Royally Lost by Angie Stanton

Genre: young adult, contemporary, romance

Published: May 6th 2014

Pages: 336

Publisher: Harper Collins




                      Synopsis

Dragged on a family trip to Europe's ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Tapped with her emotionally distant father, overeager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is, until she meet Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.
Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's a crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. After staging a revolt, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.
When Nikolai and Becca meet, it's their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say good-bye when his destiny catches up to him, or will they change history forever?


                                                                          Thoughts

I don't normally like to pick up books on a impulse, but there was something about this one that caught my attention. I have heard of the author but not the book itself, so I thought on this particular day at the bookstore, that I should just pick it up. (it was mainly because I need more travelled themed books on my shelf).

The first thing that I want to mention, is that this book was not what I was expecting at all. Like I personally thought that things were going to go differently, then they actually turned out to be. For example; I thought they were going to be staying in Europe for the entire book; instead of only being there for the first half of the book. I was also expecting Becca to find out that Nikolai was a prince towards the end of the book instead of towards the beginning. So, because that was the main problem for me, I couldn't get into it, and enjoy it the way that I wanted to.  

The second thing that I want to mention, was the fact that a lot of the situations that happened in the book, just seemed very unrealistic and they were quite cheesy and cliche.If you have read this novel, then you will know exactly what I am talking about. The same thing goes for the romance. I found that the romance just went by way to fast, and it all seemed very chaotic. It was a "insta-love", and I have come to the realization that I am not a huge fan of them. I personally think that a romance should take time to develop. Everything was depended on fate, and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. This just happened to work but in a very unrealistic way as I've explained before. These are some other reasons as to why I couldn't enjoy this book the way I wanted too.   

Becca, was an okay character. She wasn't the greatest character ever, but she would have to do for this book. There were times, were I really liked Becca, but then there were other times were I (obviously) didn't like her and wanted to shake her back and forth and get some sense into her. She was also really clueless and naive, and legitimately had no idea of what she was really getting into, with meeting this total stranger who just happened to be a prince. Becca was pretty whiny at times, and always complaining about where she was, and why she was there, plus she continuously talked about how much she just despised history, which really pissed me off. *annoyed face here*

Nikolai, wasn't the best character either, like he was just okay for me too. The fact that Nikolai was a prince, and it may seem repetitive when I say this, but it was a refresher to read about a character who wasn't exactly normal but they weren't like a famous celebrity. My thoughts are pretty much the same for Becca, except that he didn't complain as much, wasn't clueless or naive or anything like that. But I would have to say that when he was on the tours with Becca, he acted like he knew everything, and was just acting like a know-it-all. Like yes, it's where he's from and he knows a lot about his country; which is great. But it was not necessary for him to act cocky about it and "rub it in her face". I am saying this because whenever he would recite a fact about that certain city, or building, I sensed that he was saying them in a cocky manner; which I did not appreciate. *frustrated face here*

Overall, I didn't find this book to be very enjoyable, but it was a very light-fluffy read. Some parts were cheesy, characters were not the best. The plot was very unoriginal. The romance went way to fast despite it only being a one week trip. I do not recommend this book.


                                                                                
                                                                          Rating

                                                                            2.5/5

Currently Reading

Hello everyone, it's Nicole Henderson here. And as you can tell by this title and the book cover, I am currently reading Royally Lost by Angie Stanton. The book is about two very different people named Becca and Nikolai. And I mean different when I say that Becca is a normal girl from America, while Nikolai is a prince from a fictional country called Mondovia. Yes I said PRINCE. Anyways, Becca is forced to go on a trip to the acient cities in Europe, with her family consisting of her dad, stepmom, and brother. She is miserable. So when she meets Nikolai, everything changes for the better. Nikolai is a heir to the throne, and is expected to follow family traditions in the royal castle. But he has no interest in doing any of the things he is being told to do. All he really wants is freedom. So, he runs away from the castle and tours around Europe as well. So when he meets Becca, everything also changes for the better.

   So far, I am more then halfway done and I must say that this is a book that I did not expect. I will explain more of this in my reveiw. But to say if it is good or bad, I don't 100% know at this moment, so maybe when I'm done reading it, I'll know for sure. So that is it for this post, until my next one. Goodbye everyone. 



 

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

Genre: young adult, contemporary, romance, realistic fiction


Published: April 15th 2014


Pages: 337


Publisher: Poppy



                                  Synopsis

Lucy lives on the twenty-fourth floor. Owen lives in the basement. It's fitting, then, that they meet in the middle-stuck between two floors of a New York City apartment building, on a elevator rendered useless by a citywide blackout. After they're rescued, Lucy and Owen spend the night wandering in the darkened streets and marveling at the rare appearance of stars above Manhattan. But once the power is back, so is reality. Lucy soon moves abroad with her parents, while Owen heads out west with his father.
     The brief time they spend together leaves a mark. And as their lives take them to Edinburgh, and to San Francisco, to Prague, and to Portland, Lucy and Owen stay in touch through postcards, occasional e-mails, and phone calls. But can they-despite the odds-find a way to reunite?


                                                                     Thoughts

The plot from the above synopsis, is what drew me in to buy and read this book. Two people meeting in some random elevator?  Same apartment building? Power outage in New York? It was literally a perfect way to start a relationship with Lucy and Owen. It was 100% fate, it was like they were meant to be together. But anyways moving on with the review.

I loved the long distance aspect in this book, because it was so realistic. The circumstances were realistic for both characters, so they both had real reasons to leave New York in the first place. But the good thing was, that despite them being apart for most of the book, they both found a way to keep in touch, and communicate and that was through postcards. They email sometimes too, but it was mostly through postcards. It's really not often that I get to read books that involve a long distance relationship, so it was a definite refresher to read.

The cities that Lucy and Owen both travel to are just incredible. Lucy travels to Edinburgh, London, Rome, Prague etc.. and Owen travels to Portland, Seattle, Lake Tahoe etc.. Like I would love to go all of those places someday, some more than others, but they all seem like really great places. But really, the way that Jennifer E. Smith describes each of the places, makes the city sound more gorgeous then the city actually is.

Lucy, was a great character. She had a big heart (not literally), she was naive, and she was the most realistic character, I have ever read so far in 2014. I could relate to her on an emotional level more then anything. Her reactions to certain things that happen in this novel, were so realistic, that this is how any other girl would act (I hope), if this type of situation was happening to them. Now, this may seem repetitive since I say this sort of thing in, almost if not, all of my reviews, that she was not irritating in anyway, and she didn't make me want to punch a wall out ever. 

Owen, was also a great character in comparison to Lucy. He was very realistic, as well as optimistic. I loved his desire for adventure and wanting to travel the world. His feelings and thoughts were relatable and I was able to connect with him, and also relate to him on a emotional level, in similar to Lucy. There were parts in the book, where I just felt really sorry for him and his circumstances with his family. He wasn't the perfect boy, and that's what I liked the most about Owen. He had his internal flaws, and that's what being realistic is all about.

Overall, this book was a very light, fluffy, romantic, quick read. I really enjoyed it from beginning to end, and it may also be a favourite book of mine that I have read so far in 2014. I am so glad that I picked this one up. I fully recommend this, if you want a light, travel, cutesy, romantic read.


                                                                Rating

                                             5/5

Questions about Books: Tag (1)

Hello everyone, it's Nicole Henderson here, and I know that I'm posting two blogs on the same day but I was really urgent to write another one and I couldn't wait any longer.
   So, this is my very first tag. I have never done one before, so I thought that I would go ahead and try it out. Since this blog is about books, I thought that it would be appropriate to do the questions about books tag! There are 20 questions here and I will be answering them as honest as possible.
    So without further ado, let's begin:

1. What is your favourite book?

Ummmm... I can't really choose a specific favourite. But I do have a few, and they are Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles, The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines, and generally most books from the House of Night series by P.C and Kristin Cast.

2. Who is your favourite author?

Well, I don't have one favourite author, but I have more then one. Morgan Matson, Simone Elkeles, Sarah Ockler, Elizabeth Eulberg, Nicholas Sparks, Lauren Barnholdt, and my most recent new fav. author Abbi Glines.

3. What genre do you prefer?

I will read any type of genre in young adult, except for dystopian. I just find them really boring and slow. However, contemporary has to be my favourite genre because I feel happy when reading them.

4. What is your favourite book series?

Okay, enough with the favourites! But the only series I have actually read every book of (so far) is the House of Night series by P.C and Kristin Cast. And I have started to get into the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz, and they are really good. The Perfect Chemistry trilogy by Simone Elkeles is another favourite.

5. What books did you hate reading in school?

Every. Single. One. Of. Them.

6. Bookstores or Libraries?

I like both, but if I had to choose one, I would say the bookstore.

7. How many books do you own?

Umm... the ones that are visible on my shelf I have 76 books. But in total I have 90 books. I know it's quite embarrassing, but I recently got rid of a ton of books, but I haven't been reading YA for a long time, so I don't have to many.

8. What is the first book you remember reading as a child?

Tunnels of Blood by Darren Shan. The third book in the Cirque de Freak series. It was from my school library, at the time.

9. Do you read before bed?

I read in bed during the day, but never before bed so no.

10. What is your most comfortable reading position?

Either laying down or sitting on my bed.

11. What is the most recent book you read?

I'm currently reading The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith, and most recently read My Journey with Josie by Salvina Grice.

12. What quote from any book will you never forget? Why is it significant?

I don't have any quotes that I remember.

13. Science Fiction or Fantasy?

Fantasy.

14. What books do you regret reading?

Evermore by Alyson Noel. It was just awful, so I didn't bother to read the rest of the series.

15. How large is your bookshelf?

It's not the biggest of bookshelves, but it's a decent size.

16. On average, how many books do you read per year?

Around 48 books, but I'm trying to reach my goal of 50 books for the 2014 Reading Challenge on Goodreads.

17. What book can you read hundreds of times and never get tired of?

I don't have a book in mind right now.

18. Do you like to read outside?

It depends, when it's nice out then yes, but if not, then no.

19. What's the biggest lesson you've learned in a book?

Don't give up on your dreams, and just be yourself.

20. Of the past year, what is the greatest book you've read?

Well, if I had to choose one, it would have to be I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga.

So, that is it for the tag. I hope to do more in the future. Until my next post, see you then.

Currently Reading

Hello everyone it's Nicole Henderson here, and since reading The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines, I have picked up The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith.
     I have to say, that is book is so far the cutest travel themed book I have ever read. It is so fun, and adorable, I can't help but squeal, when I read this.
   So, the plot is based around these two people, Lucy and Owen, who both live in New York City in the same apartment building. But Lucy lives on the 24th floor, and Owen lives in the basement. So, it would make the most sense that they both meet in an elevator in between the 10th and 11th floor, when the power for the building and the entire city go out. During this power outage, Lucy and Owen spend the night together talking. But when the lights come back on 'so does reality'.
   By different circumstances for each of them, Lucy goes abroad with her parents and Owen goes out west with his dad. They both keep in touch by using post cards and e-mail. But the question is: can they- despite the odds-find a way to reunite? (from the actual synopsis)
    
 I love everything about this book so far, from the characters, and to the cities they each go to. A review will definitely be posted when this is done, and that will be very soon.

My Journey with Josie by Salvina Grice

Genre: memoir, non-fiction, realistic non-fiction, autobiography

Published: December 10th 2013

Pages: 256

Published: FriesenPress



                             Synopsis

My Journey with Josie is the author's personal story of her sister in the prime of her life, facing her diagnosis of terminal cancer. Preparing to leave three young children and a close knit family behind, this is an honest account of the deep rooted pain of losing a loved one. From struggles and tears comes hope that healing is possible.


                                                                             Thoughts

I'm going to have a hard time collecting my thoughts, on how this book was I know I am. But the first thing that comes to my mind, is the fact that I constantly procrastinated on picking this up. Like I don't know why I didn't get around to reading it right away, but that's what happened. I don't know what it was, but I guess I was scared to read about the cancer aspect of it all. I know that cancer runs in my family. But I'm afraid now that I am going to get it someday too.  That is what I tell myself, all the time, but now I'm realizing that there was another reason, a much deeper reason. Some things just can't be explained (Chapter 40 title).

I knew that before reading the book, that it was going to be very raw, and emotional. But what I didn't know was how raw and emotional this memoir really was. However, I did manage to finish this without crying or having a melt down (Chapter 38 title). 

Cancer is a very sensitive topic for many people, and it is very hard to deal with, in all cases pretty much. But it is something that leads to death in the end, for most families. I'm saying most families because, there are people who do get cancer and they survive. But in this case, that did not happen to Josie. She ends up suffering from this 'disease' for almost a year. She was diagnosed in 1994, and passed on in 1995(on May 14th to be specific). I just want cancer to go away, because I don't want people to suffer, it's not in my nature to enjoy suffering onto others. I just wish that there was a cure for it so that nobody has to deal with it or suffer from the awful disease that kills people everyday.

This story is told entirely in the author's perspective, through either her personal thoughts or her journals. But it also entailed Josie's journal entries, and a little bit of Tina's entries. It was very interesting to read some of Salvina's thoughts and to read her perspective on what was going on throughout her life of losing her mother, and then losing Josie, as well as her brother Sam and her father. But there were some parts were I just felt like I knew way too much for my own good. I also felt that I was sort of invading the authors personal and private thoughts, but that is how raw this book actually is.

So, I thought that this book was very heartbreaking, sad, and emotional. But there are so many other emotions that I can mention, but those are my main feelings about this memoir. I recommend this book, to people who want a family oriented read, with raw and powerful parts, with a little bit of heart break, sadness, and happiness at the same time. Basically, if you want to feel all the feels in one book, then you should read this one.

*I know that it is extremely difficult to say those final goodbyes ( Chapter 31 title) to our family members, who are dying. But after that happens, yes it is going to be hard to live without them, but it is something that has to be done. We have to move on with our lives, but that is what the author has a really hard time coping with. But I just want to say to all the families who have a member who has cancer, or has died from it, that everything will be alright, yes it is a sad time in your life, but you will get through it. Without going through the rough patches in life, you won't get to the good patches. There will always be good times and bad times, but in the end, it will all work out for the better. And that is the main message of this memoir.*

                                                                             Rating
 
                                                      4/5

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Genre: romance, young adult, new adult, contemporary

Published: October 30th 2012 (paperback)

Pages: 259

Publisher: Simon Pulse

                               Synopsis

 

Ashton is getting tired of being a good girl. It's exhausting trying to live up to the expectations of her parents and to be worthy of the town's prince charming, Sawyer Vincent. Maybe that's why she's found herself spending time with Sawyer's cousin Beau while Sawyer is away for the summer. Beau is nothing like her perfect boyfriend. He's the sexiest guy she has ever seen, dangerous in way she's only dreamed about...and the guy she should stay away from.

     Beau never envied Sawyer his loving parents, his big home, or his position as quarterback. He loves Sawyer like a brother. Which is why he's tried everything in his power to keep his distance from Sawyer's girlfriend. He's been in love with her for forever, but Ashton is Sawyer's girl, and off-limits. But when Sawyer leaves for the summer, Ashton, the one girl Beau would move Heaven and Earth for, suddenly wants to rekindle their friendship.

     What starts out as friendship slowly becomes something more. Much more. Ashton and Beau don't want to hurt Sawyer, but the more they try to stay away from each other, the more intense their urges become. And it's getting way too hard to resist...

 

 

    

                                                                             Thoughts

 

I will admit I have been eyeing this book, for a long time now, and I am so glad I picked it up when I did. I was expecting a forbidden romance to come out from this novel, but it wasn't exactly forbidden for very long. I was also expecting a steamy romance as well, which is exactly what happened. Okay, I can go on all day about what I expected from this book, but then this review would last forever. Since I finished Meant to Be (which I have a review on this blog), that involves a good girl (and not so good boy). I was definitely in the mood to read a book similar to the good and bad of the main characters.

 

I seriously can't believe that I literally read this book in ONE day. That is crazy for me, because I have never in a million years have actually read a book in one day. I was addicted from page 1 and I couldn't put it down the entire time. I was surprised to find out that this was actually a very light and quick read. The first half of the book reminded me very much of the 2014 movie  Endless Love which I adore, so if you guys have seen it then you will understand why. Then the second half was when most of the drama and heartbreak occurred.

 

I LOVED Ashton as a character from start to finish. She didn't bother me at all, and there wasn't any point, where I was super irritated with her. So I was able to read the book without getting completely angry, which is a good thing. The way the author described her, was amazing. Like she was GORGEOUS!!!! I wanted her look of blond hair, green eyes, tan legs. I was actually jealous, no seriously I'm not kidding I was. The reason being was because:

1. I have wanted to dye my hair blond now for a while.

2. I want green eyes, to replace my brown eyes. ( I know that it's not gonna happen)

3. I want to have tan legs, but I don't live near a beach so where can I go to tan?!

But the number one reason why I loved Ashton, was because I felt that I could relate to her, and I felt connected with her, just by reading this. I was sort of always the good girl, with a bit of bad inside of me just wanting to come out just like Ashton throughout the novel.

 

There's not much to say about Beau, but man was he ever amazing?! He was a sexy character, from his handsomeness(that's not even a word), to his personality. Obviously, since I am a girl I can't relate to him, but I can understand that by the end of the book he has a lot of issues to go through because he has found out that him and Sawyer are brothers. Yes, I said brothers! I was sort of expecting it, but then again I wasn't. If you want to know how this whole brother thing happens, then you're going to have to buy and read the book to find out. :)

 

Overall, I am in love with this book. I would consider this book to be one of my favourite books of all time. I very much recommend to you this book, if you want a light, but dramatic summer read, that is quick, as well as one that has a hot romance.

 

 

                                                                  Rating

 

                                                5/5

Currently Reading

Hello, everyone it is Nicole Henderson here and the book that I am currently reading is the Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines.
   Now, I have only started reading this today,(yes, you heard me today) and I'm already halfway done the book. I had to stop reading it just so I could do this blog, but I love this book so far. It is steamy, romantic, and quite adorable. As well as heartbreaking.
   This plot is about a girl named Ashton, and she is a total good girl. She has to constantly live up to her expectations, of being perfect because she is dating the "oh-so-perfect" Sawyer, and her father is a pastor at a local church in a small town of Alabama. But Ashton is getting super tired of living up to them. So, when her boyfriend is away for the summer, things start to heat up with Sawyer's cousin Beau. Now the three of them have been best friends since forever, so Beau and Ashton don't want to ruin the friendship they all have. But Beau, is madly in love with Aston, and she loves him back in a way that she will never love Sawyer. So then the rest of novel, goes through with what other people will think of them together, and all the drama attached to that. This will most likely lead into a happily ever after with Ashton and Beau, but I will have to wait and see on what happens.
     I adore this book so far. I hope I finish most of this before I have to leave to go somewhere for the night. But I will definitely do a book review on this when I'm done.

Meant To Be by Lauren Morrill

Genre:young adult, romance, contemporary

Published:January,7th 2014 (paperback)

Pages:304

Publisher:Ember



               Synopsis

 

 

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddled of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the-gasp- wrong guy. Straight-A student Julia may be accident-prone, but she's the queen of following the rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her... well, pocket. Julia also believes in fate, and that Mark, her childhood crush, is her MTB-her meant to be.              

     But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to be defenestrated(SAT word: thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class clown Jason , on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts... from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to live a little along the way. And thus begins a wild-goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love.

     Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be.

 

 

 

Thoughts

 

So, when I picked up this book from the bookstore, I was quite happy because of the fact that I have been wanting to read it for quite some time, and I was very much drawn to the plot, and how different it was from just another typical romantic-contemporary.

 

From what I understood of this story, was that Julia was a good girl who never broke the rules and was always prepared. Then she is partnered with her nemesis Jason, on a class trip to London on spring break. Then after a party that she goes to, she starts breaking all the rules. Then (for me) it just goes downhill from there.

 

The thing was, was that I really wanted to enjoy this story, and I tried so hard to love it. But for some reason, I just couldn't. I did however think that this was a very entertaining read. I also liked how there was balance between happy and sad, throughout the novel. I actually really loved reading about the different places that everyone went to while in London, like the Globe Theater, Shakespeare's birthplace etc..

Julia was a part of the novel that I did not enjoy so much. Julia was okay, but she wasn't the greatest character to read about. I found her to be really stuck up and annoying, and she seemed to be that type of person where she just had to know everything about anything and in real life(remember that this is a fictional story), THAT IS NOT OKAY! She was constantly living in her own fantasy world, and was always looking down upon people all the time, (which luckily, Jason literally calls her out on both of those things). Into which I had a really hard time connecting and relating to Julia as a character, which sort of made me not love this book 100%.  

Jason, was very funny, entertaining, and super crazy. He was a great character, and I really liked him a lot, in comparison to Julia. Jason was actually the reason why I kept reading, because he was so full of life, and energy. I wouldn't say he was witty necessarily, but just that he was very good with his words. His look was also different than any other male character in the young adult genre, with his red hair (I'm not sure on his eye colour, and anything else about his looks for that matter), but it was very refreshing to read about. It would have been interesting to read the book through Jason's eyes, just to see his way of thinking be different compared to Julia's in the novel. 

I loved them when they were together, I found it to be really funny when Jason and Julia just start hating on each other, with Jason constantly calling her 'Book Licker', and her absolutely despising it. I liked how these two characters were portrayed as complete opposites of one another. In general, I really like reading books about the main character hating the love interest, and seeing how it all goes down from there.

 Overall this book was not a favourite of mine, but I do like it enough to give it a good recommendation. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it completely.

  Rating

 

3.5/5