Christmas Book Review: Christmas Trees and Weak Knees

 

Paisley won the song writing contest that propelled her forward - but that meant she had to perform live in front of a huge audience. It went as badly as it could have gone. And the band that played afterwards made fun of her for it. A classmate picked up on the disaster and made videos humiliating her further. Now Paisley isn't sure what to do next. None of her friends stood by her. Unclear of her future, she's taking a gap year and working at her parents Christmas Tree Farm.

Kash has been kicked out of the band that he started. He's not sure what to do now or even if he's any good. But his grandfather gives him some advice that he takes. Soon after, he signs a record deal as a solo artist. Now all he has to do is write some songs before the end of the year. No pressure right?

His label rents the apartment at the Christmas Tree Farm. There's a studio attached to it. And they've contacted Paisley to help write songs with him. When they meet, they clash. Paisley remembers their first encounter. Kash doesn't. He's not great during their second first meeting either. Can they find a way to work together to achieve their dreams?

My Thoughts: This was such a fun read; I Loved it! I loved the setting - the Christmas tree farm with the reindeer and all the events. I loved seeing the behind-the-scenes moments at the Christmas tree farm and in the studio. With the songwriting and studio, it felt a little like Taylor Swift. I felt terrible for Paisley and all the bullying that made her hide her talents, but I'm very glad she unlocked them and started writing again. It was not a meet-cute when Kash and Paisley met, but it was entertaining. I love that they were able to get past that moment and move forward - even if it took a bit. Kash and Paisley had great chemistry. This book had great messages about chasing your dreams, believing in yourself, and working through the hard moments. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: Netgalley

Library Recommendation: A great Christmas romance for your teen collection

Hand this book to: Swifties and those who enjoy Hallmark movies

Review: Room to Breathe

 

Indy and Beau used to be best friends. But that was before. Before Indy's life fell apart. 

She lost:

1. Her class rank

2. Her friends

3. Her reputation at school

Her father's in trouble with the law and Indy's spiraling.

She's supposed to be meeting her parents to help with her Dad's case, but her phone was taken away in class. The teacher left before she unlocked Indy's phone. Indy attempts to find a lock to unlock it; she ends up in the teacher's lounge. There's a bathroom in the teacher's lounge and Indy gets locked inside. FOr one second, she has hope of getting out, but instead, someone else gets locked inside too - her ex-best friend. Can things get any worse?

My Thoughts: This was a cute read. I loved the dual timelines and understanding what happened between the two best friends and how their relationship changed over time. I love how part of the story took place in 24 hours and the other part took months for the story to unravel. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A fun romance for your school and public library collection

Review: I Love You S'mores

 

Ivy's happy to head back to the camp she attended as a child. Right now, her personal life went up in flames. Her girlfriend of four years broke up with her. Ally's now a fan favorite on a TV show. The break-up hit the news, and Ivy just wants to forget everything. 

When she returns to camp, she's stunned to see her ex-best friend. Rynn is also a counselor who also wants the theater directing job. Now they're stuck co-directing. Ivy's bunk is having some friendship drama, and she feels inadequate. She's trying but feels like she's failing on every level. Could Rynn have some advice for her?

My Thoughts: This was a fantastic summer read - perfect for those who are nostalgic for camp. I felt terrible for Ivy for all the drama: the bad break-up, the cheating girlfriend, and the bunk drama. I wanted to give her hug. She's having a rough summer. I loved that she reconnected with Rynn - even though there are hurt feelings on both sides. I really enjoyed this summer reading. I love reading books about camp. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A fantastic summer romance for your public library.

Mood Board: All Paths Lead to Paris

 Yesterday, I reviewed All Paths Lead to Paris (Read it here if you missed it). And today I'm sharing a mood board I created for the book. 

I have been to Paris once during my college years and I would love to go back.

This was so much fun to make! I might have to make more of these.

Review: All Paths Lead to Paris

 

Aurie is a fashion designer trying to graduate college and figure out her life. She's fake dating her best friend, a musician on the rise. While fleeing the paparazzi, she meets a boy. They have a photo of them snapped together and it's blowing up their social media. Her manager decides to do damage control. It turns out Kylian is good at math.

Math is something that Aurie struggles with, but she'll have to pass a math test in order to graduate high school. Kylian agrees to tutor Aurie in math and Remy in English. With all the rumors about the trio swirling, Aurie and Remy can't afford to make any more mistakes. 

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - but I had a hard time getting over the fact that paparazzi cared about a fashion influencer. I loved the tropes: fake dating, best friend, and love triangle. I really loved the behind-the-scenes moments of being an influencer and what that meant for Aurie and her future. I loved the moments in the bakery and the moments with Aurie's siblings. I'm so looking forward to the author's next book - what city are we going to explore next?

Why I Read This Book: I loved the author's previous book plus Paris!

Tropes: Fake Dating

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library's collection. 

Hand this to readers: fake dating trope, Paris, and influencers 

* Come back tomorrow for the mood board!

Review: Better Than Revenge

 

Finley hasn't been preparing to be named to the school's podcast team for years. It's the first step towards her future. Her boyfriend decides that he's also going to audition too. He makes the team, taking her spot as a host. Instead, she's given a research position.  

But that's not all, after the announcement, he's overheard saying that Finley wasn't right for the job. He's not surprised when they break up, but he doesn't understand why she's so upset either. 

But then Finely has an idea. She'll try out for the kicker position on the football team. Finley asks Jensen's enemy to help train her. As Theo and Finley begin hanging out, they more they become friends. Can Finley take everything away from Jensen like he did to her?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book; I didn't want to put it down. It's not really a sports book, because most of the book is training, but there is a good football part. I loved reading about Theo and Finley. Their relationship worked nicely. I couldn't believe that Jenson could be so obtuse. I really liked Finley's grandmother, and I enjoyed her story too. Finely had a great group of friends. The podcasting part was interesting. I liked the students' reaction to their school's podcast. I love how the book turned out. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Why I read this book: Revenge!

Library Recommendation: A fantastic romance for your school and public library

Hand this to: Readers who enjoy podcasting, enemies to lovers trope, and a cute romance. 

* This book is dedicated to Taylor Swift and I'm here for it. 

Review: Love & Lattes

 

Anna's super happy to be accepted into the Arrowmile labs, especially since she lied on her application about her age. If she works super hard this summer, everything will fall into place for her. She's trying hard not think of the horrible girls she lived with in college. She's trying not to think of the family vacation she's missing this summer. She's trying not to think about that guy she met at the pub, whom she kissed, who turned out to the be the son of the founder of Arrowmile labs!

It doesn't really matter that she can't stop thinking about Lloyd, he clearly isn't spending time thinking about her. In fact, he acts like he's never met her. There are moments during their interactions that Anna spies a glimpse of the boy she hung out with that night, but all too often, that's the not the person he presents to the world.  Anna's not about to blow up this opportunity of a life time for some guy...but those feelings could be very real.

My Thoughts: This is * technically * a New Adult book as the main characters are in college. I really enjoyed this book - and the message of letting go and being in the present. Anna works really hard - too hard sometimes that she forgets to stop and take in the moment. She's hyper-focused on what's next. I like that she allowed herself to spend more time with her friend friends and with LLoyd.  I wanted to know more about what they actually did at Arrowmile labs - did they design scooters? That was my take-away from it. It felt like this internship was a massive opportunity, but I didn't really understand what the company did or why it was so important. I did like the moments in the office. And of course the moments between Anna and Lloyd - the snark and the banter. I loved the coffeehouse/cake date. I liked getting to know Lloyd's brother too. This was a such a fun summer romance with the enemies to lovers trope. 

Cover Thoughts: SO CUTE!

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great book for your public library's collection

If you like: Hiking books

 If you like hiking books, this is for you.

Recently I reviewed Wild About You, which was great.

And I'm recommending these other hiking (not survival) books

BookTok: Wild About You

Hiking + Reality TV Show

Plus Finn is from Vermont (but I don't think they say where)

Grumpy/Sunshine

 

@yabooknerdlibrarian Wild about You was such a fun read!!!! #hiking #booktok #yabook #realitytv #yabooktok #yabooks @Get Underlined ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

BookTok Review: All Road Lead to Rome

 

If you're a fan of fake dating and travel romances, this book is for you!

I want to travel to Rome and see all the hidden sights in this book. 

Look at that cover!

I didn't want this book to end. I couldn't put it down. 

@yabooknerdlibrarian Loved this #romancebook set in #Rome - makes me want to visit! #fakedating #famous #booktok #yabooktok #travel @Random House Children’s Books #Inverted ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