REVIEW: Little White Lies by Katie Dale

Name: Little White Lies

Author: Katie Dale

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Date published: 1st August 2013

Pages: 384, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4.5 teacups

The first time Lou meets tall, dark, and handsome Christian, she knows he's hiding something. Why does he clam up every time she asks about his past? Why doesn't he have any family photos and why does he dye his blond hair black?
Then suddenly his terrible secret is unveiled to the world - and it seems everything he's ever told Lou is a lie. Can what the media are saying about him really be true? Should Lou trust him? Or is she in terrible danger? But Christian isn't the only one keeping secrets. For what if their chance meeting was no accident at all ...?
As lie follows lie, nothing is as it seems, and soon Lou finds herself ensnared in a web of deceit, her loyalties torn, her emotions in tatters as she faces a heart-wrenching dilemma: should she shatter the lives of those she holds dearest, or betray the guy who, against all odds, she's fallen in love with?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Review

Katie Dale rapidly became one of my favourite authors last year with her stunning debut, Someone Else's Life.  I obviously had high hopes for her next book, Little White Lies, and it didn't disappoint.

The premise and the storyline took centre stage.  It was so fast-paced, I was never bored; always kept on my toes, always wondering and contemplating what would come next. The beauty of it though was that my guesses were rarely correct.  Katie Dale threw in plot twists and surprises that you never see coming.  It was like sitting on a wave, my emotions rising and falling and being whipped around by the wind.

However, no matter how thrilling the premise, I knew I wanted the characters to be genuine and well-developed.  And they were definitely true to form.  Each with their own flaws, quirks and imperfections that made me instantly reach out and take them into my heart.  The anger and the hurt that Lou and Christian harboured within themselves felt so real and it was almost as if I was right there with them as the horrors and the answers they sought unfolded.  With Lou, I became a fiercely protective 'little sister' and hoped and wished she would receive her closure.

And then came the ending.  An ending so shocking and unexpected and in a way... fitting.  My emotions were thrown into turmoil and I just felt so conflicted.  It tore me apart as ache and joy met together and settled in my chest.  It was heart-wrenching and confusing and perfect all at the same time that I felt myself asking, 'Is there no other way?'

For me, Little White Lies turned out to be an incredibly emotionally charged read.  Katie Dale's writing style pulled me straight into the heart of the action and made me question everything.  This is a book you don't want to miss if you want real characters to relate to, a storyline that will take you on a fast-paced journey and an ending that will reduce you to an emotional wreck!

4.5 Teacups for Little White Lies!

*Thanks to Simon&Schuster for sending me this to review!*

Also, my review for Someone Else's Life for Chicklish is quoted on the back of the book! Squeee!!!!  First time ever *jumps around with glee*

Happy reading,

Beverley xxx

MINI-REVIEW: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Name: Speechless

Author: Hannah Harrington

Publisher: Mira Ink

Date published: February 2013

Pages: 263, Paperback ARC

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4.5 teacups

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.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Thoughts

It didn't take me long to request a copy of Speechless.  The fact that it was authored by Hannah Harrington, the oh-so-amazing-creator of Saving June, was enough to make me want to read it straight away.

When I first met Chelsea Knot, I knew she wasn't someone I'd want to be friends with in real life. She was gossipy and shallow and I wondered how I would ever come to warm to her.  However, by the end of the book, I really empathised her and felt truly protective of her.  Character development is such a key element in Speechless and is what made the book such a touching read for me.

The secondary characters also deserve a mention for adding their own quirkiness and warmth.  Asha was such a wonderful friend, soft-spoken and kind-hearted, and Sam was definitely a swoon-worthy love interest.  All of them were such unique figures with huge individuality.

Hannah Harrington has definitely not lost her touch for addressing deeper issues with such sensitivity and Speechless proved to be another heartbreaking, thought-provoking read with an important message which rings true for all its readers.  My words cannot do this book justice, so I'd like to finish with a quote from one of the characters that nicely sums everything up:

“Hate is... It's too easy. Love. Love takes courage.”

 4.5 Teacups for Speechless!

*Many thanks to Mira Ink for the review copy and apologies for the late review*

Happy reading,

Beverley

REVIEW: Easy by Tammara Webber

Name: Easy

Author: Tammara Webber

Publisher: Penguin

Date published: 13rd Janurary 2013

Pages: 322, Paperback 

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4.5 teacups

I took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly before turning around. It was Lucas who stood there. His gaze was penetrating, not wavering for a moment, and my pulse hammered under his silent scrutiny. I couldn't remember the last time I'd been so full of pure, unqualified desire.
Lucas is the stranger who saved Jacqueline from an attack by a fellow student - she'd never noticed him before then, and now he's everywhere. But can Jacqueline trust him - or will the secrets he's hiding come between them?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

My Review

Easy was my first foray into the genre of NA and it made such an impression on me that it definitely won't be my last.  I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but I had heard nothing but praise for it so I wasn't too worried.

