The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass Review

Name: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: May 6th, 2014
Format: E-Book
Buy the book on Amazon
336 pages

Summary:
The highly anticipated conclusion to Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series, The One will captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. 

The One is the perfect finale for fans who have followed America's whirlwind romance since it began--and a swoon-worthy read for teens who have devoured Veronica Roth's Divergent, Ally Condie's Matched, or Lauren Oliver's Delirium. 

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen--and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants. 

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

Goodreads

My Review:
After months of waiting, the final book in the Selection series, One, has been released. I'm not going to lie and say that I absolutely loved this book...because I didn't. I thought it was a fine ending to what started as a magnificent series. I absolutely LOVED the first book, and the second book fell flat for me. This book, I definitely went into with an open mind but again this book just didn't hit it for me.

First the bad: what really bothered me about this book was how rushed it was!!! Considering this was the last book in the series, I thought it would be at least 400 pages. I thought the beginning of the book definitely was at a good pace, but the ending of the book felt so rushed and it really left me unsatisfied. Some of the plotlines in this book were either dragged out for wayyy too long, or they were so so so so short. I also didn't like how little worldbuilding we got out of this series. I would have loved to learn more about how the society ended up with the castes and how they got to be under a King. There was so much more to be developed and I still had so many questions at the end of this book. What also disappointed me was that this book felt like it wasn't meant for the YA audience, I could see my middle school self reading this book and loving it, but as an older teen not so much. Yes, the book ended with ******SPOILER****** Maxon and America together which is what I really wanted, but the way Kiera Cass got to that result just didn't seem right to me.

What I did like about this book is of course the romance between Maxon and America. I think they are so sweet together and I am glad they ended up together. I also really liked the minor characters as well, it was nice to see America get along so well with her maids and other members in the royal guard. The drama in this book was great too! Definitely kept me on the edge of my seat at points (even though many parts were rushed).

Overall, what started as a phenomenal series for me ended up falling flat. If only there was more character development, world building, and being longer, I definitely would have liked this book more. Yes, the ending was happy and I was happy reading it--but as a series as a whole Kiera Cass could have done so much more with this book instead of rushing to finish it.


My Rating:

Royally Lost by Angie Stanton ARC Review

Name: Royally Lost
Author: Angie Stanton
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release Date: May 6th, 2014
Format: E-Book ARC
Preorder the book on Amazon

336 pages

Thank you so much Harper Collins and Edelweiss for sending me an ARC copy of this book to review!

Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.

When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?

Goodreads

My Review:

Overall, Royally Lost was a sweet and fun contemporary romance! Yes, it was cheesy and unrealistic-but it still was a fun read. 

What I liked the most about this book was the plot. Yes-this would never happen in real life BUT it was still fun to imagine Nikolai and Becca wandering around Europe together. I thought they made a really adorable couple and it was interesting to see how they both grew throughout their journey together. Nikolai brought out the adventurous side of Becca-making her do things that she never imagined she would have done. Becca made Nikolai feel like a normal guy-one who doesn't have to listen to his authority figures and be a normal teenager.

I also really like Angie's writing style. I thought it was very unique and this book was fun to read. It definitely made me forget about schoolwork for a while and just focus on getting lost into Nikolai's and Becca's world. Something else that I really liked about this book was reading about the different places in Europe. I felt like I was on Becca's and Nikolai's journey and I loved reading about the different places they visited.

Overall, Royally Lost was a fun read! Definitely was a cute contemporary romance and yes-it was cheesy but sometimes we all need to read an unrealistic romance! 

The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine Review

Name: The Promise of Amazing
Author: Robin Constantine
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: December 31st, 2013
Format: E-Book ARC
Buy the book on Amazon

371 pages

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.

Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how. 

One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.

Goodreads

My Review:
Ugh I really really wanted to like this book but it just wasn't working for me. While the overall premise of The Promise of Amazing was very original, this one just fell flat for me :(

First things first; the writing of this book was all over the place. While I did really like the alternating perspectives between Wren and Grayson, the writing was very confusing and hard to follow. Some of the side plots literally made no sense to the overall plot of the novel which was confusing and frustrating to read. I thought they weighed the story down and made things a lot more confusing for the reader. I think the author should have stuck with one clear storyline, instead of adding four different subplots that made this book a tangled mess. What also really bothered me was that some of the plots she didn't even end up resolving-which was annoying because I wanted to know what happened!

I also wasn't a fan of the instalove in this book at all. While I really thought Grayson and Wren were a cute couple, the instalove in this book just wasn't that great. I definitely think the fact that Wren saved Grayson's life definitely made their relationship flourish-but it still felt super rushed and didn't feel real. What also bothered me was some of the side characters-especially Luke. I really thought he was jerk and did absolutely nothing to the plot. One more thing that really really bothered me was the epilogue!! It fell so flat and I didn't think it resolved anything! 

