Review: White Girl Problems by Tara Brown

Title: White Girl Problems

Author: Tara Brown

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★☆ 

Genre: YA, Contemporary

Published: December 14th 2013

Format: Kindle, 267 pages

Description from Goodreads

Why did the white girl cross the road... 

When a severely drunk and slightly drugged Finley Roze slipped into a hospital bed, she never imagined it would start her on a path to meeting the man of her dreams. Mostly because she didn't believe in the man of her dreams, what seventeen year old even thinks of that?

But when Aiden Sorenson turns out to be Mr. Right everything else ends up being wrong, including Finley's family history.

But what is an average teenage girl if she isn't resilient, stubborn, and charming when she needs to be?

Don't miss this True Love Story, AKA fairy tale romance.

Just don't tell Finley.

My Review:

I knew when I set eyes on this book that I had to read it. The title is so eye-catching, and it instantly attracted me. I think the title alone, will easily compel any other reader to read this book.

Sometimes I take too many selfies and I don't know which one I should post, and I want to post them all, but then I don't want to look narcissistic. 

The protagonist, Finley, is 17 and a drama queen who's obsessed with instagram, twitter and basically any kind of social network. She tells lies, talks in circles, and is the typical spoiled and stubborn teenage girl. Now, I know she sounds like an awful character, and to be honest I hated her at first. But then she gradually changes, and when I realized that she's just another confused soul I started to like her. But it takes her a while to get her act together, and I suppose she would have never changed if her father hadn't sent her away. I think her friends are a really bad influence, and her evil stepmother only makes things worse.

So, Finley has to spend summer with her mom's aunt, Hattie, and that is when I truly started enjoying this book. I really like how the author writes about the elderly people; she incorporates them to the story adding some unusual yet entertaining side characters, and she manages to do that without making it look awkward. The presence of wise people around Finley has certainly helped her to mature, but most of her transformation is thanks to Aiden, who's the only other young kid in town.

"I missed your Shakespeare."

He leaned in, taking a deep inhale of my hair. "And I missed the scent of you in my air." 

I think Finley and Aiden are so perfect together. The two have opposite personalities; he's responsible, secretive and sweet while she's reckless, mouthy and stubborn. Their differences are definitely what attracts them to each other. I really like Aiden, not only because he's handsome and caring, but also because he is wise beyond his years. He's passionate about everything he does, and I like how he doesn't play around with girls, unlinke the other boys in Finley's school. 

Aside from the two main characters and the elderly people, all the other characters are enjoyable to read as well.

The author's writing is fabulous! I really enjoyed all the funny quotes and the clever dialogues. This author certainly knows how to make her readers laugh, and keep them entertained. But aside from the humor, there are also some serious stuff. The book deals a lot with family issues and friendship. Finley has to go through a lot of things, like dealing with self-doubt and the fact that everyone thinks she did drugs and cut herself. It's all more difficult for her because she doesn't have the support of her family, and her friends betrayed her.

The only reason I know anything about history and the world is the smart people who cast the historical romances with yummy dudes! 

Although I immensly enjoyed reading this book, I didn't give it 5 stars because the story is predictable, and I already knew how it would end. It also focuses a little on history and historical monuments which are not really my thing. There was a part when the book got all descriptive, and was a bit boring. But except for that, I fully enjoyed the rest of the story.

A fairy tale romance mixed with Mean Girls and a pinch of Cinderella story, White Girl Problems is a really amusing and enjoyable book that will make readers burst out laughing.

Review: Aurora Abroad by Karen Kiefer

Title: Aurora Abroad
Author: Karen Kiefer
Rating: ★ ★ ★★ ★ 
Genres: YA, Fantasy, Fairy Tales
Format Read: Kindle, 283 pages

Description from Goodreads

Who hasn’t heard the story of the princess with an unfortunate tendency for coma-inducing finger pricks? And who could forget about the evil witch who wants to kill her by any means necessary, be it spindle or poisonous apple? Who hasn’t rolled his eyes at the thought of Prince Charming and his affinity for tights, tunics and baseless serenades? 

But the princess we know was never whisked away to a world of magic lamps and genies, and she most certainly didn’t go on a quest with the naked emperor from the Emperor’s New Clothes… until now. Big bad wolves, trolls, frog princes and pirates (among other things) come together in a madcap marriage of classic fairy tales. Hans Christian Andersen wouldn’t be proud!

At approximately 90,000 words, Aurora Abroad is a romantic comedy for all ages

My Review

This is a really fun and cute story that everyone will enjoy!

Since I was a little kid, I've never really liked princess Aurora, in fact I've always thought she was boring. But there are a lot of people on Goodreads who enjoyed this book, so I decided to give it a try. And it certainly didn't disappoint.

In this sweet fairy tale story, Aurora travels around the world to escape from her evil aunt Maleficient who, we all know, wants to kill her. As the story progresses she meets lots of people, some really weird creatures, and she also finds her true self. Yeah, I know it sounds just like an average and ordinary story, but I really liked it. I think it's a good YA adventure/fairy tale retelling book; it may not be one of those books that surprises you with twists and turns, but it has so many characters that you will easily get attached to. So, Aurora Abroad is definitely a character-driven book, and kudos to the author for creating such wonderful and enjoyable characters!

This book made me change my opinion about Aurora. She's not like the disney princess who falls in love at first sight. She is tough, and  not fond of romantic poems. I really like how she's completely oblivious to Lyric's feelings for her. The two constantly bicker and argue, and are just so cute together. Even though Lyric isn't really my type of fictional boyfriend (because he's too whiny), I think he's really perfect for Aurora. He's brave and kind. Well, not at first. 

I love how the author mixes tons of different fairy tale stories in this book: Rapunzel, Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, you name it! This book has it all! So, if you love fairy tales you should definitely pick up this book!

Review: 1932 by Karen M. Cox

Title: 1932
Author: Karen M. Cox
Rating: ★ ★ ★★ ★ 
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Format Read: Kindle, 204 pages


Description from Goodreads

1932 is a twist on Jane Austen's classic, Pride & Prejudice. Elizabeth Bennet has always led a pampered existence as the daughter of a university professor in the Midwest until the safety of her world dissolves around her due to unforeseen adversity. Amidst the ensuing upheaval, what -- and who -- might she discover as she rebuilds a life for herself and her family in the sleepy, backwater town of Meryton?

This title won a Bronze medal in the Romance category at the 2011 Independent Publishers Book Awards.

My Review

I'm a big fan of Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and I've watched the 2005 movie adaptation of the book countless of times. Although I've never read P&P retellings before, I've been craving for more Mr. Darcy after reading Romancing the Soul by Sarah Tranter. So, I impulsively picked up 1932, and I think I did a really big mistake. I shouldn't have read it because now I'm completely OBSESSED. I read it a few weeks ago, and I'm still thinking about it! It took me forever to write this review because my thoughts were all over the place, and it was so hard to put them into words. Therefore, I think I'll just start by telling how much I love this book! I practically devoured it all in just one day. I was hooked from the very first page and just couldn't stop reading. 

I really like the idea that's inspired the author to write 1932, I think it's singular and really creative. The story takes place during the Great Depression where Elizabeth, a city girl from Chicago, has to leave her home to move to the countryside because her father loses his job. So, the author basically switches the characters' roles: in this book the Bennet family are the newcomers while Mr. Darcy and Bingley grew up in Meryton. 

I like how Elizabeth was portrayed as more responsable and selfless than Austen's Elizabeth. Due to their difficult financial situation she does so much to help her family, and I find it really easy to relate with what she's going through because in these past years, life hasn't been all sunshine and flowers for me either. As for Mr. Darcy, he is noble and proud as always but I like how he also has some insecurities. Aside from Elizabeth and Darcy, the rest of the characters were great to read as well. I love how Mrs. Cox added new characters (like the little Maggie) and twisted the relationship between the other characters (I've never thought I'd be really fond of Fitzwilliam).

Obviously, the romance is one of the main reasons why I love this book. It's sweet, endearing and didn't feel rushed. I love reading all the arguing, and I thought the dialogues were great and clever. At first Elizabeth and Darcy constantly just run into each another, and I like how Maggie plays a big part in bringing them together. There were times when I felt that Darcy looked a bit like a creeper, listening to Elizabeth's private conversation with her sister and all, but then that only made me love him more. Austen has never really gave us a taste of Elizabeth and Darcy's married life, so 1932 is certainly satisfying for that aspect. 

I probably didn’t do justice with just exactly how much I loved this book, so let me just tell you that 1932 succeeds beautifully on an emotional level. 
It was so nice to get invested in the characters I've known for so long all over again. I enjoyed reading all the family issues, the gossiping and the drama. This is one of those books that I would like to forget, so I can reread it again. I highly recommend it!

My rating 5/5 stars

Review: The Noble Pirates by Rima Jean

Title: The Noble Pirates

Author: Rima Jean

My Rating: ★ ★ ★★ ★ 

Genres: Historical Fiction, Time Travel, Adventure, Romance

Format Read: Kindle, 443 pages

Description from Goodreads

A vacation in the Bahamas goes awry, and a woman from 2009 unexpectedly finds herself in 1718 - amidst pirates. Sabrina is so consumed with her present-day problems that the last thing she expects is to suddenly end up face to face with real pirates. The notorious bad boys of the Golden Age of Piracy, Edward England, Howel Davis, and "Black Bart" Roberts, become Sabrina's means of survival in the past, and ultimately, her key to returning to the future.The catch? Sabrina happens to be carrying a book about pirates when she is swept into the past, and that book contains biographies of the very men she meets. She forms relationships with them and learns that, contrary to what she previously thought, they are sailors, servants, and slaves who were pressed into service, victims of social and historical circumstances of the era. When Sabrina finds herself falling in love with Howel Davis, a sailor who becomes a pirate out of desperation, she begins to wonder: Can she use her knowledge to change the past?

My Review:

Firstly, I must say that I didn't know anything about this book when I dived into it. Well, except for the fact that it's about pirates. I didn't even look through the blurb because I knew I would love this book! Needless to say that I wasn't disappointed. I love historical stories, and if you add pirates, time travel and a bit of romance in the equation? Simply perfect. 

Our protagonist is Sabrina, a 31 years old lawyer from the 21st century. Due to a storm she's transported back to 1718 where she's rescued by a troop of pirates. While she tries to survive and find a way back to her family, Sabrina dresses like a man and meets several pirates: most of them are really cruel and barbaric, but there are some who are good and honorable, hence the title "The Noble Pirates". 

It's fun to read how Sabrina reacts to the weird events in her life. She has to cope with the old ways of the 18th century where women have no freedom and can't survive without being under the protection of men.

I like how the romance builds up gradually and unhurriedly. At first I thought there was something going on between Sabrina and Captain Edward, but as I learn more about Howel and his hazardous journey to becoming a pirate, I realized that Howel and Sabrina make a good match. Howel makes a great love interest and I think the author did an amazing job on portraying the righteous and caring aspects in his personality. 

There's a bit of mystery going on, and I was really curious to see if Sabrina would be able to change the inevitable. I truly hope there is a sequel because I got emotionally invested in the characters.

Overall this book is full of adventure and piracy. It's a quick read and if you love pirates and need your pirate fix then this book is for you.