Summer is officially off the market but there's no reason we can't still enjoy a novel that is the perfect kind of fluff in the autumn. Enter, Just Three Dates. David Burnett carves out a story that is fit for the afternoons spent cuddled on your couch. We all need a break from reality and what better way to do so than with a novel like Just Three Dates?
A truly perfect fit for the romantic at heart--Just Three Dates is a story of two people on the verge of giving up on love that are brought together unexpectedly. Set up by family, no less. Will opposites attract? Are these two destined to be together out of convenience or can it be love? David Burnett pulls out all the stops with this story that will surely make you feel, well, all the feels.
I'm so excited to share the blitz with you guys! To learn more about the book, David Burnett and the giveaway, follow the cut.
As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Who's a big old sucker for novels based around female friendships?
T H I S L A D Y.
I'm waving my hands around a bit manically right now. When I read the description of this delightful book, I knew I had to pick it up. Let me start off by saying that Maria Murnane has this refreshingly pretty prose to her that is incredibly satisfying. By pretty, I mean real and vibrant. You're going to love the way she explores life and friendships and so much more throughout Bridges. She's definitely someone to keep an eye out for.
What I enjoyed most--beyond the setting and the characters--is that the way Murnane writes about friendship is completely realistic and true. Sometimes, keeping up with friends can be tricky and full of self conscious hits on who we are as women. It's a very human trait that is portrayed to a point that you can really see yourself in the characters. I loved that this wasn't sugarcoated or brushed aside like it was nothing because the way we see ourselves has everything to do with, well, everything.
Kiss Me in New York by Catherine Rider | Rating: ★★★☆☆ A copy of this novel was provided through Edelweiss by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
I wasn't sure what to expect from Kiss Me in New York beyond a fluffy tale of the magic of New York City. What I found in its pages was a warm tale of the holidays that will surely be appealing for its target audience. Even I enjoyed its otherwise fluffy tone--it's a novel to cozy up to and just get lost in. You've got two of my favourite themes: Christmas and NYC. Yes, I am aware one is a city not a theme--but who really cares?
There's a certain kind of fondness in Kiss Me in New York that is easy to enjoy. It's sugary sweet and short enough that the sweetness doesn't leave a nasty taste in your mouth when you're done. The best way to put it is, Kiss Me in New York is a cuddle in the form of literature. A treat that is good in moderation and will leave you feeling good. Christmas time is an already romantic (and often overused) timeline but it makes you long for the city, for snow and for love.
Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad | Rating: ★★★☆☆Fame and style, scandal and gossip, Lauren Conrad is at it again with her bestselling drama L.A. Candy. Sweet Little Lies follows the introduction to the trilogy quite well and showcases a tale of fluffy goodness, rivaling the novels Gossip Girl and The A-List in terms of guilty pleasure enjoyment. Because of Conrad's start on MTV with a hugely successful spin on reality television with Laguna Beach and The Hills, L.C. knows her stuff when it comes to unexpected fame and a sultry backdrop.
Not everything is as it seems and who can you really trust when it all boils down to fame? Jane Roberts' world was thrust into chaos after she and best friend, Scarlett, are approached to star in a reality series. Now, a scandal has sent her into hiding with her new, untrustworthy, friend and co-star Madison. After news leaks of Jane having cheated on her delicious, celebrity boyfriend (with his best friend, no less) and unbecoming photographs of her begin popping up in the tabloids, the series is hotter than ever. Nothing beats a good scandal in Hollywood and Jane has just provided one for the ages.
Desperate to get away from everything, Jane is swept up by Madison for a little vacation. Little does she know that Madison is the one who betrayed her and caused the storm to materialize.
You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour & David Levithan | Rating: ★★★★★As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Net Galley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Broadening the genre (if only for a small fraction of what is desired) beloved LGBTQ friendly writers Nina LaCour ("Everything Leads to You", "Hold Still") and David Levithan ("Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist", "Boy Meets Boy") have teamed up with each other for what's surely the most dynamic writing duo this year and lead us into a breezy young adult contemporary that is fast on track to becoming a new favorite for fans.
Seriously, guys. Their writing together? It's heavenly. Can you guys, like, I don't know, team up again about thirty-five more times? No?
Okay. Back on track!
If you've ever loved either author's work (solo or otherwise) You Know Me Well should be at the top of your list to purchase this summer. I don't even have to tell you this. Perhaps the best young adult book of 2016, You Know Me Well is the perfect novel to lay in the sun with and remains impossible to put down. New fans will be made with this gem of a novel and I'm confident in saying so.
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld | Rating: ★★★★☆As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Fans of Jane Austen, rejoice! Fans of Curtis Sittenfeld? Bonus rejoice. Double rejoice. All the rejoice. How many times can I say rejoice in my review before one of you lot reaches through my laptop screen to slap me a bit? Okay, I’m calm now. Kind of. It’s no secret that this little (little?) guy was at the tip top of my most anticipated this year and that’s for two reasons.
One: I love Jane Austen. A lot. And retellings of her work can be pretty gnarly. Did I say gnarly? I’m sorry.
Two: I love Curtis Sittenfeld.
Like… a lot.
Honestly, are you guys ready for this one? Because this review has been ages in the making for me and I wanted to get it just right. But sometimes words don’t do anything justice and even though this wasn’t my favorite release of the year, I sure did enjoy it. I have a lot of feelings for this novel–this beast of a novel, I should say.
The Crown by Kiera Cass | Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)Bittersweet, sophisticated and totally romantic. Those are the three choice words I have for the final installment of the beloved The Selection series by Kiera Cass. After five books and one collection of short stories, the series wraps up its final chapter with The Crown; leaving readers breathless and more than a little sad to say goodbye.
As always, with Kiera Cass, loose ends are tied up and there are many moments to swoon over. If you were one of the many who didn’t find themselves that fond of The Heir, this one is the superior of the two–it’s all about growth, decisions, love and the choices we make that can be longstanding.
Refresher, time! When we left Eadlyn Schreave she was in the process of not only coming of age in the public eye but making history by being a female heir to the throne who is having her own selection. Eadlyn is a mix of both good and bad qualities between her parents, our beloved America and Maxon. For many readers, this becomes a problem–because she is a child, she is a bit spoiled and she can be aggressive in many ways.
(I have to be honest, I don’t think she’s as bad as everyone else seems to and firmly believe that if she were a male, she wouldn’t receive half as much hate from the fandom.)
Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave | Rating: ★★★☆☆ Maybe that was just childhood? You hurry up, pick the opposite path, try to make childhood end. Then, as an adult, you have no idea why you were running away. What, exactly, you needed so desperately to get away from.
As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Beyond its gorgeous cover art, Eight Hundred Grapes has many things going for it in terms of intriguing readers. One look at its gripping summary and the promise of fiery emotions/the outcome of secrets will make this obvious.
Its premise alone promises us a trip of secrets and the explosive reactions it leaves in its wake when shocking secrets are revealed. Who can resist, right? Secrets, secrets are SO fun. Readers will instantly be drawn in with this standout in this years chick lit releases. There are many moments you will want to grab your highlighter or tabs to mark various quotes/passages.
Because of this, and its prose which leads to a light way of reading, it’s sure to find a generous fanbase. Eight Hundred Grapes reads in a way that leaves us with a vivid picture without all that much work on our part.
The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell | Rating: ★★★★★ The world is full of people who all want the same thing, and you have to do a little something extra to make them remember you.
In the prequel spin off series of Candace Bushnell’s now-iconic novel Sex and the City and its main character Carrie Bradshaw, readers can expect a fluffy, stylish, intelligent and thoughtful coming of age story as Carrie experiences quite a lot of firsts in her teenage years.
Everything that one has come to expect in Bushnell’s work is more than present in this first installment–The Carrie Diaries delivers and is a delightful read for everyone, including those who have never watched or read Sex and the City.
It’s important to note, as well, that this is a prequel to the novel and not the show. And it’s also nothing like the prequel show that the CW aired a few years back. You know the CW and its “adaptations”–is it even fair to call them such? Phew, that was a lot to say and bordering on bitter–but I needed to remind everyone such details before beginning my review.
Before the City, before the Bradshaw audiences know and love, this leading lady was just like everyone else in a suburb in Connecticut. The Carrie Diaries is full of realistic plots, humourous moments and a whole lot of questionable styles from teenagers in the 1980s.
A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan | Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)
As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
A Window Opens is one of the best fiction releases I’ve had the pleasure of reading in all of 2015. It’s warm, it’s got humor and is overall a thoughtful debut by Elisabeth Egan, who’s writing is easy to fall into and in it delivers us a vivid picture with rich descriptions, alive characters and varying opinions filled with plenty of tension and room for growth.
There’s something inspirational and real about this story and its ordinary backdrop. It reminds us that struggling through work and home is complicated and that it’s also okay to ask for help every now and again.
Its opinionated characters, with their struggles that are real and deep, it has its heartbreaking moments and all the while remains a fast read perfect for a day off in the sun. Elisabeth does a fantastic job at incorporating plenty into her plots without becoming overbearing or drawn out, balancing out everything in a way that will delight readers thoroughly.
P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han | Rating: ★★★★★“So much of love is chance. There's something scary and wonderful about that.”
It’s no surprise that I’ve been anticipating P.S. I Still Love You for the better part of this year. There’s something undeniably sweet and warm to the way Jenny Han tells the story of Lara Jean and her family, friends and romantic life. I’ve been in wait for the continuation of her character and it did not disappoint me in any way, shape or form.
Unless you count me being upset to say goodbye to Lara Jean and Peter; wanting so desperately for Jenny Han to bring out another installment. Although logic says this was a good ending, light hearted and satisfying for fans and truly an excellent end, part of me will always long for more because I’d become so attached to these characters so quickly. It was unexpected and that’s what makes it one of my favorite book duos of all time in the YA contemporary genre.
Lara Jean is a character that readers can connect to instantly because there are parts of her that are so leveled with who we all are. Yes, Lara Jean is just a joy to read about – the tone in which she thinks is so sweet and intriguing and overall a delight. Being able to see her grow, to see her life bloom more and more has been an exciting privilege for me. I absolutely adore her and can say that in all the contemporary young adult releases I’ve read recently, I do enjoy reading from Lara Jean’s point of view the most.
Because I'm Worth It (GG #4) by Cecily Von Ziegesar | Rating: ★★★★★Because I’m Worth It takes things up a notch for our favorite Upper East Siders. Time has passed rather quickly and the more things change, the more they stay the same. Some are given second chances, some are cleaning up their acts and some are exploring whole new worlds to discover themselves no matter what it costs those they love. As usual, we can expect a luxurious setting with tons of backstabbing, sex and rich teen angst.
(And we see the age old statement: give a girl a new haircut and she can take on the world. Wait, that’s not a thing? Oh…)
With a budding romance in rehab just beginning, other relationships fall apart. There’s plenty of romantic plots as per usual in this installment, and while some of it seems excessive and silly it still serves as an trashy entertainment at its finest. There’s a reason these books, and the “adaption”, are so popular: they are scandalous and reminiscent of a train wreck you can’t help but to watch.
On the topic of romance, something unexpected happens to our favorite teen queen B: Blair meets someone who has such a classic handsome tone to him that he just may be the next leading man to her Audrey Hepburn; the only catch is massive seeing as he is a friend of her fathers and is the man who is giving her a second chance at her Yale interview.
The Kiss by Lucy Courtenay | Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5) As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
Are you looking for the PERFECT gift for a young adult romantic just in time for summer? Or do you long for something fun, light and flirty to read in your own downtime?
Look no further: this cute little gem is filled with entertaining characters and just the right amount of sarcasm to keep one interested till its final pages. Dash in some lovely settings, a little mythology (talk mythology to me, baby!) and romcom moments. One thing I know for sure upon reading this little guy is that I really must go to Paris one day.
Who’s with me? After all, don’t a good majority of us want to experience something magical in our lives? In this case, the memory of a very special kiss is magic.
