{Review} Dangerous Lies by Becca Fitzpatrick

Posted by Donna
Release Date: November 10th, 2015
Finished Date: August 9th, 2015

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK
Genre: NA, Contemporary, Thriller
Source: For Review
Format: ARC

Pages: 400
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

A teen is forced to make a fresh start after witnessing a violent crime—but love and danger find her anyway in this novel from Becca Fitzpatrick, the New York Times bestselling author of the Hush, Hush saga.

Stella Gordon is not her real name. Thunder Basin, Nebraska, is not her real home. This is not her real life.

After witnessing a lethal crime, Stella Gordon is sent to the middle of nowhere for her own safety before she testifies against the man she saw kill her mother’s drug dealer.

But Stella was about to start her senior year with the boyfriend she loves. How can she be pulled away from the only life she knows and expected to start a new one in Nebraska? Stella chafes at her protection and is rude to everyone she meets. She’s not planning on staying long, so why be friendly? Then she meets Chet Falconer and it becomes harder to keep her guard up, even as her guilt about having to lie to him grows.

As Stella starts to feel safer, the real threat to her life increases—because her enemies are actually closer than she thinks…

The Review: DNF at p80

I’m always a little excited when I hear that Becca Fitzpatrick will have a new book being released soon. I know some of you have your up’s and down’s with her but for me, I’ve either enjoyed or loved her work but never have I not finished one of her books until now.

Dangerous Lies has a great concept behind the story (or so what I read anyways). It’s not often that I read YA thrillers but when I do I’m always hoping to be blown away and unfortunately this just didn’t do anything for me. Actually, that’s a little white lie. It wasn’t the story that was the problem. It was the main character who ruined this book for me. Up to the point where I just couldn’t take any more of her. Sounds mean I know, but she has to have been one of the worst characters I’ve read about in a long, long time.

To start with I could sympathize with Stella. She’s a young girl who hadn’t had the best upbringing and had a mother who didn’t care about her and who would rather do drugs than be her mother. And because of her mother, her life is turned upside down and she's being placed in witness protection. So yes, I definitely sympathized with her. But her attitude and complete disrespect for the people who were trying to help her was so rude it made me actually want to jump and shake her. I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older or if I just really took a disliking to Stella but I find I have less patience for characters like her and where I would be able to push through a book with a self-centered main character like her, now I find I can’t. I don’t want to because I know I’ll just end up hating the book even more by the time I’ve finished. So unfortunately for me this was the reason I did not finish this book which makes me sad because it’s a book by Becca but, I guess I’ll just wait for her next release and fingers crossed I’ll enjoy that one more.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster UK for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

{Blog Tour + GIveaway} Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick #BlackIce

Black Ice 
by Becca Fitzpatrick
Release Date: October 7th, 2014

Publishers: Simon & Schuster  
Genre: YA Thriller 

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

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? 

BLACK ICE is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick’s riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous…

Becca Fitzpatrick's Favourite Books.

When I was given the challenge of listing my favorite books, I thought, “Wow. Favorites are hard.” Especially when it comes to books. The word favorite implies an elite few, and “few” and “books” are not two words I use in the same sentence! After much debate, I've managed to pull from my shelf some beloved books that changed my life. It's no surprise that many are children's books. After all, it was as a child that I learned to love stories and began absorbing and understanding the lessons they taught-lessons that formed the foundation of the woman I would become. 

Matilda by Roald Dahl 
What I learned from this book, at age nine, is that superpowers aren't limited to masked men in capes. Little girls can be every bit as powerful and exceptional, and can triumph over villains. 

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson 
I read Speak years before I was published, and it had a powerful effect on me; not only did it make me want to read everything shelved in the YA section, it also made me want to write for teens. 

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon 
This book answered the question burning in my skeptical, twenty-something heart that asked: Does true, heart-stopping, steal-your-breath love really exist? 

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder 
My second-grade teacher gave me this book. I took it home and read it aloud to my younger sister. It had everything we wanted in a story: bears and jaguars. At its heart, Little House in the Big Woods is a story about family and love, but the bears will always be my favorite part. 

Christy by Catherine Marshall 
I skipped two days of seventh grade to read this book. I pretended I was sick so I could stay home and read in bed, and even though that meant I ate nothing but chicken broth for two days, the sacrifice was worth it. I was inspired by Christy's pluck and determination, and her desire to help others. Her story made me want to venture out into the big, unknown world and create my own adventures. 

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux 
I was (and still am!) obsessed with this book about powerful obsession. The Phantom of the Opera was my gateway to other dark stories with twisted, confusing, and haunting relationships. I'm not particularly drawn to reading stories about so-called normal and functioning relationships—thankfully for me, real life offers enough of those. I'm much more inclined to read about obsession, violence, betrayal, and murder. Books are a safe place to explore our darker inclinations and fears, I think.  

To celebrate the publication of Becca Fitzpatrick’s hot new thriller, Black Ice, Simon & Schuster has set up a blog tour with a twist. To be in with a chance of winning a Black Ice goodie bag, all you have to do is visit each of the five blogs in the banner over the course of this week.

Each blog will have one question associated with its content. Take the first letter from the answer of each of those questions to reveal the identity of a character in Black Ice. For example if the answers each day were Log, Under, Chilling, Idaho and Emergency the final answer would be LUCIE.

When you have the name of the character, please send your answer to blackice@simonandschuster.co.uk with the subject header BLACK ICE BLOG TOUR. Entries will close at midnight on Wednesday 15th October.”

And so, today’s competition question is….The Phantom of the what, is one of Becca’s favourite book?

About the Author:

Becca Fitzpatrick grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden with a flashlight under the covers. She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely prowling sale racks for reject shoes, running, or watching crime dramas on TV. She is the author of the bestselling HUSH, HUSH Saga.  Her new book BLACK ICE arrives in bookstores everywhere October 7, 2014. 

Website: http://www.beccafitzpatrick.com / 

Twitter username: becfitzpatrick

{Review} Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

Posted by Donna
Release Date: October 7th, 2014
Finished Date: July 7th, 2014

Publishers: Simon & Schuster  
Genre: YA Thriller 
Source: For Review
Format: ARC

Pages: 400

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

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? 

BLACK ICE is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick’s riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous…

The Review: Upon hearing Becca Fitzpatrick’s was releasing a new book titled Black Ice I was absolutely ecstatic. I adore her Hush, Hush series so getting more of her work was fantastic and I simply couldn’t wait. Now I read Black Ice a good month ago and I have to say while I enjoyed it at the time, I’m disappointed that it’s not a story that really left an impression on me, and here’s why.

Britt Pfeiffer has been training to do one final backpack to Trenton Range with her best friend Korbie before she heads off to college. What Britt doesn’t expect is for her ex-boyfriend who is her best-friends brother, to want to join the adventure too. But no sooner than Britt sets out for the journey, a blizzard forces her and her friend to seek shelter in the only cabin they can find in the freak weather. However, the cabin is occupied by two guys, but something’s not right and Britt suddenly finds herself being taken hostage and being forced to help the guys off the mountain in exchange for her life. As she helps, Britt finds evidence of a murder which suddenly puts her life in even more danger. Can Britt save herself but more importantly, can she stop her sudden feelings for one of her captors when he could possibly be the killer himself?

Black Ice was and I’ll put it simply, an okay read. It didn’t think it had the same appeal as the Hush, Hush series nor did it have the same spark, but it was worth a read if you’re a fan of the author. I enjoyed the idea of the story, I enjoyed how the story develops and I appreciate the effort the author has put into the story but for me, everything was so long winded and slow that it stop me from enjoying the story to its fullest potential. As a YA Thriller, and admittedly I haven’t read many this was definitely the weaker story I’ve read. As mentioned the story seems to plod along with the main character thinking of many different ways to get away or trying to outsmart the bad guys. In all though, there wasn’t a whole lot of action. 

Britt was an okay character. She definitely had her moments where she went from lovable to likable within a few seconds. I definitely felt as though she spoke before she thought and some of things she said were yes a little childish, but then she’s quickly redeem herself only to repeat the whole process over again. I enjoyed the relationship between Britt and Mason, although it was a little unrealistic but for some reason I found myself rooting for them. I honestly didn’t believe anything good could come out of the experience that Britt has, but I was wrong and I thought in the end Becca did an awesome job tying up Britt’s ending with Mason. 

In all, I know there seems to be quite a few negative points to the story but I’m glad I read Black Ice. I definitely think it’s worth a read even though it might not turn out to be a favourite story. Would I read it again? Probably not, but as I said, if you’re a fan of Becca’s then yes, read it. 

Thank you to Simon and Schuster for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Trailer Reveal} Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick #BlackIce

Black Ice 
by Becca Fitzpatrick
Release Date: October 7th, 2014

Publishers: Simon & Schuster  
Genre: YA Thriller 

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

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? 

BLACK ICE is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick’s riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous…

Today we're here today to share something exciting with you. How many of you are fans of Becca Fitzpatrick's? Well we are. We loved her Hush, Hush series and now she's back with her YA Thriller which is due for release in early October, Black Ice. You can also check out Black Ice's site here; http://blackicebook.co.uk/
So without further ado, here's the stunning trailer. 

Enjoy!

About the Author:

Becca Fitzpatrick grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden with a flashlight under the covers. She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely prowling sale racks for reject shoes, running, or watching crime dramas on TV. She is the author of the bestselling HUSH, HUSH Saga.  Her new book BLACK ICE arrives in bookstores everywhere October 7, 2014. 

Website: http://www.beccafitzpatrick.com / 

Twitter username: becfitzpatrick

A Review for Finale (Hush, Hush #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Posted by Donna
Release Date: October 25th, 2012

Finished Date: October 26th, 2012

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK 
Source: For Review  

Format: Hardcover 

Pages: 464
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Fates unfurl in the gripping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Hush, Hush saga.

Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean they are fated to be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. Now Nora and Patch must gather their strength to face one last, perilous trial. Old enemies return, new enemies are made, and a friend's ultimate betrayal threatens the peace Patch and Nora so desperately want. The battle lines are drawn—but which sides are they on? And in the end, are there some obstacles even love can't conquer?

The Review: “I want to wake up with you every morning and fall asleep beside you each night,” Patch told me gravely. “I want to take care of you, cherish you, and love you in a way no other man ever could. I want to spoil you — every kiss, every touch, every thought, they all belong to you. I’ll make you happy. Every day, I’ll make you happy.” - Patch 


Becca Fitzpatrick took the YA  Paranormal market by storm way back in 2009 and for the last four years, I've followed Patch and Nora's journey and now, I'm sad to say, it's all over! I can't believe it but even though I'm sad it's over, I'm also in awe of how amazing this series is. 

In Finale we finally see everything come together. We have all our unanswered questions  answered, we finally see the conclusion of the war between Nephilim and Fallen Angels and of course, the big one - can Patch and Nora really have a life together? 

OH GOSH! I was so not prepared for this book. PURE AWESOMENESS! Really, Becca Fitzpatrick has out done herself with Finale. It is a fantastic conclusion to such a fantastic series and I have to say, I'm so looking forward to re-reading this series at some point in the future. It's definitely a keeper and I can't wait to fall in love with these characters all over again.

Nora is one of those characters that grows so much within the series. You've watched her go from normal teen girl to a strong women that's dealt with so many hard and emotional times. I'm so surprised that she hasn't broken down from the pressure but no matter what, Nora remains strong and determined and with Patch's help, she really does feel like she can take on the world. Now Patch, I honestly think I've lost count how many times I've told you how much I love him. HELLO? Who couldn't? He's just....sigh....AMAZING! Patch really puts all other men to shame because Becca writes him in a way that just makes you melt.  Every time he speaks - I swoon, every time he does something heroic - I swoon, and every time he gets on that motorbike - I swoon. It's safe to say, I swoon a lot when Patch is around. I was so praying for a happy ever ending for him and Nora but what we get is so much more. Becca really takes its to the beyond and I don't think any fan of this series will be disappointed with their ending.

All in all, Finale was perfect - just absolutely perfect, and all there's left to say is, if you haven't read this series, then READ IT, you won't be disappointed and I'm going to leave you with some of my favourite quotes. Enjoy! 


“All I can think about is bed.”
“We’re sharing the same thought.”
“You’re thinking about bed too?”
“I’m thinking about YOU in MY bed.” - Patch and Nora

“You dress to impress," I said approvingly.
"No, Angel." He leaned in, his teeth softly grazing my ear. "I undress to impress.” - Patch and Nora 

“I saw you, and I wanted to be close to you. I wanted you to let me in. I wanted to know you in a way no one else did. I wanted you, all of you. That wanting nearly drove me mad.” Patch paused, inhaling softly, as though breathing me in. “And now that I have you, the only thing that terrifies me is having to go back to that place. Having to want you all over again, with no hope of my desire ever being fulfilled. You’re mine, Angel. Every last piece of you. I won’t let anything change that.” - Patch 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for giving me the opportunity to review this book. 

Blog Tour for Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick; Guest Post "Writing Romance for Teens"

Finale (Hush, Hush #4) 
by Becca Fitzpatrick 
Release Date: October 25th, 2012

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK

Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Fates unfurl in the gripping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Hush, Hush saga.

Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or no, he is the one for her. 
Her heritage and destiny may mean they are fated to be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. 
Now Nora and Patch must gather their strength to face one last, perilous trial. 
Old enemies return, new enemies are made, and a friend's ultimate betrayal threatens the peace Patch and Nora so desperately want. 
The battle lines are drawn—but which sides are they on?
 And in the end, are there some obstacles even love can't conquer?

Writing Romance for Teens 
by Becca Fitzpatrick

Many thanks to Book Passion for Life for being part of the Finale blog tour—I love writing romance and hope my tips below will be helpful to any aspiring authors out there. 

So. I just had the following conversation with my husband:

Me: I've been asked to write a guest post on writing romance for teens. I don't know what to say!

Husband: You do this for a living.

Me: I know that! And you're not being helpful.

Husband: 

Me: I just write what feels natural. There isn't, like, a secret formula.

Husband: Tell them that.

Me: Everyone wants a secret formula. Quick—give me a secret formula!

Husband: 

If there is a secret formula to writing romance, I still haven't figured it out. Instead, I'll tell you how I create romance on the page. It's one of my favorite parts of writing—creating believable chemistry between characters. The following is a list of questions I kept at the back of my mind while writing the Hush, Hush series.  

1. When the hero and heroine meet (especially for the first time), do sparks fly? Do they have some kind of strong physical or emotional reaction to each other, even if that reaction is negative?  

From Hush, Hush: 

I turned slightly, checking out the room behind me. I knew the names of all my classmates...except one. The transfer. Coach never called on him, and he seemed to prefer it that way. He sat slouched one table back, cool black eyes holding a steady gaze forward. Just like always. I didn't for one moment believe he just sat there, day after day, staring into space. He was thinking something, but instinct told me I probably didn't want to know what. 

He set his bio text down on the table and slid into Vee's old chair. 

I smiled. “Hi. I'm Nora.” 

His black eyes sliced into me, and the corners of his mouth tilted up. My heart fumbled a beat and in that pause, a feeling of gloomy darkness seemed to slide like a shadow over me. It vanished in an instant, but I was still staring at him. His smile wasn't friendly. It was a smile that spelled trouble. With a promise. 

2. In what ways do my hero and heroine compliment each other? 

They don't realize it at first, but over the course of the four books, it becomes apparent that only Patch and Nora can lead fallen angels and Nephilim to war. Finale is the merging of Patch and Nora's destinies.  

3. In what ways are they exact opposites? 

Patch is the ultimate bad boy. Nora is straight-laced. Patch is a fallen angel. Nora's heritage is Nephilim.  

4. Do they have the same goal? 

(If the answer is yes, it creates great tension.) In the beginning of Hush, Hush, Nora wants her life to go back to the way it was before she met Patch. And what does Patch want? Well, he wants to take Nora's life. Both characters are ready to fight—hard—for what they want.  

5. What makes the hero the perfect guy for my heroine? 

Patch doesn't want to change Nora. He gives her the perfect balance of independence and protection.  

6. Why can't the hero live without the heroine—why is she the only one for him? 

Patch wants redemption. Nora reminds him of the moral guy he used to be. 

7. How can I show that the hero and heroine want each other, gradually building the tension, before The Big Make-out (Hallelujah!) Scene? 

If you want to know how I did this, read the books!

-Becca

   

Author Bio: 

Becca Fitzpatrick grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden with a flashlight under the covers. 
She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely prowling sale racks for reject shoes, running, or watching crime dramas on TV. 
She is the author of the bestselling HUSH, HUSH Saga. HUSH, HUSH and CRESCENDO are in stores everywhere now! SILENCE was released worldwide on October 4, 2011 and FINALE will be released on October 25th, 2012. 

A Review for Silence (Hush, Hush #3) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Posted by Donna 

Published Date: October 4th, 2011 
Finished Date: October 16th, 2011
Publishers: Simon & Schuster
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 438
<
The Blurb from Goodreads: The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.
<
The Review: “There’s only one thing I know for certain anymore. That I would do anything for you, even if it means going against my instincts or my very nature. I would lay down everything I possess, even my soul, for you. If that isn’t love, it’s the best I have.” 

After reading Becca’s last book Crescendo I’ll be honest, I was left a little bit disappointed  so I’m more than thrilled to say ‘BECCA IS BACK’ and Silence was just as good as Hush, Hush!

After the events in Crescendo, Nora is being held hostage by her father Hank in exchange for Patch’s help to get information on the Fallen Angels. When Nora finally comes around, she can’t remember anything that has happened to her within the last few months and she doesn’t remember Patch.

When Nora starts experiences small flashes that she can’t get out of her head, she goes on a dangerous journey to finding out what really happened, which leads to her and Patch heading for a battle that could ruin everything they’ve worked for.

Woooo! Yep Silence was amazing that I finished it within 8 hours. You all know it’s pretty impossible for me to finish a book within that time since having a baby, but I did it because I just couldn’t put it down.

It was so good being back with our favourite characters and Becca didn’t disappoint one bit. The storyline was exciting, dangerous and thrilling and boy was it full of suspense. I had seen a few mixed reviews about the book but I really enjoyed the direction the story went and for our characters. By Nora losing her memory we got to revisit Nora and Patch re-connecting  and falling in love all over again but this time we got so much more….PATCH! Wow! I loved how we got to see a totally vulnerable side to him and watch him pore his heart and soul into Nora rather than just seeing Nora’s side. I loved it! Silence made me fall in love with Patch all over again and boy, do I want more.

I honestly don’t want to say much more because I don’t want to spoil it for you. But I will say, I can’t not wait for book four now and I’ll leave you with some of my favourite quotes.

“I love you.” His voice was straightforward, affectionate. “You make me remember who I used to be. You make me want to be that man again. Right now, holding you, I feel like we have a shot at beating all odds and making it together. I’m yours, if you’ll have me.” – Patch

“Hmm?' I looked away, flustered automatically using irritation to cover my discomfort up. 'What does 'hmm' have to do with anything? Could you ever use more than five words? All this grunting and minced words make you come across-- primal.' 

His smile tipped higher. 'Primal.' 

'You're impossible.' 

'Me Jev, you Nora.'  - Patch and Nora

“I missed you, Angel. Not one day went by that I didn't feel you missing from my life.' – Patch

“I learned that I was either crazy in love with you, or putting on the best performance of my life.' - Nora

“Fine! I'll throw on some clothes. Turn around. I'm in my pj's" 

"I'm a guy. That's like asking a kid not to glance at the candy counter.”  Nora & Patch

“This is uncharted territory for me, but I need to know that at the end of the night, I have you to come home to.” – Patch

La swoon! *Sigh* Patch….told you! He’s amazing in this book! Read it!