my seat. I read this book in one sitting. It is well written and just spectacular in its originality.

This book is one that once finished, you just hold it to your chest and reflect. Reflect on its ability to open a portal to a different world. To so wholly transport you to an alternate realm that it has you asking questions like, what if just maybe… is it possible? a feat that any writer is undoubtedly proud to achieve.

The unique storyline is captivating. The suspense – agonising.

Dan Rix has written a universe that while seems impossible…may well not be… if you chose to believe it.

While I will admit some of the words and explanations (scientifically) were mind boggling to me, I was able to overlook to complex information without it affecting the book. Rix’s writing style flows. The book is well written and enticing. Truely a fantastic read.

The story follows 16 year old Blaire Adams. She loses her father at age 15. He simply… vanished. Shear determination flows through Blaire throughout all of the book, she never gives up looking for her father. One year after he disappears he shows up at the police station. Blaire should be relieved, but the man who is by all accounts her father… isn’t. Facing the fresh loss of her father yet again Blaire then sets out to find answers.. at any cost.

I have to be honest, Blaire’s character being the only reason the book lost half a star. Her maturity, self assurance, strength and determination lead me to feel as though she was much older than 16. Her character just felt a lot older than her 16 years, despite her being written as that age. Her intelligence and even her sexuality came across much more mature than her written age. But overall that did not affect the book in its entirety.

I don’t want to add spoilers to this review. I could continue to peel the layers of this book away as to impress just how out-of-this-world this story is. But that would ruin the lip biting mystery. Or, I could write descriptions of our main characters to give any of you out there a first hand look at the solidity and characteristics of each one. BUT you see, neither of those things would work for Broken Symmetry. Not only would option one dull down any gasp worthy moments (and there are MANY) but it would also lay a flat, void reflection of a book that is anything but. As for option two, I just can not do these characters justice. They reached out of there world, captured my wrists and pulled me head first into their reality. A simple, neat, sequence of words from my fingers will do them no good.

So rather, I will explain why I found this book so entirely captivating – without giving away the mystery – because GUYS! have you read the blurb??? You get the picture.

I love Fantasy books. I love dipping into the impossible. Bringing it to life. Also books where you have to carefully sift through clues and puzzles pieces, slipping each puzzle piece of possibility into place. One by agonising one. All the while questioning your own judgment. Broken Symmetry gives you both; the impossible allure of a world made of reflected universes, levels upon levels of demise. Clouded in the mystery of, how? what? and who? Creatures of the shadows who feed on empty vessels in hopes of reaching the light. An ‘artifact’ that is the centre of everything – yet no one knows what it actually is. And a group of four who can effectively ‘break symmetry’ in order to move from one level to another, each losing a piece of themselves every time. Not to mention ultimately facing the possibility of being ‘orphaned’ on a lower level should their broken mirror truely be, broken. Phew! So much going ons!

You see when all these alluring possibilities are smushed up together and pop into the mind of an extraordinary writer, ink spills onto paper to form a tale of magic, possibilities and vitality. Giving us as readers and opportunity to experience a reality that is not really a reality at all. To feel what it would be, to be trapped in an unimaginable maze, where the only hope for survival is just that. Hope.

Dan Rix has written us a book that is gripping, surprising, chilling, and new. I loved every moment I spent in this impossible reality. Mr Rix, I’d like you to know, I still very much remember every detail of your book.

 

Title: November 9

Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: New Contemporary Romance

Rating: 5 Shiny new stars – can I go higher? No? Dammit.

Publisher: Atria Books

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“I thought I was stronger than a word, but I just discovered that having to say goodbye to you is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book. All I knew was that I HAD to have it. A brand spanking new CoHo book to add to my pile; yessss please!! Let me tell you, I was really surprised; not by the fact that the book is fantastically written, because – hello, it’s Colleen Hoover we’re talking about! I was surprised with how originally breathtaking the plot was. This is a book about two unlikely characters coming together in the most unlikely way. This is a book about tragedies and life plans. This is a book about true soul crushing, selfless love. This is a book about human decency.

