The Summer I Gave Up Boys
by Kassandra Kush
Synopsis
A summer love novella
Kaliyah Simon just broke up with her cheating boyfriend, and now that summer break is here, all she wants is a quiet, boy-free summer. To focus on work, reading, and her tan. But then she meets up with her old high school nemesis, Isaiah Winters, on the way home, and he seems more interested in being friends than enemies. Can Kaliyah lower her walls and get over seven years of pushing Isaiah away and find out what it would be like to actually be with him?
With her best friend going boy-crazy, a twenty-first birthday looming on the horizon, Isaiah continually showing up on her doorstep, and an ex that seems to want her back, Kaliyah’s summer promises to be anything but quiet.
Review
Such a great read for summer, but oh so short :( I really liked Kaliyah as a protagonist because she was different. It was really great to read a story about a headstrong girl who doesn't let herself be pulled apart by a guy. Also, she's a book blogger and bibliophile - without any stereotype attached to the "label." I wish I could have read more about her and Isaiah.
Verdict
Perfect introduction to by-the-poolside summer reading!
Take Me for Granted
by K.A. Linde
Synopsis
Grant
Manwhore. Adrenaline junkie. Lead singer of ContraBand. What you see is what you get. I make no apologies for my actions, and by now no one expects any from me. I live my life the way I want and as long as it pushes the demons back, then I'm solid. I've never needed a chick for more than a good lay. Why would I need just one when I can have a different one every night?
Until she walks into my world.
Aribel
Mouthy. Perfectionist. Princeton student. Chemistry major. Yes, that pretty much describes me. Oh, and virgin. But I'm only nineteen, and have more important things to concern myself with. What really matters is finishing my degree and getting a good job. I’ve worked hard for what I want, and do what’s expected of me. I don’t need anyone to get in my way.
Until he opens up my world.
But if I give you my world, whatever you do…don’t TAKE ME for granted.
Review
This book is like popcorn. It's good while you're reading it and then toward the end, you've kinda already reached your limit. I'm a sucker for the bad boy/good girl stories. Just like junk food - it's bad for me but is so satisfying at the moment.
It's not a bad book if this is the kind of book that you're into. Nothing is really special about it and it is created for individuals who love these stories. This is the main reason why I only read these stories in ebook format - because there isn't much that is memorable about it.
Aribel is a good girl who is inexperienced in life due to being sheltered by family and her own self. Grant is a playboy who plays by his own rules whose game changes once he meets Aribel - the one girl who isn't charmed by him. It doesn't take long until Aribel is seduced by Grant's charm though. And that - for me - is the problem. Aribel is built up to be this strong-willed, intelligent girl but it doesn't take long for her to be completely under Grant's spell. I've read many a young adult female protagonist that have held out longer than her. BUT like I mentioned before, this book was written for people who like the same story over and over again. It's not a bad thing - just not my thing.
Verdict
If you like the bad boy/good girl story and like reading about sex - this book will satisfy. If you like that stuff AND a good leading lady - maybe not so much.
