REVIEW: IT ENDS WITH US BY COLLEEN HOOVER.

Title: It Ends with Us
Author: Colleen Hoover
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: August 2nd 2016 by Atria Books
Source: Bought from Fullybooked
Pages: 384
Genre: Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
Sometimes it is the one who loves you who hurts you the most.

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, 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.

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Yeah, Colleen Hoover was born to just continously break my heart and rip my soul. (I can't really dissect this book for my review because my feels are messy and I can't get Ellen Degeneres out of my head)

It Ends With Us is another Hoover book that again, took me by surprise. Well, I know that it would surprise me but I just didn't know how, if that makes sense. It was so moving I felt my bones quiver. I haven't read something like this before (really, am serious) and I was absolutely touched and empowered by what Colleen experienced and wrote.

The majority of feels I felt all thoughout is sadness. Yes, I did hurt for the characters but the sadness took over my emotions. Aside from this entire thing is based on CoHo's experience, there are others out there who suffers from domestic violence. Not just women but men as well. It saddens me because no one deserves to be treated this way and that lives take such a different turn if this terrible thing is witnessed from a young age. I can't understand it, I don't want to and I will never be able to. But one this It Ends With Us made me grasp is why people stay in destructive relationships such as this. It never justified the why but it made me see it from a point of view that I can understand.

I kind of expected that this story is going to have a happy ending. I wish all the time that CoHo's book would have a much realistic ending but this one is an exemption. The ending is just hopeful if perfect and I adore our women in this story for empowering others and by standing up to their choices.

It Ends With Us is such a moving story. Gripping and taunting, this novel will surely render you emotionally disabled, maybe for the rest of your reading life.

"There is no such thing as bad people. We're all just people who sometimes do bad things"

"All humans make mistakes. What determines a person's character aren't the mistakes we make. It's how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses."

"Life is a funny thing. We only get so many years to live it, so we have to do everything we can to make sure those years are as full as they can be. We shouldn't waste time on things that might happen someday, or maybe even never."

"Just because someone hurts you doesn't mean you can simply stop loving them. It's not a person's actions that hurt the most. It's the love. If there was no love attached to the action, the pain would be a little easier to bear."

REVIEW: ME BEFORE YOU BY JOJO MOYES.

Title: Me Before You
Author: Jojo Moyes
Series: Me Before You #1
Edition: Paperback
Publication: December 31st 2012 by Pamela Dorman Books/Viking
Source: Bought from National Bookstore MOA
Pages: 369
Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Synopsis:

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

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ISBN: 9780670026609

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Took a while for me to get a hold of my own copy of Me Before You because it was practically sold out locally. I couldn't watch the trailer (SAM CLAFLIN!!!!!!) because I want to read the book first. Well, I've been meaning to really read this one but I thought that it was too expensive for a paperback so I just kept stalling and stalling. But this issue was fixed two nights ago when I finished reading Me Before You.

Lovely people from social media only said one thing about this book that I know nothing about: THIS IS A TEARJERKER STORY. I am all ready for tears to leave my eyes any time and all yes to books that require tissues but to be honest, this one didn't make me bawl as much as I expected I would. Though there were scenes on the book that made my throat constrict, my jaw twitch, my eyes slightly damp and my heart ache so freaking much, but no hard core bawling happened. Sorry, guys. I am absolutely sorry. Maybe because I expected too much and I kept waiting and waiting for the things that people said would make me cry but up until the last forty pages, there were still no tsunami tears.

I loved Me Before You in three different aspects:
a) Unique plot
b) Louissa's character development
c) Will's determination

a) You probably know why, right? I don't normally encounter Quadriplegia in books so having Me Before You as my first is quite invigorating. It made me more sensitive when it comes to quadriplegic needs. Like. now? when I walk, I check if there are ramps available or where would they cross if there aren't and all that. I've also become much aware of what a quadriplegic goes through. I mean, I may not understand hundred percent, but this book exposed me to a much larger scale of sensitivity when it comes to disability.

b) I felt like I grew up with Lou. I felt like I was there beside her the entire time that I legit felt how she's feeling. I saw bits and pieces of myself in her and I just adored how kind she is even if people are mean to her. She wasn't afraid to say what she feels. Her development was slow just as what the story needed! There were times she has to be told what to do which irked me but she did well at the end. I love how simple she in as a person but bold with fashion.

c) Okay. Will was a little unlikable. I tried to and I did a little at the end. Even though he was rude all the time, I was able to fully understand his attitude. I saw how much he is hurting (physically, emotionally, mentally) and all of his decisions are fair in my opinion. It was his body, life and take after all. That no matter how hard people convince him to fight, his situation is just so unbearable. I wish I had known him before the accident and seen how big his life was before the wheelchair. I was so sorry for him and for people who've met such terrible accident. I mean, I wouldn't know what I'd do if I were him. I just cannot. His determination though was incredible and that determination is full of love, understanding and compassion. *okay my eyes are watering* There was just this miserable feeling in my heart that made me totally understand what he had done. I do not condone it, but I understand. And what he did for Lou? *am drying my eyes okay*

Me Before You is truly a heart-wrenching novel. Combined with wit, the pain that bled through each page is worth so much more than I could handle. An inspiring read that would surely gut your feels.

"Some mistakes... Just have greater consequences than others. But you don't have to let the result of one mistake be the thing that defines you. You, Clark, have the choice not to let that happen."

"I will never, ever regret the things I've done. Because most days, all you have are places in your memory that you can go to."

"Live boldly. Push yourself. Don't settle. Just live well. Just live."

"Sometimes , Clark, you are pretty much the only thing that makes me want to get up in the morning."

"You're going to feel uncomfortable in your new world for a bit. It always does feel strange to be knocked out of your comfort zone."

REVIEW: GOLDEN SON BY PIERCE BROWN.

Title: Golden Son
Author: Pierce Brown
Series: Red Rising #2
Edition: Kindle
Publication:  January 6, 2015 by Del Rey (Random House)
Source: eARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Pages: 400
Genre: Dystopia, Sci-Fi

Synopsis:

With shades of The Hunger Games, Ender’s Game, and Game of Thrones, debut author Pierce Brown’s genre-defying epic Red Rising hit the ground running and wasted no time becoming a sensation.

Golden Son continues the stunning saga of Darrow, a rebel forged by tragedy, battling to lead his oppressed people to freedom from the overlords of a brutal elitist future built on lies. Now fully embedded among the Gold ruling class, Darrow continues his work to bring down Society from within.

A life-or-death tale of vengeance with an unforgettable hero at its heart, Golden Son guarantees Pierce Brown’s continuing status as one of fiction’s most exciting new voices.

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Oh, boy. This is going to be a long one.

If you loved Red Rising and can think of a word better than love, then that's what I feel for Golden Son. Afraid it may fall under the Middle Book Syndrome? As early as now, listen to me. It is not even close to any syndrome known to middle books because when it comes to this series, Golden Son is waaaaaaaaaaay even better than the first. It surpassed whatever standards Red Rising set. You know, with flying colors.

Golden Son took off years after Darrow succeeded in the Institute. Left in the dark by the Sons, he has to find a way to make the cause work on his own. Together with his Peerless Scarred friends, he stretches all of what's left of him to pursue what Eo wanted him to do -- break the chains and live for more. In his saga to conspiring civil war against Octavia, betrayal and loss await him. He has to brave what lies ahead, whatever the cost maybe. One thing which conflicts him though, some Golds are more than their color.

I read Golden Son slowly. Like, I was torturing myself in the slowest way possible. I need to take breaks every chapter to tweet, breathe, pull my hair and be prepared for what the next page will bring. It makes breathing so hard and I mean this literally. Like, every page makes me dread for all of the characters I fell in love with because Golden Son was surely full of unwavering surprises. Surprises beyond what one could have anticipated. I took my time (and when I say time, it means weeks) because savoring each fantastically crafted scenes would just leave you breathless. I hyperventilated, palpitated and didn't sleep because aside from this book is unputdownable, the suspense, gore and politics are amazingly plotted and well-executed.

Golden Son wasn't what I expected it to be. Golden Son, with all the innards flying across the battle field, skyrocketed my expectations. It is true that I loved Pierce Brown even before I read Red Rising but this book made me love him harder. Not only that, the respect I have for him rooted deeper. His work, this work, this is a masterpiece. Nothing to compare it to. Absolutely shocking, stunning, breaking. Brown owned it as if there isn't any book written under the genre. His voice, style, personality and love for his work all showed in the story. Here I get to appreciate the dedication and passion Brown has for his craft. Written magnificently, Golden Son is one book to look forward to.. one book worth bragging about.. a book worth sharing to the world.

Brown honed his writing thoroughly. I was annoyed by how much "bloodydamns" I've seen on Red Rising but here, I understood its importance. The sequence of events, despite the time set in between, is utterly seamless. Character development, I kid you not, justifies the different personalities, motives and approach. Brown made sure that his characters developed fully to portray each roles with such intensity and perfection.

Darrow embraced the life of a Gold in such humbling way. Despite the ups and downs in his life, the power in his hands, he's not afraid to show vulnerability. He still gets scared and the pain he endures every time a life is lost, makes him a great protagonist. His ability to be a warrior and his strategic planet-invasion planning aren't only his strength, but he draws it from his friends. He knows when to be a smartass and when to be emotional. In the middle of betrayal and loss, the heart of the Golden Son shone brighter, felt tender, loved deeper. It was unbelievable that such mighty and god-like characters like Darrow, Augustus and Sevro (I love you, Sevro) could still have raw emotions.

