Review: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

Title: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls #1)

Author: Ally Carter

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Release Date: April 25th, 2006

Source: Purchased

My Rating: 3/5

Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real "pavement artist"-but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her?

Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she's on her most dangerous mission-falling in love. (Summary from Goodreads)

Well, wasn't that an adorable novel.

I picked up I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You after much persuasion and prodding from my friend Crimson (okay, how many of my reviews have started off like that?). I spotted a deal on Amazon for the box-set of the first three novels, and decided to take a chance and purchase them. Although this first novel wasn't my favorite, I hear it gets much better and I can't wait to read more! I mean, an all-girls school for spies? What's not to love!

This first installment introduces us to the Gallagher Girls. They are brilliant, talented spies-in-training, inside of bubbly teenage girl packages. Cammie, Liz, Bex, and a late edition Macey, are hilarious and sweet, but also clever and creative. What I thought was both well done and intensely funny was the way the girls reacted to every situation. They had regular teenage problems, like wondering if a cute boy liked them, but they solved their problems with spy tactics. While normal girls might Google search the boy or theorize with their friends, the Gallagher Girls used e-mail hacking, surveillance techniques and every gadget imaginable to learn more about him. A little quirk that made this unique story a hilarious one. I wish I was a Gallagher Girl, cause they are seriously awesome.
 
Cammie and Josh, her non-spy love interest, were really cute together, and I thought it interesting watching her try and balance her "normal" girl appearance with her spy life. 
But, while I did really enjoy the characters and the plot, there was something about the book that bugged me at points. I felt some scenes were a bit childish, and the story dragged at times for me. I felt it needed a bit of a push to get going, although by the end I was definitely hooked.

It was a short and sweet novel, and a series that has a lot of potential to be amazing. And from what I've heard, it goes way beyond amazing. I can't wait to dive back into the world of the Gallagher Girls. Really, who doesn't want to be a spy?

- Ciara who is lost at midnight

Find this book: Amazon | Goodreads | Ally Carter's Website

Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Publisher: Dutton Books

Release Date: September 29th, 2011

Source: Won (from Emilie's Book World)

My Rating: 5/5

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door. (Summary from Goodreads)

I was really excited when I won a copy of Lola and the Boy Next Door a few months ago. I absolutely loved Anna and the French Kiss (although, the title is still not my favourite) and I knew that Stephanie Perkins would blow me away with this companion! And, I can safely say, I was swept off my feet by Lola and the Boy Next Door!

I don't think you can truly understand how hilarious this book is until you read it. I found myself laughing out loud more times than I could count and having a smile plastered on my face throughout the entire novel. Perkins is just such a funny, creative writer! And her character of Lola Nolan was absolutely endearing and original.

And man, oh man did I love Lola Nolan. She was just such a pleasure to read about! Narrated in her sweet and funky voice, she amazed me with each turn of the page. And swoon-worthy Cricket was definitely a great addition to the story, especially since he wasn't swoon-worthy in the normal fashion of YA books. Which leads me to one of my favorite things about Stephanie Perkins' novels: imperfections. Both Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door were filled with imperfect characters. Each character has their little quirks and flaws that make them all the more lovable. Lola is colorful and bubbly, always decked out in some sort of crazy costume. Cricket is adorably sweet and gawkily tall. Together they play off each other in the most endearing way, making me love them more and more each scene. They are realistic and interesting characters, which just makes the novel all the better.

Lola and the Boy Next Door, despite it's cutesy name, isn't just a cutesy, light novel. It's also a story that tackles real issues with humor and heart. The concept and definition of one's identity and place in the world comes to play a lot in the novel. And I really enjoyed the way it was underlined in the story. It wasn't in-your-face, but still an integral piece of the picture.

Overall, I just want to hug Lola and the Boy Next Door and never let go. It lifted my heart, put a stitch in my side, and made my cheeks ache from smiling so much. This is a novel you want to read. It's one that anyone can and will love. And one that has painted a glittery, quirky little place in my heart.

- Ciara who is lost at midnight

Find this book: Amazon | Goodreads | Stephanie Perkins' Website

Waiting On Wednesday (12): Endlessly by Kiersten White

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, in which bloggers talk about the books they are most eager for!

This Week's Pick: Endlessly (Paranormlacy #3) by Kiersten White

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: July 24th, 2012

Try as she might, Evie can’t seem to escape her not-so-normal past. And what was supposed to be a blissfully normal school break is ruined when a massive group of paranormals shows up at her house, claiming that Evie is the only one who can protect them from a mysterious, perilous fate.

The deadly war between the faerie courts looms ever closer. The clock is ticking on the entire paranormal world. And its future rests solely in Evie’s hands.

So much for normal.

With a perfect blend of humor and suspense, Endlessly is everything readers could dream of in a conclusion—and the unexpected twists will keep them guessing until the very last page. (Summary from Goodreads)

The Paranormalcy series by Kiersten White is, without a doubt, one of the best paranormal series out there. It is hilarious, captivating, and everything else you can ask for in a novel. Evie is an adorable protagonist who's heart and humor will keep you laughing and smiling throughout the story. And Lend. Oh, Lend. A boy out of any girls dreams (well, if they featured a supernatural-body-morphing hottie). 

I'm going to be very sad to see this series end, but I'm sure Kiersten White will keeping me smiling through the sadness! I can't wait to see how to all comes to an end!

Also, can I just gush about how much I love this cover?! I adored the first two, but this one takes the cake! The gorgeous dress, plus the stunning purple all comes together to make one of my favorite covers this year! 

- Ciara who is lost at midnight

Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Publisher: Poppy

Release Date: January 2nd, 2012

Source: Purchased

My Rating: 4/5

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it

 
I'm not the best when it comes to forgiveness.

I have a bit of a tendency to hold a grudge. Not my best personality trait, I'll admit, and one that has gotten me into trouble a few times recently. I do forgive, but it just takes me a bit longer than some people.

Why am I talking about forgiveness? Well, a book I thought would just be a cutesy, comedic novel turned into a journey to let go of anger, to embrace change, and maybe find your soul-mate.

I had been hearing amazing things about The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight since its release in January. Everyone was calling it adorable and fantastic, so I knew I had to check it out. I started and finished it just the other day and, I have to say, it was just as great as everyone said it was. 

At first, I wasn't a huge fan of Hadley. Mostly because of her unfortunate name. There was a boy named Hadley in my elementary school that used to chase me around, try to kiss me, and was one of the most obnoxious people I've ever had to deal with. Once I got past the association, I started to like her. I felt angry on her behalf when she spoke of her father's abandonment, and smiled to myself constantly during her banter with Oliver. And Oliver. Oh, I'm a sucker for a pretty boy with an accent. The mystery surrounding his return to London, and his constant humor had me flipping the page to read more. Hadley and Oliver's dialogue seemed very natural and endearing, and their relationship, although formed quickly, seemed solid and heart-warming.

The idea of forgiveness, something both Hadley and Oliver struggled with added an extra element to the story. It wasn't just about a chance meeting, and a romance that bloomed from it. It was two people suffering the consequences of other people's actions, and finding it in their heart to move on. It made me realize the mistakes of others don't have to define my own life, and that holding on to a grudge doesn't hurt anyone more than myself.

I will say, I found the writing slightly repetitive. Hadley often had the same internal monologue over and over, just with minor rephrasing. I understood the importance of it, but I think it was adequately covered the first few times. I also wasn't a huge fan of the third person writing. I felt it didn't fit the story at some points, but that's more of a personal preference.

Overall, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight was everything I hoped it would be, and more. Witty, fun, romantic, with just the right amount of heart, this book was great, and one I would recommend.

- Ciara who is lost at midnight

Find this book: Amazon | Goodreads | The Book Depository