Flirting In Italian by Lauren Henderson

Flirting In Italian by Lauren Henderson

Release Date: June 12, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336

Summary: Four girls. One magical, and possibly dangerous Italian summer. Family mysteries, ancient castles, long hot nights of dancing under the stars . . . and, of course, plenty of gorgeous Italian boys!

My Thoughts: I had this one on my TBR forever. It took a while to get to it, but I’m glad I finally read it.

We are introduced to four girls. The main four girls in the story. Honestly, I had trouble keeping them straight. So, I’m glad that the story mainly focuses on Violet and her point of view. We learn things about her and how she sees others. And how she sees Italy. Violet sees a painting and it looks just like her, so she gets on a mission to visit Italy. After putting together a plan, and convincing her mother to let her go, she’s on her way to Italy.

Once she gets there things get hectic. She gets paired up with other girls. She does make friends with some of them but then there are the girls who do not like her. She even gets poisoned. Violet sure does have her fair share of chaos. All for a painting!

Violet meets a few boys in Italy. But she is mostly drawn to Luca. Luca isn’t just an ordinary guy though. He’s a prince. And he’s part of the family that Violet went to Italy to learn about. Talk about coincidence.

Just as the story starts to get good, we are left with a cliffhanger!

I loved Luca and Violet together. I thought their romance was sweet yet really refreshing. And I loved that he drove a vespa!

I really enjoyed Flirting In Italian but I was hoping it was a 5 cupcake novel for me, but I felt like it could have been a bit better, especially after the buildup of hype in my mind. But, all in all I really enjoyed it, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes.

Overall: Loved this one but wanted to love it even more!  A solid novel with cute guys, kissing, friends, enemies, and a sweet prince! I loved Violets voice and never got annoyed with it. She could be my friend! I can’t wait to read the next one!

Cover: It is gorgeous! I love love love this cover! It fits perfectly but I want to see their faces so bad!  Love the cover!

What I'd Give It:

Breathe by Sarah Crossan

Breathe by Sarah Crossan

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Greenwillow

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 384

Summary: The world has no air. If you want to survive, you pay to breathe. But what if you can't? And what if you think everything could be different? Three teens will leave everything they know behind in Sarah Crossan's gripping and original dystopian teen novel of danger, longing, and glimmering hope that will appeal to fans of Patrick Ness and Veronica Roth.

Ever since the Switch, when the oxygen levels plummeted and most of humanity died, the survivors have been protected in glass domes full of manufactured air. Protected . . . or trapped? Or controlled? Alina's a revolutionary who believes we can save the environment. Quinn's a Premium who's never had to worry about having enough air. His best friend, Bea, is an Auxiliary who's never worried about anything but having enough air. When the three cross paths, they will change everything. Sarah Crossan's thrilling and provocative novel is about passion, about yearning for something better, and about breaking free for the very first time.

My Thoughts: This one was interesting.

Breathe focuses on three points of view, and switches between the three. This was actually very easy to follow and I always knew when it switched.

We are introduced to Bea, Quinn, and Alina. Each have their own back story and in one way or another they are are connected to each other. They each have their own secrets, fears, and way of doing things.

Air costs money and if you don’t have very much money, than you never really have enough air.

Bea and Quinn are going away together for a few days. They are going to go relax and enjoy themselves. But when they run into Alina at the border, things change fast and escalate. They are thrown into her situation and choose to travel behind her. She has gotten herself in some trouble and has to get out fast.

The three of them embark on quite the journey and they learn things about air that seem crazy. How can this happen?

I liked Breathe and at times I really enjoyed it. I liked the characters and I’m anxious to find out what happens next. But this one, just wasn't my absolute favorite. I did get through it really fast so that must mean something.  I thought it had an intriguing premise but it probably doesn’t fall into my neatest dystopians.

Overall: I enjoyed it but I didn’t love it. I think it falls more into a 3.5 cupcake rating but I’m going to give it a 4 because I never felt like I had to push through it. I got it read pretty quickly. Out of all the characters, I liked Bea the most. I’ll be looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Cover: Like it. I like the colors!

What I’d Give It:

How (Not) To Find A Boyfriend by Allyson Valentine

How (Not) To Find A Boyfriend by Allyson Valentine

Release Date: June 13, 2013

Publisher: Philomel

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 304

Summary: A funny and smart romantic comedy about getting the guy. . . and finding yourself.

Sophomore Nora Fulbright is the most talented and popular new cheerleader on the Riverbend High cheer squad. Never mind that she used to be queen of the nerds—a chess prodigy who answered every question first, aced every test and repelled friends at every turn—because this year, Nora is determined to fully transition from social pupa to full blown butterfly, even if it means dumbing down her entire schedule. But when funny, sweet and very cute Adam moves to town and steals Nora’s heart with his ultra-smarts and illegally cute dimple, Nora has a problem. How can she prove to him that she’s not a complete airhead? Nora devises a seemingly simple plan to barter her way into Adam’s classes that involves her classmates, friends—and her older brother Phil’s award-winning AP history paper. But soon, Nora can barely keep track of her trades, and struggles to stay in control of her image.

In the end, the only thing that can save Nora is a chess tournament—that she has to compete in wearing her cheerleading uniform. Can she prove to everyone that she can be both a butterfly and a nerd?

Allyson Valentine has created a story so full of enamoring characters, pitch-perfect humor, and delightfully frustrating romance that it will leave you cheering.  Great for fans of Stephanie Perkins's Anna and the French Kiss, Susanne Colosanti and Sarah Dessen.

My Thoughts: When I first read the summary of this one, I knew I had to read it! My type of book!

And I was right!

We are introduced to Nora who is really smart but decided to reinvent herself so she has become a cheerleader and she hides just how smart she is. She drops her AP classes and takes more normal level classes. She hides a lot of things, even from her best friend.

But when a new boy arrives named Adam she can’t resist letting her inner nerd show. Adam is also very smart so she doesn’t think he’ll be interested in her, since he thinks shes a brainless cheerleader.

I loved all the interactions between Nora and Adam. I also loved seeing how much Nora grew as a person. I loved her relationship with her family even if it was rocky at times.

And I loved loved how the chess angle fit in this one. I don’t know much about chess but I loved how Nora had to make deals to make everything fall into place.

This one was a very cute novel yet it had so many lessons throughout the pages. I loved Nora’s voice. I loved her family and friends and especially Adam.

Overall: If you are looking for a cute contemporary than you must try this one! It was spunky, cute, adorable, and I loved every minute of it! I’d definitely recommend this one!

Cover: Its neat! Love the guy as a chess player! Thought provoking cover!! 

What I'd Give It:

Altered (Crewel #2) by Gennifer Albin

Altered (Crewel #2) by Gennifer Albin

Release Date: October 29, 2013

Publisher: Farrar Straus and Giroux
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 400

Summary: Life. Possibility. Choice.

All taken from Adelice by the Guild—until she took them back.

But amid the splendid ruins of Earth, Adelice discovers how dangerous freedom can be. Hunted by soulless Remnants sent by Cormac Patton and the Guild, Adelice finds a world that’s far from deserted. Although allies are easy to find on Earth, knowing who to trust isn’t. Because everyone has secrets, especially those Adelice loves most. Secrets they would kill to protect. Secrets that will redefine each of them. Torn between two brothers and two worlds, Adelice must choose what to fight for.

In this thrilling sequel to Crewel, Adelice is about to learn how tangled up her past and future really are. Her parents ran to protect her, but nothing can save her from her destiny, and once she uncovers the truth, it will change everything.

My Thoughts: Another cool novel by this author! I enjoyed the first one and I enjoyed this one.

We are back with Adelice and her two boys Jost and Erik. Both boys are so yummy! They are on the run together. Remnants and Cormac (is that his name?) are after them. They escape Arras and end up on Earth. Not long after arriving they meet a guy named Dante. I really liked this new character. He was nice yet brave but also very protective of Adelice. He cared about her. Didn’t want to see anything bad happen to her.

Adelice and the boys spend most of the book trying to please the new guy in charge. Instead of having to deal with Cormac they know have to deal with Kincaid. Ick. He’s just as bad but tends to hide it better. He comes off as nice but in reality he’s a jerk too.

I don’t know what to say about this one. It was completely different than Crewel but not in bad way. It focused more on what was going on instead of the spinsters. Time also moves differently on Earth. Adelice wants to get her sister back while Jost wants to get his daughter. Everyone has an agenda it seems, a goal, a mission.

And the love triangle, wow! I don’t know who I like more. Jost and Erik are both so darn hot and irresistible. They are both such great guys! They are so different but each one of them cares deeply about Adelice.

It also seems like all the characters have changed, for the better. They have gotten stronger, smarter, and braver.

I liked what was going on in this one, I loved the characters and their blossoming relationships. I liked where things are going but of course we get another major cliffhanger! After reading this, I just want the next one; plain and simple!

Overall: I can’t wait to see more of Jost and Erik! I need them in my life right now. I want to see what is going to happen. And I like her with both boys! Oh no! I really loved this one and can’t wait to see what happens next!

Cover: I like it! The girl looks tough! Totally reminds me of her! 

What I'd Give It:

The Thing About The Truth by Lauren Barnholdt

The Thing About The Truth by Lauren Barnholdt

Release Date: July 10, 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 304

Summary: In this humorous love story from the author of "Two-Way Street", an unlikely romance is the best sort of surprise—but the wrong secret can ruin everything. Kelsey’s not going to let one mistake ruin her life. Sure, she got kicked out of prep school and all her old friends are shutting her out. But Kelsey’s focused on her future, and she’s determined to get back on track at Concordia High.

