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Book Review: When It’s Real by Erin Watt

Aug 4, 2017

When It’s Real by Erin Watt

Pages: 216
Publish date: May 30, 2017
Publisher: Harlequin Australia
ISBN: 9781489239754
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

Meet Oakley Ford-teen celebrity, renowned pop star, child of famous movie stars, hottie with millions of fangirls… and restless troublemaker. On the surface, he has it all, but with his home life disintegrating, his music will suddenly running dry, and the tabloids having a field day over his outrageous exploits, Oakley’s team decides it’s time for an intervention. The result: an image overhaul, complete with a fake girlfriend meant to show the world he’s settled down.

Enter seventeen-year-old Vaughn Bennett-devoted sister, part-time waitress, the definition of “normal.” Under ordinary circumstances, she’d never have taken this gig, but with her family strapped for cash, she doesn’t have much of a choice. And for the money Oakley’s team is paying her, she figures she can put up with outlandish Hollywood parties and a team of publicists watching her every move. So what if she thinks Oakley’s a shallow, self-centered jerk? It’s not like they’re going to fall for each other in real life…right?

When It’s Real:

I received a copy of When It’s Real by Erin Watt for review from Harlequin Teen Australia. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

I’ve been in a very contemporary mood lately and this was the perfect book to pick up. When It’s Real by Erin Watt’s was fun, kept me on the edge of my seat and left me with a smile on my face.

When It’s Real follows two very different protagonists. Oakley is the current music-sensation and son of famous movies stars. He is stubborn, a troublemaker, use to getting what he wants and a player. But, there is also the side that the public doesn’t see. Then we have Vaughn who is quiet, will do anything for her family and just about ‘normal.’ But what happens when Oakley needs a ‘normal’ fake girlfriend? At first, it’s all for the press, but you know how things go.

Vaughn was someone I could relate to quite a bit. She loved her family a lot, and with her parents not there, she felt responsible for them. I think that is what I liked so much about her. Vaughn was also an easy protagonist to get along with. At times she was quite naive for someone who is seventeen, but she grew throughout the book. In saying that, I do wish she had a little more character development. There were times, I felt she lacked something.

Oakley was harder to get along with. At times he was an asshole, and only cared about himself. He had the ‘I’m famous, so love me and do what I say’ attitude and that was hard to be okay with. But, as the novel unfolded he starts to break down his walls. We see why he has become this way, why he has these walls. I felt Oakley had a lot of character development, in When It’s Real. The reader is able

The romance had its up and downs. When Oakley wasn’t being annoying, I really enjoyed the what he and Vaughn connected. They were able to see each other in different ways, and that was nice to see. I did feel that it took a long time to get there, and maybe the book was just too long.

The whole ‘fake’ romance things, I actully do enjoy. I think it’s really fun and the tension between the two at the start really is fun to watch. And I liked seeing them going from fake to real.

Family was a massive aspect of When It’s Real. We see some good representation of family and some absolutely horrible rep. And while I would have loved for both sides to be amazing, it sadly wasn’t. I loved the relationship between Vaughn and her family, the reader is able to see that they love each other. While Oakley’s family is just trouble.

Overall, When It’s Real was a fun read. I was able to sit for a couple of hours and power through. It has its ups and downs. Some moments where I wanted to cringe. But, sometimes you just want a book that is going to put a smile on your face. That you can just fall in love with. When It’s Real explores the notion of family, being famous and people trying to decide who you are. It’s about standing up for yourself and letting others go.

Have you When It’s Real? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? Have you read any other books from duo Erin Watt? Let’s Chat!

TV Review: Shadowhunters 2×18 ‘Awake, Arise, or Be Forever Fallen’

Aug 2, 2017

Shadowhunters: Season 2 Episode 18

Episode Name: Awake, Arise, or Be Forever Fallen
Release date: 31 July 2017
Running Time: 42 minutes
Starring Katherine McNamara, Dominic Sherwood, Alberto Rosende, Matthew Daddario, Emeraude Toubia, Will Tudor, Isaiah Mustafa, Harry Shum Jr.
Directed By: Amanda Row
Watch: Freeform (US) – Netflix (Worldwide)
Episode Reviews: Season 1 | Season 2
After a devastating attack at The Institute, everyone is on high alert as the Shadowhunters close in on their hunt for Jonathan. Meanwhile, Simon and Maia help a new downworlder as the Seelie Queen demands an answer from Magnus and Luke.

Awake, Arise, or Be Forever Fallen:

Awake, Arise, or Be Forever Fallen was an intense episode. I thought after last week all hell was going to break lose and it sort of did. This week’s episode starts off with an intense scene with Max and Sebastian. But, when something interrupts them, everything is put on hold. And then Isabelle finds Max – unconscious. Now with the institute is high alert things are about to get interesting. Outside the institute the downworlders are starting to get antsy.

Max

Max again had a read big part in this episode, although it was unconscious for most of it. After being knocked out by Sebastian, and waking up hidden under Alec’s desk Max tries to make his way to Izzy’s room. And he only just makes it.

Although I hated seeing Max hurt, it was great to see the Lightwood family came together. They have been through so many ups and downs during both season 1 and 2. It was great to see everyone in the same room, not fighting and being there for Max.

The Mortal Mirror

The mortal mirror played a massive part in Awake, Arise, or Be Forever Fallen. After last week, I was hoping my feelings about the mirror were right. What the mirror is plays such a big part in the books and I didn’t want that to be taken away.

I love Sebastian’s determination to get the mortal mirror. We really see how sick and horrible he can be. He will stop at nothing and I mean at nothing to get it. He was horrible at times, but that is also what made it so good! Sebastian is one of my favourite villains. He is so twisted and evil that he is a really interesting character to both watch and read.

Magnus and Alec

What an episode for these two. There are going to be some people saying ‘why did they do that?’ But, I think that they seem to forget how much they both went through before they were finally together for good. They fought – a lot. They disagreed, they hurt each other. And I am glad that they are showing this in the show.

We are able to see that it’s not easy for two very different people, from two very different sides be together. In Awake, Arise, or Be Forever Fallen we see both Alec and Magnus struggle with one being a shadowhunter and the other a downworlder.

But we also get to see some really nice and beautiful moments between the two and it just so nice to see – but also very bittersweet.

Werewolves

We get to meet a very interesting character in this week’s episode and I nearly jumped out of my skin.

Also in Awake, Arise, or Be Forever Fallen we see a side of the werewolves that we hadn’t before, a side of Maia that we hadn’t seen before. I read someone that we will be seeing Jordan next season and I am so ready to see what happens.

Overall

This episode kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t know what was going to happen next, I wanted to know what was going to happen next and I cannot wait to see where it goes. There were many ups and downs in Awake, Arise, or Be Forever Fallen. And with only 2 episodes to go – I am so not ready.

Have you watched this week’s episode? What did you think of it? Nevertheless, Are you ready for what is to come? Let’s Chat!

Books That Hit The ‘Feels’ | #LoveOzYABloggers

Jul 31, 2017

Today is the second time for #LoveOzYA’s, #LoveOzYABloggers meme. It’s a fortnightly feature that promotes Aussie YA, with a new theme every time. This week’s theme is Feels.

I am a very emotional person, there is no denying it. It doesn’t take much to make me cry, really nothing at all. But, here are some of those books that hit me all in the right places with feels. For good and sometimes for bad.

No Limits by Ellie Marney: Wow, I just finished this one a couple of days ago and holy did it tear me apart. It’s emotional as hell and because we already know one of the protagonist we just fall back in so easy. Nevertheless, you will be hit with all types of feels.

A companion novel to her ‘Every’ trilogy, No Limits follows Harris Derwent who isn’t exactly the good guy.

After his unsuccessful attempt to help Rachel Watts, Harris has landed himself in hospital and unemployed. He is still stuck in the country and at his father’s peril. He needs to make money fast and being a runner for a drug cartel is where Harris lands himself.

Amita Blunt is the police sergeant’s daughter. Getting involved in Harris’s case was never part of the plan. But working at the hospital, she’s invisible – which makes her the ideal contact for a boy feeding information back to the police…

Backed into a corner, with everything at stake, it’s time for Harris and Amie to find out if love really has no limits…

Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde: I connected with this book on so many levels and it was because of that it was so heartbreaking and uplifting and hit me with feels.

Queens of Geek follows three friends as they go to their very first convention SupaCon. Charlie likes to stand out. And SupaCon is her chance to show fans she’s over her public breakup with co-star, Reese Ryan.

While, Taylor likes to blend in. Her brain is wired differently, making her fear change. And then there is Jamie, and she knows their friendship will never change – even though she wants it to.

While Charlie dodges questions about her personal life, Taylor starts asking questions about her own.

Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley: It’s a poignant, beautiful story with fleshed out characters, gorgeous writing and a concept that is for every book lover. This book was full of feels.

Words in Deep Blue follows protagonist Rachel Sweetie as she returns home, is faced with her best friend, a secret crush and to a place where everything seemed to be better.

It’s about Henry, who doesn’t know what he wants, thinks that he loves his on and off girlfriend and wants things can go back to what they use to be.

It’s about Howling Books, where letters between lovers, friends and strangers are marked forever in the pages of the books that live on its shelves.

Have you read any of these books? Nevertheless, are you planning on reading them? What are books that hit you right in the feels? Let’s Chat!

#LoveOzYABloggers is hosted by #LoveOzYA, a community-led organisation dedicated to promoting Australian young adult literature. Keep up to date with all new Aussie YA releases with their monthly newsletter, or find out what’s happening with News and Events, or submit your own!