Review Time #80

Where the Road Takes Me by Jay McLean

Chloe has one plan for the future, and one plan only: the road. She’s made a promise to herself: don’t let anyone in, and don’t let anyone love her. She’s learned the hard way what happens if she breaks her rules. So she’s focused on being invisible and waiting until she can set out on the road—her dream of freedom, at least for a little while.

Blake Hunter is a basketball star who has it all—everything about him looks perfect to those on the other side of his protective walls. He can’t let anyone see the shattered pieces behind the flawless facade or else all his hopes and dreams will disappear.

One dark night throws Chloe and Blake together, changing everything for Blake. For Chloe, nothing changes: she has the road, and she’s focused on it. But when the so-called perfect boy starts to notice the invisible girl, they discover that sometimes with love, no one knows where the road may lead.

I loved this book, I spent probably 30% of the book crying & I'm sure many won't spend that much crying during the book but it was because one of issues that the main character goes through is something that as affected my family as well. 

Chloe is a foster kid after her mother and her mother's twin sister both past away from the same disease. She refuses to let anyone love her because she doesn't want them to go through the same situation that she went through as a child because she knows that she is going to get the same disease some stage her in her life. Blake is a basketball star who just wants a choice in what he can do after high school without his father trying to force him into the army like him. 

Until one night when Chloe is no longer invisible and Blake rescues her from an uncomfortable situation. As days go on Chloe and Blake start up a friendship which was interesting as Chloe doesn't want to let anyone in and Blake is popular where Chloe isn't. We also meet Josh who is Blake's best friend and is a teen dad, he was pretty amazing for what he has to deal with. 

Chloe wants to take off after graduation until no longer has a choice with what she could possibly face. Blake has no idea if he wants to go into the army or go to college to play basketball, they both are running away/trying avoid what is going to happen. 

I really enjoyed the way that this story was written and how it actually dealt dealing with the disease that affected the Chloe's family. It is different from McLean's other series More Than which I absolutely love and more YA than NA which is what her other series is. 

McLean has written a beautiful book which deals with a disease that affects many familys and how someone deals with the prospect of having the disease. You can't help but feel for Chloe and Blake as they go on their journey to graduate high school and what to do after it. 

Thank you to the author for the earc on netgalley.

Rating: 4.5/5

Keely xx

Review Time #68 & #69

Winning the Player by Leesa Bow
Hey everyone, today I am reviewing the two Lessa Bow books I've gotten ARC's of & they are both short so I've added them together!

When injury destroyed her dream of playing college basketball, Aubree Taylor fled overseas. Now she's finally home again and ready to move on with her life. Until she runs into Hunter Stone on her first night out, the only guy who's ever meant anything to her – and the last person she wants to see.

Since she ran out on him two years ago, Hunter hasn't been able to get Aubree off his mind. The sexy football star has had girls all over him for years, but Aubree is the only one to have ever seen behind the cocky persona he puts on for the crowd.

Despite her attempts to keep her distance, Aubree is unable to resist the strong attraction between them and it isn't long before they fall into a passionate relationship. She has never been afraid of a challenge, but Hunter's arrogance and inablity to trust are testing her to her limits. Aubree must decide whether to follow her heart and lower her guard…or risk losing the best thing that's ever happened to her.

After injuring her knee in year 12 Aubree's scholarship chance to play college basketball in the US is shattered. Taking off for two years to travel the world, Aubree has returned home. However, all she wants to do is to stay away from Maddy's cousin Hunter who is part of the reason why she decided to run off to travel in the first place.

Hunter plays AFL (Australian Football League for those non-aussies!) and the guy who Aubree has a crush on. Hunter is a player and keeps everyone out of his life by not letting anyone in. Aubree is lost and has no idea what she wants to do with her life now that she can no longer play professional basketball.

Once they start to work through their problems and try to be friends they realise that that is never going to happen knowing they have feelings for each other. Although Aubree does try and stay away from Hunter because of his past but Hunter can be the good guy on occasion.

Winning the Player was a book about finding yourself again after your dreams have been shattered and learning to let others in even though you don't want them to know our weakness. 

Rating: 4/5

Charming the Outback by Leesa Bow

When jaded city girl Maddy McIntyre packs up and leaves Adelaide for a new job in the country, it's not only a chance at a fresh start. Six months ago, the first guy she'd ever loved shattered her heart before moving home to Broken Hill. Deep down inside, Maddy is hoping that living in the same town will give her an opportunity to prove to Luke that she's one temptation he can't resist.

But when she arrives in Broken Hill, Luke White is not the same guy she knew in the city. And it soon seems very clear that he doesn't want her there. Although Maddy settles in quickly, excelling at work and partying with her new friends, she can't understand why Luke is remaining so distant. Particularly when all her instincts are telling her that they're meant to be together – and that he feels the same burning attraction.

As Maddy learns more about Luke's family and background, she begins to understand that his mixed messages are caused by balancing what's expected of him with what he really wants. Maddy gave Luke her heart long ago and, despite their differences, she knows she'll only ever be happy with her hot country boy. But how can she convince him that she's the risk he needs to take?

Charming the Outback is the companion to Winning the Player involving Hunter's cousin & Aubree's best friend Maddy.

Maddy leaves Adelaide for a full-time teaching job in Broken Hill. Which may or may not be where her ex-boyfriend has moved back home to to work in the mines and on his family's station. Luke had to return home to Broken Hill to run his family's station after his uncle had a stroke, but still working as a geologist during the weekdays. Luke not wanting to force Maddy into his way of life broke up with her to return to home. 

It is pretty obvious that both Maddy and Luke still have feelings for each other but they have a lot of problems before they even think of getting back together. Maddy doesn't know the real reason why Luke broke up with her and wants to make him regret it.

Throughout the book you find out why Luke broke up with Maddy and the process that they take to get back together again. They really needed to talk more which did start to annoy me (Maddy let the man talk!). I love the friendships that Maddy makes in Broken Hill and her wanting to learn more about station life.

Also loved how Maddy and Aubree on the way to Broken Hill counted the road kill because I do that driving to Armidale for uni (2 Wombats, 4 Kangaroos & 6 unidentifiable animals in one trip)!

Charming the Outback is a story about not giving up love when you know that it is something more. Also nothing better than a NA book set in outback Australia!

Thankyou Penguin Teen Australia for letting me read these ARC's off netgalley!

Rating: 4/5

Keely xx

Review Time #64

Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead

In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.

Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive. 

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him. . . .

Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.

WARNING: THE FIERY HEART SPOLIERS AHEAD

I don't know how I feel about Silver Shadows. I feel like that the series has changed from the first three books which I loved, but after TFH and SS I feel like the series has gone backwards to me. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed TFH and SS but just not as much as the first three, Vampire Academy and The Age of X.

Silver Shadows picks up about 6 months after Sydney was taken into re-education by the Alchemists. I admired Sydney a lot in the opening chapters with her bravery and determination to not give into the alchemists and being able to withstand everything that they threw at her. Adrian however I wanted to hit up the side of the head! After Sydney was taken to re-education, he completely lost focus on everything and relapsed into his bad habits that he had worked so hard to kick.

Adrian had a lot of home issues too and being back at court will was good in theory was horrible idea in practice. Queen Lissa wasn't very helpful with Adrian's situation about Sydney since no besides the Palm Springs crew knows about Sydney and Adrian and the fact that she has to be diplomatic enough to not piss of the Alchemists. 

Sydney made some allies in the re-education centre and now how she went about it was pure Sydney Sage logic. The new characters in re-education were written perfectly with them wanting to follow the rules but still didn't want to abide by the Alchemists rules. The Palm Springs gang was completely lost about what to do without Sydney and Eddie, god love him, really needs to tell Jill about his feelings *shake some sense into the poor guy*. 

Also the cliffhanger man, Richelle Mead you sure know how to leave your fans hanging!

The great thing about Mead's writting is that you are never going to know what she will throw at you and Silver Shadows was no different with car chases & Vegas, oh and the fact that Adrian is in this story the impulsiveness shows!

Thank you Penguin Teen Australia for this e-arc!

Rating: 4/5

Keely xx

Review Time #51

Keeping Her by Cora Carmack

What happens after the happy ending?

Garrick is over the moon that his girlfriend, Bliss, said yes. He's finally found the love of his life. That means his worries are over, right?

But when he invites her to visit London and meet his family, he is presented with a whole new set of problems. How will his privileged and wealthy family react to Bliss's unique brand of awkwardness?

Keeping Her is Losing It #1.5, the novella is set around a year after the end of Losing It and we get to see how Bliss & Garrick's relationship has progressed since they both moved on to performing in theatre. We get a glimpse into Garrick's old life back in London which is completely different to how he is living and working in the states.

For Bliss meeting his parents has made her a nervous wreck and only wants to please his family. Of course, Bliss being clumsy and just Bliss she makes a slight fool out of herself when she first meets his mother (not the best first impression). Bliss is a bit overwhelmed by everything that is in Garrick's life in London and when surprises happen, Garrick only does what he thinks is best for them but when really isn't what Bliss wants.

We get to see them struggle to work through differences of opinions, pressures of his family and friends. Keeping Her was a great insight into Garrick's life in London and how Bliss reacts to it all. While I wish it was a full novel, the novella doesn't disappoint and is worth reading even if you have already read Lossing It #2!

Rating: 4.5/5

Keely xx

Review Time #50

Waiting on the Sidelines by Ginger Scott

Nolan Lennox had things figured out. Named after a baseball legend, she enjoyed being the Tomboy, her closet filled with her brother’s hand-me-downs, cut-off jeans and soccer shorts. But when her first trip to high school results in a broken heart from the first boy to ever make her heart flutter and cruel words from an older girl she once thought a family friend, Nolan starts to question the very person she thought she was and wonders if her humble upbringing can compete with the afforded luxuries of her privileged peers.

Throughout the next four years, Nolan struggles to maintain herself throughout her path of discovery, learning just how cruel teenagers can be through the pressures of underage drinking, sexuality and class. And despite how life seems to continue to work against her, she still manages to listen to her heart, falling deeper and deeper for the guy the entire town adores, even if he only sees her as a friend. Can Nolan strike a compromise between her own integrity and the boy she loves? And can she make him notice her before it’s too late?

Reed Johnson came to Coolidge High School with a lot of fanfare. The son of a hometown football legend and the brother of a local football hero, Reed wore all the pressures of carrying a town without hope into the spotlight. Thankfully, he had the talent to back it up. But when he meets a girl who makes him think twice about exactly what being a hero means, he starts to wonder if following in his brother’s footsteps might be all wrong. 

Nolan Lennox was everything that was opposite of expected. She didn’t flirt, she didn’t drink and she didn’t sleep around. Nothing about her was easy, but something about her made Reed want to try harder. Though she didn’t look the part, she seemed to be spending a lot of time in Reed’s thoughts, and he wondered if she could be the one who made it all worthwhile. But could Reed handle letting her down? And would breaking her heart break him beyond repair?

I am a big fan of sport in YA, I can't get enough so I had to get my hands on this book!

Waiting on the Sidelines follows Nolan and Reed throughout there four years of high school and the ups and downs of the friendship that they make during freshman year. Working on a science project together really sets the pace of their friendship, Nolan is from lower middles class, wears her brothers clothes and whereas Reed's family is wealthy and on his way to becoming the quarterback for Coolidge High.

The book just flows between each year which is great as we can see how things change about each character and how they mature. Freshman year Nolan has a crush on Reed but his girlfriend Tatum is a piece of work. As there relationship grows, the more that they slowly fall for each other. Getting jobs together, driving together, things start changing between them.

When they finally get together in junior year after some not so great events, things start looking up for them, Reed is quarterback and has scouts looking at him. But when an accident happens, it tears Reed and Nolan apart. Nolan blames herself and Reed becomes a shell of who he is. Nolan starts focusing on herself and her academics, volunteer work & scholarship applications for college.

The journey that Scott takes you on is one of friendship, first love, experiences things you expect out of a contemporary YA with sport thrown in there. I reccommend this book for anyone who is a fan of Miranda Kenneally's books.

Rating: 5/5

Keely xx

October Wrap Up

You didn't read that title wrong I am actually doing a wrap up! October has been a busy month for me, finished my first year of university which is pretty exciting, I have moved back home and if you have seen the news New South Wales has been on fire, including one near me. But also it has been a great month for books! Lots and lots of books!

Review copies:

• Touch the Dark by Karen Chance (Cassie Palmer #1)
• Claimed by Shadow by Karen Chance (Cassie Palmer #2)
• United We Spy by Ally Carter (Gallagher Girls #6)
• Antigoddess by Kendra Blake

Thanks Penguin Australia and Date a Book!

E-ARCs:

• Covert Assignment by Missy Marciassa
• The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry
• Waiting on the Sidelines by Ginger Scott
• Finding Home by Lauren K. McKellar
• Going Long by Ginger Scott

Thanks netgalley!

Bought:

• Embrace the Night by Karen Chance (Cassie Palmer #3)
• Curse the Dawn by Karen Chance (Cassie Palmer #4)
• Hunt the Moon by Karen Chance (Cassie Palmer #5)
• Allegiant by Veronica Roth (Divergent #3)

Bought e-books:

• Carter Reed by Tijan
• Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover
• Piece of Cake by Kate Forster

Borrowed:

• Every Breath by Ellie Marney
• Killing Rachel by Anne Cassidy
• Wildlife by Fiona Wood
• Apollyon by Jennifer J. Armentrout
• Requiem by Lauren Oliver
• Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley 
• The Dead and Buried by Kim Harrington 
• The Boyfriend App by Katie Sise
• Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill
• Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard
• Every Day by David Levithan
• Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan 
• Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay
• Drake Academy: Lost Spirits by Gabriella Poole
• Hate is such a Strong Word by Sarah Ayoub
• When you were mine by Rebecca Serle
• By the time you read this, I'll be dead by Julie Anne Peters
• Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
• Dead Silent by Kimberly Derting

So that is my epically awesome haul this month! Next month shall have lots of goodies with Empover by Jessica Shirvington out and The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead! Just naming a couple!

So what did you get this week/month? Link me in the comments!

Keely xx

Review Time #47

Covert Assignment by Missy Marciassa

Covert Assignment is a New Adult, Coming of Age Novel with a strong romantic element. Elle is ready for graduation and full-fledged adulthood: no more living like the leftover of her parent’s divorce. She’s about to graduate with her degree in Information Science (the 21st century term for Library Science) and has a ten-year plan as well-designed as any model for analyzing metadata: earn her JD/MBA, enjoy a couple of years as a single professional, then marry her college sweetheart, Adam, and start her own family. 

Yet Elle feels like she returned to an alternate universe her final semester. There are pictures of Adam with a classmate who must be surgically enhanced, but he insists he wants Elle. CIA recruiters show up on campus, and they aren’t just interested in recruiting Elle for future employment: turns out she’s already working for them since they’re funding her thesis. Hot operative Preston Raddick is tasked to work with her. Preston isn’t just hot: he’s hot for Elle, but is he offering happy ever after or happy for right now? A fling with Preston could be the beginning of a new life plan, which is exciting and scary, especially with espionage thrown in. Elle needs a predictive model to tell her which decisions have the greater likelihood for happiness…

Covert Assignment is about the unexpected turns life can take when making “adult” decisions.

If you follow me on twitter you should know that I love Covert Affairs and from previous posts on the blog you should know that I love the Gallagher Girls series. So naturally when I saw Covert Assignment I wanted it. Bad. 

Elle has done everything by herself since she has been to college, after her parents divorce and not fitting in with either families she is doing her career for herself despite what her father wants her to do. Elle's boyfriend Adam cheated on her whilst she was at home for winter break, wanting to see what happens she stays with him because two years is a lot to throw away after one mistake right? But then comes along CIA covert operative Preston, hot, older and he likes Elle. 

The way that the CIA approaches Elle is such a plausible way for someone to be approached. With the CIA funding her research, she sees that sometimes everything is planned out, bumps come along and new opportunities arise: your future isn't always planned. With Elle getting metadata from the game Sub Rosa and Preston using the data they are finding terrorists who are hiding their activities in the game.  

The great thing about Covert Assignment is that it is unpredictable with the aspects of the CIA, the romance isn't instant and Elle still waits to see where her relationship goes with Adam, even though he did cheat on her. Preston is a great influence on Elle, as he allows her to develop and help her understand that her future isn't set in stone, she doesn't have to follow in her father's footsteps. Elle's family was a piece of work and what they put her though I can understand why she wants to please them. 

The romance between Elle and Preston is funny when you understand the computer terms (thank you HSC IPT you weren't pointless after all!) and the way that he wants to help her is admirable. There is danger, it wouldn't be a spy book without it but with the CIA and FBI all over Elle shouldn't have much to worry about, you'd think. 

Covert Assignment is for those who love Covert Affairs and the Gallagher Girls series. It is a different spin on the New Adult genre and a must read for everyone!

Thanks netgalley for the review copy!

Rating: 5/5

Keely xx

Review Time #44

Finding Home by Lauren K. McKellar

Moody, atmospheric, and just a little bit punk, Finding Home takes contemporary YA to a new level of grit...

When Amy’s mum dies, the last thing she expects is to be kicked off her dad’s music tour all the way to her Aunt Lou in a depressing hole of a seaside town. But it’s okay — Amy learned how to cope with the best, and soon finds a hard-drinking, party-loving crowd to help ease the pain. 

The only solace is her music class, but even there she can’t seem to keep it together, sabotaging her grade and her one chance at a meaningful relationship. It takes a hard truth from her only friend before Amy realises that she has to come to terms with her past, before she destroys her future.

I'm so glad that I got approved for this on Netgalley because it is an AUSTRALIAN author and is set in Melbourne! 

Amy's life has been turned upside down, her mum dies, her dad is touring, she is drinking, moves to her Aunt Lou's and has to make new friends without anyone knowing who her father is. Amy finds her calmness in music, when she sings or plays the keyboard she can relax and let the music take control.

At Cherrybrook High Amy meets Luke and Nick, both musos like Amy and who want her on there performance piece for their final music assessment. Luke, to Amy seems like the perfect guy, someone who she might just love but Amy never looked past the surface of him or any character really which bugged me because why would you go for someone who has a girlfriend and would cheat on her? I wasn't a fan on how she could overlook this situation, even if she didn't like his girlfriend.

Nick is sweet, smart and a good muso, I like how his character was developed and how he portrayed his feelings even if they weren't always in the best way. Her best friend that she makes with Lily isn't the best role model for Amy with everything that she has been going through, especially all the drinking. Amy isn't on the right track when she starts at Cherrybrook High she is still acting out and her drinking which is getting slowly out of control doesn't decrease with Lily as her friend.

Each character has there own flaw, which are really teenage flaws which everyone can relate to. The quick read is a great Australian novel with parts that you can easily relate to and want the characters to become who they can be, despite everything that has happened to them. It was great to see how Amy reacted to everything that she has gone through because it does happen everyday to teenagers and is something that everyone should be aware of.

Rating: 4/5

Keely xx

Review Time #38

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…

Spirit is Hunter's book and not a Merrick, however, do not fear they are always in it! Hunter has had a difficult home life and now that he is angry about everything that has happened since he moved, it gets worse.  Throughout Spirit we get to see a side of Hunter that no one has seen before and it always everyone to understand him a lot better. Kate is new and a guide who has been sent with Silver to find out if the Merrick's are really as bad as they think they are and if they are causing all the fires that have been happening.

Remember at the end of Spark and Calla? Well she's back with vengeance on the Merrick boys and Hunter and this time she doesn't care who gets hurt or killed. She is a piece of work this girl and I would say borderline psychotic. When Hunter is kicked out of home he has no one to turn to, because he has burned almost all those bridges, however, Michael understands what Hunter is going though after going through all this before and decides to help Hunter out. 

Kate is a character that you know shouldn't really like her because she is with the bad guys, but someone who end up understanding and liking (wouldn't say love, she is trying to kill Nick, oh and the other Merrick's). Kate is there for Hunter and helps him finally understand the whole being a guide thing, especially after some information is finally revealed to him. Kate has her own vengence to her story, like Hunter in Storm, her mother was killed by a water elemental however, that may not be the case. 

A lot of secrets come out in Spirit and everyone plays a roll in the events that take place. This one is more darker I would say because Hunter and Kate aren't calm people and Calla is running around on her rampage with fire. At the end, even if you didn't like Hunter to begin with, you end wanting to give him a big hug and help all his grief and angry out of him.

I will still say Storm is my favourite, however, Spirit is allowing everyone to see inside that façade that Hunter has going on.

Rating: 4.5/5

Keely xx

Review Time #36

Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend by Louise Rozett

Rose Zarelli has big plans for sophomore year—everything is going to be different. This year, she’s going to be the talented singer with the killer voice, the fabulous girl with the fashionista best friend, the brainiac who refuses to let Jamie Forta jerk her around...

...but if she’s not careful, she’s also going to be the sister who misses the signals, the daughter who can only think about her own pain, the “good girl” who finds herself in mid-scandal again (because no good deed goes unpunished) and possibly worst of all...the almost-girlfriend.

When all else fails, stop looking for love and go find yourself.

It's sophomore year and it is Rose 2.0 out, well at least that is what she wants. Jamie was radio silent over summer after his night in jail and Rose doesn't know what to think. After trouble at the swim team initiation, Rose is once again public enemy number one, with Regina's brother this time the cause of it. 

This time around Rose is struggling with her voice and who she is, it is what is the most relate able concept in the confessions series, finding out who you are. She doesn't know what is going on with Jamie, fighting with her mum at group therapy, dealing with the fact that her brother is doing drugs, her best friend is keeping a secret and dealing with what she did at the swim team party.

Rose changed in this one, she isn't angry anymore about what happened to her dad, even though she knows that he was staying for a year instead of six months like he promised. Her mother is pushing for her to take down the site, the one thing that makes her feel close to her dad. Her brother has been absent since the summer which he was partying it up with his girlfriend. Jamie didn't say a word all summer, now finally seeing him again has brought up feelings that she hasn't felt before and is confused as to what is going, something that every teenage girl can relate to.

Tracey and Rose go through a kind of major dilemma in which Rose over reacts to but then again I couldn't blame her. Jamie, Jamie, Jamie he is protective this time around and isn't seen as much as I would like. The way he acts around Rose, Regina and Conrad is the same as a bear looks after a bear cub (okay bad analogy but you get the point) he doesn't want anyone else getting hurt and well that is his fatal flaw (when you read it you will get it and if you have read anything by Shakespeare) he doesn't care about his himself. Angelo is back and well he would have to be one of the biggest influences in helping Rose find out who she is without even knowing it. The ending will leave you hanging onto for more, so I cannot wait for confession #3 to be out!

The aspects of an angry girl are continued through an almost-girlfriend, with the bullying, harassment and this time around the issue of homophobia. These themes that are addressed in an almost-girlfriend are happening everyday in high schools around the world and every teen can relate to these themes, this and the writing is what makes the book a fantastic read for every teen to read and understand why what is happening to them or what they are doing is wrong.

Thanks to Harlequin Teen for the review copy from netgalley!

Rating: 5/5

Keely xx

May Warp Up!!

Hey everyone, I'm here today with my May wrap up! So this is basically my IMM for the month (IMM is hosted by Kristy @thestorysiren)!

May has been a busy month, back to uni for second term, tests every three weeks for Bio and Chem and then last week I have to do four tests plus a maths assignment, so that was my week gone from me. This week I have just completed three out of four of my final exams for my first trimester of uni! After getting a timetable 20x worse than my HSC I have been studying like crazy because three exams in four days is crazy. Yesterday I spent the day watching movies and reading some books, 7 movies & 2 books later I was out of it to write this post.

E-Books:

• My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent
• Twist of Fate by Kelly Mooney

These books where from iBooks on iTunes for FREE! Aussies get onto this limited of time offer with iTunes because you can get so many more including the goddess test AND touch of power too!!

Netgalley:

• Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead (this book was awesome! Review is up on the blog!)
• The First Third by Will Kostakis (cannot wait to read this guys!)

Thankyou Penguin Aus for these!!

From publisher:

As you guys know I participated in the Georgetown Academy four cover reveal and giveaway which is STILL going! Enter it for your chance to win GA 1-4 and Amazon gift cards!! 

• Georgetown Academy Four by Alyssa Schwartz and Jessica Etting

Tune into the blogs on Tuesday 11th of June for my review of GA4 for its release!!

Thankyou Coliloquy for the review copy!

And lastly while I have read the book and have it, Ada Adams 'ReVamped' Revamped! Cannot wait to read this new version of the book! Thanks Ada for sending it to me!

As of Tuesday I will be free of uni for two and a half weeks! So the blog will be getting some posts up! Don't forget Sydney people the Penguin Teen Live event is on June 24th! Cannot wait to go!

Keely xx

Review Time #34

Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead
In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills. 

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board. 

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense. (from goodreads)

There is no secret about the fact that I love Mead's Vampire Academy & Bloodlines series, so when I saw that her new series would be in the Adult genre I jumped two feet first to see if I would love it, and well if there is anything that Mead knows how to do is to create romance, strong female characters who-will-kick-your-arse-literally, kickass scenes and swoon-worthy main characters.

The story is told from three perspectives, Mae Koskinen who is a Praetorian, a soldier, Dr Justin March who is a servitor and Tessa who is brought over from a colony with Justin to become his protege. Mae is sent to retrieve Justin from where he was banished to, to get him to help out with the seemingly religious orientated murders have taken place back in the RUNA. Where it differs from Mead's usual YA situations, it is an Adult book with the influence that drugs, alcohol and sex play a part in. 

Mae and Justin start off on the wrong foot, before they even knew who each other were they sleep together, and there relationship goes down hill from there. They are forced to work together, and the secret that Justin keeps from Mae affects there whole relationship, trying to find out who or what is responsible for the ritualistic killings that have been taking place in RUNA.

The influence that the paranormal world is out there and is subtle as no one in the RUNA believes that there are gods out there (expect those who have a house of worshiping), Justin himself believes in it. It plays a major part in who the characters are and why they are like they are even if they themselves do not know it all.

Justin is a drinker, drug addict and sleeps with someone new every other day of the week. He may be brilliant in what he does but he does have some dark issues that come from this whole concept that they are all pieces on the Gods gameboard. Mae being who she is, is genetically advanced and is afraid of any sort of commitment which you see in the first few chapters. She has a dark side which makes her violent and even more aggressive when it comes to fighting. Tessa is a colony girl who is smart and like Justin she can sense that people aren't telling the truth through their voice and body language. She takes a backseat in the main storyline but her influences & abilities help out when needed.

Gameboard of the Gods is a mixture of action, paranormal, dystopian and romance. Once you start you will not be able to stop with Mead's addictive writting style and her way of creating a world which you just sink into.

Thanks Penguin Aus for the e-arc on netaglley!

Rating: 4.5/5

Keely xx

Review Time #33

Dare You To by Katie McGarry 

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

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

"I dare you..."

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

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

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

This is Beth and Ryan's story, we've heard Echo's and Noah's, now it is time to hear about Beth & what she is going through. 

“Screw what Mom and Dad think. Screw the rest of the town. Screw perfection. This girl is mine.” 

Who would ever think that a single dare could change someone's life? Ryan's friends dare him to get Skater's Girl (aka Beth) number & name, what he didn't realise is what the dare turned out to be, attraction. Beth knows she feels the same, however, with everything going on in her life can she just be?

“Fine," I say. "Dare accepted."

Game on, Skater Girl. Game on.” 

After loving Pushing the Limits and falling in love with McGarry's writing, I knew that I couldn't wait for Dare you To. Her writing captures you and doesn't let you go... I should know seeing as I starting reading and didn't finish until 1am. There is no denying that Ryan and Beth are from different groups, socioeconomic groups and neighborhoods, Ryan is your town's golden boy & jock with secrets of his own, Beth the new girl with dark & hidden secrets. 

“I like you. I. Like. You. I'll admit you're annoying. Sometimes you agitate me to the brink of insanity, but you can throw it back at me like no one else. When you laugh, I want to laugh. When you smile, I want to smile. Hell, I want to be the one to make you smile.”

Beth's life with her aunt and uncle is for the better, being away from her alcoholic and drug addict mum and her abusive boyfriend is for the best. Isaiah makes a few appearances in this one, while Beth wants to runaway like she always does, Isaiah knows that it is better for her to just stay. Isaiah knows that he has to let her go, no matter how much he loves her, he wants what is best for her. The scenes between these two are heart breaking and will emotionally get to you. Ryan's perfect life isn't as perfect as it seems, he maybe the town's golden boy on the outside, on the inside he is hiding secrets just like Beth is. 

“You're falling for me like I'm falling for you. That's why you're pushing me so hard.” 

The rollarcoaster ride this book takes you on is one that you will never forget, the way that these two find out each others secrets and begin to understand this relationship that is forming between the two. McGarry's writing just takes you away in this one, Dare you To is an emotional & brilliant ride that you just have to read in one go!

Thanks to Harlequin (UK) Limited for the review copy on netgalley!

Rating: 5/5

Keely xx

Review Time #32

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

Book two of the Blood of Eden chapters and we are just a few months after   what happened at the end of book one. This time it is Kanin in danger not Allie, a new virus is killing humans and making feeding very hard for the vampires to feed and Zeke. Yes Zeke. Jackal is back, but not necessarily for revenge, which is suprising, Allie's blood brother is crazy and has tried to kill her before but this time he is on her side... for now.

Kanin has been captured because Sarren believes that he can solve the problem on the Red Lung virus seeing how it was him who was apart of the group who created it. Zeke is back, looking for a cure of the Red Lung virus before it can affect the human population at Eden and looking for Allie. Jackal, well he wants to virus gone and like Allie has felt Kanin's call to him. This time around, Jackal isn't trying to kill Allie which is a surprise after everything that happened in the previous book. 

The Eternity Cure is full of twists and turns, you never know what is going to happen next, who will fall sick to the Red Lung virus, who has survived from before and most of all who will survive the virus outbreak. Now my favourite quote from Eternity Cure would have to be Jackal because even in the dark plot Kagawa has managed to keep his humor throughout the novel:

"Did the entire world just get turned on its head? Now we're going to save a bunch of dirty meatsacks from a bunch of cannibals? Why don't we rescue some orphaned kittens and put food out for stray puppies while we're at it?- Jackal"

Rating: 4.5/5

Keely xx

Review Time #31

Georgetown Academy Book Three by Alyssa Schwartz and Jessica Etting

Thanks to netgalley and Coliloquy for the review copy!

The frosty chill that’s settled over Georgetown Academy isn’t just from the winter weather—growing up in the D.C. fishbowl isn’t for everyone, but a break from the Beltway might just restore some sanity.

Ellie Walker’s suffered through a lifetime of scandal in a few short weeks, and now must watch her true love fall for someone else. But will a dose of fresh New England air—and an irresistible newcomer who plays by his own rules—provide the change of pace she so desperately needs?

Riding high after her smashing D.C. debut, Taryn Reyes hatches a plan to cement her relationship with Gabe. But she may get more than she bargained for when she enlists Brooks’ help.

Evan Harnett would do anything to protect her friends. But one moment of weakness, and now she’s on the outs with both Hunter and Ellie. Hot on the trail of a new story, she’s heartbroken to find it leads straight back to Ellie. Can she save her friend and their friendship?

Brinley Madison’s Clinton-esque downfall was bad enough, but between family obligations, protecting her friends, and managing local gossip, will she be able to regain her social standing without losing her peace of mind?

Privileged kids in a posh hotel with nothing to do but scheme and ski—and they thought D.C. was a pressure cooker? One thing’s for sure: what happens in Vermont definitely won’t stay in Vermont.

Two weeks have passed since the events of the Follow the Stars happened, in preparation for the ski trip, Ellie's mum has set her up with Weston Morris, son of someone who could become one of America's most powerful women. Brinley's parents are making her keep her stint in rehab a secret by saying she has mono. Evan is still pretending to be Luke's boyfriend until the ski trip plane ride. Taryn is with Gabe, but he can't DTR (define the relationship) and then there is Brooks who is hanging around Taryn.

Ellie is over as she can be about Hunter, she can't move on from the fact that Taryn and Gabe are always together, then there is Weston senior at one of the other top private schools in D.C. The ski trip is a chance for Ellie to let loose, however, information about Weston ruin her chances of moving on when she finds out the reason why he left his school mid-year when he had gone there since Kindergarten. 

Brinley wants to move on and relax so she doesn't resort back to her Adderall habit. Her mum on the other hand wants her act like everything is normal and find a new suitable boyfriend for her. But Brinley has other ideas, the cute town guy who works at the ski resort wants to take her out on a date, but lying to Ellie is always the hardest part for her. 

Evan is single, no longer are her and Luke fake boyfriend and girlfriend, she has a chance on the ski trip to be with Hunter, whom kissed her two weeks before. Evan's internship boss has other ideas on what she will be doing on the ski trip: finding out the reason why Weston Morris transferred mid-year. With Ellie sort-of dating Weston she is worried that this will worsen their relationship even more. However, when she finds out the real reason why she has to go to the one person who will listen to her about Ellie: Brinley. 

Taryn is confused about Gabe as to whether or not he wants to be with her or is he still hung up on Ellie. Wanting to make Gabe jealous she uses Brooks who is more than willing to go out snowboarding with her. When she starts to not care about making him jealous she realises that he still wants to hang out with her. But when Gabe runs off to help Brinley & Evan with Ellie, Brooks is the one there to save her when she hurts herself snowboarding.

Hunter, Gabe, Weston, Luke and Brooks all play important roles in the girls time at the ski resort whether it is to make or break them.

Drama, Secrets come out and Relationships crumble, who will be left standing all in one piece after the ski trip is over? The addictivness of this series just makes you want to see what happens next and what political scandal is coming out now. 

Rating:4.5/5

Keely xx

Review #29

Georgetown Academy by Jessica Etting and Alyssa Schwartz

Thanks to netgalley and Coliloquy for the review copy!

It’s the beginning of a new political administration. That might not mean much at most high schools, but at Georgetown Academy, Washington D.C.’s most elite prep school, January 20th means new alliances, new flings, and new places to party.

While freshmen—nicknamed “interns” for their willingness to jump into bed with anyone higher on the D.C. totem pole—navigate the not-so-friendly halls of GA searching for Algebra and Bio classes, the school’s lifers have other things on their minds.

For self-proclaimed D.C. royalty Brinley Madison (of those Madisons), the first day of school is all about establishing the social hierarchy and playing the part of perfect political wife to her boyfriend, the outgoing Vice President’s son. Too bad he has a wandering eye that puts Bill Clinton’s to shame. Can she keep him, and her own secret vice, in check?

Ellie Walker, Brinley’s best friend, floats through the halls on the arm of golden boy Hunter McKnight (the JFK of GA). But when her ex-boyfriend, Gabe, returns to town and her Senator mother’s political nemesis is reelected, Ellie’s life starts to snowball out of control.

Shy, quiet Evan Hartnett is more into books than beer, and her closet is full of t-shirts and jeans instead of Jason Wu and Jimmy Choo. No one’s ever really noticed her—but she’s been noticing them. When her star rises as an intern at D.C.’s most-watched political news show, she soon finds the two worlds colliding in ways that make her question what’s secret and what’s fair game.

New girl Taryn Reyes is all laid-back, California cool; with a father who’s in line to be the first Hispanic president, she’s ready to dive into the D.C. scene with an open mind. But when her fellow students turn out to be more interested in spreading rumors than making friends, she realizes that forging a drama-free path might be a lot harder than she thinks.

With so many new friends and former flames in the mix, things are bound to get a little heated. And while diplomatic immunity might keep the cops away, there’s not much it can do about the press.
In a town where one teenage misstep can turn into a national scandal, the students at Georgetown Academy will have to be on their best behavior—or, at least, they’ll have to make the world believe that they are.

Because there’s only one rule: whatever you do, don’t get caught.

Georgetown Academy follows four of Americas political influences daughters in their time at Georgetown Academy and everything that goes on. Evan, Brinley, Ellie and Taryn are four completely different girls, from different families.

Ellie is Brinley's best friend and boyfriend to Hunter McKnight son of a pretty powerful influence. Ellie has a lot to deal with, her mother is being attacked by her ex-boyfriend's father, who also just happens to be back at Georgetown Academy & her best friend has gone slightly crazy. Her feelings for Gabe resurface as they continuously run into each other at school, her mum is being attacked from the media because of allegations that aren't true and her she has doubts about whether being with her boyfriend is right.

Brinley has a boyfriend who cheats on her, but can't find away to break up with him without ruining her reputation with it. With a lot of stress going on Brinley resorts to different ways to overcome her stress, not necessarily the right way. Brinley's family are the IT family of Washington D.C. until newcomers of political chain come into view. As she deals with a cheating boyfriend and the newcomer of Georgetown Academy, Brinley doesn't make all the right choices in staying Georgetown Academy's IT girl.

Taryn is the new girl of Georgetown Academy, the California girl has no idea what Georgetown has set in store for her. Her father is in for the first Hispanic president, the media is on her family and all the sons & daughters of the political power players are watching what moves she makes and how they can ruin her father's chance of becoming president one day. 

Evan is the scholarship girl of Georgetown, intern to one of D.C's most-watched political news shows who also has her eye set on Hunter a.k.a Ellie's boyfriend. But with the fact that Evan goes un-noticed in the social circle at school means that she find out the latest scope on each and everyone apart of Georgetown's elite, which can affect the political events happening at that time.

When a party breaks all the secrets out of the closet each girl has something different to deal with. It is Gossip Girl expect set in D.C and it's America's power players in the spotlight. The story is such a different aspect of it as you can follow a different girl at the party, while I ended up reading all four, each girl undergoes something different which makes the story so different from other YA's around.

Rating: 4/5

Keely xx