This story was equal parts heartbreaking, and soul mending. Ben was a beautifully crafted character who took my breath away on several occasions, his words were infallible and stunning. Ben was just.. beautiful. I really have no other word for him. Fallon was original and funny, her growth throughout the book is a beautiful thing to witness. Jumping from year to year gave us an ability to have direct comparisons with Fallon before Benton James Kessler, and Fallon after Benton James Kessler. I thought the idea was inspired, original, and fun. On top of that, Colleen could not have fit any more into this book. So much happened; tragedy, heart-break, illness and accidents, births and deaths and the whole flipping shebang! I really don’t want to give away too much detail. Just know that it is crazy good, and had me guessing the whole way through.

Did I mention the bookish references yet?! NO? Oh man. I think the bestest most best bit about this book is the bookishness of it. Ben is a writer, I love that. Fallon is a reader, also love that – cause I’m like that. So we see a lot of book talk, which just floats my boat. Because it’s so relatable I find this creates a better connection between myself and the characters. Letting me feel like I am in on an inside joke.. kinda.

“Don’t stop” I tease in a seductive voice. ” Give me more, Ben. Did you read eBooks or…” I run my finger slowly down his chest.”Hardbacks?”
He pulls his hands behind his head and a smug look washes over his face. “Oh, they were hardbacks, all right. And I’m not sure if you’re ready for this, but…I have my own TBR pile. You should read it, Fallon. It’s huge”

The characters are funny and well-developed, the settings don’t take away from the story or the characters – thinking about it now, I actually don’t recall a setting description through out the whole book – The side characters are exactly what they needed to be. Colleen even had two of her worlds collide with this book, which makes me irrationally giddy.. my reaction to these things is actually a little worrying. I really, truly, honestly, seriously, can not fault this book.

“But for the first time, I don’t feel like the English language has developed enough letters in the alphabet to adequately express the words I want to say to you.”

GAH!! The words in this book! Like, ALL of them! I took every single one of them and burnt them into my brain. And I will repeat the process again, and again. The life lessons were endless. So much compassion and love has been embedded on the pages of November 9, I just can’t. No, really, I can’t.. It makes me want to cry from just, overwhelmed everything. November 9 has plopped itself right into my top #3 books read in 2015, and man, it has been a good year for books. But if I had to pick three books to walk away from 2015 with, this would be one, no question.

Honestly Colleen, how are you so talented? – Don’t answer that. Just don’t ever stop writing! You are adulting so, so well.

November 9 has taken the cake for CoHo books for me. I loved Ugly Love and Confess, but this book topped them. Miles was always my #1 CoHo man; sorry Miles you have officially been outranked. Benton James Kessler is a beautiful creation. OK so the bookish factor helped, but I found myself highlighting the crap out of these pages. Without a doubt Colleen Hoover can write the crap out of a romance. I seriously loved this story, I could not, could not, could not, get enough.

“She “loved me” in quotations She kissed me in bold I TRIED TO KEEP HER in all caps She left with an ellipsis . . . —BENTON JAMES KESSLER”

November 9

Title: More Than Enough (More Than Book #5)

Author: Jay McLean

Genre: New Contemporary Romance

Rating: 5 sparkly stars

Publisher: Jay McLean

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“Even though, technically, time itself is the same for everybody-every second, every minute, every hour- it’s not when I’m with you. It’s like it doesn’t exist. Or I don’t care that it does.”

Note : This series MUST be read in order. Start with More Than This and progress from there. 

I love words. I’m working towards a career in them because I just love words so much. But I am struggling here, right now, to piece together the right words to describe just how… inspiring Jay McLean’s work is.

I have read everything Jay McLean has published. I think it’s safe to say she is one of my very favorite Authors. With each new release I find myself loving her work that much more. Swear, no other Author has managed to give me all the feels like Jay McLean does.

I have laughed and cried through each of these More books. I’m not kidding. The emotions these characters provoke in me causes a swelling sensation in my chest, it feels like it will burst out of me if I don’t release it some how.. generally by crying and laughing at the same time – the overwhelming emotions make me look nutty, but its unavoidable with this series.

That is how I have felt with each one of these More books. They were my first experience of Jay McLean’s writing (one year ago this month I dipped into More Than This), and honestly, the More gang are my most favorite as well. They have stayed with me always.

Reading the final book in a series is always bitter-sweet. Wanting to know how everything pans out, and everyone getting their happy endings. At the same time, wanting more.. but all great things must come to an end. More Than Enough was our ending. The best bit is that it felt finished. I put down this book satisfied and happy, not longing.

More Than Enough is Dylan’s book.. Who knew Dylan would give, not only Cam and Logan (sigh) but also Mason Kade (Fallen Crest) a run for the title of my ultimate BBF. I have NEVER had anyone threaten Cam and Mason on the tip top of my ever-changing top BBF’s of all time! But Dylan did. From the words of Lucy – who is totally my hero by the way.. “so hot”

Jay McLean has yet again bought to life characters who show strength, growth, loyalty and flaws. So relatable, and so honest.

Dylan is the embodiment of strength, courage and love. He broke my heart in this book. I actually felt it tear down the middle. His humor surprised me and made me fall for him that much faster. He is so funny! I love that he was such a.. surprise. Given the silence that surrounded him in the previous books I really had no idea what to expect, and Jay blew me away yet again with this astounding male character who was so broken, yet so.. beautiful.

“Grief is like a constant daze of a million fucking emotions and I don’t want to feel a single one. But it’s there. All of them.”

His girl was exactly who she needed to be. The perfect combination of two people, each wrapped in a cloud of grief, coming together to hold each other up. It was amazing to watch – or read I suppose – our heroine was perfect for Dylan. The love they have for each other was so true and so strong it filled me with hope. But that is a common emotion with all Jays books for me. Every page is full of hope and I love that SO much!

”I trust her with our love. I trust her with my life.”

If you haven’t read these books yet, then you’re truly missing out. I suggest you go to Amazon like, RIGHT FIRETRUCKING NOW and pick the whole lot of them up. These books have the ability to change your perception on all things. They showed me compassion, love, friendship, loyalty, grief, the list goes on.. Honestly, I highly, highly recommend them.

The talent that Jay McLean shares with her readers is just… inspiring. I want to experience friendship like the More Than gang. Love like them, be loved like them, and I kind of wish I was Lucy (by far my favorite female character in ALL books, ever). But above all, this whole series has gripped my heart from the beginning, I have shed more tears and laughed until I cried more times than I can count with the More gang. I have so much thanks for being able to experience the lives of these characters. More Than Enough was the perfect, bitter-sweet finale to all 5 of these amazing journeys. I have no doubt I will be rereading this series several times. I also have no doubt that this will remain my favorite series. I am in awe of your talent Jay McLean. Thank you, so much, for sharing it with us.

“It’s a good life. A damn good life.”

Amazon Au links for all More books;

More Than This

More Than Her

More Than Him

More Than Forever

More Than Enough

Title: Bury Me

Author: Tara Sivec

Genre: Thriller / Mystery

Rating: 3 Stars

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

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Well, I have discovered that I am not a fan of…whatever this book is! Considering the labyrinth of mystery in Bury Me, I have tried not to add any spoilers. Just be aware that there may be slight nudges that could give you an idea of what unfolded in this story.

When I came across Bury Me I was so thoroughly intrigued that I snapped it up, right then and there. With a captivating riddle for a blurb I was eager to find out what had happened to this poor girl. My mind immediately started filling in possible scenarios. Eager to gobble this story right up off its pages. However, I am a romantic at heart. Unfortunately I eventually realized that above all else, Bury Me is not a romance.

Let me clarify that my low rating on this review is not based on Tara Sivecs ability to wrap her reader in a cloud of mystery. Tara Sivec uses words to stitch a story so compelling that even though I had no flippin’ clue what was going on, I still couldn’t put it down. Bury Me was a Rubix Cube until I was hand fed the answers. No. My low rating is purely selfish. It is solely based on how the story made me feel as I worked my way from cover to cover.

So, that is what I am going to focus on here, how I felt throughout Bury Me. Because I felt a whole hellova lot.

From the very first page of Bury Me I was confused and curious. My mind cooked up several plausible and very possible theories – all of which were proving wrong. So I fed my curiosity, and I kept reading through the confusion.

Confusion and Curiosity was quickly burnt out by frustration and curiosity. Just who is this girl? I have never encountered a character like Ravenna before. Why are her thoughts and inner monologue so… extreme? Ravenna wasn’t reacting nor behaving the way I expected – or wanted. So frustration stepped in.. I was trying to build a character in my head, but all the pieces were creating something very, very dark. Something I wasn’t sure I could like.

But forever the optimist that I am, I persevered. No matter how much I was growing to dislike Ravenna, a part of me was holding onto that last shred of hope. With everything it had. Because that last little bit of hope? Totally, completely convinced, that somehow a happy ending would form.

Closing in on the end of the book, growing angry and still completely confused by Ravenna’s reactions and thoughts. I started yet again to doubt myself, I questioned everything that I thought I had figured out. Seriously, my brain just does not function the same way as Ravenna’s (thankfully) so I found it very difficult to understand why she is like she is. Nevertheless, I was full throttle at that point and eagerly barreling towards the climax. Finally! I was so ready for the answers.

This is the part where I tell you to read on with caution, for fear of possible clues to what happens in the end of this book.

Move over anger, I’m eager now! I am getting the goods. I will collect all the words. This. Was. It.

Throughout a setting which builds gradually, Ravenna finds what it was she was searching for. The scene then escalates rapidly and Ravenna is sent swirling down a drain of her own memories. The moment that she has some clarity and awakens to the events that have unfolded, that were hidden in her memory, she… HAH! I’m not telling you. You have to read the book. Bury Me in its entirety builds up to that one moment. Gotta say… I was expecting…. more?… or different?… or just not… that.

My problem you see, is that the book ends immediately after this climatic scene. BAM! Over.

The ending is abrupt. While I did get the answers to the mystery surrounding Ravenna, I was left with two very, very jaw clenching questions. Know this;

I do not like cliffhangers (mostly)

I do not like loose ends ( I like things wrapped up with a pretty blue ribbon)

I needed those two answers for my sanity, more than any of the rest!

Thankfully Bury Me concludes with a lengthy epilogue. After the big climax, the epilogue gave me a full picture of what happened in the book, and the characters lives; Their beginning, throughout and after. It was not what I was expecting. But then again, none of this book was.

I have to be honest. I hated the epilogue. It ruined the book for me. After reading it I was left with a resounding anger towards…well, everything! After the big scene at the end of the book, the epilogue is twisted. It tells a story that is equal parts ridiculous, unnecessary, and just plain unbelievable. Not to mention the shameless message that rang out loud and clear; that children born from evil, are evil just the same. The epilogue felt like a physical blow. I was winded and angry. To me – for me – it was unjust.

But I did get my two answers and I closed the book. Then I just sat, wondering what the hell just happened. I was -still- angry. That unfortunately is the last feeling I walked away with after reading Bury Me. It smothered all the other feels. It was a feeling unlike anything I had experienced in any of the books I have read.

So yes two stars, purely for Tara Sivecs epic ability to write so well. I know I’m one of few who didn’t enjoy this book, I can understand that. Ravenna is skillfully crafted, and chillingly captivating. While the other characters I found weak, but likable – they made for a good comparison of just what was growing inside Ravenna, with every memory she gained back, and every instinct she followed. The story itself was gripping and suspenseful  – if your into that kind of thing – So, yeah. Had it ended differently, I may have liked it more. But it pushed so hard against everything that makes me, me.. I just couldn’t like it.

But don’t hold back. This is just my small view. If you enjoy dark mysteries that are crafted so that even when the veil is lifted, and the story line turns out to be somewhat… predictable… you still didn’t see it coming.

