Little Stories

Ali Collins’s life is falling apart. The only things that she has left is her house which is being taken away due to her absentee father’s bad choices and the 1968 Firebird 400 that was her father’s prize possession that was bequeathed to her upon his death. The car might just be the thing she needs to put her life back together; there is only one problem, she can’t drive stick. He ex-boyfriend, Nico, can though and together they embark on the road trip of a lifetime. Together they find the bits and pieces Ali thought she lost a lifetime ago. What could possibly go wrong when you go on a road trip with your ex anyway?

I. Loved. This. Book. It was poignant yet hopeful. The writing just pulls you and captivates you. I did not want to put it down. Ali is the perfect example of a deeply flawed heroine. She harbors a lot of anger and resentment towards both her ex-boyfriend and her father, Jackson. She is also (in my opinion) quite the unreliable narrator. Because of the anger she carries she her world view is a bit cloudy when it comes to her own life and the events in it, but even then I felt a connection to Ali and what she was going trough. I understood why she felt the way she felt and did what she did, not only because she was narrating so the ready gets and intense look into her mindset, but also because I understand her feelings of frustration and betrayal. Nico is also a pretty flawed character, but you never dislike him (at least not the way Ali would like). I really rooted for him, because for all of his flaws he is a good guy, especially for Ali. He pushes her where she needs to go, but doesn’t push enough to be overbearing. The heart of this book is about adventure, finding your truth and most importantly learning how to let go and forgive.

I would recommend it to really anybody but I think especially for those who are looking for answers in their lives. This is defiantly on my favorites of 2019 list (the first book I read this year to be added!).

Romeo and Juliet is The Love Story, the greatest love story the world has ever know, the love story that has inspired generations of writers and lovers alike, but what if it was all a lie? What if Romeo wasn’t the guy Juliet thought he was? Romeo destroys the love he and Juliet once share to fight for the Mercenaries while Juliet chooses the Ambassadors. Juliet fights for soulmates while Romeo fights to destroy them. On their latest mission Juliet is borrowing the body of a girl named Ariel while Romeo has taken the life of a boy named Dylan to have his body, but this mission is different the the others. Juliet has to choose between love and hell all while making sure the soulmates she was sent to protect end up together.

I loved this book! The characters were well rounded and fleshed out. Although Romeo/Dylan was the antagonist throughout the novel the reader still felt for him in the parts I needed to feel him. I loved Juliet/Ariel and it was interesting to see Ariel’s life through Juliet’s eyes. It kinda makes me wonder what somebody would see if they took over my life. Juliet was thoughtful and compassionate. She was definitely struggling with the cards she was dealt, but trying to make the most of it. Romeo was a great villain. He was charming and charismatic, while also being blood thirsty and terrifying. Think Gaston as a serial killer. The imagery was also incredible. I have read a couple different Romeo and Juliet retellings (or inspired works) and this one just had such a dark and almost gruesome twist to it it was refreshing and made my little Gothic heart flutter.

As much as I loved the first book in the duo I don’t think I will be reading the second one (Romeo Redeemed) mostly cause I personally felt to story had ended and was all wrapped and technically speaking it it. Romeo Redeemed is about Romeo and his journey rather then Juliet. A much as I love Romeo as a antagonist I don’t feel connected enough to him to be a protagonist.

Logan McRae has landed a dream internship at CRUSH Magazine thanks to her well connected mentor Henry Jaffa. Logan is deferment to prove herself to the editor in chief Stacey and maybe even land a astrology column, but first she has to keep Arianna Woods, the cover model and over all train wreck, from complete disaster the night of the big costume launch party. On top of that Logan’s relationship with cute Taurus Jeremy seems to have come to a sudden halt, much like her parents relationship. Can Logan astrology once more to save the launch party and win back her wayward boyfriend or is this Gemini Night going to end in disaster and disappointment?

I have got to say that reading this book has be a struggle to say the absolute least. I’m amazed I forced myself to finish it. To me the books get steadily worse as you go through them. This once just felt forced. I didn’t care about any of the characters. All of the characters are pretty flat and one dimensional except for Logan, who even as the main character is only like 2D at best. There was even a point in the book where the antagonist (if we can even call her that she was mainly just a bitch who did nothing for the plot) was spreading a rumor that Logan was a witch who practiced witchcraft and the school was just like sounds right. All the adults were really apprehensive about astrology but never gave an explanation as to why. The plot was at time nonsensical and there were plot points that literally didn’t matter. Honestly there are quite a bit of plot holes throughout the trilogy. Another thing that really bothered me is that there was adults literally acting like children and even hitting on children (the celebrity chef is supposedly 21 and is hitting on a 17 year old). The climax wasn’t very climatic and really the whole thing to me was just dull and I’m a pretty easy to please reader. I think I would have liked this a lot more 10 years ago when I was 13 but as a 23 year old it was just disappointing.

I love the premise as a whole, but in my opinion the writing was poorly executed throughout the trilogy. It lacked detail and cohesion and it lacked that special something that just makes a reader connected to a book. Over all I rate the trilogy a 5/10 and I rate book 3 a 3/10.

This is the second book in the Star Crossed trilogy and Logan McRea is finally heading toward Monterey Bay and her dream fellowship with world renowned paranormal author Henry Jaffa. Although not everything is as Logan imagines it when she arrives. Between Jaffa scrambling everybody’s article topics and the confusing yet totally hot Jeremy, Logan needs Fearless Astrology more then ever. She uses her pondering Aquarian nature to uncover the truth behind the supposed haunting by famous pop musician, Sean Baylor and win over Jaffa. The only thing standing in her way is fiery Aries Vanessa who seems to have it out for her and her very conflicting feelings for Jeremy.

Okay so here’s the tea about this book… I liked it but I did not love it. If you look on my good reads I rate the book a 4 stars cause I knew what it was. This series as a whole is geared toward the preteen crowd and not really for older teen and young adult readers. There were times while I was reading this that I felt like I missed something. The mood and the tone would suddenly change for really no reason. I get the author was trying to make it seem more suspenseful and get the reader on the edge of their seats, but in all honesty it just doesn’t work. There were a couple of situations that it just didn’t jive well and it felt choppy and underdeveloped and really just out of place. The character development was pretty on point. Logan got more confident; the love interest was dreamy, although his development was a bit strange feeling to me. He was somewhere between a flat underdeveloped character and a developed one. He just wasn’t quite there for me.

So far this series as a whole is just been kinda meh for me. I have started on the third book and this will be my first time reading the third book (The first two I read when I was younger). So the first two as rereads are eh. I loved them when I was 13 but 10 years later they don’t particularly hold up.

Note: I finished this book on the second and then started writing this on the second and then got side tracked and forgot about it and then remembered and finished writing on the 9th.

Well it’s the second day of 2019 and I have finished my first book of the year! Now only 239 more to go. I have also crossed the first book off of the PopSugar Challenge list (goodbye prompt 33! One down 49 more to go).

Logan McRae is you average high school sophomore who wants nothing more then to land the University of California at
Monterey Bay fellowship and of course the guy. The only thing standing in her way is Mr. Franklin, affectionately know as Mr. Frankenstein who decides the fellowship winner , and Geneva Hamilton, the beautiful editor of the school newspaper who also has the hots for Nathan. That’s when Logan discovers Fearless Astrology in a trunk of her mothers old things and unlocks a whole new world. Armed with the book and her two besties, Chili and Paige, Logan is out to win the fellowship, Nathan, and unmask the Gears. The Gears are a group of troublemakers that have been terrorizing the school with pranks that push the boundaries.

This is my second read of this book and it holds up. I love Logan as a character. Shes driven and shes got a good heart. Her reasons for wanting the fellowship are at first a bit eh but she eventually gets to the root of why she wants it. “Her writing” also seems a bit week to me especially somebody in journalism and who wants a journalism fellowship. Her firsts drafts were always better in my opinion. As a fellow Gemini I absolutely love Chili! She’s outgoing, talkative, and caring, plus shes got some wicked style. Then there is Paige who is basically just a pure little cinnamon roll (who has a pension for tattooed older men, which now that I am 23 is a bit strange cause as a sophomore you are 15-16 years old and her love interest is in junior college so 18-19 years old which is a bit illegal). The friendship between the three girls is actually how I wish more female friendships were portrayed not only in books but in all media. They were supportive of each other and embraced each others similarities and differences. The antagonist, Geneva, is a fairly good one. Shes smart, cunning, and undeniably pretty. She reminds me of a few girls I went to high school with. Then there is the love interest Nathan, which if I am being completely honest not that big of a fan. Unlike most of the leading men in the novels I read hes kinda just blah. I didn’t find myself “shipping” their relationship nor did I find him to be a good match for out Logan. He was just a tad to dull and a lot to narcissistic.

Overall a really good start to my little project, the year and the trilogy. I am still in the mood for early 2000s books that I would have/or did read when i was in junior high or freshman year in high school that are just kinda cheesy and a super easy read and this book definitely fits that to a T. I would recommend it if you are into that sort of thing but I would not just offhandedly recommend it to somebody who was asking for a recommendation.

So as I have already written about one of my goals is to read at least 60% of my owned library (and review them so expect a lot of reviews coming). One of the ways I am going to accomplish this is by participating in the PopSugar 2019 Reading Challenge (https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Reading-Challenge-2019-45450968?stream_view=1#photo-45479364). A good number of the prompts fit with books I currently own and it pushes me out of my literary comfort zone. So I wanted to do a post about what books I picked for the categories in case anybody wanted to know and to hopefully keep me accountable. Another extra challenge to the challenge that I have added is that if the book is part of a series or trilogy I have to read all the books in the series/trilogy.

1. Becoming a Movie in 2019. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. The film starring Elle Fanning will be released sometime in 2019.
2. That Makes You Nostalgic. Losing Forever By Gayle Friesen. I read this book to death when I was a kid and it just has a special place in my heart.
3. Written By a Musician. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. Albom is apparently in a band with Stephen King, Maya Angelou and several other notable writers called Rock Bottom Reminders. Who Knew?
4. That You Think Should be a Movie. Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck. Along with the four other novels in the series Tiger’s Quest, Tiger’s Voyage, Tiger’s Destiny, and Tiger’s Dream would make some fantastic blockbuster movies. Just saying.
5. With at Least 1 Million Ratings on Goodreads. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
6. With a Plant in the Title or on the Cover. Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout. The girl on the cover is laying on the ground in what looks like a cluster of ferns so it counts.
7. Reread of Favorite Book. Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn. Honestly my favorite book behind Peter Pan.
8. About a Hobby. The New Tea Companion: A Guide to Teas throughout the World by Jane Pettigrew. I love a good cup of tea!
9. You Meant to Read in 2018. Caraval by Stephanie Garber. My friend has been bugging me to read this, and its sequel Legendary, for months. I will probably read it sometime in late April early May because that when the last book, aptly named Finale, comes out.
10. With “Pop,” “Sugar,” or “Challenge” in the Title. Sugar Skulls by Lisa Mantchev.
11. With and Item of Clothing or Accessory on the Cover. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins. My copy has a string of pearls on it so I would say it counts. I will also be reading Miss Mayhem and Lady Renegades, which coincidentally have a dress and a glove on the covers respectively.
12. Inspired by Mythology, Legend, or Folklore. Grendel by John Gardner. This a telling a Beowulf through the eyes of Grendel.
13. Published Posthumously. Go Set the Watchman by Harper Lee. I tried my best not to pick sequels to fill the prompts but I just really want to read this and it fits. I will be reading To Kill a Mockingbird before I read this.
14. You have Seen Someone Reading on TV. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin. This is on Roy Gilmore’s reading list so even if they did not actually show her reading it they talked about her reading it so I count it.  
15. A Retelling of a Classic. Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George. I went with a retelling of a classic fairytale for this one. I will also be reading Princess of Glass and Princess of the Silver Woods.
16. With a Question in the Tittle. Am I Normal Yet? By Holly Bourne as well as the two other novels How Hard Can Love Be? and What’s a Girl Gotta Do?
17. Set on a College Campus. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. The Trilogy takes place at Oxford University. The other two books are Shadow of Night and The Book of Life.
18. About Someone with a Superpower.  Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood. I totally count having magical abilities to be a superpower especially in a non-magic setting. Star Cursed and Sister’s Fate complete the series.
19. Told from Multiple POVs. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell. The sequel to which, Wayward Son, comes out later this year.
20. Set in Space. Plus One by Elizabeth Fama.
21. By Two Female Authors. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Ann Shaffer and Annie Borrows. I want to read this and then watch the Netflix movie.
22. Title that contains “Salty,” “Sweet,” “Bitter,” or “Spicy.” Sweet Black Waves by Kristina Perez. Plus its sequel, Wild Savage Stars.
23. Set in Scandinavia. The Library of Shadows by Mikkel Birkegaard. I am actually excited about this one.
24. Takes Place in a Single Day. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith. This is actually one of my favorites by her.
25. Debut Novel. The 100 by Kass Morgan. Day 21, Homecoming and Rebellion finish out the series. I love the TV show!
26. Book that is Published in 2019. Tarot by Marissa Kennerson.
27. Featuring an Extinct or Imaginary Creature. Land of the Lost Mammoths: A Science Adventure by Mike Davis. Although it is not sited as a sequel, I will also be reading Pirates, Bats, and Dragons: A Science Adventure because it continues the story with the same characters and that’s sequel in my book.
28. Recommended by a Celebrity you admire. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. Reece Witherspoon recommends this.
29. With “Love” in the title. Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay.
30. Featuring an Amateur Detective. Midnight in the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew J. Sullivan.
31. About a Family. Born of Illusion by Teri Brown. It is about a mother and daughter so I say it counts. I will also be reading Born of Deception, which is the sequel novel.
32. Written by an Author from Asia, Africa, or South America. The Kindness of Enemies by Leila Aboulela.  
33. With a Zodiac Sign or Astrology Term in the Title. Aries Rising By Bonnie Hearn Hill. Along with Taurus Eyes and Gemini Night.
34. That Includes a Wedding. Once in a While by Sarah Dessen. I feel like this counts because the main characters mother is a wedding planner so I expect there will be many weddings.  
35. Book by an Author Whose First and Last Names Start with the Same Letter. The Vanishing by Wendy Webb.
36. A Ghost Story. The Fate of Mercy Alban by Wendy Webb. Yes, it is the same author from the previous prompt but it works.
37. With a Two Word Title. The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead. I am counting it because “the” is like a non-word word, right? Midnight Jewel and The Emerald Sea round out the Trilogy.
38. Based on a True Story. If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home By Tim O’Brian. This one is going to make me cry.
39. Revolving around a Puzzle or Game. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I will also be reading Catching Fire and Mockingjay.
40. Your Favorite Past Prompt. Sweep Vol 1 by Cate Tiernan. There are five volumes in the series each containing three books.
41. A “Cli-Fi” (Climate Fiction) Book. Legend by Marie Lu. While the climate destruction is subtle in this trilogy, the other two novels being Prodigy and Champion, it counts.
42. A “Choose-Your-Own-Adventure” Book. My Lady’s Choosing: An Interactive Romance Novel by Kitty Curran. I think I am really going to enjoy this novel. Also fun fact my mom’s nickname is Kitty.
43. An “Own Voices” Book. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. Honestly I am not 100% what this genre is but there is a very helpful group on goodreads about this challenge and they have discussions for each prompt and Six of Crows was recommended for the prompt and I was like I own that! I will also read Crooked Kingdom.
44. Read a Book During the Season it is Set in. Kringle by Tony Abbott. It is a reimagining of the origins of Christmas. Therefore, it will probably be the last book I read for the Challenge.
45. A LitRPG Book. The Land: Founding by Aleron Kong along with The Land: Forging, The Land: Alliances, The Land: Catacombs, The Land: Swarm, The Land: Raiders, The Land: Predators. Honestly, I am most nervous about this series mostly because it does not seem like something I would like, but hopefully they surprise me.
46. No Chapters, Unusual Chapter Headings, or Unconventionally Numbered Chapters. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman. The story telling in this trilogy, the other novels being Gemina and Obsidio, is supposed to be unusual and the story sounds like it really sucks you in so I am excited to read it.
47. Two Books by the Same Name (1). Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. I am a HUGE Wicked fan, so I am actually excited to read the books that the musical is based on. The other books in the series are Son of a Witch, A Lion Among Men, and Out of Oz.
48. Two Books by the Same Name (2). Wicked by
    Jennifer L. Armentrout. Even though I have never read any of her books, Armentrout has made it on the list twice. Therefore, I really like the covers of her books apparently. Torn and Brave are the other two books in the Wicked Trilogy.
49. That has Inspires a Common Phrase or Idiom. “Hello my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” For this one I am reading The Princess Bride by William Goldman if you could not tell.
50. Set in an Abbey, Cloister, Monastery, Vicarage, or Convent. The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. I have heard good things about this one so fingers crossed.

