Author: GoodeyReads

Review: Always and Forever, Lara Jean (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before #3) by Jenny Han

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Lara Jean

 

Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
Audience: YA+, some language, some kissing, one almost love scene, no violence
Length: 336 pages
Author: Jenny Han
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 2nd, 2017
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

 

THE PERFECT COOKIE.

When I read the first book, I thought it was good. The second book was okay. I actually decided not to buy the third book, but our library had it so I thought I might as well see what happens! The third book turned out to be really good.

This felt like high school. It wasn’t over-stylized and dramatic. Anyone reminiscing on high school probably has at least one or two moments that happened in this book and I love that.

Lara Jean was so cute and all of her “baking therapy” made me start baking that day to haha. I adore Peter K. He and Lara Jean really mean something to each other and I was cheering them on the entire time.

The family essence was a great aspect. The sisters have unique personalities and added a lovely and salty dynamic. Watching Trina and Dan fall in love was adorable as well.

I loved that this book didn’t feel forced. Even towards the end I wasn’t quite sure how it was going to all play out. While a ‘typical’ story it stood alone and was a great conclusion to this series. I’m glad I ended up picking it out.

Some language (Peter can’t hold his tongue sometimes haha). Some kissing, one almost love scene. No violence! An overall great read that caused me to stay up way too late.

Review: Once and for All by Sarah Dessen

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Once and for All

 

Rating: ☆☆☆.5
Audience: Teen, some language (including f*), one love scene, some kissing, speaks of violence
Length: 358 pages
Author: Sarah Dessen
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Release Date: June 6th, 2017
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

 

LEFT WANTING MORE.

While cute and charming as a whole, this book left me wanting more to the story.

Ambrose was suuper cute and I really enjoyed his character, but everyone else was a standard Rom-Com story.

The reasons Louna is hurting and resistant to Ambrose are yes, horrible, but I found the execution lacking. It turns out to be more of an instant love for Louna and Ethan. This formatting made it hard for me to feel for her. There was an attempt to build up emotion that didn’t work well for me.

The ending was good, except for how Ben was dealt with. I also thought that addition seemed odd and out-of-place, as if trying to drag the book a little longer to really put the ! on the ending.

Ambrose and Louna were quirky and made me laugh during their encounters. I wish there was more focus on that aspect and that she had the chance to tell her [Louna] story.

Some language, a love scene, some kissing, and does talk about violence.

Review: The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner

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The Queen of Attolia

 

Rating: ☆☆☆
Audience: Teen+, very little language, a kiss or two, some violence
Length: 362 pages
Author: Megan Whalen Turner
Publisher: Eos
Release Date: April 26th, 2000
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

 

 

THE STRUGGLE IS STILL REAL.

I am continually at odds with this series. Maybe it just isn’t my cup of tea?

I once again had a rough time getting through this and flitted over drawn out scene narrations to get to the actual conversation and plot of the story. THAT part I did enjoy. There is some intrigue to the true story that I like, but the rest can be taxing.

The narration is also unique to me as it hops continually from one person to the next as if I’m watching from afar. I’ve gotten used to having a single person narration that I had to focus and make sure who’s mind I was inside of at the time.

While I love Eugenides, and think he’s sassy and clever, his plot ‘twist’ was so out of place!? There wasn’t enough back story for his reasoning and it all felt forced. I’m hoping in the third book this is resolved.

All in all, not a bad book, really. I personally had some issues with it, but don’t let that hold you back! I’m still going to get to The King of Attolia to see what Eugenides schemes up next.

Very very little language, no love scenes, and minimal violence.

 

Review: Blood and Sand (Blood and Sand #1) by C.V. Wyk

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Blood & Sand

 

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA+, a little language, some kissing and a love scene, gore
Length: 320 pages
Author: C.V. Wyk
Publisher: Tor Teen
Release Date: January 18th, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

 

WE ARE…THRACE!

Oh goodness, I love historical YA fantasy mash-ups. This was one of those books I couldn’t put down.

First of all, bad-a, sword wielding, warrior princesses are my jam. Attia kicked butt and took names, never forgetting who she was and what she was fighting for.

With the help of Xanthus, Attia was able to maintain her cool and enjoy a blossoming friendship after watching her kingdom fall to Rome.

XANTHUS. Oh, I love him. The poor soul who never wanted his position and did what he could to be a friend. He had to prove to himself life was worth living and it made my heart ache every time he wanted to give in.

The turns Wyk throws in there, BREAK YOUR HEART. Fair warning, you’ll yell at the sky and mark your calendar for the release of the next book. I haven’t accepted this novels fate and won’t. Praying these are resolved soon.

Some language, a few kisses that lead to a love scene. Barely counts as one, so appropriate for younger audiences. Since Romans and all there’s definitely unnecessary blood shed, but who doesn’t love a good battle?