KEEP CALM AND LOVE BOOKS: kiss

Pages: 372 pages

Publication Date: December 2nd 2010

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

ISBN: 0525423273

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend.

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

Now, What I thought:

This book was a sweet and light read. It was really fun following Anna through her new journey in Paris. When she first arrives we are already introduced to some pretty bomb ass characters and the storyline is just so adorable. I will admit that Anna can be a bit thick headed sometimes. She really needed to sort out her priorities over guys and especially Etienne. Etienne was another one that I got annoyed with quickly. Sure, he's this hot, young, french speaking guy but come on.

So the whole big drama was that Anna really liked Etienne but there was no way he would ever see her as more than a friend because a. she's not that pretty and b. he has this beautiful mature girlfriend. Well let me tell you guys something, Anna is in fact gorgeous and many men make a point of looking at her in the streets. Also, Etienne's girlfriend is also a bitch. Everyone within 10 miles can see they're having problems with their relationship. The book was cute for what it was but just a little warning: don't read into it too much. I went in thinking it was going to be this deep story about finding yourself and love as well, in the depth of France but it really wasn't.

I am in no means saying I did not like this book, I am just pointing this out because I don't want people to become disappointed in this novel when in fact it was very well written and rather adorable and fun. Also, the cover is just impeccable. I am so having cover envy right now because I am definitely one of those people that will pick up a book if it's cover is beautiful.

All in all, I did enjoy it, but again, as a light, fun and summer read when you have nothing going on or are reading at the moment. Perkins did do a good job with it and I did like the love story ultimately because it was a very satisfying ending for the book.

adorable - 9:03:00 PM

Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss #1) by Stephanie Perkins | Review

Pages: 372 pages Publication Date: December 2nd 2010 Publisher: Dutton Juvenile ISBN: 0525423273 Anna is looking forward to ...

Pages: 338 pages

Publication Date: October 2nd 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

ISBN: 0062085506 (ISBN13: 9780062085504)

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Now, What I Thought:

The writing style really intrigued me to keep on going with this book. It was almost like Juliette's mind was a diary and we were reading her scribbled notes and new ideas and aspirations. It was very cool and different from most novels, so that was one thing that really struck out to me. Tahereh Mafi definitely knows how to rip your heart out and shove back in while telling her story because this was absolutely touching and heartbreaking and the text really did connect with with me. As you could expect, Juliette starts off the book in a very dank and sad place mentally and physically. This dystopia world was cool to learn about considering humans are basically at the end of their leashes and are finally running out of earth's recourses, which many have actually predicted would happen. It almost had a 'realness' (?) to it and the text made it seem possible that this is what the world could come to... you know, except with magic bit.

Again, like I said before, you really do feel for Juliette because what happens physically to her affects her mentally and it's not easy living in a killer body, legit. Basically, all human contact with Juliette will kill the other person, as simple as it sounds. She's been in isolation and captivity from an unknown source for so long that she almost forgets about the other living humans on the outside. I loved the romance in this book. Mafi literally took the impossible and made it possible! She totally went into a different and twisted way with the romance and it was very much unexpected! Talk about a shock. When I was starting to figure out what exactly Mafi was doing with these characters I almost couldn't believe it because it was such a risky move to create that type of love. Yet, Mafi pulled it off and made me fall in love with some characters I didn't think I would in this first book.

This book was very well-written and mature that it didn't even feel like a YA paranormal dystopia romance you know? I was really impressed by this book and this series, in fact. It will be on my favourites for a while because the story about Juliette is just breathtaking and heartbreaking all at the same time!

captivity - 3:21:00 AM

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi | Review

Pages: 338 pages Publication Date: October 2nd 2012 Publisher: HarperCollins ISBN: 0062085506 (ISBN13: 9780062085504 ) ...

dystopia - 3:12:00 AM

The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass | Review

Pages: 323 pages Publication Date: May 6th 2014 by HarperTeen ISBN: 0062059998 (ISBN13: 9780062059994 ) The time has come fo...

Pages: 336 pages

Publication Date: January 13th 2015 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 0316213071 (ISBN13: 9780316213073)

Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does…

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?

Now, What I Thought:

This book is so... intriguing? I want to describe it as weird too because I mean, you guys read the synopsis right?? I know, as soon as I did, I had to read it! What an interesting book, definitely different than what I usually read. Now, I did only look into this book because I happened to love The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, so much that I needed to read other novels by Holly Black. Having said that, I was not disappointed as this novel was fantastic!

It was such a cool concept that the town is not only aware about the fae that habit the forest, but the fact that they practically live in peace because of it. It was funny that the fact that the town is such a hot spot for tourism is because of the infamous boy in the glass coffin. I mean, come on. If there was a town in today's day and age that had a fae-looking boy asleep in a coffin, we would not visit and gawk at it. Im pretty sure we'd break into it or atleast have it whisked away to the CIA or NASA haha. But anyways, I also strangely liked the fact that Hazel, the main character, had a gay, open brother. I LOVED THAT DETAIL. Not only that, but having Ben fall in love with the fae boy. Hazel was so quirky and cool with her real life relatable problems. The intro was a bit slow with getting to know the characters and getting used to our surroundings but then it picked up speed and we got to the fun, fae parts. I love fae books, so this book was a big plus for me just from the beginning.

I liked the little surprise we got towards the middle where we find out who the big "bad" guy is. Also the story behind that was interesting and I loved reading it. LOL I found it really funny that the townspeople were so contempt with the fact that the fae had free pickings on the tourists and could bug them as much as they want. It was a fun, creepy, fairytale-like novel and I can now declare Holly Black as a master at standalone novels that incorporate fantasy paranormal. This wasn't AS good as The Coldest Girl in Coldtown but I did rather enjoy it a lot :)

book review - 11:25:00 PM

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black | Review

Pages: 336 pages Publication Date: January 13th 2015 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers ISBN: 0316213071 (ISBN13: 9780316213...

Pages: 295 pages

Publication Date: August 18th 2014

Type: ebook

Taryn grew up in a different world. Her boyfriend was a criminal. His older brother was part of a gang. They weren’t great people, but they were her family. Then everything changes when she’s adopted by a family in the neighboring town. New family. New friends. A new world. She’s elated. This is her chance for a new beginning, but secrets start being revealed and Taryn learns her new life has ties to her old one, ties that she’s not happy about. Her new family might not have been the lucky break she thought she had. Now she's not only fighting to live that new future, but she's fighting to survive as well

Now, What I thought:

Damn, I've been dying to make a review about this beautiful book. This is actually one of my most re-read books. I mean, most of Tijan's books are, but this one especially. Something about Tijan's writing just gets me. It's music to my ears and I connect with it so much. She is definitely one of the most UNDER-appreciated and rated authors out there. She creates masterpieces with her words. I can think of about 95% of her work I'd like to see get turned into a movie/tv-show, and I mean in a really good Harry Potter-like adaptation.

ONTO THE BOOK ITSELF. Taryn is amazing. She is everything I need and want in a protagonist. She has her faults, like anyone else, but to me it just makes her even more relatable. Her personality reminds me most of Tijan's other character, Samantha, from Fallen Crest High. If any of you guys know that series, another amazing piece from Tijan.

ANYWAYS. Taryn is totally badass and she shows it just in the first couple pages in the cafeteria. We get to come along with her journey in this new environment and life, much to her dismay. By the way, Tray is hot hot hot, and is the obvious main love interest but can we just imagine how MUCH MORE hotter Jace is? like .. Damn. I specifically love the scenes between Jace and Taryn because their relationship is so complicated and complex, but yet so interesting to read on. Definitely some of my favourite parts are with them two together.

The characters are amazing, from Taryn to Tray to Jace to Brian to Grayley and even Mandy, whom at first I hated. But come on.. once you read the whole book, you'll learn to love everyone. Lot's of drama hits every page, from drugs, to deceit, to sex and basically illegallness in general. Especially considering what her night 'job' is. And she is hella great at what she does!

I can not recommend a book more highly than this one.

NOW being a huge fan and follower of Tijan and her novels, I suggest reading this novel first and if you loved it as much as me, you guys should check out The Original Crowd, which is basically the original version of A Whole New Crowd. And yes, somethings are changed. You can get it on kindle, and I highly recommend reading it because its just fun and to see the original copy of this story. Personally, I like the Original Crowd much better, but thats just me :) Im glad she can let us read both!

books i love - 11:40:00 PM

A Whole New Crowd (A Whole New Crowd, #1) by Tijan | Review

Pages: 295 pages Publication Date: August 18th 2014 Type: ebook Taryn grew up in a different world. Her boyfriend was a crimi...

