ARC Review: We'll Always Have Summer (Summer #3) by Jenny Han

It's been two years since Conrad told Belly to go with Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah have been inseparable ever since, even attending the same college-- only, their relationship hasn't exactly been the happily ever after Belly had hoped it would be. And when Jeremiah makes the worst mistake a boy can make, Belly is forced to question what she thought was true love. Does she really have a future with Jeremiah? Has she ever gotten over Conrad? It's time for Belly to decide, once and for all, who has her heart forever.


Description: Goodreads.com

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published April 26th 2011 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

REVIEW

Perfection. 

That one word could be my whole review. 

I know I've mentioned this before, but I don't like Contemporary novels. Even now, every time I read/hear about a contemporary novel, I cringe & stop hearing/reading because truth is: I'm scared of them. 

I'm scared of the hard truth: that there's a world out there WITHOUT magic & dream & cute vampires/werewolves/angels/demons (I think that covers all tastes & colors). 

I roll my eyes & at their synopsis, the clichéish storyline jumping at me not to read. But thing is ALL genres have books like that. There will ALWAYS be books we don't like. 

Nevertheless, I decided to start reading this series, why? I'm not sure. Maybe because everyone said great things about. I thought I would be disappointed. And two books l am not. 

Now for the real review: 

What I love about Jenny Han is the feeling of belonging. When you read this book I think it must be similar to what Belly feels in the Summer House, that everything will be okay. 

It's light, funny & just the kind of quick read to make you swoon with every page. 

It is tough like life, Jenny Han's characters don't have it easy (Oh boy do they not!), but they strive through the hard times. One of the reasons I dislike contemporary is because sometimes it doesn't feel real, it feels awkward to read about, to know about the characters story, but like I've said before, with Jenny Han's writing it all makes sense. 

Even when Conrad is been an jerk we can help, but love him. She makes us be in the character's mind & understand their actions. 
I absolutely LOVED that there were chapters with Conrad's pov, they were short, but they totally changed the perspective of the book. 

And even though as you read you can feel the story unraveling bit by bit, going farther apart from what you think SHOULD happen, it all comes together in the end. 

Overall, I effing love Jenny Han, her books are perfect. They reflect the HARD, COLD true, with real characters who have to struggle to get what they want. Read it! 

Read it if..... 

.... if you only have read the first two books. 

.... if you only have read the first one (but read the second one before.) 

..... if you never read any because you are afraid it will suck or because you don't like contemporary. 

ARC Review: Red Glove (Curse Workers #2) by Holly Black

Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else. 

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does. 

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself? 

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

Description: Goodreads.com
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published April 5th 2011 by Margaret K. McElderry

Thanks to: Simon & Schuester

REVIEW 

Having just finish reading this book, I am a mess. And to think I must wait a whole year for it's sequel, a WHOLE year. Oh Ms. Black, you are evil! 

I really LOVED White Cat, but I LOVED Red Glove even more(as unbelievable as it sounds). 

Oh btw, this has spoilers of the first book. 

The story pretty much starts where it left off, Cassel with his two screw up brothers & mom, & Lila worked into loving him. 

Unlike some sequels, Red Glove doesn't hesitate into reintroducing us into the crazy con world. From the start I found myself wanting to know more & reconnect with the story. 

We see Cassel struggling because of his mom's curse toward Lila, the recent death of his brother & new mysteries. 

The story goes smoothly & in no moment I had any trouble identifying with the characters. Although Cassel is a guy, we can easily relate to his struggles & sympathize with him. Sometimes his family relationship seem a bit far-fetched, but when you think about the ambient they grew up in, it's perfectly understandable. 

Overall, Red Glove keeps you on your toes the whole time. It is a magical tale of crime & romance. 

If I have an issue, is the long wait, a YEAR! 

I wish I had more words to relate how amazing this book truly is. But if you don't believe or have doubts, read the book & find out for yourself! 

 --  5 stars! 

ARC Review: Kat, Incorrigible (The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson #1) by Stephanie Burgis

Twelve-year-old Kat Stephenson may be the despair of her social-climbing Step-Mama, but she was born to be a magical Guardian and protector of Society--if she can ever find true acceptance in the secret Order that expelled her own mother. She’s ready to turn the hidebound Order of the Guardians inside-out, whether the older members like it or not. And in a society where magic is the greatest scandal of all, Kat is determined to use all her powers to help her three older siblings--saintly Elissa, practicing-witch Angeline, and hopelessly foolish Charles--find their own true loves, even if she has to turn highwayman, battle wild magic, and confront real ghosts along the way!

Description: Goodreads.com
Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: April 5th 2011 by Atheneum



Review

Firstly, Kat is a 12 year old. A TWELVE YEAR OLD girl & she's a freaking awesome!

When I read the synopsis I thought I had a clear idea of what the book was going to be about, but I didn't. No matter what you expect of this book, I bet it would not be what you encounter, it would be MILLION times better.

Kat is definitely the center of the story, her imaginative 12 year old mind, innocence & braveness is what keeps the story going. She's straightforward & is not afraid of anything and sees it upon herself to save her family.

Although sometimes unbelievable feats for someone of her age she keeps the story going with tears in your eyes because you are laughing so hard.

Kat, along with her two sisters are the heroines of the story, they are all willing to give their life for the other two. Full of magic, action & comedy the story is a thrilling read.

Overall, I loved every second of the story. The characters were entertaining, even the bad guy & the story was original and comical!

 --  5 stars!