The Distance Between Us by Kasie West - BOOK REVIEW

Title: The Distance Between Us
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: July 2013
Format: Paperback, 312 pages
Source: My Local Library
My Rating: 3 stars

Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.

So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she's beginning to enjoy his company.

She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about. (Taken from GoodReads.com)

My Review
The Distance Between Us didn't really do much for me.
It is a cute short book about Caymen meeting this rich guy, Xander, and eventually falling for him against her wishes. Caymen and her mom don't like rich people and for a reason, so the only interaction they have with them is through the doll shop her mom owns.

This was a cute read. It felt very short in my opinion, I would have liked to see more in the story. The romance didn't convince me, maybe because the story was short. Like Caymen I didn't trust Xander at the beginning and there were some indications throughout the book that made me mad and wondered what she saw in him. He did though have a nice smile. :) 

I was quite disappointed in the end, not that the story didn't end up well but I would have liked to see how the characters were doing a month or so after those events. We know from the beginning that the store is not going well so I would have liked to see what happens with the store. 
Also we meet some new characters at the end, from her mom's past which I totally didn't see coming. I knew at the end someone would come forward but definitely not them.

Overall the book was ok. It's a quick read perfect for summer reading. I would suggest it to anyone who likes short contemporary stories about the rich and not. 

Monthly Status Update - April

This month I didn't manage to read a lot. I only read three books. I'm really hoping to read 4 books at least a month, that's my goal for May at least. So anyways let's get to the books:

So in April I read 2 books and 1 manga:

The Earl & the Fairy by Mizue Tani  -  5 stars

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost  -  5 stars

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West  -  3 stars

Now to the books I plan on reading for May and hope I do!

 

Splintered by A.G. Howard - I am still reading this one since last month so I really hope to finish it this time. The story is very interesting but I can't seem to get into it.

Brida by Paulo Coelho - This one came from my TBR jar. After years of owning this book it's finally time to read it.

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa - YES!! I am so glad I started this book! I have heard so many good things about it. It has been sitting on my shelves the last 14 months!!!! I have already started this book and I'm loving it so far!

Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt - Another book from my TBR jar. I believe I won this a year or two back from a blog and I really wish I remembered.... but it's ok since this sounds like a nice read. I have been meaning to read more contemporary so I guess it's good timing. 

SO what's your reading update??

Book Review: If I Stay

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman 
Series: If I Stay, book 1 
Publisher: Speak 
Release Date: 2009
Format: Paperback
Pages: 234
Source: Bought
My Rating: 5 stars 


Synopsis

On a day that started like any other...
Mia had everything: a loving family, a gorgeous, adoring boyfriend, and a bright future full of music and full of choices. Then, in an instand all of that is taken from her. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an unknowable future, Mia spends one critical day contemplating the only decision she has left-the most important decision she'll even make. Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, this is a romantic, riveting, and ultimately uplifting story about memory, music, living, dying, loving. 

Review
What can I say about this book. I can't believe I have been putting this book aside for so long. It's one of those books that will stay with you. I don't read contemporary books that much so I was little hesitant at first.

When I first read the synopsis I had no idea what was waiting for me during those first pages. Mia has an out-of-her-body experience and watches herself as doctors try to do everything they can to save her body. She had an accident and now she gets to see everything that happens around her even if her body is in coma. Being in this position is confusing but not as confusing as it is when she faces a choice of whether to live or stay. 


Mia has a lovely family and even lovelier boyfriend Adam. Adam plays a huge role in this book. Thinking of the book and wanting to say more about it I realize that I have to be very careful not to spoil anything. It's one of those books that you'll have to read to find out what it means to you. The book deals with loss, grief, loving and letting go. Music plays a central role in this book as Mia and her family and even her boyfriend are musicians or lovers of music. 


Gayle Forman captured me with her beautiful writing. As Mia faces the new reality of her life the author gives us a glimpse at her life before the accident. We get to know how she met Adam, know her parents and of course her love for the celo. 


This book is very emotional and deals with different kinds of emotions. Did I cry? Yes. Not throughout the entire book but there were certain parts that I just couldn't not to. The whole time reading this book I felt sad about what was happening. Saying that this book is awesome feels wrong somehow due to the dept this book has and what it deals with.


It's one those books that will stay with you for a long time after you're read it. If I Stay was kept in my mind for days after I read it and couldn't read another book because I wasn't ready to let it go. 


I would tell anyone who loves books to read this. I even got my mom interested in it, when she learned what was this book about, and she doesn't even read to begin with. 

Frosy

Textual Healing >> Book Review

Title: Textual Healing

Author: Eric Smith

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Release Date: 2010

Format: Paperback

Pages: 268

Source: Sent by the author for review purposes

My Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis

Few people have to deal with a haiku-speaking flower-shop-owning ninja every day on their way to work. Unfortunately for Andrew Connor, he is one of those people. 

And poor Andrew, his week has been a rough one. His former bestseller, Chasing Fireflies is on clearance at Barnes & Noble for $1.37, his girlfriend lest him for a corporate America action figure, and he's been tricked into joining Textual Healing, a support group for writers who can't seem to write anymore.

Dealing with his employees at his failing used bookshop, a strange new love interest from the Midwest, and a pet sugar-glider that has somehow managed to destroy his entire apartment... when will he ever find the time to put pen to paper again? 

A quirky comedy set in present day New York and New Jersey, Textual Healing follows the story of Andrew, a self-deprecating, once famous author, his small bookstore in Hoboken, and the colourful characters that surround him. 

Review

Textual Healing is a fun read with funny and unpredictable characters. Andrew or Ace, was my favourite character after Orchid of course. You can't beat her! He is fun and easy to relate character and the chemistry between him and Hannah and mostly everyone else is great! 

The book is told by Ace's perspective and there are very few books that I've read that are from a male's perspective that were nicely done and liked. This one I loved! 

There were a lot of funny moments and I can't count the times I laughed. Between the haiku-talking flower shop owner and pirate to the sugar glider. Which by the way had no idea what it is and looked like. I had to googled it. lol The whole book made me crank up. A smile spreads across my face whenever I remember some parts of the book.

I would totally recommend this book if you like light quirky books with a lot of funny moments! 

Frosy

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Secret Society >> Book Review

Title: Secret Society

Author: Tom Dolby

Publisher: HarperTeen

Date Published: 2009

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 341

Source: Bought it

My Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis

53 Gansevoort Street

1:00 A.M.

You know what to do.

Secrets, secrets are not fun.

Secrets, secrets hurt someone...

An eccentric new girl. A brooding socialite. The scion of one of New York wealthiest families. A promising filmmaker. As students at the exclusive Chadwick School, Phoebe, Lauren, Nick, and Patch already live in a world most teenagers only dream about.

They didn't ask to be Society members. But when three of them receive a mysterious text message promising success and fame beyond belief, they say yes to everything. Even to the harrowing initiation ceremony in a gritty warehouse downtown, and to the ankh-shaped tattoo they're forced to get on the nape of their necks. 

Once they're part of the Society, things being falling into place for them. Week after week, their ambitions are fulfilled. It's all perfect-until a body is found in Central Park with no distinguishing marks except for an ankh-shaped tattoo.

My Review

I had this book for a while before I picked it up. I'm not really interested in reading about the high societies of New York so I was a little hesitant at first. 

To be honest the cover was the thing that drew me close to it, and then I read the summary and it sounded like something I would enjoy. 

The book started slow and the four different points of view were a little confusing but after a few pages I managed to get used to it.

The characters weren't developed enough as the author used third person narrative. I did love them of course especially Phoebe which was the only one who questioned everything about this society form the beginning. She and Nick I think make an adorable couple although we don't get to see many moments of them. I think the main reason I want to read the next book The Trust, is because of them and Nick's relationship with his best friend. Nick is such a good friend and person that he'll do anything for the ones he loves.

I found the story line simple and predictable. There weren't many surprises as I thought it may have and by the end of the book you'll be left with a lot of unanswered questions that I believe will be resolved in the next book.

Overall, I liked and found it addictive for some reason. I can't point at what it is but I want to find more about the characters and what are they going to do next.

Frosy 

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The abc's of Kissing Boys >> Book Review

Title: The abc's of Kissing Boys

Author: Tina Ferraro

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Date Published: 2009

Format: Paperback

Pages: 215

Source: The library

My Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis

Parker Stanhope has played soccer practically since she could walk. And now that she’s a high school junior, everything she’s worked for is finally coming together. She's paid her dues on the field, and as an upperclassman she's a shoo-in for the varsity team. Anyway, the coach moves everyone from JV up to varsity. It's just what happens. 

But that's not what happens.

This year Coach Hartley moved up every JV player but two-and one of those was Parker. 

Parker has spent her life being a team player, but as soon as school starts, she's stuck with (horror of horrors) the freshmen, and her love of the game is seriously beginning to fail. Worse? Her friends her own age are cutting her loose, and now the freshmen kid across the street is the only person who'll give her the time of day. 

But Parker's determined to get her life back. She has to get on the varsity team, and she has the perfect plan. The only catch? She has to trick her way into a place in the kissing booth at the school's annual sport's fair, then pull a stunt crazier than any she could ever dream up on her own. But the kiss has to look real. And Parker is less than experienced in playing that sort of field.

Parker knows that practice makes perfect. Now she just has to find the right coach...

My Review

The ABC's of Kissing Boys is a really fun and quick read. I enjoyed every aspect of this book. Parker, a junior, came up with a plan to get her into varsity soccer that involved kissing a boy. The thing was that she had no experience in kissing boys. So her neighbor Tristan, and a freshman, comes to her rescue. 

The romance between those two was adorable and even though Tristan was younger than Parker, he was very mature for his age. I would say even more than Parker, but by the end of the book she matures enough to make the right decisions.

The book, besides the romance, deals with friendship. Parker throughout the book gets challenged and is wary about who her real friends are. Sometimes I got frustrated and wanted to yell at her to make her see who her real friend are but she managed to figure that out. 

What I also loved was the chapter-headings! The author managed to give kissing advice on each letter of the alphabet! 

Overall I loved this book and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA books. 

Frosy 

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or Amazon (Format e-book, Kindle)

Practice Makes Perfect >> Book Review

Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

paperback pages: 291

My Rating 4 stars

WHEN IT COMES TO THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION...

Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are lawyers who know the meaning of objection. A feminist to the bone, Payton has fought hard to succeed in a profession dominated by men. Born wealthy, privileged, and cocky, J.D. has fought hard to ignore her. Face-to-face, they're perfectly civil. They have to be. For eight years they have kept a safe distance and tolerated each other as coworkers for one reason only: to make partner at the firm. 

...THERE ARE NO RULES.

But all bets are off when they're asked to join forces on a major case. Though apprehensive at first, they begin to appreciate each other's dedication to the law-and the sparks between them quickly turn into attraction. But the increasingly hot connection does not last long when they discover that only one of them will be named partner. Now it's an all-out war. And the battle between the sexes is bound to make these lawyers hoe under the collar...

My Review

This book falls into the contemporary romance category and it's the second book I read from this author. I must say I'm starting to become a fan of her books. 
Her writing is simple yet refreshing. I haven't read any other contemporary adult romance books, expect her other book Something About You. 
So I am not an expert on that area. But she managed to captivate me with her witty characters and laugh aloud moments.


Payton and J.D. are people that live to work. They are both on the run to become partner and that adds more fuel to they never ending arguments. 
J.D. I think is my favourite one. Such a nice guy, really. He doesn't seem so nice at first but in the ending from his part at least, just makes you forget everything. 
You couldn't deny the attraction between them from the first moment you see them together. Even though they argued all the time I couldn't see how they came and hated each other.
It's a really good book and the author knows a great deal about lawyers. She was one.
I loved the dialogue between those too. I'm more of a dialogue type so I love books with lots of it! And this one definitely has plenty.


Overall I liked this book a lot and I would read this again. I'm definitely going to read her other two books and I would suggest you picking one up too.


Frosy

Buy the book at Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect Chemistry >> Book Review

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Perfect Chemistry, Book 1

paperback pages: 357

My Rating 4 stars

At Fairfield High School, on the outskirts of Chicago, everyone knows that south siders and north siders aren't exactly compatible elements. So when cheerleader Brittany Ellis and gang member Alex Fuentes are forced to be lab parters in chemistry class, the results are bound to be explosive. But neither teen is prepared for the most surprising chemical reaction of all-love. Can they break through the stereotypes and misconceptions that threaten to keep them apart? 

"Miss Ellis?" Mrs Paterson says. "It's your turn. Introduce Alex to the class."

"This is Alejandro Fuentes. When he wasn't hanging out on street corners and harassing innocent people this summer, he toured the inside of jails around the city, if you know what I mean. His secret desire is to go to college and become a chemistry teacher, like you, Mrs Peterson."

Brittany flashes me a triumphant smile, thinking she's won this round. Guess again, gringa.

"This is Brittany Ellis," I say, all eyes now focused on me. "This summer she went to the mall, bought new clothes so she could expand her wardrobe, and spend her daddy's money on plastic surgery to enhance her, ahem, assets. Her secret desire is to date a Mexicano before she graduates."

Game on...

My Review

I loved Perfect chemistry. It was so sweet! I don't really read YA contemporary romance since most of them are predictable but this one almost wasn't it. And what I mean about that? Well the ending. The author leads the story to an end most romance stories have but then something happens and you're not so sure.


Even though it was a YA book there was a sex scene in it and the author managed to describe it very well without being graphic at all. It was really a sweet scene and to my surprise it was from Alex's point of view. The book changes between Alex's POV and Brittany's POV. This way we get to know both of them how they feel and think.


I loved Alex. Such a nice guy even though he acted as a touch guy. Even though he is a gang member he had never actually done something pretty bad. And he tries to stay clean as possible. The only reason he's in it is to protect his family. 


Brittany is you normal girl that tries to act perfect. Her life though isn't perfect as it looks like. It's better than Alex's but still, her family has big problems. You get to see that no matter how much money you have, money can't buy happiness. I love how this couple completed each other. They are so different and similar at the same time.


The writing was refreshing and I liked the voice of Alex the most. It's hard to capture a boy's voice when the author is woman but she managed well.


Overall I loved it. I had heard so much good things about this book that my expectations were high when I grabbed it and it didn't disappoint.  
The only thing I didn't like and it's the reason why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is the ending. Not the final chapter but the conclusion in general. After a big event that changes both Alec and Brittany, the book felt rushed. I wish she could have taken it more slowly.




*For those who have read it*
Another thing that it struck a little weird to me and didn't result in a lower star, since that's how the character is, is that Alec never said I love you to Brittany. He says and does other things to Brittany to prove his love but that simple word didn't escape his mouth. Not even in his thoughts. Call me old fashioned but I expect when two people love each other to express it verbally with those simple words. But I did get to feel how much Alex loved her. He wouldn't have gotten into much trouble for her, would he?
What did you think about the book?


Frosy 


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Book Trailer

Something About You >> Book Review

Something About You by Julie James

paperback pages: 307

My Rating 3,5 stars

FATE HAS THROWN TWO SWORN ENEMIES...

Of all the hotel rooms rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S> Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends with a death. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago-and for nearly ruining his career...

...INTO EACH OTHER'S ARMS

Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it's no joke; the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes-and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension...

My Review

Something About You is a book written by Julie Jones and it’s a contemporary romance.

This is not what I usually read and I have no idea how I came to pick this one at the library but I’m glad I did.

It was such fun reading this. I usually find contemporary books boring (depends on the theme) but this book hold my interest because of its characters.

They were so realistic and fresh and felt that I could easily meet them in real life. The whole book was realistic and even though we know it’s a love story, the main characters don’t go over the hill to “protect” the other. I’m saying this because this book is about a murder. We see from the characters, their need to get this over with before they actually start their romantic adventure and I was relieved. Both of them actually put their work and responsibilities before their emotions.

Let me just say, that my opinion for FBI agents has changed lol.

So Cameron is the witness in this case and Jack has to protect her until they find the murderer. Both of them don’t like how things are due to their previous history. Something that Cameron did and almost destroyed his career. Or so he says.

As I said I liked both of them but I felt that they had more to show. The background of both of them is enough to want to know more (if I say I’ll spoil it) and we don’t get the chance.

But we do get the chance to see the emotions between them change. They didn’t like each other due to some old facts but now that they are forced to be together, they’re bound to remember what happened three years ago.

Overall I liked it a lot. I might have rated it 3.5 stars but that’s only because it’s not a fantasy book. And fantasy/paranormal books are my thing so even though I strongly liked it I cannot give it 5 stars. But for the contemporary category 3.5 stars is close to 5!

So, go read it if you like contemporary romance with dark brooding unshaven men.

PS: Isn’t the cover gorgeous? I love that pink dress.

Frosy 

Buy the book at Amazon | Book Depository (Format Paperback)

and Amazon (Format e-book, kindle)

This Lullaby >> Book Review

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

paperback pages: 345

My Rating 2 stars

The science of breaking up...

Remy always knows when to give a guy "the speech"-right after the initial romantic rush, but before anything gets too serious. She's had her fair share of boyfriends, and she's learned all there is to learn from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. 

So why it is that Remy can't seem to dump Dexter? It can't be his name. it can't be that he's messy and disorganized. And it certainly isn't that he's a musician-just like her Remy's father, a man she never knew because he left before she was born. Could it be that Remy's romantic rules to live by don't apply anymore?

My Review

The story fallows Remy and her rules about romance which she doesn’t believe that exist. She thinks love only happens in fairy tales and will go all the way to prove it to Dexter. She doesn’t do relationships but somehow she can’t seem to dump Dexter. After a lot of events in her life and a very open mind conversation with her mother she realises that love is always there, you just need to find the right one for you. And you won’t find if you don’t try at all.

It was an o.k. book. I thought this book would be pretty much a love story between Dexter and Remy....and well didn't seem like that to me. Everyone was telling what a great book this is and I was excited when I bought it but felt disappointed after reading it.

I didn't like the characters....Remy was so selfish she just wanted to be only for herself.... and never thought about the others when it come to feelings she just cared for her own feelings.... Her friends on the other hand...I would like to see more about Jess' life... it's seems more complicated than Remy's.... Lissa is the typical teenage girl.... Dexter is the total opposite of Remy... He is funny... he lives for the present not just sitting around and watching others living their lives.... he lives his life to the fullness. I admire her mother though, even if she has been hurt so many times she still believes that all these things (love) were worth going for.... 

So, this book to me, it wasn’t the love story I expected... it was a well written book though talking about our lives and that we should live our lives at the fullness because we just have one life and it is better to live it ,even if we get hurt, rather than staying in the shadows... Because in the end we will be able to look back and say that we grabbed every opportunity it was given to us.... 

So yeah it was a good book but don't expect a big love story.... not like that... anyway I think it's worth reading it because of the message this book gives....and I will probably try another book of hers cause I really like the way she writes.

Frosy

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