Tag: book review

NA Contemporary, NA Romance, Reviews

Book Review: All Line Up (Rusk University #1) by Cora Carmack

Veronica Porras (TTB)

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Goodreads Summary:

In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.

Dallas Cole loathes football. That’s what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.

But life doesn’t always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.

Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It’s obliterated.

Dallas doesn’t know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn’t know that Dallas is his new coach’s daughter.

And neither of them know how to walk away from the attraction they feel.

Review:

This is going to be short and sweet. I will be making a list as to why you need to read this book.

  1. Loyalty is a main theme throughout the novel.
  2. Dallas and her Father. Their relationship evolves as the story progresses and it’s something you’re going to want to read.
  3. Carson is a hottie. Also a gentleman. But also… well you’re going to have to read it to find out. *wiggles eyebrows*
  4. Dallas and her best friend have one of the best friendships ever.
  5. The whole family and loyalty aspect within the football team. EPIC.

I know this is an out of character review, but trust me when I say you need to read this book. I classify this as a guilty read, but honestly, “guilty reads” also have depth in them. We are just too busy enjoying them to notice otherwise.

 

Rating: 4 out of 5

Reviews, Special Review, ya contemporary

ARC Review: Tonight The Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales

Veronica Porras (TTB)

23310761-2

Goodreads Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Arden Huntley is recklessly loyal. Taking care of her loved ones is what gives Arden purpose in her life and makes her feel like she matters. But she’s tired of being loyal to people who don’t appreciate her—including her needy best friend and her absent mom.

Arden finds comfort in a blog she stumbles upon called “Tonight the Streets Are Ours,” the musings of a young New York City writer named Peter. When Peter is dumped by the girlfriend he blogs about, Arden decides to take a road trip to see him.

During one crazy night out in NYC filled with parties, dancing, and music—the type of night when anything can happen, and nearly everything does—Arden discovers that Peter isn’t exactly who she thought he was. And maybe she isn’t exactly who she thought she was, either.

Review:

Why doesn’t anybody love me as much as I love them?

Arden, arden, arden. I know how you feel. I think everybody at some point in their life asks themselves that same question, and it is such a Leila thing to make a book around that question. (FYI, have been a huge Leila Sales fan ever since I read This Song Will Save You Life. Sales fan for life!)

We start of TTSAO with Arden taking the blame for something her best friend Lindsey did, but this time it’s not something small, but big. It is something that will have serious repercussions to her future, and that starts the domino effect which brings us to her asking herself the question if we love others more than they loves us?

SPOILERY SECTION

Now that you’re warned let’s begin. Sales takes us on a journey that helps us see why we may think we love others more than they love us. The journey really begins when Arden discovers the blog “Tonight The Streets Are Ours” written by Peter who asked himself the same question she had asked herself moments ago. Every post she reads makes her evaluate her life, her relationships, and along the way helps her see why her mother left, why her dad is the way he is, and why Lindsey acts the way she does. Sales teaches us that we can get burnt out if we only take care of others and not ourselves.

Sales also brings to the readers attention something called a blank check. A blank check is basically something we give someone. They can cash it whenever they want, how many times they want, whatever the favor may be.

I will finish this review of with a quote towards the end of the book.

“I used to think that loving somebody meant sacrificing anything for them. I thought it meant writing a blank check. I thought it meant that you would die without each other. But it turns out that Peter was right about that, too: death and a broken heart are not the same.” -Arden

GO BUY OUT YOUR COPY TODAY! YOU WON’T REGRET IT!

Banes & Noble | Amazon

Rating: 5 out of 5

Disclaimer: I received this ARC from Emma @ Miss Print which she obtained at BEA 2015 for review consideration. 

Reviews, Special Review, ya contemporary

Book Review: A Million Miles Away by Lara Avery

Veronica Porras (TTB)

cover59860-medium

Goodreads Summary:

When high school senior Kelsey’s identical twin sister, Michelle, dies in a car crash, Kelsey is left without her other half. The only person who doesn’t know about the tragedy is Michelle’s boyfriend, Peter, recently deployed to Afghanistan. But when Kelsey finally connects with Peter online, she can’t bear to tell him the truth. Active duty has taken its toll, and Peter, thinking that Kelsey is Michelle, says that seeing her is the one thing keeping him alive. Caught up in the moment, Kelsey has no choice: She lets Peter believe that she is her sister.

As Kelsey keeps up the act, she crosses the line from pretend to real. Soon, Kelsey can’t deny that she’s falling, hard, for the one boy she shouldn’t want.

Review:

Wow.

This book swept me away. I was not expecting this book to show the crazy side of grief in such a real way. And to show that the grey area of the world is much more complicated than we make it out to be. I’m floored that we get such a real experience of grief.

We start of the story with the twins Kelsey and Michelle. They seem to be complete opposites. Twins that could not be more different. And then Michelle dies. It changes everything for Kelsey. She sees that all this time, she never really knew her sister. Not anymore. Not for the past few years. I really liked that AMMA started of with both of them alive, instead of Kelsey reminiscing.

Now let’s start the review portion where I let my thoughts go free…

AMMA felt so… Real. The entire time I was reading AMMA, it felt like I could know Kelsey in real life. She was such a genuine character and I felt for her. The themes in the novel and the experiences seemed so real. Maybe because war is an everyday thing to many people in this world nowadays, and death is something that happens naturally in everyday life. It’s Just… Crazy.

I really liked that Kelsey who is known to not be a girl who studies was able to get an A+ on a paper by studying hard. We don’t normally see the process of someone studying hard in books, and we are able to see how hard she studies in AMMA. As someone who had to study a fair amount to get good grades, it makes me feel good to see this portrayed in a YA novel.  Kelsey learning how to study opened up a new world for her. She was able to see how much she could accomplish if she tried, and that gave her the fire she needed to start living again.

Let’s touch quickly on the male protagonist. Peter is such a complex character. The more we read about him, the more layers he received, and it is so gratifying to see a love interest get so much development. I was ecstatic.

I honestly think AMMA is one of the best books about grief in the YA sphere. I haven’t really heard much buzz about it, and it really does deserve more than it is getting so far.

Recommend to anyone looking for a sad yet inspiring read.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and Poppy/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.

Reviews, Special Review, ya contemporary

Book Review: Everything, Everything By Nicola Yoon

Veronica Porras (TTB)

EverythingEverythingCover

Goodreads Summary:

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Review:

I think this is one of the hardest reviews I’ve written so far because I like the book, I loved the ending, I loved the message, but I did not like the MC. Don’t get me wrong, Madeline is not a bad character, I just personally didn’t like her half of the time.

I really like that Everything, Everything encourages the reader to do things they’re afraid of, not to stay in unhealthy relationships, and makes us see that the person “in love” does not always have the best judgement when it comes to the person they love.

What I actually disliked about EE was the middle of the book. I found myself a little bored and I was very close to giving up on it. I decided to put it aside for a few months and gave it a second chance a few days ago and I’m glad I did because the last 30% of the book was awesome!

I personally think if I had been younger I would have absolutely loved Everything, Everything. The writing is wonderful and at times poetic (and I’m a sucker for poetic writing), but I was not able to connect with the characters. I found them a bit childish at times and that made my experience a not so great one.

Overall, Everything, Everything is a novel you want to read. The impressions it leaves you with are worth the read.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Disclaimer: Thank you Delacorte Press/Random House Children for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I received this book at YALLWEST 2015. Receiving this book for free does not sway my opinion.

NA Romance, Reviews

Book Review: Confess by Colleen Hoover

Veronica Porras (TTB)

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Goodreads Summary:

Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover Owen is keeping major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin.

Review:

It’s been a good two weeks since I read this book and I think I can finally write the review. The entire time I was reading Confess, I was at the edge of my seat. It is INTENSE. It is THRILLING. And it will leave you with an immense BOOK HANGOVER.

Let’s get the not so good stuff out-of-the-way first. Sadly, this isn’t my favorite Colleen Hoover Book. Also, I needed more of Auburn’s first boyfriend. I needed more of his story. Ahhhhh. It is not FAIR. MY FEELS. *cries* LIFE IS NOT FAIR.

Owen is also not my favorite male protagonist. The other book boyfriends have been better, but man did he have a good reason to be messed up like he was. Both Auburn and Owen have such depressing and sad backstories, your feels will be getting punched again and again and again. I did like that he always supported Auburn and was never a burden. He didn’t give her his messed up mess. He supported her, encouraged her, and was there for her. Four for you Owen, You go Owen!

Putting all the kidding aside, this book really makes you look inward and see what your reactions and decisions would be if you were in that situation. In a way, you do some soul-searching while reading this book.

The impression Confess has left me after several weeks have passed is this: Never Settle. Always Fight For What You Want. and lastly, Never Give Up.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Reviews, ya contemporary

Book Review: My Best Everything by Sarah Tomp

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Tomp_MyBestEverything_HC

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.

Reviews, Special Review, ya contemporary

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

Veronica Porras (TTB)

The-Wrong-Side-of-Right-Jenn-Marie-Thorne

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.

Reviews, ya contemporary

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

Veronica Porras (TTB)

thestartofmeandyou-2

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…

TSoMaY

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

Veronica Porras (TTB)

22840182

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

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Katie-McGarry-Nowhere-But-Here

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.

NBH Tweet

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.