Mini Reviews: the Second in the Summer Catch Up Addition

See the first post HERE.

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Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test #2) by Aimee Carter

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry's first wife, Persephone.

Review:

After reading and loving the first book in this series (The Goddess Test), I couldn't wait to dive in for more! Luckily, Goddess Interrupted was everything I had been hoping it would be and much, much more. To say the very least, I absolutely loved this one, and can't wait to read the next one! From the first page, I was instantly enchanted by Henry and Kate's world, as I got to see them face the new challenges that lead ahead of them in their relationship, the ones between just them as well as the ones between them and the whole Underworld. This book had the return of the scary villains introduced in book one, and because of this, I couldn't flip the pages fast enough, because I was dying to know what would occur next. The one character I loved seeing the most again, though, was James, who I have to admit I'm still rooting for. In all, Goddess Interrupted was another fun addition to the series, and I can't wait to read the next one!

Goddess Interrupted (Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Netgalley

Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Beneath the flashing lights, behind the screaming fans, the camera reveals all . . . even lov

Everyone agrees that the paparazzi are the scourge of the earth. They're low. They're despicable. They'll do anything for that perfect shot. And yet…how long could you go without your Us Weekly fix?

Meet Josephine Foster, or 'Zo Jo as she's called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo knows that the public-and the stars-have a symbiotic relationship with the paparazzi. She doesn't mind doing what it takes to get that perfect shot, until she's sent on a major undercover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett-teen superstar and the only celebrity who's ever been kind to her-at an exclusive rehabilitation retreat. The money will be enough to pay for Jo's dream: fine portrait photography classes, and maybe even quitting her 'zo gig for good.

Everyone at the retreat wants to know: what Ned's in for? But Jo certainly doesn't know what she's in for: falling in love with Ned was never supposed to be part of her assignment . . .

Review:

Prior to starting this one, I had heard countless good things about it...it was adorable, it was sweet, the list went on and on. Luckily, Shooting Stars was everything people said it was and much, much more. To be honest, I was a bit unsure about this one when I heard it would be about a teenage member of the paparazzi, but it ended up being such a great idea and the execution of it was done perfectly. It was interesting seeing the behind the look into the profession as well as how much hot trouble it can get somebody into. What I loved most about this one, though, was the main character Zo Jo. I loved her voice from the start. She was sassy and full of spunk but vulnerable and timid all at the same time. The progress in her character throughout this was great, and I especially loved seeing her relationship with the mysterious and alluring Ned, especially when a little twist and forbidden-ness was thrown in here and there. In all, Shooting Stars is a charming little read, perfect for the beach and/or pool! I can't wait to read Ms. Rushby's next book!

Shooting Stars (Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ Goodreads) is now out in paperback!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.


I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?


Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.


Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play…and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.


Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed...

Review:

As soon as I first saw the cover for this one, I knew I had to read it, and after reading the summery, that thought was only supported more. Sadly enough, while containing an intriguing premise, The Juliet Spell was not a favorite of mine due to a few reasons. For one, I was never able to fully click with the main characters, especially Miranda. Miranda just always seemed to be very immature, more than a teen her age should be. Plus, her voice just got on my nerves after a while, and the others characters were okay, but there wasn't one I particularly adored. As mentioned before, the premise of this one is great, but the overall execution was severely lacking. I found the book to drag and drag as it continued, and the story was never as fresh and exciting as I thought it would be. I often saw the plot twists and turns from miles away. I do feel, though, that this one may appeal to younger teens/the upper middle grade crowd, so if you fit one of those groups, I do suggest you give it a try. It just wasn't the read for me.

The Juliet Spell (Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ Goodreads) is now out in paperback!

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

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Check back soon for a third batch of mini reviews!