Sophie Reads YA: 2017 Debut Author Challenge

2017 Contemporary Romance Challenge

ARC Review: Seeking Mansfield (Seeking Mansfield #1) by Kate Watson

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#RockMyTBR 2017 Challenge

Review: Kissing Max Holden by Katy Upperman

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Kissing Max Holden
Series: None
Author: Katy Upperman
Published August 1st 2017 by Swoon Reads

Goodreads Synopsis
Kissing Max Holden was a terrible idea...

After his father has a life-altering stroke, Max Holden isn't himself. As his long-time friend, Jillian Eldridge only wants to help him, but she doesn't know how. When Max climbs through her window one night, Jill knows that she shouldn't let him kiss her. But she can't resist, and when they're caught in the act by her dad, Jill swears it'll never happen again. Because kissing Max Holden is a terrible idea.

With a new baby sibling on the way, her parents fighting all the time, and her dream of culinary school up in the air, Jill starts spending more and more time with Max. And even though her father disapproves and Max still has a girlfriend, not kissing Max is easier said than done. Will Jill follow her heart and allow their friendship to blossom into something more, or will she listen to her head and stop kissing Max Holden once and for all?
Goodreads

Review
I can't even remember how I heard about this book, but had it pre-ordered for quite some time, and read it as soon as it came. Kissing Max Holden is about Jill, who has been friends with Max for years, and after a series of family difficulties, it soon becomes something a bit more. Max's dad had a stroke in the recent months, and he doesn't know how to cope with it. He turns to best friend, Jill, climbing through her window to vent and be heard, and they soon find themselves kissing, even though they really shouldn't. Max has a girlfriend, and Jill's dad and new step-mother really dislike him, but neither can seem to stop it. Is Jill thinking clearly, or is the impeding birth of her new sibling and the fact that she might not be able to go to the university she wants because of parental decisions clouding her judgement.

Now, I read this book nearly 3 years ago, so the main details are a little vague with me, but I do remember having some issues with the cheating story line. I really dislike reading that in a book, and not even the use of one of my favourite tropes - friends to lovers - could take away from that. Also, as much as I shipped Max and Jill together, I couldn't see their relationship actually working. They were just in the right place, at the right time, and needed someone safe to help them through the difficulties they were facing. Maybe if I re-read it, I might find myself enjoying it more, but I could also perhaps find myself disliking it even more.

Dates Read:

August 5, 2017

Rating
3 Stars

#RockMyTBR 2017 Challenge

Review: Wesley James Ruined My Life by Jennifer Honeybourn

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Wesley James Ruined My Life
Series: None
Author: Jennifer Honeybourn
Published July 18th 2017 by Swoon Reads

Goodreads Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Quinn Hardwick’s having a rough summer. Her beloved grandmother has been put into a home, her dad’s gambling addiction has flared back up and now her worst enemy is back in town: Wesley James, former childhood friend—until he ruined her life, that is.

So when Wesley is hired to work with her at Tudor Tymes, a medieval England themed restaurant, the last thing Quinn’s going to do is forgive and forget. She’s determined to remove him from her life and even the score all at once—by getting him fired.

But getting rid of Wesley isn’t as easy as she’d hoped. When Quinn finds herself falling for him, she has to decide what she wants more: to get even, or to just get over it.
Goodreads

Review
I haven't found a bad Swoon Reads published book yet, and this was no exception. Over the course of this book, Quinn is working at the local restaurant, Tudor Tymes, which is a medieval themed placed. She's dealing with a lot in her personal life, including her father's wasting their money on gambling, and her grandma being diagnosed with Alzheimer's and going into a home, that she doesn't think she can take any more. All she wants is to work in peace, and save up in order to go to London with her high school in the summer, and that's all she has the energy to focus on. Well, of course, life never turns out perfect. Her arch nemesis, and once friend, Wesley James, has moved home, and ends up working at the same restaurant. They used to be really close, and when Wesley moved to Portland when they were 11, everything changed. Now she despises him, and want to get revenge for the way he treated her at the leaving party, and work seems to be the perfect place to do so.

Quinn definitely knew how to hold a grudge, and had had plenty of time to work out how to get payback on Wesley. She was a stickler for the rules at work, but would do what she could to make Wesley look bad, which didn't always work out because he seemed to be loved by everyone. He hadn't expected the kind of reaction that he got when he eventually went home, but he is persistent in his wish to get back on good terms with Quinn, and maybe even more than that. He is lovable where she is abrupt, but to me they seemed to be perfect for each other. I did think parts of the story were a bit rushed, especially towards the end when Quinn realised she loved Wesley, and didn't want to keep fighting.

However, the book didn't just focus on their story, but rather all of Quinn's family. Her grandmother was beloved by Wesley too, and the scenes of them together were really sweet. I also liked how the darkness was looked at, especially how gambling addiction can affect a family, and the effects of the breakdown of relationships can last a long time. This was also done really well, and definitely was a plus for the book. As Honetbourn's debut, I definitely can see her becoming an author I'll read more of in the future.

Dates Read:

July 26-30, 2017

Rating
4 Stars

2017 Debut Author Challenge

ARC Review: Geekerella (Once Upon a Con #1) by Ashley Poston

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Geekerella
Series: Once Upon a Con #1
Author: Ashley Poston
Published April 4th 2017 by Quirk Books

Goodreads Synopsis
Cinderella goes to the con in this fandom-fueled twist on the classic fairy tale.

Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom. Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

I heard about this book first by American book bloggers who had received review copies, and I knew I needed a copy. Me being the dafty that I am, I requested it from America, not the UK, but still a copy managed to arrive (thanks, Jamie). I love retellings, and as a retelling of Cinderella, this was so well done! Ella was a fantastic MC, and really endeared herself to the audience. With an evil step-mother and step-sisters, she dives into her favourite fandom, Starfield, to escape reality. Her blog about the show is quite vocal, especially about the casting choice for the new lead, and this leads to messaging to and fro from someone who believes Darien was the perfect choice. The other MC, Darien, may, on the outside, seem perfect, but he's dealing with his own issues. He adores Starfield as much as Ella, and feels the pressure of being the lead actor to heart. Ella and Darien, not knowing who each other is, soon begin to fall for each other, and the upcoming ExcelsiCon is the perfect chance to meet.

This book was just perfect for any nerdy book/sci-fi lover. Starfield is a mash up of Star Wars and Star Trek, and the fans in the book remind me of real life fans of these franchises. Though the book is based on Cinderella, there is a lot of originality in the plot, and both Ella and Darien's characterisations were fantastic. They were cute and funny together, and I adore them both. I'm so happy that there is a second, companion book, so I'll be able to see more from them again. I can't wait to dive into The Princess and the Fangirl soon!

Dates Read:

January 20-21, 2017

Rating
4 Stars

#RockMyTBR 2017 Challenge

Review: The Traitor's Kiss (The Traitor's Circle #1) by Erin Beaty

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The Traitor's Kiss
Series: The Traitor's Circle #1
Author: Erin Beaty
Published May 9th 2017 by Imprint

Goodreads Synopsis
An obstinate girl who will not be married. A soldier desperate to prove himself. A kingdom on the brink of war.

With a sharp tongue and an unruly temper, Sage Fowler is not what they’d call a lady―which is perfectly fine with her. Deemed unfit for marriage, Sage is apprenticed to a matchmaker and tasked with wrangling other young ladies to be married off for political alliances. She spies on the girls―and on the soldiers escorting them.

As the girls' military escort senses a political uprising, Sage is recruited by a handsome soldier to infiltrate the enemy ranks. The more she discovers as a spy, the less certain she becomes about whom to trust―and Sage becomes caught in a dangerous balancing act that will determine the fate of her kingdom.
Goodreads

Review
I honestly can't remember how I first heard about this book, but it is quite honestly one of my all time favourites, and I'm so glad that I ordered a copy! I'm going to say it already that if you haven't read this book, you seriously need to - it is fantastic!

