ARC Review – Hearts Made for Breaking By Jen Klein

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Happy Monday Lovelies! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and read some fun books. Today, I’ll be sharing my review for this sweet, heartfelt and fun teen romance and some of my favorite quotes from the book. I really enjoyed reading Hearts Made for Breaking and cannot wait for you to meet Lark and Ardy and all their adorkable chemistry when this book releases tomorrow. divider3

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aboutbook

Expected Publication: April 30, 2019

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Format: Hardcover, 320 Pages

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AMAZONBARNES AND NOBLEGOOGLE PLAY – BOOK DEPOSITORY 

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From the author of SHUFFLE, REPEAT and SUMMER UNSCRIPTED comes a new novel about mysterious boys, first-time love, heartbreak, and the incredible bonds of friendship.

17-year old Lark knows how to survive high school dating: date boys briefly, let them down gently, remain friends, and move on. Her best friends, Copper and Katie, think that Lark is denying herself the opportunity for true love because she does not want to be hurt. They challenge her to break her pattern by staying in a relationship long enough for Lark — or the boy — to fall in love. Intrigued by the challenge, Lark sets her sights on the mysterious new boy, Ardy, who has been labeled “undateable” by the other girls in school. Lark is curious about, and then completely intrigued by, the enigmatic Ardy — so much so that she finds herself falling for him, only to risk having her own heart completely broken.

Jen Klein has once again crafted a funny, contemporary story sure to resonate with teen readers.

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mythoughts

A Delightfully Cute, Wonderfully Entertaining and Heartwarming Story

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This book is a YA contemporary gem! It was utterly charming and so ridiculously adorable. I was completely enamored with how cute and fluffy and wonderfully entertaining it was and cannot stop thinking about that swoony ending that left me smiling and wanting more.

I read Shuffle, Repeat a few years ago and absolutely enjoyed the chemistry between Oliver and June. I smiled, laughed, and even teared up a bit in the end. I knew then that Jen Klein would be one of my go to YA contemporary authors when I want something lighthearted, fun, and cute. I haven’t gotten the chance to read Summer Unscripted since I’ve been playing catch up with my TBR, but when I saw this book and the cover on Netgalley, I just couldn’t resist. My feedback ratio is still around the 50ish percent, so I didn’t really set my hopes up too high. BUT, to my surprise, I actually got it! I squealed (internally of course since I was at work when I was checking my inbox) and was super excited when I received the approval email. I had to get through a few more books for reviews, but when I finally started reading Hearts Made for Breaking, I was completely smitten!

This book had everything… and I mean EVERYTHING I love in YA romances. It was interesting, nostalgic, heartfelt, funny, swoony, and realistic. There were a few cheesy moments that may make other readers cringe, but to me, they were actually kind of fun. If I’m being totally honest, sometimes cheesy works and I’m a hopeless romantic, so I like them more than I don’t. I thought the pacing was good and if I didn’t have work or adulting to do, I easily could have finished this in one sitting. The romance was one of the cutest I’ve ever read. I liked the twist with the prom, the tag scene, the texts between Lark and Ardy, the meet-cute in Ikea, and all the other adorable and amusing moments in the story. The ending may have seemed a tad bit rushed, but it was absolutely gooey, sweet, and adorkable. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was really looking forward to an epilogue (because I wanted more Lark and Ardy moments), but I was quite happy with the conclusion.

I loved that both Lark and Ardy were perfectly weird, relatable, and likeable characters. I liked that there was something offbeat about them which I thought made them even more interesting and lovable. I also liked their easy-going chemistry and just how effortless and real it felt. Sure, they were a bit awkward at times, but the fact that both of them seemed to be acting that way together was super adorable. Nothing felt forced between them and I liked the way their relationship developed. They had so many cute and deliciously swoony moments that made my heart melt over and over. Of course they also had their own drama, tension, doubts and heartbreak, but they’re all part of what made their relationship so realistic for me. I totally shipped them so hard and to me, they were really great together.

I have to talk a bit ARDY because I absolutely loved him with all my heart and soul. I never understood why he was being labeled “undateable” or why him being a little different or weird makes him that. He was irresistibly sweet, caring, kind, loving, honest and just a really good person. I loved how he introduced himself to Lark’s mother and what he said to her. I loved that he respected boundaries and never pushed. He was a true gentleman and I adored him so much.

The other characters were interesting and entertaining enough. I wasn’t too fond of Katie or Cooper in the beginning, but I definitely liked Cooper more. I did really like Hope and thought she was sweet and such a great friend to Ardy. All in all, none of the side characters really stood out for me, but they made the story a bit more fun with their personalities, quirks, and drama.

Hearts Made for Breaking was just too charming and adorable! I swooned more than I expected and smiled like a dork who’s falling in love for the first time. With lovable characters, an addictively engaging storyline, and meaningful coming of age lessons, this book was a truly delightful, fun, and heartwarming story. I can’t wait to read Summer Unscripted and whatever else Jen Klein comes out with next.

If you love reading sweet, swoony, and lighthearted teen romance stories, then this book might just be perfect for you.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts, opinions and swoons are my own.

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favoritequotes

(These were taken from the ARC. Final publication may be different. Please don’t read if you don’t want spoilers).

 

“You’re shivering,” he says, and I don’t correct him, although it’s not the cold anymore but him that’s the cause. It’s less a shiver than an ongoing tremble, an electric current just below the surface of my skin. Vibrating everywhere, everything. Like I’m more alive than I ever have been, like I’m powered by his nearness.

The thing about falling in love is that, no matter how you rail against it, a fall is involved. And you can’t control the world around you when you’re in free fall. You have to let the wind and the sky and the air take you where you’re going to go.

And then Ardy’s mouth is on mine. It’s warm and delicious and perfect. It’s better than every other kiss that’s ever happened, because this time nothing is blurry. Everything is crystal clear. Finally.

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(Mini bio and photo taken from author’s website)

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Hi! I’m Jen Klein. I write YA romance, both contemporary and paranormal. I’m also an Emmy-nominated TV writer who worked on Grey’s Anatomy and Star, and am now a writer and producer on The Resident.  I live in the City of Angels with my husband, two sons, and several animals, all of whom are unruly and ill-behaved.

Originally from North Carolina, I eventually ended up in L.A. where I live-tweeted celebrity events (for money) and wrote all kinds of craziness, including: logic puzzles, a movie for Lifetime, oodles of great cartoons and things you may or may not have seen on television. Then I simultaneously landed my dream job and returned to my first love: writing novels. And here we are. 

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WEBSITEGOODREADS –  TWITTER – FACEBOOK – INSTAGRAM

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Hope you enjoyed reading my review. Don’t forget to grab your copy tomorrow!

Have you read this book? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.

sincerelykjologo

ARC Review – The Perfect First by Maya Hughes

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Genre: New Adult Romance

Cover Design: Najla Qamber, Qamber Designs

Release Date: April 25, 2019

 

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synopsis

“How long do you last in bed?” Those were her first words to me, swiftly followed up with, “And how big would you say you are?”

Persephone Alexander. Math genius. Lover of blazers. The only girl I know who can make Heidi braids look sexy as hell. And she’s on a mission. Lose her virginity by the end of the semester.

I walked in on her interview session for potential candidates (who even does that?) and saw straight through her brave front. She’s got a list of Firsts to accomplish like she’s only got months to live. I’ve decided to be her guide for all her firsts except one. Someone’s got to keep her out of trouble. I have one rule, no sex. We even shook on it.

I’ll help her find the right guy for the job. Someone like her doesn’t need someone like me and my massive…baggage for her first time.

Drinking at a bar. Check.

Partying all night. Double check.

Skinny dipping. Triple check.

She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. The walls I’d put up around my heart are slowly crumbling with each touch that sets fire to my soul.

I’m the first to bend the rules. One electrifying kiss changes everything and suddenly I don’t want to be her first, I want to be her only. But her plan was written before I came onto the scene and now I’m determined to get her to re-write her future with me.

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One-click or read for FREE in KU!

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mythoughts

Adorably Quirky, Addictive, Emotional, and Wildly Entertaining

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The Perfect Firsts by Maya Hughes was such a sweet, beautifully touching and perfectly charming friends to lovers story. There were laughs, swoons, and even some tears. I devoured this book and loved every moment from the funny meet-cute to the adorably heartwarming ending that had me smiling like a dork.

I will absolutely read ANYTHING and EVERYTHING Maya writes. I don’t know how she does it, but she truly has a gift with making me fall helplessly in love with her stories and characters. I adored and really enjoyed reading the Kings of Rittenhouse books, but after reading this, I think the Fulton U just might be my favorite. But who knows… it wouldn’t be a surprise if Maya writes another amazing series and I really hope she never stops creating stories that gives me all the FEELS.

The friends to lovers trope will always be one of my favorites and I will never not love romance stories about the bad boy falling head over heels for the shy innocent girl. I just think these romances are ridiculously fun, exciting, cute, and wildly entertaining. This book was definitely all that and had me flipping through the pages.

The adorkable math genius virgin, Persephone (“Seph”), was extremely sheltered, socially awkward, and inexperienced in many things. But, don’t let that fool you. Seph was a force to be reckoned with and surprised me in so many ways. She’s fierce, brave, spunky, and adventurous. With her list of firsts, she was determined to experience and do everything. And that’s where Reece comes in – the brooding handsome football star player who loved the game with all his heart that he wouldn’t let anything or anyone get in his way to playing pro. He was kind of a jerk at first, but let’s be real here… we all know that there’s a genuinely sweet, gentle, and caring side to him. And boy did he… I fell just as hard for him as Seph did. They meet by accident, which I thought was super funny and so darn cute, and that’s how their deliciously quirky, adorable, and fun story begins.

If it isn’t obvious yet, the romance was a total touchdown! I loved the chemistry between Reece and Seph. It was definitely slow burn at first, but it was so intoxicating and cute. I really liked how even though they both kept things platonic the intense attraction was always there – teasing them inch by inch until they both couldn’t resist anymore. The anticipation and sexual tension was so damn good. It was so swoony and steamy and I loved it. I also really loved how they inspired each other to be better. I loved how their friendship developed into something more. I loved how they both fell so hard for each other and realized that they were both more than enough. They were simply perfect for each other and I enjoyed every moment I spent with them.

I also really liked the supporting characters. I loved the team and thought they were so much fun. My favorite was Berk for sure, but Nix and LJ were adorable too. I’m not quite sure which group I love more between them or the Kings cause the bond between the Kings was pretty amazing… but the FU boys were just so awesome, entertaining, and seriously such good guys. I thought it was super endearing how they didn’t judge Seph and accepted her into their group. I also loved Reece’s parents and thought they were so stinkin’ cute. I adored Seph’s aunt, Sophie, and thought she was badass.

There were so many moments in this book that absolutely melted my heart and also had me in tears… both sad and happy. That’s what I love most about this story and Maya’s other novels. With perfectly flawed and charming characters you’ll root for until the end, wonderful relationships that will warm your heart, irresistible swoons that will drive you crazy, and family issues that will break your heart, Maya’s stories are engaging, achingly beautiful, addictive, and wildly entertaining. I was drunk on love with this book and cannot get over just how cute and perfect this was. Reece and Seph’s story just had so much HEART and FEELS.

I’m so in love with EVERYTHING and cannot wait to read more from this new series. If you’re a fan of cute, fun, and adorable romances and have never read anything by Maya Hughes, then this book is just the perfect first read for you. It was funny, swoony, quirky, romantic, touching, and utterly delicious until the ending.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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favoritequotes

(Quotes were taken from the ARC. Final publication may be different. Please don’t read if you don’t want spoilers).

Don’t ever let someone treat you wors than you deserved to be treated.

She’d gotten so fully and completely under my skin, I didn’t know how I’d existed before I met her.

Every part of me wanted to wrap around her, wanted to make this a special kiss, make every touch one she’d crave, because I was slowly becoming an addict and I didn’t want to be the only one.

I pulled him in for another kiss. I hadn’t had a thing to drink, but I was definitley drink on him and I was more than happy to drink in as much of him as I needed for as long as I could, for forever.

If my heart hadn’t already belonged to him, it would hav ebeen wrapped up with a bow and presented to him on a rainbow platter at that moment.

Her eyes glittered with a love I’d never experienced before, the kind I’d run headlong away from even the hint of, but with her, I wanted it all. I wanted even more, and that scared the ever-loving shit out of me.

Sometimes memories are all we have and there’s no amount of money in the world that can get those back.

I’m scared too, Wild Child, but with your brains and my athleticism, we can outsmart or outrun any problem we come up against.

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“Very nice to meet you, Reece. I’m Persephone Alexander. I have a few questions we can get started with, if you don’t mind.”

“The quicker we get started, the quicker we can finish.” He looked around like he would have rather been anywhere but there.

Those giddy bubbles soured in my stomach. A server came by with the bottled waters I’d ordered. I arranged them in a neat pyramid at the end of the table.

“Would you like a water?” I held one out to him.

He eyed me like I was offering him an illicit substance but then reached out. His fingers brushed against the backs of mine and shooting sparks of excitement rushed through me. Pulling the bottle out of my grasp, he cracked it open and took a gulp.

My cheeks heated and I glanced down at my cards, flipping the ones at the front to the back.

“I have a notecard with some information for you to fill out.”

Sliding it across the table, I held out a pen for him. He took it from me, careful that our fingers didn’t touch this time. I’d have been lying if I’d said I didn’t want another touch, just to test whether or not that first one had been something more than static electricity. He filled out the biographical data on the card and handed it back to me.

“Let’s get started.” Just rip the Band-Aid off. Clearing my throat, I tapped the cards on the table. A few heads turned in our direction at the sharp, rapping sound. “When were you last tested for STDs?”

Read the rest of the Chapter Reveal!

 

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Maya Hughes can often be found sneaking in another chapter while hiding in the bathroom from her kids! 🙂 I’m a romance writer who loves taking inspiration from everyday life, namely my husband and biggest fan. Inspiration also strikes when I hear a song, meet someone new or daydream while at soccer practice.

I’m the mom of three little ones, the wife to an amazing husband and also work full time. Some of my favorite things are cinnamon rolls, white wine, laughing until I can’t breathe and traveling with my family.

maya

 

 

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Thanks for stopping by lovelies. Don’t forget to add this book on your TBR!!!!

sincerelykjologo