Overall, The Promise of Amazing really didn't work well for me. What started as an awesome contemporary romance-ended up falling flat and leaving me super confused. 

Alienated (Alienated # 1) by Melissa Landers ARC Review

Name: Alienated
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: February 4th, 2014
Format: ARC E-book
Preorder the book on Amazon
352 pages

Summary: Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. 

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

Goodreads

My Review:
A really great start to a genre that I wouldn't normally read...but I found myself LOVING this book. Melissa Landers is able to create both a realistic world with the introduction of aliens!

What I really liked about this book was the plot! It was very original and I liked how Melissa showed both Cara and Aelyx's viewpoints. I thought that gave us some really great insight in both of their characters and what they were going through. I also loved how funny this book was!! Their definitely were parts were I was laughing out loud at how Aelyx was adjusting to life on earth. I also really liked how we got to read portions of the blog that Cara was making about Aelyx's stay..it really made me feel like I was actually part of the story and in the world that Melissa was creating.

Another aspect of this book that I really liked was the two main characters; Cara and Aelyx! I thought they had such great chemistry and they really worked well together. I also really liked learning about Aelyx's world as well..it gave us some great insight into outerspace! I also thought this book was really realistic..their wasn't any instalove which was great and I thought it progressed really well.

Overall, I really enjoyed Alienated! I thought it was original, funny, and had a lot of action and romance! I can't wait to read the next book in the series! If you love Jennifer Armentrout then definitely check this book out..you won't regret it! 

My Rating:

The Perfect Game (The Perfect Game # 1) by J. Sterling Review

Name: The Perfect Game
Author: J. Sterling
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: October 11th, 2012
Format: E-book
379 pages
Buy the book on Amazon

Summary:
He's a game she never intended to play. 
And she's the game changer he never knew he needed.

The Perfect Game tells the story of college juniors, Cassie Andrews & Jack Carter. When Cassie meets rising baseball hopeful Jack, she is determined to steer clear of him and his typical cocky attitude. But Jack has other things on his mind... like getting Cassie to give him the time of day. 

They're both damaged, filled with mistrust and guarded before they find one another (and themselves) in this emotional journey about love and forgiveness. Strap yourselves for a ride that will not only break your heart, but put it back together. 

Sometimes life gets ugly before it gets beautiful...


This is a MATURE YOUNG ADULT/NEW ADULT novel
Suitable for ages 17+ 
Contains strong language, sexual situations and references

Goodreads

My Review:
Ahhhhh..so so so sorry that we've disappeared for awhile! It's been a crazy month (and year!) but don't worry we are still here! Still reading and reviewing...it just takes us longer than normal :)

Overall, I thought The Perfect Game was your average New Adult book. There really wasn't anything special about this book that stood out to me..the writing was fine and the characters were fine...I just didn't really connect with the story or the characters that much.

This book starts with the same plotline that most NA books start with...both characters (or sometimes one) start the book with some sort of trust issues and find it hard to fall in love with each other. Once they work past their issues, however, they are able to work things out and be a couple. What I did like about this book was the baseball aspect to the book..I thought it added something fun and made this book more original than other NA novels. That being said..at times I thought the plot of this book was really slow and kind of boring, while at other times it felt really rushed. So this book really was all over the place for me.

Like I said earlier..this definitely wasn't a bad book! Just wasn't really for me. I couldn't really connect with the characters and the plot and I didn't love the whole story. But, if you are looking for some New Adult books to read then you should definitely think about giving this one a shot.

Switched by Cassie Mae Review

Name: Switched 
Author: Cassie Mae
Publisher: Random House LLC
Release Date: December 2nd, 2013
Format: ARC Copy via Netgalley 
Add the book on Goodreads
240 pages 

Summary:

Ever since high school, Kayla has been crazy for gorgeous football player Talon. But before she could muster the courage to tell him, he became a hot item with her beautiful BFF, Reagan. The only person who knows Kayla’s secret is Wesley, Talon’s best bud—and he’s got it bad for Reagan. Now they’re all in college together, hanging out 24/7. For Kayla, seeing the two lovebirds together is absolutely unbearable. So Kayla and Wesley hatch a plot to drive them apart before Talon has a chance to give Reagan the Christmas gift she’s been waiting for.

Soon enough, the once happy couple is fighting. Reagan suddenly can’t get enough of Wesley’s goofy sense of humor, and Talon seems to be paying more attention to Kayla than a guy who’s “only a friend” ever should. But just when everything seems to be falling into place, Kayla and Wesley accidentally spend a night together and discover a hitch in their plan they never considered: that switching partners may not lead to a perfect ending after all.

Goodreads

My Review:
What a really fun read! I have been in somewhat of a reading slump lately, and with me being in college it is definitely hard to find time to read a book-especially pleasure reading! That being said, with the semester almost over I definitely will try to post more reviews as soon as possible.

Anyways, back to Switched. Switched is one of those books that you would read when you really need a laugh and some good romantic cheesyness. I really liked Cassie Mae's writing style, she made me feel like I really could connect with the characters. I really felt like I could be friends with Kayla and Wesley, and I really thought that was a great thing to have in this story. You want to be rooting for the characters, not cheering against them.I definitely was team Kayla and Wesley during this book.

I also thought the characters developed a lot throughout the story which was great. All of the characters definitely grew throughout the story and became more mature.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book!! It was a really cute read and it was definitely what I need to get out of my reading slump.

My Rating:

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith Review

Name: This Is What Happy Looks Like
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Publisher: Poppy
Release Date: April 2nd, 2013
Format: Library Book
416 pages
Buy the book on Amazon

Summary:
If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds. 

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs? 

Goodreads

My Review:
I'm not going to lie, I went into this book with very high expectations. I mean, I LOVED The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (also by Jennifer E. Smith), so I thought I would like this book as much as that one. Sadly this book didn't live up to my expectations. While this book was an okay read, it definitely didn't match the magic of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.

Here's what I did really like about this book: the writing style was AMAZING. I seriously love how Jennifer writes; how she is able to capture the emotions of the characters and write it so fluently onto the page. I also really like the basic plot premise of this book; how two people could form a relationship through email-and then have them meet in real life. I find it interesting to see how the pair's relationship grows throughout the novel and I really liked Ellie and Graham together!

One thing that really bothered me in This Is What Happy Looks Like, is how I felt that the book ended so unresolved. It just didn't feel like a happy ending to me, it felt more like an okay ending of a book-nothing special that made me want to re-read this book over and over. I also wasn't a huge fan of how Ellie never got to really meet her father...and for some reason that just bothered me throughout most of the book.

Overall, I enjoyed This Is What Happy Looks Like! Was it the best book ever? No. But it was a fun, and enjoyable romance that was a great beach read!

My Rating:

Catching Liam by Sophia Bleu Review

Name: Catching Liam

Author: Sophia Bleu

Publisher: Self-Published

Release Date: July 8th, 2013

Format: E-Book ARC
Buy the book on Amazon

Summary:
Twenty-one year-old Jillian Nichols only has one rule when it comes to boys: catch and release. Boy-catching isn't just a game for Jillian and her friends, it's a lifestyle. After all, boys might be good for a dance or a drink and certainly a little under-cover action of the scandalous variety, but expect much else and you're bound for heart ache.

So when her best friends and fellow boy catchers start dropping like flies junior year, Jillian is determined to keep boys in her bedroom and out of her heart. Until she meets Liam McAvoy, the kind of guy that sticks around to make waffles and who can't—or perhaps won't—take a hint. 

Study abroad student Liam doesn't want to be another notch on Jillian's bedpost. Actually he has much more interesting ideas for Jillian and her bedposts, but his student visa's set expiration date means he can't promise her forever. That doesn't mean he's going to walk away from the challenge of discovering why Jillian is hell-bent at keeping people at a distance. 

Before long, neither is sure who is catching who—or if they're playing for keeps. Jillian knows one thing though: falling in love will not only break the only rule of boy-catching, it could also break her heart.

Goodreads

My Review:
I really didn't know what to expect when I started Catching Liam, but I found myself very surprised that I loved this book as much as I did! I've had an up and down relationship with New Adult novels and this one really was a great story!

Catching Liam started off as your typical New Adult novel: boy meets girl; one of them resists the others charms, and then the rest is history. Catching Liam though was very different from your average new adult novel. First, instead of the girl chasing the guy, Liam is chasing Jillian. It was really refreshing to have the guy go after the girl instead of the other way around. I haven't really read any books where the guy was in pursuit of the girl so this was a great change. Liam and Jillian really complemented each other..I really felt that they had a certain chemistry that worked well which I really liked!

Another thing that stood out about this book was how neither character had a "troubled past." In the past few New Adult novels, one character has something in there past that makes them hesitant about his/her relationships in the future. I was happy to see nothing like this hold the characters back.

Overall, Catching Liam was a fun New Adult read and I highly recommend it if you are looking to branch out into the New Adult genre!

My Rating:

Runaway Groom by Sally Clements Review

Name: Runaway Groom
Author: Sally Clements
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: June 7th, 2013
Format: E-Book ARC
Buy the book on Amazon
185 pages

Summary:
Seven years ago, Matthew Logan ran out on his wedding to June Leigh.

Life is good for fledgling dress-designer April Leigh. She couldn’t be happier that her sister has found a new love, and is excited about her very first commission, June’s wedding dress.
When April discovers June has invited runaway groom Matthew Logan to the wedding, she has to intervene. Matthew’s presence will ruin everything – her father hates him, and just the sight of him in the church might give her mother a heart attack.

Matthew Logan has no intention of going to June’s wedding, but when intriguing April arrives on his doorstep, he can’t resist getting to know her better. When a disaster forces them together neither can deny the passion that combusts into a red-hot affair.

Discovering the truth about the past shifts April’s feelings from lust to love, but bitter experience has taught Matthew to guard his heart.

When it looks as though Matthew will lose her forever, will he fight or flee?

Goodreads

My Review:
Lately I've decided that I wanted to give some New Adult romances a try and when this popped up in my netgalley feed I definitely wanted to read it! Overall this book was average..it didn't wow me as some other novels do, but I really liked the main characters and I thought the story was well written and well done.

What I really liked about this book was the two main characters, April and Matthew. At first, April seems sort of weak and she pretty much lets her sister walk all over her. By the end of the novel, however, April is able to stand up to her sister and realize that she's not all that great that she seems to be. When you first read the summary of this book, you definitely have some assumptions about the male lead in this book, Matthew. I definitely thought he was going to be a jerk, but as you see throughout the novel, there are definitely two sides to every story and I am really glad that we got to see how kind and caring Matthew could be.

What I didn't love about this book was that a lot of scenes felt super rushed and the ending didn't feel very realistic. Yes, it was the typical "happy ending" but I kind of wish we delved deeper in how people actually feel about April dating Matthew, instead of rushing there relationship.

Overall, this was a cute, quick new adult read. I definitely think you should check it out if you are looking for a light summer read!

My Rating:

Frigid by Jennifer L. Armentrout Review/Blog Tour

Hi everyone! I am so excited today to be a part of the Frigid tour!

Name: Frigid 
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout (writing as J.Lynn)
Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary
Release Date: July 30th, 2013
Format: ARC
Buy the book on Amazon
240 pages

Summary:
For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn't anything new. They'd been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the 'man' in man-whore. He's never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn't want to risk their friendship by declaring her love. 

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she's perfect and she's everything. But the feelings he has for her, he's always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have. 

But when they're stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor'easter, there's nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

Goodreads

My Review:
I absolutely LOVED Frigid. There is something about Jennifer Armentrout's writing that sucks you in...once you start you can't stop!

One of my favorite parts about this book was the main character Syd. I really feel that she was so relatable and she really was a great girl. It was fun seeing her progress throughout the novel from the quiet best friend, to the girl that takes a couple risks and falls in love. This girl really has some spunk as well and some of her lines had me actually laughing out loud! Syd definitely was different then the normal types of heroines that Jennifer writes about, but I really liked Syd and I have to say she is probably one of my favorite characters out of all of the books I have read by Jennifer.

Now onto Kyler...OMG. What I liked so much about him is that we really got to see that he really wasn't that perfect as Syd brought him out to be. Especially with the alternating chapters between the two, we really got to see inside of his head and see how he feels for Syd. I liked that we got to dive a little bit deeper into his mind and find out what he was thinking and he really feels for her. Jennifer's writing is this book is outstanding...the book sucks you in right away and I was hooked on all of the characters. The way she writes just wants you to read more and I just felt hooked once I started this book.

Overall, I really enjoyed Frigid! Has to be one of my favorite NA novels that I have read in awhile and I can't wait to see what other books Jennifer has to offer!

Now onto Kyler's Question...

3.      Tell us about your first kiss, Kyler.  Who was it?  Where was it?  What was it like?  My first kiss wasn’t important enough to remember.   Seriously.  But, I can tell you all about the time I first kissed Sydney.  Actually, I think you’ll read about it.

4.      You don’t really do relationships.  Ever have a girl try very hard to change your mind about that?  How did that go for ya?

Question 4 will be answered on BookLoving Mom 7/15

 ****GIVEAWAY****

Spencer Hill is giving away a $200 giftcard to the the winners choice of Amazon, B&N, TBD, or an indie bookstore of choice!  

That means you could choose to buy one of these....

- See more at: http://www.stuckinbooks.com/#sthash.sPKHyo6q.dpuf

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Additionally, there is also a giveaway for an ARC copy of Frigid! Make sure to enter below :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway