Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Plot (taken from waterstones.com)

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. She longs for the freedom to make her own choices, but when she breaks the 'no flying' rule, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons whose greatest defence is her secret ability to shift into human form. And her rare ability to breathe fire makes her desirable, and important, to the survival of the draki. Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. There she meets gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: he and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slipping away, and if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Rating 5*- I treated myself to this novel when in London, Christmas shopping. This is one of the best novels I have read this year. The unique dragon mythical creatures are so different to every other supernatural story, which seems to mix between vampires and angels. I was totally gripped from the beginning and I have ordered the second instalment in the trilogy.

The main protagonist, Jacinda, is a fantastic and likeable character. Alongside Will, the two gel well together and creates a romantic side to what is perhaps quite a dark plot. Jacinda is being hunted for her special talent and being the only drake left in her family (her mother and sister cannot turn) it enables a very unique twist to what usually comes to mind when thinking of dragons.

I Am a Woman by Ann Bannon

This is another of the novels that was on my reading list over summer, unfortunately I read nothing but Stephen King and young adult novels (it’s great getting to read what you want). So I was sat on the train back to University wondering how on earth I was going to read 232 pages in in less than 3 hours. However, to my surprise the reading list this year has become more and more enjoyable! I finished the novel in less than the 3 hours and ordered the other two books in the series on amazon!

PLOT

‘I am a Woman’ is a lesbian pulp fiction novel written in 1959. It is the second in a series known as ‘The Beebo Brinker Chronicles’. The story begins with the main character, Laura Landon- a year after she has left college. She is living with her unkind and harsh judging father as he perceives that she dropped out of college because she was failing. Unable to put up with her father any longer, Laura packs and leaves her home in the middle of the night and goes to New York.

She soon finds a job as a secretary and lands herself an apartment with a roommate- Marcie. Marcie is young, beautiful and impulsive and Laura moves into the Greenwich Village apartment looking forward to getting to know her new roommate.

Marcie constantly fights with her ex-husband Burr, who is often at the girl’s apartment. Laura begins to intensely hate Burr after the numerous fights she over hears- and recognises she is jealous of Burr because of her own attraction to Marcie. However, Burr introduces one of the most important people to Laura- Jack Mann. Jack and Burr take the girls on a double date, where Jack takes them to a gay bar. Jack is clearly an alcoholic and often gets drunk, but he is a good natured man whom Laura finds to become the closest friend she has in New York.

Will Laura hide her feelings from Marcie forever? Will Laura realise who she really is? Running away from home was never going to be the hardest decision; Laura is left more confused than ever in New York City.

Rating 5*- I was unable to put this book down, luckily for me I had a deadline to read it for, however this book totally passed my expectations. Ann Bannon was a revolutionary writer and ‘I am a Woman’ is innovative and riveting, displaying what life was like in New York around this time. In the 50’s and 60’s many pulp fiction novels did pop up and with this so did the interest in Greenwich Village in New York. The novel inspired many young men and women to travel to the coast and experience what life could be life for them. The American government being a right wing party endeavoured that many people were socially withdrawn and unaccepted in their own society- but these books helped bring to light the entire community of gay and lesbian individuals on the West Coast.

Not only is the historical value of this novel interesting, but the characters themselves are likable and entertaining. The novel is fast paced and is impossible to put down- I was determined to see what happened to Laura and the plot twists are totally unexpected. This novel is uncharacteristic of all the expectations I held of it- although its front cover should have given it away! Well worth each of the five *’s I give it, in this review.

Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn

PLOT
Julia Quinn writes historical romance novels and has received a number of RITA’s for the best regency historical romance. ‘Just Like Heaven’ is the first book in the series ‘The Smythe-Smith Quartet’. Honoria Smythe-Smith is the youngest daughter of the eldest son of the Earl of Winstead. Honoria is still single and knows she must marry in order to escape her family orchestra quartet. She is aware that they are dreadful and freely admitts that she thinks she is the worst of them all!  

Marcus Holroyd, is Honoria’s brothers best friend, however Daniel lives in exile out of the country leaving Marcus to look over his family. However, once he learns that Honoria is determined to marry by the end of the season- he knows he needs to take extreme caution when allowing her to pick an honourable husband.    

Will Marcus be able to swoop in and steal her heart before the end of the season?

Rating 3*- It is the first time I’ve read an historical novel and this book surprised me! Julia gives a good insight into the Regency period and her characters portray the period very well. Honoria is what you would typically expect from a character; however both she and Marcus surprised me throughout the novel. They are, on the outside, as reserved as expected, but Quinn uses internal monologues which delve into Honoria’s and Marcus’ thoughts. The interchanging chapters switch between the two characters giving the readers to chance to get to know each character on a more personal level.

Although I have not given the book the highest of stars, the main enjoyment I got from this novel was from Quinn’s humour. Very subtle and hilariously placed, Quinn is  a great and entertaining writer. While it was not the most of gripping of reads, I finished the novel and the humours aspect made it all the more enjoyable!

Maid for the Billionaire by Ruth Cardello

I have usually heard about all the novels I read before I read them- whether they are recommended by a friend or are simply in the book chart I am not the type of person to just buy anything!

However, after my old phone decided to pack up I decided to go for an iPhone! After messing about for hours getting new apps and installing quirky features I came across iBooks! I downloaded any books or sample chapters that were free. This led me to this week’s book which was in free for the full version!

PLOT

It was only 200 or so pages long and the plot is not complicated but simple and for an easy read.

School teacher, Abby meets billionaire Dom, when cleaning his apartment in Boston, which she is covering for her sister. From the off the sexual tension is high, after inviting her to accompany him to a meeting the following day – Abby decides to live life on the wild side for once.

After the following day, Abby finds herself in China’s capital, Beijing. Dom decides if he can’t stay in Boston with her she must accompany him to his business meetings.

Will Dom risk his business to win Abby over? Or will his business prove to be more important that pleasure?

Rating 2*- Very cheesy- you have got to be in a mood where you will cringe at the very romantic, (maybe tacky is a better word) and unrealistic ending. I have to admit though, I did enjoy this book, although I think that was partly because it was free, but also because of all the hard hitting horror novels I have been reading recently. This novel presented an idealist world where you would never have to worry about money. Essentially this is just another Fifty Shades novel- which, although is not as graphic, hits the spot (pardon the pun) when you want a light romantic read!

It is part of a trilogy (most books seem to be today) and sadly the other novels that follow are not free. Needless to say, I don’t think I shall be purchasing them.

Bared to You by Sylvia Day

‘If you enjoyed Fifty Shades of Grey you’ll love Bared to You’

‘Bared to You’ was declared Penguin Book’s fastest selling paperback of the decade

 

PLOT

Replace Ana for Eva and Christian for Gideon and you’ve got ‘Bared to You’ in a nut shell.

Gideon is a self-made millionaire and bachelor living in New York. When he meets Eva he soon learns he is not the only one who has commitment issues- and although Eva wants more, her past is holding her back.

As the beautiful and brilliant Gideon attempts to wow Eva, he realises he steps over a line he was unwilling to cross… can he and Eva get over their mysterious pasts and move on together?

This is the first novel in a trilogy by Sylvia Day, with the final Crossfire novels titled ‘Reflected to You’ and ‘Entwined with You’ –which are due to be realised in the future.

Rating 3* -Compared to ‘Fifty Shades’ the novel’s style is more sophisticated. The writing style is not quite as repetitive as E.L James- although it does have some aspects which are very alike. The tag line ‘if you enjoyed fifty…’ is very true. ‘Bared to You’ very similar, in fact it has the exact same story line- minus and adding a few details.

I did enjoy the novel, it was a better read than ‘Fifty Shades’, however I wasn’t prepared for it to be exactly the same. I have a feeling this genre has run its course and it won’t be until the film adaptation of ‘Fifty’ comes out for the hype to return.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James

Fifty Shades of Grey has not only topped the charts in the UK but around the world. So what exactly is all the hype about?
 

Originally Fifty Shades of Grey was published on a website under the pen name ‘Snowqueens Ice dragon’. Titled, ‘Master of the Universe’ it was a piece of fan fiction based on the ‘Twilight’ characters- Bella and Edward. After concern was raised due to its sexual content it was later removed from the website.

 PLOT

Part of a trilogy that is sweeping the nation, Mr. Grey appears to be capturing the attention of millions of women readers around the world.

Set in Seattle, Fifty Shades of Grey is the first novel which follows the relationship between student, Anastasia Steele and the mysterious Christian Grey. Steele is to sign a contract allowing Mr. Grey to have complete control over her life. The novel follows the sexual relationship between Anastasia, Mr. Grey and his ‘Red Room of Pain’…

 

Rating 3* - It is like marmite. You either love it or hate it. With many mixed reviews circling the web and television, the novel has been criticised by many. However, one thing everyone appears to agree on- is the reader will be unable to put this novel down!

This author pushes the boundaries literature sets for what is considered inappropriate- but with great success the trilogy reached the top of the book charts. However the novel’s writing style is poorly worded- still, this does not seem to be putting thousands of readers off!

 

In spite of this, I was unable to put the book down. I shall let you make your own opinion- like many thousands of readers around England and the rest of the world…