My Review : Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken

                     
From Goodreads:

I'm not your typical girl. I've been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that depression has become my only comfort. I was content in the darkness...until Wes Michals offered to be my light.

I didn't know that time wasn't my ally -- that every second that ticked past was one step closer to the end of something that was beginning to mean the end of myself. He tried to warn me. He promised me all he was able to offer--each moment as it came--but it would never be enough.

Sometimes when you think it's the end, it's only the beginning. Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn't--I wouldn't ever be the same.

And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.


                         My Thoughts:

    It all started when the shy freshman  named Kiersten bumped into a tree... A tree?!

      “But trees weren’t warm.

       And they didn’t have one, two, three, four, six, Good Lord, eight? Eight packs? Furthermore, had I actually been feeling said person’s eight pack? And, dear God, I was counting. I had touched each muscle. And great, my hand was still firmly placed against the guy’s stomach”

And it belongs to the most gorgeous guy on earth! Wes Michels !  Oh, I stopped breathing! Really. Stopped. Breathing. Just look at Wes! Breath taking!

    Eeeeeeeeee!!! Fangirl Alert!! The more I looked at him... the more my pulse is racing...and my heart is doing the somersaults!  When his eyes met mine.. I am ruined. And I forgot that I am not Kiersten! Damn! WES! WES!

  Yes! When Wes and Kiersten's eyes met... it was earth shattering ... heart hammering... moment stopped... everything spins... Oh. that I felt!  And when Wes smiled ( that..that panty melting smile?! ) and spoke ( Brit -Scottish accent?! ) I know he is the one! See? Now I totally forgot about Kiersten! Right now, I am Kiersten... and right now I am counting Wes' abs! Haha.

   I love how Ms. Rachel Van Dyken wrote and described her characters! It was...uhmm, visually stimulating!  Just  few pages read, I was actually feeling giddy and excited.. and believe me, I can't tear my eyes off the book. I literally push myself  ( more of my face, actually) into the book!

   Wes had everything. Rich, gorgeous ( no contest about that! ) , a supportive and loving Dad.. and close to finding his one true love? Almost but not everything.  How to  make the most of it when time was never been on his side? Then there is Kiersten. Sweet, shy, innocent Kiersten.  The only girl who (literally) made his heart beat stronger and the reason why every moment counts.

    Kiersten could'nt believe her eyes (or her luck?!) when the popular Wes begun  stalking her. When all the girls at campus were ogling over Wes   ,  Wes here has only set his eyes for Kiersten! I  just love the idea ! Kiersten can't deny her strong attraction for him. There's something about  him that makes her wanna move out from her comfort zone... to go further.. to fully live her life. So, when Wes ask her to make a list ( more like a bucket list?! )  of the things she wants but afraid to do, she accepted it. And then... the swoon moments begun!

“1. Kiss a hot guy. 2. Go skinny dipping. 3. Finish one fruity drink with the little umbrella. 4. Read Pride and Prejudice all the way through. 5. Learn how to swim”

“6. Make two real friends. 7. Get off my antidepressants”

“8. Go bungee jumping. 9. Eat cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving and try to eat a beet. 10. Fall in love. 11. Get heart broken. 12. Fall in love anyway”

  This book was overflowing with swoony-ness! And Wes helping Kiersten complete her list?! Is beyond my imagination!! I would trade anything  ( as in anything! including my soul?! haha. ) just to be in Kiersten's shoes right now! Hell, I would even do the bungee jumping and pee over myself?!  And my favorite thing to do aside from  doing List #1 ( Kiss a hot guy--hello Wes! ) ... was to go skinny dipping!!! with Wess!! If that happens,  I 'll die smiling!

     And their kiss?!  Awwwwwwww!  Do I need say more?!

     

“I’m going to make it so hard for you to forget this first kiss that you don’t want anyone else kissing you ever again. When the guy you fall in love with kisses you — it better put this kiss to shame — if it doesn’t, then he isn’t the right guy”

“Because I’m going to do a damn good job, and I want the guy that earns you, that takes that heart of yours and holds it in the palm of his hands… I want that guy to be able to make you feel things I’ll just be tapping into. Do you understand, Kiersten?”

   I giggled.. cried?! and swooned ( Yes ! in that particular order!)  on every  Wes-Kiersten  moments. It   reminds me of "A walk to remember" by Nicholas Sparks. ( but with a twist! Uh-oh No spoiler this time! ) Sweet..Yes. Heartbreaking. Yes.( Sobs!) Wonderful teary ending? (Yes!)   Totally my favorite! If your'e a sucker for romance like I do, you'll agree with me.

 
  So , if your'e looking for a sweet-swoony kind of  book  that will make your heart beat a little faster.. wished  that time go slower,  believed in miracles..  , pick this book.

" Wherever I am , whatever I'm doing, alive or dead, my heart will always be yours. Every beat you feel against your fingertips ..." His fingers tapped against my chest, once, twice,.. "is me calling out to you. It's you returning the call. It's us talking , communicating, bonding,  sharing, living ---Kiersten, it's us living."


                     My Playlist

      "I don't wanna miss a thing"  by Aerosmith http://youtu.be/Ss0kFNUP4P4

                          I'm giving this book:

                 4 sweetest RUINed Stars!

My Review: This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

From Goodreads:
When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?


                              My Thoughts:

 This was my first Sarah Dessen book . What can I say? It is quite a big book with 1,200 plus pages on my book reader! So, I'm going to need more time reading this one. I checked Goodreads and saw that it has quite a high rating. Taking that in consideration, I finally start flipping its pages.

   The first part of the book quite intrigue me. There is this girl named Remy who doesn't believe in love. I was taken aback.  I asked myself, should I go on reading?  Where I go swooning even  listening to one of the love songs... Remy  cringe at the thought of it. Love songs  are nothing but empty words of a promise of forever... which do not exist in her world. I can't truly blame Remy for thinking that way. You see, her mother is marrying her 5th husband! Unbelievable huh?!  So, for Remy, nothing last forever.  Everything ends up one way or another. Everything including love has an expiration. She doesn't want to go through with all this mess , so she kinda sets a time frame in her relationships ..then she ends it.

 

     Then she met Dexter who is clearly out of her league. Dexter is lanky, clumsy, disorganized and a musician ! Which is a no-no for Remy!  Their first encounter even annoyed Remy when she heard these words from Dexter's lips..

“I just thought to myself, all of a sudden, that we had something in common. A natural chemistry, if you will. And I had a feeling that something big was going to happen. To both of us. That we were, in fact, meant to be together.”

    What kind of pick up line was that??? It's the weirdest thing I've heard. Or maybe, Dexter is uhmm.. Eccentric?! Oh well, but aren't musicians have a little weirdness in them?  Of course, she totally ignored him!
Remy told him NO. NO, she is not interested. But Dexter is soooo persistent. And this boy? Just don't  give up. And he is always there within Remy's proximity! Like a cute lost puppy? Who could resist?!

   No matter how many times Remy  bitch around ( which seems to be her expertise! ) , Dexter  was still there! Wow, Dexter ! That bad huh? Who could blame him? Remy is pretty , smart and a challenge? So, to end Dexter's relentless pursue, Remy agreed to be his "sort of girlfriend". Well, at least for the summer then she can dump him until the college starts.  Gosh! What a plan, Remy huh? Dexter = Summer fling?  *shakes my head in disbelief!

    I don't really get Remy. Is this her game or what? Dexter as her sort-of-boyfriend? Like temporary? I think it's cruel.  And Dexter? Why is he even  doing this relationship thing? Remy can't even say she loves him?! Oh. This is just  frustrating!

    I am almost at the middle of the book.. but I still have a lot of huh?- moments. Certain conversation also bothered me. When they are talking all together.. Remy, Dexter, and Dexter's band mates..I get lost? Like, who's talking ? To whom? Or was I just distracted because those boys are sooo immature! Yes! How can you ever forget to pay your electric bill on time? And the finger pointing who's assigned to pay? Arrgh! So irresponsible!  I can't tolerate this! And WTH is a potato song?!!! Ugh.

   The ending was just so-so. I tried hard to get into the story. Sure, there's Remy's realization at the end which is good. That Dexter is probably the loose end that she needs. That Dexter could probably the one worth taking the risk. Just maybe, he could be the one.

"No relationship is perfect ever. There is always some ways you have to bend, to compromise , to give something up in order to gain greater... The love we had for each other is bigger than this small differences. And that's the key. It's like a big pie chart, and the love in the relationship  has to be the biggest piece. Love can make up for a lot. " 

    I heard good things about Ms. Dessen's books.Yes, this one has a sweet story and Remy and Dexter are  both interesting characters. But I never felt it.  It's just unfortunate that this one's not for me. Maybe  if I have picked the right one, then maybe this could turn out differently.

 
               I'm giving this book :
             **  2 Dexter-Remy stars**

My Review : Anna and the French kiss by Stephanie Perkins

 
From Goodreads:

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend. 

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?


                             My Thoughts:

   I've been craving  ( the term! huh! ) for a swoony and a really cutie-cutie kind of story....and this book? Totally satisfied my cravings! I can't believe that this book has been sitting on my shelves for a long time?! I'm so thankful  my friend suggested ..and convince me with these words ; this book has <Swoon-worthy> American guy who speaks British accent and fluent in French?!  No way?!!! ....Well, yes way!! Oh la la... Me grabbing the book!

   And where can you find a guy like that? In Paris, France! The City of Love.. Eiffel Tower.. Notre-Dame...Point Zero... All clearly spelled romantic! I would love , love to be there... and it's one of the places I often visited ... when daydreaming! Haha.

    I am thrilled just thinking about it... but not to Anna Oliphant! Anna was bummed out when she was sent to School Of America in Paris. Stranger and knowing nothing about french, she dreaded the idea of staying there. She  missed her family...her best friend,  Bridge...and her well, almost-boyfriend Toph.

    But that is about to change when he literary bumped into Etienne St. Clair! ( Oui! That's the guy!! ) So, let me describe Etienne with a very minimal fangirling. ( Try harder , Billie! )  Beautiful  soft brown hair? Oui! Adorable eyes? Oui! British Accent? Oui! Overall effect : Chaud ! <----french word for hot?!  Or  would you prefer it in British?!  Etienne is bloody HAWT!  Anna, was temporarily immobilized , short of breath ... and can't  help but to gawk at this very fine creature! ( Uhmm, actually, it's me gawking at Etienne! haha. ) Even the name ..sounds swoony!  Etienne .. Etienne.. Etienne. Be still my beating heart.

Hmmmm...I would like to imagine my Etienne would look like ...( did I just say, "My Etienne?!) Swoon! swoon! Swoon!

 And Anna, would be sweet looking like this...

   

       Etienne is clearly boyfriend-material ! And Anna is single, right? ( Oh forget about Toph! --He's like, a thousand miles away!) And they would look perfect together! But whooooops! Etienne has Ellie a.k.a his girlfriend?! Whhhhaaaat?! Why are perfectly swoony guys always taken?! So unfair!

     Okaayyyyy! I over react?! Haha. So, Etienne is clearly hands off now. But well, Anna just... can't help but to stare??  ( and all of the girls at their school?! )  At least, Etienne still hangs out with Anna & her new found friends ..in the ( "Posh" --- Chinaware and a Chef?! ) cafeteria? Okay, she needs a french interpreter/ translator?! or she gets to eat roasted pigeon everyday?! ( Eww!) Yes! Ordering in French has been a  daily struggle for poor Anna.

    I love how Ms Stephanie Perkins wrote! . It was an easy and enjoyable read. I couldn't keep track how many times I smiled and giggled.  And I love, love the Anna-Etienne moments! It was 50% Awkward and 50% Sweet and a  swoon-fest galore! Anna's  "forget-about-the-unavailable-Etienne-and-focus-on-Toph" moments  makes everything a little complicated and interesting. Etienne  likes Anna and Anna.. is clearly lusting ( in completely YA way!) over Etienne!  : it was clear as day!  But still. But still, it cannot  be.  Arrgh! The pains of thwarted puppy love!

   The writing was really good and the pace was just right. It was no surprise that I found myself inside every page. As I read along , I become Anna. I experience the joys ...the not so good and disappointing moments in her life. I found friendship and fell in love like Anna. It was really relatable . I  love ..loved it!

    There are so many things to love about this book and I can go on and on! Loved the ending! Cried happy tears for both Anna and Etienne ... and my heart swelled with love!

    So the question still stands. Did Anna had  the sweetest, swooniest french kiss in Paris? Go, read this book to find out ...and you'll agree  with me  that Paris indeed is the best place to fall in love.

                           My Playlist:

"Crush" by Mandy Moore http://youtu.be/wkMa7gIcnCM

                       I'm giving this book :

          5 Point Zero sweetest, swooniest Stars! 

 

 

   

My Review : A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

From Goodreads:

On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.

A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.

She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine.
An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.

Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.

Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.

Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?

                                My Thoughts:

     It's been a long while since I  read about a vampire story. Actually, I only read the twilight series. ( and watched the movie too! ) So, that makes me a vampire-loving girl? If it has swoony vampires (Like Edward Cullen?! ) ...well, I guess I am?! And Derek Novak ? Totally, worth checking  it out!

     This book is unlike the Twilight Series. Yes there are vampires... covens ... but vampires of the Shade does not sparkle and they don't mingle with us humans. In fact, they hid their selves on the secluded Vale, Shade ... their sanctuary. And  abduct humans and make them their slaves. ( and food! Uh-oh. )

     I love the world  Ms Bella Forrest created. It was beautifully described. Imagine, there are Villas , penthouses built on the very topmost of the thickest trees? I was, like Wow! I am always a sucker for beautiful, well described settings. And this is  definitely one of the good ones! And not only that, it was protected by a witch spell.. and it's endless night time at the Vale. (how cool was that?! ) It's eerie and haunting just thinking about it, but I guess it s only fit  because Vampires ... the Novaks , the most powerful vampires lives there.

   Seventeen year old Sofia Claremont  life changed when she was kidnapped and held captive by the Shade, the most powerful vampire coven. Both fear and fascination gripped over her as she stepped into a different world  that was carefully hidden .

“How could I have been when, within the span of twenty four hours, I’d gone from high school senior and certified wallflower to captive of the prince of the largest and most powerful coven of our time?”

    Not only she was held captive, but she was specially chosen by  the Elusive, powerful Vampire Prince Derek to be his personal slave. Personal slave? What the heck is that?? And what's with these part of Derek's harem?! Of course , I am scared for Sofia! Not only she's part of the harem, ( hello! I got a really nasty idea about that word! Whoa! )  but a personal slave to a vampire Prince?! ...a very hungry and thirsty vampire prince! Can she even survive without ending up on Derek's plate?! ( Literally! )

     Sofia is scared but she did not showed it. She tried to be brave and strong. Even when Derek almost killed her, she did not like act like a helpless victim. She even look Derek straight into his eyes ( when his fang is about to sink into her neck!) and said...

“I know an excuse when I hear one. Don’t you dare deceive yourself into believing that you’re the victim, Derek Novak.”

     I think it was at that moment that Derek realized that there's something special about Sofia. He found the "humanity" that he once was and will never be.  And Sofia made her feel something. So  he decided to keep her close.

“No other woman – and believe me when I say that I’ve been with many – had the same effect that Sofia Claremont had on me. She was fragile and vulnerable, yet strong and resilient at the same time. She’d only recently entered my life, yet it felt like I’d known her for ages.”

    I like the Derek - Sofia moments!  Who would think that the cold, hard , commanding Derek has a soft spot for our dear Sofia?! Yes, like he's overprotective ( Like, Sofia is mine , you can't touch her?!)  ...and kinda feel self-conscious ( really?!! ) around her?  Seriously, if he's not a vampire, I would think he is seriously "crush-ing"  over Sofia!! But do vampires get infatuated  too? Like the "normal" infatuation? Hmmm...

    The more time they spent together, the more aware they become of each other. And the more restraints Novak  have to endure not to be tempted  to have a taste of Sofia's sweet blood. And Sofia? It's ironic that she feels safer in the hands of her captor? " Can I trust you, Sofia? ...Can I  trust you, Derek?  More like a rhetorical question?  Can you really trust your captive not to escape? Can you really trust your captor's words ? Love, love, how the author use the "thought - provoking questions".

“I found myself intrigued by Derek – even more so than I was before. He was a paradox, a walking contradiction. How he could perform such a violent act with no hesitation in one moment and be as gentle as he was with me right afterwards, was something that left me completely unnerved.”

    I enjoyed reading the rest of the book. It was a page turner . I just stop flipping the pages and a little excited what happens next. So, I was a little bummed out when I found out that it was the end of the book! I was, What??? How on earth???

   Yes it's a perfect cliffhanger ( me --not a fan!) ... and left me... with a lot of questions! Uh! This is driving me crazy. The result :   I want to know! I want to know what happens next!!! ....And  the fastest way ? I'll go grab Book 2!


                          I'm giving this book  :
                       3 vivid , interesting stars!
    

   

My Review: Heaven Knows This Time by Claire Louis Coult

From Goodreads:

When the shy and quiet, 15 year old Angela Blackman is sent to the head teacher's office she doesn't expect to find love in the form of the 17 year old eccentric millionaire, Simon Wetherall. Upon discovering a shared love for the post punk band Joy Division, Simon sweeps Angela off her feet and they embark on a rather unusual affair, but the course of true love runs anything but smoothly. Angela discovers a whole new circle of friends within the alternative music scene but she finds herself having to grow up fast to deal with trials and tragedies that fate brings her.


 ***E-copy was provided by the author for an honest review***

                             My Thoughts:

   Okay. Okay. Let me catch my breath first before starting this review. *deep breath ...counting one..two..three...( because seriously, the coming events will leave you short of breath! ) 

    Whirlwind romance? Or if there's anything faster that that...then this is what I'm talking about! I was shaking my head furiously as a read this book. Just imagine. 15 year old Angel meeting a boy outside her teacher's office ... met a boy named Simon... kissed Simon ( okay, more like Simon kissed her!)...get swept off her feet?! After a few days, they're in a relationship?! ....and in less than a week, Simon gave her "the Pill" a.k.a contraceptive?! I was like, whoa! Wait ...wait..wait?! What's happening here?!! Yes! That was so fast..and so unreal? Angel says Simon is just eccentric?! Not to mention he is handsome , filthy rich...and 17?! It actually creep me out! 

“Was he wonderfully eccentric or criminally insane? Whichever he was, I was completely enthralled by him. His posh accent turned my knees to jelly and his blue eyes were piercing like they could see right through to my very soul.”

    Her once boring, ordinary life becomes more exciting with Simon. He was spontaneous and made her feel confident all of a sudden. He takes her to places she has never been. With Simon , she is like living a dream! She even colored her hair purple! Yes purple!! It was insane-crazy-kind of love!   ...purple hair..hmmm. ( kinda cute!) so... What's next? Their names tattooed on their bodies?! ....surprise..surprise?!  They did that too!

    Sure. Sure. Young love. Intense love. But theirs?! Way..way intense! And that did not stop there. Here's the bigger news: Simon ask her to marry him! And Angel said Yes! Oh. My. God. My brain is about to explode! She just turned 16! I mean, what century are we talking about?! It's not even legal ! But apparently, it's legal in Gretna Green?!  And I actually googled Gretna Green! Haha!  Okay. Gretna Green is the place where people ran away to get married!  Hmmm.. But still they are too young!!! 

     So they got married. And I can't believe Angel's parents took it that easily?!  And gave them their blessings. So I guess, they are lucky. But being married to Simon is not a bed of roses. Angel discovered something about Simon that will change her life forever... and force her to grow up fast. 

    The story is unrealistic to me at first. Like why are are they such in a hurry? They are so young! But then when I  learned about Simon's condition.. time will never be on their side. There's never be enough time ...so they have to live and cherish every moment together. It must be hard on Angela to be thrown to a situation she was clearly unprepared. I admire her for being all supportive and understanding for Simon. I guess, she wants to proved that love is more than enough? 

      The whole book depicts the ups and downs of Simon and Angel's relationship. But I admire how strong their bond and commitment to each other..which I think is so unlikely to happen to a 16 and 18 year olds. And it's too good to be true. 

       The ending...I don't know what to say. If I like it or not. I was a little shaken up. I mean, it looks like Simon was a strong person..in control of everything? But when he did that? I am truly surprised. I was like, just like that, you gave up, Simon??? *shakes my head  I'm quite prepared for a quite Romeo-Juliet kind of ending.. yes, with an intense love like theirs! But what happened? Why??? I was dumbstruck. 

       Even though, that happened..I can still say that Simon still thought about everything. And maybe, he knew that it will happen eventually. It's just a matter of how and when it ends. And Angel's life and dreams must go on. 

      Overall, the story was good  and Ms. Coult did a wonderful job of depicting an intense  series of emotions which I clearly felt. 

                    I'm giving this book:

                 3 intense young love stars!

My Review : Thief by Tarryn Fisher

     
From Goodreads:
Note to Self

Love is patient; love is kind.
Love doesn't boast or brag.
There's no arrogance in love;
it's never rude, crude, or indecent-it's not self absorbed.
Love isn't easily upset.
Love doesn't tally wrongs.
Love trusts, hopes, and endures no matter what.
Love will never become obsolete.
I'll fight for her.

Thief

Caleb Drake never got over his first love. Not when he got married. Not when she got married. When life suddenly comes full circle Caleb must decide how how far he is willing to go to get the aloof and alluring Olivia Kaspen back. But for every action in life there is a consequence, and soon Caleb finds out that sometimes love comes at an unbearably high price.

                                My Thoughts:

“    Olivia burned. When she walked into a room you could feel her fire. It rolled off of her in waves. She was angry and passionate and fearless. She burned hot enough to keep everyone away. It was a good trick, except I played with fire.”

     Caleb Drake never got over Olivia.  She was the reason why he is still messed up after all these years. Marrying Leah was a mistake.  And when he finally got his divorce, he wants to go after his first love, Olivia.  But Olivia is married  to a wonderful guy named Noah. 

“   My competition is good. Undoubtedly he’s never lied to her, broken her heart or married another woman to spite her. But she’s mine, and I’m not giving her up without a fight this time.”

     Again, there's the Tarryn Fisher touch that I love!  There's always the "arrrrrrrgh!" moment! Like you want to bite your nails ...or pull your hair out?!  I was only at the beggining of the book, but I was already engulf with the strong emotions. Desperation. Yes I felt that.  And Longing.  Oooooooh! I wanna scream... why does it have to be this difficult for both Caleb and Olivia?!!! I was so rooting for both of them since Book 1 ( The opportunist ) ...then book 2 ( Dirty Red ) ... now reading the final installment... I wanna beg Ms. Fisher, please ....I don't think my heart can  handle this?!  Go easy with my fragile heart...  See?! I got emotional again?!  

     Okaaaaaaaay. That's over emotional???!  Geeezz!  Now, let's go to my other side....the lighter side?! ( If you think my fangirling is the light side?? Haha. )  

     I am more excited to read this book because , obviously it's about Caleb!! ( yipeee! Doing the somersault! ) And this book? It was CALEB SWOON-PACKED! I fell in love with him when I met him on the 1st book ( The Opportunist) ...and uhmm 2nd book ( Dirty Red)  ...okay, okay... all the books! haha. But when I started reading this book? I was irrevocably, without any single doubt  will give all my heart to Caleb! Yes! Yes! Caleb-obsessed <------that's ME!  Fangirl to the extreme!!!

    What's not to love about  Caleb?   He has everything I want for ...Uhhhm, a book boyfriend! First, the looks? Just look at the freaking cover! Yummy-licious! No contest to that! Haha. Okay.. I may sound shallow... but hey! Again , look at the cover picture?! Caleeeeeeeeeb!!!!! *drools!

   I was swooning the entire book! ( with heavier emotion this time! ) Caleb is the sweetest! And the most romantic.... and.. and.. super persistent  on pursuing / going after Olivia. What he did for Olivia  is so ..so.. let me think of a word...poof! there! I was lost for words! ---Unbelievable! <---- now that's the closest word!

   " I'll do whatever I had to do to protect you. I'll lie, cheat and steal to make you okay. I'll share your suffering and I'll carry you when your'e weighed down. I'll never leave you, not even when you ask me to. Do you believe me? "

    Awwwwwww!!!! Swooning and melting at the same time! Where can I find a man like that?????

  The entire book is an extreme emotional ride for me. I was holding my breath. What's going to happen next? Will they or will they not? It's like fate is always making everything difficult for these two! Whenever everything is starting to get better... another bad news comes their way. I was Arrrrggggh!  I feel that my feelings are being played here... hmmm.

  And yes! there's the evil Leah making the grand entrance and dropping the "bomb"! Always be the villain up to the end! I just love  when Olivia finally______ her at the end! (spoiler removed! hehe ) I was grinning ( looking more like a smirk! ) and really really wish I was there to see that look on her face! Leah, you really got what you deserved! I've imagining doing that to her ever since! Definitely one of my fave moments! Good job, Olivia!  Now that's  the "Snow White - Evil Queen" in  you!  Loved it! 

     I loved every bit of this book.  Yes, it has heavy drama.. A lot of it that drives me crazy! But still, I just can't  throw my book reader away! What have you done to me, Ms. Tarryn Fisher?!  Gah! 

      Caleb and Olivia's relationship has stood and survived the test of time. What they  have gone through was never easy...like fate played a cruel joke on them. But then, I saw Caleb's strong determination to do the impossible and  try to fix the unfixable?!.  ....And that, made me ...FALL. HARDER. FOR. CALEB. 

      If you want to experience the sweetest torture I just went through, go grab this book. I have to warn you though, this not your typical love story. Be prepared to have your heart heavily squeezed, deflate ... inflate... get drown with overwhelming emotions all at the same time.

                          My Playlist:

"When a man loves a woman" by Michael Bolton http://youtu.be/x2OtCBnpsxA

       

"I wouldn't mind " by He is We  http://youtu.be/2qea3lLr5q

           I'm giving this book:

        5 over-the-top swoon-tastic stars!

My Review: Dirty Red by Tarryn Fisher

   
From Goodreads:
Dear Opportunist,

You thought you could take him from me, but you lost. Now, that he's mine I'll do anything to keep him. Do you doubt me? I have everything that was supposed to be yours. In case you were wondering; he doesn't ever think about you anymore. I won't let him go....ever.

Dirty Red

Leah Smith finally has everything she has ever wanted. Except she doesn't. Her marriage feels more like a loan than a lifelong commitment, and the image she has worked so hard to build is fraying before her eyes. With a new role and a past full of secrets, Leah must decide how far she is willing to go to keep what she has stolen.


                                      My Review:

    Johanna Leah Smith Drake...the redhead who snatched away Olivia and Caleb's supposed to be Happily Ever after. And yes, this book is all about her.

     She thought she won over Olivia when Caleb Drake chose to marry her?  Rich ,beautiful, manipulative, scheming , Leah. Always wants to get things her way. She had everything. Well, almost everything . But why does she feels like she can't own Caleb's heart?

     Now being Caleb's wife  and a mother ...you'd think that's enough? You think it's perfect? No.. Not to Leah. She is not..and will not be ready for this baby girl to take Caleb's attention from her!  What a selfish little B*tch she is! Oh. my! Did I just swore?!! ( Oh! I want to say many things... that I'm sure my Mom won't approved! Haha. )

     Gosh! I can't believe I am reading this! I hated her the moment she appeared on book 1 ( The Opportunist) ! I can't really control myself but to lash out profanities when I think...And now I'm writing ?!  about her!!! First part of the book,  I seriously wanna do some serious bodily injury to her!  And what kind of  a mother will  throw her two week old baby to a daycare just so she can drink with her so-called girlfriends?! Unbelievable! Just. Unbelievable.  And that's Johanna Leah Drake. I despised her!

    Despite of my strong dislike for this redhead, and a strong desire to stop reading this book ...because I can't stand her!! I did the impossible! I continued reading it! Why??? Because...Ms. Tarryn Fisher, you are so good!!! I was drawn to the best villain on earth! Now , I wanna know what's behind her story. So, now, all I can say is... "Leah, this is the right moment to redeem yourself..."

