MARCH 2014 RECAP + BOOK OF THE MONTH.

HELLO THERE BURNING SUMMER!

Wow. Time seems to be in a hurry that it flies way too fast! I couldn't believe that The Walking Dead Season 4 just ended and we all have to wait for sevens months for Season 5. I don't want it to end yet! And OMG summer is here! I don't hate it but I don't love it either. Summer here in the Philippines is obnoxious that the air could burn you. Thank goodness for my room isn't that hot but it doesn't help at all when it comes to reading. I fall asleep fast! How would you want to spend your summer though?

Here's my awesome March recap! Am so happy I reviewed a few titles!

March 01 - March 2014 New Release Picks.

March 03 - 4/5 stars for Jennifer L. Armentrout's OBSIDIAN.

March 06 - 2/5 stars for Lauren Oliver's PANIC.

March 12 - 5/5 stars for Richelle Mead's VAMPIRE ACADEMY.

March 17 - Kate Evangelista's TIL DEATH Book Launch.

March 20 - 4/5 stars for Jennifer E. Smith's THIS IS WHAT HAPPY LOOKS LIKE.

March 25 - 8/5 stars for Colleen Hoover's MAYBE SOMEDAY.

March 30 - Becca Fitzpatrick in Manila (Bloggers Forum).

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 have book hangover for days!

And the Book of the Month for March 2014 is

MAYBE SOMEDAY BY COLLEEN HOOVER.

My blurb:

"Maybe Someday may have ended too perfectly but it ended the way it should. The idea of this story isn't totally applicable in real life but it gives a little spark of hope that the heart could wait and could find the one that beats the same way. Wrong as it may sound, but love will always take its own course to the right person no matter how wrong circumstances may be and it will take as long as it could until the time is right. Maybe Someday made cry ocean and seriously tore my heart apart. Hoover did it again. The story she created rendered my entire existence speechless and my heart shattered. Maybe Someday is absolutely a tear-inducing novel that will mess your feelings up but will plant love deeply to your heart. Then rip it."

BOOK SIGNING: BECCA FITZPATRICK IN MANILA 2014.

Where I relive the experience and share all the feels before, during and after meeting these fantastic authors WHO ARE BASICALLY LIFE.

I just experienced one of the best days in my bookish life! Yesterday, March 29, 2014, I attended National Bookstore's Bloggers Forum event in Powerbooks, Greenbelt. I met Becca Fitzpatrick up close and this by far has been truly a neat event (not that the past events weren't). The exclusivity of the forum was just so heart-warming that I couldn't stop giggling and fangirling the entire day! It was also super nice to bond once more with my #PHYABookBloggers Team that our friendship grows crazier and crazier! Here are some of the pics we took and I am telling you, WE WILL  BEAT THAT OSCARS SELFIE.

Of course, we had the chance to ask Becca questions and this introvert (she claims it) author isn't just sweet and shy and all that but she's so pretty in person. I love her simple outfit yesterday and OMG HER HAIR?? WE TOUCHED IT. It was just this beautiful golden curly hair that I want to have! I like how she's soft spoken and warm and I really adore her laugh. Okay. Am starting to sound like a creepy stalker already so let's jump over the Q and A!

What is the inspiration behind Black Ice since it is way different from Hush, Hush?

• Her family's camping trip to a mountain in Wyoming when she was in high school. But she was sick and wasn't able to go so she watched a horror movie. Some sort of a Stockholm syndrome. That inspired Black Ice.

How is Hush. Hush series different from other Young Adult novels about fallen angels?

• She have not read any other YA novels inspired by fallen angels. When she gets reader feedback, it is always Patch that they bring up. She thinks Patch is what really draws people to the book.

In Finale, did she plan Scott's death from the start or was it unexpected?

• Scott made this oath in the beginning of Finale that he would do anything to protect Nora. So his death is him fulfilling that oath. She did know from the start that Scott's going to die and that is the only part of Finale that made her cry.

What made her deviate from Paranormal to Psychological Thriller genre and does she think it highlights her diversity as an author?

• It is just so refreshing to try something new, to challenge herself. When she submitted Sapphire Skies' draft to her editor, she was told it was the best book she's written so far which excited her. It made her feel that she can finally branch out to different things and not fail completely.

*teaser from Sapphire Skies*
It tells a story about a girl named Stella from Philadelphia and she witnesses a brutal crime. She's put to a witness protection program in Nebraska. She resents her situation and just wanted to get home. However, she's beginning to fall in love with this handsome cowboy who lives next door. So she's torn to stay for the cowboy or keep moving so the bad guys wouldn't find her.

Is there any vulnerability with Nora and Patch's relationship?

• If she posts new scenes from Patch's point of view, it would be because of Chyna (she's the one who asked this question). There's always vulnerability in every relationship. Like trust and security.

If she could go back and change something in her books, what would those be?

• She wouldn't change the publisher process but there are things she wanted to change. She said she has to think she's done the best she could and let go of whatever she has written and hope that readers would love her stories. Or else, she would just sit in her office and write the books over and over again.

Out of all the characters, to whom she feels so close to?

• Vy. Her character is inspired by two of her childhood best friends. Vy's character takes her back to her childhood because whenever she writes about her, she always knows what the character would say and how she would act because of the inspiration behind the character.

What inspired you to write bad boy Patch?

• Patch was inspired by a guy she knows in high school. When she wrote the very first draft or Hush, Hush, Patch was not a fallen angel. He's just a normal guy but I know Patch has a deep dark secret but she didn't know what it was. She thought at the end of the draft, she would know Patch well enough and know his secret but she didn't. The she thought of his character and realized she wanted him to be a good guy at some point, a guy with morals and someone you look up to. And his fall was literal, he fell from grace. It became perfect for her because Fallen Angels were the original bad boys.

Does she agree to people comparing Nora with Bella from Twilight?

• Since she doesn't read reviews, she didn't know there are comparisons. She personally loves Twilight and she's okay with comparisons. She started writing Hush, Hush even before Twilight was published. Though she didn't have the paranormal aspect in her story back then, it was still about this boy and this girl falling in love, and she feels confident that people will say whatever they want but the story is different. She wouldn't really mind comparisons.

If Patch is real and he wants to take her to a date, what would be her dream date and why?

• She feels she's too old for Patch now but she wants to have a quite and romantic night with him.

 Which of the books she have written is her favorite?

• Probably Sapphire Skies.

If the Hush, Hush movie adaptation will push through, how much hands on would she want to be involved in?

• She feels like her talents aren't in movie making but in writing stories. She would love to visit the set, though.

What is the most challenging part in writing did she encounter?

• Crescendo by far. She was under a lot of pressure after Hush, Hush became successful. To make Crescendo as much as good. She remember turning her draft to her editor and she hated it. It wasn't good enough. She remember feeling demoralized and thinking she will never be able to do this. There was even a point she told her editor, Crescendo will be the last book she'll ever write and she's done, she's retiring from writing. She got through it and she knows she would never hit that low point again. It was a nice experience, to hit rock bottom and only to go up from there. The worst is over and that was when she started to feel a little confident that she could push through. She wouldn't change that experience because that taught her about persevering, believing in herself and keep going.

What are you currently reading?

• Quiet (Non-fiction about introverts), Earthbound and some Nora Roberts book.

Her biggest fears when Hush, Hush was first published.

• She didn't have a lot of fears because she didn't think a lot of people would read the book.

She signed all my books. Even our Polaroid photo (Thanks to Louisse) and the box!

ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT (aside from meeting the Philippines' Sales representative of Simon and Schuster and Alethea of Read Now, Sleep Later) WAS WHEN THEY EACH GAVE US AN ADVANCED READING COPY OF BECCA'S NEW BOOK, BLACK ICE!!!

Selfie with Becca!!

Cannot thank National Bookstore, Simon and Schuster and Becca Fitzpatrick enough for making this day grand!! I am just lost for words. Thank you, thank you!! Definitely one of the best days ever in my bookish life!!

REVIEW: MAYBE SOMEDAY BY COLLEEN HOOVER.

Title: Maybe Someday
Author: Colleen Hoover
Edition: Paperback
Publication: April 2, 2013 by Atria Books
Source: Bought from Fullybooked Fort
Pages: 384
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, New Adult

Synopsis:

At twenty-two years old, Sydney is enjoying a great life: She's in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her best friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers that Hunter is cheating on her and she's forced to decide what her next move should be.

Soon, Sydney finds herself captivated by her mysterious and attractive neighbor, Ridge. She can't take her eyes off him or stop listening to the passionate way he plays his guitar every evening out on his balcony. And there's something about Sydney that Ridge can't ignore, either. They soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one.

A passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance, Maybe Someday will immerse readers in Sydney's tumultuous world from the very first page.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:

Amazon ▲ Book Depository ▲ Goodreads ▲ Barnes and Noble ▲ Fullybooked

Simply loving Hopeless wouldn't suffice to do the book justice. It is full of so much feels that no words could ever explain. Then Hoover decided to write another one. I wasn't even fully recovered from Hopeless yet even though I've read it last year. Oh well, here's my heart, shattered again to pieces after reading Maybe Someday.

