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Book Review: Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet by Jennifer L. Armentrout & Various Authors

Title: Meet Cute

Authors:  

Published: January 2nd, 2018

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Find the Author: Goodreads 


Disclosure: I was sent this book for review by the publisher. As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.


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Whether or not you believe in fate, or luck, or love at first sight, every romance has to start somewhere. MEET CUTE is an anthology of original short stories featuring tales of “how they first met” from some of today’s most popular YA authors. 
Readers will experience Nina LaCour’s beautifully written piece about two Bay Area girls meeting via a cranky customer service Tweet, Sara Shepard’s glossy tale about a magazine intern and a young rock star, Nicola Yoon’s imaginative take on break-ups and make-ups, Katie Cotugno’s story of two teens hiding out from the police at a house party, and Huntley Fitzpatrick’s charming love story that begins over iced teas at a diner. There’s futuristic flirting from Kass Morgan and Katharine McGee, a riveting transgender heroine from Meredith Russo, a subway missed connection moment from Jocelyn Davies, and a girl determined to get out of her small town from Ibi Zoboi. Jennifer Armentrout writes a sweet story about finding love from a missing library book, Emery Lord has a heartwarming and funny tale of two girls stuck in an airport, Dhonielle Clayton takes a thoughtful, speculate approach to pre-destined love, and Julie Murphy dreams up a fun twist on reality dating show contestants. 
This incredibly talented group of authors brings us a collection of stories that are at turns romantic and witty, epic and everyday, heartbreaking and real.

First Thoughts…When I saw that these authors – these AMAZING writers – were coming out with a book together, not only that, but it was called Meet Cute (one of my favourite plot devices and all-round words), I flipped! I was lucky enough to get a copy on NetGalley and ordered my hardback copy alongside it to support these incredible authors. 

My Review...In the mood for a feel-good story (so, always) I picked up my iPad to read Meet Cute early this year, immersed in the New Year of books ahead. It’s clear from the beginning that these stories are full of whip-smart, lovable characters who are discovering something new and magical in the world with someone else: love. I won’t do a mini-review of every book in the anthology (gosh, can you imagine how long that review would be?!) but I will be saying my favourite things about the book as a whole, of which there were many. 

The stories, depicted as the beginnings of how they met, are the stories of YA dreams. Not only are they achingly beautiful – in particular Nina LaCour, Huntley Fitzpatrick, Emery Lord and Jennifer Armentrout’s stories – but they’re meaningful, frank and oh-so-realistic. I’m also super proud that Meredith Russo wrote a trans heroine for her story in Meet Cute, and that the authors showed the ups-and-downs of breaking up, that love had no bounds in futuristic tales and humorous romances that will make your heart swell. Now, because these stories are short and involve an “instant connection” meaning a Meet Cute, there is the dreaded insta-love. But you know what? It’s the good kind of insta-love. The kind that is really believable. I could honestly imagine this is how some people – soulmates and true love – actually meet and fall in love in an instant, fleeting moment.

Overall, Meet Cute is as magical as it sounds. Each story holds something momentous and epic, a love story for the ages. I couldn’t fault any of the unique spins on Meet Cute’s, or any of the ways that they panned out. This is truly such a breath of fresh air, the perfect weekend read and equally welcome book for fans of sweet YA romances with sparkling beginnings. A huge five stars!

Have you read Meet Cute?

What did you think?

Let me know on Twitter, Facebook or in the Comments!

happy reading!

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10 Books That Made My 2017

Ah, 2017. What a year. I don’t mean that lightly, either. It has been one very hectic, chaotic and unnerving year for the entire world. But in the world of books, immersed in the story-worlds that have taken over our brains, the world is a calmer place. With our heads inside a book, we don’t have to worry about them ever hurting us like real life can (unless our favourite Character gets killed off) so it’s only fitting that I round up the Top Ten Books That Made My 2017 bearable. They are in order from ten to one, with one being my ultimate read this year!



10. We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

This book was the first of Nina’s that I’ve ever read and it was a total winner. I love the style of her writing and how much emotion showed throughout the scenes. For fans of Young Adult, if you haven’t added this to your TBR this year, you definitely should. 


9. Girlhood by Cat Clarke

This is such an important, sheer perfect YA book this year. It had to make my list. I’m pretty sure this was one of the Zoella book club books after I had already read it, so you can see just how much it would have been appreciated by the bookish community this year!


8. Otherworld by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller

One of the few otherwordly books that I’ve read this year and one of the best I’ve ever read! It has such a great premise, huge promise for the future and a celebrity name behind the title! 


7. The Dry by Jane Harper 

I was on a blog tour for this stunning book and it’s no wonder that it’s gained a huge following. I’m reading Jane’s second book (and on the tour!) very soon, so I think that says everything. I don’t read the genre of mystery, in Adult especially, very often, but for Jane’s books? I always will. She has a way with words that’s music to my ears. 


6. There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

It’s no secret that Stephanie is one of my favourite YA writers of all time. She has the romance! The character development! Anna, Lola and Isla! So when she announced her first thriller, I was dubious. I only ever knew her writing to be sweet and fluffy, but I was happily surprised! Her debut thriller wasn’t up there with Anna, but it was a huge success in my eyes! No wonder it made my top ten…

5. Nyxia by Scott Reintgen 

Into my top five and we have Nyxia! It was such a stunning novel. I remember staying up late to read it thinking how insanely awesome it was. I really can’t wait to read more from Scott! I know that whatever he writes next will be going straight onto my bookshelf.

4. Girl Hearts Girl by Lucy Sutcliffe

Lucy’s story is probably one of the most important, yet extremely addictive and gorgeous books I read this year. It was a true story, about being her true self, growing up and loving who she wanted to. I had so many people say they picked up this book because they saw it on Pretty Little Memoirs! That makes me so happy. 


3. Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

Coming in easily in my top three is one of my favourite YA authors of all time! Windfall was literally a breath of fresh air and had me swept off my feet with each passing second. Huge sweetheart points because this book was too cute! I loved it.


2. The Best Kind of Magic by Crystal Cestari

Magic realism has never looked better in this hugely loved novel this year! I read this mostly in the park during early Autumn / late Summer and fell in love with the characters, the setting…literally everything. I can’t wait to read book number two next year!


AND NUMBER ONE IS…


1. The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord

It’s no surprise that the Queen of YA is in at number one for my favourite novel I’ve read this year. Everything that’s troubling me seems to melt away when I read one of Emery’s books and I can’t recommend her to anyone enough. So happy that I got a little slice of heaven this year reading The Names They Gave Us!


So there are my top ten books of 2017! If any authors who have been featured above want a winner badge for their site, I’ve included one below! I would be honored if anyone featured it, but of course, it’s not mandatory! I’m just excited you stopped by and read my post!



What were your favourite books of the year?


Let me know on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Or you can leave a comment below! 


happy reading!

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Book Review: “The Names They Gave Us” by Emery Lord

Title: The Names They Gave Us 

Author: Emery Lord

Published: June 1st, 2017

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Find the Author: Goodreads 


I received this book for review on my blog! As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.

From acclaimed author Emery Lord comes a vibrant, compelling story of love, loss, faith, and friendship.

Lucy Hansson was ready for a perfect summer with her boyfriend, working at her childhood Bible camp on the lake. But when her mom’s cancer reappears, Lucy falters—in faith, in love, and in her ability to cope. When her boyfriend “pauses” their relationship and her summer job switches to a different camp—one for troubled kids—Lucy isn’t sure how much more she can handle. Attempting to accept a new normal, Lucy slowly regains footing among her vibrant, diverse coworkers, Sundays with her mom, and a crush on a fellow counselor. But when long-hidden family secrets emerge, can Lucy set aside her problems and discover what grace really means?

Emotionally-charged and unforgettable, Emery Lord’s storytelling shines with the promise of new love and true friendship, even in the face of life’s biggest challenges.

First Thoughts

When this arrived, I can quite easily say I FLIPPED and hugged it. Everyone who reads PLM knows how much I adore YA, but more importantly, when Emery contributes to it with her amazing characters and flawless world-building. The premise for The Names They Gave Us sounds like it’s going to make me smile/cry/repeat and it went to the top of my TBR so fast.

Review

I have never started a review with my rating for it (not that I can ever remember going back to 2012 when I started my blog) but right here? We have the biggest FIVE star book I’ve read this year, hands down, swear on all my bookshelves. I was expecting greatness (it’s an Emery Lord book, obviously) but this is just some kind of magic. Let me tell you why: Lucy is just like us. What I’m trying to say is that she feels real, like she’s my best friend or someone I went to school with. I felt for her with personal empathy for the things she was going through with her Mother’s cancer, and for the unwinding spiral of her life as she tried to maintain some kind of control over it.

The Names They Gave Us isn’t all about cancer, despite Lucy’s story being intertwined with it, or about Religion despite Lucy being a firm believer in God. In fact, because of Lucy’s Mom being sick, she decides that for once, it’s okay to not follow the lines of her religious beliefs and to let herself be Lucy; opening herself up to things that she previously wouldn’t have done, namely because the Summer Camp job she has switches to a different kind and it makes her sceptical about what this Summer will bring, along with the fact that her boyfriend just paused their relationship (how dare he!). But then, she meets the characters that truly shape this book for the better: a diverse, amazing, beautiful array of people that as secondary characters, light up the pages with their own radiant spotlight. 

I just CAN’T explain how much this book affected me. It’s heartbreaking, raw, true and beautifully messy and I thoroughly loved Lucy’s strikingly honest POV and how much she trusted her faith. Overall, The Names They Gave Us is a YA Book unlike any other (I know, it’s a cliche to say that, but it’s so, so true) and Emery has truly outdone herself with her latest novel! I’m always amazed at how much her writing can make me laugh and cry at the same time at these characters that you just want to hug and be friends with. This can’t get a higher five stars from me.

Rating

Have you read The Names They Gave Us?


What did you think?


Let me know in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter! 


happy reading!

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Book Review: “When We Collided” by Emery Lord

Title: When We Collided

Author: Emery Lord

Published: April 7th, 2016

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Find the Author: Goodreads


I received this book for review! As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.

We are seventeen and shattered and still dancing. We have messy, throbbing hearts, and we are stronger than anyone could ever know…

Jonah never thought a girl like Vivi would come along.

Vivi didn’t know Jonah would light up her world.

Neither of them expected a summer like this…a summer that would rewrite their futures.

In an unflinching story about new love, old wounds, and forces beyond our control, two teens find that when you collide with the right person at just the right time, it will change you forever.

I am guilty of having all Emery Lord’s books (so far) and having not read any of them (I know, I know, BIG mistake) because as soon as When We Collided fell into my hands (thank you Bloomsbury!) I was in love with it. The whole blurb on the back that quoted Vivi talking about Jonah was too beautiful for words. 

Is it possible for love at first sight for books? If so, then When We Collided has utterly won my heart. From the first page, Vivi was this lively, beautiful person who had the most vibrant personality that made her my favourite POV (sorry, Jonah!). While I was reading, this sort of soundtrack came into my mind like the type you’d hear in a rom-com with a perfect score. The moment Vivi came into Jonah’s world and both of them (like the title) collide, it was such a unique spin on a YA Romance that also dealt with real life issues like mental disorders and illnesses with care and shone a light on the awareness for them for which Emery should be highly praised for because this isn’t done hardly enough. 

Vivi and Jonah have a special type of relationship that changes and evolves throughout the book, from when they meet to when certain aspects of their individual lives conflict or overlap. Set in an idyllic town called Verona Cove that’s described as a small, everyone-knows-everyone place with pretty sights and friendly people, it’s a perfect Californian setting. You could say that such a small town like this was too small for a girl like Vivi. She was an ambitious, huge character that seemed to light up the pages and like he did for her, she lit up Jonah’s life too and changed it completely. There’s not only big personalities, but a big family and big feelings and issues that tell themselves so well and were written with poise. I love how there wasn’t a dull moment, not even an odd chapter or line with any of the plot segments that interacted. The character developments were timed just right and I couldn’t fault how perfect the world Emery created was, showing that imperfect is loveable too and not every family and relationship is plain sailing. 

Overall, When We Collided is a stand-out YA book of 2016 that is bursting with love, beauty and charm. I can’t recommend you read it highly enough. I’ve been seeing it everywhere and it surely deserves all the attention it’s getting. Five stars for a realistic, charismatic book that totally won my heart. 


YA Contemporary fans.

 Have you read/heard of When We Collided?

What did you think?

Let me know in the comments, on twitter @LittleMemoirs or #WhenWeCollided to spread the word!

happy reading!

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