(Summary from Goodreads). Some girls will always have your back, and some girls can't help but stab you in it.
Junior year, the suburbs of Philadelphia. Alex, Mollie and Veronica are those girls: they're the best of friends and the party girls of the school. But how well does everybody know them--and really, how well do they know one another? Alex is secretly in love with the boy next door and has joined a band--without telling anyone. Mollie suffers from a popular (and possibly sociopathic) boyfriend, as well as a serious mean streak. And Veronica just wants to be loved--literally, figuratively, physically....she's not particular. Will this be the year that bonds them forever....or tears them apart for good?
Lauren Saft masterfully conveys what goes on in the mind of a teenage girl, and her debut novel is raw, honest, hilarious, and thought-provoking, with a healthy dose of heart.
I really tried to give this book a try. When I saw it on Netgalley and read the summary, I downloaded it right away... I just love books about friendship and alternating POVs. But this was just too much. I got through (maybe) 3 chapters before I had enough.
These "bffs" are so rude and horrible! I'm not really for friends who are nice to each other on the outside and secretly hate each other on the inside. It's just not cool. I've had it happen to me before and it's not okay. These girls are rich so therefore very stuck up... from what I read from other reviews, it gets worse.
Maybe I'll give it another try in the future, but it was not my cup of tea. Books like this are kind of for a younger/different audience. I love books about revenge and friendship and that kind of stuff, but.... this was just too much seeing as the girls had no reason to be so rude to each other right at the beginning of the book. Right at the beginning one of the girls decided to join a band or audition or whatever. She told one of her friends, and she wasn't even supportive. She just said something like "what made you all of a sudden want to join a band?" and "Did you tell Veronica?" Like... what even?
1 out of five stars?
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Sunday, May 10, 2015
REVIEW: The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West
(Summary from Goodreads). When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she decides to do the unthinkable…convince the cute guy waiting to pick up his sister to pretend to be her boyfriend for the night. The task is simple: two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.
The problem is that days after prom, she can't stop thinking about her fill-in boyfriend. But can Gia turn her fake boyfriend into a real one without exposing her lie and possibly destroying her friendships and her newfound relationship?
Smartly observed and wonderfully romantic, Kasie West's talent shines in this tale of one girl's unexpected quest to find love…and possibly herself.
OMG. I loved this book. Kasie's books are always a lot of fun to read. They are entertaining and easy to read. I loved this story. I was just waiting for Gia's lies to catch up to her, but I also understood why she did it. I understand why she was so closed off. I really did not like Jules. I just wanted Gia to leave her group of friends and not care what anyone says. A person who is looking for ways to break a person isn't a real friend... that's just horrible! Who makes it a mission to steal a friend from someone else? UGH. I hate people like that... The storyline was a lot of fun. It started in the perfect place and progressed perfectly.
Anyways, Hayden though. He is such a dream guy! Like seriously. His character is so much fun and I just loved everything about him. I love him, his mom, and Bec. What a great family! His mom is hilarious. I think that this was my favorite Kasie West story! It is just so adorable and the swoons. I loved everything about it. Read it right away!! :)
Five out of five stars.
The problem is that days after prom, she can't stop thinking about her fill-in boyfriend. But can Gia turn her fake boyfriend into a real one without exposing her lie and possibly destroying her friendships and her newfound relationship?
Smartly observed and wonderfully romantic, Kasie West's talent shines in this tale of one girl's unexpected quest to find love…and possibly herself.
OMG. I loved this book. Kasie's books are always a lot of fun to read. They are entertaining and easy to read. I loved this story. I was just waiting for Gia's lies to catch up to her, but I also understood why she did it. I understand why she was so closed off. I really did not like Jules. I just wanted Gia to leave her group of friends and not care what anyone says. A person who is looking for ways to break a person isn't a real friend... that's just horrible! Who makes it a mission to steal a friend from someone else? UGH. I hate people like that... The storyline was a lot of fun. It started in the perfect place and progressed perfectly.
Anyways, Hayden though. He is such a dream guy! Like seriously. His character is so much fun and I just loved everything about him. I love him, his mom, and Bec. What a great family! His mom is hilarious. I think that this was my favorite Kasie West story! It is just so adorable and the swoons. I loved everything about it. Read it right away!! :)
Five out of five stars.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
REVIEW: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
(Summary from Goodreads). My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.
But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.
Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This book though. Everyone needs to go pick up a copy when it comes out or add it to their TBR list. When I first got it on my Kindle I was a little hesitant because there are so many chapters, but it is such a quick read. The chapters are 2-3 pages max and they go by fast. There are drawings and pictures of medical papers and IMs incorporated into the book and it makes it so much more believable! It is honestly one of my favorite books that I've read this year.
You meet Maddy who has SCID. She hasn't had any friends her whole life (except her mom and nurse) until she meets Olly. They quickly fall in love and it is amazing. I can't give much away because that wouldn't be fun, but the ending makes my heart jump. :)
The storyline of this book is so different. I haven't read anything like it before... I feel like I have read something (like a Gillian Flynn novel) that was similar in story, but this is definitely for a younger audience than Flynn's novels audience. Just reading the summary on Netgalley drew me in. I was so intrigued to read about someone with a disease that made them stay inside or they would die.
LOVED everything about this book! Add it to your TBR list.
Five out of five stars.
But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.
Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This book though. Everyone needs to go pick up a copy when it comes out or add it to their TBR list. When I first got it on my Kindle I was a little hesitant because there are so many chapters, but it is such a quick read. The chapters are 2-3 pages max and they go by fast. There are drawings and pictures of medical papers and IMs incorporated into the book and it makes it so much more believable! It is honestly one of my favorite books that I've read this year.
You meet Maddy who has SCID. She hasn't had any friends her whole life (except her mom and nurse) until she meets Olly. They quickly fall in love and it is amazing. I can't give much away because that wouldn't be fun, but the ending makes my heart jump. :)
The storyline of this book is so different. I haven't read anything like it before... I feel like I have read something (like a Gillian Flynn novel) that was similar in story, but this is definitely for a younger audience than Flynn's novels audience. Just reading the summary on Netgalley drew me in. I was so intrigued to read about someone with a disease that made them stay inside or they would die.
LOVED everything about this book! Add it to your TBR list.
Five out of five stars.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
REVIEW: Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold by Katie Finn
(Summary from Goodreads). The war rages on between Gemma and Hallie in the second installment of the Broken Hearts and Revenge series.
After the humiliating events on the 4th of July, Gemma's trying to handle the fact that Hallie knew who she was all along, and she was the one who stole Teddy from her. Gemma vows revenge, but things get more complicated than she planned. Ford, Gemma’s long-time crush, has arrived in the Hamptons cuter than ever. Josh is refusing to speak to her after she lied to him, and Teddy is playing champion to his beloved Marsh Warbler (in Gemma's backyard, no less).
Gemma and Hallie find themselves locked in an escalating revenge cycle. Just when Gemma thinks she has the upper hand, the biggest bombshell of all is dropped. And it’s one that threatens to change her life forever. This exciting sequel to Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things To Mend will leave you begging for the third installment.
I literally just finished this book and wow... I always think about revenge being like chess. You have to be one, two, even three steps ahead of your opponent and PLAN for anything. It is crazy the amount of thinking that is involved. Reading this book was like reading Gone Girl for young adults (just not as crazy...). I love how everything planned out for this book and I knew the ending before I even started it... Hahaha.
I love Ford. I can't believe I didn't realize the acronym before the end. LOL.
This story was purely for fun. It wasn't necessarily hard to read and that's why I liked it. I was in a reading slump and picked up this book at the store last week.... it was really fun to read. It helped me get out of my slump.
I honestly hate Hallie so much. I don't understand how she can have ZERO hard feelings about breaking up not only one, but two relationships and one dealing with her own brother! That is insane. If I had done that to my brother, I would feel miserable. But I have to give it to her, she's smart.... but insane.
I always love Katie/Morgan's books. They are tons of fun to read. Katie's are (in my opinion) for a younger audience. Everyone can read it, but it is like way more juvenile than Morgan's contemporary books. I look forward to reading either author's books no matter what. :)
Five out of five stars.
After the humiliating events on the 4th of July, Gemma's trying to handle the fact that Hallie knew who she was all along, and she was the one who stole Teddy from her. Gemma vows revenge, but things get more complicated than she planned. Ford, Gemma’s long-time crush, has arrived in the Hamptons cuter than ever. Josh is refusing to speak to her after she lied to him, and Teddy is playing champion to his beloved Marsh Warbler (in Gemma's backyard, no less).
Gemma and Hallie find themselves locked in an escalating revenge cycle. Just when Gemma thinks she has the upper hand, the biggest bombshell of all is dropped. And it’s one that threatens to change her life forever. This exciting sequel to Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things To Mend will leave you begging for the third installment.
I literally just finished this book and wow... I always think about revenge being like chess. You have to be one, two, even three steps ahead of your opponent and PLAN for anything. It is crazy the amount of thinking that is involved. Reading this book was like reading Gone Girl for young adults (just not as crazy...). I love how everything planned out for this book and I knew the ending before I even started it... Hahaha.
I love Ford. I can't believe I didn't realize the acronym before the end. LOL.
This story was purely for fun. It wasn't necessarily hard to read and that's why I liked it. I was in a reading slump and picked up this book at the store last week.... it was really fun to read. It helped me get out of my slump.
I honestly hate Hallie so much. I don't understand how she can have ZERO hard feelings about breaking up not only one, but two relationships and one dealing with her own brother! That is insane. If I had done that to my brother, I would feel miserable. But I have to give it to her, she's smart.... but insane.
I always love Katie/Morgan's books. They are tons of fun to read. Katie's are (in my opinion) for a younger audience. Everyone can read it, but it is like way more juvenile than Morgan's contemporary books. I look forward to reading either author's books no matter what. :)
Five out of five stars.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
REVIEW: The Secrets of Attraction by Robin Constantine
(Summary from Goodreads). Set in the same world as The Promise of Amazing, this smart, surprising, and romantic follow-up to Robin Constantine's debut novel follows two New Jersey teens as they become friends and fall in love. Perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins, Sarah Mlynowski, and Jennifer E. Smith.
Madison Pryce thinks she's got everything figured out—she's working on a portfolio for a summer art program and hanging with her friends. Plus she has her hot boyfriend, Zach. But then a visit from a family friend turns Maddie's life upside down.
Jesse McMann is still reeling from a breakup that shattered his heart and his band. Then pride (and some goading from his bass player and fellow barista) forces him to find a new drummer—and the inspiration to write music again.
Kismet arrives in the unlikely form of Grayson Barrett, who tries out for Jesse's band, and whose girlfriend is BFFs with the cute girl who orders a chai latte after yoga every Thursday: Maddie. What Jesse and Maddie thought they knew about the secrets of attraction and the rules of romance changes once they start falling for each other.
This was a really fun book to read. I have no complaints about it... other than the fact that Madison kind of annoyed me. She acted very stuck up in some situations, but that is just my personal opinion. I just can't stand whiny/stuck up girls like her. I really like her group of friends. They're so fun.
I liked that it was alternating perspectives. Jesse was a fun person to be in the mind of and I loved his relationship with his friend, Tanner. His relationship with his parents was also really adorable. I love that his parents are so trusting.
OMG. The one part about Madison's life that her mom lied about though.... I just... that would be horrible! I just don't get why her mom kept it from her seeing as he was part of her life her whole life!
I really liked reading this story. It was a fun and easy read. I love any book that brings up Kismet. :)
Also, can we talk about how gorgeous the cover is?!
4.5 out of five stars.
Madison Pryce thinks she's got everything figured out—she's working on a portfolio for a summer art program and hanging with her friends. Plus she has her hot boyfriend, Zach. But then a visit from a family friend turns Maddie's life upside down.
Jesse McMann is still reeling from a breakup that shattered his heart and his band. Then pride (and some goading from his bass player and fellow barista) forces him to find a new drummer—and the inspiration to write music again.
Kismet arrives in the unlikely form of Grayson Barrett, who tries out for Jesse's band, and whose girlfriend is BFFs with the cute girl who orders a chai latte after yoga every Thursday: Maddie. What Jesse and Maddie thought they knew about the secrets of attraction and the rules of romance changes once they start falling for each other.
This was a really fun book to read. I have no complaints about it... other than the fact that Madison kind of annoyed me. She acted very stuck up in some situations, but that is just my personal opinion. I just can't stand whiny/stuck up girls like her. I really like her group of friends. They're so fun.
I liked that it was alternating perspectives. Jesse was a fun person to be in the mind of and I loved his relationship with his friend, Tanner. His relationship with his parents was also really adorable. I love that his parents are so trusting.
OMG. The one part about Madison's life that her mom lied about though.... I just... that would be horrible! I just don't get why her mom kept it from her seeing as he was part of her life her whole life!
I really liked reading this story. It was a fun and easy read. I love any book that brings up Kismet. :)
Also, can we talk about how gorgeous the cover is?!
4.5 out of five stars.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
REVIEW: Nothing Left to Burn by Patty Blount
(Summary from Goodreads). Reece’s father hasn’t spoken to him since the car wreck that killed Reece’s brother. Desperate for forgiveness, Reece joins the Junior Cadet program at his dad’s firehouse. But the program is grueling, and Reece isn’t sure he can make it through. Then he meets Amanda.
Amanda understands wanting to belong. As a foster kid, the firehouse is the only place that feels like home. She agrees to help Reece, but falling for him wasn’t part of the deal. And when a string of arsons suddenly point to Amanda, their relationship could go up in flames.
Amanda understands wanting to belong. As a foster kid, the firehouse is the only place that feels like home. She agrees to help Reece, but falling for him wasn’t part of the deal. And when a string of arsons suddenly point to Amanda, their relationship could go up in flames.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I read a couple chapters in this book and I just couldn't do it. I didn't feel connected to Reece or Amanda in any way. I'm not sure why I didn't like it. I really love reading contemporary books... especially sad ones, but this one was just overly sad.
I read a couple chapters in this book and I just couldn't do it. I didn't feel connected to Reece or Amanda in any way. I'm not sure why I didn't like it. I really love reading contemporary books... especially sad ones, but this one was just overly sad.
It just wasn't my cup of tea. I just couldn't get through the whole thing. I tried though. From the reviews I was expecting it to be really good. A lot of people enjoyed it... but it wasn't my favorite read.
In the couple of chapters that I got through, I know that there's TONS of drama. Just... way too much for my liking. The story development was a tad slow for me too.
I really wish I liked this book more than I did. I was really intrigued by the summary. I honestly wish I liked this story. I really do.
Two out of five stars.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
REVIEW: The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord
(Summary from Goodreads). Brimming with heartfelt relationships and authentic high-school dynamics The 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?
I was VERY excited to read Emery's latest book. I loved Open Road Summer so much. I really loved this story the same (it reminded me of Jessi Kirby's Things We Know By Heart). Paige had a boyfriend pass away unexpectedly. She had a rough time getting over something so tragic. She wasn't dating him for long, but his death had an impact on her life. His death made more of an impact because of the way that he passed.
Paige is finally starting to live her life when she meets Max. Just being around him helps her to forget about what happened with her late boyfriend. Max is literally my dream guy. He is so nerdy, sarcastic, and watches TV/reads. It is a dream. Haha. I really loved getting to know Max.
I love that Emery's books focus on friendship. Realizing who your true friends are is an important part of growing up.
I would *REALLY* love a story about Ryan and Tessa. Just saying. :)
Five out of five stars.
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?
I was VERY excited to read Emery's latest book. I loved Open Road Summer so much. I really loved this story the same (it reminded me of Jessi Kirby's Things We Know By Heart). Paige had a boyfriend pass away unexpectedly. She had a rough time getting over something so tragic. She wasn't dating him for long, but his death had an impact on her life. His death made more of an impact because of the way that he passed.
Paige is finally starting to live her life when she meets Max. Just being around him helps her to forget about what happened with her late boyfriend. Max is literally my dream guy. He is so nerdy, sarcastic, and watches TV/reads. It is a dream. Haha. I really loved getting to know Max.
I love that Emery's books focus on friendship. Realizing who your true friends are is an important part of growing up.
I would *REALLY* love a story about Ryan and Tessa. Just saying. :)
Five out of five stars.