Review: What If

Reviewer: Kelsey
Author: Rebecca Donovan
Format: ebook (Maybe)
Pages: 352
Rating: 6 out of 10

Summary (Thanks, Goodreads): What if you had a second chance to meet someone for the first time?

Cal Logan is shocked to see Nicole Bentley sitting across from him at a coffee shop thousands of miles from their hometown. After all, no one has seen or heard from her since they graduated over a year ago.

Except this girl isn't Nicole.

She looks exactly like Cal's shy childhood crush, but her name is Nyelle Preston and she has no idea who he is. This girl is impulsive and daring, her passion for life infectious. The complete opposite of Nicole. Cal finds himself utterly fascinated-and falling hard. But Nyelle is also extremely secretive. And the closer he comes to finding out what she's hiding, the less he wants to know.

When the secrets from the past and present collide, one thing becomes clear: Nothing is what it seems.

My Thoughts: I won't lie to you all, I don't remember how this book ends (I need to review faster, I know). Let's talk about what I do remember. I remember that the language fit the characters and that I bought the main character as a male. You know how sometimes authors just can't write the other sex? Yeah, that wasn't a problem here. I remember that they sounded smart and young and wild. I remember the great writing.

I remember how out of control Nyelle was. I remember wishing that I could be as different as she was. I remember being jealous of her bravery (stupidity) and wishing that I was as free. I remember wondering what her story was and being unable to figure it out at all. I remember thinking that she was a fascinating character that I wanted to keep reading about, even if she was a little annoying at times because of how she acted towards Cal.

I also remember that the representation of college in this novel was pretty accurate. I didn't question it or judge it like I do with most novels with college in it. 

The only problem is that I can't remember how it ended. How memorable could it have been? Obviously, not very. Which worries me. Why can I remember the characters and setting looking back? Why can I remember a scene on a silo (or something of that nature, high up) and a scene in a boat and the rain and being in the truck but not the conclusion of the novel. Maybe I just need to review faster, okay, I know I do, but maybe it wasn't so good in the end. I think I will reread it so that should be a positive for the book, I guess. I'm not afraid to reread the novel. I remember liking it and the characters, that must count for something.

Review: Fangirl

Reviewer: Kelsey
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 445
Rating: 7.5 out of 10 (1.5 of that is just for Levi, to be clear.)

Summary (I'm a fan of Goodreads): Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan...

But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

My Thoughts: Kristen really loved this book from what I remember. I liked it but it wasn't my favourite ever. The main reason so this is that I never got into the fan fiction parts  of the novel. That meant that I found myself skipping entire sections of the novel and that made me sad. I still couldn't make myself read it. I didn't feel like I was missing out exactly but one shouldn't really feel the need to skip large portions of a novel, right? Also, I was mad at the resolution of her lack of interest in working on her school assignment.

Why did I like the novel? Well, Levi. Levi was pretty great. Sure, he made mistakes; he's human. I loved the sass and the sarcasm and the quick wit. I loved that he was kind and willing to do anything to help people out. I loved that he lives such a different life than the one I do so his life experiences were all new to me. I also loved that he needed help. He enjoyed making other people happy and was comfortable around basically everyone, which I envy. He was just fantastic and I want one right now. 

Cath? Cath was alright. I could relate to a lot of what she felt. I like reading novels with characters who write because I enjoy that. Right away I have something to bond with them over. I also really felt for her and her family situation. 

But, honestly, I wish it hadn't been fan fiction. I couldn't care less about the fan fiction. 

Even so...it was a good book. Easy. Ends happy. I don't know. Check it out.

Review: Maybe Someday

Reviewer: Kelsey (Kristen is being stupid)
Author: Colleen Hoover
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Rating: 9 out of 10

Summary (Maybe someday Goodreads will love me back): Sydney is living in an idyllic bubble - she's a dedicated student with a steady job on the side. She lives with her best friend, has a great boyfriend, and the music coming from the balcony opposite hers is fast becoming the soundtrack to her life. But when Sydney finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her, the bubble bursts. The mysterious and attractive man behind the music, Ridge, gives Sydney hope that she can move on and they begin to write songs together. But moving on is harder than she expects, Sydney can only hope…. Maybe someday… Colleen Hoover draws you in to this passionate tale of music, love and betrayal…

My Thoughts: What? Nine out of ten isn't good enough for you? Pft...

