Book Review: Kissing in America by Margo Rabb

Goodreads Description: 

In the two years since her father died, sixteen-year-old Eva has found comfort in reading romance novels—118 of them, to be exact—to dull the pain of her loss that’s still so present. Her romantic fantasies become a reality when she meets Will, who seems to truly understand Eva’s grief. Unfortunately, after Eva falls head-over-heels for him, he picks up and moves to California without any warning. Not wanting to lose the only person who has been able to pull her out of sadness—and, perhaps, her shot at real love—Eva and her best friend, Annie, concoct a plan to travel to the west coast to see Will again. As they road trip across America, Eva and Annie confront the complex truth about love.

In this honest and emotional journey that National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr calls “gorgeous, funny, and joyous,” readers will experience the highs of infatuation and the lows of heartache as Eva contends with love in all of its forms.

Title: Kissing in America
Author: Margo Rabb
Genre: Contemporary, YA, Coming of age
Format: e-book, ARC

Pages: 400 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins
Source: ARC was received in exchanged for an honest review from NetGalley

I'll admit from the start that this was a cover pick cause COME ON when a big billboard with the word 'KISSING' is on the cover it screams romance and I'm in!

HOWEVER this book was not really a romance book but a coming of age story about love (and not just romantic love).

Eva's dad died in a plane crash two years prior to the book and since then she has finds comfort in reading romance novels which also means rebelling on her feminist mother. Eva then falls for a boy she tutors in school name Will who understands what she's trough so when Will unexpectedly moves across the country to California, Eva convince best friend Annie auditions for a quiz show called 'Smartest girl in America' which gives her the chance to see will again. Because Eva's scared of flying (due to obvious reasons), they decided to take a road trip where they encounter Eva's crazy Aunt Janet, Annie's cousin Grace, some actual swoon worthy cowboys and Eva's mum's best friend Lulu. There are a couple of side stories like Eva and her mum's relationship and Eva and her love for writing which she has abandon ever since her dad passes away as it was a connection she had with her dad.

I like Eva's narration but was not that a fan of her as a character. While I enjoy her inner monologues and funny remarks, I got annoyed with her character, one stupid decision after another. While I did empathise with her on some level like her mum being OVERLY over protective, was not a fan of her going across the country just to see the guy she likes. Even so those decisions, she does learn from her mistakes and this a great example that a main character does not have to be likable to be enjoyable.

One thing that stood out for me was the amazing and diverse cast of side characters. While I did like Annie and Aunt Janet, Lulu was my favorite of the bunch. Each character has a great sidestory and of them all I find Lulu's the more intriguing and meaningful.

While I did like the story I found the pacing slow and it took a while for me to click with the story. I also wish we got to see more of Eva and her mum's relationship as I feel like something is missing. Even so I really like the writing especially near the end where I went highlighting happy in my Kindle as there were a lot of really beautiful and meaningful. I also love the road trip element as THIS is how a road trip should be written, full of spontaneous moments.

Now the 'hint' of romance, though it ended bittersweet (and kinda makes me want to punch Will as he was a flipping jackass), it was realistic and ended a lot than I expected.

When I was in high school, we had a genre of poems to study called 'Relationship' and everyone thought Relationship = romance. We eventually found out that it does not necessary means romance and kinda got turn off cause of a long winded poem *cough* william butler yeats's 'a prayer for my daughter' and switch that genre to 'Conflict'.  Looking back, it made me now realise that every relationship is a love story in its own way.

This book is a love story but a love story between Eve and her mum as well as the ones she love.

Overall, while there were some stuff in the book I was not a fan off I still really did enjoy it! A great and meaningful coming off story about grieve and moving on, love between a daughter and her mother (or in this case mother figures) and of cause a great road trip adventure!

6.5/10

Check this book out of the library or read a sample of the book before you go out and purchase it.

Book Review: Let's Get Lost by Adi Alsaid

Goodreads Description:

 

Five strangers. Countless adventures. One epic way to get lost.

