Review: Trouble by Samantha Towle

“Pain of the past never goes away, you just find a way to deal with it. And the future...all the promise it holds...that's what keeps you moving forward, and out of the darkness.” 
― Samantha Towle, Trouble

SUCH A GOOD BOOK!
Reminded me of The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen, and that's one of my all time favourites!
In summary this book is about a child abuse victim Mia, whose mother died when she was born and left her with her Father who would repeatedly degrade and abuse Mia. After her fathers sudden and all too pleasant death, Mia moves on and meets Forbes, a charming soon-to-be lawyer who is exactly as her father was. After discovering the extent of her fucked up relationship (finding him having sex with another woman and him saying that when he moves in she can watch and join in *BARF*). When she tries to break it off things go way too far, thankfully Mia gets away, and heads to where her mother (who actually isn't dead, just signed parental rights to her scumbag of a father) lives. We all have secrets, and Mia is determined to keep her secrets to herself. Finding a hotel to stay in before looking for her mother she meets Jordan.
Jordan is everything she should stay away from (on the outside anyways) tattooed super hot and a total man whore. Mia is not his usual type, she's gorgeous, but there's something to her, she's so skittish and withdrawn. But after she tends to his dog after it's hit by a car, she accidentally reveals the remnants of her fight with Forbes. After losing both his birth mother, and step mother, Jordan swore off women to avoid the inevitable heartbreak that comes with feelings. Nevertheless, Jordan is falling for this girl, it's not just sexual this time, he's really falling for her, wants her in every way.
Like I said though, everyone has secrets. After revealing most, Jordan learns of a secret that will ruin everything. His step mom, was Mia's biological Mother. Who left her with her abusive father, just to move here and fall for his father, and raise Jordan instead of Mia.
Mia Breaks. And with this breakdown he last secret was revealed - she's bulimic. Jordan tracks her down to a hotel, finding empty food wrappers (tons of them) and Mia barely conscious. After her diagnosis she gives up on Jordan, though she loves him, and he said he loves her, she just can't look at the person who her mother chose to raise instead of her.
This is where Forbes tries to come back into the picture, but Mia's not taking it anymore. She fights back, and presses charges after he attacks her in the hospital.
3 months later, after louds of therapy and treatment Mia is feeling like a new person. Though she refuses to read the letter that arrives 2.5 months before-from Jordan. Who is an absolute wreck, by the way. As she's set to leave the treatment center she reads the letter, which tells her that no matter what, he'll wait for her forever.
In the end, Mia goes strait to the hotel and finds Jordan, finally telling him she loves him. And he still, and always will, love her.
Sooooo perfect.

“He gave me the one thing he's never given to anyone before..
He gave me his heart, and his trust.
And in return, I gave him the same right back....” 
― Samantha Towle, Trouble

I loved the raw seriousness and brutality in Samantha's story, she didn't spare any feelings when describing the horrors of being abused and how truly messed up it can be. I highly appreciate an author who has no fear in discussing serious issues like abuse and eating disorders. It was beautiful and amazing finding this perfect love among this utter mess of depression. I loved it.

Review: Meant To Be by Lauren Morrill

“There's a difference between preferring books to parties and preferring sixteen cats to seeing the light of day.” 
― Lauren Morrill, Meant to Be

Such an adorable summer read! Reminded me of the teenage international version of the movie The Ugly Truth. This book is about Julia and her search for her MTB "Meant To Be", first thinking it's her childhood dream Mark, then the mysterious Chris who she meets on her trip to London with her school. Then there's Jesse, class clown, and everything "book licker" Julia hates, and unfortunately-her buddy for the entire 10 day trip.
Things change as Jesse forces her out of her shell, becoming a rule breaker, exploring the city in search of the mysterious Chris she met (and can't remember) at the party Jesse dragged her to the first night in London.
Though all the time they're spending together, Julia sees a new side to Jesse, and he sees a new side in her. Both bringing out the best in eachother.
In the end, Julia realizes that nothing is MTB, it's not fate, it's not going to be what you plan or exactly what you imagine it will be. Sometimes the one you're supposed to be with, has been there all along.

“Or maybe Jason's right: there are perfect people, many of them, and it's up to you to grab one when you find each other in the random chaos of life and love.” 
― Lauren Morrill, Meant to Be

I think any reader would love this book simply for the relatebility towards Julia and her love for books, the Beatles, and hope for true love.

Thanks for reading!

Review: Paper Towns by John Green

After reading The Fault in Our Stars my first John Green book I've only read one other, and by read I mean I got through about half of Looking for Alaska because I could not stand it. And now with this as my third John Green novel I'm not sure how much I like John Green's books. Even after the Movie for TFIOS it made me doubt if I actually liked the book....I'm probably the only one who feels this way but the only reason I got through this book is the humor and the fact that it was an audiobook so there wasn't much effort in "reading" it.

I really don't even know how to describe this book...so I'll just use the Goodreads Summary.

"Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life—dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows.

After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues—and they’re for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew."

