New Adult
Written by Ellie Marney
Mature Young Adult, Thriller, Mystery
Published September 2020
400 Pages
Thank you to Allen & Unwin
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★★★★★
Interviewing convicted juvenile killers for the FBI leads Emma Lewis and Travis Bell on the hunt for a serial murderer who targets teenagers. A riveting young adult thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seat from start to finish.
It's 1982, and the innovative FBI Behavioural Science section is breaking new ground. Emma Lewis and Travis Bell, two teenagers with valuable skills, are recruited to interview convicted juvenile killers for information on cold cases.
When they're drawn into an active case targeting teenagers, everything starts to unravel. Over Travis's objections, Emma becomes the conduit between the FBI and an incarcerated serial killer, nineteen year old Simon Gutmunsson, who is a super intelligent sociopath. And although Simon seems to be giving them the information they need to save lives, he's also an expert manipulator playing a very long game.
Can Emma and Travis stop a serial killer on the loose or will they fall victim themselves?
Eighteen year old Emma Lewis continues to endure the psychological trauma of being held captive, the sole survivor of man who abducted young women as wives. Now studying forensic psychology at University, Emma is about to embark on a landmark venture with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, adolescents recruited to interview adolescent sociopaths to help understand the psychological motivation of their crimes. Emma is a determined and resolute young woman, intelligent, perceptive and resilient. She's reluctant to join the Federal Behavioural Science Unit, tempted by the prospect of accelerating her education.
Travis Bell is the son of a decorated police offer, killed in the line of duty by a sociopath killer, now pursuing a career in law enforcement. Travis has been recruited by the FBI and alongside Emma, plans to make the most of the opportunity he's given to forge a career and honour his father's memory. Travis and Emma are strangers, brought together by circumstance but form a tentative and platonic friendship over their shared experience, Emma's abduction and Travis' father killed by Simon Gutmunsson. They share moments of attraction but their working relationship and budding friendship was lovely, seeing them trust one another without the complications of a romantic relationship. Both Travis and Emma are healing and given the circumstances of the investigation, I'm thankful their connection remained purely platonic.
Simon Gutmunsson, he's charismatic and under any other circumstances, even endearing. Ellie Marney created a likeable sociopath and I'm equally parts delighted and horrified. Simon is known as The Artist, he doesn't consider himself in the same lowly league as a sociopathic killer, he artfully killed his victims as a calling card, proud of his extracurricular activities. Simon is highly intelligent and curious about Emma, alluding to the current murderous spree by the unknown assailant. The FBI hope by understanding juvenile killers like Simon, they'll be able to profile and catch the current serial killer, using Emma and Travis at bait to see what Simon knows.
The killings are brutal. We're given a glimpse into the mind of the killer as he strings up his victims and performs ritualistic killings. It's terrifying and creates an incredibly urgent storyline, using the cryptic innuendo provided by Simon and applying his insights to the current, open case before the killer strikes again. Holy shit. None Shall Sleep is creepy, downright terrifying but balanced with moments of tenderness and a gentle and tentative friendship.
This is next level Marney, a little bit batshit, pee yourself while reading and jumping at shadows for the next three months. Outstanding!
Written by Ellie Marney
Contemporary, Romance, Suspense, New Adult
508 Pages
Expected Publication August 14th 2017
Thank you to Ellie Marney
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★★★★☆
Boozer, brawler, ladies' man, nineteen year old Harris Derwent is not a good guy.
His one attempt to play the hero, helping out his old flame, Rachel Watts, has landed him in hospital. Now injured, broke, and unemployed, he’s stuck back in the country, at his father’s mercy. Harris needs to pay off his dad’s debts, and fast. But working as a runner for a drug cartel is a dangerous path, especially if Harris agrees to narc…
Eighteen year old Amita Blunt is the perfect police sergeant’s daughter, practical, trustworthy, and oh-so responsible. Getting involved in Harris’s case was never part of the plan. But working at the hospital, she’s invisible, which makes her the ideal contact for a boy feeding information back to the police...
