Melodies by Pamela Srey ~ Review

Melodies (The Bianca Grey Series, #1)
By Pamela Srey 

Rating: 3.9

'You come from a broken home and you know nothing of who you are or where you came from. He wouldn't understand some of the things you have to go through. It's not a good idea to share your world with him, Bianca. It just isn't.' 

A story of teenage self-discovery, Melodies is an intriguing read.

This book has all the makings of a good contemporary romance novel. If you stick to it and get past the first few chapters, you're rewarded with a multilayered story that definitely becomes more engaging the further into the book you get.

Melodies was a mixed bag for me. On one hand, I loved the art and music elements, as well as the underlying lessons.

Bianca's love of art reminded me of Ashley in Aimee L. Salter's Every Ugly Word. This concept of characters using art as a means to escape the troubles of their life, is a bittersweet one. I thought that this was used consistently throughout the book, and made Bianca seem more three-dimensional as a character.

Pete's music is another definite plus. I loved the songs he composes! The lyrics are heartfelt and beautiful to a fault...and I totally have a weakness for guys who play an instrument ;)

But it's the underlying lessons that shine most brightly.

I think the most important lesson Melodies has to offer, is the lesson of what it means to love and to be loved. Chasing after love leads to confusion - especially when neither party is mature enough to understand what love is and what it means.

Bianca grows to realise that as much as she likes Pete, it's not going to be easy for her to just throw the word 'love' around. Mainly because she's never truly seen it, never experienced it. She doesn't even have much self-love. She's still trying to find herself and her place in the world, and being in a relationship with someone who wants more than she can give isn't the best idea for the moment.

She needs time to heal. Time to grow. And time to figure out who she is, and what her feelings are. Not everyone's ready to fall in love forever at seventeen. Bianca's journey highlights the importance of sometimes waiting before making life-changing decisions.

This book has a bit of a shaky start.

Although Melodies didn't quite 'knock it out of the park' when it came to certain areas of concept execution, it was still an enjoyable read. I think the first few chapters tended to lack a stream of consciousness - there's a little too much explanation rather than action (e.g. describing mundane tasks and routines in detail, and giving a little too much backstory when it comes to secondary characters).

The basis of the story did have a few plot holes. You kind of wonder why no one at any point calls the authorities. What kind of school allows kids to pour gasoline on one another?! I question the need for the teenagers to do all of the tracking down of criminals and bullies on their own. Maybe if Pete had just dialed 911, things would have been a lot simpler!

On the topic of the teenagers in this story, I will give one small critique: they do tend to come across as college students. Their vocabulary, their drinking and clubbing, and even their ability to take trips away and stay in fancy hotels without parental supervision - it's all a little surreal. Maybe there are teenagers who do this! If so, they must have really chill (and loaded with $$) parents.

I really do feel like all of these ideas would have made so much more sense in a more NA/contemporary romance story with college students. The stalking, the nasty pranks, the trips away, the 'I'm totally in love with you' scenarios...it'd be a lot more believable if the characters weren't all seventeen/eighteen year olds.

I do feel for Pete's parents. They seem like wonderful people and you kinda wish he'd have confided in them a bit more! Maybe then he could have avoided some uncomfortable situations.

But overall, Melodies is a read that leaves you wanting more.

Which is mainly thanks to that cliffhanger! You're left wondering what happens next for Bianca, and whether or not she and Pete are meant to be. I guess we'll just have to wait to find out - but hopefully, fingers-crossed, everything works out.

**A big thank you to Pamela Srey for giving me the chance to review her great book :) **

A Long Trip Home ~ A Cliché Christmas by Nicole Deese Review

A Cliché Christmas
By Nicole Deese

Rating: 4.8


'Eleven months of the year, I lived in a perpetual state of holly-jolly fanfare. But by the time the first of November rolled around, I was completely Christmased out.

I know I sound like a Scrooge to admit such a travesty, but believe me, when you build a career on Christmas cheer and holiday hype, the warm fuzzies of nostalgia fade faster than Hollywood's latest scandal.

(...) Ironically, December was my only month off.'

 
Hollywood knows her as the 'Holiday Goddess'. Lenox knows her as Georgia Cole. 

Georgia has her December holidays all planned out. 

A remote getaway in the Hawaiian Islands is calling her name and she can hardly wait to take a break from writing clichéd Christmas screenplays. No snow for this girl - bring on the palm trees, sandy beaches and fruity drinks!

The very last place she expects to be for Christmas is Lenox, Oregon.  

But when Georgia's grandmother volunteers her to direct a pageant at Lenox's community theater, Georgia finds herself heading back to her hometown for the first time in seven years. 

He's known as the Lenox Heartbreaker. To Georgia, he's the man she left behind.

Weston James. Once her childhood friend and crush, he's now the one man Georgia can't forgive...or forget.

But he's also the man she has to work with in order to make the pageant a success. 

As the two work side by side, will they be able to overcome the past that divides them? Or will Georgia's fears cause her to miss out on a second chance at love?

Thaw your heart this Christmas with a heartwarming tale that puts true love to the test.

Refreshingly honest and beautifully written, A Cliché Christmas is anything but cliché! Emphasizing the importance of family, love and making memories, it's a book you're going to want to have on your bookshelf these December holidays.


Be prepared to add A Cliche Christmas (and Weston!) to your Christmas list! 

Quick Picks ~ Flat-Out of Control

It's time for this week's 'Quick Picks'! The two books I've found particularly intriguing & addictive are Sarah Alderson's Out Of Control and Jessica Park's Flat-Out Celeste.

______

#1: Out of Control
By Sarah Alderson

Rating: 5

'For a moment it's hard to tell what's real and what's not. It's like watching a television show. But I can't tell which side of the screen I'm on any more.'

My thoughts on the book:

Sarah Alderson works her story-telling magic again, in Out of Control - a novel that is fast-paced and super-duper addictive. Get caught in the mystery and prepare yourself for the chase of your life!

WARNING: this book features a guy character that is hotter than a habanero chilli. Ladies, prepare to swoon.


#2: Flat-Out Celeste (Flat-Out Love #2)
By Jessica Park

Rating: 5

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island & could only have one book with you, which would it be? 

Besides the obvious answer (The Raft-Building Guide For Dummies or How To Survive Life On A Desert Island) my choice would have to be Flat-Out Celeste - a rip-your-heart-out-make-you-laugh-and-cry tale that I could read over and over again without ever getting bored.

What makes this book so addictive is:
- The humour (nerd humour - the best kind!)
- The intensity of the emotions (I sobbed like a baby & laughed like a crazy woman)
- The level of adorable-ness (featuring first dates that are to die for)
- Coffee art (three cheers for the Mad Hatter!)
- Geek saying t-shirts (three cheers for Matt's wardrobe!)

And of course the a-ma-zing characters that have been brought to life by Jessica Park.

It's one of those books where you just can't pick a favourite character. You love them all equally, from Matt & Julie, to Justin & Celeste. But...if I had to pick one...I'd probably pick Justin. Just because not every guy greets girls with a Victorian-esque bow, accepts that not all people are able to deal with social situations, or takes his girlfriend on a date to a Christmas tree lot. And guys that do totally deserve a medal!

The 'Best Boyfriend Of The Year' Award is probably somewhere in Justin's future :)

Definitely one of my favourite reads of 2014, Flat-Out Celeste should most certainly be on your TBR lists (& your bookshelves!), so you can experience this 'violently perfect' (to quote Celeste) story & its deeper message.

The message being that the acceptance of diversity is so important in today's society. And that what is perceived as normal is just that - something that is 'perceived'. It's just a bunch of standards set by someone else. No one should be made to feel inadequate, or isolated.

There's a little bit of 'crazy' and a little bit of 'weird' in everyone. Embrace it! And let out your inner Celeste <3

Swoon Worthy Saturday ~ Kristen Callihan's Ian Ranulf

Hosted by: Stay Bookish

Today's Swoon Worthy Saturday, which means it's time to choose a fictional male who has swept me off my feet (and made me sob into a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice-cream) this week! 

This Saturday's pick is none other than the gorgeous Ian Ranulf from author Kristen Calliahn's Moonglow (Darkest London #2). As much as I'd like to list every single one of Callihan's fictional men on here, Ian stood out the most for me this week.

Everlasting by Candace Knoebel ~ Review

Everlasting (Night Watchmen #1)
By Candace Knoebel 

Rating: 4.4


'"I have to say, Middleton, I didn't think you'd have it in you." 

He's looking me over, and I know what he meant was that I don't look the part. I'm too frail. Too small.

"Maybe you shouldn't think then," I retort.'


Kick-ass action, magic and romance combine to form an addictive tale that will have readers on the edge of their seats.

Although life has its inconsistencies, every coming-of-age novice within the Primeval Coven knows one factor will remain constant: the annual Culling ceremony. The day when they're revealed to be either a Hunter or a Witch.

The day when their purpose in life - and their place within the Coven - are secured.

But for Faye Middleton, no other factor in her life could be more uncertain.

Whilst other novices prepare for their future as either a Hunter or a Witch, Faye prepares for a life as a Defect. 

It's a fact she's had to deal with her whole life - one that ultimately means banishment and a life amongst humans, away from those she loves. And as the Culling looms closer, Faye's fear becomes stronger. 

Yet even though her clairvoyant mother saw her future a long time ago, Faye can't help but cling to a tiny sliver of hope. Destinies aren't set in stone - there has to be a way to change her own destiny. There just has to be.

All she needs is a miracle.

Going from a Defect to an Everlasting could be considered an upgrade. Or...not.

When the Culling doesn't go to plan (i.e. stuff explodes, plus screaming and general panic ensues), Faye is faced with the startling revelation that she isn't a Defect. Far from it. She's an Everlasting - neither Witch, nor Hunter, but a mixture of both. 

And although being an Everlasting may come with a lot of perks and power, it also comes with a great amount of danger - danger not only for her, but for the people around her. 

All sides need her. All sides want her. And all sides fear what she will become.

Faye is pushed to her limits as she's trained to be both a Hunter and a Witch. Isolated from the others, she finds solace in the company of trainer and protector Jaxen - a handsome guy, with a deadly secret dictating his actions and his heart. 

But Jaxen's not the only one keeping secrets. The Coven isn't as honourable as it would like its people to believe, and Faye finds herself stuck in its web, trapped between her duty and what is right. With Faye being the most sought-after chess piece on the board, the question remains: is she the one fighting? Or is someone else calling the shots?

Is she a player...or a pawn?

Be prepared for a heroine who isn't afraid to face up to her own flaws.

Unlike many female protagonists, Faye Middleton acknowledges her shortcomings - and the shortcoming of most YA/NA females - and she strives to be her own woman and make things right. One of the most potent scenes is the one where she realises that she shouldn't try to be someone else to get a guy's attention:

'"You're being absurd," I tell myself, shaking my head. But even with admitting this, I still manage to brush my hair out and braid it from one side of my head to the other, giving it some form of cuteness.

I could be a stereotype. I could fall into the trap of trying too hard. I could be someone other than myself for him.

And I don't like it.

I undo my braid and run my fingers through my hair, straightening it back out. I want to look as plain as possible. I need to.'

This is an important message - a message that tells its female audience that the person the guy should get to know/date/fall in love with, should be you - the natural you. The you without the constant primping. The you whose voice doesn't go several octaves higher when you talk to him.

It doesn't condemn looking good - far from it. But what it does reinforce is that it's very, very easy to be a stereotype and to hide behind that facade. But it takes strength to be yourself - to allow someone to see the real you.

Be prepared for a heroine who isn't afraid to talk back, or blurt stuff out.

A cross between Rose from Vampire Academy and Anna fromFrozen, Faye is a complex character who lets slip trivia when she's nervous...and on the can other hand call someone out on their behaviour with all the fierceness of a mama bear. 

And it's refreshing to also meet a guy character who gets nervous around girls like a normal guy would!

Jaxen is hot (there's no denying it). He can kick ass like a pro. But he still gets nervous when he's faced with a situation involving:
i.) Talking
ii.) A pretty girl

And it's not the kind of nervous where you stutter/freak out/sweat. But it's the sweet kind of nervous - a nervousness they both share as they start to discover and explore the bond that grows stronger between them with each day. 

And it's nice that Faye isn't afraid to stick up for herself, or tell Jaxen he's being stupid. Right here is the kind of female protagonist we need more of!

So if you like pointy weapons, sizzling kisses and plenty of angry demons, pick up Everlasting today :)

Fireblood by Trisha Wolfe ~ ARC Review

Fireblood (Fireblood #1)
By Trisha Wolfe

Rating: 5+


'Just over four weeks ago, Prince Sebastian announced his intention to find a maiden to wed. As he's only nineteen, all assumed this was a move toward him taking the throne. A wife would mature him in the eyes of Karm.

The news had spread through the realm like wildfire. Or, how I imagine a wildfire would spread and consume if it were allowed. Every girl of age had gone into a frenzy. Hadley had talked about it nearly every day.

Not me. I watched my father wither.

The force field may imprison Karm, but Prince Sebastian has imprisoned me. I'm trapped in a prison within a prison.'


Becoming the prince's betrothed is an honour. An honour Zara would rather do without.

Out of all the eligible girls in Karm, Zara Dane is chosen to marry Prince Sebastian Hart. The news would be the cause of much celebration and joy to most girls, Zara's best friend Hadley included. But being told she's to be wed to the son of the man who ordered her father’s capture is a terrible sentence which Zara has no wish to see out. 

Prince Sebastian may have staked his claim. He may have have admitted to all of Karm that Zara belongs to him. But Zara belongs to no one but herself, and she will find a way to fulfil her father's final plea, no matter the cost: "Please, Zara. Do what you must to escape."

And escape she must.

Camelot was a dream, a fiction. Karm is real, and not at all perfect.

Trapped behind the towering stone walls of the Camelot-forged realm, Zara's days are filled with warding off the prince's unwanted advances and attending dull functions she has no desire to be apart of. No privacy is to be had, with guards forever lurking over her shoulder - especially with the prince's first knight, Sir Devlan Capra, constantly by her side. 

His shrewd mind and ability to sense Zara's inner turmoil make him a force to be reckoned with, and Zara cannot afford to have him foil her plans of escape. Nor can she afford to let her guard down, no matter how kind and honourable she may find him.

Everyone has secrets. Sometimes, they're even what keeps people who they are.

As the days pass, Zara begins to uncover the true foundations of King Hart's twisted rule - deception, convoluted plans and fickle agendas are the building stones of a world that is being torn apart from both ends. Suddenly no one is who they seem. Warring emotions plague Zara, as she is forced to make the ultimate choice: her freedom, or the realm's. To flee, or to join the Rebels and overthrow Hart once and for all.

But deception is a two way street.

The Rebels need Zara - she's their key to Hart, through his son. If Zara can sway Sebastian to aid the Rebels, victory will be theirs. They will able to save Zara's father, and the families of others who have been taken. 

As the wedding looms closer, Zara's time is running out...as is Sebastian's. Because if she can't convince him, then he is the only thing standing in the Rebel's way. And they will have no choice but to take him out along with his father. 

Is Sebastian his father's son? Or is he the kind of ruler Karm, and the Rebels, need him to be?

Forces, fates and hearts collide in a tale that will sweep readers off their feet.

Trisha Wolfe's vivid and breathtaking story and its magical mix of dystopian elements, court intrigue, underground networks, fiery romance and, of course, the spectacular twist at it's conclusion, is a must-read this December. Accompany Zara on her journey and be amazed by the engaging nature of her tale, and the charming collection of characters you will meet along the way.

Join the fray. And fight for what truly makes us human - our freedom.

How Dare You?! HDU by India Lee ~ Review

HDU (HDU #1)
By India Lee

Rating: 5+

'Dear PrettyKitty29,

Hi, my name is Liam Brody. From the looks of your charming website, you've heard of me. Believe it or not, I've heard of you too. I was recently tipped off about your little gossip community. I probably shouldn't call it little. You are one of the busiest gossip communities on the Internet. 

Congratulations. I'm always impressed with people who manage to stay indoors so much. You must have a sufficient amount of Vitamin D.'

Looking for a book that puts A Cinderella Story,Gossip Girl and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days to shame?!

India Lee's stunning chick lit novel with a celebrity twist is a must-add to your TBR list. 

HDU is a work of art; a winning combination of the daunting world of stardom mixed with the realm of late-night blogging. With brilliantly delivered comedy, refreshingly real characters and an engaging and unpredictable plot, this novel is sure to go far with any reader who happens to be single, female, a lover of donuts, longing for a Princess Diaries-esque moment, or all of the above!

