Only Everything by Kiernan Scott - YA Review

Only Everything by Kiernan Scott

When Eros (aka Cupid) is expelled from Olympus for defying Zeus after falling in love with Orion, she is banished to what she believes to be hell. We call it New Jersey. If she ever wants to go back to the comforts of her old life, she will have to find love for three couples—without using her powers.

Eros, now calling herself True, immediately identifies her first project in Charlie and believes finding him love will be a piece of cake. Charlie is new at school and eager to break out of his old image of band geek, so it’s lucky for him when he falls in with the right crowd on his first day. But music is still his passion. That is, until he meets Katrina...

Katrina is floundering after the death of her father and takes refuge with a boy who, while not entirely supportive, will be there when she needs him, unlike her mother. Too bad True thinks any girl Charlie talks to is perfect for him. Can she get out of her own way and help Charlie and Katrina connect, or will she be stuck in New Jersey forever? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

I knew I would be reading this one the second I saw the author's name - Kiernan Scott - on the front cover. Ms. Scott is an author I have always enjoyed whether I'm reading a YA Contemporary Romance by her under her Scott writing persona, or a Contemporary YA-Mystery-Drama under her other name Kate Brian. This one was especially intriguing because well, read the blurb: YA Contemp setting - check, Mythology mix in - check, amazing author - check. Well, looks all good from my end!

               For those wondering if this book is one for you, I'd say if you are a fan of YA Contemporaries, Mythology ( especially in the modern world), Teen Romance, and/or Kiernan Scott/Kate Brian  - go ahead and grab this one asap.

Highlights:

+ Concept: I really enjoyed the whole premise of a Greek Goddess of love incognito as a normal teenager in high school. Personally, the blurb grabbed me right away- it sounded light, fun, humorous and like a perfect summer read.

+Characters: It doesn't happen often, but I can honestly say I enjoyed all three of the main characters (Eros/True, Katrina, Charlie). Usually with multiple main characters , I find I favor some over others or don't enjoy or appreciate some as much. In this case I really loved the changing perspective and really felt for/enjoyed each of them.

+True's Learning Curve: I found it amusing to see "our world" through a goddess' eyes. True's learning curve was definitely funny, and added a nice touch to the storyline. I enjoyed that she didn't just come to earth and blend in effortlessly and know what to do, say, and how to act.

+Narrators POV:  I really liked the distinction between each characters POV. It was easy to flow from one character to another because it was very clear who you were hearing from the whole time.

Wishes

Hmm...well as always when I enjoy a book and it makes me laugh, cry, and/or happy/content - it's always really hard to think up wishes. However, even with the very best books, one can generally come up with at least a wish or two...

* Audio Nitpick - I read this book in a combination of listening to the audio while commuting and reading my physical copy at home (which has a really great cover by the way!). One thing I found a bit confusing at times when listening was True's narration whenever she had flashbacks. The chapters all tell who is narrating at the beginning (True, Charlie, Katrina), however, when reading it you can see the change in font to indicate a flashback for True. When listening obviously there is no distinction, other than listening and realizing it is not a present day True narration. I always figured this out and I don't know how one might fix this in an audio book, but like I said, it's a tiny nitpick.

* Charlie & Katrina - more of them please! I really loved the two characters and hope to see more of them in coming books :)

Overall, I really enjoyed this read and will definitely be continuing on with the series. (I was super disappointed to see I have to wait until September for the next installment!) As always, Kiernan Scott/Kate Brian, has left me wanting more and with a new series to follow. It's a light, fun read, perfect for a summer read - especially pool side if you ask me! So if you enjoy contemporary romance, true love, and a side of mythology - what are you waiting for? Go pick this one up and enjoy!

Rating:  

4 out of 5 Doxies - So great, I really enjoyed this one - go pick it up quick before book 2 comes out!!

Recommendations - 

Oh My Gods by Tera Lynn Childs

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

Abandon by Meg Cabot

Biggest Flirts by Jennifer Echols

Jenn @ Tale of Two Doxies

http://www.taleoftwodoxies.blogspot.com 

Unmasking Juliet by Teri Wilson (Romance Review)

Unmasking Juliet by Teri Wilson

*E-Arc from Netgalley

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 bitter 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 of 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... (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

Unmasking Juliet is a romantic, modern day reinterpretation of  Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet by Teri Wilson. I have to admit, when I first saw the book, my interest was first piqued by the cover - which to me was both beautiful and romantic. Obviously intrigued by the cover (and already sold on: Chick Lit? yes please!), I went on to read the blurb and was very intrigued by the idea of a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet (who doesn't love some Shakespeare?). I was banking on the fact that maybe Ms. Wilson would be able to deliver a romantic and happy R + J, and I was not disappointed!

Fans of retellings or modern interpretations of classic lit, romance, and happy endings will definitely enjoy this read. For me, it was a great read and one I would definitely recommend for some light summer reading or perhaps a nice weekend book retreat from reality.

Highlights

Where to start... I really, really enjoyed this version of Romeo and Juliet for so many reasons, not the least of which was the fact that I knew this one would have a happy ending! I'm sorry, I know some people love a good tragedy, a good sob fest and what-not, I am not one of those people. While I like some seriousness to my books, I also love a book that will take me away and give me the happily ever after and sometimes everything works out.

So, my first highlight would have to be that I knew in this version of R + J, there was going to be the happy resolution. Two, I happen to be a pup lover - so the addition of adorable puppies into the mix never hurt a story as far as I'm concerned. Next, the setting - Napa Valley, and if that weren't delicious enough the two warring families Mezzenotte and Arabella are chocolatiers. (So be prepared to crave a delicious truffle or two while reading!)

Other enjoyable highlights included (for me at least) the two main characters Juliet and Leo - I enjoyed hearing both of their stories. I also really enjoyed the family feud back story and learning the ins and outs. There were some nice additions in the supporting cast as well: Allegra, Cocoa, Uncle Joe, Marco. It was fun to see the families and how the feud effected them, it was also fun to see them compete.

Wishes

This is a tough one, this story delivered what I was looking for overall. I guess one wish could have been a bit more development and page time for some of the supporting characters. However, I really enjoyed the story just the way it stands.

Overall, if you enjoy light, delicious, romantic reads and don't mind a little star-crossed lovers with a side of competition mixed in - I'd say give this one a read. I really enjoyed myself and breezed through the pages far too quickly. I can't wait to try another by Ms. Wilson and so glad to have learned of an author who takes on the challenge of reinterpreting the classics. Can't wait to try her interpretation of Pride & Prejudice (my personal favorite) next!

Recommendations:

Delicious by Susan Mallery

The Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

Rating:

4 out of 5 Doxies - Liked it a lot, definitely worth a read!!

Book Tour Review - Biggest Flirts by Jennifer Echols

Title:      Biggest Flirts                                                              Series:   The Superlatives #1

Author: Jennifer Echols

Release date: May 20th 2014
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pre-order: AMAZON

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16140838-biggest-flirts 

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to participate in the Blog Tour for the release of this title. The tour is being run by Shane over at Itching for Books, and for in exchange for an honest review - Edelweiss was kind enough to provide a free e-arc for me to read.

Biggest Flirts is a YA Contemporary Romance novel, which focuses on the story of Tia Cruz and Will Matthews. Tia and Will are high school seniors, about to embark on their final year of high school in Florida. Tia, who has lived in the area her whole life, comes from a broken family - a family with issues that result in a fear of commitment and responsibility. Tia has trouble picturing, wanting or trying to plan a future for herself. Will, is new to town and has always been the "perfect" guy - having recently been uprooted, he's attempting to figure out how to reconfigure his life and his plans. When Tia and Will meet, there is an instant attraction, and a flirtation develops. Can Tia and Will be more than friends? Can they move forward together?

This was my first read of a Jennifer Echols book, but I have had her on my radar for awhile now - and I was very excited to give her a try. I'm happy to report that I wasn't disappointed - I very much enjoyed reading Biggest Flirts and I finished it in one day. I'll definitely be checking out her other titles - though I am most excited for the next book in the Superlatives series (and hope that it will be titled Most Likely To Succeed). I think this book is definitely a read for fans of Echols, or those who enjoy Contemporary YA novels that are relationship oriented.

Highlights 

I happen to really enjoy Contemporary YA books, and I enjoyed the approach of this one. Although I didn't like all the choices the characters were making, it was part of what made them relatable and real to me. I found the characters to be true to life in that they were flawed and they were making impulsive choices, they didn't always use sound judgement or reasoning, and they were very focused on the present. To me that is high school - you are very focused on the social aspects, the present, and worried about what comes next. Everything feels so big and important. You make impulsive choices, you make mistakes, you create regrets - emotions rule and not everything you do or say is well thought out or executed. 

I liked Tia, she was very flawed and relatable - I thought her choices made sense with what she had experienced. I was happy to watch her develop, fail and grow during the story. I enjoyed learning her backstory, and I enjoyed seeing her interactions. Did she make some choices I didn't agree with? Sure, but she's seventeen and we all make some bad choices at seventeen, and we all used some weird justification and logic too. 

I also really enjoyed Will - he was interesting to get to know, I liked seeing his struggle with moving and what that meant. I enjoyed seeing how he interacted with Tia and how he changed over the story and learned about himself. Additionally, I also really enjoyed all of the secondary characters in the story as well. 

To me, this was a fun, light, summer read. Not to serious, but still with a nice balance of the more serious issues too. I enjoyed how the story was written, and watching the characters develop and change. I also liked seeing another side to each character as the story went on and revealed more about them.

Wishes 

One big wish I had was the timeframe - I wish the author had chosen to present the story over the course of the school year or several months at least. That part felt a bit rushed to me, although at the same time I do know that things move quickly when you're at that age. One day you're friends, the next you aren't - they could be dating one day, exes the next, etc. Part of the drama of high school. 

I know some might complain about the insta-love - but to me in rang kind of true. I remember in high school being instantly attracted and/or infatuated with a guy. I know how quickly relationships can develop and how important/big and all-consuming it all feels at that time. I think when you're young it is easy to confuse love and infatuation, and we do fall quickly and hard for people. 

***

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I went into it wanting a fun, light, romantic spring read - I wanted something that would take me away and distract me, wrap me up in the world of the book. This book did it for me, it made me think: about the characters and their choices, about high school, about my own experiences, and about how things feel as an adolescent. I enjoyed getting wrapped up in the characters and their high school experiences- I read the book over the course of a day and when I finished I was satisfied. I know I enjoyed my experience over all, and I will definitely try other titles by this author. 

Recommendations -

Perfect You - Elizabeth Scott

Lock and Key - Sarah Dessen

Something Like Fate- Susane Colas anti

My Life Next Door - Huntley Fitzpatrick

Taking the Ex Out of Ex Boyfriend - Janette Rallison

Rating -

4 out of 5 Doxies - Definitely worth a read, I can't wait to try another book by the author!

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YA Review - Summer State of Mind by Jen Calonita

Summer State of  Mind by Jen Calonita

Summer has finally arrived and fifteen-year-old Harper McCallister intends to spend her days at the mall shopping or by the pool at her country club. But after receiving her latest heart-stopping credit card bill, Harper's parents makes other plans, and ship her off to camp.

Suddenly, the clueless yet ever-popular Harper is the new girl at the bottom of a social ladder she can't climb in wedge sandals and expensive clothes. She seems to be winning over super-cute camp "Lifer" Ethan, though, and if she can manage to make a few friends--and stay out of trouble--she just might find a whole new summer state of mind.

A fresh and funny summer-camp companion novel to Jen Calonita's hit Sleepaway Girls. (Goodreads)

A fun, light YA Contemporary read just in time for the spring/summer season - Summer State of Mind will definitely please fans of Calonita's as well as be a great choice for others who enjoy YA Contemporary. This Contemp YA novel takes place at a sleep away camp over summer break, and explores teenage identity, fitting in, and friendships.

Highlights

Having already read Calonita's Belles series, I was immediately interested when I heard she had a new offering available and I went and ordered it from Amazon right away. Having only ever heard of Calonita in reference to her Belles series, I wasn't aware until after I read the book that this is technically the second in the Whispering Pines series. However, if you haven't yet read the first book have no fear - this one reads like a stand-alone and from what I've been told features mostly new characters and an independent plot. I always enjoy a "series" where each book might take place in the same world, and overlap characters, but each can stand as an independent read - so right away that gets points from me.

I really enjoyed the read - it was just what I was looking for: light, fun, quick, and summer-y. Having never been a summer sleep away camp attendee (the most I've ever done was Girl Scout camps) - I can say the book paints a pretty fantastic picture - I definitely wanted to go back and do a summer session in high school at Whispering Pines! The author does a great job of making it sound pretty fantastic, even with a main character who dislikes the outdoors, camping, bugs, anything athletic, etc. - and as a girl who isn't overly athletic myself, it still sounded fun!

I think what stood out for me the most while I was reading (and makes me want to force my high school aged little sis to read this) would be the topics that are the focus of the book. The story's central themes involve friendship, identity, fitting in, and learning what you value. I enjoyed that the main character, Harper, is on a journey (whether she realizes and/or wants to be) of self-discovery and growth. Harper starts off pretty annoying, she has some clearly redeeming qualities (you can tell her hearts in the right place), however she is pretty superficial and waaaay to focused on all the wrong things.

I enjoyed watching Harper progress and learn to adapt to new experiences, try new things, and begin to find herself in the process. It was nice to watch her develop a friendship with Lina at camp, and see how their friendship grows and what Harper learns about being a friend from this. It was also refreshing to read a YA Contemp where the primary focus was not on the romance, although romance did play a small role as well.

Wishes

Generally, I really enjoyed this read and it fit with what I was expecting and looking for. A few wishes I might have had about the book would have to be around Kate and Margo (Harper's friends from home). I really didn't like Kate (for the entire book!), but Margo I felt was more like Harper: likable if given a push away from people like Kate. I wish we had gotten more closer around what Harper's next move was in terms of her 'friendships' with Margo and Kate and how the realizations she had made at camp would impact her at home. It would have been nice to have some closure around that situation.

***

Overall, I'd say it's a great summer read and I would definitely recommend picking it up if you're looking for a fun beach read. I know I'll definitely be looking into this other book that takes place at Whispering Pines.

Recommendations:

The Art of Lainey - Paula Stokes

Belles - Jen Calonita

My Life Next Door - Huntley Fitzpatrick

Biggest Flirts - Jennifer Echols

Rating:  

4 out of 5 Doxies - Definitely worth a read, an author you can count on for a satisfying read!

Review - My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

"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?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another. (Goodreads)

My Life Next Door is a fun, sweet, YA Contemporary Romance that focuses on the developing relationship and first love of Samantha and Jase.  Fans of the YA Contemporary Romance genre, Katie McGarry, Sarah Dessen, and Susane Colasanti will definitely enjoy this offering. I know I read it in only one day and I cannot wait for more! 

Highlights

I really enjoyed the focus on family, friendships, and first love. I loved the romance between Samantha and Jase - getting to experience their first "love", it was heartwarming and feel good - it just made you want to smile. The romance was fun and sweet, I was definitely in love with the Garrett family - I always wished I had a big, loving family and it was so great to read about them. I was definitely intrigued by them and wanted to see and hear more about each of the members - especially little George! 

I think one of the strengths of the story was the interesting and varied characters. Whether I liked the characters or not, I found them intriguing and was eager to learn more about them and their backstory. I even found myself surprised by Fitzpatrick's ability to change my mind about a character - to expand upon a character and describe their growth and mold that character I didn't think I would like into one I looked forward to reading about. I obviously enjoyed George, Jase, and Sam - but surprisingly enough I was also intrigued by Tim! I liked that Sam wasn't necessarily "typical" - she was intelligent, observant, quiet, reserved and calm. I also enjoyed Jase for being this amazing person: level-headed, sweet, respectful, caring, and above all interesting. 

One thing that I really enjoyed was reading about the relationship between Sam and her mother and hearing about her home life. I think the personality of her mother and their tense relationship is one many might be able to relate to. I always find it enjoyable in literature to see a variety of parenting styles and relationships between families. Not everyone comes from a perfect home, and I liked the contrast to the families in the story - nothing was "perfect" on either side and their were ups and downs for both sides.

Wishes

While I very much enjoyed the story, there are a few things I could say I wished for during it. One thing I would have liked to see would have been a little more of a focus on a functional friendship - it would have been a nice touch to see that either Sam or Jase had a good friend outside of one another. However, that's more of a nitpick.

I did struggle with the main climatic episode of the book - it was very hard to read and wrap my head around, especially how certain characters dealt with it. (I won't say too much, I'd rather be vague than give away too much.) The climax of the story was very dramatic, but I think I would have preferred a different situation as the climax of the story. The storyline for me was a bit hard to take and wrap my head around or think how the characters could move on from. Maybe I wouldn't feel that way as much as I do, but the story was left rather open-ended and unresolved for me on a number of levels. Although, this might have to do with the fact that it appears there will be a second book.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story - the flow was great, the characters fun, the story intriguing. I would recommend it to a friend, and I will definitely be picking up the next one in the hopes of getting some more answers! Despite my nitpicks, I read this book in one day - it held my attention and it left me feeling a bit adrift: I wanted more! Immediately! So if you haven't had the chance, I'd say definitely give this one a try.

Recommendations:

What Happened To Goodbye - Sarah Dessen

Stealing Heaven - Elizabeth Scott

Dare You To - Katie McGarry

Perfect Chemistry - Simone Elkeles

When It Happens - Susane Colasanti

Rating - 

4 out of 5 Doxies - Liked it a lot, definitely worth the read - I know I'll be reading more by this author!

Review: Also Known As by Robin Benway

Also Known As - by Robin Benway

Genre/Topic:  YA, Contemporary, Spies, Espionage, Intrigue, Adventure, High School, Mystery

Reasons to read…

• Fantastic Female Characters
• Roux and Maggie are so fun and quirky - you just want to know them in real life and be friends with them! They are both smart, strong, sassy, and make mistakes - making them completely lovable and relatable. I love their banter and the great friendship between the two - it's always nice to see a good, healthy girl friendship in books.
• Young Love
• Maggie and Jesse are such a cute couple! Their romance was so sweet, I just loved reading about their first real romance, you really find yourself rooting for them.
• Family Dynamic
• Loved seeing the relationship between Maggie and her family. It was a really loving, respectful relationship and it was interesting to see how they worked together and worked through typical growing pains. I also adored Maggie's "surrogate" uncle.
• Reminiscent of Nancy Drew (to me at least)
• For me, the book brought me back to reading my Nancy Drew mystery's back in the day - they were fun, interesting and filled with great mysteries. Also Known As gave me that same feeling - a bit of mystery and intrigue and a great female lead with a fun supporting cast.
• Charming, quick, and engaging adventure with a little bit of everything - love, mystery, friendship…It went so fast and was such a fun read!

           Rating:   4 out of 5 Doxies - Liked it a lot, definitely worth a read!!

What Should I Read Next?, Recommendations:

• For more of Maggie, Roux, and Jesse…

• For more Spies/Espionage and High School

• For more Adventure, Mystery, and Amazing Female Leads

• For more Alternate Identities, Mystery, Adventure, and High School

Chick Lit Reviews: Jill Mansell's Don't Want to Miss a Thing and The Unpredictable Consequences of Love

  

My Thoughts

Ok, to begin with I guess I should state that Jill Mansell is amazing! She is one of my favorite authors – I love her books so much that I order them from Amazon UK and have them shipped over so I can read them – like I said: amazing!

Anyway, with that out of the way…I have recently read to of her amazing books and will be reviewing them today. On a sad note, this means I am all caught up on her books – even the titles that were not released in the US and I special ordered…which means I will have to wait for a new one. This kind of makes me want to cry because like I said – I love her books!

If you are a fan of chick lit, story lines that revolve around multiple characters, contemporary adult, and/or UK authors – then these are definitely books for you. Go now – run, don’t walk and try out a book by Jill Mansell!

As with all Jill Mansell books, we are introduced to an assorted cast of intriguing and engaging characters, each of different ages and experiences.The settings, as to be expected, are charming English ones that just pull at you and makes you wish you were there. Each story feels real to me, has pieces and characters that feel real to life – and I often find myself wanting to be friends with the characters. Each story is filled with moments of love, laughter and tears – these books are perfect. They are the books I look forward to after a long, stressful day – I just want to sit with a warm blanket, my pups, and warm beverage and one of these books to relax with.

Don’t Want To Miss A Thing 

by Jill Mansell

Dexter Yates loves his fun, care-free London life; he has money, looks and girlfriends galore. But everything changes overnight when his sister dies, leaving him in charge of her eight-month-old daughter Delphi. How is he ever going to cope?

Comic-strip artist Molly Hayes lives in the beautiful Cotswold village of Briarwood. When it comes to relationships, she has a history of choosing all the wrong men. Leaving the city behind, Dex moves to Briarwood - a much better place to work on his parenting skills - and he and Molly become neighbours. There's an undeniable connection between them. But if Dexter's going to adapt, he first has a lot to learn about Molly, about other people's secrets...and about himself. (Goodreads)

Highlights:

First, I once again loved the characters, and I loved the sub-plots. I adored the village and the neighbors – I wanted to go live there while reading! I found Molly (one of the main characters) to be very relatable, and warm – I just really enjoyed her: bad decision making and all.

I really enjoyed that the story was made up of both serious and light moments. I found myself absorbed in the story from start to finish and was very sad when it came to an end. The writing flows, and really draws you in.

I really enjoyed the Molly and Dex story line; I also really adored the Dex and Delphi storyline. I loved that the story was about a love that grows, that starts as friendship and just progresses over time – I’d like to see more stories like that.

Wishes:

I know many people would state the predictability of the story and wish it was less so…however I just can’t do that. You see, I actually expect and enjoy some predictability in my Chick Lit. I want the couple to get together in the end, I want a happy ending that cheers me up and gives me hope. For me, the enjoyment of the story is in the journey the how and why of reaching the happy ending, and yeah a bit in the ending itself and it’s resolution – each one is a little different.

So I can’t really complain or have any wishes with this book. At times I found myself frustrated with characters like Dex and Frankie’s husband, but ultimately it was part of the journey and growth of the characters. I also really liked these characters and found them relatable because of their flaws and frustrating bits.

Overall, I would definitely give it a thumbs up and recommend it - so go ahead and grab yourself a copy and a cozy spot to read and relax! :)

**For Recommendations see below second review**

Rating:

 4 out of 5 Doxies –  Liked it a lot, definitely worth a read!

              The Unpredictable Consequences of Love 

                                        by Jill Mansell

When Josh Strachan, newly returned to his home in north Cornwall from sunny California, first meets Sophie Wells, he's immediately smitten. Sophie's pretty, she's funny, she has lots of friends and she clearly loves her job as a photographer, despite the sometimes tricky clients. There's just one problem: Sophie has very firmly turned her back on love. It's nothing personal, she tells Josh, but she just doesn't do dates. And no one - even Sophie's scatty best friend Tula - will tell him why. Josh is sure Sophie likes him, though, and he's just got to find out what's put her off romance. And then put things right... (Goodreads)

Highlights:

Ok, to begin with I LOVED this book. I mean, I truly love all of Jill Mansell’s books, but with any favorite author you have your favorites – this one was definitely one of mine. For me, it hit all the right notes and feels, and I just really enjoyed myself while reading it.

I adored the characters (as I so often do with Ms. Mansell’s books) but in this one I was just really attached to all of them. I really loved feeling like I was experiencing it all with them – the characters were spunky and fun. I wanted to be friends with them and hang out and I definitely wanted them all to get their happy endings – though I really didn’t want it to end!

I thought the back-stories were great in this, and particularly enjoyed Sophie’s. I really felt for her, and I was invested and interested in seeing how things would pan out for her. And I really thought the flashbacks were great, and appreciated them as a means of experiencing some of the back-story. I also really liked watching her growth throughout the book, and her getting some closure.

I appreciated once again, the delicate balance that was made between the more serious and light moments of the novel. These more serious explorations always make it feel real, but the lightness makes it enjoyable and hopeful. I also delighted in the fact that once again, various ages and generations were accounted for in the story. That is something that has always appealed to me about Ms. Mansell’s books – it isn’t all teens, or twenty-somethings, or even thirty-somethings. She strives to provide a varied cast of relatable and likeable characters with their own storylines in each book. Life isn’t all about one age group, and I enjoy seeing different points of views, and experiences across a span of people.

Wishes:

Although I enjoyed the book immensely, and would definitely recommend it (in fact I lent it to a friend already), like any great book you still usually walk away with a wish or two. In this case, I might have liked a bit more of a build up to Josh’s feelings/infatuation with Sophie. Although at the same time, the author did only make him infatuated with her – not in love – which is totally believable.

My biggest wish however would have to be with Laurence, I liked him but I also hated him. It wasn’t his personality that bothered me, in fact, based on that alone I really enjoyed and liked him. It was part of his story line/actions – I’m not a big fan of love triangles or falling in love with someone while in love with someone else. Personally I do believe in true love, I don’t believe there is more than one person out there for each of us – I believe in true love and working on a relationship over time. So, this was really just a matter of personal preference – and it wasn’t an active part of the story, it was part of his back-story. But it still irritated me throughout – mostly because I liked him and I wanted to despise and dismiss him out of hand based on the back-story.

Anyway, overall this book was an amazing read that I would definitely recommend and/or lend (or force) on others. J As my friend Lizzy can attest too. Once again, Jill Mansell has done it – left me with another book to love, a book hangover and a prevailing sadness as I realize I now have to wait for her next book to come out. Luckily I have all the others to reread in the meantime.

