Book Review: Unravel by Calia Read

Title: Unravel

Author: Calia Read

Published: January 1, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition

Pages: 363

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Six months ago, I was happy. I was simply Naomi Carradine.

One month ago, I was admitted into a psych ward.

Yesterday, Lachlan visited me. Kissed me. And told me that I’m starting to lose my mind.

Hours later, Max haunted my thoughts, reminding me I’m not crazy and that he needs my help.

A few minutes ago, I drifted further from reality, trying to unravel the past.

And now…everyone thinks I’m insane. But, I know he’s real, and I know he needs me.

Do you believe me?

 

 

W-O-W! This book is one of my best reads this year. It tells the story of Naomi Carradine who gets admitted in a psychiatric facility because of such a terrifying past. It’s something that will make you crave for more as you turn the pages and it’ll leave you breathless for what’s about to come.

In the beginning of the novel, I was struggling to “get into” the main character’s mind. She is definitely in the psych facility for a reason. At first, I thought she was sane. I only assumed it in the beginning because of the way she narrates the story. However, as she gets her delusions and hallucinations, I start picturing her situation more clearly. My interest in the story got higher with every chapter I read. Being a nurse in real life, I had some experience in studying and dealing with psych patients. Due to this reason, I was so fascinated with what is happening with Naomi. I kept on forming theories and stuff but I seem to have mistaken with most of them. Unravel is really unpredictable because the narrator is unreliable. Unreliable because you wouldn’t really know if what she’s telling you is real or not. It was a thrilling experience to get into the mindset of someone who’s undergoing the same experience as Naomi does.

I am not really a fan of flashbacks but in this novel, it’s so essential to understand the whole story. I was really hooked in finding out about what happened with Naomi’s past, especially to Lana. I am not going to say much more about Naomi’s past because it will spoil the fun for those who have yet o read Unravel.

Bravo for Mary, Dr. Rutledge and Lachlan for sticking with Naomi until the end. They are my sane favorite characters. Lol. Seriously though, this is unputdownable. It’s a really crazy story..literally CRAZY. I really enjoyed reading this. Like I said, it’s one of my fave reads this year. My reading experience was indescribable or maybe I could describe it but I was almost close to reacting violently with the plot twists.

I highly recommend Unravel by Calia Read if you love mystery/thriller/romance novels. I assure you that it’s an exciting book that will make your mind reeling when you finish it.

Book Review: Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Title: Hopeless (Hopeless #1)

Author: Colleen Hoover

Publisher: Atria Books (December 17, 2012)

Format: Paperback

Pages:406

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

This is the first Colleen Hoover book that I’ve ever read. I’ve been hearing lots of great things about her.  So, here I am..and I just finished Hopeless.

The main character is a girl named Sky. She gets to school for her senior year to experience what it’s like after years of being home-schooled. Her adoptive mother restricts her from using any kind of technology like TV, phone, and internet. It’s as if her whole life, she has been kept away from other people. She has her best friend Six though. Both of them change guys they make out with as often as they change their ice cream flavor preferences.

After her first day of school, she encounters this hot and intense guy named Dean Holder. There is something about him that terrifies her but there is also something about him that draws her in. As Sky falls harder for Holder, she gets to discover his secrets that may wreck her.

Whew! That was long but don’t worry, it’s spoiler-free. Here are my thoughts on the book:

Hopeless is a pretty intense book. Yes! It is intense! There’s so much drama and emotions going on here. I really tried my best to keep up with them and fortunately, I was able to survive the obstacles and issues that Sky and Holder had. The events were unpredictable at some points in the book. I feel myself feeling distraught and hopeful for these two.

Luckily, there were some light parts in the novel. There were like my favorite parts of the story. The parts with Six and Breckin are one of my faves. They are absolutely the best friends that anyone would love to have for himself/herself. Also, there were moments that Sky and Holder are just so swoon-worthy.

I love how the story didn’t just focus on love and sex. It also covered friendship and family. I appreciate the fact that the main characters, Sky and Holder try to be strong for each other..that they were able to get through everything..together.

