karenjo46

Starstruck

(Starstruck #1)

S.E. Anderson

4.75 ★ – Quirky, Outrageous and Fun

Published by Bolide Publishing Limited May 4, 2017

Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Young Adult,

Pages: Paperback 386

Buy: Barnes and Noble, Amazon

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Bolide Publishing, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

After an incident with a hot-air balloon causes college-dropout Sally Webber to lose her job, she sets off to find direction in her life. Crashing into a teleporting alien, however, is not on her to-do list.

Now she’s on the run from TV-drama-loving aliens, and things are just getting started. Zander won’t stop reeling her into life-or-death situations to save her planet, as he waits for his laser-wielding sister to search the universe for him. Though Sally isn’t quite sure if he wants to save Earth from annihilation, or just quell his curiosity of all things human.

On top of this, she’s got to find lost alien emissaries, as well as a job, and stop the planet from getting incinerated in the process. But with Zander as her roommate, what could possibly go wrong?

Starstruck by S.E. Anderson is unique, entertaining, and so much fun. I have always been fascinated by the idea that aliens exist, so I was beyond excited when this gem arrived in the mail. I couldn’t wait to read it and when I finally did, I was smiling and laughing within the first few pages.

The characters are fantastic, hilarious, quirky and so darn lovable. They’re all pretty awesome really… but I definitely have a soft spot for Sally, Zander and Blayde. They’re so funny and their camaraderie is so endearing. Sally and Zander — totally LOVE them! They’re great as they are, but CRAZY ADORABLE together! I wholeheartedly 110% ship them. And then there’s Blayde…if there’s one character that steals the show, that would soooo be her! Blayde is confident, beautiful, intense, sassy, a great sister to Zander and oozing with so much badassery. If I didn’t know any better, I think I may have developed a serious girl crush on her.

The plot is fast-paced, well written, and easy to read. There’s plenty of action, suspense, fun twists, and unexpected surprises that make the story exciting and addictive. While the romance is quite subtle, there are a few moments here and there that made me swoon. And that ending… totally crazy! I don’t want to give too much away, but let me just say that Anderson, without a doubt, knows what she’s doing. She lures you in with an intriguing premise, sends you on a fabulous out of this world adventure, messes with your mind just a little (okay…. maybe a lot), and then zoom… she leaves you with so many unanswered questions you’ll be ridiculously anxious for the next installment.

With incredible writing, amusing characters, and a fascinating storyline, Starstruck is definitely one of my favorite reads this summer. I had such a blast going on this laugh out loud adventure I can’t wait to see how Anderson continues this amazing series. If you’re looking for a delightful, quirky, and thrilling sci-fi adventure, then definitely add Starstruck to your TBR list/pile. You won’t want to miss all the fun now would you?

Sincerely Karen Jo

P.S. It took me almost a month to finish Starstruck only because I was really busy with work, adulting and life. I’ve actually been playing catch up with my TBR for months and it’s killing me. I miss being able to shut out the real world, relax, and just read for hours. I definitely could have finished this in one day because Starstruck is just that awesome!!!

Coming Up For Air

5 ★ – Swoony Summer Read

Published by Sourcebooks Fire July 4, 2017

Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

Pages: Paperback 320

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

All of Maggie’s focus and free time is spent swimming. She’s not only striving to earn scholarships—she’s training to qualify for the Olympics. It helps that her best friend, Levi, is also on the team and cheers her on. But Levi’s already earned an Olympic try out, so she feels even more pressure to succeed. And it’s not until Maggie’s away on a college visit that she realizes how much of the “typical” high school experience she’s missed by being in the pool.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Maggie decides to squeeze the most out of her senior year. First up? Making out with a guy. And Levi could be the perfect candidate. After all, they already spend a lot of time together. But as Maggie slowly starts to uncover new feelings for Levi, how much is she willing to lose to win?

I’ve seen Miranda Kenneally’s books around for a while now, but haven’t had the interest to pick one up since I’m not too keen on sports themes and romance together. But I’ve been on a YA contemporary romance phase lately and the premise sounds really exciting and I love friends to lovers stories sooo I clicked that request button. I’ll have you know that I’m definitely happy I got approved because Coming up for Air is such swoony summer read.

I dove into this book not knowing if I would enjoy it, and I loved EVERYTHING. From the writing, the friendships, the characters, the humor, the plot, the ending, the romance and all that FEELS…. I LOVED IT ALL. This book is just so huggable – it’s light, funny, and so stinking cute.

Levi and Maggie are so adorable together and such great characters. I loved the progression of their relationship from best friends to lovers which totally had me SWOONING and made me want my very own Levi. There’s plenty of steamy kisses, sexy moments and that undeniable push and pull that left me wanting more. I was definitely rooting for both of them on and off the swimming pool.

I also loved Maggie and her group of friends. Their amazing friendship was absolutely endearing and so fun to read. They’re such a great support system for one another both socially and professionally, especially since all of them are facing a lot pressure in their respective sports. I admired them for their dedication, determination and passion to be better athletes and succeed in their goals.

This book couldn’t have been more perfect. It’s sweet, funny, charming, and entertaining. The plot moved fairly quickly and was a bit predictable at times, but that didn’t take away from the heart of the story. I may not have been a fan of sports and romance together, but Kenneally’s amazing story telling definitely won me over. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series.

If you’re looking for a quick and adorable YA contemporary romance to help you unwind and beat the summer heat, look no more cause Coming Up for Air will surely drown you with so much cuteness and swoon worthy moments.

Again just wanted to say HUGE thanks to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for giving this ARC free of charge.

Sincerely Karen Jo