[Review: What Happens In Paris by Jen McConnel]

"What Happens in Paris"
Author: Jen McConnel
Series: Adventures Abroad #2
Pages: 250
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Date Published: June 16th, 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for honest review

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Summary:

Four countries.
Three girls.
Three loves.
One adventure abroad they'll never forget.

Camie can't figure out what she wants, from college or life…until she meets Hunter. But will the magic of a romantic night in Paris last till the morning?

Fall in love with the second novella in the New Adult series, Adventures Abroad!

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To What Happens In Paris,

I'm so glad that you traveled to a lot of my favorite places in Paris. I got some major flashbacks to my own trip there a few years ago as I read through your pages. It was delightful to know just where Camie was traipsing through in Paris. On the flip side, I found your protagonist to be a whiner, and I didn't get along with her very well, which bummed me out. So props for the travel stuff, but I could have done without Camie.

-The White Unicorn

I have to let you all know that this is the only Adventures Abroad book that I have read so far. As this is a series of four books, I feel like I have limited insight into the storyline as a whole. That being said, this book does read like a standalone, which is nice as well. 

The travel bits of this book were my favorite. McConnel paints a really straight forward portrait of Paris, and makes sure to take her readers to most of the main (yet slightly off the beaten path) attractions of the city. I was glad that she decided to use the landmarks and museums that she did, as most of Camie's favorites are also mine. 

The romance is a little stilted, but I still enjoyed it. It is meant to be one of those whirlwind type of things, and McConnel succeeded there. That being the case we didn't really get to know Hunter as well as I would have liked. It made a few things feel a bit sloppy, but then again, vacation hook-ups are never neat and tidy. I did enjoy all of Hunter's snark though. He really knew how to lay it on thick.

That brings us to Camie and her back story, which to be honest, I had a hard time swallowing. I get being sad when a relationship doesn't work out, but I don't get when someone throws themselves such a huge pity party that it effects the rest of their life. The fact that she didn't go to a class because her ex was there seemed way too dramatic for me, but it's possible that other people (who are not me) will connect with her. 

I'm excited to get my hands on the rest of the series once it is released, so I can see the other adventures, since I liked the other girls in the few flashes that we got to see of them.

If you like travel and a whole lot of drama, I'm gonna go ahead and say that these are the right books for you!

Rating:

  3 Unicorns = I liked it, but it had it's issues!

[Review: Mistletoe and Mr. Right by Lyla Payne]

"Mistletoe and Mr. Right"
Author: Lyla Payne
Series: None
Pages: 150
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Date Published: November 20th, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for honest review

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Summary:

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring…but lust refused to settle in for a long winter's nap.
She might be all nestled, snug in her bed, by why, oh why, do visions of the wrong guy dance in her head?

Jessica, (not Jessie), figures that nothing could be better than a trip to the Emerald Isle for Christmas break. So she takes a flying leap and follows her boyfriend home for the holidays, not only sure that he will finally agree they're destined for each other, but also that Ireland will provide the perfect backdrop to the beginning of their happily-ever-after.

But it turns out his family--and his gorgeous ex-girlfriend--don't feel the same way, and even the family goat seems to be conspiring against her well-laid plans. The only person making the trip worthwhile is the very last one she should be thinking about, but Grady, the local farmhand, has a way of showing up when Jessica needs him most...and least.

USA Today bestselling author Lyla Payne wraps up the perfect holiday novella, ties it with a ribbon of romance, and tops it with a light dusting of snow. Perfect to curl up with under the tree. Just add hot cocoa!

-Goodreads

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Mistletoe and Mr. Right,

You're cute. Cute like one of those crappy made for TV movies that we all love so much. Trust me, even though it might not sound like it, this is a really high compliment coming from me. 'Cause God knows that I love me some crappy yet adorable Christmas movies. Throw in the fact that you take place in Ireland and I'm hooked. Thanks for being a cute, quick, fun, Christmas read!

-The White Unicorn

This novella is amazingly cute! Payne knows just how to work a shorter story and it made this book a really fun read. I do have to admit that I wish it would have been a bit longer, because I felt like some of the plot points were a bit rushed, but that being said, I think that Payne did really well based on the length of the book. 

At only 150 pages, this is the perfect book to read in a sitting or two snuggled next to the fire. It will be able to fill that Christmas movie feel you want, but still allow you to read a book at the same time. The plot isn't that deep, but in the few moments that are, it really shines. When you add in the fact that some really ridiculous things happen and that Payne has a knack for comedic timing, you know you're in for a good time. Sure, the plot is extremely predictable, but that's not really all that surprising. Plus, it's set in Ireland, so you get a little book travel in as well!

The cast of characters is a good one. The back stories could have been fleshed out a bit more, because I feel like it would have added to the story, but I also fear that the story would have lost some of it cuteness along the way if that would have been the case. Payne gives as much detail to the background characters as her main ones and I think this really helped the novel in so many ways. It took you into her world quickly and I really liked that.

For a NA romance, this book is really clean and I liked that. It's one of those books that anyone could read and smile over. Which brings us around to the romance. I found Jessie's 10 year plan to be a little annoying, and she seemed really clueless in her relationship, but she had guts, so I liked her. Brennan is so removed from what's going on that I never really liked him. And Grady was pretty great and understanding and handsome. Some would say that this is a triangle, but it never felt like one to me. The story is more about Jessie than her relationships and I thought that was a good call. Not to say that the romance wasn't swoony and adorable, because it was.

If you're looking for a short, sweet, Christmas time read, pick this little jewel up!

Rating:

4 Unicorns = Close to perfect!

[Top Ten Tuesday: Characters That Would Sit At My Lunch Table]

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly linkup hosted by The Broke And The Bookish!

I love the idea of this weeks theme. It was fun to come up with my perfect posy of pals to sit at lunch with. Even though I'd never want to go back to school ever again...

 I picked 5 guys and 5 girls. They'd all bring a lot of interesting antics to my life and even though it would be an eclectic group and they might not like each other, this isn't real life, and I'm going to throw them onto a lunch table together anyway.

The Girls:

Georgia Nicolson 

From: "Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging" by Louise Rennison

Reason: She's British and hilarious and awkward. She's bring plenty of laughter to the group.

Lynn

From: "Not a Drop to Drink" by Mindy McGinnis

Reason: Sure, she not full of smiles and rainbows, but when she decided to open her mouth the snark factor would be HUGE! Also, if the end of the world happened she and I would be able to take care of everyone.

Skylark

From: "Girl Defective" by Simmone Howell

Reason: The music conversations would be off the charts. Seriously, I think we'd be able to talk about music for hours. We'd probably miss classes...

Lela

From: "Sanctum" by Sarah Fine

Reason: She's tough and maybe a bit misunderstood, but at the end of the day she would have you back with a fierce loyalty. Plus, the stories she'd be able to tell you would be scarier then hell itself. 

Rocher

From: "Gorgeous" by Paul Rudnick

Reason: Every friend group needs that foul-mouthed, crude, hilarious friend who happens to also be female. Rocher, would be my pick any day!

The Boys:

Morpheus 

From: "Unhinged" by A.G. Howard

Reason: He's sexy. He's from Wonderland. He can turn into a moth. Do you have anymore questions?

Cricket Bell

From: "Lola and the Boy Next Door" by Stephanie Perkins

Reason: He's the sweetest. Plus, he's a bit of a nerd, so we'd be able to talk about the nerdy things that I like.

Cameron 

From: "Going Bovine" by Libba Bray

Reason: He's always down from the weird road trip. Plus, he's got a load of things to say about the world. And in the end he might bring Balder along and good Lord, that would be amazing!

Augustus Waters

From: "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

Reason: The witty banter. Oh the witty, snarky, interesting banter we would have together.

Boaz

From: "The Sound of Us" by Ashley Poston

Reason: He would basically be the male version of Rocher. In fact they'd probably be dating. Look at that I just became a fictional matchmaker...

Well there's my list!  What's on yours?  I wanna know.  Leave your link below or tell me in the comments!

[Review: Her Secret Inheritance by Jen McConnel]

"Her Secret Inheritance"
Author: Jen McConnel
Series: Isobel Key #2
Pages: 150
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Date Published: June 12th, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark
Format Read: Purchased eBook

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Summary:

Five years ago, an impulsive trip to Scotland changed her life. Now Lou is back in the misty, magical country. But this time, she’s not on vacation.

When Brian, her old Highland fling, turns up at the scene of some depressing family business, tension mounts between the former lovers. But dealing with him is only part of the problem; something wicked is stirring in Scotland. Lou must use all her strength to handle the increasingly desperate situation, but will she be strong enough to battle both a vengeful ghost and her heart?

Lou may have thought that she was finished with the witch Isobel Key, but some secrets can't stay buried forever.

-Goodreads 

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My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Her Secret Inheritance,

I have to be honest. I don't think you were as great as the book that you follow. You fell a little flat for me, but to be fair I still really enjoyed you. You were a fun, fast, easy read and you brought back some characters that I really enjoyed the first time around. So thank you for that...

-The White Unicorn


I was excited when I heard that McConnel was coming out with a follow up novel to "The Secret of Isobel Key". I really enjoyed it and I was really excited to jump back into Lou's world. Perhaps it was the short length of this book that left me wanting more, or maybe it was the fact that I was actually satisfied with the ending of the first book, but this story felt a little redundant to me. That being said, I'm still a huge fan of McConnel's writing.

In the beginning of the book we get dropped into Lou's story 5 years down the line from where we last saw her. She's more sure of herself and of her magic, which is a delightful development. However, her once flirtatious and amazing chemistry with Brian seemed tedious this time around. I understand that 5 years is a long time, but they held so much resentment over something that most likely ended up helping Lou find herself in the long run.

I guess it goes back to the "let's not talk about it" romance trope that isn't my favorite. In this case my dislike for a romance that I dug the first time around is probably more of a "It's not you, it's me" type of thing.

I do love how McConnel manages to drop you into her setting. She world building makes you feel like you're traipsing around Scotland and that's awesome!

The mystery ties into the last book and continues the story of Isobel Key, but from a different point of view. I really like that we get to see some bits of history as well as all the modern happenings, it gives the book a fresh feel. In this case it also makes the book feel a pretty repetitive. I felt like the same things were done in both books and that this novel didn't end up being as exciting.

I know that this review isn't full of glowing praise, but don't let that fool you. I did enjoy this one and I got through it quickly because I wanted to know what happened in the end. I'd say if you're a fan of the first book, definitely check this one out. If you haven't read either yet, you should.

Rating:

3 Unicorns = I liked it a lot but it had it's issues!

[Top Ten Tuesday: Books About Friend-Ships]

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly linkup hosted by The Broke And The Bookish!

Sure it's great to have romances in books. I'm a huge shipper, but I love when when I get to ship a friendship too!  There are so many awesome ones out there, but I had to pick my top ten. So here they are.

The Friend-Ships That I Love!

 

 

 Sloane Jacobs and Sloane Jacobs from "Being Sloane Jacobs" by Lauren Morrill: This book was Parent Trap on ice! Best idea ever! Sloane and Sloane are so different, but they end up really being there for each other and forming a cool friendship out of weirdness.

Maddie and Julie from "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein: Talk about a tear-jerker of a friendship. These girls really show what true friendship looks like in all of it's forms. I can't even imagine. I just can't.

Rose and all The Rabbits from "Rose Under Fire" by Elizabeth Wein: Wein sure knows how to make real friendships between women in the middle of war. Once again, get your box of tissues ready.

Lela and Nadia from "Sanctum" by Sarah Fine: Lela literally goes to hell and back for Nadia. If that doesn't say bffs, I don't know what does.

Rosie, Matty, Spencer and Logan from "How My Summer Went Up In Flames" by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski: I loved this book because it focuses of friendships between boys and girls. Rosie and the boys learn a lot from each other over the course of their road trip and I loved their antics!

Wynne and Odessa from "Deliver Me" by Katie Jarvik Birch: These girls have such a tight knit friendship. So much happens over the course of the book and somehow they manage to still maintain their sister like bond.

Anna and Elise from "Dangerous Girls" by Abigail Haas: Every friendship list needs the fucked up friendship and this one takes the cake. Seriously, if you've read the book, you know what I'm talking about.

Becky and Rocher from "Gorgeous" by Paul Rudnick: These girls are hilarious and foul mouthed and perfect. I couldn't stop laughing at the words that came out of their mouths. I think I'd be friends with both of them.

Carmen, Lena, Tibby and Bridget from "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" by Ann Brashares: I think this was one of the first books that I ever read that really focused on friendship and I adore it and the rest of the series.

Roman and Boaz from "The Sound of Us" by Ashley Poston: A male duo needed to be on this list and I couldn't think of a better pair then these two. They are kind of the male version of Becky and Rocher and once again, I think I'd be best buds with them.

Well there's my list!  What's on yours?  I wanna know.  Leave your link below or tell me in the comments!

[Stacking The Shelves: Episode Forty Three]

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

I'm so behind on Stacking the Shelves posts.  So there are quite a few books this time around, because it's been 3 weeks since I did one of these.  Or at least I think it's been three weeks.  Anyways, here are the books!

The Books!

 

 

Books I Bought:

• "A Royal Match" by Tyne O'Connell
• "Bossypants" by Tina Fey
• "See Me" by Wendy Higgins
• "Wayfarer" by Lili St. Crow

Books For Review: 

• "Catch a Falling Star" by Kim Culbertson (Thanks Scholastic Press and NetGalley!)
• "Deliver Me" by Kate Jarvik Birch (Thanks Bloomsbury Spark and NetGalley!)
• "Let's Get Lost" by Adi Alsaid (Thanks Harlequin Teen and Edelweiss!)
• "The Break-Up Artist" by Philip Siegel (Thanks Harlequin Teen and NetGalley!)
• "The Chapel Wars" by Lindsey Leavitt (Thanks Bloomsbury and NetGalley!)
• "Witchfall" by Victoria Lamb (Thanks Harlequin Teen and NetGalley!)

This Week On The Blog:

• Reviews: "The Glass Casket" by McCormick Templeman and "Dear Killer" by Katherine Ewell
• Top Ten Tuesday: My Spring 2014 TBR List
• Waiting On Wednesday: "Top Ten Clues You're Clueless" by Liz Czukas

[Stacking The Shelves: Episode Forty Two]

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

This week is full of awesome!  So much awesome!  I've been trying to read a lot more contemporary right now, because I'm in the middle of writing 3 contemporary books.  Who knew that's what I'd be good at.  One of these days I'm gonna write something dark and twisted, but today is not that day.  I'm telling you this because, I got very few contemporary books this week, and a lot of them are dark and creepy, which suits me just fine!  So here's the books!

The Books!

 

 

 Books I Bought:

• "Astor Place Vintage" by Stephanie Lehmann
• "Gilded" by Christina Farley (with the new Kindle First Program)

Review Books:

• "Girl Defective" by Simmone Howell (Thanks Macmillan!)
• "The Here and Now" by Ann Brashares (Thanks Delacorte!)

Snags From The Library:

• "Dramarama" by E. Lockhart
• "The Gathering Storm" by Robin Bridges
• "The Distance Between Us" by Kasie West
• "The Glass Casket" by McCormick Templeman
• "The Hallowed Ones" by Laura Bickle
• "In the After" by Demithia Lunetta

Gifted:

• "Breathe Again" by Joelle Duff (gifted by author who is a blog pal) 

This Week On The Blog:

• Reviews: "Instructions for a Broken Heart" by Kim Culbertson
• Top Ten Tuesday: Worlds I'd Never Want To Live In
• Waiting On Wednesday: "Flirty Dancing" by Jenny MacLachlan