Book Shelf: Every Move (Every #3) by Ellie Marney

The sequel to Every Breath and Every Word.After the dramatic events of London, a road trip back to her old home in Five Mile sounds good (in theory) to Rachel Watts, with her brother Mike in the driving seat. But when Mike picks up his old buddy – the wildly unreliable Harris Derwent – things start to go south. 

Back in Melbourne, Rachel’s ‘partner in crime’, James Mycroft, clashes with Harris, and then a series of murders suggest that the mysterious Mr Wild – Mycroft’s own personal Moriarty – is hot on their tail. When tragedy strikes, Rachel and Mycroft realise they’ll have to recruit Harris and take matters into their own hands… 

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Every Move is Australian author Ellie Marney's conclusion to her Every trilogy and is a stellar conclusion to what has been an exciting, passionate and highly entertaining series!

Teenage sleuths Rachel Watts and James Mycroft have been to hell and back after their traumatic experience in London that saw them barely escape with their lives. The physical and mental torture they experienced at the hands of their kidnappers has left Rachel traumatized and experiencing painful nightmares that has seen her relationship with Mycroft affected.

In Every Move, Rachel and James find themselves piecing together the clues to discover the real identity of the mysterious Mr. Wild and as their troubles follows them back home to Melbourne and then to Rachel's hometown of Five Mile, Rachel and James must make a final stand against the man who was responsible for James's parents deaths and who won't stop until he silences Rachel and Mycroft for good.....

To be perfectly honest, for a proud Australian like myself I don't really read enough authentic Australian fiction. With so many fantastic stories out there it's hard to read them all and perhaps because of this I don't read enough books by Aussie authors. And yet it's books like Every Move and the rest of Ellie Marney's series that really makes me think I should!

Author Ellie Marney is a perfect example of home grown talent embracing Australian culture and mannerisms and using them to empower a timely classtic with a contemporary urban twist. As part of a series that has expertly woven the classic tale of Sherlock Homes and his adventures with everyday Australian culture and life, Every Word once more draws readers into the lives of Rachel Watts and James Mycroft as our beloved heroes make their final stand.

Both Rachel and James have been through so much and come so far in this series. They've fallen in love over the course of three books as they took their friendship to the next level and have fought to uncover the truth about what happened to James's parents. They're struggled and fought and managed to survive when all seemed lost and it's still an absolute pleasure to follow them each and every time.

I honestly feel Rachel and James encompass the Australian teenager, whilst managing to be the teen sleuths they are. Obviously most normal teens don't go around chasing criminals and solving murders, but for what they do, Marney has managed to make them very relatable and authentic in today's day and age.

With solid writing, believable characters and a passionate love story, Ellie Marney has managed to stay very true to Australian culture as she explored Rachel and James together, both in the city and the Australian countryside. I loved that she made everything feel real and kept things in the realm of believability even as we saw Rachel and James solve crimes, embrace forensics and work alongside a number of different police forces both in Australia and England.

As Rachel and James face their final battle in this series, Marney manages to keep the excitement, action and romance to the perfect level she always has with this series, and weaves together the themes of family, friendship and discovery as readers join Rachel and James once more.

A great editon and ending to what has been a highly entertaining series and one all Aussie teen readers should read, Every Move will take you from one high to another and leave you pleased as punch with how Rachel and James's journey ends!

Rating:

Source: Sent for review by Allen & Unwin (Thank you Clare!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | Kobo | Booktopia
My Recommendation: Gritty and rich, this series is great Aussie YA fiction and definitely worth reading!
Cover: It's perfect with the first two!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Sadly this is the last in this series, but I look forward to more from Ellie Marney.....

Free Ebooks

Hi guys and welcome to another batch of freebie books! Enjoy ;)

 

And as an added bonus, here are books 1-4 in the A Cupid series, all FREE at this point in time!

There's great books here---hope you all managed to get something new!

Book Shelf: Ever Darkening by Janeal Falor

Perfection. Goodness. Elimination of evil. It's what seventeen-year-old Kaylyn has trained her entire life to achieve. But no one is prepared for the consequences of her actually defeating all evil people on the planet. Finally successful in her mission, Kaylyn faces an unfamiliar world, full of good people doing good things, in which she no longer has purpose.

When the skies grow dark, and a stranger from another village pleads for her help, her instincts roar to life. It turns out their perfect world isn't exactly what it seems. Kaylyn's new quest, harder than any she's been on before, will rip apart her friendships, her life, and her soul more than any evil man ever managed to.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Ever Darkening is the latest release by Janeal Falor and in a step away from her sensational Mine series is a standalone fantasy tale.

