Pretty Little Memoirs - a YA Book Blog

Where The Storyline Continues. . .

Review Requests are currently closed due to current International conditions. Thank you for your kindness.

ya contemporary romance

Book Review: Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett




Serious Moonlight

Author: Jenn Bennett

Published by: Simon & Schuster on May 16th, 2019

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Young Adult // Contemporary Romance

Similar Books I’ve Read: Hello, Goodbye & Everything In Between


Disclosure: I received this book from the Publisher/Author in exchange for an impartial review. This is an unpaid/unsponsored post.



Raised in isolation and home-schooled by her strict grandparents, the only experience Birdie has had of the outside world is through her favourite crime books.
But everything changes when she takes a summer job working the night shift at a historic Seattle hotel. There she meets Daniel Aoki, the hotel’s charismatic driver, and together they stumble upon a real-life mystery: a famous reclusive writer—never before seen in public—is secretly meeting someone at the hotel.
To uncover the writer’s puzzling identity, Birdie must come out of her shell, and in doing so, realize that the most confounding mystery of all may just be her growing feelings for Daniel. 



First Thoughts  


As soon as Jenn Bennett launches a new book, I’m 100% there for it. I’ve been an avid collector and reader of her books only in the last couple years (I know, I’m so far behind) but when I got Serious Moonlight in the mail, I did a little happy dance. The UK Cover (I’ll input it below at the end of the post) is seriously stunning and so is the US one! I’m torn between which one I love the most. 




My Review


I read Serious Moonlight over forty-eight hours, breaking for sleep (well, a little) and had to dive straight back in (if you read this book, you’ll know why.) Birdie, our main character, loves mystery and crime books and is a self-confessed bookworm, so we have pretty much that huge aspect in common. She’s been raised in a sort of isolation because she was home-schooled by her grandparents, and that’s something else that I had in common with Birdie (I was homeschooled from the age of fourteen) so the connection between us was extremely strong and I felt my heart follow her story with eager eyes and fast page-turning.


Her world gets a little busier when she takes a summer job working the night shift at a hotel. That’s where we meet Daniel Aoki, who works at the hotel as a driver (he also happens to be charming and gorgeous, because, of course he is.) There’s that spark between them (Jenn writes these so perfectly and un-instalove) as they start to investigate a mystery together. They start to delve into finding a recluse writer who nobody has ever seen, spending more and more time together – growing closer and spending quality time, letting Birdie come out of her shell – searching for clues when they find out the writer will be meeting someone at the hotel they’re working at. 


Overall, Serious Moonlight has seriously stolen my heart. Not only were the characters so vividly human and complex, but with mental health aspects and diversity rep, character building and a romance that was woven into the plot with ease and healthily positive. Daniel and Birdie seemed so unlike each other at the start, but by the end, you can see just how akin they are to each other, mirrored in their moments at cafés and eating pie and investigating mysteries together. I cannot gush about this read more than this – YA Romance fans (and those who like a mystery thrown in there for good measure) will adore this five-star read with characters that feel like they’re sat right beside you while you’re reading their story. Huge love for Jenn Bennett’s newest read!




 

the UK cover!


Have you read Serious Moonlight?


What are your thoughts?


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




happy reading!

post signature

Book Review: What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera

Title: What If It’s Us
Author: Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera
Published: October 18th, 2018
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Rating: ★★★★★
Find the Authors: Goodreads | Goodreads


Disclosure: I was sent this ARC by the publisher, reviewing it as an impartial review. This does not sway my opinion of the book. As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.


Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.
Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.
But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?
Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.
Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.
But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?
What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?
What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?
But what if it is?

First Thoughts…

It’s not every day that a book as incredible as What If It’s Us gets posted through my letterbox. But you know what? I am SO. DARN. THANKFUL for Olivia at Simon and Schuster for sending this gorgeous book into my life, because it just so happens to have stolen my heart and run away with it. . .

My Review…

I’m going to do it. I’m going to tell you just how incredible this book was in the first opening line. THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING. What If It’s Us has exceeded my expectations and within just halfway through the book, I was already thinking it: this might just be the best book I’ve read all year. And it’s September. I’ve read a lot of books this year. Counting ones I haven’t reviewed yet, that’s almost 40 books. And this one just walks out, steals my heart and runs away with all it’s cuteness and gah. I can’t even put it into words. But I’m going to try. . .
The book is told in two POV’s: Arthur’s and Ben’s. Arthur is only in New York for the Summer and he’s already overwhelmed by everything. He’s helping out where his Mom works and doing things like coffee runs and mailing things at the post office. That’s where Ben comes into it. Arthur and Ben’s worlds collide when they run into each other at the Post Office and get talking. They have this instant connection, talking about the universe and their words just free-flow so easily with each other. But then they get separated by the crowd and all Arthur has is a snippet of a name from the box Ben was mailing – to his ex-boyfriend. 
Ben has just had his heart broken, but when he meets Arthur, it’s like the universe is giving him something again. But as soon as he thinks there might be something, they’re separated. They’re both beginning to think that the universe has it out for them until they’re reunited by some sleuthing on the internet on Arthur’s end. 
They have date after date, but they can’t really nail that perfect first date. So they replay that first-date-feeling over and over until they get it as perfect as perfect gets. But self-doubt and life keeps cutting their worlds further apart and when they both feel like they’re trying, the other feels let down. The sudden whirlwind summer comes crashing down and faced with the outcome, it’s make or break for their finale in their Broadway play of romance.
Just WOW. I can’t imagine anyone hating this book. Like ever. There’s cute-as-ever Arthur and funnier-than-funny Ben, and putting them together you get this couple that’s just breathtaking. Becky and Adam write their romance so honestly and gorgeously that it’s like I’m reading a Netflix rom-com. I was swept up in a love story so bright and beautiful that the real world fell to petals around me and everything became What If It’s Us. 
Overall, you need this book in your life. Everyone does. Not a romance lover? You will be after this book. This book is honestly a game-changer. What If It’s Us has been my favourite book of the year and is in my top ten favourite reads of all time, just like that. You have no idea just how validly perfectly-unperfect this novel truly is until you open the pages. Five huge stars!
You can buy WHAT IF IT’S US here:

Amazon | Waterstones | Book Depository 

Have you read What If It’s Us? Are you looking forward to it?


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


happy reading!

post signature

Blog Tour & Review: One Small Thing by Erin Watt

Title: One Small Thing

Author: Erin Watt
Published: June 28th, 2018
Publisher: HQ Young Adult
Rating: ★★★★
Find the Author: Goodreads 

Disclosure: I received this ARC in exchange for an impartial review. As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.



Beth’s life hasn’t been the same since her sister died. Her parents try to lock her down, believing they can keep her safe by monitoring her every move. When Beth sneaks out to a party one night and meets the new guy in town, Chase, she’s thrilled to make a secret friend. It seems a small thing, just for her.
Only Beth doesn’t know how big her secret really is…
Fresh out of juvie and determined to start his life over, Chase has demons to face and much to atone for, including his part in the night Beth’s sister died. Beth, who has more reason than anyone to despise him, is willing to give him a second chance. A forbidden romance is the last thing either of them planned for senior year, but the more time they spend together, the deeper their feelings get.
Now Beth has a choice to make—follow the rules, or risk tearing everything apart…again. 


 

First Thoughts…

Ah, YA Contemporary Romance. My constant and ever-loving genre. It’s no surprise as soon as I was offered to be on Erin’s tour and read the lovely One Small Thing, I was SOLD. I’ve heard of Erin’s books a lot in the blogger world and I think this is one of few she has in this contemporary setting. The blurb was enough to sell me in so many ways. I’m a sucker for stories that can make me feel something and I could already feel attached to this story before getting past the first page.

My Review…

Beth’s life has been so different, but losing your sister can do that to a person. Her Parents have kept her sheltered now, trying to be over protective and keep her safe. Letting her hair down is a thing of the past, until one night, she sneaks out to a party. When she meets Chase, a new guy in town, he lights up a part of her world that had become darkened by being kept away. He’s her secret friend, somehow despite the small insignificance of it all, it’s enough to keep her going. But what she doesn’t anticipate is that Chase’s secrets are about to out-do hers. 
Chase is fresh out of juvie. But even though he wants to start over and move on, he can’t, because he has actions that need facing up to – his part in Beth’s sister’s death. And when Beth finds out Chase’s secrets – and the ways that she shouldn’t want to be anywhere near him – it shocks them both when she decides to give him a second chance, out of the blue. It starts as a friendship, but what blooms from that is a forbidden and dangerous romance that neither of them planned, threatening their reputations, the rules Beth lives by and staying faithful to her Sister’s memory.
Overall, One Small Thing was one small thing that made my day a whole lot brighter. Not only was Beth’s despair and grief oh-so-believable, but the romance, despite myself not understanding some of her actions sometimes and picking Chase of all people, was easy and flowed so naturally for them both through the words on the pages. But it’s more than just about grief, but forgiveness and acceptance, and learning how to be happy again, despite things that pull you into the darkness, a perfect sum that Erin captures blissfully in her writing. There’s something so much bigger than just a fluffy YA book about One Small Thing – it holds more weight, in meaningfulness and the after-effects of loss and recovery. Four very large (not one small!) stars.

Erin Watt is the brainchild of two bestselling authors linked together through their love of great books and an addiction to writing. They share one creative imagination. Their greatest love (after their families and pets, of course)? Coming up with fun-and sometimes crazy-ideas. Their greatest fear? Breaking up.

Have you read any of Erin Watt’s books?


What makes you pick up a book – the cover or the blurb?


Thank you so much for stopping by my day on Erin’s tour!


happy reading!

post signature

🌹 UNDER ROSE TAINTED SKIES 🌹

Title: Under Rose Tainted Skies

Author: Louise Gornall

Published: July 7th, 2016

Publisher: Chicken House

Find the Author: Goodreads | Twitter



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


Agoraphobia confines Norah to the house she shares with her mother.

For her, the outside is sky glimpsed through glass, or a gauntlet to run between home and car. But a chance encounter on the doorstep changes everything: Luke, her new neighbour. Norah is determined to be the girl she thinks Luke deserves: a ‘normal’ girl, her skies unfiltered by the lens of mental illness. Instead, her love and bravery opens a window to unexpected truths …

An important and uplifting debut from a British author, which tackles mental health issues such as agoraphobia and OCD.

As soon as I heard about URTS a few months ago on Twitter, I felt a magnetic pull to find out what it was about and what was beneath the beautiful floral cover. When I saw it dealt with things such as agoraphobia, OCD and anxiety, I was compelled even more. These things are hardly touched upon in the YA community, so many heroines being potrayed so unlike real life. I was excited to get involved anyway that I could and I was over the moon that I got the chance to read URTS and be a part of the tour.

Norah is undeniably honest, this I know from only opening the book just a crack. She talks about her mental health; her agroaphobia, OCD and depression/anxiety so bravely, reminding me in parts of my own struggles with social anxiety and OCD that I still have to this day. Norah’s anxieties and problems affect her every day and the way that Louise captured the qualities of the feelings and thoughts was unerring. Norah is housebound from her illnesses, only ever getting air at her front door on occasions, life outside like a different world completely. It’s there that she meets Luke, who moves in next door. Her anxieties don’t stop or halt when she meets him and love doesn’t conquer all her problems, but he tries to help in different ways, like trying to alter her way of looking at things and her thoughts. She can’t help but feel like he deserves someone “normal”, though. Nevertheless, her poignant and charming narrative of trying to cope with letting someone in whilst going through an inner battle with herself is as vulnerable and honest as a reader can observe.
Not only does Norah feel real, but her story is one I’ll never forget. URTS feels real because Norah’s mental health problems are real world things that can hold us back, shape our lives and try to change who we are. It’s her sheer determination and enthralling, heart-felt voice that reminds me that it’s okay to be different and to not be “normal” and sometimes need help along the way.
Overall, Under Rose Tainted Skies is in a word; phenomenal. It’s powerful, moving, heartwarming and sincere. Norah and Luke’s connection was written beautifully, as was Norah’s courageous journey through the pages. I was overwhelmed at how effortlessly I fell into the story and wrapped around the characters, feeling as if they were my friends and that I knew them. URTS is a breathtaking debut that is going to sky-rocket and it deserves every amazing thing that happens. Louise has written what I can gladly say has been my favourite book of the year so far. Five stars completely.

 Everyone.




Louise is a graduate of Garstang Community Academy, and she is currently studying for a BA (Hons) in English language and literature with special emphasis on creative writing. A YA aficionado, film nerd, identical twin, and junk food enthusiast, she’s also an avid collector of book boyfriends. Her debut novel, Under Rose-Tainted Skies, will be published in July 2016..

The YA community and finding a place! 

by Louise Gornall


Stepping into the world of writing was jarring. Admittedly, I knew nothing when I arrived. A query letter? What’s that? Books have word counts? I just thought you were supposed to stop when you ran out of story. No?


Luckily, I signed up to Twitter and bumped into the lovely Heather Marie, who was also writing books for teens. I think it took just one quick chat with Heather to discover how complex writing YA was, and how dangerously I lacked in direction. 


Cut to four years later, and a vast community of YA writers, several of whom I consider among my best friends, have taught me how to be the best writer I can be. And not just technically with the querying and the word counts and the character building and all that other stuff. The YA community is an amazing source of support, because, real talk, this business is tough. You will be rejected more times than you can count. You will feel crappy and worthless and like you want to quit, at least once a month (if not once a week). And people outside of publishing won’t get it, as wonderful as family and friends can be, if they don’t know shhh about the industry, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll be needing support from someone who knows exactly how it feels. That’s just science.


Plus, you know, there are perks to being BFF’s with YA writers, apart from them being lovely human beings, who, for the most part, really understand the importance of pyjamas and junk food, and that’s exclusive reading privileges.

Have you read Under Rose Tainted Skies?


What did you think?


If you were affected by any of the issues in the book, MIND and the Mental Health Foundation are available.

happy reading!

post signature
↑ Top of Page