Same difference (38)

Exit kingdom by Alden Bell

And

Through the ever night by Veronica Rossi

Exit kingdom was a recent purchase of mine and as soon as it arrived through my letterbox, I knew I'd seen that girl somewhere before! It took a couple hours of racking my brain and trying to envision her elsewhere and it finally came to me that she was also on the Through the ever night cover.
She's a lot more shadowed on TtEN and I think it gives her a lot more mystery, but she's still mysterious in both since she has her back turned to us, but on the Exit kingdom cover there's a guy walking away from her and that makes me wonder why, both covers are great covers really!
Which do you prefer?

The testing - Review

The testing by Joelle Charbonneau

The testing book one

Available now

www.templarco.co.uk 

What's it about?

Sixteen-year-old Cia Vale is honoured to be chosen for The Testing – a series of exams set by the United Commonwealth that selects the brightest young adults to become leaders of their war- stricken world. But when candidates start disappearing and Cia witnesses unimaginable horrors done in the United Commonwealth’s name it becomes clear that these are no ordinary exams, and Cia is forced to realise the truth: this is no longer about winning, but surviving.

My review

The testing was another great YA dystopia in a sea of YA dystopias. While it had its moments where it reminded me a lot of The hunger games, it certainly had something of its own too, I don't think the similarities were intentional, both books have the same themes which make it easier for the reader to relate certain scenes from The testing to scenes from THG - unless it was just me!

But, like I said, The testing has a quality all its own and I really enjoyed it. It had a great shock value to it at some points, some adrenaline fuelled moments and a very clever leading lady. I really liked Cia although every time she came across a 'situation' during her Testing she always had a handy childhood memory of doing something similar, like using the tools she's faced with or having already tasted all the wild plants they come across, so she always knew what to do, by the end it all just seemed too coincidental, she never had to figure something out completely or take a risk, she never had even a slight failure because she seemed to know everything. But maybe I'm just being cynical, I don't know. Still, I did really like her, she certainly seems like a handy girl to have around lol Her relationship with Tomas was sweet and the book was written so well that I was always tapped into her emotions, I was tense when she was in tense situations and I felt her anger so much at the end that I was gripping the book.

I can't wait to get my hands on Independent study where I think we'll start getting more into the politics of the Commonwealth and hopefully Cia will start sticking it to the man, so to speak.

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Rule - Review

Rule by Jay Crownover

Marked men book one

Available 24th October 2013

www.harpercollins.co.uk 

What's it about?

Opposites in every way . . . except the one that matters 

Shaw Landon loved Rule Archer from the moment she laid eyes on him. Rule is everything a straight-A pre-med student like Shaw shouldn’t want—and the only person she’s never tried to please. She isn’t afraid of his scary piercings and tattoos or his wild attitude. Though she knows that Rule is wrong for her, her heart just won’t listen.

To a rebel like Rule Archer, Shaw Landon is a stuck-up, perfect princess—and his dead twin brother’s girl. She lives by other people’s rules; he makes his own. He doesn’t have time for a good girl like Shaw—even if she’s the only one who can see the person he truly is.

But a short skirt, too many birthday cocktails, and spilled secrets lead to a night neither can forget. Now, Shaw and Rule have to figure out how a girl like her and a guy like him are supposed to be together without destroying their love . . . or each other.

