Page Count: 336
Published on: June 5, 2018
Published by: Berkley
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult, New Adult
Contains adult content that may not be suitable for younger readersWhere To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon
My Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads synopsis:
Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases — a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.
It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice — with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan — from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...
Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...
~~~
Back in June, I purchased this book through the Book of the Month club box. I was instantly intrigued by the synopsis and the characters sounded so original and unique. Not only was this book even better than my expectations, but it has also become one of my favorite books of the year. Helen Hoang's writing style is so charming, intelligent, and clever and her characters are so well thought out and fun to follow. I couldn't put this book down! I absolutely adore everything about this book. The autistic representation is spot on and the ethnic diversity of the characters is so freaking great.
I have been recommending this book to anyone who asks me for a romance, contemporary, or diverse reading recommendation. I think that this book has the potential to become a worldwide favorite for anyone who loves a great love story. I cannot wait to read more from Helen. I've already pre-ordered her 2019 release, The Bride Test.
I definitely recommend this book!
My initial thoughts from Goodreads:
INITIAL THOUGHTS. These are a ramble and were not spell-or-grammar checked. Literally, I was in a car wreck today and I finished this book but I’m not going to write a review right now but I have SO MANY THOUGHTS.
4 or 5 stars? TBD
I really liked this book. It wasn’t my favorite romance that I’ve read but I genuinely enjoyed it. It had fantastic characters, fantastic autism rep, a lovely diverse cast, and the characters themselves were so emotionally fleshed out. I absolutely adored their emotional and mental growth.
The discussion and thoughts that were inspired as I read this book were awesome. I love how this book made me think about things that I do not typically think about. When the media often portrays those with autism, they are either VERY high functioning and conventionally awkward or they are very low functioning and represented incorrectly. Well, either way, they aren’t represented in a way that educates the consumers of the media. This book represents those with high functioning autism (formerly classified as Aspergers) quite well. I have so many friends, colleagues, and even family members who have been diagnosed with some form of autism.
One of my best friends from middle and high school had been diagnosed with Aspergers (I assume that because of the change in diagnosis they would also just be considered as high functioning? I’m not a professional) and I felt like Stella was a fairly accurate representation of those I know. (Though I cannot and will not claim that those people would relate to her. I just made connections through my familiarity with those I know.) I just adored being a part of Stella’s world. Her perspective was done so freaking well. She’s so lovely and I love how quirky and different she is. I loved her story.
I loved Michael. I thought he was so well rounded. He is the perfect match for Stella and I loved reading about this interactions and seeing their attraction and love grow for each other. His family was a true JOY! I love realistic family dynamics. I loved his inner turmoil and search for inner morality. He’s so adorable.
Okay, the sex scenes? Really well done. Really steamy. Was I really going into it for the sexy bits? Absolutely not. Were they appreciated? I will admit, yes. They were freaking fun.
Michael and Stella made my awkward nerdy self giggle throughout the whole book. I loved this book.
~~~
Page Count: 320
Published on: April 4, 2017
Published by: Quirk Books
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, Retelling
Goodreads synopsis:
Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic science-fiction series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck and her dad's old costume, Elle's determined to win - unless her stepsisters get there first.
Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons - before he was famous. Now they're nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he has ever wanted, but Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake - until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. But when she disappears at midnight, will he ever be able to find her again?
Part-romance, part-love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom.
~~~
This story was just a roller coaster ride that I didn't want to get off. The Cinderella aspect of this book was done so well. I loved the modern setting and the references to nerd/geek culture. This story was everything that I could have hoped for. Elle was such a wonderful narrator. Her narration style was so addicting to read and her commentary was hilarious and her journey to a better life was so delightful to read about. I loved the friendships that she developed with others throughout the book. Darien was so much fun too. I loved his life and his journey to find himself through his career. I loved reading about his passion for his craft and his friendships and struggles. I don't know much about the expectations and lives of those who are publicly famous, but his life just seemed so realistic.
If you like fairy tale retellings, nerd culture, well thought out characters, and adorable, fluffy romance, this book is for you! I definitely recommend! I've already preordered the companion sequel: The Princess and the Fangirl!
~~~
Page Count: 432
Published on: June 5, 2018
Published by: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
Goodreads synopsis:
Charlie Grant's older sister is getting married this weekend at their family home, and Charlie can't wait for the first time in years, all four of her older siblings will be under one roof. Charlie is desperate for one last perfect weekend, before the house is sold and everything changes. The house will be filled with jokes and games and laughs again. Making decisions about things like what college to attend and reuniting with longstanding crush Jesse Foster all that can wait. She wants to focus on making the weekend perfect.
The only problem? The weekend is shaping up to be an absolute disaster. There's the unexpected dog with a penchant for howling, house alarm that won't stop going off, and a papergirl with a grudge.
There are the relatives who aren't speaking, the (awful) girl her favorite brother brought home unannounced, and a missing tuxedo. Not to mention the neighbor who seems to be bent on sabotage and a storm that is bent on drenching everything. The justice of the peace is missing. The band will only play covers. The guests are all crazy. And the wedding planner's nephew is unexpectedly, distractedly cute.
Over the course of three ridiculously chaotic days, Charlie will learn more than she ever expected about the family she thought she knew by heart. And she'll realize that sometimes, trying to keep everything like it was in the past means missing out on the future.
~~~
Morgan Matson has been one of my favorite YA contemporary/romance writers of all time for the longest time. However, this was not my favorite of the books she has written. I felt slightly disconnected from the characters for a part of the time, but that was quickly remedied towards the middle of the book. I also felt like this was just so slow for a YA contemporary, but the characters made up for the slower pace.
Though this wasn't as impressed with this as I anticipated, I still really enjoyed this story. I absolutely adore the family relationships and the family dynamic that is established. It's so realistic and fun. I never felt like the actions of the characters were solely based on keeping the plot to chug along. It just felt super natural and realistic. I loved that there was a focus on family and friend relationships, rather than a focus on romantic relationships...also there was a beagle and he was amazing. The romantic subplots throughout this book were still quite fluffy and sweet, but didn't overpower the main themes on family. The Grant family was so much fun to follow. They were loud, crazy, and completely insane. I hope that Morgan incorporates more crazy families in her future novels.
Overall, this wasn't my favorite MM book, but it was still quite fun to read. I can't wait for her next book. I needed it yesterday.
~~~
Page Count: 213
Published on: February 1999
Published by: MTV/Pocket Books
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
Goodreads synopsis:
The critically acclaimed debut novel from Stephen Chbosky, Perks follows observant “wallflower” Charlie as he charts a course through the strange world between adolescence and adulthood. First dates, family drama, and new friends. Sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Devastating loss, young love, and life on the fringes. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie must learn to navigate those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.
~~~
I have been meaning to read Perks for the longest time, but I finally picked it up after Alex bought it for me back in October 2017. I'm definitely glad that I read this book, but I'm not as impressed as I anticipated. This book has been one of Courtney's favorite books since 2015 and I'm sure that they hype that she built up added to my high expectations. After reading the book, I watched the movie with Emma Watson and (don't kill me) I sort of liked the movie more? Granted, it's not as similar to the book as it could be, but I think that the movie adds a different element to the story that makes it more enjoyable. While reading the book, I couldn't get passed how juvenile Charlie's narration was. It just didn't seem realistic for a kid in high school. This issue was later remedied after finishing the book, but I felt like the movie added a depth to his character that was missing in the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, but I didn't like the narration style. I absolutely admire the popularity of this book, but it just wasn't my favorite story.
~~~
Page Count: 213
Published on: February 1999
Published by: MTV/Pocket Books
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
Trigger Warning: Rape, sexual violence, and discussions surrounding rape
Goodreads synopsis:
Just when Grace is beginning to get used to being an orphan, her estranged uncle suddenly comes forward to claim her. That might have been okay if he'd spoken to her even once since her father died. Or if moving in with Uncle Rusty didn't mean returning to New Harbor.
Grace once spent the best summers of her life in New Harbor. Now the place just reminds her of all she's lost: her best friend, her boyfriend and any memory of the night that changed her forever.
People say the truth will set you free, but Grace isn't sure about that. Once she starts looking for it, the truth about that night is hard to find --- and what happens when her healing hurts the people she cares about the most?
~~~
I was sent this book for an honest review from KCP Loft.
Overall, I felt like this story had a really deep and thought provoking premise. The characters were fleshed out enough that I liked them while reading the book, but I honestly do not remember their names.
Though I did not remember Grace's name or the other character's names, this story was still very moving and impactful. The writing style was beautiful and the pacing was very nicely done. Grace was such a relatable and poignant person to read about. Her methods to handle her trauma and grief are so realistic and I just couldn't stop reading her story.
Though this isn't my favorite book, I think that the way Marci developed her characters and their stories was so well done. This topic is so relevant and this story really opened my eyes to what others have gone through.
~~~
Page Count: 213
Published on: February 1999
Published by: MTV/Pocket Books
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
Trigger Warning: Rape, sexual violence, and discussions surrounding rape
Goodreads synopsis:
Serena has just flown all the way to Paris for a special pre-Christmas weekend with her sister, Lara. They plan to retrace the steps of their parents' long-ago honeymoon in Paris, and create a scrapbook for their bereaved mother to remember it by.
It's supposed to be serious sister bonding...until Lara takes off with her boyfriend instead.
Jean-Luc is Serena's Plan B, a friend of a friend of Lara's, who has some space in a place where Serena can stay. Just like his latest relationship, his photography final has been an epic fail. He has one night to retake all his pictures if he is to stay in school.
Jean-Luc can't stand Serena's loud voice or her bright orange sneakers.
Serena can't stand his haughty manners or the way his camera is always in her face.
Together, though, they set out into a cold night that will warm their hearts, creating unforgettable photos and fresh romantic sparks in the City of Lights.
~~~
I was sent this book for an honest review from KCP Loft.
Not unlike Kiss Me In New York, this light romance novel was very character driven and solely relied on a sort of "meet-cute" tactic to continue the romance along. Though the romance throughout this book was subtle and sweet, it wasn't realistic and I really couldn't get behind it.
This book reads like a draft. I really have not liked Catherine Rider's work thus far. I just think that she could continue developing her characters and plot. I really love cheesy romance novels, but this was just cringey and annoying at times. I liked the growth that Serana and Jean-Luc go through, but it was just not enough to convince me to thoroughly enjoy this book.
It was definitely better than Kiss Me In New York, but not as good as I could see it to be. The relationship and interactions between Serena and her mother really amped up my reading experience; however, the interaction did not happen until about 90% through the novel.
~~~
Overall, there were quite a few romance novels that I really really enjoyed this year. I'm really excited to discuss my Top 18 of 2018 this year, so stay tuned for more of my thoughts on my favorite 2018 reads!
Happy reading, guys!
