Book Review: Allegiance by Cayla Kluver

Allegiance by Cayla Kluver

Paperback

Expected publication: February 28th 2012 by HarlequinTeen

from NETGALLEY

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Only I saw Narian for who he truly was: a young man with courage and an independent mind, and made to pay for what was outside his control. He couldn't help his past any more than he could help the way those intense, deep-blue eyes pierced me and held me captive. 

An eighteen-year-old queen in love with the enemy as their countries pass the point of no return... 

Bound to a man she cannot love, Queen Alera of Hytanica must forget Narian, the young man who holds her heart. For Narian is destined to conquer Hytanica at the behest of his master, the powerful magic-user known as the Overlord. Alera doesn't truly believe Narian will fight against Hytanica-until Cokyrian troops attack with Narian commanding the charge. 

Faced with the greatest betrayal a heart can know, Alera must set aside personal feelings and lead her kingdom through its darkest time. And when all hope, will and courage seem lost, she must find strength and remember that even the blackest night must have a dawn....


MY THOUGHTS:

   There are so many things to say about this book. First, the beginning started where “Legacy” left off, about a few months after. Mostly, I liked where the story headed to. The political aspects of the book is one of the things that intrigued me and kept me going. The twists and turns the story delved into was both surprisingly unexpected but there were also lots of things that were pretty predictable. There were a lot of revelations and questions answered from Legacy. And believe me, when you reach that point in the story where you’ll find the answers to one of the major mystery in the book, you’ll be contented. I was! haha.

   On to the characters. I have to first mention Steldor. I don’t know what happened but I think my syndrome has something to do with this. I seem to have the knack for choosing the “other guy”. I was okay with Steldor’s character in Legacy, but I totally flipped my side in Allegiance! I’m like head-over-heels in love with him here! He’s a changed man! Well, though he has that temper at times, but it’s okay with me because I understand his reasons. Plus, he’s really in love with Alera but he just doesn’t know how to express himself at times. Then, he doesn’t even hurt her physically even if she totally deserves one. I have to say I hate how Cayla Kluver showed that there could be something between them, then she doesn’t end it properly. I really hate it when I’m manipulated into believing something’s happening but then in the end my heart is crushed. I’m not going to expound much on this but I’m going to say why Alera bugged me a lot here. Oh, yeah, Alera grew up a lot more and matured, she’s tougher and braver, and more responsible in a way. However, many times she acted not rightfully as a queen. I hate how emotionally attached she still is with Narian where she’s already with Steldor. I mean, I wish her relationship with Steldor went further deeper so as to have a real love triangle, don’t you think? She didn’t really gave Steldor an chance to love her, she’s so close minded and I really wanted to strangle her stubborness most of the time, if not all. And everytime Narian is mentioned, I don’t know why I seethe inside, but I do. Then when Steldor was in the brink of death, I was like “NOOO, don’t let him die! he’s not gonna die!” . I was so hysterical with what’s happening. There was a point where the story was going downward as in the mood is so gloomy, you can feel the depression of the people oozing out of the book. I love how I easily adapted to the setting. Another character I love and adore is London, he’s like one of the best and I love him! He’s so smart and brave and the independent man I like! haha. (if he wasn’t just so much older).

   I think the fans of Legacy will love this second book, Allegiance. There’s so much political issues, sexist biases, kingdom benchmarkings, actions and mysteries that will make you laugh and cry. The drama was there, and I just wanna say I hated Alera most of the time in the book.(you know why). There’s so much things that happened that will leave you entertained and engrossed. :) Ooh, and the ending was really good.

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Summary of 2011.

SUMMARY OF MY 2011. :)

Goodreads Goal: 130 Books.

I’ve read: 136 books.

woohooo! Well, originally, I was set to read 150 books, but I changed my mind and made it 100. When I achieved the 100, I added 20 more books, when I achieved 120, I made it to 130. So, there you go. I’m so happy that I’ve read 136 books! That’s more books I’ve read in a year! :) :) :)

my Top TEN favorite books of 2011.

I’ve thought about writing my top ten fave books of 2011 (that was published on 2011, to be fair,haha) sometime approaching December. Then I saw that bloggers do that as well, which makes me happy that I’m not the only one who’s doing this. This is harder than I thought since there are like tons of great books out there, but after thinking and browsing through and through, here’s what I’ve come about. :)

10. Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

      Well, well, what do we have here? REN of course! I would’ve put Wolfsbane somewhere near the top 1 except that there are only a few REN parts. haha. Still, it’s on my top 10 list because this series is just awesomely written! I love the fast-paced world they live in, how only a few minutes is so important, and in a short span of time many things happen. I just don’t like that there’s to much Shay. However, the new characters such as Ethan, Connor, Adne and others made the book livelier and worth reading. (my review)

9. Where She Went by Gayle Forman

    While I loved “If I Stay”, “Where She Went” is so much better in so many ways.Told in Adam’s point of view, and set in New York city. This book was intensely moving and powerful, with only one night chance Mia and Adam to talk about them, and alternating it with Adam narrating life-changing events that happened in the past, this book sure did compel me to finish it. It’s just beautiful. It made me believe that love still exists.

-break- I just wanna say that lining up the next books are really, really hard because they are all epic!. i’m on a dilemma here!... 

8. Divergent by Veronica Roth

    It would be a pity not to include this epic dystopian novel by new author Veronica Roth, right? And to think that this is going to be a movie! (squeal!) Dystopian worlds always amazes me both positively and negatively. The FIVE factions (virtues): Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity and Erudite, especially made me love the book even more! I loved the idea of separating people by due to their virtue, haha, it’s just so crazy! Plus, plus! What’s a good YA book without it’s hot young handsome prince? In this case, it’s “Four”. (heeeheee). You just have to read this and experience the thrill of electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences and unexpected romance. 

7. Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

    I honestly thought this was the last installment of the series, but I’m so happy when I learned it was not! ha! This is one of the series that I’ve followed and waited for the day the  next book will come out, since day 1! (since I’ve bought hush hush, fell in love with it, waited for Crescendo, then Silence). While Nora got a kind of amnesia in here, and some said it was useless that she’s back to square one, I on the other hand thought otherwise. I loved it! Not only did it refresh my mind on everything that’s happened so far, because there’s just too many histories and mysteries that I’ve long forgotten,haha. Then I fell in love with Patch here, and Nora was just completely amazing here! becoming the heroine that she must/truly be,:) 

6. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

    When I learned that there’s a spinoff of VAmp Academy, with ADRIAN on it, I went nuts! Adrian, lovely Adrian can’t be left brokenhearted, right?? right?? He doesn’t deserve it. AND, Richelle Mead never failed to make me love her books, because this series surely was a hit! With Sydney Sage as the main character, plus there’s Jill, Eddie, and other new characters we’ll love and hate. The story’s focused on protecting Jill from unknown possible destroyers who would like to oust Lisa as queen. Anyway, the book’s full of Adrian’s wittiness and Sydney’s OCness (promise!), and some action thrills and mysteries I’ve never expected to happen. 

5. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

    I still loved Anna & the French Kiss more, but Lola and the Boy Next Door certainly had a different drama in it. I can pinpoint some similarities in the plot (where everyone’s wasting their time doing some “I love her/him but not now” thing, but I like that because it kinda sticks to reality and the hurt I’ve felt was good. Achingly beautiful, if I may say. I also can’t resist reading more of Etienne! San Francisco is a new place to fall in love!. Lola is just an adorable, unique, fashion girl. Cricket may not be like Etienne, but he’s adorable in a whole lot different way. I was just so full of butterflies and funny feelings! The book made me want to have that kind of love story! :) I will read it again. surely!

4. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare (it’s not a sin that I include 2 of her books! I just love the Shadowhunters, can’t resist them!)

    I love love this series! The funny and sarcastic lines between Jace & Simon are just enough to make me laugh out loud. The story line just made me stick to it and never let go. Cassandra makes such a good story you will want to read again and again. The plots are just getting better and better, and more interesting and more mysterious as well as more irritating every time. :)

3. Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

    The last installment of the Iron Fae series! *sniff sniff*. It proved to be a really good series ender! Told from the perspective of Ash is enough to make me die! lol, no, make me read it! The adventures in the Iron Fae series never failed to astound me. Plus, this last adventure of Ash and Puck is truly life-changing, and I just love the adventures and difficult decisions to make in this book. Lots of surprises and answers to be revealed to all the mysteries in the past books. just epic.

2. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

    I really didn’t expect to super love this more than COFA, but I did! I didn’t expect to love Jem more, but I did! omg, lots of ‘omg’ moments! I love the historical fiction side of Shadowhunters. The setting which is in London, was just the perfect location of the book. How the book started and ended were perfect! I clearly admire this book! haha. There were “spying”, mysteries, political issues, hot make-outs (haha), heartaches, heartbreaks, heart flutters, jitters, discoveries, action, drama. Sigh. You just can’t get enough!

1. Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning

    So, here’s my number one favorite read this year! (I never expected that this was my number one,haha, but I had to choose only ONE right?). I really didn’t expect to read an Adult fantasy book in my life, I thought I’ll be forever stuck in the YA’s. But, when a friend in goodreads urged us to read this, I.fell.in.love. I became an addict. 

    All the secrets and conundrums revealed! one.at.a.freaking.time. It was just great! Moning’s writing style really gets to me, I love how she explains every scene not in a boring way but with a deep and confounding analogies and metaphors. Plus, Jericho Barrons and his distinctive aura ignites an unknown sense in me that made me curious and as well as love him! And Mac, gosh, Mac grows up a lot. That’s one thing I love about a book, when an okay and “I like her” character transforms and gets better and better. Though everything here is fiction, but we can surmise some things that happen in real life. Trials are not to be neglected and forgotten after we’re over them, and they are not to be hated, but we must embrace them and commit them to memory because following it we are MORE. just like Mac. :)

So, there you have it friends! My top ten books of 2011! :) I hope you enjoyed! :)

Book Review: Masquerade by Cambria Hebert

Masquerade by Cambria Hebert

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Before. Everything was so much better Before. I wasn’t haunted by nightmares, my place at school was secure and my face was flawless. Now, I’m a freak and everything has changed. The worst part is that I can’t remember the night I was sentenced to the shadows. The memory has been stolen from me and I just can’t shake the feeling that someone, something is out there -watching.

Just when I think I have my life handled, Sam, with his intimidating golden stare and shiver inducing voice, makes me realize that I don’t know anything. He makes me see that my scars don’t matter. That they never mattered. I can’t help but fall for him, completely unknowing that he knows exactly how I got this way. Not knowing he was involved.

Heven has no idea how closely death stalks her. She has no idea what I have done to keep her alive. I fear the day she learns my secrets, finds out what I really am. But even then I cannot stop, I vow to make things right. Finally her hunter will be hunted, Heaven and Hell, faith and sin will battle, and we will be victorious. But first, Heven must learn to be what she never imagined. I know her strength is there – I feel it. If we are to overcome all odds, she must push past her flaws - her frailties - to become much more.

okay, i’m so pissed off right now because the pretty review I first made is gone to waste! aaah. so I’ll just do it again. (still pissed. breathe in. out. in. out.)

MY THOUGHTS:

Well, okay, I’m so happy I finally finished reading Masquerade. It took me 5 days to finish it! I don’t know why I’m so slow, I just had so much to do. Anyway.

So. Masquerade. It’s about Heven, hiding beneath the curtains of her blonde hair since her accident months ago, that left her one side of face scarred. Later in the story, we’ll learn that her friends (she used to be in the cheer squad, so she’s popular) hated her already because of what happened to her, but she’s wrong because she’s the one who distances herself from them, except for Kimber, her BFF, and Kimber’s BF, Cole who I secretly think has the hots for Heven, but the clues are just flashing and vague, so I can’t really prove this. . Then, she met Sam. Well, there’s always a boy who CHANGES EVERYTHING. Sam, hot and gorgeous and kind. but there’s something MYSTERiOUS about it. And because of Sam’s love for Heven, Heven’s in a lot of trouble.

Then there’s another subplot/plot, and another, and another. About halfway through, I’m a bit irritated with some of the additional subplots. The story was so much stretched already and it’s still the 1st book. It’s not that I don’t like the story, because I do..sometimes, (i have to be honest,haha). I like the lessons it procured to the readers, that real beauty isn’t what’s outside, stuff like that. But I just felt like sometimes, while reading, one scene would abruptly stop and skip into another, in the same paragraph. I don’t know, but that’s just me. I love the characters though. There were the good guys and the bad guys, and the I-don’t-know-where-they-belong guys. Heven is a nice character, though sometimes stubborn and overly self-conscious. Sam, however, was the one who made me stick over and finish the book. ahha.

Overall, it’s just an OK for me. Not so great that I would want to read it again. But it’s a nice book. :)

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Heven & Hell Blog Tour

Cambria Hebert is an author, a blogger and a latte sipper. She has an irrational fear of chickens (EWWW!) and is obsessed with werewolves. She would rather have coffee (Starbucks please!) than food and her favorite TV show is the Vampire Diaries. You can find her stalking the YA aisles of Barnes and Noble with her iphone glued to her hand.

MASQUERADE. by CAMBRIA HEBERT

Before. Everything was so much better Before. I wasn’t haunted by nightmares, my place at school was secure and my face was flawless. Now, I’m a freak and everything has changed. The worst part is that I can’t remember the night I was sentenced to the shadows. The memory has been stolen from me and I just can’t shake the feeling that someone, something is out there -watching.

Just when I think I have my life handled, Sam, with his intimidating golden stare and shiver inducing voice, makes me realize that I don’t know anything. He makes me see that my scars don’t matter. That they never mattered. I can’t help but fall for him, completely unknowing that he knows exactly how I got this way. Not knowing he was involved.
                                                                                              *** 
Heven has no idea how closely death stalks her. She has no idea what I have done to keep her alive. I fear the day she learns my secrets, finds out what I really am. But even then I cannot stop, I vow to make things right. Finally her hunter will be hunted, Heaven and Hell, faith and sin will battle, and we will be victorious. But first, Heven must learn to be what she never imagined. I know her strength is there – I feel it. If we are to overcome all odds, she must push past her flaws - her frailties - to become much more.






Here’s my interview with her. Enjoy!




Hi Cambria! Welcome to Coffee, Books and Me! Thanks for having me part of your blog tour! 

Thank you for having me here as well! This is a great place to get a latte! Nothing better than good coffee and conversation about a good book. 

Let’s start with...in two or three sentences, can you tell us about your new book “Masquerade”?

Masquerade is about a young girl names Heven who wakes up in the hospital and is disfigured on the left side of her face. She has no memory of what happened or how she got that way. Her popular status at school is gone and she only has two friends left. Then a new guy enrolls at school and she begins to learn a lot about herself and who she is…

What inspired you to write this book?

One day I thought to myself “I want to write a book about a girl who is disfigured” I wondered what a day in her life would be like. What kind of pain she felt  and how she dealt with not knowing how her life had changed. I wanted to write a character that maybe people hadn’t read about before.

Have you always wanted to become a writer? How did you start? :)

I have always loved to write. It took me a while to settle on the career I wanted to pursue. I started writing a long time ago as a teenager but then life happened and I got married and had two kids. But then one day I saw an ad in a magazine about writing for children and a few course you could take. So I took one. I haven’t looked back. I just keep on writing and I love it.

What do you particularly love in writing?

Because everyday is an adventure! I can make up whatever I want to and spin into a tale. I can meet new characters that while they might not be alive – they are real to me. And also because I can do it in my pajamas.  

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Hmmm. The hardest part was  making sure I got everything in there I wanted to and making sure it all fit together correctly. I was also careful to make sure the characters grew and changed throughout the story – I wanted them to be identifiable and real to readers. Sam was a challenge to write as well – he likes to be mysterious. Lol.

How about the favorite part you wrote in the book?

Oh my! That is a hard one….. I love that entire book. Ha ha! There are a few parts that stick out with me… some I can’t say because it would give too much away. I did really like writing Sam and Heven’s first kiss and the scene where he tells her he loves her. I also liked the scene when Heven tells Sam she loves him…. 

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world..which would it be?

It would be easier to pick one I WOULDN’T want to live in. LOL!! I think I might choose the setting and world from Unearthly. I loved that mountainous, snowy setting. It seemed beautiful and the things to do there! They were always outside on some kind of adventure. It was really exciting and intriguing.

Random question! You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?

HA HA HA!! You know I’m going to be truthful here. I wouldn’t donate it all to charity – though I would donate some…. After I bought a house on the lake. Lol!! Hey – a girl can dream and it is my dream to have a house right on the lake with big windows that look out over the water. Talk about peace.

Any other books in the works?Goals for future projects?

I am currently working on the fourth and final book in the Heven and Hell Series. Its titled Renegade.  After that I have some editing to do on all the upcoming books in the series. I also have another four book series that I wrote (it’s a werewolf series) that I would like to brush up and maybe send out to a publisher for consideration. I also have a few ideas for a new series!

Thanks for your time Cambria! We will surely see you around the book industry:)

I sure hope you will! Thank you for having me! I loved your questions, this was fun!! Now how about we have some coffee?

Have a great day!

Link to pre order Masquerade:

http://www.otherworldpublications.com/store/products/masquerade-by-cambria-hebert/

Link to website/blog:  (under construction! Lol)

http://www.cambriahebert.com

Link to FB fan page:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cambria-Hebert/128278117253138

Twitter: @cambriahebert

The prequel to Masquerade titled Before is available in Ebook where all Ebooks are sold.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

THE REAL REASON FOR THE SEASON IS 

JESUS CHRIST. 

STAY BLESSED! AND HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!

love,

Book Review: Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
Read from December 2-4, 2011
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.


My Thoughts:

Who knew a girl can play as a football quarterback? This book is so cool I'm in love with football!

Catching Jordan is such a cool, easy read, with a depth as deep as the Mariana trench and as high as the number of fans of Superbowl. lol. As I read this novel, I was blown away by football (American) and I was but convinced to tune in into football from now on. In the beginning, I was so lost and confused with Football terminologies, though it was explained well in the book, but it’s hard to imagine for a person who hasn’t even seen a full and real football game. I just know some technicalities because of some movies I watched with football in it. Anyway! The story. It involves some family issues, not only one but many different kinds of common issues teenagers have, then there’s the dream/college issues, and the love story part. The book is not solely focused on the romantic scheme of things, but it added to the complication of it all.



In a gist, the story’s this. Jordan Woods is the quarterback, best friends with guys, and never had a love life, until one new guy entered their school...who happens to be a former quarterback. It doesn’t help that he’s good, really good. Then, it doesn’t help her situation too, though they are rich, but her father is not supportive of her game/sport, being an all-star real-star football player, he’s too much afraid to risk her daughter’s safety to football. So, where does her future bring her?



It might seem to be that kind of story, but it eludes us to thinking Jordan will fall for that former quarterback guy, but I don’t know with me, but in the beginning, I kind of already knew that she’s not going to end up with the new guy. YUP! you got that right.. it’s her best friend Henry, it will be mentioned in the middle of the story hahaha though, they won’t immediately get together because there are so many “thinking/reflections” to do. But, I like it that way, because they are bestfriends, and what if it won’t work? there’s just so much sacrifices to do. Well, anyway, there’s also this football thing problem going on, and the school to go to. There really are schools (Alabama, in the story) that only used her (Jordan), but she’s in denial at first..but then in the end, everything went not according to plan, but it was much more better.



I like the story! it’s new and refreshing, and it had a little bit of everything! A really really good read! :)



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Book Review: Obsidian (Lux#1) by Jennifer Armentrout

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Read From December 6-7, 2011
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Starting over sucks. 

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up. 

And then he opened his mouth. 

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens. 

The hot alien living next door marks me. 

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

My Thoughts:

     What an awesome read! Certainly new and brought a whole new kind of excitement through me. What with the most original story I've read in months and never ending action and thrill in every chapter. There was never a dull moment. It's hard not to fall into...

    The endless banters between Kat and Daemon is just so cute and entertaining! I haven’t read for a very long time couples in books who tease and fights the way they do. Sometimes the insults go way overboard, but heck it’s still funny. The friendship between Dee and Kat is also adorable. The alien thing is not such a common topic/genre and the creativeness&awesomeness of the story is a bonus add! I won’t tell much of the story except that there’s an alien, both good and bad, steamy scenes and lots of funny moments, sometimes I wonder if this is a serious paranormal book or a comedy? lols. I truly enjoyed reading this one, and I can’t wait for the next book. (The ending literally left me wanting for more!)



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Book Review: Holly’s First Noel by Faye Robertson

Holly's First Noel by Faye Robertson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Music teacher Holly Jones is in a festive predicament. Her boyfriend just dumped her the week before Christmas, so why is she only depressed he made off with the mince pies? When the charming science teacher next door overhears the dreaded call and suggests she accompany him on his Scottish holiday retreat, she accepts, eager to spend a quiet week rediscovering herself.

Noel Coward‘s wife died on Christmas Eve three years ago. To bury the memories of that day, he spends the holidays getting drunk and watching action movies---which makes him perfect company for a fellow teacher in need of solitude. Except, instead of wallowing in his grief, Noel finds himself comforted by Holly’s presence, fascinated by her mind, and after one innocent kiss, on fire for her touch. As the snow piles up outside, the temperature inside soars, while together, they discover the human heart’s amazing capacity to heal...and love.


     Holly’s First Noel is a funny, quirky and romantic short story from Entangled Publishing. Holly has everything prepared for the Christmas visit of her boyfriend’s (Jackson) family. Then just a week before Christmas, he broke up with her. With her heart broken, a sudden unexpected invite to a holiday vacation to Scotland by a widowed fellow teacher, Noel, sounds a great idea...who knows something happened?

     This is a good read especially when you’re at home and just chillin’ and feeling the holiday festivities. The story’s nice and yeah.. romantic. :)



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Book Review: All I Want For Christmas by Ros Clarke

All I Want For Christmas by Ros Clarke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Last night, Anna Gardner was the life of the office Christmas party—right up until she threw herself at gorgeous advertising executive playboy, Hugh Munro. Again. Last year, Hugh let her pretend their passionate kiss never happened, but this year he’s determined to make Anna admit she wants him as much as he wants her. 

Except, Hugh doesn't know the office party is the only night of the year his friend lets her hair down. That every hour she’s away from the office is spent caring for her sickly mother. That her mother’s condition, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, is hereditary.

When Hugh finds out what she’s been hiding, he’s forced to do some serious soul-searching. It's not fair to Anna or her mother for him to get involved casually, but casual relationships are all he knows. Can he prove to himself—and to Anna—that she’s all he wants for Christmas?

    When I was asked by Entangled to review this, I agreed immediately. And let me tell you, I did not regret reading it.

    It’s short and meaningful. It wasn’t hastenly written for such a short story, plus it’s perfect for the holidays. This is the kind of read one should have before a kindling fire and a hot mug of chocolate. The story itself holds a nice lesson that love must not be conditional and I just love how the story was written. REad on! Happy Christmas!


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Book Review: Jenna & Jonah’s Fauxmance by Emily Franklin & Brendan Halpin

Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance by Brendan Halpin and Emily Franklin
Read from December 20-21, 2011
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fans of romance don't need to look any further than the fauxmance brewing between teen idols Charlie Tracker and Fielding Withers-known on their hit TV show as Jenna and Jonah, next-door neighbors flush with the excitement of first love. But it's their off-screen relationship that has helped cement their fame, as passionate fans follow their every PDA. They grace the covers of magazines week after week. Their fan club has chapters all over the country. The only problem is their off-screen romance is one big publicity stunt, and Charlie and Fielding can't stand to be in the same room. Still, it's a great gig, so even when the cameras stop rolling, the show must go on, and on, and on. . . . Until the pesky paparazzi blow their cover, and Charlie and Fielding must disappear to weather the media storm. It's not until they're far off the grid of the Hollywood circuit that they realize that there's more to each of them than shiny hair and a winning smile.


My Thoughts:


Jenna & Jonah are the characters Charlie & Fielding (real name: Aaron) portray. They are stars, famous Hollywood stars..and they’re a couple. Real couple on cam, fake off cam. It’s a light and fun read that will surely make you laugh out loud and make your heart tingle on the latter part of the story.

Something happened that made the both of them realize they really like each other. When they let their guards down and pride aside, they can be two serious people who not only live to make the other’s life miserable. I love their snide comments to each other and their banters. It’s so much fun. Plus the alternate narrating between Charlie and Aaron helps us to understand what really goes inside their heads. I have always loved reading from a guy’s perspective because it really is different from a girl’s, and the spontaneity and bluntness is just different.

This is a perfect read when you’re searching for a not-so-heavy read, plus the silly fights Charlie & Aaron have is just entertaining! :)

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Book Review: The Future of Us by Carolyn Mackler & Jay Asher

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Hardcover, 356 pages

Published November 21st 2011 by Razorbill

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Read: Dec 8-10, 2011

It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future. 
By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present.


MY THOUGHTS:

     At first I honestly thought this was a paranormal or maybe a dystopian kind of book. Turns out, it’s a normal YA book, highlighted with a bit of science fiction with the time traveling facebook thing going on. I’m not saying it’s not good, because I totally loved it! It was awesome. It was easy to read. The characters were easy to love and to follow through.

     The story goes back in the 90’s where cellphones are still a scarcity and beepers where more famous. Cassette tapes and VHS tapes are still in and CD’s and DVD’s are just coming through. It was kind of nice going back to those times. I liked how the story was narrated. I don’t know how to exactly explain it without it sounding negative because it’s so not negative, but I’ll try. The setting was in the 90’s and while reading I felt like I was in the 90’s but i’m still hyperaware I’m presently in 2011. While I love the 90’s (i was still 6 years old back in 1996,but still,haha), I have no intention of living my adolescent life at that time, I’m perfectly contented with the here&now. Anyway, the story is about BFF’s Josh & Emma. I could already feel something went wrong along their friendship long before the real reason was revealed. At every beginning of each novel I read, I have bets on who likes who, etc, and I really strongly felt in the beginning that though the writers had us believe Josh&Emma are just friends, but I knew better. I knew the story is about them and how they’ll realize along the way that they’re meant to be. That was just my theory though. I won’t tell you the ending, but I’ll tell you I guessed right! yey for me! that it’s good. I love every best friend stories out there. And so Josh & Emma, after 6 months of not being close, are bonded again because of this weird phenomenon. As Emma installed America online on her new PC (given by her father), a window popped open to FAcebook! Then, they’re about to look into the future- yes, the 15 years from now. As they continue browsing everyday, Emma tries to change her future whenever she sees something unsatisfying. Little changes in the present sent ripples of effect into the future, and something changes. I liked that sentence! “ripples of change into the future” , it sounds so scientific and smart. Anyway, the realizations Josh and Emma made all throughout are really amazing reflections. There were “a heartache here” “little heart squishing pain there” moments, but I also had tons of laughtrips. In the end, I never thought their problems had something to do with their attitude and characteristics, and some kind of defense mechanism they build up on themselves. Emma’s afraid to be too attached and doesn’t want to experience heartbreak. Josh on the other hand is the “go with the flow” kind of guy. And these kinds of attitude led them to where they were 15 years from now (you’ll find out as you read).

     I loved the lesson the book kinda gives off to it’s readers. Finding facebook was good for Josh and Emma. It brought them close again, it stirred up a danger curiosity to them that made them consciously and unconsciously make decisions that sent ripples of BIG changes into the future (by reading up their statuses in facebook). It made them self-absorbed in a way, but ultimately, because of Facebook, they realized what they might have to lose in the process of achieving what they become 15 years from now. And deep inside, do they LIKE what they see?

A definite must read this holiday season! and any other season, actually:)

and by the way, CArolyn Macker & Jay Asher definitely adds up to my fave authors list! :)


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Book Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do? 

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

MY REVIEW:

Cassandra Clare sure knows how to shake my world.

      It’s been one year since I last read of Will, Jem & Tessa, and being with them once more is truly a formidable joy. Set in the historical and thrilling London in the 19th century, the midst of London, especially at night, makes me yearn and long for the place I haven’t even been too.

      Clockwork Prince was all things I didn’t expect it to be. The wonderful and fair love triangle that Will, Jem & Tessa are involved in, but ironically, they seem to be unaware of..until the end. It may be a bitter end for some, but for me it’s bittersweet. Painful heartaches engulfed me, but I thought, Cassie is very wise in deciding of who ends up with who. Given the circumstances... I’m quite sure, many things can still transpire in the next installment, Clockwork Princess.

      Meanwhile, the love triangle, as much as that was what made me excited and giddy all the time with this book. I’m also particularly thrilled with all the secrets, (oh finally!) revealed. Questions that have unnerved me since Clockwork Angel yes, Will’s secret is finally explained! I won’t talk much about the story, since you can all get that from the summary, but I can talk more in detail about the things I liked and disliked (maybe, i think there wasn’t any though,haha) and my say on some things that happened in this novel.
       Cassandra Clare, once again, didn’t fail to amaze me in her writing. I am simply in awe of how she writes. Clearly, this woman knows the specific buttons to push me to my limit (I was really, okay, I’m embarrassed with myself if someone else saw how I reacted while reading, that embarrassing!). There were hundreds of scenes in the book. From different perspectives, but mostly from Tessa. The story plot was not boring! Even the ordinary conversations, those little things were important to form the bigger picture..but some were part of each character’s development. The story’s plot was very much engaging and once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop, it’s like a music that kept me dancing and moving to the beat nonstop! I dreaded the times I had to put down the book because I’m running late for my class. In class however, it takes a lot of my sanity not to think about Will, Tessa and Jem so much, and what might yet happen next. I just can’t wait to go home and resume reading. (yeah i’m that addicted). The book had me leashed like a slave addicted to opium (or for the Shadowhunter’s sake, ‘yin feng’).

       The story. The main problem continues to focus on the Magister and there’s also this thing where Charlotte’s I like how this seemed to be a detective type of story, where there’s some serious investigations and spying done, with politics. But it’s not your usual mundane politics, but it involves the race we all know and love- Shadowhunters. There’s just some air of mysteriousness in the way “Shadowhunters” are pronounced and stuff, and I really want to be one, it’s not only cool but it’s brave. Anyway, in the end, after so much investigations, suspicions, research, intelligent guesses, travels, favors, and plans, the Magister is still not found. Throughout the story though, there’s some spying...some surprising relevations, and some ridiculous past family feuds. There’s a long many years of understanding cleared up, and the last 20% of the book was a good closure for the story.

       I can’t stop myself and I just have to say something about the characters. It’s such a shame not to praise them! Tessa. She’s only sixteen! yet she’s been through a lot, and she speaks and thinks not that of a 16-year old. Seriously. She learns more of who she really is, though it’s still quite vague, but it’s not frustrating at all. It just makes me more curious but not frustrated because it’s not ridiculously made (not like Fallen series, anyway). Seriously. There’s being torn between two equally great guys. One’s brooding and handsome, and hot and all those secrets hidden beneath those captivating blue eyes. Yes, that’s Will. And the other who became her confidant, and close friend. Nice and steady and calm Jem. I must not lie, but she’s inclining more to Jem in this book, they became closer here. There’s so much things I did not expect. Lots of making out, like lots. (i’m not saying with whom)... Another lovable character is Will. His walls are coming down. We’ll learn a lot of him, I for one understood his attitude because of this secret. I like how Magnus and Will bonded. When you learn of Will’s secret, you’ll adore him more! I sure did. I had lots of “poor will” mentions...sigh. Jem. omygosh, Jem. I never did had a crush on him on Clockwork Angel, but here! We’ll see a side of him that’s so unlike him. Jem, Jem, Jem. So much of him. soo so much. sigh. Sophie, well, sweet sweet Sophie arises from her shell and we’ll see how special she is. Jessamine, oh poor Jess...but. anyway, I simply loved Charlotte and Henry! Their family in the institute is so lovely to visit each time. Sigh. So much growth, so much maturity, so much so much!!!!

The ending is to die for. :)

PEOPLE, people! you have to read this book and share my JOY. I simply am happy to have read this fabulous and smart book! Cassandra Clare, you rocked my world! :) I can’t wait for Clockwork Princess.!!!


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