Title: Royal Wedding (The Princess Diaries #11)
Author: Meg Cabot
Publishing Date: June 2nd 2015
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding—but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare.

For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia's gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn't need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui.

But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother's leaked "fake" wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia's father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone—especially herself—that she's not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well?

 CRYING RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THIS IS MY CHILDHOOD OMG OMG OMG

I read the 1st book of this series when I was just 9 years old and I literally grew up with this book, went through puberty with it and all those awkward years and this was like my bible!!! I can't even remember how much I loved this series until I started reading this and how time flies because I'm reading this as a 19 years old now!

To the series that got me into reading chick lit and romance novels, to the series that taught me it's okay for a princess to be clumsy, bad at math, crazy and completely neurotic but still be filled with so much awesome and coolness and spunk, to the series that got me through my preteen years, WOW JUST THANK YOU AND I WILL NEVER GET TIRED OF READING ABOUT MIA'S LIFE.

It's great because 6 years have passed yet the author flawlessly gets back into writing the characters we all know and love and the characterization is just spot on. It's great to see all these characters come back to life in Mia's writing, like Lily, Tina, Lana, Michael, Mia's mom, and even Gradmere, no matter how annoying she may be (though she serves as great comic relief). I do still think that character is the strongest point of this series, and it shines in this 11th installment. Although the characters are still the same, we see substantial character development in their adult versions, even in Mia's father Prince Philip!

It was also so good to know what everyone has been up to and what kind of lives they are leading right now after high school. It's like looking back at your high school classmates and wondering what they're doing now. There were some really funny surprises though - I did NOT see that coming for Boris (haha) and I definitely didn't expect a certain someone to actually be Mia's stalker!

The narrative is still brilliant, with Mia's diary entries still funny, sarcastic, quirky and nerdy, and her thought processes absolutely sharp, hilarious and relatable. There are a lot of great quotable quotes that I really loved, such as the following:

 “It wasn’t me,” Lars supplied, from the front seat. “I didn’t tell.” “Of course it wasn’t Lars,” Michael said, having overheard him. “Tell Lars no one is blaming him.” Seriously, if my life were one of those romance novels with a love triangle, Lars and Michael would be the sexy paranormal alpha males, but the two of them would be in love with each other and just ignore me.” 

Yep, presenting: Mia's imagination

“Why doesn’t the CIA hire your grandmother to interrogate terror suspects? She does a much better job than they do of getting classified information."

“I’m completely demanding an autopsy on my grandmother’s brain when she’s dead so I can see what I’m in for as I age.” 

Still the same old Grandmere.

Title: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids
Author: Sarah Ockler
Publishing Date: June 2nd 2015
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: ARC
Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary:

The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.

Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.

Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life. 

When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them . . .
Now where do I even begin with how absolutely gorgeous this book is?

I guess I could begin with the writing style. Good god, there's this amazing prose in this story that borders around perfection. I'm usually nitpicky about the writing of anything I read, but there isn't anything I found wrong in this at all. The language and the storytelling blew me away, that I felt so enchanted and intrigued of a story I would've normally considered a cliche. There is goddamn poetry in this novel and it's actually good and it will hit you hard in that tiny spot in your chest and make you cry fat ugly tears because you will realize how much it hits so close to home.

That's how I felt, and I connected with this book in a whole different level than I expected. I wanted to like this book because, like the MC I have a special connection with the ocean and would consider myself a mermaid chaser, however you may interpret that. But instead of liking it, I loved it. This book exceeded my expectations and oh my god, I can't stop rambling about how amazing this book is!

Title: None of the Above
Author: I.W. Gregorio
Publishing Date: April 7th 2015
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Format: ARC
Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary:

A groundbreaking story about a teenage girl who discovers she was born intersex... and what happens when her secret is revealed to the entire school. Incredibly compelling and sensitively told, None of the Above is a thought-provoking novel that explores what it means to be a boy, a girl, or something in between.

What if everything you knew about yourself changed in an instant?

When Kristin Lattimer is voted homecoming queen, it seems like another piece of her ideal life has fallen into place. She's a champion hurdler with a full scholarship to college and she's madly in love with her boyfriend. In fact, she's decided that she's ready to take things to the next level with him.

But Kristin's first time isn't the perfect moment she's planned—something is very wrong. A visit to the doctor reveals the truth: Kristin is intersex, which means that though she outwardly looks like a girl, she has male chromosomes, not to mention boy "parts."

Dealing with her body is difficult enough, but when her diagnosis is leaked to the whole school, Kristin's entire identity is thrown into question. As her world unravels, can she come to terms with her new self?

"Love isn’t a choice. You fall for the person, not their chromosomes.”

I cannot stress enough how important this book is. There are a lot of great YA books, but only few are this brilliant. This is one of the most diverse, raw and  incredible books I have ever read and I can't seem to find the appropriate words that would give justice to this masterpiece. This is the first book I've read about an intersex character, as well as one of the few times I have encountered such a word. This book gave me a deeper understanding of what an intersex is and the challenges they face in our society.

I have to admit that at first I had my doubts about this book and was extremely skeptical and critical as I read it. I knew the subject matter of this but I was afraid that it would not be handled all too well. But boy, I was wrong. It was not only handled well, it was handled brilliantly. It is evident how much research was put into writing this book, of course, nothing less to be expected from the author who is a surgeon who treated an intersex patient that inspired this novel.  You can actually see that the author cares about what she's writing, that she' s passionate about this cause and subject and that she has taken extreme care into making this book as flawless as possible.

And yes, it delivers. 

The novel is eye-opening. Kristin's story and struggle to be accepted in a society that is cruel, close minded and ignorant will impact you in ways unimaginable. It will make you question the standards and the norms we live in right now and will raise the questions: Does it really matter what chromosomes we have? Does it matter what our genders are?  Does liking the color  blue make you any less a female? Do any of these matter? There is a lot of discussion about gender, what constitutes it, identity, and what it truly means to be a girl or a boy. 

Plot wise, I found some parts problematic and a little too convenient, especially in the romance aspect of the story. However, all things else I found the plot to be well-paced and Kristin's struggle to be very realistic. Her main support system in the book is of course her father and I loved how well their relationship is portrayed. He still sees Kristin the same way despite her condition and does his best to make it easier for her and support her in every decision she makes. Kristin is a strong MC and though she struggles and is insecure with her condition at first, I find her admirable as she constantly picks herself up and even fights for her spot in the track team. I loved her character development, and found the pacing just right. The novel ends a little too conveniently but I liked how it has a happy ending, as it gives a truly positive message about being intersex.

None of the Above is truly an honest and refreshing debut. It tackles some heavy matter but it does it just the right way. I feel as if this book will educate its readers more than it will entertain them, and that I think is what makes this a glorious contribution to young adult literature.

Title: The Forever Song
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publishing Date: April 15th, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary:
Vengeance will be hers.

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

Monster.

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions - her creator Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost - the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie. 

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, her triumph will be short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

THE FINAL HUNT IS ON.

After that HORRIBLE cliffhanger in Book 2, I thought I had seen the worst. How wrong I was.

Oh Julie. You will never make this easy huh.

The Forever Song was an epic, fantastic and excellent conclusion to the Blood of Eden series. I couldn't have wanted anything more for the last book. Wow... it was exciting, action-packed, gory, bloody, absolutely horrific! But at the same time it was awesome and so kickass. I was on the edge of my seat finding something to hold on to, because I was afraid I'd actually lose it. I certainly did not foresee that ending, but I loved how everything becomes full circle in the end.

In this third installment, Allison's struggle is the hardest. For a newbie vampire, she really is going through a lot with all her mixed up emotions of revenge, anger, and sadness. She certainly has her moments in the book, where she almost gives up to the monster within her, but she always, always finds a way to get back. I loved her character development in this last book, and she has gone a long way from that small weak girl dying in the rain. And my god, Allison is a scary killer with that katana. She is a brave and incredible fighter. This girl is practically my hero.

It was interesting to see a different side of Zeke in this book but Julie really pulled it off with her top notch writing. I can't see any other author write a nice guy into something as horrible as what Zeke turned into in this book and still feel like it makes sense. The character development is incredible, and you never for one second think Zeke is out of character or inconsistent. Everything just adds up!

And then Kanin - he is seriously one of the best characters ever. Truly a master vampire. I really really admired him even more in this book. He's a father figure to both Allison and Jackal and is great at leading people. Jackal, with his morbid sense of humor and his outward facade of bloodthirstiness, is actually a really really complex character. I can really say that he actually has a heart and cares about Allison no matter how much he'd deny it. I especially loved their constant bickering and interaction in this book.

As much as I loved all the characters in this book, I loved almost everything else too! I loved the DETAIL and how well developed every scene and plot point was. Every single thing that happens in this book is so descriptive and visual and so intense - I could imagine it happening right under my nose. Julie's writing is as always, excellent and commendable. I LOVED THIS BOOK AND CAN'T BE ANY HAPPIER WITH THE ENDING. It was hard and heartbreaking and we lost so much, but it was so good and was an excellent way to wrap up the series!

This is not a paranormal YA book series with hot shiny, or sparkly vampires. This is a dark, compelling series with scary, crazy and morbid vampires. Consider yourself warned.

Title: All Fall Down
Author: Ally Carter
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: February 5, 2015
Format: ARC

Summary via Goodreads:
A new series of global proportions -- from master of intrigue, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Ally Carter. 

This exciting new series from NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Ally Carter focuses on Grace, who can best be described as a daredevil, an Army brat, and a rebel. She is also the only granddaughter of perhaps the most powerful ambassador in the world, and Grace has spent every summer of her childhood running across the roofs of Embassy Row.

Now, at age sixteen, she's come back to stay--in order to solve the mystery of her mother's death. In the process, she uncovers an international conspiracy of unsettling proportions, and must choose her friends and watch her foes carefully if she and the world are to be saved.

Title: Red Queen
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Publishing Date: February 10th, 2015
Publisher: Orion
Format: ARC
Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary:
The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.

To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.

Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of
those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.

But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win? 

Title: Playlist for the Dead
Author: Michelle Falkoff
Publishing Date: January 27th, 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: ARC
Rating: 1/5 star

Summary:

A teenage boy tries to understand his best friend's suicide by listening to the playlist of songs he left behind in this smart, voice-driven debut novel.

Here's what Sam knows: There was a party. There was a fight. The next morning, his best friend, Hayden, was dead. And all he left Sam was a playlist of songs, and a suicide note: For Sam—listen and you'll understand.

As he listens to song after song, Sam tries to face up to what happened the night Hayden killed himself. But it's only by taking out his earbuds and opening his eyes to the people around him that he will finally be able to piece together his best friend’s story. And maybe have a chance to change his own.

Part mystery, part love story, and part coming-of-age tale in the vein of Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Tim Tharp’s The Spectacular Now, Playlist for the Dead is an honest and gut-wrenching first novel about loss, rage, what it feels like to outgrow a friendship that's always defined you—and the struggle to redefine yourself. But above all, it's about finding hope when hope seems like the hardest thing to find.

Title: Only A Kiss
Author: Ines Bautista-Yao
Publishing Date: November 29th, 2014
Publisher: Chamber Shell Publishing
Format: Kindle
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:

When she was nine-years-old, Katie knew she wanted Chris to give her her first kiss. It wasn’t because she was in love with him (no way, he was her best friend! Besides, she was in love with his fourteen-year-old big brother), it was because she could make him do anything she wanted. 
Besides, it didn't really mean anything. It was only a kiss after all. 
But then things started to change. They grew up. They parted ways and went to different high schools. And other girls and boys—well, just one particular boy—came into the picture, throwing their lives upside down. 
Told from the alternating points of view of Katie and Chris, this love story between two best friends will tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking how the simplest things can mean so much.