Suicide Notes From Beautiful Girls by Lynn Weingarten

Suicide Notes From Beautiful Girls by Lynn Weingarten
Release Date - July 7, 2015
Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 336 pages
My Rating - 2.5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Gone Girl meets 13 Reasons Why in this stylish, sexy, and atmospheric story about friendship packed with twists and turns that will leave you breathless.

They say Delia burned herself to death in her stepfather's shed. They say it was suicide.

But June doesn't believe it.

June and Delia used to be closer than anything. Best friends in that way that comes before everyone else-before guys, before family. It was like being in love, but more. They had a billion secrets, tying them together like thin silk cords.

But one night a year ago, everything changed. June, Delia, and June's boyfriend Ryan were just having a little fun. Their good time got out of hand. And in the cold blue light of morning, June knew only this-things would never be the same again.

And now, a year later, Delia is dead. June is certain she was murdered. And she owes it to her to find out the truth...which is far more complicated than she ever could have imagined.

Sexy, dark, and atmospheric, Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls will keep you guessing until the very last page.

The premise of this novel seemed to promise a taunt, tangled mystery with a sexy edge. While there are certainly moments of this within the novel, it never quite came together, for me at least, in a satisfying way. A story of toxic relationships, secrets and lies. It had so much potential but just never quite delivered.

The marketing of this book actually does it no favours. The comparisons made make it all too easy to anticipate the twists, and mark the story as one that is all too familiar as your reading. While this isn't commentary on the novel itself, I feel it did impact how the novel is experienced.

The writing of the story was a non issue for me. The first half is rather smart, sharp and intriguing. Lynn Weingarten certainly has talent and is able to weave a compelling narration together. The pacing of this novel is on point, and there is something addictive about the way the story is presented. There is something there in the suicide/maybe murder mystery plot that could have really worked. It's the later half that dissolved into a mess of clichés.

Toxic relationships can work in novels and they can be completely fascinating. Particularly if you show why the characters would be involved with that kind of relationship. Diving into why they would Embrace the darkness, so to speak. It takes natural character progression and chemistry along with showcasing the reasons behind the character's choices. I don't feel that the characters choices always made sense for the characterization that we were given. The characters do not have to make the same choices that I would, but I do need to understand why they would make them, and that just didn't happen for me here.

In the end too many things are left unexplored or explained. Character motivation is key and I didn't feel like we found out the motivation behind what was happening. The spark that lit this fire, and what really happened to set everything spiralling, are left ambiguous. The truth remains elusive, with the reader having little closure on the whys of everything.

A novel that started out strong but tapered to a rushed, unfulfilling ending. It's a story that invokes deja vu as it feels reminiscent of others. Sadly, the twists and turns of this story feel telegraphed as a result. It's a fantastic idea, with some decent writing, the premise just wasn't executed, for me, as well as it could have been. 

Waiting On Wednesday ............... Just Visiting

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Just Visiting by Dahlia Adler

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Reagan Forrester wants out—out of her trailer park, out of reach of her freeloading mother, and out of the shadow of the relationship that made her the pariah of Charytan, Kansas. 

Victoria Reyes wants in—in to a fashion design program, in to the arms of a cute guy who doesn't go to Charytan High, and in to a city where she won't stand out for being Mexican. 

One thing the polar-opposite best friends do agree on is that wherever they go, they’re staying together. But when they set off on a series of college visits at the start of their senior year, they quickly see that the future doesn’t look quite like they expected. After two years of near-solitude following the betrayal of the ex-boyfriend who broke her heart, Reagan falls hard and fast for a Battlestar Galactica-loving, brilliant smile-sporting pre-med prospective... only to learn she's set herself up for heartbreak all over again. Meanwhile, Victoria runs full-speed toward all the things she thinks she wants… only to realize everything she’s looking for might be in the very place they've sworn to leave. 

As both Reagan and Victoria struggle to learn who they are and what they want in the present, they discover just how much they don't know about each other's pasts. And when each learns what the other’s been hiding, they'll have to decide whether their friendship has a future.

I love books about friendship. This one seems to be about growing up. things changing and trying to hold onto that friendship when there are secrets. Excited read this one as I've enjoyed Dahlia's previous books.

Expected release date - November 17, 2015

Survive The Night by Danielle Vega

Survive The Night by Danielle Vega
Release Date - July 7, 2015
Publisher Website - Penguin Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 272 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

We're all gonna die down here. . . .

Julie lies dead and disemboweled in a dank, black subway tunnel, red-eyed rats nibbling at her fingers. Her friends think she’s just off with some guy—no one could hear her getting torn apart over the sound of pulsing music.

In a tunnel nearby, Casey regrets coming to Survive the Night, the all-night underground rave in the New York City subway. Her best friend Shana talked her into it, even though Casey just got out of rehab. Alone and lost in the dark, creepy tunnels, Casey doesn’t think Survive the Night could get any worse . . .
             
. . . until she comes across Julie’s body, and the party turns deadly.

Desperate for help, Casey and her friends find themselves running through the putrid subway system, searching for a way out. But every manhole is sealed shut, and every noise echoes eerily in the dark, reminding them they’re not alone.

They’re being hunted.
             
Trapped underground with someone—or something—out to get them, Casey can’t help but listen to her friend’s terrified refrain: “We’re all gonna die down here. . . .” in this bone-chilling sophmore novel by the acclaimed author of The Merciless.

Danielle Vega's first novel, The Merciless, had one of the most chilling premises I've ever encountered. A group of teenage girls performing an exorcism that spirals horribly out of control.  I was excited to see what she would do with a 'locked' room type of horror story in her underground rave turned deadly set novel. She's created a dizzying, atmospheric setting that delivers the scares, but doesn't quite have the ending punch I was hoping for.

Psychological scares work on me so much more than any gore ever could. If you get me to imagine the worst case scenario and let that run wild it can send shivers down my spine. Danielle Vegas is a master of creating electric, taunt atmospheres and settings that are terrifying. She weaves the story in a way that allows you to experience the horror along with the characters. This is where her writing shines, and both of her novels boast fantastic pacing, and set up.

The first half of this book is incredibly promising and particularly strong in terms of writing. The characters feel authentic to a teen horror story, and the setting is inspired. The chills and thrills are plentiful with just enough wiggle room to keep the reader guessing. The latter half of the book however was not my favourite. The 'boogeyman' hunting them, when revealed, sets this into a specific category of horror genre. I am not going to spoil the reveal, but this required a little more explanation than we are given. I wanted to know the whys and hows behind everything. This particular 'hunter', to me, requires more backstory and answers than what we were given. It jarred me out of the psychological aspect of the story that was so compelling in the beginning and left me pulled outside of the story, never really bringing back into that same level of palpable fear. The minute the danger became a real and tangible is when the tone of the story changed, and the pay off just never quite came to fruition for me.

While this genre of horror may not be what I was expecting or my favourite, Danielle Vega's skill with weaving atmosphere and chills were more than enough to keep me turning the pages. A vivid voice in young adult horror novels, especially if you happen to like her genre of choice. I, for one, hope that Danielle Vega continues to branch out and try her hand at a variety of horror tropes as her voice lends itself to chills and thrills naturally.

Jesse's Girl by Miranda Kenneally

Jesse's Girl by Miranda Kenneally

Release Date - July 7, 2015

Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 304 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Practice Makes Perfect.

Everyone at Hundred Oaks High knows that career mentoring day is a joke. So when Maya Henry said she wanted to be a rock star, she never imagined she’d get to shadow *the* Jesse Scott, Nashville’s teen idol.

But spending the day with Jesse is far from a dream come true. He’s as gorgeous as his music, but seeing all that he’s accomplished is just a reminder of everything Maya’s lost: her trust, her boyfriend, their band, and any chance to play the music she craves. Not to mention that Jesse’s pushy and opinionated. He made it on his own, and he thinks Maya’s playing back up to other people’s dreams. Does she have what it takes to follow her heart—and go solo?

It's no secret that Miranda Kenneally knows her way around a sports novel. Her previous books have focused heavily on various sports and have done so with much success. Jesse's Girl offered a departure into the world of music and Miranda Kenneally once again immerses you into the world, and uses music to the same effect that she used sports as the backdrop and heart of the setting and story.

There is a whole lot of 80's nostalgia worked into this novel and I loved every single page of it. There is a Ferris Bueller's Day Off vibe throughout the story, particularly in the middle, and it's filled with 80's references and songs. The playlist at the end are all songs you could easily find in my collection. This element was pretty much tailor made to appeal to me, and made loving this book all the easier.

Fans of the series are rewarded with a fun, and welcome look at some beloved characters. Miranda's novels all create a feeling of community and family and the little cameos only add to it's charms. It allows readers to feel anchored in the story in a way that is really unique to a series like this. It rewards long time fans in the best ways while allowing new fans to jump into the series.

Those looking for the deeper, sometimes gritty elements, of her previous novel may be disappointed to find more lighter fare gracing these pages. This felt and read more like a John Hughes movie (wish fulfilment scenes included) and was simply fun. There is so much humour in this from Sm and Jordan's interactions, the banter between Jesse and Maya, and lots more. While it still tackles some serious issues that teens will relate to, it has a much more relaxed, summer pool side read vibe than any of her previous books.

Miranda Kenneally tackles teen sex and sexuality in a really honest, and forthright manner. This novel is no exception. She lays it out there rather than pretending it doesn't happen and uses it to encourage safe sex. These novel do a pitch perfect job of capturing the teen voice, and exploring some of the issues may of them are facing.

While this has quite a different feel than her previous books, there is still that heart you would expect from a Miranda Kenneally book.This novel's core is a sweet romance wrapped in the message of striving for your dreams, and not giving up on yourself. 

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

I received some pretty amazing books in my mailbox this week!

First up two review books that arrived this week.

Menagerie by Rachel Vincent  (goodreads)
Firewalker by Josephine Angelini (goodreads)

I am very excited to read both of these. The synopsis of Menagerie has me DYING to read it. I also really enjoyed Trial By Fire (the first book in Josephine Angelini's series).

A huge thank you to Harlequin and Raincoast Books for these!

I also purchased an ebook this week after talking with Emilie. She recommended this one and it fits with the travel inspired book kick I've been on.

Where Sea Meets Sky by Karina Halle (goodreads)

Seems like a fantastic summer read. Hoping to sneak it in soon.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

The cover for The Land of Ten Thousand Madonnas by Kate Hattemer (goodreads)

I love this cover. It's fun, and immediately captures the setting of the novel. I love travel novels, and this one has an interesting premise on top of all the wanderlust that is sure to spark from reading this. I can picture reading this by the pool! The cover just seems perfect for what the novel appears to be! Really excited for this one.

Hearts Made Of Black by Stephanie Garber (goodreads)

I saw this deal posted on The Hollywood Reporter. It seems that book and movie rights were sold quickly. This has piqued my interest as there is little detail released about the novel itself other than it's set in a unique setting and has sisters at it's core. I am looking forward to learning more about this intriguing title.

TV/MOVIE

Outlander

I've binged the entire first season and I am in love. The last 2 episodes were hard to watch as they are completely unflinching BUT the series is so impressive that you'll immediately want to watch it again. I am desperate for season two which I hear doesn't air until April. It's going to be a long, long winter.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Best of 2015 (so far)

Top Ten Books Of 2015 (at least so far) 

It's now six months in to 2015 and that means we're halfway through the year. It also means it's a perfect time to share the top ten books I've read this year, at least as of right now. I love doing this because it lets me see how much has changed (or stayed the same) by the end of the year. It also allows me to see which half was stronger in terms of books I loved. I am hoping it also allows my blog readers a chance to sneak in some of these titles before the end of the year!

1 Me Before You by Jojo Moyes 

A novel that surprised me with how much I ended up loving it. It's the unforgettable story of Lou and Will. It left me wanting to tell everyone to read it in very excited yelling.This one should come with a package of tissues though, so prepare yourself accordingly.

2 A Court Of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas 

No surprise that a Sarah J Maas book made it's way onto my list. This twist on the Beauty and the Beast retelling enchanted and mesmerized me from page one. If you haven't checked out her novels yet, make it happen this year! This one offers a sexy fairytale that will leave you needing book two.

3 Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

If you've visited the blog you'll know that I LOVED this debut. A novel filled with betrayal, romance, fantastic characters, and a lot of courtly drama. This series is poised to be the next big thing in YA movie adaptations and is already a huge hit. Don't miss out!

4 A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab

Magic, pirates, sadistic kings and thieves. Victoria Schwab spins a tale that is as well written as it is magical. Fans of her work will undoubtedly love this offering and new fans will become immediate fans. The world building shines, but it's the characters that truly make you fall in love with this amazing book.

5 Truly, Madly, Famously by Rebecca Serle

I loved Famous In Love and couldn't wait to see where Paige's journey would go next. Rebecca has written a thoughtful look at finding yourself under a harsh spotlight (missteps and all). It's a sexy, and fun book that has a lot of character development and growth. Fans of young Hollywood, love triangles, and CW shows will not want to miss this series.

6 I Was Here by Gayle Forman

Gayle Forman is one of my most favourite authors. This novel was a little different from her previous novels but still just as engrossing. A story of grief, and coming to terms with a loved ones suicide. It has the trademark romance that Gayle Forman is known for while having a huge focus on a friendship. It shows her versatility as an author and easily deserves a spot on this list.

7 Simon Vs The Homosapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

The buzz for this one was huge leading up to it's release, and deservedly so. A story filled with Oreos, pop culture references, amazing characters, and romance. Simon and Blue's story is unforgettable. You'll fall for Simon, his family and friends, and Blue (of course) and leave this one with a goofy smile on your face.

8 The Start Of Me and You by Emery Lord

Emery Lord knows the way to my heart with Taylor Swift inspired characters, Pride and Prejudice mentions and sweet romances. In this novel, the question 'Are you an Elizabeth or a Jane?' made me squeal way more than was appropriate in public. Her writing is amazing, and her stories have a lot of heart. This one is filled with the hardest part of grief - moving on. She captures it with delicate finesse and has made me a fan for life. 

9 Anne and Henry by Dawn Ius

Anyone who knows me is well aware of my obsession with Tudor history. Anne Boleyn in particular. I love that she pushed boundaries at a time when it was not normally done. She was intelligent and wanted her voice to be heard. This contemporary tale inspired by the real life story of her and Henry is well written, and addictive. A sexy, explosive look at two people whose lust for each other is combustible and bound to consume them both. 

10 Kill The Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky

This doesn't come out until 2016, but I devoured it immediately after getting at BEA. It's a darkly humourous look at fandoms, and boybands. With shades of the cult classic HEATHERS it has a 'tongue in cheek' humour that is a dark as it is funny. Part exploration of fangirls, and part murder mystery, it'll keep you on your toes with it's twists and turns. Be sure to add it to your 2016 reading list, you won't regret it!