*Book Review* All The Rage by Courtney Summers

Title: All The Rage

Format: eArc

Pages: 336

Published: 13Th August 2015

Publisher:  Macmillan Children's books

Source: Netgalley

Genre: YA Contemporary

Shelfability: Borrow/Acquire

Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I Book Depository

**About The Book**
"My dad used to say makeup was a shallow girl's sport, but it's not. It's armour."

Kellan Turner is not the golden boy everyone thinks he is and Romy Grey knows that for a fact. But when she speaks up, she is branded a liar. Telling the truth has cost her everything, because no one wants to believe a girl from the wrong side of town. But when news of Kellan assaulting another girl gets out, the cost of staying silent might be more than Romy can bear.

With a shocking conclusion and writing that will absolutely knock you out, All The Rage examines the shame and silence inflicted upon young women in a culture that refuses to protect them.

0

*Book Review* Little Peach by Peggy Kern

Reviewed By: Siobhán

Format: e-Arc

Pages: 208

Published: 10th March 2015

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Source: Edelweiss

Genre: YA, Realistic Fiction

Shelfability: Acquire

Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I

Description:

What do you do if you're in trouble?

When Michelle runs away from her drug-addicted mother, she has just enough money to make it to New York City, where she hopes to move in with a friend. But once she arrives at the bustling Port Authority, she is confronted with the terrifying truth: she is alone and out of options.

Then she meets Devon, a good-looking, well-dressed guy who emerges from the crowd armed with a kind smile, a place for her to stay, and eyes that seem to understand exactly how she feels.

But Devon is not what he seems to be, and soon Michelle finds herself engulfed in the world of child prostitution where he becomes her “Daddy” and she his “Little Peach.” It is a world of impossible choices, where the line between love and abuse, captor and saviour, is blurred beyond recognition.

This hauntingly vivid story illustrates the human spirit’s indomitable search for home, and one girl’s struggle to survive.

2

Book Review: Dare You To (Pushing The Limits #2) by Katie McGarry

Reviewed By: Siobhán
Format: Arc eBook
Pages: 352
Published: 7th June 2013
Publisher: Mira Ink
Source: Netgalley
Genre: YA/NA, Contemporary
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I Book Depository

Description:

Beth's the bad girl that no-one wanted, not even parents. Ryan's the high school hero that everyone wants a piece of even if no-one knows the real him. Their paths should never have crossed now they're each others only life line. If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's mum they d send her mother to jail. So seventeen year old Beth protects her mum at all costs. Until the day she can't.  Suddenly sent to live with her uncle in a small town Beth's now stuck with an aunt who doesn't want her, and at a school that doesn't get her.  At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't go anywhere near a girl like Beth. . . . Ryan Stone is gorgeous, a popular jock and the town golden boy with secrets he can t tell anyone. Even his friends. As Ryan and Beth dare to let each other in, they're treading on dangerous ground and the consequences could change their worlds forever.

12

Book Review: The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher

Reviewed By: Siobhán
Format: eGalley
Pages: 320
Published: 7th May 2013
Publisher: Galley Books
Source: Edelweiss
Genre: YA Realistic Fiction
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I Book Depository UK I Book Depository US

Description:
Lizzie wasn’t the first student at Verity High School to kill herself this year. But the difference is, she didn’t go quietly. First it was SLUT scribbled all over the school’s lockers. But one week after Lizzie Hart takes her own life, SUICIDE SLUT replaces it—in Lizzie’s own looping scrawl. Photocopies of her diary show up in the hands of her classmates. And her best friend, Angie, is enraged. Angie had stopped talking to Lizzie on prom night, when she caught Lizzie in bed with her boyfriend. Too heartbroken to let Lizzie explain the hookup or to intervene when Lizzie gets branded Queen of the Sluts and is cruelly bullied by her classmates, Angie left her best friend to the mercy of the school, with tragic results. But with this new slur, Angie’s guilt transforms into anger that someone is still targeting Lizzie even after her death. Using clues from Lizzie’s diary and aided by the magnetic, mysterious Jesse, Angie begins relentlessly investigating who, exactly, made Lizzie feel life was no longer worth living. And while she might claim she simply wants to punish Lizzie’s tormentors, her anguish over abandoning and then losing her best friend drives Angie deeper into the dark, twisted side of Verity High—and she might not be able to pull herself back out.

Debut author Chelsea Pitcher daringly depicts the harsh reality of modern high schools, where one bad decision can ruin a reputation, and one cruel word can ruin a life. Angie’s quest for the truth behind Lizzie’s suicide is addictive and thrilling, and her razor-sharp wit and fierce sleuthing skills makes her impossible not to root for—even when it becomes clear that both avenging Lizzie and avoiding self-destruction might not be possible.

2

Saving Daisy by Phil Earle

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Paperback
Pages: 339
Published: 5th Jan 2012
Publisher: Penguin/Puffin
Genre: YA Realistic fiction
Source: Publisher for Review
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US* I Book Depository
*not available for US

Description:
As Daisy struggles with misplaced guilt over her mother’s death, she turns to extreme and violent measures and soon her life starts spiralling out of control. This leads to tragedy and suddenly Daisy finds herself left all alone. But sometimes the kindness of a stranger can turn things around. A stranger who desperately wants to save Daisy – if she’ll only let herself be saved

4

Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry #3) by Simone Elkeles

Format: Hardback
Pages: 308
Published: 16th Aug 2011
Publisher: Walker Books
Genre: YA, Realistic, Contemporary Romance

Description:

Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.

Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.

Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?

Review:

CAUTION MAY CONTAIN COMPLETE RAMBLING!

OMG!!!! I have no words that going to do this book any justice. It was freaking awesome!!!! I had been trying to decide if I should buy the hardback or wait until the paperback came out because the first two I have in paperback. However, the Lovely Donna from Book Passion for Life kindly loaned me her copy and I sat on Sunday night and devoured it in one sitting.

Chain Reaction follows the stories of Luis the youngest Fuentes brother and Nikki. Luis is the brightest of all three brother. He knows what he wants for his future. But he loves taking risks in life. Nikki after going through an awful break up believes that all men are complete asses and doesnt trust anyone. When they meet its clear that their an undeniable connection between the two. Luis falls hard for Nikki but Nikki is always pushing him away. And just when Nikki starts to open up to Luis the Latino Bloods come to recruit Luis. Soon Luis is forced in to the dangerous gang world and hidden secrets are revealed.

Simone, Simone, Simone. I have said this I think on every review I have written on her books. She is a genious. What a story teller. I am sucked into this book from page one. I had been so excited for this book and my god it did not disappoint at all. I just loved loved this story.

Luis is one of those characters that is cocky, full of himself, knows he a looker but you can't help buy love him because he is a smart and knows what he wants in life and well he is just loveable! We see him going through a hardtime with the LB and with his brothers. You can't help but want to jump in the book and hug him.

Nikki OMG poor Nikki (trying not give spoilers) That poor girl has some serious issues with guys after the breakup of her boyfriend and honestly I totally get it. At the age of 15 she goes through something that is truely awful. I was in tears. Two years later and she has serious trust issues with guys and when Luis and her meet they chemistry is crazy. She tries her hardest to deny her feelings for Luis and is always pulling away from him. But when she does open up to Luis they are just so super cute!!!!

And of course with this being the final book it wouldnt have been the same if Alex and Carlos weren't in it. All three brother together oh yummy. One what make a girl swoon but all three together just sends you into overload.

The story itself like any of Simone's work is simply wonderful. We see so many issues tackled in this book e.g Gangs. I honestly know nothing about gangs the "gangs" over here are just stupid little boys who think they are thugs but with these books Simone must have did a lot of research involved gangs because I felt you get a feel insight into them and it scary. Even dealing with serious issue I love how Simone has entertwined romance in this book flawlessly. Its has a perfect balance.

There is one hell of twist in the storyline though, that I honestly did not see coming. I was sitting in total shock I couldn't believe. but it think it really adds to the story and everything does tie up perfectly

My only grip and this is nothing to do with the story itself its just me lol. I would have loved to have seen more of Kiara. I loved Carlos and Kiara I thought they were so funny and the banter between then is fantastic in Rules of attraction so would have been nice to see her more in the Chain Reaction.


Chain Reaction of course was bloody fantastic! They story is fast paced and deals with so many serious issues that keeps the readers on their toes you never know what around the corner. I am so sad to see this series end. Perfect chemistry is the book that made me fall in love with realistic/contemporary fiction and I can't believe there isn't any more book about there super yummy brothers. I will miss them so so much. If you haven't read any of these books where have you been? Go now and read them!!!!!

Rate: 5/5

Buy the Book: 

Amazon: {UK}{US}

0

Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry #2) by Simone Elkeles

Format: Paperback
Pages: 326
Published: 6th January 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
Genre: YA, Realistic, Contemporary Romance

Description:

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now

Review:

Thank you Simone for writing yet another fantastic story. Rules of Attraction, like Perfect Chemistry had me hooked from the first page. It the kind of story it flows perfectly and you actually forget everything around.

Rules of Attraction focuses on Carlos and Kiara. They are both completey opposite of each that. Carlos is a bad boy who doesn't give a crap about anything. However, deep down we all know he does. Kiara is a shy girl and very quiet until she decides it time for a change. So when they both meet, their worlds are turned upside down. And Kiara starts to come out her shell. The attraction between the two of them is clear very early on even though they aren't admitting it. There is a raw connection with them that sucks you into their world and leave you wanting more and more.

Aside from Carlos and Kiara, there was a few other characters that I liked but one that was just cute that I couldn't help smiling whenever he appear. Brandon, Kiara's little brother. He was just adorable. And they way Carlos was around Brandon when they were playing just melted my heart.

Alex and Brittany are also in this story, However, not as much as it Carlos and Kiaras story. I would have liked to see a bit more of them though.

The story line itself was fantastic. It was wonderful, beautiful and I have to say very funny. Rules of Attraction is better than Perfect Chemistry just because  Simone has created banter between Carlos and Kiara that just seems effortless. Its Perfect.

I now can't wait till Chain Reactions comes out and seeing whats in story for the youngest Fuentes brother.

Rate: 5/5

Buy the Book: 

Amazon: {UK}{US}

0

Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1) by Simone Elkeles

Format: Paperback
Pages: 368
Published: 1 April 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
Genre: YA Romance/Contemporary

Description:

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

Review:

My usual kind of books are fantasy books. However, I really fancied a change so I asked all the members for Love Fantasy Novels and most of them told me I had to read Perfect Chemistry. And I am so glad I did. I have never been hooked onto a non fantasy book from page one and I really feel in love.

Perfect Chemistry is a story of star-crossed love, gangs, high school and falling in love with the wrong person. Its take you on an emotional rollercoaster and will having you laughing and crying even long after finishing the book (yes I was meaning me, I sat for about 10 mins after it still crying with sadness and happiness).

The two main characters are a real delight to read. Brittany is a "Popular" girl that has everything that she wants, Or so it may seem. Alex is a the gangmember who you fall hopelessly in love with and hope he get the type life he deserves. They are both very strong characters that really made me thankful for life I have.

Simone really is a genius with words. Her writing just beautiful and flows really easily. Even when she is writing some things in spanish and even though don't know any spanish it still didn't take away how the story flowed. She really has did her homework on the story line. She tackles a hard topic with the gangs but manages to capture every aspect of it.

I now I have just order Rules of Attraction and I am looking forward to Chain Reaction when it comes out. And also, Thank you Simone for introducing me to a genre I never thought I would like!

Rate: 5/5

Buy Perfect Chemistry:

Amazon: {UK}{US}

0

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Format: Paperback
Pages: 418
Published: 27th May 2010
Publisher: Definitions
Genre: YA, Realistic Fiction

Description:

She is pretty and talented - sweet sixteen and never been kissed. He is seventeen; gorgeous and on the brink of a bright future. And now they have fallen in love. But ...They are brother and sister.

Review:
OMG, I have no idea how on earth I can even review this book. I know I won't do it any justice but I will try my hardest. BE WARNED! This review may not make sense and may contain slight spoilers.

OK Here goes. Breathe

Forbidden is about two teenagers Lochan and Maya, they are brother and sisters and are forced to take on the role of parents looking after their three younger siblings after there father left and their mother turns to drink and is never there. Being thrown together as a team the soon realise they have feelings for each other that goes beyond the feelings a brother and sister should have And they fall in love.

I wanted to read this book for so long. I had read nothing but fantastic reviews for it. I finally got a chance to read it after the publishers kindly sent me out a copy. However, I kept putting it off and putting it off. This wasn't anything to do with the incest. It was the fact that everyone who reads it seems to have a complete breakdown. So after having the book for a good while. I decided it was now or never. And let me tell you. I have never ever ever been so moved by a book in my entire life.

Lochan and Maya are two people that I really like. Lochan is a shy boy who has social anxiety that stops him speaking in public Only at home and around Maya can he be himself. Maya is a rock to Lochan. She is just so likable. Together they make a great team looking after their two brothers, Kit and Willa and their young sister Willa. They have had to grow up so fast because their mother neglects them. The feelings they have for each other are so pure (and of course forbidden) and strong that its hard not to root them to have a happy ending.

Not once did this subject matter bother me. Incest goes on the world.Whether you think its immoral or not its happens. Forbidden is consensual incest. I honestly didn't see a problem with it, (Please Dont shoot me) I am not condoning incest in any way. But who am I to Judge? Who are you to Judge?  Maya and Lochan have a love that is so powerful and they truely do love each other. No one is forced into any thing. So it didn't gross me out or think it was wrong. Now saying that I do have a brother and the thought of anything like that is just a big no no and creeps me out. I just wanted to point out incase I get another person saying "oh you must not have a brother" just because I didn't think this book was wrong

Just to say sorry if none of this makes sense. I am having a really hard time keeping myself together even writing this review. When I was reading this book. I did find the beginning very slow and took a while to get into but once I was I was hooked. I read like a really good romance but I kept wondering when something would happen to make the emotional break down happen. I though there was something wrong with me at first. However, there was nothing wrong with me. I did get my tears. It hits you like a tone of bricks in the last 50 pages or so. And I mean tears. Oh my god I was inconsolable. My son thought there was something really wrong with me. I was breaking my heart. I have never ever felt anything like this in my life. My heart was aching. I was honestly in pain. Yes, I am now remembering everything and I am in tears again!! So I am going to stop and say sorry for this ramble of the review.

All I can say is Please please read this book. Keep an open mind about the subject matter. Its won't be easy read. Its just heartbreakingly beautiful. This is a book that I will never be able to read again but its going to stay with me forever.

Note: Personally I feel this book is not suitable for any under 16

Rate: 5/5

Buy Forbidden: 

Amazon UK ~ Amazon US 

Waterstones ~ The Book Depositary ~ B&N

Visit Tabitha: tabithasuzuma.com

To Read Destiny's Review: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma 

4

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Format: Paperback

Pages: 246
Published: 20th March 2008
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Genre: YA, Realistic Fiction

Description:
High school senior Tyler Miller used to be the kind of guy who faded into the background—average student, average looks, average dysfunctional family. But since he got busted for doing graffiti on the school, and spent the summer doing outdoor work to pay for it, he stands out like you wouldn’t believe. His new physique attracts the attention of queen bee Bethany Milbury, who just so happens to be his father’s boss’s daughter, the sister of his biggest enemy—and Tyler’s secret crush. And that sets off a string of events and changes that have Tyler questioning his place in the school, in his family, and in the world.

Review:
Twisted is my first book by Laurie Halse Anderson. It didn't completey grab me yet it was still enjoyable to read.

