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Glitter and Sparkle #2
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Po skończeniu szkoły średniej Riley przeżywa lekki kryzys tożsamości. Kiedyś była najpopularniejszą uczennicą i główną cheerleaderką, a teraz jest… właśnie, kim? Brak planów na najbliższą przyszłość trochę ją przeraża.
Dziewczyna postanawia jednak korzystać z pogody i cieszyć się wakacjami, które spędza u swojej ciotki. Zwłaszcza że w oko wpadł jej Zeke, przystojny artysta, który ma swój własny stragan na letnim targu. Aby mu się przypodobać, kłamie, że też ma zdolności manualne. Podobno jest niesamowita w wytwarzaniu mydła!
Czy Riley zdąży z nauką nowej umiejętności, aby wystawić się na stoisku obok Zeke’a? Może uda jej się przekonać chłopaka, że robi to całe życie. Przecież takie drobne kłamstwo, nie powinno zaszkodzić ich relacji. Prawda?
Po skończeniu szkoły średniej Riley przeżywa lekki kryzys tożsamości. Kiedyś była najpopularniejszą uczennicą i główną cheerleaderką, a teraz jest… właśnie, kim? Brak planów na najbliższą przyszłość trochę ją przeraża.
Dziewczyna postanawia jednak korzystać z pogody i cieszyć się wakacjami, które spędza u swojej ciotki. Zwłaszcza że w oko wpadł jej Zeke, przystojny artysta, który ma swój własny stragan na letnim targu. Aby mu się przypodobać, kłamie, że też ma zdolności manualne. Podobno jest niesamowita w wytwarzaniu mydła!
Czy Riley zdąży z nauką nowej umiejętności, aby wystawić się na stoisku obok Zeke’a? Może uda jej się przekonać chłopaka, że robi to całe życie. Przecież takie drobne kłamstwo, nie powinno zaszkodzić ich relacji. Prawda?
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2017
139 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Shari Lynn Cook
9 books9 followersShari Lynn Cook is a pen name for USA Today bestselling author Shari L. Tapscott. Unable to choose between her love for fantasy and romcoms, she created the Cook name, finally giving her contemporary romances a home of their own.
When she’s not traveling the US with her family in their fifth wheel, you can find her in western Colorado, exploring the mountains, drinking too much tea, and arguing with her characters.
When she’s not traveling the US with her family in their fifth wheel, you can find her in western Colorado, exploring the mountains, drinking too much tea, and arguing with her characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
April 18, 2018
***4.5/5 Stars***
Shine & Shimmer was beyond adorable and I found myself laughing, smiling and falling in love. This is the second book I've read by Shari L Tapscott, and I've come to realize that I'll definitely be devouring the rest of her books. They're completely addicting and I love how the character's voices pull me right into their hearts! While this can be read as a standalone, I recommend picking up the first book, Glitter & Sparkle, since the series revolves around a group of friends that I completely love!
We met Riley in Glitter & Sparkle. She was Lauren's best friend and lusted after who Lauren was crushing on, unbeknownst to her. Now that Lauren and Harrison were together, it felt super awkward. And while she was happy for her friend, Riley desperately needed an escape. So she decided to spend the summer in Montana, with her Aunt. Upon arriving in town, Riley found a new guy to crush on. His name was Zeke and he was a bad boy, oh so sexy and had an artist vibe. He was unlike anyone she'd ever dated, so she set her sites on him. But to get close to him, she lied. A lot, and she kept digging herself in deeper. Don't say I didn't warn you lol! She definitely set herself up for disaster and I found myself stressing out while laughing at everything that happened.
Confession time, yeah Zeke was charismatic and hot, but I never lusted after him like Riley did. He always rubbed me the wrong way. Which is ironic because Zeke is most definitely my type of guy when it comes to books! Instead I had my eyes on an entirely different boy and I was desperately waiting for Riley to catch up with me. His name was Linus and he worked at a video game store. Riley quickly dubbed him as a geek. But he sure didn't act or look like how she typically viewed one.
Oh I loved Linus. I loved how he was always there, how he was patient with Riley and that he would always help her out. He was the good guy who was so easy to be friends with. And while he came across as just a friend, every once in a while he'd say or do something that would make her second guess their just friends status. And those moments made my heart race and had me sighing out loud. But then in the next minute he'd go back to calm, collected, good guy Linus. And as the summer went by, he became sexier and even more intoxicating. Over time Riley started to notice too. But she wanted Zeke not Linus, right?
Riley was her own worst enemy. Again. She was the struggle in this book. With her preconceived thoughts or how she handled things, she definitely didn't do herself any favors. And some of decisions she made, especially after the halfway point, oh I wanted to shake a lot of sense into her. But the girl had the hugest heart, could be the sweetest person ever and she was someone I definitely liked. So I gave her a lot more patience than I normally would, and I'm so glad I did because I watched her mature. I love that I got to watch her figure out who she was and what she wanted!
The way the story played out was a ton of fun and I loved how my emotions felt all over the place. I even found myself shocked near the end, because I ended up liking a character I wasn't the biggest fan of. Shari L. Tapscott writes characters that somehow speak to my heart and I can't help but like them all. And by that last page I found myself ecstatic again. That epilogue was beyond perfect! Now I'm off to devour the next book, which is about Riley's older sister, I can't wait!
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Shine & Shimmer was beyond adorable and I found myself laughing, smiling and falling in love. This is the second book I've read by Shari L Tapscott, and I've come to realize that I'll definitely be devouring the rest of her books. They're completely addicting and I love how the character's voices pull me right into their hearts! While this can be read as a standalone, I recommend picking up the first book, Glitter & Sparkle, since the series revolves around a group of friends that I completely love!
Something about Linus sets me slightly off-kilter. It’s like we’re dancing, and, for once, I don’t know the steps. I don’t think he’s flirting with me; he hasn’t even tried to ask me out.
It’s almost as if he wants to be…friends.
And that’s weird.
We met Riley in Glitter & Sparkle. She was Lauren's best friend and lusted after who Lauren was crushing on, unbeknownst to her. Now that Lauren and Harrison were together, it felt super awkward. And while she was happy for her friend, Riley desperately needed an escape. So she decided to spend the summer in Montana, with her Aunt. Upon arriving in town, Riley found a new guy to crush on. His name was Zeke and he was a bad boy, oh so sexy and had an artist vibe. He was unlike anyone she'd ever dated, so she set her sites on him. But to get close to him, she lied. A lot, and she kept digging herself in deeper. Don't say I didn't warn you lol! She definitely set herself up for disaster and I found myself stressing out while laughing at everything that happened.
“Thanks for coming.” Linus smiles, gives my shoulder a friendly squeeze, and then wanders off to help clean up.
I stand here for several minutes, watching Linus help load dozens of empty kennels and cages into a van, and I realize I haven’t thought of Zeke all evening.
Now I’m more conflicted than before.
Confession time, yeah Zeke was charismatic and hot, but I never lusted after him like Riley did. He always rubbed me the wrong way. Which is ironic because Zeke is most definitely my type of guy when it comes to books! Instead I had my eyes on an entirely different boy and I was desperately waiting for Riley to catch up with me. His name was Linus and he worked at a video game store. Riley quickly dubbed him as a geek. But he sure didn't act or look like how she typically viewed one.
Leaning close, he snatches my goggles off the counter behind us and dangles them in front of my face. Then he flashes me an ornery smirk. “Can you refrain from wearing these around me? If you continue to flaunt them in front of me, I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep my hands off you.”
I laugh, embarrassed and surprised. After I grab the goggles from Linus, I swat his shoulder with them. “You’re very funny.”
That smirk grows and morphs into something real. He leans against the back counter and crosses his arms. “Seriously, Riley. We’re good. Just friends.”
Which is exactly what I asked for, so I shouldn’t be this disappointed.
Oh I loved Linus. I loved how he was always there, how he was patient with Riley and that he would always help her out. He was the good guy who was so easy to be friends with. And while he came across as just a friend, every once in a while he'd say or do something that would make her second guess their just friends status. And those moments made my heart race and had me sighing out loud. But then in the next minute he'd go back to calm, collected, good guy Linus. And as the summer went by, he became sexier and even more intoxicating. Over time Riley started to notice too. But she wanted Zeke not Linus, right?
Slowly, with maddening control, he slides his hands up my arms until they’re gently cupping my face, and his fingers are in my hair. His eyes are intense, almost gray in the dimming light, and they’re focused on mine.
No one has ever looked at me the way Linus is looking right now, not ever. My heart hiccups, and a wave of confusion and longing washes over me.
Linus’s thumb brushes over my bottom lip, making me gasp, and he leans in until our noses brush. “Just for the record, nice doesn’t necessarily mean boring.”
Just as I’m weak-kneed and utterly defenseless, he drops his hands and steps past me, heading back the way we came. I turn, bringing a trembling finger to my lips, and watch him go.
Riley was her own worst enemy. Again. She was the struggle in this book. With her preconceived thoughts or how she handled things, she definitely didn't do herself any favors. And some of decisions she made, especially after the halfway point, oh I wanted to shake a lot of sense into her. But the girl had the hugest heart, could be the sweetest person ever and she was someone I definitely liked. So I gave her a lot more patience than I normally would, and I'm so glad I did because I watched her mature. I love that I got to watch her figure out who she was and what she wanted!
Yes, I like Zeke. But there’s something here, too. Something real and warm and honest.
Something, that if I’m truthful, scares me a little bit. Linus isn’t like anyone I’ve ever met. He doesn’t like me because I was a cheerleader, he’s not using me to boost his social status. He’s just him. And I’m just me.
The way the story played out was a ton of fun and I loved how my emotions felt all over the place. I even found myself shocked near the end, because I ended up liking a character I wasn't the biggest fan of. Shari L. Tapscott writes characters that somehow speak to my heart and I can't help but like them all. And by that last page I found myself ecstatic again. That epilogue was beyond perfect! Now I'm off to devour the next book, which is about Riley's older sister, I can't wait!
For more of my reviews, please visit:
June 28, 2022
Ale to było urocze. Tak jak nie przepadałam za Riley w pierwszej części, tak tutaj zostało rzucone na nią nowe światło.
Podobało mi się w jaki sposób autorka pokierowała cała historie.
Czas na część 3 ☺️
Podobało mi się w jaki sposób autorka pokierowała cała historie.
Czas na część 3 ☺️
June 22, 2020
Well this wasn't as good as the first. I spent half the book not liking Riley. She seemed to mature towards the end. Linus was fantastic and I felt that he should have been treated better especially in the beginning. I didn't like how Linus had to do all the chasing. She was always waiting on his message ect. What was stopping her from contacting him? I did like the engagement though that was nice.
