Sunday, September 30, 2012

BOOK REVIEW: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Date Published: August 3, 2012
Synopsis:
"I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.
So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.
______________________________

Review:


This book left me in an emotional wreck so if you plan to read it, keep some tissues with you because you'll badly need them!
_________________________________________________________________
"My father is a control freak, I hate my stepmother, my brother is dead and my mother has...well...issues. How do you think I'm doing?" - Echo
That sentence is the best way to sum up the situation Echo was stuck into. Her life was turned upside down because of unlikely incidents which left her  with physical, emotional, and psychological scars. She can't remember what happened in her accident and she'll do anything just to puzzle all the pieces back. 

On the other hand, we have Noah. He had a perfect life- loving parents and lovely brothers, great school life; until an accident happened which has taken both of his parents' lives. Noah has been into several foster homes, learned how to drink, smoke and take drugs. All he wanted was to protect his brothers. And he'll do anything just to have his brothers back, his family back.

Both of these characters yearned for having a normal life. But normal is very hard to achieve. They have to push through their remaining months of highschool with the help of Mrs. Collins as their new clinical social worker. 

How can these two destroyed souls find ways to heal each other?
_________________________________________________________________

I was particularly intrigued with the book since it came out. I saw it in every blog I visited and all have positive reviews. Since I've read a bunch of reviews, I've been expecting alot from the book. And I gladly say, it definitely met my expectations; even way beyond it!

If you've read other reviews of this, you might get tired of reading how people loved it! And I'll say it again, I really, really, really loved the book! 

I didn't have a hard time getting into the main characters. I love the character build-up and how both characters matured. I liked Echo's strong and vulnerable personality. She's from Ms. Popular to Ms. Freak Show. Having someone you love and depend on die is hard as it is. But having a near death experience with no memory of it is a pure torture. I felt every emotion she'd portrayed and I shed a couple of tears because of it. I also liked her artistic side and how I wish her paintings were real. 

I have to admit I'm guilty in terms of liking book bad boys in general and it's not an exemption for this one. Noah is good-looking and sexy but he has an attitude problem. Trusting and loving other people is hard for him so he just plays and never loves. What I love about him is that he has soft sides especially with his brothers. He had a fair share of bad experiences from the past which made him who he is. He loves his brothers tremendously more than himself that he'd sacrifice his youth for them. Who wouldn't love this guy?

I may have loved and hated the other supporting characters but they are important factors that added to the book's awesomeness.  Just to name afew, I liked Mrs. Collins 'cause she's cool. I also liked Lila and Isaiah for being such a true friend for Echo and Noah respectively. 

I have to commend Katy McGarry for doing a great job in creating this book! A debut novel at that! I liked how she's beautifully written the shifting of POVs from Echo to Noah. There's an easy flow of the story, neither fast nor slow, which I truly enjoyed.  

I love reading YA Contemporary pieces as much as I love YA Fantasy/ Paranormal. This is definitely one of the best Contemporary books I've read this year! Highly Recommended!


Rating:
AN EMOTIONAL RIDE!LOVED IT!


Memorable Quotes:


"We'd read about sirens in English this fall; Greek mythology bullsh*t about women so beautiful, their voices so enchanting, that men did anything for them. Turned out that mythology crap was real because everytime I saw her, I lost my mind." - Noah

"It doesn't get better. The pain. The wounds scab over and you don't always feel like a knife is slashing through you. But when you least expect it, the pain flashes to remind you you'll never be the same." - Noah

"The worst type of crying wasn't the kind everyone could see-the wailing on street corners, the tearing at clothes. No, the worst kind happened when your soul wept and no matter what you did, there was no way to comfort it. A section withered and became a scar of your soul that survived. For people like me and Echo, our souls contained more scar tissue than life." - Noah

"I love you enough to never make you choose." - Echo

"Because growing up means making tough choices, and doing the right thing doesn't necessarily mean doing the thing that feels good." - Mrs. Collins

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (#2)



“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:
Title: Independence (Significance #4)
Author: Shelly Crane
Expected Publication: December 18, 2012
Synopsis: 
In the fourth and final installment, Maggie and Caleb must tie up all the loose ends of their lives and make a way to be together completely on their own. With everything that happened with Bish and Maggie's father, she's almost reluctant to move on and move out. And now she must figure out all of this...stuff...with Haddock. But of course, nothing can stay simple for the Jacobsons. Enemies who were thought to be dissolved have decided to not go down so easily. And old flames come calling for more than just Maggie. Caleb is torn between leading his family and personal wants. Maggie is torn between Caleb and being the leader of their people. But neither will let what they need most to be pushed to the wayside. They are determined to make it all work, design a plan toward destiny, and make everything right again for themselves and their family.
And then there's a wedding...


Thoughts:
I've read the first 3 books months ago and I've finished them all for 2 days so it's obvious that I loved the series! It's sad that it's going to end. Oh well.. Can't wait to read it!

This is my second Waiting on Wednesday. How about you? What's your Waiting on Wednesday? Link me.

Monday, September 24, 2012

BOOK REVIEW: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me #1)

Date Published: November 15, 2011
Synopsis (Goodreads) : 
Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.


The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.




______________________________

Review:

Shatter Me is about a 17 year-old girl, Juliette, who's been locked up in an asylum because of an unintentional murder. With just one touch, she could give pain or worse, death. She's been locked up for 264 days and the world she once knew will never be the same. The Reestablishment promised their people a better life, better future, hope, but instead they stole it from them. There's an impending war and the Reestablishment thought of using Juliette as a weapon, to destroy those who are against them.

Juliette's character remind me of someone. Maybe you also know who it is and you're right! Rogue from X-men. She has this inconvenient power where she can't touch anyone without them being hurt. She has experienced seclusion from people, even her parents. I can't imagine anyone who could stay sane with what she'd gone through. I bet I'd go crazy if that happens to me. Because of that, I sympathize Juliette. She felt unloved and dead inside. She became unsure of herself and her sanity so I understand that her character had a hard time containing different emotions she hasn't felt for a long time. She learned to become strong and to fight for herself and for the one she loved.

Adam is someone from Juliette's past. Since he met her, he became protective of her. They haven't spoken a word to each other until he came back to her life. He has the usual "hero" image- gorgeous,strong and reserved. He's one of those who experienced a hard childhood so he's grown to protect those he loved. He was annoying at first but I've learned to love his character. 

The "other" guy from the book is Warner. He's a young, corrupt, possessive, cruel, power-obsessed leader. He became very interested of Juliette because of her power. He feels he's the only one who understands Juliette because he, too, experienced hatred from people. So he planned to convince Juliette to use her power as a way to get back to those who've hurt them. He has this complex crazy character which makes me hate him. I especially hate the part where he *spoiler* used a toddler for Juliette to use her power. That's just so bad and mean. I want to kill him for doing that.*end* But I'm interested on how he will turn out. Will he change?

I was fascinated by the unique writing of Tahereh Mafi. The crossed out phrases, her use of colorful words to describe and the repetition of words. But as the story goes on, I became uncomfortable and I thought it was overused. Her world building wasn't elaborated much but I have a picture in my mind and I think that was enough. I liked the storyline although the pace was slow at first but it caught up when it came to the middle part. And I shouldn't forget to say that I love the cover! I like that there's two sides, black and white then the girl exudes of power. Loved it!

Overall, I enjoyed the book and I'll definitely read the second book.

Rating:



Memorable Quotes:

"Sometimes I think the loneliness inside of me is going to explode through my skin and sometimes I'm not sure if crying or screaming or laughing through the hysteria will solve anything at all. Sometimes I'm so desperate to touch to be touched to feel that I'm almost certain I'm going to fall off a cliff in an alternate universe where no one will ever be able to find me."

" I want to put this fist attached to my wrist right through the window.
Just to feel something.
Just to feel human."

"Truth is a jealous, vicious mistress that never ever sleeps, is what I don't tell him. I'll never be okay."

"Hate looks just like everybody else until it smiles. Until it spins around and lies with lips and teeth carved into the semblance of something too passive to punch."

"I'm an encyclopedia with too many blank pages."

"Because moving forward is the only way to survive."

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Bookshelf Cleaning EPIC giveaway (4 boxes of books!)

Evie:
That's right! It's time for Bookshelf Cleaning giveaway! As I was cleaning and re-arranging my bookshelves today, I realized that I have way too many books and way too little space. So here it is, huge giveaway with many books up for grabs!
Here's what you can win!
There will be 4 boxes filled with books (I don't want to spend too much on shipping, so only 4 winners!). All giveaways are open to Internationals. The first person I'll draw will get the first box, the second winner will get the second box.. you get the drill, right?

Check out the giveaway here

Friday, September 21, 2012

BOOK REVIEW: Avoiding Commitment by K.A. Linde (Avoiding #1)

Date Published: August 1,2012
Synopsis:
Jack and Lexi never had a typical relationship. After 2 years without speaking, she receives a phone call that changes everything. He unexpectedly asks her to convince the new girl, Bekah, that he's ready to commit. Jack is calling now after everything they had been through because there is another woman. She can't believe it. Follow Lexi in this heart wrenching drama as she relives her past relationship, or lack thereof, with Jack, and not just in her own mind, but to his fiance-to-be. Throw in Bekah's hot brother who always seems to be in the right place at the right time, a past with more secrets to unravel than you can even imagine, and you get a recipe for disaster. Find out what happens to Lexi as she travels to Atlanta to get the closure she so desperately desires from Jack, and how the bumps of life seem to keep getting in the way.

______________________________

Review:
12 am : I was in the middle part of book when I thought that's it for the night. But I can't take these questions off my mind: How will it end? Will she end up being with Jack or will she get her closure? I even thought of taking a peek of the last part just to give me some comfort so that I could sleep soundly without those thoughts in my mind. But no, I didn't do that so I had to stay up until 4 in the morning just to finish it all. So.. (sigh)

This is just PURE CRAZY, STRESSFUL read. It's like I'm in a rollercoaster ride and for most of the time I just want to scream and beg it to stop but then I couldn't stop. I want to ride it through the end and see if it's worth it. Is it worth it? YES, for most parts, I think, so YES. 

Who's crazier? The girlfriend who wants to meet her boyfriend's exes or the girl who agrees to meet the "future-fiance" of the guy she never gotten over with? Or the guy who uses a girl and never commits? They are ALL CRAZY!

Lexi, the protagonist, has been in love with Jack since the time she laid her eyes on him. They never really were in "a relationship" but there's always this connection between them and they can't get away from it. They have known each other for six years and everytime they meet, a cycle happens. They make wrong decisions that always end up in a situation where it ends up hurting people.

I hate Lexi for being a martyr! She's intelligent but she never uses her brains to make mature decisions especially where Jack is concerned. She just let her feelings for Jack cloudy her reasoning. She's experienced psychological and emotional torture which I can't help but feel for her. 

Jack, the oh so gorgeous and sexy Jack, definitely has some PROBLEM---SERIOUS psychological problem! Honestly, for the first parts of the book, I really liked him! He's charming, kind and a gentleman. But then hell break loose! I'm not kidding! He has great convincing skills, he should be a lawyer! He has commitment issues, I know, but why has he done such things? I  JUST DON'T GET HIM! *spoiler* He's an arse but deep inside I was still hoping he would change- make a wise decision to commit and be with Lexi instead.*end**Wishful Thinking*

And her girlfriend Bekah is such a bitch! She's a two-faced bitch and I just want to slap her several times! They deserve each other and they should just leave Lexi alone.  

The light of the book were Chyna and Ramsey. I like Chyna for being true to herself and to her friend Lexi. She's thoughtful and everytime Lexi needs her, she's there without second thoughts. I also like Ramsey's character. He's a country club kind of guy- rich, mannered, observant, and oh, so good looking.(yumyum!LOL) He differs himself by being a rebel to his family especially his father. He likes to tease and anger Lexi but in a way, he wants to have Lexi's attention and he wants her to like him too. *spoiler*But there's something odd about him. I think he has some dark secrets he'd never allow anyone to know, even Lexi.*end*

I hate and at the same time loved the book. I hate about the cheating and lying part. I had a hard time accepting that these are happening in the real world. On the other hand, I love the narrative style of K.A. Linde. It was easy-flowing for the first few pages of the book. It has a great humor for most parts and I wasn't bored. The chapters were alternating from present then past which keeps me interested on what new details will be revealed. There were also songs for each chapter so you'll have an idea of what the chapter is about. And as expected, there were alot of hot and steamy scenes which can be found mostly in the second half of the book I was a bit disappointed in the last part but I realized it's for the best. Despite the book being complicated, there's some moral you can learn so I gave it a high rating.

This is more of an Adult Contemporary read so for those who's into these kind of books, better give this a try.

Rating:
HOT,HOT,HOT!


Memorable Quotes:

"Closing up. Finally spent.
You are gone.
And now you're moving along.
Heavy now. Tears remain.
Hard pressed to rest.
When all I feel like is a mess.
Now, don't you worry your head.
You're not my one and only friend.
And I don't need you anymore.
To leave me bruised and broken on the floor.
You left me bruised. You left me broken.
You left me bruised. You left me broken."

"And Lexi had to deal with that fact. She had to deal with knowing that he hadn't chosen her. He didn't want her."

"She could remember a time when she thought things could be right with her and Jack. Now it seemed like that was such a long time ago. How could she have ever told herself things were going to be alright? She now knew with every once of her being that there was absolutely nothing left of the man she had once loved."

"Why couldn't be closure be easier than this?"

*spoiler*LOVED THIS PART!!
"I appreciate the fact that you have one redeeming quality Jack but that is all it is. Just a measly hint of redemption with six years of disappointment.
No matter what you do, it will never make up for what has happened between us. I will never trust you. I will never again be comfortable around you. I will never look at you or think of you without  considering the destruction you have train wrecked through my life.
I hope you the very best in your future, because without you in my life I think I might finally have a future. And as angry as I am with what you have put me through, I am so very glad that we are now at this moment. This moment means I can move on to bigger and better things without you constantly weighing on my shoulders.
I will never again turn a corner in New York terrified that I will run into you and even more terrified that I won't. I can go into any coffee shop I want. I can hope for love again. A love that will be more than anything you ever attempted to give to me. Because the love I am looking for will be reciprocated one hundred and ten percent. There will never be another someone to distract our affections, because you will not be in the picture.
So as sad as this day is for me, as I am losing a part of myself with the loss of you, it is really just the beginning for me. it is like cutting off the spoiled part to get to the juicy center. So I would appreciate it this time, if you did not try and contact me, because I'm sure you know I deserve much better. I want everything this time around and I deserve it."
*end*

Question: When will you say "It's time to let go?"

Monday, September 17, 2012

BOOK BREAK: Music in YOU (Post #3)

Every week, I will post some original songs from an artist who became popular in YouTube. I just feel that more people should know them because they are very talented and they have great songs that should be heard.

So for this week I chose Daniela Andrade. I just found out about her this year and I instantly loved her voice. She plays the guitar in most of her videos and she has a clear and smooth voice, very soothing. The covers she made that I absolutely loved are the ff:




So if you want to know her more, check out her YOUaccount here.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

**My Birthday Giveaway** by Bookshelf Confessions

Abby of Bookshelf Confessions is hosting a giveaway on her blog. September is her birthday month (mine too!) and she's reached more than 500 followers so she'll be offering 3 great prize packs. ENTER NOW! 


Happy birthday Abby and Congratulations on reaching 500 followers! God bless you! :)

BOOK REVIEW: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments #1)

Date Published: March 27, 2007
Synopsis:
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

______________________________


Review:

This book has been on my TBR list for quite sometime now but I had a hard time getting it started. Maybe because it's on its 5th book now and I didn't think I could catch up. But what convinced me to read City of Bones is because I heard they're in the process of making a movie of it which will be shown next year so  before that'll happen, i want to read the book first so I can fully understand the movie and for comparison.

I was a bit confused at the first few pages of the book on who's the story-teller. There were shifting of point of views every now and then but mostly it was Clary.

I'm not in love with the characters yet. I had a hard time getting into Clary's character. I don't know why but it's just how I felt about her. I liked Simon's character. He always has something to say- making jokes that are mostly off which makes him funny. He's easy-going which makes his character likable. Jace is cocky, full of himself but gorgeous nonetheless. His childhood experiences mold him to become a strong and heartless shadowhunter. These two guys will take a big part in Clary's life. Love triangle? That, I'm not so sure. :)

I'm still in awe after some revelations in the last part of the book. The truth was, it came to my mind and I thought that would be too dramatic if that's the case and it did! Sometimes I hate it when I think too much and make predictions. 

What will happen now?- That's the question I've been asking myself since I finished the book. 


I must say my imagination was used in full blast. I had a hard time with all the descriptions, different characters and world-building. This is the first book so I expected that there will be a lot of information to take in. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book. It's full of action, adventure, betrayal, complications, sadness and love. 

Rating:
ACTION-PACKED READ!


Memorable Quotes:


"Clary, you're an artist,like your mother. That means you see the world in ways other people don't. It's your gift, to see the beauty and the horror in ordinary things. It doesn't make you crazy-just different. There's nothing wrong with being different." -Luke

If there was one thing she was learning from all this, it was how easy it was to lose everything you had always thought you'd had forever." -Clary

The boy never cried again, and he never forgot what he'd learned: that to love is to destroy, and that to be loved is to be the one destroyed." -Jace

"But you have to learn to bend a little, or you'll break." -Clary

Friday, September 14, 2012

BOOK REVIEW: Pure by Jennifer Armentrout (Covenant #2)

Date Published: March 13, 2012
Synopsis (Goodreads):
There is need. And then there is Fate...
Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn’t exactly awesome—especially when Alexandria’s "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth’s in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom—so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do—and sacrifice—for her.
When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies—lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn’t blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her.
When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

______________________________


Review:
After the terrifying experience of Alex in Gatlinburg- half-blood daimons and her mother's death, she will now face her fate of being the second Apollyon. So she will train with Aiden and Seth separately. With the unfortunate event happened in Gatlinburg, pure bloods and other half-bloods will treat her badly. She will be accused of being the reason why people ended up dead. She has no choice but to be strong for herself and for those she loves. 

I still love and hate Alex's character. She was getting on my nerves especially the first part. She's so stubborn, hard-headed, tactless, she thinks she's always right and she lets words get into her which causes fights. A good thing about that is she stands up for herself, too much. She has a big responsibility and name to make up for. She will be the second Apollyon and all her decisions will affect not only herself but the people around her. Anyone who's in her place will have a hard time, so I understand her despite all the "bad" things about her.

Aiden is still the understanding and full of patience Aiden. His relationship with Alex is still a complicated one. Their attraction with each other was obvious but they both know that there will never be a chance for them to have that kind of relationship.

Seth is an annoying, flirt, full of himself Apollyon. With Alex, he tends to act with all mentioned but at times, he cares for Alex and defends her from other people. He really grew on me.

The first book, I was all team Aiden but now, I also want to be on Team Seth. Torn between two lovers?Hmmm...

More of the council members will be introduced aside from Alex's stepfather Lucian. I particularly hate the head minister, Telly. I really hate him! I think that's even an understatement. I loathe him! He makes my blood boil! You'll understand when you read the book. He's really hateful!Hmf!

Anyway,I love how Jennifer Armentrout adds some humorous scenes which never fails to give some smile and laughter. 

As what I predicted, some important characters would die and I was especially devastated with one of them. If you read the first book, you may have an idea who I'm talking about. I became emotional on that part, I almost cried.

I wasn't expecting how the book ended. Expect some action and hot scenes. I can't wait for Deity!

Rating:
LOVED IT! AGAIN!

Memorable Quotes:
Seth: "Alex. I'm trying to be a good guy right now, and you're not helping."
Alex: " I don't want you to be a good guy."

"I know how brave you are, Alex. but you don't always have to be. It's okay every once in a while to let someone else be brave for you. There's no loss of dignity in that. Not for you. You've already proven that you have more dignity than even a pure-blood can muster." -Aiden

"Ever since I've met you, I've wanted t break every rule. You'll become the center of someone's world one day. And he'll be the luckiest son of a bitch on this earth." -Aiden

"It's not like I'm suggesting we have a threesome. I'm suggesting we sneak over to the cafeteria, grab some drinks and food, and then watch a movie." -Caleb


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (#1): Deity


“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:
Title: Deity 
Author: Jennifer Armentrout
Expected Publication Date:November 6, 2012
Synopsis: 
"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "
Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden. 
If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome. 
But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed. 
Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...


Thoughts:
I just finished reading Pure last week and I loved it! I'm really excited for its sequel! 
My review on Pure will be up soon.

This is my first Waiting on Wednesday. How about you? What's your Waiting on Wednesday? Link me.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

BOOK REVIEW: Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti

Date Published: May 4, 2010
Book Description (Goodreads):

Best friends Lani and Erin couldn't be more different. Lani's reserved and thoughtful; Erin's bubbly and outgoing. Lani likes to do her own thing; Erin prefers an entourage. There's no possible way they could be interested in the same guy.

So when Erin starts dating Jason, Lani can't believe she feels such a deep connection with him--and it may be mutual. The more Lani fights it, the more certain she feels that it's her fate to be with Jason. But what do you do when the love of your life is the one person you can't have?




______________________________


REVIEW:
Before I read the book, I have the impression that the plot's not unique but I was quite intrigued if there will be something different about it.

Lani is someone who believes in fate- horoscope, tarots, palm-reading and everything that makes her know something about the future. She's reserved, more of a safe person, and a very good friend to Erin. Erin,on the other hand, is the opposite of Lani. She's outgoing and friendly. They have opposite personalities and likes, even their tastes in men. Their history made them very close, like sisters. But what happens when some guy comes between them? Will Lani let her feelings get in their way? Or will she give way to the one who she owes her life?

I neither love nor hate Lani's character. There are some good and bad points about her. I like that I can relate to her personality, the part of her being reserved. She fears the unknown, of not knowing what will happen to the future. I think everyone can relate to that. The most feared by people is the fear of the unknown especially when you experienced something in the past that makes you want to have done something to prevent that. The thing I don't like about her is that she doesn't know how t stand for herself. She makes decisions based on what other people would feel. She lies so she won't hurt people but as a result, she hurts herself instead. 

Meanwhile, I don't like Erin's character. Everybody likes her which makes her think people revolves around her. She still has a good side but bleh.

Meanwhile, I like Jason's character. He's good-looking and has a great personality. I just hate the part where *spoiler* he dated Erin just because she likes him and he thought Lani has a boyfriend. Which made the story all complicated. But I like that he's man enough to admit his true feelings.*end of spoiler* 

Another character I like is Blake, the other friend of Lani who's so gay and I love him! He always says the truth even when it's not what you wanted to hear. He's a kind and true friend.


What I love about the book is that there are a lot of inspiring words that I may relate to. There is development in each of the characters and that's good. 

So if you need a light read, this is one of them. 


RATING:
OKAY..

QUOTES:
"You can't deny reality. So what if the reality is particularly harsh? You and I both know that this life is anything but easy."

"I hate when questions like this get stuck in my head. They bother me util I can find an answer. The annoying thing is that these kinds of questions usually don't have definite answers. Like with the whole fate thing, Do we have control over our fate or will our lives turn out the same way no matter what we do? This is the on question I wish I could know the answer to more than any others. But I'll probably never know."

"Can you just be friends with a soulmate when you want to be so much more?"

"Sometimes things have to get worse before they can get better. I just never imagined that things could get this bad."

"A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it." -Jean de La Fontaine

"You've got to take a chance on something sometime, Pam." -Jim Halpert

"Fate is like a strange, unpopular restaurant,, filled with odd waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don't always like." -Lemony Snicket

"The expected id just the beginning, The unexpected is what changes our lives." -Meredith Grey


Monday, September 10, 2012

Squeaky Books Birthday Bash 2012! Enter now!

Don't miss out on the party of the year! That's right, it's time for Enna Isilee's Birthday Bash! In fact, it's not just time, it's HALF OVER! If you want to see the full awesome that is the Birthday Bash then you can click here. Enna's put together a whole schedule and information there. But take a look at what she's giving away so far, and this is only half! The next two weeks will also have a giveaway EVERY DAY!

Click on the the book you want to win to be taken to an interview with the author where you can enter to win the book pictured! Come party with me, it's a blast!


Sunday, September 9, 2012

BOOK REVIEW: The Underworld (Fallen Star #2) by Jessica Sorensen

Date Published: July 31, 2011
Book Description (Goodreads): 
Gemma thought her mind was gone, but she was wrong. And now she is left trying to figure out the truth to what Stephan is planning to do with her and the star, before it’s too late.

But finding out the truth is hard, especially since Gemma doesn’t know who she can trust. There may be only one person who Gemma can turn to for answers, but that means having to go to the one place no one wants to go—The Underworld.









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Review:
Once again, I was left hanging. I'm glad that a lot of questions were answered in this book. This is definitely better than the first one.

It was mentioned in the prequel, The Fallen Star, that Gemma's mom, Jocelyn, is in the underworld. From the title itself, you will have an idea of what the book is mostly about. 

With the characters, Gemma and Alex will still have a lot of arguments/fights but it'll get better as the story goes on. For most parts, it's just Gemma, Alex and Laylen. As for Aislin, I noticed that she ain't a big part of the book, she just comes and goes. Laylen will have changes within himself that I think will make the story muc interesting. 

There's more action, death walkers, fairies and visions. All in all, it was a good read and I enjoyed it!

If you were disappointed with the first book, this is definitely better but just don't get your hopes too high. And for those who liked the first one, I think I won't need to encourage you to read this. So just read it!

Happy reading!



Rating:
ENTERTAINING READ!

Quotes:

“Everyone will hurt you if you let them in.” 

“You remember the word we said when we pressed our hands together, right?"

I nodded. Forem. But what does it mean?"

"Forever,” he said his breath shaky. "It means we're bonded together forever.”