Book Review: Foolish Games

Falling in love was the last thing Joie had on her mind when she was thrown into the marketing scandal intended to boost the Grimm Brothers Band's declining sales. Joie thought she knew the players of the game; she was the writer, J.T. Hawkins was the famous rock star, and Lizzie was her beautiful cover to the world. That was until a psychopathic stalker, who seemed to be three steps ahead of everyone else and calling all the shots, upped the stakes. In a situation where many different kinds of games were being played, Joie had to figure out if or who was bluffing because her life. . . and her heart, might very well depend on it.

Foolish Games by Leah Spiegel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Foolish Games is one of those books I just can't help but fall in love with. I was completely engrossed and whipped with the plot, the storyline and the characters. I cannot believe I just read this book now. It was great, fun, humorous with a touch of suspense and mystery that you wouldn't expect. I love the romance intertwined with all the drama and thrilling adventure. Although some instances were quite predictable, Foolish Games is not your typical romance book and it would definitely get you hooked.

The characters are all interesting and relatable. I love how everyone just plays a role and made the book all the more engrossing. The chemistry between Joie and Hawkins gave me butterflies. Their relationship started off on a disastrous elevator ride and ended up being the most swoon-worthy romance ever. I was completely knocked off my feet by Hawkins. He’s arrogant and smoldering hot and he knows it. But Hawkins is a surprising character – he’s very unpredictable. He’s not your typical rockstar. He’s decent, modest and he can be very sweet and charismatic. He’d sneak up on you and make you feel breathless with just a simple touch and words. I love it when Joie and Hawkins throw insults at each other. With their carefree, constant banter, the pull between them is very evident. They may not admit it, but what they feel for each other and the tension between them is undeniable and obvious.

I love the oozing romance, the love ‘em/hate ‘em characters, the mystery, the action. Foolish Games keeps readers surprised, intrigued, on edge and melting from the hot, sweet romance. It is a light, funny, relaxing read that doesn’t border on boring and the usual. It was simply stellar that will keep you reading with all the action that comes with it. Definitely a must-read.

“She’s afraid of flying,” Lizzie confessed like it was a dirty secret.
“Really?” Hawkins bit at her. “I thought she just wanted a hug.”

“No, he prefers blondes,” I nodded at the bodyguard, “and I prefer someone who knows I could care less.”

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Book Review: Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials

Looking for a new beginning after a terrible mean girl past, Charlie Healey realizes there's no escaping high school drama...

Charlie Healey thinks Harmony Falls is the beginning of a whole new life. Middle school was brutal. But high school is Charlie's big chance to start over and stay out of drama, except that on her first day she runs into Will, her ex-best friend, who had moved away. Now a varsity athlete and hotter than Charlie remembered, Will hangs with the crowd running the school. But Charlie doesn't understand their power until an innocent delivery guy falls victim to a near-deadly hazing prank.

Torn between doing what's right and her secret feelings for Will, Charlie must decide whether to turn in her very best friend or live with the guilt of knowing what he did.

Rosalind Wiseman's first novel for young adults is a fresh, funny, and juicy read about friendship, betrayal, and how far some will go to be accepted.

Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

     Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials is a real catch. The title itself made me want to read this book from the moment I laid eyes on it. And ain't I glad that I did! Reading this book is definitely a fun ride. I actually read it for seven hours tops 'cause I couldn't find myself to put it down.

     The thing I liked most about this book is the characters. They all seem so bubbly and carefree even with all the dramas going on around them. I find them all equally interesting. Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials is such a light read with just the right amount of humor, romance, typical highschool drama and more.

Then there's the main character Charlotte, or as she prefers to be called, Charlie. Charlie is looking for a new start when she decided to transfer to Harmony Falls. After what happened at her last school, she's determined to start over and forget everything that happened in the past. And just as she was adjusting in her new school, she makes an unlikely friend, sees her childhood friend after not seeing him for three years, develops a crush on the hottest guy at school and then learns that one girl she's avoiding from her past is actually in the same school with her. Charlie is a likable character. Yes, sometimes I think she overthink things and overreacts but for the most part, she's a girl with strong determination and doesn't easily back down. I find her relationship with her brother real sweet. They're real open with each other and even if they occasionally seem to dislike one another, you can still see the love.

But honestly, the character I find most intriguing is Charlie's new-found bff, Sydney. She's a total kick-ass, tough, totally outgoing and with a bucketful of guts. Personally, I would love to be her best friend. She will always have your back and she's not one to back off of a fight even if it's with a guy bigger than her.

     Oh, and how can I forget, Will! I absolutely adore him. How could I not? He's hot, nice and charming. There were subtle hints throughout the book that seemed to me like he kinda likes Charlie too (or maybe I'm just delusional?) and when I was near the last part of the book, I was actually worried that they might not end up together. I wish I could have seen more of their past though since they're childhood bestfriends and such. Oh, well.

     Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials is a YA novel mostly about high school drama. You'll see that there's more to it than what one would expect and it holds so much more than meets the eye. It is mostly about accepting one's imperfections and having to deal with them. Also, it is not always about worrying about what other people might think or do, sometimes you just have to have the courage and do the right thing and stand up for others and your friends - real friends.

I surely recommend this book to anyone who has got their eyes on it.


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Book Review: Dear Cassie (Pretty Amy 2)

What if the last place you should fall in love is the first place that you do?

You’d think getting sent to Turning Pines Wilderness Camp for a month-long rehabilitation “retreat” and being forced to re-live it in this journal would be the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.

You’d be wrong.

There’s the reason I was sent to Turning Pines in the first place: I got arrested. On prom night. With my two best friends, who I haven’t talked to since and probably never will again. And then there’s the real reason I was sent here. The thing I can’t talk about with the guy I can’t even think about.

What if the moment you’ve closed yourself off is the moment you start to break open?

But there’s this guy here. Ben. And the more I swear he won’t—he can’t—the deeper under my skin he’s getting. After the thing that happened, I promised I’d never fall for another boy’s lies.

And yet I can’t help but wonder…what if?

Dear Cassie by Lisa Burstein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dear Cassie is a novel filled with RAW, HEARTFELT emotions.

It is told in a VIVID voice that would make readers feel. Filled with drama, angst, romance and unexpected humor, Dear Cassie is a book that deals with serious issues and tells a story about LIFE and LOVE. And what it means to FORGIVE and be forgiven.

I highly recommend it!

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Book Review: A Shade of Blood (A Shade of Vampire 2)

Having been delighted by the Christmas best-selling debut, A Shade Of Vampire, readers are begging for more. 

In A Shade Of Blood, Bella Forrest transports you deeper into a unique, enthralling and beautifully sensitive story.

Prepare to be lost in its pages…

When Sofia Claremont was kidnapped to a sunless island, uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet, she believed she’d forever be a captive of its dark ruler, Derek Novak.

Now, after months of surviving an endless night, the morning sun may soon rise again for Sofia. Something has possessed Derek’s heart and he offers her a gift no human slave has ever been given in the history of his cursed island: escape. 

High school, prom and a chance to move on with her life now await her. 

But will she be able to forget the horrors that steal her sleep away at night? … and the feelings that haunt her for that tormented prince of darkness?

A Shade of Blood by Bella Forrest
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t believe it’s finally here! After reading the first book, A Shade of Vampire, I was totally hooked in the ravaging, suspense-filled vampire world Bella Forrest has created.

A Shade of Blood picked up from where A Shade of Vampire left off – Sofia torn between choosing to stay with Derek on The Shade or leaving with her long-time bestfriend Ben and finally escape the world she wanted nothing more than to forget about and destroy the first time she got there.

A Shade of Blood is told from the different and new perspectives of the different chief characters. I love reading and seeing through their eyes. This gave me a better connection to the characters and this helped in knowing and understanding them better and in a deeper sense. We’d get a glimpse of their emotions and thoughts and this would make readers relate more to them. I admit I was especially intrigued reading from Lucas’ POV. He’s one of the characters who hides a lot of things and never seem to be the person others expect him to be. I felt sad for him to tell you the truth. There was just this air about him that he truly feels sad inside but he won’t let anyone know this for fear he’d seem weak and the gods forbid, more human. He’s an unpredictable character and I think that is what makes him appealing even if he is quite evil.

A Shade of Blood is dark and thrilling. This book would reveal a lot of new things we may never expect. It is full of twists that would make you gasp and would catch you unawares. I love that a lot of the past would be finally out in the open. We’d see Derek in a whole new light and know why he has become what he is. Some history of The Shade would also be revealed and we’d get more acquainted with the world of vampires. Derek is just as gorgeous, charismatic and breathtaking. Expect a lot of swoon moments between him and Sofia that would make you giddy and act all girly. I love how Derek makes me feel. He’s very sincere and always backs up his words with actions and he has this gentle, broken side to him. He’s infuriatingly smug but when he cares for someone he would do anything it takes to protect them and keep them alive and safe. He’s the perfect vampire to fall for.

“Whose blood do you want to drink then? Or would you rather just bleed to death? If it’s the latter, you might as well just let me feed on you. That way, your bleeding to death could at least serve to satisfy my hunger.”

The only complaint I have about the book is that it lacked real action. It felt like we were just nearing the climax and suddenly and frustratingly and much to my disappointment it was already the end. The book just felt too short. (But considering I always consider good books to be “too short”, I can’t really say.) There was this whole buildup and level of excitement and bam, the end. You can’t leave readers hanging like that and expect us to wait patiently until the next book comes out. That’s just torture.

Seeing that that is the only complaint I have, I’d say that A Shade of Blood is a perfect follow-up book. Everything was beautiful and I love every twist and turn of the story. There are still a lot we don’t know about and I can’t wait to see how the characters would handle everything that comes their way. I’d love to see a stronger, fiercer side to Sofia.

I can’t wait for the next book to come out and once again be completely submerged and perplexed by the world of The Shade.

'Sometimes, that’s the way it is with people. You think you can tell what they are based on the patterns that you see, but when you take a look inside, they’re nothing like you expect them to be.'

“I’m going to win you back, Sofia.”

I planted a gentle kiss on his cheek. “I don’t understand why, but somehow… you never quite lost me.”

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Book Review: Play With Me (Grover Beach Team)

A short, sweet novella.

Ryan Hunter's parties are legend. And tonight she's going to be there.

Liza Matthews anticipates the return of her best friend and only love since kindergarten from soccer camp. But when Tony finally shows up, his mind is more focused on another girl. And worse, she's a soccer player. Fighting for the attention Liza craves, she's just a hairbreadth away from making a very stupid decision. But when extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, she's prepared to play ball to get her man.

The tryouts are hell, the first match ends bloody, and the morning after the selection party she wakes up in the worst place possible—in the arms of the captain of the soccer team. The hottest guy in school. Ryan Hunter.

Play With Me by Piper Shelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even though Play With Me felt like a really short novella and I was left hanging and wanting for more, I absolutely loved it!

I swoon over the romance of the book and I was completely mesmerized by the characters. Piper Shelly's writing is flawless, fun and entertaining. I liked the plot, the bit of drama, the quirky moments and the head-over-heels romance.

I admit I have conflicting thoughts about Liza Matthews. She seemed a bit obsessed at the beginning that she seems very much oblivious to the world and the people around her. However, she's stubborn, feisty and resilient. She has a snarky attitude and she's a fighter. She has a strong personality and she has a lot of guts. I love that she isn't one to easily give up.

Ryan Hunter. Charming, hot, gorgeous, witty, sexy, captain of the soccer team with a sweet, soft side. Need I say more??

A short, humorous, great, sweet read. Play With Me would make a very good full length novel. I would love nothing more than to get more of Ryan and his gorgeousness.

I can't wait for book 2, I heard it was all Ryan's story told from his perspective.

“You’re such an ass, you know.” I shoved his shoulder, grinning at him.
The roguish gleam in his eyes captured me. “I’ve been told girls go for that.”

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Book Review: Starkissed

Kissing movie star Grant West may be every teenage girl’s dream, but when it happens to Sydney Kane, it’s nothing but a nightmare. Sure he’s cute, but having her face plastered all over celebrity gossip blogs is not something she’s interested in. Now cheerleaders are trying to befriend her, reporters won’t stop calling, and her mother keeps chasing her with a curling iron so she won’t be caught by the paparazzi with flat hair ever again. 

Forgetting Grant is all Sydney wants and Colin, the guy she’s had a crush on since seventh grade, seems like a pretty good way to do it. Then Grant shows up at Sydney’s door begging for a second chance and the more she gets to know him, the more she isn’t sure she wants him to go away. But with Grant in the picture, Colin is backing off and she definitely doesn’t want that. Everything is a mess and Sydney doesn’t know what to do, who to choose, or how to make those pesky cheerleaders leave her alone. She only knows one thing for sure, being STARKISSED isn’t a dream come true at all.

Starkissed by Brynna Gabrielson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I honestly don’t know where to begin.. When I signed up to review Starkissed, I didn’t have such high expectations for it. I just thought that it would be a fun book to read and a good way to pass the time. But heck, I was wrong!

This just might be the most refreshing, light feeling, and entertaining book I’ve ever read. Sure it was short and kind of moved too slowly at the beginning for my taste, but as I read further, I just savored every bit of it. I adore Sydney Kane’s sarcasm and her candid and quirky personality. She’s a great person without her knowing it and I just love her for that. And of course, there’s Grant West. He’s charming and sweet and [I can’t figure out why] but he made me smile a number of times with his ‘out of the blue but real sweet’ lines, *sigh*. Although, I feel like I did not get enough Sydney and Grant moments, their numbered interactions were definitely full of awwww-that’s-sweet moments.

Starkissed is also filled with other supporting characters who are all equally appalling and fun to read. I especially adore the Kane family members. They’re pretty extraordinary and I like the lively, happy vibe around them even through all the supposed drama.

Starkissed is all parts romance, drama and fun.. It wasn’t at all what I expected and I’m glad it turned out to be pretty awesome. I just hope it was longer though and that would have given us more of Sydney and Grant and all the buzz that comes with the Hollywood life, but then again, I still loved it!

You should absolutely must read this!

I received a free copy of an ebook in exchange for an honest review through the ♥!The Young Adult Book Club!♥


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Book Review: V is for Virgin

When Val Jensen gets dumped for her decision to stay a virgin until marriage, the nasty breakup goes viral on YouTube, making her the latest internet sensation. 

After days of ridicule from her peers, Val starts a school-wide campaign to rally support for her cause. She meant to make a statement, but she never dreamed the entire nation would get caught up in the controversy. 

As if becoming nationally recognized as “Virgin Val” isn’t enough, Val’s already hectic life starts to spin wildly out of control when bad boy Kyle Hamilton, lead singer for the hit rock band Tralse, decides to take her abstinence as a personal challenge.

How can a girl stay true to herself when this year’s Sexiest Man Alive is doing everything in his power to win her over?

V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

V is for Virgin left me with completely conflicted feelings. I have no idea what to say in my review nor do I know what to rate the book.

V is for Virgin is very intriguing. I wasn’t all that into it when I read the blurb but it was actually very entertaining. It was unexpectedly humorous, light and quite relaxing even if it does talk about sex and contains mostly of teenage issues and drama.

I loved how the main character, Valerie, was portrayed as someone strong and stubborn with an unyielding resolve and principles she’d be willing to stand by no matter what. She has a feisty personality with a mature way of thinking.

I did enjoy reading V is for Virgin. It would definitely make you smile, scoff and laugh without veering away from the message it wants to convey.

However, I felt like some parts of the story were unbelievable and unrealistic. Everything just happened so fast, there was not much of a buildup. I wasn’t sold on the romance between Kyle and Val. I didn’t feel the chemistry between them and I wasn’t entirely sold. But heck, the ‘Top Ten Reasons Why Virgin Val Sucks’ swept me off my feet. It was extremely funny but no doubt sweet and sexy.

The minor characters although they are all very amusing to read – I felt like their actions were insincere half the time. For one, Cara, Val’s supposed to be bff, comes off as whiny and most of the time annoying. She wasn’t exactly the supportive, best girlfriend Val made her out to be. They’re supposed to be bestfriends and yet I never felt that from them. They were constantly arguing about so many miniscule things I can’t help but feel they’re quite shallow and didn’t really have the strong foundation of friendship they thought they had in the first place.

I’d settle for a three-star rating. I enjoyed reading the book and that it still tackles a serious issue about sex and yet it doesn’t feel heavy with drama and such.

There was an epilogue at the end of the book but I felt that it was too much of a happy ending cliché.

V is for Virgin would be a very good eye-opener especially to all the teen readers out there. It is very nice to think that a simple act however untimely and unexpected could make a lot of difference. (And who else besides me think that Like A Virgin is a very appropriate song for the book?)

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Book Review: The Reluctant Bachelorette

Luke Carney has no idea what possessed him to move back to Shelter Springs, Colorado, to set up his veterinarian practice. His parents have long since left, the small farming community is on the brink of extinction, and only one close friend from his childhood remains--Taycee Emerson, his best friend’s little sister, who isn’t so little anymore. 

Then there’s the matter of Shelter’s Bachelorette, an online reality dating show created to raise some much needed funds for the town. 

Unwittingly cast as the bachelorette, Taycee wants out, especially when she discovers that Luke, her childhood crush, is back in town and will be one of the bachelors. To make matters worse, it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go. And they all seem to like Luke.

Unwilling to let him break her heart again, Taycee launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. But she’d forgotten that Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge.

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Renee Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I definitely love this book! This is the first book of Miss Anderson's that I have read and I do not regret it one bit!! I love the whole 'The Bachelorette' concept mixed with all the elements of the story that the author has written vividly and with so much emotion. I adore Taycee and her upbeat, witty, independent personality. I had a super awesome time reading the book that I just can't stop reading. I was so engrossed in the book and I just loved the whole thing! Miss Anderson's writing is also very refreshing with a light feeling to it. I love all the characters and their equally unique personalities. I adored Luke the most of course. What with him being the sweet, nice, charming guy he is.. who wouldn't fall for him? It was a short, great read that was absolutely worth all my time. 

The Reluctant Bachelorette is one heck of a book you shouldn't miss!

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Book Review: A Shade of Vampire

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?

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was generously been given an e-copy of the book by the author to read and review.

A Shade of Vampire is about an ordinary human girl, Sofia who, on her birthday was taken captive by vampires and brought to a world she never thought existed. She’s forced to be a slave to one of the most powerful vampires living and there she’ll find out how truly terrifying and dark it is to always be at the mercy of bloodthirsty vampires who wouldn’t think twice of sucking her blood dry.

A Shade of Vampire is one of those books that you’d finish in one sitting not because it’s short (although it is) but more so because it was bloody brilliant.

A Shade of Vampire doesn’t exactly give a whole new “look” at vampires. They burn when exposed to sunlight, they have superstrength and such, they suck blood and craves for it everytime – you know, the usual. But what sets this book apart is the way it was written. It has just the right pace, the thrill and mystery and the hot romance that would certainly make you want it.

Ms. Bella was very good with words. She told the story with such clarity and vividness that would make you feel like you’re there. I love how everything unfolded and took its time. It wasn’t rushed or forced and there wasn’t a moment that I felt bored and felt like I have to stop reading.

I loved reading the whole thing – the plot with its own uniqueness and the characters with their own personality and filled with gusto. And the romance between Derek and Sofia, oh the romance! It was slow and sweet and passionate. I love how it felt so sincere and heartbreaking and just so... romantic. They didn’t even have to kiss for me to feel tingles!

A Shade of Vampire was everything I hoped it would be. I just hope it was longer (so I can have more Derek-and-Sofia moments) and that it didn’t end with so huge a cliffhanger! Not to mention, there’s still so much we don’t know and I would very much want to see Lucas dead. Ugh, he makes my blood boil, how can he be so cruel and heartless?!

Now I would want the next book so badly and would constantly check the internet for news about it. I don’t know what else to say other than A Shade of Vampire is a book I would very much recommend (I need to gush and squeal about it with someone – it was really good!).

QUOTES:

“You’re just standing there,” he retorted.

I shrugged. “I have nowhere to go, do I?”

“Why are you not afraid of me?” He began to draw closer.

I wanted to run – the same way I should have when Lucas first approached me at the beach.

“What on earth makes you think I’m not afraid of you?”

‘In the middle of his performance, it dawned on me that it was exactly the effect Derek Novak had on me: he always managed – in one way or another – to take my breath away.’

Buy A Shade of Vampire...

eBook:
http://www.amazon.com/A-Shade-Of-Vamp...
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...

Paperback:
http://www.amazon.com/Shade-Of-Vampir...


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Book Review: The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden)

To survive in a ruined world, she must embrace the darkness.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a walled-in city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred ofthem—the vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself dies and becomes one of the monsters.

Forced to flee her city, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend—a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike. And soon Allie will have to decide what and who is worth dying for…again.

Enter Julie Kagawa's dark and twisted world as an unforgettable journey begins.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If there was one thing I hate the most when I read a book – especially a good one – it’s that it has to end no matter how much I want it not to end (and that sucks big time). And reading The Immortal Rules undoubtedly left me craving for more. I was dying to get my hands on the next book the instant that last page was turned! And with that torturous ending, if I could just personally see and talk to Ms. Julie, I would and tell her to get on with the next book already (and maybe come up with some idea and force her to just in case she refuses *evil laugh*). Yep, The Immortal Rules was that good.

I’d say this book is a far cry from the Iron Fey series. Although I love both of ‘em, I think The Immortal Rules surpasses Iron Fey in the action and thrill category.

This is one heck of a book. Saying that it was very good doesn’t begin to cover it. It has so much going on in it, filled with so much excitement and intensity that will keep you gripping the edge of your seats. And just the right amount of drama, humor and a grilling-hot romance that makes it all the more superb. Not to mention, Ms. Kagawa introduced a new set of characters that are all equally intriguing and alluring. The book’s heroine, Allie Sakemoto is tough, determined, girl-who-can-kick-your-ass with just the right amount of snarkiness (is there such a word?) in her. After an incident that leaves her with only two options – to die or become a vampire – and ends up choosing the latter, Allie is now a monster she once gravely despised before becoming one. And becoming a vampire proves to be a lot more troublesome and dangerous than what she expected. Even more so when she finds herself teaming up with a group of humans. Especially when she finds herself drawn to charming, sweet, brave, selfless, gorgeous, who always sees the good in others, Zeke. Oh, Zeke… *sigh*

The Immortal Rules is set in a world where vampires rule and humans succumb to them without questioning to being the walking bloodbags. Where humans die of starvation and every man is for himself.

It is a hauntingly captivating book. Ms. Kagawa has once again enticed us to a whole new world of vampires where dark, hideous creatures lurk in the dark and the only thing to do is to survive. This is one book you wouldn’t want to miss!

“I suppose this is a case of death taking a while to kick in, then.” - Allie being all snarky


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Book Review: Bittersweet

Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances... a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life... and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.
It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last...

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bittersweet is just that - Bittersweet. It has the right ounce of drama, humor, romance and a whole lot of spice of life. It's all about Loss. Mistakes. Regrets. Sacrifices. Choices. Passion. Love. Family. Friendship. Betrayal. Loyalty. Life. Realizations (but most of all) Dream.

Bittersweet follows the story and struggles of a typical-not-so-typical teenager, Hudson Avery. She's got her plans laid out for her and she's mere inches away from the bright future (aka "a means of escape from her old town and never look back") she's dreamed of all these years. But everything changes when an unexpected turn of events shakes her to the core and changes everything she has come to believe in and strive for. Now she's stuck in her good ol' town frosting cakes. And then she gets another shot at her dream and finds herself torn every which way she turns.

Hudson is a very determined, passionate and a strong-willed character who wants nothing more than to become somebody someday. She comes off a bit bitchy or whiny sometimes but she's pretty likable and fun for someone who has a lot on her plate. She juggles study, romance, work, practice, being a big sis and still doing what she loves to do everyday. She did came to terms with herself and everyone else at the end and finally admitted what she really wanted and cherished more than anything.

Bittersweet is a pleasure to read. It will take you on a roller coaster ride of life, choices and sacrifices you surely wouldn't want to miss. It is a story that will appeal to our hearts and make us realize that really, when you look for something special or magical thing to happen or achieve, you don't have to look far and wide 'cause truth is, it's right there in front of you all along. All you have to do now is grab on to it and you're set.

Bittersweet holds a lot of passion and love in it. I can't help but love the story and characters altogether. It sure didn't lack depth and it's full of lessons. You'll realize that sometimes, life does suck, but it doesn't have to forever be that way - pick yourself up, learn from the past, let it go and then face on ahead, head held high. Bittersweet is very realistic and you can just imagine yourself or someone else finding themselves in situations like Hudson finds herself in.

Bittersweet has all the right ingredients to make it count and surely worth reading. This is of no doubt a must-read!

"You never know when love might find you."

Book Review: Chasing After Infinity

“As quick as a flash, he puts me up against the side of the building. My back hits the wall hard, enough to make my ears ring. His body pushes into mine, trapping me between his hands and the bricks. His breathing is uneven, his light breath stirring my hair. I wait for the eventual kiss, the moment where his lips meet mine hard and rough but he doesn’t do anything. A lump is in my throat. “Either kiss me or let me go,” I choke out. The same old tug of war is still raging and there’s nothing but a storm between us."

Ever since her mother’s death, Avena’s heart has become steel—tough, hardened…unbreakable. She refuses to let anything faze her; least of all, the school’s most notorious player, Adrian Huntington, with his jade eyes and aloof, sardonic charm that has all the girls swooning in his wake. When she becomes his next target, everything goes up in flames as they find themselves getting caught up in the game they created.

Chasing After Infinity by L. Jayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two things that made me grab this book and read it: One, I liked the blurb. Everyone knows I’m a romantic at heart and I’m a big fan of we’re-two-very-different-people-but-we-fell-in-love-and-it’s-undeniably-scary-and-beautiful-at-the-same-time stories. Two, there are so many mixed reviews about the book I just can’t help but read it and pass my own judgment.

I read it. And I liked it.

Chasing After Infinity is about Avena and Adrian – their struggles and how they found love with each other however unexpected and imperfect. Avena and Adrian are two very different people yet they can’t deny the intense pull between them when they’re around each other.

Avena is impulsive, independent, smartass and fiery. The kind of girl who could (and would) throw a punch. Despite her tough exterior however is a broken girl. She shut the whole world out when her mom died. Ever since, everything just fell apart – her life, her heart, who she is. She chose to be numb and distant to avoid feeling and getting hurt.

Enter Adrian Huntington. And honestly, my first thoughts about him went like this: Adrian is a jerk. Not like a jerk in a gentlemanly, charming way (no matter how ironic that sounds) who only does it to aggravate the girl and make her fall for him in the end. Nope, Adrian is a jerk. But you know what? After further reading, I totally changed my mind.

Adrian is a renowned player, a heartbreaker, an asshat, a rule-breaker and hot. Did I mention hot? He’s cocky, arrogant, indifferent... the usual. The kind of guy girls go crazy over. He is just the guy to lure you in, make you fall for him then break your heart and stomp all over it. The kind of guy who hides behind a cold, seemingly perfect façade what’s real and broken inside.

Chasing After Infinity is heavy with raw emotion and drama. I loved the plot – how it flowed and the way it was written with so much honesty and clarity. It took its time and has its defining moments.

I completely fell for the chemistry between Avena and Adrian. There was never a dull moment with those two. They are always so full of tension and conviction and passion. They keep on circling each other and denying what they obviously have. They are both infuriatingly stubborn and yet they’re so cute and perfect for each other.

A song that I thinkis very fitting for Adrian and Avena's relationship - It Is What It Is (Lifehouse)

Too long we've been denying, now we're both tired of trying

We hit a wall and we can't get over it

Nothing to relive, it's water under the bridge

You said it, I get it, I guess it is what it is

I was only trying to bury the pain

But I made you cry and I can't stop the crying

Was only trying to save me but I lost you again

Now there's only lying, wish I could say it's only me

I liked reading Chasing After Infinity a lot. But I have to give it a four-star rating (instead of five) because of some inconsistencies in the story and in the book.

I don’t get why they only had the memorial service after over a year. Really, I don’t get that. There were also some grammatical errors (although I barely noticed them), like say, a shift in person which takes out the meaning of the sentence, few omitted and misuse of words specifically prepositions.

Also, I feel like the minor characters weren’t given much thought. They didn’t have much of a story and depth. I found some parts of the story unrealistic too. I cannot believe any guy in his right mind would beat up a helpless girl much less join in forces to do just that.

Lastly, I feel like there’s still so much left unresolved. What happened when Adrian looked for his mom? Does Avena and her dad had some sort of closure and came to terms with what happened? And what of some of the minor characters?

There was at least an epilogue so that makes up for half of my concerns. It was perfect and heartbreaking.

Chasing After Infinity deals with serious issues of drugs, sex, alcohol, abuse and violence. Recommended for more mature audience.

Keep the books coming -