Showing posts with label contemporary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contemporary. Show all posts

Friday, 2 February 2018

TWO QUICK REVIEWS: TABOO TOPICS IN YA GENRE

Last month I read two Young Adult novels dealing with very sensitive topics. I am glad that authors increase awareness by writing more about taboo topics like racism, prejudices or teenage suicide. If only they paid better attention to writing itself... Here are my thoughts on both books.


Friday, 23 June 2017

REVIEW: BAD ROMANCE BY HEATHER DEMETRIOS

Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios
Published by: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Release date: June 13th 2017

       
          
Grace wants out. Out of her house, where her stepfather wields fear like a weapon and her mother makes her scrub imaginary dirt off the floors. Out of her California town, too small to contain her big city dreams. Out of her life, and into the role of Parisian artist, New York director—anything but scared and alone.

Enter Gavin: charming, talented, adored. Controlling. Dangerous. When Grace and Gavin fall in love, Grace is sure it's too good to be true. She has no idea their relationship will become a prison she's unable to escape.

Deeply affecting and unflinchingly honest, this is a story about spiraling into darkness—and emerging into the light again.

Saturday, 4 February 2017

REVIEW: INFINI BY KRISTA & BECCA RITCHIE

Infini (Aerial Ethereal #2)

Written by: Krista & Becca Ritchie

Genre: Contemporary NA Romance

Release date: January 31th 2017

      
        
Some love is infinite

"Don’t have a best friend that’s a girl" — this was the advice from my older cousin. I didn’t take it. Because he followed with, "friends don’t f*ck friends. And you’ll want to f*ck her."

It was terrible advice.

My cousin should’ve told me that being best friends with Baylee Wright — since she was twelve — would be the best and worst decision of my life.

He should have told me to protect her from what was coming.

He should have told me that when a darkness crawled towards us, there’d be no safety net.

Now I’ve signed back on to the same Vegas acrobatic show as Baylee, working together for the first time in years. And she tells me that she’s having trouble in a certain “area” of her life — because of our past.

“You can help me fix it,” she says.

And then she hands me a list.

Standalone New Adult Romance - Recommended for readers 18+ for mature content.

Luka Kotova is introduced in Amour Amour, and Infini takes place in the same acrobatic world. However, it's not necessary to read Amour Amour prior to Infini

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: SOME KIND OF PERFECT BY KRISTA & BECCA RITCHIE (MY NEW ADULT QUEENS MADE ME CRY AGAIN!)

Some Kind of Perfect by Krista & Becca Ritchie

(Calloway Sister #4.5, Addicted #3.5)

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Purchase: AmazonB&NKobo

Release date: May 20th 2016

          
               
Falling in love was just the beginning

The conclusion to the epic ten-book series about the unbreakable strength of family, friendship, and love.

Lily & Lo are back one final time. Childhood best friends and soul mates.

Ryke & Daisy are back one final time. Wild risk-takers and flirty adventurers.

Connor & Rose are back one final time. Genius rivals and intellectual teammates.

Ten years of laughter. Of heartache. And love.

***Authors' Note***
Some Kind of Perfect is a full-length epilogue novel. It is highly recommended to read this book after Long Way Down. Otherwise, it will spoil the entire series. Some Kind of Perfect is meant to be the 10th book in the series. 

Tuesday, 10 May 2016

EARLY REVIEW: THE GEEK'S GUIDE TO UNREQUITED LOVE

The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love 

Written by: Sarvenaz Tash

Published by: Simon & Schuster BfYR

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Release date: June 14th 2016

Source: ARC Edelweiss

     
        
John Hughes meets Comic Con in this hilarious, unabashedly romantic, coming-of-age novel about a teenager who is trying to get his best friend to fall in love with him from the author of Three Day Summer.

Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy...
Archie and Veronica...
Althena and Noth...
...Graham and Roxy?

Graham met his best friend, Roxana, when he moved into her neighborhood eight years ago, and she asked him which Hogwarts house he’d be sorted into. Graham has been in love with her ever since.

But now they’re sixteen, still neighbors, still best friends. And Graham and Roxy share more than ever—moving on from their Harry Potter obsession to a serious love of comic books.

When Graham learns that the creator of their favorite comic, The Chronicles of Althena, is making a rare appearance at this year’s New York Comic Con, he knows he must score tickets. And the event inspires Graham to come up with the perfect plan to tell Roxy how he really feels about her. He’s got three days to woo his best friend at the coolest, kookiest con full of superheroes and supervillains. But no one at a comic book convention is who they appear to be...even Roxy. And Graham is starting to realize fictional love stories are way less complicated than real-life ones.
 

Saturday, 23 April 2016

EARLY RANTY REVIEW: ONE TRUE LOVES BY T.J. REID

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Published by: Washington Square Press

Genre: Contemporary Womens Fiction

Release date: June 7th 2016

Source: Edelweiss ARC

       
         
From the author of Maybe in Another Life—named a People Magazine pick and a "Best Book of the Summer" by Glamour and USA TODAY—comes a breathtaking new love story about a woman unexpectedly forced to choose between the husband she has long thought dead and the fiancé who has finally brought her back to life.

In her twenties, Emma Blair marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse. They build a life for themselves, far away from the expectations of their parents and the people of their hometown in Massachusetts. They travel the world together, living life to the fullest and seizing every opportunity for adventure.

On their first wedding anniversary, Jesse is on a helicopter over the Pacific when it goes missing. Just like that, Jesse is gone forever.

Emma quits her job and moves home in an effort to put her life back together. Years later, now in her thirties, Emma runs into an old friend, Sam, and finds herself falling in love again. When Emma and Sam get engaged, it feels like Emma’s second chance at happiness.

That is, until Jesse is found. He’s alive, and he’s been trying all these years to come home to her. With a husband and a fiancé, Emma has to now figure out who she is and what she wants, while trying to protect the ones she loves.

Who is her one true love? What does it mean to love truly?

Emma knows she has to listen to her heart. She’s just not sure what it’s saying.

Saturday, 2 April 2016

REVIEW + CONFESSION + LIST: IS (PRESENCE OF) DIVERSITY ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH THE BOOK?

Yesterday I finished a book that I had been excited about for a long time but it did not meet my expectations. Sad, I know. More importantly, it made me think about diverse books and I realized that I have a confession to make...


Right of First Refusal by Dahlia Adler

(Radleigh University #2)

Genre: New Adult Romance

Release date: March 15th 2016

    
     
On the lacrosse field, Cait Johannssen gets what she wants. Off the field is another story. Because what she wants is the school's hot new basketball student-coach, Lawrence Mason, who also happens to be the guy who broke her heart in sports camp two years earlier.

But it's Cait's new roommate who's got him.

Cait and Mase agree it's best to keep their past a secret, but she doesn't expect him to completely ignore their history...or how much it'll hurt when he does. So when a friend on the basketball team asks her to pose as his girlfriend for a night, Cait can't turn down the opportunity for distraction. (Okay, and a little spite.) But what starts as an evening of fun turns into a fake relationship with more lies than the usually drama-free Cait can handle, and it's only keeping her from the one truth that's nagged at her for years: Why did Mase cut her out of his life to begin with?

And is it really too late to get him back?

Tuesday, 1 December 2015

REVIEW: LONG WAY DOWN BY KRISTA & BECCA RITCHIE - EMOTIONAL CONCLUSION TO ONE-OF-A-KIND SERIES

Long Way Down (Calloway Sisters #4)

Written by: Krista & Becca Ritchie

Genre: New Adult Contemporary 

Release date: Novembe 20th 2015

Purchase: Amazon / B&N / Kobo

         
          
With a seven-year age difference, Ryke & Daisy have faced an uphill battle in the eyes of the world and their families. Known as the most adventurous, fast-paced couple — their next step has always been elusive to the rabid media.

Behind the scenes, heartbreaking troubles continue to test Ryke & Daisy’s resilience and shape their future together.

They promise: To never slow down. To never compromise who they are. To never abandon their love for each other.

But preserving their happiness also means adding more risks. Ones that Connor Cobalt wouldn’t even take. As a professional free-solo climber, Ryke is no stranger to risk, but his next step with Daisy wagers more than just his health.

With their lives on the line, Ryke & Daisy head towards the vast, wild unknown in this epic final conclusion to the Addicted series.

***Authors' Note***
It's possible to only read the Calloway Sisters spin-off series without reading the Addicted series, but you MUST read Fuel the Fire (Calloway Sisters #3) before reading Long Way Down (Calloway Sisters #4).

It's highly recommended to read the books in the recommended reading order, which is in tangent with the Addicted series. 

Monday, 16 November 2015

4 REASONS WHY TO READ HELLO? BY LIZA WIEMER

Hello? by Liza M. Wiemer
Published by: Spencer Hill Contemporary

Genre: Young Adult Realistic Fiction

Release date: November 10th 2015

Purchase: Amazon / B&N / Indigo

        
         
One HELLO? can change a life. One HELLO? can save a life.

Tricia: A girl struggling to find her way after her beloved grandma's death.
Emerson: A guy who lives his life to fulfill promises, real and hypothetical.
Angie: A girl with secrets she can only express through poetry.
Brenda: An actress and screenplay writer afraid to confront her past.
Brian: A potter who sets aside his life for Tricia, to the detriment of both.

Linked and transformed by one phone call, Hello? weaves together these five Wisconsin teens' stories into a compelling narrative of friendship and family, loss and love, heartbreak and healing, serendipity, and ultimately hope.

Told from all five viewpoints: narration (Tricia), narration (Emerson), free verse poetry (Angie), screenplay format (Brenda), narration and drawings (Brian).

Tuesday, 10 November 2015

TWO QUICK REVIEWS: WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS

The other day I noticed that circus setting has become quite popular in contemporary romance genre. As a part of November edition of Two Quick Reviews feature I decided to pick two standalones set in a circus and compare them for you. Which one won me over?


(check my Rating System for detailed explanations of my quick rating)

Thursday, 6 August 2015

TWO QUICK REVIEWS: SUMMER LOVING

Summer entices us with its vacations and exotic destinations in foreign countries. If you are stuck at work all summer as I am, there is still a possibility to enjoy romantic summer atmosphere - through books. So in the spirit of summer, I decided to test two latest adventurous NA romances by Karina Halle. Which one won me over?


(check my Rating System for detailed explanations of my quick rating)

Monday, 13 July 2015

REVIEW: EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING BY NICOLA YOON

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Published by: Delacorte Books FYR

Release date: September 1st 2015

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

       
        
This innovative, heartfelt debut novel tells the story of a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world. When a new family moves in next door, she begins a complicated romance that challenges everything she’s ever known. The narrative unfolds via vignettes, diary entries, texts, charts, lists, illustrations, and more.

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

EARLY REVIEW: ANNE & HENRY BY IUS DAWN

Anne & Henry by Ius Dawn

Published by: Simon Pulse

Release date: September 1st 2015

Genre: YA Contemporary Fiction

     
      
In this wonderfully creative retelling of the infamous—and torrid—love affair between Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, history collides with the present when a sizzling romance ignites in a modern-day high school.

Henry Tudor’s life has been mapped out since the day he was born: student body president, valedictorian, Harvard Law School, and a stunning political career just like his father’s. But ever since the death of his brother, the pressure for Henry to be perfect has doubled. And now he’s trapped: forbidden from pursuing a life as an artist or dating any girl who isn’t Tudor-approved.

Then Anne Boleyn crashes into his life.

Wild, brash, and outspoken, Anne is everything Henry isn’t allowed to be—or want. But soon Anne is all he can think about. His mother, his friends, and even his girlfriend warn him away, but his desire for Anne consumes him.

Henry is willing to do anything to be with her, but once they’re together, will their romance destroy them both?

Inspired by the true story of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, Anne & Henry beautifully reimagines the intensity, love, and betrayal between one of the most infamous couples of all time.

Sunday, 7 June 2015

GUEST REVIEW: Infinite Dolls by Emalynne Wilder

Infinite Dolls by Emalynne Wilder
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Release date: June 7th 2015

    
       
There was a riot in my heart.
It needed to be heard.
~
Everly Brighton's expected to die before her twenty-first birthday, at the hands of a rare medical condition. Under the watchful eye of her father more is being stolen from her than years. Everly longs for connection and freedom she has never been allowed due to her dad's controlling routine. Time ticking away she begins to defy his rules and make up her own.

One star-crossed meeting grants Everly her greatest desire when she befriends Callum Trovatto, a grief-stricken med student needful of his own blissful upswing in the wake of his mother's death.

When Everly becomes the center of Callum’s class assignment, their fate is tested, as they try to awaken their true selves with the infinite promise of friendship, renewal of faith, and an unexpected love that shakes the charade forever.

INFINITE DOLLS is a story of grief, faith, and how the power of deep-rooted love encourages living in the preciousness of Now.

Monday, 20 April 2015

REVIEW+GIVEAWAY: BROKEN JULIET BY LEISA RAYVEN

Broken Juliet (Starcrossed #2)

Written by: Leisa Rayven

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: April 28th 2015

Pre-order: Amazon / B&N / Kobo

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin

       
        
How do you fix a love that’s been broken beyond repair?

