The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson
Summary from Goodreads:
Everyone knows how all those fairy tales go. The princess gets beautiful, nabs her prince, falls instantly in love, lives happily ever after and leaves her evil stepsisters in the dust.
But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—read pretty, smart, and, worst of all, sickeningly nice—stepsister is dating the charming, tall, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine years old?
Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her on Skype. Mercedes, the school mean girl, has made it her personal mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister Ella is the most beautiful, popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret longtime crush, Jake Kingston.
Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own stupid fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against wildly popular Jake.
Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie’s going to rule the school.
And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her.
Read January 2013
Free ebook from Amazon
3.5 Stars
My Review:
This was a cute, fun read. It was clean, quirky, and had some great references to '80's movies which are what I grew up watching. (Sixteen Candles, anyone?)
I enjoyed this free book and it had an interesting modern take on Cinderella and her stepsister. I especially liked the character of Ella in this book. She is an example to all of us.
Warnings: None
I would let my 14 year old read this book.
A Lady By Any Other Name by Jennifer Kitchens
Summary from Goodreads:
A Woman in Hiding
Nicole Farrington's life had never been easy, but it had always been bearable. At least it had been until now. Faced with a horrible marriage her step-brother has contracted for her, she will do anything to get away. She'll run—run to anyone who might be able to help her. But running blindly down an unknown path may take her to an unexpected destination.
A Man Seeking Answers
Julian Huntington, Earl of Foxley, wants nothing more than to have his carefree life back. Now he is left with a title, a child, and a future that he never expected would be his. He refuses to believe his brother's death was an accident, no matter what people say. Someone killed him and Julian plans to find out who and why. Maybe then he can go on with his life—his brother's life. But will the answers he seeks be enough, or will he find love to be a worthier goal?
Read January 2013
Free e-book from Amazon
3.5 Star
My Review:
This was a cute, quick read. Clean romance with drama, intrigue, and love. I enjoyed it.
Warnings: None
I would let my 14 year old read this book.
Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George
Summary from Goodreads:
When Petunia, the youngest of King Gregor's twelve dancing daughters, is invited to visit an elderly friend in the neighboring country of Westfalin, she welcomes the change of scenery. But in order to reach Westfalin, Petunia must pass through a forest where strange two-legged wolves are rumored to exist. Wolves intent on redistributing the wealth of the noble citizens who have entered their territory. But the bandit-wolves prove more rakishly handsome than truly dangerous, and it's not until Petunia reaches her destination that she realizes the kindly grandmother she has been summoned to visit is really an enemy bent on restoring an age-old curse. The stories of Red Riding Hood and Robin Hood get a twist as Petunia and her many sisters take on bandits, grannies, and the new King Under Stone to end their family curse once and for all.
Read January 2013
Library Book
4 Stars
My Review:
This is the 3rd book in the Princess series by Jessica Day George. I love these Princess stories. The author has taken fairy tales that are known and given them a new twist.
I liked this one, a lot. I liked Petunia, seeing her more grown up. I liked the hero. I liked seeing all of the sisters together. These are characters that I have grown to love.
My one complaint would be that I wish there was not quite so much of the same issues as were dealt with in the first book when the girls were fighting the King Under Stone. I wish there was a bit more of the Robin Hood/Red Riding Hood story. I was interested in how things would resolve for the hero and it was secondary to the King Under Stone. I wish it had been more dealt with. However, I can see why the author put the King Under Stone story in the forefront. This was a wrapping up of the Princess stories and the battle with the King Under Stone was really the main thread throughout the books. (And, I wish there was kissing. But I'm a grown up. Maybe a middle schooler wouldn't want to read about kissing.)
Warnings: None
I would let my 14 year old read this. And, I just started my 11 year old daughter on this series. So far she loves it!
Georgiana Darcy's Diary: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Continued by Anna Elliott
Summary from Goodreads:
Mr. Darcy's younger sister searches for her own happily-ever-after.
The year is 1814, and it's springtime at Pemberley. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy have married. But now a new romance is in the air, along with high fashion, elegant manners, scandal, deception, and the wonderful hope of a true and lasting love.
Shy Georgiana Darcy has been content to remain unmarried, living with her brother and his new bride. But Elizabeth and Darcy's fairy-tale love reminds Georgiana daily that she has found no true love of her own. And perhaps never will, for she is convinced the one man she secretly cares for will never love her in return. Georgiana's domineering aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has determined that Georgiana shall marry, and has a list of eligible bachelors in mind. But which of the suitors are sincere, and which are merely interested in Georgiana's fortune? Georgiana must learn to trust her heart and rely on her courage, for she also faces the return of the man who could ruin her reputation and spoil a happy ending, just when it finally lies within her grasp.
Read January 2013
Free e-book for Nook
3.5 Stars
My Review:
I got this ebook for free for my Nook. I like free. I also like all things Jane Austen related, especially Pride and Prejudice. Some sequels/retellings are better than others.
This was an enjoyable read. I liked Georgiana and the growth she had within the book. However, like some other continuations, some characters displayed behavior I would not think of them exhibiting. In other words, I say, "Lady Catherine De Bourgh would never do that!"
As much as I liked the book, there were some things like that above which bothered me.
Warnings: Mention of adultery, possible mention of homosexuality (maybe, I may have interpreted the conversation incorrectly).
I would let my 14 year old read this book.
Reached by Ally Condie
Summary from Goodreads:
After leaving Society to desperately seek The Rising, and each other, Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again. Cassia is assigned undercover in Central city, Ky outside the borders, an airship pilot with Indie. Xander is a medic, with a secret. All too soon, everything shifts again.
Read January 2013
Library Book
4 Stars
My Review:
I have mixed feelings about this last book in the Matched Series.
First off, I liked it. It gave a good ending to this series. I adore these three main characters and I liked finding out what happened to them. The first book was written all in Cassia's point of view. The second book was written in Cassia and Ky's point of views. I found that difficult at times. This book was written in Cassia, Ky, and Xander's point of view. Happily, I didn't feel the confusion with these different points of view like I did in Crossed (book 2). One thing that helped was that the point of view was written at the top of each page. Hurray, for there were a few times I forgot who I was reading. There are also some sections of this book that have incredible writing that really made my heart happy. The way Ally Condie wrote struck a chord with me.
Second, it was too long. There were sections of the book that dragged on. I admit I have a bit of an attention problem when books get over 300 pages. However, I have read books that are 500 pages that do hold my attention, the whole time. This one had too much detail in parts. And I wish there was just a bit more romance between the characters. There was some, don't get me wrong. I just wish there was more.
Warnings: None
I would let my 14 year old read this book.
Heartless: A Regency Romance by Jaimey Grant
Summary from Goodreads:
England 1820. The Duke of Derringer must marry within five days. Disgusted with his father for such a stupid codicil, he vows to marry the first woman he meets. That woman is Leandra Harcourt, illegitimate daughter of the late Earl of Harwood. Derringer marries her, refusing to admit he's helping her more than himself. Meanwhile, some disobliging soul wants him dead.
Read January 2013
Free e-book for Kindle
3 Stars
My Review:
I got this ebook for free on Amazon. This story had some fun and interesting things in it. I like Regency Romance, so there were aspects that I enjoyed. There were some nice twists in the story. The characters were ok.
My only big complaint about this book is that I read it as a "clean romance", but it wasn't clean by my definition. There are different definitions of clean romance. Some say that if there isn't graphic sex, then it is clean. For me it is more than that definition. If I read a book as a clean romance, then I don't want it to have graphic sex, but I also don't want it to have nudity or touching of private parts. Both of those were in this book.
Warnings: Nudity, touching private areas
I would not let my 14 year old read this book.
The Reluctant Bride by Donna Hatch (a very short story)
Summary from Goodreads:
Fleeing a looming marriage with a terrifying man, Abby meets a mysterious stranger who makes her a startling proposition.
Read January 2013
Free e-book for Nook
3 Stars
My Review:
This is a very short story that I got for free from Barnes and Noble on my Nook.
It is short and sweet. It isn't anything particularly special or outstanding, but it was a cute read that I enjoyed for the 30 minutes it took me to read.
Warnings: None
I would let my 14 year old read this book.
The Boy on Cinnamon Street by Phoebe Stone
Summary from Goodreads:
A story about a wounded girl and the boy who won't give up on her.
7th grader Louise should be the captain of her school's gymnastics team - but she isn't. She's fun and cute and should have lots of friends - but she doesn't. And there's a dreamy boy who has a crush on her - but somehow they never connect. Louise has everything going for her - so what is it that's holding her back?
Phoebe Stone tells the winning story of the spring when 7th grader Louise Terrace wakes up, finds the courage to confront the painful family secret she's hiding from - and finally get the boy.
Read January 2013
Library Book
3 Stars
My Review:
I liked this story, not the writing. The writing bothers me enough to give this a 3 star rating rather than 4 stars. Although this is a book about a middle school student, I don't think it needs to read like the middle schooler wrote it. Please use better grammar.
The story itself was good and I liked reading about the main character's journey. I loved "the boy" on Cinnamon Street. It was a short read, I did it in a day.
Warnings: Talk of Suicide, bullying
I have a middle schooler. She is 11. I wouldn't mind her reading about suicide if the writing were better. The story wasn't so bad, but the writing was just not good enough in this book for me to allow her to read it.
Crossed by Ally Condie (Matched #2)
Summary from Goodreads:
In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky — taken by the Society to his certain death — only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia’s quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander — who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia’s heart — change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.
Read January 2013
Library Book
3.5 Stars
My Review:
I loved Matched. Although it came along when other dystopian books came also, it still was one of my favorites. Although Crossed did not thrill me as Matched did, I still liked it and I just re-read it in getting ready to read Reached (Matched #3). I'm glad I did the re-read.
I have some of the same complaints as before. I like the switching of points of view to get inside Ky's head. However, there are points about 3/4 of the way through the book that the 2 points of view get muddled. They are not as distinguishable as I wish they were.
Also, there is so much angst. I guess it is a rebellion. I like the lovey parts. I hope Reached has lovey parts included with the rebellion. And, I'm looking forward to finding out about Xander and his role in all of this.
Warnings: None
I would let my 14 year old read this, and she has.
All I Want by Jolene Perry, Kaylee Baldwin, and Rachael Anderson
Summary from Goodreads:
THREE STORIES. THREE COUPLES. ONE HOLIDAY.Pretty Near Perfect
by Jolene Perry
The last thing Norah needs is to be attracted to anyone – especially in her deceased fiancé's parents' home. Collin’s starting a new career, and has no business getting involved – especially while staying with his roommate’s family, who very kindly offered to take him in for the holidays. Unfortunately, you just don’t always pick the most convenient time and place to fall for someone.
Six Days of Christmas
by Kaylee Baldwin
When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job. Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother - someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted.
Twist of Fate
by Rachael Anderson
When a postcard meant for Kenzie winds up in Ty's mailbox, Ty's faced with a decision. Should he tell her that her fiancé is breaking up with her and let it ruin her favorite holiday, or should he do what he’s wanted to do since he met her - make a move and hope that he can win her over before she discovers there won’t be a wedding after all.
Read January 2013
E-book
3.5 Stars
My Review:
These were 3 feel-good stories. They were a bit too perfect, but that is part of the fantasy of these romances.
Warnings: None
I would let my 14 year old read this. However, I wouldn't recommend it to her at this point. They are in fact grown up stories (not Young Adult).
