Monday, October 28, 2013

Book Review: This Girl (Slammed #3) by Colleen Hoover

This Girl (Slammed, #3)This Girl by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Damn it. I'm so in love with the Slammed series, I swear. No kidding.

What to say about This Girl... Spoilers ahead. Beware.

Colleen Hoover has probably enjoyed telling the tale in Will's POV as she has done it again here in This Girl, just like in Point of Retreat. Aside from all the honeymoon jitters, most of the book covered Will's round-abouts in Slammed and I would say that everything was really ugh-interesting. Well, this kind of thing is something I wished to happen in Twilight before and I'm actually guessing that Hoover probably had the same frustrations thus, undoing things in her work. Ok, that was me only assuming.

Anyway, I noticed some changes in scenes and dialogues when comparing from the first book, I didn't mind them at all because it was enlightening after being able to read how Will felt every single time he was ranting or whenever he decided to keep quiet. His intense stares to Lake just means more and urghhhh, it was really heart-warming. Like what I have said before, the slamming really gets to me and that would be a forever plus factor of this series.

In the last chapter of Point of Retreat, Will and Lake got married so this book is the continuance. Setting: honeymoon. In the last part of the book, more stars from Julia would appear and a very shocking gift would eventually come out!

I don't really want to make a nice summary of This Girl but I would be so happy to convince anyone to give this series a shot. This Girl is a good conclusion to the Slammed series and I'm pretty sure that it won't left you hanging and you'll end up wishing them butterflying happiness. Colleen Hoover just became one of my sought after contemp writers! For reviews of the other two books, check the ones I wrote!

Laters!

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Book Review: Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

Where the Stars Still ShineWhere the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am almost done with the book tho' and so far, I am liking what I'm reading... I can't wait to write the review about this. It feels like it would be great to rationalize the whole thing.

UPDATED! Sorry for the delay

Trish Doller's Where the Stars Still Shine Is another contemporary novel that anyone's pulls heartstrings and that piece of work that keeps anyone from doing something else. Uhmmmm, that's probably an exaggeration but I felt those kind if moments when I was reading the book.

Our lead Callie endures a very, very problematic life-- she's been running from state to state with her mother to find the place that would suit them but to no avail; she lives thinking that her father abandoned them when she was little and never did she have anything that would make her feel regarded or special. Things started to change when she and her mom decided to transfer from one stated and then get caught. In the end, Callie was separated with her mom and she was given to custody to her father. Seeing her father being all but how her mom described him confused Callie. When she met her other relatives, she felt that love she was looking for and the trust she was trying to earn for. To heat things a little bit up, she met Alex Kosta, the man who would sweep her feet off the ground and would let her realize what real love is. Well, that sums up the story and that might put you off or in the story but let me say more things about it...

Well, I find the story interesting because it was influenced by everything Greek. It was a refreshing play of a culture I know but not familiar with so it was a plus factor of the novel. The slice of life theme was also a plus because it makes the readers relate and I would say that realistic to true to life stories usually don't go bad.

Where Stars Still Shine is not one of those complicated stories. It was a light read with just enough drama and turns. I would suggest this great book to those who wish to unwind and just relax.



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[Note] Updating soon!

Sorry I'm on a major lag at the moment! Review of some books are actually on pending but I'm working on some! I'll update one tonight! I think, for a comeback, I'll review "Where Stars Still Shine" by Trish Doller.

Laters!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Book Review: Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover (Slammed #2)

Point of Retreat (Slammed, #2)Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All I can say is that, Point of Retreat did not disappoint any bit of me. As a matter of fact, I'm surprised to like it a lot because I was preparing my self that it won't be as damn beautiful as the first. Colleen Hoover made me love her to bits and right now, I cannot wait to read the last installment of the Slammed series. Yes, this series is on a great pedestal for me right now. Yup, that, that good!

To be honest, one of the major plus factor, not only with this book but about the entire series is the Slam Poetry. I think that it was plain genius and actually, I myself, would like to try it. Another thing is the change of perspective. In Slammed, the story was written in Layken's eyes but in Point of Retreat, it was written in Will's. It was weird to see the side of Will, the character that Hoover is trying to portray him. At some point, I thought that he was a bit soft and girly, and I just thought that it was probably because a girl wrote it. Nonetheless, this strategy worked for me. I would say that the plot worked for me too. Enough shock and giddiness-- I actually think that it was better rather than expecting worse conflicts. Even the thought scares me. Also, it is so great that this series didn't revolve solely on the two leads-- Lake and Will-- but also to the rest as well. Each time, there is growth and while reading, you'll realize that they're essential part of the story, not just fillers and all.

So, time for my own suck and sweet...
My suck for this book would be Kiersten. She's no 12. I refuse to believe she's 12. It not realistic, her wisdom that is. Haha! Sorry, it's not really a suck but I can't believe those things she said came from her mouth.
My sweet is probably being able to read this book and just go on with the next.

Read Slammed, then read this, and then the next. This series has got to be one of the best contemporary NA that I was able to read. Heads up!

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Sunday, October 13, 2013

Books on my 'Currently Reading Shelf'

1. And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
2. Where Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller
------

I want to finish reading these books ASAP but it's quite challenging especially when you are juggling too many great things in one go.

After these books, I'm planning to read 'Divergent'. I heard it's a pretty good book. It's time for me to move past beyond the cheese.

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful, #1)Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yes! Beautiful Disaster is finally in my 'just read' bookshelf! Reading it gave me a pretty good mix of getting swooned and getting mad. That being said, the effect on me is instantly positive.

Where to begin?

In this contemporary, new adult novel of Jamie McGuire, another couple that's initially fire-ice or water-oil, will find their happy ending with each other after facing a road which by the way, I would never want to trod.

Meet the hunky-hot body Travis Maddox-- the badboy. He's got tattoo all over this arms, has got a shaved head and deep hazel eyes which looks to kill, adds to his killer charisma. He lives by fighting-- and I'm saying that in a literal way. He's oozing with sex appeal and his presence is spitting hotness that's why he's so in with the chicks. Travis, being all these made Abby Abernathy, have an indifferent relationship towards him. She doesn't hate him; Abby just doesn't want to be around Trav. Well, I can't blame her because it's a person's natural instinct to avoid anything that spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E and Travis is the living epitome of that. At first Abby seemed to be the typical good-girl heroine depicted in most books with the same plot but lo and behold, my instinct that there's something going on with Abby's character, is right!

The idea is not really new but the setting and storyline sets it apart from the rest. Beautiful Disaster is set in a, what do i call, make-shift university because sometimes at night, underground UFC *laughs* happens in the basement of school buildings. Of course money is involved and all, but what for me really thing was that, 'they were never caught, even once before?' Pushing that thought aside now, I was thinking of the best adjective to describe the entirety of this whole story. I'm struggling but at the moment, at least, the word 'crazy' and all other synonyms seemed to be the perfect adjective. I find the story crazy! Why? Well, first card, would a girl really enter a bet that might make her sleep in a guy's from for a month? CRAZY! Next, do 19 year-olds who fell in love would just decide to fly to Vegas to get married? CRAZY! Third, Abby plays poker to pay his dad's debt. That's crazy, but she's such a kind daughter and cool as well. There are whole lots of other craziness going on inside this book; too much for me to handle, but I find those kind of crazies too sweet. I guess, this is the part of love which I don't really understand. I mean, you just have to be in their own shoes to get why they did it, you know.

The hard-as-rock Trav is head-over-heels in love with Abby and he was tamed. So in the end, you think that these kind of stories aren't new but actually, they never get old. So right now, I just need to read the rest of the series to know what happens next.

Beautiful Disaster isn't a disaster at all! It's a good read and the book is very hard to put down! Soooo recommended!

Toodles!

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Monday, October 7, 2013

Book Review: Starry Night by Debbie Macomber

Starry Night: A Christmas NovelStarry Night: A Christmas Novel by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm a sucker for Christmas, of starry nights and of love stories that is why I really loved this book!


Wanting to take the path she really wants for herself, Carrie Slayton decided to take the next big step and hand-in her resignation as a Social events editor. Her boss won't let her out though but instead, he dared her to interview for the biggest author of that time, Finn Dalton. If she was able to do it, Carrie can write whatever story she wants. That sounds easy but a man who doesn't want to found won't be found. Finn is said to be secluded somewhere in Alaska, but that didn't stop Carrie. Once she found Finn, the not-so-warm-welcome given to her by Finn would drastically change in a matter of 48 hours. Starry Night is a romantic, heart-warming and dreamy novel. Set under that multitudes of stars under the winter sky in Alaska, the love of two opposites has once again proved that when something is really meant to be, odds can be defied. It's a relaxing and entertaining piece of work and honestly speaking, I enjoyed the briefness yet clearness of the way Debbie Macomber told the story. This is my first book of hers and I really would like to read her other works.

Starry Night is highly recommended for those who wants to just take a seat in a coffee shop and unwind with nothing heavy and mind-blogging, just pure love.



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Book Review: Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones

Escaping Reality (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen, #1)Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


And that left Amy with no one-- not even herself because that also is lost. She's going to run in a world full of endless possibilities. She's escaping this reality-- for now.

This romance-suspense-themed novel, Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones has left me on my toes and want for more.

[SUMMARY] Amy's life is controlled by a person who's intention is to keep her safe. She refers to him as her 'handler'. While she was on the run, she met a man whom she describes as a man that depicts money, sex and power-- Liam Stone. Although Liam is incessantly territorial and controlling, Amy can't find her self moving away from him. They connected the first time they laid eyes on each other and that left her to trust him. Another significant character in the story, I think, is Jared, Amy's apartment neighbor. Throughout the story, it is hinted that he is or was a significant part of Amy, past or present. This story is pack-filled with characters who would leave you plain curious and what not and I can say that that's one of the strength of the story-- it would leave you dumbfounded somewhere because it felt like you've been smartass-ed, fooled. The ending is a great cliffhanger also. No. Seriously.

Escaping reality is a contemporary, new adult fiction harbors erotic display of affection *laughs* so beep-beep to those underage readers. Looking past beyond that, this book is a good choice for those people who wishes to read something new and out of the box. This is a good book and I can't wait to see how this would end!

PS. [I previously made a damn good review with this one and poof, gone. Thanks computer for failing me! This is leaving me with technology trust issues.]

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Book Review: Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Hopeless (Hopeless, #1)Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading this, I realized that this is probably my initial set point to go looking for new adult books. Although this book stirred conflicting emotions within me in the process, it left me hanging and go seek for more.

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover deals with the bests and worsts of life-- and a life that is too much for a seventeen year-old. The story tackles a pressing issue of today and this book holds no bar in describing how a victim stands up and become the victor. Our heroine Sky is so lucky to have Holder-- someone who loved her and chose to be with her despite everything . Did I mention that Holder is smoking sweet and damn right HOT also? He's fucking sweet. Ok, sorry for the *F* word but Holder loves using it. Now, I do too. No, not really. LOL.

As I see the book, it's not mainly written to create another favorite love team. It's written for a greater purpose. Since It's very realistic in a sense, a slice of life. A reason why this reality have left me depressed and broken at some point.

It' not disappointingly written but it's just disappointing and sad. The books is great on its own and well-thought of that's why it deserve some applause *APPLAUSE*. I would recommend it to anyone. Well, I actually already did with my friends *luaghs*.

Although I liked this book, I have two issues with it. It's not much but I thought that they're quite important.

First issue: did I just miss it or Sky was not well described-- her face, her character-- I cannot picture her well while I was reading the book. I felt so detached from her character because I cannot picture her face. Seriously. Is it important? Hell yeah! Although not all through out, I felt like I was picturing this faceless, caramel-haired girl that all I know about her was that she loves to make-out with lots of people and that she's stubborn. Ok, the list could go on but I just want to make that point. Or did I miss that part? Hmmm.

And second: some parts of the story is written in a such a way that words are too much to digest. Too much that I think is unnecessary because I thought that one situation can be described in a much-much simpler way (effective and brief). I even came to a point that I'm scrolling down the entire page, read snippets and then look for the next dialogue. I seriously can't stand on reading long descriptive paragraphs one after the next.



--Spoiler ahead

It's a huge diversion for me after reading this book. Right before this one, I was reading a young adult book. I was shocked when that YA book tackled harassment, and it hit me like I was reminded that that is reality. Then I read this book and it's about molestation. For crying out loud. I'm so depressed.
---


My heart goes with all those who experienced molestation not only by their heroes---like Sky, but from anyone.



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Book Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

FangirlFangirl by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

[EDITED: I realized I write doop things when I do it on a tablet]

Finally! After a week-long worth of reading, the latest book of Rainbow Rowell which is Fangirl is in my 'just read' bookshelf!

So, one thing I'm really curious of: Simon and Baz are real hypes back in early 2000's? ...because I sure didn't hear about them! Anyway...

I enjoyed reading Fangirl because it is very relatable and the characters are so loveable!

Cath is not your typical story heroine. She sees her self as flawed and her insecurities can top the building especially when she's being compared with her twin sister, Wren. Yeah, their names are from Catherine. Of course, what's a love story without the knight in shining smiles, Levi. As he was described, he's so attractive because he's all smiles and I love to picture him as that. And there is Raegan, Cath's roommate whom btw, I love her persona, because although she's a badass, she seemed so sure about everything in her self.

This story is packed with family drama, sister quarrel, romantic conflict which practically completes the usual YA kind of book. Everything was well-thought off and I appreciate everything about this and although at some points, it felt that the growth of the conflict in the story were not give enough justice aka development, this story is not to be disregarded.

So now actually wonder, 'how would it feel if, after all the indifference you felt in the world, you'd meet this one person who'd make you want to defy all odds and just take that huge plunge into the unknown?' I don't know.

I really enjoyed reading this book! It's is very refreshing and as you go along the story, the characters just grow in you. Everything was vivid in my mind while I was reading it. Go try it for your self!

PS. Although, having said all that, I wouldn't give it an A+ (or 5 starts) though because I think that this book can improve some more. To be honest, there are these parts wherein I just scrolled down because I thought it was boring and overly-narrated but there are still those moments that pushed me to just keep on turning the pages to the point of me, sacrificing my sleep. Although I said that, it's not a story that's veiled with so much mystery; I actually appreciate it for being a light read.

PS. I'm planning to re-read this book once more. In the near future :)

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Book Review: Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Slammed (Slammed, #1)Slammed by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

[EDIT!]I just finished another book of Colleen Hoover! Slammed got me slamming so hard that I was able to finish it over night! Arggggh. How should I emphasize that it's a killer! I love it!

Layken, the protagonist in the story faced several difficulties in her life that started when her father died. Together with her family, she found her self transferring from her home town, Texas to Detroit. She thought it was the worse thing that could happen to her life but then she'd met the man whom she's going to fell in love with, Will Cooper. On their first date, Will introduced her to Slam Poetry-- an activity where you stand up front the stage, say your poem and just let it all out.
It was all too perfect when life decided to smack them right in the face when she realized that they can't be together because in that moment, Will must stop liking her, like nothing sparked between them. It doesn't stop there. As the story goes on, another truth, a very sad reality will come seeping in their family-- slowly and painfully.

The power of words and the passion to live life despite trials, Slammed encouraged me to continue seeing life in a spirited way. Life's gonna suck at some point and that's probably on of the most inevitable things that we have to face, once in a while. We must know that life doesn't, and won't stop there. At first we may emphasize death, but in the end, we must emphasize life.

Slammed is a very good book for anyone because it's going to let you re-live the life you once thought you lost grasp on. I'm giving this a two-thumbs up, equivalent to 5 shining stars because I really liked it! Be slammed!

PS. Slammed got its title in Slam Poetry. I am actually curious if such thing really exist. I have to remind my self to google that later. I actually think that it is interesting. To be honest, I'm a frustrated poet as well.

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More of Personal than a [Book] Review: Fifty Shades Trilogy

Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades, #1)Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I made this review a very loooong time ago in my personal blog. it's not specifically for the first book but actually for the entirety of the trilogy.

So here I go, ranting about my feels about Fifty Shades trilogy.

I heard that it’s pretty much intense; probably too much for my laid back innocence I’m trying to protect but when I decided to finally read the first book, I decided to be mature in every way possible. As I was reading, I realized that it is not only maturity that I need but also, self control: in thoughts, in words…

I must admit that I’m utterly swooned, swept-off my feet by the grey eyes, straight nose, copper haired Christian Grey. I bet most girls did. He’s really hot. Seriously. How lucky for Ms. Steele to have an encounter of Mr. Grey. Geez. I’m jealous.

Oh well, let me go straight to my point: the trilogy is about yes, sex. Pre-marital sex to be exact, no matter how creative they tried to call it (classic vanilla sex, kinky fuckery…). I actually think that apart from the creativity, it’s really written to fill in some people’s carnal desire.

I’m not an advocate of this idea at all to be honest. So, Is it a healthy read? No. Is it a worthy read? So-so. Did I learn something from it? Of course.

The first book made me cringe, hard, when Grey said this line to Ana, “I don’t make love; I fuck.. hard.” That’s the bell I need to hear to realize that I’m up to something I’m not really used to…

But going straight to my point again: Yes it’s not a healthy read especially when it’s read in a light full of lust and abominable desires but trying to look at the point that Ana wants to imply: unconditional love.

No matter how cliche this may sound but then again, no one is perfect. Everyone hold a past that’s going to make anyone either stay or go. It’s a choice. And not an easy one. That’s the crazy reality of life. Let’s say, yes, Christian Grey is fictitious but his situation is not.

That being said makes me want to re-iterate my other point: although this kind of lit is far from what my principle; I find a room in my heart to respect it the way it is because I’m a fond of lit.

Just my thoughts :)

———————

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO READ IT:

I won’t force you; I won’t stop you either. I actually don’t care what you decide. Hihi.

But if I’d rate it 1 to 10, I’d probably give it a 7.

Yeah, because I’ve read better books. But I won’t say it’s a waste though :)

All in good times.

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Book Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & ParkEleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This contemporary, young adult novel of Rainbow Rowell depicts how two misfits find their solitary place in each other. It is not an entirely unique story, truth be told. Eleanor lives a pretty fucked up life and Park has his own issues. A typical teenager in America thing; but even though I said that, I would not lie and I'll say with a loud voice that this is a good book.
It reminded me about lots of things. Cliched as it may sound but this book is a good reminder of how weird love can be-- the power of love. Their love is bittersweet and I am warning you that reading from this point on would entail some spoiler...

What struck me the most in this book was the part when they were about to part; when Park reminisce the love of his parents for each other. Let me quote my favorite line during this part. Park was thinking, "What are the chances you'd ever meet someone like that?... Someone you can love forever, someone who would forever love you back? And what did you do when that person was born half a world away?" You see, Park's mom is Korean and his dad is American and it reminded me of how amazing these kind of couples find each other-- chance, fate, magic of love. It's amazing.

And truth time: I can see my self in Eleanor's shoes. Her indifference to the world is so familiar to me and it felt like I would have the same everything that she felt when she first realized she was inlove with Park, who was her first everything. Maybe it's because I never had a boyfriend before that's why I'm saying these things. *Laughs*

All in all, I like this book because although, there's nothing so special in it, it made me think about life, again, in general. It's not a waste of time so I'd be happy to give it a thumbs up! Add to that, the alternating Eleanor and Park's view of the story helped me in setting the mood. It made me realize that this kind of setting appeals to me because I get to understand how the story builds in the head of both leads. The ending is a great hanger also so I was so shocked to read the acknowledgement. I though it came too soon! *Laughs*

For the parting quote: *I'm so affected with this one that I have to instagram it. HAHA*

Park said, "I just can't believe that life would give us to each other and then take it back."
-- It was depressing enough, that said but his positivity makes him so admirable. He then said this, "But it's up to us... It's up to us not to lose this."

Hooray for true love!

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