For years, Cassie Taylor tried to forget about Ethan Holt. He was the one great love of her life, and when he failed to return her love, a part of her died forever. Or so she thought. Now she and Ethan are sharing a Broadway stage, and he’s determined to win her back. Claiming to be a changed man, he’s finally able to say all the things she needed to hear years ago, but can she believe him? What makes this time different from all his other broken promises?

Ethan knows he can’t change their tumultuous past, but if he’s going to have any chance of being with the woman he loves, he’ll need to convince Cassie that her future belongs with him.

Don’t miss this stunning conclusion to the unforgettable love story that captivated over two million fans online.

Friday, 17 April 2015

GUEST REVIEW: True Love Way by Mary Elizabeth

True Love Way by Mary Elizabeth
Purchase: Amazon/Kobo/Smashwords

Genre: YA/NA Contemporary Romance

     
       
Some days are brighter than others, but Penelope Finnel has been taught she can be invisible behind the colored lenses of her heart-shaped sunglasses.

Her mind is her worst enemy, and simply waking up in the morning is risky. For a kid like her, staying in bed is easier, especially when the day has come to start school in a new town with new kids who don’t understand that the clouds are not the only reason everything is so gloomy.

Dillon Decker is a typical boy from a typical small town who radiates light and happiness. Under the hovering glare from her father, Dillon leads Penelope around on his bicycle’s handlebars, hoping he is the cure to her madness.

But when friend turns to lover, and lover turns to caretaker, how much can either of them tolerate before they’re swallowed whole?

A story about moving trucks and rollerblades, candy for smiles, and notes across lawns.

First loves and the struggle to keep it sane.

The true love way.

Friday, 10 April 2015

NO MORE WAITING #3: THE TRAVELING DUET

Are you fed up with cliffhangers? Are you not patient enough to wait months for next instalment when reading series? Or do you just prefer to completely lose yourself in story and marathon all the books together? If you answered "yes" to at least one of these questions, this post is for you. NO MORE WAITING is a feature on my blog that spotlights completed series. You can look forward to spoiler-free reviews, graphic arts to accompany it and interesting discussions.


The Traveling Duet 

Written by Jane Harvey – Berrick
Purchase: Amazon Book 1/Amazon Book 2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

     
       
I was ordinary. Nice. He was extraordinary. And he wasn’t always nice.

Moody and difficult, brilliant and beautiful, Kes scared me and he protected me. He could be incredibly hurtful and incredibly thoughtful. He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for me. He challenged me, he took me out of my safe little box and showed me the world could be magnificent. He was everything I wasn’t.

Aimee Anderson is ten when the traveling carnival first comes to her nice little town. She doesn’t expect her world to change so completely. But meeting Kestrel Donohue puts her life on a different path.

Even though she only sees him for the two weeks of the year when he passes through her home town, his friendship is the most important of her life. As a child’s friendship grows to adult love, the choices become harder, and both Kes and Aimee realize that two weeks a year will never be enough.

Wednesday, 18 March 2015

TWO QUICK REVIEWS: YA CONTEMPORARY FICTION

After falling in love with YA contemporary fiction (thanks to Heather Demetrios), I decided to give a chance to other YA fiction stories and picked two novels that peaked my interest. One was world-wide bestseller, the other was ARC I received from publisher. Unfortunately, neither was able to impress me.


Monday, 9 March 2015

BLOG TOUR: Guest Post by L.H. Cosway


Hearts of Fire (Hearts #2)

Written by: L.H. Cosway

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase: Amazon / B&N / iTunes


Thursday, 26 February 2015

REVIEW: Broken Chords by Carrie Elks

Broken Chords by Carrie Elks

(Love in London #2)
Purchase: Amazon US / Kobo

Genre: Contemporary Romance

     
      
Lara knows she should feel lucky. Married to the man of her dreams, with a gorgeous new baby, she should be enjoying her happy-ever-after. But she never expected motherhood to be so difficult, or for her life to change so dramatically.

Alex has it all: hot, tattooed looks, a beautiful wife, and a band that's finally getting noticed. A lucrative offer of a US tour should be the icing on the cake. But as he leaves the country, distance isn't the only thing that starts to pull their relationship apart.

With half a world dividing them, Alex and Lara have to battle for a marriage they once took for granted.

Author Note: Broken Chords is the second story in the Love in London series but can be read completely as a stand-alone.