Title: Archangels Enigma

Author: Nalini Singh

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

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Oh Lordy I do love me a Guild Hunter book. Honestly, have you ever considered out of all the books which one you would choose above all? if you could actually go inside, live in and be a part of a world? Because I have, and this is it! Out of everything I have ever read, I would live in these Guild Hunter books. I love this world, I love the characters, I love the conflict. I want to be an Angel. I want to dive into these books and drink in everything I can. I want in with this crowd!

I will be honest here and say that when I found out the next book was Naasir’s I was disappointed, I didn’t see him as a main character in the previous book. But I eat my words! This book was SO well put together that I just can’t even *FAN-GIRLING*. Naasir’s story was everything it needed to be, I am struggling to find a fault here. We got his love story. And while the relationship between Naasir and Andromeda was the main focus, Nalini Singh managed to include all the other main characters we want to see – without it having a direct effect on Naasir’s story. I don’t know if that makes sense? An example. Naasir is like a son to Demetri, we all know this, so while Demetri is not actually in this book, there is enough reference to him in Naasir’s memories that you can feel him through the whole story.

Naasir is funny, and playful and just built so well. Nalini Singh is an exceptional talent. I can’t tell you what Naasir is, that would spoil the surprise, but I can tell you that he is an amazing character. One of a kind, and simply, refreshing. Naasir is written with a childlike quality to him. The simplicity of his character so relatable and fun. It’s easy to be drawn to him. He definitely was not what I was expecting. And I mean that in the best possible way.

Andromeda. Bring on another bad ass warrior chick! Oh wait, she’s an angelic scholar.. huh, she’s an angel warrior-scholar who kicks ASS! I love Nalini’s heroines! Every time! No weak woman here guys, just some seriously bad ass ladies who know how to kick ass, and look pretty doing it. Andromeda is the perfect blend of sweet and tough. She is young and innocent but so strong and smart at the same time. Having grown up in Charisemnon’s court she has seen far too much hate in the world, but she has never let it stand in her way. She knows where her heart, mind, and loyalties lie. And I never had to question her motive. She is a superbly built new character who was the perfect fit as Naasir’s mate.

Nalini Singh has managed to build on her already established characters, and create new ones in this story, I can honestly say it felt so good to read, like catching up with old friends. While we have a new Archangel awakened – an ancient at that – and a war still going strong. The cascade is causing all sorts of problems for angels all over the world. As a side story through this book we float in and out of New York, just to stay in touch with Raphael, Elena and the rest of the Seven. I may be extremely hopeful but I do feel as though Illium’s book is being set up in this. I was under the assumption (I can’t tell you where this info came from because it was a while ago now) but I thought Venom was up next. But I could be wrong – Am probably wrong – As in this book we watched Illium go through the changes the cascade is causing on his body. We even get an epilogue of Illium at the end of the book – that really had me on the edge of my seat! As one of the most loved characters in this book series, no one wants to see anything bad happen to our Bluebell. So it was really nice to get a good dose of him in this book and hopefully that means we will get a Bluebell book in the near future.

The Guild Hunter books are my favourite Paranormal books – ever – if you haven’t figured that out yet, I am practically singing from the rooftops about this book. It has made me SO happy! I love everything about these books from the layered construction of the world and the strength of the characters to the beautiful cover art. The plot lines are always new and exciting, and things are always developing. When I finished Archangels Enigma I automatically wanted to pick up Angels Blood and start again from book one. I can’t quite explain the emotion these books hold. But they are such an enjoyable read that I would recommend them to anyone, even those who don’t often like paranormal fiction. I am so glad I got bored one day and picked up Angels Blood out of the paperback bin at my local book shop. I have truly loved every second I have spent absorbed in this world.

Thank you Nalini Singh, please don’t ever stop writing.

Title: Before We Were Strangers

Author: Renee Carlino

Genre: Romance

Rating: 2 stars

Publisher: Atria Books

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“I was static, standing on the platform, watching train after train go by, wishing I knew which one to be on.”

I have been trying to figure out exactly what I can say about this book. I hate writing low reviews, I really do. But sometimes it just is what it is.

In saying that, I didn’t hate this book, but I didn’t particularly enjoy it either. Which is sad because I really, really wanted to love this book.

A few things in this book really bothered me, I had NO idea of when this book was happening. Throughout the whole thing, I just couldn’t get a place on a timeline. With only 15 years between the present and the past it felt to me as though the author had gone to far back. I know now after the mention of Jeff Buckley’s death that the past was in fact 1997, making the future 2012, but this book was released in 2015, so to me it just felt off.

Secondly I can’t stand miscommunication, so much time wasted over nothing. Really just have a conversation! This relationship was so back and forth, so on and off that it left my head spinning, and my eyes somewhere in the corner after they rolled out the back of my head.

Then we have our lead characters. Matt I liked enough to keep reading, although throughout part three of the book I did want to slap him. With the exception of a few situations where he was a dick I did like him as a whole. But Grace, I didn’t like, I found her flighty and indecisive. She was never comfortable enough to speak her mind and her decisions were flaky and disappointing. She needed to do more, fight more, be more. Her character was just weak.

Honestly, just the whole back and forth; I can’t be with you, but let’s make-out anyway, kinda thing. It was mind numbing. These two fight, but in the next sentence are spontaneously making out? I get it! You’re in love, but seriously? If you’re going to fight, then do that! Stop going from one extreme to the other, I’m getting readers whiplash here!

My last little peeve with this book was the language. Some parts just did not make sense. Now I have not read anything by Renee Carlino before so I can’t compare her work. But, can someone explain to me how you can pick someone up, have them straddle your waste, then set them on a chair, but still have them in your lap? It just doesn’t compute with me.

So yeah, I didn’t like the flow of this story, I didn’t particularly like the characters in this story. I saw the ‘twist’ -if you can call it that- coming from a mile away. I didn’t feel like there was enough of a follow through, and the ending was all tied up far to nicely for me as well. To many conflicts through out this book went unattended and their were no repercussions for certain characters (Elizabeth) Honestly for someone who could fight so passionately with the love of his life I’m surprised Matt let his ex-wife get away with the things she did. I did however like the context of this book. The idea itself was a good one. But books should leave you feeling full, satisfied. With this book I just felt frustrated. It’s a shame it wasn’t my taste.

“Everything seems better in a memory.”

Title: Until Friday Night

Author: Abbi Glines

Genre: Young Adult

Rating: 4

Reading Age: Young Adult

Publisher: Simon Pulse

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Can someone please explain to me just how exactly I managed to promote this book, get super excited about this book, add it to all my TBR files and recommend it with the blurb attached, and still not once read the blurb myself?!?!?!

Please somebody enlighten me!

Because I somehow went into this book blind.

And it almost destroyed me. (In a really amazing emotional way that really involves no destroying at all)

Abbi Glines new book – Yes please. Nothing else need known. I one-clicked the crap out of this book months ago.

OK, I should let you know that I do have a thing for emotional boys. Men who show emotion does something to me, I think this is why I am more drawn to the male point of view.. Anyway this book was refreshing. I loved it, pretty much for the very reason it has been receiving a few low reviews.

Until Friday night showed up on my kindle the same week as a few other big name books I had been waiting for, and I am ashamed to say I left it till last because I really hadn’t read the blurb and I just assumed it was another girl meets hot jockey boy in Highschool – blah, blah, blah – book. But no. No, it was not.

West is an asshole. At no point in the beginning of this book are you led to think otherwise. He is probably one of the most arrogant, indifferent characters I have come across in not only Abbi’s work, but most books. It’s not everyday that authors allow their lead hero’s to be quite so unlikable. But he is struggling through the likely death of his Father, and while this may not be seen for many as a good enough reason for his behavior, he’s like what? 17 – 18 years old in this book, I mean what can you really expect? He’s feeling alone, he hasn’t told anyone about his dads sickness, the most important person in his life is diminishing before his eyes and he has absolutely no control over any of it. He must feel powerless and sad, so, so, sad. So yeah, I’m gonna give him a break. Personally, I loved him, and his flaws. Those flaws gave West a realism that I don’t think would have been there if he was written with less of an edge.

“Guys who looked like West made girls forget themselves. I had watched it so many times. When you are silent, you can observe so much more. I see others’ mistakes more easily.”

Our heroine in this book is Maggie; beautiful, silent Maggie. This silent female lead seems to be a popular topic at the moment, this being my third or fourth this month with a mute heroine. Anyway, Maggie witnessed the horrific death of her mother and is now living with her maternal Aunt and Uncle. While struggling to come to terms with what she witnessed the night of her mothers’ death Maggie became a selective mute. The reasoning behind this is explained throughout the book. Her silence is what draws West to her in the beginning. It’s easier to talk to someone who doesn’t speak. I don’t want to give out any spoilers here. So I’m just going to say their friendship grows from there. Maggie and West become best friends, they are each others support; helping each other deal with the loss of a parent.

“You’ll hurt. It’s the worst pain. But you’re strong, and you’ll make it through. You’ll have his memory. That wont ever leave you”

As their friendship develops so do the characters. The story mainly focusing on West and Maggie themselves in this book – because each of these boys will get their own story down the line – West becomes dependent on Maggie and their relationship crumbles. I actually got excited when Maggie stood up for herself at this point. When Wests behavior took a turn towards obsessive, I was really proud of Maggie’s reaction. She had watched her parents live through a violent relationship, so to show in Maggie’s story-line how she can not only notice these red flags, but also react to them in a healthy way. It made me happy. I was so glad that Abbi wrote her this way. It showed her strength and self-worth.

“I was there for you when you needed someone. And maybe I’ve become more of a crutch for you. You get angry if anyone gets near me or speaks to me, and that’s not normal. It’s unhealthy. I’ve never given you a reason to be possessive. This thing between us can’t work if you hover over me like a madman.”

But then at the same time this is where I had my only issue with this book. The reason I am only handing it 4 stars. The end felt far to rushed for me. It all happened within a span of two days, that to me was unrealistic and unfortunately kind of dimmed down Maggie’s strong reaction. The book up until this point had progressed well and flowed in a consistent time frame.

Regardless of the hurried finish I loved this book. It was emotional and devastating and I am looking forward to the next one. I just hope West and Maggie feature there, I need to know if West stayed true to his word.

“I don’t want to possess you, Maggie. I want to belong to you”

Until Friday Night was so, so sad. I was crying (sobbing) through the majority of the book. The characters where well written for a young adult book, and the story was easy to read and beautifully written. I do love Abbi Gline’s writing technique. The character development was steady and realistic, they are after all only High School students. The series is said to span out over main group of Football players; Wests best friends. With the next book going to Gunner. I will be keeping an eye out for this next book that’s for sure. If you’re looking for your next emotional read, or maybe you just want to have a good cry then I recommend this book!

 

Title:Fallen Crest University

Author: Tijan

Genre: New Adult / Romance

Rating: 4

Age: Mature Audience

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Can I just start by saying, I freaking LOVE Mason Kade!! Seriously, out of all the books, and all the book boyfriends, Mason is the best. I am so happy to have gotten so much of his POV in this book. We even got some Logan POV, and as much as I love Logan – and I do, I love Logan – my hearts with Mason. *Sigh* 

Logan was back to his usual smartass self in this book, quite different from the emotions he was dealing with in book four, and Mason was softer in this book. While I know he’s a sweetheart and I know we have seen his sensitive side before, he’s softer in this book. His relationship with Sam seems to be really cemented here. He doesn’t hold anything back, I loved that.

“I really love how you love me. Completely. Irrevocably. Overwhelmingly. Selflessly. Unconditionally.” He lifted his head, peering right down into me. His lips were just above mine. “Because I don’t deserve it, but somehow, I got it, and I will never, ever do anything to lose it.”

Fallen Crest University is book 5 in the Fallen Crest series, if you haven’t read the others, stop. Go back. Start with Fallen Crest High. You need to read this series in order. It’s free on Amazon right now, so hop to it.

I have been anticipating this book so much. Even now after finishing it I want to go back and start at book one all over again. The drama is addictive, and boy, there is drama. So. Much. Drama.

Sam is this badass chick who managed to snag the heart of Mr unattainable Mason Kade. Along with Logan Kade, and best friend Nate Monson they are the fearsome foursome. These kids have money, they have looks, they have smarts and they do not let anyone push them around. They are family, and they protect each other, at all cost. But because of their take no bullshit attitudes, they also seem to attract a lot of enemies.

I will admit, it took me a couple of days to get my head in this book, it was a bit slow getting into it. But by mid-point I couldn’t put it down. I read that sucker from 40% straight through to the end with-out stopping. Yes I was up until 3am, but that’s how I like to spend my Friday nights.

In this book, Sam and Logan are off to join Mason in College, and if you have read the previous books, at the end of Fallen Fourth Down a new war had erupted with a new villain Park Sebastian. Park wanted Mason, he wanted to use Mason as a connection, knowing Mason had a future career in Football. When Mason refused to become another of Parks lackeys, Park retaliated and tried to run Mason down with a truck; ruining his career. Now when one of these guys is in danger the others surround and protect. This igniting a war between the two groups. The fearsome foursome, and Parks fraternity. But Mason’s hands were tied here, he’s on a scholarship and can’t get into trouble, so while he is normally leading he has to take a step back and let Logan and Sam lead on this one. The way that Tijan has written this and the events falling into place at the end was fantastic. I don’t think she could have done it better.

Don’t get me wrong here, these kids use money to get away with some very shady shit. They are our protagonists here, but I’m not sure if I can call them hero’s; they are badass. They love each other, they’re an unbreakable bond, and will stop at nothing to eliminate any threat to their family.

“I’m too selfish to let you go, but I’m selfless enough that I will always protect you.” He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to my lips. He breathed there, saying, “Because that’s my job. I will love you. I will take care of you. I will worry about you, and I will do everything in my being to make sure you are okay.”

This book – the angst had me actually physically restraining myself from skipping ahead to see what was happening, I was so impatient. I wanted to know if my suspicion’s were right – they were not – and I couldn’t get there fast enough. The ending was, I don’t even have words; shocking, but satisfying, maybe. I probably should have digested the book for a few more days before I wrote this. I just can’t get enough of these characters.

This is definitely a series I can read again and again, and I really can’t say that for many books. I have given it 4 stars because of some of the psychology. Some points I was scratching my head wondering what I had missed when Sam or one of the others picked up on body language that just didn’t make sense to me. I needed an explanation or a breakdown of what that body language meant. Also because of the lack of other characters in this book, virtually no one from the previous books showed face here. I was expecting more Heather, maybe some Mark, even just more Nate. But it was very focused on Mason, Logan, Sam, Park, and Sams roommate Summer.

Logan’s books is releasing next, and I’m nervous about it. I love Logan just how he is and I don’t know if I want to see that change, I don’t know if I want to see him settle. I can’t help but wonder what it will do to his relationship with Sam if he finds a girl, and I love the dynamic between the two of them.

Tijan, thank you for this book, and the next, I don’t know why I thought this was our final book, but I’m pretty happy that it’s not. I can appreciate how hard it must be to close off a series like this. And I’m super glad this one didn’t end in a cliffhanger like Fallen Fourth Down did. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of the Kade boys. They are well worth the wait.

“You and me.”
“We protect each other.”
“We do.”

Rachel Van Dyken’s new release RIP, a spin-off from the Eagle Elite series. As per always I am super excited about this book, anything new from Rachel Van Dyken is like Christmas for me, so a completely new Mafia series – yes please!

Are you ready? Here it is!!!

Seriously HOT! I can’t wait for this to hit my Kindle on the 20th of October! I’ll be keeping an eye out for the pre-order for sure!