Dec 31, 2014

Side Effects May Vary.

☆☆☆☆
side effects may vary

julie murphy.


 Publisher :HarperCollins/ Balzer + Bray
Publication Date:March 18,2014
Genre:YA Contemporary Romance|Drama.
Format|Pages:Hardcover|336.
 Source: Library| Goodreads





 






What if you'd been living your life as if you were dying—only to find out that you had your whole future ahead of you?



When sixteen-year-old Alice is diagnosed with leukemia, her prognosis is grim. To maximize the time she does have, she vows to spend her final months righting wrongs—however she sees fit. She convinces her friend Harvey, who she knows has always had feelings for her, to help her with a crazy bucket list that's as much about revenge (humiliating her ex-boyfriend and getting back at her archnemesis) as it is about hope (doing something unexpectedly kind for a stranger). But just when Alice's scores are settled, she goes into remission.



Now Alice is forced to face the consequences of all that she's said and done, as well as her true feelings for Harvey. But has she caused irreparable damage to the people around her—and to the one person who matters most?

Julie Murphy's Side Effects May Vary is a fearless and moving tour de force about love, life, and facing your own mortality 




ϟ



I have heard multiple mix reviews about this novel, and decided to check it out. Despite being a book about cancer and revenge, I found myself enjoying it. There were multiple times that I ended up reading late because I was that observed in story. I couldn’t force myself to put it down. I was so drawn in both of Alice & Harvey’s story, I wanted to see what’s going come of their journey next. I needed to see how all of it was going to end. Title was actually what caught my attention when I came across the book at the library; it’s an unique title and captivating. The reader can’t help but wonder about it and picked it up. I was. Side Effects May Vary was one of those books that wasn’t an amazing one but I r enjoyed it at the same time. There were parts that didn’t capture my attention much and parts where I couldn’t force to put the novel down. Side Effects May Vary wasn’t what I expected it to be, but a book that I’m glad I came across, one worth checking out.




Alice was one of characters that I had mixed feelings about. One minute, she was being mean to someone, the next minute she does something nice for someone. Honestly, her actions confused me at times. What she did for Harvey towards the end, that was probably one of nicest things that she done for anyone. The way she told her mom she seen her with another guy, that was not a cool way to announce it, by throwing a tantrum. I feel like I disliked her for most of the book, especially the way that she treated Harvey. After everything that he done for her, he even went along with her bucket list. Yet all she seemed to do with him afterwards is ditch him, hurt him. I wish that Harvey had enough sense to have enough earlier that he did. It didn’t matter to him what she did, he always went running back to her. Alice was one of characters that was very hard to like. Harvey on other end I loved from start to end.




I enjoyed reading from both Alice and Harvey’s point of view. That way you got to know each of character’s better, how they are thinking, feeling. The ending I wasn’t sure what to think about it. I felt like it wasn’t completed, that was one of things that I didn’t enjoy about the book. I didn’t even know what to feel about it. After reading it, I was actually confused, I found myself wondering what she whispered to him. Was it a secret? Did she tell him that she loved him. I think the book dragged on bit too long as well. To the ending. It’s one of the reasons that I only gave 4 stars to the book. Otherwise it’s pretty enjoyable novel. A story that’s worth giving chance to.


Dec 28, 2014

Trial By Fire(Worldwalker,#1)

☆☆☆☆
Trial By Fire

Worldwalker,#1

Josephine Angelini.




 Publisher :Feiwel & Friends.
Publication Date:September 2,2014
Genre:YA Fantasy|Romance|Adventure
Format|Pages:Hardcover|374
 Source: Library| Goodreads





 





This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.



Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily's other self in this alternate universe.



What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected. 







ϟ

 





Breathtaking. A masterpiece.




As you already know, I’m a big fan of books that has to do with witches and magic. Trial By Fire wasn’t what I had expected it to be, it turned to be more enjoyable than I thought it would be. There were witches, love, friendship, betrayal and that’s everything that I love about books. Trial By Fire a book that keeps your attention till the end, and even then you will find yourself craving for me. After an ending like that, how can I not? It had me wishing that the next book was out so that I can see what happens next. Even now I find myself thinking about Lily’s next adventure. What happens to her next? What dangers, adventures will come her way. I’m not sure if I can wait till September to find out. I will be counting the days till Trail Of Tears is out. A book that you find going on adventure along with her friends. Not only that but I could picture everything that was happing to each one of them. To me, their every single adventure, struggle felt real. I didn’t want put the book down. The more story progressed, more I was pulled into the story, into their magical and dangerous world.




If I had to pick, I would pick Rowan over Tristan any day. Even if Tristan in other world was different from Lily’s world, there was something about Rowan, the connection between the two of them. Tristan in her world, I couldn’t stand. He was too controlling, I just wish that Lily would see for who he was, before it was too late. I am curious to see what happens between Tristan and Lily when she returns, would things be same between them? I am also curious how long she been gone. If it would affect it somehow. After watching what happened between Rowan and Lily, way the two of them seemed to affect each other. It was nothing like Tristan and Lily had, it seemed like they had no connection between the two of them. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what Lily saw in him. Rowan, there was a real chemistry between the two of them, all through book I hoped for them get together. The last scene between the two of them was heartbreaking. I hope that two of them will find a way back to each other.



I have read couple books by Josephine before, her Starcrossed series. Couple years have passed since I have and now I know why I fell in love with her writing when I first came across. I love fact that her books aren’t just about romance, but it has a lot action involved in it. Trial By Fire isn’t any different, actually it had more of suspense and action than it did romance. Every page had me on edge of my seat, had me wondering what is going happen next. An author that engages you in the character’s adventures. I could actually feel being there along with them. I already know that it’s going be one author I am going to love. I am aleready looking forward to the next book in series.



If you love witches, suspense, Trial By Fire is unlike any book about witches. You will find yourself to put the book down till you reach end. Even afterwards you will find yourself thinking about. A must read series.

Dec 24, 2014

The Redemption Of Callie & Kayden (Coincidence,#2)

☆☆☆☆
Redemption Of Callie & Kayden.

Coincidence,#2

Jessica sorensen.




 Publisher :Sphere
Publication Date:July 30,2013
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Format|Pages:EBook| 404
 Source: Bought|Goodreads.







The dark secret Kayden has kept hidden for years is finally out. Worse, he's facing charges for battery. The only way to clear his name is for Callie to speak up-something he'll never ask her to do. Instead, he'll do whatever he must to protect her . . . even if it means letting go of the only girl he's ever loved.



Callie knows Kayden is going back to his dark place and desperately wants to save him. But that means facing her greatest fear and admitting her own painful secrets aloud. The thought of breaking her silence terrifies her-but not as much as the thought of losing Kayden forever.



Deep in her heart, Callie knows the time has come for her and Kayden to forget the pain of the past. With the help of her friends Seth and Luke she makes a plan to show Kayden the life they could have. But can she convince him they can make a fresh start together-or is she already too late? 






ϟ




There are almost no words, to describe this book. The Redemption Of Callie & Kayden put me through so many emotions, yet I couldn’t force myself to put it down. It’s one of those novels that will have your emotions everywhere, and because you eager to see what happens with them next, you can’t help but keep on reading. I have read emotional novels before, but I got to say that this was one of most emotional, heartbreaking stories that I have read. I have picked it up right after reading Coincidence Of Callie& Kayden especially after a cliffhanger like that, I needed to see what would happen next. I liked Kayden and I found myself praying since end of first book that he would be okay. I couldn’t help but pick up the next book right away. I love the cover for Redemption of Callie & Kayden, a type of a cover that would draw any reader in. I would be even if I haven’t read the first book. I am eager how it all ends for Callie & Kayden. I hope that the two of them can stay happy.



My heart broke for Kayden in this novel. It seemed that in this novel, Kayden was one that was dealing with so much more, and Callie was one that tried to put the pieces back together. I couldn’t believe that his own dad almost killed him, and was getting away with it. Though I am pretty sure that he left, because of what happened. I was not a fan of Kayden’s mother, she was pushy and I can’t believe that she was siding with his father on this. Did she not see what was going on, or did she not care? What both of his parents were doing, wasn’t something that parents should be doing. Kayden needed his mother in this, instead she seemed to put all blame on him, how it was making the family look. There were so many times through the book, I wished I could pull Kayden into my arms, hold him. I wanted talk some sense into him, to stop pushing Callie away, to let her help him. At same time I knew that only way that he could get help, if he told someone the truth. He had so much pain.



I didn’t think that neither Kayden nor Callie tell their secret to someone. Once they did, I could tell that ton of weight lifted off them. It’s like they felt slightly more free. I believe the one reason that two of them made through so much, because they had each other. No matter what happened, how bad it go, there were there for one another. Also having friends like Seth & Luke helped them as well. I got a good feeling that everything would work out great for them. They went through so much together. The two of them have a connection, a special bond. I hope that it can stay like that for long time. Redemption Of Callie & Kayden was beautifully written and I could feel all of their emotions, and to me all the characters felt real.


An emotional, thrilling ride.

Dec 21, 2014

The Coincidence Of Callie & Kayden The (Coincidence,#1)

☆☆☆☆
Coincidence Of Callie & Kayden.

Coincidence,#1

Jessica sorensen.




 Publisher :Sphere
Publication Date:December 13,2012
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Format|Pages:EBook| 400
 Source: Bought|Goodreads.











For Kayden, suffering in silence was the only way to survive. If he was lucky, he could keep his head down, do as he was told, and make it through the day. But one night it seemed like his luck -- and his life -- might finally end... until an angel named Callie appeared just in time to rescue him.



Callie has never believed in luck. Not since her twelfth birthday when everything was taken from her. After the worst was over, she locked up her feelings and vowed never to tell anyone what happened. Now, six years later, she continues to struggle with the painful secret that threatens to consume her.



When fate lands Kayden and Callie at the same college, Kayden is determined to get to know the beautiful girl who changed his destiny. Quiet and reserved, Callie still fears letting anyone else into her world. But Kayden is certain that Callie has come back into his life for a reason. And the more he tries to be a part of her life, the more he realizes that, this time, it's Callie who needs to be saved 



                         

ϟ





Did you ever read a book that wasn’t what you expected, that you ended falling in love with. Coincidence Of Callie & Kayden was that book. It was the most intense, emotional book that I have read, considering how it ended too. As a reader you can’t help but go back to ending, just to make sure that it was actual one. I had to make sure that I was reading it right. Once I reached the ending, I was taken a back and there were so many emotions that were running through me at time. I believe that with this novel, you can’t help but feel their emotions, it’s that descriptive, that emotional. Afterwards you will find yourself thinking about the story, the characters and will find yourself picking up next book right away. I did. I wanted to find out what’s in store for both of them next. Would they make it through it all, what would happen with Kayden? There are so many questions that you find yourself wondering about afterwards. You won’t be able to stop thinking about the story.



From the moment that Callie saved Kayden from his father, I felt some sort of connection between two of them. I wasn’t sure what it was but there was something there. Maybe it was because both of them had secrets, both of them were broken in the way. You couldn’t possible not see that there was something there. I saw how hard Callie tried to fight her attraction towards Kayden, and how hard he tried to show her how much she meant to him. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how hard it was for her, considering how she felt about guys after what happened to her when she was 12. It seemed like Seth been only guy she felt safe with, till Kayden came along. As time progressed, could tell that she started feel safe with him too. I was rooting for them to find a way to be together.



One of my most favorites in book was a friendship between Seth & Callie. He’s type of friend that everyone would love to have. A great guy. He was there with Callie through so much, he didn’t judge, ask questions. He was just there. If it wasn’t for Seth, I don’t think that she would even talk to Kayden, considering how she tried avoiding him when she ran into him again. I believe that Kayden and Callie might not even bond if it wasn’t for Seth. I loved how he always knew how to calm her down, what to say to her when she got scared, freaked. The two of them have a special bond, and it made me smile every time. If only guy could be like Seth was. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for what happened to him, he didn’t deserve it. I was also glad to see two of them make other friends as well. The four of them established a strong bond pretty fast.



If I didn’t hate Kayden’s dad already, I would now. I knew that he wasn’t happy with him half of time, even I didn’t guess how far he might go. I was actually horrified when I read it. I like Kayden, his dad needs to be in jail. Simple as that. When Callie found him, my heart broke for her. Honestly, I don’t know how she dealt with so much. I would have a nervous breakdown. I could actually feel like I was feeling her emotions: Sadness, fear. This is going be one book this year that won’t be able get out of my mind, especially after that ending. I’m anxious to see what’s next for Callie & Kayden.



Coincidence Of Callie & Kayden is not an easy read, it will make go through so many emotions. Filled with quite bit of drama. Each chapter and page filled with suspence and you will find yourself craving for more. An emotional ride. Worth more than five stars. A book that you will read late into night.





Dec 18, 2014

Breaking The Rules (Pushing The Limits,#1.5)

☆☆☆☆


Breaking the rules

Pushing The Limits,#1.5

katie mcgarry.


Publisher :Harlequin Teen.
Publication Date:December 8,2014
Genre:NA  Contemporary Romance 
Format|Pages:EBook| 304
 Source: Bought| Goodreads










A summer road trip changes everything in this unforgettable new tale from acclaimed author Katie McGarry



For new high school graduate Echo Emerson, a summer road trip out west with her boyfriend means getting away and forgetting what makes her so... different. It means seeing cool sights while selling her art at galleries along the way. And most of all, it means almost three months alone with Noah Hutchins, the hot, smart, soul-battered guy who’s never judged her. Echo and Noah share everything — except the one thing Echo’s just not ready for.



But when the source of Echo’s constant nightmares comes back into her life, she has to make some tough decisions about what she really wants — even as foster kid Noah’s search for his last remaining relatives forces them both to confront some serious truths about life, love, and themselves.



Now, with one week left before college orientation, jobs and real life, Echo must decide if Noah's more than the bad-boy fling everyone warned her he'd be. And the last leg of an amazing road trip will turn... seriously epic.






ϟ


                    



Have you ever come across a couple in books, which you couldn’t help but fall in love with. The characters that you found yourself rooting for? Noah and Echo were those characters for me, despite their issues, their troubles, I love them both. When I found out that Katie is writing another book about their journey, I was pretty excited. Ever since book 1, Pushing The Limits, I wondered what was going happen to them. I was curious and eager to find out if two of them would make it. There were few moments between two of them that had me thinking that it was end of their relationships. Both Echo and Noah have a lot of baggage, issues and hard to deal with at times. If I was Echo, I am not sure I could dealt with Noah. Dealing with Echo could be nerve wrecking too. The two of them seem to be able to comfort each other. I can tell that they love each other. Nobody can put up with so much, unless they in love. That’s what I love about this series, this couple, it feels more real. Their relationship is something I can see happening in real life. I was rooting for Noah & Echo all way to end.



How can you not but love Echo & Noah? Reading from each of character’s point of view, also helps the reader connect with the character. If I were asked to pick a favorite out of two, I don’t think that I would been able to. I love Noah & Echo in their own unique way. There were few times during the trip that I was sure they split by end of it. When the two of them started fighting half of the time. I felt like Noah was too jealous when Echo started working with an artist, finally doing something that she loved. I don’t blame her for being angry with him. But by end, it made me smile how supportive he was. The two of them belong together. The scenes where they were not fighting, had me smiling. When they were together, it was like nothing else mattered. I believe that in the end, love is what saved at the end. I couldn’t help but feel bad for both



To me, I got a feeling that Breaking The Rules was bit more intense, than Pushing The Limits was but I still loved them both. There wasn’t anything about the book that I didn’t love. Every page, every chapter always had something happening. There was suspense in almost every page, you had yourself wondering what was going to happen with Noah & Echo next, would their relationship survive till the end? Breaking The Rules was my type of book, I did not want to pull myself away from the story. I am hoping that maybe there will be another story about Echo & Noah, I want to find out what happens with them afterwards. After reading the ending, how can you not help but wonder? Breaking The Rules was heartbreaking, beautifully written, filled with so many emotions. It was engaging read and I can’t wait for Katie’s new series, what adventures she comes up with next.



 

Story For Dessert Published @ 2014 by Ipietoon