The Fall of Butterflies by Andrea Portes

The Fall of Butterflies by Andrea Portes
Release Date - May 10, 2016

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 400 pages
My Rating - 3.5/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Willa Parker, 646th and least popular resident of What Cheer, Iowa, is headed east to start a new life.

Did she choose this new life? No, because that would be too easy—and nothing in Willa’s life is easy. It’s her famous genius mother’s idea to send her to ultra-expensive, ultra-exclusive Pembroke Prep, and it’s only the strength of her name that got Willa accepted in the first place.

But Willa has no intentions of fitting in at Pembroke. She’s not staying long, she decides. Not at this school—and not on this planet. But when she meets peculiar, glittering Remy Taft, the richest, most mysterious girl on campus, she starts to see a foothold in this foreign world—a place where she could maybe, possibly, sort of fit.

When Willa looks at Remy, she sees a girl who has everything. But for Remy, having everything comes at a price. And as she spirals out of control, Willa can feel her spinning right out of her grasp.

In Willa’s secret heart, all she’s ever wanted is to belong. But if Remy, the girl who gave her this world, is slip-sliding away, is Willa meant to follow her down?

Andrea Portes’s incandescent, heartfelt novel explores the meaning of friendship, new beginnings, and the precarious joy and devastating pain of finding home in a place—a person—with wings.

Finding your own path can be hard, especially as a teen. There is pressure from your parents, friends, society, and yourself to make decisions. Sometimes your voice gets lost in the noise. The Fall of Butterflies is a story of a girl discovering her own path, and what it means to follow it.

The writing style that Andrea Portes uses to tell this story is a little jarring. The narrator, Willa in this case, is telling the story to the reader in a very direct way. She talks to the reader in a 'breaking the fourth way' way and  it does take some time to adjust to this style. Some readers may not fall into the story right away, I certainly didn't, but once you adjust the story is a worthy one.

I feel so many elements in this story will relate with teen readers. The pressure parents can put on you, the thrill of an exciting new experience, and the friendships that define highschool are all present here. They are all woven together into a story that feels believable. If we haven't struggled with some of the things Willa struggles with, we know someone who has. This ensures the reader feels a connection to the story and the characters.

Willa doesn't feel worthy of being Remy's friend. She's someone who has always been in the background. She gets caught up in Remy and Remy's world easily because it's new and exciting. Being seen by someone like Remy, for Willa, is everything. The author captures the allure of this kind of friendship, and the way people can be so entwined with someone else that they cannot see what is right in front of them. The synopsis takes about finding a home in a person who has wings, and that is so achingly accurate.

There is more than a tinge of manic pixie dream girl to Remy, at least at first. She is this magical, mythical girl who sweeps in and brightens Willa's life. She pulls Remy into adventures, and changes her life. However, Remy is her own person. It's Willa perception that paints Remy in this light.

We all, at times, judge things by their outward appearance. We project our assumptions onto people and things all the time without knowing the full story. This novel shows how inaccurate those can be. The girl that seems to have everything could be falling apart in side. The person whose life you envy could be secretly coveting the life you have. Appearances can be deceiving and there are multiple characters who embody this within these pages.

This novel examines the lengths people go to for friendships, and when to walk away from a potentially toxic situation. As Remy spirals the reader, and Willa, has to wonder how far we should allow ourselves to be pulled down with her. Choosing what is best for ourselves, instead of other people, is often hard. This is especially true when you care about the person and want to help. The fact that you cannot help someone who doesn't want it is something that leaps off these pages. It's heartbreaking and conflicting. Andrea Portes captures this struggle perfectly. It felt authentic and believable, particularly the cycle that Willa and Remy repeat.

Sometimes love isn't enough, and sometimes we have to love ourselves more. That is, ultimately, the crux of this novel. It's all about finding your own self worth, and not defining yourself by other people and your relationships with them. Willa has to learn what it means to want something for yourself, and to find her own voice, and make her own path. 

Lost In Love by Susane Colasanti

Lost In Love (City Love #2) by Susane Colasanti
Release Date - May 3, 2016

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 352 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

**SPOILERS FOR CITY LOVE**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In this second book of the City Love trilogy by bestselling author Susane Colasanti, three girls share a Manhattan apartment the summer before college begins. Lost in Love captures the essence of summer love, self-discovery, and sisterhood, a perfect fit for fans of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, and Jennifer E. Smith.

Sadie was convinced that Austin was her soul mate, but after discovering his secret she wonders if she even knows him at all. Darcy was all about fun boy adventures with no strings attached . . . until her ex moves to New York City to win her back. Things are getting serious with Rosanna and her boyfriend, but will she be able to break free of her past and let him in? With no parents, no rules, and an entire city to explore, this is the summer that will change their lives forever.

Told from alternating points of view, Lost in Love weaves a story of first love, first heartbreak, and everything in between. 

After City Love I had high expectations for this second instalment. There was a lot of potential for this series to be a perfect read for those lazy summer days. A series that follows a group of girls on the cusp of college through a life changing summer, it certainly had everything I wanted from a summer read. There is plenty of romance, friendship and delicious drama. This second instalment, however, did not quite live up to the first one for me.

The girls are all still reeling from the reveals at the end of the first book. Darcy is dealing with an ex-boyfriend who returns just as she is about to move on with another boy. Sadie is dealing with the fact that her perfect guy was already married, and Rosanne is left on the cusp of something great if she can open her heart. There were so many questions I wanted answers to, and each girl was left with a juicy story to follow. This sequel does dive into the stories, but ultimately ends with more questions and very little answers.

This feels like middle book in a series. It reads like a bridge between the first and last book that really only propels the story forward enough to move into the finale, while not being vital all on it's own. I did appreciate that some of the storylines were given time to breathe and we got to experience the characters emotions and reactions to the events from the first novel, but some of the others barely moved forward at all. It's not until the very end that we see any real progression in order to set the third book in motion. The set up, however, is dishy, and filled with the kind of drama that ensures I'll be clamouring for book three.

The storyline that I feel suffered the most was Rosanna's. I felt myself not connecting with her, and her actions and reactions did not feel as believable to me as they did in the first book. She started to regain her footing in the later part of the story because she ends this novel finally taking the steps she needs to take in order to move forward from her past.

I didn't feel that New York presence the same way I did in the first novel. The city felt like another character in the first book. That aspect of the story, the city in City Love, didn't feel as vital or prominent here. The first book was a love letter to New York, very much the way it was in Sex and the City. New York is the first love of these characters (just as it was for Carrie). That connection was part of the magic of the first book, and what lent it some of it's charm. What saved the story is that I was already invested in these characters from the first book. I already was willing to follow them on their journey. I just missed some of that New York City magic that enhanced the first book.

While some of the magic of the first book was missing for me, this was still an enjoyable instalment in this Sex and the City reminiscent series. I am invested enough to continue reading, even if some of the storylines did not feel executed to their fullest potential. I predict that the story will end on a high note, and I looking forward to seeing what the end of summer brings for these characters.

Waiting On Wednesday .... Stalking Jack The Ripper

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Stalking Jack The Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Presented by James Patterson's new children's imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion...

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget. 

The Jack The Ripper case has always fascinated me. I think it's the fact that it remains unsolved, and that it is so easy to theorize and become immersed in. This novel is said to include period photos to heighten the reading experience, and I am really curious what Kerri is going to do with the Jack The Ripper tale. It also doesn't hurt that it seems to have a complex, interesting main character who also happens to be female!

Expected release date - September 20, 2016

#UnexpectedlyEpic - Mostly YA Lit's Morgan Matson Week

When Tiff mentioned she would be hosting a dare challenge to celebrate Morgan Matson's newest release I knew I had to take part. I was given a dare that was a pleasure to complete because it involved spreading the love to other individuals.

My dare was ...

I dare you to say something kind to 5 people through social media. It can be a tweet, Instagram, snapchat, Facebook, etc. Your kindness can be about anything, to anyone. Just make sure it's genuine :)

I completed it on Twitter, and here are my 5 kind things I sent to people...

#UnexpectedlyEpic Dare #1 - To @ArdoOmer - I've always been in awe of your intelligence and the way you use your voice. #MorganMatsonWeek

— Kathy Coe (@kathycoe) May 9, 2016

#UnexpectedlyEpic Dare#2 - @khager & @thereaderbee - Your friendship means the world to me & I'm inspired by both of you #MorganMatsonWeek

— Kathy Coe (@kathycoe) May 10, 2016

#UnexpectedlyEpic Dare# 3 - @emerylord You and your characters make me want to unapologetically be myself, flaws & all. #MorganMatsonWeek

— Kathy Coe (@kathycoe) May 10, 2016

#UnexpectedlyEpic Dare# 4 - #OttawaBlogettes - you are all incredible, inspiring women & I am lucky to call you friends. #MorganMatsonWeek

— Kathy Coe (@kathycoe) May 10, 2016

#UnexpectedlyEpic Dare# 5 - @dawnmius I am in awe of your determination, work ehtic and genral awesomeness #MorganMatsonWeek

— Kathy Coe (@kathycoe) May 10, 2016

Thank you to Tiff for hosting this incredible event, and thank you to whomever dared me! Be sure to follow along all week over at Tiff's blog as she'll be hosting some great content (giveaways, guest posts, reviews, and more) to celebrate The Unexpected Everything and Morgan herself!

Unrivaled by Alyson Noel

Unrivaled (Beautiful Idols #1) by Alyson Noel
Release Date - May 10, 2016

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 432 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Everyone wants to be someone.

Layla Harrison wants to leave her beach-bum days for digs behind a reporter’s desk. Aster Amirpour wants to scream at the next casting director who tells her “we need ethnic but not your kind of ethnic.” Tommy Phillips dreams of buying a twelve-string guitar and using it to shred his way back into his famous absentee dad’s life.

But Madison Brooks took destiny and made it her bitch a long time ago.

She’s Hollywood’s hottest starlet, and the things she did to become the name on everyone’s lips are merely a stain on the pavement, ground beneath her Louboutin heel.

That is, until Layla, Aster, and Tommy find themselves with a VIP invite to the glamorous and gritty world of Los Angeles’s nightlife and lured into a high-stakes competition where Madison Brooks is the target. Just as their hopes begin to gleam like stars through the California smog, Madison Brooks goes missing. . . . And all of their hopes are blacked out in the haze of their lies.

Unrivaled is #1 New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël’s first book in a thrilling suspense trilogy about how our most desperate dreams can become our darkest nightmares. 

People call Los Angeles the city of dreams. There is always the possibility that those dreams can turn into a nightmare and Unrivaled relishes all the darkness that can be found in the California sunshine. Drugs, disappearances, lies, and a seedy club world take centre stage in this new series where even those with the purist intentions can be corrupted.

A competition with a huge prize draws different people, for various reasons. The characters that inhabit Alyson Noel's newest novel are all very different from each other. The voices of each are instantly recognizable. They each stand out on their own. Sometimes, especially in stories of this nature, the narration can sound the same or character chapters can blend together to the point that the reader is not sure who is who. This is not the case here. The characters may all have a similar goal but their motivations and personalities are so clearly expressed that the multiple viewpoint works rather well in this case. This may not be a character driven story, its plot is the driving force, but the characters are established enough that it allows this story choice to work.

The characters are all willing to do whatever they need to in order to get ahead. At times they are ruthless. There is so much blackmail, potential murder, and manipulation happening that it's easy to not like any of these characters. The fact that Alyson Noel makes you invest in them, even just a little, means she balances them. She lets you understand their characters enough to understand the choices they make and that makes all the difference.

The mystery that propels this story is only just beginning in this opening chapter of the story. We open with a splashy beginning where Madison disappears, but flashback to the time leading up to her disappearance. It ensures that the still will hold plenty of twists along the way as the story unravels the truth of what happened. The opening does get you interested, and the rest of the story manages to reveal just enough to keep you hooked. This is definitely a case where the answers that are given only lead to more questions, but

This type of book is the type that is enjoyable when you're in the mood for it. It is a fun, engrossing read that is perfect to read after a much heavier book. It's writing is easily digested and it's storyline is tantalizing enough to ensure the pages will fly by. It may not appeal to everyone, but it's target market, which are those who loved Gossip Girl and pretty much any other CW show, will undoubtedly enjoy the ride. It's the type of book that you know exactly what you're getting when you sit down to read it. It delivers exactly what it promises, and that should be kept in mind before reading. Your expectations could easily dictate your enjoyment in this case.

Unrivaled offers up soapy, sudsy fun that is tailor made for those who miss the Gossip Girl television show. It offers up betrayals, drama, glamour, and sin in the city of angels. It captures that CW tone and feel naturally, and would be right at home as a television show on that network. This is the book for you if you're looking for a summer read that offers plenty of flash, but maybe not a whole lot of substance under it's slick veneer. 

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

This week was an insane book mail week! So many amazing titles made their way into my house. I am looking towards a pretty amazing summer of reading with all of these titles.

First up was the Ottawa Book Blogger Meet Up. We had a fantastic day filled with bookish talk, and fun. The publishers were incredibly generous and sent a lot of awesome titles.

Never Ever by Sara Saedi (goodreads)
Everland by Wendy Spinale (goodreads)
Run by Kody Keplinger (goodreads)
Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick (goodreads)
The Last Boy And Girl In The World by Siobhan Vivian (goodreads)
The Memory Book by Lara Avery (goodreads)
Drag Teen by Jeffery Self (goodreads)
Two Summers by Aimee Friedman (goodreads)
The Merciless II by Danielle Vega (goodreads)
Roses and Rot by Kat Howard (goodreads)
The Oxford Inheritance by AA McDonald (goodreads)
The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye (goodreads)

It's probably not surprising that I am SUPER excited about the two Peter Pan inspired novels! I have already read Everland and LOVED it. I have high hopes for Never Ever. Thanks again to all the publishers for helping make this meet up extra special and thanks for everyone who came. It was great to see you all!

Next up was a bookish mug I purchased for Evie's Society6 store. My love of Peter Pan is well known and this mug paired perfect with my reading of Everland! I intend to use it again when devouring Never Ever.

Evie's designs are always lovely! I have also purchased a set of carry-all pouches with this design on it! Excited for them to arrive.

Raincoast Books, who distributes a lot of publishers here in Canada, had their annual blogger fall preview event and they sent us swag packs filled with awesome goodies along with two upcoming ARCs.

Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige (goodreads)
One Was Lost by Natalie D Richards (goodreads)

Thank you to Raincoast for the fun event, and the swag pack! I am super excited to read Stealing Snow and was thrilled to find it in my pack. At the meet up I heard One Was Lost described as The Breakfast Club meets The Blair Witch Project and I immediately needed to read it!

I had some pre-orders come in as well this week. Two books that everyone is buzzing about (and for good reason as both of these are highly anticipated books)

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas (goodreads)
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson (goodreads)

The Unexpected Everything is simply adorable. It's a perfect summertime read! I am super nervous to read A Court of Mist and Fury based on some spoilers I heard, but hope to get to it soon. I anticipate having an unpopular opinion about the events of the book but I do trust Sarah J Maas to write a beautiful story.

What bookish items made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer (goodreads)

This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling that sounds amazing! I am really excited for this (which should surprise nobody). I love the idea of someone from 'our' world being transported to this magical cursed world and playing the part of 'Belle'.

Carve The Mark by Veronica Roth cover (goodreads)

I am very intrigued by this new series by Veronica Roth. The sci-fi feel, and potential for hate to love romance is something I am definitely into.

The cover was just recently revealed and it is pretty intriguing too.

Is that gold seeping from the walls? They look like wounds made from a blade and there is something eye catching up that bright colour against the dark background. 

TV/MOVIE

Captain American Civil War

I just got to see this last night and it was pretty amazing. Still firmly #TeamCap after watching it (though the movie did a good job of making you see both sides). The movie broke my heart for so many reasons, most of them due to Bucky Barnes. Sebastian Stan is killing it in this role, and I cannot wait to see what is next for all of these characters. If you are a Marvel movie fan, you'll love this. I think it's probably the best Captain America movie to date. Oh, and the new Spiderman is actually pretty perfect. He and Ant-man are both HILARIOUS in this movie and provide some much needed comic relief during some pretty impressive fight sequences. The introduction of Black Panther was also done really well, and they did a great job casting wise with him too.

OTHER

Book Expo America

I leave for BEA on Tuesday and I am SO excited! I am getting to see friends, meet a bunch of awesome authors, and see a brand new city. It's going to be pretty amazing. As mentioned in my BEA post - the blog should have little to no disruption while I am going so please do check back during the week for reviews and other posts.

What are you obsessed with this week?