Beautiful Disaster - Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Date Released: May 1st 2011
Pages: 356 pages
Date Read: February 29, 2012
Format: Paperback
Source: Amazon

Summary:
The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

From Goodreads

My Review:

This book was so good, so so so good! and the ending was so Incredibly Happy and Good that it seemed unrealistic....

Let me explain my situation: I'm sure we've all had a friend when we were young that was in a relationship and swore they were going to get married and you were like "Pfft, yeah right, you'll break up eventually, you'll see." Something similar happened with me and this book, I was like "Pfft, yeah right, nobody gets such a happy ending. Pfft." Which really pisses me off! I used to be a hopeless romantic and now I've become un-romantic and disgustingly realistic. and it's not even realistic because Happy endings DO exist. We're just all too blind to see them. Society killed good romance and Happily Ever After >.<

But then I got to talking with lovely BF Jennifer from Some Like It Paranormal and I was ranting about how I was such a pessimist and she said [Quote] "Yeah I'm a big pessimist but I love my HEA! I don't care how unrealistic, an author should end things nicely otherwise I'm all upset and can't eat dinner!"

 

So Screw being a pessimist! Screw it I say!  I will enjoy this Happy Ending and give this book the 5 Stars it Deserves! It was a great and addicting story! I Loved it! and I want One Just like it! [well, we can keep a few situations out, I guess] 

The story was full of great elements, for example Abby mentions she has a troubled past, but you will never come close to guessing what she's running away from, I was very surprised and pleased when I found out, not your average situation. Moving on to Travis: Swoon worthy guy [Duh] Strong, with Tattoos and trouble trouble trouble. He was way to jealous at times for my taste and very violent [though never towards Abby] also very much of a jerk at times but, you can see he tries really hard to be better, which gives him bonus points. Abby was also driving me nuts at times, BOTH of them drove me nuts during the book, they were perfect for each other and they were both too stupid to see it, but it was never annoying and it only made me want to read faster! Spoiler Note, if you haven' read the book don't you dare see it! it'll ruin a really cool/cheesy/stupid part in the book! [Highlight]: "When he gets a tattoo with her name seemed stupid to me, waaaaaay beyond the valley of sanity. also when she gets one at the end.... Still, it was pretty cheesy/corny/stupid and I liked it x) also I love the ending when she reminds him never to bet against her, I really do think that gave the book a nice guarantee that they will get a happily ever after. After all, you simply don't bet against Lucky 13 ;)"

In conclusion: this book was Incredible. And the title could not describe it better, it's a Beautiful Disaster, because even though their relationship was, well, a Disaster, it was still Beautiful, Travis being the best version of himself he could be when he was with Abby, wanting to be the right guy and making the right choices, and Abby learning to take chances and also that sometimes life has other plans for you, and that this plans are often the best choice. An Amazing book that it's worth keeping and re-reading. You won't forget it. 

Caged Moon - Rachel Deagan

Caged Moon by Rachel Deagan
Pages: 260 pages
Format: e-book
Source: Author

Summary:

Haunted by an animal attack, seventeen year old Charlotte feels she is being followed. When she runs into a mysterious boy while camping, she’s afraid. Nothing seems right about him. Despite trying to stay away, there is an unmistakable draw to be near him. Even his scent smells familiar. But the closer she gets, the faster the secrets begin to unravel. Not only is he not human, he may have a link to her past. When Charlotte finds out someone wants her dead, she is torn between love and fear. Can she trust him to keep her safe?

From Goodreads

My Review:

Oh My God, I cannot express how much I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! One of the Best Werewolf books I have ever read!

Let me start by pointing out what I Loved most :3 <u>Charlotte</u>. She is one of the best characters I've read, it was so fun and just pure delight to live in her head! It actually reminded me of my own head x) I just fell in love with her.

Next, the guys. Liam is our main male character -I Love Him Too - but his friends! they were hilarious and as supportive characters they really added much to the story! Everything in the story was great but they made it awesome. [Not just the guys, everyone else! but, lol, I have a thing for those Wolfy guys :3] and back to Liam, who was so swoon-worthy. He always managed to make everything flirty and sexy x) He was also always there for Charlotte, protecting here and helping her figure out more about what she is and, and, and.... *sigh* yeah. that's it ^^

Then, The Story. At first it reminded me a lot of Shiver by Maggi Stiefvater [which is a book I also loved] but once I got more into it they were so different, especially by the character. and Oh God this book was awesome.

I'm jumping up and down and I want to tell you more, soooo much more! But I can't without spoiling so Arg!! >.<  Just read it!

I think the best thing about the book is just how good it is to read it. I felt happy the entire time, a smile playing on my lips while I read and it was just... a totally great and awesome read.

Thank You so much to Rachel Deaga! Your book is now one of my favorites! I will be re-reading this one, no doubt.

PS: Forgot to say I also love the cover :D!

Where She Went - Gayle Forman

Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Date Released: April 5th 2011
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Pages: 264 pages
Date Read: February 6th 2012
Format:  Hardcover
Source:Borders

Summary:

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

From Goodreads

My Review:

You know, I had really high expectations for this book, I was expecting some epic romance or something. I'm sad to say that I didn't got that. Still, the book is worth 5 stars and more. So even though the story wasn't what I thought it would be, it was still one of the most amazing stories I've read, just like If I Stay, Where She Went blew me away. Gayle Forman is one of my all time favorite authors, no doubt.

If you haven't read If I Stay then Stop Right Here. Do NOT read past this point, jump to the last paragraph instead :3 For those of you who have read If I Stay, I'm sure you remember Adam's promise to Mia, which sadly, he had to keep, and it becomes a sad and bumpy road - for both of them. Where She Went is told in Adam's point of view, we can see just how hard it was for him to loose Mia and how much his life changed. What I liked was that even though the situation was depressing, the book didn't felt like a "Oh my life sucks *sigh* I shall go jump of a bridge" sorta thing. It was realistic and also relatable, even if you are nowhere near Adam's or Mia's situation.

I was warned that I would cry - I didn't [I still feel bad for that ^^] still, the book was really emotional and just plain Beautiful. I Loved it. I L-O-V-E-D IT! Especially the final chapters! The book ended in realistic way! I was actually worried about it having a ridiculously cliche happy ending. I'm just plain in Love with this Novel, Adam and how Gayle Forman creates amazing characters and she allows us to go deep into them, to a point where you just feel that everything is happening directly to you, and you hurt along with the characters.

This book was so good that *sigh* it makes me wanna go jump of a bridge x) lol.

If you haven't read Where She Went you Must! Like, now! and if you haven't read Where She Went or If I Stay then, Oh God O_O you have no idea what you've been missing. go get both. Like, NOW!

PS: I Love Adam <3 one of my biggest book crushes of all time :3

“You don’t share me. You own me.” 
-Adam

My Review of If I Stay

Incarnate - Jody Meadow

Incarnate by Jody Meadow

Date Released: January 31st 2012
Publisher: Katherine Tegen
Pages: 384 pages
Date Read: December 25 2011
Format: Hardcover
Source: Netgalley

Summary:
New soul 
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

No soul
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

Heart
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies--human and creature alike--let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?
Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

From Goodreads

My Review:

Incarnate blew me away. Seriously my favorite book in its genre so far. It was that good. And the cover is amazing! Now onto to the review:

I’m usually not a big fan of fantasy, they tend to lack some deep and such, so the fact that Incarnate has the best female character I have read ever is astonishing. From the summary you know that Anna is different. She’s a Nosoul, and as such she was raised to believe she was not worthy of loving things or being loved and that she should be punished, constantly and cruelty.

As soon as she’s free of her guardian, some really really bad stuff happens and she nearly dies. But do not fear, Sam is here! Oh Sam! I want him under the Christmas tree! Bringing me cake on my Birthday! He’s just…. *swoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon* I mean, WOW, I don’t remember falling so hard for a character before x). ahem, back to the point. Sam takes care of her and he doesn’t mind that she’s a Nosoul, strange…

Sadly, not everyone agrees with Sam, and Ana is thrown into a world where people hate her and judge her for something she had no control over: her birth. I was so frustrated along with Ana, sad and angry. I understood everything, her bitterness and hurt, her want for love.

There’s also the lovely romance between Ana and Sam. Flawlessly Beautiful. As much as I would love to give some spoilers I’ll restrain myself. BUT I will give you this: I have read Chapter 21 and 22 at least 6 times today, and I just finished the book earlier.

Incarnate had the power to change my emotions in one line, incredible romance one minute and thrilling action the next.

Dragons, Burns, Dance, Music, Romance, Secrets and the constant uncertainty of whom to trust, along with the knowledge that the only way to survive is to believe in one’s self. Incarnate is a Book You Can’t Forget. Period.

I can’t wait to get my finished copy! Amazing with Major Capital A :D a HUGE Thanks to Netgally for the opportunity to read this!

Don't miss my Interview with Jody Meadow!

“There's always the option of deciding for yourself who you are and what you'll become.”

Tweet Review

Dragons, Burns, Dance, Music, Romance, Secrets and the constant uncertainty of whom to trust, along with the knowledge that the only way to survive is to believe in one’s self. Incarnate is a Book You Can’t Forget. Period.

Angelfall - Susan Ee

Angelfall by Susan Ee
Date Released: May 21st 2011
Publisher: Feral Dream
Pages: 255 pages
Date Read: January 20, 2012
Format:  pdf
Source: Author

Summary:

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I've always been a big fan of apocalyptic movies, lots of people turn away from them, but they are my favorites, so when I saw this book was about the apocalypse I didn't hesitate to request it! It's actually the first book I read in the genre and wow! it was soooo good. all of those 5 star reviews were right :3 I'll stop my rambling and begin reviewing:

The book starts and we meet Penryn, a not so normal girl. Aside from the fact that the apocalypse started and Angels -not nice and pretty. More like mean and I-want-them-to-die kind of Angels - are taking over the world, Her mother has mental problems and her little sister is in a wheelchair. To make things worse her sister is kidnapped by Angels, and God knows what they will do to her, so Penryn is on a mission: Save her sister no matter what.

The book jumps right into the action, there are very few 'calm' moments, which was really good. Lots of hear racing moments and lots of: "Oh. My. God. You have got to be kidding" moments, Luckily Penryn wasn't alone to face them [her mom sort of gets lost] but she's being accompanied by a hot Angel that apparently isn't so bad: Raffe.

Raffe is the romantic interest of Penryn, though he doesn't show that much interest in her through the book, but by the ending all of his emotions show, Oh God The Ending! I was crying! not bawling or anything, more like a little tear here and there and some *sniff sniff* it was sooo good and I ♥ Raffe! seriously! everything was in slow motion for me, from the horrible things that happened to [SPOILER Highlihght:] Penryn's sister! I mean what the hell did they do to her? and what is she now? and the scorpion things and Raffe's Wings! and Arg!! I was TORN APART! I'm telling you! TORN!!!

So yeah, I found it a bit hard to get into the book in the begging, even though it was full of action and great stuff, I wasn't really into it. But by the end I was so immersed that, like I said, everything turned into slow motion. Oh and one more thing, I Loved that Susan Ee is Fearless! she was not afraid to describe graphic and grueson things, I love that she went all the way, because usually books tend to be sugarcoated, but this one was not afraid, so I really think that makes it that much more good :)

Maybe my review doesn't make that much sense but, what really does have to make sense is the fact that you have to read it. If you like Bad [and hot] Angels, creatures that come straight out of nightmares and lots of action then this book is for you :D!

and now I'm dying for a sequel... Special Thanks to Susane Ee for letting me review her book!

“I never kid about my warrior demigod status."
"Oh. My. God." I lower my voice, having forgotten to whisper. "You are nothing but a bird with an attitude. Okay, so you have a few muscles, I’ll grant you that. But you know, a bird is nothing but a barely evolved lizard. That’s what you are.”

“It is not the gentle kiss of a couple on a first date, nor is it the kiss of a man driven by simple lust. He kisses me with the desperation of a dying man who believes the magic of eternal life is in this kiss.”

And one More Spoiler Quote [Highlight] and if you haven't read the book DO NOT READ THIS QUOTE, I'm serious. Stop. Really. Especially you Jennifer, you read really fast and something tells me you want to read spoilers :P  Like I said, this quote tore my hear in two:

"“How long did you resist?” asks Uriel. “Did you push her away? Did you tell her she meant no more to you than any other animal? Oh, Raffe, did she die thinking you didn’t care about her? How tragic. That must just tear you to pieces.” Raffe looks up with murder in his eyes. “Don’t. Talk. About. Her.”"

Graffiti Moon - Cath Crowley

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Date Released:  February 14th 2012 [US edition]
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 272 pages 
Date Read: January 07, 2012
Format: ARC
Source: Netgalley

Summary:

Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I've always loved to write, and if I were to ever write a book, I would want to be just like this one. No doubt.

The writing style was really good! and the humor! Oh God I was laughing so much! especially at the sarcastic remarks! "This did not comfort me." That was my favorite line! [probably doesn't make sense if you haven't read it. You must]

It had the perfect valance of Lighthearted and Deep Situations! It was full of real art references and just in general, I would not hesitate to call this book a work of art. Delicate and just about perfect.

The support characters where great, Lucy had such a great sense of humor and I loved being inside her and Ed's minds. and Ed is my new boy crush ^^

I you haven't read it then What Are You Waiting For??!?!?!?!?!

It's worth Gold

“Emma Forest?" Jazz asks. "His ex is the girl with the big...?"
"That's the one," Daisy tells her.
Jazz looks at her chest. I pat her shoulder. "Guys care about personality too."
"Girls like me started that rumor.”

“Every time he looked at me I felt like I'd touched my tongue to the tip of a battery. In art class I'd watch him lean back and listen and I was nothing but zing and tingle. After a while, the tingle turned to electricity, and when he asked me out my whole body amped to a level where technically I should have been dead. I had nothing in common with a sheddy like him, but a girl doesn't think straight when she's that close to electrocution.” 

Impulse - Ellen Hopkins

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
Date Released:  January 23rd 2007
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Pages: 666 pages
Date Read: December 31st 2011
Format:  Hardcover
Source: Amazon

Summary:

Sometimes you don't wake up. But if you happen to, you know things will never be the same.

Three lives, three different paths to the same destination: Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital for those who have attempted the ultimate act -- suicide.

Vanessa is beautiful and smart, but her secrets keep her answering the call of the blade.

Tony, after suffering a painful childhood, can only find peace through pills.

And Conner, outwardly, has the perfect life. But dig a little deeper and find a boy who is in constant battle with his parents, his life, himself.

In one instant each of these young people decided enough was enough. They grabbed the blade, the bottle, the gun -- and tried to end it all. Now they have a second chance, and just maybe, with each other's help, they can find their way to a better life -- but only if they're strong and can fight the demons that brought them here in the first place.

From Goodreads

My Review:

It’s hard to review this book, it really is. Suicide is not something to be taken lightly, and it is also something very hard to grasp. Something that we usually tiptoe around, nobody wants to be that close to death. Ever. What makes it so shocking is to wonder: What can drive a person to such ending? Why is it that they couldn’t see beyond their current situations, and why they had nothing left to loose.

It was especially hard for me to read this because I’ve been in this sort of situation, think of me as Vanessa [If you have read the book] if not, well, you need to read it, you really do. Everything was so real, and I actually thought I was going to have trouble keeping up with the writing style, but no, it was really easy to follow and to get into it.

Impulse shows the life of mainly three teens, though there are more people interned in Aspen Springs, and you get to catch a glimpse of them. Impulse really shows this: Some people will make it. Others won’t. In school, in a marathon, in life, in anything you can think about. Some people aren’t strong enough. Some people don’t want to fight anymore. They all act on their Impulse.

A strong story that comes with stronger decisions. If you’ve read titles such as Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, Impulse is a must-be in your shelf

“Love means holding on to someone just as hard as you can because if you don't, one blink and they might disappear...forever.”

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight - Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Date Released: January 2nd 2012
Publisher: Poppy
Pages: 236 pages
Date Read: December 23rd 2011
Format:  Hardcover
Source: Barnes&Nobles

Summary:

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I Really Liked It and It Was Amazing. 

lol, I have no idea how to explain yet. It was a simple story really, sweet, the beginning of a bigger one for Hadley and Oliver; but there were so many little details and things that just made the story so great and complete. I'm smiling like a fool right now, I seriously can't wait to re-read it. It's such a beautiful book that every time I glance at it I just get a bigger smile, and I'm sure it's going to be that way for a long time.

Oliver and Hadley were perfect. Not in a no flaws kind of way, but in a perfectly well done human characters with flaws and all. They both had different perspectives on many things but they also completed each other. I know that this sounds cheesy, especially if you consider that the story takes place over a 24 hour period, but everything was just so well done. I seriously applause Jennifer E. Smith, she did a wonderful job with this book, and like I said earlier, you can tell this is just the beginning for Oliver and Hadley.

This is a must-be-in-your-shelf book, no doubt. The Statistical Probability that you will love it is: 100%

“It's not the changes that will break your heart; it's that tug of familiarity.”

&

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This is a must-be-in-your-shelf book, no doubt. The Statistical Probability that you will love it is: 100%