Actually, I loved this book. I thought it was just about perfect. I don't say that often. I would read this novel 100 more times (I had to give it back to Kristen but I'm contemplating my own copy). 

First off, this novel has a soundtrack to match it which is wonderful. I loved the music as well as the idea of having music to go with it. I missed the first few songs as I was reading but I went back to listen to them later. I ended up downloading the soundtrack I liked it so much. It does a good job of putting you in the story. It really makes the novel an experience. You, of course, don't need to listen to it but I recommend it. At the very least you can say you listened to a book. I thought it added a lot of character and a lot about the characters too.

This novel was really funny. At times, I was actually laughing out loud. People around me were judging me but I don't care it was worth it. The pranks are genius and hilarious. I want to try a few. I especially love the last one that Ridge does to his buddy. Boys are entertaining. 

The writing in this is...wonderful. I need a new word. It was magnificent? Kristen says it was stupendous but it sounds too much like stupid; I don't like it. Whatever, you get the gist. It was really, super good. I love Colleen Hoover; I'll continue to read her novels. She is so talents and always seems to get emotions just right. Everything is always said at the exact right moment. Add her to the list of author's I have a writing crush on.

Each character was extremely unique. This is one of the few novels where I found that there was a motivation behind every character. They weren't ignored or skimmed over. Things were happening in the background so that you don't just learn about the main characters but the secondary ones as well. This allows for you to better understand reactions as well as the main characters through their friends. I think every writer should put more time into their secondary characters and all around back story. Also, I love how Sydney and Ridge come to communicate with each other. I love how it was all wrapped up and tied together even though the action died down quite a bit before the actual end of the story.

It switches perspective. This was well done. It wasn't awkward or off at all. I thought they could both be real people, unlike when the guy doesn't really seem like a guy.

Slight spoiler (Skip paragraph to avoid): This was my first novel with a deaf character. It was an interesting perspective. This made the novel even more unique though it was at times awkward because of how he handled certain things. I mean, maybe it's normal. I don't know because I don't even know of anybody that is deaf. I'm very interested in characters with a unique perspective. I'll have to look for some more characters like this.

Summary: This is a great love story that I want to read over and over. It made me both happy and sad. I laughed. I cried. I freaked out. It made me feel a variety of things. I recommend this book, not to any specific type of person even. Okay, maybe you should like love stories. Check it out and tell me your thoughts. I LOVE IT!

Review: Be with Me (Wait for You #2)

Reviewer: Kelsey
Author: J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)
Format: eBook
Pages: 387
Rating: 9 out of 10

Summary (I think I owe Goodreads my soul): Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she’s in love with her big brother’s best friend, but he hasn’t spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, change-your-life kiss. She got out of a terrible relationship. And now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It’s time for Plan B – college. And maybe a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.

Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he’s not telling anyone. Especially not his best friend’s incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn’t have time for a relationship. But it doesn’t help that all he can think about kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.

As they’re thrown together more and more, Jase and Tess can’t keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they’re willing to risk to be together, and what they’re willing to lose if they’re not…

Thoughts: See now, my real problem is that I don't take notes while I am reading something. I know that I had many things to say. I'm sure I would have complained about some random part of this book but right now all I can think about it that I really loved this novel. All I can think about is the fact that Jase is sassmaster and that he is hilarious. All I can think about it that the banter in this novel is wonderful. Right now, all I can think about are the plot twists that I should have seen coming but didn't because this novel was wonderfully written and I want to read it all over again.

Then again, Jase...really dude? Please, just make up your mind. I don't know how many times I've told you all that I hate when characters go back and forth. Either they should be together or they shouldn't be. I understand that there needs to be something to move the plot but I feel like in most cases, it could have been something else. If the author still wanted to make his apprehension a nice large plot piece, it could have been used in a different way. Maybe they wouldn't have been thrown together so quickly then. It would have been pretty great if Tess would have just decided she was tired of his shi...nanigans. She said she was but continued to let it happen. That just plain makes me sad. 

I feel like more could have been done with her being from an abusive relationship. It was important, yes, but it was almost secondary. It was only used as an experience through which she could relate to other characters when it really should have had more influence on how she acted, I feel. 

Final Thoughts: I really loved this novel and would totally reread it. I kept laughing at the quick wit and I'm sure Kristen was judging me but I know that she enjoyed it too. I think that if you've liked any of Jennifer Armentrout's novels, you'll like this one too. You should definitely give buying it some thought either way.

Wait For You

Reviewer: Kelsey
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout (J. Lynn)
Format: eBook
Pages: 332
Rating: 9 out of 10

Summary (never tired of waiting for Goodreads): Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

What I think: I should warn you, there be some sex in this there book. It made me slightly uncomfortable to be reading this book while in class. I was constantly worrying about Kristen sitting next to me. She has this tendency to read from the books that I'm reading but she reads it out loud. It would have been the worst kind of embarrassing. Thanks Kristen for not doing the thing.

I felt so bad for Avery (but love the unique name). She was so brave. I also felt some really bad second hand embarrassment at times. I don't want all the bad stuff that happened to Avery but I really want one of him...like now. He was perfect. He was so caring and sassy. I loved the sarcasm and that he never gave up on her but that he was always respectful and just wanted her to be happy. Cam just wanted her to be herself and to feel loved and taken care of. I want someone to take care of me.

Did I mention that I love turtles and that turtles were involved in this novel. HOWEVER, if some guy is going to get me a turtle he better freaking be prepared to clean up after the damn thing because I babysat a turtle for a friend once and not only did it smell but it was a lot of work. This experiences means that this part of the novel loses all romantic value.

I was sad that I was a small step ahead of the novel as I went. I still loved it.

I wish that I had some things that I could talk about. I wish I could say that I hated something than rant about that for a while. I wish there was something that I could violently and mercilessly tear down but, alas, there is nothing of the sort to be found in this novel. Other than the surprise sexual content (not that I minded...shhhhh, don't tell my mother), this book was brilliantly perfect. Even the names were unique.

Oh! One last thing, there is swearing in this novel which usually bothers me because it's almost always done wrong. In this case, it was done perfectly. It was just how people speak. It didn't read as awkward or uncomfortable. It read as the speech of normal college students and I loved that. Sometimes no swearing is just as awkward as swearing but in this case it was perfect.

I think I may have found a new favourite writer (she says as she begins the search for every book ever written by this author).

To End: I loved, loved, loved this novel. I will be rereading it for sure. It was cute, quick, easy, and adorable. It is a great love story. I would recommend. Kristen...urg, I don't want to say it, has some good taste.

Losing It

Reviewer: Kelsey
Author: Cora Carmack
Format: eBook
Pages: 204
Rating: 8 out of 10

Summary (Thanks GR): Virginity.

Bliss Edwards is about to graduate from college and still has hers. Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, she decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible-- a one-night stand. But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if that weren't embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She'd left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier.

What I Think: I want a Garrick but how embarrassing was this story! I had the worst second hand embarrassment ever. It was so awkward yet so funny. This book was great for going back and forth between those two things. I was very entertained by this novel. I didn't put it down until it was finished. I'm glad I didn't. I mean, the guy was perfect and it was entertainingly awkward. I also learned what to never, ever do. I mean, couldn't she just keep it in her pants. Oh, and really, was it so impossible for him to keep it in his pants that it had to be so awkward...then again, I did say I was glad it was how it was, didn't I?

I noticed though that Bliss changed a lot during this novel. It wasn't even just the virginity thing...of course, that would be a boring book. I noticed that their was a change in the way she held herself and spoke from the beginning to the end of the novel. It wasn't annoying but it was something that someone could see happening. 

Kelsey isn't a name that's used very often. It was a pleasant surprise to have a character  named after me in this novel. It was nice until I found out that she was kind of a hoe...What a let down. Can't a just have a nice character that doesn't sleep around named after me? Is that so much to ask?

I Digress: This novel was quick, easy, horribly entertaining, and the guy in it was perfect! I also love the book and play references that were used in this book especially the ones that weren't used just because she was in acting class. I think that you should go buy this book because I loved it!

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Reviewer: Kristen
My Rating: 7 out of 10

Basically, I agree with everything Kelsey has said. It was quick, funny, realistic for the most part. Garrick was basically everything someone would want in a guy, plus he has an accent. I definitely recommend this one!