It Ends with Us Review

Author:Collen Hoover

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Rating: 5+stars

Dear Colleen Hoover, 

I feel like writing my review in this manner would speak to you, to the readers who have had the pleasure of reading this gem, and also to everything the story is about. First of I would like to say thank you. It was so hard to read those pages and I am so sure it was 100% worse having to write it. I have read several of your novels and I have loved you for so long. You never fell short of entertaining me. However, reading It Ends with Us might as well have been reading a completely different author. You didn't try to make thisentertaining, no, you were trying to tell a story that isn't often heard. 

"I feel like everyone fakes who they really are, when deep down we’re all equal amounts of screwed up. Some of us are just better at hiding it than others.” 

I can't say I have ever gone through that in my life. I am still pretty young and naïve. Anyways, I have definitely heard about these situations. And I don't want to be a liar but I have definitely judged, as an outsider, in that situation. In It Ends with Us , I wasn't allowed to be objective, I wasn't allowed to sit on the side lines. With everything that happened with the plot, I swear I felt all the naked emotions. So when I was a mess of tears at some points in this novel (UHM, BASICALLY ALL OF IT), I realised unless I have truly lived through an event for myself, I had no reason or place to judge. 

I am confident that the next sentence I am about to write has never been written or spoken aloud before. When he was wiping that cow shit on me, it was quite possibly the most turned-on I have ever been. 

I connected so much with Lily Bloom . I wanted to be her. I didn't want to be her. I wanted to support/cheer her on. I wanted to berate her. Thats when I realised I cared so much for these people in It Ends with Us . I didn't (and still don't) see them as characters. I see them as real living people. People who have all struggled, who are still struggle and who will continue to. They go through their ups and downs and... just live you know? I think a lot of people need to do that. I found aspects in each "character" that I could relate to a friend, family member or acquaintance. It was quite eye opening and made me connect so much more with the novel.

"You warned me. You said one time with you wouldn’t be enough. You said you were like a drug. But you failed to tell me you were the most addictive kind.” 

So not only was the characterisation superb, the plot was meticulously woven. Everything had a purpose and also everything had a time. So I honestly don't have any flaws to speak about. Even if there was, I. did. stop. me. from. loving. everything. about. this. Also now that I have read It Ends with Us , the Note from the Author is even more resonating. I suggest you all read that AFTER read this. It was beautifully written and beautifully honest, much like the novel. Maybe I should have waited a day or even a night before writing this review, but in honour of the honesty that is this novel, I wanted my feelings, emotions, reactions to be naked and raw.

Because I’ve been feeling like drowning lately, and sometimes people need a reminder that they just need to keep swimming. 

If I could sum it up in a phrase it would be this, "It Ends with Us f***ed me." (This is as poetic as it gets.)

But no matter how different the substance of a love might be at different ages in a person’s life, I know that love still has to weigh the same. 

So Colleen (I think we are at a first name basis after this novel) thank you writing this story.

Sincerely,

Your most devoted reader and fan girl

Diana

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

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The Hard Count Review

Author:Ginger Scott

Genre: ,Young Adult, Sports, Romance, High School

Rating: 5+stars

I love my home. I just hate what living here makes people do. 

Ginger Scott needs to stop making me cry. No, seriously. This needs to stop. I have read five of her novels and I haveBAWLED with each one of them. I don't know how she does it. It feels personal, like she is targeting just me, like she knows JUST what to write to make eyes water. 
“There’s this great thing that happens, though, when you don’t have everything. You find something deeper." 

There aren't enough words to convey how BEAUTIFUL The Hard Count is. Ginger Scott creates a story that is so thought provoking, so enlightening and so subtle in its beauty. 
My family’s success gives me pleasure—even when it’s killing us. 
The Hard Count follows the story of Reagan Prescott, the daughter of the football couch and the sister of the leading quarterback, Noah. Reagan Prescott has a love for film and her submission video for college focuses on the infamous football team and most importantly the sacrifices and pain that come from holding that Prestige. Her film showcases what football and an elite (cough cough shady) school does to her family, to her relationships. There is this idea of perfection; Being the perfect daughter, the perfect sister, the perfect family. I honestly think the word "perfect" should be erased from the english dictionary, it would save us the trouble. 

And I will be what you need because I know what it’s like to need…to need someone. To need to believe again. I believe… 

While Reagan delves deeper into her documentary, she realises Nico Medina is the heart of her story. After a tragic game, that leaves Noah with a fractured leg, Nico Medina has to step into the big shoes left by the injured quarterback. The football team is all about Honor, Respect and Brotherhood. Despite this, most of the team does not accept Nico's place on the team. There is the school board, the boosters, the coaching team, the school politics who are all against him. But football has never been about anyone else but himself, he plays because HE loves it. 

I want my camera. I want the safety of living this part through the lens. I don’t want to be part of the story, but I am. 

Through this journey, Nico and Reagan change from being class enemies to each other's confidants. They build a foundation made of respect, empathy for one other and love. Reagan watches through her lens as different elements and people try to break Nico. But they don't know him. Reagan begins to see who he really is. He is one of the smartest individuals she has ever met, he is also the kindest. He has so much love for his family, his home. He is loyal, he is strong, he is so so so STRONG (I am trying really hard not to cry). There are so many curveballs thrown. I honestly don't know how someone can continue to stand up after being shoved down several times.

This—this is hard. The quiet. It’s too honest. 

The Hard Count focuses on perspectives and lenses. The way different people see the world. How sometimes we only see our mistakes when we critically look at ourselves. How people we love see all our redeeming qualities. It is all about your outlook on life. It is about switching out lenses to have the one that magnifies the world YOU believe in. 

Nico is the twist in the tale. He’s the element of good. He’s what humanity should be—the lesson to be learned. He is hope. 

The Hard Count made me feel thinks I didn't think I could. I was taken back by the force of emotions. Ginger Scott definitely did what she set out to do. She made me feel. 

“We failed to learn from the stories that warned us that if we create environments that perpetuate poverty, that force the people in them to beg and steal, then we’re equally to blame for many of their outcomes.”

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This Savage Song Review

Author: Victoria Schwab

Genre: Fantasy,Young Adult, Paranormal

Rating: 4.5 stars

“Plenty of humans are monstrous, and plenty of monsters know how to play at being human.” 

This Savage Song is a lyrically and hauntingly beautiful story about humans who act monstrously and monsters who crave humanity. The novel had light, darkness and shadows. The novel had two sides; good and evil. But.... strangely one does not know which side is which. This is not your ordinary good versus evil it is....

good versus evil,
good versus good,
evil versus evil. 

“Every weakness exposes flesh,” he’d said, “and flesh invites a knife.” 

This Savage Song begins with the introduction of Kate Harker. Kate has been to 6 boarding schools in 5 years. She is tired of being away from home, away from her father. With drastic measures, she finally gets the attention of her father and moves home. Home is North City of Verity where her father is the ultimate ruler. A war 6 years ago divided the city into two sides the North and the South. The South is under the protection of Henry Flynn. These cities might as well be different countries. In the South, the buildings look like skeletons, a reminder of the damage of war. While in the North, the streets are clean and the people are protected. 

“People are users. It’s a universal truth. Use them, or they’ll use you.” 

August Flynn is the son of Henry Flynn. Hmm... son is not the right word for it. How can you be a son if you were never born? This is what August Flynn struggles with; he is a being but not a being at the same time. He is a monster in human skin hidden from the world. He loves music and loves to play music especially the violin. However, as the story advances, it is clear that playing music comes with its consequences. 

There was light. There was darkness. There was music. There was peace. 

August and Kate's destinies were never supposed to cross. (UN)Fortunately, they are both sent to Colton Academy, a private school in the suburbs. Within Colton, both worlds clash together. August and Kate find companionship, friendship and a shaky alliance with each other. Despite coming from different worlds, they both share a lot of similarities; the need to rise to their responsibilities, the itch of not quite fitting in, and an emptiness. 

In a school that clung to the illusion of safety, he didn’t shy from talk of violence. 

Victoria wins the award for one the best settings of a story. Once you read this gem you will understand. Her world-building is a magical skill, woven elegantly. There isn't too much of an info-dump but you aren't left blind either. The characters in This Savage Song oddly remind me of The Grisha Series. There was a depth to them that is has to replicate. They were smoke, constantly shaping and reshaping. I can't wait to see the growth of both August and Kate. They began as teenagers in high school but soon turned into characters who had seen too much, done too much and didn't really know their place in the world. 

