Review: Faster We Burn (Fall and Rise #2) by Chelsea M. Cameron

Faster We Burn (Fall and Rise #2) by Chelsea M. Cameron

Published by: DRC Publishing

Published on: April 20th 2013

My Rating: 4 out of 5

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Read my Deeper We Fall (Fall and Rise#1) review here

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Synopsis

Katie Hallman is done with douchebags. Done with guys who treat her like crap and leave her broken. But then Stryker Grant is there anyway. With his numerous piercings and bleached hair, he’s the polar opposite of all of her past relationships, which makes him the perfect candidate.

At first, Katie just sees him as a physical escape from her previous rocky relationship, and Stryker doesn’t seem to mind just being a distraction from Katie’s problems. But soon he’s getting under her skin, peeling back layers she’d rather keep covered. She tries to make it clear that she doesn’t want a relationship, but keeps breaking her own rules.

Then a tragedy sends Katie into the only arms who are there to catch her, and she’ll realize that she needs him more than she ever thought possible. But is she ready to let herself trust another guy with her already-battered heart? Or will she push him away to protect herself from getting hurt again?

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Review:

If you've read Deeper We Fall then you'll be familiar with the quirky friends who have now come together as a supportive group. Initially when I read the first book I was underwhelmed. And Katie and Stryker's story wasn't one I was that interested in. Mainly because I didn't like Katie, a girl who loves the colour pink. she wears it, she accessorises with it, she sleeps in it. Urgh, how awful, and a little childish.

Stryker was the a stand out character that I wanted to learn more about. But this sequel surprised me. Katie's story isn't one that's new. But Cameron writes her so well that she actually made me inspired by the end. This is a girl who really doesn't have one clue of who she is. She stereotypes, hangs with a group of 'yes' friends, and has the worst taste in men. And when she's hurt or angry she likes sex. With Stryker. Hmm.

The story kicks off at a key point during the first book but we hear Katie's version of events when Zack Parker, ex boyfriend and closet psycho beats the crap out of her. Towards the first third part of the book we're on to new ground. Katie and Stryker have this 'friends with benefits' thing going although they claim that they aren't really friends at all. There's a whole tank of denial here on both sides. Gradually they wear each other down and call off everything and try to get on with life without each other..

Then Katie's dad dies. She takes the call from her sister at the exact time that Stryker pops round for a visit. She heartbroken, lost, her mum is so sad, and Katie only has her sister and Stryker for support.

A significant event such as Katie's puts fresh eyes of clarity onto a situation you previously would have avoided. What dawns from her fathers untimely passing is Katie's will to find out who she really is, and what makes her tick. With a new group of friends who pull out all of the stops for her, Katie gains so much courage in defeating her small, little, weighing-your-shoulders-down demons.

This is a tale of growth. Of change. Of being in uncomfortable situations and coming out on top. Stryker may be tatted and pierced and looks like he came out of prison (or so Katie's mum thinks) but he has a soft heart of mush. He's human, he makes drastic mistakes in the name of love. But ultimately both Katie and Stryker find an even balance between losing and finding themselves and each other. I found this one more touching, thought provoking and nerve-twitchingly romantic.

Definitely worth picking this up and following the series.:)

-CBx

You can reach Chelsea M. Cameron here:

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Review: Upside Down (Off the Map #1) by Lia Riley

 Upside Down (Off the Map #1) by Lia Riley

Published: 5th August 2014

Rating: 4 out of 5

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If You Never Get Lost, You’ll Never Be Found 

Twenty-one-year-old Natalia Stolfi is saying good-bye to the past-and turning her life upside down with a trip to the land down under. For the next six months, she'll act like a carefree exchange student, not a girl sinking under the weight of painful memories. Everything is going according to plan until she meets a brooding surfer with hypnotic green eyes and the troubling ability to see straight through her act. 

Bran Lockhart is having the worst year on record. After the girl of his dreams turned into a nightmare, he moved back home to Melbourne to piece his life together. Yet no amount of disappointment could blind him to the pretty California girl who gets past all his defenses. He's never wanted anyone the way he wants Talia. But when Bran gets a stark reminder of why he stopped believing in love, he and Talia must decide if what they have is once in a lifetime . . . or if they were meant to live a world apart.

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Review:

Let me start of by saying, this book wasn't what I expected. It was a ton better on every level.

For starters Talia is, from the very beginning, still trying to get over her sisters death. Usually at a time of grief family members support one another. But in Talia's case both her parents have effectively shut down as well. Leaving nothing for Talia, no coping mechanism, not joint grief counselling. Her mother has hopped off to Hawaii, and her father can barely look at Talia. Everything here screams "You're being so unfair on your 'living' daughter, help her". But no. 

Talia has OCD, convinces herself daily that she's dying, spends countless hours on MD websites to study symptoms of her soon-to-be demise, although I think deep down she knows she's being neurotic. One of her best friends was actually her sisters best friend so that's always awkward, even though they usually all hung out together. And then there's the 'mistake' of sleeping with her sisters ex-boyfriend on the one year anniversary of her death. For Talia a trip to Oz is a chance to breath again. And I don't blame her.

We meet Bran a few chapters into the story. An activist to the core, he fights everything his father stands for. Bran was basically brought up by his sister in between boarding schools. His parents are incredibly wealthy but are too busy enjoying their own life to really give a damn about Bran. From the time Bran and Talia got together they clicked. Not in an insta-lust kind of way. There's snark, sarcasm, innuendos and gobble gosh in gosh bucket, Bran spots Talia's OCD in a blink of an eye. Nobody had ever noticed her little traits before. They get along well but soon Bran puts on the breaks. He's hiding something, in fact, he's hiding lots of things and Talia tries to uncover why.. 

I enjoyed reading both characters stories, my heart broke a little for both of them and it certainly picked up at other times ;) The tale is well developed and follows a nice arc to its conclusion. Meeting and falling for someone is always difficult for both sides but if you work it through then a rainbow will always appear. And Talia waited for hers and finally got to see the colours of life.

The story is set in Austalia which makes for a refreshing change. But it isn't lingo/slang heavy. The pace is steady and we have 2 POV's. But that's not the end of Talia and Bran's tale. There is a sequel, and I can't wait to pick it up :) 

- CBx

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You can reach Lia Riley here:

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ARC Review: Since Forever Ago by Olivia Besse

Since Forever Ago by Olivia Besse

Published May 13th 2014 by Wunderland Press

Rating: 4 out of 5

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Synopsis:

Fresh off the heels of a devastating breakup, Riley Benson is a mess. But with her ingenious plan to become a ball-busting heartbreaker herself, she’s pretty sure she’ll survive. After all, what better way is there to get revenge than to move on?

Riley’s determined to become the perfect bachelorette—she’s going to drink like a bro, belch like a beast and swear so much that she’ll make even the most seasoned sailors blush. After all, those are the qualities that every guy’s secretly looking for…. aren’t they?

Max Fletcher is in love with the girl who gave him chicken pox and his first broken leg. When his best friend seems to finally be out of the picture, he can’t help but want to keep Riley all to himself. And, after coaching her with the very best of the very worst love advice, it seems as if he might actually get what he's wanted after all those years. But just as the two come to the realization that they're actually kind of perfect for each other, along comes a secret that threatens to tear them apart.

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Review:

Yesterday I finished reading two heavy, dramatic NA novels and had thrown a DNF out the window when Since Forever Ago landed in my lap (or on my kindle, so to speak). An interesting premise, two characters who know each other well, and what's not to like about a hidden love?!

I wasn't expecting what I read. Firstly, if you like really mature characters who act older and worldly-wiser than their 21-year old selves then this is NOT the book for you. If you're looking for a strong female who is so sure of herself she could be Wonder Woman, then this is not for you.

What Since Forever Ago IS is witty, quick, indecisive, messy and so lacking in self esteem it's cute and funny. And that's Riley Benson, the main character. She's so naive about boys I don't know how she got through a 6 year relationship. Actually I do. Her boyfriend, Noah, was a selfish, manipulative douche who told her what to wear and picked on her for all her failures. Somehow that's got to cloud your judgement when you think you're in love with someone and he's only making you into a better person, right? No, not right at all. Riley is a basket case. And then she finds out Noah cheated on her.

The story of a close-knit group of friends at college is very dialogue friendly. I loved the way it was written especially with Riley and Max. Max has been in love with Riley from a very young age but he's never told her. They're best friends and she relies on his input more once her break-up with Noah happens. Max feeds her lots of spiel about what guys Really like and Riley falls for it. It's all rubbish of course, because Max doesn't want Riley dating any one else. Time and again she proves that her innocence and lack of understanding where guys are concerned is her greatest downfall. 

Riley makes a mess of things in a spectacular fashion. As the dominoes in Riley's life began to crash towards the end of the book I was hoping for a more dramatic ending. That's really my only quibble. 

Take it for what it is. Read it and enjoy. Laugh at Riley's inadequacies for what they are. I liked this one :) 

-CBx

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You can find Olivia Besse here:

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Review: So Much to Learn by Jessie L. Star

So Much to Learn by Jessie L. Star

Published: February 21st 2014

From: Free on Amazon

Rating: 4 out of 5

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Synopsis:

"I need to learn," I said in a very small, quiet voice. "You have to teach me…" I faltered here as the whole thing was really just too sordid to put into words. I thought I had a good grasp of the English language, but I had no clue how to put my dilemma to him. 

"Teach you…?" He prompted. 

"Teach me it!" I finally choked out. "What happens when you actually like the…touching and the….the…fondling and the…it, you know." I had never been so embarrassed in my life. The age old 'you could have fried on egg on my face' adage actually seemed kind of plausible I felt that hot and flustered. But - would you believe it? - Jack still hadn't cottoned on to what I was on about. He looked at me completely blankly and I could almost see his mind whirring as he tried to connect the bits… 

After a rather hideous break up with her boyfriend due to her inability to 'put out’, Talia bullies her brother's best friend into teaching her the complexities of a 'full' relationship. Turns out uni courses have nothing on life lessons! 

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Review:

Let me start by saying this is a heart-wrangler story. By that I mean it will have your emotions all over the place. Your heart will do that stop/start thing multiple times and by the end you'll be so exhausted from the twists and unexpected turns you'll have to think about it for a while before you can function.

Things you should bear in mind before reading. This is a long book. The narrative is very full with descriptions and back story. The characters are all fully flushed out to so for me I didn't mind it too much. Secondly, if you want a hot steamy read with lots of flesh and all the rest then you'll be disappointed. This is not a 'sexy' book in the strictest term, though we do get lots of emotions flying back and forth. The story is also told in Australian English. I'm British English so fully familiar with the terms and phrasing but many might find the writing odd with unfamiliar grammatical words and sentences.

So, Natalia who is also called Talia or Tally has grown up with a close family network. That being her really cool mum, dad, older brother Matt and his best friend Jack. Jack has a sad history in his own family so basically lived with Talia's family since she was young. Now her, Matt and Jack all share an apartment in the city. Talia is 18 and studying Law at the same University the other two go to. Her best friend Simone comes from their small town back home and they've been friends since children also. Other characters are a member of their group such as Micky and Sam (brothers) and Tommo (again, who lived near them back home). The group is tight but they still have gripes with one another. Tally and Mickey don't get on from the get-go. In fact, Micky is downright rude to her most of the time.

Tally had an altercation with a guy at a party some time ago which didn't end well. Now she has touching 'issues'. She's just caught her boyfriend of six months in bed with another girl and he says it's because she's frigid and won't 'put out'. She's horrified that maybe something's wrong with her. She needs someone to help her get over these issues. Someone she trusts wholeheartedly. Someone like Jack.

As I wrote earlier this book has lots of twists and unexpected turns. The story is thorough and extensive. This isn't a simple tale of Talia overcoming her issues. But actually its about Talia becoming aware of who she really is and learning about love. She makes a lot of mistakes over the course of the story. She upsets people with her non-filtered mouth but she isn't unkind underneath all her normal confidence. 

On the whole I liked her. The only time I didn't was her jealous outburst at Haley because she thinks she's after Jack and being insincere all the time. The other characters also have their own problems and Talia learns how to balance her own judgmental attitude mixed with ongoing drama with being a good or sometimes not so good friend. The odds don't always go in her favour. 

Jack is a great character. I really liked him from the start mainly because he wasn't fickle when Talia was around although his hardest test was sleeping with his best friend's sister and living with the guilt of not telling Matt. Matt himself is a typical older brother. Very protective and always looking out for her. Eventually it becomes his downfall when he learns about Talia and Jack.

All in all a great book despite it being long and slow sometimes. I'd like to read more from Jessie Star now :)

-CBx

You can find Jessie Star here:

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Review: Deeper We Fall (Fall and Rise #1) by Chelsea M. Cameron

Deeper We Fall (Fall and Rise #1) by Chelsea M. Cameron 

Published by: DRC Publishing

Published on: January 24th 2013

My Rating: 3 out of 5

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Synopsis

Two years after her best friend was involved in a car accident that caused a traumatic brain injury, Lottie Anders is ready to start her freshman year of college. Ready to move on. Ready to start forgetting the night that ripped her life apart.

Her plans come to a screeching halt when not one, but both brothers responsible for the accident end up back in her life again.

Zack is cruel, selfish and constantly rubbing what happened to her friend in Lottie's face.

Zan is different. He listens to her awkward ramblings. He loves To Kill a Mockingbird as much as she does, and his dark eyes are irresistible. His words are few and far between, but when he does speak, she can't help but listen.

The trouble is, Zan was the driver in the accident, and now Lottie's discovered he lied to her about what happened that night. Now she must decide if trusting him again will lead to real forgiveness, or deeper heartache

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Review:

This is one of those books that gets you thinking. Firstly, the story is so so. By that I mean, yes, its touching and I do feel sorry for Lexie's condition and I pretty much hate Zack Parker from the outset. As the characters start to come together in the book as friends I began to pick more than a few clichés though, and that was disappointing.

Charlotte and Will are twins, and Zack and Zan are brothers. Will's best friend is gay. Charlotte's new best friend, Audrey, is a Harry Potter fan and her other friend from work, Trish, is a little off the wall, Stryker has things pierced and Katie is in adoration of a certain colour. These aren't sidekicks that I haven't read in many other New Adult books and as the book begins to develop I couldn't help wishing for a little more originality.

So, the brothers Zack and Zan were in the same car as Lexie when it crashed. They were all victims of drink driving but it was Zan that was driving. Charlotte blames the brothers for putting her friend through hell and reducing Lexie's quality of life to that of a child. I don't blame her. Her emotions on meeting them at college are of hatred and I can empathize with that. But when Zan, the younger brother, keeps popping into her life, Charlotte eventually gets beyond the verbal insults and has a semi-discussion with him.

All things come to a head when Zack turns on his current girlfriend who is also Charlotte''s roommate. Initially I didn't like Katie but she did begin to grow on me. Charlotte, I think, also felt the same way. Katie has a cliché being obsessed by the colour pink with shallow uninteresting friends of her own.

Zan and Charlotte begin a relationship which the book is mainly focused on. While I was reading the build up I just couldn't seem to get to the guts and glory layer of their feelings. Yes, there was lots of kissing, sighing, biting, nipping. I don't know whether it's because the writing isn't as explicit as a lot of NA, but I just didn't feel it from Charlotte's point of view. Zan, I did get. And then, all of a sudden, we have the ILY's. I thought this was too soon. I do agree that they make a solid couple, but the whole love story part of it wasn't deep enough for me.

I will be interested in reading the follow on books in the series to see what happens to them all but this wasn't a stand out book. The writing is quality though, the pace did drift at times but I'm not knocking the author on her ability in any way, she can certainly write. Hmm, now I'm back to thinking again :)

-CBx

You can reach Chelsea M. Cameron here:

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Review: Crossing by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Crossing by Stacey Wallace Benefiel 

Publishers: All Night Reads

Published Date: May 8 2013

From: NetGalley

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Synopsis:

Due to heavy subject matter, Crossing is recommended for readers 17+. He stole her lipstick…and her heart. Twenty-year-old Dani Walker can’t believe her luck when she’s paired up with the gorgeous Liam Garrett as her Acting I scene partner – or when he ends up in her bed. Being a Plain Jane with a mouth on her hasn’t exactly served Dani well in the guy department. In fact, she’s had nothing but one night stands. Still, she lets go of her insecurities and falls for Liam, despite feeling like he’s holding something back. When Dani finally discovers Liam’s secret, she must learn the true meaning of accepting the ones we love for who they are, or risk losing the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

Review:

Firstly, isn't the cover beautiful? So pretty. I have to say, I adored Crossing by Stacey Wallace Benefiel. I haven't read any of her other work but as a New Adult story this sums up the genre perfectly. Discovering who you are, not what everyone expects you to be. Dani meets, gets on well with and soon becomes good friends with Liam Garrett. He gets her, matches her and accepts her. Dani has very low self-esteem and constantly talks down about herself to others. A trait that takes time to accept if at all, so Dani initially has problems understanding why Liam likes her. She isn't tall or exotically pretty or stick thin, she's just normal and Liam is gorgeous. Eventually, after a night of tequila they become an item and I really loved their relationship to begin with. But then Liam starts hiding away, pretending to be busy. Is he having an affair? He seems so 'into' Dani when they are together. 

When Liam comes out with his secret it wasn't hard to guess what it was. Some of the doubts Dani harbours are an instinct reaction and she sticks with it even after living with weeks of second guessing herself not believing she was good enough for him. But as before they find a work around and settle back, again, into their relationship being truer and more open and honest with each other. Liam's story is fascinating. I have a friend who had trouble in his early years too. His parents refused to accept who he was and even kicked him out of their house. But much like being gay, the hardest part is admitting it to yourself. Others will accept you as you are and if they don't then they weren't real friends in the first place. 

In Crossing, the aftermath of the hospital scene was gut-wrenching. But I totally saw through Liam not being in contact. Of course his mother would be screening every form of contact Dani could possible make to get hold of him. But Dani was right to wait for Liam this time. I've tried not to give too many spoilers away for this one. We live in a day and age where judging people for what they look like is dead and gone. People are people, what's inside is all that counts. And, oh go on then, a small spoiler. Who else can admit that Eddie Izzard in heels, eye-liner and lipstick looks absolutely gorgeous. I think he does!! Well done, Stacey, I loved it! 

You can reach Stacey Wallace Benefiel here: 

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Review: Unspoken (Woodlands #2) by Jen Frederick

Unspoken by Jen Frederick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published September 13th 2013 by Pear Tree LLC

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Whore. Slut. Typhoid Mary. 

I've been called all these at Central College. One drunken night, one act of irresponsible behaviour, and my reputation was ruined. Guys labelled me as easy and girls shied away. To cope, I stayed away from Central social life and away from Central men, so why is it that my new biology lab partner is so irresistible to me?

He's everything I shouldn't want. A former Marine involved in illegal fighting with a quick trigger temper and an easy smile for all the women. His fists aren't the danger to me, though, it's his charm. He's sliding his way into my heart and I'm afraid that he's going to be the one to break me.

Impulsive. Unthinking. Hot tempered. 

I allow instinct to rule my behaviour. If it feels good, do it, has been my motto because if I spend too much time thinking, I'll begin to remember exactly where I came from. At Central College, I've got fighting and I've got women and I thought I was satisfied until I met her. 

She's everything I didn't realize I wanted and the more time I spend with her, the more I want her. But she's been hurt too much in the past and I don't want to be the one to break her. I know I should walk away, but I just can't.

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I loved this book! There is such passion and emotion on every page. You cannot read this and not want to stand up to horrid gossip-mongers and general causers of grief. And deposit a pile of manure on each and every one of them!! Especially in high school or college because those years are supposed to be revelating and empowering. Those years are where we find our inner selves and embrace it all.

But not for AM or AnnMarie. She made a mistake ONE TIME. And now pays for it every day. After living in self-exile away from the communal areas of college, AM is partnered with Bo, and cutely, made project partners for a term assignment.

For AM, Bo is someone who is devastatingly gorgeous but wouldn't look at her in a thousand years. The fact that he keeps starting conversations and staring at her makes her edgy. And a little bit hopeful.

For Bo, AM offers a refreshing outlook on life. She makes him laugh, and she's not caught up with all the BS that hangs around college. And then he finds out why.

Both AM and Bo have a great deal of revealing to do. Both are willing to make sacrifices which don't always end well.

The surrounding characters of AM and Bo are all equally great, and the story serves a warning for everyone entering the halls of higher education.

- CBx

Review: Stay With Me (With Me #1) by Elyssa Patrick

Stay With Me by Elyssa Patrick

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published August 30th 2013 by Elyssa Patrick

This is definitely one of the books that I've liked more this year. The story of a child actress/starlet who basically wants to pull away from her old life and do normal stuff. Going to college and dating ordinary guys is a bit out of Hailey's comfort zone so its refreshing that she's even giving it a try.

I did like the good background settings that cropped in here and there. Anyone who watches E! or reads the gossip mags can only grasp at what life as a young superstar must be like. Admittedly I didn't learn anything new about her previous business but the author did certainly do her research.

I loved the boys network of Caleb and his housemates. Caleb is a safe and solid guy to fall in love with. He has no ulterior motive, no shady side to him. Just a nice guy who likes the girl! Any drama was always going to be in Hailey's head. Not anywhere else.

The big secret and its reveal? Well, it wasn't the biggest. Honestly, I wasn't even that surprised. Horrible what happened to her? Yes, absolutely. Did I doubt Caleb? Never in a month of Sundays.

I loved the HEA. I see that there'll be other books based on the other guys. Definitely worth reading!



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