Amanda Nathan is a heroine with a fiery attitude, her blog posts on her site HDU - 'How Dare You?!' - witty and unrelenting as she tears apart the rich and shameless. 

Liam Brody, Hollywood bad boy, is often the target of her scorn - mainly because he's a womaniser, too good-looking, a horrid person...and too good-looking. 

But don't be fooled by this novel's simple blurb. What may seem like your typical YA/NA romance, featuring a guy with brooding expressions and magical eyes that make the heroine want to melt into a puddle of goo on the floor...is actually a hilarious story of a cute guy who's actually not so bad once you get to know him, a girl whose gossiping town will be the death of her, and the story of how they pretended to date so that both of them could achieve their dreams.

Interspersed with blog posts and comments, news headlines, sunglasses, ugly laughs, beautiful moments, sufficient amounts of Vitamin D, and a love that will have you wanting one of your own, HDU will dare youto take chances, make mistakes and follow your dreams wherever they take you. :)

An Assassin's Heart. A Will of Steel ~ Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas ARC Review

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
By Sarah J. Maas

Rating: 5+


'"Is it done?"

Celaena reached a gloved hand into the sack and tossed the severed head toward him. No one spoke as it bounced, a vulgar thudding of stiff and rotting flesh on marble. It rolled to a stop at the foot of the dais, milky eyes turned towards the ornate glass chandelier overhead.

Dorian straightened, glancing away from the head. Chaol just stared at her.

"He put up a fight," Celaena said.'


'She was a beautiful wraith - and when she looked at him, it was like she didn't even know who he was.'

As the Crown Prince, the son of the King of Adarlan, Dorian has grown up in the cold shadow of his father. He's seen cruel things, watched silently as death was handed out swiftly - and horribly - to those who dared to oppose his father. 

But watching Celaena become the King's Champion is a whole new experience.

Gone is the girl with the teasing grin and the fancy for trinkets and pretty gowns. Gone is the soft-eyed pianist with gentle waves of golden hair falling around her face. In her place stands a woman, made up of edges sharp enough to cut, clothed from head to foot in black. 

The King's Champion...the King's Hand of Death.

And Dorian can't help but wonder if she really has transformed...or whether Celaena is simply showing her true colours. The colours of an assassin. The colours of a cold-blooded, cold-hearted killer.

'Of course Chaol would notice the difference - he noticed everything. She couldn't tell if it pleased her or not.'

Celaena's duties are smothering her, choking her like an iron collar around her neck. Killing off the king's enemies one by one is a gruesome and difficult task. Especially when her trips are not at all what they seem. Though from the outside, it may look like Celaena's nothing more than the king's pet assassin, her iron will is far from broken. 

But she cannot afford for her loyalty to the crown to be in doubt...so her plans, hopes and efforts remain a secret, locked up away inside of her, behind her cold and hard facade.

Keeping up the charade may not be the death of her. But it could be the death of everyone she loves.

'He's got little to lose and a lot to gain. That makes people dangerous. Ruthless.'

Secrets are not the only things hidden within the castle walls. Enemies hide behind saccharine-sweet smiles. Ancient powers rise to the surface. And above it all, the chess master scanning the board, sits the King of Adarlan - whose every move is deliberate, malicious. All aimed towards one end. The securing of power. Supreme rulership. 

Not only must Celaena deal with physical threats to her safety and that of those who she cares for, but she must face a horrible truth - a supernatural force that threatens to unravel the framework of the kingdom and plunge it into chaos. 

Fate calls. And Celaena isn't convinced that she should answer its summons - the stakes are too high. The price too heavy to pay.

'Do not let the light go out.'

Choices. Loyalties. Sacrifices. Love. Celaena is at the forefront of an epic battle that has the power to change the kingdom forever - for better or for worse. But she must remember who she is. What she is fighting for. 

Or lose herself to the madness and to the darkness that lurks within her, in the depths of her eyes of brightest blue, ringed with gold.

The making of a literary legend, Sarah J Maas' Crown of Midnight is a thrilling sequel which will have you sitting on daggers, awaiting her storytelling magic and more of Celaena's passionate spirit!


A big thank you to Sarah J Maas, Netgalley and Bloomsbury USA Children's Publishing for the chance to read and review an ARC copy of the book :)