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Showing posts with label ya romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ya romance. Show all posts
Sunday, October 9, 2022

ARC Review: Three Kisses, One Midnight by Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon, & Evelyn Skye

 


Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

he town of Moon Ridge was founded 400 years ago and everyone born and raised there knows the legend of the young woman who perished at the stroke of twelve that very same night, losing the life she was set to embark on with her dearest love. Every century since, one day a year, the Lady of Moon Ridge descends from the stars to walk among the townsfolk, conjuring an aura upon those willing to follow their hearts’ desires.

“To summon joy and love in another’s soul
For a connection that makes two people whole
For laughter and a smile that one can never miss
Sealed before midnight with a truehearted kiss.”

This year at Moon Ridge High, a group of friends known as The Coven will weave art, science, and magic during a masquerade ball unlike any other. Onny, True, and Ash believe everything is in alignment to bring them the affection, acceptance, and healing that can only come from romance—with a little help from Onny’s grandmother’s love potion.

But nothing is as simple as it first seems. And as midnight approaches, The Coven learn that it will take more than a spell to recognize those who offer their love and to embrace all the magic that follows.

Review:

The authors of this book have written some of my favorite books.  Roshani Chokshi's book, The gilded Wolves, is full of complicated relationships and adventure.  Sandha Menon is the queen of YA romance with such novels as When Dimple Met Rishi.  And Evelyn Skye writes fantasy novels such as The Crown's Game, which has amazing fantasy elements.  These three wonderful authors teamed up to create a magical, romantic Halloween romp.  Three Wishes, One Midnight follows the story of three friends and their journey to true love on a very special Halloween.  I loved the festive Halloween atmosphere of the big party, the characters, and the stories of romance.  This is a perfect book to read in October, or anytime a reader wants to get in the Halloween spirit.

What I Liked:

Atmosphere:

I love books about small towns, and the little town in this book has lots of charm and local legends. Every one hundred years, the spirits of two lovers reunite on Halloween.  And Onny's parents have an annual party to celebrate.  But this is no ordinary party.  Onny's folks have serious money (I found it really wonderful that these parents were Filipino, and not your stereotypical white, entitled rich people).   And every year, they put on a midnight ball where the whole town is invited to participate.  

This create a magical party full of all sorts of different people, including the crushes of Onny and Ash, and True's semi-evil ex.  But Onny is on a mission to find true love through a love potion invented by Onny's deceased grandmother.  Will the trio use the love potions on their crushes?  Or will the romantic atmosphere of a masquerade ball be all that's needed to let romance blossom?

Characters:

Onny, Ash, and True are friends who will do anything for each other.  Onny is convinced that giving each of them a love potion is what is needed for each of them to find true love.  The friends know that Onny is rather dramatic, but they grudgingly go along.  I enjoyed that each of the three characters get their own POV story, and they all fit with each other.  Of course, the path to true love is never a straight one.  Each of them has a strange, and wonderful adventure on this magical night.

The supporting characters are also lots of fun.  While Onny is obsessing with her crush, her nemesis, Byron, keeps popping up during the party.  Why does he seem to be the one that Onny is attracted to?   Ash, a sensitive artist, is certainly less outgoing than Onny.  And the girl that he has a crush on was a really interesting person (and...the girl next door!).  Although she seems like an overachiever, there is a compelling reason that motivates her to excel.  And True's love interest is almost so perfect, she pushes him away.  But they keep bumping into each other.  Can True trust that this guy might actually be a perfect match?  

Onny's parents are an adorable couple, who show Onny what a loving marriage looks like.  And I really loved the town's mayor and his teacher husband.  They were complete opposites who somehow make sense together.  What a charming representation of healthy relationships!  Loved it.  

Story:

I loved that the book is split evenly into three parts, where each friend gets to have their own storyline.  This was a fun format that let the reader see some of the same events from different angles.  Make no mistake, this is a lighthearted story with plenty of meet-cutes, romantic moments, and a few mysteries, that keeps the reader intrigued.   I would love to live in a little town where everyone goes to a celebration like this one.  I also liked that each story has it's twists, having each of the main characters question their own biases about people they think they know.       

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date:  August 30th, 2022

Authors: Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon, Evelyn Skye

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Genre: YA Romance

Page Length:  288 Pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  This was a fun, romantic Halloween book that I think I will read in succeeding Octobers to get into the Halloween spirit.  I highly recommend this book.


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Tuesday, June 2, 2020

ARC Review: Again, Again, by E. Lockhart

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48570522-again-again
Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
If you could live your life again, what would you do differently?

After a near-fatal family catastrophe and an unexpected romantic upheaval, Adelaide Buchwald finds herself catapulted into a summer of wild possibility, during which she will fall in and out of love a thousand times--while finally confronting the secrets she keeps, her ideas about love, and the weird grandiosity of the human mind.

A raw, funny story that will surprise you over and over, Again Again gives us an indelible heroine grappling with the terrible and wonderful problem of loving other people.  

 Review:
I am a huge fan of E. Lockhart.  Her books, such as We Were Liars, and Genuine Fraud, are unusual and creative.  Her newest novel, Again, Again, is equally creative and moved in unexpected directions.  I loved it.

What I Liked:
Format:
The novel moves between several alternate universes.  We see many difference scenarios played out as Adelaide makes small choices that affect the outcome of each story.  This format was unexpected and a delight.

 Characters:
Through all the different storylines, the two people who are consistently in all are Adelaide and her brother, Toby.  Their relationship underpins each story.  What makes their situation complicated is that Toby, two years younger than Adelaide, is a drug addict.  This is heartbreaking, as he is only fourteen years old.  There are varying degrees of anger, guilt, and concern between the two siblings.  I was rooting for them to repair their relationship.

 Story Themes:
This seemed, at first, to be a typical YA RomCom.  Girl (on the rebound from her first boyfriend) meets Boy.  Will they stay together?  But, with E. Lockhart at the helm, the story becomes one that challenges YA romance tropes, and shows a much more realistic presentation of teen love lives.  Most YA books have teens meeting the love of their lives in high school!  How often does this actually happen?  Most teens navigate through a series of crushes, dating, and short-term relationships, as they work out who they are and who they want to love.

I also love the emphasis on Adelaide's experiences with her family.  Again, YA often presents only a teen's social relationships, without the context of one's family life.  But what is happening in one's family has a direct effect on how we interact socially.  I loved that the author recognizes how both family, and friends, influence young people.

All of these come together to show how they affect a teen's academic life.  Adelaide is also dealing with possibly failing a class, which could affect her future college prospects.  School is also a huge factor in how a student feels about themselves.  Doing well, there is pride (and pressure to keep up your performance).  But if you're struggling, it can be seriously damaging to your self-confidence.  Adelaide feels guilty for failing, but reasons that her social and family dramas are good excuses for her difficulty in getting assignments done.  This is true to life, and a huge influence on the experience of life as a teen, now. 

Rating: 




Release Date:  June 2nd, 2020

Author:  E. Lockhart

Publisher:  Delacorte Press

Page Length:  304 pages

Format:  E-Book

Source:  NetGalley

Recommendation:  This is a wonderful book that challenges teen RomCom tropes.
 
 
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Tuesday, June 18, 2019

ARC Review: Something Like Gravity by Amber Smith

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42202010-something-like-gravity
Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions of my review in any way.

Synopsis (From Goodreads):
Chris and Maia aren’t off to a great start.

A near-fatal car accident first brings them together, and their next encounters don’t fare much better. Chris’s good intentions backfire. Maia’s temper gets the best of her.

But they’re neighbors, at least for the summer, and despite their best efforts, they just can’t seem to stay away from each other.

The path forward isn’t easy. Chris has come out as transgender, but he’s still processing a frightening assault he survived the year before. Maia is grieving the loss of her older sister and trying to find her place in the world without her. Falling in love was the last thing on either of their minds.

But would it be so bad if it happened anyway?

Review:
With an intriguing set up, and strong characters, Something Like Gravity, by Amber Smith, is sure to remind readers of other books such as Love, Simon.  Chris and Maia are two complicated teens.  Chris is transgender and still recovering from a vicious physical attack.  Maia is trying to make sense of her life since the passing of her older sister.  Both have fractured family lives.  They are instantly drawn together.  But will their secrets tear them apart?

The characters don't have all the answers, but they do want to grow as people.  Although at times the pacing is slow, this book was romantic and ultimately, satisfying.

What I Liked:
Characters:
I really enjoyed the characters of Chris and Maia.  Each of them have some serious baggage.  Chris is in denial about his attack, trying mightily to handle his assault by burying it deep inside.  He bristles when his family and friends make a fuss over him.  Maia feels alone after her sister dies.  It doesn't help that her parents are self-absorbed and seem oblivious to her sorrow.  When she strikes out at other teens, the reader can see how even negative feelings are welcome.  It gets her to feel less invisible.

Romance:
The relationship between Chris and Maia is very romantic.  As with any summer romance there are fireworks, road trips, hot days, and sneaking out of the house at night.  There is a powerful physical attraction between them as well.  Their make-out scenes are tactful, but realistic (These are teens with raging hormones, after all). 

                   
via GIPHY

Story:
This is definitely a character driven book rather than an action driven one.  The story takes its time getting us to know Chris and Maia, and for Chris and Maia to get to know each other.  The big mystery, about when Chris was attacked, is revealed slowly.  I was both wanting to know what happened and dreading knowing the truth.  This element of the story could be a trigger problem for some people.

I really like the scene where Chris and his mom finally have an honest discussion about their deep tensions since his coming out.  His mother is not some awful trans-phobic person who finally learns to accept her son.  She explains how she feels in a realistic way that is beautiful and made me cry.  I have rarely seen parents portrayed  in a book with so much empathy and understanding.

