Publish Date: May 7th, 2013
Publisher: InterMix - Penguin Group
ISBN: 9781101623152
Pages: 238 ebook pages
Series: None
Source: ARC ebook from NetGalley
NetGalley Synopsis:
A captivating New Adult novel from New York Times bestselling author Erin McCarthy.
When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…
Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost…
My Review:
True was my first Erin McCarthy book, and I was impressed. It was a really great read. I truly enjoyed reading it. Rory is a character you can relate to in certain ways and it was refreshing to read. Her point of view is clear and makes for easy understanding of who she is. She doesn't mess around, she's straight to the point and honest, though why all of a sudden she is so eager to loose her virginity is still a bit of a mystery to me. Is it so she doesn't feel left out? So she can fit in? She's so independent, she doesn't need to do this and that was the one small detail that bothered me in True. It's not until you see that maybe Rory is really ready to step into that new experience that she hasn't bothered to explore yet. She has been kind of a quiet nerd her whole life so far, one who studies and doesn't go out a whole lot.
Tyler is a likable character from the start. We see genuine care towards Rory, even though there's that little secret between him and Rory's roommates. I really liked watching their relationship grow. It was like watching a movie with the best actors/actresses. The picture was clear from start to finish, the characters, the storyline and McCarthy's writing all played a role in that.
Tyler has 3 brothers, 2 younger and 1 older. While Tyler was with his brothers, it was so honest and pure. It really shaped his character and made him that much more likable. The interactions between Tyler's brothers and their mother was heart breaking, seeing as they were called names, treated terribly and so afraid of her behavior because of drugs. The connection that Rory felt with his brothers and vice-versa made things so much better. It will lift the readers heart to see Tyler, his brothers and Rory form a friendship that will persevere though everything.
There is quite a bit of sexual content in True, but it's not a YA book, so it's OK. The sex scenes were never too much. I never felt uncomfortable while reading them. There was just enough detail to feel the raw emotions of Rory and Tyler. Through this, we got a better understanding of the importance of sex that Rory felt, and what it means to Rory.
Erin McCarthy is a great writer. Her details, characterization and the plot line were so seamlessly crafted into this truly extraordinary read. You'll want to pick this up whether you're a fan of McCarthy or not; you will be after True.
Showing posts with label Penguin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Penguin. Show all posts
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Book Review: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer
Publish Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers
Pages: 390
Series: Nightshade # 2
ISBN: 9780399254833
Source: From publisher for review
Goodreads Synopsis:
When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.
My Review:
Once again I was disappointed with Andrea Cremer's book. Sometimes I feel that I'm the only one who feels this way because I always see so many rave reviews floating around (maybe because on Cremer's twitter feed, it seems there's only ever RT's of the best reviews out there). First off, the cover art, not my favourite (and I know that I'm not the only one who feels this way) .The original was definitely better. The girl who is supposed to be Calla on the cover reminds me so much of Jules, the girl who played the wolf on The Vampire Diaries. Coincidence much? And the girl on the new cover, why the need to look slutty? So disappointing.
The story picked up right where Nightshade ended (I won't go into detail and spoil anything about that) and it seemed that we were off to a good start. I wouldn't say the beginning was great, but I wasn't losing hope just yet. But then it just went on and on and 10 chapters in I couldn't believe that I was already that far in because the story hadn't gone anywhere yet. Then imagine my surprise when I reached the last page and had a HUGE question mark on my face - "What? Really? That was it? That was Wolfsbane? What happened?"
We do meet some new characters thankfully, Connor and Ethan among them. Connor was a good addition since he added some humor and kept things mildly interesting. And obviously we still have Shay and sometimes he drives me nuts! He just wont let Calla make her own decisions, and sometimes he's just all over the place with his feelings. But Wolfsbane was short on one thing - Ren. I was really looking forward to seeing Ren again but where the story took us, Ren wasn't along for the ride as much as he could have been. And that's ok, I get that's where Cremer wants to take the story, but I missed Ren.
Andrea Cremer spent so much time on the history of the Seachers and the Keepers and informing the readers of everything that she missed the little details of the characters interaction, the characters appearance and things like that that play a huge role in the overall picture of the book. So again, another disappointment.
Overall, Wolfsbane didn't live up to my expectations and I wasn't happy about it. I was hesitant to read this one because of my feelings toward Nightshade, and I haven't been impressed so far, so Bloodrose wont be on the top of my TBR pile that's for sure.
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers
Pages: 390
Series: Nightshade # 2
ISBN: 9780399254833
Source: From publisher for review
Goodreads Synopsis:
When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.
My Review:
Once again I was disappointed with Andrea Cremer's book. Sometimes I feel that I'm the only one who feels this way because I always see so many rave reviews floating around (maybe because on Cremer's twitter feed, it seems there's only ever RT's of the best reviews out there). First off, the cover art, not my favourite (and I know that I'm not the only one who feels this way) .The original was definitely better. The girl who is supposed to be Calla on the cover reminds me so much of Jules, the girl who played the wolf on The Vampire Diaries. Coincidence much? And the girl on the new cover, why the need to look slutty? So disappointing.
The story picked up right where Nightshade ended (I won't go into detail and spoil anything about that) and it seemed that we were off to a good start. I wouldn't say the beginning was great, but I wasn't losing hope just yet. But then it just went on and on and 10 chapters in I couldn't believe that I was already that far in because the story hadn't gone anywhere yet. Then imagine my surprise when I reached the last page and had a HUGE question mark on my face - "What? Really? That was it? That was Wolfsbane? What happened?"
We do meet some new characters thankfully, Connor and Ethan among them. Connor was a good addition since he added some humor and kept things mildly interesting. And obviously we still have Shay and sometimes he drives me nuts! He just wont let Calla make her own decisions, and sometimes he's just all over the place with his feelings. But Wolfsbane was short on one thing - Ren. I was really looking forward to seeing Ren again but where the story took us, Ren wasn't along for the ride as much as he could have been. And that's ok, I get that's where Cremer wants to take the story, but I missed Ren.
Andrea Cremer spent so much time on the history of the Seachers and the Keepers and informing the readers of everything that she missed the little details of the characters interaction, the characters appearance and things like that that play a huge role in the overall picture of the book. So again, another disappointment.
Overall, Wolfsbane didn't live up to my expectations and I wasn't happy about it. I was hesitant to read this one because of my feelings toward Nightshade, and I haven't been impressed so far, so Bloodrose wont be on the top of my TBR pile that's for sure.

