Top Ten Tuesday: Beach Reads

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme held by The Broke and the Bookish.

This weeks topic is: Top ten beach reads. 

The automatic beach read for me is a contemporary romance. Whether YA, NA or adult. I like me some romance on the beach. All of my picks are some of my absolute favourite reads and have the swoony type of romance with nothing too heavy. The one where I wouldn't mind the inevitable sun burn from refusing to move a muscle until I've read the last page. Annnnddd recovered from swooning.

    

     

What's on your list? Hook up your TTT below.

Happy reading!

Brittany

Weekly Wrap-Up May 21st-27th

This week I managed to finish seven books. Five of them physical books, three being ARC's. And two e-books, one being an e-ARC.

Some Kind of Perfect(Calloway Sisters #4.5) by Krista & Becca Ritchie *****

Perfection.

10 books. 6 phenomenal characters. And this is it. SKoP is beyond satisfying and the most beautiful wrap-up to one of my ultimate favourite series. My love for these characters and their lives knows no bounds. The ups and downs. The highs and lows. I felt them all like I was right there in each and every moment. Reading that last chapter, knowing that's the end, had my heart breaking for my happiness. 

SKoP is also that perfect bridge into Damaged Like Us. Which means it's only c'ya later and not goodbye to Lily, Lo, Rose, Connor, Daisy, Ryke and ALL the kids.

The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone ****

Review to come.

Cream of the Crop(Hudson Valley #2) by Alice Clayton ****.5

Review to come.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson ****

Suuuuuppppeeerrr cute summery read. 

I love how even with the romance floating through the story, Morgan Matson really focuses on friendship and being comfortable with you are. In this case Emily is the definition of shy and with her best friend Sloane gone she figures she's in for one lonely summer. Obviously that turns out not to be the case, Emily slowly starts to break out her shell well making friends with some unlikely allies. 

The flashbacks to some key moments in Emily and Sloane's friendship shows how Sloane was the driving force. And well I thought their friendship seemed pretty solid I was happy to see Emily become herself without Sloane. There was the Emily Sloane was trying to groom her to become and than there was the real Emily. Still shy but comfortable and secure without being timid. 

And Frank, perfect geeky good guy. Collins the comedian. Dawn was a great girl until she wasn't. Her actions at the end of the book were shady. 

All in all a fun read.

Breathe, Annie, Breathe(Hundred Oaks #6) by Miranda Kenneally ***

Breath, Annie, Breathe was a quick satisfying read. Although not so light and fluffy I think it dealt with grieve in a realistic way. 

The untimely death of Annie's long term boyfriend left her with a lot of guilt. Which left her feeling like the only thing she could do was train to run in the marathon Annie's boyfriend will never get to do. Annie putting most of her focus into training to run this marathon was super inspiring. I'm a runner, but a lazy one. This book was a continuous kick to my butt to get off my ass and go for that run. I liked how Annie used running to help her grieve. It also gave her a way to meet new people, like Jere. The relationships, familial and friendship, were pretty positive. 

There were a few things holding me back from loving the book. Ultimately there was nothing phenomenal with the writing or story. It was just good. The banter between Annie and Jere felt more forced than cute. Which leads me to Annie's treatment towards Jere. I can understand the hot and cold, since you know her boyfriends not been gone even a year. But she leads him on way too much. And than she thinks it's perfectly right of her to expect him to not be himself(he's an extreme sports kind of guy; always sporting bruises and such) because she needs him to be safe. It was super hypocritical of her and flat out annoying. Poor guy. 

Good book and my first taste of Kenneally. I'll definitely be checking out another book in this series.

Gemina(The Illuminae Files #2) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff *****

Holy shit! That was even more intense and insane than Illuminae. Mind = blown. 

Hanna and Nik are as amazing as Kady and Ezra. Just everything is ridiculously perfect. 

I cannot wait to have the finished copy; seeing the finished illustrations will add even more to the story. 

And now I somehow wait a year and half for the finale. How does one do that without going insane?

All In(The Naturals #3) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes *****

Guys, this was soooooooooo good. My head is all over the place. What is even happening. Barnes is a genius with the way she weaves story lines, multiple story lines, crimes, pasts, emotions, relationships. There is so much happening but it all works together to bring this intense mind fuck. Where we are in Cassie's story now is just wow. How did that even happen? Brilliant. 

