Fire with Fire by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Fire with Fire by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
Burn for Burn #2
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Source: Publisher (Edelweiss)
Goodreads Stars: 4.5
Rating: Essential
Buy it: Amazon UK

Lillia, Kat, and Mary had the perfect plan. Work together in secret to take down the people who wronged them. But things didn’t exactly go the way they’d hoped at the Homecoming Dance.

Not even close.

For now, it looks like they got away with it. All they have to do is move on and pick up the pieces, forget there ever was a pact. But it’s not easy, not when Reeve is still a total jerk and Rennie’s meaner than she ever was before.

And then there’s sweet little Mary…she knows there’s something seriously wrong with her. If she can’t control her anger, she’s sure that someone will get hurt even worse than Reeve was. Mary understands now that it’s not just that Reeve bullied her—it’s that he made her love him.

Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, burn for a burn. A broken heart for a broken heart. The girls are up to the task. They’ll make Reeve fall in love with Lillia and then they will crush him. It’s the only way he’ll learn.

It seems once a fire is lit, the only thing you can do is let it burn... - Goodreads

I couldn't decide what to wear.

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My Twitter followers are aware that this book gave me many feels, but in the interest of preserving what little dignity I have left, I shall try to make this review as serious and professional as possible... Okay, that was an outright lie. Who did you think you were talking to? 

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
Release Date: February 18, 2013
Publisher: Simon and Schuster (UK)
Source: Publisher
Goodreads Stars: 4
Rating: Enjoyable
Buy the Book: Amazon UK

Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.

Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.

Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste. - Goodreads

Burn for Burn was a fantastic read, filled with juicy revenge, mysterious and emotional back-stories, and three brilliant characters. I loved all three of the mains, as well as most of the secondary characters, because they were mostly all fantastic too, in their own little way.

Book Review: It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
May 5, 2011 (UK)
Publisher: Puffin
Rating: 4 out of 5
Recommended? Yes!
Buy the Book: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Last year, all of Belly’s dreams came true and the thought of missing a summer in Cousins Beach was inconceivable. But like the rise and fall of the ocean tide, things can change-- just like that. Suddenly the time she's always looked forward to most is something she dreads. And when Jeremiah calls to say Conrad has disappeared, Belly must decide how she will spend this summer: chasing after the boy she loves, or finally letting him go. - Goodreads Page

I really enjoyed The Summer I Turned Pretty, the first book in this trilogy, and so when this book arrived in the post I was so annoyed that I had to save it for my holiday. It’s been sitting on my bookshelf for a couple of months, staring at me and teasing me. But I was finally able to read it while I was sitting by the pool in Crete this July, and I’m so glad I waited.

There are a few differences between this book and the first. The main one is that this book is told from two points of view this time – Belly’s and Jeremiah’s. It’s pretty obvious what is going to happen from early on in the book, but I won’t spoil you. You must read this for yourself!

Belly, on the other hand, hasn’t changed much at all. Her main concern was Conrad, as usual, and it annoyed me. SO much. She had much bigger problems than chasing after him, but I guess that’s just Belly for you.

Conrad was also being annoying in this book. No, actually, not annoying, just frustrating. I hate it when people can’t share their feelings and instead they shut off.

That said, they were all going through a lot, so I can’t really blame them. I can’t blame Conrad, anyway.

I absolutely LOVED Jeremiah in this book. He was adorable in the first, and in this one he’s stepped up and matured and... Wow. I love him. And I really enjoyed reading things from his perspective, for example when he talks about how his dad has always favoured Conrad and left him out. I felt so sorry for him, I just wanted to hug him.

This book also marks the beginning of a love triangle. Gah. We’ll have to see where it goes, although I’m pretty sure I know. But it’s okay, because I like what happened at the end. I like it a lot.

It’s Not Summer Without You wasn’t as good a read as the first book in the trilogy, but I think that’s because it doesn’t have such a summery feel to it. The first one was perfect for the beach, whereas this one could have been enjoyed just as much in the hotel room. Plus, look at the title. It’s not supposed to be as summery.

I really did enjoy it, though, and if you haven’t picked up this trilogy yet then I highly recommend doing so. Especially if you’re going on holiday this summer! 

Book Review: The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Release Date: May 9^th, 2009

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s

Rating: 4 out of 5

Recommended? Yes!

Buy the Book: Amazon US

Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer--they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one terrible and wonderful summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along. - Goodreads page

I know, I know. I’m late to hop onto yet *another* band wagon. My bad. But, I read this book – finally – and I *loved* it! I totally understand what all the hype is about.

This book is written to show Belly’s point of view during the present day, and through a series of flashbacks over previous summers spent at the beach house. It is honestly an emotional rollercoaster, and everything mentioned in the flashbacks somehow intertwines with the present day. It’s very clever!

The title did, at first, sound rather superficial to me, but after reading I realise that I was completely wrong! Please don't be put off by the title, as this book is so much more than a story about being pretty.

I felt such a strong connection to all of the characters in this book – you must know how unusual this is for me! – and I loved it. Everything that they felt, I felt too. I cried my eyes out toward the end of the book, which was extremely surprising as I knew exactly what was coming. Obviously the connection I felt to the characters was stronger than I initially thought.

Another unusual trait to this novel was that I didn’t find any of the male characters attractive. Again, this is very strange for me, as I usually fall in love with at least one or two of them! Alas, I loved them, but not in a Dimitri Belikov kind of way.

It’s a wonderful summer read, and I highly recommend picking up this book and taking it on holiday with you! Reading it on the beach or by the pool is likely to enhance the experience ;)