Review: Never Say Goodbye by Bethan Cooper

Title: Never Say Goodbye

Author: Bethan Cooper

Release Date: 25th April 2014

Publisher: Bethan Cooper

Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: Who said life was easy again?

When eighteen year old Ella Stone fell into his arms one July morning she encountered a man who was not only beautiful, but the most caring and loving she had ever met. She is lost in the distance to most and cares about nothing in her life. The only needs she craves is her best friend Jade and her trusty sky blue Ford Mustang. 

After losing someone who meant more to her than herself, her whole life changed for the worse.

Fighting something on your own, can change your life. 

Especially when that something, causes you pain everyday. 

When Luke James lean, beautiful and rich finds a small girl riddled with torment in his arms he can't help but want to put out that dark light inside of her. 

His past haunts them both, causing unnecessary heartbreak. 

But when he leaves his high school girlfriend Jenna, for her, trouble chases them both and the escape tries to break them apart.

On this emotional tormented roller-coaster, we find two people who should of never been introduced, but they are and the inevitable happens, for them both.

Detailed Review:  <<I received a copy of this book to beta in return for my honest feedback.>>

Never Say Goodbye was an explosive book, albeit a quiet one. It's like when you light a fuse and it starts burning, until it reaches the end and the explosion happens. That's how I felt when I read the last few chapters.

There was a strong theme of insta-love with this book, but I would classify it as a genuine and realistic one, because of the fact that Luke and Ella had met before, just that Luke had never looked at Ella the same way he had when she fell, literally into his arms.

I thought Beth managed to balance this out by showing how volatile and strength their relationship is. One word is all it takes to break it; when it's fixed again, it's stronger than before.

At the start of the book, Ella Stone was just a girl battling with depression who had her Mustang and best friend to distract her from her demons. She was broken and hard to fix.

When she has lost hope, the appearance of Luke James precedes a romance so strong and unyielding that it had Celine Dion's 'The Power of Love' running in my head.

NSG is about how love can make you stronger and change you. Over the course of the book, Ella's transformation is evident; she becomes braver and stronger. She is able to stand up and fight for herself. Ella was definitely my favourite character in the book because she showed in the end, that she was still strong when Luke wasn't with her and was a source of pain. She even stood up to him.

Luke, the hottest boy in school (bad boy alert!) was immediately drawn to Ella in a way he had never before when they collided into each other. He showed that he was also as broken as Ella, though he didn't suffer the depression as Ella had. He had lost the person he loved the most but none of the hurt ever showed on the surface until he let Ella in. I'd love to know more about his background though. Sometimes I think the spotlight should shine more often on Luke and his current struggles.

The story was told mainly from Ella's POV but there was a chapter for both Ella and Luke's POV, which I absolutely wished there was more of.

P.S. The ending will certainly want to make you cry or just traumatise you into a brief silence. Just get ready a box of tissues.

Brief Review: The chemistry between Luke and Ella made a very potent combination with both of their tragic pasts. It's not easy to get out of this book after being immersed in it. This is an emotional piece of work that will leave your heart broken not just by the beauty of Luke and Ella's love, but everything else that comes with it. I can't wait for the sequel! I NEED MORE LUKE AND ELLA!

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

Your Reviewer:

Review: The One by Kiera Cass

Title: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Find on: Goodreads  and Amazon

Quick Review: The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

From the very first page of The Selection, this #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured readers' hearts and swept them away on a captivating journey... Now, in The One, Kiera Cass delivers a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion that will keep readers sighing over this electrifying fairy-tale long after the final page is turned.

Detailed Review: I didn't want to have high hopes for this book, but because it was the final book in a series I really loved, I couldn't help it. I am happy to say that I was not disappointing, well I was mostly not disappointed. The only reason why I was disappointed was because the book was way too darn short!! I just felt like everything was so rushed. And then at the ending I was disappointed, because I wanted to see more of them together. 

For most of the first half of the book, I was annoyed with America. I can't think of anything specific she did that annoyed me, it was just something about her that plucked at my nerves. 

I liked the parts with America and Maxon, though they were kind of all over the place like Katy Perry's Hot and Cold song. One minute it was like "I love you sooo much!" the next it was like "I don't know if I can be with you.." 

The scenes between America and Aspen were also kind of unsatisfactory, and they seemed mostly unnecessary. I felt like they could have just said that they weren't into each other, without all the delays. 

I loved the moments between the girls, they were so sweet and heartwarming. I liked how they became friends, and I was sad to see some of them die. 

Talking about dying, I was ecstatic to see the King die, but I was sad to see the Queen die. The Queen, despite her ignorance was one of the more likable characters, I really enjoyed the scenes with her. 

When all is said and done I was very happy with this happy ending. 


Brief Review: I can't say that this book was perfect, but I feel like it was a pretty good ending, I just wish that things wouldn't have been so rushed. Writing the last book is always difficult and I just want to give the author props, she did a good job!

Final Rating: 4/5 'Great with a few flaws'

Your Reviewer: 

Let's Welcome A New Member!!!

Hey everyone! This is Elicia here, your usual host now that Chloe, ahem, slackened (though she still did the designs) and is busy with her studies right now. I'm busy with exams too as well. So we decided to hire a new co-blogger to help us fill in as we studied hard and here she is! There will be future posts from her like book reviews. Please let us give her a warm welcome! *claps and whistles and screams and flying streamers everywhere* 

P.S. I've talked to her and she is the nicest person ever! 

And here is a small introduction written by her:

Hi everyone, my name is Szidi and I will be joining this wonderful reviewing team. I'm from Canada, and I go to the University of Toronto. I have loved reading since middle school, and I want to share that passion with other wonderful people that love to read. I look forward to sharing my opinions with all the readers.

Cover Reveal: Fever by Melissa Pearl

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Release date: June 15th

 

Cover Reveal!

Fever ( A Songbird Novel )

Designer: Mae I Design

Ella Simmons does not want to move across the country. But she is, because her boyfriend has persuaded her to join him at UChicago to finish out her college education. Never able to tell him no, she hops on a plane and makes the trek from LA expecting to adjust to life like she's often forced to, but things are not that simple when she hears a luscious voice singing over her shower wall. His deep, sexy tenor makes her weak in the knees, spreading fire through her limbs and making her question everything about her life and relationship.

Can one voice really have that much of an impact?

Cole Reynolds is on his way out. In his final year at UChicao, the only this he wants to do is finish school and get on with this life. But the sweet voice that interrupts his morning shower turns his world upside down. Compelled to find his shower songbird, he begins a search across campus. The only thing to distract him from this goal is his roommate's gorgeous girlfriend who's just arrived from LA - Ella Simmons.

Relationships are put to the ultimate test as future dreams are questioned and friendships are thrown on the line for love.

Excerpt

My voice grew stronger as I sang through the first verse of Cheek to Cheek. Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald sang my favorite version of the song. I was so in love with those two. Probably because my mother was a jazz/swing freak. Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong…they were always filling our house with music. But Ella, she was my mom’s favorite and she’d quickly became mine. The woman had a voice like an angel…the supreme songbird. That’s what Mom used to say.

I ended the verse strong on the high note and was about to dip low for the last line when a deep, masculine voice joined me from the other side of the wall. 

My breath hitched, my heart rate tripling. Man, that was a sexy voice. My insides flooded with heat and it wasn’t because of the shower. I bit my lip, wondering how to respond. My mind was flashing with images of a naked man beneath his own shower head. What did he look like? If the person matched the voice, he must be built like a greek god. My insides coiled tight as I touched the tiles in front of me.

I’d never had such a physical reaction to someone’s voice before. I mean, yeah David was sexy in his own way, but whoever was on the other side of this wall was making my knees weak.

The man chuckled, a low gruff sound from his throat…at least I think that’s what it was. It was kind of hard to hear through the wall, but then he started singing again and it was crystal clear. 

He finished the next line.

He paused.

Waiting.

For me.

Pressing my lips together, I blinked a couple of times and then grinned. 

About the Author

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Author Blog / Book Blog / Pinterest

Sign up for Melissa's Newsletter

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them.

"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

Blog Tour + Review: I Know Lucy by Melissa Pearl

Hi, this is Elicia here! Today we're one of the tour stops for the I Know Lucy blog tour! Read on for a full review of this book!

Title: I Know Lucy

Author: Melissa Pearl

Publisher: Evatopia Press

Release Date: 20th April 2014

Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: Lucy Tate is on the run. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, she's spent five years in hiding -- taking on different personas and faking her way through life. The authorities can't be trusted, so she remains in the shadows, always one beat ahead of the man who is forever hunting her. That is, until she meets Zach Schultz, a senior at Monte Vista High and the one guy she can’t bear to leave. Suddenly her natural instincts to lie, steal, and run are overshadowed by something else...the desire to stay. It’s her one shot at a normal life.

Curious by nature, Zach is immediately drawn to the new girl at school. How can a person look both confident and vulnerable all in the same moment? Determined to learn more about her, he tries to get close, but is thrown into a world of lies and confusion. The only thing that becomes apparent is that discovering the truth may get him killed.

Detailed Review: Exhilarating. That's how it felt while reading the book. I Know Lucy felt like a roller coaster ride with too many turns and loop-the-loops that it's impossible to not feel sick and throw up at the end. 

I mean it all in a good sense. 

