Mini Reviews: Summer Edition!

Two great books that just screamed summer read to me!

Biggest Flirts by Jennifer Echols

Tia and Will’s lives get flipped upside down when they’re voted Yearbook’s Biggest Flirts.Tia just wants to have fun. She’s worked hard to earn her reputation as the life of the party, and she’s ready for a carefree senior year of hanging out with friends and hooking up with cute boys. And her first order of business? New guy Will. She can’t get enough of his Midwestern accent and laidback swagger.
As the sparks start to fly, Will wants to get serious. Tia’s seen how caring too much has left her sisters heartbroken, and she isn’t interested in commitment. But pushing Will away drives him into the arms of another girl. Tia tells herself it’s no big deal…until the yearbook elections are announced. Getting voted Biggest Flirts with Will is, well, awkward. They may just be friends, but their chemistry is beginning to jeopardize Will’s new relationship—and causing Tia to reconsider her true feelings. What started as a light hearted fling is about to get very complicated…

Thoughts

I really enjoyed Dirty Little Secret so I was intrigued by this Superlative series. I loved this book actually started before they were named Biggest Flirts. Tia was loud, confident and quite flirty. I liked how she contacted with Will straight away even if she'd completely misread him. Tia's family backstory explored a lot of her more abrasive personality traits like her aversion to love and relationships and her intense dislike of responsibility. I would have loved to see more interaction with her Dad as he remained a mystery! I loved how everyone in her life was aware of her little tricks to avoid responsibility despite the fact she thought she was hiding it so well. Will was an exciting character from the start, I loved that Tia misread him so we learnt about him slowly. I felt for him moving for senior year especially as all the positions he wanted/needed for College applications were taken up. Will was however a little desperate to have a relationship as soon as he arrived in Florida and made some questionable choices! I absolutely loved the dynamic and chemistry between Tia and Will, it made the whole book for me. Their chemistry seemed effortless and they just feel quite naturally into an almost couple like state. Their responses to their titles was funny as they were so blatant all the time! I felt like Will's straitlaced and open personality went well with Tia's free and complex one. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!

Right of Way by Lauren Barnholdt

Here are Peyton and Jace, meeting on vacation. Click! It’s awesome, it’s easy, it’s romantic. This is the real deal.

Unless it isn’t. Because when you’re in love, you don’t just stop calling one day. And you don’t keep secrets. Or lie. And when your life starts falling apart, you’re supposed to have the other person to lean on.

Here are Peyton and Jace again, broken up but thrown together on a road trip. One of them is lying about the destination. One of them is pretending not to be leaving something behind. And neither of them is prepared for what’s coming on the road ahead…

Thoughts

Two Way Street was the first Lauren Barnholdt book I read so when I heard this was a vague companion book I knew I wanted to read it! I love a good road trip contemporary romance! Peyton surprised me, I usually dislike overly emotional leads but I loved Peyton. Sure she was whiny and dramatic but she was funny with it. Her family life had changed and when you're a teenager that is the worst thing that can happen to you especially what we learnt about her Mum. Peyton wasn't afraid to chase and commit to big abstract dreams even when they seemed to be falling apart, I admired that about her if it was a bit naïve. I loved the history between Jace and Peyton, it was realistic and sweet at the same time. I loved Jace especially the chapters from his point of view. He was witty and sharp. I liked how he begrudgingly took care of Peyton was necessary and pointed out her flawed plans. His best friend Evan was hilarious with his wild ideas, I would have loved to see more of him. It was great to get a look at how Courtney and Jordon were getting on and even BJ! I loved their side roles as advisers and examples. Right of Way was a great young adult contemporary summer book! I loved how the issues facing Jace and  Peyton were realistic and not too extreme. I always enjoy Lauren's books so looking forward to Through to You to come out in paperback next summer!

 

Do you feel these books are quintessentially summer books?

Let me know!

Much Love!

Colette

Xxx

Nantucket Red by Leila Howland.

