Review: Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Title: Slammed

Author: Colleen Hoover

Published: January 1st 2012

Publisher: Colleen Hoover

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn't expect this book to be really touching. Well, I did expect it to be a bit heavy on the romantic side but I was surprised that this book also contained a very poignant and in depth lessons toward family matters. Which made this book more brilliant. I love that this book covered more than just the love story of Lake and Will but also the love story of their family. It was heartwarming, moving and beautiful. 

I wasn't instantly hooked when I started this. To be honest I wasn't actually that excited but I was interested enough not to feel like I was dragging myself to read it. In fact, I was even able to have it on hold for just a little while but I'm glad I din't put it off for too long because now that I've read it I realized it was actually not a good idea. As the story went by I find myself gradually consumed by it.

Lake and Will were both appealing and engaging characters. I wasn't so sure though if I liked it that the attraction between them went pretty fast. But when Will brought Lake to their first date, a slam poetry, which was really different and unique I guess I was just sold. lol! However, when finally things started getting better came this big obstacle that made their relationship almost impossible. 

I ached for the both of them that they have to go through something heart breaking when all they wanted was just to be together. Aside from that other family issues came that made everything more conflicting and heart aching. And you'll find no one to blame which made it even harder. But through that they were able to assessed their selves and situations, realized things and learned lessons that made them overcome those obstacle. 

It was heart warming and moving. I love how Lake and Will faced and overcome those problems and find strength with each other. I love Lake's mom too and those great advice she gave to Lake. Caulder and Kel were also very adorable characters which also were able to tug string from my heart. Eddie was a very wonderful friend, I was so touched by her story. And the very thing that made me loved this book so much was the slam poetry. I was mesmerized, compelled and touched beyond words. I never thought I would ever loved poetry but the poems featured here went straight to my heart. Especially those poems Will made for Lake. It was very heartwarming and uplifting and I definitely felt all the emotions in there. 

I recommend this. This was an outstanding and brilliant novel that would tug strings from your heart. I enjoyed every bit of it. :))

Waiting on Wednesday (#17)

Hi guys! Sorry if I haven't posted anything for the past few days. I caught a slight fever and cold that even staying in front my computer for a couple of minutes was making me nauseous. But I'm feeling much better now and I can at least post my WoW for this week. Hehe! So here it is. :)

"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" are

Forget Me Not

by Carolee Dean

October 2nd 2012

Ally is devastated when a scandalous photo of her is texted around school. With her reputation in shambles and her life essentially over, she hides out in a back hallway, trying to figure out where everything went wrong.

Elijah has spent time in that hallway too. He landed there after taking a whole bottle of sleeping pills. Now he can see ghosts, and he knows what Ally has yet to suspect—that she's already half dead, and one choice away from never coming back.

Elijah has loved Ally for years and would do anything to save her from her in-between place. But if she’s going to live, Ally must face her inner demons, and find the will to save herself.

Through To You

Emily Hainsworth

October 2nd 2012

Camden Pike has been grief-stricken since his girlfriend, Viv, died. Viv was the last good thing in his life: helping him rebuild his identity after a career-ending football injury, picking up the pieces when his home life shattered, and healing his pain long after the meds wore off. And now, he’d give anything for one more glimpse of her. But when Cam makes a visit to the site of Viv’s deadly car accident, he sees some kind of apparition. And it isn’t Viv. 

The apparition’s name is Nina, and she’s not a ghost. She’s a girl from a parallel world, and in this world, Viv is still alive. Cam can’t believe his wildest dreams have come true. All he can focus on is getting his girlfriend back, no matter the cost. But things are different in this other world: Viv and Cam have both made very different choices, things between them have changed in unexpected ways, and Viv isn’t the same girl he remembers. Nina is keeping some dangerous secrets, too, and the window between the worlds is shrinking every day. 

 As Cam comes to terms with who this Viv has become and the part Nina played in his parallel story, he’s forced to choose—stay with Viv or let her go—before the window closes between them once and for all.

Review: What I Didn't Say by Kaery Taylor

Title: What I Didn't Say

Author: Kaery Taylor

Publication Date: May 11th 2012

Publsiher: Kaery Taylor

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.5 stars

After reading the blurb I thought it was a heavy read. Because, you see, it involves some devastating and depressing incidents. But surprisingly it was not, in fact it was actually a pretty light read but with great in depth lessons. I was touched and moved by this story and although I think I get a bit teary-eyed on some parts it wasn't really a depressing story. 

Jake's story was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. And I couldn't help but be impressed by this boy and by the way he faced and accepted his situation. Jake didn't let himself be overcome by self-pity even when I know it was hurting him really bad. I was waiting for him to breakdown and cry and get angry over his loss but he never did and I was really touched by it I think I teared up a little.

Sam was a really strong character. I didn't like her right away and how she reacted on some stuffs on the earlier parts but when I learned her story I finally like and understand her. Through her Jake was able to realized that he has a lot to be happy about despite not being able to speak. I really love how Jake and Sam were able to find and save each other. 

The love story was sweet and very touching. I did find some bits of it a little corny and some dramas had me saying 'ohkaaaay' but sill the message and lessons the author wanted the reader to see was very well conveyed. It was beautiful and poignant. There are so many things in this world we should be grateful about and shouldn't be taken for granted, that there are a lot worse out there that we couldn't even imagine but we have to see the good things we have even the simplest things. 

Overall, this was a very heartwarming and touching book that teaches great and wonderful lessons. I really enjoyed it and I love to recommend this to you guys! :)) 

Thank you Kaery Taylor and Netgalley for providing a review copy!

Review: Shine (Shade #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready

Title: Shine (Shade #3)

Author: Jeri Smith-Ready

Publication date: May 1st 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm seriously not good at writing reviews for the final book. It's like I don't know what to say even though I enjoyed and loved it. I just wanted to sit down, think of everything that happened and let out a contented sigh and a satisfied smile. Then be at peace. lol! But for Logan, Aura and Zachary who had all been a very fascinating and lovely characters, who made me swoon and grin so much it hurts and who provided me so much entertainment and happiness I guess it's just fair to share to everyone how good this series is. 

Shine was a really great book and I would say that it brilliantly concluded this wonderful series. I love how everything was revealed, resolved and finally fulfilled. The characters were well developed, the discoveries and truths about the myths were amazing and the ending was just stunning and fantastic. 

Aura on the previous book, to be honest, had me really worried and anxious in every action she did or decisions she made. But in this book I seriously loved her and trusted her. She was more sure, more determined, stronger and braver. I love how how much she cared for Zachary and how committed she was to him. Her determination to stop the Shift and help Shades to become ghost and passed on even if it was risky was amazing and impressive. She definitely grew up in here and now I can totally say she's pretty kick-ass heroine! 

Zachary. I just seriously love this guys so so much. Not because he did some kick-ass stunts and tricks and beat up all the bad guys but because I saw a very vulnerable side of him in here. He went through some pretty serious sh*t that almost had me bawling my eyes out and my heart ached for him. Still he never gave up, for Aura. He was a very impressive and remarkable character and I was just really touched by his dedication and love for Aura. 

I was very much touched and moved by this two. They went through a lot of things here but they always overcome it together. It was heartwarming and also very sweet. And I thank Jeri Smith-Ready for giving us so many lovely, cute, steamy and sweet scenes here and making me swoon countless times before finally wrapping everything up. 

The other thing that made me enjoy this book so much was the mystery about the Shift and Shine, the myth in Newgrange in Ireland.It has always fascinated me since I started reading this series and I really loved it discovering the truths about it. 

And one more thing that I really really loved Jeri Smith-Ready did here was she made Logan present, I mean, his memories were always present. He was always remembered and I even appreciated his character him more. It was very heartwarming and touching.

I really loved this series, it was beautifully written, remarkably unique and very captivating. Jeri Smith-Ready is a very wonderful and talented writer. I so encourage you guys to read this series, you'll never regret it. :)

Waiting on Wednesday (#16)

"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" are..

Spark

by Brigid Kemmerer

Expected Publication: August 12th 2012

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally.

Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. Like the fire that killed his parents.

Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he’s not doing it.

More than Gabriel’s pride is at stake -- this could cost him his family, maybe his life. And no one seems to hear him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.

Gabriel can’t let her guess about his brothers, about his abilities, about the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.

The fuse is lit…

- Yay! I'm seriously super excited about this one because it's Gabriel freaking Merrick's story! I've read the first chapter of this book and it killed me, it just triggered my craving for Gabriel this book! Can't wait to read this book. :))

Flawed

by Kate Avelyn

Expected Publication: July 10th 2012

Sarah O’Brien is only alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago—James will protect her from their violent father if she promises to never leave him. For years, she’s watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she’ll give it freely. 

Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can give.

Sam Donavon has been James’s best friend—and the boy Sarah’s had a crush on—for as long as she can remember. As their forbidden relationship deepens, Sarah knows she’s in trouble. Quiet, serious Sam has decided he’s going to save her. Neither of them realize James is far more unstable than her father ever was, or that he’s not about to let Sarah forget her half of the pact...

- I was very intrigued the first time I read the blurb of this book and it did remind me of Forbidden. This may sound pretty dramatic and really angsty but it seems like something I would really like. :))

Review: Storm (Elementals #1) by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Storm (Elementals #1)

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Publication Date: April 24th 2012

Publisher: Kensington

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.75 stars

I would be honest that the main reason that caught my interest to read this book was that I heard that there were quite a number of hot swoon-worthy guys in this one. And then I was surprised to learn that they were not just your typical gorgeous guys but also very cool people who have super natural powers that can control the elements! And so I was sold!

The characters were awesome and very fascinating. Becca Chandler was a very real and compassionate character. She did a poor decision in the past that made her flawed and vulnerable but still she faced and dealt it with her best. I didn't like her right away though but she eventually grew one me as the story went on and as I learned more of her. Chris Merrick on the other hand, I like right away! Haha! Although sometimes his reactions on some things were a bit offending but still he was a very good person, having his POV helps a lot understanding his character. Hunter, the first time I met him I was like, Uh-oh. Not that I find him bad, he was in fact a very kind and caring character but when he showed up I known there'd be love triangle coming and he'd be a threat! Haha! And I just can't seem to like him. Don't hate me alright, I saw all the good in him and I know lots of people loved him but I just...can't. The other Merrick brothers - Michael, Nick and Gabriel were all equally hot and sexy. Gabriel was funny and very fascinating, he's my personal favorite among the brothers. 

What I enjoyed the most in this story was discovering each brother's elemental powers. I also had fun learning how it worked and how people get to have those abilities and stuffs. I was also moved by the relationship of the brothers especially after discovering what their family has been through. Growing up without parents who most understand their situation was hard. Brigid Kemmerer did very good job in handling and capturing the conflicts and issues within the relationship of the brothers. As for the love-triangle, worry not because it wasn't the kind that gives you headaches or had you pulling your hair out of your scalp. It was actually pretty good and I did quite enjoy most parts of it. 

Storm was very entertaining and fun read, fast paced and action-packed. This book is more than just the boys (even though they were the main reason I read this), there's a lot more in this book that I'm sure you'll enjoy as much as you will enjoy the boys! LOL! Looking forward for the next book, Spark, because it's gonna be Gabriel's story! Yay! :))

Review: Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Title: Insurgent (Divergent #2)

Author: Veronica Roth

Publication Date: May 1st 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4.5 stars

When I first read Divergent, I was awed. I loved it and I really enjoyed it. However there was this small part of me that just cannot acknowledge that this series could be, like most reviews had said, leveled with The Hunger Games. I don't know, there was something I need to see or feel for me to be completely convinced that it is worth comparing to THG or say that it could be as great as THG. 

And well, great job Veronica Roth, because Insurgent just had me convinced that this series is indeed f*cking AH-MA-ZING! I was floored! I can certainly say now that this series could be leveled with not just THG but other really great dystopian novels as well.

I was so happy this sequel didn't become a filler book, or that it didn't suffer on the "second-book syndrome" in which most second novels in a trilogy tend to be. I was surprised to realized that throughout the book there were so many things that actually happened, so many discoveries and things learned.

I thoroughly enjoyed the parts where we get a look on each faction. It was fascinating and interesting to see how they work and learn their beliefs and principles and ways of living. I saw the good and the bad in each of them, their issues and flaws and realized how much their world were twisted seeing how it limited their people to have their own individuality.

With her grief over the loss of her parents and her guilt over Will's death, Tris went through an intense emotional roller coaster ride. Her regrets and remorse from what had happened drove her to make thoughtless and careless decisions and actions. Which made me ache for her but also drove me pretty crazy and frustrated me a bit. It was understandable and believable though especially after all that had happened and obstacles they were still facing. With all those emotional suffering she'd been through she was still an amazing and admirable character, a really brave and strong-willed heroine. In the end she was able to find her way and realized the right things she has to do.

Tobias/Four. I saw a lot of different sides of him in this book. His usual 'cold and aloof' facade he wear most of the time was gone. He showed a lot of emotions in this one and he'd been more open regarding his feelings. I saw a frustrated Four, a vulnerable Four, a regretful Four but also a very loving and caring Four and boy did I fall in love all over again!

What I also loved so much in this book was how Tris and Tobias's relationship was handled. It was very real, believable and mature. I love that it showed how it was to have a relationship in a situation were too many obstacles, conflicts, emotional baggages were thrown. It wasn't easy and it wasn't always beautiful. But they were still able to overcome it. The downside of it helped established their relationship into a much stronger and more in depth one. I was touched by them and I just so freaking loved them.

I found myself dumbfounded by the ending. It was mind blowing and I was seriously surprised. It wasn't really a brutal cliffhanger but it was a very good cliffhanger! I wasn't expecting that and it made me so excited for the next book! Overall, Insurgent was a very remarkable and impressive sequel! Once you read it, you'll never have a doubt about his series. I highly recommend it. Book 3, hurry up! :))  

Review: Everneath (Everneath #1) by Brodi Ashton

Title: Everneath (Everneath #1)

Author: Brodi Ashton

Publication Date: January 24th 2012

Publisher: Harper Collins/ Balzar + Bray

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.75-4 stars

“Stay with me, Becks. Dream of me. I am ever yours.” 

It's very rare of me to cry over a paranormal book, it's not that they don't reach me deep down, it's just that I'm always busy figuring out twists and puzzles and how they would survive over those paranormal obstacles. And yes, of course, I do swoon over the romantic and sweet moments. I go gaga over those heroes' heroic deeds and sacrifices just to save their significant someone and prove how much they mean to them and love them and whenever they say the sweetest things, I just melt. But no one has ever struck me as much as Jack's love for Nikki! It was hauntingly beautiful, heart warming and real. It din't just had me swooning but it also reached me and tugged my heart in the most amazing and heartrending way. 

This was a mixture of the story of Persephone and Hades, Orpheus and Euridyce and a twist of some Egyptian mythology. And sure enough that made this book really unique and interesting. When I started this I was instantly swallowed by Nikki's voice and emotion. It was heavy and intense, I felt her grieves, and regrets and it just made my heart ache for her. Still there were times that I love her and times that I hate her. But as she started taking actions and as she developed throughout the story she became a very admirable and amazing character.

Even though I was extremely touched by this book and although I really did enjoy it I still had some frustrations over it. I could understand Nikki's flaws and misguided choices but it doesn't mean I have to like it. There was this point that I wanted to tell she's so stupid! And although she did admit that it was her own doing that ruined her life and that she regretted it I was still a bit annoyed with her since she didn't exactly do anything right away when she came back. It was frustrating especially there with Cole, I wanted to shake her so bad and beg her to please get really angry at Cole! Around the middle part of the book I was really hopeless about her and Jack. So I was really glad when things finally started picking up around the later parts. That was the most exciting and interesting parts. Where twist and secrets were revealed and when Nikki finally started standing up and fighting for herself and Jack. 

Jack. He's the most sweetest and most committed guy I'd ever met! I don't know if I there's anything negative I can say about him. He's a very patient, faithful and loving character. It literally broke my heart when I learned all the hardships he'd been through. There's no word for me to describe how strong his feelings for Nikki. All those things he's done to save Nikki is just downright amazing and heart warming. And whenever Jack is present you could clearly see the love in him. (view spoiler)

As for Cole, he's annoying and I just wanted him to go far far away but in all honesty I could say he's pretty endearing and intriguing. There were some parts that showed that he could be really kind and good but with all those things he did to Nikki, how he manipulated her I just can't seem really like him. 

This was a very unique and wonderful paranormal book with a very heartwarming and moving love story. The characters were great and endearing and I was deeply touched by them and their story. I would definitely love to recommend this to everyone.

Review: The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

Title: The Probability of Miracles

Author: Wendy Wunder

Publication Date: December 8th 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.5 stars

Won't there be any cancer book out there that will not make me cry in the end? Or at least make the main character survive and live? Why do they always have to die?! 

If it wasn't for the last third of this book, which was really beautiful and heartwarming, I might have really given this a 2 or 2.5 stars. Cam's too cynic attitude really didn't help me to like her and her story right away. Instead of being sympathetic of her I was a bit annoyed and frustrated. I understand her situation and what she'd been enduring for so many years and yes, it was awful and I was sorry and sad with all of that but this girl was just so so negative. Usually, I would have loved a heroine who's sarcastic, smart-mouthed and tough. I would have admired her attitude and how she handles and put up on things but in Cam's case I was like hopeless. She doesn't believed in miracles, well, I'm okay with that but what was really depressing was that she doesn't let any positive thing to come in her short remaining life. I was so tempted a lot of times to drop this book unfinished. I was so hopeless of her, and I was like this girl should have met Augustus Waters! I even told myself that I won't cry if she died in the end. But I ate back all those words. Because I did. A lot.

So I'll be straight here, I didn't like the first and second thirds of the book. I was frustrated, annoyed and hopeless. But the last thirds? I LOVED it. It was beautiful, poignant and very moving. It made me forget all my frustrations on the earlier parts and I finally found myself loving Cam and the wonderful person inside her. It was touching to see her letting things through, even if she doesn't believe in miracles she started believing that great things could still happen without needing an explanation. I love how she finally opened up and find happiness and true love before it's too late. All those things that happened in this part were really moving and I appreciated every second of it. The romance is definitely a thumbs-up, it was sweet, swooning, and definitely heartwarming. And all the characters were really wonderful, they all have been a very good part of the story making it more inspiring and enriching. 

The ending was so beautiful it hurts. I was so moved and touched that fat tears started coming out of my eyes. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. And yes, I loved it. Even if it left me like a mess. I was satisfied and I was glad I didn't give up on this book and continued reading it. I just wished that Cam's change of heart started a bit earlier since I really struggled during the first two-thirds of the book. But all in all, this is a very heartwarming and inspiring story and I did enjoy it. I would still love to recommend this.

Waiting on Wednesday (#15)

"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" are..

These Broken Stars

by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Expected Publication: 2013

Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen never should have met. She’s the socialite daughter of the richest man in the galaxy, and he’s a decorated soldier fighting back rebellions on newly terraformed planets. But when the vast luxury spaceliner they’re both traveling on crashes, they find themselves thrown together as the two sole survivors on an alien planet.

As they survive harsh conditions and dwindling supplies—not to mention each other—the two begin to uncover a mystery surrounding the abandoned planet that neither of them could have guessed. 

The first in a trilogy, THESE BROKEN STARS sets into motion a series of timeless, standalone love stories that span galaxies—and are linked by their shared worlds and one mysterious enemy.

The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten)

by Julie Kagawa

Expected Publication: October 23rd 2012

Set several years after the events of the first, this trilogy will star an older Ethan Chase, Meghan's brother.

(Blurb not yet available)

Lately galaxy and alien stuffs seems to be very appealing on me. Haha! So when I saw These Broken Stars I had it on my tbr fast. The blurb definitely does sound unique, interesting and fun! Too bad it's still due next year and no definite date yet! But I'll be waiting. And the second one....*drum rolls* The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa!! Hurrah! Definitely one of the books I'd be so looking forward reading this year. I've read the first chapter of this book at the end of The Immortal Rules, and boy, a 17-year old Ethan sounds sexy! Haha! I can see a new name getting on my top book boyfriend list! :D