So... What was so good about it? The main aspect of the book which captured me was the characters, especially Lucy. I loved reading her POVs all the time because it revealed so much to me. Lucy is meant to keep her identity  and feelings a secret but through her words, I discovered how she felt at times and her personality and behaviour around different people. Lucy is like a modern-day Katniss, surviving for her family, oppressed by a man who holds great power and putting those she loves at risk.

Zach seemed to be an average boy at first, but as I read on, I could sense his underlying intelligence and perception. He certainly made a great match with Lucy.

When sparks flew between those two... I swear, my heart melted on the spot. I felt like I was Lucy, my heart tethered to this one boy that managed to unravel me in the most unexpected ways. 

The appearance of the other characters were very sudden most of the time. This is what it seemed like to me. It seemed as if Melissa decided to do things the realistic way. I can picture her in my mind saying, 'Let's do things the real way. I'll just go with the flow. I will not stage their appearance; I shall just let them appear when they want to.' 

That, is the beauty of it. 

The story had many interesting twists, but as you know, they always come with the package. So no more comments until you read the book. I'd like to add though, they hit you hard. You'd better get a roll of bandage ready to cover the bumps and bruises you'll get.

The atmosphere in the story was well-written. There was always this element of fear and dread in Lucy's stories. And they're in just the right proportion.

Brief Review: My last words... Read the book. A thriller that will make your pulse race and your mind work should not be missed. Don't miss out on the fun!

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

Your Reviewer:

A teaser for all of you:

ZACH...

Riley was Dani. I wanted to deny it, but I couldn't, because I knew. In my gut, I knew that Dani had secrets and I had just found a layer I could peel back.

I just wasn't sure if I wanted to.

Our dream cast for I Know Lucy. Josh Hutcherson YUM...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Author Blog / Book Blog / Pinterest

Sign up for Melissa's Newsletter

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them.

"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

Blog Tour + Review: Written On Her Heart by Paige Rion

Hey everyone! We're very happy to have participated in the Written On Her Heart blog tour!

Title: Written On Her Heart
Author: Paige Rion

Publisher:-

Release Date: 23rd April 2014

Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: Andi Callaway has dreamed of becoming a published author her entire life. 

Ford Delaney has always wanted nothing more than to escape his past. 

An opportunity of a lifetime. This is what Andi finds when she returns home to Callaway Cove on summer break. A chance to work for her literary idol Ford Delaney is up for grabs, and she’s willing to risk everything—her boyfriend, her best friends, and her education—to get it. 

She’s positive this will be the key to reaching her dreams. But the moment she begins working for the reclusive author, Andi realizes there’s more to him than just a name. As attraction builds between Andi and Ford, she begins to discover consequences must come hand-in-hand with something great—which could loosen control over her tightly wound life. And once romantic sparks fly, Andi’s other relationships start to crumble, Ford’s fame comes back to haunt him, and the heat they generate will either forge a powerful, enduring love or threaten everything she holds dear. 

Detailed Review: I had the honour of beta-reading WOHH for the author. 

No words can describe my admiration for the author after reading Written on Her Heart. 

The story is very simple, but this book proves to be one of those books that are simple yet touching. Also it has got these layers of secrets waiting to be peeled back at each turn of the page. 

WOHH tells a story about a girl who dreams of being a writer and when an opportunity arises that allows her to achieve her dreams, she eagerly takes it, mindless of the consequences or the effects it will have on her life.

Callaway Cove is a very beautiful setting because it just gives this stay-calm vibe that makes the pain and beauty of the story stand out even more. It just brings out the characters and their stories. 

Andi, the main character is very much a control freak. She has got everything planned out for the future. But the sudden job offer brings her future plans to a halt and she has to start from scratch. 

Ford has always found writing as a form of therapy but he never expected it to backfire against him. He goes to Callaway Cove for refuge. And finds unexpected surprises waiting for him, including his assistant Andi. 

The swoon-worthy romance was a winner. It definitely captured my heart. I was surprised by how much it had affected me when I finished the book.

Not to mention the splendid twists I stumbled along the way. It took quite a while for me to finished reading this book because every time I reached a twist, I couldn't read on for fear of what would have happened after that. However, it never took long before I was ready to take on the challenge of reading again. It's almost like overcoming your own fears. I felt so proud of myself after finishing.

Brief Review: When I think of WOHH, I can't help but remember the feelings I experience while reading it. I have no doubt that Paige Rion has crafted a masterpiece that will be admired by many in the future. The subject which this book is focused on will attract the attention of many aspiring writers. It wasn't only Paige's writing skills that impressed me; it was the setting, the characters and the romance that captivated me. 

Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing!'

QUOTE: 

To Andi, who always dreams big,

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams--- Eleanor Roosevelt

Your Reviewer: 

BUY LINKS

Amazon Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JPOXIB0

Amazon Paperback:  http://www.amazon.com/Written-Heart-Callaway-Series-Volume/dp/1497403316/

Kobo:  http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/written-on-her-heart

Barnes & Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/written-on-her-heart-paige-rion/1119235191?ean=2940149230297

Smashwords:  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/429647

Author Bio

Paige Rion is a contemporary romance author. She’s a mother, wife, blogger, hopeless chocoholic, coffee-addicted, wine-lover. Her debut, novel—a new adult romance—Written On Her Heart, is the first in the Callaway Cove series. The next in the series is to be released this summer. She loves connecting with readers on her blog and social media. 

You can visit her website at http://paigerion.com/

You can also connect with her here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaigeRion_books

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpaigeryan

Win Paige Rion & WOHH Swag!!!

Prize 1

 Paige Rion deluxe tote. Your choice of either Paige Rion/WOHH t-shirt or “Team Ford” t-shirt. WOHH mug with quote. A signed bookmark and a mini Paige Rion candy box!

Prize 2

WOHH t-shirt. WOHH mug with quote. A signed bookmark and mini Paige Rion candy box!

Prize 3

 An exclusive WOHH iPhone 4 case. A white mug with genuine Paige Rion signature. Signed bookmark and mini Paige Rion candy box. (If winner does not have an iPhone 4, they will receive prize 4 and another winner will be drawn).

Prize 4

 10 more winners will receive a signed bookmark and a mini Paige Rion candy box!

Due to shipping costs, US ENTRIES ONLY.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC Review: The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

Title: The Truth About Alice

Author: Jennifer Mathieu

Release Date: 3rd June 2014

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Find on: Goodreads

Quick Review: Everyone has a lot to say about Alice Franklin, and it’s stopped mattering whether it’s true. The rumors started at a party when Alice supposedly had sex with two guys in one night. When school starts everyone almost forgets about Alice until one of those guys, super-popular Brandon, dies in a car wreck that was allegedly all Alice’s fault. Now the only friend she has is a boy who may be the only other person who knows the truth, but is too afraid to admit it. Told from the perspectives of popular girl Elaine, football star Josh, former outcast Kelsie, and shy genius Kurt, we see how everyone has a motive to bring – and keep – Alice down.

Detailed Review: Whenever I approach a contemporary, it's usually with a sense of fear and curiosity. Why? Usually I find some books that are really very hard to connect with because the characters seem too perfect and the setting is simply too unbelievable (no high school, just a beach? What do the kids do these days?)

The Truth About Alice, was not one of these books. Instead, it relates with high school life very easily, making it so much easier to imagine the story in my head. The setting was a great setting, because it somehow set the boundaries for how far the stories would go.

Another good thing about it was that it was written from 4 perspectives about the main character, rather than letting Alice herself be the voice of the story. This makes it even more intriguing because you see the main character through the perspectives of four very different people with different intentions:

Kelsie: She used to be Alice's best friend, until the rumors started. She just stopped hanging out with Alice anymore, for fear that if she did, she'd become what she used to be: a friendless dork. 

Elaine: She's on the top rung of the popularity ladder. She sets trends for people to follow and everybody worships her. She may not hate Alice but she sure as hell doesn't like her either.

Josh: Brandon's best friend. Football player. Hot and popular. But he does have one secret that could change people's perceptions about Alice in a minute.

Kurt: He's had a crush with Alice since the first time he saw her. And he also possesses one secret that could change everything and possibly tear apart his friendship with the used-to-be-friendless Alice.

All four of these characters have the power to change Alice's life. This is what hit me the hardest. They are like determinants in Alice's life. What they do, what they say, dictate Alice's life. And this led me to think, doesn't this apply in real life too?

Yes it does. 

The Truth About Alice describes high school perfectly. It reminds us that these things actually happen or have happened.

There was one thing I dislike. The lack of swoon-worthy romance. But I think Jennifer probably thought, "Alright, I'm not gonna put in much romance in it, we still need to stay focused on Alice, not some love story." So I'll probably let this go for this book.

Brief Review: Jennifer's use of four different perspectives give us much more insight than Alice could have given about herself. Not only is it intriguing, it shows awareness of the other characters and also lets us know more about them through what they say about Alice. The Truth About Alice highlights high school life in its ugliest and prettiest: the price of popularity, the leaving of fake friends, and the discovering of real friends. This book does not make out high school to be what it seems to be, and this will be what pulls most readers in; the truth will draw you in. Overall, a truly positive debut to Jennifer's writing career!

Final Rating: 4.5/5 'Really Liked It!'

QUOTE: 

To everyone in the world, who believe the lies so easily

The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them.- Maya Angelou

Your Reviewer: