So, if you haven't heard about this awesome event hosted over at The Shady Glade, you're missing out!
Basically, it's a battle of Debut books from 2009. I was a Round 4 Judge and the two books I read were:
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
Summary (from Goodreads): According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.
My thoughts: I must say this book really surprised me. This really isn't my typical type of read, but I really fell in love with the story. When reading this book, I was totally immersed in Anna's character. She had never told Frankie the secret Matt and her kept and she struggles with it every day. I felt for both characters and well, I was completely moved by this book. I didn't cry, but I was close. I suggest anyone looking for a great summer read to read this book!
The Season by Sarah MacLeon
Summary (via Goodreads): Seventeen year old Lady Alexandra is strong-willed and sharp-tongued -- in a house full of older brothers and their friends, she had to learn to hold her own. Not the best makings for an aristocratic lady in Regency London. Yet her mother still dreams of marrying Alex off to someone safe, respectable, and wealthy. But between ball gown fittings, dances, and dinner parties, Alex, along with her two best friends, Ella and Vivi, manages to get herself into what may be her biggest scrape yet.
My thoughts: I was really quite blown away by this novel. It had a fantastic set of characters, a murder mystery to break up the intense romantic scenes, and a setting that I absolutely love - Regency London. I definitely fell in love with this book and really could relate to Alex and her friends.
So, it was a tough decision - I loved both of these books, but Jasmyn and I decided we both were leaning towards one.
The winner is: The Season by Sarah MacLeon
Basically, it's a battle of Debut books from 2009. I was a Round 4 Judge and the two books I read were:
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah OcklerSummary (from Goodreads): According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.
My thoughts: I must say this book really surprised me. This really isn't my typical type of read, but I really fell in love with the story. When reading this book, I was totally immersed in Anna's character. She had never told Frankie the secret Matt and her kept and she struggles with it every day. I felt for both characters and well, I was completely moved by this book. I didn't cry, but I was close. I suggest anyone looking for a great summer read to read this book!
VERSUS
The Season by Sarah MacLeon
Summary (via Goodreads): Seventeen year old Lady Alexandra is strong-willed and sharp-tongued -- in a house full of older brothers and their friends, she had to learn to hold her own. Not the best makings for an aristocratic lady in Regency London. Yet her mother still dreams of marrying Alex off to someone safe, respectable, and wealthy. But between ball gown fittings, dances, and dinner parties, Alex, along with her two best friends, Ella and Vivi, manages to get herself into what may be her biggest scrape yet.
When the Earl of Blackmoor is mysteriously killed, Alex decides to help his son, the brooding and devilishly handsome Gavin, uncover the truth. But will Alex's heart be stolen in the process? In an adventure brimming with espionage, murder, and other clandestine affairs, who could possibly have time to worry about finding a husband? Romance abounds as this year's season begins!
My thoughts: I was really quite blown away by this novel. It had a fantastic set of characters, a murder mystery to break up the intense romantic scenes, and a setting that I absolutely love - Regency London. I definitely fell in love with this book and really could relate to Alex and her friends.
So, it was a tough decision - I loved both of these books, but Jasmyn and I decided we both were leaning towards one.
The winner is: The Season by Sarah MacLeon
OH NO 20 Boy Summer is gone...*so sad* I have to read The Season now it seems, if it's better than 20 Boy Summer, it's gotta be good!
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE The Season. Glad it won. <3
ReplyDeleteCool! I have not read The Season but now I am curious!!=)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read either of these. What a fun battle!
ReplyDeleteThat looks pretty fun ;p
ReplyDeleteI really really loved Twenty Boy Summer, so if you say The Season is better, that says a lot to me! It definitely goes on my list!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Those two were my two favorite reads of January, I don't think I could have made a decision if I had been you! Maybe "Twenty Boy Summer" because I had a strong emotional reaction to it, but the Season was so good too! I'm glad you enjoyed them both!
ReplyDeleteAwesome because I have The Season on my TBR!
ReplyDeleteI disagree, 20 Boy Summer all the way!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love Regency England books too! Excellent! I can't wait to read this now. :)
ReplyDeleteI think I agree with you. I loved Twenty Boy but The Season had mystery and Regency England.
ReplyDeleteRegency England always makes for a good read! I can't wait to pick this one up.
ReplyDelete