Review: Confessions of An Almost - Girlfriend by Louise Rozett

Confessions of Almost - Girlfriend by Louise Rozett
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication date: June 18th 2013.
My rating: 5 stars 

Rose Zarelli has big plans for sophomore year—everything is going to be different. This year, she’s going to be the talented singer with the killer voice, the fabulous girl with the fashionista best friend, the brainiac who refuses to let Jamie Forta jerk her around... ...but if she’s not careful, she’s also going to be the sister who misses the signals, the daughter who can only think about her own pain, the “good girl” who finds herself in mid-scandal again (because no good deed goes unpunished) and possibly worst of all...the almost-girlfriend. When all else fails, stop looking for love and go find yourself.

Rose has come a long way since we last met her in Confessions of an Angry Girl. She still has that fire and passion which we see from time to time in little fiery outbursts. And she continually finds herself tangled up in other people’s messes even though she tries to stay away from it all. But she brings so much flair and spunk that you can’t but help forming such a strong connection with her.

Rose is still dealing with what happened at last year’s prom, she hasn’t heard a single peek from Jamie over the summer, so she has no clue where she stands with him. And Jamie is also the worst person to get anything out of, he’s kind, considerate and extremely hot, but the most closed off person ever, he never even gives an inch away in his facial expressions. So when Jamie finally makes an unexpected appearance, Rose is confused, she wants nothing more than to be with him, but he doesn’t even seem to acknowledge her. On top of stressing out over Jamie; Rose’s mother is on her case about taking down her site dedicated to her father. Rose doesn’t get why she’s being all uptight about it, she finds it’s her only outlet. Her mother feels the need to take her to joint counselling sessions too. Her brother Peter has gone off the rails and has turned to drugs, her mother isn’t either aware of the situation or is completely ignoring it and her best friend has finally staked her name at school with her big website The Sharp List. But what’s left for Rose? She still needs to figure out so much and people constantly holding out on her doesn’t help in the slightest.

I adored Rose’s character, even though she was up to her eyeballs in her own problems, she was always there making an effort (where as others saw this as poking her nose) with others. She was the only one to stand up to a bunch of bullies, but then to be blamed as ratting them out. It’s not Rose’s fault that she discovered things she wasn’t meant to, if people told the truth in the first place people wouldn’t have so many problems. Also I fully understood Rose’s outbursts; she had so much stress to deal with, that she was one of those people who used to be kept awake at night because of over thinking.  That she could only take everything for so long before she had to find and outlet of some sort. Whereas I adored Jamie in Confessions of an Angry Girl, I had kind of mixed feelings about him in this book. He constantly blew hot and cold with Rose, although I enjoyed some of the dreamy scenes between him and Rose I wish he would make his mind up already and decide what he wanted. The way things ended were kind of expected, I wished that things had been different, but I feel that the stance Rose took in the end really illustrated just how much she had matured. 

Despite there being so much chaos in Rose’s life, there was once again lots of humour littered through the book. Rose’s snark and honest judgements were refreshingly funny. Then there was also Robert and Angelo who had me in hysterics with their antics. Rozett also introduced some great new characters who brought wit, charm and charisma to the story making me want to hug this book and never let it go.

Confessions of an Almost Girlfriend was an epic follow up to Confessions of an Angry Girl. I didn’t think it was possible to love these characters anymore but Rozett managed to work her magic once again. I can’t wait to be back with this wonderful world that Rozett has created once more.

Top Ten Tuesday #10: Books at the top of my Summer tbr list

Is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where each week they post a new top ten list and ask fellow bloggers to share their lists on that topic.

Today's top ten topic is: Top Ten books at the top of my Summer tbr list.

With so many brilliant books in my tbr pile, I had a hard time whittling my list down to just ten books, so I kind of cheated and listed eleven books instead!

 

Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts | The Vow by Jessica Martinez | The Truth About You & Me by Amanda Grace | Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas.

These four books are my review books that I'm most excited about starting over the Summer. I love my contemporary reads, especially the really gritty ones and Tumble & Fall, The Vow and The Truth About You & Me sound like something that I would enjoy. And Crown of Midnight has been one of my most anticipated sequels of the year, so far the early reviews have been highly praising.

Friday Brown by Vikki Wakefield | All I Ever Wanted by Vikki Wakefield

I have had both of these gorgeous books since last year, when the lovely Mandee from Vegan YA Nerds sent me copies through a swap. Again I have heard such wonderful things about both books and I think it's about time I finally read both of them. 

Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty | Over You by Emma Mclaughlin & Nicola Kraus

 

In Honor by Jessi Kirby | How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski | The Sound by Sarah Alderson

Of course my Summer reads won't be complete without some road trip books. I loved Jessi Kirby's Golden, so knew I had to read more of her books asap. And thanks to Donna from Book Passion for Life, I have an ARC copy of Sarah Alderson's new book!

Are any of the books I mentioned on your Summer tbr pile too? I'd love to know which books made it to your list, so feel free to leave a link in the comments!

Review: Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald.

Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald
Publisher: Walker Books
Publication date: May 2nd 2013.
My rating: 4 stars.

Can Sadie overcome her unrequited crush for good? Abby McDonald serves up her trademark wit and wisdom in a hilarious new novel. Sadie is in love – with her best friend, Garrett Delaney. But Garrett has been oblivious to Sadie's feelings for him ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust, not to mention his deep blue eyes. For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett's constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to '80s indie rock. When Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder – until he calls to say that he's fallen in love with another girl! Heartbroken, Sadie realizes she's finally had enough and that it's time for a total Garrett detox. Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including hunky chef Josh) and a customized self-help guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, meltdowns ... and a double shot of love.

Getting over Garrett Delaney was much more than the cute fluffy book I was expecting it to be. Our MC Sadie has been infatuated by Garrett for over two years now, he’s become her best friend, but she’s always wanted more. He’s the perfect match for her, as they both have so much in common and there’s nothing that either would do for each other. Sadie has her summer planned out, both she and Garrett would be attending writing camp and it would be the best summer ever. But things don’t end up as planned as Sadie ends up stuck at home, whilst Garrett is whisked away to camp. Both Garrett and Sadie promise to keep in touch every day, but then Sadie gets the dreaded phone call, Garrett has met someone at camp and she’s definitely the one. 

I was all for Sadie and Garrett getting together, they did seem perfect for each other. But I think the wake- up call Sadie received from Garrett, it was exactly what she needed, as Sadie was led through an incredible journey about discovering how lopsided and toxic her friendship with Garrett was. I adored the steps that Sadie planned out to get over Garrett which led to tapping into Garrett’s character beneath the surface so that Sadie could see what he really was like. I admit that I was also completely mesmerised by Garrett’s charm and personality, so I could completely understand Sadie’s pain when she realised she was the one contributing everything to the friendship in the first place.

I truly admired Sadie’s character and strength, but more the character growth that she displayed over the course of this book. There were a few stumbling blocks along the way where Sadie faltered, but with unexpected friends from work she was able to stay on the right path. A lot of readers will appreciate Sadie especially if you like your MC’s who finally take a stand to guys they’ve been steamrolled over for ages. To give credit to Sadie she was enamoured by Garrett’s character, but it was only when her friends were able to help her take a step back that she realised what was happening.

Getting over Garrett Delaney was a tough task to accomplish for Sadie, as for the past two years her only friend left had been Garrett. But with great secondary characters such as Kayla, LuAnn, Dominique, Josh and Aiko who really came through as more of supporting friends than Garrett ever was, Sadie was able to experience this traumatising situation in a great way. The secondary characters did bring a lot of their own drama, but the way everyone helped one another out in their most difficult times proved just how far they had come in their friendship. The characters were also great in making light of a dull situation; some of their antics were quick to bring a smile to my face.

Getting over Garrett Delaney was a book which I certainly read at the right time, it was perfect in lifting up my spirits when I was feeling run down and tired. And it was a truly eye opening journey to go on with Sadie in this book. For those of you who have originally not considered Getting over Garrett Delaney as your sort of book I encourage you to give it a try.

Review: How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski

How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication date: May 7th 2013
My rating: 4 stars

 First she lost her heart. Then she lost her mind. And now she’s on a road trip to win back her ex. This debut novel’s packed with drama and romance!

Rosie’s always been impulsive. She didn’t intend to set her cheating ex-boyfriend’s car on fire. And she never thought her attempts to make amends could be considered stalking. So when she’s served with a temporary restraining order on the first day of summer vacation, she’s heartbroken—and furious.

To put distance between Rosie and her ex, Rosie’s parents send her on a cross-country road trip with responsible, reliable neighbor Matty and his two friends. Forget freedom of the road, Rosie wants to hitchhike home and win back her ex. But her determination starts to dwindle with each passing mile. Because Rosie’s spark of anger? It may have just ignited a romance with someone new…

How My Summer Went Up in Flames is a perfect summer read: light, funny and with a touch of romance.

After finding out that her boyfriend, Joey cheated on her, Rosie does what most of us only fantasize about doing, she sets his car on fire.  She didn’t mean to do it, she was only burning her mementos from their relationship in his driveway when things somehow got out of control and his car became causality. But this doesn’t matter because that “minor” incident results in a Temporary Restraining Order.  Unfortunately, Rosie doesn’t grasp the importance of staying away and is caught by her parents not once, but twice violating the TRO!  They decide to send her on a nine-day road trip with her best friend, Matty, and his friends, Spencer and Logan, to keep her out of trouble.  The boys, especially Logan, are not too happy that Rosie is crashing their party.  Rosie lays eyes on Logan, and thinks the trip may not be so bad after all, but then he opens his mouth!  

This story had me cracking up throughout.  Matty and Spencer are both longtime members of the geek-squad.  They have a to-the-hour-itinerary and ridiculous conversations on things like dissecting the Star Wars movies (okay, I admit, I’ve done this too, but still, they are way geekier!).  Rosie’s reactions and inner commentary was hilarious too:

My parents thought it was best for me to attend an all-girls Catholic high school because it’s every teenage girl’s dream to dress like a Scottish bagpipe player.  All because I got busted at an eighth-grade graduation party playing seven minutes with Armand DelVecchio, who, by the way, kisses like a seal. It wasn’t’ even worth it.*

I was worried Rosie’s obsession and actions would bother me, but she was a perfect example of a character in progress.  In the beginning she’s only thinking about herself without considering the impact of her decisions on others, and I wanted to shake her a few times.  Being a passionate person, Rosie’s actions are sometimes misguided and immature.  Rosie finally gets the gravity of her actions and starts to feel sorry for how she acted.  The road trip was a perfect way to chase away her heartbreak induced fog, and wake up and smell the coffee.  She really grew on me, because underneath it all she did have a big heart. 

Logan was a little prickly and sarcastic at first, but I love how his honest comments get Rosie thinking about her life, direction and choices. 

I loved the gradual attraction and romance built in this story.  It felt realistic in the face of Rosie’s situation. I will say that a romance with any one of these boys would’ve worked for me for different reasons; all three were special and adorable in their own right. 

How My Summer Went Up in Flames was an enjoyable journey of heartbreak, self-discovery, friendships, and romance.  I can’t believe this was Jennifer Salvato Doktorski’s debut, and I expect great things to come from her in the future!

*Quote taken from an uncorrected proof and may change in the final copy.

Giveaway: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Hello readers! As you may know, I had the awesome privilege of attending an author event for Richelle Mead last week in honor of her new release: Gameboard of the Gods.  (Don't forget to enter our givaway.)  She also talked about her YA series, Bloodlines.  I'm a huge fan of that series, which just keeps getting better!  Today, I have a SIGNED copy of the latest installment: The Indigo Spell, to give away to one lucky winner! 

Book 3 in the Bloodlines series

I loved The Indigo Spell! Adrian matures more and more with each book, but still manages to make me laugh and swoon in equal measure.  I was one of the few who liked Sydney ever since her awkward appearance in Vampire Academy, but I love her more and more as her view of the world expands.  Things really heat up between Adrian and Sydney (aka: SYDRIAN!!!) in The Indigo Spell, and I was grinning like a fool by the end of the book! 

Richelle Mead did speak of the series and what's in store, you can read about it HERE. I'm excited about one thing, and extremely nervous about another. 

The giveaway is for a SIGNED hardcopy of The Indigo Spell and is INTERNATIONAL to one lucky reader.  Just enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win. Good luck and thanks for visiting The Readers Den!