You Know What You Have To Do.

You Know What You Have To Do

Bonnie Shimko.

Publisher:Amazon, Children's Publishing.
Publication Date:March 26,2013.
Genre:YA Contemporary|Thriller.
Format|Pages: ARC E Book | 240.
Source:Publisher,through Netgalley.
Challenge:SARC|Contemporary.

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~ARC Ecopy provided by Publisher, in exhcange of review~

You Know What You Have To Do , didn’t capture my attention like I thought it would. When I saw the cover and read the summary, I had a feeling that it was going be a dark novel and the type of book that I was going to love. However it wasn’t what I was expecting it to be. I enjoyed most of the book but I didn’t think that it was great. There was some aspects of the books that I enjoyed and was wondering what would happen next. There were other parts of book that made me wonder what Maggie was thinking. In general, it was a readable book and one that is worth giving a chance to.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

This quirky, appealing YA novel turns formulaic teen fiction on its head as funny, feisty fifteen year-old Mary-Magdalene Feigenbaum (otherwise known as Maggie) suddenly faces more than the usual typical YA concerns: a voice in her head that is telling her to kill people. Not just anyone—each time the target is someone who has done something terrible to a person Maggie cares for.

 

You know what you have to do, the voice commands. Maggie struggles to resist, but the voice is relentless. With rising suspense, this story of psychological horror introduces a narrator whose own unique voice and irreverent humor are unforgettable—an unlikely hero fighting a desperate battle against incomprehensible evil.

Honestly, cover was the first that captured my attention. I believe that the cover for the book, would capture anyone’s attention, especially if they are into mystery, thriller or horror. The photograph on the cover of the book looks like the mix of three. The cover went pretty well with the summary and the actual plot of the novel. The girl of the cover looks so mysterious but at the same time, angry and dangerous. If looks could kill, hers would kill from first look. I could tell right away, by looking at picture that she was up to something, she looked like she was about to kill someone. When I first saw the cover, I did wonder what was happening, about to happen. Once I read the book, I could imagine what was going through her mind. I could see why she looked like she was about to kill somebody.


The book was bit slow for me, at least in beginning, it was bit hard to get into it. There didn’t seem to be much going on, and it was bit hard to keep on reading. But once it did pick up, once the actual started happening, I found myself getting into the book. I wanted to see what would happen next with Maggie, despite me being against her killings, I always wondered who her next victim would be. I was curious if anybody would figure out what she was doing. Once Lester figured out what she was up, I was sure she would kill him. Either that or that Lester would tell someone or even contact the police. I think that the reason that he didn’t was because he was afraid of her, afraid that she would end up killing him. At same time, I couldn’t believe that he actually let her get away with murders. What kind of person does that? That didn’t seem too realistic to me.


Maggie kind of annoyed me, at least part of the book. It seemed like she was constantly complaining, especially about her mother. It seemed like she was in between about the voices that were in her head, telling her to kill people. Part of her would listen to voice but another part of her, was trying to fight it, like when it told her to kill the baby and Lester. It didn’t seem like killings affected too, though she didn’t admit, I believe that she got joy of killing. I was hoping that she would get caught. That’s why the book was bit unrealistic to me, due to fact that she got away with murder and I have feeling that she was going keep on killing. I believe that she should at least gotten in some sort of trouble, or that Lester should at least called the police.

  Book did keep my attention and made me curious what was going to happen with her next. At same time, it took me bit to read because there parts of book that I found myself not getting into. In general, it’s an easy, enjoyable read.

The Summer Prince.

The Summer Prince.

Alaya Dawn Johnson.

Publisher:Arthur A. Levine.
Publication Date:March 1,2012.
Genre: YA Dystopian| Romance.
Format:ARC Ebook| 304.
Source:Publisher, through Netgalley.
Challenge:SARC.

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~ARC E Copy was provided by publisher, in exchange of review ~

The Summer Prince wasn’t a book that I was expecting. I didn’t actually get into the book, way that I thought I would after reading summary. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy the story, I did. It just took me a bit to get observed with the story. I got mixed feelings about the story. I loved half of book but there were parts that I couldn’t seem to get into. It took me few chapters to actually get into the book. Once the book picked up though, I found myself being able to connect with characters bit more. Though book wasn’t as good like I thought it would be, I still enjoyed reading it. It had an unique storyline.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

  A heart-stopping story of love, death, technology, and art set amid the tropics of a futuristic Brazil.

 

The lush city of Palmares Três shimmers with tech and tradition, with screaming gossip casters and practiced politicians. In the midst of this vibrant metropolis, June Costa creates art that’s sure to make her legendary. But her dreams of fame become something more when she meets Enki, the bold new Summer King. The whole city falls in love with him (including June’s best friend, Gil). But June sees more to Enki than amber eyes and a lethal samba. She sees a fellow artist.

 

Together, June and Enki will stage explosive, dramatic projects that Palmares Três will never forget. They will add fuel to a growing rebellion against the government’s strict limits on new tech. And June will fall deeply, unfortunately in love with Enki. Because like all Summer Kings before him, Enki is destined to die.

  Cover is absolutely stunning. How can you not pick up the book when you look at the cover? Honestly that was one of the first things that captured my attention about the novel was the cover. Way that the girl’s arms which I am guessing is June on the cover, glowing. When I first saw it, it made me curious what it was, what it could possibly mean. Summary is another thing that is attention grabbing, I had always been into fairytale sort of stories, and when I read the summary, I was sure that I was going to enjoy this book. The summary, the cover and the title were all of the things that had captured my attention. It made me curious and something that got me to pick up the book, check it out.


Storyline was unique. I had read quite few books about princes, princess but none of them were unlike The Summer Prince,. I was curious why it was titled The Summer Prince when I first picked up the book, I wondered if there was a meaning behind the title. Once I read the book, I could see why it was titled that, though in the book he had became the summer king. I thought what was being doing to king at end of term, the sacrifice, was bit cruel. While book progressed, I was hoping that either Gil or June find a way to save Enki, since I grew to like him. For a while, I was sure that June would find a way, no matter what it took. I was rooting for her to find a way, to save him.


 Enki & Gil : I liked Gil from start, his sense of humor and his friendship with June. Even when he found out about her and Enki, or when she ran away, he didn’t hold it against her, he understood. That’s a true friendship right there, he stood by her side, no matter what happens. Even if he loved Enki, probably as much like June loved Enki. Gil, reminds me of some of my best friends, his loyalty to June. Now Enki, I wasn’t sure how to feel about him at first, he was bit of complicated characters. At times it seemed like Enki didn’t know what he wanted or who he wanted. He mentioned that he loved Gil, yet he told June that he loved her too. It made me confused, made me wonder who he truly loved or if he honestly loved them both. I do know that both June and Gil loved him and it was sad when he did die at end. But there of them had the strangest relationship. I still don’t get how Gil wasn’t angry with June about her Enki when he was first to get with him.


For first 100 pages or so, it was bit hard for me get into the book, or really understand what was going on. It was between interesting and slow. Otherwise, it was pretty interesting, unique storyline. It was unlike any other books that I read this year so far.

Return To Me.

Return To Me.

Justina Chen.

Publisher:Little Brown Books.
Publication Date:January 15,2013.
Genre:YA Contemporary|Fantasy.
Format|Pages:Hardcover|352.
Source:Library|Goodreads.
Challenge:SARC| YA Contemporary.

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Return To Me was a second book that I read by Justina Chen , though it wasn’t as good, like North Of Beautiful was, it was a book that I didn’t want to put down. Even if it started a little slow, but that didn’t last long because it picked up fast. It wasn’t long when I was observed in the story, with the characters, wanting to see what happens with them next. Return To Me is filled with adventure, discovery, and quite bit romance. A book worth checking out.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

 

Nothing is going as planned for Rebecca Muir. She's weeks away from starting college--at a school chosen specifically to put a few thousand miles of freedom between Reb and her parents. But her dad's last-minute job opportunity has her entire family moving all those miles with her! And then there's the matter of her unexpected, amazing boyfriend, Jackson, who is staying behind on the exact opposite coast.

 

And if that isn't enough to deal with, mere days after moving cross-country, Reb's dad drops shocking, life-changing news. With her mother and brother overwhelmed and confused, Reb is left alone to pick up the pieces of her former life. But how can she do that when everything can change in an instant? How can she trust her "perfect" boyfriend when her own dad let her down? Reb started the year knowing exactly what her future would hold, but now that her world has turned upside down, will she discover what she really wants?

 

Justina Chen, the acclaimed author of North of Beautiful, has created a moving and powerful novel about the struggles that arise from betrayal, the uncertainty of life after high school, and the joy that ultimately comes from discovering what's truly in your heart.

  What I love about Justine’s novel, fact that all of them are realistic, you can see it actually happening in real life. It feels like I’m living the story with the character. That was how I felt when I was reading about Rebecca, about all the struggles that she faced within the book. Those feelings got me to connect with character. Justina brought the book to life, and it made me imagine that I was actually there, in Rebecca’s shoes. It was one of most realistic books that I have read this year. The descriptions, the emotions and struggles that Rebecca went through, can happen anywhere in real life. The situation in the book is what makes it so easy to get observed in the story, because you want to know what happens with the characters next, how it will all come to end.


Jackson: Loved him from the start. He’s kind of guy that every girl wants in a boyfriend, he’s type of guy I would love to meet. Despite what Reb did, how she pushed him away, he was always there and he didn’t push her or give up. That’s what I loved about him. I knew right from start that he loved her; sometimes I had feeling that he loved Reb more than she loved him. I don’t think that no guy would put up with what he put up with, unless they were in love. I wanted to talk some sense into Reb when she broke up with Jackson, but at same time I could see why she did it, especially after everything that happened with her father. All through the book, I was rooting for them to get back together, it seemed that Jackson was one person who made her happy.


I wasn’t sure how to feel about Reb’s father at first. Part of me hated him, for what he did to family, especially to his wife, way he was the reason that his family was struggling. Another part of me, was bit glad because he left, that actually seemed to bring Reb and her mother closer together. I saw way their relationship changed through the book, turning from almost non existing to closure. I was glad that they connected again, because she needed someone. I saw how someone’s action can bring family closer together. Not only did it bring mother and daughter together, it also brought their absent grandmother back, bringing entire family close together. It made me smile, how they all came together and were there for each other, through this difficult time.


Return To Me was an inspirational book, a type of novel that should be read by everyone. It’s a one book that you won’t be able to forget.

Winter White, Belles, #2.

Winter White.

Belles,#2.

Jen Calonita.

Publisher:Poppy.
Publication Date:October 9,2012.
Genre: Souhern Contemporary| Drama|Suspense.
Format|Pages:Hardcover|384.
Source:Library|Goodreads.

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I didn’t think it was possible for me to love the series more. I was wrong, Winter White, was an amazing book, and once I finishing I was eager for next book to come out. Belles is already one of my favorite series, it was unlike any other series I read this past year. Even if Winter White didn’t have nearly that much drama that first book had, it keeps you engaged. I found it nearly impossible to put down, I didn’t want to put it down, I felt connected with characters and needed to know what happens next. I’m eager for The Grass Is Always Greener, to see what adventures, drama, Izzy, Mira will come across.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

 

Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are still reeling from the revelation that they share more than just the roof over their heads. The media has pounced on their story, and while Izzie and Mira have each put on a happy public face, someone is leaking their true feelings to the press. It seems as if the world is watching their every move, but at least the girls have each other.

 

 

With cotillion season right around the corner, however, Izzie and Mira have barely had time to process their newfound sisterhood. Mira has dreamed of making her debut in a gorgeous white gown forever--now if only she had an escort... Izzy, meanwhile, is still struggling to find her place in Emerald Cove, which seems ever more impossible with EC mean girls, young and old, trying to keep her down. As cotillion preparations heat up, there are dance steps to learn, manners to perfect... and secret initiations to complete? It's time for the gowns to go on and the gloves to come off.

Title is amazing and totally goes with plot. Winter White, how can you not like a title like that? How can it not catch your attention? Even if I didn’t read the first book, the title would catch my attention. It fits the time period, southern period. The girl that’s on cover is another thing that captures your attention, but then how can they not? The girl looks stunning and it’s much easier for me, to imagine each of the characters. By looking at cover, I can imagine the characters, mostly the sisters. Since I could picture, I could connect with the sisters bit more.


Kellen & Brayden : I was glad that there was bit more romance, for both of the girls in Winter White. Ever since I read Belles, I was curious what’s going happen, to both Izzie and Mira, in romance department. I found myself more curious what’s going to happen with Brayden and Izzie now, if they were going become real couple, how everyone would respond to it. I was frustrated with Brayden for half of the book, way that he couldn’t seem to stand for himself, for izzie, when it came to his family. Fact that there was some things he wasn’t honest to her about, about dinner with Savannah’s parents and how he was escorting her at cotillion as well. How did he expect for his relationship with her to work, when he wasn’t being honest with her? I was as frustrated as Izzy with her and I couldn’t blame her for wanting to give up. Yet, at same time I was hoping that two of them would be able work out, despite way Brayden acted, I know that he really cared for her. When he escorted her at cotillion, it made me smile. Now that they worked things out, I am eager to find out what happens with them next. Kellen, he was hard to figure out at times, and at first I wasn’t even sure if he liked her, because she kept dropping hints but yet her was doing nothing. I didn’t know if he didn’t see them, get them or if he just wasn’t interested. But once he kissed her, I smiled, knowing that he liked her. Despite her blaming him for selling her painting, he still stood by her side. I was glad that Mira was able find someone, who would accept her for who she was, not judge.


Despite there being not that much drama in this book, like in last book. It still had quite bit of suspense within the book, mostly surrounding the campaign of Mira and Izzy’s father. As book progressed, I did find myself wondering how all those articles appeared about his family, and how they were appearing instantly. It’s like someone was watching them closely, spying on them. I was already suspecting that someone in the family was the traitor. Of course the least expected person ended up traitor, I would never suspected her, because she seemed so nice but guess that was her plan all along. That’s another thing I love about this book, the least expected twists come in this series, the ones that you don’t see it coming. Especially the end, now that was unexpected. It makes me wish that it was April so I can find out what happens next. It’s one of things that keeps you on reading, the twists, the suspense.


Top of the suspense, I felt like I also learned some things. Like Cotillion, I have heard of it before but never knew what it was before. I was fascinated reading about, especially with all the test everyone went through( Even if I am sure that doesn’t happen in real life). I was sure that Izzy would drop out within minutes but was glad that she stayed. I could see that Izzy and Mira’s relationship progressed within this book, they seemed to have more of a bond in this book. I’m eager to find out what adventure waits for them two next.


If you love suspense, drama, romance, be sure to pick this series up today. You’ll find yourself wondering what adventure awaits them next. One of the best series .

The Notebook.

The Notebook.

Nicholas Sparks.

Publisher:Grand Central Publishing.
Publication Date:October 1,1996.
Genre: Contemporary Romance.
Format|Pages:Paperback|214.
Source:Owned|Goodreads.

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The Notebook was the second book I read by Nicholas Sparks, when I was 16 years old. It helped me through a tough time. It helped me escape. Though I prefer the movie bit more, I loved the book, I loved the fact that it was different, it felt like I was reading completely different story. The story felt inspirational to me. It felt real. If you are into romance, I would highly recommend The Notebook, you find yourself not wanting to put it down, till the end.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

 

A man with a faded, well-worn notebook open in his lap. A woman experiencing a morning ritual she doesn't understand. Until he begins to read to her. The Notebook is an achingly tender story about the enduring power of love, a story of miracles that will stay with you forever.

 

 

Set amid the austere beauty of coastal North Carolina in 1946, The Notebook begins with the story of Noah Calhoun, a rural Southerner returned home from World War II. Noah, thirty-one, is restoring a plantation home to its former glory, and he is haunted by images of the beautiful girl he met fourteen years earlier, a girl he loved like no other. Unable to find her, yet unwilling to forget the summer they spent together, Noah is content to live with only memories. . . until she unexpectedly returns to his town to see him once again.

 

Allie Nelson, twenty-nine, is now engaged to another man, but realizes that the original passion she felt for Noah has not dimmed with the passage of time. Still, the obstacles that once ended their previous relationship remain, and the gulf between their worlds is too vast to ignore. With her impending marriage only weeks away, Allie is forced to confront her hopes and dreams for the future, a future that only she can shape.

 

Like a puzzle within a puzzle, the story of Noah and Allie is just beginning. As it unfolds, their tale miraculously becomes something different, with much higher stakes. The result is a deeply moving portrait of love itself, the tender moments, and fundamental changes that affect us all.

I read The Notebook multiple times since first time I picked it up, when I was sixteen. Every single time, I find myself getting into the story, unable to put it down even if I know what’s going to happen. How can anyone not love such romantic story? The Notebook wasn’t what I was expecting, since I saw the movie before reading the book. It took me by surprise, but in a good way. Though I do wish there were more scenes between them, when they just met, like there was in a movie. Despite that, I enjoyed the book, I couldn’t stop reading it. It’s one of the romantic stories that you can’t help but love. It’s unlike any other romance books out there; Nicholas Sparks has an unique writing style, one that everyone will fall in love with.


The descriptions and emotions were amazing. Usually books with lots of descriptions tend to get bit boring for me; this wasn’t case for this book. Actually it fit the book pretty well, it made the book look more realistic. The descriptions of what was going on got me easier to imagine of what was going on and be able to connect with both characters: Allie and Noah. I enjoyed reading from both Allie and Noah’s point of view, to get to know each of the characters. Both of their emotions were displayed perfectly, even if I didn’t know how they were feeling, I could imagine how they were feeling because of way their emotions were described.


Noah & Allie: How can you not root for them? For their relationship? That what I was doing all through the book, despite Allie being engaged. Even if I am against cheating, Allie and Noah belonged together. I could tell that they still love each other. Even if Allie tried to deny her feelings at first, I knew that there were still there; just by the way two of them looked at one another. It made me sad when Allie got sick and forgot Noah. But I thought it was sweet how Noah read to her every day, from the notebook, of their relationship. It made me happy when she did remember him. What Noah and Allie had, that was true love is. It actually reminded me a lot of my grandparents, that’s the kind of love two of them had before my grandfather passed away. Every single time, it reminds me of them.

This book was inspirational to me. It made me smile, it made me sad, frustrated but I loved every moment of it. I know it’s a book I am going love, no matter how many times I read it. Nicholas Sparks is an author I will always love. His books touch me, and I am looking forward to his new book in September.

Flirting In Italian, Flirting In Italian,#1.

Flirting In Italian.

Flirting In Italian, #1.

Lauren Henderson.

Publisher:Delcorte Books.
Publication Date:June 12, 2012.
Genre: YA Contemporary|Romance.
Format|Pages:Hardcover|336.
Source:Library|Goodreads.

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Honestly, I wasn’t sure how much I was going to like Flirting In Italian, despite the interesting title and the summary, I couldn’t seem to get into the book till the 2nd Chapter, I was close to giving up but luckily it picked up in next chapter. Once book picked up, I actually ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would. By the end of the book I was wondering what was going happen to Violet, Luca and all of her friends next. Flirting In Italian had everything from adventure, to humor, romance and suspense. I’m eager to see what adventure awaits everyone next.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

 

Four girls. One magical and possibly dangerous Italian summer. Family mysteries, ancient castles, long hot nights of dancing under the stars . . . and, of course, plenty of gorgeous Italian boys!

How can you not love the title, Flirting In Italian? How can that title not capture your attention? Honestly that was what captured my attention, the title. It made me curious and I had a feeling that it was going be a romance story, and that’s why the actual story surprised, it wasn’t anything that I was expecting it to be. That was one of things that I did enjoy about book, that it had unexpected twist, and it made me wonder, as a reader what was going to happen, especially with Violet.


Of course I loved that it took place in Italy, it was one place that I want to visit, one day. While reading this book, I felt like I learned more about Italy, about its history then I knew before reading the book. I thought what made this book interesting that it wasn’t only based on kids having fun, on having an adventure in Italy, but fact that there was quite bit of mystery in the book as well, along with bit of history as well. It always made me curious what they are going to learn next. If Violet would actually find out the answer that she came looking for, the reasons that she came to Italy, to begin with.


Luca: I loved the relationship between Luca and Violet; it wasn’t like any other books where they fall in love right away. Actually it seemed like Violet seemed to have mixed feelings about him, one minute she liked him, and the next she wanted nothing to do with him. Of course I couldn’t blame her for the mixed feelings that she had about him, because of the way that he treated her. At first I wasn’t even sure if he liked her, that he was mostly toying with her, playing with her feelings. I could see that there is some sort of attraction between the two of them or they wouldn’t end up constantly kissing. As book progressed, I could tell that Luca grew to care for Violet, way he came to her rescue once he figured out that his housekeeper trying to poison her, and how he didn’t want her to leave Italy. I saw how much their relationship progressed through the book. I’m curious what adventure awaits them in next book.


I loved the mystery aspect in this novel. When Violet was first poisoned, I was wondering who done it and why, who would have something against her? Though I thought that maid acted bit weird, around Violet, I didn’t think that she would be capable of something like that. I was sure that it was Eliza who was doing it all, since she seemed to dislike Violet. I was as curious as Violet why she looked like the princess and I wished that Violet wouldn’t have given up so fast on it, I wanted to see if there was story behind, and if there was something that her mom did keep from her. I’m hoping mystery will unfold more in the next book.


The book was bit slow, and I wish I found out more about characters, like Luca, I felt like I didn’t find out much about him through the novel, but I hope that I will find out more in the next book. Otherwise this was an enjoyable reading and I look forward to the next novel.

When Love Comes To Town.

When Love Comes To Town.

Tom Lennon.

Publisher:Albert Whitman & Company.
Publication Date:March 1,2013.
Genre: YA LGBT Romance.
Format|Pages:EBook|304.
Source:Publisher|Goodreads.

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~ARC E COPY was provided by Albert Whitman & Company through Netgalley, for review purposes~

I had always enjoyed books about gay, lesbian relationship, it something different. I haven’t read many male gay relationships before. At first I wasn’t sure how much I was going like this book, mostly due to fact that first few pages started out pretty slow, and it was bit hard for me to get into story at first. When it did pick up, I found myself unable to put the book down. When Love Comes To Town ended up being one of the books that I enjoyed more than I thought I would. When Love Comes To Town was unlike any LGBT book I read before and that’s what was unique about it. I would highly recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed.

 GOODREADS SUMMARY

The year is 1990, and in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland, Neil Byrne plays rugby, keeps up with the in-crowd at his school, and is just a regular guy. A guy who's gay. It's a secret he keeps from the wider world as he explores the city at night and struggles to figure out how to reveal his real self--and to whom.

 

First published in Ireland in 1993 and compared to The Catcher in the Rye by critics, Tom Lennon's When Loves Comes to Town is told with honesty, humor, and originality.

The cover is completely stunning, how can you not want to read the book, by looking at the cover. That was one of the first things that actually captured my attention towards the book, got me curious. Cover and the title. When Love Comes To Town, first it such unique title, it seems like most romance titles are pretty simple these days, and that’s what is so unique about it. After reading the book, I saw how much both the cover and the title fit the story. The cover is pretty colorful too, type of cover that would capture reader’s attention, way it captured mine.


I always enjoyed reading books from male’s point of view. This male point of view was unlike any other novel that I read before. Unlike other male characters, Neil didn’t seem strong like male characters are, at least parts of the books. Most of all he seemed lost, like he couldn’t find a place where he belonged. Neil’s voice was powerful all way through the novel, I found myself being able to feel everything that Neil was feeling: pain, fear, anger, loneliness. There were times that I wanted to hug Neil, to say that everything was going to be okay. Neil’s emotions were all over the place in novel and they were portrayed so well, I felt like I could connect with him, even though I couldn’t begin imagine what he was going through. I was curious how his parents would react to his news, and I got say I wasn’t too happy with them, especially his father. Parents should accept, love their children no matter what. I was glad that at least he had his sister, her boyfriend and some other friends, who actually accepted him for who he was.


I loved that it took place in Dublin, in 90’s, that what was unique about this book. It was unique because it took a place, prior to Internet and I saw the different kinds of entertainment there was there, during that time. I have feeling that it must been even harder on Neil, during that to feel accepted and that’s why he was hiding, his secret. It was why he only told to the people he truly trusted. Considering how he got beat up, when someone found he was gay, I can see why he kept it hidden. That scene was scary, my heart raced while I read it, I was sure that he was going to get killed and sighed of relief when he didn’t.


 Ian & Shane: I wished that Neil had courage, to start something with Ian then Shane, to me it seemed like he was better match for him. Even if Ian didn’t say much, I could tell that he liked Neil, just by way he looked at him sometimes; they had a connection when two of them talked. Now Shane, I have nothing against, I did like him, at least in beginning, the way that he treated Neil at start I was sure that he liked him. But standing him up, then telling him that he’s too young for him, I wasn’t too sure if he cared for him, at least not the way that Neil cared for him. The way that he treated him sometimes around his friends, made me wonder if he was embarrassed by him. To me, it seemed that Neil moved bit fast from crushing to Ian to Shane.

When Love Comes To Town was original, it will make you sad, angry and even make you smile at parts. It’s a book that you won’t regret picking up.

The Reece Malcom List.

The Reece Malcom List.

Amy Spalding.

Publisher: Entangled Teen.
Publication Date:February 5,2013.
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance.
Format|Pages:Paperback|352.
Source:Library|Goodreads.
Challenge:Debut Author|StandAlone|Contemporary.

5 STARS

The Reece Malcolm List, now there is an author that I know is going be successful. I knew that it would be a good book when I read description, but the book turned out to be amazing. It was actually hard for me to believe that this was her first book, the writing; the story will keep you on reading. You will cry, you will laugh, you will wonder how it will end. It’s one book that you won’t regret picking up. I’m looking forward for Amy’s next novel.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Things I know about Reece Malcolm:

1. She graduated from New York University.

2. She lives in or near Los Angeles.

3. Since her first novel was released, she’s been on the New York Times bestseller list every week.

4. She likes strong coffee and bourbon.

5. She’s my mother.

 

Devan knows very little about Reece Malcolm, until the day her father dies and she’s shipped off to live with the mother she’s never met. All she has is a list of notebook entries that doesn’t add up to much. L.A. offers a whole new world to Devan—a performing arts school allows her to pursue her passion for show choir and musicals, a new circle of friends helps to draw her out of her shell, and an intriguing boy opens up possibilities for her first love. But then the Reece Malcolm list gets a surprising new entry. Now that Devan is so close to having it all, can she handle the possibility of losing everything?

Both the cover and the title was one of things that captured attention about the book. The title was the first one that caught my attention, when I saw The Reece Malcolm List, right away I wondered who Reece is and what is there about her in list. The girl on cover, who I am guessing is Devan, looks mysterious, like she is looking for something. Once I started reading the book, I saw how both the title and the cover fit the story. It’s also type of cover that would make the reader wonder about the story, make them pick up the book.


I love that the book has music in it, I loved fact that they went to Arts school, I always found those interesting. Not only have that but it also made the story felt unique because they didn’t go to any school, but performing arts school. By end of the book, I learned much more about performing, theatre and music then I knew before I read the book. I saw how completive students can get against each other when it comes, to getting the role they want. This book seemed pretty realistic to me, I actually could see it happening in real life. I also saw how much hard work each and one of them had to do. To me, it felt magical.


I thought that it was pretty unique, the list that Devan made about her mother, at beginning of each chapter. Every time she added something about her, I felt like I learned more about her then I knew before, felt like I was learning along with Devan. Fact that this book had both humor and drama in it, made it even more interesting because you were smiling, laughing at one part and upset at next, but it was good mix for that reason, you weren’t sad the entire book. Also as you read the lists, I found myself wondering if Reece and Devan actually have the talk, about what Reece did, it seemed like she tried avoid that topic at the start, they didn’t have the normal daughter/ mother relationship, it seemed like she more wanted to keep her happy, instead of trying be here mother, but that’s what made it more interesting to read.


I enjoyed the relationship between her and her friends, I was glad that she was able to make such good friends. The bond they had, way they managed to stick by each other (most of the time) I know that is a sign of a true friendship. Mostly I loved Brad, he was one of the sweetest guys in book, at least to me it seemed like. He was always so nice towards Devan and Reece even if she was rude to him at times. It made me wonder, just like Devan how he ended up with someone like Reece. Now Sai, I could see an attraction between two of them from moment they met, I found myself frustrated when he got girlfriend. I liked that they weren’t together most of the book, it made it more suspenseful, made me curious what’s going happen between them next, if something would actually happen.

If you into humor, romance, music and some drama, this is book for you. You’ll be observed in it, all way through.