Isaac’s been kicked out of more schools than he can count. Since his father’s a state senator, Isaac’s life is under constant scrutiny—but Concordia High’s his last stop before boarding school, so Isaac’s hoping to fly under the radar and try to stay put for a change.

When Kelsey and Isaac meet, it’s anything but love at first sight. She thinks he’s an entitled brat, and he thinks she’s a stuck-up snob. So it surprises them both when they start to fall for each other. Kelsey’s happy for the first time in months, and Isaac’s never felt this way about anyone before. But nothing’s ever completely perfect. Everyone has secrets, and Isaac and Kelsey are no exceptions. These two may have fallen hard, but there’s one thing that can ruin it all: the truth.

My Thoughts: I’m a sucker for Lauren Barnholdt books! She’s one of my favorite authors! I usually love every one I read and I anxiously wait for her new one to come out!!

I started The Thing About The Truth with high expectations and it was ok, I liked it, but I didn’t fall in love with it.

We are introduced to Kelsey and Isaac who are two teens who transfer to a new school at the same time. They are both there for their own reasons and when they meet sparks fly. But not in a real good way. Kelsey is feeling kind of sarcastic and Isaac is pretty clueless.

They end up interacting in a lot of ways and things just go from there. At first they aren’t too fond of each other but then they actually get to know one another, they find themselves falling for one another. But, they both have secrets. And Kelsey is trying darn hard to hide hers.

I enjoyed figuring out what was going on in this one. We had now chapters and then chapters where it jumped back to when things were happening between them. I didn’t really like that very much.

I had a hard time connecting with the story and the characters in this one. I just didn’t find it as exciting as some of her other novels. I liked it, it was ok, but I didn’t love it like I usually do.

The Thing About The Truth kept me reading, but I just didn’t love it.

Overall: It was alright. I finished it, and I got through it pretty fast but I wasn't in love with this one like I usually am her books. Usually they are fun and light but this one seemed a little intense and I found myself just not caring what Kelsey’s secret was. In my opinion, this just wasn't my favorite of hers but hey I’ll read her next one and the next one. I won’t stop being a fan of Barnholdts. I know I can’t love every single one.

Cover: I do like the cover! It is kind of plain but I’d still pick it up at the bookstore. It’s cute! 

What I'd Give It:

Frigid by J. Lynn

Frigid by J. Lynn

Release Date: November 5, 2013
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Age Group: New Adult
Pages: 240

Summary:For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn't anything new. They'd been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the 'man' in man-whore. He's never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn't want to risk their friendship by declaring her love.

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she's perfect and she's everything. But the feelings he has for her, he's always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have.

But when they're stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor'easter, there's nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

My Thoughts: I’m a big fan of J Lynn! When I first read the description of this one, I knew I must have it! And devour it like a yummy cookie! And then the cover, whoa!

We are introduced to Kyler and Syd who have been best friends forever! They grew up together, did everything together. Kyler always looked out for Syd and she has always been the calm one. Kyler is a bit of a player, has a different girl in his bed every other night. Syd is used to this, even though it doesn't make it any easier. Because Syd is in love with Kyler but he has no clue. And of course Kyler has feelings for Syd as well but keeps them hidden. He thinks she deserves better than him and has no clue how she feels about him!

Talk about some tension! Kyler and Syd go away to a ski resort together. Their friends are meeting them there. But things don’t go as planned, a big snowstorm hits and their friends don’t make it up. The first night there, Syd goes out of her comfort zone and flirts with a guy. And Kyler gets in the way and ends up putting her to bed. No, not in that sense! I know what you're thinking. She’s so hungover that he stays by her bed and helps her get undressed. Takes care of her.

Syd and Kyler spend the next few days together, and things start happening. Crazy horrific things. Someone tries shooting at the window. Things keep going wrong. And all that crazy tension between Syd and Kyler going on kept me on high alert. They are really great together. Not only are they best friends, they both have feelings for each other. And the sexual chemistry, yes baby! This novel does have some pretty intense sexual scenes.

I loved this one! I loved both Syd and Kyler. They were both so unique and such driven characters. They are both compassionate and they both were adorable! I also loved the plot of this one. I loved how they were both into each other and were afraid to say something.  But I also loved how they could make each other laugh one minute, and the next make each other melt! The chemistry! Whoa!

Things aren't always peachy though and they have a lot to work through in Frigid, especially towards the end. But I’m happy with the way things turned out. And I enjoyed reading this every single minute!

Loved this one! Can’t wait to read more from this author!

Overall: Loved the characters. Loved the plot. I even loved the setting! Winter, snow, everything clicked for me! Even though I read this in the summer, it clicked with me. I felt like I was right there with them in the cold weather.

Kyler and Syd were such awesome characters and I adored this novel!

Cover: HOT! SeXy! Love it! Love the people on the front. and I love how it looks wintery as well even if his shirt is open! Very cute and neat cover!!

What I'd Give It: