Blog Tour (Book Review) - Perfect Couple by Jennifer Echols (Hosted by IFB Tours)

Perfect Couple
By: Jennifer Echols
Series: Superlatives #2
Publication Date: 13th January 2015
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Page Count: 336 (paperback)
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Review Copy from IFB Tours
Buy: Amazon

Rating: 7.5 - 8 (great - excellent)

In this second book in The Superlatives trilogy from Endless Summer author Jennifer Echols, Harper and Brody think they're an unlikely match but the senior class says they belong together.

As yearbook photographer, Harper is responsible for those candid moments that make high school memorable. But her own life is anything but picture perfect. Her parents' bitter divorce left her wondering what a loving relationship looks like. And ever since the senior class voted her and star quarterback Brody "Perfect Couple That Never Was" her friends have been pushing her to ask Brody out.

Brody doesn't lack female admirers, but Harper can't see herself with him. He's confused about the match too. Yet they find themselves drawn together first by curiosity about why the class paired them, then by an undeniable bond.

The trouble is, though they're attracted to each other, they have a hard time getting along or even communicating well. If they're the perfect couple, this shouldn't be so difficult! Soon it becomes clear their class was wrong, and they throw in the towel. But they feel so changed from making the effort, they can't forget each other. What if this match made in hell is the perfect couple after all?

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All quotes were taken from the ARC and may be subject to change.
Firstly I would like to thank Simon Pulse, Shane @ Itching for Books Tours and Jennifer Echols for allowing me to read the book early and for letting me be part of this amazing tour! I literally jumped for joy when I saw the email!

Fun, Flirtatious, Fabulous. The only three words I need to describe this book. Literally.

But oh well let's just write the full review. Haha! Anyways, I REALLY loved Biggest Flirts so much and I was super excited for Perfect Couple! Boy, was I not disappointed! 

I gave Perfect Couple a 7.5 - 8 rating because of how much I loved it. If you've followed this blog for a while, you would know how I hardly give high ratings because I am very particular about books. Giving an 8 rating for a contemporary was practically unheard of!

From the start I had superbly high expectations for this book and I am so ecstatic that my expectations were met. In my opinion, the relationship between Harper and Brody was  perfect because it was awkward and unstable and funny and imperfect just like what a real life romance was. I mean, they got together because of a freaking vote for goodness sake! What's more BOTH of them had bfs/gfs already! AND THEY WERE LITERAL OPPOSITES! 

What's more Echols being an experienced and knowing author gave the story the right amount of romance build up and made it all so flirtatious and fun to read! 

The only thing I was unsure of was that the book was honestly just a tad too fast-paced for me. I think this was the only reason I hesitated between 7.5 and 8. I understood that for a contemporary novel this would always be the case but I did feel that things zoomed past a little too fast. 

However, asides from being a pretty short read, for a contemporary romance, I think that this had just the right amount of romance for a day when you just want to kick back and read a hell of a relatable romance. I do think that perhaps some scenes would be more suited for older readers though!

Also, I was super happy that Jennifer included old characters such as Will and Tia and we got to see them be so cute together! BTW, Sawyer is my bae and I claim DIPS! I can't wait to see more of Sawyer in Most Likely to Succeed! <3

Perfect Couple is filled with so much love and joy and laughter that you will just keep wanting more after you've put it down! It will keep you thinking about Harper and Brody for days to come and hope for Sawyer and Kaye's romance to come sooner! This book WILL NOT disappoint! 

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a young-adult romance with fun, sass, a kick-ass female and a hell of a hottie. The book comes out on the 13th of January 2015 and if you do not pick this book up, you will utterly regret it! Go read it and find out more about the unforgettable love that is Harper and Brody's! <3

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Favorite Quotes

Hey guys! These are some of my favorite quotes for the book!!!! Honestly I loved every line but... 

1. 

     "You look hot, Harper." Will said.

      Tia told him, "There's Thanks for being nice to my friends,' and then there's 'You can stop being nice to my friends now."

2.

      "You're an artistic," [Brody] said. "It seems like you could just paint the world the way you wanted it, and then you wouldn't have to worry about catching it just right."

      "The world is beautiful exactly like it is," I said. "You just have to know how to frame it, and bring it into focus."

3.

      "All in favor?" I asked. "Aye -- and my opinion is the only one that counts. I am on deadline with this shit."

4. 

      Sawyer rolled his eyes. "If you want to know what people are saying about you, they're saying you're hot."

      "Really?" I asked skeptically.

      "Yes."

      "I felt like I needed to wear glasses so my face would have something in it. It just looks kind of blank to me, not pretty."

      "We all have issues," Sawyer said, almost unkindly.

      I nodded.

      "But that is the most fucked-up thing I've ever heard. You thought you weren't pretty, so you wore glasses? That's pathological."

5.

      "And Tia," Kaye said.

      Of course. The free spirit. The sexy chick who didn't give a damn what anybody thought. My complete opposite. The girl Brody had a crush on in middle school.

That's it from me! Now to end off, here's a little teaser ;)

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About the Author:

Jennifer Echols was born in Atlanta and grew up in a small town on a beautiful lake in Alabama—a setting that has inspired many of her books. She has written nine romantic novels for young adults, including the comedy MAJOR CRUSH, which won the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the drama GOING TOO FAR, which was a finalist in the RITA, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Book Buyer’s Best, and was nominated by the American Library Association as a Best Book for Young Adults. Simon & Schuster will debut her adult romance novels in 2013, with many more teen novels scheduled for the next few years. She lives in Birmingham with her husband and her son.

*All pictures and graphics do not belong to me. I take no credit for any of it.

** All opinions are mine and are in no way influenced by anyone or anything.

Book Review - The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

The Blood of Olympus
By: Rick Riordan
Series: The Heroes of Olympus #5
Publication Date: 1sh October 2014
Publisher: Puffin (US)
Page Count: 592 (hardback)
Genres: Middle Grade, Adventure, Greek Mythology
Source: Purchased

Rating: 8

Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the "Argo II" have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen-all of them, and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood-the blood of Olympus-in order to wake.

The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it "might" be able to stop a war between the two camps.  

The Athena Parthenos will go west; the "Argo II" will go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over.

The end of the Percy Jackson era.  It's been 7 years since I started reading the PJO series and yet I have always been and still am so in love with it after such a long time. As such, knowing that there will never be another adventure again makes me really sorrowful. However, I am sort of happy because it means NO MORE CLIFFHANGERS and my baes DON'T NEED TO SUFFER anymore! But inside I'm still *cries*. Now, on to my review. There may be minor spoiler alerts.

What I am Loving:
Perspectives

Nico. My lovely beautiful Nico just brightened up the entire series. I was half squealing, half crying when I read about his pain and troubles and I love his views of the world and most of all the fantastic character building and development that Rick put into him. We learn so much more about him in this book and it just makes me want to keep him safe forever because he is such a beautiful and vulnerable boy, although he is also such a strong and wonderful man who needs to be shown to the world. As such, I just absolutely loved his perspective.

Next, Reyna. Asides from Nico, I think Reyna was another highlight to me and was a fresh and unexpected perspective that I never thought I would enjoy reading. I used to really dislike Reyna but because it was written from her perspective, like Nico, we learn so much more about her and as such I began to develop a connection towards her and her actions.

Asides from the two new perspectives, I felt that Piper's perspective was one that made me think differently at the end of the day. Her perspective make me like her slightly better after I got to understand her character. I had never really liked her because I felt that she was too needy but in this book she started kicking-ass. As such my impression of her and my respect for her increased tremendously.

Plot

I really enjoyed the plot and adventures in this book. The pace wasn't too fast or too slow. At the same time, the book had rising action, a climax, a resolution and a perfect ending so I can't complain much about the overall plot. One thing I really enjoyed was how Rick paired the groups up perfectly when he sent them on journeys such that each of them would get the chance to be exposed to characters they were no familiar with and to grow using each others strengths and witnesses and as such leading to great character development too. Thus, no complains here either.

Ships

Percabeth has always been my favorite ship and as such I was tremendously happy when they appeared like yay! Another ship I grew to love was Solangelo because Nico is such a sweetheart, but he is so innocent and quiet and oh my gosh Will fits him so well :D Opposites attract after all. Also, thank you for being so open about homosexuality in a middle-grade book Rick!

What I am Unsure Of:

As a Percabeth lover, be it of their relationship or of them as individuals; I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their perspectives, after all it was Percy's POV in the PJO series that made me fall in love with this series after all. As such, I would have really loved this book even more if Percy or/and Annabeth had appeared as often and also if BoO was written in their perspectives (at least for a couple of chapters).

Final Verdict:

I can't believe this is the end of the Percy Jackson series. These characters were my family. To see this series come to an end is just so heartbreaking and beautiful and satisfying at the same time. I love how everyone got their happy ending and just how this ended so so so beautifully. I'm happy that Percabeth are both alive and have made plans (THAT COMPLETELY MADE ME SQUEAL). I'm happy that Solangelo is going to get together and that Nico will be with someone suitable for him. I'm happy that Leo found someone who fits him ;) (SUNSHINE). I'm happy that Hazel and Frank are still together and greater than ever. I'm even happy for Piper and Jason. This was one of those endings that really gave me a bittersweet feeling and I will never forget how much joy and wonder I gained from reading the PJO and the HoO series. 

Thank you so much for the adventures Percy. I will never forget you. You will always be my blue-eyed baby.

*All pictures and graphics do not belong to me. I take no credit at any of it.

** All opinions are mine and are in no way influenced by anyone or anything.

Book Review - The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

The House of Hades
By: Rick Riordan
Series: The Heroes of Olympus #4
Publication Date: 8th October 2013
Publisher: Puffin (US)
Page Count: 584 (paperback) / 608 (hardback)
Genres: Middle Grade, Adventure, Greek Mythology
Source: Purchased

Rating: 8

The House of Hades is the fourth book in the bestselling Heroes of Olympus series, set in the action-packed world of Percy Jackson.

The stakes have never been higher. If Percy Jackson and Annabeth fail in their quest, there'll be hell on Earth. Literally.

Wandering the deadly realm of Tartarus, every step leads them further into danger. And, if by some miracle they do make it to the Doors of Death, there's a legion of bloodthirsty monsters waiting for them.

Meanwhile, Hazel and the crew of the Argo II have a choice: to stop a war or save their friends. Whichever road they take one thing is certain - in the Underworld, evil is inescapable.

Honestly time. I had not read the House of Hades before the last book came out. And now at the time that I am writing this review. I have actually just finished marathoning House of Hades and Blood of Olympus and I am NOT PREPARED TO WRITE THE TWO REVIEWS FOR THE BOOKS!

Firstly, I must emphasize that I loved the books. I've been reading them for about 6-7 years of my life and that's about half of my life. I have loved the Percy Jackson series and now I love the Heroes of Olympus series so I am absolutely heartbroken and devastated about the end of this series because no more Percy in my life makes me really upset but at the same time contented for some weird reason. Now without further ado and what a long introduction that was, my review.
 

What I am Loving:

Percy and Annabeth

For this review it seems that I'm focusing on the character perspectives more I guess. My favorite part was Percy and Annabeth's perspectives! I have loved them since the start and I love them still and will love them evermore. In this book Rick finally allowed them to be together after such a long time! With their perspectives and the whole adventure in Tartarus it was really like we were once again getting to know them more again and of course their new and developing relationship which we did not get to see much because of the whole Hera thing and the fact that they were 5 other demigods and 1 satyr there all the time.

With the whole Percy, Annabeth and Tartarus thing, we were finally able to read more about them and see them grow to be stronger and better people. We were finally also able to read about the love and care they had for each other. Most of all I really loved the way that they supported each other in the hardest times. (I mean come on they are ONLY 16 and they ended up in freaking Tartarus... I would have died like in the first hour or something) They had each other's backs til the end and even after such a hard time, they were still willing to give up their life for each other instead of giving up on the other. Just. This Love Is Perfect. Hashtag #Percabethforever.
 

Nico
Nico De Angelo. Do you understand how much I love this bae. He is so strong and so fierce and so vulnerable at the same time. I want to hug him and love him and just he is so beautiful! I never really loved him much before but after this book just my love expanded so much and I'm giving my entire heart to this beautiful boy. Psst. Wait for the next book though. He's even more lovable. I gurantee you won't be done with this series without loving Nico my bae. Also the SHIP! I'm not gonna spoil anymore because this was meant to be spoiler free - I'm just telling you my very brief feelings. The Blood of Olympus review I'm planning will be way more detailed.

The plot & adventure

For me at least, this was my favorite book of the Heroes of Olympus series so far. The plot was great. There was so much progress in terms of the adventure and characterization. The synchronization between the Argo's adventures and the Tartarus adventure was written really well. I could imagine myself with the characters and all that jazz. All the up and downs made you really understand just how miserable the life of a demigod is. My poor baes.
  

What I am Unsure Of:

Jason and Piper

I'm sorry I still can't. They never were my favorite characters and they still aren't. I tried to grow onto them. I really did. And I admit compared to the last 3 books, I liked them most in this one. However, I still felt they were like mary-sues who were too perfect and too fake for my liking. In comparison, their progress in terms of characterization and personality was too little, too unrealistic, it was like they were trying to make me like them. If that even made sense. I just couldn't like them. I was still hoping that I would grow to like them though!

Final Verdict:

I gave an 8 for this book. It was excellent and one of the greatest books I had read this year and the best Heroes of Olympus book for me at least. If you have not read this well what are you still doing! Now! Go! Buy! :) 

P.S. My Blood of Olympus review will be up in a few days so please do look out for that too! Thank you and happy reading! <3

*All pictures and graphics do not belong to me. I take no credit at any of it.

** All opinions are mine and are in no way influenced by anyone or anything.