Yes. It is true. I wasn't prepared for Maybe Someday. I didn't read reviews but just looked at ratings. I don't want to have my hopes up just like what happened to me with The Fault in Our Stars and I don't want to be 'influenced' by others' thoughts about it. All I wanted is for Maybe Someday to surprise me and here's what I got, GAZILLION MESSY FEELS. This is my second Hoover novel and so far, disappointment is too far from me.

The story is told in an alternating point of view. Sydney lives in an apartment with her best friend, Tori. She chose to be on her own and pursued music as opposed to what her parents wanted for her, Pre-law. Every eight in the evening though, she finds herself listening to a guy play his guitar on the other balcony. For some weird reason, she's drawn to the music this guy makes and she can't help but be attracted to his talent. Then we have Ridge, a song writer. He lives across this girl's apartment and he's with his best friend, Warren. He plays his guitar and tries to write songs for his band then makes it exactly eight in the evening to also see the girl. He notices how she listens to his songs. He also knows that her boyfriend and best friend are cheating on her. One night, in the middle of a writer's block, he noticed the girl singing to his song. He's shocked she put some lyrics to it that his need for lyrics pushed him to communicate with the girl. So from the balcony, their conversation started and he eventually told her about how she's being cheated on. After Sydney confronted her boyfriend and best friend, she left their apartment though she has nowhere to go. Ridge saw this and took her in. They started writing songs together and their friendship blossomed in a different way. And Sydney's mesmerized by how talented Ridge is despite his disability and hurt at the same time that he has a very beautiful girlfriend.

I would have rated this novel in a different way if the part of me that has been cheated on in the past would do the reviewing. I would say everything they've done and felt were unfair, that no matter where you look, the foundation is wrong, this ending doesn't happen in real life and that no matter how they justified their actions, this is just WRONG in a lot of sense. Basically, I wouldn't like this, I wouldn't have agreed to any part of it, I wouldn't have felt this strong feels for it. Because I know how painful it is to be deceived by those people you love and trust. However, I am rating and reviewing it this way because I fully understand the wrongness and rightness of it. Hoover wrote another ordinary story in an extraordinary way. She puts unexpected twists in her story which seriously floored me. I never expected THIS twist in Maybe Someday. She made it so spectacular that I started seeing things differently.

The alternating POV narration started off for me. I felt like there is really no distinction when it comes to the character's voices. But I was so wrong. I wasn't really listening very closely at first and when I started to hear it, I was stunned. Sydney and Ridge's voice kind of blended together. They think the same way and feel the same way for each other that their voices are one. I never thought I wouldn't be able to differentiate it but holy guacamole! This was another surprise from Maybe Someday! Aside from that, Ridge's "disability" majorly shocked the human out of me because seriously? He's the best person to appreciate melodies! I was also having issues grasping the thought that Ridge could play so well despite everything but I eventually accepted it because yes, everything is possible. With the "training" he got during his childhood up and his perseverance to be the best he can be, I shouldn't doubt his talents. I loved how humbling his character is. I never saw any other flaw in him. He isn't perfect but he's got everything a person could ever hope for. He's loyal, loving, funny, talented, smart and his good looks come as a bonus. I really think he's the best for Sydney.

Sydney. Sydney. Sydney. She's definitely one of the characters I could ever relate to. The way she handled herself in amid deceit and temptation is remarkable. I know that the stronger her feelings develop, the harder it is to ignore. And she actually did it. She tried so so hard to resist and I could say at some point, she did resist. She has every possible affirmation that she has the chance to be with Ridge but she held on so tight to stay away and keep her feelings contained. I would have made a move if I were in her shoes but she's just strong. It is another trait I admire about her that not everyone can pull off.

Maybe Someday may have ended too perfectly but it ended the way it should. The idea of this story isn't totally applicable in real life but it gives a little spark of hope that the heart could wait and could find the one that beats the same way. Wrong as it may sound, but love will always take its own course to the right person no matter how wrong circumstances may be and it will take as long as it could until the time is right. Maybe Someday made cry ocean and seriously tore my heart apart. Hoover did it again. The story she created rendered my entire existence speechless and my heart shattered. Maybe Someday is absolutely a tear-inducing novel that will mess your feelings up but will plant love deeply to your heart. Then rip it.

"I want to know how you're singing lyrics to my songs when I haven't even added lyrics to them yet."

"I spend the next half hour reminding myself how much I've missed her. I remind myself how much I love her. I remind myself how good it feels when we're together. I keep reminding myself over and over, because for the past week, it felt as if I was starting to forget."

"Oh, my God, I can't. I didn't ask for this. I don't want this. But if feels so good. His words feel so good, his closeness feels good, his eyes searching mine make my heart go haywire, and for the life of me, I can't figure out HOW SOMETHING THAT FEELS LIKE THIS CAN BE SO WRONG."

"How can two good people who both have such good intentions end up with feelings, derived from all the goodness, that are so incredibly bad?"

"The way he's holding me gives me a glimpse of what things could be like between us. I try to push those two little words into the back of my head, the two words that always inch their way forward when we're together. Maybe someday."

"There isn't any doubt in my mind that we could be perfect for each other's life. It's our lives that aren't perfect for us."

"I'm crying tears over the death of something that never even had the chance to live. The death of US."

REVIEW: THIS IS WHAT HAPPY LOOKS LIKE BY JENNIFER E. SMITH.

Title: This is What Happy Looks Like
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Edition: hardbound
Published: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Headline
Pages: 416
Source: Bought from Fullybooked Fort
Category: Romance, Contemporary
Trailer: Not applicable.

Amazon ▲ Book Depository ▲ Goodreads ▲ Barnes and Noble ▲ Fullybooked

Synopsis:

If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds.

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?

After dusting my copy of This Is What Happy Looks Like which has been stuck on my book shelf for the longest time already, it felt like it was the right time to read it. Having been deprived of a contemporary read for a few weeks now, this book just happened to be there, at the right place and at the right time, teasing me to grab it. And what do you know?? It filled my need for contemporary. My heart is now overflowing with giggles, swoons, shrieks and blushes. It gave me what I expected from it: glowing heart.

Ellie received an email from a stranger about a pig and the witty replies of this stranger got her hooked. They have been exchanging emails without knowing the person's name and Ellie at some point, started to be comfortable with it. Until one day, she saw Graham Larkin, a good looking movie star. Graham is filming for their upcoming movie in Ellie's town with a hidden agenda: find the girl he's exchanging emails with.

There are several movies and Korean TV series I've watched with the same exact plot and I've always been engulfed by the fateful turn of events for the characters. However, I never really READ anything like it. The thrill of not knowing how the plot would turn out or who the characters would end up with is truly different from what I am accustomed to. What comes next in the story isn't easy to predict and I absolutely adored Smith's writing style.

Though the book is a little bit disorienting at first because of alternating narration of POVs (take note: NO CHAPTER TITLES), I still thought it was clever. The plot happened too fast, like Smith didn't make the wait for knowing who's who unbearable. However, with that said, the latter part kind of juggled from different and irrelevant subplots. It lost a lot of that power house urge to giggle.

Ellie's life is surprising. Not knowing his now Senator father took me a little bit shocked. I understand her mother's reasons for going away and living a life without the dad but honestly? I wouldn't and couldn't ever agree to it. A child needs both her/his parents at all times, at all costs. She would have lived a different life yes, but also a life with her dad. She wouldn't wonder all her life what it feels like to have one. I feel a little sorry for her. And I also understand why she's fickle-minded and secretive.

Growing up surrounded with a lot of guys, I can immediately identify that Graham is written from a girl's take of things. Especially how romantic he is. Am not saying that there are no longer romantic guys existing, its just that Graham is too sweet for a guy. I LOVED IT. I love how funny and grounded he is. Ellie is so lucky to have him to herself not because of any physical attributes but because of his values and respect for her.

This is What Happy Looks Like is absolutely a lovely read. It is full of positive feelings that will do wonders to a sulky heart. The thought of finding the one person you'd feel love for ACCIDENTALLY isn't only magical but also hopeful. And if there was a way I would have known how it will END, I would have taken precautions BECAUSE YOU CAN'T JUST END A STORY LIKE THAT. I NEED A SEQUEL, PEOPLE. I DO NEED ONE.

"He'd thought this was the start of something. But clearly she'd changed her mind and he felt stunned by how quickly the whole thing had unraveled, the end coming before the beginning really even had a chance to begin."

"There are different kinds of happy.. some kinds don't need any proof."

BOOK LAUNCH: KATE EVANGELISTA'S TIL DEATH.

Where all other bookish explosions, shenanigans and fun stuff happens!

After being awake for so long because of work, I still managed to attend National Bookstore's Book Launch Event for Kate Evangelista's Til Death. It was my first time attending such event and oh boy, the pride I have for being a Filipina has never been this dominant. It was also my first time attending a book signing with a local author and I am telling you, it was just surreal! AND THE FOOD? So so good! Kate Evangelista's Til Death, first book in the Fractured Souls Trilogy, was published by Entangled Teen and this is I believe her 6th book out already. She's a Filipina Author and saying she is beautiful is simply an understatement. Man, her eyes. YOU'LL SWIM IN BEAUTY ONCE YOU STARE AT THEM! I couldn't help but fangirl because aside from we're namesakes, she's very friendly, sweet and accommodating. Her close friends and Mom were there at the event and one would really be able to tell where she got her stunning looks!

