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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (23)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It's a weekly feature that lets us share what titles we're waiting on!


A Little Too Far by Lisa Desrochers
Publication Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: Harper Collins

Have you ever gone just a little too far?

Lexie Banks has.

Yep. She just had mind-blowing sex with her stepbrother. In her defense, she was on the rebound, and it’s more of a my-dad-happened-to-marry-a-woman-with-a-super-hot-son situation. But still, he’s been her best friend and confidant for the better part of the last few years … and is so off limits. It’s a good thing she’s leaving in two days for a year abroad in Rome.

But even thousands of miles away, Lexie can’t seem to escape trouble. Raised Catholic, she goes to confession in hopes of alleviating some of her guilt … and maybe not burning in hell. Instead, she stumbles out of the confessional and right into Alessandro Moretti, a young and very easy-on-the-eyes deacon … only eight months away from becoming a priest. Lexie and Alessandro grow closer, and when Alessandro’s signals start changing despite his vow of celibacy, she doesn’t know what to think. She’s torn between falling in love with the man she shouldn’t want and the man she can’t have. And she isn’t sure how she can live with herself either way.

This. Sounds. AMAZING. If you didn't already know, I'm a sucker for a good forbidden romance. Also, last year I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Italy. This will be my first time reading a book that's set in a foreign land that I've been to. I'm really looking forward to see what Desrochers does with this title.

What are you excited for this Wednesday?


Monday, July 29, 2013

Anatomy of a Single Girl (Anatomy #2) by Daria Snadowsky

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: January 8, 2013
Source: Author
Edition: Hardcover
Pages: 227
Rating: A-

(Spoiler alert for anyone that hasn't read Anatomy of a Boyfriend)

After everything that happened—my first boyfriend, my first time, my first breakup—jumping back into the dating game seemed like the least healthy thing I could do. It’s not that I didn't want to fall in love again, since that’s about the best feeling ever. But as a busy college premed still raw from heartbreak, which is the worst feeling ever, I figured I’d lie low for a while. Of course, as soon as I stopped looking for someone, an impossibly amazing—and devastatingly cute—guy came along, and I learned that having a new boyfriend is the quickest way to recover from losing your old one.

The moment we got together, all my preconceptions about romance and sex were turned upside down. I discovered physical and emotional firsts I never knew existed. I learned to let go of my past by living in the present. It was thrilling. It was hot. It was just what the doctor ordered.

But I couldn’t avoid my future forever.

This book. This book is so real. I just had to state that before writing anything else because it's so true. Do you know how a lot of YA books feature an amazing love story that gives readers false hope about real relationships? Sure, sometimes that's just what we need! But Anatomy of a Single Girl sets the truth straight in the best way possible. This lovely book shows the readers that life and relationships aren't always perfect but can be great learning experiences.

After being in college a few years myself, I've definitely witnessed the types of "relationships" that Dom and Guy displayed. I'm not saying that a reader needs to experience a "friends with benefits" type of relationship, but relationships in general are important for finding out what type of person you want to be and what type of person you want to be with.

Overall, I really enjoyed Anatomy of a Single Girl. It was a super quick, amusing read that will keep you interested. The only thing I would change about this book is the length and depth. If it was a bit longer and had more depth, I think I would've connected (emotionally) more to Dom and the other characters. Other than that, I definitely recommend Anatomy of a Single Girl to anyone looking for a light read or someone in a situation similar to Dom's.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Release Date: May, 2011
Source: BEA
Edition: Hardcover
Pages: 402
Rating: A

Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out.

I don't think I've ever read a book I didn't enjoy by Sarah Dessen. This woman can literally write about staring at a wall and it would still be an interesting read. With that said, of course, I enjoyed every page of What Happened to Goodbye.

What Happened to Goodbye is a character driven novel (just like many other of Dessen's) that comes with such a unique charm. Whenever I start reading one of her novels, I remember why I adore her so much. The writing is so simple and flows beautifully.

I loved how Mclean's world revolved around something as simple as a restaurant. It almost reminded me of Luke's Diner from Gilmore Girls, and come on. Who doesn't love Luke's Diner? Usually I crave some type of romance when I read YA, but there isn't a ton in Dessen's novels and I'm alright with that. She makes it captivating enough with other issues involving friendships and family.

What Happened to Goodbye is basically the perfect summer read for anyone that is craving something comfortable. It's not a very eventful novel but at the same time it's still entertaining and fun to read. If you've never read a novel by Sarah Dessen, I highly recommend you do so and while I adore all of her novels, What Happened to Goodbye is definitely in my top 3.



Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance

Publisher: Egmont
Source: Publicist
Edition: ARC
Pages: 304
Rating: A-

Fields’ Rule #1: Don’t fall for the enemy.

Berry Fields is not looking for a boyfriend. She’s busy trailing cheaters and liars in her job as a private investigator, collecting evidence of the affairs she’s sure all men commit. And thanks to a pepper spray incident during an eighth grade game of spin the bottle, the guys at her school are not exactly lining up to date her, either.

So when arrogant—and gorgeous—Tanner Halston rolls into town and calls her “nothing amazing,” it’s no loss for Berry. She’ll forget him in no time. She’s more concerned with the questions surfacing about her mother’s death.

But why does Tanner seem to pop up everywhere in her investigation, always getting in her way? Is he trying to stop her from discovering the truth, or protecting her from an unknown threat? And why can’t Berry remember to hate him when he looks into her eyes?

With a playful nod to Jane Austen, Spies and Prejudice will captivate readers as love and espionage collide.

Okay, so if I'm going to be honest here... I should tell you all that I've never read Pride and Prejudice (don't hate me!) I do own it... I've just never had to read it yet for college and I'm always more captivated by the lovely YA out there. But there's good news! You can still enjoy Spies and Prejudice without having any knowledge of Jane Austen's most popular novel.

On page 4 of reading Spies and Prejudice, I knew I was going to love it. It already stole my attention and wasn't planning on giving it back. Every few pages I was finding the most hilarious and clever quotes. Talia Vance either took a really long time to come up with some of the jokes and cleverness that's entwined  in Spies and Prejudice, or she's just a natural comedian. Either way, I was giggling and smiling throughout most of the book.

The friendships and romances throughout the book were fun and imperfectly perfect. Mary Chris Moss ([GET IT?!] Berry's best friend) was probably my favorite character of the whole book and sincerely wish I knew someone like her. Tanner was sometimes predictable but still adorable to read about. The romance was perfectly balanced and wasn't over the top, which is a huge plus!

The only issue I had with Spies and Prejudice was the ending. Not even the whole ending! I was just easily distracted towards the end which usually means the book isn't catching my attention as much as I wish it would. It was dragging on and I had to force myself to keep reading. But I promise, this didn't last very long. Eventually I was flipping the pages at a steady pace and needing to know what was going to happen.

Overall, besides the dragging towards the end, I really enjoyed Spies and Prejudice and look forward to reading more of Talia Vance's work. I love when a book can make me laugh out loud and physically smile, and Spies and Prejudice did that.