Review: Geek Girl by Holly Smale

Title: Geek Girl
Author: Holly Smale
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Harper Collins
Published: February 28th 2013
Page Number: 378

Summary:

Harriet Manners knows a lot of things.

She knows that a cat has 32 muscles in each ear, a "jiffy" lasts 1/100th of a second, and the average person laughs 15 times per day. What she isn't quite so sure about is why nobody at school seems to like her very much. So when she's spotted by a top model agent, Harriet grabs the chance to reinvent herself. Even if it means stealing her Best Friend's dream, incurring the wrath of her arch enemy Alexa, and repeatedly humiliating herself in front of the impossibly handsome supermodel Nick. Even if it means lying to the people she loves.

As Harriet veers from one couture disaster to the next with the help of her overly enthusiastic father and her uber-geeky stalker, Toby, she begins to realise that the world of fashion doesn't seem to like her any more than the real world did.

And as her old life starts to fall apart, the question is: will Harriet be able to transform herself before she ruins everything?

Review:

 

I'm going to keep this review short and sweet, but just know that I did enjoy this book. A lot.

 

I still don't know if I should be happy or sad that I liked this book. This books is aimed at girls around the ages of 10 and up, but here I am, 18 years old - turning 19 this month. Oh and I'm a boy. Maybe the book didn't connect all that well because of my gender, but with a female mind and soul I tend to think that I understood it pretty well.

 

Geek Girl was a bedtime read for me, so I only read it when I was in bed because it was an easy, quick read with quite funny characters, plus it was about fashion and I love fashion. (I had dreams of being a fashion designer when I was 10. Now I'd like to work for Elle or Vogue as a journalist.) The characters are all great in their own way, but they're also very annoying at the same time.

 

Harriet was interesting and I loved her, but her family? Hell to the no! The step-mother was an even bigger geek with a hobby of watching incredibly boring TV Shows, and her father was a near 40 year old acting like a 12 year old. If anything Harriet's father was more interested in the model thing than Harriet.

 

I will say that I was kind of annoyed at the whole stereotype over-the-top gay guy who used these ridiculous words and acted like Louis Spence mixed with Alan Carr and Gok Wan. Just because you're a gay guy who works in the modelling industry that doesn't mean that he had to be over-the-top and incredibly annoying.

 

Overall, I did really like the book, but sometimes I wanted to throw it at my wall because it was a little much, but I'm happy I stuck with it. 3/5 Stars!

Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout

Title: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L Armentrout
Genre: Paranormal/Romance
Publisher: Entangled Teen (Soon to be Hodder and Stoughton in UK)
Published: May 8th 2012
Page Number: 335

Summary:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something... unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

Review:

 

"I know what I want for my birthday this year and it's not an object. It's actually an Alien. Daemon Black, please."

 

I'm definitely not known for reading Paranormal/Romance books, so when I decided to pop open this book and delve into it for the third time I knew I had to be prepared. I had my chocolate biscuits, my favourite tea in my favourite mug and I had my blanket. What more could I want? Nothing that's what.

 

People have told me over and over that this book reminds them so much of Twilight (I have not read it, but maybe I will one day.) and I can definitely see why. (I have watched the Movie.) Daemon's friends are very much like Edwards family in personality wise. Ash reminded me so much of Rosalie Hale. Pretty, sharp cut and just a clear bitch. Also the scene where Daemon tells Katy that he is in fact an Alien is very much like Twilight. The only difference is that he tells her by a lake and Daemon's an Alien, not some fake pale skin vampire. However, I really liked that because Daemon and Katy slay Bella and Edward. No competition. Ever!

 

Katy's character is definitely relatable. Moving to a new town you are going to be a bit scared and somewhat awkward, but she came out of her shell pretty quickly. That scene where she stands up for herself against Ash and Daemon was the perfect way for herself to show the school that she's not someone to mess with. Katy was also a bit immature at times, which did get on my nerves a little, but I embraced it and kept looking forward to her and Daemon's cut throat conversations.

 

I'm giving everyone a warning here. Daemon is mine. End of.

 

Daemon is definitely one of my favourite characters. He's hot and cold in attitude, but while I'm impatiently awaiting the next Cassandra Clare book, Daemon definitely gave me my fill of male characters who have zero idea what they want, but while searching they like to have a little fun. And act like a dick. Lets not forget that. What I loved most about him was how he cared for Dee. He knew she was capable, but she was his life. Their brother is gone and she's all he has left. It was sweet and while Katy had this bad word for him, it made you fall in love with him all the more.

 

While this book is a Paranormal/Romance I sometimes felt like I was reading a contemporary with a unique character and a lot of sexual tension - which we all know Jennifer is a queen at writing. Overall, I really enjoyed the start to this five book series. I cannot wait to see what the others have in store. 4/5 Stars!

Book Review: Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Book Name: Just One Day
Author: Gayle Forman
UK Release Date: 2013
UK Publishers: Definitions (Random House)
Summary:
When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

Praise for Gayle Forman:

'Read it and weep.' Daily Mail

'Moving and heartwarming.' Guardian

'A book that makes you feel truly grateful to be alive.' Irish Independent

Review:

 

I seriously did not think I was going to enjoy this book because it's based on adventures across Europe, but I actually really did. In fact I didn't even like it. I loved it!

The writing in this book is brilliant! I never felt like there was anything wrong with the writing, it flowed, showed off the emotions of Allyson and the descriptions of each place she went; England, Paris, New York, Boston, Amsterdam was so clear and wonderful that you almost felt that you were there. Until you realise you're not there and then you're left disappointed.

The whole idea of just getting on a train to Paris is crazy, but it worked in this book. It gave me a thrill and seeing Willem and Allyson, or LuLu as he calls her together was like watching Christmas lights being turned on at Christmas, seeing fireworks on bonfire night. It was beautiful and magical. I just kind of wished that they worked it out because they are special when they're together, and I know she see's him at the end, but they need to be together NOW!

My only problem with this book was actually nothing to do with the writing or the characters or anything that included Gayle Forman. The main problem was the editing. You can clearly tell that the editor hadn't done a good job on this book. There were so many mistakes, such as words being the wrong way round, words missing like 'to' and 'the' and there was even an extra " after the person had finished speaking, and it did get on my nerves. But I tried not to think about it too much.

Overall, I give this book a 4.5 Stars! It's definitely one of my favourite contemporaries that I've read, and I was so sure it was going to get the full 5 Stars which is why I wanted it to succeed because only two contemporary books have 5 Stars. I knocked this down by .5 Stars because of the editing. However, I would highly recommend this book. Beautifully written.

Quote:

'Moving and explosive. Your emotions will be all over the place.' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk

Book Review: Irresistible Enemy by Mary Costello

   Book Name: Irresistible Enemy
   Author: Mary Costello
   UK Release Date: March 17th 2014
   UK Publishers: N/A (Penguin Books Australia)
   Summary:

Cassie Bowtell adores her idyllic life in the bush and after a chance encounter by the roadside, even her love life is looking up. So when a housing estate is planned right next door to Cassie's beautiful rural property, she vows to fight it with everything she has.

Wealthy businessman Hart Huntingdon can't stop thinking about the mystery woman he met in the country. And then he discovers Cassie is the one of the people responsible for holding up his plans and doing her best to turn the locals against him.
With both of them firmly believing they are in the right, Cassie and Hart are soon locked into battle, a battle every bit as fierce and passionate as their growing obsession with each other. But sometimes love has a way of bringing happiness where it's least expected…

Review:

 

I received an E-Arc copy of this book via NetGalley. This does not affect my review in any way!

 

 

I'm a massive lover of Contemporary/New Adult (it's a mix of both) and I've read quite a few of them, but for me, this one was lacking behind any of the ones I have read. We are introduced to both Cassie and Hart out in Diggers Creek where Hart nearly knocks over Cassie, she's stopped because of an animal stepping out onto the road. Cassie thinks Hart is gorgeous and Hart thinks Cassie is just average looking with big eyes. Which is such a cliché. People have been writing these sort of fiction for years, and I've read a few of them.

 

The big thing that off put me in this book was that I felt that there was no connection with any of the characters. I didn't feel for Cassie when she was left in Diggers Creek that was being taken over by a fire. I didn't feel for her when she meets Claudia, Hart's interior designer. I just never had a connection with the characters. Which is unknown to me in these genre books, I get them feelings in Fantasy or Sci Fi, never NA/Contemporary.

 

Another reason why I disliked this book was because  I felt the romance was a bit forced. They were friends which was great! Then in the space of a minute they were lovers, it just didn't flow properly. Maybe if it had happened in another chapter then it might of worked. I also found Hart to be quite stupid for a business man when it came to his feelings. He thought Cassie was average with big eyes that he liked. Then he'd say 'All I need is her, she's beautiful.' and he'd go right back to thinking that she was average. GRRRRR! MAKE. UP. YOUR. MIND!

Lastly I think the writing in this book was very poor. The book didn't flow and I sometimes found words being thrown in for the sake of it! The characters would never use words like that and it got on my nerves. In perspective, the reason why I believe there was no connection to the characters was because of the writing. To describe it in one word: simple.