But anyway, Filipina Author Mina Esguerra hosted the event. She wrote Interrim Goddess series among others. She's so adorable and approachable. The interview lasted only for 15 minutes tops and here's what we've all learned about Kate:

What about Paranormal Genre that inspires her to write?

• Paranormal Genre is fascinating that it takes us away from everyday life. With Paranormal, she thinks we can sprinkle magic into everything. 

Til Death is the first book in the Fractured Souls series so when did she start writing it?

• Til Death is a part of the first 3 books she wrote. It was written during a part of her life when she's still learning about writing and publishing.

Does she have actors in mind that she pegged for her characters?

• When she writes, her characters are already a part of her or basically made up in her head. She doesn't associate these characters with actors only with the exception of Luca. She thinks Alex Pettyfer suits the character.

Was she able to sneak in some Filipino Culture in her stories?

• She did in Taste but she's not sure if she did in Til Death because the latter was set in rural Wyoming. She sneaks Filipino Culture only if it would fit in the story.

How many books can we expect in the Fractured Souls series?

• This series is only a trilogy.

How did she make the hierarchy of the Illuminari in Til Death?

• Just like in playing RPG games, they have to level up when they reach a certain power level or finish a task. The more they compete, the higher they level up.

Why set the story in Wyoming?

• She needs a place remote and big enough for the supernatural to happen so it wouldn't draw attention to normal people especially the police.

Does she have non-paranormal books?

• Yes, she does have. Its a adult contemporary novel.

Will she write books set in the Philippines?

• Yes. She has started one already and she's 3 chapters in. Its a dystopian one which involves robots.

How many books she's writing simultaneously?

• She has to finish 11 books so she's writing 5 at the moment.

Since they are talking about how busy she is, what about "This is fun" for her?

• She refer to herself as a glorified typist because its ABOUT her characters are telling their stories to her.

How did her career in the States start?

• It is more of querying agents. Though she said writers don't necessarily need agents because with Entangled, writers can submit their stories given that they've followed the submission guidelines because that's what she did. Her advice is to finish as many books as possible then submit so in case one would get rejected, she can always submit the other. Then submit to multiple publishers so writers would also have choices.

What kind of response has she been getting for her books?

• Mixed response. She likes mixed responses. That's a part that shows she's doing her job as a writer. It scares her when she thinks she's only going to get praises because she wouldn't have rooms for improvement. And that she loves the fact that she's reaching wider audience. 

How many rejections did she have to go through?

• She can cover the entire room with her rejection slips. Rejection doesn't mean you're a bad writer. It only means the publisher doesn't see a way to help you market it. Which is a good thing. She said writers should go for agents and publishers that will champion her characters and totally love her stories.

Kate Evangelista (black dress) being interviewed by Mina Esguerra.

Of course, me and my blogger friends didn't get side tracked because of FOOD. We attacked the SIOMAI (dimsum) and iced tea like crazy because crazy people are crazy and I love being with these crazy people! A bookish event wouldn't be complete without them. So we snapped a ton of photos, exchanged bookish ideas and thoughts, ate a lot and after the signing, we've stayed in Starbucks Glorietta 4 and didn't notice it was late already!

The #PHYABookBloggers with JB of National Bookstore!

During the signing with Kate and Mina!

L-R: Algel from Tea-rrific Reads, Camelle from Home of a Book Lover, Dianne from Oops, I Read a Book Again,
Leslie from Bibliophile Kid, Kai from Amaterasu Reads, Kazhy from My Library in the Making,
Kate from The Bookaholic Blurbs, Jhed from When Books Defy Gravity and Kate Evangelista
(thanks to Jhed for the photo)

YOU DID IT AGAIN, NATIONAL BOOKSTORE!

Thank you so so much for hosting another fun event and thank you also to Kate Evangelista for sharing this memorable day in her life with us! Congratulations on the book launch and

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU, GIRL!

Don't forget to check these recaps and photos out:

Kate Evangelista's

Kai's + FB pictures

Kazhy's

Jhed's FB photos

My photos

REVIEW: VAMPIRE ACADEMY BY RICHELLE MEAD.

Title: Vampire Academy
Author: Richelle Mead
Edition: Paperback
Published: August 16, 2007
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 332
Source: Gifted
Category: Romance, Paranormal
Trailer: Not applicable.

Amazon ▲ Book Depository ▲ Goodreads ▲ Barnes and Noble ▲ National Book Store ▲ Fullybooked

Synopsis:

St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

I have finally joined the Vampire Academy bandwagon! I was told a lot of times that I was missing so much because I haven't read this book for the longest time. When a boss from the US gifted me a copy, it still took me months to get started. I am so happy I finally finished it and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed Vampire Academy!

Rose is not only best friends with Lisa but also a guardian. Lisa is a Moroi royal and Rose as a Damphir is destined to be her protector. They are on the run for 2 years because Rose convinced Lisa to get out of the academy for her to be safe from Strigoi but unfortunately, Dimitri, another guardian, found them and brought them back. Rose and Lisa share a bond and Rose feels everything Lisa does. She can even be on Lisa's head if she needs to. When they got back, Lisa's being attacked by someone they have no clue who is and Rose is falling for Dimitri which is never going to work. Rose needs to decide now whether they have to break out of the academy again or stay and face a villain they didn't expect would hurt and use Lisa for her healing powers.

This is my first Mead book and I could say I loved her writing style. It is so straight forward and easy to the eyes. I immediately connected with the story and it wasn't hard at all to see things through the character's point of view. 15 pages in and the plot got me very much hooked. Mead has successfully converted this cliche Vampire plot to a one of a kind story. Vampire plotted movies and books have been around for quite a while and I could say that among those I've encountered, Mead's voice is definitely unique and enchanting. I loved how she's able to transform the story and incorporate the norm of this generation in such a way that you would ask for more history. That being said, I crave more of the character's origins, the academy's and even the vampires' (Moroi - royals; Damphirs - half human/vampire and guardian of the royals; Strigoi - evil vampires). It has just been a fresh breath of my favorite Paranormal Genre and I just honestly couldn't put it down.

To be honest, I was just really going to give it 4 stars because I found some loop holes and inconsistencies on the plot. However, imagining ROSE HATHAWAY's badassery totally kicked the rating up a notch. Well, I totally adored her over protectiveness, her loyalty and love for her friend Lisa. Their closeness is heart warming and even made deeper by their bond. At one point I even asked myself, "Is she gay?" (not that I have anything against it, wouldn't it be cool though if she was?). Her confidence is actually contagious and I loved the entirety of her personality: so strong yet so weak. Without her loved ones, she would totally be lost and she wouldn't let anyone see it, even her best friend. She's always the tough one. Totally opposite of Lisa who is the damsel in distress at the beginning. She might have learned to defend herself and act on her own, she still didn't win me over. I don't know, I am just not a fan of characters who needed saving. But this duo surely made an awesome friendship.

And finally, the most talked about male character grazed my heart and my ovaries: DIMITRI BELIKOV.. Oh wow. I actually need a tall drink of water! He's not only swoon-worthy but he's definitely a gentleman. His character was just phenomenally intriguing like WHO IS THIS GUY REALLY?? Aside from his physical yumminess, I believe his character is noble and kind and strong and loving and responsible.

But I am really, really interested in Christian, too. Seriously. He's just so mysterious.

Vampire Academy is definitely not the typical one we have seen around. Vampires are in it and not just SOME vampires but THE vampires. It is truly an amazing addition to the ever growing Paranormal genre and it is also a book you would barely put down. It balances dark and light, love and hate, family and friends, romance and responsibility in a way that one would really grasp which weighs more. An amazing kick-ass read that will make you swoon and and be amazed that such a story exist. I want more Vampire Academy blood.

Thank you Derek Plank for my VA copy!

"The only thing better than imagining Dimitri carrying me in his arms was imagining him shirtless while carrying me in his arms."

 "Love and loyalty runs deeper than blood."

REVIEW: PANIC BY LAUREN OLIVER.

Title: Panic
Author: Lauren Oliver
Edition: Paperback
Published: March 4, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 416
Source: ARC provided by the Publisher
Category: Romance, Contemporary
Trailer: Not applicable.

Amazon ▲ Book Depository ▲ Goodreads ▲ Barnes and Noble ▲ National Book Store ▲

Synopsis:

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.

I have mentioned it several times in the past that Delirium is one of the books that pushed me back to reading and started my love for Dystopian novels. I loved it to the moon and back. I was also totally floored by its sequel Pandemonium like Oliver knows perfectly how to make her readers ask for more. However, this series didn't end the way I expected it to. Disappointment rushed to me like a mother longing for her child after reading Requiem. It was devastating for me. So hearing that Oliver has written a new novel made me a little iffy about it.

When I read Panic's synopsis and saw its cover, the anticipation was high. I believed it would redeem my confidence in her writing. Basically, I was really hoping I would love it like how much I loved Delirium only to be disappointed again. It was totally different from Delirium yes, but it didn't make sense to me at all.

The story revolves around Heather and Dodge's point of views and it is about the dangerous game, Panic. They would win a certain amount of money by doing crazy and dangerous challenges and they don't have rules, they don't even know who are the judges. Because Heather and Dodge's needed huge money to start a different life other than being poor, they joined and persisted to win even if it includes cheating. And in between the game, there goes the complicated life struggles and heart issues.

Panic didn't make sense to me. What kind of game it is?? Why would you risk your life for something as ridiculous as this?? It wasn't even THAT of a dystopian setting. They were just poor. And why name it Panic when you can name it something else. I didn't see how it fits the story because the game isn't even worth panicking for. It makes you terrified. Plus, how would the players know they weren't being cheated on?? Is this some kind of a Hunger Games remake?? Too vague for my taste and senseless to be honest.

Aside from having under developed world building and plot, Panic resonates SO MUCH bitterness. I don't understand how the characters pour out emotion this negative. There's just too much regret and hate and unnecessary pain that the story would jump from one subplot to another. It was just all over the place. The characters were so immature that they tend to cling to hate and become selfish. These characters whine about almost everything and push revenge as lightly as a pancake. Jesus. My head hurts.

Heather?? She's just phenomenally stupid. Hands down stupid. She's emotionally unstable, selfish, jealous, insecure, unworthy of trust and ridiculously stupid. She joined the game because her boyfriend dumped her then as the story goes, she realizes she's in love with her best friend. Then when her best friend tells her he loves her, she pushes him away. Like what the hell is wrong with her?? She is definitely one of the protagonists I hate. I totally hate. And Dodge?? Another ridiculous character. He joined the game to get even with the guys responsible for his sister's accident. Like IT WAS A FREAKING ACCIDENT. ACCIDENT. I understand that he loves his sister so much that he would do whatever it takes to make life easy for her but why would he even get jealous when she's being happy with a suitor? OMG. Unbelievable, right?? Just unbelievable.

Panic has a lot of potential to be a good novel. Oliver's writing style has always been amazing but I believe Panic was just totally underdeveloped. The plot and world building's uniqueness emerge on every page but the sensibility FOR ME of the entire story is lacking. It is a little difficult to immediately breathe after being drowned with so much negativity and I wish that I was pulled out a bit sooner. I don't hate this book. I just didn't connect with it. I got completely lost and wouldn't want to be lost in it again.

Thank you ever so much Sarah and Megan of HarperCollins for the ARC!!

"She didn't think. She just leaned in and closed her eyes and kissed him.

It was like taking a bite of ice cream that's been sitting out just long enough: sweet, easy, perfect.... [She] felt little bursts of happiness in her chest, as though someone had set off sparklers there.

Then, abruptly, he pulled away. "Wait."

And instantly, the sparklers in her chest were extinguished, leaving only a smoking black place. Just one word and she knew: SHE'D MADE A MISTAKE."

"[She] felt like she could cry. His clown-hair; his faded Rangers T-shirt and sweatpants spotted with paint; his smell. She had thought it was hers -- she'd thought he was hers -- but all this time he'd been growing up and hooking up and having secret crushes and BECOMING SOMEONE SHE DIDN'T KNOW."

"..when you love someone, when you care for someone, you have to do it through the good and the bad. Not just when you're happy and it's easy.."

REVIEW: OBSIDIAN BY JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT

Title: Obsidian (Lux #1)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Edition: Paperback
Published: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pages: 335
Source: Bought from Fullybooked Fort
Category: Romance, Paranormal
Trailer:not applicable.

Amazon ▲ Book Depository ▲ Goodreads ▲ Barnes and Noble ▲ Fullybooked

Synopsis:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

Obsidian gave me a roller coaster ride!

Jennifer L. Armentrout's books were recommended to me by my pretty Lady friend, Louisse. She loved all JLA's books and couldn't stop fangirling about them. So a few months back, I bought JLA's Covenant and Lux series. I trust Louisse's taste and so far, I have never been disappointed.

Moving out of her comfort zone after her father died, Katy is devastated. She left her friends and her own little world to start a new life with her mother. She is busy book blogging and feels so much at home with her books but her mother is pressuring her to go out and make some friends. Her mother actually spotted a hottie next door and suggested Katy to be friends with him. Katy tries to talk to the guy but she's stunned by Daemon's inhuman hotness and coldness towards her. She hated him but she is also intrigued. Dee, Daemon's sister, tries to be her friend but Daemon's preventing them to be close. He came too strong for her but deep inside, she wants to be close to him too. Until the moment Dee instructed Daemon to be nice to Katy to earn bonus points so he does try to ask her out. Everything changes when he saves her from being attacked by a bear and crushed by a truck. She knew then that he is NOT human. And he isn't. And the love and hate relationship between the two of them started. Because Katy is hating and loving an alien.

JLA's books are a bit pricey especially here in our country but as soon as I FELT Obsidian's cover, (it felt nice, its got this weird texture and shimmer) I knew it was something worth the price and a story I would enjoy. The cover design isn't too attractive but the power of social media's influence really works. If it wasn't for the hundreds or even thousands of fans going gaga over this series, I wouldn't have picked it up. So thank you social media for making me a fan of this ridiculously HOT series. And good thing am a little bit familiar with JLA's writing style because of her Covenant series which I totally adore so looking forward to finally reading this made me giggle -- because her writing style rocks!

I also have this love/hate relationship with Obsidian. It might just be me but honestly, I felt like I've read this before. Am not a hundred percent sure if this is a fan fiction but it sounds like Twilight. I've tried so hard NOT to compare but the scenes and how the novel progress really are familiar to me. I can't blame myself because of the fact that I have read Twilight over 50 times and seen the movie over 25 times so I know when something is similar to it. That alone dropped a star on my rating. However, the way Jennifer L. Armentrout wrote this story KILLED IT! There were moments I wanted to stab this book with a machete and there were times I just wanted to pull the characters out and hug them. The frustration and enjoyment this book brought were just absolutely crazy. And I couldn't stress that enough.

Okay. Honestly? Katy frustrated me. SO MUCH. Like how she's easily weakened by merely looking at Daemon! I find that extremely ridiculous. She's so stubborn that thankfully, she's being one at the right place and time. But I don't really want to talk about Katy. Let us talk about DAEMON BLACK. Oh Daemon Black. Daeeeemon Blacckkkkkk. HE'S A ALIEN GOD. OMG. He's so hot and good looking and bad ass and.. romantic! My kind of guy. I totally adored the way he teases and pushes Katy away to protect his sister and I totally shrieked when he started to show up at Katy's door. Like, he's so sweet and bad altogether! His effort in winning and pushing her away won my heart over and over again that I fell in love with him in the process. BECAUSE I WANT A GUY LIKE THAT. HAHA! And his eyes? OMG! It says everything and it melts my soul!

Obsidian is not just a pretty cover, it is a beauty inside out. This paranormal story targets the right places using the right emotions all at the right time. It is as if I am back in high school and remembering the first time I fell in love. I loved this story. I LOVE DAEMON! Truly, this book is worth every single penny I spent and I cannot wait to devour the entire series in the next couple of weeks! Amazing, heart-wrenching, ovary-exploding and soul-melting paranormal kickass story that I would add to my favorites list!

"I was reluctant to leave, not because the water would be cold, but because I knew -- I knew -- that this little piece of the world we created, where we weren't arguing or hating one another, WOULDN'T LAST."

"I stared at him, bewildered by the fact that he'd put everything in line and seemed to have no idea why. That was crazy to me. Absurd. Admittedly, it was unnerving, because it could mean many things.

Things I didn't care acknowledge."

"[His] stare was so concentrated I took an unintentional step back but we didn't break eye contact. A craving unfurled deep in my stomach, shooting through me like heated lightning and that -- that was the kind of feeling you couldn't force, couldn't even replicate if you wanted."

"He lifted his head, startled. And I was just as surprised. Our mouths were nearly touching. His breath was warm and sweet. Intoxicating. His gaze dropped to my lips and my heart started doing all kinds of crazy stuff in my chest."

"He was a complete mystery to me. Every action was in contradiction of another action. I could feel his eyes on me and it was hard to ignore that. Just as hard as it was to ignore whatever it was between us."

MARCH 2014 RELEASES.

Woah. Time really do fly so fast! Couldn't comprehend how it's March already! Am still making my way slowly to the blogging world and it is a little bit difficult. I have a ton of review books (both in print and eARCs) but am not stressing so much. But these are the books am highly anticipating!

*Info are all from Goodreads so release dates might change*

March 04 - The Nightmare Dilemma (The Arkwell Academy #2) by Mindee Arnett
March 04 - Panic by Lauren Oliver
March 04 - The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy #1) by Marie Rutkoski

March 11 - Resistance (Replica Trilogy #2) by Jenna Black
March 13 - The Assassin's Blade: The Throne of Glass Novellas by Sarah J. Maas
March 18 - Elusion by Claudia Gabel, Cheryl Klam

I am super excited to get my copy of The Assassin's Blade!! I asked my local book store to reserve me a copy! Yay! Also, I have read Panic and disliked it. So, what titles are you most excited about? Link me up!