8.11.18

Blog Tour: The Girl in the Broken Mirror by Savita Kalhan (Review)

The Girl in the Broken Mirror by Savita Kalhan 
Release Date: March 29, 2018
Publisher: Troika 
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary 
Source: Paperback proved by author in exchange for an honest review 
4 stars! 
Add to Goodreads! 
Amazon | Amazon UK | Book Depository 
Jay’s creative writing exercise is to write a fairy tale, ending ‘and they lived happily ever after’.
But the way her life is panning out she’s not sure it will ever reach that stage. Jay is an only child whose father died some years earlier. Her father believed that well educated girls could make successful independent lives. Now she has to move with her mother to her Aunt and Uncle’s house where her cousins live. Her aunt is a particular kind of Indian woman with super strict rules for girls and boys. Jay will be expected to have only Indian friends, if she has any at all. How can she see her school friends, Chloe and Matt?
But being forced to conform to conservative Indian customs and traditions is only the beginning of a nightmare for Jay. When her life implodes, how can she hide the shame and how will she find a way to keep going?
Review: 

I didn't quite know what to expect going into Savita Kalhan's The Girl in the Broken Mirror; however, I'm always in the mood for a promising contemporary and The Girl in the Broken Mirror seemed like the perfect fit. 

The Girl in the Broken Mirror is a fast-paced and addictive read from start to finish. Once I started the book and become more and more emotionally invested in Jay's story, I couldn't put it down - not even for a second. I needed to know what had happened - the prologue had me 100% hooked. 

That's not to say The Girl in the Broken Mirror is by any means an "easy" read. Savita tackles hard topics within Jay's story, and some parts were slightly hard to stomach at times - I was so angry with the people in Jay's world. I couldn't believe that she was put in the position she was, but I wanted her to find her place again. Savita delivers a raw and emotional read to say the least.

Additionally, Jay is a likable and relatable character. She's independent, determined, and strong. I gave her props for holding her life and her mother's together after such a tragic situation, and I gave her props for continually standing up for what she believed in. She's not one to be quiet when she doesn't believe something is right, and while the people in her world wouldn't always listen, she continually remained steadfast. In the book, Jay goes through an incredible hard situation. I won't say too much about it, as I don't want to spoil anything. However, I will say my heart broke for her. I was livid and distraught. I couldn't believe the position in which Jay had been put in, and it was hard to see someone so hopeful, so lively become so closed off, so reserved, so hopeless. I thought Savita did a wonderful job of presenting Jay's story, and I liked how she really honed in on the relationships in Jay's life. Her relationship with her mother was one of my favorite parts of the book, and even during their hardest moments, I still hoped they would find their way back to each other. 

In all, The Girl in the Broken Mirror is a emotionally charged and compelling addition to YA contemporary. I can't wait to see what Savita has in store for us next. 


About the Author: 
Savita Kalhan was born in India but moved to the UK when she was very young. She graduated with a joint honours degree in politics and philosophy from the University of Wales. She was a Batik artist and teacher before she turned to writing. Her debut novel the Long Weekend is described as ‘an intensely compelling thriller’ which addresses the issue of stranger danger. Her recent books include Stories from the Edge and Even Birds are Chained in the Sky. Savita lives in London. You can follow her on Twitter @savitakalhan.




30.8.18

Release Day Blitz: Ten Reasons to Stay by Candace Knoebel




TEN REASONS TO STAY
Author: Candace Knoebel
Series: Risky Hearts Duet #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 30, 2018

About the Book: 

One day a week—Thursdays—my husband and I could do whatever or whomever we pleased.
Protection was non-negotiable.
And no matter what, we had to be home by midnight.
Jack was the one who wanted an open marriage, but we were supposed to keep things simple. No strings. No commitments. It seemed so easy…until it wasn’t.