Type: ebook,

Pages: 60 pages

Publication Date: January 22nd 2013 by Disney Hyperion

ISBN: 1423187474 (ISBN13: 9781423187479)

Macey McHenry—Glamorous society girl or spy-in-training?

W.W. Hale V—Heir to an American dynasty or master thief?

There are two sides to every coin. Whether these two can work together is a tossup.

Born into privilege, Macey and Hale are experts at mingling with the upper class. But even if they’ve never raised an eyebrow at the glitz, neither teenager has ever felt at home with the glamour.

When Macey and Hale meet at a society gala, the party takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly they’re at the center of a hostage situation, and it’s up to them to stop the thugs from becoming hostile. Will Macey’s spy skills and Hale’s con-man ways be enough to outsmart a ruthless gang? Or will they have to seek out the ultimate inside girl to help?

The worlds of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls collide in Ally Carter’s fast-paced, high-stakes and tantalizing new story. Get a behind the scenes glimpse as Ally delivers an irresistible thriller that is full of her signature style and savvy twists.

Now, What I Thought:

Can we all just take a minute to appreciate and FREAK OUT ABOUT HOW INCREDIBLE THIS SHORT BOOK/STORY WAS!!?!?!?!?

Holy--excuse my language-- shit! Out of all books in this Gallagher Girls/ Heist Society series, this was by far the best book yet! I mean sure, it only contains Macey and Abby but still! I am someone who, did indeed, read Heist Society and PHEWWW did i lovvveeeee Hale.. so you can understand my excitement towards Macey and Hale in this book!

In this book, I sorta hated the fact that Hale was with Kat and Macey with Preston because I wanted Hale and Macey to get together in this one! and yes I know that it would mess everything up in future books but it would've been nice. Ally Carter, you are a genius! this was probably the best idea you could've done ever! 5 FREAKNIG AMAZING stars!!!

amazing - 11:39:00 PM

Double Crossed: A Spies and Thieves Story (Heist Society #2.5) by Ally Carter | Review

Type: ebook , Pages: 60 pages Publication Date: January 22nd 2013 by Disney Hyperion ISBN: 1423187474 (ISBN13: 9781423187479 )...

assassin - 11:19:00 PM

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls #1) by Ally Carter | Review

Pages: 284 pages Publication Date: April 25th 2006 by Disney-Hyperion ISBN: 1423100034 (ISBN13: 9781423100034 ) Cammie Morgan...

Pages: 819 pages

Publication Date: December 26th 2007 by Delacorte Press

ISBN: 0385730306 (ISBN13: 9780385730303)

IT HAS BEEN A YEAR OF CHANGE since Gemma Doyle arrived at the foreboding Spence Academy. Her mother murdered, her father a laudanum addict, Gemma has relied on an unsuspected strength and has discovered an ability to travel to an enchanted world called the realms, where dark magic runs wild. Despite certain peril, Gemma has bound the magic to herself and forged unlikely new alliances. Now, as Gemma approaches her London debut, the time has come to test these bonds. The Order - the mysterious group her mother was once part of - is grappling for control of the realms, as is the Rakshana. Spence's burned East Wing is being rebuilt, but why now? Gemma and her friends see Pippa, but she is not the same. And their friendship faces its gravest trial as Gemma must decide once and for all what role she is meant for.

Now, What I Thought:

I will admit, I didn't like this book as much as the other two. It was still a great way to end a fantastic trilogy thats for sure. I just found that at some parts, I would skim it because I thought they were unnecessary information, but thats just my opinion. Being the romantic kind of person I am, I was a bit disappointed and I feel like the ending and what happens between Gemma and Kartik was a bit odd. There is really no way else to say it. It was an odd ending for him. Im glad Libba Bray didn't kill him but still..hm... I just wish it was better in a way. I know a lot of people agree with me on this one. I wont say what happens for obvious reason of course haha. This reviews going to be pretty short because again, I was a little disappointed with Bray for this book. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic trilogy and I probably will re read the first or second book again because I truly loved them :)

Despite what I said, I think if your a person who has read the first 2 books and now are wary because of other reviews and mine (I'v read a lot and it's the same thing as my review), all I say is, please do read this one, hey maybe you'll like the ending more than us. But ultimately, i think everyone should at least finish the trilogy even if the ending sucked a little hehe.

But I will admit, the covers are amazing. Especially this one :)

angel - 10:50:00 PM

The Sweet Far Thing (Gemma Doyle #3) by Libba Bray | Review

Pages: 819 pages Publication Date: December 26th 2007 by Delacorte Press ISBN: 0385730306 (ISBN13: 9780385730303 ) IT HAS BE...

Pages: 576 pages

Publication Date: December 26th 2006 by Ember

ISBN: 0385733410 (ISBN13: 9780385733410)

Ah, Christmas! Gemma Doyle is looking forward to a holiday from Spence Academy, spending time with her friends in the city, attending ritzy balls, and on a somber note, tending to her ailing father. As she prepares to ring in the New Year, 1896, a handsome young man, Lord Denby, has set his sights on Gemma, or so it seems. Yet amidst the distractions of London, Gemma’s visions intensify–visions of three girls dressed in white, to whom something horrific has happened, something only the realms can explain...

The lure is strong, and before long, Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world of the realms that Gemma alone can bring them to. To the girls’ great joy, their beloved Pippa is there as well, eager to complete their circle of friendship.

But all is not well in the realms–or out. The mysterious Kartik has reappeared, telling Gemma she must find the Temple and bind the magic, else great disaster will befall her. Gemma’s willing to do his intrusive bidding, despite the dangers it brings, for it means she will meet up with her mother’s greatest friend–and now her foe, Circe. Until Circe is destroyed, Gemma cannot live out her destiny. But finding Circe proves a most perilous task.

Now, What I Thought:

Just like the first book, the second book was amazing! I really liked the plot of it and where it was going (where I thought it was going). So Gemma is in Spence Academy and she's the last to leave for Christmas break, one night when she's alone, she wanders off and comes across her head mistress and this new teacher that she's been suspicious about for a while. When she's hiding and listening in to their conversation, she gets a 'hunch' and learns something. I think this scene is crucial knowledge to really understand what happens later. After when she's at the train station, she notices a man following her (I would have never noticed haha!) and that's literally where all the drama begins!

I liked this book because Libba Bray had the one main plot and that was enough drama, you would think adding mini little problems would be too much right? well nope. The opposite actually! Gemma meets this man at the train station and by the way he's described, he sounds very handsome, you find out his names Lord Denby and Gemma's brother actually is acquainted wit him. Yeah.. well.. He becomes a bit of an issue for her. Not to mention, her little romance with Kartik is just adding more-- which btw, I absolutely adore Kartik for his mysterious ways ;). ANYWAYS

Surprisingly, Bray did an excellent job, because of all these little dramas, they made me want to read more into the book! And I'm pretty sure thats what she intended to do. Great job, If you loved the first one ( or if you didn't even like it) COME READ THIS! pretty good :)

amazing - 10:47:00 PM

Rebel Angels (Gemma Doyle #2) by Libba Bray | Review

Pages: 576 pages Publication Date: December 26th 2006 by Ember ISBN: 0385733410 (ISBN13: 9780385733410 ) Ah, Christmas! Gemma ...

Type: ebook,

Pages: 94 pages

Publication Date: December 4th 2012 by Epic Reads Impulse

ISBN: 0062258575 (ISBN13: 9780062258571)

From New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand comes a riveting original novella (available only as an ebook) set in the world of the Unearthly series.

Clara is desperate to get away—from the memories that haunt her in Wyoming and the visions of a future she isn't ready to face—and spending the summer in Italy with her best friend, Angela, should be the perfect escape. . . .

For as long as she can remember, Angela has been told that love is dangerous, that she must always guard her heart. But when she met a mysterious guy in Italy two years ago she was determined to be with him, no matter the costs. Now she must decide whether she can trust Clara with her secret, or if telling her the truth will risk everything she cares about.

Alternating between Angela and Clara's perspectives, Radiantchronicles the unforgettable summer that will test the bounds of their friendship and change their lives forever.

Now, What I Thought:

For being a short story, this was surprisingly great! This is just Clara and Angela in Italy and we get introduced to a new character who I then realize is important in the next book, which is the real reason I posted a review for this one.

We meet Phen, (I remember him saying he was a messenger) an angel.. and at first I was all like, OH HELLO HOTTIE, but then I realized oh shit, if Clara doesn't like him than I probably shouldn't.. So you find out in the next book if Clara is right or not, but I'm sure you can guess. The thing I liked in this book especially was the alternating between Clara and Angela's POV. I liked this because you really got to see the way Angela thinks for a change, and I was right since the first book. I never liked Angela, I felt like she was too selfish and always jealous of everything if she didn't have it. She always seemed to be jealous of Clara too so that also turned me off. But in this book, you really see Angela's selfishness and such. Anyways, I think if you love this series, read this little short story. No harm in reading it, and you need to know Phen so it can fully make sense in the next book.

amazing - 9:27:00 PM

Radiant (Unearthly #2.5) by Cynthia Hand | Review

Type: ebook , Pages: 94 pages Publication Date: December 4th 2012 by Epic Reads Impulse ISBN: 0062258575 (ISBN13: 9780062258...

Pages: 435 pages

Publication Date: January 4th 2011 by HarperTeen

ISBN: 0061996165 (ISBN13: 9780061996160)

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees...
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Now, What I Thought:

I actually already reviewed this series but decided to take it down because I don't think I really expressed how much I LOVED this book, to this day.

It starts off with Clara, a 16-year-old girl. But not just a normal girl ohhh no! She's quarter angel. She gets this vision that all angels are supposed to have once in their lifetime, a purpose her mother (half angel) calls it. In the vision, something happens (I'm not going to tell you) and she encounters a boy. Her mother tells Clara that she has to move to this new place and new school to find the boy that’s in her vision. When I read that, thats when it clicked that, oh shit this vision stuff is pretty serious. So here she is, in a new town, new school all for this one boy, she THINKS she needs to save.

My thoughts at first were like.. uh.. That’s a little extreme don't you think? After that, it began to connect and make a whole lot of sense! She meets the mysterious boy but just like every boy that is a possible love interest, he's incredibly hot! So that leads us to her being all shy and smitten with him. Now I will say one thing, there is a love triangle in this book. But THANK THE LORD, Cynthia Hand did NOT make it as bad and annoying as other love triangles out there... Which leads me to ....... CARTER! Gahhh I was Team Carter since the fricking beginning! As soon as we get introduced to the cute farmer boy, I knew! And I hope if you HAVE read this book, you agree with me! If you haven't then please for the love of god read it :) This book keeps you interested the whole time! It's incredible!!

amazing - 9:18:00 PM

Unearthly (Unearthly #1) by Cynthia Hand | Review

Pages: 435 pages Publication Date: January 4th 2011 by HarperTeen ISBN: 0061996165 (ISBN13: 9780061996160 ) In the beginning...

Pages: 404 pages

Publication Date: November 6th 2012 by NAL

ISBN: 0451238117 (ISBN13: 9780451238115)

For years, the human and vampire residents of Morganville, Texas, have managed to co-exist in peace. But now that the threat to the vampires has been defeated, the human residents are learning that the gravest danger they face is the enemy within…

Thanks to the eradication of the parasitic creatures known as the draug, the vampires of Morganville have been freed of their usual constraints. With the vampires indulging their every whim, the town’s human population is determined to hold on to their lives by taking up arms. But college student Claire Danvers isn’t about to take sides, considering she has ties to both the humans and the vampires.

To make matters worse, a television show comes to Morganville looking for ghosts, just as vampire and human politics collide. Now, Claire and her friends have to figure out how to keep the peace without ending up on the nightly news… or worse.

Now, What I Thought:

This.was.drama.packed. like no seriously, everything in this, every page, was filled with drama!

Sometimes it was WAY to much to handle! An evil somebody comes back to make everyone's lives hell, and some strange events occur because of the little parasite that comes back. Im just going to tell you, Amalie's evil, bitchy, slutty sister Naomi. Long rampage short, she makes everyones lives hell in this book, including the gangs, especially Shane and Claire's relationship.. UGHHHHHHHHH, like I have said many times before, I am not a Shane/Claire lover but still gets me so mad that Rachel Caine decided to do what she did to pooooooor Claire :( WHY CAINE WHY! Why did you have to bring back Naomi..

Just like with the Bishop thing, I wish I could go into the book and kill her once and for all. Like father like daughter I guess. Again, I don't think I have to tell you to read it because if you're this far into the series, I bet you know that the next ones probably going to be even better!

ALSO. SOMETHING HAPPENED. AND NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT IT WHICH REALLY CONFUSES ME. CAINE THOUGHT SHE COULD JUST SNEAK THAT IN THERE BUT NOPE. I NOTICED. Lets just say, I screamed and threw the book. LOL no, I'm not kidding. I literally threw my book out of joy.

AND FOR THAT. THIS BOOOK DESERVES 10 STARS.