Review: Blind Spot for Boys

Shana's officially on a boy moratorium since the last one broke her heart. One weekend she's hoping to create one last picture for her photography portfolio. And she meets Quattro.

She keeps seeing this very cute boy wherever she goes - including her family's trip to Machu Picchu. Could the universe be trying to tell her something?

My Thoughts: I loved this book and tore through it. While it's a great romance; it's also so much more. It's about a family coming to terms with a life-changing situation where Shana's father learns that's going blind. It's about chasing your dreams and seeing the world. I loved the moments where Shana captures the world through her lens. I loved Grace and her determination to finish what she started. What an inspiration she was. I loved how both Shana and Quattro were broken hearted in the beginning of the story and how time changed their views. I really want to see the pictures Shana took. What an amazing journey. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute but doesn't convey the depth of the story
Source: ARC sent for review.

Review: Bridge From Me to You

Lauren's new to town, she just moved in with her aunt, uncle, and two cousins. Lauren's trying to put her past behind her and move on, but she can't move on if she can't find a place to call home.

Colby lives in the same small town, but has visions of escaping.  He doesn't want to be known for his football skills. In fact, he doesn't even want to play football in college.

Can the two of the figure out a way to belong?

My Thoughts: I really love the dual perspective of this book and how Lauren's voice is in verse while Colby is in prose. The combination works really well. I love the small town which has virtually no secrets, as gossip spreads like wildfire. Although I like how Colby and Lauren can confide in each other. The accident that rocked everyone's world made the future a harder place to find --with secret wishes and then guilt. The themes of friendship and family were woven in nicely to this book, but the important piece for both characters was finding yourself, letting others in, and living for the day and not for the future. Stop waiting and live the you want now. It's easier said than done, but good advice. A fabulous book of small town life and characters with big dreams. 

Cover Thoughts: I love the wrap-around cover - especially the football field and the bridge. I wish they had combined the two to make guys pick up the book too.

Source: My Library 

Review: Chapel Wars

Holly's grandfather dies and leaves his wedding chapel to her in his will. She's 16, but loves the chapel. At first, she's beyond happy, but then she learns the truth.

The chapel's in serious financial difficulty. Holly must make some hard choices - offering services that her grandfather refused in hopes of getting out from under debt and keeping the chapel.

On top of that, she's fallen for the grandson of her family's worst enemy.  Dax is amazing and perfect for Holly. She knows she can't keep their relationship a secret. She's terrified to lose anything else, but can she really juggle everything?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this contemporary read. I felt bad for Holly - losing her beloved grandfather. That happened to me in high school and it's not easy to forget. I like how she made the hard choices in order for the chapel to survive, including her inventive ways to make more money. Dax was a great distraction - showing him around Vegas in hopes of changing his mind about the city, which was a great way to show off the normal side of the city. I loved Holly's friends and how she was one of the guys. Walking the tightrope of balancing grief and hope, The Chapel Wars explores a range of emotions following the death of a loved one.

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: My Library

SummerTime Review: Wish You Were Italian

Books perfect for the beach or to read by the pool

Pippa's annoyed with her family shipping her off to Italy for the summer - for an art history program. She's not even interested in art history. Her father feel guilty and slips her some extra cash, which she finds when she lands.

When she finds the money, Pippa decides to be a little reckless and stay in Rome for a few nights. Then, after meeting a girl in the bakery and a boy at a gelato stand, she decides to ditch the program all together.

The girl from the bakery takes her home to meet her family. The family invites her in, gives her a place to stay and offers to show her the sights.  When her new friend Chiara travels to her aunt's house, Pippa goes along too.

Pippa's happy to be seeing more of the countryside - and to meet some hot guys, especially Chiara's cousin. Before she left home, Pippa and her BFF made of list of things she wants to do while in Italy. And falling for for a hot Italian guy is on the list. Pippa knows it's just a matter of time before her family uncovers the truth, but until then, she's determined to have the time of her life.

