6 Heart Review: Perfect Couple by Jennifer Echols

Perfect Couple (Superlatives #2)
Jennifer Echols

Page Count: 336
Release Date: January 13th, 2015
Publisher: Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher via tour publicist in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Simon Pulse and Itching for Books!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

In this second book in the Superlatives trilogy from Endless Summer author Jennifer Echols, Harper and Brody think they’re an unlikely match—but the senior class says they belong together.

As yearbook photographer, Harper is responsible for those candid moments that make high school memorable. But her own life is anything but picture perfect. Her parents’ bitter divorce left her wondering what a loving relationship looks like. And ever since the senior class voted her and star quarterback Brody “Perfect Couple That Never Was,” her friends have been pushing her to ask Brody out.

Brody doesn’t lack female admirers, but Harper can't see herself with him. He’s confused about the match too. Yet they find themselves drawn together—first by curiosity about why the class paired them, then by an undeniable bond.

The trouble is, though they’re attracted to each other, they have a hard time getting along or even communicating well. If they’re the perfect couple, this shouldn’t be so difficult! Soon it becomes clear their class was wrong, and they throw in the towel. But they feel so changed from making the effort, they can’t forget each other. What if this match made in hell is the perfect couple after all?

Buy the book from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Books-A-Million | iTunes | Kobo | Google Play | Publisher

Review

We'd been in various advanced classes together since middle school, but the way he dressed made him look like he'd taken a wrong turn from the gym. That's how Brody had always been: grinning, a bit of a mess, and a world away from me.

Jennifer Echols's Superlatives series stands out to me because it follows three best friends, Tia, Harper, and Kaye, and their romantic lives—each book designated for each respective girl—in a modern-day high school setting. Contemporary YA romance is probably my favorite genre (ever!) so I quite enjoyed Biggest Flirts, which is Tia's story. Perfect Couple is Harper's story, and while it does contain the same youthful charm as the first book did, I didn't find myself enjoying it as much.

This book wasn't boring or hard to read in the least bit; overall, I got through it quickly and did not regret picking it up. It's just that I wasn't very invested in the main characters, whose realness was one of the primary strengths in Biggest Flirts.

Harper, our first-person narrator, is rather bratty and immature for being the smart one, which irritated me a lot. At first I was thrilled that this second book was told in her perspective since she's the bookworm of the three friends, but I found myself rolling my eyes at her so-called intelligence frequently. It's one thing for a protagonist to be Type A, but completely another for her to overreact at every "injustice" that she is slammed with and to have the most redundant obsessive tendencies-slash-paranoia. She isn't just anxious, but also a generally bad person: flighty, superficial, completely absorbed in what other people think of her and her social status, instantly in love with Brody even though she has a boyfriend.

I think I feel this harshly because she isn't just unlikable, but she's also weakly characterized. Echols doesn't give her enough of a personality or relatable voice, as she did with Tia. Harper's dialogue comes off as rather stilted and her point of view is very info dumpy.

The second-most annoying part of the book: the insta-love. There are SO many things I can contribute to this topic (considering ~80% of the romance novels I've read involve an undeveloped romance plot line) but I'll refrain from using this review as a ranting space. But literally, Harper has always known Brody as the hot unachievable athlete, but suddenly decides she's worthy of him because of the yearbook superlatives—because other people think so. Not because she discovers she likes him, or because she discovers he likes her, but because other people told her so. Being voted for Perfect Couple that Never Was (is that REALLY a thing, people? Really?? Anyone have that in their own yearbook?!) does not mean they're together... but Harper thinks it means they're immediately in a relationship. Unfortunately, Brody doesn't see it that way (as expected) even though he does find her attractive, which is where things go awry.

Speaking of Brody, he's fun, but still a rather flat and undeveloped character. The instant love may have been problematic, but in addition he was just too plain—nothing special. More importantly, I didn't feel he and Harper had any chemistry, despite their superlative nominations. The whole relationship, the basis of the novel, just didn't convince me. A poor romance plot could be justified by likable leads or tons of character development, but in Perfect Couple, I found none. Brody remains the same dull "hero" until the end of the book, and Harper the equally snooty "heroine."

One thing I do applaud is how Harper has other things going on at home; her attention isn't solely fixated on Brody. She feels tied down to her mom's B&B, rarely lending her time to do what SHE wants—which, okay, isn't the toughest family situation YA has ever encountered, but it's still a refreshing break from the hardly believable Brody mess. Eventually, being named to the Perfect Couple title with him makes her realize something more than her attraction: that her world is smaller than it needs to be since she is doing what other people want or expect, instead of exploring all her possibilities. I think this is a valid lesson that all young adults will learn at some point in their lives, so I'm glad it was a part of Harper's story.

Pros

Light, easy-flowing plot // Lots of drama (that every good high school romance needs) // Recurring characters (Tia, Sawyer, Will, etc.) make the cast seem more familiar, like revisiting old friends // Grounding and realistic lessons about teenage love, not just a formulaic boy-meets-girl story

Cons

Weak dialogue // Unremarkable and unrealistic plot // Harper is unlikable and melodramatic // Brody is unmemorable // No character development. At all // Internal and external conflicts are too disparate // Echols's style isn't anything to write home about // Disappointing after Book 1, Biggest Flirts

Verdict

Fresh and entertaining yet still full of high school relationship drama, Perfect Couple is a decent continuation of the Superlatives series. Unlike the first book, whose characters really stood out and left an impression on me, this one seems more plot-driven—although admittedly, the plot itself isn't that strong either. I was more excited to revisit Tia and Will from Biggest Flirts in this book, and given the opportunity, I'd try Book 3 for Sawyer and Kaye, no doubt. While I am glad I got to read the second installment in this light-hearted romance series, I'm even gladder to leave Harper and Brody behind 

6 hearts: Decent for a first read, but I'm not going back; this book is decidedly average (whatever that means!) (x)

7 Heart Review: Biggest Flirts by Jennifer Echols + Giveaway! (US only)

Brought to you by the fabulous Itching for Books Book Tours...

Biggest Flirts (Superlatives #1)
Jennifer Echols

Page Count: 336
Release Date: May 20th 2014
Publisher: Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher via tour publicist in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Simon & Schuster and Itching for Books!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

The yearbook votes have been cast.

Senior year is about to get interesting.

Tia just wants to have fun. She’s worked hard to earn her reputation as the life of the party, and she’s ready for a carefree senior year of hanging out with friends and hooking up with cute boys. And her first order of business? New guy Will. She can’t get enough of his Midwestern accent and laid-back swagger.

As the sparks start to fly, Will wants to get serious. Tia’s seen how caring too much has left her sisters heartbroken, and she isn’t interested in commitment. But pushing Will away drives him into the arms of another girl. Tia tells herself it’s no big deal... until the yearbook elections are announced. Getting voted Biggest Flirts with Will is, well, awkward. They may just be friends, but their chemistry is beginning to jeopardize Will’s new relationship—and causing Tia to reconsider her true feelings. What started as a lighthearted fling is about to get very complicated...

Buy the book from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Books-A-Million | iTunes | Kobo | Publisher

Review

I didn't understand Will, but I knew enough that I didn't want to. He was so hot, and kissed so well, and that earring! He was the type of guy I could get really attached to if I wasn't careful. And though I might not seem like the most conscientious person most of the time, I was always careful about boys.

Having witnessed all of her older sisters fall in love and fall apart, the last thing Tia Cruz wants is a boyfriend, but senior year, when Will Matthews arrives at her school—the undeniably cool kid from the Midwest, and possible the cutest boy she has ever seen—her determination begins to falter. Will Matthews is the kind of boy who could make her forget.

Tia and Will's playful relationship is definitely fun to follow, especially watching both characters grow as they discover themselves within each other. I also love the portrayal of high school casual relationships—better known as "friends with benefits"—which seems like a racy topic for YA fiction, but is actually prevalent among teenagers, and thus, entirely relevant; Echols brings the experience to life maturely and memorably. What bothered me, however, was the progression of the relationship. The breakup, makeup, breakup-again sequence was too formulaic, too predictable. Given the synopsis of the book, there's nothing I couldn't have seen coming. Nothing about Tia and Will as a couple particularly surprised, devastated, or delighted me; it was nothing we've never seen before in YA romance. Once the two are paired as the school's Biggest Flirts (since when is that even a superlative?), the rest of the story just went along as expected.

I loved Tia as a character; she's unconventional, and not your typical bashful, romantic heroine. She's strong, but also has a thousand insecurities; brilliant, but intentionally an underachiever. I think she's a hit-or-miss character, though; I can definitely see some readers not liking her recklessness or her brash tone. Her chemistry with Will is spot-on, and the sexual tension and energy the two create will have your heart thumping and you remembering what teenage romance feels like again.

The secondary characters are both a strength and a weakness of Biggest Flirts. Most of them make very minor but very frequent appearances that I found sort of pointless, other than to keep confusing me with all the different names. Tia's best friends rarely show their faces, which made me feel like they aren't her friends at all. Will is a beautifully written character (Jennifer Echols creates another heartbreaker—surprise!) but I absolutely loved Sawyer, Tia's on-again-off-again "boyfriend," and can't wait for Book #3, because it's his story. Won't give too much away, but if you like tragic teen boys, be prepared to swoon!

Pros

Tia is an imperfect, but genuine character with lots of attitude! // Family backstory is important, not just the romance // Portrays the mindset of casual, rather than dating, relationships well // Hot hookups! (Nothing wildly explicit, but still for an older YA crowd) // Will and Sawyer ♥

Cons

Plot is predictably structured // The only real characters are Tia and Will, the rest seem to have come from YA character moulds // Flows well, but style is not remarkable

Love

"I would really like to get in trouble for touching you right now."

Verdict

Sexy and smart, Biggest Flirts is a thrilling escape of a contemporary young adult novel that captures the spirit and squalor of high school colorfully and entertainingly. I didn't find Tia and Will's relationship that special, and stylistically, it's not particularly clever, but Jennifer Echols's newest book is fun, flirty, and full of impressionable characters and a convincing romantic undertone 

7 hearts: Not perfect, but overall enjoyable; borrow, don't buy! (x)

Giveaway!

We are giving away three print copies of Biggest Flirts and one grand prize of print copies of Such a Rush, Dirty Little Secret, and The Only One That I Want as part of the virtual tour hosted by Itching for Books—that's four winners tour-wide. Yay!!

To enter, all you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

As a reminder, this is a generic tour-wide giveaway so I do not choose winners or prizes, and am merely a part of the promotional efforts.

Don't forget the entry eligibility terms and conditions!

Sponsored wholly by the tour publicist and publisher—a huge thank you to Itching for Books and Simon Pulse!
Giveaway ends May 19th at 11.59 PM (your time).

Open to US residents only. Sorry, rest of the world! Please check my sidebar for a list of currently-running giveaways that are open worldwide.
Void where prohibited.

As this is a tour-wide giveaway, I have no say in the selected winners and am in no way responsible for prizes, nor for shipping and handling.

As a reminder, you do not have to follow my blog to enter, though it is always very much appreciated ❤

Good luck!

Author: Jennifer Echols Interview and Giveaway!

Read my review of Dirty Little Secret, a "sophisticated young adult novel with a side of sweet, heart-melting all-American romance" by clicking here!

 Brought to you by Itching for Books...

Dirty Little Secret
Jennifer Echols

From the author of the "real page-turner" (Seventeen) Such a Rush, comes an unforgettable new drama that follows friends-turned-lovers as they navigate the passions, heartbreaks, and intrigue of country music fame.

Bailey wasn't always a wild child and the black sheep of her family. She used to play fiddle and tour the music circuit with her sister, Julie, who sang and played guitar. That ended when country music execs swooped in and signed Julie to a solo deal. Never mind that Julie and Bailey were a duet, or that Bailey was their songwriter. The music scouts wanted only Julie, and their parents were content to sit by and let her fulfill her dreams while Bailey's were hushed away.

Bailey has tried to numb the pain and disappointment over what could have been. And as Julie's debut album is set to hit the charts, her parents get fed up with Bailey's antics and ship her off to granddad’s house in Nashville. Playing fiddle in washed-up tribute groups at the mall, Bailey meets Sam, a handsome and oh-so-persuasive guitarist with his own band. He knows Bailey's fiddle playing is just the thing his band needs to break into the industry. But this life has broken Bailey’s heart once before. She isn’t sure she’s ready to let Sam take her there again...

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Books-A-Million | Kobo

I awarded 7 out of 10 hearts to Dirty Little Secret at the blog earlier today. Be sure to check my review out! Jennifer, would you share a brief bio with us?

Jennifer Echols was born in Atlanta and grew up in a small town on a beautiful lake in Alabama—a setting that has inspired many of her books. Her romantic novels for young adults have been published in seven languages and have won the National Readers' Choice Award, the Aspen Gold Readers' Choice Award, the Write Touch Readers' Award, the Beacon, and the Booksellers' Best Award. Her novel Going Too Far was a finalist in the RITA and was nominated by the American Library Association as a Best Book for Young Adults.

Simon & Schuster debuted her adult romance novels in 2013, with many more of her teen novels scheduled for the next few years.

She lives in Birmingham with her husband and her son.

What inspired you to write about the implications of fame and the blood, sweat, and tears—both present in the country music industry?

I grew up with my dad listening to country music and teaching himself to play banjo, and I love true stories about musicians struggling to the top. This is a topic I've been writing about for a while. My adult romantic comedy about a country band, Playing Dirty, is coming out on October 29th. I wrote a proposal for a YA version of the idea that made the rounds of publishers in 2007 or so and wasn't picked up. When I love an idea, I do have a tendency to beat my head against the wall until somebody says yes.

And we readers are lucky you did or else I wouldn't have had the chance to read your fabulous new book! What's your character-development process like? Do you have distinct personalities for each characters from the start, or do they grow—and in turn, affect each other—as you write them?

At the beginning, I have a basic idea about what types of characters I'm dealing with, and how they dovetail—how they complement each other perfectly and simultaneously drive each other crazy. But the details of those characters develop as I write the book, and I think it's those details that make a delicious read.

SO agreed. What's the greatest thing you ever learned?

Most of the things we worry incessantly about never happen. (This is coming from an incessant worrier.)

Readers, click "Read more" to learn what kind of kid Jennifer was in high school (I found it hilariou!), her best advice for aspiring writers, and a little bit of yummy Sam boy advice straight from the book. If you missed the giveaway from earlier, here's another opportunity to enter, as well!

7 Heart Review: Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols and Giveaway!

For an incredible insider's look into the book and the author's writing process, be sure to check out my interview with Jennifer here!

Dirty Little Secret
Jennifer Echols

Page Count: 273
Release Date: 16 July 2013
Publisher: MTV Books (Gallery; Simon & Schuster)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author, via Itching for Books, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review for the Dirty Little Secret virtual book tour (thank you, Jennifer!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

From the author of the "real page-turner" (Seventeen) Such a Rush, comes an unforgettable new drama that follows friends-turned-lovers as they navigate the passions, heartbreaks, and intrigue of country music fame.

Bailey wasn't always a wild child and the black sheep of her family. She used to play fiddle and tour the music circuit with her sister, Julie, who sang and played guitar. That ended when country music execs swooped in and signed Julie to a solo deal. Never mind that Julie and Bailey were a duet, or that Bailey was their songwriter. The music scouts wanted only Julie, and their parents were content to sit by and let her fulfill her dreams while Bailey's were hushed away.

Bailey has tried to numb the pain and disappointment over what could have been. And as Julie's debut album is set to hit the charts, her parents get fed up with Bailey's antics and ship her off to granddad’s house in Nashville. Playing fiddle in washed-up tribute groups at the mall, Bailey meets Sam, a handsome and oh-so-persuasive guitarist with his own band. He knows Bailey's fiddle playing is just the thing his band needs to break into the industry. But this life has broken Bailey’s heart once before. She isn’t sure she’s ready to let Sam take her there again...

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Books-A-Million | Kobo

Review

I was being given the chance to do the one thing I wanted most in the world.
The chance was presented to me by a guy so gorgeous, he turned my skin to fire when he touched me. And joining a band was the one thing I was most forbidden to do, the thing that would ruin my future forever.

Vaguely known as the big sis of a soon-to-be-famous country star, Bailey Mayfield is asked by her parents—no, commanded by her parents—to lay low while her sister Julie's tour kicks off. If she doesn't, she risks her college tuition, her future, so as unfair as her situation is, she has no choice but to abide by the rules—which is something she's always been good at, but lately has been compelled not to do.

This suppression renders music meaningless for her; once, music was something she loved, but her family has taken even that away from her. Rebellious as she is, or at least claims to be, she'll go out of her way to indirectly spite her parents, because of what they've done, what they've snatched away. And while Bailey Mayfield may be your typical teenager when it comes to sulking over the things she doesn't have, the summer she's stuck at her granddad's house—the ultimate injustice to a self-righteous girl—will be far from typical...

Dirty Little Secret is way more than a YA romance. It has a fantastic, heart-fluttering romantic plot, but it also gives an exclusive glimpse at the personal significance of music, as well as connects readers with an untraditional heroine whose last intention was to fall in love.

Sam is an amazing character, whose depth of emotion is so powerful, so real. Not only did I swoon over him (typical of me, but really, he's adorable!), but I also really felt myself sympathizing with him too. When Bailey meets him, she can tell right away that he will be her downfall. Insanely charming, handsomer than he knows, and unawarely manipulative, it's obvious he's no good for her. Having had her heart broken before, she knows he's the last distraction she needs, especially when he comes with a tempting musical offer that's vehemently against her strict parents' rules. But one look into his glittering brown eyes, and she finds herself falling for him anyway. And that, as you can tell, becomes a bit of a problem...

As they get to know each other platonically and musically, they both discover there's something between them—something outside of friendship and within great passionate potential—but neither is naïve enough to fall for the other, and neither is strong enough to take the chance, which consequently develops a hot, sparked, tumultuous relationship that never catches Bailey a break. The frustration Bailey feels over Sam is raw, realistic, and will be gobbled up by any girl who's ever been in a complicated relationship. Echols weaves an off-key love story that is accurate of what teenage heartbreak is: an ache so exquisite, a pain so depthless in emptiness and intensity.

As a result of different goals, different futures, and different outlooks in life, Bailey is the opposite of what Sam ever wanted, and Sam is nothing like what Bailey really needs. Regardless, they do what teenagers do; they refuse to back down from their desires and choose to treat their hearts recklessly. It is universally acknowledged that in the moment, it is so easy—too easy—to open up to somebody you really connect with, to give yourself wholly to someone you love; this fact is what makes it clear that they are each other's tragedy.

I was really impressed with this book overall because it is the perfect balance of angst, mind-whirling romance, true passion, and self-discovery. Bailey is super relatable and is a well-developed character. I connected with her a lot—particularly over her resent of her family and outlook on relationships—but she's not very likable. She has a no-nonsense attitude, which is amusing and kick-ass at times, but I generally thought she's rather inconsiderate and uncooperative. I know she is supposed to come off as tough (on the surface), but the author overdid it and makes her a bit too much of a bitch. Since Bailey is the narrator, this sours the overall tone of the story. Otherwise, though, Dirty Little Secret is a superbly crafted novel; I recommend this one to those who can appreciate sophisticated young adult with a side of sweet, heart-melting all-American romance.