Ever Darkening introduces readers to a world where good versus evil plays a very important part in the lives of those who inhabit it and sees heroine Kaylyn make some tough choices if she ever hopes to protect those she loves. Kaylyn is a Zorpha, a member of group of elite, well trained warriors who are tasked with destroying evil individuals known as Malryx. In fact Kaylyn has been specially chosen to be the one to destroy the last living Malryx and rid the world of evil. However no sooner has Kayln’s blade fallen does it become clear that the balance between good and evil has been tipped dramatically and as strange things begin to occur, Kaylyn and her friends must fight their toughest fight yet as nature rises up in order to protect their fragile reality.

As a real fan of Janeal Falor’s Mine series, Ever Darkening is a hard book for me to review. Did I enjoy the story? Yes. Was it worth reading? Hmmm….yes. Did it blow me away? No. I will say this; Ever Darkening was a really unique tale and I definitely don’t think I’ve ever quite read anything quite like it. I’d describe it as a fantasy tale, but it had a science-fiction aura to it, with some of the names and terms used throughout the story.

The concept Falor explores throughout the story is definitely different from what I’ve seen before. It’s fresh and unique and takes a different approach to the way evil affects everything around it. I think Janeal Falor’s writing was spot on and the pace forward moving, although I found it was somewhat slow at times compared to her other novels.

The heroine Kaylyn was likable, although I found her a bit tedious at times where her feelings for one of her close friends Jorrin was concerned. With Kaylyn’s best friend Marsa in love with Jorrin since she was a child, Kaylyn fights what she feels for Jorrin and refuses to acknowledge it as much she can---something that just needed to be resolved in my eyes sooner than it was.

I loved the action and suspenseful moments during this story that often kept me highly entertained. With nature rising up, Kaylyn and her friends find themselves up against aren’t what you expect; something that makes for an interesting read.

The ending was very much a surprise in some sense and seemed to come on too swiftly for my liking, but although the resolution was not something I saw coming in the beginning I think it seemed fitting for the story and a natural evolution. However, as the novel ends, I really feel there’s more to see thanks to the changes to Kaylyn’s world and would like to see Falor explore the next chapter in Karyn’s life and her new world.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author (Thanks Janeal!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | The Book Depository
My Recommendation: If you're a sci-fi and/or fantasy fan after something different, you may just enjoy this.
Cover: It's simple, but I quite like it.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: I've heard there's a companion novel to Ever Darkening featuring Marsa and I'd actually be quite interested in seeing through her eyes......

Cover Reveal: The Revolution of Ivy by Amy Engel & Giveaway

I'm thrilled to be participating in the cover reveal for The Revolution of Ivy by Amy Engel, the sequel to Amy Engel's incredible debut novel The Book of Ivy! I ADORED The Book of Ivy--it was a favourite of mine from last year, and I cannot wait to read The Revolution of Ivy!

Ivy Westfall is beyond the fence and she is alone. Abandoned by her family and separated from Bishop Lattimer, Ivy must find a way to survive on her own in a land filled with countless dangers, both human and natural. She has traded a more civilized type of cruelty--forced marriages and murder plots--for the bare-knuckled brutality required to survive outside Westfall's borders.

But there is hope beyond the fence, as well. And when Bishop reappears in Ivy's life, she must decide if returning to Westfall to take a final stand for what she believes is right is worth losing everything she's fought for.

Add on Goodreads!

Pre-order:

Amazon | Kobo | The Book Depository

 

Amy Engel was born in Kansas and after a childhood spent bouncing between countries (Iran, Taiwan) and states (Kansas; California; Missouri; Washingt on, D.C.), she settled in Kansas City, Missouri, where she lives with her husband and two kids. Before devoting herself full-time to motherhood and writing, she was a criminal defense attor ney, which is not quite as exciting as it looks on TV. When she has a free moment, she can usual ly be found reading, running, or shoe shopping. The Book of Ivy is her debut YA novel.

Visit Amy:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter

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Book Shelf: The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper may not be the prettiest girl in her high school, but she has a loyal group of friends, a biting wit, and a spot-on BS detector. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush, who calls Bianca the Duff--the designated ugly fat friend--of her crew.

But things aren't so great at home and Bianca, desperate for a distraction, ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Kody Keplinger draws her readers into a highly addictive and edgy contemporary read with The Duff: Designated Ugly Fat Friend. A sharp, witty and thought provoking story that explores the body issues, fears and insecurities of todays teenagers alongside a sizzling romance featuring a commendable heroine, The Duff is one of the best books I've read this year!

Seventeen year old Bianca Piper is cynical, sarcastic and somewhat jaded. While her two best friends are happy to go to clubs, party and think about boys Bianca prefers to focus on the more important things in life. She's already had her heart broken once and isn't looking to go for round two. Yet when Bianca's home life begins to unravel she finds herself searching for an escape in the arms of the last person she ever expected; Wesley Rush.

Arrogant, egotistical and a man-whore through and through Wesley is someone Bianca can't stand and is the last person she thought she'd want to spend time with. Especially after he nicknamed her "Duffy". But when a spontaneous kiss with Wesley slides into an enemies-with-benefits type relationship, Bianca finds herself discovering Wesley might not be the jerk she thinks he can be and soon her no-stings-attached agreement with Wesley begins to feel all too real.....

My goodness was this book fun to read! Honestly, I literally read it in one day. I could not put it down. Kody Keplinger manages to write a really entertaining story with The Duff; a romance that manages to explore hard hitting issues relevant to today's teens. There's a perfect balance between snark, humor, friendship and romance with real issues faced and dealt with in this story.

The Duff is certainly entertaining, but it is also an authentic take on teenage relationships and the complexity that comes from the physical relationship between two people, especially in today's society. Keplinger explores how the boundary between emotion and physicality can blur in this adorable romance.

The whole idea of the "Duff" focuses around the concept that within every group of friends there is a Duff; one girl who is slightly less attractive and appealing than her friends, whose simplicity make her friends stand out and seem more attractive to those around her. Standing for the designated, ugly, fat friend, the love interest of our main character Bianca explains the terms when he dubs Bianca the Duff of her friends, but Kody Keplinger does a fantastic job taking this concept and shining some light on it over the course of the book. I was very happy with Bianca's understanding and acceptance of this term and it's implications by the end of this story.

Bianca was an easy heroine to follow. She's loyal, sarcastic and to the point. Though she has natural insecurities, Bianca doesn't give a crap about what people think, something that only becomes more evident when she begins a secret relationship with the hottest guy in her school but refuses to loose her head over him. Though her heart is a whole other story......I think Kody Keplinger did a great job writing a character that was relatable and who you honestly wanted the best for.

The Duff focuses heavily around Bianca's relationship with Wesley. Now this book boarders on the YA/NA line with Bianca and Wesley physical with each other. And often. Though it's not as graphic as some books out there, it's still sexual and should be read with caution....because Bianca and Wesley are HOT! Bianca doesn't like Wesley in the beginning, something Keplinger reminds us of often as Bianca and Wesley bicker and insult each other, but when they're together boy are they sexy. There's is a very primal and physical relationship with their attraction a physical one that develops into something even more beautiful over time.

I thought Bianca and Wesley were sweet. Yes, Wesley was a arrogant jerk sometimes, but he wasn't a bad guy; not really. He actually comes to care for Bianca as their attraction deepens and I loved that he stands up for her as he does and tries to make her feel better for herself. They have a great chemistry and are so cute together!

The Duff really is a fantastic read through and through and with a motion picture in the future for this story, Kody Keplinger has won a new fan with me. I'll look for more of her books and urge anyone who loves their couples with plenty of chemistry, sass and growth to pick up The Duff--you won't regret it!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me from The Book Depository
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Contemporary fans MUST read this!
Cover: Simple but I like it :)
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand alone novel but I look forward to reading more books by Kody Keplinger in the future......

Owl Post #53

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they  

Hi guys and welcome to the first Owl Post for March!

 

I was very good last week and didn't buy any books--a rarity for me, but I did get a few for review I'm excited to read :)

  For Review:

From Simon & Schuster Australia: - Until the End by Abbi Glines As a die hard Abbi Glines fan, I especially adore her Sea Breeze series and can't wait to read the final novel. Although it'll be sad seeing the series end!   .....Thank you Jen! __________________________   From Murdoch Books: - Oksa Pollock: The Last Hope by Anne Plichota & Cendrine Wolf This book was quite unexpected--the first novel I've ever received by Murdoch Books, and more a  Middle Grade novel of sorts, however as someone who is a fan of Percy Jackson and who adores Harry Potter, I'm kinda liking the sound of this and may have to worm it into my reading schedule.   ....Thanks guys! _______________________   From Bloomsbury Australia: - The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski The Winner's Curse was one of my favourite books of last year and I'm sooooo looking forward to reading the sequel. Can't wait to dive in!   .....Thanks Sonia!   And those are my pretties for this week :D What did the owls bring you last week?  

 

Free Ebooks

Hi guys and welcome to the first day of March!

Can you believe how fast the year is going? I certainly can't! And yet, what better way to kick off another moth than with some freebies.....enjoy!

Did you manage to snag something new?
Even I did this time around :)