Review-Over you by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus.

Over You by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus.


Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Harper Teen (21 Aug 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061720437

Firstly, kind thanks to the publishers, for granting me the permission to review this book via Edelweiss for no charge, for an honest review.  This book was read on my kindle.

After the grand explosion of her relationship, seventeen-year-old Max Scott developed what every girl in the history of the world has been waiting for: a way to get over being dumped. Now Max is the go-to guru for heartbroken high-school girls all over NYC. But when her ex unexpectedly shows up in her neighborhood, Max’s carefully controlled world starts to unravel. With her clients’ hearts hanging in the balance, Max will have to do the seemingly impossible: get over him once and for all.

Brilliant at bringing humor to the trials and tribulations of the lovestruck, #1 New York Times bestselling authors Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus have crafted a tale that will resonate with any girl who has ever been in love or had her heart broken. It brims with smart observations, features a pitch-perfect teen voice, and will attract fans of Jenny Han, Sarah Mlynowski, and Lauren Barnholdt. Readers are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sharp spin on breaking up, making up, and getting even.

Review.
Many thanks to the publishers for granting me access to review this book, for which it was kindly received via Edelweiss. This was read on my Kindle and the review is of my honest opinion.  When i first saw this book and read the description i was eager to read it!  The cover is pretty amazing and tells a tale in itself, with the black and white photo-booth pics of a couple and then a colour 'picture' (or so it appears) of a girl alone with that title, it makes it look like those booth photos were in the past and now she has moved on in life and is hence 'Over you'.

The cover drew me in because it just looked like a 'chick-lit' and i have to say that i often like an easy going 'chick-lit' with some romance thrown in.  The synopsis wasn't quite what i expected from the cover but then maybe that is due to me making assumptions, however, i was even more interested to read this and intrigued about what was going to happen.  Plus, it is set in New York City (NYC) which i am obsessed with and it's a contemporary YA genre- my favourite! Hence, this sounded perfect!  However, i am sad to say that i was really let-down and don't like it nearly as much as i thought i would, it wasn't due to me having high expectations either, it genuinely isn't a brilliant read in my opinion.

The story follows Max, a high school dropout who has lived her life moving from one place to another, but has now moved to NYC in a hope to attend a NYC college and has set up a business  'Ex Inc' to help teenagers get through a break-up.  This premise sounds great, yet, it is actually unrealistic when you read the story and it would not work, with a few changes i believe the plot would have worked so much better and made a greater read without the reader questioning everything.  Max, goes into these teenagers house while they are in devastation following the break-up, she is a stranger there to help them and gives them the means to get through the night- chocolate, water and pills; she then supports them to get over the boyfriend, leading up to a 'moment' to make them jealous and regret leaving her...to show she has moved on without him.  This sounds great and would be to a teenager who is going through a similar situation because reading this and some 'advice' in it may be applicable to that individual and really make a difference.

Yet, taking medication off a stranger, who would honestly do that? and isn't it a bit weird! and also a stranger coming into your room, i don't understand why they wouldn't freak out.  Plus how is the business even funded, it is non-profit, apparently they live off donations- not disclosed how much! Max steals 'pilfering' or 'borrows' as she views it, this is clothes from Vogue and whatever else she needs. Also, there is other people working for Ex.Inc, how are there wages paid? Max is a high-school dropout, she isn't business minded and she lives where she has set up the 'office'.  What does the stealing teach teenagers? Has i said previously, i really liked the premise but it failed to deliver as expected, with one of the reasons being the unrealistic aspects.  I believe it would have worked out more solid if Max was older with an education behind her, so that she was more grounded and had money!  With a proper business set-up and a different way of helping these girls rather than springing up in their room unannounced.

Unfortunately another problem aspect in my opinion is the writing style and the characters themselves.  The narrative is quite difficult to read, it is a third person perspective from multiple characters.  It seems to be a little messy and occasionally i didn't know which character was speaking.  This jumbled  writing set a tone of the book for me and i found it so difficult to read. It took me weeks to read and actually put me in a reading funk. I wanted to enjoy this book so much and i really did try.  I did enjoy the humour dialogue though and there is some witty and funny moments from Max, as she just wants to please.  A quote (from unfinished edition) i really liked and made me giggle is;

"I want this Taylor downloaded to a memory stick as tiny as his you-know-what"

but a quote (from unfinished edition) i really didn't like at all and thought was a horrid metaphor to use is;

".....drags her bag up the stairs like it's full of kittens who've done something to piss her off" 

I mean really?? Why would a sentence like that be used, i don't understand what it adds to the story or even what that metaphor adds to demonstrate anything.

Speaking of Taylor, i did like his and Bridget's story, i really took to Bridget and i thought it was a perfect break-up story, i did guess what would happen in the end but i am not sure if it is actually that obvious.  Their story does give the opportunity for some really good speeches which will hit home with some readers.  You really get a sense of 'girl power' and about moving on and growing as an individual.  Max does give this sense as she is ambitious and has a strong character, but she is human and she does doubt herself and has insecurities.

Max is the main character, but i couldn't take to her at all.  In some parts i did really like her but overall i felt disconnected from her, she seems to have little emotion or thoughts.  If it was a first person narrative from Max's perspective instead then i believe the reader would take to her more by learning more about her and how she feels. This unsure feeling started in the beginning of the book as it explained that Max pretended to be different people to fit in as she switched to different schools.  I didn't know if she was fake and as the story progressed, i felt that vibe throughout!  The 'borrowing' (stealing & returning) clothes from Vogue at night and the lies to friends, all added to that feeling.  I didn't feel like there was a very good character development for Max or any of the characters really.  We didn't know enough about her or her personality. Who is the real Max? Who is the fake Max?  A strong character, who has this business to help girls but she is doing everything she tells the girls not too, and has far more insecurities than they do.  It is a shame really.  The secondary characters include; Ben, Zach, Phoebe, Bridget, Taylor and a few others who were brief.  I am not going to go into the other characters because i don't really have anything to say, i really did like Ben, i had a soft spot for him. I wanted to know more about Phoebe too!  I didn't feel there was enough depth to these characters at all.

Overall, there were some good aspects and it was a cute story.  It really would hit home with some readers and the advice within it would be useful, plus if the story wasn't analysed as much and just taken at face value then i think i would have liked it.  I really did want too, but for me the bad outweighed the good, and i was disappointed.  It did contribute to my reading funk which has effected my blogging too, which is unfortunate.  I do recommend that people go to Goodreads and read some other reviews of this book because you might read some of the higher rated reviews and then really want to read the book. I recommend that everyone gives it a go though :) Sorry to say, it's only a 2 out of 5 for me.

(Late)Review-Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry.

Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry.

Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (July 31, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373210493
ISBN-13: 978-0373210497

Firstly, kind thanks to the publishers, for granting me the permission to review this book via Netgalley, for no charge, for an honest review.  This book was read on my kindle.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

My Review/thoughts.
Many thanks to the publishers for granting me access to review this book, for which it was kindly received via Netgalley. This was read on my Kindle and the review is of my honest opinion.  This book was actually read at the start of August and i really do apologise for this late post/review.  Therefore, for that reason, rather than a review as such, it is more my thoughts. I know people have read a ton of reviews on this book but i am documenting this for myself on my blog because i read it AND I LOVE IT!

Sorry, i couldn't help myself with that last part of the sentence.  I wanted to read this book as soon as i saw the cover and read the synopsis.  I mean WOW!  I did have high expectations following the amazing reviews i had read on Goodreads & other blogs.  I was not let down, i totally LOVED this book, even that is an understatement in itself! I just cannot express how much i adored this read, it is a page turner and i could not put it down.  When i did put it down, i couldn't stop thinking about it!

The synopsis is on the book (see above) and i do not like to go into that too much incase i give spoilers away.  Firstly, i have to mention the book cover, the one i love is above and this is the hardback version.  There is a paperback version but i believe this is just in the UK and it hasn't got a patch on the hardback one.  The one above fits the two characters; Echo and Noah perfectly (as described in the text), and reflects the relationship between the couple- their closeness, their romance and their love.  It was an instant attraction and i knew it would be my kind of book!

This has to be one of the most emotive books that i have ever read, the feelings that are conveyed by the author through words are felt so strongly that it evoked strong emotions, and i cried a few times!  The writing style is in such a way that as a reader you become enveloped with the character's life, taking on board what they feel.  She doesn't just tell you, the reader, what to feel, she describes everything perfectly so that feeling is actually felt.  I cannot express how emotional, heart-wrenching and soul touching this book is.

The narrative of the book is that of dual perspective from both Echo and Noah, which i prefer as i believe it is more effective at providing an all round viewpoint and adds more depth to the story.  The perspectives are given equally so you don't find yourself wanting more of the other viewpoint.  However, one sticking point for me was that there was no clear cut difference between the perspectives, no paragraph each or headings.  It can change perspective from one sentence to the next, which makes it really confusing at times and i found myself having to re-read parts as i had read it but thought it was the other person's perspective.  I did get used to this narrative style and sometimes it worked perfectly as it just flowed and it became slightly more obvious when the perspectives changed.

The character development is incredible, especially for Echo and Noah.  Echo had experienced a life-changing event, one that was so distressing that she suffered memory loss as a result of post traumatic stress disorder.  However, she is left with physical scars, ones that she is embarrassed about and tries to hide. Obviously, her state of mine is troubled, because not only this, her life has being turned upside down by her brother dying in Afghanistan, having an estranged relationship with her mother and disliking her pregnant step-mother.  This is further compounded by the fact that at school she is now seen as a freak rather than being popular like before and her friends have turned on her.  She is so young to be living a life like this and i really felt for her.  The suspense is kept up about that night and is gradually revealed as Echo remembers information, it is very intriguing trying to work it out beforehand.  She could not have found a better boyfriend than Noah, he gained her trust, made her laugh, made her feel safe and protected, he tried to boost her confidence and get her to see herself how he did.

Noah is also a troubled soul, in foster care following the death of both his parents in a house fire and estranged from his younger brothers whom he wishes to protect and gain custody of.  A very difficult task when he is in high-school, is seen has violence after hitting his foster father when protecting his brother and now only has minimal supervised visits with his siblings.  His love for his brothers is evident and is heart-wrenching, the distress he feels due to being separated from them is so upsetting.  When it is revealed what happened the night his parents died and how the fire started, oh my, i did not see that coming and it knocked me for six....i cried and cried!  Wow, i just wanted to hug Noah and not let him go!  I adored Noah, i would love a partner like him. He made me swoon, especially with the relationship he had with Echo.

The relationship between Echo and Noah was lovely and not the insta-love type thankfully (which i hate!), it started off slowly and developed into a beautiful partnership of love, with the reader feeling every touch, embrace and kiss.  The sexual tension between the two is evident but there is no situation of their relationship going any further.  This relationship is basically two troubled teenagers intertwined together to create something beautiful.  They are the opposite of each other but fit together perfectly.

The other secondary characters, which i will not go into too much detail about, included Beth and Isaiah, who were Noah's friends.  They were amazingly great support for Noah and really looked out for him.  Beth, was really unsure about Echo at first, probably because she didn't want Noah to get hurt again given his situation, but she still stuck by what Noah wanted and did come around to liking Echo.  The sequel to this book, will be from Beth's perspective and i cannot wait!  Other characters include Lilia who is Echo's friend, she wasn't so nice to Echo at first but she changed and became a better person and i love that.  Grace and Luke where an ex friend and boyfriend of Echo's and i hated them, i wanted to punch then, such judgemental and nasty people.  Noah put Luke in his place! ha.  There was also her over-protective/slightly controlling dad and her pregnant step-mother Ashley who she hates!  Another awesome character who played a key part is Mrs Collins, she is the guidance counsellor at school and she knows her stuff, she puts these two together for tutoring purposes and that's where they get to know each other.  She knows exactly how to handle both of them, and does the greatest of things for them, one thing she does for Noah, it really choked me up.

So, overall, this book is AMAZING.  I absolutely loved it! I think it is my favourite book of 2012 so far! and contemporary YA is fast becoming my favourite genre! I recommend this to everyone, you need to read it.  I will definitely read it again in the future but slower so i can take it in more. I will be swooning over Noah for a while more too.  I give this 5 out of 5, even with the narrative issue because it was so great that it outweighed any negatives :)

Review- Speechless by Hannah Harrington.....

Speechless by Hannah Harrington.

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (28 Aug 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373210523
ISBN-13: 978-0373210527
Firstly, kind thanks to the publishers, for granting me the permission to review this book via Netgalley, for no charge, for an honest review.  This book was read on my kindle.

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.

My Review. 
Firstly, many thanks to the publishers for granting me access to review this book, for which it was kindly received via Netgalley. This was read on my Kindle and the review is of my honest opinion. When i saw this book and realised who the author is, i did a little scream of delight because i absolutely adored her debut book 'Saving June'.  Even now almost three months on, i still think about that book because it had such a lasting impression.  Now i know this book isn't connected to the debut book in any way, other than the author connection, but still, i had to read this.  After reading the synopsis, i thought it sounded fantastic and i was hooked.  Obviously because of this, i had set high expectations!  The cover whilst plain and boring can also be seen as quite intense in relation to the story and the title, but i would not have picked this up if i knew nothing about it because it doesn't appeal to me.

The plot is quite straightforward really, set with high school kids as most contemporary YA novels are, leading to obvious assumptions about possible themes that seem commonplace amongst teens.  The main character Chelsea is part of a 'popular' girl group (we all had them in high school i am sure) but to put it bluntly, she is really being used by the leader of this group, yet she doesn't realise it and is a follower wanting to impress.  This means Chelsea is quite horrid at the start, and gossiping about people, spreading rumours/lies, telling people's secrets and making people miserable.  Hence, i really disliked her initially because i just could not relate to her; i hate seeing people get hurt and followers are just not themselves, they don't use their own mind, making them weak in character.

One night, everything changes, Chelsea sees something she shouldn't and once again she shoots her mouth off to all those who will listen to gain attention, regardless of anything else.  This leaves someone's life in the balance and she is given a 'wake up call' in regards to her actions.  She decides to stop gossiping and telling secrets/rumours by not using her voice, hence 'Speechless', perfect title! and she also does something quite impressive to try and 'correct things', which was a commendable action.  This action is hated by her 'friends', who then turn their back on Chelsea and she finally realises that they aren't her real friends at all.  Unfortunately, she does experience a lot of bullying at school for standing up for what is right; which is so sad to read because she did the right thing, infact it was heartbreaking to read about and made me feel uncomfortable.  It leads Chelsea onto a path of self-discovery whereby she also finds new opportunities and new friends, but is there any forgiveness from them or herself? Well you will have to read for yourself.

After Chelsea did this commendable action and onto her path for self-discovery, i started to like her and i loved being in her mind as such  She absolutely wanted to change, she knew her mistakes and was learning from them- she really needed to forgive herself though and i have to say that i started to feel sorry for her.  Throughout the rest of the novel, i really did like her and took to her.  There are several other side characters with means lots of names which i won't go into them all; her 'old' not real friends who are just nasty b*tches and then there is her new friends; Sam, Asha, Lou, Andy etc (her only communication with them is through text and notes) who are lovely, warm-hearted and funny.  I adored them as they seemed really nice and funny too, i could totally relate to them.  There is even a love interest for Chelsea and it's so cute, i wanted her to be happy. To get to know each other they have to use texts and notes since she doesn't speak, not even with him.  There isn't a huge amount of romance in the book but it's a lovely friendship that is developing into a budding relationship.

I really did enjoy the book, it definitely improved as it went along but for me that was due to the characters and how i felt towards them.  Not only that but there is underlying lessons inside for teens who read this book; around high school with peer pressure and friendship, around bullying and showing that even when standing alone is difficult, it is still possible to do the right thing.  On the lines of self-discovery and how Chelsea feels, i have included a quote, which is her thoughts, it shows how far she has come and how strong she it.

".....except that night didn't change my life.  I changed it.  I have to stop acting like i have no control over these things.  Like i'm letting them just happen to me.  These are my choices.  For better or worse"

Such a powerful quote in my opinion.  This is what i love about the author's writing style, she can evoke so many emotions in the reader, enabling bonds to be made with the characters, she kind of gets under your skin and just pulls you in.  You can read so easily and so much at once because her writing just flows beautifully.  She does the same with the 'Saving June', this lovely writing ability that she possess, but like i said you cannot compare the books, I loved them both. I loved this and really enjoyed it, I HIGHLY recommend this book for everyone to read because you will really enjoy it.  Does Chelsea speak again? You will have to wait and find out.  I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

Review- Confessions of an Angry Girl.....

Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett.

Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Teen; Original ed (August 28, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373210485
ISBN-13: 978-0373210480

Firstly, kind thanks to the publishers, for granting me the permission to review this book via Netgalley, for no charge, for an honest review.  This book was read on my kindle.

Rose Zarelli, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some confessions to make…1. I'm livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I'm allowed to be irate, don't you?

2. I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who might be dating a cheerleader. She is now enraged and out for blood. Mine.

3. High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the time. (Mars is red and "seeing red" means being angry—get it?)

Here are some other vocab words that describe my life: Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable.

(Don't know what they mean? Look them up yourself.)

(Sorry. That was rude.)

My review/thoughts.
Firstly, many thanks to the publishers for granting me access to review this book, for which it was kindly received via Netgalley. This was read on my Kindle.  When i saw this book, i was drawn in by the title, and the synopsis- normally i am drawn in by covers, but this one was different.  Nevertheless, i still liked the cover and realised a link from the story once it was read, which made me smile.  This book is also a contemporary YA and right now i am really into reading these.  Therefore, i had high hopes for this book!  I also had it in my mind that we would have a book of 'confessions', all insights into what this girl had done wrong when angry and the reasoning..........but i was wrong!  What it is, is much much more!  and i have to say that i absolutely LOVED this book!  When i finished reading it, i scribbled some notes down and one said.....

'Wow! Just Wow! But argh I need more!! I have read this so quickly- half the book in 1 sitting. I was so involved in the story, routing for Rose, a page turner and a half.......'

The story is centred on Rose, who during a short period of time has had her dad die in Iraq, her brother go to college and change, a mum whom can help other troubled teens but can't help her daughter, a best friend Tracy- who is fickle, superficial and is all about image and status- wanting to be a cheerleader, into drinking and thinking about sex.  They are both freshman at high school. She has an older love interest, Jamie who seems hot and cold, and she is getting bullied by his 'maybe' girlfriend Regina.  Anyone going through all this is surely going to be angry, Rose is only 14 too (turns 15 in book) and all this for someone so young must lead to some intense anger inside.

Even though i knew Rose was 14, when i was reading the book, she just seemed older.  Initially  I wasn't entirely comfortable with the main protagonist being this age, because a 14 year old is very different to a 17-18 year old, the way of thinking and acting is yards apart despite only 3-4 years difference.  I thought she would be a whiny teenager but i was wrong.  Rose seems older than her peers; she thinks and acts older than them, she is the sensible one, much more clued up to the world by how she deals with peer pressure and teen issues.  This is demonstrated with her view on drinking and how she educates her best friend with valuable lessons regarding 'sex education'.  Not only is it the way she acts, but also in her mind set, we know her thoughts since the narrative is from her perspective, therefore getting a much deeper insight into this angry girl's thoughts and analytical mind.  I am not saying Rose is perfect, she does some embarrassing things and some cringeworthy stuff but i mean in general and compared to her peers she does seem older.

Another problem i had with her age is to do with her love interest, Jamie, who is 17,  14 to 17 may only be 3 years but as a teenager this gap seems much bigger than say 24 to 27.  This uncomfortable feeling is worsened when it is realised why Jamie came to be interested in Rose.  Yet when you are Rose's age, it seems cool and grown up to have an older male like you!  Despite the issues, I wouldn't let something like this put me off a book and i am so glad i didn't.  The author portrayed these teenagers perfectly in my opinion and I thought it was brilliant that the author could write so realistically in the view of a 14 year old.  This whole 'love interest' situation was kept at the right level given their age difference.  The feelings were all there and you really felt them as a reader, which, as an adult author it cannot have been easy to convey them in a first person perspective.  If the situation would have gone further than a kiss, than i would have felt extremely uncomfortable to the point of not reading it,as Rose would have been underage! Infact, they only share a stolen kiss or two, which were breathtakingly beautifully described by Rozett and raw with emotion!  I did feel really sorry for Rose's close friend Robert, who is a true friend but has a massive crush on her and would do anything for her.  He really did seem like an odd body guy, and no matter how sweet he was, why is it always the badass boys who get into trouble that get the girl? I was even leaning more for Jamie than Robert!

Another major theme in the book is bullying! and handled perfectly by Rozett, as unfortunate and horrid as bullying is, it does happen in schools, and it makes this story realistic.  Bullying can start over silly events such as they did in the book.  The author didn't just skim by it in a couple of chapters and then it drops, she had it weaved throughout and it is quite upsetting.  I felt my heart strings pulled, it sent me straight back to high school in my head, so many emotions were involved, and i found it really uncomfortable to read about the bullying.  I did wonder why she didn't ask for adults to help but then i realised that often adult's help can make things worse or so it seems that way when you are 14.  I felt so protective over Rose, with everything she had gone through in a short space of time, i wanted the bullies to get their comeuppance and leave her alone!

Having so many high school issues in a book and portraying them in such a way for it deemed to be a realistic story is brilliant, these issues do not stop just because of what is happening in Rose's home life and i think that was a wise move by the author to add more depth to the story.  These issues; peer pressure, drinking, smoking, underage sex, sex education, partying, teen relationships, friendships and bullying is so difficult for the majority of teenagers to deal with but Rose didn't give into any pressure despite the anger inside and everything else, it shows how incredibly strong she is.  Throughout the book, i believe there is development in her character, she becomes more confident, deals with some issues with herself and her family.  However, in my opinion i didn't find Rose as an angry girl.  She doesn't take her anger out on people or things, she may have anger and upset inside, but mainly it was words (P*ssed off etc)  which is understandable.  However, i believe that she is also full of fear, scared of what could happen and consequences in all situations but by the end she does seem to be working on this.   I think these attributes she has stem from her dad's death in Iraq, she has not gone through the grief stage properly as it has alienated her and her mum's relationship- her mum is no longer there for her.  Her brother leaving for college, and doesn't want to talk about their dads's death either.  She has is all bottled up with no one to talk too so she can deal with the grief.

I have mentioned other characters throughout this review; Tracy, Jamie and Regina and there are other additional ones which i am not going to discuss.  All these characters were great additions to the book regardless if i liked them or not because they are all people you can relate to and they were well developed characters.  The only character that i took too and adored was Rose, how could i not!  She grew on me so fast and i just wanted to hug her.  Tracy, should have been there for her best friend in the situation but was selfish, she used Rose when needed and i really disliked her.  Rose provided her with much needed sex education, this discussion and the other major issues mentioned are perfect for a YA novel; if teens read this book they could get so much out of it.  Jamie, portrayed as a badass, getting into trouble, skipping school etc but at the same time he was loveable but he seemed hot and cold, i feel like he should have been there for Rose when he knew what she was going through if he did care for her!  But then there were times when he was just so perfect, like when he ran to her when she fell running etc.  I liked him when he was with Rose, but disliked him when not.  Regina,a cheerleader was a bully, a nasty piece of work and how could someone be so heartless! I really wanted to punch her!  It made me tear up at some points.

This book just takes you through a range of emotions, from laughing or smiling and then utter sadness and tears!  For an author to be able to induce those feelings in a reader is incredible and shows the skills they have in writing.  Another aspect i loved was that at the start of each chapter was a word with a dictionary definition plus a little phase to how it relates, i thought it was an original idea and Rose loves long words!   I loved this book, i really did, i loved Rozett's writing style and even though is was quite slow paced at first, it really did pick up pace and was an absolute page turner, i couldn't put it down. I just wanted more and more.  Yet the way it ended, it didn't feel like an ending, it annoyed me because it wasn't a rounded off conclusion.  Therefore, i cannot wait for the next book 'Confessions of an Almost Girlfriend', i have high hopes for that book!  I hope to learn more about Jamie, and i would like for him and Rose to have more time together.  I am still not thrilled about the title as i don't think it suits the book like i said before but i worry this assumption could put people off from reading this book.  I would recommend that people read this book for sure! Roll on the next book!

Overall, a fantastic read! even if there are some slight flaws, i still rate it highly! I would re-read it, i would recommend it and i think it is a perfect contemporary YA book.  This book has so many different levels that it has taken such a long review to get my thoughts across.  I actually found this review very difficult to write, because there is so much content to discuss, i loved it but i struggled to articulate my thoughts and feelings into words.  So summary two words= READ IT! please :) Of course i give it a 5/5

Review- Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins.

Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins

• Paperback: 380 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin Teen; Original edition (26 Jun 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 037321054X
• ISBN-13: 978-0373210541

Firstly, kind thanks to the publishers, for granting me the permission to review this book via Netgalley, for no charge, for an honest review.  This book was read on my kindle.

Book Description
Your heart misleads you.  That's what my friends and family say.  But I love Noah. And he loves me.  We met and fell in love in the sleepy farming community of Meadowview, while we rode our horses together through the grassy fields and in those moments in each other's arms. It should be  ROSE & NOAH forever, easy. But it won't be. Because he's Amish. And I'm not.
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My Review.

Firstly, many thanks to the publishers for granting me access to review this book, for which it was kindly received via Netgalley. This was read on my Kindle.  When i saw the cover i was instantly drawn in because i thought it looked quite 'dreamy' and i loved how the sun shone onto the couple who were in a close embrace.  Obviously i knew it was a love story from that and I'm a sucker for a bit of romance.  Then with the title and the brief sentence on the front i realised it was about forbidden love- which i love even more than just 'love stories' and romance.  I knew i wanted to read it before i had even had read the 'blurb', after reading that it just cemented that i had to read it.  There is so many forbidden love stories out there but this was different, i have never read a love story where there was an Amish and Non-Amish couple, and actually i have never read a book which has featured the Amish community.  This made it more interesting for me because i know about the community (this community is also referred too as a culture, religious group, cult and even an anti-feminist group) and have watched documentaries, but to feature in a novel was different for me. 

Now i had no expectations for this book at all, i did think i would like it and enjoy it. However, this book was one that threw me a little and i have waited 2 weeks post-reading to write this review because i couldn't articulate my feelings or what i wanted to say here. I didn't know how i would even rate it or if i would write a review without a rating.  This book is the first book which i have loved but hated at the same time, and i don't think i can even explain my reasoning completely without giving spoilers!  It is one of those books whereby you need to read it yourself and i do recommend that people read this BUT stick with it. I did almost give up with the first third of the book but i just had to keep reading. and i did get used to what was irritating me.

The basis of the plot is that Rose and her family move into the house next door to Noah's family following the death of her mother and her dad (a doctor) getting a new job in the area.  Rose (Non-Amish) and Noah (Amish) meet quickly and the focus is on them and their 'relationship'. To be honest, I am not too sure there is anymore plot than just the desire they have to be together.  It has romance at the heart of book and does have other aspects such as the relationships they each have with their family and the dynamics of each family-the Amish one was of interest for me  and i found it fascinating to read about! But in regard to plot, there was little of one as i said just before.  It didn't taken the shine off the book for me though because watching the relationship develop was a compelling journey to be taken on full of raw emotion.  It doesn't seem like the couple will ever be able to be together given the difference in their cultures and the aversion of the Non-Amish from the Amish.  The ending is interesting and yet some what annoying.  This book works well as a stand-alone book, which I thought it was, but it will actually be a series.  I cannot wait to see what happens next and I am excited for the next book! This says a lot about my feelings for this book really.

This book is well-written by Hopkins, beautifully descriptive and i loved her writing style.  She is able to evoke feelings in the reader, which isn't an easy thing to do.  For me I found it slow paced for the first three quarters of the book, but after a very significant event it vastly improved.  This significant event was quite shocking really and  featured 'something' that brought tears to my eyes.  The story is written in first person perspective but a dual one, as it is told by both Noah and Rose.  This is my favourite kind of style for a novel because you find out different viewpoints of a situation and there is some overlapping of time between the 2 perspectives.  In this book, this works perfectly because we get to know what both of them are thinking, their feelings towards the other and their understanding of each others culture.  Not only that but you get an inside view of what they expect from the other and from the relationship, some of it is quite hard hitting and shocking in my view, but then you have to remember they are only teenagers.

So, onto the main characters, Noah and Rose, who are both well written to reflect their community.  Rose is only 16, living with her dad and brothers following the death of her mother.  I liked her, she is sweet, caring, strong willed, thinks for herself, pretty, as well as quite naive and innocent when it comes to love.  Noah is 18, and being Amish this means that he is at an age to take responsibility for a wife and family.  He is a caring and kind towards Rose, family orientated but at the same time, he seems controlling, selfish and does have anti-feminist views.  I know it isn't his fault and these traits are probably due to his upbringing in this community, but still, it frustrated me.  What he said made me really angry and I have to say that I didn't actually like him for most of the book if at all.  These next quotes from his dad show the influence Noah is under being Amish;

"We have become used to not having outsiders living so close by. I am sure it will take some adjusting to."

"English children will want to make friends- which creates a very difficult situation for us." "The father important -don't want to offend him." "But neither will I have my   children spending much time with the English, being influenced and corrupted by  them"  

The words used by Noah and his family to describe Non-Amish and even Rose's family drove me crazy, especially in the beginning, I did get used to them, but wow did they grate on me, it felt like it was racist almost.  The terms used were 'the English' and 'outsiders'.

To demonstrate Noah's controlling ways I have provided such quotes which made me so uncomfortable.  Also on the 'first date' he showed his controlling and argumentative ways, this was towards Rose dancing! Rose actually picked up on the edge to his voice when he used the term "the English". I'm sorry but first date and now matter how much you fancy someone, that sort of behaviour would send you running!  

"I didn't think she'd be receptive to being told what to do directly. I'd have to be subtle about it and make her think she was doing what she wanted" Wow that is scary! How devious is he, that is just mind games!

"I didn't have authority over her.  That really troubled me more than I cared to admit" "take charge of her" 

Aside from that, another aspect that I didn't enjoy, which I know a lot of readers also do not like, is this 'insta-love' as the love story.  Straight away there were comments and references from both of them as being lovestruck, experiencing electric from touching and thoughts of when they are living together.  Even thoughts of having a baby! The wanting, needing, pining that went on, urgh, it got sooooo repetitive and as I said their desire to be together was the plot really.  I have to say that I believe Noah's feelings and thoughts to be more reliable and true due to his age and responsibility, whereas I feel Rose is swept along with the lust and excitement, she seems so young to be on the same wavelength as Noah in regards to a relationship. I had to laugh prior to one of their meet-ups and Rose is getting ready and looking in the mirror, it was such an argh!! moment but so typical of a teenager really

"Turning sideways I was surprised to see how I was filling the shirt out this year.  I certainly didn't remember looking so.......developed in it last year"

 Overall, this book is a lovely read, an emotional exploration of love that is forbidden.  It is sweet and full of want and desire.  There is obstacles and problems throughout it, there are moments when you want to scream and times when you laugh and go awww.  I found this book difficult to review as i said but then I've written an essay so obviously i had lots to say and i enjoyed it more than i originally thought.  I would recommend it to people but i would say that this will be a book you may love and hate at the same time but give it chance.  I will definitely be reading the sequel.  I have to give a rating of 3 out of 5 :)

Thanks for reading.

Review- One Moment by Kristina McBride.

One Moment by Kristina McBride.

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Egmontusa (26 Jun 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160684086X
• ISBN-13: 978-1606840863

Firstly, kind thanks to the publishers, for granting me the permission to review this book via Netgalley, for no charge, for an honest review.  This book was read on my kindle.

Book Description.

This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie's life. Now it's the one she'd do anything to forget.

Maggie remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party. She remembers climbing the trail with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can't she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below-dead? 
As Maggie's memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding? 
The latest novel from the author of "The Tension of Opposites," "One Moment" is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you.

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My Review.

Firstly, many thanks to the publishers for granting me access to review this book for which it was kindly received via Netgalley. This was read on my Kindle. I was so happy to get this for review and wanted to read it for ages.  I was drawn in by the cover and the 'blurb' had me hooked!  Then after hearing great things about the book, i was just sooo excited and thought this is going to be one amazing read.  Sadly, for me, this was not the case.  I did not rate it as highly as a lot of people did, i liked it yes, and i enjoyed it even, but i didn't love it.  I will try and explain as i go through the review.  I am really worried that i have missed something here.

The cover drew me in because even something so simple can be immense.  The colours, the brightness on the foot as a focus with the reflection, the tipping the toe with the reflection ripple it makes, and as though they are unsure, testing the water, nervous about the water.  This is just some examples it brings to mind.  After reading the book you realise this is a perfect cover and it has got an eerie feel about it.

So, yes, i enjoyed the book, i am not going into the book description as it is mentioned above and i don't want to risk plot spoilers.  If i do, i apologise in advance but there shouldn't be any.  Throughout the book i was hooked, completey engrossed in the story and it was full of suspense (which went on for a long time!); i wanted to know what had happened at the gorge at the top of the rock, what was all the little whispers going on and what exactly had occured previously.  The book is done so that the 2 characters;Joey and Maggie (an item) go to the top of the gorge and are just about to jump.  From then it skips to after when something has happened, an accident.  It comes together with what had happened bit by bit BUT there is a big part missing which is in Maggie's memory, she cannot recall this.  Whilst having this suspense and bits of information added and then more 'whispers/secrets' becoming revealled, it is intense!  

It is also really sad and emotive, you really feel for Maggie and it feels so real, probably because it is narratored by her, therefore it is seen through her eyes as such and told with her words  The author has written this beautifully to evoke these feelings in a reader.  This has being done through having such descriptive writing, so that instead of telling the reader what to see, hear, feel and smell; she does it with descriptions so that your senses put the imagery together.  Through this, it enables human nature to be explored, to demonstrate how a friendship can be effected by a death.  In fact, the emotions and expressions portray this perfectly in my opinion. Very clever! and what really adds something too the book is how the information is revealed bit by bit and not just given all at once it keeps the reader guessing, yet, a lot of it is quite predictable to be fair. 

It all sounds great, however, the story didn't start coming together until around 60%, and that 1st part could have being condensed into much much less.  It honestly felt like the last part of the book was written as the book was meant to be and the 1st part had words added to them to make up a word count or something.  This was done in the descriptive parts because i honestly felt like it had been 'padded out', it was VERY descriptive in parts, as in over the top (OTT)- all fluffiness and colours.  An example is when they are at a party, and all the colours she mentiones in the sky and them mixing etc.  Just too much and not needed really.  Descriptive wrting, as i said in the above paragraph is fantastic, but there is a fine line between this and OTT and in parts, this book definitely was OTT .  It felt quite slow-paced and i just wanted to get on with it, once we got to that point then it was quite good paced.  Due to the slow pace, it gave the reader more time to put things together and ultimately it becomes quite predictable.  Another little issue i had was how it was told, each chapter was a jump between timeframes, some where before the jump,some the day of the jump and some after the jump and present day, it doesn't give any dates or say on the chapter which it was going to be.  I found it really confusing sometimes and it took me a bit to work it out.  That bit of guidance would have made a difference, because this way of 'telling a story' is actually much better as a novel as it gives a deeper understanding into issue and how the past can effect the present.  Shame really or maybe i am the only one who got confused.

There are several characters but the main ones in my opinions are Maggie (story narratored by) Joey, Adam and Shannon.  I didn't take to Maggie at all, i don't know why, i just didn't, i thought she was quite naive (you will understand when the book is read) and even though she was 'heartbroken' she quickly moved on with life!  I didn't take to Joey either, he made me angry!, i felt he loved himself and was big headed!  For some reason i didn't trust him from the beginning, however, i did mellow towards has the story unfolded and you get the truth of his life, i felt sorry for him in ways. Maggie forgave him and what she did near the end was quite sweet and i think this ending was to make the reader like him and forgive him too.  Shannon is another character i didn't trust, i felt she was the show off in the group. This is demonstrated when they are on the beach at the gorge, she is a big mouth! She is just a b!tch really, however, we are told that she is within the text, in the exact phase of calling her that name.  Therefore, as a reader, even though we are judging her character, this also leads us to not like her.  She is not a loyal friend, but she does have a heart, she just keeps it well hidden.  Adam is Joey's best friend, he struggles immensely after Joey's death and because he has so much information in his hands, he is in a real dilemma whereby he pushes his friends away.  Readers could dislike him because of this and all the unnecessary drama around him, however, i didn't, i felt sorry for him because he needed help, he was hurting, he didn't know what to do with all the secrets and information he has.  Thankfully, he deals with the situations and the end is quite fitting and sweet with him.  It feels like it was a quick move after Joey's death, but given what had occurred, it felt right.  

Finally, the story had a proper ending, it was closed and all the bits of the story where brought together with nothing left outstanding or any questions needing answers.  Like i said previously, i liked the story and enjoyed it.  However, i didn't love it and the issues i had with it is why i gave it a rating of 3 out of 5.  I feel like i am being stringent but it feels right.

Review- Timepiece.....

 Timepiece: An Hourglass Novel by Myra McEntire.

Hardcover:336 pages
Publisher: Egmontusa (12 Jun 2012)

• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1606841459
• ISBN-13: 978-1606841457

Firstly, kind thanks to the publishers, for granting me the permission to review this book via Netgalley, for no charge, for an honest review.  This book was read on my kindle.  When i read this synopsis, i went and bought the 1st book; Hourglass.

Book Description.

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results. 

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts.

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My Review.

Firstly, many thanks to the publishers for granting me access to review this book for which it was kindly received via Netgalley. This was read on my Kindle.  Has i said above, once i read the synopsis i knew i had to read this and therefore i had to go buy the 1st book to read prior to this.  The cover was the first thing that hooked me.  I am a person who is attracted to a book by it's cover, i know it's wrong but i do.  This cover is just intense, it is eerie, is she flying? Is she holding on and being pulled away? is she trying to get through the door?  I just love it!  I will be buying it in paperback to match my 'Hourglass' book as i'm hoping it is the same texture cover.  It is obviously of Em, but i wonder why it didn't have any of the other characters on, especially the one who is telling the story from their point of view.

To start off i have to say that i absolutely LOVED this book, i really did and i think that i actually preferred it slightly more than 'Hourglass', well up to the end anyways, but i will discuss that shortly.  It is difficult to discuss this book in too much detail without giving spoilers or mentioning what happened in the first book.  I apologise if i do but the 'blurb' of the book is above so i won't repeat all that.  This book continues on from 'Hourglass' it relates to what happened in the first book so you really do need to read it.  However, it is told from Kaleb's point of view (POV) this time rather than Emerson's (Em), at first i was a bit disgruntled that it wasn't from Em's but actually, it had to be this way to fit the story and it worked perfectly.  This way you get a different view of the characters and a thorough insight into Kaleb- who i have to add i feel in love with during this book!!!!

 Has stated in the blurb, they are looking for Jack and have a deadline in place.  The reasons are all explained and why it is so important.  It really built up the suspense and intrigue and in some places a thriller aspect where i genuinely felt scared for the charcters and i was like "oh quick quick" and got sense of relief when it was ok.  I got way too involved with this book.  The pacing throughtout most of the book was perfect, the way the story played out, the elements that were involved and little sideline stories all came into one.  However, and this is a big however, the ending and the last part was over in the blink of an eye!  I got to the last page and didn't believe it because it was over so quickly with all that led up to it.  It got to a point in the story where they arrive somewhere and literally less than 10 pages later, it was over and in such a simple way!  I will say that near the end, 2 characters are in the time travel 'situation' and people are slightly worried but then at the end, it's 'blink' oh we are back all is okay.  Yes all the ends were tied up BUT too quickly!! In a way that didn't fit the book and this upset me a bit as i felt cheated.  The situation of the end was great just not how it was delivered.

So,as said, Kaleb narrators the story and this fits perfectly for the storyline and you realise what a fantastically awesome guy he really is!  First line of the book cracked me up 

'Maybe getting drunk and dressing like a pirate for the masquerade was a bad idea'

 I mean what an opening line!  In the 1st book i was really unsure about him but now a total change of view.  You find out his inner thoughts, how honest, loyal and sincere he is.  He is caring, a risk-taker, strong, emotional, HOT! funny and intelligent.  His funny little comments in the narratoring made me smile but the constant reference to someone's body and butt and how curvy they are, argh!!! it drove me CRAZY! I know this is what a lot of males probably do but honestly it did grind on me a little.  There is romance in this book too, and it is awww, intense, and nothing like that of Em's and Michael's either! Through Kaleb you still find information out about the other characters and Em is still there so you get to know what is happening with her and they are all working together as a team.

The characters are pretty much the same but with less of Thomas and Dru (Em's brother and his wife),and Cat.  You get more of Lily (Em's best friend) in this book, she was only really touched upon in the 1st book but in this, she is more of a main character.  Her role is vital, her abilities are vital and she really adds to the story.  She is a great little character, similar to Kaleb really- honest,loyal, funny but she is a massive risk taker!  I really liked her character.  Em and Michael are still mentioned quite a bit but more about their exploding relationship really, you see that Em doesn't change and still does really stupid things! but that is how her character is.

There is going to be a 3rd book called, 'Infinityglass', this 'thing' is mentioned within this book and once read you know what it is and you need to know more, hence why we need the 3rd book!!  I hope the 3rd book does relate back to the 1st two books but i hope it is in a way that re-explains things slightly because luckily i read the books close together.  If not when reading this book i would have being like "umm what is this i can't remember" "umm what happened there i can't remember" and i would have had to re-read parts of the first book.

Overall, i truly loved this book, i would receommend these to everyone and i already have!  It is fantastic and they just hook you instantly.  I would have given this book a 5 out of 5 but because of the 500mph ending i had to lower it to a 4 ladybirds/ladybugs out of 5.  Roll on 2013 for the next book!!

Review-Hourglass

 Hourglass by Myra McEntire.

• Hardcover: 390 pages
• Publisher: Egmontusa (14 Jun 2011), Paperback May 2012.
• Language English
• ISBN-10: 1606841440
• ISBN-13: 978-1606841440.

This book review is LONG LONG over and i really do apologise.  I finished it well over a week ago.  If i would have done this earlier, i feel the content would have been of a higher quality, so again i apologise.

I read this book in paperback version, which i purchased myself!  I had received Timepiece (the sequel to this) for review, and loved the sound of it so i knew i had to get this version.  I could not get it anywhere; library, supermarkets, bookshops.  The only place was Amazon UK (I live in the UK) and it is the most i have ever paid for a single paperback EVER!  I could not get it on the kindle either, much to my disappoint.

Book Description.

One hour to rewrite the past . . . 

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back. So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?
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Review.

First, let me just talk about the cover.  I always mention covers and since i bought the paperback i need to talk about it.  I loved the actual texture and feel of the cover, it was bizarre, sort of like a waxy effect that left fingerprints and smudges on it and it was one of those 'soft' books where it just flops open and no breaking the spine---FAB!  No the cover is just odd, at first i was like, is she trying to walk through a door?, has she walked through a door backwards?, is she pregnant? I had NO clue, after a while of reading the book and looking at the cover i realised she is actually walking on the walls and what i thought was the door is actually the floor and i felt incredibly stupid!  I don't get how this cover relates to the story, may be in ways (no spoilers give) but then maybe the attraction element of the cover it due to how crazy it looks.

From how naive i am, i didn't realise from the blurb that story was about time travel! If you read the comments on the book from 'famous reviews'  then apparently it is mentioned but i never read those.  I never read a full review before reading a book, i don't want to be swayed with anything.  I am sleepy whilst typing this so I'm sorry for any typos or general rambling rubbish (like now).     I was hooked on this book within the first couple of chapters and i have to say my naivety thought she was seeing ghosts as such and i thought it was to do with the after-life.  When i finally released it was about time-travel, i was not disappointed in the slightest, i just felt slightly dumb for not releasing beforehand.  Has i was saying, i was completely hooked almost immediately and really didn't want to put it down.  For almost half the book i had no idea where this story was taking me but when the pieces clicked together it was like, wow!  I don't like to go through the whole book description again within the review as it is above and it is very easy to give away spoiler information so i try to be careful.  

The storyline is written really well, in a way to keep the reader interested constantly, dropping bits of information but not fully explaining, so it leaves questions and you wanting more.  I kept having so many questions throughout the book and i wish i would have jotted them down as i read because i am not sure they were fully answered.  One major thing which involved past,present,future and characters and is a theory in the book,, a principle (i won't name it but it begins with an Nov-you will know if read the book), which characters knew/learnt 1st, it really is like the age old question- which came 1st, the chicken or the egg?  If you have read the book you will know what i am on about (i hope haha), if you haven't read the book, you'll be skipping this thinking she is crazy.  But honest, read the book, because it will do this to your brain.  Praying this is all answered in 'Timepiece' .  That is the thing with novels which aren't stand alone ones, when there is going to be a series, questions can be answered later on, not within that novel and people forget that.

The concept of time travel can be complex and confusing, if someone would have said to me, "here read this time travel novel" i would not have because i thought it was sci-fi! This isn't a sci-fi book in my opinion.  We learn about time travel as the main character Emerson 'Em' learns about it, and therefore throughout the book we are spoon-fed information to ease us in and to be honest it's quite simple in this book.  So, while Em's head's explodes about it all, ours isn't.  The book has so many uncertainties because you just don't know exactly where it is heading, situations aren't predictable, the anticipation is in overload mode and the ending was a complete wow moment for me as it was a bit of a shocker!  It definitely makes you want to read 'Timepiece.'

There isn't too many characters to confuse the plot and each are explained and their purpose for being within the storyline.  There is Thomas and Dru (Em's brother and sister-in-law) they aren't explained too much, but they are there and serve a purpose and the other being Lily, she's Em's best friend, which we find out a 'secret' about but not much more is really touched upon in any depth at all regarding this 'secret'.  The other characters play a bit more of an important role.  The narrator of the book is Em, therefore in 1st person, which worked perfectly for learning new information, it was then told through her and we were told how she felt and what she thought.  I really felt like i was warming to Em, i felt sympathy for her, she had gone through so much in her young life (only 17 years old) but at times she really did grate on me.  This was probably her whiny attitude and the lusting after the other main character 'Michael'.  Now, yes she is a teenager, but the drooling, swooning and lusting she did was a bit more than enough.  There is only so many times you can hear how 'hot' someone is before it drives you crazy. All this and Michael's body and muscles!! seem to be mentioned almost every time Michael was, now I'm not sure if it's because teenagers can get a bit obsessive around the opposite sex and all that but argh it drove me crazy! There were some really inappropriate comments/thoughts in there given the situation she was in.  Now i would understand if it was just Michael, with him she has a 'connection' but when another male is on the scene who is 'hot', she's swooning after him and goes off with him. Tut Tut.  Also, this special connection with Michael- relating to electricity, really didn't work for me, i mean please.  A hundred times i heard that too and i get it.  Right sorry being a grump there! Love a bit of romance but this wasn't.  Michael, lovely guy, really BUT almost all the way through, i didn't know whether i could trust him, was he dodgy?, did he just want Em's ability to use it?  I just didn't know. I did begin to trust him though and Kaleb, i didn't know whether to trust him and i was just edgy really.  Maybe i was protective over Em.

I have to say that i really really did enjoy this book, i loved it all except the point i mentioned above and for me, that is why it lost a rating.  I was just hooked, i was blown away and i cannot wait to read the next book 'Timepiece' (released 12th June 2012) (i am already reading it but shhh it doesn't add to this review, but let's say it's gooooddddd!! shh).  I really do recommend this book so read read read, you have too.  From a debut author, wow, impressive.

This gets an impressive  4 out of 5 ladybugs/ ladybirds in my ratings system.

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