Book Review: Knox by Prescott Lane

                                     "You know the day is going to be crap when the hair tie on your ponytail isn't right. Two loops around is too loose, and three loops is too tight. The day is doomed." 

This novel has a little bit of everything for everyone. It has the small-town celebrity hero, second-chance romance, and an adorable relationship. 

Summary:

    Sexiest man alive, scene stealer, Hollywood headliner.

That’s what the world calls him. I’ve got more colorful names for him, all of which would be bleeped out if I was on air doing my radio show. Even if he hadn’t broken my heart, he would just be Knox to me. Not a famous movie star. 

Just a boy.

The boy who grew to be my first love. That is, until he ripped my heart out of my chest and stepped on it, live on the red carpet.

I thought that was all behind me. Until he decided to come waltzing back into my life. Granted, he looked hot as heck doing it, but that’s neither here nor there.

He may have acted alongside some of Hollywood’s hottest “it” girls, but being my leading man is a much harder part to win."

    

Characters:

    I like the characters, but I didn't fully connect with them. I feel like I understand the feelings and emotions they have, rather than experiencing those with them. There are not too many characters in this book because it mainly focuses on Mae and Knox. 

    

            Mae is an average girl who stands her ground when she should. She worries about her body image, and is extremely relatable at times. She likes target, (That for me is an automatic yes! Who doesn't like Target?) 

I like her and her perspective, but I feel like I didn't really know her well enough to be fully invested. 

            Knox: I also like Knox. He is really sweet and cute. However, we don't see him a lot in the fame aspect, except for the last 20 percent, so I didn't really witness him in that light. In the majority of the book, he is just a regular guy, and I completely forgot he was famous. 

    The secondary characters play a really small part in this book for me. I didn't really connect with any of them. (Some I just 

Plot:

    The plot is great! There are some really fun and entertaining scenes, as well as some bland scenes. 

    I love the radio host part of Mae's job. It is super fun and entertaining, even interesting to see the behind the scenes! I love how original the concept of this radio show is, which is why I wish there was more! 

    I like to read about how characters are independent, even though they are in a relationship. It's interesting to see how the characters "shine in their own light". I feel like this book has the opportunity to do that with this character, if there was just a little more elaboration on their separate lives.  

        One point I love are the cassette tapes! These characters use these tapes in such a fun and cute way, I can't help but love it! The idea is amazing, and I really need to go out and buy cassette tapes now! 

loved to see their beginning/childhood relationship, how it all began 

    The main focus of this whole novel is Mae and Knox, and their relationship. I like how the author put them as her main focus, but at times I was a little bored. There are moments when the relationship just seems kind of repetitive. For example, the characters have the same talk numerous times, and yet nothing really changes. 

   

Rating: 

    Overall, I give this book 3.5 stars! I like the characters and their personalities, but I didn't love them. I feel like I couldn't really connect with all of them. 

    The plot is interesting and intriguing. I like the originality it has in some of the scenes. I love the inner monologue the characters have at times. 

  The relationship between the characters is really cute and sweet. I like seeing how that evolves with time. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Legacy by Laura Pavlov

                                        "What it must be like when your most important decision of the day is what donut you should eat." 

I admit, this is the first time I have read this author, and I can't believe I haven't read her before! This whole book tells a story that intertwines the best and worst parts of life. It is a really cute, sweet romance that is relatable to most everyone at times. 

Summary: 

                                        "Ford: I don't have time for distractions. I have a billion-dollar company to run. A father to grieve. A legacy to fulfill. Harley DeLuca is not my type. She's snarky. She's stubborn. And she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen--even in her ridiculous grungy tennis shoes. I can't get enough of her. "

                                        "Harley: I was a mistake from the moment of conception. The sins of my mother have followed me like a nightmare in a horror flick. I'm determined to make a life for myself, free of my past. I have three goals. Open a bakery. Keep Gramps safe. And forget that I'm Valentina DeLuca's daughter. There's no room in my life for a man. Especially an arrogant, condescending jerk like Ford Montgomery. But now he's my business partner. My friend. And if I'm not careful, he just might be--everything." 

Characters:

    Harley: In the first twenty pages of reading this, I knew I would like Harley. She is everything I want in a main character. She's sassy, funny, and charming. She is also independent, which I love. Harley can do most everything on her own without asking or needing for help. I like reading about her, because it is a breath of fresh air. 

    A lot of books have the main character dependent on the H. They don't have hobbies or something they dedicate themselves too, other than the relationship. I like how Harley is different. She dreams of opening and running her own bakery. She is determined to achieve her dream, and I applaud her for that! 

    Like everyone, she has a past. That past comes back to haunt her, but it doesn't define her. Harley doesn't let her past define her, because she is brave, understanding, and confident. She believes in herself, and I love that! Everyone could use a little more self-esteem in their lives. 

    Ford: I really like Ford! He is such a great and charming character! He also is loyal, and will do anything for the people he loves. I love the family aspect, especially for Ford. It is great seeing a character actually bond and talk with his family.

    Even though he runs a billion dollar company, he is still a nice and kind person. Although, he does have a case of workaholic. Overall, I like him and his character. His personality is funny, and easy to be around. (Or in this case, read about). 

Plot: 

    I like the plot a lot! I like how it isn't just about the relationship. These characters all have jobs, and we get to see their daily lives into the business and companies they work/own. It is really fun to read and understand their determination to get what they want out of life. 

    The chemistry between the two characters is very real and visible. Their banter and witty comebacks are very entertaining. I love the relationship between the two! It isn't one is better than the other, but how they both complement each other. 

    I like how there is a plot line, other than the relationship. It definitely helps the story along, and makes for a more engaging read to me. It's always fun to read a book with some sort of mystery. 

Rating: 

    I give this book 4 stars! I really like the characters and the plot. It is a super fun and easy read that moves very quickly. I like how the author sticks to the actual story and doesn't try to invent some new storyline within the last 50 pages. 

    Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone that loves a good cute and sweet romance! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Devils Crown Part One by Monica James

                                        "It's the simple things in life that give me great pleasure--a neat scotch, a good Cuban, and slitting my half-brother's throat." 

Ahhhhhh, I can't believe I have to wait until September for the second part in this series to come out! But luckily, it's my birthday in September, so technically it's an early birthday present. :)) This novel draws you in like nothing else! The characters are so entertaining, the plot is amazing, and the writing is spectacular. There are so many scenes where I could not predict what happens next! The fluidity and detail of each scene makes me feel like I am literally in the book watching everything unfold. I love how everything comes together to create such a fun and entertaining read! 

Summary: 

                                        "I was feared. Respected. Worshiped. but all of that changed when the impossible happened--I fell in love. Only those feelings weren't reciprocated, because who could love a monster like me? My empire crumbled. People died. I went from being victorious leader to lurking in the shadows, planning revenge on my half-brother who now reigns in my place. An orphanage is where I find sanctuary, but when she walks into my world and evokes a yearning I though long dead, my demons are awakened and want what they can't have--her. Sooner or later, I knew I'd need to feed the darkness inside me. Mayhem, power, and control course through my veins. I will use them to regain my crown, my throne, and then claim her, despite what solemn vows she might've made. I will break them...and her." 

Characters: 

     Alek: Alek will always hold a special place in my heart, no matter how evil he is or seems to be. He has gone through a lot in his life so far, and we can definitely see how that has messed with him and his mind. We learn a lot more about Alek and are able to delve inside his mind-which is a crazy and beautiful place. LOL. He cares a lot about certain people, and will protect them at any cost. As the novel continued, I found myself loving Alek more, if that's even possible.  

                    I love the character arc he has. Many remember him from the All the Pretty Things Trilogy, (This is a spin-off so if you haven't read those, then I recommend you read them first, because you will enjoy the story waaaaaayyy more.) but there is so much more to him. I will not spoil it, but just go and read it! 

    

    Supporting Characters: The supporting characters are one of the reasons why this book is sooooo good. Even though Alek is ah-mah-zing, having the secondary characters helps the story as a whole. Not only do these characters build the story, but they also help with the protagonist as well. They bring new perspectives to Alek that some readers may have missed. Overall, they bring more depth and entertainment to the book. 

Plot: 

    The plot is absolutely spectacular. It is crafted in such a creative way that really captures the reader's interest. It's not just a story about someone who wants revenge, but about someone trying to find themselves in the midst of defeat. 

    There are so many twists and turns that I couldn't predict. That makes the reading so much more fun and suspenseful to me. This book definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more and more and more! 

The Writing: 

    The writing is amazing. The fluidity of the scenes into chapters makes the book for me! It stays consistent with the amount of detail, and dialogue in each scene. It allows the readers to feel like they are watching everything unfold right in front of their eyes. 

Rating: 

    I give this book 5 stars! It has everything that makes for a fantastic read. The characters are so likable and their personalities are very unique to one another. The relationships between different characters are so interesting, it makes the book that much better! I love the plot, and the twists! 

    I highly highly recommend this to anyone looking for a new read1 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Book Review: Billion Dollar Date by Bella Michaels

                                        "Oh my God, I forgot to tell you. I actually don't have a brain tumor. A neighbor was burning trash in their back yard. The one behind my bedroom. Though I have no idea how mom couldn't smell it." 

I always have such a good time with the best-friend's brother/sister trope for some reason. Most books are really entertaining and just fun to read. This book was one of them. I like the characters, and the plot a lot. I did think the end is a bit fast for me, and I didn't really see a lot of struggle between the characters. But overall, it was good. 

Summary: 

                                    ' "Hello Enzo." With just two simple words, Chari Atwood storms back into my life. Beautiful. Irresistible. The woman standing before me is not the girl I knew growing up. And I'm not the same hopeful kid everyone thought was going nowhere fast. Nowadays, I'm a hero. A celebrity. A man who isn't content with the billions in his band account. Call me ambitious if you want. I have my sights set on the rest of the world, and don't have time for a relationship, including the one woman who still has the power to being me to my knees. I will not break. I will not succumb. Except that I'm used to getting exactly what I want, and after one chance encounter, it's clear tat what I want is Chari Atwood . . . even if she is my best-friend's little sister.' 

Review: 

    I like this book. I think this is a cute, funny, and charming contemporary romance. There isn't a whole lot of buildup, which I didn't like because I love my build up. The slow burn, will they or won't they is the best. I feel like this book lacks that tension, which also takes away from the relationship. I like their relationship, but it seems a little too smooth for reality. I like to see the couples struggle with normal, realistic things, and that ddn't show through for me. 

    However, I like the idea of the small-town celebrity. Enzo is a hardworking, caring person who is very successful. I love the small family moments we get to see because it creates a way for the readers to make a connection to the characters. 

    I like Chari. She is also hardworking, except her occupation is teaching. She can be funny at times which I really like, otherwise the story is a little bland. 

    Overall, I like this book. It has good characters with a sweet romance. Although there isn't a ton of buildup, you get to see the characters build their relationship together.  

Book Review: Teofila's Guide To Saving The Sun by Cynthia A. Rodriguez

                                    "Universe sets us on paths. And sometimes our compasses point us in directions we never thought we'd go. Toward destinations we never bothered to explore."

                                    "That I'm scared that if I don't leave this place, it'll be another cop, another situation where I'm on the ground? Only this time, I won't get up ad I won't go home? Another black boy, fucked by the system." 

    I have very mixed thoughts on this book. I like the main character, but the supporting character Elijah, I didn't really like.

 There are some very important themes present in this novel, some that apply to current day news! So if you read this, then definitely look for these! 

Let's take a deeper look into this novel...

Summary:

                                        "We're all saving somebody. Since the day she met Elijah, Teófila's been the one being saved. The girl whose darkest shadows live inside her head and the boy who hides his own with a smile and a song. But after a terrifying encounter precedes his skyrocket to fame and fortune, the tables turn. And while attempting to forget his close call with another life--another end--he loses his way back to her. Now, years, it's Teófila's turn to do the rescuing, even after he's left her behind. We're all saving somebody, but what if we can hardly save ourselves? What happens when best friends become forgotten lovers? Or when it's the moon's turn to light the sun? 

Characters: 

    Teófila: I am surprised how much I ended up liking Teófila. There are some moments where I did not agree with her at all, and actually thought the opposite. Teófila is caring, gentle, loyal, and a little dependent. She doesn't really have a lot of sass or entertaining banter with other characters. I love me some good banter! It makes for great entertainment for Jayli. That part I didn't really like. I feel like she is there because she has to be, not because she wants to be. 

    Elijah: Oh boy. There are so many problems with this boy, where do I begin? First off, I do not like how he demands things from people and expect them to listen to him. If I was Teofila, I would have punched this guy so many times he would have seen it coming. 

Another thing is the music. In the blurb this book talks all about his career and what not. However, there actually isn't a lot of music and stuff in the actual novel. Sure, it's about their relationship, but I was hoping they would have their own goals and accomplishments. Elijah seems to think the world is at his whim, and demands everyone else listen to him. He does go through a traumatic experience, but I feel like he could have definitely handled things better than he did. 

Plot: 

    I like the plot and I think it has great potential! It is mainly focused on the relationship between Teófila and Elijah which covers from children to full grown adults. 

    The ending is my favorite part! I love how the author set it up, and described it in a way that made the reader feel they were there too! There is a lot of description to help emphasize the scene, but not too much. 

    I like how the author divides the book into different parts, and sequences the novel. It starts off when they are young, and continues throughout their relationship. I always love seeing and reading that all play out, so it is entertaining to read it in the novel. 

    As important as the relationship is, the characters also play a large part. I feel like the characters grew up, but didn't really change. Sure, they got moodier when they were teens, but at heart, they were the same. I feel like Teófila is still very caring, childish, and oblivious, while Elijah is immature, dependent, and irritating. 

    In this novel, there are a ton of very important themes and messages. If you read this novel, definitely look out for these, and how the characters react to them. 

Rating: 

    I give this novel 4 stars! I really like the plot, the details, and overall novel. But what I didn't like was Elijah, and unfortunately he is a secondary character. I disagreed with his actions, as well as Teófila’s. There are some very unrealistic situations in this book that had me pausing for a couple minutes just thinking. 

    I like how the author set this book up in chronological order, so nothing felt out of place. It has great description, and I do recommend this book for anyone who wants to read romance. 

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review

Blast From The Past: Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

I loved this series with my whole heart back in junior high. These books were the reason I stayed up all night reading, instead of studying and finishing my homework. I grew so attached to these characters, that one of my friends drew a picture of the protagonist for my birthday.

Even though this series is very long, so long I haven't even finished reading it, it will forever hold a place close to my heart. 

Back in junior high, I tried starting a book club in which we would read a book a month. The first two books we read were Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass, and Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger. Basically, I was obsessed with this series. 

I had such an obsession that me and my friend planned to make this book into a movie. We had pieces of script written, and costume designs done. We even cast out family as the characters. However, that never happened. But could you imagine if it did? I could've been the next best director. :))

Even though I am older now, I still remember the series and how much fun I had reading it. The story is so original that it piques most everyone's interest. I even made my grandparents and family members read the first book in the series. 

Summary: 

                                    "Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has a secret. She's a Telepath--someone who hears the thoughts of everyone around her. It's a talent she's never known how to explain. Everything changes the day she meets Fitz, a mysterious boy who appears out of nowhere and also reads minds. She discovers there's a place she does belong, and that staying with her family will place her in grave danger. In the blink of an eye, Sophie is forced to leave behind everything and start a new life in a place that is vastly different from anything she has ever known. Sophie has new rules to learn and new skills to master, and not everyone is thrilled that she has come "home". There are secrets buried deep in Sophie's memory--secrets about who she really is and why she was hidden among humans--that other people desperately want. Would even kill for. "

Review:

    To me, this is a lot like Harry Potter. It is a world completely unknown to the normal "muggle". There is magic, school, and drama for everyone. The setting changes a lot, but the school is a major one. Tons of stuff happens at school, some scary, and some so funny you can't help, but chuckle to yourself. 

    Just like Harry Potter, Sophie is completely new to this world, and finds friends to help her out. While there are a lot of similarities between this and Harry Potter, there are a lot of differences. In this book, the magical powers are very different, and the characters are also different. The content, like the action and suspense is very good, and original. I love it, and I suggest you pick it up! 

    More importantly. it has a strong heroine that just melts the hearts of everyone reading this. She is strong, caring, and a genuinely good person. I seriously recommend reading this series!!

Book Review: Heart-Break Me by T.L. Smith

                                        "I've heard stories of this happening, how your body locks up, even though you should be running, screaming, anything to get yourself free. I didn't believe it was possible until this very second. How can your fight or flight response not kick in?" 

In the first three pages, I found myself seriously invested in this book. No joke! The beginning went straight to the action and plot, which I LOVED. There is only a certain amount of detail in a book I can handle before I start going crazy. However, I had a slight problem with one of the character names: Theadora. Ever since Hamilton: The Movie came out on Disney+, I have been listening to the soundtrack and watching the movie on repeat. So, when I picked this book up and read about Theodora, I couldn't get Dear Theodosia out of my head. Literally, it was such a problem because I would just burst into song and forget all about the book. 