Harris and Amie’s connection is sizzling hot, but if the cartel finds out about them, things could get downright explosive. Backed into a corner, with everything at stake, it’s time for Harris and Amie to find out if love really has no limits…
Feeling like a dickhead after telling Rachel Watts he had the hots for her, Harrison Derwent has pissed off back to Ouyen. His leg is cactus after being banged up at the quarry. Harris may be a hot spunk but he's had a pretty shit life, his old man is a shitfaced bastard who knocked him around after his mum nicked of with the ankle biter. So the dunny rat offers him a deal. He'll tell Harris where his mum pissed off to and Harris will put up with his abuse and fuckery. The old prick is sick and Harris being a bit of a softie, says why the hell not.
Big mistake son.
Amita Blunt is a top chick. The daughter of the local copper, it's been Amie and her old man since her mum died. Amie works at the Ouyen hospital mending brawlers, guys knocked about after a night on the piss and the odd ice addict. She's heard the rumours about Harris, a knockabout guy who likes to get his kit off but no one prepared her for the shit that's gonna go down. It'll be fucking epic.
Amie and Harris are a goer. She's treating his leg and he's trying hard not to pitch a tent. Harris needs cash. His old man owes a shitload in gambling debts and bar tabs and being the dickhead that he is, Harris will have to clean up after the fucker. The local weed drongos are offering cash to move up to Mildura and run ice to the junkies. Harris is tempted but he's sweet on Amie and dobs to her copper dad instead.
That Marney chick is sick mate. The eye rooting and pashing is bang on. Amie is an Indian Australian chick and it was a corker seeing a biracial sheila thrown in. Australia's a massive country and we've all mates who migrated here. Even Harris being a bit of a knob at times, Amie's nanna had the hots for him too. When you're sex on legs like that piece of man candy, can't blame a woman for wanting him to put his shoes under her bed.
Look mate, you don't need to read Marney's Every series to give these two dags a fair go but I reckon she'll be right. You'll remember Harris from Every Move when he as trying to give it a burl with Rachel Watts and deadset he's come a long way. Ellie Marney is a fair dinkum Aussie icon. Like Acca Dacca, moccos and flannies. I love this sheila.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Three
Written by Sarah J Maas
Fantasy, Romance, New Adult
720 Pages
Published 2nd May 2017
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia
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★★★★
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's manoeuvrings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords and hunt for allies in unexpected places.
Our sheila Feyre is back and a bad arsed. She's finally gone and got herself a spine and has returned to Tamlin's shithole Spring Court, ballsy and ready to pull the wool over their eyes by leaving them up shit creek without a paddle. Mate, they've got Buckley's. Tamlin is still a wanker and beating his chest like it'll impress the sheila's and Feyre isn't having a bar of that. So once Feyre knows what that shifty prick is up to she's all hooroo dickheads, I'm going back to my hot man. Until Lucien pulls a swifty and says, I've got the hots for your sister, she's my mate and the two set off on a ripper of an adventure.
Shit's about to hit the fan. Rhysand is growling up a storm mate and the King is chucking a tanty. You see, this bloke is a bit ambitious and the greedy bastard wants to take over everything. Because the Night Court is a ripper, they're having none of that and plan on taking him on. Fistycuffs and all.
That Maas chick is shit hot right now, the sheila knows how to spin a tale and it's pretty fucking epic. Knocked my socks right off. Feyre is as cunning as a shithouse rat now, a sly sheila that's thinking bugger this shit and takes the bull by the horns. Of course it'll take a chick to get shit done. Fark oath mate.
Which brings me to why I'm speaking in bogan. For most Aussies, everyone is mate. See Dano over there? He's me mate. Robbo? Mate. Pulling at the pub on a Friday? That's not a mate, that's just pulling. I get it. Feyre and Rhysand are hot for each other and having a shag in the back paddock but fair go, when you're in the middle of epic fisticuffs with a deranged whacker, keep it in your pants son. There's a time and place to go hammer and tongs.
Translation
I really enjoyed it. Sarah J Maas is a wonderfully accomplished storyteller. Emotional and captivating.
See my review for book one Paradise City
Paradise Road
Paradise Book Two
Written by C. J. Duggan
New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
306 Pages
Published November 22nd 2015
Thank you to Hachette Australia
★★☆
The Road to Paradise is never easy
After a year on the coast, Lexie Atkinson can't settle back into country life. She’s missing the glitzy, gritty nightlife of the big city and the group of misfit friends she’d loved to hate. She knows to move forward she has to go back, back to face the guy who stole her heart.
