The Summer I Found You, by Jolene Perry Review

The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry
Published By: Albert Whitman & Company on March 1, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 240
Format: Hardcover Edition
Source: Borrowed
My Rating: 

All they have in common is that they're less than perfect. And all they're looking for is the perfect distraction. Kate's dream boyfriend has just broken up with her and she's still reeling from her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Aidan planned on being a lifer in the army and went to Afghanistan straight out of high school. Now he's a disabled young veteran struggling to embrace his new life. When Kate and Aidan find each other neither one wants to get attached. But could they be right for each other after all?

       

My first reaction when seeing the cover

                I was so excited to read this book. I mean, who wouldn't be when spotting a summery cover when it's like -4 degrees outside? This is a definite seasonal read, I must tell you. And now when looking back at the outcome, I'm very pleased because I did manage to shed some tears of happiness.

                First thoughts: DAMN WHAT A BEAUTIFUL ROMANCE. Jolene Perry has written such a freaking awesome story that got me fanning myself because of the feels. The feels were honestly outrageous. What this book did to me was so different and I wish that there was more buzz. MORE PEOPLE NEED TO FIND OUT ABOUT THIS BOOK AND I WILL BE THE PERSON TO DO IT. Jolene Perry is the new Sarah Dessen, except her stories are more from the heart and deal with such tough subjects.

                  This all begins when Kate's love of her life suddenly breaks up with her on a random day with no explanation why. And then she sees him with a mystery girl, and this obviously breaks her heart. Soon after, Kate meets Aidan, an older guy who lost his arm while fighting in the military. He has lost the job that took his life and made it amazing, but he now guesses that Kate's made it the best ever. But what happens when you have a medical condition such as diabetes and you don't tell the person you love the most?

           You better tell them. Kate didn't and well... In the end at the same time, she became a fighter, and stronger than you'd ever expect her to become. Aidan made her stronger. :)

              I must admit that I complained of my boredom in the beginning through the middle. The book seemed to have such a huge resemblance to While He Was Away by Karen Schreck and I was all, "Why wasn't this unique?!" but as I continued reading, things happened that made me scream and squeal and fangirl—all of the feels that makes a reading experience even greater.

              Aidan was... 

                SO HOT, LIKE UGH. EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM WAS PERFECT.

• His personality. He was so sweet EEE.
• HIM
• HIM
• HIM
• HIS VOICE

                EVERYTHING—DO YOU GET IT? I just don't know how else to describe his perfection because he was there throughout for Kate and they were perfect. NOT A DOUCHEBAG WHATSOEVER.

                The concept didn't seem to originally sound like a deep gorgeous romance story. But that's what it turned out to become! The scenes were... interesting and I'm the type who loves picture-perfect romance, so I obviously kept on reading forever and ever until the book was ever. I found myself taking it slow and reading it on my own basis because I was so intrigued. WHY DID AIDAN DO THIS TO ME?!

                 

                 

         Picture-perfect romance, AIDAN, AIDAN, a deep story, touching moments, and did I say Aidan—this book was fantastic. I wasn't able to let it go and I still imagine what would happen next because Jolene Perry is one of the best writers of chick-lit fiction that I've read this year. I NEED MORE! 

Stacking the Shelves #18: November 23

This Week's Headlines:

    Hey hey! This week's actually been a really slow week, but at the moment, I'm super glad that the weekend is here. Couldn't it have got here even slower? Haha. And at the same time, this has been a very slow book-hauling week, but it's actually a good thing in my eyes since I know Christmas will be a tidal wave of books. 

     We have gotten our first major snowfall of the season, and it's super cold outside. I feel like it has all happened so fast! Now I feel like a loser when I'm reading summery books. Besides, today is my city's annual Santa Claus Parade! After that, it's totally official that Christmas is right around the corner and that you need to start getting your going on shopping.

      As you may have noticed, I've gotten a new blog design! I actually got it done last week and through a pre-made design on Etsy. I adore it to pieces, actually! Everything's now the way I've always have wanted it to be!

My Book Haul:

     Like I said, it's been such a slow week, but I guess I shouldn't say that I'm going to stop from adding this post. I only received—

            After Us by Amber Hart—I actually didn't know that this was a series before requesting for it, but I guess I can either snag the first book before, or just read this, I have a feeling that sequels won't matter too much in contemporary romances. This sounds super-good, and I love the cover!

Posts You May Have Missed:

• Then You Were Gone by Lauren Strasnick Review
• Kiss Kill Vanish by Jessica Martinez Review
• Seasonal Reads 101
• The Rosie Project by Graeme Simison Review
• Top Ten Tuesday #16: Top Sequels I Can't Wait to Get
• Fan Art by Sarah Tregay DNF Review

What are your newest additions? Have a fantastic week!

Then You Were Gone, by Lauren Strasnick Review

Then You Were Gone by Lauren Strasnick
Published By: Simon Pulse on January 7, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery, Romance
Pages: 272
Format: Paperback Edition 
Source: Borrowed
Rating:  ½ 

Two years ago, Adrienne’s best friend, Dakota, walked out of her life. One week ago, she left Adrienne a desperate, muffled voicemail. Adrienne never called back. Now Dakota is missing, and all that remains is a string of broken hearts, a flurry of rumours, and a suicide note. Adrienne can’t stop obsessing over what might have happened if she’d answered Dakota’s call. And she’s growing more convinced each day that Dakota is still alive. Maybe finding and saving Dakota is the only way Adrienne can save herself. Or maybe it’s too late for them both. 

     

That's an ugly creature.

            FRIENDSHIP IS PRECIOUS. I guess in more than a thousand ways, that's the main message of this book. And that tears me up, mainly because we don't get a lot of books that revolve around the importance and beauty of friendship. WHY DON'T WE, HUH, HUH? I really don't know, and the fact that I don't know makes me even sadder because the world of books is a mystery and we actually don't know anything about what this book is about.

 

            But what I can tell you is that this is a crazy mystery that will leave your head spinning. I honestly didn't even have a close feeling to what was going to happen next. The author added over 20 plot twists and 'suspense moments' where I was unable to put the book down and let what else was going to happen stop from happening. That's a definite good sign, people. I recommend reading this because it gave me such an enjoyment and I loved almost everything about it.

             

            It's true. The story began when Adrienne met Dakota. They were inseparable for ages, until they freakishly torn apart and didn't talk again for more ages. They were two completely different people, almost nothing alike. And of course at the same time, they both had shocking secrets that they didn't dare to tell one another. Who's secrets hurt and ruined the most was Dakota's, and now she's missing, all because Adrienne didn't pick up a phone call from her ex-best friend. Adrienne has never cared as much before, and she's on the lookout to find out what really happened and where the girl who changed everything is.

Torture. Absolute torture.

        But who can blame Adrienne? She hasn't spoken to this "freak" for years, and suddenly she calls her and tells her she needs her when it's all her fault for letting the friendship go to the roots? Those thoughts were circling my head until I found out the truth, and then I understood why Adrienne was why. I'd be a wreck if you put me in their situation.

        Now you see, the real magic of these kinds of books is that you tend to imagine yourself in the protagonist's situation over and over again. At least, that's me. The concept of this book was gorgeous and simple at the same time. In the end, all of the questions were answered but I was a little bit upset with the way everything turned out. I wish I got more of a surprise and something heart-stopping. It was just a loaf of bread and butter. Where was the jam and honey?

        As I began reading, I was taken away into this world very quickly, and I left quickly as well because this was such a quick read. A quick mystery, as well. But as you'll figure out the ending, you'll find yourself surprised because this turned out to be a total contemporary with some drama mixed in. The positive here was that it was all fast-paced.

DYLAN O'BRIENNNN MY LOVE!

         That was Adrienne for you. At first, she didn't care at all. But as the mystery evolved and the police began to question her and ask her about the events prior to her disappearance, I guess you can say we all saw Adrienne going into the situation because she felt like she had to. She was a selfish person at times, and tended to do whatever it takes to prove herself right. She blocked out her romantic relationship when her boyfriend really loved her, and her friendships with others as well. All on her mind was Dakota, and that was pretty awesome if you ask me.

    The contemporary was there, but the mystery really wasn't. I wish that I could completely demolish the ending and make it my own. But other than that, the rest of the novel was promising and pleasing. I'll be sure to be looking for more by Lauren Strasnick in the future!

Kiss Kill Vanish by Jessica Martinez Review

Kiss Kill Vanish, by Jessica Martinez
Published By: Katherine Tegen Books on October 7, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery/Thriller, Romance
Pages: 432
Format: Hardcover Edition
Source: Borrowed
My Rating:  

Valentina Cruz no longer exists.
One moment, she was wrapped in Emilio’s arms, melting into his kiss. The next, she was witnessing the unthinkable: a murder in cold blood, ordered by her father and carried out by her boyfriend. When Emilio pulled the trigger, Valentina disappeared. She made a split-second decision to shed her identity and flee her life of privilege, leaving the glittering parties and sultry nightlife of Miami far behind.
She doesn’t know how to explain to herself what she saw. All she knows now is that nothing she believed about her family, her heart, or Emilio’s love, was real.
She can change her name and deny her past, but Valentina can’t run from the truth. The lines between right and wrong, and trust and betrayal, will be blurred beyond recognition as she untangles the deceptions of the two men she once loved and races to find her own truth.

I honestly don't know what she's doing here, but it fits. 

           For a long time, I've been waiting for the right mystery novel. They come and go, and they go and they come, I guess. Sometimes I find that mystery-novel heroines are such tryhard Nancy Drews, and then there are the authors who totally have a head on their shoulders and choose to write about people who are part of their own mystery, in a way. That was who Valentina Cruz was.

            Her story was unbelievable. Jessica Martinez wrote something that definitely sounds like it came out of the mind of James Patterson or Sherlock Holmes or someone mysteriously magnificent.   Kiss Kill Vanish gave me so many holy-shit moments when I couldn't believe that I was reading such a heart-stopping book. And then came the negative things by the end. And in a way, I was truthfully and strongly disappointed with the outcome. But I guess that's the way mysteries come and go, right?

           Mystery-murder novels for me are like historical-fiction, they're either hits, or misses. You never know what to expect because when you do expect something, it usually ends up going in the total opposite direction.

Another Jack the Ripper incident? Hah, yeah right.

               This is like the movie Taken with Liam Neeson. Man, do I love his acting. He's like the total badass dad who's willing to do just about anything to save his daughter. Except in this case, Valentina's father is the strangest man on the universe who still is willing to protect his daughter in weird ways, and turning her on a different side and making her do stupid things. What father would make his loving daughter *goody two shoe act* to unwanted things?

                Valentina thought she loved Emilio. What do you honestly expect to do when you're in love and it seems like the person that you're in love with is in love with you? Nothing, because you're too dazed to figure out right from wrong, and truth from lies. Now, she's scarred for life, and is unable to look at her past life the same way. She fled from the murder scene, the murder scene created by her father and boyfriend, and is living on selfish ways and routes. Now, he's found her, but the truth isn't really slipping out. So is it possible to change your name and act and pretend that the past never happened? Absolutely not.

               This so-called "mystery" was too good to be true. It was cliché, and not what I expected. From this moment on, I've learned to not have or receive expectations from mystery novels, because I'm usually left disappointed, or with a "meh" reaction. Why else try?
    

               Bookish atmospheres are strongly important, or at least in my eyes. This was taken place in Canada. *cheers for home country* FOR ONCE. Honestly, I'm used to one of those small-town mysteries that you'll always expect to happen. And then when you'll see what Valentina does to survive... Is horrible. Maybe even as horrible as the conditions that she had to witness prior to the current events.

               "Hours. They've passed. The shock has bled out of me, and now I feel empty and scraped raw. Gutless, guilty Valentina."

                  

        Scary and unreal to admit, we've just found ourselves an unconfident protagonist. In most cases, I would've fled the book and would've dropped it out of the highest building in the world, but it fit the story. As you read the book, you'll find yourself becoming more and more friends with Valentina, and you'll understand her troubles. She felt useless, and she didn't have a clue on what was happening half of the time. I don't blame her for running away and trying to forget about everything. But she actually wasn't able to.

       I was waiting for something deeper. This originally had the look of a great and simple mystery, but what was this contemporary story? It was lacking romance, and by the end, I didn't really see the point or strong message. Thankfully there were a few things impressing me. 

Seasonal Reads 101

The 101 of Seasonal Reads

           Me, myself, and I believe that there's a book for every season, occasion and feeling that you get. Don't you hate it when you read a wintery book in the summer that describes Christmas and decorating the tree and the agonizing sight of snow?

            For a while, I've been reading random books that I feel like reading at the moment. I mean, who doesn't do that once in a while? Of course, we all have ARCs and library books that we have to read for blog tours or publishers, but reading your own books are awesome, since you've chosen them to get at one point in your bookish life.

             Most times, we're really surprised by a lot of the events that occur. But sometimes, summaries and covers give us hints. Like for example, take a look at Melissa de la Cruz's books for her Beach Lane series.

              You obviously think of summer, duh. I sure wouldn't want to read this in the dead of winter unless I'm on vacation in a sunny spot that will totally get me in the mood.

  

               CHRISTMAS, SNOW! If I haven't read this yet, I would've now since Christmas is right around the corner. Next month starting December 1, Christmas carols will begin playing on the radio. *cheers* That's honestly the best holiday season, ever.

                All of that is common sense and logic if you look at it. But I honestly prefer reading books during their seasons. I feel like it's more easy to relate to. Snow in book, snow outside. I usually find myself thinking about a specific book if an event happens to me in reality. It's easier for authors to do that, so it therefore makes more sense to work that way when reading. All of my summer reads on my bookshelf are hidden, to be honest! I don't want to see them.

              Seasonal Read: a book that is written for a specific season, and when readers will usually prefer to read them during a specific season.

             At least that's the way I see them as. ;) 

            What do you think of seasonal reads?

Do you prefer reading them during their written season?

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion Review

The Rosie Project (Don Tillman #1), by Graeme Simsion

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Chick-lit

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Publication: May 21, 2013, by HarperCollins

Format: Paperback Edition (borrowed)

Narrator Don Tillman 39, Melbourne genetics prof and Gregory Peck lookalike, sets a 16-page questionnaire The Wife Project to find a non-smoker, non-drinker ideal match. But Rosie and her Father Project supersede. The spontaneous always-late smoker-drinker wants to find her biological father. She resets his clock, throws off his schedule, and turns his life topsy-turvy.

Review:

 “I asked you here tonight because when you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

    The Rosie Project has been on my mind since the wild bookworms have began to fangirl and scream over this gorgeous hilarious story in the POV of a Gregory Peck lookalike who is also a genetic obsessed dude who has barely no experience with love or even kissing. And he's 39. 

      Every time I go to the bookstore, this book is featured somewhere. And I always see at least 2 people holding it, standing in the line, or looking at other books. It's pretty funny if you ask me. And now when I've finally gotten to read it, I must say that I totally understand the craze and the raving over this hilarious cutesy story that will stun millions of other readers to come. It is chick-lit excellence, if you ask me.

       In many ways, this story was cliche and not for me. I used to be the type who'd enjoy every kind and sort of chick-lit, but I feel like this time around, I gladly chose to read this to see what everyone was talking about. And now that there's movie news on the way, the buzz will probably grow 1o thousand times more. It's been probably a matter of a year and a half and everyone's talking and being obsessed with Don Tillman. 

        Don Tillman is your average "nerdy" 39 year old guy, except he's single and not really interested in love, romance and all of those glitzy things until he meets Rosie. In ways, she changes him for good ways and for bad, but inside, there's something that he still doesn't understand and that thing and feeling could effect their whole relationship as a whole. He tries to find love, but in ways, it's super duperly difficult for him. And the way he meets Rosie? Through the Wife Project he came up with. 

        

           Hard to admit, I rarely laugh out loud in books. It's difficult for me! But then when there's a story that's has a strong sense of humour, I let the laughing come out. This book was supposed to be funny—at least I hope so. Mr. Don Tillman is now one of the strongest and wisest male protagonists in modern day. He has a quirky personality and he fit Rosie like two peas in a pod. 

            The Rosie Project was cliche, but unique at the same time. Maybe it's because I don't read many adult books? Surely, there's a lot of readers who feel the same way as me or they wouldn't have given the book a 5 star rating. 

             But at the same time, look at my 3.5 star rating. Something's wrong, aren't I right? Although the sequel has now released and the buzz has begun all over again, I'm not quite sure if I'll go on and read the sequel, because I have a feeling in my guts that we'll get a replay and things will brighten up and change a teensy bit. Other than that, we'll have a weird Don and a crazy Rosie, trying to find romance and love in their lives together.  

         The plot wasn't as great as I've heard it was for others. There weren't those moments when I went "aww" or "omg this is adorable" or anything like that. It was a cute read, but the characters didn't classify as "cute" together for me. Where were the sparks when this was supposed to be a romance novel? That's why I chose to read the novel, for the sparks and fireworks! But sadly, I didn't get any of that—nada. 

           “Humans often fail to see what is close to them and obvious to others.” 

        Surprisingly, this story had a very deep message behind it and actually went through a variety of subjects in the about 400-pages. Surprisingly, it made me happy. It got me giggling, and I enjoyed it as a Friday night read. 

       Don was hilarious and the joker, but of course at the same time he had his own personal demons wearing him down. His life wasn't everything he thought it'd become. He was lonely, and depressed. His sister died and his parents' love died down when he really needed it most. I felt like he deserved a million hugs. But he got all of that from Rosie, thankfully.

        Rosie was very similar, in many ways. Her outside personality seemed full and happy and wild, but on the inside, she was sad as well. There were a lot of influences who were pushing her down.

        Don and Rosie could've been better together, if the author decided to add more sparks and cute moments. More moments where they could've talked about their lives. In NYC, they went around like tourists–why not make them like a couple getting married? Why no gorgeous conversations? There were a few, but not enough for me to classify this as one of modern times' best romance couples. They're on their way, but not really close to Darcy and Elizabeth.

         The Rosie Project was cute and special. It showed me visions of adult romance that I've never went through before! I'm so glad that I've given it a chance and it fairly impressed me.

Top Ten Tuesday #16: Top Sequels I Can't Wait to Get

-Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme by Broke and Bookish that features bookish lists

with readers's wishes and wants in the readosphere.-

Sequels I Can't Wait To Get

       Sequels are honestly the best thing in the world... But the agonizing waits suck. Sometimes authors are so cruel that they make us wait more than a year. Of course, if we're serious readers and bloggers, we eventually move onto other books, and then when that anticipated sequel comes around, we've already forgotten about the main storyline. And then there are those who will go off and read the first books in binge-style. AUTHORS, WHY MUST YOU BE SO RUDE?

        *dances and does 5 cartwheels* Here are the ten sequels that I need ASAP or else I will go into pain-mode. You do not want to know how that feels.

        1. Arclight, by Lily Paradis

  I fell in love with Ignite the moment I finished the first chapter. It was such a dark and influencing read that absolutely made my day and my feelings go over the top and beyond. Lily is a fantastic writer, and I honestly can't wait for the sequel in Dean's *fans self* point of view!

          2. Diamonds Are Forever, by Michelle Madow

As you may know, I am so in love with Michelle's trilogy. AND AFTER THIS BOOK, I WAS DYING OF NEED-THIRD-BOOK SYNDROME. I WANT IT NOWWWW, especially after that mind-blowing plot twist and suspense.

            3. The Heart of Betrayal, by Mary E. Pearson

          THIS COVER IS GORGEOUS ASDFGHIKLASDFGHIKLASDFGHIKL. I absolutely adored Kiss of Deception, and I NEED THIS ONE BECAUSE MY LIFE WILL BE SO COMPLETE AND I'LL BE THE HAPPIEST PERSON ALIVE. I WANTWANTWANTWANT THIS EARLY.

             4. Throne of Glass #4, by Sarah J. Maas

             Sadly we got no cover yet... BUT I KNOW IT WILL BE BEAUTIFUL, JUST LIKE SARAH AND HER WRITING! Damn, Heir of Fire broke my heart, and I'm so ready to get it broken again!

             5. Wild Cards #2, by Simone Elkeles 

              Wild Cards stunned me, and I felt like I wasn't able to let go anymore. DAMN and that romance, though. I'll never be able to forget what Simone did to me here.

             6. Daughter of Dusk, by Livia Blackburne

                  With Midnight Thief, my heart pounded every second and I wanted to go further and further into the story by the second. The gargoyles and the assassins, everything was perfect. I'm so curious to find out what will happen next!

             7. This Shattered World, by Amie Kaufman and Meagen Spooner

                So I already have an eARC copy of this, but the hardcovers for these prettiest are always better to have in our hands, right? I WON'T READ IT UNTIL I GET MY OWN PHYSICAL COPY. 

          8. The Winner's Crime, by Marie Rutkoski 

             NEEDNEEDNEEDNEED! I loved The Winner's Curse, and I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS PLEASSEEEEE.

             9. Of Dreams and Rust, by Sarah Fine

            Of Metal and Wishes was the first print ARC I've ever received, and I fell in love with the ghost and sci-fi story instantly. 2015 covers are obviously the most gorgeous ever, though.

             10. Invaded, by Melissa Landers

      Alienated stole my heart and never gave it away... And I'm so ready for Invaded to do the same! I'm counting the days, and it's not far away at all! *squeals*

             

What sequels can YOU not wait to get?