Love triangle | Hit or Miss Books

It’s been a while since I’ve felt a spark of desire to review a YA book. But the truth is, YA books are so much fun to review, when you’re in the mood for fun, dramatic, unrealistic, and a super entertaining plot.

I say “unrealistic” with a lot of affection, because I sure as hell want to completely escape reality sometimes, and I want to be flabbergasted by the direction an author takes. Kristen Ciccarelli made me feel very engaged and satisfied when she took me to a world that combines a few of my favourite things: magic, witches, forbidden love, love triangle, and complex family dynamics.

I especially adore following a strong main character that has a purpose in life: something they want to achieve that pulls them forward in life; something they know they’ll regret if they don’t invest themselves into it fully.

I’m probably projecting a little, and certainly biased, since I’m currently looking for my own ride-or-die project, but who doesn’t love determination and courage? I’m not saying Rune is the best heroine the world of fantasy has seen (she clearly lies to herself a few times, particularly in the love department), but I sure as hell enjoyed seeing her walk into danger with her head clear of regrets and her heart full of fire.

As I said, the plot is quite entertaining. It did take me a few chapters to really get into, because I don’t enjoy info-dumping, and I do feel there was a little of that in the beginning concerning the world-building, but once the author got that “out of the way” so to speak, and I was acquainted with many of the elements in Rune’s reality, I could let myself be swept away by the past-paced romantic adventure that HEARTLESS HUNTER has to offer.

You might not learn too many lessons reading this, but who has time for lessons when they can have plot twists and sexy romance?

Recommended!

TRULY MADLY FAMOUSLY is the second book in the FAMOUS IN LOVE series. Is it the final book? I don’t know. I sure hope not. It is not the best YA romance series ever to be published, but it sure has an additive quality to itself that makes you want to turn the pages, even when doing so is a little painful.

Paige has made her choice. She thought she would be at peace with it, since it seemed like the more reasonable choice to make, but her heart certainly is not in agreement. Though she is happy—or perhaps ‘‘content’’ would be a better choice of words—she cannot help but miss someone else in her life, someone who has chosen to keep his distance and even start dating another girl. Paige becomes especially unsure of her love situation when her boyfriend begins to act a little distant at times as well.

In the beginning, it is slower but once the drama really starts, it moves faster. There are also way more emotions involved. More scenes. More reactions. More entertainment, of course. Frankly, Paige is a mess in this book. Yes, she is figuring celebrity out, so she is allowed to have her moments, but her feelings and thoughts all over the place. What I do like is that she does grow confidence, especially in her skills as an actress but also in herself. Love-wise, I’ll admit that at some point I had no idea what she would do or who she would ‘‘definitely’’ pick. I’m not unsatisfied with the ending (heh, it’s typical YA stuff), but to be honest I would not have been displeased if she had made a different decision as well. On the contrary, I would have admired her strength. I do so hope there is a third book, because I would love to follow Paige as she is catapulted even higher in the entertainment industry. I’m now curious to read this author’s adult stories.

Thank you Hachette Book Group Canada for the copy in exchange for an honest review!