Pros

Intelligent, respectable tone and issues; mature YA // Complex relationships and characters // Sam♥ // Insightful behind-the-scenes look in the country music industry // Emotionally sound // Very relatable

Cons

Didn't think too highly of Bailey as a protagonist and narrator // Some of the musical descriptions just didn't click for me... mainly because I don't know squat about country music

Love

My heart raced and my skin sparkled with the knowledge that no one would disturb us now. No one would stop us. There was nothing to prevent us from losing ourselves to each other, except logic, heartbreak, and every sound reason in the world.

[Sam's] eyes shifted to me. I never forgot how handsome he was, but when he looked straight at me, his brown eyes fringed with long, dark lashes gave me a shock. A guy should not be this handsome when a girl wanted desperately to keep her boots on the ground.

Verdict

Canny in tone and surprisingly perceptive, Echols's newest novel is a classic YA story about a girl who has her pitch perfected, future planned out, and boots firmly planted on the ground... and the one boy who changes it all. Highly emotional at times and wild and carefree at others—as every teenager's life is—Dirty Little Secret calls to pursuing what you truly love, and dealing with the things you are given in life. Jennifer Echols masterfully captures the essence of teen romance: that false invincibility a first love makes you feel, and the evident heartache that follows it. Pick this one up for a compelling, heart-wrenching, and completely empowering ride 

7 hearts: Not perfect, but overall enjoyable (x)

For an incredible insider's look into the book and the author's writing process, be sure to check out my interview with Jennifer here!

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget the terms and conditions!

Giveaway ends July 16th, 2013 at 11:59 PM (your time).

Open to US residents only. Sorry, rest of the world! Check out the top of my sidebar for a list of current giveaways that are accepting international entires—there are plenty you can participate in!

This giveaway is sponsored entirely by a third party. I do not select winners, nor do I have any control over the Rafflecopter form and the prizes.

As a reminder, you do not have to follow my blog to enter, though it is always very much appreciated ❤ Plus you get extra entries ;)

Good luck!

Author: Jordanna Fraiberg Interview and Giveaway!

Read my review of the "fun, believable, and ultimately touching"Our Song by clicking here!

It's my absolute pleasure to welcome the beautiful Jordanna Fraiberg to the blog today to promote her YA contemporary romance, Our Song, as part of the Itching for Books virtual book tour. Be sure to stick around until the end to get the chance to win a finished copy!

Lovely to have you at Books à la Mode, Jordanna! Let's get this interview started.

Will you please share a brief bio with us?

Jordanna Fraiberg was born in Montreal, Quebec, and currently lives in L.A., where she settled after receiving degrees from Harvard and Oxford. A former national squash champion and Hollywood film executive, she now divides her time between dreaming up stories and chasing her toddler. She is the author of Our Song and In Your Room.

Tell us a bit about Our Song. The cover is to die for!

Olive Bell has spent her entire life in the beautiful suburb of Vista Valley, with a picture-perfect home, a loving family, and a seemingly perfect boyfriend. But after a near-fatal car accident, she's haunted by a broken heart and a melody that she cannot place.

Then Olive meets Nick. He’s dark, handsome, mysterious... and Olive feels connected to him in a way she can't explain. Is there such a thing as fate? The two embark on a whirlwind romance—until Nick makes a troubling confession.

Heartbroken, Olive pieces together what really happened the night of her accident and arrives at a startling revelation. Only by facing the truth can she uncover the mystery behind the song and the power of what it means to love someone.

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Books-A-Million | Sony eStore | Kobo

Readers, I awarded 7 out of 10 hearts to Our Song at the blog earlier today. Be sure to check my review out! Jordanna, what inspired you to write about the aftereffects of a near-death in your new book, including the fascinating inclusion of the Near-Death Society? Does that actually exist in real life?

I've always been fascinated by the idea that we are constantly evolving and changing throughout life, sometimes by choice, but more often than not as a result of a seeming obstacle or challenge. So the idea behind having Olive literally die, was to use it as a metaphor for the fact that she's been figuratively asleep her whole life and she's finally come to the end—or the death—of her identity.

The Near-Death Society in the book is based on a real group just like it called The Los Angeles International Association for Near-Death Studies. I went to one of their meetings for research and the thing I was most surprised to discover was that none of the participants there that night had actually died, which is why I put it in the book.

That's fascinating! Olive's literal and figurative bringing back to life was very well-portrayed in the book. Lucky you got to do close-up research too—I would never have known such a support group existed. How would you say your background and own experiences have shaped your books?

I think the fact that I was a competitive athlete for so many years has influenced who I am as a writer. I started playing squash when I was 10, and quickly became one of the top-ranked players for my age in Canada, where I grew up. As a result, I started training at the club every day after school and had to miss out on a lot of hanging out with my friends. I trained with mostly adults, and throughout high school, instead of going on school trips or having sleepovers, I traveled all over the country and the world competing. While I loved being a squash player and wouldn't have traded it for anything, there was always a part of me that felt like I didn't quite fit in at school, that I wasn't fully part of it, and I think it has influenced one of the major themes I write about—the feeling of alienation many feel as a teen, and the search for authentic connection.

The other thing being a competitive athlete also taught me is how to set goals and find the discipline to accomplish them, which is one of the major keys to finishing a novel.

That teenage loneliness and search for identity is something all adolescents feel at one point or another in their lives, but I definitely see how being such a dedicated competitive athlete could have accentuated that feeling of not fitting in. It's an amazing endeavor though—not all teenagers can call themselves top-ranking child athletes!—and it's great that it taught you discipline and determination as well. On that note, how much of yourself is in Our Song?

I think it's impossible to write anything and not infuse a part of yourself into the story. The novel isn't inspired by real-life events, and there isn't any one character based on me, but I definitely see elements of myself in both Olive and Annie. Like Olive, I've gone through painful break-ups that felt very end-of-the-world in the moment, but turned out to be the best thing that ever happened. While Derek and Nick aren't based on real people, the idea of what they represent—the seemingly right guy on paper vs. the true soulmate—reflects experiences I've had in my own life. And like Annie, I tend to be the one in my friendships that calls it like I see it, but in the most loving way possible!

Readers, click "Read more" to learn what kind of kid Jordanna was in high school (you all want to know!), her best advice for teenagers and aspiring writers, and why she included a sexuality-questioning character in the book. You also don't want to miss the great giveaway at the end!

7 Heart Review: Our Song by Jordanna Fraiberg

Read my fascinating interview with the author—which gives so much insight to the book—by clicking here!

Our Song
Jordanna Fraiberg

Page Count: 352
Release Date: 2 May 2013
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin Group)
Source: Complimentary ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review for the Itching for Books virtual book tour (thank you!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Olive Bell has spent her entire life in the beautiful suburb of Vista Valley, with a picture-perfect home, a loving family, and a seemingly perfect boyfriend. But after a near-fatal car accident, she's haunted by a broken heart and a melody that she cannot place.

Then Olive meets Nick. He's dark, handsome, mysterious... and Olive feels connected to him in a way she can’t explain. Is there such a thing as fate? The two embark on a whirlwind romance—until Nick makes a troubling confession.

Heartbroken, Olive pieces together what really happened the night of her accident and arrives at a startling revelation. Only by facing the truth can she uncover the mystery behind the song and the power of what it means to love someone.

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Books-A-Million | Sony eStore | Kobo

Review

Olive's carefully constructed life comes crashing down in the wake of an accident that should have, and almost, left her dead. For the first time she is forced—against her Martha Stewart-mother's will—to face imperfection, to face flaws, and it is only when she finally admits to them, she begins to see clearly who the ones that love her are, and just how special a place they hold.

Olive doesn't want to satisfy the expectations of her mother—the mother who prunes her social circle as she prunes her petunias—and realizes she needs to escape the suffocating grasp of Vista Valley, where she hasn't ventured more than a hundred miles past since she was born, all the more. Enter: Nick, a brooding, devastating British bad boy with a penchant for spontaneity and a wicked, wicked smile. And suddenly, Olive is free. Olive is happy. And if she allows herself to, Olive just might find what she's looking for...

Simply put, Our Song is a sweet, coming-of-age YA romance—nothing riveting, but accurately tender in some parts and emotive of teenage angst, insecurity, and heartache in others. There are so many different issues raised in this teen novel, including friendship, rebellion, sexuality, dating danger(ously handsome boys...), the aftermath of a near-death, and of course, Olive's haunting song. They're all great topics, but I was disappointed by how none of them are fully explored, just sort of dabbled in, and then neglected. They do have proper ties at the end of the book, but it's like the author introduced these great plot points, ignored them, and then brought them back up in the closing chapters just to form a clean conclusion.

I had a bit of an issue with Olive. It's not that she's difficult to sympathize with—in fact, I'd say her frustrations and hard-headed determination are easy to relate to—but she just isn't portrayed in a very likable light; through the story's progression, she grows and realizes her mistakes and, as with most young adult novels, she learns from them, but her general attitude towards her friends and naïve ignorance of her surroundings makes her a hard character to grow on. This was mainly a problem for me since she narrates the story first-person; whenever I got annoyed with her, I was still stuck with her because we only ever get to see through her (narrow) perspective.

Nick, on the other hand... I could use a guy like him in my life! He's wonderfully portrayed (let's not kid anyone here, I had a big-time swoon-fest while reading about him), but poorly developed. As a person he seems wonderful and charming and BRITISH♥ but as a book character, he's too quick in his affections for Olive—making him rather unrealistic—and two-dimensional. I thought his troubling past would really add depth to him, but there's really no suspense nor a huge bang leading up to his "dark" secret... it's just suddenly revealed, which was not only anticlimactic, but also further weakened his character.

Fraiberg is a storyteller at heart and really knows how to integrate the protagonist's point of view into the novel. Stylistically, Our Song is straightforward and contemporary in tone; this could be your own diary.

Pros

Great voice // Fraiberg captures teen spirit perfectly // Authentic depiction of high school horrors // I want Annie as my best friend! // Story moves quickly and smoothly; constantly left me wanting more // Evocative of Los Angeles and surrounding areas // Clean, chaste romance

Cons

Olive is rather bratty // As much as I loved Nick, he isn't anything special... mostly because he's underdeveloped as a character and because his big dark "secret" is too hurried at the end // Olive's romance with Nick, mysterious song, emotional healing, and coming-to-terms with self are all a bit disjointed

Love

There was just a thin piece of cotton separating us, and I could practically feel his warm skin through my sleeve. It was like the charged cackle of static electricity. We weren't touching, but almost. Maybe it was better this way, standing on the edge, suspended in between, where you can't get your hopes up too high or your heart broken.

Verdict

Jordanna Fraiberg's newest novel is a fast-moving account of Olive's post-tragedy struggles that touches upon the pain of heartbreak, the true meaning of love and companionship, and the importance of accepting second chances. As heavy as the topics of this book are, the story itself doesn't go too deeply into them, so for the most part, this was a light, undemanding read—although it does have its share of bleak, depressing notes. I was disappointed by the lack of complexity and weightier content, but still enjoyed Our Song regardless. This is a fun, believable, and ultimately touching book, and simultaneously a fantastic addition to the YA and middle-grade genres 

7 hearts: Not perfect, but overall enjoyable (x)

Read my fascinating interview with the author—which gives so much insight to the book—by clicking here!

5 Heart Review: Bound by Prophecy by Melissa Wright and Giveaway!

Bound by Prophecy (Descendants #1)
Melissa Wright

Page Count: 249
Release Date: 19 April 2013
Publisher: self-published
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review as part of the Itching for Books virtual book tour (thank you!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Twenty-two-year-old Aern is done watching his brother destroy the only thing that matters. He never wanted to take Morgan’s place among council, never wanted to rule their hidden world. But when the key to the prophecy is found, a young girl named Brianna whom Morgan will destroy, Aern knows he has to take action. What he really wants, is for things to go back to normal. But now he’s kidnapped a girl, and his brother’s men are after him. His only hope is to join with the Division, but they have plans of their own, and it’s the last thing Aern is willing to do.

Emily just wants her sister back. She doesn't care about the prophecy, or realize what’s at stake. But when she goes after Aern, the truth of the matter uncoils, and Brianna isn't the only one who’s in danger.

Suddenly, they’re at the center of a secret war, and unless they can work together, they’ll both have a sacrifice too big to make.

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Books-A-Million | Sony eStore | Kobo | iTunes | Smashwords

Review

Aern seeks to protect Emily, a refugee of his kind, as well as a great secret of an omnipotent prophecy under the care of the Council. He refuses to join the Division—a darker, more corrupt ordeal—even though both authorities may hold the key to the future's safety—and not to mention his own. His struggle with his identity, bloodline, and his vengeful evil brother will all make his job harder, that's for sure... but it's the elusive and ever-obscure prophecy itself—the one he trusted wholly and upon which he depended—that will surprise him.

Wright builds a beautifully dangerous and complex fantasy world, but her characters lack realistic development and sympathetic touch. I couldn't relate to or get myself to like any of them. They felt detached, robotic, and it feels like they were only formed solely on paper. This made the plot difficult to follow and moreover, rather uninteresting; if I don't like the characters, I'm not going to like the story. 

Most of the book is composed of explanation of Aern's dark world, and a back-and-forth exchange between Emily's destiny and Aern's role in it. Thus, I felt there was way too much talk and hardly any action. Even from the beginning, I felt like I had walked into the story in medias res; there was so much unexplained and uneventful stuff going on (which I assumed would later be elaborated upon, as part of the climax, but alas, it wasn't) and it just didn't click with me. I was impressed by the few action sequences present, though; they are cleverly simulated and don't skimp on the blood and vicious good vs. evil interaction.

I love the different powers that these descendants of ancient masters possess. Wright imaginatively portrays the magical elements of the characters who struggle to survive. 

Pros

Suspenseful // Doesn't hold back on the danger and violence // Fully developed and fascinating urban fantasy world // Lots of plot twists I didn't see coming

Cons

Boring most of the time // Dialogue-driven but weak in plot // Unrealistic and unexpected romance // Unmemorable characters // Bland, ordinary writing style // Anticlimactic

Verdict

I had trouble keeping up with Bound by Prophecy because most of dialogue, characters, and style are inadvertently boring. It flows in sequence and isn't hard to comprehend, it's just hard to really become immersed in. This first installment of the Descendants series does have its redeeming points, including a well-instigated paranormal setting and exciting powers, but overall, nothing blew me away 

5 hearts: Doesn't particularly light any of my fires; I feel indifferent about this book (x)

Giveaway!

There is a tour-wide giveaway for one signed print copy (US only) and two electronic copies of the book! Woohoo! To enter, fill out this Rafflecopter form below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules and disclosure:

Sponsored wholly by the author—thank you, Melissa!

Giveaway ends 10 June 2013 at 11.59 PM (your time).

Open internationally—yay! However, only US residents are eligible for the signed print copy.

I am not selecting winners for this giveaway, as it is a shared tour-wide event; also, I am in no way responsible for prizes, nor for shipping and handling.

As a reminder, you do not have to follow my blog to enter, though it is always very much appreciated ❤ Plus you get extra entries ;)

Good luck!

6 Heart Review: And Then I Found You by Patti Callahan Henry

And Then I Found You
Patti Callahan Henry

Page Count: 261
Release Date: 9 April 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (MacMillan)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by Wunderkind PR in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, for the Itching for Books blog tour
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Kate Vaughan is no stranger to tough choices. She’s made them before. Now it’s time to do it again. 

Kate has a secret, something tucked away in her past. And she’s getting on with her life. Her business is thriving. She has a strong relationship with her family, and a devoted boyfriend whom she wants to love with all her heart. If Kate had ever made a list, Rowan would fill the imagined boxes of a perfect mate. But she wants more than the perfect on paper relationship; she wants a real and imperfect love. That's why, when Kate discovers the small velvet box hidden in Rowan's drawer, she panics.

It always happens this way. Just when Kate thinks she can love, just when she believes she can conquer the fear, she’s filled with dread. And she wants more than anything to make this feeling go away. But how?

When the mistakes have been made and the running is over, it’s time to face the truth. Kate knows this. She understands that a woman can never undo what can never be undone. Yet, for the first time in her life she also knows that she won’t fully love until she confronts those from her past. It’s time to act.

Can she do it? Can she travel to the place where it all began, to the one who shares her secret? Can the lost ever become found?

And Then I Found You gives new life to the phrase “inspired by a true story.” By travelling back to a painful time in her own family’s history, Patti Callahan Henry explores the limits of courage, and the price of a selfless act.

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Kobo

Review

Springtime in Bluffton, South Carolina heralds thirty-five-year-old Kate Vaughan's annual tradition of trying New Things. This spring, her past—which she's tried so hard to keep in place over the past decade—will come marvelously apart; her New Things will make everything change, and everything begin.

Composed of flashbacks of only the component parts of Kate's childhood and early adulthood that have led up to the present moment, And Then I Found You details the most determined, devastating decision a mother should ever have to make. These brief evocations slowly clarify her past, and are intermingled with her current conflicts with Rowan—the perfect boyfriend whom she still isn't completely satisfied with—and with her inability to let go of what's already happened.

Without giving too much away, I will say I was awed by the plot, especially because it actually happened in the author's life, but was very disappointed by the story itself. Don't get me wrong; Henry's prose is elegant and coherent, but I just feel the book as a whole is kind of boring. Everything that happens isn't exciting—at least not as exciting as the author tries to convey it as. She flits across the complexity of human emotion but doesn't exactly capture it, which is why I couldn't connect with this book, either.

My biggest issue however, is Kate. She's just really, really snobby and difficult to understand, or respect, for that matter. I adore all the characters around her, from her sisters to her best friends to her lovers—they are really well created—but she herself is really dislikable. Her mindset is incredibly selfish and stuck up; her mantra is "you don't know what I've experienced so get away from me and stop trying to sympathize with me." I know Henry was trying to convey the difficult emotional burden upon a mother who is forced to part with her child out of "selflessness," but she sacrificed Kate's character to do so. My detachment from and dislike of the protagonist soured the entire mood and perspective of the story.

I was proud at Kate's growth, though; throughout the book, she learns she needs to love herself before loving anyone else, and this is something to which all readers will be able to relate. Compassion, even through wistfulness, matters; you just have to be willing to freely give it.

Pros

Henry is an accomplished storyteller // Secondary characters are lovable // Fascinating premise // Kate's character development is clear

Cons

Highly dislikable protagonist // Style is decent, but really mediocre... very forgettable // Not that resonating // Predictable, unsatisfying ending // Rather dull and not suspenseful throughout

Love

People talked about heartbreak, but in Kate's opinion, hearts don't break, they merely ache and throb until you learn to ignore that same heart all together.

Verdict

And Then I Found You wasn't as I good as I thought it would be. The plot revolving around a mother reuniting with her long-lost daughter seemed touching, but in the book, it just isn't portrayed very movingly. However, I am impressed with Patricia Callahan Henry's ability to craft a beautiful, feel-good story about self-actualization and self-discovery. The overarching message is quite affecting as well; this is a book about loss, and about finding—both those you love, and yourself 

6 hearts: Satisfying for a first read, but I'm not going back (x)