Book Review: Free To Fall by Lauren Miller

This is the same author that wrote Parallel. I didn't like this one as much, but still really enjoyed it. I didn't like it as much because it messed me up. Not like the other one where I just didn't fully grasp how the science behind it worked until the end. No, this was a whole "wtf why are they doing that, why am I reading this, why". When you read it you'll understand. It was very 1984 in the concept. Scary about how the things that are supposed to protect/entertain us can be turned against us very quickly. (Everyone panic! The world is ending because of cell phones and social media!!!!!)

Since it did mess with my brain and made me question any app I ever get again, that means it was written very well. Only books that are written well can make you believe the things they are telling you and mess with your brain like that. 

It's a little predictable however. If you've read enough young adult novels (not saying they're all the same, but there is a trend) to figure out what will most likely happen once you read the blurb. I did read it for those exact reasons, though. The execution wasn't as polished as I was hoping for. It was just too fast for me. Girl meets boy, boy challenges girl's thinking, girl realizes that maybe things aren't always what they seem, happily ever after, etc, etc. Yeah. I'm totally okay with that. There was just one part that ruined it. Love interest does something wrong and the narrator is so quick to forgive him. No! Make him work for it and prove that he'll never do it again. Preferably when one of you is dying- that means more angst and I enjoy angst a lot. Sigh. Girls, make your love interest prove to you that they won't mess up again, don't just believe them right away because you "love" them after three days. Maybe that's just me. I don't know.

The ending was pretty good- a little cheesy, but good. It could've laid off the whole "phones and social media will kill you" morale, but it had some good points in there. If she writes another book, I'll probably read it because I like her style of writing. I hope she continues with the sci-fi genre. Who knows.

Read: August 2015
My Rating: 4.5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne

Kate Quinn’s mom died last year, leaving Kate parentless and reeling. So when the unexpected shows up in her living room, Kate must confront another reality she never thought possible—or thought of at all. Kate does have a father. He’s a powerful politician. And he’s running for U.S. President. Suddenly, Kate’s moving in with a family she never knew she had, joining a campaign in support of a man she hardly knows, and falling for a rebellious boy who may not have the purest motives. This is Kate’s new life. But who is Kate? When what she truly believes flies in the face of the campaign’s talking points, she must decide. Does she turn to the family she barely knows, the boy she knows but doesn’t necessarily trust, or face a third, even scarier option?
Set against a backdrop of politics, family, and first love, this is a story of personal responsibility, complicated romance, and trying to discover who you are even as everyone tells you who you should be.

I've been looking all over for this. Seriously. It was worth the wait, though.

To be honest, I was apprehensive when I actually started reading it. I read how the narrator finds out her dad is a politician who's running for president. As a Republican. Isn't that enough to strike fear into your heart? (I kid, I have no hate for any politic affiliation.) My apprehension was coming from the story line of her basically "converting" to something different despite her initial resistance. Or that it would completely demonize that whole party. That's just dumb. No matter how much one may disagree with their standings. 

Thankfully, this was not either at all. 

It was just a story about a girl who finds herself emerged into a new world of politics and what that means. Party affiliation was just details. It also forced her to face what she truly believed in. It was also weird/interesting to read around this time because my background noise for a majority of this book was the candidates for the 2016 election. It's freakishly similar. Also unnecessary 400+ days away from the actual election but whatever. 'Merica.

There was also an element of drama and suspense throughout the novel. Either internally within the narrator or externally with her beliefs vs. those of her father's. It was a different take about politics because it was all behind the scenes. We got to see the moments that lead up to the rallies and interviews. How much was staged and how much was actually real. How true these situations are, I don't know. The narrator handled these situations like a badass. She was a great protagonist to be put in this setting. She kept things under control and only really let go when it was too much. I could really relate to her reactions despite never being in any situation close to what she was going through. 

Now, the romance was okay. It was basically used as a metaphor for the narrator "following her heart". I get that and can appreciate it, but I wish it had developed more. Also more swoons. Or at least moments of connection instead of a montage of phone calls. The end made up for it a little. It was really cute. 

If you don't mind politics and moments that make you want to possibly poison some fictional characters, then give this book a read! It's really good. 

Read: August 2015

My Rating: 5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.
Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.
Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life. 
When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them . . .

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids has been on my radar for awhile now for multiple reasons. Namely because of; diversity, interracial couple and the Pacific Northwest. 

Oh, and mermaids. Sort of. 

If you're looking for a story about actual mermaids, this isn't that. I think it was sort of like a modern re-telling of The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen. Either that or just an homage to it. The narrator can't speak, can't sing and her voice was stolen by the sea. She also meets a handsome sailor. So in those details, yes, it's similar to the Disney movie we all know and love.

But that's about where the similarities end. First off, we have a WOC (woman of color) as the narrator. Yay! The book is constantly bringing up parts of her culture without making it stereotypical, like it's "cool" or trying really hard to say that she's different. There was no "I'm [insert culture] so I do [insert thing] because I'm [insert culture]". None of that. It was just the character being herself and it was wonderful. 

The author did a great job with her culture as well as her disability. It was interesting to read from her perspective because while I'm used to constantly hearing the narrator's thoughts, I wasn't used to them not being able to share them easily. It was also interesting to see how others react to her disability. There was a wide range of them and it represented the characters well. It was also a great character development for her to lose her voice only to find it again. You'll see when you read it.

Being a PNW native myself, I was curious to see how the author would represent this rainy wasteland I call home. She did a great job. While the setting was mainly just a backdrop for the story, she captured the essence of it remarkably well. It was nice to see the narrator view it as cold and rainy until she came to realize the ancient power and wisdom it has. If you've been to the PNW, especially the Oregon coast, you'd understand.

Also, I loved the incorporation of the mermaid myth. Atargatis being the first mermaid and the town she lives in being named after her. Unfortunately, the town doesn't actually exist. (Another fictional let down. Why couldn't have Forks not existed instead?) Anyways, mermaids. It was so cool. I don't know what else to say besides read it. Seriously. It's worth it. Also it has a pretty cover. 

Read: August 2015
My Rating: 5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: Written in the Stars by Aisha Saeed

This heart-wrenching novel explores what it is like to be thrust into an unwanted marriage. Has Naila’s fate been written in the stars? Or can she still make her own destiny? 
Naila’s conservative immigrant parents have always said the same thing: She may choose what to study, how to wear her hair, and what to be when she grows up—but they will choose her husband. Following their cultural tradition, they will plan an arranged marriage for her. And until then, dating—even friendship with a boy—is forbidden. When Naila breaks their rule by falling in love with Saif, her parents are livid. Convinced she has forgotten who she truly is, they travel to Pakistan to visit relatives and explore their roots. But Naila’s vacation turns into a nightmare when she learns that plans have changed—her parents have found her a husband and they want her to marry him, now! Despite her greatest efforts, Naila is aghast to find herself cut off from everything and everyone she once knew. Her only hope of escape is Saif . . . if he can find her before it’s too late.

I always get excited when a book with diversity gets good reviews from other people. It's always great to have more books with diversity. 

I think this is a very important story for all types of people need to hear today. The story features a young girl of Pakistani heritage that ends up in an arranged marriage by her family during a "vacation". Of course, in some cases, these marriages go over smoothly and they end up very happy with each other. Other girls aren't so lucky and end up in dangerous situations. This was one of the unlucky ones.

It was difficult to read at times, because the narrator had no idea what was really going on, but as a reader you quickly realize how dire her situation becomes. While she had to face some incredibly heart-breaking things at such a young age, she handled it with as much strength as anyone could. The scariest part of this whole thing was when she began to expect her fate. She stopped fighting because she realized how useless and fetal it was. That was scary and as a reader you want to keep cheering her on. 

With such a real topic in today's society, the author handled everything very well. It was never forced down our throats that we were supposed to feel sad, that we should hate her culture or religion and it was written incredibly well. She described everything so eloquently and with vivid detail in few words so that not one page was unimportant. This book is pretty short, only around 200 pages. Which, if I'm being honest, was good because I didn't know how much more I could've taken. 

While it was a hard book to read, it's still a good one to do so. It's good to have these books with all types of diversity and allows one to understand this culture better. If you've read any of Khaled Hosseini's books, this will be very similar. #WeNeedDiverseBooks

Read: July 2015
My Rating: 4 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: Made You Up by Francesca Zappia

Reality, it turns out, is often not what you perceive it to be—sometimes, there really is someone out to get you. Made You Up tells the story of Alex, a high school senior unable to tell the difference between real life and delusion. This is a compelling and provoking literary debut that will appeal to fans of Wes Anderson, Silver Linings Playbook, and Liar.
Alex fights a daily battle to figure out the difference between reality and delusion. Armed with a take-no-prisoners attitude, her camera, a Magic 8-Ball, and her only ally (her little sister), Alex wages a war against her schizophrenia, determined to stay sane long enough to get into college. She’s pretty optimistic about her chances until classes begin, and she runs into Miles. Didn't she imagine him? Before she knows it, Alex is making friends, going to parties, falling in love, and experiencing all the usual rites of passage for teenagers. But Alex is used to being crazy. She’s not prepared for normal. 
Funny, provoking, and ultimately moving, this debut novel featuring the quintessential unreliable narrator will have readers turning the pages and trying to figure out what is real and what is made up.

Fair warning to all who are thinking about this: the story is about a girl who has schizophrenia. While it is not a story about the mental illness, it is still an important part of the story. 

If you are one who is well-versed in the genre that is Young Adult, then you are probably aware of the fact that there are a lot of book dedicated to all types of mental illness. Some are good and handle the illness as it should; with understanding and respect of it without making it to be any more or less than what it is. Others have been known to romanticize these illnesses and use them as an easy way to get popularity by tackling "hard issues". 

I praise all the higher beings out there that this one was not like the latter group at all. 

By the time the 10th page rolled around, I was in love with this book. I was laughing out loud because of how witty and genuinely funny the jokes were. The jokes were about how the protagonist, who is schizophrenic, sees things that aren't always there. It wasn't the demeaning bullying kind of joke where it made fun of it, it was just accepting of that fact and making observations in her situation. She does this throughout the book. 

Since she is the narrator of the story, she's obviously unreliable. She has auditory and visual hallucinations. I knew really soon into the novel that not everything I was seeing through her eyes were real. Which was exciting and also really interesting to know it but get so absorbed that you quickly forget. There are some obvious ones to the reader and maybe some not so obvious. 

It was just really great as a reader, to read from the perspective of a mental ill person without constantly thinking that they have this illness. After a while I just got used to her seeing red squirrels and men in suits on the school's roof. It was a part of her character as much as being good at math or living in San Diego is for other characters.

Then there was the romance. Yes, there is a romance in this book. Thankfully, her love interest does not find her "quirky" or whatever because of her illness. He just loves her for who she is and wants to be with her. He was more than able to handle the stuff in both their lives. He's a good boy.

There's also a mystery aspect. Which sounds weird since we have an unreliable narrator, but we have one anyways. It makes the story even more gripping for me. It was like playing Nancy Drew, only that some of the clues might not be real. I guessed the big plot twist like three pages before she did, so I'm really glad by that. I hate guessing correctly early on. Still confused about the scoreboard. Like, wtf. You'll understand when you read it. 

I can't wait to own this bad boy. The cover is wonderful and the story is even more so. SOON.

Read: July 2015
My Rating: 5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: Things We Know By Heart by Jessi Kirby

When Quinn Sullivan meets the recipient of her boyfriend’s donated heart, the two form an unexpected connection.
After Quinn loses her boyfriend, Trent, in an accident their junior year, she reaches out to the recipients of his donated organs in hopes of picking up the pieces of her now-unrecognizable life. She hears back from some of them, but the person who received Trent’s heart has remained silent. The essence of a person, she has always believed, is in the heart. If she finds Trent’s, then maybe she can have peace once and for all. 
Risking everything in order to finally lay her memories to rest, Quinn goes outside the system to track down nineteen-year-old Colton Thomas—a guy whose life has been forever changed by this priceless gift. But what starts as an accidental run-in quickly develops into more, sparking an undeniable attraction. She doesn't want to give in to it—especially since he has no idea how they're connected—but their time together has made Quinn feel alive again. No matter how hard she’s falling for Colton, each beat of his heart reminds her of all she’s lost…and all that remains at stake.

I read this because I loved the premise. A girls falls in love with her late boyfriend's heart  recipient. A little corny and sounds more like a Hallmark movie than a young adult novel. Okay, it was basically what you would expect, but still really good. It's just so cool to think about how love can transcend death and pieces of you can actually be connected to others after you're gone. 

This book was good, quick and nicely written. I wish the main characters had better personalities though. That sounds a little mean, but they were so... plain. Like their personalities weren't ever really brought out for me. I know they both had issues that held them back from being 100% comfortable, but we should get glimpses of what they are truly like. I think some quick-wit humor could've put this book into a whole other level. This could be mainly just a personal preference and I am the type of person who allows a heavy situation to remain that way for a while, but then I need a reprieve. Usually in the form of humor. Just think of all the puns they could've made. Yes, I know I'm a terrible human.

It just felt too heavy throughout the entire book. I know it's a sad topic, but that's not what it was about. It was about finding love after a loss, and all the problems that go along with it. It only felt light or not as heavy at the end. Having a few lighthearted moments (ehhhh see what I did there?) would've been nice. I don't think it should have been. I wanted a roller coaster of emotions. Maybe it's just me. 

Despite all this, I did enjoy it and would recommend to anyone who doesn't mind the topic for a good quick read. The cover is also pretty as well. 

Read: July 2015

My Rating: 3.5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: Parallel by Lauren Miller

Abby Barnes had a plan. The Plan. She'd go to Northwestern, major in journalism, and land a job at a national newspaper, all before she turned twenty-two. But one tiny choice—taking a drama class her senior year of high school—changed all that. Now, on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Abby is stuck on a Hollywood movie set, miles from where she wants to be, wishing she could rewind her life. The next morning, she's in a dorm room at Yale, with no memory of how she got there. Overnight, it's as if her past has been rewritten.With the help of Caitlin, her science-savvy BFF, Abby discovers that this new reality is the result of a cosmic collision of parallel universes that has Abby living an alternate version of her life. And not only that: Abby's life changes every time her parallel self makes a new choice. Meanwhile, her parallel is living out Abby's senior year of high school and falling for someone Abby's never even met.

As she struggles to navigate her ever-shifting existence, forced to live out the consequences of a path she didn't choose, Abby must let go of the Plan and learn to focus on the present, without losing sight of who she is, the boy who might just be her soul mate, and the destiny that's finally within reach.

This had been on my radar for quite some time but never got around to actually reading it. I don't know why I waited so long because it's a time travel/parallel universe story and I love those. They are easy for me to understand, and I love seeing how each author explains how these worlds work. 

Surprisingly, this one took a lot of brain power to fully understand. Actually, to be completely honest, I still don't fully understand. It's definitely a new theory/adaptation on parallel universes that I haven't read before, so really happy about that. You kind of learn with the protagonist through her journey to understanding it all. There's also a lot of scientific jargon that make it more believable. 

There's also a time leap from chapter to chapter. The protagonist doesn't remember the her senior year and we get to see everything that leads up to her present. Well, technically it's just her consciousness living out her parallel's life. Complicated, I know. It was weird seeing the path lead out for her while also adjusting to changes being made. It's confusing if you don't read it. How it happens it's that you make choices and in a parallel universe, you made a different one than the one you made. So interesting to think that the littlest things can have the potential to greatly steer our lives onto different paths. Anyways.

I did not like one of the love interests. Like, at all. I was very, very happy when the ending that explained everything and made it nice again happened. No spoilers, sweetie! But man, getting there, whoo boy. There's a point in the book where everything just goes to shi- poop. Just everything. It was So. Painful. You just wanted everything to go smoothly and her to end up with the right guy and UGH.

THE ENDING THOUGH. GOODNESS. I really want a sequel. Or an epilogue. SOMETHING. I know everything will be okay because it ended and stuff, but I want to know for sure. Everything just went poof! and all the trouble gone. Just read it. It's a good book in its own right and does a fantastic job in the parallel universe department, despite my slow understanding. I felt things and I wanted to throw the book. That means it's written very well. Ugh.

Read: July 2015

My Rating: 4.5 stars / 5 stars

The Quintessential Summer Reads

I'm well aware that it's not really summer anymore, but you can see feel the sand between your toes by reading these books! Escape to summer romance and the constant smell of sun screen with these reads (in no particular order):

      

        

1. Dream Factory by Brad Barkley and Heather Helper
2. Start of Me and You by Emery Lord
3. Open Road Summer by Emery Lord
4. The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne
5. The Summer Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler
6. The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West
7. I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios
8. Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson
9. Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
10. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
11. The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
12.  Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Book Review: Backlash by Sarah Darer Littman

He says: You're an awful person.
He says: What makes you think I would ever ask you out?
He says: The world would be a better place without you in it.
Lara just got told off on Facebook.
She thought that Christian liked her, that he was finally going to ask her to his school's homecoming dance. They've been talking online for weeks, so what's with the sudden change? And where does he get off saying horrible things on her wall? Even worse - are they true?
It's been a long time since Lara's felt this bad, this depressed, this ugly. She's worked really hard to become pretty and happy - and make new friends after what happened in middle school.
Bree used to be best friends with overweight, depressed Lara, but constantly listening to Lara's issues got to be too much. Secretly, Bree's glad Christian called Lara out. Lara's not nearly as amazing as people think. But no one realized just how far Christian's harsh comments would push Lara. Not even Bree.
As online life collides with real life, things spiral out of control, and not just for Lara. Because when the truth starts to come together, the backlash is even more devastating than anyone could have ever imagined

You would never think I'd actually pick this book up and read it by choice if you knew me in real life.

I can not stand the whole "Hey there, kids! Today we're going to talk about some serious topics in a way that's supposed to be entertaining but is actually cringe-worthy and somewhat diminishes the topic we're talking about!! Doesn't that sound fun???!!" Read: every Glee episode ever.

This, surprisingly, was not like that at all. Besides the topic. 

It deals with cyber-bulling and the effects it has on young people today. A touchy topic for someone who uses the internet constantly and is also a young person. I was afraid it was going to be the exact replica of the ABC Family Movie Cyberbully. I didn't watch it but a friend of mine did and easily filled me in enough for me to predict what was happening. 

Luckily, this was not that. It was very real in how something can easily affect people. The feelings from each of the characters were real and supported. They weren't treated like it was a soap opera where tears are enhanced and over-dramatized. I felt sympathy for each character can could understand a level of their pain, despite being very different from one another. 

I'm very glad the "bad guy" in this story wasn't portrayed as a villain or made out to be a bad person. They were just a person who made a bad decision and are now dealing with the consequences of that. They were human. Well, there was an actual bad person in this story and I hated them. It's easy to see why and know that they are a pretty terrible person- for multiple reasons. They deserve to go to jail, to be honest. 

It was great to see that the victim of the cyberbulling wasn't cured of their depression by falling in love. They learned how to deal with the stuff that happened to them and how to face how they felt as well as how to continue from that point forward. There wasn't even really a point in the story where this could have happened. There was hints but nothing definitive. 

This was definitely a surprise for me. I don't know if I liked it or enjoyed reading it really, but I was able to feel things for the characters, so it was a good book. Any book that makes you feel anything besides anger for making you read it, is a good book. 

If you don't mind the topic or getting angry, I'd recommend it.

Read: June 2015

My Rating: 4 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1) by Marie Lu

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.
Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.
Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all. 
Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen. 
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.
It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

The excitement I had for this book was really high.

It didn't meet my high expectations unfortunately.

The story itself was really interesting and highly imaginative, but it just didn't do it for me. I don't know if I just got lost from the beginning and that made it hard to read/hard to picture what was happening; or if it was the book itself.

I read the Legend series and loved them. I fell in love with Marie Lu's writing and her art of storytelling. This was a good book, I just didn't love it.

The main character is one that is more inclined to be "dark" and has these thoughts that in most books would make her a villain. I really enjoyed that. It's not everyday that you have a protagonist and a narrator be a character that can easily be classified as the villain in the story. Unfortunately, she kept going back and forth from embracing this "dark" side and being horrified that she even thought those things. I get that it's an indicator that maybe she's not terrible or can be saved/be the hero- but why can't she be just that? What's so wrong with having a morally ambiguous character? I mean besides, like, murder. 

I think, with how this ended, she might be gearing towards that way. Which will be a very interesting story in itself. 

I did really love the her whole attitude about making those who hurt her, be hurt in return. While probably not the best way to live your life, it's something to somewhat admire and understand once you see where she's coming from.

Speaking of the ending; that was this book's saving grace. It took a turn I was not expecting in the least. I mean, I figured out what had happened shortly before the narrator but did not see that coming before hand. I really liked it, even though it's not something one should probably like if they enjoyed the characters. It was a good story move. I think, anyways.

Might not read the next one. I'll see how the reviews are and whether I have the time (or motivation) to read it.

I'm making it sound worse, but it's not unbearable or anything. It's a pretty good book.

Read: June 2015

My Rating: 3.5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Peyton, Sydney's charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion's share of their parents' attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton's increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?
Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.
The uber-popular Sarah Dessen explores her signature themes of family, self-discovery, and change in her twelfth novel, sure to delight her legions of fans.

It's been a long time since I read Sarah Dessen's books. Last time I tried and ended up not liking it. I didn't actually finish it either. Oops.

The last one I ended up loving was probably Along for the Ride. So it's been a while.

This wasn't bad. Not terribly great, but not bad. 

I liked Sydney (the narrator), I could relate to her and could understand how she felt about all the stuff in her life. I liked Layla (narrator's best friend) and her huge french fry obsession. Fries are serious business. Their friendship felt real and was good for both of them. I felt like their friendship should've had a better focus than Sydney's love life.

Her love life was a slow, slow burn. I'm all for that because I hate the whole "I just met you, and this is crazy but I love you" thing. But, damn, it was like they got together because they each smiled at each other. There was no other basis for a romantic relationship than continuing doing what they always had done but with the occasional kiss. There was no chemistry between them. It was like the were put together for the sake of a romantic plot.

Ugh. There were no swoons; hell, there were no purely romantic moments between them. I don't understand. I digress.

Now, there was the whole Creeper McCreep. You know from the moment he's introduced and Sydney's reaction to him that something bad will happen. I kept waiting for her to say something or for him to do something but it doesn't. It doesn't happen until like the last few pages. (Spoiler?) What the heck? Why hint at something that big only to have a quick thing happen as like a sidenote? I'm not trying to diminish the severity of situations like that, but it felt like it was being pushed to the side as a plot point. That kind of stuff is not a plot point and should be treating carefully and with respect to the victims of those situations. 

I don't know. This book just didn't do it for me. There was no pulse in the story. It was flat. Like it was a really long checklist of everything that could possibly happen to a teenage girl. 

Maybe it was just me but it just kind of fell flat for me. Which is sad because I like Sarah Dessen. She's not a bad writer. But this was a bit of a snoozer.

Whether I read her next book is undecided. I might just wait until the library has it. Maybe. 

Read: May 2015

My Rating: 3 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J. Maas

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.
As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.
Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!

I can not tell you how excited I was when I found out that Sarah J. Maas was publishing a Beauty and the Beast retelling. 
I was really, really excited.
The story was great and a new twist on a classic tale that has not already been done before. I was apprehensive when I read that the "Beast" was faerie. I don't like to read faerie/fairy/fey novels anymore. Too many in my earlier years and they end up making me angry at Tinkerbell. Can't have that. This book did that genre a great service. 
It wasn't what I was expecting at all but it was still a really great story. The plot takes a little time to get going and once it does, it doesn't let go. I actually liked the end a lot better than the beginning. I can see how the series might go and I'm excited for it. 
But damn, that plot twist. If only you said something, girl. If only.

While I did not enjoy this book as much as her Throne of Glass books, it's definitely worth a try if you're a fan of Sarah J. Maas. Her writing is so magnificent. Regardless of the plot. It's the plot that got me on this one but I love her writing. 
I will probably be reading the next one when that comes out. It'll be exciting and interesting that's for sure. 

Read: May 2015
My Rating: 4 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she has to think fast. After all, she'd been telling her friends about him for months now. This was supposed to be the night she proved he existed. So when she sees a cute guy waiting to pick up his sister, she enlists his help. The task is simple: be her fill-in boyfriend—two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. After that, she can win back the real Bradley.
The problem is that days after prom, it's not the real Bradley she's thinking about, but the stand-in. The one whose name she doesn't even know. But tracking him down doesn't mean they're done faking a relationship. Gia owes him a favor and his sister intends to see that he collects: his ex-girlfriend's graduation party—three hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.
Just when Gia begins to wonder if she could turn her fake boyfriend into a real one, Bradley comes waltzing back into her life, exposing her lie, and threatening to destroy her friendships and her new-found relationship.

Kasie West is easily one of my favorite authors. She's written wonderful novels like Pivot Point Series, On the Fence and The Distance Between Us. 
This is definitely a new favorite of hers. Probably 3rd favorite- with Pivot Point and The Distance Between Us first and second. 
Her writing is so brilliant and thought-out that I end up finishing the entire book within a 24-hour period because everything just flows. The Fill-In Boyfriend was no exception to this. In fact, I liked it a lot better than her previous contemporary novel, On the Fence. 
The characters are so well-written and they are fun to read as well as see them (usually) fall in love. The book is a contemporary romance, so if "chick-lit" isn't your thing, this might not be for you. Plus it has one of my favorite tropes/cliches: the pretend romantic lover that turns into real love. I'm a sucker for romance and cliches.

You get to see the characters evolve through out the book and actually see the chemistry between them. It didn't feel forced or written purely for a romantic plot; these characters are compatible, bring out the best in each other and very comfortable with just being near each other. 
It's just a wonderful read and great quick read for a trip to the beach. 
I also highly recommend the rest of Kasie West's books. They're awesome.

Read: May 2015
My Rating: 5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: End of Days (Penryn & the End of Days #3) by Susan Ee

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR THE SERIES IN THE SUMMARY
After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run. They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all.
When the angels release an apocalyptic nightmare onto humans, both sides are set on a path toward war. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? Forced to pick sides in the fight for control of the earthly realm, Raffe and Penryn must choose: Their own kind, or each other?

It's finally here!!!

I've been eagerly awaiting this book to come out. Like, going to Barnes and Noble almost everyday to see if it's there. 
I gobbled this up.
This is the last book in the Penryn & the End of Days trilogy (Angelfall and World After). If you ever need a reference on how to end a really well-written and successful series- use this as your guide. It ends the series perfectly and with justice.
The story was filled with tension and really had me engaged to see what was going to happen next. I didn't even have time to think about my predictions for where this was going to go; I just read. Most of the time I didn't figure it out until Penryn (the narrator) had figured it out. 
Great job, Susan Ee. Four for you, Susan Ee. You go, Susan Ee.

God, Penryn and Raffe have changed so much over this series. They've developed and learned so much about themselves and each other. 
The ending was unexpected, but good. Very good. Very happy with it.Would have really enjoyed an epilogue, though. 
I can't believe it's over now. I read the first two earlier in the year. Now it's over. No more.
10/10 would recommend for a wonderful series and story. 
I await whatever Susan Ee has to write next.

Read: May 2015
My Rating: 5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: Tether (Many-Worlds #2) by Anna Jarzab

Tether, the sequel to Tandem, continues the captivating tale of rebellion and romance that spans parallel worlds.
Everything repeats.
Sasha expected things to go back to normal once she got back on Earth. But now that she knows parallel worlds are real, and that an alternate version of herself exists in a world called Aurora, her old life no longer seems to make sense . . . and her heart breaks daily for Thomas, the boy she left behind. Troubled by mysterious, often terrifying visions and the echoes of a self she was just beginning to discover, Sasha makes the difficult decision to journey once more through the tandem.
Thomas is waiting for her on the other side, and so is strange, otherworldly Selene, Sasha’s analog from a third universe. Sasha, Selene, and their other analog, Juliana, have a joint destiny, and a new remarkable power, one that could mean salvation for Selene’s dying planet. With Thomas’s help, Sasha and Selene search for the missing Juliana. But even if they can locate her, is Sasha willing to turn her back on love to pursue a fate she’s not sure she believes in?

I've been counting down the days until I had this book in my hands.
It was kind of worth the wait.
This is the sequel to Tandem, which I read in December of 2013. So I've been waiting a good while.
Would've helped had I re-read the first one but it was too bad to catch on and remember all that had happened. Plus, any book dealing with parallel universes requires some kind of knowledge to fully understand or it will be hard to follow.
The thing I didn't like was that it was really fast-paced. It went from "I wish I was there (the parallel universe)" to actually being there. Like, calm down, let her longing show, so that the reader is more excited to go. Then there was they whole "does he love me anymore???" to a heavy makeout session. Calm. Down. Give me more of that angst. Let her actually believe it before you bring out the truth.

Maybe that was just me, but it was really quick. Also, each book is supposed to be longer than the previous one, have you not seen the Harry Potter series?
I'm still really excited for the next - and last- one. 
Not sure what it'll be like but it will be good. Don't know how, since there hasn't been a set "bad guy" throughout the books. No linking villain set to destroy every universe.
Hopefully I won't have to wait another two years to find out. I want all the books right now.

Read: May 2015
My Rating: 4.5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

Brimming with heartfelt relationships and authentic high-school dynamicsThe Start of Me and You proves that it’s never too late for second chances.
It’s been a year since it happened—when Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in an accident. After shutting out the world for two years, Paige is finally ready for a second chance at high school . . . and she has a plan. First: Get her old crush, Ryan Chase, to date her—the perfect way to convince everyone she’s back to normal. Next: Join a club—simple, it’s high school after all. But when Ryan’s sweet, nerdy cousin, Max, moves to town and recruits Paige for the Quiz Bowl team (of all things!) her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. Will Paige be able to face her fears and finally open herself up to the life she was meant to live?

This is Emery Lord's second book. 
It's wonderful. Even better than her first, which is saying a lot.
The Start of Me and You is the perfect fluffy romance read, great for the beach or chilling out in the sun. 
I enjoyed this novel greatly because the protagonist was really easy to understand and collect for a introverted nerd like myself. You get to see, literally, these to characters fall in love.
Very, very slowly.

If that's not your jam, then maybe brace yourself or not read it. 
However, it's great to read her journey in falling in love and see her be in love before she even realizes it. And her love interest is a huge nerd, so they are pretty adorable.
She also has some issues to get over herself. This is not a "love fixes all". Love doesn't come into play until the end, but she begins to accept her problems and conquer them. 
This leads to a lot of angst- which I love. 

The ending was great but after reading the entire thing, I just wanted a tiny bit more romance. There aren't a lot of swoons, so a little epilogue would've satisfied me. 
I'm such a hopeless romantic. These romance novels are going to be the death of me.
10/10 would recommend if you want a cute little romance novel.
Also check out Emery Lord's Open Road Summer.

Read: May 2015
My Rating: 5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: Chaos (Guards of the Shadowlands #3) by Sarah Fine

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR THE SERIES IN THE SUMMARY
With Juri in control and everything in absolute chaos, Lela plunges into the depths of hell to free Malachi from creatures that have waited decades to exact their revenge. But the Judge has her own way of doing things, and Lela must work with Ana, the new Captain, who has a very personal mission of her own. Together, they infiltrate the most horrifying realm either has yet encountered in the Shadowlands—the bitter landscape ruled by the Mazikin.
The stakes could not be higher, and Lela must accept the help—and love—of people she barely knows or trusts. As alliances and loyalties shift and she realizes the soul she came to save isn’t the only one in need of rescue, can Lela summon the strength to see the fight through to the very end? 

Oh dear, I've finished another series. 
I loved this series, so it's even sadder to see it end. Hopefully more people will read it and it will cause just as much pain to them as it did for me. That's what marks a great book- emotional turmoil.

Ah, sweet, sweet pain.
While this book did the rest of the series justice and gave me an ending that was very, very generous; it felt a little too fast-paced for me. I would've enjoyed a break between each monkey wrench thrown into each plan. It would have been nice to calm down and think everything is going fine only to realize you have about a hundred pages left. 
But maybe I'm just a cruel sadist. 
This series is one of my favorite for many reasons.
1. It has a POC (person of color) as the protagonist and it's not catered to or ignored. She's just not white, nothing crazy.
2. The story was wonderful and highly imaginative. 
3. Character development from book to book was extraordinary. Even development in each book was amazing. You have to keep reminding yourself that these aren't real people. 
4. It displays what it's like to have PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) without the protagonist being magically cured when she falls in love or conquers her fear. It's a constant battle that is shown throughout the books.
It's just a great book, a great series and a great story.
Highly recommended for those who want a captivating adventure story. 

Read: May 2015
My Rating: 5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: Fractured by Sarah Fine

Really all I have to say about this book is:



Seriously. This book is amazing. If you've read the first one (Sanctum), then you should most definitely read this one. If anything this might be better than the first. 
The characters are so real and have such growth in each book. I love, love Lela. She's a great protagonist and such a badass. She's everything I hope to be. Malachi is great. That boy is wonderful and I want one for myself. Their relationship is real and goes through similar emotions that other couples do. (I would say situations but I don't think most couples fight spirit-infested people.) 
The angst! Oh, the angst. It was heart-breaking to read but so well done. Ugh. 

BUT THE ENDING. Oh man. I am so happy I had the third one with me on hand. I would've died if I had to wait to read it. This is left with the worth possible cliff hanger ever. It's so sad and everything. Oh my God. Just-just read it. Seriously. You will not regret it. Okay, maybe you will because of the emotional trauma this will cause. 
This is definitely one of my favorite series.

Read: April 2015
My Rating: 5 stars / 5 stars