The Escapist

I Was Here 

by Gayle Forman

My Thoughts:

*Review based on advanced reading copy. There might be some changes with the finished copy.

Cody and Meg are best of friends. When Cody felt there could be more about Meg's suicide, she searched for the answers she started to question. Because how can she--her best friend--can't not know that Meg is suicidal? Since when did Meg become somebody she doesn't know?

To be honest, I was skeptical to read I Was Here because it talks about suicide and the blurb just didn't spoke to me. I don't have any expectations. All I know is it was written by Gayle Forman, one of the amazing authors out there. So I have to read it. Just in case.

I Was Here started out okay. I was afraid I wouldn't get it or connect with it. But when Cody started to get curious about Meg's death, I became curious too. I'm glad there was mystery that kept me reading and I find myself looking forward on the next pages. There was a "support group", though, that I questioned. Its purpose and people confuses me. I don't think they add up. It doesn't ruin the entire book but it made me wonder, if the support group was flawed or just the way the author wrote about it (I don't even know if it exists in real life but I don't want to find out about that. Too scary.)

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Boomerang 

by Noelle August 

(Boomerang #1)

My Thoughts:

Boomerang started out as sexy and I thought it would be like that and only that all throughout the book. The next pages contains awkward and funny scenes and my impression died and I liked it instantly. Boomerang has something that sets apart from other ordinary NA novels. One, because there's a dating site (but not exactly about) where unexpected things happened to two strangers and a follow-up of crazy events. Two, interesting characters.

Mia Galliano and Ethan Vance woke up one morning together and despite the attraction and connection, they've been too drunk to remember what happen the night before. Willing to move on their lives and make sure to not be late on the first day of internship, they weren't prepared on what they later found out. They are now competing for the job they want so much. And a company rule: no co-worker dating.

I adore Mia and Ethan. They're both passionate and dedicated, with unique personality--they're easy to like. I also love how Mia is attached to her grandmother and her passion in film-making, and Ethan being a soccer coach to 9-year olds with passion both on the sport and the children. On the outside, Boomerang looks like a fun, witty, and cute read. Fluffy all the way. But I was surprised and pleased to find out that it is more than that. The characters are greatly structured: the connection and chemistry is definitely swoon-worthy, backgrounds you can't help but adore, the story and the supporting characters are really good too. And most of all, I'm happy that Mia and Ethan developed something deeper than physical attraction. They've grown to know each other and like the little or big things about them. It makes the love story more sweet and swoony.

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Magnolia

by Kristi Cook

My Thoughts:

*This review is based on electronic advanced reading copy. There might be some changes with the finished copy.

I'm supposed to review Magnolia on a blog tour back in August. Unfortunately, that was the time I think my laptop went down and I wasn't lucky enough to save the ecopy before it did until my tour stop came nearer and I have to do feature post instead and review later--that was only a simplified version of the crazy happenings then. And then I started my review classes and there's priority books I needed to review first so I wasn't able to read this ASAP. I can't believe I've waited this long to read this book!

Their story, as Jemma Cafferty described, was like Romeo and Juliet...only you flip that inside out. Both Jemma and Ryder Marsden's families are intertwined, devoted to each other, after the history of heroism/friendship their ancestors made. Born six weeks apart, Jemma and Ryder's mothers already have their plans and dreams about their wedding. Not that they were betrothed--but it seems worst that that. Their mothers always push them together even though they clearly despise each other.

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Forbidden 

by Kimberley Griffiths Little

(Forbidden #1)

My Thoughts:

*This review is based on advanced reading copy. There might be some changes in finished copy.

Forbidden is the kind of book I'm not sure if I really want to read or I really don't want to read. It took me several visits to its Goodreads page and yes and no answers before I decided to give it a try. Mixed reviews are one thing too.

Jayden is part of a tribe called Nephish where they don't have a permanent address so they travel a lot. In simple words, they live in the desert. The first chapter started on the night of Jayden's betrothal ceremony. She was betrothed to to Horeb, a guy you cannot call a knight and shining armor. Once they get married, Horeb and Jayden will be hailed as king and queen of their tribe. Enter Kadesh, a mysterious boy from Southern Lands. A boy who made Jayden felt worthy and loved, and everything that Horeb is not. But their feelings is fobidden and a lot--lives--is at stake.

You see, from that simple blurb/facts, you can predict what will happen. It's like you've heard about this story a lot of times. The first half and until the quarter of the book the story revolved around their journey to a new place to stay, the grief Jayden's family is experiencing, the annoying whining of Jayden's big sister Leila, hate relationship with Horeb, love and hiding with Kadesh, and some mystery. It was an okay read for me. I don't hate it but I also don't love it. I was on the 3/4 of the book and I'm wishing for something grand and/or different from the story.

Until I read the remaining 1/4 of the book. And now you're talking! The story had turned up a notch with more twists, complications, and even action. I was also pleased to see a character development for Jayden. Forbidden became more intense and interesting read, which I really liked. I forgot to mention, but I also liked the historical and desert theme of the book and the feels from Jayden and Kadesh even though at first I was annoyed because their first meeting and development seems cliche.

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Kiss of Deception 

by Mary E. Pearson

(The Remnant Chronicles #1)

My Thoughts:

I've heard so many great things about Kiss of Deception and that's one of the reasons why I'm dying to read it. It's one of my need-to-read-soon list. However, with great expectations comes a possible great disappointment, and I'm not looking forward for the latter. When I finally had a copy of Kiss of Deception, I did my own crazy I-got-THE-book! dance. (It's not something you want to witness. :3) I'm so excited to read it but because I have a reading schedule to follow, I end up just staring and sniffing at it for a while.

I couldn't seem to understand or dive into Kiss of Deception's world when I started reading it, so I got worried that I might end up on the disappointment part. After a couple more pages, it's like the world of Kiss of Deception had opened and swallowed me whole--in a good way. I was sucked in it, not wanting to go back to reality. I couldn't put the book down.

Kiss of Deception was primarily told in Lia's (the runaway princess) POV but there were also some from The Prince and The Assassin, which remained a mystery until the 3/4 of the book. It made my reading more interesting. I looove being curious. I like Lia in so many ways. She's sweet and thoughtful but sharp-minded, independent but not whiny, strong but soft-hearted. She's also quite funny. I like her note to the prince before their supposed to be wedding day.

The characters and events were familiar, but the plot, mystery, romance, and thrill of it all was graciously wrapped and written. Especially the mystery of the identity of the prince and assassin. It drives me crazy and excited. The fantasy part wasn't shown on the book, but there are traces of it. I think book two would be more fantasy. Despite little fantasy and action, the book has its own elements of beauty that didn't bore or frustrate me. I actually loved every single of it!

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My True Love Gave to Me 

edited by Stephanie Perkins 

My Thoughts:

Twelve best-selling YA authors delights readers with their compilation of twelve holiday short romance stories. My True Love Gave To Me has mixed genres--different flavors that readers would never get tired of. And since it has twelve stories, I'm going to mention only the ones I want to comment on.

Midnights by Rainbow Rowell was the first story off the book. It was told in the midnights of December 31st 2011-2014. The characters first met at year 2011 and their friendship grew as they welcome each year. I love how Rainbow created a short story without sounding like a short story. The characters had shown foundation and told a lot in just 22 pages. It's like a whole book is narrated into this one. Midnights warmed my heart and made me beg for more. You're a rockstar, Rainbow Rowell. I love this! It's one of my faves here.

The Lady and the Fox by Kelly Link was quite an odd one. I thought at first My True Love Gave To Me is an all-contemporary anthology but this story was the first one who've shown a somewhat paranormal/fantasy type and I was intrigued and a little confused at the story.

Polaris is Where You'll Find Me by Jenny Han was different as well, with the Korean female child adopted by Santa Claus himself (no kidding) who grew up living with elves and assisting her 'father' on gift giving during Christmas. This story tugged my heartstrings and until now I don't know I should be happy or sad. But you can clearly see another touch of talent by Jenny Han on this one.

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Lailah 

by Nikki Kelly

(The Styclar Saga #1)

My Thoughts:

Yet another waste of potential. The idea of a natural (unborn) Angel infected by Pureblood Vampire = light and dark on the main character is interesting. It should create a lot of complications and layers of stories and mysteries that would make the readers beg for more. But it didn't turn out that way. It turned out to be a complicated story of love-sick immortal teenagers with a waste of paranormal stuff. Oh, and did I mention a love triangle? Man, this is going to be a rant-ful review.

I was really excited about Lailah. I can't remember what made me want to read it. It has a love triangle from what you can read on the blurb but I remember I really want to read it. Too bad it turned out to be another disappointment. Too bad it's my first read and first review in 2015. (Actually, this should be my second review but I want to write this first since I have more to say/rant here than the supposed to be first review.)

The prologue started okay. Exciting, even. It was a dark start and it scared me a little, which I considered a good thing. Chapter one was okay too. I'm pretty excited to find out about the mystery on Lailah's true identity (although it was already given on the prologue; I'm excited on the additional story to it). And then she meets Jonah, a Vampire on the run from his Master. Since she helped a total stranger--Vampire, mind you. And yes, she knows it--she's also on the run with him as her life's in danger. There she *finally* met Gabriel and other Vampires, and slowly uncovering her true identity. And where the annoying love triangle starts. From then on I'm on guard. This sounds exactly like the two series I knew..

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The Good Girl 

by Mary Kubica

My Thoughts:

One day Mia Dennett, a twenty-something art teacher from a prominent family, went missing. She don't just absent from her work, unnoticed, or run away with a lover. In fact, she had a sort-of boyfriend that wasn't missing. But when it's confirmed that she just went out of the blue, her mother Eve did everything to find her and the reason why she's gone.

I didn't new The Good Girl is an adult novel. I was completely surprised when I started reading the first chapter, on Eve's perspective, followed by Gabe the detective, and even Colin the kidnapper, that alternates in different times: before and after. When I checked this out on Goodreads, I just knew there's something interesting in this book that's why I wanted to read it. I guess I have to be aware of the genre as well. Either way, I resumed reading because 1) I don't want another DNF book, 2) it's a mystery and there's a detective--it's something I haven't read and willing to try, 3) I'm already curious.

So obviously, The Good Girl wasn't something I'd read but it caught my eye nonetheless. There were times that I got bored of the slow pace and just wanted to reveal the mystery right away, but thought that wouldn't be as exciting and surprising. At least I wanted to experience or feel something out of it. And I did feel something. I got pretty annoyed with Eve and the life she chosen to stay even if it bores her and make her feel a crappy person. Annoyed at judge James Dennett, Mia's father, for being greedy and crappy father and husband. Annoyed at Grace Dennett, for being the female version of her father. Annoyed at their seemed-perfect family but rotten in reality. Annoyed at what happen in between the ongoing mystery that I cannot mention due to spoiler. And on the ending, annoyed at Mia for being a stupid girl.

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Let’s Get Lost 

by Adi Alsaid

My Thoughts:

I'm pretty excited about Let's Get Lost because it's a road trip novel--which I've grown to love after a couple of books few years ago. Leila, the main character was on a road trip to see the Northern Lights. Along the way, she met four different people--Hudson, Bree, Elliot, and Sonia--who has been part of her journey, and Leila as part of their lives. During these interactions Leila found comfort to them (vice versa) and even been a way to help them. Leila is a likable character since she's kind, helpful, and pretty cool to be with. She remained story-less during her interactions with the four people as I've witness their lives instead, divided in four parts of the book. I've gotten to know Leila on the fifth part and found out that the trip to Northern Lights have something meaningful than I thought it was.

I liked how bits of stories were rolled into one. I like how Leila became symbolic, mysterious, and fun altogether, and how she became a way to make someone's heart or life better, and at the same time learning things along the way--for Leila, Hudson, Bree, Elliot, Sonia, and even the reader. I liked everything about it except the ending, I guess. It felt a little flat and predictable for me. I hoped it had an ending that stood out like the entire novel.

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Exquisite Captive

by Heather Demetrios

(Dark Caravan Cycle #1)

My Thoughts:

*This review is based on advance reading copy. There might be some changes in the finished copy.

When I read the word 'jinni' I knew I have to read this novel. Although there's part of me telling I should not read this book because it could turn out to be bad than I expected, still I went for it. That's why I wasn't prepared when I read this book and it just blew me away. I never felt this way for ages!

Exquisite Captive was told in third perspective, focusing on Nalia. Nalia is a jinni and has been tied to her cruel master, Malek, for 3 years. And then there's Raif, Arjinna's leader that literally leaped out of Malek's garage, into their lives. Now if you'd read those few facts, you'd think this is 'just another YA fantasy' you've read so many times or would turn out to be love-sick teenagers. But surprise, it's not.

Nalia is your next favorite female protagonist. Strong, fierce, likable, and, as I am so much grateful about, not a whiner. I liked how easy it was to read this book with her as the main character. Malek was described as cruel master but I saw him as sweet and adorable in an edgy way. Raif came as surprise. I do not have a first impression to him and I do not think of him as much--not until the story got more interesting. I think this book has already won my heart with these interesting characters. I'm not going to talk about further things about this book, afraid that I might spill some unintended spoilers. But I promise you, this is really great.

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Counterfeit Love

by Julie Fison

My Thoughts:

I don't know what to expect in Counterfeit Love apart from the invitation to read a contemporary romance novel set in Hong Kong. I'm quite excited about it; I don't think I've read a book set in Hong Kong or Asia (except for Filipino books, of course).

Counterfeit Love started like most contemp romance would welcome their readers. Girl meets boy, girl begins to have a crush on boy, boy searches for girl, and the likes. It was like something I read from other books. I'm starting to get bummed when a plot twist appeared. From ordinary, this book became a tale of mystery--like an undercover story, only lighter, and hilarious awkward romance. I liked how the author took a spin on the story and made this book more meaningful. It was a good move. I end up liking it more than I thought.

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Talon

by Julie Kagawa 

(Talon #1)

My Thoughts:

* This review is based on the advance reading copy. There might be some changes with the finished copy.

Yet another Julie Kagawa novel and with dragons in it? Yes, please! I couldn't be more excited when I found out about Talon. Not to mention that beautiful cover.

Talon was told in two perspectives on the first part, with Ember and Garret. Ember is sixteen years old on her human form and a young red dragon in her true form (can't remember whether her dragon age was mentioned). Ember didn't appeal to me from the beginning. I think she was supposed to turn out to be fiery, strong-willed, and independent, but for me, she looked like an anti-social (psychologically means: rule-breaker) spoiled teenager dragon. She's not even real human. Garret was fine for me. I like his soldier background and how he come undone as the story progressed. However, he seemed to become like Ember, slowly breaking the commands of the Order. As I witness the new Garret, I became fully aware on how he think and act and well, he sounded like Ember. His character lost its consistency.

Another POV was added on the part two of the book which belonged to Riley, a rogue  (rebel) dragon. Riley's a bad boy (or dragon) you'd probably have read in so many books. I don't know, he doesn't appeal to me as well. It came out cliche. His appearance ticked one thing I feared the most: love triangle. It drove me crazy. And with many POVs shown, there were hardly a mystery--which I think would make this book better if Talon had only one narrator. It's like, everything's out in the open and I wouldn't have to think, guess, or beg for more, and it didn't end up well.

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A Little Something Different 

by Sandy Hall

My Thoughts:

Everything about A Little Something Different will catch anyone's eye. From the cute romantic cover to the fact that it was told in 14(!) viewpoints. Who wouldn't want to read that? It looks like it's as sweet as cotton candy and I don't know why, but whenever I see or think about this book, I remember the Disney movie Enchanted.

This book is about a girl and a boy who met, liked each other...but too shy and afraid to talk to one another. As their attraction grew, people around them noticed the chemistry and their cuteness and these people (and other things)--from friends of both sides, match-making creative writing teacher, a barista, a waitress, a bench, a squirrel, and others--basically told their story.

From these perspectives I get to know the main characters, Gabe and Lea. Gabe is an uber shy guy which made him adorable and cute in Lea's eyes (and on some of the narrators). But his shyness made the story a little slow-paced. I don't know if I think he's cute or became annoying at that time. Lea, on the other hand, is not far different from Gabe. However, Lea is the braver one, finding a way and having the guts to talk to Gabe even if she would end up looking stupid. These two, their story, and their connection with the narrators are simple yet fun to read. I like the closeness and the connection of all the characters. The way Lea and her friends act on a guy she's crushing is relatable. I can imagine me and my friends, especially on the stalking part. XD

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My Second Life 

by Faye Bird

My Thoughts:

My Second Life has an interesting concept. I was excited to read this book, to unravel the mysteries, to know why the main character, Emma, had a second life and to be Ana, and what happened on her previous life. This is one of the books this year I'm excited to know the answers.

