738 Days by Stacey Kade // Not Your Typical Abduction Story

738 Days, by Stacey Kade
Publication: June 7, 2016, by Forge Books
Genre: New Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 432
Format: Paperback
Source: BEA/Publisher
Rating: 

At fifteen, Amanda Grace was abducted on her way home from school. 738 days later, she escaped. Her 20/20 interview is what everyone remembers—Amanda describing the room where she was kept, the torn poster of TV heartthrob Chase Henry on the wall. It reminded her of home and gave her the strength to keep fighting.
Now, years later, Amanda is struggling to live normally. Her friends have gone on to college, while she battles PTSD. She’s not getting any better, and she fears that if something doesn’t change soon she never will.
Six years ago, Chase Henry defied astronomical odds, won a coveted role on a new TV show, and was elevated to super-stardom. With it, came drugs, alcohol, arrests, and crazy spending sprees. Now he's sober and a Hollywood pariah, washed up at twenty-four.
To revamp his image, Chase’s publicist comes up with a plan: surprise Amanda Grace with the chance to meet her hero, followed by a visit to the set of Chase’s new movie. The meeting is a disaster, but out of mutual desperation, Amanda and Chase strike a deal. What starts as a simple arrangement, though, rapidly becomes more complicated when they realize they need each other in more ways than one. But when the past resurfaces in a new threat, will they stand together or fall apart?

My Thoughts:

I always do love me some abduction stories. Obviously, not because of the fact that I would want anyone (or any character) to experience what Amanda in the book had, but because my emotions plummet like a waterfall. They seriously do. And for once, an author has experimented the kidnapping/abduction theme by not focusing the story on what happened during the parts where the character was hidden from the rest of the world or the fact that they escaped, but focused on the aftermath instead. Just as the tagline reads, "Love is the greatest escape," Stacey Kade, a new favourite author of mine, focuses this new adult novel on the romance, for sure. 

738 Days' title is basically the number of days that Amanda Grace, our heroine, was abducted for. She came back, escaped, and she says that the reason she kept calm was because of the celebrity poster of Chase Henry in her room of where she stayed. Her story went viral. Even though he has had a bad reputation, Chase Henry, TV show superstar is now famous again because of Amanda's story. His publicist makes him give Amanda a surprise, and she freaks out. The world freaks out. And as they spend more time together... you got it: romance blooms. 

This was the third book I picked up to read that was from BEA this year, and I seriously wanted to love it so much. It turns out that I did. There has been such good word being spread out about this new adult novel of Stacey Kade's, and I was sure that I would love it just as much. Readers spend the whole 432 pages focused on Amanda's PTSD, her personal inner demons, the fact that she is in love with Chase, and even Chase's personal demons. The thing I adored the most was that Stacey focused the story on both of their perspectives because they were equally important characters. Without the other, the book wouldn't have been the same and I cannot imagine what else it could have turned into.

738 Days is raw, explicit with the amount of details and facts given about each of the characters' personalities and how they need each other. I ADORE THE "NEEDING EACH OTHER" PART OF THE STORY. It made my heart skip a beat because the relationship between Chase and Amanda was so strong that I admit, I have never read about such a relationship for a long time. These characters are mature, knowing what they are in for if they decide to take risks, and the maturity makes a stronger relationships. I loved the steamy parts of the story as well; 'twas very entertaining, my romance fans.

"One of the side effects of surviving the worst possible thing to happen to you is that you're left with this new awareness of the world. There's no control, no true safety; it's all random chance. Anything can happen at any time, to you, to the people you love. The world is full of sharp edges, just waiting to hurt you, one way or another" (22-23).

What I truly had mixed feelings about was the drama itself. Fellow readers, Stacey Kade does add this extra dose of drama that could be criticized: everything that had to do with Chase's publicist and how she played a role in the book. I didn't like that Amanda had to undergo an additional situation where she had to look behind her shoulders everywhere she went because of this publicist's envy. Yes, I do get that Chase is famous and all, but it wasn't needed. This wasn't necessary for entertainment. This was a minor fault that showed up once in a while and reminded readers that Chase and Amanda's romance isn't perfect, but flawed instead because there are people in the way of them accomplishing further stages in their relationship.

This is more than just the romance as well. It taught us so much about life, how overcoming difficult times in your life isn't easy for anyone. Chase, of course, didn't have a past similar to Amanda's, dealing with abduction and that personal fear, but he did have a past filled with drugs, isolation, alcohol and reminders that he isn't that person who everyone speculates he is. Their stories intertwined so perfectly that I could just squeal forever and ever. (It's been more than a month since I've read this and I'm still freaking out!)

738 Days is not your ordinary, fluffy, contemporary romance that I would prefer to call "chick-lit." It certainly does not fit any of those descriptions a hundred percent. Instead, it's a story about overcoming your personal demons, looking towards the future and having someone by your side to help you do that. Chase and Amanda both are stunning protagonists who each lead the book in their two directions, intertwining at one point and having all of us want more. The ending was so satisfying, so sweet, and all of our questions were answered, because seriously: this story is not a walk in the park. It's complex, beautiful and everlasting. I feel like Chase and Amanda are still in my head, maturing and continuing their relationship forever. 

*A review copy was provided by the publisher via BookExpo America in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*

What is a book (YA or not) that has characters dealing with their own personal demons? What are some nice new adult romances that aren't too steamy?

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay // A New Adult With YA Elements

The Sea of Tranquility, by Katja Millay
Publication: June 4, 2013, by Atria Books
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Abuse, Romance
Pages: 434
Format: Paperback
Source: Borrowed
Rating: 

Full of rage and without a purpose, former pianist Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone discovering her past and to make the boy who took everything from her pay.
All 17 year-old Josh Bennett wants is to build furniture and be left alone, and everyone allows it because it’s easier to pretend he doesn’t exist. When your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.
Everyone except Nastya, a hot mess of a girl who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. The more he gets to know her, the more of a mystery she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he may ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding or if he even wants to.
The Sea of Tranquility is a slow-building, character-driven romance about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

My Thoughts:

New adults with some deep meaning to them are my remedy. The Sea of Tranquility and its beautiful cover (that I had not really noticed until I picked it up) has been on my eye for ages, ages since before it was released and after. The romance is deep, meaningful, and the whole subject matter is different than anything else I have read in a long time. I cannot get this out of my head, to be purely honest. It has truly been a while since a book has touched me like this had. 

There is more to this story than readers know. Katja Millay starts us off with us getting to know Nastya, who is torn apart by some tragic event that she keeps mentioning. Readers get to figure out that she is continuously trying to overcome her demons and something that has traumatized her. We honestly did not figure this out until the very end when Josh gets to know her really well and all is revealed. This all turned out to have so much meaning to it after all! *smiles*

The Sea of Tranquility features subjects that are rough—not wanting to be mentioned greatly about in YA fiction especially. This could be classified as both YA or new adult, depending on the reader's take. There is a mature subject matter, especially when Nastya gets her flashbacks. No twelve year old would be ready to read about what the young girl had dealt with in the past. Josh, a lovely, lovely fictional boyfriend for Nastya and I, was able to get it out of her. This seemed to be like a mystery in itself, actually. Though you may be asking, you should definitely not turn to the last page and discover the truth. Millay adds so much detail and beauty to the story that you could just not turn back and forget about this.

The drawbacks after looking back is the boringness. Things were wild, going well, and the romance was taking such a dramatic turn, and then everything fell apart at some times. It was honestly going back and forth repeatedly. I kept feeling like the story was not going anywhere, though the emotions were real. Heartfelt. Precious. Those are two words that could perfectly describe the tone of this novel. And I totally get why people are going crazy. Written with a YA flair to it, taking place in a high school from a perspective of a girl who is very insecure and sensitive with her own feelings after bearing such horrendous things in the past, we love it. I loved it. I feel that this is a much-needed story to be stuck on everyone's shelves. Just look at the daring title. TRANQUILITY? That word just makes me feel calm all the same from when I read it. 

This is a complete match made in heaven for readers who enjoy teenage angst and stories about girls who self-pity and need help. Angst is the biggest thing that I witnessed in this story, and I do like some of it to make me enjoy it more. Katja Millay created some of the most beautiful characters that I have ever read about, and the two of them—Josh and Nastya I mean—just click, like two puzzle pieces that are meant to be. I would not have this book change into something any other way. It was pretty hectic with drama, if you ask me.

The Sea of Tranquility could definitely compare to riding on a wave. You feel the adrenaline, the vibe pushing you to go further, but there are those splashes in the face that make you feel a little hesitant at times. But for the most part, you enjoy riding and feeling the rush. Nastya and Josh equal the perfect couple and seriously? The emotions could just help you give this book a positive rating. I am still jittery after reading this a few weeks ago. Take a deep breath and feel the beauty of this story.

What books make you feel tranquility? What is your favourite genre that is mixed with romance? Would you give this book a try?

Burying Water and Becoming Rain by K.A. Tucker // Two Fabulous Starts to the Series

Burying Water (Burying Water #1), by K.A. Tucker
Publication: October 7, 2014, by Atria
Genre: New Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Abuse, Romance, Mystery
Pages: 368
Format: Paperback
Source: Borrowed
Rating: 

Left for dead in the fields of rural Oregon, a young woman defies all odds and survives—but she awakens with no idea who she is, or what happened to her. Refusing to answer to “Jane Doe” for another day, the woman renames herself “Water” for the tiny, hidden marking on her body—the only clue to her past. Taken in by old Ginny Fitzgerald, a crotchety but kind lady living on a nearby horse farm, Water slowly begins building a new life. But as she attempts to piece together the fleeting slivers of her memory, more questions emerge: Who is the next-door neighbor, quietly toiling under the hood of his Barracuda? Why won’t Ginny let him step foot on her property? And why does Water feel she recognizes him?
Twenty-four-year-old Jesse Welles doesn’t know how long it will be before Water gets her memory back. For her sake, Jesse hopes the answer is never. He knows that she’ll stay so much safer—and happier—that way. And that’s why, as hard as it is, he needs to keep his distance. Because getting too close could flood her with realities better left buried.
The trouble is, water always seems to find its way to the surface.

My Thoughts:

K.A. Tucker is an author who everyone has heard of. She writes New Adult/Adult fiction, which is a genre that I don't touch upon too often, but I do have my favourites. Burying Water is a book and series that I've been meaning to get to forever practically, and now that I have the sequel to the first, I can just go ahead and binge read them both at once and actually feel the development and change between the two novels. This was a real success and I'm so excited to continue reading Tucker's books and see what they'll bring to my emotions in the future. I'm sure that everyone'll find something they love about this book, whether it is the mystery between Water's amnesia and how she was left beaten or the romance. Agh, I just can't get all of the in-depth part of the story out of my head.

I guess that you could call this a new adult book for a reason. It's kind of YA, but then again, this features characters who are in their early to mid-twenties and minor sexual content as well as false language. Nothing that an older teenager can't handle, actually. I love the psychological thriller part of it, which I will get into more in detail soon, but the most important thing is that you'll take a chance with this beauty.

So here we have our protagonist, Jane Doe, who wakes up in the hospital, full of bruises and cuts, not remembering who she is or what had happened to her. She renames herself Water, and wants to begin her new life, trying to remember what had happened to her. She goes to live with an older woman and there she meets Jesse, the son of the doctor who had treated her and the sheriff. He knows something about what had happened, and hopes that she'll never remember it and tries to stay away from Water, but they actually begin a relationship that turns to more love instead of betrayal.

This was featured in two memorable perspectives: the two main beautiful characters. Jesse and Water both had two complete different stories that readers definitely wanted to hear the truth from, and as we already kind of knew the answer to the mystery, we spent a big chunk of the novel waiting to see both ends closing and the discovery there. Usually authors keep readers guessing, but in this case, it was the complete opposite, that's for sure. You'll fall in love with the bad boy who didn't want anything to do with the girl who wasn't his problem at first, and the girl who's trying to find out who she actually is by the end.

I love the use of the name "Water" and how deep Tucker went in with all of this. It's not like it's just some saying that represents the book's plot or anything in that sense. The title, cover, everything relates to the deep theoretical stuff that she featured in her writing as well as in the romance. It's my first K.A. Tucker book and I'm truly satisfied, that's for sure. Brace yourself for your feels getting overwhelmed by actually being buried by water.

You may be wondering if something was missing in this book or if there was an issue. There actually is one, to be honest. The pacing and plot. It's very tight but uneven writing. The beginning is kind of fast-paced as K.A. jumps to the spoiler and big issue of the book and then goes back and forth from past to present, modern day in Water's POV. It didn't feel right for an author to reveal everything except ONE BIG FACTOR and then leave the rest of the book to flow slowly and weirdly. The ending came around, I got satisfied again but I still felt that it was just a weird novel in general. The writing, descriptive words use is captivating and memorable and all, but the actual content? Not so much.

So after my interesting experience with this novel, I'm kind of curious to see how the rest of the series will unfold. I do know that it's not going to be all focused on the same characters (which rocks because the story's done and everything) but I'm kind of hesitant because of my experience with the subject and the actual book's content here. But it was great anyways and I guess that it won't be like that for everyone. There are tons of individuals who adore this series, so that shows that there are positive things in there for others. But NO WAY was this close to a bombshell or something horrible. 

Congrats past-me for picking this book up, because it sure was a pleasure to devour! I feel like I'm in some kind of pleasure island, with all of the positive aspects floating around me. K.A. Tucker is an author whose books I'd really love to learn more about and enjoy, people! Let's get ready for a new character development and a new sexy relationship, something like Water and Jesse's, which I just can't get out of my head! Who would've thought that I would actually love a bad boy? (In case you didn't know, intelligent quiet ones are more of my type. Heh.)

What do you think of series that have a new character/story introduced in every book? I used to think that it's not even a series, just a bunch of books that have the same cover scheme, hah. Have you enjoyed K.A. Tucker's books in the past?

Becoming Rain (Burying Water #2), by K.A. Tucker
Publication: March 3, 2015, by Atria Books
Genre: New Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Mystery
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: BEA/Publisher
Rating: 

Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set—one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.
Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game—at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps.
As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to.

My Thoughts: 

This book was certainly a breeze. And by a breeze, I mean something that almost knocked my socks out of happiness. Becoming Rain features a new storyline, a new set of characters, a new romance and a new protagonist who's willing to fight crime and fall in love, both at the same time. Just like the first book in this series, K.A. Tucker has truly impressed me and I'm left wanting more. Like seriously, wanting more. Imagine me heading onto my local library's website and requesting all of the available possible books by this fabulous new-adult author. At least, it was something like that.

I always wanted to read about what it's like to be a police officer. And here we have a female cop, which makes it all ten times better. Clara, also known as Rain, is the coolest  protagonist I’ve read about this year and I just can’t get the relationship of her and Luke. It’s actually strictly forbidden, which is kind of the thing that Tucker has going on with this series, and I truly prefer forbidden stuff. *winks*

“I am tempted to inhale those sheets. If I do, maybe it will be enough to erase everything. But you can only hold your breath for so long. Eventually, I’ll have to exhale her, and then it’ll be like those mornings, when I wake up, forgetting before remembering.”

Becoming Rain, just as the previous novel, is all about a girl named Rain. Well at least, it’s her fake one. Clara, her real identity as a female police officer, heads undercover to spy on Luke, the nephew of a guy who’s known all over for his crimes. But as they get to know each other more and more, Rain feels a greater connection, more than one between rival and rival—romance. 

Hooray for the fantastic premise and writing! Looking back at what I had disliked about the first book in this series, the content matter, this has turned out much better. It’s a new view on life and wanting the things you can’t have, which is complete human nature. Clara wants Luke, which she knows is humanely impossible, and he wants her for reasons that are completely unexplainable. Now that’s a gorgeous connection, I have to admit. And the make-out sessions/scenes? Those are some events that literally flipped my heart inside and out. Gah. 

Basically a huge chunk of the novel was about the characters' deep dark secrets and them discovering who their 'love interest' really is. It's like their inner selves already knew the answers and them wanting each other, knowing that they can't have each other just leads them to a bigger romance. I bet that there are some things that the author herself can't even explain that just randomly popped up as she was writing this awesome piece of literature. Hmm...

Bam. And that's seriously it. Looking at some aspects, this book certainly could be looked at as something that's much better than the first, but for some reason I'm still strictly giving the first two both four star ratings. Becoming Rain was highly entertaining compared to the previous novel, but they both shared the kind of magic that only the author of the book that you enjoyed can put in their own subjects/writing. It's compelling and completely rejected from the rest of my bookshelf, just because it's being itself and I'm not reading a replay of anything else that captivated me. 

*A finished copy was provided by the publisher via BookExpo America in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!*

How do you feel about binge reading a series, even if you don't have all of the books but just a few, perhaps two or three? Do you like to be stuck in the same world over and over again?

After by Anna Todd Review

After (After #1), by Anna Todd
Publication: October 21, 2014, by Gallery Books
Genre: New Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Abuse
Pages: 582
Format: Paperback
Source: Gifted
Rating: 

Tessa is a good girl with a sweet, reliable boyfriend back home. She’s got direction, ambition, and a mother who’s intent on keeping her that way. 
But she’s barely moved into her freshman dorm when she runs into Hardin. With his tousled brown hair, cocky British accent, tattoos, and lip ring, Hardin is cute and different from what she’s used to. 
But he’s also rude—to the point of cruelty, even. For all his attitude, Tessa should hate Hardin. And she does—until she finds herself alone with him in his room. Something about his dark mood grabs her, and when they kiss it ignites within her a passion she’s never known before. 
He’ll call her beautiful, then insist he isn't the one for her and disappear again and again. Despite the reckless way he treats her, Tessa is compelled to dig deeper and find the real Hardin beneath all his lies. He pushes her away again and again, yet every time she pushes back, he only pulls her in deeper. 
Tessa already has the perfect boyfriend. So why is she trying so hard to overcome her own hurt pride and Hardin’s prejudice about nice girls like her? 
Unless…could this be love?

EVERYONE STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING. NO, really. Before I begin my raving, I've just got to note to you that if you can't stand this book (for some random weirdo reason), then I'd recommend for you to leave and not even take a peek on what this review is about to hold. Okay? Okay. From all of the one star reviews that I've read prior to reading this and even after, I honestly feel like hurling because this negativity is killing me. I honestly don't understand what's the problem here, especially because everyone LOVES these kinds of romances, and suddenly there's so much hate. What happened to the love and craze of Fifty Shades of Grey? 

After was such a throbbing read, as in a good and positive way. It turned me inside and out, and I fell in love with the momentary of being in love and there being some abuse and addiction. But in a way, I can totally understand the love and wanting that Tessa had felt, since Hardin totally was the hottest rebellious man that I've gotten to know in the fictional world. Fictional boyfriend for me? No, take fictional husband. *winks*

Every person wants to write (or obviously read) a book with some sort of addiction-based romance. You cannot go as a reader for your whole life and state that you never have read a book like that before. No, I'm not saying anything too dirty with so much sexual references that you'll puke, but something that's adult based and has so much love. BUT BOY, THIS HAD PLOT TWISTS AND SO MUCH SUSPENSE IN ALMOST 600 PAGES THAT I CANNOT DO ANYTHING FURTHER WITH MY BORING LIFE. *laughs harshly*

A long time ago in a land far away, I stated the worst things in romances on a Top Ten Tuesday feature on my blog, and I stated that I hate romances with bad boys-good girls. I was wrong. You see, I guess that I was prone to visualize tons of romances that were cliché and predictable with no impossible things occurring, and the stance of this just made me sick. Hessa (most adorable ship-name ever) were something else. The fact that these two-real characters were different and definitely unalike brought a wider connection between them and READERS. I guess through all of their hardships and everything, this brought them closer and they actually learned to perform a liking of each other's lives.

As the plot may seem simple and unreal, it absolutely is. Tessa is a good girl who's always focusing on her grades and impressing the people around her. She loves reading books and wants to work as part of the book publishing business one day, and has just enrolled into university into her freshman year. On her first day, she meets her roommate Steph, who's completely gothic and unlike her. Her mother is completely furious with the set-up and wants to give Tessa a different environment to be put in. Tessa doesn't want to create trouble and just wants to go with the flow. Soon enough, she meets Hardin, one of Steph's guy friends, whom she may have had a past with. It's said that Hardin is always with a different girl and never "dates," but Tessa forms a connection and addiction to him... and so does he. But really, is it love when it's all about secrets? (DID I MENTION THAT SHE HAS A BOYFRIEND!?)

That's what I had been thinking the whole time through. People have actually told me about this novel beforehand, and I wasn't sure if I should pick it up, simply because it's One Direction fanfiction. *frowns* Thank goodness they changed the names of the characters when it got published or else I'd be barfing every time I heard the name "Harry" or "Niall." I am not a fan of One Direction at all so this would've been a complete disaster. At least I had gotten a better mental image of the characters and they were simply. Much. Hotter. You see the kind of magic an author can add onto a reader when they choose good names? 

The writing was so addicting that I couldn't stop reading. But at the same time, I wanted to enjoy reading this because I don't have any of the sequels with me at the moment, so let the enjoyment last, no? I know that next time I hit the bookstores when I'm out of my vacation, I'll run and buy all of the other books by Todd, as she is simply amazing and so symbolistic with her plots and such. From beginning to end, there were no dull moments in the storyline and no eye rolls whatsoever. She honestly knows how to plan out something that readers will crave for and want more of. She could probably take this into ten books and we still wouldn't get bored, or at least the MAJOR fans like I am now myself.

There are many major themes that are taken throughout this novel and that is probably most of the issues that people have a problem with... which is strange. The author ADDED THE ISSUES IN ON PURPOSE TO MAKE IT HAVE IT. Like, Anna Todd did not put abuse in to make it seem normal and that every relationship is like that! I bet if those haters actually ended up finishing the novel, they would've seen that the ending explained it all, but did add us into a cliffhanger and we're caused to ask for more, as it is a complete temptation for me to go and order the sequel onto my Kindle from Amazon, although I'll be at the bookstores soon. You know, abuse is something that is happening frequently in reality today, and Todd focused Tessa and Hardin's relationship on it perfectly. But don't expect some physical abuse—there's tons of mental and verbal abuse. Hardin was a manipulative (but sexy) character who tried to get Tessa to think about who she is... and possibly change her? 

We can obviously still say that we don't know who Hardin is or what's his problem. Yeah, tons of information was caught up about him, especially in the middle of the novel where his father started talking about his past and how he never loved anybody. I guess to have a man like that is tough, looking at Tessa's situation. Hardin is a guy who's difficult to let stuff come out of him, but at the same time he lets his love come out through his movements and emotions. I loved him, to be honest. *fans self* SO. MANY. STEAMY. MOMENTS. 

And Tessa? Yeah, there were moments when I wanted to smack her because she overreacted and over-exaggerated with her actions and arguments with Hardin, but she was kick-ass and reminded me of myself, in some ways. A guy can change you, that's for sure. Look at her once-perfect bookworm look! She's now a rebellious wild child. The transformation is real, all.

I will just announce that I've joined the fandom of the After-chicks (hah, made that up) and I am strictly in love with Hardin, Tessa, Landon, Logan, Nate and Zed! *shrieks* Pick this up if you love novels that perform some sort of wide subject and romance... or even if you've never touched upon any sort of romance before. This is the perfect book for all, and there won't be any after for you because you'll be stuck in the glorious world of Tessa and Hardin.

One Two Three by Elodie Nowodazkij Blog Tour & Review

One, Two, Three (One, Two, Three #1), by Elodie Nowodazkij

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Rating: 4/5 stars

Publication: June 26, 2014, by Createspace

Format: eARC

Summary: When seventeen-year-old Natalya’s dreams of being a ballerina are killed in a car accident along with her father, she must choose: shut down—like her mother—or open up to love. 

Last year,seventeen-year-old Natalya Pushkaya was attending the School of Performing Arts in New York City. Last year, she was well on her way to becoming a professional ballerina. Last year, her father was still alive.

But a car crash changed all that—and Natalya can’t stop blaming herself. Now, she goes to a regular high school in New Jersey; lives with her onetime prima ballerina, now alcoholic mother; and has no hope of a dance career.

At her new school, however, sexy soccer player Antonio sees a brighter future for Natalya, or at least a more pleasant present. Keeping him an arabesque away proves to be a challenge for Natalya and his patient charms eventually draw her out of her shell. 

When upsetting secrets come to light and Tonio’s own problems draw her in, Natalya shuts down again, this time turning to alcohol herself.

Can Natalya learn to trust Antonio before she loses him—and destroys herself?

Review:

*Review copy provided by Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*

"Dancing's always been my escape from reality: from the fights my parents had more and more often, from my babushka passing away all alone at the hospital because no one told me she was sick, from my fears of letting anyone get really close. Dancing's always been my future. Dancing's always been who I am."

This may sound cheesy, but I truly believe that something that you love to do so much can save your life. Music and writing are part of my majorities needed. Surprisingly, One Two Three was a really deep, dark, and emotionally terrifying read that was full of bliss at times. Natalya, the protagonist, needed dancing to save her life. And boy, did she have troubles.

More than anything, I felt such strong sympathy for Natalya. She was ruined; wrecked, whatever adjective you can possibly think of that describes someone who's been broken down because of someone, or a traumatic experience. An experience that Nata went through can definitely compare to something like and of If I Stay. 

As many books suggest through their ideas, love saves. Natalya is basically alone now. Her mother is a pure alcoholic who drinks herself to sleep and to forget about everything everyday 24/7. Her dad is dead and she was with him when he died—both in a car accident. This accident has prone her to stay away from dancing, which was her life and future. She now is beginning her senior year in a school close to her home, and everything is going unwell until Tonio comes into her life, and he truly brings her back to realize what's really worth the most in her current life.

"He makes me move the way I used to. With everything I have, with my body, with my mind, and with my heart. I'm one with the music. I'm one with my partner. I'm one with me. Every time his hand grazes my stomach or my shoulders, I shiver."

Elodie Nowodazkij is truly a fantastic writer—and I am in such admiration of her interrogation and power of such tragic events that change a person into someone else. The whole plot was set out so wonderfully and I was obsessed with knowing what will happen next. 

One of the flaws? The romance. 

I'm sorry, but I just didn't see the magic. I loved Tonio and Natalya as characters, (Tonio was hottt) but I didn't feel the illusion that their romance was supposed to have. My feels weren't going all over the place and I didn't have my heart clenching or pounding out of control.

As a recap, I'd have to say that this book was really enjoyable. It is the type of thing that you'd want to read during a night and it'll leave you happy, but depressed at the same time. (A good depressed, because Natalya was such a good character who was perfect for this role.) You'll just want to feel what the author was thinking. (But obviously not the tragic stuff.) Overall? This made me smile.. :)