Flat-Out Celeste Review By Jessica Park

Goodreads Summary

Whether you were charmed by Celeste in Flat-Out Love or are meeting her for the first time, this book is a joyous celebration of differences, about battling private wars that rage in our heads and in our hearts, and—very much so— this is a story about first love.

For high-school senior Celeste Watkins, every day is a brutal test of bravery. And Celeste is scared. Alienated because she’s too smart, her speech too affected, her social skills too far outside the norm, she seems to have no choice but to retreat into isolation.

But college could set her free, right? If she can make it through this grueling senior year, then maybe. If she can just find that one person to throw her a lifeline, then maybe, just maybe.

Justin Milano, a college sophomore with his own set of quirks, could be that person to pull her from a world of solitude. To rescue her—that is, if she’ll let him.

Together, they may work. Together, they may save each other. And together they may also save another couple—two people Celeste knows are absolutely, positively flat-out in love.

My Rating

My review

WOW! WOW! WOW! Talk about a book hangover!
I received an ARC of this book last week. After tormenting myself for a few days, I pulled it out to read. I had been anticipating this book for so long, I dreaded reading it only because I knew it would be really over. Jessica Park always writes flawed characters that people can relate to. Her ability to mix humor, love, and realistic situations are what make her goods so good. Celeste is not your normal 18 year old. She speaks so rustic (but to everyone else she speaks oddly)and I loved it. It was a mixture of old-time, proper grammar and genius mannerisms. She does not speak in contractions (which I am praising by not using contractions in my review!), and you can feel her struggle to be normal and fit in. Justin is a bit older, a bit scatter-brained, and has learned that it is okay not to fit into society's molds.
Park gives us an emotional roller coaster of a ride in the seat next to Celeste. We get to be there as she makes college decisions, learns about love, and makes friends. It has been a while since I have found an riveting book that makes me cry, one with a beautiful story that I have to share with all my friends. The writing was flawless, the story was humorous,and we even get glimpses of Matt and Julie with a little bit of Flat-Finn. I hope Jessica gets her next book out sooner rather than later because I don't know how much longer I can wait for my Park fix!

Nash by Jay Crownover Review

Saint Ford has worked hard to achieve her childhood dream of becoming of nurse. Focused on her work and devoted to her patients, there’s no room for love. She doesn’t need a guy making waves in her calm, serene life—especially when he’s the unforgettable hottie who nearly destroyed her in high school. Dark, brooding Nash Donovan might not remember her or the terrible pain he caused. But he turned her world upside down... and now he’s trying to do it again.

Saint has no idea that Nash isn’t the cocky player he once was. Uncovering a devastating family secret has rocked his world, and now he’s struggling to figure out his future. He can’t be distracted by the pretty nurse he seems to meet everywhere. Still, he can’t ignore the sparks that fly between them —or how she seems so desperate to get away from him. But the funny, sweet, and drop-dead gorgeous Saint is far too amazing to give up on—especially since she’s the only thing in his life that seems to make sense.

When Nash discovers the truth about their past, he realizes he may have lost her heart before he could even fight for it. Now, Saint has to decide: is Nash worth risking herself for all over again? (Goodreads summary)

My rating 5 FREAKING STARS

MY REVIEW

This is by far my most anticipated book of 2014. There has always been something about Nash. Don't get me wrong, I loved Rule, Jet, and Rome as well, but Nash always seemed like a milder character. He was intriguing and well, since I am from Tennessee- gotta love the name Nashville. From the moment we meet Saint in Rome, I was so in love with her character. She seemed different that the other girls, and she exceeded my expectations! She isn't Shaw with all her clean-cut beauty and Archer brothers history. She isn't Ayden with all her "legs" and mystery. She isn't Cora with all her wildness and attitude. Saint is in a level all her own. She doesn't have it all figured out, and her own self esteem may be shot, but she is caring and beautiful on the inside. She cares enough to reach out to Nash even though he broke her heart. Now that is a real woman. The whole dynamic with them knowing each other in high school was so heartbreaking. Nash was the young playboy and Saint was the unpopular geek with a school girl crush. This book took me through every level of their love. From fears to dreams. I was a bit annoyed that Saint always jumped to conclusions, but Nash was able to stay be her side and show his dedication through all of her hard times to prove his loyalty. Nash is, i think, the best Marked man. Who can resist a dragon tattoo and those purple eyes. Beautiful story. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book by Jay