[Review] Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor

Title: Maybe One Day

Author: Melissa Kantor [Blog | Twitter | Website]

Publisher: HarperTeen an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Contemporary, Realistic Fiction

Release Date: February 18, 2014

Source: Audiobook borrowed via library, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Always read the synopsis for an audio book *doh*

One of my favorite things lately is to choose a weekly audiobook from the Overdrive app. I usually pick things that look interesting and are available immediately. Picky, I know. Anywho.. I had no clue what this what about when I pressed play. I found out quickly it's a story about Olivia and Zoe, and all that happens when Olivia is diagnosed with cancer.

The narrator was really good and the story is written beautifully but I'm not sure I would've chosen such a heavy read in audio format. I think it caused more tears than I wanted to shed. 

Girls rule, boys drool

I loved this book because more than anything it was actually about friendship. Sure there's boys but they're around for comfort, kind of like the opposite of the Bechdel test. This is about two girls who grew up together loving to dance and dance, until they were dismissed. Then it's about them figuring out life after dance and pondering all the things they'll do one day. This is about that friendship you only form once in a lifetime. It's beautiful, delicate and something to envy.

There is some minor romance but it is just that, minor. So if that's what you're looking for, carry on. If you want to know what it's like to have that impenetrable friendship for life, read this. Love Olivia and Zoe, grown with them. It was pretty awesome.

ALL. THE. FEELS. 

Warning!!! There are feels in this book. Everyone on the highway probably thinks I'm a crazy person who ugly cries on the way home. I was a HOTT mess and then towards the end I just curled up in my reading chair with my headphones in and the lights off. My partner thought I was sick but I said "No, this is so sad." and then he covered me with a blanket as I laid there to heal. So yes, read this!!!!! Just maybe not in public. 

4 Stars – This friendship absolutely wrecked me. Excuse me, I need to stitch my heart back together now.

[Mini Guest Review] The Cage by Megan Shepherd

Title: The Cage
Series: The Cage #1

Author: Megan Shepherd [Twitter | Website]

Publisher: Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Science Fiction, Dystopia

Release Date: May 26, 2015

Source: ARC provided by the publisher, opinions are honest and the reader's own. – review policy here.

This book reminded of few other books that i read recently that are along the same lines kids are kidnapped, some rules are set in place, you got the leaders, those that want to escape, those that want stay extra. Don't get me wrong that not a bad or a good thing it just a standard format i seen in a few books the Maze Runner, Alive, and Hunger Games. It a format that works it keeps you guessing you never quite sure what going to happen. The Cage kept me guessing on who the bad guys where and the fact that it aliens and your not sure if Earth is gone or not is a pretty interesting concept. I like all the twists and turns in the story and excited to see what happens in book two, also liked the ending as it was not cliff hanger but makes me want to read the rest of the series.

4 Stars from Jan at J.R.'s Book Reviews

[Guest Review] Tangled Web by Lee Bross

Title: Tangled Webs
Series: Tangles Webs #1

Author: Lee Bross [Twitter | Website]

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Historical Fiction, Romance

Release Date: June 23, 2015

Source: ARC provided by the publisher, opinions are honest and the reader's own. – review policy here.

This is literally the first non-fantasy YA novel I've read in months! I actually can't remember the last time I read a book without any fantasy elements, so I was curious to see whether I'd like Tangled Webs, which is sort of a historical fiction. The book is set in 18th century London, where an orphan girl named Arista navigates the London social scene as a notorious blackmailer. The premise is interesting and certainly unique, but it was a bit slow at first and actually took me several days to finish it. It got really good in the last quarter of the novel, which is probably a little too late but nevertheless boosted the rating. I actually started tearing up the last two chapters because of a certain someone, which I absolutely did not expect with this novel. That just goes to show that Lee Bross does an excellent job making readers fall in love with the characters.

I was under the impression that there would be a love triangle, but Arista and the reader both knew that there was only one guy for her from the very start and that was great. I don't mind love triangles too much, but it was consistent with her character; Arista isn't one to dilly dally. I didn't care for the romance as much as I did the story since I didn't find it too believable. Since this is set in the early 18th century, the fast paced nature of Arista and Grae's relationship is probably normal, but to me, it just went way too fast and I would have liked to see more development.

As for the characters, Lee did a wonderful job developing all of them and it was nice to see a strong supporting cast. Although some of the decisions Arista made were frustrating, I didn't hold it against her. Grae is an absolutely sweetheart and is someone you just want to protect and hug all the time. Nic is also very well developed and multi-dimensional and by the end, he probably became one of my favorite characters in this story. However, I thought that Lee could have done a better job with Bones, the villain. The best villain is one that readers can almost sympathize with, but this guy is downright hateful with absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever; I hated him right until the end. Wild was much more interesting and multi-dimensional, though.

Overall, this was a good book for me to get off the fantasy track (though the next book I read will still probably be fantasy haha), and reminded me of why I enjoy reading YA historical fiction. It appears to be a series, but I thought it ended nicely the way it did and I would have been satisfied had this been a standalone.

4 Stars

http://wonderlandnovels.blogspot.com

[Review} Little Peach by Peggy Kern

Title: Little Peach

Author: Peggy Kern [Twitter]

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Contemporary, Social Issues

Release Date: March 10, 2015

Source: ARC provided by the publisher. Opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Little Peach explores a really interesting subject. Not because it's new but because it's often referred to in a historical or foreign context... sex trade. Little Peach is a young girl who is in the hospital recounting how she got to this point. 

Kern's writing is griping and comes with a quick pace which develops into a solid read with a smaller page count. The only tip-offs to Kern's privilege come through a couple of authenticity slip ups but the revelations she brings to the forefront more than make up for this. 

Little Peach and her companions bring to life the underground world of modern-day sex trade through the unveiling of gang and pimp culture in the pursuit of the American dream. Kern's ability to narrate the girls and their handlers in such a way that the public would never suspect they are kept under control, etc. furthers the realism and disbelief.

This is an extremely short read but each page is more and more revealing. You keep turning in an attempt to understand how this happened to Little Peach and the other young women, to see how easy it is to fall down the rabbit hole, and to keep from being completely horrified all at the same time. 

Recommended for readers who enjoy crime procedurals such as Criminal Mind and Law & Order: SVU. There are several triggers in this novel that may not be comfortable for some readers including drugs, sex, and violence.

4 Stars – Gritty tale that brings a fresh light to a real American problem.

[Review] Twisted Fate by Norah Olson

Title: Twisted Fate

Author: Norah Olson

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Thriller, Mystery, Contemporary, Social Issues

Release Date: January 20, 2015

Source: eARC provided by the publisher, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Whoa... who am I supposed to trust?

Immediately we're introduced to Sydney, Allyson and a few other point of views. Right off the bat you know something is off as the sisters recount events with different versions. But who's telling the truth? Who's version is accurate? It's all really weird but I was totally roped in and the pages kept turning.

Honestly, everyone is kind of creepy just to varying degrees
One thing I think Olson nails is the fact that we're all flawed. While some may find the multiple POVs a bit much it is needed to show all sides of the story, reveal "evidence", and bring clarity as to what/who we're dealing with here. There's only two people I trusted in the whole story and that's the police officers.

Because there's always boys...
The story kicks off with gorgeous Graham moving in next door and taking a liking to Allyson. Sydney, her younger sister, is immediately skeptical of him and along with Becky, the BFF, and Declan, her sort-of-boyfriend, they begin befriending him and spying...

The writing is on the wall from pretty early in the story but I was still unsure how things were going to shake out. The ending did not disappoint but did leave one big question for me.

Spoiler

One of the main issues is that Sydney is mentally ill. This is NEVER addressed and for all these kids to be super smart (Declan and Syd are top of the class and Becky is a hacker/computer programming nerd) NO ONE notices this!!!!! I kind of get absent parents but she hangs with these people everyday and reveals her sickness but everyone just shrugs it off. Even the school guidance counselor.

If this question/issue/point been addressed then it would've been a five star read for me.

You'll like is if... and it may annoy you if...

You'll like this if you enjoy psychological thrillers without questioning too much. The only character development is revealed/forced by the plot so you may not find yourself deeply attached to any one person but it's not boring. I promise! Also, if you're looking for a lot of explanations as to why... prepare to lose sleep. The ending is with little explanation after the last conflict.

If you enjoyed Gone Girl, or enjoy the TV shows Snapped or Forensic Files this should please you. 

Random side note: I could find nothing on the author except that she wrote this book. This totally adds to the creepiness factor, even if it's just a pseudonym. ;)

4 Stars – I don't know who to be more afraid of...

[Review] The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds

Title: The Boy In The Black Suit

Author: Jason Reynolds [Blog | Twitter]

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon and Schuster

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Contemporary, Romance

Release Date: January 6, 2015

Source: ARC provided by the publisher, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Just when seventeen-year-old Matt thinks he can’t handle one more piece of terrible news, he meets a girl who’s dealt with a lot more—and who just might be able to clue him in on how to rise up when life keeps knocking him down—in this wry, gritty novel from the author of When I Was the Greatest.

Matt wears a black suit every day. No, not because his mom died—although she did, and it sucks. But he wears the suit for his gig at the local funeral home, which pays way better than the Cluck Bucket, and he needs the income since his dad can’t handle the bills (or anything, really) on his own. So while Dad’s snagging bottles of whiskey, Matt’s snagging fifteen bucks an hour. Not bad. But everything else? Not good. Then Matt meets Lovey. She’s got a crazy name, and she’s been through more crazy than he can imagine. Yet Lovey never cries. She’s tough. Really tough. Tough in the way Matt wishes he could be. Which is maybe why he’s drawn to her, and definitely why he can’t seem to shake her. Because there’s nothing more hopeful than finding a person who understands your loneliness—and who can maybe even help take it away. – via Goodreads

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Brooklyn at my door
Once again we are at Brooklyn's door with robust characters whose shoes fit perfectly. While reading I felt like I was floating through the prose as Matt laid his mother to rest and he began his funeral parlor job all the way to the last page. Reynolds is able to balance Matt's grieving with his growth into exploring first love, responsibilities and his future.

Capturing deep culture and characters
I really love how Bedford-Stuyvesant jumps off the page while Reynolds seduces the reader with the neighborhood's reality and still brings in the romanticism of the city. Each character is accounted for in a memorable way from those who are receiving their going home ceremonies to the town drunk to the sandwich guy at the corner bodega. Each person stuck with me as much as they stuck with Matt.

I really, really dislike the first part of this synopsis. 
Matt is dealing with loss versus life knocking him down. His family lives in a brownstone, and money is not plentiful but Matt's doing okay minus the passing of his mom. If anything he's in need of parental leadership. I'm also not sold on the idea that Lovey is dealing with "more" and I definitely do not feel that her role is to save him. If anything I think their connection lies in the ability to accept loss and that grieving his done in different ways for different people. The best of friends are those that don't judge.

Awaiting more from Jason Reynolds
Reynolds stories are great for young adults and adults alike. His ability to blend rich, authentic stories with cultural competency and make them equally touching is beyond me. Luckily, I get to add Reynolds to my auto-buy list. Can't wait for the next read!

4 Stars –  Once again Jason lulls me away with his storytelling and amazing character development.

[Review] My True Love Gave to Me, Edited by Stephanie Perkins

Title: My True Love Gave To Me, Twelve Holiday Stories

Editor: Stephanie Perkins

Publisher: St. Martin's Press, an imprint of Macmillan

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Contemporary, Fantasy, Anthology

Release Date: October 14, 2014

Source: Purchased, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

This is an anthology of Christmas tales from 12 amazing YA authors. Some are straight contemporary and some have a bit of Christmas magic ;).

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This set hit me in the FEELS!

Midnights by Rainbow Rowell

Angels in the Snow by Matt de la Pena

It's a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins

Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White 

This set knocked me in the feels, hardcore! Midnights highlighted all those missed opportunities. Basically, don't take any chances with love kids. Something those of us that are slightly older can reminisce about all the "would'ves" in life. 

Angels in the Snow really hit me hard. From being separated from family to hunger issues to just recognizing your privileges in life. While sitting in my cozy reading chair with my lit Christmas tree and fridge full there were tears rolling down my face as I soaked in de la Pena's prose.

It's a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown was not something that grabbed me at first but the camaraderie and generosity was hard to ignore. Plus lumbersexual is like a thing now. ;)

Welcome to Christmas, CA was really not about the "couple" aspect for me. It was about family and how we define family, how we communicate, and how we're always going around assuming things. If is made of assumptions but maybe we just need to slow it down and trust that our family is always there for us.

Solid as ice but no tears

Polaris Is Where You'll Find Me by Jenny Han

Your Temporary Santa by David Levithan

What The Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? by Gayle Forman

Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus by Myra McEntire

Star of Bethlehem by Ally Carter

The Girl Who Woke The Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Polaris Is Where You'll Find Me was a cute fantasy-ish story about a girl and a boy who can't be together because he's an elf and she's the Korean adopted daughter of Santa. While I'll never be Santa's daughter, adopted or otherwise, I think we can all connect with human struggle of things not working out. Willing it does not make it so. 

Your Temporary Santa is a funny account of a young boy trying to maintain the magic of Santa in his little sister's life and in doing so asks his boyfriend (who is Jewish) to take one for the team and don the suit. What ensues is a touching connection between a young couple and a family going through change. 

What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? was SOOOO nostalgic for me. I went to college in the middle of nowhere, Texas with a population of 8,000 people, which coincidently was the same as the enrollment at the university. Now if there had only been a kind, tall, handsome black boy that could've helped me pass time. ;) 

Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus was just pure silliness! I giggled multiple times as this church community scrambled to keep their annual pageant going after the barn is burned down. 

Star of Bethlehem was impressive considering the trope was not very original. I would've actually liked to see this full length. The character growth for our protagonist was impressive, and several secondary characters really shined through in this short story. 

The Girl Who Woke The Dreamer blew my mind. I'm still not really sure what happened in this fantasy tale. I've never read Taylor but her prose was magical and whimsey, like I said, the writing had me in such a haze I'm not sure if I "got it" but I enjoyed the ride. 

Ehhh...

Out of a dozen there are only two stories I skimmed over, Holly Black's Krampuslauf and Kelly Link's Lady and the Fox. They were just not a good fit for me. The pacing in Link's short story threw me off even if the plot was appealing. If you're a fan of historical fiction or paranormal you may like this more than myself. Black's short failed to draw me in and I wasn't sure where it was going. Fans of Black's novels and fantasy would probably enjoy this

Overall I Loved It!

So overall I really, really loved this anthology. I'll be ordering the UK edition soon because the cover is totally worth all the lust. If there is a gold star for diversity the book gets ALL THE STARS! So much going on here ethnically, socio-economically and we're busting stereotypes left and right. Double bonus, I didn't feel an ounce of tokenism in the process of creating this melting pot.

4 Stars – Solid bunch of apples here, and I like them.

[Review] Compulsion by Martina Boone

Title: Compulsion
Series: The Heirs of Watson Island #1

Author: Martina Boone [ Facebook | Twitter | Website ]

Publisher: Simon Pulse, an imprint of Simon and Schuster

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Southern Gothic, Fantasy – Paranormal

Release Date: October 28, 2014

Source: Personal copy, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lives with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead--a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.

Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who knows what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family's twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn't what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead. - via Goodreads

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A Southern Showcase...

Martina Boone's world building of South Carolina and Southern culture is awesome and so nostalgic. I immediately felt right at home with the small town gossips, Southern royalty and random teen get togethers. The plot plays into these stereotypes to strengthen it's case of family feuds that have spanned generations. What we end up with is an awesome contemporary Southern gothic tale that sets itself up nicely for a series that spooks the sleep out of me.

