Review: The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy
Publication Date: May 17, 2013
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Number of Pages: 248
Format: Paperback
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 This isn't a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I'd be happy to recommend one, but I don't have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions and finding out that your dream guy is bad in bed. It's the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it's also the story of my freshman year of college and realizing Mr. Right might have been there all along.

Meet Juliet. She's about to start college in the far, and her cousin Amy believes she hasn't really had any great experiences. Amy has given Juliet a list of things to do during the summer before college. The summer is ending and Juliet has done all but the last item, the one she is fearing the most; go skinny dipping. She's finally does it at her family's beach house after staying an extra weekend with everyone has gone home. Doing it in your own pool while home a lone is kind of lame, but hey you gotta start somewhere. Much to Juliet's horror, one of her neighbor's pull up and comes over to say hi. Enter Dylan. He's older, and Juliet has had a crush on him forever. Seems like he has been eying Juliet for a while now and one thing leads to another and she ends up sleeping with him. Should be perfect right? Wrong. Apparently Mr. Perfect is very bad in bed.

Fast forward it a few weeks. Juliet is at college, which happens to be the same college Dylan and his brother Kyle attends; not to mention her cousin Amy graduated from there. It's not long before she runs into Dylan again and it seems that Dylan hasn't been able to get Juliet off his mind.

The minute Dylan turned up again I knew how this was going to go. But on one hand who could blame the girl? She's finally with her dream guy, the one she's been crushing on for years, not to mention he's senior in college while she's a freshmen. It isn't long until she meets Reed. It's not long before they become fast friends. I couldn't tell at first if he was into her or if Reed was just flirty by nature. It wasn't long before my question was answered. I wanted to yell at Juliet so many times during the book, I couldn't believe she put up with him as long as she did.

The writing wasn't the best. It was just ok, at some points cheesy. Not to mention that Juliet pretty much had all the guys falling all over her. That part didn't bother me, she was never really described, and assuming from the context she's hot. Hot girl, especially one pledging for a sorority, at college? Yes, guys are going to be falling all over her. And it's not like it was every guy on campus. Reed was perfect. And I spent half the book screaming at Juliet to dump Dylan and get with Reed. Although, I wish the book would of went more into Dylan's obsession with Juliet, kind of curious where it came from. There was a little twist towards the end that reminded me of Forget You by Jennifer Echols.

Overall the book was good. Like I said the writing was cheesy at some points, but I ended up loving it. Especially the last half of the book, which made me smile through the whole thing.

Rating: 4/5

Review: Kiss Me First by Lottie Moggach

Kiss Me First by Lottie Moggach
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Publication date: July 4th, 2013
Number of pages: 320 pgs
Format: Trade Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository | Bookworld Australia

A chilling and intense first novel, this is the story of a solitary young woman drawn into an online world run by a charismatic web guru who entices her into impersonating a glamorous but desperate woman.

When Leila discovers the website Red Pill, she feels she has finally found people who understand her. A sheltered young woman raised by her mother, Leila has often struggled to connect with the girls at school; but on Red Pill, a chat forum for ethical debate, Leila comes into her own, impressing the website's founder, a brilliant and elusive man named Adrian. Leila is thrilled when Adrian asks to meet her, and is flattered when he invites her to be part of "Project Tess."

Tess is a woman Leila might never have met in real life. She is beautiful, urbane, witty, and damaged. As they email, chat, and Skype, Leila becomes enveloped in the world of Tess, learning every single thing she can about this other woman--because soon, Leila will have to become her.

An ingeniously plotted novel of stolen identity, Kiss Me First is brilliantly frightening about the lies we tell--to ourselves, and to others, for good, and for ill.

A big thank you to Pan Macmillan giving me this chance to read and review this riveting tale. The moment I saw the synopsis of it, I knew I wanted to read this.
Something that was different from my usual genres. Something that was a woman's journey, real, honest and exciting adventure.

This is a unique story of mystery, intrigue, love, tragedy and friendships. From an Australian author comes a story which I was enticed by before I had even read it.
It all comes down to the life of a young woman, Leila. She had an ordinary life, but after the death of her mother, Leila suddenly finds comfort in a philosophical website forum in which she can talk to others about the same kind of views as she.  Quickly, she became closely acquainted with the owner of the website, Adrian.
Leila becomes involved in a deep and secret project organised by Adrian called "Project Tess," this is one thing that will change her life forever, make her question everything, but also will open up so much opportunity for her.

As Leila gets to know and understand Tess, she becomes her friend, her confidant and only person who knows and understands what she is going through. But is Tess telling Leila everything she needs to know? Everything is vital for when the time comes when Leila is to become Tess. As Leila gets involved with Tess's life and world, Leila starts to notice not everything matches up... is there a possibility that not everything as it seems, and Tess is holding back more than she should?

This book surprised me.  I wasn't sure what I would think of it, but I loved it.  From the different characters, to the world that Leila was drawn into.  It was part mystery, part thriller.

Rating: 4/5

Review: Pivot Point by Kasie West

Pivot Point by Kasie West
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: February 12th, 2013
Number of pages: 343 pgs
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

There was so much talk about this book. A friend of mine loved it so much that it convinced me to buy it. Normally I would wait for a paperback, but I took the risk that I could like it enough to buy the paperback which was the only format available.

The moment I started reading it, I knew this was definitely my kind of book. I thought at first that it was a contemporary book, but when I read it, it was something else. I think it was probably half contemporary and half fantasy with special elements included.

This story, we are introduced to Addison has grown up in a world where everyone has a different ability. For Addison, her ability is to be able to search through different futures depending on what she or someone may or may not take. 
After her parents drop a bomb shell upon her that threatens to tear her family apart,  she has to decide who she would rather live with, her Mom in the place she has grown up in, or venture to somewhere new with her Dad, the human world where everything will be so unfamilar to her.
Deciding to search through her possible futures, Addie finds out what would happen if she stays or if she happens to leave.
In one possible future, Addie stays with her Mom and ends up dating the school's quarterback, and finds herself in a position and relationship she never wanted ton be in, but other than that, she couldn't be happier.  In the other future, Addie sees herself setting to her new surroundings, and for the first time, falls in love with a human boy.  But things become complicated when she gets involved in one of her mother's murder cases, and Addie finds herself in a position where not everything is what she thought it would be.

This novel battles many decisions.  From what you think you should do, and what your heart is telling you. From dating someone who everyone wants you to date to someone who fall in love with against your own judgment. From a world full of supernatural elements to one that has none of that.

Addison was someone who I adored right off the bat. She was a character I think many people could relate on, especially when it comes to when she was dealing with her family and personal issues, even her issues when it comes to her lovelife.  She was a great character. She has to make decisions based on what she felt in her heart, and what was best for her and in the long run, no matter what consequences may occur.

At first,  I enjoyed both love interests, but as the story went on... my perspective changed and I definitely leaned more towards one than the other when information came to light about one of them and things started to change with particular actions taken.

I even loved the supernatural elements to this story. I can't wait for the sequel to see what will happen with Addie next.

Rating: 5/5

Review: Between the Lives by Jessica Shirvington

Between the Lives by Jessica Shirvington
Publication Date: May 1, 2013
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Number of Pages: 336
Format: Paperback
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Above all else, though I try not to think about it, I know which life I prefer. And every night when I Cinderella myself from one life to the next a very small, but definite, piece of me dies. The hardest part is that nothing about my situation has ever changed. There is no loophole.

Until now, that is...

For as long as she can remember, Sabine has lived two lives. Every 24 hours she Shifts to her ′other′ life - a life where she is exactly the same, but absolutely everything else is different: different family, different friends, different social expectations. In one life she has a sister, in the other she does not. In one life she′s a straight-A student with the perfect boyfriend, in the other she′s considered a reckless delinquent. Nothing about her situation has ever changed, until the day when she discovers a glitch: the arm she breaks in one life is perfectly fine in the other.

With this new knowledge, Sabine begins a series of increasingly risky experiments which bring her dangerously close to the life she′s always wanted... But just what - and who - is she really risking?

I'm extremely lucky enough to have an amazing friend and co blogger who sends me Jessica's books since they are published in Australia long before they are even available in the US.  First let's take a minute to gush over the cover. Isn't it gorgeous? I could stare at it all day. And second, I want to address the genre(s) I label this book as. I struggle with what I thought this book would fall in. There's no supernatural creatures or even themes in the book. The shifting between two lives is more of a sci-fi theme, but that's the only sci-fi/fantasyish thing about this book. The rest of it is more contemporary. It's a twist, and one I love.

Meet Sabine, a typical 17 year old girl. Or maybe not so typical since she has two lives, and I don't mean she lives a double life. Every night at midnight she shifts to her other life, and relive the same day over again. Her two lives are different as day and night. In one life she has it all; money, the clothes, the right friends, and even the perfect boyfriend. Or at least that's what everyone sees. We learn quickly she just stays with him because that's what their society expects. But not everything is perfect. She has two older brothers whom she doesn't get along with one bit, and she feels like she should act and say certain things because that's what is expected of her. In the other life her family is hard on money. She has friends, but they are labeled as trouble. One bright light in it is she has a younger sister she adores. But when Sabine realizes everything has changed, and she might be able to only have one life, she must choose.


Just like all of her other works, this book is very fast paced and addicting. I couldn't put the book down and read it in one day. And of course falling in love with Ethan in the "wrong" life wasn't in Sabine's plans. But Ethan has his own secrets. And just when you think the book couldn't get any better, BAM! The heartbreaking twist. Which not really too much a twist since you could see it coming. Ethan taught Sabine to cherish life, both of her lives. Without trying to sound too cliche, after the rain there's always a rainbow. The ending was perfect. Well almost perfect. Which is what I hate about stand a lone books. There is always room for more, and it leave you wanting more.

I do love how she after her attack, she became real close to her oldest brother Ryan. And even closer to her other one. I'm always a sucker for brother sister closeness relationships. And it's the one thing I hated throughout the book.

In one word this book was AMAZING! It took the concept of suicide with a twist, instead of trying to end your life, pain, suffering; she wants to end her life so she could live.I do wish we would of learned why/how Sabine ended up with two lives. Maybe one day she will write some kind of a sequel, even if it's a short story. I would love to know if Sabine got her happy ending.

Rating: 5/5

 

Teaser Tuesday 23

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Want to play along?

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers
• Share the title and author

I still can't get over Saving June Hannah Harrington. It was just full of amazing. Plus Jake was pretty much perfect.

 “He leans close and says, "It matters to me," right against my mouth, and then kisses me like he means it.
I've thought about what it'd be like to kiss Jake over the past few days, way more than I'd care to admit. But I don't even have time to register the firm press of his lips against mine, without breath, before he pulls back.

Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Saving June by Hannah Harrington
Publication Date: May 1, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Number of Pages: 336
Format: Paperback
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‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’

Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one — so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.

When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going — California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down — again.

Harper's older sister June is the perfect child. It was a complete shock when June committed suicide two weeks before her high school graduation. Harper decides to honor June's only dream by taking her ashes to California. Enter mysterious bad boy Jake Tolan who has a mysterious connection to June.  He insists he has to go with Harper and  her best friend Laney and even offers to drive them. There's instant attraction between Jake and Harper, even though they have nothing in common.

This book is filled with music and music references. Usually it bugs me when a book is filled with detail music references, but it works for this book. Harper can tell Jake is hiding something from her about June. But he refuses to talk about it.

With many detours, this book is more about Harper grieving for her sister and coming to term. Even though I understand that's what the book is about, I wished it had a little bit more romance for Harper and Jake. I just couldn't get enough of them. And when they do finally get together, it's my favorite scene in the whole book.

Beware, the book is a tear jerker, and pretty much the whole book is sad. I hate that this was a stand a lone book. Which is why I usually don't read them. I only want more. I spent days after reading this day dreaming about Harper and Jake. The end of the book, it felt like there were room for more. Everything was resolve, but there were so much more room to write a few more chapters.The only thing I didn't like about the book was the aspect of religion. Harper has decided she doesn't believe, but she has a very big religious aunt. And it's the stereotypical christian who pushes their ideals on everyone and is close minded. Not to mention the bible thumpers at a protest they attend. I feel like the author was on the verge of bashing it. Or how at the end of the story Laney is pregnant but it's convenient taken care of. The plot made no sense in the book, only to show that Harper puts those she loves and care about above her own feelings and needs.And Jake's secret? I felt disappointed. I didn't see the big deal and I thought the connection between him and June would of been something more. Seemed like the whole plot was headed towards this huge climax and then there were nothing. I do wish we learned exactly why June decided to take her own life.

In a few words this book is AMAZING! Definitely one of my favorites. I encourage everyone to give it a shot.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits (Pushing the Limits #1) by Katie McGarry
Publication Date: July 31, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Number of Pages: 392
Format: Hardback
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"I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.

So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

Oh not sure why I've been on a contemporary YA kick lately. But this came highly recommended by a friend. The book was ok, not the best.

Echo used to be one of the popular crowd. But one night changed everything, only if Echo could remember. All she knows that she woke up in the hospital with scars all over her, knowing her mother tried to kill her. For the past two years she's kept a low profile, but her dad and step mom won't tell her what really happened that night. But seeing a new therapist might just change all of that. Not to mention the moment Noah walked into her life nothing will be the same again.

The book is broken into Echo and Noah's POVs. I couldn't stand reading Noah's POV. Writing in a guy's POV in YA is tricky, and very rarely can you find someone who can nail it. I'm sorry I don't want to read about a guy staring at someone's ass or telling her to shake it. Not to mention the over use of calling Echo a siren. Not only did I hate his POVs, I didn't connect with Noah, and ended up not liking Noah. Once a golden boy his life was turned upside down when a fire killed his brothers. Thrown into foster care and labeled trouble, his life was never the same. Now he uses girls and smokes pot. Now at almost 18 he's determined to win custody over his two brothers when he graduate. Since he was label trouble and unstable after his first foster home, I'm curious though. Why was he separated originally from his brothers? I know it happens but to just separate one brother from the family? Not to mention his brothers has been with the same family from the beginning. This is when I really can't stand Noah. This family is wealthy. His brothers can have a life that Noah can't provide for them. Not to mention he still smoking pot. What sense does that mean? Not to mention he claims they are abusing his brothers and there is no proof of it, nor any reason for him to accuse them of it.

The book is pretty dark and deals with some heavy stuff. I think the book would of been a lot better if it was solely in Echo's POV. I loved the ending. Overall the book was pretty good. Just didn't interest me enough to continue with the series.

Rating: 3/5

 

Review: Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Forget You by Jennifer Echols
Publication Date: July 20th, 2010
Publisher: MTV Books
Number of Pages: 292
Format: Paperback
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There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four-year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.  But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all--the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug--of all people-- suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life--a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

This book sounded so good, but it came out on the disappointing side. I should of known better since it's published by MTV. I loved the plot, it had the potential to be amazing but the actual writing sucked.  I felt like I was reading something written by a 14 year old. Not to mention the use of old phrases such as parking and petting. Or even using the word ugly to describe how a person is talking, acting, etc. Even use the phrase blank is my dearest friend. Who really talks like that?

My impression from the description that Zoey and Brandon were a serious couple. I was thrown through a loop when Brandon turns out to be a player with a new girl every week, and started out as really good friends with Zoey. But after Zoey's mom has a breakdown, she decides to sleep with Brandon. And even though knowing how he is with girls, Zoey immediately thinks this means they are dating. Even though it's pretty clear he's not boyfriend material, and he never calls/texts her or even comes to see her.

Zoey's dad is an asshole. I couldn't believe someone would wrote a character that mean and harsh towards his own daughter. The author could of tone him down a notch or two. And the whole mystery...I knew exactly what happened that night. And what is the hang up with the deer? Zoey is in a head on accident because both cars swerve to miss a deer and all she can do is keep asking if the deer was ok. Really?! Does she realize how lucky they all are?

Now Doug. Oh Doug how I love you. He's the best thing about this book. The little twist at the end, I just wanted to slap Doug. But for majority of the book I just wanted to hug him.

Overall the book wasn't that bad. I just wished the book was done better.

Rating: 3/5

 

Review: The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen

The Secret of Ella and Micha (The Secret #1) by Jessica Sorensen
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
Publisher: Borrowed Hearts Publishing
Number of Pages: 191
Format: Nook Book
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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Ella and Micha have been best friends since they were kids. But one tragic night shatters their friendship and their lives forever.

Ella used to be a rule-breaker with fiery attitude who wore her heart on her sleeve. But she left everything behind when she went to college and transformed into someone that follows the rules, keeps everything together, and hides all her problems. But now it's summer break and she has nowhere else to go but home.

Ella fears everything she worked so hard to bury might resurface, especially with Micha living right next door. If Micha tries to tempt the old her back, she knows that it will be hard to resist.

Micha is sexy, smart, confident, and can get under Ella’s skin like no one else can. He knows everything about her, including her darkest secrets. And he’s determined to bring his best friend, and the girl he loves back, no matter what it takes.

 **Recommended for readers 17+ due to sexual situations and language.**


 Two contemporary books in one month? I know big surprise right? I made reading more non fantasy/sci -fi books one of my reading goals this year. A few months ago I was surfing through the Nook store and found this for less than $2. It sounded really good, and I finally got around to reading it. Needless to say I'm more on the disappointed side.

Ella lives in a rough town and like majority of the town is a little on the rough side.Which who could really blame her with an alcoholic father and a mother that had suffered from a mental illness and ended up committing suicide. Hiding one of her deepest fears, that she's just like her mom, one night a few weeks after her death, Ella snaps. After a close brush with death she decides to get far away as possible, running away to Vegas to go to school.

Unable to afford an apartment for the summer, Ella has no choice but to return home and to her past. There's no avoiding Micha who she runs into within five minutes of getting home. And Micha isn't backing down.

What did I like about the book? Glad you asked. I love how it's a turning of age book. I really liked the friendship between her and Lila. And wished we saw more of that. And that she would tell Lila the whole truth about her past. And I'm a sucker for sibling relationships in books. While it seemed that Ella and her brother's relationship is very tense and on the rocks, there's a slip that he does care about her and keeps tabs on her. Usually I hate reading about alcoholic parents, but Ella's dad worked a soft spot in my heart. He doesn't abuse her like you read about other alcoholic fathers do. His only crime is drinking way too much and not taking care of himself or the house. At the core, the love that Micha and Ella shares is amazing. They have gone through hell.

Not sounding too bad right? Now it's time to look at the ugly. This was a fast and easy read, and I couldn't put it down. Yet I still have so many issues with the book. It alternates between Ella and Micha POV. Which normally I don't mind, but in this book it will do it in the same chapter. And the result is many scenes are repeated. The big issue I have with the book is that it seemed I was reading a bad fanfic. Especially the Micha POVs. From what we knew of Micha; hot, sexy, bad boy, his voice didn't fit his reputation. The other issues is probably not a good editing job. A lot of the details, it was like there were no thought until it. It's mentioned that if Ella doesn't get this internship she wants, she will have to get a job to pay for college. Let's back up for a moment. How did she even get into college in the first place? It's mentioned that she never thought of herself going to college. One night she decided to run away. It keeps on saying eight months, but when you think about it that timeline doesn't add up. College starts in the middle of August and gets out early May. That's a little bit more than eight months. I doubt Ella just chose a school at random and showed up for classes. It doesn't work that way, plus how did she pay for it? The whole time Ella has been gone, Micha has been searching for her. And he happens to find her the day she leaves to come back home? *eyerolls* Let's talk about that phone call Micha makes to her the day she leaves to come back home. How did he get her new cell phone number? He called information and go the listing. In what world are cell phone numbers listed like that?

The next question that is never really answered. What state is Ella from? They tell us outright that the school is in Vegas and Lila is from California. It's mentioned that it's a twelve hour drive from school to Ella's house. The only real clue is when her brother shows up his car has Ohio plates. Since he lives in Chicago and the car was their mom's, my bet is Ohio. Problem. It's more than double twelve hour drive from Vegas to Ohio. I don't care how good of a friend Lila is, I don't see someone driving from Vegas to Ohio to drop her off, stay for the night and then drive by herself to California? Not to mention about a week after Lila leaves for home, she shows back up saying she can't deal with her home life. So she drive back to Ohio from California? Not to mention I'm sure she had good friends at home she could probably stay with? Speaking of driving, on the way to Ella's they were on the edge of town and Lila had to pee. Ella found a restroom through the gps, which turned out to be an outhouse. How the town is describe, I can go with an outhouse, but it wouldn't of shown up on a gps. There's a few other details that doesn't make sense. Like 18 year olds ordering kegs, or how it was mentioned that Micha got up in the late afternoon and then it mention how his mom was dressed to go to her day job as a secretary at a car dealership. Late afternoon would be the time she would be getting off a day job and not going in.

I don't like some of the language. How Micha had commented that he hasn't fulfilled his lifelong dream of sleeping with Ella. Umm what? Or how he comments about Ella's short shorts and how good her ass always looks. Micha is pretty much describe as a playboy yet only wants to be with Ella. I've never been on board with the guy who hooks up with other girls because he can't be with the one he wants. I hated how it was so easy for Ella to let Micha back in. I wanted to see him work for it, more of a resistance from Ella. And don't let me forget Lila. In the beginning the scenes with Lila, Ella, and Micha there were times where it seemed like Lila was completely forgotten. Or how the author felt like it was necessary to let us know the name of every song.

I believe this is one of the first books where I've had so many issues with it, yet I couldn't put it down. I haven't decided if I want to continue with the series. But I'm really interested in the third book planned for the series, which will focus around Lila and Ethan. Now those two characters caught my attention. I've been conflicted with how I should rate this book. But in the end the details just irritated me too much.

Rating: 2.5