Fifteen Seconds of Normal Review

Fifteen Seconds of Normal
By: Alex Marestaign 


Step 1: Transfer high schools Step 2: Hide your Tourette’s Step 3: Find your fifteen seconds of normal Kaeya Garay has a plan. And it seems to be working.But when a curious interruption named Thatcher Kelly stumbles upon her “safe” place in the school’s abandoned art gallery, her grand plans for normalcy are suddenly derailed. Set over the course of three weeks, Fifteen Seconds of Normal is the quirky saga of a literature obsessed teen on the edge of a meldown and the hope driven heroine who begins to pull him back. Fans of Eleanor and Park be warned. You won’t be able to put this one down. 

Everyone is familiar with those internet memes? What many tend to forget is that those pictures are of real people. With lives. And Hearts. Thatcher Kelly becomes familiar with this in the beginning of Fifteen Seconds of Normal. When his “normal” is snatched away he finds a new one in the hidden art gallery where he meets the beautiful Kaeya Garay. A girl with secrets of her own. 

I’ve met people with Tourette’s and I didn’t know much about it really until I picked up this book. The storyline begins like any other contemporary read but stretched into the unknown territory about the harsh judgmental society we live in today. 

Thatcher Kelly is a sweetheart, honestly, there needs to be more guys like him out there. It almost seems rare now to find one. OR maybe I’m not looking hard enough? Either way, his selfishness and devotion to his sister makes this protagonist a cuddly teddy bear I want to hug every moment. 

Kaeya Garay took me a while to be able to pronounce her name. Something about the “e” in the middle just threw me off. But her character and perfect flaws made up for it. She channels the classic teenager in high school. She just wants to be “normal.” Which is shown as she constantly tries to jump hurdles that she only needs to walk around. As the reader, you learn along with her about the lesson of just being yourself. 

The overall storyline was good, but I feel like the author could have stretched it out a little longer. Add a bit more drama maybe? Allow the relationships to grow and get more intimate? It would make the book a little more longer and add more emphasis to the characters. Because the book flew by way too fast; or maybe I just plowed through it because of how great it was. 

Either way, this book is filled with good content, interesting characters, and full of cute little jokes and quirks. I highly suggest it. 

[A Review copy was sent in exchange for an honest review] 

A Tea-rific Teahouse

(Instagram: Thereallilycooper)

When I was little, my grandmother would always bring out her old teacups and prepare a tea party for the two of us.  We would dress up in her pearls and big hats, and speak in British accents.  After she died, every once in a while, I would go have tea in her honor at local tea shops.  On one of my ventures, I discovered, in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, in between a flower shop and an art museum lays a quaint little tea shop known as Teaspressa. Alison DeVane, the founder of Teaspressa, was an avid coffee drinker until migraines and other health problems started to come in the way. Hence, the creation of Teaspressa: a healthy alternative to coffee, and filled with just about the same amount of caffeine. This café offers a quaint atmosphere, cozy tea blends and pastries, and picture-perfect opportunities for the everyday Instagrammer. 

(Instagram: Thereallilycooper)

The Goodyear resident was a contestant on the reality show “Shark Tank” in early 2016 and competed for the 50,000-dollar prize. Though ambitious, the judges were a little confused by her idea and thought she jumped into the show too early.  However, she shook off the criticism and opened up Teaspressa a few months later. DeVane’s shop offers many different types of teas, ready to take home, or drink there. If you ask, they will even make glamorous latte art on top. Though she was shot down on the reality TV show, she has certainly proved herself worthy of owning a successful business.

The moment a customer walks in they are met with the aroma of fresh cut flowers and a mix of spices. Light streams in through the windows and accents the clean, and pristine place while soft music plays in the background, transporting an everyday person to Paris, a world of white marbled tables, and colorful macaroons. Patrons walk in and out, smiling and laughing about their everyday life; there are even cute lovebirds that giggle, hand-in-hand, sharing a cupcake made fresh from the oven.  Over on the shelf are little teapots and old vintage photos from the sixties of the owners’ grandmother. Each delicate touch is purposeful and holds meaning. Nominated “Best Tea Spot,” by Arizona Foothills Magazine, the atmosphere of Teaspressa is booming with love and happiness; a nice break from the depressing world outside, filled with arguments of politics and war.  There is nothing more soothing or more pleasant than walking into this wonderland, and being met with a free sample and a smile.

(Instagram: Thereallilycooper)

The foundation of Teaspressa was to make a healthy alternative to coffee, while still evoking all the great things that come from the drink. They have managed to do it in a healthier, more enjoyable way. Coffee can create many problems for your body and have risks. Nicole Hoey writes, “…higher intake and continual moderate use are thought to have distinct adverse effects on the health of numerous body systems, including cardiac, gastrointestinal, and renal organs”.  Tea is a much healthier alternative to it and lessons the risks tremendously. Teaspressa offers tea that hydrates, while still caffinates you.  There are many different variations of tea for customers to try, so one will never get bored. Their London Fog is a favorite among everyone, giving you a blanket of warm vanilla on the very first sip. The Black Rose Latte is also a big success, with a black tea blend and rose gold sugar cubes, this fancy treat is a must try for the avid tea drinker. The desserts to the side are so beautiful to look at, you won’t want to eat them. There are small cakes and cupcakes made fresh that morning, perfectly made macaroons with rose gold painted on them, soft and fluffy croissants with powder sugar, and soft cookies that melt in your mouth. Each little treat is sure to make the day a little brighter. 

(Instagram: Thereallilycooper)

Photographers and professional Instagrammers will have trouble trying to take pictures of everything in the shop. From the greenery on every table, to the large neon, white, sign that says, “Stop and taste the roses,” every person will be scrambling to take a cute shot.  One of the biggest attributes that Teaspressa provides, besides the delectable pastries and soft teas is their lighting. It says in the PSA Journal that, “the best pictures come with the best light”. Teaspressa has white walls, with translucent light and large windows that allow natural light to leak through, which makes it the perfect spot to create a beautiful photo to show friends. Using only the basic colors of white, green, and copper, it allows someone to put together an appealing photo that looks professional, when it was really only taken with an iPhone. Even on the sunniest of days, to the dark dreary nights, the shop is able to keep up with its picture-friendly lighting, and odds and ends that give it character.

(Instagram: Thereallilycooper) 

No matter what kind of day one is having, Teaspressa will fit any mood or need. With its classy atmosphere, delectable cuisine and healthy teas, and picture perfect shop, it’s a must visit place for artsy students everywhere. Whether you like to Instagram, or just need a quiet spot to read, Teaspressa is the point on the map to go to.

How To Make Out Review

How To Make Out
By: Brianna R. Shrum

Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Renley needs three thousand dollars for the math club’s trip to New York City, and she knows exactly how to get it: she’s going to start a how-to blog where people pay for answers to all of life’s questions from a “certified expert.” The only problems: 1) She doesn’t know how to do anything but long division and calculus. 2) She’s totally invisible to people at school. And not in a cool Gossip Girl kind of way.

So, she decides to learn to do . . . well . . . everything. When her anonymous blog shifts in a more scandalous direction and the questions (and money) start rolling in, she has to learn not just how to do waterfall braids and cat-eye makeup, but a few other things, like how to cure a hangover, how to flirt, and how to make out (something her very experienced, and very in-love-with-her neighbor, Drew, is more than willing to help with).

As her blog’s reputation skyrockets, so does “new and improved” Renley’s popularity. She’s not only nabbed the attention of the entire school, but also the eye of Seth Levine, the hot culinary wizard she’s admired from across the home-ec classroom all year.

Soon, caught up in the thrill of popularity both in and out of cyberspace, her secrets start to spiral, and she finds that she’s forgotten the most important how-to: how to be herself. When her online and real lives converge, Renley will have to make a choice: lose everything she loves in her new life, or everyone she loves in the life she left behind.

How To Make Out was one of those books you can never put down until you read every single page twice. On the outside, the story looks to be just one of those normal "chick flicks" type books. But beneath the surface, in-between each page, is a beautiful story of a broken girl and how much she misses her run-away mom, wants her dad to notice her, and aches for true love. The depth to Renley is deeper than the ocean and she keeps it locked away. It takes a few mistakes for her to learn her true potential and who she really is as a person. 

I have never rooted for a fictional character more. Shrum had me on my toes between two beautiful, and kind men for Renley. I about held my breath at the end, and then spit out my water I was drinking at her choice. The author crafted this beautiful love story in a way that's not cliche or a love triangle in any form, but a raw and soft love, thats relatable to any teenager. 

Each chapter has it's own set of laughs, jokes, and embarrassing moments that will make you cringe. But as you read the story, you will grow with the main character, and ultimately come out for the better.

How To Make Out are for the girls who need a good love story late at night, that shows, your prince is out there. It just may take a blog, and a best friend to figure it out. 

Rating: 4/5

Playlist: 

Ride by: Chase Rice

The Mess I Made by: Parachute 

I Hate You, I Love You by: Gnash 

Fit Life Tea Fun

Fit Life Tea:

Their mission statement is: To inspire and enable healthy living and happiness throughout the world.

That is exactly what their company achieved.  Upon entering college, I found myself eating a multitude of microwave dinners, fast food; basically anything remotely easy or quick is what I would look too. Which unfortunately doesn't have a whole lot of healthy choices.

So when Fit Life Tea sent me their 14-Day Detox, I was more than ready to begin my mission on getting healthy and more alert again. I got a cute bottle in their package, along with a card of a quick twenty-minute exercise. The Tea itself was stored in an adorable bag which made me even more excited to try this tea. The instructions read to drink two cups a day (simple! I love tea!). I even squeezed in the twenty-minute exercise they recommended.

(Taken Day 1 of my Tea-Tox)

Fit Life Tea influenced me to eat healthier whether it be in a small way like eating one slice of pizza instead of four or in big ways like eating an apple instead of a candy bar. My mood improved as the days went on and I could feel the energy flowing through me. I was no longer sluggish during class, or out of energy as I walked up the stairs. I was still tired at times, but I had the energy to get through my day. 

My work out habits also increased in the two weeks of the program.  It didn't mean I went to the gym every day, but I found alternatives to a healthy lifestyle when I didn't have time to work out. Such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator to my dorm room or class room, walking to class instead of catching a ride from the carts... little things like that that make a huge difference. 

(Via Instagram: Thereallilycooper)

I learned throughout my journey on Fit Life Tea that it's important to take care of your mental health as well as physical. I am the type of person to help others and give others attention, and forget to focus on myself every once and a while. I realized that sometimes you just got to grab a book, pop in a bath bomb, turn up the Spotify, get your tea, and relax. The world will keep on turning, time keeps on going, but in those few moments of solitude all stress and worries go away, and you end up feeling more refreshed than ever before. 

The general idea people think of when someone says "healthy" is boring and bland foods.  But that is far from what is true. You choose how to make your healthy lifestyle accommodating to you and that includes choosing what to eat. You can have fun with healthy.  Go on Pinterest, look up recipes, get your grandmother recipes... etc. Eating doesn't have to be dull and bland.  One of my favorite things to do is have oatmeal in the morning and then decorate the bowl with different types of fruits (even a little sugar sometimes). 

An important factor I have realized is before you choose to change your lifestyle, you have to accept yourself as you are. No matter what size, you are beautiful. God made us in HIS image and crafted each and every one of us to perfection. Our self worth should not come from our appearance; it should come from God. 

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 

1 Peter 3:3-4

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 

1 Samuel 16:7

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.” 

Genesis 1:26,31

I can attest to the positive lifestyle that Fit Tea has created for me.  I am fighting the Freshmen 15 with success, exercising, loving my body as it is, and having fun in the meantime. I highly suggest ordering the two-week TeaTox today and to start on you exciting new journey to better yourself.  

For 10% off type in the code: LilyC15

Until next time!

The Possibility of Somewhere Review

The Possibility of Somewhere
By: Julia Day

Together is somewhere they long to be.

Ash Gupta has a life full of possibility. His senior year is going exactly as he’s always wanted-- he's admired by his peers, enjoying his classes and getting the kind of grades that his wealthy, immigrant parents expect. There's only one obstacle in Ash's path: Eden Moore—the senior most likely to become class valedictorian. How could this unpopular, sharp-tongued girl from the wrong side of the tracks stand in his way?

All Eden's ever wanted was a way out. Her perfect GPA should be enough to guarantee her a free ride to college -- and an exit from her trailer-park existence for good. The last thing she needs is a bitter rivalry with Ash, who wants a prized scholarship for his own selfish reasons. Or so she thinks. . . When Eden ends up working with Ash on a class project, she discovers that the two have more in common than either of them could have imagined. They’re both in pursuit of a dream -- one that feels within reach thanks to their new connection. But what does the future hold for two passionate souls from totally different worlds?

I love contemporary reads so much.  There is just something about them that get's my blood pumping at the thought of reading them.  It was no different with this book.

Eden is a girl driven to escape the life her dad has planned for her and what she is expected to be.  She will do anything to achieve her goal, but she just wasn't expecting the dreadful four letter word: Love. 

Individually these characters are insecure, lonely, and unsure of themselves. But together? They compliment the best in each other.  It was amazing to see their animosity towards one another blossom into this infatuation in which they can't live without another.  That's the best kind of love stories in my opinion.

This book reflects what society tends to jump to when it comes to relationships, looks, or anything that is deemed, "different." Which is why I honestly loved the diversity and unique structure in which this story was shaped upon. I have never read anything quite like it and get by the last page I was deep in love with it.  

For a debut novel, the pages held deep thoughts and insights to love, school, and life with different incomes.  Great book to read for seniors before they go off to college, or freshman college students starting their new life.

4/5 Stars

Book Playlist:

Drive by: Oh Wonder
You Always Make Me Smile by: Kyle Andrews
Bruises by: Train
2 Broke Kids by: Ruth B
Back To You by: Twin Forks

(Many thanks to St. Martins Press for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review)

Detached Review

Detached 
By: Christina Kilbourne 

Anna has always been so level-headed, so easy-going, so talented and funny. How could anyone have guessed she wanted to die?

Anna is not like other people. For one thing, she’s been an accomplished artist since she was a preschooler. For another, she’s always felt like she didn’t belong: not with other kids, not with her family, not in her body. It isn’t until her grandparents are killed in a tragic accident, however, that Anna starts to feel untethered. She begins to wonder what it would be like if she didn’t exist and the thought of escaping the aimless drifting is the only thing that brings her comfort.

When Anna overdoses on prescription pain killers the doctors realize she has been suffering from depression and start looking for a way to help her out of the desperate black hole she never thought she would escape. It’s then that rock bottom comes into sight and the journey back to normal begins.

Depression is an illness that my family has suffered from generations to generations.  That being said, I have always been weary of books that have that plot written in because I am very critical of how its portrayed.  It's not something that causes you to be sad, or a result of your parents grounding you.  It's an illness that infects your mind and turns even the brightest, most colorful days, into a dreary grey.

From the first page I absolutely fell into rhythm of this book.  Anna has what some people would say is the perfect life: two married parents who are well off, a great relationship with her brother, good grades, and a wonderful talent.  How could she be depressed?

Slowly through the pages you see the illness drive Anna deeper and deeper into this dark cloud, where the only way out in her mind is death.

I loved everything about this book from the beginning to the end.  It correctly and accurately shows depression and how you never know what is going in someone's head.  On the outside they could be happy and all smiles, but inside slowly dying.

I really connected with Anna because depression runs in my family so much, and I have been a victim of it's dark ways.  Maybe not driven to the point of suicide, but some days I have clouds of darkness too.

I suggest this book to everyone and anyone, it's important to understand depression and how it can change even the happiest of people to these shells of themselves. It was a beautiful read and will always remember it.

 September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. This year's theme is Connect, Communicate,‎ Care. I encourage you to be part of the Conversation. 

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (available 24 hours everyday)

Lily's Top 10 Summer Reads

As Summer comes to a close, and school shopping takes over everyone's days I'd like to reflect on the memorable novels I read over the summer.   Most of these (or maybe all) are contemporary love stories, because what else does a single eighteen year old want to read in the middle of July?

10. Hopeless by: Colleen Hoover

      Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

      Of course I had to include a CoHo book in this Top 10.  As one of my favorite authors, I was thrilled to obtain this book since it was the only one I have yet to read.  She certainly did not disappoint.  Every page was filled with that magical Colleen spark we all know and love her for.  She has a knack of those plot twists and just giving the reader an emotional connection to the readers.  This book was definitely a top favorite and will be a story I will forever remember.

9. The Neverland Wars by: Audrey Greathouse
  

 Magic can do a lot—give you flight, show you mermaids, help you taste the stars, and… solve the budget crisis? That's what the grown-ups will do with it if they ever make it to Neverland to steal its magic and bring their children home.

However, Gwen doesn't know this. She's just a sixteen-year-old girl with a place on the debate team and a powerful crush on Jay, the soon-to-be homecoming king. She doesn't know her little sister could actually run away with Peter Pan, or that she might have to chase after her to bring her home safe. Gwen will find out though—and when she does, she'll discover she's in the middle of a looming war between Neverland and reality.

She'll be out of place as a teenager in Neverland, but she won't be the only one. Peter Pan's constant treks back to the mainland have slowly aged him into adolescence as well. Soon, Gwen will have to decide whether she's going to join impish, playful Peter in his fight for eternal youth… or if she's going to scramble back to reality in time for the homecoming dance.


Ever since I heard the song Lost Boy by Ruth B, I have had Peter Pan fever.  I was lucky enough to be able to get an eCopy of this lovely book in exchange for a review.  I read it while on vacation over the summer and was glued to my screen, my mind wrapped up in the story, rather than paying attention to the actual vacation.  The characters were witty, fresh, and exciting.  It took a whole new turn on the Peter Pan legend and spun it up from it's feet.  I will definitely be first in line for the sequel.

8.  My Life With The Walter Boys by: Ali Novak

My Life with the Walter Boys centers on the prim, proper, and always perfect Jackie Howard. When her world is turned upside down by tragedy, Jackie must learn to cut loose and be part of a family again.

Jackie does not like surprises. Chaos is the enemy! The best way to get her successful, busy parents to notice her is to be perfect. The perfect look, the perfect grades-the perfect daughter. And then...

Surprise #1: Jackie's family dies in a freak car accident.

Surprise #2: Jackie has to move cross-country to live with the Walters-her new guardians.

Surprise #3: The Walters have twelve sons. (Well, eleven, but Parker acts like a boy anyway)

Now Jackie must trade in her Type A personality and New York City apartment for a Colorado ranch and all the wild Walter boys who come with it. Jackie is surrounded by the enemy-loud, dirty, annoying boys who have no concept of personal space. Okay, several of the oldest guys are flat-out gorgeous. But still annoying. She's not stuck-up or boring-no matter what they say. But proving it is another matter. How can she fit in and move on when she needs to keep her parents' memory alive by living up to the promise of perfect?

I had seen all the hype on Wattpad and walked passed the book countless of times at Barnes and Noble so it was only time that would tell when I would finally give in and pick it up. 
I could readily relate to Jackie's "Type A" Personality and understand her culture shock in moving to a whole new situation, one she was not used to.  This novel was beautifully crafted and had lines full of wit, laughter, and 'awe' filled moments.

7.  The Chase: Trusting God with Your Happily Ever After by: Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky

Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky couldn't have dreamed a better love story for themselves had it been scripted by a bestselling novelist like Kelsey's mom, Karen Kingsbury. In fact, if you asked them, Kyle and Kelsey would name God as the author of their story. And they're glad they trusted him to write it for them.
Unfortunately, too many girls hoping for their own happily-ever-after have taken matters into their own hands, chasing after boys when they should be chasing after God. And that inevitably leads to heartache, low self-esteem, and poor choices as girls give in to pressure from media and peers to look and act a certain way to attract guys.
Kyle and Kelsey want girls to know that it's never too late to trust God with their love lives, that wherever they are, there's always hope for the future. Through their own story and the stories of others who long for love, they show girls how to put God first, how to value and protect their purity, how to deal with loneliness and bullying, and how to see themselves as God does--a one-in-a-million girl who deserves no less than God's best. 

This book doesn't beat around the bush.  It tells you the truth straight out, through the words of Kyle and Kelsey, and their stories.  Whether it be by personal experiences, their friends, or just pure Godly Wisdom, they take you on a journey through how they found their happily ever after, and encourages you to not give up on it either.  As a girl about to head off to college, this encouragement was much needed.  I loved how I could relate to Kelsey's worries and fears, and I enjoyed the guy's perspective on everything.  This book talks about sex, love, God, and everything in between.  Whether your religious or not, I suggest you pick this up and read it.  You won't regret it.

6.  Isla and the Happily Ever After by: Stephanie Perkins

Love ignites in the City That Never Sleeps, but can it last?

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart.

Featuring cameos from fan-favorites Anna, Étienne, Lola, and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love—set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris, and Barcelona—is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins’s beloved series. 

I love Stephanie Perkins ability to tell a true and honest love story.  I had already read her other two books and quickly picked up her last one in the trilogy. I also had gotten back from my trip to New York City which coincidently is where part of this book takes place.

This love was more promiscuous than Perkins other two books which was a surprise, but a pleasant change in pace. I believe readers will be pleased to know that the other characters from the previous novels make an appearance in this last addition (A few scenes with everyone made me squeal with happiness I admit).  But it won't take away from the stars of this book: Josh and Isla.  Perkins has a knack for spinning a good plot twist and making her characters fall in love in real time, which is why she is a top favorite author.

5. Saint Anything by: Sarah Dessen

Peyton, Sydney's charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion's share of their parents' attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton's increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?

Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.

The uber-popular Sarah Dessen explores her signature themes of family, self-discovery, and change in her twelfth novel, sure to delight her legions of fans.

It's Sarah Dessen. That's a good enough reason to read it. Plus I'm a sucker for the Best-Friend-Brother story.

4.  The Hidden Oracle by: Rick Riordan

How do you punish an immortal?

By making him human.

After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disorientated, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus's favour.

But Apollo has many enemies - gods, monsters and mortals who would love to see the former Olympian permanently destroyed. Apollo needs help, and he can think of only one place to go . . . an enclave of modern demigods known as Camp Half-Blood.

Ever since sixth grade I have been a Rick Riordan super fan, and it hasn't stopped, even at eighteen years old.  I believe his books are timeless and you are never too old for an "Uncle Rick" book.  I didn't know what to expect when I read this book, same characters? Will Percy make an appearance? What does Rick have up his sleeves? Hesitantly, I cracked it open and didn't put it down until my mom yelled at me at four A.M that if we didn't leave that instant we would be late for our flight.

Any fan of Percy Jackson will fall in love with even Apollo, the most self centered person to meet, and his little sidekick friend.  You will be on the edge of your seat with this book and gasp at the ending... and curse yourself for finishing it so fast and having to wait a year for the next installment.

3.  Enchanted by: Althea Kontis

It isn't easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past—and hers?

Fans of Once Upon a Time will be "enchanted" by this fairy tail.  A;thea completely breaks down the fairy tales and rewrites them in a unique, and never before told way.  I loved Sunday and her love of story telling.  It reminded me of myself and that even a quirky, nerd can find a prince.  If you enjoy balls, fairy godmothers, and fancy gowns, I guarantee you will be wowed by this book.

2.  The Hamilton Affair by: Elizabeth Cobbs

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the American Revolution, and featuring a cast of iconic characters such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Marquis de Lafayette, The Hamilton Affair tells the sweeping, tumultuous, true love story of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler, from tremulous beginning to bittersweet ending—his at a dueling ground on the shores of the Hudson River, hers more than half a century later after a brave, successful life.

Hamilton was a bastard son, raised on the Caribbean island of St. Croix. He went to America to pursue his education. Along the way he became one of the American Revolution’s most dashing—and unlikely—heroes. Adored by Washington, hated by Jefferson, Hamilton was a lightning rod: the most controversial leader of the American Revolution.

She was the well-to-do daughter of one of New York’s most exalted families—feisty, adventurous, and loyal to a fault. When she met Alexander, she fell head over heels. She pursued him despite his illegitimacy, and loved him despite his infidelity. In 1816 (two centuries ago), she shamed Congress into supporting his seven orphaned children. Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton started New York’s first orphanage. The only “founding mother” to truly embrace public service, she raised 160 children in addition to her own.
With its flawless writing, brilliantly drawn characters, and epic scope, The Hamilton Affair will take its place among the greatest novels of American history.

To be honest I only picked up this book because of the cover and my enjoyment of the Broadway musical music. Other than that I didn't really know what I was getting into. There has been a huge rage for Hamilton and so I thought I would join the fun and see what it was all about. 

I've never actually been one for a historical romance but I pleasantly enjoyed this book and certainly learned a lot (considering I didn't pay much attention to U.S history in high school). Even if you don't care for learning, or history, I still recommend this book for displaying the history of Hamilton, while in a romantic and entertaining way.

1.  Anna and the French Kiss by: Stephanie Perkins

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend.

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

This book is on my all time favorite and the perfect read for the summer. Set in a romantic country, with a British hottie and a seemingly ordinary American girl, every reader will fall in love with the characters and the magic of Paris.  There are simply not enough words in the English language to explain how beautiful this love story is.  I think I will forever be recommending this book to every single person I meet.