If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

Published by: Flatiron Books

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Rating: ****

Meredith Russo is an absolutely wonderful writer who has created such a brilliant and incredible story that is needed in this day and age. Writing about a teen who is struggling with identity, Amanda, the protagonist, was born as Andrew but surgery has allowed her to be who she is supposed to be. However, Amanda has had issues fitting in. Not many people are open to the idea of going to school with her, or even dating her which has left the poor girl scarred. But things are about to change. Amanda is starting anew with her father in a new state and so her life is beginning again.

I found the book promising. One of my friends and fellow students recently wrote on the topic for a creative writing deadline and it was absolutely beautiful and so powerful. Again, for a book of this topic it is so rare for me to actually get past the first few pages, but with this one, I was captivated and could not put it down. I was in book-love with it and wanted to find out what was next in Amanda's life.

If I Was Your Girl can be purchased at Amazon UK now.

The Heir and The Spare (Untitled #1) by Emily Albright

Published by: Merit Press

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Rating: ****

American Evie Gray has finally achieved her dream. To be able to attend Oxford just like her mother did before she tragically died. But there is more to the story. Directed throughout her life by mysterious envelopes written by her mother, Evie finds herself in the same school, and friendship circle as the spare heir to the British throne, Edmund. The two dance around the city of London and surrounding cities as they try to figure out what exactly Evie's mother wants, and whether there is such a thing as fairytales.

My first impressions of this book were quite dismissive. It felt too cringeworthy, especially after the Kate and Wills story but now that I have read this, I can honestly say that it definitely isn't as bad as I thought.

Starting with Evie's brief moving into her student digs at Oxford, she is immediately befriended by fellow students and meets the mysterious Edmund (who looks familiar but not). The book quickly introduces the reader to all of what they need to know about everyone whilst setting up the romance pretty quickly (and rather solidly.)

The Heir and The Spare can be purchased from Amazon now.

The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith

Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Genre: Young Adult, Realistic, Contemporary

Rating: ****

Eden's story is split into the four parts of her high school life. It's something that describes the proper process of life on the day she was raped, and the effects that have on her afterward. Yes, rape does sometimes cause the victim to act out as a method of coping, no it should not be taken lightly and Eden's fictional story can be considered a warning of how other people watching her downfall should not act.

The Way I Used to Be is a typical contemporary YA novel. It follows the basic codes of having the issue presented and how the protagonist must work their way around said issue to change and become a better person. However, Eden is no ordinary protagonist. Instead, her behavior spirals out of control as she sheds her band geek skin to become dangerous and a fan of unhealthy behavior. I feel that Amber Smith has written a book that is applicable to almost anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, harassment and even rape due to the way the young teenage minds have to fight and resort to changing their behavior in order to cope with the sheer trauma they have endured. It isn't fun and it can't be fun to watch. 

What is alarming, though, is the fact that Eden's parents just class it as generic teenage hormones, something that it could be considered to be, but not if one considers the fact Eden is openly asking for help despite not wanting to say anything.

The Way I Used to Be is available to buy from Amazon now.

The Rose and The Dagger (Wrath & Dawn #2) by Renee Ahdieh

Published by: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Romance

Rating:*****!

I LOVE THIS SERIES!

The capitals were definitely needed. The Wrath and The Dawn was one of my favorite books to read last year and the sequel did not disappoint.

It kicks off after the end of Wrath and boy did it get going.

As we might know, Shahrzad is not with Khalid, the man believed to be a monster but is actually the Caliph of Khorasan. Instead, she is back with her family and the one person we all secretly dislike, Tariq (aka the childhood sweetheart). She should be happy. I could have been happy but Tariq is so set on destroying Khalid's rule that Shahrzad cannot go back to her previous life without difficulty. Technically she's a prisoner of war despite there being no locks on tent doors. However, like she did in the first book, she finds a loophole that allows her to plan.

I finished this book within twenty-four hours and was left wanting a third book (Ahdieh please answer our wishes and grant us one last trip). Overall the series has been a wonderful journey and if you're looking for a book to devour this summer, then the series is perfect. Plus the hardback cover is absolutely beautiful!

The Rose & The Dagger can be bought from Amazon UK now.

Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Young Adult Romance

Rating: *****

I don't think there has actually been a time where I have ever given Cassandra Clare a negative review. 

It's true though. I absolutely love her world and where she takes the reader. Lady Midnight is no exception to this rule because Emma is so different to Clary or Tessa. She's the next generation shadowhunter and absolutely fantastic to read about. 

The reader sinks straight back into the world of demons and angels alike, as if it was only a month since the publication of the Mortal Instrument's final book. But like usual, Clare creates a difficult but understandable relationship for her protagonist and it does break your heart when there is no clue as to whether things will work out or not.

Of course we get brief appearances of Tessa/Jem, Clary/Jace which makes our hearts sing with joy as we all want to know what is happening with them. I guess I just wish she wrote a separate book for just them because I did flick forward a few pages.

Lady Midnight is out now. 

Join Up (Island trilogy #3) by Tudor Robins

Published by: the author

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Rating: Five Stars

A huge thank you to Tudor for letting me have an advance copy

I cannot believe the series is over. Cue the tissues because I absolutely adored this book and the series. Having told Ms Robins that her books are amazing and inspired me, I think this book is further evidence that horsey books need to be out in the world more.

Join Up concludes Lacey's life as she leaves the island and all it's inhabitants to spend the summer earning money for college and maybe discovering more about herself. The camp is for kids who want to learn more about horses, to have an experience of actually owning one for a few weeks without the responsibility of forever keeping one. It's a magical thing these camps. But Lacey takes it in her stride as she teaches her students and keeps up connections to the island. 

But things change. Life changes us all. Lacey meets someone who could potentially replace Jared in her heart and he might have four legs. Of course she finds another horse. He doesn't hold a flame to Salem but there's definitely something between him and Lacey that keeps her coming back for more and more. 

It's a weird situation I'm in. I want to say so much more about the book but I can't without spoiling the end. All I can say is that this is the series you need to read if you love horses. 

Join Up is available for purchase at Amazon UK now.

Me Before You (Me Before You #1) by Jojo Moyes

Published by: Viking

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Rating: *****

Warning: This book is a tear-jerker.

Me Before You is a heartstring-tugging book that will make any reader sob as they reach the final pages. 

Lou Clark isn't the sharpest tool in the box nor is she one for wanting to leave her hometown. Instead she's content with working the same job she's had for years, serving coffee in an old cafe and knowing that she'll probably never marry her longtime boyfriend. She's so very different from any female lead than I've had the privilege of reading and that's why I felt even more drawn to this book. 

Will Traynor on the other hand has had the time, money and privilege to leave his hometown and do what he wanted before the accident. Something that left him permanently disabled and in need of someone to look after him. 

But there's more to the story. Lou has barely six months to try and cheer Will up and see if he might change his mind about Dignitas. 

Me Before You is a story about two individuals who want the other's circumstances to be different. Its a story that will change the world of anyone who reads it. I cannot get over it and nor can I forget suppressing tears on the bus home from work. 

The book can be bought from any major retailers especially since the film adaptation is out now.

.