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What did you guys read this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Review: Wicked Heart by Leisa Rayven

Wicked Heart by Leisa Rayven

Publisher: St Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: May 17th, 2016
Pages: 320
Series: Starcrossed #3
Source: ARC from publisher **I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Rating: 5/5
Add to Goodreads

Liam Quinn is talented, gorgeous, and one of the biggest movie stars in the world.

He's also the only man Elissa Holt has ever truly loved.

After being out of her life for six years, he and his gorgeous fiancé are set to star in the new Broadway show Elissa is stage managing. The only trouble is, when late night rehearsals bring Elissa and Liam together, the line between what is and what could have been gets blurred, and one moment of weakness will lead to a scandal that echoes around the world.

Elissa knows that falling for Liam again would be a tragedy in the making, but as any good romantic will tell you, love doesn’t always follow the script.

I can honestly say that I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did. I mean, I knew I'd love it; just how could it compete with Bad Romeo and Broken Juliet? Cassie and Ethan are everything. Well now that would untrue because Elissa and Liam are also everything. It would be pretty cruel to have to pick a favourite couple/book(s), so just know that Wicked Heart is absolutely a fantastic follow up. And ensures that I can expect the world from Leisa Rayven and she will deliver.

Wicked Heart is pretty much a second chance romance minus the fact that Lissa and Liam barely got to explore their intense connection before the world(Hollywood) tore them apart. Lissa hasn't talked to Liam in six years. After an intense first meeting one evening their relationship gets put on hold before it can start when Liam gets cast in the play Lissa is running. With her no relationships with co-workers rule they spend two months circling each other. Well that play turns Liam into an over night success and Hollywood comes a calling. Another knock to keep them apart. On opposite coasts they keep in touch until shit happens and that's that. Six years down the road, and look who gets cast in the new production Lissa is managing; Hollywood heartthrob power couple, Liam and his fiancee Angel. Of course Lissa is going to keep their relationship as professional as possible. Not only because they work together but her broke her heart and she's still not recovered from it. Those pesky things called attraction and love didn't get that memo and refuse to not be heard.

Let's just take this review for what it's going to be; ALL THE GUSHING. I'll probably say this a trillion times but the sexual tension is intense. Lissa and Liam are constantly holding themselves back from acting on said tension and attraction and it fucking made my head spin. In the past timeline I'm like kissssss nowwww. Stop being professional, Lissa. And in the now I'm like noooooo, Liam you can't do this to Lissa. Drop Angel in a respectful way and sex Lissa up. Ahhhhh. Just Kiss. God is their relationship fiery. Liam may believe in fate, but like seriously, the universe is having other plans for these soulmates; which unfair. But that's what makes a spectacular story. And even better romance.

 Lissa is amazing. This is a girl who has cheese eating pants. She literally worships cheese. And girl, chest bump. But it's not only the cheese. Lissa is a kick ass stage manager. She's obviously organized and respected. She puts up with a lot and handles it like a pro. I mean the girl has a broken heart and Lissa is able to not, you know, murder Liam or Angel. I think that says a lot about her. In fact when she wants to try to be friends with him, help him or can't stop thinking how impossible it is to hate Angel. Lissa is a good women that kept me laughing.

#bestfriendgoals Josh and Lissa have a say anything, no holding back friendship. It's super endearing. And also hilariously awesome. I know the romance is the crux of the book, but don't discount the amazing portrayal of male female friendship. One of my best friends is a guy. Has been for more than half my life and not once have we crossed that line because ew. It doesn't all have to be about romance. Most of the time it is, but not all. Anyhow, Josh, man. He's just something. Josh is geeky, a little obnoxious with a wicked sense of humour. I laughed anytime he had page time. Yes, there's hot Liam but I'm still crushing on Josh too. #dickpics

Liam you wonderful specimen of a man. Yea, there were times when I was angry at him. But ultimately I knew something else going on. And Liam is that kind, considerate broody type. He's an overnight star. That's going to mess with you a little. I'd liken him to Robert Pattinson(minus the fact that I don't like Robert Pattinson); he arrives in Hollywood and and becomes the star of a popular movie franchise. Angel is his co-star and again, more than meets the eye. Liam is just a complex protective guy that even when I'm mad at him for hurting Lissa I'm laughing and swooning because perfection.

I can't discount Angel. Obviously I wanted to hate her because she's with Lissa's man. But it's impossible not to love her. Angel is a sweetheart. The relationship between these four characters is multifaceted, which heavily includes Angel. The four of them together is gold. Jokes in abundance. Feelings even more so.

Let me sum it up; Wicked Heart is dripping in sexual tension and banter. It's hilarious and hot. It is a book you finish in one sitting, sigh and flip right on back to the first page to give another go. It is not a hidden gem, it is a star.


Happy reading!

Brittany

Weekly Wrap-Up May 14th-20th

This week I managed to read four books. All physical books; two ARC's, one them a re-read.

The Hidden Oracle(The Trials of Apollo #1) by Rick Riordan ***

My excitement levels for this book were extreme, manly because of more Percy. And I will always read anything Riordan writes. I also liked that this was going to be a sort of continuation on after the events of the HoO series. Unfortunately Apollo was just missing something. I felt myself dragging through the book. I had to make myself read and that's never happened with a Riordan book. I always fly through them. Maybe it was a bit to do with my mood. Honestly, I just don't think Apollo reached his full potential. He's freakin' worse than Jason with all his fainting. And I know, he's dealing with being in a mortal body, but still, I don't need no repeats of Jason Grace and uselessness. Apollo had his moments, I laughed and rolled my eyes at his extreme narcissism and his stories. Being back at Camp Half-Blood was much needed. Seeing the campers and old faces(NICO!). Those bits were my favourite, especially Percy's. Obvs. Meg's role I found to be quite obvious, not necessarily as a whole, just that I figured out I knew her purpose. And I was right. I still enjoyed her uniqueness though. Based on where the book left off and who'll be joining Apollo on his next quest(minus the fact that it's heading towards a character that I despise), I have some hope that I'll like the second book a lot more.

Summer Days and Summer Nights edited by Stephanie Perkins ***

Find the review here.

The Way Back to You by Michelle Andreani & Mindi Scott ****.5

I picked this up for two reasons; road trip and it reminded me a bit of Things We Know by Heart(which I LOVE). I'm so glad I did. This book was soooo good. Cloudy and Kyle haven't been able to accept the sudden death of Ashlyn, even a year on they're not sure to how to go on without forgetting her. The Way Back to You touches on romance but really it's a look at how we all deal with grief differently and what it takes to accept that grief is going to be part of day to day life but you can still be happy without your best friend. The Way Back to You is just a great adventure about two lost friends healing their hearts together. 

Wicked Heart(Starcrossed #3) by Leisa Rayven *****(re-read)

So since I failed to write my review when I first read my ARC, I figured it doesn't hurt to give myself a refresher so I can finally write that review. Obviously I forced myself to do this... Oh and reviewing coming next week.

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What did you guys read this week?


Happy reading!

Brittany

Charged by Jay Crownover: Review + Excerpt + Giveaway Tour

Charged by Jay Crownover

Publisher: William Morrow
Publication Date: May 24th, 2016
Pages: 384
Series: Saints of Denver #2
Source: e-ARC
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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men books comes the second installment in the Saints of Denver series featuring a bad girl and a by the book attorney who could be her salvation...or her ruin.

Avett Walker and Quaid Jackson’s worlds have no reason to collide. Ever. Quaid is a high powered criminal attorney as slick as he is handsome. Avett is a pink-haired troublemaker with a bad attitude and a history of picking the wrong men.

When Avett lands in a sea of hot water because of one terrible mistake, the only person who can get her out of it is the insanely sexy lawyer. The last thing on earth she wants to do is rely on the no-nonsense attorney who thinks of her as nothing more than a nuisance. He literally has her fate in his hands. Yet there is something about him that makes her want to convince him to loosen his tie and have a little fun…with her.

Quaid never takes on clients like the impulsive young woman with a Technicolor dye job. She could stand to learn a hard lesson or two, but something about her guileless hazel eyes intrigues him. Still, he’s determined to keep their relationship strictly business. But doing so is becoming more impossible with each day he spends with her.

