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review 2015-03-07 01:20
Volition by Lily Paradis
Volition - Lily Paradis

Published: February 6, 2015 by Empire Books

 

Goodreads Summary:

"You know that feeling in the pit of your stomach that stays with you, then tears you apart slowly at first, and all at once shreds every fiber of your being? 

It’s because you’re contradicting the universe. 

Everything lines up so perfectly that you couldn’t have imagined it to work out better, but then you have to go and do everything humanly possible to ruin it because you can’t stand to have it go right? 

That’s what I did. 

I did it because there’s a darkness that surrounds me, and I think I want it there. 

My name is Tate McKenna, and my soul is blacker than my heart."

 

Goodreads Page

 

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and publisher in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.*

 

 This is one of those books where not knowing much about it before reading is probably the best way to go into it. One of the beauties of this story is watching it unfold before your eyes.

The book switches between past and present timelines, which I enjoyed. It kept me on my toes and kept me guessing. It is also the perfect way to tell the story of Tate McKenna's life, depicting the way her past affects her present and future.

 

Tate is not your normal main character. She has a darkness that will never leave her. She is haunted by her past and has experienced terrible things. In attempt to put her old life behind her, she jumps on a plane to New York City. She meets a handsome man on the plane, Hayden. Tate definitely does not need a new man in her life, but she is drawn to something in him.

 

Tate intrigued me and I loved reading her story. She is very unique and I've never read about a character like her. I truly grew to care for her. Tate is constantly struggling to let go of some of her darkness, but she also does not want to lose herself in the process. This made for a thought-provoking and engrossing read. Her struggle felt real and raw, and even though she is not always the nicest person, I was rooting for her. I wanted the best for her.

Hayden surprised me, and the connection between him and Tate pulled at my heartstrings. I love how dynamic their relationship is. I don't want to get too into it, but I really appreciated his character and the complex bond between him and Tate.

All of the side characters are very interesting as well and I am glad they are included in the story, especially Catherine, Tate's best friend. I even wish we saw more of her.

 

The plot isn't heart-pounding and it didn't keep me on the edge of my seat, but it kept me reading. There are not a ton of crazy twists or anything, but there are some surprising developments with the plot and characters. I think the writing style and the switching of timelines really help move the plot along. 

 

I couldn't give the book 5 stars because I didn't feel completely connected to it. I have never experienced anything that Tate is going through and there are some things that didn't really click with me. Obviously, that's a personal thing, and not the fault of the writer. I think if you can identify with Tate or you have experienced similar things, you will form a strong bond with this story. That just was not the case for me. Although I appreciate Tate's character and her journey, I felt removed from it in a way. 

 

This is a dark story and I love that aspect of it. I love that the author was not afraid to go into those dark parts of Tate's mind and soul. With that said, I also love that this is a story of Tate learning to let go, and learning to accept positivity and happiness without losing who she is. This along with the twisting of the past, present, and future made for a very unique and moving read.

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review 2015-03-04 17:04
Review: Ignite by Lily Paradis
Ignite - Lily Paradis

*I received a free copy in return for an honest review* 

Summary:

After her father’s untimely demise in a mining accident and her mother’s abandonment, Lauren Lindsay is no stranger to loss. She’s used to living life for one person: herself. That is, until another family tragedy thrusts three children into her care and uproots her life in ways she could never imagine.

Lauren's first instinct is to run, until she meets their striking, mysterious neighbor Dean Powell. Their immediate chemistry and his connection with her late father just might be enough to keep her in town long enough to uncover pieces of her past that she never had answers to. Dean’s shady past and her reluctance to trust him could cost her the life she's always been searching for, but will she run back to her old life?

Or will she choose to stay and live the life her father always imagined for her?

 

Opinion:

Overall I have to say that I liked this book. I've never read a New Adult book before and I was kinda sceptical (read: boy drama and unnecessary things) but it was good! It was a really gret debut novel.

I just didn't connect that much with the characters and I didn't had mind blowing moments, so that's why I gave it 3 stars. I also wish that there were more scenes about Lauren and the kids (so that she thought more about them and the decission) than that she got distraced by the boy. I felt like some parts in the book were missing and I wish there was more about her life after that (you know what that means if you've read it) big decission. 

 

If you want to read something that's not a classic or hard to understand I recommend this book. You can also read it when you're under 16 years old. 

 

Edit: Lily talked to me and said there's going to be a sequel called Arc Light from the boy's perspective! She hasn't finished it yet so we also don't know the release date yet, but I'm curious! 

 

Are you going to read Ignite? 

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review 2015-02-13 00:00
Volition
Volition - Lily Paradis “I was always going to do terrible things because it was in my nature.”

This is Tate McKenna. She doesn’t hold back, and she is a hurricane.

Tate McKenna isn’t a good girl. She is very bad, and she likes it that way. Tate has run away from her past, her future, and her fortune to stay in her best friend’s grad school dorm in New York City. NYC is Tate’s favorite place in the world, and she’s going to start fresh, even if it kills her.

Tate meets Hayden Rockefeller, an NYC celebrity, on the flight to New York. Pure chance, or something more? Regardless, they connect, and Tate can’t seem to escape their connection. This is Tate’s story, how she overcomes the darkness in her past and embraces the darkness in her present. Behind her is Jesse, a boy back in Charleston who she grew up with, and is a part of her very soul. In her future is Hayden, a rich businessman with a heart of gold and who may be hiding his own darkness.

Choice. Destiny. Fate. Volition. Willpower.

While Tate and Hayden dance around each other in the New York lights, Jesse’s shadow lingers in their memories. Who will Tate decide to be with? Or will she destroy all of her relationships?

The storytelling is fantastic. Alternating chapters told from Tate’s perspective in the past and present show the reader who she has become, and why she is this way. Stories from Tate’s past, in high school and early college, showcase the defining moments in her life.

“I hate this version of myself because although I think I have all the power, I have none. I am not rational here.”

Tate has family issues. Don’t we all? I can really relate to Tate’s complications with her family. She doesn’t love them. She doesn’t want to see them, and runs instead of sticking around for her big sister’s wedding rehearsal.

I get this, down to the very core of my being. When I am with my family, this is what happens to me. My power drains from me, my volition dies, and I am sapped of what makes me me. Tate having to deal with this during her sister’s wedding, with Hayden Rockefeller on her arm, is absolute torture. She deals with it in the only way she knows how – by being terrible.

“I’ve won, and Hayden is my weapon.”

At this moment Tate has embraced her own nature, her strength, and isn’t holding back. She knew what would happen, that she would use Hayden against her family, and she tried to fight it, but couldn’t stop it. Tate is a powerhouse of darkness and crazy. Now she’s embracing the power, and I love her for that. I love this crazy girl for grabbing her own insanity by the reins and steering her own way.

The verdict: VOLITION is the story of a crazy, scarred girl who tends to bring out the darkness in others. Tate McKenna’s story is not for everyone, but if your soul aches for someone in your past, while your fingers itch for adventure, try VOLITION.
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review 2015-02-08 00:00
Volition
Volition - Lily Paradis

There are books that read you, and Volition is one for the dark and hidden crevices of my gypsy soul. It’s probably why it resonated in me. The tumultuous friendships and relationships between the characters, the depths of Tate’s soul and how it’s explored, the lush New York City and the South Carolina plantation’s that spark the wanderlust, and Hayden are all what makes up this book.

 

Hayden is the only one who truly understands the darkest corners of Tate’s mixed-up soul, and vise-versa. And for that, he is a book boyfriend in a way that no other is. If that’s what you look for in guys, you’ll want to meet him. That’s not to say that he is perfect because soon you’ll find out that he’s not. He has demons of his own that plays well with Tate’s. 

 

Volition was such a me book, and although it might not be for everyone, I hope that you find yourself to enjoy it as well. However, this book may not be for everyone, and that's okay.

 

 

The only thing I had a problem with is the relationship between Tate and Jesse, and his supposed feelings for Tate. Usually, there are those couples with a tumultuous relationships that only the couples understand and those outside of it won't understand

Check out my Story Diary here!

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review 2014-12-15 17:00
Ignite by Lily Paradis
Ignite - Lily Paradis

Series: Ignite #1

Publication: August 26, 2014 by Empire Books

Goodreads Link

 

Goodreads Summary:

"After her father’s untimely demise in a mining accident and her mother’s abandonment, Lauren Lindsay is no stranger to loss. She’s used to living life for one person: herself. That is, until another family tragedy thrusts three children into her care and uproots her life in ways she could never imagine. 

Lauren's first instinct is to run, until she meets their striking, mysterious neighbor Dean Powell. Their immediate chemistry and his connection with her late father just might be enough to keep her in town long enough to uncover pieces of her past that she never had answers to. Dean’s shady past and her reluctance to trust him could cost her the life she's always been searching for, but will she run back to her old life? 
Or will she choose to stay and live the life her father always imagined for her?"

 

Ignite is a fast-paced, fun, and entertaining read. I like the characters and the storyline is different than any other new adult/contemporary book I have read.

The story touches on many different topics, including romance, grief, family relationships, mystery, accepting one's past, and growing up. While this made for a potentially touching and gripping story, it ultimately led to a busy plot that lacked the development needed.

 

Lauren is a likable character that is easy to relate to. She does have her faults and makes some wrong choices, but she feels like a real person. She is put into an unimaginably tough situation, and while I think she could have made some better choices, she handles things as best as she can. 

Dean Powell is an intriguing and charming love interest. I like his mysterious vibe. However, I did not fall madly in love with him along with Lauren. I just didn't understand many of his actions and he felt TOO perfect at times (I know there will be another book from his perspective, so maybe that will give some insight). I liked him overall, but was not captivated by him.

The children that are now in Lauren's care are the highlight of the book. They each have their own distinct personality and I grew to love them. I loved seeing Lauren form a connection with each kid.

 

I do wish the story focused more on the children and Lauren's relationship with them instead of the romance. The romance is okay, but it feels rushed almost. It just did not click with me. While I like Lauren and Dean and the bond they started to form, I did not buy into their desperate need for each other. 

 

The plot is also weird for me. Like I said before, there are a lot of things going on and each one is developed minimally. It might have been better to just focus on a few things instead. 

I did like the mystery aspect. It really intrigued me, and I enjoyed seeing the plot lines come together in the end. 

Either the book should have been longer or taken place over a longer period of time to adequately work out and expand each element.

 

The writing did make the book feel fast-paced and easy to read, but it's almost too easy to read. The writing is very basic and simplistic without a lot of flourishes. Maybe that is why I had a hard time really connecting to the story. There are quite a few pop culture references that I enjoyed, but, to me, the writing lacked richness. 

 

The author said that she had a lot of problems with the editing of the book, and that is evident in the writing. She did a blog post about it, here is the link: http://lilyparadis.com/?p=893

I think it is important to mention this because it explains a lot. 

 

This book has a great foundation and premise, but I do not think it was developed to its full potential. I can tell that Lily Paradis has talent and put a lot of work into this story. There is something special here, I just wish it really had the chance to shine.

 

*I received a physical copy of this book for free from the author and publisher in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own*

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