   Let's go rewind time. Leah clearly had a "not so wonderful childhood". Growing up to a parents who's love and attention is only for her younger sister, Courtney. She had to beg  for their attention. Leah feels unloved. But she adores her sister...Courtney is everything she is not. I was then beginning to understand Leah. And surprisingly, I felt pity for her. It must be hard to be waiting for affection that you knew that can't be yours. She feels like she has to earn everything in a hard way.  

     Even with Caleb, she feels half-loved. She knows deep down that it's always been Olivia. But she won't easily give up the fight. No one can take Caleb away from her. As I read along, I can't help but to admire Leah's tenacity to keep Caleb. She would do anything , everything whether right or wrong to fight for this man to the point of  obsession. She became paranoid and suspicious. Snooping around Caleb's things?! I actually felt sorry for her!  No peace of mind ?! That's more than enough to lose one's sanity! 

“When Caleb looks at her, his eyes shift into a different gear. It’s like he’s seeing the only thing that matters. I am sickly familiar with the way he looks at Olivia, because it is the way I look at him”

“I didn't ask for this life — to be loved second best and to be forced to have a baby. I wanted … I wanted what Olivia had and threw away — someone who adores me even though my insides curl and lash like a poisonous snake”

     Again, I love the way Ms Fisher stirred my emotions! I was furious then saddened, felt pity and then anger. Such two completely opposite emotions I have to handle all throughout the book! When the drama starts.. It keeps on building and building up till I became breathless! It was a roller coaster of powerful emotions!  And I'm in for a ride! 

    I love how the book unfold  a revelation.. I was left with my mouth agape! I'm like what? How could Caleb do that? So harsh ...and so mean!  And it's never been fair to  Leah!

“I feel like such a fool. So used. How could I be so in love with a man that was so willing to deceive me? I feel like a piece of trash, disposable and unwanted”

    The ending ? You thought Leah would just crumble and break? Think. Again. When Caleb drop the "bomb"... Leah have a bigger, more destructive "bomb'" ! And it had  a "DON'T MESS WITH LEAH" written all over it!

“He thought Olivia could hurt him, I’ll hurt him worse. I’ll keep hurting him. And if he goes after her again, I’ll rise up and do everything in my power to keep them apart. Some people never change. I guess I’m one of them.”

   I'm not a fan of a cliffhanger.. but this one was a great cliffhanger!  There 's so much more to look forward to. Specially Leah.  And more reason for me to grab the next book ASAP! 

                            My Playlist:

" Just A Fool" by Christina Aguilera  http://youtu.be/JHb_ps-JtaM

"Stay" by Rihanna http://youtu.be/8t7fLDtgtuE

                          I'm giving this book:

                     4 clingy, won't-let-you-go stars!

My Review: The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher

     
From Goodreads:

     Olivia Kaspen has just discovered that her ex-boyfriend, Caleb Drake, has lost his memory. With an already lousy reputation for taking advantage of situations, Olivia must decide how far she is willing to go to get Caleb back. Wrestling to keep her true identity and their sordid past under wraps, Olivia’s greatest obstacle is Caleb’s wicked, new girlfriend; Leah Smith. It is a race to the finish as these two vipers engage in a vicious tug of war to possess a man who no longer remembers them. But, soon enough Olivia must face the consequences of her lies, and in the process discover that sometimes love falls short of redemption.

                                 My Thoughts:

    Only  few books can actually keep and hold my attention for a little longer... before I get distracted with other things (Like... I know, I know.. I'm checking Goodreads, twitter or facebook! Guilty! Hah! )... and I could say , this book kept me in place!  Just reading  few pages, I know I'm already  hooked.

    The opening chapter intrigue me as I saw Olivia's hesitation to go near Caleb. Was she scared?  But why? What  happened  in their  past that deserves Caleb's hatred? So I wait as Olivia took her step towards Caleb... and ... Bam! Caleb did not recognize her at all! Amnesia. Now, this becomes really, really interesting!

   I love how Ms. Tarryn Fisher wrote the alternate Flashbacks & Present time chapters! It was seamless and free flowing. The flashbacks really showed how everything started. How the campus heartthrob, basketball star player Caleb chased after the plain, bookish...and once- prude-dish  Olivia. I have the fairy tale - like feeling as I read it. Caleb is the Prince Charming waiting to happen... IF ...ONLY, IF Olivia let him swept her off her feet! *Dreamy Sigh  Unlike any other girl who would do anything to get Caleb's attention, our Olivia here ... did the opposite! She tried to stay away!  Caleb is gorgeous , rich , spoiled jock...a walking danger sign that any smart, goody shoes- girl like her should avoid at all cost! But can she really avoid  him?? When Caleb has been stalking her like a lost puppy? Admit it Olivia, you are definitely checking him out! Hmmmm...

   Clearly , there something about her that Caleb found... really fascinating? I'm thinking, maybe she looks unattainable.. and Caleb is up for a challenge? But then, Caleb really, really likes her! And boy, the way he goes after her... like she's the only girl for him! I love the cocky Caleb chasing after the uptight Olivia. Those were the swoony - awkward moments! And when Caleb intentionally missed the important basketball shot for a date with Olivia ( or was it a dare?? ).... it was reckless incredible! I was all giggly and swooning at the same time! Everybody (well except for her best friend Cammie) hated Olivia after that!  She was the girl Caleb missed his shot for!  Olivia became the talk of the school!

     So, you thought that  impressed Olivia? Not at all. But she made a deal with Caleb. A date. Hesitant at first, but as she got to know a little about Caleb... her mind says Stay away but her body says she was insanely attracted to this boy! Caleb is not the stereotype hotshot that she taught. He is the sweetest !And he reads and loves "Great expectations" ?!  I'd definitely say, he's a keeper!( And more than meets the eye?! )  I want to keep Caleb to myself!!!!  Mine.. mine!

    Caleb is perfect! Despite the attraction and connection between them... Olivia let him slip off her fingers?! Yes. She turned down Caleb. She lied that she doesn't want him. I was exasperated! This, I think it was the first time Olivia lied.  And when Caleb seems to be moving on..with a new girlfriend, evil lurked into Olivia's heart! She got to have Caleb at all cost!  I was like, what the hell, Olivia?! Really?! Where did the sweet Olivia go? Who are you????  And that ,  is how the misery begun...

    I was emotionally wrecked the following chapters. It was a roller coaster ride of heavy emotions. I don't know how I'll feel over Olivia.. I hate her and love her all the same time. I hate her schemes but then I can't help but to have all my sympathy...or  more like  empathy with her. What would I do if I were in her shoes? I don't think I can handle it. Caleb is her weakness. Caleb is her strength. Caleb is her everything. So why can't she have Caleb? Oh... my heart cried. And Caleb? What have you done?  I was  so ...so...I could not even put this into words...

     The rest of the book way up to the Epilogue , I was holding my pillow so tight. My chest hurts. Why oh why life is so unfair! How could they always end up making the wrong choices? And like Olivia, I don't think I could ever moved on...

“It is the last real kiss of my life. I forever cling to that kiss. It was goodbye and I’m sorry and I love you so much. When it is done, he presses his forehead to my own one last time and then he is gone.

I am broken.”

    This has to be the most heart breaking way to end a book.  *sobs ...and more sobs...I hate to see my heart shattered into tiny pieces... *and the sobbing continues.. I love , love this book! *sobs

                       My Playlist:

"One Last Cry " by Brian McKnight http://youtu.be/sz-NhGanOAE

 

              I'm giving this book :
    4 heart breaking, tear inducing stars!

True Love's First Kiss by Heidi Garrett Blog Tour ( Review andGiveaway! )

 

     Today  I'm joining  Shane of Itching for books  for True love's first kiss  by Heidi Garrett blog tour. This is my first time to participate and honestly, I am super thrilled!  Moreover, it's to promote one of the best Fantasy-Faerytales I ever read! 


 
From Goodreads:

Nandana’s Mark, Book 1: When two half-faeries—Melia and her younger sister—are cursed under dreadful circumstances, true love’s first kiss is the remedy.

The Flower of Isbelline, Book 2: Nothing but true love’s first kiss can save Melia’s younger sister from blind ambition and ruin.

The Dragon Carnivale, Book 3: Melia must choose the freedom she cherishes or true love’s first kiss—and a relationship that promises to secure her place in the Whole.

The Queen of the Realm of Faerie is a fantasy fairy tale series that bridges the Mortal and Enchanted worlds. The main character, Melia, is an eighteen-year-old half-faerie, half-mortal. She lives in Illialei, a country in the Enchanted World, with her two sisters and their mother. Melia’s father has been exiled to the Mortal World, and her best friend is a pixie.

When the story opens in the first book, Melia is troubled by her dark moon visions, gossip she overhears about her parents at the local market, and the trauma of living among full-blooded faeries with wings—she doesn’t have any.

As the series unfolds, the historic and mystical forces that shape Melia’s life are revealed. Each step of her journey—to find the place where she belongs—alters her perceptions about herself, deepens her relationships with others, and enlarges her world view.

True Love’s First Kiss is a compilation of the first three books in this ongoing series.

About the author: 

Heidi Garrett is the author of The Queen of the Realm of Faerie series. Her personal message to all her readers is: 

Once upon a time, you lived in an enchanted world, too…

May you always see the magic in your life.

The Queen of the Realm of Faerie includes many strong female characters within an intricate fantasy land. It is also a fairy tale fantasy.

The first book, Nandana’s Mark, is one of those free ebooks; the second book, The Flower of Isbelline, is now available; and the third book, The Dragon Carnivale, will be released in June 2013.

Heidi's hope is that when you read her books, you will rediscover the enchantment in your own life. 

She currently resides in Eastern Washington State with her husband and their two cats. So far, she loves the snow. Being from the South, she finds it very magical.

                                               
                      My Review:

  True love's First kiss is the compilation of  Ms. Heidi  Garett's  three wonderful books : Book 1  Nandana's Mark , Book 2 The Flower of Isbelline and Book 3 The Dragon Carnivale . Being a dreamer, I am  always fascinated  with  faerytales.  There is always a magical feeling when I'm reading it.And all of three books were consistent of giving me that "feel"!

   When I read Nandana's Mark, I was instantly  enthralled with the Faery Realm , Ms. Garrett created. It was so vivid , I can almost see the colorful , magical world!  And I was instantly  captivated with the three beautiful half faeries, Melusine , Melia and Plantine.  ( and of course, their pretty, pretty names! )

     Being a half faery ,Melia feels like an outcast. While her two sisters are quite coping up..she feels alone.  Plus she's having this dark visions of witnessing Faery Realm being destroyed. ( and Umbra incarnating! )  It was a nightmare.. and Melia feel helpless.. and more confused. It's a good thing she has Totou, her pixie friend to confide  with.  ( I love pixies ! So cute! )  I love how Ms. Garrett creates her characters! I am aware that this is a faerytale at the beginning, but as I read along... there's something more about the mythical creatures portrayed here. I have that certain feel.. like, I know they are not real (a product of imagination) but at the same time I want them to be real?  Now, I sound confusing?  I can't seem to put it into words... ( oh my! )
 
    Book one highlights Melia and gave me a glimpse of  the bigger role she has in saving Faery world. Such a big responsibility for  such a young half faery. I loved Melia , she may have flaws ( she stutters, clearly lacks confidence..) but I know deep inside she has the heart of gold.

     When they tried to stop their father from his attempt to incarnate Umbra, he accidentally died ! And Melusine , Melia and Plantine  were blamed ...and cursed by their Mother! Melusine is cursed to turn into a hideous snake , Melia an eagle each time the sun sets and Plantine gradually fades! And the antidote of this curse? Yes, a true love's first kiss!  ( See?! I can feel the faerytale sense to it! And I remember Sleeping Beauty and Snow white! ) So, will these three half faeries find their knight in shinning armor? their one true love?

    The Flower of Isbelline begun where Nandana's Mark ended. And another adventure is about to start! Melia together with her new found friends   will journey to save her sister Plantine from marrying Lord Goring  and stop his evil plan to incarnate Umbra.

     This book has all the elements  to make it really magical . It was truly a treat to read! And I love when Ms. Garrett introduce me to get to know Melia's newfound friends a little better. I feel that I was part of their journey and adventure! And when Melia was flying, I feel I was Totou on her back and gripping and holding on to Melia's smooth feathers... and whenever I close my eyes.. I felt the wind too!  That's how  Ms. Garrett writes! She has the amazing way of putting her readers inside the book! 

    Here, I was looking at a different Plantine. From an  innocent , sweet half faery to an ambitious , power hungry Lord Goring's bride to be !  I was totally surprised ...how Umbra corrupts? So, I was thinking... Umbra must be stopped at all cost!  See? I got carried away, again! 

    And what's a  perfect adventure without a little  romance?  Well, take a good look at Ryder and Melia?! It was super obvious that they got a little something going on!  See? the awkward moments... uhmmm, I mean the "swoony" awkward moments! And.. uhmmm.. I kinda checking out  Ryder  and his gorgeous green eyes! Haha.

    But their love is not that simple. In fact, though Melia is undeniably drawn to Ryder, she is torn between him and her love of flying! Flying gave Melia the freedom that she wanted . And she was afraid to give  in to what she really felt for Ryder! ----Poor Melia! Must be super confusing and overwhelming at the same time.

    If you find book 1 a little slow.. well , I tell you The Flower of Isbelline  has the action-adventure that you've been waiting ! Prepare  yourself  to a joyride! There's a lot of magic ..you'll be awed just like I did. And there's pulse-stopping encounter with Umbra! I have mixed emotion of fear and excitement... and there's Sevondi , a powerful Dragonwitch gate crashing Plantine's Wedding! Just imagine what happens next?  It was a WOW!  

    Finally, The Dragon Carnivale ! I'm super excited for this since The Flower of Isbelline left  me with a cliffy. Plus , I have been anticipating for that one True love's first kiss! As I step into Ms. Garrett's Faery world again.. I was like...

  This book clearly leveled up! I experience the same feelings ( the excitement, the thrill, the anticipation ) from book two ...only this time, it was intensified! Yes! I love every moment in it.

      So, as I lay on my pink bed ... I let myself get lost in the beauty of the Faery world. Time definitely stopped. And I found my self... in Melia's shoes! ( or leather boots .. or sometimes barefoot for that matter! ) ! As I look around, I took in everything.... I found myself inside the ancient orchard and smelled the sweetest golden apples! ( mouth watering and my stomach grumbled! ) Now, I can't help but pick one myself. But ... oooops! I realized I was picking up my book reader instead?! Good heavens ! I'm thankful, I did not munch it! haha. 

     Everything in this book seems so real. And every bit of it is an experience I won't forget!  I also love the two new friends Melia met... Calista and Bertille! ( Again, Ms. Garrett and her never-ending cool and pretty names! ) I love how they taught Melia, one valuable lesson in life : To let go. And when they made Melia jump off that cliff ...and into the water. Everything  finally became clear. It was a beautiful revelation.  This is definitely one of my favorite scenes! 

"The sooner she allows her tears to wash away the dirt in her heart, the sooner she’ll be able to see clear and find her way. Then, she might be able to tell who her enemies are and who they’re not.”

“If you don’t set your heart free, you’ll never be able to trust anyone.”

     Melia definitely mature and grow up into a strong half faery.  I love it when she finally accepted  herself and face the inevitable...that she has to choose and decide. ....And the way she sees Ryder in a different light.. is sooo swoony, believe me!  Soooo, did the much awaited True love's first kiss actually happened? So tempting to answer... but I leave it all to you to find out!  Well, I like to imagine it... this way! *winks

“I was wrong to use words written long ago to dismiss the truth that you spoke from your heart.” He raised his gaze. “I will stay with you, no matter what.”

Melia’s blood rushed. She touched his face. He was real.”

    If you want a lot of surprises and twists ,this book totally has it. Most of the characters surprised  me. Specially Sevondi  whom I truly disliked at first.. but ended up entirely different...and surprisingly , likable. I love her Dragon Carnivale! I have to say , it was truly a wonderful and spectacular show! Imagine, instead of fireworks, there's the display of dragons?! Colorful , magical dragons! And like the rest of the Muannaye , I'm was mesmerized! 

 
     The ending was great. The last chapter is truly heart stopping! I was gripping and holding on to my book reader like my dear life depend on it! I dare not blink. All I think was.. Melia... Melia...let this be the moment..    And I was never disappointed.  :)  

     If you want to read a truly amazing faerytale that will grow in you, go grab this book... and experience what it's like to be inside the faery world Ms. Heidi Garrett beautifully created! 

     Be sure to enter the giveaway found below for a chance to win a copy of this book! :)

                     I'm giving this book:

     

               5 wonderful, magical stars!

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