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.