January Wrap UP!

I'm really embracing the snow for this months 'theme' so I hope you guys like it! 

Here's my January Wrap Up! 

1. Sweet Reckoning: The conclusion to Wendy Higgins "Sweet Series". I listen to this one on Audible and I LOVED it. 

2. Shade Me: The first book in the new "Nikki Kill" series. If you like Veronica Mars you will love this book! 

3. See Me: Nicholas Sparks isn't everyone's cup of tea, but dammit, he's mine! I read this book in one sitting! 

 1. Slammed: I've only ever come across one Colleen Hoover book that I didn't like and this was not it! While I didn't give it 5 stars it was without a doubt one of my favorite books I read (listened to) this month. 

2. The Assassin and the Pirate Lord: This was for my TBR Challenge (read a prequel)and it was a quick, fun read. I'm currently reading The Assassin and the Healer so that will be in my February Wrap Up Post. 

3. Sword and Verse: This was a really pleasant surprise for me! I didn't know anything about this book going into it and I flew through it! I'll have a review up later this month. 

 4. The Year We Fall Apart: This book was a hard one for me to rate, I'll go into why in my review (to come) but I just felt like it was missing too much for me to rate it 5 Stars/Snow Flakes. 

5. Smart Girl: This was my first Rachel Hollis book and OMG I laughed so hard I cried! And not just at one part, it was the entire book! It was a super fun, sweet read and I'll be reviewing it sometime next week! 

6. Flat Out Celeste: This is the third book I listened to this month and while it wasn't quite as good as the first book in the series, "Flat Out Love", I really liked seeing things from Celeste's point of view and I loved how it wrapped up everything for all the characters. I haven't read the "Flat Out Matt" yet which is book 1.5 in the series but its on my list. 

1. Shallow Graves: This was one of my most anticipated books of the month and it just fell short for me. I liked the idea behind it but the story itself wasn't enough to hold my attention. I'll also be review this later this month. 

2. I Remember You: Oh how I wanted so badly to love this book. Its been on my TBR since before it was released and I was so excited to read it. Sadly I ended up almost hating this book, along with the characters. I couldn't relate to the MC and the story just dragged on and on. Honestly this one should've been rated 2 Stars and I don't know why I gave it 3 on Goodreads... 

 All of my 1 "Snow Flake" books are books that I DNF. 

1. Elementals: I love stories about modern day witches and I LOVE this cover but the story just wasn't there for me.

2. Thicker Than Water: Another good concept and intriguing synopsis but it just dragged on and on and I couldn't make myself finish it. 

3. The Mystery of Hollow Places: I was actually really excited when I started this book. I went into it blind and it started off with a really interesting couple of chapters but I found myself forcing myself to pick it up and the story started to lag. 

4. Other Broken Things: I'm all for a rebellious teen with an attitude problem but oh. My. God. I hated this MC. I usually make myself read 30% before I DNF but I don't even think I made it past 15% with this book. 

5. A Madness So Discreet: A little back story on this book. I actually met Mindy McGinnis at an event before she ever started writing this book. I overheard her talking about an idea she had for her next book and I was hooked. I immediately inserted myself into the conversation to get the tentative title and possible release date. A year or two later I finally saw it on EW and I was SO EXCITED. Sadly I just couldn't get into it...

_____________________________

So there's my January Wrap Up! I feel like I had a really good reading month! I think what helped me read SO MUCH and what kept me from falling into a slump is DNF when I felt like it and not forcing myself to push through. Last year I fell into a MONTH LONG slump and it was awful so I'm trying to not let that happen again. 

Let me know what you think and I'll talk to you soon! 

Until next time,

 Ginger  

ARC Review of "Shade Me" By Jennifer Brown

Shade Me 

By Jennifer Brown 

Stars: 5 

Source: EW 

Release Date: January 19th 2016 

---------------------------

A phone call from the hospital in the middle of the night. Someone you don't know has been attacked and your number is the only one in their cell phone. They need you to identify the body. Do you go? 

Nikki Kill does. And what she finds out is that the schools most popular girl has been beaten within an inch of her life, left for dead and she is now in a coma. 

Any normal person would identify her and let the police take care of it. But Nikki isn't exactly what you would all 'normal'. 

Thanks to a rare phenomenon called 'synesthesia' Nikki can see things that other people can't. Her senses are overlapped in a way that allows her to see emotions, numbers and letters as colors. 

Lies are gray, lust is violet, etc, etc. 

Nikki has always thought of her diagnosis as a disadvantage, a disability, but it might be just what she needs in order to solve the mystery of Peyton Hollis before someone else gets hurt.   

-----------------------------------

"Shade Me", book one, in what I hope will be a very long series, sucked me in from the first couple of pages. 

