Review: LOVE FROM A TO Z by S.K. Ali

LOVE FROM A to Z

by S.K. Ali

Publication Date: April 30, 2019

Published by Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher | Netgalley

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Synopsis

From William C. Morris Award Finalist S.K. Ali comes an unforgettable romance that is part The Sun Is Also a Star mixed with Anna and the French Kiss, following two Muslim teens who meet during a spring break trip.

A marvel: something you find amazing. Even ordinary-amazing. Like potatoes—because they make French fries happen. Like the perfect fries Adam and his mom used to make together. 

An oddity: whatever gives you pause. Like the fact that there are hateful people in the world. Like Zayneb’s teacher, who won’t stop reminding the class how “bad” Muslims are. 

But Zayneb, the only Muslim in class, isn’t bad. She’s angry.

When she gets suspended for confronting her teacher, and he begins investigating her activist friends, Zayneb heads to her aunt’s house in Doha, Qatar, for an early start to spring break.

Fueled by the guilt of getting her friends in trouble, she resolves to try out a newer, “nicer” version of herself in a place where no one knows her. 

Then her path crosses with Adam’s. 

Since he got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in November, Adam’s stopped going to classes, intent, instead, on perfecting the making of things. Intent on keeping the memory of his mom alive for his little sister. 

Adam’s also intent on keeping his diagnosis a secret from his grieving father. 

Alone, Adam and Zayneb are playing roles for others, keeping their real thoughts locked away in their journals. 

Until a marvel and an oddity occurs…

Marvel: Adam and Zayneb meeting. 

Oddity: Adam and Zayneb meeting.

My Thoughts

For me, reading S.K. Ali's Author Note and her acknowledgements left just as much of an impact as reading the Adam and Zayneb's story. In her author's note for LOVE FROM A TO Z, S.K. Ali wrote:

"Onward, readers, into a better world born from empathy, lit by the sparks of truth, courage, and love. "

My experience reading LOVE FROM A TO Z exemplifies why reading is a huge part of my life. I turn to books to make sense of the world, to see myself and to see others. I turn to books to seek refuge, to find strength, and to fall in love. I hope readers experience all of these things when they read LOVE FROM A TO Z.

What I loved:

• Adam and Zayneb's differing approaches to writing in their Marvels and Oddities journals and what they consider a marvel and an oddity. We get to understand their personalities through their writing
• The breaking of the fourth way - when the narrator speaks to the reader clarifying Adam and Zayneb's interpretations of situations
• Zayneb and her aunt - I love how her aunt supports her and helps her effectively channel her anger and frustrations
• The dynamics of the friendships between Zayneb and her friends back home and the new friends she makes in Doha
• A flashback to a tender moment between Adam and his mother making french fries and her giving him permission to cry. This is possibly one of my favorite scenes in the book.

Favorite Quotes:

Maybe that’s what living is— recognizing the marvels and oddities around you.

What I loved most is that LOVE TO A TO Z is a love story through and through. Even with all of the hurt and pain and frustration and anger Adam and Zayneb experience (each in their own way), they find a way to be open and vulnerable and try to give what they are feeling for each other a chance.

Absolutely wonderful.

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

Author Bio

S. K. Ali is a teacher based in Toronto whose writing on Muslim culture and life has appeared in the Toronto Star. Her family of Muslim scholars is consistently listed in the The 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World, and her insight into Muslim culture is both personal and far-reaching. A mother of a teenage daughter herself, S. K. Ali's debut YA is a beautiful and nuanced story about a young woman exploring her identity through friendship, family, and faith.

Blog Tour Schedule

Mon, April 29 – Utopia State of Mind

Tues, April 30 – Andi’s ABCs

Weds, May 1 – Runaway with Dreamthieves

Thurs, May 2 – Take Me Away

Fri, May 3 – Vicky Who Reads

Sat, May 4 – Book Scents

Mon, May 6 – Mary Had A Little Book Blog

Tues, May 7 – As Told by Zaheerah

Weds, May 8 – The Infinite Limits of Love

Thurs, May 9 – Pop! Goes the Reader

Fri, May 10 – Rich in Color

Mon, May 13 – Actin’ Up With Books

Tues, May 14 – Kaitlyn Gosiaco’s Blog

Weds, May 15 – It Starts at Midnight

Thurs, May 16 – Sleepy Sam Reads

Fri, May 17 – Wishful Endings

Review: ASK ME ANYTHING by Molly E. Lee

ASK ME ANYTHING

by Molly E. Lee

Publication Date: May 7, 2019

Published by Entangled Teen

Pages: 320

Source: Publisher | Netgalley

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Synopsis

I should’ve kept my mouth shut.

But Wilmont Academy’s been living in the Dark Ages when it comes to sex ed, and someone had to take matters into her own hands. Well, I’m a kick-ass coder, so I created a totally anonymous, totally untraceable blog where teens can come to get real, honest, nothing-is-off-limits sex advice.

And holy hell, the site went viral—and we’re talking way beyond Wilmont—overnight. Who knew this town was so hard up?

Except now the school administration is trying to shut me down, and they’ve forced Dean—my coding crush, aka the hottest guy in school—to try to uncover who I am. If he discovers my secret, I’ll lose him forever. And thousands of teens who need real advice won’t have anyone to turn to.

Ask me anything…except how to make things right.

My Thoughts

ASK ME ANYTHING by Molly E. Lee is a perfect example of why I continue to love reading young adult books as an adult. It's smart. It's thoughtful. And it deals with real issues that teens experience every day. In the book description Amber says "I should've kept my mouth shut." I'm so glad that she didn't. 

What I loved:

• Families who communicate and support each other - Amber and her parents; Dean and his siblings
• The thoughtful blog posts and the intention behind them  
• The friendship and relationship between Amber and Dean 
• How empowered Amber feels as she continues to answer questions on her blog  and how she begins to take her own advice to heal herself
• All of the code speak and the challenges and how Amber and Dean admired each other and pushed each other to be the best

One of my favorite moments is when Amber's mother describes how her relationship changed from friendship to more. I won't go into details because this is something that readers need to experience for themselves, but it is hilarious to me and made me laugh out loud.

Favorite Quotes:

"Don't ever Google anything with  . . . " She huffed. "Just don't Google. It's dangerous."

AND

"He's perceptive and kind and funny. And when he holds my hand or when I hug him, it's like being underneath my favorite blanket and skydiving at the same time." 

ASK ME ANYTHING is so good. It's smart and it's funny. It tackles serious topics while still being a love story that you can swoon over. 

#DC #StaySexy #StayHealthy

I loved it!

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC from the publisher. I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

ASK ME ANYTHING by Molly E. Lee - Author Guest Post and Giveaway

ASK ME ANYTHING, Molly E. Lee's new young adult book is available today. I'm currently reading ASK ME ANYTHING and I'm loving the story and her characters Amber and Dean. I can't wait to share my thoughts with everyone. Check back on Thursday for my review.

Today on the blog, Molly E. Lee shares books she would recommend to Amber for guidance, strength, or because the protagonist is badass.

Welcome Molly!

This is SUCH a tough question! There are so many amazing books in the world it is hard to narrow down recommendations but…for Amber Henderson—my main character in ASK ME ANYTHING—I would hand her this stack:

1) A Court of Mist and Fury by Sara J. Maas.

2) The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

3) Operation Prom Date by Cindi Madsen

A Court of Mist and Fury is one of my all-time favorite books. It features one of the best depictions of depression and emotional abuse I’ve ever seen. It’s brilliant work by the author because it is done with such delicate brushstrokes that it is hard to recognize unless you’ve been through or seen a similar situation like it before. The main female character is strong and courageous and finds her self-worth among some of her darkest trials. Amber, in Ask Me Anything, is dealing with some incredibly heavy topics from peers writing into her blog anonymously asking for help. And she doesn’t shy from the challenge because all she wants to do is help, but it can get overwhelming. This book would help show her that even when you’re at your lowest, your value is priceless.

The Body Finder is also one of my favorites. It features a strong female lead who has to adapt to extreme situations that no teen should ever have to deal with. With the help of her best friend, she finds a way to manage her desire to be a normal girl and the intense responsibilities placed upon her. Amber, in Ask Me Anything, befriends a young man who shares her passion for hacking and helps her find strength to heal some darkness from her past. I think she would fall in love with Violet’s strength in The Body Finder and benefit from watching her take each new challenge head on.

Operation Prom Date is probably one of the coolest contemporary young adult books around. The authenticity of it is impeccable and I simply love reading it. The language, the setting, the stakes…it’s all right on scale with high school life in the modern world. I think Amber and Kate would be fast friends and that Kate would be an invaluable resource for all things pop-culture on the blog.

And, after Amber graduates, I would hand her another stack filled with some of my favorite adult romance authors like: Molly McAdams, AL Jackson, Staci Hart, Cindi Madsen, and Rebecca Yarros. These authors tend to feature strong female leads as well that I think would help Amber tackle the problems that will arise in college.

As a whole, I think there is a magical thing that happens when we crack open a book during a vulnerable moment in our lives. The art of healing through fiction is a beautiful and touching concept, one that has always helped me personally whenever I hit a hard milestone in my life. And I truly believe, regardless of what you choose to read—whether it is young adult, adult, contemporary or fantasy or erotica or non-fiction—as long as it brings happiness to your heart, then in the end, that is all that matters.

I’m so grateful you had me over today to chat! I hope you’ll enjoy ASK ME ANYTHING when it releases on May 7th! Be sure to check out the EPIC giveaway I’m hosting in celebration of its release! Spoiler alert—there is a laptop up grabs!!! https://www.mollyelee.com/ask-me-anything-pre-order-giveaway.html

About ASK ME ANYTHING

I should’ve kept my mouth shut.

But Wilmont Academy’s been living in the Dark Ages when it comes to sex ed, and someone had to take matters into her own hands. Well, I’m a kick-ass coder, so I created a totally anonymous, totally untraceable blog where teens can come to get real, honest, nothing-is-off-limits sex advice.

And holy hell, the site went viral—and we’re talking way beyond Wilmont—overnight. Who knew this town was so hard up?

Except now the school administration is trying to shut me down, and they’ve forced Dean—my coding crush, aka the hottest guy in school—to try to uncover who I am. If he discovers my secret, I’ll lose him forever. And thousands of teens who need real advice won’t have anyone to turn to.

Ask me anything…except how to make things right.

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Review: FIGHTING FOR OUR FOREVER by Heidi McLaughlin

FIGHTING FOR OUR FOREVER
The Beaumont Series - Next Generation #4

by Heidi McLaughlin

Publication Date: April 30, 2019

Pages: 286

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Synopsis

The members of Sinful Distraction are living their best life as they travel around the country on the heels of 4225 West’s sold-out tour. Unfortunately for drummer, Ajay Ballard, that means a stop at the county jail after he’s arrested for an outstanding warrant – one he didn’t even know about. With an overzealous judge, Ajay’s forced to hang out in his hometown longer than anticipated.

While the town folk aren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for him, Quinn, Elle and the rest of Sinful Distraction are warmly welcomed into the fold.

Some never get over their first love while some just can’t erase the memories. Jameson Foster falls somewhere in the middle. She’s done her best to let the past stay in the past...until she’s forced to save the one man who ruined her.

My Thoughts

FIGHTING FOR OUR FOREVER brought back so many of the FOREVER MY GIRL feelings with the story of Ajay and Jameson (aka Whiskey) and it reminded me just why I love this series so much. It's the second chance love story that makes you believe true love is worth fighting for.

Ajay and Whiskey were childhood friends who experienced a young love that was so much more that both of them could handle. Wanting a better life for his love, Ajay sets out to make a name for himself with his music. Unfortunately, circumstances and time, and yes, some stubborness kept them apart. 

What I loved:

• ALL of the scenes with Ajay and Whiskey's father (you do not want to cross this man)
• Whiskey - the character, not the drink
• Getting to read Whiskey and Ajay as teenagers. One of the flashback scenes is one of my favorite moments in the book and I want to share it here, but can't because of spoilers. It's definitely a laugh out loud moment.
• Seeing Ajay being accepted into the 4225 West fold and the connection that he has Quinn.
• How reading FIGHTING FOR OUR FOREVER makes me want to read my most favorite books of this series

Favorite Lines
"Sometimes true love needs a little push in the right direction." 

When a book makes your heart feel warm from the love the characters have for each other, you know that it is a true gem. That's what reading FIGHTING FOR OUR FOREVER feels like. I love these characters and this story. Ajay and Whiskey have joined the ranks of the Beaumont Couples and that's saying a lot.

Disclaimer: I received this ARC as part of the Instagram Tour hosted by the author and Buoni Amici Press. I was not compensated in any way other than the ARC provided. I have also purchased a published copy of this book for my personal library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Coming Soon from Helena Hunting - MAKING UP

MAKING UP by Helena Hunting

Available July 16, 2019

A new standalone, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting.

Cosy Felton is great at her job—she knows just how to handle the awkwardness that comes with working at an adult toy store. So when the hottest guy she’s ever seen walks into the shop looking completely overwhelmed, she’s more than happy to turn on the charm and help him purchase all of the items on his list.

Griffin Mills is using his business trip in Las Vegas as a chance to escape the broken pieces of his life in New York City. The last thing he wants is to be put in charge of buying gag gifts for his friend’s bachelor party. Despite being totally out of his element, and mortified by the whole experience, Griffin is pleasantly surprised when he finds himself attracted to the sales girl that helped him.

As skeptical as Cosy may be of Griffin’s motivations, there’s something about him that intrigues her. But sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas and when real life gets in the way, all bets are off. Filled with hilariously awkward situations and enough sexual chemistry to power Sin City, Making Up is the next standalone in the Shacking Up world.

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF MAKING UP

https://read.macmillan.com/lp/making-up/

About the Author

Helena Hunting

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

Social Media Links:

Author Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

My Thoughts about AFTER by Anna Todd

AFTER

by Anna Todd

Publication Date: October 21, 2014

Published by Gallery Books

Pages: 582

Source: Purchased

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Synopsis

Tessa is a good girl with a sweet, reliable boyfriend back home. She’s got direction, ambition, and a mother who’s intent on keeping her that way. 

But she’s barely moved into her freshman dorm when she runs into Hardin. With his tousled brown hair, cocky British accent, tattoos, and lip ring, Hardin is cute and different from what she’s used to. 

But he’s also rude—to the point of cruelty, even. For all his attitude, Tessa should hate Hardin. And she does—until she finds herself alone with him in his room. Something about his dark mood grabs her, and when they kiss it ignites within her a passion she’s never known before. 

He’ll call her beautiful, then insist he isn't the one for her and disappear again and again. Despite the reckless way he treats her, Tessa is compelled to dig deeper and find the real Hardin beneath all his lies. He pushes her away again and again, yet every time she pushes back, he only pulls her in deeper. 

Tessa already has the perfect boyfriend. So why is she trying so hard to overcome her own hurt pride and Hardin’s prejudice about nice girls like her? 

Unless…could this be love?

Now newly revised and expanded, Anna Todd’s After fanfiction racked up 1 billion reads online and captivated readers across the globe. Experience the Internet’s most talked-about book for yourself!

There was the time before Tessa met Hardin, and then there’s everything AFTER ... Life will never be the same.

My Thoughts

Choosing to read AFTER was one of those FOMO situations - as they do happen. But that's not the only reason I decided to read it. I knew that I would watch the movie and when I found out that it was written as Harry Styles fan fiction, I thought, well now I have to read it. Silly, I know.

From the beginning, I felt a Cruel Intentions vibe will reading it. I couldn't help but think - how was this story going to play out? How are these people who aren't really nice to each other going to become a couple? I was caught off guard with the ending and I really didn't see what was coming. But then I ask myself with the Cruel Intentions comparison, how could I miss it?!

This book drove me crazy, and yet I kept reading it. The relationship between Tessa and Hardin was TOXIC. Where did the love that Tessa declared she had for Hardin come from? Until they were "together" neither of them treated the other as though they even liked the other person. She had something for him, but it wasn't love. It makes me wonder what her relationship with Noah was like. And it makes me question Tessa's idea of love and does she even know what it is.

I am curious about how the story continues, but it'll be a while before I pick up the next book to find out. Reading this series is a commitment and these books are huge. I am interested in reading more books by Anna Todd and find out what she's given readers beyond the Hardin and Tessa saga. And I'm still looking forward to watching the movie - and it comes out this week!

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this title for my personal library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: MEET CUTE by Helena Hunting

MEET CUTE

by Helena Hunting

Publication Date: April 9, 2019

Published by Forever

Pages: 384

Source: Publisher | Netgalley

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Synopsis

Talk about an embarrassing introduction. On her first day of law school, Kailyn ran - quite literally - into the actor she crushed on as a teenager, ending with him sprawled on top of her. Mortified to discover the Daxton Hughes was also a student in her class, her embarrassment over their meet-cute quickly turned into a friendship she never expected. Of course, she never saw his betrayal coming either...

Now, eight years later, Dax is in her office asking for legal advice. Despite her anger, Kailyn can't help feeling sorry for the devastated man who just became sole guardian to his thirteen-year-old sister. But when her boss gets wind of Kailyn's new celebrity client, there's even more at stake than Dax's custody issues: if she gets Dax to work at their firm, she'll be promoted to partner.

The more time Kailyn spends with Dax and his sister, the more she starts to feel like a family, and the more she realizes the chemistry they had all those years ago is as fresh as ever. But will they be able to forgive the mistakes of the past, or will one betrayal lead to another? 

My Thoughts

MEET CUTE had me hooked pretty much from the prologue with the Kailyn and Dax's meet cute. I was hooked by the humor of that moment and was ready for a fun and sexy romantic comedy. Yet, MEET CUTE wasn't the book that I expected based on the cover and the title. I suppose that's what happens when you don't read the synopsis. MEET CUTE surprised me in the best possible way. 

After Dax and his sister Emme experience a terrible tragedy, Kailyn is brought back into their lives in a significant way. She begins to see Dax as more than her competitor from college and her teen crush. And this is when I was really hooked and began to fall for Dax just as Kailyn did. They have incredible chemistry and genuine admiration for each other and that's when I realized MEET CUTE might not be the book that I expected, it is the book that I wanted.

MEET CUTE is in no way bogged down with sadness. I loved Kailyn's fangirl moments - when she tried to play it cool and Dax discovers just how obsessed she was with his show. And the signs of her fandom popped-up everywhere - her Daxton crying meme water mug "I like cups with handles", her It's My Life t-shirts, and wanting to "check out the memorabilia in the basement". At least part of that was true.

There is humor in the shopping trips - Dax's solo trip and then when they all go clothes shopping together. Dax just doesn't have a clue what a day of shopping with a teenager is like, but he found out.

What I loved the most was the connection between Kailyn and Emme, and the friendship that develops between them. Emme really opened up to Kailyn when she needed someone the most. It was endearing and touched my heart. 

Favorite Lines:

"I always imagined that if I met one of my favorite celebrities, I’d act cool, be all casual about it, treat them like a regular person. Obviously I was very wrong about that."

"I'm a much better fangirl." - Kailyn
"Hands down the best." - Daxton


MEET CUTE is a wonderful read. There were many moments that touched my heart, and even more that made me smile and laugh out loud. I am admittedly a fangirl like Kailyn and I'm not ashamed about it. I like to embrace the things that bring me joy and tell everyone about it and now I can add this book to that list!

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. Thoughts and opinions are my own.