What Happened To Goodbye.

What Happened To Goodbye.

Sarah Dessen.

Publisher:Viking Juvenille.

Publication Date:May 10,2011.

Genre:YA Contemporary|Family.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|402.

Source:Library|Goodreads.


 

5 STARS




 What Happened To Goodbye , is a third Sarah Dessen novel that I have read. I heard mixed reviews about this book before reading it. Due to fact that I had loved her other two books, I decided to check it out when coming across it at library. Besides Lock & Key, this is my favorite Sarah Dessen novel so far. It was bit different then her other novels I read, but I found myself loving Mclean and being able to connect with her out of everyone else. The story felt realistic to me, and I wanted to see what would happen next, what path would be taken. What happened to goodbye is worth checking out.

Who’s The Real Mclean?

Ever since bitter divorce between McLean’s parents, her father, a restaurant consultant and Mclean been on constant move. Being separated from her mother and her new family, Mclean is happy to leave her past behind, and to stay by her father. Each new place, gives her a fresh start, a chance to be something she’s not.

 

However for first time, Mclean finds herself making real friends, and who seem to accept her for who she is, or who they believe she is. Then there’s her next door neighbor, Dave. As time passes, the two of them establish a bond, and Mclean finds herself growing feelings for him, the attachment she knows that she should have. For first time in her life, Mclean finds herself wanting to stay and be herself. Expect she doesn’t even know who she is. Maybe Dave can help her discover who she is.

 What I love about Dessen’s novels is title, and the cover. The books I have read so far, always had a stunning cover and a title that would always make me curious. So, when I saw the cover for What Happened To Goodbye, the cover, I somehow had a feeling that I was going to enjoy the book. Especially when I read the summary, it sounded like the type of book I would enjoy. I always liked books about families as well, and it sounded like family type of book. What else I enjoy about the books, Dessen makes her books realistic, and it’s easy to connect with characters. Even though I couldn’t begin to imagine what Mclean was feeling, I felt like I could, I felt like I could connect with her. Dessen brings her stories to life.


Now, the storyline. I enjoyed the fact that the book wasn’t only focused on Mclean, but her family too, as much that it focused on Mclean. Both of her parents played a major role in the book. I saw the different reaction, communication she had with both of her parents. I could see that she was more on her father’s side then her mother’s, I could feel her angry with her mother and the fact that she seemed to be avoiding her anytime she called. I was wondering when she would finally tell her mother, how she felt about it. About everything. In way, I preferred McLean’s father over her father, even though at times it seemed like he didn’t have enough time for her. It seemed that neither of them wanted to listen to her, neither of them knew how the divorce was affecting her. I enjoyed reading how it was affecting her, and how the relationship with her parents changed through the book.

I loved the bond she formed with everyone, especially Dave. I thought it was sweet how everyone seemed to accept Debbie into the group so fast. I loved Debbie’s attitude, her dedication. Now, the friendship, relationship between Dave and Mclean was intense, I could tell there was an attraction between two right away. Though, I was glad that they didn’t give into their feelings right away but instead became good friends first. In way, that made the relationship more realistic then if they gave into their feelings right away. It was more interesting to read but I found myself wonder who would make the first move. It was interesting to see how their relationship developed. However, I was kind of surprised that they didn’t kiss till almost the end, I thought it would be sooner.


Even though there were mixed reviews about the book, to me this was one of best, interesting books that I have read. Sarah Dessen is officially one of my favorites and I am looking forward to reading the rest of her works.

Drink Deep, Chicagoland Vampires,#5.

Drink Deep

Chloe Neill.

Publisher:New American Library.

Publication Date:November 1,2011

Genre:Urban Fantasy|Romance

Series:Chicagoland Vampires, #5.

Format|Pages:Paperback|352.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

5 STARS



The more I read Chicagoland Vampires, the more I find myself enjoying it. I also see how much each of characters progress through the series, especially Merit. Drink Deep was another amazing installment Of Chicagoland Vampires, and after reading it, I’m craving for next book. What I enjoy most about series is next unexpected twists, like in this one, both with Mallory and Ethan towards the end. I love the suspense. I’m excited for Biting Cold .

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and Merit the vampire can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn, or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times have never been more precarious for the vampires.

