Review: Anywhere by J. Meyers

Anywhere by J. Meyers 

Author: J. Meyers Website|Twitter
Published: 25 August 2013
Format: Kindle e-book
Buy the e-book: Kindle|Kobo|Smashwords

Source: Received free copy from author in exchange for an honest review

Plot Summary (from Goodreads):
Skye Whitcomb is running from her troubles, and where better to run than Europe? Fresh out of college, she makes quick plans with her best friend Paige and hops on a plane.

Of course, nothing ever goes as planned—at least not for her. First, Paige has to bail, and Skye’s left to travel alone. Then she meets sweet and sexy Asher Benedict in Paris, and sparks fly after a night together on the train to Rome. He’s all kinds of perfect for her, but the timing couldn’t be worse since she was running from the altar when she left—so the last thing she wants right now is a relationship.

But Skye’s about to discover that no matter how far you run, love can find you anywhere.

My Review:
I absolutely loved J. Meyers' other books Intangible and Imaginable, so when I heard about Anywhere - which is a completely different genre to the Intangible series - I was really excited to dive in! Anywhere follows Skye as she embarks on her travels across Europe. When her plans with best friend Paige end up falling through, she finds herself in the company of the oh-so-lovely Asher.

It is so rare that I read a book with a constant smile on my face, but that is what happened with Anywhere. Like I'm writing this review straight away after finishing the book and I still have this ridiculous grin on my face. I adored this book. Completely and utterly adored it.

Firstly, I love a good road trip novel. Anything that involves travelling has me interested, and Skye's travels in Anywhere made for the most beautiful backdrop to her story. Along the way she visits, Paris, Rome, Venice, Bern and so many more gorgeous places. It was the perfect bit of escapism! The writing had me itching to be in Skye's place and be the one visiting all these incredible cities, because the descriptions of the places were so exciting! I read large parts of this book on my train journey to and from the beach, which was probably one of the most perfect places to read it.

The plot in Anywhere follows Skye and Asher, who meet at a train station in Paris and suddenly wind up heading off together to Rome. Skye's best friend has disappeared back home after some life-changing news, but Skye knows she needs to stay and finish her travels, as it's something she's so longed to do. I adored the way Skye had to spread her wings and find some independence. You could really feel that as a theme throughout the book. She's just narrowly escaped being tied down to a man she doesn't really love, and so the freedom to explore the world on her own terms is exactly what she needs.

And now we have to talk about the chemistry between Skye and Asher, which was just incredible! They hit it off straight away, but it never felt rushed or forced. The relationship between them just felt so natural and they fit together perfectly. They have the same sense of humour and the same outlook on life and thirst for exploration. As the relationship develops you get some pretty steamy scenes, but unlike other NA novels I've read, they never felt overdone or tacky. The tone was spot on, and I just swooned throughout the whole thing. I love Asher, okay? Can I have him?

I thought the two of them were wonderful characters, and I loved their individual back stories and how you get to learn more about them as the story went on. I think the relationship between Skye and her brother Julian was one of my favourite parts, and I particularly loved their text conversations. In fact, the use of text conversations between both Julian and Skye, and Skye and Paige really added a little something to the story. They were so fun. I thought the phone calls between Skye and her mother were a nice touch, too, even if their relationship is somewhat strained!

I devoured Anywhere in the space of a day, and it's a perfect summery read that will sweep you away. I got so carried away in Skye and Asher's story and their wonderful adventures that I just didn't want the book to end. And the ending - well, that had me practically jumping up and down! I really hope Meyers writes more books in this genre, because her writing is phenomenal and Anywhere just reinforced that for me. Now excuse me whilst I got and plan my travels around Europe and dream of finding my own Asher...

Rating: 5*
Books like this: One Week by Nikki Van De Car, 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Review: Merch Girl by Rebecca Lewis

 Merch Girl by Rebecca Lewis

Author: Rebecca Lewis Website|Twitter
Published: 4 May 2013
Format: Kindle e-book
Amazon: Paperback|Kindle

Source: Received free copy from author in exchange for an honest review

Plot Summary (from Goodreads):
Seventeen-year-old Lacey Kind doesn’t have the guts to talk to cute boys, isn’t a size two, and would rather stay home and listen to music than go to a party. But in the summer before her first year of college, she ends up thousands of miles away from home, in the back of a tour bus, underneath the half-naked body of the hottest teen rock star in the country.

When Lacey and her best friend Trina sneak into a Boston nightclub to see their favorite band, they not only get to watch their rock gods perform for the first time, but score a chance to meet the band too. Lacey’s heart races as she comes face-to-face with her idol, nineteen-year-old lead singer, Logan Shire.

My Review:
I've been searching for more music themed YA novels recently so I when I came across Merch Girl I actually got in touch with the author who very kindly sent me a copy to review. Merch Girl follows Lacey and best friend Trina as they head off on tour with their favourite band.

You know when you finish a book and end up overwhelmed by all of the feelings? That was me after finishing Merch Girl! I loved this book so much, but we better start at the beginning. Immediately I was drawn to main character Lacey. She starts out shy and awkward which I can totally relate to. She's never had a boyfriend and is kind of carried along by her best friend Trina, who's the more outgoing one of the two. The book is set during the summer before Lacey starts college and I think that's the perfect time to explore yourself and have fun, so it was great to see Lacey experience that and gain some confidence.

Needless to say with the characters hanging around with a band made up of three good looking guys, there's plenty of romance to be had! Lacey finds herself drawn to lead singer Logan, and I have to admit, I am completely with her there. I don't often get fictional crushes but Logan is totally swoonworthy! I absolutely loved him. He had great chemistry with Lacey and I really enjoyed their scenes together. Despite Lacey being shy, she just seems to be so comfortable with Logan and he was such a caring and thoughtful character (which made for a nice change!). They have a fair few barriers up against them, mainly the attention Logan gets from fans and the fact the record label want the guys to appear single, so it was good seeing how the two of them coped with those obstacles.

Now I wanted a book about music but I never imagined I would get such an experience! Reading Merch Girl left me feeling like I was right there on tour with Lacey and the gang. I could feel the atmosphere of the gigs and got swept up in the celebrity, rock and roll lifestyle of the band. I absolutely love road trip novels as well so having that element of the story was an added bonus! I enjoyed reading about all the different places they get to visit (and I was only a teeny bit jealous...).

The friendship between Lacey and Trina was a real backbone to the story. I adored the relationship the girls had and how they were always on hand to give each other advice, whether it be about matters of the heart or what to wear the next day. They really balanced each other out as well being quite different from each other.

There were more great characters to mix up the story a bit, from bitchy Jenna who causes a whole load of drama, to superfan Devin who gave that insight into the band's fans. I loved all the little sub-plots going on alongside Lacey's adventures because it meant there was always something happening.

I couldn't put this book down. By the end I'd surprised myself with just how emotional I'd become about the story coming to a close! I was just so invested in the characters and the plot and didn't want that journey to end but when it did I was blown away by what a perfect way to leave things it was.

I honestly can't recommend this book enough. It's fun, yet filled with drama and has a fantastic love story. I think it will appeal to a wide range of people, from lovers of YA contemporary to die hard music fans. If you've obessed over a band at any time in your life (and let's face it, who hasn't?) then you'll find something to relate to in there. And it really encapsulated that time of life when you're finishing school and heading out into the big wide world. The writing completely caught my attention and I can't wait to read more from this author!

Rating: 5*
Books like this: Catching the Fever by Kylee Gwartney, The Rock Star's Daughter by Caitlyn Duffy

Review: One Week by Nikki Van De Car

One Week by Nikki Van De Car

[Goodreads page] 

Author: Nikki Van De Car Website|Twitter
Published: 31 July 2012 (Booktrope)
Format: Kindle e-book
Pages: 176
Amazon: Paperback|Kindle
Waterstone's: Paperback
Book Depository: Paperback

Source: Free Kindle download

Plot Summary (from Goodreads):
Reluctant celebutante Bee had everything that second tier fame could offer—and hated every bit of it. In search of an identity of her own, not some media creation, she takes off from LA with nothing. Bee discovers that one week can change everything. She may even have a chance at love. But is it real or just another illusion? 

My Review:
I was drawn to this book partly by the cover, partly by the fact it was free on Amazon and partly because it involved a road trip. Especially the road trip! One Week follows Bee, who after being set up with a totally inappropriate boy by her rich film producer father, decides the only option left is to run away from home.

Okay, I really loved this book. A lot. Where to start?! Straight away I felt for Bee. She may come from a privileged background and seemingly have everything, but you can tell how disruptive her life (and especially teenage years) have been because if it. Her dad is all about the fame and celebrity life and so tips off photographers as to his daughter's location which is creepy, and trying to set her up with a celebrity with a date rape accusation hanging over his head is the final straw. I kind of admired her for not putting up with it any more (even if running away never really is the answer, it made for a good story!). All she really wants is a loving father who actually cares about her. I don't know if her spoilt ways will put some readers off, but for me it made for a really interesting character because I wanted to see how she coped with these unfamiliar situations she'd found herself in.

I loved the road trip element of the book because it had absolutely everything. Bee has to catch a train - something she's never done before and is totally useless at. Then there's buses and hitchhiking so Bee herself gets the full experience.I loved all the characters Bee came across and the places she travelled. The journey is taking her from one side of America to another so you get to see a bit of everything.

As the title suggests, the book takes place over the space of a week and I really loved that. I adore books that manage to cover so much in such a short space of time. What's really key in a book like this is the pacing and this book had that spot on. It didn't feel quick or rushed, and you got enough drama in that short period of time.

One of the main parts of the plot is Bee's relationship with Jess, a "goth geek" she meets on her travels and ends up stuck with for the rest of her journey. Obviously spending so much time together they have to learn to put up with each other and eventually a friendship develops as they come to rely on each other to get by. I really loved how their relationship played out over the course of the story. Both Bee and Jess are really well developed characters and had their own stories and problems in their lives. I think they both taught each other a lot throughout the book and it was nice seeing their relationship change over the course of the week. The getting to know each other was done so perfectly in that time, as well. It's so gradual as they transition between strangers, to friends, to more than friends.

One Week really had a little bit of everything. Great characters, a gripping plot with lots of twists and turns and a load of life lessons that will be relatable to so many of us. I saw on Goodreads that people had shelved it as New Adult. I think it could class as both YA and NA because Bee is in high school and Jess in college. It definitely reflects the trials and tribulations of both of those times in your life. It's so cliche to say the characters "go on a journey" but there's definitely that element of having to grow up and reflecting on your life up to now and wondering just what the future holds and I really liked that.

Like I mentioned earlier, this pretty short book (under 200 pages) and even though I finished in a few hours (I couldn't put it down!) it felt like so much longer. I was just so invested in the characters and what was going to happen to them. This is definitely a book to check out if you can. Even though I got it for free I would happily have paid for it. Even now it's pretty cheap on Kindle so I'd highly recommend you grab it.

Rating: 5*
Books like this: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson, The Rock Star's Daughter by Caitlyn Duffy

Review: Paper Towns by John Green

Paper Towns by John Green

Author: John Green. Website, Twitter
Published: 3 May 2010 (Bloomsbury)
Pages: 320
Buy: Amazon (paperback|Kindle), Waterstone's (paperback|e-book), Book Depository (paperback)

Source: Borrowed from library.

Plot Summary: (from Waterstone's)
Who is the real Margo? Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs into his life - dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge - he follows. After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. She has disappeared. Q soon learns that there are clues in her disappearance . . . and they are for him. Trailing Margo's disconnected path across the USA, the closer Q gets, the less sure he is of who he is looking for. A boy, a girl, revenge and a long drive across America.

My Review:
This is the third book of John Green's that I've read. I put in a request for this book at the library so I was really excited when it became available. The story is about Quentin "Q" Jacobsen who has a fascination with his next door neighbour Margo. When she disappears he takes it upon himself to unravel the clues to where she might be.

I've said this before but I'll say it again: I love John Green's characters. They're most definitely the best part of his books for me and Paper Towns was no different. The main ensemble of characters in this book were Q and his friends, who are just some of the most realistic teenage boys I've ever read about. They're not glamorous and perfect and popular. They're a bit nerdy and play in the school band, spend hours gaming and are slightly awkward when it comes to girls. But they're brilliant and quite often hilarious. I mean characters that makes jokes about incorrect grammar?! Yes please!

I love Green's writing style, too. He has this amazing way with words and manages to make references to other literary works fun. There are so many lines I stumbled across that slightly took my breath away just because they were such a perfect way of describing something or someone.

I wasn't totally sure about the plot. I had the same problem with An Abundance of Katherines where I wasn't entirely sure why the characters were doing what they were doing and it all seemed a bit over the top and pointless. Maybe pointless isn't the right word, but I struggled to see just why the characters went to the lengths they did. I had a few problems with Margo, too. I just didn't really like the things she did which made it hard for me to sympathise with Q's fascination with her.

There were a few pacing issues for me. I spent the first two thirds of the book wondering when something was going to start happening and maybe getting a little bored. But it did pick up nearer the end and the characters started to come into their own. The road trip part of this book was definitely the highlight.

I was torn over what rating to give this book. I think it needed to grab my attention more for a higher rating so I'll give it 3*, but a very high 3*. More a 3 1/2 really. Brilliant characters and beautiful writing make it a book I would recommend.

Rating: 3*
What to read next: The Fault in our Stars by John Green.
Books like this: An Abundance of Katherines by John Green, Holes by Louis Sachar.

Review: An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Author: John Green. Website, Twitter.
Published: 16 October 2008 (Speak)
Pages: 227
Buy: Amazon, Audio Book, Waterstone's

Plot Summary:
When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton's type is girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen times, to be exact. On a road trip miles from home, this anagram-happy, washedup child prodigy has ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a bloodthirsty feral hog on his trail, and an overweight, Judge Judy-loving best friend riding shotgun–but no Katherines. Colin is on a mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which he hopes will predict the future of any relationship, avenge Dumpees everywhere, and finally win him the girl. Love, friendship, and a dead Austro-Hungarian archduke add up to surprising and heart-changing conclusions in this ingeniously layered comic novel about reinventing oneself.

My Review:
For about two thirds of this book I wasn't exactly sure what I thought of it. I didn't hate it, but I wasn't really gripped either, but I was curious enough about the story to carry on and find it interesting.

What I like about John Green is his characters. He has a way of making them quirky and unique, but in a way that his readership, who embrace the geeky, can totally relate too. His characters aren't outcasts because of their quirks as so many authors would make them.

By the last third of this book I'd gotten into it a lot more, and realised that the relaxed nature of the story was actually a good way to make it more focused on the characters, who I loved. Throughout the book there was information I wanted to know that I feared would never be revealed, but the end of the book gave me what I was looking for and made for a satisfying ending. I really love the writing style and look forward to reading more by this author.

Rating: 4*
What to read next: Paper Towns by John Green.
Books like this: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson.

Related News: John Green reveals new Nerdfighter designed cover for An Abundance of Katherines

Review: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Author: Maureen Johnson. Website, Twitter.

Published: 26 September 2006

Pages: 319

Buy: Amazon, Kindle, Waterstone's

Plot Summary: (from Goodreads)
When Ginny receives 13 little blue envelopes with instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she's soon on an adventure that will change her in more ways than one.

My Review:
This book follows Ginny (Virginia) as she follows her aunt's mysterious instructions, left in numbered envelopes, on an adventure across Europe.

Overall I did like it. I liked the main character of Ginny, and the sense of adventure. There were some extremely touching moments throughout thanks to a great little bunch of characters. It felt to me like it would make a great summer read and as Ginny travels, it really sparked the urge in me to get out and see more of the world!

So all in all it's a great little idea for a story, however I don't think it was quite pulled off in this book as well as it could have been. At times felt like a travel guide with bits of story squeezed in and as a Brit I found various flaws with the chapters set in London (inaccuracies which stand out to someone familiar with British life). The library copy I borrowed was also littered with spelling mistakes of place names (Leister Square?) which a previous borrower of this book had actually gone through with a pen and corrected. I don't know if these were corrected in later editions (hopefully they were).

If you like road trips, or are passionate about travelling in Europe, love a bit of adventure and dream of escaping then you'll enjoy this story.

Review: 3*
What to read next: The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson, the sequel to this book.
Books like this: An Abundance of Katherines by John Green, Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty.