May 2014 Book Haul

 

Hey book nerds! ^.^ How are you all doing? I'm sorry this video and post is a bit late - as I usually try and post my monthly book haul DURING the month, but I've been suffering from multiple ear infections - which has also temporarily made my hearing go weird. Not having full use of my hearing makes me feel off balance and kind of weird, so I apologise! :) I'm on an anti-biotic ear spray now though, and hopefully it'll clear up soon. My wrap-up is probably going to be a few days late this month as well, so I hope you all don't mind. I'll talk about what I read last month in my wrap-up, but at the moment I'm FINALLY reading Divergent by Veronica Roth! It's amazing so far, I can't believe its take me well over a year to finally pick it up and read it. I was inspired to start it because I saw the trailer the other day - and the movie looks amazing. On a side note, I saw the Vampire Academy movie recently as well – did anyone else REALLY love it? xD I thought it was really fantastic, but I know a lot of people didn't like it. I hope to gosh they continue making the books into movies. ^.^ Anyway, that's it for today - I hope you all like this massive book haul - I think it contains about 50 books, which isn't as bad as my previous one but oh well. Enjoy! :D

 

Video

 

Photos And Book Information

Trial by Fire (The Worldwalker Trilogy, #1) by Josephine Angelini.
The Rain by Virginia Bergin.

A BIG thanks to Macmillan who sent me these two proof copies for review! :D They both look really awesome and I can't wait to start them. :)

Goddess by Laura Powell.
Dangerous by Shannon Hale.

Chasing Stars (After Eden, #2) by Helen Douglas.
The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1) by Marie Rutkoski.

A BIG thank you to Bloomsbury who sent me; Goddess, Dangerous, Counting Stars and The Winner's Curse for review. They all look friggin' amazing and I'm so happy to have them in my collection for future reading and reviewing! ^.^

A Discovery Of Witches (All Souls Trilogy, #1) by Deborah Harkness.
The Geography Of You And Me by Jennifer E. Smith.

A HUGE thanks to Headline who sent me these two books via Book Bridgr for review! :3 I'm really excited to have these in my possession and can't wait to start them. ^.^

Falling to Ash (Moth, #1) by Karen Mahoney.
Perception (Clarity, #1) by Kim Harrington.

Charade (Games, #1) by Nyrae Dawn.
Reason to Breathe (Breathing, #1) by Rebecca Donovan.

Unbreakable (Unraveling, #2) by Elizabeth Norris.
Warbreaker (Warbreaker, #1) by Brandon Sanderson.

One Moment by Kristina McBride.
Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Catching Jordan (Hundred Oaks, #1) by Miranda Kenneally.
Hold Me Closer, Necromancer (Necromancer, #1) by Lish McBride.

Storm (Elemental, #1) by Brigid Kemmerer.
Whispers at Moonrise (Shadow Falls, #4) by C.C. Hunter.

The Summer of Skinny Dipping (Summer, #1) by Amanda Howells.
Beautiful Bastard (Beautiful Bastard, #1) by Christina Lauren.

Hopeless (Hopeless, #1) by Colleen Hoover.
It's Not Summer Without You (Summer, #1) by Jenny Han.

The Forsaken (The Forsaken, #1) by Lisa M. Stasse.
All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry.

I brought both The Forsaken and All the Truth That's in Me used online, and I didn't realise that they were signed until I opened them! :D I'm so excited to have them both in my possession! ^.^

Illuminate (Gilded Wings, #1) by Aimee Agresti.
Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone by Kat Rosenfield.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1) by Rae Carson.
Shadow and Bone (The Grisha, #1) by Leigh Bardugo.

The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff.
Ship Breaker (Ship Breaker, #1) by Paolo Bacigalupi.

Wildefire (Wildefire, #1) by Karsten Knight.
The Ward (The Ward, #1) by Jordana Frankel.

Glimmer by Phoebe Kitanidis.
The Last Academy by Anne Applegate.

Black City (Black City, #1) by Elizabeth Richards.
Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma.

The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna.
Torn by Stephanie Guerra.

The Other Side of the Island by Allegra Goodman.
Valkyrie Rising (Valkyrie, #1) by Ingrid Paulson.

Truth or Dare (Truth or Dare, #1) by Jacqueline Green.
Crash (Visions, #1) by Lisa McMann.

A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger.
Loud Awake and Lost by Adele Griffin.

How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski.
Spellcaster (Spellcaster, #1) by Claudia Gray.

Starters (Starters, #1) by Lissa Price.
Mind Games (Mind Games, #1) by Kiersten White.

Dark Companion by Marta Acosta.
Enchanted (Woodcutter Sisters, #1) by Alethea Kontis.

Origin (Origin, #1) by Jessica Khoury.
Then You Were Gone by Lauren Strasnick.

Variant (Variant, #1) by Robison Wells.
Defiance (Courier's Daughter, #1) by C.J. Redwine.

The Art of Wishing (The Art of Wishing, #1) by Lindsay Ribar.
Supernaturally (Paranormalcy, #2) by Kiersten White.

Sweet Shadows (Medusa Girls, #2) by Tera Lynn Childs.
Invincible (Chronicles of Nick, #2) by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Enshadowed (Nevermore, #2) by Kelly Creagh.
Havoc (Deviants, #2) by Jeff Sampson.

Deadly Little Games (Touch, #3) by Laurie Faria Stolarz.
I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, #1) by Pittacus Lore.

The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies, #2) by Pittacus Lore.
The Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies, #3) by Pittacus Lore.

Dracula by Bram Stoker.

 

Thoughts

BOOKS! BOOKS! GLORIOUS BOOKS! :D I got so many amazing looking books this month, it's insane. It's hard to choose which ones I'm most excited for, as I've heard really great things about pretty much all of them! I think The Winner's Curse, Reason to Breath, Charade, Storm and Hopeless are the top contenders though. :P They all have gorgeous covers, but I'm SO excited to have my GORGEOUS leather-bound Barnes & Noble edition of Dracula. I've not read the tale yet, but it’s what EVERY vampire book and movie is based off - so how can I NOT want to read it? I think having such a gorgeous copy of it will encourage me to read it sooner as well, as I'm not really a fan of classics. :) Have you read any of these books? Let me know! ^.^

 

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What books have you brought or received lately? Leave me a comment or a link to your blog post and I'll be sure to check it out. ^.^ Happy reading! (:

Review: Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd

Title: Her Dark Curiosity.
Series: The Madman’s Daughter, #2.
Author: Megan Shepherd.
Publication Date: January 28th, 2014.
Publisher: Harper Voyager.
Genres: Historical Fiction, Re-telling, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 368 pages.
Source: Provided By Publisher.
My Rating:

Back in London after her trip to Dr. Moreau's horrific island, Juliet is rebuilding the life she once knew and trying to forget her father's legacy. But soon it's clear that someone – or something – hasn't forgotten her, as people close to Juliet start falling victim to a murderer who leaves a macabre calling card of three clawlike slashes. Has one of her father's creations also escaped the island?

As Juliet strives to stop a killer while searching for a serum to cure her own worsening illness, she finds herself once more in a world of scandal and danger. Her heart torn in two, past bubbling to the surface, life threatened by an obsessive killer – Juliet will be lucky to escape alive.

 

Review

I have to say, I’m really enjoying reading retellings of novels lately, so much more than I expected too! The first book in this series is a retelling of The Island of Dr. Moreau, which unfortunately I have yet to read, and Her Dark Curiosity is a retelling of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – which I have actually read many years ago. Her Dark Curiosity was an amazing novel filled with suspense and mystery that’ll keep you guessing all the way through! It’s been nearly a year since I read the first book, but with the help of useful information throughout Her Dark Curiosity and my review of the first book, everything came flooding back and I was once more engrossed in the world Megan Shepherd has written and distracted by the characters that she’s created and the trouble they get themselves into.

I recall having a love/hate relationship with Juliet in The Madman’s Daughter, but in Her Dark Curiosity she didn’t frustrate me as much, and I just generally liked her character much more. Juliet is definitely more of a bad-ass character in this novel; obviously the events that happened to her on the island in the first novel have strengthened her a lot. However, they’ve also hardened her a little more than I’d expected. A few of her decisions throughout the book, along with her reactions, kind of irritated me – but overall I think Juliet is an awesome and wonderfully developed character that I just can’t help but love. If I had the chance to meet her, I have to say I definitely would! Maybe we could discuss our mutual madness, or maybe her inability to make a sensible choice? Either way, Juliet makes some dangerous decisions and acts very irrationally on her hunt to find answers – but she’s still pretty darn awesome.

I’m always torn when it comes to what side I’m on when it comes to opinions on love triangles. Depending on how the love triangle is developed, I’m usually quite positive towards the whole situation – but there are times when the whole thing just frustrates me and I feel like throwing the book at the wall. Luckily for me, the love triangle in this series is brilliantly done and in this instance, I’m really not sure which side to be on – as I keep changing my mind! Juliet is in love with Montgomery and can’t stop thinking about him, even though he broke her heart – yet their relationship is sweet, caring and beautiful. Edward’s relationship with Juliet is so different in contrast – she’s adamant that she doesn’t love him, or care for him in that way – but there’s something about him that she’s drawn too. Maybe she’s recognising the animal within and knows that he understands her and accepts her in a way Montgomery can’t? I’m not sure, but their relationship is more primal and heady and makes me want to collapse into a chair swooning. I really can’t wait to see who she ends up choosing.

Overall, I really loved reading Her Dark Curiosity – it was fantastic sequel with twists and turns around every corner. Megan Shepherd’s writing is really brilliant and everything is so beautifully written and described. I really can’t find many faults with Her Dark Curiosity, which is why I believe it well and truly deserves the 4/5 star rating I’ve given it. I honestly can’t wait for the release of the third and final book in this trilogy; I really need to find out what happens next and where the characters end up! Megan Shepherd is an amazing author with an incredible ability to create not only amazing storylines but wonderful and loveable characters – even the enemies are brilliantly written! I’d recommend this series to anyone who’s a fan of historical fiction and mystery-thriller novels; even if you’re not well acquainted with historical novels (I’m certainly not!) So please, try and pick up this series – I’m sure you won’t regret it!

 

Quotes

I don’t know what instinct made me keep such a bloody memento of a murderer.
Call it sentimentality. Call it curiosity.
Just don't call it madness. - Page 38.

He smiled grimly, though there was no glee in to, as though for once he understood how heartbreaking this was for me. 'No serum can change who you are. Nor should you change. Genius or madness – it all depends on who’s telling the story.’ His hand stopped tapping, and that humanity flickered again in his eye. ‘You’re perfect as you are, my love.’
I took another shaky step away from him, fearful and confused, and hurried up the stairs. It didn’t matter. I couldn’t get away from his words.
He was right. No serum could cure who I really was – a Moreau, through and through. - Page 323.

Sometimes you have to embrace the darkness to stop it. - Page 333.

Review: Thirteen by Tom Hoyle

Title: Thirteen.
Author: Tom Hoyle.
Publication Date: February 13th, 2014.
Publisher: Macmillan.
Genres: Thriller, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 336 pages.
Source: Provided By Publisher.
My Rating:

Born at midnight in London, on the stroke of the new millennium, Adam is the target of a cult that believes boys born on this date must die before the end of their thirteenth year. Twelve have been killed so far. Coron, the crazy cult leader, will stop at nothing to bring in his new kingdom. And now he is planning a bombing spectacular across London to celebrate the sacrifice of his final victim: Adam.

 
 
 

Review

I have to say that Thirteen is one of the most unusual and strangest books I’ve read in quite a while! Although it took me quite a while to get through this book, about 9 days in total, it was nothing to do with the book itself. After finishing my last read, I found myself in a reading slump, and only managed to read a few pages at a time. However, I persevered and I’m so glad I did! To be perfectly honest, I’ve never read a cult related book before, and was a little reluctant to start Thirteen, as it’s usually not my style. But there was just something so enticing and interesting about the book that I just couldn’t resist (not to mention the cover design and yellow edged pages!). Thirteen is a fast-paced and action-packed book that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat and cringing at some of the dark and diverse scenes.

Adam is our main protagonist, and I have slightly mixed feelings about his character. I loved being able to read in a males prospective, and I thought he was really kind, sweet and innocent. He had this really adorable outlook on life and was fiercely protective of his friends, even standing up to bullies for them! However, I also thought he was really naive for his age of thirteen, nearly fourteen. I think this is mostly because of the fact that he’s a boy – as everyone seems to think they mature slower than girls (not that I’m judging!). Mostly though, I really liked his character, and although he’s probably not going to make it into my top 10 protagonists list, I thought he was a strong and likeable character that I enjoyed reading about and following his story.

Thirteen is split into two perspectives, Adam’s, and Coron’s – the psychotic and murdering cult leader that is trying to sacrifice Adam to cleanse the world of evil for a better world where he and his master shall reign. I loved reading both of their point of views and the whole aspect of this novel was unexpected and pretty brilliant and original! Reading Coron’s perspective was pretty bizarre and I had to laugh at some of the things that he came out with – he’s gone off his rockers and really delusional. I believe that Thirteen shows a really fascinating perspective into the whole theme of Cults. Especially about how easily people are coerced or drawn into these sorts of things. Something that irked me however, was the how abruptly the ending cut off – things seemed to be over in less than a page and there isn’t a whole lot of closure. Everything was building up to this final confrontation and I thought it just fell flat. I have so many questions milling around in my head; how does Adam convince the police of his innocence? What happened to the remaining characters, and what exactly happens to Adam now that the ordeal is over? Apparently there is a sequel in the works, and I’m eager to find out if my questions are answered and to see what might happen next!

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Thirteen – it was a really awesome and intriguing book that surprised me at every turn. Although Thirteen is classed as a YA novel, on one hand I’d say that it’s honestly more of a middle-grade novel. I think this mostly due to the characters, even though they’re teenagers. But on the other hand there’s a darker and more sinister side which makes me think it does fit into the YA genre - maybe it’s somewhere between the two? Tom Hoyle’s writing is funny, upbeat and quirky, but he also has the ability to create an air of seriousness to the whole situation. Thirteen is definitely not a perfect novel, but then again, I think they’re few and far between. It has its flaws; with confusing scenes and slightly jerky and robotic writing at times, but I’m very glad I read it. I’d recommend this book to anyone with an open mind, even if you’re not a young adult – I believe you’ll enjoy this book for what it is – an imaginative, thrilling novel with strong characters and a brilliant plot.

Quotes

'By the time he is fourteen, the boy has become a man... Thirteen is the last year of childhood... The boy must be killed before he is a man.' - Page 01.

Keenan spoke. ‘Before you die, I’ll tell you what you are. You are filth, but you are dangerous. Born at midnight at the millennium, two thousand years after the previous Imposter, you-‘
‘I wasn’t. I wasn’t,’ Adam tried to say. But he was.
‘You would stop Lord Coron, who will cleanse this world, from taking his real place, perhaps with me at his side.’
Coron? Cleanse the world? What was Keenan on about? This was mad!
Adam realized that these people where completely crazy. - Page 94.

Words ran around the top of the room: I will deliver you into the hands of brutal men who are skilful to destroy. You shall be the fuel for the fire; your blood shall be in the midst of the land. - Page 150.

Review: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Forever Song.
Series: Blood of Eden, #3.
Author: Julie Kagawa.
Publication Date: April 15th, 2014.
Publisher: Mira Ink.
Genres: Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 384 pages.
Source: Provided By Publisher
My Rating:

Vengeance will be hers.

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the ultimate question: is she a human or monster?
With the death of her love she has her answer.
Monster.

Embracing her inner darkness, Allie is now determined to hunt and kill Sarren, the psychopath who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long and Sarren is leading Allie’s dangerous fight to the one place she must protect at any cost – Eden, the last safe-zone on earth. Forced into a battle that it may be impossible to win, Allie is about to face her darkest days.
And, if she succeeds, she could face surviving forever alone.

 

Review

It seems like forever ago that I read and loved the second book in this wonderful trilogy. So I have to say I was a little apprehensive about starting The Forever Song, not just because it’s the conclusion to the story, but because I wasn’t sure how much I’d remember from the first two books. I didn’t have to worry for long though, because as soon as I started reading The Forever Song, everything came flooding back! The Forever Song was the most perfect and heart-wrenching conclusion to the Blood of Eden trilogy – I couldn’t have dreamt a more wonderful, beautiful and incredible ending.

Allison’s character has drastically changed since the first book in the series; she’s grown from this weedy, scared little girl, to a completely wonderful, strong, beautiful, loyal and badass woman. In The Forever Song, we get to see Allison’s dark, dangerous and murderous side – fuelled by anger and grief – and I really loved reading about her in that state of mind. It was so completely different from the other books, but just as incredible. Allie is definitely my most favourite female character that I’ve read about – I love her determination and her inner struggle with herself, to not become the monster she fears she’ll be. She’s headstrong, and erratic and often ruled by her emotions rather than common sense, but I think that just makes her even more of an amazing character.

Kanin is Allison’s sire, and a master Vampire. From the moment I was introduced to him in the first book in this trilogy, I loved him. Kanin is the most compassionate and deep and detailed secondary character that I’ve ever read about. He becomes a father figure to Allison, and there is a loyalty and connection between the two that goes beyond their blood tie. They’re family, and I’m one hundred percent sure that Kanin loves Allison like she were his own daughter, and the pride he has in her is incredible. I love Kanin’s character for all those reasons, and so many, many more.

Jackal is Allison’s blood brother of sorts – sired by Kanin years previously. He’s a sarcastic, rude, egotistical, self-involved, murdering and twisted character that you just can’t help but love - especially the more you read about him. In the first book, I hated him with a passion, but in the second I grew to love him in a weird and freaky way. And in The Forever Song, I loved him even more. He hasn’t changed since the first book, and is still awful and cruel, but there’s this comedic aura around him, and I can’t help but laugh at some of things he comes out with. You may question my sanity slightly, but read the books and judge for yourself!

Overall, I loved The Forever Song so much; I’m finding it ridiculously hard to put how I feel into words. I flew through the novel, desperate to find out what would happen next. One minute I was crying like an idiot, and the next I was laughing my head off. The Forever Song was dark, intense and filled with twists and sinister plans. I absolutely adore Julie Kagawa’s writing, she has this incredibly ability to not only create an intricately woven world, but to also make you feel like you’re right there along with the characters. She’s just absolutely phenomenal! I will be recommending this series to every single person I know who reads – I’ll be stopping people in book stores and shoving copies of the series in their arms and telling them to read it. It’s one of those series that just sticks with you, with every little detail clinging to your mind - not letting you forget it even when you’ve read the last page and put the book back on the shelf. If I could give The Forever Song, and the Blood of Eden trilogy, more than 5 stars – I would! I’d gladly give it a thousand stars, because it well and truly deserves it. If you haven’t picked up the first book yet, go do it now, you won’t regret it.

Quotes

This time, there was no doubt. No hesitation. Even if it hurt. Even though remembering Zeke ripped my heart into a million tiny pieces, I would not let this thing win. And if that meant fighting the monster until the end of time, that’s what I was going to do. - Page 61 & 62.

I remembered my Zeke: brave, determined, compassionate. The boy who hadn’t let the fact that I was a vampire scare him away, who had offered his heart to a monster, because he could see the human inside. The only living being I would ever open myself up to, because I’d trusted him.
Because I’d known he would never hurt me. - Page 127 & 128.

“I thought we had more time, even though I knew better. Life is so fragile, and someone can be taken from you at any time. I’ve always known that.” - Page 225.

Wrap-Up: April 2014

 

Hey book nerds! :D How are you all doing? I'm bringing you today my April Wrap-Up (if you hadn't already guessed!). I only read 5 books last month, which is one book short of what I've been reading the previous months - but oh well! :) I really loved all of the books I read in April, they were fantastic. ^.^ As for my current reading, I've already finished one book this month, The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa. And oh my gosh, what an incredible book! I can't believe the trilogy is over, it's so sad! D: I feel a sudden urge just to re-read the first two books... ^^; I'm going to be posting my review of The Forever Song within the next few days, so stay tuned for that. :) That's it for today, I hope you're all enjoying what you're reading at the moment, and I'll talk to you guys again soon! ^.^

 

Video

 

Books Read In April 2014

• Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris.


• Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout.


• Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.


• A Kiss in the Dark by Cat Clarke.


• Truly, Madly, Deadly by Hannah Jayne.

 

Total: 5 books read.
Click on the link to be taken to the review.

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What books did you read in April 2014? Don't forget to leave me a comment or a link to your blog post and I'll be sure to check it out! ^.^ Happy Reading! (:

Review: A Kiss in the Dark by Cat Clarke

Title: A Kiss in the Dark.
Author: Cat Clarke.
Publication Date: April 3rd, 2014.
Publisher: Quercus.
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 384 pages.
Source: ARC Provided By Publisher.
My Rating:

When Alex meets Kate the attraction is instant.

Alex is funny, good-looking, and a little shy – everything that Kate wants in a boyfriend.

Alex can’t help falling for Kate, who is pretty, charming and maybe just a little naive…

But one of them is hiding a secret, and as their love blossoms, it threatens to ruin not just their relationship, but their lives.

 
 

Review

I’ve only read one other book by Cat Clarke before, and that was quite a while ago – however I really enjoyed it and thought Cat’s writing was fantastic and really detailed, unique and interesting. When I first started reading A Kiss in the Dark, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What was this huge secret? How will it affect the couple’s relationship? You find out much more quickly than I expected what the secret is and it really shocked me – I honestly wasn’t expecting it at all! I can’t say much more, otherwise I’m afraid I’ll spoil the whole thing, but I flew through A Kiss in the Dark, finishing it in just two days – I absolutely adored it! A Kiss in the Dark is a fast-paced, compelling and beautifully written novel that’ll keep you engrossed until you’ve turned the very last page.

Alex is one of our two main protagonists throughout A Kiss in the Dark, and I really loved his character. Alex was a kind, funny, and really sweet and lovely character that you just can’t help but fall for (although he’s a bit too young for me!). He’s made some bad decisions, and kept a big secret from Kate but you can tell he’s really battling with himself over the situation. He’s in love with her, and just doesn’t want to lose her – so although I’m not saying that keeping everything a secret was the best idea, I could understand where he was coming from.

Kate is our other protagonist and the love interest throughout the first half of the book. I really adored her character; she was just so cute and sweet! Kate is smart, weird, and really a very loyal and wonderful girl and I loved reading about her. However, when the novel swopped to her perspective, and she found out Alex’s secret, my opinion of her went completely downhill. Eventually, nearing the end of the book, I started gaining more respect for her – but the decisions she made were appalling. I understood that she was hurting and upset, and people do crazy things when they’re like it, but what she did was down-right awful and spiteful. I’m glad, however, that things started to change as the book drew to a close – and I started to love her character once more.

Although Alex’s and Kate’s relationship was slightly insta-love, I actually really loved it. They were so passionate about each other, and everything was so sweet, that I instantly became jealous I didn’t have a relationship like it myself! It was so clear how absolutely besotted with each other they were, that it became a little cheesy at times, which isn’t a huge flaw, but one all the same that irritated me a bit. However, I really loved both their characters. I absolutely loved the ending of A Kiss in the Dark, it sort of bitter sweet, and I believe it ended perfectly. It was left open, which I thought was great, so the reader can decide in their own mind what would happen next. Usually I hate endings like this, but I thought it was perfect in this situation. A Kiss in the Dark is split into two sections; the first in Alex’s perspective, and the latter in Kate’s. As I’ve mentioned on many different occasions in the past, I love multiple perspectives in books, it’s great to get into the heads of the other characters in the story, to see what they see and feel what they feel. Although I loved reading Alex’s point of view, I wasn’t as keen on reading Kate’s – mostly because I found it quite hard to connect to her – even though I loved her character in the first half of the book.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading A Kiss in the Dark; it was a fantastic and incredible novel that I’d recommend to anyone who loves contemporary romance, but also has an open mind. Cat Clarke’s writing is wonderful and beautifully scripted – I was laughing one moment, and then crying the next. It’ll have you riled up and angry, with your stomach in knots, and shedding tears a few pages later – she really is fantastic and writes some very realistic teen romance. I believe it well and truly deserves the 5/5 star rating I gave it, and although it wasn’t absolutely perfect, it was incredibly well done – with many different twists and turns throughout the story. I can’t wait to read even more from Cat Clarke in the future, she’s definitely an author to keep an eye out for!

Quotes

When we sat down, Kate scooted her chair across so she was sitting next to me and we could hold hands. When the waitress came over to take Kate’s order she smiled as if maybe she remembered what it was like to be our age and in love. Because I think that’s what it was, even then. I was in love with Kate. I wasn’t sure when I’d started loving her, or exactly what it meant, but that didn’t stop me knowing it. And it made me feel good to know it, even though I had no intention of putting it into words. I didn’t want to freak her out.

I was in love with a girl and she was in love with me. This was what people talked about, what songs were written about, what made the world go round, apparently. Now I could understand what all the fuss was about. I wanted to stop random people in the street and tell them I was in love. But I didn’t, because that would have been weird.

I didn’t move. The snow turned into icy rain. The light in the front room went out. Before long I was shivering uncontrollably. I watched the door even though I didn’t expect it to open again. I wondered how long I could stay out in this cold before I would die. If I curled up into a little ball on Alex’s front doorstep would I be dead by morning? Would Alex come outside, all dressed up for court, and find me frozen to death, a fine layer of ice blanketing my body?
No one would be able to hate me if I was dead.