So for those of you keeping track when I complete the challenge I will have read 100 books. Which leaves me 140 left to reach my goal. I going to go start brewing the coffee now.

I have been a fan of Brittani Louise Taylor for about 6 or 7 years (she follows me on Twitter and its the highlight of my life!). For those of you may not know who she is she is a American YouTuber and now author. She makes vlog style videos about her day to day life in Arizona with her mother and son, she also make skit videos and song parodies. I discovered her videos in high school and just fell in love. Shes funny and witty and her videos never failed to brighten some pretty dark days. 

 Her new memoir is about the dangers of online dating and really knowing your significant other. About 2 or 3 years ago Taylor uploaded a video to her YouTube channel entitled I’m Engaged and Pregnant (not clickbait) where we, her audience,  were introduced to her future husband and baby daddy, Milosh. Fast forward about a year give or take and Milosh suddenly disappeared from her vlog content and her audience and the rest of the internet quickly began to speculate as to the reasons behind the break up (non of which actually lived up to what happened). She posted a couple of vague videos in which she stated that she was unable to talk about it and that answers would come in time. Unfortunately I cannot remember for the life of me when she announced A Sucky Love Story: Overcoming Unhappily Ever After , but now its here and wholly moly is it a roller coaster. I consumed this book a bit differently then I usually consume books as I listened to this one instead of reading it. I am not usually the biggest fan of audio books but there is something about listening to the author of a memoir (Taylor herself narrated the book) tell their story that makes in better. Taylor tried to interject as much humor into a book that is about a increasingly scary and traumatic situation. I didn’t know what to expect when I started listening, but is sure wasn’t what I got. I laughed at parts and cried at others and at others I found myself gasping in horror and shaking my head in disbelief. 

Everybody needs to hear Taylor’s story mostly cause of how often it occurs and how just about every women can relate to in some form or fashion. Its a story about survival, betrayal and learning to move on.  Honestly one of the best books I have read this year.