BOOK REVIEW: Firelight by Sophie Jordan (Firelight #1)

Publication Date: September 7, 2010

Synopsis:

A hidden truth. 

Mortal enemies. 

Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away;if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

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Review:

This is the first time that I read anything about dragons. This book has been in my TBR list for quite some time now and I didn’t even know that it’s about dragons.

I didn’t know what to expect from this so I was so eager to read it. I love its unique story and how I became so into it.

I really felt for Jacinda’s family. I understand her, her sister Tamra and her mother. I understand where all of them are coming from. Jacinda’s mom is very protective of her family. Since her husband died, she became strong for her two daughters. She will do anything just to protect them, even if it’s from their Pride.

Tamra, Jacinda’s sister hasn’t manifested or shifted into a drakir and because of that, she was neglected by their Pride. She was abandoned like she was sick of something contagious. She was left hurt of how she was treated.

Unlike Tamra, Jacinda has manifested into a kind of drakir that has never happened in thousands of years. She’s a fire drakir. Because of that, she was looked up to and was well treated. But not all good things come out of it. Her destiny has already been written for her. A lot was expected from her and one of them is to be with Cassian, the Prince of the Pride and who will soon be the ruler.

Jacinda is expected to behave in a way acceptable. So when she ignores the rules, she finds herself in a very bad situation. So her mom decided that all of them should leave the Pride.

If there are drakirs, there are also hunters. And Will is one of them. This part of the story, I expected. Jacinda and Will are drawn to each other. The thing happened between them was like love at first sight. They can’t help themselves but be in each other’s arms. So when secrets unveiled, both have accepted their fate. A hunter falls in love with his prey and vice versa.

I love the unique plot and the action brought by the book. The characters and supporting characters are lovely although not all of them. We have these infuriating characters that I wish Jacinda would blow fire in their faces. Sorry, I’ve gotten too emotional in there. The thing I somewhat don’t like is how the scene shifts from one to another. Other than that, I liked everything about the book.

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“Why do you care? I've ignored you for days."

His smile fades. He looks serious, mockingly so. "Yeah. You got to stop that.” 

“What good is safety if you're dead inside?” 

BOOK REVIEW: Frigid by J. Lynn

Publication Date: July 15, 2013

Synopsis:

For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn't anything new. They'd been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the 'man' in man-whore. He's never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn't want to risk their friendship by declaring her love. 

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she's perfect and she's everything. But the feelings he has for her, he's always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have. 

But when they're stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor'easter, there's nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

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Review:

Syd is in love with her bestfriend, Kyler.

Kyler is in love with his bestfriend, Syd.

In short, they love each other, not in a sibling or friend kind of way but romantically. And here’s something new, they don’t know that they’re in love with each other. LOL.

I think 90% or more of the book is just the 2 of them. They were stranded in a ski resort because of a snow storm. They don’t have a choice but be in each other’s skin. Literally. There were unusual things that have happened which makes the unpredictability of the book. I love that there’s some suspense added to the goodness or yumminess of the book.

The book is narrated in two PVs, Syd and Kyler’s. I love that we can hear both sides which will give us ideas on their internal struggle to contain their feelings.

The characters are loveable. Syd may be uptight but for me, there’s nothing wrong with it. She’s just being herself. Although she has insecurities, she’s very likeable. I also love, love Kyler! I love how he can be protective of Syd. He’s into screwing girls but with Syd, he can be such a gentleman and he’s always there for her. He’s gorgeous and confident with himself but in regards with his feelings with Syd, he sees so little of himself and thinks Syd deserves better than him.

You will witness some misunderstanding and insecurities coming from both characters which will frustrate you. But as we know, in the end there will be a happy ending. You just won’t know how it happens.

I had fun with it so I guarantee, so will you! 

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“Guys are totally stupid when it comes to unrequited love. We females pine away and keep our thighs closed for the most part when we love someone we can’t have. Guys swing their shit around at anything that has a hole, trying to forget the one they want.”

“I will never regret being with you, Syd. Never. And I wish I could go back and relive those hours. I wish I could go back in time, and instead of hooking up with some chick, I’d man up and tell you how I really felt for you, how I’ve always felt for you.”

“Sometimes words weren’t enough— they couldn’t cover the feeling. This was one of those times. So I closed the distance and kissed her, putting everything I felt for her, every promise I made her, into that one kiss.” 

BOOK REVIEW: School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins (School Spirits #1)

Publication Date: May 14, 2013

Synopsis:

Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.

Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.

Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt? 

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Review:

I loved Rachel Hawkin's Hex Hall series so I was expecting that this book will have the same action and romance that Hex Hall has.

With the first few chapters, I was a bit surprised on how the story progressed. It was a bit slow and I honestly got bored. But when some supernatural things started to happen, it really caught my attention until the end of the book.

This book ranges from middle grade to young-adult. The author used some acronym like BS just to have a lighter feel on the book.

I learned to love the characters of the book but not like how I loved those in Hex Hall. Izzy felt that she should be more matured than her age so she acts tough. Then some friends start to come into the picture. Generally, I liked all of them. I especially love Dex because he's fun and witty! The romance part is expected and I loved how they gotten to know each other before that happened.

Oh, I almost failed to mention Torin, the witch who's trapped in a mirror for hundreds of years. I want to know what's his real role in the life of the Brannicks.

Hopefully this series will continue because I still want to know the answers.

This book is a light read and I had fun reading it. I recommend that you should give this a try.

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“You knocked out Ben McCrary?' he asked, eyes wide.

'It was an accident,' I said again. 'I threw the ball harder than I meant to.'

Dex burst into laughter. 'Oh my God, that is the greatest thing I've heard all week. You are my new hero.'

Squinting at me, he leaned in and said, 'Serious, I might actually be in love with you now. Would it be awkward if we made out?” 

“When you don’t have much family left, you’ll do anything to protect what you have.” 

*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks NetGalley!*

BOOK REVIEW: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Publication Date: June 19,2012

Synopsis:
When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

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Review:

I think this is the best shortest book I’ve ever read.

Travis is a 19-year old marine who came home from a one year duty in Afghanistan. He has a very supporting mom and a not-so-supporting dad and a brother who hooked up with his girlfriend.

I think it’s a typical story of a guy who went to serve his country and comes back a bit shattered and in a deeper perspective in life. You may think it’s like Dear John, which was mentioned several times in the book but it’s totally different.

Travis has experienced a lot of encounters in Afghanistan and one of them is the unlikely death of his friend, Charlie. He became a changed man since the incident and a more mature one. Coming back means being with his family-mom, dad and brother. But a lot has changed since then. I love his mom. She’s so supportive of him in all of his choices unlike his dad. I can’t help but feel for her, for all her sacrifices, not just for her son but for her family.

Then there’s Harper, a girl she knew in middle school who isn’t charmed by him, maybe, just in the beginning. Eventhough she hates Travis, their relationship gotten so much better and she became his salvation to pass through the trauma he’s experienced.

I only have two complaints. One is that the story was too short. Or maybe I just felt I need more! I even thought I have an incomplete copy when I saw the number of pages the book has. Second, I felt that there’s a need for closure between Travis and his dad, also his brother. So there!

Recommended? YES!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“He was the person all of us should be, but most of us aren't. And if I could have taken his place to buy him a little more time in the world, I'd have done it. I'm sorry I couldn't.” 

“Maybe someday we'll see each other again, Charlie. For real I mean. Until then, save me a seat, okay?

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Tenth book for

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: Tangled by Emma Chase

Publication Date: May 20, 2013

Synopsis:
Drew Evans is a winner. Handsome and arrogant, he makes multimillion dollar business deals and seduces New York’s most beautiful women with just a smile. He has loyal friends and an indulgent family. So why has he been shuttered in his apartment for seven days, miserable and depressed? 

He’ll tell you he has the flu.

But we all know that’s not really true.

Katherine Brooks is brilliant, beautiful and ambitious. She refuses to let anything - or anyone - derail her path to success. When Kate is hired as the new associate at Drew’s father’s investment banking firm, every aspect of the dashing playboy’s life is thrown into a tailspin. The professional competition she brings is unnerving, his attraction to her is distracting, his failure to entice her into his bed is exasperating. 

Then, just when Drew is on the cusp of having everything he wants, his overblown confidence threatens to ruin it all. Will he be able untangle his feelings of lust and tenderness, frustration and fulfillment? Will he rise to the most important challenge of his life? 

Can Drew Evans win at love? 

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Review:

The book has been getting a lot of hype because of its swoon-worthy cover and plot. I’ve read some reviews about it and everytime, I’ve been wanting to read it ASAP. So when I got a hold of the book, I read it immediately.

Here’s the thing, it’s always been a fascination to me whenever a book is told in a guy’s POV. Maybe because I’m a girl, obviously, and it’s good to be in a guy’s head. I love,love Drew! He can be so twisted and ego-maniac but still good looking and oh so hot! I love how he can be so confident about himself and he’s oozing with ego and charisma.

The story is well, as you expected. Drew falling in love for the first time in his life to a girl, a woman who has a fiancé. Kate is an intelligent and talented woman. She's as competitive as Drew that their pairing is so hilarious, I love them! Drew definitely got a taste of his own medicine. I also love the supporting characters such as Drew's sister and niece. 

The book contains a lot of sex hot scenes and also a lot of hilarious scenes. I’m literally laughing my ass off throughout the book. Although at one point I’m having a chant of saying “stupid” to Drew because he is. Anyway, I love the book, it’s so fun and sexy! Definitely worth reading!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“Women fall in love quicker than men. Easier and more often. But when guys fall? We go down harder. And when things go bad? When it's not us who ends it? We don't get to walk away.

We crawl.” 

“Did you know that if you put a frog in boiling water, he’ll jump out? But, if you put one in cold water and heat it slowly, he’ll stay in. And boil to death. He won’t even try to get out. He won’t even know he’s dying. Until it’s too late.

Men are a lot like frogs.” 

“Assume nothing. Even if you think you know everything. Even if you’re sure that you’re right. Get confirmation. That whole “ass” cliché about assuming? It’s right on the money. And if you’re not careful, it could end up costing you the best thing that’s ever going to happen to you.

And another thing—don’t get too comfortable. Take chances. Don’t be afraid to lay it on the line. Even if you’re happy. Even if you think life is happy. Even if you think life is freaking perfect” 

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Eighth book for

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: Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter (Angels of the Dark #1)

Publication Date: June 26, 2012

Synopsis:
Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless—and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost…until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation—or her ultimate damnation?

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Review:

The heroine of the story is Annabelle who’s been haunted by demons since the unlikely death of her parents where she was accused of doing. She spent 4 years in an institution of the criminally insane not until Zacharel found her.

Zacharel is the fierce leader of an army of angels who fight demons. He’s been through a lot including the death of his twin brother. Throughout his existence, he learned to become heartless and cruel by not caring about others including human life. But his beliefs change because of Annabelle.

I really felt sorry for Annabelle. She had a hard time growing up. Losing her parents because of unknown creatures and the blame pointed on her is a big slap in the face. That’s so unfair.

Zacharel and Anna being together made them better. They both healed the scars from their past and they were able to change for the better.

What I like about the book is that it has a unique concept. I noticed that the plot was thought through. All of the problems or issues of the book had their closure, in Zach and Anna’s point as far as I’m concerned. Although the steamy scenes where unnecessary because I can’t imagine an angel with wings making out with a human. Anyway, that will do. It’s still good.

The supporting characters are also good. There are not a lot of characters so it’s not hard to remember them at all. And I shouldn’t fail to mention the nice twist the book has.

All in all, I loved it! Loved the cover! It’s another angel series which I enjoyed but more of an Adult Paranormal genre.

This is the first book I’ve read of Gena Showalter and I will definitely read some more!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“Words are so easily spoken, as you’ve proven", the Deity had continued, "but so rarely are they backed up with action” 

“You are mine,” he rasped. “Only ever mine. I accept all that you are, and we can be together.” 

BOOK REVIEW: Opal (Lux #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publication Date: December 11, 2012

Synopsis:
No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

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Review:

I'm a big fan of the series so I must admit I'm a bit biased because of Daemon *swoon* Black.

I loved him since the first book and I have loved him more in this book. He still has an almighty ego but his affection for Katy is so much sweeter and he's not afraid to show it anymore.*Sigh* He's still overprotective of her and the people he loves.

As for Katy, she became stronger and aware of her power. Despite being busy, she still finds time for her books and reviews. Love her!

The second book ended with Dawson's reappearance. His physical features may be the same but his attitude and personality isn't the old Dawson anymore. He wanted Beth back and he will do anything just for it to happen. As a result of Adam's death, Katy and Dee's relationship took it's toll.

There's a lot more complications in this book. There's the DOD and then other characters' reappearance. The book has definitely more action, suspense and I shouldn't fail to mention the romance and hotness.

I was expecting it to end in a not-so-good-way cliff-hanger type but even with that in mind, I'm still sad and distraught on how the book ended. I so hate Blake!Hate, hate him! Grr!!

The book is fun, like the prequels but more exciting and great twists! I so can't wait for the next book!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“You really shouldn’t trust a soul in this game. Not when everyone has something to gain or lose.” 

“I love you, Katy. Always have. Always will.” 

BOOK REVIEW: The Opportunist (Love Me With Lies #1) by Tarryn Fisher

Publication Date: November 14, 2011

Synopsis:

Olivia Kaspen has just discovered that her ex-boyfriend, Caleb Drake, has lost his memory. With an already lousy reputation for taking advantage of situations, Olivia must decide how far she is willing to go to get Caleb back. Wrestling to keep her true identity and their sordid past under wraps, Olivia’s greatest obstacle is Caleb’s wicked, new girlfriend; Leah Smith. It is a race to the finish as these two vipers engage in a vicious tug of war to possess a man who no longer remembers them. But, soon enough Olivia must face the consequences of her lies, and in the process discover that sometimes love falls short of redemption

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Review:

I don't know how to express in words what I felt about the book so just bare with me on my .gifs review.

My first reaction after reading the book:

Then:

And then:

Then:

I can't get over it!I just have to read other reviews to convince myself I'm not the only one who feels like this. 

So, that's all. Hopefully I helped you out. LOL.

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“You can only give your heart away once, after that, everything else will chase your first love.” 

“I think that after the first time you give your heart away, you never get it back. The rest of your life is just you pretending that you still have a heart."


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Seventh book for