Char by Mercy Amare Review

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Review

Date Published: October 11, 2013

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Number of Pages: 228

Publisher: Self-Published

First Thoughts:

I absolutely fell in love with this book. It took me a little bit to be sucked into the story but once I was hooked, I was a goner. The story was so sweet and delicious that I found myself flying through the pages. I liked the idea of the story and the romance involved. I really enjoyed the ups and downs Char had to go through, it made the story that much more interesting. This was definitely a story I very much enjoyed reading.

Goodreads Summary:

I’m Charlotte York, but you can call me Char.

My life is perfect. Except for the fact that my older sister is posing naked for Playboy. And my mom wants me to be just like her. Oh, and I caught my boyfriend cheating on me. But other than that, it’s definitely perfect... Until the paparazzi publishes a picture of me smoking weed.

Now I am being forced to move to NYC with my dad. Too bad I hate New York.

At least there is Tristan Becker. He makes NY better. But he won’t date me because he thinks my best friend is in love with me. Which is absolutely not true... Or at least I don't think it is.

As you can see my life is just... perfect.

Plot:

This was a story of self-discovery and teenage drama. I liked that we got to see Char go through all of the obstacles that you would find in a normal high school. There was also the added drama of having two sisters being in the acting and modeling business. The sisters really added a new layer to the story. It added in more drama that made the story more enjoyable to read. As far as the pace of the book, I thought it was kind of fast, I wasn’t lying when I said I flew through the pages. So overall, the plot was interesting and kept my attention/

Romance:

I loved the romance in this book, it was so sweet and amazing to read. I really enjoyed the suspense and heartache we felt alongside Char. Their relationship was so real and true, they had their obstacles but they were able to meet them with their head held high. I thought the two of them were such a perfect fit; their personalities were compatible. So overall, I really enjoyed this aspect of the story.

Characters:

I enjoyed the characters in this story, they all had their own personality and were such deep and lovable characters. Char was a little difficult for me to connect with in the beginning but as I got to know her, that connection slowly formed. Char’s mom really was beautifully crafted. The author was able to capture this woman in a way that made the relationship between the two more real and true. As for the other characters they each had their own role to play and I didn’t see an unnecessary characters.

Transformation of the Character:

This has got to be one of the most beautiful transformations I’ve seen in a while. Char started out as this totally neutral person. She surfed and hung out with her best friend and there wasn’t much more to tell of her. But as the story progresses she becomes this whole new person, someone who is vibrant and so determined. I enjoyed seeing her transform and really enjoyed reading it. The transformation was gradual to so it made it more believable/

Description:

I enjoyed the description in this book; the emotions were well portrayed in this story. The feeling of being in love; being absolutely content was fun to read. I could definitely feel the happiness and heartache Char went through. As for the scenery and landscapes I think the author did a good job on describing each new place, I was really able to picture each new scene. Like the penthouse and the Hampton’s mansions were both very vivid. Therefore, in the end the description really added a nice texture to the story.

Style:

This was written in one POV and in first person. I thought the idea of only being in Char’s POV was good, this story was really about her and the person she became. So having it in just her POV allowed the reader to really see her side of the story and no mix thoughts. Being in first person allowed the reader to better connect with the character and understand her line of thinking. As for the writing itself I found it just as enjoyable as her other books. There’s just something about the way she writes that just sucks me in. So in the end the style was really good and made a good fit to the story.

Quote of the book:

“This is my little piece of perfect paradise and I can’t wait to see what happens next.”

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this to a more mature audience. Some foul language and instances that are not suited for younger readers. However, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more writing by this author. I thought the ending was sweet and to the point but I’m still wondering if there’s more to tell from Char. I felt like it was rushed a little but it was good in the end. Overall, I enjoyed this book.

My Rating:

Pawn by Aimee Carter Review

Date to be Published: November 26, 2013

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Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Number of Pages: 346

First Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this unique story. The idea of being marked is a little scary to me, I don’t think I would want my whole life determined by one test given by the government. Just think of all the pressure you’d have….nope not for me. But the book was really good to the point that it discussed identity issues and what it’s like to be another person. This book was fun to read and I had no trouble finishing it. It was one of those books you just didn’t want to put down.

Goodreads Summary:

YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING.

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Plot:

This dealt with becoming someone else, about an identity being erased. I really liked the idea of how everyone was separated due to their talents. Though if you ask me a test can’t always show someone’s true talent. I thought the idea of being masked and becoming this person who is highly admired was pretty cool. The idea was there and executed. This wasn’t just about becoming one of the most admired girl but about becoming someone you once hated and having to deal with the consequences. This was a story about discovering what you’re capable of and just how far you’re willing to go to save not only your life but the life on one you love. There were a couple of hard to read scenes, I’m glad the author chose not to go into too much detail with those particular scenes but they were there none the less. The pace of the book was fast, the pages really flew by.

Romance:

I really enjoyed the romance in this book. The sweet tender love she had for Benjy was cute and lovable. The romance was a little different in this book due to her being masked. The person she became was engaged to another man and therefore she now has two love interests in her life but her heart only belongs to one. So overall, I enjoyed the romance in this story and liked that it was a bit different.

Characters:

I enjoyed the characters in this book, Kitty was a little hard to connect with in the beginning but after a while her character grew on me. I have to say Knox or Benjy have to be my favorite characters, they just had so much depth and special quality to them that the others didn’t. All the characters had their own role to play and I didn’t see any unnecessary characters in the story.

Transformation of the Character:

This one’s a little difficult to explain. Yes Kitty technically transformed, she was masked after all but I don’t think Kitty herself really transformed all that much. She changed a little bit throughout the story but she didn’t necessarily change all that much. Since this is book one in this series I think there’s plenty of time for Kitty to transform, you want it more believable and to do that you make the transformation gradually.

Description:

I thought the author did a great job at describing the scenery. I had no trouble picturing each scene and the world she was trying to create. The description of Kitty’s emotions were really good. You could really feel the fear and happiness she felt. The pain and sorrow of having to become someone else; to leave behind your old identity…it was all well described. As for the mood of the book the author did a good job of creating an atmosphere that fit with the description of the book. Each scene was beautifully described.

Style:

This was written in one POV and in first person. I think that this was exactly what the book needed. Just having Kitty’s POV was enough to give the reader enough leverage on what was happening in the story. And also it left the reader blind to certain aspects to the story that left the reader surprised. As for being written in first person that allowed the reader to get a one on one account of what Kitty was thinking and allowing a better connection to Kitty. We were able to relate to her more. As for the author’s writing it’s just as good as it was in the Goddess Test series. I fell in love with the simple yet elegant style of writing and couldn’t stop reading till the end.

Quote of the book:

“The moment I stepped out of the Stronghold, any part of me that was still Kitty Doe would cease to exist, and I would be Lila until the day they didn’t need me anymore. And when that happened, all I would be was dead.”

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this to YA readers and to any fans of Aimee Carter’s writing. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing Kitty’s story. There’s so much left to be explored of this book and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us. So overall I did enjoy this book and thought it was unique and creative.

My Rating:

Just Released!!

Title:  Char

Author:  Mercy Amare

Genre:  NA Romance

BLURB:

I’m Charlotte York, but you can call me Char.

My life is perfect. Except for the fact that my older sister is posing naked for Playboy. And my mom wants me to be just like her. Oh, and I caught my boyfriend cheating on me. But other than that, it’s definitely perfect… Until the paparazzi publishes a picture of me smoking weed.

Now I am being forced to move to NYC with my dad. Too bad I hate New York.

At least there is Tristan Becker. He makes NY better. But he won’t date me because he thinks my best friend is in love with me. Which is absolutely not true… Or at least I don’t think it is.

As you can see my life is just… perfect.

Char is NOW AVAILABLE!

Buy links: Amazon / Amazon UK    (coming soon to B&N and Kobo!)

Find the author online:

Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Website

Char Cover Reveal

Blurb:

I’m Charlotte York, but you can call me Char.

My life is perfect. Except for the fact that my older sister is posing naked for Playboy. And my mom wants me to be just like her. Oh, and I caught my boyfriend cheating on me. But other than that, it’s definitely perfect... Until the paparazzi publishes a picture of me smoking weed. 

Now I am being forced to move to NYC with my dad. Too bad I hate New York.

At least there is Tristan Becker. He makes NY better. But he won’t date me because he thinks my best friend is in love with me. Which is absolutely not true... Or at least I don't think it is.

As you can see my life is just... perfect.

Coming October 11, 2013

Author Info:

WEBSITE

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GOODREADS

Swimming Through Clouds Review

Date Published: May, 25, 2013

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Number of Pages: 260

Publisher: Playlist Fiction

First Thoughts:

This is one of those stories that stays with you. It was at times a little hard for me to read, the scenes between Talia and her dad were so raw and emotional that I just wanted to get through them as fast as I could. This is definitely a story that takes you on a roller-coaster of emotions but leaves you breathless by the end of the ride. A must read for teens and anyone who’s just looking for a good book.

Goodreads Summary:

I live in the in between. Between what if and what is. It’s how I manage. It’s the only way I know. 

Everyone has their way. This is mine.

When high school, cell phone disruption forces a classroom ban, the words on a Post-it note spark a sticky romance between two unlikely friends. Transfer student Talia Vanderbilt has one goal at her new school: to blend in with the walls. Lagan Desai, basketball captain and mathlete, would do just about anything to befriend the new girl. One Post-it note at a time, Lagan persuades Talia to peel back her heart, slowly revealing her treasure chest of pain—an absent mother, a bedridden brother, and an abusive father. In a world where hurt is inevitable, the two teens search for a safe place to weather the storms of life. Together.

Plot:

This book was about breaking out and learning to be yourself. This book dealt with a serious issue that left me stunned. To read about such a hard abusive relationship between a daughter and her father was eye-opening. This book wasn’t just about abuse, it was about love and finding someone to be there for you; someone to support you. This story was really realistic to me, I could imagine it happening in our world. The scenes at school and at home had their own dark twisted realism. They brought realism and meaning to the story. As for the pace, it was normal, not too slow and not too fast. Overall I enjoyed the plot and thought the author did a good job at creating a back story and plot that kept me interested.

Romance:

Ah, the romance in this story was cute and adorable to read. I loved that this relationship started out with a post it note, very creative and unique. This relationship had plenty of realistic interferences and made it more believable. So overall I really enjoyed the romance in this story and looked forward to reading the blossoming relationship between the two.

Characters:

I loved the characters in this book, they were so beautifully created with so much detail. They each had their own unique personality. I could easily connect with Talia, she had such character to her, she instantly became a character I could relate to. I really got to know her through the post it notes she wrote. I felt like she let down a barrier she had in those tiny little notes. In few little words she told me so much about her and I love her for that. As for Lagan, he was more of a character that took me awhile to like. There was something about him that was both mysterious and standoffish. But once I really got to know him and see how sweet and determined he was made me start to really like him too. Now Jesse on the other hand was more of an easy character to understand. He played a huge roll in Talia’s life and though he was limited in aspects of physical abilities he was still a lovable character. So I really enjoyed the characters in this book and didn’t see any unnecessary characters.

Transformation of the Character:

Talia did do a little transforming in this story though nothing too big. It was more of a slow gradual transformation. She started out as a weak and guarded character and slowly transformed into someone who can stand up for herself. I enjoyed seeing the transformation and still believe she has more room to transform. This was an aspect to the story that added a new layer to the world and created a great texture.

Description:

I loved the description in this story especially when it came to the emotional aspect. I really felt the raw and sharp pain of the story. Talia’s description was one of the hardest parts of the story to read. The pain and sharp emotions she felt were so real and life like. To feel lost, alone, confused and then love…the emotions were literally like a roller coaster they went up and down, none ever staying the same. The description of the scenery and landscapes was beautiful; I could really picture each scene in my head and had no trouble seeing what was happening. So overall I enjoyed the description and thought it really added something to the story because without it this story would be lifeless and dull.

Style:

This was written in one POV and in first person. Being written in just Talia’s POV allowed the reader to really grasp onto what was happening from her perspective, to be able to see her world in her own thoughts. I think being in only her POV allowed the mysteriousness and wonders of the world to come to past; allowed those little surprises. As for being written in first person it really allowed us to connect better to Talia; to be able to feel her pain more and grasp onto what was really happening. As for the author’s writing itself it was smooth and easy to read. I had no problems reading it and it was almost poetic at times. In the end I loved the style of the book and thought it added something extra to the story.

Quote of the book:

“All the sensations around me blended. The snow felt warm. Jesse’s body sounded loud. Dad’s voice seemed heavy. The blood on my hands felt cold. The snow tasted salty. My eyes felt numb. And the neighbors were falling.”

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this to any YA reader and to anyone who likes realistic based stories. One thing I noticed by the end of the story was that I still had some questions left unanswered, there were so many what happens now? What happened? Why? These questions I assume would be answered in another book? Is there going to be another book? I don’t know but I think with another book we would have these questions answered and we would be able to see Talia transform even more. So in the end I enjoyed the book and look forward to more writing by this author.

My Rating:

The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet Review

Date Published: May 1, 2013

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Number of Pages: 179

Publisher: PlaylistYoung Adult Fiction

First Thoughts:

I had a little difficulty getting into this book from the first page but after a while the writing became addicting and I wasn’t able to easily put down the book. The story was so inspiring and full of emotion that I was easily able to connect to it. I loved reading parts of Ellie’s book she was writing, the author made it so appetizing that I would love to read her book too. So overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to future works by this author.

Goodreads Summary:

Ellie Sweet is a lot of things—good girl, novelist, silent adorer of the new boy at school, Palmer. But when “outcast” gets added to the list, she decides it’s time to take reality into her own hands … and tweak it as needed.

In the pages of her book, she’s Lady Gabrielle, favorite of the medieval Italian court. Her once-friends are reduced to catty ladies-in-waiting, and the too-charming Palmer—who in real life never spares her a second word—gets to be nothing more than a rake wracked by unrequited love for her. She even has a perfect real-life villain in the brooding Chase, who hails from the wrong side of town.

But just when she’s getting along great in her fictional world, the real one throws her a few curves. With Chase pursuing her, Palmer wanting to date her—but in secret—and the details of her manuscript going public, Ellie suddenly receives more attention than she ever really wanted. And when her former-friends discover what she’s been writing, they’re determined to teach Ellie a lesson about the severe consequences of using her pen as her sword.

Plot:

This book was full of complex issues that involved the life of a 16 year old girl. I loved that the conflict was realistic and surreal. I really could imagine Ellie’s life going the way it did and the heartache and realism to the conflict was amazing. I really enjoyed being a writer right alongside Ellie. As far as the pace of the book I found it normal to fast speed. Like I mentioned earlier the plot was a little slow in the beginning of the book but soon picks up speed and makes for a quick read. So overall I enjoyed the plot of the book but just had a little trouble getting “into” the book at the beginning.

Romance:

There was definitely romance going on in this story. Though I don’t know if I would call it a love triangle per se but there was definitely two boys competing for the attention of Gabrielle Sweet. I thought the romance was cute and very teenagerish. Definitely a realistic relationship, it’s not too farfetched. The relationships between the two guys was noticeably different. One guy treated her as special as a new born kitten while the other guy wanted to hide her; his pride getting in the way. So between the two romances in this story you are kept up on your toes.

Characters:

I really enjoyed the characters in this book; they were magnificent. Ellie or should I say Gabrielle was so lovable and sweet, her last name really does fit her. I was really able to connect with her and feel all the emotions she had swirling deep within her. And as for Chase, I see him more of the bad boy, the one ready to partay! Palmer on the other hand I absolutely loved. I fell in love with his character the moment he first called Ellie sweetheart. Every time I heard him call her sweetheart I immediately thought of Haymitch from the Hunger Games. He called Katniss sweetheart all the time and I could hear his voice every time Palmer said that word. Cool huh? Overall I enjoyed the characters 

immensely and thought they added a great layer to the story.

Transformation of the Character:

I wouldn’t say Ellie really transformed much in this book. She did a little bit but nothing to really impact the reader. I thought this was ok in this book because Ellie needs to blossom slowly…she doesn’t need to change overnight and it was good to see the little transformations that did take place within the story. So overall, I didn’t really think this aspect impacted the story that much.

Description:

Loved the description in the book, I had no problem visualizing each scene. The emotional part of the description was well executed, I really was able to feel all the nervousness, the anticipation, the pain that Ellie was feeling. It was a rollarcoster of emotions in this book but that’s what made it that much more enjoyable to read. I didn’t have to fake emotion or try to force emotion into the story, it was already there. As for the landscape and scenery it was well portrayed and beautiful. So overall, I enjoyed the description and I did feel like it added great texture to the story.

Style:

This was written in one POV and in first person. Being written in only Ellie’s POV was definitely the smart move to make, we were able to connect with her and see exactly what was going on in the book. I felt like if there would’ve been more than one POV the mysteriousness of the story would disappear, leaving the story bland. As for being in first person, we as the reader were able to understand Ellie more. We were able to better connect with her and really grasp on what she is made of. As for the authors writing, itself I thought it flowed beautifully and was definitely fun to read. There was not any difficulty understanding what was happening in the story. It was all very much easy to read but beautiful and almost poetic at the same time. The style of this book definitely added great layers and texture to the story. This book just wouldn’t be the same without it.

Quote of the book:

“…I’m ashamed of me too, of who I was. I’m ashamed I was the type of person who let you get away with keeping me hidden….you right that I deserved better. But so did you.””

Last Thoughts:

I totally loved this book, I laughed, I cried, there moments I wanted to be there for Ellie but it was an overall good book. I would recommend this to any YA genre lover; this is going to rock your socks. The story both intrigued me and captured my heart. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for Ellie. Definitely, a book I would want to read again and again.

My Rating:

If You Find Me Review

Date Published: March 26, 2013

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Number of Pages: 248

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

First Thoughts:

I found this story to be both touching and inspiring. The realism to the characters and their world was unbelievable. This book was full of realistic situations and dealt with some major issues that both wowed me and made me realize that these issues are real. That the story being told could very well be true for someone in real time earth. I overall enjoyed this book and brought the story close to heart.

Goodreads Summary:

There are some things you can’t leave behind…

A broken-down camper hidden deep in a national forest is the only home fifteen year-old Carey can remember. The trees keep guard over her threadbare existence, with the one bright spot being Carey’s younger sister, Jenessa, who depends on Carey for her very survival. All they have is each other, as their mentally ill mother comes and goes with greater frequency. Until that one fateful day their mother disappears for good, and two strangers arrive. Suddenly, the girls are taken from the woods and thrust into a bright and perplexing new world of high school, clothes and boys.

Now, Carey must face the truth of why her mother abducted her ten years ago, while haunted by a past that won’t let her go… a dark past that hides many a secret, including the reason Jenessa hasn’t spoken a word in over a year. Carey knows she must keep her sister close, and her secrets even closer, or risk watching her new life come crashing down.

Plot:

This story had many realistic problems that caused the main character some issues. I liked that it was very realistic, that even some of the reactions were something that most likely would happen. Like for example, moving into a new family with a teenage daughter, of course that daughter is going to be jealous of the new daughter and would therefore act accordingly. It is stuff like that in the book that makes the story more believable. This story was all about healing and adjusting to a new life. To be switched from one life to a completely different one all together. The pace of the book was moderately normal. The story moved at a steady pace and didn’t drag in any parts. I didn’t find myself wishing for the story to move faster. So overall the plot was filled with many twists and turns and I found the world to be both realistic and creative at the same time.

Romance:

There was little romance in this story. This book was about adjusting to a new environment and dealing with all the issues in-between. So overall, this wasn’t an important aspect to the story.

Characters:

I loved the characters in this book. It was like meeting new people in my life. They were so full of their own personality and flaws that made them so realistic. I was able to really connect with Carey; she was so full of this inner power that it made me idolize her. She was so good at so many things that it made her such a strong and likable character. As for the other characters in the story, I felt they were strong too but not as strong as Carey was. I also found that the characters were integrated into the story at just the right moments; none of them were misused or just thrown in there. They each had a purpose and reason to be there. So overall, I enjoyed the characters in this book.

Transformation of the Character:

Carey did a little transforming in this book, I really thought she had all of this inner strength inside her the entire book but it took certain events to reveal to the reader what she was truly made of. Therefore I wouldn’t say she transformed all that much throughout the story. So overall this wasn’t an aspect that was essential to the story.

Description:

I loved the description in this book, especially when the author was describing the characters thoughts and feelings. I felt like the emotions in this book were deep and realistic. I felt the pain, the happiness, the confusion all deep within me. I just loved how much the description touched me. The scenery was described good as well, it almost seemed as if the scenery foreshadowed what was going to happen next. Each scene was perfectly described that it wasn’t hard to imagine what it looked like. So overall I really enjoyed the description that was in the book.

Style:

This was written in one POV and in first person. I think that suited well for the story, being in first person allowed the reader to get deeper inside Carey’s mind and really understand her. As for being written in just Carey’s POV it was good as well, we got to see the world through her eyes and we weren’t overwhelmed with other views of the story’s world. As for the author’s writing style, it flowed smoothly and I had no trouble reading it. Overall, the style was good to the story and I had no problems with it.

Quote of the Book:

“…it’s a strangled cry, a hollow cry, floatin’ away on the air like dandelion fluff and wishes that don’t come true. And then …it freezes over …I am ice, slippery and cool, impenetrable and in control.”

Last Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this to any YA reader. This story has a lot to hold onto and a lot to offer once read. This was an inspiring and lovable book; I would totally read more by this author. I enjoyed that this was a standalone book, it is good to just get a book like this; not a part of a series. Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future novels by this author.

My Rating: