The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand

The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand
Series: No
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: February 10th 2015
Source: HarperTeen [Edelweiss]

There's death all around us.
We just don't pay attention.
Until we do.

The last time Lex was happy, it was before. When she had a family that was whole. A boyfriend she loved. Friends who didn't look at her like she might break down at any moment.

Now she's just the girl whose brother killed himself. And it feels like that's all she'll ever be.

As Lex starts to put her life back together, she tries to block out what happened the night Tyler died. But there's a secret she hasn't told anyone-a text Tyler sent, that could have changed everything.

Lex's brother is gone. But Lex is about to discover that a ghost doesn't have to be real to keep you from moving on.

Cynthia Hand became one of my favourite authors when I read her Unearthly series. So when I heard she had a new book coming out, I desperately wanted to read it. I was approved for a copy on Edelweiss so I instantly downloaded it, and then I read the synopsis. The subject matter of The Last Time We Say Goodbye is something I have a hard time reading about now after a personal matter last year, but I decided to push through and read it, and I'm so glad I did. The Last Time We Say Goodbye may have brought back some fears, but it was such a beautifully written story and I found myself able to really relate to Lex.

Lex was a very realistc and relatable character. She carries around a lot of guilt because she feels like she's somehow responsible for a part of her brothers suicide because her brother text her that night and she ignored him. Lex is struggling. She's isolating herself, not going out with her friends anymore and she's closed off her emotions. She can't deal with Tyler's death until she works on her own issues and is finally read to accept what happened. 

I'm not going to go into detail about my personal experience - but I will say we were lucky and able to get the person involved medical help before it was too late. But, because of this experience, I completely understood Lex's guilt. Honestly, I still feel guilty almost a year later. I went through the exact same things Lex did: wishing I could have been there more and wishing I'd taken a bit more notice. But it's so hard to notice something when the other person hides it so well and you genuinely feel like they're happy. Lex is struggling with the guilt she feels; with the fact that her brother is gone; with her relationship with her father; with her anger towards her brother and she's also struggling because her mother is struggling. 

There were so many things I loved about The Last Time We Say Goodbye. I loved that Lex began to connect with her old best friend Sadie, and that they were both able to each other eventually. Both of them have lost someone in their family, and as sad as that is, it brought them both back together again. Sadie was exactly what Lex needed and I'm so glad they came back into each other's lives when they did. Lex made it a point to take notice of the people around her after her brothers death. She begins to talk to other people around her, and she begins to take notice of one of Ty's old friends that she hasn't spoken to in years. But the main thing I loved about The Last Time We Say Goodbye was Tyler's presence throughout the whole book. Even though Tyler was gone, Lex and her mother both had times when they saw/felt him. Lex was also having dreams about Tyler - morbid dreams - that allowed her some extra time with him. Lex felt like Tyler wanted something from her and I loved her journey to piecing herself back together and finally being able to say goodbye to her brother.

The ending was even more heartbreaking than the rest of the book (which was also heartbreaking) and left me with tears streaming down my face. Lex reveals what was in Ty's text and she shares what happened with her the last night he was alive. Lex has been on such a huge journey and although the ending isn't a happy one by far, Lex is finally stepping in the right direction to piecing everything back together. There will always be a piece of her life missing, but it's a piece that she'll learn to live without but she'll always miss it.

Overall, The Last Time We Say Goodbye was a beautifully written story following a character trying to come to terms with her brother's death, and her journey to saying goodbye. It's a heartbreaking read that left me sobbing, but I feel like it's really helped me. Thank you, Cynthia Hand. 

Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting

Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting
Series: Clipped Wings #1
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date: March 4th 2014
Source: Bought

Hayden Stryker is a devastatingly handsome tattoo artist. Covered in ink and steel, his artwork acts as armour while he attempts to move on from a world-shattering loss.

Twenty-one-year-old Tenley Page is new to town and battling demons of her own. The chemistry between the two is instant and unlike anything they've ever experienced before.

When Hayden agrees to apply his art to Tenley's skin, the pair embark on an emotional and intense relationship that neither could have anticipated. But as Tenley's past threatens to destroy their fragile romance, Hayden must find a balance between his desire to protect her and his need to claim her as his.

Clipped Wings is one of the books that Brittany recommended me for our 2015 Challenge and it's the first one I've read for it. Brittany has been telling me to read this one for a while, and now I understand why.

Clipped Wings follows our two main characters, Hayden and Tenley, who both blame themselves for tragic events in their past. Hayden and Tenley can feel the chemistry between them, but Tenley is broken and doesn't want to get close to anyone. That is, until Hayden offers to tattoo her. 

Clipped Wings definitely packs a punch. From Hayden's guilt to Tenley's guilt, there were a lot of gut-wrenching moments. Hayden's event happened over 7 years ago and he still blames himself for it. He was already on a downward spiral, but he got even worse. His friend's saved him before he went too far, but he carriers around a lot of guilt about what happened and what he did. He can be sweet and caring when he wants to be, but usually he's confident, powerful and just a little bit possessive. He's got a bit of OCD after what happened and he has to check every room of a house before he can relax. Tenley's event is a bit more recent, it's only been 11 months. Tenley completely blames herself. She is convinced that it's her fault because it was her idea. And it doesn't help when someone else keeps telling you it is. Tenley is in a very fragile state. She's suffering from nightmares and she can't function some days without her anxiety medication to calm her down. But underneath, Tenley is an extremely strong character. Even though the guilt she puts on herself is unnecessary, she shoulders it and begins to get on with her life. She's funny, shy, adorable and I really liked her character.

The whole story revolves around Hayden and Tenley's relationship. They each have something the other needs, and they try to help each other. It's all about Hayden and Tenley getting to know each other, and their growing chemistry. You could tell there was a spark between them straight away, and they kept denying it. But as soon as they stopped denying it, both Hayden and Tenley started to feel a lot better. They need each other.

The ending was a bit of a shocker, I honestly never thought Tenley would do that. So I'll needed to get my hands on the next book sometime soon to find out what happens with the two of them.

Overall, Clipped Wings is a fantastic NA read. I flew through it and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to get around to it.

Harry Potter Book Night 2015

Happy Harry Potter Book Night! 

Tonight is the official Bloomsbury Harry Potter Book Night where everyone just celebrates Harry Potter! There are loads of events going on near me - both Waterstones in Glasgow are having an event, and I really wish I had the time to go to one!

So, to celebrate Harry Potter Book Night, I've decided to do a Harry Potter tag.

*Some of the questions are spoilery, so if you haven't read/watched Harry Potter - and you intend to- I'd avoid reading this post*

What is your favourite book in the series?

I think I'd have to go with The Deathly Hallows. The last book was perfection - in my opinion - minus all of the unnecessary deaths of brilliant characters. 

What is your favourite movie? 

Hands down, Prisoner of Azkaban. I adore that movie. It was just such a perfect adaptation, and I love Sirius, Lupin and Buckbeak.

What is your least favourite book in the series? 

I'd probably have to go with Goblet of Fire. I love it and I love the book, but I just feel like they missed out too much and I was really disappointed. WHERE WAS LUDO BAGMAN?

What parts in the books/movies made you cry? 

Fred. I sobbed.

Who is your favourite character?

Fred and George were always my two favourite characters. I adored the Weasley twins, the brought so much fun and laughter.

What would your Patronus be?

It'd probably be a cat.

What would your Boggart be?

Spiders. I hate spiders.

What would you see in the Mirror of Erised?

Ooh, this is a toughie. I honestly have no idea.

If you could have the Resurrection Stone, the Invisibility Cloak or the Elder Wand, which one would you choose? 

Invisibility Cloak please! It'd be awesome.

Elder Wand: Who survived that you wanted to kill?

Lucius Malfoy. I'm actually very surprised that Voldemort didn't kill him.

Resurrection Stone: Which death do you want to undo?

Fred. I'm still not over his death.

*Sobs*

Cloak of Invisibility: Which character would you want to erase from the books?

Erase a character? This is really tough. I think I'll go with Cho Chang. I never liked her.

What house would you be in?

I'm a Slytherin on pottermore!

If you could meet one member of the movie cast, who would it be?

Emma Watson. She's amazing.

If you were on the Quidditch team, which position would you pick?

Oooh, I'd probably be a beater.

What is your favourite spell?

Tarantallegra - make your opponent dance. Completely missed out of Chamber of Secrets.

What character would you like to date/marry? 

Draco Malfoy please. I've always had a crush on him. Or maybe Seamus Finnigan. 

What would your job be in the magical world? 

Uhm, I have no idea. I think I'd quite enjoy being a Herbologist. 

What character resembles you the most (both by looks and personality)?

I don't really think there is one. I would love it to be Hermione, but it's not. 

Which character did you want to play in the movies? 

Well, when I was younger and used to run around playing Harry Potter, I was always Hermione. I wanted to be her so bad when I was young.

Were you happy with the ending of the series?

I was. I was extremely happy with the ending. I know a lot of people didn't like the epilogue, but I did. I loved getting that little insight into their adult lives.

How much does Harry Potter mean to you?

Harry Potter means everything to me. I started reading the books when I was around 7 and followed the books until they were finish and the movies from the very beginning. It was my childhood. I grew up with Harry Potter and it will always have a special place in my life.

Invaded by Melissa Landers

Invaded by Melissa Landers
Series: Alienated #2
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication Date: February 3rd 2015
Source: Bought

Cara always knew life on planet L’eihr would be an adjustment. With Aelyx, her L’eihr boyfriend, back on Earth, working to mend the broken alliance between their two planets, Cara is left to fend for herself at a new school, surrounded by hostile alien clones. Even the weird dorm pet hates her.

Things look up when Cara is appointed as human representative to a panel preparing for a human colony on L’eihr. A society melding their two cultures is a place where Cara and Aelyx could one day make a life together. But with L’eihr leaders balking at granting even the most basic freedoms, Cara begins to wonder if she could ever be happy on this planet, even with Aelyx by her side.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Aelyx, finds himself thrown into a full-scale PR campaign to improve human-L’eihr relations. Humans don’t know that their very survival depends on this alliance: only Aelyx’s people have the technology to fix the deadly contamination in the global water supply that human governments are hiding. Yet despite their upper hand, the leaders of his world suddenly seem desperate to get humans on their side, and hardly bat an eye at extremists’ multiple attempts on Aelyx’s life.

The Way clearly needs humans’ help... but with what? And what will they ask for in return?

Ever since I finished reading Alienated last year, I've been dying to get my hands on Invaded! I needed more Cara and Aelyx, and I couldn't wait to find out more about the L'eihrs!

Invaded picks up right after Alienated. Cara and Aelyx are being separated - Aelyx is heading back to Earth to try to settle the peace treaty and Cara is heading to L'eihr to keep the peace. Cara is trying her hardest to make changes to the colony part of L'eihr, but the L'eihr leader is refusing to back down. On Earth, Aelyx is trying his hardest to improve the human and L'eihr relations, but with multiple attempts made on his life, things aren't looking good.

As soon as I picked up Invaded, I was drawn straight back into this world. I absolutely adore the characters that Landers' created for this series. Cara is such a hilarious main character, She has me laughing my head off more than once, and her hilarious blog posts were something I really looked forward to reading. Cara is feeling isolated and alone on L'eihr. Her hopes of living in peace with the L'eihrs are going up in smoke, but Cara has to stay strong because it looks like someone is trying to make sure the alliance doesn't go ahead. Aelyx is also hilarious - but he usually doesn't mean to be. He's so direct because that's the way L'eihrs are, but some of the things he came out with were hilarious. He's determined to do whatever he can to save the alliance so that he can get back to Cara, but there's more than one complication that Aelyx has to fix.

