Review Time #22! mini review

When it Happens by Susane Colasanti

An off-the-wall love story told in two voices. Straight-laced Sara dreams of two things: getting into her first-choice university and finding true love. Rock-loving slacker Tobey also dreams of two things: winning Battle of the Bands – and winning Sara. He is determined to make her fall in love with him. Tobey's quirky wit and big blue eyes are hard for Sara to ignore. But can a scruffy rock-star wannabe ever win the heart of a girl who’s both beautiful and brainy? Sara and Tobey's intense connection will have you rooting for them from the very minute they meet! (from goodreads)

Lately I’ve been really into contemporary reads, probably most of this year & When it Happens is no exception to the love I’ve been feeling for all these reads. It is told in alternating POV with Sara & Tobey going through their senior year of high school, each with different goals.

Sara is a smart, determined & driven character who has her sights set on NYU & finding true love. Seems tacky the last part but it wasn’t, Sara’s fling with Dave at the start made her realise that people aren’t who they seem & more loving, caring, understanding boys are around *cough Tobey cough*. Tobey has had his sights set on Sara since before summer break, determined once school goes back to win her over, but Dave is in the way. Sara is oblivious to everything that happens with Dave & then with Tobey at the start. Tobey is in a band with no College aspirations, just wanting to become a musician, he is smart but never does his homework & his ambition is to win battle of the bands & to make Sara fall in love with him.

It’s a light romance contemporary read compared to some I’ve read recently, but no the less the things that they go through & experience happens right when they need it or need to understand. The fact that Sara motivates Tobey to pursue more is great because it added to his character.

Overall When it Happens is a light romance contemporary novel which has you going aww every chapter.
Rate: 4-5

Keelyxx

IMM #7

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. I'm only going to do this when I get a chance, so at least once or twice a month.

Well I didn't get any books for Christmas! I know! However I got a Kindle my new baby which is great because I can't take all my books to UNI, I can take my Kindle though! 

Paperbacks:
The Study trilogy (Poison, Magic, Fire) by Maria V. Snyder
Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris 
Touch of Power & Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder! Both the amazing new covers :D
 E-books:
Just for Now by Abbi Glines
Fallen too Far by Abbi Glines
The Vincent Brothers by Abbi Glines
The Covenant series (Half-Blood, Pure, Deity & Elixir) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Lux Series (Obsidian, Onyx, Opal) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
ReAwakened by Ada Adams
Play with me by Piper Shelly
Loving Summer & Falling for Summer by Kailin Grow

MY KINDLE!!!! I love it

So that is all for my mailbox this week! What did Santa bring you?

Keely x

Waiting On Wednesday #4

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog feature hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine which spotlights future releases that we may be eagerly anticipating. Here is my pick for the week:

Double Crossed: A Spies & Thieves Story by Ally Carter!
Macey McHenry—Glamorous society girl or spy-in-training?

W.W. Hale V—Heir to an American dynasty or master thief?

There are two sides to every coin. Whether these two can work together is a tossup.

Born into privilege, Macey and Hale are experts at mingling with the upper class. But even if they’ve never raised an eyebrow at the glitz, neither teenager has ever felt at home with the glamour.

When Macey and Hale meet at a society gala, the party takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly they’re at the center of a hostage situation, and it’s up to them to stop the thugs from becoming hostile. Will Macey’s spy skills and Hale’s con-man ways be enough to outsmart a ruthless gang? Or will they have to seek out the ultimate inside girl to help?

The worlds of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls collide in Ally Carter’s fast-paced, high-stakes and tantalizing new story. Get a behind the scenes glimpse as Ally delivers an irresistible thriller that is full of her signature style and savvy twists.

OMFG!!!!!!!!! YAYAYAYAYAYA! I can not wait for this novella! Both Gallagher Girls & Heist Society together!! Who would have thought! Macey, Hale, Kat & Aunt Abby all in one book! I really just can not contain my excitement for this one! Out January 22nd on thegallagheracademy.com the same place that you get the short stories before Gallagher Girls 5 from!

Keely x

2013 release's that I can't wait to get my hands on!

Earlier today I had my 2012 favourites, today I'm doing 2013 release's that I just can't wait to get my hands on!

1. Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter
Katarina Bishop and W.W. Hale the fifth were born to lead completely different lives: Kat comes from a long, proud line of loveable criminal masterminds, while Hale is the scion of one of the most seemingly perfect dynasties in the world. If their families have one thing in common, it's that they both know how to stay under the radar while getting--or stealing--whatever they want. No matter the risk, the Bishops can always be counted on, but in Hale's family, all bets are off when money is on the line. When Hale unexpectedly inherits his grandmother's billion dollar corporation, he quickly learns that there's no place for Kat and their old heists in his new role. But Kat won't let him go that easily, especially after she gets tipped off that his grandmother's will might have been altered in an elaborate con to steal the company's fortune. So instead of being the heir--this time, Hale might be the mark. Forced to keep a level head as she and her crew fight for one of their own, Kat comes up with an ambitious and far-reaching plan that only the Bishop family would dare attempt. To pull it off, Kat is prepared to do the impossible, but first, she has to decide if she's willing to save her boyfriend's company if it means losing the boy. (from goodreads)

More Kat & Hale! I. Can. Not. Wait! February 5th I will have this book somehow!

2. The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead
In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next. (from goodreads)

After loving the Vampire Academy series, bloodline is getting love too! I really liked Sydney in VA & having her own series makes her more awesome. I love the Syadrian moments and can not wait to see what is in stall this time around! Out February 12th!

3. Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer
With power comes enemies. Lots of them.

Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.

He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.

Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.

With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust… (from goodreads)

With her debut this year with Storm, Brigid & the Merrick brothers have taken the blogging community by storm! Seriously four totally hot & swoon-worthy boys all in ONE book! Brigid your killing us here! This time it is Hunter's turn & I really am looking forward to it after reading his Novella. Out sometime in 2013!

4. Three's A Crowd by Ali Cronin
Four girls, three boys, turning 18. Get set to follow their eventful final year at school...

Jack is lovesick. Ollie won't commit. Donna can't find a man. But what about Cass? Everyone thinks she has it all, but life is far from perfect. Her friends hate her boyfriend. Her best friend is in love with her. Cass is torn. How will she choose between them?

I have been really enjoying this series! Really looking forward to Cass's story & how everyone else is going! Out in January I think from Penguin Aus for Australia...

5. Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally
Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…

This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt…with her.

Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

After her debut with Catching Jordan & everyone falling head over heals for Sam Henry & a story about a girl playing Football (NFL style not Soccer), then Stealing Parker this year another sport one about baseball & softball & another hot guy called Will aka Corndog! I can not wait for this one, even though it isn't sport themed it still has characters from the other books, I really am looking forward to it! Out March 1st.

6. If I Should Die by Amy Plum
I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me?

The final installment in this series! I love Die for Me & this one I can't wait for especially after how Until I Die finished. Out May 7th.

7. Gates of Paradise by Melissa De La Cruz

No Synopsis on goodreads for this one! But it is the last installment in the blue bloods series and I just can not wait to read it! The whole story just dragged me and I now just want more & to see how it ends! Out January 15th.

8. Dead Silence by Kimberly Derting
Violet thought she’d made peace with her unique ability to sense the echoes of the dead and the imprints that cling to their killers…that is until she acquired an imprint of her own. Forced to carry a reminder of the horrible events of her kidnapping, Violet is more determined than ever to lead a normal life. However, the people who run the special investigative team Violet works for have no intention of letting her go.

When someone close to Violet becomes a suspect in a horrific murder, she finds herself pulled into a deadly hunt for a madman with an army of devoted followers. Violet has survived dangerous situations before, but she quickly discovers that protecting those closest to her is far more difficult than protecting herself.

I love this series (yes I've probably already said that about all the other ones but still...) the whole imprinting thing is new & I love the creepiness of it all. I hate horror movies but I just love this sort of mystery & creepy. I really love Violet & Jay also I just Raf too because well I liked him a lot in The Last Echo... Out April 16th.

9. The Elite by Kiera Cass
Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

I really enjoyed the selection and cannot wait to see who America chooses, kinda hoping Maxon because I like him more than Aspen because he was a jerk. Out April 23rd.

10. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

No synopsis on goodreads! After only reading clockwork prince this year, not remembering if I actually liked clockwork angel... I was drawn back into the world of shadowhunters. Also stating my opinion here if Tessa doesn't get with Will I will be very  sad & disappointed, I like Jem but Will is better okay? Out March 19th.






So that is what I can't wait to be released in 2013! Whats yours?

Keely x

2012 Favorites!

2012 reads that I've loved:

Not all books will be 2012 releases, mostly will be.

1.       Best Paranormal read goes too… Spark by Brigid Kemmerer! This was close with Storm also by Brigid Kemmerer, but I loved Spark more. The Merrick Brothers have taken out the title & runner-up!

2.       Book in which I cried one too many times… SECOND CHANCE SUMMER BY MORGAN MATSON! The tears I shed for this book when I first read it was cray! Runner-up goes to Everything Left Unsaid by Jessica Davidson another one where I was crying all night.

3.       Best Mystery/Spying read goes too… OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME BY ALLY CARTER! It is no mistake that Ally Carter is one of my favorite authors this just closely beat The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting another favorite author & series.

4.       Best historical mystery read goes too… THE TRAITOR IN THE TUNNEL BY Y.S. LEE! I love this series & the budding romance that goes on, so that means The Body at The Tower by Y.S. Lee is the runner up!

5.       Best Contemporary read goes too… ANNA & THE FRENCH KISS/LOLA & THE BOY NEXT DOOR BY STEPHANIE PERKINS! It is too hard to decide between the two both Anna & Lola’s boys have stolen my heart. The runner up goes to The Story of Us by Deb Caletti.

6.       Best Sport Themed read goes too… CATCHING JORDAN BY MIRANDA KENNEALLY! I loved this book & well I love sports… Runner up goes to Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally!  

7.       Best Paranormal series that I started this year goes too… THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS BY JESSICA SHIRVINGTON! I won this series from  Saz101’s comp in  August & I flew through the series! Runner up goes to Blood of Eden series by Julie Kagawa!

8.       Most creepy/interesting/mystery read goes too… THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER BY MICHELLE HODKIN! This book had a creepy factor to it & I loved it! Runner up would have to go to Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson!

9.       New favorite author goes too… ABBI GLINES! After reading The Vincent Boys, Breathe, Because of Low & While It Lasts it just dragged me into her books!

10.   Best New Adult book goes too… BEAUTIFUL DISASTER BY JAMIE McGUIRE! I am in love with this new category! Runners up go to Slammed & Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover, Perfect Chemistry Series by Simone Elkeles, Taking Chances by Molly McAdams & Easy by Tammara Webber!

11.   The Classic book that I never finished goes too… FRANKENSTEIN BY MARY SHELLEY! Yea... a HSC read which I never finished…

12.   Best 2012 debut goes too… THRONE OF GLASS BY SARAH J. MASS! Love any book about Assassins & this was a great read! Runner up goes to The Selection by Kiera Cass!

13.   Best 2012 series ending goes too… BEAUTIFUL REDEMPTION BY KAMI GARCIA & MARGARET STOHL! Love this series! So sad that it has ended. Runners up go to Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick & Destined by Aprilynne Pike!

14.   Best Adult book goes too… THE BEST OF ME BY NICHOLAS SPARKS! I am in love Nicholas Sparks books right now! Runner up goes to The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks.

15.   Best Dystopic read goes too… DIVERGENT BY VERONICA ROTH! I am just starting to get into this genre. Runners up go to Delirium & Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver as well as Insurgent by Veronica Roth.

And last but not least

16.   Best 2012 read goes too… TOUCH OF POWER BY MARIA V. SNYDER! I loved this book & well I love all of Snyder’s work! Other books that I loved include Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter, Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson, The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting, The Goddess Test & Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter, Until I Die by Amy Plum, City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare & New Girl by Paige Harbison!

This year has been a great for reading & I have so far almost read 100 books! I have many favourites so it was hard to pick just a few!

Keely x

Review Time #21

The Boy Who Sneaks Into my Bedroom Window by Kirsty Moseley

Amber Walker and her older brother, Jake, have an abusive father. One night her brother's best friend, Liam, sees her crying and climbs through her bedroom window to comfort her. That one action sparks a love/hate relationship that spans over the next eight years.

Liam is now a confident, flirty player who has never had a girlfriend before. Amber is still emotionally scarred from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. Together they make an unlikely pair.

Their relationship has always been a rocky one, but what happens when Amber starts to view her brother's best friend a little differently? And how will her brother, who has always been a little overprotective, react when he finds out that the pair are growing closer?

(from goodreads)

The boy who sneaks into my bedroom window has you so emotionally attached to the three main characters and then onto minor characters who you can’t help but feel for. The first chapter is eights before when the story is set, this chapter helps you understand what is happening at the start of the story & also attaches you emotionally to the characters. Amber & her brother Jake along with their mother where physically abused by their father, after finding out that Amber was being sexually abused by their father Jake & his best friend Liam threatened their father to leave after beating him.

The relationships in the novel are quite complex so when you read one thing, then another it change or add the complexity of the relationships. Ever since Amber was 8 and Liam was 10, every night Liam sleeps in Ambers bed after seeing her crying one night from his bedroom window. What Amber doesn’t know is how Jake feels about her. Their budding relationship is affected by what happened to Amber when she was younger with her father sexually abusing her. It takes time for her to trust Liam, but from being so close to him before all this she is able to let him in. This relationship is cute, the way they act towards each other is sweet, Liam is protective of her which may seem possessive to most but the reasoning’s why makes you understand it.

Liam is Jake’s best friend & both are constantly known as man whores to Amber, Jake is also protective of Amber & tries to keep Liam away from Amber not trusting his intentions. When the school finds out Liam has a girlfriend all the girls put in money to see who can sleep with him first, Jake struggles with seeing his best friend & sister together & family problems come into the picture with their dad back in town.

This sets off an emotional rollercoaster of feelings towards the siblings & Johnny their step brother. The situation that they are all put in is heartbreaking & will make you an emotional wreck. The characterisation & plot just draw you in, wanting to know more about each character. The boy who sneaks into my bedroom window is an emotional rollercoaster which delivers a great contemporary read!

Rate: 5/5

Stay tunned, Keely x

IMM #6

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. I'm only going to do this when I get a chance, so at least once or twice a month.

Hi everyone! I'm back! I have this IMM post and a review going up today too! So everyone starting looking out for new reviews coming up on the blog!

•  Breathe by Abbi Glines
• Because of Low by Abbi Glines
• While It Lasts by Abbi Glines
• Easy by Tammara Webber
• Taking Chances by Molly McAdams
• The boy who sneaks in my bedroom window by Kirsty Moseley
• Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
• The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
• Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson
• Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
• Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
• Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles
• Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
• Stealing Parker by Simone Elkeles
• Saving Grace by Ciara Geraghty
• Abandon by Meg Cabot
• The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

So thats my IMM for the last few weeks! Many are eBooks because Australia really needs a good bookstore with lots of YA not just new realese!

Keely x 

Why blogging hasn't been happening

Hey guys! High School maybe over, but life still goes on. You'd think that I'd have time to things I enjoy like reading & blogging? That I'd be on schoolies enjoying the beach & sun... Unfortantly I don't & I'm not. I'm work 36-38hour weeks, starting at 5.30am until after 2pm, trying to save money for Uni.

Another problem Uni. Since I enjoy sport so much & I like science alot, I found a course that covers both these things: a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology & also the Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Science. However the Uni close to me doesn't offer these courses, so I have to save up to move away. I guess sometimes that you have to sacrifice the things you enjoy to get what you really want...

Also I in TWO weeks I find out if I get in the course I applied early entry for! It has both these courses in one & would be great if I didn't have to worry about my marks.

Also I had my Year 12 Formal last week! It was amazing & one of the best nights I've had!

What I have managed to read:

• The Violet Eden Chapters
• Why I let my hair grow out
• Revived
• The Best of Me
• The Immortal Rules
• Stealing Parker
• Perfect Chemistry
• Rules of Attraction

Also I am Currently Reading, Amy & Rodgers Epic Detour!

My TBR consists of:

• Breath
• Stormdancer
• The Iron Knight
• Alice in Zombieland
• Safe Haven
• The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
• Hunting Lila
• Saving Grace

I really hope to start blogging again soon! I have two off work coming up so hopefully I can get some planning in & post some reviews! I hope everyone is having a great time right now! Whether it is almost Summer or Winter depending where you are! I <3 Summer, Life Saver = best job ever!

So thats it for now, hope to get something up this weekend for you all to enjoy!

Keely x

IMM #5 The Epic Edition

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. I'm only going to do this when I get a chance, so at least once or twice a month.

Well I'm back! High School is over, I've graduated, completed my HSC exams & now the wait is on from my results & ATAR to see what Uni I get into as well as my dream course! I'm now working full time until I move for Uni so I will post as much as I can, I have read a lot of books since I last posted & revieved. I hope to get more reviews up as soon as I have free time! Busy week coming up, formal & sign out day, the end is almost here!

Now time for the epic haul I have! Some I own, others I've borrowed, won or recieved of NetGalley! 37 books in total!

- Slammed by Colleen Hoover
- Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover
- Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
- Revived by Cat Patrick

- I'll tell you mine by Pip Harry

- Inside Out by Maria V. Snder
- Losing It by Julia Lawrinson
- Revamped by Ada Adams

- Confessions of an Angry Girl by Lousie Rozett

- Why I let my hair grow out by Maryrose Wood
- Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter
- Breath by Tim Winton
- The best of me by Nicholas Sparks
- The Vincent Boys by Abbi Gilnes
- The Lucky One b Nicholas Sparks
- Dante's Girl by Courtney Cole

- Cicle of Silence by Carol M. Tanzman

- Beneath the Darkening Sky by Majok Tulba

- My Name is Memory by Ann Bashares

- A Straight Line to my Heart by Bill Condon

- Speechless by Hannah Harrington

- Stormdance by Jay Kristoff

- The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

-Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

- Rumour Has It by Ali Cronin

- The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

- Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

- The Violet Eden Chapters by Jessica Shirvington

- Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

- I Made Lattes for a Love God by Wendy Harmer

- Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

- Endless Sumemr by Jennifer Echols

And that is the Epic Book Haul! I hope to be posting some new posts every soon, so stay tunned!

Keely x

Update and Stuff

Hey guys!

I know that I haven't been blogging much lately and that is because of school. I have two days left until I graduate from High School! I may get a few posts in here or there in the next three weeks, but I have my final exams coming up! Which end on October 31. So until then I will be very MIA on the blog, also since I'm having a book ban (which is in place now) all I am doing in re-reading favourite books and english texts which should be re-read (mind you it may take me three hours to a read ana average YA, it took me three months to read The Fifteth Gate by Mark Barker and I am yet to completely finish Frankenstein by Marry Shelley terrible I know).

However, I shall update you on what I am reading/have gotten recently!

• Revamped by Ada Adams! (apart of something not to sure! But was good read)
• Dante's girl by Courtney Cole (got off netgalley)
• Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols (bought, loved it)
• The Summer I turned pretty by Jenny Han (Want the next two but book ban)
• Circle of Silence by Carol M. Tanzman (won off facebook from Harlequin Teen!!)
• A signed copy of Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder!!! (one of my fave authors and I also won it off facebook from Harlequin Teen!!)
• The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (like the other two I won it off facebook from Harlequin Teen! Best suprise pack ever!)
• Confessions of an angry girl by Louise Rozett (bought, loved it!)
• And finally, Speechless by Hannah Harringtomn! (bought, loved, train trip read!)

I've spent alot of time recently in Sydney for Uni Open days to confrim my career path that I've choosn. I must say I cannot wait for Uni, or really just doing the course I want! It sounds amazing and I can't wait to do it!

So guys that is it from my world at the moment, hopefully more reviews soon! Hope everyone is having a great time and GOOD LUCK TO MY FELLOW HSC READERS IN YOUR EXAMS! Trust me the 42 days until my last exam can't come quick enough!

Ciao Readers!
Keely xx

Guilty Pleasures #2

I don't actcually know if this is already a meme... but I thought I would share each fortnight my guilty pleasures when it comes to reading! This week I thought I'd start with a genre that I have been loving and that is Sports themed novels!
Sports Themed Novels:
Just like how my love for the beach came through for surfing themed novels, my love for sports (mainly soccer) have once again clouded my judgement and has become one of my favourite sort of theme.

Gracie Faltrain Series: This series is one my favourites as it doesn't just deal with soccer but also takes the focus away from sport to other major family values, friendship and life in general. It is just such as series that I think that I will always enjoy.

Lucy Zeezou Series: I did start this series when I was younger but I've always just enjoyed it, once again like the Gracie series it brings back to important values not just sport.

Catching Jordan: I loved this one, while it wasn't soccer it was still a great read. I think that once Stealing Parker is out, that it will be added to the list. Catching Jordan is one of the best sport themed novels i've read.

Also the surfing novels come under this as well.

So what is your guilty pleasures this week? Link yours below.

Keely x

Review Time! #20

Dante's Girl by Courtney Cole

I have spent every summer since I was ten years old with my father in London. Every summer, since I was ten years old, has been uneventful and boring.
Until this year.

And this year, after a freak volcanic eruption strands me far from home, I have learned these things:

1. I can make do with one outfit for three days before I buy new clothes.
2. If I hear the phrase, “You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” even one more time, I might become a homicidal maniac.
3. I am horribly and embarrassingly allergic to jellyfish.
4. I am in love with Dante Giliberti, who just happens to be the beautiful, sophisticated son of the Prime Minister of a Mediterranean paradise.
5. See number four above. Because it brings with it a whole slew of problems and I’ve learned something from every one of them.

Let’s start with the fact that Dante’s world is five light-years away from mine. He goes to black-tie functions and knows the Prime Minister of England on a first name basis. I was born and raised on a farm in Kansas and wear cut-off jeans paired with cowboy boots. See the difference?

But hearts don’t care about differences. Hearts want what they want. And mine just wants to be Dante’s girl.

My heart just might be crazy. (from goodreads.com)

Dante's girl is a sweet summer romance novel that delievers both on the mystery and swoon scales. Reece is on her way to London until she is delyed at Amsterdam, due to a "freak volcanic eruption", lucky for her that she meets Dante. Dante who manages to get her out of the airport when they think that it is a terrorist attack. Dante who is quite handsome and from the Mediterranean. Dante who just happens to take a shine to Reece. Oh and did I mention that he the Prime Minsters son?

After reading this it makes me want to go the Mediterranean, to Caberra or even just meet the Caberra boys. The summer romance of Dante and Reece is a whirlwind, one minute they're in Amsterdam the next on a helicopter to Caberra. While the novel isn't just romance, you also have the tension between Reece and her best friend Becca who is back home, but also the reltionship that Dante has with his friends, espically Nate and Elena.

The events that take place on Caberra both suprise and sometimes you can see them coming. The atmosphere created helps drag you in, wanting to get to know more about Dante, Reece and even the minor characters such as Mia and Becca.

The characterisation makes you understand the characters, espically Reece and Dante, they really grow on you and make you feel for them. While some of the minor characters arn't as well developed, the novel still drags you in.

This contemporary summer romance filled with mystery, romance and a beautiful Meditettanean landscape that takes you in and doesn't suck you back out until the very end!

Rate: 4.5/5

Thankyou to Lakehouse Press for the review copy on netgalley!

Keely x

Review Time! #19

Gracie Faltrain Gets it Right (Finally) by Cath Crowley

As Gracie begins Year 12 she has only one thing on her mind, and it's not schoolwork. It's not even Martin, now that he's dumped her for a third time. It's soccer: a new season, a new team, a new league. This is the big time, the state trails, and Gracie can't wait. Expect there's one small problem. She's no longer the biggest fish in the pond, and one of the other players is the cousin of her arch enemy, Annabelle Orion.

Gracie wants to get it right this year, but everything seems to be going wrong - she hardly has time to see her friends, Martin won't talk to her, and she falling even further behind at school.

Gracie needs help both on and off the field, but when it shows up, it is not from the person she expected... (from back of book)

This the final book in the Gracie trilogy and the best. Gracie, Jane and Alyce are back for their final year of school. Jane is back from England, Alyce is going out with Brett Mason and Gracie, well Gracie has a lot going on. Told from each of the girls P.O.V throughout the novel we get to see how each girl is coping with their own problems.

Gracie is failing school. At least she has soccer, Jane and Alyce. But this year Gracie is getting help from those who you'd least expect; Kally and Dan Woodbury (remember him? The one who tried to get Gracie last year and also Annabelle's ex). In this novel, Gracie finally gets it, she needs to stop with the past events and plan for the future, she starts working towards what she wants both on and off the pitch even when things start to go wrong, Gracie is still learning from the mistakes she made before.

Jane is back from England and is finally noticing Corelli, the guy who wrote her Valentines for 11 years. But Jane's GPS starts to misfire and she doesn't know what choice she should make: stay in Melbourne for Uni or go back to London and study journalism where her parents are? But like always Jane is there to keep Gracie in line and makes sure she doesn't do anything too stupid...

Alyce has moved on from Flemming to Brett, but will her old feelings for Flemming ruin her relationship? She also forgot one thing... to help people. Her dreams of doing the Young UN program may be shot after she forgot to help people. But when she finally does, the people she works with and helps may just be the people to help her find the way that she had been looking.

Overall the Gracie Faltrain series is more than just a girls dream to get into the world up, but one of friendship, loss and redemption. This final novel to an amazing series justs puts everything together with old enemies becoming no more and friendships emerging when you thought that it would be impossible.

Rate: 5/5

Keely xx

Guilty pleasures #1

Hey Guys! Sorry for the inactivity of late but I am in my last term of high school FOREVER! Exciting right? So I have been bombarded with assignments and tests and haven't had the chance to review anything! (But it hasn't stopped me reading)

I thought I'd kick off this week with a new meme! I don't actcually know if this is already a meme... but I thought I would share each week one of my guilty pleasures when it comes to reading! This week I thought I'd start with a genre that I have been loving and that is Surfing themed novels!

Surf Themed Novels!
I think that my love for the ocean has gone over into what I read! I love surfing themed novels and movies. This is just one of themes that if I see a book that has it I have to read it! While I admit some haven't been amazing, most have been just fanatastic to read. I am from a surfy town so that and the fact I am a lifesaver must have just gotten into my head about what I like to read.

These novels are some the surf themed novels that I have read. I loved Surf Ache because it is set in my home town, blue water high because I loved the TV series and had to read Fly's book, Surf School & Sisters was a great story of friendship and surfing,  the Indigo Girls wasn't all surf themed but it was there and is another Aussie novel and finally one of my favourite surf themed series/novels is the starfish sisters series they were both great reads as the girls try to get what they have worked so hard for and seeing the friendships form and recover was great!

So that is this weeks guilty pleasure! Feel free to join in on the fun and post a guilty pleasure every monday for everyone to find out what your guilty pleasure is! Don't forget to link me to your guilty pleasures each week!

Keely xx



IMM #4

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. I'm only going to do this when I get a chance, exams coming up and year 12 is terrible! So this is from the last few weeks!

Well it has been almost a month since I last posted so this is what I got! I am easing back on buying books since I have so much study to and which is why the blog is a bit unactive at the moment.

What I bought:

Spellbound by Rachel Hawkins:

After reading and loving the first two hex hall books, this one just made the series end in just the right way. A lot of series have been ending lately and which is making me sad, this one mainly because I never get to read about Cal or Archer again :( I could never pick between the two boys at all!

Sirensong by Jenna BLack:I am not a major fan of this series but still I love faires so this keeps me and going. Am yet to read this and I've had it the longest of the above books. However it will be good to see how Dana and her friends go travelling into Faerie.

The Traitor and the Tunnel by Y.S.Lee:

I love this series and I am so glad that it is no longer a trilogy! Mainly because I love the Mary and James romance, I also like the detective and mystery side of it! Best out of the series!

Instructions for a Broken Heart by Kim Culbertson:

As it is widely known, I am a huge sucker for contemp. novels and this one was a good one. I know many don't like it but hey I liked it and it was predtictable but still I enjoyed the travelling to Rome and how clueless poor Jessa was.

The Summer of no Regrets by Katherine Bond:

I liked this book however for once it is contemp that I rate below 4 stars. I still enjoyed it and enjoyed the journey but it still was a little bit annoying at times.

The Forsaken by Lisa M. Strasse:

I really enjoyed this book! It was such an intriguing plot that lasted I think a months span? Anyways it was a different dystopian novel which yes had aspects of all dystopian novels a totalitarian society and of course rebels!

And that is it for my mailbox this week! I hope everyone had a great week with books and I can't wait to see what you got this week!

Keely xx