Orphaned at a young age, Sage Fowler has being living with her aunt and uncle, helping to teach and care for her cousins, when she is told she must either marry, or find another occupation and leave the household. As a member of the aristocracy, she visits the premier matchmaker in the land - through who all good marriages take place - and is told that her wit and sharpness, as well as her temper, would make her wholly unsuitable for marriage. Unlike what most girls would probably be thinking, Sage loves this fact, as she had no wish to marry anywhere. However, the matchmaker, Darnessa, sees potential in Sage, and chooses her to be her new apprentice, making the long journey to the capital with all the other eligible ladies who actually are looking to marry. Sage is to pose as a prospective bride, and learn all about the ladies, in order for the best matches to occur. As there is a large caravan of young ladies making the long journey, they are to be escorted by highly trained soldiers, led by Captain Alexander Quinn. Alex has a secret mission that he has to complete during the journey, and at first thinks the ladies with be a hindrance. However, he soon realises that Sage could be a big help to him, and working undercover, they discover a plot that could bring down the entire government, centering on the Concordium Brides. As they work to find out all the key details that will help them succeed, they realise they are falling for each other, which was definitely not in any of their plans.

Like I said earlier, this was a book that I can’t even remember why I ordered my copy, but I’m so glad I did. I’ve re-read it so many times, and there’s nothing about it that I dislike. The world building is shown to us in drips and drabs, as is the history of the empire. I felt like this was the right way for us to learn about it, rather than being inundated with loads of information at the beginning, that would just turn me off the book. We also learn about why the girls who are taking part in the Concordium do so at a certain age, and why Darnessa, the matchmaker, has such a pivotal role in society.

Sage is one of my all time favourite characters, and though some people may say that her change over the course of the book was out of character, but for me, it was just her growing in herself, and discovering who she actually was, after having a turbulent childhood. After seeing her parents love, being an unmatched couple, she thought the fact that being matched was such an important aspect in society, was abhorrent. After the deaths of her parents, and living with her aunt and uncle, who wants her to be married off as soon as possible, she sabotages her matching interview, but endears herself to Darnessa. Darnessa sees her value, and asks her to masquerade as a prospective bride, in order to somewhat spy on the girls and learn more about them, but also to learn about the nobles at the homes they'll be staying at on the way to the Capital. An educator at heart, when she meets the soldiers escorting them to the capital, and learns that one of the young sergeants can't read or write, she automatically jumps at the chance to teach him, also use him to spy on the army. However, the sergeant - codename Mouse - is spying on Sage in return, and when they realise that there is more at state than just some weddings, they work together, and grow close, in order to stop the treasonous plot.

There were so many twists and turns in this book that I couldn't possibly mention them all, and some would be spoilers to do so as well. All I can say is that I've now read this book so many times, that it remains one of my all time favourites, and I want everyone to read it, ASAP!

Dates Read:
July 11-13, 2017

Rating
5 Stars

#RockMyTBR 2017 Challenge

Review: Just Friends by Tiffany Pitcock

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Just Friends
Series: None
Author: Tiffany Pitcock
Published August 1st 2017 by Swoon Reads

Goodreads Synopsis
Jenny meets Chance for the very first time when she is assigned as his partner in their Junior Oral Communications class. But after they rescue a doomed assignment with one clever lie, the whole school is suddenly convinced that Little-Miss-Really-Likes-Having-A’s and the most scandalous heartbreaker in school have been best friends forever. It’s amazing how quickly a lie can grow―especially when you really, really want it to be the truth.

With Jenny, Chance can live the normal life he’s always kind of wanted. And with Chance, Jenny can have the exciting teen experiences that TV shows and movies have always promised. Through it all, they hold on to the fact that they are “just friends.” But that might be the biggest lie of all.
Goodreads

Review
I read this book way back in August 2017, and can still remember just how swoony it made me feel, and how much I loved Jenny and Chase's relationship. Both had never met each other before, but when they were partnered together in a class, and the first assignment was was to get to know each other. However, they mess around, and when it comes to submitting their assignment, they flub their answer, and act as if they've always known each other, and make up a backstory for everyone else to believe. However, from that one little lie, people believe they've been best friends forever, and it soon becomes like reality. Except for the fact that it was all a lie. Chase and Jenny, not really knowing each other, can reinvent themselves and not have to be the person that life has tried to mould them into. The chemistry between each other is undeniable, and when Jenny starts to date someone else, it soon turns toxic, and she has to turn back to Chase, and rely on him like she has no-one else.

I think I preferred Chase more than Jenny in this book. Jenny I enjoyed at first, but once she got with Drake - which was a disgustingly toxic relationship - she became someone I just didn't like. She knew from early on she like Chase, but pushed herself into this relationship with Drake, who pushed her into going further than she wanted - even acting like she owed him sex, when she really didn't - and actively said she didn't want to. However, and I do hate this, when she was with Chase, she was much better. I'm not saying he made her a better person - which is awful - but I think that Drake had made her worse, and in turn she was an awful friend for it. That being said, Jenny and Chase were really cute together, and the premise was fantastic, but the whole Drake aspect is what brought the rating of this one down.

Dates Read:

August 9, 2017

Rating
4 Stars

#RockMyTBR 2017 Challenge

Review: The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich

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The Love Interest
Series: None
Author: Cale Dietrich
Published May 16th 2017 by Feiwel & Friends

Goodreads Synopsis
There is a secret organization that cultivates teenage spies. The agents are called Love Interests because getting close to people destined for great power means getting valuable secrets.

Caden is a Nice: the boy next door, sculpted to physical perfection. Dylan is a Bad: the brooding, dark-souled guy who is dangerously handsome. The girl they are competing for is important to the organization, and each boy will pursue her. Will she choose the Nice or the Bad?

Both Caden and Dylan are living in the outside world for the first time. They are well-trained and at the top of their games. They have to be—whoever the girl doesn’t choose will die.

What the boys don’t expect are feelings that are outside of their training. Feelings that could kill them both.
Goodreads

Review
Well, this is another book that I've been putting off reviewing just because I didn't know how to put in words just how I felt about it. I wanted to love the book, I really did, but it just fell way below my expectations.

In The Love Interest, there is a secret organisation that creates 'love interests' for getting close to important people, and being able to control what happens in the world. Once a person is deemed to be 'important', two types of person is created/cultivated for each target. You have a Nice and a Bad, one to be the boy next door, and the other to be brooding, more dangerous type. Their mission is to make the target choose them - whichever one wins, gets to survive; the other, well, not so lucky. In this case, Juliet is our target, and Caden (Nice) and Dylan (Bad) have been created in order to appeal to her and make her fall for them. Juliet is someone who is super clever and creative, and targeted to be super important one day. She meets the two love interests, and feels chemistry with them, but something is missing - however, she soon realises that the issue is that both Caden and Dylan are actually falling for each other, and she tries to help them.

I wanted to love this book, especially when I heard the synopsis, and then the spoilers that the two love interests start to fall for each other. The issue is, though, that we get our story all from Caden's point of view, and he is one of the most boring and one dimensional characters I have ever read before. I found myself skimming the book more than reading, and trying to just pick out the dialogue, because his thoughts bored me. Also, the other characters didn't have much more clout about them. They all read as one dimensional, and though Dylan was slightly better, that doesn't mean to say he was any good.

Considering that Caden and Dylan were created to be 'love interests', they had no charisma or chemistry with either Juliet - their target - or with each other. Caden supposedly falling for Dylan, and Dylan slowly returning them, seems so forced, that I just couldn't believe it.

The plot of this book, well, there wasn't exactly one. The premise was there - get Juliet to fall for you, fall instead for each other, escape the control of the Love Interest Compound (LIC), and live happily ever after). Yeah, that's all well and good, but that doesn't happen. The writing is more tell, not show - everything is forced. I can't recommend this book to anyone, and, being honest, as soon as I was finished with the book, I got rid of it. I felt like I'd wasted money on the book, and just wanted it out of the house as soon as possible. Writing this review has made me realise my rating is more of 1.5-2 star, than 3 stars, and that's being kind.

Dates Read:

February 11-16, 2017

Rating
2 Stars

#RockMyTBR 2017 Challenge

ARC Review: When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

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When Dimple Met Rishi
Series: None
Author: Sandhya Menon
Published July 13th 2017 by Hodder

Goodreads Synopsis
Meet Dimple.

Her main aim in life is to escape her traditional parents, get to university and begin her plan for tech world domination.

Meet Rishi.

He's rich, good-looking and a hopeless romantic. His parents think Dimple is the perfect match for him, but she's got other plans...

Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.

Told from the dual perspectives of two Indian American protagonists, Dimple is fighting her family traditions while Rishi couldn't be happier to follow in the footsteps of his parents. Could sparks fly between this odd couple, or is this matchmaking attempt doomed to fail?
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

This book has been one of my most anticipated debuts for this year, and I couldn't wait to have free time to read it. When I was deciding what to include in my holiday TBR, this was top of the list!

When Dimple Met Rishi tell the story of both Dimple and Rishi, from alternate POVs. They are both from Indian families, where arranged marriages are normal, and though Rishi is looking forward to marrying the women his parents chose, Dimple is decidedly not. She has no intention of even considering the possibility until she finishes university, and has a job. When she finds out there is a computing camp on in San Francisco over the summer, and the winner will get to meet one of her heroes, she immediately begs her parents to let her go, and, surprisingly, they do. What she doesn't know, though, is that Rishi, her prospective husband, will also be there, and it's the perfect opportunity for them to meet. Rishi, though a bit of a nerd, doesn't really care for computing, but knows that by going to San Francisco, he can meet Dimple, who he's heard all about. It's safe to say, however, that their first meeting does not go to plan.

Firstly, I loved learning about the different customs that both Dimple's and Rishi's family followed, and how both of them dealt with being a modern teenager in America, and still honouring their beliefs. Dimple's character was wonderful, and I don't understand how anyone can find anything wrong with actions. I mean, if someone walked up to me, and said he was my future husband, I would probably act in the same way - that is not a normal thing to do, no matter if you think Dimple knows about the arranged marriage. Rishi deserved being covered in coffee, and I don't have time for anyone who says otherwise. Also, Dimple was just normal - she didn't always have the best relationship with her parents, she enjoyed certain things more than others, and she had a plan for the future - a plan which was very commendable, and she should be applauded for it all.

Rishi was also really sweet. He knew from the moment he met Dimple that she wasn't on board for the marriage - I think the coffee was a bit of a giveaway - but he still wanted to be friends with her, and tried to help her win, anyway he could. He also found things that interested him, and a way to be able to do what he enjoyed, even though he never thought it was in the plan for him.

One thing I didn't really enjoy about the book were the secondary characters. Most of them were seriously annoying, and I wanted to punch them in the face, tbh. Rishi's brother, Ashish, was also a bit annoying, and I didn't really understand why he was in the book. Since reading it, I've discovered he'll be getting his own story, so I think he must've been there just to introduce him, but it didn't seem smooth, or right. Maybe I'll like him more in his own book?

Other than that, this book was a perfect summer read, and I loved the main characters. For a debut, I felt the book was amazing, and I can't wait to see more from the author.

Dates Read:

July 4-5, 2017

Rating
5 Stars