Rachel Hawkins : MISS MAYHEM

Warning!! Hmmm... Prepare to disappointed! Unfortunately!

MISS MAYHEM is second book in the Rebel Belle series, written by the lovely Rachel Hawkins.


Do you remember the Southern Paladin girl who's boyfriend is an Oracle and an ex-boyfriend is a Mage I read about last week?? Well she is back! And not with a boom!

*****

Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and her best friend, Bee, has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can focus on the important things in her life: school, canoodling with David (her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie), and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove Pageant.

Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they'd rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can't stay David's Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her... or make her more powerful than ever.

*****

Firstly, let's talk about the book edition first. I own the hardback published earlier this year by G.P. Putnam's Sons. 273 pages. 36 chapters. The sleeve is having a similar design as the first book. Vintage looking golden statue of Miss Pine Grove with a sword. I assume that this represents our main girl - Harper. Underneath the sleeve, there is hiding a red book with gold lettering. It's pretty and I liked that the graphic team stuck with the original design.

The writing. Well it's stick with the same fashion. Modern. Easy to read. Very relate able. But I kinda feel like the author has run out of her original story. It seems to be that she has bitten too big bite of her cake and doesn't know how to finish the story. It's predictable. It's boring at times and it drags on.

I will be honest. I knew from reading the first book that it's a one of a simpler writing, but I didn't feel any excitement. For a YA novel about mythical creatures like paladins, oracles and mages it's lacking excitement and action.  Even the blur of the book sounds more interesting and more exciting than the story itself.

Seriously. I feel like the author is literally milking the cow dry. It feels like a forced sequel without being properly thought through. It's too simple. As much as I do enjoy the humour, it doesn't save the story. To be honest, the only reason why I have finished reading the book was the hilarious dialogues.

But there is no proper development of story or the characters. If feels like the magic has fizzled out (pun intended). I am missing the spell which I am usually under when reading a book. I quite happily put the book down back on the shelf and never read it again. 

But of course, we don't know what has happened to David, so I have to buy the last instalment in the series but I can honestly say I am not bothered to read it anytime soon. And LADY RENEGADES doesn't get publish until next year anyway.


I just hope that the author will think this story through properly. I hope she will take her time and make sure that she develops it more, gets more exciting and actually brings some action to this mix between Buffy, The Vampire Slayer; True Blood & Gossip Girl. I just want it to improve so badly. What makes me angry the most is the fact that the story has such a great potential. With the right take and the right story-telling, it could be a bestseller - the next Twilight..


But the train left the station and now we are left with a boring tale.


So all in all, I really really didn't like the second book in this series. I was bored and found myself to on many occasions forcing myself to finish it.

I am really sorry Ms Hawkins but I think there is a lot of room for improvement for this story. I hope the last book in this series managed to surprise me in a good way.

Rachel Hawkins : REBEL BELLE

Warning!! Don't worry if you are missing Buffy, the Vampire Slayer. Rachel Hawkins brings us Rebel Belle instead!

REBEL BELLE is young adult sic-fi (?) novel written by the lovely and very talented Rachel Hawkins.

This is the first book I have ever read from the pen of this author. I have stumbled on it thanks to Instagram. Many of my friends and fellow bibliophiles recommended this book to me. So of course, I had to find out for myself, what is the fuss about.

*****

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She's imbued with the powers of a Paladin, a guardian with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy. Harper finds out who she's charged to protect. David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favourite person. Things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him - and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

*****

Let's start with the edition first. I own the Hardback Edition published last year by G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS. 345 pages long. 41 hilariously written chapters. The sleeve of the book has a picture of a pearl necklace and a knife. Possibly, this is a representation of Harper's life - a belle and a paladin. When you take off the sleeve, you find a dark brown book with golden lettering on the spine. Simple, yet beautiful design.

The writing.. It's very, very easy to read. It's modern. Packed with humour and very entertaining. It is like watching a good old 90's TV series. It's a mix between Buffy, The Vampire Slayer; Gossip Girl &  True Blood. Apart from the fact that there aren't any vampires & werewolves (yet?). Harper isn't a slayer, she a more fancier name - a Paladin. And she protects an Oracle - an ancient creature who can see the future. It's usual a girl, a virgin - but this again here is the twist. This Oracle is the geeky boy Harper disliked all her life. The witches call themselves Mages and they have only limited powers.  Throw in some hilarious conversations and situations and you got yourself a good recipe for a YA novel.