Twisted focus on Tyler, a boy who before "The Foul Deed" was pretty much invisible to the rest the student body. Now everyone knows who he is and some are a little afraid of him with his new Bad Boy status. Tyler was really easy to read. Usually I struggle with a males point of view. However, Laurie is managed to create Tyler perfectly. He is quite a complexed character. On the outside he seems like he is dealing with all life just as well as everyone else. However, inside he is struggling and as the events of the story unravel we see Tyler tackle some very hard situations.

Laurie has managed to create a great read that tackles some very serious issues. And while focuses on these issues she still managed to create some very funny moments so it was a balance out story.

However, even though I did enjoy it. I felt that the ending was a little disappointing and some of the issues could have be developed more so the readers could get a proper feel for them.

Overall, if you are looking for a fast read, that will keep you interested from start to finish then this is the book for you.

Rate: 3/5

Originally Reviewed: 17 February 2011

0

Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman

Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
Published: 28th April 2011
Publisher: Corgi Childrens
Genre: YA Fiction, Realistic Fiction


Description:
You're waiting for the postman - he's bringing your A level results. University, a career as a journalist - a glittering future lies ahead. But when the doorbell rings it's your old girlfriend; and she's carrying a baby. Your baby. You're happy to look after it, just for an hour or two. But then she doesn't come back - and your future suddenly looks very different...

Review:
Why haven't I read this before now? I have no freaking idea. I am kicking myself for not reading it. Boys Don't Cry is such a fantastic read that is realistic to life in the UK for many teenagers.

Boys Don't Cry follows the story of Dante. He has his life all planned out. He plans on going to uni and becoming a journalist. However, his world is blown apart when his ex Melanie turns up on his door step with a baby. His baby. Dante agrees to look after baby Emma so Melanie pops to the shop. However, she doesn't come back. And Dante world is changed forever.

I was a teenage parent so I really could related to this story. OK I thankfully had a wonderful family and friends for support unlike Melanie who just couldnt cope. People would probably read this and hate her for leaving her baby. Honestly I just felt sorry for her. Its hard to bring up a baby even with help. I can't even imagine the struggles poor Mel had to go through that she had to abandon her baby. Now Dante who at first is rather comical when it came to dealing with Emma when Mel ask him just to her. He hold her away from him and its just funny to read. Especially when it came to the nappy. However, he is thrown into the deep end here. Poor Dante, at first he doesn't even want to change his life because he doesn't think Emma will be staying with him. As the story continues though he grows to care for her and there is one point in the story that I screamed "YES!" when he finally says she is her daughter.

As well as reading Dante's story of struggling with single father hood. We are told Adam's story along side. Adam is Dante's younger brother. He is gay and isn't afraid to show it. I really loved him. He is always a glass half full kinda of boy. However, after a horrible, horrible incident he becomes closed off from his family and friends. I was such a shame to read this. I was heartbroken for him.

Malorie has created such a realistic story about what goes on in society just now. She doesn't sugar coat anything and just tells the story like it is. This could easily have been a non fiction story. These are issues that people face everyday. Single Teen Parents. Homophobic behaviour. And yet she manages to create a story that is full of hope and love and humour that had me crying alot with happiness for the characters.

What I really loved. Was the fact that this focuses on a single teen father. In today society, all the focus is on teen mothers. And this show the point of view of the dad. There are single dads out there but they hardly ever get a mention. And I want to applaud Malorie of this.

I was 19 when I had my son and I thank god everyday that I had people around me for support. His dad even though we weren't together he has been there since day one. Always being involved in my son's life. So even though Boys Don't cry is different I can relate to it because its hard being a teen parent. You get pigeon holed and people look down their noses as you Just like they do with Dante and its not nice. This book holds a special place in my heart and even writing this review I have a lump in my throat and the tears are coming so I am going to stop writing now and just going to say one thing:

READ IT PLEASE!

Rate: 5/5

Orginally Reviewed: 15 May 2011

Buy your copy

Amazon {UK}{US}

Visit Malorie: Website

2