Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

Title: Nowhere But Here
Author: Katie McGarry
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: May 26th 2015
Source: BEA!

Summary from Goodreads:

An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible.

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.

Review

It says a lot when I dislike an audio book's narrator yet continued with the book. Nowhere But Here was worth the read/listen.  While the narrator's voice didn't sit well with me, the story was great and I had to continue.

Nowhere But Here teleported me into what felt like a TV drama (in a good way).  At times the motorcycle club drama seemed a bit excessive but it worked.  I was drawn into this vastly different world.  It all seemed so foreign  to me but the main character was having the same feelings so it was easy to relate in that sense.  Oz is the picture perfect bad boy; he is rough around the edges, has a strong protective nature, and loves fiercely.

The dynamic between Emily and Oz is cute and slow building with no love triangle.  Emily's choices at times and her overall attitude was not always my favorite.  Oz, on the other hand, I really liked him as a character.  The family of both main characters play a huge role in the overarching plot.  There are a lot of pieces in this motorcycle club territory battle/love story.  Nowhere But Here reminded me a bit of Jay Crownover's book in their plot execution and characters, just with a younger MC.

Overall there were a lot of pieces to this story that had me engaged from start to finish. I look forward to the next companion novel!

Diplomatic Immunity by Brodi Ashton

Title: Diplomatic Immunity
Author: Brodi Ashton
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date:  September 6th 2016
Source: E-ARC from the publisher! Thank you Balzer & Bray

Summary from Goodreads:

Aspiring reporter Piper Baird decides to write a scathing exposé on the overprivileged students at an elite Washington, DC, school, only for her life to change when she begins to fall for the story's main subject, in this new realistic contemporary romance from Brodi Ashton, the author of the Everneath trilogy.

Raucous parties, privileged attitudes, underage drinking, and diplomatic immunity...it’s all part of student life on Embassy Row.

Piper Baird has always dreamed of becoming a journalist. So when she scores a scholarship to exclusive Chiswick Academy in Washington, DC, she knows it’s her big opportunity. Chiswick offers the country’s most competitive prize for teen journalists—the Bennington scholarship—and winning will ensure her acceptance to one of the best schools in the country.

Piper isn’t at Chiswick for two days before she witnesses the intense competition in the journalism program—and the extreme privilege of the young and wealthy elite who attend her school. And Piper knows access to these untouchable students just might give her the edge she’ll need to blow the lid off life at the school in a scathing and unforgettable exposé worthy of the Bennington.

The key to the whole story lies with Rafael Amador, the son of the Spanish ambassador—and the boy at the center of the most explosive secrets and scandals on Embassy Row. Rafael is big trouble—and when he drops into her bedroom window one night, asking for help, it’s Piper’s chance to get the full scoop. But as they spend time together, Piper discovers that despite his dark streak, Rafael is smart, kind, funny, and gorgeous—and she might have real feelings for him. How can she break the story of a lifetime if it could destroy the boy she just might love?

Review

Diplomatic Immunity was an entertaining, easy to read story. I was hoping for a bit more mystery and drama surrounding Embassy Row.  The drama that was present seemed to be unrealistic and hard to believe and slightly impacted my overall enjoyment of the story.  It felt rather over the top at times.

Aside from a couple points, I felt like the love story was also predictable.  It was rather easy to know what was coming and while I still was entertained while reading it did take away some of the excitement.  There are other aspects of the story like a few of the secondary characters that I felt like were forced into roles and were not fully developed.  The main character is not really a like-able character making it hard to relate to her struggles.

The plot does pick up and it was easy to finish the book in just a couple days.  I can't say I was not entertained while reading it; this a book that you cannot nit-pick on the small details.  In the end, even though it was an cute contemporary romance, the characters, the predictability of the love story, and the forced secondary characters made the book just an okay read.

Rowdy (Marked Men #5) by Jay Crownover

Title: Rowdy
Series: Marked Men #5
Author: Jay Crownover
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Release Date: October 21st 2014

Summary from Goodreads:

After the only girl he ever loved told him that he would never be enough, Rowdy St. James knocked the Texas dust off his boots and set out to live up to his nickname. A good ol’ boy looking for good times and good friends, Rowdy refuses to take anything too seriously, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. Burned by love once, he isn’t going to let himself trust a woman again. But that’s before his new co-worker arrives, a ghost from the past who’s suddenly making him question every lesson he ever learned.

Salem Cruz grew up in house with too many rules and too little fun—a world of unhappiness she couldn’t wait to forget. But one nice thing from childhood has stayed with her; the memory of the sweet, blue-eyed boy next door who’d been head over heels in love with her little sister.

Now, fate and an old friend have brought her and Rowdy together, and Salem is determined to show him that once upon a time he picked the wrong sister. A mission that is working perfectly—until the one person that ties them together appears, threatening to tear them apart for good.

Review

Goodness, what to say about Rowdy's story.  Rowdy has a lot going on and I liked it.  The rest of the Marked Men's story's continue, much to my enjoyment.  Similar to Nash, Rowdy was not a main focus character for me yet I still really enjoyed learning more about him.

Rowdy is a tough guy but also a sweetheart and I loved that trait.  I really really liked the dates he took Salem on and how it was a perfect blend of cute romance with steamy romance. While their romance is fiery it also grows throughout making it feel more real.

Between Salem's sister's drama and Rowdy's family surprises, I was flying through this book.  The plot never lets up. While some of the sister drama was a bit of a turn off, in the end I felt like it really came together.   I am definitely glad to have learned and understood more about Rowdy's character. This was another great addition to the series!

Nash (Marked Men #4) by Jay Crownover

Title: Nash
Series: Marked Men #4
Author: Jay Crownover
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Release Date: April 29th 2014

Summary from Goodreads:

Will their past determine their future?

Saint Ford has worked hard to achieve her childhood dream of becoming of nurse. Focused on her work and devoted to her patients, there’s no room for love. She doesn’t need a guy making waves in her calm, serene life—especially when he’s the unforgettable hottie who nearly destroyed her in high school. Dark, brooding Nash Donovan might not remember her or the terrible pain he caused. But he turned her world upside down... and now he’s trying to do it again.

Saint has no idea that Nash isn’t the cocky player he once was. Uncovering a devastating family secret has rocked his world, and now he’s struggling to figure out his future. He can’t be distracted by the pretty nurse he seems to meet everywhere. Still, he can’t ignore the sparks that fly between them —or how she seems so desperate to get away from him. But the funny, sweet, and drop-dead gorgeous Saint is far too amazing to give up on—especially since she’s the only thing in his life that seems to make sense.

When Nash discovers the truth about their past, he realizes he may have lost her heart before he could even fight for it. Now, Saint has to decide: is Nash worth risking herself for all over again?

Review

Nash has never been one of the characters I felt drawn to.  I have always thought he seemed like a more distant secondary character.  It was nice to get to learn more about his history and his role in the marked men family. The details and aspects of his life really add to another layer of depth in the overall series.

Nash has some sadder moments than Rome.  Even though there were some steamy scenes and happy moments, this book felt a little less happy than the others.  When I finished the book, I felt that I had enjoyed it but did not leave with the grin on my face that some of the other books evoked.  Saint, the main interest in this book, has some personal demons to overcome.  At times I really could relate or feel for her but then at other times I just found her to kind of bother me.

This one was not my favorite but it was still enjoyable and added to the overall series.  At times I felt like I was merely reading to continue some of the other secondary character's stories, not quite for Nash and Saint's story line.  But I love a lot of those other characters so it all worked out!

Goldfish by Nat Luurtsema

Title: Goldfish
Author: Nat Luurtsema
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: June 7th 2016
Source: Arc from the publisher. Thank you Disney-Hyperion! 

Summary from Goodreads:

Lou Brown is one of the fastest swimmers in the county. She’s not boasting, she really is. So things are looking pretty rosy the day of the Olympic time-trials. With her best mate Hannah by her side, Lou lines up by the edge of the pool, snaps her goggles on and bends into her dive…

Everything rests on this race. It’s Lou’s thing.

… or it was. She comes dead last and to top it all off Hannah sails through leaving a totally broken Lou behind.

Starting again is never easy, particularly when you’re the odd-one out in a family of insanely beautiful people and a school full of social groups way too intimidating to join. Where do you go from here? Finding a new thing turns out to be the biggest challenge Lou’s ever faced and opens up a whole new world of underwater somersaults, crazy talent shows, bitchy girls and a great big load of awkward boy chat.

Lou Brown guides us through the utter humiliation of failure with honesty, sass and a keen sense of the ridiculous. This girl will not be beaten.

Review

Goldfish was a quick and fun read. Humor and competition are two key elements in Goldfish. Lou doesn’t make the swimming time trials and feels like everything she worked for is gone along with her best friend. So she is faced with finding her new role in school without swimming or her best friend

I really liked Lou, she had me cracking up throughout the entire book, goldfish is lined with some dry humor and some laugh out loud humor. The overall premise is a bit crazy but it works. It was super easy to imagine all the wackiness that ensures. I love the rag tag group and how they all worked together to achieve something crazy.

Overall I really enjoyed Goldfish; it was a funny sports competition focused book. That while not the most memorable read it was thoroughly enjoyable! It is quite a feel good story that will leave you grinning when you finish.

Jet (Marked Men #2) by Jay Crownover

Title: Jet
Series: Marked Men #2
Author: Jay Crownover
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Release Date: May 28th 2013

Summary from Goodreads:

With his tight leather pants and a sharp edge that makes him dangerous, Jet Keller is every girl’s rock and roll fantasy. But Ayden Cross is done walking on the wild side with bad boys. She doesn’t want to give in to the heat she sees in Jet’s dark, haunted eyes. She’s afraid of getting burned from the sparks of their spontaneous combustion, even as his touch sets her on fire.

Jet can’t resist the Southern Belle with mile-long legs in cowboy boots who defies his every expectation. Yet the closer he feels to Ayden, the less he seems to know her. While he’s tempted to get under her skin and undo her in every way, he knows firsthand what happens to two people with very different ideas about relationships.

Will the blaze burn into an enduring love. . . or will it consume their dreams and turn them to ashes?

Review

It took me a tad longer to get into Jet and Ayden's story than it did Rule and Shaw's.  Once the plot picked up through, I was hooked again into the Marked Men world.  While I did enjoy their story, there were times when I wanted both of them to get over themselves.   Both Jet and Ayd had issues to overcome and circumstances that continued to make it challenging for them.

This book stands alone really focusing on Jet and Ayden yet all the secondary characters from book one are present.  I love the addition and tie in from the other characters.  Not only does it strengthen my attachment towards Jet and Ayd but it also had me feeling attached to all the others as well. When the plot slowed or I was getting slightly annoyed with the Jet and Ayd it was a reprieve to get to hear more about the rest of the group.

I definitely recommend Jet and the Marked Men series if you are looking for a steamy, new adult read with a fantastic case and great plot.

Summer of Sloane by Erin L. Schneider

Title: Summer of Sloane
Author: Erin L. Schneider
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: May 3rd 2016
Source: Arc from the publisher. Thank you Disney-Hyperion! 

Summary from Goodreads:

Warm Hawaiian sun. Lazy beach days. Flirty texts with her boyfriend back in Seattle.

These are the things seventeen-year-old Sloane McIntyre pictured when she imagined the summer she’d be spending at her mom’s home in Hawaii with her twin brother, Penn. Instead, after learning an unthinkable secret about her boyfriend, Tyler, and best friend, Mick, all she has is a fractured hand and a completely shattered heart.

Once she arrives in Honolulu, though, Sloane hopes that Hawaii might just be the escape she needs. With beach bonfires, old friends, exotic food, and the wonders of a waterproof cast, there’s no reason Sloane shouldn’t enjoy her summer. And when she meets Finn McAllister, the handsome son of a hotel magnate who doesn’t always play by the rules, she knows he’s the perfect distraction from everything that’s so wrong back home.

But it turns out a measly ocean isn’t nearly enough to stop all the emails, texts, and voicemails from her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend, desperate to explain away their betrayal. And as her casual connection with Finn grows deeper, Sloane’s carefree summer might not be as easy to find as she’d hoped. Weighing years of history with Mick and Tyler against their deception, and the delicate possibility of new love, Sloane must decide when to forgive, and when to live for herself.

Review

Summer of Sloane was not what I was expecting at all in a surprising way. I was expecting a light summery book with a strong romance element yet instead it was a story of a young girl finding happiness in herself and her surroundings.

Friendship, trust, and starting over are some of the major themes throughout. The friendship aspects were heartfelt and honest, while at times the drama seemed a little much it also seem feasible. Some friendships are hard and Sloane has her fair share of complicated friendships both new and old. She has to face tough decisions and also gets called out for some of her actions. Sloane grows up some during the course of the summer, she learns about choices her family made and choices her friends made that really force her to reevaluate her thoughts.

While I did really enjoy the story line, the character development (specifically Sloane), and the friendship dynamics, Summer of Sloane was not as uplifting and light as I was looking for. It did make me pause and think and really take in the circumstances of the story but I did not finish the book with an overwhelming happy feeling. It was much more along the lines of, ‘Oh, this was pretty good.’ I do recommend it though if you are looking for a character driven plot, believable high school struggles, and a beautiful Hawaii setting.

Two Summers by Aimee Friedman

Title: Two Summers
Author: Aimee Friedman
Publisher: Point
Release Date: April 26th 2016
Source: Audio-book from Scholastic Audio. Thank you Scholastic!  

Summary from Goodreads:

ONE SUMMER in the French countryside, among sun-kissed fields of lavender . . .

ANOTHER SUMMER in upstate New York, along familiar roads that lead to surprises . . .

When Summer Everett makes a split-second decision, her summer divides into two parallel worlds. In one, she travels to France, where she’s dreamed of going: a land of chocolate croissants, handsome boys, and art museums. In the other, she remains home, in her ordinary suburb, where she expects her ordinary life to continue — but nothing is as it seems.

In both summers, she will fall in love and discover new sides of herself. What may break her, though, is a terrible family secret, one she can't hide from anywhere. In the end, it may just be the truth she needs the most.

From New York Times bestselling author Aimee Friedman comes an irresistible, inventive novel that takes readers around the world and back again, and asks us what matters more: the journey or the destination.

Review

Two Summer was not the light summer vacation read I was expecting.  Two Summers is really about a young girl experiencing two different journeys  to get to the same place.  These journeys are not easy journeys either.  Summer lives with her mother who is divorced in New York but has plans to visit her father in France for the summer.

The story alternates between the two different journeys.  There are family secrets, new friendships, changed relationships, new loves, and ultimately new experiences.  Two Summers offers the reader a deeper look into one girl's life and how while the journey matters sometimes the destination is the same.

While I did enjoy the audio narration, plot pacing, and the character development, Two Summers was heavier than I was looking for in a summer read.

Wanderlost by Jen Malone

Title: Wanderlost
Author: Jen Malone
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: May 31st 2016

Summary from Goodreads:

Not all those who wander are lost, but Aubree Sadler most definitely is on this novel’s whirlwind trip through Europe.

Aubree can’t think of a better place to be than in perfectly boring Ohio, and she’s ready for a relaxing summer. But when her older sister, Elizabeth, gets into real trouble, Aubree is talked into taking over Elizabeth’s summer job, leading a group of senior citizens on a bus tour through Europe.

Aubree doesn’t even make it to the first stop in Amsterdam before their perfect plan unravels, leaving her with no phone, no carefully prepared binder full of helpful facts, and an unexpected guest: the tour company owner’s son, Sam. Considering she’s pretending to be Elizabeth, she absolutely shouldn’t fall for him, but she can’t help it, especially with the most romantic European cities as the backdrop for their love story.

But her relationship with Sam is threatening to ruin her relationship with her sister, and she feels like she’s letting both of them down. Aubree knows this trip may show her who she really is—she just hopes she likes where she ends up.

Review

This is the perfect summer book.  It had everything I was looking for, romance, adventure, and humor.  Even having traveled more than a handful of times, I thoroughly enjoyed all the nerve-racking feelings Aubree felt on her first trip.  She is already an apprehensive traveler and on top of that she is in charge of the safety and happiness of an elderly tour group.  I truly felt for her.

Her travel struggles had me grinning through the entire book.  The fact that new and unknown foods wig her out was so relate-able and laughable.  I know when I travel there are times when I am just like, yea no thanks, plain bread please. (I know, terrible!)

Overall, I highly recommend Wanderlost; it was a cute and fun read.  I was laughing and constantly rooting her on.  She really sees past her tour members' age and she sees past her traveling fears, truly embracing the joy exploring can bring.  She finds a new part of herself through the course of the book that really gave the story an additional layer of depth.

Defending Taylor (Hundred Oaks) by Miranda Kenneally

Title: Defending Taylor
Series: Hundred Oaks #7
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: July 5th 2016

Source:E-ARC from the Publisher. Thank you Sourcebooks Fire!

Summary from Goodreads:

Captain of the soccer team, president of the Debate Club, contender for valedictorian: Taylor’s always pushed herself to be perfect. After all, that’s what is expected of a senator’s daughter. But one impulsive decision—one lie to cover for her boyfriend—and Taylor’s kicked out of private school. Everything she’s worked so hard for is gone, and now she’s starting over at Hundred Oaks High.

Soccer has always been Taylor’s escape from the pressures of school and family, but it’s hard to fit in and play on a team that used to be her rival. The only person who seems to understand all that she’s going through is her older brother’s best friend, Ezra. Taylor’s had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. But it’s hard to trust after having been betrayed. Will Taylor repeat her past mistakes or can she score a fresh start?

Review

Thanks to my OTSP Secret Sister, it is official, I am a Miranda Kenneally fan for sure.  Defending Taylor was yet another great Hundred Oaks book!  Taylor made one mistake that drastically changed her senior year.  Having to transfer your senior year of high school cannot be an easy thing and Kenneally does not portray it as one.  The difficulties and challenges in trying to make friends with classmates that have known each other for years can be challenging and frustrating at times.  The drama surrounding her expulsion and then her integration into public school while a bit intense fit the characters and the story line. The side characters are always a welcome addition, the girl friends that Taylor makes help her embrace the change in her life.

The sports and romance were great!  While I only played soccer when I was super young, it is definitely a sport I get and really enjoyed reading about.  The dynamics between the players and the sometimes ball hogs was easy to relate to.  The love interest and romance were on point; I loved the older brother long term crush interest.  The romance and chemistry between the characters was well developed and progressed naturally throughout.

I love that Taylor embraces her desires both in her love interest and in her education. She works hard and studies her butt off to get where she wants to go.  Even though she makes a mistake she does not let it rule her and she overcomes it with the help of soccer, family, and friends.  Defending Taylor  has soccer drama, an older brother's hot best friend, and a super smart motivated main character; I definitely recommend it!

Jesse's Girl (Hundred Oaks) by Miranda Kenneally

Title: Jesse's Girl
Series: Hundred Oaks #6
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: July 7th 2015

Source:Purchased

Summary from Goodreads:

Everyone at Hundred Oaks High knows that career mentoring day is a joke. So when Maya Henry said she wanted to be a rock star, she never imagined she’d get to shadow *the* Jesse Scott, Nashville’s teen idol.

But spending the day with Jesse is far from a dream come true. He’s as gorgeous as his music, but seeing all that he’s accomplished is just a reminder of everything Maya’s lost: her trust, her boyfriend, their band, and any chance to play the music she craves. Not to mention that Jesse’s pushy and opinionated. He made it on his own, and he thinks Maya’s playing back up to other people’s dreams. Does she have what it takes to follow her heart—and go solo?

Review

I have a soft spot for books and movies that focus on a famous person falling for a non-famous person and Jesse's Girl does the popular trope justice!  Jesse is a swoony guitar playing, songwriting, country music star and Maya is a high school student wanting to be a musician.  I was immediately hooked; Maya and Jesse started off on rocky grounds because of his apprehension to new people who might be after just his fame.  It is easy to understand and feel the distrust Jesse feels.

Maya is faced with trusting a person who has trust issue all while dealing with a failing band, an ex boyfriend, and a strong desire to keep playing music.  I appreciate the choices and drive Maya exudes throughout the book. Maya wants to work for her goals even though she befriends Jesse.  She has dreams and is willing to fit for them while trying to juggle a new complicated friendship.  Jesse though, ahhh yes, he is gorgeous rock star that loves his family and wants to make Maya smile.  The friendship and courting are on point, I love the cute gestures and mix of rockstar-like dates and fun average dates.

Jesse's Girl has adorable dates, spontaneous concerts, and an unlikely pair that put together make a fun music-filled read!

Breathe, Annie, Breathe (Hundred Oaks) by Miranda Kenneally

Title: Breathe, Annie, Breathe
Series: Hundred Oaks #5
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: July 15th 2014

Source:Purchased

Summary from Goodreads:

Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race.

But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.

Review

Breathe, Annie, Breathe is hands down my favorite Hundred Oaks book.  Everything about this book was what I was in the mood for and what I needed, which is saying a lot since I don't typically lean towards contemporary books.  BAB is Annie's story; Annie decide she is going to run a marathon is honor of her boyfriend who passed away.

The training and struggles Annie faces starting her training from ground zero and hating run was incredibly relate-able.  I have run a half marathon before (3 to be exact) and I don't like running; I mainly don't like it because my knees hurt, the long runs are hard on my joints, and I am not very good at it.  I have been told that long runs might not really be in my cards anymore but that feeling though, crossing the finish line and achieving a goal has me going back to try again.  When Annie faces struggles and has running pains I felt like I was right there besides her commiserating with her. I have felt the desire to get sick on a run and just collapse from exhaustion and I have only run half marathons so I can't even imagine doubling that. I just wanted to be at the finish line cheering Annie on!

Her drive and goals are impressive and motivating; after finishing this book, I wanted to get up and train again.  Aside from the running the romance was slow building and genuine.  I thoroughly enjoyed the dates and competitiveness in both Jeremiah and Annie.  Each individual had their own history to live with yet their back stories felt true and not contrived just for a plot point.

Breathe, Annie, Breathe has a cute athletic guys,  a motivating marathon training group, and a swoony love story.  Just read it :)

Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E.K. Johnston

Title: Exit, Pursued by a Bear
Author: E.K. Johnston
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Release Date: March 15th 2016

Source:Library

Summary from Goodreads:

“I love you,” Polly says suddenly when I’m almost to the door.

“I know,” I say.

Hermione Winters has been a flyer. She’s been captain of her cheerleading team. The envied girlfriend and the undisputed queen of her school. Now it’s her last year and those days and those labels are fading fast. In a few months she’ll be a different person. She thinks she’s ready for whatever comes next.

But then someone puts something in her drink at a party, and in an instant she finds herself wearing new labels, ones she never imagined:

Victim. Survivor. That raped girl.

Even though this was never the future she imagined, one essential thing remains unchanged: Hermione can still call herself Polly Olivier’s best friend, and that may be the truest label of all.

Heartbreaking and empowering, Exit, Pursued by a Bear is the story of transcendent friendship in the face of trauma.

“I love you,” I say, because I really, really do.

“I know,” says Polly.

Review

If I were to describe this book in one word it would be friendship.  The friendship between the main character Hermione and her best friend Polly is the friendship most people strive for.  It is a friendship that never fails and is there through every good thing and every terrible thing.  The relationship between these two girls is one to be cherished and it makes for a truly heart-warming read.

Hermione needs her friends and family after her traumatic life event.  The author does an incredible job of not shying away from the hard words and tough situations that follow Hermione's rape.  The emotions felt honest and while at times, passages were hard to read they felt real.  I thought I had parts of the story predicated but was proved wrong.

This book will not be for everyone has it deals with some tough issues but it is well worth the read.  Exit, Pursued by a Bear is a book about a girl that is drugged and raped but survives with the help of family, friends, and cheer leading.  The story will pull you in and hold on to your heart strings until the very last page.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Title: Me Before You
Author: Jojo Moyes
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books/Viking
Release Date: December 31st 2012

Summary from Goodreads:

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

Review

I kept seeing how excited everyone was when the Me Before You trailer came out and once I watched it, I was intrigued.    I know that Jojo Moyes is a favorite author for many so I decided to try out the audio book for Me Before You.  The narrators did a wonderful job, the multiple point of views were done by multiple narrators. I highly recommend the audio book, the voices suited the characters.

The premise is a heavy one yet I was laughing and smiling through a majority of the book.  I loved Lou, I thought her personality and charisma were honest and refreshing.  Her view of the world was a tad naive but it good way, as it allowed Will to truly make an impact on her outlook on life.   Their unusual work situation made for an evolving and unique relationship.  While I personally have not quite been in a situation like Lou, her story and the life lessons she faced had me reflecting on my own experiences.

Me Before You handles a tricky situation with honesty and fantastic writing.  My only reservation was that going into the book, I had heard that it makes readers cry.  I was preparing myself the whole time and I do believe that hype distracted me a bit.  I can see why the author ended it the way she did bit I also feel like the ending shy-ed away from super tough/emotional scenes.  Aside from that I loved the varying point of views, the cast of characters, and the emotionally compelling plot.

Racing Savannah (Hundred Oaks #4) by Miranda Kenneally

Title: Things I Can't Forget
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: December 3rd 2013

Summary from Goodreads:

They’re from two different worlds.

He lives in the estate house, and she spends most of her time in the stables helping her father train horses. In fact, Savannah has always been much more comfortable around horses than boys. Especially boys like Jack Goodwin—cocky, popular and completely out of her league. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries.

With her dream of becoming a horse jockey, Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules either. She’s not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack…

Review

Racing Savannah runs a close tie with Catching Jordan as my favorite book in the series thus far. Some of the aspects that were not my favorite in book two and three are not present in Racing Savannah. There is a solid (single) romantic interest and the overall mood is not quite as heavy.

Savannah is a determined, smart, confident female lead. She stood up for what she wanted and what she believed was right. I am impressed with the way she handled her romantic relationship and I appreciated the Kenneally gave her character the courage to stand up for herself. I am actually not a big horse person either (they kinda scare me) but I love the horse riding and competition aspects that were in the story.  It was easy to appreciate the fact that Savannah is willing to fight for what she wants and go after her dreams.

If book 2 and 3 were not your favorite, this one is for you!  The single love interest, strong female character and honest and believable family dynamic makes Racing Savannah a great book!

Things I Can't Forget (Hundred Oaks #3) by Miranda Kenneally

Title: Things I Can't Forget
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: March 1st 2013

Summary from Goodreads:

Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different...

This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt - with her.

Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy...

Review

Things I Can't Forget is probably my least favorite thus far.  Some parts of the story I really enjoyed and other parts got under my skin.  I found Kate's judgmental proclivity to really bother me.  I know she ended up working on it and really trying to overcome her own ghosts and learn to be more accepting but when she was not I just wanted to shake her. As I mentioned some parts of the story were great and some of those parts include when Kate saw past some of her judgments.

The friendship that grew between Kate and Parker was a great addition to the story. I loved the changing dynamic between the two; it really highlighted the power of friendship and how one person can really turn from a stranger to one of your closest friends.

As for the romance, I think Matt is great; I love that he respects Kate's beliefs and decisions.  Their romance is cute and very slow building, they really build on their friendship first.  Similar to Stealing Parker, religion plays a big role in this story, Kate's beliefs are funded in her Church and religion. (So if religious under tones are not your things, just skip right to Racing Savannah!)  Even though I had some issues with Kate, I still enjoyed the book and can't wait to continue the series!

Catching Jordan (Hundred Oaks) by Miranda Kenneally

Title: Catching Jordan
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date:  December 1st 2011
Source: Gifted from my OTSP Secret Sister

Summary from Goodreads:

ONE OF THE BOYS

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university.

But everything she's ever worked for is threatened when Ty Green moves to her school. Not only is he an amazing QB, but he's also amazingly hot. And for the first time, Jordan's feeling vulnerable. Can she keep her head in the game while her heart's on the line?

Review

Catching Jordan surprised me within the first chapter. (Easy to happen when you don’t read the book blurb :) ). Jordan is a girl that plays football which I immediately thought was awesome. The stress of recruitment and playing well for college scouts brought me right back into high school stresses. Not to mention all the other relatable drama; from catty girl drama to new crushes and first relationships, it was so easy to fall right into the Hundred Oaks world.

The relationship building is one of my favorite aspects of the book. Not all of them are perfect but they are relatable and realistic. Jordan and her father struggle but her brothers full support her football choices. Jordan primarily only hangs out with team players but throughout the course of the book builds friendships with girls she previously never gave a chance to. The slow change felt honest and believable. I enjoyed the bond Jordan has with her teammates; gender was not really an issue and their friendships highlight the fact that all kinds of friendships exist.

Aside from Jordan’s secondary relationships, the primary romantic relationships were very well done. The romance was honest and slow building. Some of the choices Jordan is faced with are easy and hard at the same time. As dynamics change and events unfolded my level of anxiety was so high. I wanted things to happen but then didn’t, my feelings were all over the place but in such a good way. Kenneally was evoking emotional responses that I was not expecting.

I thought Catching Jordan would be a light contemporary read but it was much more. It was a story of growth, friendships, love, and following your dream. I can’t wait to read more from Miranda Kenneally.

Arrows by Melissa Gorzelanczyk

Title: Arrows
Author: Melissa Gorzelanczyk
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: January 26th 2016

Summary from Goodreads:

A modern cupid story set in present-day Wisconsin combining the fantastical elements of Greek mythology with the contemporary drama of MTV's Teen Mom.

People don’t understand love. If they did, they’d get why dance prodigy Karma Clark just can’t say goodbye to her boyfriend, Danny. No matter what he says or does or how he hurts her, she can’t stay angry with him . . . and can’t stop loving him. But there’s a reason why Karma is helpless to break things off: she’s been shot with a love arrow.
Aaryn, son of Cupid, was supposed to shoot both Karma and Danny but found out too late that the other arrow in his pack was useless. And with that, Karma’s life changed forever. One pregnancy confirmed. One ballet scholarship lost. And dream after dream tossed to the wind.

A clueless Karma doesn’t know that her toxic relationship is Aaryn’s fault . . . but he’s going to get a chance to make things right. He’s here to convince Danny to man up and be there for Karma. But what if this god from Mount Olympus finds himself falling in love with a beautiful dancer from Wisconsin who can never love him in return?

Review

Arrows was one of those books where I just loved the cover but never actually read the blurb.  When I went to set up this review I finally read the blurb and I am glad that I did not read it sooner.  I do have friends that love MTV's Teen Mom but it is just not a show I watch, so the summary might have made my shy away from this book.  Now if you like Teen Mom I can see the appeal for you but if you do not then just ignore the blurb and be pleasantly surprised like I was.  

