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Book Review: “The Perfectionists” by Sara Shepard

Title: The Perfectionists

Author: Sara Shepard
Genre: Young Adult – Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: October 2nd, 2014
Published by: Hot Key Books 


I bought this book myself! As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. 



In Beacon Heights High, Nolan Hotchkiss is king. His charm, wealth and good looks are deceptively seductive, and many are the students whose lives and reputations have been ruined by it. 

All while Nolan continues to reign, unquestioned and undisrupted. Until now, that is.

Mackenzie, Ava, Julie, Caitlin and Parker seemingly don’t have much in common. Each has their own friends, dramas and goals. But one thing they do share: they all have a deep hatred of Nolan Hotchkiss. And they all think it’s about time he paid for what he’s done. They come up with the perfect murder – a hypothetical murder, of course. It’s all wishful thinking … until they wake up one morning to find that their wish has come true. Nolan has been killed – in exactly the way they planned. The thing is, they didn’t do it. So who did?
Give me a Sara Shepard book and I’ll tell you a thousand amazing things about it. So when I saw The Perfectionists on Twitter, I went right to Amazon and pre-ordered. And the day it arrived, I read the WHOLE THING in a few hours. So, if that doesn’t tell you how much I loved it, I’m not sure what will!
Nolan Hotchkiss is your answer to everything egotistical and idolized for all the wrong reasons at Beacon Heights High. He’s loved for reasons he shouldn’t be, from bullying students to sending explicit pictures of girls to his friends. It’s for those reasons and so many more that Mackenzie, Ava, Caitlin, Parker and Julie, hate Nolan Hotchkiss more than life itself. Nolan is pretty much the only thing that glues them all together if they weren’t friends before, so when they’re paired together for a project, they plan his “hypothetical” and completely imagined murder as a talking subject. 
So when Nolan actually is murdered, exactly like they planned down to the small details, they’re all struggling to take the spotlight off themselves from the Cops when they come knocking. Now these five girls that couldn’t have more complicated personal lives if they tried, have another thing to add to their list: get away with the murder they never committed. Even if all the evidence points to them. 
I thought I loved Pretty Little Liars the most of all Sara Shepard’s novels – now, I am totally torn. The Perfectionists, whilst giving me that Little-Liar feel, is in a completely different world of secrets, lies and suspects. There’s no “-A” but there is a killer – one that is determined to pin everything on the five girls who didn’t even commit the murder – a sneaky, but not completely undetectable killer. It left on a pretty heart-racing cliffhanger that totally knocked the killer I thought was framing the girls, off the radar. 
Overall, The Perfectionists is a compelling, electrifying and chaos-filled read that took my breath away.  I loved the girls’ friendships and how Sara wrote the strong, female characters realistically. It’s part of what makes me love her writing, that no character is flawless, alike real life, we all have our flaws. I can’t wait to see what book two has in store for all the readers and how everyone else will adore it. You MUST add this to your to-read immediately – you won’t regret it.

It’s got to be the beginning of the book – the calm before the almighty storm – the part that reeled me in!



YA Contemporary/Mystery/Thriller readers to Adult readers alike. If you loved Pretty Little Liars, you’ll love this no doubt.



Have you read The Perfectionists?


What did you think?


Tell me in the comments, on twitter or by using the hashtag #ThePerfectionists


happy reading!

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10 Books to Read This Summer! ♥ {2013}

It’s almost Summer and you’re looking for that *one* perfect read. So, here’s some of my favourites for getting lost in those story worlds…and getting some sun!

1. Starting off the Summer with something light and fun, The Twitter Diaries by Imogen Lloyd Webber will have you laughing at the awful truth of our addictions to the social networking site. Following the characters Tuesday and Stella; you’ll wonder why you hadn’t snatched this up sooner, because after all…140 characters can change everything!













2. If friendship is something you’re after this Summer, ditch Facebook and pick up Danielle Steel’s Friends Forever instead. A loveable journey of five friends, surviving love and other challenges, it’s a must for any of her fans. Gabby, Billy, Izzie, Andy and Sean are each bursting with their own fiery personality, and are quite inseparable through their childhoods/adult life, known to everyone as “the big five”. But despite life’s ups and downs, together they face the challenges knowing that they are all bound by a bond and a friendship that will last a lifetime. It’s an old-y, but a good-y!







3 & 4. Want something with a little extra bite this Summer? Why not read about the Young, Fabulous and Fanged in Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz…it’s all about ruling Manhattan in fangs this year, after all. Possibly one of the most 50/50 Vampire books of all, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is something we all need to re-visit! Think back to the days when you hadn’t seen the adaption of the screenplay and back to when your eyes first read the romance of book Edward and book Bella…

5. ROAD TRIP! Nothing is more exciting than going on a road trip with friends or family and having an amazing time. So, if you’re stuck indoors this Summer and want that “Road Trip” feel, then look no further than Morgan Matson’s Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour. It’s sincere, hopeful and adorably cute. Amy Curry’s year has sucked and it didn’t get better after her mother decided to move. Throw in emotions, romance & the ultimate Road Trip book, and your Summer is sorted.










6. The hit-TV Show is back this Summer, so get your book fix with Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard. The book is a tad different to the show, but has twists and horrors that will take the crown of YA fiction. Everyone has something to hide–especially high school juniors; Spencer, Aria, Emily and Hanna. But their ex-best friend Alison? She’s dead. And whoever killed her…knows all their secrets. Some pretty big stuff goes down in this series so don’t miss it!











7. I reviewed it earlier this year and gave it my best 5 stars. Now, it’s almost everyone’s favourite read this year! The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is just the perfect romance to get sucked into, only with quirky character; Don, and fiery character; Rosie, to read about. Think quirks like New Girl and an intriguing story as gripping as a tabloid, The Rosie Project cannot be missed. 















8. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han is seriously the best Summer book. Of course, Summer is in the title, but don’t think it’s just a pretty cover…it’s much, much more. Every year, Isabel spends a perfect Summer at her family friends’ house. There’s a swimming pool at night, the private beach–and the two boys she just might be in love with. Conrad; unavailable and aloof. She’s been in love with him forever. Jeremiah; friendly and relaxed–the only one who has ever really paid her attention. But this year, something is different. They both notice her. It’s going to be a Summer she won’t–and you won’t forget.

9. Staying on the sweet side…Sweethearts by Sara Zarr is creative, enthralling and realistic at it’s best. Jennifer and Cameron were both social outcasts, and underneath it all, each other’s only friend. So when Cameron disappeared without any warning, Jennifer thought she’d lost the one person who ever understood her. Now, she’s in high school. She’s different. She’s now Jenna; popular, happy and dating–everything “Jennifer” wasn’t. But she can’t shake Cameron’s memory. So when he re-appears, they are both confronted with memories of their pasts and new paths their lives have taken. The novel will shake every realistic moment from our own lives and echo them with a feeling that Sara Zarr knows exactly how to make her characters have those lifelike moments and lines. Addictive, or what?
Plus, have you seen the cover? It’s reason alone to buy this just for the adorable heart-sharped cookie! It will definitely go down as one of my favourite books; inside and out.

10. A gorgeous friend. A shared crush. Big problem. All the main aspects of Flawless by Lara Chapman are explained like that. The story is about Sarah, who’s life is complicated–but the hard parts aren’t going to get easier. Her mother begs her to get a nose job, and she’s just agreed to help her best friend, Kirsten, catch the eye of the new guy, but he’s actually-kinda-definitely perfect for her! Matchmaking at it’s most misguided, hilarious lines and possibly a perfect romance…hide the remote to the TV this Summer because this is your new high school romcom.




So..here are my ultimate favourites to read this Summer! Missed any of your favourites, or got a suggestion for my list of Summer reads? Comment below to share your perfect read-in-the-sun books!

   happy reading,
xo Becca
                                
 
 
                                          


  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Get The Look: Aria Montgomery (from “Pretty Little Liars – Season 3”)

all photographs used credited to ABCfamily (c)

The trend-setting girls of ABC’s “Pretty Little Liars” have always been ahead of the game when it comes to style and fashion. But, the question is, can we as fans replicate those amazing outfits?! Look no further…

Starting with one of PLL’s most notable trendsetters, Aria Montgomery, played by the equally stylish Lucy Hale, here are some of Aria’s most perfectly put together pieces and affordable, suitable alternatives for you…

Blue (Blue) Yumi Blue Polka Dot Crop Blazer | 272073440 | New LookStripe ponte jacketBlazers. Aria has worn a few of these throughout Season 3, most memorably being the boldest colours on the palette; like the crop-gold blazer and her red/black striped jacket. If you wanted to go all-out like Aria with something bold and adventurous; a blazer like this one (blue, polka dot) would definitely spice up any outfit. Though, if you’re wanting to play it safe, a blazer like this one (black/white striped) would be a more neutral alternative whilst still keeping a trendy, Aria-inspired outfit. You can pair either of these blazers with a quirky skater-dress for a youthful look, or skinny jeans for a more casual style; like Aria demonstrates at Rosewood High School.

Gold (Gold) Gold and Silver Cross Charm Bracelet Stack | 277739293 | New LookWhite (White) People Tree Cream Puffin Peplum Joy Dress | 272293310 | New Look

STUNNING Lazer Cut Platforms

Blue lace peplum dressDresses. Aria has some bold fabric choices throughout all the seasons when it comes to dresses, but one of my all-time favourites has to be the white/black peplum dress she wore in Season 3 and this quirky, equally detailed and peplum (black/white detail dress, above), is a brilliant equal to Aria’s dress. But for those who aren’t looking for that full-on printed dress and only want half that colour attack, this cute turquoise peplum dress (below, blue/black) is just a little spark of quirky-ness that Aria would surely approve of. Pair any of these dresses with gold jewellery, perhaps like this one (seen above) that has Aria written all over it. Heels are a must for these dresses, especially for the night-time themed outfit. For daytime, if you’re not feeling like dragging five-inch heels around the mall with friends out shopping, wedges (white/yellow, above) and hidden height flats are a favourite of mine. 

Gold (Gold) Gold and Neon Pink Pearl Spike Necklace | 279671493 | New LookJewellery. Aria is a big fan of those necklaces you think you’ll never pull off; then you see Miss Montgomery sporting them on PLL and immediately want one. My favourite store for jewellery is “New Look”. They have some awesome necklaces, and even one that looks extremely similar to the one Aria is wearing in this picture with Hanna (both necklaces, above/below). Her style is very much girly-studs when it comes to jewellery, and she never fails in making us want her wardrobe!
 
Hair. Over the course of three seasons, Aria’s hair has gone through some major chops-and-changes. From long to short, curls to straight, Aria’s hairstyle can never be predicted from episode to episode in PLL. The only thing we can predict is those streaky-pink highlights she wears in flashbacks which remind us so much of the liar-free Aria. How-to; for Aria’s wavy curls, try braiding your hair when it’s almost dry from washing, and wear the braids overnight. In the morning, your hair should be lusciously wavy, and the curls should stay all day when sprayed with a little hairspray to keep frizzy-waves gone. For stubborn hair; try putting some heat protection spray on your hair before curling with a 1-inch curler, starting with the bottom layer of your hair and working your way through to the top. Finishing touches; pin half your hair up with a detailed hair-clip or pin to get the Aria-inspired finish.
 
Make-up. From day-to-day, Aria keeps a subtle, black lined eye with a rosy-blush and perfectly groomed eyebrows look. My favourite Aria make-up of Season 3 had to be the one she wore on the Halloween Train. How to; start with your usual foundation, concealer and powder. Start next with the eyes; place a light, cream colour all over the lid. Next, trace a black kohl liner and wing it out toward the end. Next, take a blending brush and blend a medium-to-dark brown shade in the crease of your eye. This will intensify the smoky-eye look, too. Next, blend a black or brown eyeshadow on the bottom lash line, starting on the outer corner, inwards. You can also line your bottom water-line with kohl if you want that full cat-eye. Finish off with two coats of mascara and fill in any gaps in your eyebrows to give a perfected arch. Minimal blush is needed for this look, and you could even swap with a light bronzer instead.
 
Thank you. I hope you loved all my Aria-inspired looks for Season Three, and I will most definitely be investigating some of the other Liars’ wardrobes for some alternative looks we can all inspire to wear. You can follow all the links above to find the clothing and jewellery I’ve added, and for more hints and tips for Aria, subscribe to this blog or follow me on twitter at @littlememoirs.
happy shopping,
 
xo Becca
 
   Becca
Jayne
               
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