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Book Review: One Small Thing by Erin Watt

Nov 11, 2018

One Small Thing by Erin Watt

Pages: 384
Publish date: June 28, 2018
Publisher: HQ Young Adult
ISBN: 9781848457430
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

Beth’s life hasn’t been the same since her sister died. Her parents try to lock her down, believing they can keep her safe by monitoring her every move. When Beth sneaks out to a party one night and meets the new guy in town, Chase, she’s thrilled to make a secret friend. It seems a small thing, just for her.

Only Beth doesn’t know how big her secret really is…

Fresh out of juvie and determined to start his life over, Chase has demons to face and much to atone for, including his part in the night Beth’s sister died. Beth, who has more reason than anyone to despise him, is willing to give him a second chance. A forbidden romance is the last thing either of them planned for senior year, but the more time they spend together, the deeper their feelings get.

Now Beth has a choice to make—follow the rules, or risk tearing everything apart…again.

One Small Thing:

I received an arc copy of One Small Thing by Erin Watt from Harlequin Teen Australia in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

I have been many ups and downs with Erin Watt books. There are some that I really enjoyed and some that I struggled to even read. But I thought I should give this one a go, and while I didn’t love it, I also didn’t hate it. There were aspects of One Small Thing that I thought was down really well and others, I really didn’t like. I really enjoyed When It’s Real, but then didn’t love the Paper Princess series.

One Small Thing follows protagonist Beth as she begins her senior year. She wanted to have the time of her life, she wanted to be herself. But things haven’t been the same since her sister died. So when Beth sneaks out one night for a party, she never expected to meet Chase. But Chase isn’t who he seems. He has his own secrets that will haunt him forever. Now there is secret romance brewing, Beth must make a chose that would tear everything apart.

It’s been a couple of days since I read One Small Thing, and I am still not sure how I feel about Beth. For the most part, I really enjoyed her. Beth had been through a lot. Her sister has died, her parents are interesting and she always felt like she was in the shadows.

Throughout the novel, Beth tries to stand up for herself not only to her parents but also her friendship group. And this doesn’t always go to plan. There were times throughout the novel that Beth was called selfish, and I don’t believe that she was. Sure she isn’t the best person ever, but I felt that the things she was doing, weren’t even that bad. In saying that I felt that Beth let other people thoughts on her get in the way of who she truly was. As the novel goes she does learn to fight these thoughts. But it took over a lot of the book as well.

Chase, another protagonist that I am not too sure how I feel about. We don’t know too much about him when he is first introduced. And then when the reader does find out who he is, let’s just say it hard to like him. But as One Small Thing, the reader is able to see a different side of him and as the mystery goes on we start to feel more sympathy with him. Chase made a horrible mistake, one that he can never take back. And the reader really sees him struggling throughout the novel. There were times where Chase said and did things that I didn’t agree with making it harder to like him.

The romance in One Small Thing is very complicated and my favourite thing about the novel. Their first meeting isn’t planned and things move pretty quickly. Then they meet again and everything changes. Things are intense between Beth and Chase, once they realise who each other is and that makes everything more complicated. The reader is able to understand why Chase wants to stay away. He is not only dealing with his own demons, but also of those around him. But doesn’t want to let him go that easily and holds on to him the best that she can.

In saying that Beth also hides Chase from the ones that she loves, for good reasons I might add. But that does put a strain between the two. The romance was fast paced at times, but I liked what Erin Watt did with the romance. It was slowed down by the focus on why they couldn’t be together.

I wasn’t a massive fan of Beth’s parents throughout One Small Thing. At first, I understood why they did feel protective over her, but then some of the things that they did. One of the main reason why I didn’t like Beth’s parents were when they held her back. They weren’t going to let her attend the schools she wanted to, or have the jobs that she loved. They were holding her back from the things that grounded her, that she held onto. And instead gave her more reason to ‘rebel’ or dislike them. I also didn’t like we really didn’t get any conclusion on the relationship with Beth and her parents. There was a little hint in the last couple of chapters, but I felt that it was brushed over, especially with how rocky their relationship was during One Small Thing.

The notion of friends is also a big part of One Small Thing by Erin Watt. And Beth has crap friends. I basically didn’t like any of them and thought that they only cared about themselves and no one else. There was a lot of bullying involved in One Small Thing that really rubbed me the wrong way and frustrated me to no end. There were a few incidents throughout the book that made me love not being back in High School, teenages can just be horrible.

One Small Thing is very fast paced and things move very quickly not only between characters, but also the timeline. In saying that it was hard to keep up and work out where they were in the year at times. I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. And the intensity of the novel was high at times because of the fast-paced storyline. However, I did guess a lot of plot points that do happen, but that doesn’t make the story any less enjoyable.

Overall, One Small Thing by Erin Watt is a good read. It was fun at times but is also very emotional. One Small Thing explores the notions of forgiving, coming of age and family. It delves deep into the lives of teens that shows both the horrors and breathtaking moments of becoming an adult. I do wish that there was more depth to the lead characters of Beth and Chase. Nevertheless, I did enjoy reading their story. There are many ups and downs to this novel and if you want a quick read that is a little different then this is for you.

Have you read One Small Thing by Erin Watt? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? Have you read anything else by Erin Watt? Let’s Chat!

Book Review: Royally Yours by Emma Chase | Blog Tour

Nov 2, 2018

Royally Yours (Royally #4) by Emma Chase

Pages: 215
Publish date: October 28, 2018
Publisher: –
ASIN: B07JVL4DRG
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

Princess Lenora Celeste Beatrice Arabella Pembrook had an unusual childhood. She was raised to be a Queen—the first Queen of Wessco.

It’s a big deal.

When she’s crowned at just nineteen, the beautiful young monarch is prepared to rule. She’s charming, clever, confident and cunning.

What she isn’t…is married.

It’s her advising council’s first priority. It’s what Parliament is demanding, and what her people want.

Lenora has no desire to tie herself to a man—particularly one who only wants her for her crown. But compromises must be made and royals must do their duty.

Even Queens. Especially them.
**
Years ago, Edward Langdon Richard Dorian Rourke, walked away from his title and country. Now he’s an adventurer—climbing mountains, exploring jungles, going wherever he wants, when he wants—until family devotion brings him home.

And a sacred promise keeps him there.

To Edward, the haughty, guarded little Queen is intriguing, infuriating…and utterly captivating. Wanting her just might drive him mad—or become his greatest adventure.
**
Within the cold, stone walls of the royal palace—mistrust threatens, wills clash, and an undeniable, passionate love will change the future of the monarchy forever.

Every dynasty has a beginning. Every legend starts with a story.

This is theirs.

Royally Yours:

I received an e-arc of Royally Yours by Emma Chase from Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

I was a little late to the party with this series, I only started it last year, but I am so glad that I did. I feel in love with the characters, the world, and romance. So when I heard that Emma Chase was writing another book in this series, I needed to get my hands on it.

Royally Yours follows Princess Lenora Celeste Beatrice Arabella Pembrook as she becomes Queen. She has been trained for this her whole life, and she thought she was ready. But when she is thrown into it, it takes everything in her to stay strong. But even after all her wits, courage and strength, there is one thing that this queen is not, and that married. Queen Lenora wants to rule on her own, she doesn’t need a man for that, but when she is left with no choice, sacrifices need to be made. When Edward Rourke walked away from this title he thought it would be forever, but then he is called home and everything is changed forever.

I wasn’t expecting to love Royally Yours as much as I did. But I loved knowing the story of Queen Lenora and her husband. And although we knew the outcomes, it was still very emotional and packed a punch. Queen Lenora was a really interesting character, in the previous books, but it was great that we really got to know her, here. I was able to see her in a whole different light. She was witty, a smart arse, but also so compelling. Lenora has been brought up knowing that she will be queen, so she does have this demeanor about her that did make it hard to get along with her at times. But that is queen Lenora through and through.

Edward was charming, sarcastic and was really able to break down Queen Lenora’s walls throughout Royally Yours. Edward was an interesting character, he didn’t care too much about politics or his role in it. He just wanted to live his life. And everything changes when he is called back. I loved Edward so much, he added another layer to the world as well as being something that Lenora can ‘fight’ with. He doesn’t back down and with how strong Queen Lenora is, but also lets her be in charge and fight for what she believes in.

While the relationship between Lenora and Edward was convenient at first in Royally Yours, they slowly started to fall for each other. At first, Lenora is very hesitated, but as time goes on and she and Edward start to know each other. The way that Edward came to be the future husband of Lenora was devastating and gosh it tore me to pieces. But I think that is also what brought Edward and Lenora together. Lenora is Queen and there are certain things that she can’t do, but Edward tests these and it was a great laugh. There is also massive chemistry between these two that was hot and just stood out.

Royally Yours fits perfectly into the series. It not only gives the reader an insight into Queen Lenora but also gives us insight into the world and how Lenora become Queen. I always found her interesting, but being able to read her life was intriguing and I adored it. The reader is able to get glimpses of her story in other books of the series, but we really get to the see the heartbreak, heartache, and sacrifices that Queen Lenora had to go through.

Overall, Royally Yours by Emma Chase is addicting, intriguing and compelling. Royally Yours explores the notion of romance, fighting for what you believe in and loving yourself. It explores what it’s like to rule a country as a woman and the hardships that follow. The romance in Royally Yours is addicting, beautiful and full of chemistry. If you are looking for a royal romance, then this is for you.

Have you read Royally Yours by Emma Chase? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? What are some of your favourite royal books? Let’s Chat!

5 Reasons I Love The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Oct 31, 2018

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Pages: 364
First Published: September 20th, 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury
ISBN: 9781408891384
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their difference, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper – despite the displeasure of Achilles’ mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess.

But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfill his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.

The Song of Achilles:

Recently I was able to finally pick up The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller and I’m so glad that I did. I fell in love with this book the moment that I started reading it. I don’t even know why it took me so long to read, I had only heard good things about it, and it’s about Greek history and mythology so why wouldn’t I love it? Anyway, today I thought I would share five of my favourite things about The Song of Achilles, so let’s go.

Writing

The one thing that really sticks out for me in The Song of Achilles is the writing. From the very first page, I was addicted. It’s poetic, captivating and is still able to tell the story in a way that is easily understandable. Whenever I try and sell this at work, I always mention the writing. The prose is elegant and simple at the same time and just works so well.

“And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.”

The words throughout the novel, the emotions aren’t just felt with the characters, but with the words themselves. There are scenes where the emotions jump straight from the page. I think what I like most about the writing of The Song of Achilles is that it is easy to understand. It’s a classic story, told through beautiful writing that anyone can understand.

Patroclus

Patroclus is brave, strong, and innocent. He is mortal in a godlike world, and stills stand out. I loved that the reader is able to see Patroclus from when he was a child. We are able to see him grow into the man that he is before and during the war of Troy. Patroclus has been through a lot, and that really does play with his character arc. For most of the book, Patroclus is very innocent, but I think I really liked that. It’s very rare that I read about an innocent male character and that just made me connect with him more.

“When he died, all things soft and beautiful and bright would be buried with him.”

I loved Patroclus character arc as well. I loved seeing him grow and getting to know more about him. But not only that, I loved Patroclus finding out more about himself. His character arc was fantastic and really shone through the book. Madeline Miller is able to capture such a strong character, in a book that is strong on its own. She is able to put this person on a page, but he comes across, so real.

Romance

The romance in The Song of Achilles is very complex and beautiful. We know both Patroclus and Achilles right from the start and the reader is able to see them slowly fall for one another. But it wasn’t just that, we see them form such a close bond that it just made me so happy. They are polar opposites, but that seems to play in their favour. Patroclus is very innocent and wants the best for everyone, while Achilles was born a fighter. And all of these personalities play into their interactions with one another.

“I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell, I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.”

I’ve read a lot of reviews about others not liking Achilles and I can see why. However, that’s who he is. He is a hero, who’s been brought up knowing he is going to the best. And that plays a lot into his character. But Patroclus is able to hold Achilles in a lot and that was really nice. Their story is heartbreaking no denying it, but it’s also so beautiful. The way that they cared for one another and then fell for each other – oh gosh my heart.

Greek Mythology

There is a lot of debate about whether this is a retelling or just another version of the story. And I think it’s both. Throughout history, it wasn’t well hidden that Patroclus and Achilles were lovers, but it also wasn’t explicitly said. What Madeline Miller does shine on this relationship, rather than the war.

And what I love most about this is just how true to the story Madeline Miller was able to be. I love Greek mythology and history, I studied it in high school and wish I could have gone further. But what I don’t always love about retellings or versions of books, films, and even TV is the inaccuracy. And I loved that Miller was able to capture this beautiful romance, with a beautiful writing style, but also stay true.

“He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature.”

The Trojan war went on for 10 years, and I liked that it wasn’t romanized the hardship that the soldiers had to go through. It was brutal and wasn’t easy for anyone. I’ve also seen while reading reviews about the way that they treat women, slaves or anyone really throughout the story. And while it is horrible, and I don’t ever condone it, it was true to the story – oh gosh that is hard to say. But also know that there are some quite graphic and hard scenes to read inThe Song of Achilles, especially for women.

“Name one hero who was happy.”
– “You can’t.” He was sitting up now, leaning forward.
“I can’t.

Going into the book, I knew how the story would end, but that didn’t make it easier. It was hard to read and I cried, I cried. But then I also loved it.

Timeline

I’ve spoken about this briefly before, but I liked what Madeline Miller regarding when to set the book in the timeline. I think it was very wise and intriguing to start The Song of Achilles from when the boys were young. It added more depth, and character to the novel. It allowed for characterisation, a friendship that squeezed my heart. And also it didn’t leave us reading about a war that lasted 10 years. Normally a lot of novels that recount the Trojan War, are set when Paris takes Helen to Troy, and that’s where everything starts.

Chiron had said once that nations were the most foolish of mortal inventions. “No man is worth more than another, wherever he is from.”

Beginning the novel earlier also lets the reader really know Patroclus and Achilles so much better. We just don’t know them by themselves, but together. The reader is able to see them fall in love, have their hearts broken, learn what it’s like to hero, a male in the time. It just worked so well.

***

I could go on and on about The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, but if you haven’t read it and love Greek Mythology, please pick it up. And even if you don’t and want to try some, it’s the perfect way to fall into it. The romance is beautiful and heartbreaking. The story will tear you to pieces, but you will be happy when it’s all over. If you are just looking for a fantastic read, then pick this up.

Have you read The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller? What did you think of it? What are some of your favourite Greek Mythology retellings? Let’s have a chat!