As they work side-by-side, they’ll have to figure out a way to get along and keep their hands off each other—because the chemistry between them is beyond charged.

REVIEW

Once again, it is abundantly clear that Charged is a Jay Crownover book. The writing, the story with it's recurring messages and themes, the characters lends itself to the type of book I've come to expect and love from Jay.

Avett isn't new to readers. We've seen her pop up, not in the most positive light, throughout The Marked Men Series. She's a troublemaker that is sure to give her dad, Brite, a heart attack. Avett has special gift for falling in with the wrong crowd. This time around it lands her in jail and fearing that her actions have finally hit too close to home. Her boyfriend did try to rob her dad's bar. This is where Quaid comes in. We caught bits of this handsome lawyer in Built as he pursued Sayer. Came off as a conceited player. That probably plays into his persona as one the best criminal attorneys. This is where Avett and Quaid's worlds collide; they clearly don't get off on the right side of the law, but attraction is quickly apparent. Which how could they not eventually act on it, even with heartbreak written in their future.

Avett is a tough, no nonsense, I don't deserve forgiveness spark plug of a lady. Her colourful hair along with her attitude sets her apart and ultimately makes her unforgettable. Quaid clearly has a past that has sparked his driven force of nature personality. He's the type of lawyer that you would sell your house to have on your side in the courtroom. Both have pasts that aren't so much as in the past as they'd like. Avett was just a child that found trouble, and that trouble got worse as she got older until what she sees as her actions, thus her fault, caused the unthinkable. So as far as Avett is concerned there's no redemption out there for her. But finding herself in jail, seeing what that does to her parents, Avett isn't ready for it to be the end. Quaid grew up with nothing, but he never wanted to be nothing. A career that can buy him all the material things and a loving wife was all her wanted. At least that's what he thought. Neither of those things could keep his wife around. Quaid thought he was fine. But Avett might just be his salvation. He's lonely and has the means to keep her safe. Keeping her out of jail wasn't the end of Avett's problems. Pain, mess and disorder all seem to be rearing their ugly heads.

 Because of who Avett is(Brite's daughter), I was excited by the appearances of a few of Jay's past men. The bar is a prominent character from The Marked Men series, and that hasn't changed in Charged. I mean it's the confrontation center for this book and Avett's woes. I also really liked getting to know Brite a bit more. He's this tough biker guy that seems to be full with all the wisdom. And how can you not like him? Avett is a tough cookie to like, unlike her dad. But Jay made it that way. You're hopefully able to warm up to her and finally come to understand her. I had troubles doing that. And it wasn't that Avett's past kept from forgiving her, it's that her journey in Charged felt a little wonky. Everyone and their sister is giving you their hand, take it without so much attitude. Gah. Quaid what a juxtaposition. This hard ass lawyer is really just a confused lonely guy in the inside. Quaid I liked. I understand wanting to be a better person, was his definition of better a little materialistic? Sure, but his childhood negates his understanding. I really just wanted to get him a few good friends to help him out. Avett and Quaid have obvious attraction. Different worlds may be their mantra, but love don't care. But hey, it's always fun to watch the couple try and fight their love. I always know who's going to win that war.

Charged offered a bit more suspense than past books. Which I think Jay did really well. So not only are you getting this rocky road to romance between two characters who deeply need a person to pull them out of their lives. And just jump into something new; with the added bonus of some thrilling moments. Like mentioned earlier, Charged has Jay's trademark style all over it. And that's never a bad thing. It's why I constantly need to pick up her new book right away; it's comforting, like coming home. 

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EXCERPT

Avett

I blew out a breath and felt that bottom I had careened onto reach up to embrace me even tighter. “It is what it is. I’ve let both my folks down a lot over the last few years but getting caught up with a guy that would rob the bar, a guy who could threaten my dad’s people.” I shook my head. “I deserve to rot.”

I was being overly dramatic but that’s how I felt. I deserved to sit in jail and so much worse than that. Self-pity was good company down here at rock bottom and I wasn’t ready to let go of the warmth it provided just yet.

He gave me a look I couldn’t read and headed for the door. “I’ll call your parents for you and see if we can have something in place before tomorrow. Working on your case will be a lot easier for both of us if you aren’t incarcerated. Remember, you need to listen to me, Ms. Walker. That’s the first rule in all of this.”

Panic hit me like a truck. What if he called my dad and my dad told him he’d had enough of his problematic daughter and her endless nonsense? What if he couldn’t love me anymore? Jail I could survive; losing my father for good, well, it would be the end of me.

Without thinking I jumped to my feet, which had the chains on both my hands and my legs rattling loudly, and two uniformed officers hurried into the room. I was about to make maybe the worst decision to date but I couldn’t stop the words from sliding off my tongue.

“Don’t call my dad!” Recklessness, thy name was Avett Walker.

The attorney turned around and looked at me like I had grown a second head. He didn’t say anything as the officers moved to either side of me and told me to calm down.

“You can’t call my dad.” The words sounded as panicked and as desperate as I felt on the inside.

His broad shoulders lifted and fell in a shrug like he really couldn’t give a shit that he was about to ruin my life…which was saying a hell of a lot considering where I was.

“I have to.” He sounded bored and impatient with my outburst.

I narrowed my eyes at him, and that vortex of awful, which I always seemed to be smack dab in the center of, started to spin faster and faster around me.

“Then you’re fired.” I saw the cops exchange a look and my rushed words had the blond man turning fully back around to look at me. “I don’t want your help. I don’t want anything from you.”

Finally, there was something other than indifference in his gaze. There was surprise, maybe a hint of admiration colliding with a huge splash of humor in the pale depths.

“Sorry, Ms. Walker, but you didn’t hire me, so that means you don’t get to fire me.” That grin of his, which should be registered as a deadly weapon, flashed across his face again as he watched me, and then he was gone.

About Jay Crownover

Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men, The Point, and the Saints of Denver series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

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Happy reading!

Brittany

Review: Summer Days and Summer Nights edited by Stephanie Perkins

Summer Days and Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories edited by Stephanie Perkins

Publication Date: May 17th, 2016
Publisher: St, Martin's Griffin
Pages: 400
Source: ARC from publisher **I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Rating: 3/5
Add to Goodreads

Maybe it's the long, lazy days, or maybe it's the heat making everyone a little bit crazy. Whatever the reason, summer is the perfect time for love to bloom. Summer Days & Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories, written by twelve bestselling young adult writers and edited by the international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins, will have you dreaming of sunset strolls by the lake. So set out your beach chair and grab your sunglasses. You have twelve reasons this summer to soak up the sun and fall in love.

Featuring stories by Leigh Bardugo, Francesca Lia Block, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Brandy Colbert, Tim Federle, Lev Grossman, Nina LaCour, Stephanie Perkins, Veronica Roth, Jon Skovron, and Jennifer E. Smith.

Short stories are very hit or miss with me. It's hard to fall in love with a story and its characters in 30ish pages. Some of my favourite authors have failed to impress me in the past. But I've also found some new authors through anthologies and getting a small taste of their writing. That's why I can't write short story collections off completely; even if they're not my favourite there's some good that come from reading them.

Head, Scales, Tongue, Tale by Leigh Bardugo: It pains me to say this, but I just couldn't do it. I tried to read the first two pages a handful times and they are just nope. DNF

The End of Love by Nina Lacour: I tried to read a book of Nina's years ago, but wasn't feeling it. Although over the years I've heard great feed back for her books. This short story definitely makes me want to give one of her full length books another go. The End of Love definitely left me wanting more of Flora's story. I want to know how she fairs with her parents divorce. Does Flora speak up and tell her parents how over the years she's been affected by their relationship also? I want to know more about Jessica and what she really means to Flora. I want to get to know Flora; her quiet personality. And more importantly, does camping with Hope, Travis and Mimi become part of her life too. I'd assume so after some kissing with Mimi. I want to see their relationship bloom. 4/5

