Book Review: When Summer Ends

by Isabelle Rae

Book Description:

Chloe Henderson has never been one to break the rules or push the boundaries… but during her summer break, she and her friends use fake IDs to sneak into a club. It’s there that she meets handsome and alluring bartender, Will Morris. The pair hit it off immediately, growing closer with every passing day. But as with every summer, it has to end sometime. 

Chloe’s senior year approaches and there’s a shock in store when she returns to do her final year at school. Will is there too, but he’s not one of her fellow students…

A tale of forbidden love, broken hearts, friendship, and rivalry.

Book Review: 2/5

"He's sick, this whole situation is sick and illegal." 

EXACTLY!

Whew! Finally, I am so done with this novel. 

I am torn between hating it and loving it - but I guess, it's more of the former. Almost 2/3 of the novel had me:

I didn't like Chloe. I absolutely hated her as the story progresses. I guess she tried to shift her feelings and see other people - but she still failed and opted to follow her feelings even though its not right. I'm not saying that love should be logical all the time - but geez, the man is willing to wait for her! She knew the consequences of her actions - they were near detrimental, and still she followed her... hormones? Feelings? I'm not really sure anymore. It's exasperating.

And Will - OMG! I could have fall in love with you - and yet... tsk. tsk. tsk. He was the one with discernment, I think he should know better than to give in to his emotions. On the other hand, in fairness to him, he tried his best in ending the relationship, when he couldn't take it anymore, he was willing to wait for her. But then love...

Where did their minds go?

What I couldn't understand: seriously - they don't know each other's age? They have been going out for quite a while. 

Nonetheless - the support cast just wowed me. They are probably the best thing about this novel. If I hated the main characters that bad, I fell in love with the rest of the characters. 

I clearly love Nick - the ex boyfriend who became a very dear friend. He loves her, maybe not in the romantic way anymore. But he really cares and you can see that he's always there for her. If I have a guy best friend, I wanted him to be like Nick. 

Sam - is the life of this story. He brings all the fun, at the same time trouble - yet he saves them all from it. I like his character because he's just not a clown, but he has a good head on his shoulders as well. I wish Will had the same head. 

As the old adage tells: there is a right time for everything - and it doesn't exclude love.

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Book Review: Delinquent Daddy

by Linda Kage

Book Description:

IT’S NOT EVERY DAY YOU LEARN YOU HAVE A NINE-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER

Boston Kincaid’s life is forever changed when he reads the note from Cassidy Trenton, who’s looking for her daddy. Vividly remembering the girl’s mother, Boston is compelled to learn the truth about Cassidy’s paternity.

Single working mother Ellie Trenton is completely bowled over to find her old college flame, whom she hasn’t seen in ten years, loitering on her front porch when she comes home from work one day.

At the sight of each other, Boston and Ellie’s decade apart melts away, and that old chemistry between them flares back to life. But trust doesn’t come easily, and old wounds never healed properly.

Can Boston and Ellie learn to forgive and forget so they can experience the love they never shared, or will child custody battles keep them apart forever?

Book Review: 4/5

"A bad past can be fixed." Nora said. "A quiet, lonely future is just... sad." 

I already liked Linda Kage the moment I got my hand on The Trouble with Tomboys . I fell in love with her characters their - but it had not prepared me for this one! I'm so not THAT head over hills with the characters - but the plot was definitely: 

Tearjerker! Totally! 

What happens when your past comes knocking on your door bearing a letter from your daughter who was asking if he was her daddy? AWKWARD!! 

Ellie lied when she told Boston she had a miscarriage. She wanted him off the hook - after all, they were not together anymore when he got her pregnant. Some words thrown at her and the circumstances that surrounded their breakup was not easily forgotten and tore her heart into pieces. So, she chose to continue the pregnancy without him. 

Nine years after, he came strolling into her doorstep and demanded to see their daughter.

I really can't blame her for trying her best to cut ties with him. However, despite all hurt she experienced from Boston, she still allowed him to become Cassie's father. It was a bumpy road, more detours and stop-overs along the way - but the destination was worth it. 

Boston: I'm not sure whether I like him or hate him. 

This is the old Boston: 

He was so full of himself, cocky, rich kid who fell in love, got scared, got someone pregnant, and got more scared in the process. Perhaps he was not ready to become a father, or he was scared sh*tless that he was feeling something for Ellie - someone he didn't meant to fall in love with. So of all the possible stupidity he could do, he did one thing that will surely break her heart: he cheated. 

But this new Boston:

How can you not fall in love with a man who is trying his best to become a good father to a daughter he has never seen for almost a decade? His character did a complete 180 change - from that cocky arrogant college guy into a responsible one. I love the fact that he didn't allow the mother-daughter relationship to be strained. Learning his mistake the hard way, he was now ready to become a father and so much more.

I love this one. I always like the hope of second chances and forgiveness. This book will tell you that nothing is ever too late. So, you want a short read that will make your heart ache a bit and shed some tears: READ THIS. You won't surely regret it.

Book Review: All Things Different

by Shawn Underhill

Book Description:

"I know that the night is not that same as the day: that all things are different, that the things of the night cannot be explained in the day, because they do not then exist." 
~ Ernest Hemingway 


Late in the summer of 2005, starkly independent Jake Thornton was on the verge of turning 16, expecting little more than his driver’s license in the fall, and the continuance of the quiet life shared with his father. So when 14-almost-15 year old Sara moved in next door and began vying for his father’s attention, Jake wasn’t exactly thrilled, and couldn’t quite understand his father’s motives for allowing it. But certainly he never anticipated the dramatic shift their lives would take as a result.

As the summer fades and autumn takes over, friendship between the two teenagers begins blossoming into a bond, until fate steps in once more, threatening to tear them apart as quickly as they’ve come together. The decisions that follow, and the emotive tale that results, opens Jake’s eyes to the simple yet life altering truth, a truth that Sara has understood all along: that love—not the feeling but the action—is the most powerful force in the world.

Book Review: 4/5

"Your heart aches because it's good." 

Never judge a book by its cover - an old adage that I should've learned a long time ago. Nevertheless, mistakes do happen, and one look at the cover, I have already concluded that this one belongs to the fantasy genre. Instead, it was a contemporary love story, written in almost narrative form. Which makes me realize that some novels needs less dialogue for it to be great. It just needs the right words, an wonderful plot, and a set of remarkable characters. Just like this book.

Shawn Underhill is a master storyteller. I love the way he wrote the whole novel - the descriptions are vivid and you can just put yourself in the pages - feeling all those emotions and being in the places inside the book. The pacing is just enough to allow readers to sit back and watch not just the development of each characters, but watching relationship flourish as well. 

The Characters

Jake is a likable character. A typical boy who didn't want girls around - especially when he had been living alone with his father for a couple of years. He's responsible, and has a good head on his shoulders. If there is one word that best describe him, it would be: pragmatic. I like how is character matured through the pages, although I wasn't sure when was the time that he really fell in love with Sara. It's almost like being a couple is already given since they were already friends. I think a little bit of sweet words, romantic gestures wouldn't hurt. 

Sara has some heavy baggage to carry, but I love her resilience. The sudden change in her moods is understandable after what she's been through, but despite of it - she decides to live life and find something to be happy about. She found a home with Jake and his father. At a young age, she gave them a home which I greatly admire. I find her very sweet, and thoughtful. She's very persuasive and watching her make Jake putty in her hands is also entertaining.

Jake's Dad is the best father in the world! Just like an ordinary father, he is not vocal with his feelings, but he shows that he cares not only to Jake but to Sara and her mother as well. He's very helpful and generous to people who needs him the most. He is also hardworking, but he always makes sure he has time for Jake.

Finally, after a while - I had the time to read this book on my Kindle. It took me long but it was totally worth it. The whole story is in crescendo and ended in a beautiful finale that left me teary-eyed and satisfied. It may not end the way I wanted it to be, but it is just amazing as it is.

Favorite Quotes:

• “It's not morbid to miss people.” 
• “Your heart aches because it's good.” 

Disclaimer: Book reviewed was sent to me by the author and I have received no compensation of any kind for the review whether it is positive.

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To Read: The Book of Awesome

A friend of mine asked me if I have a copy of this book a couple of times, and finally when my curiosity hit me Googled it and found something very interesting. Now I'm off reading this book tonight. Checking if this amazing video will prove justice to the book.

I like to read light, easy materials in between heavy reads - and I think is a perfect choice. 

Book Title: Knee Deep

by Jolene Perry

Book Description:

Shawn is the guy Ronnie Bird promised her life to at the age of fourteen. He's her soul mate. He's more uptight every day, but it's not his fault. His family life is stressful, and she's adding to it. She just needs to be more understanding, and he'll start to be the boy she fell in love with. She won’t give up on someone she’s loved for so long.

Luke is her best friend, and the guy she hangs with to watch girlie movies in her large blanketopias. He's the guy she can confide in before she even goes to her girlfriends, and the guy who she's playing opposite in Romeo and Juliet. Now her chest flutters every time he gets too close. This is new. Is Ronnie falling for him? Or is Juliet? The lines are getting blurry, but leaving one guy for another is not something that a girl like Ronnie does.

Shawn’s outbursts are starting to give her bruises, and Luke’s heart breaks as Ronnie remains torn. While her thoughts and feelings swirl around the lines between friendship and forever, she’s about to lose them both.

Book Review: 3/5
Because sometimes all we need is somebody to sit in silence with. 

Can you possibly let go of someone you love for a very long time? Would it make you a bad person for wanting to let go when he needs you the most? Are the bruises and hurts worth it? 

I like this book, and it took me a while to finish it because a lot of books came up in between, but I'm glad I did. Jolene Perry made a very beautiful novel. A very sensitive topic was threaded carefully. She did not overdo it that you might want to close the book and not read it again, instead she presented it really well, with situations that are serious, but can be really happening in the real world to some people who can barely recognize abuse all because they are in love.

But, how much are you willing to give for love? How much are you going to sacrifice for it? 

Ronnie has been in love with Shawn since she was young, and after being separated for a couple of years, he was back in town, and they continued their relationship. But things weren't the same anymore. Shawn was different - he was easily angered and could hardly control his actions. 

Balancing the school play Romeo and Juliet, her problematic boyfriend and a weird feeling she has for one of her closest friend - left Ronnie confused. She didn't want anyone to know what's happening to her and Shawn, not even to her father, Luke or even her best friend. She tried to understand him and hope that the boy she fell in love with back then will come back the moment his problems go away. But it did not, and bruises starts to show - both her best friend and Luke tries to tell her to talk to someone. 

Abuse starts small. For Ronnie, it started with commenting on the way she dress, or ordering her which shoes to wear. It revolved into grabbing her wrist and into something unthinkable (sorry no spoilers!:)). If someone loves you, they would love you for who you are - no questions asked. They would never hurt you, emotionally and most especially physically. People should not stay in relationships because of the years they are together. They should stay because they both love each other, they respect each other, and each feels a sense of security. If you don't feel these things anymore, and if the person you're with is hurting you - the most logical (albeit, the hardest) thing to do is to let go. 

Here is one of my favorite poems since then, it is written for the women who, in one way or the other, are/were victims of abuse. I hope all of them will have the courage to stand up, walk through the door and ask for help.

I Got Flowers Today

I got flowers today. 

It wasn't my birthday or any other special day.

We had our first argument last night, 

And he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me. 

I know he is sorry and didn't mean the things he said. 

Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today. 

It wasn't our anniversary any other special day. 

Last night, he threw me into a wall and started to choke me.

It seemed like a nightmare. 

I couldn't believe it was real. 

I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. 

I know he must be sorry. 

Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today, 

and it wasn't Mother's Day or any other special day. 

Last night, he beat me up again. 

And it was much worse than all the other times. 

If I leave him, what will I do? 

How will I take care of my kids? 

What about money? 

I'm afraid of him and scared to leave. 

But I know he must be sorry.

Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today. 

Today was a very special day. 

It was the day of my funeral. 

Last night, he finally killed me. 

He beat me to death. 

If only I had gathered enough courage and strength to leave him, 

I would not have gotten flowers...today. 

By Paulette Kelly

Favorite Quote:

• “Because sometimes all we need is somebody to sit in silence with.” 
• “The problem is that when you change Romeo and Juliet’s story it ends up like that ridiculous Taylor Swift song. And that’s not what people love about Romeo and Juliet.” 

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Book Review: The Clash

by Nicole Williams

Book Description:

The only easy thing about Jude and Lucy’s relationship is their love for one another. Everything else is hard.

Especially when it comes to reining in Jude’s trigger touch temper and Lucy’s increasing jealousy of Jude’s Spirit Sister on the cheer squad who’s attached herself to him in just about every way a girl could. Feeling the stress of trying to hang on to her quintessential bad boy while becoming the foremost dancer in her class, Lucy knows something’s going to break. She wants both. She needs both. But if she doesn’t make a choice, she risks losing everything.

For Lucy Larson and Jude Ryder, love might be the thing that just isn’t enough.

Book Review: 3/5

But sometimes, as I was learning, love wasn't enough 

It's late, and I'm up just to write this review because I have just finished this book - AT LAST . I totally love the first book and was already head over hills on Jude Ryder. Who wasn't, right? The bad boy who fell in love with a nice girl. And now their story continues:

   

Exactly how I feel as I was reading through this book, since I have read a dozen of these type of plots from a variety of novels. This is exactly what happens when two very passionate people fell in love. When doubt and mistrust lingers even for a second, hope falters, relationship that took long to develop crumbles in blink of an eye. A familiar plot, but amazing lines. So in the end, I still liked it. Despite the fact that it felt familiar. I love seeing the old characters like Holly (way to go girl!), who completely became important to both main characters. I like the changes in Jude - the way he handles his anger. His self control greatly improves, oh, he's still the possessive alpha male, nevertheless, it was a relieve that he's not in trouble in any ways. I didn't like Lucy in this book at all. I hated the way she raised a carrot in front of Jude every now and then to lead him on, I just hate her. Jude may be a confusion, and sometimes overwhelming, but he loves her nonetheless and deserves nothing but her trust. Yep, it's still the issue: TRUST. The spirit sister is definitely someone you would like to throw over a pool, but she made a nice conflict in this story. Lucy's mother was a big help - an eye opener for her. Her parents have improved - it includes their relationship with her. (This is my first time to make a review with all this pictures, so let me try this one: )

There were scenes where I like to:

   

 or I like to:

 

and in the end I finally:

   

  Although I was disappointed in the ending. Maybe I don't believe in grand gestures (when it's grand as that!) - but I want an ending that can be convincing and almost-real and just like the first one - nice and sweet, not overly dramatic and theatrical...

   

 I'm already satisfied with the first book, so for readers who haven't read this one yet, its okay if you skip, okay if you don't. You won't miss anything, just the chase of the happy ever after.

Favorite Quotes:

• “I can forgive a man’s past faults, his present shortcomings, and his future failures if every minute of every day he loves me like it’s his religion.” 
• “Love isn’t only love, sweetheart. It’s hard work, and trust, and tears, with even a few glimpses of devastation. But at the end of each day, if you can still look at the person at your side and can’t imagine anyone else you’d rather have there, the pain and heartache and the ups and downs of love are worth it.” 
• “Love isn’t easy. Especially the really good kind. It’s difficult, and you’ll want to rip your hair out just as many days as you’ll feel the wind at your back. But it’s worth it. It’s worth fighting for. Don’t let what isn’t real blind you from what is. Life isn’t perfect, we sure as shit aren’t perfect, so why should we expect love to be?” 
• “If you say you’re going to trust your man, then trust your man. Don’t revoke that privilege when he needs it most.” 

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