Review: Under the Lights by Abbi Glines

Title: Under the Lights (The Field Party #2)
Author: Abbi Glines
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Simon and Schuster UK
Published: August 25th 2016
Page Number: 336
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary:

Willa can’t erase the bad decisions of her past that led her down the path she’s on now. But she can fight for forgiveness from her family. And she can protect herself by refusing to let anyone else get close to her.

High school quarterback and town golden boy Brady used to be the best of friends with Willa—she even had a crush on him when they were kids. But that’s all changed now: her life choices have made her a different person from the girl he used to know.

Gunner used to be friends with Willa and Brady, too. He too is larger than life and a high school football star—not to mention that his family basically owns the town of Lawton. He loves his life, and doesn’t care about anyone except himself. But Willa is the exception—and he understands the girl she’s become in a way no one else can.

As secrets come to light and hearts are broken, these former childhood friends must face the truth about growing up and falling in love…even if it means losing each other forever.  

 

REVIEW

 

After finishing up the first book in this YA series by Abbi Glines I had one thought in mind: I want more. So much more. The small town romance mixed with the drama and football. It reminded me of watching episodes of Friday Night Lights with a cup of cocoa on a Friday night as a child while having me dream of living the life of the rich.

 

That was until I read this book.

 

Abbi Glines delivers a book filled with drama. I thought RuPauls Drag Race could only bring the type of drama that has me shook but Under the Lights had me Shooketh. It was an addicting read that I honestly could not put down until I finish the last page of the book but that doesn't always mean it was a brilliant read.

 

Now don't get me wrong I enjoyed the book. I loved our main character Willa and how strong and honest she was about her past and what she wanted for the future. I saw so much of younger self in her. I also loved Gunner and how much he grew and developed as a character. He showed there was more to him than just a rich spoilt brat. And together their romance was something different all together.

 

But then we have the confusing part of the story, mainly in our third main character Brady. For me he didn't fit in the story, I grew tired of his POV. He was whiny and unlike the character I read about in Until Friday Night who came across as someone who'd do anything for anyone and wore his heart on his sleeve. I'm not sure if Abbi had him in the book for the added drama or because she saw him as a vital character in Willa and Gunner's story but I think the story would have been delivered better without his overdraught POV.

 

Despite the mishap in the series I'm still super excited for book three, After the Game, which focuses on Riley and Brady. I'm sure Abbi will use her power of writing luscious romantic scenes to pull me in and use the drama to keep me hooked.

 

 

 

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ARC Review: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Title: The Hate U Give
Author: Angie Thomas
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Walker Books
Published: April 6th 2017
Page Number: 438
Rating: 5/5

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, Khalil’s death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Starr’s best friend at school suggests he may have had it coming. When it becomes clear the police have little interest in investigating the incident, protesters take to the streets and Starr’s neighbourhood becomes a war zone. What everyone wants to know is: What really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does—or does not—say could destroy her community. It could also endanger her life.

 

REVIEW

The Hate U Give may just be the best book I'll read this year.

The hype has been well alive since the announcement of the book and with each and every review that came in - including those 8 starred reviews - I wasn't sure if it was going to live up to it. However, Angie Thomas really delivered a raw, poignant novel with a relevant narrative that showcases the harsh lives of Black people.

Starr lives one of two lives: Her life in Garden Heights filled with shootings and Drug Lords and then her life at Williamson Prep, a boarding school for the white and rich. Tying between two complete opposite communities leaves her feeling restless and after the murder of her childhood friends takes place in front of her she has to choose which side to take: Remaining silent or getting justice for Khalil.

Starting the novel I wasn't too sure what I really thought of the writing as I've never experienced a book in the narrative of a black character from what I would call the 'Hood'. It's ratchet talk to me, however, it was needed for it to be fresh and honest. Every character interaction only showed me just how difficult black people have it, but also how narrow minded some of their older generation could be in regards to interracial relationships.

I can't pretend to understand how people in these circumstances feel but we can all be empathetic and sympathetic in times of needs and learn to understand what they're going through, which Angie Thomas did well for me. The Hate U Give was a learning curve for me, an education I never saw coming but ended up being thankful for.

It's books like this one that deserve to be Number 1 New York Times Bestsellers. It's books like this one that everyone deserves to read because it's impactful, important. A story that needs to be told because otherwise we'll just continue being ignorant. Sometimes your voice is more powerful than words but words were enough in this case. The Hate U Give is imprinted in my heart, soul and mind. It's constantly with me in my every day life and that's why I think it'll be hard to knock this from my number 1 spot this year.

 

 

 

Buy the book (Wordery) | Buy the book (Book Depository)

 

 

A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher, Walker Books UK for an honest opinion.

Favorite LGBTQ+ Reads

So I'm finally back from my time away where I've done nothing but work and catch up on some of my favourite TV series (and discovered new ones). With my comeback I thought I'd decide to recommend you guys some of my favourite LGBTQ+ reads. Being a gay guy myself, I'm ashamed to say I don't read much LGBTQ+ books but I am making it a priority from now on. In this list we do have a mix of both Middle Grade, Young Adult and New Adult books so there's something for everyone.

SIMON VS THE HOMOSAPIENS AGENDA BY BECKY ALBERTALLI

Definitely a more cute LGBT novel about a closet gay called Simon Spier who is blacked mailed by another student; either Simon helps the guy get with his friend or Simon's sexuality will be spilled to the entire school. Simon VS the Homosapien Agenda is a total meet-cute with relatable friendships and a love of Oreo's that goes beyond galaxies. Simon VS the Homosapiens Agenda is also currently being made into a movie starring Nick Robinson (The 5th Wave), Jennifer Garner (Juno) and Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why).


THE ART OF BEING NORMAL BY LISA WILLIAMSON

I wasn't too sure how I'd feel going into The Art of Being Normal, however, I quickly fell in love with both David and Leo and their character journey's. Being a UKYA novel I found it very easy to relate to the writing style and felt this is a coming of age novel that everyone can get behind. Not too heavy on romance but a great book that deals with Transgender issues, family and true friendship.


HIM & US BY SARINA BOWEN AND ELLE KENNEDY

Him and Us are by far some of my all time favourite books. They're brilliantly written with likable characters and a butterfly inducing romance. But my favourite thing about the novels are the fact both Sarina and Elle wrote Jamie and Wes as just two guys who love playing Hockey. And that was that. They never played up to stereotypes and I really appreciated that.


GEORGE BY ALEX GINO

You don't often find LGBTQ+ Middle Grade novels by George is by far one that I want to give to every child I know. It's a book that educates, not preaches about what it's like as a child to be born into the wrong body. George was a sweet book from beginning to end with a beautiful message. I'll never forget how it made me feel, especially as George and Kelly used their school play of Charlotte's Web to show to the world that George truly is a girl.




Have any LGBTQ+ Recommendations for me?
Let me know in the comments.

Book to TV Show Recommendations

So recently I've been obsessed with TV shows, however, most of these shows started out as published novels and then adapted for the small screen. So because of that very reason I want to recommend you guys my favourite book to TV show adaptations. Now the list is small; and when I say small I actually mean it.


THE 100

The 100 is already on its 4th season and I cannot believe how fast the time has flown by since we got introduced to the bunch of rag tag teens in the Pilot episode. The show stars Eliza Clarke who you may know from Australian soap, Neighbours. Talking about Australian soaps, Bob Morley who portrays Bellamy also starred in both Neighbours and Home & Away.

Now what's special with this series is that the book and TV show were all in production at the same time and I'm pretty sure the show premiered before the release date of the book. But I will say the TV show has a better plot line and character arc than the book series does. But if you're after loving characters, a dangerous world but kick ass action then you'll love this series.

BIG LITTLE LIES


Big Little Lies made ripples when it was published back in 2014. Telling the story of three school mothers who get wrapped up in a murder mystery in their small town. The book broke down each character, showcasing their lives behind closed doors and that makes for an incredible series. Madeline is portrayed by Legally Blonde legend, Reese Whitherspoon. Celeste is portrayed by Nicole Kidman and Jane, the single mother with a whole load of secrets is portrayed by our very much beloved Shailene Woodley. Other cast include Zoe Kravitz and Alexander Skarsgard. Now the show does show an abusive relationship between Celeste and Perry, which is so well acted and keeps you very much on your feet.

Currently there are only 3 episodes out in the UK, showcasing on Sky Atlantic but I can easily confess that this has become a favourite show of mine. I love the drama surrounding a secret filled small town that's soon to crack. Right now I'd say this may be better than Broadchurch.

 

 

 

RIVERDALE

 

I can't really tell you much about the Archie Comics but what I can tell you is that the shows adaptation known as Riverdale is one of the best Teen shows to hit the screens since Gossip Girls and 90210. Set in small town, Riverdale after the shocking events occurring a murder over the summer the show follows the lives of every one affected.

 

And who killed Jason Blossom?

 

The casting of the show is very varied as most of the cast are unknown to the acting world, however, the show does include a crush of my childhood years: Cole Sprouse. Cole portrays wannabe writer and narrator of the show, Jughead who possibly may know more than he's letting off. But overall this is a show that keeps on getting better. And to let you know how good it is, Season 1 has yet to even finish airing and it's already been renewed for a second season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Know any more book to TV show adaptations I should watch?

Let me know in the comments.

Review: Beast by Brie Spangler

Title: Beast
Author: Brie Spangler
Genre: YA Contemporary / Retelling
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: October 11th 2016
Page Number: 336
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary:

Tall, meaty, muscle-bound, and hairier than most throw rugs, Dylan doesn’t look like your average fifteen-year-old, so, naturally, high school has not been kind to him. To make matters worse, on the day his school bans the two things that let him hide, his hat and his long hair, Dylan goes up on his roof, only to fall and wake up in the hospital with a broken leg—and a mandate to attend group therapy for self-harmers.

Dylan vows to say nothing and zones out during therapy—until he meets Jamie. She’s funny, smart, and so stunning, even his womanizing best friend, JP, would be jealous. She’s also the first person to ever call Dylan out on his superficiality. As Jamie’s humanity and wisdom begin to rub off on Dylan, they become more than just friends. But there is something Dylan doesn’t know about Jamie, something she shared with the group the day he wasn’t listening. Something that shouldn’t change a thing. She is who she’s always been—an amazing photographer, a true romantic hidden inside a realist, and a devoted friend, who is also transgender. Will Dylan’s hang-ups about himself cause him to lose the best girl he’s ever known?

REVIEW

 

I've had my eye on Beast for quite some time now and when I finally sat down to read it I was left feeling a little deflated. My goal for 2017 is to read more books that feature diversity. Whether that be in sexuality, religion, ethnicity. I just want to be more open minded that I am. I was hoping Beast was going to educate myself and other people on what it means to be transgender and transgender issues in regards to dating, however, I felt like the way the author portrayed the issues was in a way that felt under valued and not all there.

 

At least it did to me.

 

Dylan and Jamie should be seen as a guy and girl in love but it's continuously brought up, even by Dylan that she's just a girl with a penis and it left me feeling uncomfortable. I wanted to see acceptance even though I know not everyone is. I just thought Dylan would have had a more positive attitude towards it even after he accepted it the first time. Two steps forward and a hundred steps back is how you'd describe their relationship. So naïve.

 

However, what I really enjoyed about the book was the loving support from Dylan's mother. She embraced it, knowing all the hardship Dylan would go through and went and educated herself on gender and sexual identity. That warmed my hard as I know so few LGBT people get that in their life times. I also really loved how passionate Jamie was about life. She never let anything get in her way, she stood open and proud, which paired with Dylan's strong personality despite his insecurities really endearing.

 

I know my review is slightly negative but I'm trying to get the point out there that transgender issues are so important to portray correctly. I'm passionate about gender identity, always will be. I want people out there who want to educate themselves a little by reading fictional works to be a little educated with each book they read.

 

 

 

 

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Anticipated Reads of 2017 | Part One

I can already feel that 2017 is going to be the year of books; both Young Adult and New Adult. 2016 was pretty much a lacklustre year for myself and reading but this year I am opening myself to new journeys. This post will be split up into two different posts. This post will feature books published from January to the end of June. Part Two will then feature books from July to the end of December. The reason I've split the posts up are because I didn't want to have a post that's too long, also most of
the books published after June don't really have covers so waiting to post Part Two in June will mean the books on the list should have had their covers revealed by then.

So here are my most anticipated releases from January- June....


LONG WAY HOME BY KATIE MCGARRY
Harlequin Teen - 31st January

I'm saddened that Long Way Home is due to be the last book in the thunder road series. It was confirmed to me by Katie McGarry herself on twitter. Originally this was going to be a four book series but Ha
rlequin Teen had changed their mind and only wanted three books. Violet and Chevy have been the vocal point of the series with every reader wanting to know whether or not they'll put their differences aside and give a relationship a try? We also get a sneak peek back into the world of the Pushing the Limit series as Violet and Chevy meet Isaiah and Rachel along the way.



HISTORY IS ALL YOU LEFT ME BY ADAM SILVERA
Simon & Schuster Children - 9th February

A story of grief, heartache and love. History is All You Left Me follows Griffin whose ex-boyfriend, Theo has passed away. With all the hurt Griffin is going through he ends up connecting to Jackson, Theo's boyfriend who is the only person who understands his heartache. However, Griffin's OCD is getting worse and the only way he can find himself is by opening up and fronting his past.


LIKE A MEMORY BY ABBI GLINES
Self-published - 14th February

It was only recent when Abbi announced that Seabreeze would be meeting Rosemary Beach and I was a little shook. Having only finished both series last year and now being able to read Bliss and Nate's story so soon after is possibly the best thing to happen in 2017. Bliss and Nate met when they were teenagers, fell in love for the first time. But now 10 years have passed and they're reuniting again. The only word I can think of right now for this book is heartbreak because I'm sure I'm either going to be crying or laughing and crying while wanting more.



THE HATE U GIVE BY ANGIE THOMAS
Balzer & Bray - 28th February

Inspired by the #blacklivesmatter movement, Angie Thomas had written a novel so at the heart of America that it's become a must on anyone's 2017 TBR's. The book follows 16 year old Starr who's the only witness to the murder of her friend Khalil by a police officer. When it becomes a media phenomenon, Starr's life is threatened. What she says could ruin a community, what she says could get her killed.


A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN BY SARAH J MAAS
Bloomsbury Children's - 2nd May

I'm not sure what to say about ACOWAR as I've still yet to read A Court of Mist and Fury, however, I absolutely loved A Court of Thorns and Roses. It was one of my favourite books of 2015 and I'm super excited to continue on with Feyre's journey and also get to know Rhysand more. From what I've heard the ending of A Court of Mist and Fury left everyone's jaw dropping and eyes popped in shock so that does intrigue me to get reading it. As of now there is no cover or synopsis for book three in this retelling series.



FLAME IN THE MIST BY RENEE AHDIEH
Putnam and Juvenile - 16th May

Described and Mulan meets Ronin 47 set in Rural Japan. That was all it took to have me hooked. Mulan is one of my absolute favourite movies and it's about time we saw some more retellings surrounding the baddest Disney Heroine. From the synopsis, our main character Mariko is forced into an arranged marriage for political power, however, while on the way there they get hijacked so she pretends to be a guy and joins the Black Clan who were hired to kill her. While getting closer and closer with the Clan she discovers things that make her question everything she's ever known.


LORD OF SHADOWS BY CASSANDRA CLARE
Simon and Schuster Children's - 23rd May

I will read anything Cassandra Clare writes, including her weekly shopping lists. Who am I kidding, she probably has people who do her shopping for her. Now while I've not read Lady Midnight I am super excited for the release of Lord of Shadows. First of all the cover is absolutely gorgeous but the series also has a character named Kieran (Same as my own) and has a character that happens to be Bisexual. I'm all about diversity and Cassandra Clare just knows how to write diverse characters who happen to go through the biggest battles of their lives.


ONCE AND FOR ALL BY SARAH DESSEN
Penguin Books - June 8th

I never grew up with Sarah Dessen. In fact I never even heard of her until 2015 when people started mentioning her on Booktube. I read 'Along For the Ride' and next thing you know I was hooked on her books. Once and For All follows a girl whose life surrounds weddings since her mother is a wedding planner. She also doesn't believe in true love, not since her first love broke her heart. After meeting Ambrose, a serial dater, she starts to question whether true love does exist.



Now I know there are a lot more fantastic books coming out this year, but like I said, this will be a 2 part series with the second part being posted in June. At the minute I have my list all saved for that post but I'm just waiting on covers and some synopsis' to be revealed. Anyway, not that this post is up why don't you let me know what books you guys are excited for?

My Favourite Books of 2016

We're 11 days into 2017 and I know I'm posting late but a Bitch has been working Eleven hour shifts and doing Four days straight leaving me no time to actually get things written up and planned out. Hopefully 2017 is the year I'll finally manage time to produce some great posts for you guys. To myself it seems rather fitting that my first post of the year is all about the books I truly loved in 2016. Did I think 2016 was a great year for books? Nope, absolutely not. However, I did read a few books that instantly became a favourite of mine and I feel like you guys deserve to know about them.


THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR BY NICOLA YOON

I had read Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon before it first came out as an e-Arc and really enjoyed it: the writing was beautiful and the characters lively, so I knew what to expect going into The Sun is Also A Star. Except I didn't. I never knew that one book could break my heart into a tiny pieces. I never knew how much of an affect on me it'd truly have until I read the last sentence of the book. I never knew just how powerful words truly were until I experienced the lives of Natasha and Daniel and the people all around them. It made me question society and how we live life. How we choose to live life not really thinking about how our actions can affect someone else. The Sun is Also A Star was an experience to read and I enjoyed every second of it.



THE ROSE SOCIETY & THE MIDNIGHT STAR BY MARIE LU


I had hesitantly read The Young Elites back in 2015 and ended up staying up until 2am to finish reading it, then I put off reading The Rose Society that same year because I wasn't sure if it could live up to the expectations I had built up. It did. In fact it blew all expectations out of the park and then got even better in the last instalment of the series, The Midnight Star. Marie Lu went darker, darker, darker with this series creating twists and turns that no one could have expected. The Rose Society gave us new characters, new loves and a whole lot of messed up and it all came to a beautiful conclusion. Adelina's story was a brave one and I'm so happy I gave it a chance. The fact that Adelina is an Antagonist may put people off it but she's a character with heart. Plus we all love to hate a Villain.


BAD FOR YOU BY ABBI GLINES

I never went into Bad For You expecting anything more than smutty romance and sweet filthy sex, however, Abbi Glines threw a curveball and wrote something so special and empowering. The characters learn so many life lessons during their story and seeing them tackle them on their own and as a couple was something that I feel like so man
y New Adult books leave out. Honestly? I should have been reading Because of Low since I had only read the first book in this series but Krit and Blythe's story captured my attention to the point where 'I'll just read a few pages' turned into me reading the whole book.




THE WRATH & THE DAWN BY RENEE AHDIEH

I finally gave into the hype of Renee Ahdieh and her writing and it was so worth it. The Wrath & the Dawn is simply stunning with such vivid characters that just have mundane problems. Essentially I thought the story would have a lot more of a fantasy element to it, however, it had enough in there to satisfy my needs. I lived and breathed the novel the entire time I read it. When I was in work my mind was going to when I could go on my break or lunch so I could read a chapter more of the story I was becoming to love. Even when I was sleeping I was thinking about the book: I was dreaming that Khlaid actually had an older brother who was gay but because of society's opinions he was in hiding. I was a servant in the story and fell in love with Jaaeh. Of course it was just a dream and no such brother actually exists but I was so inspired that I imagined so many novellas following different characters in this series.



What were some of your favourite books of 2016?
Let me know!