The curves of the story almost drove me mad. With exhilarating anticipation for the twists to unfold, I was left paralyzed. Nothing could have warned me enough on what state my heart would be at. I was crushed, devastated, shattered over and over yet each pain made me fall in love deeper. I was brutally damaged after Golden Son. I will never be the same, ever again. Ever.

Intoxicating and nerve-wracking, Golden Son brings full blast of action and suspense that will leave you grasping for air. With a remarkable plot and shocking ending, Book 3 couldn't be here fast enough. It holds love, loss and vengeance in its center that if this incredibly phenomenal sequel will not break you, I don't know what else will.

Thank you Random House and Netgalley for the eARC!

"It's not victory that makes a man, It's his defeats."

 "What scraps you have been given by your betters, cherish. What favor you curried, remember."

"Everyone's honest till they're caught in a lie."

"We're all just wounded souls stumbling about in the dark, desperately trying to stitch ourselves together, hoping to fill the holes they ripped in us."

""Feels good. That's how I know it's right, Reap. Despite all this shit. It feels good in here." He taps his thin chest. "It feels... how do you say.. bloodydamn good.""

"My name has nothing to do with who I am."

"One word shatters a thousand lies."

REVIEW: THE QUEEN OF THE TEARLING BY ERIKA JOHANSEN.

Title: The Queen of the Tearling
Author: Erika Johansen
Edition: Paperback
Published: July 8, 2014
Publisher: Harper
Pages: 448
Source: eARC provided by the publisher; Print ARC borrowed from Chyna of Lite-Rate-ture
Category: High Fantasy
Trailer: not available.

Synopsis:

On her nineteenth birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, raised in exile, sets out on a perilous journey back to the castle of her birth to ascend her rightful throne. Plain and serious, a girl who loves books and learning, Kelsea bears little resemblance to her mother, the vain and frivolous Queen Elyssa. But though she may be inexperienced and sheltered, Kelsea is not defenseless: Around her neck hangs the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them all to survive a cabal of enemies who will use every weapon—from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic—to prevent her from wearing the crown.

Despite her royal blood, Kelsea feels like nothing so much as an insecure girl, a child called upon to lead a people and a kingdom about which she knows almost nothing. But what she discovers in the capital will change everything, confronting her with horrors she never imagined. An act of singular daring will throw Kelsea’s kingdom into tumult, unleashing the vengeance of the tyrannical ruler of neighboring Mortmesne: the Red Queen, a sorceress possessed of the darkest magic. Now Kelsea will begin to discover whom among the servants, aristocracy, and her own guard she can trust.

But the quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun—a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend…if she can survive.

The Queen of the Tearling introduces readers to a world as fully imagined and terrifying as that of The Hunger Games, with characters as vivid and intriguing as those of The Game of Thrones, and a wholly original heroine. Combining thrilling action and twisting plot turns, it is a magnificent debut from the talented Erika Johansen.

Lady Kelsea grew up with her foster parents in a secluded forest. On her 19th birthday, she was fetched by the Queen's Guard so she could start ruling her kingdom. Her mother, Queen Elyssa, died and she has no idea who her father is. With the help of Mace and the Queen's Guard, she tries to fix her kingdom that was ruled and left rotting by her uncle for more than a decade. She rescues her people from being shipped to Mortmesne. Her mother signed a Mort Treaty in order for the Red Queen to not invade Tearling. When Kelsea sat as the Queen, her jewels guide her magically in seeing what dangers are happening in her kingdom. She also met the Fetch. A mysterious man who saved her life once. She is now faced with so many controversies and secrets and she has to be strong and wise in trusting. Her life is in so much danger as well as her kingdom. She has no idea who she is up against. The Red Queen is a mystery as well as her past.

The Queen of the Tearling is a very unique novel. From what I understand, it is set in a world where Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings exist. What I found a little inconsistent is the era reference. How can a world with such renowned books exist but they still use stallions for rides? They don't have cars. That threw me off a little as well as the fact that the novel appears to be a huge epilogue. It is divided in 3 books but a lot of questions weren't answered. I was left wondering who is who and what is what and I believe that some questions should have been answered. The ending is another horrible cliffhanger that I nearly cried out of frustration.

I wasn't impressed by the world building as well. I guess I was expecting a rich world but I was shown only bits and pieces. I wish I was given a parallel universe where such an amazing plot would transpire. I love High Fantasy novels but The Queen of the Tearling didn't meet my expectations. There should have been more to this. I feel like a lot of vital parts were missing that holding on to this story until the end has been a little bit difficult. I wasn't completely blown away by it.