Nikki is like the (slightly) less kiss ass version of Veronica Mars. She may not have a giant drooling sidekick (Backup, not Wallace!) or a taser (though she should invest in one) but she's got her seriously cool diagnosis of 'synesthesia', the mysterious death of her mother and now the mystery of Peyton Hollis' attack. 

Add in a hot brother (Peyton's not Nikki's) a nosy cop and (of course) an absentee parent and you've got yourself a thrilling suspense YA.

Her synesthesia is originally what drew me in but Brown's writing and characters are what I ended up staying for. 

Yes there were those "Oh no she didn't" moments where you're screaming at her to run away/lock the doors/call for help/let the police handle it, but without those moments we wouldn't have this book so I just rolled with the punches and tried not to let her total lack of self preservation bother me. 

I do admit that some times her color clues (what I called her synesthesia) threw me a little bit, but all in all I still couldn't give this book anything less than 5 stars, because a book that you stay up until 3AM to finish when you have work in the morning is a book deserving of 5 stars.  

That being said I almost wish this had been an adult novel. Nikki is 18, her dad was barely in the book and for it being 'young adult' there was a ton of sex and violence. Plus I feel like it would've been longer if it had been adult or even NA. And I'm ALL about more Nikki Kill. 

I can't wait for the next book! 

Until next time, 

Ginger 

P.S *SPOILERS* 

Well spoiler-ish but whatever. 

Am I the only one who instantly shipped her and the cop (whose name I cannot remember!!!)??? 

Maybe I'm crazy but I really love them together and I can see a good working relationship between them (with benefits of course ;)).

In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review. 

My review is my honest opinion.

Review of "The Boy Most Likely"

The Boy Most Likely To 

By Huntley Fitzpatrick 

Stars: 5

Source: Gift 

Tim Mason, boy most likely to: 

-Screw up

-Forget his own name 

-Drive his car off a bridge 

-Run out of liquor before 9am 

-Start over? 

Alice Garrett, girl most likely to: 

-Put Tim in his place 

-Shut people out

-Take on too much 

-Let someone in? 

Tim and Alice are the poster kids for opposites attract. Where Tim is the screw up of the Mason family, Alice is the responsible and reliable older sister who everyone counts on.

After the accident involving Alice's father she has had to step up into the roll of both mother and father in order to keep the household running and somewhat in order. 

Tim's father has given him a timeline to straighten out his life or he'll be forced to give Tim's college fund to his twin sister. 

Both on very different paths and yet they keep finding their way into each others arms. 

Told in alternating points of view "The Boy Most Likely To" is the book most likely to melt your heart. 

-------------------------------------

Oh Tim, sweet, adorable, lovable Tim... Wait... I'm forgetting a word used to describe him... Oh ya! Its 

How I love Tim! 

This is a giant 180 from how I felt about him in the companion novel to this book (My Life Next Door). Lets just say I wasn't his biggest fan. 

  Shocking I know! But after reading what this was about (and having complete faith in Huntley) I was dying to get my hands on this book! 

And from the first page... It was pure... 

Not only was I head over heels for Tim but I started to remember how much I adored the Garrett family! Especially Alice! 

(As you can see I already have my dream cast!)

I'm all for a cute summer romance but give me a book with witty banter, unexpected subplots and heartbreaking decisions and I'm hooked!

I know I've said this before, but, I love how all of Fitzpatricks books are centered around family. (Especially when that families last name is Garrett!) 

Am I the only one wanting another companion novel about Alice's younger sister (someone please remind me of her name)?

I swear the possibilities are endless! 

Getting back on track... 

I really enjoyed how Fitzpatrick didn't romanticize the fact that Tim was a recovering alcoholic, nor did she gloss over anything relating to his recovery process. 

It was ugly and painful and that's what the audience needed to read in order to know precisely what was going on in his head.

I'm also not a huge fan of (read I HATE) insta-romance. So the fact that Alice and Tim's relationship progressed in a slow and realistic timeline was a giant bonus! 

I can't gush enough about Tim and Alice, is there a ship name yet? Because I've already got my boarding pass and all my belongings waiting to board! 

All through the book I was rooting for them and praying to the fictional gods that they would end up together. 

Every page I would find myself reading ahead just to see if there was a kiss scene or hand holding or even a wayward glance! 

Needless to say this ended up being one of my favorite books of the year. 

I loved every sentence, word, hell every comma had be swooning and wanting more! 

"The Boy Most Likely To" is all about second chances and first loves and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!

To sum it up in one word: 

Oops! Wrong gif! 

In one word: 

Whew, there we go! 

In all seriousness though, go pick up this book! You won't regret it! 

Until next time, 

Ginger 

Book In A Minute Review of "Model Misfit"

Ginger's Book In A Minute Review 

"Model Misfit" 

Stars: 5

Source: Edelweiss 

Release Date: July 21st 2015

Whose in it? 

Harriet Manners <3

Three random facts about Harriet:

1. She's a walking accident waiting to happen.

2. She's about to become a big sister. 

3. She (still) has a stalker. 

What's it about?

Harriet's continued journey from self proclaimed geek to super model extraordinaire. 

Even though Harriet has a little bit of experience under her belt she's still naive to the world around her and the people in the fashion industry. After being dumped by her first real boyfriend all Harriet is looking forward to is her summer holiday. But when her summer with her best friend is abruptly canceled she makes the best of a crappy situation and jets off to Tokyo, hoping to forget about certain things, and certain people. However Harriet is shocked to discover the boy who broke up with her showing up wherever she is.  

Who would I recommend it to? 

Anyone who is looking for an easy, funny, light read. I read this in one sitting, it's nothing dark or deep but it's a cute read and if that's what you're looking for then you'll love it!

Anything else I think you should know? 

Don't read this book in public! At one point I was laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face and I nearly peed my pants. TMI I know but this is such a fun series! You can't help but love it!

Where can you buy it? 

Amazon - Barnes and Noble - Book Depository

Feel free to post your own "Book In A Minute" reviews just make sure to link back to my blog :) 

Until next time, 

Ginger 

In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review. 

My review is my honest opinion.

ARC Review of "Emmy and Oliver"

Emmy and Oliver 

By Robin Benway 

Stars: 5 

Source: Edelweiss 

Release Date: June 23rd 2015 

It's been ten years since Emmy's best friend Oliver was kidnapped. Ripped away from his home, his family and friends, his life. 

Not a day has gone by that Emmy hasn't wondered what happened to him, where he was, if he was okay, if he ever thought about her. 

Now Oliver is back and Emmy doesn't know how to feel. She wishes things could go back to the way they used to be but she knows that's impossible. 

Oliver is trying to adjust to his new/old life and trying to cope with the fact that for ten years his own father lied to him and made him believe that his mother wanted nothing to do with him. 

This heartbreaking, emotional story will tug at your heart strings and leave you with tears running down your face, yet still hopeful and undoubtedly wanting more of Emmy and Oliver's incredible, unforgettable story. 

Amazon - Barnes and Noble  - Book Depository

------------------------------------

I had no idea what this book was about when I started it. In my mind it was a cute contemporary about two friends who fall for each other. 

Within the first chapter I was not only proven wrong by thinking it was nothing but a cute, fluffy, easy read but I was hooked. 

I need to know what happened to Oliver. 

I instantly knew exactly how Emmy felt, waiting years and years with no news, no clues as to what might have happened to him. 

Robin wrote so beautifully and so accurately that it was impossible not to feel every emotion that Emmy felt, to relive every memory, every nightmare.

And her parents, who were (understandably) overprotective, always needing to know where she was, who she was with and when she'd be home. You related to them, you understood their fears and their insecurities because you saw what Oliver's mother went through when he disappeared.    

Then there was Oliver, whose character was so raw and so complex I found myself doubting him being fictional. I could picture every single thing about him from his looks to his expressions to how he moved and walked. 

It was like being introduced to a complete stranger only to find out you've known this person your whole life. 

I hope I'm making sense here and not just rambling... 

In short, I fell hopelessly in love with this story and it's characters. 

Any book that can force me to ugly cry (it's a thing, google it.) is 5 stars in my book! 

Until next time,

Ginger 

In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review. 

My review is my honest opinion.

Review of "The Consequence of Loving Colton"

The Consequence Of Loving Colton

By Rachel Van Dyken 

Stars: 5

Source: Netgalley 

Release Date: April 21st 2015 

Milo has been in love with her older brothers best friend, Colton for as long as she can remember. But this weekend isn't about her and her slightly obsessive crush, it's about her big brother getting hitched. 

So she decides to push her feelings aside and try to avoid Colton at all cost. 

Milo's plan seem to be working... That is until Colton kisses her... And then apologizes... 

So Milo does what any girl would do, she makes up a fake boyfriend and enlists the help of her (not so) gay best friend to help her out of the corner she's just painted herself into. 

This laugh out loud rom-com will leave you rolling on the floor in stitches with tears streaming down your face! And that's just in the first chapter! 

Amazon - Barnes and Noble  - Book Depository

-----------------------------------------------

I adored this book! 

The first couple of pages had my laughing so hard I seriously thought I was going to pee my pants. And it just kept getting more hilarious as the story continued. 

Milo is a walking accident, always breaking things, or faces. Colton has the dry sense of humor I LOVE. And Max... Max, Max, Max. 

Remember the gay best friend in My Best Friends Wedding? That's who I kept picturing as Max. His wicked sense of humor absolutely made this book. 

Every time I think it couldn't get any better it did. 

You have Milo's Grandmother who I'm pretty sure is Betty White's crazy twin, the biggest Bridezilla of the east and so, so many drunken brawls!

I loved all the little flashbacks to Milo's childhood and how she referred to Colton as her 'Dragon slaying Prince'. 

Their romance was very cliche and the ending wasn't all that believable or realistic but if you're just looking for a cute summer read to brighten up your day then this book is for you! 

I can't wait to read more of Rachel's work, I have the companion novel to this book and I'll be reading it/reviewing it soon! 

Until next time, 

Ginger 

In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review. 

My review is my honest opinion.

Mini Review of "An Ember In The Ashes"

An Ember In The Ashes 

By Sabaa Tahir 

Stars: 5 

Source: Purchased 

When Laia's brother is arrested for treason she has to make a split second decision, stay and fight or run. 

Laia runs to save herself but almost instantly regrets her choice. 

While looking for a way to free her imprisoned brother she finds herself in the middle of the Resistance. The only way they'll help her and her brother is if she spy's on the Empire from inside their military school and gather useful information. 

Elias is a solider within the academy, the most promising and secretly, the most unwilling. 

Elias is all set to abandon his ranks and flee the Empires tyranny when he too is forced to make a life changing choice. 

When Elias and Laia's path cross they realize they both have more in common than they could have ever imagined and that perhaps, they may be able to help each other escape their chains and finally become free.

Amazon - Barnes and Noble  - Book Depository

------------------------------------

I've read/watched so many reviews for this book and they all seem to have one thing in common. 

They usually start off with "I could. Not. Put this book down!" 

Well this review isn't any different. 

I opened up this book and instantly found myself in ancient Rome (or as close to it as possible). 

Laia's character (and her chapters) were slightly slow and off putting at first. She was like a newborn, unsure what to do, where to go, how to act. But as the book went on she developed this... fierceness that had me mentally cheering for her and praying that she would make it out alive. 

Elias' chapters (and character) were a little harder. He had this wall up that for his own protection he couldn't allow anyone past, even his closest friends. Hell, even as a reader, seeing his internal struggle and how much he hated being forced to act a certain way I still found myself doubting his true character. 

Even thoough this book is 400+ pages I found myself flying through it and staying up well into the early morning hours to finish. 

I'm so glad I read this book after the sequel was announced because otherwise I would have been inconsolable. 

Sabaa did an amazing job of not only telling an enchanting, thrilling, terrifying story but setting it in a world just close enough to our own that we could see it happening to us. 

I cannot wait until the next installment in this series and I hope everyone will go pick themselves up a copy! 

Until next time, 

Ginger 

Review of "Since You've Been Gone"

Since You've Been Gone 

By Morgan Matson 

Stars:5

Source: Purchased 

Emily has been looking forward to this summer for weeks, her and her best friend Sloane planned everything, from what summer jobs they were going to get to which parties they were going to attend.

So when Sloane up and disappears leaving nothing but a list of things Emily's suppose to do Emily doesn't know what to think. 

Some things seem pretty easy and straight forward while others are cryptic and downright insane. Skinny dipping? No thank you. 

But Emily feels like if she completes the list before summer ends then it will somehow give her a clue as to what's happened to Sloane. 

Even though it's not the summer she envisioned, with the help of some new friends and some new experiences, it becomes even more epic than she could have ever imagined. 

Amazon - Barnes and Noble  - Book Depository

---------------------------------------

In a well ordered universe... I would've read this book a year ago when I bought it! 

Don't ask me why I kept putting off reading it for so long because I don't know! Apparently I'm crazy! 

First off Emily. I related to her from page one, she's the girl in the background, the one who never know's what to say and relies on her friend (Sloane) to fill in the awkward silences that inevitable ensue in social situations. So when Sloane is suddenly gone Emily has no idea how she's going to talk to people let alone check off random tasks on a list. 

But with the help of her three new friends Frank, Dawn and Collins, Emily starts checking off things on her list and (hopefully) finds herself one step closer to finding out what happened to Sloane. 

Frank, oh Frank, Frank, Frank. How I freaking loved Frank Porter. I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil the experience of reading about him for the first time but I will say this. He is mine. Stay away from him. And thank you. 

Dawn was an awesome secondary character and I felt like she really added a ton to the story and growth of Emily. 

Collins. Collins made me laugh me ass off. Every single time I saw his name on the page I knew I was in for a treat. I can count two or three times when I was laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face! 

I would literally (figuratively.. maybe) KILL for a spin off book with Collins as the main character! 

To sum it all up I adored this book, I loved how Emily grew as a person and gained self confidence after relying on someone else for such a long time. I loved how she found new friends but didn't allow them to replace the friend she had lost. I loved the family dynamics, especially her little brother and her eccentric parents. In short I loved everything about this book and I want everyone I know to read it so we can gush together! 

Until next time, 

Ginger