Stranger Than Fanfiction {by Chris Colfer}

Title: Stranger Than Fanfiction
Author: Chris Colfer
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Genre: YA Contemporary
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
source: publisher

Cash Carter is the young, world famous lead actor of the hit television show Wiz Kids. When four fans jokingly invite him on a cross-country road trip, they are shocked that he actually takes them up on it. Chased by paparazzi and hounded by reporters, this unlikely crew takes off on a journey of a lifetime – but along the way they discover that the star they love has deep secrets he's been keeping. What they come to learn about the life of the mysterious person they thought they knew will teach them about the power of empathy and the unbreakable bond of true friendship.

I went into this book thinking it was going to be a fun, easy read. And while it was, what I also got was a lot deeper and more emotional than that. I've actually never read anything by Chris Colfer before, so I was interested to see what I would think.

Cash Carter (oh hmm who could he possibly be based off of) is your typical, young celebrity. The lead actor of a show (that sounds a lot like Doctor Who) that has amassed quite the cult following, he is used to the hordes of paparazzi, fangirls, and media always up in every part of his life. But he's getting tired of it. So when he gets an invitation to join four fans on their pre-college road trip, he agrees. While I love the idea of road trip books, it's hard to find ones that actually work. This one did. Maybe it was because there were more people, but it was a lot of fun.

We get POVs from all five of the characters. While at times this seemed a bit much, I did enjoy each of the characters and getting to know them. There is a lot of diversity and representation (one trans MC, one gay MC, and two POC), but they weren't just plot points. They were just a part of the character, not simply added in for plot twists or to check boxes. The characters aren't perfect; they make mistakes, but they also learn and grow from them.

A few cons: the writing felt like it was meant for younger audiences. I know that Colfer also writes MG, so that might have been it. The writing felt young, and so did the characters. They are supposed to be 18/recently graduated, but they often didn't feel that way. There were also a lot of cliche parts about the story (especially that ending, come on now). I feel like fans were not portrayed quite nicely, so take from that what you will.

While this story did delve into some deeper issues, what with all of the things our main characters are going through, an inside look at celebrity life from the perspective of one, and even the "deep secrets" Cash is keeping, it was mostly just a fun book. Colfer is a sarcastic, and that tone definitely shines through in his writing. It was an easy read, one that was just supposed to be fun. And it was.

Chris Colfer:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Chris Colfer is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and Golden Globe-winning actor. He was honored as a member of the TIME 100, Time magazine's annual list of the one hundred most influential people in the world, and his books include Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal, Stranger Than Fanfiction, and the books in The Land of Stories series: The Wishing Spell, The Enchantress Returns, A Grimm Warning, Beyond the Kingdoms, and An Author's Odyssey, and the companion books A Treasury of Classic Fairy Tales, The Mother Goose Diaries, Queen Red Riding Hood's Guide to Royalty, The Curvy Tree, and Trollbella Throws a Party.

[CLOSED]

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Blogaversary the Second {+GIVEAWAY}

Hey guys! Yep, it's my second blogaversary!! Sometimes, I look back and can't believe it's already been TWO YEARS since I started this. I never really thought this would take off (as I had started blogs before and abandoned them) or that it would become such a huge and crucial part of my everyday life. I am so thankful for all the friends and connections I've met through blogging, and of course all the BOOKS I've discovered.

I know I set the bar pretty high with my huge event last year, but that just isn't happening this year. You may have seen me mention it before, but I've just been so tired this year. I definitely do not have the energy or time to do a big thing, as much as I want to. I've been dealing with a lot of things personally (especially health-wise, which is what's making me feel so tired and drained), and its shown in how quiet the blog has been these past few weeks. (I will be back soon! I just don't know how soon.) Anyway, I still want to celebrate, so I'm keeping the blind date with a book giveaway from last year! I'm also having Twitter and Instagram giveaways, so make sure to check those out!

So here's how this works. I give you clues as to what the book is about, how I felt, etc. You then have to decide if you would read the book based on the description I gave. If the answer is yes, then enter the giveaway! Each book has its own giveaway so you can enter just the ones you want, or all three! (For the tweet, you can tweet once and use that for all three rafflecopters for that day. I won't make you tweet the same thing three times a day.) 1 is US only, but the other two are INT. Once the winners have been notified, I will come back and reveal what each book is. Feel free to guess or discuss in the comments, I just won't tell you if you're right or wrong :)

Aaand the books have been revealed below! Did you guess correctly?

Book 1: This is a SIGNED paperback, an older release, US only

YA Contemporary. Costumes. Inventions. San Francisco.

 

 

Book 2: This is a preorder, INTL

 

YA Fantasy. Beauty and the Beast. Faeries. Magic.

 

Book 3: This is a newer release, INTL

 

YA Contemporary. Greyhound. Road Trip. War Paint.

 

Thanks for entering, and good luck! 

#JLBGivesAwayanIndie: Unbreathable

Hey guys! So I know I'm a little late posting this month's #JLBGivesAwayAnIndie, sorry! We didn't have one last month (if you were wondering if you missed anything), but we are back! This month, we are featuring Unbreathable by Hafsah Laziaf. Hafsah is the brains behind IceyBooks and IceyDesigns, and let me tell you, her work is incredible.

Here's this month's photo challenge. Grab the graphic and follow along with us on Instagram and Twitter! While participating is not required, it does get you extra entries into the giveaway. And the end of the month, TWO winners will be randomly chosen to win some goodies!

This month, we have an awesome giveaway for you. Katie over at Punk Projects made these adorable tablet covers, and you can enter to win the one on the bottom, which Katie will personalize with a quote of your choice!

 

US Giveaway: tablet cover, paperback of Unbreathable + swag.  

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INTL giveaway: ebook of Unbreathable + swag! 
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#JLBGivesAwayanIndie: Elsker

Hey guys! So today I have a fun announcement. I'm excited to join up with author Jessica L. Brooks and Ashley+Anna of For the Love of Books to help spread the word and love for indie books. AND to help give them away! That's right, every month, there will be a new giveaway! Some of you may remember #JLBGivesAwayaDVD. Well, this year, it's #JLBGivesAwayanIndie

This year, to make things more fun, we have also decided to do a fun photo-a-day challenge! So follow us on Instagram (@authorjessicabrooks, @thenerdherdreads, @fortheloveofbooks__) and grab the graphic to play along. Plus, participating in the challenge gets extra entries into the giveaway!

 

So I'm sure you just want to get to what we're giving away, right? ;) This month, we're giving away Elsker by S.T. Bende, a Norse-mythology inspired series. Elsker is currently free on all major ebook retails, so there's no excuse not to check it out :)

 

This giveaway is in INTL, although the prizes are a little different. If the winner is US, they will win a paperback of Elsker (+$5 Amazon egift card and swag). If the winner is INTL, they will win a paperback of Tur, the prequel novella (+$5 Amazon egift card and swag). So enter below and good luck!
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Hidden Agenda {by Lisa Harris}

Title: Hidden Agenda

Author: Lisa Harris

Series: Southern Crimes, #3

Genre: Christian suspense/mystery

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Received from author

Michael Hunt is alive--and on the run. Presumed dead by friends and family, the undercover assignment he's been working for the past eight months has just been blown. With a hit out on his life and corruption inside the Atlanta police department, Michael finds himself hunted by both the cartel and the law. His only hope is the daughter of the man who wants him dead.

What a conclusion. I've mentioned before that I'm not super into suspense/mystery type books...usually. But this series has me hooked, and I'm sad that it's over. This series plot-driven, while still focusing on characters, and Harris pulls it off well, without overwhelming the reader.

Since I guess that synopsis itself spoils the first two books (or at least, Michael's part in the books) I'm not sure what I can or can't say that would be considered a spoiler. Since they already told you he's alive. He's been working undercover for the leader of a drug cartel that he's been trying to bring down. But he's been found out, and he can't go back home either since the police force thinks that he's a traitor. The only thing left to do is prove his innocence and bring down the cartel. And who arrives as his help? None other than the kids of the man he's trying to bring down. 

Being "dead" for so long, Michael feels like he doesn't know who he is anymore. I think we've all gone through those moments, and it was portrayed honestly and realistically. Olivia is going through the same thing as well, as everything she has ever known about her father turns out to be a lie. Both of them are dealing with these huge issues, but they still put themselves aside for others. Making sure that others, like Olivia's brother, are safe, and that no one else gets hurt because of the bad men that are after them. 

Drug lords, cartels, running for your life...these are all big issues. But Harris handles them in a way that doesn't make it seem overwhelming. Yes these are serious issues, but we get to see the characters banter with each other and care about each other. Yes, this book is filled with suspense and intrigue, but not so much that it's too much action and not enough character. Harris achieves the balance.

I also loved our secondary characters, like Ivan, and of course our favorites from the first books, like Emily, Mason, Avery, Jackson. And while this was a "Christian" book, it wasn't preachy or overbearing. It didn't take away from the story. Both the characters are Christian, and it was just something that naturally shone through.

And this was a perfect conclusion, as it ended well for both the story and the characters. I would definitely recommend this whole series.

My review of Fatal Exchange here

This review can also be found on   

Lisa Harris:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

And, I'll be giving away one finished paperback of Hidden Agenda! This giveaway as US only (sorry INT folks!). Must be 13+ to enter, or have parent permission. All entries will be checked, and falsified entries will result in all the entries for that participant being disqualified. Winner has 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be chosen, so please check your SPAM folders. I am not responsible for lost packages.

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Exquisite Captive Blogger Caravan Relay GIVEAWAY! [CLOSED]

Hey guys! Today, I am so excited to be the next stop on the Exquisite Captive giveaway relay!

Friday's Winner from A Glass of Wine: Meghann Marie Martinez

(Congrats! Check your email later today for an email from Kathy)

 

The 411:

 

If you don't know what is going on, every(week)day until December 4, there will be a different daily giveaway for a hardcover of Exquisite Captive. It can't get much better than that! For all the deets, watch this handy dandy video.

 

 

The Book:

 

Forced to obey her master.
Compelled to help her enemy.
Determined to free herself.

Nalia is a jinni of tremendous ancient power, the only survivor of a coup that killed nearly everyone she loved. Stuffed into a bottle and sold by a slave trader, she’s now in hiding on the dark caravan, the lucrative jinni slave trade between Arjinna and Earth, where jinn are forced to grant wishes and obey their human masters’ every command. She’d give almost anything to be free of the golden shackles that bind her to Malek, her handsome, cruel master, and his lavish Hollywood lifestyle.

Enter Raif, the enigmatic leader of Arjinna’s revolution and Nalia’s sworn enemy. He promises to free Nalia from her master so that she can return to her ravaged homeland and free her imprisoned brother—all for an unbearably high price. Nalia’s not sure she can trust him, but Raif’s her only hope of escape. With her enemies on the hunt, Earth has become more perilous than ever for Nalia. There’s just one catch: for Raif’s unbinding magic to work, Nalia must gain possession of her bottle…and convince the dangerously persuasive Malek that she truly loves him. Battling a dark past and harboring a terrible secret, Nalia soon realizes her freedom may come at a price too terrible to pay: but how far is she willing to go for it?

Inspired by Arabian Nights, EXQUISITE CAPTIVE brings to life a deliciously seductive world where a wish can be a curse and shadows are sometimes safer than the light.

My review can be found here.

   

The Giveaway:

 

And I'm sure you just want me to get to it, right? First, the FINE PRINT:

This giveaway will end at MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.

The winner will be announced tomorrow over on the Book Rat, so stay tuned.

This giveaway is US only.

The winner's name and address will be given to the author, who will pass it on to the publisher. Expect your books to arrive around mid-December.

 

 

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A Robertson Family Christmas {by Kay Robertson}

Title: A Robertson Family Christmas

Author: Miss Kay Robertson with Travis Thrasher

Genre: Christian fiction, holiday fiction

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Received via publisher

A nationwide contest gives a needy child the opportunity to spend Christmas with the Robertsons. A junior high kid from a poor family wins, and all things look wonderful--except for the fact that the boy is a complete terror. But he'll have to learn the hard way after the Robertsons get through with him.A heartwarming and hilarious story on the meaning of Christmas and what it's like to spend it with the Robertsons of Duck Commander.

This was...interesting. I say this because it was a fictional story about nonfictional characters. Now, I've mentioned that I've never seen Duck Dynasty, but I was still able to enjoy this book. It was full of humor and heart.

In a way, was this just a grandmother bragging on her children and grandchildren? And I'm not saying that's a bad thing. But let's face it, when you keep saying all these things about how wonderful everyone is, well, you're their grandmother. You know them better than almost anyone. But that's also what made this fun to read, is that Miss Kay knows them and she knows what they're like behind the scenes, and she knows their humor.

This book made me laugh a lot. Seriously. The whole clan is so funny, and at times I forgot I was reading a fictional story. But it also gave an inside look to the family, and their holiday traditions, which was fun. (And a LOT. Oh my goodness, they have so many.) But this book was also heartfelt. The fictional part of it was about Hunter, a boy who comes to spend Christmas with the Robertsons and learn about their traditions.

The book isn't preachy, but speaks the simple truths that the Robertsons are famous for believing in. It's such a natural part of them. I do think that there are some things that might make more sense if you did watch the show, but nothing you couldn't understand if you've never seen it (like me). It made me feel like I got to know some of the Robertsons better. It was just an all-around fun and entertaining short story.

This review can also be found on   

Thanks to Tyndale, who provided a copy for me to give away! One winner will win a hardcover of A Robertson Family Christmas by Kay Robertson!

US only // Must be at least 13 years old or have parental permission // All entries WILL be checked, false entries will be disqualified // Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen // I am not responsible for lost packages 

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Live Original {by Sadie Robertson}

Title: Live Original: How the Duck Commander Teen Keeps it Real and Stays True to Her Values

Author: Sadie Robertson with Beth Clark

Genre: Christian, nonfiction, memoir

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Received via publisher

Seventeen-year-old Sadie Robertson, star of A&E's Duck Dynasty and daughter of Willie and Korie Robertson, shares her outlook on life as she opens up about herself and the values that make her family what it is.Sadie Robertson represents everything that a well-adjusted teenager should be, even while growing up in the spotlight on Duck Dynasty. She exhibits poise, respect for her family and friends, and a faith that influences her choices. Everyone wants to know how a family as eclectic as the Robertsons are raising such confident, fun, family-loving kids. With this book, Sadie sheds light on the values instilled by her family that make her the person she is.Sadie lives by a simple list of principles that lead her to personal and spiritual growth and allow the relationships she has with her friends and family to flourish. These values include think happy, be happy; dream big; shake the hate; do something; and many more.Living as a culturally relevant teen who loves God and her family, Sadie has become a role model for other teens and for parents who are eager to instill the same characteristics in their children.

Now, I will admit that I don't watch Duck Dynasty. But this family does intrigue me, and when I saw that one of the kids was coming out with a book, I was interested. I do follow Sadie on Twitter, and watch her on Dancing with the Stars. I don't know, the kids just interest me more than the adults. But this was a fresh perspective in a world where teens are finding more and more bad role models. Maybe I was just curious about how someone so young could be so well-adjusted. But Sadie really is the real deal.

In yesterday's US Weekly article about Sadie, they had a chart comparing her to Kendall Jenner. While I don't believe in comparisons, this does go to show you what a positive influence Sadie is. Sadie knows that people are going to be looking up to her, and also be looking for her to slip-up, and this shines forth in her words. Sadie's had her share of trials, but she keeps her head up. While some might think it isn't possible for someone to seem so... happy and unbothered, Sadie lets God and her faith shine through.

The writing seemed a bit simple, although she's only 17. But the words were genuine and heartfelt. Sadie talks about issues that all girls/teens go through, but she doesn't do so in a preachy way. She talks straight from the heart. But she also does so with humor. I enjoyed the personal anecdotes and learning more about the other Duck Dynasty stars.

Even though she's younger than me, I think Sadie is a great role model, and this shows in the book. She speaks genuinely, from her heart, and with faith. I think this is a book that all teen girls need to read. In fact, I've already given it to my sister, and I believe that so much that... I'm giving one away! Keep scrolling!

This review can also be found on   

Sadie Robertson:

Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

One winner will win a hardcover of Live Original by Sadie Robertson!

US only // Must be at least 13 years old or have parental permission // All entries WILL be checked, false entries will be disqualified // Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen // I am not responsible for lost packages 

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Books to Movies Giveaway Hop! [CLOSED]

Hey guys! It's a giveaway hop! Now, I know that there have been SO MANY book-to-movies this summer. Obviously, there are a few huge ones, The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Fault in Our Stars, If I Stay, The Giver, etc. But when I saw this hop, I decided I didn't want to give away one of the obvious ones. Then it hit me what to give away... The Princess Bride!

 

I love this book and movie so much, and it's one of those that everyone loves. Or if you haven't seen it...you definitely should. I know most everyone (it seems) has seen the movie, but I've found that not as many have read the book. But guys, the book is also SO GOOD. SO, one US winner will be receiving a paperback and DVD of The Princess Bride!

 

And, um, if you have never seen this The Princess Bride in 30 seconds, re-enacted by bunnies, you are seriously missing out. Really. Watch it. BUNNIES.

Them pesky rules:

• Giveaway is US only
• Winner will have 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be chosen
• Must be 13 or older, or have parent's permission
• I am not responsible for lost packages
• All entries will be verified. Any false entries will result in ALL entries for that person being disqualified.

Comprende? Then enter below!

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And make sure to check out all the other stops on this hop!

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1. I Am A Reader (Int).

2. Bookhounds (US) .

3. Bookhounds YA (US) .

4. Stacey O'Neale (INT) .

5. Cuzinlogic (Int) .

6. Crossroad Reviews (US) .

7. Author Sherry Gammon (US) .

8. The Book Nut: A Book Lover's Guide (US) .

9. Chapter by Chapter (INT) .

10. Kate @ Ex Libris (INT) .

11. LOVE. WITHOUT YOU (US) .

12. Me, My Shelf and I (INTL) .

13. Random Bits of Fascination (int) .

14. Kelly's Lucky You (US)

15. MYTHICAL BOOKS (INT) .

16. BIBLIOPHILE MYSTERY (INT) .

17. Jamie @ Vailia's PAge Turner (INT) .

18. JeanBookNerd (INT) .

19. Artist James Vallesteros (INT) .

20. BookBunnyPR (US) .

21. Judith Tewes Writes (INT) .

22. A Touch of Book Madness (INT) .

23. Michelle @ Book Briefs (INT) .

24. Deal Sharing Aunt (USA) .

25. 3 Partners in Shopping (USA) .

26. The NerdHerd Reads (US) .

27. Books à la Mode (INT)

28. A Foodie Bibliophile in Wanderlust (US) .

29. Christy's Cozy Corners (US) .

30. Margo Bond Collins ~ Words, Words, Words (US) *

31. Fandom Monthly Magazine [INTL] .

32. More Than a Review (US) .

33. Susan Heim on Writing (US) .

34. Savings in Seconds (US) ,

35. Book Referees (US) .

36. White Sky Project (INT) .

37. My Devotional Thoughts (INT) .

38. Rolling with the Moments (INT) .

39. CBY Book Club (INT) .

40. Bibliophilia, Please (US) .

41. Ellie @ Spiced Latte (US) .

42. Owl Always Be Reading (US) .

43. Mother Daughter Book Reviews (INT) .

44. FLY HIGH! (INT) .

45. Bette Lee Crosby (US) .

46. Walking on Bookshelves (US) .

47. The Romance Bookie (US) .

48. Reading Lark (US/INT) .

49. MAD Hoydenish (US) .

50. Natalie @ Book Lovers Life (INT) .

51. Fi @ Bookish Outsider (INT) .

52. Aparajita @ Le' Grande Codex [INT] .

53. vvb32 reads (US) .

54. Confessions of a Book Geek (INT) .

55. Kimber's Life (US) .

56. Corina @ Pink Fluffy Hearts (US) .

57. Curling Up With a Good Book (US) .

58. Kim @ kimberlyfaye reads [INT] .

59. Books Need TLC (US) .

60. Cici's Theories (U. S. ) .

61. Readeropolis (US) .

62. Carol's Notebook (US) .

63. Mights @ The Bookish Bookkeeper (US -INT) .

64. Such a Novel Idea (US) .

65. Effortlessly Reading (INT) .

66. Craves the Angst Book Reviews (US) .

67. Taking Time for Mommy (US) .

68. Jess @ A Cup of Tea & A Big Book (US) .

69. DJ's Book Corner (US/CAN) .

70. Book Butterfly in Dreamland (US) .

71. Alicia @ Addicted Readers (INT) .

72. Reading Bifrost (US) .

73. Lavender Likes, Loves, Finds and Dreams (INT) .

74. Read for your future (US) .

75. Read Now Sleep Later (US) .

76. Chubby Madness (US) .

77. I Read Fantasy Books (INT) .

78. The Indigo Shelf (US) .

79. A. L. Jambor (US) .

80. Unearthly Reviews (US) .

81. The Kids Did It (US) .

82. The Bravest Squirrel Series (US)

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First World Problems {by Leigh Ann Kopans} & GIVEAWAY!

Title: First World Problems

Author: Leigh Ann Kopans

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon

Received from author

Sofia's had a really rough year - busted for cheating at prep school, dumped - dumped! - for the first time ever, and her new non-profit working stepmother is turning out to be an uppity bitch.
She deserves to treat herself. But when she throws herself a birthday party with 20 of her closest friends in Paris and (accidentally!) maxes out her dad's credit card in the process, he’s had enough of her attitude. As punishment, he switches her planned gap year touring Europe to one doing community service work with the evil stepmother’s relief organization in Guyana.
The rural village of Dabu needs help in every area from education to getting safe drinking water. But Sofia’s more concerned about her roommate Callum, the gardening expert, who calls Sofia "Princess" and scoffs at her distaste for sweaty, muddy, iguana-eating, outhouse-using life in Guyana.
Eventually, life on the equator, her work in the village, and especially Callum - with his brooding eyes and bewitching New Zealand accent - start to grow on Sofia. Life is rough in Guyana, but it’s roughest on the girls, whose families are too poor to send only the most promising boys in school. They’re trapped in a cycle that will keep them from ever making a better life for themselves, or for the village. Worse, Callum doesn’t seem to think any of the changes Sofia envisions are actually necessary.
Determined to change the girls’ futures, she comes up with a strategy to help them and, ultimately, the village. But what starts out as a plan to convince Callum and her father that she’s fallen in love with Guyana, turns into the realization that maybe she’s falling for Callum, too. And that by changing these girls’ lives, she might also be changing her own.

You guys know how much I loved Solving for Ex, so of course when I heard she was writing a companion about Sofia getting what was coming to her, I had to have it. And it did not disappoint.

This was interesting to begin with, because if you've read Solving for Ex, you already have an opinion of Sofia. And let's face it, it's not a pretty one. Which means its going to take a lot more for her to win you over, to prove that she's changed. I will say, I admire that Sofia knows what she is and doesn't try to hide it. She knows that she's manipulative, and she has perfected it down to an art form. She knows her father just throws money at her and her twin, Vincent, to "make up" for her mother dying, but she isn't above taking the money and making him pay for mentally checking out of their life. But when Sofia makes him pay a little too much, her dad takes notice and decide he's had enough. So, he cancels her year abroad in Paris and makes her go volunteer for her stepmother's company in third-world Guyana.

Sofia is very hard to like in the beginning, but she's supposed to be that way. She's used to being the queen everywhere she goes. She's used to her money and looks being able to get her everything she wants. But, now she no longer has her daddy's money, and for some reason, her usual flirtations aren't working on the only boy in this awful place, Callum. But Sofia knows how to play her cards right: play along enough for Callum to send good reports to her stepmother, and she can get out of this place early. But she never thought that she would fall for Callum and Guyana.

Seeing Sofia struggle in the beginning was, I admit, humorous. But I have to hand it to her, she did survive. Here she is, thrown into a place with no running water, no toilets, much less any of the luxuries she was used to. Heck, I don't know if I could do that well. But Sofia proved that she wasn't just a dumb cheerleader type persona (cue Taylor Swift...I got nothing in my brain...at least that's what people say....mmhmm). She decided that she was going to stick it out and prove to everyone that she wasn't just a "princess". And she did it.

And Callum.......I loved watching their relationship progress from not being able to stand each other to falling in love. It was definitely fun and entertaining to watch them banter back and forth, but also had its sweet moments. I loved that the relationship didn't progress too fast, but worked perfectly for the book, even adding to the plot instead of taking away from it like I so often see romances do sometimes in books.

I also really loved all the characters in this book, from the bus driver to the other housemates, to the little girls that Sofia falls in love with in the town. It's obvious that a lot of research went into writing this book, to write the town and the people and the problems they face so accurately.

But I think most of all, I loved seeing how much Sofia changed. From being the spoiled princess that she was, to actually seeing the townspeople and their troubles, to wanting to help them. It wasn't an unrealistic change that happened over night, but one that happened gradually, so that we could really see that she was genuine.

So yes. I looooved this book. I loved everything about it. And while I may never love it more than Solving for Ex, it was pretty darn close. Plus, I hear the finished version has pictures. I mean, you can't beat that.

This review can also be found on   

Leigh Ann Kopans:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Leigh Ann has been kind enough to provide some Kindle copies to giveaway! This giveaway will go until Tuesday, September 9, and is INT as long as you can accept Kindle gifts. So, in order to win, leave a comment below telling me YOUR worst #FirstWorldProblem! 

As an optional second entry, follow @LeighAnnKopans on twitter and leave your twitter @username below so I can verify.

I'm also giving away a second copy on Twitter!

RT+Follow to win a Kindle copy of FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS by @LeighAnnKopans! Ends 9/5 10pm CST. (Another chance here: http://t.co/ueuXmt4N40)
— RachelMarie (@nerdherdreads) September 2, 2014