Devilishly handsome Cole Blackwater was only supposed to be a fling, but everything about him made me feel alive. Wanted. Seen. When I realized he was my husband’s boss, I should have broken things off right then…but I didn’t.

One day a week, I could pretend that I was his and he was mine…until Cole wanted more.

But how could I decide between the man I’d promised to love, honor, and cherish, and the man who tempted me to break every single vow I’d made?

About the Author

Candace Knoebel is a hopeless romantic with an affinity for whiskey and good music. Her love of words began when she met the boy who lived in the cupboard under the stairs. She's a self-proclaimed Lost Girl. Words are her mirror.

With two completed series, her work ranges from paranormal to contemporary, all centered heavily around romance. Currently she lives in Florida with her husband and two children, and has just completed her thirteenth novel, The Taste of Her Words.

16.8.18

Blog Tour: How to Breathe Underwater by Vickey Skinner (Review & Giveaway)



How to Breathe Underwater 

Vicky Skinner 

Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: August 14th 2018
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Kate’s father has been pressuring her to be perfect for her whole life, pushing her to be the best swimmer she can be. But when Kate finds her dad cheating on her mom, Kate’s perfect world comes crashing down, and Kate is forced to leave home and the swim team she’s been a part of her whole life.
Now in a new home, new school, and faced with the prospect of starting over, Kate isn’t so sure that swimming is what she wants anymore. But when she decides to quit, her whole world seems to fall apart. But when Kate gets to know Michael, the cute boy that lives across the hall, she starts to think that starting over might not be so bad. There’s only one problem: Michael has a girlfriend.
As the pressures of love, family, and success press down on her, can Kate keep her head above water?
Review: 

Prior to starting Vickey Skinner's How to Breathe Underwater, I hadn't heard too much about it. However, I can never resist a pretty cover and a synopsis that screams romance and contemporary goodness so I eagerly dove in. 

The result? How to Breathe Underwater was one heck of a treat! Romantic, emotional, and funny, How to Breathe Underwater managed to wow me the whole way through. 

How to Breathe Underwater introduces Kate, a high school junior, who isn't having the best year. She's dealing with family drama, friend drama, and starting all over at a new school. She's trying her best to be positive, but it's hard to do when everything seems to be going to wrong. I adored Kate from the get-go. She was sweet and kind, and I loved seeing her bloom in her new environment. I also appreciated how she always tried her best to do the right thing. Sometimes it all still blew up in her face, but you could tell she was always coming from a good place. 

Michael, the love interest in this, was SWOONY as heck! From the moment he was introduced I was praying he would be the one. He was the perfect mix of moody and light, and I loved the chemistry between him and Kate. It flowed well, and, more importantly, it made it easy to root for them! 

In addition to Michael and Kate, Vickey introduces a variety of other characters - Kate's friends, family, etc. Every single character brought something special to the book, and I loved pretty much every single one of them (well, besides Kate's dad...he was a bit of a jerk...scratch that a HUGE jerk). Vickey did a great job of developing everyone, and while I wish there had been more of them, I was 100% content with what I got. 

The plot in this mainly involves romance and creating a new life when everything gets turned upside down. I always love a starting fresh story line, and that rang true here. It was exciting to be there every step of the way with Kate. The romance in this had so much wonderful build up - there were so many times I was like "just kiss already!" but let me tell you, the wait was worth it in the end! 

Overall, summer may soon be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean there isn't time to fit some more summer reading in! How to Breathe Underwater should definitely be on your end of summer reading lists. It's sweet, heartwarming, and charming - I simply adored it and I think many others will as well! 


4 stars!!



Author Bio: 
Born and raised in Texas, I don’t act like much of a Texan. I like cold weather and hate country music. I have a gorgeous husband, two dogs, and a Literature degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. If I’m not at home reading a book or doing laundry, I’m probably at the bookstore, nannying three rambunctious boys, or stuck on the side of the road with car trouble. I’m a reader, a writer, and a bit of a crazy person.



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