My review

Okay, first things first, to me Rule read just like a book that was originally self published but has been picked up and put into print without any changes, the writing doesn't always flow and has the feel of a first time writer to it.
Secondly, Rule is super hot and the book is still totally addictive! Although I sometimes struggled with the book because sometimes it didn't always mesh together smoothly, I found it hard to put down. I realise this review is starting to sound like a complete contradiction of itself but it was just one of those books that I loved and didn't love at the same time.
It as a lot of the same themes as some other NA books I've read, a big, strong, slightly over protective bad boy who gets around and a young, naive, virgin girl, along with a slightly over dramatic story and a crazy ex. So, if you've come looking for something new you may not find it here but it's still an enjoyable read.
It's told from the perspectives of both the leading characters so we really get to experience both of their feelings first hand and know what they're thinking. Personally I found Rule to be more interesting that Shaw, he's so self destructive and seeing him grow up and try to get a hold of his feelings made an exciting read.
Whereas Shaw, deciding to ditch the 'I'm such a good girl' act and changing her hair and clothes was kind of boring, she actually didn't change that much, except she finally stood up to her parents, which I had to give her a pat on the back for, but otherwise, she was just blah.
But then I do have a weakness for hot guys covered in tattoos, so its probably not a surprise that I preferred Rule!
All that being said, I'm actually looking forward to book two, Jet, and spending a few hours with another sexy tattooed man, who just happens to be lead singer in a rock band, yep, I'm already weak at the knees!
I'd also mention that I love the cover! Not just because of the hot guy, its just nice to see a NA cover that isn't a black background with a random bit of ribbon, wisp of smoke, or some other strange item on it.

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Interview - Lisa Becker

About you and the books?

- You probably get this one a lot but, what made you decide to write a book that was told by emails rather than a 'straight' story?

Many years ago, I read a book called e by Matthew Beaumont which tells the story of a fictitious ad agency vying for a big account, with the story all told in emails.  I thought that narrative style would work really well for the story I wanted to tell about the online dating world.  It was a modern way of storytelling that fit the topic and the times. 

- Of all your characters in the world of Click, do you have a particular favourite to write?

But, my favorite character is Shelley.  She’s confident, brash, outrageous and wholly unapologetic for her choices.  She was so fun to write. 

 - Are any of the characters based on your real life friends or yourself, intentional or not?

I most readily identify with Renee.  She and I share a lot of qualities including a self-depreciating sense of humor, fear of flying, motivation in our PR careers and love of baking.  Mark is loosely based on a friend who encouraged me to try online dating.  He’s a terrific guy who is still himself searching for “the one.”   So if you know any nice single girls, let me know.  ;)  As for Shelley, her hilarious habit of giving nicknames to her “man du jour” was inspired by a childhood friend of mine who had a nickname for a guy in college that she admired from across the dorm cafeteria.  She called him Maverick because he looked like Tom Cruise in Top Gun.  Much like Shelley, she is a self-confident, gorgeous, lovely gal and it wasn't long before they met and dated for a spell. 

- How difficult was it to follow up "Click: An Online love story" considering the amazing reviews you had for the first book?

Let me stop blushing here for a moment!  I was so flattered by the response to Click and wanted to create a realistic portrayal of life moving forward to all of the characters.  I tried to be true to who they were but also have them advance in their lives.  We can’t have Shelley continue her escapades well into her 40’s…or can we?  ;)

 - "Click" was very much inspired by your own love story, how much of you is there in "Double Click" and what parallels could you make between your reality and the stories intersecting in the book?

While Click was inspired by my real life as well as stories from friends, Double Click was more of an organic growth of how I felt the characters would grow and mature.  After spending so much time bringing them to life in Click, it was somewhat easy and natural for them to continue to evolve through my fingertips. 

 - My favourite moment in Double Click was the Airport scene at the end. it really moved me because it touched a personal experience (will not go into detail as I don't want to spoil it for everyone else :p). What was the most emotional and involved part of the story for you to write?

The airport scene was certainly emotional for me as well.  I wanted to realistically portray what happens in our 30’s when friends’ lives take different courses and they start to grow up.  I’m so honored to know you found it to be noteworthy. 

 -What's next for you? Do you plan to write more about the adventures of Renee and her friends or something else?

A friend, after seeing the Double Click cover, said, “Can’t wait for part three, Right Click; the story of how Renee becomes a conservative and falls madly in love with a one percenter!"  While I don’t think Renee will become a member of the Tea Party anytime soon, I love the title.  Right Click is a slow-moving work in progress. 

-And if/when you do write something else, would you stick with writing a story by emails or would you try something new?

Right Click will continue the epistolary narrative.  I have another work in progress, which is more of a traditional format about a group of friends who visit Big Bear Lake for a long weekend. 

- Which author(s) would you say is your main inspiration, if any?

I don’t have a particular author that has influenced me.  I really enjoy Jennifer Weiner, Sophia Kinsella and others.  

Random questions

- What's your favourite colour?

Yellow!  It’s bright and sunny, which is how I try to live my life. 

 - Half empty or half full?

If there’s a margarita in there, it’s half empty.  Everything else, it’s half full. 

- If it were possible to visit any other planet you like, which would you choose?

Hmmm.  I have a major fear of flying, so I’m fairly certain space travel is out of the question for me.  That being said, I would probably choose Saturn because those rings sound pretty and I love jewellery.  ;)

- Tea or coffee?

Believe it or not, I’ve never had a cup of coffee.  I tried it once and didn’t like it, so I never tried it again.  I’m not a tea drinker either.  Sadly, I fell in love with chocolate after the first taste, and haven’t stopped.  Again, my thighs can attest to that, believe me.  So, I suppose a hot chocolate with a big dollop of whipped cream would be my go-to choice. 

- Do you have any tattoos?

If yes, what do you have?  No.  I have a strong aversion to pain, so being repeatedly (and voluntarily, I might add) stuck by a needle is NOT going to happen. 

- Can you lick your elbow?

No.  I just tried but sadly it was not possible. 

- Did you just try to lick your elbow before answering?

Ha!  As you can see from above, I did indeed try.  Thanks for the laugh and your continued support/enthusiasm.

Click: An online love story
Fast approaching her 30th birthday and finding herself not married, not dating, and without even a prospect or a house full of cats, Renee Greene, the heroine of Click: An Online Love Story, reluctantly joins her best guy pal on a journey to find love online in Los Angeles. The story unfolds through a series of emails between Renee and her best friends (anal-compulsive Mark, the overly-judgmental Ashley and the over-sexed Shelley) as well as the gentlemen suitors she meets online. From the guy who starts every story with "My buddies and I were out drinking one night," to the egotistical "B" celebrity looking for someone to stroke his ego, Renee endures her share of hilarious and heinous cyber dates. Fraught with BCC's, FWD's and inadvertent Reply to All's, readers will root for Renee to "click" with the right man.

Double click
Fans of the romantic hit Click: An Online Love Story will enjoy another voyeuristic dive into the lives of Renee, Shelley, Ashley, Mark and Ethan, as Double Click picks up with their lives six months later. Are Renee and Ethan soul mates? Does Mark ever go on a date? Has Shelley run out of sexual conquests in Los Angeles? Will Ashley's judgmental nature sabotage her budding relationship? Through a marriage proposal, wedding, new baby and unexpected love twist, Double Click answers these questions and more. Readers will continue to cheer, laugh, cry and cringe following the email exploits of Renee and friends.

About the author
Lisa Becker had endured her share of hilarious and heinous cyber dates, many of which inspired Click: An Online Love Story and Double Click. She is now happily married to a wonderful man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach with him and their two daughters. So, if it happened for her, there’s hope for you!

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Double click - Review by Ninfa

Double click by Lisa Becker

Click: An online love story book two.

Available now 

What's it about?

Fans of the romantic hit Click: An Online Love Story will enjoy another voyeuristic dive into the lives of Renee, Shelley, Ashley, Mark and Ethan, as Double Click picks up with their lives six months later. Are Renee and Ethan soul mates? Does Mark ever go on a date? Has Shelley run out of sexual conquests in Los Angeles? Will Ashley's judgmental nature sabotage her budding relationship? Through a marriage proposal, wedding, new baby and unexpected love twist, Double Click answers these questions and more. Readers will continue to cheer, laugh, cry and cringe following the email exploits of Renee and friends.

Other books in the series

Click: An online love story - Book one

My Thoughts: I simply adore this series! Following “Click: An Online Love Story” was always going to be hard, after all it has received some raving reviews (one from yours truly), and I was very tentative when I first heard about a follow up, but you know what? I loved it!
The characters are still faithful to the first book, but their lives have moved on, some in small, some in huge ways.
Renee, Shelley and even Ashley didn't fail in capturing my attention with their antics, fears and hopes, and I was so happy to be able to follow them into this new chapter of their lives.
This is a truly heart warming, giggle inducing, sparkling romantic comedy and I refuse to call it Chick Lit because to me it was more like a photo caption of what a woman's life is: friends, love, passion and commitment to realising ones dreams. Fear of failing, of losing, of change. But most of all, it is a wonderful portrayal of relationships and how they can shape someone's life deeply.
I am not ashamed to say I cried like a baby at the airport scene (no spoilers!), because it reminded me of my own experiences and of people in my life that I love.
I cannot recommend this book enough.
In fact, if you haven't read Click and Double Click...Go and do it now! ;)
Big huge love and thumbs up!

Happy reading Bookaholics.

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Torch - Review

Torch by Cambria Hebert

Take it off book one.

Available now. 

What's it about?

If you can’t take the heat… stay away from the flame.

Katie Parks has been on her own since the age of fifteen. All she’s ever wanted is a place to call her own—a life that is wholly hers that no one can take away. She thought she finally had it, but with the strike of a single match, everything she worked so hard for is reduced to a pile of smoking ash. And she almost is too.

Now she’s being stalked by someone who’s decided it’s her time to die. The only thing standing in the path of her blazing death is sexy firefighter Holt Arkain.

Katie’s body might be safe with Holt… but her heart is another story.

As the danger heats up, sparks fly and the only thing Katie knows for sure is that her whole life is about to go up in flames.

My review

After immensely enjoying the authors YA series I just had to get my hands on Torch from the moment I heard about it, I was dying to see how she handled a NA novel, so I signed-up with crossed fingers for an ARC and nearly hit the roof with excitement when I received the email saying I'd been picked and of course started reading right away.
But anyway, you probably want to know how the book was, not hear about my book crazed self! Well, it was really good, it literally jumps straight into the dramatics and doesn't let up throughout, making a nail biting story with some great steamy scenes in between to keep you hooked.
Holt is totally hot, and not just because he's a fireman lol He's a natural protector and looks after Katie just in the way she needs, even if she doesn't know it. He's caring and, although he's tall and pretty much made of muscle, is so gentle and delicate, it's not hard to see why Katie falls for him when she doesn't normally let people in.
So, as you can probably tell, I really enjoyed it and I need book two, Tease, like, yesterday!

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Invisibility - Review

Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan

Available now

www.penguin.co.uk 

What's it about?

A magical romance between a boy cursed with invisibility and the one girl who can see him, by New York Times bestselling authors Andrea Cremer and David Levithan.

Stephen is used to invisibility. He was born that way. Invisible. Cursed.

Elizabeth sometimes wishes for invisibility. When you’re invisible, no one can hurt you. So when her mother decides to move the family to New York City, Elizabeth is thrilled. It’s easy to blend in there.

Then Stephen and Elizabeth meet. To Stephen’s amazement, she can see him. And to Elizabeth’s amazement, she wants him to be able to see her—all of her. But as the two become closer, an invisible world gets in their way—a world of grudges and misfortunes, spells and curses. And once they’re thrust into this world, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how deep they’re going to go—because the answer could mean the difference between love and death.

My review

I really enjoyed reading Invisibility, the book itself had a great and interesting premise which the authors bought to the page wonderfully.
Although I have read Andrea Cremer in the past, this was my first introduction to David Levithan, who I know is a popular guy and has co-authored a lot of books, so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was a really good book, its told from both Stephen and Elizabeth in alternating chapters, so you really get to know both characters and both sides of the story. I really liked them both, they're different, yet have so much in common at the same time. I really felt for Stephen when he met someone, for the first time in his life, whi could see him, I could just feel how elated and amazed he was. And as the pair fall in love it was beautifully written and kept me hoping that they would find a way for it to work out.
As the book continues it gets more dramatic and the action picks up, the pace builds to a big finish and a lovely, if not perfect ending.
It was a great read from cover to cover, I found the story to be different, the mythology was well thought out and presented to the reader in an easy to understand way, everything was slowly (though not painfully) revealed throughout the novel, bringing up a new flash of information or uncovering a secret just at the right moment.

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Tiger lily - Review

Tiger lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Available 3rd October 2013

www.hachette.co.uk 

What's it about?

Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair. . . .

Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.

Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything—her family, her future—to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.

With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.

My review

From the first time I heard about Tiger lily I knew I had to get my hands on it, it just sounded like such a new perspective on Peter Pan, especially since its not even really about Peter Pan, its about Tiger Lily and its more of a prequel to the much loved and very often recreated original tale, did I also mention its told from the view of Tinkerbell?
The book was every bit as magical and heart breaking as I was expecting, its a wonderful coming of age love story. I loved how the author took the character of Tiger Lily and made her her own, Tiger Lily is such a strong and wild girl, only a few people really know how to handle her or understand her, something that both endeared her to me and made me feel sad for her.
Her love story with Peter wasn't a simple one, just like she isn't a simple girl, she wanted to be strong and do everything the boys did, but Peter wanted a girl to look after and liked being needed, so sometimes their relationship worked and sometimes it didn't because they just clashed too much, it was really interesting to read.
Another thing I really liked about the book was how the author incorporated things from the story of Peter Pan as well and I could easily envision the scenery from the great writing.
In all, Tiger Lily was a lovely book and I'm looking forward to discovering more from this author.

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The mark of Athena - Review

The mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Heroes of Olympus book three.

Available now

www.penguin.co.uk 

What's it about?

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy - after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera - it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can't blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon figurehead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket, Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving command: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find - and close - the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader - but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

My review

The mark of Athena is yet another great adventure set in the world of Percy Jackson. Full of mystery, action and monsters.
What I like about the Heroes of Olympus series is that each book is told by different characters, and whilst they do involve everyone, we get to the heart of different characters with each book and find out what makes them tick, it's a really great way to get to know everyone when there are so many main players in the series, without being overwhelmed. It was also great to see Percy and Annabeth taking front row again and how their relationship together has grown since the original series.
The story itself is also, once again, great! Rick Riordan does a brilliant job of bringing ancient myths into the present and mixing the two to create something unique, making the book difficult to put down.
If you've liked the rest of the books, then this latest in the series will not disappoint you, its just as fast paced, and there's never a dull moment in sight as all our heroes take on another great quest.

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You don't know me - Review

You don't know me by Sophia Bennett

Available now

www.doublecluck.co.uk 

What's it about?

Sasha, Jodie, Nell and Rose never expected to be famous. They didn’t want to be. In fact, they wanted to keep their band a secret because it’s what they do when they’re being stupid together – dressing up and singing cheesy songs.

But someone has stolen a video they made. It’s online, and it’s been entered into a talent competition. And what’s more … it’s got 24 votes. In only a few hours it’s got 24 votes.

The girls are about to be faced with a big decision that could make them seriously famous.

Just not necessarily the way they hoped …

My review

After reading, and really enjoying, Sophia Bennett's debut novel, The look, last year, I've been looking forward to picking something else up by her so I was super happy when I received a copy of her latest book, You don't know me. It's another great novel that I enjoyed a lot.
I really liked the whole basis of the story and the author did a great job of getting peoples emotions across, I connected well with Sasha and thought she was a lovely girl.
There's a great feeling of friendship throughout the book, even when the girls fall out, you can feel the bond and I think its a great message to young girls who might pick up the book, whether its intentional or not.
It did have its funny moments too, times that made me laugh or smile. And then there were other moments that really had me feeling for the girls, the hard time Sasha had to go through really made me feel for her and I was on her side throughout.
You don't know me was a wonderful book, it touches the surface of issues with the media and how it can manipulate how the public perceive a person, uses great characters, represents friendship and is beautifully written.

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