What I loved most about Easy was the characters.  Each of them had their own flaws, their own problems, their own secrets.  And that made them all the more raw, real, human.  I rooted for Jacqueline from the start and it was a pleasure to watch her flourish into a strong young woman who knows where she wants to go and how she's going to get there.  And Lucas played a key role in shaping her development and I fell for him instantly.  He was totally sweet and so gentle with Jacqueline.  I thought he'd turn out to be a bad boy but underneath the exterior, he was a true gentleman and always had the best intentions at heart.  Also, the emails exchanged with Landon were terribly swoon-worthy - he was such a charmer!

It seems natural for me to move on and talk about the romance.  I initially had worries that Easy would all be about love and making out and having sex (that was my impression of NA).  But I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was not.  It was much more than that and it gave the book a lot more substance.  Yes, there were some pretty hot scenes, but the way they truly cared for each other was evident.  Also, as a reader who can't decide whether I like love triangles or not, it was pleasing to see that there wasn't much of one after all (although I did figure things out pretty early one!).

Finally, Tammara Webber doesn't shy from darker, grittier themes and I applaud her for addressing them full on with a touch of sensitivity.  Subjects like rape and harassment are rarely incorporated but Webber did this with style and spread the message that you shouldn't keep quiet and hide away, instead you need to face the truth and take a stand for yourself.

Easy was a wonderful read and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't discovered the world of NA yet or is already a big fan of the genre.  It combines serious issues with characters you can't help but invest in and a romance that is very swoon-worthy indeed.

4.5 Teacups for Easy by Tammara Webber!

*Thanks to Penguin for the review copy and apologies for the late review!*

Blog Tour: Chantress Review + Giveaway!

Hey y'all! I'm so excited to be a part of the Chantress Blog Tour, hosted by Shane at Itching For Books. I'm going to be sharing my review and a giveaway! Thank you Shane for allowing me to be a part of this tour. Check out the rest of the tour here!

Jen's Review

Chantress
by Amy Butler Greenfield
Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: May 7, 2013

Ever since I laid eyes on the cover for Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield, I knew I had to read it. Without a doubt. But this cover isn't just pretty on the outside. Between the flaps of this gorgeous book is a magical tale with beautiful prose, a creative plot line, and endearing characters that I loved from the start. Chantress is a historical fantasty that you won't want to miss.

First off, I'd like to mention the concept of this book that's intriguing and definitely something that's not typical out there in the YA fantasy world. Chantresses, the fantasy element in this book, are kind of like witches/fairies, but not at all in any way at the same time. Greenfield spices things up by adding little sprinkles of her own imagination and creativity here and there. I really enjoy how she introduces the topic mildly and not in any confusing way. Thankfully there's no info-dump, which is the worst. Greenfield skillfully weaves in Chantress information in a sneaky way that helps the reader learn about the idea along with the main character Lucy, since she starts out in the beginning of the story not knowing that she is a Chantress. What's more, Chantress is set in a historical time period (mid 1600s, which is what I'm studying in History class!), and it's surprisingly interesting to read about (usually I'm like, "History? SNOOORE). Set in London, I think that Greenfield was able to capture the dialogue of the time fabulously. The tone of the era was executed well, and I couldn't have asked for better.

Probably one of my favorite aspects of all in this novel is the characters. Lucy, the young woman who learns that she is Chantress, is easily lovable, as well as a hard-working character. There's something about her curiosity to learn more and to try her very best to use magic appropriately that is just admirable. In the middle of the book, it's evident that she works persistently to use magic, since her mentor scolds her endlessly, and she never gives up. Additionally, Nat is also a character I learned to fall in love with. Starting off as a cold, rude character, his heart opens up for Lucy and their very subtle romance is heart warming. I have no complaints for any of the characters in Chantress. They are all simply amazing and realistic.

Finally, the plot line is very well paced in this novel. It starts off with a bang (not literally), and I knew from the start that I was going to love this book. Chantress held my attention until the very end, and even then I didn't want to let go of this world and characters that Greenfield has created for us. It's not always fast-paced, but it's just enough to keep the readers engaged and interested in the story. It also helps that Greefield's writing is lush and flowy.

Chantress is definitely a book that every reader needs to pick up. I'm not a big historical or fantasy YA fan, but look who loved it? I DID. That's right, this book has it all: an enchanting concept that stands out, extremely delightful characters, and an absorbing plot. Go pick this up, you won't regret it!

4.5 teacups for Chantress!

*Thank you Amy, the publisher, and Edelweiss for providing me with a review copy!*

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Happy reading,
Jen xx

REVIEW: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Jen's Review

Shadow and Bone
by Leigh Bardugo
Henry Holt and Co. (HC)
June 5, 2012

WOAH GUYS.

I totally did not expect to like this book so much! High fantasy is usually way out of my comfort zone, as I don't read much of it. However, I had high hopes for this one because a) I loved Throne of Glass, and that was high fantasy, and b) there is not enough rave reviews for this book out there, it seems! Literally, every review of this book is 4 stars or higher, and pretty much all of my trusted blogger buddies all LOVE this book to death. I'm so happy to say that I am far from disappointed! Shadow and Bone is a high-paced, magical fantasy with crazy in-depth characters, fantastic creativity, and action-packed plot.

I was so worried in the beginning of this book, solely because the overload with the names, cities, and types of clothing they wore in the Grisha world. And they're not ordinary names, either. They're names like kefta and Os Kervo and oprichniki. You can imagine my panic. I absolutely hate, hate, HATE getting confused during a book, because then I usually end up flipping back and forth to un-confuse myself by referring to previous pages. While I was puzzled for a little while, Bardugo was able to refer to the names frequently, and before I knew it, I was immersed in the world without anymore confusion. This was the only minor problem I had with the book, fortunately.

One of the many things I loved about Shadow and Bone was the dark and beautifully magical world that Bardugo has created. It's so memorable and different, and, like Veronica Roth says, it's "Unlike anything I've ever read". The world of the Fold and the kingdom with the oh so mysterious Darkling ruling over the Grishas and with the different ranks and powers of the Grishas was just FASCINATING. Trust me, this is NOT a world you'll want to miss out on.

Of course, I have to mention my love for the characters! Alina Starkov is the protagonist and I loved her from the start. I'm still not sure what drew me to her in the beginning, but I think it's the fact that she never really knew her background of where she came from that drew my curiosity towards her. Later on, I learned that she is incredibly smart: she learns from her mistakes and is able to rationalize the best solutions. I also have to mention the other characters, duh. [OKAY. WAIT. So I totally thought there was going to be a love triangle in this book, and then I kept reading and AHH I was a tad disappointed, but SURPRISED by the twisty and turnies.] All right, so the Darkling. I don't know what made me like him so much, but he is dark, powerful, and I was drawn to him like Alina was. In fact, he's kind of smexy. Yeah. But then, we have MAL. I kept picturing him as Josh Hutcherson/Peeta in my head for some reason. Mal is kind of like him though, in a way: mellow, friendly, protective… He was just adorable. And let's not forget about Alina's servant (ish), Genya! She was so girly and fun and she really lightened up this book a bit. The characters in Shadow and Bone were absolutely sensational and definitely memorable.

Like I mentioned above in the brackets, there are twisty and turnies. The plot pacing was simply fantastic! It moved at a steady-pace in the beginning of the novel as characters and the world of the Grisha are introduced, but I think the middle section of the book was my favorite. The story got exciting as Alina moves to new, unfamiliar territory (things even got a little... steamy). The last section of the novel was kind of back to it's steady pace, but there was a lot of information that the author surprises the reader with and the not-so-fast-pace was made up for.

So what I thought was going to be a composed, calm review, kind of turned out to be a spazzy, excited, gushy review for Shadow and Bone. I guess I'm just trying to tell everyone that they need to read this book if they haven't already! I can't believe I have to wait 6 months until I can read the next installment, Siege and Storm. Shadow and Bone will take readers on a wild, vivid, engrossingly enigmatic ride with Leigh Bardugo's innovative world of the Grisha.

4.5 teacups for Shadow and Bone!

REVIEW: Wake by Amanda Hocking

Jen's Review

Wake
by Amanda Hocking
August 7, 2012
St. Martin's Griffin (HC) // Tor (PB)

Having heard nothing but fabulous things about Amanda Hocking, I decided to finally pick up one of her novels on a whim. Fortunately, Wake was a superb choice; I loved almost everything about this book! The characters were all unique and special in some way, the plot was intriguing and mysterious, and the sirens were done very well. I couldn't have asked for a better novel from Hocking!

I'm not the biggest fan of 3rd-person character stories, but the way it was done in Wake was necessary, and adequate. Since there were so many characters, it would have gotten confusing if it was told in 1st-person. Speaking of characters, every character was enjoyable in some way. Gemma, the main--MAIN--character in the novel, was driven, and motivated. She was a strong character, but hid a lot of things from her friends and family. Her sister, Harper was a whole different story. Harper was very protective of Gemma, but it never annoyed me. I loved how much she cared for Gemma. And then there are the love interests, Alex and Daniel (NOT a love triangle. Alex is with Gemma, Daniel is with Harper). Thank you Amanda Hocking for not writing cliché guys! Alex was totally geeky and swoon-worthy at the same time, I loved him! Even though Daniel wasn't as big of a character in Wake, he was probably one of my favorites, no doubt! His ability to accept and empathize with Harper was so beautiful and sweet. All of the characters in Wake were very well done.

Now, the other characters, the sirens--Penn, Thea, and Lexi-- were awesome sirens. When readers first hear "siren", they think "mermaid". Well, after reading Wake, you won't be thinking "happy-go-lucky-pretty-mermaids" anymore. The sirens in Wake were gruesome and disgusting, mean and manipulative. They created a tense atmosphere and kept the story exciting!

Finally, the plot that Hocking wrote up for the readers was thoroughly engaging and intense! There was definitely a murder mystery going on, and while it was predictable, there was some fabulous dramatic irony happening simultaneously. There were plenty of twists and turns around each new chapter and it really kept me wanting more. The storyline was simply excellent!

Overall, I highly enjoyed Wake. Wake will entrance the reader just like the sirens do to the mortals. Wake was captivating with it's outstanding case of characters, well-done sirens, and exciting plotline. Wake will not disappoint!

Audiobook Review: The audio for this one was really really great. I certainly recommend it! The narrator has a beautiful voice, as well as a gorgeous singing voice, too! Yes, the narrator sings for us! Highly recommended.

4.5 teacups for Wake!

REVIEW: The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

Jen's Review

The Madman's Daughter
by Megan Shepherd
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: January 29, 2013 (US)
Pages: 420, Hardcover
Source: For review via Edelweiss
Rating: 4.5 Teacups 

My goodness, you guys. This book is unlike anything I've ever read. The Madman's Daughter is full of grit, savagery, and intensity. Because of this, it's memorable and terrifying at the same time. This book is absolutely unput-downable and totally addicting.

The prose itself is one thing that I have to mention: lush and beautifully written, it adds more to the already mysterious and hypnotic mood to the story. From description to description of the island to the creatures, the visual images Shepherd creates are vivid and real, as if the reader is submerged in the world itself. Shepherd's writing style is juicy and just plain awesome.

My favorite part of this addicting story was the different and exciting characters. The character development and changes that they go through are incredible; from being civilized to savaged, Juliet slowly learns the horrifying truths about the island and her father. I couldn't help but feel for her-- I found myself gasping along with her revelations. Juliet is also a cautious character, and thank the lord for that or she would have died a long time ago. Yes, there is a love triangle. I wasn't terribly annoyed with this, but Juliet's indecisive thoughts were a little hair-pulling sometimes. I was a strong believer of Montgomery from the start, purely because he and Juliet shared a past together and his friendly nature was endearing. 

And I totally have a love-hate relationship with the vivid descriptions of the creatures. I think it's completely terrifying and disgusting, but it's also kind of cool, if that makes me a terrible person for thinking that. The island setting and concept just works really well, and it's enchantingly intriguing. The story is captivating and is quite an addicting read; I constantly wanted to know what was going to happen next.

The one minor issue I had with The Madman's Daughter was the ending to this story. Not going to spoil anything, but WHAT THE HECK. NO. You canNOT just end a story like that. It's not a cliffhanger, but it's just like, HELLO I WANT MORE. Sorry for the all-caps, but it was a bit disappointing. I suppose it inspires the reader to read book two, but still. However, it did evoke an emotion out of me, and it is unexpected. My heart kind of melted a bit. It's an interesting type of ending. I didn't like it, but I liked it. Yep. Best way to put it!

So as you can see, I highly enjoyed The Madman's Daughter. If you're in for a spine-tingling, great romance, and an awesome retelling, please check out this book, I'm begging you. Even if you don't completely enjoy it, I promise you that you'll be glad to have read a book with such a unique concept. I highly recommend it-- I'll definitely be looking out for book two!

4.5 Teacups for The Madman's Daughter!

*Thanks to Harper Collins and Edelweiss for providing me with a review copy!*

REVIEW: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Name: Throne of Glass

Author(s): Sarah J. Maas

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Release Date: August 2nd 2012

Pages: 404, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4.5 stars

Meet Celaena Sardothien. Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for greatness.
In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake: she got caught.
Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament—fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin’s heart be melted?

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Beverley's Review

I'm not usually a huge fan of fantasy but the trickle of glowing reviews made resisting requesting Throne of Glass incredibly hard.  So I took the plunge into a world of magic, assassins and gorgeous princes.

What struck me first was the world-building.  It was simply... perfect.  It was written so beautifully: it wasn't overdone, giving you the chance to slowly take it all in and develop an appreciation.  Through Mass's elegant prose, I could clearly envision the harsh kingdom in which Celaena Sardothien lived.  Maas has a unique style of writing, one which I happily allowed myself to be wrapped in.  And the plot... it was so intense and gripping.  I found myself flipping through the pages eagerly, hungry for explanations and answers.

Aside from the writing, what really did it for me were the characters.  A quick glance at the cover promises a kick-ass, female protagonist and I do adore my strong-willed, determined heroines.  Celaena has raised the bar in terms of female-kick-ass-ness.  She epitomises the word the world itself and yet brings her own flavour to it.  What I loved most was being able to see past the assassin part of her.  Despite her job is to kill, her compassion shone through as the book progressed.  As her tough facade faded, she was just a broken, delicate girl in need of love which really fascinated me.

And then there was Dorian Havilliard and Chaol Westfall.  I adored them both.  As the Crown Prince, Dorian was a right charmer and I adored the banter exchanged between him and Celaena.  His most attractive feature though was not his flirty ways but rather the fact that wasn't like a typical Royal.  Okay, he was occasionally arrogant but he wasn't high and mighty and didn't do things just for his benefit.  On the other hand we had the Captain of the Guard, Chaol.  I didn't fall for him straight away but he grew on me.  I found him to be quite an enigmatic character and I didn't really swoon over his dark glares and moodiness.  However as he developed an understanding of Celaena's situation and grew to trust her, I began to place affection on him.

Despite such strong central characters, a minor flaw did appear.  THE LOVE TRIANGLE.  Usually I don't really mind them and by the end, can have a pretty much certain idea of who I want the girl to end up with.  This wasn't the case here: it frustrated me a little.  I adored them all as separate characters but the love triangle sadly was a let down.  Celaena just couldn't make up her mind!  Did she want Dorian? Or was Chaol the man she loved?  I couldn't help but feel she was stringing them both along and it actually hurt me to think she might upset them both!  I am eagerly anticipating the next book to see this cleared up.

Throne of Glass is a captivating read which gripped me from beginning to end and certainly lived up to my high expectations of it.  The plot was perfectly paced and the characters were brilliantly portrayed.  Sarah J. Maas is definitely one to watch for - she has a talent for crafting such complex stories, weaving between fantasy, death, magic and romance.  I couldn't think of a better book to write a review on to finish 2012 than Throne of Glass.

4.5 Teacups for Throne of Glass!

*Thank you to Bloomsbury for the review copy!*

REVIEW: Witch's Brew by Heidi R. Kling

Name: Witch's Brew

Author: Heidi R. Kling

Publisher: Coliloquy, LLC

Release Date: January 11, 2012 (US)

Pages: 342, ebook

Source: From publisher for review

Rating: 4.5 Teacups

The Spellspinners of Melas County is a fantasy YA romance series about a witch, a warlock, and their fight for their forbidden but prophesied love.
Once soulmates, the witch and warlock covens of the California coast have been estranged for a century. Raised to hate each other, their teenagers meet in the Solstice Stones, a magical battleground where they draw energy from each other to maintain their balance. 16 year olds Logan and Lily have spent years training for their first Stones…only to discover just days before that the enemy may not be what either of them had thought.
In Witch’s Brew, Lily is torn between her feelings for Logan and her coven’s need to know who—or what—he is. The young lovers race against time, their distrust for each other, and the powerful influence of their elders to unravel the mystery of their pasts before their future is destroyed.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

Heidi R. Kling's Witch's Brew is one of those novels that completely takes you by surprise. From the synopsis, it sounds like your typical witch story with a hot guy in it, but Heidi is able to make it her own, and therefore unique. (And the hot guy isn't just a hot guy, he's a smokin' hot guy). With the completely different style of reading the novel, an exciting and well explained world, and relatable characters, Witch's Brew has enchanted itself onto my favorite witch-books list.

In case you didn't already know, the format for Witch's Brew is unlike any other book I've read before; the story gives you options as to where the story should go--kind of like alternate stories within one story. I myself have only read one option, but I'll definitely be reading the other option in the near future. For me, the fact that this novel is formatted this way, just stands out to me. It's different, unique, and totally memorable. I definitely recommend that all readers try it out.

Another factor that I absolutely loved about Witch's Brew is the world-building, and explanations. Kling brings the reader into the world of witches and warlocks very smoothly, and leaves the reader far from confused. I'm that type of person who needs a clear explanation on how a world works, or I won't be satisfied. To me, if I still have questions about an author's world, it means that they didn't do their job very well. I can happily say that Kling certainly exceeded my expectations with her description of the Spellspinner world and the Gleaning. Not only does the description carry out well, it also keeps the reader interested and wanting to know more. This also ties in with the plot. It's mysterious, alluring, and just plain engaging. I usually don't like it when a problem addressed in the beginning isn't resolved until the end, but it works in Witch's Brew. It works very well indeed (there's a clifffhanger!).

Last but not least, are the oh-so-amazing characters! Lily, the main character, was totally spunky, curious, and really smart. She's modest and hesitant at first about being chosen as the Leader of the Daughters of Light, but it's clear that she is meant to be the leader after the events that progress in the novel. Her relationship with Logan, the love interest (and also a warlock) is totally swoon-worthy and hot. Logan is caring, protective, and clever as well (have I mentioned smexy?). I have to admit, their love is kind of a love-at-first sight type of deal, but not exactly, which is why I like it. I'll leave it for you to find out how exactly they fall in love. ;)

That said, I definitely recommend Witch's Brew, whether you like witches or not. The format itself of the novel is just plain awesome and I think everyone should give it a try. I fell under Witch's Brew's spell with the captivating world and perfect characters. Heidi R. Kling's novel certainly did not disappoint and I can't wait to read more of her work.

4.5 Teacups for Witch's Brew!

*Much thanks goes to the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review!*

REVIEW: Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Name: Unspoken

Author: Sarah Rees Brennan

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Release Date: September 13th 2012

Pages: 370, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4.5 stars

Kami Glass is in love with someone she's never met - a boy the rest of the world is convinced is imaginary. This has made her an outsider in the sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale, but she doesn't complain. She runs the school newspaper and keeps to herself for the most part - until disturbing events begin to happen. There has been screaming in the woods and the dark, abandoned manor on the hill overlooking the town has lit up for the first time in 10 years. The Lynburn family, who ruled the town a generation ago and who all left without warning, have returned. As Kami starts to investigate for the paper, she finds out that the town she has loved all her life is hiding a multitude of secrets- and a murderer- and the key to it all just might be the boy in her head. The boy who everyone thought was imaginary may be real...and he may be dangerous.

Beverley's Review

Unspoken was not what I expected but I loved it even more for that.  It surprised me and swept me from my feet.  A truly unique and original read that is sure to get your spine tingling...

Set in a quiet town in England, Sarah Rees Brennan perfectly captured the eerie, chilly atmosphere: the ancient buildings, the dark depths of the woods, the authority with which Aurimere House stood.  Brennan's writing is like a not-so-subtle poke in the back from out of nowhere, awakening all your senses and making you look behind you warily as you turn the pages frantically.

You can't have such a wonderfully evocative setting without equally wonderful characters.  I'm happy to report that Brennan delivered!  There's Kami, one of the main characters, who was so full of exuberance and enthusiasm I could feel her vibes jump right off the page.  She was the perfect protagonist, breezing in on my reading slump like a welcome gust of fresh air.  Her bright, witty one-liners kept me reading through the night.  Although the way she spoke was unlike any other teenager I've met, I adored her even more for it.  She is such a quirky, in-your-face (in a good way, of course!) character, I'm sure she will carry on capturing hearts.

Perhaps because of Kami's bright presence, she overshadowed some of the other characters.  I felt mostly indifferent to Jared.  He was your typical 'bad' boy and I found him a little clichéd. I didn't fall for him or swoon, which was slightly disappointing.  I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in later book, though.

And lastly but not least... the PLOT.  Sarah Rees Brennan must have a wild imagination, crafting such an eccentric, complex story.  It was so different from other books I've read... yet it felt familiar, if that makes sense.  The whole 'imaginary friend in you head becoming real' fascinated me and I loved the way with which Brennan dealt it.  However, the pacing at the beginning was a problem for me.   Going through a reading slump, you naturally need a book to keep you on your toes which meant things only picked up in the later two-thirds.

Overall, Unspoken is a darkly refreshing read, bringing all its originality into the YA world.  It has all the elements of a intriguing read, throwing the reader in a world of mystery and magic.  I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the trilogy! Are you brave enough to venture into the woods?

4.5 teacups for Unspoken!

'Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for the review copy*

The Wild Ones Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway!

Hi everyone! So today, I'm participating in The Wild Ones blog tour hosted by AToMR Tours! I have a review for you guys. Make sure you check out the rest of the tour here! 

Name: The Wild Ones

Author: M. Leighton

Publisher: M. Leighton Books

Release Date: August 1, 2012 (US)

Pages: 330, Kindle

Source: For Review for Blog Tour

Rating: 4.5 Teacups

**MATURE CONTENT ADVISORY: May not be suitable for younger readers**
Passion as hot as midnight in the South and love as wild as the horses they tame.
Camille “Cami” Hines is the darling daughter of the South’s champion thoroughbred breeder, Jack Hines. She has a pedigree that rivals some of her father’s best horses. Other than feeling a little suffocated at times, Cami thought she was pretty happy with her boyfriend, her life and her future. 
But that was before she met Patrick Henley.
“Trick” blurs the lines between what Cami wants and what is expected of her. He’s considered the “help,” which is forbidden fruit as far as her father is concerned, not to mention that Trick would be fired if he ever laid a hand on her. And Trick needs his job. Desperately. His family depends on him.
The heart wants what the heart wants, though, and Trick and Cami are drawn to each other despite the obstacles. At least the ones they know of.
When Trick stumbles upon a note from his father, it triggers a series of revelations that could ruin what he and Cami have worked so hard to overcome. It turns out there’s more to Trick’s presence at the ranch than either of them knew, secrets that could tear them apart.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

Not too long ago, I jumped onto the New Adult Genre train, along with many other YA readers, I'm sure. They have proven themselves to be so addicting and exciting! Fortunately, I'm happy to say that The Wild Ones was no different. The Wild Ones had a fantastic plot, awesome characters, and a steamy hot romance. The Wild Ones has left me wanting more of Miss Leighton's work!

First off, I'd like to mention the plot. Usually, New Adult novels are focused on the romance, and the romance only. However, The Wild Ones brought along horses into the story! I think that having animals as a strong point was a good choice; it made everything really fun and touching. These four-legged mammals were able to create tension and problems, making the story all the more interesting!

Next is the brilliant cast of characters in the novel. Cami, the MC, was really strong. She was able to stand up to her manipulative father, pretty much all the time. She wasn't afraid to stand for what she wanted and what she believed in was best for her. There was also Jenny, Cami's best friend. She was SO funny and hilarious, as well as supportive. She had Cami's back at all costs! It was great. As for Trick… Trick. While he was very likeable and hot, I couldn't help but notice that he was a weaker character than Cami. Don't get me wrong, I still liked him very much. ;)

Speaking of Trick and his oh-so-lovable-ness, his relationship with Cami was… so good. At first I thought their relationship was purely physical; they were always describing their physical attributes, "how long her legs were", or "his pale green/grey eyes", that I thought they liked each other purely for their looks. But further along the novel, their emotions for each other and the REAL reasons shined through and I was in for the romance. AND IT'S STEAMY. Oh so steamy. Me like.

So if you haven't noticed, I highly, highly enjoyed this novel. It's so addicting that I found myself needing to read it, whenever possible. I will definitely be picking up M. Leighton's other novels. If you're a fan of New Adult, this is one you won't want to miss!

4.5 Teacups for The Wild Ones!

*Thank you M. Leighton and AToMR Book Tours for providing a copy for review!*

____________________________________________

Giveaway Time!

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6 Seconds of Life Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway!

Today, as part of the 6 Seconds of Life blog tour, I will be sharing my review of the book and there is also a giveaway for an e-copy which I would strongly advise you to enter!  

 Name: 6 Seconds of Life

Author: Tonya Fitzharris

Publisher: Self

Release Date: September 1st 2012

Pages: 303

Source: For review (for blog tour purposes)

Rating: 4.5 stars

Maura has just jumped.
Now she has precisely six seconds until she hits the water below her--just six more seconds until she is finally freed from her mundane and aimless existence. Freed of all of the regrets and disappointments that have haunted her throughout her nineteen years.
She just needs to be free.
But as she falls, the most pivotal points of her life start to replay like a movie in her head: her family falling apart, her first love, her first heartbreak, and her first betrayal. As she remembers these moments that brought her to this point, will she feel a sense of peace? Or will her death be her greatest regret?

Beverley's Review

Guys.  I've just found THE self-published book that has exceeded my expectations and blown me away.  Thank you, Ms Fitzharris, for writing 6 Seconds of Life.  It was everything I wanted plus more - I hoped there would be depth and you gave me so much more than I ever expected.

The synopsis was what drew me to the book first.  I've seen a good few books which deal with suicide but it's not often the focus is on the person who actually commits it.  Curiosity overcame me to find out just how this author would deal with such a delicate matter.  Could she successfully write out all those memories spanning six seconds?

I must admit I expect less of self-published books but Tonya Fitzharris proved to me in 303 pages that she is an author worth noticing.  Despite a few grammatical and spelling errors here and there, Fitzharris writes with such a convincing, elegant style.  Each sentence held some sort of meaning and was filled with angst and sorrow and all sorts of emotion.  Her writing is what perhaps made me adore this book so much.  There is nothing flimsy or unsophisticated in 6 Seconds of Life.

Coupled with gorgeous prose, the characters added a fire of intensity to the novel.  As soon as we meet Maura, we realise what a broken young women she is.  As her memories develop, we witness all the devastating situations she suffered.  I couldn't imagine how I would react to some of the things that happened to her but her narration sucks you right in.  There were times when I'd put down my Kindle and feel empty and hollow, as if all my emotions had been sucked out.

There were some events which I felt Maura brought upon herself and I desperately wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her to her senses.  I deeply wished that someone could be there for her.  This 'someone' came in the form of Owen - a sweet, social butterfly.  He was Maura's 'light in all the darkness', someone she could rely on and turn to.  Their romance was ADORABLE to begin with and I really hoped they would last.  I adored him so when he broke Maura's heart, he broke mine too.

6 Seconds of Life is incredibly intense.  When Maura aches, you ache too.  All her emotions are reflected on to you and there is no way you won't feel her sadness and pain.  It's also one of those meaningful books which make you think.  It makes you realise how precious life is, how you should open up to people before it's too late and that you should never ever doubt if you are worthy of life.

All in all, 6 Seconds of Life is really worth picking up if you want a more serious, depressing read to cry over.  But please only do this if you're mentally prepared for the emotional rollercoaster it will take you on.  Tonya Fitzharris is an author to look out for: she writes beautifully and sensitively which makes reading her work all the more enjoyable and I must applaud her for making such a striking entrance into the YA fiction world.

4.5 teacups for 6 Seconds of Life

*Thanks to the author for the review copy for the blog tour*

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REVIEW: Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer

Name: Smart Girls Get What They Want

Author: Sarah Strohmeyer

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Release Date: June 26, 2012 (US)

Pages: 352, Hardcover

Source: ARC from Library group

Rating: 4.5 Teacups

Gigi, Bea, and Neerja are best friends and total overachievers. Even if they aren't the most popular girls in school, they aren't too worried. They know their "real" lives will begin once they get to their Ivy League colleges. There will be ivy, and there will be cute guys in the libraries (hopefully with English accents)! But when an unexpected event shows them they're missing out on the full high school experience, it's time to come out of the honors lounge and into the spotlight. They make a pact: They will each take on their greatest challenge--and they will totally "rock" it.
Gigi decides to run for student rep, but she'll have to get over her fear of public speaking--and go head-to-head with gorgeous California Will. Bea used to be one of the best skiers around, until she was derailed. It could be time for her to take the plunge again. And Neerja loves the drama club but has always stayed behind the scenes--until now.
These friends are determined to show the world that smart girls really can get what they want--but that could mean getting way more attention than they ever bargained for. . . .

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

Guys, this book was SO SO CUTE. Like I love it a lot. This book was MADE for me, I swear. Not only did the cover & title attract my attention, but I instantly knew that I would be able to connect with the characters in the book, because, well, I'm a nerd, too. I'm so glad to say that my hypothesis was correct; I completely understood the characters and thoroughly enjoyed Smart Girls Get What They Want.

I'm not even quite sure if there is anything that I didn't like about this book. As I mentioned before, the characters were so awesome. ALL three main protagonists were fresh, funny, and sweet. I so need a group of supportive friends like Bea and Neerja! I loved all of them equally.

And let's not forget about the boys of the book. Will was totally swoon-worthy, in the beach boy type of way. But towards the end, I decided to fall for the other boy, Mike. In contrast, Mike was annoying in the beginning, but his sweet side shines through in the end it's just freaking cute.

The plot was extremely fun as well! The concept was pretty simple but Sarah Strohmeyer was capable of making it interesting. I wasn't bored for a second! Just the everyday lives of the high school girls were entertaining to read about. There were just so many elements in the novel that was so relatable that made it smooth and easy to read through (it freaking scared me how similar Gigi's life is to mine! i.e. We both want British husbands, we're both taking advanced chemistry, etc.).

That said, I would reread it again without hesitation. Smart Girls Get What They Want is an adorable contemporary that readers will enjoy (especially if you're a smart girl yourself! ;)) If you're looking for a fun, light, cute read, this one is highly, highly recommended!

4.5 Teacups for Smart Girls Get What They Want!

REVIEW: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Name: Speechless

Author: Hannah Harrington

Publisher: Harlequin TEEN

Release Date: August 28th, 2012 (US)

Pages: 288, Paperback

Source: For review via Netgalley

Rating: 4.5 Teacups

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.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

You know a book is good when there are Reader's Guide Questions for Discussion in the back of the book.

Just kidding. But seriously, Speechless was breathtakingly beautiful and definitely a special contemporary that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. If you enjoyed Hannah's debut novel, Saving June, you will for sure like Speechless as much or even more. For me, Hannah's sophomore novel rendered ME speechless and craving for more. Much more.

From the beginning, Speechless captured me from the start. Although Chelsea's character was extremely shallow at first, I could tell right away that the vow of silence was going to change her. So, I went along with it, and before I knew it, her character and inner personality was changing. I couldn't help but admire her progress after awhile and after that, I thoroughly loved Chelsea. But Chelsea isn't the only character I enjoyed. I loved Sam, Asha, and the whole crew at Rosie's just as if they were MY family. Asha is so quirky and NICE, I wish there was an Asha in my life. And Sam, oh Sam. He is not necessarily swoon-worthy, but so dorky and adorable it hurts.

Along with the totally endearing characters, there is the imperative lessons that every reader can learn from Speechless. I always love a good contemporary where they deal with issues that teenagers (or, people in general) need to be more aware of. In Speechless, there is mental and physical harassment, sexual orientation harassment, and more. I really appreciated the way Hannah created the characters who had to deal with the situation. And most importantly, for Chelsea, for constructing a character who can stand and speak up for others, and herself.

And of course, I HAVE to talk about Hannah Harrington's writing. It is so unique and raw. It was stunning in Saving June, but Hannah KILLS it with Speechless. Seriously y'all. It's amazing. Not only was it awe-inspiring, it's also more sarcastic and funny. I have more than 15 parts highlighted in my Kindle. No joke. SO MANY AWESOME QUOTES.

So just in case you guys haven't noticed, I LOVED this book. If you're looking for a serious contemporary that deals with serious issues, but has that light-hearted romance, Speechless is the one for you. Heck, read it, even if you're not looking for anything specific like that. Just go read it. This is another great masterpiece from Hannah Harrington! 

4.5 stars for Speechless!

                 *Thanks to Harlequin TEEN for providing me an eARC to review*