Review: Dreamology by Lucy Keating

Dreamology by Lucy Keating
Publisher- Harper Teen
Released- April 12th 2016
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

Vibrantly offbeat and utterly original, Lucy Keating’s debut novel combines the unconventional romance of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind with the sweetness and heart of Jenny Han.For as long as Alice can remember, she has dreamed of Max. Together, they have traveled the world and fallen deliriously, hopelessly in love. Max is the boy of her dreams—and only her dreams. Because he doesn’t exist.But when Alice walks into class on her first day at a new school, there he is. Real Max is nothing like Dream Max. He’s stubborn and complicated. And he has a whole life Alice isn’t a part of. Getting to know each other in reality isn’t as perfect as Alice always hoped.Alarmingly, when their dreams start to bleed into their waking hours, the pair realize that they might have to put an end to a lifetime of dreaming about each other. But when you fall in love in your dreams, can reality ever be enough?

My Thoughts: 

Man, I can't seem to wipe this stupid grin from my face. Seriously, I had no idea I'd love Dreamology so much, this was exactly what I needed. It's creative, funny, adorable and the sweetest thing ever. Max and Alice have a very unique connection. They've know each other since they were little kids and grew up exploring the world and creating this amazing bond, but here's the thing, they've never really met. They only know each other from their dreams. That is until Alice and her dad move from New York to Boston and Alice attends Bennett Academy, walks into class and sees the boy of her dreams standing at the door. Max. He's real and it's almost like a dream come true, but it would seem that reality might have a different plan.

Can I just say I'm totally in love with Lucy Keating writing! I absolutely loved how easy it was to sink into this book, her writing is effortless and intelligent. I loved the flow and pace of the story and how everything played out. I kept finding myself  re-reading passages and dialogue multiple times before I could read more, all the while I had a goofy smile plastered from ear to ear. I wasn't sure I wanted to savour this book or devour it in one sitting. I swear, I don't think there is one character that I didn't love. I found it so incredibly refreshing that every character in this book was kind. Flawed, sure, but genuinely nice. I also thought it was wonderful going into a book that wasn't tainted with overly depressing or heart-harded issues. There were moments of sadness, sure, but it was never overly done. Mind you we still have our share of drama and angst, but it was cleverly written and the story always felt light and warm and even magical.

The concept is really quite fascinating and incredibly imaginative. It's a thought provoking story that explores the science and magic behind dreams but it's also a story about family, friends and how to deal with lost. But I think my favorite part of this book were the dreams. Max and Alice's dreams are filled with exotic, wild adventures that are rich, vivid and spectacular. It makes me wish I could dream like that, it was so beautiful. But it was more then how the dreams looked, it was how Max and Alice connected to each other. It took them away from their lonely reality and gave them this dream-like-wonderland, giving them something to hold onto. Each other. Still, Max and Alice find themselves in a very confusing and conflicting situation. It's one thing to know that your dream-childhood friend actually exists, but they have to figure out the why's and how's of it all since it seems that their dreams are bleeding into their reality and their sanity might just be on the line.

There are two versions of Max in this book. Dream Max and real Max. At first, I thought I liked Dream Max more. He's was more spontaneous and silly and well, free, while real Max is more grounded, serious and in control. The back and forth and hot and cold attitude was really killing me and at several points I really wished I could have reached in the book to smack Max straight, but the more I got to understand him, I realized, like Alice, that you can have more then one version of yourself and still love who the person is. As for Alice? I loved her instantly. She's quirky and sweet and I love how alive she always seemed to be despite the issues with her mother and how she clings on to her dreamworld. The romance in this was so flippin' cute. It's those little things that they remembered  about the other that made my heart do flips, it's the tension, banter and uncertainty that made them so irresistible and it was all those dame stolen kisses and tender moments that made me want to read this book forever.

At one point of the story I almost wanted Alice with Oliver. He's this wonderful, funny, carefree guy with contagious energy and a great sense of adventure, but from the start we always knew who owned Alice's heart. I also loved Sophie, she's exactly the kind of support you need and want in a best friend. And last but not least I absolutely loved Jerry and truly believe this book wouldn't be the same without him.

Bottom line, this book was prefect for me. It's the kind of book that just takes you away. It made me think, made me feel and made me laugh and made me smile the entire way through. Loved the concept, the amazing storytelling and all of these unforgettable characters. Instant love and one of my favorite books of 2016. A wonderful debut from Lucy Keating, I greatly look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. She is definitely an author to look out for! Bravo!

Find the author:
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Review: Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry

Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry

Publisher-Harlequin TEEN

Released- March 29th 2016

Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

One moment of recklessness will change their worlds
Smart. Responsible. That's seventeen-year-old Breanna's role in her large family, and heaven forbid she put a toe out of line. Until one night of shockingly un-Breanna-like behavior puts her into a vicious cyber-bully's line of fire—and brings fellow senior Thomas "Razor" Turner into her life.
Razor lives for the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, and good girls like Breanna just don't belong. But when he learns she's being blackmailed over a compromising picture of the two of them—a picture that turns one unexpected and beautiful moment into ugliness—he knows it's time to step outside the rules.
And so they make a pact: he'll help her track down her blackmailer, and in return she'll help him seek answers to the mystery that's haunted him—one that not even his club brothers have been willing to discuss. But the more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow. And suddenly they're both walking the edge of discovering who they really are, what they want, and where they're going from here.

My Thoughts: 

Katie McGarry's edgy contemporary series, Thunder Road, continues to do stupid things to my heart. I loved her Pushing the Limits series, but I think I love these books even more. They have an intensity to it that combines sizzling romance and a stronger sense of loyalty and dedication that goes above and beyond and I freaken love that!

I'm not sure I remember Razor all that much in the first book, Nowhere but Here, but then again I may have been distracted by the Oz & Emily- love, but no worries, I know exactly who Razor is now! Still torn up from his mother death, Razor is having a hard time dealing and it doesn't help that a detective is opening up fresh wounds by claiming that his mothers death may not have been an accident after all, but murder and Razor thinks that the Terror's are keeping secrets or worse, have something to do with it. Razor doesn't know what to believe but he's going to get answers and find help in the last place he ever thought to look.

Determined to start her senior year with a new look and attitude Breanna Miller wants to let loose and be remembered for something other then her vast intelligence and killer memory, but when a guy from school asks Breanna to help him cheat in English class and she refuses, Breanna becomes a victim to blackmail and cyber-bullying. Breanna is in need of a bodyguard and bad-boy-biker Thomas Turner (aka Razor) is just the Terror that will have her back. Whether she likes it or not.

Yup, I'm totally in love with this series! I mean dame!! McGarry has one helluva gift when drawing out the perfect amount of chemistry and heat that she gives to her characters and a really knack for writing edgy, bold and an addicting plot that has me completely consumed from start to finish Razor is my kind of bad boy. He has cool, confident and cunning down cold, but really there are so many levels to this guy which I loved since he felt more realistic and raw. He's loyal but confused with the Reign of Terror and the brotherhood. Mourning and messed up from his mothers death and rattled by his own feeling for a girl who doesn't live in his world, but through it all Razor's passion and strength was really the heart of this amazing story. So, if Razor is the heart, then Breanna is the definitely the soul. Being the 5th child out of 9, Breanna Miller has more then her share of responsibly but her family tends to overlook her and her siblings aren't always kind, but she sees something in Razor that goes beyond the club and the rumours and the stereotypical image. I really loved Breanna and thought she was the prefect girl to tame someone like Razor, someone who can bring him back to life and love him for him. I loved her feisty attitude, her amazing intelligence and her remarkable courage. As for the romance? It was absolutely delicious in all the right places. It's not exactly a forbidden love story, but it does cross the lines, throws you over that edge and it's thrilling, exciting and sexy as hell. I also really loved all the other characters but it was wonderful to see that Olivia is still making an impact. She was such a force in the first book and it's great to see that her memory is still very much alive.

Bottom line, Walk the Edge is a sensational installment in the Thunder Road series. I'm still a little surprised that I find these books so dame entertaining since I'm not a huge fan of biker-type books, but this definitely works for me and I'm having a blast with these Terror's and the women that steal their hearts. Gimme More!! 

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                                 5 Snowflakes

Review: What You Left Behind by Jessica Verdi

What You Left Behind by Jessica Verdi

Publisher- Sourcebooks

Released- Aug 4th 2015

Purchase- Amazon / B & N

It’s all Ryden’s fault. If he hadn’t gotten Meg pregnant, she would have never stopped her chemo treatments and would still be alive. Instead, he’s failing fatherhood one dirty diaper at a time. And it’s not like he’s had time to grieve while struggling to care for their infant daughter, start his senior year, and earn the soccer scholarship he needs to go to college.The one person who makes Ryden feel like his old self is Joni. She’s fun and energetic—and doesn’t know he has a baby. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to keep his two worlds separate. Finding one of Meg’s journals only stirs up old emotions, and Ryden’s convinced Meg left other notebooks for him to find, some message to help his new life make sense. But how is he going to have a future if he can’t let go of the past?

My Thoughts

What You Left Behind, is a powerful and heartbreaking story about being a single father and all the many obstacles that come with it. Ryden Brooks has a lot of guilt and anger weighting him down. Not only does he think he killed the love of his life by getting her pregnant, but he thinks his baby girl, Hope, hates him. Struggling between school, work, his scholarship ride to UCLA and raising a baby, Ryden is feeling the endless, sleepless pressure of a life he is absolutely not ready for. The only comfort he finds is a journal that Meg left at his house before she died but soon Ryden is obsessed with trying to find more of Megs words in hopes that they can help guide him to be a better father.

You know I never read a book like this before, I mean, I've read stories about single mothers but I've never seen the side of a single father before and I found it to be very refreshing. Jessica Verdi writing is incredibly touching and beautifully pieced together. The pace moves with constant intrigue and even has a little mystery. I loved the realistic voices Verdi gave each of her characters and the authentic emotional feelings that they go through. There were a lot of amazing moments that range from sweet and sentimental to a harsh and bitter, and the entire way through I kept putting myself in the shoes of these characters and asking myself what I would do if this was my situation? Would I have made the same decisions as Ryden or even Meg? Definitely thought provoking stuff.

My heart really went out to all of these characters. They had to face a lot of hard reality at such a young age. To say that Ryden is a little stressed and even messed up is an understatement, but given the extreme circumstances I'm proud of the way he handled everything. He had to face a lot a of highs and lows throughout this situation, some were heart-warming and even uplifting while some of the darker moments were more brutally honest then I would have liked. It's not exactly easy to hear regretting a baby or wishing it was terminated from the start. But doubts, guilt and fear have a way of bringing out the ugly in stressful moments. But even though Ryden is dealing with being a single father, mourning a loved one and juggling the endless questions about school and his future he is still just a teenage boy who made his fair of mistakes but eventually, in the end, I believe he gets it right. Ryden's mom was truly made of awesome and I admired the love and support she gave her son and understanding what it's like being a teenage parent. I also thought it was wonderful to be able to get inside Meg's thoughts through her journal memories. She might have passed away but she was everywhere in this book and I felt like I was able to connect with her and understand her choices, even if I didn't agree with all of it. Alan and Mabel were great secondary characters who brought a lot of positive reassurance to the story and Joni was this amazing bubbly spark that made it just a little easier for Ryden to find his peace.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It's honest, raw and such a personal journey that had a way of grabbing my heartstrings. Wonderful writing, unforgettable plot and amazing characters. Very well done!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                              4 Snowflakes

Review: Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

Publisher- Harlequin Teen

Released- May 26th 2015

Purchase- Amazon / B & N

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both. Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.
No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

My Thoughts:

I've been a huge fan of Katie McGarry's, Pushing the Limits books so I couldn't wait to see what her newest release would bring. As I expected, she didn't disappoint! Nowhere But Here, was an edgy contemporary that combines badass bikers, family ties and first love. It's has everything I want in an escape. Intensity, gripping suspense, funny moments and sexy times. I couldn't get enough!

Ok, so I wasn't exactly sold on the idea of a story about a Motorcycle dudes, but ya know, this worked, or well, McGarry made it work. I like the concept of the Reign of terror as a legit club who works a clean business but still have to deal with their rivals, The Riots. I enjoyed the brotherhood and the expressive theme of loyalty that ran throughout the entire book. Their world is dangerous and extreme but at the same time it has enormous amount of respect, admiration and heart. There is a deep history here that I found fascinating and all the secrets seemed to only fuel my curiosity as everything unfolded. I loved that we don't know the whole story right away and while I usually like my reads drama free, this was the exception, it was always intriguing, moving and entertaining and all these characters made me want to keep reading till it's gasping conclusion.

There are a lot of characters that really made an impression and felt so very important to the story and really, I loved them all.

Told in both Oz and Emily's point of view, we see both sides to the coin as its being tossed in the air. Emily is a good girl who has a great life in Florida with her biological mother and step dad who adopted her when she was four years old. But when her real father Eli, sends the family an invite to his mother funereal in Snowflake Kentucky, Emily isn't very happy that she has to go see the family that abandoned her and her mom. What she didn't expect was all hell breaking loss and Emily stuck in the middle between two rivalry motorcycle clubs and a long ago buried secret that comes out to haunt her and her family.

Poor Emily. This girl really went through a lot in this book and I felt badly how she was thrown into a dangerous world she knew nothing about. But what I loved about her the most was, as intimidated as she may have been, she proved that she could more then handle her own. Oz stole the entire show for me, this guy was amazingly put together. He's strong and protective and kind and even though he can be a jerk sometimes, I loved the way he loves. I loved the way he is with special-needs children and how he loves Olivia and respects his family. He holds himself up with confidence and heart. The romance was really well done. It sizzled with both intense chemistry and hug-worthy swoon that only left me wanting more. I also really enjoyed all the other characters, they all have such unique personality that I found infectious and they brought a certain spark to the storyline, but it was Eli, Olivia and Jeff I loved the most.

Bottom line, this book was made of awesome! Nowhere but Here is exactly the kind of escape I crave in my edgy contemporary reads. It had some darker moments, sure, but it's still  funny and sweet and sad and has such an unexpected warmth I never expected to find, and I simply can't wait to see where McGarry takes this world next. An instant favorite!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                                  5 Snowflakes

Review: Lying Out Loud by Kody Keplinger

Lying Out Loudby Kody Keplinger
Expected publication: April 28th 2015 by Scholastic

Kody Keplinger returns to the world of The DUFF in this brand-new companion novel! 

Sonny Ardmore is an excellent liar. She lies about her dad being in prison. She lies about her mom kicking her out. And she lies about sneaking into her best friend's house every night because she has nowhere else to go. Amy Rush might be the only person Sonny shares everything with -- secrets, clothes, even a nemesis named Ryder Cross. Ryder's the new kid at Hamilton High and everything Sonny and Amy can't stand -- a prep-school snob. But Ryder has a weakness: Amy. So when Ryder emails Amy asking her out, the friends see it as a prank opportunity not to be missed. But without meaning to, Sonny ends up talking to Ryder all night online. And to her horror, she realizes that she might actually like him. Only there's one small catch: he thinks he's been talking to Amy. So Sonny comes up with an elaborate scheme to help Ryder realize that she's the girl he's really wanted all along. Can Sonny lie her way to the truth, or will all her lies end up costing her both Ryder and Amy?

My Thoughts

I had just read book that had left & me reeling (An Ember in the Ashes) & was looking for something light, fluffy, & fun to clear my palate. This book was perfect for that!! This review may read as if I didn't enjoy Lying Out Loud and that's not the case....entirely anyway. There was some really strong character development throughout the book and the dynamics between them where pure perfection.  Keplinger certainly has hit her stride where that is concerned. That is what kept me reading since I adore character driven books. I might have DNF had the people not been the glue that held it all together. I think much of what I didn't like was simply due to personal preference. Allow me to elaborate.

This is one blurb that pretty much sums it's book up perfectly. So much so that I dont need to go into the plot at all. I hate liars. I'm sure most of you do as well. Well, I should have taken the word "LYING" in the title as a clear warning. This book will be centered around someone who lies. It didn't so much bother me that the M.C., Sonny, was lying but what bothered me was that she felt absolutely no remorse about it. She was clearly a selfish, inconsiderate person and that just rubbed me the wrong way. People do really odd things in order to comfort themselves when dealing with extreme duress, like accidentally catfishing you arch nemesis on purpose. Although I was not a fan of Sonny's behavior I had to admit, she was pretty witty. I'll give the girl that. Her narration thru the story did make me giggle quite a bit.

Sonny -  arc loc. 335
My arch nemesis? My Lex Luthor to my Superman? The Loki to my Thor? The peanut butter to my jelly? Okay, I know most of the world thinks those last two go together, but personally I find the combination rather abhorrent and just ew.

I just think the level of deception she built up with her supposive close as sisters best friend Amy and her supposive crush Ryder was completely out of control. That was the point of course but it didn't sit well with me. Funny how well I cant stomach mutiny and murder but this made me grit my teeth. I had a good friend do something not the same but equally as bad to me and i think it just struck that raw nerve. That should really be taken as a compliment since it was pretty damn close to reality. 

I really keep trying with this contemp genre but I keep striking out. Admittedly, I am sure I am not the target audience either. This had some brilliant characters though so I am mostly positive it will be enjoyed by the masses. Just prepare to deal with some serious scheming!!

3 Snowflakes

Review: Finding Mr. Brightside by Jay Clark

Finding Mr. Brightside by Jay Clark

Publisher-Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Released- March 24th 2015

Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

Abram and Juliette know each other. They’ve lived down the street from each other their whole lives. But they don’t really know each other—at least, not until Juliette’s mom and Abram’s dad have a torrid affair that culminates in a deadly car crash. Sharing the same subdivision is uncomfortable, to say the least. They don’t speak.Fast-forward to the neighborhood pharmacy, a few months later. Abram decides to say hello. Then he decides to invite her to Taco Bell. To her surprise as well as his, she agrees. And the real love story begins.

My Thoughts: 

Finding Mr. Brightside, is a touching and emotional story about two people who go through the motions of losing a loved one, but it goes a little deeper then grief, see Abram and Juliette may live on the same block and go to the same school but they don't really know each other well, and yet they share a very tragic connection. Abram's dad and Juliette's mother was having an affair and while that should be bad enough, a car accident took them away from their families and leaving in it's wake mixed feelings of betrayal and lost.

Wow, am I ever in love with the way Clark writes! Seriously, it's very strong and punches out some of the best dialogue and inner thought process that makes this so meaningful and thought provoking. Underneath this is a very sad and bitter story but the way Clark delivers this was surprisingly light and amusing given the complex situation. With an almost desperate-dry humor, witty moments and an adorable love story, I found this to be so refreshing different and what I loved about this book the most. I mean, how do you try to have a friendship with a person that reminds you of what you lost and yet is the only person that understands the pain and confusion you feel? 

Abram and Juliette  were such amazing characters. Realistic, likeable and easy to connect with. Abram has a wonderfully optimistic outlook on life and a confident spirit. He just has this way about him that accepts things for what they are. He doesn't need to fight his ghosts, even though they are still apart of him a year after the death of his father. Juliette on the other hand is a little more cynical, jaded, messed up and needs that push to bring her out of the dark.  I love that we have this in both of their perspectives, I loved being inside both their heads and seeing what the other thinks and feels. I also love the gradual but inevitable pull the two have with one another. At first it was an awkward encounter, then morbid curiosity, then finding comfort in just existing in the same space which leads to a strange but natural friendship. They test each others comfort levels, give that push when the time calls for it and try to help one another with they're reliance on medicating. But throughout all the confusion and mess that is their lives they find a genuine relationship that is so utterly adorable and incredibly sweet. They're good together, need each other, a brightside that allows them to remember the good and the ugly but finally be able to let go and move on from darker days. Beautifully done!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                               4 Snowflakes

Review: The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand

The Last Time We Say Goodbye 

by Cynthia Hand

Publisher- Harper Teen

Released- Feb 10th 2015

Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

There's death all around us.We just don't pay attention.Until we do.The last time Lex was happy, it was before. When she had a family that was whole. A boyfriend she loved. Friends who didn't look at her like she might break down at any moment.Now she's just the girl whose brother killed himself. And it feels like that's all she'll ever be.As Lex starts to put her life back together, she tries to block out what happened the night Tyler died. But there's a secret she hasn't told anyone-a text Tyler sent, that could have changed everything.Lex's brother is gone. But Lex is about to discover that a ghost doesn't have to be real to keep you from moving on.From New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand, The Last Time We Say Goodbye is a gorgeous and heart-wrenching story of love, loss, and letting go.

My Thoughts:

Now, normally this is the kind of issue I would usually shy away from. There is a reason I don't read suicide or cancer/sickness reads. They just feel to real and my heart just isn't equipped to handle such sadness and despair, but being a huge fan of Hand's Unearthly series, I made an exception. And I'm glad I did.

First off, I think what hit me the hardest was Hand's dedication. This is a personal journey that must have been so very hard to express, but I applaud Hands bravery and courage for telling this story.

The Last Time We Say Goodbye, is an emotionally heartbreaking story about death, lost, grief and finding your own way to move on. After the death of her brother Ty, Lex wasn't in a good place. She broke up with her boyfriend, stopped being social and basically went with the motions of everyday life without her brother. So when her therapist recommended Lex to start writing in a journal about random thoughts and feelings and even about Tyler, Lex was skeptical it would work, but as she started to think about the first and last happy time she shared with her brother, Lex started to think about everything else and finally finds the strength she needed to move on.

This is such a beautiful story. Seriously. I'm not one to cry in books, but once in awhile a story will come along and just hit all the feels. I have a huge family and I couldn't see myself without any of them so this one really got to me. Given the issues in this book, know that there is no romance, no warm and fuzzy's, no real laughter and no really happy times. But what we do get are moments. Beautiful moments of good times and bad times and really ugly times. But it's through these moments where we see what Lex has been through. The dreams and memories is what really connected me the most to Ty. It broke my heart. It hurts to remember and it hurts to forget, but Lex found a way to beat down her demons, face her ghost and do the things that she would have thought Ty wanted. I also thought Lex was written very realistically. Her anger and confusion and her despair felt so real and while I know she wanted to give up, she didn't and she never let her mother give up either. She's remarkable. I also really loved Steven as well. Now here is a guy that you want by your side and I loved his never ending support, kindness and love.

All in all, this book was truly beautiful. It makes you think, and I mean really think about the people in your life. Old grudges, stupid fights, the what ifs, the last time you said I love you and all the unsaid things you wish you could have said. This is the kind of story that can touch anyone and everyone that has a heartbeat. Heartbreaking and heart lifting, this was a beautiful book that captures the pain of losing a loved one and finding a way to move on. Completely recommended.

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                              4 Snowflakes

Review: Top Ten Clues you're Clueless by Liz Czukas

Top Ten Clues You're Clueless by Liz Czukas

Publisher- Harper Teen

Released- Dec 9th 2014

Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

Top Five Things That Are Ruining Chloe’s Day5) Working the 6:30 a.m. shift at GoodFoods Market4) Crashing a cart into a customer’s car right in front of her snarky coworker Sammi3) Trying to rock the “drowned rat” look after being caught in a snowstorm2) Making zero progress with her crush, Tyson (see #3)1) Being accused—along with her fellow teenage employees—of stealing upwards of $10,000Chloe would rather be anywhere than locked in work jail (aka the break room) with five of her coworkers . . . even if one of them is Tyson. But if they can band together to clear their names, what looks like a total disaster might just make Chloe’s list of Top Ten Best Moments.

My Thoughts: 

Ha! What a fun read. After reading Liz Czukas debut novel, Ask Again Later, I knew that I had to get my hands on this book as soon as I saw it was up for grabs on galley. Liz is rapidly becoming my go-to girl for when ever I'm in need of a fun light escape. Top Ten Clues You're Clueless, is another fun filled read with great banter, funny zingers and comedic mishaps along the way. But this also provides great insight to what it's like to work at a grocery store. The odd customers, grocery guesses and cart crashes. It reminded me of my teen days working at a restaurant during a blackout with nothing much to do besides hang out, goof around and start a food fight. Good times.

This may be in Chloe's point of view, but really, it was all of these characters together that stood out front and centre.

Chloe, Tyson, Gabe, Sammie, Micah and Zaina aren't what you would call friends, more like work acquaintances. But when your stuck in a grocery store after hours on Christmas Eve being accused of stealing from the charity donation box and have to come together to figure out who the culprit is to clear their names, the experience has its way of bonding them in unexpected ways. For me, it was these six characters that totally owned this. Chloe is super cute with her endless love of making lists. Tyson is just your average nice guy, quick to defend and help out. Gabe is your typical punk-fun loving guy with daddy issues, Sammie is all hard walls and attitude, Micah is your adorable loving geek and Zaina is beautiful, sweet and shy.  I loved each of their voices, their personalities and their infectious chemistry. They made a bad situation bearable in that cutesy teamwork way that made the whole night entertaining and incredibly worth while.

The writing is wonderful, but sometimes it did feel on the youngish side, but it never stopped me from enjoying the escape. I really enjoyed the ending and was even shocked about who actually stole the money and even though this doesn't have a ton of romance, it was those little moments that still made my heart all warm and giddy.

Bottom line, this was a completely charming and amusing whodunit contemporary that was nothing short of adorable. With it's Breakfast Club feels, cast of witty characters and terrific writing, Top Ten Clues You're Clueless, will be sure to put a smile on your face just in time for the holiday season. So cute!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                                4 Snowflakes 

Arc Giveaway & Review: Magnolia by Kristi Cook & Breath, Annie, Breath by Miranda Kenneally

Magnolia by Kristi Cook

Publisher-  Simon & Schuster

Released - Aug 5th 2014

In Magnolia Branch, Mississippi, the Cafferty and Marsden families are southern royalty. Neighbors since the Civil War, the families have shared vacations, holidays, backyard barbecues, and the overwhelming desire to unite their two clans by marriage. So when a baby boy and girl were born to the families at the same time, the perfect opportunity seemed to have finally arrived. Jemma Cafferty and Ryder Marsden have no intention of giving in to their parents’ wishes. They’re only seventeen, for goodness’ sake, not to mention that one little problem: They hate each other! Jemma can’t stand Ryder’s nauseating golden-boy persona, and Ryder would like nothing better than to pretend stubborn Jemma doesn’t exist.But when a violent storm ravages Magnolia Branch, it unearths Jemma’s and Ryder’s true feelings for each other as the two discover that the line between love and hate may be thin enough to risk crossing over.

My Thoughts: 

Already being a huge fan of Kristi Cook's Winterhaven series, I really couldn't wait to see what her next project would bring. I was excited to learn we were getting a YA contemporary, but I never thought I would have loved it this much. 

Magnolia was like a breath of fresh air!

My favorite kind of romance has always been childhood friends-turned more, but flared from rage-to-romance climbs right on up there as well. Told in a Romeo & Juliet themed-switch, this book was a lot of fun and a completely swoon-worthy escape. Ryder and Jemma have a complicated kind of history. Their families have been  BFF's since the civil war days and have been waiting for a link to bring there families closer then just friendship. Enter Ryder and Jemma. Only six weeks apart and the perfect opportunity to bring the Marsden and Cafferty together in one big happy family. Only problem is, Ryder and Jemma hate each other, or well, at least they think they do....

I only have the warmest feelings to describe how I feel about Ryder and Jemma. They have the kind of chemistry you can cut with a knife. They're both stubborn and feisty and full of old determined pride, but they are both so utterly adorable. Even when they argue the tension still crackles with electricity between their undeniable attraction and the obstacles and misunderstandings only fuels the fires making them even more irresistible, charming and so dame sweet. They completely owned this book and I cheered at the thought that in the end, they wanted to do this on their own terms and not letting the pressures of their overly eager hopeful families come between their ultimate decision. I also enjoyed all the secondary characters, they all seemed to compliment this in their own charming ways. However, I do have mixed feeling about Patrick. I'm not sure if that extra drama was needed or necessary to impact the story further and only gave it that convenient-effect then anything else. Still, it didn't take anything away from my overall experience. 

Bottom line, I loved this book. Magnolia is a lovely and darling kind of escape that puts a fun spin on romance. It's the kind of read that made me feel all warm and gushy and plastered one of those stupid smiles on my face the entire time. It's the stuff that makes love worth fighting and waiting for. The perfect summertime escape when your in the mood for a feel good good-time read! Loved!!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                                 5 Snowflakes

Looking for another summertime read? Breath, Annie, Breath, is the 5th book in the Hundred Oaks series by Miranda Kenneally that tells the story of Annie, who after the death of her boyfriend is training to run the marathon in his name and memory. This was more of an emotional and intense addition compared to the other books in this series, but it's also filled with flesh and blood characters that I was proud of and tugged at my heart strings, never letting go. A touching, sexy swoon-worthy read!

Win ARC copies of both Magnolia by Kristi Cook & Breath and Annie, Breath by Miranda Kenneally!!

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Review: Fan Art by Sarah Tregay

Fan Art by Sarah Tregay

Publisher-Katherine Tegen Books

Released- June 17th 2014

Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

When the picture tells the story…SeniorF year is almost over, and Jamie Peterson has a big problem. Not college—that’s all set. Not prom—he’ll find a date somehow. No, it’s the worst problem of all: he’s fallen for his best friend.As much as Jamie tries to keep it under wraps, everyone seems to know where his affections lie, and the giggling girls in art class are determined to help Jamie get together with Mason. But Jamie isn’t sure if that’s what he wants—because as much as Jamie would like to come clean to Mason, what if the truth ruins everything? What if there are no more road trips, taco dinners, or movie nights? Does he dare risk a childhood friendship for romance?This book is about what happens when a picture reveals what we can’t say, when art is truer than life, and how falling in love is easy, except when it’s not. Fan Art explores the joys and pains of friendship, of pressing boundaries, and how facing our worst fears can sometimes lead us to what we want most.

My Thoughts: 
Jamie Peterson has it made. College is all set, he's got a great family, great friends and while he doesn't have a date to the prom yet, that's not really the problem. Jamie has a secret, but he's only keeping it from his best friend, Mason. See, Jamie is gay and he just started to realize that he might be in love with his best friend.

Daww, this was really so sweet. Fan Art is the kind of story you just want to hug. It's a story about struggling with your feelings and fear of rejection but it's also about finding the courage to be honest no matter what.

Jamie has a great voice. His conflicts and struggles felt very realistic and I could understand the reason he didn't want Mason to know the truth. Fear does crazy things to the heart and I get that Jamie wasn't ready to potentially lose his best friend. I loved his family! His sisters were precious and his parents are so supportive and amazing and I love how proud of him they were for 'coming out'. I also thought it was really sweet the girls in his art class were so determined to see Jamie happy, even if it did seem like they went to far. The poems and the comic-strip art was a great touch to the story but my favorite moments was the connection between Jamie and Mason. You could tell they both seemed to be into each other but the complications of doubts and fears always seems to win out over being upfront and honest, till that moment where you just know your ready to lay it out there and see where it goes. Mason was a really sweetheart and I loved the subtle little things he would do or say to open Jamie's eyes. The writing was a bit abrupt and scattered at times and I wish some of the story would have been played out for us instead of told to us, but I still enjoyed Sarah Tregay overall style.

All in all, I thought this was just adorable. It's a feel good read that made me smile and made me feel all warm inside, and really, what more can I ask for in an escape? Well done!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                                 3.5 Snowflakes