Mini Review: Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Mini Shopaholic (Shopaholic #6)
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Release Date: September 21, 2010
Publisher: Dial Press
Source: Library
Review by: Nahomi

Sophie Kinsella has dazzled readers with her irresistible Shopaholic novels--sensational international bestsellers that have garnered millions of devoted fans and catapulted her into the first rank of contemporary storytellers. Now her beloved heroine Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood) returns in a hilarious tale of married life, toddlerhood, and the perils of trying to give a fabulous surprise party--on a budget! Becky Brandon thought motherhood would be a breeze and that having a daughter was a dream come true: a shopping friend for life! But it's trickier than she thought. Two-year-old Minnie has a quite different approach to shopping.

Minnie creates havoc everywhere she goes, from Harrods to her own christening. Her favorite word is "Mine!" and she's even trying to get into eBay! On top of everything else, Becky and Luke are still living with her parents (the deal on house #4 has fallen through), when suddenly there's a huge financial crisis.

With people having to "cut back," Becky decides to throw a surprise party for Luke to cheer everyone up. But when costs start to spiral out of control, she must decide whether to accept help from an unexpected source--and therefore run the risk of hurting the person she loves.

Will Becky be able to pull off the celebration of the year? Will she and Luke ever find a home of their own? Will Minnie ever learn to behave? And . . . most important . . . will Becky's secret wishes ever come true?

3.5 stars out of 5 stars

       It's been a while since I've read any books from the Shopaholic series and I had forgotten how exasperating Becky and her antic can be. True to form Becky was up the usual in Mini Shopaholic except now she has her daughter Mini to join in on the shopping. It was really hard to get through some parts because man Becky puts herself in some very awkward situations. Also say about 50% of her excuses had me rolling my eyes. This is mainly why my rating is lower than usual.

      I do however admire Becky's ability to pull off her big surprise in the end. She has this uncanny ability to pull everything together and make things work. I was so nervous for her throughout the entire book and during certain parts I had to stop reading because of the vicarious embarrassment I felt. Apart from her lame excuses and over the top antics I really enjoyed reading Mini Shopaholic.

Waiting on Wednesday (#142)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

Rebel Bully Geek Pariah by Erin Jade Lange

Expected Release Date: February 16, 2016

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Synopsis:

"The Breakfast Club" gets a modern, high-stakes reboot in this story of four very different teens and a night that changes them forever.

The Rebel: Once popular, Andi is now a dreadlocked, tattooed wild child.
The Bully: York torments everyone who crosses his path, especially his younger brother.
The Geek: Tired of being bullied, Boston is obsessed with getting into an Ivy League college.
The Pariah: Choosing to be invisible has always worked for Sam . . . until tonight.

When Andi, York, Boston, and Sam find themselves hiding in the woods after a party gets busted by the cops, they hop into the nearest car they see and take off—the first decision of many in a night that will change their lives forever. By the light of day, these four would never be caught dead together, but when their getaway takes a dangerously unpredictable turn, sticking together could be the only way to survive.

With cinematic storytelling and compelling emotional depth, critically acclaimed author Erin Jade Lange takes readers on literary thrill ride.

Once I read "The Breakfast Club" I knew I had to know more. This sounds like something right up my alley and I can't wait to dive into this beauty.

What are you "Waiting on?"

Review: Paige in Progress by Brighton Walsh

Paige in Progress
(Reluctant Hearts #3)
Author: Brighton Walsh
Release Date: January 19, 2016
Publisher: Bright Publishing
Source: Brighton Walsh
Review by: Jenn

