From the shelf: Where She Went

Title: Where She Went
Author: Gayle Forman
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Realistic Fiction
Date read: December 12-14, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future-and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This book is in Adam's point of view. I was surprised at the time skip at first, especially that happened since the last scene in If I Stay is the moment Mia woke up. I was a little confused on how everything turned out but was expecting it a little bit. Like the first book it juggled from memories to the present moment. I teared up at the reunion and was happy at how they resolved everything. What gave me goosebumps is when Mia told Adam that she knew about his vow to make her stay.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: If I Stay

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Realistic Fiction
Date read: December 2-12, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

The critically acclaimed, bestselling novel from Gayle Forman, author of Where She Went, Just One Day, and the forthcoming Just One Year. 

On a day that started like any other,

Mia had everything: a loving family, a gorgeous, admiring boyfriend, and a bright future full of music and full of choices. In an instant, almost all of that is taken from her. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an unknowable future, Mia spends one critical day contemplating the only decision she has left. It is the most important decision she'll ever make.

Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, this is a romantic, riveting, and ultimately uplifting story about memory, music, living, dying, loving.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

It's mind-boggling how things happen in a heartbeat. That sometimes things happen, no matter how pain-inducing, no matter how heartbreaking it is, it was there to make us stronger. That is what happened to Mia and more...the decision to stay despite her loss is quite a burden. I can't believe how many times I teared up all throughout and that cliffhanger is tearing me to shreds.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Lola and the Boy Next Door

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: November 27, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion...she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit--more sparkly, more fun, more wild--the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket--a gifted inventor--steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

First of all, I wanted to know who the hell names their child Cricket? LOL~ Anyway, just when I thought this was an entirely new story without a connection to the first book whatsoever, I was wrong. Well-loved characters from Anna and the French Kiss were present namely, Anna and St. Claire. I loved how the characters were significant to the main characters in this book's story, it had this familiar feel.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Anna and the French Kiss

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: November 26-27, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming,beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend. 

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

My Review: (also in goodreads)

It was nice to read about teen love once again and I started with this book. Apparently, everyone liked the story. I was sort of irritated at first because I thought this would be another diva story having the protagonist whine about her miserable life being stuck in Paris (yeah, right) but fortunately there was more to it. The right setting, new friends, cliche high school enemies, hilarious one-liners and THE hot European boy is what made this story interesting.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: 50 Shames of Earl Grey

Title: 50 Shames of Earl Grey
Author: Fanny Merkin
Genre: Humor, Romance, Parody
Date read: September 28-October 9, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

A shrewd, laugh–out–loud parody of E. L. James' bestselling Fifty Shades of Grey series:

Young, arrogant, tycoon Earl Grey seduces the naïve coed Anna Steal with his overpowering good looks and staggering amounts of money, but will she be able to get past his fifty shames, including shopping at Walmart on Saturdays, bondage with handcuffs, and his love of BDSM (Bards, Dragons, Sorcery, and Magick)? Or will his dark secrets and constant smirking drive her over the edge?

My Review: (also in goodreads)

I know that this is a light read but this was in my in-between currently reading list when I wanted to just laugh and shake everything off. Obviously, one would automatically know which book it parodies. The sense of humor in this book is so simple. This is one of those books you would enjoy just to escape the world a bit. Loved the way it made me laugh.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4)

Title: City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Date read: September 21-26, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Simon, Daylighter vampire teen is protected by the Mark of Cain, a pillar of fire from Heaven blazes attackers into salt, but an enemy gets at him through his first love Clary, who must face consequences, and maybe lose Jace. A Greater Demon infects nights of her Shadowhunter beloved for control, and sends grey-garbed minions for Simon himself.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

I thought that this series would just be a trilogy but it seems that Cassandra Clare had more in the shadow hunter world. After City of Bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass; we I am again swept away into their world. I thoroughly enjoyed the first three books and was delighted that the series continues. I loved the fact that it was a little more about Simon now but was a little dissappointed at Jace being all emo. I know he might have been going through something...but still...

Till the next read...

From the shelf: City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3)

Title: City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Date read: September 21, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Backtrack: City of Bones, City of Ashes

I suppose this would be the last book of the Mortal Instruments trilogy. As a tradition of last books, everything would be gradually revealed. Promises, Vengeance and Betrayal...I've seen them all. It was always a mandatory formula in any fantasy series. I've always had this feeling that Jace and Clary weren't siblings and of course I was right...as to the how and the why, I was fairly satisfied. The battle didn't really take place long enough for me to have this feeling of anxiousness and never-ending palpitations throughout and that a little part of me yearned for more. As for the answers I was seeking at the last book, I'm glad that the author answered them all. Magnus Bane is now totally one of my favorite book characters. I loved Jace and Clary's romantic tension but I think it lacked something but in contrast, I loved Jace's witty remarks and of course Simon's. I do really hope Simon and Isabelle get together and I'm so happy for Jocelyn and Luke. What I wanted to know now were two things: What happened to Sebastian AND Why did the Seelie Queen desperately sought a favor from Clary.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2)

Title: City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Date read: September 19-20, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Backtrack: City of Bones

Thus, the sequel to the Mortal Instruments Series. I must say that this reeled me in deeper...although most of the scenarios were already familiar to me. Faeries, demons, warlocks, vampires and werewolves...I've read them all. This also has that level of angst that the second book should have. I always find it weird that the second book of any series has darker characters and decisions that could change the course of the character's lives. I find Clary too cowardly and whiny here but I can't blame her. After all she was pushed into a world she didn't know existed. Well, the tension between Jace and Clary is so wrong since they are siblings but I wasn't surprised (not because my sister already told me about it...well, sort of) if they aren't, at least I want to know the back story. There are lots of things I want to know especially the unbelievable turn of events on Simon's condition, the truth about Jace and Clary and the inquisitor's last words to Jace which I hope would be all answered in the third book. 

Till the next read...

From the shelf: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)

Title: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Date read: September 18-19, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . . 

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Finally, after my sister constantly nagging me to read this series, I finally obliged. Shadowhunters. I must say it is a very unique description in a world often tapped by fantasy authors. Being in a world of werewolves, vampires, faeries, fey, wizards, warlocks, witches and demons isn't new to me so what could reel me in is, how would the author play with the world I'm familiar with. I've always said that the first book of the series would be the make or break point for me and I can attest that this installment did fairly well. I was a bit confused at first, yes, but the elements that could grip you are present. I was a but disappointed at Clary's cowardliness but at the same time was sympathizing with her having that knowledge all at once. Of course who would forget a character that would always be the center of humor for the group? I love Simon and Clary's friendship like it could keep her grounded with everything happening so fast. Jace is obviously going to be a big part of her life along with Alec and Isabelle. Shattering revelations are in this book and I want to now how they would act on them. I can't wait to read book 2.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Diary ng Panget 3

Title: Diary ng Panget 3
Author: HaveYouSeenThisGirl
Genre: Filipino Chick-Lit
Date read: September 16, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★ (2/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Let's backtrack: Diary ng Panget, Diary ng Panget 2

Okay..let's see here. First I need to remind myself why I wanted to read this book. Yes, I was curious and yes, I loved the bickering. But so far, this is my least liked installment. Why? Though I love the bickering I hated the fact that it is dragging on. It's like Eya is going round in circles with what she's feeling. Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that Cross finally told her he liked her (Hallelujah) but I hated the fact that the lines were beyond sarcasm. But of course, I would read the last installment to this series and again as I always said during the last two books, my teenage self would've like this better...sort of.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Free Falling

Title: Free Falling
Author: Kirsty Moseley
Genre: YA, Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: September 14, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★ (3/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

They say that your school years are supposed to be the best years of your life, and that you should make the most of them because you’ll miss them when you’re all grown up. Up until Maisie Preston’s senior year, she would have totally agreed with that statement. Life was great, she had everything going for her, excellent grades, great parents, an annoying yet caring twin brother, and an impossibly sweet boyfriend.

Everything was perfect - that is until the arrival of Zach Anderson. A misfit delinquent that seemed to bring with him a lot of bad karma. Is it just a coincidence that his arrival marks a significant change in Maisie’s life? Up until senior year, life was perfect, but things seem to be going downhill fast.

This is a companion novel for ‘Always You’ — though this novel stands alone so there is no need to read Always You first.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This book kind of redeemed my faith in Kirsty Moseley's writing expertise. Its nowhere as good as The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window but at least it isn't as bad as Always You. Imagine my surprise seeing those characters in this book and a new generation of characters. This story is about a mistake and a love gone bad. Though I felt sorry for Luke, I was more into Zach's character.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Always You

Title: Always You
Author: Kirsty Moseley
Genre: YA, Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: September 13-14, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★ (2/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Riley Tanner has a best friend, the best friend a girl could ask for. He’s supportive, loyal, honest, trustworthy, kind, and thoughtful. He’s also the biggest player in school.

Their relationship has always been easy and affectionate, but after Riley’s month long vacation, things become a little strange. She starts to look at him in ways that go way beyond the ‘friend zone’. Add in her best friend’s rival, and things become a whole lot more complicated.


My Review: (also in goodreads)

Let me start by saying, there are so many things wrong in this book. I am not hating and I definitely am not turning into an anti but I expected more...much, much more. After reading The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window, I was so touched by Liam James that I expected the next male protagonist to be the same and maybe more. But I was wrong. I can't count how many times I cringed and skipped parts of the book. This seems rushed and the hype in me died down severely as the story dragged on. All through out, I was like looking at how I constructed stories when I was a teenager. The foundation of the plot was there, but the execution and the ability to attract readers? Not so much. It's sweet when friends especially best friends get together in the end but how they got together was wrong. You don't kiss your best friend and lust after them at the same time expect everything to be the same. You can't demand everything then say you are just friends. For me this was like a desperate resurrection of the reason why readers TBWSIMBW. I liked the first novel and because of that I'm giving the other book a chance; and that is why maybe I gave this 2 stars instead of 1.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window

Title: The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window
Author: Kirsty Moseley
Genre: YA, Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: September 11-12, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Amber Walker and her older brother, Jake, have an abusive father. One night her brother's best friend, Liam, sees her crying and climbs through her bedroom window to comfort her. That one action sparks a love/hate relationship that spans over the next eight years.

Liam is now a confident, flirty player who has never had a girlfriend before. Amber is still emotionally scarred from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. Together they make an unlikely pair.

Their relationship has always been a rocky one, but what happens when Amber starts to view her brother's best friend a little differently? And how will her brother, who has always been a little overprotective, react when he finds out that the pair are growing closer? Find out in The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This would be one of those romantic, coming of age books that would have made an impact to me. Yes, it would be the interesting plot but mostly because of another book boyfriend that I could add to THE collection: Liam James. I don't know what Amber did in her past life but I think she did something holy for her to be sort of lucky in her life now. Liam is an epitome of a knight and a prince charming rolled into one...a flirty one but still. As I read further into the story, I could feel that Amber is too damn lucky. And the book seemed like something out of a fairy tale. At least they had the father issue to balance it all out and pull them back to reality. All in all, I loved the book especially the parts where Liam was trying to be smooth with his one-liners.

Till the next read...