REVIEW: 99 DAYS BY KATIE COTUGNO.

Title: 99 Days
Author: Katie Cotugno
Series: Stand Alone
Edition: Paperback (International Edition)
Publication: April 21, 2015 by Balzer + Bray
Source: Bought from National Book Store
Pages: 384
Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Day 1: Julia Donnelly eggs my house my first night back in Star Lake, and that’s how I know everyone still remembers everything—how I destroyed my relationship with Patrick the night everything happened with his brother, Gabe. How I wrecked their whole family. Now I’m serving out my summer like a jail sentence: Just ninety-nine days till I can leave for college, and be done.
Day 4: A nasty note on my windshield makes it clear Julia isn’t finished. I’m expecting a fight when someone taps me on the shoulder, but it’s just Gabe, home from college and actually happy to see me. “For what it’s worth, Molly Barlow,” he says, “I’m really glad you’re back.”
Day 12: Gabe got me to come to this party, and I’m actually having fun. I think he’s about to kiss me—and that’s when I see Patrick. My Patrick, who’s supposed to be clear across the country. My Patrick, who’s never going to forgive me.

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I cannot even draft this review without feeling so angst-y and rage-y. I mean, this story? UNCOOL. Cheating is one thing (and that I could tolerate depending on how it would be presented) but it's full of slut-shaming, bullying, double standards and sexism I don't even want to elaborate.

I would have given this absolutely ZERO fucks stars but I decided to give one star for the author's attempt hard work and one star for what it made me feel during the course of reading. Yes, it made do/feel violent things: I pulled my hair, I feared turning the next page and I wanted to slap Molly in the face with a chair so hard she'd come to her senses. It's rare for a book to make me feel that. I was just so infuriated the whole time. This book, I believe, would have ended in such high note but not even a glimpse of empowerment made it through its pages.

99 Days gave me the thrill initially. I have never read a book like this before. I wanted to flail because a cheating trope is something absolutely new to me plus I wanted to know how the story goes. Different people have different takes on cheating but heck, this was waist-deep let down. I loved the first couple of chapters but Molly's --- grrrrr -- stupidity threw everything out the window. I knew it, I knew that at some point she would fuck everything all over again and that was exactly what made me hate this one. Why does she have to make the same mistake? Like didn't she learn from what hell she just went through? And this is all for what? It isn't love, man. It's bullshit, that's what.

I also want to point out how come nobody's hating Patrick and Gabe but naaaa, I don't wanna even go there. I don't wanna stress myself. Also, Molly's mother? WHAT THE FUCK WAS WRONG WITH HER?

99 Days is one of the most horrifying books I've ever read and I wish I could buy some brain bleach from the grocery store so I could bleach mine BECAUSE I DON'T EVEN WANT TO REMEMBER IT. Sorry, I am not that forgiving today.

"Why are you going to let people who are hell-bent on not forgiving you keep you from something that could actually be great?"

REVIEW: BETTER THAN PERFECT BY MELISSA KANTOR.

Title: Better than Perfect
Series: Standalone
Author: Melissa Kantor
Edition: Paperback (ARC)
Publication: HarperTeen / February 17, 2015
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Pages: 336
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary (Mental Illness), Romance
Trailer: Not available.

Synopsis:

Juliet Newman has it all. A picture-perfect family; a handsome, loving boyfriend; and a foolproof life plan: ace her SATs, get accepted into Harvard early decision, and live happily ever after.

But when her dad moves out and her mom loses it, Juliet begins questioning the rules she’s always lived by. And to make everything even more complicated there’s Declan, the gorgeous boy who makes her feel alive and spontaneous—and who’s totally off-limits. Torn between the life she always thought she wanted and one she never knew was possible, Juliet begins to wonder: What if perfect isn't all it’s cracked up to be?

Melissa Kantor once again delivers a tale that is equal parts surprising, humorous, heartbreaking, and romantic. Powerful and honest, Juliet’s story brilliantly portrays the highs and lows of life in high school and will resonate with any reader who has experienced either.

*Warning: Rage ahead*

I don't hate the book, I hate the character and how slow the pace was.

Okay. *eats chocolates to channel inner happiness*  Here we go.

Juliet was the dumbest character ever.

She was a perfect-A student, an achiever, a focused person and she knows what she wants. Her relationship with Jason has been steady for four years and they've been working so hard so they can get accepted in Harvard. She has her wonderful best friend Sofia as well. Her family is wealthy. Practically, her life is the type most people would be envious of. But her parents separated and in Juliet's eyes, her life started to fall apart. Her mother overdosed and has to be sent to a mental facility for treatment and that was what appeared to be the last straw for Juliet. She started seeing life in a different light -- stupid light -- and well, her choices started to become dumber.

I totally get THAT irritable feeling of doing things just for the sake of doing them or to simply please others. It feels like you're being choked with an invisible rope. When Juliet realized she wasn't happy anymore, I related with her frustrations and the need to be free from all the things she realized she hated doing. THAT I understand. But the rest of her choices? Dumb. And it gets dumber as you go deeper into the story. And it was painful to watch a character with full of potential to break apart page by page by page.

OKAY THIS IS THE SPOILERY PART.

She walked out of her American Latin exam in the middle of it because she thought she didn't want to answer the questions even after all the months she worked hard to ace the subject. She shut everyone out because she's afraid rumors about her mom being in the mental facility would roam around. She deferred going to Harvard and broken up with Jason just because she felt like they didn't like the same things anymore. She threw herself out to Declan because she's thrilled they made out and he kisses her differently. She wouldn't ask her mother if she really tried killing herself because she's not sure if she's mad or not. She rejects her father's explanation why he left her mother because she wouldn't accept that her life was half make-believe. She judged her father only loving her because of her As. SHE WAS JUST RIDICULOUSLY DUMB I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MAD I AM.

Even the encounter with Declan felt forced to me. Aside from the inception of confusing sub-plots, I didn't like how Declan and their intense physical attraction popped out out of nowhere. I appears that Declan's part was put out there just to spice things up between Jason and Juliet's perfectly boring relationship. But the execution was plainly wrong. It insinuated cheating. Even Juliet's "love" for music felt hypocrite like, where did it come from?

Better than Perfect was not for me. I think Kantor's novels aren't for me, for that matter. I failed to connect with the character and I failed to see her point. Making bad choices is a part of life, as long as you know you're just going after what makes you happy. But Juliet's choices are just dumb, dumb, duuuuuuumb there's no other word for it but DUMB.

Thank you so much HarperCollins International for the review copy!

"Everything I looked at had the power to hurt."

"People could want different things. It was possible to love somebody but to grow away from that person."

"How bizarre that you could know someone so well and love him so much and then not have him in your life anymore."

REVIEW: TEASE BY AMANDA MACIEL.

Title: Tease
Author: Amanda Maciel
Edition: Paperback
Published: April 29, 2014
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 328
Source: ARC provided by the publisher
Genre: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Trailer: Not available.

Synopsis:

Emma Putnam is dead, and it's all Sara Wharton's fault. At least, that's what everyone seems to think. Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma's shocking suicide. Now Sara is the one who's ostracized, already guilty according to her peers, the community, and the media. In the summer before her senior year, in between meetings with lawyers and a court-recommended therapist, Sara is forced to reflect on the events that brought her to this moment—and ultimately consider her own role in an undeniable tragedy. And she'll have to find a way to move forward, even when it feels like her own life is over.

Bullying, suicide and peer pressure have always been a hot topic. I've read several novels that tackle such issues and the emotion I've encountered has been the same -- it stings. Reading Tease made me ache in a disturbing manner because somehow at some point, I've been through this.

Sara will soon face the court together with her high school group. They were facing a lawsuit from Emma Putnam's parents because apparently, they harassed, stalked and bullied her to her death. Sara wouldn't back down because she knew she didn't kill Emma. But she was terrified. She wasn't allowed to talk to her best friend and boyfriend, her separated parents weren't there for her and she the hate she felt for Emma has the power of a thousand suns. She's never been alone in her life and all these things she's going through, she blames Emma. Emma got it all figured out by dying and making their lives hell.

Brielle. I've never seen such strong character that could pull off anything. Aside from the fact that her family is wealthy, her entire attitude screams *back off*. She's so manipulative and wouldn't take no for an answer. Her adventurous take on things around her would have been fun if she isn't hurting people. Her strong facade masks so much and affects people around her in a very negative way. This power she gets from bullying only makes her worse. Instead of influencing others to be their best, she's the other way around. It appears like, she wanted to be the only one to reign the school. It wasn't explained in the story how she was brought up, but it looks like she didn't have a happy childhood. And this is the outcome.

Dylan. I liked him at first because he's safe to be considered the boy next door. I liked his silent-type attitude and he's not pushy. Basically, he doesn't take advantage. However, I wish he could have ended things with the person he's seeing a decent way.

Braden. He's fantastic. That is all I can say. Fantastic. Fantastic. Fantastic. Well, I wish I could have known more about him though. His new found friendship with Sara can be a totally separate novel!

Emma. I tweeted Maciel about Emma if there would be a companion novel or sequel in Emma's POV. I would really love to know her side of the story. Why she decided to call it quits and how dark she's really going through. It would be an amazing novel if there will be one because we'd get an overall understanding of the WHYs in her story. I would really love that. Only, I wasn't really a fan of Emma. She's really a flirt.

Sara. The novel is from her POV which I absolutely adored. She's a little rebellious, easily manipulated but I loved her honesty and straight forwardness. She's very true to herself and she's not afraid to do what she thinks would make her happy. I feel her hate with Emma because at some point in my life, I FELT THE EXACT SAME HATE. Only, I didn't do anything about it. Sara's too clingy to her best friend Brielle and would just do anything she's told to do. It's like Brielle's words is where her life depends on. Even if she's doubtful, if it comes out of Brielle's mouth, she'd do it. Which in reality, we have that piece of attitude in us especially when it comes to the people who matter so much to us. Only Sara took it to a whole new level. She would have done things differently but it was too late and I respect the way she took responsibility of her actions. I believe her all the way, though. I've seen the goodness she has the entire time.

I believe that some parts of this story happens every day. Different people react to things differently and there's just one line I'd like to share from my favorite novel, We Were Liars: BE A LITTLE KINDER THAN YOU HAVE TO.

Tease is a strong novel exposing issues we face day after day in a different light. It tries to heighten awareness and tries to make life bearable in simple good things we can do for others. Amazingly written, Tease brings tears, magnifies loss, and expounds pressure in an well-wrapped up everyday story.

Thank you for the review copy, HarperCollins International!

"The thing about having one really good friend, one person you talk to all the time about everything, is that you stop really talking to anyone else. You sort of talk to other people, but mostly you have your one person and that's enough.

And then one day, maybe for a good reason or maybe out of nowhere, you can't talk to that friend anymore, and you suddenly realize you can't talk to anyone else. Like, it's physically impossible. No one understands you except that person. it's like you speak another language, and the other person who also speaks it is gone."

"Don't add silence to your list of regrets."

"I look down and see my hands uncapping the pen, turning the notepad right-side up on my knees. My mouth is dry, my stomach is in knots, my life is over, my heart is broken.

I start to write."

"When the doors are open big gusts of cold air sweep into the car, and suddenly it smells damp and earthly, that early smell that tells you all the snow and ice is melting and someday the sun will come out again. And maybe it will, for some other girl."

"Something about this small glimmer of happiness feels wrong, but I can't think about that. I just hold onto the glimmer, the shred. I let myself feel a tiny bit happy. Even though it kind of hurts."

REVIEW: THE CHAOS OF STARS BY KIERSTEN WHITE.

Title: The Chaos of Stars
Author: Kiersten White
Edition: Paperback
Published: September 10, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 288
Source: Finished copy provided by the Publisher
Category: Romance, Mythology
Trailer: Not applicable.

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Synopsis:

Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of Paranormalcy, is back with The Chaos of Stars—an enchanting novel set in Egypt and San Diego that captures the magic of first love and the eternally complicated truth about family.

Isadora's family is seriously screwed up—which comes with the territory when you're the human daughter of the ancient Egyptian gods Isis and Osiris. Isadora is tired of living with crazy relatives who think she's only worthy of a passing glance—so when she gets the chance to move to California with her brother, she jumps on it. But her new life comes with plenty of its own dramatic—and dangerous—complications . . . and Isadora quickly learns there's no such thing as a clean break from family.

Blending Ally Carter's humor and the romance of Cynthia Hand's Unearthly, The Chaos of Stars takes readers on an unforgettable journey halfway across the world and back, and proves there's no place like home.

Being dazzled by such a gorgeous cover has always been my issue. I usually grab books randomly based on covers and this book is on of those instance. When I saw it being raved on by book bloggers from Twitter and Instagram, it didn't take a lot of effort for me to anticipate it. And I was so tempted to buy my hardcover copy at one point but thankfully, I didn't yet. HaperCollins sent me a finished paperback copy for review, and after months, here I am, struggling so bad coming up with a decent review.

The Chaos of Stars is my fourth White novel. I loved Paranormalcy and Mind Games and enjoyed Supernaturally. This is my first meh review and I am deeply disappointed with this. I was so stoked about her new Egyptian Mythology story but I think, the only good thing about this is the cover. I mean, I seriously did not enjoy anything at all. Nothing. White's take on Egyptian Mythology would have been revitalizing only if there weren't loopholes in it. I don't understand how can a child of pure-blooded Gods can be mortal and honestly, what is the plot? Was it how to design the museum?

Again, I was drowned by the raging waves of insta-love. Sigh. I will never be a fan of it because it doesn't happen in reality. Too bad though that the book oozed with left and right insta-love. I can only shake my head so much.

I couldn't find the right or decent words to express how disappointed I am with The Chaos of Stars hence the short (shortest I've written I think) review. I am giving another star though for effort and originality.

Thank you ever so much HaperCollins for the review copy!

"I didn't fall in love with you. I walked into love with you, with my eyes wide open, choosing to take every step along the way. I do believe in fate and destiny, but I also believe we are only fated to do the things that we'd choose anyway. And I'd choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I'd find you and I'd choose you."

"I get that you're scared and that you've been hurt. But doing what is easy and safe is no way to live, and a life without passion and love is so far beneath what you deserve."

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.

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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."

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."