Book Review Request: Awoken by Sarah Noffke (The Lucidites, #1)

TITLE: Awoken
SERIES: The Lucidites, #1
AUTHOR: Sarah Noffke
GENRE: Young Adult, Time Travel, Science Fiction
RELEASE DATE: 21st November 2014
RATING:
WHERE TO BUY: Amazon | B&N
BOOK BLURB:

Around the world humans are hallucinating after sleepless nights.

In a sterile, underground institute the forecasters keep reporting the same events.

And in the backwoods of Texas, a sixteen-year-old girl is about to be caught up in a fierce, ethereal battle.

Meet Roya Stark. She drowns every night in her dreams, spends her hours reading classic literature to avoid her family’s ridicule, and is prone to premonitions—which are becoming more frequent. And now her dreams are filled with strangers offering to reveal what she has always wanted to know: Who is she? That’s the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out. But will Roya live to regret learning the truth?

REVIEW

First of all, thank you to Sarah, for the copy of her book. :) Thank you for taking your time into messaging me. I do apologize it taken me this long to finish the book though. Real life does sucks. LOL.

When I read the blurb (yes, I did read it!), I was left intrigued with it. Dreams are, in my opinion, a wide subject. But what made me read it was how will the author, Sarah, write about Dreams. Specifically, Dream Travel.

When I started reading it, I was a bit shocked. Shocked because it didn't start in a conventional way. I even doubted the book that maybe it was not book 1. Why? Because it started in the middle. It was right into the plot. Normally, first chapters are all about introduction. I'm not sure if I liked how it was done. But I still read it because I wanted to know what will happen. Although, I must say it's not the type of book that I'm so eager to read that I need to read it continuously.

I have a bit of an issue with the use of exclamation point. I feel that it's a bit excessive? And redundant. But maybe that's just me.

I still have questions even after reading it. Like, do they teleport their bodies or something? I don't know how the machine works. It was explained but like it was vague. Or it's just my brain not catching up? LOL. I still stand with the explanation vague though or lots of technical terminologies (and hey, I'm a Computer Engineer graduate, so I know my technical terms.) that I am actually not familiar with it. It jumbled in my brain.

And then there's Zhuang. He was mentioned a lot. But he never appeared until the last moment. And I don't know. I didn't imagine the fight scene a lot. I'm a very imaginative person so not having it visualize is... you know. I think it can be improved a whole lot more. But it was fun, nevertheless.

I like how she stand up in the end. She owned it like she should have from the beginning. So it's good that the character developed really well. :) Still kudos to Sarah. :)

Book Review: The Girl in Between by Laekan Kemp

TITLE: The Girl in Between
AUTHOR: Laekan Zea Kemp
GENRE: Young Adult, Retellings,  Fantasy
RELEASE DATE: 30th September 2014
RATINGS: 
BUY LINK: Amazon | Kobo | B&N | Smashwords | Google Play
BOOK BLURB: 

Bryn Reyes is a real life sleeping beauty. Afflicted with Klein-Levin Syndrome, she suffers episodes of prolonged sleep that steal weeks, and sometimes even months, from her life. But unlike most KLS patients, she doesn’t spend each episode in a catatonic state or wake up with no recollection of the time she’s missed. Instead, Bryn spends half her life in an alternate reality made up of her memories. For Bryn, the past is a place, until one day a boy she’s never met before washes up on the illusory beach of her dreams with no memory of who he is.

But the appearance of this strange boy isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Bryn’s symptoms are worsening, her body weakening as she’s plagued by hallucinations even while awake. Her only hope of finding a cure is to undergo experimental treatment created by a German specialist. But when Dr. Banz reveals that he knows more about her strange symptoms than he originally let on, Bryn learns that the boy in her head might actually be the key to understanding what’s happening to her, and worse, that if she doesn’t find out his identity before it’s too late, they both may not survive.

REVIEW:

Ack! I totally forgot about posting this review last Saturday! I am so very sorry! I am so busy this month. T.T But here it is!

Surprisingly, this retelling of Sleeping Beauty is such a good one. I mean, I'm one of those people who like medical terms and think they are sexy. Lmao. Even though most of the time, I just don't get it. 😂

Anyway, I really liked the story of The Girl in Between and it really keep me on the edge of my toes while reading this. Been so busy with RL so it took me weeks since I barely read anything. 😫 I hate RL when it doesn't make me read anything. Lol.

One thing to know... When I started reading it, I researched KLS (can't remember the full name. Lol) cause I really thought it's just made up medical term albeit a really good one. 😅 But all the dreams mixed with memories, I wanted to know more. To see what will Kemp show me next. To know what is her Dad's role. I mean, maybe there is something with the dad's side since he's gone and all that shit. Or maybe it's the grandma? I dunno! I didn't get all the answers I wanted but I am so waiting for the next book in the series! Yay!

I want to know him more too! It's worth reading, for me. And such a good read. Thanks for letting me read the book, Laekan! Definitely enjoyed it!

BLOG TOUR and GUEST POST: Kelly Oram and Online Relationship! [GIVEAWAY]

BLOG TOUR!!!! I miss doing blog tour honestly. Where I do all the itsy bitsy details of my post - fine - talking I mean. :P I love talking and I miss reading so much it hurts. Well, anyway, I present you.... CINDER & ELLA by none other than, my favorite author of all time, KELLY ORAM!!! 

She's one of my favorite author. And she deserves a reward for doing such a job well done in Cinder & Ella. I have another favorite book, thanks to Kelly! 

BOOK REVIEW: The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan

TITLE: The Hook Up
SERIES: Game On, #1
AUTHOR: Kristen Callihan
GENRE: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Sports
RELEASE DATE: 8th September 2014
RATING: 
BUY LINK: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords
BOOK BLURB:

The rules: no kissing on the mouth, no staying the night, no telling anyone, and above all… No falling in love

Anna Jones just wants to finish college and figure out her life. Falling for star quarterback Drew Baylor is certainly not on her to do list. Confident and charming, he lives in the limelight and is way too gorgeous for his own good. If only she could ignore his heated stares and stop thinking about doing hot and dirty things with him. Easy right?

Too bad he’s committed to making her break every rule…

Football has been good to Drew. It’s given him recognition, two National Championships, and the Heisman. But what he really craves is sexy yet prickly Anna Jones. Her cutting humor and blatant disregard for his fame turns him on like nothing else. But there’s one problem: she's shut him down. Completely.

That is until a chance encounter leads to the hottest sex of their lives, along with the possibility of something great. Unfortunately, Anna wants it to remain a hook up. Now it’s up to Drew to tempt her with more: more sex, more satisfaction, more time with him. Until she’s truly hooked. It's a good thing Drew knows all about winning.

All’s fair in love and football…Game on

REVIEW

Okay. I got the ARC from the publicist. I actually ignored it (I know! I'm sorry but there're too many things going on in my life) but then one day, I was scrolling through my email. I saw this, and saw the cover, and yes, I am definitely sold to the idea of reading it. LOL. The cover is hot and a good motivation to add the book in Goodreads and read it eventually.

Eventually came too soon, I decided last Thursday to start it. From that first pages, from the 'Hi, Big Red' of Drew. I'm hooked. I know. It's insta-lust. Just like my insta-lust with the cover. :P but I can definitely say that even if it was, Callihan takes it slow. She proved to me that the story will get better and better.

It was such a good story that it had me laughing, smirking, annoyed, teary and hoping. One fucking rollercoaster ride that I want to experience again. Never mind that I don't like the said rollercoaster ride (the literal ride-of-doom).

I love all the characters. From the main ones to the supporting ones. Even the guys! Those guys were such supportive human beings that I just want to see them more in the story (hoping they get shown too in the next one).

Drew Baylor... Hmmm! Yum!!! He's not just a dumb jock, there's more to him than meets the eye. It's like, all the gorgeousness and the hotness are just added bonus. :)

I even like Anna Jones. She's stubborn, will give you a piece of her mind, witty and sarcastic. She knows what she wants. But I just don't like the pity party she felt from somewhere there in the story. I mean, I experience being chubby in highschool. Well, grade school. I know it's not a nice experience when people were bullying you being so large than a normal student. When guys bully me, I fight back though. Lol. I'm big, so I can fight back. :P

In any case, Drew and Anna's story are quite long, and my friends know that I don't like long stories. I'm more of a 300 pages or less kind of girl. :D but after reading all of 415 pages, I can say that I want more of them. >_<

I love men who cries. It breaks my heart so damn much. That's all I'm ever going to say about it. :p It's a really good book and you won't be disappointed with the smuts scenes too. Yes. SCENES. There are lots of it. :D

I recommend it to you all (New Adult lovers). :) a must try.

ARC REVIEW: Talon by Julie Kagawa

TITLE: Talon
SERIES: Talon, #1
AUTHOR: Julie Kagawa
GENRE: Young Adult, Mythology, Fantasy, Dragons
RELEASE DATE: 28th October 2014
RATING: 
BUY LINK: Amazon | B&N | TBD | Kobo (Pre-Orders)
BOOK BLURB:

Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.

Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.

Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.

REVIEW

Between 2 and 3 stars. Still thinking if I will round down. -_-

ARC Review: The Haven by Carol Lynch Williams

TITLE: The Haven
AUTHOR: Carol Lynch Williams
GENRE: Young Adult, Dystopia, Science Fiction
RELEASE DATE: 4th March 2014
RATING: 
BUY LINK: Amazon | B&N | TBD
REVIEW COPY: NetGalley
BOOK BLURB:

For the teens at The Haven, the outside world, just beyond the towering stone wall that surrounds the premises, is a dangerous unknown. It has always been this way, ever since the hospital was established in the year 2020. But The Haven is more than just a hospital; it is their home. It is all they know. Everything is strictly monitored: education, exercise, food, and rest. The rules must be followed to keep the children healthy, to help control the Disease that has cast them as Terminals, the Disease that claims limbs and lungs—and memories. 

But Shiloh is different; she remembers everything. Gideon is different, too. He dreams of a cure, of rebellion against the status quo. What if everything they’ve been told is a lie? What if The Haven is not the safe place it claims to be? And what will happen if Shiloh starts asking dangerous questions?

Thank you for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

ARC Review: Alpha Goddess [Giveaway]

TITLE: Alpha Goddess
AUTHOR: Amalie Howard
GENRE: Young Adult, Mythology, Paranormal
RELEASE DATE: 4th March 2014
RATING: 
BUY LINK: Amazon | B&N | TBD
REVIEW COPY: NetGalley & JKS Communications (Thanks Sami!)
BOOK BLURB:

In Serjana Caelum’s world, gods exist. So do goddesses. Sera knows this because she is one of them. A secret long concealed by her parents, Sera is Lakshmi reborn, the human avatar of an immortal Indian goddess rumored to control all the planes of existence. Marked by the sigils of both heaven and hell, Sera’s avatar is meant to bring balance to the mortal world, but all she creates is chaos. A chaos that Azrath, the Asura Lord of Death, hopes to use to unleash hell on earth.

Torn between reconciling her past and present, Sera must figure out how to stop Azrath before the Mortal Realm is destroyed. But trust doesn’t come easy in a world fissured by lies and betrayal. Her best friend Kyle is hiding his own dark secrets, and her mysterious new neighbor, Devendra, seems to know a lot more than he’s telling. Struggling between her opposing halves and her attraction to the boys tied to each of them, Sera must become the goddess she was meant to be, or risk failing, which means sacrificing the world she was born to protect.

REVIEW

Thank you for the ARC in exchange of an honest review! 

Hmmm... This is a bit hard to review. Not that it's a bad book or something.

ARC Review: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

TITLE: The Forever Song
SERIES: Blood of Eden, #3
AUTHOR: Julie Kagawa
GENRE: Young Adult, Paranormal, Dystopia
PUBLISHER: Harlequin Teen
RELEASE DATE: 15th April 2014
RATING: 
PRE-ORDER LINK: Amazon | B&N | TBD
REVIEW COPY: NetGalley
BOOK BLURB:

VENGEANCE WILL BE HERS 

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? 

With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer. 

MONSTER 

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie. 

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

REVIEW

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Teen for the Advance Reader Copy in exchange of an honest review.

Damn. Julie Kagawa doesn't fail. Ever. She exceeded expectations. So freaking good. Very, very good ending!!! I love it tremendously. Seriously, people, you need this book right now. For those who loved the series as much as I. I will try to make this review a spoiler free one... Well, yes, minimize... Try.. Whatever. :P Be WARNED!

ARC Review: Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens

TITLE: Faking Normal
AUTHOR: Courtney C. Stevens
GENRE: Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
RELEASE DATE: 25th February 2014
PUBLISHER: HarperTeen
RATINGS: 
BUY LINK: Amazon | B&N | TBD
BOOK BLURB:

An edgy, realistic, and utterly captivating novel from an exciting new voice in teen fiction.
Alexi Littrell hasn't told anyone what happened to her over the summer. Ashamed and embarrassed, she hides in her closet and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does.
When Bodee Lennox, the quiet and awkward boy next door, comes to live with the Littrells, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend in "the Kool-Aid Kid," who has secrets of his own. As they lean on each other for support, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her find the courage to finally face the truth.
A searing, poignant book, Faking Normal is the extraordinary debut novel from an exciting new author-Courtney C. Stevens.

REVIEW:
Thank you Edelweiss and HarperTeen for the ARC!  

Just when I thought it was him, the author just made it twist like that. lol. Good one.

Okay.. So I have read it awhile back... I honestly think it is good. Really. Okay, you got me. I do think it is a bit predictable. I put two and two together. It was easy. But what makes it good was that I know that he is the one BUT then when it was revealed WHO really did it... Wow. I really thought he was the one. Lol.

I didn't like that the girl doesn't know how to say NO. I dunno if she's like a saint or something and you know. She doesn't like to do something BUT she can't speak her mind. One thing girls should know, you are not fragile little beings. Only if you chose to be. I tell you, someone will take advantage of you and you just need to fight back. Don't let them if you know that it is the right thing to do.


Did I end up liking it even though the MC annoyed me? YES. Because in the end, she stand up on her own. Her sister stand up for her. Her sister got her own faults but I am glad in the end she chose family. It was kinda short with how the ending went but all in all it was a good ending. I just wanted to see how she and her sister tell their parents what happened to her.

ARC Review: Searching For Beautiful by Nyrae Dawn

TITLE: Searching for Beautiful
AUTHOR: Nyrae Dawn
GENRE: Young Adult, Contemporary
RELEASE DATE: 4th March 2014
PUBLISHER: Entangled Teen
RATING: 
BUY LINK: Amazon | B&N | TBD
BOOK BLURB:

Before, Brynn had a group of best friends, a loving boyfriend, a growing talent for pottery. She had a life. And after…she had none.

When Brynn lost the boyfriend who never loved her, the friends who feel she betrayed their trust, and the new life just beginning to grow inside her, she believes her future is as empty as her body. But then Christian, the boy next door, starts coming around. Playing his guitar and pushing her to create art once more. She meets some new friends at the local community center, plus even gets her dad to look her in the eye again…sort of.

But can Brynn open up her heart to truly find her life’s own beauty, when living for the after means letting go of the before?

This is a Young Adult title.

REVIEW

Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange of an honest review. Thanks, Cameron of Entangled Publishing! 

ARC Review: Waiting on You by Kristan Higgins

TITLE: Waiting On You
SERIES: Blue Heron, #3
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
GENRE: Adult, Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: 25th March 2014
PUBLISHER: Harlequin
RATING: 
REVIEW COPY: NetGalley
BOOK BLURB:

Does being nobody's fool mean that you're nobody's love?

Colleen O'Rourke is in love with love... just not when it comes to herself. Most nights, she can be found behind the bar at the Manningsport, New York, tavern she owns with her twin brother, doling out romantic advice to the lovelorn, mixing martinis and staying more or less happily single. See, ten years ago, Lucas Campbell, her first love, broke her heart... an experience Colleen doesn't want to have again, thanks. Since then, she's been happy with a fling here and there, some elite-level flirting and playing matchmaker to her friends.

But a family emergency has brought Lucas back to town, handsome as ever and still the only man who's ever been able to crack her defenses. Seems like maybe they've got some unfinished business waiting for them—but to find out, Colleen has to let her guard down, or risk losing a second chance with the only man she's ever loved.

REVIEW

*Received an ARC in exchange of an honest review*

This contemporary romance had some great parts but there were too many issues between the main characters. How could Colleen love a man she was with for four years without him ever saying I love you. She said it to him all the time but he held back. Lucas handled everything wrong. Sure he had a rough childhood but he had someone like Colleen love him completely. I still can't believe he never said I love you to her. *spoiler* not until the last chapter to get her back.

A/N: This is a review made by my friend, GERI. :)

Mini Reviews: Cursed, Necessary Evil of Nathan Miller, Working It and All That Glows

Mini reviews!!! It's about time I make a post of my reviews. >.< I have them up in my Goodreads page, but not yet here in blog and Amazon. Will do as soon as I can. :)

TITLE: Cursed
SERIES: Voodoo Nights, #1
AUTHOR: Lizzy Ford
GENRE: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
RELEASE DATE: 9th February 2014
RATING: 
REVIEW COPY: NetGalley
BOOK BLURB:

The Red Man is coming ...

Five years after her sister disappeared, seventeen-year-old Adrienne finds the strength to return to her father’s home in New Orleans. But soon after she arrives, the mark of a curse appears on her, leaving her worried. Will she be the next victim of a four-hundred-year old family curse ... the next to be claimed by a serial killer roaming the back alleys of the city?

The day before his senior year begins, Jayden is given a skeleton key passed down through his family for generations -- a gruesome reminder of how his ancestors betrayed their own people and sold them into slavery. He doesn’t believe in the curse the key allegedly bears and puts it away with the intention of forgetting about its message. Until he meets Adrienne, a girl he’s compelled to for more reasons than her beauty. 

He’s not the only one who notices her. A man in a skeleton mask and a voodoo gang member are also drawn to Adrienne. One is determined to protect her. The other intends to mislead her. Haunted by the mythical Red Man, all are connected to the ancient curse.

Can they overcome their misgivings about one another and prevent the dark prophecy looming over them? Or will they be lured away from each other by evil’s siren song?

ARC Review: The Rule of Three by Eric Walters

TITLE: The Rule of Three
SERIES: The Rule of Three, #1
AUTHOR: Eric Walters
GENRE: Young Adult, Dystopian
RELEASE DATE: 21st January 2014
PUBLISHER: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
RATING: 
PURCHASE IT AT: Amazon | B&N | TBD
REVIEW COPY: NetGalley
BOOK BLURB:

One shocking afternoon, computers around the globe shut down in a viral catastrophe. At sixteen-year-old Adam Daley’s high school, the problem first seems to be a typical electrical outage, until students discover that cell phones are down, municipal utilities are failing, and a few computer-free cars like Adam’s are the only vehicles that function. Driving home, Adam encounters a storm tide of anger and fear as the region becomes paralyzed. Soon—as resources dwindle, crises mount, and chaos descends—he will see his suburban neighborhood band together for protection. And Adam will understand that having a police captain for a mother and a retired government spy living next door are not just the facts of his life but the keys to his survival, in The Rule of Three by Eric Walters.

REVIEW

*Received an ARC in exchange for honest review. Thank you!*

I really liked this book. Simple. Straight to the point. I love that the story is quite simple in a sense that the author didn't need to rebuild a whole new world. It is quite different with other post apocalyptic books I have read. Why, you ask? Simply because it can happen. Like right now, it might happen to us. It did happen back in time, like 30 years ago? Or something. I have read in a review of this book that it happened in US, a huge blackout for like 3 days.

ARC Review: Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

Title: Uninvited
Series: Uninvited, #1
Author: Sophie Jordan
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian
Release Date: 28th January 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Rating:  (2.5 stars)
Purchase it at: Amazon | B&N | TBD
Review Copy: Edelweiss
Book Blurb:

The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report in bestselling author Sophie Jordan's chilling new novel about a teenage girl who is ostracized when her genetic test proves she's destined to become a murderer.

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.

REVIEW

*Received an ARC in exchange of an honest review*

After thinking it through... I rounded it down. Still 2.5 stars though.

ARC Mini Reviews: No One Else Can Have You and Drowning in Rapture

I got two mini ARC reviews! Mini cause... I don't really have much to say about them. Some are good some are okay. So I decided to just compile it rather than make one post each for just a short review. :)

Review #1: No One Else Can Have You by Kathleen Hale

Title: No One Else Can Have You
Author: Kathleen Hale
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Mystery+
Release Date: 7th January 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Rating: 
Order at: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Review Copy: Edelweiss
Book Blurb:

Small towns are nothing if not friendly. Friendship, Wisconsin (population: 689 688) is no different. Around here, everyone wears a smile. And no one ever locks their doors. Until, that is, high school sweetheart Ruth Fried is found murdered. Strung up like a scarecrow in the middle of a cornfield.

Unfortunately, Friendship’s police are more adept at looking for lost pets than catching killers. So Ruth’s best friend, Kippy Bushman, armed with only her tenacious Midwestern spirit and Ruth’s secret diary (which Ruth’s mother had asked her to read in order to redact any, you know, sex parts), sets out to find the murderer. But in a quiet town like Friendship—where no one is a suspect—anyone could be the killer.

REVIEW

*Received an ARC in exchange of honest review*

What's the point in all this? Don't be such a bitch cause someone might kill you? -_-

I don't get the why of this story. I actually just turn the pages rather quickly. I mostly scanned it when I get to, like 30%, of the book. It bored me but still makes me wonder who is the killer. So yeah, I wanted to finish it cause I wanna know who is the killer and why did he killed Ruth. 

But all I could say was Kippy is such a nice smart kid and she solved the case. Without the help of other adults, if I may add. That took guts. Especially when you are being accused of having a problem just because you know that the one in jail is innocent with the murder case. 

I think some would still like this story but still... just an okay book for me.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Review #2: Drowning in Rapture by Megan D. Martin

Title: Drowning in Rapture

Series: Rapture (Book 1)

Author: Megan D. Martin

Genre: Adult, Erotic, Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 1st February 2014
Rating: 
Review Copy: ARC from Megan D. Martin
Book Blurb:

I didn’t plan to become a stripper who performs live sex shows. But that’s what happened. It’s what I do, and I’m good at it. 
I was going to go on and do something with my life. I was going to be something more than just a piece of ass.But that’s not how it worked it out. 
Men don’t control me. Not anymore. Not until my best friend left and he came into my life.
I don’t want lose myself and drown in another man. But I’m afraid it’s already too late.
**This book is intended for mature audiences only due to graphic depictions of sex and bad language.

REVIEW

*Thank you Megan for the book in exchange for an honest review!*

It was between good and okay book. The guy is a control freak. Lol. Well, yeah. And like Edward (Twilight) tendecies. To extreme. :O If you read the book, you'll know what I meant by that. It's not that bad though, some parts it was fun to get insight of a strip club. It's not easy for people who got a job stripping. It's not like they want it or enjoyed it. Some might but in this case, she's a stripper because it pays oh-so-well.

So I am not condemning Julia for her choices. Bad choices she made because as she have said, she made mistakes, it was her choice so she owned it. I am glad for that kind of attitude.

Will I recommend the book? Hmm.. Maybe. It's not so bad. So yeah, maybe.

ARC Review: Defy by Sara B. Larson

Title: Defy
Series: Defy #1
Author: Sara B. Larson
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy
Release Date: 7th January 2014
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Rating:  (2.5 stars)
Review Copy: NetGalley

A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and a thrilling love triangle.

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?

*Thank you NetGalley and Scholastics for the ARC!*

I'm pretty honest when it came to my reviews... The thoughts I tried to convey by writing was what I really felt by the time I finished a book. So yes, I am starting this review as honestly as I could.

I have read the blurb when I first saw this book at Goodreads. I can't remember how did I suddenly found it. I was asking for an ARC then. It was so intriguing that I even didn't mind the love triangle it might present based from the blurb. I honestly like the concept the author presented with just the blurb.

A girl who is disguising herself as a boy? PLUS she knows how to fight? The best of the whole lot of boys? Sword fighter? HELL YES! I'd love to read it! I was excited to read it! So I got the time to read it...

And I'm sorry but I'm a bit disappointed with what happened. First few pages... So good. Alex (same name as me!) is so cool. I love that she's a good fighter. The best. I'm a sucker for that kind of female MC. Fierce, can handle herself and not a whiny damsel-in-distress kind of girl, and just purely awesome. I love her then.

Enter Prince Damian... he was introduced as a spoiled, whiny, selfish and childish Prince. I do understand the reason as to the why Prince Damian did the things he did. I do. I honestly do and I don't have anything against him. But at the same time I'm not in awe of him. He's an okay character. But that's just it. 

I think my favorite MALE character would be Marcel, yes, that twin brother of Alexa. I love that he protects his sister as much as he can and in any way he can. So it saddens me that he didn't get much exposure in this book cause he totally deserves it. 

Oh yes, during the later half of this story... I grown fond of the Prince's guards. Derron, Jaerom, Jude, Matteo, and everyone else... They are fiercely loyal and I love that about them. They are loyal to one another too not just to the Prince. And that they follow what they think is right. 

The things I didn't like... I really hate it when authors write stories about rape houses. I know. It might happen in the past, it might be true but still... I'm not comfortable with that scenes. I hate the breeding houses. Like women are some kind of cattle or any animal that you can impregnate. It's so horrible. I don't like that it was not mentioned in the blurb. :( If it was I might not read this one. I am so sorry but that one is not something I would agree on even if you say that the authors got the right to whatever they want.

But I know... I know... It's just that even as a child they were herded there and wait for them to get their monthly period AND have the guards and the girls have sex. It's just so freakin' wrong. They (the girls) didn't want that. And I hate that the guards (men) enjoyed it and it was like a game to them. 

Didn't they realized that if they did get the girls pregnant, it'll be their child? That if the child born is a girl, they would have the same fate as their mother? Men got it easy. I hate it.

And really this book was like 80-90% love story (love triangle if you must) and 10% action. I love the action scenes and I am a bit annoyed with the love story. If it was changed like 10% romance and 90% action... I'd gladly give it a 4 or 5 stars even with the breeding houses *shudder*. 

Also, I don't like what the author did with Alexa next. She's pretending to be a man for Pete's sake. But I can't remember how much SHE BLUSHED in this book while pretending to be a man. Let's not forget how everyone seems to know she's really a girl. Ugh. 

Would I recommend it? Maybe. I'm not sure with recommending it. If you're patient and not easily annoyed, then yes. It's a fast paced book so yeah, it can be done. I just don't know if it will be worth your time. It is for other readers, though. 

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