The Bookish Best Of... Books That Surprised Us in 2014

From the underwhelming, the over hyped and those surprise reads that I didn't expect to be so incredible. Even those I'm surprised that I didn't burn, which seems to make up the majority of my list. So which ones delighted and which titles disappointed? Here's the books that surprised me in 2014.

Crash and Burn


Anything to Have You
Check out My Review
Utterly ridiculous storyline. Natalie is a homebody and has a bright future ahead of her. Her best friend Brooke is a wild party girl with a neglected boyfriend, who is an asshole in a pretty package so of course Natalie has a thing for him. My biggest issue, that although these are very real situations that teens navigate each day through the choices they make, there doesn't seem to be any learning curve here. Just carry on and it'll sort itself out. There are a few instances of living with the consequences of your actions but considering the intended teen audience, I couldn't see the positive message it should have portrayed. Girls with no self respect, sex that could be considered as rape when one participant has blacked out, the lying, cheating and no fear of repercussions as there were none.


Don't Believe the Hype


As much as I enjoyed Lauren Oliver's Delirium series, the hype surrounding Panic was overwhelming. Marketed as Science Fiction, it's actually a contemporary that I was able to endure up until the last few chapters but I couldn't go on. A sleepy country town and teens with energy to burn engage in a dangerous and ridiculous deadly game of Panic. Told from two points of view as third person narrative which felt uncomfortable and detached. Natalie is pining over the loss of her boyfriend and Dodge is seeking retribution and revenge for the Panic accident that nearly took his sister's life. But the concept I found to be utter lunacy. 

It's not a board game, it's stupidity and should come with a warning for other idiots not to try this one at home.


I May have Peed a Little


The Summer of Kicks
Check out My Review
Socially awkward turned rockstar and just trying to lure in a girlfriend. Quirky family, a few deranged friends and being Australian, I knew I'd enjoy this one. But what I didn't expect was to utterly fall in love with Starrphyre and his merry band of dorks. His father a music trivia buff, his mother a sex therapist and then there's a girl who had no idea he exists. From choosing their band name from an old bingo barrel, to joining the school musical only to have his mother play the romantic interest. It wasn't only laugh out loud funny, but keep an extra pair of undies on hand, pee a little funny.

Completely underrated, it's simply the funniest, feel good experience I've ever had while reading. Grab a copy, you definitely won't be disappointed.

What Went Wrong?


Check out My Review
It should have been creepy, dark and delicious but sadly Conjured missed the mark. Recommended by Laini Taylor, I'm not entirely sure we were reading the same book.

But it was less creepy carnival, more dramatic teen romance with a touch of magic realism, paranormal, suspense with the added addition of a witness protection program. The main character also has amnesia and can't recall any new memories. I felt disconnected to her character and therefor couldn't emotionally invest in her plight. There's characters thrown in that don't add anything to the storyline and unfortunately it made for a very busy read.


Almost... But Not Quite


Razorhurst
Check out My Review
Razorhurst could have been one of my favourite books of the year. It had it all. Sassy females with drive and determination. Australian. Sydney in the thirties. Sultry, sexy and fierce. The two main characters in Kelpie and Dymphna shared the same ability to see ghosts.

Say what?

The book could have been a phenomenal read if not for the paranormal aspect, it just didn't work for me. Keplie's story was incredibly engaging, even Dymphna's life immersed in wiseguy gangs and prostitution. But seeing ghosts felt as though it was thrown in to explain the unexplainable.


Downhill Slope


Check out My Review
I loved Anna and the French Kiss. I was entertained by Lola and the Boy Next Door. But disappointed by Isla and the Happily Ever After. Readers shouldn't expect to be swept away by the romance of Paris, apart from a few international sex romp weekends. Most of the storyline seemed to have taken place in Isla's dorm, a rooftop and a coffee shop. If you love pastries and baguettes, you'll definitely be in your element.

Isla's character may have had more realistic traits, such as her constant insecurity and indecisiveness, but I found her incredibly annoying. Gone was the quirkiness that I fell in love with and replaced by a serious and overly dramatic storyline sadly.


What's been your biggest bookish disapointment of 2014?
Hit me up in the comments below.

Next week features my favourite five star reads of 2014
Want to join? Simply choose your favourite reads of 2014 and schedule your post for December the 26th. Link up will be provided next week for you to add yours.

58 comments

  1. Ewww, from the way you described Anything to Have You - plus the title! - I'm already running away. I never liked Delirium, so I'm not terribly excited for Panic (much to your delight perhaps).

    (I was planning on doing best of and worst of lists, but didn't really have time this year. I just did a best of list for October-December, lol. o_o)

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    1. I know of so many who actually liked Panic, but the idiotic kids just pissed me off quite frankly. I'd like to see you read it actually Sophia, just to see whether you liked it or not.

      I'm really sadistic like that.

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  2. Right, Razorhurst looks adorable (well...) and the cover just makes me swoon so much so I'll probably give it a go (despite the awkward paranormal moments) and I guess (judging by the cover) Conjure is set up to be a not-that-good of a read (I mean, who puts sticks into hearts? I get it...but the visual makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time).

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    1. It fits really well in with the storyline, but sadly there was too much teen drama and not so much creepy carnival in there which is what was promised.

      Razorhurst is beautifully written, but the paranormal aspect didn't sit well with me. But I do recommend it to anyone who loves the glittering thirties and mobsters.

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  3. I've heard bad things about Anything To Have you and your description makes me want to run for the hills. The tagline: where do you draw the line. Sounds more like: Wait, you crossed it, you are so far from the line, the line no longer exists. Definitely interested in The Summer of Kicks. I love funny in my books!

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    1. I like to see the positive in every book, but this one. Terrible. It's not badly written, but the characters, the storyline made me want to burn my eyeballs with a blow torch.

      The Summer of Kicks is one of my all time favourites. I can't remember ever laughing so hard reading before.

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  4. I think the book that disappointed me the most this year was Beautiful Disaster. I almost wished I never read that horrible horrible book. Gosh! Everything was just bad. What was I thinking?

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    1. I read that one last year sometime and I feel for you Taylor. I had exactly the same feelings. It was one of the first new adult titles I've read and have now realised it's become the template for every new adult that's followed.

      We need a support group for all of us that have been traumatised by the horror that is Travis Maddox.

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  5. Great picks. I read and reviewed Anything to Have You and was so disappointed by it. My review was probably more rant than anything else but I couldn't help myself. The characters just made the dumbest decisions and never learned from them. I hated the end too as I felt it sent a bad message. NOT A FAN!

    I've been hearing a lot of people say they were disappointed with Isla, makes me nervous to get to it now. I have never even heard of The Summer of Kicks but now you have me rather desperate to read it!

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    1. I wasn't either Charnell, not at all. I'm all for realistic teen contemporaries but they still need to instill some sort of consequences for the terrible decisions. But all that one seems to do is tell teens, do what you want, when you want and you'll still land on your feet.

      Isla was good, but I expected it to have the same feel as Anna and the French Kiss, which sadly it didn't. It just wasn't fun. I wanted to be swept off my feet in Paris, but felt as though I was sabotaged with a new adult title instead.

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  6. I was disappointed in Panic as well - especially since I really loved Oliver's Delirium series. Anything to Have You wasn't really on my radar before, and from the sounds of things I don't think it will be anytime soon. The Summer of Kicks looks great though - so I'll definitely be checking that one out!

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    1. I liked the first one in the series, but they went downhill for me after that sadly. That last book, it was such a cop out with how she ended it. I think based on that alone, I already had a gripe with her when starting Panic. It was ridiculous regardless though.

      The Summer of Kicks, everyone needs this in their life. EVERYONE!

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  7. ISLA...just didn't for me. Her obsessiveness did little to evoke empathy from me. She freaked me out, to be honest. Especially when she was talking about sitting on her bed and imagining that Josh was in the same place a year earlier and urgh, I don't know. It just wasn't for me. I've actually been meaning to read Razorhurst, just so I can do a little more AU authors (which I was horrible at this year) and thanks to your warning, I'm going to go in with knowledge that the shaky paranormal aspect. That way, I won't let my expectations get the better of me! Biggest disappointment this year? I won't mention the actual book because it was a finale BUT dammit, it was so conventional that my eyeballs rolled out and I've still yet to locate them. BEST FIVE STAR READS FOR NEXT WEEK? YESSS! This series is just the absolute best, Kelly! I'm obsessed :D

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    1. I think she was probably supposed to be endearing, but it really came off as creepy with a touch of psychotic didn't it. Her character was all over the place, that Josh faded into the background mostly.

      Now I need to know which one it was Jess. Okay, I've checked Goodreads and based on a quick glace, I've determined that your shitty book for the year was The One.

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  8. Oooh, I'm excited for these five-star reads!

    And lol, I didn't like Isla as much either. Still gave it five stars, but looking back I probably wouldn't. And I've had bad experiences with Lauren Oliver so I'm not keen on trying out Panic...

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    1. I think everyone's got a gripe with poor Lauren Oliver. I think I've concluded that her books are just not for me. I was thinking of giving Rooms a go, but not having much luck with any of her others, I'm thinking of giving that a miss too.

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  9. I lost it over your 'I peed a little' title buahaha. Stahp it Kelly. Aww, sad to hear you didn't enjoy Razorhurst, I absolutely loved that book. And actually really enjoyed the paranormal aspects because it gave the book a gritty and romantic feel to it...sort of like Frankenstein. And Panic sounds like this story I once read on Fictionpress...except executed badly haha.

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    1. I loved the mobster and thirties aspects, but the paranormal didn't work for me as much as I persisted. A little like Tony Soprano being able to see fairies, it felt weird. We need more pure gangster young adult books, like Underbelly for teens. Surely there must be a market for them out there.

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  10. I'm sorry you didn't like Isla. :( I loved it so much. But that's okay, we all have different tastes and opinions. :)

    I immediately went to Goodreads and added The Summer of Kicks in my TBR. I love funny books and they're usually underrated. People should read more funny books. Laughter makes the world a better place. :)

    Great list, Kelly! :D

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    1. I can certainly see it's appeal. Mine was more due to that I loved Anna and the French Kiss so much, that I wanted to recapture that feeling. I'd worked myself up to a light and fluffy read, but it was a little too dramatic for me at that point.

      I'm always on the lookout for something really funny, another one this year was Flirty Dancing. Although that's aimed at a much younger market, it's fun and fluffy and also a quick read.

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  11. Haha Conjured confused and frustrated the hell out of me. Normally, books like that is my cup of tea but this one is just too much confusion and in the end, the pretty great twist wasn't enough to salvage it. I haven't read any other books from this list but will def check out the ones you enjoyed (which is like 1 books so far?) Missed your blog Kelly!

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    1. It's lovely so see you back and reviewing again Amir, I've missed your snark!

      It was wasn't it. I didn't expect a teen drama, or instant love even as magical as it was. And the three teens slotted into the storyline that didn't contribute anything really? I still don't get it.

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  12. After seeing you say you were disappointed by Panic, I'm definitely taking it off of my mental TBR...I haven't heard anything really positive about that one at all, I'm afraid. I'm also going to stay away from Anything to Have You and Conjured.

    I own Razorhurst and Isla, and am really looking forward to reading both of them, despite hearing mixed reviews for the two of them. The Summer of Kicks sounds wonderful! I don't know why that wasn't on my Goodreads TBR before, but it's there now.

    Thanks for sharing, Kelly. :)

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    1. It's brilliant, you definitely won't be disappointed by The Summer of Kicks.

      Razorhurst and Isla and the Happily Ever After are both good, just not for me sadly. I'm looking forward to seeing what you think of them though.

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  13. Good blog post. I still need to sit down and sort through all I read this year, the good and the bad. But I think I can say "Cruel Beauty" was a big disappointment for me this year.
    I just started Isla tonight! I didn't like 'Lola' as much as 'Anna' so I am just hoping to find a cute, romantic read to snuggle down with.

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    1. I hope you have more luck with it than I did Alyssa and looking forward to seeing your thoughts. I haven't read Cruel Beauty as yet, but might move it to the backburner for when I have nothing else to read.

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  14. I haven't read any of these, but I've read multiple reviews of Panic that share your same thoughts. HMMM MOST DISAPPOINTING READ? I don't know. I don't have the brain power to go through a list. Plus I haven't read many books that I have been dying to read for a long time yet.

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    1. But now that 2015 is fast approaching, I have a feeling next year is going to be epic in terms of young adult if the early releases coming out are any indication.

      I'm super excited!

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  15. I actually really loved Panic and the whole concept behind it LOL. It was just a welcome change from standard contemporaries or dystopians. It fell into the middle almost and I liked having that thrill in a 'real life' book

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    1. It was, I completely agree that it was not only different, but seemed almost chaotic in it's writing and you don't often see something so hectic that seems to work. It was the actual storyline that peeved me though. I know it's probably because I'm older too and at that stage where I'm almost running out my front with broom in hand, shouting at the neighbourhood kids.

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  16. Ugh, don't remind me of Panic. It just had the stupidest concept ever, I mean teens literally endangering themselves for money, that sounds legit. I'm surprised that you didn't quite like Isla like everyone else seemed to love it! Although I do love pastries and food....Interesting tidbit about Laini Taylor recommending Conjured, that makes me want to move it up the list.

    Great list Kelly!

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    1. I thought that too Jeann, usually you don't see big named authors blurbing for little known books so I assumed it would be incredible.

      While it was good, I expected more creepy carnival and less teen drama and instant love. I'm looking forward to seeing what you think of it though.

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  17. First off, I love the little headings, Kelly Bear! Of course "I May Have Peed a Little" made me chuckle.

    Same thoughts on Panic! I wasn't a big fan of it, either. (Then again, I didn't enjoy Delirium.) I'm really, really scared to read Isla and the Happily Ever After. I've heard horrible things from my co-blogger Dyan. I do not want a book full of endless drama, thank you very much.

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    1. Thanks poppet. It's still very readable, but it doesn't have that same fun loving sense of adventure as Anna and Lola. It's very serious and dramatic in comparison.

      I'd actually love to see what you think of it Aimee. it would be super entertaining.

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  18. I'm with Aimee - these titles are absolutely hilarious Kelly! ;)

    And I am completely with you on these choices. I wasn't a big fan of Panic either - like you said, it was decent enough until the ending, which I found was a bit of a letdown. And I haven't been hearing the best things about Conjured or Anything to Have You, so it sounds like I did the right thing taking them off my TBR based on what you've said. ;)

    Thanks for sharing, and fabulous choices! <3

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    1. Panic, I just don't get the appeal and why more reviewers especially, haven't said how irresponsible not only the storyline is, but also giving idiot kids instructions and new ideas. It's like planking... For morons.

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  19. Oh I totally agree with Panic and Conjured. I think mine where...er, I probably have too many. >_< *hides in embarrassment* I really didn't like Noggin. It was wrapped up in a sci-fi-decapitation box with a ribbon BUT NO it was just a contemporary romance sad pathetic love story between a 16 and a 24 year old ... which was awkward to say the least. Also Belzhar and The Jewel and Atlantia. :((

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    1. Of course it happens, but 24 is a big jump from being 16 especially emotionally and needs wise. That sounds a bit icky to be honest. The same with Forbidden, have you read that one? Siblings fall in love. I know it's got huge wraps on it, but I tried to read it twice and couldn't. It's not forbidden love, and I just couldn't get my head around that one.

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  20. Yes, yes to what you said about Isla. It just wasn't adorable anymore, and there wasn't anymore nicely written romantic tension, just angst after angst-filled moment. I can't relate to the rest, though; I haven't read any of the rest!

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    1. That warm fuzzy romance was gone wasn't it, and it felt more like a well written teen drama filled story of lust. I just couldn't buy into their attraction either. I had such high hopes, I think that's what let me down most of all.

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  21. oh dude yeah, Isla was just not the book for me either. I loved Lola though, my favourite out of all 3 books. CRICKET BELL <333 I definitely didn't like Panic either--the hype just isn't right with that one.

    Nice post, Kels! <33

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    1. Thanks Poppet. Lola was quirky and fun, so not sure what went wrong with Isla. Author in a different frame of mind perhaps? Anna is still one of my favourites, but I wouldn't read the rest of the series again though.

      Panic. More like mass hysteria. I'd like to fork that one to death just quietly.

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  22. Awww I'm sad you didn't quite enjoy Isla. *sad panda face* Oh well. Love the candy romance in that book. Lol. I must find a copy of The Summer of Kicks! Thanks for the recc, hun!

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    1. Oh no, no sad Panda faces. Anything but the sad Panda face.

      It was that it was bad as such, just disappointing for me. The biggest gripe was my lack of Paris, baguettes and cafe conversations just weren't enough.

      Le sigh.

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  23. I loved Anna but avoided getting my hands on Lola or Isla since I just wasn't hearing the best things and I loved Anna way too much. PANIC was also a huge let down. It was the first book I DNF'ed this year. I had doubts going in since I wasn't fan of Pandemonium and Requiem but was hoping my love for Before I Fall and Delirium could restore some of my faith in Lauren Oliver. No such luck. It just didn't work for me. I actually rolled my eyes while reading it.

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    1. Me too Lily, I kind of expected Isla to be pretty similar.

      I think it was mine too. I felt incredibly angry that I'd wasted my time.

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  24. Aw, I'm sorry you didn't really like Isla; that was one of my favorites! I can't really think of any big disappointments this year. I guess I didn't read a ton of 2014 releases either. I kept trying to go back and read things I'd been meaning to check out for awhile.

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    1. Thanks to the Aussie publishers I'd been able to read a whole stack, and while most of them were really good, there is always a few that won't be everyone's up of tea. I liked Isla and the Happily Ever After, but just expected more seeing we were back in Paris.

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  25. I haven't read any of these books but I AGREE. I don't really, on account of I haven't read them. But I read one Lauren Oliver book and it was terrible, and I didn't like Anna and the French Kiss so I feel secure in my dismissal of any other books.

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    1. I liked Anna and the French Kiss, only because it was so fluffy and I do enjoy the occasional fluff every now and then. The book, not fluff as in a cutesy description for farting.

      Nothing cute about that.

      Lauren Oliver started out okay with her series, but the books become dramatically worse. If I Fall, pretty sure that's what it was called, couldn't even finish that one.

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  26. I haven't read any of the books on this list! Though I do have Anything To Have You and Panic on my to-read list. I've seen lots of mixed reviews for Panic, but I still want to read it. Haven't really seen many on Anything To Have You, so it's disappointing to hear it wasn't that great.
    Thanks for sharing, Kelly :)

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    1. It was more the idiot teens with no morals or learning curve. Even only being fiction, I still expected some sort of consequences for the characters actions, but sadly there were none.

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  27. I haven't read Isla yet, but I've been really looking forward to it, so I'm sorry it disappointed you!

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. I'm looking forward to seeing what you think of it Nicole. I think if you leave your expectations at the door, so to speak, you'll enjoy it so much more. It feels more new adult than young adult though.

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  28. I completely agree with Anything to Have You. It was literally the most stupid storyline ever. I came out of it thinking "what did I just read?" Actually, I read the whole thing thinking "what am I reading?" LOL The characters were so silly and a pretty bad depiction of what teenagers are like in those situations. Same with Panic. Even though I'd seen bad reviews, I was expecting a little more out of it.

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    1. It was stupid personified! I try to find the positive in every book, but that had absolutely none. I passionately loathed it.

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  29. I've had panic for so long but I think that it has literally made me not want to pick it up because of the hype! So I guess it's nice that I'm not missing much :P

    I also really want to read anna and the french kiss but I don't even own it *i'm so behind*

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    1. Anna and The French Kiss is so incredibly lovely, it's my favourite by far of the series. I'd be interested to see what you think of Panic actually, it's one of the titles that readers have loved or absolutely hated.

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