The characters also were presented as if the author is holding something back. Kelsea as an example, was lost. She didn't know what happened to her mother or who is her father, what is the jewel's true power and where is the crown, who is this mysterious and alluring Fetch and what is the Red Queen's motive in the story. These questions were left hanging and I was hoping I would get at least a decent glimpse by the end of the story on who these characters truly are. But I was left disappointed.

Three parts I truly adored though are Kelsea's love for books. That part in the story truly put a smile on my face. And then Mhurn's fate and THE FETCH.

The Queen of the Tearling would have been a very interesting novel if given more clarity and balanced world. It is mysterious enough that a huge cliffhanger totally let me down. Slow paced as it is, I would have expected something from the plot that would compensate it. I would still recommend this to all fans of High Fantasy novels who love a heroine who fights for what she knows is right and a Queen who rules with her heart.

Thank you Harper and Chyna of Lite-Rate-Ture of the ARCs!

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REVIEWED: ATTACHMENTS BY RAINBOW ROWELL.

Title: Attachments
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Series: Stand alone
Edition: Paperback
Published: February, 2012 by Orion
Pages: 368
Source: Bought from Fullybooked
Category: Romance, Adult, Contemporary

Synopsis:

"Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you . . . "

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.

Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now- reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.

When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories.

By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.

What would he say?

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Attachments is the novel-version of my life.

This novel isn't my first adult novel read but it is the first one I ever reviewed here on the blog. Since Eleanor and Park, I just knew that whatever Rowell writes, I would read and love. I wasn't surprised I enjoyed this despite the mixed reviews because aside from Rowell creates a very easy-to-relate story, her writing style simply amuses me. Hence, my loyalty to her and her books.

Lincoln is the male version of me. Well, almost. A guy who, at his late twenties, still tries to figure out what he wants to do or what he's good at. He's big yet good looking and reserved yet smart. After his high school girl friend cheated on him, its as if his world stop revolving. Like his entire life only orbits on Sam. He isn't even enjoying his decent paying job - Internet Security personnel on a press company. He is paid by reading flagged emails and sending warnings to not use the company resource for personal use. Bored enough, he stumbled upon Beth and Jennifer's email conversation and got hooked. He knows it's unethical but he's fascinated by Beth's kindness and how smart is. Until Beth starts to talk about her Cute Guy and Lincoln feels jealous. He keeps reading their emails until he figures out he likes Beth and discovers that her Cute Guy is him.

Rowell set the story in 1999 and am starting to think this author is so attached to the late 80's and early 90's. I LOVED THAT. It is just so easy to relate to it plus I loved reminiscing how simple life was. No complications at all. You don't even have to worry about smart phones or not having wifi connectivity during the time. Everything's basic and you couldn't name a thing that will not require effort. Like snail mail and courtship among the likes. Fashion is fashion but it doesn't require too much skin. You get to talk A LOT with people. You actually live a life. *not that am complaining.* Rowell assured that Attachments is nostalgic enough that one would wish life is still simple. Attachments not only is a fun read but it makes you appreciate the old times more. I really love her writing style - straight to the point without losing what it intends to imply in a witty way. And indeed, Attachments is a novel I haven't read in the past! It is overflowing with uniqueness.

The friendship in the story, doesn't matter whose side, is like chest full of treasure. The genuineness, legitimacy, loyalty and respect are too valuable to lose. It is the kind of friendship that bonds with heart through the years and isn't easily swayed with shallowness or childishness. I specifically adored Jennifer and Beth's. Though I've only seen glimpses of what they share through their emails, I believe that they have something so strong and special. They embody an ideal best friendship and that their familiarity with each other amplifies their friendship even more.

The romance between Beth and Chris, however, is a little predictable. I felt that their 8-year relationship is destined to fail. And I was absolutely right. I loved that there are bits and pieces of myself I see in Beth, Jennifer and Lincoln that made it totally easy to relate to these characters. And the best part I loved most is how Lincoln and Beth's met. It is stunningly "movie-cute" and romantic! Fate really made their paths cross in a love before the first sight kind of way.

Attachments is such a rare book. When I say rare, it is something you haven't read before. It is unique and quirky. It hones the ability to adapt and the strength to let go. The way everything fits together is one of a kind and there is nothing one wouldn't enjoy about this! Rowell sure knows how to write romantic novels that would leave a smile to the lips and to the heart.

"There are moments when you can't believe something wonderful is happening. And there are moments when your entire consciousness is filled with knowing absolutely that something wonderful is happening."

"I want someone whose heart is big enough to hold me."