Cricket Thompson's lifetime of overachieving has paid off: she's headed to Brown University in the fall, with a spot on the lacrosse team and a scholarship that covers almost everything. Who knew living in the dorm cost money? An Ivy League education seems to mean living at home for the next four years.
When Cricket is offered the chance to earn enough cash to afford a real college experience, she heads back to Nantucket for the summer. But the faraway island challenges Cricket in ways she hadn't anticipated. It's hard to focus on earning money for next year, when she finds her world opening up in entirely new ways-to art, to travel, and, most unexpectedly, to a future completely different from the one she has been working toward her whole life. A friendship blossoms with Ben, the gorgeous surfer and bartender who encourages Cricket to be free, even as she smarts at the pain of seeing Zack, her first love, falling for her worst enemy.
But one night, when Cricket finally lets herself break all her own rules, she realizes she may have ruined her carefully constructed future with one impulsive decision. Cricket must dig deep to fight for her future, discovering that success isn't just about reaching goals, but also about listening to what she's been trying to ignore-her own heart.

Thoughts!

I was initially unsure about a sequel to Nantucket Blue as I loved the book but I did want more resolution which Nantucket Red provided and more!
I loved that we got a sweeping overview of Cricket's year so the book was mainly set during the summer.
Cricket was the same great character. I loved her determination to equal the money offered to her so she could go to her dream college. I liked seeing her and Jules on better terms although I'm still not a fan of Jules! Nantucket had barely changed in a year so Cricket just slotted back in. I loved Liz returning and the way her character had developed and matured. I even liked Ben, because he was honest and almost a male version of Cricket, relationship wise. Zac was really frustrating this book! The way their relationship petered out initially was annoying but Zac's reaction and subsequent actions were just... I did enjoy the fact this book seemed less heavy with painful drama and more coming of age complete with the confusing love life!
I loved the ending the choices Cricket made. She really proved to be mature self sufficient and independent, secure in her goals and relationships. Overall Nantucket Red is a lovely positive summer read about a girl growing into herself and a fun summer community.

Rating

Nantucket Red is a brilliant companion to Nantucket Blue. It adds depth to the characters, expands on their background as well as being strong enough to standalone.

 Have you read the Nantucket books?
Much love!
Lettie
Xxx

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick.

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.
As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?
A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

Thoughts!

Why didn't I read this earlier?? It's been on my tbr since it released in 2012- it was so worth the wait!
     My Life Next Door is a layered traditional contemporary summer book with twists and well written characters. It wasn't cliché as I'd anticipated.
    Samantha Reid was a great lead. I found her sweet and hard working if a little naïve. I love how she slotted into her life next door as she seemed to be a bit neglected at home especially with her sister gone and her Mum otherwise occupied. Jase was such a welcoming and generous male lead. He wasn't a cliché good or bad guy he was simply a well rounded mature teenager. I loved how he took on responsibilities for his family but would occasionally complain. I liked how he treated Samantha and how easy going he was.
    My Life Next Door has a well written individual side cast with all their own issues and personalities. The Garretts were such a vibrant family with so many different personalities. It was easy to see how and why Samantha was attracted and intrigued by them as they were so different to her family. I loved how all of them had positive attitudes and were well adjusted enough to rise above other's prejudices. I could probably write a detailed profile of each of them so I'll curtail my love of the siblings. Dad was a steady and pragmatic man with his approach to providing for his family, I loved how he was honest with Tim but still trusted him as an employee.
    Which brings me to Nan and Tim. Nan was a more complex character than she seemed. Initially I took her for a good friend if a little snobby but as the book progressed it became clear that she was exceedingly rude, cruel and entitled. Her apparent concern for Tim masked a deep jealously and I defiantly think she's heading for a breakdown. Tim was my breakout character, I loved him. Tim really developed and grew over the course of the book. I liked how he flourished under the positive encourage of the Garretts and Sam. Sam and Tim's friendship was resurrected and it was clear to see how they had grown apart and refreshing to see a platonic strong friendship which developed. I also loved his interactions with the Garretts, how he stepped up when needed and his banter with Alice.
    Samantha's Mum was another surprisingly complex character. She projected the image of career driven and confident involved Mum but it became clear that she wasn't as confident in herself as she seemed. I couldn't believe how her plot twisted and turned especially her sudden disregard for Samantha despite her initial concerns over how and where she spent her summer.
    My Life Next Door was primarily character driven, the plot itself was a clever manipulation of prominent clichés such as boy next door, rich/poor divide.
I loved the summery setting the town was big enough for the whole story to largely stay in one place. I loved the positioning of the summer jobs, the country club etc. It was like a storybook American summer town which was the perfect setting for My Life Next Door.

