Open Road Summer

Reagan O'Neill is leaving her rebellious ways behind.

She's finished with her bad-news boyfriends and she's ready to join her best friend Lilah Montgomery on tour. Lilah's a country music superstar, and she's nursing a broken heart of her own. It's the perfect opportunity for a girls-only road trip full of break-up ballads and healing hearts.

But Reagan's vow to live drama-free is tested by the arrival of Matt Finch. He's Lilah's opening act, and his boy-next-door charm is difficult to resist....

Two Best Friends

Two Broken Hearts

One summer that will change Everything - excerpt from book.

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord is a sweet, youthful contemporary novel about a summer road tour for two young girls where one is a superstar, the other is the best friend. This story's perspective is through the eyes of the best friend. She considers herself less than perfect, not a good girl and definitely does not qualify to have a superstar as her best friend. The characters' friendship is explained throughout the book, how strong the bond is and why. Slowly the past of the main character is revealed as well through her thoughts. 

This story is about Reagan reinventing herself, finding her one true self. She is flawed yet beautiful at the same time. The mysterious personality is the cause of something deeper that you would get from reaching the end of the book. The side character Lilah is a very cute and sweet girl that comes with struggles of her own. Reading about Lilah is like an instance of Taylor Swift, although I do not know what kind of person Taylor is but it feels like this character is modeled over her.  I love that this book allow all the characters to grow at the same time. I very much enjoyed reading their adventures and interactions with each other. My favourite page turning quality are scenes which involved the designated male interest of our female lead. Their interactions are quite cheesy at times but that's how young love is. The male interest himself has struggles and you would want to learn more about him, just like Reagan.

In terms of plot, the chapters are named over cities of Lilah's music tour which pushes the story forward with the timeline of it. It's not the type of plot that is too dramatic, just realistic enough for the characters portrayed. I can't really relate to them but their struggles and resolution still touched me. Emery does a great job in narrating their feelings, it is always quite poetic, descriptive that is beautiful and memorable. 

I really loved this book as the author sends across a deep meaning message to the readers through lyrics of songs written by the characters. I always can't wait to read about incidents happening to the lead as I want to know how she would have reacted. If I have to pick a favourite quote from the book it would be difficult because there is just too many. This is the fourth book that I have read from this author and I have not been disappointed, I would definitely recommend this to young adult contemporary lovers. Her writing is just fluid and poetic with good meaning that get you pondering and thinking about life.  

The Fountains of Silence

Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain under the welcoming promise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of an oil tycoon, who arrives in Madrid with his parents hoping to connect with the country of his mother's birth through the lens of his camera. Photography--and fate--introduce him to Ana, whose family's interweaving obstacles reveal the lingering grasp of the Spanish Civil War--as well as chilling definitions of fortune and fear. Daniel's photographs leave him with uncomfortable questions amidst shadows of danger. He is backed into a corner of difficult decisions to protect those he loves. Lives and hearts collide, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish city. - excerpt from Goodreads

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys is her latest work this year and it has been the longest time ever for me. I first fell in love with her writing through The Salt of the Sea and it was such an amazing book. This book is no exception, it is just as phenomenal. I am truly grateful to have received this from Times read for review. Written in a setting relating to a historical event, her book is inspired by the Spanish Civil War specifically the post war period. She has spent 8 years of researching for this book, so I am happy that it had all worked out for her. With multiple character views in alternating chapters, you get so much different perspective from different backgrounds.

Our male lead is from America and our female lead is a native of Spain, how they intertwine seems simple at first but more and more involvement pushes the story forward. While other characters might be on the sidelines, their growth is also eminent through the alternating chapters you read from the book. Slowly the connection between these characters will show through the plot twists. The mix of the Spanish language into the book gives you a flair of their culture so its funny to learn simple words from reading. Every time Daniel and Ana interacts, you could feel the attraction and how Ana is holding back because of her background. Both character's personality sort of compliments each other, encouraging each other's growth as well.

Confess

Auburn Reed is determined to rebuild her shattered life and she has no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to become deeply attracted to the studio’s enigmatic artist, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is hiding a huge secret. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything Auburn loves most, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it—but can she do it? - excerpt from Goodreads

Confess by Colleen Hoover has been on my wish list for quite some time. I started reading her works at November 9 and then move on to her newer books, but I have my eye on her older beauties. Lo and behold when I received a discount code I had to buy this without a doubt. Why I need a discount is generally where I am, books are costly as my country's currency is pretty weak. Let's jump into the review with that beautiful and abstract cover that certainly attracts the eye. Never judge a book by its cover but I first impressions are important so a book that looks good will definitely invite potential readers at a bookstore. 

This books starts off with much mystery, the characters have past that is gradually revealed throughout the plot. It is one of the key points that makes it a page turner. I love the alternating povs in the chapters giving readers a bit the male and female's thoughts and reactions. When they are together, it just captures your attention because like a TV show you would root for them. The supporting characters although are not stressed on but they all play a role in shaping the protagonists to who they are today and still constantly affects their decisions.

Although at the start it seems like insta-love but when you read more, there is depth in it. Just when you think you got it figured those plot twists knocks you out. These are the times when you feel like you just want to quickly finish the book to get out of the gloom. Pushing the plots forward through the actions and reactions, you will be entertained on how truly realistic this could be. 

In summary, this is yet another tear jerking book from the author. Colleen Hoover is a magician when it comes to new adult, pulling your heart strings without fail. This is not necessarily my favourite book but without a doubt it's still up to my expectations of her writing. I absolutely loved the ending as it was something that happened quickly and unexpectedly good. Definitely recommended to romance lovers who want to experience her writing. I'm a Co-Ho fan and looking forward to further expand my collection, so what's next?

The Kiss Quotient

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 crave all of the other things he's making her feel. 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... - excerpt from Goodreads

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang is her debut book and boy was I entertained. This page turner certainly highlights the brain of an autism character. In my years of reading romance, this was a first on a character that is truly unique. Firstly autism is something that is not widely talked about and often people misunderstood it, especially the person themselves. To be able to write about such a character, this author is trying to reach out to the world because she has it as well. It is not everything about autism but creating awareness is a good start.

Stella is one interesting character, with her flaws she dares to step out of her comfort zone, her norm life and then met him, just your regular escort? Not really, Michael is also full of surprises. I love how mysterious he is at the start which definitely makes up for reading non stop. Their dynamics and chemistry is what pulls you in, their touch and words keeps you going. Every time their meet, my eyes just goes wide because of excitement. The side characters enhances the main characters as it brings out a different side of them. Their interactions give a special flair to how real these people are.

I Owe You One

Fixie Farr has always lived by her father’s motto: “Family first.” But since her dad passed away, leaving his charming housewares store in the hands of his wife and children, Fixie spends all her time picking up the slack from her siblings instead of striking out on her own. The way Fixie sees it, if she doesn’t take care of her father’s legacy, who will? It’s simply not in her nature to say no to people.

So when a handsome stranger in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop for a moment, Fixie not only agrees—she ends up saving it from certain disaster. Turns out the computer’s owner is an investment manager. To thank Fixie for her quick thinking, Sebastian scribbles an IOU on a coffee sleeve and attaches his business card. But Fixie laughs it off—she’d never actually claim an IOU from a stranger. Would she?

Then Fixie’s childhood crush, Ryan, comes back into her life and his lack of a profession pushes all of Fixie’s buttons. She wants nothing for herself—but she’d love Seb to give Ryan a job. And Seb agrees, until the tables are turned once more and a new series of IOUs between Seb and Fixie—from small favors to life-changing moments—ensues. Soon Fixie, Ms. Fixit for everyone else, is torn between her family and the life she really wants. Does she have the courage to take a stand? Will she finally grab the life, and love, she really wants?  -  excerpt from book

I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella is her latest stand alone, I was fortunate enough to get a proof read copy from Times Read (Thank you so much btw). I can proudly say I have never missed any of her standalone as I love those more than the Shopaholic series, Becky can be funny to read about but tiring as well as she's kinda annoying in her ways.

So back to the standalone, I won't say I was blown away with this title but I was quite satisfied with the story and characters. Not exactly my favourite but I could relate to Fixie. She is a character that makes you frustrated because you feel for her and you'll be rooting for her all the time. Her encounters in life is not unfortunate but nonetheless a little bit sad. There is a side that you will love about Fixie and that's what captured my attention as I want to know what happens to her. Her interactions with other characters are amusing, funny and you would want more. Her love for her family can be seen through her actions but it's also her downfall. When the lead male character was featured,  there wasn't enough sparks and I also felt that wasn't enough interactions for the both of them. From that, I concluded this book was more about family and Fixie growing than a love story.

All Your Perfects

Can a love story with a perfect beginning survive s lifetime between two imperfect people?

THEN: The last thing Quinn expected was to meet the love of her life just outside her fiance's front door. A year after leaving behind their cheating partners, Quinn and Graham are in a perfect relationship that seems designed by fate.

NOW: Seven years later, their perfect love is threatened by their imperfect marriage. The memories, mistakes and dreams that they have built up over the years are tearing them apart. The one thing that could save them might also be the very thing that pushes their marriage past the point of no return.  - excerpt from book. 

All your perfects by Colleen Hoover is my latest addition to the collection. I am often worried when one writer starts to produce one book a year, like Sophie Kinsella and many other authors there would be some books that are not going to amaze me at some point. This is my fourth book and I'm very happy with this book. This book talks about how a married couple met unexpectedly and how things have hit the 7th year crisis of marriage.

It started with a twist that instantly caught my attention and slowly the plot moves back and forth through the female character's timeline in her relationship with her present husband. This type of writing is the type that encourages constant reading as you get a little excitement here and there on the past and present time. Just when you think you can guess the plot, a twist happens and you'll feel for the characters.

Calamity

Embrace your epic destiny and there's no turning back.

Is there? - excerpt from book.

Calamity by Brandon Sanderson is sadly the last book in the trilogy and it was such an awesome one. No doubt the author has continued to impress me and stays on my favourite fantasy authors list with the jam packed action, plot twist after plot twist and of course the wonderful characters. The story picks up right where it stopped and all you can feel is anxiousness for the team, without an important leader they strive to continue what they do best which is to kill epics.

The dynamic of team had a good change even without the support of its side characters. The main character David continues to amaze me with his growth and his craziness which always shows in his impulsive actions. David carries the story well with his beliefs and ideals but it's all with the help of great side characters. They all are crucial to the plot line and make good interactions with David. The introduction of a few new epics is a must to elevate the story and I quite like their uniqueness. The characters in the book have different hopes but their goal is the same, it's wonderful to see how these people can work together to push the team. The ideals are often life lessons and this is what I love about the author, incorporating life values that makes sense to our current world. Relating those people to the real world is easy which makes understanding so much fun.

Always Never Yours

Shouldn't a girl get to star in her own love story?

Seventeen-year-old Megan Harper is about due for her next sweeping romance. It's inevitable—each of her relationships starts with the perfect guy and ends with him falling in love . . . with someone else. But instead of feeling sorry for herself, Megan focuses on pursuing her next fling, directing theater, and fulfilling her dream college's acting requirement in the smallest role possible.

So when she’s cast as Juliet (yes, that Juliet) in her high school’s production, it’s a complete nightmare. Megan’s not an actress, and she’s used to being upstaged—both in and out of the theater. In fact, with her mom off in Texas and her dad remarried and on to baby #2 with his new wife, Megan worries that, just like her exes, her family is moving on without her.

Then she meets Owen Okita, an aspiring playwright inspired by Rosaline from Shakespeare's R+J. A character who, like Megan, knows a thing or two about short-lived relationships. Megan agrees to help Owen with his play in exchange for help catching the eye of a sexy stagehand/potential new boyfriend. Yet Megan finds herself growing closer to Owen, and wonders if he could be the Romeo she never expected. - excerpt from book.

Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka is about a teenage girl finding love in many aspects of her life. With a cute cover attracting your attention, do you think it will be a good book or just meh? Having two authors co-write a book can be quite difficult but this was just seamless as there isn't a sign of different writing style. Each chapter starts with a quote from Shakespeare which made it fun and then we're reading the point of view Megan. I have to say Shakespeare is not the key element of this book but Megan's belief. 

The main character is a complicated person, she may seem easy but the more you read about her interactions with others and her thoughts, you'll discover the real her along with the story progressing. I love how the side characters influence her life and how the bond with another key character forms. You'll definitely love her when she's with this certain character because he brings out a side that not many will see. Her reactions to other's actions were getting more and more realistic as the plot advances which makes it quite a page turner.