Ps: I am currently listening to Dear Theodosia as I write up this review. 

Other than that and a few minor details, I really liked this book! 

Summary: 

                                        "He kidnapped me. That was how I met Atlas Hyde. A man known by many names and admired by all. but most didn't know he was ruthless, conniving, and always got what he wanted. No matter the cost. I was a good girl. Never in trouble with the law. Never took drugs. Always did precisely what was expected of me. Even with his hand around my throat and words that cut sharper than knives, I couldn't help but wonder what happened to this beautiful man to make him that way. That wonder disappeared when he threatened to kill my sister if I didn't follow his dark demands. The good girl I once knew had now been buried alive beneath this game of hatred and lust. And I had a feeling Atlas Hyde never lost." 

Characters: 

    Theadora: I really like Theodora! I feel like she is suppose to be in the book. There are some characters that authors write in that just don't fit into the script, but this one is an exception.  She has such a spunky and sassy attitude, which makes for great entertainment for me, and Atlas. I love how dedicated she is to her family, work, and just life in general. Theadora works to get where she is in life and she puts in the effort that is necessary to succeed. 

    Atlas: I have very mixed reviews of Atlas. He is a very confusing character to me, but I somehow ended up liking him. There are moments in the story in which he does some awful and ugly things that I do not agree with! Some of that stuff still makes me on-the-fence about him. I like how he deals with people and their actions. He isn't violent or ruthless, unless forced too. 

Plot: 

    The plot is very good and well written. I like where the author took this story. There are thousands of stories about being abducted, but this novel added its own twist to it. It is not like other novels, which I appreciate. 

    While I like the plot, there are a few thoughts I have about it.

    There are some scenes to me that do not need to be in this. They just do not add a lot to the purpose or plot. Some of the scenes also felt a little repetitive. In one chapter, a character does something, and then in other chapters, he does the same exact thing over again. Multiple times. Now, this isn't a huge deal to me, but I just felt like the author could elaborate on other scenes more. 

    While I like the main protagonist, and some of the other characters, I didn't really like a major character. I felt like that character didn't really add to the story a lot. 

Rating: 

    I give this novel 4 stars! It is a really fast, fun, and easy read. The book definitely picks up as you go along, even though it starts off with a ton of action. At some points it goes by slow, but it usually picks up after. I love Theadora and her personality. She made the book for me! I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a dark romance, but not too dark. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Beautiful Criminal by M.N. Forgy

                                        "That's what every girl wants, right? That guy who is unruly and mean to the world. Yet, they treat that one girl as if she's special, like she's number one and if you come near her you'll face her man's wrath?" 

OK, before I even get into this review, can we just take a minute and appreciate this quote? I don't know how M.N. Forgy does it, but she literally put what almost every girl wants in these three sentences. (round of applause to her!) 

Now the review: This was actually a pretty fast read for me, maybe two to three hours. I saw some of the turns and predicted them, but the execution was good. It was a little too insta-love for me, but that could just be me, because I LOVE my build up. I liked the characters, but I feel like we didn't really get to know them on a really deep level. I need to be inside the character and their minds!

Summary: 

                                    "As the son of the infamous boss of the DeAngelo family, I have merciless duties expected of me. The public labels me a monster, a man without a soul, and one hated by many. They’re not wrong, and I’m not sorry for it. When my father orders me to marry a longtime enemy’s daughter to settle a score between our families, she did what any smart woman with a beating heart would do. She ran. So, I found her. She tries to negotiate for her freedom, but despite being inexplicably drawn to the deviant woman, I refuse her pitiful bribes with pleasure. I still have a job to do, and I’ll make her tell me her family’s secrets, turning a treacherous situation into a game of hatred. A code of silence will be broken. Lines will be crossed. I’ll promise her freedom to get the answers I need, but I’ll burn this city to the ground before I let her go."

Characters: 

     Kieran: Kieran is controlling, dangerous, possessive, and merciless. However, he is also caring and respectable. I like him. He is not my favorite character in this book, but I didn't really have any problems with him.

     Leona: Leona is innocent and oblivious  She seems to just be in the wrong spot at the wrong time. I like her, but not as much as I thought I would. She seems to be very obtuse and oblivious, when she shouldn't be. There are some scenes with her that are really bizarre and strange. I don't want to spoil things, so I won't tell you what happens, but those scenes just don't fit into the story. 

One thing I noticed while reading, was that the characters would be described one way, and then act a completely different way. That confused me a little, because the story then contradicts itself. I like the main protagonists, but I feel like I didn't connect with them. There wasn't really a personality for me to bond with. Some characters I instantly love, and others, it takes time. For me, in this book, I just didn't really bond with any of them. 

Plot:

    The plot has a ton of potential! There are some really good scenes that are executed quite well. Then, there are other scenes that really aren't necessary in this book. Those scenes don't help the plot nor the characters. 

    While the reading went fast, the book went pretty slow. I felt that the scenes were extremely long, but not very detailed. For example, there is a scene that seems pretty important and is about ten pages, but isn't detailed enough for me to delve into the characters and plot. 

    The storyline and idea of this book is really good! I like the idea of a mafia/mob story, but in order for it to work, there has to be a lot of mafia/mob. In this particular book, I thought that there wasn't and it took a backseat to the relationships and romance. Now don't get me wrong, I love romance! But, I also love my violence. 

    To me, there can only be so much change a person can have in a certain amount of time. I felt like this book was a little unrealistic in that department. People can change, but they cannot change in exactly two seconds. 

Rating: 

    I give this book 3 stars! I liked it and it has great potential. For me, I just couldn't connect with the characters that much. I don't know if it's because I'm not in the mafia/mob or what, but I just couldn't. I like the overall story, and it has some good twists. I did think that this book would have more violence than it did, which changed my opinion a little. However, this book is a great read, and I recommend it to anyone who is interested!!!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Nerdy Little Secret by Carrie Aarons

                                        "You know those people that other people always refer to as the nicest human they've ever met? That's Mick Barrett. He's just ... good. In a way that a lot of other people aren't, and never will be. He's the type of person that makes me want to be a better person."  

I've always loved Carrie Aaron's books, especially Privileged, and this book was no exception. This is such a cute and sweet read, perfect for the summer. 

So, the next time you go to the beach, buy/download this book, because you won't regret it! :)

Summary:   

                                        "I'm sleeping with the nerd. The nice guy. The science geek who wears periodic table t-shirts around campus. That's my dirty little secret, but it began long before he unknowingly transferred to the same college I attend. We met at the summer camp I was mandated to work at, and our hush hush affair started behind the kayak cabin and in the darkened canteen long after our respective campers went to sleep. When Mick Barrett, rockstar name a complete red herring, enrolls at Salem Walsh University, we're both shocked the first time we bump into each other. And he's ... surprisingly cold. With goals and secrets of his own, Mick is closed off and uninterested, something I've never encountered from the opposite sex. My bruised ego has no time to recover, however, when he discovers the real secret I'm keeping, one that's even more detrimental; than our steampy summer fling. Agreeing to become my tutor, and help me save my future, the glasses-wearing swimmer, with the body of an Olympian under that punny math sweatshirt, begins to grow on me. Again. Except we both have bigger things to focus on than sneaking around. Plus, we're not made for each other. He's aiming to be the next doctor of our generation, while I'm just hoping to survive my Saturday morning hangover. Too bad our bodies, and hearts, start to believe otherwise. which has me questioning; can my dirty little secret become a happily ever after?" 

Characters:

    Jolie: Jolie is a very fun and energetic person to be around, but she also takes things to the next level, which doesn't always benefit her. She is very confident in herself, but can sometimes be a little egotistical. But if you want a good time at a party, then Jolie is your girl. 

        I have very mixed thoughts about Jolie. I really like how confident she can be (go feminism!), but that confidence is not always portrayed. It's mostly in her thoughts, instead of her actions. She says she is going to do something, but then never does it, or does the opposite of it, which irritated me at times. The thing I really love about Jolie is that she just lives life. She takes risks and doesn't "throw away her shot". (Please tell me you got that reference! :)

    Mick: Mick, in simple terms, is a nerd (but there's nothing wrong with nerds, heck I'm a nerd). He is such a sweet, kind, and generous character, you can't help but like. Although, he can be very oblivious at times...

        Oh Mick. :) Honestly, throughout the whole novel, I just kept inwardly laughing at Mick. He is very similar to me, and yet very different. There are some things he does and likes that I like too. I like Mick. He is just a genuine nice guy, which everyone could use in their lives. 

    I feel that there isn't a whole lot to Mick. Sure, he has goals and dreams, but I feel they aren't as important as other things are in this book. 

Plot:

     The novel's major storyline is about Mick and Jolie's relationship. There weren't a lot of side story lines, which would have made the story more interesting to me. I would have loved to see more details of their friends and their education. 

    At times, the novel went by a little slow, and therefore, I didn't really invest myself in the characters as much as I usually do. However, the story is very cute and sweet. I definitely recommend reading this. 

    The description and detail in this book is fantastic! I really want to go to Salem Walsh University now. (If only...). I like how Carrie Aarons can describe settings and details so much, that I am able to conjure up a picture in my head. It makes reading this book that much better! 

There aren't a lot of really negative themes or situations, so this book is more light hearted and easier to read. Overall, I enjoyed this book! 

Rating: 

    I give this book 4/5 stars! I really like the sweet side of this story. It is a lot different to what I have been reading lately, so I really like the change. I like the characters, but I feel that there could be a little improvement of the characters. Jolie doesn't seem to be really invested in many things in her life, so I never saw the determination I wanted to see in her. 

    Like I said, I like the plot, but I wish that there was more details about their friends and their aspirations. I feel like this book is just focused on their relationship, which is great, but it makes the read a little slow, and not as fun as it could be. 

I received an ARC in exchange for a review. 

Book Review: Lucas by Jay McLean

         

                    "You now hold the key to your world. You choose which doors to lock, which to open. You choose who to let in and who to keep out. but do me a favor? Don't shut out too many people. You're to good, too precious to be kept hidden." 

I loved Jay McLean's More than Series, so when I found out there was a spin-off series, well, I just had to get my hands on it. 

This specific book is about Lucy Preston's brother, Lucas. Lucy is a main character in the More Than Series, so if you want, you can pick up that book too. Even though this book is a spin-off, there are still some awesome cameos. 

Summary: 

                                        "In a sprint, every millisecond counts. When you're waiting for love, those milliseconds can feel like eons. High school senior Lucas Preston has it all: star of the track team, a scholarship waiting for him, an apartment to himself, and a revolving door of girlfriends. He also has an older sister, five younger brothers and a father who relies on him to make sure those brothers don't kill each other. His saving grace? Lois "Laney" Sanders, a girl he started to fall in like with when he was just eleven. A girl who became his best friend, his confidant, his courage. It took only sixteen clicks and eight seconds for Lucas to realize that his like for Laney had turned into love. Eight life-changing seconds. It's also the exact length of time it took to lose her." 

Characters: 

    Lucas: I ended up really liking Lucas. From the very beginning, he showed his loyalty and heart to Lois. At times, Lucas isn't the best at speeches, and talking to women, which definitely adds to his personality. I will say that Lucas is very determined, yet patient. When it came to his family and the people he loved, Lucas was willing to do anything for them. 

    Lois "Laney": Lois is such a sweetheart. She continues to just give and give, not expecting anything in return. I loved her character because there is so much to learn about her. She is involved in a bad situation, which helps develop her as a person. 

I loved seeing both characters grow to become themselves. Every character in this book has at least one flaw, but that's what makes them human. All humans have flaws, and for these characters to showcase that, it makes them seem more real to readers.     

Plot: 

    So, the plot in very simplistic, spoiler-free terms is that Lucas and Lois have been best friends since they were children. This is their story of love and friendship.

   In this book, timing is everything. It can take six seconds to fall in love, but only eight for that to change. So many different actions happen within these "eight seconds". 

I loved the story-line. It was really cute and innocent, until the last 20%. I couldn't help but root for these two the whole time. 

Chemistry: 

    I didn't really feel the chemistry until about halfway through the book. Not that there wasn't any, because there was, I just didn't feel it as strong as I do with other books. Their chemistry seems more subtle and innocent, compared to the cliche "fireworks". It definitely takes time to build the type of relationship that these two created. 

Rating: 

    I rate this book 4/5 stars! I really loved the characters and the themes in this book. It is cute, and simple, yet hard and complex. The characters, along with the story, evolve into newer and better things. Overall, I really liked the story and the characters. It was a very enjoyable read. I HIGHLY recommend reading this.