Summer Book Related Goals

Summer is a great time because I have more time to read.  So I decided to make some book related goals.

1.  Read the ARCs I have.  Right now I have 22 ARCs that were sent by publishers and I'm starting to feel guilty that I haven't read them.  Some were sent over six months ago and their publication dates have come and gone, but I'm determined to read them.

2.  Read the library books I have checked out.  I have about 15 library books.  I don't know why I tend to read them last.  They sit on the shelves, judging me, and I keep going online and renewing them.  The only thing that seems to make me read them is when someone has requested one and I can no longer renew it.  I think I should go through them, decide whether I want to read each one, and return the ones I've changed my mind about.  Then I will read the rest.

3.  Finish completed series.  There are a number of series that are complete and I have read at least the first book and I want to finish them (these are not ones in which I didn't like the first book and don't want to continue).  Why do I keep waiting?  Why do I keep starting new series instead of finishing the ones already complete?  Part of it is that I need to reread the first book (and even sometimes the second book).  That is a problem because with all of the other books I have to read that I haven't, rereading feels like such a waste of time.  But I'm determined.

4.  Write my reviews right after I've read the book and don't start reading a new book until I've done that.  This is a huge problem for me.  I finish a book and I immediately start reading another book.  Then it's two or three books later and I sit down to write the review and I can barely remember the book.

5.  Write better reviews.  I feel like I say the same thing over and over and over again. 

Do you have more time in the summer to read?  Do you have any goals related to reading this summer?

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: Earth & Sky by Megan Crewe

Earth & Sky (Earth & Sky #1)
Author:  Megan Crewe
Publisher:  Skyscape, 308 pages
Publication Date:  October 28, 2014
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley

From Goodreads:
Seventeen-year-old Skylar has been haunted for as long as she can remember by fleeting yet powerful sensations that something is horribly wrong. But despite the panic attacks tormenting her, nothing ever happens, and Sky’s beginning to think she’s crazy. Then she meets a mysterious, otherworldly boy named Win and discovers the shocking truth her premonitions have tapped into: our world no longer belongs to us. For thousands of years, Earth has been at the mercy of alien scientists who care nothing for its inhabitants and are using us as the unwitting subjects of their time-manipulating experiments. Win belongs to a rebel faction seeking to put a stop to it, and he needs Skylar’s help--but with each shift in the past, the very fabric of reality is unraveling, and soon there may be no Earth left to save.

Review:

Given the combination of aliens and time travel, I was expecting to love this book, but it was just okay. Honestly, it was a bit lackluster.  Characters I didn't really care about, no romance really, and even with a ton of running and danger, I was pretty bored.  And I was surprised by the fact that the time travel was pointless in the sense that the characters went back into the past and there was barely any description, no interaction with people, so it didn't even seem to matter that they went into the past. Apparently something Sky and Win do during one trip alters the future because when Sky gets back, one of her friends is gone.  Just poof…disappeared.  But I didn't even care because I had no idea who her friends were because they play almost no role in the book.  It's hard to like a book when you don't care about the characters.  The ending…abrupt, with no real resolution to the story.  Sadly, Earth & Sky didn't work for me on any level.

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2)
Author:  Jenny Han
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 337 pages
Publication Date:  May 26, 2015

From Goodreads:
Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.

She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.

When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

Review:

I really enjoyed this sequel.  Lara Jean and Peter are adorable together, although I do wish there was MORE of them.  Lara Jean has never had a boyfriend before and she has to figure things out, especially with her insecurity about Gen, Peter's ex-girlfriend.  That said, a lot of the book is spent on her relationship with her family and her volunteer position at an old folk's home, which means the book reads more as a coming-of-age novel than a romance novel. It's refreshing when a girl doesn't let her boyfriend completely consume her and Lara Jean's a strong person who loves her family and has other interests, but I still wanted more swoony moments.  

To be honest, there's a lot of DRAMA when it comes to their relationship.  In a way I didn't mind it, but I wish it had been something else other than Gen.  Ugh, I didn't like that girl at all and I still have some issues with how certain things played out.  

I LOVED the ending, and then the quote from the Velveteen Rabbit…LOVED LOVED LOVED.  Made me smile.  A very satisfying conclusion (I'm assuming there's just the two books).  

By the way, if you want to know more about the boy from her past, e-mail me and I'll let you know.  I didn't mind the direction the book went when it came to that, I thought it was realistic and well done and I actually really liked the guy.  

Posted by:  Pam

Stacking the Shelves (97)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  It is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Bought:

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Charmed by Michelle Krys

From NetGalley:
HeartAche and Other Natural Shocks by Glenda Leznoff

What books did you add to your shelves this week?

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: Someday Maybe by Ophelia London

Someday Maybe

Author: Ophelia London
Publisher: Entangled Embrace
Publication Date: October 20, 2014

From Goodreads:
Some guys are impossible to forget.

Rachel Daughtry has a 10-year plan that leaves no room for mistakes. Or not-so-serious boys—including Oliver Wentworth, the freshman boyfriend she's never forgotten. Now she's back in San Francisco with an awesome-slash-scary new job. Unfortunately, The Plan doesn't cover things like meeting her best friend's new “secret” guy...Oliver.

Fortunately, no one knows that Rachel and Oliver were ever together, and endless bikini wax torture couldn't make Rachel hurt her friend. But it's killing Rachel. She's not over him. Not even a little. And as her 10-year-plan crumbles around her, Rachel realizes that maybe—just maybe—Oliver feels the same way.

Now Rachel is on the verge of losing all control. And her best friend. And the love of her life...

Someday Maybe is a modern take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion that proves a second chance at true love is always worth the risk.

Review:
Someday Maybe is a modern retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austen. In this version of Persuasion, the main character, Rachel, persuades herself that her freshman year boyfriend, Oliver, cannot fit into her ten year plan.  With a little prod from her brother, Rachel breaks it off with Oliver.  Six years later, they are both living in San Francisco and Oliver is dating/flirting with Rachel's best friend who never knew about their freshman year relationship and Rachel is becoming friends with Oliver's sister.  Even though Rachel and Oliver clearly approached their professional lives in different ways they have ultimately arrived at similar conclusions.

The setting is San Francisco, the dialogue is great, the plot is fun and inventive yet true to the original storyline in Persuasion and I liked both characters.  This is my second Austen retelling by Ophelia London and I would definitely recommend this book, even though I did not recommend Definitely, Maybe in Love.  Note, I seem to be in minority with my criticisms of Definitely, Maybe in Love.  Even though both of these books are New Adult, the content is mild enough that it would be appropriate for teenagers. 

As always if you have read any modern retellings of Austen that you would recommend please share your thoughts.

Posted By: Sheri

Book Review: The Blood Curse by Emily Gee

The Blood Curse (The Cursed Kingdoms #3)
Author:  Emily Gee
Publisher:  Solaris, 447 pages
Expected Publication Date:  June 24, 2015
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley

From Goodreads:
Those who drink the water shall thirst for blood. They shall be as wild beasts.

A blood curse is ravaging the Seven Kingdoms. Fugitive Osgaardan prince, Harkeld, is the one person who can destroy it. Guarded by Sentinel mages, pursued by Fithian assassins, he begins the final—and most dangerous—stage of his quest: entering the cursed kingdom of Sault, where drinking even one drop of water means madness and death.

But the mages aren’t the only travellers heading east. Princess Brigitta, abducted by Fithian assassins, is also bound for Sault—unless she can escape. And in close pursuit is her loyal armsman, Karel.

Young orphan, Jaumé, is also headed for Sault—where he will be forced to make decisions that will change the fate of the Seven Kingdoms forever.

Review:

Why You Should Read This Series:

1.  A curse sweeping across kingdoms, turning people into blood-thirsty monsters.  A curse that turns people into monsters?  Love that.

2.  Harkeld, a prince who hates mages who finds out he is a mage and that he's the only one who can save the world.  Harkeld is a reluctant hero, to say the least.  He's a jerk for a long time because of his prejudices against mages (or witches, as he calls them).  To Harkeld, all witches should die.  No matter what.  Even when he finds out he's a mage, he still has this irrational hatred toward them.  But Harkeld shows a lot of character growth over the course of the series.

3.  A group of mages, including healers, shape shifters, fire and water mages, who are tasked with protecting the prince as he travels to stop the curse.  Love this amazing cast of characters.

4.  Innis, a shapeshifter who falls in love with the prince.  Innis is young, quiet, and shy.  However, she has to pretend to be someone else in order to guard and protect Harkeld, so she pretends to be a guy.  She becomes more confident, but also, as she gets to know Harkeld better and becomes friends with him, she falls in love with him.  Really enjoyed the romance, but I wanted MORE.  I know, I know, they're on the run and there's a lot of fighting and dying, but still.  Just a little more. There was so much anticipation for them to be together and then…just a little disappointed.  And in the third book, I missed the fact that there were only a few chapters from Innis's POV.  

5.  A group of assassins who are on their trail and determined to kill the prince.  They encounter a boy, Jaume, who is fleeing from the curse, and they take him in.  Assassins!

6.  Britta, a princess who endures horrific things, including being kidnapped by assassins so she can be used to trap her brother, the prince.  And she's pursued by her armsman, Karel, who's in love with her.  Britta goes from a sheltered and naive princess to a strong woman who fights her kidnappers at every turn.  

Epic in scope, filled with action and adventure and a long journey fraught with peril, I absolutely loved this final book.  If you love fantasy, you will enjoy this series.  

Posted by:  Pam

Book Review: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids
Author:  Sarah Ockler
Publisher:  Simon Pulse, 368 pages
Expected Publication Date:  June 2, 2015
*ARC received from publisher via Edelweiss

From Goodreads:
The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.

Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.

Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life.

When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them . . .

Review:

I liked the small town beach setting.  I also liked the focus on friendship and family.  And Sebastian…Christian's little brother who is obsessed with mermaids and would rather dress like a mermaid than a pirate.  He's adorable.  The way Christian loved and supported him was touching.

Although this book is uplifting, it's also sad.  Elyse is struggling to figure out what she's going to do since she lost her voice.  She had a clear plan for the future, and now she's completely lost.  So if you're looking for a light and fluffy read, this is not it.

I admit, I did miss reading dialogue between Elyse and Christian.  It made me realize how much I love bantery conversations between the couple.  But the romance is sweet, although for some reason I wasn't feeling it as much as I wanted to.

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids is a beautifully written novel (quite poetic) with an important message about finding your voice.  

Posted by:  Pam

Stacking the Shelves (96)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  It is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Bought:

Every Move by Ellie Marney

From NetGalley:

The Blood Curse by Emily Gee
Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between by Jennifer E. Smith

Borrowed:
Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson.  Thanks, Nicole!!!!

What books did add to your shelves this week?

Posted by:  Pam

Recommend It? Super Mini-Reviews (6)

I got this idea from Danielle at Love at First Page. I read a lot of books that I don't review so I thought I would give a super short review of some books and let you know whether I recommend them or not.

End of Days by Susan Ee.  I loved every single word. Penryn and Raffe. Best. Banter. Ever. Such an emotional book, I found myself cheering, then tearing up, then laughing.  An amazing end to a phenomenal series.  A million times recommend!

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen.  A wonderful coming-of-age novel about a girl who has always lived in her brother's shadow, but she comes into her own after he goes to jail.  Family and friendship are front and center and of course there's an amazing guy (she's a master at creating perfect love interests).  Sarah Dessen realistically captures the highs and lows of being a teenager…definitely recommend.

Rook by Sharon Cameron.  Brilliant.  I LOVED this Scarlet Pimpernel inspired story.  Smart and tough heroine, charming, charismatic guy (but can we trust him?), hate-to-love romance with banter (they have to pretend to love each other when they don't), amazing world-building, and plenty of deception, action, and intrigue. Yes, recommend!

Posted by:  Pam