BOOK REVIEW | You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone by Rachel Solomon

Title: You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone
Author: Rachel Solomon
Series? No
Pages: 384
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: I received an e-galley of You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review! Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own. :)

Eighteen-year-old twins Adina and Tovah have little in common besides their ambitious nature. Viola prodigy Adina yearns to become a soloist—and to convince her music teacher he wants her the way she wants him. Overachiever Tovah awaits her acceptance to Johns Hopkins, the first step on her path toward med school and a career as a surgeon.

But one thing could wreck their carefully planned futures: a genetic test for Huntington’s, a rare degenerative disease that slowly steals control of the body and mind. It’s turned their Israeli mother into a near stranger and fractured the sisters’ own bond in ways they’ll never admit. While Tovah finds comfort in their Jewish religion, Adina rebels against its rules.

When the results come in, one twin tests negative for Huntington’s. The other tests positive.

These opposite outcomes push them farther apart as they wrestle with guilt, betrayal, and the unexpected thrill of first love. How can they repair their relationship, and is it even worth saving?

From debut author Rachel Lynn Solomon comes a luminous, heartbreaking tale of life, death, and the fragile bond between sisters.

Goodreads 

BOOK REVIEW | P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

Title: P.S. I Like You
Author: Kasie West
Series? No, a standalone
Pages: 330
Publication Date: July 26, 2016
Publisher: Point Publishing
Source: I checked out P.S. I Like You from my local library!

Signed, sealed, delivered…

While spacing out in chemistry class, Lily scribbles some of her favorite song lyrics onto her desk. The next day, she finds that someone has continued the lyrics on the desk and added a message to her. Intrigue!

Soon, Lily and her anonymous pen pal are exchanging full-on letters—sharing secrets, recommending bands, and opening up to each other. Lily realizes she’s kind of falling for this letter writer. Only, who is he? As Lily attempts to unravel the mystery and juggle school, friends, crushes, and her crazy family, she discovers that matters of the heart can’t always be spelled out…

Author's Website | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Goodreads

BOOK REVIEW | The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

Title: The Diabolic
Author: S.J. Kincaid
Series? Yes, a trilogy
Pages: 403
Publication Date: November 1, 2016
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Source: I got a physical ARC of The Diabolic by being a part of a teen advisory board for a local bookstore!

Nemesis is a Diabolic. Created to protect a galactic Senator's daughter, Sidonia. There's no one Nemesis wouldn't kill to keep her safe. But when the power-mad Emperor summons Sidonia to the galactic court as a hostage, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia.

She must become her.

Now one of the galaxy's most dangerous weapons is masquerading in a world of corruption and Nemesis has to hide her true abilities or risk everything. As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns that there is something stronger than her deadly force: the one thing she's been told she doesn't have - humanity. And, amidst all the danger, action and intrigue, her humanity might be the only thing that can save her, Sidonia and the entire Empire...

Author's Website | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Goodreads

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW | Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

Title: Trial by Fire
Series: Worldwalker #1
Author: Josephine Angelini
Audio Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Pages: 374
Source: I got this through my local library!

Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns.

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian . . . Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.

Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.

But how can Lily be the savior of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?

MOVIE REVIEW | Nerve

Nerve was such a thrilling movie and I had so much fun watching it! I did have some faults here and there, but the pros definitely outweighed the cons. If you don't know, Nerve is based off of the YA novel of the same name written by Jeanne Ryan. The plot centers around Venus, or Vee. She is a shy upcoming college freshman who is anything but outgoing. Vee decides to become a player in a Nerve, a game like truth or dare without the truth. The watchers give out dares to players, and the more dangerous they are, the more money the players receive. The movie was released on July 27th, and I saw it on the 31st. I'm going to review the movie in three parts, one for each act.

BOOK REVIEW | Smut by Karina Halle

Title: Smut
Author: Karina Halle
Release Date: May 16, 2016
Pages: 315
Source: I bought the e-copy of Smut through my Nook!
Synopsis:

What happens when the kink between the pages leads to heat between the sheets?
All Blake Crawford wants is to pass his creative writing course, get his university degree, and take over his dad’s ailing family business. What Amanda Newland wants is to graduate at the top of her class, as well as finally finish her novel and prove to her family that writing is a respectful career.

What Blake and Amanda don’t want is to be paired up with each other for their final project, but that’s exactly what they both get when they’re forced to collaborate on a writing piece. Since Amanda thinks Blake is a pushy asshole (with a panty-melting smirk and British accent) and Blake thinks Amanda has a stick up her ass (though it’s a brilliant ass), they fight tooth and nail until they discover they write well together. They also may find each other really attractive, but that’s neither here nor there.

When their writing project turns out to be a success, the two of them decide to start up a secret partnership using a pen name, infiltrating the self-publishing market in the lucrative genre of erotica. Naturally, with so much heat and passion between the pages, it’s not long before their dirty words become a dirty reality. Sure, they still fight a lot, but at least there’s make-up sex now.

But even as they start to fall hard for each other, will their burgeoning relationship survive if their scandalous secret is exposed? Or are happily-ever-afters just a work of fiction?

Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads

Book Review: Withering Rose by Kaitlyn Davis

 If I had to choose just one word to describe Withering Rose it would be fun. 

I was a bit worried going into Withering Rose because it is the second book to Davis' Once Upon Upon a Curse series. However, I didn't need to worry at all! Each book in the series is a companion novel, and Davis' wonderfully described the plot to new comers like me. Withering Rose is a Beauty and the Beast retelling that is about Omorose, who was once a princess before her world and ours collided into one. She has a beautiful gift, but it comes with the curse of death. After ten years of keeping her magic a secret, Omorose flees the magic-hating compound she lives in to the mountains nearby, which serves as the land of a fearful king. The story takes off from there, and man was it a ride! I was never bored. 

Book Review: The Sound of Us by Julie Hammerle

*I recieved The Sound of Us via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own!*

The Sound of Us was such a blast. 

Julie Hammerle's debut novel exceeded my expectations. My recent reads have been disappointing me, and The Sound of Us was a breath of fresh air. Our protagonist, Kiki, is the most genuine main character I have read from in quite a while. I appreciated how she wasn't this perfect person, inside and out. Her summer journey was so much fun to read. 

The Sound of Us is about the quirky and hilarious main character Kiki and her summer experience at Kraus, a presitigous university. She is there for the summer, learning the in and outs of becoming an opera singer all the while fighting for one of the seven scholarships to attend the university free of charge. 

My favorite aspect of this whole entire book was Kiki. She was such a relatable and likable character. Hammerle perfectly captured the confidence issues of a teenage girl. Kiki started as a girl unsure of who she is and who she is meant to be. By the end of the novel, she is not only sure of herself, but of her future as well. It was great to see her transition into a more confident young adult. 

Another aspect I appreciated was the music. Music is a part of me, and I loved how it was so accurately depicted in the novel. I loved how Hammerle showed every side of music. Not only did she show that music can be fun, but she also showed how much pressure it can put on a person as well. 

However, I did have some minor complaints. One  thing that I didn't like that much from the book was how repetitive it became sometimes. After a while, Kiki's narrative didn't differ ever. Though I liked her as a character, Kiki's witty remarks seemed to be overdone. The romance wasn't the best either. Though I really loved Kiki and her love interest, it didn't leave me with a lasting impression. It was cute, but it wasn't awe-inspiring. The focus of the book was not on the romance though, so it did not affect my reading experience that much. Besides that, I don't have that many complaints. I actually loved the ending, even though it was vague. It gave promise to a happy future, but didn't set anything in stone. 

I would recommend this to anyone who wants a fun YA contemporary read! The Sound of Us is perfect for the summer and I am looking forward to its release. Also, can we talk about the cover? Because it is beautiful. It's one of my favorite covers of this year so far!

With that, I give this book 
4 out of 5 Stars!

 

What are some books that you've recently read that are perfect for the summer?

Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you soon with another post!

Happy Reading!

Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!

Book Review: Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

Rebel of the Sands was so much fun!

The novel started off with a bang (quite literally) and never slowed down. Amani lives in a dead end town and is looking for a way to escape when a foreigner comes along and changes everything. All of a sudden she's on the run with a stranger as an ally. Jin, the male lead, is everything I wanted in a male protagonist for this novel. I haven't completely fallen in love with him, but it is bound to happen.

My only wish is that my reading experience was different. I have been so busy these past couple weeks, and so it took me a long time to finish this book. Goodreads says 18 days, but I only sat down three different times to read this book. I know that if I had more free time, I would've felt more connected to the story and the characters.

By far my favorite character is Amani. She is such a headstrong heroine, and I absolutely loved reading from her perspective. Out of the secondary characters, I liked Shazad the best. She's yet another kick-ass female character, and I loved how Hamilton had females on the same playing field as men.

The second half of the novel took a different turn than I was expecting. I wouldn't say I liked it less, but it kind of threw me off. However, I am looking forward to where this new plot will take us. Amani's struggles have just become a lot more complex, and seeing it unravel in the next book will be one heck of a ride.

My only worry is that the series will end up feeling rushed. The world of this series is so complex, and I don't want it to be brushed over so that the story finishes nicely. I'd rather have this series become a quartet if it means that the world building is stronger. Hamilton knows what she's doing, so I still am hopeful!

I would recommend this to any fantasy lover. I'm quite a newbie to the YA fantasy, but I think even veterans would appreciate this. I can see this trilogy becoming one of my favorites out there. Amani and Jin's relationship is slow burning and I love it.  The plot is original and the characters strong. This story took twists and turn I was not expecting, and I really appreciated it. I normally can anticipate the "gotcha" moments, but this one really took me aback! Hats off to Alwyn Hamilton!

Overall, Rebel of the Sands is a strong opening novel to what can be a fantastic fantasy trilogy. The series holds true promise and I am looking forward to the second novel that will be coming out next year. I wish I could've had a better reading experience, because it negatively affected my enjoyment of the book.

With that, I give this book

4 out of 5 Stars!
 

Have you read Rebel of the Sands? What did you think?

Thanks guys for visiting and I'll see you soon with another post!

Happy Reading!

Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!

Book Review: Too Late by Colleen Hoover

Too Late by Colleen Hoover took me by surprise.

I knew getting into the book that I would fall in love with it, but I didn't know that I would be as taken aback as I was. Colleen Hoover has a great formula she uses for all of her books. Out of all the other CoHo books I have read, Hopeless was the darkest one. Too Late takes the cake by a landslide though!

Too Late is much darker and delves into serious topics that I was not expecting. The novel follows Sloan, a college girl in an abusive relationship with, Asa, who controls the biggest drug cartel in the college. Sloan stays with him not because she's in love, but to protect what's left of her family. Everything blows up when Carter comes into her life. What she doesn't know is that Carter is an undercover cop.

The novel is told from three points of view: Asa, Carter, and Sloan. I never disliked any of the POVs, but I did like Carter's the best. However, Hoover did really well writing as Asa. He's crazy and sadistic. I've never read in the point of view as a crazy person, so Asa's chapters were intriguing.

Too Late is available for free on the wattpad app. In my personal opinion, this is good enough to be published. Yes, there needs to be some editing and expansion of some of the characters, but Colleen's raw talent shines through.

My main issue with the book was that I wanted to know more about the characters. I felt like some were one dimensional. The three main characters definitely were not, but there were some secondary ones that felt like carbon copies of a stereotypical character. The two that come to mind that I want to see more of is Sloan's disabled younger brother, and Jon, Asa's top henchman.

The last couple chapters were the strongest in my opinion. There wasn't a moment that I was bored with the book, but the second half was much more entertaining.  I would recommend this for anyone who is looking for an easy read. Too Late is new adult, so if you're uncomfortable with more steamy scenes, then don't read it. 

With that, I give this book 

4 out of 5 Stars!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I'll see you soon with another post!

Happy Reading!

Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!