If only they could lay low for a bit... Then magic rears its ugly head when Lake Michigan turns black. The mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows a panic is coming. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for both the vampires and humans.

Drink Deep was an emotional read, at least in the beginning it was. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how Merit was feeling during Ethan’s death. Her emotions were displayed very well, and I was actually glad that there were others there to help her though it. Though I felt bad for her every single time when she had a nightmare about Ethan. But as I read on, I found myself wondering what Ethan was trying to tell her, but I knew he was trying to tell her something about what was going on. At least it feeling I got. I have to say, it felt weird reading the book, without having Ethan by Merit’s side when she went to investigate what was happening in Chicago. I found myself smiling when he finally came back at the end.

Jonah: I found myself liking him even more in this book. Though I am still more of Ethan & Merit fan, I liked the bond that him and Merit established. I mostly liked that Merit had someone else that she could depend on now. As time passed, I could tell that both of them developed feelings for one another, just by the way that they acted around each other. I knew Jonah had for sure, when he came to her defense. I wasn’t surprised when they finally kissed. Now I am curious if Ethan is going find out about kiss, how he feel. But In general, I like his attitude, his dedication and I knew he make great partner for her, for Red Guard which I somehow had feeling that Merit would join at some point.

  I did not see ending coming, about Mallory; she was the last person I expected to be involved in this, in almost destroying the city. For while, I was pretty sure that it was the mayor, like Merit kept on guessing. I felt bad for both Catcher and Merit, I can’t even imagine how betrayed they must felt. Of course now I want pick up next book, because I need to know if Ethan and Merit will be able to stop her on time. Though I am sure that be end of Merit and Mallory’s relationship, and possibly her and Catcher’s.

This book, this series is totally worth checking out.

Hard Bitten, Chicagoland Vampires, #4.

Hard Bitten

Chloe Neill

Publisher:NAL Trade.

Publication Date:May 3, 2011

Genre:Urban Fantasy|Romance.

Series:Chicagoland Vampires, #4.

Format|Pages: Paperback|350.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

5 STARS

Wow. I’m speechless after reading Hard Bitten. I did not see the ending coming. After reading, I felt myself similar to what Merit was feeling, mostly because it was last thing I expected. Despite the shocking ending, this was my favorite book out of entire series, so far. Hard Bitten seemed to have more mystery within the book and had least expected resolution. I saw reviews and I don’t know why so many people were angry about this book. Sure it was sad at the end, but if there more books, most likely issue would be resolved. I’m excited for Drink Deep , to see what happens next.

Things are getting intense between humans and vampires. Ever since shape shifters announced their existence to the world as well, all humans seemed to turn against supernatural’s, and are camping out in from of house, protesting. Top of that, things between Merit and the master vampire, Ethan are tense as well.

Then the Chicago mayor calls Ethan and Merit into a meeting. In meeting where he mentions a violent vampire attack, which leaves 3 women missing. His message states that Ethan better get his house in order before he takes an action. Merit attempts to get at bottom of the crime. However she finds it harder than it looks, when she realizes that she’s not sure who’s on her side. But she knows it up to her, to get house back in order.

  It seems each of the Chicagoland vampire’s novels; each book in series gets more action, more mystery. To me, Hard-bitten seemed to have the most mysterious plot, each page, since Mayor’s warning, made me curious what is going on and why some of the vampires suddenly started acting so weird. I knew right from the rave that Merit and Jonah went to, that there was something not right. Because up till now, the vampires weren’t acting this violent. I know that someone was involved, but mayor was the last person I expected it to be. I actually liked him, well till I found what he did.


Now, Ethan, Merit & Jonah: I see yet another love triangle coming already. I just could tell, just the way Jonah started acting around Merit after certain amount of time, that he had some sort of feelings for her, and I could see that Merit kind of noticed that, how he was acting. Different. I do like Jonah more then I liked Morgan though, and found myself actually liking the character. Now the question is, if anything will actually happen between them. Now Ethan & Merit, I felt even more tension between two of them in this novel. But that what I love about this book, despite everything Merit still refuses to give in, into relationship, even if it clear he cares for her. It makes novel more interesting to read, makes reader wonder what will happen next.

The ending, Now that what has left me speechless, I did not see that coming. I found myself staring at the page multiple times, just to make sure that I read it right. I found myself not believing that Ethan was actually dead. Though, the way he died, protecting Merit that was a way to die, and you could totally see how much he loved her. Now, I’m curious to see how she’s going manage to bring him back. Chicagoland Vampires is one of best series I read, so far.

The Blue Bistro.

The Blue Bistro

Elin Hilderbrand.

Publisher:St Martin's Paperbacks.

Publication Date:May 30,2006.

Genre:Romance| Food.

Format|Pages:Paperback|384.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

4.5 STARS

The Blue Bistro, was the second book I read by Elin Hilderbrand. This was enjoyable read, and fact that this was about the food, I actually found myself hungry while reading the novel. Cover was what actually made me pick up the book in first place. However it was different from what I was expecting but I wasn’t disappointed. I found myself being engage in the book. The characters were well developed; the description gave me vivid images. After reading this novel, I plan checking out rest of Elin’s novels.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Adrienne Dealey has spent the past six years working for hotels in exotic resort towns. This summer she has decided to make Nantucket home. Left flat broke by her ex-boyfriend; she is desperate to earn some fast money. When the desirable Thatcher Smith, owner of Nantucket's hottest restaurant, is the only one to offer her a job, she wonders if she can get by with no restaurant experience.

Thatcher gives Adrienne a crash course in the business...and they share an instant attraction. But there is a mystery about their situation: What is it about Fiona, the Blue Bistro's chef, who captures Thatcher's attention again and again? And why does such a successful restaurant seem to be in its final season before closing its doors for good? Despite her uncertainty, Adrienne must decide whether she'll move on, as she always does--or finally open her heart…

When I first picked up the book, even after reading the summary, I didn’t expect it most of it to be about the restaurant business, honestly I thought there would be more romance then there was. Yet, it actually turned out to be my favorite part, out of the entire novel. I loved the description of Blue Bistro, the food, the service. I felt like I learned more about restaurant business then I knew, before picking up this novel. Even though I read novels that involved food before, it wasn’t anything like this one. All the food that was described through the novel seemed so realistic, it made me hungry and actually made me wish I could try the food as well. All of the food just seemed, tasty. I found myself being able to picture all of it easily, due to Elin’s amazing descriptions of everything. Now, the service was unlike any service I heard of before, it made the novel even more engaging to me. I actually found myself feeling sad when Blue Bistro did close down, towards the end.

Adrienne & Thatcher: Honestly, I didn’t actually seen that much spark between two of them, as described in the book. Well, I could tell that Adrienne did care for him a lot, but I can’t say that Thatcher felt the same. He told her he loved her, yet he kept running off to Fiona. Even though she was sick, it wasn’t right. Especially when he ran to have dinner with her, while he and Adrienne were on date. If he really liked her, the way he said he did, he wouldn’t done that. I just have hard time believing that he loved her, especially when he married Fiona. At the end I could tell he cared about her, but not way Adrienne cared for him. It’s for that reason I gave book 4 stars. I liked Adrienne though, considering how he was with Fiona half of time, she didn’t let it get to her.

Fiona & Thatcher: Seriosly, I didn’t quite get their realthionship. To me it seemed like Thatcher was more obsessed with Fiona, then anything. Maybe it was just me. However, despite that, I still though it was sweet how he was there for here, every step of the way, especially when she had go to hospital, or if she needed something. That is type of friend I would love to have, the one that is always there, making sure that I am okay. I like that part of their relationship. Yet, I am not sure how I actually felt about Fiona; she seemed too judgmental for me, towards Adrienne. But I did feel myself tearing up when she died at the end though. I felt sad for her and Thatcher.

The Blue Bistro was unique book, and I found myself learning some things as well. I’m glad I finally picked up. I’m excited to check out rest of her books.

Wanderlove.

Wanderlove

Kristen Hubbard.

Publisher:Delacorte Books.

Publication Date:March 13,2012.

Genre: YA Contemporary| Adventure|Romance.

Format|Pages: E Book|338.

Source:Owned|Goodreads

Challenge:Stand Alone.

5 STARS 

Wanderlove, was one of the best books I read this year. It had everything that I love in the book, traveling, adventure, friendship and romance. I have read books about traveling before couple times. However, Wanderlove was different from any other adventure, traveling books that I read. It was unique. I loved reading about the adventures that both Bria and Rowan went through. Each chapter, each page made me wonder what adventure they would come across next. Wanderlove is type of book that I find myself reading couple times. This book surprised me and amazed me, and made me happy that I finally read it. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. I would recommend this book to everyone, especially if you like adventure and travel.

Are you a Global Vagabond?

  A question that starts Bria’s journey. In order to gain independence and escape her neglected art, and finally travel live she wanted, she signs up for guided tour of Central America. Only to find too late that she sighed up to tour, with middle aged tourist which was what she didn’t expect. Then Bria comes across a backpacker, Rowan and his sister Starling.

Bria finds herself joining them and ditching the group. Both Bria and Rowan travel together through Mayan Villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels. Bria discovers one thing that both of them seem to have in common, that both of them are running from the past. However Bria soon realized that she can’t keep on running, despite what Rowan tells her.

  I have been hearing about this book, even before it came out. I been wanting to read it before, just haven’t had a chance to yet. I am happy that I finally had chance too. It was one of most engaging books I read. It’s one of those novels that once you pick it up, you have trouble putting down, and because you need to know what adventure they will come across next. Title, Wanderlove was what capture my attention first when I came across it Goodreads, when I saw someone else on site reading it, that was captured my attention first, made it me curious. It’s a unique title. I know it capture reader’s attention, even before they read the summary.


When I first read summary, I had feeling it be light travel reading, it turned to be not what I expected. It turned to be much better. I enjoyed every aspect of this novel. There were so many adventures that both Bria and Rowan came across, and it actually made me wish to visit Central America after I read this book. Everything that they explore was something that I wish I could visit. The descriptions, the details of their adventures was amazing, I actually found myself picturing being there, while reading the book. It just to me, seemed like it be such beautiful place. Also the drawings through the books, made the book so much more real, giving me even more images.

Rowan & Bria : I enjoyed reading about their relationship, it was different then from usual relationships you usually read about. Unlike some other relationships’ I read in other books before, their seemed more realistic. They didn’t fall for each other right away. Actually in beginning they seemed to be fighting more than anything. At first, I found myself wondering if two of them would actually make to the Island, the way two of them constantly seemed to be fighting. At first, I was sure they disliked each other. After a while, I could tell that they grew to care for one another. I was glad when they finally kissed, but felt bit frustrated with Bria for pushing him away. Yet, it made the relationship even more realistic to me. I was happy that they had their happy in the end though, I was hoping that she find someone, especially after Toby.


  In general, I found myself engage in book, to point that I didn’t want put it down till I finished it. I will be checking out other books by Kristen, she has an amazing talent. Both worth checking out, by everyone.

Witch Eyes, Witch Eyes,#1

Witch Eyes

Scott Tracey

Publisher:Flux.

Publication Date:September 8,2011.

Genre:YA Fantasy| LGBT Romance.

Series:Witch Eyes,#1.

Format|Pages:Paperback|332.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

3.7 STARS 

I came across Witch Eyes while on Goodreads. I was looking some books on witches, magic since those were paranormal books I seem to enjoy the most. That’s how I came across this one, my expectations were big higher for this book, and I thought I enjoy it more. I loved the book, just not as much as I thought I would when I read the summary. Another reason I picked was because it dealt with LGBT themes, and I haven’t seen many fantasy books like that. In general, I had enjoyed this novel; there were multiple parts that kept me on the edge of my seat. I will be checking out the next book in the series.

  GOODREADS SUMMARY

Braden was born with witch eyes: the ability to see the world as it truly is: a blinding explosion of memories, darkness, and magic. The power enables Braden to see through spells and lies, but at the cost of horrible pain.

After a terrifying vision reveals imminent danger for the uncle who raised and instructed him, Braden retreats to Belle Dam, an old city divided by two feuding witch dynasties. As rival family heads Catherine Lansing and Jason Thorpe desperately try to use Braden's powers to unlock Belle Dam's secrets, Braden vows never to become their sacrificial pawn. But everything changes when Braden learns that Jason is his father--and Trey, the enigmatic guy he's falling for, is Catherine's son.

To stop an insidious dark magic from consuming the town, Braden must master his gift—and risk losing the one he loves

What captured my attention about this book, before I even read the summary was the cover. From the moment I saw cover while on Goodreads, and right away I knew that I had check the book out. The cover itself looked mysterious, and after reading summary, I knew it was Braden on the cover. Way his eyes are different color and one shining, it gives pretty mysterious look to the book. I knew right that, it would be filled with mystery and some sort of secret just by observing the cover. Somehow I had feeling that I am going to enjoy this book. It has the type of look, that it would catch anyone’s attention, make them curious.

 Braden & Trey: I found the relationship between the two of them entertaining, and it was pretty engaging to read about. Because unlike all other relationships I have read in other books, theirs was different, complicated. There was a lot of tension between two of them, right from beginning, even before two of them shared a kiss. It seemed like they couldn’t really go on, without having some sort of fight. Sometimes it was frustrating how often they fought. At times it made me wonder why they were together, if half of time they were fighting. Though, it was mostly Braden who did the fighting, not like I could blame him, considering Trey was son of person who wanted him dead. I was wondering if it could be avoided if he told Trey truth from beginning. Despite their fighting, I knew two of them love one another; especially way he came to Trey’s rescue to keep him from getting killed in the end. Now I am curious what’s going happen between two of them next, considering how things between two of them ended. I am curious if they actually stay away from one another.

Another aspect of this book that I loved, were the character and the mystery behind the town. I enjoyed seeing how Braden attempted to solve the mystery of Belle Dam, and the feuds between the families. Braden seemed pretty strong character, and despite everything that he gone through. I saw how much stronger he seemed to get through the book. He had read dedication, way he wouldn’t give up. I’m excited to see what in store for him next, because I am pretty sure that his adventures are far from being over.

Reason I am not giving this 5 stars is because there were parts that were slow in the book. The beginning started bit slow for me, and at point I found myself getting bit bored but I kept on reading, hoping that it would pick up which it did. There were also couple times through book that I lost interest a bit. However it always picked up. Witch Eyes was enjoyable read and I recommended to anyone who is into magic, witches.

The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games, #1.

The Hunger Games.

Suzanne Collins.

Publisher:Scholastic Inc.

Publication Date:July 1,2010.

Genre: YA Dystopian|Romance.

Series:The Hunger Games, #1.

Format|Pages:Paperback|374.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

5  STARS

I have been hearing about The Hunger Games, for a while now. I even had few people recommended it to me. Then towards end of March 2012, my cousin Jenna sent me first book, which was nice of her or I still be waiting on hold in library. However I didn’t actually get around to reading the book, till after I saw the movie. I was glad I did, it was an amazing book and now I can tell why everyone was talking about it. I felt like I was the last one to read it. It was just the type of books that I love. The storyline was unique, not something I have heard about or read in other books, which made the book even more entertaining. There been couple times I stayed up, because I couldn’t put it down. I would recommend this book to everyone, especially if you are into adventure books. I’m looking forward to Catching Fire & Mockingjay.

  GOODREADS SUMMARY

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, the shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before--and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

  What captured my attention about this book was the story. I have read dystopian books before but never like this, and that had what made this novel so engaging. It was a creative storyline, surviving till the death? To me, it seemed cruel that government would do something that cruel. I found myself rooting for both Peeta and Katiniss; I loved them both so in way, it was hard for me to root for one character because I wanted for both of them to make it in the end. However what were most engaging in this book is the adventures that all character went through before, during the games. There were multiple times, mostly during the games, I found myself holding my breath when something occurred, wondered what would happen next, since book was slightly different from the movie.

Peeta & Katiniss: First, I’m loving the names, they are unique, creative. I could tell from beginning, that there was some sort of attraction between them too, even if Katiniss tried to deny it at first, I knew that she felt something for him. Especially way she took care of him, endangered her own life, in order to get some medicine for him, so he could get better. Even though I know part of her was doing so they could win but then I know fact that there was another part she did it because she cared for him. As for Peeta, I knew that he truly cared for her; Katiniss didn’t give him enough credit, assuming he was doing it for Games. If he didn’t care, then why would he be so hurt, when he found truth at the end, unless he truly love her. Even though it was only first book, I found myself leaning towards Team Peeta, I am curious what’s going happen between two of them next.


There wasn’t a single aspect of this book that I didn’t enjoy. Now I’m curious what’s going happen next now that Games are over. With Katiniss, Gale, Peeta. I’m looking forward to the next book.