Aug 11, 2013

Nantucket Blue.

Nantucket Blue.
Leila Howland.
Publisher: Disney Hyperion.
Publication Date: May 7,2013.
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance | Drama.
Format|Pages: Hardcover|294.
Source: Library|Goodreads.
Challenge: Debut Author| YA Contemporary | SARC. 

♪♪♪♪♪






 Have you ever came across a novel, and right away got a feeling that you love? From minute I read summary for Nantucket Blue I knew that it would be a book I would enjoy. Once I started the book, I ended up falling in love with character only after few pages. Nantucket Blue wasn’t only a good book, it was amazing. I couldn’t pull myself away, and it’s why it took me a day to finish it. I needed how everything turn out for the characters. It was hard for me to believe that it was Howland’s first novel. I can’t wait to see what story she will come up with next.  

GOODREADS SUMMARY  
For Cricket Thompson, a summer like this one will change everything. A summer spent on Nantucket with her best friend, Jules Clayton, and the indomitable Clayton family. A summer when she’ll make the almost unattainable Jay Logan hers. A summer to surpass all dreams. 

Some of this turns out to be true. Some of it doesn’t. 

When Jules and her family suffer a devastating tragedy that forces the girls apart, Jules becomes a stranger whom Cricket wonders whether she ever really knew. And instead of lying on the beach working on her caramel-colored tan, Cricket is making beds and cleaning bathrooms to support herself in paradise for the summer. 

But it’s the things Cricket hadn’t counted on--most of all, falling hard for someone who should be completely off-limits--that turn her dreams into an exhilarating, bittersweet reality. 

A beautiful future is within her grasp, and Cricket must find the grace to embrace it. If she does, her life could be the perfect shade of Nantucket blue.  

Both cover and title was what captured my attention towards the novel. How can you not love at cover? Look at it. The couple looks happy, in love. When I first saw cover, I was sure that it be one of those love at first sight, love story. It was unlike what I was happening. It was far from happy love story, though it had quite few sweet moments. Now title, Nantucket Blue now that’s a creative title like that. It doesn’t quite scream love story, if it wasn’t for the picture, I wouldn’t think it would be. It’s unique and title that capture anyone’s attention. It got mine.  


Cricket & Jules: I did not see it coming, I didn’t ever think that Jules be so cold towards Cricket. Mostly because they seemed so tight, up till her mother died. At first she seemed fine, up till after funeral. Thought I felt like I could understand why she did it, I think she should told Cricket how she felt ahead of time, instead of treating her like enemy. I knew that she was grieving, but it still gave her no right to treat her like dirt, without explanation. I was glad to see Cricket finally stand up to her towards the end, that she wouldn’t let her treat her that way anymore. I know that their friendship would never be same, but I am glad that two of them finally talked out, even if it took Jules a while. In way I could relate how hurt Cricket felt like, had friend like that once. I did not like Jules, even after she explained, I hated how she treated Cricket. No real friend does that.  


Cricket & Zack: I thought their relationship was cute, and unexpected. Mostly because he was Jules’s younger brother and his mother just died. Their attraction to each other was unexpected to me, especially since Cricket been crushing on Jay for a while. At first I wasn’t sure if Cricket actually cared for Zack or if he was a rebound, from what was happening between her and Jules, and due to Jay’s rejection. But as the book progressed, I could see how much Cricket cared about Zack, probably more that she thought she would. I enjoyed that their relationship was a secret, it made it even more interesting to read about. I loved how Zack treated Cricket, if every guy could be like that. I love the ending, it made me smile. I was glad to see everything work out for her, for Zack and to see both of them happy. 

Nantucket Blue was beautifully written. It had great imaginary and emotions were displayed so well, I felt like I could feel all of emotions Cricket went through. I know for fact that this is going be author that I am going love for years to come. If you love romance, especially a summer love story with drama, this is a story you won’t regret reading. It’s realistic, addictive and you will find yourself thinking about it.

Aug 10, 2013

A Tale Of Two Centuries, My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century,#2.

A Tale Of Two Centuries.
My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century,#2. 
Rachel Harris.
Publisher: Entangled Teen.
Publication Date: August 6,2013.
Genre:YA Historical Romance| Adventure.
Format|Pages: EARC|320.
Source: Received  ARC E format, in exchange of review.

♪♪♪♪♪






I almost have no words how much I loved this book. It was beautifully written, and I was happy that I got to receive an early copy in exchange of review. I knew that I was going love this book from start, and by end my breath was taken away. I loved the first book in series but I loved A Tale Of Two Centuries even more. I’m curious to see what happens with all characters in next novel, especially Cat, Alessandra, Austin. I’m also curious to see of Lorenzo makes an appearance. Rachel Harris who happens be a good friend of mine, has an unique talent. Be sure to check it out, you won’t regret it.

GOODREADS SUMMARY  

Alessandra D’Angeli is in need of an adventure. Tired of her sixteenth-century life in Italy and homesick for her time-traveling cousin, Cat, who visited her for a magical week and dazzled her with tales of the future, Alessandra is lost. Until the stars hear her plea. 
One mystical spell later, Alessandra appears on Cat’s Beverly Hills doorstep five hundred years in the future. Surrounded by confusing gadgets, scary transportation, and scandalous clothing, Less is hesitant to live the life of a twenty-first century teen…until she meets the infuriating—and infuriatingly handsome—surfer Austin Michaels. Austin challenges everything she believes in…and introduces her to a world filled with possibility. 

With the clock ticking, Less knows she must live every moment of her modern life while she still can. But how will she return to the drab life of her past when the future is what holds everything she’s come to love. 

First, I wanted to mention that I adore the titles of her books, for the series. A Tale Of Two Centuries totally fits the adventures that Alessandra went through, how different they were than from her century. I could tell that there were meanings for titles. It made sense since she traveled so far into future, it made me, the readers what’s going to happen with Alessandra, if she would actually adjust to Cat’s century, how it would change her. Top of title, the cover is stunning and a bit mysterious in a way.  

Alessandra: I loved her since meeting her in My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century. When she first started this journey, I wasn’t sure if she be able to go through it, there were so many more changes. As book progressed, I got a feeling that she can do this. Honestly I am not sure if she got that far, if it wasn’t for Austin and Cat’s support. I saw how much she changed while the book progressed. She had become bit more independent, stronger and confident in herself. I believe it was because of that, she was able to stay with Cat and Austin. Though I knew she miss her parents, I felt like her. It was a century that she belonged in. I was proud of her, and by end of book, became one of my favorite characters. She made me laugh, smile, sad.  

Cat & Austin: I loved how Cat was with Alessandra in first book. I loved everything about their relationship. It reminded me so much about a best friend of mine and that made me smile. Fact that Cat wanted to make sure that Alessandra fit in, feel accepted in place that was different from her own, put a smile on my face. I could see how much she cared about her cousin. I felt like they got even closer in this book, even if Less made some choices that Cat disagreed on, and I thought it was cute fact that she brought Lucas and Cat together. Now Austin, what is there to say about him? I got admit, in beginning I wasn’t the biggest fan, especially way he treated Alessandra but at same time I had feeling that there were a reason behind it. Despite that, I never imagined that he grow to care for her, and to love her. But as book progressed, I could tell he started care for her, even before he admitted it. Way he told her about her mother, father, how he always came to her rescue when she needed it, how patient he was with her. I was rooting for them till end. I am curious what is going come for them next, now that they ended up together.

 My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century is unlike any series I read before. It will capture your attention and you will find myself craving for more afterwards. Once I finished A Tale Of Two Centuries, I wished for next book to be out so I could see what’s in store for everyone. If you enjoy adventure, romance with bit of historic aspect, be sure to pick up the series today. It’s a read that you won’t forget.

Aug 7, 2013

The Elite, The Selection,#2.

The Elite.
The Selection,#2.
Kiera Cass.
Publisher: Harper Teen.
Publication Date: April 23,2013.
Genre: YA Dystopian|Romance. 
Format|Pages: Hardcover|323.
Source: Owned|Goodreads.

♪♪♪♪♪






If you loved The Selection, you are going to love The Elite. Actually I loved this one even more then the first one. The Selection seemed to keep me on the edge of my seat, more than the first book. I found myself wondering what was going to happen with characters next, especially with America and Maxon who are my favorite characters in the novel. There were quite few surprising twists through this book, once that I did not see coming. I’m eager to see what happens next, especially with Maxon and America.  

GOODREADS SUMMARY  
Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea. 

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide. 

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.  

Have you ever came across series you knew that you love? This is that series for me. Though I found myself enjoying The Elite even more, and once I finished it, I wanted to read it again. I knew that it’s one series I am going to love, I’m going to miss once it comes to end. It’s has unique storyline and different from any other series I have read, Despite that, I love the covers. The Elite cover was even more stunning then the first one. Anyone else thinks so? I love the dress that America is wearing on the cover, she looks completely stunning. Though she does look bit more serious in this one, like there something on her mind, like she trying decide on something. Yet she looks beautiful. It makes me curious how the next cover will look like.  

Maxon: I loved fact that this was more centered around him. I had always seemed to like him a bit more, then Aspen. I felt more connection between him and America. Maybe it just me but it felt like he loved, cared for America the way that Aspen didn’t. I did feel bad for him at times, making me bit annoyed with America through the book. She could tell, she could see how much Maxon cared for her, yet she kept pushing Maxon away. It’s no wonder that him and Kriss got close. Though I loved the scene between two of them in the servants quarters. I felt afraid of what Maxon father did to him, something that was out of his control. I thought it was sweet that she took care of him. I never imagined something like that happening to him, it was then that I started hate his father. I was glad that America was there to take care of him. I wasn’t sure that she cared about him way she claimed to, till that moment. Now I’m curious how she’s going fight for him, like she said towards the end. 

Despite me being annoyed with America for half of the book, I thought that she was amazing friend, to Marlee. Not every friend would do that America did for Marlee, spoke up for her when her and Carter were being whipped once they were discovered together. Only a true friend would do that. I also hoped that somehow Carter and Marlee find a way to be together. But I loved the friendship between the two of them. Their friendship actually reminds me of friendship of some of friendships with my best friends. I know whatever happens, the two of them will remain friends for a years to come. I also thought that America was pretty brave, even when Maxon’s father showed that he pretty much doesn’t like her, doesn’t think she fit match for his son. She didn’t step down, but kept on going. 

This novel made me tear up, multiple time, it made me angry and annoyed, as well as surprised at times. I am very eager to find out how all of this comes to end, yet sad at the same time. This series is worth your time. You won’t be able to put it down, from first book till the second. I didn’t.

Aug 4, 2013

Don't Breathe A Word.

Don't Breathe A Word.
Holly Cupala.
Publisher: Harper Teen.
Publication Date: January 3,2012.
Genre: YA Contemporary Drama
Format|Pages: Paperback| 299.
Source: Owned|Goodreads.

♪♪♪♪♪








Have you ever read a book, which you found yourself thinking about it after you finished it? A book that took your breath away? That’s what Don’t Breathe A Word, did to me. From moment I picked the book, started it reading it, I knew I was going to love it. However I wasn’t expecting how much I love it. It was one of the most inspirational, realistic novels I read. I would highly recommend this novel to everyone. It make you grateful for the life you have now. 

GOODREADS SUMMARY  
Joy Delamere is suffocating. 

From asthma, from her parents, and from her boyfriend, Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out. She can take his cruel words, his tender words...until the night they go too far. 

To escape, Joy sacrifices her suburban life to find the one who offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. He introduces her to a world of fierce loyalty, to its rules of survival, and to love—-a world she won’t easily let go. 

Set against the backdrop of the streets of Seattle, Holly Cupala’s power¬ful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the secrets we keep, and the ways to redemption. But above all, it is an unflinching story about the extraordinary lengths one girl will go to discover her own strength.


  Don’t Breathe A Word was beautifully written. From first page, I was completely observed in the story and I wondered what was going happen to Joy next, if she would survive, where she would end up. Somehow I had feeling that it was going be a powerful novel, just by looking at the cover. The girl on the cover which I am guessing is Joy, looks likes she’s about to make a serious decision. I had a feeling that it was going be one of those serious novels. Everything described there, especially Joy’s time on streets, it painted such picture that I actually saw myself along with Joy, experiencing what she was, though I know nothing about being homeless. It was such powerful subject, realistic. It something that does happen, and makes it easier to relate novel to real life.  

Joy & Creed: Loved them from beginning, the two of them were actually my favorite characters. I loved Creed and Joy’s relationship, way that he made sure that she was okay, how he wanted to protect her, even though he didn’t know her in beginning. He even took her in , at start, to help her out instead of letting her find her own place to sleep. I could tell that he cared her from the start, probably from time when he saw how Asher treated her. I was happy that Joy was able to find someone who treated her with respect, unlike Asher who I hated right from start. Though they had their issues, I was happy that she could find someone to make her happy. The ending scene between two of them made me smile. 


This book took my breath away, I found myself thinking about everything I read, even after I finished the book. It’s the type of book that will make you think, will make you angry, sad and even put smile on your face. Don’t Breathe A Word is worth checking out.
 

Story For Dessert Published @ 2014 by Ipietoon