The story itself is a little bit bland and predictable. But it's very enjoyable to read. It is a different take on a part of greek mythology and french history. I do like reading various twists on important moments in history. And even though the story is predictable, it's very funny, exciting at times. It's like a comfortable blanket which wraps around you. Especially if you are a YA genre fan. It's a typical YA story. Not too short - just long enough. Great interaction between the two main characters, freshen up with great use of sarcasm, humour and modern times. I love that the story takes part in Alabama - the deep south of USA. The stereotypical town with it's tradition like Homecoming Dance, Cotillion, small town gossips... A nice and easy read for the warm summer nights. 

But you don't care too much about the characters. You don't go through an emotional roller coaster. You aren't as excited. It's more like a meal without any flavourings which would spice it up a little bit. And that is a great shame...

The characters are all very relatable and charming. I love the interactions. There is a lot of chemistry between Harper and David. And yes, from the first moment you know that even if those two do not like each other at the start, there are signs that these two actually supposed to be together. The bickering and kicking each other since kindergarten is a huge giveaway. But I do like that the author took time with their slowly developing relationship. There are some good twists too. One I can point out I like the most - Ryan becoming a Mage (SPOILER ALERT!! Sorry!!). The girl, the guy she really likes and makes her skin tingle, and the ex-boyfriend who are bound to be spend their lives together forever. Talk about awkward !!

All in all, this book was a typical YA novel. I would maybe categorise it for the early years of YA novel. It's not a complicated read. It isn't a thrilling novel you cannot put down. But it has some good points. It ticks all the boxes a good YA book should have. It wasn't my favourite, but I didn't hate it. For me, the best part of this tale are the dialogues between characters. The humour saved the story.

Rebel Belle is actually the first book in the series. I am now reading the second part - MISS MAYHEM. These two should be followed by the last instalment - LADY RENEGADES due to be released April 12th 2016.

So thank you Ms Hawkins, you have made me laugh out loud on many occasions whilst reading your book. I hope you keep up with the funny parts, just maybe develop the story a little more and better.

Lauren Oliver : VANISHING GIRLS

Warning! This book will surprise and leave you with you mouth wide opened!

VANISHING GIRLS is thrilling young adult novel written one of the most popular authors in the YA genre - Lauren Oliver.


Lauren Oliver is well known name in the YA genre. I own couple of books written by this author, so when I have found out that she publishing a new novel this year, I had to have it. I even took the opportunity of getting a signed book plate by her which I have received couple of months ago.


To be honest, at the start the story only intrigued me, but as I discovered later on,  this book turned out to be more than I expected.

*****

Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before - before Dara kissed Parker, before Nick lost him as her best friend, before the accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred. Now the two sisters, who used to be so close, aren't speaking. In an instant, Nick lost everything and is determined to use the summer to get it all back.

But Dara has other plans. When she vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl has vanished, too - nine-year-old Madeline Snow - and as Nick pursues her sister, she becomes increasingly convoked that the two disappearances are linked.

*****

But before we get into the juicy stuff, let's talk about the edition first. I own the hardback published earlier this year. 322 pages long. The sleeve is created in light pastel colours. On the cover, there is a photograph, taken with the soft lens, of a young girl. We can just get the glimpse of her face and hair. The main book is light brown colour with metal blush pink lettering. It is a beautiful design. I really, really like it. 

The story is written from the point of Nick and Dara - before and after everything has changed. It's captivating. Beautifully written with the right sensitivity to the issue happening in Nick's life. It's thrilling. Exciting. So emotional. It is an un-put-down-able tale. I was glued to it straight from the start. 

The start was a little bit confusing and slow. But soon enough it picked up and it kept on intriguing me. There was just something... Something in this story didn't add up. I was missing a big part of it. Soon I started to have a little hunch. Just a thought... so I read on. I got more and more invested in this tale. And I didn't have to wait too long for the explosive twist in the story. My hunch has become true. I was right. But it still left me with my mouth wide opened. I am sorry for being quite secretive about it but I do not want to spoil it for you, which is really really hard as I just want to discuss it with you.

The book tells us about the straighten relationship between two sisters who used to be best friends - Nick and Dara. Nick is the oldest and has another best friends Parker and the trio got up to many mischiefs during last couple of years. But then Dara and Parker hooked up. And Nick has lost her place in the group. She has been left on the sidelines. And then the accident happened and Dara's and Nick's relationship became even more complicated. Nick moved away to her dad's home but after being caught skinny dipping, she has returned back home. Dara doesn't speak to her, the whole family is good in the non-talking-about-conflicts situation. But at least her summer job in the nearer family park gets her closer to Parker again. But then a little girl disappears, and the things get even more weird and complicated. Dara is still not talking to Nick, so Nick decides to give their relationship one last shot on Dara's birthday.