Though the characters John Green creates are very fun and intriguing, the story was lacking in any sort of interest. It's obvious many people have enjoyed this book as it currently has a 4.08 average rating from over 220,000 ratings.But I will be part of the 21% that would not give this book any more than 3 stars.

I apologize to John Green because I will not be reading any more of his books.

only 2.5 stars (2 on goodreads.)

Thanks for Reading

Review: Incarnate and Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Originally I was going to wait until I finished the entire trilogy, but I don't own Infinite yet and after reading Asunder I just have to tell everyone how AMAZING these books are. This is now my 3rd Dystopian trilogy and I'm officially in love. There's a lot that goes into creating a new world and society and this is by far the most symbolic and thought provoking trilogy. 

Incarnate I originally gave 4 stars and to be honest by the end of the trilogy I will probably change it to 5, I've realized now that the first book is just the starting point while I'm used to stand alones or companion novels which give you the full story in one (no room for confusion) rather than collecting your full idea and impression of a book based on the trilogy. Because I removed one star because I originally found the love story kind of irritating and Ana's constant mistrust of everyones words, thinking they mean to insult her. But in a trilogy you really have to look at the big picture throughout the series and realize what her life is really like and how it grows throughout the books.

Speaking of pictures...HOLY SH*T these books are beautiful!! It's so beautifully symbolic and ahh just so beautiful!!

So in summary these books are about a world where the same million people have been repeatedly incarnated for the past 5 thousand years because of Janan (God). He created a way of life for them where they die and will come back no matter what, weather man or woman they will return with the same knowledge of their past lives. Until Ciana dies, the temple in the centre of their city Heart which is supposedly the house of Janan (GOD). So when Li and Meneham give birth to a baby girl everyone is ready to welcome Ciana back, but they get Ana, a new soul.

With fear of more new souls and what Ana's future will bring them, they banish her from heart to live with her Mother Li who proceeds to torture and destroy Ana's idea of herself. She sees herself as a nosoul, incapable of love, happiness, or any human emotion, virtually inconsequential and a huge mistake. 

So on her 18th birthday she sets out to find her roots and what happened to Ciana. To do this she has to travel all the way back to Heart, avoiding monsters like bears, dragons, centaurs, and worst of all sylpth. 

Never having trusted her mother, she should have known better than to trust the compass Li had given her as it takes her into sylpth territory, in an attempt to escape the sylpth Ana jumps from a cliff into the icy water below. 

After nearly drowning, Ana awakes to strong warm arms wrapped around her. Sam. Thinking this is someone he already knows from past lives he had no idea that this is the newsoul. Sam helped save Ana, and though she is shunned by most people he knows, he grows very interested in Ana. As they journey though the forest together they run into sypth again, this time it is Ana who saves him, burning herself very badly as she captured the burning sylpth in its egg. For the next few weeks he nurses Ana back to health. Knowing now that Li had told her that severe burns from a sylpth will slowly kill you, though false Ana still in her own mind gave up her life to save his from being killed by the sylpth. 

Throughout the weeks they spent together they learned a lot about one another, Sam would read to her -as she could not turn the pages on her own- and tell her all about himself and his past. Ana aswell shares some of herself, with only 18 years to his 5000 there isn't much for her to talk about. But she shares that she has a love for music, and had been listening to the famous musician Dossam since she was young.

Now that Ana has healed mostly, they are on there journey back to Heart. This causes a lot of problems, barely able to get into the city without Sam's help and council meetings threatening to banish her from the city if she doesn't do everything they say. Now living in Heart with Sam, learning new things and studying her existence and others she begins asking questions to those who are welcoming to her anyway. 

After a series of attacks by dragons on Heart, those who don't trust Ana blame her for it. But when Templedark comes again, as it did the night Ciana died, the city is erupted into chaos. Dragons and Sylpth released into the city, while it is not Ana's fault, it is her Father Manaham who created templedark in order to release more newsouls and destroy oldsouls forever. All this effort just to overthrow Janan (God) and show that he is not invincible. 

Ana warns as many as possible that if they die tonight they won't come back, many old souls are still lost and have become darksouls. While new souls are sure to come.

Ana on the other hand is just happy to find Sam and her friends alive. 

This leads to Asunder..

After templedark things get worse for Ana, people can't rage against Menaham as he died after templedark, so they turn against her. But with the knowledge Ana collected during Templedark about Janan, herself, and he father, she wants to know more. Following his journals with Sam by her side, they travel to Menehams lab outside of Heart to discover what caused Templedark. Learning how to make the chemicals to do it again, they realize the connection between Sylpth and the tests Meneham performed. As well as Sylpth's love for music. As they would crowd the lab singing a song Ana had played for them. 

Upon there return to Heart weeks later for a birthing ceremony, another newsoul is brought to the world. Bringing upon more hatred and riots against this baby, and Ana. Bombs are set off in homes of pregnant women in an effort to kill anymore newsouls before they arrive. Ana sets out to defend herself and the 2 newsouls who are unable to fend for themselves. Going up against a deranged councilor who warships Janan, and another activist and his followers proves difficult as they turn the city against her and her friends. As Ana learns the truth of Janan and what he does to the newsouls (eating them and releasing them as sylpth) Ana and 2 friends are locked in the "empty and doorless" temple. Being inside the temple allows the 2 friends who are old souls trapped in there with her to remember what Janan tries to prevent everyone from remembering - how they got here, and why they are reincarnated. With this knowledge, Cris sacrifices himself in order to overrule Janan's temple and create an escape for Ana and Stef. Now out of the temple, they're informed that the rioters who trapped her and her friends in the temple are in prison. 