She wanted a one-night stand…and then he moved in next door.
Paige Bennett is more than content with her life and what she does—and does not—have in it. She’s got a supportive family, a great apartment, and the best friend a girl could ask for; so what if her relationships expire faster than a carton of milk? After a disastrous detour courtesy of poor judgment in the boyfriend department, her plan is back on track and her dream job is finally within her grasp. Nothing can make her lose focus now. Well, nothing except the one-night stand she had with her best friend’s surrogate brother. The one-night stand she can’t stop thinking about.
Adam Reid has always been reliable…the responsible son, the loyal friend, the steady boyfriend. Two years ago, he graduated Magna Cum Laude and is well on his way to making a name for himself at an accounting firm in Denver—a far cry from working as a helper in the Mom and Pop store his parents own in Michigan. But when said store starts failing, he’s the only one who can step in and help. So reliable Adam does what he always does, and he comes to the rescue.
Paige thought Adam was a safe bet because he lives halfway across the country. But then suddenly he’s moving back to their town, and then into her apartment building, and soon he’s worming his way right into her life. If she’s not careful, he might sneak his way into her heart, too…

5 stars out of 5 stars

*I received an eARC of this book by the author but it did not influence this review in any way.*

Paige in Progress might be Brighton Walsh's best book yet. Which is saying something considering how much I loved Tessa Ever After. But this book had me in a laughter and swooning like loon like no other of Brighton's books.

Paige and Adam come to us from the previous books. Paige is Tessa's best friend and in the glimpses we get, her being a wonderful and honest friend to Tessa, I knew I wanted her to have her own book.  Adam, we get small glimpses but I never really but much thought of him. However, in Paige in Progress, I quickly learn how much I was missing out on with Adam.

Paige is a take-no-prisioner, ball buster. She has no qualms about telling it like it is and about being straight about what she likes. Adam, on the other hand, is quiet, reliable, and responsible. They are complete opposite but their attraction to other is off the charts. We learn that they had a one night stand and they both can't stop thinking about that night and the other. However, while Adam is looking to learn more about her and what they could potentially be together, Paige is trying to avoid a repeat performance.

I completely adore this book. I love the chemistry that Paige and Adam share and how well they played off of each other. Brighton knows how to do banter with lots of sexual tension and in this book, it worked so well. I love how Paige was scared of getting closer to Adam but being who she is, she can't back down. Adam also opened himself up to new feelings and experiences. Also, their sexual chemistry, HO-LY CRAAPPPPP. Adam is one talented man. Their foreplay and actual acts, all were everything I was expecting from a Brighton Walsh's book.

My only complaint was towards the end. There is a reason why Paige is the way she is towards relationships. She was burned in the past and Adams learns about the reason. However, he then asks something of Paige which terrifies her and in turns, pushes Adam away. I didn't like how Adam just expects Paige to do what he wanted considering what he was asking of her and how he leaves town without saying anything. It was a real shitty move considering where Paige was at that moment in her life. It didn't have to be all or nothing for him and I'm sure they could have figured something out.

Aside from that, Paige in Progress is now my new favorite from Brighton. I enjoyed each and every word and getting to see what Tessa, Jason, Haley, Cade and Winter were up to. I can't wait to see what else Brighton is working on because knowing her, her new hero might just be my new favorite. So if you haven't already picked up this series or any of Brighton's work, I seriously ask you to reconsider because her books are the best.

Quotes (#140)

Morning Friends, 

It's Monday again and the weekend went by a little to fast for my taste. I always wish I had a little more time but to no avail the week has begun again. So, I just finished the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer which I am totally obsessing about. In honor of this wonderful series todays quotes are all from the Lunar Chronicles!! I hope you enjoy!

“I know you must want nothing to do with me. I don’t blame you.” Wolf scrunched up his shoulders, and met her with an expression full of regret. “But you’re the only one, Scarlet. You’ll always be the only one.”
~ Marissa Meyer, Scarlet

“Maybe there isn’t such a thing as fate. Maybe it’s just the opportunities we’re given, and what we do with them. I’m beginning to think that maybe great, epic romances don’t just happen. We have to make them ourselves.”
~Marissa Meyer, Cress

“Have you given any thought to your wedding vows?” Kai snorted.
“Delete anything that has to do with love, respect, or joy, and I’ll sign on the dotted line.”
~Marissa Meyer, Cress

