Review: She Gets the Girl

 

Molly had a terrible high school experience; she didn't have any friends. She's determined that college will be better. Maybe she'll also get the girl she's been pining over for years. But when she arrives on campus, she's stunned to learn she has a single.

All her dreams go out the window. How is she supposed to meet anyone?

Luckily for her, she meets Alex. Alex is smart, confident, and pretty. Alex knows how to make friends. She decides to help Molly - not just out of the goodness of her heart, but as a way to prove herself to her girlfriend. 

Molly doesn't have any problem talking with Alex; it's just everyone else that makes her anxious. Can they both help each other and get what they want?

My Thoughts: This was a fun read - perfect for older high school students. I love books set in college. I loved the banter between Molly and Alex. Both of them had issues that they needed to work through. I really loved the moments in the food truck. The five step plan was highly entertaining. I loved the ending. This book has sequel which is a holiday novella. 

Why I read this: I loved Make My Wish Come True, a holiday romance from these authors.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

 Library Recommendation: A fun romance for your collection

On Your Radar: (51) Chef's Kiss

Title: Chef's Kiss

Author: Jarrett Melendez

Illustrations: Danica Brine

Publisher: Oni Press

Publication Date: March 1, 2022

Why it should be on your radar:

* New Adult Graphic Novel

*Fantastic Illustrations

* Finding Your Path

* Cooking

* Friendship

* Romance

*Watson

* Co-workers

* Discovering Your Passion

I really enjoyed this Graphic Novel. I loved the ages of the character, the humor, and the relationships. Although Watson did steal the book. I didn't want this book to end!

** ARC from Netgalley

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your public library's graphic novel collection

Review: Playing Hurt

Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone's admiration back home. Then she took a horrible fall during senior year. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.

That summer, Chelsea's dad hires Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player and "boot camp" trainer, to work with her at a northern Minnesota lake resort. As they grow close, Chelsea finds that Clint's haunted by his own tragedy. Will their romance end up hurting them all over again—or finally heal their heartbreak?

- summary from publisher

My Thoughts: I really liked this book, even though it does contain cheating. I loved the exploring during vacation - and the different outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking...). I enjoyed the pull between Chelsea and Clint. I felt badly for both the main characters as they struggled through their grief. But I did love their determination and strength. I like how open they became with each other as they spent more time together. I felt terrible for Chelsea as she struggled with finding herself in her family - particularly with her father. I did love her brother - he was great. I'm eager to see where the next book goes.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: eARC for review
First Published: Published March 8th 2011 by Flux 
But it's been updated for the re-release.

This one is on the line of New Adult and YA 

Review: Accidental Beauty Queen

Charlotte's excited to spend her vacation with her twin sister, who is attempting to win a beauty pageant crown their mother once won. It's the last year that Ginny will be eligible. Charlotte can't wait to read by the pool and visit the Harry Potter Park.

When Ginny has an allergic reaction the night before the pageant begins, she begins Charlotte to take her place in the preliminary rounds. They both know that Ginny's a shoo-in for the top twenty.

Against her better judgement and against her desire, Charlotte agrees knowing how much this crown means to her sister. But she's never been the pretty one and she's never walked a runway in stilettos. They have a lot of work to do. Can they pull this off?

My Thoughts: Of course I enjoyed this book - it's a feminist take on beauty pageants starring a Children's librarian who adores Harry Potter. This book was written for me. I loved the bookish moments and the books mentioned. I loved the romance - and how that started. I loved the sisterly moments. I loved how Charlotte gained confidence and looked at herself differently because of the pageant and because of the ladies competing with her. I enjoyed their friendships and their moments together from the small talk, to rooting for each other, to helping each other. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your romance collections.

Review: American Panda

At 17, Mei's brains have gotten her into college early. But according to her mother, it's never to early to start thinking about marriage. Mei's parents have her whole future mapped out for her: She's going to be a doctor (never mind that she's a germaphobe), she's going to marry a Taiwanese boy (never mind that the boy she likes is Japanese), and she's not going to talk with brother again (never mind that she misses him).

Mei's newfound freedom makes it hard to understand why her parents still hold on so tightly to their culture and to her. As soon as she starts to disagree, their relationship becomes strained. Can Mei trust her own judgement or will she do as they wish?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one - although it hit me straight in the feels. My parents were really strict and some of the moments here hit a little TOO close to home for me.  I loved the dancing moments! I loved the descriptions of food and all the eating that happened during the book. I really enjoyed the moments between Mei and her brother. This book gave me all the feels. It tugged at my heartstrings, was heartwrenching and hopeful, sad and happy. I'm eager to read what Gloria Chao writes next.

Cover Thoughts: Cute!
Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries.

On Your Radar (11)

Title: Love Scene, Take Two

Author:  Alex Evansley

Publisher: Swoon Reads

Publication Date: June 12, 2018

Why it Should be on Your Radar:

New Adult
Hollywood Story
Set on a movie set
Adorable Meet-cute
Best-Selling Author
Seeing a YA book become a movie
Will
Olivia
Misunderstandings
Shipping
That bookstore scene
Baseball Caps
Romance
Great banter
Debut novel


Cover Thoughts: Cute! 
Source: Reviewed for SLJ

Top Ten Tuesday: New Adult Books

Today I'm at the CT Librarian Conference talking on a panel about New Adult books. So I thought I'd share some of my favorite YA/NA crossover titles.

- meme from That Artsy Reader Girl

Review: I See London, I See France

Sydney and her BFF talked about traveling to Europe, but Sydney doesn't want to leave her agoraphobic mother.When Leela's boyfriend kisses another girl, she begs Sydney to travel with her instead.

The two have them have four and a half weeks in Europe with a starting point (London), some plans for France, and leave from Rome. But the rest of the trip is open.

Where will they go? What will they do? And which boys might they kiss?

My Thoughts: God I loved this book. It reminded me of my traveling days  (I did a semester abroad in Bath, England in college). I liked how they had wiggle room in their travel plans. I loved reading about all the sights. 

I loved the romance. 

Leela's behavior annoyed me at times. But I'm glad they took this trip together and had time to readjust their friendship. 

I felt terrible for Sydney and how she took care of her mother, sometimes putting her life on hold. 

I also love how these girls are in college.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your YA section. It's a must have for public libraries. 

Reading this book made me want to travel, so I made a top ten list of places I'd like to go (or maybe go back to).

Back to:

Wales

Paris

Rome 

Florence

Never Been:

London

Scotland

Greece

Netherlands

Austria

Switzerland

Where would you travel to?