Book Review: Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer

Title: Between the Lines (Between the Lines #1)

Author: Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer

Publisher:  Hodder & Stoughton (July 5, 2012)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 384

Synopsis from Goodreads:

What happens when happily ever after… isn’t?
Delilah 15 is a loner, obsessed with a fairy tale. One day she hears the prince, Oliver 16, who has tried other readers before, speak to her. He feels trapped, and wants out. His best friend Frump is a dog now, but was a boy, pants for Ollie’s predestined princess Seraphima. Feelings grow along with frustrations.

This is such a cutesy novel that I was glad I was able to read. Luckily, I found a copy of this book in a local book thrift shop in our country. The cover was really lovely. It was my first book written by Jodi Picoult and I really was not expecting much but it turned out that I loved it.

The characters were so adorable though they can get a bit irritating at some points because they can be shallow.I’m not expecting them to be that deep but I enjoyed each and every one of them.I liked Delilah’s character as it seemed that she’s an endearing character. Oliver was a bit rash at some points in the book but he’s pretty much nice.

There was just an issue for me at the end of the book. I found it a little disturbing because how could one’s life be so terrible that he or she would like to be the one stuck in a book? I may not understand the point of view of an individual like that but still life is worth living and I am not sure what the authors intended to mean by that part of the story.

Overall, this novel was a cute and light read that I was craving for a long long time now. Oh and this satisfied my wish for a novel which tells a story of what will happen if the characters we are reading will come to life.

Book Review: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Title: It Ends with Us

Author: Colleen Hoover

Publisher:  Atria Books (August 2, 2016)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 384

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

First things first..It is good to go into this book without knowing anything about it at all aside from the fact that Colleen Hoover wrote it. Damn. That was what happened to me. When it comes to Colleen Hoover books, they become an automatic buy for me because her books are frigging fabulous.This book totally made me stop and think about life.

Proceed with caution. Spoilers ahead. 🙂

Alright, here we go. It Ends with Us starts off with a meeting between Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid on an apartment rooftop where they shared naked truths about them. Sparks fly. Then, stuff happen over the years until they meet again. Yes, they were brought together but another man in Lily’s life from the past comes back and that is Atlas Corrigan. Things get messy since then.

This book has broken me into pieces. I went into reading this book expecting the usual-Colleen Hoover-wow-happy-happy-novel but no this is totally different from her other novels.Everything unexpected happened and by that, what I mean is that what I wanted to happen did not happen. Although, I can totally understand the purpose of what she decided to do to the plot. Like Lily, I fell in love with Ryle and hoped that changes between their relationship will occur for the better. Too bad, I hoped for that because my heart just got totally broken for what they could have been. However, their relationship became toxic and nobody wants that.

With regards to Atlas, yeah..Lily’s background story with him was beautiful. I admired their strong friendship when they were just kids.I want to cry with them during their obstacles in childhood.

When the mayhem in Lily and Ryle’s relationship was happening, I was so torn up. I kept praying that Ryle would change and that Lily will give him another chance but on the other side, I want Lily to make his life hell for hurting her. It was cool that Atlas was there for Lily but damn I did not like this love triangle. I just wish that there was no love triangle in this book. I’m so pissed off for Lily choosing Atlas at the end. I mean she should have been strong on her own. I dunno. This is why love triangles in books are becoming irritating.

Don’t get me wrong. I still love Colleen Hoover’s amazing work and I still worship the queen but I guess the characters just did not connect with me unlike her characters in her previous books. Although that’s the case, I still appreciate this novel. I think it sends a very powerful message to everyone about abusive relationships. It’s an eye opener to everyone and I think it’s still worth the read.

Book Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Publisher:  Bloomsbury USA Children’s

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 624

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Feyre survived Amarantha’s clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can’t forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

Warning: *Contains spoilers, I’m fangirling and I can’t help it!*

Where do I even begin? This book made me live and die, and live and die, over and over again. The year I have waited for this is really worth it. I had  my theories before but I really could not believe it when the story went to a different path from what I expected.

In ACOTAR, we were left with a broken Feyre, a recovering Tamlin, and a stunned Rhysand. Each one of our beloved main characters are left with the nightmares from the horrors that Amarantha has done.

