Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

Title: Vanishing Girls
Edited by: Lauren Oliver
Pages: 355

Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred and the two sisters totally estranged. When Dara vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl, nine-year-old Madeline Snow, has vanished, too, and Nick becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. Now Nick has to find her sister, before it's too late.

In this edgy and compelling novel, Lauren Oliver creates a world of intrigue, loss, and suspicion as two sisters search to find themselves, and each other.

I received a review copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating:✰✰✰✰✰

Brief overview Review:
I was very happy that I was able to get an E-ARC of this novel since, for those of you who are unaware,  I am a huge fan of Lauren Oliver. She was one of the first young adult authors I read and loved instantly. Her first novel Before I Fall made me fall in love with young adult fiction, as well as her Delirium trilogy. When I first saw the title and cover for this book, I knew that it was going to be good. The synopsis was pretty vague and so I wasn't completely sure what I was headed into. But I was very happy to be reading something from Lauren again and I enjoyed this novel.


Spoiler Review:

I loved the main focus of sisters on this since I have a sister myself and it really is interesting to think of the different roles that we try so hard to fill in.
I thought that this story was focus more on the actual disappearance of girls which it wasn't. I think there should've been a different title that actually related to the sister plot line of this.

I really liked Nicole and Dara even. They were both flawed and I love reading about flawed, troubled people because it's real. They're so different from each other but they both are involved with each other's lives very heavily. The back stories showed us exactly how close they were to each other.

The story line of Madeline Snow wasn't as important to me as the main focus of their sisterhood, but I could see how it all ties in. Also, the thing with Andre was a little bit much and gave the book a whole other creepy tone.
I loved reading about Fanland because I love amusement parks. Those scenes were actually happy and painted a nice picture. Parker was a nice character and I also like how the romance wasn't over done.

I can't deny the fact that I loved the big twist and reveal of Dara already being dead and Nick suffering. That element really reminded me of We Were Liars and although I liked that book better, this one was still fantastic. I felt for Nick and understood how Dara could be irritable, but she still missed and loved her. I think the whole book was really just focused on that part.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Edited by: Stephanie Perkins
Pages: 384

Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the more outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And everything is pretty perfect in her life (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the negihborhood. When Cricket, a gifted inventor, steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

My Rating:✰✰✰✰✰

Brief Overall Review:

I read Anna and the French Kiss a while ago and while I did really love it, I had no idea how much I was going to love Lola and the Boy Next Door. People talked about Stephanie Perkins being an amazing author, but I didn't really fully understand that until reading Lola and the Boy Next Door.

I read this in less than 24 hours and it was absolutely amazing. I loved every second of it. The setting, the characters, the plot, the writing. It shocked me how much I loved reading this book.

Just from the beginning, I was hooked. I immediately got my idea of Lola and her life, and who she is as a character. This is by far one of the best contemporary books I've read. It is up there with Fangirl, no joke.
I have fallen so hard for Cricket Bell.

Detailed Review:

Lola was one of the best protagonist I've ever read from. She's different which might sound basic since a lot of protagonist are so called "different" but Lola was completely diverse and her own self. There's no way I would consider her just another main character in YA. She isn't afraid to be who she is and dresses in her brilliant, over the top costumes. She's spirited and fueled by her own energy and I have so much respect for that. I loved reading about the different looks she wore, the makeup, the wig, the whole outfit in general. And while seeing someone dress like that in real life might be strange to some people, it was completely her.

The only thing that annoyed me in this book was her relationship with Max. But I didn't absolutely hate it, because this book wouldn't be this book if it weren't for this relationship. Oh, Max. At first, I really did like him. Lola loved him and from his description, you couldn't help but understand why Lola liked him so much. In a band, tattoos, but glasses and an introvert?! Sounded good to me! And the thing is, Max wasn't really a bad guy which made it a little harder. It was clear that he did have feelings for Lola and did try to make things work out. Their relationship reminded me of Mia and Adam in the beginning, and I liked it, until he showed up.

It took two sentences, one line for me to fall in love with Cricket Bell. It was Lola's first encounter with him in this book, and I was done for. He was perfect. and the thing was, he was a nice guy! And people always say "nice guys finish last" and I've read quite a few "nice boy" characters that I was okay about in YA, but Cricket Bell....WOW.
 I haven't felt like this for a book boyfriend in the longest time. Words cant describe Cricket. He was there and knew what to say to Lola and I fell deeply in love with him. He adored her and my favorite scenes were with him. I loved the way he was described, tall with short enough pants to show his socks, stand up tall hair, rubber bands and words on his hand.
I know a lot of people aren't a fan of when the character has a boyfriend/girlfriend and then starts liking someone else, and I understand why. I hated that too. Things could've been solved if they just came together. They had that slow burning relationship almost were you just wanted to push them together and shout "Kiss!" I was waiting for it. And there were so many times that I thought they were going to! (when she went to his dormitory, at night when they went to that hill, when he went to her room)

That was probably one of the best scenes, where they looked at each other and he crawled on a bridge of a closet door to see her. CUTEST THING EVER. I haven't had such strong feeling since forever.

I loved the setting of this book and the neighborhood in San Francisco. The atmosphere was perfect. I loved how Cricket and Lola were neighbors and could see each other from their windows. I was scared that it was going to be a cliché story but it was not cheesy at all.

I also loved the side characters. Andy and Nathan! Right in the beginning of the book we learn that she has two dads! I loved that! I've never read a book where the parents were LGBT. I liked how we even got to see her birth mother, Norah, in the story. I even liked Calliope towards the end. Lindsey was a good friend!
Cameo! Yes! I was so happy Anna and St. Clair were in here! When it was said that she worked in the movie theater, and the name Anna popped up, I wanted to jump out of my seat and dance! I loved that they were actual characters and not just descried as a couple on the streets! They were still adorable and Lola really needed to see what true love was in her life, and thank goodness for St. Clair!

I couldn't stop reading this book and I've never read such an addictive read. I kept on reading and wanted to know what would happen. Cricket and Lola's relationship was addictive, and I was just waiting for them to be together. The ending was adorable and I really liked how a lot of things were solved. (Max, her relationship with Norah and her parents, helping Calliope) I loved how she did end of going to the dance with Cricket. It was predicted, but I still thought it was adorable.

I am so sad I finished reading this book. I'm not over these characters and I don't think I'll ever be.

I'm not sure how Stephanie did it. Her writing was flawless and this was the perfect cute contemporary.



  

Reader Problems Tag

Hey guys! So today I'm going to be doing the Reader Problems Tag! This tag was created by Tiffany at About To Read on Youtube! Let's just get started!

 

1. You have 20,000 books on your TBR.

 

 

How in the world do you decide what to read next?

 

I just choose what I feel like reading! If there is a book signing that I plan on attending then I'll read a book from that author most likely. I try to read books on my shelf but I do read mainly books from the library!

2. You're halfway through a book and you're just not loving it. Do you quit or are you committed?

I am committed! I will 99% of the time finish the book and just push through it. If I'm wasting my time reading a bad book, at least it will be another read book for me. The only time I'll actually DNF it is if I have a major issue with it. But so far, I've never DNF a book.

3. The end of the year is coming and you're so close, but so far away on your Goodreads reading challenge. Do you try to catch up and how?

I've never gotten behind on a goal, but if I were too, I would try to catch up by just reading a lot of shorter books like most people would!

 

4. The covers of a series you love do not match. How do you cope?

If it is the size, (paperback and hardcover) I won't mind that much. But if it is the actual cover design, I'll be a little sad, but if the spines match, it will make me feel better! It's what's on the inside that counts.. xD

4. Everyone and their mothers love a book you really don't like. Who do you bond with over their shared feelings?

Twitter! Goodreads! There will always be someone else that won't like the book too!

5. You're reading a book and you are about to start crying in public. How do you deal?

 

 

This usually doesn't happen to me because I don't cry from books really. But if it were to happen, I would go to the nearest bathroom and stand by the paper towel dispenser.

 

6. A sequel of a book you love just came out, but you've forgotten a lot from the prior novel. Will you re-read the book? Skip the sequel? Try to find a synopsis on Goodreads? Cry in frustration?!?

Depending on how much I loved the book, I will try to reread it if I have time. But the thing is, I don't read books if the rest of the series isn't out. I would rather read and marathon a series with all of the books already out. But if this does happen and I can't reread the first book, I'll find someone's video review to watch or read my own review for it and hope it jogs back some memories!

7. You do not want anyone. ANYONE. borrowing your books. How do you politely tell people no when they ask?

 



I am pretty blunt with it and just say no.

8. Reading ADD. You've picked up and put down 5 books in the last month. How do you get over your reading slump?

 

 

Give myself some time and then try to pick up a book that I'm actually excited about. I'll usually allow myself the break and go on Netflix and watch movies.

9. There are so many new books coming out that you're dying to read! How many do you actually buy?

 

Only a few since I only buy books if it's from an author I love, or if I read it already and loved it.

 

10. After you've bought the new books you can't wait to get to, how long do they sit on your shelf before you get to them?

 

It depends on the book. Sometimes days, sometimes months!

That's it for the tag! I hope you enjoyed! Feel free to do this if you want to!

 

Everything Leads to You by Nina Lacour

Title: Everything Leads to You
Edited by: Nina Lacour
Pages: 307

A wunderkind young set designer, Emi has already started to find her way in the competitive Hollywood film world.

Emi is a film buff and a true romantic, but her real-life relationships are a mess. She has desperately gone back to the same girl too many times to mention. But then a mysterious letter from a silver screen legend leads Emi to Ava. Ava is unlike anyone Emi has ever met. She has a tumultuous, not-so-glamorous past, and lives an unconventional life. She’s enigmatic…. She’s beautiful. And she is about to expand Emi’s understanding of family, acceptance, and true romance.

My Rating:✰✰✰✰✰

Brief Overall Review:

I loved this book so much more than I thought I was going to. I didn't really know what to expect, other than that the main protagonist is a production designer, but this book was filled with love, friendship, and so many more incredible things. Also, yay for GLBT characters! This is such a great contemporary book that I would recommend to everyone! Go read it!

Spoiler Review:

My favorite part of this book was Emi's job, a designer for movie sets which I love. Other than books, I have a huge love for movies and I totally understood why Emi loved them so much. Reading about her job made me really want to work on the set of a movie. I loved reading about her working on the different sets and getting a feel of what an actual move set would be like.

The writing was so good! It has, what I call, the feel writing, where in some scenes, I actually could feel what was happening. There was true passion coming from the book that you could feel! Nina's writing is great and beautiful, yet not overwhelming!

The plot was great and I had no idea that there was going to be a mystery involved! But I loved how everything came together and just worked out. I loved how her brother, Toby, told her to do something epic with the place, and they did!

I truly loved reading about the characters. I loved Emi's character and Charlotte! Their friendship is by fair the best friendship I've read in a while! I loved how they were always there for each other and they would tell one another that they loved each other! Learning more about Ava was also great and I loved the complexity of her family history. Learning about Caroline and the late Clyde was so interesting. Acting has always interested me.

This book just felt so full of life and made me so happy. Also, the last line is perfection!

Book Disscussions: Hardcover vs. Paperbacks!

Hey guys! So I've been wondering what things I should be posting on here! My friend gave me the idea of doing a discussion on Hardcovers vs. Paperbacks!

As of right now, I have 37 hardcovers and 21 paperbacks!

I personally like hardcovers better! I think that they are prettier since there is the dust jacket and the actual bare book as well as the spine! It's always nice when you take off a dust jacket and there is something on the actual cover of the book, or if the spine is a special design or color. Hardcovers also are sturdier and won't bend as easily as paperbacks do. The only downside to  hardcovers is the price and how they're more expensive.

 

 

I usually won't buy a hardcover of a book unless:
1. It's a book I already read and I absolutely loved
2. There is something gorgeous about the book beneath the dust jacket
3. It is a new release from an author and I must get it ASAP

New releases are always hardcovers but I do wish that the paperbacks came out on the same day. I do like paperbacks though and how they're lighter, and easy to hold. They are also cheaper and so you can buy two paperbacks for the price of one hardcover.

I usually don't mind if my series isn't matching in the actual form, unless it is an favorite series. Paperback or hardcover, I just like my books to be in its best condition! How do you like your books? Hardcover or paperback?

For more book pictures taken by me, follow my bookish instagram at the user: @_thebookfeels

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Rebel Belle
Edited by: Rachel Hawkins
Pages: 345

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

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

My Rating:✰✰✰✰✰
Brief Overview Review:
I loved this book a lot more than I thought I was going to! The writing was very simple and easy to read. The characters were realistic and seemed authentic. The plot was quite fantastic. I loved the paranormal/ urban fantasy aspects of how something could change a girl's life forever. I do recommend this book for a fast, thrilling, read that will keep you on your toes.

Spoiler Review:
The beginning of the story was quite strange since a janitor kissed the main character, Harper (whose biggest problem homecoming night is having naked lips..), giving her Paladin powers and right after that,  her history teacher tries to kill her, but she kills him with her shoe....Then, when Harper goes home, she does a handstand on the fence and flips into the pool which confirms her thoughts of her having powers. Harper's reactions once she realizes is a lot calmer than what most people probably would've done. She did her own researched and did her own hilarious experiments. (hitting David, hitting Brandon, throwing a pencil..)

The whole story about Paladins, Mages, and Oracles was great. I liked the idea of the three of them being connected to each other always. I can't wait to see how this world background will development and what other things we will learn.

At first, I wasn't sure if I liked Harper's character. She seemed too perfect and a little bit annoying at the beginning to be honest. I definitely started to like her more after she accepted her role as Paladin and started training. She became a lot more stronger and fiercer.
David's character was also annoying in the beginning, but as him and Harper started to interact more and like each other, I grew onto the both of them. Their history of being rivals gave them a unique back story. These types of relationships are the best because you want them so bad to finally have their first kiss or to accept their feelings. I was worried that they weren't going to in this book, but at the end, I was very satisfied.
I didn't hate Ryan and felt bad for him that Harper couldn't tell him the truth, but understood why. When he let her go at the end, it made me happy for the both of them and they both would be free. (I do not like Mary Beth though) Although if they both would've broken up in the beginning, things would be a lot easier.

Bee's character didn't seem that important other than her role of being a friend until the end where Blythe takes her away. I did like Bee and she was a nice supporting friend for Harper.

Saylor's death made me sad and I didn't want to see her die for the sake of how much Harper and David needed her. She was an  important person that was like their teacher on the history but now that she is gone, they will have to get through it together. Ryan's now the Mage which made me feel excited and smiley because I knew that this trilogy would be going places. The three would be united. (and is it just me or do I smell a possible love triangle brewing if Ryan wants her back..)

This whole book led up to Cotillion which was where David would be put to the test if he can handle to spell that would give him so much power. Thankfully, he was okay in the end. Since Blythe was the main villain in the book, I wished that we saw more of her in the beginning so that it would've been even more of a shock at her wrongness. I think it was very smart to choose to poison everyone that Harper knows personally, to go try to kill her. It made things more personal and difficult for her.

There were many small details in the writing that made it grand. (David and Harper bumping into each other. The moment where Saylor tells Harper that there are only 6 girls in the room. Wow.) Rachel's writing was great and I didn't want to stop reading.

I honestly cannot wait for the next book and see where their journey takes off. This trilogy has so much potential to be the best one out there. It was mix of a lot of great things.

Seven Deadly Sins Book Tag

Thank you Saloni @MyFantabulousBookShelf for tagging me in this! Let's get started!

Greed: What is your most expensive book? What is your most inexpensive book?
I am not completely sure, but Heir of Fire is pretty big and I bought it at a store for retail price. My most inexpensive book is the delirium stories bind up of novellas which was I got for $3.

Wrath: What author do you have a love hate relationship with?
None that I could think of because I don't hate any authors.

Gluttony: What book have you devoured over and over again with no shame?
I normally don't reread book unless it is my favorite, so Divergent. No shame.

Sloth: What book have you neglected due to laziness?
The Harry Potter series and The Mortal Instruments.

Pride: What book do you talk about in order to sound like an intellectual reader?
I don't sound like one at all. Classics are not my favorite.

Lust: What attributes do you find in male or female characters?
Confident, brave, funny. (has the name of Tobias Eaton, Levi Stewart, or Chaol Westfall)

Envy: What book would you most like to receive as a gift?
The Divergent Collector's Edition! I need a 3rd copy!

I tag:  Desirae @SixdexReads
          Sarah @YABookaholic123
          Mily @TheYANighStand