Still reeling from all that she learned in the temple and of what's to come in the Year of Souls Ana fears for all, especially herself, knowing she will never be reincarnated. But now, back in Sam's arms she knows what she has to do. As she is banished from Heart, Sam follows her, revealing that he had started the chemical process that Meneham created in order to overthrow Janan's control. 

NOW I NEED INFINITE! 

I really hope everyone reads these books because it's such a creative world Jodi Meadows has created and it really makes you think about society and beliefs and fears and life after death. 

I absolutely loved every second of these books and cannot wait to read the third and final book.

Thanks for reading!

Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, or Audiobook

So there are pro's and con's to all of these.
Firstly, hardcovers are less easy to damage as compared to paperback. But both are more damage prone than eBooks or audiobooks. But they can also be signed and look damn good on a bookshelf.
Audiobooks are very hard to deal with because in many cases the voice reading it isn't very good. But you can also "read" a book while cleaning or going other things. Multitasking.
Then there's eBooks. All collected on a beautiful electronic device that you can personalize with and download books at much cheaper prices. (check first about prices though, new books tend to be the same price).

Personally my favourite is: my Kobo.
I know, I know. But think about it, it's so portable, lightweight, easy to use, cheap or free books! I sound like I'm trying to sell you on it but to be honest, my kobo is my life, it's attached to me as closely as my phone and iPod.
If I love a book enough after reading it on my kobo I will buy a physical copy, just to have it. But my Kobo will always be my favourite.

Review: Darkness Before Dawn by Claire Contreras

"Is love ever enough?"

Of all contemporary books I've read, this was by far the most mysterious and compelling. I could not put this book down, especially after reading There is No Light in Darkness. That cliffhanger leaves you reeling for more! And Ms Contreras delivered in a beautiful way.
I know I said in my review for the first book that I'd do a summary after reading this one because I'd have all the answers and be able to explain it better, but really, it's not possible. If you want to know how amazing these books are and how beautiful Claire Contreras writing is you just have to read her books yourself.

“Do you think love conquers all?” I ask quietly.
“I hope so. If it doesn’t, we’re all doomed.” 
― Claire Contreras, Darkness Before Dawn

Highly recommended

Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

“It's just nice, I guess. Knowing that someone else can put into words what I feel. That there are people who have been through things worse than I have, and they come out on the other side okay. Not only that, but they made some kind of twisted, fucked-up sense of the completely senseless. They made it mean something. These songs tell me I'm not alone. If you look at it at that way, music... music can see you through anything.” 
― Hannah Harrington, Saving June

Oh. My. Goodness. This book was exactly as I expected, friggin' beautiful. Everything from the family drama, friendships, love, and one epic road trip.

Saving June follows Harper Scott and her search for closure after her older sisters suicide. Without a note or any explanation, and the memory of Harper finding her sister dead in her car she needs to figure out what happened. Her sister was the perfect sister, highschool senior, going off to college, and then it all just ended. Being the lesser sister in comparison, Harper feels put off, especially with her mom is major distress, her dad leaving for his new girlfriend, and her crazy religious aunt who wants to convert Harper and her lost soul over to jesus. With all this going on Harper and her Best friend decide to investigate. The few remnents found were not very helpful, until they found the mix CD that was in the radio when she died. Tracking it down to the record store Harper comes face to face with Jake Tolan, the random guy who was at her sisters wake the day before. After dropping the ball that she knows he had a connection with her sister he tracks her down.

The Plan: Drive to California to scatter June's ashes
The Problem: Broken down car
The Solution: Jake

After hearing of their plan, Jake threatens to tell her family of the plan unless he can take them.
With no other source of transportation, and not wanting her family to know, Harper agrees, and her, Jake and Harpers best friend set out on their trip to California.

On this extended journey they meet new people and do crazy adventurous things they never would have otherwise. With emotions running high, Harper keeps it all bottled up, and it all breaks because of a song, a simple song that she relates to in that moment. And Jake is there by her side, they grow closer and closer throughout the trip, though she doesn't know the extent of his connection with June she ends up in his arms and falls hard for this secretive, music loving boy.

It all falls apart when they finally complete what they set out to do and scatter June's ashes in the ocean. Never having the answer had haunted Harper, only to find out that somehow Jake had had the answer from her sister in a letter addressed to Harper.
Harper and her friend leave on a plane to go back home and face whatever consecquences while Harper ends everything with Jake.

A month later, life has somewhat gotten back on track, her mom is back to work, and life is slowly moving forward. Harper has refused to read the letter or rehash anything from the trip. But with a little push from her best friend and a surprise mix CD at her door, Harper relives all the happy moments through the songs they shared on the trip, the polaroids that now cover her wall, and the song Jake said he'd never write.

Needless to say this story has it's happily ever after.
Road trip books have becomes some of my favourites and this one was absolutely stunning.

Review: There is No Light in Darkness by Claire Contreras

"A past hidden in darkness. Her present cloaked in secrets. The future holds the only truth that cannot be escaped."

HOLY CRAP! I'm gonna be honest and say that this is somewhat predictable, I'm not going to spoil as to what, but it's kind of obvious. There were many surprizes and still so many question marks!!! 

I don't really want to do a full review on this until I read the continuum because, yes, this does end on a HUGE cliffhanger. Thank god the second book is out so I can read it ASAP.

Though this book is a mystery novel of sorts following Blake and he search for the truth about her past that plagues her with night terrors. It is also an amazing love story, and I'm a sucker for the destined to be together couple that fate puts together so perfectly. It is truly an amazing story, somewhat similar to Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire and as mysterious as Kate Beckett's mother's death on ABC's Castle.

If need be I will do a full summary of both books after I read the second, just so as I explain I actually have all the answers.

For now Pleaaase read this book! It is beautiful and totally sucks you in! I have 2 more books to get through before reading the second one...that's assuming I can restrain myself.

“I wish I didn't have this strong urge to uncover my past, because with this comes devastation and sorrow that I'm not sure I'm strong enough to relive.” 
― Claire Contreras, There is No Light in Darkness

Thanks for reading!

PS: I hate cliffhangers...hence 4.5 stars.

Review: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

“You're a lot like that bird in the barn. You're so scared that you're going to be caged in forever you can't see the way out. You smack yourself against the wall again and again and again. The door is open, Beth. Stop running in circles and walk out.” 
― Katie McGarry, Dare You To

So I read the first book in this "series" (not really but sort of) called Pushing The Limits, and as much as I liked it, for me it just wasn't a five star book. This one tops the first but I still can't seem to give it 5 stars. Katie McGarry has a beautiful writing style and the whole family dynamic for this book was beautiful for both main characters, as well as their love story.

So in this book it follows a few of the characters from Pushing The Limits, mainly Beth. Her family is in ruins, though she lives with her aunt, it's not ideal, and she still goes back to take care of her alcoholic and secret heroin addict Mother. She carries the world on her shoulder, after an incident as a kid where a man held her at gun point to get money her father owed, after he left after blaming her for ruining his life, her mom stays and gets involved with Trent. A well known criminal who would beat Beth up, and after Beth left to live with her friends in her aunts basement Trent turned her old room into a cookhouse for drugs and continued the beatings on her Mom.

After an incident where Beth takes the blame for her Mother and gets arrested, her uncle comes back into her life demanding custody of his niece. Moving her one town over into his home with his wife who is not at all welcoming to Beth, she enrolls in school with taco boy.

Ryan Stone, soon-to-be pro baseball player, all around perfect highschool jock with his perfect team, perfect family, and perfect life...or so it seems. One night, another night of dares for him and his friends, this one is to get a girls phone number of the opposing members choosing, and Ryan gets Skater Girl (aka Beth). Ryan doesn't lose, but he lost that night, he never got Beth's number. But when he find out that ex-pro baseball player Scott has moved next door and has a niece who will soon be going to his school and wants to feel welcomed he comes face to face with Skater Girl.

With her attitude she never expected even a friendship from anyone, never mind love. Her plan was to run away, and despite her attempts, her old and new friends keep a firm hold on keeping her where she is - Safe. 

This book is really about letting go, Beth had to realize that it's not her responsibility to take care of her mom. And Ryan needs to see that there is more to life than baseball and your image.
They figure it all out together, and manage to save eachother in more ways than one. They fight off ex girlfriends, ex cons, and parents with too high of standards, and in the end it changes everything for the better. There are so many chances in life to do different things and really find out who you can be, letting go of what you're used to or what you've convinced yourself to be right and do what you want and what will make you happy.

“That must be love: when everything else in the world could implode and you wouldn't care as long as you had that one person standing beside you.” 
― Katie McGarry, Dare You To

highly recommend this series, though they're more companion books it's best to read it in order :)

Thanks for reading!

Review: More Than This by Jay McLean

*Mikayla*
In one night my fairytale ended. Or it may have begun. This is my story of friendship and love, heartbreak and desire, and the strength to show weakness.

*Jake*
One night I met a girl. A sad and broken girl, but one more beautiful than any other. She laughed through her sadness, while I loved through her heartbreak.


So I do this thing where I bookmark parts in a book that make me smile or laugh or cry, so I can go back and reread just those favourite scenes. Basically I'd have to just bookmark the whole book, the entire thing had me laughing, smiling, a crying. 

One night destroyed everything for Mikayla, night of her prom she lost everything
Her best friend and Boyfriend had been cheating for 2/4 years of Mikayla's relationship with him.
After a wild night that made all the pain go away for a while,  thanks to Jake and his friends. 
Only to return home as 3 gurneys carrying her parents and 9 year old sister.

Despite the devastation, that night also brought her so much more. Her and Jake develop a somewhat complicated relationship. His family becomes hers, and his friends as well. 
Through all the pain, Kayla is pushing forward, even though her ex is still pining for her, her ex best friend is gone, and she's unsure of what exactly she feels for Jake.

As for Jake, he's scared of breaking this already fragile girl. But no matter what he can't let her go, he's taking her pain and all and is falling for her fast. 

This book was truly filled with so much passion and heart wrenching pain but it's also an amazing fairytale. If you're in the mood for a good cry then read this book because despite the tears it has a beautiful ending. One of my new all-time favourite contemporaries. 

Thanks for reading this and please read this amazing book!

Review: The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

“Note to self: Caymen is very good at sarcasm.”
“If you’re recording notes for an official record, I’d like the word ‘very’ stricken and replaced with ‘exceptionally.” 
― Kasie West, The Distance Between Us

THIS BOOK! I only have one complaint and that is that I wanted - no needed - MORE! There's not a single thing wrong with this book, the cover is beautiful, writing is witty and fun, full of laughs and tears, overall an awesome summer read.

In summary, The Distance Between Us is a story about a girl living with her single mom above their doll store. The family history is bleak at best, mom got pregnant by rich boy, rich boy left, parents disowned her mom, and presto this is their life. With few customers looking to shop in a store filled with dolls watching them they have one regular, a rich older lady who sends her grandson in to pick up a doll for her. And this little rich boy is fascinated by exceptionally sarcastic Caymen, after a few run ins, he continues his efforts to get into her life, bringing her hot chocolate every morning and asking the deep questions about life.

Both unsure of what they really want besides the future that's been put on their shoulders (Caymen running the doll shop, and Xander running the family hotel business) they set out on weekly career days in search of what the other sees as a potential future for them. Little by little they begin to fall for eachother, but with such different lifestyles how is it ever going to work.

Once it's official, they're together, Caymen still can't understand how his family is so accepting of her - thinking all rich people (like her father) would run in the other direction. But at Xanders Mother's benefit she realizes why, Xander thinks she is rich and he mother is just trying to give her a "real life" experience. Because only a few tables over from them are her Richy Rich Grandparents. And so the perfect storm begins, thinking he only likes her because he believes she's rich, him believing his ass-hat friend that she was seeing another guy, Caymen runs home, only to find that the stress of her business falling apart has made her mother sick.

Then of course, the calm after the storm. Richy rich grandparents are truly wonderful and want to be a part of their lives, Xander only found out about her grandparents money a few weeks prior to the benefit - long after falling in love with her - and he mother will be alright, as will her business with her family back on her side.

Such an adorable story, I loved every funny-happy-sad-silly minute of it, and intend on reading many of Kasie Wests other books.

Thanks for reading!

Maybe Someday- Griffin Peterson

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Loved this book and this whole soundtrack is just perfect! Must read book by my fav author Colleen Hoover - Maybe Someday

Review: There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

“This is Ireland, Finley. It's rough. It's wild. And it is holy.” 
― Jenny B. Jones, There You'll Find Me


My goodness, this book. So I'm going to start by saying I'm not at all religious, and I knew there was a bit of religion in this I never realized how much though, and that was most likely the only down point for me. The romance was adorable, normal girl meets and falls for famous heartthrob. Classic but oh so beautiful. And bonus I listened to the audiobook so I got to hear it read in an Irish accent!

It all started with a bombing, killing many, including Finley Sinclair's brother Will. Destroying her family and sending Finley into a downward spiral she directs all her energy into creating a song dedicated to her brother for her audition piece, by walking in his final steps over Abby Glen, Ireland. This exchange program was her way to find answers and prepare herself for her audition.
Until running into Beckett Rush on the flight to Ireland...and again at the Airport...and yet again at the same B&B. Beckett Rush, famous vampire movie star, party boy, boyfriend of his onset love...or so the tabloids say.
Being friends and now turned assistant of Beckett has put Finley in a compromising position, the girl he's supposedly seeing had gotten her cousin - the principles daughter at Finley's new school - a job on set, and as people continued to assume that Finley was pining for Rush she sets out on a mission to keep Finley away from him, even if it means getting her sent back to america. As well as trouble at school, Finley meets a frightening grouchy old lady as part of her volunteer work, Little does Finley know that this old grinch is has a whole story of her own and much wisdom to share.
With all this drama and running around the country following her brothers path before he died some dark truths starts to emerge for those around Finley. Not realizing it herself, Finley had turned to the comfort of hunger to hide the pain of her brothers death and the stressful expectations she has for herself.
When it becomes to much to ignore after Finley faints at the school dance She gets a huge wakeup call. From both the school, her parents, her friends in ireland, and of course Beckett.

In the end, after Beckett puts together the last piece to her brothers puzzle Finley admits to him that she needs help, and as she gets on the plane to go to New York for her audition, she gets a call, Mrs Sweeny - The Grinch- only has a few hours left..
In that moment it all becomes clear, she's solved the puzzle, her piece is written, but she cannot leave. Getting off the plane FInley goes back to Mrs Sweeny to get her final goodbye.

“You’re not too bad, Finley Sinclair.”
I couldn't have looked away from this boy if the room had caught on fire. “You’re okay yourself. At times.”
“But we can’t get involved.”
“No.” I swallowed. “Definitely not.”
His face lowered a fraction of an inch. “Because I’m infamously bad.”
“And I’m staying away from trouble.”
His voice was rough, husky. “It would never work.” 
I took a step closer. “Impossible.”
He traced my cheek with the pad of his thumb. “We don’t even like each other." 
“I pretty much can’t stand you.”
And then his lips crushed to mine.” 
― Jenny B. Jones, There You'll Find Me

Now two years later, Beckett has cut back on acting and is going to school - with Finley. She's attending group therapy and is in recovery as well as attending the New York Conservatory as she had always dreamed. Finally  there relationship is out in the open for the world to see, and the tabloids can say whatever they please, because they know the truth.

To Be honest I actually really loved this book, despite it's religious views on everything it was still a beautiful story, the audio is still on youtube by Lord of the Book so if you want to listen to it for free check it out.

Thanks for reading!

Review: Slated by Teri Terry

“It is one thing to ask questions; what do you do with the answers?” 
― Teri Terry, Slated
Okay so I'm just going to put this out there, I rarely read dystopian books. I read the divergent series and yes I loved it, and in an effort to branch out of my contemporary romance bubble I picked up 5 new books, all of which were dystopian. This included the lovely 1st part in Teri Terry's Slated trilogy.
And I will admit whole heartedly that I love this book.
I'm beginning to understand the whole concept of dystopian tends to be about rebellion and government takeovers, which is exactly where this 1st book is leading.

Slated follows the story of Kyla Davis and he reintroduction to life after being "Slated". The whole concept is that after past terrorist acts the government introduced slating which is used on anyone under the age of 16 to wipe their memory clean of their past as well as much of their knowledge itself. After being slated they are given levos which monitor their moods and thoughts which are recorded and monitored. After being trained to learn how to walk, talk, and live like a functioning human being, Kyla and other slateds are given a family and have to abide by government regulations and strict rules or else you may be returned. And at the age of 16 Kyla will not be allowed to return for another slating, this is her last chance to prove herself until she is 21 and will no longer be monitored (as closely anyways).
But something had gone wrong, Kyla is different. Somehow she has these dreams that are closer to memories than just made up dreams. Not knowing what her past was or why she was slated she tries to move on after getting a family with a sister Amy, and Mom and Dad who she finds extremely suspicious. As is everyone else.
It just gets worse when she begins school, there are "slater haters" to deal with, nosy counselors and principles, TA's who are ordered to follow her around. But then there's Ben. The sweet and wildly handsome boy in her class and who is also a slated.
With all this, there is more going on out there, and Kyla isn't like the other Slateds, she's too curious and asking too many questions. After some suspicious acts and people who would never be slated are taken away for Lorders (Law and Order officers) things turn for the worse.
And Ben tags along, wanting to know a way out as badly as Kyla, but they are far from the same. Ben falls for some idea that he can get his Levo off without it killing him. Unsure of what the true results were after Ben's taken to hospital, Kyla swears to find him.

I find it really hard to make a summary for this book, there's so much more I want to add but it's like trying to explain conspiracy theory withing a conspiracy about a conspiracy theory, there's just too much to tell. So Please just read this book! Only thing that sucks is now I have to wait till I can get the second and third books to continue this story! Uhgg the only downside to trilogies - atleast it's a completed trilogy :)
And the covers are just stunning! A must read for any dystopian





Thanks for reading!

Review: Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker

“Just breathe. Ten tiny breaths … Seize them. Feel them. Love them.” 
― K.A. Tucker, Ten Tiny Breaths

I was recommended this book for so long and it's definitely one that I am now cursing myself for not reading sooner. It was mind blowing! one of those novels where you never understand how the characters survive everything, but it's simple... Ten Tiny Breaths..

This story is about a 20 year old girl who's life spiraled out of control after being in a accident caused by a group of drunk drivers killing both her parents, boyfriend, and best friend. Hiding the pain with alcohol, drugs, violence, and sex she finally broke because of her younger sister.

4 years after the accident and 4 years of living with a bible thumping aunt and drunk gambling perv of an uncle, Kacey finally puts her plan to leave in action when her uncle attempts to rape Livie. They both move to Miami, renting a cheap apartment next to a stripper, Storm and her daughter Mia, as well as Trent, the majorly hot guy who only has eyes for Kacey.
After he repeatedly comes to the nightclub Kacey works at as a bartender (thanks to storms recommendation) She finally lets him in. Despite all the walls Kacey has built up to keep her heart from the pain it suffered years ago, she falls in love with all her neighbors, including Trent.

But they're both keeping their pasts hidden, and when Kacey finally opens up Trent insists she needs help..after many rough moments they finally come together after Trent realizes how much Kacey's past has taken over her life that she'd be willing to kill someone. Wanting to know all about the night that changed her into who she is now, He asks her the hardest question, he wanted to know what she knew about the 3 guys the killed her family. 2 dead and one she wished was dead or suffering in some way.

With this information Trent leaves, leaving a note saying he had to go and that he was sorry, Kacey is left confused and worried for 3 weeks, and when he returns and they try to come together again his parents are waiting at the apartment. Going to introduce herself to her boyfriends parents, his mothers turns to her son asking "how could you do this, Cole?" At that everything changes, Cole was the boy left alive after the accident, him and Kacey the only survivors from that night he spun out of control, depression, suicide, institutions, recovery, relapse, name change, running away...and stalking the girls who's parents he had a part in killing.

Kacey is taken to hospital for PTSD, as well as Cole/Trent....

This story is about learning forgiveness. Accidents happen, they can't be changed, but you can change how they affect you and those involved. Despite everything, the lying, the death, everything, Kacey forgives him, and somewhere in her heart she knows she still loves him.
My favourite kind of story is finding love in tragedy, and this books nailed it perfectly. Trent and Kacey should hate eachother, but the fact is they're in love, despite everything against them and everything that has ever happened, they're in love.

“Out past isn't who we are. I'm me and you're you and that's who we need to be.” 
― K.A. Tucker, Ten Tiny Breaths
“Trent has kept his promise. He makes me smile every day.” 
― K.A. Tucker, Ten Tiny Breaths

This was my first book by K.A. Tucker, and I have already got her other books lined up. One of my favourites by far.




Thanks for reading!

Review: Take Me There by Carolee Dean

“People look at me and walk across the street
So tired of the suspicious eyes
On all the faces that I meet
And tell me, if i try
To be a different guy,
Will you be the girl
To rearrange my world?
You take me up,
You take me down,
Take me to the sky,
Take me to the ground,
I'd go anywhere
If you would only take me there.” 
― Carolee Dean, Take Me There





With only a 3.8 average rating on Goodreads, and those ratings either being 1 or 5 stars I was apprehensive about this book, seemed like a love or hate kind of thing. But the description sounded like something I'd enjoy, and boy did I ever.

Dylan leads a troubled life and by the looks of it, it's rarely his own doing. He wants to believe that it's because of his father that he is the way he is, and is desperate to know if change is possible for men like them. And after an accident puts Dylan and Wade on the run from the police, a vengeful gang, and leaving behind Dylan's love, Jess, to find his Father and learn the truth about what put him in prison and get an image of the man he hasn't seen in 11 years.

With the minutes ticking by towards Dylan Sr's execusion Dylan Jr reconnects with his grandmother and searches for clues in the home town he left at 6 years old with his mom. Dylan learns the truth of what happened to put his father in jail but is to late to save him.

On the same day as his fathers execusion Dylan's past comes back to get him. The gang members track him down, threatening the lives of his mother or Jess as revenge for the leaders brothers death. The night spirals out of control yet everything lands in the right place, except Dylan.

Jess is at Stanford for Pre-Law as well as continuing her singing dream.
His Mom bought a music studio where she now teaches.
His Grandmother is still on the family farm with her two pets, a three legged pig, and Dylan's now three legged dog.

As for Dylan, he lands exactly where he had expected. In Jail, awaiting a trial while people spin stories and gossip of the gang members who died being poor unfortunate souls with no criminal record, slaughtered by a fugitive. In the end you don't learn of what happens for sure, but I believe that's exactly how Carolee Dean intended it, you can either picture the perfect happy ending where Dylan goes free, back to Jess. Or you can face the truth, that he may suffer the consequences of a corrupt system that believes what lawyers and witnesses spin as "fact". As much as I wish for a happy ending it's not always how it turns out.

“I'm Writing my story. 
But i'm also plotting my escape from this prison cell.
This is my plan.
I will do it with words.
I will write them by day.
I will write them by night.
I will write them on the walls,
the stalls, the halls.
I will write them in big bold ink
on posters i hang on the concrete blocks.
I will write them on little pieces of paper
I stuff on the mattress and the pillow.
I will write them with fingers
bent and cramped from use.
I will write them in blood
if i have to,
but only my own.
And i will keep writing them,
again, and again, and again,
until i fill this prison cell so full of words,
that the bars bend and buckle and burst
because they cannot contain them
And then
I will
be free.” 
― Carolee Dean, Take Me There

For an inspiring story and creative characters with an extremely talented writer telling this story I'm happy to give this books a perfect rating.

Thanks for reading :)

Recent Book Hauls!

So I found Book Outlet a few weeks ago...Everyone knows how this ends, Lots of books for next to nothing.

First Book Haul - $29
1: The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
2: Get Well Soon by Julie Halpern
3: Losing Faith by Denise Jaden
4: Split by Swati Avasthi
5: Cinder by Marissa Meyer (for my sister)












Second Book Haul - $40
1: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
2: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
3: Easy by Tammara Webber
4: Asunder by Jodi Meadows
5: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn
6: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
7: Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill










Third Book Haul (Chapters) - $18
1: Black City by Elizabeth Richards
2: Tempest by Julie Cross
3: Slated by Teri Terry
4: The Forsaken by Lisa Stasse
5: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows (kiosk order)

Colleen Hoover's Ugly Love Covers

American Cover

So I've been looking forward to this book for so long! If it's not already obvious I LOVE Colleen Hoover! I've read all her books so when I heard that she has a new book coming out in August I just had to get it! BUT....

There's two different covers!! And I much prefer the UK version!

Only downside is the the UK version isn't in hardcover, but really it's so beautiful! I know lots of people like having covers that are more metaphorically connected to the books story, but I prefer having people on the cover. It's nice to have the faces to put with the story itself. And honestly the people on this cover are beautiful!
And for my bookshelf I already have so many blue books! I need something different.

UK Cover

Lucky me though I'll probably end up with the American cover sinde Colleen Hoover is coming to Toronto for a book signing!!! Along with Jamie McGuire and Abbi Glines!! So even if I don't love the cover it is nice, and having it signed makes it a thousand times better.

Atria Indies Fall 2014 Tour:
 https://www.facebook.com/events/1434381146828268/

Leaving Paradise Double Review

“Are you following me?" she asks, but doesn't meet my gaze.
"Yeah," I say.
"Why?"
I give her the only honest and true answer I have. "You're where I want to be.” 
― Simone Elkeles, Leaving Paradise

Leaving Paradise as well as the follow up novel Return to Paradise follows two teenagers from both perspective; Maggie is you average girl who had her perfect group of friends, a life playing tennis and a future of travelling to Spain for school. Until the accident happened. Caleb is the all star wrestler popular guy with his perfect girlfriend, after getting behind the wheel drunk Caleb hits Maggie with his car, and both lives are affected by that one mistake.

Leaving Paradise is about Caleb's return to Paradise after being in Juvie for nearly a year after the accident. He comes home to find his family is a wreck despite the face they put on for their friends and everyone else in their small town. Not only is his family a wreck but his best friend Brian is dating Caleb's ex-girlfriend, Kendra. Now with Caleb home Kendra tries to get him back, but he has eyes for only one - Maggie.

Maggie is absolutely furious about Caleb's return, especially with his living next door with his "perfect" family, coming back to school still the same all star guy despite what he did. And here's Maggie, the loser who's been shunned by all her friends - despite her mother's interference in the matter - can't play tennis anymore, because of the accident that left her with a limp, not only all this, but she also has lost her chance to get away to Spain because of her inability to play Tennis.

And if seeing eachother everywhere else wasn't bad enough, Caleb's communitry service job puts him side by side with Maggie. Both stuck together with Mrs Reynolds and with her support, Maggie learns to forgive Caleb. But he's keeping a huge secret from her. One that would change everything.

In the end, they both take eachothers advise, Maggie doesn't leave for Spain despite the fact she has the money to go now, because Caleb taught her it was a copout to just leave because of what happened. Thought that's exactly what he does. With a catastrophic home life that he believes was made worse with him being there, he leaves it all behind - Including Maggie...

In the follow up novel Return to Paradise Maggie and Caleb are reunited again on a trip for people affected by reckless driving. Caleb is bound by law to stay on the trip, and Maggie is determined to prove that she has moved on from Caleb. Despite the obvious fact that neither of them are over the other. Caleb continues to push her away while still holding her close, unsure whether to follow his heart or do what he believes is best for her. Maggie has alternative motives, she wants to bring Caleb back with her to Paradise to confess the truth about the accident which she finally remembered.

Finally getting under his skin he confesses - infront of the whole group - that he wasn't the one driving the car. After the confession Caleb and Maggie connect again despite his honesty of leaving after the trip is over in order to protect who really drove the car.

Now with no place to stay Caleb, as well as another group member Lenny, do the unthinkable and (you guessed it) return to Paradise. With his Mom in drug rehab after abusing prescription drugs and Father continuing the facade, and his sister Leah turned goth, Caleb turns to none other than Maggie. Finally ready to confess what really happened that night to clear his name.

Finally, the real driver who hit Maggie the night of the party was Caleb's twin sister Leah. She finally confesses to the family that Caleb took the fall for her, and turns herself in to the police. With his record wiped clean and Maggie finally ready for her semester in Spain, Caleb tells her he loves her and will wait for her.

9 Months later when Maggie returns to Paradise, Caleb is waiting at Mrs Reynolds Gazibo he built after getting out of juvie, the project that kept him close to Maggie, and where he fell in love with her.

“Why shouldn't I be introspective? We dont' make sense."
"Neither do Chocolate and Peanut Butter, but it somehow works." He says "Somehow the mixture of two things is genius.” 
― Simone Elkeles, Return to Paradise

I absolutely love Simone Elkeles' work, but these two were by far my favourites. The connection between Caleb and Maggie was amazing especially with all that had happened between then and both their family problems it was inspiring. The main thing I will take away from these two books is the art of forgiveness. I am a very grudgful person, I'm a Taurus so I'll say I firgive but I never forget. Maggie may never be able to forget what happened to her, but she is able to accept that it was an accident and not to hate anyone for it. In the end she took the knowledge from the experience, as it changed her life forever. As it did for Caleb, he found someone who saw him despite the flaws and who managed to fall in love with him. I strongly recommend Simone Elkeles' work for these books as well as her other novels.