There were quite a few twists in Invaded that left me shocked and dying to find out more. Cara had figured out who was trying to ruin the alliance, and that they weren't what they appeared to be. I really enjoyed the twist surrounding the characters involved and I loved finding out more about them. Aelyx had a betrayal to deal with. Someone he trusted turned on him and was working for the people on L'eihr to ruin the alliance. The L'eihrs were also hiding something for Cara and their own people. Man-made metal contraptions were falling from the sky, and it turned out they were probes. The L'eihrs were covering something up and Cara made it her mission to find out what it is.

The ending was action packed and heart-pounding. I was on the edge of my seat reading it because there was so much going on that I had no idea what was going to happen. 

Overall, Invaded  was a fantastic follow up to Alienated. It was action packed, full of twists and I just couldn't put it down. I really hope there's going to be a 3rd book because there's so much still to be explained and uncovered, and there group threatening to ruin the alliance are still out there so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for another book. I need one!

All Fall Down by Ally Carter

All Fall Down by Ally Carter
Series: Embassy Row #1
Publisher: Orchard Books
Publication Date: February 5th 2015
Source: Orchard Books [Netgalley]

Grace Blakely is absolutely certain of three things:

1. She is not crazy.
2. Her mother was murdered.
3. Someday she is going to find the killer and make him pay.

As certain as Grace is about these facts, nobody else believes her -- so there's no one she can completely trust. Not her grandfather, a powerful ambassador. Not her new friends, who all live on Embassy Row. Not Alexei, the Russian boy next door, who is keeping his eye on Grace for reasons she neither likes nor understands.

Everybody wants Grace to put on a pretty dress and a pretty smile, blocking out all her unpretty thoughts. But they can't control Grace -- no more than Grace can control what she knows or what she needs to do. Her past has come back to hunt her . . . and if she doesn't stop it, Grace isn't the only one who will get hurt. Because on Embassy Row, the countries of the world stand like dominoes, and one wrong move can make them all fall down.

I've been seeing reviews popping up for All Fall Down for a while now, and they've all been extremely positive. So when I was approved for a copy on Netgalley, I couldn't wait to dive into it. I enjoyed All Fall Down, but I didn't love it as much as everyone else did,

All Fall Down follows our main character Grace who has been sent to live with her grandfather on Embassy Row. Her mother died in an 'accident' a few years ago, but Grace knows it wasn't an accident - no matter what they tell her. She saw what happened and she saw the man who did it, and she's determined to make him pay.

I didn't really connect with Grace. I liked her, but I just couldn't connect with her. She's reckless, impulsive, stubborn, determined and she doesn't really listen to anyone - even when they're trying to help her. She's been deemed 'crazy' because of her story of the night her mother died - Grace thinks no one believes her and she wants to prove them wrong. I did feel bad for Grace because no one seemed to want to listen to her side of the story, and they always dismissed it, so I was rooting for her to prove them wrong.

Grace got herself into a lot of trouble and quite a few sticky situations because of her impulsiveness. She didn't think before acting, which caused her to end up places she couldn't explain her way out of and caused her grandfather some grief. She's so determined to find out what really happened the night her mother died, expose the truth and prove to everyone that she's not crazy. Noah, Rosie and Megan all decided they were going to help Grace. Noah is Grace's BFF (as he likes to call himself); Megan is someone Grace used to be friends with when she was younger and Rosie is a few years younger than Grace, but they become friends. All 4 of them work together to try to expose the man that Grace believes killed her mother. 

There's a slight hint of romance between Grace and her Russian next door neighbour, Alexei.I'm glad that Carter never put emphasis on their relationship because Grace had a lot to learn and discover about herself, so a romantic relationship really wouldn't have had a place in All Fall Down.

I ended up guessing the twist at the end, which was slightly disappointing because everything had been building up to that moment, but I'd already guessed it. I thought it was a pretty obvious and predictable twist, but I still enjoyed seeing how everything played out. There's a lot still to discover after the big reveal at the end, so I'm excited for book two to see what's in store for Grace next.

Overall, while I didn't love All Fall Down as much as everyone else seems to, I still really enjoyed it. It was fun, mysterious and the ending left me excited for the next book!

Hero by Samantha Shannon

Hero by Samantha Young
Series: No
Publisher: NAL Trade
Publication Date: January 3rd 2015
Source: NAL Trade [Netgalley]

Alexa Holland’s father was her hero—until her shocking discovery that she and her mother weren’t his only family. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets,. But when she meets a man who’s as damaged by her father’s mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.

Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa’s efforts at redemption, but it’s not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and explosive affair.

Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for. And when they’re on the precipice of danger, he finds he’ll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again…

Ever since I was introduced to Samantha Young last year and binge read all of the books from her On Dublin Street series that have been released so far, I've been dying to get my hands on more of her books. So when this one became available on Netgalley, I couldn't stop myself from requesting it.

Hero follows Alexa Holland who believed for years that her father was a hero, until she found out the truth about him and what he'd done. Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa or the Holland's after what happened to his mother, but Alexa is refusing to let him push her away. Caine is determined to hate her but finds himself drawn to her. 

I love main characters like Alexa Holland. Alexa is stubborn, determined, strong, fiery and a smart-ass. She refuses to back down and is determined to find a way to make Caine hear her out. Alexa has lost her mother; she doesn't speak to her father and her grandfather is the only Holland that knows Alexa exists. She's being kept a secret for her own family. 

Caine Carraway is determined to hate Alexa - and to make her hate him. He has a history with the Holland family and wants nothing to do with her, but he can't help but be drawn to her. He can be a bit of a jackass, but that's only because he's trying to hide his true feelings. He can be sweet and hilarious when he wants to be, but he's also powerful and extremely protective. He can also get insanely jealous which got on my nerves a bit, but it's definitely not the worst case of jealousy I've read about. 

I adored the relationship between Alexa and Caine. Caine offers Alexa a job as his PA (after accidentally getting her fired) he begins to test her by throwing everything at her and having her running around after him. He tries his hardest to make her hate him. There was so much sexual tensions between them it was unbelievable. Caine manages to deny his attraction to Alexa for so long, but there's no denying chemistry like theirs. They had quite a few steamy encounters. 

Both Alexa and Caine have their issues. Alexa hates her mother for staying with her father. She hates her father because of what he did and she has to make sure to keep herself a secret from the rest of her family. It's such a horrible and strange situation for her to be in. Caine still struggles with what happened to his mother and is keeping a lot of secrets about his past that we eventually find out. And I felt so bad for him when he told Alexa about his past. 

Overall, Hero was a steamy, quick read that I flew through and completely adored. I think Hero is definitely my favourite Samantha Young book so far! I can't wait to read more of her books now.

Showcase Sunday #93

Showcase Sunday is a weekly meme hosted by Vicky at Books, Biscuits and Tea. This meme allows book bloggers to show off the books they collected over the last week!

Hello everyone! How has your week been? Mines has been pretty busy. I was working quite a bit this week, but I still managed to get a lot of reading done. I'm still working my way through season 3 of Suits, and my fiance and I have finally finished season 1 of House of Cards! We'll be moving onto season 2 soon.

Book-wise, this week one of my pre-orders showed up early and I was so excited! I also got approved for a book on Netgalley and downloaded one from Edelweiss.

Bought

• physical

Invaded (Alienated #2) by Melissa Landers

Netgalley

Half Wild (Half Bad #2) by Sally Green

Edelweiss

Get Dirty (Don't Get Mad #2) by Gretchen McNeil

What books did you get this week?