“Once upon a time, a mere mortal fell in love with a rock god. You probably know this is not a fairy tale by now. Mortals and gods d
4.5 Stars!
“Once upon a time, a mere mortal fell in love with a rock god. You probably know this is not a fairy tale by now. Mortals and gods don't mix.”
THIS BOOK. OH MY GOD. It is worth going straight to my favorites list! It was just the right book, the right story, the right angst that fed my craving for a rock star romance.
Midnight Blue is an enemies-to-lovers book that highlights the story of Indigo "Indie" Bellamy and the famous British rock star singer Alex Winslow. It started out when Indie was hired to babysit a recovering drug addict Alex who just came out from a rehab. Of course they didn't have a pleasant first meeting. Alex didn't like Indie, just like how he disliked his previous babysitters who didn't last long.
“Welcome to my mess, New Girl. It's a bumpy ride from here on out.”
I wouldn't go over the next series of events. Please go surprise yourself! ;)
I admit that I didn't like the book at first because Alex was a straight up asshole and he was really mean not just to Indie but to his band mates, manager, agent, and the people around him. He was bitter and selfish, but I know nothing about how a recovering addict acts so I decided to have patience with him and see what happens. Well, Alex's character developed remarkably bit by bit and I was thankful. For me it was worth it. I loved how real his character was no matter how he was defined as near perfection.
“Because when Alex was hurting, he wanted the entire world to hurt him. And in that moment in time, I was his world.”
I also loved Bellamy's character. She was strong and lovable and I found her passion to her family which equals her passion to arts incredible.
The romantic development progressed slowly at first, letting you discover their lives outside the stage lights and how their inner struggle with their families made them stronger together. You can expect a story with a moderate amount of angst here, but the sizzling romance... oh my God! The romance really did good.
“The way you look at me when I sing and play reminds me why I started doing it in the first place. It reminds me there's nothing else I want to do-- can do-- and even though there's something tragic in that, a man with one destiny, you take the edge off.”
I absolutely loved L.J. Shen's writing style. I was especially drawn to it and her addictive prose. The thing is, I felt like writing a rock star romance is a bit challenging for authors as it requires them to put so many aspects and it could either prosper or fail but in this book, the theme was very well balanced and all the things I am looking for in this genre was met in all equal measures.
Over all, this book got me. It actually made me want to read more rock star-musicians themed romance books and I gotta do it now!
“When I look at you, I don't see regret and pain and suffering. I see the biggest opportunity, the sweetest promise, the road I should be taking.”
“Once upon a time, a pitiful lad met a shy, lovely lass and together they became something more... something strong and beautifu
5 Royal Stars!
“Once upon a time, a pitiful lad met a shy, lovely lass and together they became something more... something strong and beautiful and forever.”
I just found a new favorite book and I'm in love and I'm swooning like no one's business!
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Oh God, Prince Henry John Edgar Thomas Pembrook and Lady Sarah Mirabelle Zinnia Von Titebottum might as very well overdose me from their cuteness. Their story was a complete surprise.
If you're familiar with the reality TV dating show The Bachelor, then that's what this book is like. The difference is that this book is a lot more interesting and the highlight focuses only on the male lead and his romantic interest and not with the other girls who are involved. When Prince Henry Pembrook, heir to the throne of Wessco, was proposed by a television producer to put him in the spotlight as the star of the reality dating show Matched: The Royal Edition which will be held in his castle, he considered it. After all, he's about to become a king and delving into this reality show will give him as much fun as he could have before he dedicates himself to the kingdom. The idea excites him since he's about to meet women from different royal families who will be vying for his heart. That being said, you might think he fell in love with one of the girls... Nope, he was rather smitten with the shy, beautiful librarian named Sarah who happens to be there at the castle, not as a participant, but as a companion to her sister who joins the show.
“You are every dream I never let myself believe could come true.”
I loved how Emma Chase made me think the book is about one thing but it turns out to be about something quite different. Diving into this book, I expected the story to have some estrogen drama like The Bachelor (or like The Selection) but I was happy to find out that the women didn't make the competition much of a big deal... like they were just pretty chill about it. They weren't even desperate to steal Henry's attention (which would absolutely lead to drama) so imagine how I became so happy about this. On top of that, I didn't expect some of the girls to be downright hilarious and unbelievable!
Reading this book made me feel as though I'm reading a historical regency romance and it has something to do with the vibrant setting, the well-described royal characters, and the rich storyline. I couldn't stop swooning over this book especially when we talk about the romantic build-up between Henry and Sarah. These two... *takes a deep breath* have the best chemistry than any other characters ever. I loved the absence of insta-love and how they started off as friends, getting to know each other without feeling an ounce of awkwardness, and enjoying each others company while they're together. Plus, Sarah didn't freak out while Henry is all over her. Their relationship was something that I don't often encounter in a book. It developed gradually which allowed their feelings to deepen in a way that really makes me smile.
“I think this is how it is when you're in love. And nothing seems too big or too scary, because you know whatever happens, you won't be facing it alone.”
What also made me feel remarkably drawn to was the way Henry gently treated Sarah at all times. He took care of her like she's a fragile porcelain and ugh... my feels were in overdrive!
Sarah is one of the most likable heroines I've read about. I liked her character so much and it's not just because she's a bookworm and I can totally relate with her nerdiness but because she's such an adorable lady. She's kind and she's not pretentious. She's also not whiny and you can't expect her to be too dramatic even if she has a somewhat dark past which is the reason why she experiences a particular neurological disorder. She's simply the kind of character that is worth caring about.
“Because sometimes, life is very much like a book-- we don't get to write our own ending; we have to accept the one that's already on the page.”
Henry and Sarah's character development here was also amazing. I loved how both of them grew to be the kind of person that is worthy to be called a King and a Queen. Their characters have a lot of depth and I felt really proud of them-- especially at that epilogue.
“I want to be a better man for you and because I love you so much, I actually believe I can be.”
In true Emma Chase fashion, there were lots of funny scenes that cracked me up. I also enjoyed the sexy times because why not? Prince Henry absolutely knows how to get his way. Ha!
“My story hasn't been written yeat, but I know it begins with you.”
I am so happy to have read this book. I actually felt kind of regretful that I didn't read it as soon as it came out. But I'm still glad I did because until this very moment, the story still lingers in my mind. Royally Matched, as a whole, was yet another example of PERFECTION in a romance book. There should be more books like this, please!
Beautiful Secret was just an okay read for me. While I enjoyed the first parts of the book, the rest didn't totally pull me in. It doesn't mean3 Stars
Beautiful Secret was just an okay read for me. While I enjoyed the first parts of the book, the rest didn't totally pull me in. It doesn't mean that I didn't love it, though. The hottie British man Niall Stella is already enough for me to go on.
We have the characters Niall Stella, Max's (from Beautiful Stranger) younger brother and Ruby Miller, an intern from Richardson-Corbett-- the company where Niall is the VP. Although they work at the same company, these two are basically strangers. Well, except for Ruby's side, because she has been crushing on him ever since forever to the point where her obsession already leads her to become a borderline stalker. lol. When the two of them went to New York to attend an international summit for a month, that's when Niall finally noticed her. That's also the time when their sexual connection started. However, Niall has reservations when it comes to intimacy because of his post-divorce issues.
I couldn't explain the excitement I felt when I started this book. When I've read Beautiful Beloved where Niall was first introduced, I was totally charmed by this hot Brit so I immediately dived into this book after I finished the novella. The book started off great. I found both the characters' POVs entertaining and funny. Ruby's stalkerish abilities creeped me out a little bit but I was amused at the same time.
And Niall... Niall is one helluva man. I loved that he was not portrayed as most heroes in a book. He was the shy, quiet type of a man. Not arrogant and not a casanova, either.
What made me feel quite disconnected to the book, however, was Ruby's attitude when both of them were already in New York. I felt her character going downhill when she became sexually obsessed with Niall and all she thought about was sex... sex... sex... I mean, there's nothing wrong with it but ugh, she was sexually preoccupied all the freaking time and I don't know how she's able to handle her responsibilities in their business trip when she was horny most of the time. She was such a hot mess while she was with Niall and it's no longer amusing.
Thankfully, Niall made the book bearable. Setting aside his hot physical qualities, I loved the way he controlled his emotions and lust toward Ruby (Thank God!). When he said that he prefers to have sex with a woman only if he's in love with her, I admired his character even more. I loved the way he carried his work and personal emotions in a balanced way, unlike Ruby.
My vote for my favorite book of this series still goes for Beautiful Player up to this point. I wish this book was as good as the previous installment but as I mentioned, Niall Stella is enough so I still liked it as a whole.
Unfortunately, this one didn't work out. This book and the series have been on my radar ever since I heard a lot of good things about them. I w2 Stars
Unfortunately, this one didn't work out. This book and the series have been on my radar ever since I heard a lot of good things about them. I was so excited last week because finally, I was able to dive into it. Okaaay so it started off well enough. The heroine Brynne Bennett was sure to be an interesting character-- an American who moved to London to study as a grad student and work at the same time as a part-time photographic model. This actually reminds me of the book that I liked, On Dublin Street.
Our hero, the alluring Ethan James Blacktone was one of those typical rich, Alpha males that you couldn't resist. I loved how his character was portrayed here as he reminds me of so many heroes that captured my heart. However, I didn't like the way his physical traits were described. Yes, he's handsome and all kinds of hot, but I swear I didn't like his goatee. Hahaha! I don't intend to offend anyone who has a goatee, but when it concerns Ethan's character, I just pictured him to have clean facial features. That's how I like it.
Moving on, I didn't like how generic their love story was. I was looking for some factors that would make this book a lot different, something to set it apart from the usual tropes I've read about Alpha males falling in love with a vulnerable, beautiful woman. Yes, the sexual tension that both characters developed right at the start was thick and palpable, yet I felt like it simmered so quickly that I didn't really find myself be affected.
The romantic scenes were sure to be steamy, but they weren't as emotionally charged as I've expected. What I just liked about this book was the pacing which was fast and steady. There weren't unnecessary dramas too, which made me feel grateful at least. But if I'll be asked if this is the kind of romance book that would absolutely disarm me, sad to say, no. I am not closing my doors for this author and her future works, though. Her writing was good. Amazing even. And I really want to try her other books.
“You are my ray of light in a fog of ignorance and frustration.”
“It's always been you. I loved you from the moment I knew how to love.”
Choosing The Mighty Storm as my next read wa5 You're my June Stars!
“It's always been you. I loved you from the moment I knew how to love.”
Choosing The Mighty Storm as my next read was definitely the BEST decision that I've made because this is now officially added to my list of favorites!
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At first, I thought the book was just like any other rock star romances that portray typical plots about a famous guy falling in love with an ordinary girl. Well, there were certainly clichés thrown in places in this book but I could say they were designed in a gripping, enticing way. One you couldn't say no to.
The story centers around the characters Jake Wethers and Trudy "Tru" Bennett. Jake, the lead singer and founder of one of the biggest rock bands known as The Mighty Storm, is dubbed as the ultimate bad boy and a prolific womanizing rock star. He was Tru's best friend (and first love) when they were still kids but after he moved to the US with his mom and stepdad, their communication stopped. After 12 years of separation, their paths crossed again when Tru interviewed Jake for a magazine scoop. Now a music journalist, Tru did not expect her feelings for Jake to reawaken after seeing him again.
The romance was intoxicating and the angst was so good I devoured it all up. There were a lot of scenes that made me feel anxious and totally on edge while waiting for what's about to happen between Tru and Jake. There were also parts that made me feel furious because of Tru's stupid decisions. I have to admit that Tru got on my nerves most of the time. Surprisingly though, her annoying qualities didn't diminish my overall enjoyment because I just loved how the story was beautifully rendered.
Call me shallow, but one of the things that I also loved about this book was Jake Wethers. Book boyfriend alert, ladies and gentlemen!
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If you fancy bad boy and possessive (in a good way) heroes, I don't think you will ever dislike Jake. I loved how his character was portrayed here. He's this kind of guy that's too good to be true despite his flaws and imperfections.
“I love you beyond any lyrics I could ever write, or any words I could ever say.”
What an emotional journey The Mighty Storm has been. I just love Tru and Jake together! I wish to read more books like this, books that will make me feel like I am reading a romance book for the very first time. You know that feeling? Ughhh...
“To me Jake was and is music, it's what glued us together.”
(I buddyread this book together with my sis, Bea.)
This book is so much better than I'd expected!
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Smut is a romantic-comedy story about two writing students, Amanda and Blake, who share the same subjects and were assigned to write a fiction together. At first, these two did not go along well but surprisingly they realized that they click in team-writing. After their successful assignment, Blake discovered something that will make them become rich and successful in their career--> writing smut in Amazon! Now when these two finally delved into smut-writing, they soon developed strange and confusing feelings toward each other.
For a rom-com, this book truly won me. It's sexy, witty, and so hilarious that I found myself grinning from ear to ear and laughing my ass out! I most especially loved the characters and their nerdiness and sexiness combined into one. Blake is a guy you wouldn't forget and Amanda is a girl you would love to be friends with. The side characters also amused me here. I couldn't believe how Ana, Rio, and Heather cracked me up big time in most parts!
And of course, not to mention the sexy times which were really damn hot.
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"It's not just the smut that we're writing. It's the smut that we're doing."
What made me appreciate this book was how it appeared to be more than just a smutty read. It basically gave the readers a glimpse of the publishing world, how authors struggle and find their way to succeed and earn a crowd. Also, it showed us that one should not judge the readers because of the books that they read, and the authors because of the books that they write.
BRAVO, Karinna Halle!
And because I'm impressed with her writing, I will definitely read her other books. If you want to be entertained for a while, go read this book. As what I've said, it's more than just smut. :)
"Life isn't a fairy-tale and not everyone in gets a happily-ever-after, but in our book world they do. And believe it or not, it's made me a better writer."
So this book began when Sara Dillon met the rich and sexy British executive Max Stella at a club. Fresh from a failed long-term relationship, Sara was determined to have fun and forget her heartaches and just simply set herself free from her modest self. Sara and Max's first encounter immediately led to sex. At the club. And what started off as a sexual fling led to a series of more sexual dates. You see, these two particularly have kinks. They had this agreement to have sex anywhere but in bed. (which kinda weirded me out.)
I actually did have a great time when I was at the first few chapters because as usual, Christina Lauren's writing was fabulous and Max Stella was a character beyond perfection! I enjoyed Beautiful Bastard when I read it last year so I really had high hopes in this book. However, as I went through the later chapters, I felt a bit exhausted because of the unnecessary and somewhat overdone sexual scenes. I mean, I get that this is the type of a friends-with-benefits romance book, but when sexual scenes tend to become repetitive, it can no longer hold my attention. There were just so much. To the point where there's no longer depth in the story. :(
But as what I've said, I loved Christina Lauren's writing. The authors are a pro in this genre and they really have a way with words. I loved the way they described Max and the way they created the characters. I enjoyed the previous book in this series so I believe the next books will make it all up (hopefully). I heard they're also great! I'm crossing my fingers that I will enjoy them. :)
“If I have to wait sixty years, not a minute will have been wasted-- because I'll have spent all of them loving you.”
It started out3 Stars
“If I have to wait sixty years, not a minute will have been wasted-- because I'll have spent all of them loving you.”
It started out soo good, and then suddenly went downhill. Sad.
However, it was still a good book to devour. For a historical romance fan like me, this kind of story is a special treat as it ushered me to my teenage reading memories. This genre is my first love and it was my gateway to reading more books, so I was still thankful that I've read Cold-Hearted Rake.
We are told the story of Lady Kathleen Trenear and Lord Devon Ravenel. Kathleen has just lost her spouse Theo who happened to be the cousin of Devon when the two of them met in Eversby Priory, the land and property Devon inherited after Theo died. Both of these characters faced a hard time against each other at first. Kathleen could not stand Devon and vice versa. But as the days passed it became quite apparent that they have a sexual tension and chemistry going on.
“Dev, you are sweet. All little boys are. But then you all grow up to be so selfish and cruel. You were born to break women's hearts.”
It's pretty apparent that Devon's character lived up to the book's title. At first he was a cold-hearted rake but he eventually warmed up when he became attracted to Kathleen-- something that made me feel elated at least. He wasn't quite selfish and cruel, after all.
What felt like a little disappointment for me was Kathleen's attitude. She was 90% annoying. I don't like how she assumes that she is always right and that she always has the final say. It's kind of unnerving!
The story also fell a little short for Devin and Kathleen because it kind of centered on the secondary characters such as Rhys Winterborne and Helen Ravenel. I honestly don't mind the introductory tease Lisa Kleypas laid for them in preparation for the next book, but it kind of overpowered Devin and Kathleen's story who should be the highlight of this book.
Although Cold-Hearted Rake didn't work out for me, as a whole it was still a good historical romance read. I have always loved Lisa Kleypas's books. Her writing style is absolutely the best and her characters are a joy to read about. I have a feeling the second book is a lot better though as I totally swooned over Rhys and Helen!
“I know many scientific facts about the human heart-- not the least of which is that it's far easier to make a heart stop beating entirely than to keep it from loving the wrong person.”
The movie was so beautiful. Everything was played out so well and Emilia Clarke and Sam ClaMe before the movie:
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After watching the movie:
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The movie was so beautiful. Everything was played out so well and Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin made a perfect Lou and Will. 5/5 Sobbing Stars for the film!
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(Read in January, 2015)
"You make me into someone I couldn't even imagine. You make me happy, even when you're awful. I would rather be with you-- even when you know that you seem to think is diminished-- than anyone else in the world."
I've come to realize one thing. Reading a Jojo Moyes book is like reading a Nicholas Sparks book. It's phenomenal and heartbreaking!
Before I've read this book, I've been warned by a few friends to prepare tissues because I will actually cry with this. And yes, they're certainly right. I DID CRY. Out Loud!
This book is an emotional torture for me. The plot, although quite predictable, engrossed me right from the first up to the last page. It has actually a simple plot but it turned out to be a masterwork of art.
What I love about the book is its huge impact to the reader. The characters are remarkable, especially Lou. I love her so much I can even relate myself to her. I also love the hilarious moments here, especially Lou and Will's witty banters.
If you guys want some heavy drama reads, then read this book. I highly recommend this to everybody!
I was a poison, and Noah was the drug that would make me forget it.
Holy smokes! What was that??! This book is absolutely surreal! The intrigue caI was a poison, and Noah was the drug that would make me forget it.
Holy smokes! What was that??! This book is absolutely surreal! The intrigue can really draw a reader in, as what Cassandra Clare testified in the cover. I love it! I love Noah Shaw and Mara Dyer and the mystery that this book is exuding.
I did have fun reading The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. It's a kind of a paranormal thriller that makes you feel shaky inside. It's absolutely creepy and suspenseful. What I really thought about this book is that it's a certified page-turner! The way it intrigues you all throughout is outstanding. I even found myself raising a lot of questions as I read it because there are a lot of unclear things that just need to be answered.
The plot is irresistibly amazing. (Not to mention that Noah Shaw is so damn hot. Yay!) No dull moments in this book to be honest. I love Michelle Hodkin's writing style. She has that ability to convince you not to put the book down! Aaaah what more can I say? This book is really interesting and I highly recommend you guys to start reading this if you haven't yet. :D
"It's all right to love someone who doesn't love you back, as long as they're worth you loving them. As long as they deserve it."
I've been meani"It's all right to love someone who doesn't love you back, as long as they're worth you loving them. As long as they deserve it."
I've been meaning to read this series after reading the City of Fallen Angels where Will Herondale was mentioned by Camille and Magnus Bane, that's why when I finally got a chance to, I experienced the instant feels! As a historical fiction fan, I find the Clockwork Angel quite fascinating, especially because the story focuses on the Shadowhunter world in the 1800's.
Clockwork Angel is nicely written. Although it was a bit slow at the beginning, still it didn't fail to capture my interest because of the mystery that lies in the book. Everything that happened here is unpredictable. There are lots of surprising events and the action scenes are impressively written.
When it comes to the characters, I really love Tessa Gray. Apart from having an extraordinary and strange ability, she's a tough character with a smart personality. (And not annoying, too) And oh, she loves literature so much! That's why liking her is not at all difficult.
Will Heronadale, on the other hand, is uh, an okay character, I guess. I'm not so sure if I like him. He's a brave and clever guy with a sarcastic-smartass personality which makes him totally the same with Jace in the TMI series. But I think I don't like the way he's too secretive. I guess I also expected him to do much effort to protect Tessa and to have at least more romantic interactions with her but so far, what I got was hesitation from him. I'm not so convinced if he's a great book boyfriend, though. Lol. Not now. Perhaps in the next books?
And Jem... Well, so far, this character stands out, in my opinion. I totally love this guy. The way he makes Tessa feel as though she's not different among the people in the Institute-- it's swoon-worthy!
As a whole, this book is really impressive. The plotline is flawless and as mentioned, unpredictable-- which are exactly the reasons why I am a Cassandra Clare fan. And the book quotations before each chapters begin-- so delectable to the thoughts. :) I love them!
"I was in love with him. And there wasn't a thing on earth, in heaven, or in hell that could have stopped me."
Can I start this review by saying t"I was in love with him. And there wasn't a thing on earth, in heaven, or in hell that could have stopped me."
Can I start this review by saying that I'm totally fangirling right now? I love it so much! And I therefore conclude that Kaidan Rowe is my new book boyfriend!
Oh my God.. It's so hard to think of better words to describe my feelings for this book. First off, I really had high expectations with it since it has high ratings here in GR. Guess what? It actually exceeded my expectations. I was completely blown away!
I love the premise and how Ms. Wendy Higgins created such a brilliant and challenging spiritual concept about angels and demons. What struck me most was how the author also pointed some Biblical views on it. I love her ideas and how she thoroughly made a good research about the fallen angels and other creations. Isn't she perfect?
What's even great about this book is its unpredictability. The plot of this book surprises me a lot. It's intense! Ms. Higgins' writing style is really hands down beautiful!
Another thing that I particularly love about this book is the characters. Kaidan Rowe! Omg! Can you please stop being HOTT?! I love the bad-boy image of this guy. The one who is totally capable of giving me the feels. And Anna Whitt-- well, I really love her character. She's not an annoying, angsty lead like other YA female characters. Her sweetness and kindness definitely win my heart I could hug her! Apart from Kaidan and Anna, I also love the other Neph-- Kope, Marna, Ginger, and Blake. They're badass characters!
As a whole, this book is phenomenal. I highly recommend this one to every YA fan who loves Nephilim stories. P.S. I'm still in a book hangover right now. Couldn't stop thinking about this book. Need to move on to the second!