Four teens across the country have only one thing in common: a girl named LEILA. She crashes into their lives in her absurdly red car at the moment they need someone the most.

There's HUDSON, a small-town mechanic who is willing to throw away his dreams for true love.

And BREE, a runaway who seizes every Tuesday—and a few stolen goods along the way.

ELLIOT believes in happy endings…until his own life goes off-script.

And SONIA worries that when she lost her boyfriend, she also lost the ability to love.
Hudson, Bree, Elliot and Sonia find a friend in Leila. And when Leila leaves them, their lives are forever changed. But it is during Leila's own 4,268-mile journey that she discovers the most important truth— sometimes, what you need most is right where you started. And maybe the only way to find what you're looking for is to get lost along the way.  

 

Title: Let's Get Lost
Author: Adi Alsaid
Genre: Contemporary, Coming Of Age, YA
Format: Paperback

Pages: 352 pages
Publisher:  Harlequin Teen
Source: Purchased at Target

 

 

 

Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of ‘road trip contemporary’ popping around the bookstores and with the hype of John Green’s Paper towns being made into a movie, I’m expecting more coming my way.

The book follows Leila who is on a road trip to Alaska to see the Northern Lights. Along the way she drives by Hudson, Bree, Elliot and Sonia lives and helps them with their problems.

Following the 5 characters, the book is told in ‘short stories’ from each characters POV.

 

Husdon

Hudson, a small town boy who works at his dad’s workshop, we follow him on the eve of his big college interview when Leila drives into his life.

I was not a fan of Hudson’s story. While I did like the ‘treasure adventure’ part, I was not a fan of his characters, the decision he made or even the instant love.

I especially hated the ending on how he acted and treated Leila.

It was kind of cringing reading about Husdon. So yah… not a great start to the book for me.

2.5/5 stars

 

Bree

Bree is a teen runaway who has been on the streets for months since a falling out with her sister. She shoplifts to survive and indulge in a thing called ‘Seize the Tuesday’.

I enjoyed Bree story and it was trilling and nerve wrecking reading about her and Leila on their shoplifting spree.

I like how her story was played out and we get to know more about her past along with her relationship with her sister and the events that led her to run.

I also like how Bree realises her wrong doing and her miscommunication with her sister.

It was a great family oriented story as well as well as a coming of age. I wanted to read more about Bree and a sister and won’t mind a full book on that.

4.5/5 stars

 

Elliot

Hopeless in romance and obsess with movies (especially good 80’s rom-com movies) Elliot has his senior prom scripted out on how he’s gonna confess his love to his best friend. However he didn’t see the plot twist and now his prom night is going off script.

I adored Elliot’s character and I was laughing and cheering for him as he and Leila goes on a mad goose chase around the small town of Minnesota to get the girl

Yah I had that 1989 Taylor Swift song stuck in my head trough the story.

Elliot started out as clingy and whiny but that’s kind of because he was upset that the girl he likes rejected him. Once you get to know him, you’ll learn what a sweet guy he is!

It was fun watching Leila being the ‘cheerleader’ for Elliot, motivating and pushing him to win heart.

This was one of my more favourite stories in the book!

Laugh out loud hilarious, cute and entertaining as we watch Elliot get the girl, I don’t mind a longer story or even a full book of Elliot as well.

5/5 stars

Sonia

Sonia’s boyfriend Sam recently passed away and she is not over him.

In British Colombia as the bridesmaid at Sam sister’s wedding and secretly seeing the Groom’s brother, Jeremiah who is also the best man of the wedding. She’s not ready to tell Sam’s family who is like family to her that she has moved on, afraid of betraying them.

This story talks about moving on from losing a love one but also moving on in a relationship.

It was very bitter sweet to read about and I keep thinking of a friend of mine who recently loss her boyfriend in a motorbike accident.

Even though I like Sonia and felt bad for her, the story was kind of strange in a way that will only work in stories like this.

On the eve of the wedding, Sonia leave Jeremiah's Room after an argument with his jacket (which has the rings in it) and runs into Leila in a convenient shop. The two of them drives back to America and haves to get back to Canada since Sonia has the rings. However it is not an easy task as they side track into a situation that includes a missing passport, custom officers and Tim Horton doughnuts. 

I neither like nor didn’t like this story but I enjoyed how Sonia’s story came to be.

4/5 stars

 

Leila

I was excited to read about Leila’s story as trough the book she had this air of mystery that got my brain churning conspiracy theories about her character and her reason on making her trip to the Northern Lights.

Trough the book there were some hints that something bad happened to her and once I got the answer to the mystery of her past, I felt like a rock hit the inside of me as its freaking sad and emotional. Leila seemed like this free spirit and happy go lucky girl who is intelligent, compassionate and quirk but once you get to know the real her, she’s currently in a position where she’s just very loss with herself.

I’m not going to get into spoiler territory (like all my reviews) as reading all the short stories leading up to Leila’s story is worth the journey to finding out about her.

All I can say is that Leila is on a self-discovery road trip hoping to feel whole and complete. In this story she meets a family who helps her see the Northern Lights.

Once again this story is very emotional and bitter sweet especially when we learn the truth about Leila. While I found part of the ending a bit cliché, I still enjoyed how her story and the book ended.

5/5 stars

 

I enjoyed Let’s get Lost and it reminds me of a bit of Since You’ve Been Gone and Paper Towns. I like the different narrations and characters and how their stories intertwined. I also love the small town atmospheres in the book.

My favourite thing about this book is the element of friendship. When Leila coincidently meet this 4 strangers on her trip, she became something important to them, she was their friend, voice of reason, supporter and listener and a good one too. She did all of this and left this impression and effect on them and the readers and we don't know anything about her till the end!

This is a great coming of age story and road trip themed book!

Leila and her story is my favourite in the book. She is one of those breath of fresh air characters that you’ll never forget and like the other characters in the book, Leila had the same effect on me when I was done with her story.

I also like reading the post cards that Leila sends out through the book as ‘dividers’ in between stories.

Fun, entertaining and adventurous, I was hooked to each characters and their stories and didn’t want to put it down! If any of this characters get a full book I'll read it as I want to read more about them! This was a unique twist to the 'fun summer road trip' genre!

I really enjoyed Adi Alsaid’s writing and the book leaves me with a big smile and wanting more!

Seize the Tuesday and have an epic adventure with this book (legally!!! lolz)!!!

 

 

I’m looking forward to his next book Never Always Sometimes coming out in August and this is one of those 'bucket list' stories!

 

Book Review: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Goodreads Description:

The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell. 

But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just… disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try… unless they could lead back to her best friend.

Apple Picking at Night? Okay, easy enough.

Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not?

Kiss a Stranger? Wait… what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um…

Title: Since You've Been Gone
Author: Morgan Matson
Genre: Contemporary, Coming of Age, Romance, YA
Format: Hardback

Pages: 449 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Source: Purchased from the Bookdepository

 First book completed in 2015!!!

Since you've been gone was so good!! *hugging book*

A great coming of age story of friendship, getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new.

Emily's best friend Sloane leaves town without an explanation and a list of stuff to do. The list consist of dares like 'hug a Jamie' to 'horse back riding' taking Emily out of her comfort zone. Trough the book we get flashbacks on their friendship and how some of this dares is related to it.

The books follows Emily's summer as she go to some extreme measures to complete the list and learn to live life without Sloane.

Along the way she makes friends with Frank, Collins and Dawn who helps her complete her list.

Emily was a great portrayed to someone who's socially awkward and needs a bit of a push to come out of her shell. As the book progresses she grows in confident and gets bolder with every dare she takes. She also becomes more independent as when Solane was around she was very dependent on her. She also establish relationships she would not have established if it not for the list.

I also love the sibling relationship as for an odd reason i rarely find a YA that has a good brother-sister relationship.

Her friendship with Frank was another favorite thing about the book! I love the development of their relationship and how Frank who at first looks like this 'perfect' guy but is more that meets the eyes. Also a guy who loves the band 'Parachute' and 'The Beatles' wins my heart! 

In a way i could relate to the book about having a friend suddenly leave/ leaving a friend and feel so lost without that them.

The playlist as a fun bonus! Lots of song that i love and some new discoveries! (Btw fangirled when my favorite band Parachute was mentioned) 

The book when i first saw it in the mail was a lot chunkier then i expected (though its partly cause i wanted the pretty hardback) but i breezed trough this super fast! Its well paced and an easy light read. Though the book is more on the friendship it does have a side of romance that was well developed and paced out. Also some of the scenarios and ways that Emily complete the list was entertaining and hilarious. 

Since you've been gone is about getting out of your comfort zone, making memories with friends and family that you are comfortable with. A fun Summer contemporary that is a must read!

Things to do after you read this review

1) pick up 'since you've been gone' (skip this step if you have and go straight to number two if you have read this book)

2) leave a comment and your thoughts in the book

3) let me know the first book you've completed in 2015 

Book Review: Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle

Goodreads Description:

An ill-timed storm on Christmas Eve buries the residents of Gracetown under multiple feet of snow and causes quite a bit of chaos. One brave soul ventures out into the storm from her stranded train and sets off a chain of events that will change quite a few lives. Over the next three days one girl takes a risky shortcut with an adorable stranger, three friends set out to win a race to the Waffle House (and the hash brown spoils), and the fate of a teacup pig falls into the hands of a lovesick barista.

A trio of today's bestselling authors - John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle - bring all the magic of the holidays to life in three hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and kisses that will steal your breath away. 

Title: Let It Snow
Author: John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance,Christmas/Holiday Reads
Format: Paperback

Pages: 368 pages
Publisher: Penguin UK
Source: Purchased from Big W

Sweet, heart warming, laugh out loud and crazy, this book has everything you will want in a Christmas reads.

Set on Christmas Eve in Gracetown during the worst blizzard in fifty years, we follow Jubilee, Tobin and Addie story which intertwining to bring one big Christmas story.

1) The Jubilee Train

Jubilee is sent to her grandparents place on Christmas Eve by train as her parents are arrested over a shopping riot. Due to the biggest blizzard on fifty years, the train gets stuck and she gets off the train at Gracetown and finds herself in a Waffle House with her train companions Jeb and fourteen hyper cheerleaders. There she meets Stuart who can't get to his work at Target due to the storm and after chatting for a while he invites her home for Christmas.

I love this story! Quirky, cute, fun, fluffy with a hint of cheesiness (in a feel good way) I wiz trough this and enjoyed ever bit to the story. Jubilee is not only my favorite character in the story but also in the book! I feel like she is someone I can be friends with. Stuart is a sweetheart. I also enjoyed their relationship.

 2) A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle

We follow Tobin, JP and the Duke (real name Angie) are on a mission after being tip off by their friend Keun (who we meet in The Jubilee Train) that there are fourteen cheerleaders at the Waffle House stranded due to their train getting stuck and wanting to play a game of Twister. Trough the worse blizzard in fifty years, our brave trio are on for an adventure where they have to get to The Waffle House before Keun co-workers friends get there. 

This story had me laughing from the start, adrenaline rush the middle and warm and gooey in the inside (in a good way) at the end.

John Green you've done it again! Tobin is something I can easily picture after reading every John Green book existing and love his character to bits. Quirky, comical but also one of those guys who is intelligent and i will want as my best friend. 

I also love his friends JP, Duke and Keun and their interaction. JP and his melodramatic dialogs was hilarious! I also love the hint of diversity since JP and Keun are both Korean/Asian characters yet they are very different from the stereotypical Asian characters.

Its trilling reading the snow adventure and reminds me a bit of the road trip aspect of Paper Towns.

Also the romance I kinda predicted from the start how it was going to turn out and though its not his best it still left me with happy warm feels at the end.

                                              3) The Patron Saint of Pigs

We follow Addie is depress over the break up with her boyfriend Jeb prior to Christmas. We get to know a bit about their relationship back story and how Jeb (who we meet in the previous stories) is not a fan of PDA which was one of the main reason of the break up. 

One the morning after Christmas she agrees to help her friend pick up her pet teacup pig (squeal!!! cuteness!!!) from the pet store across the street from the Starbucks that she works at. Of cause plot twist things don't go as planned and now Addie has to put aside her own problems to help with her friends.

Addie was at first not a likeable character with the fact she was freaking self centered annoying! Though the book she shows determination of changing for the better. 

Overall

I love Let It Snow as we get to see three different writing style under the same scenario. 

My most favorite story has to be Maureen Johnson's followed by John Green and Lauren Myracle respectively. Even so I did enjoy all three stories as they were good in their own ways. I like how each authors managed to write a well developed story in 100+++ pages that does not feel too rush and that you are left satisfied with the ending for each characters.

The final scene in the book is my favourite on how the story all wrapped up! I literally was grinning like an idiot at the funny and adorable ending. 

Even though some of the scenarios in the book are not that realistic, its one of those books where it all falls together and just works!

Let It Snow is still a fun romantic comedy book that reminds me a bit of the movie Love Actually.

This is definitely a book you are looking for a cozy Christmas reads! 

Kinda ironic that I read Let It Snow in a Starbucks... and yes I told them my name is Ruth eventhough its not... sorry Starbucks people but I troll you :P advantage of  NOT having an English name!

Also I highly recommend reading this at a Starbucks with one of their Christmas drink (my favorite if the peppermint mocha) or with a nice hot drink on the side to set the mode :P

 

 

 What's you're favorite Starbucks drink??? 

I usually like a Skinny Cappuccino at any coffee place but at Starbucks I like to go fancy and get a Dark Mocha frappe or the Green Tea frappe with whipped cream!

Also if you love Christmas Romance check out Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan (Review Here)

Book Review: Tall Dark and Distant (Smitten) by Julie Fison

Goodreads Description: 

Full of love, romance and a whole heap of flirty fun, Smitten is a sexy new series. It will make you weak at the knees.

When Georgia meets Nik on her summer holiday, she’s sure he’s too good to be true. He’s gorgeous, with god-like abs and an adorable English accent. Then she discovers that he’s actually a member of an obscenely wealthy Russian family – and he wants to get to know her better. Nik catapults Georgia into a world of private yachts, fast cars and expensive jewellery. Having a billionaire for a boyfriend certainly comes with benefits … but it also comes with a price. How long will it take before life in the fast lane spins out of control?

 

 

Title: Tall Dark and Distant

Author: Julie Fison

Genre: Contemporary, YA, NA, Romance, Chick Lit, Mature YA

Format: Paperback

Pages: 236 page

Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont

Source: Purchased from Booktopia

Yay another smitten romance! Great fluffy romance to start my summer holidays! I breezed trough this and was just what I needed to recover from uni exams.

The book follows Georgia on vacation with her family in Noosa when she meets Nik on her morning run. The two turn from friends and running buddies to something more.

I have a love hate relationship with the character Georgia. On one hand I like her down to earth, smart and awkward personality though on the other hand she tend to make some really stupid and cringe worthy mistakes. As for Nik, I love the guy instantly! Swoon worthy, slightly mysterious, cheeky and charming. Nik comes from a wealthy family and has a dark past that I didn't expected.

The side characters were an okay cast but the one that stood out to me the most is Alice, Georgia's younger sister. Gosh that kid a piece of work as I've never hated a character this much till I read about Alice. Long story short, Alice is freaking annoying and gets kinda bratty when she does not get what she wants especially from Georgia and gets her revenge on her sister even if it means almost ruining Georgia and Nik's relationship.

I like Georgia and Nik's relationship! It was not exactly instalove but the romance was a good fast pace. This book also explores more on the emotional side of romance and boy was there some emotional roller coaster in this book.

The plot of the book was interesting and the plot twist was unexpected. Its a good 'regular girl falls for mysterious rich guy' sorta romance. Though the book started out really good but I find the ending of the book kinda lacking.

Overall its a sweet summer/vacation contemporary romance that will make you swoon, smile and giggle and you can read while relaxing around.

Book Review : The Cinderella Moment by Jennifer Kloester

Goodreads :

A love of fashion.

A couture competition.

A once-in-a-lifetime chance . . . Angel Moncoeur has always wanted to be a fashion designer, but without money or connections, it's going to be a challenge. When an opportunity to leave her home in New York and head to Paris appears, Angel grabs it – even if it means masquerading as her best friend Lily. That can't be too hard, can it?

But faking things doesn't come easy for Angel, so when she falls in love with her very own Prince Charming and he thinks she's someone else, things start to get complicated.

Angel needs to stop her secrets unravelling if she wants to live happily ever after . . .

From exciting talent Jennifer Kloester comes this fabulous story about high society, mistaken identity, love, betrayal, friendship – and great clothes.

 

Title: The Cinderella Moment
Author: Jennifer Kloester
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit,
Format: Paperback

Pages: 304 pages
Source: Purchased from Bookworld

Okay so its no secret that I love fairy tale retelling especially Cinderella retelling.

I was wonderstruck enchanted with the book! 

I picked this up as the book was recommended at PTA live and also cause the sequel is already out (The Rapunzel Dilemma) 

Reading this... lets just say its best to go into the book with knowing as little as possible and that the book is very different from the synopsis.

The book started slow for me but as it progresses it got better.  While I like the narration and the very addictive plot, I found some parts of the book too descriptive to my liking especially on the parts where Angle goes on and on about the fabric of the dresses. Maybe this is because I don't like sewing and was not a fan of sewing classes in high school is one of the reason but if even so I feel like the description was toned down slightly I will have enjoyed it more. Though don't get me wrong, its fun reading about Angle being mesmerize and enchanted with fashion! Its her passion and i love reading a character who is very passionate about something they love. 

The characters were very well written especially the 'evil step-mother' and 'evil step-daughter' characters as they made me LOVE to HATE them with pure passion! Probably one of the best written villains I've read! Like no joke i had temptation of throwing my book across the room when the evil duo were EVIL! But then I had to remind myself that its not worth throwing a book over frustrating villains as they are written out like that ;)

I like reading about Angle! She's very sweet and heart warming, at times i find her a bit too 'goody two shoes', enthusiast and passionate with fashion and a determine to make her dreams come true.  While I like Angle I love Lily and am looking forward to reading more about her in the sequel! Both girls are as different as day and night. Even though their differences they are as close as best friends could be and almost like sisters! If Angle is the 'goody two shoes', Lily is the rule breaker and risk taker. She's very caring and looks out for her best friend and is also really smart as she managed to get them out of some situation.. some not all... 

While I was not a fan on how Lily and Angle managed to swap places without anyone noticing, I still love reading about it! It reminds me of Parent Trap or Monte Carlo meets prince and the pauper and the princess diaries . I also love reading Angle and her relationship with Lily's Grandmere! She reminds me of a nicer version of Grandmere from the princess diaries!

In fact I had Julie Andrews in mind to play here if ever this book as made into a movie! Anyone?! just me?! okay... 

The side characters  Phillip (Lily's dad) and Simone (Angle's mum) were great to read but my fav is definitely Nick! I meant British boys, charming gentlemen manners, cute cheekiness, and did I mention he know how to tango?!?! I love reading his romance with Angle! My only complain about him is that there is not enough of him in the book!

While the main plot of the book is for Angle to achieve her dream of being a fashion designer , there were elements of friendship and expect alot of family drama at the end.

Overall check this book out for a refreshing modern twist on Cinderella, if you love reading books set in Paris, and if you enjoy watching project runway (or fashion).

What was the last enchanting book you've read?!

Book Review : Royally Lost by Angie Stanton

Goodreads Discription:

Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.

When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?

