BOOK REVIEW: Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover (Hopeless #2)

Publication Date: July 8, 2013

Synopsis:
Still haunted by the little girl he let walk away, Holder has spent his entire life searching for her in an attempt to finally rid himself of the crushing guilt he has felt for years. But he could not have anticipated that the moment they reconnect, even greater remorse would overwhelm him…

Sometimes in life, if we wish to move forward, we must first dig deep into our past and make amends. In Losing Hope, bestselling author Colleen Hoover reveals what was going on inside Holder’s head during all those hopeless moments—and whether he can gain the peace he desperately needs.

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Review:

Losing hope brought me to Holder’s side of the story. In hopeless, I have witnessed how Sky struggled when she remembered her past life. I may have focused more on Sky’s pain rather than Holder’s. But after I read this book, I realized how Holder experienced the same pain as Sky’s or even more.

When he lost Hope, he blamed himself for not staying with her when she needed him. And this burden stayed in him for years. Then sometime after, another important person in his life killed herself. She’s his sister and bestfriend, Leslie. He felt like he let them down because he wasn’t able to save them.

“What are the chances that the only two girls in my life I’ve ever loved… I’ve lost? It’s killing me piece by piece every single day.”

The book made me appreciate Holder more. There were a lot of actions he made in the first book that I really didn’t understand. But with this book, it helped me understand where he’s coming from. I just want to hug him and say sorry for what he’s gone through.

The first chapters of the book were before his meeting with Sky so a lot had happened. This book isn’t just about knowing Holder’s POV since he met Sky but how he coped with Hope’s absence, being there for Les, his parent’s divorce, his struggles to let go of the past, live in the now and be hopeful of the future. I also learned more about his best friend Daniel. I really like him. He’s a very dependable friend to Holder. Since Les took her own life, people in school were talking all about it and that just sucks for Holder. It’s great to have a friend like Daniel to make some scenes and confront people about it.

If you haven’t read Hopeless yet, what are you waiting for? Read Hopeless then read this! Definitely worth reading!

Rating:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Memorable Quotes:

“In order to miss someone, that means you were privileged enough to have them in your life to begin with.” 

“I used to think the best part of me died with Les, but the best part of me is standing right here in front of me.” 

“You would think a person could only die once. You would think you would only find you sister's lifeless body once. You would think you would only have to watch your mother's reaction once after finding out her only daughter is dead.

Once is so far from accurate.

It happens repeatedly.

Every single time I close my eyes I see Les's eyes. Every time my mother looks at me, she's watching me tell her that her daughter is dead for the second time. For the third time. For the thousandth time. Every time I take a breath or blink or speak, I experience her death all over again. I don't sit here and wonder if the fact that she's dead will ever sink in. I sit here and wonder when I'll stop having to watch her die.” 

“It seems easier for her to just close the doors and not think about the stillness of the rooms behind them.” 

BOOK REVIEW: This Girl by Colleen Hoover

Publication Date: April 13, 2013

Synopsis:
Layken and Will’s love has managed to withstand the toughest of circumstances and the young lovers, now married, are beginning to feel safe and secure in their union. As much as Layken relishes their new life together, she finds herself wanting to know everything there is to know about her husband, even though Will makes it clear he prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong. Still, he can’t resist his wife’s pleas and so he begins to untangle his side of the story, revealing for the first time his most intimate feelings and thoughts, retelling both the good and bad moments, and sharing a few shocking confessions of his own from the time when they first met.

In This Girl, Will tells the story of their complicated relationship from hispoint of view. Their future rests on how well they deal with the past in this final installment of the beloved Slammed series.

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Review:

I’m a big fan of Colleen Hoover especially the slammed series. So when I heard that there will be a third book in Will’s POV, I was so thrilled!

The book contains Will and Lake’s honeymoon and a bunch of flashbacks, some of them are not in the first and second book. I loved how it was narrated. Although there were a lot of flashbacks, I wasn’t confused at all.

I really love all the characters of the series. Having Will’s POV made me love him even more. What made me love the series is the flawless way Colleen writes. The love the poetry and emotions the book reflects.

Reading this book, I realized how Lake and Will changed and matured with the help of Julia, Lake’s mom. She’s a wonderful woman and I’m in awe of her. She’s a very cool mom. She always knows what to say. She left some small notes of advice and gifts that are overwhelming it makes me want to cry.

I can’t think of anything more to say. I JUST LOVE IT!  

Rating:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Memorable Quotes:

“I wish I could explain how I feel, but nothing can explain this moment. Not a vase of stars. Not a book. Not a song. Not even a poem. Nothing can explain the moment when the woman you would give your life for sees her daughter for the very first time.” 

“I just wanna make sure that you don't miss out on the things in life that are happening when you're not thinking. Because believe me, those are the best things in life.” 

“I want to be your soulmate, even if I don't believe in them.” 

BOOK REVIEW: Divergent by Veronica Roth (Divergent #1)

Publication Date: May 3, 2011

Synopsis:
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

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Review:

Since Hunger Games and Shatter Me I haven’t read other dystopian novels. I’ve heard a lot about this book since it came out because it caught some hype in the blogging world.

Someone gifted me last Christmas the second book which is the Insurgent but it took me a long time before I went ahead and buy this. And I’m so happy that I finally decided to read this!

This is a story of a world wherein people are divided into 5 factions, Abnegation, Dauntless, Erudite, Candor and Amity. Every faction has their distinct traits and contributions in the society. As defined in the book:

So every citizen with the age of 16 has the choice to choose which faction they will join to, either the faction they came from or other faction. Before the choosing ceremony, they will be subjected into a simulation where they are helped to choose.

In Beatrice’s or Tris’ case, her results were inconclusive which means her traits are not exclusively of one faction but several of them. People like her are called Divergent.

From the beginning, I already liked Tris. Usually, I don’t like tough, hard-headed heroines but in her case, it’s different. I totally love her personality. I liked how she’s being herself. She may be stubborn at times but she definitely learned to adapt and appear to be weak when needed.

On the other hand, there’s Four or Tobias. Since the first time he came out in the book, I already know that he will be Tris’ love interest. Like Tris, he’s so tough and strong on the outside but he has his soft sides and he’s even humble. I liked how their love story developed.  

The plot and the flow of the story are very good. The world building is also good. I have a wild imagination so it brought me into a unique world of fantasy.  The action and drama the book made me super excited for the movie! Hope they'll make the movie as good as the book.


Rating:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Memorable Quotes:

“A brave man acknowledges the strength of others.” 

“It must require bravery to be honest all the time.” 

“Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.” 

“Sometimes crying or laughing are the only options left, and laughing feels better right now.” 

“Maybe there's more we all could have done, but we just have to let the guilt remind us to do better next time.” 

BOOK REVIEW: The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen (The Secret #1)

Publication Date: October 4, 2012
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Ella and Micha have been best friends since they were kids. But one tragic night shatters their friendship and their lives forever.

Ella used to be a rule-breaker with fiery attitude who wore her heart on her sleeve. But she left everything behind when she went to college and transformed into someone that follows the rules, keeps everything together, and hides all her problems. But now it's summer break and she has nowhere else to go but home. 

Ella fears everything she worked so hard to bury might resurface, especially with Micha living right next door. If Micha tries to tempt the old her back, she knows that it will be hard to resist.

Micha is sexy, smart, confident, and can get under Ella’s skin like no one else can. He knows everything about her, including her darkest secrets. And he’s determined to bring his best friend, and the girl he loves back, no matter what it takes. 

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Review:

The Secret of Ella and Micha is one of those books which didn't give me a hard time from reading it. I just read through the book without even realizing it's almost over.

I love everything about it! I can't help but fall in love with each character. It was fun, hot, sexy and heart-warming.

Ella went through a lot so she decided to change her image and run away from her past. Even when that means leaving the people she cares about. But when she came back to her hometown after 8 months, she reconnects to her past. Will she be able to put up with the mask she's wearing? Or will she go back to being the girl she left behind?

Ella is someone you'll learn to love. You can really understand where she's coming from as the author unravels her story. Micha is your typical bad boy. I love how he can be so real, loyal and sweet. He's got a bad boy vibe but the truth is, he's genuinely a good guy and son. He's so vulnerable in terms of Ella which makes me love him even more. I love how he can be so patient and caring. Ahh...I'm in love!

I have to commend how the author narrated the lives of Ella and Micha, from the past and present without changing the pace of the story. And how can I forget to mention the cover? Hmmm-mmm! 

The Secret of Ella and Micha is a fast-paced read which made me laugh, sad, cry and overwhelmed with emotions. If you're into Contemporary Romance, you most definitely should read this one! 

Rating:

Memorable Quote:

“Just because it's broken doesn't mean it loses its importance. And i figured i'd give it to you one day when you realized it was okay to make mistakes.” 

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First book for

BOOK REVIEW: Everneath by Brodi Ashton (Everneath #1)

Publication Date: February 2, 2012
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she’s returned—to her old life, her family, her friends—before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever. 

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can’t find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there’s a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he’ll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki’s time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she’s forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole’s...

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Review:

I've been wanting to read the book since it came out but it wasn't available in any bookstore here in our country until recently. So I didn't hesitate to buy it immediately!

One of the reasons why I wanted to read it is because of the plot. I'm not really a fan of mythology and we didn't discuss it when I was still in school but the book is too intriguing I can't keep away from it.

For those who don't know much of mythological stories, like me, don't be scared that you won't understand the book. One thing that I love is that the basis of the story was explained throughout the book so I wasn't confused at all.

When I started reading the book, it's so hard to put the book down! I was instantly hooked that I can't do anything other than reading. There are times when I have no choice but to stop reading and then I start thinking about what's going to happen next and so on. I was too distracted and useless. LOL

Nicole came back from Everneath. She came back for Jack, the love of her life. But will she able to get the life she left behind?

Nicole is one of those main characters that I love and hate. I love her for being true to herself. I hate that she made some bad decisions and because of that, she hurt Jack and other people she loves by abandoning her life. As the story went on, I understood where she came from and why she made those bad decisions. Anyway, we won't have a story if she didn't made those decisions so it's okay. Haha.

Jack is one of the best guy characters I've ever encountered. He's so great I want him to be real. He's such a sweet guy. Nicole left for 6 months and he experienced different difficulties in life but in the end, he still loves Nicole unconditionally. 

On the other hand, there's Cole. He's a badass but with Nic, he's vulnerable and his mask is easily broken. He's one of the examples of unrequited love who you want to hug and pat in the back.

The narration was good, not confusing at all because there are times when you have to look back in the past.

I should say, Everneath is one of the best books of 2012! There may be tiny bit of flaws on the book but I oversaw those because I truly loved and enjoyed the book! I loved everything about it! 

If you haven't read it yet, get a copy now and read it! You won't regret it,really! I can't wait for Everbound!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

"Remembering is easy. It's forgetting that's hard."

“Who loses hope first? And who never gives up? Because it’s not the supernatural abilities that set mythical characters apart. It’s the decisions the human characters make, in impossible situations, that have us still talking about them centuries later. Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” 

“You say you hate me, yet, you use me to stop hurting.” 

“If you're gonna leave, I wish you'd just leave. Why do you keep coming back if you're not going to stay? Because even when you're gone, you're never really gone... I won't get over it if you keep coming back. Losing you once was hard enough. And now you're here again and everything's coming back. I'm going to get screwed. And I can't do it again.” 

BOOK REVIEW: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Publication Date: August 30, 2011
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Just your average boy-meets-girl, girl-kills-people story...
Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.
So did his father before him, until his gruesome murder by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father’s mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.
When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn’t expect anything outside of the ordinary: move, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he’s never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, but now stained red and dripping blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.
And she, for whatever reason, spares his life

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Review:

I’ve been busy for the past few weeks so I had to squeeze minutes everyday  just to read a book. And this time it’s harder because it’s a horror book. Even when I'm not yet sleepy, I quit my reading at night because my imagination was too wild, making myself scared for no reason.

Anyway, I just have to say..Whew! That was one mind thrilling read! I was expecting that because I've heard a lot about the book so when I had the chance when I won a book giveaway, I chose the book. Thanks Melissa of Book Nerd Reviews! 

The book is about Cas, a ghost hunter and his adventures. When his father died, he took over the job and he's been driven to find who's responsible for his father's death. With his mother, they go to different places just to find those bad ghosts for him to kill and gain experience until he's ready to fight the one he's been wanting to kill for so long. Then he meets Anna dressed in blood, and his plan changes.

I like that the book is narrated from a guy's POV. It's just different because you're in a guys head. It's breathtakingly fresh and good. I like Cas very much. Not just because it's his POV, but because he has a very cool persona. I like how he's so confident about himself, that it's not annoying. Having the kind of job he has, he has a hard time trusting other people. He's afraid of attachment, thus it's just him and his mom. I like how  he learned to trust and love people or a ghost in his case.

I liked all the supporting characters especially Thomas. Love his geekiness! I love how they affected Cas in a good way and make him change his perspective in life. 

I liked how the story flowed. There was never a dull moment. It's either scary, terrifying, sad, funny or sweet. It's an emotional ride so if you haven't read it yet, give this a try! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“I’ve seen most of what there is to be afraid of in this world, and to tell you the truth, the worst of them are the ones that make you afraid in the light. The things that your eyes see plainly and can’t forget are worse than huddled black figures left to the imagination. Imagination has a poor memory; it slinks away and goes blurry. Eyes remember for much longer.”