Review: Amplified by Tara Kelley

Title: Amplified

Author: Tara Kelley

Published: Ocotber 25th 2011

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.75 of 5 stars

I was instatntly hooked the first time I read the blurb of this book and decided I have to read this. Well, becuase like Jasmine, I once dreamed of joining a band when I was in high-school and just like her again, I wanted to be a lead guitarist. The difference is just that I stopped having guitar lessons when I turned sophomore year and got caught up with all school stuffs and teenage-stuffs. So you know, when I started reading it I was like, wow this girl's just like me and I liked Jasmine right away. 

This was a lovely and enjoyable read especially since it's a music inclined story and you know, I'm really such a sucker for that. I really loved playing guitar (though I didn't get to be any good. lol) so I can pretty much relate to Jasmine. Jasmine Kiss was an admirable and adorable character. I loved her determination and how sure she was of what she really wants for herself. But what I loved about her the most was her great passion towards music and playing guitar. Yes, she's flawed and she could be really frustrating at some point but she always manage to stand up and fixed things. It was great to see how she developed, learned things, trust herself and gained confidence. 

Sean, the cute bassist of the band Jasmine had joined in was likable too. He and Jasmine makes a really cute couple and could make some really swoony and pretty steamy scenes too. However there was this time that made me a little disappointed in him but thank goodness he was able to regain himself on me. Other character like the memebers of the band - C-side - Veta, Felix and Bryn were funny and adorable too though sometimes they could be a little weird and harsh but still they were good and likable. 

The ending was great though I would admit I'm not that satisfied because I'm a sappy person who loves sweet sweet ending and needs to be reassured that the guy and the girl really did end up with each other which in this story was left pretty vague. Though I really liked to think that they did and spent most of my time after reading it mentally editing the book. lol. But still, it was a really wonderful and enjoyable read and I would still recommend this to you guys!

Waiting on Wednesday (#9)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlight upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" is..

The Vincent Brothers

by Abbi Glines

Expected Publication: June 5th 2012

He may have given her up without a fight, but Sawyer Vincent is far from over losing the girl he’s loved all of his life. Instead of giving up his best friend and the girl he thought he’d spend forever with, he gave Ashton and his brother Beau his blessing. However, adjusting to seeing Ashton wrapped up in Beau’s arms isn’t easy. Complicating everything even more, Ashton’s cousin Lana is in town for the summer. Sweet, kind, soft-spoken Lana, who gets under his skin. Just being near her makes him forget all about Ashton and his broken heart. Lana is everything he wanted Ashton to be except she isn’t Ashton. She lacks the backbone to stand up for herself and confidence that Ashton wears like a crown. 

Lana McDaniel  has lived her life in her cousin's shadow. While Lana struggled with her grades no matter how hard she tried, her mother praised Ashton's intelligence. She hadn’t been blessed with Ashton’s blond hair and flawless skin, but that didn't keep her mother from lamenting her naturally red hair and freckles. But none of that would have mattered if Ashton hadn’t always had Sawyer Vincent wrapped around her finger -- the only boy Lana wanted. Once Ashton let Sawyer go, Lana had been so sure that he’d move on. Determined to make Sawyer finally see her, she'd talked her mother into letting her spend the summer with Ashton. But Sawyer is still in love with Ashton, and Lana isn’t going to be anyone's rebound girl. No matter how yummy Sawyer Vincent’s kisses taste. 

As you can see from my previous entries I'm pretty much getting addicted to Abbi Glines's books so of course I would be definitely looking forward for her next installment of which is a spin-off of The Vincent Boys and this time it will Sawyer and Lana as the center characters. :)))

Review: Because of Low by Abbi Glines

Title: Because of Low

Author: Abbi Glines

Published: February 17th 2012

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think I'm getting addicted reading Abbi Glines's contemporaries (I didn't like Existence for some reasons). This is my fourth book of her and I am really loving the author more and more. Lovely characters, swoony moments, steamy scenes, heartwarming story - Because of Low has it all and just like in The Vincent Boys, I was spent the entire time giddy and swooning or drooling.

Anyway, this is a spin off of Glines's first novel Breathe and this time Marcus is the center character here. Alright, where will I start? Marcus? Yeah, Marcus. This guy is abso-freaking-lutely awesome, you know, good-looking, funny, charming, caring, sweet - alright, stop Eunice! - I mean he's really a good guy and I really adored his character. I loved how much he cares for his family and Low. He does and say the sweetest and yummiest things. I really loved that part when Low found him asleep at the couch with her little niece in his arms. I can so picture it in my head and it was just really cute! Although he did some quite stupid and irritating things still it was just so easy to forgive him. Low on the other hand is the kindest and most understanding and forgiving heroine I'd ever met. I really admire and love her character. I admire her open mindedness and how she always tries to understand Marcus. She's sweet and caring and loves her niece so much. It was so easy to love her.

