From the shelf: Fairy Tale Fail

Title: Fairy Tale Fail
Author: Mina V. Esguerra
Genre: Filipino Chick-Lit
Date read: December 18-19, 2012
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Of all the twenty-something women who are hopeless romantics, Ellie Manuel is more “hopeless” than “romantic.”

Even after her Prince Charming broke up with her, she just won’t give up … because fairy tale heroines don’t live “happily ever after” right away, silly, they’re tested first!

Determined to pass the test, she spends the next year restoring herself to the girl Prince Charming had fallen in love with in the first place.

Until she discovers that life without him might not be so bad after all: her career is taking off, her confidence is back, and the cute guy at work is no longer a stranger.

So when is it okay to quit on a fairy tale?

My Review: (also in goodreads):

This was definitely a light read. I did breeze my way through it in an hour. Fairy Tale Fail encompasses THE standard one must have to have that happily ever after. Ellie wanted it so much that she had woven a reality where she thinks she MUST have in order to have the perfect life. Here comes perfect Don, the friend and her prince charming. She thought she had everything perfectly not until Mr. Prince Charming on his white horse crashed her dreams of happily ever after. Personally, I think she was only acting because of her wounded pride. I wanted to lecture her when the female protagonist kept on whining that her fairy tale has been ruined. Here comes Lucas, THE one-who-could-ruin-and-not-fit-into-my-fairy-tale-hunk and Ellie thinks she must stir away from him in order to concentrate on her plans in getting back Mr. Perfect. But sometimes plans could be ruined to pave for something better. 

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Reflected in You

Title: Reflected in You
Author: Sylvia Day
Genre: New Contemporary, Adult fiction
Date read: December 06-18, 2012
Dawn Rates: ★★ (2/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn't stay away. I didn't want to. He was my addiction... my every desire... mine.

My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We'd never work. It was too hard, too painful... except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity.

We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession...

My Review: (also in goodreads)

As promised, I gave this sequel a chance. Both Eva and Gideon clearly had a dysfunctional relationship. It took me about 2 weeks to finish this book and that isn't my style. Maybe because I was appalled at the scenes of the first half. I reluctantly read the scenes as if it was an obligatory read and skipped most of it. I know that the sex scenes were of great importance in this book since that is how they started but it seemed like that's all they have and the protagonists didn't even move on in that part of their relationship. The second part may be more personal and I feel for what Gideon had to do to keep Eva safe. I think that was sweet, to keep her at arms length just to keep her safe. With some of the dark cloud hanging above them gone, I am wishing for smooth sailing this time and a better ending to the Crossfire series, though I have qualms in reading the last installment of this trilogy.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Bared to You

Title: Bared to You
Author: Sylvia Day
Genre: New Contemporary, Adult fiction
Date read: December 06, 2012
Dawn Rates: ★★☆ (2.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness… 

He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I’d never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily…

Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other’s most private wounds…and desires.The bonds of his love transformed me, even as i prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...

My Review: (also in goodreads)

I have experienced one Sylvia Day novel and it's "The Stranger I Married". To be honest, I started reading this book out of curiosity.  Let's just say I jumped into the bandwagon.

This was a classic 'I was attracted to you at first sight' moment. The tension and attraction was clearly present which I questioned a bit; merely of the fact that the female protagonist was obviously abnormally entranced. He was like a male siren, if there was even one. THE Mr. Dark and Dangerous the women desired. Eva was obviously smitten and sexually attracted to the stranger in the lobby. Then finding out that Mr. Dark and Dangerous is actually a muli-gazillionaire (no surprises there). 

What I didn't like is how Mr. Gideon Cross, no matter how hot or how sexually attractive he is, would blurt out something like that to a stranger. Heck if a stranger, even though he is the epitome of perfection would suddenly ask a personal intimate question, I will feel offended and repulsed. The graphic sex talk between them was horrifying that I skipped most of them. I know that they came from dark pasts that the relationship was new to them (another cliche) but initially their need for each other is for the flesh. The only consolation for me is Cary's friendship, Mark and Steven's witty lines and the burning question on what the heck happened in Gideon's past.

I actually read this book for the sake of reading and to know what the fuss is all about but since a friend of mine told me to read the second book of the series (which, according to her, was so much better), I think I would give it a try.

Till the next read (the next book probably)...

From the shelf: Gabriel's Rapture

Title: Gabriel's Rapture
Author: Sylvain Reynard
Genre: Romance, Adult fiction
Type of book: e-book
Date read: December 05-06, 2012

Summary (cr: goodreads):

Professor Gabriel Emerson has embarked on a passionate, yet clandestine affair with his former student, Julia Mitchell. Sequestered on a romantic holiday in Italy, he tutors her in the sensual delights of the body and the raptures of sex. But when they return, their happiness is threatened by conspiring students, academic politics, and a jealous ex-lover. When Gabriel is confronted by the university administration, will he succumb to Dante's fate? Or will he fight to keep Julia, his Beatrice, forever? In Gabriel's Rapture, the brilliant sequel to the wildly successful debut novel, Gabriel's Inferno, Sylvain Reynard weaves an exquisite love story that will touch the reader's mind, body, and soul, forever.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

The sequel picks up where Gabriel's Inferno left off, the aftermath. The waiting and the longing in the first book was satisfied in the first few chapters. Everything is so perfect that time stood still for the lovers. And even the term 'sex god' not only surprised Gabriel but me as well. I was so amused that I almost fell off my chair laughing.

But of course since everything is so perfect there will come a time that they have to face the inevitable reality. Time to address everything in their past and hurdles in the present to pave the way for the possible future.

I find Julia quite stupid in the trial, seriously. I know that she's in love and wants to be on equal footing but sometimes emotions cloud rationality. Though Gabriel is such a knight in shining armor and that it's endearing and lovely, too much is sickening. Anger spoken in haste is regrettable and I do think that all of the things happening between the protagonists did benefit them. They needed the time-off to sort out everything and be together.

Too many emotions were drawn out while I was reading the book and I was carried away but it only means that it was a good read. Reading the Gabriel series and its references to literature felt like I was being re-acquainted again. I found out that there would be a final installment in the Gabriel series, and I can't hardly wait.

Love these Gabriel quotes:

"Julianne - my beloved is mine and I am hers.." 

"To my Beloved, My heart is yours and my body. My soul, likewise. I will be true to you, Beatrice. I want to be your last. Wait for me.."

“I’ll love you forever, Julianne, whether you love me or not. That’s my Heaven. And my Hell.”

“I want to be your first and your last. I love you, Julianne. I offer you my heart and my life. Marry me. Be my wife, my friend, my lover, and my guide. Be my blessed Beatrice and my adored Julianne.” His voice wavered slightly. “Say you’ll be mine. Forever.”

"Gabriel's Rapture" gets: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Can't wait for the final installment...

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Gabriel's Inferno

Title: Gabriel's Inferno
Author: Sylvain Reynard
Genre: Romance, Adult fiction
Type of book: e-book
Date read: December 02-05, 2012

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Enigmatic and sexy, Professor Gabriel Emerson is a well respected Dante specialist by day, but by night he devotes himself to an uninhibited life of pleasure. He uses his notorious good looks and sophisticated charm to gratify his every whim, but is secretly tortured by his dark past and consumed by the profound belief that he is beyond all hope of redemption. When the sweet and innocent Julia Mitchell enrolls as his graduate student, his attraction and mysterious connection to her not only jeopardizes his career, but sends him on a journey in which his past and his present collide. An intriguing and sinful exploration of seduction, forbidden love and redemption, "Gabriel's Inferno" is a captivating and wildly passionate tale of one man's escape from his own personal hell as he tries to earn the impossible...forgiveness and love.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

An author's attempts on introductions to familiarize one with the book can sometimes make or break a reader's interest and what gained mine? The first Dante class and THE question: "What's his problem?"

I see notable similarities to a well-loved trilogy of almost the same genre but of course this book has its own delightful taste.

One lovely similarity: First an Audi R8, now a Jaguar...these interesting male protagonists have fancy cars. ^^

One heartbreaking moment is when someone you care for secretly doesn't even remember anything when you kept the memory very dear. That is what I describe Gabriel and Julia's first encounter. But of course I find your jealousy endearing and somewhat amusing Mr. Gabriel Emerson. ^^

Though they obviously were in already in a relationship, the sexual tension is still there. I understand that they needed time to sort their personal problems and be truly honest with each other and their present circumstances won't allow them to be together (sort of) but I guess the cat and mouse chase in the relationship was dragging. I liked it better when they were busy hating each other in the first part. That is where the juicy 'uh-oh' and 'woah' moments are. But I also liked them together. And as secrets of a dark past start to unravel themselves, the protagonists get entangled into a more complicated but a justifiable relationship. See? I have a love/hate relationship with that part of the story.

Some say the wait leads to a satisfying reward. And as I dreaded and got frustrated with the cat and mouse chase, I honestly could say that the buildup that led to the fateful night was perfection. WOW~ I. CANT. EXPLAIN. Magical.

This book amused me to no end and I truly enjoyed every moment of it and because of you Mr. Gabriel Emerson, purple hyacinths and purple irises will never be the same again. I would definitely read the second book of the series.

"Gabriel's Inferno" gets: ★★★★ (4/5)

“Being without you, Julianne, is like enduring an endless night without stars.” 

- Gabriel

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Beautiful Redemption

Title: Beautiful Redemption
Author: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance, Witches
Date read: November 30-December 02, 2012
Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Is death the end . . . or only the beginning?

Ethan Wate always dreamed of leaving the stifling Southern town of Gatlin.

But he never dreamt that finding love with Lena Duchannes would drive him away. Lena is a Caster girl whose supernatural powers unveiled a secretive and cursed side of Gatlin, so powerful it forced him to make a terrible sacrifice.

Now Ethan must find a way to return to Lena - and Gatlin - as she vows to do whatever it takes to get him back. Even if it means trusting old enemies or risking their loved ones' lives.

Can Ethan and Lena rewrite their fate and their spellbinding love story in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series?

My Review: (also in goodreads)

After Beautiful Creatures, Beautiful Darkness, Beautiful Chaos and just when you thought that everything ended gravely at Beautiful Chaos, here comes the last installment of the Caster Chronicles.

With the circumstances at hand, we finally read the story in Lena's point of view. It seemed that Lena is convincing herself that everything is normal but the inevitable truth is its not.

Just when I thought everything was revealed at the third book, this final installment was like the thread that holds everything together. These revelations satisfied every question and every doubt I had in the first three books.

I love how the book is fast-paced I would definitely recommend everyone to read the series. This is the perfect ending for the Caster Chronicles and I couldn't have asked for more.


"A Seer’s moons, a Siren’s tears,
Nineteen Mortal, Wayward fears,
Incubus graves and Caster rivers,
The Final Page the End delivers."

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Beautiful Chaos

Title: Beautiful Chaos
Author: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance, Witches
Date read: November 25-29, 2012
Dawn Rates: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What — or who — will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself — forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.

Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

"Eighteen Moons, eighteen nears, The Wheel of Fate herself appears, Then the One Who Is Two Will bring the Order back anew..."

After Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness comes the third book of the Caster Chronicles and it had one theme: the inevitable truth and the consequence of the claiming: Chaos has descended upon Gaitlin. 

There are several crossroads the characters have to face in this book:

• Link facing the fact that he is part Incubus
• Ridley facing the fact that she can no longer be a caster
• Lena facing the fact that her claiming triggered the imbalance of the Order
• Ethan battling his nightmares

There are moments throughout the book which I find unexpected (and I'm not spoiling those who hasn't read it yet)

• The location of John Breed
• The identity of the wheel of fate (I didn't quite expect that...it got me baffled)
• The turn of events at a certain trial (I laughed at the witty humor)

Old foes, memories of long gone, new love, new friendships, new characters, allies, new discoveries and death all of these were all throughout the whole book. At first, I was sort of bored with the whole cat and mouse chase at the beginning of the book it was like a whole detective thing (thus the 4 1/2 star rating). But everything became clearer as it neared the middle. I actually teared up at the events that happened at the the end, that was unexpected. I loved the story and I can't wait to read the finale.

"The right thing and the easy thing are never the same"

Till the next read...Beautiful Redemption for that matter...

From the shelf: Beautiful Darkness

Title: Beautiful Darkness
Author: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance, Witches
Date read: November 10-25, 2012
Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.

Sometimes life-ending.

Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

After Beautiful Creatures, the book starts where it left off: the funeral, a dark depressing event which brought Casters, Succubus and Incubus together. The title Beautiful Darkness was apt. There was a lot of darkness going on in this book and everytime I turn the page it just keeps on getting darker and darker. Lena seems to be battling something bigger than her that she pushes Ethan away. I really like Lena and I know she has issues and things to deal with but seriously, as I read more into the book I'm mentally shouting "Dump Lena!" to Ethan

There is something off with that Lucille Ball cat (which I finally know the reason later on). Olivia "Liv" Durand is a college intern at the library where Ethan has his summer job. Seems that she knows more than stacking books and quoting lines (as Link would say Marian Jr.) One of my favorite scenes is where Ethan, Link and Liv were hanging out at the fair but it all crashed when Lena wanted to talk to Ethan. And Ethan forgave her not staying angry for long. Seriously Ethan? Make her suffer a bit. Sheesh.

My favorite line (I feel for you Ethan): 

"It was one thing to be attacked by someone you hated, but this was something else. This was the kind of hurt that could only be inflicted by someone you loved, who you thought loved you. It was sort of like being stabbed from the inside out." - Ethan

So many secrets were revealed and so many unexpected  twists arose in this sequel and I think there were more to come in the next book. What I didn't like was Ethan and Link behaving like love struck idiots but I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt since they live in a small town and their world hasn't expanded yet. Though them being in love has its pros and cons. Pro: lucky girl con: idiots. *Spoiler* someone comes back from the dead and someone becomes a supernatural.

Macon Ravenwood and Lila Ever's connection is the best thing that happened. 

I know that Ridley is dark but I can't but feel affectionate for her since she sacrificed a lot because of her sisterly love for Lena; whether she admits it or not. I love Link's "babe" and Ridley's "Don't call me babe" bickering.

Eighteen moons, eighteen spheres,

From the world beyond the years,

One unchosen, death or birth,

A broken day awaits the earth...

I love this sequel and I'm off to read Beautiful Chaos.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Table for Two

Title: Table for Two
Author: Marla Miniano
Genre: Filipino Chick-Lit
Date read: November 23, 2012
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

In Table for Two, a corner table at a quiet coffee shop takes center stage, the latest release from Summit Books author Marla Miniano. The table is the setting for pivotal moments in the lives of the main characters—who, as it seems, are quite the lovelorn bunch. First, there’s the long-time couple on the verge of calling it quits after college graduation. Then there’s the serial dater who accepts her younger brother’s challenge to go dateless for two months. There’s also a photographer who attempts to dissuade his best friend from getting married (and we’re curious to find out why). And finally, there are the two hopefuls: a young man who meets with the girl he never stopped loving, and a young lady who pores over romance novels, waiting for her turn to fall in love

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Just as I predicted, and as the summary provided, the book was a collection of short stories which circles around a single coffee shop. It seems that this magical place is the lone witness to the different stories. The book consist of five short stories entitled: Fresh, Timeout, All the Best, This Closure and Table for Two. Stories concerning heartbreak, search for love, growing up, the courage to say goodbye, the magic of hello and that realization that everyone is interconnected somehow. I read this book just to pass the time and I can say this is a perfect afternoon book and that I just breezed right through it. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a light read.

"When you think about it, everything is fleeting. Every second of every minute of every hour. The race and the rush and the choices and the chances. The love that grazed your fingertips, possibilities that brushed past you on your way out to wok or play or save the world, a happy ending you may have believed in with a faith beyond anything you could have imagined you were capable of. We shove each other for space, we lament the loss of time as we scatter it throughout the vast landscape of our lives. When we count the broken pieces, we realize that we will not be here forever, so we chase after these moments, seize them, and try to make them last and last and last. But maybe the best we can do is to understand that there is one thing in particular that should always come first..." - Table for Two (Marla Miniano)

Till the next read...

From the shelf: The Star Dwellers

Title: The Star Dwellers
Author: David Estes
Genre: Dystopian, Romance
Date read: November 23, 2012
Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

After rescuing her father and younger sister, Adele is forced to leave her family and Tristan behind to find her mother in the cruel and dangerous realm of the star dwellers. 

Amidst blossoming feelings for Adele, Tristan must cast his feelings aside and let her find her own way amongst the star dwellers, while he accompanies Adele's father to meet with the leaders of the moon dwellers and decide the fate of the Tri-Realms.

Will Adele be able to rescue her mother and make it back to the Moon Realm before the President and the sun dweller soldiers destroy her family?

Can Tristan convince the moon dweller puppets of the error of their ways?

Was Adele's lost kiss with Tristan her one and only chance at love

In her world there's only one rule: Someone must die.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Once again got this e-book from an event at goodreads because I posted my review for The Moon Dwellers. This is the second book of the Tri-Realm trilogy.

Unlike the first book where I was confused and slightly bored at the beginning, this book is fast-paced and a page-turner. The kind of book where you would always wonder what happens next and that one would reluctantly put down.

Well, I think nobody should blame Tristan just for the fact that he's a sun dweller and the president's son, a choice he didn't make. But I guess he has to work harder for everyone to trust him. On a side note, Roc's wit and humor leveled up, that's for sure.

So many secrets were revealed in this book that it made my heart race the entire time and that trust is a big issue in this sequel.

Mind blowing and heart-wrenching moments (and for the purpose of everyone who didn't read yet I'll be a bit cryptic):

• The identity of one star dweller general. What a twist!
• Roc has an interest on....it got me on the edge of my seat, laughing.
• The secret of president Nailin concerning Tristan and Roc
• The video conference between Ben, Elsey, Roc, Tristan AND Anna, Tawni, Adele
• The star dweller spy for the sun dwellers
• Who was killed during the revelation of the star dweller spy
• The forum between the star dweller generals
• The reunion
• The unexpected death at the peace summit

I got teary-eyed at the aftermath of what happened to the peace summit as I was saddened by this, sometimes a tragedy paves way for something better.

And with that, I can't wait and most definitely anticipate the third book. (Plus I want to know the true meaning of Anna's note about Tristan and Adele). I could honestly say this would be the best book of the series so far. That was awesome.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: The Moon Dwellers

Title: The Moon Dwellers
Author: David Estes
Genre: Dystopian, Romance
Date read: November 21-22, 2012
Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

In a desperate attempt to escape destruction decades earlier, humankind was forced underground, into the depths of the earth, creating a new society called the Tri-Realms. 

After her parents and sister are abducted by the Enforcers, seventeen-year-old Adele, a member of the middle-class moon dwellers, is unjustly sentenced to life in prison for her parents' crimes of treason.

Against all odds, Adele must escape from the Pen and find her family, while being hunted by a deranged, killing machine named Rivet, who works for the President. She is helped by two other inmates, Tawni and Cole, each of whom have dark secrets that are better left undiscovered. Other than her friends, the only thing she has going for her is a wicked roundhouse kick and two fists that have been well-trained for combat by her father.

At the other end of the social spectrum is Tristan, the son of the President and a sun dweller. His mother is gone. He hates his father. Backed by only his servant and best friend, Roc, he leaves his lavish lifestyle in the Sun Realm, seeking to make something good out of his troubled life.

When a war breaks out within the Tri-Realms, Tristan is thrust into the middle of a conflict that seems to mysteriously follow Adele as she seeks to find her family and uncover her parents true past.

In their world, someone must die.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

I got the book at a read to review event at a group I joined at goodreads. This book is the first of the series, another dystopian novel. At first I was confused as to what a sun dweller, moon dweller and star dweller were. The protagonist Adele is one bad-ass, distrustful loner who just cares about oneself. After all, living as a moon dweller would give you that mindset. The first few chapters seems confusing especially at how Adele describes her life and that comparisons to other things. It then passes the baton to Tristan, the other protagonist who like Adele, narrates the story in his point of view. The present situation is that this Tri-realm belongs to a world in the future where people live underground and that everything is bleak and gloomy for everyone.

Tristan's line "I fear for her, a girl I don’t even know." and the fact that they had this inexplicable connection got me curious and slowly interested in the story (thus the 4 and 1/2 star review) about the Tri-realms where as he quotes: "We call ourselves a democracy, but rule like a dictatorship." I love Roc's witty humor and Cole's sarcasm. 

If I would look and judge it by the cover, it would slightly disinterest me but this book gave took me into a wild roller coaster ride of emotions from utter disgust of the way the sun dwellers are living, remorse on what happened to Adele's family, Tawni and Cole's genuine friendship, Roc and Tristan's friendship, to heartbreak over what happened to Cole and my heart is racing as I turn the page. Loved the book and I can't wait on what happens next. If there was a paperback (or hardbound) version of the book, I will definitely purchase it.

And because of that, I earned the privilege to read the second book of the series "The Star Dwellers". Thank you David, I will definitely buy the book and I hope there is a hardbound copy ^^

Till the next read...