(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 :)

Smutty Saturdays: Star Crossed Seduction

Smut Level: MEDIUM :)

By: Jenny Brown

Publisher: Avon
Release Date:  August 30, 2011
Pages: 384
Source: Night Owl Reviews

A beautiful thief has stolen the heart of the one man in London whose secrets are as dangerous as her own . . .
Shrewd and wily, pickpocket Temperance Smith needs no man’s favor to survive on London’s unforgiving streets—even when she’s caught red-handed by an officer of the hated dragoons.

On leave from India to find a proper bride in London, Captain Miles Trevelyan is easy prey for a seasoned pickpocket like Temperance. But when the dazzling thief steals first his wallet, then his heart, his pursuit throws them into a deadly world of treason and betrayal that will force them to question everything they know about love, loyalty, and desire. For there can be no middle ground for these two stormy-tempered Scorpios entangled in the star-crossed romance that threatens to destroy them both . . .

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

Star Crossed Seduction is a historical romance unlike anything I have yet to read. This is the second book in the new astrology historical romance series by Jenny Brown and while I think the whole concept is interesting, I felt a little confused. But let me start at the beginning…

I have always been interested in astrology. No, this does not mean the stars, that’s astronomy, I get confused with the two all the time. This story has many facets, astrology being a major part of one. It’s a romance, obviously, historical between a pick-pocketer lady from noble lineage and an officer of the King’s army (screams forbidden romance) now add in the mystery of stolen item, betrayal of the worst kind, fights for freedom, and conspiracy’s galore… that’s what Star Crossed Seduction is about!

I thought everything I mentioned above was interesting enough, I liked the romance, I liked the mystery, and I loved the lack of trust that turned as desires grew. What I didn’t like as much was the astrology part, yes it pulled the story together and yes it was interesting, but towards the end it just got so cryptic and too much detail with the seventh moon rising in the Venus and blah blah. That, along with the legit historical language of the book, created a bit of confusion for me.

Still I really liked the characters and the backstory, and even the way they come together. It was cute and exactly what I needed.

My Review in a Tweet:

If you are for a different historical romance that has some mystery and conspiracy themes to it, this is the book for you! Even more so if you love horoscopes :)

Ratings:

Plot Development: 7/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Characters: 8/10 
Pace: 7/10
Uniqueness: 9/10
Ease of Reading: 5/10

 

Buy the book here!

**commissions earned from sales are minimal and go towards giveaways!

Mini-Reviews: Angels and Demons Edition

Angels and Demons Edition: Fallen by Lauren Kate & Personal Demons by Lisa Derochers

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Author: Lauren Kate 
Publisher: Delacorte Press

Released: 12/8/2009
Pages: 452
Rating: 3 Stars!

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

 Summary Taken from Goodreads

My Mini-Review:
The reason it took me so long to write this review is because this book was just THERE for me. It wasn't amazing, but it wasn't bad. I enjoyed the ride, and have picked up the other books, but I can't say its the best angel book I have ever read. What I enjoyed most about this book is the mystery about Luce and Daniel's background. I can't wait to see what more is revealed in Torment, and I heard Passion is very HOT!

____________________________________________________

Author: Lisa Desrochers

Publisher: Tor Teen

Released: 09/14/2010

Pages: 365

Rating: 4 Stars!

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She has spent years keeping everyone at a distance—-even her closest friends—-and it seems as if her senior year is going to be more of the same . . . until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can’t seem to stay away from him.

What she doesn’t know is that Luc is on a mission. He’s been sent from Hell itself to claim Frannie’s soul. It should be easy—-all he has to do is get her to sin, and Luc is as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance. But he has to work fast, because if the infernals are after her, the celestials can’t be far behind. And sure enough, it’s not long before the angel Gabriel shows up, willing to do anything to keep Luc from getting what he came for. It isn’t long before they find themselves fighting for more than just Frannie’s soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay . . . for all of them.

 Summary Taken from Goodreads

My Mini-Review:
Like the Story Siren, I thought Frannie's choice between Heaven and Hell would be easy.... definitely NOT! When they say Luc is a demon, they aren't kidding. He's not the usual dangerous guy, trying to be good... he could give three shits -pardon my language- until he meets Frannie. And Frannie is seriously torn between the devilishly sexy bad boy and the gorgeous golden good guy. This was my first audio book and I really enjoyed hearing Luc and Frannie's voicing their thoughts. I fell hard for this book and I am really excited to read the second book. If you are looking for a hot, fast paced, fun read... this is your pick!

Book Review: Love Story

By: Jennifer Echols

Publisher: MTV Books
Release Date:  July 19, 2011
Pages: 256
Source: GalleyGrab

She's writing about him. he's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines..

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I have said this before and I will say it again, I love Jennifer Echols! She is one of my favorite contemporary authors and after this book I am officially labeling her my favorite YA Steam Queen. She knows how to write those romance scenes. In fact, her book Going Too Far is my favorite YA contemp romance stand-alone book. Yes, it needs that many labels because I have many favorites in different categories. So that being said, Love Story was not my favorite of her works. Yes it was really good, but when you have AMAZING books to live up to its hard not to compare.

Many people who are reading JE for the first time, found this book to be amazing, spectacular, five stars. Me, well I had some issues. I didn't really connect to the characters the way I wanted to. I thought it was a little unfocused and I didn't understand their motives at first. Usually in a book written in first person you know what they are thinking, and if they are lying to themselves, but these characters really seemed to hate each other and I never picked up on what made them like each other, only that they did. This probably doesn't make sense, but I have no other way to describe what it was exactly that irked me about the book.

Still the romance scenes where awesome. I liked the format of the book with the stories written by the character egging the plot forward. And despite my qualms with the characters, I loved the ending. I will definitely continue to read JE and I did enjoy this book, I just enjoyed her others sooooooo much more!

Ratings:

Plot: 3/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 4/5

Other Reviews:

• The Perpetual Page-Turner
• The Bookish Type
• Emily's Reading Room

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

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.

Series Review: Vampire Academy Books 1-3

Book 1 Synopsis:
St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's the very place where they're most in danger. . . .

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires make Lissa one of them forever.

I have no idea what I was thinking waiting so long to read this series!!!!!!!!!! Seriously! I can't even give you a comprehensive review of it because I just loved it so much I didn't even take one single note down. Books 1-3 were amazing. I read VA and the second book Frostbite between two days and I only stopped because I was like I have reviews to work on. Then I started reading book 3 when I saw that Lynn from Bring the Epic was reading the series and I have to say that Shadow Kiss if my favorite of the first three! I thought the other two where made of awesome, but Shadow Kiss is made of heaven.

This is definitely a fan girl geek out review and I wish I could give you specific of what I did like, but let's just say this book has everything you could like in a book: FIERCE KICK ASS GIRL LEAD, HOT UNATTAINABLE GUYS, COOL BEST FRIENDS, FRIENDS THAT BECOME VILLAINS AND VILLAINS THAT BECOME FRIENDS.

Also, this review by Liz pretty much says everything I was thinking while reading the book!

PS: I have the rest of the series waiting to be read, and I will try to take notes this time hehe

Book Review: Spellbound

By: Cara Lynn Shultz

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date:  June 24, 2011
Pages: 324
Source: NetGalley

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

If you read the blurb about this book, you would think that this is a dark brooding book. It's not at all, despite how tragic Emma's life has been, its actually really funny and cute. Unrealistic, but in the best way possible! The best word I can use to describe it is lighthearted, not something to take serious, just something to sit back, relax, and enjoy.... And enjoy it, I did!

Be warned, it does take a while to get into, it wasn't until around 100 pages that I really became invested. But it was almost like it did a reverse, in the beginning I had to force myself a bit to continue, in the end I couldn't put it down. Next thing you know I look at the clock and its way late for me to even be awake, but I just wanted to keep reading about Emma and Brendan.