I was very surprised at first and a little hesitant in the first couple chapters, I was not expecting the interplay between Greek mythology and present day to be so sudden.  Once I grasped the setting and understood the overall role of Aaryn (the son of cupid) I was sucked into the story. I enjoyed the unique plot, I was crushing pages just wanting to know more.  Gorzelanczyk did a fantastic job building anticipation throughout the story. 

The ending felt rushed, after so much anticipation and build up I would have loved an extra 20 pages.  That would be my only complaint.  Other than that I loved to cute story and use of Greek mythology was fun and different.  I definitely recommend if you are looking for an easy and entertaining read!

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center

Title: Happiness for Beginners
Author: Katherine Center
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: March 24th 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

A year after getting divorced, Helen Carpenter, thirty-two, lets her annoying, ten years younger brother talk her into signing up for a wilderness survival course. It's supposed to be a chance for her to pull herself together again, but when she discovers that her brother's even-more-annoying best friend is also coming on the trip, she can't imagine how it will be anything other than a disaster. Thus begins the strangest adventure of Helen's well-behaved life: three weeks in the remotest wilderness of a mountain range in Wyoming where she will survive mosquito infestations, a surprise summer blizzard, and a group of sorority girls.

Yet, despite everything, the vast wilderness has a way of making Helen's own little life seem bigger, too. And, somehow the people who annoy her the most start teaching her the very things she needs to learn. Like how to stand up for herself. And how being scared can make you brave. And how sometimes you just have to get really, really lost before you can even have a hope of being found.

Review

Happiness for Beginners balances heavy topics with light-hearted humor in a beautiful, adventure story.  Helen has been facing quite a tough year and decides she needs to leave her comfort zone and explore nature.  While I personally haven't faced some of her struggles I found Helen incredibly relate-able.  I immediately felt for her and was cheering her on.

Jake is hands down a favorite of mine.  Jake is a good guy, he is funny, quick witted, smart, and extremely like-able.  The interesting and unique relationship between Jake and Helen are all over the place. Even though Jake wants to help Helen, she is determined to find herself on her own.  She learns a lot about her strengths and weaknesses and what happiness means to her.  While Helen and nature do not always get along she preservers through her journey.

Helen befriends a range of other hikers, one suggests reflecting on three good/happy things and to train yourself to see the good in your day.  I loved the concept and I know its nothing new but it fit the story so well and made me pause to reflect on my own outlook on happiness.  The self growth, secondary characters, and humor made this story one of my favorite feel good books! 

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Title: Dumplin'
Author: Julie Murphy
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: September 15th 2015
Source:ARC from BEA 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

Self-proclaimed fat girl Willowdean Dickson (dubbed “Dumplin’” by her former beauty queen mom) has always been at home in her own skin. Her thoughts on having the ultimate bikini body? Put a bikini on your body. With her all-American beauty best friend, Ellen, by her side, things have always worked . . . until Will takes a job at Harpy’s, the local fast-food joint. There she meets Private School Bo, a hot former jock. Will isn’t surprised to find herself attracted to Bo. But she is surprised when he seems to like her back.

Instead of finding new heights of self-assurance in her relationship with Bo, Will starts to doubt herself. So she sets out to take back her confidence by doing the most horrifying thing she can imagine: entering the Miss Clover City beauty pageant—along with several other unlikely candidates—to show the world that she deserves to be up there as much as any twiggy girl does. Along the way, she’ll shock the hell out of Clover City—and maybe herself most of all.

With starry Texas nights, red candy suckers, Dolly Parton songs, and a wildly unforgettable heroine— Dumplin’ is guaranteed to steal your heart.

Review

Goodness, Willowdean is a fantastic female protagonist.  She has spunk, a vibrant personality, a love for Dolly Parton, and a range of insecurities.  Willowdean has to work through self image issues, potential boyfriend drama, an awkward family dynamic, and struggling friendships.  

As I write this review, I know it sounds like a lot is going on in her life but really it  felt like an honest, tough high school experience.  Even if her struggles were/are not the same struggles you faced, Willowdean is still so relate-able.  I wanted to be there cheering her on through the whole book.  Aside from the body issues, she gets in a big fight with her best friend which can also be taxing and a major downer.  Will is not without flaws but she learns from her choices. 

Dumplin' truly is a great character driven story.  With a group of rag tag unique friends, Will decides to take on a beauty pageant.  A pageant that is not exactly used to Will and her friends.  But by working together and building strong friendships, anything is possible.  Dumplin' is full of surprises that won't seize to bring a smile to your face.  

I highly recommend Dumplin'; it is wonderful, feel good story about a girl who faces her fears, takes control of her insecurities, and learns how to start to feel good in her own skin.