But when Lexie arrives in Paradise City to work out if her future includes bad boy surfer, Luke Ballantine, he is nowhere to be found.
With no home, no money and no Luke, Lexie gets a job slinging drinks at the wild Wipe Out Bar. Soon her heartache is eased when broody bar owner, Dean Saville, starts taking an interest and stirs more than just her drinks. But nothing is ever as it seems in Paradise City and when Luke barrels back into town, Lexie has a choice to make. But who will end up with the broken heart. Luke, Dean... Or Lexie?
Lexie Atkinson is back in her sleepy home town of Red Hill for the summer, grieving for the relationship what could have been. With the bright lights of Paradise City in her sights, Lexie plans to return to the city. I adored Paradise City. A small town, home schooled Lexie Atkinson was a breath of fresh air as she navigated her new life in the city. In Paradise Road, unfortunately Lexie now is under the illusion that with her aunt and uncle unable to offer her accommodation, she'll be able to find work, complete her education and become independent. The one condition that will allow her to stay.
Conveniently, the Wipe Out Bar is looking for employees and with a small room available for lodgings, Lexie is now reluctantly employed by Dean Saville. Lexie is determined and begins to assert her dominance, believing she has the authority to transform the bar into a family friendly atmosphere. Her vision was innovative but ultimately, she is a young woman who knows nothing about small business management and infringed on her employment boundaries. While Lexie is coming to terms with her relationship falling apart, Luke is consistently in her thoughts even while beginning to pursue Dean as a romantic interest.
I found the romance between Lexie and Dean improbable unfortunately due to Lexie's demeanor, interchanging one brother for another. The pleasant, country charm is replaced by a determined and arrogant young woman, naive and frustrating. Although wonderfully written, Lexie was incredibly unpleasant and hindered my enjoyment of the duology finale.
Heart Of The City Book One
Written by C. J. Duggan
Adult, Contemporary, Romance
251 Pages
Published November 2016
Thank you to Hachette Australia
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★★★★
Twenty five year old Claire Shorten had looked forward to spending a romantic weekend in Paris for as long as she could remember, and now it was here, three blissful days of strolling through cobbled streets arm in arm with her beloved, eating copious amounts of baked goods and soaking up the culture through each and every pore of her body. Well, at least, that was how she'd pictured it.
Even after her boyfriend dumps her rather unceremoniously in the most romantic place on earth, Claire is determined not to give up on her dream altogether, with or without a boyfriend. She finds herself a job in the kitchen of a small hotel. Michelin starred it most certainly is not, but somehow Claire makes a place for herself amidst the dirty dishes and the foreign misfits who run the place.
When the restaurant attracts the attention of the enigmatic, if not slightly terrifying, tycoon Louis Delarue and Claire manages to survive his high powered business luncheon from hell, she knows that she can survive anything, surely. But all bets are off when Louis makes a game changing decision, he's coming back for a second course...
Delicacies, Parisian art galleries and boutique hotels but for Claire Shorten, Paris is an experience. Compromising her itinerary to placate Liam, Claire is astonished when her partner declares they should see other people. Claire is devastated and upon returning to the Hotel Trocadero will determine whether to return to London and the apartment she shares with Liam or Melbourne. Stricken and collapsing in the hotel foyer, the hotel personnel places Claire in a new suite at the Trocadero where the twenty five tear old Australian continues to despair. The once grand Hotel Trocadero is a commotion of anxiety and elation as they've been chosen to partake in Renovation or Detonation. Impressing the merciless Louis Delarue is paramount to the Hotel Trocadero's application and with a background in event organising, Claire will guide and motivate hotel personnel as compensation for her accommodation.
Louis Delarue is infuriating and arrogant as he is handsome, wielding wealth and influence as his weapon. Confident, capable and determined, Claire will not become a casualty to anguish, she is tenacious and will reclaim Paris and she most definitely will not succumb to the charm and sex appeal of Louis Delarue.
Single. In Paris. Hello Pierre.
Rather than embrace the singleton lifestyle, Claire finds herself fantasising about Louis, sexy, domineering and sexy. Yes, I mentioned sexy twice. Rather than the typical male protagonist, Louis is mature, greying temples and although described as lean, Louis is an intellect. Passionate and ambitious. Claire offered very little resistance against Louis and his charismatic innuendo and I felt slightly disappointed by the relationship between Claire and Louis as it felt purely sexual.
Sexual tension y'all.
Paris Lights is mischievous, enticing and one young woman who is determined to embrace life. A brisk, pleasant read for an afternoon on the couch.
Claire is a passive, passionate girl who departed her home town of Melbourne for London to ensure her partner Liam achieved his aspirations. As their relationship evolved, Claire relinquished her sense of identity and Liam isn't manipulative or abusive, despite the circumstances surrounding their relationship seperation. On their final day sightseeing, Liam returns to London as a bachelor while Claire remains in Paris, grieving from the loss of her disproportional relationship.My Thoughts
Single. In Paris. Hello Pierre.
Sexual tension y'all.
Paris Lights is mischievous, enticing and one young woman who is determined to embrace life. A brisk, pleasant read for an afternoon on the couch.
Guest review by Blessie from Mischievous Reads
Dive Bar Series Book Two
Written by Kylie Scott
Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Published April 11th 2017
Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia
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★★★★☆
When his younger brother loses interest in online dating, hot, bearded, bartender extraordinaire, Joe Collins, only intends to log into his account and shut it down. Until he reads about her.
Alex Parks is funny, friendly, and pretty much everything he's been looking for in a woman. And in no time at all they're emailing up a storm, telling each other their deepest darkest secrets... Apart from the one that really matters.
When it comes to love, serving it straight up works better than with a twist.
The Stage Dive boys will forever have a special place in my heart, but it’s definitely time for them to step aside because Kylie Scott has moved from sexy and jaw dropping rockstars to hot and gritty bartenders of the Dive Bar in Coeur D'Alene.
Upon arriving in Coeur D'Alene unannounced, Seattle girl Alex Parks is in for the surprise of her life once she finds out her long time online pen pal isn’t the person who she expected him to be. He isn’t Eric Collins, the guy with the charming smile from the dating website, but rather, his older brother, Joe Collins, bartender for the Dive Bar and the total opposite of his little brother. Once Alex finds out, she’s furious with her attraction towards 'Eric' flushed down the drain. But while Joe tries to convince Alex that he meant no harm and only wanted a friend, things start to get really complicated after new feelings begin to ignite between the duo.
Twist, by far, is my favourite of the Dive Bar series. Joe and Alex have nearly managed to knock out Jimmy and Lena (Lead) from the top spot by a slight margin (these two will always have a special space in my heart). Alex’s character is refreshing. She’s sarcastic and snarky but does showcase a vulnerable side when she's often anxious about taking a step forward to a different direction in life. On the other hand, Joe is such a complicated character, but it wasn't hard to relate to him. He's the kind of guy who feels responsible for everything around him. While he's got the makings of an alpha male, he's a total giver and would drop everything in a heartbeat for family and friends. I can't stress how much I adored Joe's character. He's a sweetheart and a gentleman - the total package!
The romance between Joe and Alex was unique on my part, with Alex being a commitment-phobe when it comes to relationships. I love that it doesn't go with the 'romance norm' where it's usually the guys that sport that kind of attitude when it comes to relationships. I enjoyed how Alex and Joe's relationship developed through the course of the novel. Friends to lovers romances are my guilty pleasure.
Can we also applaud Kylie Scott for adding a trans character? YES! Alex's best friend, Valerie, formerly Vincent, would have to be my most favourite character in Twist. She's a total hoot and also plays a major role in Alex's life! Also, the novel wouldn't be complete without KS' dropping short side stories of other characters in the Dive Bar gang. Spoiler, the Stage Dive boys do make an appearance!
Kylie Scott’s writing has grown tremendously over the years, with every book she’s ever released and I’ve made it a point never to miss a single one. She never disappoints. All in All, Twist is an incredibly addicting read, with the perfect balance of humour, romance, and raw angst that will keep you captivated with every turn of a page. If you haven't tried anything by this author and you're into romance reads, I'd hate to say this but you're definitely missing out--and we all know that's not a good thing.
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Contain spoilers. Please see my review for book one here.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Two
Written by Sarah J. Maas
New Adult, Retelling, Fantasy, Romance
Published May 3rd 2016
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children's Books
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★★★★
Feyre is immortal.
After rescuing her lover Tamlin from a wicked Faerie Queen, she returns to the Spring Court possessing the powers of the High Fae. But Feyre cannot forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people - nor the bargain she made with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court.
As Feyre is drawn ever deeper into Rhysand's dark web of politics and passion, war is looming and an evil far greater than any queen threatens to destroy everything Feyre has fought for. She must confront her past, embrace her gifts and decide her fate.
She must surrender her heart to heal a world torn in two.
It's been three months since Feyre had been Under The Mountain, in which her human life was taken and is now immortal, a being she once previously so desperately despised. Living within the Spring Court, Feyre wants for nothing, her every need catered for by her lady in waiting while she wanders the sprawling mansion alone. Tamlin continues to come and go, the curse lifted from his court but conflict still stirs among the nobility of the immortal world.
On what should have been one of the most important days of her life, Feyre is now faced with Rhysand and his promise upon saving her. Being trapped within the Spring Court and Tamlin's refusal to assist honing her new abilities under the guise of wanting Feyre to remain safe and Feyre is ready to escape. Imprisoned by the man who claims to love her, Feyre discovers freedom within The Night Court, a world she never knew existed. During the war, Rhysand ensured the safety of his court which now thrives on art, creativity and stardust. But it seems that Feyre's freedom will again come at a high expense, betrayed once again by those she trusts.
It definitely felt as though their roles have been reversed. In A Court of Thorns and Roses, Rhysand felt as though he was the darker, if not the more potentially sinister character. Readers knew very little about Rhysand, so we were left to draw our own conclusions. He showed Feyre compassion which lead to her finding that empowerment that she needed to escape the Spring Court but Tamlin's character shouldn't have been sacrificed to further Feyre's character and her relationships. Seeing how her relationship with Tamlin wasn't based on equality and had fallen in love with who was essentially her captor, it was probably inevitable. It was a destructive relationship that seemed convenient, rather than Feyre and Tamlin being in love. I do wish she had fought back against Tamlin rather than allow him to dominate her. I can understand that she was weakened by the binds placed upon her, but as a reader those first few chapters infuriated me. Until Rhysand came along.
Oh. My. Word. I was intrigued by his character in book one, not much was known about Rhysand and he alluded a mystery that seemed sinister but when it comes to Sarah J Maas, characters aren't typically what they seem. While it seemed he was a master manipulator, as his character developed I found myself understanding why he needed to rescue Feyre. Discovering The Night Court through his eyes was a magical experience and although Rhysand seems carefree and jovial, not to mention flirtatious, his character is multilayered with a depth that had endeared readers. Myself included.
Feyre was a character I had initially found fierce, before succumbing to Tamlin and losing her independence. Although it took another male to rescue her initially, her new environment allowed her to grow as a character, finding her sense of self and self worth again.
What strikes me most with Sarah J Maas is that her storylines aren't unique as such, but it's how she engages her readers which brings them to life. Love triangles, instant love and angst, she's one of the few authors that can play on tropes and still be widely praised regardless. Despite the villainisation of Tamlin, I really enjoyed the storyline overall especially Rhysand's character development and how he refused to allow Feyre to be victimised. I did struggle with Feyre in the beginning, as a huntress who was headstrong and how she often seemed comfortable being taken care of as it seemed at odds with her character.
But as I turned the final page, I was utterly in love. With Feyre's empowerment, the promise of a devious revenge and of course with Rhysand. Always Rhysand.
On what should have been one of the most important days of her life, Feyre is now faced with Rhysand and his promise upon saving her. Being trapped within the Spring Court and Tamlin's refusal to assist honing her new abilities under the guise of wanting Feyre to remain safe and Feyre is ready to escape. Imprisoned by the man who claims to love her, Feyre discovers freedom within The Night Court, a world she never knew existed. During the war, Rhysand ensured the safety of his court which now thrives on art, creativity and stardust. But it seems that Feyre's freedom will again come at a high expense, betrayed once again by those she trusts.
A Court of Mist and Fury has been one of my most anticipated reads this year, picking up three months after Under The Mountain, Feyre is now immortal and learning to live a quiet life alongside Tamlin in the Spring Court. In A Court of Thorns and Roses, although the romance could have been described as Stockholm Syndrome with Tamlin having taken Feyre captive, I was disappointed in not only Tamlin's character but how Feyre was in his company was well. There was no romance between the two. Feyre had kept justifying that she loved him, but he would basically leave for days at a time while keeping her castle bound, come home, maul her and take off again. I wasn't a fan of the sex scenes between them, they felt awkward and uncomfortable but they seemed to be written to ensue the reader felt discomfort and as a result, question Tamlin's character. He's portrayed as aggressive and secretive, disguised as keeping her safe and a meek girl that was waiting for rescue. Waiting for Rhysand.My Thoughts
It definitely felt as though their roles have been reversed. In A Court of Thorns and Roses, Rhysand felt as though he was the darker, if not the more potentially sinister character. Readers knew very little about Rhysand, so we were left to draw our own conclusions. He showed Feyre compassion which lead to her finding that empowerment that she needed to escape the Spring Court but Tamlin's character shouldn't have been sacrificed to further Feyre's character and her relationships. Seeing how her relationship with Tamlin wasn't based on equality and had fallen in love with who was essentially her captor, it was probably inevitable. It was a destructive relationship that seemed convenient, rather than Feyre and Tamlin being in love. I do wish she had fought back against Tamlin rather than allow him to dominate her. I can understand that she was weakened by the binds placed upon her, but as a reader those first few chapters infuriated me. Until Rhysand came along.
Feyre was a character I had initially found fierce, before succumbing to Tamlin and losing her independence. Although it took another male to rescue her initially, her new environment allowed her to grow as a character, finding her sense of self and self worth again.
The world building once again was wonderfully written and complements the series, rather than overwhelm the non fantasy reader. She's taken those elements from her popular Throne of Glass series and infused them into a passionate and sexy series that caters to the older or more mature young adult reader.I was not a pet, not a doll, not an animal.
I was a survivor, and I was strong.
I would not be weak, or helpless again.
I would not, could not be broken. Tamed.
The Final Verdict
But as I turned the final page, I was utterly in love. With Feyre's empowerment, the promise of a devious revenge and of course with Rhysand. Always Rhysand.
The Royals: Book One
Written by Erin Watt
Mature Young Adult, Romance, New Adult
Published April 4th 2016 by Everafter Platinum
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★★★★
From strip clubs and truck stops to southern coast mansions and prep schools, one girl tries to stay true to herself.Ella has lived a hard life. Ever since she was born she's been on the move alongside her mother who does her best to make the next buck. However, when Ella's mother dies from cancer she's all on her own. Doing her damndest to stay out of the foster system Ella forges her mother's signature in order to attend high school. To stay afloat Ella follows in her mothers footstep and takes up stripping in order to pay for rent and food. Until one day a mysterious man comes to find her, claiming to be her fathers best friend and her new guardian. Ella decides that it's in her best interest to go along with Callum.These Royals will ruin you…
Ella Harper is a survivor—a pragmatic optimist. She’s spent her whole life moving from town to town with her flighty mother, struggling to make ends meet and believing that someday she’ll climb out of the gutter. After her mother’s death, Ella is truly alone.
Until Callum Royal appears, plucking Ella out of poverty and tossing her into his posh mansion among his five sons who all hate her. Each Royal boy is more magnetic than the last, but none as captivating as Reed Royal, the boy who is determined to send her back to the slums she came from.
Reed doesn’t want her. He says she doesn’t belong with the Royals.
He might be right.
Wealth. Excess. Deception. It’s like nothing Ella has ever experienced, and if she’s going to survive her time in the Royal palace, she’ll need to learn to issue her own Royal decrees.
It's in her new home where Ella finds that Callum has five brutish sons. The Royal sons all have one thing in common: Hating Ella and doing their best to force her out of the family. The boys are cruel and have a hold over the students at their posh, rich kid school - they have no qualms about turning everyone against Ella and transforming her life into a living hell. Ella is determinded to do her two years and go to college - something she can only afford with the Royal's money. She does her best to convince herself she can do it, but a girl can only take so much.
Paper Princess was honestly like a pleasant little book holiday for me. Something new, and something exciting. I've never really been one to take a gander down the New Adult hallway. Paper Princess is marketed as Young Adult, but I think it's safe to say that it's for the older teens due to some of its sexy time content. There's nothing extreme, just the right amount to make a person blush. This book has to be one of the most addictive I've read in awhile. I put it down at 3 AM and was thinking about it until I fell asleep. It's one of those stories that's constantly on your mind when you're not reading.Kynndra's Thoughts
While this isn't a life-changer novel with some profound story, it was good fun. I wasn't sure if it was something I would enjoy but once I started I could not stop. I loved the voice of our main character, Ella Harper who is a junior in high school. Everything about her was so easy to relate to. Her voice was realistic and had an actual personality. Plus the girl knows how to hold her own - she's a survivor and won't take shit from anyone - even if she's intimidated by them. I have a girl crush on her tbh, she's just that amazing. Weakness just isn't in Ella's vocabulary.
“You should know whatever game you're playing, you can't win. Not against all of us. If you leave now, you won't be hurt. If you stay, we'll break you so bad that you'll be crawling away."
The attraction between Ella and Reed was so hot. There were sparks flying mixed in with all the angst and hate. It was both frustrating and phenomenal. There's one hell of a cliffhanger with these two.
The five Royal brothers were also amazing. Let me rephrase that. The brothers are actually assholes, douchebags - especially in the beginning. If you're looking for a gentleman who treats a girl like she's a delicate flower you're not going to find that here. I was actually disgusted by the brothers at first, they were absolutely horrendous to Ella but that's part of the plot, don't give up on them with the first few impressions. While Reed is the MC brother of the book, I fell in love with Easton. Each one of them has something that grows on you. The aspect of family is huge. If you mess with one of them, you mess with all of them. Their bond is so magnetic.
Erin Watt (a pseudonym for the duo of Elle Kennedy/Jen Frederick) was magnificent at crafting the plot. I was never bored, not even an inch. I was always engaged and ready for the next chapter. The writing was great, like a drug to my reader soul. I could never get enough and am going to go through some nasty withdrawals before the second comes out in July!
Paper Princess does have some mature themes, but it's not the main focus. I can forsee this being one of my favorite series for sure. It has all the right elements: kickass girl, brooding boys, angsty plot and amazing writing. Join me in the trash can and read this book guys. I had my doubts but holy fuck was this a great read. It has actually forced me to pick up another book from one of the two authors because I'm not ready to get off this train. I'd sell my soul to the devil to know what happens next.In Conclusion
Just give me book two please, it's all I want.
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Summer Skin
Written by Kirsty Eagar
Contemporary, Awesomeness
Published February 2016
352 Pages
Thank you to Allen & Unwin
★★★★★
Jess Gordon is out for revenge. Last year the jocks from Knights College tried to shame her best friend. This year she and a hand picked college girl gang are going to get even.The lesson: don't mess with Unity girls.The target. Blondie, a typical Knights stud, arrogant, cold... And smart enough to keep up with Jess.A neoriot girl with a penchant for fanning the flames meets a rugby playing pig, sworn enemies or two people who happen to find each other when they're at their most vulnerable?It's all Girl meets Boy, Girl steals from Boy, seduces Boy, ties Boy to a chair and burns Boy's stuff. Just your typical love story.
Oh Kirsty Eagar, how I love thee.
As a reader, don't you tire of the same protagonists? The sleek, blonde and usually perfect young women who seem to have it all on a platter? Yeah, me too kids. Me too. You clearly haven't met Jess. Jess Gordon is a strong, no nonsense girl that could be the voice of the young feminism movement. Jess attends a not so prestigious collage with campus boarding, where females band together against the onslaught against the Knights, an all male boarding house who teach sexism as an extra curricular activity. Jess's story begins with her mission into the Knights lair, looking for a prize in their new annual ritual to repay their previous deeds only a year prior. Blondie doesn't look like a typical Knight but he sure shares their arrogance and catches Jess in her tangled lie of guernsey thievery and playing a doting yet imaginary girlfriend.
Now suddenly Mitch is everywhere and that makes him easy prey.
Mitch is very much the alpha male type character. He's undeniably sexy but does nothing to dispel the sexist label that is placed upon what he represents, even if Mitch isn't part of the typical Knight culture and Jess is the last girl he should be playing games with. The sexual tension between the two was delicious, the banter and sarcasm was hilarious. But under the surface, both Jess and Mitch have their issues. As lovely as Jess is, she's also incredibly cynical about others intentions, especially a Knight and they aren't exactly boyfriend material. She's also just escaped from a toxic relationship, in which she was not only oppressed but the relationship portrayed as being emotionally abusive. Mitch on the other hand is haunted by a ghost from his past. Physically, he's well aware of how attractive he is but emotionally he won't allow anyone to break past the barrier he uses to ensure women don't become attached. Jess included. Jess isn't the shy and subdued lamb you typically find in new adult novels, she's feisty and not afraid to call others out on their bullshit. Including Mitch.
Jess and Mitch's chemistry sizzles. She's feministic, he's sexist and although they tend to clash, there's an incredibly tentative and gentle romance forming between the two. Slowly, Mitch's attitude towards not only his own demons, but also women, begins to change. Jess doesn't want to make him a better version of himself but through compassion and being such a pivotal person in his life, he wants to change. For her but more importantly, for himself.
The sex is wonderful, Kristy Eagar you saucy minx. It's so well written, sexy without being the focal point of the storyline which is what seems to occur with similar books within the genre. It's mature, sensual and incredibly sex positive. Jess isn't ashamed to give into her urges, nor should she be and I loved that characters were able to talk openly about sex without being shamed. It was incredibly empowering and a refreshing change.
One of the funniest scenes is between Jess and her strong female group of friends at a local building site. Where women are often on the end of cat calls and crass comments, it was brilliant seeing the girls taking control of the situation and be the ones objectifying male workers for once. It was written in such a positive light, with both parties engaging in heavy innuendo banter.
Summer Skin is a book to empower young women. The snark, the strong female characters, the compassion and tenderness. The message of being your own person and fighting against the stereotypes of both sexes, all wrapped up in a realistic, relatable and hilarious storyline.
Now suddenly Mitch is everywhere and that makes him easy prey.
Mitch is very much the alpha male type character. He's undeniably sexy but does nothing to dispel the sexist label that is placed upon what he represents, even if Mitch isn't part of the typical Knight culture and Jess is the last girl he should be playing games with. The sexual tension between the two was delicious, the banter and sarcasm was hilarious. But under the surface, both Jess and Mitch have their issues. As lovely as Jess is, she's also incredibly cynical about others intentions, especially a Knight and they aren't exactly boyfriend material. She's also just escaped from a toxic relationship, in which she was not only oppressed but the relationship portrayed as being emotionally abusive. Mitch on the other hand is haunted by a ghost from his past. Physically, he's well aware of how attractive he is but emotionally he won't allow anyone to break past the barrier he uses to ensure women don't become attached. Jess included. Jess isn't the shy and subdued lamb you typically find in new adult novels, she's feisty and not afraid to call others out on their bullshit. Including Mitch.
'You're probably also threatened by the fact that the guys here can cope with women in contexts other than porn. Not like a bunch of little lords who hate women because they secretly prefer getting hot and sweaty with each other under the guise of chasing a leather ball around a field.'
She's awesomely fierce and refuses to sugar coat her words.
The sex is wonderful, Kristy Eagar you saucy minx. It's so well written, sexy without being the focal point of the storyline which is what seems to occur with similar books within the genre. It's mature, sensual and incredibly sex positive. Jess isn't ashamed to give into her urges, nor should she be and I loved that characters were able to talk openly about sex without being shamed. It was incredibly empowering and a refreshing change.
Other aspects that Summer Skin also explores is the need for young women to feel validated, quite often by social media. Allie is a beautiful and kind hearted girl who only feels validated by photos she posts of herself on Instagram which creates such fluctuations in her emotional state, often effecting her friendships."I want you to revise your attitude. Women, amazingly enough, are allowed to like it. If that's news to you, then you're not doing it right."
One of the funniest scenes is between Jess and her strong female group of friends at a local building site. Where women are often on the end of cat calls and crass comments, it was brilliant seeing the girls taking control of the situation and be the ones objectifying male workers for once. It was written in such a positive light, with both parties engaging in heavy innuendo banter.
It's all about the innuendo.'I've got a big hard thing!' yelled a guy who'd been marking out a sizable plank of wood. 'See from here,' Jess shouted, 'it looks just like you're holding a stubby little pencil!'
Summer Skin is a book to empower young women. The snark, the strong female characters, the compassion and tenderness. The message of being your own person and fighting against the stereotypes of both sexes, all wrapped up in a realistic, relatable and hilarious storyline.
Buy it. Idolise it. Refer to it as the thinking young womans bible. You need this book in your life. Kirsty Eagar, you complete me.Kelly's final verdict
I don't know why you're still reading, you should be opening a new tab and buying the shit out of this book.
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