My Thoughts: I loved this book - for the travel descriptions: the sights and the food. I loved the romance - even though there was a love triangle, I really liked the final result. I loved how Pippa met Chiara and how they fell into an easy friendship. I confess I would have liked going to the art history program (but that's just me.) I loved seeing all the art and architecture there and long to go back and explore more. I also really enjoyed the connection Pippa had with her grandmother: sweet, honest, and refreshing. A great summer book if you're longing for a vacation, but can't get away. You don't have to leave home to be transported to Italy.

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Fun Fact: I traveled to Italy several years ago, so I could easily place myself in Pippa's shoes. Here are a few photos from my trip.

Summertime Book Review: Since You've Been Gone

Books perfect for the beach or to read by the pool

Emily and her BFF Sloan have always been inseparable. Now Sloan's vanished into thin air just before summer. Emily and Sloan had all these plans, but Emily's left to navigate summer on her own. Then she finds a letter from Sloan - with a list of things to accomplish over the summer.

It's not the first list Sloan's made for her, but immediately Emily decides to cross all the items off the list. She's hug a Jamie, deal with her fear of horses, and maybe break out of her shell.

At first the list seems to be a like a job, but soon in becomes fun. Summer starts sliding by and the list is almost complete. 

My Thoughts: Everyone raved about this book - and they were right. If you haven't read it yet - get yourself to a library or bookstore and grab a copy. Here are more reasons why I love this book:

Cover Thoughts: Eye Catching
Source: My Library

Review: Now and Forever

Sterling and Ethan are in love. When they talk about their future, it's mostly about Ethan's future. He writes the songs his band performs and he has a small record deal.

One day, they hear his song on the radio. After that everything gets crazy. His YouTube videos views jump into the millions. Fans want to meet him. Ethan has a new manager who immediately puts together a tour.

His fame only grows. Suddenly Ethan and Sterling barely have any time together - and time alone it almost impossible. There's always something Ethan should be doing. What would you do if your boyfriend became a mega rock star?

My Thoughts: I really love Susane Colasanti's books and I loved the premise of this book; it reminded me a little of Audrey, Wait. I liked seeing how Ethan rose to fame. I liked seeing how fame changed both Ethan and Sterling - the perks, the freebies, the drama, the new people, and their stolen moments together. I really liked the ending. A fantastic summer book for anyone who has wanted to date someone famous or dreamed about being famous themselves.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library

Review: Don't Call Me Baby

Imogene's mother blogs for a living - a tell all about Imogene's life. At first, Imogene used to love it  - smiling for the camera and sharing stories. But lately she wishes parts of her life could be private.

She doesn't want to the world knowing about the day she got her period or what boy she hopes will ask her to her first dance. No one seems to understand, except her BFF Sage with the same problem.

When the girls' class assignment is to write a blog, they think it might be the perfect way for their mothers to finally pay attention to their complaints. Unfortunately, it doesn't work out the way they expect. Their mothers ground them, but the girls still haven't gotten through to them. What lengths will they go to achieve their privacy and will it ruin everything? 

My Thoughts: I LOVED this book. I felt so horrible for Imogene and Sage- I can't imagine having my life on display for everyone to read about - especially those awkward tween years. I like how they started to fight back even though that might not have been the best way. I loved the blog lingo and the conference that rang true (I've been to many conferences like that). I loved Imogene's grandmother - she was feisty, sweet, and fun. I loved the ending - a fantastic book that I didn't want to put down.

Cover Thoughts: I like the cover, but I find it misleading because it doesn't go with the book. It makes it seem like a summer novel and it's not.
Source: Sent for review

Summer Time Book Review: How to Meet Boys

Books perfect for the beach or to read by the pool

Lucy and her BFF Mikayla move to her grandparent's summer cabin for the summer. Lucy will work at her grandparent's store while Mikayla has a hob at the country club.  Both can't wait to start off the summer right and maybe have a summer fling.
Mikayla usually trouble talking to boys, but then she meets one that seems worth the trouble. She doesn't get his name the first few times that she meets him, but she can't wait to see him again. Lucy's annoyed to learn that she's be spending the summer working with her ex-best guy friend Jackson. They had a huge falling out years ago and she hasn't gotten over it.
Mikayla's already fallen for Jackson when she realizes his identity. How can she tell Lucy? Will her crush ruin the summer?

