The Heartbreakers

Author: Ali Novak

Series: The Hearbreaker Chronicles

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Chick-Lit

Release Date: August 4, 2015

Summary: Stella will do anything for her sister—even stand in line for an autographed Heartbreakers CD... for three hours. At least she met a cute boy at the Starbucks beforehand. A blue-eyed boy who looks an awful lot like... Oliver Perry. Of course Starbucks guy is the lead singer for her least favorite band. Thanks, universe. But there may be more to Oliver than his world-famous charm, because even after she insults his music—to his face—he still gives her his number. Seriously, what is her life? But how can Stella even think about being with Oliver—dating and laughing and pulling pranks with the band—when her sister could be dying of cancer?

Review:

 **WARNING! This review contains some minor spoilers!!**

Isn't that cover the cutest?! I've read Novak's previous novel, My Life With The Walter Boys, and really enjoyed that one so why not pick up her latest release?

The Heartbreakers was such a great read! I was drawn into and devoted to Stella's life from page one. She, Drew, and Cara had such a great relationship! I loved that they were triplets! That is one thing that I wasn't expecting starting out. Their chemistry was so real! They argued, loved, and helped each other the entire novel! I couldn't get enough of their interactions! Family was presented perfectly and realistic which I really enjoyed!

So, The Heartbreakers are like, a boy band, but not because they all actually play instruments and stuff. You have JJ, Oliver, Alec, and Xander. The friendship, bond and overall connection between the band members was on point! The pranks they played on each other, also, were top notch and kept me laughing long after I'd read them. Especially the one involving Stella and Drew. *begins laughing* I can't, I just, I cant!! hahahahaha

I loved that Stella was able to, in a way, find herself and follow her passion of photography throughout the novel. I also enjoyed that *spoiler* Cara didn't die! I honestly was waiting for some "The Fault in Our Stars" or "Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl" action and guess what, it never happened! Haha, that alone bumped this read up to 5 stars for me! A happy ending, I mean, it doesn't get better than that!

If you're a fan of YA contemporary romances, I'd highly recommend this one. It;s the perfect blend of sweet, hilarious, adorable, and touching! Definitely one to look into!

Trouble Is a Friend of Mine

Author: Stephanie Tromly

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Humor, Romance

Release Date: August 4, 2015

Summary: Preparing to survive a typical day of being Digby's friend wasn't that different from preparing to survive the apocalypse. Her first day not in school (because she cut) in her new hometown that will soon be her old hometown (because she's getting out of Dodge as fast as she can) Zoe meets Digby. Or rather, Digby decides he's going to meet Zoe and get her to help him find missing teenager. Zoe isn't sure how, but Digby—the odd and brilliant and somehow…attractive?—Digby always gets what he wants, including her help on several illegal ventures. Before she knows it, Zoe has vandalized an office complex with fake snow, pretended to buy drugs alongside a handsome football player dressed like the Hulk, had a throw-down with a possible cult, and, oh yeah, saved her new hometown (which might be worth making her permanent hometown after all.) A mystery where catching the crook isn't the only hook, a romance where the leading man is decidedly unromantic, a story about friendship where they aren't even sure they like each other.

Review: "With the wit of Sherlock, the smarts of Veronica Mars, and the humor of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, this is a debut novel you won't want to miss". Honestly, that blurb could not be any more true. Even before the story actually got started I was drawn to Zoe and Digby. I knew there would be much more in store for these two and that their adventures would be unforgettable . . . and hilarious!

Okay, during, basically the entire book I was laughing. I have never known a book to be so hilarious, and yet have there be so much pertinent information thrown my way. I kept on bothering my family because I would read something super funny and couldn't wait for them to just read the book. To say I was annoying . . . well . . . that would be an understatement.

Let's first talk about Zoe. She was incredibly sarcastic! *bonus in my book* And the fact that she does so well after being thrown into Digby's crazy, hilarious world. She is like the Wallace to  his Veronica, the Watson to his Sherlock, and the Cameron to his Ferris. She's a definite champ. Oh, and I loved the fact that she was always bringing up the paper that she and Digby were 'supposedly' writing and all the arguments that ensued between the two over it. But alas! One of my favorite interactions with Zoe is this:

" "Get over there," Schell said.

Sitting on the floor with a shotgun pointing at me, I imagined a crime show with some cop looking at my blown-off face saying, "Gentleman, looks like for this kid" -- put on sunglasses -- "school's out forever." Then credits rolling and some 70s rock song about not getting fooled again starting with a scream. "

I know, I know, you are now frantically searching for a copy of this book near you! But, wait, there's more!

Digby. Phillip Digby. What a strange, lovable, completely random man-child you are. I couldn't even begin to grasp how you knew so much at such a young-ish age. I loved your 'sources', especially the hilarious ways you came up with to pay for the information you acquired from said sources. And seriously . . .  you're still hungry?!

Overall folks, this one is a definite keeper. I did end up giving it four stars mainly because so much would happen and I would get slightly confused, but then a couple pages later everything would make sense and then is would happen over and over. But then again, this is a mystery! If you're looking for a fun, quirky, suspenseful, comical, with a dash of romance mixed in read, this is the book for you!

End of Days *spoilers included version*

Author: Susan Ee

Series: Penryn & the End of Days

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Horror, Action/Adventure, Romance 

Release Date: May 12, 2015

Summary: After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run. They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all. When the angels release an apocalyptic nightmare onto humans, both sides are set on a path toward war. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? Forced to pick sides in the fight for control of the earthly realm, Raffe and Penryn must choose: Their own kind, or each other?

Review: This series has got to be my all time favorite series! If I was stranded on a deserted island and could only have one series of books, it's be this one.

I adored Penryn's character from page one of Angelfall and only grew to love her more throughout the series. I'd definitely want her on my side in a fight. Penryn was such a great MC because of her snarky, sarcastic attitude, her realistic view on the life she is currently living, and her overall kick butt-ness! Some of the things she said throughout the series really brought her home for me and kept her character feeling "real". I could honestly believe that she was a 17-year-old girl trapped in an angel infested post-apocalyptic world. Not to mention the status of her relationship. ;)

Raffe! OH RAFFE!! You, my friend, are absolutely fantastic! Seriously though, Raffe was almost as much of a favorite character as Penryn. There is just so much about him I loved. His condescending attitude and feelings towards humans throughout the first novel, and then his eventual love for one! *squeals internally* More on that later! I also really enjoyed getting to meet his Watchers in this final installment and getting to really learn and delve into Raffe's past. It made it a lot easier to understand and comprehend why he is the way he is when it comes to Daughters of Man . . . not to mention the fact that it made me want to re-read the series knowing other important tid-bits of information!

All I really have to say about Raffe and Penryn is:

RAFFE AND PENRYN FOREVER!!

I briefly mentioned the Watchers . . . let's talk more about them! Um, really though, I love love loved them! If Susan decided to write a spin-off series about Raffe and his Watchers, I'd definitely read about them. They were such great comedic relief and brought the best out in Raffe while all Hell was breaking loose. They definitely were the piece I didn't know was missing until they were introduced.

Okay, so there was one thing that I was slightly disappoint with. That would be the whole weird, crazy deal surround Penryn's mother. I felt that it was never really addressed as to what was "wrong" with her. Like, was she really crazy the entire time or was she just seeing things. For example: when the demons are attacking and she starts pelting them with rotten eggs that just happens to remind the demons of Hell and scares them off . . . HOW'D SHE KNOW!?!? A bit more clarification on that subject would have been appreciate, but that really was the only thing keeping this series from being perfect.

So, if you have yet to pick up Penryn & the End of Days and be blown away by her amazing story, you should probably go and pick this series up!!

Jesse's Girl

Author: Miranda Kenneally
Series: Hundred Oaks (can be read in any order)
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: July 7, 2015
Summary: Everyone at Hundred Oaks High knows that career mentoring day is a joke. So when Maya Henry said she wanted to be a rock star, she never imagined she’d get to shadow *the* Jesse Scott, Nashville’s teen idol. But spending the day with Jesse is far from a dream come true. He’s as gorgeous as his music, but seeing all that he’s accomplished is just a reminder of everything Maya’s lost: her trust, her boyfriend, their band, and any chance to play the music she craves. Not to mention that Jesse’s pushy and opinionated. He made it on his own, and he thinks Maya’s playing back up to other people’s dreams. Does she have what it takes to follow her heart—and go solo?
Review: Isn't that cover just adorable? I've read the other books in this 'series' and really enjoyed them for the most part, so when I got my hands on an ARC of this a couple months ago I was ecstatic!

I really enjoyed Maya's character. She was down to earth, fun, and I loved her taste in music! Her first 'meeting' with Jesse was quite memorable and I loved that she stuck up for herself and wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

One of my favorite things about this book was the Ferris Bueller feel it had to it. Not only does Jesse refer to Ferris Bueller's Day Off multiple times, but he gets Maya to go and pull off some of his favorite parts from the film. Since I'm a fan of the movie, that definitely boosted my liking of this novel!

Let's talk about *the* Jesse Scott! Aside from the fact that he came off as a complete self-centered jerk, he managed to redeem himself quite nicely throughout the remainder of the novel. I loved what Maya brought out in him and that he eventually feels comfortable enough with her to confide in her. His character growth during the novel was exceptionally well-written.


Overall a 4 star rating for me, I enjoyed this novel and the recurring characters from the previous novels in this series!