This book is so thrilling. It's a masterpiece. You get sucked in and won't let go. It really helps that the story is told from different points of view (or is it). The mystery is even more enhanced with the before and after chapters. It's mesmerising. 

One thing I have to say. I really really love that the author addressed some very major issues in this book. A tragedy. They way family copes with it. The straighter relationships within the family members. The complicated relationship between friends... Finding love. And of course the huge issue of psychological disorder like a multiply personality. It was absolutely amazing. She couldn't written the story better. She couldn't told Nick's tale in better, absolutely captivating way... 

I loved every page. I adore every chapter. I wasn't able to put the book down. I just had to find out what has happened and how the story ends. 

Thank you Ms Oliver. What a thrilling ride (pun intended - you will get it once you read the book). I just wish there would be more ... But that's a sign of well-written novel, if you want more after you finished with it. 

VANISHING GIRLS should be your next addition to your personal library. Happy reading! 

Rainbow Rowell : LANDLINE

Warning! Expect a heart-warming story filled with love, laughter, regret... Would you change your life if you discover a magical phone line to your past?

LANDLINE is the newest, well newish, novel written by favourite author who never fails to put a smile on my face - Rainbow Rowell.


This is the fourth story I have read from the pen of this wonderful writer. As soon as I found out that there is a new book being published, I had to add it to my personal library. The plot is different from others, but I was sure if it comes from Rainbow Rowell, it is worth the reading.

*****

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. It's been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and he still loves her - but that almost seems besides the point now. 

Two days before they're supposed to visit Neal's family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells him that she can't go. She's a TV writer and something's come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her - but she doesn't expect him to pack up the kids and go home without her. 

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she's finally done it. If she'd ruined everything. 

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It's not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she's been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts...

Is that what she's supposed to do? Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened? 

*****

As usual, let's talk about the edition first. I own the hardback published in 2014. 310 pages. 38 chapters long - well 36 chapters plus before and after part... The jacket is mint green and yellow with yellow telephone on the cover. The magic telephone to the past. The main book is light yellow. When I was reading it, I carried the book without its jacket as I prefer the novel without its clothes. Actually, the jacket become annoying after while, it kept sliding so I just took it off.

The writing.. Well, I love Rainbow's writing as I can always count on her to not only put a smile on my face, but she makes me to reach for the box of Kleenex too. This story is similar to her other ones it that aspect. It's funny at times. Entertaining. Intelligent. Smartly written. And it makes you emotional and melancholic in many parts. But it always worth the read.

The story... I have to be honest. At the start, I wasn't sure about the story itself. It didn't strike me with interest as the other Rainbow Rowell's tales. It might be due to the fact that it touches upon marriage going through a rough patch. I am personally still single too far away from a possibility of even thinking about getting married, have children... so I thought I might not be able to relate to the story. And at the start this was the case, I took me a while to really like this story. But as it happens with every Rowell's story, soon enough I fell in love with it and couldn't put it down.

It is a wonderful re-telling of the time when you have been married for years and years. Your relationship is stuck in a loophole of mandatory, boring kind. Mundane things are happening on repeat. You don't know how to communicate with each other anymore. And what if you would discover a magic phone to your past to the exact moment when your life can change forever. Would leave everything as it is ? Or would you take the leap and change your whole life?

Rainbow manages to capture human heart and it feelings, the reasons behind every decision in its own raw form. It's beautiful. It's emotional. And it will leave you breathless.

Although, this is not my favourite book from Rainbow Rowell's pen, it is a very well written novel. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry... Rainbow has the right recipe on how to write a successful novel every reader can enjoy. 

Another well done to my favourite author in YA genre!!! She is the contemporary genre queen. Rainbow Rowell, there is a reason why you are my favourite writer. 

Morgan Matson : AMY & ROGER'S EPIC DETOUR

Warning!! This summer is all about the road trip novels. And this is an original within all of them!

AMY & ROGER'S EPIC DETOUR is a novel which skyrocketed the wonderful Morgan Matson to YA royalty.


This is not the first book I've read from this author's pen. But I made a point to buy all her books after reading Since You've Been Gone novel earlier this year. And since the summer has arrived I have decided to devote my time to summer novels such as this one. Road trips are on my mind ever since then... I think that there might be one in my future...

*****

Amy Curry's year sucks. And it's not getting any better. Her mother has decided to move, so somehow Amy has to get their card from California to the East Coast. There's just one problem: since her father's death Amy hasn't been able to get behind the wheel of a car. Enter Roger, the son of a family friend, who turns out to be funny, nice... and unexpectedly cute.

But Roger's plans involve a more 'scenic' route that just driving from A to B, so suddenly Amy finds herself on the road trip of a lifetime. And, as she grows closer to Roger, Amy starts to realise that sometimes you have to get lost to find your way home...

*****

Firstly, let's talk about the edition. I own a paperback published in 2011 by Simon & Schuster! 344 pages divided into 6 sections. There is a picture of a couple holding hands, standing on road looking ahead. I assume that this is Amy & Roger. What I like most about this book is that it includes things like photographs, receipts, playlists... It's like reading Amy & Roger's travel journal. What a beautiful, original design. One of my favourites!


The writing. It is easy to read. Very modern. Funny. Exciting. Sad at times. Emotional. And very addictive. I was hooked straight from the start and couldn't put it down.


The story itself is absolutely breath-taking and mesmerising. There is just so much pain Amy carries around with her. I laughed. I cried. I giggled.. I absolutely fell in love with this tale. It's a beautifully written tale of love, friendship, guilt... It's not just a normal usual road trip where you look around the unusual attraction, the nature, the scenic views, the time alone with the cute boy.. It's a road trip which will change your life you and your life forever. A road trip to find yourself and a forgiveness which you don't think you deserve. It's about the strength you need to overcome your problems.

I love how these two decided to be spontaneous and drive... drive without a proper destination. They wanted to be free.. They wanted the time off from their troubled past and relationship. And on the way they discovered what they have been looking for, even when they didn't realise it at first. Amy needed to forgive herself. And Roger needed to realise that he is chasing a dream - a beautiful girl with cold heart.


I love the relationship between the two main characters. It was safe at the start, not rushed, but real. As they spent more time together, they get to know each other. They started to care for each other and they helped each other. They have a charisma about them. You just couldn't help but have fingers crossed for them to discover their mutual feelings they harness for each other. I adore how they support each other along the way. They shared their secrets and worries.


And I absolutely loved how Ms Matson captured the straighten relationships after Amy's dad's passing. The gap which has grown between Charlie and Amy. The fact that Amy doesn't feel like anyone in her family wants to talk to her... not even her own mother. She is shutting her out, moving on and Amy can't even catch her breath before they are moving into a new state, into a new house.. and leaving past behind. She captures the raw emotions so commonly present after an important person passes. It was sad. It was heart-shattering. It made you reach for your box of Kleenex. 

This story is full of sadness, pain, but also full of love and easy developing friendships. It was great to see how wonderful were Roger's friends to Amy. They welcomed her into their circle of trust and gave an important task - to save Roger for the claws of his ex-girlfriend. But Amy wasn't just going to steal him away. She gave him a freedom of choice and ability to decide what he wants even when it would hurt her.

All in all I have truly fell in love with the wonderful tale. I couldn't put it down, until I was finished with the last page. The ending is open.. The readers can make their own ending - I definitely know what would a perfect ending to the novel for me. 

I have grown to adore road trips and contemporary YA.. They all inspire me to plan my own road trip around USA and hopefully help to discover who I truly supposed to be.

Another well done Morgan Matson. You have made feel a full scale of emotions, but it was worth it. I cannot wait to read more from your pen.

Road trip anyone?

Margo Rabb : KISSING IN AMERICA

Warning! After reading this book, you might want to make sure that your driving licence is in date as a road trip will be on your mind.

KISSING IN AMERICA is a contemporary YA novel written by the very wonderful and critically acclaimed, Margo Rabb.


This novel is also mine and Sara's (Carpe Librum Girl*) choice for our #ZCbookclub on Instagram.**

*****

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

*****

Let's talk about the wonderful edition first. I am happy to say that I own the first edition (I love saying it even though it doesn't mean as much as when you buy a classics' first edition) of this book published this year by HarperCollins. A hardback. 386 pages long divided into 8 parts and X amount  of chapters (to be honest, I did not count them). Each part begins with a famous poem about love. Each chapter has an original title. The sleeve is beautiful. The cover has an indie collage of motel signs on it. I love the design. The book itself is baby blue with metallic blue writing. Beautiful. I am very happy with the whole design of this book.

The writing is modern. Easy to read. Very relate able. Funny. Sad. Thrilling.. Exciting. And quite original. As I mentioned, each part of the book begins with a poem, but what I haven't mentioned is the little inserts of paragraphs written in the style of romance novels. This always made me chuckle and made the story a tad more interesting.


Now, the story itself.. At the beginning when I first read the blur, I was expecting a tale of first love and friendship. Two best friendship chasing after the boy whilst survives brand new adventures. But in reality this book is so much more. It isn't your usual love story about boy meets girl. They fall in love. Something happens. He leaves. The girl chases after him with her best fiends. They go on a adventure and everything ends with a happy ending. They kiss at the sunset. The end. NO !! THIS BOOK IS SO DIFFERENT AND I AM VERY GRATEFUL FOR IT!!

Don't get me wrong. It is a tale about love. But it's a story about love in every shape an form. Every single person, every reader, can find a little bit different form of love in it. Love between mother and a daughter. Love between friends. Love between family members. Love between aunties. Father's love. This isn't a typical YA love story. Spoiler Alert !! The girl doesn't get the boy. He turns out to be a 2% dickh**d ;). But that doesn't mean that this book won't make you laugh. Or it doesn't mean that you won't be crying crocodile tears and go through a full box of kleenex. Because you will. I was an emotional wreck after reading it and all I wanted to do was pick up the phone and ring my mum and tell her how much I love her and miss her... It was beautiful. Charming. Mesmerising. Emotional. What a joyful roller-coaster ride!! You will be hooked from the start and won't be able to put the book down even for the minute. You won't want to go to sleep and you will want to carry on reading...


And the characters?!? You will fall in love with them. They will become a part of your family. They will become your friends. They aren't flawless. Actually, they are collection of serious individuals but you can find a part of yourself in every single one of them. At least one of the protagonist will have the characteristics of your true self. Either if you are helpless romantic... The geeky best friends... The ever obsessed with hygiene aunt... or the always just a phone call away auntie.. I guarantee that you will find a piece of yourself in them.. Their story will become your story.... And you will love every second spent reading about them.

Not even that... This book will make you want to leave your mundane life behind and go on a road trip. You will want to see the world. Experience new things. Discover new adventures... I took the list of cities as my bucket list of travel for myself. I cannot wait to save enough money, rent a car and go on a road trip around USA. I want to see the biggest peanut in the world hehe...

So thank you Ms Rabb. You couldn't write a better story with a better ending. It might an unconventional ending for the YA genre but it stands out and it's unique. One of the best books I have read this year. A perfect summer read.

Margo Rabb, I cannot wait to read more from your pen ;)

*Check out Sara's review on http://carpelibrumgirl.blogspot.co.uk
** Read all about ZC book club on  #ZCbookclub

Colleen Hoover : UGLY LOVE

Warning!! So many feels.... I cannot even describe...

UGLY LOVE is a contemporary YA novel, which broke many hearts out there,  written by Colleen Hoover.


This was a first novel I have read by this author. I have been recommended books from her pen by many of my fellow book reviewers and book lovers, but the reason I have finally decided to read it is simple. Two words. NICK BATEMAN... I don't I have to explain it further. Just look at his Instagram account: @nick_bateman , it will explained it all without any words needed.


I have also heard great reviews about the novel itself. Many fangirls out there were mentioning the name Miles Archer, so I thought, it's time to find out why are these girls obsessing about him so much.

And what I have found, blew my mind and brought me to my knees.

*****

It's not exactly love at first sight for Tate Collins when she meets the tormented and secretive Miles Archer. They wouldn't even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is a mutual physical attraction that can't be denied. Once their desires are out in the open, they realise they might have stumbled on the perfect no-strings arrangement. He isn't looking for love, and she doesn't have time for it - so that leaves just the sex. What they've got could be surprisingly satisfying, as long as Tate can stick to the two rules Miles has for her: never ask about the past, don't expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but everything is different when real emotions start to change the equation. HEARTS GET INFILTRATED. PROMISES GET BROKEN. RULES GET SHATTERED. LOVE GETS UGLY.

*****

Firstly, let me just say that the blur on the back of the book doesn't give a justice to the story itself. The tale of Miles and Tate is so much more. Even I wasn't expecting it.

But let's start with the easy part first. The edition. I own the American paperback published in 2014 by ATRIA. 322 pages. 39 amazing chapters. The cover is blue with big bold letters announcing the title - UGLY LOVE. It's simple, yet effective and eye-catching. I specially ordered this edition as I wasn't that impressed with the UK one. I just prefer the simple design.