My Thoughts: I love Catherine Clark's books and this one is a fun summer novel with friendship, family, and relationship drama. I liked the idea of Lucy and Mikayla roughing it in their cabin and trying to have the best summer ever. I liked this honest look at crushes and friendships and communication - because it is hard to tell your best friend something that could change your relationship. Communication plays a key role in this book - not just between friends, but also with family and guys. I liked the small town charm for the summer.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library

Review: Royally Lost

Becca isn't interested in playing happy families on a trip through Europe with her brother, her father, and her step mother. She's miserable until she meets a boy. Even though he's not on the tour, she keeps bumping into him.

When they decide to hang out, it's not long before Nikola and Becca fall for each other. Nikola starts following the tour, giving them more time together, but he has a a secret.

He's not your average guy, he's actually a prince. Nikola's angry at his parents and annoyed at having his entire life already planned out.  He needed to get away for a few days, so he slipped away without telling anyone. What will happen when the media catches up with them?

My Thoughts: I loved how Nikola wanted his freedom to choose his own path and maybe to change the country's strict rules. I like how he spend time on the bike following the tour. I liked Becca (although at times, I think she was too dramatic). I liked the tourist moments where the two of them explored Europe together.  A fun summer romance set in Europe about finding yourself, figuring our your future, and understanding your family better.

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: My Library

Review: What I Thought Was True

For the official start of summer, here's a perfect summer book:

Gwen Castle lives on an island of the coast of Connecticut. The island's divided by year rounders and those summer people. Instead of working at her father's restaurant, she has an opportunity to make more money working as a companion for a older lady.

Gwen decides to take the job because she want more for herself than this island. She doesn't want to be a cleaning lady like her mother. She doesn't want her father's restaurant. She's not sure what she wants, but she believes she's not going to find it on this island.

This summer's different - she argues with her friends, maintains politeness at her boss, worries about her future, and falls for a summer guy.

My Thoughts: A fabulous summer read about coming to terms with yourself and everyone else. I loved the island feel and the moments by the water. I felt bad for all the secrets, but in sharing them, they made everyone stronger. I really liked Mrs. Ellington (I kind of want to be like her when I'm that age).  I really liked Emory - especially the moments between him and Cass. I liked the romantic tension between Gwen and Cass.  I liked how they circled the relationship - between the past and the present. I liked the slow unveil of what happened between the two of them and between other boys and Gwen. The portrayal of sex in this book was realistic and frank with the characters trying to figure out what everything means and how it works for their relationship.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library

Upcoming Book Review: Just Like the Movies

Prom season's coming up and the boys are starting to get creative with asking their dates. Marijke can't wait to see how her boyfriend will ask her. She's also still waiting for him to use the L word - his action speaks volumes, but she wants to hear him say it.

Lily's mother is always looking for romance and it sours Lily's view. Not to mention the one guy Lily's crushing over doesn't know she's alive. After her mother bails on their girl night for a guy, she spots a movie theater showing Titanic.

After a fight with her boyfriend, Marijke also ends up at the theater - crying. They end up ditching the movie and going for coffee where they talk for the first time, confiding in each other. A plan is born - one worthy of Hollywood. They will use Hollywood scenes to help them achieve their goals. 

My Thoughts: I love this book - for the Hollywood angle and the movie references. I love that they watched movies to try to figure out the best tricks/tips to use. I loved how Marijke took a long hard look at her relationship to see why things weren't the way she wanted and why she was insecure in it. I loved the paintball scene. I really liked Lily and how she wanted something better for her mother, but at the same time, she's so mad at her mother. I loved how Lily and Marijke became friends. Kelly Fiore is an author to watch - her debut novel Taste Test was one of my favorite reads last year and her sophomore book hit it out of the park. I love her books and can't wait to read what she comes up with next.

Cover Thoughts: Loved it
Source: Won an ARC
Publication Date: July 22nd

Review: Everything Leads to You

As a production designer, Emi spends hours looking for the exact piece to make the room come together. When a screen legend dies, she has the opportunity to look through his belongings. She purchases a few items, in which Emi finds a letter from the actor to his daughter.

It’s a heart wrenching letter and Emi decides to track her down. She learns the daughter died years ago, but was survived by her own daughter. Between finishing high school, working on a movie, and figuring out her love life, Emi leads a busy life, but she’s not about to let this opportunity to pass her by. It turns out to be a great decision, because what she finds will change her life.

My Thoughts: This one could be a New Adult book as it takes place just as high school is ending, but focuses a lot on Emi's job. It's a beautifully written novel that discusses a number of issues, but never makes those the main focus of the book. I confess I don't read many LGTBQ books, but I devoured this one. I loved the love story, the Hollywood angle, and the friendship between Emi and Charlotte. I liked how Emi's brother made her promise to do something Epic with his apartment as he let her live there while he filmed a movie on location. I loved reading about Emi putting together sets from the movies and finding the right pieces.  A fantastic teen romance.  

Cover Thoughts: I love the softness of the cover and the skyline in the background

Source: Sent for review for Voya

Review: To All The Boys I've Loved Before

When Lara Jean falls out of love with a boy, she write him a letter. She has no intention of ever mailing them, the letters are for her.  Then something happens and five letters are mailed. 1 is returned address unknown, 1 boy moved away, 1 is an old friend, 1 is an old crush, and the last is to her sister's ex-boyfriend.

Josh is the boy next door and they've been friends for ages. Lora Jean had a crush on him that ended when he kissed Margot.

Margot and Josh broke up right before she left for college. Nothing is the same without her sister, but Lara Jean knows that nothing can ever happen between her and Josh - which is why she decides to fake date one of the boys who got her letter. He has his own relationship drama. Plus if you're fake dating than nothing can go wrong.

My Thoughts: I DEVOURED this book, loving it so much. At the end of the book, I realized that it reminded me of a modern day Little Women. I loved the relationship between the sisters - the close fighting, the loyalty, and the sweetness. Since their mother died, the girls have become even closer and have stepped up to pitch in more around the house. I love the moments of household chores that fail - they're entertaining. Their father tries really hard and although he's busy, he makes time for this daughters. It still isn't the same for the girls, who at times need a mother figure. I loved the fake relationship and how it brought Lara Jean out of her comfort zone. I can't wait to read more about her relationship and her time with her sisters.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library.

Review: Hung Up

Lucy called James twice- leaving a voicemail each time. He called back to let her know that his number wasn't the company she's been trying to reach.

When they realize they're both in high school, they start talking about school, midterms, and where they live. Afterwards, James calls Lucy to let her know how to track down the company she was trying to reach. James tries to text Lucy, but she refuses to text. Instead, they end up talking about camping, skirts, James's ex girlfriend, and essays.

James pushes Lucy to share details with him, but she has a hard time trusting people. Still, she keeps answering his calls. Could a wrong number lead to something much more?

My Thoughts: I heard about this book from Anna Reads - and thought it sounded cute - a little like This is What Happy Looks Like. I love that the book's all in conversation - voicemails, phone calls, a couple texts. A fast book to read, but very entertaining. I like the banter between the two of them. I also like how things get deeper - how they start talking about things more meaningful. An enjoyable read that's great for reluctant readers or any reader looking for a quick fun book to pick up.

Cover Thoughts: Not a fan. This isn't how I pictured Lucy or James.
Source: My Library

Review: First Love

Axi's always been the good girl - but she's tired of it. So she decides to take control o her life instead of waiting. She skips class (for the first time) and meets her BFF. She tells him or her road trip plans and asks if he'd like to join her.

Rosbinson doesn't hesitate in saying yes. Of course Axi has the trip all planed out, but nothing ever goes according t plan. From the moment Robsinson hot wires a motorcycle, everything changes. Now they're on the run, enjoying the planned stops - until the worst thing imaginable happens. 

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I loved the relationship between Axi and Robsinson - the banter and the depth. I wasn't expecting the twist at the end. I liked how Axi let go of herself and lived instead of being so rigid and perfect. I like how frustrated she felt with her BFF and how they started to talk about more meaningful things. I love how she planned out the trip for both of them - including his interests in the planning. A great novel about love, loss, friendship, and family drama.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - though now in the book
Source: My Library
Similar Read: A YA version of a Nicholas Sparks Book

Review: Don't Even Think About It

After taking a flu shot, students in one homeroom suddenly start hearing thoughts - EVERYONE'S thoughts. At first it's hard to believe, hard to control, and hard not to think. Everyone has secrets.

They start meeting to discuss what they're going to do. Tell no one is the obvious answer. It could be kind of cool to see what others are thinking. Cheating would be easier. You'd always know what your friend really thought of you.

As time goes on, secrets spill out. Lives are ruined from all the drama: family, friendship, and relationship. Nothing will ever be the same for this group of sophomores.

My Thoughts: Oh man, I would NEVER want this power. At first, I think it might be cool, but then to hear everything would be terrible.  All that noise in your head and all those secrets coming out. Plus I would never want anyone to know what I was thinking. 

But - the idea makes for a wonderful book. I devoured this one. I really liked watching the group trying to figure out what to do with their new powers. I like how they worked out clues to help themselves cope with all the noise. My favorite characters was Olivia - how this new power gave her confidence to break out of her shell and find friends and maybe even a boyfriend. I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel!

Cover Thoughts: Before I read it, I really liked it. But now, it doesn't capture the awesomeness of the book.
Source: My Library

Fun Fact: I got to hang out with Sarah Mlynowski as she came to a local bookstore. She's super fun (just like her books.)

Upcoming Book Review: Geography of You and Me

One night Lucy and Owen get stuck in an elevator when a black out hits the entire East Coast. It's only 30 minutes before help funds them, but it's enough to make a small connection,

They spend time that night walking about the city - eating ice cream and talking about why they love or hate the city. Finally they climb up to the roof of their apartment building where they talk about everything.

Lucy awakes in the morning - on top of the roof and alone. The spell is broken as she's not sure if she should find Owen and talk with him some more.

That one evening changes both of them. Soon, each of them are moving to new places. They start keeping in touch with emails and postcards, but eventually life gets in the way and their communication dwindles.  Was their friendship only meant to last that one night?

My Thoughts: I Loved this book - I loved how their short time together changed the way they viewed things in the world and how it changed both of them.I liked how they struggled to remain friends during their life changes - the moves, dealing with parents, exploring new cities, and finding new friends. I liked how they still thought about each other. I really liked  the short chapter portion - and how connected they were at that time. I really liked how they traveled around different parts of the world and how they saw the sights. I loved this sentence (the last one in this paragraph):

I Loved this book, a perfect read from one of my favorite authors. Add it to your TBR list!

Cover Thoughts: Love it!

Source: ARC for review

Release Date: April 15th

Review: Racing Savannah

Savannah and her dad just moved to a new horse farm in Hundred Oaks. It's fancier than the last place, which is good because her dad's girlfriend is pregnant. Savannah hopes to make some extra money exercising the horses, but first she has to get permission from the boss.

Jack's spending his senior year managing the farm under his father's direction. He's seen the way Savannah corralled Star, but he wants to test her on the track. Exercising horses previously doesn't mean she can handle thoroughbreds.

After winning the chance to work win the horses, will Savannah win Jack's heart next?

My Thoughts: I love the Hundred Oaks books. They have so many layers to them. While romance is the forefront of this book, it delves deep into family issues, social classes, friendships, and new beginnings. I love the secondary characters of Vanessa and Rory and I hope we get to see them again some day. I love Kenneally weaves favorite old characters into the stories. It's great hearing a little tidbit about them. Most of the time, I loved Jack. He had a few moments where I wanted to smack him, but Savannah took care of that. I loved how she set him straight. I loved her strength, her determination, and how she tried to help out her family. A fantastically perfect read, making this one of my favorite contemporary series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute and Charming
Source: My Library
Challenge: 2014 YA Contemporary Challenge