After reading the book, I really felt emotionally spent. It was such a beautiful novel though. There was this part where Sky did this psychotherapy stuff with herself..and my tears fell. All in all, it is a captivating novel but I think it was really hard going through Sky and Holder’s journey. I find it inspiring at the end.

I recommend this book to everyone who’s craving for an intense and drama-filled story. It’s one of those books that will make you feel lots of emotions. So, when you read it, make sure you have a box of tissues beside you. 😉

Book Review: Jinx by Meg Cabot

Title: Jinx

Author: Meg Cabot

Publisher: HarperTeen (January 1, 2007)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 288

Synopsis from Goodreads:

It’s not easy being Jinx.

The only thing Jean Honeychurch hates more than her boring name (not Jean Marie, or Jeanette, just…Jean) is her all-too-appropriate nickname, Jinx. Misfortune seems to follow her everywhere she goes—which is why she’s thrilled to be moving in with her aunt and uncle in New York City. Maybe when she’s halfway across the country, Jinx can finally outrun her bad luck. Or at least escape the havoc she’s caused back in her small hometown.

But trouble has definitely followed Jinx to New York. And it’s causing big problems for her cousin Tory, who is not happy to have the family black sheep around. Beautiful, glamorous Tory is hiding a dangerous secret—one that she’s sure Jinx is going to reveal.
Jinx is beginning to realize it isn’t just bad luck she’s been running from. It’s something far more sinister…and the curse Jinx has lived under since the day she was born might just be the only thing that can save her life.

Jinx is the story of the girl named Jean, who had more than her fair share of bad luck in life. She moves to New York to start a brand new luxurious life. When she arrives there, she can’t understand why her cousin Tory hates her. As the story moves on, she begins to learn that her bad luck is not just a normal occurrence in her life but rather contributed by supernatural powers.  Oh also, there is this guy called Zach who immediately feels attracted to her.

When I first read the synopsis, I was so curious about the concept of having a heroine who got so much bad luck throughout her life. I was excited to know what’s with her being a jinx. Then, when I discovered of her supernatural powers..I really thought it was really cool that she had that kind of luck because she didn’t fully accepted her destiny yet. Jinx was a likable character. She’s got her strengths and her kindness but the thing is she’s extremely gullible and clueless. How could she not doubt her cousin? How could she not get suspicious? I was mostly frustrated towards the most parts of the book. I loved what’s happening with the plot twists and stuff but come on.. Jinx slows the pace of the story because of these traits. Speaking of being clueless, she also took some time before she figured out that Zach is definitely into her. With this, I can still understand that most girls will also doubt that a guy as good looking as Zach will take interest in her. I felt as if it was Zach who kept me hanging on to reading the book.

The last part of the novel was really exciting. I love how all hell broke loose with Tory’s coven. I liked that Jinx finally learned to fight back and protect herself but still Zach is the savior of the day. I was contented with the ending of the story.

Book to Movie News: Fifty Shades of Grey Movie Trailer

Whew! I’m pretty sure that by now, people have gone crazy since this was released. All I can say is: Oh My Grey!

The trailer was so hot and intense. I think it’s everything that I imagined the book to be. Everything in it made my cells feel alive. Lol. Right from the scene that Anastacia Steele meets Christian Grey for the interview until the point that Ana was shown blindfolded and tied..I can’t stop thinking how good the movie will be. So much feels right?

It seems like the movie is going to satisfy millions of its fans. Plus, Beyonce..damn, this version of Crazy in Love just added more intensity and excitement to the trailer. I really am excited to hear the full version of it and the rest of the songs for the movie’s soundtrack.

I think they really made a good job but it’s still early to tell. Anyway, I’m so stoked! Now, how do they expect us to wait until February 14 next year? The anticipation is going to make us combust. 😛

Book Review: Unbreakable by Abby Reynolds

Title: Unbreakable (Forehead Kisses #1)

Author: Abby Reynolds

Published: June 6, 2014

Format: E-Book

Pages: 300

Synopsis from Goodreads:

From Bestselling Author, Abby Reynolds.

This is a stand alone novel. It is not a cliffhanger. And it is the first novel in the Forehead Kisses Series.

Can there be too many pieces to piece back together?

This is a question Keira faces every day. It’s impossible for her to go anywhere unaccompanied by her cousin, the only person who knows what happened on that horrific night a year ago. The guilt and pain weigh her down every day. Unwilling to open up to anyone and give someone a chance, she lives in solitude.

For her, that’s the only way to live.

Liam struggles with his own demons. After losing someone who means the world to him, he combats his anger and pain on a daily basis. He dives into violence and sex, losing himself more and more. But as soon as he meets Keira, he recognizes the same pain he suffers every day. And he pursues her, wanting to connect to someone who understands.

Keira can’t put herself back together, and neither can Liam. But can they do it together?

Unbreakable by Abby Reynolds tells the story of a girl named Keira, who went through a tough past. She let that past consume her and affect the way she lives her present life. She’s spent her time feeling so afraid of everything, closing herself off to everything and to everyone. That’s the way she’s just has been until the day she met Liam, a guy who’s got his own issues. Liam instantly feels interest towards Keira. He can’t stop thinking about her and just wants to be close to her. Keira feels fear at the interest that Liam has been showing her. This is a story of two people who were both broken by circumstances in life, try to fix each other up.

Despite the cliche plot, I genuinely love this novel. It was about conquering your pain brought by the past, trying to get through it, and just moving on. The two main characters in this novel both have issues. So, that makes this novel automatically come with drama. I can handle some drama and thank goodness it was not too much. However, there were times that I think the main character, Keira is becoming just overly dramatic that it makes it kind of unbearable. This is balanced when Liam tries to bring out the brighter side of Keira. Most of the time, it’s Liam who saves the story for me.

You see I have mixed feelings about this book. On the following chapters, I was able to fully dive in to Liam and Keira’s story. I realized that there’s a good depth to this story..that it’s not like the other adult novels. It was actually touching. Later on, there were some plot twists that just made me cry. It was not all about sex. It focuses on their love for each other. I was able to feel that strongly. I sobbed towards the part near the end when something bad happened to Liam and Keira was the one who was strong for him. I love the character development.

This book has a lot of potential. I think it could be better. I highly recommend this novel to New Adult Contemporary lovers out there.

Book Review: Wallbanger by Alice Clayton

Title: Wallbanger (Cocktail #1)

Author: Alice Clayton

Publisher:  Omnific Publishing (November 27, 2012)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 384

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The first night after Caroline moves into her fantastic new San Francisco apartment, she realizes she’s gaining an intimate knowledge of her new neighbor’s nocturnal adventures. Thanks to paper-thin walls and the guy’s athletic prowess, she can hear not just his bed banging against the wall but the ecstatic response of what seems (as loud night after loud night goes by) like an endless parade of women. And since Caroline is currently on a self-imposed dating hiatus, and her neighbor is clearly lethally attractive to women, she finds her fantasies keep her awake even longer than the noise. So when the wallbanging threatens to literally bounce her out of bed, Caroline, clad in sexual frustration and a pink baby-doll nightie, confronts Simon Parker, her heard-but-never-seen neighbor. The tension between them is as thick as the walls are thin, and the results just as mixed. Suddenly, Caroline is finding she may have discovered a whole new definition of neighborly…

In a delicious mix of silly and steamy, Alice Clayton dishes out a hot and hilarious tale of exasperation at first sight..

Wallbanger by Alice Clayton is probably one of the best books that you’ll need when you want to just laugh out loud. It certainly did wonders to my mood (LOL, I mean seriously..When you’re down, you can read it. When you’re done, you’ll be so happy). That’s a promise coming from me. Or if you’re already in a good mood and just need a novel to entertain you, I suggest you go pick this book up.

I absolutely loved the way Caroline was written and how the story was told in her point of view. She’s got a good sense of humor, wit, and sarcasm. I thoroughly enjoyed the book just because of her. She’s just a super fun character to read. Right from the start of the story, when she was about to sleep and then she heard someone banging on her bedroom wall, I think I wasn’t able to stop myself from reading.

On the other hand, Simon, oh Simon..you make me swoon so much. At first, I was irritated by his cockiness but then as the story went on, I got to know that he’s so much more than a guy with the cocky attitude and a harem. When he and Caroline got closer to each other, I got more hooked. They have so much chemistry. They just fit together so perfectly.

There’s not much drama in this book. So, I really appreciated it. It’s definitely a feel-good novel. It’s just light and fun and swoon-worthy. However, I just feel that there could be more to the story.  I just couldn’t put my finger on it.

Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss #1)

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Publisher:  Speak (January 1, 2010)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 372

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Can Anna find love in the City of Light?
Anna is happy in Atlanta. She has a loyal best friend and a crush on her coworker at the movie theater, who is just starting to return her affection. So she’s less than thrilled when her father decides to send her to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year. But despite not speaking a word of French, Anna meets some cool new people, including the handsome Étienne St. Clair, who quickly becomes her best friend. Unfortunately, he’s taken —and Anna might be, too. Will a year of romantic near misses end with the French kiss she’s waiting for?

 

There’s so much buzz going around about this book. What’s my reaction? Buy a copy and see what’s in it for me.

 

This book is one of my best reads this year. Gosh! I miss having the experience of reading such a feel-good book. All throughout the novel, I was just laughing and shaking my head at the events (in a positive way!). I fell in love with everything about the story. First, the setting..which is Paris. If you are a hopeless romantic like me, coming to Paris is probably one of the things on top of your list. It’s the City of Love..so almost automatically, a novel set in Paris would make an interesting read to me.

In the story,  Anna Oliphant gets sent off to the School of America in Paris by her parents. Initially, she was so frustrated to leave her family and friends behind to attend a prestigious school in Paris. There, she meets some new friends, one of which is the charming Etienne St. Clair *cue squeals*.

Anna and all of the other characters were so fun to read. It’s very easy to identify with Anna. I love her attitude though there were moments in the book in which I was SMH and facepalming. I also love the fact that Anna loves movies. Then, there is Etienne St. Clair. It’s obvious that by his looks, girls swoon over him (myself included). His sense of humor and love for history makes him so adorable. My only problem with him was how much an a** he is when he can’t let go of Ellie and just be with Anna only. Oops! I probably should stop babbling about the story.

What else? Hmmm.. I am pretty much sure that I felt as if I was doing a tour in Paris while reading Anna and the French Kiss. With Anna and St. Clair, I had my journey with them and had fun roaming Paris. I had a great time the whole time I was reading it. I’m so in love with it!! (I said that already right? LOL)

If I have time, I would probably go and reread this book. It’s very enjoyable and unputdownable. It’s a perfect novel for those people who are looking for a light and really funny story. I definitely recommend it to lovers of contemporary romance novels.

A-Z Bookish Survey Tag

This is the first survey tag that I made a post on. Prior to this, I once got tagged but I kept forgetting on making a post about it. So, here I am, doing it! Yay! Thanks to Gen Gen’s Book Blog for tagging me! Also, this awesome Book Survey Tag is made by Perpetual Page Turner. This is basically a survey with BOOK questions from A to Z.

Okay! So, let’s get this started!!! 😀

 

Author you’ve read the most books from:

Uhmmm..that would be a tie between Becca Fitzpatrick and Stephanie Meyer. I have read 5 books written by Ms. Fitzpatrick. Those were the Hush Hush Saga,  which are composed of 4 books, and the other one is an ARC of Black Ice. As for Ms. Meyer, I’ve read all her Twilight Saga books, including The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. I never got to finish The Host, so I wouldn’t count it in. So, yeah… 5 books from both of these authors.

Best Sequel Ever:

The award for the Best Sequel Ever IMO would be Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mi. The feels that I was getting all throughout the book was indescribable. I still miss Juliette and Warner up to this day. 😉

Currently Reading:

I just finished reading Anna and the French Kiss but the next one on my list is Wallbanger by Alice Clayton!!!! I’m so excited!!!

Drink of Choice While Reading:

Either water or coffee only..but more of water..I try as much as I can not to drink while reading because I’m afraid of ruining the book.. (you guys feel me?)

E-reader or Physical Book?

I am more fond of physical book. It feels better to have a book to sniff and hug after all.

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School:

Hmmm..most probably Levi from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. He has lots of sense of humor and comfortable to be around with. I also love his geeky side and how he enjoyed listening to Cath’s stories about Simon Snow. He’s like the kind of guy who could tolerate my fangirling tendencies.

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. At first while I was reading this, I was all hesitant because her dystopian world is hard to dive into. It’s complicated to visualize in my head plus I can’t identify much with the characters. Good thing that I gave it a chance because I later on discovered how great it is!

Hidden Gem Book:

The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark is such a fun fun book to read. It may have the cliche plot of geeky girl to glamorous girl makeovers..but yeah I still enjoyed the author’s hilarious writing style. I love the characters’ transformation!

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

Joining a Facebook group of readers who talk about books all the freaking time! That’s when I met some book lover friends..and ever since then I was dragged into attending book signings. I’m so happy that I discovered that I am not alone and that I have people to share the books that I read with.

Just Finished:

Unbreakable by Abby Reynolds! Gosh, I didn’t expect it to be just so beautiful. I was surprised that I did like the novel. It was very touching and moving. It’s a story about moving on from the past and letting yourself love again despite your misfortunes in life.

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read:

I’m not into non-fiction books. I can try but I think I will not be able to make it through the entire book.

Longest Book You’ve Read:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! It has 759 pages..yeah it was a long long long journey..

Major book hangover because of:

Allegiant by Veronica Roth gave me the worst book hangover ever. I was emotionally traumatized by the turn of events because  the ending made me cry a lot and urghhhh it’s hard to explain. All I did when I finished it was stare at wall and tell to myself repeatedly, “Wtf? Wtf? Wtf? I cannot.”

Number of Bookcases You Own:

I only own one..I try to fit all of my books there as much as I can. So far, I was able to organize and fit all of them there.

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

I am a huge Twilight fan, so I have to admit this. I was so obsessed by it that I read it like 8 times or more. I lost count!

Preferred Place To Read:

On the couch..anywhere quiet and comfy 🙂

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

“Who needs psychiatrists? Who needs counselors and life coaches and motivational speakers? Fuck all that. Just stare at the night sky and let yourself get lost in it every now and then.”-Andrew Parrish, The Edge of Always. This duology, The Edge of Never and The Edge of Always, gave me a lot of feels. I cried and laughed while reading it but most importantly, I felt as if I had a journey with Cam and Andrew. I really got to appreciate life while I read those books.

Reading Regret:

Spend lots of money to buy books..why do books need to be so damn pricey? I admit that there are times when I spend too much on books. I regret spending much on it but I don’t know..I DON’T really feel guilty. I just feel sorry for myself when I need to be tight on budget because I already spent my extra money on books. I still keep on doing it though. I can’t do anything about it. Lol.

Series You Started And Need To Finish(all books are out in series):

I have loads of series that I have started reading but needed to finish. I think Under the Never Sky series by Veronica Roth and Eve trilogy by Anna Carey. I need to finish them as soon as I can.

Three of your All-Time Favorite Books:

Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer (will always have a special place in my heart), The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski, and Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell.

Unapologetic Fangirl For:

Rainbow Rowell! Gosh, she’s just so amazing! I love her..I can’t even!!!!

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:

The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin! It’s release will be on November this year. So, I am really looking forward to having my copy!!!

Worst Bookish Habit:

Maybe slouch while reading??? Or squeal a LOT when I am having so much FEELS?

X Marks The Spot: Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book:

Fallen by Lauren Kate 🙂

Your latest book purchase:

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins!

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):

The last book that kept me up later was Anna and the French Kiss. I was not able to resist turning page after page. It was so addicting! Damn, St. Clair! Lol!

 

 

I am tagging these awesome people:

IREADITANDWEPT

Matilda, All Grown Up

Sophiethebookworm

 

and anyone else who wants to!

 

I’m looking forward to reading yours guys! Have fun!!! 🙂