Rating!

My Life Next Door is the perfect summer read full of well crafted unique characters and a interesting original plot.

 

Are you a long time fan of My Life Next Door?

Are you excited for Tim to get his own book?

Much Love!

Lettie

Xxx

Cover Love: UK vs US Comparisons.

Comparison Time!

I love the Pushing the Limits series! Each book is unique, the relationships are layered and complex as are the plots. The covers are absolutely stunning too!

The top row are the UK covers and the bottom US.

Typography. The font and the layout.
UK I love how bold the UK font is. The colour highlights other aspects of the cover as well.
US. I do like the font and the directional differences but it's a bit to similar for me.
UK

Relevance. Do the covers offer a sneak peek of what's instore?
UK. This is a tough one because apart from how sporty the girl on Take Me On looks, the covers are just generic couples.
US. Again a few attractive generic couples however the car on Crash into You and the kickboxing element to Take Me On does make them more relevant.
US

True. Do the covers offer a true representation of the characters?
Pushing the Limits and Dare You To are similar across the covers.
UK.  Crash into You the girl is blonde like Rachel if a bit sultry and the guy is a clean cut version of Isaiah. Take Me On I like that Hayley looks sporty and tough with West completely in the background.
US. Crash into You again the girl is blonde but this Isaiah has tattoos and they are in a car. However Take Me On, the girl looks more casual in her jeans and tank top whereas West looks like he could be her trainer.
UK

Overall the UK covers are my favourite but they are all similar and luckily gorgeous.

What do you think?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Top Ten Tuesday: Autumn TBR!



Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's topic: Autumn TBR.

 

I love these TBR topics almost as much as I love Autumn! I'm going to be busy with my PGCE but I'm hoping I'll still have time to read at least ten books this season!

 

Series!

Clariel by Garth Nix~ I've already mentioned how much I love the cover and how intriguing the sneak peek I read was so clearly I will be heading straight to the bookshop on release day!

Echoes of Us by Kat Zhang~ I loved What's Left of Me and Once We Were so I've got this on preorder.

Captive by Aimee Carter~ Another cover I love and a sequel to a book I loved so of course I need to read this as soon as possible.

 

Contemporary Companions!

Unraveling You by Jessica Sorensen~ Ella and Micha and Lila and Ethan's children? Yes please!

Rowdy by Jay Crownover~ I love this series so I can't wait for Rowdy's story.

Forever Summer by C.J.Duggan~ Another well loved series~ this was on my Summer TBR but the release date got pushed back!

New Series!

The Young Elites by Marie Lu~ Although I'm not a fan of Legend I'm hoping to love this.

Snow like Ashes by Sara Raasch~ This sounds like a great new series.

Jewel by Amy Ewing~ I'm intrigued by the blurb.

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen~ I love the blurb so I'm hoping my library reservation will come in soon!

Hopefully I will be able to read and love all these books! I got preapproved last week for Rowdy so I've just finished that one but I'd already scheduled this post :)

What's your must read this Autumn?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Goodbye Summer!

Summer is slowly drawing to a close! We are currently experiencing the last of the summer sun here in the UK but I've no doubt that once September is over the rain will set in and cozy nights in reading will be back!

I've decided to dedicate the next 9 days to 'goodbye to Summer' mini feature to help myself transition into Autumn mode!

What to Expect?

• Summer Bingo Wrap Up.
• Summer reviews such as Nantucket Red
• Autumn TBR
• Travel post
• and maybe an Autumn Bingo Challenge......

So I hope you enjoy the last of the summer days and my summery posts!
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Summer Bingo Wrap Up!

Way back in July I decided to do my own Summer bingo challenge! I was inspired by Bookish Bingo  hosted by Great Imaginations when I saw it on The Book Monsters.

How did I do?

Not too bad! I got a line at least. I did plan on reading Forever Summer as my Australia but the publication date got pushed back! I managed to read a great range of books over summer though.
I really enjoyed this challenge. I think because it was quite free and the parameters were simple. I was going to do an Autumn one but my course is pretty intense so I may try and do a mini one for Christmas instead!

Have you ever done a Bingo challenge?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx