Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Published: May 21st 2013
Publisher: Self Published
Categories: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Rating:

When a book taunt you like some sort of challenge, telling you that it’s different or the book is about something like this, or like that. I take the bait. So when I saw the blurb of this book and it says that it’s not ‘a deep book about first loves or self-discovery.’ I took the challenge I wanted this to book to prove it to me that it isn’t cut out like the rest. That if I want what it says I’ll get. I will get the honesty.

Turned out, it did. The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy isn’t a deep book. But isn’t shallow either. It’s a light read, something breezy and easy to read and relax with. It is also not about first love. It’s about that in order to find the right guy you have to experience bumps in the road. But the ride is worth it. It is also not about self-discovery, but not because it’s not about that doesn’t mean she didn’t discover anything relevant. Because she still did.

This book is about the hazards of skinny-dipping…to your heart.

Juliet’s cousin Amy gave her a list to do before she goes to college. She successfully did everything in the list expect for one: Skinny dipping. When she finally did it, a guy, her long time crush found her—things led them from the water to bed. But sleeping with Dylan was everything but romantic and pleasurable. Juliet left that night but seeing him again in the university made her reconsider, until Reed, the guy who keep telling her that she’s more worthy than what Dylan is giving her.

There is so much about it that I liked. The simplicity of the story is a breath of fresh air. Do the two of them have problems? Yes, they do have it too but unlike in other NA book sthat seems to be camouflaging painful events of their characters as deep personalities, the book focuses the straightforwardness of its characters. The simple portrayal of what they are is something I truly appreciated. NA could be fun, it’s not  only about complications and heavy issues. And this book has just proved it to me. It could work. It’s a possibility

There’s nothing much to say than I liked it. And yes, it all started with skinny dipping and ended up with Juliet being in the pool and still skinny dipping. But what matters is who’s with her now when she does it. Again.

Share this:                                                                            2013/05/19, Sun     (?)

Author: Kiera Cass
Series: (The Selection #2)
Published: April 23rd 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Categories: Dystopia, Fantasy
Rating:

I read the first book out of pure curiosity. I wanted to know and judge the books by my own standards. While I wholeheartedly believe that the book isn’t down right horrible, I still totally agree with what my fellow readers’ criticism of the book.

Was it enjoyable? I think the first one has merits though not to be par with other dystopian books out there. The plot was simple, the characters were passable and the story opens a possible for improvement. So therefore I take the chance of reading the sequel. Did I see the improvement? Maybe not, in fact, and to be entirely honest I find this book lagging and frustrating. I didn’t remember any particular event that can stand out. Most of my time went to flipping the pages, impatient to leave all these craziness behind. It didn’t help that America, our main lead girl did not improve but became the worst version of herself. No wonder, even the people in the world put her in the last spot. And the king, do I dare say that I agree with him in some aspect, because I see what he sees in her.

In short, I detest her attitude here. Her conflicting emotions towards the boys were aggravating as it was contrived. Her decisions were impulsive and self-centered. I didn’t expect to have an animosity to her character. But she triumphantly did it herself.

Needless to say, the romance was undoubtedly engineered to favors both the guys’ fans. That’s why I see her emotions unreal. Aspen hardly left an impression but the little dent he has with me disperse into thin air.  So my question is, who is Aspen again? And the prince, Maxon, while I find him more favorable than the other one, I wasn’t really that into him that I was in The Selection. He might have done things that you can say disapproving? Discounting that fact, I still lost the little charm he holds in me.

As for the last book (hopefully it is the last book) I might check it up to see if who ends up with who, or I might just straight ahead to the last chapter and see how everything turns out. I’ll just patch things up based on the conclusion. If this book is any indication, I think the last one—though not a complete lost cause—is predictable.

Share this:                                                                            2013/05/19, Sun     (?)

Author: Angela Richardson
Series:  (Pieces of Lies #2)
Expected publication: May 15th 2013
Publisher: Self Published
Categories: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Rating:

I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

I enjoy New Adult novels despite their tiring similarities. But on rare occasion some brave the trend and dish out very interesting stories in this genre. Ms. Angela Richardson’s Pieces of Lies series is one of them. The one of those that courageously created a book that’s not only different but also highly enjoyable. Mafia, secret society and more. You cannot find these in your typical NA books. And let me tell you good folks that this novel, Pieces of Truth, is much more than I expected.

You know the ending of the first book left me thinking about the secret Clint is hiding from Norah. Samuel is trying to worm his way again to Norah’s heart but Clint is currently holding it tightly. So Samuel did a smart move of making Norah doubt Clint and in the process not completely letting him hold her heart.  Samuel showered her gifts, which annoyed Clint greatly. This always triggers their argument, Clint wants him to stop his flamboyant gestures but Norah doesn’t want to endanger his life by meeting him. Besides, she was still thinking about the note Samuel left. So Norah sought out Josh for help. And meeting Josh again brought some interesting feelings—a non-friendship one.