You are probably wondering what could have caused such a switch in attitude, why did I have trouble getting into it? I think in the beginning the characters where very one dimensional. Queen Bee is a bitch, jock is a jerk, weird girl is a witch, CLICHES GALORE. Once the romance between Emma and Brendan (REALLY LIKED THEM 2GETHER) began, and I got into how funny the book was I was able to let it go, this was not meant to be a serious or deep book. And while the characters may not be DEEP, Cara does an awesome job with being true to how teenagers really are. The slang, the sarcasm, the rivalries it was all spot on!

My Review in a Tweet: 

I REALLY liked the book, and I believe its a stand alone which is definitely great if your looking for one book to just cast a spell on you for a night or two ;)

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 3/5
Characters: 4/5

Similar Titles:

similar feeling type romances

Other Reviews:

• Hobbitsies
• Smexy Books
• Bookish Delights 

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

Book Review: Dream Smashers

By: Angela Carlie

Publisher: Darkside Publishing
Release Date:  March 25, 2011
Source: TeenBookScene Tour

Sixteen-year-old Autumn has spent her entire life worrying about others. Her ailing grandma, meth-addicted mom, and a best friend who is always in trouble. She's spent the last few years attempting to worry less, to be carefree, without success.

Enter Evan, whose radiant attitude is an Autumn magnet. With Evan at her side, Autumn's able to let some of her worries go as they trudge through life's difficulties and fall for each other in the process.

A girl who no longer wants to care and a boy who cares enough for the both of them, Dream Smashers is a love story, but most of all, it's about letting go.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

Dream Smashers is a realistic, heart wrenching story about a girl named Autumn Spring Winters and the people in her life that "kill" her dreams. More like they make her feel her dreams aren't possible. She lives with her grandmother, has a homeless/alcoholic/druggie mother and her best friend is currently not make great life choices. I thought the story was powerful and emotional. Angela is a great writer, but for some reason I couldn't connect with the characters.

The format of the book is that it changes character POV every so often, which is something I like because I love being inside the heads of these very real and deep characters. At times I was really sucked in to the story and other times I was just reading. My biggest issue though, was with Evan. I totally believe that there are guys out there like him. His faith doesn't make him unbelievable, but it does make him hard to relate to. He's the type to say something like leave it in God's hand and really mean it, as much as I have faith (not that I am religious) I found him somewhat corny. He did grow on me though, and I think this book is worth taking a look at.

Ratings: 

Plot Development: 7/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Characters: 6/10 
Pace: 7/10
Uniqueness: 8/10
Ease of Reading: 9/10

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

Book Review: Should've Been a Cowyboy

Smutty Saturdays!

 Book Smut Level is: MEDIUM ;)

By: Vicki Lewis Thompson

Series: Sons of Chance #4
Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date:  May 24, 2011
Pages: 224
Source: Netgalley

Party organizer Tyler O'Connelli is on the fast track to her dream career. She's so close she can almost taste it. But when she returns to her family and sees her one-night stand, Alex Keller, all done up in his cowboy gear, her self-control is stretched to the breaking point….

They're worlds apart. She's a busy career girl, and Alex is a cowboy. But while getting together might not bode well for anything long-term, it more than makes up for it in sheer hot chemistry! Problem is, this is one wrangler she might want to get tied down—and tied up—to…indefinitely!

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I have been wanting to read a good cowboy book for a while now, and unfortunately this book did not do it for me. I loved the setting and the family life style of the ranch in the book, and maybe if I had read the other books in the series I would have enjoyed it more, but as is I I wanted MORE!

I thought it was a little too fast paced, very little romance, and awkwardly realistic? What do I mean by that? The sex scenes, while steamy and hot, where at first a little awkward in that there was fumbling and movement to get into the right place... I don't know how to describe, but it just didn't do it for me.

There where some hot points and the family was a huge plus, which I was I kept reading, but I am not sure I would read the other books in the series. Also, wanted more cowboy sexiness if possible!

My Review in a Tweet: 
For fans of quick, realistic, sexy reads I would recommend this book, however it fell flat to me in the sexy cowboy department.

Ratings:

Plot: 2/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Uniqueness: 3/5
Characters: 3/5

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

Series Review: Iron Fey 1, 2, & 3

 Iron King, Iron Daughter, & Iron Queen

Click here for synopsis!

I am not going to lie; it took me a long time to get into the series as whole. It wasn’t until the second half of Iron Daughter (Book 2), that I felt really invested in the lives of the characters. Iron King starts off quickly, Meghan’s life will never be the same. She is this normal forgettable teenage girl, and all of a sudden she is in the middle of this new Fey world. And these faeries are unlike anything you have ever seen. As said many times in the book, this may be a Faery Tale, but it’s not a Fairytale. I was creeped out by a huge chunk of the beginning of this book, and while the plot felt like it moved quickly, It felt slow to me and I got bored in parts. What drew me back in was Ash and Puck. Puck is so charming and funny, and Ash with his frosty aloofness, and their banter together! I couldn’t get enough. I wanted Meghan to be more assertive, to not just sit around and let others fight her battle, but as the stories progress I understand why she must be like this. Overall, I liked Iron King, but not as much as Iron Daughter and Iron Queen.

The series as whole is incredibly unique and detailed with so many fantastical creatures. It really is a different world, scary and new, but one that you want to learn more about.

Click here for synopsis!

I had some similar issues with Iron Daughter that I had with Iron Queen, but not as much. I can actually pinpoint where I got bored with it chs. 10-15, but after that I couldn’t put it down. By this point I am realizing that the boys make the story for me. Ash and Puck, I couldn’t get enough. Also, Grim, I loved this dry furball that always showed up when you needed him. Meghan gets a little better; you can tell she is growing with each and every story. The second half of this book is where I am finally connecting with the characters and really involved with the story that I don’t feel as it is going slow anymore. And the ending, OH the ending…. WOW!

Click here for synopsis!

Iron Queen is my favorite of the three books. This is one of the only series that each book is progressively better. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with Ash again and again, and Puck broke my heart again and again. I really love them both in different ways, but to me there is no question as to who Meghan belongs with. There was a lot more action in the book, but there was still a lot of love too. And Meghan finally learns to kick some ass. I realized how much she has grown in the books. I read all these back to back pretty much, so it doesn’t feel like so much time has passed between them, but a lot has and you can tell.

I am sooooo glad there is a fourth book and it’s in Ash POV because I don’t think I would have been able to wait after reading the ending of Iron Queen. So be on the lookout for my Iron Knight review, COMING SOON!

Book Review : Starcrossed

By: Josephine Angelini

Publisher: HarperTeen
Date Released: May 31, 2011
Pages: 496
Source: NetGalley

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

Based on Greek mythology -which can I just say feels like the new "in" thing now- this is a Romeo and Juliette esque type story really captured my attention. I started it one morning and didn't put it down till I was done with it later that night. I felt a strong connection to awkward, yet beautiful Helen and her best friend. And I was really intrigued by Helen's dreams and the family feud. I think of all the Greek mythology stories, this one is the most original (or at least I am more unaware about The furies and their mythology).

 Some compare this book to Twilight. Like Twilight, there is a strong family connection and I can definitely see where people are getting the comparisons. But for some reason the similarities didn't bother me. Unlike in Die for Me, I really enjoyed this story, despite its Twilight comparisons. I loved the family and the lore. This book to me was the total package.

I enjoyed how the romance built as well. It was insta-hate, before it turned to love, which was refreshing. Though I promised myself I would no longer let insta-love affect a book's opinion (for more of that see here question 4), it still was a nice change from the usual

My Review in a Tweet: 

a Greek mythology like no other, you will devour this tale of Star-Crossed lovers! I look forward to learning more of the lore.

Ratings:

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


Similar Titles:
Abandon - based on Greek mythology
Falling Under - a darker story based on Greek mythology
Goddess Test - based on Greek mythology
Half-Blood - based on Greek mythology
Twilight - sorry I can't help but compare

Other Reviews:

• The Reading Housewives of Indiana
• Book, Sweets, and other Treats!
• Hobbitsies

Buy the book here!