The writing. Let me tell you something... you are in for a treat. It's easy to read. Fast paced. Exciting. Sexy. Packed with humour at times. This story is a wonderful love-story. An original masterpiece within the YA genre.

There is so much sexual tension that even the sharpest knife wouldn't be able to cut through it. Ms Hoover could teach E.L.James a thing or two. I absolutely adore the interaction between Tate and Miles. It's amazing to follow these two and their relationship. And the love they share... Wow.. I cannot even describe what I am feeling right now. This book is a treasure. But it is a Pandora Box at the same time too. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying because I hated it. The opposite is true. This book is a box of feelings and emotions which when they are realised they will consume you. I have cried. I have laughed out loud. I was giddy. I was sad. Emotional roller-coaster. I was a wreck reading it. It took over my life for wonderful 9 hours. I just couldn't put it down. Straight from the start I was hooked. It took over my being and wouldn't let go until I finished the story. And I don't regret a single minute spent reading it.

Two words for it : MILES ARCHER. I can happily say, I can understand all the girls around the world gushing about him. I am now a part of the crowd. I have become a groupie. This boy.. Wow.. Colleen Hoover just completely destroyed any possibility of me ever falling in love. Nobody will come even close to this guy...  He is complicated. He is sexy. He is beautiful. And he has mysterious past which follows him everywhere. But you cannot help but fall in love with him. Because he is also sensitive. Thoughtful. Romantic even when he doesn't what to be and he loves... He loves with all his heart.

TATE COLLINS is a great female lead. She isn't flawless. She is determined workaholic. She is smart, beautiful and wears her heart on her sleeve. And she wants to save Miles. She wants him to love again. And she never gives up on him, even if she breaks her heart in the progress...

I loved how the story interlines with Miles' past and what has happened. I wasn't expecting the big revelation, but it made the story that more special. I don't think I have ever read similar story before. Yes, we know about the usual : girl meets a bad boy; girl tries to save the bad boy; they fall in love in the process.. But no one else previously took approach the same way Ms Hoover did.

Yes, this story is heart-shattering, emotional, sad.... It makes your heart cry out loud.. But it's worth the read. UGLY LOVE is a sexy tale of love and its ugliness when it all goes wrong. It's powerful. It's mesmerising. It will leave you speechless.

Thank You! Thank You! THANK YOU MS HOOVER!! I forgive you for shattering my heart, because you have brought Miles Archer into my life.

I cannot wait to re-read this story again! In the meantime, I can always re-watch the trailer teaser for the film adaptation coming out next year. And there is always Nick Bateman's Instagram account to keep me occupy and day-dreaming. I do want to have his babies ;)

Thank you Colleen Hoover for sharing your UGLY LOVE tale with the world.

#ZCbookclub : JULY READ

Hello there lovelies!

Guess what ?!? July 15th 2015 is here! And me and Sara from CarpeLibrumGirl are bringing back #ZCbookclub to Instagram! 

And since is July we have chosen a wonderful summery, road trip style YA story about love, friendship, travel, life, hope ...  A perfect summer read! 

*****

Margo Rabb : KISSING IN AMERICA

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

*****

Are you going to join us in reading? If so, you all know the drill. Just map your program on Instagram. Make sure you tag me (@zuzvystrcilova) and Sara (@carpelibrumgirl) and don't forget to use the hashtag #ZCbookclub. 

I hope you will enjoy the read! 

xoxo

Kasie West : THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND

Warning!! I hope you have an evening free, because this book will grab you and won't let go until you are finished reading it.

THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND is the newest YA romance from the pen of the wonderful and very talented Kasie West.


Kasie West is well-known name in the YA genre. At first, I wasn't sure about her stories. The blurs on the back of each book do not give the justice to her stories, but once I fell under the spell of her story-telling skills I became an addict. I craved more. I adored THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US and since then purchased all her novels. The newest one, THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND, has only been released this year. I had have it on pre-order for months and months. And then, on May 5th, it finally found its place in my mail box... This book has been also picked by me and Sara from Carpe Librum Girl for our buddy read this month (yes, I am behind my reading schedule this month, but I am slowly catching up to it ;)). *

*****

When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she has to think fast. After all, she'd been telling her friends about him for months now. This was supposed to be the night she proved he existed. So when she sees a cute guy waiting to pick up his sister, she enlists his help. The task is simple: be her fill-in boyfriend - two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. After that, she can win back the real Bradley.

The problem is that days after prom, it's not the real Bradley she's thinking about but the stand-in. The one whose name she doesn't even know. But tracking him down doesn't mean they're done faking a relationship. Gia owes him a favour, and his sister intends to see that he collects: his ex-girlfriend's graduation party - three hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.

Just when Gia begins to wonder if she could turn her fake boyfriend into a real one, Bradley comes waltzing back into her life, exposing her lie, and threading to destroy her friendships and her newfound relationship.

*****

Do you see what I mean when I say that the blur doesn't give the justice to the real story?!?! It makes it look too cheesy.. Like a baked camembert...

Anyways, let's talk about the package - the book edition - first. Paperback. 343 pages divided into 39 wonderfully crafted chapters. The front cover captures the photograph of two people, a couple - a girl and a boy, talking near a bridge. You cannot see their faces only the bodies and legs. It's a similar to the cover on The Distance Between Us Cover. So it seems that the design team decided to stick to the same familiar design. I appreciate and thank them for that. It ties the individual novels together. The photograph has a soft pastel, summery design. I like it a lot. 


The writing.... Oh how much I love Kasie West's story-telling. It's modern. Cute. Funny. Relate able. Emotional. Exciting. Smart. It's like a comfy blanket. It wraps around you and keeps you safe and happy. It realises so many endorphins into blood streams and has the same effect as chocolate. It makes you happy, even giddy and highly addicted. You just won't be able to put this book down! 


Thanks to this book and the story itself, I have broken my own personal reading record. I have read this book in just over 7 hours. Last time, I have been charmed by a book and weren't able to put it down until it was finished, was when I was reading THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger. This story is just like a good romantic comedy. It charms you with a promise of romance, back-stabbing, challenges, getting to know yourself, trials in friendships, love at first sight... Yes, it might be a bit predictable. But it's different if the predictability and the romance is wrapped in such an attractive package. 


I truly enjoyed getting lost in this story. From the first page, I was hooked and couldn't let go. And as it went on, it got better and better. It was like meeting a new friend after a long time. You invited it with open arms and I wasn't able to let it go. Everything was perfect. The characters. The plot. The interactions. The humour. Every step of the way, Kasie West managed to pull all the stops and made you feel all the range of emotions - happiness, sadness, love... And when I finished this book, I couldn't do anything else, just a happy giddy dance around my room. 

All the characters in this book are loveable, even when you try to hate them. 

• Gia. The popular girl at school. Class president. She has nearly the perfect life. A great group of friends. A boyfriend in college. But then the boyfriends dumps her just before the prom. At a parking lot. She is so desperate for people to like her that she makes up a lie. She randomly approaches a stranger and asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend. Little she knows, that this guy will change her life. She becomes more aware of how shallow and selfish she has become. And she starts to change her look at life and what's important. I love that Kasie West made this character, a main character, very flawed. As you read on, you realise how shallow she is at times, but at the same time you know that she isn't that bad at all. 

• Hayden. Aka Fill-In Bradley. Aka the boy who helps out a girl in a complicated situation. He is a geek. (I like him already). He loves theatre and is doing a drama in high school. He is kind, funny and loves his family. He is always prepared to give you a second chance. I love his adorable relationship with Gia. 

• Bec. Hayden's sister. She is angry teenager who doesn't have a problem to express any feelings towards you. I love her interactions with Gia. They compliment each other. She isn't shallow. She values friendships and she gives you a chance even if you are mean. 

• Jules. She reminds me Georgina from Mean Girls. She plays the mind games with her own personal gain in mind but at the same time she is just a lost girl craving love and friendship. She wants somebody to be her true friend. 

All the characters in this book are flawed. No one is perfect. And I adore that about this story. I love the interaction, the friendships, the easy dialogues. It's so entertaining to witness it. 

I love how much story makes  you realise that not everything is perfect at the first look. We all are different. We deal with things different way. We all have flaws. And I love how this story is playing on these flaws and how we cope with different situations. Those friendships you valued for so long, aren't real friendships. The parents who doesn't like conflicts and rather brush it under the carpet. And the boys.. It's always about the boy... He isn't perfect, he makes mistakes - big big mistakes, but you cannot help but forgive him.

So, all in all, I can happily say that this book is one great YA romance for this summer. If you are looking for something easy to read, entertaining, but deep at the same time, you should add it to your library. You should reach for it and read it. It will be a treat for you. 

So thank you Ms West for reminding why I fell in love with your writing in the first place. 

* check out Sara's review on her blog : carpelibrumgirl.blogspot.co.uk

JULY READING CHALLENGE

Hello there my sweet beautiful friends!!

Summer has started. The fun is here. Time to relax, enjoy the sunshine and read some summer stories.. well, some summer stories. I am having a couple of days off from work and I cannot wait to spend it by visiting different cities (watch out for #BookBloggerOnTour tag on my IG page!) and get lost in some easy reading. I have decided to pursue being Vegan (I tried it at the begin of the year for 3 weeks and enjoy the benefits, so I decided to become a full-time Vegan), increase my fitness level and make the most of the sunny days. 

Picnic basket, new rucksack and some healthy recipes for snacks are ready. It's time to start enjoying the summer 2015! 

So I have decided to bite into some great stories, mostly YA romance. Many of them has been recommended to me by my fellow blogger and book lover friends. So here is my JULY TBR LIST! 

*****

JULY READING CHALLENGE

UGLY LOVE by Colleen Hoover

It's not exactly love at first sight for Tate Collins when she meets the tormented and secretive Miles Archer. They wouldn't even go as far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is a mutual physical attraction that can't be denied. Once their desires are out in the open, they realise they might have stumbled on the perfect no-strings arrangement. He isn't looking for love, and she doesn't have time for it - so that leaves just the sex. What they've got could be surprisingly satisfying, as long as Tate can stick to the two rules Miles has for her: never ask about the past; don't expect a future. They think they can handle it, but everything is different when real emotions start to change the equation. HEARTS GET INFILTRATED. PROMISES GET BROKEN. RULES GET SHATTERED. LOVE GETS UGLY. 

AMY & ROGER'S EPIC DETOUR by Morgan Matson

Amy Curry's year sucks. And it's not getting any better. Her mother has decided to move, so somehow Amy has to get their car from California to the East Coast. There's just one problem: since her father's death Amy hasn't been able to get behind the wheel of a car. Enter Roger, the son of a family friend, who turns out to be funny, nice... and unexpectedly cute. But Roger's plans involve a more "scenic" route than just driving from A to B, so suddenly Amy finds herself on the road trip of a lifetime. And, as she grows closer to Roger, Amy starts to realise that sometimes you have to get lost to find your way home...

THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND by Kasie West**

When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she has to think fast. After all, she'd been telling her friends about him for months now. This was supposed to be the night she proved he existed. So when she sees cute guy waiting to pick up his sister, she enlists his help. The task is simple: be her fill-in boyfriend - two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. After that, she can win back the real Bradley. The problem is that days after prom, it's not the real Bradley she's thinking about but the stand-in. The one whose name she doesn't even know. But tracking him down doesn't mean they're done faking a relationship. Gia owes him a favour, and his sister intends to see that he collects: his ex-girlfriend's graduation party - three hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. Just when Gia begins to wonder if she could turn her fake boyfriend into a real one, Bradley comes waltzing back into her life, exposing her lie, and threading to destroy her friendship and her newfound relationship. 

LANDLINE by Rainbow Rowell

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. It's been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and he still loves her - but that almost seems besides the point now. Two days before they're supposed to visit Neal's family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells him that she can't go. She's a TV writer and something's come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her - but she doesn't expect him to pack up the kids and go home without her. When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she's finally done it. If she's ruined everything. That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It's not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she's been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts... Is that what she's supposed to do? Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened? 

KISSING IN AMERICA by Margo Rabb

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

VANISHING GIRLS by Lauren Oliver

Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before - before Dara kissed Parker, before Nick lost him as her best friend, before the accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred. Now the two sisters, who used to be so close, aren't speaking. In an instant, Nick lost everything and is determined to use the summer to get it all back. But Dara has other plans. When she vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl has vanished, too - nine-year-old Madeline Snow - and as Nick pursues her sister, she becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. 

REBEL BELLE by Rachel Hawkins

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She's imbued with the powers of a Paladin, a guardian with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts. Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter , subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favourite person. Things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him - and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth. 

MISS MAYHEM by Rachel Hawkins

Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and her best friend, Bee, has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can focus on the important things in life: school, canoodling with David (her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie), and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove Pageant. Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they'd rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can't stay David's Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her ... or make her more powerful than ever. 

*****

7 different stories. 7 different authors. July 2015 is going to be a great month. What is on your TBR list this month? 

Also, if you have plans to visit some new places, tag me on Instagram with the hashtag: #BookBloggerOnTour. I'll looking out for your posts! 

**Me and Sara from Carpe Librum Girl are joining our forces together for another Buddy Read this month!! And this is our choice!! Are you going to join us?**

***Also there will be another read for #ZCBookClub. Any guesses which book is this month's choice?***