There's a girl, a boy and a mean girl

Barrie, is our protagonist who has lost both her father and mother who is new to Watson Island after discovering family she never knew she had. Upon arriving she is met by her Aunt Pru and handsome neighbor boy, Eight Beaufort. She quickly learns of the Watson Island feud between her family, the Beauforts and Colesworths. Barrie's naivete is balanced with her determination and increasing discovery of her compulsion. 

Eight and Barrie immediately become friends as he escorts her around town to meet people, find out more about her mother and father, and find her Colesworth cousins. Their relationship is gradual in nature but you see it coming a mile away. Eight is smart, believably charming and comes with his own mysteries. I can't wait to see how their relationship develops as secrets are revealed, more information on the curse is discovered and their compulsions take hold.

This plot is wicked, wicked cool

Boone leads us into a local legend, one that I can't spoil for you, but it's really cool. We get the beginning of this hybrid culture curse that leads to relief and pain for Barrie. Some aspects are explained and revealed while many kinks are closely guarded as sure to become arcs for the next two books. If you enjoy history, legends, or folklore this will inspire some major Googling during your reading.

The two minor things I didn't care for...

Barrie, her name is Barrie. Ew. I had to mentally transpose her name to Bear, Eight's nickname for her to get through it. 

In the beginning Mark, Barrie's "uncle", comes off as a gay, cross dresser and then later it's revealed he's transgendered. Which then if he's transgendered, male/female, and is attracted to men then he's not gay and would use feminine pronouns (or state his preference). Barrie always refers to Mark as a male. This is purely the social justice in me but all of those things are different. So it becomes kind of muddled and it's a bit confusing. 

What I'm looking for in book two...

A lot more information!!! We've just scraped the surface regarding the shenanigans of Watson Island. I want to know all the things. 

Cannot wait! The second book Persuasion releases October 2015.

4 Stars – Oh honey, bless your heart because this is creepily awesome. 

[Review + Giveaway] The Mortal Gods by Kendare Blake

Title: Mortal Gods
Series: Goddess Wars #2
Author: Kendare Blake [ Facebook | Twitter | Website]

Publisher: Tor Teen, an imprint of Macmillan 

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Fantasy, Mythology

Release Date: October 14, 2014

Source: Review copy provided by the publisher, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Ares, God of War, is leading the other dying gods into battle. Which is just fine with Athena. She's ready to wage a war of her own, and she's never liked him anyway. If Athena is lucky, the winning gods will have their immortality restored. If not, at least she'll have killed the bloody lot of them, and she and Hermes can die in peace.

Cassandra Weaver is a weapon of fate. The girl who kills gods. But all she wants is for the god she loved and lost to return to life. If she can't have that, then the other gods will burn, starting with his murderer, Aphrodite.

The alliance between Cassandra and Athena is fragile. Cassandra suspects Athena lacks the will to truly kill her own family. And Athena fears that Cassandra's hate will get them ALL killed.

The war takes them across the globe, searching for lost gods, old enemies, and Achilles, the greatest warrior the world has ever seen. As the struggle escalates, Athena and Cassandra must find a way to work together. Because if they can't, fates far worse than death await. - via Goodreads

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I forgot he died... wahhh!
Apollo is gone and Cassandra is mourning his death with weekly visits. I'm still shocked and saddened that he died at the end of book one. Cassandra shows resolve, strength and determination as she seeks to avenge his death. This comes across as refreshing compared to the mourning and hermit reaction that could be.

Athena is a Goddess and lest you forget it!
To me this has always been Athena's story versus Cassie's. Athena journeys across the world to search for her family, the good and the bad, and to save them all before time runs out. Her love for her brother Hermes is enduring, while she hides her own discomfort as the feathers become more frequent. Her relationship with Odysseus is tender and painful, I'm shipping them so hard!!!!!!!

You know that annoying itch on your back that you can't reach... she has a name.

EVIL! This trio (can't tell you all the players without being spoilery) makes for an awesome group of evil who think they might have a weapon on their side. This family feud does not sell you short in drama or action. I need book three to let me know how it's all going to play out. I can almost promise you heads will roll. 

All the trips!

Book twos are known for the journey feel. Kendare Blake does an excellent job with the pacing and breaking up the journeys that take place. The action is described so vividly there's a scene that almost made me queasy. I can feel each immortal as their bodies continue to betray them since the pain and discomfort is spelled out in realistic detail. 

But that ending... 

It all blew up and hit the fan in the end. OMG!!!!!!!! Actually it's technically still blowing up as the book wraps up.  All I can say is that this is a very strong second book in a series where you usually experience a sophomore slump. I cannot wait for book three and I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed in hope that some things happen. :P

4 Stars - CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!!!! Literally, there's a cliff involved.

The publisher was nice enough to send an extra copy so...

It's giveaway time! Open to U.S. only and please check out the full rules here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

[Review] Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Black Ice
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick [ Facebook | Twitter | Website]

Publisher: Simon Teen

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Mystery, Thriller, Romance

Release Date: October 7, 2014

Source: Review copy provided by the publisher, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Sometimes danger is hard to see... until it’s too late.

Britt Pfeiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants—but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage.

In exchange for her life, Britt agrees to guide the men off the mountain. As they set off, Britt knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there... and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target.

But nothing is as it seems in the mountains, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally? - via Goodreads

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The prelude, though!

Becca Fitzpatrick kicks off Black Ice with an intense opening prelude reminiscent of the opening scenes in horror movies. Quick moving with action and the set-up necessary to get the vibe of the serial killer.

Smart girls making bad decisions...

I can't decide if this is a good or bad thing, or maybe just a real thing. Best friends Britt and Korbie (really, really disliked this name) decide to hike a trail for spring break but there's an unsuspecting snow storm so things go south real quick and they have to worry about their survival.

They knock on a stranger's door and these guys are acting all sorts of sketchy! I felt like the guy in Scream who needs to explain all the rules of scary movies because we all know this trope except Britt and Korbie.

Britt is an 18-year-old college student who is looking to assert herself and upend some stereotypes about her female gender role and affluent upbringing, oh and make a boy jealous. As a result she has spent hours studying and practicing her wilderness survival skills. Unlike Korbie, Britt is tired of playing the damsel in distress and frequently mentions how much she relies on all the men in her life to get by. I don't want to spoil anything but lets just say her practicing and studying comes in handy a time or two.

Money and Masculinity...

Almost all of the key players have money!!! I'm not sure if this was done to help the plot in some places or if that's the population that usually has cabins in the mountains of Wyoming. I understand it as a characteristic for certain characters and on others not so much. I would've liked to see more diversity in this area because I feel like the in some way Fitzpatrick was tying in the theme of gender roles/views directly to affluence. While money can affect character I would like to believe there's not a direct correlation there... 

Gender roles became a much larger focal point than I thought possible for a mystery/thriller! Learning the character's back stories and relationships with their parents, siblings, friends, etc. played such a large role in how they've arrived at this point. Really looking at the expectations and stereotypes for each relationship revealed and how it has influenced the present day plot is disturbing and also so true. Definitely makes me rethink how I choose my words and how they affect my relationships. 

It's all in the details...

One of the things I really enjoyed is that even though the story is plot driven there are flashbacks that help build the character case. This way the reader is playing judge and jury as they're reading. 

If you're into details... it's all there! I called this towards the middle of the book but even then there were little bits 'o' information that kept popping up to surprise me. 

The romance...

I found it slightly awkward. I can't get into too many details but you know from the synopsis there are two boys Britt is involved with. I really struggled with the idea of being kidnapped and falling for one of my captors in three days and then wondering if it's Stockholm Syndrome or Lima Syndrome all the while I'm lost, cold, wet and hungry. I didn't hate the ending but I wasn't in love with it, I enjoyed the ride there much more! 

4 Stars - It's all in the details!