Review and Giveaway: Geek Girl by Holly Smale

Geek + runway = a hilarious runaway hit! This bestselling UK debut is full of humor and high-fashion hijinks—and now it’s coming to America.

Harriet Manners is tired of being labeled a geek. So when she’s discovered by a modeling agent, she seizes the chance to reinvent herself. There’s only one problem: Harriet is the definition of awkward. Does she have what it takes to transform from geek to chic?

Geek Girl is the first book in a hilarious new trilogy. It was also the #1 bestselling YA debut of 2013 in the UK, where it was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Best Book for Teens. With all the humor and fabulous shenanigans of Louise Rennison’s Confessions of Georgia Nicolson and Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries, Geek Girl is about to become an international superstar.

Best Bits: I love a good British comedy, so when I read comparisons to Louise Rennison's books I was itching to pick this up. In some ways it met my expectations, and in others it fell flat. The thing that I enjoyed most was, surprisingly, the conflict between Harriet and her best friend Nat (who wants to be a model, and is not spotted). I think it was realistic that there would be conflict between the two after Harriet gets chosen to be a model, despite having zero interest in fashion. The friendship drama was more about honesty, rather than jealousy. It was sort of refreshing to read a book where the main character is gaining maturity in a friendship, rather than dealing with a best-friend-turned-mean-girl.

I also really appreciated the family support that Harriet has throughout the book. Sure, both adults are a big misguided, but it's apparent that they care about Harriet and her happiness. This is particularly true of Annabel, Harriet's stepmother. Throughout the book we see her trying to make decisions in Harriet's best interest. This doesn't mean that she's a perfect character, as she sometimes bases her assumptions and decisions on what she believes Harriet would want, rather than asking her. I think that may be one of the overall messages of this book. Every character has their flaws, but that's acceptable. None of the characters are meant to be perfect. That's always a good message to send.

Nit Picks:  At times I felt like Harriet was a middle-grade character. She is dealing with your typical teen issues (aside from being spotted and turned into a model), yet she reads more like a child. I had an internal debate about whether this was due to being overly sheltered...but it's hard for me to believe that a character can be so naive. At some points in the read it drew me out of the story.

Geek Girl 
By Holly Smale
Published by HarperTeen
384 Pages
Received for Review

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Review: The Infects by Sean Beaudoin

A feast for the brain, this gory and genuinely hilarious take on zombie culture simultaneously skewers, pays tribute to, and elevates the horror genre.

Seventeen-year-old Nero is stuck in the wilderness with a bunch of other juvenile delinquents on an “Inward Trek.” As if that weren’t bad enough, his counselors have turned into flesh-eating maniacs overnight and are now chowing down on his fellow miscreants. As in any classic monster flick worth its salted popcorn, plentiful carnage sends survivors rabbiting into the woods while the mindless horde of “infects” shambles, moans, and drools behind. Of course, these kids have seen zombie movies. They generate “Zombie Rules” almost as quickly as cheeky remarks, but attitude alone can’t keep the biters back.

Serving up a cast of irreverent, slightly twisted characters, an unexpected villain, and an ending you won’t see coming, here is a savvy tale that that’s a delight to read—whether you’re a rabid zombie fan or freshly bitten—and an incisive commentary on the evil that lurks within each of us.

Best Bits:  I can always appreciate YA books that focus on guys, since those tend to be rare in the genre. Plus, the way that the zombie apocalypse begins in this one is totally believable. Nick works at a chicken processing plant, and in a typical teen fashion is crushing on a girl he thinks is out of his league. Things head south at said job, and he ends up fighting off zombies at a wilderness camp. I'm actively choosing not to share how the zombies come into existence, but it's pretty clear when you're reading.

 This book definitely didn't skimp on the gore or scare factor. I was genuinely spooked reading some scenes, with the anticipation that something bad was about to happen (I was usually right). What makes this book even better is the possibility that Nero may have been exposed to the virus and could be changing as well. We get a great look at his inner monologue and fight against the voice trying to control him.

Nit Picks: This book has it's own language, and a completely new slang vocabulary. In some books this works well, but at some points during this one I was drawn out of the story. I also thought that the end wrapped up extremely quickly. It was a time jump, and I wish I could have seen the bits in between.

The Infects
By Sean Beaudoin
Published by Candlewick
384 Pages
Purchased

Review: Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.
 
Best Bits: Digging into a book by Stephanie Perkins is always a delight. It's like snuggling a warm blanket with some tea. You know it's going to be comfortable and enjoyable. Isla did that for me. Perkins brings us back to France, where we see a couple in a different year at the same school where the series began. Can I go to school there?

 What I enjoy most is how accurate these books are to the teen experience. It captures the angst, the self-consciousness, the fear of uncertainty...and I totally would have gone on a romantic weekend trip with my boyfriend if I could have gotten away with it! I wish that I had read these during those years, because I can imagine myself nodding along and feeling totally validated (did I mention swooning over amazing male characters?). This book also had another great theme, friendship. We see how Isla isn't willing to give up her best friend for her relationship. Sure, they spend less time together and both grow, but it's never a question of leaving him behind. Not to mention, hurrah for a book that depicts male/female friendship without having a love triangle!

Nit Picks: I had extremely high expectations for this one, especially because the couples from Anna and Lola were so swoon-worthy. I think this couple is a lot more realistic in that they had a lot more to deal with. They didn't feel as certain at the end, like the couples in the other book did. I'm not sure if that's because I'm older and more skeptical, or because the drama was more intense between the two. So, in a way this isn't really a nitpick...more of an explanation why this couple wasn't my favorite.

I'm sad to see this series go, but I purchased each book because I know I'll be rereading them during those dreary fall/winter days when I need a pick-me-up!

Isla and the Happily Ever After
By Stephanie Perkins
Published by Dutton
339 Pages
Purchased

Review: My Faire Lady by Laura Wettersten

Rowena Duncan is a thoroughly modern girl with big plans for her summer—until she catches her boyfriend making out with another girl. Heartbroken, she applies to an out-of-town job posting and finds herself somewhere she never expected: the Renaissance Faire.

As a face-painter doubling as a serving wench, Ro is thrown headfirst into a vibrant community of artists and performers. She feels like a fish out of water until Will, a quick-witted whip cracker, takes her under his wing. Then there’s Christian, a blue-eyed stunt jouster who makes Ro weak in the knees. Soon, it’s not just her gown that’s tripping her up.

Trading in the internet and electricity for stars and campfires was supposed to make life simpler, but Ro is finding that love is the ultimate complication. Can she let the past make way for her future?

Best Bits: I went in hoping for a cute summer read, and this book met all my expectations. Ro is trying to escape seeing an ex and his new girlfriend, so she finds a job out in the middle of nowhere. What teen girl hasn't wanted to do the same thing? It's a fun setup and it doesn't take her long once she's there to start focusing on herself (and a new guy, but that's sort of the point). While it may seem like the new romance is the focus of the book, there's also a focus on confidence and following your passions. Ro loves art, and as she begins to work her individuality into face painting at the faire she begins to realize that she might not be headed toward the future that's right for her. 

The other characters at the faire make the book even better. You would expect to find some eccentric people working at King Geoffrey's Faire, and you won't be disappointed. Of course there's Christian, the attractive knight, Will, the guy who proves appearances can be deceiving, and my personal favorite, Ramon. Ramon is the grumpy head cook at the tavern, and his interactions with Ro and the gang were great. 

Nit Picks: My only complaint is that I wanted more. We only see a couple weeks in the summer, and as much as I loved the parts we got to read, I would have loved to get to experience more of the faire over the time that Ro was there.

My Faire Lady
By Laura Wettersten
Published by Simon & Schuster
352 Pages

Review: Tsarina by J Nelle Patrick

Natalya knows a secret.
A magical Faberge egg glows within the walls of Russia's Winter Palace.
It holds a power rooted in the land and stolen from the mystics.
A power that promises a life of love for her and Alexei Romanov.
Power, that, in the right hands, can save her way of life.
But it's not in the right hands.

Best Bits: I love a good historical fiction novel, and if it involves any popular writing/film/tv names (The Tudors, The Romanovs, etc) I'm there. When I found out that J. Nelle Patrick was actually the pseudonym for Jackson Pearce, I was even more excited. I can't say that it was a perfect read, but for the most part I really enjoyed it. The fantasy element was an interesting twist throughout the book, and I was kept on the edge of my seat until things were resolved. 

I found it realistic that Natalya didn't really understand the purpose of the revolution. She can't understand why people are targeting those who are rich, and believes that the Romanov's will prevail. I think this is an honest portrayal of someone who is isolated in a lifestyle of wealth. So, while others may be frustrated by her naivety, I think that it provides some uniqueness to her character. It was also contrasted well with her friend, Emilia. She also has the same line of thinking, but is a bit more shallow than Natalya. It was refreshing to see over the course of the book the growth in their understanding of the world and politics.

Nit Picks: Sometimes, I felt like the story was taking place during the communist revolution, but within it's own little bubble.  For example, it's clear that Pearce did her research while she was writing this novel.  She discusses people that were involved with the Romanov family, and particularly with Rasputin, paints an interesting picture of the time. At the same time, however, there have been some changes with Alexi (who was still a young boy when he was killed). Even small changes like that made me question what was changed as a plot device, and what was accurate. 

Tsarina 
By J Nelle Patrick
Published by Razorbill
331 Pages

Movie Review: The Vampire Academy

Based on author Richelle Mead’s worldwide bestselling series, VAMPIRE ACADEMY tells the legend of Rose Hathaway (Zoey Deutch) and Lissa Dragomir (Lucy Fry), two 17-year-old girls who attend a hidden boarding school for Moroi (mortal, peaceful Vampires) and Dhampirs (half-vampire/half-human guardians). Rose, a rebellious Guardian-in-training and her best friend, Lissa – a royal vampire Princess - have been on the run when they are captured and returned to St.Vladamirs Academy, the very place where they believe their lives may be in most jeopardy. Thrust back into the perils of Moroi Society and high school, Lissa struggles to reclaim her status while Rose trains with her mentor and love-interest, Dimitri (Danila Kozlovsky), to guarantee her place as Lissa’s guardian. Rose will sacrifice everything to protect Lissa from those who intend to exploit her from within the Academy walls and the Strigoi (immortal, evil vampires) who hunt her kind from outside its sanctuary.

Best Bits: I think any movie that starts with "Bad Girls" by M.I.A automatically gets four stars. I'm new to this series, I've been flying through the books, and loving every minute of them. I think this puts me in a unique position with the movie. I don't have a huge set of expectations due to years of waiting for new books. What was I looking for in the movie? The same feel of the book. I wanted something that doesn't take itself too seriously, but still had intense moments. I think this movie did that well. Yes, there were a number of changes from page to screen, including altering some plot points. Some will be a bit upset with that, but it's all in the name of making a movie that flows (this was ingrained in me after watching commentaries from LOTR).

Perhaps the most important parts of the movie are the characterization of, and friendship between Lissa and Rose. The books depend on these things, and the friendship guides a majority of Rose's decisions over the course of the series. I was happy that Rose was sassy, and Zoey Deutch was able to pull it off. Lucy Fry, playing Lissa, was great as well. You feel for her as she's trying to adjust back to life at the academy while other students whisper behind her back. As I've continued on with the series, she has sort of replaced my mental image of who Lissa is.

Nit Picks:  I felt like there was an excess of cleavage for Rose. I'm wondering if this was to play up her curvy figure which is described in the book, but I can imagine that getting in the way of fighting strigoi. I also thought that the actor who plays Dimitri looked old...and I can't even explain it. He's only a bit older than I am, and doesn't look that old in behind-the-scenes photos/other movies. I'm going to blame it on the hair.

If you are looking for a fun, quick movie to watch with the girls, I'd say give this one a shot.

Mini-Reviews

The Elite by Kiera Cass

I enjoyed The Selection, and I just finished The One...so of course it's time for a mini-review of this one. Before I start, I just want to say that whenever I glance at the cover image I always think it looks like the actress who played Ginny Weasley. That has nothing to do with the book, however.

I enjoyed that this one really picked up on the dire situation of Illea. The girls have been narrowed down, the drama is amped up, and we see America really begin to develop into the type of leader she could potentially be. The rebels attacking the palace keep everyone on their toes. I was also able to guess a piece of information that didn't pay off until the last book (yes, I'm proud about it). The love triangle is evident, but America is able to simultaneously be true to herself (after growing up in a lower caste) and mature.  


Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

I've been burned out on vampires since Twilight, but this looked like a lot of fun. It's a series that doesn't take itself too seriously, which is uncommon in vampire lit. I did see the movie, and I know a lot of fans were disappointed. It wasn't the best adaptation, but the lead maintained her sassy attitude.

The series has been around for ages, and I'm sure most people have read it by now. If you haven't and you're looking for boarding school meets vampires with a lady badass, I'd suggest giving this one a try.

Book Review: How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love by Ken Baker

Thick. Heavy. Big boned. Plump. Full figured. Chunky. Womanly. Large. Curvy. Plus-size. Hefty." To sixteen-year-old Emery Jackson, these are all just euphemisms for the big "F" word—"fat." Living on a Southern California beach with her workout fiend dad, underwear model sister, and former model mother, it is impossible for Emery not to be aware of her weight.

Emery is okay with how things are. That is, until her "momager" signs her up for Fifty Pounds to Freedom, a reality show in which Emery will have to lose fifty pounds in fifty days in order to win the million dollars that will solve her family's financial woes. Emery is skeptical of the process, but when the pounds start to come off and the ratings skyrocket, she finds it hard to resist the adoration of her new figure and the world of fame. Emery knows that things have changed. But is it for the better?

Best Bits: I was a bit worried at the start of this one, because it starts off by throwing the sassy, snarky attitude of the main character, and the references right at you. We learn that Emery feels like an outsider in her fit and perky family. Of course, I always end up being connected to these kinds of characters, and Emery proved to be an interesting one. Her snark is really there to cover up the vulnerability of not feeling accepted at home, or at school. Her boyfriend is also overweight, and she really appreciates that for once someone seems to notice who she is, not what she looks like. The show presented a unique way for Baker to address societies expectations about how people look, and what they should do if they go against what is socially acceptable. Regardless of what any of the other characters think, it was great to see Emery work on self-acceptance. The super awesome part, this reality show included individual counseling. On real-world shows like The Biggest Loser, I'd love to know (but not see, because that's private stuff) that they were involved in some therapy...but now we're getting off topic. 

Emery is still a teen, however. There were moments where she had unexpected outbursts, and where she lashed out at others. Over the last couple months I've learned to accept this, because it's realistic to a teenager's life. Zeus knows how many times I had crazy mood swings and freaked out on people.

Nit Picks: There are a lot of pop culture references. This is to be expected in a book about a reality show. At some points, though, I felt that they weren't necessary. Despite how business-savvy the Kardashians are, I don't need them being discussed in my fiction (although I can see the comparison between the mothers).

How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love
By Ken Baker
Published by Running Press Kids
272 Pages
Received for Review

 

Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

 Best Bits: You know, this book was really entertaining. I've heard positive and negative things about it, and I think that's why it's taken me so long to cross it off my to-read list. So, I was pleasantly surprised by how fast it went. I liked the dynamic between the girls (see the nit picks section, though). Sure, some fell into their tropes, but it was nice to see that some girls weren't after love, they were after power.

Sorry, I'm not usually a gif person, but I couldn't resist. I did like the development of Maxon. Despite his out-of-touch upbringing, he's genuinely willing to attempt change for his country. It's the sign of a good ruler (omg, now I'm worried he won't live through the series. Excuse me while I go breathe in a paper bag).

Nit Picks: I can see why this one was hit or miss for people, because it stayed at the surface for most things like character motivations (beyond America), and delving into why the rebels are fighting back against the government. The love triangle seemed a bit wonky, too. I think that's because the book gives us such a positive look at Maxon. I felt ho-hum about Aspen, who I'm sure I'm supposed to feel something for. 

The Selection 
By Kiera Cass
Published by  HarperTeen
336 Pages

Book Review: Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

  didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.
But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling.

What happened?
Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

Best Bits: Oh. My. Glob. There was something so deliciously twisted about this book that kept me from setting it down. I was reading it during my lunch break because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. Amy is like Dorothy in many ways, she just wants to escape her life in Kansas. Her issues, unlike Dorothy's, are more serious and intense.  This makes her a great character. She's not exactly likable all the time, but I understand her motivations. She's tormented by her peers, her mom is struggling with addiction, and she can't wait to leave her home behind. Perfect timing for a tornado, right? Paige was able to take Oz, and make it her own. The associations that I have about Oz from childhood were turned upside down, and I loved it.

The characters are everything that you want them to be, and Paige doesn't spare anyone. It's sort of like Game of Thrones, no one is safe! The reader never truly knows who is good and who is wicked, and if wicked is really good in Oz?! I'm looking forward to Amy's struggle with power, and her ability to navigate who to trust (and hopefully, ultimately, trusting herself). The characters we know and love(d) make an appearance, and they're absolutely vile. I never thought I would be disgusted by the cowardly lion (because really, in the movie I just want to give him a big hug). Paige excels in warping these characters, while giving the reader an understanding of why they serve Dorothy.

Nit Picks: There is a decent amount of swearing in this one. I didn't mind it, but those who try to avoid that should be aware. 

Dorothy Must Die 
By Danielle Paige
Published by HarperCollins
452 Pages
Purchased

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Shadow Prince (Into the Dark 1) by Bree Despain

Haden Lord, the disgraced prince of the Underrealm, has been sent to the mortal world to entice a girl into returning with him to the land of the dead. Posing as a student at Olympus Hills High—a haven for children of the rich and famous—Haden must single out the one girl rumored to be able to restore immortality to his race.

Daphne Raines has dreams much bigger than her tiny southern Utah town, so when her rock star dad suddenly reappears, offering her full tuition to Olympus Hills High’s prestigious music program, she sees an opportunity to catch the break she needs to make it as a singer. But upon moving into her estranged father’s mansion in California, and attending her glamorous new school, Daphne soon realizes she isn’t the only student in Olympus who doesn’t quite belong.

Haden and Daphne—destined for each other—know nothing of the true stakes their fated courtship entails. As war between the gods brews, the teenagers’ lives collide. But Daphne won’t be wooed easily and when it seems their prophesied link could happen, Haden realizes something he never intended—he’s fallen in love. Now to save themselves, Haden and Daphne must rewrite their destinies. But as their destinies change, so do the fates of both their worlds.

Best Bits: I love Greek mythology, so I jumped at the chance to read this one early. It's sort of a spinoff of the Persephone myth, but these characters exist in a world where Hades and Persephone were real...well, Haden does. Haden has grown up in the Underworld, known as the Underrealm, and it isn't pretty. He is driven by duty and regaining his lost honor (Zuko, is that you?). So, when he's sent above to find the girl who can save everyone things don't go as planned. I actually found it nice that he has to work on gaining her trust for most of the book. He basically seems like a creepy stalker/murderer at the start, so if she had fallen for him immediately I would have been bummed. 

Despain also devoted time for Haden to learn what it meant to be human, and what it means to have fun. Seriously, the Underrealm seems like a drag. There's a ridiculous class system, and brothers are pitted against each other. The least they could have is a view of something nice, right? Wrong. Daphne's character is an interesting one, and although I don't really get her motivation at the start of the book, I found myself rooting for her. She had just the right amount of skepticism when she found out the truth about what was really happening at Olympus Hills High. Sounds ominous, right? That skepticism was a breath of fresh air. Usually the dreamy dark and handsome guy says something that sounds totally out of touch with reality, and the girl believes it immediately. I don't know about you, but if some guy came up to me and said, "Hey, I'm from the underrealm and I need you to return with me to save everything and prevent a war" I wouldn't be jumping on the next boat down the river Acheron.

Nit Picks: I totally guessed who the baddie was going to be at the start. It didn't ruin anything for me, because the rest of the book hooked me, but I knew who was walking through the door with their villain monologue.

The Shadow Prince (Into the Dark 1)
By Bree Despain
Published by EgmontUSA
Received for Review 

You can check out a guest post by the author at Two Chicks on Books today, and tomorrow check out
another guest post and giveaway at Jenna Does Books! Thanks to Michelle at Egmont for including me!

Book Review: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line (Veronica Mars) by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham

Ten years after graduating from high school in Neptune, California, Veronica Mars is back in the land of sun, sand, crime, and corruption. She’s traded in her law degree for her old private investigating license, struggling to keep Mars Investigations afloat on the scant cash earned by catching cheating spouses until she can score her first big case.

Now it’s spring break, and college students descend on Neptune, transforming the beaches and boardwalks into a frenzied, week-long rave. When a girl disappears from a party, Veronica is called in to investigate. But this is no simple missing person’s case; the house the girl vanished from belongs to a man with serious criminal ties, and soon Veronica is plunged into a dangerous underworld of drugs and organized crime. And when a major break in the investigation has a shocking connection to Veronica’s past, the case hits closer to home than she ever imagined.

In Veronica Mars, Rob Thomas has created a groundbreaking female detective who’s part Phillip Marlowe, part Nancy Drew, and all snark. With its sharp plot and clever twists, The Thousand-Dollar Tan Line will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Best Bits: This month has made my little fangirl heart sing with joy. Not only did we get a movie, but we also get a book that picks up right where it left off. I'll spare you that recap, and instead say that the book was the perfect way for readers to see more of Neptune. Side-characters make more appearances, particularly Wallace and Mac (who, let's be real, were my favorites). Despite the time between the end of the show and the movie these relationships haven't faded. I appreciated that Veronica could pick back up where she left off with them. Personally, I'm also hoping for a bit more Weevil in the next one. His story hasn't wrapped up...so I've got hope!

What made this book work was the set-up. The book gives us a new mystery, and is akin to a long episode. We're given a missing girls, the idiot sheriff who fails at everything, and Veronica jumping into it. Veronica definitely hasn't learned much about avoiding danger (see Seasons 1-3, basically every episode). It always put me on edge during the show, and the book was no different. If I had been watching on-screen I probably would have been peeking through my fingers. The girl gets herself into trouble. Age has seemed to change her just a bit, though. She doesn't recover the same way, and it seems to hit her how much she puts herself in harm's way.It's nice because everyone else has seen that, she just never really accepted it.

Nit Picks: As someone who has watched Veronica Mars (even the third season) a couple different times, I feel pretty confident when I say that the book took a little while to find it's voice. Once the mystery picked up (and it was less of a summary of the movie) it fell into place. The snarky voice of Veronica was back. I also know that some people have been thrown off that the book isn't written in first-person. Quite honestly, I didn't really notice. So, I'm going to chalk that one up to personal preference.

The Thousand Dollar Tan Line (Veronica Mars 1)
By Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham
Published by Vintage
324 Pages

 

Book Review: I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

Poppy Wyatt has never felt luckier. She is about to marry her ideal man, Magnus Tavish, but in one afternoon her “happily ever after” begins to fall apart. Not only has she lost her engagement ring in a hotel fire drill but in the panic that follows, her phone is stolen. As she paces shakily around the lobby, she spots an abandoned phone in a trash can. Finders keepers! Now she can leave a number for the hotel to contact her when they find her ring. Perfect!

Well, perfect except that the phone’s owner, businessman Sam Roxton, doesn’t agree. He wants his phone back and doesn’t appreciate Poppy reading his messages and wading into his personal life.

What ensues is a hilarious and unpredictable turn of events as Poppy and Sam increasingly upend each other’s lives through emails and text messages. As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, mysterious phone calls, and hiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents . . . she soon realizes that she is in for the biggest surprise of her life.

Best Bits: There's something about good chick lit that lifts my spirits. Maybe it's because winter has gone on so long, but I was really in a rut. This book helped me get through that by laughing hysterically, and face-palming repeatedly. Poppy is a fun character, and she's really likeable. I think it's because she's a little bit of a mess (aka human), and I totally connected with that. When she takes over Sam's phone (sort of, it really used to belong to his PA) she accidentally snoops through his work emails and eventually intervenes in what she views as a helpful way. The romantic aspect was fun, too. I think my favorite romance/romantic comedy reads have lead pairs who round out the other's personality. In this case, Poppy shows Sam how to take himself less seriously. Sam teaches Poppy to really investigate what she's passionate about and to trust herself. There are also a bunch of background characters who are jerks, and seeing them get some sort of comeuppance was totally satisfying. 

Another fun tidbit about this book: it has some great footnotes. When a book can pull this off well, I want to dance for joy. Kinsella manages to make these footnotes a great, hilarious addition. Plus, any book that references QI, one of my favorite British quiz shows, gets a high-five from me.

Nit Picks: This book was predictable, and I knew that Poppy and Sam would end up together, despite the different obstacles getting in their way. I can't say this is a major nitpick, though. In much the same way that I enjoy knowing a couple in a romcom will have a happy ending, I was glad to know it would happen in this book.

I've Got Your Number
By Sophie Kinsella
Published by Dial Press
433 Pages
Borrowed

  
 

ARC Review & Giveaway: Liv, Forever by Amy Talkington

When Liv Bloom lands an art scholarship at Wickham Hall, it’s her ticket out of the foster system. Liv isn’t sure what to make of the school’s weird traditions and rituals, but she couldn’t be happier. For the first time ever, she has her own studio, her own supply of paints. Everything she could want.

Then she meets Malcolm Astor, a legacy student, a fellow artist, and the one person who’s ever been able to melt her defenses. Liv’s only friend at Wickham, fellow scholarship kid Gabe Nichols, warns her not to get involved, but life is finally going Liv’s way, and all she wants to do is enjoy the ride.

But Liv’s bliss is doomed. Weeks after arriving, she is viciously murdered and, in death, she discovers that she’s the latest victim of a dark conspiracy that has claimed many lives. Cursed with the ability to see the many ghosts on Wickham’s campus, Gabe is now Liv’s only link to the world of the living. To Malcolm.

Together, Liv, Gabe, and Malcolm fight to expose the terrible truth that haunts the halls of Wickham. But Liv must fight alone to come to grips with the ultimate star-crossed love.

  
Best Bits: As a reader, I appreciate a spooky mystery/ghost story. Liv, Forever didn't disappoint, and I was totally surprised by the ending. This is a feat in itself, because private school books have become popular over the past couple of years. I know part of the appeal is that many of us didn't go to schools like this, and there are so many things that could potentially happen that probably aren't going to occur at your average high school. In this particular book, I really enjoyed the way that Liv felt out of place because she was there with a scholarship, and not because she grew up with a wealthy family. She knows that she doesn't fit in, yet she doesn't throw in the towel. Yes, it's difficult for her to be an outcast, but she perseveres. Perhaps this is what drives her determination to figure out what's going on at Wickham Hall.

Hurrah for the lack of a love triangle. It's not that a great love triangle isn't appreciated, but lately it's felt like every YA book I pick up has one. I've felt this way since you-know-what series was released. So, it was nice to have Gabe as a male friend, and not have Liv struggling between two guys (even in the afterlife). In a way, it allowed me to appreciate Malcolm a bit  more, because he's supportive and not competing for anyone's affections. At the beginning I was a bit skeptical because he's the rich, popular guy...but I'll leave it up to you to decide if he's a good guy deserving of Liv's feelings, or he's her killer.

Nit Picks: I think I would have liked a little bit more exploration into the school itself. We're given bits and pieces of the history, but I'm all for creepy private schools to becomes characters themselves. They have the potential to be ominous, and I felt like I missed a little bit of that here. The ending was left open, so I'm hoping for a follow-up that might explore a bit more of that.

Liv, Forever
By Amy Talkington
280 Pages
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Published by Soho Teen
Received for Review

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Book Review: Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen

Suley, Georgia, is home to Lost Lake Cottages and not much else. Which is why it's the perfect place for newly-widowed Kate and her eccentric eight-year-old daughter Devin to heal. Kate spent one memorable childhood summer at Lost Lake, had her first almost-kiss at Lost Lake, and met a boy named Wes at Lost Lake. It was a place for dreaming. But Kate doesn't believe in dreams anymore, and her Aunt Eby, Lost Lake's owner, wants to sell the place and move on. Lost Lake's magic is gone. As Kate discovers that time has a way of standing still at Lost Lake can she bring the cottages—and her heart—back to life? Because sometimes the things you love have a funny way of turning up again. And sometimes you never even know they were lost . . . until they are found.

Best Bits:  I love when a new Sarah Addison Allen book is released. The only way I can describe it is comforting. It's like visiting an old friend and being able to chat for hours. Sigh. She has an ability to weave magic into her stories that's almost dream-like in quality. People have small gifts (from the youngest characters to the oldest), and it never overtakes the story. Some gifts are subtler than others, but each person has a big impact on the movement of the plot. 

The themes in this book are love and loss, and this read came at a perfect time for me. The reader sees how the loss of a spouse impacts Kate, the love and acceptance Kate gives her daughter as she allows her to explore and enjoy childhood. We explore different facets of the themes through each character, and while the book is fairly short, each character is given adequate time to grow. The real beauty in every one of her books is how it makes you examine your own life, and she really pushes the reader to question if they're living life to the fullest. 

Nit Picks:  I have no nit picks. It was a perfect read filled with laughter and tears. I can't wait to re-read this in the middle of summer when I'll be able to connect with the setting. 

Lost Lake
By Sarah Addison Allen
Published by St. Martin's Press
296 Pages

ARC Review: Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy

What if you’d been living your life as if you were dying—only to find out that you had your whole future ahead of you?

When sixteen-year-old Alice is diagnosed with leukemia, her prognosis is grim. To maximize the time she does have, she vows to spend her final months righting wrongs—however she sees fit. She convinces her friend Harvey, whom she knows has always had feelings for her, to help her with a crazy bucket list that’s as much about revenge (humiliating her ex-boyfriend and getting back at her arch nemesis) as it is about hope (doing something unexpectedly kind for a stranger and reliving some childhood memories). But just when Alice’s scores are settled, she goes into remission.

Now Alice is forced to face the consequences of all that she’s said and done, as well as her true feelings for Harvey. But has she done irreparable damage to the people around her, and to the one person who matters most?

Julie Murphy’s SIDE EFFECTS MAY VARY is a fearless and moving tour de force about love, life, and facing your own mortality.

Best Bits: Am I allowed to say that I really didn't like Alice? You might be thinking something along the lines of "wait, why is this in the best bits?" That's a valid question. I think it's pretty brave of an author to make a character that is relatively difficult to like for over half the book. She makes questionable choices, and while she takes down the people who have hurt her in some way, it isn't all that satisfying for the reader. The thing is, I didn't need to like her to understand her. She's basically grieved the life that she had lived, and had accepted that she was going to die. To suddenly be faced with a future that you never believed you would have has got to be jarring and frightening. That's why, every time she pushed Harvey away, or let anger take over, I got it. I wasn't cheering, but it was realistic. 

This also played well when contrasted to Harvey. I felt for him, I really did. He cares for Alice so deeply that he's just along for the ride. He participates in activities that make him feel uncomfortable for the sake of helping Alice with her bucket list (this occasionally includes revenge), and it takes a lot for him to say enough is enough. We get to see the opposite side of things, he hasn't accepted that Alice is dying in the past, and when he finds out that she is going to live he expects her to be happy and relieved (like he is). Murphy managed to juggle both characters pov's in the past and present without it feeling too overwhelming, and that's saying a lot since I don't really like switching back and forth. 

Nit Picks: My nitpick for this one has to do with the romance. I won't spoil it for anyone, so this will be a rather vague and confusing nit pick (this is why we shouldn't write reviews late in the evening). The book ended in a way that leaves it clear to the reader if they're going to be together or not. I think after all that had happened between them it would have been okay with an open-ending, since both characters had a lot of growing to do, and a lot to work out. 

Side Effects May Vary
By Julie Murphy
336 Pages
Published by Balzer + Bray

Review: Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher

Secrets, romance, murder and lies: Zoe shares a terrible secret in a letter to a stranger on death row in this second novel from the author of the bestselling debut, My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece.

Fifteen-year-old Zoe has a secret—a dark and terrible secret that she can't confess to anyone she knows. But then one day she hears of a criminal, Stuart Harris, locked up on death row in Texas. Like Zoe, Stuart is no stranger to secrets. Or lies. Or murder.

Full of heartache yet humour, Zoe tells her story in the only way she can—in letters to the man in prison in America. Armed with a pen, Zoe takes a deep breath, eats a jam sandwich, and begins her tale of love and betrayal.

Best Bits: The reader is introduced to "Zoe" through letters that she writes to a death-row inmate. Zoe isn't her real name, of course...not when she's confessing to a crime and writing to someone who has murdered his wife. For the most part I enjoyed the format of the book. We read the letters being sent to Stuart Harris, and Pitcher does a good job of showing the intensity and drama that goes along with being a teenager. I also really appreciated her depiction of Zoe's family. They're kind of in crisis...in the way a family is when everything is going wrong all at once. Each member has their flaws, but the reader is also able to see their strengths. We also get to see Zoe's guilt and shame mirrored by her parents. They all express these things so differently...as a counselor it made me cheer! These are hard emotions to talk about, much less capture with authenticity.

Nit Picks: I was very sick when I read this one...so I think that made me a bit cranky. I had heard really good things about it, and I found the book a little predictable. I guessed what Zoe was going to reveal fairly early in the book, and I struggled not to skim through portions. The romance didn't really strike me either. I know that many people loved this book, and while it didn't quite live up to that expectation, it's still worth a read.

Ketchup Clouds
By Annabel Pitcher
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
272 Pages
Received via Library

                        

Book Review: Going Rogue (Also Known As #2) by Robin Benway Blog Tour

Being permanently based in a local New York City high school as an undercover operative has its moments, good and bad, for 16-year-old safecracker Maggie Silver. Pros: More quality time with her former mark-turned-boyfriend Jesse Oliver and insanely cool best friend, Roux. Getting to spend quality time with her semi-retired and international spy honorary uncle, Angelo. Cons: High school and the accompanying cliques, bad lunches, and frustratingly simple locker combinations. But when Maggie's parents are falsely accused of stealing priceless gold coins, Maggie uses her safecracking skills to try and clear their names. Too bad it only serves to put her and everyone she loves in danger. Maggie and her "new team" flee to Paris where they must come up with a plan to defeat their former allies.

Best Bits:  Diving into Going Rogue was a bit like visiting family. It was fabulous to read about all the characters, and see what had been going on since the events in the first book, Also Known As. Despite that feeling of familiarity, I really enjoyed how this book felt different than the first. Yes, there is some chasing, some escaping, but the formula felt a bit different this time. Perhaps that's because Maggie doesn't have to hide who she is from her best friend, Roux, or her boyfriend. Sure, she may not always divulge exactly what's going on, but they know that she's a safe-cracking prodigy. Of course, it might have something to do with the fact that The Collective has turned against her family...or that there's a change of scenery toward the end of the book....All of these changes gave the book a fresh feel, while still maintaining the humor and suspense of the first.

Can I just take a second here to gush about my favorite character, Angelo? He is a fabulous yoda-like person filled with wise words. In the first book he's put on a pedestal. For good reason, he's awesome. In this book, however, Benway chooses to show that he isn't infallible. It made him a bit more human, and I love that. I'm also hoping that he becomes a surrogate parent to Roux.

Nit Picks: I wish that we had spent a bit more time in Paris, if I'm completely honest. This portion of the book was quite quick, and if the book had been even a couple chapters longer I would have loved it. Of course, that's probably because I haven't visited it yet and have unrealistic ideas about what it's actually like. Still, I'm going to romanticize it until I actually get there.

Going Rogue
By Robin Benway
Published by Walker Children's
320 Pages

Received for Review (thanks Bridget!)

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Mini-Reviews

Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn

I wasn't really sure what to expect with this one, but what I got was dark, twisted, and riveting. I first heard about this one on the TeaTime weekly book chat, and it lived up to my expectations. It was creepy in the right way, and I can honestly say that I was not expecting the twist at the end.

The themes that the book focused on were great. Selfishness, consequences to actions, life's purpose...okay I know I'm doing a really bad job selling them. To summarize: the book may be dark and violent, but Quinn has a purpose for all of those scenes.

Overall: It was hard to sleep after this one, but it left me with some great existential questions.

Published by HarperTeen

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Well, I knew with all the Twitter outcry that the ending was going to be brutal. I somehow managed to avoid spoilers, and I'll do so here. What I will say is that I found the ending to be emotional (I totally cried), and satisfying.

There was some great twists, some scenes that caused me to scream "why" dramatically (my cat was not impressed by my dramatics), and the exploration of relationships between the characters really kept me engaged.

Overall: A nice wrap-up for the series. Can't wait for the movie, and for whatever Roth writes next!

Published by Katherine Tegen Books

 Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

I'm so behind in this series, but everything that I've read about it has been positive. It took me a while to adjust to the writing style, but once I did I couldn't set it down. I had to know what happened to Juliette, and I wanted to learn more about The Reestablishment.

The world that she lives in isn't a good one (in fact, I actually expect it to get worse in subsequent books). She's been imprisoned and abandoned, and oh my gosh is there a steamy romance. I will be grabbing the next in the series ASAP.

Overall: I understand the hype, and love the new covers (the cover to the left is the original).

Published by HarperTeen

Book Review: Cress By Marissa Meyer & Giveaway

Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard.

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

Best Bits: My emotions! I really liked Cinder, and Scarlet was even better. That's a formula that usually means I've set myself up for disappointment. Cress surpassed my expectations, and the plot built on the last two books while throwing in some crazy twists, and great character development. I'm sure I must have looked a bit unhinged as I read the second half of the book. There was audible gasping and looks of shock...sadly no one understood exactly what was going on (and I wasn't about to spoil my sister who read the first book earlier this winter).

Meyer has a gift for creating complex female characters. Meyer has allowed her characters to be imperfect, to experience fear, happiness, love, longing, and desperation. She doesn't let them fall into the usual damsel in distress/strong and flawless tropes. Each girl is completely different than her fellow protagonists, too. Scarlet, Cress, and Cinder have unique experiences that have shaped their character. I particularly enjoyed seeing how growing up in a satellite has impacted the expectations of Cress when it comes to human interaction and earth. Despite their different circumstances, each girl experience similar emotions. They have their "prince", their own reasons for fighting against Levana, but their voices are so well-formed and different.

Nit Picks: I wish it had been longer. Ok, I know that's silly...the book is over 500 pages long. I just can't handle the prospect of waiting 1+ years until Winter. Someone hold me while I cry.

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles 3) 
By Marissa Meyer
Published by Feiwel & Friends
560 Pages
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