***Review*** Pawn by Aimee Carter

Pawn by Aimee Carter

Released: November 2013
Series: Yes, #1 in the Blackcoat Rebellion series
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Digital Copy
Source: From Netgalley
Find at: Goodreads |  Amazon UK

Author Site: Aimee Carter

Many thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for my copy, this is in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis:

YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING.

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

My Review:

Why did I wait so long to read this one, it was brilliant.  The story and the characters sucked me straight into a whirlwind.  I felt a bit dizzy and giddy when I finished.  This is totally worth the 4.5 star award.  I'm really eager to move on to book two as I'd like to see what happens to Kitty next.

There was a good mixture of characters and the way the story unfolds you don't know who to trust in the Hart family and extended family.  I felt myself being torn in which way my allegiance lay.  My favourite character was definitely Kitty, she is a strong character and even though there could have been an easy option, she used her moral judgement and always put people before her.  I did feel myself being torn between Benjy and Knox, there was just something about Knox :)

This story hurls you into a world that is governed by one family, you take a test when you are 17, to determine where you will be placed in society and job related.  Failure to pass the test means you end up in a place called Elsewhere, get old and you also head to Elsewhere.  And believe me, as you learn what Elsewhere is you certainly don't want that.  Our main character Kitty is an intelligent girl, however due to her inability to read she gets placed as a III, this is not good.  III's have very menial jobs, but circumstances beyond her control give her an opportunity to become a VII, but all that glitters is not golden.  There are repercussions and a whole new corrupted world that unfolds before Kitty. 

This book kicks off to a very promising start to the series.  I will certainly be carrying on. 

Overall: This was a gripping read, I couldn't put it down.

My Thoughts on the Cover: I love the colour scheme and the little pawn piece.  

***Review*** Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Dark Kiss (Nightwatchers #1) by Michelle Rowen

Released: May 2012
Series: Yes, #1 Nightwatchers
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Digital copy
Source: From Netgalley
Find at: Goodreads | Amazon UK

Author Site: Michelle Rowen

Many thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for my copy, this is in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

I don't do dangerous.

Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back.

Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me....

NIGHTWATCHERS

When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...

My Review:

Well this one was really, really good, and scored a worthy 4.5 stars.  The story and characters kept me gripped from start to finish.  I loved the chemistry between Samantha and Bishop, it really kept me turning the pages.  I wasn't sure where the story was headed and this kept me rapt.  The story jumped straight into an action packed and thrilling read.

I love this whole concept of where angels and demons work together, it gives a wickedly and enjoyable spin on the story. 

The book is very well written and I loved the story development. Well done Michelle Rowen, you have created a spellbinding masterpiece.  I binge read this book,  as I was so excited to see where the story was heading.

 I shall certainly be bumping Wicked Kiss (book 2 in the series) up the tbr pile, in fact I think it's going to be my next book when I've finished my current one.  I can't wait to see where the story goes and have more in depth character development.  Bring it on!

Overall: A worthy 4.5 stars, fast paced and action packed

My Thoughts on the Cover:  It's really spooky and I love it.  I would be drawn to this!

***Review*** Countdown by Michelle Rowen

Countdown by Michelle Rowen

 Released: September 2013
Series: No
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Digital copy
Source: From Netgalley
Find at: Goodreads | Amazon UK

Author Site: Michelle Rowen


Many thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for my copy, this is in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

 3 seconds left to live. Once the countdown starts, it cannot be stopped.

2 pawns thrown into a brutal underground reality game.

Kira Jordan survived her family's murder and months on plague-devastated city streets with hard-won savvy and a low-level psi ability. She figures she can handle anything. Until she wakes up in a barren room, chained next to the notorious Rogan Ellis.

1 reason Kira will never, ever trust Rogan. Even though both their lives depend on it.

Their every move is controlled and televised for a vicious exclusive audience. And as Kira's psi skill unexpectedly grows and Rogan's secrets prove evermore deadly, Kira's only chance of survival is to risk trusting him as much as her instincts. Even if that means running head-on into the one trap she can't escape.

GAME OVER

My Review: 

The synopsis of this book really leapt out at me, it sounded exciting and dangerous.  To say the least I was intrigued.

The book starts of with a bang, it was on the edge of the seat stuff, but, and yes there is a but, it fizzled out for me.  I just could not connect with the characters and this was huge negative for me.  I felt the chemistry between Kira and Rogan didn't feel all there.  So from a few chapters in I started losing interest.  I did want to finish it, so I could give it a chance, but it was not as gripping as I'd hoped.

I'm not saying this book is all bad, the basis of the story is interesting and there's a lot of action.  It's just not for me. It was like seeing a really mouthwatering  cake, but biting into it and finding it a bit stale.

The ending tied everything up nicely, with a few plot twists thrown in for good measure.  I was hovering on a two star award but this did just scrape a three.  

Overall: Started off well, but not for me.

My Thoughts on the Cover: I love it, it's so striking.

***Review*** The Forgotten Woman by Angela Marsons

The Forgotten Woman by Angela Marsons

Released: 11th July 2016
Series: No
Publisher: Bookouture
Format: Digital Copy
Source: From Netgalley
Find at  Goodreads | Amazon UK 

Author Site: Angela Marsons

Many thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for my copy, this is in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

 Two ordinary women. Two damaged lives. One friendship that would save them both
Kit Mason has lived a life of unimaginable pain. An ex-prostitute, she has fled the clutches of an abusive pimp and now finds herself living hand to mouth in a new city, without anyone to help her.

Frances Thornton seems to be living the perfect life. A lawyer from a privileged background, her perfect façade hides the painful secrets that still haunt her.

Brought together by their attempts to conquer their addictions in an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, the two women strike up an unlikely friendship.

But can they find strength in each other – or will the demons of their past catch up with them?

A compelling, moving and ultimately uplifting novel about overcoming the very worst life can throw at you and starting over. The perfect read for fans of Jodi Picoult and Amanda Prowse.

Previously published as My Name Is

 My Review

I've been really eager to read a book by Angela Marsons, a good friend and fellow book lover has been on at me to read these books.  So Julie, this ones for you.  A huge thank you, for the recommendation and no I was not disappointed. 

This book has not one,  but two flawed main characters, both are female, but neither have that much in common.  Well apart from their addiction to alcohol.  The story follows both Kit and Fran, who come from very different backgrounds.  Their childhood and things from their past both affect their very being. Kit and Fran form a friendship that is strong.

From the word go the story gripped me, it was an exhilarating read with both characters facing different journeys.  I was really satisfied with how things developed and there was just the right amount of tension. It was really satisfying to see both characters change and develop.

Personally I know very little about the struggles with alcohol addiction,  but seeing how each character got to this point really helped me understand their circumstances.  What I take for granted, is not easy and is a struggle for some.

I really did enjoy reading this book and will certainly be checking out more titles by this author.

 Overall: An exciting read about friendship forged from dark places

My Thoughts on the Cover: Simple but effective




 

***Review*** Vengeance by Megan Miranda (Fracture #2)

Vengeance by Megan Miranda

Released: February 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Series: Yes, Fracture #2
Format: Digital ARC
Source: Netgalley
Find at: Goodreads | Amazon UK | Waterstones

Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for my copy, this is in exchange for an honest review

You can see my review of book one Fracture HERE

Synopsis:

Falcon Lake wants vengeance. And so, it seems, does someone else . . . An intense, heart-rending psychological thriller to accompany the chilling and seductive FractureWhen Decker drags his best friend Delaney’s lifeless body out of the frozen lake, he makes a deal: Anyone but her. Everyone but her. The lake releases her. It takes another . . .

All their friends blame Delaney for Carson’s death. But Decker knows the truth: Delaney is drawn to those who are dying, and she would have tried to help Carson.

Or so Decker believes until a body lies in front of him in a pool of water on his kitchen floor. Until he sees in Delaney’s eyes that she knew this would happen too – and she said nothing. Until he realises it isn’t the lake that is looking for revenge – Delaney is part of someone else’s plan.

This powerful and emotionally charged psychological thriller follows Megan Miranda’s stunning debut Fracture.

My Review:


I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Fracture, and was really keen to see where the story was going to go next.  It starts off not long after where Fracture finishes, but this time we get to see things through Decker's eyes.  This gave the series a whole new take on things.  I have to say, I did just prefer the first book; as I really enjoyed the main character Delaney.  Perhaps this is why it did not get a similar or higher rating.

I'm not going to divulge any of the story as this is book two.  What I will add is that you have to read book one.  Things will not make total sense if you do not, and there is a kind of special bond between the two characters that you will miss if you skip a book.

This book certainly adds to the series, it's nice to see things from a different angle and perspective.  I am glad I read it, even if it didn't score so high as the first book.

Overall:  Great addition to the series

My Thoughts on the Cover:  This is certainly a striking cover, I would be drawn to this in the bookshop.

***Blog Tour & Review** The House in Quill Court by Charlotte Betts

**Blog Tour Stop**

The House in Quill Court by Charlotte Betts

I'm really thrilled to be part of this blog tour for this brilliant book.  It was a real pleasure to read.  For my stop of the tour I have a review.

Released: 25th August 2016

Publisher: Piatkus

Format: Digital ARC

Source: From Netgalley

Find at: Goodreads | Amazon UK | Waterstones

 
Many thanks to the Publisher & Netgalley for my copy, this is in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis:

 From the multi-award-winning author of The Apothecary's Daughter, The House in Quill Court is a gorgeously evocative Regency novel bursting with historical flavour and characters you won't forget. If you love Philippa Gregory and Joanne Harris, you will adore Charlotte Betts.

1813. Venetia Lovell lives by the sea in Kent with her pretty, frivolous mother and idle younger brother. Venetia's father, Theo, is an interior decorator to the rich and frequently travels away from home, leaving his sensible and artistic daughter to look after the family. Venetia designs paper hangings and she and her father often daydream about having an imaginary shop where they would display the highest quality furniture, fabrics and art to his clients.

When a handsome but antagonistic stranger, Jack Chamberlaine, arrives at the Lovell's cottage just before Christmas bringing terrible news, Venetia's world is turned upside-down and the family have no option but to move to London, to the House in Quill Court and begin a new life. Here, Venetia's courage and creativity are tested to breaking point, and she discovers a love far greater than she could have ever imagined . . .

My Review:

This book started off so well, it had me gripped from the word go.  The colourful scenery and the contrast in the characters was just breathtaking.

 I know very little about the regency era, but there is certainly a contrast between the classes.  The story follows several characters.  The two main ones were Venetia, who is a strong female lead.  Her life is tough, even in the decadent and rich surrounds.  I had a lot of respect for how this character when faced with enormous challenges, held her own.  It is very difficult for women of this age to stand up and be counted.  Venetia was a true, courageous and strong lady.

Then the other character which was featured heavily in this book was Kitty.  Kitty is a servant who is thrust out of the sleepy Kent village into the hustle and bustle of London.  With Kitty we get to experience the more darker and squalid side to London.  Showing that dangerous and murky side that the privileged Venetia doesn't get to experience.

I'm not hugely into interior design and could have possibly seen this as a hindrance to me enjoying the book, but the way the rich detail and decadence is woven into the story is really interesting.  I could almost see and touch the fabrics.

My only little criticism is that there was one plot twist which I had already guessed.  There was no oh my moment, which I really enjoy in a book.

I enjoyed the story and characters, the ending was a fast and exciting ride.

Yes I can whole heartily recommend this book and will definitely be looking out for more books by this author.  I do enjoy a good romantic, historical book. 

 Overall: Romance and history entwined in a fantastic book.

 My Thoughts on the Cover:  It's so lovely, the detail and that dress!  Just beautiful, I would be drawn to this cover.

***Review*** Cherub: The Recruit by Robert Muchamore

Cherub: The Recruit by Robert Muchamore

Released: April 2014
Publisher: Hachette Children's Books
Format: Digital ARC
Series: Yes book #1 in the Cherub series
Source: From Netgalley
Find at:  Goodreads | Amazon UK | Waterstones
Author Website: Robert Muchamore

Many thanks to the Publisher & Netgalley for my copy, this is in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis:

Number 1 bestselling series, CHERUB celebrates its 10th Anniversary with brand new covers!

Now is your chance to start right back at the beginning with The Recruit.

A terrorist doesn't let strangers in her flat because they might be undercover police or intelligence agents, but her children bring their mates home and they run all over the place. The terrorist doesn't know that one of these kids has bugged every room in her house, made copies of all her computer files and stolen her address book. The kid works for CHERUB.

CHERUB agents are aged between ten and seventeen. They live in the real world, slipping under adult radar and getting information that sends criminals and terrorists to jail.

For official purposes, these children do not exist.

The Recruit has also been selected for World Book Night 2014

 My Review:

I was very lucky to meet Robert Muchamore at a blogger event.  So was really keen to read his world renown series Cherub.  This is book one in the series.  It's hugely popular, which sometimes makes me scrutinise and have high expectations.  Sometimes hype can overtake a book.  I was not disappointed and will certainly be reading more in the Cherub series.  This book really appeals to both children and adults.

The book starts off really well, you a propelled into the main characters life before Cherub.  Which isn't very pleasant, this does help with "bonding" with the character and you almost will him on to do well.

It's fast paced and exciting.  Throughout the book you are introduced to more and more of the characters.  Some nicer than others.  You go through the journey with the main character, it's not an easy ride.

My only negative, and this is why this doesn't quite reach the 5 star rating, is that sometimes it can chop really quickly into the next chapter of the main characters life.  I would have liked some of the scenarios to last a bit longer and have had more detail.

I really like the whole child spy theme, it's quite exciting at times.  I've read a few YA spy books and this series so far seems to be holding its own.  I will look forward to the next book in the series.

Overall: Fast paced and edgy.  Really enjoyed this.

My Thoughts on the Cover:  I really like this, almost looks to too dangerous to touch.