Victoria's Review: Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins

By: Unknown on Monday, June 30, 2014

Sweet Peril
By: Wendy Higgins
Published by: HarperTeen
Published on: April 30, 2013
5/5 Stars
Victoria's Review

 Synopsis

Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things. 

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?

Synopsis from Goodreads 

Review

So you know how sequels can suck compared to the first book? THIS ONE DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!! OHMIGOODNESS I was so sucked into this book and was.... I just have no words. I might just actually like the sequel better than Sweet Evil. And that's saying something because Sweet Evil was pretty darn incredible. 

LET'S GO RIGHT INTO KAIDAN ROWE. 

I mean look at this. 

He was even hotter in this book like I can't even. Can I just say that I was giggling throughout this whole novel? BLAME KAIDAN. THE FEELERS WHILE READING THIS BOOK WERE TINGLING. At first I was like OMG just admit your darn feelings to Anna would you already? But then I started to feel sorry for him as the novel progressed. And then half way through the book onwards my heart melted. I can't even describe how cute he was and how possessive he was (especially this one scene holy crap). Please read this book so we can fangirl.

Let's talk Anna. At the beginning of the book I was kind of sick of her "whining" on how Kaidan had ***SPOILER FOR THE FIRST BOOK*** left her and it made her miserable and what not. ***SPOILER OVER*** I liked how she did something with Kopano and BOY HOW THE EMOTIONS RAN HIGH AFTERWARDS! 

Kopano (son of Alocer) was in the sequel A LOT. He stayed by Anna's side many times and I was kind of glad he did because he was there when she was hurting. He was like her partner in crime, at the time. 

Anna's dad was a mule, man the things he did to keep Anna safe. GAH I hated him a little near the end of the book but you gotta do what you gotta do right?

My review is all over the place look at this. Gosh I literally finished reading this book a half an hour ago and my mind is juggling everything that just happened. This review is gonna be short and sweet. 

But other than all that, it was kind of cliché as YA paranormal romance books go. But ya know I still love em. If you love YA paranormal romance books like I do, I strongly suggest you start reading this trilogy.

-Victoria <3

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Lilyan's Review: The Program by Suzanne Young

By: Lilyan Jia on Saturday, June 28, 2014

The Program by Suzanne Young

  Published By: Simon Pulse

Released: April 30th 2013

Hardcover:  405 pages

   5/5 stars

SYNOPSIS:

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

REVIEW:

ARGGGGGGG. The ending. my thoughts are all over the place. I seriously need to read the second book soon ;-; I am actually not joking, this is probably the most distressing/upsetting book I've ever read.

Me when I finished the book:

Has anyone close to you committed suicide? YES

Has anyone close to you committed suicide? NO.

"Bullshit, Sloane!" James would yell out, slapping his hand on the table. "You're the worst liar ever!"

When Realm picks them up, he looks me over, studying my expression. "Guess I can't tell when you're lying," He says quietly.

           I'm not exactly sure how I would describe this book to someone. It's dystopian, but unlike any I've ever read. This book broke my heart. People just kept getting taken away or ended up dying (Millar. why D':) and oh my god James and Sloane. They just have the most intense and heartfelt relationship ever. They have to go through so much crap.

I was really surprised that liked pretty much all the characters. Obviously not Roger, but people like Tabitha and Realm. I just want to know more about him. THE EPILOGUE. OH MY GOD WILLIAM. WHAT. SHEP? DEREK? YOU GUYS TOO?

I felt for all the characters. (except roger. ew). Everyone has to fake being cheerful because the program forces them too. But the thing is, the Program is all backwards. If the program didn't exist, then teens wouldn't have to feel obligated to be happy, instead, they can grieve. The can just cry it all out, rather than keeping it all bottled up. [LET IT GOOOO] People have to act strong for each other, but sometimes a little vulnerability is good, because it shows that there's also hope. It just makes me so sad that people are scared to be sad. I mean, it is definitely a real fear. But the more you think about it, the more it becomes real.

But yeah anyway. ( i have bad transitions) Sloane's mom really made me angry and disappointed all at the same time. WHY CAN'T SHE SEE THAT SHE'S CAUSING SO MUCH DAMAGE? I just really hope that Sloane's father can somehow make her see the truth behind the Program. But the thing is, what is the program really?

-insert another awkward transition-

This book's concept was so interesting. I thought it was weird that depression was seen as disease that you could catch, but then I realized it was entirely possible. Misery loves company. Sadness isn't something that you can avoid; it's a vicious cycle.

I have so many unanswered questions. How did the program even start? What did the other countries do about the rise in suicide? How come adults don't understand how detrimental the program is? Why are so many people committing suicide? I feel like in the end, the whole thing the whole thing will be revealed an experiment, and they needed people's memories for some reason.

ugh. Just so many thoughts. Now that i think about it, i should go read a chick-lit book to make me feel better again ^-^.

ALSO: IF THEY WANT PEOPLE TO STOP DYING, WHY NOT STOP MAKING QUIKDEATH? SERIOUSLY. WHY CAN'T ADULTS SEE THAT THE PROGRAM IS MESSED UPPP?

ALSO: you should check out Suzanne Young's other series. A Need So Beautiful. (it's actually so beautiful)

-Lilyan (:

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Victoria's Review: Looking For Alaska by John Green

By: Unknown on Saturday, June 28, 2014

Looking for Alaska

By: John Green 

Published by: Speak

3.5/5 Stars

Victoria's review

Sypnosis

Before. Miles "Pudge" Halter's whole existence has been one big nonevent, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave the "Great Perhaps" (François Rabelais, poet) even more. He heads off to the sometimes crazy, possibly unstable, and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed-up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young, who is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart.

After. Nothing is ever the same.

Sypnosis from Goodreads

Review

I was SOOO looking forward to reading this and had pretty high expectations since it's John Green book. I've looked at the reviews on Goodreads and it's kind of a love it or hate it book to me. I am sorry John Green fans (this is my own personal opinion), because I do not like this book (WAIIIT! HOLD YOUR RAGE) nor do I hate this book. It was kind of in between.

Ok so the story of how I got my hands on this book was that I was shopping around. And then I saw a Chapters and was like LET'S GO SEE WHAT THEY HAVE!! So I went in having only read The Fault in Our Stars at the time and browsed around. The sales associate actually recommended this book to me so I went ahead and purchased it. The sales associate actually told me that all the pranks described in the book, John Green actually did. So I was kind of excited to start reading it. 

And a couple weeks later, school ended and I figured it was a good time to start reading it. So I was a few pages in and was so bored, nothing really EXCITING happened (well something did, I'll get to that in a bit). It was kind of a slow steady pace the whole entire time. But I do have to admit I had a few chuckles here and there, especially the last prank in the novel. 

Alright, something did happen in the book, I don't want to spoil it for you fellow readers. But I was TOTALLY not expecting it, I expected something else to happen. I was like OK PLOT TWIST (kind of) because I expected something WAY different. Yeah John Green, you kind of killed me a little with that. And that mystery problem near the end... WOW, because there was a lot of foreshadowing throughout the whole book. 

Right after I finished reading the Before part of the book and started reading the After part this was me: 

gif link

The whole story was basically about teenagers and their friendship with one another as well as relationships. How one befriends someone and how close they can be until something terrible happens, and what to make of it when it does happen. How friends can be there for each other and to support one another. How to forgive and slowly forget. In other words: this book was deeep.  

But anyway, I wasn't as captivated by this book as I thought I would be. Took me awhile to finish it. I heard they're gonna make a movie out of it and we'll see how that goes. 

-Victoria

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Zoe's Review: Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

By: Une étudiante de BI on Friday, June 27, 2014

Leaving Paradise
by Simone Elkeles
Published by Flux
Released: April 8 2007

Hardcover: 303 pages

2/5 Stars

Zoe's Review

Synopsis

Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled.

After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers.

Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

Review

I read some other reviewers who also gave this book 2 stars and I agree with what they have to say.

The writing in this book wasn't the problem. I enjoy the way Simone Elkeles writes, and the uniqueness in writing from 2 different POVs. One from a girl's side, and one from guy's. But, it wasn't exactly a believable story, and that destroyed my connection to the characters as a reader. I just don't see how you can forgive the guy that ran over your leg, and then realize you love him after a few weeks of him getting back from JAIL. FROM JAIL. Not only that, but he was your best friend's twin brother. That makes the situation a whole lot more complicated, not to mention worse. I would never, ever do something like that. The more realistic situation would be avoiding him like the plague (in my case). At first, Maggie didn't want to talk to him, see his face or have anything to do with him. But once they start working at the same place after school, they (I guess you could say) forgive each other, and then they kiss! They make up? It just doesn't make any sense!!!

Another thing is the pacing of the book. I felt like everything was going too fast, especially the relationship between Maggie and Caleb.

I hate how many tragedies and break ups are in this book. If the author is going to add them into the plot, then it should show how the main characters are affected by those things. For example, Maggie really misses her dad. She thinks about him a lot. But over the course of the whole book, she only talks to him once (over the phone), and that's it. Then nothing else, because the rest of the book is filled with thoughts on Caleb.

Throughout the book, Maggie thinks about her position at school as a loner, and how much that hurts her. As a once-in-the-popular-crowd girl, she takes this badly, and it's all because of her crippled leg. (Which she got from Caleb. Which he was sent to jail for. Which, once he got out, didn't matter because she fell in love with him anyways.) Maggie describes her friends (other popular girls) at school the year before she got into the accident. But, well, I can obviously deduct from that that they weren't actually her friends. Friends don't just leave you stranded like that. So she sits alone in the library at lunch instead, because she has not social life. I also think there should have been more interaction between Leah and Maggie. I don't think friendships like that can just fizz out. They were best of friends, very close, and they're neighbours! How can you not see each other from time to time?

And before I forget, the book cover creeps me out! How are both their arms so skinny! Whatever, as the reader, that's the least of your worries... because what do most people say? Don't judge a book by its cover. Well, I would judge the cover on this one.

-Zoe

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Lilyan's Review: Love Letters to the Dead

By: Lilyan Jia on Friday, June 27, 2014

Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira

  Published By: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Released: April 1st 2014

Hardcover:  327 pages

   4/5 stars

SYNOPSIS:

It begins as an assignment for English class: Write a letter to a dead person. Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain because her sister, May, loved him. And he died young, just like May did. Soon, Laurel has a notebook full of letters to people like Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Amelia Earhart, Heath Ledger, and more; though she never gives a single one of them to her teacher. She writes about starting high school, navigating new friendships, falling in love for the first time, learning to live with her splintering family. And, finally, about the abuse she suffered while May was supposed to be looking out for her. Only then, once Laurel has written down the truth about what happened to herself, can she truly begin to accept what happened to May. And only when Laurel has begun to see her sister as the person she was; lovely and amazing and deeply flawed; can she begin to discover her own path.

  REVIEW:
  
GUESS WHAT? EXAMS ARE OVERRR WOOHOOO. Which means I can finally read in peace.

Let me just take a breath. 

I have mixed feelings. I'll admit, I really liked this book ;-; but honestly, a couple chapters could have been taken out and it wouldn't have made a difference, and a lot of the time I was just pissed off at laurel.

This book kind of reminded me of The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls, in the way that the writing style was almost kinda narrative.

The book was definitely interesting, it's also a plus that the letters were written to artists that I like ^-^

But let's get into the characters. Oh laurel. Why you gotta be such a pushover? YOU GOTTA STOP THINKING THAT YOU ARE LIKE YOUR SISTER. BECAUSE YOU GUYS AREN'T THE SAME PERSON OKAY? DO YOU GUYS SHARE THE SAME BRAIN? THE SAME EXPERIENCES? NO. You guys aren't even twins.

It's hard to believe that she's in freshman year and that she just falls in love this boy within 2 weeks. She just switches between being a kid and being philosophical and it's like: Don't be stupid, didn't you just explain why everything happens for a reason in the previous letter?

But there are good things. I really like Laurel's stories with her sister. It kinda makes me wish that my sister and I were close like that when we were kids.

My sister could never pull off: "GUESS WHAT? WE'RE FAIRESSSS."
My sister is more like: "hey hey lilyan, did you know you were adopted?"
me: *rolls eyes* "i don't believe you." "lucky (my dog) likes me more than you anyway."
So yup. Basically us.

The romance was a tad underdeveloped, but i still really liked Sky.
I could sometimes feel her grief, but other times it seemed like she was fine.
Lauren comes off as naive but she's just put into very mature situations and i don't know what to feel
The supporting characters were great, but they weren't exactly good influences.
DO YOU SEE WHY I'M SO CONFLICTED?

Conclusion: Read some of it to see if you like it, if you find Laurel incredibly boring, put the book down. Also, if you have read this, tell me what you think, because books require being talked about.


-Lilyan (:

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Zoe's Review: Slammed by Collen Hoover

By: Une étudiante de BI on Thursday, June 26, 2014

Slammed
by Colleen Hoover
Published by Colleen Hoover
Released: January 5 2012

Ebook: 317 pages

1/5 Stars

Zoe's Review

Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.

Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.

Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.  

Synopsis from Goodreads

Review

Yucky, yuck yuck. So dramatic! UGH. Too much crying. Not enough "real life situations" in this book. 

So this is Layken (aka Lake to her parents, and her hotty on-off teacher-boyfriend). She moves from Texas where it's hot and they say y'all, to Michigan where it snows in September. Of course the first thing that happens once they get to their new house is... OOO, who's that guy? Once the guy comes over and introduces himself as Will, they both know it's love and all that other good stuff. Yadda yadda. Oh yeah, so btw her dad had a heart attack 6 months ago. And then, she finds out Will lost both is parents. And then she finds out her mom has cancer. Wow this author is really laying it on thick with how many tragedies are in this book. I mean, mostly people can't even handle when one person is about to die, let alone 3 parents that have, and one that's about to. 

Then, after their steamy introduction, the next day Layken finds herself over at Will's house. That morning, she'd gone outside but had slipped and fell, hurt her shoulder so Will came to the rescue. He's all like, let me help you, I can clean that up for you, oh, and here's my jacket in case you're cold. Meanwhile, all Layken can think about is Will's body....awkward. 

Later that day, she goes to buy groceries but doesn't know where the closest one to home is. So Will goes with her and it takes 20 minutes to get there, but then Will says it wasn't the fastest way, because the fastest way only takes about a minute. That's obvious flirting for ya. When they get back home, he kisses her. On the forehead, mind you, but they don't even know each other! I guess, Will was already so "enamored" with Layken he asked her out. What!!!? Until they both find out that Will will be teaching Layken. And there's all sorts of drama and crying and "life's so unfair" crap. 

Don't read this book. It's not worth you're time.

-Zoe

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Review: The Secrets of Lily Graves by Sarah Strohmeyer

By: unknown on Wednesday, June 11, 2014

The Secrets of Lily Graves by Sarah Strohmeyer

Published by Balzer + Bray

 Released: May 13th, 2014

Paperback, 298 pages

 Reviewed by: Angela

4/5 Stars

With the intrigue of Pretty Little Liars and plenty of romance, bestselling author Sarah Strohmeyer weaves a story of secrets and lies—set in a funeral parlor.

Growing up in a house of female morticians, Lily Graves knows all about buried secrets. She knows that perfect senior-class president Erin Donohue isn’t what she seems. She knows why Erin’s ex-boyfriend, hot football player Matt Houser, broke up with her. And she also knows that, even though she says she and Matt are just friends, there is something brewing between them—something Erin definitely did not like.

But secrets, even ones that are long buried, have a way of returning to haunt their keeper.

So when Erin is found dead the day after attacking Lily in a jealous rage, Lily's and Matt’s safe little lives, and the lives of everyone in their town of Potsdam, begin to unravel. And their relationship—which grew from innocent after-school tutoring sessions to late-night clandestine rendezvous—makes them both suspects.

As her world crumbles around her, Lily must figure out the difference between truth and deception, genuine love and a web of lies. And she must do it quickly, before the killer claims another victim.

Review:

I just literally suck so much at guessing the killer when it comes to mystery books.

I'm not really into these kind of books, the "someone's been murdered and let's go find the killer 'cause that's totally not dangerous" sort. But lately, I've been reading A LOT of these kind. I worry for my sanity. It's gets a bit predictable, it all follows the same formula. Girl has been found murdered, everyone suspects this guy, the mc tries to find the killer, everything seems to be solved until a big plot twist at the end. All the books follow the exact same formula. I really enjoyed this author's previous books, so I kinda had to read this.

Other than lacking in originally of structure, the book overall was enjoyable enough. The writing didn't get dull, and was mixed in with some humour here and there. The aspect of morticians was a fresh take. I mean, I don't think I've ever read another book featuring them. Well, I haven't read too many books. But it was kind of creepy. Not really into cemeteries and skull rings.

I can't say I loved the romance aspect, but it was cute. The love interest didn't show up until the latter half of the book. What. The flashbacks were fun to read, though in real life, they didn't seem to have that much chemistry. It was all "we both really like each other but we just will not show it" kind of love yenno? This is a good story if you don't really go into detail and think a whole lot about it, not in depth anyway.

angela

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Review: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

By: unknown on Wednesday, June 11, 2014

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Published by Margaret K. McElderry

Released: May 27th, 2014

Hardcover, 725 pages

  Reviewed by: Angela

5/5 Stars

In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.

Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.

The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...

Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

Review:

Only Cassandra. Only Cassie Clare can wrap up book endings this perfectly. I still prefer TID but hey, this one holds a dear spot in my heart, too :'D I'll admit, I only cried two times in this book, and both were because of Simon. Buuuut of course, the fate of Simon was still pretty sweet :) I still miss Will so much. When they briefly mentioned him here and there, my heart strings were like, *tug tug*. I knew Fray. Fray is too similar to Gray. I am genius. Yeah, not really. Sometimes I am unab...more Only Cassandra. Only Cassie Clare can wrap up book endings this perfectly. I still prefer TID but hey, this one holds a dear spot in my heart, too :'D I'll admit, I only cried two times in this book, and both were because of Simon. Buuuut of course, the fate of Simon was still pretty sweet :) I still miss Will so much. When they briefly mentioned him here and there, my heart strings were like, *tug tug*. I knew Fray. Fray is too similar to Gray. I am genius. Yeah, not really. Sometimes I am unable to write reviews for books, which is happening a lot lately (it's really not a good thing), so again, I don't think I'll write a full review. Instead... Here's a summary of my thoughts and all you need to know about CoHF: 1) don't doubt Cassandra Clare's writing. it'll suck you straight back into the Shadowhunter world. 2) it's humour and wit will have you laughing like a maniac. 3) the plot is as brilliant as usual. 4) everything was wrapped up nicely. (well...) 5) don't hesitate to read this. I guess if you made it five books already, what the heck is stopping you from reading this? nothing. NYEEAAAAAAHH I don't know I'm crazy and I have a lot of Heavenly Fire feels right now DONT HOLD IT AGAINST ME ;_; I still might write more, but I'm not promising anything. I'm not good at keeping them. Also, it would be mega spoilery filled. About an hour after finishing, I came to the realization, THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS HAS ENDED. THIS IS THE LAST BOOK. THE LAST FREAKING BOOK. ASDDFFGHJKKOWUNSUDNUENIEIMSI (╥﹏╥) of course, there'll be four more series after this, but this is the last of Jace, Clary, Simon, Isabelle, Alec and Magnus D; *cries myself to sleep* *whispers*: goodbye lovely world

angela

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Mini Review: Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn

By: unknown on Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Published by Feiwel & Friends

Released: May 13th, 2014

Hardcover, 339 pages

Reviewed by: Angela

     3/5 Stars      

Summer, boys, and friendships gone sour. This new series has everything that perfect beach reads are made of!

Gemma just got dumped and is devastated. She finds herself back in the Hamptons for the summer—which puts her at risk of bumping into Hallie, her former best friend that she wronged five years earlier. Do people hold grudges that long?

When a small case of mistaken identity causes everyone, including Hallie and her dreamy brother Josh, to think she’s someone else, Gemma decides to go along with it.

Gemma's plan is working (she's finding it hard to resist Josh), but she's finding herself in embarrassing situations (how could a bathing suit fall apart like that!?). Is it coincidence or is someone trying to expose her true identity? And how will Josh react if he finds out who she is?

Thoughts:

no okay, I thought this was a series of COMPANION books, not a freaking actual series, series. the kind where the stories continue and all that. that should explain my confusion as of why everything was still unresolved. cries. this book had it's moments, it's hilarious and random, but sometimes Gemma was just a little on the loopy side. there were plenty of times where things were iffy and had plot holes, but it didn't overwhelm the whole book. overall, a cute and fluffy kind of book. not terribly amazing, but enough to keep you reading. also the end, i am in need of the next book. please. now.

(told you it was short.)

angela



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Review: Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

By: unknown on Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg
Published by Point
Released: February 25th, 2014

Hardcover, 276 pages

 Reviewed by: Angela

2/5 Stars

For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can't be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan's friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they're best friends -- which wouldn't be so bad if they didn't keep getting in each other's way. Guys won't ask Macallan out because they think she's with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can't help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again -- and one kiss away from true love?

Summary from Goodreads

Review:

I don't get it. The whole book, the whole shebang was that girls and guys CAN be friends. No, 'cause apparently they can't. Everyone listen up, the lesson to be learned from this book is that, no matter how "platonic" your friendship may seem, ITS NOT. You actually really like each other, even though you might not admit it or even know it. Oh please. PLEASE.

Since I enjoyed Eulberg's previous book, I was looking forward to this. Cries. So disappointed. What message is this book trying to say? What I wrote above? The thing is, having an opposite sex as your best friend does not automatically equal love. Yeah, it's really cool and awesome and whatnot to fall in love with your "best friend" but it doesn't have to be that way. Sometimes people click as friends and not as a couple. Sometimes vice versa. It doesn't matter. Other than this "friend kinda not maybe yes bestie but heh" thing going on...

This was exhausting to read. Absolutely exhausting. It had it's few moments, but overall, I didnt enjoy it as much as I hoped to.

angela



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Review: Royally Lost by Angie Stanton

By: unknown on Wednesday, June 11, 2014

 


Royally Lost by Angie Stanton
Published by Harper Collins
Released: May 6th, 2014
Paperback, 336 pages
Reviewed by: angela

Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.

When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?

 

 

Review:

This is the type of book that could have so much potential, by the plot. A girl meets a PRINCE in Europe? Yes please. Sadly, there's lots of space for the story to go array, and well, let's just say the space got filled. The only things I mildly liked were the kinda-cute ending, and a few characters.

I'm going to do a breakdown of the book. I barely ever do this but I feel it's necessary for this book. We'll start off with the plot.

PLOT:

Becca (we don't even know her last name) is on a trip to Europe with her "family". A workaholic father, a stepmother, and a manwhore brother. They're on a riverboat cruise, stopping each day at different ports and cities. I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty cool. Except Becca doesn't think so. She hates it. She sulks around all day and acts uncivil towards everyone, except when she wants something. Then she'll suck up to your ass.

But wait! Becca keeps bumping into this really hot guy. All. Around. Europe. What are the chances right...it must be fate. Turns out the hot dude, is actually a childish runaway prince of this small nation called Mondovia. He's sick of being told what to do, cause the poor boy just wants some freedom right?

Anyways, the keep meeting and they hang out together because Becca doesn't want to hang out with her family. Alright then. Just trust a random attractive guy you just met in Europe. Cool. After a while of being together, they kiss and decide they're meant to be. They say the cursed three words.

But you see, they CANT be together. Nickolai, the ignorant prince has duties to his kingdom, and can't just run away because he doesn't feel like doing them. Becca is a directionally challenged girl from the US. She's only on vacation so this "thing" or whatever is going on, is temporary. There are tears, snot and a bunch of eye rolling.

Once again, fate steps in. Beccas parents (dad and stepmom) have to leave early and go back because of her dad's work. Becca and her brother Dylan, have to catch a later flight since the earlier flight which their parents are going is full. Becca and Dylan purposely miss their flight and book one three days later to Dylan can run off to Amsterdam and hit on girls while Becca has more time to spend with Nickolai.

Then some conflict occurs. Then we get a happy ending. Then THE END.

CHARACTERS:

Becca: Her family is preeee rich. Her daddy is some big important person so basically she has a privileged life. But she doesn't cares cause her boyfriend dumped her to be with her BFF and she's just miserable. Boo hoo. She hates her stepmother, even though she's been nothing but nice to her. She even organizes this whole vacation in an attempt to bring together this broken family. So what does Becca do? Ignore everyone, sulk and sneak around with a guy completely ditching the family. I know you loved your mother, but Vicky, her stepmother is only trying to be helpful. You don't need her to replace your mother or anything, but acting hostile towards her is just dumb.Becca is childish and does not act her age. Her speech and actions makes it seem like she is 13 or 14 and not the age starting NORTHWESTERN in the fall.

Nickolai: He is a prince. Yeah no really. But he doesn't like being a prince cause being a prince is no fun. Everyone dictates your life and you have no choices. Alright, I understand that. So what would get your parents to treat you the way you want? Run away of course! Juvenile. He takes about $400 and a motorcycle and leaves. He doesn't care about his secretary, because most likely, he will get fired for helping him. Also you took his money. Shame on you. And selfish, too. He meets a lovely beaut named Becca from the States and follows her around Europe, totally not like a stalker. Even when he jumps onto their boat, and sneak into her room. Nope. Not creepy. Despite being a prince, and is able to speak 6 languages fluently, and went to the best private school, he claims he is unable to find a job on his own. Oh of course, no one would want to hire a someone who has great education not to mention he's a PRINCE.

OVERALL:

The two main characters are stupid. They sneak around, while both are hiding from people. They think no one would notice them, and even when paparazzi are taking pictures of them in their underwear, they don't do anything about it because apparently, if you don't look in newspapers, or watch news on the tv, rumours about you don't exist. I know right? Bet you didn't know that. The writing is so mushy and cheesy. I at times wanted to gag. I'm sorry.

“His face melted into a smile. “This way, when we’re not together anymore, we’ll always know that this lock is here as a reminder of what we’ve shared.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
He swept her into his arms. “I love you, Becca.”
“Oh, Nikolai. I love you, too.”
He kissed her sweetly. Becca could never remember a happier time.”

There are only two things that I mildly like. The ending was cute, but it was so predictable and not anything worth ogling over. Second, some minor characters were pretty likeable such as Vicky the stepmother, Alexei, Nickolai's lil' sis and Dylan, Becca's brother. Vicky is a stepmom, but she isn't those evil ones, and actually is quite the opposite. Only Becca likes to think she is. Ugh. Alexei is just hilarious.

“Princess Alexandra mysteriously disappeared Thursday night from the king’s box at the Teatro Massimo’s opening night performance of Rigoletto. For three hours, security locked down the opera house and scoured over every inch. Buildings within a five-block radius were also checked. Three hours later, the princess was located at a nearby mall eating gelato.”

Dylan is the best kind of brother there is. Sure, he likes flirting but when it comes to being a brother, he's always got Becca's back. He always does what's best for her, and covers for her.

“Dylan spoke up. “It’s my fault, Dad. Don’t blame Becca.”
Becca let out a breath of relief. Thank God Dylan took the hit for her.”

There we go again. Selfish Becca. Gone and missing for three days and left your brother to take the blame. Great job.

When I first saw the cover, I was quite taken away. I mean, the cover is really cute. Then I read the summery and oh man, I just had to read this. But it was disappointing. Even as a fluffy pastime sort of book, I suggest you pick up something else to read.

angela

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Victoria's Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

By: Unknown on Sunday, June 08, 2014

Sweet Evil
By: Wendy Higgins
Published by: HarperTeen
Published on: May 1st
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Victoria

Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.
Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

Synopsis from Goodreads


WOOOOOO!!! This book was kinda wow. I mean it's a pretty typical paranormal romance book. The feelers barely surfaced but they were there.



First of all, what I love about this book is they introduced the hot guy in the very beginning pages. On page 15 I was already into the book. I wanted to read more. If you want a faster paced paranormal romance book without the slow introduction, consider this book. Even the prologue was super short. I loved the characters (as you will soon later read below) and the plot was not bad, although quite predictable.

I'm just gonna move on to Kaidan (Kai like the ending of the word Thai). He is a Nephilim (half fallen angel half human) and the son of Pharzuph (The Duke of Lust). MAN HE IS ONE OF MY MANY BOOK BOYFRIENDS.

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He is a drummer in a band called Lascivious and he is hott (he deserves the extra T like the book says) because he is just SOOOO SWOON WORTHY. Well, since he is the son of the Duke of Lust he has to be hot. Man, he is such a "bad boy" type of guy but that's what so intriguing about him. Typical hott bad boy with a soft center but THEY GET ME EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Ok onto Anna, she wasn't TOO stupid. She was actually not that bad. But what I liked about her was her innocence. She rejected Kaidan in the beginning when he started "moving on to other things" ;). Yeah, she wasn't all too stupid.

But overall, I liked this book. I recommend you pick it up and read it sometime. I just got the second book (Sweet Peril) from the library today and I'm pretty excited about it.

Thanks for reading,

-Victoria <3

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Victoria's Review: The One by Kiera Cass

By: Unknown on Thursday, June 05, 2014

The One
By: Kiera Kass
Published by: HarperTeen
Published on: May 6, 2014
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Victoria (My first one, please stop judging)

The highly anticipated conclusion to Kiera Cass's #1 New York Timesbestselling Selection series, The One will captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. The One is the perfect finale for fans who have followed America's whirlwind romance since it began--and a swoon-worthy read for teens who have devoured Veronica Roth'sDivergent, Ally Condie's Matched, or Lauren Oliver's Delirium.

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen--and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

Synopsis from Goodreads

Review

Ok here we go. Where do I begin. Ok lemme just say that this book was basically I LOVE YOU BUT LIKE I DUNNO. I DON'T WANT TO SAY I LOVE YOU FIRST. YOU SAY IT FIRST BECAUSE I'M TOO SCARED TOO. And it goes on and on and ohmigosh WILL SOMEONE JUST FREAKING SAY IT. This is literally how I felt:


The cover is B-E-A-UTIFUL though . I mean that dress, it's gorgeous, something I want to wear for my future wedding. Goshdarnnit it's drool worthy, I want it.

WARNING: If you haven't read the past 2 books it might be a little confusing.

I'm new at this don't judge me because like, I'm writing in segments, IN SEGMENTS. What is this.

ANYWAYS,  I had high expectations for this book and it disappointed. Why is America so darn stupid? She just can't make up her mind, I mean it's pretty obvious. But what happened to Aspen was so sweet, that was a nice way to end it but it's kind of awkward. Aspen was so cute and caring during this whole book.

I'm on Maxon's side for sure on this one for sure on (SPOILER-ISH) hating America. She is so annoying and like I had I-knew-it moments throughout the whole book. LIKE SERIOUSLY.

The ending (spoiler-ish... again) was SOOOOO obvious. *sigh* I wish it was better, but I say just finish it if you have read the first two books.

AND THAT IS THE END OF MY SUPER SHORT (like as short as jeans shorts today) REVIEW. Gimme some feedback because this is like my first review ever... and I read this book a couple weeks ago so I kinda forgot. Alright, thanks for reading.


See ya,

-Victoria <3

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