Blog Tour: Mia's Heart by Courtney Cole (Review + Giveaway)

Title: Mia's Heart (Paradise #2)
Author: Courtney Cole
Publication: November 13th 2012
Publisher: Lakehouse Press

My name is Mia Giannis. I am seventeen years old. I live in Valese, Caberra.

This has become my mantra and my lifeline, having recently lost my memory due to a scary natural disaster.

Yeah. I have amnesia. Messed up, right? You don't know the half of it.

Not remembering anything has turned my world upside down. My parents try their hardest to “remind” me of who I was, but it doesn't feel right. Or, if what they're saying is true and that really was me, I'm not sure I like that person very much.

And then there’s my love life. Apparently, Gavin Ariastasis is my oldest and best friend in the world. Also, apparently, we’ve never dated. But now, noticing him for what feels like the first time, he’s making my heart do somersaults. He knows me inside and out—the real me. Plus, he’s sexy and charming as hell. Sounds perfect, right?

But then... there’s the new guy. Quinn McKeyen – tall, gorgeous and deliciously American. His mischievous grin and slow Midwestern drawl turn my insides to mush in two seconds flat making me question who I really am and what I really want.

Seriously. What am I supposed to do with all that?! I feel torn between them, but I barely even know who I am, let alone what I want.

I just hope my indecisive heart will clue me in. And sooner rather than later…before I lose what little of my mind that I have left.

Mia's Heart was a fun, quick and lovely read. Although it has two of the things I wouldn't want together in a book - amnesia and love triangle - I was surprised to find myself not at all really bothered by it and I actually sped through this! However, I had some slight issues with it that prevents me from really liking it. Still, I enjoyed most parts of it. 

Mia Giannis was a character I wasn't really sure about when I first read her. I liked the fierceness and the bad ass vibe about her but I'm not quite fond of her initial image before the amnesia. So when she lost her memories that had me pretty interested. I wanna see how this new Mia will turn out, I was fascinated by how she rediscovered her memories and found her true self.

Quinn MacKeyen and Gavin Ariastasis were the two love interest in this story. Now, love triangle isn't something I'm very fond of. As much as possible I avoid and steer clear of them however when I started this I didn't know this has one. Fortunately, the love triangle here wasn't the kind that is headache inducing. I admit that I'm a little sad because I was cheering the wrong team still I wasn't really devastated by it. Or maybe I was a little uncaring by it? 

Now with the boys, Gavin Ariastasis was a fun fun character! I liked him instantly. He was Mia's best friend. He's a character that is laid back, easy going and yes, cocky. Yet, there's something in him that tells he's a pretty deep character. Quinn MacKeyen, well, like Mia said he's "deliciously American". Despite his good looks he was a really humble character. He could be every girl's dream of a boyfriend. However, he was described too perfectly and well, that's just boring. I was looking for flaws, even tiny bits, but nothing, he was too good to be true. So in the end, I guess, I just grew pretty indifferent about him. 

I liked the story, but not like really like. Some parts I found quite shallow and the writing was a little more on telling that showing. Some things were handled lightly though I think they should be told with more depth. Nonetheless, despite the issues I had, I did enjoy most parts of this book. Almost all the characters were likable and I liked most was how the friendship between all of them grew. If you're looking for a light, fun and sweet read, you might want to check this out.

3 stars

Thanks to Courtney Cole and Kismet Book Touring for providing a review copy of this book.

***GIVEAWAY***

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Learn more about Courtney and her books at www.courtneycolewrites.com

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Mia's Heart by Courtney Cole - Release Day Blizz

Title: Mia's Heart (Paradise #2)
Author: Courtney Cole
Publication: November 13th 2012
Publisher: Lakehouse Press

My name is Mia Giannis. I am seventeen years old. I live in Valese, Caberra.

This has become my mantra and my lifeline, having recently lost my memory due to a scary natural disaster.

Yeah. I have amnesia. Messed up, right? You don't know the half of it.

Not remembering anything has turned my world upside down. My parents try their hardest to “remind” me of who I was, but it doesn't feel right. Or, if what they're saying is true and that really was me, I'm not sure I like that person very much.

And then there’s my love life. Apparently, Gavin Ariastasis is my oldest and best friend in the world. Also, apparently, we’ve never dated. But now, noticing him for what feels like the first time, he’s making my heart do somersaults. He knows me inside and out—the real me. Plus, he’s sexy and charming as hell. Sounds perfect, right?

But then... there’s the new guy. Quinn McKeyen – tall, gorgeous and deliciously American. His mischievous grin and slow Midwestern drawl turn my insides to mush in two seconds flat making me question who I really am and what I really want.

Seriously. What am I supposed to do with all that?! I feel torn between them, but I barely even know who I am, let alone what I want.

I just hope my indecisive heart will clue me in. And sooner rather than later…before I lose what little of my mind that I have left.

**Excerpt**

I flip over and suddenly, I’m terrified. 

I’m panicky.

The sea is so very vast. 

And I’m so very alone.

I scream.  I can’t help it.  And as I do, I accidentally gulp in a huge mouthful of water.  Everything that follows is a blur. 

I start coughing and flailing my arms and even though I’m wearing a life-jacket, I’m thrashing around like a lunatic.  I hear the boat motor start up and then I feel the wake of the boat as it crests up to me.  Gavin is next to me and before I know it, he’s hauling me over the side of The Shining. 

I’m in his lap, on the floor of the boat and he is holding me and I am shaking.

OhMyGod.

I’m such an idiot. 

I’m such an idiot.

And I must be repeating it out loud, even though I don’t mean to, because Gavin is telling me, “No, you’re not.”

But I am. 

I really am.

“I don’t know why I got so afraid,” I tell him.  “I think I had a panic attack.”  My voice sounds pathetic and I hate it.

Gavin tightens his grip on me, his strong arms are wrapped around me and I suddenly realize that his skin is pressed against mine and it feels really, really good.  I push into him harder and clutch him to me.

Because for some insane reason, I’m still unnerved.

“It’s okay,” he tells me softly.  He’s stroking my back and I’m trying to catch my breaths like a normal person.  “You’ve been through a lot. I shouldn’t have let you float like that alone.  You seemed like you were doing fine, so I climbed up onto the boat to watch you and I must have fallen asleep.  I’m so sorry.  This is my fault, Mi.”

I look up at him.  He’s so sexy and concerned and my heart melts.

“It’s not your fault that I’m insane,” I tell him firmly.  “I don’t know why I panicked. I can’t even explain it. Everything just all of a sudden felt so big and I felt so small and alone.  I guess I kind of freaked out.”

Understatement of the year.

Gavin’s dark eyes are soft as he stares at me.  He brushes a thumb across my cheek and says that he is so very sorry. 

“It makes sense, Mia,” he tells me.  “You can’t remember who you are.  So you feel sort of alone in the world.  And when you fell asleep while you were floating and woke up, the sea felt big.  And everything came down on you at once.  It’s okay. I get it.  But you’re never alone.  I want you to know that.  You will always have me. You always have and you always will.”

My heart swells until it might burst. 

It feels so incredibly, amazingly good to have this beautiful boy tell me that.  To know that he has always been my friend, that he knows me inside and out.  And then I do something unexpected.

I lean up and kiss Gavin. 

On the mouth.

Sweet Angel of Mercy.

His lips are soft and warm from the sun.  I can taste the sea on them and I weave my hands into his hair, pulling him closer.  He tightens his grip on me and kisses me back; hard, hard, harder.  He tastes like fruit and smells like sunshine. 

It’s really nice. 

Wonderful.

Amazing.

My heart is doing flip-flops when I finally pull away. 

Gavin stares down at me in shock.

“I’ve always wondered what that would be like,” he admits.  “Kissing a firecracker, I mean.”  I smile. 

“And?”

“It’s really too difficult to say from just one kiss,” he says, his dark eyes twinkling.  “We should try it again so that I have more to go on.”

He cups my face in his hands and dips his head, his lips meeting mine. 

He tastes of butterscotch and man.

Twenty-five beats of my heart later, he pulls away. 

“And?” I breathe. 

“You’ll do,” he grins.  

Check out Dante's Girl - the first book in the Paradise Diaries Series  

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**Giveaway**

During the Release Blizz Courtney offers one signed copy of Dante’s Girl to one lucky winner! US/Can only.

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Courtney Cole is a novelist who would eat mythology for breakfast if she could.

She has a degree in Business, but has since discovered that corporate America is not nearly as fun to live in as fictional worlds.

Every Last Kiss is her debut novel and she followed it with the rest of The Bloodstone Saga (Every Last Kiss, Fated, With My Last Breath and My Tattered Bonds).

Courtney lives in quiet suburbia, close to Lake Michigan, with her real-life Prince Charming, her ornery kids (there is a small chance that they get their orneriness from their mother) and a small domestic zoo.

Learn more about Courtney and her books at www.courtneycolewrites.com

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Review: While It Lasts (Sea Breeze #3) by Abbi Glines

Title: While It Lasts (Sea Breeze #3) 

Author: Abbi Glines

Published: July 31st 2012

Publisher: Abbi Glines

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.5 stars

When I first met Cage in Because of Low he wasn't something that was really likable. Most of the time I was just kinda disgusted and annoyed with him. He was a total man-whore and I didn't really find any reason to like him until the end of the book when I saw how much he loved Low and how honest and accepting he had been. And so I thought maybe there's still hope for this guy to change, I would love to see a story for him. 

And I finally did! I enjoyed it but well, I did have some issues with it. Maybe because I had read so much of Abbi Glines that I can almost predict how things would turn out or end up. Or how his/her characters would react. I was kind of wishing a little something new from her but this one felt the same like all of her other books, plus I thought some parts were left a little unexplained. But overall it was a very easy, fast, fun and sexy read that made me still enjoy most of it. :)

Cage had a tremendous transformation here which was a very fascinating thing to see. Especially with the way he started acting and thinking after meeting Eva was so unlikely to the Cage we first met in Because of Low.  It was very interesting to see the indifferent and arrogant Cage turn into a sweet, caring and faithful guy. However, I think the transformation in him felt so sudden. Of course, I like that he was changing but I didn't see any reason or thing so powerful that might have compelled him to change his ways so suddenly. I understand that he got attracted to Eva like nothing before but I think the change would have been more believable if he had a deeper struggle and confusion in assessing his feelings, I was actually expecting him to fight it especially after seeing how he was in Because of Low. 

Eva. She had a very heartbreaking past that had greatly affected her. She closed herself off to a lot of things and refused to move on. So when she and Cage met well, she was all fierce and harsh. And I like it, I like her ferocity and how she treated him sternly. She seems to be a very challenging character so I thought it would be really fun. However it was just short-lived. Not that she trusted Cage right away but she’d gone soft on him a little too fast. And just like my issue with Cage, her change of heart felt too sudden. I was expecting more resistance and reluctance from her. Like I said I thought this would be fun because I thought Eva would be a great challenge for Cage. I was hoping for the both of them to fight a lot and have funny banters even if their attraction was growing.

Nevertheless, the good that all came from the too fast and sudden changes and transformation in the characters was that it made this book an easy read with less frustrating dramas. Plus, we all get to the sexy parts right away which Abbi Glines is so good at. LOL! The writing was actually smooth and easy but I think the story would have been better if there were more depth especially with how the two dealt their feelings. I just felt like it came too fast and easy. But despite that, I think I enjoyed the overall. 

If you want an easy, fun, fast but sexy and hot read, I guess this one is for you. 

Review: First Comes Love by Katie Kacvinsky

Title: First Comes Love

Author: Kate Kacvinsky

Published: May 8th 2012

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4 stars

I had the impression that this was an emotional book when I first saw the blurb. But turns out it was actually the opposite. Because not long after I started reading the book I find myself laughing with the characters. It was actually a fun, sweet and highly amusing read. And although that may sound like this is just an ordinary light and fluffy read this book never lacks the depth most emotional books carries. It was delivered in a way that would make you think and understand life lessons and insights easily without having to feel and encounter intense or sad emotions. And Kate Kacvinsky really did an amazing job in doing that.

The characters in this book are just really remarkable. I adore Gray and Dylan. They're both such relatable and genuine characters. Dylan is a very interesting girl. She's fun, does a lot of random things, and could be really weird and crazy most of the time but in a really good and refreshing way. Gray was a very real and lovable character. His problems and the emotional baggage he carries forced him to close himself to other people. He built up walls around himself and kept people at arm’s length and thought that he would never need anyone. Not until he met Dylan and his walls started coming down.

Although this was narrated in both povs of Gray and Dylan, I think the story focused more in Gray's development and growth and how upon meeting Dylan everything started to change in him. His pov, even with all those things I describe about him that would make you think he's an emotional or fragile kid, was actually very fun to read. I had a lot of laughs with his thoughts and idea and I just love the realness and honesty with it. Here are some of Gray's lines I really loved:

“First I thought she was crazy. Now I'm crazy about her.”

"She smirks as she applies some Chap Stick to her lips. I'm jealous of Chap Stick."

"We slump down on the leather couch and contemplate what to get my mom. Well, she contemplates what to get my mom. I contemplate kissing her."

"I turn the light off and catch my trophie out of the conrner of my eye and I think of all the awayrd I would give to her. Best Kisser. Best Lips. Best Everything." 

It was amazing to see the story of these two different people unfold. How they first met, how their relationship grew from companionship, to friendship then lovers. How both their characters and personalities developed through each other, how they discovered things and how their take and perspective in life changed after meeting each other. Katie Kacvinsky wrote it in a way that is just so utterly endearing and so natural with the right mix of humor and fun.

Their love story didn't come easy, there were ups and downs too especially coming from their differences and different goals in life but through with that they were able to realize what they really wanted, what to do with their feeling, decide and take chances and make everything work. The ending felt like a bit cut short for me or maybe it's just me wanting more. But really, I wouldn't mind if this was longer. I would be more than happy to see more of Gray and Dylan's story.

To conclude, this was such a fun, sweet but also really insightful read. I laughed a lot with Gray and Dylan and was touched by their relationship and how they overcome problems through the help of each other. And yes, of course I swoon a lot with them too, there were some pretty hot moments actually here that I, of course, devoured. And just to tease you, I'll leave you a quote from one of those moments:

"I take a step toward her and reach out to take the warm, damp washcloth from herhand. It has smears of makeup all over it. I stare down at her soft lips, puffy from all the scrubbing, and hesitantly run my thumb across them. I feel Dylan shudder when I touch her. Or maybe it's me. I hold her face in my hand and look in her eyes and she offers me the smallest grin, and that's all I need. My eyes fall back to her lips. They look warm and soft and inviting."

So there it is, if you want more of swoon-worthy and hot moments I recommend you start reading this now! LOL! Read this! :D

Review: From What I Remember... by Stacey Kramer and Valerie Thomas

Title: From What I Remember...

Author: Stacey Kramer and Valerie Thomas

Published: May 15th 2012

Publisher: Hyperion

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4.5 stars

Normally too many POVs in a book would've peeved me out. Three is my limit but apparently I can actually manage more than that. Because this book has five POVs. Yes, FIVE! Yet I seriously freaking adored it! I didn't expect to enjoy this book so much but boy, no matter how many povs it had or how cliched it was it still kicked my ass! This was a fuuuuuun read but had its deep and insightful moments too that definitely made it more wonderful and enjoying!

The characters were the best part of this book! Kylie and Max were both adorable and fun characters. Despite being flawed their characters seems to be so genuine. They were opposite characters (you guys know how I loved that kind of arrangement) and had zero interest to each other but through their forced and unexpected journey they discovered so much more about themselves and realized things they might actually really liked about each other. I love how these two grew and developed throughout the story. 

The romantic build up was great. I adore authors who can manage to write a well developed romance even when the story was set for a short period of time. I loved how Kylie and Max's relationship progressed. The attraction between them doesn't feel forced. It was well paced and very genuine. Their chemistry was really good so when the final moment came, it was absolutely swoooooooooning! It was just so sweet, sexy and cute!

Supporting characters like Will, Jake, Lily and Charles were never left on the sides too. They had their own moments that didn't feel unnecessary to the story. Aside from Kylie and Max's pov I really enjoyed Will's! Being inside the head of a gay was just really fun. He was also a very wonderful and caring best friend and I like how much he loved Kylie. Jake's pov (Kylie's younger brother with asperger syndrome) was a touching one and Lily's, although she could be a bit bitchy, I found myself empathizing her situation. The five povs in the story were all so different but what was so good about that was it gave us some level of understanding to these different kinds of people without being one-sided or too judgmental.  

With awesome characters, intriguing plot, and sexy and fun romance - all I could do was just to simply adore this book. I would absolutely recommend this especially if you're looking for a fun and sweet read but with great and in depth lessons.  

*Thank you Netgalley and Hyperion for providing a copy of this book!

Review: The Vincent Brothers (The Vincent Boys #2) by Abbi Glines

Title: The Vincent Brothers (The Vincent Boys #2)

Author: Abbi Glines

Publsihed: June 5th 2012

Publisher: Abbi Glines

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4.5 stars

My conclusion after finishing this book: My most favorite of all Abbi Glines books!!! I loved this! I love Sawyer, I love Lana, I love Beau and Ash, I love the ending. In short I love every-freaking-thing. I laughed, cried, swooned and swooned and swooned and yeah, definitely swooned. 

Abbi Glines books gives off this feeling that get me this sh*t-eating grin on my face that never got off even after I finished the book and had me giddy the entire time. And yes, The Vincent Brothers did just that or I guess, even more. 

Sawyer's character didn't really strike me anything when I first met him in The Vincent Boys, in fact I thought he was boring and dull. BUT, six months later I realized I was so so wrong. This boy was never a bore and this time his character did actually strike me. Hard. And boy did I fell in love.

Sawyer definitely took me by surprise by a lot of things. First, of course, by this sexy and flirty side of him; then him being so sweet and caring to someone other than Ash; and there was also this jerk side of him which really annoyed me. I love how his character changed and developed throughout the entire story and as he realized that he could get over his heartbreak over Ash and care and fall in love to someone who's not her. 

Lana was a very strong and sweet girl. And I just simply adore her. She was so nice and understanding that you would definitely be angry when someone hurt her. With all she'd been through it was hard not to have this protective feeling over her, even from Sawyer. But I was glad that she was the one who punch some sense to him. I also loved the idea of her getting out of her shell and did herself a make over. She was never oblivious of her beauty and charm yet she remained so nice and down to earth. 

This was the book that made me least frustrated and worried when it came with the dramas and conflicts from all the books of Abbi Glines I've read. That's probably why this became my most favorite. It was surprisingly easy and it covered every aspect it should have covered without getting too dramatic. 

So to conclude, this was a very enjoyable, sweet and steamy read. I had so much fun reading this. I loved Sawyer and Lana's chemistry and of course, those sweet, swoon-worthy, hot and steamy moments between them that I am sure most of you will enjoy. Abbi Glines offered a very wonderful epilogue too that left me utterly satisfied with this series. I highly recommend this! Read this! :)

Review: That Wedding (That Boy #2) by Jillian Dodd

Title: That Wedding

Author: Jillian Dodd

Published: February 10th 2012

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.5 stars

First of all I'd like to say that I really enjoyed this book, not as much as the first one though, but still I had fun reading this. However there were parts that just made me quite annoyed and frustrated and I think I just can't really overlook them this time - but maybe that could just be me. Ha! The book still did a very good job on showing the important aspects - especially marriage and what goes with it, struggles and conflicts couples face and overcoming past heartbreaks (Jaydyn's parents' death). 

I swoon a lot of times to Jadyn and Philip's relationship. It was cute, funny, and really sweet. Although I do think it was a bit unhealthy during the first parts but it definitely matured as the story went by. I understand Jadyn's struggles and confusion as she prepared for the wedding. But sometimes she pretty gets on my nerve. Haha! Her thoughts were pretty shallow most of the time and that just annoyed and frustrated me, especially during their counseling. But that doesn't mean I hate her. I, on the most part, feel sorry for her, I thought that if her parents were there she wouldn't be acting like that, she would have understand and face it better. But there was this one part that almost put me on edge! I almost pulled out my hair. And some of her past escapades kinda shocked me. But still, all went well. I was relieved, happy and touched when she finally realized what was wrong - how she thought that she handled her parents death well but in fact she did it terribly - and learned her lesson and what she has to do.

Jadyn, Philip and Danny's friendship was still very much highlighted in this story. And it was still really great and wonderful and I just loved how it was. And I found myself jealous of Jadyn again for having such wonderful and loyal boys in her life. 

I also loved a lot of scenes in this book that made laughed so much! One was the "huge spider" scene! That was epic! It was just so funny and hilarious! Then the bachelors party, ah, I was grinning the entire time reading that part. And of course the wedding, it was wonderful and amazing though I think it was too extravagant, too perfect, but why not? Right? Favorite part of the wedding? When Danny and the boys danced! Haha! I can so much imagine them dancing the dougie, it would just looked so hot! lol! 

And yeah, I really enjoyed how thorough Jillian Dodd showed the wedding planning here. In fact while reading this I started to plan my own wedding too! Wahahaha! I actually felt excited even though I know it would happen years from now. I didn't actually thought of that but after reading this it just kinda feel nice to think about it. 

Overall, this was still a very good read! Funny, sweet and steamy with a very wonderful ending. I was thrilled when I learned there would be a third book, That Baby! Yay! I would definitely be looking forward to it! :))

Review: That Boy (That Boy #1) by Jillian Dodd

Title: That Boy

Author: Jillian Dodd

Published: May 16th 2011

Ready synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 5 stars! 

I've been eyeing this book for quite a long time but was a little reluctant to read it since, you see, it involved two boys. You know how I avoid love triangles because it definitely give me headaches and heartaches. And well, I'm scared I might fall for the wrong one and end up being disappointed. BUT all the reviews I see were quite contradicting what I was thinking, not one was actually complaining about a love triangle because, really now that I've read it, there wasn't actually any love triangle. And although ,as expected, I liked the other boy (Danny), I wasn't really disappointed. I didn't have a hard time appreciating the love story and I definitely enjoyed and swooned over how it ended. And that's what made this book really great. You can definitely enjoy both boys without getting disappointed. They both had their fair shares and it was awesome. With the way the story was told it was easy to accept and understand everything. It was definitely a well thought and written book about love, friendship and growing up. 

When I started reading it I wasn't caught up instantly. At one point I even asked myself what the readers loved about this book. I find JJ a bit whiny and naive and I didn't really loved her right away. Those were my first impressions but as the story progressed, as I saw JJ, Philip and Danny grew up, how they learned stuff and experience new things, JJ eventually grew on me and I started to appreciate the story more. She's more like expressive than whiny and though sometimes she could be a little dumb, that's the thing that actually made her more adorable. Her relationship with Philip and Danny was really funny and cute! And to tell you the truth I was so freaking jealous of her! It was also very heartwarming to see how much those boys loved her and cared for her. I enjoyed every moments between them. It was just really wonderful. 

One thing I also really loved about this book was that it was fast-paced but still was able to show all the essential parts of their lives starting from their childhood. Well, I tried to do the math and I think the story has a span of 10 years, the first scene was when they were 12 years old and in the ending they were already 22. Right? Uh, not so sure but you see, it was great because you really see how they went to different phases in their lives and how their experiences formed their characters. And that made it easier for me to know and understand them better. It was great when you reached the ending and when you go back to some parts you'll say that wow, they really did grow! It was like you were also reminiscing the past like you were the one who experienced it and that would just made you smile. 

The ending definitely made me so happy! It was one of the sweetest and most heartwarming endings I'd ever read. It convinced me this is worthy of a 5-star rating. I applaud Jillian Dodd for making such an awesome story and wonderful characters. There were a lot of moments that made me really swoon, laugh so hard and warmed my heart. I highly recommend this! You're gonna love Danny and Philip! And JJ too, of course. It was a fun, sweet and very touching read! :))

Review: Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

Title: Two-Way Street 

Author: Lauren Barnholdt

Published: June 26th 2007

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I was a bit reluctant to read this the first time I saw the blurb. I thought it would be a worrying and frustrating story. And well, it did turn out to be...a little frustrating. Not that I hate it, because really, I liked it. There were just some times where I wanted to smack both of Courtney and Jordan's head and tell them to please stop all the drama and just talk and tell the freaking truth. And then there goes the ending that kinda fell short on me. Nonetheless, most parts of the book was really enjoyable and I loved them. :)) 

The story was narrated in both character's perspective. Which was great because understanding and connecting with them would be easier. Courtney's character was real and tough. But sometimes she could be really stubborn and annoying. Though it was understandable since she was dealing with a broken heart and spending 3 days alone with the guy who hurt you pretty bad was tough. Jordan, on the other hand was a really sweet and caring guy. I understand him and his reasons why he did those things. I know he was confused and hurting too and that he was only trying to protect Courtney. But I wouldn't overlook that he did some poor and stupid decisions. Well, of course I do blame their crappy parents especially Courtney's jerk of a dad. But if he had been stronger and believed in Courtney they could have avoided major heartbreaks. 

What I enjoyed and loved the most though was the flash backs on how Jordan and Courtney met and started their relationship. It was so cute, sweet and swoony. It was great to see how their relationship developed especially since they have zero interest with each other the first time they met, not the hate kind thing but just bland. Jordan's perspective was the one I really enjoyed 'cause from the guy who just do hook ups it was entertaining and amusing to see how he changed when he started really liking Courtney. 

I was relieved when Courtney finally discovered the truth, however I didn't like how she reacted at that point. I mean, I understand she has the right to be angry but she was seeing black and white. I expected her to analyze everything that happened and understand that Jordan wasn't totally at fault with what happened and to see how hard it was for Jordan too. I wanted her to be more angry at her dad but it seemed like she was more angry at Jordan. Then there were a few more things that happened which I think was just dragging the story. The ending was good but I feel like it was too fast and abrupt. They made up easily so I was like what was those dramas for in the last parts if they could have fixed it so easily. Yeah, Courtney finally understood Jordan's reason but I felt like she didn't saw how much it hurt him too. I really wanted her to realize how hard it was for Jordan to be dealing with that 'secret' for four long months and that she wasn't the only one who needed comforting but also Jordan. I wasn't that satisfied but since they made up and was back together I guess I should be happy with that. 

I would still want you guys to try this one. The ending was good and I think it was just me who wanted more. lol. And there were really great parts and scenes too that I think you guys would enjoy so I guess I still recommend this. :))

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!

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: 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

Review: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Title: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour
Author: Morgan Matson
Published: May 4th 2010
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing
Read Synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Wow! I feel like I just had an epic road trip all over America and witnessed a very cute and sweet love story! Amy and Roger's Epic Detour was a very fun, sweet and easy read that offered me not just a heartwarming story but also an unforgettable trip which - from where I am now - is quite impossible to have (I'm technically on the other end of the earth from America. XD) but nevertheless I absolutely enjoyed it, like I was really seeing and discovering things too. And you see, I'm actually majoring in tourism management so this is definitely my kind of book, it has two of my most favorite things in the world - a story and travel. 

Amy was miserable. She thought her life sucks and she blamed herself from the car accident that cost her dad's life. Her mother decided to move from California to Connecticut and start all over again. So Amy embarks a road trip together with Roger - son of her mom's old friend which she barely knew - across the country. Through the trip, both Amy and Roger discovered, realized and learned a lot of things. 

It was easy to connect and relate with Amy. The feelings she had - anger, sadness, and guilt - was very well pronounced that it was like you know exactly how she felt. I love how in every places they stopped by she learned and realized new things, about the place of course but also about her self. As their road trip went farther, Amy's character began to developed and started opening up. And also started having feelings for Roger. I loved the part when she was finally able to drive again and tell everything that happened during the accident to Roger. 

Roger was a fun and easy-going character. I liked him in an instant (like I don't do that in all male lead characters. XD). Well, who wouldn't want a guy who would travel across the country just to get a girl back? Yes, that was his reason why he decided to join Amy with the road trip which was kind of Wow and Aww. But it did change as he, like Amy, discovered and learned things and started really caring for her and liking her too. And those moments between the two were definitely swoontastic! I loved loved loved every bits of it! Morgan Matson did a very great job in developing both characters and their relationship.

Other things I love about this book was by making it look like a scrap book. I loved the post-its and receipts, the photos, and of course, the mixes. It was easier to picture and imagine the things and places described in the book. It also adds to the feeling that you were like with them too, traveling. I laughed, teared-up a little, swoon and smiled a lot in this book. I wouldn't really mind if the book was longer, I definitely want more of Amy and Roger. This is an epic and fantastic read! I highly recommend this! :))

“The best discoveries always happened to the people who weren't looking for it. Columbus and America. Pinzon, who stumbled on Brazil while looking for the West Indies. Stanley happening on Victoria Falls. And you. Amy Curry, when I was least expecting her." -Roger Sullivan 

Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Published: January 2nd 2012
Publisher: Poppy
Read Synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.75 stars of 5 stars

This book was one of my most anticipated book this year and I was glad that it was an enjoyable read. However I wasn't totally overcome by it than what I had expected it would do. The title could be a little bit deceiving 'cause the story wasn't very much actually about it. Though there were really those swoon-worthy bits between Hadley and Oliver that made me...well swoon, I find the story focused more on how Hadley dealt the conflicting feelings she had about her parent, especially about her dad. Nonetheless, the things between Hadley and Oliver was really cute and sweet and though I don't really believe in love at first sight I love the thought of meeting someone and then having a great and undeniable connection between them. ^^

At first I thought Hadley was some spoiled, whinny, brat. The way she told her dislike about the idea of going to his dad's second marriage kind of annoyed me. I was like why don't she just get over it since her mom and dad are both happy and moving on. But as the story progressed and as I learn more about her I started to connect with her and understand her. Her feelings - bitterness, sadness, hurt and anger - was very well voiced out. It actually made me also mad at her Dad too. I find him really selfish. Asking Hadley to attend his marriage to a women she haven't even met before was just kind of anger-inducing. And even though at the last part he and her father already had a talk about it and finally forgave him, it wasn't enough for me to like and forgive him too. And no matter how nice Charlotte was I just can't seem to like her. I just want - even for a little part - to see their guilt for what they'd done, that they did something bad and had hurt other people. But I guess that's just the way it has to be - everyone just have to move on and be happy. 

Oliver was a very entertaining character. He's cool and sweet that you wouldn't know that deep inside he's dealing with a more heart aching situation. I loved his jokes and his answers to Hadley's question were really filled with great humor. You would think that he was really open and cool on things but really he could also be a mysterious guy. I was shocked when I learned about his father and how his relationship with him had never been really good. But in the end I was happy that both him and Hadley were able to deal with those crappy things, moved on and meet again! The last part was really charming and sweet. They were really a very cute couple and I just loved them. :))

Overall, this was a lovely read. Though I wasn't entirely happy with the thing about their parents, the narration between Hadley and Oliver's encounter was enough to make me really liked the book. A light and fun read! :))   

Review: The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

Title: The DUFF
Author: Kody Keplinger
Published: September 7th 2010
Publisher: Little Brown/Poppy
Read Synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Wesley Rush doesn’t chase girls, but I’m chasing you" 

Oh baby, you don't know how I just swooned at that line! *sigh* 

Anyway, Gahd, I love love luuurve this book. I had this on my TBR pile for quite a long time but I keep on passing through it. Seriously, I should have read this a long time ago. But yeah, I guess it's better late than never, right? And I am really glad that I finally read this! This is just so freaking awesome. I'm surprise on how much I enjoyed this book. 

