Review: 17 First Kisses by Rachael Allen

Title: 17 First Kisses
Author: Rachael Allen
Expected publication: June 17th 2014 by HarperTeen
Genre: YA Contemporary
Goodreads | Amazon |
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You see the title, you see the cover and you would never think that this book is what it is.

I know, I know, I shouldn't judge a book by its title or its cover but some times it cannot be helped. And actually, part of what made me pick up this book is the cute cover, I just thought it will be this cutesy, light romance and maybe a bestfriendship thrown in there too.

And the first few chapters it appeared it was the case but then Wham! The story took off at neck-breaking pace while I laughed and oh-ed and ah-ed and wondered where the well my cutesy story went. It pulled the rug out from underneath my feet. It takes guts to put this kind of story out there as your debut book and I have to take my hat off to Ms. Allen. I can easily tell you that the risk paid off because this book rocks.

The story is about Claire, aka CJ. CJ starts off as a cute tomboy who has all these awkward kisses ever since the second grade and it is just hilarious. At first I loved CJ and how real and smart she was and confident enough to wear Adidas shorts and flip flops to girly parties. I was also head over heels about her overweight best friend, Sam. Sam was adorable and loyal and the goalie in CJ's soccer team.

Everything goes to hell when CJ starts her new friendship with Megan, only the most popular girl in the sixth grade and Queen of the Crownies, the most important girl clique consisting of her, Britney (a mindless groupie that always follows Megan) and Averley (the one with a reputation of being easy), and some other girl that moves away leaving space for CJ to be part of the Crownies and therefore she becomes popular.

These girls were the mean girls all through the seventh and eight grade, and CJ goes through a transformation and becomes Claire, a beautiful, confident girl that gets to have a bunch of new kisses with a new bunch of guys and it is just messy and hysterical. Now while I was a bit disappointed on these girls I still couldn't take them very seriously since they were so young and I just laughed it off. They were like any other teenager, trying to figure who they are.

But then things get serious as they get older and I find myself getting annoyed at Megan and how she treated Claire and then something happened and I would cheer for Megan instead and all I wanted was to kick Claire in the shins.

One thing has to be clear, though, this book is not as light and airy as I am making it out to be. Claire's family goes through a horrible tragedy, and the other girls family situations weren't ideal either, and I loved that, it made me care for them even if I didn't like them at the moment.

But the important thing is that they, all these characters, they made me feel. They made me care to the point of taking the story too seriously and being too emotionally involved. And that is what makes me continue to pick up books, that overwhelming feeling of living through somebody else's life. It is what keeps me glued to the world of contemporary, where the authors don't have magic to rely on so they have to create their own.

And as far as romance, it does have some but it really doesn't. Sometimes you would think Claire was in love only to realize that it really wasn't and she saw it too, as she grew up. And the one I really wanted her to be with didn't happen ): you know what I am talking about because it is one of my most favorite things to read about but I won't ruin it for others. And even if CJ tries to make it seem like she kind of have feelings for said guy, at the end I just didn't buy it. Not after everything that happened with her and all the boys before (and after, ughhhh). But whatever, they were both better off I'd like to hope. And I really wasn't bothered because it was refreshing to see that young love is not always so final.

So really, this book was all kinds of messed up and ugly but also so entertaining and awesome and hilarious too. I just think it is one of the best contemporaries I've read this year and it was a huge surprise. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Lastly, I am not really into comparisons but this one just speak volumes about this book, because 17 Kisses reminded me so much of the Jessica Darling series, which is amazing so for fans of Not-so, you have to try this one!

 

 

 

Review: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Title: Maybe Someday
Author: Colleen Hoover
Published March 18th 2014 by Atria Books
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Goodreads | Amazon |
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 I didn't know what to expect when I started Maybe Someday. It's because I've heard some much and yet so little about it, for the various reviews I knew it was great but I also didn't really know anything about the story that went on. It was a leap of faith.

I'm glad I took it because it paid off. The whole aspect of the book is that it combines musicality with prose. A new way of enjoying a story. I made sure I could listen to the songs at the same time I read the book so I could have the whole experience. And it added so much! It felt even more intense even though I tell you, the book was intense enough without the heartbreak of the songs.

I am a fan of contemporary lit and I have pretty much reading anything and everything yet I didn't expect that particular thing with the male protagonist, not in a book where music plays such an important part. But it made the whole thing seem deeper and more beautiful that I could have hoped.

I adored the story and the plot. I liked the characters well enough to invest my emotions in their lives, however I was a bit uncomfortable with the, I don't want to say cheating but it kind of is, that goes on. Sydney and Ridge made so much sense as a couple that I didn't really think there was a need to be put in a situation like that, but I guess that's real life for you. But it really bothered me and made me lose a little faith on these characters.

Some scenes were so completely perfect and beautiful, and the writing was fabulous, my only concern was that I didn't really buy the romance. Because the whole thing wasn't fair to Ridge's girlfriend and because Sydney knew how that felt and still kept on going, despite her conflicted feelings. That's the only thing that ruins the book for me.

I have to say I enjoyed it anyway. Specially the songs. And the emotions they evoked in me and how perfectly the fit in the story.

 

 

 

Waiting On Wednesday: On The Edge by Allison Van Diepen

WoW is weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking The Spine in which bloggers can share books they're excited to get soon :)



ON THE EDGE
by Allison Van Diepen

From Allison van Diepen, author of Snitch and Street Pharm, comes a sexy, dangerous novel about a teen who witnesses a murder and gets caught up in the seedy world of Miami’s gangs.

Maddie Diaz never should have taken that shortcut through the park. If she hadn't, she wouldn't have seen two members of the Reyes gang attacking a homeless man. Now, as the only witness, she knows there’s a target on her back.

But when the Reyes jump her on the street, Maddie is protected by a second gang and their secretive leader, Lobo, who is determined to take down the Reyes himself. Lobo is mysterious and passionate, and Maddie begins to fall for him. But when they live this close to the edge, can their love survive?

On the Edge is a compelling story about fighting for what’s right and figuring out where you belong. The novel showcases a gritty, realistic voice and earth–shattering romance that will intrigue readers of Simone Elkeles and Paul Griffin and captivate fans of Allison van Diepen's other novels.

Add On Goodreads



Gangs?! Murders?! sexy and dangerous? Miami streets?
Oh yes, please.
I can't wait to start this baby!

Review: The Rules for Breaking by Ashley Elston

Title: The Rules for Breaking
Author: Ashley Elston
Expected publication: May 20th 2014 by Disney Hyperion
Genre: YA contemporary, mystery, thriller
Goodreads | Amazon |
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 Remember that very intense wild hog chase in The Rules for Disappearing? Well The Rules for Breaking is one big wild hog chasing scene. So to speak.

I wasn't sure if I was going to remember quite a lot about Anna's story but as soon as I started reading this everything came back to me and it took only a few pages to have me fully invested and super excited again. Ethan and Anna's relationship was as adorable and sweet as ever. And as much as I lose myself in a good mystery, Ethan and Anna's romance was a constant presence in my mind, they kept reminding me of the real power of love, which makes you being brave for the ones you care about. I am absolutely in love with these two and how mature their relationship is.

This sequel had me at the edge of my seat from the start. I am amazed things moved as quickly as they did, how the story didn't drag on the conflicts but instead made them deeper, more difficult, adding twists and turns and my head was spinning before I could start to try to figure things out. I loved that everything left unanswered in the first book is explained here, and we finally get to find out what the deal with Thomas was, and it is creepier and scarier than I thought.

 

Another thing I really like is that Ms. Elston doesn't hesitate in adding the real life aspects that make the book all the more uncomfortable and hilarious and of course, more realistic. Like how scared Anna and her sister and Ethan were.  Their emotions so raw and you couldn't help but feel scared and helpless along them. Don't get me wrong, they were brave and did an amazing job at managing their feelings but still, they are only kids, living a horrible nightmare in the middle of a power struggle between drug cartels, I'd be peeing myself.

I also really liked Teeny, Anna's little sister, better this time around. She was more of a character, her personality really coming through and it felt like she was an important part of the book instead of just an added sibling.

I have to be honest here, I might even have liked this book better than the first and that's saying a lot since I loved the first one. I am one thousand percent satisfied and cannot wait for you all to pick this series up. Because when it comes to action and thrill and excitement this series won't let you down. You're in for a wild ride!

Last note: I am crazy about the cover! it makes so much sense and is so synchronized with the story, kudos to the designers.