Belles,Belles,#1.

Belles

Belles,#1

Jen Calonita.

Publisher:Poppy.

Publication Date:April 10,2012.

Genre:YA Southern Contemporary.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|356

Source:Library|Goodreads.

5 STARS

I heard about Belles from a friend of mine on Goodreads. I also seen quite bit of reviews about the book on the site, most of them positive. Before that, I read the summary and from moment I read it, I knew that I was going love the book. I had always loved southern/western type of novels and it seemed like my type of book. Prior to starting the book, I was curious what’s going happen with Izzy & Mira, how the two of them adjust to the new change. Most of all I was eager to find out what secret was. The ending, made me eager for the next book in the series.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Scott loves her life by the boardwalk on the supposed wrong side of the tracks in North Carolina. But when tragedy strikes, a social worker sends her to live with a long-lost uncle and his preppy privileged family. Isabelle is taken away from everything she's ever known, and, unfortunately, inserting her into the glamorous lifestyle of Emerald Cove doesn't go so well.

 

Her cousin Mirabelle Monroe isn't thrilled to share her life with an outsider, and, in addition to dealing with all the rumors and backstabbing that lurk beneath their classmates' Southern charm, a secret is unfolding that will change both girls' lives forever.

Cover was what captured my attention actually, it’s unique. The way that part of the book is covering part of her face so all you can see is her eyes mostly. That is what gives the book it’s mysterious look, it looks like the girl is hiding something or possibly hiding from someone. I’m eager to find out if that’s Izzy on cover or Mira; it feels like Izzy to me. Considiring fact that she was one who attempted to hide, while trying to fit in at same time, once she moved to Emerland Cove. The cover is captivating, beautiful and cover itself tells a bit of a story.


Izzy & Mira: At start, I wasn’t too fond of Mira, I more preferred Izzy over her. Somehow I had a feeling that I could connect with Izzy more then I could with Mira, and at times it didn’t seem like Izzy didn’t quite want fit way Mira did at Emerald Cove, she tended to keep to herself most of time. In way I felt sorry for her, it didn’t seem like anything was going the way that she wanted to. I can’t even begin to imagine how it is, to move to completely new place, living different lifestyle while constantly worried about your grandmother. I don’t think I would be able to do what Izzy done, while putting up with bullying from Mira’s friends. By end of the book, I could see how much she progressed, how much stronger she got. Izzy did everything that I couldn’t. As for Mira, I understand why she let her friend bully Izzy, because she wanted to fit in with popular crowd but she should stood up for Izzy, instead of standing there and doing nothing, she was family. I felt like she only cared about herself. But as book progressed, I saw her changing and I was glad she finally stood up to Savannah and stood by Izzy’s side. I’m curious to see what happens between them next, now that they found out that they are sisters. Would their relationship change?


Savannah & Brayden: I wanted to hit Savannah from moment that I met. What kind of best friend is she? To me it seemed that she was more of controlling Mira half of time then being her friend. Way she treated Izzy? I know she said that she was doing for Mira but I don’t believe that for an instant. Also way she treated Mira at her own birthday party just because Mira stood by Izzy’s side, outlasting her. That was uncalled for. I was glad that Mira saw Savannah for who she was and decided not to be friends with her. It something that she should done long time ago. She’s not her friend, she’s just controlling. Most of book it seemed like she was controlling half of things, and expected for everyone else to follow. I never disliked a character as much as I dislike her. I’m curious what’s going happen with her in next book, now that her and Mira no longer friends, will she end up talking Mira in being her friend again? Now Brayden, I loved him right from start. I got say I was surprised when I found he is dating Savannah, I don’t know what he saw in her to begin with. I didn’t see Brayden as rich guy till he showed up at Izzy’s new school. I was eager to find out when he tell her how he really feels and come to his senses and dump Savannah. Even I knew that two of them belonged together.

The ending, wow, did not see that coming. Sisters? That’s one big secret to keep. I’m curious if Mira would treated Izzy any differently if she knew right from start that they were related. I’m curious if anyone else is going find out about this discovery and how they will react. I’m more curious about Savannah’s reaction then anything. Would Mira & Izzy finally patch up things between the two of them?

Belles, is filled with drama, adventure, romance and secrets. It’s a book that will keep you on edge of your seat even after you come to end. I’m eager to pick up next book in series, to see what adventures they will face next.

Opal,Lux,#3.

Opal.

Lux,#3.

Jennifer L. Armentrout.

 

Publisher:Entangled Teen.

Publication Date:December 11,2012.

Genre:YA Fantasy|Suspense|Romance.

Format|Pages:EBook|382.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

5 STARS

 Oh my god. I did not see that ending coming. How could they end the book like that? I was sure that there missing pages somewhere. I was in shock when I came to the end, I wanted to cry. I had feeling that something was going to happen at the end but that wasn’t what I expected. I can’t believe I have to wait till June to see what happens next. I need to know what happens with Katy now. It seems like every book in this series has an unexpected twist, one that hooks me to storyline even more. After reading Lux series, it’s officially one of my favorite series. Jennifer Armentrout hooks your from start to end, make you craving for more, I will be checking rest of her novels.

 

 

GOODREADS SUMMARY

No one is like Daemon Black.

 

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

 

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

 

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

 

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

 

  Every book in Lux series has the most stunning covers. I loved cover in Onyx and Opal is even more stunning, at least to me. I love color of Daemon’s eyes in each of the covers; it makes everything, the scene look more mysterious. That’s what I noticed about covers in each of books, no matter what they are doing, they always look mysterious and gives reader an idea that something is going to go down. You can tell by way Daemon is holding Katy on cover, her eyes closed that something is going to happen, that the two of them are about to face something good. The book covers for series seem to fit the storyline pretty well. I’m already curious how the next book cover will look like.

 

  It seems the more I read the series, the more observed and hooked I get into the story. There hasn’t been a single part that I didn’t enjoy in series so far. It seems to me, as book progresses, the more action there is and there is always some sort of challenge that the gang seem to be facing. That’s what so interesting about the book, there is always something going on and every scene makes you wonder what’s going to happen next. Considering how Opal ended, I’m even more eager to find out what’s going happen next. If her friends, Daemon would be able to save her. I still can’t believe that she was trapped like that. I can’t even imagine what she go through, till she’s saved and I hope for her sake that she is. What I am most curious about, is what they going tell Katy’s mother about her sudden disappearance.

 

 

I didn’t think that it was possible, to love Daemon more. I was wrong. Besides Katy, Dee, he’s my favorite. I didn’t think that Daemon could be so romantic. When I first started the series, he didn’t see a romantic type to me, especially way he acted with Katy in start. Now, he’s the kind of guy that any girl would want for boyfriend. I can tell how much he loved Katy; he showed it even more through this book. His reaction towards the end of book almost broke my heart, I started tearing up then when Katy got trapped and he tried to get to her. I wanted to hug him myself; his heartbreak broke my own heart. I can’t even begin to imagine what he must be going through and Daemon is one person who barely shows emotions. I hope that he will find a way, to get Katy out of there, thought even if he does, hope that she’s not changed too much.

 

Opal made me smile, cry and made me angry, frustrated. Jennifer didn’t disappoint me, she brought story to life for me. Opal had my attention till end.

Onyx,Lux,#2.

Onyx
Lux,#2.

Jennifer L. Armentrout.

 

Publisher:Entangled Teen.

Publication Date:August 14,2012.

Genre:YA Fantasy|Suspense|Romance.

Format|Pages:EBook|366.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

5 STARS

Have you ever read a series, that each book that you read in the books, you get more into the series? You know right away that it’s one that you going to love. That’s how Lux series is for me, so far. After reading Onyx, it seems like I got more observed in story. It’s a book, right after finishing it, I wanted to read the next one right away. Especially the way that Onyx ended, wasn’t expecting that. That’s what I love about these books, they tend to having unexpected twists. I can’t wait to read Opal, to see what adventures and obstacles everyone will face now.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

 

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

 

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

 

But then everything changes…

 

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

 

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

I had a feeling like Onyx had more action, then the first book did. I believe it’s due to fact how much training, fighting that Katy was doing through the book. I think that was one of the reasons that seemed more action packed to me then the first book. Of course, what happened towards the end of the book too, that was something that I wasn’t expecting to happen. Once again, Jennifer threw an unexpected twist in the story. While I was reading it, I had feeling that something was going to go down, but I did not expect for someone to die, and I actually liked him. I wanted to pick up Opal right away, to see what happens next. Even when I reached end of the book, I was on the edge of my seat.


Daemon & Blake: I thought that there was quite bit of tension, between Daemon and Katy in Obsidian. It was nothing compared to attraction, tension that was between two of them in Onyx. It seemed that their tension and attraction grew more in Onyx. I believe that it was only due to fact that Katy was trying to deny her feelings that she had for Daemon. In way it was actually interesting and funny at same time, watching way that Katy would fail that she wasn’t attracted to him, and it always seemed to happen in front of him. The scenes between two of them was hot, and I could tell that it got harder for Katy to deny her feelings for him and he knew it. I was curious when she would finally admit that he truly cared for her, and give in. Katy seemed pretty stubborn and in denial when it came to her feelings for him. Now Blake, I liked him at start, I was glad that Katy found someone she could have good time with, who was normal. Despite that, I felt like there was something about him, something off and it was reason that Daemon didn’t trust him, not just because he was jealous. Once he attempted throw knife at her, I didn’t like him that much. I kind of wished that Katy saw it as sign then, that he can’t be trusted. Despite that, I could tell that Blake seemed to care for her. Because he was doing this for his friend, I couldn’t seem to hate him.


Now the ending, wow. I didn’t expect for Adam to die. I got to say, I wasn’t happy about that. He was the only one besides Dee that seemed to accept Katy. I actually cried once I realized that he was dead. Despite me not being fond of Andrew and Ash, I felt for them. I can’t even begin to imagine, how it must felt to lose a loved one. Now Dee, I felt the worse for her, just when her and Adam finally got together and it looked like they truly liked each other too. I’m curious if all of this is going affect Dee and Katy’s friendship, I have feeling that it will and not in good way. I was glad that at least they were able to get Dawson back out of this, even if he was different but at least he was alive. I’m curious what happens with Will, if mutation held and I am hoping for Daemon and Katy’s sake that it did. If Dawson be same and he try to go find Beth.

This is series worth checking out, it will keep you on edge of the seat, till the end.

Obsidian,Lux,#1.

Obsidian.
Lux,#1.

Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Publisher:Entangled Teen.

Publication Date:May 8,2012.

Genre:YA Fantasy|Suspense|Romance.

Format|Pages:EBook|361.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

5 STARS

 

 

I can see why so many people are talking about this book. The only alien books that I read before was Roswell, Roswell High when I was in high school. Obsidian is even better. From the moment that I picked up the book, it was hard for me to put the book down. After finishing the book, I found myself wanting to pick up Onyx to see what happens with all characters next, especially Katy, Dee & Daemon. I’m already in love with series and eager to find out what adventures everyone will face next.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

  Starting over sucks.

 

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

 

And then he opened his mouth.

 

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

 

The hot alien living next door marks me.

 

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip.

 

The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

 

If I don't kill him first, that is.

  I’m completely in love with the cover. Actually it was one of first things that captured my attention, the cover. How can you not love it? It got to be one of the most attention grabbing covers that I came across this past year. Not only is it stunning, especially the background with some sort of river with what seemed to be a thunderstorm, it’s also mysterious. Just by looking at who I am guessing is Daemon on cover, you can see that novel is going be intense, considering that his eyes are glowing green. I loved how almost everything is green in book, including the lake; it gives even more mysterious look to the book. Even if you don’t read summary, the reader would be able tell that book is going be intense. It’s one of most creative covers I seen and it totally fits the story. How can you not love cover like this? The cover itself seems to tell some of a story.


I loved fact that Katy is book lover and a blogger in the book. In a way, that was one of reasons that I felt I could relate, connect with her more then I could with other characters. I love books; I love blogging way Katy does. Besides that, I loved Katy’s personality. Considering that Daemon was being a complete jerk to her, she didn’t let it get to her. Even when he was against her being friends with his sister Dee, she didn’t let him tell her who to be friends with. That’s what I liked about her. I could see her changing, becoming bit stronger as the book progressed as well. I loved the relationship that she had with Dee, even once she found out that Dee was an alien, she didn’t go running. To me it seems, once their secret was revealed, their bond grew stronger. I could see that girl truly cared for one another. What Dee and Katy had is a real friendship.


Daemon : To be honest, I didn’t like him at all at start. Mostly way he treated her in beginning, when all she wanted was for directions. He’s the type of guys that I never liked. Though Katy handled herself better than I would have in her situation. I was curious how anyone could dislike someone that much, before even getting to know them. I got say; I was curious why Daemon didn’t want Katy to be friends with his sister Dee. I was glad that neither Dee nor Katy listened to him though. I could that Katy did like him even if he was jerk to her most of time, even if she tried deny it. I saw their attraction grow from one another at Lake, from that point on I had feeling that something more would happen between two of them, that there was a connection between the two of them. Through reading the book, Daemon grew on me and I found myself loving him, especially when he defended her when Andrew seemed set against her. By end, I knew that he cared for her, more then he wanted to, despite what Kat believed when he told her. I’m hoping that she will come to her senses in next book, see how much he cares for her.

This book is filled with action, there wasn’t a single page where there wasn’t anything going on. If you love Fantasy, romance, adventure, be sure to check this series out.

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower.

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower.

Stephen Chbosky.

Publisher:MTV Books.

Publication Date:February 1,1999.

Genre:YA Classic|Drama|Romance.

Format|Pages:EBook|146.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

5 STARS

 

I heard about Perks of Being a Wallflower, for a while now and I been curious about the book, about why so many people were talking about this book. After getting the book and reading it, I could see why. It was an amazing book, from beginning to all the way to the end. Charlie was a very likable character, and I felt like I could connect with him. He seemed a lot like I was his feeling about belonging, high school. To me, this was one of most realistic, touching novels that I read this year. I can see why it’s a classic; it deals with issues that most of teens go through. Despite the book being depressing, I would highly recommended for everyone.

 

 

GOODREADS SUMMARY

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the story of what it’s like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie’s letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives or to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and music—when all one requires to feel infinite is that perfect song on that perfect drive.

 

Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.

 

What is there not to love about this book? Though it has dark themes, and depressing most of the time, it’s the type of book that you find yourself thinking about after reading it. I thought about some of the things that I read about, once I finished the book, there was some quite unexpected twists that happened in the novel, once that I didn’t see it coming, till it happened. Especially towards the end, when the truth was revealed about Aunt Helen and Charlie. That was a shock to me, considering what happened to her when she was a child, and she went and done same thing to Charlie? At same time, it answered some of the question and why Charlie seemed depressed half of time. I knew that his mind was trying to block out the memory, till he was with Sam. I had hard believing that she was capable of something like this, to me seemed like she cared for Charlie.

 

 

  I felt like I could relate to Charlie on most things, not everything but some. Like not belonging, trying to fit it. Honestly that is how I felt when I was in high school. I was the shy one, who barely had any friends. Maybe that’s why I could relate to Charlie so much, though he is a boy. To be honest, at beginning when I just started the book, I didn’t even realize that Charlie is a boy. Yet, once I found he was, I found myself he would be the kind of guy I see myself being friends with, while in high school. Though he did make some bad decisions such as drugs but that’s how it happens in real life, people make mistakes. After finishing the novel, I could see why he did what he did, because he was trying to block out the memory with his Aunt.

 

 

I loved his relationships with Sam, Patrick and his family. But Sam and Patrick were his real friends, and to me it seemed that they were the ones that were always there for him, no matter what. I was glad that he actually made some friends when he started high school, someone that he could actually hang out with. Everyone needs friends, even if they were older than him. I could see tension between Sam and Charlie from moment that two of them met. I was curious if something would happen between two of them, despite what she told Charlie at the start. It seemed that something always seemed to get in a way, anytime that something was close to happening. Now, with his family, despite his sister arguinging, fighting with him, he was still always there for her. At first I wasn’t sure if his sister cared for him but as book progressed I could see that she did, that his whole family did.

 

 

  I read books that were  written in letters format, but somehow this book seemed different. Fact that Charlie started each letter with Dear Friend. Reading the letters, I was always curious who Charlie was actually writing too, if he was writing to someone in particular or just writing, to get his feelings out. I think that’s another reason that I loved this book was because of letters, it felt more personal to me, when story was told through Charlie’s point. The way that he wrote the letters, felt as if he was talking to us, the readers. I imagined feeling and going through all emotions that Charlie was going through. The letters made the book seem more real to me, bring the stories to life.

 

 

I enjoyed going on Charlie’s journey with him, I smiled, I cried, I laughed; I got sad along with him. I’m eager to find out how the movie adaption turned out. It’s the book I see myself reading again in future and one I recommend for everyone, not just teens.

The Faerie Path, Faerie Path, #1.

The Faerie Path.
Faerie Path,#1

Frewin Jones.

Publisher:EOS.

Publication Date:February 1,2007.

Genre:YA Fairy Tale| Adventure|Romance.

Format|Pages:Paperback|312.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

4.7 STARS

 

 

 

I been fan of faeries, since reading Iron Fey series, they seemed to fascinate me after I read the series. The Faerie Path I came across few years back and it seemed pretty interesting, to read but I didn’t have chance to check it out. I was glad that I finally had a chance to read it. It was almost impossible for me to put the book down; I got pretty observed, with the characters, the story. I had read couple more books about faeries since Iron Fey and this was unlike other books I read, that’s what was unique about it. I felt like I was discovering a completely new world. After finishing the book, I wanted to pick up the 2nd right away. I will be checking out, rest of the series.

  GOODREADS SUMMARY

 

  Swept away into a court of magic and beauty, she discovers she is Tania, the lost princess of Faerie: the youngest daughter of Oberon and Titania. Since Tania's mysterious disappearance on the eve of her wedding five hundred years before, Faerie has been sunk in darkness and gloom. The courtly Lord Gabriel Drake, who Tania was once to marry, has found her and brought her back.

 

With Tania's return, Faerie comes alive again as a land of winged children, glittering balls, and fantastic delights. But Tania can't forget Anita's world, or the boy she loved there.

 

 

Torn between two loves and between two worlds, Tania slowly comes to discover why she disappeared so long ago. She possesses a singular magical ability and she must use it to stop a sinister plan that threatens the entire world of Faerie.

What makes this book different from others? Unlike other faerie novels that I have read, this one doesn’t really have anyone kidnapped and the girl was a faerie princess so she wasn’t human to begin with. Way that she came back into faerie world was different, and the faerie seemed bit more different than the one I read about. I found it interesting that Tania seemed to be the only one that could travel between mortal and faerie world. But when she just came, she seemed to appear in most dangerous situations when she had traveled back to mortal world. To me, the faerie world and everything there seemed like a dream, since I found myself being able to imagine it, a dream, like Tania/Anita seemed to think at beginning. I enjoyed reading about it. It seemed magical.


Gabriel & Edric/Evan: I liked Edric at start, when he was an Evan. I did have a feeling before their accident that he was hiding something important. Honestly I didn’t imagine him having to do something with Faerie world, at least not till he appeared, was as surprised as Tania was. At first I was bit angry with Edric for playing with Tania’s emotions like that. But as the book progressed, I could tell that he did care about her, otherwise why else would he try talk to her? Behind Gabriel’s back? I wish that Tania would listen to Edric sooner, when he tried talking with her. Now Gabriel, he even had me fooled at beginning. I liked him at start, I seriously thought that he cared for her and I could see that Tania began to care for him as well. I was sad to see him end up the bad guy, considering I truly liked him in start. I was glad that Edric ended up going with Tania at end, in search of their queen. I’m eager if anything else going happen between two of them, on this adventure.


I loved the bond between the sisters. It doesn’t happen too often, that sisters are that close, especially after the sister has been gone so many years. The action in the book was amazing, especially once Tania found out what Gabriel was up to, and how she went to save Edric, though she was angry with him, not so long before. It kept me on edge of my seat. I was curious to see what Gabriel would do next, if he would succeed. I feel like the next book is going involve even more action, since they are on quest, to find the Queen.

  I would highly recommend this series. It’s worth your time.

The Good Father.

The Good Father

Diane Chamberlain

Publisher:Mira

Publication Date:April 24,2012

Genre:Drama|Family|Suspence.

Format|Pages:Ebook|368.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

5 STARS



I have read few Diane Chamberlain books through past few years, and loved every single one of them. The Good Father was another amazing novel by Chamberlain, one of my favorites from all of her books that I have read. I loved fact that this book was about family, about a father who would do anything for his daughter. It was unlike any book I read before, it seemed a bit different of what Chamberlain wrote in the past, and that’s what I enjoyed about it. I found myself observed in book from the first page, till the last. I would highly recommend this book for everyone.

 GOODREADS SUMMARY

A beloved daughter. A devastating choice. And now there's no going back.

 

Four years ago, nineteen-year-old Travis Brown made a choice: to raise his newborn daughter on his own. While most of his friends were out partying and meeting girls, Travis was at home, changing diapers and worrying about keeping food on the table. But he's never regretted his decision. Bella is the light of his life. The reason behind every move he makes. And so far, she is fed. Cared for. Safe.

 

But when Travis loses his construction job and his home, the security he's worked so hard to create for Bella begins to crumble...….

 

Then a miracle. A job in Raleigh has the power to turn their fortunes around. It has to. But when Travis arrives in Raleigh, there is no job, only an offer to participate in a onetime criminal act that promises quick money and no repercussions.

 

With nowhere else to turn, Travis must make another choice for his daughter's sake. Even if it means he might lose her.

Have you ever picked up a book, that you knew you were going love before you even started reading it? That’s how this book was for me. From the minute I read the summary and saw that Diane Chamberlain wrote it, I knew that I was going to love it, mostly because so far the author hasn’t disappointed me. I was right; I fell in love with the story, the character. Especially Travis and Bella, despite the decisions he made, I loved him. I found it even more interesting to read, with bit crime added in the storyline. Though I knew it was coming, I never thought in involve drugs. That was one of the parts that kept me on edge of my seat, I was eager to find out what happens next, if Travis would actually get out of it, alive. I was rooting for Travis to find a way out of it, without him or Bella getting hurt. I actually found myself afraid when Bella along with Erin were captured.


Travis & Bella: I loved the relationship between them. The two of them had a great connection, a special father/daughter bond. Their bond in way remind me of my mom and me, we always had a special bond. I could tell that he cared about his daughter, and would do anything to make sure that his daughter is well provided for. Even if I didn’t agree with some decisions that he made, that he actually considered being part of criminal act, I could see why he did it. I knew he did for Bella, so that two of them have somewhere else to stay, to sleep, besides the van. Of course I wish he would found a way to tell Erin, what was going on, so Bella would wonder where her dad was. The one decision I didn’t approve of is Travis taking off, without even saying anything to Bella, I can’t even begin to imagine what Bella must have thought when he left. At same I could see why he did it, but he should at least said something to Erin before he took off. But I knew he wouldn’t done all of this if it wasn’t for Bella, if he didn’t have to support Bella. That shows a real father love. A dad that would do anything for his daughter.

  I love books that are written from multiple points of view, it reminds me a bit of Jodi Picoult novels. Through reading this book, I learned so much about Travis, Erin and Robin and I found myself being able to connect with each one of them more. I could feel their pain, their struggles. Out of all characters, I felt the most pain for Erin. I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like to lose a child, especially the way that Erin’s daughter died. I could practically feel her pain. I was actually glad when she started bonding with Bella, at first I was bit surprised that she was, I didn’t think she be able to, especially since Bella was close to Carolyn’s age. But as the novel progressed, I could see how much she began to care for Bella. I believe that’s when her healing began. Now Robin, at first I wasn’t sure how I felt about her, the fact that she didn’t want her daughter. But as I read the book, I understood why she did what she did; she did it, for survival. I was curious if she would end with Travis in end, I was kind of hoping she did, because the connection they had through time they were together, was real. I found myself smiling when they reunited and ended up together.


There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this book. It’s the type of book that keeps you on reading. Even once you finish the book, you find yourself thinking about the book. If you fan of Diane or Jodi Picoult, I would recommend this book, especially if you enjoy books about family relationships. It’s worth giving this book a chance.

Go Ask Alice.

Go Ask Alice

Anonymous.

Publisher:SimonPulse.

Publication Date:December 27,2005

Genre:Classic|Realistic.

Format|Pages:Paperback|213.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

4.5 STARS








Go Ask Alice was the book I came across at bookstore, few years earlier but haven’t had a chance to read it, till now. I have been hearing quite few good things about the book. I heard that it was one of the books that had affected a lot of people. After reading the novel, I saw why, the issue is what a lot of teenagers go through or gone through, it’s type of topic that anyone could relate too. Go Ask Alice is a book that everyone should read.

 

GOODREADS SUMMARY

January 24th

After you've had it, there isn't even life without drugs....

 

It started when she was served a soft drink laced with LSD in a dangerous party game. Within months, she was hooked, trapped in a downward spiral that took her from her comfortable home and loving family to the mean streets of an unforgiving city. It was a journey that would rob her of her innocence, her youth -- and ultimately her life.

Read her diary.

Enter her world.

You will never forget her.

This was one of most dark, depressing books that I have read. I think it’s because it was based off Diary of actual 15 year old girl. So of course this story seemed more real, because it was real. Every single entry that I have read was filled with so much emotion. I could actually feel her pain, her anger when I read her entries. Expect the beginning, entries that started like any teen diary. But as novel progressed, her entries became darker, especially once she got into drugs. Through reading the entries, I wish there was someone that could helped her, anyone. I wanted to help her in some way. There were quite few parts that made me sad, made me want to cry but I found myself unable to put the book down.

I kind of found some parts bit unrealistic and that’s why I gave it 4 stars. Fact that she ran away, multiple times, yet her parents didn’t have police searching for her? She’s 15. I don’t think any parents would just wait for their kid to call, to come back; they would take some kind of action. To me, it seemed like her parents didn’t even notice that she was in trouble, till it was almost too late. Even then, it didn’t seem like they did too much to help her. Maybe if they noticed sooner and got her help she needed, she could made it. Also the drugs, at times it seemed like she went off drugs, too easily, it didn’t even look like she had withdraws half of time.


Despite that. I enjoyed reading the book, going through her journey with her. I was sad to learn that she died. It also made me curious what happened, between the time she wrote her last entry and her death. I was also curious if it was accidental. I found myself thinking about it for quite bit after I finished the book.

Though this book has pretty dark themes, I would recommend for everyone to read. Teens, adults.

Break My Heart 1,000 Times.

Break My Heart 1,000 Times

Daniel Waters.

Publisher:Hyperion.

Publication Date:October 16,2012

Genre: YA Dystopian|Mystery.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|352.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

Challenge:SARC.

4.7 STARS

For as long that I remember, ghost stories always fascinated me, and I found myself reading quite few of them through the years. When I came across Break My Heart 1,000 Times while at library and read the summary, I knew that it would be the type of book I will love. It was not a story I was expecting it, and I found myself loving it more than I thought I would. I enjoyed that the book had so much mystery in it, I love paranormal mysteries, and they always capture my attention. After reading this book, I will be checking rest of Water’s work, he has a way of keeping reader’s attention till the end.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Living in the aftermath of the Event means that seeing the dead is now a part of life, but Veronica wishes that the ghosts would just move on. Instead, the ghosts aren't disappearing--they're gaining power. When Veronica and her friend, Kirk, decide to investigate why, they stumble upon a more sinister plot than they ever could have imagined.

 

One of Veronica's high school teachers is crippled by the fact that his dead daughter has never returned as a ghost, and he's haunted by the possibility that she's waiting to reappear within a fresh body. Veronica seems like the perfect host. And even if he's wrong, what's the harm in creating one more ghost?

What is there not to love about this book? It has an amazing cover. I can tell by just looking at cover that it will have a dark, mysterious story behind it. Way the girl looks, she looks serious, mysterious. Besides the cover, the title: Break My Heart 1,000 Times how can that title not capture the reader’s attention? The title is what captured my attention first, even before I knew that it was about ghost, I got curious and that’s what got me to pick up the book, to check it out. I was sure that book was going be a romantic one but it was more of mystery. While reading the book, I saw why it was titled that and I could see it fit. The cover too.

The writing style was unlike any style I seen before, it was unique. I loved that he was writing from different point of view’s, including the ghost, Brian from time to time. Reading from each of character’s point of view, including the killers, had me able get inside their head more, imagine what they were feeling. Out of everyone, I felt like I could find myself being able to connect with Veronica more, and Brian for some reason. Though he was in Mary in past, I got the feeling that he cared for Veronica too, and that’s why he wanted to warn her and it’s why he saved her. It actually made me wish that he was real, like Veronica did at one point. To me, it felt like there was more connection between her and Brian, then her and Kirk. I enjoyed reader about killer’s point of view, seeing what he was feeling and why he was doing in first place. Curious to see what his next move would be.


Veronica & Kirk: I’m not sure how I felt about their relationship. I could see that Kirk cared for Veronica, but I got the feeling that Veronica didn’t feel the way that Kirk cared about her, at least till not till end of the book. There didn’t seem to be connection between two of them, especially considering how she treated Kirk at times, even if he was nothing but sweet to her. It felt like Kirk was more obsessed with her and felt like he was pushing her, pressuring her through some things. Though as the book progressed, I warmed up to their relationship more, seeing that Veronica did seem to care for Kirk, even if it wasn’t same how he cared for her. I’m curious if their relationship progressed any farther, after end of book. Considering the feelings that she seemed have towards Brian, though he was a ghosts.


There was quite bit of mystery in this book. There seemed to be more mystery then romance in the book and that’s what I liked about it. That’s what kept me on edge of my seat, kept me on reading. I wanted to see if Veronica’s teacher would succeed this time or if he gets caught this time. Of course I was hoping he gets caught, so he wouldn’t be able get away from it. Though he was killer, I felt sorry for him, at times. The descriptions were so vivid, I actually felt like I was there with Veronica, Kirk.


  I would highly recommend this book. It’s filled with mystery, murder, ghosts and some romance. It will keep you on reading.

The Essence,The Pledge,#2.

 The Essence
The Pledge,#2.

Kimberly Derting.

Publisher:Margaret K. Mcelderry.

Publication Date:January 1,2013

Genre:YA Dystopian.

Format|Pages:Hardcover|352.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

5 STARS

The Essence was incredible book, it kept be observed, engaged till I reached the end. It took my breath away. Even though I loved The Pledge . I found myself liking The Essence bit more, I felt like there was bit more going on in this book. I loved how different this book seemed, how different Charlie seemed since becoming the Queen. I was curious what would happen, how Charlie would do as a Queen, what changes there would be. The ending had me craving for me. I’m already in love with the series and excited, to see what Derting comes up with next, in the series.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

At the luminous conclusion of The Pledge, Charlaina defeated the tyrant Sabara and took her place as Queen of Ludania. But Charlie knows that Sabara has not disappeared: The evil queen’s Essence is fused to Charlie’s psyche, ready to arise at the first sign of weakness.

 

Charlie is not weak, but she’s being pushed to the brink. In addition to suppressing the ever-present influence of Sabara, she’s busy being queen—and battling a growing resistance determined to return Ludania to its discriminatory caste system. Charlie wants to be the same girl Max loves, who Brook trusts, but she’s Your Majesty now, and she feels torn in two.

 

As Charlie journeys to an annual summit to meet with leaders of nearby Queendoms—an event where her ability to understand all languages will be the utmost asset—she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. And the only person she can turn to for help is the evil soul residing within.

I have been waiting on this book, since I read The Pledge at end of 2011. I wanted to see what would happen to Charlie once she became a queen, defeated Sabara, and how she would deal with her, still being inside of her. This book did not disappoint me. There wasn’t a page, a chapter that didn’t keep me on edge of my seat. Especially to see with Charlie struggling with Sabara’s soul that was inside of her. I was curious if she find a way to get rid of her, or she would have to deal with her, for rest of her life, or at least the years that she is Queen. I wish she would told Max sooner, and maybe what had happened, could been avoid it somehow. I felt like Charlie didn’t trust him and that’s why she didn’t tell him, and I hated that she hurt him way she did. Even if it wasn’t really her who kissed Niko. After what she put him through, I am curious to see what happens between two of them next.


I loved that Brooklyn’s point of view was added in the book. I was always curious about Brook, since the first book, what she was thinking. After reading from her point of view, I found myself loving the character; I wasn’t too fond of her in the first book. Brook is pretty amazing character; I wouldn’t want to mess with someone like her. I find myself being able to connect with her after this book and know why she is, way she is. I was surprised about her and Aron, because I didn’t think that she even liked him and I was sure that he had something for Charlie, not Brook. It took me by surprise when he kissed her. After that, I’m curious if there be anything else between the two of them in the next book, anything serious. I would like to see Brook happy with someone, I know that feelings that she has for him, are real. Now, Charlie and Brooklyn, I wonder if she ever be able to forgive Charlie for killing her father. I am hoping that maybe she be able to put it behind them. But to me, it seems like it might be end of their friendship, but not like I can blame her.


I felt like this book had bit more going on then The Pledge, even if here it didn’t seem like there was that much physical action. The Essence deal more with emotional, mental actions, at least that is how it seemed to me, while I was reading it. Charlie was dealing with so much more in this book then the first, she had much more responsibilities, considering that she was a Queen now. I thought that she did pretty good job, considering that she became Queen all of sudden, she made a lot of positive changes, though there were some people that were against it. Charlie seemed like she was going through so much in this book, besides being the Queen, also she had to deal with Sabrara’s soul inside her, plus top of that, someone trying to kill her. It was for that reason that it was hard to put down, I needed to see what would happen, if anything would get resolved. I didn’t actually want reach the ending, knowing that I have wait for next book to come out.


  I kind of wish Max was bit more in this book, it seemed like he was less in this book then the first. I love Max and hoping he’ll be mentioned more in the next book. If you like dystopian books and enjoyed The Pledge, The Essence will take your breath away; keep you on edge of your seat, till the end.

The Fine Art Of Truth And Dare.

 

The Fine Art Of Truth & Dare.

Melissa Jensen.

Publisher:Speak.

Publication Date:February 16,2012

Genre:YA Contemporary Romance.

Format|Pages:Paperback|380.

Source:Library|Goodreads.

3.5 STARS

The Fine Art Of Truth & Dare was an enjoyable read. However, I didn’t enjoy it like I thought I would. I found some of parts, hard getting into, and it took me to actually get into the novel, it was bit of slow pacing novel. There were quite few parts of the novel that I had enjoyed there, and some of the humor that was within the novel.

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Ella is nearly invisible at the Willing School, and that's just fine by her. She's got her friends - the fabulous Frankie and their sweet cohort Sadie. She's got her art - and her idol, the unappreciated 19th-century painter Edward Willing.

 

Still, it's hard being a nobody and having a crush on the biggest somebody in the school: Alex Bainbridge. Especially when he is your French tutor, and lessons have started becoming, well, certainly more interesting than French ever has been before. But can the invisible girl actually end up with a happily ever after with the golden boy, when no one even knows they're dating? And is Ella going to dare to be that girl.

The cover was completely stunning, it’s actually what drew me to the book, was the cover. The book wasn’t what I had expected to be though. Yet, I feel like the cover is what drew few of people, to check the book out. It looks mysterious, the way a painting is in front of the couple and how couple in the painting is kissing. I am curious if it’s Ella and Alex behind the painting, and if painting is one that was possibly drawn by Edward Willing, or just a painting. It left me thinking about cover, even after I finished the novel. It’s type of cover, which attracts reader’s attention.


Ella & Alex: I didn’t actually see that much connection between Alex and Ella; to me it seemed that Ella liked more than Alex actually did. Just by the way he acted around her when two of them were alone, despite how he acted around his friends, other people. I know that Ella was right, that she was Alex’s secret. Even if he kept of telling her that he cared for her, I believe that if he cared about her, way that he said he did, he would make the relationship public, instead of hiding her. What did he plan? On hiding her forever? He seemed like completely different person around her when he was around others, and one time she showed up at party he was at, he didn’t even look happy to see her. I wouldn’t put up with a guy who treated me like that. I think is because she cared for him, much more then Alex cared for her, she couldn’t seem to let him go. Despite that, I loved Alex when it was just two of them, which seemed the one time that Ella seemed happy when he was around her, way he treated her. I was glad that he was able to make her happy.

I enjoyed that this novel had bit of art history within the book. I loved it that it was about Ella’s idol Edward. I felt when reading about him, about him painting, I had a feeling like I could understand more about Edward and connect with why Ella loved him that much. I enjoyed reading the facts about him that Ella read about, while doing her paper. Yet, I couldn’t quite see why she adored him that much. At same time, I had a feeling that it was possibility that she wasn’t happy with her life, and possibly lonely. Otherwise why would she hold a conversation with him? To a painted that had been dead for years.

An enjoyable read. If you want an easy, fun read. Check out The Fine Art Of Truth & Dare.

Stealing Parker, Hundred Oaks,#2.

Stealing Parker.
Hundred Oaks,#2

Miranda Kenneally.

Publisher:Sourcebooks Fire.

Publication Date:October 1,2012.

Genre:YA Contemporary|Sports|Romance.

Format|Pages:EBook|256.

Source:Owned|Goodreads.

5 STARS

 

 

I’m officially in love with this series, with Miranda’s books. I thought that first book, Catching Jordan was a great novel. Stealing Parker was even better, at least in my opinion but that could be because I’m more of baseball fan, then football. Miranda is only author whose books, involving sports that I truly enjoyed and wanted to continue reading. As I read, I found myself able to feel connected with characters, the story. Even though Stealing Parker had quite bit of drama, that what made the book interesting, it’s type of drama that will keep the reader on reading. I already know that Miranda will be one of my favorites. I can’t wait till the next book comes out, curious what she creates next in the series.

 

 

  GOODREADS SUMMARY

Parker Shelton pretty much has the perfect life. She’s on her way to becoming valedictorian at Hundred Oaks High, she’s made the all-star softball team, and she has plenty of friends. Then her mother’s scandal rocks their small town and suddenly no one will talk to her.

 

Now Parker wants a new life. So she quits softball. Drops twenty pounds. And she figures why kiss one guy when she can kiss three? Or four. Why limit herself to high school boys when the majorly cute new baseball coach seems especially flirty?

But how far is too far before she loses herself completely?

 

 

I’m in love with cover and title. The title is very capturing. Once I read the novel, I could see why it was titled Stealing Parker. The cover is of course stunning, just like in her other book. You could tell that this is going be about baseball, even if you didn’t read the summary; you know that the book will deal with baseball, just by looking at the cover. How can you not love the cover? It looks completely stunning, especially the way that the girl and boy are lying next to one another, holding hands. Once I finished the book, I did wonder about the cover, I wondered if that was Brian or Will there with Parker. I have feeling that it’s possibly Will. I love covers that capture reader’s attention, it’s what would keep the reader to pick up the book, to read it.

 

 

Parker: Despite what others thought about Parker, I liked her right from start. I’m not too sure what I liked about her. I think it was despite everything that she had to deal in the book, especially with Laura, who seemed have it worse for her, she kept on going. Though Parker wasn’t as strong like Jordan was, but that’s what I liked about her, the fact that Miranda made her different. It was interesting for me to read about her, to see how she changed as novel progress, how her actions changed, especially when it came to boys. I didn’t agree with her actions, how she treated boys in the beginning but I could see why she did it, to block out fact that her mother was gone, what she did. I was glad that she changed; I have feeling that both Will and Brian had something to do with this, more Will. I was glad that Parker had Will. I was rooting for Parker to have happy ending, after everything that she had to deal with.

 

 

Brian & Will: I liked Brian at start; he seemed a pretty decent guy at first. Way he was with Parker and how he seemed to treat her with respect, and was there when she needed to talk. I was happy to see that Parker had someone that she could talk to. I wasn’t happy with Brian that he changed as their relationship progress; I seriously thought that Brian was different from other guys. Soon I found that I was wrong, he just wanted one thing it seemed like, pleasure and he was pretty demanding at times too. If he really cared for her, he wouldn’t hide her or he would go on actual dates with her, so I got feeling that he didn’t care for her, same way she did. I ended up disliking him, no girl should ever be treated like that, get used. Now Will was another story, the two of them seemed to connect pretty well, the moment that they started hanging out together. He actually listened to her when she talked, unlike Brian who barely let her talk. He also has a good heart, when it came to her and his family. I wasn’t too happy with Parker when she hurt him. I was glad that two of them were able to work everything out in the end. I was rooting for them to end up together. If only there were more guys like Will.

 

What I enjoyed about this book, is fact that it seemed more based on baseball, family relationships then romance. Actually that’s what made it so interesting to read. I wanted to see if anything in Parker’s family ever go to way it was, if she would reconnect with her mother again, most important if she go back to playing baseball. I felt like I learned bit more about baseball as I read the novel, especially stats, I didn’t know much about it, till I read the book.

 

 

If you love sports, drama, you will enjoy this book. I would highly recommend for you to give it a chance. Miranda has a amazing talent and I am looking forward, to exploring her future works.