This is such a sweet short story. I love the second chance romance theme. I also love the way they had their reconciliation conversation. I thought thThis is such a sweet short story. I love the second chance romance theme. I also love the way they had their reconciliation conversation. I thought the plot was too simple though. And of course, short. I needed more Pepper and Julian moments.
This is such a sweet short story. I love the second chance romance theme. I also love the way they had their reconciliation conversation. I thought the plot was too simple though. And of course, short. I needed more Pepper and Julian moments.
Emma Chase continues to spoil us with another treat through this short story which serves as a prequel to the next bAnother dose of Drew Evans!
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Emma Chase continues to spoil us with another treat through this short story which serves as a prequel to the next book, Twisted. At first I was kind of surprised because I really thought it will be 'their' wedding, but it wasn't. I was deceived. Lol. Buuut I loved all the scenes here. That fight between Billy and Drew was so hilarious af. And that shocking scene between Kate's mom and Steven's dad. *facepalms
Here's my favorite conversation between Drew and Kate:
"I want you to be surprised. You're going to lose it when you see me in it. It'll be your new favorite dress."
I kiss her forehead, and work my way down over her temple, across her cheek. "My favorite dress of yours will always be... the one on the floor."
This is yet another short story that teases. It was brought out in a way that simply entertains. Drew and Kate-- they're now my new favorite book couple! <3
"Relationships only work when both parties put the other person's feelings before their own. Without that? Things tend to implode rather quickly."
"My demons love your demons like crazy. They just needed each other, the same way I need you."
I could swoon like crazy all day with thi
"My demons love your demons like crazy. They just needed each other, the same way I need you."
I could swoon like crazy all day with this book! Such a fantastic, cute novel that I will gladly read again and again. First off, I was instantly hooked the moment I set my eyes off its beautiful cover where a guy and a girl sit across from each other while the spirit-like objects above them are hugging. Wow! COVERGASM. Secondly, I loved the premise. It has an air of mystery which really puts a reader into an i-want-to-read-it-now mode. And that's what happened to me exactly. Little did I know that I was really in for a ride!
Our demons, best friends is a New Adult Romance Contemporary book about two medical residents namely Sebastian and Ava who met in the same hospital. Their relationship started off as being strangers which later on turned into friendship and then so much more. Basically this book features a simple plot that everyone can truly enjoy-- even teenagers. It's a clean romance that highlights a wholesome romantic plot.
A lot of things made me really love this book. One of them is the humor and the entertainment factor that the author didn't fail to bring out in this book. And while it's enriched with funny and witty dialogues (especially Ava's hilarious POV), the emotional and romantic aspect of the book were successfully inflicted and it just made everything *sigh PERFECT.
I especially love Ava's character. She's funny and always on the go. Yes, she carries emotional baggage with her but I love how she handles everything and basically just chills with her group of friends. Sebastian's character is also amazing. I mean, he's a hot, swoon-worthy guy (His character actually reminds me of those gorgeous physicians and surgeons I work with in the hospital LOL. XD) And I love his gentle personality behind his rugged features and how he cares for Ava. *swoons! Ava and Sebastian's relationship development was also perfectly remarkable and genuine and not hurried or even dragged on. Their love story simply makes me smile and sigh. And of course-- the playlist! I love the songs being featured here and the lyrics behind them. :)
I most certainly was not disappointed with this book as my expectations were met right even when I was still at the beginning chapters. I only have a tiny issue with some of the unedited/uncorrected words/spellings/grammars on some parts, though. But they're just minors and can easily be ignored so it's not really a big deal.
Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely. It made me laugh and cry and everything! If you fancy cute, romantic, and light NA stories, this book is a real treat. It's beautifully written and totally engaging. Plus, the characters are all wonderful, so that perfectly seals everything. :) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
(Thank you to Diana T. Scott for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I can't believe a guy as twisted as the main character can do this. And the girl. So unbelievable.I can't believe a guy as twisted as the main character can do this. And the girl. So unbelievable....more
"Recent events in my life have made me realize that our choices are not always as black and white as they may seem, especially the most complex ones-
"Recent events in my life have made me realize that our choices are not always as black and white as they may seem, especially the most complex ones-- the ones involving family and love."
There is something so incredibly beautiful about this memoir of Howard Shulman, the man whose face was devoured by an infection when he was born. It's a story that inspires. It's an eye-opener and a reminder that life is sometimes cruel but nevertheless, amazing because of the imperfections that somehow make us human.
Howard was left by his parents right after they discovered that he's suffering a staph infection and his face quickly disappeared. Believing that he will barely make it, his parents handed him to the hospital and later on, he was sent to a foster family where he grew up normally despite his appearance.
This story centers on the importance of a child's growth and development, of one's self-esteem and a sense of belonging. Going through the pages, I felt so bad for Howard for being able to carry such burden from his birth right until he continued to grow up. Being bullied and being the center of one's animosity and loathing... it wasn't that easy to handle for him. But he was able to, even though he also had some bad decisions that turned his life into a mess at some point.
I love the message behind this autobiography. It simply tells the readers that despite your imperfections, you are still worthy to live and to be loved just like anybody else. Overall, this book is inspirational. If you fancy real life stories that can make a difference in your life, I highly recommend you to read Howard's life story.
(A copy of this book was given to me by Sandra Jonas Publishing in exchange for an honest review.)
I love my reading experience this year! Plenty of great reads and meeting new favorite books. I was especially more smitten with romance books than faI love my reading experience this year! Plenty of great reads and meeting new favorite books. I was especially more smitten with romance books than fantasy but no regrets! Though I had 1 and 2 star-rated books, still it was a great reading year. I hope to read more books next year. :) I also want to delve more into mystery and dark romance books so good luck to me and good luck to all of us readers.
Best of all, I think I'm even more blessed this year with new friends here in Goodreads. Such beautiful people with beautiful personalities. I love how each and everyone support each other here. Also, I learned a lot from everyone's reviews and reading experience, so that's awesome!!!
I've always been a fan of Harlequin books ever since I was in High School. Well, this book made me feel as if I went back to the days when pocketbooksI've always been a fan of Harlequin books ever since I was in High School. Well, this book made me feel as if I went back to the days when pocketbooks used to be my comfort when boredom strikes. Unlocking Her Boss's Heart is your typical Adult romance book where an ordinary employee falls in love with her gorgeous, brooding boss. Sounds a little bit cliché but actually, I love clichés when a story is delivered nicely and this book, fortunately, turned out to be a well-written one.
I love the author's easy and simplistic writing style and how she managed to pull me into the story. The characters are also great. Max initially didn't come out as a pleasant character but as I went through the story, his character became interesting and I even felt bad for what happened to his ex wife. Cara was also a nice character. She's likable and I loved the way she handled Max's temper throughout the book. It wasn't that easy to deal with his attitude.
This book is a short and quick read. I love how it definitely made me feel the sweet romance between the characters. And oh, this book also ended perfectly. Who wouldn't love happy endings, anyway? :))
If you want to read good and light romance book, this will be a perfect choice. :)
(ARC was given by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
I say it's much better than the first book, but still, there were some parts that seemed off.I say it's much better than the first book, but still, there were some parts that seemed off....more
I've read this book together with the pretty Allie. :)
I hate to say this but this book now belongs to my DNF shelf. It's hard to go on reading when yoI've read this book together with the pretty Allie. :)
I hate to say this but this book now belongs to my DNF shelf. It's hard to go on reading when you're not enjoying it at all. So I stopped. I couldn't connect with the characters and although Belle Aurora's writing has improved here, and there's also humor, it just doesn't work out for me. While I love the male lead Nox, the female mc Lily otherwise annoys the heck out of me. I just kind of don't like her attitude. She's so whiny and all. :( To those who loved this book, I am so sorry. :(...more
I wanted to read a short story where I could feel the Christmas spirit. Sad to say, I didn't get it here. The characters, although nice and genuine, wI wanted to read a short story where I could feel the Christmas spirit. Sad to say, I didn't get it here. The characters, although nice and genuine, were a bit difficult to connect with. There wasn't something special about them nor the story itself. I also thought there was a bit of Dear John feels here which made it seem quite unoriginal. There was a happy ending though and that's the great aspect of it. :)...more
I've read this gem together with sis Bea. You can read her beautiful review here. :)
The Indigo Spell has put a spell on me! Once again, Richelle Mead I've read this gem together with sis Bea. You can read her beautiful review here. :)
The Indigo Spell has put a spell on me! Once again, Richelle Mead captivated me with yet another amazing Bloodlines sequel.
This book was overloaded with so many happenings that are very significant and important. In this sequel, Sydney Sage delved into more dangerous situations-- discovering her magical abilities and even finding out the conspiracies hidden by The Alchemists. Adrian was there for her all the time, supporting her and looking after her in every perilous occurrences.
Sydney's character became incredible here, though I must say I have mixed feelings with her. She was at times, very stubborn and too reluctant to give in to her heart's desire which is to return Adrian's feelings. Nevertheless, I admire her bravery and her usual critical-thinking that can always make the situations bearable and manageable. Adrian's character was also great. He became more passionate and swoony and a total bae!
The romance in this book was beyond amazing. I mean, who couldn't resist the romantic scenes between Sydney and Adrian? Those scenes absolutely outdid the ones in the previous books. I couldn't stop myself shipping them because it's hard not to. They're too perfect! *sigh And their chemistry!
I guess what I truly love about this sequel, apart from the great romantic development, was the action scenes. Totally amazeballs! Those scenes, especially the one where they were running away from the evil witch, were EPIC! Simply adrenaline-pulling that I found myself truly thrilled.
At some point, I found some dragging parts but the remaining chapters saved everything. I was about to rate it 4 stars but Chapters 24 and 25 were a game changer and it's hard to resist it when you're fangirling over everything-- especially when it has something to do with SYDRIAN.
Overall, a great sequel! Hands down! The series gets better and more thrilling and I can't wait to find out what will happen in The Fiery Heart.
Einstein's Beach House surprised me! I didn't know what to expect from this book and from this author but the overall impact it brought me was beyond Einstein's Beach House surprised me! I didn't know what to expect from this book and from this author but the overall impact it brought me was beyond my expectations. This book consists of 8 short stories, each with different themes but all in all, coming up with one thing -- life experiences.
The writing style of Jacob M. Appel is so impressive. He has this unique plot and great, three-dimensional characterization and he laces everything with humor and emotional conflict that even if each story was short, I felt as if I was reading a regular-length book.
I made a brief review for each story because I was too overwhelmed with everything in this book and here they are:
1. Hue and Cry
This is the first short story of Einsten's Beach House. It's a dark and twisted story, with an underlying sensitive issue that centers a man who is a sex offender. How he was treated by the people around him totally describes harsh reality. I don't know exactly what to feel about this but I can say that the author very well establishes a great reality-based story.
2. La tristesse des hérisson
This second short story held a very heavy topic which was handled perfectly with humor. It's about a couple who adopted a hedgehog. Sounds a bit normal but the moment they took the hedgehog home, their relationship slowly went downhill because of some psychological issues that were focused on the hedgehog. If you read this book blindly, you will appreciate the hidden message the author was conveying. This short story is beautiful and gripping. It's psychological and an eye-opener. We tend to blame other people for the fault which is entirely done by ourselves and act this defense mechanism which is so-called displacement.
3. Strings
"It's much better to not be okay when you ought to be fine, than to be perfectly content when you really should be falling to pieces."
Well this third short story hits home. It's about a 40 year-old woman who was approached by her ex-lover who's a musician, for a favor. At first I didn't get the message behind the story but when I reached the ending-- wow! The story sent a deep, powerful message that hit straight to the core. It's about defining the value of success and failure and how each person's approach towards these things vary. It's also more about moving on and forgiveness.
4. Limerence
The fourth short story of this book completely stole my heart. It's heartbreaking. It's a flashback story about a teenage boy and a girl whose friendship started right when they were in high school. Despite the girl's imperfections and issues in life, the boy slowly developed feelings for her, which was unfortunately not returned due to the girl's circumstances and misfortunes. I love how this short-length of a story felt longer than I've thought. There was so much emotional depth in this story. The melancholy tone also made me feel like I'm reading a Nicholas Sparks book. From the beginning up to the end, I was pleasantly moved because of the great characterization the author was able to distinguish and the emotions being poured that tugged at my heartstrings.
5. Einstein's Beach House
Now this fifth story is more about the things that usually happen in the family household. It's about a couple with two kids who live in a beachfront house which was perceived as Albert Einstein's beach house. As they later on made the house a source of their income through the tourists that usually visit because of their curiosity, they later on learned that in fact, the house was originally owned by Einstein's niece. What made this short story brilliant was how the author emphasized the essence of sentimental value for a particular thing and how a person values childhood and family relationships. The ending of this short story was so touching!
6. The Rod of Asclepius
By far, this sixth short story is my most favorite of all. I loved the dark theme in which a father and a daughter bonded through some twisted kind of activity. In this story, the father was introduced by the author in a very mysterious way. He pretended to be a doctor whenever he enters the hospital and when he's inside a particular room, he injects random patients, basically killing them. But he always did it together with her daughter who was a seven year-old. As the girl grew up, the memory of what happened still lingered and even served as a traumatic experience to her. This is such a brilliant, dark story. It's cringe-worthy and as usual, very well-written. It also gives a reader something to ponder in the end.
7. Sharing the Hostage
This short story is particularly funny! It's about a divorced woman who wanted her tortoise, which was already in the hands of her ex-husband, back. The ex-couple didn't have a child but the way they value the turtle, sharing a joint custody, as if it's their own child, was so hilarious and strange. The woman and her lover planned to abduct the tortoise from her ex-husband but when they've already had it, they realized that maybe after all, they shouldn't have took it because it won't survive in their planned trip. All throughout the story, I was laughing because of its unrealistic but hilarious approach. In the end, I realized that the story itself shows the importance of giving value to a certain thing-- no matter how small or big it is.
8. Paracosmos
The last short story of Einstein's Beach House is charming. The story centers around a small family consisting a couple and a daughter. The daughter had an imaginary friend whom the couple thought was alarming. This short story is realistic in a way because having an imaginary friend is part of childhood. The message behind the story was also amazing. It emphasizes importance of family bonding and of course, the importance of fidelity.
As a whole, Einstein's Beach House is a masterpiece and a real gem! I am so thankful to have been given a copy of this book from the author because it's a book that I will forever treasure. The contents are all unique, amazing, and very well-written, in a can't-put-it-down way. It's a powerful anthology that explores every sensible and even psychological aspect of life. If you want a wholesome, thought-provoking reads, I highly recommend this anthology!
Another successful buddyread with my sis Bea. You'll see her beautiful review when you click her name. :)
One word to fully describe the awesomeness ofAnother successful buddyread with my sis Bea. You'll see her beautiful review when you click her name. :)
One word to fully describe the awesomeness of this book: ADRIAN.
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Holy craaap! This boy is one of the best, swoon-worthy fictional guys and it's so unfair we could not see him in the flesh!
After reading this book, I was left utterly speechless and blown away. It was way too good! Most sequels in a series tend to give me some doubts with their potentials because oftentimes an author changes his or her tune and the end product sometimes disappoints me. But in this sweet, sweet sequel, I put all my faith and 100% belief that it will turn out good and I was right. It was one of the most amazing installments in a series. Because Richelle Mead apparently does not disappoint.
I loved how The Golden Lily lived up to the interesting plot and romance that made the first book Bloodlines an enjoyable read. In this book, Sydney Sage and Adrian Ivashkov's character was greatly developed as they continued to hide under the radar of the enemies of St. Vladimir Academy. There were lots of things that happened here and new characters were introduced, too.
I wasn't disappointed with the way things had panned out in this book. The plotline was so good and the pacing was fast. No dull moments as well. It was also nice to see the (non-insta-love) romantic development between Sydney and Adrian. Their romance, in a way, was slow-burning and tension-fueled and I totally loved it!
What also basically got me hooked was how likable the characters were. Sydney is a female lead that I will love to befriend in real life because she is so smart, determined, and mature. I loved how she has this positive attitude that everything can be done-- no matter how difficult that thing is. She especially encourages and inspires Adrian to be the best that he can be, and that is something. Adrian is also one great male lead. Since Vampire Academy, this guy already took my breath away because of his humor and romantic gestures. He didn't change in this series. In fact, his character became even better!
I also loved the humor and the witty exchange of dialogues here. When you pair Sydney and Adrian together, everything collides so perfectly!!!
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Apart from that, Richelle Mead also made this book even more interesting because of the side characters like Eddie, Jill, Angeline, Sonya, Trey, Dimitri, etc. The value of friendship and family love was so touching!
These are my favorite lines from Adrian that basically knocked me off my feet:
"I tried to be a better person for her (Rose)– but it was to impress her, to get her to want me. But when I’m around you, I want to be better because… well, because it feels right. Because I want to. You make me want to become something greater than myself. I want to excel. You inspire me in every act, every word, every glance. I look at you, and you’re like… like light made into flesh. You have no clue how beautiful you are or how brightly you shine."
*gasps
All in all, I had a great time with The Golden Lily. After reading it, all I wanted to do was read the next book which is The Indigo Spell. :) It was just everything I wanted in a sequel!
He's like my wolf-- dangerous, alluring and protective.
(Buddyread this book with sis Bea. Check out her fantastic review!)
It's official. Hothouse Flower is my favorite book in the series so far. And RAISY is my favorite OTP!
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I can't get enough of how good this sequel is. I have always been a fan of Ryke Meadows and Daisy Calloway ever since the earlier books. It's because of their undeniable chemistry. I love their age difference and the fact that Ryke Meadows is several years older than Daisy. Their relationship was so good that I actually wasn't able to help myself smiling, laughing, and swooning over them from the very first page up to the last.
Krista Ritchie and Becca Ritchie did not disappoint. As the series goes on, the writing becomes more and more beautiful and heartfelt. What's even great is the humor in every page. It's very entertaining and it's also filled with witty conversations and banters. (I especially love the Connor-Ryke banters and Lo-Rose banters) Seriously, this book is making me laugh out loud... A LOT!
The romantic plot of this book is also remarkable. Ryke and Daisy's attraction towards each other in the earlier books was very apparent but this time, their feelings are already unstoppable. I especially love the way Ryke comforts Daisy and supports her whenever she experiences night terrors and paranoia. The way he always stays with her despite the fact that everyone around them are against their love affair was so touching.
The way Ryke also proves to Daisy that she deserves so much better when it comes to guys... I'm speechless. No words. Ryke is everything!
"Every theory you've ever fucking had about men, I'm going to prove wrong."
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Lo, Lily, Rose, and Connor also made remarkable appearances in this book. The sequel will never be complete without these lovable characters that I have grown to love all throughout the series! Some parts also made me teary-eyed, especially Ryke and Jonathan's relationship development.
Hothouse Flower was overall a great and enjoyable sequel. It's so difficult not to like it, just the like rest of the books in this series. This is one of the best series I've ever come across!
She's the sun. I'm the dark. If she's gone, I can kiss that fucking light away. Without her, I know I'll never see it again.
This one is a sweet and quirky short read-- and particularly funny, too. It's about two main characters namely Marin and Jason who went into a free crThis one is a sweet and quirky short read-- and particularly funny, too. It's about two main characters namely Marin and Jason who went into a free cruise along with other individuals on the Emerald Princess cruise ship. Much of the book centers around the characters' getting to know each other stage until their friendship turned into a certain attraction which eventually became something more than that. This is an Adult romance short story but it has some YA feels which I find really cute. It could have been a 4-star-rated story (for me) if it hadn't been written short and with lots of clichés. But the author's writing is beautiful and enjoyable so it's an overall fun read nevertheless. :)
I love this book. I love the writing style and how everything was neatly elaborated by the author. It's my first time reading a book written by Roxy SI love this book. I love the writing style and how everything was neatly elaborated by the author. It's my first time reading a book written by Roxy Sloane and she certainly makes an impression.
I love Cam and how he treats Isabelle. He's that mysterious, dignified, and very intense dominant every woman will definitely drool over. Isabelle, on the other hand, is a likeable character. Not the usual, cliche submissive in some erotica books, but a very strong and independent one.
Their relationship did not progress into an instant sexual thing here and that's what makes this book good. The only problem I had was the length. It was too short, and there were no interesting events yet. I think the excitement and the awesomemness will happen in the second book. Let's see. :) Otherwise Sweet Submission is a promising start for a series. The sexual tension between the characters built up the anticipation. I'll definitely read the second book. :)
Manic Depressive Dream Girl left me utterly speechless (in a good way) after reading it. It's a short, quick read about a boy who fell in love with a Manic Depressive Dream Girl left me utterly speechless (in a good way) after reading it. It's a short, quick read about a boy who fell in love with a girl who has a Biploar Disorder.
The concept of this novella is so good and very realistic. I can't say I can relate but I totally empathize with the characters. This a very brilliant and genuine take on discussing a very important topic (mental health and illness) in a form of a love story.
The story is mainly told from the boy's POV. Actually, how he described his love towards the girl was so endearing and thoughtful and very sincere. I can't help but sigh because it's unbearably painful yet beautiful in a way. This book just proves that true love is all about loving the imperfections and flaws of someone and not just his/her positive traits. If you want some realitistic and sensible adult reads, I highly recommend this book!
(Thanks to Maudlin House Press for sending me a copy of this book. :))
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