Tag Archives: Contemporary

Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Truth or Beard (Winston Brothers) (Volume 1): Reid, Penny: 9781942874126: Amazon.com: Books

Title: Truth or Beard
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brothers #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 23rd August – 19th October 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penny Reid
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: My mouth fell open – not a whole lot, just enough to be gaping – and my eyes narrowed as a small sound of disbelief tumbled from my lips.

Synopsis

Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!

Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why perpetually level-headed Jessica James has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…

But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks.

When Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, how much of her level-head heart is she willing to risk?

Thoughts

I did take a bit of a pause halfway through reading this novel. Mostly because Duane was in some fairly serious trouble. And I didn’t like it. Sure, I knew that it would end up begin resolved… but I still really, really, really didn’t like him being in trouble. So yeah… apparently I got WAY too attached and then couldn’t face reading the story for a little while… I don’t need a life at all. 😊

Like the other Penny Reid books that I’ve read thus far. This is a great, funny and kind of cute / sweet romance. Duane and Jess work together really well, and I love that you get to find out more and more about the Winston Brothers and their many shenanigans. Add to that the fact that Duane is a red-head with a twin and a beard… well, like I said… I did get a little bit too attached to this one.

Jess had this great sense of spunk and attitude throughout. Even when things unravelled for her a little and she questions her relationship with Duane… she still manages to do it in a fire cracker way and with a fair amount of spunk and sass. These are the things that I tend to love in a lead woman. Particularly when she’s crying and smacking him at the same time to show her frustration. Because, honestly, who hasn’t been there?

To be honest though, you know that Jess is going to be a completely loveable and adorable lead when the first scene of the story opens with her dressed in a Sexy Gandalf costume… I mean, that’s kind of the dream Halloween costume in my books. Now I just have to figure out how to make one and find a party to wear it to…

Although the biker history is mentioned a little in Beauty and the Mustache, this really starts to bring in that idea. And the many, many issues that I’m sure this is going to cause the Winston Brothers as they fall in love and lust throughout this series. There is just enough history here for me to understand what is going on… but also all these tantalising hints that just make me want to find out more!

<- Beauty and the MustacheGrin and Beard It ->

Image source: Amazon

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han – review | Children's books | The Guardian

Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty
Author: Jenny Han
Series: Summer #1
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Young adult
Dates read: 19th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: But there they were, dunking one another for all it was worth.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Every year Isbael spends a perfect summer at her family friends’ house.

There’s the swimming pool at night, the private stretch of beach – and the two boys.

Conrad – unavailable, aloof –
who she’s been in love with forever.
Jeremiah – friendly, relaxed –
the only one who’s ever really paid her any attention.

But this year something is different. They seem to have noticed her for the first time. It’s going to be an amazing summer… and one she’ll never forget.

Thoughts

This is a fairly typical teenager story. It’s a little angsty, it’s about coming of age and discovering oneself. And it’s fairly self-centred all in all. Which to me, is what a lot of teenagers / teenage stories are like. I mean, the name of the book in itself gives that fact away. It’s also an incredibly sweet story and a reminder of my own summers when I was growing up and figuring out just who I was. Making it a seriously enjoyable and easy read (which is exactly what I wanted at the time).

Don’t get me wrong, “Belly” tends to annoy me a little bit in patches throughout this story. She is kind of whiney. And although I sort of get it, I mean, she’s constantly left out by the other three… I also sometimes wanted to reach through the pages of the book, and just clip her over the head. Tell her to get over herself and find someone who did want to spend time with her. She does eventually do this, and the whiney annoyance did eventually disappear. But there were moments of “oh girl”.

I completely picked who the end love interest would be in this story. Although, some of the bumps along the way were a little unanticipated. And even though it was completely predictable, I did actually like who she ended up with. They somehow work together (I think) and I’ll be interested to see how things unfold in the next story. Particularly when you already know which character will be missing, and how it’s going to be a little bit sad…

I do love that throughout this story Belly goes through a pretty good transformation. Alright, she starts this with suddenly being “pretty” (barf). But it’s that internal one that I actually really enjoyed. She manages to figure out just who she is (which helps her win the boy). And she also learns to be less selfish, more able to think about others. Which, ultimately is what I really look forward to in a teenage characters’ growth.

<- More Jenny HanIt’s Not Summer Without You ->

Image source: The Guardian

Feels Like Family by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Feels Like Family
Author: Sherryl Woods
Series: The Sweet Magnolias #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 17th – 18th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: What the sundae wasn’t accomplishing, Erick was.

Synopsis

On the road to success, good friends are never far apart in the world of the Sweet Magnolias. Now a Netflix original series!

Helen Decatur spent a lifetime setting goals – getting through college and law school, opening her own practice, becoming financially secure, and establishing herself as one of the most highly respected divorce attorneys in the state of South Carolina. Achieving those goals was a breeze compared to the one she’s faced with now.

The most driven – and cynical – of the Sweet Magnolias, Helen is forty-two, single and suddenly ready for the family she’s put on the back burner for all these years. Unfortunately, having a child at her age comes with lots of complications, not the least of which is the absence of a serious relationship in her life.

Handling so many divorces has left her sceptical about love, but Helen’s not the type of woman to wait around for fate to step in. Taking charge of her own destiny puts her at odds with her two best friends and sets sparks flying with a man who claims he doesn’t want a family, and nothing turns out like she planned.

Thoughts

So whilst I loved this novel, I do need to point out that I really didn’t like Helen’s decision making and choices throughout this story. It was seriously flawed and just all round not okay. Yet, somehow, even though I was seriously not impressed… I didn’t hate her. Which is surprising. Because the decisions that she made in this were of the sort that I would normally feel pure rage…

All of that aside, this was still kind of a cute little love story. It was filled with the typical lightness (with a dash of serious) that I’m getting used to in Woods’ romances. And it was just… well, pleasant. Plus, I did really adore Eric. I may not have liked some of the decisions in this story… but I still loved the overall reaction and outcome. It was just a cute, easy to read love story that I read while curled up, trying to get over a damn bug.

I really enjoyed the fact that this romance wasn’t just about the lead couple, Helen and Eric. But there was another romance bought into the story. A bit like Virgin River, there are so many layers of beautiful moments throughout this whole story that builds up the whole community, not just the primary characters. In the case of this story, it is Karen’s journey and her romance with Elliot that just helped further the whole world for me. Plus, Karen’s story was a really nice counterpoint to Helen’s. both in personality and occurrences…

Aside from my one point of contention (Helen’s damn dumb ass decisions), this is a really sweet story. It’s about love, family and the importance of friendship. And I loved the fact that although Dana Sue and Maddie get annoyed at Helen, there is still no doubt that they are friends… even when that friendship involves a bit of a butt kicking.

<- A Slice of HeavenWelcome to Serenity ->

Image source: Kobo

Press Any Key by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Bad Boys Online by Erin McCarthy

Title: Press Any Key
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Bad Boys Online #2
In: Bad Boys Online (Erin McCarthy)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 18th October 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: I really don’t think so.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Press Any Key

To Jared Kinkaid, the only way to keep his mind – and his hands – off his luscious co-worker Candy Appleton is to insult or ignore her at every turn. But his efforts at lust control have his boss convinced that the partners need a little help via online couples counselling. When they’re mistakenly signed up for sensual couples counselling instead, Jared and Candy’s shock turns to pleasure as they each deliver some hands-on therapy of their own…

Thoughts

I really loved how quickly pretty much everything spiralled out of control in this novella. There is nothing like total and utter mayhem to drive a story. And when that mayhem involves computers and the story is a romance… Yeah, I found this funny and brilliant.

I liked how well Candy and Jack fit together in this story. They are both perceived as being the epitome of attractive for their gender, and they’re both frequently judged for it. But, as the story unfolds, you realise that they really need to be seen and accepted as they are… after all, isn’t that what we all want?

I’ve never been much for exhibitionism. But somehow, McCarthy manages to make sex in the office less terrifyingly risky, and a little… romantic. I’m not really sure how, and normally this is the kind of scene that I just wouldn’t enjoy. But in the case of Jack and Candy, I think I’ll have to make an exception.

<- Hard DriveUser Friendly ->

Image source: Goodreads

Houston, We Have a Problem by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Houston, We Have A Problem (Florida Doctors, #2) by Erin McCarthy

Title: Houston, We Have a Problem
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Florida Doctors #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 13th – 16th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Her hands were tight on his shoulders, digging in with hard, short nails and Josie panted, murmuring something that sounded like a plea for help over and over.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Wickedly funny, and hot, hot, hot – when it comes to romance that’s smart and sexy, Erin McCarthy is second to none. Now, the author of BAD BOYS ONLINE and SMART MOUTH brings together two doctors who makes no bones about the uncontrollable passion that’s about to change their thoughts about love, sex, and physical therapy…

USE AS DIRECTED, FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES

Dr. Houston Hayes has never had trouble maintaining his professional distance with both patients and co-workers…until he meets resident Josie Adkins. Every time the tiny tornado of cheery clumsiness drops a chart in his presence, he’s treated to a view that makes him extremely interested in her bones. Jumping them, that is. For a man who prides himself on control at all times, this is getting to be a problem. And problems always have solutions…

All her life, Josie has wanted to be a surgeon. But how can she do that while she’s suffering from the debilitating Dr. Hayes Induced Dropping Medical Equipment Syndrome? Honestly, with those ice blue eyes and powerful shoulders dripping down to a – whoops, there goes the blood pressure cuff – what’s a girl to do? And then Dr. Hayes shocks her by prescribing a very sexy cure: one night of sheet-burning passion to erase the sexual tension for both of them. But only one night… he won’t need more than that…

Suddenly, Josie has her mission – a chance to prove the arrogant Dr. Hayes wrong. One night with her will never be enough if she has her way. And soon, both doctors may be falling into a desire deeper than any they’ve ever known… one that makes them hungry for more…

Thoughts

This isn’t my favourite McCarthy book. It wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t as amazing as the others so far. Rather than leaving me grinning like a school girl on Christmas, I was mostly just happily smiling at the end of this story. Happy, calm and content. Just not excited and bubbly like the rest of the books I’ve read by McCarthy.

I did love the setting of this story though – a romance based on the beach with surfing and medicine as a backdrop? Yeah… that’s the kind of story that I tend to like. Having said that, sex on a surfboard… that just seems… unwieldy and seriously, seriously awkward. Like. Wow. There are many things I want to try that I’ve read about in books (knife throwing being one of them), but sex on a surfboard? Hard pass on that. Not even sure if it’s really all that… well… doable.

Josie is a fun lead. She is cute and quirky. Bubbly and seriously smart. I also love that even though she is stupid in love, she manages to stand up for herself and knows that she deserves better. The strength that that must take is phenomenal and I think it’s important to have characters in stories who are willing to walk away from love and lust when they know that they’re not being given what they deserve.

At the beginning of the story, I actually quite liked Houston. But as the story unfolded… I don’t know, I found him a little bit less interesting and enthralling. There was just something… missing about him. I think that it’s maybe just an indication of how amazingly McCarthy has grown in her writing over the years… I fall much harder and much quicker for some of her more recent male leads…

<- Blue CrushMore Erin McCarthy ->

Image source: Goodreads

Midnight Surrender by Jean Brashear

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Midnight Kiss – RobynCarr

Title: Midnight Surrender
Author: Jean Brashear
In: Midnight Kiss (Robyn Carr, Jean Brashear & Victoria Dahl)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 14th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Harlequin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: When she started to rise, he used his other hand to pin her to his lap.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

FIND THE PERFECT WORK-LIFE BALANCE

When a flinty lawyer with a bad-boy addiction meets the quintessential nice guy, sparks fly that consume their expectations of life and love.

Thoughts

This was a cute, sweet and easy to read novella. Perfect for a night when I started feeling kind of sick and just wanted to curl up in a ball with a nice romance…

To be honest, this story mostly just made me want my own hunky Irish man dressed up in a Santa suit… I could almost hear that wonderful Irish lilt as I read this story. Which was completely perfect. And made me feel very, very happy. After all, isn’t that what reading a contemporary romance is all about? Some slightly off-subject fantasy that makes you feel happy and a little bit dreamy.

Alright, Jordan is kind of a bit of a pain in this story. And so completely incapable of owning her feelings. Which is somewhat… frustrating. But then, I completely understand. And, although I’m a little bit more on Will’s side throughout this story… it was nice to finish this cute little romance with both partners in the couple giving up their preconceived ideals and entering the relationship with a little give and take. Which, ultimately is necessary in all relationships…

<- Midnight ConfessionsMidnight Assignment ->

Image source: Robyn Carr

The Pregnancy Test by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Pregnancy Test (Sexy in NYC, #1) by Erin McCarthy

Title: The Pregnancy Test
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Sexy in NYC #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 12th – 13th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: Where is he?

Synopsis

If life is a series of tests, Mandy Keeling just hit the mother lode.

Ordinarily, I’m a fan of pink – lovely color, does smashing things for the complexion. But not when it’s the bright, glaring stripe staring back at me on the pregnancy test. Then, pink is the color of major oops, of morning sickness, of boyfriends who seemed decent but now are part of some Jerk Witness Protection Program.

Still, I’ve got a few things going for me – bitter humor, a divine right to eat till I’m the size of Marlon Brando, and good friends who’ve managed to get me a job interview with one Damien Sharpton: in need of a personal assistant, and some say, a good, swift kick in the arse. If you want to make a lasting impression, by all means, toss your cookies in your future boss’s wastebasket, which is located directly between his excruciatingly sexy legs.

Apparently, Mr. Gorgeous-But-Unbearably-Anti-Social must like personal assistants who violate his trashcan, because I got the job. And if I can avoid him via text messaging for the next seven months of free health insurance, everything will be just fine. Except that he’s just asked – no, insisted – that I go with him on a business trip to the Caribbean. Gulp. Ordinarily, this would be cause for celebration. Ordinarily, I’d shave my legs, pack my bikini, revel in day-glo drinks and seething lust for Mr. Swarthy-And-Seductive. But there’s nothing ordinary about this situation… which means it could be absolutely extraordinary…

Thoughts

Oh. I absolutely loved this novel. It was cute, quaint and a really easy read. Everything about it was just simple, fun and incredibly flirty. Alright, there were a few moments of sexual intensity, but I mostly just found this to be really and seriously sweet. Which, honestly, is generally what I’m looking for in an Erin McCarthy novel. Or really, in most of the contemporary romances that I pick up.

I had the wonderful pleasure of reading this story when I was having a bit of a vulnerable and insecure moment… and it was the perfect antidote to such feelings. There was something that was just so pure and joyful about this story. Even if it does start with a woman getting knocked up and then abandoned. That’s not so pure and joyful… but somehow, every moment in between just… is.

One of the things I loved about this is that both Mandy and Damien carry different scars in their lives. They both have some issues that they so need to work through and they desperately have to figure out their own crap. But the ways in which they do so throughout this is a reminder that sometimes the healing that you need is done by the most unexpected people… and those that love you. I particularly like the scene in which Mandy reveals that she’s pregnant…

I most definitely adored Mandy’s friends in this story too. Which is good, considering two of them then get their own love stories following this… we all need great friends like this, and I won’t lie… it does make me feel a little lost and jealous to read about such amazing friends!

<- More Erin McCarthyYou Don’t Know Jack ->

Image source: Goodreads

Hard Drive by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Bad Boys Online by Erin McCarthy

Title: Hard Drive
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Bad Boys Online #1, Bowling Friends #1
In: Bad Boys Online (Erin McCarthy)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 8th October 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: “Ohmigod, ohmigod.”

Synopsis

Hard Drive
Mack Stone can’t believe he’s just walked in on the delicious Kindrea Hill having an online affair in her office. Being discovered in flagrante computer delicto doesn’t seem to bother Kindra. In fact, she claims to prefer the impersonal touch to the complication of a relationship. That’s enough to make Mack issue a challenge of his own: He wants Kindra to grant him twelve nonstop hours to turn every erotic e-mail into a hot reality and prove that in love and pleasure, there’s not substitute for the real thing…

Thoughts

This novella is lustful, sexy and just oh so good. Not that I’ve ever trialled cybersex… but I do like the potential play involved… particularly when the description of Mack Stone is just oh so yummy. Even though this story is a little erotic, ultimately, I still found it to be a fairly sweet McCarthy story. There is just something so cute about her writing that I can’t deny. And I love it! Even when it’s dealing with cybersex…

Kindra and Mack kind of have a love at first sight vibe in their romance. But, then, it’s built up over a year or so of working together. This is the kind of romance I tend to prefer – I’ve never quite understood how true love is just based on a single glance – it feels like it should be something that takes a little more work. Plus, I love the moment when Mack shows how much he already knows about Kindra and shares how much he cares. It is so much more fun than, ‘wow, I was struck by lightning.’

The end of the story with Bitsy might actually be one of my favourite moments in a story. There is something hilarious about the whole scene. Particularly when you match the man I imagine Mack to be with a tiny little Toy Poodle with pink ribbons in her hair…

<- Bad Boys OnlinePress Any Key ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bad Boys in Black Tie by Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Morgan Leigh

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Bad Boys In Black Tie (Watson Brothers, #3) by Lori Foster

Title: Bad Boys in Black Tie
Author: Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Morgan Leigh
In: Bad Boys in Black Tie (Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 3rd June – 4th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Her gaze travelled all over him and still she couldn’t take it in.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Some men you can’t take anywhere… except the bedroom. No matter how you dress them up, they’ll always be a little bit rough around the edges, a little too hot for polite society, a little too naked in their appreciation of a woman, and a little too delicious to share with anyone else anyway…

BAD BOYS IN BLACK TIE

Good With His Hands by Lori Foster
As next-door neighbors and best friends, Pete Watson and Cassidy McClannahan have a “no sex” relationship. “No sex” equals continuing friendship. “Ohmygodyes” sex equals big problems and probably some serious dish throwing. It may be a rigid rule, but it works. Until Pete decides he wants to push the line. If sensible Cassidy won’t take his hits, he’s ready to transform himself into the perfect “black tie” guy he thinks she wants. And once she’s in his arms, he’ll show her just what else that black tie can do…

Miss Extreme Congeniality by Erin McCarthy
CJ White knows there must be a catch when Wyatt Maddock – her despised FBI partner – offers to transfer out of Chicago and far, far away from her. There’s a catch all right, and it’s a big one: CJ has to spend one sexy night with the untamed playboy, wearing the outfit of his choice, the pig. Okay, so the guy’s hot. So his reputation in the bedroom is the stuff of legend. So CJ’s been in a dry spell for about, oh, three years. So maybe one night to be rid of him isn’t so unbearable. But once the sheets have cooled, CJ’s just starting to heat up, and moving away is the last thing on Wyatt’s mind…

Last Call by Morgan Leigh
Tess Braeden is new in Justice, North Carolina, but there’s no justice when she learns that her inherited home is about to be foreclosed on. The mayor doesn’t even have the decency to give her an appointment to plead her case. Thank goodness for Fletcher Graham. Meeting the hard-bodied, hard-working cutie is the only bright spot in her insane life. With his sensual skills and soulful eyes – not to mention that air of mystery – he could become Mr. Right very quickly. But will he become Mr. Wrong when Tess discovers what his real day job is?

Whether you want to straighten their ties – or loosen them up – these bad boys make formalwear look good… especially when it’s on the floor.

Thoughts

There is just something incredibly sexy about a man in a suit. So a collection of three novellas by some of my favourite authors that feature men in suits… yeah, I’ll get on board with that! Especially on those late nights when I’m alone on the couch… yeah, don’t judge me… 😊

There is no doubt – I’m definitely going to read this short story collection again. Not just because all three novellas were amazing independently, but because they were actually amazing together as well. It was just a fantastic collection. One that reminded me what it is that made me fall in love with contemporary romance so recently…

Upon finishing this collection, I felt happy, content and just a little bit hopeful for the future. Exactly what I look for in a collection of contemporary romance short stories. Definitely one I’ll be recommending to anyone who asks!

<- Last CallGood With His Hands ->

Image source: Goodreads

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Looking for Alaska: Amazon.ca: Green, John: Books

Title: Looking for Alaska
Author: John Green
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Book to Film, Contemporary, Death, Young adult
Dates read: 24th September – 4th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: speak
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: She only goes home over Christmas ad the summer, when Jake is there.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

before. Miles “Pudge” Halter’s whole existence has been one big nonevent, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave the “Great Perhaps” (Francois Rabelais, poet) even more. He heads off to the sometimes crazy, possibly unstable, and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed-up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young, who is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart.

after. Nothing is ever the same.

Thoughts

I had to choose a banned book for a reading challenge. And I absolutely love the fact that this is the banned book that I chose. It was freaking awesome. And didn’t make me cry like The Fault in Our Stars which was a nice side benefit. Don’t get me wrong, I came close. But it didn’t quite get me…

It was obvious from the very beginning of this book that there was a pretty serious “before” and “after”. I did guess what the event was in this circumstance. But I didn’t guess the how of the event. I won’t give any spoilers here, you should read this and see if you too can guess what it is. I’d be interested now to see the Netflix (?)show that is based on this. They normally do good adaptations and I wonder how they would take all of the different issues covered in this and use that on the screen…

One of my favourite things about this book was the total open-endedness of the ending. Pudge had questions and tried to find answers. But in the end, he didn’t get any certainty. Which is kind of the way life is anyway. So it made for a nice, slightly more realistic ending. That, combined with his obsession with last words and the vagueness of whether or not the reports are correct… I really liked how this story dealt with endings and final moments.

Even though there were some fairly sad moments throughout this story. I absolutely adored the whole idea of the Great Perhaps. Apparently (reading the final words of John Green) it was actually something to do with famous last words. But, I just loved that sense of hope. That idea that there is always a great perhaps out there for us, we just have to be willing to take the risk…

Ultimately, this story has a whole heap of themes throughout it. But the one that I enjoyed the most was the creation of friendships, loves and memories. It might have sad moments throughout. But it  was also filled with those friendships, that even if they don’t last a lifetime, they’re remembered for a lifetime.

<- The Fault in Our StarsPaper Towns ->

Image source: Amazon.ca