February 21, 2017
Super cute- lots of fun chemistry between the characters. This is a YA- so a younger feel to it. I read through this one quickly and enjoyed every minute of it. :) This is the second book in this series, but you don't have to read the first book to understand this one. Characters from the first book overlap into this book though- so kind of like seeing old friends. I can't wait for the next book! It's going to be fun!
June 18, 2019
W ogóle nie mogłam wciągnąć się w tę książkę. Przy poprzedniej części chociaż nie miałam tego problemu. Tutaj niestety, ale nie znalazłam nic, co by mnie zadowoliło.
Cała fabuła skupia się na trojkącie miłosnym, który jest tak wymuszony, że w ogóle nie pasuje do tej historii. Całość jest przewidywalna, aczkolwiek wciąż czytało się to szybko.
Książka jest na pewno dobra dla młodszych czytelników. Mnie ona już nie zachwyciła.
Cała fabuła skupia się na trojkącie miłosnym, który jest tak wymuszony, że w ogóle nie pasuje do tej historii. Całość jest przewidywalna, aczkolwiek wciąż czytało się to szybko.
Książka jest na pewno dobra dla młodszych czytelników. Mnie ona już nie zachwyciła.
April 15, 2021
2.5 ☆
Pomyliłam tomy. To powiem na wstępie, bo ma to duży wpływ na mój odbiór tych książek. Przeczytałam najpierw trzeci, dopiero na końcu drugi i gdy w połowie tego drugiego ogarnęłam, dlaczego powtarzają mi się niektóre wydarzenia, kompletnie straciłam ochotę na dalsze czytanie. Początkowo chciałam każdy tom zrecenzować osobno, ale szczerze? Strasznie mi się te historie mylą i mam wrażenie, że ciągle pisałabym o tym samym!
Nie wiem w ogóle co się zadziało, ale kwiecień to dla mnie miesiąc takich właśnie trochę pseudo romansów - wybaczcie, ale w określaniu gatunków książek ssę bardzo. I po kilku takich - nie wiem, to jest piąta, siódma? - stwierdzam, że mam serdecznie dość. Podziwiam osoby, które czytają głównie takie książki, ale ja nie mogę, bo zaczynają mi te wszystkie historie zlewać i coraz ciężej przypasować mi bohaterów do danej historii. Nie zmienia to faktu, że ja jednak je bardzo lubię i są idealne na poprawę humoru. Tylko problem z Glitter and Sparkle jest taki, że jest takie słodko-pierdzące aż do bólu i w nadmiarze przywołuje ten mem z kotem rzygającym tęczą.
Nawet nie będę udawać, że umiem przypisać tytuł do historii, bo nie umiem, zarówno tytuły, jak i okładki są tak bardzo do siebie podobne, że w moim umyśle zlały się w jedno. Powiem tylko tak - w jednej śledzimy losy Harper (tom 3), starszej siostry Riley i tu wyszło absurdalnie śmiesznie, bo bierze ona udział w konkursie na najlepsze wypieki bożonarodzeniowe (bardzo adekwatne), więc słuchanie o tym w połowie kwietnia było trochę... dziwne? Klimatycznie strzał w kolano, ale podobała mi się otoczka show kulinarnego tak od środka. Z drugiej strony nie mogłam się odpędzić od porównania do filmu Netflixa Zamiana z Księżniczką, bo to trochę jakby to samo, tylko w wersji książkowej.
W drugim tomie (czyli dla mnie trzeciej książce) śledzimy Riley i jej poznanie z Linusem. Są totalnie uroczą parą i przypadli mi do gustu o wiele bardziej niż Harper i Mason, ale nie zmienia to faktu, że ich historia zajęła mi najwięcej czasu - to ten przesyt romansem i słodkością. Tylko tu właśnie pojawia się problem - bo wracamy znowu do wydarzeń, które rozgrywały się wcześniej, sporo faktów się powtarza, po raz któryś z rzędu przeżywam te same elementy, a to jest irytujące. Stronicowo można by to spokojnie upchnąć w jeden tom, bo mam wrażenie, że wszystkie te wydarzenia dzieją się mniej więcej w tym samym czasie, a trzykrotny powrót do tej samego miejsca jest zwyczajnie wkurzający.
Także wiecie, ja mogę ja śmiało polecić, ale zróbcie sobie przerwę między tomami. Długą. I czytajcie je po kolei ;)
Pomyliłam tomy. To powiem na wstępie, bo ma to duży wpływ na mój odbiór tych książek. Przeczytałam najpierw trzeci, dopiero na końcu drugi i gdy w połowie tego drugiego ogarnęłam, dlaczego powtarzają mi się niektóre wydarzenia, kompletnie straciłam ochotę na dalsze czytanie. Początkowo chciałam każdy tom zrecenzować osobno, ale szczerze? Strasznie mi się te historie mylą i mam wrażenie, że ciągle pisałabym o tym samym!
Nie wiem w ogóle co się zadziało, ale kwiecień to dla mnie miesiąc takich właśnie trochę pseudo romansów - wybaczcie, ale w określaniu gatunków książek ssę bardzo. I po kilku takich - nie wiem, to jest piąta, siódma? - stwierdzam, że mam serdecznie dość. Podziwiam osoby, które czytają głównie takie książki, ale ja nie mogę, bo zaczynają mi te wszystkie historie zlewać i coraz ciężej przypasować mi bohaterów do danej historii. Nie zmienia to faktu, że ja jednak je bardzo lubię i są idealne na poprawę humoru. Tylko problem z Glitter and Sparkle jest taki, że jest takie słodko-pierdzące aż do bólu i w nadmiarze przywołuje ten mem z kotem rzygającym tęczą.
Nawet nie będę udawać, że umiem przypisać tytuł do historii, bo nie umiem, zarówno tytuły, jak i okładki są tak bardzo do siebie podobne, że w moim umyśle zlały się w jedno. Powiem tylko tak - w jednej śledzimy losy Harper (tom 3), starszej siostry Riley i tu wyszło absurdalnie śmiesznie, bo bierze ona udział w konkursie na najlepsze wypieki bożonarodzeniowe (bardzo adekwatne), więc słuchanie o tym w połowie kwietnia było trochę... dziwne? Klimatycznie strzał w kolano, ale podobała mi się otoczka show kulinarnego tak od środka. Z drugiej strony nie mogłam się odpędzić od porównania do filmu Netflixa Zamiana z Księżniczką, bo to trochę jakby to samo, tylko w wersji książkowej.
W drugim tomie (czyli dla mnie trzeciej książce) śledzimy Riley i jej poznanie z Linusem. Są totalnie uroczą parą i przypadli mi do gustu o wiele bardziej niż Harper i Mason, ale nie zmienia to faktu, że ich historia zajęła mi najwięcej czasu - to ten przesyt romansem i słodkością. Tylko tu właśnie pojawia się problem - bo wracamy znowu do wydarzeń, które rozgrywały się wcześniej, sporo faktów się powtarza, po raz któryś z rzędu przeżywam te same elementy, a to jest irytujące. Stronicowo można by to spokojnie upchnąć w jeden tom, bo mam wrażenie, że wszystkie te wydarzenia dzieją się mniej więcej w tym samym czasie, a trzykrotny powrót do tej samego miejsca jest zwyczajnie wkurzający.
Także wiecie, ja mogę ja śmiało polecić, ale zróbcie sobie przerwę między tomami. Długą. I czytajcie je po kolei ;)
March 18, 2018
I finished reading Shari L. Tapscott's Glitter and Sparkle with a dilemma. I liked it. A lot. But I was torn because, for as engaging (and clean) as it was, it also crossed what I felt were some ethical, if not moral, lines. I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue the series, but then I found the second book in the series, Shine and Shimmer, on my Kindle. Apparently I got it as a freebie last summer. Since I own it, I figured I may as well read it.
While Shine and Shimmer isn't quite as squeaky clean as Glitter and Sparkle, it's a good bit more realistic. This is probably in large part due to the fact that parents play only a very minor role in the story—in Glitter and Sparkle, Lauren's parents are perhaps the most clueless parents on the planet, and everything they did struck me as so unrealistic. In Shine and Shimmer, some characters drink to excess and have very dysfunctional (and most likely sexual) relationships, something that seems quite realistic for college students. Tapscott makes it very clear that this is not ideal behavior, and Riley never engages in the drinking or sex—she just helps clean up others' messes.
Unfortunately, I wasn't nearly as engaged in this novel as I was in the previous one. There was never any question as to which guy Riley would choose (though she held onto the fantasy of the guy who was clearly wrong for her for far too long), and I just didn't care enough about the story.
I did finish the book, as it's a super-quick read (I read it in one evening), but I think if I'd read it prior to Glitter and Sparkle, I probably wouldn't have continued the series. But because I did enjoy the first book so much, I think I'll stick around for the third book in the series.
While Shine and Shimmer isn't quite as squeaky clean as Glitter and Sparkle, it's a good bit more realistic. This is probably in large part due to the fact that parents play only a very minor role in the story—in Glitter and Sparkle, Lauren's parents are perhaps the most clueless parents on the planet, and everything they did struck me as so unrealistic. In Shine and Shimmer, some characters drink to excess and have very dysfunctional (and most likely sexual) relationships, something that seems quite realistic for college students. Tapscott makes it very clear that this is not ideal behavior, and Riley never engages in the drinking or sex—she just helps clean up others' messes.
Unfortunately, I wasn't nearly as engaged in this novel as I was in the previous one. There was never any question as to which guy Riley would choose (though she held onto the fantasy of the guy who was clearly wrong for her for far too long), and I just didn't care enough about the story.
I did finish the book, as it's a super-quick read (I read it in one evening), but I think if I'd read it prior to Glitter and Sparkle, I probably wouldn't have continued the series. But because I did enjoy the first book so much, I think I'll stick around for the third book in the series.
October 26, 2024
I loved this book just as much as the first! As with the first, it’s a modern rom-com with little action and a limited plot. Yet it’s warm, squishy, and absolutely wonderful. The character and relationship development is excellent, and the romance is sweet and clean.
Content:
There’s no foul language or violence. The romance is clean and doesn’t go beyond kissing. This is not a fantasy novel, and there is no magic. There’s no mention of faith or God.
Content:
There’s no foul language or violence. The romance is clean and doesn’t go beyond kissing. This is not a fantasy novel, and there is no magic. There’s no mention of faith or God.
April 12, 2021
Adorable! Linus is the guy you wanted for yourself(sweet, loving, selfless) and the kind of guy you pray your girls marry one day.
Such a good series! I love this author.
Such a good series! I love this author.
June 22, 2020
For honesty's sake, I really disliked this book. Or to be clear, I really disliked the heroine. It's been awhile since I read about such a self-absorbed character her behavior took me on a ride. Staying with her aunt after graduating (high school) she has all these ideals on what to do with her last summer and so she sets her sights on a local painter and all around asshat. On the same day she bumps into Linus, who is just a genuinely nice guy. She is so blatantly rude and condescending I could not get over her thought process. When I learned at about 30% of the book she was just 18, honestly I was shocked because here she is a conceited ex cheerleader slumming it for the summer yet judges Linus for working at a video game store. Oh umm excuse me at least he has a job smh. When she spots him at the school she assumes he takes summer school and again judges him on that, all while he's so damn smart he could wash the floor with her and was actually helping teach the class. This girl has so much to learn and I really just wanted to slap her through most of the book. Even while growing a friendship with Linus she pines over Zeke who has clearly proven he's a douche more than once. I just feel so bad for Linus who is and was just a nice guy, helping her out more than once from the goodness of his heart, even when he was helping her win the eye of someone else. I'm glad everything worked out for them I just find it hard to believe-this could also be because if I was Linus I would have washed my hands of her a long time ago, the man deserves better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2020
This is a cute read.
Riley is an interesting character, she's athletic and popular and nice, but she has a hard time being herself around cute guys. She gets nervous and says things she thinks will make them like her, even if they aren't true. That's how she gets into the soap making business, which was pretty funny to see.
Linus, despite having the name of a Charlie Brown character, is super cute and I really liked him. He knows what's going on from the beginning and doesn't let Riley mess with his feelings too much. He doesn't fit into a stereotype, he's smart in math and science and likes video games, but also athletic and volunteers. He's a great person and I'm glad it didn't take long for Riley to realize it.
The story moved quickly and the ending was very sweet. I'm glad we also saw a bit of Lauren and Harrison too. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
Riley is an interesting character, she's athletic and popular and nice, but she has a hard time being herself around cute guys. She gets nervous and says things she thinks will make them like her, even if they aren't true. That's how she gets into the soap making business, which was pretty funny to see.
Linus, despite having the name of a Charlie Brown character, is super cute and I really liked him. He knows what's going on from the beginning and doesn't let Riley mess with his feelings too much. He doesn't fit into a stereotype, he's smart in math and science and likes video games, but also athletic and volunteers. He's a great person and I'm glad it didn't take long for Riley to realize it.
The story moved quickly and the ending was very sweet. I'm glad we also saw a bit of Lauren and Harrison too. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
February 7, 2017
I made the mistake on downloading this late at night. I made another mistake when I started reading it late at night. Around 3 in the morning I forced myself to put in down (due to continued grumbling from the husband). The next morning I got my boys off to school and my girl distracted so I could finish it. Yeah, this is one of those books. Is it because a lot of shocking, crazy stuff happens? No! It's because the characters are awesome, the writing is great, and the pacing is just about perfect.
Riley has just graduated high school and moves in with her aunt for the summer. She discovers right away the 'perfect' summer fling for her. Zeke, a brooding artist. She also meets Linus, who is the ultimate nice guy. The question is will she go for the exciting rebel or learn that nice doesn't necessarily mean boring.
I loved Riley! She was pretty self-aware, which is nice to see in a character who lives a semi-charmed life. I liked watching her attitude change as she realized that being cool just didn't matter anymore, that now was her time to be herself. Oh, and I loved watching her attraction to Linus develop. No insta-attraction here, but the gradual appeal of someone who just gets better looking as you get to know them.
Linus was perfect. He should be a poster boy for perfect boyfriend material. All teenagers should read this just so they know what kind of guy to look for. A Linus type.
I like Zeke too. I loved watching him morph in Riley's eyes. At first she see only his looks, but learns there is more to him...and a lot of it isn't good.
This is a great read. I mentioned the pacing before because I think this is some of the best pacing I've read in a contemporary romance. The relationships grew over time in interesting ways, my frustration with characters never lasted overly long, and the problems were realistic and never overly dramatic. I would recommend this for anyone, but mostly for everyone!
Also reviewed @ http://tenilleberezay.com/#!/review-t...
Riley has just graduated high school and moves in with her aunt for the summer. She discovers right away the 'perfect' summer fling for her. Zeke, a brooding artist. She also meets Linus, who is the ultimate nice guy. The question is will she go for the exciting rebel or learn that nice doesn't necessarily mean boring.
I loved Riley! She was pretty self-aware, which is nice to see in a character who lives a semi-charmed life. I liked watching her attitude change as she realized that being cool just didn't matter anymore, that now was her time to be herself. Oh, and I loved watching her attraction to Linus develop. No insta-attraction here, but the gradual appeal of someone who just gets better looking as you get to know them.
Linus was perfect. He should be a poster boy for perfect boyfriend material. All teenagers should read this just so they know what kind of guy to look for. A Linus type.
I like Zeke too. I loved watching him morph in Riley's eyes. At first she see only his looks, but learns there is more to him...and a lot of it isn't good.
This is a great read. I mentioned the pacing before because I think this is some of the best pacing I've read in a contemporary romance. The relationships grew over time in interesting ways, my frustration with characters never lasted overly long, and the problems were realistic and never overly dramatic. I would recommend this for anyone, but mostly for everyone!
Also reviewed @ http://tenilleberezay.com/#!/review-t...
April 11, 2018
Loved this one—even more than the first one! Linus was adorable and swoony. He somehow pulled both off. :) And I liked getting a deeper look at Riley. She was a much deeper character in this book than in the first book.
If you enjoy adorable YA romances, you will love this one!
Content: clean
If you enjoy adorable YA romances, you will love this one!
Content: clean
December 26, 2017
Romance, Clean, YA, series
While part of a series, this is a stand-alone read.
Riley is on her own for the summer, living at her aunts. She is attracted to an edgy artist, and also meets the 'good' guy too.
Riley ends up getting to know Linus as an every helpful, kind friend. Their gradual attraction grows, and Riley's gentle, fall happens so slowly. She isn't sure of her heart, and still feels this pull towards Zeke.
Along the way, she discovers herself with the help of her friend Lauren, her sister, and her other friends, but most importantly because of her interactions with Linus. She realizes what matters to her heart, and it isn't just the attraction she feels, it is the genuineness of Linus and who she can be with him too. The journey along the way to discovering her heart and her 'home' was a lovely read. Worth the wait in so many ways.
S.T. writes and describes the often mixed emotions of young adults so well. Perfect read for me. More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but shimmeringly worth it!
While part of a series, this is a stand-alone read.
Riley is on her own for the summer, living at her aunts. She is attracted to an edgy artist, and also meets the 'good' guy too.
Riley ends up getting to know Linus as an every helpful, kind friend. Their gradual attraction grows, and Riley's gentle, fall happens so slowly. She isn't sure of her heart, and still feels this pull towards Zeke.
Along the way, she discovers herself with the help of her friend Lauren, her sister, and her other friends, but most importantly because of her interactions with Linus. She realizes what matters to her heart, and it isn't just the attraction she feels, it is the genuineness of Linus and who she can be with him too. The journey along the way to discovering her heart and her 'home' was a lovely read. Worth the wait in so many ways.
S.T. writes and describes the often mixed emotions of young adults so well. Perfect read for me. More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but shimmeringly worth it!
February 19, 2023
I thought Riley was super annoying in the first book so I put off reading this one for a while, but I was wrong! Okay she is still a tad annoying but I think that might be part of her charm, I started reading it and for whatever crazy reason I felt liked I related a lot to her. She spent so long being what she thought everyone wanted her to be that she never found out who she was and that the people who really mattered just wanted her to be her. And Linus I'm not saying I am a dope for hot nerd tropes but- who am I kidding yes I am, and he is. He is sweet, patient, smart, and super cute and willing to deal with all of Riley's craziness. Oh and he can make soap, why is that a redeeming quality? Absolutely no idea, I don't make the rules.
August 6, 2018
On to Riley then. I think if I had to rate the books from most to least favorite, this would be on top. It was the best of the series in my opinion and maybe that was because both Riley and Linus were more relatable characters.
Although she annoyed me in Book 1, but she really grows on you once you take her out of that environment that revolves around Lauren and being the typical high school cheerleader. She's spending the summer with her aunt, and she simply wants to rebel. She sets her sights on the baddest boy in town, Zeke. He's exactly what she needs to get her mind off Harrison and Lauren, which still stings.
Then she ends up - quite literally - running into Linus, who works in a videogame store and is quite a geek. The exact opposite of what she's looking for, and in fact, finds him quite annoying.
Being a small town, she somehow keeps running into Linus. And as they get to know each other, they become good friends, with a bit of a spark. Just like she was with Harrison though, she is quite annoyingly relentless, and insists on having Zeke.
There's a bit of drama in this one, but it resolves itself fairly quickly, and is also kind of painstakingly sweet. I loved Linus, I loved his geeky character, and how he treated her and their romance was adorable.
Another proposal at the end...seems to be a trend with this author.
Although she annoyed me in Book 1, but she really grows on you once you take her out of that environment that revolves around Lauren and being the typical high school cheerleader. She's spending the summer with her aunt, and she simply wants to rebel. She sets her sights on the baddest boy in town, Zeke. He's exactly what she needs to get her mind off Harrison and Lauren, which still stings.
Then she ends up - quite literally - running into Linus, who works in a videogame store and is quite a geek. The exact opposite of what she's looking for, and in fact, finds him quite annoying.
Being a small town, she somehow keeps running into Linus. And as they get to know each other, they become good friends, with a bit of a spark. Just like she was with Harrison though, she is quite annoyingly relentless, and insists on having Zeke.
There's a bit of drama in this one, but it resolves itself fairly quickly, and is also kind of painstakingly sweet. I loved Linus, I loved his geeky character, and how he treated her and their romance was adorable.
Another proposal at the end...seems to be a trend with this author.
July 21, 2019
This one is my least favourite book in the Glitter and Sparkle trilogy, mainly due to the main character and her behaviour.
I'm glad that it's addressed later in the book and not just brushed away, but it was so annoying and irritating to watch Riley do anything and pretend to be someone else to get guy's attention. I wasn't quite sure about her character when reading "Glitter and Sparkle", so that definitely didn't help.
In general, it was a fact paced cute romance read, perfect for summer, and a good addition to the series.
I'm glad that it's addressed later in the book and not just brushed away, but it was so annoying and irritating to watch Riley do anything and pretend to be someone else to get guy's attention. I wasn't quite sure about her character when reading "Glitter and Sparkle", so that definitely didn't help.
In general, it was a fact paced cute romance read, perfect for summer, and a good addition to the series.
June 18, 2020
This time round our focus is Riley. Determined to get over the awkwardness she feels being around Lauren and Harrison, she decides to spend the summer with her aunt. Before you know it, she’s befriended geeky Linus and has the hots for resident bad boy Zeke.
I have to say this all felt very obvious. You could predict the dynamics and general outcome, and for eighteen year olds they felt quite young. That gripe aside this was fun and will definitely appeal to the inner romantic inside (particularly if they have a soft spot for nice geeky guys).
I have to say this all felt very obvious. You could predict the dynamics and general outcome, and for eighteen year olds they felt quite young. That gripe aside this was fun and will definitely appeal to the inner romantic inside (particularly if they have a soft spot for nice geeky guys).
July 8, 2017
Beautiful story! I was rooting for Riley and Linus the whole way! Riley was still recovering from her thing with Harrison, and Linus really helps her with her insecurities and her being able to act like herself. Linus is just so sweet, and Riley was kinda funny when she was trying to get with Zeke.
Summary:
Great character development
Great romance development
Exciting story
Summary:
Great character development
Great romance development
Exciting story
May 8, 2018
Aw, so fun to read Riley's story. Linus was amazing. So patient with her. Great fun, and my teen daughter loved it too!
Moral Note: Some drinking, some mild talk of a girl being pregnant.
Moral Note: Some drinking, some mild talk of a girl being pregnant.
September 21, 2018
Fun book that reminds me to like things because I like them, not necessarily because other people do. The characters were realistic and compassionate.
Read
May 9, 2024linus jest slodki
July 4, 2017
I've come to expect a certain level of writing and storytelling from Ms. Tapscott. As soon as I read her first book, I was hooked, and she quickly became on of my favorite indie writers. That amount of expectation seems designed to set a reader up for disappointment. I keep waiting for it, assuming it's inevitable, but it never comes. Shine and Shimmer is no less entertaining than the others. It drew me in from the beginning.
From there, the author once again showed off her incredible talent at developing characters that are very flawed and also incredibly easy to love. They almost feel like friends. Riley is a young girl who is having trouble figuring out who she is when she doesn't have the bounds of high school to define her. She isn't the popular cheerleader anymore. She's just her. A girl who thinks she knows what she wants and lets that almost destroy what she needs.
Zeke, the brooding and kind of douchy artist, is so different from the contradiction that is the nerdy, sweet, cool Linus. How can Riley want them both? They represent different parts of her and now she must choose which part will lead her into the future and which part she should leave back in high school. And she must do it before ruining what could be the best thing that ever happened to her.
From there, the author once again showed off her incredible talent at developing characters that are very flawed and also incredibly easy to love. They almost feel like friends. Riley is a young girl who is having trouble figuring out who she is when she doesn't have the bounds of high school to define her. She isn't the popular cheerleader anymore. She's just her. A girl who thinks she knows what she wants and lets that almost destroy what she needs.
Zeke, the brooding and kind of douchy artist, is so different from the contradiction that is the nerdy, sweet, cool Linus. How can Riley want them both? They represent different parts of her and now she must choose which part will lead her into the future and which part she should leave back in high school. And she must do it before ruining what could be the best thing that ever happened to her.
February 21, 2017
Wow, I think I went through most of this book with a grin on my face and definitely a few chuckles along the way! Absolutely, delightful! Tapscott does a wonderful job with not only her charater build up, but with the character interactions as well. This novel was the perfect blend of humor, romance, maturing and friendship. I was afraid that the love triangle might ruin things, but Tapscott wrote it perfectly. I don't want to give too much away, but don't let that aspect keep you from reading this novel. Otherwise, you would miss out on a wonderful story!
July 22, 2017
Cute and clean. Easy, light read.
May 19, 2017
I love these books! They are just such a nice blend of fun, romance and fluffiness! Love them.
In this book, we follow Riley. Riley is quite different from Lauren, but her adventure is equally fun. There is a 'love triangle' like set up again, yet I was never annoyed by it (and it's coming from a girl who hates love triangle). The author handled it really nicely and we all knew who has Riley's heart to be honest.
I thought I might be annoyed with Zeke, but in the end he is just so 'pathetic' (as Riley said), he turns out into a nice comic relief (the story is already really hilarious without him).
Riley is just so full of energy and such a nice and lively girl. She is pretty devastated that she was rejected by Harrison though. I never thought she is that bothered by it. Although, I think she is more bothered by the fact she is turned down rather than really liking Harrison. Luckily, she seems to get over it after meeting Linus.
Linus is so nice and refreshing. Contrary to the stereotypical 'nice' guy in other stories, he isn't boring. He is nice and interesting. Finally the nice guy gets the girl.
The scenes where the gang (Lauren, Riley, Harper, Harrison and Brandon) get together, they are so much fun and give you such a warm feeling. Now I really want to read a story about their childhood.
Looking forward to Harper's book.
In this book, we follow Riley. Riley is quite different from Lauren, but her adventure is equally fun. There is a 'love triangle' like set up again, yet I was never annoyed by it (and it's coming from a girl who hates love triangle). The author handled it really nicely and we all knew who has Riley's heart to be honest.
I thought I might be annoyed with Zeke, but in the end he is just so 'pathetic' (as Riley said), he turns out into a nice comic relief (the story is already really hilarious without him).
Riley is just so full of energy and such a nice and lively girl. She is pretty devastated that she was rejected by Harrison though. I never thought she is that bothered by it. Although, I think she is more bothered by the fact she is turned down rather than really liking Harrison. Luckily, she seems to get over it after meeting Linus.
Linus is so nice and refreshing. Contrary to the stereotypical 'nice' guy in other stories, he isn't boring. He is nice and interesting. Finally the nice guy gets the girl.
The scenes where the gang (Lauren, Riley, Harper, Harrison and Brandon) get together, they are so much fun and give you such a warm feeling. Now I really want to read a story about their childhood.
Looking forward to Harper's book.
March 28, 2020
If you love contemporary romance novels and you have not read a book by Shari Tapscott, what have you been doing?! Everyone needs to read her books! They are soo ADORABLE & full of humor! I have not been disappointed with any of her books. They are fluffy, heartwrenching romances and you fall in love with all the characters. I have to be honest. I read the first and third book in this series, but prolonged this one because it didn't sound like I would like it. I was soo wrong. I should have read it a long time ago, but that's okay because now I got to enjoy another wonderful book by Shari. Riley is afraid to be herself and just wants a man to lover her for her, but with an artist who is hotter than hot and a nice ("I know I've said this before, but you really are too nice") nerd vying for her attention, who will she choose? I didn't like Zeke from the start. Just going to say it. But I feel like the author did it on purpose, so we don't like him lol. If she did, it definitely worked. Lunis really was too nice for his own good. He was so sweet and even I fell in love with him. I'm encouraging everyone to read this series, or even her other books. Especially this series they are just too cute.
January 22, 2018
Another super cute book in this series that can easily be a standalone. The characters overlap, but that’s not a dealbreaker. That said, I liked the first better, but maybe just because I read it first.
Unlike sugar and spice, there weren’t 8 billion obstacles to the romance. There was just one - the stupid girl. Ugh, why is it always the girl who is stupid?! She can’t decide between the bad boy and the nice boy, of course. [eye roll]
Like sugar and spice, there was another stupid and annoying epilogue. STOP WITH THE EPILOGUES PEOPLE!! I groaned out loud when I flipped the page to it and I really shouldn’t have read it but I can’t not finish a book, so UGH. It was, unbelievably, worse than the one in sugar and spice. Even though I have the third book in the series, these epilogues are making me not want to read it.
Unlike sugar and spice, there weren’t 8 billion obstacles to the romance. There was just one - the stupid girl. Ugh, why is it always the girl who is stupid?! She can’t decide between the bad boy and the nice boy, of course. [eye roll]
Like sugar and spice, there was another stupid and annoying epilogue. STOP WITH THE EPILOGUES PEOPLE!! I groaned out loud when I flipped the page to it and I really shouldn’t have read it but I can’t not finish a book, so UGH. It was, unbelievably, worse than the one in sugar and spice. Even though I have the third book in the series, these epilogues are making me not want to read it.
October 30, 2023
◾️Relacja dwójki głównych bohaterów spodobała mi się od kiedy mieli ze sobą pierwszy kontakt. Ich historia była bardzo przyjemna w czytaniu.
◾️ Drugi tom jest równie słodziutki, jak pierwszy. Jest to kolejna przeurocza historia, od której nie można się oderwać.
◾️ To historia o przyjaźni, rodzinie i miłości, a także o odnajdywaniu siebie w życiu. Uczy, że nie warto diametralnie zmieniać się dla innych osób, a należy znaleźć takich ludzi, którzy polubią nas takimi, jakimi naprawdę jesteśmy.
◾️ W pierwszej części tej serii Lauren miała obsesję na punkcie brokatu, tutaj Riley zaczyna robić mydełko. Motyw robótek ręcznych bardzo podoba mi się w tej trylogii. Myślę, że po przeczytaniu wiele osób może czuć się zainspirowanych i spróbować w tym swoich sił, co jest cudowne.
◾️ I tak okładka, cudoo.
◾️ Drugi tom jest równie słodziutki, jak pierwszy. Jest to kolejna przeurocza historia, od której nie można się oderwać.
◾️ To historia o przyjaźni, rodzinie i miłości, a także o odnajdywaniu siebie w życiu. Uczy, że nie warto diametralnie zmieniać się dla innych osób, a należy znaleźć takich ludzi, którzy polubią nas takimi, jakimi naprawdę jesteśmy.
◾️ W pierwszej części tej serii Lauren miała obsesję na punkcie brokatu, tutaj Riley zaczyna robić mydełko. Motyw robótek ręcznych bardzo podoba mi się w tej trylogii. Myślę, że po przeczytaniu wiele osób może czuć się zainspirowanych i spróbować w tym swoich sił, co jest cudowne.
◾️ I tak okładka, cudoo.
June 21, 2017
This story was just as good as the first one in the series! I can't wait for the third instalment! These books can be read independently, but it is best to read them in order due to recurring characters. "Shine and Shimmer" is suitable for all ages as it is a squeaky clean romance. Geared towards teens and young adult audiences, it can be enjoyed by an older audience as well, since it is fast-paced and easily held my attention captive. I have added this author to my favourites list and plan to read more by her. A fun, light read, ideal for a quick escape from reality. This makes a great beach summer read or wrapped up in a blanket with cocoa wintertime reading. I highly recommend both books in the "sparkle" series and I am anticipating the next one in the series. An enthusiastic 5 stars!
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