Little Miss Red by Robin Palmer

Little Miss Red

Author: Robin Palmer

Published: February 9th, 2010

Publisher: Speak

 

Goodreads Summary: "The ideal L.A. fairy tale for fans of Once Upon a Time and L.A. Candy, from the author of Geek Charming.Sophie Greene gets good grades, does the right thing, and has a boyfriend that her parents— and her younger brother—just love. (Too bad she doesn’t love him.) Sophie dreams of being more like Devon Deveraux, star of her favorite romance novels, but, in reality, Sophie isn’t even daring enough to change her nail polish. All of that changes when Sophie goes to Florida to visit her grandma Roz, and she finds herself seated next to a wolfishly goodlooking guy on the plane. The two hit it off, and before she knows it, Sophie’s living on the edge. But is the drama all it’s cracked up to be?"

 

Concept/Ideas: 4/5
Storyline/Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5

This was the first book I read by Robin Palmer. I've seen the Disney Channel movie Geek Charming, and attempted to read the novel, but wasn't into it at the time. After reading Little Miss Red, I expect to go back to it.

Robin Palmer's writing is just so fun, girly, and light! I absolutely loved Little Miss Red. Not only that, but who doesn't love the cover art?! Sparkles, sparkles, sparkles, and lots of nice, bright colours. Robin Palmer definitely has a knack for writing, and I feel that I relate her to be very similar to others authors like Lisi Harrion, although less shallow, and with more substance to her books. The lessons in Palmer's books are always very easily recognizable, and can be related to people of any age.

Little Miss Red started out fast-paced, and didn't let go. I enjoyed the storyline, and found it to be quick and to the point. You really see how much Sophie grows throughout the novel, realizing more and more what was really going on, and that life on the wild side isn't always so picture perfect, and doesn't always have a fairy-tale ending.

The only part of the book I didn't really like, was how much Sophie continually talked about her obsession with Devon from her favorite novels and how much she used her as a way make excuses for actions and decisions she would make. Over and over, at least every two pages... "just like how Devon in *insert book title here*". Talk about annoying.  



The Space Between Us by Jessica Martinez

The Space Between Us

Author: Jessica Martinez

Published: October 16th, 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse

 

Goodreads Summary: "From the author of Virtuosity, a novel about two sisters and the secrets they tell, the secrets they keep—and the secret that could tear them apart.Amelia is used to being upstaged by her charismatic younger sister, Charly. She doesn’t mind, mostly, that it always falls to her to cover for Charly’s crazy, impulsive antics. But one night, Charly’s thoughtlessness goes way too far, and she lands both sisters in serious trouble.

Amelia’s not sure she can forgive Charly this time, and not sure she wants to . . . but forgiveness is beside the point. Because Charly is also hiding a terrible secret, and the truth just might tear them apart forever."

 

Concept/Ideas: 5/5
Storyline/Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5

The Space Between Us by Jessica Martinez was a great read! It had such an original idea to it as well. I loved that it wasn't your typical teenage pregnancy type of novel, but instead it incorperated so much more to it.

The storyline was fast-paced and an easy read, despite the heaviness of the subject. You were really kept in the dark about a lot of things, until surprising revelations were revealed later on. Ones that I never expected. This book really threw you in for some unexpected surprises. I found the storyline to be unpredictable, which was definitely a nice change.

The setting! Ah!
I loved that Martinez threw such a big change up in the scenary, and made the girls move from Florida to Alberta for 6 months. It definitely made for an interesting setting and read overall because of it, and added to the novel. Since I live in Ontario, Canada, it was so interesting to see all the landmarks that us Canadians have and see what it was like for the girls to struggle and adapt from their climate to ours. All the discovery and mayhem the snow caused was definitely interesting to see.

The characters were not the most likable of characters, although for some weird reason, I still liked them. Amelia was stubborn, snotty, negative, and downright mean to her sister Charly. Charly on the other hand, was whiny and immature. Although I feel that both girl's characters and maturity as well as outlook really improved and grew by the end of the novel. They both found strength that they didn't know they both had, and became better people because of it, standing up for what they believed in and supporting each other. This was definitely a nice coming of age novel and it goes to show just how important family is, and that you always need to be there for them, no matter what they're going through, and no matter how it may affect your own life.
Family is family, no matter what.

Jessica Martinez made for a great novel, and I recently purchased her other book, Virtuosity, which I'm eager to start. An author on the rise in my eyes.

Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

        Love and Leftovers            

Author: Sarah Tregay

Published: December 27th, 2011

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

 

Goodreads Summary: "My wish is to fall cranium over Converse in dizzy daydream-worthy love.

(If only it were that easy.)

Marcie has been dragged away from home for the summer--from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She's left behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father.

By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this "summer vacation" has become permanent. She has to start at a new school, and there she leaves behind her Leftover status when a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up. But understanding love, especially when you've watched your parents' affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? Can you even know it until you've lost it?

Love & Leftovers is a beautifully written story of one girl's journey navigating family, friends, and love, and a compelling and sexy read that teens will gobble up whole."

 

Concept/Ideas: 3/5
Storyline/Plot: 2.5/5
Characters: 3/5
Writing Style: 3.3/5

Eek... Sarah Tregay's Love and Leftovers did not do it for me whatsoever. I understand that this book was one of the most widely read contemporary books of 2012, but I just couldn't see the like to the book!

Firstly, I did in fact love that the book was written in verse. Knowing me, I'm a huge fan of any novel in verse, especially Ellen Hopkins. So when I went to dive into this book, I was expecting a great read. Sadly, I was disappointed.

I felt that Love and Leftovers fell short. I wasn't neccesarily expecting a lot from the synopsis, but at the same time, I still expected more.

The characters were not very likable, and I found that they lacked personality and a real face to them. I'm not sure if it's just because of the way the book was written, or what, but I didn't feel that they had any real substance to their individual characters -- even the main one.

I feel that although Ellen Hopkins for example, writes all of her novels in verse, you still get a real, raw feel for each character, and they are definitely not faceless. Maybe Tregay's writing just wasn't deep enough for me.

It got a bit better toward the ending, and I found that I liked it at some point, but not enough for me to really take it into consideration when I thought about how I felt about the novel overall.

That's why I feel that it is in fact better than a 3 stars, but just not quite 3.5 star matierial.

This book was an okay read, but nothing spectactular.
I still expect to read more of Tregay's writing though, and can only hope that her others novels are better.



Tweet Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick

   Tweet Heart

Author: Elizabeth Rudnick

Published: June 29th, 2010

Publisher: Hyperion

 

Goodreads Summary: "Claire is a #hopelessromantic. Lottie is determined to set up her BFF with Mr. Perfect. Will wants his #secretcrush to finally notice him. Bennett is a man with a plan.
Claire can't believe it when her dream guy starts following her on Twitter. She never thought he noticed her, and suddenly he seems to understand her better than almost anyone.
But the Twitterverse can be a confusing place, especially when friends act differently online than they do in person. Things get even more complicated when Claire realizes she's falling for someone else, the last person she ever would have expected....
Told in an innovative format combining tweets, emails, and blogs, "Tweet Heart" is a contemporary romantic comedy that will set your heart atwitter."

Concept/Ideas: 3/5
Storyline/Plot: 4/5
Characters 3.5/5
Writing Style: 4/5

Tweet Heart was a light, fun, read. The book is written in emails, blogs, and tweets, which was refreshing. The concept for the book was not original, although the formatting made it original in it's own way. I enjoyed the storyline, and thought that it was fast-paced, and it all evened out fairly well. The characters were of course a bit hard to get a feel for, since it was all through online formatting, but overall you did get a feel for each personality. The writing style was light, fun, bubbly, and heart-wrenching at times. A great, light read for anyone looking for something short and sweet!

Winter White (Belles #2) by Jen Calonita

Winter White (Belles #2)

Author: Jen Calonita

Published: October 9th, 2012

Publisher: Poppy

 

Goodreads Summary: "Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are still reeling from the revelation that they share more than just the roof over their heads. The media has pounced on their story and the girls are caught up in a flurry of talk-show appearances and newspaper interviews. They've put on a happy public face, but someone is leaking their true feelings to the press, and while it seems like the world is watching their every move, at least they have each other.
But with cotillion season right around the corner, Izzie and Mira have barely had time to process their newfound sisterhood. Mira has dreamed of making her debut in a gorgeous white gown forever-now, if only she could find an escort. Izzie, meanwhile, is still struggling to find her place in Emerald Cove and it's seeming ever more impossible with EC mean-girls, young and old, doing their best to keep her down. As cotillion preparations heat up, though, there are dance steps to learn, manners to perfect... and secret initiations to complete? As if sophomore year wasn't hard enough!
It's time for the gowns to go on and the gloves to come off."

 

Concept/Ideas: 4/5
Storyline/Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5

The second installment in the Belles series was overall a great sequel to the first. I found myself drawn to the cover especially, since it's simply so beautiful! The book started off fast-paced, and as it usually does with Calonita's writing. I was pulled in. and I found the characters a lot more likeable in this one, especially Mira. She seemed to mature just a bit more, and have a voice of her own, which I liked a lot. In Winter White, she is not the same follower she was in Belles... I actually found Izzie to be a bit annoying. I can't put my finger on it, but Izzie seems to be too "All-American, 'can do no wrong' type of girl, who easily is starting to get on my nerves. Why? I'm not too sure. I'm not a huge fan of the secondary characters though either. I find it hard to connect with them, and they seem a bit... shallow? Cookie-cutter? Although I did thoroughly enjoy this book, it did get slow toward the end. It picked back up eventually, but I didn't find myself as pulled in as I did with Belles. I loved the concept Calonita created for this book with the ball, and it was fun, light, and elegant. I loved all the challenges they had to go through, and that Savannah finally got what she deserved. But again, just like Belles, the author leaves you with a huge revelation that just leaves you hanging for more. I find this to be somewhat annoying (doesn't anyone else know what I mean?!?!). In this series, I feel like a lot of the intense action always happens in the last... PAGE. Which leaves me a bit annoyed. Of course, it always leaves you excited to pick up the next one, to see what's going to happen. Overall, a fun, light, girly read! If you liked Belles, you will not be disappointed with Winter White!




52 Reasons To Hate My Father by Jessica Brody

52 Reasons To Hate My Father

Author: Jessica Brody

Published: July 3rd, 2012

Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux

 

Goodreads Summary: "Being America’s favorite heiress is a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it.Lexington Larrabee has never to work a day in her life. After all, she’s the heiress to the multi-billion-dollar Larrabee Media empire. And heiresses are not supposed to work. But then again, they’re not supposed to crash brand new Mercedes convertibles into convenience stores on Sunset Blvd either.

Which is why, on Lexi’s eighteen birthday, her ever-absent, tycoon father decides to take a more proactive approach to her wayward life. Every week for the next year, she will have to take on a different low-wage job if she ever wants to receive her beloved trust fund. But if there’s anything worse than working as a maid, a dishwasher, and a fast-food restaurant employee, it’s dealing with Luke, the arrogant, albeit moderately attractive, college intern her father has assigned to keep tabs on her.

In a hilarious “comedy of heiress” about family, forgiveness, good intentions, and best of all, second chances, Lexi learns that love can be unconditional, money can be immaterial, and, regardless of age, everyone needs a little saving. And although she might have 52 reasons to hate her father, she only needs one reason to love him."

 

Concept/Ideas: 5/5
Storyline/Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5

52 Reasons to Hate My Father was an awesome book! It took your typical rich, Paris Hilton type socialite, and threw a twist right along with it.

The writing for this book was great. It was easy, light, and fast-paced. Definitely a fun read. The storyline was fast, and there were no slow parts whatsoever.

I found the concept for this book beyond interesting. It definitely made the book stand out. I loved the concept of Lexi having to do 52 different, low-wage jobs in order to get her trust fund. Whether rich or not, you can learn a lot from the book. It really teaches you the value of money, family, friends, and shows you that not everything is as it seems. Although Lexi's dad seems like the bad guy during the novel, by the end you'll quickly think differently. I loved that the book really gave great development and depth to the characters, who otherwise you wouldn't think would have when beginning to read the novel. Lexi may seem like the spoiled, rich brat, but I promise you that your in for a surprise by the end.

Overall, a great read.

Burn for Burn (Burn for Burn #1) by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Burn for Burn (Burn for Burn #1)

   Authors: Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Published: September 18th, 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

 

Goodreads Summary: "BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY...
THEY GET EVEN.

Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.

Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.

Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste"

 

First of all, I must say that the cover for this book is simply beautiful. It's mysterious, feminine, and enticing.

 

Concept/Ideas: 4/5
Storyline/Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Writing Style: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5

The concept for this book was not too original, when you first read the summary. Girls getting back at enemies? How many times has that been done? Wrong. The two authors managed to take a common, simple concept and turn it into something unique and put their own spin onto it.

Burn for Burn follows three girls, Lillia, Mary, and Kat. These three girls are all somehow intertwined, whether it be from the past, or through mutual social circles. All three band together through circumstances that drive them to make a pact to get revenge on certain people who have hurt them, their family, friends, or simply because.

I love that the authors incoperated three very different girls, which always makes the storyline more interesting.

The book was extremely fast paced, and I found myself devouring the book. I constantly wanted to know what was going to happen next, and it was exciting at suspenseful, especially at the end...

Good character development and a great writing style. It was witty, light, girly, and catty.

I can't give too much away without spoiling, but this is a great read for anyone interested in girly, light, reads with an evil twist mixed into it. Very similar to The Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard.

The ending will leave you begging for more. Oh, why... Why must authors do this to us? I can't wait for the second book!

Go out and pick it up! I reccommend it!