Blame it on the Mistletoe by Beth Garrod Book Review!

 

Title: Blame it on the Mistletoe
Author: Beth Garrod   
Publish Date: November 2nd, 2021
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy!

Tweet Cute meets the movie The Holiday in this funny holiday rom-com where two very different girls swap lives for a Christmas adventure.

Elle is a social medial star with the #DreamLife...or so it seems. Determined to shake up her content and gain new followers, she's on a mission: can she find a British fan to swap with for Christmas?

Holly loves everything about Christmas. But after a mortifying mistletoe disaster with her ex, her perfect plans unravel like a bad Christmas sweater. Can Holly save the holidays when she switches places with favorite social media influencer?

Elle gets more than she bargained for when she meets the cute boy from across the street. And Holly wasn't expecting Elle to have a handsome twin brother. This holiday is full of surprises.

Penelope's Review

I am always down for a Christmas book, especially one that involves a super cute romance so I was super excited to delve into this one at last! Elle and Holly have decided to switch houses for the holidays, and each have their own reasons for doing so.

Elle is a popular influencer on social media who has joined a competition that could make or break her account - in a bid for more followers, she decides to switch houses with one of her followers. Holly is a Christmas fanatic but big changes at home combined with a need to show her ex just how spontaneous she can be leads to her decision to head to America for Christmas. The fact that she's switching houses with her favorite social media star? BONUS! And our story continues from there...

I loved how festive this book was! It was all about Christmas which is my favourite time of the year, so that really helped me get invested in the story. But, I didn't love the writing style - it felt a little juvenile and chaotic. There were enough good moments throughout to keep my attention though, and I'm glad I finished the book!

In terms of romance, I preferred Holly's story to Elle's - I didn't feel as invested in Elle's romance, it kind of felt thrown in out of necessity and there wasn't enough interaction/build up to make it believable. Holly and Nick, however, had a bit more going for them. I definitely enjoyed their arc a lot more! 

Overall, this is a cute story with some really sweet moments, but I wouldn't say it's a must-read. Great for a quick, light read to get you in the holiday spirit though! It has some good take-home messages throughout as well, which is great for the younger groups who may read this.

Rating: 3/5 Devils!

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han Book Review!

 

Title: We'll Always Have Summer (Summer #3)
Author: Jenny Han
Publish Date: April 26th, 2011
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Source: Taken from my sister's bookshelf!

It's been two years since Conrad told Belly to go with Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah have been inseparable ever since, even attending the same college—only, their relationship hasn't exactly been the happily ever after Belly had hoped it would be. And when Jeremiah makes the worst mistake a boy can make, Belly is forced to question what she thought was true love. Does she really have a future with Jeremiah? Has she ever gotten over Conrad? It's time for Belly to decide, once and for all, who has her heart forever.

Penelope's Review

This is it. The end of summer... Ugh I was crying at the end of this book simply because it's all over. And I am sad. BUT that won't stop me from writing a glowing review for this fantastic book! Because it really was... this whole series just touches something special in my heart. I can't quite put into words what it means... but it just brings all of my hopes and dreams and way of looking at life as a 16 year old kid right to the forefront and I love it. Sigh. Anyway let's get on with it!

So in this book we have fast-forwarded by two years and Belly is in her first year of college! Despite the way the second book ended, this book starts with Belly and Jeremiah together. I am firmly Team Conrad so I was a little miffed at this development lol! But I like the back and forth in the timeline so that we slowly piece together what happened between Belly and Conrad and how Belly and Jeremiah ended up together. The whole book is an absolute whirlwind of emotions, and we get so much from the love triangle that we haven't previously seen. It was all so, so epic.

The writing is great, as per usual. As I've said in previous reviews, I really like how Jenny Han is able to channel the reality of characters at the age she writes them. In other words, it doesn't sound like an adult trying to speak college freshman... it just sounds like a college freshman! Overall, this is such a fantastic book and an even more fantastic series. I love the twists and turns this book takes, and I'm happy with the ending, though of course sad that it's over. The great thing abut summer though, is that even though it always comes to an end... there's always another summer right around the corner.

Rating: 5/5 Devils!

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han Book Review!

 

Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer #1)
Author: Jenny Han
Publish Date: May 5th, 2009
Publisher: Simon Schuster
Source: Taken from my little sister's bookshelf lol

Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer—they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one terrible and wonderful summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.

Penelope's Review

Omigosh! This is such a fun, nostalgic summer read! I'm so glad I've started this series! With the TV show releasing Friday, I decided to read the books before delving into the show and I'm so happy I did.

Isabel AKA Belly is our main female lead, and she spends every summer at Cousins Beach with her mom, brother, her mom's friend Susannah and her two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. Belly is such a relatable girl! She's fifteen, turning sixteen and has the maturity level that I would expect for a girl her age. That is hands down the best thing about this book - the fact that every character acts their age (in my opinion) and I could 100% see myself in these situations reacting the exact same way. It just made me feel... young again! Granted, I'm saying this at age 27 LOL but still! You get what I mean if you read this :)

I loved Conrad and Jeremiah. As brothers, we get to see the good and the bad - the protective side of one, the adoration from the other, the arguments expected of a pair of teenage boys, and so on. They are both so, so different personality wise, and yet I loved them both!

Plot wise, this story is full of love and heartache, innocent fun, and a summer full of adventure! It hits every nerve, it'll have you laughing one page and crying the next, you'll relate to Belly and her struggles with first love.... I really just can't say enough good things about it. AND the writing is great!!! I cannot stress this enough - it DOES NOT sound like an adult trying to write a 16 year old... it just sounds like a 16 year old! That's one of my favourite aspects because I can't stand it when a book features a young girl and it's written the way an author THINKS a girl that age would speak. This one just flows naturally. Highly recommend to readers any age!

Rating: 5/5 Devils!

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas Book Review!

 

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOTAR #3)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publish Date: May 2nd, 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Source: Purchased my own copy!

FEYRE WILL BRING VENGEANCE.

She has left the Night Court - and her High Lord - and is playing a deadly game of deceit. In the Spring Court, Tamlin is making deals with the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees, and Feyre is determined to uncover his plans. But to do so she must weave a web of lies, and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As mighty armies grapple for power, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords - and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

BUT WHILE WAR RAGES, IT IS HER HEART THAT WILL FACE THE GREATEST BATTLE.

Penelope's Review

Wow... yet another 5 star read. That's three for three with this series lol! Usually, even with a really fantastic series, I find that there's a 4 star in there somewhere.. but so far these books are KILLING it. I will say that I was a little iffy at the start - it was a bit on the slow side, and I felt myself going into "meh..." mode.. and then BOOM. Book saved lol. 

So this book is all about the battle - Hybern's forces are ready to go and the good guys are struggling to get a leg up. Alot of strategy, war talk, etc. in this one (and mayyyybbeeee it couldv'e been a slightly shorter book) but I'm still happy with it! Feyre is her usual strong, independent, badass self. Rhysand is sweet, loyal, and willing to sacrifice anything and everything to save his family. And then we have all of our LOVELY side characters - Nesta and Elain, Mor, Cassian, and Azriel, Amren and Lucien, and so on. I love that Maas has so many characters and yet each and every one of them is so distinct and unique. I never struggle to recall someone's name or their purpose - I know them all and love all of their different personalities.

In terms of plot, there is SO MUCH that goes on in this book... obviously I won't go into detail to avoid spoilers (for all of the readers who are late to the game like me lol!) but I'l just say that the revelations and twists and turns this book takes are INSANE. The last half of this book is definitely a page-turner. We don't leave off on any kind of cliff-hanger so I actually wasn't sure where this series was going, but it looks like we are switching gears in the next book and Nesta is taking center stage! I'm SO excited to get into her head lol I feel like she's going to be such a dynamic character. Anyway! This book was amazing, this series is amazing, and I will forever be a Sarah J. Maas fan. See you guys for the next one!

Rating: 5/5 Devils!

Imagine Me by Tahereh Mafi Book Review

 

Title: Imagine Me (Shatter Me #6)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publish Date: March 31st, 2020
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Purchased my own copy!

The explosive finale to the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Shatter Me series.

Juliette Ferrars.

Ella Sommers.

Which is the truth and which is the lie?

Now that Ella knows who Juliette is and what she was created for, things have only become more complicated. As she struggles to understand the past that haunts her and looks to a future more uncertain than ever, the lines between right and wrong—between Ella and Juliette—blur. And with old enemies looming, her destiny may not be her own to control.

The day of reckoning for the Reestablishment is coming. But she may not get to choose what side she fights on.

Penelope's Review

Whew. Explosive finale indeed. I know there is a TON of mixed reviews on this book, but honestly I thought it was pretty great! Couple things I would have liked to see that I didn't but overall... I'm not mad! Please don't read further in this review if you haven't read up to the fifth book!! No spoilers for THIS book but there is for the other books!

So in Defy Me, we had Juliette and Warner kidnapped by Juliette's parents, but they are both remembering the past (despite them trying to wipe Juliette's mind) thanks to Emmaline. The book ends with them escaping, Juliette and Warner are back on amazing terms (THANK GOD), he wants to marry her, and they have a surprise birthday party for him! Woohoo! All is good in the world. 

Lol. NOPE! Imagine Me dives RIGHT into the action basically from page one. We get more information about Emmaline and what she wants and what's going on with her, we get alot more Kenji which is awesome! (though I would have liked a bit more on him and Nazeera). Unfortunately we don't have Warner's point of view for this book, which was super sad but he's still a main character - just seen through Kenji's eyes which was actually an interesting point of view. I just think it would have been a fantastic read to see what was going through his head during this one. Phew, it would've been a rollercoaster lol. Anyway! 

I feel like the book moved along at a fast pace which was great - there's so much going on that there's no time to be bored! I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed, as every other review has said lol. It's true - I had maybe 40-50 pages left and I was like how is this going to end?? There's still so much I don't know!!! Ahh!! Very stressful indeed. I would've liked a slightly different ending, but overall I was alright with it.

I will forever love Juliette and Warner, they are absolutely one of my all-time favorite book couples. I also read this entire series TOGETHER rather than the first three like 10 years ago and the next three now so I think that may have alot to do with m higher opinion of the finale. I recommend reading all 6 books one after the other :) Overall, fantastic series! So sad that it's over!

Rating: 4/5 Devils!

Defy Me by Tahereh Mafi Book Review

 

Title: Defy Me (Shatter Me #5)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publish Date: April 2nd, 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Purchased a copy for myself!

The gripping fifth installment in the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling Shatter Me series. Will Juliette’s broken heart make her vulnerable to the strengthening darkness within her?

Juliette’s short tenure as the supreme commander of North America has been an utter disaster. When the children of the other world leaders show up on her doorstep, she wants nothing more than to turn to Warner for support and guidance. But he shatters her heart when he reveals that he’s been keeping secrets about her family and her identity from her—secrets that change everything.

Juliette is devastated, and the darkness that’s always dwelled within her threatens to consume her. An explosive encounter with unexpected visitors might be enough to push her over the edge.

Penelope's Review

Holy. My mind can't even cope with all of these revelations and twists and turns and surprises. Seriously. This series is INSANE. Literally insane. This time around, the book is told from Juliette, Warner, and Kenji's point of view!! So exciting! I have loved Kenji from the moment we first met him and it was so fantastic to get some time exploring his inner thoughts.

This book is just mind-blowing. Seriously. Despite learning about some things in Restore Me, I still didn't see everything we learned in Defy Me coming. I finished this book in a day, which is both exciting and sad because I only have one book left in the series. I hope this all ends well.

Also, I absolutely adored the ending to this book. Everything about it was absolute perfection. There's really not much more I can say about this without giving anything away so I'll leave it here. I will say that I found this book an amazing addition to the series and  my fingers are crossed so hard that the last book brings me just as much excitement and ends the series in a good way.

Rating: 5/5 Devils!

Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi Book Review

 

Title: Restore Me (Shatter Me #4)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publish Date: March 6th, 2018
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Purchased a copy for myself!

Juliette Ferrars thought she'd won. She took over Sector 45, was named the new Supreme Commander, and now has Warner by her side. But she's still the girl with the ability to kill with a single touch—and now she's got the whole world in the palm of her hand. When tragedy hits, who will she become? Will she be able to control the power she wields and use it for good?

Penelope's Review

Wow. First of all, I want to say that I absolutely LOVE the fact that this book was in both Juliette and Warner's point of view. It makes me wish we had the first three books in his point of view as well. I loved getting a glimpse into the inner workings of Warner's mind, mixed with the comforting familiarity of Juliette's thoughts. 

This book is chock-full of INTENSE revelations. The twists and turns are literally insane. And so, so good. We get to explore more of Warner and Juliette's relationship - I just love the two of them so much. I loved watching the cracks in Warner's perfect image. Seeing his emotions shine through, and exploring more of his past was amazing. He is a fantastically written character. So many layers, yet so human and relatable. 

Juliette is struggling in this book. She's won the battle and is supreme commander now yet didn't take a moment to think about what that means. The time and responsibility and endless number of things to do are taking their toll. But she's a badass character and I truly think she will come out ahead of all this. Some shocking revelations lead to a bit of instability in her mind, but it was all brilliantly written. We even got some diary excerpts which was a great look at her thought process from her time in the asylum. 

Kenji also deserves a note here - he is one of the best supporting characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. He's hilarious, always able to crack the tension in a room. I am constantly laughing out loud at his antics. But I also loved getting to know more of his back story, and the struggles he's had to endure. He went through so much yet he didn't let it break or twist him into an evil person. Kenji is loyal, selfless, and the best friend Juliette could ever have.

Overall, I think this was an amazing addition to the series. I'm so surprised at the directions this series is taking but I couldn't be more excited to learn more. Restore Me left me in an odd place. I'm not sure I can put into words what I felt at the end. It was a fantastic book, but I wish that certain things hadn't come between certain characters so strongly. I can only hope it is a fissure that can be patched together and overcome. Now it's time for book 5!

Rating: 4.5/5 Devils!

 

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi Book Review

 

Title: Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publish Date: February 4th, 2014
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Purchased a copy for myself!

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

Penelope's Review

Tahereh Mafi has not ceased to amaze me. Unlike some series, the Shatter Me series seems to get BETTER with each installment that comes out. I'm not bored, I'm not slowing down, I just want more. And more. AND MORE. So if you've read my reviews for Shatter Me and/or Unravel Me then you know that I started this series back in high school - I thought that I read the first three but I can say with almost 100% certainty that I have never read this book before. Which is amazing. Because I did not know what was going to happen, and everything. Was. EPIC. Ignite Me brings stronger character development, brilliant writing, and what is quickly becoming my favorite love story of all time. 

Now because I am obviously reading and reviewing this book in 2022, I am well aware that the series does not end with this book as it was originally supposed to. Therefore, it's a bit difficult for me to say how I feel about the ending if it had been the finale. I think I would have been satisfied, but also sad that Juliette and Warner's story had come to an end. I think I would have felt like I didn't have enough time with them you know what I mean? But thankfully, it is 2022 and I've already got the fourth book flipped to the front page, ready to go! 😂 So moving on!

Juliette is BADASS in this book. Like holy smokes where did all this confidence come from?! I am LIVING for it. I have always loved Juliette as a character - but I think she was portrayed perfectly in this book. Her journey has been written in such a way that I feel like I've grown with her, and I love that connection. Warner has become front and center in my eyes. The man can do no wrong. Seriously. If he wants to kill someone in the name of protecting me... go for it. I will forever be in love with him. I love his love for Juliette. It's just so... raw and powerful. The kind of love every girl deserves. I look forward to seeing where this relationship goes, and how it grows. 

Once again, we have an outstanding storyline. Once again, I was not bored for a second. And once again, I flew threw the pages in a matter of a day or two. There is just something about this world, and these characters, that Tahereh has poured her heart and soul into that has me feeling all sorts of ways. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - amazing author, amazing writing skills, amazing stories. I hope the next three books bring just as much passion and strength as this book has and as the previous two have. 10/10 recommend this series to those both young and old.

Rating: 5/5 Devils!