The Talking Bookworm

Goodreads Summary:

You say it was all meant to be. You and me. The way we met. Our secrets in the woods. Even the way it all exploded. It was simply a matter of fate.

Maybe if you were here to tell me again, to explain it one more time, then maybe I wouldn’t feel so uncertain. But I’m going back to the beginning on my own. To see what happened and why.

Luisa “Lulu” Mendez has just finished her final year of high school in a small Virginia town, determined to move on and leave her job at the local junkyard behind. So when her father loses her college tuition money, Lulu needs a new ticket out.

Desperate for funds, she cooks up the (definitely illegal) plan to make and sell moonshine with her friends, Roni and Bucky. Quickly realizing they’re out of their depth, Lulu turns to Mason: a local boy who’s always seemed like a dead end. As Mason guides Lulu through the secret world of moonshine, it looks like her plan might actually work. But can she leave town before she loses everything – including her heart?

Review:

Guys, I really wanted to like this. I really did. But it fell short for me and I DNF’ed it halfway through.

The beginning wasn’t bad. I was actually starting to like it. Lulu was a bit endearing and you sympathized. You were rooting for her. Then entered her friends and I was just like ehhhhhh. And then there was Mason. I wanted to like him. I did. But I couldn’t. Something didn’t click for me. It fell short. I made myself continue to read it because I said to myself “It begins slow, It’s going to get better just you see, Come on Veronica you’re being too harsh!” But none of that helped.

The whole moonshine thing also made me want to smack Lulu in the head. I was like, “Come ON! WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING! STOP IT!”

Overall, the story wasn’t for me. Maybe others have enjoyed it and I’m glad for them, but for me the story didn’t click. The characters were just characters and I couldn’t come to care for them.

Sigh.

Does anyone agree or disagree with me? Please let me know in the comments below!

Rating: DNF (Did Not Finish)

Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this book for free does not sway my opinion.

Book Subscription Box

Uppercase Box Review – July 2015 Edition

July 22, 2015 Veronica Porras (TTB)

Hello all!

Today I will be reviewing one of many book subscriptions that exist today, the Uppercase Box. Before I even subscribed to this box I researched several boxes and decided that UPB was the best fit for me.

There are three different types of subscriptions boxes at Uppercase Box. There is the Book Exclusive at $17, the Expert Plan at $23, and the Personalized recommendation at $29 (all prices are in US dollars). You also have to add $6 for shipping. I paid a total of $29 for the Expert Pick Plan. Click here to go to the FAQ page at Uppercase Box if you want more detailed information.

I decided to get the Expert Plan to fully try out what Uppercase Box has to offer. This is what I received for the month of July.

The box as shown above came with the following:

The book of the month: Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
Signed bookplate from Sophie Kinsella
Book-Inspired coffee sleeve
Out of Print Clothing Library Socks
Exclusive set of 3 Paper Towns bookmarks designed by Risa Rodil

I say this is a pretty good value for everything that you receive in the box. You get a book, merch, and all sorts of goodies. I’m pretty happy with this month’s box.

I’ll be keeping my subscription for another month and I will report back then.

Are you currently subscribed to a Book Box or thinking of subscribing to one? Let me know! I’m all for discovering new boxes.

Tuesday Meme

Last Ten Books That Came Into My Possession

July 14, 2015July 14, 2015 Veronica Porras (TTB)

Thank you to The Broke and The Bookish for this wonderful meme! If you want to learn how to participate, click here and check it out. Promise you won’t regret it.

Last Ten Books That Came Into My Possession (bought, library, review copies)

1. Wait For You by Jennifer L. Armentrout

2. A Million Miles Away by Lara Avery

3. Never, Sometimes, Always by Adi Alsaid

4. Compulsion by Martina Boone

5. Jesse’s Girl by Miranda Keneally

6. The Host by Stephanie Meyer

7. Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols

I have a mixture of ARC’s, trades, and new releases. What are some books that recently came into your possession?

Reviews, Special Review, ya contemporary

Book Review: The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne

July 13, 2015July 7, 2016 Veronica Porras (TTB)

Goodreads Summary:

Kate Quinn’s mom died last year, leaving Kate parentless and reeling. So when the unexpected shows up in her living room, Kate must confront another reality she never thought possible—or thought of at all. Kate does have a father. He’s a powerful politician. And he’s running for U.S. President. Suddenly, Kate’s moving in with a family she never knew she had, joining a campaign in support of a man she hardly knows, and falling for a rebellious boy who may not have the purest motives. This is Kate’s new life. But who is Kate? When what she truly believes flies in the face of the campaign’s talking points, she must decide. Does she turn to the family she barely knows, the boy she knows but doesn’t necessarily trust, or face a third, even scarier option?

Set against a backdrop of politics, family, and first love, this is a story of personal responsibility, complicated romance, and trying to discover who you are even as everyone tells you who you should be.

Review:

Gosh. I love politics. When I was approached by Penguin and asked if I would like to read The Wrong Side of Right I said, HECK YES!

When I was young, I dreamt of being a senator. I wanted to be a part of the law-making process of my country. I actually ended up taking a different route in college, but this book made me reminisce and want to be a part of that world again.

Kate’s world is turned upside down when she comes home to find out that one of the candidates running for president is her father. Kate handles it with so much grace that I wish I was Kate in day-to-day life. She makes mistakes like any 17-year-old girl would, yet she owns up to them. I’m proud of the way she handles her new life. With much more grace than I probably would if I were in her shoes.

There is just something to this story that just works, it clicks.

We have romance, sort-of, but not really. The story isn’t about the romance.
We have a dysfunctional family, but not your average one.
We have great friendships that experience some bumps in the road.
We explore what loyalty really means, and what being a family is all about.

But that’s not all, Throne throws all of that into the middle of a presidential campaign. I wish I was the one who came up with that idea. Truly amazing. I also geeked out a lot throughout the entire novel. I studied Communication in school, and reading the tactics and strategies the campaign used to gain ground in the polls made me giddy with excitement. Gosh, I am such a nerd.

It took me four months to read TWSoR, but it was worth it. I wasn’t always in the mood for contemporaries (I have been in a fantasy mood for the past couple months), but I pushed through and in the end I have no idea why it took me so long to finish it. I devoured the last third in no time.

If you are a fan of Ally Carter or Sarah Dessen, I recommend you pick up this book. It’s a great read and I don’t know why the hype around this book is not at it’s all time high.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Disclaimer: Edited on July 22nd for grammar and clarification.

Disclaimer: Thank you Penguin Young Readers for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this book for free does not sway my opinion.

Tuesday Meme

Top Ten Hyped Books I’ve Never Read

July 6, 2015July 7, 2015 Veronica Porras (TTB)

Thank you to The Broke and The Bookish for this wonderful meme! If you want to learn how to participate, click here and check it out. Promise you won’t regret it.

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday is Top Ten Hyped Books I’ve Never Read. I know some of the books on my list will surprise you while others you will think But Veronica they’re so old and they don’t really have hype around them? Oh my dear friends they once did, which is why they are on this list. Alright, let the judging begin!

1. I’ll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

2. The Wrath and Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

3. All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

4. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

5. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

6. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

7. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

8. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

9. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

10. Finding Mr. Brightside by Jay Clark

Surprised to see any of these books on my list? Tell me are they worth reading? I own #1, 2, 5, & 9 so I know I will be reading those, but I don’t know about the rest… Let’s talk!

NA Romance, Reviews

Book Review: All Played Out by Cora Carmack (A Rusk University Novel #3)

July 6, 2015July 7, 2016 Veronica Porras (TTB)

Normally you don’t see something here, but since this isn’t a type of genre I normally review on here I felt the need to say something. Yes, this is not YA. It is VERY NA. It does have several, let’s see we shall call them, sexy scenes. If you are like me who’s not a fan of explicit scenes, know that this may not be the book for you. I skipped the sexiest scenes. There aren’t that many, but if you are willing to skip over them, then I can say you will enjoy this book. I would call this a guilty pleasure type of book. It is 100% sugary, carbs and all!

Goodreads Summary:

First person in her family to go to college? CHECK.
Straight A’s? CHECK.
On track to graduate early? CHECK.
Social life? …..yeah, about that….

With just a few weeks until she graduates, Antonella DeLuca’s beginning to worry that maybe she hasn’t had the full college experience. (Okay… Scratch that. She knows she hasn’t had the full college experience).

So Nell does what a smart, dedicated girl like herself does best. She makes a “to do” list of normal college activities.

Item #1? Hook up with a jock.

Rusk University wide receiver Mateo Torres practically wrote the playbook for normal college living. When he’s not on the field, he excels at partying, girls, and more partying. As long as he keeps things light and easy, it’s impossible to get hurt… again. But something about the quiet, shy, sexy-as-hell Nell gets under his skin, and when he learns about her list, he makes it his mission to help her complete it.

Torres is the definition of confident (And sexy. And wild), and he opens up a side of Nell that she’s never known. But as they begin to check off each crazy, exciting, normal item, Nell finds that her frivolous list leads to something more serious than she bargained for. And while Torres is used to taking risks on the field, he has to decide if he’s willing to take the chance when it’s more than just a game.

Together they will have to decide if what they have is just part of the experiment or a chance at something real.

Review:

OH MY! This book is pretty… hot. There is so much tension in it that you yourself will feel like you’re gonna explode. I could actually do without all the sexiness though. Some sexual tension is nice in a book, and some PG-13 stuff is fine, but I will say there was a little too much sexiness in this book for my taste. Nevertheless, Cora’s story telling is so addicting, I had to finish it.

I wasn’t super fond of Antonella’s voice in the book, but Mateo on the other hand, I LOVED him. He was hilarious, dropped too many f-bombs (that I didn’t like), and could at times be a little naughty, but overall, his voice felt more real and genuine then Antonella’s. Honestly, while he joked about the sexy stuff, he had more depth and felt more real as a character. I love guy characters that go after what they want with gusto and Mateo is definitely one of them. I can’t find that in real life, so the second best thing is to fantasize and read about it. Girls aren’t chased like they were in the old times. I miss that.

Mateo is like Isaiah’s cousin (from Crash Into You). That is all I have to say.

(KAYLA YOU NEED TO READ THIS!)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Editor Letter

Update of the Blog (and my life)

June 25, 2015 Veronica Porras (TTB)

So…. I said I was making a comeback right? Well… life got in the way. AGAIN. The move was more time-consuming than I had imagined. Unpacking twelve boxes of books (and that’s not counting the school books I’ve collected over the years and my mom’s reference books) was very time-consuming and well unpacking the rest of the house too. (I haven’t been able to organize my shelves yet, I just threw the books on them and it makes me sad. My babies are misplaced in the incorrect order. *cries*)

My cousin came over last weekend and she brought her three little munchkins with her. I love them, but they did not let us get any reading done. (I got her into reading the Divergent trilogy and she’s hooked. She’s gonna hate me when she finishes Allegiant though…) So another weekend without reading a book. Hopefully this weekend (I have nothing planned) I will be able to get some reading done and actually finish a book. I’m in the middle of 4 right now. (I know, I know, shame on me!)

I do promise I will start posting more often. My goal is twice a week. At least a review and a meme (most likely Top Ten Tuesday).

To those who are still following me, thank you for continuing to follow me even though I haven’t posted new content in several weeks. For the new followers I’ve miraculously obtained, thank you for following me even though my posts are scattered at best right now.

Hope you’re all having a great week and have a wonderful weekend!

Reviews, ya contemporary

Book Review: The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

June 4, 2015July 7, 2016 Veronica Porras (TTB)

Goodreads Summary:

Brimming with heartfelt relationships and authentic high-school dynamics The Start of Me and You proves that it’s never too late for second chances.

It’s been a year since it happened—when Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in an accident. After shutting out the world for two years, Paige is finally ready for a second chance at high school . . . and she has a plan. First: Get her old crush, Ryan Chase, to date her—the perfect way to convince everyone she’s back to normal. Next: Join a club—simple, it’s high school after all. But when Ryan’s sweet, nerdy cousin, Max, moves to town and recruits Paige for the Quiz Bowl team (of all things!) her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. Will Paige be able to face her fears and finally open herself up to the life she was meant to live?

Review:

Floating on clouds. That’s my current emotional state. There is no other way to explain this book.

See, I was hesitant to read this book right after The Summer of Chasing Mermaids because I thought to myself nothing else can compare to its awesomeness, but good ol’ ignorant me forgot just how good Emery Lord is. There is no other book I could have read after TSoCM except this book without it falling flat.

The Start of Me and You is so stinking cute, I can’t stand it. It is like cotton candy. Sweet, delicious, but you devour to fast, craving for more. I tweeted that I both loved and hated Emery Lord right when I finished the book because THAT ENDING nearly killed me and this is what she had to say to that…

OFFICIALLY DYING OF FEELS.

Honestly, this review is not really a review, but more like an outlet of my feels because Dear Lord The Start of Me and You was everything I wanted and more. The awesome friendships, the slow-burn between Paige and Max, the idea that not everything is exactly how it seems, and that we should not take for granted the people we have in our lives just made it perfect. I would literally hug the book right now if it was anywhere near me. I want to cuddle with it like it were a teddy bear. Seriously guys. I’m not kidding. This baby needs to be protected.

Also, one more thing. MAX. UNGHHHH. THAT BOY. Seriously, he was so nerdy and adorable. I love nerds. Max is more of my real life ideal type when comparing him to my other book boyfriends. (I could never handle an Isaiah, but I can dream lol)

Now, go to the bookstore and read this darn book because I can assure you it will be the best decision of your life!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Reviews, Special Review, ya contemporary

Book Review: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

May 30, 2015July 7, 2016 Veronica Porras (TTB)

Goodreads Summary:

The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.

Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.

Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life.

When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them .

Review:

I am floored.

My expectations for TSoCM were met and then some. I’m a puddle of feelings and cannot function. Dear Lord. I need a minute.

I hope it is known how big of a Sarah Ockler fan I am. I have loved every single one of her books (except #Scandal because I haven’t read it yet, but I’m sure I will love it too). When I heard the title of her new book, I wasn’t sure if it would be up my alley, but after seeing the cover I said, forget it. I will read this book.

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids is a story that explores so many things, but the number one thing it focuses on is the aftermath of shattered dreams. Elyse, the main character, loses her voice in a tragic accident and now has to face the world without her voice, without the ability to sing, even speak. Her Plan A, to be a singer, a performer, is not doable anymore. My heart broke for Elyse.

I still can’t seem to form the words to properly explain my feelings, but I will try.

Let’s start with Christopher Kane. Mr. heart-breaker. We get a glimpse of the old him, but I loved that none of his “playboy” ways showed up in the story which in turn could hurt Elyse. I really liked their initial friendship and how everything developed. It wasn’t a “oh we are both attracted to each other, let’s start making out” but a steady build throughout.

I connected to both Elyse and Christopher for different reasons. I saw myself in both characters and honestly, it helped me come to terms with some of the choices I’ve made in the past 6 years.

I loved that Elyse figured out the difference between loving someone because they love you, and actually loving someone for them. There is a big difference. One is on the side of lust and attraction, and the other on real love which is much more than just attraction.

The side characters are the best and not one of them felt forced. I loved Kirby and Vanessa, and Sebastian Kane is one of my favorite children ever (and he doesn’t even exist. *cries*). He reminds me a lot of my nephew Jacob. The enthusiasm, that sense for adventure. Now I miss my nephew.

Another thing I loved is that the entire story feels like a journey. There is no one part where I felt like it was a little boring, or I was being given filler information. The entire novel felt steady, grounded, full of life.

There are so many things I want to talk about like the brotherly love, Lemon, Elyse’s family back at the islands, and the accident but I don’t want to give this book away. I don’t want to spoil it for you.

As I close this review I will only say this. Sarah Ockler has a gift and her writing changes you.

Rating: 6 out of 5 (rating meter broken due to awesomeness of book)

Disclaimer: Thank you Simon & Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this book for free does not sway my opinion.

NA Romance, Reviews, ya romance

Book Review: Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

May 26, 2015July 7, 2016 Veronica Porras (TTB)

Goodreads Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she’s curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn’t mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They’re the good guys. They protect people. They’re…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club’s most respected member—is in town, he’s gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it’s his shot at his dream. What he doesn’t count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

Review:

First of all, let me insert this tweet so you can guys can understand how this review is about to go down.

I am HEAD OVER HEELS with OZ and with this entire book and concept. When I saw that Nowhere But Here was going to be the first book in a new companion series my first thoughts were… okay I think I can do this. I hope I like it. You all know how much I love the Pushing The Limits Universe, and I couldn’t bear parting ways with it.

Now onto the real deal…

Katie McGarry has done it again. I was texting Kayla (who has vowed she would not read this new book, because she is not into the whole motorcycle club thing) how amazing NBH is and just fangirled a lot that she had no other respond except, Katie McGarry is Queen. Because of my hardcore flailing and fangirling she ended up pre-ordering Nowhere But Here. Success!! (KAYLA YOU WILL NEVER LIVE THIS DOWN!) Kayla has now said that she will never ever doubt Katie McGarry again. GOOD.

You know what reoccurring theme I love that pops up in all of McGarry’s books? The notion of family. She doesn’t just focus on blood family, but on those individuals who aren’t blood related and that they are family too. I highly value loyalty, so the whole concept of friends are family too and should be treated as such is very close to my heart.

I could keep going on and on about how great this book is, but I will not. This may not be everybody’s type of book, but if you’ve liked Ms. McGarry’s past novels, I’m sure you will like this one too.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Disclaimer: Thank you Harlequin Teen & NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this book for free does not sway my opinion.