Review: IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY by Claire Kann

IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY

by Claire Kann

Publication Date: June 4, 2019

Published by Swoon Reads

Pages: 288

Source: Publisher | Xpresso Book Tours

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Synopsis

High school finally behind her, Winnie is all set to attend college in the fall. But first she’s spending her summer days working at her granny’s diner and begins spending her midnights with Dallas—the boy she loves to hate and hates that she likes. Winnie lives in Misty Haven, a small town where secrets are impossible to keep—like when Winnie allegedly snaps on Dr. Skinner, which results in everyone feeling compelled to give her weight loss advice for her own good. Because they care that’s she’s “too fat.”

Winnie dreams of someday inheriting the diner—but it’ll go away if they can’t make money, and fast. Winnie has a solution—win a televised cooking competition and make bank. But Granny doesn’t want her to enter—so Winnie has to find a way around her formidable grandmother. Can she come out on top?

My Thoughts

I loved Claire Kann's LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE and when her new book IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY was announced, it immediately went on my TBR wishlist. My enthusiasm was high which is why I found it surprising that it took me a while to get into the swing of reading Winnie's story. There wasn't a definitive plot point that kept my interest.

I enjoyed IF MAKES YOU HAPPY well enough, but there were parts of the story that were underdeveloped. The storyline of the Misty Haven crowning and a baking show competition were disconnected. In the book's description, the baking show was the draw, but in the story it seemed like an afterthought.

Winnie's relationships with Kara and Dallas and her brother and her grandmother are what make this book interesting.

There are a lot of people in Winnie's life who she gives a big part of herself to. She has the kind of energy and presence that people want to be a part of. She knows who she is and doesn't mess when people want to tell her otherwise. I really like this about her. It doesn't mean that she has it all figured out, but she's definitely on her way and knows how to communicate that.

Memorable Line:

"Trying people’s patience was my unintentional theme song." 

I can't claim this book is a must read, but I do want to revisit IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY again because Winnie is a character that deserves more attention. She makes this book.

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC as part of the XPresso Book Tours.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: A PROM TO REMEMBER by Sandy Hall

A PROM TO REMEMBER

by Sandy Hall

Publication Date: April 24, 2018

Published by Swoon Reads

Pages: 320

Source: XPresso Book Tours

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Synopsis

Love it or hate it, you’ll never forget it. In this heart-warming novel, Swoon Reads star, Sandy Hall, explores a classic high school celebration, capturing every relatable and hilarious teen milestone along the way.

Cora: Dating Perfect Boyfriend Jamie. Has NO IDEA how to break up with him…

Paisley: Anti-prom. Somehow nominated her anxiety-ridden best friend for prom king…

Henry: Hates social situations. Invited to prom by the most popular girl in school. SEND HELP!

Otis: Half of one of the cutest couples in his class. Not quite ready for a post-prom hotel room…

Lizzie: Shy. Excited to go to prom. With a boy. Whose name she doesn’t know.

Cameron: Loner. Over high school. Just wants to meet the mysterious girl who’s been leaving him notes…

Jacinta: Unnamed Nerd Girl #3. Determined to become the star of her own life, starting with prom…

Chosen by readers like you for Macmillan’s young adult imprint Swoon Reads, A Prom to Remember, from Sandy Hall (author of A Little Something Different), is a funny and cinematic look at the biggest dance of every high schooler’s life.

My Thoughts

One of the main reasons I like to read young adult books as an adult is I like stories that take me back to that age and the time in my life A PROM TO REMEMBER does just that and it’s probably why I liked it so much. A PROM TO REMEMBER is fun and sweet and endearing.

I decided to read A PROM TO REMEMBER because I wanted to read a story about prom during “prom season”. This book is more about what happens leading up to the prom, but it was exactly what I wanted. And while I do like a story told from multiple perspectives, it took me a little while to get all of the characters straight in my head and remember their friends and how all of the side characters were connected. (Honestly I think this was more about the e-book format than anything else). And the characters are distinct enough with their own personalities that they become memorable.

As someone who went to the prom the last 3 years of high school (I was invited my freshman year, but my date stood me up, so yeah that happened) the characters’ experiences were relatable - the excitement and the anxiety and the idea that it is a rite of passage. Each experience was different for me as it was for Cora, Paisley, Henry, Otis, Lizzie, Cameron, and Jacinta, but I could identify with almost every one of them - especially Lizzie and Jacinta.

I loved the humor and the friendships and the interconnectedness of the characters. For some, prom is everything - the highlight of high school, but for others it’s just a good time to be with your friends. And I like the idea of everyone going to have a good time and making memories and celebrating the most.

A PROM TO REMEMBER is a good time. It was an amusing read and a fun way to reminisce.

Disclaimer: I received this e-ARC from the XPresso Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

AUTHOR BIO:

I’m a teen librarian from New Jersey where I was born and raised. I have a BA in Communication and a Master of Library and Information Science from Rutgers University. When I’m not writing, or teen librarian-ing, I enjoy reading, slot machines, marathoning TV shows, and long scrolls through Tumblr. A LITTLE SOMETHING DIFFERENT is my first novel.

Author links: 

http://www.sandyhallwrites.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8030489.Sandy_Hall

https://twitter.com/iamsandyhall

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Review: LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE by Claire Kann

LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE

by Claire Kann

Publication Date: January 23, 2018

Published by Swoon Reads

Pages: 304

Source: XPresso Book Tours | Netgalley

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Synopsis

Alice had her whole summer planned. Non-stop all-you-can-eat buffets while marathoning her favorite TV shows (best friends totally included) with the smallest dash of adulting–working at the library to pay her share of the rent. The only thing missing from her perfect plan? Her girlfriend (who ended things when Alice confessed she’s asexual). Alice is done with dating–no thank you, do not pass go, stick a fork in her, done.

But then Alice meets Takumi and she can’t stop thinking about him or the rom com-grade romance feels she did not ask for (uncertainty, butterflies, and swoons, oh my!).

When her blissful summer takes an unexpected turn, and Takumi becomes her knight with a shiny library employee badge (close enough), Alice has to decide if she’s willing to risk their friendship for a love that might not be reciprocated—or understood.

My Thoughts

Let's talk about how much I loved LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE - from the characters and their story and the emphasis on the dynamics of relationships that are changing and evolving to the cute quips and fun of new friendships. This book has everything that I love about young adult contemporary!

I first found out about Let's Talk About Love when Swoon Reads asked readers to vote for the cover. The final cover is the one I voted for. YAY! I loved the boldness and the energy from it. It is perfection! This is ALICE!

I want to be friends with Takumi! He is thoughtful and observant and just the kind of person you want to be around. He makes things brighter. That is how he comes across - Alice struggles with his "perfection" a bit because it makes her take a look at herself and her perceived inadequacies, but Takumi sees her the same way she sees him.

LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE is the first book that I've read with an acknowledged asexual character. While this is just one example of one experience (through a character's perspective), I have some new knowledge and plan to read more about it and educate myself.

Alice shares her experience of being sexualized, objectified, stereotyped, and fetishized - I was sickened by the party scene because I knew that feeling. It's sad to say that I'm sure that many readers will be able to identify or understand her fear, her frustration, her annoyance and her anger.

Favorite Quotes:

"If I could stand close enough to you, maybe I could absorb some of your shine." - Takumi explaining why he needs Alice in his life. 

"I spend a lot of time trying to figure stuff out. Like, my feelings and sorting through my thoughts. I don't think I overthink, but I like to know why things are the way they are for me and why they're different from someone else." - Just one example of her self-awareness. I love that Alice and Takumi are contemplative characters.

"I guess it's a good thing I have health care because I cannot fight. If I had to, I'd talk a punch for you. Just not in the face." - The lengths that Takumi would go for Alice. This made me laugh out loud.

I love the voice the author has given to Alice and reading about her becoming an adult. I could read more about Alice and her experiences of college and her life beyond this moment. 

There are many wonderful things about this book that I could go on and on, but I hope readers will decide to pick up this book and discover them for themselves. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Claire Kann and I'm looking forward to reading LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE again!!

Disclaimer: I received this e-ARC as part of a book review tour in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

AUTHOR BIO:

Claire Kann hails from the glorious Bay Area where the weather is regrettably not nearly as temperate as it used to be. She has a BA in English/Creative Writing from Sonoma State University, works for a nonprofit that you may have heard of where she daydreams like she’s paid to do it. LET’S TALK ABOUT LOVE is her debut novel.

Author links:

https://www.clairekann.com/

https://www.facebook.com/kannclaire/

https://twitter.com/KannClaire

Check out what other readers on the tour are saying about LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE

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Review and Giveaway: KISSING MAX HOLDEN by Katy Upperman

KISSING MAX HOLDEN

by Katy Upperman

Publication Date: August 1, 2017

Published by Swoon Reads

Pages: 304

Source: XPresso Book Tours | Netgalley

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Synopsis

Kissing Max Holden was a terrible idea…

After his father has a life-altering stroke, Max Holden isn’t himself. As his long-time friend, Jillian Eldridge only wants to help him, but she doesn’t know how. When Max climbs through her window one night, Jill knows that she shouldn’t let him kiss her. But she can’t resist, and when they’re caught in the act by her dad, Jill swears it’ll never happen again. Because kissing Max Holden is a terrible idea.

With a new baby sibling on the way, her parents fighting all the time, and her dream of culinary school up in the air, Jill starts spending more and more time with Max. And even though her father disapproves and Max still has a girlfriend, not kissing Max is easier said than done. Will Jill follow her heart and allow their friendship to blossom into something more, or will she listen to her head and stop kissing Max Holden once and for all?

My Thoughts

I wanted to read KISSING MAX HOLDEN because I knew there would be a lot of kissing. I mean, kissing is in the title. I'm not at all ashamed to admit that. Plus, I love the friends-to-more trope. It is one of my favorites, and I liked the idea that there was something forbidden about the relationship. 

KISSING MAX HOLDEN is more that just kissing. Much more. It's about friendships, loyalty, family, betrayals, and baking. A lot of baking. I liked the passion that Jillian has for baking and how it as big part of how she relates to situations as well as the role it has in her future. 

I loved reading about Max and Jillian's history as childhood friends and how their families were connected and seeing just how much they relied on each other. Their lives are so intertwined that situations and circumstances continue to bring them together. 

It's important to understand that Jillian isn't the perfect character. She is kissing a guy who has a girlfriend. (Not a spoiler - it's in the synopsis) This may turn off some readers, but it wasn't an issue for me. Instead it raised the questions: How does she deal with that choice? What are her inner struggles? How do her choices affect her friendship with Max?   


What I liked:

• The friends-to-more trope
• Coffee-shop wisdom
• Teenagers making bad choices, messing up, growing up
• The relationship between Jillian and her step-mother 
• All of the sweet-tender moments, the "glances with meaning" between Max and Jillian (it's not just about the kissing)
• And, of course, all of the kissing

Favorite Quotes:

The corners of his mouth lift in a smug smile. And then he levels me with the most awkward question ever: “You’re thinking about last night, aren’t you?”

I don’t want to be jealous of something I don’t understand. 

***spoiler-ish***  
"It pisses me off that I’ve wasted time I could’ve spent with you, so God, don’t make me worry that the future’s not a sure thing. If you’re not serious, tell me now, before I get in any deeper.”

I loved reading KISSING MAX HOLDEN for the story, the character growth, the friendships, and yes, for all of the swoon-worthy yummy kisses. 

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. I've also purchased a final copy for my personal library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

AUTHOR BIO:

Katy Upperman is a graduate of Washington State University, a former elementary school teacher, and an insatiable reader. When not writing for young adults, Katy can be found whipping up batches of chocolate chip cookies, or exploring the country with her husband and daughter. Kissing Max Holden is her debut novel.

Author links:

https://katyupperman.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14776974.Katy_Upperman

https://www.facebook.com/katyuppermanwriter/

https://twitter.com/katyupperman

July 31st

–underneath the covers >> Excerpt

–Book briefs >> Review

–YA and Wine >> Review

–Tales of the Ravenous Reader >> Guest post

August 1st

–Swoonworthybooks >> Review

–My Fangirl Chronicles >> Review

–Movies, Shows, & Books >> Guest post

–Whoo Gives A Hoot >> Review

August 2nd

–The Avid Reader >> Interview

–Novels & Necklaces >> Review

–The Heart of a Book Blogger >> Review

–Actin’ Up with Books >> Review

–Padme’s Library >> Interview

August 3rd

–Just Us Book Blog >> Excerpt

–Dani Reviews Things >> Review

–Freeing Fantasy >> Review

–Wonder Struck >> Review

–Lisa Loves Literature >> Interview

–Smada’s Book Smack >> Review

August 4th

–Girl Plus Books >> Review

–The Readers Den >> Review

–Ali’s Bookshelf >> Excerpt

–CBY Book Club >> Review

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Review: KISS CAM by Kiara London

KISS CAM

by Kiara London

Publication Date: October 18, 2016

Published by Swoon Reads

Pages: 272

Source: Irish Banana Tours | Netgalley

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Synopsis

In Kiss Cam, teen author Kiara London asks, what's a little harmless kissing between friends?

Juniper, Jasper, and Lenny have been friends forever and co-own a vlog channel called WereVloggingHere. Their fans are huge "shippers" who believe that Juniper and Jasper are perfect for each other, and, despite warnings from friends and family, a simple Truth-or-Dare inspired kiss soon spirals out of control into a whole new world of making out and surprise kisses.

Juniper and Jasper's relationship begins to shift. But as fan requests for different "Kiss Cam" segments keep pouring in, Juniper puts her worries aside and convinces herself that it doesn't mean anything. After all, it's just kissing… right?

My Thoughts

"What's a little harmless kissing between friends?" - that was the hook that made me want to read KISS CAM. They are just asking for trouble!

What I liked:

• The characters and their chemistry. Juniper, Jasper, and Lenny. It was easy to believe why "viewers" would want to see the various 'ships'.
• It was so funny. It's full of pranks and jokes and just sweet and innocent moments.
• The conversations between Juniper and her father. One of my favorite moments was when Juniper knew that talking to her friends about her relationship with Jasper wasn't going to help her situation. "I just want to talk to someone who isn't a teenager," - she needed to talk to her dad. 
• LENNY! He has his own thing going on and while I was rooting for Juniper and Jasper, Lenny never seemed like he was the third wheel.
• The fun chapter titles. They grabbed my attention and I couldn't wait to see how they were worked into each chapter. 

I wish that there was a real vlog called WereVloggingHere that I could watch. I'm sure I would tune in to it at least once a week to see what they would be up to.

KISS CAM is one of those books that I will pick up again when I want a lighter read - one that will make me laugh, swoon a little bit, and keep a smile on my face. I've enjoyed many books from the Swoon Reads imprint and KISS CAM is a sweet addition to their collection.

"After all, it just kissing . . . right?" Laughable! There's no such thing. 

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC for the blog tour hosted by Irish Banana Tours in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.