Book Review: The Marriage Trap

Review: 5/5

This is my favorite book among the 3 currently published Marriage to a Billionaire series.

I love Michael, not just because he's hot, but also because of his sense of responsibility which he took seriously since his father died. He gave up his dream of becoming a racer, and focused on both his family and the family business. He wanted his family to be happy and have everything that they want, so when his sister called crying, telling him she could not get married according to their mother because he should be the one walking to the altar first - he device a plan to deceive his mother: he brought a woman home and introduced her as his fiance. Only that, the plan backfired on him, and he didn't realize his mother has her own plans too.

Maggie wants to be in control of everything. She once lost control and it ended up badly. She swore it won't happen again. So why did she agree with Michael's proposal after he rejected her once? Growing up with a dysfunctional family (except for her brother, Nick), she'd do anything to save what Nick has with Alexa. It includes sacrificing herself to be Michael's faux fiance. But then she didn't expect to be welcome in his family and to belong to them.

How will this charade end, when emotions (not just theirs) are already involve?

Once again Ms Probst gave us another amazing contemporary romance - just enough sweetness, coupled with steamy scenes and moderate family drama that will keep you glued to this book until the last page.

Jennifer Probst: You're name is on my list of favorite contemporary authors. Can't wait for more of your books!        

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Book Review: A Fallow Heart

by Linda Kage

Book Description:

Ten years ago, an oil tycoon’s daughter and a farmer’s son shared a moment neither would ever forget. When she left town in disgrace, a piece of her stayed locked deep within his soul. And like the ground he tended, his emotions lay fallow for years. Cooper Gerhardt’s deeply buried feelings for Jo Ellen Rawlings grew more fertile over time, just waiting for the day she would return to release his deepest desires.

When she strolls back into Tommy Creek, Texas for her ten-year class reunion, Cooper shows her farmboy-style exactly what she missed by leaving. Starting a short-term affair is simply unavoidable. But when the week is over, can either of them let go of the responsibilities and apprehensions keeping them apart? Or will their fallow hearts learn to flourish together?

Book Review: 4/5

“Sometimes a man can be a lot like a farm. He lets his heart lay fallow for a while, and instead of his feelings dying out, they just go dormant, his emotions growing deeper and stronger as time passes. A person only needs to clear away the weeds on the surface to uncover them.”

Usually, I don't really care if a man had his heart broken. BUT - when someone as good, sweet, honest-to-goodness man like Cooper gets his heart broken, my heart gets broken too.

AND I WOULD LOVE TO HATE THE GIRL - but how can I, when Jo Ellen is almost as nice as him?

Oh yes, I'M TORN!

This is a story of a poor sinfully hot farm boy, Cooper falling in love with one of the daughter of the richest man in Tommy Creek, Jo Ellen.

If Cooper was any more kinder, he'd be a saint. I don't know what kind of man can love that unconditionally, and what kind of man can just look his love from afar and not doing anything with his feelings? Oh well, meet Cooper. It's exasperating. Because if I were Jo Ellen, I'd choose him over millions of Travis in this world. He had proven his loyalty and his love when he was there for her at her lowest point. Cooper was willing to sacrifice his life, the future ahead of him for the people he loves. Even after ten years, when his dad got six, he had his business in hiatus and went to work in his father's farm.

HOW CAN JO ELLEN BE SO BLIND?

How can someone so intelligent be so blind with this kind of love? I just want to shake her and tell her: WAKE UP! Wake up before everything will just disappear. Jo Ellen is one of Grady's twin sister. I believe I love Emma Leigh's character more than I liked Jo Ellen. While Emma Leigh was very sociable, friendly and just cool. Jo Ellen was reserved, proper, and a well-mannered lady. These are the main reason why Cooper fell in love with her instead of the other twin. She values commitment, and even though she really didn't like her boyfriend's ways, she stuck to him. Until he left her hanging during the time she needed him most. She was devastated, and it broke her. She decided to go out of town and spend the rest of her senior year in Dallas. She left town, and Cooper broken hearted.

Ten years later - the twins were back in Tommy Creek for a reunion. The moment Cooper and Jo Ellen saw each other for the first time after all those years, chemistry still sizzles between the both of them. But the past keeps chasing the both of them. Can they finally take a risk and find their own happy ending?

Or would they just...

But its not just Cooper and Jo Ellen's story. The surrounding characters have their own stories to share, especially Thad, Cooper's dad whose story surprised me the most. I never could have imagined he could be THAT person when I met him in the earlier pages.

It's nice to be back in Tommy Creek, only years back before The Trouble with Tomboys took place. It was nice to see them young, especially Grady and BJ. I wasn't really sure if it was nice to see Amy alive as well, it was just weird. For those who haven't read the Trouble with Tomboys yet, I suggest you read A Fallow Heart first, although the two can still function as stand alone novels on their own. 

Linda Kage you just made my year. I could not have a better last book to read for 2012 than this one. It made me swoon, laugh, cry - drove me crazy. Thank You!

Favorite Quotes:

• “I was crazy in love with you in high school, and you broke my heart the day you hooked up with someone else our sophomore year. Then you broke it again when you promised me you’d dump him the night we kissed and go out with me instead, because the next morning, you forgot all about me.”
• “Jealousy is an uncontrollable emotion. It attacks all of us. As long as you don’t let it get the best of you, I’m sure you and your envy can live in harmony without anyone getting hurt. So, see? There’s no need to feel bad about it. It makes you normal. Human.” 
• “I’ve found the things I’ve regretted most in my life are the things I wanted to do but never had the courage to try. And I’m beginning to think I don’t want you to become one of my what-if-I’d-only-tried-it regrets.” 
• “Sometimes a man can be a lot like a farm. He lets his heart lay fallow for a while, and instead of his feelings dying out, they just go dormant, his emotions growing deeper and stronger as time passes. A person only needs to clear away the weeds on the surface to uncover them.” 
• “Rational was for people who didn’t have a broken heart.” 
• “When you love, you open yourself up to numerous vulnerabilities and worries and responsibilities you never imagined existed because suddenly there’s someone else in the world who’s more important to you than you are. That’s what makes it so tough.” 
• “You’re a man, darling. There’s something sick and twisted inside you, making you relish girly torture. I don’t understand it myself. Never did.” 
• “If she loves you back, no woman is going to complain about the hour if a man calls her to proclaim his undying love.” 
• “And I don’t want you to love me enough for the both of us. I’d rather carry my own portion, thank you very much. I love you so much it consumes me.” 

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(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.)

           

Book Review: I'll Be Here

by Autumn Doughton

Review: 5/5
Of course It's a 5!

Autumn Doughton - you have a knack for describing a heartbreak.


Note: This isn't paranormal. I just like the pic :)

Inside of me is all whirl and spin. A cockroach is doing pirouettes on my chest. A cockroach in a tutu. I would breathe but a giant has his grubby hands wrapped around my lungs and he’s squeezing. Tighter.

And these are just the first paragraphs of the book - wait till you get a hold of the whole book...

Thank you Jas for recommending this book - I admit I already had this one on my Kindle, but it wasn't on my priority list. But hey, it was short and I decided to forgo my list for a while, and insert this one. I wasn't disappointed. Autumn Doughton proved to be an exceptional author who writes the perfect words (in metaphor or not) in depicting emotions (whether it is good or bad).

“You dump trash. You dump yard waste and old ripped couches that smell like body odor and forgetfulness. You dump cigarette butts and banana peels and hazardous waste. But people?”

Yeah, Willow was recently dumped by her boyfriend of two years. And the hardest thing was that- she didn't saw it coming. They were not having any problems at all (well, nothing she knew of) and suddenly, here was her boyfriend ex trying to break up with her in a steak house over fries.

Now she starts from scratch: no more cool boyfriends, her used to be friends were non-existent and she got the biggest surprise of her life when she finally realized why Dustin broke up with her.

Good thing she has old friends who easily forgives and forgets. Laney, the friend she forgot when she became Dustin's girl came to the rescue along with others. They were her savior after the whole school has been treating her like she has leprosy. I also adore her mother, who tried ALL the time to reach out to her, trying to be there when she needed the most. It took a while for them to fix their relationship because of some previous issue. She went back to her previous passion: Art. Something she gave up as well when she was going out with Dustin.

And Alex, oh Alex. You were exasperating at times, lovable most of the time, and just frustrating at the near end. An old flame she wanted to forget - now here he comes back into her life: in a the most 'broken' time of her life. Why?

I love this book! I'm an avid YA reader and let me tell you - this book is one of those YA-novels that rocks! I'll Be Here tells a story of how a young girl with a broken heart picks up the pieces, found and loved herself, and finally moved on with life and love. It's a short read (that's why I love it more), but even though it's short, I didn't find it lacking. I was contented with the ending and was not disappointed at all.

I'd recommend it to readers who likes (1) heartbreak, (2) moving on (3) family issues that aren't so heavy and totally dramatic (4) sweet but not to the point of mushy (5) Short but complete read.

Favorite Quotes:

• “I'm miserable but the thing is that I want to be miserable. It's kind of nice. Like a comfortable sweater that you put on around the house but wouldn't be caught dead wearing in public.”
•    “You dump trash. You dump yard waste and old ripped couches that smell like body odor and forgetfulness. You dump cigarette butts and banana peels and hazardous waste. But people?”
• “People are just preprogrammed to want what they don’t have. It’s like it’s a universal law.”

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Book Review: The Perfect Game

by J. Sterling

Review: 4/5

“Sometimes letting go is the only way to find out who you're meant to hold on to.”

Do I love this book? Hell Yes!!!

I enjoyed reading this book - the constant bantering shared between two people who have issues to resolve and finally took a leap in love. It wasn't a smooth jump - they encountered rocks along the way, but they still landed well - with both their feet on the ground: alive and breathing.

I fell in love with Carter in the beginning. Who can resist a bad-boy-turned-pussy-whipped-boyfriend and can play baseball even with eyes closed? I did love how he tried his best in changing his ways and proving that he's a different man. That he can stick and be content with just one woman.



But, something happened along the way that made me think twice. I could not tolerate a guy with a poor judgment and someone who's gullible enough to make a decision without even going deeper or examining things clearly.

Nevertheless, he was redeemed. He'd never be the prince charming if he continued his ways, right? What he did in the near ending, it was just awesome! I like the way he exercise patience and wanting to put things in order before he can start a clean slate. The surprise he gave Cassie - it was a little cheesy, but I guess...

Somehow, I'd fill several bottles of quarters to touch you.

Cassie!!!!

Her rules with boys and relationship:
1. Don't lie
2. Don't cheat
3. Don't make promises you can't keep
4. Don't say things you don't mean

... and guess how many Carter broke?

Oh yes, Cassie loved to roll her eyes and didn't want to do anything with him first. She hated his guts, but she could not deny the fact that Carter is HOT! If only she's strong enough not to fall for his clutches. However, like gravity, Cassie fell, HARD. And when everything went Topsy-turvy with their relationship, she was broken. I think she made the right choices, after the biggest mistake she made during the early part of the relationship. I find her brave. Trying her best in stopping Carter making the biggest mistake of his life. Moving away and following her dreams instead of staying behind. It was a little painful seeing her grow- but it made her grow up and become a better person.

The Perfect Game is just a perfect read. It shows flaws in relationship that most couples go through - famous or not. This book just proved that with love, anything is possible. A relationship can still exist even with broken trust. Because with enough love, trust can be restored and the two people who are meant to be together will have their happily ever after.

J. Sterling, you kept me awake all night reading this amazing novel and I didn't regret every minute of it

Favorite Quotes:

• “Have you ever noticed how pretty and beautiful words can be? How easy it is to say the things you think someone wants to hear. How you can affect a person’s entire day with just a few measly sentences?”
• “Kitten, I’d break my fucking pitching arm if it meant keeping you safe.” 
• “And I know that the past version of me is someone you would never trust. But who I am when I’m with you” he paused, “isn’t who I used to be. I don’t think I’ve been that guy since the night of our first date, so it’s not fair that you judge me like I’m still him.” 
• “That anyone could father a child, but a real man chooses to be a dad.” 
• “Sometimes letting go is the only way to find out who you're meant to hold on to.”       

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Book Review: The Wallbanger

by Alice Clayton

Review: 5/5

Alice Clayton You had me at the title!!!

This book is pretty awesome: it's fun, sweet and sexy.

Did I had fun reading this???!!!

It's basically about two strangers, who met in a very weird circumstances - yeah, the thump, thump, thump sound from the wall allowed the meeting of Caroline and Simon.

Caroline has been having problem in trying to find her big O. And of course, as the blurb would suggest - it didn't mean Oprah. So after series of dates and frustrations - she decided to let go of the dating arena for the mean time.

Here comes Simon - who seemed to have a harem at his disposal making her sleepless at night with all those sounds being made against her wall. Oh how can he be so ruthless? Here she was: her sex life was in drought and her big O was missing and Simon was just giving it away to all those girls.

When Caroline had it with all the thump-thump sound against the wall - she knocked on his door on her pink nighties and told him to stop what he was doing because she wasn't getting any sleep. What a first meeting, right? I think so too.

But despite the fact that their first meeting was a little bit weird - the two of them called a truce and became friends. Amidst the over flowing sexual tension, and attraction between the two: they set it aside and really became great friends.

This is what I love about this story because it was not rushed. It is very well-phased and love took its time. Oh there were a lot of laughter inside this novel - especially coming from Clive The wonderful, wonderful CAT and their pair of friends with mismatched partners.

I like Simon - and he was an amazing person. Not just because he allowed the friendship to grow rather than had her on his bed immediately. But he was sweet, understanding and very generous as well. He took her to places where she wanted to go and gave her the time of her life. It's a good thing that there are men would think with using the right head.

Would love to recommend this book to readers to:
1) wants a good laugh
2) loves romcom
3) loves Sarra Manning's book (because this book reminded me so much of hers, but in a way still different)
4) wants to fall in love all over again
5) adores cats because Clive - he's sooooooo Clive & second to these two - he's the star of the book 

Favorite Quotes:

• “Why do all men seem to think they need to rescue a woman? Are we not capable of rescuing our damn selves? Why do I need to be rescued? I don’t need a man to rescue me, and I certainly don’t need no wallbanging, Purina-fucking, listening-at-my-wall-like-a-goddamn-psycho coming over here to rescue me! You got that, mister?”   

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Book Review: Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Book Description:

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

Review: 5/5!!!!!!!

5 stars???

Are you freakin' kidding me?

I NEED MORE STARS!!!! A WHOLE GALAXY OF IT!

Because you! Yes you, Colleen Hoover deserves a whole sky of it for writing this sweet, gut-wrenching, tear-jearker, touching, super amazing, 'unputdownable' book.

Now, how do I start telling everyone that among my holiday reads - this one just beat every single wonderful novel I have downloaded on my Kindle?

I stayed up all night finishing it because I don't want to miss anything! Some things just can't wait - and some books would want you to stay up at night in frantic anticipation. Will they or will they not have a happy ending???

Meet Sky - she's one of those rare human species who doesn't exist online. No Facebook, Twitter or Myspace account. She hates surprises and receiving presents. She's adopted by a woman who lives a very healthy life and seems to have a phobia with technology. Homeschooled since she was young, Sky was finally allowed to enroll in a public school for her senior year. Problem is that, her super best friend in the whole world, Six is half way across the globe and she's now alone facing all the people who seemed to have an idea who she is without even knowing her first. Thank God she met a new best friend, Breckin - a gay Mormon who is just as wonderful as Six. One thing I love about her: She's one lucky, and brave girl.

Then there's Holder. Rumor has it that he's just spent a year in juvi for beating a gay. BUT!!!!

Holder... oh Holder.... He's.... *speechless*

Let me borrow Sky's thought - because I could already feel myself swooning.

1. His amazingly perfect white teeth hidden behind that seductively crooked grin. 2) The dimples that form in the crevices between the corner of his lips and cheeks when he smiles 3) I'm pretty sure I'm having a hot flash or I have butterflies or maybe I'm coming down with a stomach virus.

I can already tell he isn't the kind of guy a girl gets a simple crush on. He's the kind of guy you fall hard for, and the thought of that terrifies me.

He's a boyfriend that a girl could want. Oh hell, I want him for myself!!! How could I not, when he's a whole lot of package roll into one? He's the bad boy who turned to a most whipped boyfriend by love. He's sweet, and I'm glad that he found her after a life-long search.

“F#%k all the firsts, Sky. The only thing that matters to me with you are the forevers.”

But there are just some things between them - dreams that Sky could not understand and secrets Holder could not divulge. This could end things between them, and their lives would change forever. But no secrets can be kept for long.

I could no longer continue without spoiling the book. So let me end this review right now by saying:

It's one of the book that I will constantly remember for a very, very long time and I will gladly recommend to ALL my friends without any doubt. And Colleen, just like what your character said in the book - let me just rephrase it.

“I swear I will spend every last breath thanking you for writing this book .” 

Favorite Quotes 

• “Sky, I'm not kissing you tonight but believe me when I tell you, I've never wanted to kiss a girl more. So stop thinking I'm not attracted to you because you have no idea just how much I am. You can hold my hand, you can run your fingers through my hair, you can straddle me while I feed you spaghetti, but you are not getting kissed tonight. And probably not tomorrow, either. I need this. I need to know for sure that you're feeling every single thing that I'm feeling the moment my lips touch yours. Because I want your first kiss to be the best first kiss in the history of first kisses.”   
• “The moment my lips touch yours, it will be your first kiss. Because if you've never felt anything when someone's kissed you, then no one's ever really kissed you. Not the way I plan on kissing you.”
• “The sky is always beautiful.Even when it's dark or rainy or cloudy,it's still beautiful to look at....it'll be there no matter what...and I know it'll always be beautiful.”
• "You cant get mad at a real ending. Some of them are ugly. Its the fake happily ever afters that should piss you off.” 
• “I'm not a sucker for happily ever afters, but if these two characters don't get theirs I might climb inside this e-reader and lock them both inside that damn garage forever.” 
• “My lack of access to the real world has been replaced completely by books, and it can’t be healthy to live in a land of happily ever afters.” 
• “You don't deserve words, Sky. You deserve actions.” 
• “F#%k all the firsts, Sky. The only thing that matters to me with you are the forevers.”      
• “Sky, if you’re wondering if I have commitment issues, the answer is no. Someday in the far, far, far away future…like post-college future…when I propose to you…which I will be doing one day because you aren’t getting rid of me…I won’t be marrying you with the hope that our marriage will work out. When you become mine, it’ll be a forever thing. I’ve told you before that the only thing that matters to me with you are the forevers, and I mean that.”
• “I can already tell he isn't the kind of guy a girl gets a simple crush on. He's the kind of guy you fall hard for, and the thought of that terrifies me.” 
• “Lust is the best of all the deadly sins. Six” 
• “All marriages have a time limit if you enter them for the wrong reasons. Marriage doesn't get easier...it only gets harder. If you marry someone hoping it will improve things, you might as well set your timer the second you say, 'I do.” 
• “I swear I will spend every last breath thanking you for allowing yourself to love me.” 
• “Not everyone gets a happily every after. Life is real and sometimes it's ugly and you just have to learn how to cope.” 
• “The things that knock you down in life are tests, forcing you to make a choice between giving in and remaining on the ground or wiping the dirt off and standing up even taller than you did before you were knocked down. ” 
• “The events of your life are all crammed together one minute right after the other without any time lapses or blank pages or chapter breaks because no mater what happens life just keeps going and moving forward and words keep flowing and truths keep spewing wether you like it or not and life never lets you pause and just catch your fucking breath.” 
• “Sarcasm isn't at all funny when it's the truth” 
• “Somehow in the course of sixty seconds, this guy has managed to swoon me, then terrify the hell out of me.” 
• “Sometimes you have to choose between a bunch of wrong choices and no right ones. You just have to choose which wrong choices feels the least wrong.” 
• “When I touch you, I’m touching you because I want to make you happy. When I kiss you, I’m kissing you because you have the most incredible mouth I’ve ever seen and you know I can’t not kiss it. And when I make love to you—I’m doing exactly that. I’m making love to you because I’m in love with you.”              

Book Review: Come A Little Bit Closer

by Bella Andre

Review: 5/5

“I’ve always wondered why love has to be so full of conflict and strife. Why can’t love be simple? Why can’t it just be as pure as two people who realize that they can’t live as well, or as happily, apart as they can together?”

This is exactly what the book will do to you once you come a little bit closer to it:

Yay! The long wait is over, finally! Smith's story is here, and of course - when did Bella Andre disappoint me? Never! I so love Smith - the uber popular Sullivan sibling. Although I love the whole family, Smith owns a special place in my heart. He loves and dotes on his siblings, and even though he's busy, he finds a way to be with his family. Who wouldn't want someone like that? Now he's getting old and he wants to have what his siblings have right now: True Love . He didn't want flings anymore. He's ready to settle down. He wanted someone special and would want him for the man that he is and not the actor.

I WISH!

Then here comes Valentina who seems to be immune with his charms and has already place all possible defenses around her against him. He wanted her. But does she want him as well?

Valentina. I admire her as a person, because at a young age, she already took the responsibility of being her sister's guardian-slash-manager. She makes sure her sister stays safe in Hollywood - away from the booze, drugs, sex, and rock&roll - How did she ever manage it? But that's why I like her. It was a big task, and Tatiana grew up well - professional, and despite her status, both her feet were still touching the ground. Their relationship stayed stronger and they have never been this close.

But the problem is Smith - how can she be able to resist him? She was afraid of his status, of the vulnerability of the relationship when being exposed in the press and she didn't like that. She wanted to have a man who didn't work in front of the camera, or anywhere near it. But then Smith is Smith - He's a Sullivan and he can charm his way to her heart...

What if she let falling in love with him be as natural as gravity?

I love it! Yes, the scenes were sexy and steamy - the exchanges were fiery. But the storyline - it was beyond my expectations. It was more than just a story of a famous and rich man wanting real love - but it's a story of a girl who didn't think she was good enough for someone famous, and rich - but ended up to be his perfect pair.

And I'm looking forward for Lori's story soon :)


Favorite Quotes:

• “I’ve always wondered why love has to be so full of conflict and strife. Why can’t love be simple? Why can’t it just be as pure as two people who realize that they can’t live as well, or as happily, apart as they can together?”
• “You were right when you said that love shouldn’t have to be a battlefield. When it’s with the right person, I’ve seen love be easy. Sweet. And perfect.” 
• “Some things are just perfect, even when they don't make any sense” 
• “What if she let falling in love with him be as natural as gravity?”          

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Book Review: My Only

by N.K. Smith

Review: 4/5

Adam and Aaron are twins - but like any other twins, they are so different from each other. Aaron is the jock of the two. He's an athlete, a sociable person and everybody likes him - especially girls. On the other hand, Adam, oh Adam. He's the geek in the pair, he's a member of the band where he excels as one of the rhythm drummers. He's silent, and has little friends. These two are way to different from each other, but they have a bond. They were close and they truly love each other. Their mother died giving birth to them, and it was only their father who served as both mom and dad.

Then Olivia came along - she's sweet, and pretty hot. She has this aura of a girl who lives her life each day at a time, looking at the positivity of life rather than the negativity of it. Who wouldn't be attracted to her, right? Adam saw her first - dancing on her window from across his room.

“Well maybe if you’d had the balls to actually ask her out, none of this would have happened!”

My sentiments exactly.

Aaron already gave him the chance to be the one to ask her first but...



All you have to do is ask her Adam! Just ASK HER! But he's too shy.

Olivia was just too good to be true, and like the old adage runs: (view spoiler) :) Nevertheless, this was a great story of friendship, brotherhood, living life, finding and losing love and lastly, moving on. It teaches us that yes, we need to grab every opportunity we get because it may never knock on our doors again, or if we delay accepting it - we may not have enough time in the world to enjoy it.

After I read the book, this is what I told myself:



But still, My Only was...


Oh it is. I'd recommend it to friends who likes:
1) A boy's POV.
2) Twins with different personalities
3) Free-spirited girl who's torn between two boys
4) Cry ( I admit, I didn't, but was just close to...)

Favorite Quotes:

• “Passion was something pure and indescribable - something one could see without being told.”
• “Listen, life’s too short to let sadness overpower you for long periods of time. Like you said, ‘Everyone dies.’ I felt my emotions, cried my tears, and then came to peace about it. You don’t ever ‘get over’ something like that,” she said, adding air quotes. “Al you can do is embrace the experience and do your best to go on.” 

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Book Review: Between the Sheets

by Julie Prestsater

Review: 4/5

I don't think I can ever love anyone more than I love Tyler. I've loved him almost my entire life.

I have enjoyed Against the Wall and I was looking forward in reading Between the Sheets. (I just love the titles. Found it quite interesting.)



One thing I like about these two ladies is the friendship that they have shared. They are intensely loyal to each other and they love one another a lot. Since Shel has already her very own happy ending - I think Melissa deserved one too.

If only Ty would consider coming back home.

Ty, Shelly's brother, was the love of her life ever since she was a kid. But unlike any other girls - she made her move. Just some move - less words - which causes all the problems in this book. He's swoon-worthy handsome, teaches art a 9-hours away from home and volunteers in a shelter. He loved his work so much that he couldn't stay long, even for Melly Belly.

Now here comes Melissa or Melly Belly to both Shelly and Ty. She's just wonderful and loves wine rather than beer. She couldn't leave her work behind for Ty, this was her home - her whole family and Shel is here. The unexpected happened and Mel found herself in a big ball of confusion.

Who's ready to compromise? The two of them are perfect for each other and have obviously loved each other since way back when. But with no one giving up jobs or homes, both may loose what is more important to the both of them. If only the two of them would sit down in an open-honest conversation, it would have save a lot of time in dealing with their problems.

More than just the hot steamy scenes that would make any girl swoon with envy, Between the Sheets is a story of love, compromise and an open communication to make a relationship - whether long distance or not - to last.          

Book Review: The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden

by Jessica Sorensen

In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one.

Callie and Kayden have dark secrets.

Callie and Kayden kept their own scars to the world.

Until that single night which brought the both of them together - she saved his life, and finally he knew her existence.

The novel left me speechless, it had me wanting for more when I got into the last page. It is seldom that I can come across reading a more intense and emotional novel - and this is one of those.

The cover had me, so did the blurb. I was excited to know Callie and Kayden, and when I did - my heart break.

There is something about someone trusting you enough with their secrets that it makes it easier to trust them. It's like they're opening their heart and in return yours should open up to them, too.

Kayden is the star quarterback at school. Their family seemed perfect, but only to the outside. Once the door closes - their home becomes his hell rather than his sanctuary. He suffers in silence, never fights back, never tells anyone. He survived this long - but one night he could almost feel his life was hanging on the edge when finally fate saved him and gave him some luck when Callie coincidentally arrives right on time and saves his life without her realizing it.

If Kayden got lucky, Callie wasn't lucky on the day of her 12th birthday when something unimaginable happened. After that, she changed. She cut her hair, wore baggy clothes and kept everything to herself. Her mother was too happy to notice something terrible happened to her, and she didn't want to disrupt her happiness by telling her. She didn't tell anyone what happened, all she wanted to do was just to get out of town for college and start a new.

I already knew what happened to Kayden, but to Callie, I was half guessing until finally I found some clues. I spend more than half of the novel asking who, who, who? Who can possibly do it?

Once in college, she didn't expect to see him again. She got herself busy with school work and crossing off things from her list that she and her new found friend, Seth made. The List were her road to change, and she's taking baby steps.

As for Kayden, he couldn't stop thinking about the girl who spent her high school being a stranger to everyone and suddenly saved his life. When he found out that Callie goes to the same school, he tried his best to get to know her. But how can he do it - when every time he comes close, Callie seemed to close herself more and more?

And when you think it's only Callie and Kayden keeping secrets - then you are so wrong! Because their friends: Seth and Luke are also keeping their own. But I love them still, they had the back of their friends when they needed them most.

I couldn't help falling in love for each character and wanting them to have their happy endings. I wanted those people who have broken them punished as they should have deserved. But I guess I have to wait for the next novel which is expected to come out next year ----- that long???!!!! with a story as good as this, it should come out earlier!!

I love these two characters who have suffered so much and found the courage to stand up to their oppressors, conquer their fears and fall in 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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Book Review: If I Lie

by Corrine Jackson

Book Description:

A powerful debut novel about the gray space between truth and perception.

Quinn’s done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. Because Carey’s not just any guy—he’s serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town.

Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she’s vowed to keep—secrets that aren’t hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she’ll go to protect her boyfriend…and her promise

Book Review: 5/5

Seven for a secret never to be told. 

Just like the five star in GoodReads stands for: It was amazing, despite the fact that it ended with me wanting for more. Perhaps a chapter or two to satisfy my eager curiosity and my compulsion to give everyone their happy ending. 

Let me tell you a secret: This is more than just an extraordinary love story. 

This is a story of faith, trust, friendship, family, sacrifices and keeping secrets. Corrine Jackson wove a wonderful tale that made my heart ache from start to finish. There were unexpected twist that I never saw coming, surprising me in both good and bad ways. 

What I love most about this book is not really the 'love' part in it - instead, I was drawn to the friendship that Quinn shared with a veteran named George - who taught her most of the things she knew about photography; and her relationship with her father - their relationship was strained from the moment her mom walked out on them. 

I have never known a person in my life who can hold secrets as much as Quinn did. I applaud Quinn for keeping secrets - to the point that I am almost exasperated, wanting her to reveal it than suffer all the bullying that she encountered. Two heavy secrets that had cost her almost everything: her senior year, her friends, and most especially her relationship with her father. Yet, she stuck to her word, and suffer all the torments. Being branded a cheater to the town hero made her a pariah. But a bad experience in spilling secrets that had caused her something dear made her hold on. 

Two guys and I love them both. Loyalty divides and subtracts me from both of them.

I was pinning for a happy ending, and I ended up with something less than wonderful, but nevertheless heartwarming. It was a nice touch to end this story, but an epilogue or to add some chapter for some characters to have their well-deserved happy ending would have been totally great. (Well, a second book would be nice too.)

Corrine Jackson writes almost poetically and in a manner that make your jaw drop at every end of the chapter. She knows the right places where to drop the most powerful bombs. And yes, I would recommend this book, and most especially this author to my friends.

Favorite Quotes:

• “Sometimes a moment defines you, defines how people see you for the rest of your life. You can accept it or fight it. If you're lucky, you'll recognize the moment when it happens.” 
• “Some words hit you like a tree branch slapping you in the face. And some words rip into your flesh, leaving scars so deep, they never completely fade.” 
• “I wonder how much shame people can hold before they ignite.” 
• “It’s easier to hang out with the patients in the indoor garden, with its sunlight and picnic tables. Easier to forget that someone’s ill when you’re not surrounded by the antiseptic reek of hospital-issue debris.”
• “It sounds so perfect. He’s defending me because Carey would want him to. It’s not about me. It never is, with these two boys. Blake lets me take the blame, and Carey uses me.” 
• “This honor crap isn’t for the weak.” 
• “Two guys and I love them both. Loyalty divides and subtracts me from both of them.” 
• “That’s war, kid. You can hate the guy next to you, but he’s always got your back.” 
• “The truth is, some apologies never see the light of day.” 

And here are some of my favorite quotes I couldn't add to my list because of its spoiler tendencies: 

This might be my breaking point. If anyone but Carey had asked me to keep this secret, I would tell. Right now. Because I want Blake like I’ve never wanted anything. But there’s more at stake than my feelings.

What I know:
A) Carey is alive.
B) George is dying.
C) Life just isn’t fucking fair.

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