Review ~ Sugar, We're Going Down (Love Me, I'm Famous, #2) by M.H. Soars

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Release Date: February 18th 2017

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
They say nothing compares to the first kiss. That sentence needs to be amended. Nothing compares to the first kiss from Oliver Best. I knew in the moment our lips touched that the cocky rockstar would be forever imprinted in my mind. I also knew that loving him would be my destruction. And yet, love him I did. 

Oliver Best, former rockstar, heir to one of the largest fortunes in Great Britain, and the country’s most infamous bad boy. 

Saylor Blue Carter, college drop-out, lead singer of a struggling band, not a penny to her name. 

When they met, it was hate at first sight. Oliver was an arrogant ass. Saylor was a cold hearted bitch. These were the thoughts they had for each other. Until that kiss. That life altering, earth shattering, nuclear kiss. They knew what that kiss meant. They knew anything between them would be explosive and without hope for a happily ever after. So they vowed to forget, they tried to stay away. But now with their best friends’ wedding approaching, all bets are off. 


*Warning: This book ends on a cliffhanger. The sequel will be published on June 6, 2017

My Opinion

Yay, Ollie and Saylor!

I have been waiting for these characters to get their own book for ages. I fell in love with them in book 1 and couldn't wait to see how their palpable tension evolved.

Sugar, We're Going Down kept me hooked and turning the pages at a rapid rate. Written in Soars' easy style, I was swept along with the characters, being drawn into their love, fights, and torment.

The book definitely took a different turn to what I was expecting, especially Saylor's part. However, I found it a surprising twist that I did enjoy. It added more complications and plot to make this more than a simple romance.

As for the characters, the chemistry and tension between Ollie and Saylor was great. It built nicely in their game of cat and mouse and their denial of their true feelings. I thought the author did an amazing job of developing their feelings and relationship.

My only complaint is that this book left on a massive cliffhanger and is going to be in three parts. I've been desperately waiting for Ollie and Saylor's story, and while I'm glad I'm going to get a lot of them, I would have liked to know this up front. It wouldn't have stopped me reading or requesting it, but it would have meant I didn't spend the last 10% wondering how the author was going to tie everything up and make it satisfying--something that would have been impossible. I kept waiting to be let down rather than focusing on the book. I'm also not sure how three books are going to be filled right now, two seems to fit at the moment, but I can't wait to find out.

Overall, it definitely lived up to what I wanted from these characters and I can't wait for the next instalment.

EDIT: I received a copy from NetGalley where there was no cliffhanger warning. I notice there is on Goodreads. 

4.5

Review ~ The Phoenix Shadow (Arcadian Wars #2) by M.H. Soars

ebook received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: July 28th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
When the walls of lies begin closing in, who do you trust?
There is nothing worse than failure, especially one that results in your school being attacked by a ruthless enemy. Still reeling from the aftermath of the previous night, Sam and her cousins must deal with another crisis: Alexia has run away. 

To top it off, there are new players in town. The young Arcadians will be forced to work closely with the prestigious Nox Elite. But they will soon find out that nursing a bruised ego is nothing compared to fighting a faceless enemy, battling personal demons, and dealing with revelations that will forever change their lives.

My Opinion

Unlike with the first book, I had to start this one straight away. I needed to find out what happened, and the author didn't disappoint.

Right from page one the action began and it didn't let up at any point in the book. The Phoenix Shadow had me hooked the whole way through with its many plot threads that are brilliantly woven together to create an interesting story. It is a very fast-paced book, yet it never feels rushed. Because it is split into three POV it allowed the author to jump around and create tension or suspense whereby she left the reader in the dark about what was happening to certain characters. It made you want to read on.

Similarly, the characters developed well throughout the book. Sam is my favourite. She has a fiery and strong personality that comes across clearly the whole way through. I liked the action that always seemed to involve her and how she's not the type of character that sulks over what happens.

Matt on the other hand had more of a slow growth in his character. His voice gets stronger as the book goes on and I think that worked as the secrets he held got the better of him.

I don't want to give away any of the plot as there are plenty of twists and reveals. However, I thought the author dealt with the large cast well. There are many different story lines taking place, but it's never overwhelming or confusing. I thought the transitions between everything were well done and I was glad to see links between the novella that explained things better.


Overall this was a great follow up. I will warn you that there's a mean cliff hanger ending though and it's definitely made me want to read more.

4.5