Very addicting series. Best cliffhanger ending yet. Can't wait for the next one.Very addicting series. Best cliffhanger ending yet. Can't wait for the next one....more
Favourite Quote:"I'd go off alone, because you can't trust those who want to break the rules and you certainly can't trust those who make the rules, Favourite Quote:"I'd go off alone, because you can't trust those who want to break the rules and you certainly can't trust those who make the rules, so you do the only thing possible, you avoid the rules."
Wow, I loved The Simple Gift. It is beautiful, touching and potent.
First off, The Simple Gift is written in verse. There is something about verse novels that resonates with me. Maybe because as a teen I often wrote my diaries in verse. I find sometimes simple words can capture so much emotion and this book is the perfect example of that.
The storyline deals with some compelling issues: friendship, love, living on the street, grief and family. Despite the hard issues it deals with this book made me feel happy and hopeful. The characters Bill, Old Bill and Caitlin creep into your heart and stay there. Maybe that is because when you reading this book it is like you are sharing the characters feelings.
There really are no words to describe how this story made me feel but I can tell you this is one of those books that I will keep forever.
Since, I am stuck for words how to describe my thoughts and I also because I love the writing, here is a favourite passage of mine:- (from pg 127)
It was like falling headlong into the clear waters of the Bendarat River and opening my eyes to the beautiful phosphorescent bubbles of light and trying to capture those bubbles in the new world of quiet and calm that carried me along, breathless, and too late, or too early,I surfaced and broke the gentle tide, and I gasped and rolled and wished Caitlin and I could return to the hush of that special world and we could float safe for a lifetime lost and hoping never to be found.
Overall, The Simple Gift is a powerful story that will linger in your thoughts long after you have read it. Fans of verse novels shouldn't miss this book. ...more
Favourite Quote:"He seems to gaze right into me, like he's seeing me for who I truly am. And in that moment, I want to tell him the truth. Crazy, I know. Stupid. Wrong. I try to take a step back, but my foot slips and I almost go headfirst into the river but he catches me."
Wow! Surprisingly I loved it! I have been having a bad run with angel books lately. But this is exactly what I have been looking for. Unearthly has an original plot, interesting characters, swoon worthy crush and overall is a pleasure to read.
Cynthia Hand's writing was just easy to read. Before I knew it I had read 300 pages. The plot wasn't filled with action but rather mystery. Never did venture down the predictable path.
This is probably the most interesting angel concept I have read. There was a little bit of good angel vs fallen angel but for a change it didn't have anything to do with the love interests. The vision and purpose element is what made this so different. Sometimes with angel concepts the history can be complex and hard to understand but this was effortless to follow.
Now to my favourite part of this book, the characters and that is what drives this story. Clara is sweet, sometimes funny, believable and made smart choices. Tucker (~swoons~, sorry but every time he is mentioned that happens) is a crush worthy male character. A true gentleman, witty, gorgeous, and a cowboy (~swoons again~ sorry I am in lurve again). I adored the playful banter aka flirting between Clara and Tucker (~swoons~), it provided plenty of awwww moments. Christian, well he was okay. At first I thought I knew his type - typical, popular, gorgeous, nice guy that every girl is crushing on but in the end was more than I expected.
I know that I have just mentioned two guys so therefore it equals love triangle but do not fear. This love triangle was subtle (although I do think that it might be brewing for the next book). Clara is pretty certain of her choice and doesn't go back and forth.
The ending, no cliffhanger here, yay! There are a few questions but it ends in the right place for more but still leaving readers satisfied.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, it had all the right elements. An outstanding debut.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperTeen for providing me with a copy. I have already pre-ordered my own copy.
Favourite Quote:"As soon as I look up, his eyes click onto my face. The breathe whooshes out of my body and everything freezes for a second, as thougFavourite Quote:"As soon as I look up, his eyes click onto my face. The breathe whooshes out of my body and everything freezes for a second, as though I am looking at him through my camera lens, zoomed in all the way, the world pausing for that tiny span of time between the opening and closing of the shutter."
Delirium is a gripping and intense read. Lauren Oliver writes one sad world, where love is considered a disease that will kill you. Where society has a cure that gives you no control over your life and I personally couldn't think of anything scarier.
Lauren Oliver writing is magnetic and powerful. I remember when I read Before I Fall, I thought it was beautiful and it provoked such a strong emotional reaction out of me and Delirium did the same. You can picture this world and what is happening so perfectly that you feel like you are there (which is kind of terrifying because it is a place that I wouldn't want to be). It is a page turner not because of it's pace but because you are trying to find out if there is hope for these two characters. A happy ending seems impossible. So be prepared for an emotional read.
Both Lena and Alex are likeable and well developed characters that face lots of hard choices. Lena, has the most growth as a character. At the beginning she just wants to go along with society but as she meets Alex and begins to looks inside herself for what she really want, she becomes strong and brave. Something she definitely wasn't at first. Lena and Alex chemistry is apparent from the beginning and it is beautiful to watch their relationship develop. I also have to mention that Alex is a book lover and even uses his fridge to hold books (you got to love guys who love to reads)!
The ending, WOW! It certainly had a few surprises and the action felt like it was just beginning. I am eagerly anticipating the next book after that cliffhanger.
Overall, Delirium is a outstanding dystopia read that will linger in your thoughts long after you are finished.
This book is written in diary enteries and it sometimes lacked emotion. It was hard to get a feel of what was goinDiary of a Crush was kind of crappy.
This book is written in diary enteries and it sometimes lacked emotion. It was hard to get a feel of what was going on at the beginning. The first half the writing was really choppy and kind of disconnected but the second half had picked up and had a nice flow and started to get that emotional connection that was missing in the first bit.
Edie, she drove me mad. She kept kissing and crushing after Dylan even when he treated her like dirt. The guy is moody and a douche. In one scene they have a major kiss and then he gets all moody and Edie falls over and he doesn't help her up he just looks at like he is annoyed that she fell over. I like gentlemen and not jerks. The both did improve somewhat at the end. Edie started standing up for herself and Dylan started being less of a jerk. The did however have some hot makeout scenes.
Favourite Quote:"You look beautiful," says Russ. And it's the simple sentence that you think will mean nothing, because maybe your mom has said it toFavourite Quote:"You look beautiful," says Russ. And it's the simple sentence that you think will mean nothing, because maybe your mom has said it to you a thousand times, or your best friend says it when your're having insecure moment about your outfit. But it's not like that - it's completely different when a guy says it. I didn't know that until this moment, because it's the first time a guy has ever said it to me. Three words just gave me goose bumps, and I feel like a girly girl for a second.'
Are you looking for a good romantic comedy that will have you laughing out loud, swooning over the male lead and has plenty of awwww isn't that sweet moments? Then look no further because Lovestruck Summer is that and more.
This book is a fun and quick read. It’s plot is a little bit predictable but completely enjoyable and will just make you feel good. It is also not all about love but also about not judging people before you know them and giving different things a chance. And if are suffering a reading rut well this book will be the perfect cure.
What makes this book stand out for me from other romantic comedy is the characters. Priscilla aka Quinn 'lives her life in her headphones', obsessed with the alternative music scene. She is a little bit different, smart and extremely stubborn. Russ, is the all American boy from next door who doesn't mind a bit of country music. He is a lot of fun, gorgeous and certainly keeps Priscilla on her toes.
Their romance progresses at that nice natural pace and they connect over the simplest things. There is a scene in the book where Russ takes Priscilla to a natural spring and they just talk about things they each like, it is so simple but at the same time it is beautiful and you can feel the chemistry.
Another wonderful element of this book is the music. Which is indie meets country. If this book had a theme song it would be "Can't Help Falling in Love".
Overall, Lovestruck Summer is just what I needed and more than expected....more
Favourite Quote:'You know what they say about mistakes though,' she said, all breathy and half-lipsy. 'It's the only way you ever learn anything.' AnFavourite Quote:'You know what they say about mistakes though,' she said, all breathy and half-lipsy. 'It's the only way you ever learn anything.' And she leant forward and kissed him. Right there, in the middle of the bar. Right there, in the middle of his lips.
This book marches to it's own beat! Beatle Meets Destiny is a little bit quirky, completely original but absolutely brilliant.
Right from the start this book was was a lot of fun. In the first chapter we learn Beatle has a twin who was born on a different day in a different year (I know what you are thinking it make no sense but trust me it does). This book made me laugh so hard I am glad that I wasn't reading it in public.
Not only do you laugh but you get caught up in the emotional mess of Beatle and Destiny's lives. Making you want to savour every word but at the same time rush to the end to know that everything is going to work out okay.
Beatle, I didn't expect to love him as much as I did. I mean the guy has a girlfriend (who is super nice) and he is kissing another girl. But Beatle was a little bit different in a good way (he had this strange quirk about Friday 13th), he is witty and of course handsome. And the whole kissing another girl thing well I completely understood why Beatle did it.
Destiny, is the artistic type who is up for anything kind of girl (she applied for a stalker position!). She also is a little bit quirky in her own way (she writes star signs for a local magazine and based on her large and crazy family). They are both really hard to describe but are impossible not to love.
And the secondary character they were just as well developed and as interesting. I especially liked Beatle sister, Winsome with her snarky attitude. I am hoping William's writes a book about her.
There were also some funny conversations that brought back lots of memories for me that Destiny had with her best friends about signs in any given situation. 'If I see a yellow car in the next five minutes that means Josh likes me'. Also listing all the reason why he possibly didn't call 'I know what happened,' Mathilde said, clicking her fingers again. 'He's had a terrible accident and can't call because he's broken his hands'. I couldn't help but laugh because when I was a teenager, my friends and I would have the exact same conversation. So I do think Williams has captures teen life perfectly.
Overall this is an outstanding book that everybody needs to read!
“The ocean is a vivid emerald colour and the wind ruffles the wave faces so that they shatter the sunlight like glass. Seeing that glittering skin alw“The ocean is a vivid emerald colour and the wind ruffles the wave faces so that they shatter the sunlight like glass. Seeing that glittering skin always tightens my throat with joy. It’s stupid, but that how I feel: joyous. I forget about the underbelly of things, my secrets, and I feel easy and free. I know that I’m meant to stay on the surface and be happy. Just enjoy being alive.”
I don’t know why but I find it so hard to write reviews for books I love. I have been struggling with this review for hours now and I don't think I will do it the justice it deserves. So I am going to try a different approach. I am going to list Reasons why I loved Raw Blue:-
- This book is truly Australian. The language, the surf culture, the characters, it all feels like home to me.
- It is effortless to read. It just has a nice flow to it. Still can’t believe this is her debut novel.
- It was intense, honest and beautiful. A book that lingers in your thoughts.
- Believable characters. I think characters should work for their happily ever. You want to see them grow and change. And Eagar did this perfectly.
- Carly is such a compelling character. You can’t help but become emotionally invested. And it keeps you up at night reading because you just want to know that things will turn out right for her.
- Ahhh…Ryan 'mate'. I have found a new literary crush. What I liked about him was that he wasn’t letting his past dictate his future and that he never gave up on Carly when a lot of guys would have said it too hard.
- Danny because he made me laugh. Such a smart arse kid.
- Because the way Eagar wrote about the ocean it felt like it was another character. It made me want to go down to the beach and watch the waves roll in.
- Because most of all it was a story about love. Falling in love, doing the things that you love and loving yourself.
Favourite Quote"But what if the monsters come?" "Fancy." Kit looked away from the drama to stare at her sisters, surprised. "We are the monsters."
SlicFavourite Quote"But what if the monsters come?" "Fancy." Kit looked away from the drama to stare at her sisters, surprised. "We are the monsters."
Slice of Cherry is DIFFERENT. Did I like it? Yes. Did it scare the crap out of me? Yes? It twisted? YES!
The world of Portero is hands down the strangest the world I have ever read. The description of this world is amazing. Dia Reeves writing is fast moving, unpredictable and engrossing. However even though I did enjoy this, quite a few times I was thinking is Reeves crazy. For me, sometimes the scenes were a little too weird and gruesome. That might be because I am not the biggest fan of horror and can't even watch a scary movie without having nightmares for weeks. So I am warning you this book isn't for the faint at heart.
I did however love the characters Fancy and Kit. They are two sisters you wouldn't want to cross. Both original, interesting and a little bit wicked. Fancy though was my favourite, maybe because she wasn't as scary as Kit.
Overall, if you loved Bleeding Violets or are fan of horror or ever wanted to know what a killer or should I say killers are thinking, than I think you will love this.
Thank you to my friend Tina for sharing her copy with me. It was an intriguing read even if it scared me to death. ~grabs book out of freezer and runs to post this to Teccc~
Favourite Quote: "You know when you put something on lay-by and you look forward to paying it off and picking it up in a few weeks? That's how I feel Favourite Quote: "You know when you put something on lay-by and you look forward to paying it off and picking it up in a few weeks? That's how I feel about my life. I've been looking forward to picking it up my brand new life for a while now. Once I get my new life I'll be fun, interesting and happy - perfect".
This is a book that just make you smile. Raincheck on Timbuktu is funny, smart and such a truthful coming of age story that really captures all the emotions and confusions of being a teen. It has a wonderfully bunch of characters but I adored Lucy and really felt for her as she learned to let go of the past and started living in the moment. To me this is an Aussie classic. I only wish I had read this as a teen.
Favourite Quote:"He swallowed and wiped his mouth. 'I think you're beautiful'."
Everything Beautiful is a wonderful coming age of tale that was both Favourite Quote:"He swallowed and wiped his mouth. 'I think you're beautiful'."
Everything Beautiful is a wonderful coming age of tale that was both hilarious and heart wrenching. It sends a message how important it is to truly love yourself with all your uniqueness.
The writing from the very first page had captured my interest, by the third page it had me laughing and by the fifth page it had pulled at my heart. When a book can do that within the first 5 pages then you know it is going to be good and well it was.
Everything Beautiful is a character driven novel and these characters are quirky, complex and entertaining. You either love them or hate them, there is no in between. Riley, our a female protagonist, is a misfit and a vibrant character. Instantly likeable and completely relatable. I liked how Dylan described Riley:
’Well most people try to avoid trouble. You go for it with open arms. Also, for someone who wears a lot of black, you’re very colourful. You like this…action feature where there’s so much going on that the audience can’t tell who they’re supposed to be barracking for.’
Dylan, a paraplegic, who is on his own journey was my favourite character though. His witty personality kept me amused. This story felt like it was his too and I think it would have been just a strong from his point of view.
There was some romance in this story and had a nice natural progression to it. There was no instant declaration of love. I think again Dylan summed it up well: ‘We’re just in deep like’.
Overall, a great read that left me in a good mood!
He grinned. "Adam seems to think you've declared yourself his. But, given his record of doing that without consulting you, I thought I'd ask you myse He grinned. "Adam seems to think you've declared yourself his. But, given his record of doing that without consulting you, I thought I'd ask you myself." I raised my hands in helpless surrender. "What can I say. My mother thinks he's hot. I have no choice but to take him. Besides, it's a terrible thing to see a man crawling... begging."
Love this book! This would have to be one of my all time favourite series. I could go on and on about how amazing Mercy, Adam, Samuel, Stefan, Ben, Warren and Jesse are. Or how it is full of action, suspense, humour and heart but I won't. I'll just say read this series. It is very addicting :) ...more
“You keep bothering monsters, Mercy, and someday something is going to eat you.” He sounded calm and cool as he kept his eyes on the fence I’d jumped “You keep bothering monsters, Mercy, and someday something is going to eat you.” He sounded calm and cool as he kept his eyes on the fence I’d jumped over. He had a big automatic in one hand - he must carry concealed because I hadn’t notice him holding one when opened the door. “Oh, I hope not,” I said in between gasps. “I don’t want to be eaten. I’ve been counting on the vampires to kill me first”.
I am in love with this series! It just keeps getting better and better. Action packed, witty, suspenseful and entertaining as usual but this one was also a lot more emotional. There was tears shed for Mercy. Beware there will be spoilers further down.
In this instalment a fae friend has called in a favour from Mercy, needing her keen sense of smell to help find a killer in the fae reservation. When Zee is charged with a brutal murder. Mercy finds herself looking for the truth alone. And of course in a lot more danger.
SPOILERS BELOW!!!!!
Also in this instalment Mercy finally makes a decision in regards to her romantic situation. I am very happy with her choice. I love the spark between Mercy and Adam. But I couldn’t believe Briggs ended the book in what looks like the beginning of a naughty scene. Thankfully I have the next book otherwise I would have had to race down to the bookstore immediately.
This book also made me cry with what happened to Mercy. Briggs wrote it well, not making it brutal and leaving out details but it was still heartbreaking. When Adam came in and ripped him to shreds and they way he cared for her afterwards made my crush on him even bigger.
Overall, AMAZING. I’m off to start on Bone Crossed immediately. I just can’t seem to get enough. A big thank you to my friends at Bookers who recommended this series! ...more
"Damn it" I said "I don't suppose you have any ideas on how to kill Littleton" He smiled at me, his teeth very white in the darkness of his face "Eat "Damn it" I said "I don't suppose you have any ideas on how to kill Littleton" He smiled at me, his teeth very white in the darkness of his face "Eat him" he said."
To me this is Urban Fantasy at it’s best. Clever writing, action packed plot, great characters, witty dialogue and subtle romance, Blood Bound has it all. This series is quickly becoming a favourite of mine.
In this second instalment Mercy’s vampire friend Stefan asked her for a favour. She is to be a witness in her coyote form while he delivers a message to a fellow vampire. But things turn out to be a dangerous bloodbath as the vampire has a demon possessing his soul. The vampires and the werewolves tell Mercy to stay out of it. But when the ones she cares about are in danger Mercy isn’t the kind of girl to sit on the sidelines and wait.
How can you not love Mercy? In this instalment she is the same kick ass character but I think we get to see a little more heart especially in the romance department. Of course the romance is moving along at a snail pace but it works well as they have great chemistry ensuring sparks are flying whenever Mercy is alone with either Adam or Samuel. The love triangle doesn‘t bother me like it does in some other books. I think because you can see why Mercy is confused. I so hope Mercy chooses Adam though ~crosses fingers and toes~.
Overall, this is a series you shouldn’t miss! ...more
"I may have been dead for the past hundred and fifty years, Susannah," Jesse said, "but that doesn't mean I don't know how people say good night. And "I may have been dead for the past hundred and fifty years, Susannah," Jesse said, "but that doesn't mean I don't know how people say good night. And generally, when people say good night, they keep their tongues to themselves."
This books was loads of fun. It kept me entertained with it’s witty characters, action packed plot and a budding romance.
The plot was fast paced and well written. It was a little bit predictable, so I thought. But Cabot through in a few unexpected surprises.
Suze is a character who isn’t afraid to kick some butt. She won’t take crap from anybody and will stick up for her friends. Jesse is a sweetie and a bit of a mysterious character. We haven‘t got his full story yet and it will be interesting to find out why as a ghost he is still hanging around. Suze and Jesse have some great chemistry even if they both won’t admit they have feelings for each other yet. But the most entertaining character is Doc (Suze 12 year old stepbrother who knows facts about everything). There is a scene in the book where he is giving his 16 year old brother a lecture in front of their parents about condoms and how effective they are. It had me laughing out loud and getting some very strange looks.
Overall, if you a looking for a book to brighten your day read this. You’ll find yourself smiling the whole way through!...more
"MS. THOMPSON, it said in heavy block letters, PLEASE KEEP YOUR FELINE OFF MY PROPERTY. IF I SEE IT AGAIN, I WILL EAT IT."
Lately I have been reading "MS. THOMPSON, it said in heavy block letters, PLEASE KEEP YOUR FELINE OFF MY PROPERTY. IF I SEE IT AGAIN, I WILL EAT IT."
Lately I have been reading just pretty much young adult books but I thought I give adult urban fantasy a go and I’m so glad I did. Moon Called was action packed, witty, suspenseful and addictive. When I finished it I wanted to run straight down to the bookstore and get the next one but unfortunately I had spent my weekly book budget.
The plot is fast moving although there is a lot of world building but that is to be expected in the first instalment of a series. I liked the world Briggs has created with werewolves, skin walkers, fae, vampires and magic.
I loved Mercy instantly. She is loyal, stubborn, smart, tough and has a lot of sass. Kind of the gal I wish I was. There is a bit of a love triangle happening even if there isn’t a lot of romance in this book. Adam is delicious, he is the alpha male of the pack, need I say more. While Samuel is Mercy first love and another dominant werewolf. I’m still not sure if I can trust him with Mercy's heart. As you can imagine two stubborn werewolves with there eye on the same mate makes for some funny scenes. They other secondary characters are a interesting and entertaining bunch with Zee, Stefan, Warren, Kyle Jesse and Bran.
Overall, I loved every minute of it and I need the rest of the series NOW!...more
Favourite Quote:"Isn't it funny? The things we say, that come back to bite us. Maybe there's no such thing as innocent words after all."
Fury is smartFavourite Quote:"Isn't it funny? The things we say, that come back to bite us. Maybe there's no such thing as innocent words after all."
Fury is smart, dark, edgy, brilliantly written and unexpected in many ways.
Shirley Marr had delivered a page turning novel that has a strong and compelling narrative. All you know at the beginning is Eliza is a killer. You don't know who, why or how. So you are sitting on the edge waiting to find out what happened as this well thought out plot smoothly and slowly comes together. The writing has a nice flow as Fury effortless goes from present to the past.
As I mentioned above Fury is unexpected but in a good way. What was surprising is how much by the end it had got under my skin to the point it made me cry. There were two scenes that made my heart ache. For days those moments just lingered. I guess going into this book I was expecting all suspense and drama but there were fun, sweet and tender moments of friendship and some raw and gritty moments that reminds you how cruel life can be sometimes.
Eliza, the main character, is not the nicest person. She is mean and a bit of snob, but surprisingly I liked her because she never pretends to be someone she is not. And she is also not that typical teen voice. I think Eliza sums herself up perfectly in the book 'hot-tempered, unreasonable and I do stupid impulsive things...'. But she is a loyal friend to those close to her. She certainly hasn't had it easy with her absent father and her mother that is never around. By the end I had connected with on a more in-depth level than I expected.
Overall, Shirley Marr had delivered a thrilling and intensely readable debut novel.
Thank you to Shirley Marr for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review