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bandherbooks's Reviews (3.65k)
This started out promising, but I grew tired of the sheer amount of coincidence that was used to advance the plot line. Also, a dystopia set in Chicago and the two main characters happen to speak French? Eh. I think someone just really wanted to show off their language chops. Set this in Louisiana and have it be Creole...sure.
Much like the second book in this series, Blood Magick was repetitive. Focusing far more on battles and rhyming magick incantations than the actual romance between Finn and Branna or even the friendships between the other characters, I just didn't feel super connected to these folks as I normally am with Roberts works. I feel the time spent on the supernatural elements cheated the dialogue and character development. I still enjoyed the trilogy, but definitely not my favorite by far. I much prefer her contemporaries.
BUT gotta say the cover and packaging of this novel is simply gorgeous.
BUT gotta say the cover and packaging of this novel is simply gorgeous.
Anna's father, a famous author of sappy tragic romances (who I picture as Nicholas Sparks) decides she needs to be more cultured and spend her senior year of High School at a Paris boarding school. Anna is less than thrilled to uproot her whole life, leaving behind her crush, her little brother, her mom, and her awesome job at the local Cineplex. Despite knowing no French (and thankfully being enrolled in an American/English language boarding school) Anna soon makes friends, and finds out maybe a cute boy named Etienne will make the whole thing worth it. But, oops, he has a girlfriend...
I really had fun reading this, and enjoyed seeing how each character worked out his/her issues. I loved seeing Anna grow up and grow to love her new life, and her banter with Etienne was hilarious, steamy, and super cute. Her adorkable geeky-ness was really endearing and I loved that she was a movie buff and aspiring film critic.
What prevented me from giving this an additional star was the whole "I have a girlfriend but sure I'll sleep in your bed, hold your hand, spend all sorts of time with you but not break up with her" baloney. Yes, boys do this, but usually (always) boys who do this don't ever dump the girl for you, and if they do they will probably pull the same crap on you in the future. Buyer beware! I was like seriously Etienne, get it together dump the girl already! I am glad though that Anna explored her options and didn't spend the entire book pining away a la Bella Swan. Good girl. Smooch ALL the boys :)
I really had fun reading this, and enjoyed seeing how each character worked out his/her issues. I loved seeing Anna grow up and grow to love her new life, and her banter with Etienne was hilarious, steamy, and super cute. Her adorkable geeky-ness was really endearing and I loved that she was a movie buff and aspiring film critic.
What prevented me from giving this an additional star was the whole "I have a girlfriend but sure I'll sleep in your bed, hold your hand, spend all sorts of time with you but not break up with her" baloney. Yes, boys do this, but usually (always) boys who do this don't ever dump the girl for you, and if they do they will probably pull the same crap on you in the future. Buyer beware! I was like seriously Etienne, get it together dump the girl already! I am glad though that Anna explored her options and didn't spend the entire book pining away a la Bella Swan. Good girl. Smooch ALL the boys :)
This is very similar to Rock Me by Cherrie Lynn. Bad boy, tattooed (and tattoo artist) Rule is a self-proclaimed manwhore. Shaw is pre-Med, blonde, innocent, and has been in love with Rule since she was 15. Everyone thinks she was Rule's now dead twin's girl, but she has always been in love with Rule. He never noticed her lust for him until one drunken night (and one scandolous outfit) changes everything.
Again, so very similar to a different book I've already read, but it was ok.
Again, so very similar to a different book I've already read, but it was ok.
**Actual rating 3.5 stars.
When Eleanor walks in on her boyfriend giving it to another girl and then receives a phone call summoning her to her Aunt's estate in England all in the same day, she leaves NYC with barely a look back. She is soon embroiled in a mystery involving the women in her family, Emily Bronte, and a new guy named Meadowscarp Macleod (just another way to say Heathcliff)... Is Eleanor actually seeing ghosts? What will she do once she inherits this massive estate on the English moors? Will she commit the same mistakes generations of women before her have made?
Very atmospheric, very beautifully written, but at times I was like really? Ghosts? Descendant of Emily Bronte's fake love child? More ghosts? But then I was like oh, hot English guy building a library? Wandering the moors? MOORS! Rain! Sexy-time on the MOORS IN THE RAIN!? OK - suckered in. Fun, gloomy, yet romantically satisfying. A nice, easy read for a dreary start to summer.
When Eleanor walks in on her boyfriend giving it to another girl and then receives a phone call summoning her to her Aunt's estate in England all in the same day, she leaves NYC with barely a look back. She is soon embroiled in a mystery involving the women in her family, Emily Bronte, and a new guy named Meadowscarp Macleod (just another way to say Heathcliff)... Is Eleanor actually seeing ghosts? What will she do once she inherits this massive estate on the English moors? Will she commit the same mistakes generations of women before her have made?
Very atmospheric, very beautifully written, but at times I was like really? Ghosts? Descendant of Emily Bronte's fake love child? More ghosts? But then I was like oh, hot English guy building a library? Wandering the moors? MOORS! Rain! Sexy-time on the MOORS IN THE RAIN!? OK - suckered in. Fun, gloomy, yet romantically satisfying. A nice, easy read for a dreary start to summer.
**Reviewed from a free copy received from the publisher.
Actual rating 3.5 stars
Super cute story of Alek, a 14 year old Armenian-American who's being forced into summer school by his over-bearing (and oh so loveable) parents in hopes of earning a place in his high school's honor program. Of course, most of the summer school attendees aren't of the over-achiever variety, and surfer hair Ethan is no exception. Immediately drawn to him, Alex surprisingly realizes that he wants more than friendship, and Ethan does too. Cue romantic NYC date-montage, some steamy make-outs, and of course, a parental walk-in moment. Can Alek's tradition parents accept Alek for who he really is?
Pretty fantastic handling of a boy meets boy romance. Refreshingly, Alek never had an identity crisis after discovering he likes boys. He simply rolled with it, and found a great romance. I also was pleased by the depiction of Alek's relationship with his parents. They felt like true part of the story, and acted like real parents. Their surprising (and also refreshing) handling of the entire situation was simply amazing. The exploration of Alek's Armenian heritage and the Armenian Genocide during WWI will also be enlightening to many who are unaware. Also, great descriptions of Armenian food - left me hungry.
A great book to recommend to young teen readers; I wouldn't necessarily recommend this to adult readers of YA as it did at times feel like an after-school special and was a bit twee for my jaded self.
Actual rating 3.5 stars
Super cute story of Alek, a 14 year old Armenian-American who's being forced into summer school by his over-bearing (and oh so loveable) parents in hopes of earning a place in his high school's honor program. Of course, most of the summer school attendees aren't of the over-achiever variety, and surfer hair Ethan is no exception. Immediately drawn to him, Alex surprisingly realizes that he wants more than friendship, and Ethan does too. Cue romantic NYC date-montage, some steamy make-outs, and of course, a parental walk-in moment. Can Alek's tradition parents accept Alek for who he really is?
Pretty fantastic handling of a boy meets boy romance. Refreshingly, Alek never had an identity crisis after discovering he likes boys. He simply rolled with it, and found a great romance. I also was pleased by the depiction of Alek's relationship with his parents. They felt like true part of the story, and acted like real parents. Their surprising (and also refreshing) handling of the entire situation was simply amazing. The exploration of Alek's Armenian heritage and the Armenian Genocide during WWI will also be enlightening to many who are unaware. Also, great descriptions of Armenian food - left me hungry.
A great book to recommend to young teen readers; I wouldn't necessarily recommend this to adult readers of YA as it did at times feel like an after-school special and was a bit twee for my jaded self.
**Review based on an ARC received for free for an honest review from www.netgalley.com
Kennedy is the marketing manager for a matchmaking service and is constantly on the lookout for her next challenge. When she lands new client, astrophysicist Ned (soon re-christened Nate), she's in for the biggest challenge of her career. Can she transform this socially awkward geek with the heart-of-gold so he can find a soul mate? Or, will she fall for him in the process?
That is the simple explanation for this novel which sets up like a My Fair Lady, but surprisingly there is so much more to love. I thought this would be twee, but I actually really enjoyed the ride! Both the main characters had depth, hang-ups, and loveable flaws. I was a bit dubious of Kennedy's body issues (she was formerly a self-described fat girl) and her sexual assault, but Probst deftly handled all of it and made it real and not just a plot-driver. Nate's handling of the situation was also exemplary for a man in a romance novel.
There was also lots of light-hearted moments, fun dialog, and funny references to Nate's 'research methods' into the female psyche (he reads Cosmo and erotica like 50 Shades of Grey), so when we find out he is killer in the sack (despite lack of a lot of real experience)it doesn't seem fake.
Read while you are working out, you won't be too disappointed.
Kennedy is the marketing manager for a matchmaking service and is constantly on the lookout for her next challenge. When she lands new client, astrophysicist Ned (soon re-christened Nate), she's in for the biggest challenge of her career. Can she transform this socially awkward geek with the heart-of-gold so he can find a soul mate? Or, will she fall for him in the process?
That is the simple explanation for this novel which sets up like a My Fair Lady, but surprisingly there is so much more to love. I thought this would be twee, but I actually really enjoyed the ride! Both the main characters had depth, hang-ups, and loveable flaws. I was a bit dubious of Kennedy's body issues (she was formerly a self-described fat girl) and her sexual assault, but Probst deftly handled all of it and made it real and not just a plot-driver. Nate's handling of the situation was also exemplary for a man in a romance novel.
There was also lots of light-hearted moments, fun dialog, and funny references to Nate's 'research methods' into the female psyche (he reads Cosmo and erotica like 50 Shades of Grey), so when we find out he is killer in the sack (despite lack of a lot of real experience)it doesn't seem fake.
Read while you are working out, you won't be too disappointed.
**Review based on an ARC received for free from www.netgalley.com
When 18 year old Olivia falls in love for the first time, she didn't think it would be with a girl, and especially not the girl her twin brother Liam is dating.
The brother/sister/girl love triangle kind of made me feel sketchy as I read this (although it was never really clear if bro actually kissed or did anything with Zoey), and I'm not sure if I was glad the girls weren't too confused by being attracted to each other (although it was a first for both of them) or if it was unbelievable. This was very short, so not much of a time commitment, but also meant there wasn't enough time to really flesh out the characters or the struggles. The ending also wrapped up so neatly as to be completely unbelievable.
Cute enough romance to add to your YA collection, but not anything earth shattering or "can't be missed." There are better LGBT romances out there.
When 18 year old Olivia falls in love for the first time, she didn't think it would be with a girl, and especially not the girl her twin brother Liam is dating.
The brother/sister/girl love triangle kind of made me feel sketchy as I read this (although it was never really clear if bro actually kissed or did anything with Zoey), and I'm not sure if I was glad the girls weren't too confused by being attracted to each other (although it was a first for both of them) or if it was unbelievable. This was very short, so not much of a time commitment, but also meant there wasn't enough time to really flesh out the characters or the struggles. The ending also wrapped up so neatly as to be completely unbelievable.
Cute enough romance to add to your YA collection, but not anything earth shattering or "can't be missed." There are better LGBT romances out there.
**I received a free copy from www.netgalley.com for a fair review.
Um, what just happened to me? Did I seriously just read a book called "Wallbanger" and ENJOY it?! Silly title aside, this story was hilarious, adorable, and totally fun. Not to mention it surprised me at ever turn, throwing most of the trope-y romance novel bullshit out of the window and never taking itself too seriously. Caroline is a strong lady with her own career, in charge of her sexuality, and not afraid to tell a guy what she wants, be it in life or in the bedroom. And Simon, even Caroline misjudges him. He may have many lady lovers, but he knows all of their names, knows what they want, and is actually friends with them. Caroline also has a past, which is great. No wilting unrealistic virgin here.
The best part, these two spend the majority of the book flirting, getting to know each other, and NOT having a sex. And that my friends, is super hot.
Oh, and don't forget Clive the kitty. He's pretty adorbs too.
Seriously seriously surprised by this one. My major gripe was the terrible editing and lack of capital letters in my egalley copy, but I can only assume the real version was tightened up. Also, addressing and talking to your orgasm as a proper noun ("o") as well as other body parts like "Brain" and "LC" (I'll let you figure out what that one means) got a bit annoying, but ah well. Not even close to as terrible as the "inner goddess" from a different series.
Quote from an uncorrected eGalley and may change.
Um, what just happened to me? Did I seriously just read a book called "Wallbanger" and ENJOY it?! Silly title aside, this story was hilarious, adorable, and totally fun. Not to mention it surprised me at ever turn, throwing most of the trope-y romance novel bullshit out of the window and never taking itself too seriously. Caroline is a strong lady with her own career, in charge of her sexuality, and not afraid to tell a guy what she wants, be it in life or in the bedroom. And Simon, even Caroline misjudges him. He may have many lady lovers, but he knows all of their names, knows what they want, and is actually friends with them. Caroline also has a past, which is great. No wilting unrealistic virgin here.
The best part, these two spend the majority of the book flirting, getting to know each other, and NOT having a sex. And that my friends, is super hot.
"Sure, we could've raced right back to the bedroom that night and let the sex ring out across the city for days, but Simon and I, without saying a word, seemed to be on the same page for once, and were content to let this unfold. He was wooing me, and I was letting him woo. I wanted the woo. I deserved the woo.
Oh, and don't forget Clive the kitty. He's pretty adorbs too.
Seriously seriously surprised by this one. My major gripe was the terrible editing and lack of capital letters in my egalley copy, but I can only assume the real version was tightened up. Also, addressing and talking to your orgasm as a proper noun ("o") as well as other body parts like "Brain" and "LC" (I'll let you figure out what that one means) got a bit annoying, but ah well. Not even close to as terrible as the "inner goddess" from a different series.
Quote from an uncorrected eGalley and may change.
Fans of the alpha-male meets innocent and troubled young ingenue will find much to like in Carrie Lofty's Blue Notes. The Louisiana music school setting was unique enough to keep me reading, but I found the romance itself a bit been there done that for my personal tastes. However, the writing is sparkling and it is perfect for a quick beach read.