The Light in the Wound by Christine Brae

Genre: New Adult, Romance
Page Count: 372
Publication Date: July 23, 2013
Rating: 0/10
Price: $9.90
*Source: Netgalley*

Goodreads Blurb: 

Affected by her parents’ highly publicized divorce, Isabel grows up isolated and alone, with a resolve to never fall in love and repeat their mistakes. 

When Jesse Cain enters her life, she falls hopelessly in love with him, and every sadness she’s ever felt is washed away by his intensity and passion. But people change as they grow up. Things can never stay the same forever.

Jesse and Isabel fight to stay together, determined to hold on to what they once had. Isabel wonders if a second love can ever be enough to make her forget her first.

Review:

One word - BAD!!!!!! This book was horrible. The only comparison I can give you is a really bad soap opera.

First thing: I am a strong feminist. So to me, the blurb sounded really needy. All that "I need him" stuff. Gives me the shivers. But still, the problem sounded interesting enough for me to go "why not?
". And I really really really REALLY regret that decision.

So the start of the book was like the end-ish part of the book. Like the aftermath of the big problem. I usually love those because they literally spell:



But this want was just a:



I should've taken that as a warning. I really should've.

So after that it was ok. I mean kids...they're great. You can't help but love them. It was a great start, stated the problem, introduced the characters. Great. But then it turned into Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The only way I can describe it is looking through a canvas through sheets of flash paper. It's dopey, you can sort of see, but it's like looking through a trance, but not in a good way. It made me feel drowsy reading it and worked better than any sleeping pill(not that I use them). Isabel goes here, then there, goes home, sees disturbing stuff, goes ok, continues on. You feel nothing because there's nothing for you to feel. You know why? Because the character ain't feelin' nothin' either. She says she does, but does she? And here I thought Kristen Stewart was a bad actor.

Just when you think it can't get worse, it does. Suddenly the flash paper flies away and you see the canvas. But the canvas is covered with streaks of colour just thrown on there non-stop. Ya know the source of that? Jesse Cain. He'll have to wait though. All of a sudden the character wakes up like Sleeping Beauty and starts feeling. Only her feelings are magnified by a thousand and her hormones are going on big roller coasters inside her. I look out in the field, I cry. First day of school and I don't know anyone, I cry. Yes, Isabel, everyone should just happen to know everyone and makes friends on their first day. That's totally how the world works. She cries over freaking everything! I mean, I'm not heartless, I know Isabel went through some trauma. Family issues, yes, I know. I understand. I do sympathise with her. But not if she's acting like a spoiled brat and expecting everyone to do things for her. I mean, who has time for responsibilities, right? Who cares about homework if there's a shoe sale going on? Jesus! This is basically her:

One word, train-wreck. And I'm just standing here. Do I want to help her, heck no. I feel as much towards her as I do towards Shailene Woodley's short hair. And worse? She realises she's a train-wreck and what does she do to fix it? Abso-freaking-lutely nothing. And the wall she keeps hitting has a name, Jesse Cain.

Personally, I dislike him, has throughout the whole story. But I don't hate him like the author wants the reader to. Mainly because Isabel chose to keep hitting that wall that is Jesse Cain. Did Jesse help, no, but he didn't exactly do anything either. He's an ambitious guy, wants certain things out of his life. Has goals. How horrible. He had the right mindset to his future, that at least I can respect, especially since Isabel doesn't. I don't think she even knows the concept that money doesn't just fly from the sky and land into her bank account. However, I do agree that he doesn't know the proper way to treat women. Which is with respect, even if the person doesn't deserve it, and not like a property. If you wanted a property, buy a dog. And yes, Isabel has treated him with nothing but support. Yeah, the word support, let's talk about that.

Dear author, there's a difference between support and submission. Support means you encourage the person to go whatever he wants to and know you're there to help him. Submission means I will just go along with whatever he decides because I can't think of another way. Can't say Isabel had a really bright future ahead of her, but she had a decent one. And the minute she meet Jesse Cain all she wanted out of life is to be a trophy wife, an arm candy, just a pretty face. She was willing to give up everything, including herself, to 'support' Jesse. You know what's really funny about this? It's the fact that Jesse didn't ask her to give it up. She CHOSE to trade herself in, willingly, for no very good reason. 

And later in life when she looks back, guess what she feels? Blame. For Jesse. Maybe not in words but she certainly didn't think she could've done anything about it. I would slap this girl if I wasn't so entertained by this. Oh yeah, anger. Buddy, sorry for ignoring you. For the whole train-wreck part, anger was just coursing through me again and again. When she ditches the train-wreck, what does she do? Immediately get on another train because she doesn't know how to steer her own self. Trust me, it doesn't get better, just slightly less wreck-y.

I'm a strong feminist, so the anger I feel towards Isabel is..... there are no words. Through the whole book,even when she felt like she grew up, she still can't and won't stand without a man. This book should be called "The Girl Who Threw Feminism Out the Window". Because that's what she did. She wrote feminism on a LV bag and:

Don't get me wrong, I'm not someone who think leaning on someone is not acceptable. But I am a strong believer on co-dependency in relationships. You can't just lean on someone, it's 'an eye for an eye'. So I was really frustrated with this book because guess what message the author is trying to convey? If you have a guy, why even try? If you cry, all your problems will fly? Seriously? If I wanted to know that I'd watch the Disney channel. Given the author of this book is also of the female species, I am HUGELY disappointed. I regret reading this book and I wish I could take back all the time I spent on it. Which is a lot, because the book is actually quite long(or at least it feels long) and 60% of it is completely repeating the same thing and could definitely been cut out. There are so many books in this world and I feel extreme remorse that I could've been reading any other book instead of this. Christine Brae, please, no more. 

On Goodreads, the book rating was actually pretty good. Really makes me wonder. And when I heard there was going to be a second book called His Wounded Light, this was me:



Like fixing someone? Fix yourself first, girl. And when I saw the rating on Goodreads for the second book was 4.42, this was me:

And then:


Will I read it? WILL I READ IT? Heck to the no. You know why? Because I'm afraid if I read another book like this I will end up in the mental hospital. It's that bad, people.

Overall, I wouldn't wish this book on my worst enemy.

The Dream Engine by Johnny B. Truant and Sean Platt

Genre:Steampunk, YA
Page Count:309
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Rating: 1.5/10
Price: $12.99
*Source: Netgalley*

Goodreads Blurb:

A truth terrible enough to bury for a millennium … 

A mysterious boy calling in her sleep … 

A secret city that shouldn’t exist … 

When Eila Doyle first sees the strange boy beckoning in whispers from somewhere deep in her imagination, she questioned her sanity. She was used to seeing strange things with her eyes closed — that’s what Eila did all day while strapped to the Blunderbuss, Building whatever the Ministry of Manifestation required — but never before have those images felt so real, or so dangerous. 

After Eila learns the terrible truth about her reality and the monsters inside it, she thinks that maybe madness might be her only escape... 

This thrilling young adult steampunk adventure is the first in the Dream Engine series by masters of story Platt & Truant, authors of The Beam, Unicorn Western, and many more.

Review:

So first of all, I have to praise the book cover artist for doing such an amazing job on the cover. It sets you in the perfect mood for the book. But the blurb, not so much. The purpose of the blurb is to get you excited for the book. Not twist your mind like a pretzel origami. Being confused doesn't make me want to read the book, the drama does. So you really seriously don't have to explain the whole thing to me, I'll get it along the way. Just FYI. And the blurb was way more interesting than the actual book, by a ton.

You know those book starts that when you read it over and you're like:



and you have to back it up and read it a couple of times? Yeah, usually not a great start. Look, it doesn't even have to be interesting. Just make it simple and quick. Save the confusing part for when we care enough that we can't put down the book. 

Also, just another point, it's in third person, so one more strike against you. There are some good third persons, but this one unfortunately isn't one of them.

So let's me get this straight. I'm not stupid, I'm no Eistein either but I'm not stupid. So if a book makes me feel like:



There's a serious problem there. Let me get another thing straight. Most people read books, especially fiction books, for the plot. So when half the book sounds like an instruction manual, there's a problem. So this book really isn't a book, it's more like a story of how a girl name Eila went around and gathered fictional information from different people. So the book revolves around a machine called the Blunderbuss. How it functions, what it looks like, what it does, who does it, how does it help yada yada. I'm serious. This whole book is like a journey to acquire information. Kind of like Pokemon, but even that's more fun. 

Let me give the authors some much needed advice. Listen closely. Words. Are. Precious. If you live by these three words, you'll never go wrong. I get it, there's a lot of ways you can take a book and there's a lot you feel like you need to clarify. But that's what an editors are for. And clearly yours didn't get the memo. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but the book is full of unnecessary details. I don't need to know every nail and screw that went into the Blunderbuss. Literally. They even tell you about how the building is designed for the Blunderbuss including the celing. Let me make it easy for you guys. "There's a Blunderbuss that helps people Build in their mind different things they think they need. But where did the power come from? Another world underground where they process dreams and gives ideas for Building." Believe it or not, I just summed up about 70% of the book. No exaggeration. At one point of the book, I even started drawing because this is way too complicated. There are about 20 pages where it's just a person(mainly Eila) asks one line question and cue the one page informational answer, then another one and it goes on. Seriously, do you think I read these word for word? 
Here's some advice: keep the necessary information and just take out all the details! What do you pay the editors to do?

Another thing for you to work on: don't over exaggerate when it comes to emotions. I get that you're trying to spice things up. And yes, that's what readers like. But you have to have a good reason for the sudden burst of emotions. It's the typical story, everything she believed in was not exactly real. You have to make readers see what a big deal it is and how it changes things. I sort of understand to her how big the deal is but if you ask me how it changes things? I got nothing, you gained some information, good for you. Your life will change but not that drastically. Yes, she can dream. There's really no way to make it sound exciting. Like straight up, Eila couldn't tell her best friend something and this is her:

and this is the rest of us:

This really is all I need to say about this.

Now I wouldn't mind the TMIs if didn't they covered up everything else. Channel all that exaggeration to something meaningful, if you will. Like develop the freaking character. I feel like I know Mario better than I know any of the characters. Especially the main character. What's worse? You keep telling me she's strong, independent and smart. And I'm just sitting here like:

Cause you've given me no indication she's any of those things. In fact, you haven't given me any indication of who she is at all. She could be replaced by anyone for all I know. I don't know who she is. She's just like those video game character that you pick to do your missions. You know her name, you know she can get job done, but do you know her? No more than you know every celebrity out there. And other characters? Please. Besides from her best friend, every other person are just information spewers. I don't even remember half their names. That's sad. So here another piece of advice: showing is always better than telling. I gotta see it to believe it.

Guess what's the best part? The Blunderbuss was just the thing that started out the story. Kinda like Effie in the Hunger Games. Surprise! The story revolves around them trying to...... wait, what are they trying to do? Oh right, try to get through the Fog and spread a message about the world below. For those of you reading this. You're probably like "What? This is the first I've heard of this." I've read the whole book and I still feel like that. The plot that builds up and up for something else that has minimal to no correlation to most of the book. Because I don't see what the buildup has anything to do with the ultimate goal. I don't even see how the two end goal correlate. So at the end of the book I feel confused and regret. Regret for such a good book it could've been because it was a really good background story. Regret for how I wasted hours of my life reading this book.

So at the end of the book is a cliffhanger for the second book. You know the feeling like you just have to read on? Did not happen. Mostly because I stopped caring somewhere along the way and was just praying for the book to end. Darn my "always finish the book" rule. So needless to say I will absolutely not read the second book. Time is precious and so are words my friends.

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Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James

Genre:Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 296
Publication Date: October 7, 2008
Rating: 9/10
Price: $7.99

Goodreads Blurb:

No woman could resist him—except the one he wanted most...

Cool, Calm, Collected...

Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan. In the courtroom she never lets the opposition see her sweat. In her personal life, she never lets any man rattle her—not even her cheating ex-fiancé. So when she's assigned to coach People's "Sexiest Man Alive" for his role in his next big legal thriller, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob's charms. Even if he is theJason Andrews.

Confident, Famous, Irresistible...

Jason Andrews is used to having women fall at his feet. When Taylor Donovan gives him the cold shoulder, he's thrown for a loop. She's unlike any other woman he's ever met: uninterested in the limelight, seemingly immune to his advances, and shockingly capable of saying no to him. She's the perfect challenge. And the more she rejects him, the more he begins to realize she may just be his perfect match.

Review:

Right from the blurb the book got me. It is just my kind of party. The start of the book.....I couldn't have said it better:

“Taylor Donovan may have been new to Los Angeles, but she certainly recognised a line of bullshit when she heard one.”

Love at first sight. 

So in the book you have your usual cocky arrogant slap-worthy spoiled and swoon worthy not to mention celebrity and the other small town girl.Yup, lots of those where they came from. Although I can't exactly say Chicago(where she's from)'s a small town or even a town for that matter. But y'all should know your geography so you don't need me to tell you (at least I think it's geography). Anyways, have you noticed that even though the guy is super slap-worthy, no girl(at least that I know of) in any romance book has actually slap "the guy"? Just saying it'd be cool.

Back to characters. The dude, Jason Andrews, is just what you expect, a little more even. Surprisingly without the underlying dark secret that almost all authors feels compelled that the character must have. So brava for the refreshments Julie James! Seriously, it's nice to have a change. There's a hint of satire in the way his character is written that I LOVE. I mean, come on, who doesn't love a good diss to the celebrity world? So I thoroughly enjoyed and swooned over the character despite his spoiled demeanour. Did I also mention I like how he has no dark story? Ya see what you get. I love that. 

What surprised me was the girl, Taylor Donavan. She not just the usual small town girl in books. I know this sounds mean, but she actually has a spine and a personality unlike a lot of other characters. She's sassy, sarcastic and most of all, she's a feminist. As a strong feminist myself, I love how she can go head to head with Jason, and get the last word. Which you don't see in a lot of romance books where the girl just goes weak around the guy. But no, not Taylor Donavan, she has the attitude and the sass that just makes you go:


She just got this "Don't Even"(get it? Donavan, don't even? Ha!" attitude going on that I aspire to be. I'd love her as a best friend. She's officially my fictional role model. I mean, have u seen her comebacks? Slam dunk is what I say. 

The plot isn't as predictable as most romance books. It's not the Maze Runner series but it has a few plot twists. One good thing about the plot is the antagonist. Unlike most romance bad guys, if there's even one(many times the antagonist is the inner struggle), has a clear motive, good plan(ish) and bascially very bad-guy-esque.

I know before I've said that I hate third person way of writing a book, I still do, but this book was the only exception. In most books my impression of the narrator is that person's a robot. And that takes away a lot from the book. But the narration in this book has a mind of its own. It's just in the way she narrates things and the occasional witty comments that I never expect and that really peaked my interested and made me go:

          

So kudos to you.

The ending is those things that just give you the sigh of satisfaction and a little twinge of lemon because the book is over. 


There are no books in the series but every single book by Julie James just landed on my TBR list. So I thoroughly enjoyed the this book and are looking forward to getting to her other books. Also, Julie James, if you ever read this, you just became on of my heroes.
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From a Distant Star by Karen McQuestion

Genre: Science Fiction
Group: Young Adult
Page Count: 272
Publication Date: May 19th, 2015
Rating: 7/10
*Source: Netgalley*

Goodreads Blurb:

Seventeen-year-old Emma was the only one who hadn’t given up on her boyfriend, Lucas. Everyone else—his family, his friends, his doctors—believed that any moment could be his last. So when Lucas miraculously returns from the brink of death, Emma thinks her prayers have been answered.

As the surprised town rejoices, Emma begins to question whether Lucas is the same boy she’s always known. When she finds an unidentifiable object on his family’s farm—and government agents come to claim it—she begins to suspect that nothing is what it seems. Emma’s out-of-this-world discovery may be the key to setting things right, but only if she and Lucas can evade the agents who are after what they have. With all her hopes and dreams on the line, Emma sets out to save the boy she loves. And with a little help from a distant star, she might just have a chance at making those dreams come true.

Review:

My first thought upon receiving this book was - the Host. I mean, it sounds exactly like it except gender reversed right? And I gotta say that I loved the Host as a book(the movie sucked, Hollywood just can't stop ruining movies!). So I had pretty high expectation starting out because it's living under the glory that is the Host, it has certain size 2 Louboutin stilettos(aka perfection) to fill. Just to put it out there because I am judging this book pretty harshly.


Well, the start is amazing, the perfect
effect. And come on, who doesn't like seeing a doggy start a book? Then we met Emma. My first impression of her was a really good one. I really love a girl who doesn't give up. #girlpower all the way! Her doing anything to get her boyfriend Lucas back and staying by his side despite the parents is a really sweet and admirable thing. I mean, parents are scary, they have the parent look and the authority card. Still sticking to your plan after one or both parents use both cards is serious guts that I admire. So I really loved Emma and was "you go, girl"ing her until she talks about how Lucas and her got together. 

It's the typical story. Boy out of girl's league, boy notices girl, girl and boy become a thing, boy parents don't like girl, you know how this goes. If you don't, just turn on the tv. So I was nodding along until she goes from super lucky girl to possessive lioness real quick. Like one minute she was sighing about how lucky she is and the next she is glaring at girls and repeatedly saying "MY MAN!!!". I mean, I get it, he's a keeper, but do you really need shove it in everyone's face? How about you just write "MINE" on his forehead eh? He'd really like that. There's more but I have to talk about Scout first.

So Scout is the alien inhabiting Lucas' body. He just came down to Earth and doesn't know anything. He's innocent and is desperately trying to learn everything in a short amount of time. He is just the cutest thing!! I mean boy...uh...species...frankly, whatever you want to call that dude. He's cool! I melted when Scout asked what a less than 3(<3) is. It was the most adorable thing!! 

Which is why instead of being "I can show you the world", Emma's whole MO towards Scout is "please get out of my world and get the hell out of my boyfriend!". Dude, that is so mean. It's a whole new world for him and he's being rejected and told he doesn't belong. You're in high school, you should know how much it hurts. He has no choice in the matter, more so, he saved your boyfriend from a coma! You should be thanking him and baking him chocolate cookies and being nice while helping him go back home. 

There's more. So before Lucas woke up, Emma went to some witchy mojo thing and did something to Lucas(that I will not tell). Then Scout arrived and saved him and Emma thought she was the one who saved him. And that girl is dying, DYING, to take credit. I don't know how many times I read "I saved him, me". Have you ever heard of Philanthropy? AKA doing nice thing without needing to take credit. I find it so annoying and really sad. And a tad bit funny since she didn't even saved him in the first place. Yeah. Basically the whole time I was yelling to her in my head "Would it kill ya to be nice to him?". I get that you're upset because he's not your Lucas. Which by the way, is another annoying thing about her. For about 40% of the book she was saying repeatedly: this is not my Lucas and I miss my Lucas. We get it! He's not Lucas! But can you stop whining and actually do something about it? Whining doesn't get you anywhere! A-N-N-O-Y-I-N-G. Then the other 40% she was getting flashbacks about how much Lucas is like Lucas but not like Lucas and reminded of how much she misses him. By that time I don't even read her narration anymore. Anyways getting back to being nice. It's a four letter word and basically it's just:


Yeah. It's not that hard. Even Jamie Lannister can be nice once in a while, why can't you?

One thing that made me feel better was Eric, Lucas' brother and using Emma's words - a nerd. I don't know if it's just me but I feel like nerd is a bad word. Or maybe society has just made nerd a bad word. But seriously? How is being a genius extraordinaire bad? He's like the coolest guy ever. Renovates cars, open minded, likes country movies... You know, cool. Most of all, he's super nice to Scout and was never offensive to him. See Scout? There are nice humans in this planet. So don't come bombing the Earth or anything. I think Eric just might've saved the world. Ya never know.

It doesn't seem like it but I somehow vaguely described the plot to you. Character is the plot. Now it's time for the ending. The ending was one of the cutest, most adorable and sweet thing I've read/seen. It's like those things that no matter what, you can't stop saying "AWWWWWWW...." It was the perfect ending. 

I don't think there's gonna be a second book or at least it's not indicated. And frankly I am perfectly happy with the ending so yeah. Cool.

A Secret to Keep by Railyn Stone

Genre: Romance
Group: Women's Fiction
Page Count: 334
Rating: 2.4/10
*Source: Netgalley*

Goodreads Blurb:

Keeping secrets is a horrible way to live. Sloane Davis should know. 
She's kept her son a secret from his father for almost a year. 

Now, her worst nightmare is coming true. Her ex is re-entering her professional life in the midst of the biggest project of her career. She's about to come face to face with the only man she's ever loved - her son's father. 

Gates McCall is a brash man. He hasn't always been this way, but when Sloane walked out on him, something inside him broke. When his company's newest acquisition brings the two of them together once more, little does he know seeing her will bring back a flood of memories, feelings, and an unexpected surprise.

Review:

I have a concrete rule of always finishing a book, no matter how hard it is. This book is one of the only times I seriously contemplated breaking that rule at 40% of the book. Yup. Needless to say the blurb is way better than the actual book by a lot. 

First of all, let me say this book kinda already set me up to hate it with the third person way it's written. As a reader, I severely dislike that every time. Isn't "I" way better? I mean, you already somehow know everything the person you're writing about is feeling. All you have to do is change the names to "I" and the world would be a better place. I don't know if it's just me but using "I" makes it easier for me to relate to the characters and makes my reading experience way more "I"nteresting.

Second of all, I'm one of those people that base 70% of my impression of the book on the characters, especially the main ones. The main character of the story is Sloane. There's no better way to say this but, she's everything a girl shouldn't be. First, she is so dependent!! Her friendships are basically her friends solving her problems whenever she got into trouble. She basically said so herself to one of her friends. Throughout the whole book, I keep waiting to see what she does for her friends and guess what? Zip, zilch, nada. It's always them helping her! That makes me so frustrated because that is not a friendship. They act like her helper, not her friends. Friendship: a state of mutual trust and support between two people. Key word being mutual. Relying on someone with no payback is not mutual. Don't get me wrong, I am all for friends relying on each other, but if it's one way, those friends really bug me. Especially since Sloane has her own baby. You have to responsible to raise a baby. Not toss your baby to your nearest friends whenever you feel like taking an entourage. So overall, I very severely hate her.

The storyline wasn't so hot either, safe to say that it was icy cold. The whole story is monotone. I was bored out of my mind by 40%. Basically most of the book Sloane is deciding whether or not to tell Cain, the father of the baby, about the baby. About 20 million times. You have no idea how many times in the book you see the sentence:"I was just about to tell him when....". Like seriously? Even the girl who's on her tenth flower saying her hundredth 'he loves me, he loves me not', is more entertaining than Sloane trying to decide. What made the book worse was that I did not find it in myself to care about the character, ergo, I do not care whether she tells or she doesn't.

Besides Sloane, the other main character is Cain. Cain was a pretty good character. Especially with the way the author portrays his inner struggles and his emotions. His past blends in with his present in a way that is fascinating to read despite how predictable he is. He really made me feel the love and hurt he has towards Sloane and each emotion he feels is passive and strong enough that I could relate and sympathise with it. He was the only light in the darkness that is the book.

Overall, I didn't like the book, but it had nothing to make me really hate it. There isn't going to be a second book and I hope the author takes the time to reflect on the book and keep writing.  

The Consequence of Loving Colton(Consequence #1) by Rachel Van Dyken

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Group: New Adult
Page Count: 304
Rating: 10/10
*Source: Netgalley*

Goodreads Blurb:

My name is Milo Caro and I have a confession to make.

I’ve been in love with Colton Mathews since I was five. He should have known that sharing a cookie with a sugar obsessed little monster would do the trick–it sealed his fate. So really, the fact that he’s sporting a black eye, a limp, almost got ran over by a car, and was nearly responsible for another person’s death? Right. HIs fault. Not mine. 

I made a pact with myself–this weekend would be different. I’d come home for my brothers wedding, smile, and Colton would naturally melt into my arms, we’d get married have five kids, live in a house by the river, and get a dog named scratch (clearly I’ve thought this through).

What really happened? I punched my brother in the face, Colton kissed me and apologized, I lied about having a boyfriend, oh and everyone wants to meet the mystery man. 

They say laughter always comes before insanity–ha, ha. All I wanted was my brother’s best friend…instead I’m sitting in prison. 

Let this be a lesson to you all…life rarely happens the way you want it to. 

Damn cookie.

Review:

There is one word that describes the book - perfect. In every single way. It is the best romance book I've ever read, hands on. I literally could not stop laughing. 

So the story starts with Milo(how cool of a name is that?) going home and meeting her crush that she had since forever, Colton. Who's also her brother's best friend. I'm sure that violates a girl code somewhere but that's all cool. Basically everything guys do violates a girl code so what is one more, right?;)

But this isn't the typical hidden crush until now. I'm pretty sure everybody knows about her crush except... Yeah, everybody knows. They've kissed before and Colton panicked and used the "your my best friend's sister card" and I was like: 



That's not violating the girl code anymore. Oh no, that's spitting on it, burning it, shredding it and throwing it down the Grand Canyon. Nuh uh. That's unforgivable, unless you're really really hot and you didn't mean it. That's pretty much the get-out-of-jail card for every single situation.

What's worse is the girl started crying and you know you can't let the guy that hurt you know he did. So she made a lie and dragged Max , her best friend into it and under a bus. Then the stories goes on.

Through the whole book I never knew where the author will take this book. And to be honest, I really didn't want to. I sort of knew what would happen at the ending but the journey that gets there, that's full of surprises. You really never know what would happen and you won't want to because that's the best part of the book. Just live in the moment, for my dear friends who don't like surprises.

Milo is one of the best female character I've seen. She's clumsy, cocky, funny, sassy and the recipe for disaster. She doesn't get guys which I can totally relate. Ha, the irony. She's such an amazing character and will become your friend before you know it. She's just so relatable and it's love at first sight.

Colton/Colt, is just dreamy. Milo and Colt have every girl's dream, they're the perfect childhood romance. He's caring in his own way, a little douchey(he's a guy, can't blame him) and is finding his way to love. Guys, you know what I'm saying. It's not easy to find the perfect way to express love for someone. Colton is the perfect example. He messed up so many times that I felt like banging his head against the wall and throwing him down the Grand Canyon more times than I care to admit, but in the end, he did it. Awesome guy, in general.

Then there's Max. The minute I "met" Max I tossed Colton out the window. He's super funny, the best-est friend you can ask for and... There are no words. He can give me an aloe vera plant any day. 

This is one of the hardest reviews I've ever written. I love the book so much and it's really really hard not to spoil anything. I just hope I do it justice. 

Anyways, I love the author's "way-with-words" and I would really love to meet her. Would I be reading the second book? Try and stop me. I'm really excited because I have an early copy and the moment I finish this, you'll know I'll make a grab for my Kindle. Got to run!

City of Fae by Pippa DaCosta

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Group: Young Adult
Page Count: 336
Publication Date: May 7, 2015
Rating: 8.5/10
*Source: Netgalley*

Goodreads Blurb:

rom the moment Alina touches London's hottest fae superstar, breaking one of the laws founded to protect all of her kind, her fate – and the fae – close in.

Below ground, the fae High Queen plots to claim the city as her own and places her pawns, ready for the battle to come. A battle she cannot lose, but for one small problem – Alina. There are four ancient keepers powerful enough to keep the queen in her prison. Three are dead. One remains … And to fight back, Alina risks sacrificing everything she has come to love.

This New Adult urban fantasy is packed with action and suspense and will have you yearning for more forbidden fae romance. 

Review: 

One look at the cover and I was a goner for the book. I mean, how pretty and mysterious is the cover? People always say "don't judge a book by its cover" but they have not seen this one. It's a perfect visual hook. Given her eyes are a bit creepy but that's ok, right? 

The book adds a new twist to the paranormal world. The faes are not hidden in this book, like most paranormal books, they're out in the open and everybody knows about them. Rather they think they know about them. The book start with a normal girl finding a fae, Sovereign, and discovers there's more to faes than what humans know about. Sounds like the normal plot right? I thought so too, until the plot twist. 

I got to say, it was one of the most unpredictable plot twists there is because you didn't think there will be one. Like the story is set, the plot is going and you're driving down a steady road. Then all of a sudden you get pushed onto another road than has a million crossroads and you're shell-shocked and amazed. Wow, it was a good plot twist. I can't even say it's a plot twist because it didn't twist the plot, it completely changed the whole story! Never have I been so shocked. It goes something like this:




Like the first twist I was shocked but I recovered. I though it was over. Then came the complete plot change. I couldn't comprehend. I was like, what? How could I not have seen that coming? Like I knew something was coming and I was prepared to go to any of those million crossroads in front of me, but the author drag me back the road to another place with a million crossroads. It was an amazing experience. When you go through that, you'll get what I mean.

After the gigantic plot twist, it gets more interesting. The most interesting part is the character change in the main character Alina. Her true character really comes out and whether you realize it or not, you'll start to really like her and admire her. Also, it's one of the best plot twist because even after the plot twist, the author made sure there are plenty of possibilities the story could go. There were plenty or plot turns after the twist. Trust me, you'll always be on your feet the whole time for this book. After the twist, there's a heart-stopping bomb that drops that is so shocking. Like, "did the author just imply ... did she just say... what?" kind of way. I was so scared! So through the next parts I was nervous and scared that what I feared would come true. At the end of a chapter, I thought my fear came true. Yeah, I sat on my bed hugging the book and rocking myself and repeating "why you have to do this to me??" for five minutes. After that... well... I'll leave it to you guys to find out.

Now let's talk about the guy, Sovereign. His name though, am I right? His nickname, Reign, is not much better either. I laughed about his name for awhile. Anyways, he's not your typical swoon book boyfriend. Through most of the book, I didn't even considered him Weekly Book Boyfriend(see my blog) candidate. He's an arrogate, narcissistic guy to start but who isn't? Daemon Black, Kaiden Rowe... They all start out the same. Reign's  a bit different. Usually, when 'the guy' reveals his secret, you're like 'oh' and you start liking him. Not Reign. Even when he starts revealing his secrets, you're just like 'cool' but you don't start really liking him until about 95% of the book is done. There is one thing he said that is... no words, only squeaks of delight. After the plot twist you do start liking him more but he's a complicated guy. But there's no denying that he's a wonderful character that's written with thoughtful details. I'll go as far as saying that he's a more interesting character than Alina is. 

I don't know if there's going to be another book as it doesn't say this book belongs in a series but I really really really really want there to be another one. The author left so many possibilities for the next book and I just know it's going to be an awesome book. Needless to say, I would definitely read it.

Upside Down(Off the Map #1) by Lia Riley

Genre:Contemporary Romance
Group: New Adult
Page Count: 384
Publication Date: August 5, 2015
Rating: 8/10
*Source: Netgalley*

Goodreads Blurb:

If You Never Get Lost, You’ll Never Be Found

Twenty-one-year-old Natalia Stolfi is saying good-bye to the past-and turning her life upside down with a trip to the land down under. For the next six months, she'll act like a carefree exchange student, not a girl sinking under the weight of painful memories. Everything is going according to plan until she meets a brooding surfer with hypnotic green eyes and the troubling ability to see straight through her act.

Bran Lockhart is having the worst year on record. After the girl of his dreams turned into a nightmare, he moved back home to Melbourne to piece his life together. Yet no amount of disappointment could blind him to the pretty California girl who gets past all his defenses. He's never wanted anyone the way he wants Talia. But when Bran gets a stark reminder of why he stopped believing in love, he and Talia must decide if what they have is once in a lifetime . . . or if they were meant to live a world apart.


Review: 

There is no one word that can describe this book. It's sweet at times, bitter at another, it's a book that takes you on an emotional ride. The story starts with a girl named Talia going to Australia to run away from the past. It was there she met Bran, who isn't the perfect guy either. They both are struggling with trust and insecurities. They both are not perfect, but they are perfect for each other. This book often make you go like this:




Not because it's sad(well, not all the time), but because it's touching. The main theme in this book is imperfection. The author gives a fantastic message that being imperfect is ok. It's not a cheesy book, it's more of a book about finding yourself and the people your love. Also, it's about moving on and letting go. Another thing the author specifically talks about is grief. That there's a big difference between grief and blame that in our minds we need to know. Whether it's a broken heart or losing a person you love. It's hard not to blame yourself but that blame prevents you from moving on. Which is why some people blame themselves so much, because they're not ready to let go. This message is shown in Talia's struggles herself. I thought the message the author sent was beautiful and powerful. 

Now no book would be complete without the most perfect imperfect characters. Ever since the first chapter, I started caring for Talia. Reading about her describing her life gives me an instinctive protectiveness to her and I started caring about her. Through the story, everything she goes through and the emotions she feels I feel too. Of course, that's also because of the author's vivid descriptions. She's an amazing character and just someone you would love to be friends with. Bran, for me, was a little more complicated. When Bran first appeared in the book, I sort of admired him for his behavior towards Talia but hated him for his attitude towards her. Like I said, complicated. But as the story progressed, I began to care for him when I see pieces of his imperfection. Even when he did "questionable" things, I never was able to hate him. Though I can't say I like him. He was a pretty interesting character.

The book has beautiful language and it just flows. It keeps you hooked with these sayings that are so touching and heartbreaking. 
From the first sentence in the book:

If you never get lost, you'll never be found.

It's a beautiful book from start to end. 

The reason I didn't give it a higher rating is because sometimes in the book Talia's thoughts became too repetitive and it loses its meaning. Same with Bran. Overall, the book was beautiful and very touching.

There is going to be other books in the series but I don't think I'm going to read it. Not because I don't think the rest of the books will be good but I'm pretty satisfied with the book ending right where it did. For me, it was already complete and the story has came to an end. It was the perfect ending and I'm ok with it. Although if the next book is about another story with different people, then I'd probably read it.

Obsidian(Lux Series #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Age Group: Young Adult 

Page Count: 335

Goodreads Blurb:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something... unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is. 

Rosella's Rating: 10/10
Rosella's Review:

There are many books in the world, but only a few that makes you feel like the stars aligned, this is one of those books. "Obsidian" is about a girl named Katy Swartz moving in next door to an egotistical, protective, hot, douchey guy who is Daemon Black. He’s not human though, he is - drum roll please - an alien, along with his sister Dee who quickly became friends with Katy. Katy thinks Daemon hates her and in turn feels obligated to hate Daemon even though they’re both very much attracted to each other. As the story progresses, the tension, the back-and-forth between them are so amazingly well-written I just couldn’t put the book down. As always, Jennifer L. Armentrout creates astounding characters that light a firework in your brain, and your heart. There are so many plot twists in the book that I think reading pretty much the whole book I had the wide eye, open mouth, cartoony look. The growing romance between them is so tense that you would literally feel like you’re sitting on a full-blast heater. Katy is such a funny, witty character - well when she’s not around Daemon - and her obsession with books made me obsessed with her. Her sarcasm and her guide to “how many ways can you say OMG” (it’s an expression, it’s not literally in the book) is hilarious. She is an awesome character that just brings a silly grin to your face. Then, of course, there’s Daemon. He is your perfect fictional boyfriend candidate that surprises you with everything he does. I honestly cannot count how many times I’ve said “Aww” reading this book and how many times I literally yelled out “GOALS”. He and Katy are so good together that the ship that is their relationship has sailed into Mars the minute I read the first chapter. I don’t think anybody would not support that ship even though we all are crying inside that Daemon Black is taken. The book is just perfect with a capital P.

Kendall's Rating: 9/10
Kendall's Review: 

Okay here we go. This book was amazing with a capitol A. Here's how it goes:
Katy Swartz is a typical girl, with a normal mom and a normal life. The only thing is she's running away from her past. Her father died and when he did, both her and her mom shut off. They have moved from their old house and now they are trying to start a new life. You know how crazy weird things can only happen once in a lifetime? Yeah that is literally the story. It's literally made up of goals.
Anyways back to the point. She gets to this tiny little town where she thinks everyone is kind of strange. She figures out it actually has something to do with her next door neighbors. Once she finally meets her next door neighbors she finds out that one of them is so sweet that you can't help but like her and the other is the most aggravating person on the face of the planet which are brother and sister. Dee (the sister) is so sweet that Katy can't help but love her. 

Then, there's Daemon. 
Daemon is the most annoying, aggravating, rude person Katy has ever met, yet she can't help but be drawn towards him. The more she hangs out with Dee, the more she sees Daemon. Daemon and Dee are so different, and even worse Daemon acts REALLY weird. He literally hates seeing Dee and Katy hang out and he always seems to be where Katy is. Once Katy and Daemon finally get to know each other, Katy knows she is falling in love with him. One problem. He is keeping secrets, Dee and him both. 


This book was so good and literally always kept me on my toes. I love the romance and I also love the suspense. Overall I would give this book a 9.

Amber Smoke(The Escaped #1) by Kristen Cast

Genre: Mythopoeia
Group: New Adult
Page Count: 275
Publication Date: June 9,2015
Rating: 5/10
*Source: Netgalley*

Goodreads Blurb:

There is a world that runs parallel to our own, a world in which the souls of the damned are caged, where they are looked over by the Furies, and where they spend eternity in torment, mirroring the devastation and mayhem they created when alive.

Someone has opened the cage.

The worst of terrors has crossed the barrier that separates our world from theirs, and the Furies send a great, albeit untested warrior—their only son, Alek—to try to bring those souls back. He is young and handsome, headstrong and impulsive, and he won’t be able to do it alone. 

Eva has grown up, beautiful and beloved, but surrounded by secrets. First, she will be hunted in an ancient feud that will threaten her life. Then, she will become the hunter.

With the police closing in and two worlds on the verge of crumbling around them, Alek and Eva must find each other, discover the limits of their powers, and work together to save everything they hold dear, including one another. Blending elements of mythology with the dazzling storytelling that her fans have devoured through the House of Night series, Kristin Cast weaves a spellbinding and passionate tale that starts a thrilling new series with an explosive charge.

Review:

Honestly? This is not Kristen Cast's best work. This book to me was more of a prequel than an actual book in the series. The blurb sounded way more interesting than what the book and set the bar way too high. 

I love Mythopoeia, especially Greek mythology. It's one of my obsessions. This book did add a interesting twist to Tartarus. So basically one of the Furies, Maiden, fell in love and enacted a curse. So she gave birth to a son, the Immortal Warrior of Tartarus, to save their home. In order to do so, he has to find the Oracle. I find it interesting because usually Tartarus is usually where the bad guys are. But in this book it actually doesn't sound like that bad of a place. Showing that there's a good side and a bad one to one place.

So Eva is a normal girl. Has a pretty cool mom, a best friend and is single. The only weird thing she's known is her grandmother. Then a series of events happen that changes that. It was a pretty predictable plot. It goes rising action and 'bam', the big reveal. Then the hero and heroine conquers all these problems. Yada yada. Then come the Great Depressing Ending. The ending was so bad! So towards the end I was just nodding along, not realizing it's to the end because the action just started. Then I flicked to the next page and I was like:

 


Like what the heck happened? Did the book say Epilogue or is my eyes going blind? It was so abrupt. Even cliffhangers are better than the ending because at least you know what's going on. I really thought I was missing a few pages of something. I. Was. Mad.

Throughout the book, the author did give each character a unique set of mind but none of them really made a lasting impression on me. You know in books, at the end, you realize you care about the character? Yeah, that did not happen. It wasn't because of the length of the book or anything, it's just they seemed pretty bland to me. I really hope the author takes some time to develop character for the next book. 

Ok, let's move on to the Epilogue.  Ok, I started reading the Epilogue confused and mad. The Epilogue made me more confused and mad. The Epilogue was about something completely different from the content of the book. There's no explanation what-so-ever and it was just plain confusing. But at least there's a cliff hanger. Words I thought I'd never say...

I don't know if I will be capable of reading the second book. I mean, I want to find out what happens but I don't know. So it's a 30% chance I'll read it. Overall, the background was interesting but the book was not that good.

All That Sparkles by Claire Boston

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Group: Women

Rating: 7.5/10
*Source: Netgalley*

Goodreads Blurb:

Imogen Fontaine is living every girl’s dream.

She is a fashion designer for her family’s haute couture label, lives in a mansion, has a great circle of friends and is the apple of her father’s eye. Everything is perfect.

Until the day that Christian, the boy at the center of her childhood heartbreak, walks back into her life.

From there her life starts to unravel, as long-kept secrets are revealed. Imogen learns that her past was built on lies and betrayal, shattering the illusion of her perfect existence. She must seek out the truth if she has any hope of forging a new path for herself and discovering true freedom.

But can she convince Christian that there is a place for him in her new life?

Review: 

Ever since I saw the title I knew I had to read it. The cover also did hold a certain mystery to it that drew me to the book. It was a pretty amazing read.

In this book the characters are so well crafted there's no one that can say they can't at least relate to one of them. There's Imogen, the main character, that is learning to let go and lean on herself for a change. To be independent. Then there's Christian, a guy that is struggling to trust and has something to prove. Adrian, the hidden rock star that is also a supportive guy and is the perfect guy to start a family with. Libby and Piper are the perfect friends you wish you had. Those are only the main characters. One thing I really loved about the book is that, yes, it does have a main character but there's no character that's just there. They are all symphonies to the perfect melody that is the book. The author made sure that each character has its own purpose in the book. 

I really liked this book because it isn't cliché like people from each other's past see each other and have instant love. No, it shows the perfect side as well as the imperfect one. Which, in this book, makes it all the more perfect. It shows that happy ending aren't faraway dreams only for rock stars and princesses, it's something we can all have. It also shows relationships doesn't just go "poof", there's a process to it. Like learning how to trust and getting past insecurities. Sparkles don't just appear, it takes work and perseverance to polish it. I found this book really relatable and it's such a breath of fresh air. This is one of those books that just makes you feel good inside. "All that Sparkles" is a book that is perfect for a lazy sunday afternoon.