Recommendations:

If you enjoyed this book and are looking for more romantic, Chick Lit type reads:

I’ve Got Your Number – Sophie Kinsella

Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service – Beth Kendrick

Do or Di– Eileen Cook

The Little Lady Agency – Hester Browne

Faking It – Jennifer Crusie

Rating:

 5 out of 5 Doxies –  Loved it! A must read, reread, and own it book!

Jenn

 Tale of Two Doxies

www.taleoftwodoxies.blogspot.com

Review: Diamonds & Deceit by Leila Rasheed

Title: Diamonds & Deceit

Author: Leila Rasheed

Release Date: January 7, 2014

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Genre: YA, Historical Drama

Pages: 432

My Thoughts

Diamonds & Deceit is the second book in the At Somerton book series (the first being Cinders & Sapphires). This second story picks up where the first left off, it once again sweeps you back in time to the earlier 1900’s. Rasheed picks up weaving the story of the Averley family and their staff in this thrilling estate drama. Once again, we are drawn into the intricacies of the “upstairs” and “downstairs” world and entangled within the dreams, schemes, and scandals as those involved make their way forth into a rapidly evolving society and world.

This was another light, engaging read that I quickly whipped through in only a day. The story this time focused more on the “upstairs” characters as Rose has now joined their ranks. Rose however is trying to negotiate this change and so we do get a very interesting plotline from that alone. As I’ve said before, I am a huge fan of period piece dramas – so for me this was an excellent read. I loved the whole premise, and how Rasheed seamlessly moved the story from the first book to this one. The story hummed along, and I found myself whisked away to another time with “seasons”, society balls, and exquisite manners. I felt wrapped up in the story and each character’s drama.

For fans of historical dramas, English Estate dramas, and of Downton Abbey – this book is for you (but make sure you read Cinders & Sapphires first!).

Highlights:

I enjoyed a great many things about this story, not the least of which was the fact that it was reminiscent of Downton Abbey. I loved the romance and the time period of the story, and found myself truly invested in a fair few of the characters. I truly enjoyed seeing the growth in a fair number of the characters over the course of the two books. I also loved that Rasheed did not shy away from showing multiple sides to her characters, giving them dreams, wants, needs and most importantly flaws. I like that you could see the good and the bad in the characters, which of course made them feel more realistic and sympathetic. 

Another highlight for me was the fact that Rasheed chose to have the character focus (and often the place) change from chapter to chapter. I liked seeing and experiencing the world from multiple perspectives, and learning more about each character. This provided a nice flow to the story, pulling me in more and helped me to appreciate each character and to understand each more fully.

Finally, I really enjoyed the exploration of relevant world issues of the time: women’s right to vote and to education, the changing roles in society, family dynamics in this time frame, Indian Independence, interracial relationships, etc. I especially enjoyed the exploration of family roles and the implications of a blended family at this time. It was an interesting addition to the plot line around the limitations of women in “high society” at the time and familial duty.

Wishes

One area that I might make a wish about would be in the transition. While I was able to easily fall into the story and pick up where the last story left off, I think it would be harder for someone who had not just finished the previous book. It might have been nice to have some transitioning/ease in for those who might have gone awhile in between readings and/or is picking this book up to read first. With so many characters and interwoven storylines, I think this would be helpful, even in the form of a few pages of character introductions before the start of the story.

Another wish I suppose, might be for more chapters or focus and development on some of the “downstairs” characters. The second book focused primarily on “upstairs” cast, and while it was great, I still would have liked to see and/or hear a bit more from downstairs as well.

Overall, I found this to be a delightful read, and I cannot wait for the next installment – so many questions! This book left me wanting more and very sad to leave behind the beautiful world it created. The epilogue gave a few tie ups to lose ends and answers but not nearly enough! It also left us at the start of a war, all I can say is Ms. Rasheed please hurry up and get book 3 out please! If you haven’t had the chance, I would definitely recommend this breezy, splendidly fun read.

Recommendations:  

If you enjoyed this book and are looking for more Historical Drama type reads try:

Secondhand Charm – Julie Berry

Wildwing – Emily Whitman

The American Heiress – Daisy Goodwin

Ruby Red – Kerstin Gier

Keeping the Castle – Patrice Kindl

The Hawk and the Jewel – Lori Wick           

Rating:

 4 out of 5 Doxies –   Liked it a lot, definitely worth a read!

Jenn

 Tale of Two Doxies

www.taleoftwodoxies.blogspot.com