You guys, you guys if you love the first one you will definitely like this one either. I want to fangirl and tell you all the reveals that happened here, but that’s so cruel as I don’t want to ruin anything for you. Let me just say that fight is not only between Clint and Samuel, but Josh is also included in this very complicated equation. Of course at the end she finally knew whom she really loves but it wasn’t an easy road to get there. There are lots of lies, truths and manipulation of those truths before the two of them get there. And you wouldn’t believe how one the guys cleverly orchestrated the whole thing in order to win Norah’s heart. At first I was nodding, totally agreeing with her choice because he obviously the one for her—the one who truly loves her. But when I read the ending, oh gosh, I was profoundly surprised. I would have never guess than he can do something as huge and as scheming as that. You can never really judge a book by its cover, huh?

I’m somewhat annoyed with Norah here. Even if I take all the deceits in consideration, I just can’t take how she easily jumped into conclusion, more than that I dislike how she ran away every time she found out the truth, not letting them explain. I know they did awful things to her but I think they deserve to be heard and that’s when she can decide. But she cowardly ran and hides to my annoyance. Another thing, I approved (well, fifty-fifty, particularly after that epilogue) of the guy she chose, although I must say I didn’t like how she jumped from one boy to the other one especially I found that self-realization (of feelings) a monumental one.

I wonder how Norah will react if she found out that the guy she loves wasn’t completely honest to her. He might not lie about the whole thing but he manipulated the truth. She might as well consider that lying. So my question is…is there a third book?

Share this:                                                                            2013/05/12, Sun     (?)

Author: Bethany Griffin
Series: (Masque of the Red Death #2)
Expected publication: June 11th 2013
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Categories: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Steampunk
Rating:

I received an eARC from Greenwillow Books via Edelweiss. Thank you.

Araby’s story is one of the most fascinating things I have ever read. Normally, I would have ignored this kind of book. This book contains elements that I would have normally overlooked. It’s not my comfort zone so to speak. But, I don’t know, it worked. I just see myself hanging on to every page, savoring every detail.

I’m quite sad to find out this book is in fact the last one. But I’m amazed how things happened in here, lots of twist and turn. Death and despair. And of course a bit romance wouldn’t hurt. I pretty much disclosed in my review of Masque of the Red Death, that I’m actually intrigued with Elliot. So between him and Will, my vote inclined more on him. There are definitely moments between Araby and Elliot that is worth mentioning. But to keep this review spoiler free, I’m not gonna divulge what was it. But Araby kept on mentioning—convincing herself about his feelings for Elliot. But I’m uncertain whether to commend her for having firm decision about him or be annoyed because her actions tell otherwise. And because of that I ended up not putting much expectation on them. Besides, Elliot has lots of things in mind, and like he said he couldn’t afford any distractions no matter how pretty she might be. And Will? Is there any need to tell? Maybe not, I wasn’t a fan of him anyway.

They have lots of things in their hands. There’s the prince, Elliot’s uncle as well as Malcontent, who turned out that this person is close to Elliot than he would have imagined. I was quite shocked to find out the real identity of this person. But Elliot put his wits together and didn’t falter when he found out the truth. He had problems weighing on his shoulders as well as his sister’s life on the line. He needed to be strong, to look and feel like one in front of his enemies. And speaking of April, I guess I’m little sad about what had happened to her. There’s so much sacrifice these people experienced in order to achieve their goals.

Of course one of their problems is the Red Death and some people used this plague to their own advantage. We also know about the truth regarding Araby’s father and his participation to the illness that killing many people. So maybe, Elliot’s decision about her father was right. I mean, he needed to atone for his sins.

Overall I’m quite satisfied how things worked for them. I can’t say if it’s happily ever after type of conclusion but upon reaching the final page it feels to me like it’s more of a beginning rather than an ending. As if their lives has just starting out.

Share this:                                                                            2013/05/09, Thu     (?)

It’s Wednesday again. What books are you looking forward to reading?

Waiting on” Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that showcases much awaited upcoming releases.

Unchained (Nephilim Rising #1) by J. Lynn
(Jennifer L. Armentrout)
Expected publication: September 24th 2013
Publisher: Entangled: Edge
Format/Pages:  Paperback, 400 pages

Between the pissed off creatures that want demon-hunter Lily Marks dead and the fallen angel who just…wants her, Lily is about ready to trade forever for a comfy job in a cubicle farm.

The fact that she and Julian are civil to one another is enough to have her thrown out of the Sanctuary, but she can’t shake her not-so-angelic stalker or how he brings her dangerously close to ecstasy.

Her forbidden relationship with Julian provides the perfect fuel for suspicion when a traitor is discovered to be working within the Sanctuary. Lily quickly finds herself hunted by well, everyone.

Her only hope is to discover the real traitor before she loses everything—and she’ll need Julian’s help. That is, if Julian is really there to help her…and not destroy her.

Yeah, being a Nephilim isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be.

*****

How about you? What is your WoW pick this week?
Just leav a comment plus the link to your WoW post and I’ll gladly visit your wonderful blog.

Share this:                                                                            2013/05/08, Wed     (?)

Author: Amy Plum
Series: (Revenants #3)
Expected publication: May 7th 2013 by
Publisher: HarperTeen
Categories: Fantasy, Paranormal
Rating:

I liked Die For Me series. It’s a stand out for me particularly that time that bookshelves are plague by massive amount of paranormal, twilight-esque novels. I’m not deeply in love with it, but still, reaching the final leg of Kate and Vincent’s story still came to bittersweet to me, like I always feel in all my favorite novels when I read the end of their journey.

I liked how it concluded, though it is imperative to say that the story came too predictable. We all know that second book ended in an awful but excitingly cliffhanger. But I know that Vincent is no way gone. I know there’s going to be some method to resurrect him. I just was bidding my time when I was reading for how they’ll work things for him. I’m pretty sure Kate will do anything, bend everything to revive her already dead boyfriend. I must say I’m not to keen on how he came back, it was all too voodoo-ish for me, too cliché. I mean this is a paranormal book I should expect things to happen magically. But I don’t know, it was way too convenient to me. Like Vincent’s dead in the second book was for just dramatic effect and was really not that necessary, sort of like brought up for shock factor. Well, it did shock me…momentarily that is.

It’s not a secret that I’m head over heels with Jules. He’s probably the most original, the most sincere character in this series. Whereas Kate and Vincent—although not entirely, they do have original traits in them, frankly speaking—reminisce of Bella and Edward, Jules just swept me away every time. I have no one to compare him to. That’s how authentic his character to me. That is why I’m overjoyed when I found that there’s a novella written in his POV. And it was an absolute delight to read it. I learned so much about him as well as his hidden feelings for Kate. Though I applauded him for taking the high road here, it was still pretty sad for him and his circumstances. I was rooting for them, but now, thinking about it, I liked that Ms. Plum didn’t explore their relationship too much. It made Kate’s feeling for Vincent real and not just something like a childish infatuation.

The moment Jules and Kate have, although still shared with Vincent, is still something I truly value as their shipper. Sweet but achingly painful: to kiss someone but have that person he loves thinking of another man. Ah, my heart goes to you Jules.

I think, in how things went through, Vincent and Kate’s relationship is now more than ever possible. While I’m still firmly on my stance that convenience of the events for them so it can work for their circumstances is somewhat distasteful, I liked that Kate’s roles in this story is not just a damsel in distress and love interest. In the beginning we saw potential of her character to grow, more than what people claimed her to be.

The ending is not that completely sealed, it’s like we can tangle all the possibilities. But if you asked me, I liked the ending. It’s happy ending for them, but at the same time we know it’s not always the case. Dying for strangers for as long as they exist is still pretty rough road.

Share this:                                                                            2013/05/08, Wed     (?)

Author: Molly McAdams
Series: (Taking Chances #2)
Expected publication: June 4th 2013 by
Publisher: William Morrow
Categories: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Rating:

I received an eARC from William Morrow via Edelweiss. Thank you.

Up until now I’m asking myself why did I read this companion novel. The first one is hardly entertaining to me; in fact I was really annoyed and perpetually frustrated. So why did I pick this up? I don’t know, but you may call it curiosity because I’m quite curious if my impression remains intact after reading it in a whole different perspective.

You know what, the first impression remained. I even think that the book was totally unnecessary. There were things that I wanted to clear off, maybe reading it in one of the guys who liked her would make me understand the appeal of the girl. Turned out, it didn’t. I still don’t see what they see in her. Her gray eyes? Her virgin status at the beginning? Or I’m just going to accept that they simply fell for her on pure destiny? Fate? Magical reasons? As romantic as those reasons sound, I just couldn’t accept it.

Chase is the same for me, the only thing that helped me is to established what I thought him in Taking Chances. He’s a complete player, who disregards respect to women. It’s much harder for me now that I’m actually knew what’s going in his head while doing such things to these girls. That’s why it’s hard for me to accept that he’s changing because he ‘loved’ her. I mean, what did she do to make him to do such big leap of change in his life. Don’t get me wrong, I’m also a believer of love can move mountains and such. But do you just love a person just because? Just because she occupied his head and captured his interest (in an almost physical way) made his feelings for her that strong? How could that be? Honestly, there are few (almost non-existent) development between the two. It’s hard for me to accept such relationship with weak foundation, especially if the relationship was portrayed to be strong driven one.

In all fairness, I feel sad about the ending. If you read Taking Chances you know what happened with him at the end. I feel sorry for him for the reason I feel his departure in the story is completely tactical because obviously the girl couldn’t choose. As in firmly choose. By eliminating the one complication in their issue means it can be easily resolved. Taking the easy (shortcut) road there. Well, that’s just me. I ain’t fan of him but I still feel sorry, so those who like chase, a warning, be prepared.

Share this:                                                                            2013/05/07, Tue     (?)