Living hurts. 

I wait anxiously to read the fate of Verity and the individuals living in it. 

"You’re a monster.” “It’s a monster’s world."

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And I Darken Review

Author: Kiersten White

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Historical 

Rating: 5 stars

If there is one thing I trust, it's my gut. And my gut knew one page in, thatAnd I Darken would become my favourite novel of the year. 

"The price of living seems to always be death.And that is why you become a dealer of death. You feed death as many people as you can to keep it full and content so its eye stays off you.” 

I feel as though 5 stars is an under-statement to the EPICNESS that is this novel. It was pure gold. It was beautiful, complex and encompassing. Most importantly, It was very smart. 

“We are that tree,” he said, then rode ahead. Lada pulled on the reins to make her horse, a docile and dull-brown creature, pause. She studied the tree squeezing life out of stone. It was twisted and small but green, growing sideways in defiance of gravity. It lived where nothing had any business thriving. 

And I Darken is a story about Lada, the daughter of Vladimir Dracul, The Dragon, and the Emporer of Walachia. (This is not a paranormal novel, there are no vampires and Vladimir is not portrayed as such). Lada and her little brother Radu are kept as "prisoners" by the Ottoman Empire to ensure cooperation from Vladimir. At the capital, they both take companionship with the Sultan's third and outcasted son, Mehmed. And I Darken is a story of Lada and Radu's journey in this foreign land. There is a lot to be learnt, a lot of mistakes to be made and a lot of loyalty to gain and maintain. There is a lot of court politics, espionage, alliances, back handed dealings, power and sacrifice. 

A dragon burned everything around herself until it was purified in ash. 

If I would take anything from And I Darken is the power of Sacrifice. 

When they prayed together, Radu felt it more deeply than when he prayed alone, as though Mehmed’s very soul was stronger than everyone’s around him. 

I kept my review short because everyone should experience this novel with a naked un-adulterated eye. Make what you will from it. Some people love it and some people hate it. No one can deny the lasting impression.....

....... And I Darken forces you to listen. 

"It would mean I was set aside and forgotten, and I would rather die than be forgotten.”
"I am no longer the daughter of the dragon.” She lifted her chin, sights set on the horizon. “I am the dragon.”

                                             Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

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The Bad Ones Review

Author: Stylo Fantome

Genre: Contemporary, Dark Romance, Thriller

Rating: 5 stars

This is a beautiful bloody masterpiece. 

The Bad Ones is not a novel for the weak hearted, or the strong hearted or basically anyone with a heart. There were moments where I couldn't physically finish this novel. But I did. And I am weirdly happy I did. In some ways, It was almost too easy to read... And that is what scared me. Usually, when beginning a novel, my mind is distracted and trails a bit. However, From the opening words "Ms. Travers", I found my new favourite novel of 2016. 

What a beautiful darkness we are. 

The Bad Ones is a story about Constantine Matthews and Dulcie Travers who find each other in the last years of high school. They both live in the small town of Fuller, but live opposite lives. Constantine is the mayors' son, the all star quarterback and most popular guy at school. On the other spectrum, Dulcie is a shy, withdrawn girl from the trailer park. She spends days drawing in her sketchbook and ignoring the short stick she drew in life. As simple as it sounds, both characters see the darkness within each other. This beautiful darkness is what threads their lives together. 

She wanted his darkness to swallow her whole. She wanted to be a part of it. She wanted to give her own darkness back to him. 

I was expecting dark N.A. or dark romance, but The Bad Ones is just DARK. It is a novel about the different shades of black. It is about finding your true, primal, raw self. I felt like I was walking through someones darkest thoughts. And even though there were moments where I was shocked, the story enthralled me. It captured my attention. I honestly don't know why I love dark novels so much, maybe its the fact that I believe its the closest thing we will get to the truth or reality. 

“All I've ever wanted was to be myself, all the time,” her voice was shaky. “And for you to love me.” 

The plot is out of this world. It felt like there were ten different mini stories occurring under the main one. From the cover photo, I can reveal that The Bad Ones is actually bloody, don't be fooled or naive going into this. (Small note about the cover art : in one picture, it captures what the story is about. Constantine. Dulcie. Blood.) I loved how the plot felt dynamic and flowing rather than static. The time line is spread out, which allows for character development and building up the tension all leading to the final BOOM. 

She wanted to go, wanted to corner him somewhere, wanted to kick and scratch and bite until he recognized her for what she really was – his reflection. 

Speaking of character development. For the first time in a long time, I was more interested in the heroine than the hero. Don't get me wrong Constantine is bad bad bad. He is a dark cloud that surrounds the town. He is more of an anti-hero. He has soo many faces; I don't I even think got to know the real him. It was disconcerting to have gone through the whole novel and still feel so blinded by a character...

I orchestrated it. Con is just the star of the show – I'm the producer.

...But he has nothing on Dulcie; she is such a kick ass raw character. Dulcie is a raw beating soul out in the open. She knew who she is, what she is meant to be in her world and is unashamedly herself. Her strength and intelligence inspired me. There were moments where I was actually rooting for her, which is fucked up when you think about the context ( but you actually have to read the novel to understand that). 

“Of course you aren't scared of me. I'm not the wolf. You are.” 

Stylo Fantome delivered a phenomenon piece of writing. I have never doubted her talents. Since reading The Kane Trilogy, I knew I would love anything she published. The Bad Ones attests to this. 

“Do not paint me out to be the monster in this story. Your claws are just as bloody as mine.”

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

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Wolf by Wolf Review

Author: Ryan Graudin

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy

Rating: 5 stars

Wolf By Wolf by Ryan Graudin is one of the greatest examples of a "what if?" story told well. That is an understatement. It is the best YA alternate reality novel I have read so far. This not because it was overly complex, it is actually the opposite. I fell in love with the simplicity of the world. It also scared me. How easy this world could have been ours. Graudin makes us remember and most importantly, acknowledge our own past history. 

She was going to cross the world and change it. Or die trying. 

In this alternate universe, Germany wins World War Two, the science experiments done on patients have actually succeed, and lebensraum is occurring in full force. A whole world is being oppressed with no one brave enough to try and change it. Yael sets out to change the world, not intentionally at first. Her destiny seems to be already written, her story sung through the howls of her wolves. She is not your typical heroine, who naturally has macho strength and an unwavering confidence in her goal. She is human, she has to work for everything, literally sweating blood and tears. She isn't infallible and her vulnerability adds so many layers to her personality. She is one of the strongest heroines.

The death camp’s song rose from every corner of the night. Not wolves. Just people. Crying and crying and crying. She howled with them. 

Yael's story begins at the concentration camps, where her and her mother are sent when she is young. From the offset, a doctor at the camp sees something unique in her, something Yael can't even see yet. He picks her out of the line immediately and she becomes his experiment. Every few days, drugs are pumped into Yael, changing her from the inside. Yael begins to experience the side effects of these drugs. She slowly loses her innocence and her identity within the concentration camp. It is hard to remember who you are when you existence is compounded down into numbers on your arm. 

She’d already lost her face. She could not let the rest of herself (however dark, however broken) slip away. So she traced and she named. She hurt and she raged. She remembered. 

However, Yael gets the opportunity to escape the camp and she takes it. She joins a rebel force that is planning on bringing an end to the Third Reich. Yael is essentially a lone wolf in the world. Being part of a cause lets her feel needed, wanted and most importantly seen. The only way the Third Reich can end is if Hitler himself dies. Now finding an opportunity to execute (pun intended) the plan presents itself in the Axis Tour, a motorcycle competition around the globe. 

"They need to know they’re not alone.” Not alone. It was a cruel irony that this was the message she had been chosen to deliver. She, the loneliest of all. The girl without a people. Without a face. The girl who was no one. Who could be everyone. 

Yael impersonates last year's victor Adele Wolfe and joins the game. The winner gets one dance with Hitler at the ball, which is the opportunity the resistance needs. She soon realises that this competition is the last of her problems. With Adele's love interest and brother watching her every move, her walls begin to crack. She has to win this competition, keep her secret from Luka and Felix, and ultimately save the world. 

"But there are two truths I’m sure of.”

“What?”

“I care for you.” 

It was the most sincere, unflinching thing Yael had ever heard him say. 

I honestly loved everything about this story down to its core. The themes of finding one's identity, sacrifice for the greater good, and love are poetically and beautifully presented inWolf By Wolf . There isn't much action or plot but a lot of introspection. It is psychologically and emotionally captivating. The side characters were all so unique and enigmatic. I honestly think they can all get their own story. This novel wouldn't have been the same without Felix's unwavering love for Adele and his family, Luka's charismatic personality, which constantly tested and confused Yael, and finally Yael's five wolves. 

“I decided I couldn’t be afraid of my own life. My own reflection. So every morning I make myself look in a mirror for five minutes. Face it all.” 

Wolf By Wolf is an extraordinary story. Ryan Graudin should be so proud. 

There was still beauty in this world. And it was worth fighting for.

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

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Holding You Review

Author: Jewel E. Ann

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: 4.5 stars

Holding You by Jewel E. Ann, is just like all her other stories, EPIC. I honestly wonder how Jewel does it, because every single story I have read so far is so unique and engaging. She has definitely become one of my favourite authors in Contemporary Romance. Now if she would just release Dawn of Forever , I would be eternally grateful. 

I felt significantly insignificant, as if my presence in the world, albeit small, was still necessary. 

Holding You begins at the peak of life of Addy, a thirty year old vegan chef in Milwaukee. She has reached the point in her life where she is truly who she wants to be. She has an amazing best friend, Mac, and a great restaurant. She mediates, runs and sails.Her life has not always been perfect, but she is slowly allowing herself to live again. Addy loves being close to nature. One day, she steps out of her restaurant on to the street and allows the winds and the scenery around to carry her. In those moments, her life drastically changes. 

My soul is injured. My heart is shattered but won’t stop beating. You see the person I want to be, not who I am. I don’t fear death, I fear the pieces of my heart could be further shattered and it will still be beating. 

Quinn is a latin businessman from New York. He is visiting Milwaukee for a business venture. On his way to a meeting, he almost crashes into Addy who stands in the middle of the street embracing nature. He thinks she is crazy at first and belongs in the set of Sound of Music. This is the case where opposites attract. Quinn is money and power driven while Addy just wants to live her life. But Addy realises she misses being sexually attracted to a man. She then propositions him for sex.

“You’re like my favorite dessert,” I confessed.“I crave you constantly, borderline addiction, but I fear the consequences of overindulging.” 

This is where Addy and Quinn's story begins. It is a relationship purely based on sex at the beginning. However, the more time they spend with each other, the more comfort they gain. There is a companionship that is built. Both characters have dark pasts and are reluctant to fully commit. They are both damaged and slowly begin healing each other. It is a beautiful thing to watch. It is paradoxical that Addy and Quinn bring out the best and worst in each other. 

You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. “Te amo.” 

Jewel E. Ann wrote Holding You as close to a true relationship as possible. I could honestly believe this happens in real life. It isn't the type of HEA where everything is perfect after the characters are together. She shows the work, passion, drive and strength that goes into maintaining a relationship. She also highlights all the flaws and pain that can come from the same relationship. There was a lot of REALNESS going on. 

“Your caveman thoughts of jealously are the only distraction. They are distracting you from the naked woman trying to seduce you, so let it go, stop wasting time, and take me already.” 

Each character stole my heart! Mac, Addy's best friend, is a firecracker and adds humour to the story. She is as crazy as Addy and so intelligent and supportive of her friend and her family. Addy personality really made Holding You . She embodies all the strong characteristics a heroine should have. She is strong, self-assured and unique while still being vulnerable and personable. Quinn is literally sex on a stick. Despite his physical features, I fell in love with his emotional and contemplative side. He genuinely cared for his family and his friends, making him more swoon worthy. 

His expression was indifferent and his self-assured posture said he owned the place, and worse than that, his look said he owned me. 

While reading Holding You , I had permanent butterflies in my stomach. I genuinely cared for each of the characters wellbeing. I can't wait to start the second novel (it ended in a cliffhanger). I advise you all to read this. If you are looking for a contemporary romance with a twist, Holding You should be right up your alley. 

“I would … I would give it up for you. I would choose you with nothing, than everything without you.”


Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

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