BOOK OF THE MONTH FOR JUNE 2016.

Where I put the best book/s I read in spotlight! You know, the books I swooned over for and I loved to death so much!

I only read TWO out of six from my TBR this month (I know) because life happened again but I loved both of what I read. This month I was able to read my first 8-star book and I couldn't be any happier. Guys, this book is EVERYTHING. I mean, if you love Rainbow Rowell's romance and Robyn Schneider's heartache, this is the perfect book for you. I loved it to Andromeda Galaxy and back!

This month's Book of the Month is

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

by Jennifer Castle

"Rainbow Rowell meets Robyn Schneider, What Happens Now is a story full of wonderfuls. A truly unforgettable story of two broken souls molded to piece their parts together. Its heart-warming romance is crunched by depression, toughened by distance but blossomed with time. What Happens Now is truly an outstanding novel I highly recommend!" - The Bookaholic Blurbs

I cannot wait to get back to devouring books next month! What is your fave read for June?

A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE READS (02)

Here I am again dreading to write my reviews for this post but I think I will be at peace with myself soon enough. It is absolutely hard to DNF books much more write reviews about them but someone's gotta do it. I am absolutely surprised with the books I could not finish for different reasons.

▴ Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2) by Sara Raasch ▴

Just too slow for me. I reached 40% on my eARC but just couldn't go on any further. Will try again once I get my hardbounds.

Thank you HarperCollins International for the eARC!

▴ The Mirror King (The Orphan Queen #2) by Jodi Meadows ▴

Maybe because I was disheartened by how Jodi unfollowed me on Twitter after being with her even before Incarnate came out. Even if I loved The Orphan Queen so much, I can't right now after 127 pages in. Maybe in the future.

Thank you Amaterasu Reads for the ARC!

▴ If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin ▴

After all the trouble I experienced just to get this book, here I freaking am, DNF-ing it. I started reading thing at the peak of my reading slump but I will definitely finish it. I am halfway through anyway.

▴ Three Dark Crowns (Untitled #1) by Kendare Blake ▴

12% in and I stopped. I wasn't in the mood to continue. I will pick it up again maybe when I my finished copy.

Thank you HarperCollins International for the eARC!

▴ The Star-Touched Queen (The Star-Touched Queen #1) by Roshani Chokshi ▴

My blurb from my full review: "The Star-Touched Queen didn't capture my taste at all. I wish there was more to it than just fancy wordings. I would have loved the concept it if was kept simple but striking." Gave this one 2 stars.

Thank you so much St. Martin's Griffin for the electronic ARC!

▴ Morning Star (Red Rising #3) by Pierce Brown ▴

Okay, do not panic. I LOVE THIS SO MUCH but I just don't have time yet to finish it. It is very hard for me to read from my Kindle app so pardon me. I will by the finished copy soon!

Thank you so much Random House for the electronic ARC!

REVIEW: WHAT HAPPENS NOW BY JENNIFER CASTLE.

Title: What Happens Now
Author: Jennifer Castle
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: June 7th 2016 by HarperTeen
Source: ARC provided by the publisher
Pages: 384
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Mental Illness

Synopsis:
"I know what it is to want something so badly, you feel like your cells aren’t properly bonded together without it.
I also know what it’s like to get that something.
And honestly, I’m still not sure which is worse..."

Ari Logan is battling to win her war against depression and the dark night she hurt herself on purpose. It’s not easy: her best friend is drifting away, her mom’s emotionally checked out, and she spends her days playing caregiver to her handful of a half-sister, Danielle. But it’s summer, and anything is possible...

That’s when Camden Armstrong steps onto the beach of Ari’s local swimming lake.

At first, Ari quietly longs for Camden from afar, seeing in him everything she wants to be. When the two discover a true connection the following summer, Ari lets herself fall not just for the quirky and self-assured Camden but also his friends, tumbling into their world of independence, adventure, and shared sci-fi fandom. As Ari’s romantic dreams come true, she must unlock the mysteries of the very real and troubled boy behind her infatuation, while also struggling with her own demons, obligations, and loyalties.

From the award-winning author of "The Beginning of After" and "You Look Different in Real Life," "What Happens Now" is a touching, insightful novel about learning to heal, learning to love, and what happens when fantasy becomes reality.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:

Amazon ▴ Barnes and Noble ▴ Book Depository

I'm having one of those rare moments where I find myself staggering after reading a book. I've just been officially out of that disgusting reading slump yet I cannot seem to start reading another one after What Happens Now. But at least, book hungover is better than reading slump so I'd take it as a good bookish omen.

Honestly, I was skeptical *again* about What Happens Now because I was quite underwhelmed by The Beginning of After. As always, I didn't have the slightest clue as to what this book is about so I am absolutely surprised with what I read and I am truly pleased that it swept me off my feet.

What Happens Now is a love at first sight trope. Hold your horses right there. Indeed, it was that instant -- for Ari. However, the romance developed over how many summers and I find it quite enjoyable that the author explored it from there. You get to reminisce about a lot of the norms in your high school life - curfew, chores, baby sitting, school gossip but the bests are - friendship, family and your first love and heartache. If you look at it, What Happens Now is legitimately one of those cliche tropes in YA (and probably in your life) but with such good aim to parts of you that would hurt and produce tears. This story delves into depression in a way where healing is successful and that even though most things are uncontrollable, there's always hope and support everywhere.

Ari is composed of pieces of us woven into an amazing character as a whole. Yes, she's vulnerable, naive at times but submissive and responsible. We got a tough lady right here. One aspect I loved about her is her ability to know when to strike and her endless respect for her overprotective (most of the time ridiculous) mother. Her depression was something that just came out of nowhere but she's one of those people who just wants to 'release the pressure'. I relate to that a hundred times over because not everyone with depression just wants to check out but instead, to find an outlet. This is also the first time I've met a character who thinks this way. I am like, I found my people. The way she squares up with everyone who are fond of double standards will make you really reassess (kudos!). She's such a loving person that reading people and giving them what is expected of her came natural. I can see how Camden couldn't resist falling for her anymore.

Camden isn't perfect and that what makes his character likable. There were moments he's unlikely to man up which is infuriating but you'll eventually get the whys of his actions. His love for his friends is the kind we've all felt towards ours and I can't help but admire him page after page. Aside from he's attractive and swoony, his values and sense of respect just floods my heart with admiration. AND THE COSPLAYS!!! This part I enjoyed so so much because as a Gundam Builder and ToyCon attendee, this is a huge part of my world now and reading the experience from another point of view is so surreal! I'm so glad both Ari and Camden found a group who provided them with sense of belonging they've always needed.

Rainbow Rowell meets Robyn Schneider, What Happens Now is a story full of wonderfuls. A truly unforgettable story of two broken souls molded to piece their parts together. Its heart-warming romance is crunched by depression, toughened by distance but blossomed with time. What Happens Now is truly an outstanding novel I highly recommend!

What Happens Now that this story is over?

Thank you so much HarperCollins International for the galley!

"What was happy anyway? A dumb-sounding word, if you really broke it down. Happy was something you didn't think to much about because if you did, you knew you weren't." p14

"What was I afraid of? Anything that might tip me off balance and make me fall back into that place I knew was still there, waiting beneath all my newly glossed-over, smoothed-out surfaces." p17

"It's easy to make bad decisions when you're distracted by what's different and exciting." p243

STACKING THE SHELVES (80): THE BOOKOUTLET HAUL EDITION P1.

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.

This is the first successful order I had from BookOutlet. Guys, it's a savings serial killer! Books are cheap there and when I say cheap, like, seventy to ninety something percent cheap! And as you know this person right here *points to me* is a hardbound fan, BO is the best place to be. The first time I ordered was on a sale period so I ordered a bunch of books. Well, I hoarded books. Thanks to Eunice of Nerdy Talks for teaching me how to order from there.

My first failed attempt was last year, I think? Then tried again this March, I settled the shipping payment April and got my very first BookOutlet package just after a little over a month! I was screaming, shaking and flailing like crazy when I got it! It was the best feeling ever!

So how did I order? I just created BookOutlet and LBC Shipping Cart accounts. Shipping Cart will then provide you a US address (their warehouse's) and that's what you'd use as your shipping address on BO. You need to have a valid credit card and just setup your billing address then viola! WELCOME TO THE BLACK HOLE THAT IS BOOKOUTLET! Oh, for cheaper shipping costs from US to PH, use Sea Cargo. And try to ship as much books as you can so the shipping price from LBC can be maximized. It might take a while but IT IS OH SO FUCKING WORTH IT!!

The total costs of all my orders are beyond my allotted book budget for the entire year but if you think about it and start calculating it against the SRP of each book, guys, I saved half of the total. So you go now, you do the math.

And here's the first batch of books I ordered. Brace for impact because a few more are on their way! (I'll post Part 2 of this next week.)

BOUGHT: (All from BookOutlet)
🔼 P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2) by Jenny Han
🔼 Vortex (Tempest #2) by Julie Cross
🔼 The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy #2) by Marie Rutkoski
🔼 We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach
🔼 I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
🔼 Golden Son (Red Rising #2) by Pierce Brown
🔼 Sempre (Sempre #1) by J.M. Darhower
🔼 Sempre: Redemption (Sempre #2) by J.M. Darhower

Thank you again, Eunice, Book Outlet and Shipping Cart! What did you get this week, guys?

REVIEW: WE WERE NEVER HERE BY JENNIFER GILMORE.

Title: We Were Never Here
Author: Jennifer Gilmore
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: June 14th 2016 by HarperTeen
Source: ARC provided by the publisher
Pages: 320
Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:
n this exquisitely written, emotionally charged young adult debut, Jennifer Gilmore explores the bond that is formed between a hospitalized girl and the secretly troubled boy she falls in love with.

Did you know your entire life can change in an instant?

For sixteen-year-old Lizzie Stoller that moment is when she collapses, out of the blue. The next thing she knows she’s in a hospital with an illness she’s never heard of.

But that isn’t the only life-changing moment for Lizzie. The other is when Connor and his dog, Verlaine, walk into her hospital room. Lizzie has never connected with anyone the way she does with the handsome, teenage volunteer. However, the more time she spends with him, and the deeper in love she falls, the more she realizes that Connor has secrets and a deep pain of his own . . . and that while being with him has the power to make Lizzie forget about her illness, being with her might tear Connor apart.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:

Amazon ▴ Barnes and Noble ▴ Book Depository

We Were Never Here is one book that is quite simple yet extraordinary. It has a simple writing style so you could easily fly through it. The conversations are put together neatly and despite that simplicity, there's this lyrical tone to each voice that you will notice as you go deeper. It's simple in presentation like the gorgeous cover and simple in a way the entirety of the story is told. It felt refreshing to read such book.

Some parts of the book gave me extraordinary experience. Lizzie expressed her emotions in different levels because one minute she's just one normal teenager with insecurities and then another moment, she's this matured person who just doesn't give a fuck about those shallow things anymore. Ileostomy is difficult to undergo to and even though there are moments Lizzie felt so ashamed of herself, she pulled through. Gilmore also gave us a chance to be with the characters and their support system side by side, it's like, the symmetry between the brokenness, illness plus the support system just lets us know things will always get better. Even if it doesn't yet, it sure will. Lizzie is just so loved and I truly appreciated the fact that she extended it to Connor (who basically is broken from the inside).

Lizzie meeting Connor and Verleine in the hospital is also another extraordinary chance. It isn't every day you get to stumble upon a book so unique you hug it. It was definitely insta-love but I guess this type happens and forgivable. Like, two broken people giving each other hope and strength? Yeah, I can understand that. I can also understand why this book can be disliked, this is another kind of hit and miss to the readers. It wasn't as compelling as you hoped it would but I liked it because if you think about it, really think about it, this book is enough. The characters didn't need to be written in such complex way and I believe this is what the story needed. And this story ended in a fucking cliffhanger which left me gazillion questions. I may never get the closure I need but I loved loved loved it because Gilmore made me hope for the better - Connor, don't fucking slip up anymore.

We Were Never Here is the perfect break from all the soul-wrecking and mind-blowing genres we are surrounded by lately. It warms your cheeks and leaves pinches to the heart. What a truly really enjoyable read.

Thank you so much HarperCollins International for the review copy!

"Sometimes you stop seeing what the person is to the world. You only see what the person is to you."

"You think the worst is behind you, but it's never behind you. In fact, saying something is the worst does not leave room for all the bad stuff that can follow it. You say the pain is nine, but you mean ten. You leave room."

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY (55): IT ENDS WITH US BY COLLEEN HOOVER.

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

Expected Publication Date: August 2nd 2016
Publisher: Atria Books
Add to Goodreads

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up. She graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant and has a total soft spot for Lily; and the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head, but Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his no dating rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan, her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

With this bold and deeply personal novel Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. Combining a captivating romance with a cast of all too human characters, “It Ends with Us” is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.

The last book I read from Colleen Hoover was a total let down (check it out here) and I couldn't wait to read It Ends With Us hoping that she'd twist my innards again. I miss here predictable yet unpredictable (you know what I mean, Hoover fans) plots and I want to erase the last ugh one I read with a great standalone. Please, Hoover, surprise me with this. Also, the cover and color combo whisper to me.

What title/s did you pick this week?

STACKING THE SHELVES (79): THE BOOK SALE STORE HAUL 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.

There's a small Book Sale Store near where I work and I pass it everyday going home. I frequently visit but don't really buy anything since their YA books are so SO limited. However, a few weeks ago for two consecutive days, I was able to snag some titles from there. Pretty much pre-loved but still in crisp condition. Talk about being lucky! I also bought one pre-loved book from my dear friend, Kai of Amaterasu Reads.

After I've watched X-MEN: Apocalypse, I tried to buy Magneto Funko but it took I think a week before I spotted it in Greenbelt. And the Sailormoon funkos were pre-ordered, I just got them Thursday night.

I am in love with this photo. Three things I love in one shot: Toys (Funkos), Books and Photography. My cheeks hurt from smiling too much!

BOUGHT: (From Book Sale Store)
🔼 The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3) by Rick Riordan
🔼 Doon (Doon #1) by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon
🔼 Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas

BOUGHT: (From Amaterasu Reads)
🔼 Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

FUNKOS:
🔼 Magneto Funko from StokedInc, Greenbelt
🔼 Sailor Moon Mercury Funko from Hobbiestock, Glorietta
🔼 Sailor Moon with Luna Funko from Hobiestock, Glorietta

What did you get this week?

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY (54): HEARTLESS BY MARISSA MEYER.

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

Expected Publication Date:November 8th 2016
Publisher:Feiwel and Friends
Add to Goodreads

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

I read Queen of Hearts a few weeks ago and totally enjoyed it. I easily fall in love with the antagonists and their past (HAVE YOU HEARD OF WARNER AND THE DARKLING?). Reading more about it is something that intrigues me. These novels I find compelling, you know, how deep the root of the evil seeped into the cold hearts of the anti-heroes, how sick their minds are and how like brutal and torturous they could be - because people made them that way! Anyway, Marissa Meyer is kind of hailed as the Queen of Retellings so I would really like to see how she owned this. Also, look at that cover!

What title/s did you pick this week?

STACKING THE SHELVES (78): THE GLORIOUS ACOMAF 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.

May 6, 2016 when I held this beast in my arms. I mean, I am crazy over Sarah J Maas, but ACOTAR just didn't satisfy the intensity Throne of Glass set. So I bought ACOTAR a year after the release. Now, looking at this beast, I am kind of regretting now buying the ACOTAR first ed. It is the only book in my SJM collection that isn't first ed. You know, OCD-ing is hard. But anyway, I still haven't read this but I soon will after all the review copies lined up this month.

Isn't she pretty?

🔼 A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2) by Sarah J. Maas 🔼

Thank you so much, Fullybooked Fort! I missed you!

MEETING THE AUTHOR: JENNIFER NIVEN.

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

I read All the Bright Places January of last year and I loved it, I loved Finch so much. If I can only grab him from the book and hug him, I would. I started following Jennifer Niven on Twitter and guys, she's just the sweetest because not only she follows back, she also talks to her readers and even turns to be a friend. She's the sweetest. All you could see on her timeline are hearts and hearts and hearts.

Meeting her last weekend was one bucket list I could tick off. She's so pretty in person, soft-spoken (I feel like she never gets mad), very sincere and my goodness, the kindness in her just exploded in the room. She's the kind of person you want to keep in your life. I mean, I instantly want to become a better version of me because of her. Her influence didn't just end in her books but you can literally feel it when you are in the same room with her.

Her love for her fans online is just the same love she has for them in person. I am so happy I loved All the Bright Places because it would be so hard not to like this person. I wasn't surprised with the number of her following because if you know her in real life first before reading her book or read her book first before meeting her, you'd still adore her. She is legit one of the nicest authors I have ever met and I am so proud that I get to talk to her on Twitter and that of course, I HUGGED HER IN PERSON. I am totes babbling.

I was so lucky to be given a chance to meet her up close. I didn't ask her any questions for the Q and A but I did tell her a few important things, in my opinion. I thanked her for being so loving, sweet and caring to her readers and that it means the world to me that she's so appreciative and giving. I kept going back to her to sign my extra things and then she gave me a little signed ATBP sticky pad. It was also humbling that she asked all of us to sign her book. That's how special she made me feel in a span of ten minutes. Everything that she said sure did pinch my heart.

Before you watch her message to her Filipino fans, go grab some tissues please because GUYS, JUST~~~

"You are all the colors in one, at full brightness." - Finch

Thank you so much to National Bookstore for this opportunity and Jen, you made me lovely!