Review- Love Spell by Mia Kerick

Love Spell on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Chance César is fabulously gay, but his gender identity—or, as he phrases it, “being stuck in the gray area between girl and boy”—remains confusing. Nonetheless, he struts his stuff on the catwalk in black patent leather pumps and a snug-in-all-the-right (wrong)-places orange tuxedo as the winner of this year’s Miss (ter) Harvest Moon Festival. He rules supreme at the local Beans and Greens Farm’s annual fall celebration, serenaded by the enthusiastic catcalls of his BFF, Emily Benson. 

Although he refuses to visually fade into the background of his rural New Hampshire town, Chance is socially invisible—except when being tormented by familiar bullies. But sparks fly when Chance, Pumpkin Pageant Queen, meets Jasper (Jazz) Donahue, winner of the Pumpkin Carving King contest. Chance wants to be noticed and admired and romantically embraced by Jazz, in all of his neon-orange-haired glory.

And so at a sleepover, Chance and Emily conduct intense, late-night research, and find an online article: “Ten Scientifically Proven Ways to Make a Man Fall in Love With You.” Along with a bonus love spell thrown in for good measure, it becomes the basis of their strategy to capture Jazz’s heart. 

But will this “no-fail” plan work? Can Chance and Jazz fall under the fickle spell of love?'

Release date: August 27th 2018

Published by: NineStar Press

Page numbers: 200

REVIEW: 

After reading author Mia Kerick's It Could Happen, The Weekend Bucket List and My Crunchy Life- all of which I absolutely loved- I'm become a huge fan of hers, so when I got to know about Love Spell, no way was I going to let it pass. Just like her previous works, Love Spell was also an adorable, fun and believable read. 

Chance César, our male protagonist is a very average teenager who is trying to figure himself out. I found Chance to be super fun and extremely relatable with all his realistic problems and his plan to get the person of his dreams. His faith in an article that would help him win this person over was so fun to read as it reminded me of my silly but fun teenage years. 

When Chance meets Jasper, sparks instantly fly but Chance doesn't quite know if he has a chance with Jazz. This is where his mission with his friend Emily begins. Emily was one of the most adorable characters in the book who seemed super cool and fun. Jasper is portrayed as the brooding, mysterious and too kind to be true guy who helps run his home and at the same time perform his duties as a student. 

Even though it took me a long time to finish Love Spell, every time I got back to it, it felt like I hadn't left. I instantly connected with Chance and his addictive and attractive personality. Mia Kerick has yet again written a brilliant novel about teenage confusion and human nature. I would highly, highly recommend this one. 

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Mia Kerick and YA Bound in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

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Review- It Could Happen by Mia Kerick

It Could Happen on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Three misfits, mismatched in every way—Henry Perkins, Brody Decker, and Danny Denisco—have been friends throughout high school. Now in their senior year, the boys realize their relationship is changing, that they’re falling in love. But they face opposition at every turn—from outside and from within themselves. Moving to the next level will take all the courage, understanding, and commitment they can muster. But it could happen.

Henry is a star athlete and the son of religious parents who have little concern for the future he wants. Brody is a quirky dreamer and adrenaline junkie, and Danny is an emo artist and the target of bullies. Despite their differences they’ve always had each other’s backs, and with each of them facing a new and unique set of challenges, that support is more important than ever. Is it worth risking the friendship they all depend on for the physical and romantic relationship they all desire?

In this unconventional new adult romance, three gay teens brave societal backlash—as well as the chance that they might lose their treasured friendship—to embark on a committed polyamorous relationship.

Release date: June 5th, 2017

Published by: Dreamspinner Press

Page numbers: 200

REVIEW: 

It was the cover of It Could Happen that pulled me towards it, and when I read the summary, I knew I had to read it because LGBT contemporaries are one of my most favourite books to read. I have read many such books in the past, but none of them sounded even close to It Could Happen, which had me so fascinated that I went out of my current comfort zone of reading only paperbacks and decided to pick up the ebook, as part of a blog tour for the book.

It Could Happen is a very difficult book to summarise because one thing will eventually lead to another and I'm sure I'll end up spoiling it which I don't want happening because everybody deserves to discover stuff on their own. What I will say is that the story of friends Danny, Brody and Henry is very unique. Each character is so different and yet so similar that this friendship is really the definition of "goals". Now I can already see that some people will really dislike this book, but then there'll also be others like me, who will love it so much that it'll stay somewhere in the head and heart forever.

Just the way in which author Mia Kerick has written and paced the story, portrayed and developed the characters and just taken up and nailed such a difficult, intimate yet normal topic in such a beautiful manner has bowled me over. I haven't read any other books by the author, but I'm already a fan of the writing and storytelling. The way the transition from friends to more than friends is shown in this book is simply wonderful. The sudden changes in voices had me confused, but by the time I was halfway through the book, I began to distinguish the characters and they grew on me in spite of everything.

I am so glad I read this book because it really is something totally different, fresh and absolutely interesting. I enjoyed reading It Could Happen so much that I did not want it to end because I became so close to the characters that I wanted to know everything and more. I would definitely recommend this one to fans of contemporaries who have an open mind don't mind going for something hot and new every once in a while. Give this book a go; you won't be disappointed. And when you understand the cover, you'll appreciate it even more.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by author Mia Kerick and YA Bound in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

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Review- Repaired by Melissa Collins

Goodreads Summary:

Liam Davis is a man without a past. That’s what he wants everyone to believe, anyway. Hell-bent on erasing any memories of his previous life, he knows that starting over is all he can do. Hiding who he is, where he’s from, why he’s running, and especially who he’s left behind, Liam has run away from everything he’s ever known. His plan works perfectly until one day when Parker Ryan threatens to expose his carefully concealed world.

Parker Ryan is a man without a future. Sure, he’s a partner in one of New York’s most prestigious law firms, but he’ll never be more than a failure in the eyes of his boss, his father. Rather than break away from his father’s standards, he finds himself mindlessly pursuing them, in turn sacrificing anything that would actually make him happy.

When Liam’s and Parker’s lives collide, the ugly truth about who they really are, and who they hope to become reveals itself when they least expect it. As both of their lives become wrecked beyond all belief, they’ll learn how to rely on each other in their journey to become Repaired.

REVIEW:

*NOTE: We (The Readdicts) received a copy of Repaired by Melissa Collins from TRSOR Promotions in exchange for an honest review. We thank them for the book!

Author Melissa Collins' Repaired played with my emotions, which worked very well in my favour as I love books that surprise me and that, most importantly, make me feel. This emotional roller coaster of a book made me laugh and brought tears to my eyes as well. I found myself so involved in the story that I felt very connected to it and it made me an emotional mess- something that is very rare. What's most surprising is the fact that I had almost given up on Repaired after reading a few chapters, when something made me get back to it. And I am so very glad I did, because ignoring and missing this one would be a shame. 

Even though Repaired is the story of Liam and Parker, for me, it was all about Liam. It was his story and his book through and through. From the beginning, there was this intensity and mystery surrounding him that made his character the most lovable and exciting as there was just so much to discover when it came to him. As the story progressed and moved ahead, his character developed immensely and I grew to love him as a character and respect him as a person. Liam is truly an unforgettable character who has made a permanent place in my heart because he was so special and unique. 

Parker, on the other hand, was a very predictable character. His situation wasn't something I have never read about before, unlike Liam's. His personality was very strong and he was the perfect shoulder that Liam needed in every sense of the term. I saw him more as a support system of Liam rather than a separate person. Of course, he was an integral part of the book and added depth and positivity to the story, which made him very admirable as well. Also, he is the reason the story finally took the turns that it took and that's just undeniably gorgeous. 

The awe that I am filled with after reading this absolutely great story written by Melissa Collins in the most marvellous way possible is hard to explain. Repaired is not just about Liam and Parker, although it seems like it with all the hot sex. It is about family, trust, betrayal, and most importantly, it is about personal growth. The astounding character development that happened with both Liam and Parker as individuals as well as as a couple was so very admirable and applaudable. In spite of my initial hesitation to read it, Repaired is a smashing read that is so important and that absolutely nailed the whole past meets present meets future collision in an outstanding manner. There's nothing but love and respect in my heart for Liam after reading it. 

RATING:

Review- Suicide Watch by Kelley York

Goodreads Summary:

18-year-old Vincent Hazelwood has spent his entire life being shuffled from one foster home to the next. His grades sucked. Making friends? Out of the question thanks to his nervous breakdowns and unpredictable moods. Still, Vince thought when Maggie Atkins took him in, he might’ve finally found a place to get his life—and his issues—in order.

But then Maggie keels over from a heart attack. Vince is homeless, alone, and the inheritance money isn't going to last long. A year ago, Vince watched a girl leap to her death off a bridge, and now he's starting to think she had the right idea.

Vince stumbles across a website forum geared toward people considering suicide. There, he meets others with the same debate regarding the pros and cons of death: Casper, battling cancer, would rather off herself than slowly waste away. And there’s quiet, withdrawn Adam, who suspects if he died, his mom wouldn't even notice.

As they gravitate toward each other, Vince searches for a reason to live while coping without Maggie's guidance, coming to terms with Casper's imminent death, and falling in love with a boy who doesn't plan on sticking around.

REVIEW:

Kelley York is one of my most favourite authors. I've loved every book of hers that I've read and Suicide Watch isn't any different. It's a broken, sad and absolutely beautiful story about three teenagers who are fighting the battle between birth and death called life. Since the beginning of the year, I've been thoroughly into the whole absurdity of life phenomena. My hero Albert Camus, in his The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays says that there is no philosophical problem truly serious than suicide. Whether its alright or right even is for each one to decide for themselves. But trust me, Suicide Watch isn't a take on the philosophical battle that's been on the minds of intellectuals since centuries. It's just a simple story about complicated and messed up people who find acceptance, peace and solace amongst each other. 

In Suicide Watch, Vincent, Casper and Adam meet at a time in their lives when they don't know what to live for. They believe that no one would care if they disappear one day until they realise how wrong they were. Over a short period of time, they form a bond so strong that letting go of one of them becomes a painful and impossible task. They mess up. They manage somehow. But most importantly, they learn to value each other's presence in their lives since that's what's made all the difference in the first place. Kelley York is so gifted and talented and it shows in the way she portrays friendships in her books. Relationships- any of them- are never easy and she shows it for how it is. And she portrays same sex relationships beautifully. She shows people for who they truly are. When one reads the summary of Suicide Watch, one knows the story. But what one doesn't know is the powerful impact it will have on them after reading it. 

I am at a complete loss for words. I really have no idea what to say and most importantly, how to express the immense love I've developed for Suicide Watch over the course of the few days that I took to devour it. All I know is that this isn't the end. I'm sure I'm going to be contemplating over the characters and their lives for a very, very long time to come. And you know what? I love books that make me do that. And every book of Kelley York's makes me do that. That's why I love her books so much. Read. Relate. Realise. Attach. Contemplate. Remember. It's simple as that. 

Beyond what I have said and taking into consideration all that I would love to say but don't really know how to express, that's all I have to say. What I know and what I can guarantee is that Kelley York knows. It's very silly of me to say this but she knows how to write. By that, I mean that she knows exactly what goes into making a story unbelievable and unforgettable. The characters in her stories are flawed. The stories themselves are complicated. The compilation in itself is horrible and terrible up to a certain extent. But the way she does it is simply perfect. It takes courage to write that aspect of reality that we all know of, but none of us are bold enough to say out loud. That's the reason why I admire Kelley York and her books. Sometimes I feel like I praise the author more than the book, but the author writes the book so that makes sense. I loved Suicide Watch and I know that when others read it, they will too. 

RATING: 

Review- Rush by Nyrae Dawn

Goodreads Summary:

This heartbreaking, powerful New Adult male/male romance will be loved by fans of Jamie McGuire, Jessica Sorensen and Abbi Glines, as well as by all fans of Nyrae Dawn's The Games trilogy... 

What if you fell in love with your best friend? But no one could ever know... Brandon Chase has always defined himself by one thing: football. He's the star of the team, an idol to his teammates and surrounded by the hottest girls. But Brandon has a secret - how he really feels about his friend Alec Andrews. Rather than confront the truth, Brandon pushes Alec away. But when Brandon is seriously injured in a car crash, the only person who can get through to him is Alec. Against all odds, Alec helps Brandon train his way back to fitness and prepare for the NFL draft. As they spend the summer together, the two can't deny their attraction - the rush they feel when they're together is impossible to deny and neither wants to walk away. Will Brandon be brave enough to face the consequences of following his heart? No matter what the cost?

REVIEW:

I loved Nyrae Dawn's What A Boy Wants, What A Boy Needs and Measuring Up. Those are books I read when I was completely into Young Adult and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of them. I, however, no matter how big a fan of Nyrae's I became after that, didn't read any other books by the author. But once I got to know that her latest book, Rush, was a male/ male romance, I just knew I had to read it. And while I realised I missed out on Nyrae's simple and sweet writing, I didn't really enjoy the story as much as I was looking forward to enjoying it. 

Rush is the story of Alec and Brandon, who have been gay for as long as they know and they've been friends for a long time. When they first meet, sparks fly, but it's never a bed of roses. They know how difficult it is to survive in a world where anything outside of "normal" is taken as something that's bad, horrible and disgusting. They know how disappointed in them their respective families will be and how much Brandon, the football star's career will be affected by coming out of the closet. 

What I did like about Rush was the relationship between our two heroes. Alec and Brandon made for a very sweet and sensible couple, who cared deeply for each other and were at their best only when they were together. The chemistry between them was nice and hot. The few aspects that didn't sit quite well with me were the time Brandon took to accept that it's guys he likes. At the beginning, it frustrated me to no end when he kept pushing Alec aside. But to balance that out, Alec was a determined and practical person, who put Brandon first no matter what and who was the reason why the two came together. The huge difference between both their families gives two points of views on the breaking of the big news. While Brandon's side of the story was very sweet, Alec's side seemed more real and impacting. 

Overall, Rush wasn't a bad read at all. It was really good, in fact. It's just that I've read a lot of LGBT books and they've blown me away. In a way, I expected Rush to do the same. But now that I think of it, the whole theme on which Rush is based is different and taking into consideration that context, it was a very cute and compelling read that was good in its own way. Nyrae Dawn writes really well, although the typos could have seen better editing. Anyway, the author has written a nice, contemporary M/M romance that takes up the good and the bad side of things and in this day and age, we need more books like this. 

RATING: