Life or Something Like It by Annie Lyons

Life or Something Like It by Annie Lyons
Publisher: Harlequin (UK) Limited; Carina UK
Publication Date: July 13, 2015
Genre: Fiction
Source: eARC via NetGalley

Summary via GoodReads:
Step into someone else's shoes for a day...And it will change you for a lifetime.

Cat is very good at her job. She runs a PR company with her best friend (and secret crush) Jesse, and is never happier than when her high-profile celebrities are glittering in the spotlight.

But when her footballer client gets in the press for all the wrong reasons, Cat's career takes a sudden nosedive. So when her brother Andrew unexpectedly needs her to look after his kids for a few weeks, she can hardly say no. She's happily single, hasn't exactly been the 'World's Best Auntie' over the years, and what she knows about looking after children would fit on the back of a postage stamp. But it's only temporary until she gets her real life back on track - isn't it?

She thinks: This is a great summer read! I very much enjoyed lying out in the sun and reading this book. I found it very relatable too: I'm an aunt without children and had an unrequited love interest too. Of course, what women hasn't suffered from unrequited love though?! Besides the love story, my favorite parts were the ones about the niece. I have a relationship like that with my 5 year old niece, and now all I want to do is cuddle with her. It was a little slow at parts but the end was worth it. If you're looking for good beach read, pick this one!

More Than This by Jay McLean

More Than This by Jay McLean
Publisher: Amazon
Publication Date: July 10, 2013
Number of Pages: 311
Genre: Young Adult, New Adult
Source: eARC via NetGalley

Summary via GoodReads}:
When Mikayla imagined her prom night, she envisioned a fairy-tale evening full of romance. So when betrayal and tragedy come in quick succession, Mikayla is completely destroyed. Suddenly, everything she loved and everyone she relied on are tragically, irrevocably gone.

Jake, a handsome boy she just met, happens to witness her loss. With no one to turn to, Mikayla is forced to depend on this near stranger and his family, and he in turn is determined to take care of her. But Mikayla - thrust into adulthood with no one to guide her - is desperate to contain her grief and hide what she considers to be her weakness. Mikayla and Jake both want more, but despite their growing closeness and intense chemistry, she tried to keep her distance and protect her heart. As he does everything in his power to win her trust, Mikayla must choose between remaining alone and safe or letting love in.

She thinks: This book is both unbelievable as well as believable. That sounds very convoluted. There are parts of this book that I believe wholeheartedly could happen - feeling a deep connection to someone you've just met, having everything taken from you in the blink of an eye, not knowing how to process your feelings, etc. The author has a good grip on how a teen/new adult might feel in these fascinatingly unusual circumstances. Then, there are moments are not nearly as plausible - random strangers offering up their home as a place to stay, being allowed to go on a trip with a boy you've just met, etc. Of course, there are extenuating circumstances in this book, but I wish it was a little more grounded in reality. I would love to believe that all these nice things would really happen, but it just doesn't seem likely.

BUT...if you look past all that and just enjoy it for the story it is, it's romantic and angsty and full teenage drama. Sometimes that's just the kind of book you need. It's also a quick read so if you need to get back into reading, this is a great book to break your dry spell. Sink yourself into the sappy sweetness of true love and transport yourself back to your teenage years!

Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill

Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill
Publisher: Delacorte
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Number of Pages: 352
Genre: Young Adult
Source: library ebook

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Meet Sloane Emily Jacobs: a seriously stressed-out figure-skater from Washington, D.C., who choked during junior nationals and isn't sure she's ready for a comeback. What she does know is that she'd give anything to escape the mass of misery that is her life.

Now meet Sloane Devon Jacobs, a spunky hockey player from Philly who's been suspended from her team for too many aggressive hip checks. Her punishment? Hockey camp, now, when she's playing the worst she's ever played. If she messes up? Her life will be over.

Where the two Sloanes meet by chance in Montreal and decide to trade places for the summer, each girl thinks she's the lucky one: no strangers to judge or laugh at Sloane Emily, no scouts expecting Sloane Devon to be a hero. But it didn't occur to Sloane E. that while avoiding sequins and axels she might meet a hockey hottie - and Sloane D. never expected to run into a familiar (and very good-looking) face from home. It's not long before the Sloanes discover that convincing people you're someone else might be more difficult than being yourself.

She thinks: Lauren Morrill does it again. In 2014 (which feels really weird to type right now), I read Meant to Be and loved it. A sweet story that had just the right amount of sap and life problems. My inner teen easily identified with the main characters of Meant to Be. I felt the same connection as I read Being Sloane Jacobs. This was a great book to break me out of my slump. I mean, I hadn't finished a book since October of last year! O.C.T.O.B.E.R. It felt like forever............. But, I am so glad that I picked up this book and read it. My world feels righted, and this is a great start to my new year! Plus, who wouldn't want to read about hockey hotties and very good-looking guys from home. Be still my beating heart!

When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

When It Happens by Susane Colasanti
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Publication Date: May 4, 2006
Number of Pages: 287
Genre: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
At the start of her senior year in high school, Sara wants two things: to get into a top college and to find true love. Tobey also wants two things for his senior year: to win Battle of the Bands and to make Sara fall in love in him. However, a popular jock names Dave moves in on Sara first. But Tobey's quirky wit and big blue eyes are hard for Sara to ignore. Plus, he gets the little things that matter to her. Can a slacker rock-star wanna win the heart of a pretty class brain like Sara?

Hilariously and moving told through Tobey and Sara's authentic voices, Susane Colasanti's debut novel sizzles in its portrayal of two young people searching for The One.

She thinks: This book is everything I remember about high school. Let me count the ways,

1. The wanting of "something real." 
2. The immature boys. 
3. The panicking about going out on a date. 
4. The lack of cell phones. 
5. Jane magazine. 
6. Battle of the Bands contests. 
7. Applying for college. 
8. Wanting to be in the popular crowd. 
9. Being somewhat...okay, I was probably really...irrational. 
10. The "do you think she/he likes me?" conversations. 
11. Enlisting friends to help in your search for something real. 
12. Making and sharing Mix CDs.
13. Hanging out at the Mall. 
14. Or, you know, this w.h.o.l.e. BuzzFeed post.

{via teen.com}

If you graduated from high school in the 00s, then you need to read this book. It will make you smile the whole time and say, "Oh my God, I remember that!" And, that my friends, is reason enough to read this book.

Also, the actual book is good too. I liked that it was dual perspectives and that we got to get into Tobey's head too. We all know how mysterious the male brain can be.

{via elle.com}

How I wish I'd known about and read this book "back in the day!" It would have put my mind at ease knowing that other people felt how I felt. I'm glad I got to read in my late twenties though so I could feel nostalgic. If you're looking for a fun, quick read, pick this one up!

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: March 11, 2014
Number of Pages: 336
Genre: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Despite what her name might suggest, Heart has zero interest in complicated romance. So when we brilliant plan to go to prom with a group of friends is disrupted by two surprise invites, Heart knows there's only one drama-free solution: flip a coin.

Heads: The jock. He might spend all night staring at his ex or throw up in the limo, but how bad can her brother's best friend really be?

Tails: The theater geek...with a secret. What could be better than a guy who shares all Heart's interests - even if he wants to share all his feelings?

Heart's simple coin flip has somehow given her the chance to live out both dates. But where her prom night ends up might be the most surprising thing of all...

She thinks: This is a cute read that I enjoyed. The middle part confused me because it jumped right into prom without much of a segue so I spent the first part of part two trying to figure out what I missed. I mean, was I supposed to read only the heads part or only the tails part? Eventually, I just gave up on trying to figure it out and just went with it.

I found this book relatable too. Everyone's had crappy proms, right? Both of mine were completely disappointing. Alas, this is what happens when you go to an all girls school and don't know any guys and have to be set up for prom...twice. I won't bore you with all the terrible details though.

{via teawithlemon.com}

Also, confession: I was a theater geek too. I know. You're shocked. ;]

{via giphy.com}

The sense of humor of the main character was perfect, and I found myself nodding along because I probably would have said most of those things myself nowadays. However, I just don't know that I wouldn't have have been that comfortable enough with myself in high school to say some of the things she does. Heart is ridiculously confident, in my opinion. I haven't met many high schoolers who are that confident without some inner turmoil...and Heart had none. That would be my only complaint because I would expect her attitude from someone in their twenties not their teens. That's just me though.

I liked the book and am glad I picked it up, finally, to read it. It is light and fluffy and perfect for when you can't concentrate on anything else. Oh...and full disclosure, I didn't understand the title of this book until after I finished reading the.whole.thing. which is a little embarrassing. Oops! =]

See what others are saying about Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas:

• April @ Good Books & Good Wine
• Gillian @ Writer of Wrongs
• Kelly @ Effortlessly Reading
• Aimee @ Deadly Darlings
• Brittany @ The Book Addicts Guide

Played by Liz Fichera

Played {Book Two} by Liz Fichera
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Number of Pages: 352
Genre: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
This Game Is Getting All Too Real

He said: I like to keep under the radar and mostly hang out with my friends from the rez. But when I saved Riley Berenger from falling off a mountain, that rich suburban princess decided to try and save me.

She said: If I can help Sam Tracy win the heart of the girl he can't get over, I'll pay him back for helping me. I promised him I would, no matter what it takes.

She thinks: I wanted to read this book. Hardcore. I kept passing by it on the shelf at work but wouldn't let myself check it out, telling myself that I had enough books of my own already to read. Finally, I succumbed to curiosity and checked it out. And, honestly, I'm a little disappointed. It could have been so much more than what it is.

The characters lacked motivation. Riley Berenger has a breakdown of sorts...but I don't understand why. I get that she's a goody two-shoes and is supposed to be perfect 24/7, but what sends her over the edge? What was the final tipping point? Maybe it's just me, and I missed that part of the book. And, then there's Sam Tracy. Why does he hate Jay Hawkins? I kept waiting for some profound revelation...but...nothing.

The scenarios they got themselves into seems a little far fetched too. Being rescued in a helicopter from the side of a mountain? Running away? Car accident? I felt like I got whiplash from all the different disasters that followed the two around wherever they went. Maybe they need to live in a bubble instead...?

I will say that the book helped me get out of my reading funk. I hadn't read in over a week when I picked this one up! So, yay for that?

See what others are saying about Played  by Liz Fichera:

• Aimee @ Deadly Darlings
• Nichole @ YA Reads
• Estelle @ Rather Be Reading
• Kimberly @ On the Wings of Books
• Kezia @ Chapteriosity

Before You by Amber Hart

Before You (Book One) by Amber Hart
Publisher: K-Teen {Kensington Books}
Publication Date: July 29, 2014
Number of Pages: 320
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC via NetGalley

Summary via GoodReads:
Some say love is deadly. Some say love is beautiful. I say it both.

Faith Watters spent her junior year traveling the world, studying the exquisite places, before returning to Oviedo High School. From the outside her life is picture-perfect. Captain of the dance team. Popular. Happy. Too bad it's all a lie.

It will haunt me. It will claim me. It will shatter me. And I don't care.

Eighteen-year-old Diego Alvarez hates his new life in the States, but staying in Cuba is not an option. Covered in tattoos and scars, Diego doesn't stand a chance of fitting in. Nor does he want to. His only concern is staying hidden from his past - a past, which if it were to surface, would cost him everything. Including his life.

At Oviedo High School, it seems that Faith Watters and Diego Alvarez do not belong together. But fate is as tricky as it is lovely. Freedom with no restraint is what they long for. What they get is something different entirely.

Love - it will ruin you and save you, both.

She thinks: To be honest, I'm not really sure what I think of this book. It has me perplexed. I thought about this book for three days before I wrote this post. I just couldn't figure out what I wanted to say. So, I'll say this: the plot is definitely addicting, and I found myself not wanting to stop reading at the end of my lunch break. However, I am staunchly against present tense narration. I just don't like the way it feels when I read.

Now, despite my aversion to present tense narration, I liked the A Walk to Remember vibe that was going on. Good girl/pastor's daughter falls for bad boy who is misunderstood. I liked the twist on the tale in which the good girl has some demon's in her closet too. They supported each other, and it was beautiful.

At the same time, it felt a little preachy about how life ruining gangs and drugs can be. At one point towards the end, the author has this small moment where you just know she wants you to understand how she feels about young people having to resort or choosing to live those lifestyles. She wants them to understand that they have other options, and I do too. I just wish that particular moment wasn't so in your face.

Other than that, I enjoyed the book for what it was. At one point, I was crying and silently screaming in my head (because the mister was already in bed), "WWWWWHHHHHHYYYYYY?" But, I'll leave you to read the book and figure out that particular moment for yourself. Sigh. The love story is beautiful...if not a little rushed, as I find with most of the YA books I love so much. It is definitely a book that I would check out from the library.

See what others are saying about Before You by Amber Hart:

• Celeste @ The Book Hookup
• Jenea @ Books Live Forever
• Nick @ Nick's Book Blog

Ready to Wed by Cindi Madsen

Ready to Wed by Cindi Madsen
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication Date: July 22, 2014
Number of Pages: 350
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC via NetGalley

Summary via GoodReads:
Dakota Halifax loves to be in love. In fact, as one of Las Vegas' premier wedding planners, she's built a whole career around romance. Which is why her own wedding has to be nothing short of perfect. And then her fiance' jilts her. While she's waiting in her wedding dress. On a cruise ship already out at sea. Once back on dry land, Dakota tries to pour her heart into her business and weekly wedding advice column, Get Ready to Wed. But how can the heartbroken celebrate others' true love? When she reconnects with her childhood best friend, surprisingly sexy and all-grown-up casino bouncer Brendan West, Dakota wonders if maybe she can fall back in love with being in love.

But then her ex reappears, begging for another chance, and suddenly Dakota questions if she'll ever understand love. Can someone once-burned and twice-shy ever find her way down the aisle again?

She thinks: I had high hopes for this book because I wanted a light read. It sounded like a humorous plot, and it started out that way too. It quickly took a turn into not exactly "weird" but overly predictable. Dakota is trying to figure out her life after being left at the altar when her long lost friend comes back into her life. As soon as he showed up, I knew what was going to happen. Somehow, it wasn't as satisfying as I wanted it to be. It happened too quickly and then there was too much drama after it happened for me to like the book completely. Waaaaahhhhh. Yay for happy endings though!!

See what others are saying Ready to Wed by Cindi Madsen:

• Heather @ Turning Pages
• Angela @ The Reading Cave

Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern

Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: June 3, 2014
Number of Pages: 352
Genre: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
John Green's The Fault in Our Stars meets Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park in this beautifully written, incredibly honest, and emotionally poignant novel. Cammie McGovern's insightful young adult debut is a heartfelt and heartbreaking story about how we can all feel lost until we find someone who loves us because of our faults, not in spite of them.

Born with cerebral palsy, Amy can't walk without a walker, talk without a voice box, or even fully control her facial expressions. Plagued by obsessive-compulsive disorder, Matthew is consumed with repeated thoughts, neurotic rituals, and crippling fear. Both in desperate need of someone to help them reach out to the world, Amy and Matthew are more alike than they ever realized.

When Amy decides to hire student aides to help her in her senior year at Coral Hills High School, these two teens are thrust into each other's lives. As they begin to spend time with each other, what started as a blossoming friendship eventually grows into something neither expected.

She thinks: This book had a lot of potential. The story was compelling and had a great plot. I loved that Amy and Matthew helped each other grow and learn despite their own struggles. I can see why it was compared to Fault in Our Stars and Eleanor and Park. I just....wanted more but less at the same time.

That sounds very convoluted, but it's true. I wanted Amy and Matthew to grow more and more quickly. To me, it felt like the book dragged on more than it needed to, and I don't think it needed to end the way it did. There were other and, in my opinion, better places to end the book. I hated that I had to push myself through some of the scenes so I could get to the end because it was a little repetitive. Amy and Matthew kept coming up against the same struggles over and over again, which they had to conquer in different ways. It wasn't my favorite.

Don't get me wrong though. I liked the book! I am so grateful to get to look into the thoughts of these characters. Too often we take for granted all that we have and are able to do. This book lets you see that every person has their own internal demons to control. Oh, sweet Matthew broke my heart at every turn of the page. I know it's not real, but I'm glad he had someone like Amy in his life to give him guidance and help him acknowledge his OCD. Sigh.

See what others are saying about Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern:

• Tara @ The Library Who Doesn't Shhh
• Blythe @ Finding Bliss in Books
• Kristen @ My Friends are Fiction
• Anna @ Anna Reads
• Estelle @ Rather Be Reading

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
Number of Pages: 328
Genre: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Two Misfits.
One extraordinary love.

Eleanor...Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.

Parks...He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds - smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

She thinks: When I first read about Eleanor and Park, I was wholeheartedly against it. Now, before you bring out the pitchforks, hear me out. I imagined these two sitting at the back of a public bus, sharing a walkman, and listening to different mix tapes. I liked that part. It was sweet and romantic. Thinking that it revolved around music, it reminded me of High Fidelity, which I did not care for when I read it. Hence, my resignation in reading this book.

Why did I then decide I wanted to read the book? Well, I was invited to participate in a GoodReads Q&A with Rainbow Rowell. I was perusing the questions she was being asked when I stumbled on one about the ending of Eleanor and Park. Of course, I won't say what the ending is or what the question was, but I will say that it was enough to get me to put the book on hold and read it.

This is me now after having finished reading it...and every time I think about the book at all!

{via knowyourmeme.com}

The thing about this book - it has to be experienced. It needs to be felt and processed and shared with the world. It is a John Hughes movie in a book. More Pretty in Pink and Breakfast Club than Sixteen Candles and Some Kind of Wonderful. It is a book that I will tell everyone to read; it is just that good.

The thing about Rainbow Rowell's books - she knows how to write an ending! I've read all three of her books, and her newest one, Landline, should be arriving at the library for me any day now. Her endings are absolutely perfect whether it's the ending you want or not. You can't begrudge her the ending because it's real and true and you don't feel cheated in the slightest.

If you haven't read any of her books, DO.IT.NOW!! You will not be sorry. I promise. So.many.feelings.

See what others are saying about Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell:

• Stacey @ The Pretty Books
• Jane @ Dear Author
• Excellent Reads
• Lisa @ Read Breathe Relax
• Gillian @ Writer of Wrongs

Just Like the Movies by Kelly Fiore

Just Like the Movies by Kelly Fiore
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Publication Date: July 22, 2014
Number of Pages: 300
Genre: Young Adult
Source: eARC {via NetGalley}

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Pretty and popular track star Marijke Monti is confident about almost everything - she's got great friends, a great family, and she's on her way to the State Track Championship. In fact, the only thing Marijke isn't confident about is her relationship with Tommy Lawson.

Lily Spencer has spent her entire high school career preparing for the future - she's participated in every extracurricular activity and volunteer committee she could. But, at home, she watches her mother go on date after date with dud-dudes, still searching for "the one." Lily realizes that she's about to graduate and still hasn't even had a boyfriend.

While they live on each other's periphery at school, Lily and Marijke never seemed to have much in common; but, after a coincidental meeting at the movie theater, Lily gets an idea - why can't life be like a movie? Why can't they set up their perfect romantic situations, just in time for their senior prom, using movie techniques?

Once the girls come up with the perfect plans, they commit themselves to being secret cohorts and, just like in the movies, drama ensues.

She thinks: This book was just what I needed after spending a whole week reading City of Heavenly Fire. I've been reading so many heavy books lately that I needed something light, and this was perfect!

Now, a prerequisite to loving this book as much as I did is certainly a love of chick flicks. If you think they are silly movies, then this book probably isn't for you, and that's okay because I loved it to pieces! We're talking references to Easy A and Friends with Benefits and Say Anything and Never Been Kissed and The Holiday and When Harry Met Sally. I mean, let's be real, it's a chick flick bonanza in a book!

{via liveluvcreate.com}

Marijke and Lily are perfectly crafted high schoolers looking for their true loves. We've all been there and know the pains of unrequited or unequaled love. Our gal pals definitely got us through the tough times with ice cream and coffee {more like wine now} and movies. Remember when you wanted a Hollywood romance? Wanting to be swept off your feet by Mr. Right? God, I miss those days. Don't you? If so, read this book!

Just Like the Movies was a great way to revisit my high school days without all the awkwardness. I enjoyed delving into a world of prom proposals {of which I was never a recipient} and all missteps along the way. I remember dreaming of how I could craft the perfect meet cute in high school with little luck. I'm the Lily in this book. I would love to know which character you identified with more - Lily or Marijke!

Me Without You by Kelly Rimmer

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Me Without You by Kelly Rimmer
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: June 6, 2014
Number of Pages: 304
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: eARC {via NetGalley}

Summary: 
A story of how love can break our hearts - and heal them.

A year ago, I met the love of my life. For two people who didn't believe in love at first sight, we came pretty close.

Lilah MacDonald - beautiful, opinionated, stubborn and all kinds of wonderful in ways that words could never quite capture. The woman who taught me to love again.

My Lilah, who gave me so much, and yet kept from me a secret that she knew would break my heart.

My name is Callum Roberts, and this is our story.

She thinks: I have been going through a spell of reading very emotional books lately, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I was in the perfect head space to enjoy all of those books; this one included. I first wanted to read this book because it touted that it was similar to The Notebook and One Day, which are both outstanding books with beautiful love stories. Thankfully, this book did not disappoint one bit. I found myself captivated from the first few lines. 

"It was absolutely not love at first sight...maybe it was actually love at second sight."

This book will certainly break your heart or warm your cold heart, depending on your circumstances. That being said, you need to have a box of tissues by your side once you get to the end of the book. Consider yourself warned! The character development was perfect, and the story is plausible. I loved the dual POVs - Callum telling us their love story and Lilah writing privately in her journal. Callum wears his heart on his sleeve whereas Lilah keeps her emotions hidden away.

You will walk away from this novel a better person with more appreciation for the life you have and the lives of others. We all have our own battles and challenges to face every day, and if I learned one thing from the book, it's that it's easier to have company along the way.

See what others are saying about Me Without You by Kelly Rimmer:

• Simona Elena @ Sky's Book Corner
• Library Cat @ Chick Library Cat
• Ella Janine @ The Filapina Booknote
• Steph @ Judging Covers
• Alba @ Lost in Chick Lit

Scared Scriptless by Alison Sweeney

Scared Scriptless by Alison Sweeney {yes, that Alison Sweeney!}
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication Date: June 3, 2014
Number of Pages: 320
Genre: Chick Lit
Source: eARC {via NetGalley}

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Maddy Carson is a mass of contradictions. She loves her job as Script Supervisor on a hit TV show, but hates "Hollywood." Super-organized and down-to-earth, Maddy is clearly one of the best at her job, and her strict dating rule - "No Actors!" - helps her keep focused on her career.

However, a budding relationship with Craig, one of the executives at her company, may even propel her into the big leagues. Could Wolf County, her beloved hometown in the mountains, be saved from a financial crisis by creating a reality show featuring the eccentrics in the small ski village? Maddy is determined to try, even when she learns that Craig's agenda doesn't exactly line up with her altruistic goal.

Meanwhile, Maddy still has a full-time job to manage, her family to deal with, and a gorgeous new actor, Adam Devin, determined to wear down her resistance. Eventually, Maddy must learn to break all her self-imposed rules and simply follow her heart.

She thinks: First, let's talk about the fact that that Alison Sweeney - Days of Our Lives star and Biggest Loser host - has written books. Yes, plural. Not one, but two. Scared Scriptless is her second novel, and I have to admit, I kind of liked it. Okay, maybe more than kind of. Honestly, I had a hard time putting down.

I loved the characters and their motivations. Maddy is hard working and driven and has a lot rules and lists. I have so many self-imposed rules and sometimes I have a hard breaking them. There are rules for a reason, right?? Anyway...Craig is completely transparent, and I wanted to smack him for hurting dear, sweet, trusting Maddy. And, can I just say that I would to have hot male actor friends like Billy and Adam. Be still my heart!

This is a book about a woman reaching her potential with the help of those around her. Maddy works through her stumbles and falls to become confident in her own skin...finally!!! Tango, anyone?

See what others are saying about Scared Scriptless by Alison Sweeney:

• Tara @ Nestled in a Book

To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

To All the Boys I've Loved Before {book one} by Jenny Han
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: April 15, 2014
Number of Pages: 288
Genre: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
To All the Boys I've Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.

She thinks: If I was still in high school, I think I would have loved this book. Being out of high school for ten years or so now, I couldn't relate to it as much as I would have liked. Lara Jean seemed very immature in my eyes. I'm not sure I know many sixteen year olds who still call their Dad, Daddy, all the time. I can understand doing that occasionally but not constantly. When I first started the book, I thought Lara Jean was twelve. However, I can say that I could see her growth as a person through the book, but it was very minuscule. I'm hoping it is more noticeable in book two!

I did like the very real fears Lara Jean had at times. I can remember being scared out of my mind when I drove by myself for the time and doing things even though I knew it was going to come back and bite me in the butt. I just wish she hadn't been as immature and dependent. It turned me off to her almost immediately, but that could just be because I subconsciously identify with those traits. Who knew this book would make me think so much about how much I've matured since high school?! Such an embarrassing time in my life. You too??

Okay...back to the book...

The ending most certainly did not make me happy. It just stopped, and I wanted to know more!!!! But, I guess that means I'll have to read book two so I know what happens because oh the swoons! Every time I think about the last note she reads at the end of the book, my heart melts just a little more. Oh, if only my mister would leave me notes like that once in awhile.

See what others are saying about To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han:

• Heather @ Heroes and Heartbreakers
• April @ Good Books and Good Wine
• Sara @ What a Nerd Girl Says
• Jamie @ Perpetual Page Turner
• Sara @ Step Into Fiction

Unmasking Juliet by Teri Wilson

Unmasking Juliet by Teri Wilson
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Number of Pages: 368
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC {via NetGalley}

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Ever since she was a little girl learning to make decadent truffles in her family's chocolate shop, Juliet Arabella has been aware of the better feud between the Arabellas and the Mezzanottes. With their rival chocolate boutiques on the same street in Napa Valley, these families never mix. Until one night, when Juliet anonymously attends the annual masquerade ball. In a moonlit vineyard, she finds herself falling for a gorgeous stranger, a man who reminds her what passion is like outside the kitchen. But her bliss is short-lived when she discovers her masked prince is actually Leo Mezzanotte, newly returned from Paris and the heir to her archenemy's confection dynasty.

With her mind in a whirl, Juliet leaves for Italy to represent the Arabellas in a prestigious chocolate competition. The prize money will help her family's struggling business, and Juliet figures it's a perfect opportunity to forget Leo...only to find him already there and gunning for victory. As they compete head-to-head, Leo and Juliet's fervent attraction boils over. But Juliet's not sure whether to trust her adversary, or give up on the sweetest love she's ever tasted.

She thinks: If you like the classic story of Romeo & Juliet, then you will definitely like this book. You might also like this book if you love chocolate. It took a lot of willpower for me not to devour box after box of chocolate as I read this book. It made me want to go out and buy real chocolate, not prepackaged chocolate. {I'm still trying to find the best place to do this!}

The best part of this Romeo and Juliet-style story is that there's less death {read = no death}. It's also a little steamier than Shakespeare depicted the original story. I enjoyed the dual POVs too because, let's be honest, what woman doesn't want to get inside a man's head and know what he's thinking? It can't be naughty thoughts all the time, right?!?

Check out this read for a good, chocolate-filled time. Juliet and Leo won't let you down!

Teri Wilson has released and will be releasing similar books like Unmasking Juliet. Her already released book is called Unleashing Mr. Darcy, which is a book modeled after the story line of Pride and Prejudice. After Unmasking Juliet is released, Wilson is scheduled to release a third book entitled Unschooling the Professor, which is a modern interpretation of My Fair Lady/Pygmalion. It will be released in January 2015. Hopefully, I can get my hands on an ARC for that book too. In the meantime, I'll have to placate my need for books like Unmasking Juliet by reading Unleashing Mr. Darcy. After all, it was recommended to me by a friend!

See what others are saying about Unmasking Juliet by Teri Wilson:

• Christina @ Reading Extensively
• Lyn @ Reading Tsinoy
• Kimberly @ Wit and Sin

The Last Word by A. L. Michael

The Last Word by A. L. Michael
Publisher: Carina UK
Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Number of Pages: 288
Genre: British Chick Lit
Source: eARC {via NetGalley}

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Tabby Riley's online life was a roaring success. Her blog had hundreds of followers and legions of young fans ardently awaited her ever Tweet. Her real life was a bit more of a disappointment. Living in a shared flat in North London, scratching a living writing magazine articles on 'How to Please Your Man in Bed' wasn't where she thought she'd be at twenty-six - especially when there was a serious lack of action in her own bedroom.

Until she was offered the job of her dreams on online paper The Type - and gained a sexy new editor, Harry Shulman, to bounce her ideas off. Tabby had previous bad form when it came to falling for well-dressed, smooth-talking editors, so no way was she going there again...ever! But had she got a little too use to hiding behind her laptop screen? Perhaps it was time for the real Tabby Riley to come out and have some fun!

She thinks: This book is a cute read for a Debbie Downer kind of day. If you are in the mood for a sassy woman as a main character who has feelings and insecurities but a guy falls in love with her anyway, then this is the book for you! The relationships in the book feel real and aren't the typical cookie cutter types that you find in regular Chick Lit. They have a purpose other than to move the plot along, and I enjoyed getting to know the other characters too. Tabby is a little whiny {what woman isn't some days though?}, but her gal pals slap her right back into place with their logic and poignant words. This book made me long for college when I was hanging out with my girls all the time. Miss you ladies!!