Stefanie's Thoughts: Public Relations by Katie Heaney & Arianna Rebolini

Young PR star Rose Reed is thrown into the big leagues when her boss leaves town the day of the firm's meeting with Archie Fox, a young, hot, internationally famous British singer-songwriter. The meeting is going badly until Rose suggests a staged romance with up-and-coming, young indie star Raya. He'll do it, but only if Rose becomes his publicist. 

As the faux-mance begins to rehabilitate Archie's faltering career, Rose finds his herself having unexpected, inconvenient and definitely unprofessional feelings for the crooner. But do late night texts and impromptu burrito binges mean he feels the same? In the end, Rose will have to decide whether to let her fantasy crush go, or to risk her reputation to be with the charming, handsome, scoundrel-y but sweet pop star she's grown to love.

If you haven't read Katie Heaney's Never Have I Ever: My Life So Far Without a Date, please stop reading this and go read that because it's the main reason why I've picked up both of her fiction novels. I felt Her memoir was basically written for me; it hit way too close to home, but it made such a strong impression that the two other books she has published I've scooped up instantly. Public Relations being her second on, after Dear Emma. I didn't really enjoy Dear Emma, so I had very high hopes for this one.

The premise was everything I love in books/movies; a celebrity having a fake relationship. I loved that we get a behind the scenes look into all detail that goes into choosing and planning who Archie will pick, because we usually just see the outcome of who is chosen and how the relationship plays out. 

Rose starts off as your typical millennial; has a good job, and she's worked really hard to get where she is. Nobody has really given her a chance because she's so young and nobody really takes her seriously. When she is given the chance to attend a meeting in place of her boss, she's finally given a chance to prove herself, except she is given on instruction: not to speak at the meeting. She breaks that rule, when she mentions to Archie to start a fake relationship with an up-and-coming singer. He agrees and Rose is finally given the chance she needs to prove herself. 

Normally I love these types of stories; the rags to riches/finally proves everyone she's meant to be doing what she's doing stories. I was cheering for Rose the entire time, except that I found her so annoying. She not only bored me, but she almost seemed like a cardboard cutout of all the millennial clichés out there, which I hated because not everyone in their mid-late 20s/early 30s acts like this. This didn't help that at times, the pages were filled with text and not dialogue. This made me resent Rose more, because it was about what she was doing and not actually allowing us to fully see what was going on. 

Than there was Rose's Tinder date/love interest. I can't even with that because if Tinder was filled with surgeons, everybody would be finding love on that. Now I'm not saying surgeons don't actually use Tinder, but it felt just too convenient that he was this perfect man. I've never used Tinder, but I have friends that have and I've seen what's on there and I'm sayin' that none of them were surgeons! 

Archie. Well Archie is basically Harry Styles, from having the same tattoos and dating an older woman, a la Taylor Swift. That really took away from the story.  I get why Archie was modeled after him (I mean who doesn't love One Direction), but creating their own kind of singer would have been more interesting. When Rose and Archie did have dialogue between them, I really enjoyed it because it was filled with sarcasm. 

While I didn't end up loving this book, it was a decent read and I enjoyed it more than Dear Emma. I'm sure I probably won't re-read this, I am excited for Heaney's second memoir that's being released next year. I'm disappointed with this one and happy I requested it from the library. 

2.5 stars out of 5

Until my next review, 

Stefanie

Stefanie's Thoughts: The Best Kind of Magic by Crystal Cestari

Amber Sand is not a witch. The Sand family Wicca gene somehow leapfrogged over her. But she did get one highly specific magical talent: she can see true love. As a matchmaker, Amber's pretty far down the sorcery food chain (even birthday party magicians rank higher), but after five seconds of eye contact, she can envision anyone's soul mate.

Amber works at her mother's magic shop--Windy City Magic--in downtown Chicago, and she's confident she's seen every kind of happy ending there is: except for one--her own. (The Fates are tricky jerks that way.) So when Charlie Blitzman, the mayor's son and most-desired boy in school, comes to her for help finding his father's missing girlfriend, she's distressed to find herself falling for him. Because while she can't see her own match, she can see his--and it's not Amber. How can she, an honest peddler of true love, pursue a boy she knows full well isn't her match?

Since I named this book my favourite book so far of 2017 I figured the best thing I could do after that was review it and let you know why it's my favourite so far!

I initially saw this book on a Goodreads list for upcoming YA Books of 2017 (and you know I make my to-read lists like a year in advance, because who else loves torturing themselves looking at books you want to read for a solid year+ before they actually get released!) and loved the cover. After reading the synopsis it immediately went on my wish-list and I pre-ordered it a month before it's release. I'll be doing the same for its sequel (which feels like it won't be released for another 8000 years).

I couldn't help but love it for these main reasons:

• 1) I'm always a sucker for a book involving those with magic 

• 2) Amber was sarcastic 

• 3) I tend to enjoy books that have a more gentle tone and that aren't about how the world is ending

• 4) The best friend Amani

Anything that involves magic will generally get me to check it out. I think because I so wish I had some sort of super power that I can't help but love any book/movie that involves it. The whole atmosphere that Crystal Cestari has created here really made me feel like I was in Chicago myself (never been to the city, except for its airport where I bought a pink shot glass that reads Chicago Princess, because why not?) and I wish I could go to the Navy Pier; I can only imagine what the inside of Windy City Magic looks like.

Our main character Amber truly should be my friend; the amount of sarcasm and snark that come out of her mouth basically destined us as friends. She doesn't put up with crap from anyone and I LOVED that. Yes she has her moments of teen angst and I think as I get older (scariest sentence I've typed in a while, hate the fact that I'm getting older) I need to remember that I was just the same at that age. I'm happy the teen angst didn't draw away from the story line or bog it down like it has in some stories I've read. I loved her being a matchmaker; definitely don't see that in YA lit or much lit for that matter unless its a mortal one. The concept of Amber being able to see your soulmate by looking into your eyes is so cool and I enjoyed that her gift was used and we got to read about just how it works.

Amani her best friend was a great character. She herself had the best sub-plot line of the book, which I won't spoil for you. I always enjoy a good solid female friendship, where they don't put each other down, but act as true friends and are there for one another. She herself had a great magical ability, but you'll have to read the book to find out what hers is.

I'm finding now that YA tends to be filled with a lot more serious themed books and a nice, gentle read is almost hard to find. When I picked this one up it was great to take a break from the serious to just have a fun, magical read. All types of magical types were included throughout and didn't just stick to witches and matchmakers; I love books that include all types of magical beings. Also no major cliffhanger, but it ends with enough that you just want to dive into book 2.

This is recommended for those looking for a fun, quick (I read it in a day and a half because I couldn't put it down) read that has a dash of magic to it.

5 out of 5 stars!

 Until my next review,

Stefanie


P.S. Side note while writing this review: I was watching a Natalie Wood film on TCM; turns out I can't write a review and watch a movie at the same time because I was constantly getting distracted by both.

My Thoughts: Bad Romance by Heather Demetrois

Grace wants out. Out of her house, where her stepfather wields fear like a weapon and her mother makes her scrub imaginary dirt off the floors. Out of her California town, too small to contain her big city dreams. Out of her life, and into the role of Parisian artist, New York director—anything but scared and alone.

Enter Gavin: charming, talented, adored. Controlling. Dangerous. When Grace and Gavin fall in love, Grace is sure it's too good to be true. She has no idea their relationship will become a prison she's unable to escape. 

**Review copy received from publisher for my honest review**

This book was kind of intense- and I wasn't expecting it to be. I know this may seem strange considering the content, but Bad Romance is the third book I have read by Heather Demetrois- the previous two I didn't particularly enjoy- I think I rated the two books two and three stars I think.  Therefore I was not expecting very much from this one. I was very wrong, Bad Romance kind of blew me away.

When I become aware of a novel that addresses domestic violence, I tend to gravitate towards them, particularly in teen dating relationships. These types of relationships are very real and I believe it is important that they be featured in YA contemporary novels. Especially if teens can use these stories to recognize potential dangers in their own relationships. Bad Romance does a really amazing job of realizing a lot of the major aspects of what can encompass an abusive relationship. I am completely impressed with how well Demetrois addressed this issue in her book.

Bad Romance tells the Story of Grace and Gavin and their relationship from start to finish. Grace hasn't had it easy in life, her mother is distant and her step-father is controlling at best. Grace does not have a lot of control in her life and she is doing the best she can. When she attracts the eyes of Gavin, the most popular boy in the school, she begins to believe things are looking up for her.

It is no secret that Grace's relationship with Gavin is not the golden bright relationship she's expecting. Very early on Gavin's behaviour begins to exhibit the tell tale signs of abuse and control. It starts off small, Gavin makes off the cuff comments and slight criticisms that for the most part went unnoticed.  As the story progressed, Gavin's control and obsession with Grace grew, and was noticed by those close around her. Demetois has either been a victim of domestic violence herself, or she's researched the cycle of violence and how it can present very well, as none of Gavin's actions throughout the story seemed over the top or exaggerated. While I have never been a victim of domestic violence directly, but I have seen it first hand- and I am very familiar with what it looks like. The relationship was a very accurate portrayal of what such a relationship could look like. So are Grace's responses to her relationship. She was constantly making excuses for Gavin and underplaying his over the top reactions. This is something that happens regularly in these kinds of relationships. 

There were a few things that irked me in the way the story was told, however, it's really not important. None of this took away from the story and what it was trying to say. Heather Demetrois really hit it out of the park with Bad Romance and I am SO glad.

This book is triggering. If you have been in a victim of domestic violence, this story has the potential to really hurt you. But I also think this book is so powerful and so important. 

Overall, Bad Romance was an important read for me, and I am glad to have read it. I am grateful to Heather for having the courage to write such a story. I would encourage everyone to read this. This is book that was created for much more than entertainment, so much more. 

~Happy Reading Everyone.

Stefanie's 2017 Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag

Hi everyone,

It's July already, how did that happen so soon? I think it'll take me many more years before I realize and get used to just how fast the year goes when you work in a school. My brain, I think, still believes it's May and exams should be coming up. 

I've got so many books I want to read this summer, but you know how it goes: so many books, too little time. I'll be curious just to see how many books I do get read this year, but I thought for now it would be a fun idea to copy Sara and also do the Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag, so here it goes.

Best Book You've Read So Far

The Best Kind of Magic by Crystal Cestari

I loved this book from page one; it felt like a Disney Channel Movie and i loved every page and I'm desperately waiting for the sequel!!  

Best Sequel You've Read So Far

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

Because this made me feel like I was back in high school myself, I couldn't help but love this on

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

Haunting the Deep by Adriana Mather

This comes out in October, perfect for Halloween, and the first one was too good to not need the sequel right away

Biggest Disappointment

Textrovert by Lindsey Summers

 

I heard such good things about this one and when I finally got my hands on a copy, I thought it was boring and the main character was whiny; it hurt I didn't like this one

Biggest Surprise

The Truth About Happily Ever After by Karole Cozzo

I hadn't read any other of the authors books before reading this one and I just fell in love with it and all the fairytale theme-park references 

Favourite New Author

M. Tara Crowl, author of Eden's Wish

I found this book completely by random at the library and based on the adorable cover, knew I wanted to read it. It was a really fun story about a genie and I know I'll want to read the sequel as soon as I can find it

Newest Fictional Crush

I feel like I fail at this category anytime it's asked. I find that I don't get book crushes, not after Oliver Wood in Harry Potter. I'll like characters but nothing to the extent of a book crush

Newest Favourite Character

Amber Sand from The Best Kind of Magic. Sarcastic, funny, and low down on the magic scale; I LOVED her!

Book That Made You Cry

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

Thanks to some major nostalgia about growing up, this one made me cry like a baby and made me want to go back in time and visit my younger self

Book That Made You Happy

A New Model by Ashley Graham 

This book is what the world needed and I ended it by having a smile on my face. Body positivity is what the world needs more of

Favourite Book to Movie Adaptation

Rise of the Isle of the Lost by Melissa de la Cruz

 

I don't know if this counts, but I'm excited for the next Descendants movie and this fits into the movie world

Favourite Post You've Done This Year

I can't say I really have one, since I haven't actually done that many posts yet. I have the most fun with the month end posts, because I love seeing what books I've read that month and trying to find graphics that fit the month and add to the post.

Most Beautiful Book You've Bought This Year

How to be a Wildflower by Katie Daisy

Drawn completely by Katie Daisy by hand, this book is honestly one of the nicest books I have ever seen. It encourages you to get out into the world and go exploring, something I've been really wanting to do for some time.

New Release You Haven't Read Yet, But Want To

Going Viral by Amy Alward

I love this series and I can't wait to see what adventures Sam has in store for her. This one might be cheating since it's not released yet, but will be soon

What Book Do You NEED to Read By the End of the Year?

Lucky in Love by Kasie West

It's Kasie West so naturally I need this book NOW!!!! I'll probably end up reading it the week it comes out because it just sounds so good!

And that's it! I have to say, this post was a lot of fun writing and now I can see some of the priority books I'll need to get my hands on when they are released!

Hope everyone had a great June!!

Until my next review,

Stefanie

2017 Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag

Hello Friends,

It is officially the middle of the year! How it that even possible?! I am always floored at how quickly times flies by. Since we're six months into the year, I thought I would take the time to review my reading stats from January through June.

I've been seeing this tag around a lot in the Booktube world and and I think it's a lot of fun and I thought perhaps I'd bring it to out little blogging community.

This tag was originally created by Chami @ ReadLikeWildfire and Ely @ Earl Grey Books

 Best Book You've Read So Far?

 A List of Cages by Robin Roe

This book blew me away. I was not expecting the story that I got with this one and it was beautiful and amazing. I blew through this book in no time and I've been pushing it on everyone. Check out my review here. 

Best Sequel You've Read So Far?

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas 

This might be a bit of a cop out, because this was a reread.  But it was still a sequel and honestly, the best one I've read this year.  I am pretty sure, everyone and their cousin knows about this series/sequel.

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year?

Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore

I am not the most up to date on upcoming releases. But, I do know about this one and I pretty eager to get my hands on this in September.  


 Biggest Disappointment?

We Are Okay By Nina LaCour

  
I was pretty excited about this book. The cover is absolutely beautiful. But, I really did not connect with the story. I go into a bit more detail here. 

Biggest Surprise?

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes 

I read this one on a whim back in March and I enjoyed it WAY more than I thought I would. The only other book I had read by Moyes was Me Before You, and I worried that this was going to be something similar. It certainly was not, One Plus One was a very enjoyable light, fun read.   

Favourite New Author

Louise Bay author of The Empire State Series

2017 isn't the first time I've read anything by Louise Bay, but I've read three of her books this year (so far) and I really have enjoyed the majority of them. She reminds me a bit of the Christina Lauren team. 

  Newest Fictional Crush? 

 

Honestly? I don't have one. I haven't read a huge amount of YA this past year, the YA I have read hasn't been super heavy on the romance. Maybe that'll change for the latter half of the year. 

 

Newest Favourite Character? 

 

Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery 

 

I am not sure how I hadn't read this book before now?! It was incredible and Anne Shirley is amazing! She made me chuckle and smile so many times. She's such a lovely character. 

Book That Made You Cry?

The Unseen World by Liz Moore 

 

 As I said in my review of this book, there were times when I read this book that I just wanted to curl up into a little ball and cry. This book dealt with SO much and at times it was heartbreaking! Totally worth the read.  

 

Book That Made You Happy? 

 

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

 

  

I reread this one for book club this year. And again, I loved it. I love Don Tillman and he makes me SO happy! Rereading this book was wonderful. 

 

Favourite Book to Movie Adaption?

 

I don't have one. I haven't seen any movies of books that I've previously read. Again, maybe another goal of mine for the rest of the year.   

 

Favourite Post You've Done This Year?

 

My review of All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood

 

 

I have so many issues with this book. I was angry and upset and frustrated when I finished this book, and I knew I needed to get all these crazy emotions out. I think this particular blog post was one of my best. It's long, but I am please with it. 

 

Most Beautiful Book You've Bought This Year?

 

Another question I am going to have to skip- I don't really buy many books. I tend to only buy books that I have read before and loved. I have very limited space to keep my books- So I need to be mindful. 

 

  New Release You Haven't Read Yet, But Want To?

 

The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord

 

 

This books has been getting a lot of buzz lately. I was pretty excited to get to this one, but I haven't yet. I don't know what I am waiting for. Soooooon. 

 

What Book Do You NEED to Read By the End of the Year?  

 

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 

 

I have had this book in my hands twice and let the library lend expire. I even read the first 35 pages - but I am nervous. Something is keeping me from this book. But I want to read it, I need to read it. My goal before the end of the year. 

 

 

That's it for this little mid-year review. I hope you enjoyed.  

 

~Happy Reading Everyone!