“You’re sure you want to give us a go, even though we’re risking everything?”
“Are we risking our friendship?” I ask worriedly. “That’✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“You’re sure you want to give us a go, even though we’re risking everything?”
“Are we risking our friendship?” I ask worriedly. “That’s my biggest worry. I don’t ever want to do that. I just don’t ever want to see a time when you aren’t in my life.”
“It won’t happen, ” he says steadily. “Even if this goes wrong I will always need you right where you are. At the centre of my life.”
“Well then,” I say softly. “Let’s see where this takes us.”
If there is one trope that will forever have my heart, it is friends to lovers and Risk Taker was all about that. The fact that I'm looking at my notes, and I highlighted so many passages, because all their confessions were just so naturally earnest, that despite how cheesy they may be to some, I really enjoyed them. Or well, maybe I just know what it's like to be the poster girl for unrequited love and longing crushes that I felt Henry and Ivo's love story so viscerally so. Granted, these two lovable fools took their sweet time getting there - too afraid to put their friendship at risk, but the final outcome was definitely worth the wait. ...more
“If the vulture wanted, it could fly right inside. “I’m not afraid of you,” I whispered.
It cocked its ugly red head. It knew I lied.”
W✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“If the vulture wanted, it could fly right inside. “I’m not afraid of you,” I whispered.
It cocked its ugly red head. It knew I lied.”
Written with a lot of tender heart and emotional feels, Ally Condie's middle-grade novel Summerlost is a touching and moving story about Cedar Lee, a young twelve-year old girl, who after her family suffers a devastating loss moves to Iron Creek, Utah for a fresh start- a chance to lessen the hurt that has consumed their family. During her summer, she befriends Lee Bishop, a young twelve-year-old boy, and gets caught up in participating in the Summerlost Festival - a yearly Shakespeare festival - while also helping him uncover the mysteries behind one of his favorite theater actresses, Lisette Chamberlain. And somehow, along the way, through bicycle rides and exploring secret tunnels and embracing a different side to herself, Cedar also learns how to grieve for the ones she has lost. ...more
“He sat back slightly, studying me in the dim lighting from the overhead streetlamp. Our heavy breathing was accompanied by the sweet✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“He sat back slightly, studying me in the dim lighting from the overhead streetlamp. Our heavy breathing was accompanied by the sweet soulful voice of Diana Washington singing “Since I Fell For You.”
The moment was fraught with lust and longing. It dared me to stop thinking and take a leap.
Possibly off a cliff, but God, it might just be worth it.”
Kudos to Lane Hayes for writing one of the most infuriating blind dates I have ever had the misfortune of reading as the one that I witnessed between Paul Fallon and Seth Landau in Better Than Safe. Paul wanted to strangle him - I wanted to strangle him! If I was set up on a blind date with someone as dismissive and nonchalant with purposeful belligerence who treated me that way - I would have high-tailed out of there - never ever wanting to see the likes of him ever again! ...more
“No shit?” He started laughing that contagious Wes Bennett cackle and said, “No wonder you're obsessed. There's just something about ✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“No shit?” He started laughing that contagious Wes Bennett cackle and said, “No wonder you're obsessed. There's just something about a girl who hates your guts.”
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He is just so fine, why can't he be mine??? ...more
“I could never love anything or anyone more than you,” Devan whispered. “Northumberland will always have a special place in my heart bec✰ 4 stars ✰
“I could never love anything or anyone more than you,” Devan whispered. “Northumberland will always have a special place in my heart because this is where I met you.
This is where my life changed forever.”
Let's ignore the fact that I read Jonty's Halloweena day after Halloween. ...more
“I could feel him rest his head in the crook of my neck as we both surrendered to each other for a moment. “You’re crazy,” I whispered t✰ 4 stars ✰
“I could feel him rest his head in the crook of my neck as we both surrendered to each other for a moment. “You’re crazy,” I whispered to him.
I felt him chuckle. “That’s one word for it,” he replied tiredly.
I pulled back and looked into his eyes. “What’s another?”
His eyes were watering too, as we stared directly into each other’s souls for a brief second. “Love?”
I'm glad I read Tales from Foster High, which is the compilation of John Goode's first three books in his Tales from Foster High series - Maybe With a Chance of Certainty, End of the Beginning, and Raise Your Glass. It gave me the chance to experience Kyle and Brad's story in one cohesive form, one that is unapologetically raw and real, but nonetheless, beautiful and true. It's your typical scenario - quiet, reserved nerd who ends up tutoring the school's handsome popular baseball star and end up with more than just a history lesson. A lesson of feelings and understanding and a connection that there is someone else out there - someone who you can be yourself with. And that's the start of Kyle and Brad's relationship at the very reserved Foster High - where being gay is considered the worst sin of all in Somewhere New, Texas.
“He held my hand for a second too long as he said nothing and then slowly nodded. “Okay, Kyle. Cool.”
He let go, but I could still feel the warmth of where his skin had touched mine. “So after five?”
The first part of the story is told entirely from Kyle Stilleno's point of view - I LOVED Kyle. He had spent his whole life minding his manners, staying away from the crowd, keeping to himself, knowing that he's gay and knowing that he can crush on others from afar, but never act upon it. But, that all changes when Brad Greymark, star jock, lord and savior of the local high school - a flawless-looking, well-built teenage boy who never failed to turn people’s heads, but a teenage boy nonetheless.' asks him to help with his studies. But, then as they exchange thoughts and views and bond something just clicks, and suddenly it's this unraveling of feelings and emotions and just this intensity of just having someone in your corner - someone who also knows how you feel - 'maybe it was because it was easier to focus on someone else’s pain than my own. Maybe it was because when he hurt, I felt an ache in my own chest.' ❤️...more
“This is no longer for the camera. It never was. It’s on and it’s filming, but this is all us. Oh fuck, this is just us.”
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I was ✰ 4 stars ✰
“This is no longer for the camera. It never was. It’s on and it’s filming, but this is all us. Oh fuck, this is just us.”
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I was in dire need for a quick light-hearted read and Breaking Bennet was the perfect answer. I had such a fun and relaxing time reading this - especially when you're in the mood where you don't have to take something too seriously! Because, then you're in for a real treat! Jasper and Bennet are two very popular cam-boys who have only hooked up once for the cameras, - but they're both in mutual agreement - (even if they'll never say it aloud - because let's face it - they're both hopelessly hapless fools with emotionally stunted growth of maturity levels!) - that it was an unforgettable experience - one so hot and heavy that they both want to relive it - replay it all out in all of it's glory! ❤️...more
“The secret of life. It seemed apt. A policeman and an astrophysicist went into a pub and… found each other.
What would happen next?”
I'✰ 4 stars ✰
“The secret of life. It seemed apt. A policeman and an astrophysicist went into a pub and… found each other.
What would happen next?”
I've been crushing on the megane-kun who graces Reinventing Cato for quite awhile, so I was really hopeful that Cato's story would not disappoint. And I'm really happy it didn't. I know this writer may not be for everyone, but even at someone's most chaotic self, it gives me a sense of calm. I may not go off on tangents or spout interesting unbelievable facts at random, but just being on the receiving end of that - I don't know, it just relaxes me.
So to see how Cato and Vigge first met and the circumstances in which they ended up spending more and more time together - from unexpected friends to eventually falling in love - I enjoyed it. I did. It's not that quick heated romance with hot and heavy writing with a quick frenzied night of passion.'I want this to be different. I can be different.' It's that slow build-up to a meaningful connection with someone that matters to you - that you care enough about their own protection over your own well-being that makes their relationship stand out in my heart and mind.
“So no more walking away from each other without sorting stuff out. Right? Because you know what I need more than anything? A friend I can trust. Things in my life are fucked up. I’m fucked up and I’m scared.”
Perhaps Jonty may be the staple to which Ms. Elsborg bases her characters on, but how she brings a different spin to them with their unique histories and troublesome pasts is what makes me coming back time and time again to her stories. At 33, for Cato, it's nothing to brag about or be proud of - hopping from one bed to another in the hopes of just having a good time. On New Year's Eve, He's hit with the epiphany. Cato wanted the happiness he’d seen on his brother’s face. The contentment. Cato wanted someone to care about him like Devan cared for Jonty. Not just care. Love.'...more
“I closed my eyes briefly, and allowed myself a moment to get lost in his kiss. And then I pulled away regretfully. “I love you.”
Cam res✰ 4 stars ✰
“I closed my eyes briefly, and allowed myself a moment to get lost in his kiss. And then I pulled away regretfully. “I love you.”
Cam rested his forehead against mine. “Love you too, Brady. Always. You’re my heartbeat, remember?”
My chest ached. “And you’re mine.”
That moment when Brady became the Starlight that Cam needed to be guided out of his darkness, I knew then and there how much this series was going to be something I would remember. It's been a long hard-fought trek through the dark space, not without it's fair share of heartbreak and heart-ache. It's a turbulent trial, but a heart-felt ending that proves to me just how special a character Brady is. Brady who never stopped shining, even when he thought there was no light in him to shine. ...more
“She had to do something to make it right. She did not yet know what, nor how, but love has a way of leaving people no choice.”
Brimm✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“She had to do something to make it right. She did not yet know what, nor how, but love has a way of leaving people no choice.”
Brimming with youthful spirit, heartfelt friendships, and family triumph, The Good Thieves is an amazing adventure story set in the days of the dazzle of surreptitious casinos, allure of dangerous heists and glitter of magical circuses that transfixed the streets of New York City. ✨ In a time when 'justice seems to be only for those who can afford it', fiercely spirited and determined young Vita takes it upon herself to reclaim the inheritance of her Grandfather's property of Hudson Castle and his precious heart that was so unjustly stolen from him by the conniving entrepreneur Sorrotore.
A compelling Middle Grade that reminded me of my early years of devouring Enid Blyton's mysteries on a weekly basis, I had a good time with this one. Fresh and appealing, the writing style and lovely illustrations that adorned each chapter's headers pulled me into the story, because much like Vita - I wanted to see justice served and I wanted to know how it would come to be. I loved how it also became a mystery, as well - for what she was seeking may be more than what meets the eye. I liked that Katherine Rundell placed our young intrepid into situations that while dark and dangerous, still felt very plausible and believable for their attempts in facing off the villains that targeted them. ...more
“She’s convinced that people living in society are like animals in the zoo and should also be freed. I’m really glad we don’t live li✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“She’s convinced that people living in society are like animals in the zoo and should also be freed. I’m really glad we don’t live like that. I’m meant to live in the wild.”
I love how vibrant the cover is for The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry. It really captures so vividly how free-spirited Juniper is and how she seems to be leaping through life - not to be the one to be anchored down by the rigid facets of society. It makes sense, seeing how her parents left society behind and chose to raise their children in the open wilderness - completely devoid of any electricity or technology or basic needs - totally cut off from human interaction and solely surviving on what the Earth provides them with. It's a harsh life, but it's a happy one and it's theirs - until the time comes when they have to make the decision to enter back into society, hence starting the wild journey of Juniper Berry of embracing the norms of modern-day civilization.
“If we ever let ourselves become squirrels, we will totally get eaten alive. Society was going to take all we could give. We had to be the foxes.”
Juniper, the cleverest eleven-year-old girl grew up wild and free - 'meant for running and jumping and swimming. I was meant for sneaking and climbing and swinging. I was meant to be nothing but me—Juniper Berry.' So, to see her suddenly thrust into the hallways of middle school, learning about day-to-day etiquette, and handling the basic needs of functioning normally really hit hard on her - and me, as well. I really felt bad for her; her older sister, Sky, may have adjusted easily, but for someone who grew up wild and free - it definitely takes a toll. ...more
“I didn’t want to let him go, holding his slim waist with my arm, his soft skin against mine, just one last time until he’d be out of✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“I didn’t want to let him go, holding his slim waist with my arm, his soft skin against mine, just one last time until he’d be out of reach forever.
I wished I could freeze time, go back in time, give us more time. I pulled away from him, leaving a piece of my soul with him always.”
Michael Sarais' sophomore novel is the story of two exchange students - Australian native Teddy Clarke and London resident Vincent Stewart - who meet online and quickly become friends and develop feelings for each other, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it can never blossom into something deeper, and forces them to fall Out of Touch. It's a heavy-handed time that keeps them apart - one not without it's fair share of trauma, pain, and emotional surrender. But, even as the years go by, as the distance between them deepens, through new relationships and forging their way through their own personal grievances and challenges, fate still has a hand left to play for them to finally be able to reach out a hand for each other. ...more
“I will do whatever you want,” Luke said into his chest. “Just, please, make it be what you want. Because you’re looking after everyo✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“I will do whatever you want,” Luke said into his chest. “Just, please, make it be what you want. Because you’re looking after everyone in this house and you ought to have someone thinking of you.”
Set thirteen years after the events of it's predecessor, K J Charles returns to the Doomsday Clan with A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel.
KJC is an impressive writer for me, because her writing is smart - it's witty and charming, all while having her stories take place in a historical setting that never once makes you feel like you're out of place and out of touch of the time. She writes with such sincerity and clarity to the time periods she brings you into. And even when there's rich with intensely volatile family drama that attempts to cut down true heritage and lineage, she still manages to weave a delightfully emotional romance between two complete opposites, the son of a notorious smuggling clan, Luke Doomsday and the Earl of Oxney, Major Rufus d'Aumesty.
It is important to have read the first book, otherwise, you won't really see how deeply affected Luke is from his past actions that play such a critical role in shaping him into the man he is today - despite what his true intentions may be. Luke 'was energetic and huge-hearted and a force of nature', but he still carries the heavy weight of guilt over his family history that he can never seem to shake off. ❤️...more
“Some guys are meant to be heroes. I was never one of them.”
With these inner thoughts, Brady Garrett leads us into the Darker Space of ✰ 4 stars ✰
“Some guys are meant to be heroes. I was never one of them.”
With these inner thoughts, Brady Garrett leads us into the Darker Space of his life and of his mind. On a path of being self-reflective and self-destructive, and often times self-deprecating, Brady and Cam have returned home - in the hopes of starting life over. Trying to win the favors of Cam's parents, taking care of his younger sister, Lucy, surviving the military's fierce interrogation trails, all the while questioning what his place is in the world now - does he deserve to be by Cam's side - who is he in the eyes of society - are just one of the many shadows that haunt Brady.
Not to mention, the whispering nightmares of the Faceless' taunting leers of 'Brad-eee' that he can't seem to forget - no matter how hard he tries. But, fate has other plans for him, for when his telepathic connection to Cam is restored - their link unwittingly drawing in more people into their mental link - Brady will have to return to the dark space, in order to protect the ones he loves. ...more
“My eyes are open and I’m not eight anymore, I’m not ten anymore, I’m nineteen, and now I know what’s happened to me, and I know they✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“My eyes are open and I’m not eight anymore, I’m not ten anymore, I’m nineteen, and now I know what’s happened to me, and I know they aren’t dreams.
They’re memories.”
Scott Heim tackled a very heavy subject in his debut novel, Mysterious Skin that is as uncomfortable as the nature in which at times the context of his writing was disturbingly graphic. Told through multiple POVs - three of them were the most significant and relevant to the story. The story of Brian Lackey and Neil McCormick - two boys who during the summer of '81 were sexually abused by their Little Leagues baseball Coach when they were eight years old - and Eric Preston - the young boy, who inadvertently helps them reunite in the winter of 1991.
This was a challenge to read - not for it's weak writing, but the nature of the way, in which the story was depicted that left me at times, a little upset and unnerved at the lengths of description for the abuse, itself. It was jarring - it was gut-wrenching in imagery - and yet, traumatically real at the brutally honest look at the repercussions to those who experienced it. For the intent of the author's was to show how two young boys are viscerally affected by this trauma and the different coping mechanisms they adopted, in order to move forward from it. ...more
“We’re in another country that feels like another world, there’s a big scary war on that no one seems to be talking about, and an hour a✰ 4 stars ✰
“We’re in another country that feels like another world, there’s a big scary war on that no one seems to be talking about, and an hour ago I was standing under a tree holding a dead person’s head.
Nothing about being here is normal.”
Light on the Welsh accent, but heavy with the heart, Lesley Parr's Middle Grade debut The Valley of Lost Secrets is no less enriching and poignant as her next few books, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the tender heartfelt story of the bond between two brothers and the mysteries and painful secrets that they uncover when they're sent in a group of evacuees to the South Wales' countryside of Llanbryn, during World War II.
And the brilliance of the story is that as it navigates into a poignant coming-of-age story of courage and resilience and friendship, it shifts into this heart-breaking history of tragedy that settles an ache in my heart over the loss of a loved one. It is with that deep-seeded sadness that Jimmy sees the pain of others and realizes that the special bond he shares with his own brother cannot be taken for granted - no matter what. ...more
“...but Trevor James Morgan is a boy I don’t know, and I’m not sure anyone else does either, so, as far as I’m concerned, that name has ✰ 4 stars ✰
“...but Trevor James Morgan is a boy I don’t know, and I’m not sure anyone else does either, so, as far as I’m concerned, that name has never been mine.
I am Trip Morgan, the would-be miracle who’s got something the matter with his eyes, and I am meant for greater things.”
It's a shame that Small Wonders is Courtney Lux's only book. I would have liked to have read more of her writing, because from what I did read, there were hints of something potentially worth reading from her in the future, too. This book is the one that kinda creeps up on you - a quiet and soft read, but in a nice way; one that you don't expect to leave a mark, but it's feelings wash over you without any grandeur break-ups or wild behavior, but just this hopeful depiction of love that is found in the most gentlest and unexpected of ways. ✨✨
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'Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed', has always been Trip's motto - his mantra and way of life. Pick-pocketing his way through New York, nit-picking his way through the valuables of others, 'to build up a treasure trove of small wonders all his own', he's never felt that his life could ever be something to make of his own. The final product of a family of five older brothers, life has not been kind to him, his past deserves to stay in the past, and making ends meet on a daily basis with his roommates in their semi-decent flat is all that matters - it's the now that stands true.
Until Nate - Nate, who offers him comfort, and kindness, and care, and the chance to have a better life - a life that he can call his own - a chance to make something of himself. And the fear of uncertainty is not whether or not he can do it - it's whether or not he wants to do it. ❤️...more
“You never quit on the people who count on you, and you never quit on yourself. That was the lesson of baseball.
If it matters, if it✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“You never quit on the people who count on you, and you never quit on yourself. That was the lesson of baseball.
If it matters, if it’s important, then it’s worth everything you’ve got.”
When promising high school baseball star, Garrett Reeves asks Josie Walters to join him in Announcing Trouble - well, actually, simply co-host their high school baseball game's radio broadcasts, she's adamantly reluctant. 'Plans not passion' has been her guideline in life - she's never one to 'do things because they’re fun', and broadcasting is certainly nowhere near her life's game-plan.
For be a radio broadcaster for baseball games - whether in the major leagues or the minors - it's no easy feat; you really have to sell it to the audience. Make them believe in what they're hearing - use your words and voice to bring the game to life in their eyes and paint a clear picture in their mind. ...more
“Not everyone read the fine print—not when there was a free vacation at stake. Some guests read it later, but by then it was too late✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“Not everyone read the fine print—not when there was a free vacation at stake. Some guests read it later, but by then it was too late.
No, each and every one of the five people invited felt very special when they received the letter, even if not All of them were all that excited to go. Congratulations! You are a winner, the letter said.
Everyone likes to be a winner. Mr. Barclay counted on it.”
Reminiscent of some of my favorite murder mystery films, like Murder By Death and And Then There Were None, Midnight at the Barclay Hotel is Fleur Bradley's middle grade take on the classic whodunit scenario.
The suspects have been rounded up at the Barclay Hotel. The unspeakable act has been committed. The murderer is among us. The game is afoot, and it's up to a trio of three young tweens - JJ, Penny, and Emma - who have nothing in common, except for being the 'stragglers' of the invited guests, as they put on their thinking hats and detective cloaks to round up the intended killer, before he or she strikes again. ...more