 

However, I did enjoy the animal part of the book. It was great to have a character that cared for them. But overall, I didn't enjoy this book. 2 Stars!

 



Character That Deserve Their Own Books

Now I have so many favourite books. Different genre's, different characters, different settings. But sometimes I love them that much that I over work my little brain and start thinking about sequels that could be written, companionship novels, or even novellas written in my favourite characters POV. And in these five books they were no different.

5th - Levi from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

This book was really good. Cath was quite annoying, but there's one character that I love, Levi. He made me smile, laugh and he's such an adorable book boyfriend. Rainbow also stated in an interview that she wasn't finished with these characters, so maybe she could be writing a companionship novel based on Levi. If not, then write it Miss Rowell! #LeviFans4Life









4th - Tim from Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Jamie is writing a new series based on the Maddox brothers, but I really want a book written in Tims' POV. I wouldn't mind it being set in today's time, but would rather it be about how he met Travis' mother, how they grew to love each other, getting married, having children and also how he felt when she died. It'd be an emotional rollercoaster but one that needs to be written.







3rd - Penryn's mother from Angelfall by Susan EE

Now I'm not sure if Penryn's mother is called named in the book. But she is such a character. She's crazy, but she comes across really funny and I definitely want a book based on her! She's kind of a killer, but can easily defend herself and has some of the most weirdest past times, but I love her. Move of Penryn and Raffe because your mother is out and about! SUSAN WRITE A NOVELLA OR SOMETHING. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'LL EVEN BEG!







2nd - Cole from Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Cole and Alice is perfect for each other, but I want to see what Cole's upbringing was like. When he first saw a zombie? When he started to fight them? How he met Frosty, Bronx, etc? All these questions are unanswered and we need them. Cole also has an awesome personality so it'd be awesome to have a book based on him.






1st - Sophie and Gideon from The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

AHHHHH! Sophie and Gideon are the definition of P E R F E C T. No joke. At first I hated both Sophie and Gideon, but over time I came to love them and watching their romance bloom was so special to me. It was like an actual movie playing in my mind. Also I feel like there was a lot more to come from them and if I'm honest I cannot live with Sophie and Gideon. Fan Fiction does not do it! Only Miss Clare can work her magic!






If you guys had to pick 5 favourite characters that you wanted to have a separate book/novella, who would they be and why? Tell me!

Top 5 Book Couples

So one of the aspects I enjoy in all my books are relationships. I'm not a lover of Insta-love, but once it is developed really well and I love the characters I can't help but feel like I'm watching two people fall in love. No matter their gender.


5th. Wanda and Ian from The Host by Stephanie Meyer -

I feel like I could always read the story of Wanda and Ian over and over. The DVD is good, but the book takes it's time to show how their trust and attraction changes. Ian tries to kill her at the beginning, but over time he begins to appreciate her seeing her for who she truly is. She's not a monster and we all know it, but seeing Ian's feelings change makes my heart flutter and together they are a perfect book couple. Their story always leaves me with tears in my eyes because Ian held her. Her parasite self and still thought she was beautiful. To be honest, who could not love Ian and Wanda?  


4th. Echo and Noah from Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry -

I must admit that at first I didn't like Echo. I thought she was a really annoying and selfish character, but over time I got to know her and why she felt like she did. But for me it was always better when she and Noah were together. They bounced off each other. They completed each other and I always loved their love/hate relationship. But what I loved most was their trust and friendship. Noah trusted her with his secret and so did she and for me I felt like that was when their relationship truly began. I also loved that they never gave up on each other and tackled every obstacle that came their way. They're one of my favourite couples.  


3rd. Eleanor and Park from Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell -

Eleanor and Park is my all time favourite contemporary book. Rainbow Rowell is the queen of contemporary, but the reason Eleanor and Park isn't higher on my list is because they didn't last. That is the premise of the book: First love never lasts and it does take you on an emotional roller coaster. What I loved about their relationship was how it came to be. They bonded over comics and music while traveling to and from school. No YA book has been developed like that. Did I think they were perfect together? No, I didn't. But that's what made me love them even more. They didn't match.  


2nd. John and Liv from The Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl -

The Caster Chronicles is not a very good series, but there are only a few characters I have a connection with and only four people who are couples that's I love and they are Link and Ridley and John and Liv. Of course, John and Liv are my favourite. John is a Hybrid. Part Caster, part Incubus, he's kind of dangerous in his own way. And Liv is kind, caring and British. Together they did not suit, but she changed him. The development of the friendship and romance changed them both and reading it was something special. I've even started to write John and Liv Fan Fiction because I want to see them in London. Maybe Kami and Margaret will write a series about them, who knows.

And taking the first spot for my all time favourite book couple is..... 


1st. Sophie and Gideon from The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare -

When I was introduced to Sophie I immediately loved her. She was witty, sarcastic and stood up for herself which was shocking because she was a maid. Just seeing her love/hate relationship with Will really helped me understand her character because was may have hated him but deep down she loved him as a relative or a friend. For Gideon, when he was introduced I hated him. His father was a horrible guy, so was his younger brother and I expected him to be the same, but he was a bit different. Cassandra is probably my favourite for relationships. She develops them so nicely and this was no difference. Through out the second and third book we're given scenes where their connection builds and it irritates me because he wants to say 'I love you' but won't because he's seen as quite important and she's a maid. But the one sentence that completely got to me and made me smile was:  "I see it," Gideon said in a low voice. "I am not blind, and we are a people of many scars. I see it, but it is not ugly. It's just another beautiful part of the most beautiful girl I have ever seen." I mean, how can that not make you smile? I re-read it and I just think of how perfect they are for each other. They're like a very sweet dream and I'd never get tired of them. And that's why I cannot wait until 'The Last Hours' trilogy because they will hopefully be in it.   So that is the list of my Top 5 Book Couples. What did you think? Who are your top 5? Let me know. 

Book Review: The Vintage Girl by Hester Browne

   Book Name: The Vintage Girl
   Author: Hester Browne
   UK Release Date: Published in 2013
   UK Publishers: Quercus
   Summary:

When Evie Nicholson is asked to visit Kettlesheer Castle in Scotland to archive the family heirlooms, she jumps at the chance. Evie's passion for antiques means that, for her, the castle is a treasure trove of mysteries just waiting to be uncovered.

But in each heirloom lies a story, and in the course of her investigations Evie stumbles upon some long-buried family secrets. Add handsome, gloomy heir Robert McAndrew and a traditional candlelit gala to the mix, and Evie's heart is sent reeling with an enthusiasm that may just extend beyond the Kettlesheer silver...

 

Praise for Hester Browne:

'Fun and flirty.' Glamour

'Just perfect.... you'll love this book.' Jill Mansell

'Deliciously addictive.' Cosmopolitan

Review:

This is actually my second Hester Browne novel. I recently read The Runaway Princess, which I did enjoy but it was too cliché. So having been sent this one by Quercus to review I was confused. I like her writing, but sometimes if you don't like a first book, you'll not like the second.

I ended up being disappointed with this book. My friends raved about this and I didn't enjoy it. The writing was fine, great even. But I did not get a connection with any of the characters. I found Evie to be very whiny and annoying, her sister Rosie was even worse. In fact I couldn't even finish the book because I didn't like it. That's not saying that you guys won't like it, but it just didn't appeal to me.

Overall I gave this book a 2/5 Stars!

Book Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

  Book Name: My Life Next Door
  Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
  UK Release Date: Published in 2012
  UK Publishers: Speak
  Summary:

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

Praise for Hunley Fitzpatrick:

'A summer romance with depth.' The Boston Sunday Globe

'Jase and Samantha have a heart-warming romance every girl will envy.' Simone Elkeles, Author of Perfect Chemistry

'On par with such authors as Sarah Dessen and Deb Caletti.' SLJ

Review:

My Life Next Door has been on my TBR Pile for the last five months, and finally I came around to reading it! My expectations weren't high, I thought this was going to be a great book, but very cliché. However, I was wrong!!

This book is just the perfect summer read. It's filled with personality. There's also a lot of wit and romance, which I thought was so cute. But there was also something missing for me. I have no idea what it is, I've spent the last three days trying to figure out what it is, but I just can't. I know I'm annoyed that Sam never told her mother that Clay was kissing some other woman. Man, that would've been explosive.

For me, there was another problem with this book: the writing. It became confusing in some parts. And it was because of some of the words she used during her sentences, some of them didn't fit. I had to re-read the sentence at least 3 or 4 times. But once it happened 3 or 4 times, you became used to it.

Overall, I did love this book. The characters were all very relatable. The story line was cute, and not all cliché. But I also loved the family theme that runs throughout this book. The Garretts, are just a lovely family. They know each other through and through. And I've never seen that in a book. It's mostly protagonists with divorced parents.

Anyway, due to the writing and there being something missing, I gave this book a 4/5 stars. I need 'What I Thought Was True' NOW!!!

And BTW Jase, if you see this, then here's a present ;)

 

My quote:

 

'Hot guy. Nerd girl. Complete opposites. Falling in love. Now that's my type of story.' Bookbitchreviews.blogspot.co.uk