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.” 

Waiting on Wednesday (#26)

“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: Working It

Author: Kendall Ryan

Expected Publication: August 5, 2013

Synopsis:

Straight-laced Emmy Clarke’s assistant job at the modeling agency provides her with one distinct perk – getting to watch pretty mancandy parade around all day. But having to work under the ultra-bitchy Fiona Stone barely makes it worth it. Emmy enjoys looking, but she’s not stupid enough to fall for one of the tempting specimens. Especially not rising star Ben Shaw. 

Ben is everything Emmy’s not: well-traveled, highly paid and exquisitely gorgeous. He’s also got more issues than Vogue. Against her better judgment to get involved, Emmy’s southern roots kick in, and whenever he’s on set, she makes sure he’s treated well and looked after. But she refuses to become one of the pathetic groupies lusting after him, and soon Ben’s drawn toward her refreshingly real attitude. 

Against the backdrop of fashion shows in NYC, Paris and Milan, their casual flirting turns into more, and they embark on a journey of sexual discovery. But when Ben’s twisted past is uncovered, it threatens both their relationship and careers as the bitter Fiona digs her claws in, unwilling to let her golden boy go without a catfight. 

Filled with passion, jealousy and heart-thumping sex, Working It is the tale of falling for a supermodel.

Thoughts:

*Speechless*

How about you? What's your Waiting on Wednesday? Link me.

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.” 

COVER and TITLE REVEAL: Incarnate 3 by Jodi Meadows

And the flap copy:

DESTRUCTION

The Year of Souls begins with an earthquake—an alarming rumble from deep within the earth—and it’s only the first of greater dangers to come. The Range caldera is preparing to erupt. Ana knows that as Soul Night approaches, everything near Heart will be at risk.

FLIGHT

Ana’s exile is frightening, but it may also be fortuitous, especially if she can convince her friends to flee Heart and Range with her. They’ll go north, seeking answers and allies to stop Janan’s ascension. And with any luck, the newsouls will be safe from harm’s reach.

CHOICE

The oldsouls might have forgotten the choice they made to give themselves limitless lifetimes, but Ana knows the true cost of reincarnation. What she doesn’t know is whether she’ll have the chance to finish this one sweet life with Sam, especially if she returns to Heart to stop Janan once and for all.

With gorgeous romance and thrilling action, the final book in the Incarnate trilogy offers a brilliant conclusion to the compelling questions of this fascinating world, where one new girl is the key to the lives of millions.

Thoughts:
What a gorgeous cover! I haven't started the series yet but I bet it's good! 

Check out Jodi's post: http://www.jodimeadows.com/?p=2144 

Waiting on Wednesday (#25)

“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: Losing Hope (Hopeless #2)

Author: Colleen Hoover

Expected Publication: July 9, 2013

Synopsis:
In the follow-up to Colleen Hoover’s #1 New York Times bestseller Hopeless, the charming and irresistible Dean Holder tells the passionate story that has melted thousands of hearts.

In Hopeless, Sky left no secret unearthed, no feeling unshared, and no memory forgotten, but Holder’s past remained a mystery.

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.

Thoughts:
I'm a big fan of Colleen Hoover and  love all her books! I' always fascinated by books having a guy's POV in it so I can't wait for this one!

How about you? What's your Waiting on Wednesday? Link me.

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.”