Last Stand at the Cinegore by Libba Bray: Well reading this story just obnoxiously reminded me how long it has been since I've read a Libba Bray book. God, I forgot how peculiar and hilarious her stories are. I don't even know what to say here. It took a turn for the strange and I just rolled with it. Because in a weird way it all made sense and worked. Surprisingly, with my aversion to horror anything, I loved the setting of the Cinegore movie theatre. I can just see Kevin, David and Dani working there, slacking off, goofing off talking old horror movies. And the three of them together is too much. I was chuckling all over the place. Libba hinted at the more deep topics, but pretty much kept it light and ridiculous well weaving Kevin's worries and anxieties through that, um unique, turn of events. I know we're barely into the collection, but I have a feeling this story will be top contender as my favourite. 5/5

Sick Pleasure For A and U by Francesca Lia Block: Uh, what the hell was this? I don't even get it. For a short story collection that is called Summer Days and Summer Nights I'm looking for some upbeat fun stories, this was just depressing and inane. Add on the fact that nobody had a name. They all went by a letter. Which was just confusing as hell. I went in thinking how super short this story was and than upon finishing was obviously the only positive. There's nothing else to say, except how utterly pointless I found these few pages to be. 1/5

In Ninety Minutes, Turn North by Stephanie Perkins: I love that this is the same couple from Stephanie's story in My True Love Gave to Me. Two short stories on them is definitely better than one. Especially when it's a second chance romance. So far this story has felt the most like a summer read. Perkins vividly describes the mountain and national park that Marigold and North find themselves rehashing the past. Their story is cute. They're cute and sweet. At nineteen, both are trying to figure out their life and what they want as they enter adulthood, what's important. And like I said, it was just a really sweet second chance romance as they both realize the feelings are there and strong. 4.5/5

Souvenirs by Tim Federle: Well now get the love Tim's books get. If this short story is anything to go off of, he's a really conscious writer. I'm eager to now check out more of his work. Especially knowing it's very LGBQT+ positive. The title of this story is very fitting, first we have the natural summer setting of teens working at a run down amusement park. Secondly, souvenirs is metaphorically what Matty will be taking from his short summer fling with Kieth. Their relationship had an end day from the start and even though Matty knew Kieth wasn't his end game, it was still depressing for him. Especially when you're a little on the sensitive side. I liked the good and bad from their relationship; although Kieth wasn't the most considerate, he was still extremely conscious of making sure Matty knew all his strong points. Even when he was being self deprecating. Kieth would shut that down right away. So even though the relationship wasn't meant to last, it'll leave its mark on Matty, like souvenirs. 4/5

Inertia by Veronica Roth: Mm... I'm on the fence here. On the one hand I was surprised to see Roth deal incorporate depression into this story. As you all know I'm an advocate for mental health, and I believe Roth did an excellent job bringing it into her story, showing Claire's struggles with not wanting to take her meds and become flat. And also, Matt's assurance that taking her meds won't be the end of Claire. So, yes on that! I also really liked the glimpse into Claire's and Matt's friendship. It seemed really strong and genuine. But on the other scale, this story was far from peppy and based on what I expect this short story collection to be(cute summer romances), that was disappointing. Also, the story line was really wonky. The going from different memories made their friendship timeline not add up and I was just generally scratching my head. 2.5/5

Love is the Last Resort by Jon Skovron: So I guess we're supposed to believe this is an anti-love story but really just kidding; love is all around. Especially at an high end country resort. That's where all the most juicy love affairs go down, right? Oh and much drama between the rich guests. This was a fun story. Nothing to write home, and ultimately forgettable in the long run. But I liked the match making shenanigans that went down. The surprise narrator of the story made me chuckle. Also, the setting of a elite country resort is supper summer appropriate. So yea, a cute fun read. 3/5

Good Luck and Farewell by Brandy Colbert: I believe this story would work so much better as a full novel. In fact, I would love for Colbert to write it. There was really so much pushed into 30 pages and one main conversation that it was a little much. It would greatly benefit from expanding on. From what I glanced of Rashida and Pierre, I liked and again would probably love in a full story. Also, another story that really doesn't have the summer vibe. Yes the romance was there, but it was not the focus. Death and depression are important topics in YA, always. Just a little too dark and deep for 30 pages and what I thought was supposed to be a sunny, lazy day type read. 3/5

Brand New Attraction by Cassandra Clare: Well that's exactly the type of story you'd expect from Clare. Can't not have demons in there. But hey, it totally fit with the carnival setting. Which is totally appropriate for summer time. I may be more of a fair person. Either way. Funnily enough, I've found this story to be the only one that felt like it had a full arc and firm conclusion. So that was a surprise; a welcomed surprise. Besides all of that, I wasn't enthralled. I liked everything well enough. Lulu was a spunky carny girl who has the hots for her step-cousin. Since it also wouldn't be a Clare story without an incestuous relationship; even if these guys aren't technically related. It's still gross. 3/5

A Thousand Ways This Could All Go Wrong by Jennifer E. Smith: Yes! I knew Jennifer Smith would deliver. I finished this story with a big ass smile on my face. The only downside was that it was too short; I needs a full book of Annie and Griffin because adorable!  Put a super big check in how Autism is shown so positively and both characters are wonderful. This story is exactly what I wanted from this anthology with the backdrop of a summer camp. Add it to the reasons why I can always depend on Jennifer Smith. Another cute and lovely read from her. 5/5

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things by Lev Grossman: Clever. Had the Groundhog Day thing going on. But of course a little different. I just had no connection to either the story or characters. Mark and Margaret finding the wow moments throughout the town was neat. And I'm definitely glad to have finally sampled Lev Grossman's writing; since I still need to read The Magicians. Ultimately that's all I got to say, fine. 3/5


Happy reading!

Brittany

Weekly Wrap-Up May 7th-13th

This week I manged to read six books. Four physical books; one an ARC. And two e-books; both e-ARC's.

For the One(Gaming the System #5) by Brenna Aubrey ***

I was eagerly anticipating this release because of William. From the past books I figured he was on the autism spectrum and I'm all over a romance book that has mental health so front and center. William has Aspergers. And I think Brenna did a fantastic job of capturing William's social difficulties and need for routine. William can obviously come across as rude and abrupt, especially when he can't look people in the eye(in case you didn't know, eye contact can be really intense and overwhelming). But he's also really driven, caring and wonderful to the people he loves. All and all William is a great character. Jenna no so much. It's unfortunate that this book is told in alternating POVs because I will admit to having to skip through some of Jenna's inner thoughts. Jenna's supposed to come across as this compassionate wonder type. But I just saw her as a bitch. She starts off using William(which of course he doesn't see because of obvious reasons and also being in love with her). Then as she gets to know him and understand that he has autism she fails to take that into consideration when talking to him. William speaks his mind and doesn't understand metaphors and the like, and so many times Jenna is quick to just tell him he's pissing her off when doesn't get what she's saying. I can understand being frustrated but you have to keep William's emotions in mind. AND my biggest issue was how she was constantly pushing him to have sex. William is wonderful and stead fast in his desire to not have sex with Jenna knowing she's not sticking around. Yet Jenna just keeps pushing him and saying it's just sex. Well to him it isn't. God, she just all around pissed me off. Especially the ending after the "fall out". Just UGH! So well I loved William and wished for someone much better for him, that's not what happened. Jenna and her terrible personality definitely hindered my enjoyment of the book.

  

The Rose and the Dagger(The Wrath and the Dawn #2) by Renee Ahdieh *****

Well I did have some minor issues with this finale(like why does the loyal side character have to die, but the person that continually fucked everything up get to live? Or I how I didn't find the conclusion to the curse flushed out.) they are sooooo easily overlooked because everything else is glorious. Khalid and Shazi are wonderful and romantic and amazing complex characters. The writing is beautiful. The story is intriguing. I JUST LOVE THIS DUOLOGY WITH ALL MY HEART.

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid ****

Review to come.

Charged(Saints of Denver #2) by Jay Crownover ***

Review to come.

Rebel Belle(Rebel Belle #1) by Rachel Hawkins ****

As expected, a really fun and humourous read. Harper is a really driven and sassy queen bee type. But I love how she's not a mean girl. The books starts off with a bang, and Harper is kicking ass in a dress like it ain't know ones business. The juxtaposition of her proper southern belle attire and attitude with her new strength and fighting powers is great. I love me a hate to love romance(as you know) and the relationship development between Harper and David is on point. From arguments to unintentional flirting to cuteness through all the banter, LOVED it. Totally the kind of book you fly through in a couple of hours.

Summer of Sloane by Erin L Schneider ****

I've been anticipating the release of Summer of Sloane for a while now. So well I was in the book store this week I picked it up to read the first chapter and was completely hooked. So of course it came home with me. And of course I devoured it in a few short hours. Summer of Sloane is a few things. It's about being true to yourself. It's about learning when it's right to forgive. And it's totally about the really vivid setting of Hawaii. I LOVE Sloane. She's just plain old awesome. There's so many good relationships in this book. Like all of them; parental, sibling, friendship, romantic. They're complex, complicated and real. Summer of Sloane is a really positive book in that category. The writing and story is super easy. Everything fits. I was impressed with how forgiveness was handled, especially based on the actions surrounding the main plot. And also how the two people involved weren't just paired together afterwards(vague, I know; but spoilers). The thing holding me back from  giving the final star is the ending. It was a little rushed and lacked a solid completeness. Which unfortunately happens way too many times in these short YA contemporaries. I was also not 100% onboard with the final romance. I liked it. I liked him. I just didn't care for his behaviour near the end and found Sloane was too fast to forgive him and put a little of the blame on herself just because of his past. Which if the book had had twenty more pages, I might be singing a different tune. All in all a really solid debut from Erin Schneider. Really looking forward to her future books; in which I'm hoping we'll see a companion to Summer of Sloane with a certain someone.

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What did you guys read this week?

Happy reading!

Brittany

Haulin' the Books #102

It's been three weeks since my last book haul, so you know things have gotten out of hand over here. #ihavenospaceleft
Few things; I'm no longer using the Showcase Sunday meme. I'm pretty sure it's not active anymore. So I figured I'd just think of something else to call my book hauls and do my own thing. 

I'm not very good at this computer blog graphic formatting thing. So please forgive my trials as I try out different graphic things before I overhaul the blog. I'm, finally, trying to learn. Although I'm lazy, so we'll see how much learning I do. *shrugs*
In exciting news, Jojo Moyes is coming to Toronto in less than two weeks. I'm still waiting on the rules and guidelines for the signing to be release. But you can guarantee that if I can I will get ALL the books I own of hers signed. Only thing that sucks is having to buy After You in hardcover. I have an e-ARC, which she clearly can't sign. But I need that book signed, so my wallet will have to forgive me.
I attended(virtually) Raincoast's Fall Teen Preview yesterday, and GUYS, sooooooooooooo many good books coming later this year. A good bunch were already on my radar. But also a good bunch were not. This is why I love when Raincoast does their previews, I hear about even more books and my TBR expands exponentially.  

Purchased

Outlander | The Great Gatsby | Kiss the Sky | Fuel the Fire | Me Before You
This pile are all books that I've read(some multiple times) and love. Outlander and The Great Gatsby are books I collect all the editions of. I'm not there yet, but I will be. How could I not grab the movie edition of Me Before You? C'mon. Also my third edition of the book. #noregrets  And Kiss the Sky and Fuel the Fire are books I LOVE but have in e-book. Obviously I needed them on my shelf for real; I'm also slowly collecting that whole series in paperback.

The Rose and the Dagger | A Court of Mist and Fury | Radio Silence | The Falconer | The Prom Goer's Interstellar Excursion | No Love Allowed | The Star-Touched Queen
How many other wallets out there are empty? The past two Tuesdays were INSANE with new releases. A Court of Mist and Fury and The Rose and the Dagger were my top NEEDS because both are life. The Star-Touched Queen was getting so much amazing buzz that I knew I had to have it. Radio Silence is a book I'd not heard of until recently when like five of my Goodreads friends from the UK were reading it and all said the same thing; incredible and speechless. Of course I bought it. There was an awesome promotion going on at Chapters, which was why I picked up The Falconer, No Love Allowed and The Prom Goer's Interstellar Excursion. 

Kindle Purchased

For Review: ARCs

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover| One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Thanks so much to Simon & Schuster Canada

Wicked Heart by Leisa Rayven| Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige| One Was Lost by Natalie D Richards
Thanks so much to Raincoast

The Memory Book by Lara Avery| Poisoned Blade by Kate Elliott| I'm Still Here(Je Suis La) by Clelie Avit

Thanks so much to HBG Canada

For Review: e-ARCS

What books have you guys picked up recently?

Happy reading!

Brittany