A Review : The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon

From Goodreads:

If I tell you right up front, right in the beginning that I lost him, it will be easier for you to bear. You will know it’s coming, and it will hurt. But you’ll be able to prepare.

Someone found him in a laundry basket at the Quick Wash, wrapped in a towel, a few hours old and close to death. They called him Baby Moses when they shared his story on the ten o’clock news – the little baby left in a basket at a dingy Laundromat, born to a crack addict and expected to have all sorts of problems. I imagined the crack baby, Moses, having a giant crack that ran down his body, like he’d been broken at birth. I knew that wasn’t what the term meant, but the image stuck in my mind. Maybe the fact that he was broken drew me to him from the start.

It all happened before I was born, and by the time I met Moses and my mom told me all about him, the story was old news and nobody wanted anything to do with him. People love babies, even sick babies. Even crack babies. But babies grow up to be kids, and kids grow up to be teenagers. Nobody wants a messed up teenager.

And Moses was messed up. Moses was a law unto himself. But he was also strange and exotic and beautiful. To be with him would change my life in ways I could never have imagined. Maybe I should have stayed away. Maybe I should have listened. My mother warned me. Even Moses warned me. But I didn’t stay away.

And so begins a story of pain and promise, of heartache and healing, of life and death. A story of before and after, of new beginnings and never-endings. But most of all...a love story. 



                    My Thoughts:

I have no words but WOW! This book ...... truly amazing!

My first book from Amy Harmon and surely won't be my last. I admit , the beautiful cover was the first thing that caught my attention ...well, the title was also intriguing, right?

When I started reading, it was no doubt both beautiful and intriguing. The characters just came alive. I can't only picture out Moses and Georgia but also felt what they are feeling. I tell you, it was overwhelming, I wish I could put it into words but as always, reading an awesome book can leave me a little dumbstruck. 

So, please forgive me, Ms. Harmon if my review would never justify how amazing your book was. 

To say that this book was well-written was an understatement. It was more than that. If I say that her words were like heartbeats , constant...beating ..alive, would you silently nod in agreement? For Amy Harmon fans, I saw a smile...maybe , a little sigh. .. that's a yes, right? 

This book, this book... Ahhhhh.. So many feels! I love the cracked Moses  but there are times I groaned in frustration like, Moses..Moses.... so clueless! Can you see the signs? It's all over you? How could you treat Georgia that way? Why brush her off? *groans* Mannnnnn.... 

And Georgia, sweet, sweet, trusting Georgia...I just love her . If anybody can have a heart of gold , she'd be named Georgia. I love her persistence when it comes to the stubborn Moses. Where people of Levan stayed away from the "cracked" Moses, Georgia scooted closer , weaving herself into Moses' life...eventually made Moses break one of  his laws.

There are so MUCH , much more to LOVE about this book and I find it so hard to write it down without worrying about the spoilers. As much restraint as I can  hold here are some:

1. I LOVE  how Ms. Harmon described Moses' art. Can colors be that vivid  and feels like it can jump right off my book? I won't be surprised if I had splats of  paint  all over me. Yes, it feels real!

2.  I  LOVE the characters.
Georgia :

“Any time you start feeling sorry for yourself or you go into a rant about how bad life sucks, you immediately have to name five greats.”

Georgia's FIVE GREATS , I loved them! The five greats teaches us to be grateful of  anything, everything...a person or even the most simple , mundane things we often overlooked in our everyday life.   It was truly an inspiration.

Moses:

“He was like water—cold, deep, unpredictable, and, like the pond up the canyon, dangerous, because you could never see what was beneath the surface. And just like I’d done all my life, I jumped in head first, even though I’d been forbidden. But this time, I drowned.”

----Well, who could resist that  Dangerous and forbidden?  Okay, setting that fact aside, ( See, how fast I get distracted?  Hah! ) , I love to see Moses' gradual change. His acceptance of his gift he considered a curse, and the way he tried to made up for it. It was really heartbreaking, learning that truth but somehow, he had his ways. I love, loved it. My favorite part is when he said this words :

" I hope you can forgive me. Because this is happening. Me and Georgia. This is happening. "

----Me ? Melting in a puddle of love goo! Go , get your woman, Moses! * sigh*

3. I LOVE how Ms. Harmon build that suspense. With those missing girls.. and Moses visions? My brain's been non spinning! I could guess but can't be 100 percent sure.  A budding romance, combined it with angst, some eerie "goosebumps-enducing" moments and a constant reminder of impending danger?  THAT is a perfect blend of unputable book!

4. Lastly, the epilogue! It was truly amazing beyond words. Moses, deserved it. It was a beautiful chance and the perfect closure. I cried, it was a very touching scene. 

Overall, I got nothing to say but I LOVE, LOVE,LOVE this  book. If you want to read something really different  and REALLY amazing, PICK this book, you won't regret it. Promise. 

               I'm giving this book:
                   Five Great Stars!

Book Review : Easy Virtue by Mia Asher

From Goodreads:

Love is selfish...

My name is Blaire.
I'm the bad girl.
The other woman.
The one who never gets the guy in the end.

I'm the gold digger.
The bitch.
The one no one roots for.
The one you love to hate.

I hate myself too...

Everyone has a story. Are you ready for mine?

    

                 My Thoughts:


     Okay...

    Deep breaths...

    Very deep breaths...

    One.. Two..three.. Inhale . Exhale. *slowly gathering my wits..and sanity?!*

    My gawd. Where do I even start? This.. This book... no words-WOW! I loved Arsen so much that when I heard Mia Asher's going to release another book? I squeeee!!! Plus that VERY engaging teasers?! Myyyy ohhh myyyy! I counted the days till release date!

     I know and I'm sure this one's going to be EPIC!  Guess I am never wrong, because Easy Virtue was very good.

       The blurb clearly described  Blaire White ,  a woman to loathe for ...but I'd say after reading  this book? That I don't despised Blaire, I feel sorry for her.  The way she viewed love ( if she ever believed such a thing? ) was just sad. Well, blame it on  the childhood she had and the way her parents treated her. She thought love can hurt her, so she shut it out and associate everything with material possession. Blaire became the "material girl" .. the social butterfly . Men can have her , use her however they wanted  ...IF they can afford her! Sounds like a .... you get what I mean? Oh she  knoooows it ... she walks , she talks and thinks that way.

“I’m Blaire White after all.

I don’t wallow.

I don’t cry.

I move on.

I forget.

I discard … or get discarded.

I’m a survivor.

I’m resilient.

I will always have the last say in what goes on in my life. I’ve gone through too much not to. And if that means maybe getting involved with someone who is actually willing to pay me to sleep with him at the expense of feelings, so be it.

I don’t care.”

Until she met both Ronan and Lawrence.... Both guys  that  each sides of her wanted. Part of her, the "good  Blaire " , the one she was trying to suppressed,  wants  that  chance to a simple , pure happiness...a chance to love. Ronan made her feel much.   Like a coward ... she ran.


Then  there's Lawrence and his millions of dollars...  Can the other side of her,  the " selfish Blaire" ever resist this?  Can she ever deny that magnetic pull?   With the  seduction of glitz ... glamour  and all the worldly things  within her reach, she was enslaved. After all, She. Is. Blaire.


Call it a love triangle , but can Blaire really choose?  Between Ronan owning  her heart and  Lawrence owning   her body?  Tough. Choice.


    I love how this was written. Yes, so many feels . Yes , angsty.  And yes! yes! Sexy times! You, Mia  really knows how make me blush?! Don't forget the way you described everything?! Boom , boom , pooooowwww!!!! Well, why  am  I even surprised? I've been expecting that, and boy! you did not  disappoint me!


I am definitely rooting for Ronan but then after that " Lawrence POV " , hmmm, well, my loyalty was quite stirred. There was really something going on, right there!

So, this is getting interesting! I am getting all warmed up... Wide eyed and totally focused , so flip, flip pages .... UNTIL....

  Hooolllyyy ...whhh-aaaat?!!! No.no.no..noooooo! *tries... desperately tries to flip...flip..the pages of my e reader..* Nooooo! Noooo more?!! Whaaaat in the name of all things unholy are you trying to do to me, Ms. Mia Asher?! What have I done to deserve  this kind of punishment?!!! Why me??? Why?! Why?! Whhhhy?!! 

Wait.. Wwwwwaittttt! This  is not standalone?!

   My. Gawd. This is why it is REALLY important to do research , people! Research! Research!  Hah! Research my arse!  Hee hee!  There's no research -research when it comes to Mia Asher. Her books ?  Insta-buy , insta-clicked ! Forget about going through that ... Argggh ! Cringe-worthy cliffy?! After all, I am a glutton for punishment when it comes to Mia Asher books.


  Love. Loved this book. Though, I hate ...  hate that epilogue!  But, hey Mia! I love. love . love you! Just don't prolong my agony please?  Hurry, hurry, write , write.. write!  Need that sequel , ASAP!



                I'm giving this book:

         5 Wowwwwwww -wooow Stars!

Book Review : The Young Elites by Marie Lu

From Goodreads:

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all. 

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen. 

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

                   My Thoughts:

     Marie Lu ! Marie Lu! Marie Lu!! Anything Marie Lu, I loooove!!! 

     I was beyond happy and excited when I finally had this book in my hands. Not solely because I adoooooored the author BUT a SIGNED copy?! Yes! By freaking , freaking amazing M. Lu!!! Could it be possible to fangirl this much for an author? Yeeshhhhh! 

      I fell in love with Ms. Lu's writing when I discovered and read her previous series, The Legend trilogy. It was ..I'm-Lost-For-Words kind of Wow! I'm a little bummed when I finished the last book because... well, what's life after Day and June? I admit, I got a little clingy with the characters. Yup, Ms. Lu is THAT good! So, when she announced that she's going to start with a new series, I marked my calendar and count the days till release. Until.. Now! It's here!!

      I'm not afraid to "raise the bar" with this series. And as always, I was floored! The setting , the characters, the story..everything was perfect. The way the author wrote it, wow! It's picturesque. From the colorful , elaborated  intricate clothing ( the masquerade!! ) , up to the well described places , even the creatures ! Breathtaking!! All that  and more inside this book!

I loved all the characters! Even the most hate-worthy Terren, I  truly, truly love to hate!  Adelina , Oh I love her , she's one complex character. She was  torn between the goodness  she believed she has and that very tempting , powerful darkness within her. I felt her struggles and she fought hard , but there's always two opposing forces , good ...evil...and sometimes the "in between". Adelina had to make a choice... to fight  or to flee... to trust or to betray? A choice that  will change everything.

What's Adelina's next move? That I don't know! Everything was unpredictable and the twists and turns every now and then? Wow! I never  saw that one coming!  Love, loved it!


....And then , what's a great heroine without her equally awesome hero? Enter Enzo!! A banished Prince.


Out to take back his crown, he gathered and trained all these promising malfettos  to enhance and control their powers. Together, they are stronger.. together..if they stick to their plan. Can they trust Adelina?  Can she trust them? Can she trust herself?

I love the Enzo - Adelina  moments! I just wish there are more of "them" , it was like, that's it?! I want more! There is definitely something going on between them and it's making me Squeee! That scene on the rain? I wish I can elaborate but it would scream SPOILERS!! ...Again, it's SQUEEEE!!!  It was one of my favorites, of course!






Overall, I love how the story goes even though that ending nearly killed me! Yes, I'm going to warn you, it's a CLIFFHANGER !!! I was .... *sobs*  It can't be!! But , hey! let's hope for the best to come! Book two , I need you, desperately!

                I'm giving this book :
      5 Marie Lu Amazingsauce Stars!

My Review : Maybe Not by Colleen Hoover

From Goodreads : 



Colleen Hoover, the New York Times bestselling author of Maybe Someday brilliantly brings to life the story of the wonderfully hilarious and charismatic Warren in a new novella, Maybe Not.

When Warren has the opportunity to live with a female roommate, he instantly agrees. It could be an exciting change.

Or maybe not.

Especially when that roommate is the cold and seemingly calculating Bridgette. Tensions run high and tempers flare as the two can hardly stand to be in the same room together. But Warren has a theory about Bridgette: anyone who can hate with that much passion should also have the capability to love with that much passion. And he wants to be the one to test this theory.

Will Bridgette find it in herself to warm her heart to Warren and finally learn to love?

Maybe.

Maybe not. 

                     My Thoughts :

      Another amazing book from my all time fave Ms. Colleen Hoover! Maybe someday is one of my top fave reads this year ,so when this novella finally came out, I was doing the happy dance!!

      I love the funny , sweet and loyal Warren! I love those epic pranks! I was really hoping that he too, will find his happily ever after because he deserved it. He did find it but ...have to struggle and fought ( in a very funny and my-oh-my sexy way!) just to get the girl! Yup, he doesn't need to look further because that "girl" happens to be  his infuriating, angsty...and did I say bitchy room mate?! Oh, that's right, Bridgette "the roomie" who doesn't have the facial muscle to smile?! Yup. The angry chick.  But. Not. Until. Warren.


“You did smile, Bridgette, and you need to own it, because it was fucking beautiful.”

     True, they were poles apart, happy , outgoing Warren and grouchy Bridgette?! The contrast. The contrast! Well, I totally believe that opposite attracts! And my oh my! I loooove the love-hate-lust-love-and everything in between! It was pure fun ...and oh! Warren, Warren and the things he can do? His 'Thor -like" capabilities?!

     Uh-oh! Not that kind of  Thor! But , hmmm... that massive, powerful..hammer of his?! Hee hee! I definitely know where this is going!

"Don't do that again, " she says, angry and breathless,

Her voice makes me wince. "You started it, " I say defensively.

Did she? I can't remember. It might be mutual.

"You  kiss  like you're trying to resuscitate a dead cat, " she says disgusted.

"You kiss like you are the dead cat. "
She pulls her knees up to her chest and wraps her arms around them. She looks extremely uncomfortable in silence, so it doesn't surprise me  when she spits another insult.

"You probably fuck like a limp noodle. "

"I fuck like I'm Thor. "


   Okay. Thor and his hammer? Where are we?!  See? I can get easily distracted.. with that hammer , errrr, Warren?


    W-A-R-R-E-N.... Vaaavaaavooom! Hawrrrr !! <------Hawwwrr ( Hawt + Rawwrr!! ) I begun to compare this novella from CoHo's other books, and yes! For me, this one's the steamiest sexy time! Woohoo! You just made me super happy ( and hot&bothered uh-oh! Whoopsie!) with that one. Keep it up, Ms. Hoover! Like, up ..UP!! *naughty grin*

Overall, looooooove everything! Perfect banters. I love Warren's internal monologue! Funny, funny pranks. Omg! That hemorroid cream?! LOL! That's you way of marking ..your territory?! Waaaaaay to go Warren! *claps hands*


And the Warren-kind-of-swoons?! Super cute, just the way I expected him to be. Asshole or not, you are oh-so-adorable, Warren. *le sigh*

A round of applause for the amazing Ms. Colleen Hoover! Can't wait for more !!



               I'm giving this book :

              5 Amaaaaaazing Stars!

My Review : My Lea by E. Mellyberry

From Goodreads:

A simple girl.

A broken guy.

One horrible incident.

When Lea Amelia landed her feet in San Francisco for her overseas study, her idea of freedom was simple, like eating junk food ten times a day, sitting in front of the TV in her PJs, or going out late with her friends without the need to check in with her mother constantly.

Then she met Andrew Jaya, her brothers’ best friend. A twenty-two-year-old guy whose physical appearance looked like he was crafted straight from God’s heavenly hands, but possessed a past as bleak as if it was drawn by Evil himself. A conflicted guy who wore sadness like nobody’s business beneath his mask, a perfect-looking mask she slowly peeled away.

He was also the guy who hurt her.

Suddenly, everything about her was no longer simple.

Andrew Jaya had convinced himself that not feeling was good for him. He'd been doing it splendidly for almost his entire life. But that was before his best friend’s sister stepped into his life and ruined it. After weeks of knowing Lea, all of those warm and wonderful feelings he’d long ago denied to himself started to reappear. Problem was, the brighter the light, the bigger the shadows that came with it.

His traumatic past refused to let him go.

When the unthinkable happened, the easiest thing to do was to run. But life often proves that the easiest way is usually the hardest.

                   My Thoughts :

  ******e-ARC was provided by the author for an honest review**********


       Congratulations Ms. E. Mellyberry for your  debut New Adult  novel! I feel very proud I've met you through Goodreads and eventually , became friends! ( really, really good friends! )

       When she offered me this book for read and review, I was beyond willing and happy to do it. You might think that I'll be biased  since Melly and I were good friends?  Uhmmm, so here's the thing : I'll temporary put our friendship aside  ( Sorrrrrry M! ) and write a proper, unbiased, fair , impartial review.  Here it goes :


       Now, where do I begin ?  Okay, the writing.  I love how she wrote it. The words were free flowing ..and alive, like I'm hearing words  and not just reading it. I also love that Asian vibe, even if the setting was in  San Francisco , USA but the fact, that  very familiar "Asian-ness" were being mentioned, like, rice, rice cooker  and even the Asian-Mom-strictness?! I knooooow, I am Asian, a Filipina  and  reading  this, it feels like home. I love that feeling.

       I love the characters specially the heroine ,Lea , she has the BIGGEST heart of all! I cannot find fault in her except that she is just too good to be true! Is she a Martyr ? A Saint ? Or Both?  Our hero, Andrew, on the other hand, was something else! I know he's both troubled and "trouble'. And I can't even imagine how  could our sheltered good girl , Lea could  instantly be attracted to this "something else Andrew" ?!  Ahhh, maybe that "bad boy" vibe, Lea?  Oooh, forget that he looks so damn good !

" Ahh. My God! Her mouth stayed open, but mute, stuck between A and O vowels. It felt unnatural as the creature standing in front of her. Saying that he was handsome would be an understatement of the year...

Word emphasis: Perfect.  "  <--------Me: 'nuff said. If Andrew's standing in front of me right now ...

    So, let's just say... it all started with a "big crush", being attracted is perfectly normal. They are both single. Away from home.  And yes freedom to explore every single possibility! Next : Getting to know each other.  Andrew was all sweet , with all that flowers thing ( swoony! ) then suddenly became a different person when he, out of nowhere freaked out! Over a photo session?! ( Because "something" triggered from his "dark" memory! ) If I were Lea, I would think twice ?!  But then, Lea was not me! Lea is Lea. Period. This. Lea. *No words*


    It has been  established from the start that Andrew was in battle with his inner demons. What exactly are those? That , I waited oh-so-slowly...  oh-so painfully ! I want to know, I want to know! Many times , I was so tempted to take a peek on the later chapters ( to cheat?! Uhm, no! fnd out! ) ...or better yet, ask Ms. Melly! ..but I hold my tongue...or better yet hold my itchy fingers not to send her a message!

          Darn! There is no shortcut here but to move along....

      I enjoyed those cute, funny and sexy banters / encounters  between them.  That dinner and Lea's short , short black dress?! Priceless! I chuckled , giggled and smirked?! Really, Andrew?! Telling a girl, that she looked fat in that dress?! Waaaay to gooooo, Cassanova!!!

     
        Soooo.. it looks like there's DEFINITELY something going on between these two....I can already feel my "swoon" building up! Until..... until THAT thing happened! Wha-wha-what-the %^&@ <insert curses here!> ?!!! I was.. I was.... *no words*  I was shocked. Devastated. I ...I...don't know what to think?! All I can feel was my heartbeat racing this fast and my hands trembling! Nooooo waaaaaay!!!!!!!!!!!! No... no... no....Nooooooooooo!!!! It's doomed!!

         Ohhh how I haaaaaate Andrew after that!! How could he?! How could he ?!! Tortured, broken, troubled or what??? That was just soooo wrong!!!!!!!!!! And Lea? Lea...Lea... Lea.... always the golden girl. Tsk. Tsk.Tsk..

       Oh my freaking Melly? What came into you??? Do I really know you????  Apparently, I do not. And this even made  me loooove you even more! Keep on doing something like this, I don't mind if you give me a nervous breakdown! Haha!

      Overall, I LOVE everything. THAT ending, those two words from Andrew? Loaded. Will it be a happy ending? Or another bumpy journey  ahead? THAT ....is something I'll be looking forward to!


      To my fellow readers, if you want something  unforgettable and takes the word "angsty" into a different level , you don't need to wait that long ! Release date : November 11 th. Go grab your copy!
   

         
                 I'm giving this book :

             5  Angsty , Angsty  Stars!

My Review : Jake Undone by Penelope Ward

From Goodreads:
Nina Kennedy was alive…but not living…until she met him.

Planes, trains, heights…you name it, Nina was afraid of it and led a sheltered life ruled by irrational fears and phobias. When she moves to Brooklyn for nursing school, that life is turned upside down, as she develops an intense but unwanted attraction to her gorgeous roommate, who’s pierced, tattooed and just happens to be the smartest person she’s ever met.

Behind Jake Green’s rough exterior and devilish smile, lies a heart of gold. He makes it his mission to change Nina’s outlook on life. When he agrees to tutor her, they forge a bet and the stakes are high as Jake forces Nina to face her demons. He just wasn’t expecting to fall hard for her in the process.

What Nina doesn’t realize, is that Jake has been living his own private hell. Once he drops a bombshell, will their love survive it?
               My Thoughts:

     Meeeeeeeeee ohhhhhh Myyyyyyyyy!  What can I say?! Penelope Ward and her boys?! Perfect book boyfriends!! Me, Likey VERY..VERY MUCH!

    This is my second book from Ms. Ward and I  admit, I have  developed  some "mild addiction"  . Well, If you consider "mild" as : Me ,reading this ...then once in awhile  checking out her other books?! ( And one-clicking?! Darn! )  Yes. MILD ...still the word?! Hee hee!


    For the adoring fans of Ms. Penelope Ward, you know exactly what I mean! .... for the newbies, look at what you been missing?! This!


    Lemme, me tell you a little something about this book...  ( a little forewarning though,   "mild"  fangirling ahead. Hah! )



    Blink. Blink. <----That's a  normal  eye , blinking .   My eyes  after I met  Jake Green?  Bliiiiink . Bliiiiiink.. Oh-so-slooowly. Hellooooooooooo....Flirty eyes! Yes! One of the many body reactions I had for Jake Green!

Who is Jake Green?  Well...

GORGEOUS....

PIERCED...

TATTOOED.... and..... Take note :

the SMARTEST person!!!! ( as per Nina's statement and mine too!!! )  <------- Where on earth can you find ALL that attributes in one guy?!

Oh! ...and it never stops there ! Here's more  reason to love Jake:

"Behind Jake Green’s rough exterior and devilish smile, lies a heart of gold. He makes it his mission to change Nina’s outlook on life. When he agrees to tutor her, they forge a bet and the stakes are high as Jake forces Nina to face her demons.."

   So... same question still stands : Where on earth can we find a guy like that???? The answer is , NOWHERE but inside a Penelope Ward book! I just love the characters she created. You know they are not real ( which is a bummer! )  but still , deep inside , you want them to exist. ( like, really ..really exist!!! )

   The moment I opened this book, I dived inside the story right away.  I felt Nina's fears ....and  felt Jake like she did. My! The attraction was just BOOOM! There was really  that SOMETHING  about Jake's presence that will either  make you :  catch your breath...or not breathe at all!  Oh, there's even a  word for that, it's called FANGIRLING, ladies, fangirling!

  ....And I loooove how  Ms . Ward   wrote that SOMETHING !  (Take note: How Jake ate his banana! )

"He continued to devour the entire batch until the plate is bone dry....He ran his finger repeatedly across the plate licking the last remnants, which cause my insides to tingle.
     I suddenly wished I were wearing the plate. "

   Now, you see, how a lowly banana  can make   Nina  wished  she was wearing that particular plate???   ( And me wishing, I'm the banana?! Whoopsie! ) Oooooh my! Trouble. Trouble. He looks like trouble...and Nina  doesn't need any of that when she has her own  troubles to deal with.  But can she really stay away when Jake was practically her room mate? Moreover, when all the circumstances leads her to him? Oh, there's also a word for that : DESTINY. Destiny! *dreamy  sigh*

     I love the creative ways Jake did to help Nina deal with her phobias. It was the swooniest too! That stuck-inside-the- elevator scene?  , add up that playlist? Awwwwwwww-worthy!  Those bat Origamis too ? Me. Melt -melt!

     So, the chemistry between these two were  LOUD and CLEAR.   Then why oh why?!  NO ONE's making the first move????

"My heart hasn't beat the same since I laid eyes on you, Nina. Ever since that day, my entire life has been about doing everything in my power not to want you like this..because I don't want to drag you into my fucked up life."

Arrgh! See?? This is when the "Penelope Ward signature angst" takes over!!! .....and it's torturous!! But I . LOVE. IT!( Strange-strange! )

      Yes, Torturous. Like, waiting helplessly  for that "something" to happen ?  I keep telling myself that I can handle this..I can handle this.... then .... the moment of truth! All I could utter are these words, 'This. Is. Bad... This is just... just .. just...not happening!!
 

   

    The feels! The feels! There's no stopping now! It was a roller coaster ride of emotions.  I have no choice but to hold unto my dear heart and hope that I can go through this up to the last page.

    The string of events were perfectly placed and presented.  That ending? I could not ask for more.
     I  sighed , cried, smiled... such a beautiful, amazing story !  Sending my full applause to the wonderful Ms. Penelope Ward!

 
                      My Rating:

      5 LA-LA-LA-LOOOOVE STARS!!!!

 

 

My Review : Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

From Goodreads:

At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.

Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…


From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance—and the enchanting music that inspires one young woman to put her life back together.


                         My thoughts:

        Beat..beat..pause.  Beat..beat..pause . That's my heart beating for both Ridge and Sydney.  Oh, and yes, sometimes it beats really fast...then it beats really slow . Erratic . It's been   that way ever since I started reading....and specifically , it begun when Ridge and Sydney created music together.

       Ridge and Sydney were perfect together . Ridge was music and Sydney, lyrics. I can't count how many times I swooned and keep falling in love with these two!  I love Sydney . I love Ridge. Sydney  and Ridge...love love love!

      I love writing reviews as I love reading, but in this case, I am hesitant to write one.  Why? Because I know,what I am about to write won't cover what I really felt inside.  I can simply say , "This book was amazing" but it's not all that, it was way beyond. With this, I am compelled to say more. ( with the best possible way I could say!)

      If you thought you already read the most angsty book , think again, this one's on my top list. Never have I experienced a book that made me feel all kinds of tensions from the beginning and up to the end.  I was surprised  I did not burst into a thousand pieces while in the process?!  God, if there is one author who can create that layer after layer of angst. Ms. Hoover was on my top list! ( As she's on my top list of favorite authors! ) This woman won't  even make me catch my breath.. or relax a bit?! ( And I love you Colleen! ) There's always a story within a story..within a story and it never ends! It was a gradual reveal , keeping me on my toes at the same time making me so restless.

     As I go on with the book, I can't help but to think ahead, way ..way ahead ! I was thinking , will it be a happy ending for both Ridge and Sydney?  Because I really want to but with the things that's been happening? I really doubt that possibility is going to be bleak. Yes, I was THAT affected. I felt how Ridge and Sydney struggled with that undeniable growing feelings they had. They fought hard for what they thought was the right thing to do... to the point of NOT listening to what  their hearts are really saying...

“We try so hard to hide everything we're really feeling from those who probably need to know our true feelings the most.”

“How ever, I've learned that the heart can't be told when and who and how it should love. The heart does whatever the hell it wants to do. The only thing we can control is whether we give our lives and our minds the chance to catch up to our hearts.”

    There's so much to love in this book. I got my favorites , yes a lot of them! I would enumerate them in the best  possible spoiler-free way I could say!

    1.  That  music session , when Ridge was pressed against Sydney ?! Oh, and  it's not even sexual! But then, I was breathless the whole time! It was swooniest  ( okay , it was kinda sexy! ) moment, and know what scene crossed my mind? Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze 's "pottery session" on Ghost?! And what's  Ridge and Sydney doing?! Not even pottery?! It was weird.. or I am weird?!! It was same connection, it was .. it was... what's the word? Intimate. ( and very romantic! )

   2.  When Ridge just held Sydney...that tight embrace? No words was said, but the emotions are so loud and clear. That.... I was a goner!  Again, I can't fight the tears falling. I loved that scene. Be. Still. My. Heart. 

   3.  "Sydney.. " Just a word. One single word , coming from Ridge?!  I nearly died?! That. Was. Unexpected.  And I was crying! Over a name?!!!! Just a name?!!!!

   4. The "Pen thing" .  Gawd! That pen! Darn it! Darn it! I have NEVER imagined in my entire existence that a lowly Pen can do the sexiest thing ever?!  Now. You. Are . Curious.  Clue : You think body painting is sexy?! Think again!  ( Oh, now you are imagining! Hah! ) I looooved that scene, I am dying to trade places with Sydney at THAT very moment!! ( Heck! I would want to live in THAT fictional world!)  Then.... when Ridge whispered, " Your call.. " Sweet. Baby. Jesus.

    Okay, I can go on and on....and on. But I promised a spoiler free review. So, I leave it all up to you. This , I promise you, You'll going to end up "favoriting" everything!  Yes. Yes!


     Overall, I loved THAT ending. As if Ms. Hoover knew what's inside my heart... THAT was the ending I was  hoping ( and pleading?! ) to be! Perfect. Perfect. Prefect!


“I feel like my maybe someday just became my right now.”

     Here's to the amazing  Ms. Colleen Hoover :

      

My Rating:

5 I'll-FALL-OVER-AND-OVER-AGAIN STARS!!!

My Review : Stepbrother dearest by Penelope Ward

From Goodreads:
You’re not supposed to want the one who torments you.

When my stepbrother, Elec, came to live with us my senior year, I wasn’t prepared for how much of a jerk he’d be.

I hated that he took it out on me because he didn’t want to be here.
I hated that he brought girls from our high school back to his room.
But what I hated the most was the unwanted way my body reacted to him.

At first, I thought all he had going for him were his rock-hard tattooed abs and chiseled face. Then, things started changing between us, and it all came to a head one night.

Just as quickly as he’d come into my life, he was gone back to California.

It had been years since I’d seen Elec.

When tragedy struck our family, I’d have to face him again.

And holy hell, the teenager who made me crazy was now a man that drove me insane.

I had a feeling my heart was about to get broken again.

Stepbrother Dearest is a standalone novel.

**Contains graphic sexual content and harsh language. It is only appropriate for adult readers age 18+




                     My Thoughts:

     Make way! Make way! ...Book hangover  coming right through!  ....and it's not going to be easy! So, I am bracing myself...

     Arrgh! I hate feeling this way.  Feeling drained, like you just ran a marathon? When clearly you been sitting all the time...both eyes and hands glued on a single book? That feeling. Yep, No other way to avoid it because that's the first experience you'll ever get after reading a very good book. In this case, that's what I've been going through right now.

     I'm not sure if this is the best time to write a review because I might be spewing senseless, incorrigible , messy words...anything that I would later regret.  But here's the deal, I got to let this feeling out or I'll burst into an ugly mess! This book is... Is.... Ahfjfjgnvkfkdjjddkfj!  <-------- bookworms' universal term for amazingness! ( or at least for me?! Hah! ) 

    I loooooooove this book!  The fun times ( that "pierced" veggie?! the "sneaky" pringles?! It was MEMORABLE! ) , the angsty times and the tear-inducing , make-you-wanna-grab-some-"ass- cream " moments? ( you'll find out why it's an "ass-cream after you read it! ) and the anagrams?! ( gosh! swoon-melting now! ) , I marvel those times and won't ever forget it. 

    This was my first book from Ms. Penelope Ward and definitely will NOT be my last!  I'm not really into angst loaded book ( or as I keep on telling myself but been picking a lot of it lately?! Hah! )  but after this book? I can say, I found a new favorite...and look?! It's angsty!! 

     I love how it was written. It was free flowing and it doesn't take more time to set you in that reading mood. Because right after I read page one, I was into that "mood"! 

     The title itself sounds forbidden which makes it more irresistible , right? Well, who could refuse a "forbidden" when it comes in that sinfully sexy tattoo covered , pierced , hands off , me-against-the-world hawt  package named Elec who happens to be your stepbrother dearest? Well, in Greta's case, he was! And boy, did her heart heart  gave a loudest THUD when they first met!  Or was that Elec's bag rudely dropped? Of course, Elec was on his rudest, most annoying "best" behavior when it comes to Greta! It became his life mission to torment his "little sis" ...until it backfired.. 

    When Greta returned his rudeness with her kindness...when he's being so mean , Greta was always nice...Elec was not prepared for these. Until he felt what Greta felt for him. Until Greta has given  him something she can't take back ... something he thought he doesn't deserved and wanted at the same time.  Then, he choose to leave her..   then.... drums rolling... the beginning of all the angst in the world!

   Gosh, I feel all the "feels"! I really wanted these two together, but clearly, the author here, ( the brilliant Ms. Penelope Ward! ) had other plans? Like , prolonging my agony, perhaps?! 

     Argh, the feels, the feels! It was such an emotional ride! That scene at the airport? I was crestfallen .It was such a sad , sad situation to be in! I felt the desperation  and also the helplessness. My heart broke into a thousand pieces. I was in tears, I was in one hell of a mess! And how did I exactly feel what Greta felt? Because Ms. Ward is so good! My connection with her characters becomes real. I love , love it . So much!

     Overall,  I love everything about this book. When I say everything ,it means from beginning to end page. I wish the story...Elec  and Greta 's story would never end. It was beautiful, that ending? Just Perfect!

     Looking forward for more from Ms. Penelope Ward. Thank you, Thank you so much for this beautiful, amazing story!


                        My Rating:

          5 ANGSTY AMAZING STARS!!!

My Review : Isla and the Happily ever after by Stephanie Perkins

From Goodreads:

Love ignites in the City That Never Sleeps, but can it last?

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart.
                             

                                   My thoughts:

If I could  squeeze  in all the fuzzy giggles, woozy dreamy sighing,  chocolate heartbeat flooopies.. soft cottony candy sweet nothings and every swoony things  inside a single book, then  "Isla and the happily ever after " is it!


I giggled, swooned, fell in love, cried madly , sighed audibly while reading this book. How can that even be possible to feel everything all at the same time?  The answer is simple : Because this is a Stephanie Perkins book!  I love her entire series! From Etienne and Anna...to Cricket and Lola ..and now, Isla and Josh?! I love them ,  I love them all!  The characters  will grow in you..right there, right here!  *points to my heart*  It made me  not only want to read about them  but I  wish that I was part of their story.

Boy, I would love to be Isla even for a day if it means I can have the artistic Josh for a boyfriend?! Sigh. Sigh. Sigh.  I looooove the cute  awkwardness between them. My heart pitter-patters and I swear I can see tiny   hearts fluttering like butterflies everywhere. It was just.... sooooo Gosh! Josh!!!

" Joshua Wasserstein. My crush on him is near unbearable. He looks up again, too, and I blush. Blushing.. "

  -----My thoughts (and Ms. Perkins words! )  exactly!  Nursing a 3 year old crush ..and on going? And NOW, that crush finally noticed you?   I feel you. Isla. I feel you! It was the best feeling ever!

      “Josh looks down at his sneakers, and then back up, and then back down. “You know that I like you. Right?”

My heart pounds so hard that he can probably feel the reverberations. But – for once – the words fall easily from my lips. “So stay here next weekend. Go out with me.”

-----This is just sooo cuuuuuuute!! I can clearly see that scene in my head and I just.. I just want to hug someone...something..anything cuddly and squeezy?!  But since, I was alone and reading, again, all I can do is SIGH.  Sigh.

    And there's even MORE reason to sigh-swoon simultaneously . Here's one of the best holding hands I've ever read :

“Josh grins. “Just give me your hand.”

“W–what?”

“Your hand,” he repeats. “Give it to me.”

I extend my shaking right hand. And – in a moment that is a hundred dreams come true – Joshua Wasserstein laces his fingers through mine. A staggering shock of energy shoots straight into my veins. Straight into my heart.

“There,” he says. “I’ve been waiting a long time to do that.”

Not nearly as long as I’ve been waiting.”

  Imagine , "In a moment that is a hundred dreams come true" ?!  Hundred dreams come true!? Ahhh! I can't even! I am melting. I am melting into a puddle of  sweetest goo !!!

.....And here's the moment of  TRUTH:

“Does this…does this mean you want to be my boyfriend?” My question sounds both immature and momentous. But Josh doesn’t flinch.

“Yes,” he says. “I want.”

-----Me? I died!!!! I looooooooooooove it!!  My love for Ms. Perkins grows as I moved on through the pages. I love how intense Isla and Josh felt for each other. It was like they are inside this perfect bubble  and everything around them is fairy tale- like beautiful!  I wish it never  ends.  But , sigh... at some point conflict arises.

     Nooooooooo, how can all these happen????  How can a love that intense be  fragile?!  I desperately , flipped up the pages .... tears blur my vision.. heart beating hard....until that illustrations. Josh illustrations of his entire life. The good and the ugly.  My heart swells.


    I love how the story turned out. Everything is Perfect timing.  It was Kismet. Destiny. Fate. The ending? I got goosebumps! That was so wonderful , I wanna dance and float  at  the same time! Dance. Float?!  Yup! Indescribable form of pure  elation?  Or better yet, I'll  call it, a PERFECT HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

“What are you working on?” I ask.

“The last page.” He gestures towards the table, where a pencilled sketch is being turned into inked brushstrokes. It’s a drawing of us, in this café, in this moment.

I smile up at him. “It’s beautiful. But what comes next?”

“The best part.” And he pulls me back into his arms. “The happily ever after.”

                        My Rating:

         5 SWEETEST SWEETEST STARS!

    

My Review : Right Kind Of Wrong by Chelsea Fine

From Goodreads:
Sometimes wrong can feel oh so right . . .

Jenna Lacombe needs complete control, whether it’s in the streets . . . or between the sheets. So when she sets out on a solo road trip to visit her family in New Orleans, she’s beyond annoyed that the infuriatingly sexy Jack Oliver wants to hitch a ride with her. Ever since they shared a wild night together last year, he’s been trying to strip away her defenses one by one. He claims he’s just coming along to keep her safe-but what’s not safe for her is prolonged exposure to the tattooed hottie.

Jack can’t get Jenna out from under his skin. She makes him feel alive again after his old life nearly destroyed him-and losing her is not an option. Now Jack’s troubles are catching up to him, and he’s forced to return to his hometown in Louisiana. But when his secrets put them both in harm’s way, Jenna will have to figure out how far she’s willing to let love in . . . and how much she already has.



                         My Thoughts:



      "Right kind of Wrong" was the third book from the Finding Fate series. I love this  as much as the first and second book. If you ask me to describe each book in one word, this would be my answer:

1 . Best Kind of  Broken ---> The SWEETEST!

2.  Perfect Kind of Trouble ----> The "FUN-NEST" ! ( If there's such thing as that word?! )

3.  Right Kind of Wrong ----> This is the STEAMIEST!!!  Yes! Big Yes!  ..and Big thanks to Jack!


     Jack is just... damn HOT and sweet at the same time!!! He is that kind of guy who will protect you at all cost... at the same time he's THAT  kind of guy who's not afraid to say that three magic words  and really mean  EVERY. SINGLE. WORD.  If I put Jack in a mathematical equation .. ( Hah! there is?!!  ) ... it's  MUSHY-BALL + MUSCLES = JACK !!!  Seeeee?! If only MATH  is as interesting as this? I would be majoring in MATHEMATICS!  haha! ( no kidding! ) So, no need to ask me if I. Love. Jack?  Because I do. I do!

    Jenna, the love interest... well, was something else. I don't like her at all!  Jenna = ANNOYING  I mean, I love that she was a loving grand daughter, a loving sister...independent.. but not to  THAT extent. THAT  she won't fall in love???? THAT she won't settle?? I understood  her notions of love and what it did to her grandma and mom, but really???? Could that really happen to her??? With Jack????  Jenna.. Jenna.... Stop over thinking?  Will ya?!

   
     Super annoying Jenna  +  Super lovable Jack = Perfect  balance of everything! ( Strange Math! ) Yes , a lot of angst ( thanks to Jenna! ) but also a  lot of swoon worthy, "Awwwwwww" inducing moments. ( Courtesy of Jack of course! Well, thank you Jack. * batters eyelashes* )

     I love their chemistry. Ifelt the undeniable connection there. And when they do try to "physically connect":...my oh my! For me, that was the hottest  love scene Ms. Chelsea Fine  has written! I read a lot of steamy scenes but the ones with Jack and Jenna really stood out. There was that connection that was beyond physical level. I felt that it was something more, specially for Jack. And I love him for making Jenna feel that "something. "

Overall,  I love this book and  if Ms. Fine was still planning to write more on this series? I would gladly and excitedly wait and read it for sure!

     

                     My Rating:

            5 I-LOVE-JACK-AND-JENNA  STARS!!

Cover Reveal : My Lea by E. Mellyberry

Today , I am both happy and excited to be part of this cover reveal hosted by Giselle ( Expresso Book Tours ) , moreover , it's from my good friend E. Mellyberry's first New Adult book!

So, without so much ado, let me present to you ..... My Lea ( A Broken Lovestory #1)!

My Lea by E. Mellyberry
(A Broken Love Story, #1)
Publication date: November 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

BLURB:



A simple girl.


A broken guy.


One horrible incident.


When Lea Amelia landed her feet in San Francisco for her overseas study, her idea of freedom was simple, like eating junk food ten times a day, sitting in front of the TV in her PJs, or going out late with her friends without the need to check in with her mother constantly.


Then she met Andrew Jaya, her brothers’ best friend. A twenty-two-year-old guy whose physical appearance looked like he was crafted straight from God’s heavenly hands, but possessed a past as bleak as if it was drawn by Evil himself. A conflicted guy who wore sadness like nobody’s business beneath his mask, a perfect-looking mask she slowly peeled away.


He was also the guy who hurt her.


Suddenly, everything about her was no longer simple.


Andrew Jaya had convinced himself that not feeling was good for him. He’d been doing it splendidly for almost his entire life. But that was before his best friend’s sister stepped into his life and ruined it. After weeks of knowing Lea, all of those warm and wonderful feelings he’d long ago denied to himself started to reappear. Problem was, the brighter the light, the bigger the shadows that came with it.


His traumatic past refused to let him go.

When the unthinkable happened, the easiest thing to do was to run. But life often proves that the easiest way is usually the hardest. 

ADD to your Goodreads  TBR  HERE!

ABOUT  E. Mellyberry:

Melly is a full-time mom, wife, and fangirl. She used to work in a school and she’s very passionate about education.

Melly has been writing children’s books since 2011 under the name mellyberry. She loves reading all kinds of books in her spare time, mostly MG, YA, NA, contemporary, paranormal, and fantasy. She avoids horror and sci-fi as much as she can.

Melly was born in Indonesia and grew up in a multi-language environment. When she talks to people, she could accidentally string words from different languages into one sentence. When she does that, simply reminds her to speak properly.

Her ideal vacation always involves a beach; usually it’s the Nusa Dua beach, Bali. She spent a few years in USA to complete her Master degree. It was during that time that she’d fallen madly in love with San Francisco and the Bay Area. According to her, San Francisco is no doubt the most romantic city in the world.

CONNECT with the very COOL Melly through these!

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Cover Reveal & Giveaway : Cupcakes & Kisses by Heidi Garrett and Billie Limpin

      Today is the happiest day of my life! Why? Because today I'll  be doing my  Cover Reveal for my very FIRST book with Ms. Heidi Garrett! I feel so lucky and honored to be working with someone who's not only my co-writer but also my wonderful , amazing friend. I wish I could put into exact words what's has been going on inside my heart right now.... but well, it's  a pretty mix  of everything sugary , spicy  and everything nice?! Oh ! Now,  I am quoting the "Powerpuff Girls?!" Haha! Or I am describing one of  Glynna's magical cupcakes?!  Are you ready to finally  meet her? Here she is!

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Release Date: November 18, 2014

ABOUT Cupcakes & Kisses:

One bite of her luscious cupcakes and you just might fall in love…

Nineteen-year-old Glynna Balcora’s super power is baking. A young witch, she’s lived her entire life tucked away in the quaint city of Spokane, WA with her domineering aunt and sweetheart of a grandmother. It’s not an ideal situation. Although Glynna loves her grandmother dearly, and treasures the special times they spend in their magical greenhouse, Glynna’s aunt keeps her niece on a tight leash using threats of vague enemies.

Since Glynna graduated from high school a few a months ago, her aunt’s be-home-before-dark curfew seems more ridiculous every day. It isn’t doing much for the young witch’s social life, either. With encouragement from her best friend, Glynna sneaks out one night to go to a bonfire party at the lake. There she has an unexpected encounter with Spokane’s most eligible bachelor, Ashton Bass. Glynna’s been crushing on Ashton since she was five years old. But when they share their first kiss, thunderstorms and lightning follow… and Glynna’s aunt realizes it’s time to tell the young witch the truth about who she really is.

Cupcakes & Kisses is the first book in a playful New Adult Romance trilogy…


These awesome  bloggers are also as excited as we are  and  also be doing the Cover reveal . Give them some good lovin' and check out  their pages! And YES ! A giveaway awaits!


1. The Book Bag
2. Write Stuff
3. notalostwanderer
4. Year in Books
5. the mellyberry
6. Confession of A Y.A. & N. A. Book Addict

Excerpt:

“Hey, watch it.” A dark figure looms in front of me. With the bonfire behind him, his face is all shadows, but the voice sounds vaguely familiar.

“Oh, sorry,” I yelp. “I didn’t mean—”

“To give me a shower?” The guy offers an amused smile.

My throat catches. Ashton Bass is standing in front of me. I’m too embarrassed to meet his gaze, so my eyes travel south. He’s wearing a dark fitted t-shirt with three white buttons at the top. God. I can’t believe I’m counting the buttons on his shirt. Or that I gave him a beer shower.

I glance around for a stack of napkins, a roll of paper towels, anything to dry him off. I find nothing. Desperate, I try to wipe off the spray with my bare hands... Huh? I press with one finger. No give. None. When did Ashton get wash-board abs? I slide my finger down. One… two… three… eight?! Eight?! Not even Leif has an eight-pack, and he’s a brick wall. I freeze. I can’t believe it. I’m actually counting his abs. My gaze travels back up only to be trapped by Aston’s startling azure eyes—and his famous panty-dropping boyish grin. “Oops!! So-sorrry,” I stammer, and take a step backwards. “Not sure what that was all about.” His eyes will not let go of mine as the warm feelings heating my insides build. In fact, they’ll betray me, shortly, if I don’t watch out.

“Oh, I don’t mind at all. Besides, you seemed to be enjoying yourself.” His white teeth shine in the moonlight as another blush-fest attacks by face. Thank god, it’s the middle of the night and not the middle of the day.

“You have to forgive my friend, Ashton. She doesn’t get out much. And, well, her encounters with the male chest have been severely limited.”

Kristeen’s intervention is no help at all, and I don’t miss the lingering look she gives Ashton’s well-toned chest. A bitter pinch grips my heart as I imagine strangling my BFF.

Oh. God. Of. Cupcakes! My emotions are totally out-of-control. “Kristeen!” I half-whisper, half-scream.

“No?” Ashton’s one-word question leaves his lopsided grin firmly in place.

This is becoming all shades of awkward. I squeeze my eyes shut. I’d give anything for a cupcake that could make me disappear after just one bite. Boy! That would be some recipe.

How I wish, wish, wish my magical abilities went beyond baking. Way beyond.

“No worries.”

I open one eye. Ashton’s grin has grown, if that’s possible. His perfect white teeth gleam in the firelight. I open my other eye. He brushes his hand over his forearms and shirt. “Just glad to see you out, Glynna.”

“You can thank me,” Kristeen says.

“Thank you, Krissy.”

“Please, everyone stopped calling me that in elementary school.”

Ashton digs around in one of the ice chests. “Sorry, didn’t mean to offend.” He hands me a wine cooler. “This might be more to your taste.”

“Thanks,” I mumble.

He grabs a couple more bottles of beer and gives each of us a half bow. “Enjoy the party, ladies.”

He walks away, backwards, smiling, firelight reflecting from those perfect chops. He must have his teeth whitened regularly because no one’s teeth are naturally that bright. When his left foot sinks into a low spot, his whole body dips, and he almost falls. Almost.

“Nice recovery,” Kristeen whispers.

I nod. Whenever Ashton Bass is within twenty yards of me, my tongue ties in knots and my heart races pell mell around my ribcage.

Goodreads

~ About the Authors ~ 

Heidi Garrett is the author of the Daughter of Light series, a fantasy about a young half-faerie, half-mortal searching for her place in the Whole. She's also the author of the contemporary fairy tale novella collection, Once Upon a Time Today. In these stand-alone retellings of popular and obscure fairy tales, adult characters navigate the deep woods of the modern landscape to find their Happily Ever Afters.

Heidi is collaborating with Billie Limpin to write The Magic Cupcake series, a special blend of magic, romance, and humor.

Heidi was born in Texas, and in an attempt to reside in as many cities in that state as she could, made it to Houston, Lubbock, Austin, and El Paso. She now lives in Eastern Washington state with her husband, their two cats, her laptop, and her Kindle. Being from the South, she often contemplates the magic of snow.

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Billie Limpin lives in the Philippines where the sun always shines and people always smile!

A  hopeless romantic inside and out, when Billie’s not swooning over a book boyfriend (which she often does!), you’ll probably catch her daydreaming (over a fictional character!). A reader by heart, and now a writer for the first time, she’s thrilled to put her daydreams into written words.

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