Title: Royally Lost
Author: Angie Stanton
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit,
Format: Paperback

Pages: 336 pages
Source: Purchased from the Book Depository

I saw Epic Reads website recommending this book for those who love Anna and The French Kiss by Stephine Perkin so I got my hands onto the book depository and ordered it since i as in a happy contemporary/ Stephine Perkin kick.

Royally Lost is a fun road trip/backpacking adventure around Europe reads with a cute summer romance although expect the book to be a realistic read. The romance between Nikolai and Becca at the start was one of the cheesiest insta-love I've read (and was not a big fan of) even though Nikolai didn't exactly fall head over heals for her but was attracted to her cause of some similarities in her. Still I enjoyed the development of their relationship! Happy, cute and fun with its twist and turns.

Becca came out strong, sassy and down to earth. Described as your typical 'All American Girl' at the start, freshly graduated from high school but unsure of what to peruse in college is dragged on a family vacation to cruise around Europe with her distance workaholic father, young overly eager stepmother and party/womanizer but caring and protective older brother Dylan.

One thing about the book that stood out from others is the close brother-sister relationship between Becca  Dylan. This is refreshing as in the book Becca and Dylan relationship came out as realistic and relatable. Yes they have their fights and bickers but they have some good moments like covering for each other when they are sneaking away from their parents. I rarely find good close age brother-sister relationship in YA as in most books the characters are only child, a sister-sister or brother-brother relationship, the siblings are significantly older or younger than the characters or that they are out of the picture.

My only complain of the two is that both characters keep whining and complaining on their trip around Europe. I meant I'll be grateful and happy dancing if I was given a chance to travel to Europe as a graduation/family vacation. Though I don't blame them for the awkwardness and distance from the new step mum and distance father.

Nicolai or should i say Prince Nicolai is SWOONNNN ! Charming, cheeky and freaking smart (history nerd anyone?) I fell for his charms the moment I opened the book. Yes some of the ways he handle himself/situation was not ideal but he manages to redeemed himself in the end of the day. Also some of the stuff he does gives me a heart attack as its very daring. Trough the book he is running from his strict traditional Royall family along with trying to hide from the paparazzi and blending with the locals.

I am not a big fan of Selina Gomez's songs but this song reminded me of the book.

Check this book out if you like 'Prince Undercover' stories, adventurous Europe roadtrips, a romance that will make you swoon and grin and a great fast pace summer/pick me up reads.

If you could go to anyplace in the world for a summer vacation where will it be?

I definitely will choose Europe (Switzerland preferred) but I also want to travel to the Philippines and USA someday.

Book Review: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Goodreads Synopsis:

"I've left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don't, put the book back on the shelf, please."

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors ofNick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a cosmic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Title: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance,Christmas/Holiday Reads
Format: Paperback

Pages: 260 pages
Source: Purchased from Hill of Content bookshop

So I am one of those who don't care what time of the year the book is set in as long as its a goodreads and since I was in the mood for a Christmas in July book I decided to pick this up.

I really enjoy this! I have not read anything by Rachel Cohn but have read Will Grayson, Will Grayson which David Levithan has co-written and liked it so I kinda knew that I was gonna like this.

I like the concept of the book of Dare that Lily left in Strand bookshop and the mad exchanges of  dares between Dash and Lily across New York. I enjoyed how the book brought them together and what made it a page turner is to see when they will finally meet up. Its freaking witty but also cute and heartwarming. Also learning about each other trough the notebook was a really smart ideal of giving the back story of both characters.

Dash's a nerdy book worm who is snarky yet charming and hilarious! I liked him from page and fall for him trough out the book. Lily took a while to warm up but I eventually enjoyed reading from her POV (though I prefer Dash's more). Both characters were were very likable characters and same goes for the side characters especially Boomer (btw freaking love this guy! Heck they should write a sequel staring him!), Aunt Ida and Mark. Opposite in so many ways Dash and Lily both compliment each other very well.

Overall I DARE you to read this if you like fun adventurous storylines, cute yet sarcastic and witty dialogs which are at times LOL, an amazing cast of characters as well as a great heartwarming Christmas romance.