Before now, I can honestly say I never gave much thought to Park as a character, because he was only mentioned in passing in 'Sometimes Never' after the break up happened, and honestly ... he was a tool!
But still, I always thought he was thoroughly wronged and the prologue to this book broke my heart for him. It was a brilliant start that kicked off the book on a good note and totally helped to clarify the character that is Park.
I loved Park in this novel, he was real and even though he was still a tool, I liked him as one and really wish he had kept at least some of that bad boy charm, as it definitely suit him. I love when he was around and when we got his POV. He was so easy to fall in love with and I can't wrong Lucy because the guy is a gem!!
Speaking of the angel, Lucy Lu was a great character. I loved her hippie and love all POV and how her character was written and portrayed. She was all natural and we weren't bombarded with the vanity of being a college student. You couldn't help but love her and Park together and for that I am saddened by the fate that was bestowed upon them, as I would have loved more for both characters than the many cliches that closed these amazing characters.
The gang was all back in this one and I even found myself not wanting Mason and Hope there to rain in on the Park and Lucy parade. Still, I tolerated them and also saw them in a different light. I guess that saying about walking in someone else's shoe was spot on!!
As proverbs go, Bree had the most. And even though we finally got some insight into the character that is Jessie that was only spoken about in passing, he and Bree made good supporting characters. They weren't all moody or overly happy in love and that created a really good balance with the story of Park and Lucy.
The mentioning of Park's rules and Lucy's list was a fun little change from the usual vibe of this series and I loved watching the list being edited throughout the book. I must say also ... They were some mighty good rules too. Even the bad ones.
It was good to have new characters introduced to the book and flashbacks to the past. We also got some clarity on a few happenings from book 1, like the break up and the car crash. I was surprised that death was incorporated into this book and even more so that it was lightly portrayed. I believe it had no place in this novel especially with the barely there effort that was placed in the happenings.
A bad experience could have occurred with other situations except for death.
Still, this was another great book in the 'Sometimes Never' series and it was done in it's own way with no resemblance to 'Sometimes Never' and that was a feat in itself and thoroughly welcomed. It made it seem more like Before Now instead of Sometimes Never book 2.
With that being said, I am a little disappointed that the next book is gonna be back tracking into High School territory with Kellin and Misty, as I totally thought it would be Chase and Annie's turn next, but still, I can't wait for the next one in this awesome series!
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17400970-before-now
Wednesday, 5 June 2013
Tuesday, 4 June 2013
A Taste of You By Sorcha Grace
Being a foodie and a fan of the Fifty Shades and Bared to you series, you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled on this book. I must say it held true to it's promise of cuisine and I can spot passion, and this book definitely had passion and was well researched! It showed.
However great the food was, it definitely wasn't a Fifty Shades of Grey or Bared to you and I would think it in the authors best interest to get her own brand, as it's a good brand and even though there are borrowed elements from both series, it stood it's own with it's own issues and set of characters.
Speaking of, I must start by saying that I love the character of Beckett (starting to think I have a thing for male characters with this name ... even if they are gay). He as a great addition to the novel and possessed a certain aura and difference that was never portrayed in the Fifty Shades or Bared to you series.
Cat was a good character but I never fell in love with her. I just had to tolerate her because she was the narrator. Still, she wasn't bad and I loved how even though we never met Jace, she managed to make me love the character even without excess snippets of past conversations. As sad as it might have made the book, I really wish we had a chance to meet this character because if simple photographic descriptions could make me like him, I don't know what some good dialogue and scenes would do.
William was ... similar but different. He seemed to only pop up when she was in the mood for him, but when he did there was a sense of warmth to the novel. I don't know, it was kind of crazy. But I believe that the way these characters were written, you couldn't help but to feel comfortable with them. On the other hand, the book itself and series of events didn't do much for me. It might not have wowed me, but it surely comforted me. Maybe it was all the food. :)
The sex scenes weren't full on BDSM but I loved the stimulants that were conveyed throughout food. I felt like I could taste and smell most of the treats and I learned as well as got some ideas which is really a great quality that I normally scout for in a book and I definitely got that.
I must say though, that we spent a lot of time in Cat's head and while it wasn't all that bad, I would have loved some more dialogue or interesting encounters. The story sometimes became comfortably boring. You weren't bored enough to put it down, but you were bored enough to want to just skip those parts that you never really need to read.
The grief element of this story was same but different and more believable than previous situations portrayed in novels. Or at least Cat's side was more realistic. We get those accidents and blame every day, but her blame and guilt was rightfully placed and it was another different element to the book.
I loved the look into Cat's past as it helped to shape and show who she was before and after tragedy struck, and I liked both sides. Also, the fact she was a *spoiler alert* widow*spoiler alert* at her age, was a difference and as always, changes are welcomed.
Overall, the concept of this book was half and half as we have seen this troubled billionaire story over and over again. However, the food and photography element shone and was wonderfully developed and intertwined. It took it to another level. Still, I believe this book is missing one thing to tie it all together and make it awesome! I really hope we can get that missing element from book two.
Until then, I shall bask in the comfort of good food and photography and wait on book 2 of this series.
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17695627-a-taste-of-you
However great the food was, it definitely wasn't a Fifty Shades of Grey or Bared to you and I would think it in the authors best interest to get her own brand, as it's a good brand and even though there are borrowed elements from both series, it stood it's own with it's own issues and set of characters.
Speaking of, I must start by saying that I love the character of Beckett (starting to think I have a thing for male characters with this name ... even if they are gay). He as a great addition to the novel and possessed a certain aura and difference that was never portrayed in the Fifty Shades or Bared to you series.
Cat was a good character but I never fell in love with her. I just had to tolerate her because she was the narrator. Still, she wasn't bad and I loved how even though we never met Jace, she managed to make me love the character even without excess snippets of past conversations. As sad as it might have made the book, I really wish we had a chance to meet this character because if simple photographic descriptions could make me like him, I don't know what some good dialogue and scenes would do.
William was ... similar but different. He seemed to only pop up when she was in the mood for him, but when he did there was a sense of warmth to the novel. I don't know, it was kind of crazy. But I believe that the way these characters were written, you couldn't help but to feel comfortable with them. On the other hand, the book itself and series of events didn't do much for me. It might not have wowed me, but it surely comforted me. Maybe it was all the food. :)
The sex scenes weren't full on BDSM but I loved the stimulants that were conveyed throughout food. I felt like I could taste and smell most of the treats and I learned as well as got some ideas which is really a great quality that I normally scout for in a book and I definitely got that.
I must say though, that we spent a lot of time in Cat's head and while it wasn't all that bad, I would have loved some more dialogue or interesting encounters. The story sometimes became comfortably boring. You weren't bored enough to put it down, but you were bored enough to want to just skip those parts that you never really need to read.
The grief element of this story was same but different and more believable than previous situations portrayed in novels. Or at least Cat's side was more realistic. We get those accidents and blame every day, but her blame and guilt was rightfully placed and it was another different element to the book.
I loved the look into Cat's past as it helped to shape and show who she was before and after tragedy struck, and I liked both sides. Also, the fact she was a *spoiler alert* widow*spoiler alert* at her age, was a difference and as always, changes are welcomed.
Overall, the concept of this book was half and half as we have seen this troubled billionaire story over and over again. However, the food and photography element shone and was wonderfully developed and intertwined. It took it to another level. Still, I believe this book is missing one thing to tie it all together and make it awesome! I really hope we can get that missing element from book two.
Until then, I shall bask in the comfort of good food and photography and wait on book 2 of this series.
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17695627-a-taste-of-you
Sunday, 2 June 2013
Driven By K. Bromberg
Great book cover .... everything else is ... I don't even know.
I have read this book in it's entirety and I still have a million questions and didn't have much drive (Pun not intended) to finish except for seeing 100% on my kindle.
I honestly don't know what's going on or what path we are going down. I seriously don't know what to feel. I don't .... sigh .... ahmmm ... wow.
The characters ... Rylee confuses me and I believe that if given the POV of Colton, we could have gone a long way. As is, I know nothing about him and I guess that's the way that the author wants to keep it but throw us a bone here!!!!
As far as I am concerned though, the girl needs a backbone or maybe two. She is living this crazy relationship in her mind while no one knows what is going on in his his!!!
Colton, he's an enigma through ad through. I loved the powerful strike of his character in the beginning, and then he just kinda fell of the wagon and stayed there. He has his redeeming qualities, but because we are only given the basics as to who he his, we never really got to connect with this character. We have read an entire book and we are still in the first chapters as to who he is. A little character development never hurt anybody.
I am uncertain as to what was to capture and set us on fire because the series of events were frustrating and unnecessarily long. The sex was good enough but other points that I think would be elaborated on were ...... sigh. I swear too many times were spent on these basic sex scenes.
Honestly, it's one of the few times where I'm not sure if I want the heroine to end up with the hero. He seems to be a little self righteous and annoying in his broodiness and is a complete jerk if you ask me. Because he is obviously not an idiot and he is sober. So there is no excuse for his behavior if you as me. Plus, his sister is obviously a rhymes with witch. To tell you the truth, I'm not sure what she sees there that makes her go back for the abuse, nurturing instinct or not.
I liked the beginning and it had me hopeful and rearing for more, but after the charity, it dropped tempo and kept on dropping. Then it was like ... ok ... waiting for it ... but it just never came!
I was surprised as to the ending of this book and thoroughly disappointed. If you wanna have a cliffhanger, then by all means, do you!!! But smooth it out a little for God sakes! Like ... c'mon! what was that Ms. Bromberg!!!!
I loved her job and the kids at the home, as its not your usual job but honestly, I would prefer to spend it with the kids than these two messed up individuals. One likes to hurt and one likes to take it.
However, I did love the scene when Rylee recalled her traumatic experience. It was beautifully written and totally had the right mood and pace. Also, the experience was a similar but different situation than most novels. Gotta say that was a high point for me.
Still, hardly got much depth or understanding from a book with so many secrets and corners. If only we didn't just turn one out of the many. Also, it would have been nice to at least know what Ace means. Just saying! Give us something, because too much loose ends even for a series.
Oh well ... maybe on the next one ...
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17798287-driven
I have read this book in it's entirety and I still have a million questions and didn't have much drive (Pun not intended) to finish except for seeing 100% on my kindle.
I honestly don't know what's going on or what path we are going down. I seriously don't know what to feel. I don't .... sigh .... ahmmm ... wow.
The characters ... Rylee confuses me and I believe that if given the POV of Colton, we could have gone a long way. As is, I know nothing about him and I guess that's the way that the author wants to keep it but throw us a bone here!!!!
As far as I am concerned though, the girl needs a backbone or maybe two. She is living this crazy relationship in her mind while no one knows what is going on in his his!!!
Colton, he's an enigma through ad through. I loved the powerful strike of his character in the beginning, and then he just kinda fell of the wagon and stayed there. He has his redeeming qualities, but because we are only given the basics as to who he his, we never really got to connect with this character. We have read an entire book and we are still in the first chapters as to who he is. A little character development never hurt anybody.
I am uncertain as to what was to capture and set us on fire because the series of events were frustrating and unnecessarily long. The sex was good enough but other points that I think would be elaborated on were ...... sigh. I swear too many times were spent on these basic sex scenes.
Honestly, it's one of the few times where I'm not sure if I want the heroine to end up with the hero. He seems to be a little self righteous and annoying in his broodiness and is a complete jerk if you ask me. Because he is obviously not an idiot and he is sober. So there is no excuse for his behavior if you as me. Plus, his sister is obviously a rhymes with witch. To tell you the truth, I'm not sure what she sees there that makes her go back for the abuse, nurturing instinct or not.
I liked the beginning and it had me hopeful and rearing for more, but after the charity, it dropped tempo and kept on dropping. Then it was like ... ok ... waiting for it ... but it just never came!
I was surprised as to the ending of this book and thoroughly disappointed. If you wanna have a cliffhanger, then by all means, do you!!! But smooth it out a little for God sakes! Like ... c'mon! what was that Ms. Bromberg!!!!
I loved her job and the kids at the home, as its not your usual job but honestly, I would prefer to spend it with the kids than these two messed up individuals. One likes to hurt and one likes to take it.
However, I did love the scene when Rylee recalled her traumatic experience. It was beautifully written and totally had the right mood and pace. Also, the experience was a similar but different situation than most novels. Gotta say that was a high point for me.
Still, hardly got much depth or understanding from a book with so many secrets and corners. If only we didn't just turn one out of the many. Also, it would have been nice to at least know what Ace means. Just saying! Give us something, because too much loose ends even for a series.
Oh well ... maybe on the next one ...
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17798287-driven
Saturday, 1 June 2013
12 Rounds By Lauren Hammond
I like this book, there is something about the inner monologues of these three main characters that I like.
I must say that conversations are few and apart, and when it got down to the last 80% of the book, too much was happening to fast, but still, it wasn't a bad read.
Initially, I thought the pace was so slow, because we had passed the 75% mark and these two were still skirting around each other, but then I felt a certain zen as to the peace the characters bring, and glad that it wasn't rushed. It felt more real that way.
Loved the characters of Hadlee and Sean even Connie seeing as how he kicked off the story. He might be an evil bastard, but there is something about him that you latch on to and I believe that his inner monologues help a lot on that front.
Teagan .... hmm ... we didn't really spend much time with her as a character, but I have a feeling that 13 rounds is gonna be a very interesting one as she might be the catalyst for all the drama to come.
Sean's character is awesome. Even if he spends a lot of time creating jokes in his mind (Seany in the corner ... priceless!), but it just seems that inner monologues is the theme for this story. One again, I don't mind as much as I think I would.
I love the realness of his character and the loyalty and sensibility that regardless that he knows things are wrong, his level of self preservation is stronger and I am glad for a reprieve from the usual bad guy trying to turn hero. He is comfortable in laying the bed he has made and while strange, I embrace it.
Hadlee is a great character, I am surprised that her fears didn't become annoying, but I place that on the strength she still had but didn't realize. She was frail and weak, but to a point and I love her reasoning and how she never thought to be selfish once. She kept so much together without noticing it.
I must admit this was a chill story and never brought the harshness that I expected. It was smooth around the edges and that was surprising. I am also surprised that even thought it was 'THE" fight, we only got one fight from the entire book, and we never even got to experience it from the fighters POV. Still, the bathroom scene with Lara and Hadlee after, was hilarious!!
I disagree that this book won't be a memorable one, because I was drawn in from the first funeral scene. It might have not packed a punch or left a lot of lasting memories, but it held it's own and wasn't as terrible a read as I expected from other reviews.
While I don't like cliffhangers, I believe that due to the chill tone of this novel, I will patiently wait. Still, it's a little annoying that there isn't any where to make a note of something to remember you as to the new release date as obviously November 2012 has passed and still nothing. Heard it will be out this year, so I look forward to that.
With that being said, I can safely say that if you just wanna relax with a book with not too much drama while the atmosphere tingles with outstanding issues, this is the one for you.
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15700987-12-rounds
I must say that conversations are few and apart, and when it got down to the last 80% of the book, too much was happening to fast, but still, it wasn't a bad read.
Initially, I thought the pace was so slow, because we had passed the 75% mark and these two were still skirting around each other, but then I felt a certain zen as to the peace the characters bring, and glad that it wasn't rushed. It felt more real that way.
Loved the characters of Hadlee and Sean even Connie seeing as how he kicked off the story. He might be an evil bastard, but there is something about him that you latch on to and I believe that his inner monologues help a lot on that front.
Teagan .... hmm ... we didn't really spend much time with her as a character, but I have a feeling that 13 rounds is gonna be a very interesting one as she might be the catalyst for all the drama to come.
Sean's character is awesome. Even if he spends a lot of time creating jokes in his mind (Seany in the corner ... priceless!), but it just seems that inner monologues is the theme for this story. One again, I don't mind as much as I think I would.
I love the realness of his character and the loyalty and sensibility that regardless that he knows things are wrong, his level of self preservation is stronger and I am glad for a reprieve from the usual bad guy trying to turn hero. He is comfortable in laying the bed he has made and while strange, I embrace it.
Hadlee is a great character, I am surprised that her fears didn't become annoying, but I place that on the strength she still had but didn't realize. She was frail and weak, but to a point and I love her reasoning and how she never thought to be selfish once. She kept so much together without noticing it.
I must admit this was a chill story and never brought the harshness that I expected. It was smooth around the edges and that was surprising. I am also surprised that even thought it was 'THE" fight, we only got one fight from the entire book, and we never even got to experience it from the fighters POV. Still, the bathroom scene with Lara and Hadlee after, was hilarious!!
I disagree that this book won't be a memorable one, because I was drawn in from the first funeral scene. It might have not packed a punch or left a lot of lasting memories, but it held it's own and wasn't as terrible a read as I expected from other reviews.
While I don't like cliffhangers, I believe that due to the chill tone of this novel, I will patiently wait. Still, it's a little annoying that there isn't any where to make a note of something to remember you as to the new release date as obviously November 2012 has passed and still nothing. Heard it will be out this year, so I look forward to that.
With that being said, I can safely say that if you just wanna relax with a book with not too much drama while the atmosphere tingles with outstanding issues, this is the one for you.
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15700987-12-rounds
My Side By Tara Brown
So as to not get confused, let me start off by saying that this was a terribly written, executed and constructed story.
Still, I kept on reading. This story seemed more a joke than a serious novel and surprisingly I finished. But with all that being said, I loved the characters and how no one was afraid to call out each other when they were wrong.
Drama, drama and more drama. Every inch is laced with drama and Erin is so selfish I'm surprised she didn't die of a heart attack at 24 due to her continuous theatrics. The girl was a walking time bomb!!
I loved the premise of the story, but only wish it was written better as it could have been an awesome novel instead of a comedy filled failure. I believe with the right direction, and structure, this could have thrived. Even makes me wanna pen a story with the same plot in mind. There are so much things that could have enhanced this story and I saw them staring right at us, but they were never incorporated.
The laughs were present and I loved the realness of all the characters, even when situations and solutions were unbelievable. I believe these two traits and the forwardness of all the characters is what kept me with this one.
Loved Lochlan (unique name btw ... props for that!) ... from the beginning there was a certain vibe about him. Despite is crappy choice nearing the end, which is totally understandable if I was courting Erin, he's a great character and I am sorry we didn't even get the epilogue in his POV as I would love to get a peek into his mind.
Hated the cliche ending and wanted more for these two as I don't believe their story should have ended the way it did. Especially the way Erin worked hard when it came school. She deserved more. She was too ambitious to get that ending.
Speaking of Erin, when you strip away the drama and selfishness, she is a fierce potty mouthed protagonist and I loved her!! She spoke her mind and carry a certain flair I never expected. She wasn't a naughty girl, but she wasn't shy either. She held just the right amount of balance.
Danny (always loved this name) was a great addition even if he got minor parts. Surprised as to his hook up in the end, as I would love to see him stay single, or better yet, (thought literally just came to mind) ... give him a book. With his accomplishments, it should be awesome. Still not sure about Lise though.
Gerry my darling!!! Loved his character. He wasn't your usual gay character. Actually, none of the gay characters in this book were normal. They were all great though and I loved spending time with them.
I can honestly say that this story had potential and had a great cast of characters, with important themes that aren't usually highlighted in this genre of novels. It wasn't just about love, it was about family, health, acceptance and so much more.
Glad I gave this one a try, even if it technically tanked!
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17927109-my-side
Still, I kept on reading. This story seemed more a joke than a serious novel and surprisingly I finished. But with all that being said, I loved the characters and how no one was afraid to call out each other when they were wrong.
Drama, drama and more drama. Every inch is laced with drama and Erin is so selfish I'm surprised she didn't die of a heart attack at 24 due to her continuous theatrics. The girl was a walking time bomb!!
I loved the premise of the story, but only wish it was written better as it could have been an awesome novel instead of a comedy filled failure. I believe with the right direction, and structure, this could have thrived. Even makes me wanna pen a story with the same plot in mind. There are so much things that could have enhanced this story and I saw them staring right at us, but they were never incorporated.
The laughs were present and I loved the realness of all the characters, even when situations and solutions were unbelievable. I believe these two traits and the forwardness of all the characters is what kept me with this one.
Loved Lochlan (unique name btw ... props for that!) ... from the beginning there was a certain vibe about him. Despite is crappy choice nearing the end, which is totally understandable if I was courting Erin, he's a great character and I am sorry we didn't even get the epilogue in his POV as I would love to get a peek into his mind.
Hated the cliche ending and wanted more for these two as I don't believe their story should have ended the way it did. Especially the way Erin worked hard when it came school. She deserved more. She was too ambitious to get that ending.
Speaking of Erin, when you strip away the drama and selfishness, she is a fierce potty mouthed protagonist and I loved her!! She spoke her mind and carry a certain flair I never expected. She wasn't a naughty girl, but she wasn't shy either. She held just the right amount of balance.
Danny (always loved this name) was a great addition even if he got minor parts. Surprised as to his hook up in the end, as I would love to see him stay single, or better yet, (thought literally just came to mind) ... give him a book. With his accomplishments, it should be awesome. Still not sure about Lise though.
Gerry my darling!!! Loved his character. He wasn't your usual gay character. Actually, none of the gay characters in this book were normal. They were all great though and I loved spending time with them.
I can honestly say that this story had potential and had a great cast of characters, with important themes that aren't usually highlighted in this genre of novels. It wasn't just about love, it was about family, health, acceptance and so much more.
Glad I gave this one a try, even if it technically tanked!
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17927109-my-side
Friday, 31 May 2013
Dare You To By Katie McGarry
Way to close out my May with another good book by Katie McGarry.
There is something about her writing that ... it holds just the right vibe. It's never too fast nor slow. It keeps the proper pace and with everything that's happening, she finds a way for you to totally bypass a previous problem and focus on the current one without even a thought. It's like she captivates you so much into this story that you can only focus on word to word and page to page as you go.
I swear she would have lost the momentum she had with Pushing the Limits, but she held that reign with Dare you to and while it wasn't as intense as Pushing the Limits, it was just as good in its own category and I loved every minute of it.
I love, love, love Beth and I am glad she got to keep who she really was from Pushing the Limits. She didn't magically turn BFFs with Echo and she kept all the spunk that made her Beth. Nothing changed with this girl's personality, despite the changes that eventually came.
It was good that Echo, Noah and Isaiah were blended in this book, and we even got a scene that was totally focused on Noah and Echo without overpowering what was Beth's story ... in other words, really loved the hammock scene. It brought back memories from Pushing the Limits and that was really good nostalgia.
I must say I was surprise when I found out that Beth got a new love interest in this novel, as I swore she would wake up one day and realize the love that Isaiah has for her. Still, I liked Ryan's character from the teaser we got at the back of Pushing the Limits and he some how grows on you throughout the book.
And so we come to the topic of Ryan Stone. The biggest gentleman you could meet (Psy would be proud ;) ). His *aheem* (clears throat) ... situation was a change and I was glad for that realness and difference when it comes to teens and having sex. He wasn't sex crazed and that helped a lot to differentiate him from the previous characters from this and most YA series.
The angle that Ryan's character was taken from was done really well and all that country charm wasn't lost on me either. I was glad for his POV and I love his determination and passion to everything in life.
The bottle of rain scene was a solid one and one of those memorable scenes that just has you replaying it over and over in your mind. This boy's charm knew no limit and that was an incredible feat that made this character what he was.
The minor characters from this book who belonged more to Ryan's side were easy to warm up to ... except for maybe Chris. He rubs me a little!
I am soooo in love with Logan's character and especially when he put Chris in his place at the last game scene. I would love a book for him. Preferably with him in college though. I could revisit these characters from the rural area again.
Isaiah got dealt a blow in this one and for that I wasn't too pleased. But I love the control and suave that his character exudes. He has this vibe about him that you just love and while I see where he's gonna be contending with a preppy girl, I would have totally prefer him with a rough around the edges girl like Beth ... but we'll see.
Still, great story about family, loyalty and trust. I believe those are good themes over the basic one of love and lost any day. This book was written beautifully and the emotions that were pulled from this book was real, raw and wonderful all at once.
I can't wait to get into Crash into you to see what trouble Isaiah gets into, because I could follow these characters around all day!!
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17372887-dare-you-to
There is something about her writing that ... it holds just the right vibe. It's never too fast nor slow. It keeps the proper pace and with everything that's happening, she finds a way for you to totally bypass a previous problem and focus on the current one without even a thought. It's like she captivates you so much into this story that you can only focus on word to word and page to page as you go.
I swear she would have lost the momentum she had with Pushing the Limits, but she held that reign with Dare you to and while it wasn't as intense as Pushing the Limits, it was just as good in its own category and I loved every minute of it.
I love, love, love Beth and I am glad she got to keep who she really was from Pushing the Limits. She didn't magically turn BFFs with Echo and she kept all the spunk that made her Beth. Nothing changed with this girl's personality, despite the changes that eventually came.
It was good that Echo, Noah and Isaiah were blended in this book, and we even got a scene that was totally focused on Noah and Echo without overpowering what was Beth's story ... in other words, really loved the hammock scene. It brought back memories from Pushing the Limits and that was really good nostalgia.
I must say I was surprise when I found out that Beth got a new love interest in this novel, as I swore she would wake up one day and realize the love that Isaiah has for her. Still, I liked Ryan's character from the teaser we got at the back of Pushing the Limits and he some how grows on you throughout the book.
And so we come to the topic of Ryan Stone. The biggest gentleman you could meet (Psy would be proud ;) ). His *aheem* (clears throat) ... situation was a change and I was glad for that realness and difference when it comes to teens and having sex. He wasn't sex crazed and that helped a lot to differentiate him from the previous characters from this and most YA series.
The angle that Ryan's character was taken from was done really well and all that country charm wasn't lost on me either. I was glad for his POV and I love his determination and passion to everything in life.
The bottle of rain scene was a solid one and one of those memorable scenes that just has you replaying it over and over in your mind. This boy's charm knew no limit and that was an incredible feat that made this character what he was.
The minor characters from this book who belonged more to Ryan's side were easy to warm up to ... except for maybe Chris. He rubs me a little!
I am soooo in love with Logan's character and especially when he put Chris in his place at the last game scene. I would love a book for him. Preferably with him in college though. I could revisit these characters from the rural area again.
Isaiah got dealt a blow in this one and for that I wasn't too pleased. But I love the control and suave that his character exudes. He has this vibe about him that you just love and while I see where he's gonna be contending with a preppy girl, I would have totally prefer him with a rough around the edges girl like Beth ... but we'll see.
Still, great story about family, loyalty and trust. I believe those are good themes over the basic one of love and lost any day. This book was written beautifully and the emotions that were pulled from this book was real, raw and wonderful all at once.
I can't wait to get into Crash into you to see what trouble Isaiah gets into, because I could follow these characters around all day!!
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17372887-dare-you-to
Thursday, 30 May 2013
Crossing the Line by Katie McGarry
I don't know if it's because I took Katie's playlist to heart and I am listening to Time after Time at the moment, but somehow I feel like this is a preview to an actual novel ... or maybe that's just wishful thinking (let me know). But I really loved and connected with this story and it's "Letters to Juliet" feel. ( Not that I'd know, I never watched the show)
Still, I liked Lincoln initially more than I liked Lila and I believe that there's could be a really good story if given the chance .. it's not too late :-)
Either way, eventually throughout this novella, that was good novella length and quality, I fell in love with the characters that are Lila and Lincoln. I love the bits and pieces from their letters at the beginning of each chapter and I got so much emotions from such a short novella that its crazy!
I loved the paintball scene and I believe that's what cemented my love for these two, especially Lila. It made me want to re-read Pushing the Limits so I could pay more attention to when she mentioned Lincoln in that book. It's too bad their story only got a novella because it was a good one.
Our little Echo fix was nice and it was good to get a shout out to all the characters, even if they weren't all present.
Lila is snarky, witty and a little crazy, but you can't help but love her OCD ways. While Lincoln seems even sexier on paper than Noah. I could see myself falling in love with this awesome boy and I would read his story especially with his dysfunctional family.
Really good novella this one, and Katie McGarry deserves her props for a short and sweet story about two lost people trying to find their way ... I really hope they do.
P.S. ... Still holding out for a novel on them :-)
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16069024-crossing-the-line
Still, I liked Lincoln initially more than I liked Lila and I believe that there's could be a really good story if given the chance .. it's not too late :-)
Either way, eventually throughout this novella, that was good novella length and quality, I fell in love with the characters that are Lila and Lincoln. I love the bits and pieces from their letters at the beginning of each chapter and I got so much emotions from such a short novella that its crazy!
I loved the paintball scene and I believe that's what cemented my love for these two, especially Lila. It made me want to re-read Pushing the Limits so I could pay more attention to when she mentioned Lincoln in that book. It's too bad their story only got a novella because it was a good one.
Our little Echo fix was nice and it was good to get a shout out to all the characters, even if they weren't all present.
Lila is snarky, witty and a little crazy, but you can't help but love her OCD ways. While Lincoln seems even sexier on paper than Noah. I could see myself falling in love with this awesome boy and I would read his story especially with his dysfunctional family.
Really good novella this one, and Katie McGarry deserves her props for a short and sweet story about two lost people trying to find their way ... I really hope they do.
P.S. ... Still holding out for a novel on them :-)
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16069024-crossing-the-line
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