True to her word, Faye Bird made this book as an overall mysterious. I had been guessing the whole time and when certain events were clearly spelled out, my heart broke. I find this book sad, happy, and just emotional. It was also slow-paced and a little like running in circles. Although the tone of the book matches the overall outcome, I find the revelation lacking of something explosive. It was emotional, yes, but the impact of the truth and the overall story requires more, something to be worthwhile and be remembered.

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Not in the Script

by Amy Finnegan

My Thoughts:

I'm so excited to found out the author--Amy Finnegan--has sent me a copy of this book! I have my eyes on If Only books ever since I saw them. It was a great bonus that I get to know Amy more (you will too, soon) and get my book signed! :D

Emma Taylor has been in front of the camera all her life. It captured her growing up, acting or not. And yes, including her love life. Her history with gorgeous actors didn't went well and it created a bad image on her. So when a new TV series comes up, she set her limits about dating her co-stars. Including Brett Crawford, her ultimate celebrity crush (and her laptop wallpaper), and smart and thoughtful Jake Elliott.

I've read some novels about Hollywood but none of them gave me this kind of story before. The characters are famous celebrities, but the story of this book is about their personal lives. I love that most of the scenes were off cam. It's like I've got a VIP pass on Hollywood and saw the lives of celebrities. This is what fangirls dream the most!

I love that the book-and-TV characters became friends even on their first meeting. And even though Kimmi, a new actress, could be a total B and Brett turned out to be an air-head, I found myself laughing at their banters. I almost thought/hoped they'd end up together. I love Emma and Jake's friendship too, and the progress of their relationship. They are so comfortable with each other that they don't talk about being a celebrity. I really liked Jake! I like how humble he is and just so normal. He's a perfect gentleman as well and a girl would want for in a boyfriend! He's a total package. There was only one time where I got disappointed in him, where he had a little faith in Emma. Emma on the other one, is the kind of person anyone would be cool with. She's nice, funny, and totally normal as well.

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Trial by Fire 

by Josephine Angelini

(The Worldwalker Trilogy #1)

My Thoughts:

Lily doesn't have a life that anyone would want to have. She have a life-threatening allergies and become isolated because of it. That's why it's easy for her to want a life where she's strong and powerful...until she finally does. Lily found herself in her same but different hometown, Salem. She's still her, and her sister is still her sister but also somewhat different. And everyone treats her differently. An alternate world.

The first thing I loved about this book was the idea of alternate world and being sent there. You might have read or watched stories like that, but not me. It was my first time to encounter alternate worlds in a book with the same characters on each world. I love this concept and how tricky and clever it all turned out. I also like the world building--the way the author played on this world she wanted to be. Of course it has a huge part in the story, which made everything exciting and dangerous and mysterious.

I like Lily. She's the kind of character you'd easily be comfortable with. I like her strength without making it look like trying hard. I like her ability to make other characters--even me--laugh or just feel light. She's as light as a feather but as fierce as an eagle. Rowan didn't first appeared as your book knight because he wasn't one in the beginning. But I like how I get to know him as his character unravels bit by bit. I also love the progression of Lily and Rowan's relationship from strangers to friendship to something more. This kind of romance is one of the hard love stories I've ever read. Because they live in alternate worlds. I'm excited to find out how Josephine Angelini will work on this as I read the continuation of the story on the second and third book.

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Illusions of Fate 

by Kiersten White

My Thoughts:

*This review is based on advance reading copy. There might be some changes in finished copy.

This is probably my third Kiersten White book and though I still wasn't swayed, I like that she's trying out different genres, concepts, and publish one book per year. She writes a lot, I figured. I hope one day I'd come across a book from her that I'd deeply adore.

Illusions of Fate seemed to begin in a middle of a story and then everything happened so fast it's like a bird just swished by. I barely had time to learn more about the female main character and narrator of the book, Jessamin, and other characters in this book. Well, except for Eleanor. Jessamin's new found friend and best gossiper of their town. The romance was so fast too that I wasn't aware that they--Jessamin and Finn--have grown fond of each other. I was like, Wait. Did I miss something or is this how really romance was found from way back? Finn remained a mystery too until the end. He wasn't the kind of mysterious man that's exciting. It rather left me clueless.

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