A Million Worlds With You by Claudia Gray // Not As Good As the First Two

A Million Worlds With You (Firebird #3), by Claudia Gray
Publication: November 1, 2016, by HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 419
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Rating: 

The fate of the multiverse rests in Marguerite Caine’s hands. Marguerite has been at the center of a cross-dimensional feud since she first traveled to another universe using her parents’ invention, the Firebird. Only now has she learned the true plans of the evil Triad Corporation—and that those plans could spell doom for dozens or hundreds of universes, each facing total annihilation.
Paul Markov has always been at Marguerite’s side, but Triad’s last attack has left him a changed man—angry and shadowed by tragedy. He struggles to overcome the damage done to him, but despite Marguerite’s efforts to help, Paul may never be the same again.
So it’s up to Marguerite alone to stop the destruction of the multiverse. Billions of lives are at stake. The risks have never been higher. And Triad has unleashed its ultimate weapon: another dimension’s Marguerite—wicked, psychologically twisted, and always one step ahead.
In the conclusion to Claudia Gray’s Firebird trilogy, fate and family will be questioned, loves will be won and lost, and the multiverse will be forever changed. It’s a battle of the Marguerites…and only one can win.

My Thoughts:

A Million Worlds With You has been marked as currently-reading on my Goodreads account forEVER. Why, you ask? Because I began reading it months ago and found that it was boring, and so much was happening at once that I needed to slow down and wait to read it during a time where I would be able to concentrate. Whenever I kept peeking at its (gorgeous) cover, I would shiver, reminding myself of the boredom it provided me. However, I recently produced the guts to read it (and remove it from my currently-reading list), and I was thoroughly disappointed. This was supposed to be amazing, just as the first two books in this trilogy were. Unfortunately, it was not amazing.

Don't get me wrong: I love this series and still would recommend it to all interested readers. This book just proved itself to be unpromising. While reading, I felt like too much was happening at once, and our main character, Marguerite, was switching between too many worlds (or 'verses') too quickly. I wasn't able to determine what her role in this story was. Apparently it was to save the other versions of herself, but too much was happening and I was unable to really feel that. Instead, I just felt Claudia Gray attempting to ramble on and on, taking up 'space' in the book, instead of entertaining readers in a slow, blissful manner.

This series is really all about its gorgeous romance between Marguerite and Paul. In this novel, their romance felt very flawed (which is normal), but to the point that I stopped being interested because they faced TOO many problems. It seemed as if the characters were getting tired of each other (even though Marguerite attempted to tell herself that she is in love with Paul), and I myself got tired. 

There were pros and positives in this story; I really liked the conclusion, and it really made me feel sad, knowing that this was the last time I would be able to read about these characters. I liked how we were able to see a relationship boost amongst Marguerite and her parents, especially in the other verses. I will truly miss this series, despite the lows of this finale.

A Million Worlds With You was disappointing in comparison to the other two novels in this series. It lacked depth and a faster pace that would keep me entertained for my entire reading experience. I constantly longed for more. Goodbye, Firebird series, I loved you.

Have you read a series with a disappointing ending?

By Your Side by Kasie West // Libraries and a Cute Premise

By Your Side, by Kasie West
Publication: January 31, 2017, by HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 346
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Rating: 

When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.
Only he doesn’t come. No one does.
Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side.

My Thoughts:

If you have been paying attention to my reviews for the past few years, you probably are able to tell that I am a huge Kasie West fan. And I'm not the only one: look at the huge population of chick-lit fans who have been converted thanks to Kasie's books. There are some people who despise reading cheesy stories about romance and falling in love, however, they could definitely be a sucker for this writing. I adore contemporary romances (they're just such feel good reads), and By Your Side is not an exception to this statement. It's a book that is so realistic in comparison to other contemporaries out there in the YA world, and I appreciate that West also writes about the struggles people can have outside of the love, romantic world. 

Autumn, our protagonist, lives with anxiety, however, she hides this from her closest friends as she doesn't want them to treat her any differently. This is a huge secret to keep as it affects her social life and the way in which she interacts with her friends, especially her crush, Jeff, who she predicts will become her future boyfriend. One winter night after a studying session at the library, Autumn is stuck there, and is unable to leave until the following Monday due to a holiday. She quickly discovers that she is not the only one stranded in the library; her school's resident "bad-boy" slash rebel, Dax, is there, and he seems uninterested in forming some kind of friendship with Autumn. 

Evidently, being stuck in a library with someone for three days forces people to become friends. I mean, in this kind of situation, you're kind of supposed to use some survival skills, haha. I just adored the premise of this whole book, and how it was atypical in relation to the other cheesy, predictable stories out there. This obviously holds a lot of fluffy writing and happiness throughout, however, I found that it was special and unique. By Your Side had more to the story than just pure romance; it touched upon mental health topics, family, foster care and trauma. I don't know how Kasie West does it, but the mix between fluffiness (in terms of romance) and darker topics just works perfectly. I couldn't have asked for a better mix. 

Although this was not a 5-star read (as some of West's books were, in my opinion), I felt that it was a great, light, summer read that I have been seeking for ages. I initially picked it up as I wanted to be relieved of my terrible reading slump that has been bothering me for months, and it definitely did help abandon it. 

By Your Side was just too cute. I love Kasie West's ideas and the way she weaves in darker themes in the midst of a light, contemporary romance. I have three more of her books to read, and I should do that very soon. Cheers to summery reads!

Who is your favourite chick-lit author?

I See London, I See France by Sarah Mlynowski // The Best Summer Read Ever

I See London, I See France (I See London, I See France #1), by Sarah Mlynowski
Publication: July 11, 2017, by HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 378
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Rating: 

Nineteen-year-old Sydney has the perfect summer mapped out. She’s spending the next four and half weeks traveling through Europe with her childhood best friend, Leela. Their plans include Eiffel-Tower selfies, eating cocco gelato, and making out with très hot strangers. Her plans do not include Leela’s cheating ex-boyfriend showing up on the flight to London, falling for the cheating ex-boyfriend’s très hot friend, monitoring her mother’s spiraling mental health via texts, or feeling like the rope in a friendship tug-of-war.
As Sydney zigzags through Amsterdam, Switzerland, Italy, and France, she must learn when to hold on, when to keep moving, and when to jump into the Riviera…wearing only her polka-dot underpants.

My Thoughts:

I See London, I See France is literally a traveller slash bookworm's dream novel. THIS WAS MY DREAM NOVEL. It was my #1 most anticipated read of all of 2017, and I couldn't wait to devour it during my vacation. Although I didn't spend my vacation in Europe (I really, really wanted to), at least Sarah Mlynowski provided me with the opportunity to pretend that I was exploring London, Paris, Italy and Switzerland. This was seriously my favourite read of last year. (It's crazy to see how I'm writing this review a year later haha.)

This book has a very, VERY important theme: friendship. More books should focus on the reality of friendship in the manner that this one did. Normally, authors tend to show that every girl has a BFF and they are so alike that they will conquer the world and beat all the bullies who are stealing their boyfriends. Trust me on that one; you can find that in literally every cheesy chick-lit story. Mlynowski, as always (I love her writing!), took this premise and showed the reality of friendship and even travelling. Unless you're a millionaire, it is extremely difficult to be travelling to luxury hotels and treating yourself to expensive dinners by the riverside every night. You know what I mean? This book was just so realistic and beautiful. I am in LOVE.

As for the premise which is explored, what the book focused on was a summer trip between two best friends throughout Europe. Sydney and Leela are heading on a trip throughout Switzerland, London, France, and Italy with the main focus of Leela forgetting about her ex-boyfriend, who actually shows up on their flight. THINGS GET CRAZY SOON AFTER, and there are so many plot twists and suspense throughout the book that will surely keep you interested. I am so excited for the sequel to this beauty, and I extremely appreciated the romance and nice pacing that this provided. Therefore, this was definitely a win over a miss.

Even if you do not call yourself an avid fan of contemporary romance, I still recommend I See London, I See France. It is just a beautiful story that is unlike many others and one I will remember for years. In fact, I would really like to reread it!

What is your favourite travel-themed novel?

Changes in Latitudes by Jen Malone // *shrugs*

Changes in Latitudes, by Jen Malone
Publication: July 25, 2017, by HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Rating: ½

All Cassie wants is to get some solid ground under her feet following the shock of her parents’ divorce. So when she learns of her mom’s plans to take Cassie and her brother, Drew, on a four-month sailing trip from Oregon to Mexico, she’s stunned. There is absolutely nothing solid about the Pacific Ocean.
Cassie is furious. And nervous. It’s been hard enough keeping Drew sheltered from what Cassie knows about her mother’s role in breaking their family apart, but living in such close quarters threatens to push her anger past its tipping point.
Enter Jonah, a whip-smart deckhand who’s as gorgeous as he is flirtatious. Cassie tries to keep him at a distance, but the more time they spend together—wandering San Francisco, riding beachside roller coasters, and exploring the California coastline—the harder it is to fight the attraction.
Cassie wants to let herself go, but her parents’ split has left her feeling adrift in a sea of questions she can’t even begin to answer. Can she forgive her mom? Will home ever feel the same? Should she take a chance on Jonah? With life’s unpredictable tides working against her, Cassie must decide whether to swim against them…or dive right in.

My Thoughts:

Changes in Latitudes was expected to be amazing by me. I thought that I would adore it because I really enjoyed Jen Malone's Wanderlost, which was a traveller's dream story. Wanderlost made me feel as if I needed to read more contemporary romances and travel the world as much as possible. This story, however, was disappointing. I surely did enjoy it, however, I found that it was missing something... some concept/characters I would enjoy and learn from. Some content that I did not see before. Yes, the whole 'sailor' story was completely new, however I felt that the types of characters who were introduced were plain. Boring. 

This book featured a protagonist, Cassie, who explored a new pace of life as she began traveling by boat along the West Coast of America. WOW, RIGHT? And along the way, she stereotypically (and unsurprisingly) falls in love with Jonah - who introduces her to a world of fun, especially since her parents recently got divorced. Jen Malone takes us through San Francisco, Oregon, on the way to Mexico, which seems to be a reader's dream itinerary. I couldn't help but fall in love with the premise of this story, but what was lacking was a racing story that made me addicted. This was just a book that I can classify as "meh." I've read better things, more action-packed stories, but it is what it is.

Cassie was kick-butt. I loved her attitude and how she was all about trying to gain some kind of positivity in life. In the midst of her life, she is battling several demons, such as dealing with the fact that she was miles away from her friends and senior year. And then the romance with Jonah began and I just fell in love with everything the story was promoting. Although the ending was mediocre, I still liked it.

Changes in Latitudes was a book with a great story with a nice premise and set of characters (including the romance), but there were flaws that prevented me from really enjoying the book. Aside from the slow-moving of the story and the ending, I'd highly recommend this one. Grab it and head on a cruise ship, exploring the destinations as you sail around the world!

Are there any other YA books about traveling on the sea?

Wanderlost by Jen Malone // I Want to Travel the World Because of This Novel!

Wanderlost, by Jen Malone
Publication: May 31, 2016, by HarperTeen
Format: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 321
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Rating: 

Not all those who wander are lost, but Aubree Sadler most definitely is on this novel’s whirlwind trip through Europe.
Aubree can’t think of a better place to be than in perfectly boring Ohio, and she’s ready for a relaxing summer. But when her older sister, Elizabeth, gets into real trouble, Aubree is talked into taking over Elizabeth’s summer job, leading a group of senior citizens on a bus tour through Europe.
Aubree doesn’t even make it to the first stop in Amsterdam before their perfect plan unravels, leaving her with no phone, no carefully prepared binder full of helpful facts, and an unexpected guest: the tour company owner’s son, Sam. Considering she’s pretending to be Elizabeth, she absolutely shouldn’t fall for him, but she can’t help it, especially with the most romantic European cities as the backdrop for their love story.
But her relationship with Sam is threatening to ruin her relationship with her sister, and she feels like she’s letting both of them down. Aubree knows this trip may show her who she really is—she just hopes she likes where she ends up.

My Thoughts:

For anyone who knows me, I am a travel geek. I want to travel the world, see as many countries as I can, stay in luxury hotels, meet locals, take gorgeous photos, and be happy forever. Those are (some) of my life goals, and I get SO jealous when people are doing all of that. But, of course, to acknowledge my hidden envy, I love reading books that take place in foreign countries. Especially books that take place in multiple countries. Jen Malone did that all for me with the phenomenal Wanderlost. I was introduced to a hilarious plot filled with secrecy, cute boys and destinations I NEED to visit (like Italy, duh), all in the midst of a great story that I will NEVER forget about.

Look at this: I read this book almost two months ago and I remember all of it. What is important to highlight is the author's storyline: this is about an accidental trip to Europe that the protagonist, Aubree, does not want to take part in. I guess you might be questioning AUBREE'S CRAZINESS and how she did not want to go, but THAT AIN'T THE POINT HERE. The point is: Europe. *insert heart, impressed eyes* Aubree takes the place of her sister, Elizabeth, on a tour across Europe. The catch here is: it is a tour for senior citizens, and SHE HAS TO LIE. Why? Because the tour company would never let Aubree do this on her own without any studying and maturity. Elizabeth wants a good reputation, so obviously, she does not tell anyone about this. 

AND BAM. The story begins, and Aubree is whisked off to foreign countries without any knowledge about them, finding that there is a romance waiting for her. And the romance starts with the tour company boss' son.

OOOF. I can imagine your jaw dropping right now. Now you're smiling because you realized I was right, right? Heh. I just want to mention how lovely this story was and how every character was special, important and unforgettable. I loved Sam, THE GORGEOUS love interest (who shared special phone calls with Aubree every night) and all of the senior citizens. There was constant drama, perfect to cause readers to become obsessed and intrigued.

You will love every page, every word that Jen Malone writes. This is a unique story, written by an author who was inspired by her own travels throughout the world. YAY! 

Wanderlost made me so lost in reading and I cannot help but squeal and fangirl. THIS IS A BOOK FOR ANY TIME OF THE YEAR. Go and enjoy it. (Now, if you excuse me, I'm going to find my own Sam!)

What is the best travel-around-the-world book you have read?

The Wrong Man by Kate White // An Enticing Thriller

The Wrong Man, by Kate White
Publication: June 16, 2015, by Harper Paperbacks
Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Romance
Pages: 336
Format: Paperback
Source: BEA/Publisher
Rating: 

She wanted to be more daring, but one small risk is about to cost her everything—maybe even her life.
Bold and adventurous in her work as owner of one of Manhattan's boutique interior design firms, Kit Finn couldn't be tamer in her personal life. While on vacation in the Florida Keys, Kit resolves to do something risky for once. When she literally bumps into a charming stranger at her hotel, she decides to make good on her promise and act on her attraction. But back in New York, when Kit arrives at his luxury apartment ready to pick up where they left off in the Keys, she doesn't recognize the man standing on the other side of the door. Was this a cruel joke or part of something truly sinister? Kit soon realizes that she's been thrown into a treacherous plot, which is both deeper and deadlier than she could have ever imagined. Now the only way to protect herself, her business, and the people she loves is to find out the true identity of the man who has turned her life upside down.
Adrenaline-charged and filled with harrowing twists at every turn, The Wrong Man will keep readers riveted until the final page.

My Thoughts:

The Wrong Man by Kate White is a read that everyone should pick up - even those of you who are not the biggest fans of psychological thrillers. It's a thriller whose concept and ideas will never leave my mind because it was just. SO. MIND. BLOWING. This novel has been sitting on my shelves forever, but I have only recently picked it up, deciding to give it a whirl because I am tired of the same old boring contemporaries that fly into my hands. Kate White masterfully created characters and a mystery that was beautifully written. I was intrigued for the whole duration, and I really enjoyed reading this as a whole.

The only thing I would like to complain about is the romance. Ew. I am not normally used to a big romance popping up in a psychological thriller, and I was surprised to see that one was stemmed, because I really didn't see it coming. Sure, the beginning featured a romance that stirred the mystery, but more things progressed, and I was just so confused. That made me enjoy the book less. I just didn't feel so intrigued or feel that the book was "real" when romance popped up into the protagonist's life. Kit (the main character) was amazing and a bad-butt, but the romance kind of weakened her. I felt that she relied too much on love and all the chances she didn't take, which distracted her from the real story, with the fact that she's basically stuck in the middle of a murder, identity-theft, stalking mystery.

The Wrong Man starts off sweet - I cannot deny that. Kit is an interior designer from New York City who is off vacationing in Islamorada, Florida, where she meets a mysterious man and has an one-night stand with him. Back in NYC, she discovers that the man who she met lied about his identity. And before she knows it, she gets thrown into a mystery involving murder, a car crash and identity theft, all in the midst of her also becoming some sort of victim. She even begins to feel as if she's being watched.

This would be a fabulous movie, let's just say that. Kate White should definitely think of becoming a screenwriter because she would rock at creating Gone Girl-like films. I can't get enough of these suspense-driven stories. You never know what's going to happen until you reach the end. And that's why I was hooked throughout. I did find that it was a little predictable, but I was hooked because I wasn't sure if my predictions were correct. They actually were.







Now: the plot was so fast-paced and my heart was racing like crazy. I think I read this in two sittings because I was THAT hooked. GO GRAB THIS INSTANTLY. I don't think I'll ever read something like this again. And that just sounds depressing.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher via BookExpo America in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*

What is your most anticipated book of the remainder of 2017?

The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West // West's Books Are My Guilty Pleasures

The Fill-In Boyfriend, by Kasie West
Publication: May 5, 2015, by HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 343
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Rating: ½

When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she has to think fast. After all, she'd been telling her friends about him for months now. This was supposed to be the night she proved he existed. So when she sees a cute guy waiting to pick up his sister, she enlists his help. The task is simple: be her fill-in boyfriend—two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. After that, she can win back the real Bradley.
The problem is that days after prom, it's not the real Bradley she's thinking about, but the stand-in. The one whose name she doesn't even know. But tracking him down doesn't mean they're done faking a relationship. Gia owes him a favor and his sister intends to see that he collects: his ex-girlfriend's graduation party—three hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.
Just when Gia begins to wonder if she could turn her fake boyfriend into a real one, Bradley comes waltzing back into her life, exposing her lie, and threatening to destroy her friendships and her new-found relationship.

My Thoughts:

When one first reads the summary of Kasie West's The Fill-In Boyfriend, you would think that it is the cheesiest book ever and it can totally be a chick-lit film. But, if you're a good soul and decide to pick it up because hey—why not, you'll discover that this book is one of a kind. THIS BOOK IS THE BEST. It's heart-wrenching, ABSOLUTELY adorable, and gives you all of the staticky emotions. You feel like you don't even know where you stand because it just formulates emotions that are all over the place. Even though a story like this (with a fill-in boyfriend and love at first sight) is nearly impossible, I must say that it is a gem—a good find that will warm your heart on a depressing, rainy day.

What I loved most about West's writing in this case is the fact that Gia, our protagonist, is so damn confident. She has a personality that teenage protagonists rarely have in fiction these days. Although she was completely boy-crazy and obsessive, we later discover that she herself has her own issues that she is hiding from the outward view. The romance was even better and I appreciated this story so much - it's the kind of story that makes you want to believe in love, at the same time as having a cup of coffee by your side.

The Fill-In Boyfriend had a fast-paced plot and characters who I will never forget because of the wacky storyline. It does seem completely odd and out of reach—yes—but IT WAS TOTALLY BEAUTIFUL.

Read this gorgeous story—NOW.

What is a contemporary romance with a unique storyline?