The Kiss by Lucy Courtenay is an adorable addition to any preteen/early teen girls library (although I wouldn’t set any age limit, actually) – it is fluffy, sweet beyond repair and quite funny, it has a quirky feel to its writing and I don’t even have to say this: it will certainly go over well with fans of contemporary romance looking for a fast, beachy read that leaves it readers giggling, hopeful and swooning over the thought of THE kiss.
Blonde Ambition (The A-List #3) by Zoey Dean | Rating: ★★★★☆ Blonde Ambition is quite possibly one of my favorites installments in the beloved The A-List series. Zoey Dean’s is known for her sharp, fun and fast paced story telling and doesn’t disappoint in this third book of the series.
It shows immediate growth in a few of the characters, Anna for example, and shows great promise for the others. We see a romance bud in an unlikely place and friendships shrink and grow. And of course a signature dash of family and relationship dramas. Zoey Dean is the master of teen friendly drama that levels the field with style, intrigue, sex and the constant battle of general teenage affairs.
It’s Gossip Girl meets a stylish, more laid back California setting with a dash of good ole 90210 drama and a whole lot of sass.
Blonde Ambition is a mix of everything we’ve come to know and love from the series and then some. We see second chances, we see strong friendships and other moments that make you go OMG. Blonde Ambition is The A-List in its prime and it’s something you will read quickly, unable to put it down.
My recommendations to have on the side?
Sunshine, your favorite drink, a killer pair of shoes and shades. It’s a beach read, it’s perfect for the summer and perhaps always will be with its fashionable description, drama and various pop culture references that have long passed.
Love The One You're With (GG: The Carlyles #4) created by Cecily von Ziegesar, written by Annabelle Vestry | Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)In the smokin’ hot finale (I can’t believe I used that term, God I’m embarrassing myself) of Gossip Girl: The Carlyles the gang is picking up the pieces from the explosive storm of drama that had hit their lives in recent months and are fast on their way to a well earned vacation. Life on the Upper East Side has never been crazier and things have finally, mostly, cooled off for this batch of spoiled teenagers.
Just as the luxurious cast before them, the holidays (see: Thanksgiving!) are looking steamy for our kids. And I, for one, couldn’t wait to dive on in to this trash pile… ahem…
Friendships have been formed and mended, relationships have dissolved into thin air and romance is beginning to bud between a few perfect matches. And families will grow with Avery, Owen and Baby’s mothers newest – most serious – romance. But what happens when these triplets meet their soon-to-be stepsister, and just how well can they adjust to her mothers long term relationship?
Last we saw, Jack and Avery had hung up their feud and formed an unlikely friendship, but how long can these two ladies really stick together? Is their friendship real and more than just going out, partying and talking fashion? Or is their connection a genuine friendship that is beneficial for both? And what of Jack’s group of friends from Constance?
Take A Chance On Me (GG: The Carlyles #3) created by Cecily von Ziegesar and written by Annabelle Vestry | Rating: ★★★★★
In the third installment of Gossip Girl: The Carlyles, things continue heating up on the Upper East Side and these new scandalous teenagers just won’t quit. Everything has been up in flames since the arrival of The Carlyle triplets and Take A Chance on Me is quite possibly the best in this spin off and dishes us a hefty helping of drama, betrayal, romance and power struggles.
Say hello to your next best beach read, ladies and gentlemen. Although this next generation of kids don’t quite reach the level of awesomeness that our original group did, this installment certainly takes things to a whole new level and is classic Gossip Girl. It’s stylish, witty, light and will have you glued to the pages until the final chapter.
As for the kids…
Owen has officially snagged the girlfriend of his ex best friend, and with this betrayal and the entire UES teenage population knowing this, he no longer has to hide his attraction to Kelsey. No matter who he hurts, he flaunts this relationship and finds himself blissfully at ease. Love is a powerful thing, my friends. Powerful and brutal.
But is it love that two share or is it just lust? Was their romance a classic case of “you want what you can’t have”? Owen soon can’t help but wonder how well he really knows Kelsey. Now that he is friendless and in a relationship, Owen begins to have second thoughts. Kelsey doesn’t seem to ever want to just talk to him and after Rhys quits the team; he becomes captain to a group of guys who seemed to have picked sides.
Girls on Film (The A-List #2) by Zoey Dean | Rating: ★★★★★The A-List crew is back for seconds in this installment of the best selling series. It’s hard for me to believe it’s as old as it is, but in spit of its age it is still hilarious and oozes shallow rich-kid-plots goodness. Zoey Dean ups her game for this number and doesn’t disappoint fans with where she takes this glamorous series.
Often hailed as Gossip Girl for California teens, The A-List is one of the most popular young adult chick lit series and proves time and time again that sometimes it’s fun to be bad. Girls on Film is just as funny, luxurious, fashionable and scandalous as the previous book and we watch the delightful batch of characters as they cook up more drama in their final semester of high school.
Anna Percy moved to California to live with her father and start over. Always in the shadow of her dear best friend, Anna thought it was about time for an adventure of her own and a personality overhaul. With her new found confidence and new zip code, Anna has found herself in love with one boy, dating another, new friends and new enemies.
Anna has certainly sealed her place on The A-List without so much of a struggle. She hasn’t come too far out of her shell but she does have a level of intrigue that her new classmates have found. Her arrival has brought a new mix to the lives of these teenagers; a friendship has quickly formed between herself and the always entertaining Sam Sharpe. And this friendship takes the main stage in Girls on Film, as the two girls work together on a film for school – a retelling of The Great Gatsby.
All I Want Is Everything (GG #3) by Cecily von Ziegesar | Rating: ★★★★★Following the events of You Know You Love Me, everyone’s favorite group of partying, reckless, intriguing teenagers are still the hot topic on the infamous Gossip Girl blog.
Which is not at all shocking, given their lives are as entertaining and stressful as your favorite handy dandy soap opera. It’s just as dishy, catty and sarcastic as ever and once more an absolute delight to pick up where we left off in the wild happenings of this batch of characters. Yes, Gossip Girl is the ultimate trash favorite.
All I Want Is Everything is YA chick lit at its finest. Even all these years later, this series is still fun and enjoyable and cringe worthy, i.e: a total beach read. So grab your shades, that new bikini and your favorite drink – it’s time to dive back into this dishy world and gossip our cute little butts off. Who doesn’t love a good gossip?
Winter break is nearly here and with the end of the year drawing closer, there's plenty of room for these kids to ring in the new year with dramatic sparks. Some will stay in the city for the holidays while others will be jetting off for a vacation in the sun and the world at their feet.
Thankfully for us, and the entire Upper East Side, the loveable pair of best frenemies, Blair and Serena, have patched up their friendship. Now that both girls are single and BFFs again, they’re looking to spend their winter holidays in the sun and to enjoy themselves thoroughly. They’ve earned it, right? With Nate no longer in either girls romantic lives, they’ve retracted their claws and maybe, just maybe, their eyes will meet another special someone’s.
You Just Can’t Get Enough (G.G: The Carlyles #2) created by Cecily von Ziegesar, written by Annabelle Vestry | Rating: ★★★★☆
In You Just Can’t Get Enough, the second book of the Gossip Girl spin off, Gossip Girl: The Carlyles, readers see things heating up once more in the lives of this batch of wealthy teenage Upper East Siders. And it’s oh-so-obvious that the drama that blew into the city with the arrival of The Carlyle triplets is only just getting started. But how much drama can one set of siblings really bring to Manhattan?
We’re greeted once more by the familiar voice of Gossip Girl as she reports to us the scandalous happenings of this next generation of up-to-no-good kids – and things are certainly far more entertaining in this installment than the last one. Back are the same group of teenagers from this generation – Baby, Avery, Owen, Rhys, Jack and a variety of other side characters and as always, this second book picks up right where we left off.
Jack is losing heat – her home life, ballet, her social life and now her boyfriend have all seemingly fallen from her grasp. And she’s on the ultimate war path when it comes down to the Carlyles. What happens when she falls upon a piece of information that will certainly come in handy about Owen Carlyle and what – or who – he did last summer? And how can she use it to her advantage?
More importantly, what happens when it all backfires? And what sassy entries does Gossip Girl have planned for these kids?
