Favorite First Part Two

Sometimes all it takes is a killer opening line or paragraph to get you hooked on a book; and so we're giving you some of our favorites.  
For part one just click here. 

"The air in the room tastes sterile. The lingering scent of bleach is mixing with the fresh white paint on the walls, and I wish my teacher would open the window to let in a breeze. But we're on the third floor so the pane is sealed shut-just in case anyone gets the urge to jump." -The Program by Suzanne Young

"'Just breathe, my mother would say. Ten tiny breaths... Seize them. Feel them. Love them." -Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A Tucker

“Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well.” -Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way." -A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens 

"When I stepped out into the bright sunlight, from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home." -The Outsiders by  S.E Hinton 

"I would have lived in peace. But my enemies brought me war." -Red Rising by Peirce Brown 

"There used to be more of us. I'm certain of this. Not enough to fill a sports stadium or even a movie theater, but certainly more than what's left today. Truth is, I don't think there's any of us left. Except me. It's what happens when you're a delicacy. When you're craved. You go extinct." -The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda 

"My first memory of James is what keeps me here, smoothing hair out of a boy's blood-spattered face. The sirens screaming in the distance are too late. They're always too late. Forehead pressed to his, I choke on the burnt stench of gunpowder and try to hum the lullaby James used to sing to me. You are my sunshine my only sunshine... James is why I never left. I should have left." -Flawed by Kate Avelynn 


"There was a demon in McDonald's. And it had a powerful hunger for Big Macs. Most days, I loved my after-school job. Tagging the soulless and the damned usually gave me a mad case of the warm fuzzies. I'd even given myself a quota out of boredom, but tonight was different. I had a paper to outline for AP English." -White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

"Risking my life to steal an orange was a stupid thing to do, but today of all days, I didn't care about the consequences. If I were lucky, the Shields would throw me to the ground and put a bullet in my brain. Dead at seventeen would be a relief." -Pawn by Aimee Carter 

"You think it's easy to change yourself. You think it's so easy, but it's not. What do you think it takes to reinvent yourself as an all-new person, a person who makes sense, who belongs? Do you change your clothes, your hair, your face? Go on, then. Do it. Pierce your ears, trim your bangs, buy a new purse. They will still see past that, see you, the girl who is still too scared, still too smart for her own good, still a beat behind, still, always, wrong. Change all you want; you can't change that." -This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales 

"Late in the winter of my seventeenth year, my mother decided I was depressed, presumably because I rarely left the house, spent quite a lot of time in bed, read the same book over and over, ate infrequently, and devoted quite a bit of my abundant free time thinking about death." -The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 

"They say that just before you die your whole life flashes before your eyes, but that’s not how it happened for me." -Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver 

"The way I figure it, everyone gets a miracle." -Paper Towns by John Green

Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren

London Hughes is very content to surf daily, work at a bar, hang out with her small group of friends, and take her time figuring out what her plans will be now that she's out of college. Everything’s going the way she wants it... Until Luke shows up one night at her job.

When I started Wicked Sexy Liar I went into it with a really vague idea of whom and what it would be about. Once I got to Luke's POV I remember thinking "Huh... I feel like I've hear about this guy before?"... Well that's because I have! Luke is a guy that was mentioned in book one (Sweet Filthy Thing). So once this clicked in my head I was floored. Why? Because I remember thinking about how much of a dick he sounded!.. However, I was oh so wrong! Luke was freaking adorable! I think that I originally didn't like him because I was suffering from a case of "girl code". I heard all these stories and events about him (all from the ladies) and automatically went with my girls. I was reminded that every story has two sides and I was also reminded to go into everyone open minded. Luke, though a bit of a womanizer, was still a complete sweetheart. He is funny, caring, very involved with his family, and unlike a lot of the men in Christina Lauren write isn't very complicated. He will just tell you what he is thinking when he is thinking about it. He also doesn't get embarrassed easily which I loved. London, our other POV, was someone I thought I would have trouble connecting with. Since she is described as a surfer girl I didn't think we would instantly click... we did though! Which you know is amazing when it happens. London ended up personality wise being like a lot of girls I know. She is a little more guarded then Luke which made their romantic dynamic a lot more interesting. The way these two feed off each other had me rolling. Their banter is perfection. The situations they are put in also felt very real. Out of the entire Wild Season Series and The Beautiful Bastard Series  it is the most believable. I like the way these two met, how they spend their time together,  the reason they hold off on things, and so much more. I got such a kick out of Luke calling London by the wrong name.

The pace of this book and it's storyline is amazing. Some authors might have tried to put as much into a book that these two did and they would have failed, but being Christina Lauren they managed to make a couple do and accomplish so much in such a short amount of time. I feel like we really got to see into both London's and Luke's lives and that the story gave each of them time to shine without having one outshine the other. like I said above, this story is also the most believable. Let's be real. we love Christina Lauren's books because they are so out there, wild, and crazy... Oh and because they are things that would probably never ever happen to anyone. This book broke the usual formula they use and I like that they took a different approach from their norm.

Wicked Sexy Liar is just stunning, comical, emotional, and as brilliant as the rest of their series are. Wicked Sexy Liar is the perfect end to the perfect series... No seriously, perfect. I rated every book in this series a perfect 10/10 (5/5). I think these two really understand what readers want out of their new adult and have no fear in giving it to us and for that I thank  you.

10/10 Stars
-Angela

Taking Chances by Molly McAdams

"Eighteen-year-old Harper has grown up under the thumb of her career marine father. Ready to live life her own way and to experience things she's only ever heard of from the jarheads in her father's unit, she's on her way to college at San Diego State University." -Goodreads

Alright, *cracks knuckles* let's do this.
Taking Chances was like reading Beautiful Disaster all over again. I was past being annoyed. Every single person and event in this book set me off. This book had me laughing... at it, not with it.

Harper is one of the most throat punching females I've read in the longest. She comes from a very sheltered background. VERY ridiculously sheltered. Girl hasn't even gone to a mall before. Yeah, I don't believe it either. I get that your dad is a strict marine guy, but I can't understand why he would want to keep her from a mall. Makes no sense. Then Harper is the type of girl that EVERY guy wants. Every guy must have her. If you've read any NA you know what I'm talking about. When this occurs in books I get so annoyed. Every guy within a ten mile radius turns into a giant caveman just knowing she is close. All the guys that are falling head over for her are dying too: take care of her, protect her, declare their love for her; all while being un-deserving of her at the same time. Why all these men are doing this is beyond me. Harper is boring as watching paint dry. She has no personality and no depth. On to Chase, the tattooed bad boy from the right side of the tracks. He is of course a man-whore, rebel, tough guy. He slores around campus and the ladies just love him and his arrogant ways. Now Brandon. Good god help me. McAdam's had to top the bad boy so she just takes Chase and decides "hey how can I make him better? Give him an amazing personality? Ha, no that would be ridiculous... I'll just make him a hotter version". So what does she do? She of course makes him a quick tempered underground mma street fighter *cough beautiful disaster cough*. She doesn't stop there though she gives him grey eyes... but grey eyes aren't enough! His eyes change colors!!!!! He literately has all the eyes yall! Like I know this is a real thing that can happen... but it's really not at the same time.

So as you can guess there's a love triangle between the three of them. The first 200 plus pages are Chase and Brandon dick measuring, fist fighting, pounding their chest, and practically peeing on Harper to make their turf. Someone is either punching someone or running off in tears. You're probably thinking at this point that Harper is just going to bounce back and forth between the dudes... You're wrong. She starts dating Brandon but is sleeping with Chase... Cool your jets it's not a spoiler. This is where the story goes from bad to worse. The plot starts spiraling out of control.

This is where I start rambling and dropping spoilers! Look away if you don't wanna know.

So Harper is cheating on Brandon and gets knocked up by Chase. She doesn't tell anyone but his family! WHO DON'T EVEN TELL HIM!!! LIKE WTF MOM AND DAD!? Then she sees Chase tell him she broke up with Brandon days ago-which is a lie- continues to keep the baby a secret- finally breaks up with Brandon- Chase stumbles upon the ultra sound because Harper is living with his family. Not him just his family. He gets all lovey and of freaking course wants to marry her. So they start becoming legit and things start to actually get kind of cute, but that last all of like two seconds. A random girl is introduced at the shop Chase works at (failed to mention as a college student he somehow managed to become a full time tattoo artist). So of course this girl is hell-bent on breaking the two up so you guessed it she drugs him at a party, takes pictures of them together, and sends them to Harper. This of course send Harper into a jealous rage. (Don't worry Brandon is there to be a shoulder to cry on) She has a moment with Brandon decides to put on her big girl panties and face Chase. Even though Chase swears he never did anything and doesn't remember it happening Harper still dumps him and says she needs space. He says he loves her and will give her time... He them leaves the house... you flip the page only to find out in the first paragraph that he died right after leaving the house! WTF. Seriously goes straight from the fight to wham dead. This is what really did it in for me... because at this point in time I'm solely reading so I can be fully pissed... After he dies home-girl goes back to Brandon!!! Like with no time passing at all. Chase's family actually convinces her to do it! STFU right???  Wait for it.... Now after all this Harper gets pregnant again. This time it really is Brandon's... here it comes. THE KIDS END UP CALLING CHASE UNCLE CHASE!!!!!!!! UNCLE CHASE!!!! Uncle. Chase. GTFOOH!!!!

If Brandon and Chase were character in a different book, with different settings, and a different plot then they might have stood a chance. I'll be real; I didn't love them but they were alright. Harper and the plot were my biggest issues. There's no doubt McAdam's can write this story was just not my cup of tea.

1/10 Stars
-Angela

Angela's October Wrap-Up

Clockwork Prince- Cassandra Clare
Clockwork Princess- Cassandra Clare
The Vincent Boys- Abbi Glines
Lev- Belle Aurora
Y the Last Man book 2- Brian K Vaughn
Steelheart- Brandon Sanderson
Room- Emma Donoghue
Romeo and Juliet- William Shakespeare
The Girl of Fire and Thorns- Rae Carson
Six of Crows- Leigh Bardugo
Addicted to You- Kristia Ritchie
Everything Leads to You- Nina LaCour
This Girl- Colleen Hoover


October is super special because I reached my Goodreads reading goal... Yes, I reached book 185! I can't believe it either! So freaking pumped about it. Don't know how I'll be able to top that in 2016... Might have to sell my soul or something. With reaching my goal I kind of took it easy this month. Honestly I'll probably be a little more sluggish about reading till the end of the year. I have a lot of events and movies coming up so those will probably eat away at a good bit of my free time. That's actually a reason this is being posted early. Leah and I are headed to Atlanta for WalkerStalker Con. This is the first time we've ever been and were both excited and a bit nervous since we don't really now what to expect. Of course well be posting about it once we get home so keep an eye out for that post. Enough of that though, lets get on to my tops and flops.

My top picks for October are: Clockwork Princess, This Girl, Lev, and Six of Crows. First Clockwork Princess was just as amazing as the hyped lead it to be. I'm so glad that I waited until this series was completely finished and for some of the buzz to die down before I got into it. Cassandra Clare nails love triangles. This book had me a mess. I did however still preferred The Mortal Instruments series to this one, but to each their own. On to This Girl, the third and final book in the Slammed series. It was so nice to get back into this story and hear everything from Will's point of view. I fell in love all over again. This was another book I was glad I waited on reading. Next is Lev. Thanked my luck stars when Belle sent me an ARC of the first book in her new series. She gives us a leading male like none I've ever read before. Such a good time read and I can't wait to get my hands on a finished copy. Lastly, Six of Crows. This would hands-down be my number one pick for the whole month. I liked her Shadow and Bone trilogy (emphasis on like) but this book... What a way to start a series. It blew my freaking mind!!!! I feared with so much hype and with so many main characters things wouldn't live up. It does. It has some of the best characters and world building I've read in the longest time.

As for my flops for October we have: Girl of Fire and Thorns, Addicted to You, and Everything Leads to You. I feel very mislead when it came to Girl of Fire and Thorns. I heard all this buzz about how great and action packed it was, but 150 pages in I had to DNF it. Our leading lady spent most of the book bashing her physical appearance. It got old fast! I tried so hard to push through it, but just couldn't. After DNFing it I so many people comment on my status/review saying that the end of the second book is where it picks up, and then right after someone would say that I was right to put it down. So I have no idea when Ill get back to this one. Might not revisit it until next year. Addicted to You  had the same problem. It was so hyped up in the world of romance reviews. People saying that this is their favorite NA/romance series, and I just could not get into it. I got 75% into the book before putting it down... That really says a lot because if I reached that point in most books I would just keep going. I will say this is a book I will for sure be revisiting in the near future because a part of me fears it might have just been "wrong time" read. Lastly, Everything Leads to You. This was a cover buy for me. I don't usually do contemporary but this book looked and sounded so sweet that I just had to give it ago. Also wanted to try it out because the lead girl in it is gay. This book was so boring! Nothing happens. There's no dramatic events, no plot twist, just one sluggish thing after another. I don't think I've ever DNFd so many books before. Sigh.

Till next month.
Angela

Auto-Buy Authors

Awhile back we talked about our "auto buys", and we got into what draws us to buy books, may it be covers or genre... Well we never really mentioned our auto buy authors so below were going to breakdown some of our favorite auto buy authors.

Angela's:
For some reason everyone thinks my favorite author is John Green. I don't know where this started, but anytime I start talking books with someone they always say "well isn't John Green you're favorite? What would you recommend from him?". Even though I do love John Green he's not my favorite author. My all time, number one, favorite author is... Colleen Hoover. If my house was on fire and I could only save one authors books; without a doubt it would be hers. If my house was on fire and I could only save one book it would be Ugly Love! I love her books that much. I have other authors I'm going to mention but I would gladly drop any of their books if she published something while I was reading them. I have never rated one of her books lower than 5 stars on goodreads. Even her "worst" book is better than most people's best. She constantly brings something new and original to her books. They all have these beautiful-stunning-crazy insane twist, some of the most relatable characters of any author, and stunning plot-lines. I have never witnessed an author do what she does. She finds these amazing new ways to bring other forms of art into her work. In Slammed she brought us slam poetry, Maybe Someday she gave us an album to go with it, Confess she works in art, and those are only some of the amazing things she's given us. She is an author who has completely changed my life.

 My other choices are:

• Cassandra Clare- She's excellent for anyone starting off with YA. She writes amazing action packed books. Her series only get better each book, and writes some of my favorite supporting characters. Her Mortal Instruments Series is one of my all time favorites. 
• Rick Yancey- He is who a lot of people would consider a "gender neutral" author meaning he writes books that people wouldn't considered directed directly to one gender. And honestly I wont lie when guys ask me for book recommendations he is one of the first authors I say. Plus he does POV changes like a boss. If you haven't read The 5th Wave Trilogy you are seriously missing out. It's currently listed as the #1 most anticipated movie of 2016.
• Jennifer L. Armentrout- She is an author who can do anything. Romance, adult, Sci-fi, Ya, paranormal... You name it she does it. My two favorite series by her are The Lux Series and The Dark Elements Trilogy.
• Sarah J. Maas- When I want an author who writes YA but is willing to dangle the story close to Na Sarah J is my go-to girl. She writes these unbelievably strong female characters, has crazy skills when it comes to world building, and crushes romance. Both Maas and Armentrout manage to write love triangles you'll go wild for. ACOTAR and The Throne of Glass Series are flawless!
• Christina Lauren- Need smut? Look no further than these two. They have never let me down. Much like CoHo they always bring bitchin plot twist. They are my auto-buy-go-to adult author picks. They have a ton of books out but their Wild Seasons Series is by far my favorite.

Leah's:

OK, so I promise Angela and I actually really do like vastly different things. What it boils down to is that we both have ridiculously good taste when it comes to favorite authors. That being said, my favorite author, as well, is Colleen Hoover. Listen, guys, if you have read this blog at all y'all know how much we love her. If you have read any of her books, you don't need me to explain why she is such a fantastic author. Y'all can bet every dime you have that any book that CoHo releases, we are going to read it. I have never felt feels about a book like I have with CoHo's books (minus The Fault in Our Stars). I love her for all of the same reasons as Angela. My tops favorite books by her are different, though. My absolute favorite CoHo books are Slammed and Maybe Someday. They are solid gold in my opinion and if you think differently, we probably can't be friends.

My other choices are:

• John Green- This shouldn't be a surprise. John Green is in a very close second place. We all know my love for The Fault in Our Stars. No book/movie moves me like that one. Hands down. I don't LOVE all of John Green's books, but I give them all a chance because he is such a witty writer. Seeing his panel at BookCon in NYC is one of the highlights of my life.
• Sarah J. Maas- The way that SJM writes is so compelling that it is impossible for you not to get hooked. Even with stories like ACOTAR (which I really didn't love.. I'm just not a big fairy tale retelling fan), I loved the characters so much that one became one of my top book boyfriends ever. This lady knows how to do characters.
• Jennifer Armentrout- No one can write witty, romantic, action, and fantasy like JLA. I don't think an author can make me laugh 'til I cry and then cry until I can't cry anymore like JLA.
• Sarah Dessen- This is a new one for me! I recently discovered Sarah Dessen over the summer when on my YA contemporary binge. I know one thing for sure- Sarah can crank out YA contemporary romances like no one's business. I don't even have to read the synopsis of one of her books to know I'm going to buy it and love it.
• Amy Tintera- Is this a surprise? Well, it shouldn't be. Amy Tintera wrote one of my favorite series EVAH, Reboot and Rebel. She is a kick ass writer and is the only author that has ever made me even consider liking cyborg/robotic fantasy anything. Amy has a new book coming out next year in a completely different fantasy theme, and I have only read a small snippet on what is about and you're darn tootin' I'll be reading it! Can't wait. 

Darken the Stars by Amy A. Bartol

As the war for Ethar continues, everyone see Kricket as a pawn. She isn't as weak as her enemies might think. Seeing into the future might benefit her, but it might also make it harder for her to make the choices necessary. Darken the Stars is the third book in the Kricket Series.

"Deep down, however, I fear that I've come to love a lie." 

Thanks Amy, for confusing the crap out of me... my heart doesn't know what direction it wants to go in. This book messed with my head for multiple different reasons.

When I finished Sea of Stars I was 100% team Trey. Now that I have finished Darken the Stars I'm so torn between Trey and Kyon... Actually I might not be?!? Ugh I truly don't know where to start! Trey, Kyon, Kricket... I'm a glass case of emotions! Much like I did with my Queen of Shadows review I'm going to do a lot more talking about characters than I am about plot.

I'm not going to lie to you or beat around the bush with this.... We get a lot less Trey in this book than I was ever expecting... and at first this had me super peeved. I was mad that all our free time wasn't again filled with stolen moments and forbidden romance. Needless to say I was a little bit huffy the first few chapters in.  That was until it dawned on me that if Amy gave me all the things I "wanted" then it was would be book two repeated and that what I really wanted was something different and new for this series. I got it too.

Trey was just Trey in this book. As much as I still wanted more of him I was again still thankful for what we got instead. He's still seems just as sexy and strong as ever... but he is still the same Trey. The man that thinks he has to stand in front of Kricket instead of besides her as equals. Darken the Stars is more about Kyon and Kricket's story. Yes, you heard right; WE GET A LOT OF KYON!!! Never thought I'd be excited to say that. I'll get to that in a minute though... Kricket is still the whip smart fire cracker that we got in the first two books, but in this one shes a little more vulnerable and dare I say more like-able. Don't get me wrong, I liked her in the previous books, but I liked getting so see the raw more emotional side of her. We get to see more into her thought process and how seeing into the future really effects her. I like her wits over fist persona and her strong will to fight for what she wants. Not what the world needs but for what she needs. Some might think that comment sounds rather selfish for a leading lady, but in my eyes it's refreshing. Then there's Kyon. Everyone from here to Mars knows I love the villains. I always swoon over the bad boy... and what's better than your average bad boy? The bad boy who knows he's bad and doesn't care to be anything else! He owns it. Kyon has the same thing going for him that Warner from The Shatter Me Trilogy has. At first ya boy is beyond creepy and clingy and you're biggest worry is when and where he is going to make a skin suit out of Kricket. As time goes on though you start to see why he is the way he is. That he might be the "villain" but that he gives something to Kricket that no one else has. I also want to mention how I loved how he wants to teach Kricket things. He want to confide in her, and also sees her as an equal. He was the biggest surprise in this book for me. He becomes charming, jokey, romantic, fierce, he's always man-handling someone, he doesn't wear a shirt often.... and holy hot half-breed I just want to lick his face... and that seafood dinner scene... Whoosh, sorry. Excuse me. Got caught I up in the moment.

"Courage is a value that you hold dear. You live for danger... I can't avoid danger. There's a difference... No. You slap danger in the face and wait for it to react."

Darken the Stars plot does take a slower pace than the two previous. The first two are all about action packed Wtf moments and chase scenes while this one is more about answering the unanswered questions we had from the others. It's about giving us more of a world history and character development. Also I don't know if I'm the only one whose going to think this, but whatever, I think the plot for DTS is a lot darker as well which I found to be a plus... I don't even want to get into how my number one biggest fears is present in this book. When that bomb gets dropped I almost threw up from being terrified. I'm not even going to mention what it is because I do feel like it's a little bit of a spoiler, but if you know me at all, then you'll already know what it is... because again it's number one on my list of biggest fears. Just shuttering thinking about it again. DTS is more a book that is set into place to set things up for the further installments in the series. The pace really doesn't pick up till closer to the end and takes several turns that I didn't except... And that ending! I just have no idea where this book is headed, what will come in the future, and this has me both stressed and very excited.

 Sigh. There's going to be no other way for me to get over this book hangover that Darken the Stars has given me than watch really low rated movies on Netflix and binge on Ben and Jerry's. Goodbye cruel world.

10/10 Stars
-Angela 

Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren

Harlow and Finn's marriage might have only lasted 12 hours after a wild weekend in Vegas, and they might be total opposites and despise each other, but there's no denying their chemistry when these two get together.

IVE SAID THIS EXACT SENTENCE A MILLION TIMES. I LOVE CHRISTINA LAUREN! They continue to climb up my list of favorite NA authors. After reading the first book Sweet Filthy Boy I knew I had to continue this series. Dirty Rowdy Thing didn’t disappoint!

In DRT we are following Harlow and Finn. Harlow comes from a pretty impressive background with both her parents being in the film industry, while Finn is the complete opposite working/running a fishing company. If you’ve read the first one you remember the trip to Vegas and that these two remained married for all of 12 hours before coming to their senses. Harlow is a firecracker, with so much sass and brass. Finn however is the complete opposite. He is the laid back quite hard working mans man. The only things these two have in common is their both dripping with sarcasm and can't seem to stay away from one another.

When Finn and Harlow finally see each other again they are right back to where they started… Throwing insults at each other while not being able to keep their hands off one another. But these two together OMG I just loved it so much!!!!! I love their banter, how they pretend not to care when it’s so clear they do, and I love how their relationship builds. I love that they are actual friends among other things.  Harlow is a leading lady I really enjoyed hearing and her carefree ways are just to die for. I feel like a lot of times the ladies in NA books can be bit annoying, but this was never an issue with her… But Finn, he takes the cake! AMAZING!!!! I love that at first he is so guarded then when he let them walls down, I was COMPLETELY SOLD!!!! SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED I'M YOURS!!!! HE WAS SO FREAKING SWEET!!!! And he managed to do this one thing I really loved… He was speaking and talking about how beautiful she is when she first wakes and I just turned to mush! 90% of what he said had me a puddle on the floor! Plus he's Canadian... Which is my male kryptonite. 

Though SWT has been my favorite so far in this series DRT definitely stepped it up when it came to steam. Way hotter than the first. And oh boy did I enjoy the new level they took it. I also really enjoyed the way they continue to add a unique elements into their writing that gives their books a little something more. There’s always something they add that just makes for the perfect twist, and again it’s nothing you'll see coming. The plot is never dull, the smut is so smutty and good, and the ending had me so giddy. Their writing style was changed up a bit in this book as well, and it was 100% a plus. A lot more depth and poetic than the previous novels I've read of theirs. Each scene perfectly expressed in a way I haven't seen them do before. My only complaint is one I can’t full share because of spoils. However something happens and it kind of got under my skin but was soon righted (so perfectly righted) and I returned too the island of loving any and everything these two ladies write.

So happy that what happened in Vegas didn't stay in Vegas. 

9.5/10 Stars 
-Angela 

Diamonds by K.A. Linde

"He’s at least ten years older than her seventeen years, and he knows exactly what he’s doing to her with that look.
Walking away would be the smart thing to do…

But she can’t. Not that first night when he takes her home and claims her body. Not when he shows up in her life again with expensive gifts to win her trust. Not even when she’s falling for him, and everything else is falling apart…"

It's pretty clear even from the tiny description why I picked this book up. I haven't had a pleasure of reading a K. A. Linde book before, and let me breakdown the reason why I'm on the fence about it I want too again or not... 

In Diamonds we follow the story of Bri, seventeen year old high-school student, cheer-leading captain, with the movie star boyfriend. Gonna tell you right off the bat that Bri drove me insane for mmmmmmm, 95% of the book. She has a few minor flaws and one really big one. She is SO full of herself. SO FULL. I know for a fact that if she went to school with me someone at some point would have dumped a plate of food on her head. Being full of herself also means she treats everyone in her life like trash. Most of the time it's for no reason at all besides the fact that she wants to. By the end of the book I did start too warm up to her a little, but just barely. Bri also insist that since her family is rich that she is not a gold digger... Personally, I beg to differ. 

Bri without a doubt likes the finer things in life. I know if a man I recently started seeing was giving me gifts like Tiffany necklaces, no matter what he's social stand was, I wouldn't be able to accept them (Ok, ok that last statement might be a lie, idk, sadly this has never been a problem for me before). Bri however is like "Oh Tiffany's! This is too much... *blush* but I deserve it". Seriously Bri... Don't be a dick. I'm only giving her that 5% because of what her personality was like when she was with Jude. Not when he was buying her gifts or spoiling her; just when they are talking one on one. She is not a leading lady that will be one you can easily relate too, if you even can at all. That statement isn't even necessarily a negative. I don't think all characters have to be ones you can relate to. I was waiting for the moment when we would discover so deep dark secret that would explain why she was such a brat... but it never happened. This all brings me to Jude. Our very mysterious, rather wealthy, leading male. Even though he is both very much present while being very much not, I still really enjoyed his character. He had me wanting this book to be 100 pages more just so we could get more time with him. Linde has him sounding all sorts of babely as well (and we all know that never hurts). All that being said the characters both sadly felt a little flat for me. Their relationship was also my biggest issue with the book. Don't get me wrong when I say this, I really enjoyed it, but I just didn't fully believe it. I didn't believe they were madly in love, that they could even get away with this type of relationship, or that they got away with a few of the events that happened. I had a lot of trouble also believing their attitudes towards things, and struggled to understand besides the obvious reason (sex) why the two even had a connection. 

As far as the storyline goes the book takes off right away with no need for any real build up (this was a plus in my opinion). At the beginning the two meet at a nightclub, instantly go straight into a relationship, and we 
get a lot of straight away smut. The middle of the book is filled with random stolen moments, a few huhs?, and a handful of sexual encounters. I felt like there were a lot of strong scenes but all were ultimately throw together. This kept the story from flowing as smoothly as it could have. Again I feel like maybe with 100 more pages we would have gotten more out of both the characters and the plot. 

At this point in time you're probably questioning my rating... Well that's and easy question to answer: First the story is very entertaining and had me wanting desperately to know how it would all end. And second is the twist ending. I thought with how the story was playing out, and with a few of the secondary characters that I had the big twist figure out... I was wrong and was happy too be so. Because let's be real; you know at some point in time both their secrets will come out... But I loved! how they were both revealed. Overall Diamonds was a fun, entertaining, and quick read that made for an excellent filler book. It's a book that I fell you with either love or flat out hate. 

So, will I be continuing with the All That Gillters Series??? More than likely, yes. I'm hoping that with the rest of the series we will get a few loose ends wrapped up and unanswered questions resolved. Also praying for some massive character development, because this series has major potential.


8/10 Stars 
-Angela 

Favorite First Part One

Sometimes all it takes is a killer opening line or paragraph to get you hooked on a book; and so we're giving you some of our favorites. 

"All of us have our little problems and insecurities. I’m no different. Back in high school when I used to feel insecure about something, I would console myself with two thoughts: I’m pretty, and my parents love me. Between those two, I could survive anything. Since then I’ve come to understand how little the former matters, and how bitterly the latter can be tested. What’s left then? Nothing about our appearance or who loves or hates us. Nothing about our brainpower—which, like beauty, is an unearned gift of genetics—nor even anything about what we say. It’s our actions that define us. What we choose. What we resist. What we’re willing to die for." -Bloodfever by Karen Moning

“My father took one hundred and thirty-two minutes to die.” -Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta 

"Blue Sargent had forgotten how many times she'd been told that she would kill her true love." -The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

"The first few words of every story are always the hardest to write. It's almost as if pulling them out, putting If I tell you right up front, right in the beginning that I lost him, it will be easier for you to bear. You will know it’s coming, and it will hurt. But you’ll be able to prepare. And that's my gift to you. I wasn't given that same courtesy. I wasn't prepared." -The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon 
them on paper, commits you to seeing it all through. As if once you start, you are required to finish. And how do you finish when some things never end? This is the story of love with no end... though it took me a while to get there.
  
“I hate my left hand. I hate to look at it. I hate it when it stutters and trembles and reminds me that my identity is gone. But I look at it anyway; because it also reminds me that I'm going to find the boy who took everything away from me. I'm going to kill the boy who killed me, and when I kill him, I'm going to do it with my left hand.” -The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

"I just punched a girl in the face. Not just any girl. My best friend. My roommate." -Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

"My name is not Mara Dyer but my lawyer told me I had to choose something. A pseudonym. A nom de plume, for all of us studying for the SATs. I know that having a fake name is strange, but trust me- it's the most normal thing about my life right now. Even telling you this much probably isn't smart. But without my big mouth no one would know that a seventeen year old who likes Death Cab for a Cutie was responsible for the murders. No one would know that somewhere out there is a B student with a body count. And it's important that you know, so you're not next." -The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin 

 "Aliens are stupid" -The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey

“Sometimes I think that everyone has a tragedy waiting for them, that the people buying milk in their pajamas or picking their noses at stoplights could be only moments away from disaster. That everyone's life, no matter how unremarkable, has a moment when it will become extraordinary - a single encounter after which everything that really matters will happen.” -The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider

"You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…" -Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea 

by April Genevieve Tucholke

"The weight of their pity is like a stone tied about my neck."- Defiance by CJ Redwine

"This is how you get your ass kicked." -Fake ID by Lamar Giles 

"I wake up. Immediately I have to figure out who I am. It’s not just the body–opening my eyes and discovering whether the skin on my arm is light or dark, whether my hair is long or short, whether I’m fat or thin, boy or girl, scarred or smooth. The body is the easiest thing to adjust to, if you’re used to waking up in a new one each morning. It’s the life, the context of the body, that can be hard to grasp." -Every Day by David Levithan

"I've been locked up for 264 days." -Shatter me by Tahereh Mafi

  

Every Last Breath by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Layla has a big problem. A Lilin is running around topside wreaking havoc all around her. That's only one of her problems. Being torn between two worlds and two boys causes some issues as well. 

It's been a long time since I've gotten behind the wheel of a Jla book, and it's been a long time since I devoured a book this fast. Started it at 3 finished it at five. Every Last Breath is the third and final book in the Dark Elements Trilogy, if you haven't read the first two please do not pass go and do not pick up two-hundred dollars. GO BACK NOW AND READ THE FIRST TWO!!!! Every Last Breath does not let down.

As much as I want to load this review with spoils that would turn you rotten I wont.
ELB picks up right where Stone Cold Touch left off. The Lilin is still out and causing chaos. Layla is still confused about what she is. And of course we are still waiting on the answer of who the hell does Layla pick. Gargoyle Zayne or Crown Prince of the Under World Roth... I like everyone else mainly was waiting to find out which dude she be choosin. Clearly being team Roth I was on the edge of my seating waiting for the moment when the big question was answered... And boy do we get an answer. No I wont tell you what happens... I will give you (of course) a run-down of what I thought.

Layla is still one of my favorite Fems and brings the thunder in this book. Finally putting on her big girl panties I was so happy with her character development. She goes from a strong physical character, to a strong emotional character. She starts making decisions and realizes becoming an adult means having to make tough choices, but you have to make them. Good or bad outcome it must be done. Then we have sweet sweet Zayne. Who again continues to be a strong male presence and someone you want to cheer for... Even if deep down inside, in this case, you'll want the nice guy to finish last... sorry. I overall liked his character in this book, even though at one point I did think the direction something was taken was a little cheese. On to Roth... HOLY HOT DEMON BABIES EVERYWHERE ROTH... WHOOSH... SWOON! I'd walk through hell for his hottie! He blew my mind in this book. Didn't think it was possible for him to get any better, but yup WRONG. Every time he was present I had to make sure I was sitting down; just got so weak in the knees. If getting pregnant by reading was possible... Well I wouldn't need Maury to tell me that Roth IS the father.

"And my desire for you increases every waking second in a way that should frighten me, but really just excites me. But most of all, I love you... Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow, a hundred decades from now, I will still be in love with you..."

I thought Layla had a lot of growth, but she has nothing on Roth. I will give this tiny bit of information... There is a drunk Roth scene and oh Lord did I love it!!! He was on my list of favorite fictional guys but has definitely moved up. On too my favorite topic when it comes to Jla books.
Yes, her side characters! Jla write some of my favorite side characters. Doesn't matter how big or small their rolls are I always love them. My two favorites hands down were Tony the seer who happens to require you to bring him dinner when you visit and Cayman, Roth's right hand man. Both had my sides splitting! Especially Cayman. I didn't remember loving him so much Stone Cold Touch, but he loved him so much in Every Last Breath. Every sarcastic sentence that oozed from his mouth was perfection. Every character in this book is so easily liked.

The plot of this book went very different than I thought. It was a lot heavier on the smushy romance (no this isn't a complaint) and saved a lot of the action for the last half of this book. Knowing this was surrounding a love triangle I knew there was going to be a lot of smutty goodness but had no idea what I was in for!  I was actually happy with how this played out, because I wont lie I was worried. I think if anyone else besides Jla would have attempted to do such heavy romance and hold off on the action till the end it might not have played out as well. When the action does come, though a tiny bit predictable, still hit home and cuts deep. I again wont lie, though I wanted action, that wasn't why I choose this book. I choose it because I knew it was going to be a fun, hilarious, romantic read, with a well written triangle. Going into it wanting that and then getting it has me left completely stratified with the ending to this wondering and different paranormal trilogy. I highly recommend this series. Was getting in a bit of a slump and as usual Jennifer pulled me right back out. This was the perfect summer romance read.

10/10 Stars 
-Angela 

if you see thie and think... Ew this is cheese... stop right there. Jla might be the Queen of bad covers, but she has all right too be when she constantly crushes books.

Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting

Tenley and Hardin are complete opposites when it comes to life. Yet they boy share one thing in common... They both have past they wish to keep secret.

This is a case of the right book at the right time. I felt myself slipping into a slump with the other book I was reading so I set it down and picked up Clipped Wings. I think my favorite thing about new adult books is that they are some of the best to pick up when you need to get out of a reading slump. Though Clipped Wings is overall your basic NA novel, I did enjoy that there was a little something different about it, and something that surprising related rather close to me.

Clipped Wings is about a rocky secret keeping relationship between Tenley and Hayden. Tenley is a college student working on her thesis while working at the book store she lives above. Hayden is the bad boy with the dark past who has now straightened out his life and is working/owning a tattoo parlor across the street from his aunts bookstore... So you see where this is going. After several visits to the store Hayden takes a liking to Tenley and after a series of events talks her into coming in for a tattoo session. Tenley though shy and guarded at times still managed to be both funny and charming. As far as leading ladies went I was really pleased with her, and how she is written. Hayden however was the character I oddly ended up relating to the most. Not only is he a total babe, but also a total sweet heart. The reason however I contacted with him was because much like him I am often discriminated against because of the amount of tattoos I have. People see them and then automatically assume you're up to no good. So naturally I felt a connection to him and how he sees the world seeing him. I also can't mention Hayden without mentioning his love of cupcakes and how much it made me love him. But, too be completely honest I really enjoyed everything about his character. He turned out to be a lot more swoon worthy than I originally thought he would be. At first I thought I knew how his character would be, but once he started to actually to reveal himself and start to win over Tenley I was completely sold. That sweet tattooed dreamboat stole my heart.


The story line is told in dual POV which I digged. I enjoyed getting to see both of their struggles along with hearing both of their thoughts on one another. I also liked how the book, though it's deeper message was about working through struggles and learning that its okay to lean on people, still found a unique way of bringing tattooing into the picture. Hot guys, talks about tattoos, and a story line that wasn't choppy had me sold. Though the plot is rather predictable it was still written so well that I was able to set that aside. The plot keeps a steady pace through-out the novel and the romance is always on point. I will say I thought this was a stand-alone but it turns out there is a sequel. With an ending I did see coming, I still wasn't disappointed because it does leave it off so the next book is actually a mystery. Really looking forward to seeing how this series ends because right now I'm so clueless and curious about how everything will wrap up.

 

8.5/10 Stars 

-Angela  

Velvet by Temple West

After losing both her parents before the age seventeen, aspiring Caitlin Holte feels like her whole world has been turned upside down. Things only get weirder when she is saved from a storm from her hot supernatural neighbor.

I will start right away by saying two things: one I didn’t read anything about this book before purchasing it, just simply cover lusted and bought it and two: you should know from the get go that this is Twilight meets The Lux Series with a touch of White Hot Kiss. I’m not a hater of Twilight but neither am I a fan, but I am a lover of Lux…. This put me in a weird predicament when it came to Velvet. For all the reasons I loved Lux were the reasons I loved this book. It was a sweet romance, with great banter between our leads, and a story line I found additively well written.  For all the reason I hated Twilight were the same reasons I disliked parts of Velvet. Until the twist happened towards the middle I was almost positive was re-reading Twilight. Once that twist happened, one I didn’t see coming, I changed my mind. The first half of this book just had some many similarities between those two books that I was thankful the last half mixed it up for us.

I really enjoyed the two leads in this book. Caitlin at first wasn’t my favorite; but by the end grew on me. I really loved her personality and how she’s kind of “whatever” about everything. The big thing that kept me from liking her at first was that she was so ungrateful for so long. I get the whole angry at the world thing, because I’ve been in her shoes before, but I still couldn’t connect to how hateful she was being.  I was beyond ecstatic when she stopped being such a brat.  As far as Adrian went, I have absolutely zero complaints about him. I loved everything about his character. Everything from his looks to personality worked for me. He was what set this book apart from the others. I like my mystery men sweet, sarcastic, and caring; trust me when I say he hits all those nails right on the head. At one point I had a hard time reading because my eyes had literally turned into hearts. Hands-down one of the best fictional guys I've read in awhile.

The scenes that he weren’t in had me praying there would be some kind of excuse for him to come into the picture. The relationship between these two was also grand. Seriously so freaking sweet!!!! Definitely swoon-worthy. However I did hear that this book was supposed to be super steamy, and I will say I was a tiny bit let down when it wasn’t. I wanted more hot and heavy moments. The sweet moments we got however were great.

The best part about Velvet was that it was a light read with great writing. The writing never seems forced or too youthful. The storyline though a little predictable, was still fast and fun. I also really enjoyed the new spin on Vampires. The best part about this book was that it had more of a contemporary feel to it than it did super-natural. I’m not a big contemporary reads person, but I really enjoyed that that’s what it felt like.It made me feel like I was getting something I usually miss from contemporary reads.

Overall I was really happy about this read. It's some good time chick-lit with a light heartedness that I think most will enjoy.  It may look like a winter read but I think it fit perfectly into my summer.It's hard to believe that this is Temple's debut novel. I look forward to book two and reading whatever she puts out in the future.

8/10 Stars
-Angela 

Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines

Blaire Wynn left her small farmhouse in Alabama, after her mother passed away, to move in with her father and his new wife in Florida. With being thrown into a new lifestyle the last thing she expected to start falling for the guy her dad left her to stay with. Rush is as spoiled as he is gorgeous. He is also getting under her skin. He is jaded and has secrets hat will have Blaire wondering what to do next. 

My April reading has started off with a BANG! (Confession I read this the last day of March but after how rough reading wise that month was I refuse to throw it in that month)

I think Fallen Too Far is my new favorite guilty pleasure. Wait, screw that, this is just one of my new favorite cheesy reads, I have no shame in saying it! Loved this book!

In Fallen Too Far we follow the story of Blaire who is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after her mothers passing. This means she has to call the one person she didn't want to, her father. Heading from Alabama to Florida with nothing but beat up truck, gun, and a suitcase, the last thing she thought would happen when arriving to her dad's house was finding out that it wasn't her dad's house. It's her new "step-brother's" house, Rush. 

Rush is the only son of a rock star and his life style shows it. He is a little distant and cold towards her at first, but he lets her stay at the house to figure things out for a bit. Blaire immediately gets a job and starts saving for her own place. Spending so much time together these two start having some rather steamy chemistry (and were not talking school work, wink wink). Even with Rush trying to push Blaire away at the start, and that we know he has some big booming secret, they keep pushing forward. Blaire's character is sweet and nice, but sometimes I wanted her to just grow a pair and stand up for herself. Some moments she would wow me with her behavior and then the next I would be confused from how she went from so strong to so weak. Rush however, whoosh, loved him! I know a lot of reviews are saying he was such a D at first then becomes sweet... I however didn't find him all that douchey. I thought for the most part he was pretty alright. I liked his attitude, his appeal, and the way he always seemed to enter the scene at the right moment. He was a character I didn't think I was going to end up liking when I read the first few chapters, but he changed my mind fast. The scenes between the two of them as well..... HOT. Like need one of those portable neck fans hot. 

The plot surrounds the growth of their relationship, and the "big secret"...  I thought I had figured out what this big reveal would be but I was thrown for a loop when it was finally shown. The story never felt rushed (no pun intended). I also loved the ending. Command Me and Fallen Too Far had very  similar ending, yet this one too me powered over the other. I can't wait to continue this series, and I'm so excited to see where it goes. The only thing I will say about this book is more cosmetic than anything, I hope they re-release this book with a different cover... It does no justice for this read.Just hate it. But personally I'm just really picky when it comes to book covers that have people on them. But seriously this book was just too much fun. 

9/10 Stars 
-Angela  

Read it and Weep

When it comes to emotions we basically have none... Crying in real life events rarely ever happens for us. However when it comes to books/books to film it happens all the time! And we mean all the time. It's to the point where it should be embarrassing but then again WE HAVE NO SHAME! So we thought it would be a wonderful idea to share a list of the books that brought us to tears, highlight the biggest hitters, and share the ones that had us feelings all the feels (yeah just said that still not ashamed). 

Me Before You- Jojo Moyes
Slammed- Colleen Hoover
Point of Retreat- Colleen Hoover
Ugly Love- Colleen Hoover
Maybe Someday- Colleen Hoover
Confess- Colleen Hoover
The Fault in Our Stars- John Green
The Truth About Alice- Jennifer Mathieu
If I Stay- Gayle Forman
MockingJay- Suzanne Collins
Allegiant- Veronica Roth
Unteachable- Lead Raeder
All Our Yesterdays- Cristin Terrill
Forbidden- Tabitha Suzuma
The Choice- Nicholas Sparks
Champion- Marie Lu
Breaking Dawn- Stephanie Meyers 
The Beginning of Everything- Robyn Schneider
City of Heavenly Fire- Cassandra Clare
Opposition- Jennifer L. Armentrout

Angela's Picks- As far as my top three picks for highest tissue count I selected: Ugly Love, Maybe Someday, and Forbidden. In that order (Honorable mention to Me Before You). I thought when we started making this list that TFIOS would be in my top three, but the ones I picked really did me in more so... And if you've seen or read TFIOS that should really tell you something. Ugly Love definitely takes my top spot. Not only could I not pick up another book for over a week, I also couldn't open my eyes for the same amount of time. Every time I thought about this book I became a blubbering hot mess all over again. It shattered me into a million little pieces, and delivered a thousand paper-cuts to my heart. A book has never made me hurt as hard as Ugly Love did, and I can't wait to see it in theaters next year and ugly cry all over the place (again). Maybe Someday, my next pick is also by Colleen Hoover. This book...wow this book... IS JUST PERFECT. It has the perfect start, the perfect middle, and hands down one of the best endings ever. Maybe Someday was like nothing I had ever read before and left me loving love. If you wanna know what love is and what someone to show you just pick up any Hoover book. My last pick is a book I know y'all have heard me mention on several occasions... Yup, Forbidden. I could go on for weeks (which is crystal clear since I still am) about how much I loved this novel. Not only did it bring me to tears, it had me questioning my own morals. With a story line that I didn't see coming, with plot twist I could barely handle, and with an ending that left me speechless, there was no way this book couldn't make my list. If you haven't read any of these books you have too! Just click the reviews and you'll see why. All of them are on my all time favorites list and each one gave me something so lovely to hang on to. Seriously, PICK UP THESE BOOKS! While you're at it pick up copious amounts of chocolates, and stock up on Kleenex.

Leah's Picks- I used to look at people who read sad books or watch sad movies and think "why would you pay money for something to make you cry?!" That was before I was introduced to the novels that are listed above. Now I know that you can read a book, have your heart ripped out, and then still come out feeling something positive at the end. My top three picks are The Fault in Our Stars, Slammed, and Maybe Someday. I remember when I first read TFIOS. I knew basically what it was about, but I didn't know a whole lot of information on it. Let me just say that by the end of the book, I had locked myself in my bathroom and was sitting on the floor next to the toilet sobbing my eyes out. This book brought me to a level of sadness that I didn't know you could experience without losing someone yourself. It really and truly felt like I had lost a part of me. That is why this book will always remain on the top of my favorite lists because of the strong reaction it evoked from me. In a very close second in Slammed. I avoided reading this book for a really long time because I didn't think it would be my thing. This book is everyone's thing. Seriously, it is amazing. Something that happens to one of the characters hits close to home for me in this one and it really made my knees buckle, especially during the epilogue. It was that type of thing where you are reading but you are crying so hard that you can't even see the words because snot and tears and mascara are running down your face. I haven't even read the sequel, Point of Retreat, yet because I'm just not ready. Even thinking about the end of Slammed makes my stomach hurt, so I just need some time to heal all my emotional wounds inflicted by CoHo before reading the sequel and novella. In third is Maybe Someday. Colleen Hoover holds the title for Author Most Likely To Make You Die After Reading Her Books because of all the crazy twists she pulls on her characters. I read Maybe Someday in a few hours because I just couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried, I swooned... Basically I felt all the feels. The ending is what makes this book for me. Amazing. Who knew reading could make you hurt so good? I would seriously have called you crazy if you told me this a few years ago, but now I recommend everyone to go out and buy all of these books ASAP. 

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Seventeen-year-old Sky realizes life might not be exactly what she thought it was after she meets Dean Holder. A guy whose reputation rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. Sky struggles to keep Dean at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on invading every part of her life. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

It is a wide known fact that Colleen Hoover is my favorite author, and has never let me down. With Hopeless she continued to keep me happy. I feel like I say this every time I write a review for one of Hoover's books but the only way you should really go into one is by knowing the bare minimum. The people who have reviewed her books have constantly done one thing that still amazes me... The have continued to keep her plot twist a secret. You know good and well that if you have a goodreads account that you have gone to read a review (and it wasn't hidden due to spoilers), have read something on it you didn't want to know, then gotten so mad that you saw it that in the long run it ruined the book for you... I have NEVER had this problem with her books. SO AGAIN THANK YOU for keeping up the mystery!!! Just like with other Hoover reads I started Hopeless thinking it was one thing and then it turned out to be another. 

We start the story with our leading lady Sky, who I just loved. She is a home schooled jungle freak who is starting out her first year in public school. Her adoptive mother has kept her pretty sheltered from the outside world. She has no phone, internet, and they don't even have a TV. This leaves her pretty cut off from the outside world. Her main friend and connection to the real world (up until school) is her best friend Six. Sadly once Sky enrolls into school they find out Six study abroad was approved and that she will be missing most of the year. But never fear Dean Holder comes into the picture and helps ease the terribleness that is high school. Since he also has quite the reputation following him, the two hit it off. She also becomes friends with the moron homosexual that is the amazing Breckin. Both Sky and Dean's characters are amazing! Sky is just as strong and stubborn as Dean. Dean is charming and is more than swoon worthy. And as I was saying, Breckin OMG, what an amazing sub character!!!! Every character in this book is spot on. Her mom, her friends, her new man, all perfect.

As far as the plot goes...It's just WOW. The first half of this book is a little more steady, but definitely not boring. The first half is all about the building of Sky's world and her new relationship with Dean and how her life has been living with Karen, the women who adopted her after her mother passed and her father has given up on her. This is all leading up to the "big reveal(s)". Yes, because there are a few. First is the way (don't worry I'm not about to spoil you) the title comes into play. The title of Colleen's books are always so on point, but I think as of right now Hopeless is my favorite title of hers. When it is revealed why it has that name my mind was BLOWN... TWICE! But she doesn't stop there, she has a bunch of tiny (though a little predictable) twist near the end as well... BUT the big reveal that happens between those two... JUST OMG!!! It comes out of nowhere! And when it happens you'll probably have to re-read it, because I know I was like "wait a second did that just happen... no really did they just say what I think they said... no way... omg yes" 

Because Y'all I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!!!!! SAYING MY MIND WAS BLOWN WOULD BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT! Like where on earth did this come from! And just like that everything in the story clicks and your world is crushed! Colleen seriously knocked my socks off! Just crazy... 

So you're probably wondering why I didn't give this a perfect rating... For two simple reasons. Dean does become a "convenient" character. And you will see what his purpose is pretty early on. The second reason is that after that HUGE EARTH SHATTERING reveal happens you will have everything for the most part figured out. All that being said, Hopeless still is a must read! The relationship is so sweet, the plot is just as strong, and that one big twist makes up for any of the tiny other ones that you see coming. I don't think Colleen Hoover can write a bad book. 

9.5/10 Stars 
-Angela 

(Hopeless BookDepo)