What I Was Mixed About: 
Story:
Maia's story is a bit of a puzzle for me.  Maia has been telling Chris that she is a photographer.  But that was the big interest of her deceased sister, Mallory, not her.  It is a strange lie, but not earth-shattering as the book wants me to believe.  I think she has a simple explanation for projecting herself onto Mallory's accomplishments (she missed her sister).  But the book built this up to be a giant betrayal of Chris's trust.

This was the part of the book I liked the least.  In romantic books there always has to be a reason to break the happy couple apart (otherwise there would be no story, right?).  But Maia not coming clean about being a photographer seemed like a manufactured situation.  I just don't think Chris should have been that upset by it.

Trigger Warning for physical and sexual violence.

Rating: 




Release Date:  June 18th, 2019

Author: Amber Smith

Publisher: Margaret K. McEderry Books

Genre:  YA LGBTQI Romance Fiction

Page Length:  400 pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  Electronic PDF

Recommendation:  A solid romance between complicated characters.  You'll fall in love with Chris and Maia!
 
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Thursday, May 16, 2019

Audio ARC Review: Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43601774-field-notes-on-love?ac=1&from_search=true
Please Note:  I received an advance audio copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions of my review in any way.

Synopsis (From Goodreads):
Having just been dumped by his girlfriend, British-born Hugo is still determined to take his last-hurrah-before-college train trip across the United States. One snag: the companion ticket is already booked under the name of his ex, Margaret Campbell. Nontransferable, no exceptions.

Enter the new Margaret C. (Mae for short), an aspiring filmmaker with big dreams. After finding Hugo's spare ticket offer online, she's convinced it's the perfect opportunity to expand her horizons.

When the two meet, the attraction is undeniable, and both find more than they bargained for. As Mae pushes Hugo to explore his dreams for his future, he'll encourage her to channel a new, vulnerable side of her art. But when life off the train threatens the bubble they've created for themselves, will they manage to keep their love on track?

 Review:
YA books often have rather contrived premises, and Field Notes On Love, by Jennifer E. Smith has a doozy!  A boy from England is going on a cross-country trip of America but all his reservations are in the name of his ex-girlfriend.  What can he do?  He must find a person with the exact same name willing to take the trip with him.  Silly premise aside, I found this book to be very sweet and romantic.  I loved the characters, and their families, and the many ruminations on Love.  This was a fun book.

What I Liked:
Setting:
I love books about long trips, as travel can bring out the best, and worst, in people.  A cross-country train trip was a perfect way for the characters to get to know each other, and interact with many different people and places.

Narrators:
Anthony Mark Barrow & Karissa Vacker do a wonderful job inhabiting all the characters.  I enjoyed the cute British accent that the male narrator brought to the mix, as well as his American accent.  It was done well enough that I couldn't tell if Anthony Mark Barrow was actually British or American.  Karissa Vacker also does a good job of portraying May.  This character could easily come off as annoying, but May seems like a very smart, but lonely, kid. 

Characters:
I enjoyed Hugo and his five siblings.  He is one in a group of sextuplets, and is finding it hard to be his own person.  This is especially hard when everyone around them wants to use them for advertising.  He even has a scholarship to go to college, but only if all his siblings go to the same school.

I liked that while he wanted some space from his sibs, he also had great affection for them.  The group chats in the book were a smart way to show the back and forth that goes on between teens.  It's also smart because group chats are THE WAY teens talk with each other.

 Hugo, himself, was very sweet and romantic.   I liked that he didn't want to jeopardize his siblings scholarship.  In that, he was a very selfless character.  He also was very cute with May.  I could totally understand why she would fall for him.

May also is a fun character.  She is devastated not to get into the college program of her dreams and can't understand why.  As the parent of a Senior in high school, I get how difficult rejections from colleges can be.  Often, there is no rhyme or reason to it.  But I like that May tries to improve her film-making skills, rather than blame the admissions committee.

Ending:
I liked that there was not a tidy ending to this book.  As silly as the premise was, the author kept the ending pretty realistic.  It also didn't provide all the answers (could there be a book two in the works?).  I think the transition between high school and college is an unpredictable moment in a teen's life.  It's a moment when our dreams meet real life.  Some of our dreams do come true, but parts of it may look different from what we imagined.  This is what I liked about the ending, and message, of this book.


What I Was Mixed About:
Premise:
This premise, that Hugo must find a girl with the same name as his ex in order to take this trip, is ridiculous.  I also found some of the plot twists about his college scholarship to be contrived.  Every teen wants a different college experience.  Why would all of his siblings be okay with having to attend the same college, even if it was free?  What if the school didn't offer the programs that they wanted?  Why would his parents agree to this?
Rating: 



Release Date:  March 5th, 2019

Genre:  YA Contemporary

Author:  Jennifer E. Smith

Audio Publisher:  Listening Library

Audio Length:  8 hours, 23 minutes
  
Narrators:  Anthony Mark Barrow & Karissa Vacker 

Print Publisher:  Delacorte Press

Page Length:  271 Pages

Source:  Publisher

Format:  Audiobook

Recommendation: If you can get past all of the silliness of the premise, I think you will enjoy this very fun book.
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Monday, April 1, 2019

ARC Review: You'd Be Mine by Erin Hahn

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36146624-you-d-be-mine?ac=1&from_search=true
Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions of my review in any way.

Synopsis (From Goodreads):
Annie Mathers is America’s sweetheart and heir to a country music legacy full of all the things her Gran warned her about. Superstar Clay Coolidge is most definitely going to end up one of those things.

But unfortunately for Clay, if he can’t convince Annie to join his summer tour, his music label is going to drop him. That’s what happens when your bad boy image turns into bad boy reality. Annie has been avoiding the spotlight after her parents’ tragic death, except on her skyrocketing YouTube channel. Clay’s label wants to land Annie, and Clay has to make it happen.

Swayed by Clay’s undeniable charm and good looks, Annie and her band agree to join the tour. From the start fans want them to be more than just tour mates, and Annie and Clay can’t help but wonder if the fans are right. But if there’s one part of fame Annie wants nothing to do with, it’s a high-profile relationship. She had a front row seat to her parents’ volatile marriage and isn’t interested in repeating history. If only she could convince her heart that Clay, with his painful past and head over heels inducing tenor, isn’t worth the risk.

Review:
You'd Be Mine, by Erin Hahn, is set in the world of country music.   This is a YA book full of romance, friendships, and finding one's own way in the world.  This was a fun book to read, full of romance, friendships, and music.

What I Liked:

Setting:  
I know absolutely nothing about the world of country music.  But I now feel as though I do know a thing or two.  The author clearly is a fan of the genre.  And it shows in how lovingly she depicts not just the music scene now, but also how she gives the reader a sense of country music history.

I also liked her depiction of life on a summer music tour.  Yes, there were the requisite groupies, booze, and drugs.  But there were also times when the band got out of the tour bus to explore the places they were visiting.  The author also did a great job of conveying how fun a summer concert is.  It made me want to run out and buy tickets to a show!

 Characters:
Annie is a very broken girl.  Her parents were country music legends, but were all too human in real life.  Most people in the music business can't see that.  All they see is how much money they can make cashing in on Annie's pedigree and talent.  She is understandable wary of the attention.

 I liked that Annie was torn between her love of performing and getting caught up in the star-making machine that is the music business.  I also liked that she was understanding of other people's views.  She was very clear about not wanting to have sex before marriage.  But she didn't feel the need to force her opinions on others.

 I liked Annie's friends, Jason and Kacey.  They were fully formed characters who were equal partners in their band, Under The Willows.  I liked that the author referenced the problems Jason was facing, being mistaken for a roadie because he was a person of color.  This was a nod to the fact that there isn't really much diversity in country music.  Hopefully, this will change.

Behind The Scenes Look:
The most fun parts of the book were the behind the scenes look at the country music industry.  Life on the road, writing songs, recording, doing photo shoots and interviews.  There is so much asked of talented singers.  Is it any wonder some get addicted to drugs and alcohol?  

Besides showing all the work the singers do, the book also showcased the work of the tour managers, and record company representatives.  I liked that the author did not make these people into caricatures, but presented them as actual people.  They care about doing a good job, and about the performers.  Many times, they sacrifice their personal time to fix problems that crop up.  It takes more than just a talented signer to put on a show.

 Descriptions Of Music:
I don't know how she achieves it, but the author does a wonderful job of describing the emotions behind a song.  As Annie and Clay perform, we get a real sense of how they think about the music and how they convey that to a audience.  I loved all the lyrics of the music, and wish that these song would be recorded.  I would really want to listen to these songs!

Religion:
I found it refreshing that some characters really did go to church and prayed.  I liked that this was just part of who they were.  Annie is not a holier than thou kind of person, but she sticks to her beliefs about God, and sex before marriage.  I also liked that the focus of the book was not how Annie would be tempted. 
 
What I Was Mixed About:

Clay:  

I wasn't overly fond of Clay.  He was often a tremendous jerk to Annie and the other characters.  Plus he seemed extremely jaded for an eighteen year-old.  Maybe being in the music business will do that to a guy but I found his cynicism difficult to buy.  I didn't see what the big deal was with him writing a few songs that were off brand.  Considering the amount of money he was making for the record company, I think he shouldn't have been worried.
 
What I Didn't Like: 

Set up:
The instigating incident of the book happens in the first chapter without much build up.  Everything is very convenient.  Clay needs to stay in the good graces of the record company, and he needs to get Annie to agree to tour with him over the summer.  I wish there had been more background as to why Annie would be so reluctant for this opportunity that most people would kill for.

 
Rating: 




Release Date:  April 2nd, 2019

Genre:  YA Contemporary Fiction

Author:  Erin Hahn

Publisher:  Wednesday Books

Page Length:  304 Pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  A fun romance with a country music theme.  I was charmed and made me wish summer would hurry up and get here!

 
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Monday, November 26, 2018

Book Review: From Twinkle, With Love by Sandya Menon

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36373464-from-twinkle-with-love
Synopsis (From Goodreads):
Aspiring filmmaker and wallflower Twinkle Mehra has stories she wants to tell and universes she wants to explore, if only the world would listen. So when fellow film geek Sahil Roy approaches her to direct a movie for the upcoming Summer Festival, Twinkle is all over it. The chance to publicly showcase her voice as a director? Dream come true. The fact that it gets her closer to her longtime crush, Neil Roy—a.k.a. Sahil’s twin brother? Dream come true x 2.

When mystery man “N” begins emailing her, Twinkle is sure it’s Neil, finally ready to begin their happily-ever-after. The only slightly inconvenient problem is that, in the course of movie-making, she’s fallen madly in love with the irresistibly adorkable Sahil.

Twinkle soon realizes that resistance is futile: The romance she’s got is not the one she’s scripted. But will it be enough?

Told through the letters Twinkle writes to her favorite female filmmakers, From Twinkle, with Love navigates big truths about friendship, family, and the unexpected places love can find you.

Review:
Author Sandya Menon came to my attention when I read When Dimple Met Rishi.  It was such a fun teen rom-com that incorporated a sweet romance, fun friendships, and a glimpse of Indian-American culture.  Her newest novel, From Twinkle, With Love, has many of the same elements.  I loved those.  But, there were some major issues that made this book hard to enjoy.
What I Liked:

Narrative Style:
I really enjoyed that all of Twinkle's chapters were journal entries addressed to actual female directors.  Of course I know who Sofia Coppola and Jane Campion are.  But the author also mentions several other directors such as Ava DuVarney, and Valerie Faris, who I am not familiar with.  Now I really want to watch a lot of movies by all these directors!

 I also liked that all of Sahil's chapters were text messages to his friends.  This was a fun way to show Sahil's personality, and his friendships.

 Depiction of Male Friendships:
It is a rare thing to see such strong male friendships portrayed in a YA book.  In YA books, male friendships consist mostly of guys saying to each other, "Bro..."  or guys goading each other to score with girls.  So it was refreshing to see Sahil and his friends texting each other and having actual conversations about their problems and feelings.

Romance:
The romance between Twinkle and Sahil is very sweet.  I love that Sahil pursues Twinkle, his crush since middle school!  It is his idea for her to direct a movie, and he selflessly offers himself as her producer to enable him to spend more time with Twinkle.  Smart guy!  

The obstacle for this couple is Twinkle's fantasy that Neil, Sahil's twin brother, perhaps also likes her.  Even though Sahil is perfect for her (he totally gets who she is and adores her for it), Twinkle can't push aside this idea that popular Neil will offer her the chance to also be part of the In crowd.

 Audio Book Performances:
I really enjoyed the performances of both Soneela Nankani, as Twinkle, and Vikas Adam, as Sahil.    Not only do they both do a lovely job with the main characters, but they also must bring to life all of the other characters.  Nankani's portrayal of her grandmother, Daadi, is so filled with grace and wisdom.  Adam's changes his voice subtly to embody not just Sahil, but his friends, Aaron and Skid.  I really enjoyed the character of Skid!

What I Was Mixed About:

Family Relationships:
Twinkle lives in a multi-generational household consisting of her parents and her grandmother.  All of her interactions with her Daadi (grandmother) are really endearing.  Daadi is quirky, but wise, and accepts Twinkle for who she is.

 Her relationship with her mother is more complicated.  Twinkle feels her mother doesn't care about her. But her mother is depressed since the death of her own mother in India.  This causes her mother to be distant and uninvolved with Twinkle's life.  While the author acknowledges this, she still has Twinkle being less than understanding of it.  

This could have been a very substantial part of the story, but perhaps the author felt it didn't fit with the light, rom-com vibe she was going for.  But the impact of parental depression on their children is an important topic that either should have been more fully developed, or dropped entirely from the book.
What I Didn't Like:

Twinkle:
It is hard to enjoy a book when the main character is so hard to like.  I found Twinkle to be incredibly shallow.  She begins the book with a crush on Neil, Sahil's brother.  She seems to be under the illusion that being his girlfriend will elevate her social status and make her former friend, Mattie, like her again.  While I understand that Twinkle is devastated that Mattie has left her behind, Twinkle's obsession with social cliques is foolish.  Do teens really get so worked up over which group they hang out with?  Why is Twinkle so bent on leaving her own group of friends behind?  This is the main story line, and it causes Twinkle to do many unpleasant things throughout the novel.  Although many of her mistakes are resolved by the ending, I still didn't like her selfishness.

Rating: 



Release Date:  May 22nd, 2018

Genre:  YA Rom-Com

Author:  Sandya Menon

Audio Publisher: Simon & Shuster Audio

Narrators:  Soneela Nankani and
Vikas Adam

Audio Length:  9 hours, 37 minutes

Print Publisher:  Simon Pulse

Page Length: 330 pages

 Source:  Public Library

 Format:  Audio Book

 Recommendation:  If you are looking for a fun YA romance, and don't mind a really annoying lead character, this book is for you.  If you want to see a better example of the author's work, read When Dimple Met Rishi.

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Tuesday, April 24, 2018

ARC Review: Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne

Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions of my review in any way.

Synopsis (From Goodreads):
Seventeen-year-old Stella Ainsley wants just one thing: to go somewhere—anywhere—else. Her home is a floundering spaceship that offers few prospects, having been orbiting an ice-encased Earth for two hundred years. When a private ship hires her as a governess, Stella jumps at the chance. The captain of the Rochester, nineteen-year-old Hugo Fairfax, is notorious throughout the fleet for being a moody recluse and a drunk. But with Stella he’s kind.

But the Rochester harbors secrets: Stella is certain someone is trying to kill Hugo, and the more she discovers, the more questions she has about his role in a conspiracy threatening the fleet.

Review: 
I first read Jane Eyre when I was a teenager.   I loved Charlotte Bronte's story of a plain girl from a humble background falling in love with the brooding Mr. Rochester.  Two people, misunderstood, who find each other.  In Brightly Burning, author Alexa Donne updates the story and sets it in SPACE!!!  I was delighted that this story closely followed the original, while treating  the reader to a modern, romantic story.

What I Liked:
Setting:
Earth has gone through a disaster that has plummeted it into a new Ice Age.  A small portion of humanity has escaped on spaceships that have orbited the Earth for over two-hundred years.  If the plot seems familiar, I agree...

                                     
via GIPHY

 But, this book delves into the nitty-gritty details of what might happen to society if we were all fighting for survival in space.  How would people be valued when resources are limited?  Would there be a class system?  How would pandemic illnesses be dealt with?  The author explores these questions and more.

Characters:
Stella, the main character, is girl who is used to living with hardships.  Orphaned at an early age, and spurned by her heartless aunt, Stella is not a complainer.  Yet, she wants a better life for herself than what she has.   The spaceship Stalwart is rumored to be close to failing, doomed to fall back to Earth, killing all of it's passengers.  So Stella applies for a job as a governess aboard a private ship.  I loved that Stella could be resilient, opinionated, and strong, but not full of herself.  She is pretty, but not in a traditional way.  And she doesn't seem to get social interactions as easily as others do.  So while she seems to be confident, she actually wrestles with self-doubt. 

Hugo, the young captain of the Rochester, drinks excessively which leads his moods to go from fun and flirty, to sullen and arrogant in an instant.  While this confuses, and infuriates Stella, she also sees that he is a kind brother, and a person she can find common interests with.  They both love reading, and can spend hours together discussing books.  She sees his faults and still likes him.  

 There are many characters that are in both Jane Eyre and Brightly Burning, but one that I like even more in this new version is Bianca.  This version shows is less a caricature of a spoiled brat and more of a complicated person.  Bianca's family has put all their hopes in her finding a rich husband, and they have set their sites on Hugo.  But I liked that she was well aware, and angry, about being sold off to keep her family's privileged standing.

 Story:  
I like how the story recreates many of the same moments from the original Jane Eyre.  There is the tragic background story of Stella (Jane), Stella's acceptance as a governess at the beautiful, but remote, Rochester spaceship (manor house),  and the arrogant, but handsome captain of the spaceship, Hugo (although now the main character is a teenager).  There is even the house party from the original story.  And who is that laughing outside Stella's door in the middle of the night?  It all fits together smoothly.  You really do not need to be familiar with Jane Eyre to enjoy this novel.  But if you love the source material, picking up on the many details taken from the classic book will be a treat.

What I Was Mixed About:
The Ending:
While I did enjoy the ending and how it was similar to how Jane Eyre finished, I thought the author rushed through the details.  One of the things I liked about the story in Brightly Burning, was how all of the aspects of living in space would work.  But, at the end, when there is an abrupt change, it is not given the same realistic approach as the rest of the book (yes, I am being vague here because I don't want to give anything away).  I had many questions about how this plot twist would have actually played out, but it seemed like there was no time for the author to address them in the rush to finish the book.

Rating: 




Release Date:  May 1st, 2018


Publisher:  HMH Books for Young Readers


Genre:  YA Science Fiction / Romace


Page Length: 400 pages


Source:  NetGalley


Format:  PDF


Recommendation:  Space and Gothic romance!  An enjoyable update on a classic novel. 
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Friday, August 4, 2017

Book Review: Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30312860-always-and-forever-lara-jean?ac=1&from_search=true
Synopsis (From Goodreads):
Lara Jean is having the best senior year a girl could ever hope for. She is head over heels in love with her boyfriend, Peter; her dad’s finally getting remarried to their next door neighbor, Ms. Rothschild; and Margot’s coming home for the summer just in time for the wedding.

But change is looming on the horizon. And while Lara Jean is having fun and keeping busy helping plan her father’s wedding, she can’t ignore the big life decisions she has to make. Most pressingly, where she wants to go to college and what that means for her relationship with Peter. She watched her sister Margot go through these growing pains. Now Lara Jean’s the one who’ll be graduating high school and leaving for college and leaving her family—and possibly the boy she loves—behind.

When your heart and your head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?  

 Review:
The final installment of Jenny Han's series about a shy introvert who blossoms in high school is a love letter to fans of the series.  Like Lara Jean's quest to create the perfect chocolate chip cookie, the author creates a story that is soft and gooey in the center, chewy near the middle, and crisp on the edges.


                      
via GIPHY

What I Liked:
Gooey Center:
Staying with the cookie analogy, there is such warmth between Lara Jean's family.  It is one of the most lovely representations of a sweet family I have ever seen in a YA novel.  Usually, families in YA books are famously dysfunctional.  But this book highlights that some teens do experience loving parent-child, and sibling, relationships.  

That's not to say that everything is bliss in Lara Jean's world.  Her widowed father is marrying again.  And while Lara Jean is happy for her dad, her older sister, Margot, is hostile toward her future step-mom.  This causes problems for Lara Jean as she wants to be loyal to Margot, but also give Trina (her dad's fiance) a chance.  


 Chewy Near The Middle:
There are some big issues facing Lara Jean as she progresses through her senior year of high school.  Will she get in to the same college as Peter?  What if her college dreams are different from her boyfriend's?  If you're trying to keep a relationship going after high school, should one person's dreams dictate how the other decides about college?  These are difficult choices that many teens will make in the waning months of high school.

 Crisp On The Edges:
One big issue in the story is when (and if) Lara Jean and Peter will have sex.  While Lara Jean says she wants to, Peter questions her motives for wanting to sleep with him.  Does she really want to, or is she just trying to create a final memory before ending their romance?  I also think some of her ambivalence stems from Lara Jean's fears about becoming an adult, and the mixed signals her father gives about sex.

Lara Jean's father seems to have a hard time seeing his girls as young women, giving them some mixed messages about sex.  On the one hand, he is liberal enough to give Lara Jean a "college kit" filled with condoms, but he gets visibly uncomfortable when Margot brings her boyfriend home from college and announces they will sleep in the same room.  It seems like he wants a "don't ask, don't tell" policy about sex.   But I think in reality, most parents feel this way. 

There are also trickier issues.  Can Lara Jean and Peter make a long-distance relationship work?  Even if they wind up at the same college, will they get the true "freshman experience" if they are tied down to each other? 

I loved this part of the book because I was in a similar situation in college.  Ultimately, my boyfriend and I carried out a three year long-distance relationship while I was away at college.  I never felt deprived of the college experience because I didn't go to college to find a boyfriend!  I was there to study.  I had plenty of fun, and I was able to concentrate on my school work.  And our relationship worked out.  We have been married for 29 years!

 To me, one of the main themes is the dissonance between the pressure from family and friends for Lara Jean feels to keep her options open, and the feeling that she has already found her soul mate.  While it's true that most people's high school romance will not stand the test of time, I have such affection for Lara Jean and Peter, that I hope they are the exception.

 And here is my heartfelt letter to Jenny Han:

 Hello Ms. Han,
In writing this series, you have created one of the most memorable love stories in all of YA.  I sighed. I cried.  And a little part of me died, knowing this was the end.  Please, please, please reconsider and keep these characters alive.  Maybe fast-forward three years and pick up on their last year of college.  Or (if they break up), have them meet ten years later and let the sparks fly!

 Obviously you have created characters that feel like the reader's lifelong friends.  I cannot bear the thought that they will always and forever on the cusp of adulthood.

 Sincerely,
Ardis

 P.S. I still love you.                
via GIPHY
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30312860-always-and-forever-lara-jean

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/always-and-forever-lara-jean-jenny-han/1123863188?ean=9781481430487
https://www.amazon.com/Always-Forever-Lara-Loved-Before/dp/1481430483/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501824685&sr=8-1&keywords=always+and+forever+lara+jean

https://www.bookdepository.com/Always-and-Forever--Lara-Jean/9781407177663


Rating: 


 
Release Date:  May 2nd, 2017

 Genre:  YA Romance

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster

Length:  336 pages

 Source:  Public Library

 Format:  E-Book

 Recommendation:  A worthy finish to a delightful series.

  
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Thursday, July 27, 2017

Book Review: When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Synopsis (From Goodreads):
Dimple Shah has it all figured out. With graduation behind her, she’s more than ready for a break from her family, from Mamma’s inexplicable obsession with her finding the “Ideal Indian Husband.” Ugh. Dimple knows they must respect her principles on some level, though. If they truly believed she needed a husband right now, they wouldn’t have paid for her to attend a summer program for aspiring web developers…right?

Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic. So when his parents tell him that his future wife will be attending the same summer program as him—wherein he’ll have to woo her—he’s totally on board. Because as silly as it sounds to most people in his life, Rishi wants to be arranged, believes in the power of tradition, stability, and being a part of something much bigger than himself.

The Shahs and Patels didn’t mean to start turning the wheels on this “suggested arrangement” so early in their children’s lives, but when they noticed them both gravitate toward the same summer program, they figured, Why not?

Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.  

 Review:
There is so much for me to love about this book: the San Francisco setting, the engaging characters, the contest to design an App (so Bay Area).  But, for me, the greatest reason I enjoyed When Dimple Met Rishi, by Sandhya Menon is because I love it when books explore that theme of teens getting their first taste of grown-up freedom.



What I Liked:
Setting:
Yes, I am biased here.  I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and I loved how the author used real places around The City (what we call SF) for the non-dates/dates between Dimple and Rishi.  Sadly, one of the places I would most want to visit, Two Sisters Bar & Books, has recently closed!  But throughout the book, the author showed the reader a wonderful sense of place that I think is missing from many novels.

 Characters:
There are so many wonderful characters in this book.  Here are some of my favorites:
 
Both Dimple and Rishi are complicated characters.  Dimple is very affected by the constant comments her mother makes about her appearance. She had very low self-esteem when it comes to her attractiveness.  I think that is one reason she falls so hard for Rishi.  Rishi accepts Dimple as she is and thinks she is gorgeous!  But, as much as Dimple seems to grumble about some of her mom's expectations, she is also very appreciative of what her parents sacrifice for her.  And she does love her heritage, even while questioning the traditional roles women are expected to adopt.

 At first, Rishi seems like a boy who just does what his parents tell him to do.  Go to a great college (M.I.T.), marry the girl his parents choose for him, and don't waste time on frivolous hobbies such as drawing comic book characters.  But for Rishi, this is his passion.  He is so afraid of disappointing his family that he is willing to forgo pursuing Art so he won't make waves like his difficult younger brother, Ashish.

 Ashish is Rishi's younger brother who is consumed by sports.  He questions his cultural traditions by basically doing the opposite of what his parents tell him to do.  This causes a lot of tension in the house.  But I think Ashish's behavior is also due to constantly being compared to Rishi.  He probably feels he can't get his parent's attention by any other means than by misbehaving.

Celia is Dimple's roommate during the competition at San Francisco State University.   She is used to being the outsider, so when the "cool" kids start to hang out with her, she is delighted.  But she also starts to compromise some of her values to stay in her new friend's favor. 

Story:
I love coming of age books because it is a time where young people must make major life choices.   It seems easy to say, "Follow your passion," but how does one really do that?  How is a kid supposed to tell their parent that they got accepted into a "dream" college, but don't want to go?  Or that you love your heritage, but don't want to follow traditional gender roles?  It is a very hard thing to stand up to your parents, especially when they are kind people who are trying to help.

What I Didn't Like:
I enjoyed 99.8% of this book except for two small things:

1.  Who in their right mind would want their eighteen-year old kid (who is about to go to college) to get engaged?  If I am going to be paying big money for university, I do not want my kid distracted.  I certainly do not know anything about Indian culture, but I was very surprised by this.

2.  As I said, I am a Bay Area resident.  Although I have lived here for over twenty years, I would not be considered a native, but NO ONE CALLS THE FOG KARL!  This was a thing pushed by a guy on Twitter to promote his feed.  It was started about five years ago.  I know I am being picky, but I am telling you I have never heard anyone call the fog a person's name.   
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28458598-when-dimple-met-rishi?ac=1&from_search=true

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-dimple-met-rishi-sandhya-menon/1124743323?ean=9781481478687

https://www.bookdepository.com/When-Dimple-Met-Rishi--The-laugh-out-loud-YA-romcom/9781473667402

https://www.amazon.com/When-Dimple-Rishi-Sandhya-Menon/dp/1481478680/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501135945&sr=8-1&keywords=when+dimple+met+rishi
Rating: 




Release Date:  May 30th, 2017

 Genre:  YA Contemporary

 Pages:  380 pages

 Source:  Public Library

 Format:  E-Book

 Recommendation:  This love letter to Indian Culture and San Francisco will have you longing to sip a Chai tea while riding a cable car.  Utterly enchanting, and fun.

  
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