The Law of Tall Girls - Joanne Macgregor

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Who would’ve thought that a book about a tall girl will appeal to this short girl?

This is not just your average romance novel, there are some deeper lessons that you can learn, something that you can either know about yourself or about the people around you. This is definitely not just a story about a tall girl that learns to accept who she is but also that everyone should learn to love themselves for who they are.

Admittedly Peyton did work on my nerve with her constant complaining and to this self-confessed mama’s girl, her relationship with her mother got me worked up. But true to Macgregor’s style, all was revealed in an epic twist and I could then understand the relationship a little better.

I adored the whole misfit crew, you could see all of the characters grow throughout the story.

There was laughter with a couple of very witty jokes, my heart raced with Peyton as she fell for the tall boy, I could feel the weight of keeping her secret, cried with her at 1 in the morning.

Well done Joanne this is another great read.

Lastly, can we have a round of applause for the cover design, it grabs your eye and draws you in. It is gorgeous.

Hushed - Joanne MacGregor

Even though I am from South Africa, I haven't really been keeping up to date with South African authors. After joining a local Facebook book club this has changed drastically and I've found some local authors that have taken a very big place in my heart and my bookshelves. I originally asked for an ARC from the author but a couple chapters in decided to purchase the book from Amazon. 

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Hushed is a modern day Little Mermaid retelling, and believe me, Joanne had me hook, line and sinker from the beginning. She pulls you in from the first words, the characters are loveable with a couple who stand out, the eccentric grandmother was probably one of my favourites

The story is any fangirls’ dream, Joanne writes it in such a way that it doesn’t come across as fan fiction.

Throughout the book, you not only learn more about the characters but also about some serious environmental issues. I especially enjoyed all the referrals to local spots in and around Cape Town, it took me back to my last holiday there. There was also a line about a lion in Africa that made me think back to all my American penpals, who always thought we had pet lions.

There were elements that reminded me of the Disney version of Little Mermaid and this has now given me a craving to watch it as soon as possible.

Joanne MacGregor’s writing is wonderful and she is definitely one of my “Will buy no matter what” writers. 

Rebel - Joanne MacGregor

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What an ending to a great trilogy! This was the first time in a very long time that a series has sucked me in like this, especially a dystopian. When I heard of it, I thought it will be just another dystopian, how wrong was I? The premise sucked me in, and I read each book almost immediately when it came out.

You see how far Jinxy has come from the gamer who played the Game to keep her mind of the plague. All the characters who have grown on us are back and ready to fight. There are several twists and turns and just when you think you have figured everything out, there is a new curve ball thrown at you. This is what makes a great trilogy.

The last book is no different, it wraps up everything and you feel a sense of closure. Thank you Joanne for keeping the waiting period very short, I wouldn’t have survived a longer wait!

I would recommend this series in a heartbeat.

Refuse - Joanne MacGregor

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To start of let me say that I got an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book was amazing, it doesn’t happen often that the second book in a trilogy is as exciting as the first and last books, but this one was action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

“All sixteen year-old expert sniper Jinxy James wanted was a little freedom, but now she’s trapped between the government and the rebels, unsure of who the real enemy is. When she uncovers appalling secrets and twisted motivations, Jinxy begins to question her allegiances. Soon she will need to choose between love and freedom, as she struggles to do the right thing in a world gone horribly wrong.”

Refuse was just as wonderful as Recoil, it picks-up straight at the cliff-hanger of Recoil (Go read it now if you haven’t already) you follow the ups and downs, the emotions, with Jinxy. And can I just say the characters draw you in, you can’t help but love Jinxy, and of course hate some of the others.

The pace was fast and once I started I couldn’t stop, and yes I almost emailed the author at 11 at night to ask for more.

Definitely a must read for Dystopian fans, and this one has a twist that sets it apart from others. 

You can get your copy of this book here on 30 July 2016

Recoil - Joanne Macgregor

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The first in the Recoil trilogy, and I must say it hit the mark. I am hooked and can’t wait for the rest of the series!

The story follows sixteen year old Jinxy, who is brilliant at an online game, she, along with the rest of civilisation, is trapped in their homes as there was a lethal plague caused by terrorist attacks. Nobody goes outside and everyone plays The Game.

This book grabbed me from the beginning, just when I thought I am over the whole dystopian phase. Jinxy is a great character and her determination to be the best was catching. The character development is believable and you can’t help but love even Sarge.

Of course Jinxy wasn’t told the whole story and when the truth comes out she has to make big decision.

The bonus of having the first chapter of Refuse (the second book) was both a relief and a curse as now I have to wait to be able to continue.

Definitely a must read if you enjoy dystopian novels, and for gamers, you will enjoy this one.

Quick mention too, isn't this cover just absolutely gorgeous!!!

Get your copy of the book here

Scarred - Joanne Macgregor

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The story follows Sloane Munster who has to get her life back on track after a horrible accident left her scarred, both physically and mentally. She immediately runs into Luke, a boy she had known before the accident from swimming, but there is a twist in the story.

I found the story was fast paced, and the characters were extremely likable, especially Sloane, I could identify with her, also having a scar, I could put myself in her shoes and know the struggle to try fit in while you feel like you are a big target.

The story was gripping and I couldn’t put it down. The only thing I had a problem with, was the fact that the end was very abrupt. I half expected an epilogue, but this doesn’t deter me, would read it again in a heartbeat.

Definitely a must read if you are a fan of contemporary romance.

Get your copy here.