“It’s not proper for seventeen-year-old princesses to be alone with young men who have questionable intentions.”
She laughed. “And what about young men who she’s been best friends with since she was barely old enough to walk?”
He shook his head. “Those are the worst.”
~Marissa Meyer, Winter

“She would be brave. She would be heroic. She would make her own destiny.”
~Marissa Meyer, Winter

“You think I’m perfect?”
He didn’t look away.Didn’t look bashful or even nervous. Just stared at her, like she’d asked him if Luna orbited the Earth.Then he leaned over and brushed a kiss against her forehead.
“Just sort of,” he said.“You know.On a good day.”
~ Marissa Meyer, Winter

“I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t fight like this, or start a revolution, or be a queen. I can’t do anything like this. I’m broken. I’m literally broken.” Iko settled a hand on Cinder’s shoulder. “Yeah, but broken isn’t the same as unfixable.”
~Marissa Meyer, Winter

Happy Monday!

Let's Chat - Did Not Finishing Books

Let me paint you a picture. It time to pick your next book. You happily stare down your shelves, bouncing around excitedly, thinking which world you’re going to inhabit next. A book blogger might go by their review schedule and pick something that needs to be reviewed soon. Or if you’re not a blogger, you just want to read whatever catches your attention. The point is, after doing the hard work of choosing your next read, you are excited because NEW BOOK. Time to READ. SO EXCITING. You start reading, but hmm…you kind of don’t seem to really to be into it. In fact, you’ve done the rounds of checking Twitter/Instagram/Facebook twice and you’re only in page 17. What does it mean that you would rather check out the hot mess that is your Facebook feed than read? Should you give up? Read a few more pages? And if you do read a few more pages, how many pages should you read until you figure out that it just not the book for you?

Those are the questions I was asking myself just a few weeks ago. I had a picked up a book that was sent to me by the publisher and I was happy to start it. Once I started it, I would read a page, then next thing I knew, I had picked up my phone to do a social media run. I realized I had wasted 20 minutes doing so and went back to my book. Again, my mind and eyes started to stray. I found myself unable to focus on the book because I couldn’t click with the main character and nothing about the book was calling to me. But figured I just hadn’t read enough about the story and pressed on. I read a few more pages but finally had to the closed book, put it back on my shelf, feeling like I didn’t want to read.

Let me clarify, I closed the book feeling like I didn’t want to read that specific book anymore. I wasn’t liking the main character and the story wasn’t pulling me in. So after 17 pages, I went to the back of the book and read the last 3 chapters. Yes, I read the ending. I decided I wasn’t going to read the book anymore because why should I read something that I wasn’t enjoying? It would only result in me having a bad reading experience, anyway. I used to read and finished books even if I wasn’t enjoying them all the time. After having a lot of bad experiences when I had originally wanted to give up on it, I ended up writing a negative review. I’ve had to learn to just let it go and move on to the next book.

So what I’m trying to say is let’s chat about this! At what point do you give up on a book? After a certain amount of chapters? Pages? Or do you just power through it? Tell me down below.

Mini Review: The Golden Lily By Richelle Mead

The Golden Lily 
(Bloodlines #2) 
Author: Richelle Mead
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Publisher: Penguin Group
Source: Personal Copy
Review by: Nahomi

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. Alchemists protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she's been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California - tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formorly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age-old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and her sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi - the fiercest vampires, the ones who don't die. But it's her fear of being just that - special, magical, powerful - that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Braydon, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else - someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney's loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists - or her heart?

5 stars out of 5 stars 

I was aching to start The Golden Lily after I finished Bloodlines. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next! The pacing is faster than in Bloodlines which really made the difference for me. I really like the elements of intrigue that the story has, which definitely kept me turning pages.

Sydney is so smart and resourceful, but man can she be socially awkward. At times she is so oblivious to certain situations that it’s endearing. I love to see how her character evolves throughout the novel. There is a noticeable difference from the Sydney we meet in Bloodlines to the Sydney in The Golden Lily.

I love the relationship between Adrian and Sydney! There is so much sexual tension between these two that you can cut it with a knife. Adrian definitely adds comedy to the story. I love to see Adrian interacting with all of the other characters. I was so excited about the old characters that are brought back in this book!!! I really enjoyed reading this story and I can’t wait to get my hands on The Indigo Spell!

Waiting on Wednesday (#141)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren

Expected Release Date: February 2, 2016

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Synopsis:

Dating a friend’s ex is supposed to be off the table. But sometimes what’s really, really wrong is actually really, really right. Book Four of the Wild Seasons series.

For two people ambivalent about dating and love, they sure get naked around each other an awful lot . . . London Hughes is very content to surf daily, tend bar, hang out with her group of friends, and slowly orient herself in the years after college. Everything’s going great and according to the non-plan.

But when a wave knocks her for a loop one morning, then Luke Sutter’s flirtatious smile knocks her for another that evening, she veers slightly off course…and into his path. Sure, he’s a total player, but theWhy not—it’s only one night is a persistent voice in her ear.

For his part, Luke’s been on hookup autopilot for so long that he rarely ever pauses to consider what he’s doing. But after an amazing time with London, he realizes that he hasn’t been moving on from a devastating heartbreak so much as he’s been drifting to wherever—and whomever—the current takes him. With London he wants more.

Every relationship involves two people…plus their pasts. And as much as she enjoys her fling with Luke, when London learns about his past—more specifically, who’s in it—everything becomes the brand of complicated she strives to avoid. It’s up to Luke then to change some things in order to try and ensure he’s not something she’ll outright avoid as well.

I can't wait to jump back into the Wild Seasons world! It will be great to catch up with old characters, and finally get to read more about London!

What are you "Waiting on?"

Review: Smart Girl by Rachel Hollis

Smart Girl
(The Girls #3)
Author: Rachel Hollis
Release Date: January 19, 2016
Publisher: Lake Union Press
Source: NetGalley
Review by: Jenn & Nahomi

Brilliant designer Miko Jin is a hopeless romantic. She’s spent most of her life falling in love over and over again…with the men she finds in the pages of her favorite novels.

When Miko meets Liam Ashton, it’s love at first sight. At least, for her. Sure, the two of them are polar opposites, and yes, he seems to be dating someone new each week. But Miko knows what true love is and that you can’t rush it—after all, what she lacks in real-world experience, she makes up for in book smarts. With novels as her guide, and her best friends by her side, she knows she can get Liam to love her back. But just like any good romance novel, fate has a few plot twists in store. Will Miko get her own happy ending? Will she find the strength to stand up for what she deserves even if it means breaking her own heart?

Jenn's rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

Nahomi's rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

Our Overall Rating:  5 stars out of 5 stars 

*I received an eARC/finished copy of this book from the publisher but it did not influence this review in any way.*

Jenn:
I loved Rachel Hollis' Sweet Girl but after reading Smart Girl it was decided for me that this was my favorite book of the series. Filled with book references, a main character that feels so relatable and just a sweetheart, and a love interest that is endeared by her strange antics. Smart Girl was more than what I was hoping for and it bought on a lot of fuzzy and happy feelings.

Smart Girl follows Miko, who've known from the previous two books in the series. Miko is a brilliant designer, has a unique sense of style, the best of friend, and a book nerd. Liam, on the other hand, we've got to know in pieces shown through other people eyes and a few scenes he was actually present. Both are complete opposite from one another and at first have nothing in common but the attraction has always been there. Especially for Miko. Miko decides to take matters into her own hands and device a plan that would make all heroines proud.

Rachel Hollis has managed to pick the best from other romance novels and put her own twist, and ideas into making Miko’s story all the more unique and special. Of course I found myself shaking my head at Miko’s shenanigans when I could see how it woulldn’t work out in her favor. But I couldn’t help but be hopeful for her because what book lover wouldn’t want to take a page from their favorite heroine and have it work out? But I do have to admit that Liam’s behavior towards Miko frustrated me. I just wanted to take Miko away and say a few choice words at Liam because his actions and words were really hurtful. In Liam’s defense, though, he was very honest about himself in the beginning, about his ways, and so I can’t really be upset at him. Until he really does screw up.

Rachel Hollis further cemented herself as one of my go-to authors. I’m extremely sad to say goodbye to this series because I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Miko, Landon, and Max. My only condolence is that we were left in a way where we can picture what happens for them in the future. I am looking forward to whatever Rachel writes because I need more words from her.

So if you’re in the mood for some interesting shenanigans, funny banter, and just plain good all around, I sincerely recommend you to pick up this book or any of the other books in the series.

Nahomi:
I had such a wonderful time reading Smart Girl, Rachel Hollis out did herself. Smart Girl is funny and full of wonderful characters. The story is heart wrenchingly honest and the emotions depicted are raw and at times overwhelming. Smart Girl is intelligently written and full of so many book references which made the story that much more interesting. There are so many things I loved about this book that it’s hard to choose what to focus on.

For starters Miko is a fantastic character. She is quirky, and sarcastic which made for very interesting dialogue throughout the story. Miko is also very smart and hardworking and puts a lot of effort into her crazy antics and research in order to create her own love story. Her antics had me laughing so hard. Miko deals with a lot of self-esteem issues throughout the story which aren’t sugar coated at all. Smart Girl is painfully honest at times to the point where I found myself cringing on Miko’s behalf.

Liam is ok. He really did come off as a sleaze bag most of the time except on rare occasions when he actually opened himself up. He wasn’t my favorite throughout a lot of the story, but in the end he redeemed himself. His grand gesture at the end of the story is so romantic. *swoons*

I love Smart Girl! I am so sad to say goodbye to this wonderful world Rachel Hollis has created. I hope to read more from her in the future.

Quotes (#139)

Source

Morning Lovelies,

My body woke me up at 5am Saturday and I was unable to fall asleep on Sunday. So I'm a huge ball of tiredness and of course today is when I want to sleep in. Can I be excuse from work?

“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” - Steve Jobs

“Scared is what you're feeling. Brave is what you're doing.” - Emma Donoghue, Room

“And then I am going to rattle the stars.” - Sarah J. Maas, Heir of Fire

“If there's a single lesson that life teaches us, it's that wishing doesn't make it so.” - Lev Grossman, The Magicians

“Of course motivation is not permanent. But then, neither is bathing; but it is something you should do on a regular basis.” - Zig Ziglar, Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World

“You get older and you learn there is one sentence just four worlds long and if you can say it to yourself it offers more comfort than almost any other. It goes like this… Ready ”
“Ready.”
“At least I tried.” - Ann Brashares, Sisterhood Everlasting

“Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” - Julia Child

I hope you all have a great week!

Our 2016 Reading Challenges

Heya Swooners,

2016 is upon us so it time to decide on reading challenges. Here's what we'll be participating in.

We're participating on the Goodreads Reading Challenge.

Nahomi has pledge to read 50 books and I have pledge to read 45 books. 

We are also participating in Falling For YA's NetGalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge.

The details for this challenge can be seen here.

These are the levels:

Bronze - 10 Books <-----Nahomi & Jenn

Silver - 25 Books

Gold - 50 Books

Platinum - 75 Books

Diamond - 100 Books

We're both are hoping to get the Bronze for this challenge.

Lastly, we are participating in Bookish Lifestyle's TBR Pile Reading Challenge.

The details for this challenge can be seen here. The levels are:

1-10 A Firm Handshake

11-20 A Friendly Hug<-----Nahomi & Jenn

21-30 First Kiss

31-40 Sweet Summer Fling

41-50 Could This Be Love?

50+ Married with Children

We're both hoping to get to that Friendly Hug.

What reading challenges are you participating in?