I loved how their relationship developed and how they treated each other which I say was really really sweet and swoony and hot! It hadn't been easy since they were both struggling with family problems which caused them to be not totally open with each other, especially about their family issues. There was this unexpected twist around the last part that kinda frustrated me especially how they first reacted (it took them two months to finally talk and come out on their senses and I really wonder why no one bothered to tell Marcus that Low didn't know anything about her sister and his dad's relationship.) Nonetheless, I was glad how later on they were able to handle the situation and talk things out and learned to accept things. 

It was a sweet and lovely story! I loved the ending and yes, Cage too! I would love to read a story of him too! Haha! I highly recommend this. If you've enjoyed Glines previous works you'll definitely love this one too!

Waiting on Wednesday (#8)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlight upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" is..

A Midsummer's Nightmare

by Kody Keplinger

Expected publication: June 5th 2012

Whitley Johnsons dream summer with her divorce dad has turned into a nightmare. She’s just met his new fiancee and her kids. The fiancee’s son? Whitley’s one-night stand from graduation night. Just freakin’ great. 

Worse, she totally doesn’t fit in with her dad’s perfect new country-club family. So Whitley acts out. She parties. Hard. So hard she doesn’t even notice the good things right under her nose: a sweet little future stepsister who is just about the only person she’s ever liked, a best friend (even though Whitley swears she doesn’t “do” friends), and a smoking-hot guy who isn’t her stepbrother... at least, not yet. It will take all three of them to help Whitley get through her anger and begin to put the pieces of her family together. 

Filled with authenticity and raw emotion, Whitley is Kody Keplinger’s most compelling character to date: a cynical Holden Caulfield-esque girl you will wholly care about.

I am so really looking forward for this one! Since I've read Keplinger's The DUFF she instantly become one of my favorite authors. I really loved her writing style and I really do hope that this could be as great as The DUFF or much better! Can't wait to meet Whitley! :))

Review: Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Title: Going Too Far

Author: Jennifer Echols

Published: March 17th 2009

Publisher: Pocket Books/MTV Books

Ready synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4.5 stars

Would you believe me if I say I'd put off this book for quite a long time because I thought that a cop guy as the hero in a book is not cool? Well, now that I've read it I realized I was Totally. Freaking. Wrong! Because the whole time, I was swooning and crushing and gushing over John After. He absolutely took a place on my top book boyfriends! And yeah, so much for putting this off because, seriously, from all the books I've read of Jennifer Echols this is the one I so enjoyed the most! 

It was my first time to encounter a really rebellious heroine and at first I didn't think I would be able to love her but again, I was wrong because I really did love Meg! Meg was a funny, smart, and witty character. I loved her sense of humor, her rebelliousness and being dangerous made her more an interesting character. Her story that caused her to have that kind of attitude was very compelling. It was a bit heart wrenching and through that I was able to understand her completely. John After on the other hand was her opposite. He was this one hot cop who was so disciplined and pretty strict in following rules. He had this weird obsession about the 'bridge' and staying in town. Turns out he had a really bad memory about it and thought that by doing what he's doing it will changed what had happened from the past. 

I enjoyed those dialogue between the two of them which was really funny, cute and steamy! And whenever John blushes at something he said about Meg, awww, it was just like the cutest thing ever! Haha! But what I loved the most was how this two people met and was able to cure and change each other. It was great to see Meg and John growing and learning, caring and loving each other and eventually letting go of their past. The ending was very heart warming. It was touching and emotional and those few words Meg said was just so beautiful. 

I would definitely recommend this. This is a touching, wonderful and fun read. Not overly emotional but will still tug strings from your heart. A very good realistic read. :))

Review: The Boyfriend Thief by Shana Norris

Title: The Boyfriend Thief

Author: Shana Norris

Published: April 30th 2011 

Publisher: 

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3-3.5 stars

When I first saw this I thought it would just be something sweet, light, fun read. Just something you read to feel good and swoon and grin. Well, it did make me swoon and grin but it actually discussed more deeper issues than what I had expected.

The main character, Avery, was miserable and broken. She's a control freak and wanted everything to be planned out. Since her mother had left them 4 years ago she developed that kind of attitude, thinking that if she didn't plan everything it will all just shatter and fall away, she was so obsessed with being organize. She always have this scientific explanation in everything and gets to be so judgmental most of the time. To be honest, I find her really frustrating. She's like the character you'd want to shake really hard or banged up her head just to make her eyes open. 

Around half of the book I already wanted her friends to get angry just so she could be called out of her behavior.I was aggravated on how long it took her to realize how wrong she saw things and treated other people. But well, thank goodness around three-fourths of the book everything went pretty well - the part where she started totally understanding everything and admitting to herself and others her mistakes. 

I almost gave this a lower rating than 3 but the ending changed my mind. And how can I not move it up without considering how brilliant a character Zac was! Zac was a unique character. His choice of career was something I hadn't encountered in any books I've read. He's the opposite of Avery, they're like the ADHD and the OCD. Totally the opposite but they fit, they balance each other. Not just Avery's issues were tackled in this book but also Zac's. It was great how this two learned things from each other and changed what was wrong in them. And even though I'd spent most of the time getting frustrated with Avery I did still love her and Zac. They were just so cute together, especially that part in the ending!

This was a story of acceptance, forgiveness, change and living life the way we should. This was really a fast read, I finished this in just a couple of hours and I can say it was fun especially Zac, witty and really insightful. ^^

Review: The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Title: The Vincent Boys

Author: Abbi Glines

Published: October 12th 2011

Publisher: Abbi Glines

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can I just grin all day? This book is gawdsmackin' hot! I was giddy the entire time I was reading it. Abbi Glines sure knows how to make absolutely drool-worthy guys and swoon-worthy scenes. This is my third book of her and she's quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. 

I had put off this book for quite a long time because when I read the synopsis I thought it would be something really frustrating, with the main guy liking his cousin's girlfriend and the girl feeling the same way. It's something that would go messy and complicated eventually and they would start becoming annoying and making stupid decisions and all, and I think I have little patience for that. Those were my first thoughts when I saw it but Rachel, girl, your review totally sold me! Since you said that Glines did a great job handling the sticky situation and didn't ruin the story I decided I'll give this a try. 

And yes, you're absolutely right! I loved loved loved it! ^^

The Vincent Boys was a fun, sweet, hot and steamy read! The kind of read where you'll find yourself swooning and grinning like a madman all throughout. Beau, Ash and Sawyer were all lovely characters. You know how I'm a sucker for bad boys with soft hearts so Beau instantly caught my heart. Lol. Anyhoo, what I really loved the most in this story were those childhood memories of them. Even when they were still little I saw how much Beau cared and loved Ash and it was just really sweet, cute and heartwarming that at that young age he already know that Ash is someone very important to him and he'd do everything to protect her in his own silly ways. 

Ash, being the girl both the boys were fighting about, didn't become really frustrating.; And I loved her. I loved that she realized what she really felt and acknowledge it but chose to save Beau and Sawyer's relationship instead. And even though it'll hurt her, she cared more of the Vincent boys that she was willing to sacrifice what she really wanted. 

There was this twist I really didn't expect to come around the last parts. I was surprised but I was glad how they they handled it. Especially Sawyer and how he realized his mistakes and how he accepted everything. And by the end I just loved those two Vincent boys. 

Overall, this is definitely a swoontastic read! Don't worry about the love triangle because it was very well handled. And this book did provide generous amount of hot and steamy scenes that just left me totally melting. Lol. I would absolutely recommend this! I am very much looking forward reading more of Abbi Glines book! ^^

Waiting on Wednesday (#7)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlight upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" is..

The Thing About The Truth

by Lauren Barnholdt

July 10th 2012

In this humorous love story from the author of Two-Way Street, an unlikely romance is the best sort of surprise—but the wrong secret can ruin everything. Kelsey’s not going to let one mistake ruin her life. Sure, she got kicked out of prep school and all her old friends are shutting her out. But Kelsey’s focused on her future, and she’s determined to get back on track at Concordia High. 

Isaac’s been kicked out of more schools than he can count. Since his father’s a state senator, Isaac’s life is under constant scrutiny—but Concordia High’s his last stop before boarding school, so Isaac’s hoping to fly under the radar and try to stay put for a change. 

When Kelsey and Isaac meet, it’s anything but love at first sight. She thinks he’s an entitled brat, and he thinks she’s a stuck-up snob. So it surprises them both when they start to fall for each other. Kelsey’s happy for the first time in months, and Isaac’s never felt this way about anyone before...But nothing’s ever completely perfect. Everyone has secrets, and Isaac and Kelsey are no exceptions. These two may have fallen hard, but there’s one thing that can ruin it all: the truth.

I just kind of stumbled upon this book by accident and when I saw the blurb it instantly took my interest. This sounds like something I would really love, I'm getting really fond of reading contemporaries lately so this really goes for my taste. ^^

An Iron Fey Valentine! ♥

Happy Valentine's Everyone! So as Julie Kagawa had promised, today she posted a short story of Ash and Meghan's first Valentine's Day entitled "An Iron Fey Valentine" at the series website, theironfey.com! Yay! I was swooning and grinning the whole time I was reading it. God, it was all kinds of sweet. Go guys and check it out. There's also a giveaway contest going on in her blog, so don't forget to drop by at juliekagawa.blogspot.com/! Enjoy!

Review: Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Title: Love and Leftovers

Author: Sarah Tregay

Published: December 27th 2011

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Ready synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really don't know what to expect with this book at first since it was written in verse. I thought it would be weird and I wouldn't be able to understand the story well and connect with the characters in that format, with just so little words. So I was really surprised when I found myself getting so caught up with the book and connecting with the main character easily. I was surprised to realize that a few words can actually contain and elicit a lot of meanings and feelings at the same time. Those verses was able to voice out Marcie's feelings and thoughts clearly.

Love and Leftovers was a fun, witty and lovely read. I loved how Marcie told her feelings through writing it in poems. Through short verses I was able to understand her, see her frustrations, her struggles, wishes, and desires. Marcie was struggling and lonely with all the situations she was suddenly thrown into - depressed mother, new school, making new friends, being away with people she loved - making her flawed in so many ways, doing wrong decisions and actions. But as the story went on and as she saw the consequences of her actions she was able to learn and realize things from them deal with it and started fixing things she could still save.

I loved how Marcie was able to deal with the lot of issued she had in her life especially with her parents. I liked her dad and how he explained the situation and things to her. Katie was a lovely and adorable best friend, and Linus, of course was a very nice, charming and absolutely sweet boyfriend. Though, I would be honest I did like J.D. at first but, wow, this guy was equally swoony too. I loved how much he loved Marcie and how much his respect for her was. I really loved those songs he wrote and sang and that poem he wrote for Marcie in her diary, it was just so, so sweet!

Overall, this was a very entertaining and enjoyable read. It was fast-paced and easy with really appealing and lovely characters. :))

Review: Shayla Witherwood ~ A Half-faerie Tale by Tamra Torero

Title: Shayla Witherwood ~ A Half-faerie Tale 

Author: Tamra Torero

Published: May 8th 2012

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

The synopsis totally caught my attention, it sounds something really exciting and thrilling and who wouldn't when the guy's name is Jace? I was pretty much looking forward reading this but as the story goes by I wasn't really finding anything really interesting or exciting. It wasn't bad at all but for a paranormal book, I really find this bland and boring. 

The story starts when Shaylah Witherwood - a half-farie, half-human - started her real life in a regular high school. She had always been home-schooled her entire life so attending a public high school and socializing with lots of people was all new to her. Aside from that she has to keep her being faerie a secret because it can only cause big troubles for her. 

Much of the story was focused on how Shaylah was dealing with her new high school life - not very paranormal, really - there were parts though were she used her abilities like getting invisible, shape-shifting her ears and stuffs, learning new abilities but it was too cliche or too simple it wasn't thrilling at all. Yes, of course, there were parts were she has to reveal her secret to certain characters but it just didn't add to the excitement.

There was hardly any plot or if there is, it was pretty shallow. For the entirety of the story I keep on wondering what really Shaylah is supposed to do or what should really be happening. There were parts were I thought they were already getting into something really interesting but then it would suddenly turn into totally different way. There were twists by the end ,though but yay, it was too ordinary or cliche for my taste. 

I also feel that most of the characters were undeveloped. For every story I've read there is always a supporting character I grew really fond of but here there is none, maybe the closest is Jace but there are just really few things about him to make me love him enough. 

The good thing though was that the writing was fast and easy. I didn't really grew frustrated of annoyed but just bored. Nevertheless, I think this might appeal more on middle-school type of reading. It was really simple for a paranormal book so I think it would be better for younger readers. :))

*An advance copy has been provided by Cedar Fort via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Published: January 10th 2011
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This book brought so many smiles in my face and warmed my heart in so many ways. A very poignant and compelling read that would reach deep down inside you. This is a story told with great humor, intelligence and honesty. I cannot fathom how much this book has struck me but I am certain this book has changed something within me after reading it. 

I've seen this book in a lot of blogs as one of their most anticipated books for this year. So I read the blurb and...I got scared. I mean, I saw right there that it's something that would be really emotional and I just so know the feelings it would left me after reading it. And they pretty much bother me, not because it was bad but whenever I read stories like this I tend to get so attached to the characters that even when it was just something fictional I feel the lost, like I was the one in there and I can't seem to let them go too. So yeah, most of the time I really avoid emotional books. They really crash my heart and makes my eyes a freaking waterfalls. 

But thank you, to those wonderful reviews I've read that convinced me to give this a try because I wouldn't be able find out how this book is so different from most heavily dramatic emotional books I've seen. This book is just so downright beautiful and utterly honest. This book made me see a lot of things in a whole different way, made me realize how lucky I am and taught me so many great life lessons. 

I'm sure I wouldn't be able to give this book justice in this review. But just let me tell you what I really loved about this book. Hazel, Augustus and their life lessons. I've read the first two chapters and I already fell in love with them. Despite the seriousness of the situation this two were absolutely adorable and funny. They were witty, intelligent and strong. And they are honest, they are both cancer victims, so they already know what choices they have, what either way they would go and what might gonna happen next. So there wasn't really those fake, hopeful speeches or dialogues that might have also deceived. They just say what's real and what's not, what's to expect and what's not to hope for. It was harsh and terrible but it was also the truth and the reality. 

I can't helped but be awed at those things they say and how they think. Especially Augustus, how good his heart was and how uniquely he saw things. I may say that the way they talk things was a little unbelievable, with all the use of metaphors, and the talk about universe, existence, oblivion, heroism and nobility - you wouldn't think a teenager could talk like this even in the brink of death but never mind that because what you need is just to see what he was pointing out, see the meaning of what he was saying and think of it, absorbed it and realize things through it. I applaud John Green for creating such outstanding characters, though quite unbelievable but still absolutely entertaining, adorable and really awe-inspiring. 

I spent most of the time laughing, thinking, swooning and chocking back tears. The story was filled with great humor, harsh truths but beautiful life lessons. There were moments like I was already crying then I would suddenly smile or grin because of the witty remarks of the characters. The development between Hazel and Augustus's relationship was something I really loved too, how they grew to really loved each other was so lovely and heart lifting. 

The last few chapters was very moving and beautiful. The ending was perfect. I can't explain how much I was touched by that. It made me cry not because it was sad but because it was so unbelievably heartwarming. And whenever I remember the ending I can't help but think of Augustus, of how great this guys is, how sweet and caring, how honest and intelligent. I'd never met such character as him. He's definitely one of the greatest character I'd ever read. Hazel's the main character here and I really loved her narration but Augustus was really a great highlight in here. 

I really have a lot of things I wanna say but they are all jumbled in my head now and I don't know how I will but them up together orderly. But god, the only thing that keeps coming on my head really clear that this book is downright-flat-out-absolutely beautiful and heart warming read! I loved this book and I would love you all to read this! :))

Review: You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Title: You Against Me

Author: Jenny Downham

Published/Publisher: 2010 by David Ficling

Read Synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.75 of 5 stars

WARNING: MESSY REVIEW AND A BIT SPOILERY!

Actually, I really don't know what to say. *sigh* This was a compelling and powerful read but after I finished the book, for some unknown reason I don't know what to feel. Actually, I still haven't figured out my overall and final say about this book but I'll give you my initial thoughts while I was reading it.

You Against Me was a novel that discussed a delicate and tricky issue. I may have steered clear of this book after seeing the blurb since it sounds a little dramatic and complicated. But as I read it, it wasn't really at all like that and I did like the plot and characters. The book tells the story of Mikey, brother of the accuser of being raped and Ellie sister of the accused. And as you may have guessed, yes, they fell in love with each other. 

The story was told in multiple POVs, both of Ellie and Mikey but in a third person. I liked both characters but between the two I find it easier to read and connect with Mickey. I understand that he was always really trying to help his sister and her family but made it in a lot of wrong ways. And I was glad that by the end of the book he completely realized it. I loved it that between him and Ellie he was the one thinking more positive that their relationship has a chance and that he was the one fighting more. Ellie, on the other hand seems to be a little unpredictable. Though it was pretty understandable since she's torn between the choices of protecting her brother or telling the truth. In the end though, she was able to pick the right choice and stick to it. The romance between the two was moving and I adored it though I wished it have been discussed more deeper.

I really admire Jenny Downham for being able to discuss the issues of rape well, especially how she confer the effects of it for the families of both sides. As I was reading this I find myself a little torn between the two families. I saw the struggles of each family to protect their loved ones. I actually felt pity over Ellie's family since I saw how desperate they were trying to keep their family together and for some reasons I admired Ellie's relationship with his brother. I know Tom's guilty but I saw that he was having regrets over it and despite Ellie's choice of telling the truth he cared for her more. I was actually really touched by it.

I had a lot of understanding about the issue after reading this. However there were really a lot of loose ends, I even thought maybe there is a sequel. Maybe that's why I still can't think of my final thought of this book.

Alright, this is really a messy review! Maybe I'll update this soon once I finally gathered my final thoughts.

Cover Reveal: UK Cover - Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Oh, look at that! Isn't it lovely? Adam and Mia~! Above is the UK cover of Where She Went by Gayle Forman! Man, I suddenly miss the two, I wanna reread the book. Totally fell in love with this. ^^

Wating on Wednesday (#6)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlight upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" is..

Unraveling

by Elizabeth Norris

Expected publication: April 24th 2012

Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she’s opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn’t possible, Janelle knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life. 

But her reincarnation, and Ben’s possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI-agent father’s files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what’s right in front of her: Everything that’s happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben’s sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she’s going to need to uncover Ben’s secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process. 

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl’s fight to save herself, her world, and the one boy she never saw coming.

*This just sounds so interesting right? With all the mysterious death and the secret investigations I guess I will definitely enjoy this book. :))

Review: Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

Title: Bittersweet 

Author: Sarah Ockler

Published: January 3rd 2012 

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Read Synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is such a cute, sweet and fluffy read. I had a so much fun reading this. I laughed and drooled a lot (oh, just imagine those cupcakes, yum!) in this book. The characters are adorable and brilliant, especially Hudson. That girl is just really funny and hilarious. This is my first Sarah Ockler book and I loved her writing style, and those cupcake descriptions are just soo yummy it left me totally craving. 

After reading the prologue I thought this was a serious, dramatic type of book. But no, it was not. Because it was actually the opposite. Hudson was a talented, brilliant and funny girl. And despite the regrets she had because of her past decisions she wasn't actually overly dramatic, in fact she was really hilarious. She was highly infectious, you know. When she was telling her regrets or how sad she was you would feel what she was feeling. And when she's happy and being all flustered by a boy you'll go all swooning and laughing at her thoughts. I was really amused by her inner fantasies about Josh, you don't know how much I laughed at that. She sometimes could be frustrating especially with her decisions but her adorkableness was enough for me to overlook those. I loved that by the end of the book she finally let go of her regrets and finally realized what she really wanted of her life.

I loved those times when she started training the hockey team. It was amazing and really entertaining. At first the boys were quite rude at her (except with Josh and Will) but as soon as Hudson showed them what she got they started trusting and believing her. I loved how her relationships with the boys developed. They happily welcomed her to the group and when they started winning and they never forget to acknowledge her and give her the credit.

Josh and Will. *coughs* You know how I avoid love triangles but thank goodness, the conflict between Josh, Hudson and Will wasn't very much frustrating. I liked both boys but of course there will always be someone I'll be siding more, which in here was Josh. Josh was genuinely a nice guy. He obviously likes Hudson from the start but can't seem to make the first move. Every time Hudson and Josh were together, I was always like "Kiss now! Kiss now! Lol. That part in the Niagara Falls, I almost believed that they won't end up together. Will, on the other hand was also great guy and I think he genuinely likes Hudson too. I loved that how he knew who Hudson really like and how he let her go and was even the one to tell her that "she should tell him [Josh]". 

Dani, Hudson's best friend was also one of my favorite characters. She's very supportive of Hudson and I loved that she was able to call Hudson out of her behaviour. And Bug too, her relationship with her sister was something. It was so cute and sweet and they care so much for each other. This kid was so brilliant I almost wanted to kidnap him (if that's even possible).  

Overall Bittersweet was a read full of funny, swoony, and heartwarming moments. This is a really wonderful read. I recommend this. And if you haven't read this, just a little warning, get ready to drool over the boys the cupcakes! They're so awesome I can almost taste them! LoL. >:DDD