Mini Reviews: Callum & Harper by Amelie Fisher, Going Under by Georgia Cates, On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

Title: Callum & Harper
Author: Amelie Fisher
Published: December 24th 2011
Publisher: Amelie Fisher
My rating: 3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book especially Callum and Harper's journey in finding a new life together. It was actually very sweet and touching and fascinating to read. I followed eagerly the journey of these two and how they worked and found ways to live from scratch after being thrown by their foster family after turning their legal age. I was glad that even though they were complete stranger when they first met I was able to see the connection between the two right away and it didn't feel awkward at all. I was impressed by how they worked as  a team effectively; they were able to survive every day, found place to spend the night, foods to eat, money for their daily expenses and all. They'd faced a lot of obstacles but they get through all of it with the help of each other. They were even able to go to college! I love how the relationship between the two developed. It was sweet, cute and very heart warming. Although I admittedly sometimes it kinda irritates me how the two keep misunderstanding the actions of each other when really they both felt the same way. I understand that both were pretty scared to lose one another. Still I really enjoyed moments between the two. The only problem I had with this book though was the drama on the last thirds. It felt like it just dragged the story too long. I wouldn't have minded it if it wasn't really that long though. Nonetheless, I think this could definitely pass up as one of my favorite and sweetest contemporary I've read. I recommend this.

*******

Title: Going Under

Author: Georgia Cates

Published: March 10th 2012

Publisher: Georgia Cates

My rating: 3 stars

This reminded me so much of Perfect Chemistry and Pushing the Limits although this one is published first before the latter. Actually it was pretty identical but for someone who's just looking for some sweet story with enough depth to read I think this could definitely work out for them. It wasn't that bad but since it was like I've read this story before it didn't really strike me anything. Sure, there were moments that I actually enjoyed, I just wished that it had offered something much more different and remembering. Some reactions from the other characters kinda put me off like the heroine's mom when she finds out who her daughter was dating. Of all people, she should understand them given her profession. It was kinda infuriating actually and a what-the-f* moment. The ending kinda weird-ed me out too. It was suddenly cut dead end, and in a worst scenario and then it was suddenly epilogue and it was happily ever after. I wish the author had explored the last parts some more. Nonetheless, despite the negative I've said it wasn't really that of a bad read. It was a fairly good and entertaining read.

*******

Title: On Dublin Street

Author: Samantha Young

Published: August 31st 2012

Publisher: Samantha Young

My rating: 4 stars

I was surprised by how much I actually liked this story. It was my first book of Samantha Young and I didn't even know that she'd published a number of young-adult books before this and this is actually her first contemporary adult book. After reading this, I can say that Young is a talented writer and she sure knows what she was writing. The emotional depth and profundity of this book is very well showed and it successfully reached into me. I love how effectively she portrayed Jocelyn, the main character, that despite her flaws, mistakes and faults she was a character we understand. I love that she takes action; she knows she needed to see a therapist and she did it; she talk and thought of the things told on her and consider them. Although she gets to be stubborn and yes, definitely frustrating I can see how real and honest her character was written. The romance was definitely a winner for me. Branden is the kind of guy you'd totally love to be with. He was very persistent (in a cute and very sweet way), understanding and patient. I love how he never gave up on Jocelyn despite her streaks. This is not just some steamy romance novel because this book definitely has a lot more of depth that I had expected; it talks about friendship, acceptance, and forgiveness, overcoming fear and moving forward. This is a very worthy read. I totally love to recommend this.