I had a lot of fun reading this book, this made me laugh, swoon, and grin a lot! And the characters, though they have their obvious flaws were still really adorable and lovable. Kody Keplinger did a very great job on developing the characters. You'll definitely notice how these characters changed and grew throughout the story, most notably Bianca. 

I loved Bianca! Even though she could be a bit whinny and frustrating at times her character was still really lovable and understandable. I don't hate her for her actions during those times when she was trying to escape the problems she had. Even if it was kinda bitchy or slutty, the author was able to make us connect with Bianca and understand what she was trying to do. As the story progressed, Bianca was able to realize things about herself and how to finally stop running away from her problems and face it. It was really amazing how noticeable her development was. She was very different from how she was on the very first part and how she turned out on the last part. Not just the way she acts but also the way she thinks. Her experiences and her past actions did change her perspective in a lot of things in a really good way. 

Wesley. All right, he's a jerk and I am very well aware of that but still I really loved this guy! I love how Keplinger wrote his character. She didn't try to gloss his character by being a total good, nice guy in the end just so that everyone would like him. In fact he was still a bit of a jerk in the end but not really in a bad way. But what the author did was to make us understand why he was doing it. And I don't deny that it was still bad and awful but I also realized that it wasn't entirely his fault why he was like that. That there were really big reasons behind it. He did changed in the end, just like Bianca, he finally stopped running away and finally faced his problems. But the witty, overly confident, a bit of an a-hole Wesley was still there - which I really liked. 

I always find it hard to understand guys who were like Wesley or to find logical reasons why they were being like that. But Keplinger was able to help me realize that maybe there were really reasons for that - like escaping - and we shouldn't be all too judgmental. I don't say that it's okay for them be like that but maybe we have to be a bit sensitive because at some point we tend to become like them too, maybe in a different way, but still there were times that we all wanted to escape too. They needed someone that would make them realize the things they should really do. 

Casey and Jessica, Bianca's best friends were also really lovable. I love Casey for being so supportive and caring. She's the kind of best friend every girl would want to have. A best friend who will always be there when you needed them, who would immediately notice if there was something wrong and would easily lend her help and her ears even if you keep on pushing them away. I love that Jessica was the one who saw that Toby wasn't really for Bianca. That she saw pass Bianca that she wasn't at all happy and that what she really want was Wesley. I would love to have best friends like this two. They're one of the sweetest and most adorable best friends in all the books I'd ever read. 

Whoa! I think I wrote a really long review. Haha. But that just means I so loved this book. I really have a lot to say whenever I got so engaged over a book. Over all, this was a very wonderful and insightful read. Not just fun but you'll also get lessons from here. I highly recommend this! A must read! :))

Review: Past Perfect by Leila Sales

Title: Past Perfect
Author: Leila Sales
Published: October 4th 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Read Synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Past Perfect was a fun and delightful read. I didn't expect that I's be able to enjoy this book so much. I found myself staying awake until 3 am just to finish this book even when I have a 7:30 am class tomorrow (Luckily, class got suspended today! I was literally dragging myself to take a bath this morning when it was announced that there were no classes today. Hurrah!). I laughed, swooned, and grin like a mad man on all the cute and funny stuffs in this book. This book also offered really insightful thoughts that made me nod in agreement.

Chelsea was an adorable and easy to relate character. She's funny and witty but sometimes she gets pretty whinny and frustrating. Throughout the story Chelsea was dealing on getting over with her break-up with her ex-boyfriend, Ezra. What Chelsea did was to remember only the good stuffs about Ezra, as her best friend had said "For someone who’s supposed to be an expert at history, you just suck at remembering what’s real." She refused to remember the bad things and glossed it over thus making it even harder for her to accept the break-up.

Lots of thing had happen, bad and good, before she was finally able to realize what was wrong and developed herself. I loved how she was finally enlightened on things especially when her dad explained her the thing about the past and history which was really insightful.

"What really happened doesn't matter. What matters is how we agree to remember it"

"Although things actually happen, we don’t remember them the way they actually were."

The romance was cute and sweet! I love Dan. He's a sweet heart and I just wish we had learned a lot more of him. There were those really swoon-worthy bits that made me smile a lot and grin hard.

“We shouldn't be doing this." Dan broke the silence, his voice low. "We would both get in trouble." He stood up. "Let's go back."

"We shouldn't be doing what?" I scrambled to my feet. "What exactly are we doing?"

"This."

"You mean consorting?"

"Sure, consorting. Cavorting. Carousing." He paused to take a deep breath.

"Kissing." Then he leaned in and pressed his mouth to mine.”

Other characters like Fiona, Chelsea's best friends, was really lovable. I love how she had been a very great friend for Chelsea, for keeping on supporting her and help her realize thing about herself.

The war between the Colonials and Reenactment land was really funny too. It was silly and ridiculous but I enjoyed how everyone of them were so dedicated with it like it was a real war. The things they did was quite unbelievable but nevertheless it was still amusing and really entertaining. Bits of historical stuff were also narrated in this book so I was able to learns some historical stuffs too.

Overall, this was a very fun and insightful read. It was a really charming and adorable read. The story wasn't complex but you'll still be able to learn great stuffs in here. :))

Review: Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Title: Love Story
Author: Jennifer Echols
Published: July 19th 2011
Publisher: MTV Books
Read Synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the first time I read a Jennifer Echols book and it was a nice read. Echols was able to provide a really fun and amusing love story but also a really frustrating one. I love how we learned Erin and Hunter's history and how their relationship turned into something really complicated through the stories they wrote on their creative writing class. 

Erin was a determined and firm character. I love that she knows what she wants and how hard she works for it. In her case, being used of having everything she needed, it was really admirable that she was able to keep up on things now that she has to work hard for everything she needed. What I don't like about her was her inability to confront her real feelings, assume things and jump to worst possible conclusions. Hunter, on the other hand was interesting, sweet and mysterious enough but not really mysterious, I mean he had his secrets but he can also be really open especially on how much he cares for Erin. However when I learned about the bargain he did with Erin's grandmother I was suddenly confused about him. But still I like him! lol. 

The two could be really stubborn! At one point they would made up then suddenly there would be an unexpected twist and then they're enemies again. They refuse to communicate their feelings with each other and talk about the situation. The ending left me a little confused about their relationship because they never really had a talk about it. Even after what had happened in their last creative writing class. Yes, Erin realize in the that they really should stop toying with each other and asses their feelings instead but she never admit that she had made poor decisions and actions. There was really a lack of emotional response that clearly states that she wanted their relationship to be real and better in the end. Its like The ending was abrupt left me not really satisfied. There were things that were left unsettled like Erin's relationship with her grandmother. But nonetheless there were really nice parts that I enjoyed very much. And Erin and Hunter still end up with each other but not just really clear how.

Review: First Date by Krista McGee

Title: First Date
Author: Krista McGee
Published: January 10th 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Addy Davidson discovers God's unexpected plans for her life when a reality TV show turns her quiet existence on its head.

The orphaned daughter of missionaries, Addy is quite content to stay in the shadows and never draw attention to herself. But when she's selected for a reality TV show to try to become the President son's prom date-a show she didn't audition for-she's suddenly in America's spotlight.

The lights, the make-up, the competitions, and the blogs discussing every move she makes all make Addy incredibly uncomfortable. But through her time at The Mansion, Addy comes to realize that first impressions aren't always right, that hiding out may not be what God had planned for her life, and that her faith should affect everything she does. It may just be that her selection wasn't random at all and that she's on this show "for such a time as this."

First Date was a fun, refreshing and delightful read. I'm a sucker for a celebrity-guy-ordinary-girl pairing so when I saw the synopsis it instantly caught my interest. I enjoyed it thoroughly especially the concept of reality TV show. This is also a Christian book so there were parts that discusses about it but it wasn't really overly done so it's okay for you to read it even if you're not a Christian. The writing was also good and fast paced so it was really an easy read. 

The story centered about Addy Davidson. Addy was just an ordinary high school girl who was asked by the principal of her school to represent their school for a reality TV show to try to become the president's son's prom date. Addy was reluctant to join the contest but her uncle convinced her to join because it could be a good opportunity for her to develop herself and to know the God's real purpose for her.

Addy's character was really admirable. Though I admit I was a bit annoyed with her during the first parts. But as the story progressed I see how she realized her mistakes and learned things and became more mature. In the end she was able to do what God really wanted her to do - to share God to the people she cares and also to the people who wasn't nice to her.  The entries from her mother's journal was really touching and admire her parents for what they did. Jonathan's character was also really nice. Jonathan's the president son. He's humble and kind despite getting so much attention from everyone. He likes Addy and the moments between the two were really adorable. 

Though I'm a Christian I don't usually read religious novels but this one proved that Christianity and humor can go in one. It was a fun read. Read this! :))

An advance copy has been provided by the publisher via Netgalley

Review: Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg
Rating: 4 of 5 stars


This one is a fun, lovely, cute, quick read. I love it. This is the second time I read a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. And I still did enjoy it.

Though I already figured out everything from the beginning and had predicted almost every thing quite right I still had fun reading this. I haven't really read the original Pride and Prejudice (I'm not really into classics) but this one did appeal to me. With the modern set up it became more interesting and likable.

Our Elizabeth Bennet here, is a scholar in a prestigious, hing-class, all-girls Longbourn Academy. And being a different one, a 'charity case' they call, she received a lot taunting and humiliation from the other students. Which affected her judgement towards the people with money especially when she met Will Darcy. Will is a student from Pemberley Academy, an all-boy sister school of Longbourn. He had been rude to Lizzie when they first met, gaining a more bad impression to her. But since after the incident in the bookstore, he had tried his best to know Lizzie. In which had been not so easy since both judgement were affected by past experiences.

But soon realization came up, when things had been properly explained, and had been amended they finally understand each other. That they had been narrow minded because of what had happened in the past.

A fun read. I needed to read something like this because I was still raw from my last read, Sing Me To Sleep, and I just really needed something to lighten up my mood because whenever I remember it, it was just so saddening that I might cry again. OTL. Anyway, I recommend this to everyone especially those who like a fun, quick, read. :))

P.S.
This is the cleanest, wholesome-st, chick-lit I ever read. Haha. :DD