Favourite Quote: "And yet, this is part of it too. This deep, dark grief - it kind of shakes you up, makes you appreciate life, love more. It opens yFavourite Quote: "And yet, this is part of it too. This deep, dark grief - it kind of shakes you up, makes you appreciate life, love more. It opens your heart."
The River of Time is one of my favourite series so I was super excited to get my hands on an early copy of the final installment Torrent. And what an incredible read! It was everything I hope for and so much more.
Again Lisa Tawn Bergren has written another exciting and suspense filled plot. There are so many pulse pounding moments as Gabi and her love ones are never far from danger. But it isn't just action and adventure but also a insightful and meaningful story. It reminds you to appreciate every moment you have.
Gosh, I adore these characters. They are the type you admire and who inspire you to be a better person. It is always hard to pick a favourite out of this outstanding bunch but it would have to be Gabi with her strength, courage and kindness. She really has grown and mature so much in the series. Then you have Marcello and he is much more than just an Italian hottie. He is smart, loyal, brave and has such a beautiful and caring soul. In this installment Gabi's family plays such a large part of the story. It is great to read a book with such strong and positive family presence.
Now, talk about swoon. Torrent had plenty of heart melting moments. And I was surprised as another character tempted my heart away from Marcello (which I thought impossible). I wish I could say more but I don't want to spoil the book for you. I am hoping (and begging) that Lisa Tawn Bergren will decide to write this character a spin off series because I am in love again!
Overall, Torrent was amazing. My favourite out of the three and a perfect end to an unforgettable series. If you like stories full of adventure and romance then this is a must read.
Favourite Quote:It's weird when someone gets you understands what you would never say not even to yourself.
WOW! Split was such a hard read but I meanFavourite Quote:It's weird when someone gets you understands what you would never say not even to yourself.
WOW! Split was such a hard read but I mean that in a good way. It broke my heart and made me cry (big fat tears) within the first 15 pages but I absolutely loved it!
Avasthi has written a remarkable and powerful story. This book definitely took me on an emotional rollcoaster ride. One minute I am crying, then I am grinning, then I am getting angry. I was completely and utterly invested in this story and the characters within the first chapter. And that because Avasthi is a talented writer.
It would have to be the most realistic book that I have read about abuse and more so what happens after. I could really could with connect with Jace and what happened too him as I had a similar experience when growing up. Avasthi really explore this dark area with sensitivity and honesty. I am still amazed at how true to life this book is especially when it came to the questions Jace asked.
I try to think of something to say. Over the years I've collected questions after question, but I can't seem to find them now. We're not ready for them, anyway, so I go for the easy ones.
The characters just blew me away. Jace is everything I look for in a character multi-layered and believable. He is an intense, flawed yet charming soul that really captured my heart. And then there is his brother Christian my heart went out too him too. His story and struggles were just a strong as Jace's journey.
And despite the hard subject of the story it isn't all sadness and tears. It still has moments that make you grin especially when it come to the new friendship Jace was forming with Mirriam, Christian girlfriend and Dakota, his co-worker.
Overall Split is INCREDIBLE. It really is a standout read. It is story that is going to linger in my thoughts for a long time and will happily find a home on my favourite's shelf.
Thanks to Nomes for the rec and lending me her copy. You never let me down with recommendations and I have decided to read every book you love from now on. LOL!...more
Favourite Quote: You tell yourself you aren't something or that you can't be something and you know what? It will become true. You have to decide whoFavourite Quote: You tell yourself you aren't something or that you can't be something and you know what? It will become true. You have to decide who you are and what you can do and then go after what you want. Because believe me, no one is going to give it to you."
Okay, first up I have to admit I am on a bit of Elizabeth Scott binge at the moment. I just the love the way her books make you feel - happy yet at the same time makes your heart ache a little. And Perfect You is a perfect example of that.
Like I have said before Scott writing is stunning. Her voice is so true to life. She deals with some compelling issues with honesty and heart. Her charaters always draw you into their world and are always unforgettable.
Kate, is a character that I just get. Someone so easy for me to connect with. She is someone who doesn't realise her own self worth. She pushes away Will because she doesn't think he is really into her. She believes that her Anna can be bestfriend again even though Anna treats her like dirt. Her family is falling apart and she feels like she has no-one to turn too.
And Will, I adore. Completely irresistible (and yes book boyfriend material). I love, love, love the playful banter between him and Kate. The really had great chemistry.
"Kate, don't be like that. You know I only did so well because I yearn-see, SAT word- to follow you to college and steal your heart." "Uh-huh. Too bad for you I don't plan on attending clown college." He grinned. "Only you would ignore the incredibly sweet thing I just said." "Only you would describe one of your asinine comments as incredibly sweet."
"I know you secretly have being dying to check me out" "All right, you caught me. I'm secretly obsessed with you and spend all my free time writing about you in my journal. 'Dear Diary, today Will was an ass for the 467th day in a row. He's so dreamy".
Want to know my favourite part of this book? The yummy kissing scenes. Before reading Perfect You Alexa from Not Enough Bookshelves and Nomes from Inkcrush did mention some delicious kissing scenes (and this may have been the main reason I desperately ran out and bought a copy) and they were right. I just love the build up and the tenderness of moments between Kate and Will. They are one of my all time favourite couples.
Overall, Perfect You is a charming and clever read that I couldn't get enough of. If you love a good coming of age story with a nice touch of romance then you shouldn't miss this....more
Even before I had finished my review I have already done a book boyfriend post on Alex! Please click on link if you want a visual of Alex :) http://irEven before I had finished my review I have already done a book boyfriend post on Alex! Please click on link if you want a visual of Alex :) http://irresistiblereads.blogspot.com...
Favourite Quote:He bent his head and in a voice that Jack couldn't hear, said, "When you came down the stairs and fell into me, that was the moment.'" Then his lips pressed against mine.
Wow! Hunting Lila is such an awesome read. It is a fast paced, entertaining, intensely readable story that is completely addictive.
Alderson has some dazzling story telling skills. I was completely absorbed in this tale and was unable to put it down until the last page. It has a fantastic mix of supernatural powers, suspense, mystery, action and romance. While the supernatural theme in Hunting Lila has an familiar yet enjoyable feel I thought the military element added an interesting element. Hunting Lila also has an upper YA feel too which makes it great read for those of us who are no longer a young adult but still love our YA.
Lila has a genuine and strong narrative makes her instantly likeable. Easy to relate too especially when it comes to her love life (who hasn't crushed on someone older or someone they have know for years?) and she is also a lot of fun. Then we have Alex. Protective, smart and caring (and it doesn't hurt that he is gorgeous too). There is also a well rounded bunch of secondary characters that I am looking forward to getting to know better in the next installment.
The romance is Hunting Lila was perfect. I was swooning at that dreamy and slightly sexy romance within the first couple of chapters. Lila and Alex had believable and sizzling chemistry together with a relationship that moved at the right pace.
Oh and what an ending! Alderson throws us an unexpected twist that leaves me craving book #2 now despite it not being a cliffhanger ending.
Overall, Hunting Lilia is an engaging and passionate read. I suggest you run out and grab a copy of this impressive debut immediately. ...more
Favourite Quote:"The story of my life can be told in silver; in chocolate mill, serving spoons, and service for twelve. The story of my life has nothFavourite Quote:"The story of my life can be told in silver; in chocolate mill, serving spoons, and service for twelve. The story of my life has nothing to do with me. The story of my life is things. Things that aren't mine, that won't ever be mine. It's all I've ever know. I wish it wasn't."
Three words - I LOVED IT! Stealing Heaven is my kind of book. It has a happy and fun feel but also has depth and heart and has one of the most delicious romances I have read in a while.
We all know that Elizabeth Scott is a talented writer. I have read a couple of her books before and enjoyed them but Stealing Heaven is definitely my favourite. Probably because pretty much the whole way through I had a goofy grin on my face. The writing is just so effortless to read and hooks you straight in. It is also so perfectly paced - you are excited for the next page but never feel rushed. And the characters you just click with.
Dani, awww I want to hug her. Her life is pretty sad to begin with. She is closed off from the world and has missed out on her teens years (no friends, no relationships, no school, no home) because of her mother and the life they live as thieves. I loved watching her grow and come to realise what she really wants. And also beginning to stand up for herself with her mother (I was cheering at that part).
Now Dani's mother, I can definitely say she is going on my most disliked parent list. I know that she thought what she did was the best thing for Dani but I all I could think was how selfish she was.
Greg is such a strong supporting character. You just have to say his name and the above mentioned goofy grin appears on my face. Just a great guy. I like that he never gave up on Dani no matter how much she tried to push him away and also that he had made mistakes in his past which helped him be more believable as character.
The romance is so gorgeously written. It comes gently and naturally and very very slowly builds up to that first kiss so that you are screaming KISS NOW! Dani and Greg just had brilliant chemistry.
"Hey," he says, and leans over, brushes his thumb across my mouth. "You'll figure it out." I nod caught by that simple touch. By how good it feels. Being with him makes the whole world sharper somehow. More real. More everything."
Overall, Stealing Heaven is a sweet and real read that is a perfect escape for a few hours. I am off now to squeeze it onto my favourite's shelf.
And again a big thank you to Nomes ((hugs)) for recommending me another brilliant book!
Favourite Quote: But I have faith in the people that surround me now, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they will catch me if I let myself fFavourite Quote: But I have faith in the people that surround me now, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they will catch me if I let myself fall. And so I do. I let myself fall.
Sometimes a book surprises you and that is the case with This Gorgeous Game. I thought it would be good but I never expected to love it as much as I did. There are just so many brilliant elements to this book like exceptional writing, a thought provoking plot and outstanding characters that makes this one of my favourite reads.
17 year old Olivia wins a writing competition. Her prize is a scholarship for the summer to study a writing course and be mentored by Father Mark at the Holy Mary University. Olivia is super excited at first to be learning from her literary idol and also a well respected and adored priest. Father Mark showers attention and praise on Olivia. But soon his keen interest for Olivia turns into something more.
It is a intense read in a subtle kind of way. It explores such dark areas which such sensitivity. I would say it is emotional but never painful to read. And talk about a powerful story. It just lingers with you for days and days after you have finished.
The characters are impressive. Olivia had such an utterly convincing voice. You could really feel her excitement and joy turn to pain, confusion and a sense of helplessness. And Father Mark ~shudders~. The emotional pain he caused Olivia will definitely make you angry and creep you out a little.
However there are also plenty of moments in this book that will bring you happiness like Olivia's relationship with her family, friends and Jamie. Jamie is a guy Olivia meets at the University. There romance is absolutely beautiful. It was written in a subtle way that didn't take away from the important issues this story deals with.
Overall, This Gorgeous Game is a standout story for me. A real and honest read that will leaving you saying WOW.
Favourite Quote:"Takes a lot of tries before you hit perfection." He paused to reconsider that. "Well, except for my parents. They got it on the first try." (Adrian)
Before starting Bloodlines I was in a reading slump. No matter which book I tried nothing was really holding my attention. But Bloodlines fixed that. I loved this book! It was a incredible story that I couldn't get enough of.
Mead is one of my favourite authors. Her writing is unbelievable. Always intensely readable and fiercely entertaining. Together with a plot that is full of tension and twists. This series is a great mix of both the alchemist and vampires worlds. And those two worlds could not be more different.
What I love about Mead's characters are that they are complicated. No cardboard cut-outs of characters here. I have to admit I wasn't sure if I was going to like Sydney as a main character. She is so different from the kick-butt Rose (from Vampire Academy) who is one of my all time favourites. But the more I read Bloodlines the more I liked Sydney. She showed loyalty, courage, kindness and surprisingly strength. I can definitely see her joining the ranks of my favourite characters.
Then you have Adrian. I have always loved him in the Vampire Academy series and I am happy to see him play such a big role in this book. He is charming, quick witted guy who is suffering from a broken heart. At times I may have been a little tiny bit frustrated that he was playing the victim. I know he is hurting (and I would love to make him all better *wink wink*) but it gets a little tired after a while. So I was very happy that as Bloodlines went on he started to show really growth and change as character and even had a hero moment or two.
Jill is such a sweet character. One you want to hug. I really connected with her and am looking forward to getting more of her story as this series goes on. Then you have more some incredible secondary characters like Eddie from Vampire Academy and a bunch of newbies including Trey, Ms Terwillger and Micah. As well as Abe who pops in every now and then and even a visit from Rose.
We all know how much I love a good romance in a story. Well Bloodlines there is no romance yet but rather some delicious chemistry simmering.
And OH the ending! Mead delivers her speciality - a knock-out ending that will leave you craving more. I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger as such but rather something that is going to leave you saying UH-OH this is going to be interesting.
Overall, Mead has delivered another novel that is nothing less than SUPERB. Bloodlines is a must read! Seriously run out and get a copy now!...more
What I imagine Four to look like: http://irresistiblereads.blogspot.com... My Favourite Quote:As we walk toward the Pit, I repeat the line Will quotedWhat I imagine Four to look like: http://irresistiblereads.blogspot.com... My Favourite Quote:As we walk toward the Pit, I repeat the line Will quoted to myself so I don't forget it. I believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives on person to stand up for another. It is a beautiful thought.
Wow! What an amazing debut. As soon as I had finished Divergent I re-read it all over again. That is how much I loved it. For me it had all the right elements - extraordinary writing, gripping plot, unforgettable characters and delicious romance.
Roth's prose was sharp and addicting. It was a fast paced ride that I never wanted to stop reading. The plot had plenty of surprises yet there was a few twists I saw coming but it was the kind of predictable twists that you completely enjoy.
Tris is a compelling character who I admire. I like that she was a strong brave kick butt character but yet still had insecurities and doubts making her easy to relate to. With Four it was love at first sight or rather first read. Strong, daring (who doesn't like a dare devil), mysterious and HOT. There is also some intriguing secondary characters like Uriah, Christina and Caleb who I hope we get to see more of in the next instalment.
Tris and Four's relationship was surprisingly sweet and tender yet a little steamy. Their romance was perfectly done so it didn't overwhelm this brilliant story.
Overall, a spectacular debut that left me craving more. This is definitely one of my favourite reads of 2011....more
This is my first Deb Caletti book and won't be my last because I LOVED it. Stay is masterfully written and so powerfully honest, it is just an absolutThis is my first Deb Caletti book and won't be my last because I LOVED it. Stay is masterfully written and so powerfully honest, it is just an absolutely brilliant read.
Stay is the story of Clara, a normal teenage girl. It is just her and her Dad as Clara's Mum pasted away when she was younger. Clara meets Christian and quickly falls in love. At first he appears to be the perfect boyfriend - sweet, caring, gorgeous and treats her so well. But Christian becomes controlling and obsessive. It is told in two different perspectives, before and after and alternates each chapter. Before is Clara's and Christian's relationship and After is Clara's and her Dad's escape for the summer to Bishop Rock.
This book could be a true story, as Caletti really captures how it feels to be in a controlling and obsessive relationship. Like how you are always anticipating their reaction, how they put you down, how you do anything to avoid a fight and the lies you tell. I wish I could go back in time and hand this book to my teenage self, it was the kind of book I needed and one I think all teenage girls should read.
The writing in Stay is beautiful and full of raw emotion. I badly wanted to put a favourite quote up but since it is an ARC I am not allowed. But I noted over 30 quotes! I kept highlight paragraph after paragraph. Something about Caletti's writing really connected with me. I think it is the honesty and all the heart in the story.
The characters are exceptional. Clara, her Dad, Finn, and Sylvie, I loved them all. So well fleshed out and so fully alive especially Clara. You can completely see why she fell for Christian and understand her decisions as the relationship went on. I have to say I would have probably made the same choices she did. Clara is definitely one of the most realistic characters I have read in a while.
I also enjoyed the relationship Clara had with her Dad. He was a loving father but he still had his flaws. And again it nice to see a parent being present consistently throughout the story. Their is also some very swoon worthy moments provided by Finn. He was such a good guy, confident, happy and caring. Having Finn in the story you could easily see Christian flaws and the difference between a healthy and a unhealthy relationship.
Overall, this book is amazing. I highly recommend Stay to all fans of contemporary fiction. Definitely a favourite read for 2011.
Thanks to Simon Pulse, S & S Galley Grab for providing me with a copy
Favourite Quote:"He took his pain and turned it into something beautiful. Into something that people connect to. And that's what good music does. It speaks to you. It changes you."
WOW! I am seriously blown away by how fantastic this book is. I loved Saving June. I am going to try and write a proper review here when all I want to do is go all fan girl about it!
Harper's older sister June takes her life. Harper is devastated and doesn't know why. Her divorced parents decide to split the ashes but Harper isn't about to let that happen. She steals the ashes and runs off on a road trip to California to scatter the ashes across the ocean with her best friend Laney and Jake a stranger that is somehow connected to June.
First up this book is my type of contemp. It is real and honest. It takes you on a journey with these incredible characters. I am so impressed with Harrington's writing. You would never think this is her debut novel. It is clever, gorgeous and full of heart.
Harper, Jake and Laney are believable characters that come alive in the pages. I adored the realistic dialogue between them. It was witty, full of emotion and often humorous. I also like that fact the characters are flawed but still smart and are type of people I would love to be friends with.
Harper is strong and confident in what she believes yet can be afraid to step outside her own comfort zones at times and often doubts how amazing she really is. Laney is her best friend and is a wonderful support person for Harper no matter what. It is the type friendship everybody wants. Now Jake he caused major swooning. He is a bit rough around the edges, is majorly obsessed with music, plays the guitar, sings and has a secret that very slowly unravels.
There is also some delicious romance. I had to go back and re-read those pages over (and over and over and over) again!
Another element I loved about this book is there is loads of music talk. Also playlists at the the end of the book that were mentioned in the story. If you are huge fan of books with music you are going to love this and will want to download all the songs mentioned (if you don't already have them).
Overall, a stunning debut. My favourite road trip book ever. I insist all you fans of realistic fiction give Saving June a read!
Note. I always highlight my favourite parts of a book and as you can see from below I pretty much marked every page!
"She kissed me good-bye. She told me that she loved me more than life itself. Then she stepped through security. She never came back."
Note: My review is not going to do this book justice. I don't think I can possibly express how awesome Where She Went is.
Wow! Where She Went is an intense and breathtaking read. I have to admit I enjoyed If I Stay but I wouldn't say I loved it. But Where She Went is one the BEST books I have ever read. It made my heart ache, it made me smile and of course cry my eyes out (within the first 50 pages might I add).
This story really got under my skin. It consumed my thoughts and I HAD TO read it all in one sitting otherwise I would have been a complete mess. I had to know whether Adam and Mia where going to be okay? Whether they were going to move on or get back together? Because Adam and Mia are characters that you get completely and utterly emotionally invested in.
What to say about Adam? He is intense, broken and flawed (and another musician ~swoons~). The way Forman writes I felt like I could feel every bit of his pain (and it hurt like hell).
Mia, I adore too. I thought I would be mad with her for breaking Adam's heart. But I understood why Mia choose to make that decision to leave Adam thanks to Forman writing such well crafted and believable characters.
The writing is the kind I love - simple yet beautiful and powerful. There are parts of Adam's song lyrics at the beginning of most chapters. I really love books that music plays an important part of and Forman really expresses both Adam's and Mia's passion for music.
Overall, I am just blown away by the heart in this story. Where She Went is a must read for everyone!
***A FAVOURITE READ OF 2011***
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALEXA FOR SHARING YOUR COPY. YOU ARE THE BEST
LOVE this book! Die For Me was one of my most anticipated reads of 2011, after hearing good things from a friend (~waves to Olivia~) who read it early in the publishing stage. So as you can imagine I had high expectations and I can happily say they were exceeded.
Plum's writing I couldn't get enough of it. Her prose is beautiful and magnetic. While the concept was truly unique and intriguing. The pace was perfect allowing the beauty of this story to soak in, like the descriptions of the Paris setting ~sighs~. Paris is one of my favourite cities in the world, so romantic and gorgeous. And Die For Me being set there added some extra charm to this story. Also it was a refreshing change from the usual high school setting. There was talk of art, museums and sitting at Cafe' on the streets of Paris reading a book that all will make you want to trade places with Kate (that and the kissing scenes with Vincent).
The characters were fantastic. What I loved most about Kate is she thought about the consequences before making a decision. It was nice change from your typical heroine that rushes into everything. She was smart, strong and genuine. Vincent ~pâmoison~ (that is swoon in French...I hope). Gorgeous, mysterious, sweet yet sexy and has a french accent. What else could a girl want!
And the romance ~sighs again~..... If you are like me and are a complete romantic fool you are going to love Kate's and Vincent's relationship. It was delicious yet tender. Lots of playful banter and yummy kissing scenes. I could quote so many moments but I can't since this is an ARC.
Oh and if you hate those damn cliffhangers then you are going to love this beautiful ending that gave us a little something extra. I wish that every series could end like this one.
Overall, Die For Me is an stunning debut that I want to read all over again. It is a passionate and engaging read that I highly recommend for fans of paranormal romance....more
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