Just One Day - Gayle Forman

"Anything can happen in just one day."

Summary: Allyson is on a school trip to Europe when she meets Willem who invites her to spend one day with him in Paris...a day she will never forget.

I read this book as part of a read along for the last month and I am so glad I did! I loved reading it as part of an event and then getting to answer questions each week. It allowed me to not have to rush through the book and I really got to look at the book on a deeper level. I started off thinking that 'Yes, this book is really good and I can really relate to Allyson.' But at the same time, my relating to Allyson wasn't enough to make me fall in love with the book. Then I got to the last 5 chapters or so and WOW. BEST. BOOK. EVER. I was literally bawling my eyes out and freaking out because I couldn't tell what was going to happen! I couldn't even see my Nook screen because I was crying so hard. I was so scared reading the ending and wanted to throw my Nook at the wall. I've LOVED other books and I have ones that I also claim as best book ever but this one is different. Different because, in the end, books (or movies/tv shows) that make me react this much and leave me heartbroken but hopeful at the same time and have that bittersweet ending are what I live for. When I mentioned this to my mom, she says it's because I'm a hopeless romantic (which I am). I'm still emotional thinking about this book and I'm at a loss at what else to say right now but to read more, check out the links below to see all of my thoughts throughout the last month.

Rating: 10/10

Week 1 // Week 2 // Week 3 // Week 4

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The Moon and More - Sarah Dessen

"The thing is, you can't always have the best of everything. Because for life to be real, you need it all: good and bad, beach and concrete, the familiar and the unknown, big talkers and small towns."

Summary: Emaline has one last summer before she goes off to college. But the summer isn't what she thought it would be though when she is faced with tons of challenges - from a break-up, to the return of her absentee father, a summer fling, and more! During this one summer, Emaline will learn more about herself and the world around her, then she has her whole life.

Along For The Ride was my favorite Dessen book but it has officially moved to the number two spot after reading this one! I absolutely loved The Moon and More! Emaline was the perfect main character! I haven't read any fan reviews yet so I might be alone in this but I feel like everything she did was exactly how she should've done it. Usually when I read a book, I disagree with the route a character takes or something but I think in the end, the path she took was correct. I'm not even upset that she moved onto a summer fling literally after her three year relationship ended. I think she is a strong young woman and she learned SO MUCH. She's a changed person now and now she can go on this big journey and explore in college and learn even more about life and herself! One of my favorite things about the book was her relationships with Luke, Benji and her best friend Morris. I can't recall another book at the moment where I felt like the friendships were featured so prominently. Her friendships are what make her the person she is and I think she is a great friend as well! I just loved how thought provoking this book was (at least for me)! AND I am not sure if this has happened in other Dessen books....but the "Auden" featured in the book and Clyde himself, are the ones from Along For The Ride...right?! That's probably a stupid question but oh well!

Rating: 9/10

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Flirting in Italian - Lauren Henderson

"My adventure - maybe my real life - is about to begin."

Summary: Violet sets off on a journey to Italy to find out more about a painting that features a girl that looks just like her.

Oh my gosh, this book was awful. It might as well be considered a DNF for me because I basically skimmed it after the first 140 pages. Going into this, you get little information on what the book is actually going to be about. The second I read the Prologue, I was like 'This is so stupid." I don't know anyone in the real world who would automatically set out on a "life journey" just to learn more about a painting and the person in it. Once Violet actually gets to Italy, the story gets even worse. I don't want to spoil what happens in case you actually want to read the book but it was one of the worst story lines I've ever read. It just wasn't believable at all! And I can't believe there's going to be a second one! The only part I liked was this kiss that Violet shared with this hot Italian guy but even that storyline got ruined. I was warned that this book was bad but gave it a shot anyways. I really wish I hadn't.

Rating: 0.5/10

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The Au Pairs (Book 1) - Melissa de la Cruz

"In the end, it had been the best summer of their lives. Maybe there was truth in advertising after all."

Summary: Mara, Jacqui and Eliza are on their way to having the best summer ever after they get jobs as Au Pairs for Kevin Perry in the Hamptons.

I've read a couple of books by Cruz now and nothing has been as awesome as her book Girl Stays in the Picture! Thank goodness this one was decent, though! But that's not saying much when the only thing I liked about this book was the fact that it took place in the Hamptons. I was looking for that spark that made me feel like they did have the best summer but I was just annoyed with everyone - except for Ryan...he sounds like a cutie! Mara was my favorite because she was they typical girl next door and I was looking forward to seeing her and Ryan's relationship but Cruz barely gave us anything. As a reader, we literally get to see them have like three conversations and then all of a sudden their in love! I was like 'Wait...what?!' Cruz writes books though that gives us insight into the rich which I love so that's why I read them. They're just fluff, though. Oh and I LOVE the new book cover but wish they kept the old title. Beach Lane doesn't really work well for me.

Rating: 6/10

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Nobody But Us - Kristin Halbrook

"I want to live."

Summary: Will and Zoe are on the run from the terrible lives they live in hopes of finding a life worth living.

This book made me feel lots of different emotions. On one hand I felt hopeful for Will and Zoe and anger for what they have had to go through. I really was rooting for them, especially Zoe. Then I felt angry with Zoe for doing stupid things like shoplifting. I felt shock and even more anger as I read the tragic ending. I was mad at what Will and Zoe chose to do along the way because it ultimately lead to a heartbreaking conclusion. I really didn't agree with how they went about going on the run and stealing and doing everything else they could to survive. I think there could've been a better way for them to handle the whole situation. What I really liked was the love they had for each other! It was beautiful to see these two people willing to do ANYTHING for the other one. I thought about this book off and on for a week straight after I read it! I've never read anything like it because I usually try to stick with happier story lines but I am very glad I finally read this book!

Rating: 8/10

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