Reading Reflections: July 2013

Books Read:
Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt
Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff
The Social Code (The Start-Up #1) by Sadie Hayes
In Too Deep by Coert Voorhees

Total Number of Books Read This Month: 4

Total Number of Books Read This Year: 28

Favorite Read: The Social Code (The Start-Up #1) by Sadie Hayes

Highest Rank: 5

Lowest Rank: 4

Overall Reflection:
Well, I'm finally starting to pick my pace up a bit. We'll see how the month of August goes...I'm supposed to be moving...however that is dependent on a construction timeline. Going Vintage and In Too Deep were both great summer reads. Paper Valentine had some dark and ominous tones, and was a little bit of a let down coming from Yovanoff, in comparison to her other works. The Social Code proved to be engrossing and gripping tale. Can't wait for the sequel. All in all, a great month of reading.

In Too Deep by Coert Voorhees

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Annie Fleet, master scuba diver and history buff, knows she can't fight her nerd status as a freshman at her Los Angeles private school. And she doesn't care—except for the fact that her crush, Josh, thinks she’s more adorable than desirable. Annie is determined to set him straight on their school trip to Mexico. But her teacher has other plans: he needs Annie to help him find Cortez’s lost-long treasure.
Suddenly, Annie finds herself scuba diving in pitch-black waters, jetting to Hawaii with Josh, and hunting for the priceless Golden Jaguar. But Annie and Josh aren't the only ones lured by the possibility of finding the greatest treasure ever lost at sea. Someone else wants the gold—and needs Annie dead. In deeper danger than she ever imagined, can Annie get the boy and find the Jaguar, or is she in over her head?

Book Review:
I was looking for a fun romantic adventure and that's what I got with Coert Voorhees In Too Deep. Overall, the plot was predictable and a little far-fetched, which is why I deducted a point from the overall rating. However, I enjoyed the fast pace and overall story arc. This is a perfect beach read or something to pick up when you're looking for a good romance packed with adventure. The diving theme laced throughout the story was interesting and refreshing.

Favorite Quote:
"Garcia whistled. 'Interesting.'

'There's a speargun over by the fins back there,' I said into the glass. 'Just put me out of my misery.'

'So tempting'."

Cover Art Commentary:
Okay, I'll admit it...this cover caught my attention almost immediately. It's got a great beachy feel. I love the skull made out of sand. It's sort-of Pirates of the Caribbean-ish. ;)

Rating:

Top Ten Tuesday: Say What?! (Take Two)

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Words/Topics That Make Me NOT pick up a book 

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

Slow

Disappointing

Character Disconnection

2nd Book Syndrome

Selfish Characters

Poorly Executed
Predictable
Wordy

Boring

Cheesy

What words/topics instantly make you want to PASS up a book?

Lola's Lounge: When A Blogger Stops Blogging

Recently I've been thinking about the blogging community. During my blogging journey there have been bloggers that I've faithfully followed. These are the blogger's whose reviews I look forward to. They make smile to myself and feel inspired to read. Then one day, I go to visit and their blog is closed up. Done. Finished. The worst for me is when this happens without warning. Either the blog no longer exists or there is a lack of updates for months-to-years, and I finally succumb to the idea that my beloved blogger is done blogging for good. I tend to adapt better when they leave a final goodbye post, but I still get bummed out all the same. I was wondering, dear readers, how you deal when some of your favorite book bloggers close-up shop. Do feel that a good-bye post helps? Are all blogs doomed to eventually end? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls.
For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.
With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again.

Book Review:
I was really excited to read another book by Brenna Yovanoff. I have just adored her other books. However, this one fell a little flat in comparison. The premise is interesting and the plot is full of mystery and suspense. However, the character's were a bit bland and disconnected. I was initially interested in Hannah's relationship with ghost Lillian, but the relationship was a bit bizarre. I know, I know, I'm talking about a human being having a friendship with a ghost, but other books have been a bit more successful in making this a bit more engaging and believable. I did enjoy Hannah's relationship with her family, particularly her sister. Overall, an interesting read, but not quite up to par for Yovanoff. I still look forward to her next book!  

Favorite Quote:
“You can't keep acting like this," Lillian says, and for the first time in months, it's like she's actually trying to be nice. "Tragedy isn't this evil thing that came from outer space. It's just there, you know. Along with everything else.”

Cover Art Commentary:
As most of you know, I am sucker for a pretty cover. This beauty is no exception! I love the intricate designs and the color scheme. This cover caught my eye right away!

Rating: