TBB ▲: August 2013

Saturday, August 31, 2013

AUGUST 2013 RECAP + BOOK OF THE MONTH.

Hello Blurbies! What do you know? It is the last day of August today and we will be welcoming the lovely season of BER months tomorrow! I can definitely feel the Christmas season which is fast approaching and am quite excited for September because of book releases and it is my BIRTH MONTH! Wooot! This month has been a full blast month for me because I was able to meet my goal: One post a day! I feel so accomplished! So here's what I did this month:

August 01: August 2013 Release Picks.

August 02: Author of the Month: JENNIFER NIELSEN.

August 03: Huddle Post 4: Quarter-Book Life Crisis.

August 04: Outstanding Crown for Cristin Terrill's ALL OUR YESTERDAYS.

August 05: 5/5 stars for Colleen Hoover's LOSING HOPE.

August 06: Huddle Post 5: Plagiarism Take 2.

August 07: Waiting On Wednesday 31: The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle.

August 08: Book Signing Intro: Margaret Stohl, Melessa Dela Cruz and Alyson Noel's Book Signing in Manila!

August 09: Cover Revealed: Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi.

August 10: Stacking the Shelves 26: The Dream Thieves Edition.

August 11: Kiera Cass's Blogger Forum + Book Signing in Manila Recap + Giveaway.

August 12: 4/5 stars for Kristin Cashore's BITTERBLUE.

August 13: Top Ten Tuesday 1: Favorite Setting.

August 14: Waiting on Wednesday 32: Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor.

August 15: 2/5 stars for Margaret Stohl's ICONS.

August 16: Feature and Follow Friday 26: Things you've learned about book blogging.

August 17: Stacking The Shelves 27: The NetGalley Edition.

August 18: 3/5 stars for Amy Tintera's REBOOT.

August 19: 4/5 stars for Julie Halpern's THE F-IT LIST.

August 20: Top Ten Tuesday 2: Things that make your life as a reader/blogger easier.

August 21: Waiting on Wednesday 33: Just One Year by Gayle Forman.

August 22: 3/5 stars for Maggie Stiefvater's THE DREAM THIEVES.

August 23: Feature and Follow Friday 27: Book Selfie.

August 24: Stacking the Shelves 28: The Awesome Edition.

August 25: Outstanding Crown for Sarah Maas' CROWN OF MIDNIGHT.

August 26: 5/5 stars for Daisy Whitney's WHEN YOU WERE HERE.

August 27: Top Ten Tuesday 3: Memorable Secondary Characters.

August 28: Waiting on Wednesday 28: The Sound of Letting Go by Stasia Kehoe.

August 29: 2/5 stars for Natalie Whipple's TRANSPARENT.

August 30: Feature and Follow Friday 28: One book for the rest of my life: HEMLOCK.

August 31: Stacking The Shelves 29: The White Edition.

August 31: August 2013 Recap + Book of the Month.

And before I end my recap, I would also want to share the book/s that I truly loved and can blurb about 24/7/365 here. The title/s not only made me fall in love with it but the impact it has on me is tremendously strong that I had book hangover for days (and of course, my personal thoughts on the novel is considered).

All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill

It was a phenomenal take on Time Traveling! I fell in love with the mystery and perfect plot development! It was just an incredible read!

My blurb:
All Our Yesterdays is a highly recommended novel that would twist your innards and make your brain cells go haywire! It was such dark, dangerous, action-packed and fast-paced story that would keep you hyperventilating with every flip of the page! It totally loved the nerve-wracking combo of Time Travel and Sci-Fi! And the unrequited romance? HEART-SHATTERING! This, I think, is one of MY novels for the year!

Crown of Midnight by Sarah Maas

There are no words for this absolutely, trmemduosly and amazingly written sequel! No words!

My Blurb:
Crown of Midnight is such highly (repeat "highly" 1 million times) recommended book to everyone, whatever age-bracket you're at. This is a all-in-one series: bone-breaking action, mind-blowing quests, heart-breaking romance and magical surprise elements that will surely leave you AWED, I cannot express how much I love love love this novel and even though waiting for book 3 is almost the same as being a slave in the Salt Mines, I would willingly and patiently wait -- WITHOUT A SINGLE DROP OF DOUBT IT'D BE AWESOME AND WORTHWHILE.

STACKING THE SHELVES (29): THE WHITE EDITION.

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that showcases newly acquired books or goodies we bought, received or borrowed during the week.

BOUGHT: (Fullybooked, Fort)
- Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
- The Program (Program #1) by Suzanne Young
- The Uprising (The Forsaken #2) by Lisa M. Stasse
- Poison by Bridget Zinn
- A Darkness Strange and Lovely (Something Strange and Deadly #2) by Susan Dennard

2 weeks ago, I went crazy again and bought books I wasn't supposed to buy yet. These weren't added on my budget so I suffered a little for a week. HAHA Would do anything for books! And I liked what titles I bought and the reason why this is titled THE WHITE EDITION is simply because The Program is the first white book I owned. I wasn't planning on getting Eleanor and Park in paperback but I can't wait any longer! HAHA It would have doubled the WHITE part.

What did you get this week, Blurbies?
HAPPY LONG WEEKEND!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

REVIEW: TRANSPARENT BY NATALIE WHIPPLE.

Title: Transparent (Transparent #1)
Author: Natalie Whipple
Edition: Paperback
Published: May 1, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 350
Source: ARC borrowed from Dani of Book Whales
Category: Romance, Contemporary, Dystopia, Sci-Fi
Trailer: not available

Synopsis:

Plenty of teenagers feel invisible. Fiona McClean actually is.

An invisible girl is a priceless weapon. Fiona’s own father has been forcing her to do his dirty work for years—everything from spying on people to stealing cars to breaking into bank vaults.

After sixteen years, Fiona’s had enough. She and her mother flee to a small town, and for the first time in her life, Fiona feels like a normal life is within reach. But Fiona’s father isn’t giving up that easily.

Of course, he should know better than anyone: never underestimate an invisible girl.

Transparent is UNIQUE.

Transparent is one of the books I am so eager to get my hands on. The blogging community raved about this novel and I loved how the cover did justice to the plot! Thanks to Dani of Book Whales for lending me her ARC and I finally get to read what the hype is all about. Sad to say though, it didn't work for me.

The world has slowly mutated after world war that affected humans. They are also genetically mutated that caused them to have special abilities. Like Fiona. She was born invisible. And because of this mutation and her dad's ability to manipulate, he uses her to be a part of his syndicate to gather a power-boosting drug --Radiasure. When her dad finally decides that it is time for her to become an assassin, her telekinetic mother helps her escape.

The novel has a very intense start. I was pumped to basically finished it in one sitting. However, it didn't take long for me to get disappointed. It kind of goes from Dystopia/Sci-fi-ish genre to suddenly somewhat Contemporary and I cannot literally believe that in the middle of an escape from a notorious syndicate leader, the story talked about solving Math problems. You see, the attempt to make these genres work together didn't apply to this one. It turned out to be awkward and dull. It slowly losses its grip to the main plot that leads to a whole new subplot then tries to combine them together, like: Dystopia, stop. Romance, stop. Dystopia plus Romance, stop. I don't know if that made sense but that's how I see it. And along the way, I felt that it was Twilight-ish in a way. It was also very predictable. But I still adored Whipple's attempt to give us unique world-building where Radiasure exists and abilities are norm.

I honestly didn't like any of the characters. At all. The development of each character was a little weak for my taste. Fiona's the main female protagonist and her invisibility was new to me (I was stoked about it) but she's way too sensitive, childish even. Irrational, emotional, selfish, stubborn to the nth level. Seth's rudeness and sarcasm didn't work for me even if he said he was just afraid to show his feelings. Brady and Miles are alright while Bea's pushy. Graham's too uptight. I don't know. I just didn't click with them.

Transparent is a fast-paced novel with a mix of dystopia and contemporary that will make you devour the novel in one sitting. It may have not worked for me but I would still recommend it because it was still an enjoyable read.

"Sometimes, you love the things that are bad for you."

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY.. (34)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that highlights our much anticipated books.

Expected Publication Date: February 6th 2014

Publisher: Viking Children's

Add To Goodreads

For sixteen years, Daisy has been good. A good daughter, helping out with her autistic younger brother uncomplainingly. A good friend, even when her best friend makes her feel like a third wheel. When her parents announce they’re sending her brother to an institution—without consulting her—Daisy’s furious, and decides the best way to be a good sister is to start being bad. She quits jazz band and orchestra, slacks in school, and falls for bad-boy Dave.

But one person won’t let Daisy forget who she used to be: Irish exchange student and brilliant musician Cal. Does she want the bad boy or the prodigy? Should she side with her parents or protect her brother? How can she know when to hold on and when—and how—to let go?

Again, mainly because of the cover. And then TEENAGE REBELLION? Am really up for this. Haven't read a lot of different takes on this issue so yeah, it intruiged me! It sounds very relatable in a way! HAHA!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

TOP TEN TUESDAY (#3).

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. They have topics set every week adn we just have to showcase our answers anyway we want to!

Top Ten Most Memorable Secondary Characters.

1. Severus Snape (Harry Potter Series)

When I learned his secrets, my heart was just blown into pieces because OMG Snape ILY

2. Simon Lewis (The Mortal Instruments Series)

He's cool, funny, smart and rational! He's the perfect one to balance Clary and Jace.

3. Aaron Warner (Shatter Me Series)

DO I REALLY HAVE TO SAY WHYYYYY

4. Macon Duchaness (Caster Chronicles Series)

He's one of the characters I loved in Beautiful Darkness and he made me cry in Beautiful Creatures

5. Finnick Odair (The Hunger Games Trilogy)

AGAIN, SHOULD I STILL HAVE TO TELL YOU GUYS WHYYY

6. Cam Briel (Fallen Series)

I think he's HOTTER than Daniel

7. Jun (Ink)

I think he's hotter than Tomo

8. Cade Winston (Losing It series)

PERFECT BOYFRIEND MATERIAL

9. Woods Kerrington (Fallen Too Far Series)

I wanted to know more from his character that whatever I got from the series wasn't enough

10. JACOB BLACK (Twilight Series)

OMG like Jacob's character is the BOMB because aside from he is sexy and hot, his snarky attitude, loyal friendship and ever loving heart just melted my life

I think I didn't really justify why these are the most memorable secondary characters. I just fan-girled! LOL! But yes, these are my picks because they're awesome like that and.. HOT! Couldn't think of a girl character though!

How about you, Blurbies? Who did you pick?

Monday, August 26, 2013

REVIEW: WHEN YOU WERE HERE BY DAISY WHITNEY.

Title: When You Were Here
Author: Daisy Whitney
Edition: eBook
Published: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Little Brown
Pages: 264
Source: Gifted
Category: Romance, Contemporary
Trailer: not available

Synopsis:

Filled with humor, raw emotion, a strong voice, and a brilliant dog named Sandy Koufax, When You Were Here explores the two most powerful forces known to man-death and love. Daisy Whitney brings her characters to life with a deft touch and resonating authenticity.

Danny's mother lost her five-year battle with cancer three weeks before his graduation-the one day that she was hanging on to see.

Now Danny is left alone, with only his memories, his dog, and his heart-breaking ex-girlfriend for company. He doesn't know how to figure out what to do with her estate, what to say for his Valedictorian speech, let alone how to live or be happy anymore.

When he gets a letter from his mom's property manager in Tokyo, where she had been going for treatment, it shows a side of his mother he never knew. So, with no other sense of direction, Danny travels to Tokyo to connect with his mother's memory and make sense of her final months, which seemed filled with more joy than Danny ever knew. There, among the cherry blossoms, temples, and crowds, and with the help of an almost-but-definitely-not Harajuku girl, he begins to see how it may not have been ancient magic or mystical treatment that kept his mother going. Perhaps, the secret of how to live lies in how she died.

When You Were Here is like an emotionally engineered weapon of mass destruction.

I don't know if anyone of you knows by now, I am such a sucker for these kinds of cover. The Bokeh/Sunlight effect really strikes home. I think I've mentioned that around seven times now on the blog so what do you know? I TOTALLY FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS COVER! I seriously did. I've only read the ebook version and I cannot wait to pet and hug this book once my hard cover arrives! And am so so happy to finally have read it and died with so much unexpected emotional missiles aimed directly at my heart.

Danny is simply emotionally wrecked - his dad met a terrible accident, his sister left them, his childhood sweetheart dumped him and his mom succumbed to cancer two months before his high school graduation. All he has is his dog and he feels so alone and so hurt. When he receives a letter from Kana from Japan, he decides to go there to find out why his mother's medicine bottles are full and to also talk to Dr. Takahashi - the last doctor his mother thought of as her miracle doctor.

I just want to let go and breathe out the longest WOWWW I've been holding since I've finished this. Like, totally WOOOOWWW. I wasn't prepared for how strong the impact would be and I got hit over and over and over again. This is the kind of impact that would shake all your innards and make your chest tight as if there are clouds of cotton inside.. would make it hard to breathe and your jaws would start locking and your throat would start aching because you just have to hold the TEARS. WOOOOW. When You Were Here is such emotionally invested novel that would crush all your "walls" and melt your heart. This is actually happening in real life, there might obviously "fictional" touches to it but I've seen people live lives like this. Haaaaa, this is just really heavy in the chest that I actually don't want to recommend this to people who easily get depressed because the pain in this story lingers. There were so much confusion and pain and it was really hard to go by without being too weak. I loved every part of the story and I don't regret having this book added to my Most Anticipated Novels for the year. It was just worth it.

As I have mentioned on my status update on Goodreads, if I were Danny, I would have lost my mind by now. Whatever he'd gone through, I know I wouldn't handle the way he did. Personally, I just dread the day when I have to say goodbye to my mom even though I know its inevitable. I SIMPLY JUST CANNOT. Thinking of it makes me choke. With that, my adoration for Danny simply skyrocketed because he rationally handled this enormous pain well. Some people might have gone completely astray given this heavy burden but somehow, he embraced it and even went ways to find closure. Plus, his loyalty to the one he truly loves just blossomed despite of the crazy situation. He didn't judge, he didn't wallow in pain but instead welcomed the chance laid out for him. He may have questioned motives but it completely made sense. He was kept in the dark for so long and true enough, it is a little disappointing discovering truth on your own. You would feel betrayed but he let love overcome pain. I disliked the girls a little, though. Holland was just too selfish for me and Kana's personality was also a little too loud.

When You Were Here touches the core of the soul. Sometimes we see and welcome happiness after being clouded by such horrible circumstances we don't think we could overcome. This novel might be too heavy for a drama but the things it would make you appreciate and realize are beyond amazing! It encapsulates freedom, love, healing and peaceful closure that definitely bring tears to the eyes. Heart warning novel that I listed as one of my top favorite contemporary novels ever.

""What is it you need?" It's such a simple question, but I could answer it in fifty thousand different ways. Because there is so much I need. I am filled with so much want, so much need and yet every day I keep reaching, and every day I keep missing the mark."

"I don't understand how can you nurture something so dark, so twisted for so long."

"That's a gift, in a way, to be able to have the last thing you say to someone be the last thing you want them to have heard from you."

""What is so messed up?" I don't tell her that my grasp on truth, on words, on people, has slipped. I was getting close, so close to normal again and that's been snatched away. I'm not even back where I started. I'm somewhere else entirely, so far off the map. I don't know where to turn next."

Sunday, August 25, 2013

REVIEW: CROWN OF MIDNIGHT BY SARAH MAAS.

Title: Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Edition: Paperback and eARC
Published: August 27, 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 417
Source: Chyna of Lite-Rate-Ture and NetGalley
Category: High-fantasy, Romance, Paranormal
Trailer: not available

Synopsis:

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

CROWN OF MIDNIGHT IS SIMPLY THE BOMB!

HOW? HOW CAN I EVEN REVIEW THIS AWESOME SEQUEL WITHOUT SPOILING SO MUCH? HOW?

OMG! I CANT EVEN! MY HEART BEATS WILD!

I KNEW IT WOULD JUST BLOW WHATEVER LEFT OF MY MIND WAY MORE THAN HOW THRONE OF GLASS ALMOST ANNIHILATED MY BRAIN!

IT WAS JUST SO SURREAL!

OMG!

Let me calm down a bit here.

Whew.

WARNING THOUGH, THIS REVIEW MIGHT CONTAIN LITTLE SPOILERS.

Maas did it again! If she perfected Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight was just triple the perfection! Every little bit of action/mystery was definitely concocted with sheer awesomeness that there is no way, like NO WAY to put this book down! Finishing it at 3 in the morning and capslock-tweeting my pouring emotions wouldn't simply express how insane this sequel made me feel! It was way more than what I expected -- IS THERE ANOTHER SUPERLATIVE WORD AFTER BEST? Because that's what I would use.

Celaena continues to be the King's Champion. The King gives her names to assassinate but she has a secret: she fake their deaths. No one knows about this and for sure, death awaits her once the King finds out. She has yet to uncover the King's very dark secrets, her friend Princess Nehemiah's intention for staying, Dorian and Chaol's feelings for her and who is the mysteriously cloaked person roaming in the library at night that gives her the feeling something isn't right.

Crown of Midnight took me to CELAENA's beautiful yet dangerous world once again. How I missed her kickass moves and her quirky antics! Her hilarious sarcasm didn't float much around Crown of Midnight but one thing I can surely share -- SHE MATURED. I fell in love with her again here. Like twice as hard. Her rage, love, friendship, pain, loss and HISTORY were all well-developed and engulfed her character in ways I cannot explain. Her element of badassery was so strong I kept kicking the air while reading the scenes she kicks butts. Oh gosh. She's super duper awesome here. An assassin with a loving heart. Her sacrifices were more than comprehension, I mean her pain was just something I don't think I can bear. Whoever she CHOSE to be was only the selfless part of who she truly were. And I cannot wait to continue this adventure with A.. I mean Celaena in the next books in the series.

CHAOL WESTFALL. My wonderful Chaol. Yes. I am actually switching teams now. Am going to be Team Chaol for a while just because. But what the heck. He wasn't this romantic, expressive, hot captain back in ToG! Not that am complaining! I honestly didn't expect that I would root for him this time and am actually glad because I feel like finally, Celaena found someone who can make her happy! And I mean, Chaol would perfectly blend with Celaena's strong personality without issues. It really takes someone to remember every single detail about the other's existence and without his love for Celaena, I wouldn't have realized how TRULY strong her blood was. I just wish though that sometimes, he'd be more rational with things.

Though there's obviously a blossomed love triangle here, I commend PRINCE DORIAN's willingness to let things be. I might have wished for him to pursue whatever he thinks would make him happy also, but his courage to give way to friendship and true happiness for others melted my heart. He will be a good king without a doubt. And I hope when he's crowned King, he'd be the king Princess Nehemiah dreamed of ~~because SERIOUSLY? OMG WHAT PRINCESS NEHEMIAH DID JUST SHATTERED MY ENTIRE WORLD~~

And the KEYS? Not only reminded me of the awesome Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows but goodness gracious, its like adventure/fantasy raised to 1000th power! It wasn't only magical but it gives this hair-raising thrill to go on with their quest to unearth these secrets the King kills for. SO SO GOOD AND SO SO EXCITING!

Crown of Midnight is such highly (repeat "highly" 1 million times) recommended book to everyone, whatever age-bracket you're at. This is a all-in-one series: bone-breaking action, mind-blowing quests, heart-breaking romance and magical surprise elements that will surely leave you AWED, I cannot express how much I love love love this novel and even though waiting for book 3 is almost the same as being a slave in the Salt Mines, I would willingly and patiently wait -- WITHOUT A SINGLE DROP OF DOUBT IT'D BE AWESOME AND WORTHWHILE.

Thank you Chyna from Lite-rate-ture for the ARC and Netgalley/Bloomsbury for the eARC!

"But no matter what I did, Elentiya, I want you to know that in the darkness of the past ten years, you were one of the bright lights for me. Do not let that light go out."

Saturday, August 24, 2013

STACKING THE SHELVES.. (28) THE AWESOME EDITION.

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that showcases newly acquired books or goodies we bought, received or borrowed during the week.

BORROWED:
- Stormdancer (The Lotus War #1) by Jay Kristoff
- Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass, #2) by Sarah J. Maas

FOR REVIEW:

- Vortex (Tempest #2) by Julie Cross

- My Life After Now by Jessica Verdi

ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED NOVELS IS MY LIFE AFTER NOW AND I CANNOT SERIOUSLY BELIEVE I WAS SENT A COPY FOR REVIEW SO KINDLY EXCUSE MY CAPSLOCKING HERE BECAUSE OMGOMGOMG!

Thank you so much Nicole of The Twins Read for lending me Stormdancer, Chyna of Lite-rate-ture for lending me Crown of Midnight, Dianne of Oops, I Read a Book Again for Vortex and ABBIE OF SOURCEBOOKS FIRE FOR MY LIFE AFTER NOW! THANK YOU ALL SO SO MUCH!

Thursday, August 22, 2013

REVIEW: THE DREAM THIEVES BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER.

Title: The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2)
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Edition: Paperback
Published: September 17, 2013
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 438
Source: Borrowed ARC from Louisse of The Soul Sisters
Category: Romance, Paranormal
Trailer: Here

Synopsis:

The second installment in the all-new series from the masterful, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater!

Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after.

*Possible spoilers ahead.*

The Dream Thieves is compelling.

A lot of us fell in love with The Raven Boys. Even after the notion that it was really slow, I still totally loved every bit of it. Anticipating The Dream Thieves was one thing I did these past several months especially when the ARCs were showcased by US bloggers. I couldn't wait for it to be out. Thank goodness Louisse from The Soul Sisters lent me her ARC and you should've seen me flail when I petted the cover!

Gansey, Ronan, Noah, Adam and Blue continue to search for the King. Their research didn't stop even after they've woken the Ley Line. Secrets have been revealed and their quest became much darker. So much darker.

The main problem I had with The Dream Thieves is that.. THERE'S JUST SO MUCH GOING ON. I couldn't keep up with it. For some reason, reading 80 pages took me 3 hours which really was an issue for me. Then, I just felt so detached from so many things in it unlike when I read The Raven Boys. I WAS JUST COMPLETELY LOST. Can't figure out whose POV the next chapter was or who's really the villain and what's really happening with the Ley Line. But aside from that, the consistency of the characters are great that I get to know more about each one of them and the striking adventure in finding the King was just breath-taking.

New characters were introduced that added to my love/confusion. Like The Gray Man. He's a hit man. After feeling romantically involved with Maura, he changed. Oh la la. And Kavinsky. He's crazy! His character helped Ronan's rise! But he's totally insane! I don't understand what was wrong with Adam and Blue? Naaaa. Am not digging her on this sequel. But Gansey? He's even better here! Matured, still selfless and I love the fact that he loves his friends so much. I adored him for that.

I expected a lot from The Dream Thieves because The Raven Boys was phenomenal. I was a little sad that I didn't love it as much as I wanted to but overall, the quest of finding the King was still as thrilling as the first and I cannot wait for the next book to come out!

"Want and need were words that got eaten smaller and smaller: Freedom, autonomy, a perennial bank balance, a stainless-steel condo in a dustless city, a silky black car, to make out with Blue, eight hours of sleep, a cell phone, a bed, to kiss Blue just once, a blister-less heel, bacon for breakfast, to hold Blue's hand, one hour of sleep, toilet paper, deodorant, a soda, a minute to close his eyes.

What do you want, Adam?

To feel awake when my eyes are open."

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY.. (33)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that highlights our much anticipated books.

Expected Publication Date: October 10, 2013
Publisher: Dutton Children's
Add To Goodreads

The heartrending conclusion—from Willem’s POV—to the romantic duet of novels that began with Allyson’s story in Just One Day

After spending an amazing day and night together in Paris, Just One Year is Willem’s story, picking up where Just One Day ended. His story of their year of quiet longing and near misses is a perfect counterpoint to Allyson’s own as Willem undergoes a transformative journey, questioning his path, finding love, and ultimately, redefining himself.

Because Willem. Because Willem's POV. Because I can't stop thinking WHAT happened to him. Because he has to explain himself. OMG. I really really loved Just One Day. If I am not mistaken, it was one of the first contemporary novels I read that got me hooked. And you have no idea how much I envy those lovely bloggers who got an ARC of Just One Year. All I can do is to like their post and stare at their haul like how miserable my life truly is. I deeply need this. I do! Like how much I need DOUBLE HAPPINESS in my life.

Here's my review of Just One Day.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

TOP TEN TUESDAY (#2).

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. They have topics set every week and we just have to showcase our answers anyway we want to!

THINGS THAT MAKE YOUR LIFE AS A READER/BOOK BLOGGER EASIER.

1. My calendar/planner.

- keeping my schedule accurate and polished.

2. My bookshelf.

- I arrange most of them according to date of purchase so I know which book goes first.

3. My phone. - Its like everything-in-one device. I canNOT live without it.

4. Goodreads. - I grab book info from here and also post reviews. And I think this is a very essential part of book blogging. You aren't really a book blogger/lover without this, I think.

5. Post its. - For book marking or quotes or important parts of the book.

6. Twitter. - for updates, book reservations, bookish talks, blogger friends convo, communicating with Authors and Pubs. I can basically live without Facebook but canNOT without Twitter. I can also rant all day over there.

7. Email. - Oh goodness, I never thought I would need my email this bad. I use this for blog tours, galley requests, interview requests and other important things as well.

8. My digicam. - My phone's camera can be a decent source of picture but sometimes, this captures better especially when I have to edit an image.

9. Photoshop. - For blog beautification. I just normally do texts because I really don't know how to edit faces or any human part so I settle for whatever I can make and Google stuff I don't know, like for tutorials.

10. MY LAPTOP. I do everything here. Drafting my reviews, surfing.. name it. Its also very important to be because I have EVERYTHING stored here. Currently, we are experiencing typhoon and flooding here in Manila so am kind of in a panic state at the moment. There's too much moist in my room that I keep checking my unsealed paperbacks. I don't want them to curl. Also, am hungry. Can't go outside to buy anything HAHA.. So what about you Blurbies? How's your day been?