(Vlog) Book Review: Sloppy Firsts Series

By: Megan McCafferty
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Release Date: August 28, 2001
Pages: 298
Source: My Bookshelf and Kindle :)


“My parents suck ass. Banning me from the phone and restricting my computer privileges are the most tyrannical parental gestures I can think of. Don’t they realize that Hope’s the only one who keeps me sane? . . . I don’t see how things could get any worse.”

When her best friend, Hope Weaver, moves away from Pineville, New Jersey, hyperobservant sixteen-year-old Jessica Darling is devastated. A fish out of water at school and a stranger at home, Jessica feels more lost than ever now that the only person with whom she could really communicate has gone. How is she supposed to deal with the boy- and shopping-crazy girls at school, her dad’s obsession with her track meets, her mother salivating over big sister Bethany’s lavish wedding, and her nonexistent love life?

A fresh, funny, utterly compelling fiction debut by first-time novelist Megan McCafferty, Sloppy Firsts is an insightful, true-to-life look at Jessica’s predicament as she embarks on another year of teenage torment--from the dark days of Hope’s departure through her months as a type-A personality turned insomniac to her completely mixed-up feelings about Marcus Flutie, the intelligent and mysterious “Dreg” who works his way into her heart. Like a John Hughes for the twenty-first century, Megan McCafferty taps into the inherent humor and drama of the teen experience. This poignant, hilarious novel is sure to appeal to readers who are still going through it, as well as those who are grateful that they don’t have to go back and grow up all over again.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:







Also, would like to add that Perfect Fifths format is my FAVORITE of all the books and I would love to take the haikus in there and post them all over my walls!!


My Review in a Tweet: BUY THESE BOOKS!
Seriously, at least buy the first book Sloppy Firsts!

Ratings:
Plot Development: 9/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Characters: 11/10
Pace: 8/10
Uniqueness: 9/10
Ease of Reading: 8/10

Memorable Quotes:
Anything said by Marcus Flutie :)

Book Review: Playing Dirty

Smutty Saturdays!

 Book Smut Level is: LOW;)

By: Susan Andersen

Publisher: HQN Books

Release Date:  July 26, 2011

Pages: 384
Source: Netgalley

When old enemies are thrown together, all bets are off…


Way back in high school, golden boy Cade Gallari publicly revealed he'd slept with "fat girl" Ava Spencer to win a bet. Now a decade older and a head turner with her own concierge business, Ava isn't the gullible dreamer she once was— and she plans to prove it when Cade, hotter than ever, breezes back into town with an offer she can't refuse.

A documentary film producer, Cade is shooting a movie about the mysterious mansion Ava inherited. And he wants her as his personal concierge. She's certainly professional enough to be at his beck and call without giving him everything he wants. Like another shot at having her in his bed. But Ava doesn't count on Cade's determination. Because he's never gotten over her— and he's not above playing dirty to score a second chance at a red–hot future…

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

As soon as I saw the summary of the book I knew I wanted to read it. I had a similar (not really but sort of) experience in high school and funnily enough ran into the guy at a bar recently, so I really empathized with Ava's character. I thought that part of the story was really realistic, about how something like that stays with you, but eventually you really DO get over it. I really liked Cade as well, I really think he grew up and became something better than that high school jerk he once was.

This was definitely a romantic and sweet book, with some sexy mixed in. My only complaint was that the storyline felt steady, as in one level... what should have been a climax (no pun intended) fell flat. In story writing, there is the setup (executed perfectly), the confrontation (which started off well), and the resolution (which left me unsatisfied). And the sexy scenes where good, but nothing out for this world, in fact they ended rather quickly.

If you enjoy a good lighthearted, sweet, contemporary romance... this is the book for you!

My Review in a Tweet: 
Sometimes you just need to play a little dirty...The perfect revenge/love story for that 'fat' girl in all of us!

Ratings:

Plot: 3/5

Writing Style: 3/5

Uniqueness: 3/5

Characters: 5/5

Buy the book here!
**commissions earned from sales are minimal and go towards giveaways!

Mini-Reviews: Contemporary Edition #1

Contemporary YA Edition #1: Moonglass and Ten Things We Did

 _____________________________________________

Author: Sarah Mlynowski
Publisher: HarperTeen

Released: 6/7/2011
Pages: 368
Rating: 5 Stars!

2 girls + 3 guys + 1 house – parents = 10 things April and her friends did that they (definitely, maybe, probably) shouldn't have.

If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn't jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe "opportunity" isn't the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1: "Lied to Our Parents"). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up "Skipping School" (#3), "Throwing a Crazy Party" (#8), "Buying a Hot Tub" (#4), and, um, "Harboring a Fugitive" (#7) at all is kind of a mystery to them.

In this hilarious and bittersweet tale, Sarah Mlynowski mines the heart and mind of a girl on her own for the first time. To get through the year, April will have to juggle a love triangle, learn to do her own laundry, and accept that her carefully constructed world just might be falling apart . . . one thing-she-shouldn't-have-done at a time.

 Summary Taken from Goodreads

My Mini-Review:
I have so much love for this book. I would go as far as to say that this has been one of the funniest and sweetest reads of the year. Once I started reading it, it was really hard to put down and I am not usually a fan of such unrealistic shennanigan type books, but April is a character I think everyone will fall in love with. Even in the OH MY GOSH that did not happen moments, I couldn't help but laugh out loud at her sarcasm. It is definitely an adventure, one I recommend you take with you to beach to enjoy a day of sun and laughter! To read a more in depth and awesome review, see Ginger from GReads review here.

____________________________________________________

Author:  Jessi Kirby

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Released: 5/3/2011

Pages: 224

Rating: 3 Stars!

From Jessi Kirby, a debut novel about confronting the past in order to move ahead.

I read once that water is a symbol for emotions. And for a while now, I've thought maybe my mother drowned in both.

Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love- a place awash in memories that Anna would just as soon leave under the surface.

While life on the beach is pretty great, with ocean views and one adorable lifeguard in particular, there are also family secrets that were buried along the shore years ago. And the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide means that nothing- not the sea glass that she collects on the sand and not the truths behind Anna's mother's death- stays buried forever.

 Summary Taken from Goodreads

My Mini-Review:
I liked this book, plain and simple. However, I wanted to LOVE it! It has all those elements that lead for a great book: the beach, a cute boy, single dad, loss of a family member... but for some reason I just didn't connect like I wanted to. Don't take it the wrong way, it was still a tragic and beautiful story - definitely al la Sarah Dessen style - but I can't profess my love and favoritism over it. I think if you are looking for something that touches your heart and has a little romance, you might enjoy this book.

Book Review: The Future of Us

By: Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date:  November 21, 2011
Pages: 309
Source: ARC

It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet.

Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM.

Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future.

Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I was really excited to receive an early copy of this book because it's is going to be a movie and also because it has one of the most interesting premise (premises?) of all the upcoming 2011 books. I am so glad it did not disappoint!

First off, these authors are amazing! I have read all of their works and really enjoy their writing styles. So combine them and you get such a genuine real insightful characters, you can't help but love.

Second, I freaking LOVED all the 90's references. Dave Matthews, discmans, AOL, Dial-up all these things warmed my heart and took me to that place when they all felt so new to me. And then when they would bring up 2011 current trends: Glee, Netflix, Harry Potter... the reactions of the characters where too funny! Example future Emma wrote some status about Glee and Netflix, current Emma says:

"I have no idea what I'm talking about, but if Netflix and Glee equals my life, I'm hoping these are good things."

Third, I really liked Emma and Josh next door neighbor/best friend thing that had going on and how feeling complicated it. At times I wanted to slap Emma for being so dense, but some people really are scared of changes and I believe Emma is that type. Josh is so sweet and I so wish I had a next door neighbor like him growing up.

I recommend this book to ALL contemp young adult fiction fans, whether you grew up in the 90s or not, I think you would really enjoy this book!

My Review in a Tweet: 

The Future of Us is Laugh Out Loud funny and reminiscent of so many of my favorite childhood memories/items. Like being transported back in time and seeing every thing with new eyes. It's about learning that we can't control the future, only ourselves. *this would be a long tweet :-)

Ratings:

Plot: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Characters: 5/5

Memorable Quotes:

"Yes, it feels great to plan your life when you believe everything can turn out fine. But what about when you're shown, again and again, how little control you have over anything? No matter what I try to do to fix my future, it doesn't work."

Similar Titles:
I love Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why and Carolyn Mackler's books are all very enjoyable! Definitely check them out!

Other Reviews:

• Chick Loves Lit
• Lauren Morrill
• ???

Buy the book here!
**commissions earned from sales are minimal and go towards giveaways!

Book Review : He's So Not Worth It

Book: He's So Not Worth It (#2)
Author: Kieran Scott

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Date Published: June 7, 2011
Pages: 256
Source: E-galley
Date Read: April 12, 2011

Ally Ryan, come on down to the Jersey Shore and forget your troubles!
 
Have you recently been humiliated in front of your friends and family at your former best friend's birthday party? Was your almost boyfriend partly responsible for that humiliation by withholding some vital information about where your estranged father is? Did you come home to find said estranged father sitting on your stoop?

If so, then it sounds like you could use a vacation! The Jersey Shore is the place to be. Your mother may be living with her boyfriend of only a few months, but at least the stunt Shannen pulled has put some of your friends back in your court. Even so, you're still angry and what better way to get over Jake than to blow off some steam with local guy, Cooper? People will hardly recognize your new attitude, but the old one wasn't getting you anywhere, so who cares!


Jake Graydon, an exciting opportunity is waiting for you in the service industry!
 
Are your grades so low your parents have grounded you for the summer? Did you the girl you really like unceremoniously leave you behind? Would you rather eat dirt than see your friends again? Then a job at the local coffee shop is just the ticket! Surprisingly, Ally's father is the new manager so you get to be reminded of her nearly every day. Maybe it's time to start flirting with your best friend's ex or even taking school a bit more seriously. Especially when you finally see Ally and she's hanging around with some loser and it's couldn't be more clear that she is over you.

Have a great summer!

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

Do Not Read if you have not read She's So Dead to Us!

I have been really excited about this book since I finished reading She's So Not Worth It. It ended in such a cliffhanger. Plus I couldn't wait to get back to Jake and Ally, but as usual things never go as planned.

Ally's dad is back and it sends Ally into an emotional whirlwind. Plus on top of everything her old friends think they are bffs again. It was a frustrating read because I wanted so much for Ally to let out her rage and grow up. At first, because of this, I was a little annoyed with the book. After thinking about it, the way Ally acts is completely reasonable in her situation. She is upset and hurt, and holding all her pain and emotions, trying to get her old life back.

Meanwhile Jake has grown up, some. He and Ally keep running circle around each other, both too prideful to admit what they want, but Jake handles the situation they are in more maturely. Ally on the other hand, not so much.

This book was a little slower and more angst-y that the first book, but Scott does a fabulous job of mixing lough out loud moment with the more serious stuff. And the ending, She really knows how to get a reader's jaw to drop. Seriously, even more so than the first one, this ending just surprised me like a cold bucket of water in the morning, I am very excited to see what is going to come next!

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Characters: 5/5

Book Review : She's So Dead to Us

Book: She's So Dead to Us (#1)
Author: Kieran Scott (also Kate Brian)

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Date Published: May 25, 2010
Pages: 278
Source: My Kindle
Date Re-Read: April 12, 2011

When having money is all that matters, what happens when you lose it all?

Perfect, picturesque Orchard Hill. It was the last thing Ally Ryan saw in the rear-view mirror as her mother drove them out of town and away from the shame of the scandal her father caused when his hedge fund went south and practically bankrupted all their friends -- friends that liked having trust funds and new cars, and that didn't like constant reminders that they had been swindled. So it was adios, Orchard Hill. Thanks for nothing.

Now, two years later, Ally's mother has landed a job back at the site of their downfall. So instead of Ally's new low-key, happy life, it'll be back into the snake pit with the likes of Shannen Moore and Hammond Ross.

But then there's Jake Graydon. Handsome, wealthy, bored Jake Graydon. He moved to town after Ally left and knows nothing of her scandal, but does know that he likes her. And she likes him. So off into the sunset they can go, right? Too bad Jake's friends have a problem with his new crush since it would make Ally happy. And if anyone deserves to be unhappy, it's Ally Ryan.

Ally was hoping to have left all the drama in the past, but some things just can't be forgotten. Isn't there more to life than money?

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

The story starts with Ally's move back into her old town of Orchard Hill, but instead of moving into the posh house she left behind, she now lives in Orchard View Condominiums. What seems like a light and funny story about coming home turns out to be a deeper story about friendship, family, and love. Its about labels and society, about accepting the past and forgiving. I really enjoyed this book and would go as far as to say that this is my favorite of Kieran Scott's work (including her work as Kate Brian).

There are many reasons I love this book and one of them is the main male protagonist Jake, I like Ally too, but Jake is just.... He is one of those guys in a perpetually amused state, which I love in a guy. He's also not your typical main man. He's not brooding or dark, he's just a real guy who thinks about hot girls and how to get with them. In any other book, he would be the guy the main girl should not end up with. But as you read from his point of view (another plus of the book alternating narrators) you see how much he cares for Ally. Sweet, sad Ally who is down to earth and love sports. It's not hard to relate to her.

As if Ally and Jake weren't already completely amazing characters, you can't help but love the rest of the Cresties and Norms! Even the secondary characters are well developed and Scott tells you about their past without getting bogged down in the details. Time passes quickly in the story and it's not too rushed either. I really liked the pacing. And the ending! Kieran knows how to leave a reader wanting more. This series has made Kieran Scott's books an auto-buy from now on.

Ratings:

Plot: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 5/5

Similar Titles:

The Sequel : He's So Not Worth it Comes out June 7, 2011! Look out for my review on 5/16 =)

Memorable Quotes:

"If home is where the heart is, then home had just arrived."

May = Contemp YA Month on TSLoaAR

In light of the Elizabeth Scott week we are co-hosting and the Sarah Dessen week we will be participating in, we decided to make the month of May a contemporary YA month!

We will try to revolve all our reviews, posts, memes around this theme. Both Scott and Dessen are some of our favorite authors, but there are others too.

Such as:

• Simone Elkeles, 
• Tina Ferraro, 
• Courtney Summers, 
• Lauren Barnholdt, 
• Jenny Han, 
• Hailey Abbott, 
• Kieran Scott/Kate Brian, 
• Susanne Colasanti, 
• Janette Rallison, 
• Niki Burnham, 
• Jenny O'Connell, 
• Tamara Summers, 
• Catherine Clark, 
• Stephanie Davis, 
• Jennifer Laurens, 
• Sara Zarr, 
• Alyson Noel, 
• Jennifer Echols, 
• and Meg Cabot to name a few of our favorites. 

Some are more emotional and gritty, and others light and easy, but all of them are about the life of your every day girl.

We wish we could review every single one of these authors, but there are not enough days in the month. We will be posting about some of these authors and their book reviews throughout the month. The goal is to have a review posted each non-meme day. That's 18 reviews! So be on the lookout for some amazing reviews, discussions, a possible interview, and a giveaway (or two) !

Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Book: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton
Release Date: December 2nd 2010
Pages: 372
Source: Bought
Date Read: 2/3/2011

From Goodreads:


Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

Yani's Analysis:
I kept hearing about this book from other people/blogs and they just can't stop raving about it. I feel thought that when a book is hyped so much, it usually doesn't live up to the expectations. Anna and the French Kiss broke the odds, and actually surpassed my expectations.

I thought it would be a fun, light, and cute read. And while it was fun and cute, it was a deep and romantic novel. Anna voice was genuine and I could imagine a girl like her really existed out there. She seems like the average girl, funny, nice, good student... but with a little bit of sass. She stands up for what she wants and believes in. I liked how she never saw going to Paris for school as some sort of vacation. She was realistic about it, she missed her friends and family, even after she started making friends there.

I also liked how neither Anna nor Etienne are perfect. Its not some fairytale love story. Its about chemistry and friendship and how love can blossom from that. Perkins is a great writer. The characters are so well developed, imperfections and all, and the some of the scenes jut made you smile to yourself while reading. In fact one of the notes I took while reading the book was "This scene is too cute." I am usually more descriptive than that, but it really just made me smile.

There where some things that got on my nerves a little bit, but I don't want to give anything away. But I seriously can't wait for Stephanie's next book Lola and the Boy the Next Door. I have always been a sucker for those type of stories.

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 5/5

Memorable Quotes:

The only french word I know is oui, which mean "yes," and only recently did I learn it's spelled o-u-i and not w-e-e.

His eyes pop at the rumble, and I'm alarmed by how big and brown they are. As if he needed any further weapons against the female race.