Then, in ACOMAF, we are brought back to what life is like for Feyre and Tamlin after Amarantha’s death. We are also introduced to the infamous Night Court. This is actually the part that I was most excited about in reading this book. We all know that last scene about Feyre and Rhysand. That moment when Rhysand staggered back when he looked at Feyre’s face. I speculated in that instant..that maybe they are mates. Oh and nobody forgets about the bargain that they made.So, we all knew that at some point in this book Feyre has to get to visit the Night Court. She did but not in the fashion that Rhys timed it. Lol, that made me cracked up. During the wedding, when Feyre was begging internally for someone to help her..and BHAM!!! Rhys comes out of nowhere to help her escape.

While I enjoyed that scene very much, I cannot help but feel sorry for Feyre. I did not even expect that her situation with Tamlin would turn out that way. The loooove they had for each other seemed to burn out. I remembered the passion that they had in the first book but here they just seemed miserable being with each other.

“Keyword: W-A-S” 😛

With every turn of the page, I cannot help but anticipate Feyre spending one week of every month with Rhys. Plus, the way she described the Night Court, I can’t help but wish it could be real. In my head, I was picturing it like Santorini, Greece. I don’t know but that’s how my mind conjured it up.

*How I picture Night Court. Pic not mine. Source*

Oh, and let’s talk about Rhysand’s squad. Gods, I love them! I immediately fell in love with their attitude, powers, and individual mysteries. It’s like everything in Prythian is 100000000 times cooler in Night Court.

Back to the story, all the plot twists and turns are fantabulous. I do think that Sarah has been able to craft this world into a magnificent level. I think she really did think through how each character arc would be. It’s not hurried. It’s not like what she did in Queen of Shadows with regards to Aelin and Chaol. This time, I felt like it was reasonable enough.

Another point that I want to touch in this review is how Sarah always makes her female characters strong. I love her for women empowerment. Let’s be honest. Feyre was suppressed by what Tam has done to her. He just used her as a trophy fiancee? I dunno. Don’t get me wrong. I loved Tamlin so much and I still do. However, if I were Feyre, I would feel suffocated too. Good thing Rhys has allowed Feyre to grow and to fight.

*sighs heavily*

Now, the fight with the King of Hyberia. I absolutely enjoyed the training that Feyre has received from the “SQUAD”. Oh, and their visit at the Summer Court was really entertaining as well. We also got to visit Nesta and Elain. I’m still annoyed with Nesta for not being so caring to Feyre, not like the way she does for Elain. I hope she redeems herself in the next book.

Also, the hate I have for the human queens runs bone deep. By the cauldron, how could they be so selfish!!! Urghhh!!! When they basically endangered my baby Rhys and Feyre and the rest of the squad, I want to strangle them so they could die. Lol, just kidding.

The last part, when all the sh*t went down. I wanted to shout at someone and throw the book despite its awesomeness. I just really can’t believe everything I have witnessed before the book ended but at least, we got a consolation with Rhysand’s POV at the last chapter. I really do hope that their mate thing will still enable them to message each other. I am just really worried with Feyre. I know my worry is useless given the fact that she’s somehow stronger and more powerful.

Fave parts? Uhmm..all the FeyRhys scenes, the part when Feyre retrieved Rhys’ ring from that scary creature, and moment when Rhy told Feyre that they are mates. So much love for those!!!

Lastly, I just want to say that this book is friggin sexy. Damn. 😉 ❤ #RhysandsWingSpan

Book Review: Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Kindred Spirits

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Publisher:  Macmillan Kids UK

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 96

Synopsis from Goodreads:

‘Everybody likes everything these days. The whole world is a nerd.’
‘Are you mad because other people like Star Wars? Are you mad because people like me like Star Wars?’
‘Maybe.’

If you broke Elena’s heart, Star Wars would spill out. So when she decides to queue outside her local cinema to see the new movie, she’s expecting a celebration with crowds of people who love Han, Luke and Leia just as much as she does. What she’s not expecting is to be last in a line of only three people; to have to pee into a collectible Star Wars soda cup behind a dumpster or to meet that unlikely someone who just might truly understand the way she feels.

Like any other Rainbow Rowell story that I read, this short novel made me feel fuzzy warm things inside my heart. Kindred Spirits, in my opinion, is basically our story as fangirls/fanboys. I tell you people, it’s like me reading about myself during the long periods of time I spent lining up just to see something that I have anticipated (aka book signings but in this novella, it’s the new Star Wars movie).

What I really liked the most about Rainbow’s characters is that they are so easily relatable. Elena and Gabe are such lovely people whom I just want to hug tight because I feel what they feel. Oh and Troy! He’s so fun! I think he is someone, I would like to be on the same side with and someone who I will look up to. Why not? He’s an expert in my fandom.

There were not much exciting parts in the novella save for that moment that they have been waiting for. Though I think that I really enjoyed the banters between our main characters and the bits of revelations from them.

My final rating is 4/5 stars. I just want it to be longer with more character development.

Book Review: Savor by Kate Evangelista

Title: Savor (Vicious Feast #1)

Author: Kate Evangelista

Publisher:  Spark Books (September 2015)

Format: Trade Paperback

Pages: 224

Synopsis from Goodreads:

I’m Dakota Collins, a tough talking, eye patch wearing, workaholic photography student. Why am I important? Well, maybe because I get to spend an entire month with Vicious, only the sickest indie rock band out there.

You see, I needed a subject for my Spring Showcase introspective in order to graduate. During a chance encounter at a club I’d been sent to cover for the Daily Gossip, our ironically named college paper, the features writer I usually teamed up with introduced me to the band—by accident, I might add. It involved a run in with a scary, bald bodyguard. Anyway, long story short, I signed a contract to take pictures of Vicious.

I should have known their handsome yet way too serious for his own good bassist, Luka Visraya, wouldn’t be able to keep his hands to himself. He’s gorgeous and all, but the way he smiles spelled trouble with a capital L. I’m in for a long month with him around.

Crazy shit happens and then some. So, if you want the skinny on Vicious and the events revolving around my stay at Lunar Manor, read my story.

Hey there book nerds! I’m back again this time with a review of a book that I never thought I would love.

Here’s the thing, I’ve always wanted to get a chance to read a novel written by Miss Kate Evangelista. After all, she’s such an accomplished Filipino writer. I became interested in her works because I’ve read that she writes young adult novels. Actually, Savor is the first book by her, that I got to read which I must say is an adult romance story. I only have tiny bit of idea what this book may be about. All I know when I bought this is that I loved the cover and that Ms. Kate have signed it.

Initial thoughts about the book, it has a kind of slow pacing. I never mind well-detailed descriptions in a book but sometimes it bugged me. I appreciate it though. It took a lot of time to get through the first few chapters.

As soon as I got through the first several chapters, I became more and more interested with the contents of the book. I was not aware at all that I am beginning to become invested with the characters especially Dakota.

What I loved the most about Dakota is that she has such a strong personality despite her dark past and her scars. She never was the one who’s cowering from anyone who’s giving her a hard time. I so so loved her attitude. She’s sassy, brave, confident, and funny. I think I never had a single problem with her as the main character.

Then, there’s Luka Visraya of the band, Vicious. He has the dark side going within him as well but I also appreciated the fact that he’s so funny and overprotective with Dakota. He’s the typical tormented male main character in a book but for me, there is something about him that makes him stand out.

Aside from Dakota and Luka, I’ve grown to love the other characters in the book. Phoenix is my next favorite! The other members of Vicious were also interesting to read.

I enjoyed the photoshoots and the parties, especially when Dakota gets dolled up. Hmm…what else? Oh yes, the sexy scenes between Dakota and Luka are hot as hell!

Now, about that plot twist at the last few chapters. I cannot believe what I’m reading. It made me want to almost cry. Then, when the book comes to its end, I feel so confused. I thought that all I signed up for was reading a contemporary romance book where everyone is just normal human beings, and then.. BAM!!! What the actual fudge? I am really frustrated and really want to get my hands on the next book in the series!!

 

Book Review: Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Landline

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Publisher:  Orion (January 1, 2014)

Format: Trade Paperback

Pages: 320

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.

Maybe that was always besides the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

Oh gods! It’s been such a long time since I last posted a review. Imagine. It’s been a month! I had such a crazy time trying to balance work, rest, and reading. I’m glad I stole a free time for myself to rant out feels for this Rainbow Rowell book and post some more book love.

Anyway, I just want too say that I was so ecstatic when I got a copy of Landline in this edition. It’s way much prettier than the US edition. I can’t find a hardcover UK edition, so I had to settle with this instead. But…it’s still beautiful! I knew that this story is more of written for  the “adult” audience. So, getting into this book was kind of hard. The main character, Georgie, being married, having kids, and working on her career, was difficult to relate to.

Her marriage with Neal was problematic.

At the beginning, their family was supposed to fly to Omaha for the Christmas season. Georgie is a TV producer, and she had to stay behind for her work, making Neal mad at her. As Georgie was left behind, she tries to find out how she and Neal had come to this point in their lives, distant and unable to communicate with each other. One night, she finds this magical telephone that connects her to Neal in the past.

My first thought going into this book is how am I supposed to love this book if I cannot even relate to its characters? How am I going to finish it if the mood of the book is gloomy when all I’m ever craving for is a typical cutesy, heartwarming Rainbow Rowell book? I know. I know. There is Eleanor and Park. But then..there was the cutesy feel to it..because Park is totally adorable and Eleanor, oh how I love her.

How wrong I was with that. It turned out I just need a little patience to get to the good part. Once I got there, I was flying through the book, savoring all the precious goodies written by Rainbow. There is still bunch of cutesy and heartwarming moments. It’s like eating a chocolate which slowly melts inside your tongue making you feel pure bliss. That’s what I feel everytime I read a Rainbow Rowell book. She makes me want to cry and laugh and cry and laugh again. She’s my queen when it comes to contemporary books. I love everything she writes. Her characters are still relatable and loveable because they really are. I just want to take Georgie and Neal from the pages and hug them because they make me warm and fuzzy.

I will not say more about what happened. Just go and read the book!!! Go!!!!

 

Book Review: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s (September 1, 2015)

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 648

Synopsis from Goodreds:

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.

Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

 

To start off, I really don’t know how I can express my adoration for this wonderful creation by Sarah J. Maas. She’s really a kick-ass author and reading QoS is like the rain to a long-time drought or the oasis in the middle of the desert. I just cannot contain my love and other feels for this series in my heart.

My general thoughts about Queen of Shadows?

It’s heart-pounding and fantastic!!! I loved almost every part of it. My expectations as a fan of the ToG series was met. I mean not all of it but it definitely gave me satisfaction as to all of the things that I have been anticipating to happen in this installment. Sarah’s writing style is purely gold. All those plot twists made me curse her and love her. Lol, just kidding but I really love Sarah J. Maas with all my heart. Will the ToG fans love it? Yes, absolutely! It’s worth the wait. The 648-page journey with Aelin is one hell of a ride. If you haven’t read the ToG series, seriously, what are you doing with your life?

Character-wise, I guess most of them changed A LOT. I know it was expected given what they went through from the previous books. Aelin came back to Adarlan as a more matured person. I mean she picks her fights. You will know what I mean when you get to read the parts concerning her and Arobynn..and her and Dorian. She still is the sassy Celaena but she’s less arrogant and more patient? Maybe it’s just me who thought of her that way. I’ll comment about the “SHIPS” later on.

Chaol, oh dear Chaol. I didn’t know that you had a place in my heart. Let’s be honest, he’s been a prick to Celaena in the end of Heir of Fire. He wasn’t able to accept Celaena’s true identity. I think what redeemed Chaol was his undying loyalty to Dorian. That’s what made me pray that no harm is going to happen to him.

Rowan, well, what can I say..he’s been softer? That’s only when it comes to Aelin. Ughh..but overall he’s still the hot Fae warrior that we met in HoF.  I appreciated the fact that he’s civilized with Aedion when they met and at the later parts of the book.

Remember Lyssandra, that courtesan from The Assasin’s Blade? We get to meet her again. It will be spoilery though if I say how she’s changed.

Oh and Dorian..I don’t even want to go to what happened to him. That was what tortured me the most while I was reading this book.

 

We also get to encounter new characters. The fact that I loved every single new character in this book is a good thing. Whether they were the good or the bad guys, I enjoyed how well-crafted they were.

 

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Now, let me go to the main plots of QoS and my feels about them: [SPOILERS AHEAD]

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*Rescuing Aedion

I was freaking out during this whole scene. Oh gods, I was so worried with everyone in the gang. I mean who the heck would stand a chance in tricking everyone in the castle and rescuing Aedion on Dorian’s birthday!!! It nearly killed me!! And that encounter between Aelin and the evil Dorian, I was crying the whole time because I was thinking that he’s going to be dead. Aelin was like: “Come on Dorian, tell me that you’re still there!!! One more minute!!” I’M LIKE ARGHHHHHH!!! MY HEART!!! THANK ALL THE GODS FOR NESRYN!!!!

*Revenge on Arobynn

Who’s been waiting for Aelin’s revenge on Arobynn? Me! Me! Me! Honestly, I was a bit disappointed here. I had high hopes that Celaena would be the one to do it to Arobynn. Remember how vicious she can be during a revenge? Arobynn would have deserved that. (I know I’m so bad.) Though I guess, it’s better that Lyssandra was the one who did it. I mean one can only take so much guilt in her conscience.

*Wth is happening in Morath?

All the Morath scenes are totally crazy and creepy. Everything’s been so horrible in that place. Thank goodness that it’s not that boring. I was actually excited to know all the evil things that Perrington and the king have been up to. Imagine that Valg demons are inside human bodies . Then, Valg princes are mating with witches. It’s terrifying. I have a good feeling about Manon and her group. I hope she’s going to form an alliance with Aelin soon.

*Baby Dorian’s freedom

MY baby Dorian has been through so much and I just want to take him out from the book and take care of him. Unfortunately, he’s got to fight the demon inside of him. When all sh*t goes down in the Rifthold, I was having a hard time proceeding. All the friggin time that he was chasing Aelin, I was praying that neither of them would hurt each other. ALL THE FEELS WHEN AELIN WAS TELLING DORIAN TO FIGHT the valg. Oh Gods!! Then, THAT MOMENT WHEN THEY HELD HANDS AND FOUGHT THE KING WAS PURE BLISS!!!

 

SHIPS:

*Chaolena: (*Plays: We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together*) I’m sorry to say this Chaolena fans but it seems that all hopes for Chaol has been extinguished in QoS. I mean first of all, Chaol still can’t accept who Aelin is. Then, Nesyrn comes along in Chaol’s life. They start having this friends w/ benefits kind of relationship that grows into something more. Oh and Chaol and Nesryn’s scene at the temple before their attack in the palace? Yeah..so it looks like it’s Nesryn and Chaol will be together.

*Rowaelin: This ship looks like it’s on its steady sailing right now. In HoF, Aelin and Rowan agress of only having platonic relationship. Few moments apart… BAM! It seems that they miss and LOVE each other. WTH? Rowan’s edge over the other guys, he and Aelin are caranam. I’m not happy about them being together in QoS but I gotta say that Rowaelin scenes are STEAMY!!!

*Doraelin/Celorian: In this ship, I sail and forever will stay. You guys might not see them ending up together right now but I know that they will. Mark my words. It’s going to happen. Lol. 😉 ❤

*Lyssandra & Aedion (Damn it! It’s hard to come up w/ a ship name for them!): The moment that these two met in QoS, I know that they are made for each other.

 

 

I feel like I could say more but I’m afraid this review has been too long. I’ll have to have another post about my theories for the next book. Maybe I’ll get to it soon. All I can say is that until now, I have a hangover from this book. I cannot stop thinking about it. It will be such a long long year to wait for the release of the next installment in the series.

Book Review: Sincerely, Carter by Whitney Gracia Williams

Title: Sincerely, Carter

Author: Whitney Gracia Williams

Publisher: WGW Books (April 29, 2015)

Format: Kindle

Pages: 267

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Just friends.
We’re just friends.
No, really. She’s just my best friend…

Arizona Turner has been my best friend since fourth grade, even when we “hated” each other. We’ve been there for one another through first kisses, first “times,” and we’ve been each other’s constant when good relationships turned bad. (We even went to colleges that were minutes away from each other…)

Throughout the years, and despite what anyone says, we’ve never crossed the line.

Never thought about it.
Never wanted to.

Until one night changed everything.
At least, it should’ve …

Just friends.
We’re just friends.
I’m only saying this until I figure out if she’s still “just” my best friend…

After a long time of searching everywhere, I’ve finally found  a light. funny, and smutty read that suits my taste. I’m that kind of reader that seeks the refuge of romance comedy type of stories when finishing high fantasy books. Fortunately, I discovered Sincerely, Carter by Whitney G. Williams. She is also the author of the well-known Reasonable Doubt series which I loved so much. Whitney G. has the kind of writing that will make you want to read more and more into her stories until you finish her book and find yourself totally craving for more.

That was the case when I got to the end of Sincerely, Carter. If I’m not mistaken, it’s only a standalone. I enjoyed a lot from the beginning until the end. Who would not get instantly curious with the Chapter names she chose for the novel? It’s all named after the titles of Taylor Swift’s songs! It’s awesome, right? That made me listen to T. Swift’s songs while reading. It was definitely enjoyable.

Now, with the story itself..

Carter and Arizona has become friends since grade school. They’ve been in each other’s lives since then. Then, one night at the party held by Carter’s roommate, everything changes between them. Finally, Sparks Fly!! ❤

These two characters are super lovable. I mean they’re hilarious and witty. The banter between these two make me fangirl hard. There were pretty much numerous steamy scenes in the book. I wonder how I was able to survive all of them. Another adorable thing about these characters is their ambition. I love it when main characters have direction in their lives (career-wise). Carter is in his way to becoming a lawyer while Arizona has definitely pulled off major determination to educate herself in her craft in cooking. Though they have their flaws like the usual stubborn-ness, they can easily make their place in your heart as a reader.

My final thoughts in this book: It’s extremely worth your time as a reader. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud and enjoying it to the nth power. Like I said, it’s fun, light, and smutty read. 🙂

Book Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2)

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher:  Square Fish (June 4, 2013)

Format: Trade Paperback

Pages: 435

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Darkness never dies.
Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.
The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.
Siege and Storm is the second book in The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo.

After finishing Shadow and Bone, I cannot help but be obsessed to get the copy of Siege and Storm. So days after, as soon as I can go to the bookstore, I bought this treasure. Honestly, the last chapter of the first book in the series almost made me have a heart attack. I mean, you never know what the Darkling could do. I love him but he is pretty much scary.

Anyway, we continue our journey with Alina and Mal in an unfamiliar land. Both of them hiding their true identities to avoid the wrath of The Darkling. Until one day, their luck runs out and they are forced to come with him. They board a ship with the privateer, Sturmhond and his crew. They journeyed to find Alina’s second key to becoming more powerful.

 

It still was an engrossing read. There were plot twists that I really did not see coming. All the new additions to the list of characters made me enjoy it more. I especially loved Sturmhond. I didn’t expect him to be someone so important in Ravka. I also love the loyalty of his crew. His charm and humor brought some brightness to the darkness of the theme of the book. I also confess that I also shipped him with Alina. ❤

Although I enjoyed the plot and the character additions, I think the pacing was a bit slow. There are moments when I just want to jump out to my most awaited scene on the book. They had these preparations and training and stuff but there were times, I’m all like.. “I WANT THE ACTION!!!”. My Darkling dose was also minimal in this book. I think I miss him like Alina did. Oh and the apparition effect between them was impressive. Pretty much anything the Grishas can make me envious of them. 😀

Anyhoo, the last chapters made me sitting on the edge. The confrontation between our main characters was intense. Ms. Bardugo wrote it amazingly. Again, I will say that it was as if I am watching a movie.

I think I liked Shadow and Bone better than this one. It’s just because I felt like I expected to read more action scenes and more Darkling, of course. I still really enjoyed it though, thanks to last few chapters which blew my mind away.

Book Review: Lola and The Boy Next Door

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss #2)

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Publisher:  Speak (July 9, 2013)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 338

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the more outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And everything is pretty perfect in her life (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the negihborhood. When Cricket, a gifted inventor, steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

This is the second book in The Anna and The French Kiss series by Stephanie Perkins. I’m extremely in love with this book. It has the right amount of all the feels. Cricket Bell is so cute (and I am fangirling here like a crazy schoolgirl). Anyhoo, the story is about Lola Nolan, a girl who’s into taking up a notch when it comes to her daily outfits. She almost has the dream life that every girl can have, including having the perfect hot rocker boyfriend. However, one day, the only one guy from the past, the one she’s terrified to face again moves back to the house next to theirs. Lola’s long buried feelings come back to her and it seems like she will not be able to resist it.

Reading Lola and The Boy Next Door is same as breathing. It’s probably the easiest and lightest read that I’ve had this year. I did not have the slightest problem in reading it. I found myself breeze-reading through it. It made me feel good with all the feelings that it evoked inside of me (lol, jk).

I find all the characters adorable and unique. I love love love Lola. I almost wish I was her. I like that she’s creative and funny although she can also be shy and doubtful to herself. She also got cool parents (not her birth parents). Most of the time I laughed out loud while reading the book, it was mostly because of them. It was great how they support Lola but can also be overprotective. Oh and Cricket…my Cricket. He’s such a nerd but I love him for it. I like the fact that he makes stuff for Lola. I love that he’s a bit awkward but still cute.

There are pretty funny scenes in the book and those made me go on and on. The last part all about them helping Calliope. That was really awesome. My favorite part was the dance at the end part of the book. That was all sweet and feels-inducing.

I also appreciate the parts where Anna and St. Clair were in the story. Thank God for putting them there Stephanie. This book is so perfect.

I’m recommending this book to all YA contemporary lovers out there. I’m sure this book will make it to your favorites list. My rating for this book is: