While its message has been driven home in many different books throughout the years, this book does it differently, in a way that doesn't feel like itWhile its message has been driven home in many different books throughout the years, this book does it differently, in a way that doesn't feel like it's in your face. Put simply, it's a breath of fresh air. ...more
(view spoiler)[Okay so was I the only one a little bit annoyed that Jane didn't go back to her own time during the blac SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER!!!!!!!
(view spoiler)[Okay so was I the only one a little bit annoyed that Jane didn't go back to her own time during the blackout? Like, I know, its lovely seeing her and August reunite and know they'll get to live happily ever after but the cynical part of me is like that is so unrealistic and it was just to give them their happy ending But, I mean, this is also a book about a girl stuck in time so why should I complain it isn't realistic enough? (hide spoiler)]
Like Red White and Royal Blue, this book reads like poetry, and there were so many paragraphs I had to highlight because they were so beautiful. Casey, don't ever stop writing. Please. I'd read your obituaries.
August and Jane are the best and you can feel their chemistry off the pages of this novel. I love that August found a new family when she wasn't actively looking for one and a home in a city that was supposed to help her disappear, not make her be found by the people she was meant to be surrounded with.
Is it cheesy at times? Absolutely. Do we stan the cheese? 100%. ...more
Fairy tale retellings have my heart. There's something about them that is so gripping and inspiring and just plain happy. And one with a plus size CinFairy tale retellings have my heart. There's something about them that is so gripping and inspiring and just plain happy. And one with a plus size Cinderella?? I mean. You can't get much better than that.
It has all the elements of Cinderella we all know and love, without the insta-love and dropping everything to be with a man. Also our Cindy has a good relationship with her step family! So lovely to see. Not all stepmothers are evil witches.
There's a lot of inspo from Disney's 1950 Cinderella, with Ilene Woods (Cindy's mom, also name of actress who voiced Cinderella in movie), Gus, Mary and Jack (Cindy's younger siblings, based on the mice in movie), Anna and Drew (Anastacia and Drusilla), Tremaine being the surname, and I'm sure many more I can't think of or have forgotten.
I'm not sure how to rate this book, to be honest. When you read Kiera Cass, you need to be prepared for the opposite of magical realism: it is very maI'm not sure how to rate this book, to be honest. When you read Kiera Cass, you need to be prepared for the opposite of magical realism: it is very magical and yet so unrealistic that it cannot be taken seriously. There are palaces, and kings, ladies in waiting, and insta-love. Kiera knows how to write insta-love, in fairness to her.
We start off with Hollis, a lady living in the palace of the king, and has become a favourite of him. She thinks she loves him, because she is the only one who can make him laugh. She has been taught her entire life that she needs to marry a man of high status to be of any worth for her family and in society. Her parents certainly won't let her forget it. So for her to be so close to become his betrothed, Hollis thinks she has it all. But throughout the book, Hollis finds out just what she may have to sacrifice to become Queen and what it really takes to wear a crown.
But then, she locks eyes with a man who is not of high stature, who has nothing of worth to offer any bride but his love and loyalty. And while all this sounds cliche as hell (it is) it is also done well. Which makes all the difference. Because even when I was rolling my eyes at how Hollis had "never known love before this" blah blah blah, I also couldn't deny that it was enjoyable to read.
And then the books goes and ends in a cliffhanger!! Not so bad that you'd be tearing your hair out waiting for book two, but enough to know that Hollis's story is far from over. No, she may not become queen, but that doesn't mean her story and role will be any less important.
Should you read this book? If you like Kiera Cass and you enjoyed her Selection series, then I would say yes. You know going in its not going to be life altering or keep you awake long after you've finished, and the characters are not particularly remarkable or memorable. But the story is still enjoyable to read.
Right. I've found it. My favourite CL romcom book! Hazel has won my heart and you cannot change my mind. Just try. It won't work. I related to her so Right. I've found it. My favourite CL romcom book! Hazel has won my heart and you cannot change my mind. Just try. It won't work. I related to her so damn much, and if we met we would be best friends. All her quirks and uniqueness and word vomit and the fact that she's a teacher!! I mean I work with preschoolers but still.
This love story between Hazel and Josh was inevitable but my God was it such a trip to go on!! I listened to the audiobook while lying out in the sun the last couple of days and I'm sure I was just lying there with this big goofy smile the entire time.
It's pure romcom fluff but the amazing characters and development made it stand out so much from others I'd read and really just made this book so wonderful to listen to. ...more
Okay, that cover is incredibly misleading!! It screams cutesiness and sharing milkshakes with tacky heartshaped straws. That is not this book!! Helen Okay, that cover is incredibly misleading!! It screams cutesiness and sharing milkshakes with tacky heartshaped straws. That is not this book!! Helen Hunting, you are such a misleader. This book is the perfect example of why you shouldn't judge books by their covers.
There is a very cute meet cute, and yes, there is romance, which, also, yes, is lovely and sweet. HOWEVER. What I was not expecting is the depth and the emotions and the tears. I wanted to give Dax and especially Emme the biggest hugs and my heart broke for them.
There was a few predictable storylines thrown in (view spoiler)[ was it just me, or was it not totally obvious that Linda put the vodka in Emme's locker? That part frustrated me no end. Also the whole liar reveal has also been done to death, but whatever. (hide spoiler)] They lost the book a star, sadly.
Depsite those however, it was such an enjoyable read and I really want to read more of Helen Hunting's books if they're like this! Really loved it. ...more
I’m currently living in Canada, while I’m from Ireland. I’ve only been here two weeks, and while I’m settling in, it’ still quite overwhelming and I’mI’m currently living in Canada, while I’m from Ireland. I’ve only been here two weeks, and while I’m settling in, it’ still quite overwhelming and I’m still getting used to everything.
Caroline is in the same boat, having just moved to Cairo, Egypt, for a year for her mom’s new job. Everything is crazy and scary and she doesn’t really fit in. Then there is Adam, the son of her driver, who becomes the only friend she makes for a while. So of course, they develop feelings for each other, but it is a lot more complicated due to their races and religion.
Trish Doller took a unique angle and I think she did a great job in explaining the cultural differences between the USA and Egypt and the characters all responded realistically in the situations they were placed in.
It still seemed to end maybe too happily, but it also still left some doors open toward the future of Caroline and Adam. Regardless, it was a quick, easy, happy read and I really enjoyed it. ...more
Jem and Tessa continue their search for The Lost Herondale. I will always stan these guys being adorable and happy and in love. They really deserve itJem and Tessa continue their search for The Lost Herondale. I will always stan these guys being adorable and happy and in love. They really deserve it, after everything they’ve been through. ...more
I would be in my element if I could get a full blown novel of just Magnus, Alec and their babies living their domestic, normal, best lives. Is that toI would be in my element if I could get a full blown novel of just Magnus, Alec and their babies living their domestic, normal, best lives. Is that too much to ask?
I loved this. It showed how Alec ended up adopting young Rafe in Buenos Aires and I loved their slow-burning trust and how in the end, it wasn’t even a question that Rafe would join their family. Bonus:Magnus: “You left for 3 days and adopted a child. Imagine if we left you roam for a week.” LOVE.
Also we got more backstory on Lily Chen, one of the best and funniest characters, who I did not appreciate enough in the other series. I feel like I need to go back and really appreciate her out of respect!...more
Loved it! Anna’s journey discovering her identity was amazing to read because we don’t hear much about queer and non-binary people and relationships iLoved it! Anna’s journey discovering her identity was amazing to read because we don’t hear much about queer and non-binary people and relationships in the early 1900s. Her parents’ quiet acceptance was just so cute. Also, Jem appeared, and began his quest on finding the Lost Herondale. ...more
Like Jennifer L Armentrout, Colleen Hoover is one of those authors that I will drop everything for. I was on my library's ass for months trying to getLike Jennifer L Armentrout, Colleen Hoover is one of those authors that I will drop everything for. I was on my library's ass for months trying to get my hands on this book, and I eventually just went and bought it because they were taking way too long to order it in, which, like, why?? Its CoHo!! This should have been ordered months before it was even released.
Guys, it was SO GOOD. I loved it. I devoured it. Very few books can compare to my first CoHo book, It Ends With Us, but, damn, this was addicting and heart breaking and romantic and sad and happy and funny and how many more adjectives do I need to add to get you guys to read this one already?!?
Morgan, Clara, Miller and Jonah were our two main couples, one in their thirties and in the prime of their lives, two still in school and merely discovering the ups and downs of first loves.
When a terrible tragedy rocks 3/4 of our characters' worlds, everyone is in a state of shock and are trying to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. But then other tragedies are added on top and suddenly Morgan is questioning everything she thought she understood about her life and whether any of it was real.
It was so raw and real and I really felt for what they were going through. Honestly, the conversations between Clara and Morgan really irked me sometimes because Clara was sometimes such a sassy little shit and really deserved a slap sometimes. But she was also incredibly smart and imagine going through such awful turmoil while also trying to manage teenage hormones? *shudder*
But the end was beautifully chaotic and I finished it with a big goofy grin on my face.
Is it too much to get a spin off with an adult Clara and teenage Elijah??...more
This is a CoHo book, so of course I enjoyed this story but damn there was A LOT of unnecessary drama. This book could have had the same ending withoutThis is a CoHo book, so of course I enjoyed this story but damn there was A LOT of unnecessary drama. This book could have had the same ending without about 50% of what happened in it. Not to say I didn't enjoy, but wow. It felt like I was reading a book version of a soap opera.
Reading Slammed, I thought Eddie was my spirit animal of this world, but now I've decided Kiersten and her mother is. Her confidence, brashness, attitude, everything was fantastic and I loved when they were on screen. (PS, I completely agree with their assessment of swear words. It's society that makes them "bad").
Like in Slammed, during the very dramatic parts of this book, Lake totally acted like an immature teenager and did that thing where she shuts down and refuses to talk when things don't go her way, instead throwing petty tantrums and yelling. I mean, she's 19 here! And has been a parent-figure to her brother for a while already. It just seemed very child-like, and I did not like those parts of the book at all. Even Will, at times, acted quite immature and some actions made me roll my eyes and really question how responsible these people were.
It was still a lovely story, and I really liked the poems, they were great (especially Kierten's!) and the side plot with Eddie and Gavin is totally intriguing and I really want to know more! However, defintely not Collen's best, and you can really see how she's improved over the years. (Just like Cassie Clare with her Mortal Instruments series versus her newest series)....more
I have been reading JLA books for over six years. I first discovered her when I found Obsidian, and fell head over heels in love with that series, witI have been reading JLA books for over six years. I first discovered her when I found Obsidian, and fell head over heels in love with that series, with Jen as an author, and have devoured every one of her stories since then.
However, I have grown up, and am beginning to realise that I need to move on from YA onto NA or simply adult books. Don't get me wrong, I still adore her books and love Jen as an author, but I've simply moved on from naive, clueless 17 year olds still in school and acting all cheesy. Jen writes adult too, and I devour those and love them.
So while I loved the writing in this, I also noticed so many similarities between a lot of Jen's protagonists. The story was still fun to read about and the questions regarding who Evie really was kept me on the edge of my seat but I also felt I could skip paragraphs as a lot of it was something I'd read so many times.
Evie as well just isn't a match for Katy as protagonist, even with their similarities. I related a lot more to Katy simply for her geekiness and book loves, and I really wish she was here more than just a couple of scenes. I do enjoy Evie, and I think she and Luc are a perfect match, but I'm just not in love with her in the same way.
Luc was just like he always was, very like Daemon in his willingness to do whatever it takes to keep Evie safe, but since I've known him for so long it was easy to still love him and smile an his one-liners.
“Real strength does not exist in muscles or deadly skill. It exists in your ability to pick yourself up and keep going after the shit hits the fan. That’s strength.”
“You don’t have to be like you were.” His lips brushed my ear. “You just need to be you.”
I will always love and respect JLA as an author, not only because she brought me into the world of YA and paranormal, but because she is a phenomenal writer. I just think I've outgrown YA and will only read her NA books from now on. (Although obviously I'm going to finish this series too, because how can I not??)...more
Oh, man, this book was sooo cute, and refreshing, and exactly what I expected from Helen Hoang, after the beauty that was The Kiss Quotient.
I may notOh, man, this book was sooo cute, and refreshing, and exactly what I expected from Helen Hoang, after the beauty that was The Kiss Quotient.
I may not have enjoyed it as much as Michael and Stella's story, but it doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. It was precious, and real, with characters you can't help falling for and cheering them to win.
Khai and Quan's brotherly relationship is the best thing ever, and I hope book 3 is about Quan's quest for love. (view spoiler)[ It is!!! (hide spoiler)] He supports and loves Khai unconditionally, and Khai knows without a doubt he can always rely on his big brother. (view spoiler)[ That whole scene where Quan teaches Khai how to pleasure a woman and realise he fucked up by not preparing him first? THE BEST. I had a big goofy smile throughout that whole scene. (hide spoiler)]
Esme arrives in the States with the intention of getting a husband so she can provide a happy and secure life for herself, her daughter and the rest of her family. But throughout the book, Esme discovers that even though she has found someone worthy of being her husband, that doesn't mean she needs him. She was just as willing to work as hard as she could to earn a place in the States for herself, by herself. It was so empowering, and I absolutely loved her for it.
While she and Khai annoyed me sometimes because communication was not something either of them was good at, they both eventually plowed through and the result was well worth all that angst and drama.
Well worth a read, Helen Hoang brings a refreshing take on the romance genre that is new and exciting and really great to read....more
A few years ago, mental health was not talked about nearly as much as it is now. Depression was just being sad, anxiety was just nerves, social anxietA few years ago, mental health was not talked about nearly as much as it is now. Depression was just being sad, anxiety was just nerves, social anxiety was just being shy.
Nowadays people are a lot more open about these illnesses and treating them as real as if they were the flu. Which is fantastic. I don’t have anxiety nearly half as bad as Aza has here, but I still experience it at times and hear thoughts in my head contradicting what I know to be true.
Just today, even, I got paranoid that it was actually Tuesday and I was supposed to go to work even though I knew it was a Monday and my calendar said Monday but then a little voice in my head went “Are you sure? You’re probably missing it. They’re going to fire you and you’ll be kicked out of your house.”
I know it’s silly, and I know in my head it’s not real, but that didn’t stop my heart pounding and me checking my phone calendar like 10 times today.
My point is that this is a book about Aza, who has serious anxiety with that voice in her head 24/7 telling her all these horrible scenarios which she is believing and stopping her from living her everyday life and in turn this damages the most important relationships in her life.
I think John Green did an excellent job and really portrayed anxiety in a believable view which I’m sure many people will relate to feeling at some point or another.
I listened to the audio version of this, which I really enjoyed, the narrator did an excellent job giving each character a distinctive voice. I think Daisy, in particular, was fantastic and I’m sure I looked quite the weirdo on the bus smiling and laughing aloud at her antics, especially with the way the narrator brought her to life.
Aza and Davis were great together, their budding romance was sweet but realistic, with Aza’s anxiety-voice making her double think every action and word spoken.
Even though this book has gotten mixed reviews, I enjoyed it. It was very John Green-esque, and since a lot of his other books have been brought to the big screen, I wouldn’t be surprised if this book did too. I think it would be a great way to really emphasise anxiety as a mental illness, much like Simon VS the Homosapiens Agenda emphasised homosexuality and the importance of coming out.
If you like John Green, or cute budding romance stories, I would suggest picking it up.
“You're both the fire and the water that extinguishes it. You're the narrator, the protagonist, and the sidekick. You're the storyteller and the story told. You are somebody's something, but you are also your you.”
“The worst part of being truly alone is you think about all the times you wished that everyone would just leave you be. Then they do, and you are left being, and you turn out to be terrible company.”
“Actually, the problem is that I can’t lose my mind,” I said. “It’s inescapable.”
“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't.”
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