Sunday 13 November 2016

The Christmasaurus - Tom Fletcher

Tom Fletcher of McFly fame, is one of my favourite people so I'd pretty much buy anything he'd put his on. Yes, I've even bought everyone of the pooping dinosaur book series he wrote for myself despite being a good twenty years older than the recommended again for them. 


The Christmasaurus is a Christmas novel. It tells the story of William Trundle who isn't having the best time in life, however his belief in Christmas and his love of dinosaurs is just about enough to get him through the day. One day when Santa is looking through the Christmas lists he has been sent he stumbles across William's letter and takes pity of the little boy so decides to personally make the toy on William's list. William wants a dinosaur so Santa sets out making one based on the North Pole's resident dinosaur the Christmasaurus. 


I know that I love author Tom Fletcher but that doesn't mean that I would say that this book is good just for the sake of it - believe me I've always been first to moan about some things McFly have done in the past. However, I genuinely cannot find a fault with this book. It's truly captures the spirit of Christmas and it made me laugh out loud, cry (yes I'm holding my hands up, I cried reading a children's book) and just filled me with warm Christmassy feelings.  Even though the story is dinosaur themed it still doesn't mean that the story isn't relatable which I think is another reason why the story is so enjoyable particularly to a more older reader.


I've read this book a few times since its release as it is just so wonderfully Christmassy. It is larger a children's book but I love the way that Tom Fletcher has written this book - plus the illustrations are incredible! This book is truly one that the entire family will enjoy and I couldn't recommend picking it up more.


Synopsis -


The Christmasaurus is a story about a boy named William Trundle, and a dinosaur, the Christmasaurus. It's about how they meet one Christmas Eve and have a magical adventure. It's about friendship and families, sleigh bells and Santa, singing elves and flying reindeer, music and magic. It's about discovering your heart's true desire, and learning that the impossible might just be possible...

Saturday 29 October 2016

The Two-Night One-Night Stand - Ryan Ringbloom

Holly is absolutely not the type of person to have a one night stand, let alone have a one night stand twice! Thanks to a identity mix up, Holly ends up sleeping with who she thought was her blind date but instead it just ended up being Matthew Daniels, a doctor who claims he's too busy for love. Can a one night stand (that happens twice) ultimately end up in love? 


I knew from the second I read the blurb that The Two Night One Night Stand was exactly my kind of book. What I liked the most was the fact that neither of the characters would ever have a one night stand on a normal day yet here they both are. I felt that the fact they were both acting out of character made the characters very likeable. It was helped with the dual narrative told from both Holly and Matthew's point of views. 


As promised this book did make me laugh at loud at certain points and I found that I whizzed through reading it as I loved it so much. If you read the blurb and think you'll love it I can almost guarantee that you will! Just as an aside this book contains lots of sex so just be aware if that's not the kind of thing you like to read about. I personally loved this book and the way in which the author writes. I'll certainly be checking out more of the authors others novels.


Synopsis - 


A girl. A guy. And a talking peen. 


Holly Martin isn't the type to have a one-night stand. But a crushing break up, a sexy blind date, and a few shots of Fireball is about to change all that. 


Matthew Daniels is an introverted PA who claims he’s too busy to date. But that doesn’t stop his older brothers from encouraging him to let loose and get out there, because as they put it - the right girl won’t just walk up to you.


But what if she does?


Is it possible for a one-night stand that happens twice, to actually become more? Could two nights of reckless debauchery actually lead to true love? Or is this just another case of a whisky induced disaster?


This Romantic Comedy is sure to have you laughing, cringing, rolling your eyes, shouting at the pages and looking for a shot glass of your own. 


**This book contains mature content (and immature content). It is intended for adult readers. 

Sunday 16 October 2016

Taking The Reins - Katrina Abbott

Taking The Reins tells the story of Brooklyn. Due to her dads job she is sent to Rosewood, which is a boarding school for the rich and famous. The Rosewood girls give her a warm welcome and before you know it she gets thrown headfirst into the life of a Rosewood girl. Not only does she have new friends to contend with but also boys from the neighbouring boys boarding school, Westwood and to the stable boy she meets in Rosewoods stables.

Taking The Reins was an incredibly quick read. However this isn't necessarily a bad thing as sometimes all you want is a quick, enjoyable, light hearted read. If I was heading for a long train journey or a plane trip somewhere this book would certainly be one that I would chose to take with me. Although I've seen discovered that this book is part of a series of 10 books, Taking The Reigns actually finishes at quite a non cliff hanger ending. Ok, I would've liked to have read more in particularly about Brooklyn's love life but now we know there are multiple books in this series then I think that will probably be more of a feature in later books.

I really enjoyed reading about Brooklyn. Despite her fathers job she seems completely down to earth and she is relatively unfazed about moving to an American boarding school. I found her quite funny at times, particularly when it came to the assumptions made regarding the stable boy, and very loyal to her fellow Rosewood girls. I actually thought the girls she attends school with were be great snobby and annoying to read about but I was happy that this wasn't the case at all. The adventures that they go through in this novel is exactly the kind of thing that I've always imagined would take place at a girls boarding school too which to be helps add to the enjoyment of the novel.

If you want a quick, lighthearted read with a few romantic moments thrown in for good measure then you will love Taking The Reigns. I've downloaded the next book in the series to read as I enjoyed it so much. 

Synopsis -

Brooklyn Prescott (if that’s even her real name) is the new girl at The Rosewood Academy for Academic Excellence, now that she’s moved back to the States after two years living in London. Rosewood, a boarding school for children of the rich and famous and known for its celebutantes, is missing just one element important to any junior’s education: boys. But luckily for Brooklyn, and the rest of the Rosewood girls, there’s a boys’ boarding school, The Westwood Academy, just a few miles away. 

On her very first day, Brooklyn meets Will, a gorgeous and flirty boy on campus to help with move in. But is he who she thinks he is? And what about Brady, the cute stable boy? Or Jared, the former child actor with his grown-up good looks who can always make her laugh? As Brooklyn settles in at Rosewood, she’s faced with new friends, new challenges and new opportunities to make herself into the girl she always wanted to be. Whoever that might be.

Taking The Reins is the first installment of The Rosewoods, an exciting new Young Adult series for readers who love fun, flirty love stories.

Sunday 2 October 2016

The Singalong Society For Singles – Katey Lovell

The Singalong Society For Singles is a story about Monique (Mon) and her friends. Mon’s childhood sweetheart Justin, has just dropped the bombshell on her that he’s going to go and work in America for a year. It comes as a shock to Mon and her friends love lives aren’t going much better. So together they decide to start a club where every Friday they all meet up, eat food, drink wine and watch their favourite musicals. However, when 2 males unexpectedly join the club perhaps they can change the group’s opinions on being single. 
I love musicals and the idea of this club sounds so fun, so for me it was a complete effortless read that you just wanted to never end. I was pretty much sold on this book from the second I read which musicals were going to be included in the novel. I really enjoyed the way that the author writes and I’ll certainly be looking at reading some of her other novels. The story wasn’t just the story of Mon but instead weaved in multiple storylines but without it being too much and confusing. It fact every additional piece of important you gained about Mon and her friends just added to the enjoyment of the book. I’m also a tiny bit bias as this book is set in Sheffield so as I live very near I am well aware of all the places that the characters visit in the book.
The characters all brought slightly different elements to the book including new members Ray and Liam who just slotted in with the gang as if they’d always known the friends. I found all of the characters were enjoyable to read about and each one had their own mission and issues with life which are all slightly touched upon.
If you read the synopsis and like the sound of this novel then I can safely say you will love this book. I personally loved the addition of musicals and think it’s an interesting concept to loosely base a novel around. I loved the story, I loved the characters – this book is just a really great read.   
Synopsis –
Monique and Issy are teachers, housemates and lovers of musicals! Their Friday night routine consists of snacks, wine and the Frozen DVD. So when Monique’s boyfriend moves to America for a year and her sister Hope moves in because of her own relationship woes, Friday nights get a new name… ‘The Singalong Society for Singletons’!

It’s a chance to get together, sing along to their favourite tracks from the best-loved West End shows, and forget the worries of work, relationships and love (or lack of it). But when Issy shares the details of their little group further afield, they get some unexpected new members who might just change their opinions on singledom for good….

Tuesday 27 September 2016

A New York Love Story – Cassie Rocca

Clover loves Christmas, good job really as her job consists of buying people presents. She can’t afford to live in Manhatten so lives just across the water in a quiet area of Staten Island. Meanwhile, world famous Hollywood actor Cade Harrision has just had a messy public breakup with an actress and has fled to an apartment in New York...more specifically Staten Island, bang opposite Clover’s apartment. Their lives are completely different yet when meeting at Christmas even the most magical things can happen.

I love New York, I love Christmas and I love storylines like this one! When I first started the book I worried that it wasn’t going to meet my expectations as it took me a few chapters in to get hooked then before I knew it I ended up spending the entire day sat on a chair reading this book! It's such a cute, Christmas read!

I loved the characters. Clover is different - in a good one! She desperately tries to please her family but with no joy but she loves her job and has great friends. I found her very enjoyable to read about. Her life couldn't be more different from the life of a Hollywood actor so instead of falling at Cade's feet at the sight of him she has quite an adverse reaction. Personally I liked the fact that she didn't instantly like him and it took somewhat grovelling from Cade to get her attention. Meanwhile, Cade is the typical egotistical famous person on the surface but as his barriers start to crumble it's revealed he does have a caring side. Clover and Cade interacted well together and provided some sickeningly adorable romantic moments which I loved!

It's getting to the season where Christmas is starting to get in the back of people's minds. If you're ready for a book set over the Christmas period and you love a good romance story, particularly involving a famous individual then you will absolutely love this book! I loved reading it now but I know that I'll be digging this book out for a reread over the festive period in a few months. 

Synopsis –

Giving a present is not always easy. Clover O’Brian knows that only too well: her job consists of helping people in the arduous task of choosing unusual gifts. Christmas is coming, New York is buzzing, and Clover, who has always loved the festive period, savours the atmosphere.

Cade Harrison already has everything in life. A Hollywood actor, he is handsome, rich, famous and popular. Success, however, has its downsides; having just emerged from a disastrous relationship with an actress, he feels a need to hide away in an area unfrequented by stars, in an apartment lent him by a friend, far from prying eyes – especially those of tabloid reporters. But as chance will have it, the apartment in question is right opposite the one occupied by Clover, who until now has seen Hollywood actors only on the big screen. Two quite different lives meet by chance, at the most exhilarating time of year…

Saturday 24 September 2016

Loserville - Montgomery Theatre Sheffield

Loserville is the first musical that made it to the West End stage that was written by James Bourne and Elliot Davis. As you know by this blog I'm a huge fan of James Bourne and as I was at university in London at the time Loserville was in the West End I saw the show on a number of occasions and loved every performance I saw. Well now I'm back home I couldn't resist going when I saw Loserville was coming to the Montgomery Theatre in Sheffield! 

Loserville revolves around Michael Dork. He's is the ultimate computer geek whose determined to change the world by inventing emails. As expected he is bullied at school but is determined to keep trying to success with help from his friends Lucas, Frances and Marvin and of course potential love interest Holly. It's a typical geek/popular crowd story line but add in music from Son Of Dork's Welcome To Loserville album, talented actors and you've got yourself one hell of a musical!

This particular performance was put on by Splinters Theatre Group, a young persons musical company for those aged between 14-30. What a talented bunch of performers, they could easily match those who I saw playing the characters in the West End. Richard Granger playing Michael Dork was phenomenal. He had captured the awkwardness of the character perfectly and was a great lead. Lucy Keeton who plays love interest Holly was also extremely good. Her vocals throughout were fantastic and unbelievably I discovered she is only 17! Certainly a name to watch in the future. I also particularly enjoyed Matthew Bevan's performance of Lucas and Joseph Oliver Walker's as Eddie. It's worth mentioning however, that every single performer on that stage was enthusiastic and energetic. I know I'll certainly be checking out future Splinters theatre shows.  

Sadly today was the last day in which Loserville is showing in Sheffield but I was given a flyer for Rock Of Ages on the way out of the theatre, if you'd like to catch this talented group of actors in action in the future!

Sunday 18 September 2016

The One Where I Attended Friends Fest

The final episode of Friends may have aired on television over ten years ago now but that doesn’t stop people from loving the show as much as it did when it aired. Last year, Comedy Central launched the first ever Friends Fest in London except it sold out in seconds, well this year they’ve brought it back and it’s touring the UK! Of course, having missed out on the London tickets last year I instantly bought a ticket for when it came to Harewood House in Leeds.

Friends Fest is basically one large photo opportunity. You can the chance to visit some of the shows most iconic sets such as Monica’s apartment. I spent a good hour and a half at Friends Fest this weekend and for someone who is a big fan of the show they’ll love getting snaps in the sets. 
At £25.00 a ticket (compared to £5 in London last year) the tickets had gone up in price quite substantially and in my own opinion I felt it was a little expensive for what you actually got. You didn’t get any time at all in any of the sets, just one quick photo in various locations and you’re out. The time spent in Friends Fest pretty much consisted of queuing for photos in the sets and then being quickly ushered onto the next one. It was very interesting however to see the attention to detail in all of the sets, it’s just such a pity you weren’t given more time to look at things. However, the photos that are taken on the sets from the day are incredible and for any Friends fan its incredible to now watch the show and keep pointing out locations where you’ve actually been into! It was also nice that the event didn’t have official photographers so at no point where you being pressured into buying photos. 
The food and beverage outlets were all Friends themed which I thought was a nice touch. From New York Ice Cream to The Chick & The Duck Bar everything has some kind of connection to the show. However, if you’re attending at one of the future events make sure you take enough money as expected from events everything is rather experience – £7.50 for a cocktail and £3 for an ice cream for example.     
I love Friends and even queued for most of the day to get into a pop up Central Perk that had opened in celebration for the 10th anniversary whilst I was on holiday in New York City a few years back. Personally, although New York was only the one set I felt it overall was done much better. For one it was free to get inside and when inside you were given a free coffee to drink in Central Perk. At Friends Fest, the entirety of Central Perk was just a photo opportunity and you were ushered out rather quickly. When you’re paying £25.00 admission, maybe if they had offered a free coffee for example if may have made the ticket price more worthwhile and it’s still very fitting with the Friends theme.
Although the event was a little steeply priced it certainly is a must for any fan of the show! Fans will love getting photos in Monica’s apartment, in Central Perk and other locations and they’ll certainly be showing everyone photos from the day! Personally, I’m glad that I went as I loved seeing the sets but I think for what you get it’s a onetime visit thing so probably wouldn’t go again if it tours again next year

Tuesday 13 September 2016

Kisses On A Paper Airplane - Sarah Vance-Tompkins

Hannah is American but manages to get a place at a drama school in London. Things are going well for her in London until unexpectedly she gets a call from her mother that she is getting married and needs to come home straight away from the wedding. Her future step dad (who Hannah has yet to meet) buys her a first class plane ticket back to America to make the journey easier. Hannah is a very nervous flyer and as soon as she gets to the airport she discovers her flight is delayed meaning she has more time to panic in the first class lounge before her flight departs. It is here she ends up befriending world famous pop star Theo Callahan, except Hannah doesn't recognise him. Hannah is saving her first kiss for her Prince Charming could it be possible that this strange she's just met could be the one? 

I've read mixed reviews on this book but oh my goodness I loved it. Everyone knows I love this kind of storyline and sometimes I just love a book I can read very quickly - I am a fast reader anyway but finished Kisses On A Paper Airplane in around an hour. I loved the idea of Hannah going on a airplane and befriending a celebrity. If you've ever flown alone and didn't m think about which of your favourite celebrity could be sat next to you on the flight then you did it wrong! I think this book wonderfully taps into that small part of you that fantasises about who you could end up sat next to on a plane. 


The book wasn't very long so you didn't get an in depth introduction to the characters. However. I did enjoy reading about Hannah and Theo and the book did offer some very cute reading moments between the pair which I loved.


If you're looking for a fast little read about a normal person meeting a celebrity then I think you will love Kisses On A Airplane. 


Synopsis -


Drama student Hannah Evans isn't kissing any frogs on her path to find Prince Charming. She's determined to share the perfect first kiss -- with the perfect boy -- in the perfect place -- or she's not kissing anyone at all. When Hannah meets a cute ginger-haired boy in first class lounge in the London airport, she knows he's 'The One.'


Pop star Theo Callahan is on the road to get as far away as possible from his back-stabbing best friend, and his supermodel girlfriend who broke his heart. Until one shy smile from Hannah has him rethinking all of his travel plans.

Theo is smitten, but he's worried she's just a groupie in search of the ultimate selfie. Can Theo learn to trust Hannah in time to share one perfect first kiss, or will Hannah be forced to kiss a frog?

Thursday 8 September 2016

Dear 10 Year Old Self

I have a million and one things I need to actually be writing right now with deadlines rapidly approaching except I've been struck with a severe case of writers block. Last weekend I had a real Busted packed weekend seeing and meeting them on both days. I was having a conversation with a friend I attended with about how much we wished we could go back and tell ourselves when we were younger just all the incredible things that have happened since with Busted. I was absolutely obsessed with them back then, even more than I am now which may come as a shock if you know me now! So I figured I would write myself that letter to tell my younger self because writing something is better than writing nothing at all when you have writers block...right? So here goes....

Dear 10 year old self,

Future present day me found your diary the other day. It is 2003 and you're age 10 rapidly approaching 11 in the summer - what an interesting year that turned out to be. Why? Well 2003 is seemingly the year you started to get crushes on boys. Except not on boys you know in real life, just famous ones. In 2003 you were hopelessly crushing on 'James from Busted' as you were repeatedly calling him in your diary back then. Oh boy did you write some embarrassing stuff in that diary that year! It made me chuckle as on one particular day in May you were fed up of being in 'love' with James from Busted and hoped that your crush on him wouldn't last much longer. Well 10 year old me, you may need to sit down for this one as 14 years later, believe it or not your current self still absolutely loves him and Busted.

If maybe you had been like other people your age and became obsessed with Pokemon, maybe it would've been easier as that fad would've moved on, because I'll tell you now that very soon that band you love so much and hold so close to your heart will make your heart shatter into pieces. As strange as it seems now as you can't imagine them doing anything of the sort, it'll be your first experience of heartbreak. They'll make you cry yourself to sleep for months, refuse to eat food and hold a decade long grudge against one of the band members. It seems silly now looking back but they absolutely destroyed you for a little while.

It's not all bad though. You'll find a band called McFly next year and without them in your life I don't know how you would managed to get through the next few years. You'll love there music and through them you'll meet someone who will end up being one of your closest friends in years to come. McFly will give you some of the best memories you'll ever have so ignore people's teasing about you liking them and just enjoy every single wonderful moment they'll give you in the coming years. Present me still hasn't got the hang of the whole ignoring what people say thing but she's now not the slightest bit ashamed of what she enjoys doing, something I wish you had learnt sooner. I mean in a few years time you'll go on stage in a beach hut with McFly, you'll have the most incredible experience doing that but try to not be disappointed that none of your school friends care about what you did. 

Despite the fact they broke your heart, you still end up seeing Busted quite a lot over the years to come just maybe not quite as the band you love now. You'll meet James in 3 years time for the first time and you pretty much cried in his face when he said he liked your Mickey Mouse tshirt you were wearing. Maybe now you know about that you could avoid doing it? Years later I still cringe at how embarrassing that moment was, but it's ok though as you'll meet him many more times in the years to come and you have never cried in his face again. Success! Heck in a few years time you'll even get to go on his tour bus and play card games until the early hours of the morning. Yes that is something that's going to happen in your life and to this day nothing will ever top how surreal that evening was so enjoy every moment when it comes along. 

It's so strange as you will not yet realise the effect Busted will have on your life. You'll obsessively learn to play piano just so you can play Psycho Girl, you try to learn guitar just so you can be even a tiny bit as talented as James Bourne, you'll travel to some far flung places and wait for hours just for them, you'll eat far too many Jaffa Cakes, you'll meet some friends who'll you be closer to than people you're at school with now, you'll do some ridiculous things just in the hope of meeting them and that pig thing? Believe me doing it will be one of the most worthwhile things you end up doing so don't give up even when you really want to.

Believe it or not 10 year old me, one day your favourite bands will collide and you'll collectively meet them all on many occasion. Remember how many hours you spent wishing you could meet Busted and McFly? How long you spend imagining just how incredible it would be to meet Busted? Well you will meet them more times than you can even imagine in the future and even more unbelievably Busted will one day recognise you and know your name. Crazy or what! I can't imagine how excited that information would make me at 10 years old. 

So 10 year old me. Enjoy loving Busted and McFly, you have nothing to be ashamed of in liking them. A song by Son Of Dork explains how you shouldn't be ashamed so much better than I can - you should check that band out I think you'll love them! Busted will have a massive impact on your life and they'll make the happiest you've ever been at certain points. But if you're interested that crush you had on James that you're currently hoping wouldn't last long? Well, somewhere along the years that starts to fade and although he'll always still be your favourite member of Busted, you'll just end up seeing him as one of the most talented and lovely people you've ever come across. Don't ever stop loving them for anyone, it doesn't matter what anyone thinks as in the years you have to come they'll bring you so much happiness and that's the most important thing. Do that, and I can guarantee you the next 14 years will be pretty darn great. 

Love from,
Future Me

Sunday 28 August 2016

The Graces - Laure Eve


I didn’t actually choose to read The Graces myself; it was one of the books that came as part of the August Illumicrate book subscription box. However, when I got the book out of the box and read the blurb I was very excited to add it to near the top of my to read pile. Well, I’ve just finished reading The Graces and I loved it.
River starts a new school and quickly discovers the Grace family. The Grace family are the town’s local legends with rumours swirling around the town about the entire family being witches. They keep themselves to themselves at school but every blue moon they invite someone to be their friend, this person is River. She doesn’t know what she’s done to capture their attention but she soon finds herself absorbs into the Grace families life, something that very few people have managed to do. 
The story itself is very similar to Twilight. Untouchable supernatural family who lets in a normal person into their house and into their secrets? Yes I’ve read similar stories before, did it matter? Not at all. I actually liked the Twilight novels except the love story in it started to bug me a little. The Graces is pretty much absent from any major love interest for River and I liked that. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and it was an absolute page turner. I started the book this morning and have just sat since reading until I finished, I just had to know how the book was going to end! Personally I found the book not overly predictable and although I had a hunch towards what was going to happen towards the end it still came as a surprise when it did. At times the story did get a little monotonous but stay with the book! Believe me by the end few chapters, like me you’ll be begging for the next book to be released. 
The characters on the whole were enjoyable to read about even if some, particularly good looking, charming Fenrin Grace were very clichĂ©d. Personally I wasn’t so keen on main character River, I didn’t like the fact that everything she did was so overly thought through and she was just so desperate to remain in the Grace families inner circle. However, I still enjoyed reading about her regardless.   
If you liked books such as Twilight but are looking for a book with a bit more to it than a love story then you must pick up The Graces. It will keep you hooked from beginning to end!

The Best Possible Answer – E Katherine Kottaras

Viviana has her entire life planned out, she will get good grades and she will get into a top university. Her parents know this and have engrained this onto her life from a young age. Of course, the best laid out plans never go the way you planned and when Viv meets a boy she falls in love with things change. Viv trusts him completely so when she sent him a racy photo of herself in confidence the last thing she expected was him to share the image around the internet. To top it off her grades are slipping, her family are falling apart and her laugh just isn’t going anyway remotely how was planned.
When I first read the blurb about The Best Possible Answer I thought that it would be a fun read but boy was I not expecting the serious book that I read. I did not expect such serious issues such as panic attacks to be raised and the author captures every single moment perfect. At times the serious issues made me have to stop reading a little while to process exactly what was happening. Some of the plot points in the book such as Viv’s ambition to go to Stanford seem to be dropped entirely as the book progresses but it’s nothing I couldn’t get over. 
It truly is such a wonderfully written story with equally wonderful characters. I found Viv enjoyable to read about and although she does make mistakes I think we handles things relatively well for her age. Her friend Sammie is great, she would stand up for her friends and always looks out for Viv’s best interests. I think everyone needs someone like Sammie in their life. The friends Viv meets at her summer job were great too in particularly Evan. Certain will it happen/wont it happen moments with Evan bugged me a little but Evan as character was a fantastic read. He was caring and like Sammie always have peoples bests interests at heart.
I enjoyed reading the book but personally I don’t think it was quite for me. It explores issues at school, with family and even mental problems and each one is explored realistically. For me, I thought it was a little too much and I find it a little overwhelming at times, Viv just seems to have every single bad thing you can think of thrown her way. I’ve heard from people who have said this book is one of their favourites so if you like the sound of the synopsis I would recommend picking it up. It’s a good read!
Synopsis -
AP Exams – check
SAT test – check
College Application – check
Date the wrong guy and ruin everything you’ve spent your whole life working for– check
Super-achiever Viviana Rabinovich-Lowe has never had room to be anything less than perfect. But her quest for perfection is derailed when her boyfriend leaks secret pictures of her to the entire school—pictures no one was ever meant to see. Making matters worse, her parents might be getting divorced and now her perfect family is falling apart. For the first time, Vivi feels like a complete and utter failure.
Then she gets a job working at the community pool, where she meets a new circle of friends who know nothing about her past. That includes Evan, a gorgeous and intriguing guy who makes her want to do something she never thought she’d do again—trust. For the first time in her life, Vivi realizes she can finally be whoever she wants. But who is that? While she tries to figure it out, she learns something they never covered in her AP courses: that it’s okay to be less than perfect, because it’s our imperfections that make us who we are.
E. Katherine Kottaras once again captures what it means to be a teenager in The Best Possible Answer.

Sunday 21 August 2016

What I Go To School For - Musical


I love the band Busted and I think band member James Bourne, has a ridiculous amount of talent. So when I heard that James Bourne (and Elliot Davis) had written a musical about Busted, I instantly knew that I had to go despite it being in Brighton, many miles away from my home in Yorkshire! I have seen (and thoroughly enjoyed) the two other musicals the pair have written together, Loserville and Out There so I knew that the Busted musical was likely to be very good.

The Busted musical aptly named What I Go To School For after the bands debut single tells the story of Busted. Flashback over 10 years ago and Busted were the biggest band in the UK at the time, they had number one singles, platinum albums, sell out tours and a very loyal fanbase but as everyone knows the band didn't quite work out as expected. The story weaves in around many of the bands biggest hits such as Crashed The Wedding, Year 3000 and Thunderbirds. A couple of new songs composed for the musical are also thrown in for good measure but don't feel an inch out of place next to the well known tracks. 

What I Go To School For was being performed by the Youth Music Theatre group meaning that every single member of the cast were between the ages of 11-21 and unbelievably it was the first youth theatre performance that I've ever seen. Wow, is all I can say about it! The talent in the entire cast was unreal. I can honestly see most, if not all, of this cast making successful West End careers for themselves in the future, they were every inch professional and the talent on the Brighton stage was incredible. The stage changes were utterly smooth and it was all extremely professional. The entire cast had the audience eating out of their hands with the catchy dance numbers, funny moments in the script (my personal favourite being a scene involving Benedict Cumberbatch) and all course thanks to the well known sing along songs. 

I feel like it's also worth mentioning how perfectly cast the 3 main actors playing the Busted band members were. I've seen Busted perform many times and all three actors (Joesph Riley - James, Zac Robinson - Matt, Roman Lewis - Charlie) had got the performance style of their respective characters completely spot on. They all just seemed to perfectly fit the roles and it is truly astounding that they'll all under 21 and playing lead characters so incredibly. 

I have seen supposedly tear jerking musicals before but I have never broke down in tears as much as I did during What I Go To School For. The scenes which showed the breakdown of Busted, literally tore me apart in the middle of the theatre. The acting from the 3 actors playing James, Matt and Charlie was superb. The emotion portrayed in there voices whilst singing songs such as Meet You There, Everything I Knew and Over Now was better than most West End performers that I've seen.

Sadly, last night I attended the last performance of the What I Go To School For musical at Brighton's Theatre Royal but if the show gets announced for a UK tour or West End transfer then I cannot urge you to go see the show enough. Busted's songs weaved in perfectly with the story and the show story was absolutely enjoyable. I related to so much of the show as I was that fan that is in the musical who made banners and homemade shirts but I attended with someone who didn't care for Busted at all and they still walked out of the theatre raving about how good the show was. A fantastic show for the whole family!

Saturday 13 August 2016

How To Keep A Boy From Kissing You - Tara Eglington

How To Keep A Boy From Kissing You by Tara Eglington is about sixteen year old Aurora Skye. Her mum walked out on her family and she’s left at home living with her NAD (new aged dad). Despite all her goings on at all, she’s extremely grounded and holds her morals high. Her biggest moral? She is saving her first kiss for her real life prince. The only problem with that is that no matter how hard she tries to find her prince he doesn’t seem to exist. Aurora and her friends audition for the school play and suddenly she finds herself cast as the lead alongside her neighbour and sworn enemy Hayden. It quickly becomes apparently that there is a kiss scene between the two causing Aurora’s wish to save her first kiss for her prince to be jeopardised. 

The title caught my attention from the start and I’m happy to say that I actually really liked this book. The outrageous extremes Aurora goes to prevent people from kissing her made me laugh out loud at times but then on the flip side Aurora’s need for approval from her mother despite everything is heartbreaking. Although the characters are somewhat exaggerated I do feel like they’ve captured high school life perfectly which I felt helped make the book even better.
I adored the characters. Aurora was instantly likeable and her friend group are just as enjoyable to read about. However, for me the stand out character is Hayden. He is simply one of the nicest characters in a book; I can’t really explain why without revealing spoilers but just know that he is a great character. I have to say though that all of the characters are so well developed and I love the way the author writes them. 

At times Aurora’s obsession with preventing anyone from kissing her (even when it was necessary for the play) got a little monotonous and from pretty much page one I predicted how this book would end, but personally I think that it only made the last few chapters all the more enjoyable. Although the whole book sort of revolves around Aurora’s first kiss, the actual romance in the book in very little. Certain chapters were just plain adorable though and I think the levels of romance for How To Keep A Boy From Kissing You is perfect.   
If you’re looking for a light hearted book I think you will enjoy this book. I would love to go back in time and give this book to 15 year old me as I think she would’ve absolutely adored this book! Having a quick google it appears that a sequel is available for this book, I’ll be patiently waiting for its UK release date as I can only imagine how swoon worthy book number two is going to be!

Synopsis –
Executor of the Find a Prince Program™ and future author, sixteen-year-old Aurora Skye is dedicated to helping others navigate the minefield that is teenage dating. Counsellor-in-residence at home, where her post-divorce ad-agency father has transformed into a NAD (New Age Dad) intent on stripping his life bare of ‘the illusionary’ (i.e. the removal of home furnishings to the point where all after-hours work must be done in lotus position on a hemp cushion) Aurora literally lives and breathes Self-Help.

When the beginning of the school year heralds the arrival of two Potential Princes™ who seem perfect for her best friends Cassie (lighthouse beacon for emotionally fragile boys suffering from traumatic breakups) and Jelena (eye-catching, elegant and intent on implementing systems of serfdom at their school) it seems as if Aurora’s fast on her way to becoming the next Dr Phil.

As Aurora discovers, however, Self-Help is far from simple. Aurora’s mother arrives home from her extended ‘holiday’ (four years solo in Spain following the infamous ‘Answering Machine Incident’) throwing the NAD into further existential crisis. With Valentine’s Day drawing closer and the new Potential Princes not stepping up to the mark, Aurora is literally forced to take to the stage to throw two couples together. However, being cast opposite Hayden Paris (boy next door and bane-of-Aurora’s life) in the school production of Much Ado about Nothing brings challenges of its own. Not only does Hayden doubt that Cupid is understaffed and thus in dire need of Aurora’s help, but playing Beatrice to his Benedict throws her carefully preserved first kiss for a Prince into jeopardy. As Aurora races to save love’s first kiss and put a stop to the NAD’s increasingly intimate relationship with her Interpretive dance teacher (guilty of putting Aurora on detention for a ‘black aura’) she is left wondering who can a self help guru turn to for help? Can she practice what she preaches? And can long-assumed frogs become Potential Princes?  

Saturday 30 July 2016

Worldwide - Jacqueline E Smith

Flashback to March and I downloaded a lot of books onto my kindle to read on my flight to America, amongst them were the first 2 books in Jacqueline E Smith's Boy Band series. Well I finished both of those books in the departure lounge before I'd even stepped foot onto the plane because I just couldn't put them down and when I came back all I could talk about to people were these incredible books I'd read rather than my holiday. So it's safe to say I was very excited by the release of the next book in the series, Worldwide.

Melissa's relationship with Sam has finally been revealed. Except not just to family and friends, to every single person in the world as Sam just happens to be a member of the worlds most popular band, The Kind Of September. The backlash she gets from dating Sam is exactly what she expected with every move herself and Sam make being documented to the world, top that off with the fact the band are falling to pieces around them, thanks to secrets everyone was hiding. Life on the road with a world famous boy band may not be as rosy as you imagine it to be!

Worldwide focusses on life in the band and more than previous books, which means you get to really get introduced to the other members of the band. They're focussed on a lot in previous books but I feel that Worldwide is the book where the attention is drifted somewhat off Sam and Melissa's relationship and more onto the band as a whole. The Kind Of September are full of varying personalities but they all work so well in the book. Personally I enjoyed reading about each member and discovering more about them as individuals as well as the dynamics between the band members.

Sam and Melissa's relationship in Worldwide is as adorable ever. Sam is pretty much the ultimate book boyfriend who you wished was real. The author is so clearly loves boybands as much as I do as she has perfectly captured every wonderful trait that you picture in your head that your favourite band member has. This certainly isn't a bad thing, as it has made Sam a delight to read about. Melissa is such a lovable character too. Even though her relationship is now out in the open she still remains a strong character and although she makes mistakes she truly does have everyone's bests interests at heart. Plus I may be a tad biased but she has a great name so that just makes her even better to read about!

I love the way in which the author writes. The story just flows so effortlessly. The characters and world they're apart of are all so realistic that you genuinely feel like you're living the life that's in the book whilst your reading. At times I genuinely had to remind myself that I wouldn't actually be going on tour with The Kind Of September - getting this sucked into a book isn't something that doesn't happen to me very often when reading books so its safe to say this book is incredible. My only complaint about the book is the ending, I can't believe the cliffhanger it leaves you on and that I now have to wait patiently for the next book to be released. However, on the flip side the ending means that hopefully another Boyband novel is going to be on it's way which makes me very happy.

For anyone whose ever loved a boyband you will absolutely adore these series of books and I cannot urge you enough to read the entire series. I feel like you shouldn't read any of the books in the series as standalones a so please start at the beginning and read your way through. I read a lot of books and books that you just wish would never end/want to keep reading over and over again are few and far between, this series of books definitely falls in that category. Please stop what you're doing right now and buy these books! Now as for me, I'm off to go start reading the Boyband books from the beginning once again as I just can't get enough of reading about Sam and Melissa.

Click here to buy Worldwide - Jacqueline E Smith from Amazon

Synopsis - 

Melissa Parker’s secret is out.

Now that the entire world knows she’s dating Sam Morneau, Mel suddenly finds herself and her relationship under the intense scrutiny of celebrity gossip bloggers, curious fans, and appropriately concerned family members.

But then, that’s nothing compared to the other secrets and scandals that plague The Kind of September. In the midst of their long-anticipated world tour, a toxic combination of infidelity and betrayal has left the band and its fan base angry, confused, and ultimately broken.

No one ever said that life with the world’s most popular boy band was easy, but in spite of everything she's seen, Mel is still willing to believe that it’s worth it.

Wednesday 27 July 2016

Songs About A Girl - Competition

A few weeks ago I read an advance copy of Songs About A Girl by Chris Russell. The book follows Charlie as she is invited to be the photographer for boyband Fire & Lights. If you love reading novels about boy bands you will love Songs About A Girl. Click here to read my review. 

To celebrate the release of Songs About A Girl which is out tomorrow, I am running an amazing giveaway right here on this blog! I am offering the chance for one lucky person (UK residents only I'm afraid) to win a signed copy of Songs About A Girl and a selection of the Miss Sporty makeup pictured above. What more could you want? A massive thank you to Hachette Children's Group and Miss Sporty, who are are very kindly providing the signed copy of Songs About A Girl and the selection of makeup. 

Want to know how to enter? Well it's simple! All you have to do is answer the follow simple question 

What is the name of the band in Songs About A Girl?

If you know the answer simply email your answer to -

thoughtsbeforebreakfast@gmail.com

One of the winning answers emailed in will be selected entirely at random to win the signed copy of the book and selection of makeup. 

The closing date for the competition is in a weeks time, 4th August. So hurry and get your entries in!

Remember if you don't win Songs About A Girl by Chris Russell is out now and I would highly recommend buying it as your next must read book.

Saturday 16 July 2016

On The Other Side - Carrie Hope Fletcher

If you read my review of Carrie Hope Fletcher's first book, All I Know Now, you'll know that I wasn't overly keen so my expectations weren't high for her first fiction novel, On The Other Side. Really I just don't think I was the target audience for All I Know Now, regardless I think Fletcher is an extremely talented individual and the synopsis for her new book sounded brilliant so I had to give it a read. Well, I've just finished On The Other Side and I am very impressed.  

On The Other Side tells the story of Evie Snow, who at the age of 82 has just died. Evie is stuck in limbo, she can't enter heaven as her soul is too heavy. The only way she can pass through is to go back to the living world and get rid of the things that are making her soul heavy. It is soon discovered that Evie has been keeping three big secrets to herself her entire life and it is these secrets that are weighing down her soul.

I loved the story and I just wished that I had thought of this idea myself! I find a lot of books that flick from past and present tend to involve a lot of page turning backwards to remind myself of what's happened but On The Other Side effortlessly flows. The book has a slight magical element too which the author somehow managed to write and weave into the story with it remaining believable in the real world. My particular favourite example of this is how the wall transports Evie back into the living world.  

It did take me a couple of chapters to get completely hooked to the story but once I did I just couldn't put the book down. From around 70% of the book onwards it truly was a book you couldn't put down as things started to weave together. On The Other Side is sickeningly romantic at times (which I love!) and provided some moments which genuinely made me cry - pretty much everything I want from a book! I did have a few issues with the plot but nothing I couldn't get over and it didn't stop my enjoyment of the book at all.

Aside from the fact the names of all the characters are wonderful, the characters are a delight to read about. I personally loved Evie Snow. Her vibrant personality just streams out of the pages and you can't help but love her. Having watched many of Fletcher's YouTube videos, I can certainly see connections between herself and Evie, I'm not sure whether this is intentional but it'll certainly make her loyal following happy to see the parallels. Vincent Winters is an interesting character. My only real complaint is that the book could have perhaps followed Vincent's story more as I felt certain parts of his story were rushed but at the end of the day this book is about Evie so his involvement in the story is probably just right. Jim the other leading male character in the book was also wonderful to read about, he's arguably the most thoughtful, caring and selfless man I've ever read about in a novel. A character in On The Other Side is gay. I won't reveal who to avoid spoilers but credit to the author (who has a younger fanbase) for including a gay character. The addition of them didn't feel forced and the character worked perfectly with the story.     

A special mention has to be given to the actual book cover, whoever designed it certain deserves a pay rise. Not only is it a stunning cover, every single part of it is entwined with important elements of the story. Not one thing that appears on the cover doesn't relate to the book and I absolutely love that. Also a special nod goes out to Fletcher's fans on the inside which I felt was also a lovely touch. 

I'd give this book at solid 4 out of 5 because I did enjoy the story and reading about the character, however for me its not a book I could read over and over again which is why I wouldn't give it 5 stars. I'm very excited to see what Carrie Hope Fletcher has up her sleeve for her next novel because On The Other Side was an impressive debut novel, I can only imagine that she'll only keep improving in future novels.

As an aside Carrie Hope Fletcher is doing a Waterstones book tour for this novel so if you're wanting to go meet her and get your book signed then visit the Waterstones website for more details by clicking here

Synopsis -

A love story like no other, this is the debut novel from Carrie Hope Fletcher, author of the Sunday Times No. 1 bestseller All I Know Now.

Evie Snow is eighty-two when she quietly passes away in her sleep, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. It's the way most people wish to leave the world but when Evie reaches the door of her own private heaven, she finds that she's become her twenty-seven-year-old self and the door won't open.

Evie's soul must be light enough to pass through so she needs to get rid of whatever is making her soul heavy. For Evie, this means unburdening herself of the three secrets that have weighed her down for over fifty years, so she must find a way to reveal them before it's too late. As Evie begins the journey of a lifetime, she learns more about life and love than she ever thought possible, and somehow , some way, she may also find her way back to her long lost love . . .

On the Other Side will transport you to a world that is impossible to forget. Powerful, magical and utterly romantic, this is a love story like no other from everyone's favourite 'big sister', Carrie Hope Fletcher.

Four Weddings And A Fiasco - Catherine Ferguson

Four Weddings And A Fiasco tells the story of Katy who is a wedding photographer. She's had a long grudge against her sister, she has terrible luck in her love life and mountains of debt are lining up at her door. All she wants to do is get her life on track and her business booming and to do that it means no distractions!

I liked Katy. She's a much stronger person than I would ever be. Considering how much things she has going on in her life she remains a very strong person. I also love how she has morals and is always putting her family first. I really enjoyed reading about her. In fact, I enjoyed reading of all the characters in the book, from her friends, to potential love interests to crazy brides to be. 

Four Weddings And A Fiasco was a quick enjoyable read. I think if you're going on holiday and are looking for an enjoyable light hearted book to read by the pool then this is exactly the book you should buy.

Synopsis -

The new novel from ebook bestseller, Catherine Ferguson. As fresh and bubbly as a pint of homemade lemonade on a hot day, this is the only book you need this summer.

Meet Katy Peacock. She has a fun-filled life as colourful as her name, and you can always rely on her to be the life and soul of any party. And it’s a good job too, given she spends her weekends photographing other people’s weddings.

Yet underneath it all, things aren’t so good. Her wedding photography business has fallen on tough times, and she’s had her heart broken more times than she cares to remember.

But she’ll get through it, she knows she will. She just needs to avoid best men, bad men, and ushers of any variety. Oh dear…

Tuesday 12 July 2016

When We Collided - Emery Lord

I didn't actually chose to read When We Collided myself, it was a part of the previous quarters Illumicrate book subscription box. I'd seen the cover being posted on social media but I had no clue what it was about and when it arrived I just steamed straight into reading it without even reading the blurb. Within the first couple of pages I was getting major John Green vibes which would've been fantastic for a lot of people, I don't actually like the stories that John Green writes and unfortunately I didn't enjoy When We Collided by Emery Lord either. 

When We Collided is told from two different perspectives Vivi and Jonah. Vivi has a few of her own personal demons and Jonah is experiencing an extremely hard time thanks to his family traumas. When the pair meet at an art class, the attraction between the pair is undeniable. Is love possible when both people have their own personal issues to address?

I read this book when I was ill. I physically struggled to move from bed so I basically spent the entire time I was awake reading this book. However, I feel like if I'd read this book on a normal day I would've found it an effort to read and perhaps I may not have even reached the end of the book.

I hated Vivi. I hate writing reviews about people with illnesses as I genuinely feel like I'm a bad person but Vivi is genuinely a horrible person. I am no stranger to mental issues, but not one person I know who struggles acts like Vivi. I found her just plain irritating, I can't even being to start to explain how much I disliked reading her. I admire Jonah for stepping up to help look after his family but he lets Vivi walk all over him. I simply just did not gel with either of the characters and frankly I didn't care about what happened to the pair.

I already know that some people will absolutely love this book. But for me, within a first couple of pages I knew I wasn't going to like it, a shame as the cover is so wonderful. Massive credit to the author for writing a young adult book focussing on mental issues but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.

Synopsis - 

Seventeen year-old Jonah Daniels has lived in Verona Cove, California, his whole life, and only one thing has ever changed: his father used to be alive, and now he is not. With a mother lost in a deep bout of depression, Jonah and his five siblings struggle to keep up their home and the restaurant their dad left behind. But at the start of summer, a second change rolls in: Vivi Alexander, the new girl in town. 

Vivi is in love with life. Charming and unfiltered, she refuses to be held down by the medicine she's told should make her feel better. After meeting Jonah, she slides into the Daniels' household seamlessly, winning over each sibling with her imagination and gameness. But it's not long before Vivi's zest for life begins to falter. Soon her adventurousness becomes all-out danger-seeking. 

Through each high and low, Vivi and Jonah's love is put to the test . . . but what happens when love simply isn't enough?

Friday 1 July 2016

Love To Hate You - Anna Premoli

They say not to judge a book by its cover but admittedly I wanted to read this book solely based on its cover, it instantly got my attention. Then what I read the synopsis I knew that Love To Hate You was a book that I just had to read and boy it did not disappoint!

Love To Hate You is about very independent tax lawyer Jennifer and her colleague Ian who is the most desirable bachelor with royal connections. Both met many years ago when they worked on a tax project together and Jennifer was given a promotion over Ian. Since then, the pair have violently clashed and now the company makes sure that the pair never work together again – they even have offices far apart as their arguments are so explosive! Then unfortunately one day Jennifer is running late to the office and somehow one of Jennifer’s clients, Lord Beverly demands that both Jennifer and Ian work on his project. Arguments begin in the offices that are so bad that the pairs boss demands that they work on the project outside work in neutral territory. Then one day the paparazzi photograph Jennifer and Ian on one of their work dinner outings and she is instantly labelled as his new girlfriend which leads to Ian begging Jennifer to pretend to be his girlfriend to keep away the many women that launch themselves at him. However, somewhere as their fake relationship progresses, the lines between what is fake and what is real start to blur.

I personally loved every second of reading this book. I read a lot of romance novels and somewhat surprisingly, I don’t think that I’ve read a book about a love/hate relationship before and it worked so well in this novel. You can absolutely see why Jenny and Ian fell out, they’re both passionate about their careers and when one gets a promotion its bound to cause tension. Although I find it a little ridiculous that they still carry it on to such extremes years after the event, it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book.

Jenny and Ian are great lead characters, providing some absolute laugh out loud moments. One of my personal favourites being when vegetarian Jenny ends up being involved in a hunt. Although they come from very different families, Ian’s being a well to do, noble family who love to hunt and Jenny’s being strict vegetarians who despise nobility and helping the rich, they somehow work so well together other they’d both disagree with that statement! Being able to read Jenny’s thoughts was a great addition, she’s a very funny character. Ian was a great love interest. He was the perfect gentleman throughout, it’s no wonder everyone but Jenny falls madly in love with him!

My only slightly gripe about Love to Hate You is that I feel that the pacing was a little rushed towards the end, maybe that was just me not wanting the book to end though. If you’re a fan of love/hate relationships I really do think you’ll love this book. I’m certainly going to be keeping my eye out for future novels by Anna Premoli. 

Synopsis -

Jennifer and Ian have known each other for seven years. They are leaders of two different teams in the same London bank, and are constantly engaged in a running battle to be number one. 
Ian is a handsome, wealthy and sought-after bachelor; Jennifer is a feisty, independent lawyer. When they are thrown together to work on the same project, Ian makes Jenny an offer she can't refuse: to have free reign of their rich client if she pretends to be his girlfriend. 
Soon, it becomes more and more difficult to tell the difference between fiction and reality...

Saturday 25 June 2016

Love Song - Sophia Bennett

I'm not sure whether I'm just actively seeking books with boybands in them but 2016 seems to be the year of boy band books which certainly is not a bad thing. Love Song by Sophia Bennett is the latest book I've read which revolves around a boy band and it's one of my favourite boy band novels I've read so far.

The book tells the story of Nina who hates boybands. She is probably the only female in the world who hasn't fallen for the charm and good looks of the latest boyband, The Point. Nina's sister however loves the band and drags Nina to a meet and greet with the band. Then thanks to a freak accident during the meet and greet Nina finds herself landing a job as the assistant to the lead singer, Jamie's, fiancĂ© who just happens to go everywhere with the band. Nina's life changes overnight as she finds herself on tour with the band, learning that the band may not be as perfect as they lead you to believe. 

I have been desperate to read Love Song for such a long time now and boy did it not disappoint! It's one of those books that is effortless to read and you just want it to never end. It was engaging, I loved the characters, I loved the cute little moments the characters had together - I just loved this book! 

I think everyone can relate to Nina. From her first meeting of The Point I loved her. She's just a normal, down to earth character who stands up for herself and has morals. She doesn't fall at the feet of the hottest band in the world and that is exactly why this book is so brilliant. The Point are just the dream band to read about too. Although at the beginning they seem to be a little arrogant and somewhat harsh towards Nina as you read more about them and there rock star demeanour starts to shatter you grow to absolutely love them. Jamie and Angus in particular are the real stand out members who I could never stop reading about. 

If you've ever even slightly loved a boy band then you will love reading Love Story.  It's a book that you can pick up then hours later you've finished it and it only feels like you've been reading minutes as it's just that good to read. I just loved it and I couldn't recommend that you pick this up as your next book to read next. Now all that's left for me to do is keep my fingers crossed they'll be more novels about Nina and The Point in the future...

Synopsis -

Seventeen-year-old Nina doesn't get why everyone's obsessed with The Point - but when she averts a backstage disaster and is offered a job on tour, she can hardly turn it down. She quickly learns that being with the hottest band on the planet isn't as easy as it looks: behind the scenes, the boys are on the verge of splitting up. Tasked with keeping an eye on four gorgeous but spoiled rock stars, Nina's determined to stick it out - and not fall for any of them ...