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

Top Ten Tuesday: Books At The Top Of My Summer TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish and this week's list is books top of your summer to-read list. There's so many books I want/need to read this summer (if summer ever arrives...) but here are the essentials! Links go to Goodreads so you can add them to your summer TBR if you wish ;)

 

1 & 2. Paper Aeroplanes by Dawn O' Porter & Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Okay so these two are at the top because Wein and O'Porter are the only two confirmed authors for Leakycon London which takes place in August. I'm going to be there so I need to read these books! And I'm actually really excited about them both because I've heard amazing things about Code Name Verity and Paper Aeroplanes looks really intriguing.

3. All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry

This comes out in August in the UK and I had the chance to request a proof copy to review. It sounds like one to watch and I was completely hooked by the plot summary: Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas.

4. House of Secrets by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini

 I won this in a giveaway and I was already buzzing about it before the release, but it's still sitting unread on my bedside table - oopsie! Must get round to it this summer because it looks like good fun.

5. The Wolfstone Curse by Justin Richards

Saw this in a publisher's catalogue and my library already had it available to request, even though it's not out until July, so I'll be getting my hands on it in time for summer reading. Sounds like a great action adventure with a bit of archaeology and werewolves thrown in for good measure.

6. Summer Unplugged by Amy Sparling

 It has summer in the title so I must read it! I got this for free on my Kindle ages ago and I've been saving it for the summer. The main character ends up having to live without technology which sounds like a great story and something I could never do.

7. Camp Kiss by J. K. Rock

 This is a prequel novella to Camp Boyfriend which was available for free. It sounds really sweet and summer camp - woo!

8. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Again, another summer themed novel I've been saving. Heard good things about this trilogy.

9. Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

 I bought this ages ago and it's still on my Kindle, but I'm aiming to read it as part of the NA readathon in July. I've heard so many good things about this book and this author so I can't wait to get stuck in.

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10. Freshman Forty by Christine Duval

Another book I'm saving for the NA readathon. It's about a girl who discovers she's pregnant a few weeks into her college course which sounds like a great premise. It definitely sounds like something that is perfect to address in an NA novel.

Which books are top of your summer TBR? Let me know in the comments and if you have your own top ten post then link me up and I'll check it out!

 

Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Goodreads page

Author: Jennifer E. Smith. Website, Twitter
Published: 24 May 2012 (Headline)
Pages: 240
Amazon: paperback|Kindle
Waterstone's: paperback|e-book
Book Depository: paperback

Source: Bought from Waterstone's.

Plot Summary: (from Waterstone's)
Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything? Imagine if she hadn't forgotten the book. Or if there hadn't been traffic on the expressway. Or if she hadn't fumbled the coins for the toll. What if she'd run just that little bit faster and caught the flight she was supposed to be on. Would it have been something else - the weather over the Atlantic or a fault with the plane? Hadley isn't sure if she believes in destiny or fate but, on what is potentially the worst day of each of their lives, it's the quirks of timing and chance events that mean Hadley meets Oliver...Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

My Review:
I picked up this book whilst I was on holiday in London which seemed pretty appropriate! This book is all about Hadley, who misses her flight to London by minutes and ends up meeting Oliver at the gate whilst waiting for a later flight. She should be on her way to her dad's wedding, an event she's dreading, but suddenly she finds herself enjoying the company of her new British companion.

The book takes place over the space of 24 hours which was one of the things I loved about it. Despite the short time frame, the story manages to fit in a whole load of drama to keep it pacy and interesting. I felt for Hadley and the situation she'd ended up in. She's torn between her parents and dreading meeting her soon-to-be step-mother, is having to overcome the culture barrier between the UK and the US and then she meets Oliver and has all sorts of boy problems to deal with!

The relationship between Hadley and Oliver is cute without being over the top. The humour and banter between them made me love the time they spent together and Oliver was a really interesting character in his own right. I like how the title sort of sums up the complete improbability of the two of them meeting. The fact it almost doesn't take itself too seriously made it more believable. I liked the elements of fate and chance, and that everything doesn't always go smoothly for the two of them.

It's a perfect holiday read with most of the book taking place on an aeroplane and the rest of it taking place in London, a city unfamiliar to Hadley. I read this on the train home from London which added to the experience! As a Brit, I loved the author's view of London and the humour playing off the differences between America and the UK.

If you're still looking for something to read on holiday or you love contemporary young adult romances then this book is a must. Funny, cute and wonderful writing, it'll have you glued to the pages!

Rating: 4*
What to read next: The Rock Star's Daughter by Caitlyn Duffy.
Books like this: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

Review: The Rock Star's Daughter by Caitlyn Duffy

The Rock Star's Daugher by Caitlyn Duffy

Author: Caitlyn Duffy. Website, Twitter
Published: 5 July 2011 (Lovestruck Literary)
Pages: 319
Buy: (free downloand) Kindle, Smashwords

Source: Free download from the Apple iBooks store.

Plot Summary: (from Amazon)
When Taylor 's mom unexpectedly dies the summer before Taylor starts her junior year, she receives a crash course in fame. She has no choice but to join her father and his new family on their summer concert tour before she has even had a chance to mourn the loss of her mother. Life as the daughter of a rock star seems like it would be enviable, but Taylor can't figure her dad out. He seems like a supportive authority figure (even if he's kind of a fashion tragedy) , but she is collecting a growing pile of evidence that he's a liar and a cheat. Her stepmother, Jill, can’t seem to decide if she wants to treat Taylor like a girlfriend or a nuisance. Having had no time to grieve and say goodbye to her childhood before being thrust into the limelight, Taylor is suddenly finding herself in situations she could have never imagined before this summer.


My Review:
So I got this book after browsing the Apple iBook store on the lookout for freebies. This was available for free so I got it, scanned the first few pages and suddenly I was hooked! I couldn't stop reading.

This story is about Taylor who, after losing her mum, is forced to spent the summer with her rock star father. He's never been present in her life - only supporting her by sending money to her mum and paying for her boarding school fees, so their relatiosnhip is practically non-existant.

I really liked Taylor and despite the ridiculousness of the situation she finds herself in, you could still really feel for what she's going through. Her dad has remarried and so she finds herself with a new stepmum and stepsister to get to know. I loved her personality, though, and her view of the world. She was a really captivating main character.

The story was a lot more interesting than I was expecting, too! Taylor has to trail around with her dad's band as they tour the U.S which means visiting new cities and getting to know the only other people her age on the tour - including Jake, the token eye candy. Their relationship wasn't the main focus of the story but I liked that it sort of ran in the background.

Overall I really enjoyed the book. There's plenty of adventures and ups and downs along the way. With the rock star lifestyle comes the dilemmas of alcohol, drugs and boys and even the adults are battling their demons, but it's all written from Taylor's point of view and I think her views on these subjects are what makes it interesting. I loved the writing style which kept me gripped and I was really happy with how the charatcers changed and grew throughout. I'm really glad I stumbled across this book!

It's Y.A meets chick-lit - a perfect summer read for a bit of escapism into the celebrity lifestyle!

Rating: 4*
What to read next: The Believer's Daughter by Caitlyn Duffy, the second book in the Treadwell Acadamey series..
Books like this: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson.