Book Review: Manga Classics: Great Expectations

Manga Classics: Great Expectations by Stacy King

Publishing Date: May 19, 2015
Publisher: Udon Entertainment
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Great Expectations has it all: romance, mystery, comedy, and unforgettable characters woven through a gripping rags-to-riches tale. Naive Pip, creepy Miss Haversham, beautifully cold Estella, terrifying Abel Magwitch, and the rest of Dicken’s fantastic cast are perfectly envisioned in this new adaptation in this 300-plus page volume featuring artwork by artist Nokman Poon. Manga Classics editions feature classic stories, faithfully adapted and illustrated in manga style, and available in both hardcover and softcover editions. Proudly presented by UDON Entertainment and Morpheus Publishing.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 4/5 "really liked it"

I couldn't clearly wrap my head around why the title is the title. I blame it on my lack of comprehension. Classic works just have too deep a meaning most of the time.

I would've ranted with the way the story ended if I hadn't done further research. Turns out the end is just as vague and letting the readers come up with their own conclusion. It broke my heart when Biggy married Joe but they both deserve to be happy. I was also happy when Estella finally became a human person with feelings and no longer a cold, heartless living robot.

Gave it four stars because I wasn't really all over it. Maybe I'm an Austen fan rather than a Charles since I'm a die hard romance fan.

Once again these Manga Classic adaptations are truly helpful.

Book Review: Bride Undone

Bride Undone by Kate Deveaux

Publishing Date:May 27, 2017

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Torn between the man she is to wed and the man who has stolen her heart — 
Days before her wedding an unexpected connection with a stranger has this bride to be reeling into the arms of the man who can give her everything she desires and more. Toe curling erotic romance so hot your toes will curl, this bride breaks all the rules.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 2/5 "it was okay"

ARC received via NetGalley, thank you Xpresso Book Tours.

If you like yachts, tropical islands, and lots and LOTS of hot lovemaking then this is definitely for you.

I was looking forward to reading this book since I believe in soulmates and being with the person you're meant to be. I didn't really expect that the person Chloe falls for would be HIM. (I'm not saying who to avoid spoilers.) I was very much surprised to find out he has captured her heart. 

I gave it two stars because all the book talked about was their time in a "runaway-vacation" sort of thing. They barely talked about their problems, there was barely any conclusion everything was in loose ends. There was no closure with Chloe's 'ex-fiance' though I understand it'd be too early for that but it would've been good to put him back in the picture for a while and learn how he's doing. All the other characters are in the dark regarding to Chloe's activities and it didn't seem like they (Chloe and runaway partner) were planning to tell them. I wanted more to happen. More with the people who surround our runaway partners but in the end they acted like nothing else matters. I kept two stars for the steamy scenes of course, there were a lot of them. Considering Chloe's small problem in bed, she'd want to go all out with the man who's finally for her.

Unless there'd be a sequel, I wouldn't be satisfied with the entirety of the story.

Book Review: Manga Classics: Pride & Prejudice (Graphic Novel)

Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice by Stacy King

Publishing Date: September 17, 2014
Publisher: UDON Entertainment
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Beloved by millions the world over, Pride & Prejudice is delightfully transformed in this bold, new manga adaptation. All of the joy, heartache, and romance of Jane Austen's original, perfectly illuminated by the sumptuous art of manga-ka Po Tse, and faithfully adapted by Stacy E. King.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 5/5 "it was amazing"

Thank You Udon Entertainment for the copy via NetGalley and for auto approving me on the said site. I no longer need to request for your mangas if ever I wish to read them. Yaaay!

First of all this is my first time to read Pride and Prejudice. I only ever saw the adaptation film of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies which had the major events covered and it helped a bit as I was reading this manga. Beyond that film I have no other idea about this popular novel by Jane Austen.

I find that this manga was very helpful. Whenever I want to read a classic I would turn to graphic novels now to spare myself the time of reading the full length novel. Not a lot of people read the classics anymore and I'd be fine by knowing enough rather than nothing at all.

The drawings on this manga were very wonderful, aristic, the women are beautiful, the men are handsome! I wish men were often drawn with Mr. Darcy's hair in this manga. His hair is fabulous!

For students who are tasked to write an essay on classics (who aren't really fond of reading lots of words) I suggest you pick up Mangas or Graphic Novels because they are quite helpful and easier to read. It takes a lot less time too!

Book Review: Scarlet Rose #1: "I Knew I'd Meet You" (Graphic Novel)

Scarlet Rose #1: "I Knew I'd Meet You" by Patricia Lyfoung

Publishing Date: November 28, 2017
Publisher: Charmz
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Maud, a dreamy young woman, who loves justice, lives in France in the 18th century. The incomprehensible murder of his father forced him to rejoin Paris where his grandfather, a noble whose existence she was unaware, saw. It crosses the road of the Fox, a brigand of the highways that she admires. But she still does not know anything about the secret that her father bequeathed to her and that a mysterious individual covets. 

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 5/5 "it was amazing"

Thank you Papercutz for the copy via NetGalley.

This Graphic Novel is fun, easy to read, and has a good sense of humor.

It starts with the murder of Maud's father, a past revealed to her and thus she travels to live in Paris. Her huge crush on a bandit calling himself "The Fox" has lead her to a conclusion of becoming a bandit herself - Scarlet Rose.

Guilhem is quite cute but I can't really tell of his age based on the drawings. Their facial expressions are right and I love how they change to impossible human faces to exaggerate an emotion.

I believe the english translations have just begun and I can't wait to read the next installment. This is my first Graphic Novel series so I'm not very familiar with the slang. Is it called an 'installment', an 'issue' perhaps?

Book Review: I Knew You Were Trouble

I Knew You Were Trouble by Lauren Layne

Publishing Date: June 13, 2017
Publisher: Loveswept
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

New York City’s hottest bachelors are stirring up trouble in this fun, flirty Oxford Novel, as a love triangle forces a feisty beauty to choose between winning back Mr. Right or giving in to Mr. Wrong.

Taylor Carr has it all—a sleek job in advertising, a stunning Manhattan apartment, and the perfect man to share it with: Bradley Calloway. Even after Bradley dumps her for a co-worker on move-in day, Taylor isn’t worried. She’ll get her man eventually. In the meantime, she needs a new roommate. Enter Nick Ballantine, career bartender, freelance writer—and longtime pain in Taylor’s ass. Sexy in a permanent five-o’clock-shadow kind of way, Nick knows how to push Taylor’s buttons, as if he could see right through to the real her.

Nick’s always trying to fix people, and nobody could use a good fixing more than Taylor. Sure, she’s gorgeous, with mesmerizing silver eyes, but it’s her vulnerability that kills him. Now that they’re shacking up together, the chemistry is out of control. Soon they’re putting every part of their two-bedroom apartment to good use. Then Taylor’s ex comes crawling back to her, and Nick figures she’ll jump at the chance to go back to her old life—unless he fights for the best thing that ever happened to him.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 5/5 "it was amazing"

Thank You Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for the copy via NetGalley.

Short blurb: Taylor Carr and Nick Ballantine just click. They're both simply too dense to realize that all that bickering was a love spark being expressed in a different way. 

This is my first Lauren Layne book and I must say this is very well written. It's realistic, it doesn't feel rushed, it's not boring at all. Every event surprises me and books like that are simply great!

Taylor and Nick are just perfect for each other. No one else could get their sassy-ness and see it as a challenge rather than an insult. Nick screams sex appeal and I can't help but imagine Nick Bateman (a hot model) as I read this book. As I was reading this book I kept texting my friends my feels even though they wouldn't relate but I use small sentences to make them understand before I dive right back in.

It a huge possibility that I'll pick up another LL book in this series. ;)

Book Review: Geekerella

Geekerella by Ashley Poston

Publishing Date: April 4, 2017
Publisher: Quirk Books
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Cinderella goes to the con in this fandom-fueled twist on the classic fairy tale.

Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom. Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. 

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 5/5 "it was amazing"

“I hate that I’m falling for someone I don’t even know.”

My take on the plot.

Before Ella’s father died it was always him, Ella, and Starfield reruns - the sci-fi tv series that they both loved so much. Now a reboot of Starfield is being made into a movie with Darien Freeman as the lead, Carmindor. Ella isn’t convinced he’s worthy of role and she ranted about it in her blog Rebelgunner. Darien runs into her blog post and is enraged by Rebelgunner. Darien accidentally texts the wrong number which was Ella’s and thus begins their relationship divided by a screen. However, Darien doesn’t give out a name and Ella calls her as Carmindor while Darien knows she’s Ella, he doesn’t know she’s behind Rebelgunner. 

“There’s just me stranded on the wrong side of everything that I love.”

It’s very modern and I love how I am brought to the world of cosplay and cons. I have never been to one before and the way Exelsicon was described in this book feels like I was in there too. I am a fangirl myself and this book just made me become a fan of a non-existent show! I wish Starfield were a real tv show, or at least a comic book. How about a novel? Even a serialized novel would be great.

“I fell in love across the cell signals and late-night texts with a girl I barely knew.”

Ella is no short of Cinderella’s character she’s not even a geek, she’s an ordinary fangirl like most of us while Darien is a different kind of Prince Charming. Being in behind the scenes on a major film made me realize how hard it is to be an actor and the different roles of the crew. Darien being an unsure prince because his life is being run by his father slash manager and is also forced to be on a diet to maintain his abs.

I pretty much enjoyed seeing the major aspects of Cinderella being incorporated to their story. It’s not even cliche, all the characters are very realistic, the events also realistic. It’s a refreshing take on a classic. The ending didn’t seem rushed either though I did feel a different rush getting to the end. It was well paced, it worked out well for the characters. I even wish for a sequel. I want to know what happens to their lives after the end. Oh and Rebelgunner’s blog post was the perfect closing remark for the book.

There’s so many things I could talk about this book without even spoiling anything but I don’t want this review to be so long. All I could say is read it. Pick up this book and read it. It’s not what you think it would be.

Look to the stars. Aim. Ignite.

Book Review: Fallen

Fallen by P.J. Fox

Publishing Date: April 18, 2017
Publisher: Evil Toad Press
Synopsis from Goodreads:

In entrepreneur and billionaire heir Dane, Ani sees a man who is gorgeous, brilliant... and intimidating. But in the equally intimidating world in which they live, a world that rose from the ashes of the Third World War and that now prizes dominance above almost all else, he's perfect. Ani, who's known her whole life that she doesn't belong in this world, is startled to discover that-despite what he is, or maybe because of it-she might not hate him quite as much as she thinks. He might be her polar opposite, but he has a lure that, try as she might, she can't deny.

Dane, meanwhile, finds himself unable to resist Ani's independent spirit. Even though he, as a product of the society that's given him so much, has long regarded such spirit as anything but a virtue. He likes his women like he likes everything else: on his own terms. Can he, he wonders, tame her?

And will Ani let herself be tamed?

And can she, a pacifist in a world of violence, keep herself safe? Because, despite its veneer of civility, this brave new world is a violent place; no trappings of wealth, and privilege, can disguise that fact. Crimes of all kinds, up to and including murder, are more than tolerated; under the guise of keeping society stable, they're encouraged. Particularly on one night of the year, a night that's fast approaching: the highlight of every loyal citizen's year, the night of the Purge. 

REVIEW

I rated it 5/5 "it was amazing"

"I’d intended to win you over, ah, I believe the phrase is the right way. Or the way, at least taught by mothers and gentlemen’s magazines and approved by my housekeeper. With flowers and jewels and whatever other things women might want. And flirtations and promises, not all of which were meant to be kept.”

My take on the plot.

Dane has been in love with Ani ever since he first laid eyes on her when she was sixteen. He waited for Ani but as he did he entertained other women. Now, Ani being 21 her aunt is eager for her to get married with her rich best friend Archer and one of wealthiest bachelor in the world Dane who she hates and purposely avoids during parties. The night of the Purge comes and Ani is left if with no other choice but to accept the shelter and hospitality Dane is demanding more than offering. But the death of her uncle remains a mystery, was it coincidental or intentional? Her aunt and brother even came out without a scratch.

SPOILER ALERT

Dane. Dane. Dane. Let’s talk about Dane. 

“You were - and are - dreams made flesh.”

In their time, monogamy is not a thing. It’s not a surprise if married men would warm the beds of other women. Someone as pure as Ani caught his eye and he made an effort for her to see him differently. I was pained when he revealed to Ani that every time he approaches her he sees it clearly in her eyes fear or him. And when she’s around other people she lights up and smiles and how badly he wishes he could be the one to make her shine that way. Soon he felt like he doesn’t deserve her, his lifestyle, he himself as a human being - unpure and tainted with disgusting gossip about him - doesn’t deserve her pureness. He wishes for Ani to be happy but human as we are he can still be selfish and could not shake the fact he wants Ani for himself.

Their relationship.

“It might be fantasy, but it was better than reality.”

Ani began with hatred for Dane. I think she just hates him because of his lifestyle and Ani wants nothing to do with the drama. In the modern world he would be labeled as a ‘bad boy’ and under that category as a ‘fvck boy’. With that much stain to his name no matter how rich, utterly handsome, and composed he may be Ani only wants to stay away from him. Unfortunately for Ani, Dane seems to keep his eyes on her during parties. Soon when Ani realizes they as different as they may seem they have this special bond where they connect. The moment she accepts her feelings for him the more things become easier. The progress of their relationship wasn’t rushed, it was clear how hate turned to love. In the number of pages it may seem short but as I read with the thoughts of Ani I understand how her feelings came to be.

The mystery.

Everyone was a suspect. Okay not everyone, but a lot had motive and many gained from the death of Ani’s uncle. Up until before the revelation I wasn’t even sure who the culprit was.

The revelations.

Ani’s past uncovered it was remarkable. I was too engrossed with the story that I didn’t have a moment to step back and wonder about her past which is why I missed that detail and I failed to analyze things.

“Each war is fought with different weapons.”

The writing.

It took a long time for the story to get to the main plot. It was very hard for me to read at first, with all the placing of events, their setting, the characters. There were a lot of unnecessary side stories and some scenes took to long and weren’t even that of a game changer. The ending wasn’t rushed but it lacked happiness. Most of the story revolves around Dane and Ani’s relationship and the readers weren’t even given the privilege of seeing their wedding. I personally wanted to know what happens and how big a wedding in Victoria can be especially when you’re marrying a filthy rich man such as Dane.

"You have the right to your own life. To your own dreams, your own goals. To be yourself."

Overall I did enjoy this book so much. It was a very fun read, the thrilling events didn’t lack heart racing features. I wish for a sequel too.

Book Review: Everything, Everything

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Publishing Date: September 1, 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 3/5 stars "I liked it"

Her life was pretty boring! But for someone who's never been outside the walls of her home then she wouldn't know what boring is.

The book is okay, the plot is really good but overall it just kind of lacked the "umf" factor. I kinda expected something different, something unique for the ending. It didn't give me that refreshing, or tragic feeling that I was expecting to get when I reached the ending. Yes, I felt very curious. Yes, I felt that thrill of interacting with my crush and kissing someone for the first time. Yes, I felt the pain during the revelation.

I guess I could say that this book was over-hyped. People were crazy about this book when it first came out but then after I read the book it was kind of "meh". Don't get me wrong, like I said the entire book was great, just not the ending. Maybe I'm just used to reading books with plot twists and crazy revelations which is why I was looking for that factor in this book.

But what I do love is how this book is about health awareness. I love it when I get informed with a new sickness that someone could be experiencing now in the world and I get how important that is and I should be very, VERY grateful for my life.

I have yet to watch the film, it wasn't shown here in our city.

Book Review: Hopeless

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover 

Publishing Date: December 19, 2012
Publisher: Atria Books
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 2/5 stars "It's okay"

This book is not only about teen romance, it's more than that. It's about life, it addresses a serious topic which every person should at least know about.

"I tilt my head back and look up at the stars, wishing more than anything that I was up there and not down here."

Gave it 2 stars, this is my second Colleen Hoover book but it didn't compare to Ugly Love. Don't get me wrong, the way Holder lives (loves) Sky is how every girl wants to be lived (loved), but it just didn't give me the wow factor. The reveals at the last parts of the story was something I never saw coming and the deeper and further it got all the lines connecting every character just got tangled up.

I hate Holder (in a sarcastic way) for always knowing the right things to say at certain situations, it makes him even more unreal! But am I the only one who sees Holder as Charlie Heaton/Jonathan Byers from Stranger Things? Maybe that's why I'm not that attracted to him.

"There's nothing like the guilt you feel when there's room in your heart to love evil."

Over all this book was a good read, I can't put it down because I want to know how it ends and what's really hidden in the past lives of both main characters. I don't hate the book, I even love the plot twists. I love how it addresses a serious matter, those kinds of books always get the better half of me. I'm looking forward to Losing Hope which will be my next read after a couple of books I need to read ahead of it because of a deadline.

13 Reasons Why (2017 show)

13 Reasons Why

Weeks after Hannah Baker committed suicide, Clay receives a box at his door step. The box contains 7 tapes, each side marked with numbers from 1 to 13. When he plays the first tape he finds out each tape contains a reason that leads to why Hannah ended her life. Hannah mentioned on the tape that if a person is listening to it, then he is one of the reasons.

Based on: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Network: Netflix
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Language: English
Running Time: 49-61 minutes
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 13

Release Date: March 31, 2017

Review

4/5 stars

"All of you cared, but none of you cared enough."

This show deserves 5 stars like what I gave to the book but I just wasn't as interested to it as I watched each episode. Maybe it's because I already know the events that are going to happen because I read the book back in high school, or maybe I just lack sleep and the story isn't a thriller or anything so it doesn't keep me up at night.

The actors who portray the characters, they're all good, but most of the time I think the actors who play as boys seem to feminine for me. But maybe that's just me. Their acting, facial expressions, spot on. You can tell how they feel because their body language and faces show it so well. The soundtrack is also a plus. It's all good.

My memory was kind of foggy as I watched the show and I second guessed myself about the order of events but I later realized they changed up some of the order of the tapes to fit well with the story. I love how some characters in a tape get longer episodes because there's just a long story to tell about them. Hannah life wasn't perfect, it was kind of messed up. I don't know what I would do if I were in her shoes but I'd never kill myself. Needles even scare me!

The scene where they finally showed how Hannah slit her wrist was VERY DISTURBING to me. I don't like seeing blood and there was A LOT of blood in that scene. After I finished the last episode I watched the video "13 Reasons Why: Beyond The Reasons" and they said they wanted that scene to be disturbing to show people there's nothing beautiful, nothing good, nothing right about killing yourself. It's painful and it inflicts more pain to the people who still care about you.

In the end a lot of plot lines were left open and fans are hoping they'll push for a season 2 because we want to know what happens next.

Everyone must watch this series. The show has more to say that the book ever could.

Now I just want to chill at their local coffee shop everyday and drink hot chocolate.

If you need help or know anyone who needs help, visit the site 13reasonswhy.info

Movie Review: Hidden Figures (2016)

Release date: December 10, 2016
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Director: Theodore Melfi
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae
Running Time: 127 minutes
Language: English
Budget: $ 25 million
Box Office: $ 224.2 million

In 1961, discrimination towards colored people is still very strong. Three women working for NASA as "computers" in Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia  strive to prove themselves worthy of a higher position and that knowledge knows no color.

Katherine, a mathematician, later gets assigned to assist the Space Task Group because of her skills in analytic geometry. Mary, an aspiring engineer wants to work as an engineer in NASA but can't because she lacks a requirement which is to graduate in an all-white college. Dorothy who acts as a supervisor in their office but isn't given the official title.

The story revolves around these three women and showcases how difficult their life were at the time. Based on a true story.


Review:

5/5 stars

Meet the women who changed the course of history for the entire United States of America.

This movie was very touching, the way women were treated in the past, even though they are allowed to work the same jobs as men there are still some people who aren't very open to it. It's more worse for colored people. White people treat them as if they have a disease or something. Their don't want to share a bathroom with them, a coffee maker, others barely want to speak with them.

I enjoyed this film so much, this is a must watch for everyone. I'm not sure children will enjoy this, but highschoolers surely will.

Book Review: Bossed

Bossed by Sloane Howell 

Publishing Date: March 28, 2017
Publisher: Loveswept
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

He’s the boss. But she’s ready to take charge.

In this provocative and sexy* office romance, a cheeky new hire tempts a hotshot sports agent to mix business with pleasure.

Jenny: Job interviews are a bitch under the best of circumstances, but when your potential boss is the world’s biggest prick, that’s when you should simply walk away. It’s just that I need this job so badly—and I’m mesmerized by Ethan Mason’s piercing gaze. Men like him aren’t supposed to exist in real life. But under the tailored suits and GQ looks, Ethan simmers with barely restrained ambition. And no matter how hard I work to fight the attraction, I’m going to get burned.

Ethan: You don’t become a top agent without learning how to close a deal. I always get what—or who—I want, by staying cool and in command. Then Jenny Jackson walks into my office with her lush curves and “screw you” attitude and blows away my intentions of keeping things professional. All I can think about is exploring the perfect body hidden beneath those conservative clothes or shutting her saucy mouth with one hot kiss. Jenny’s worth breaking the rules over—if I can convince her to break the rules for me.


*By sexy, we mean sexy. Like, 18+ sexy.

*Thank You Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for the ARC through NetGalley.*

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 5/5 stars "It was amazing"

I highly suggest this book to everyone who likes to read about men who are filthy rich but with a good heart, who are still human and make honest mistakes. The characters almost feel like their real persons in the real world because of how they react and behave in certain situations.

"Everything about her was a bad idea." 

A boss who likes to be in control, has a filthy mouth, and sexy from head to toe, inside out. And Jenny likes that about him.

"Distractions kill productivity, and she was the ultimate distraction - for me."

Ethan Mason built his company because of a shattered dream, and he made a promise to himself that a woman shall never get in the way of his business the way his mother ruined her father's business a long time ago.

As I was reading this book I always felt giddy and excited. I had the feels! Plus I cried with the ending, it tore me apart. I've never cried to a romance novel before, not even 50 shades of grey trilogy (though I've yet to read the 3rd book). But I cried with the book and I felt my heart hurt. It was kind of expected but I never thought it would affect me that much.

This was a very fun and interesting read. I couldn't put it down and I realized I read it in just 3 days (or nights to be specific because I read books that I like so much during night time). The fun characters, Ethan and Jenny's best friends make me wish I had best friends like them. I'm a sucker for businessmen in romantic stories and this was in the baseball business which I have less to zero knowledge about and so it was a great way to somehow expose myself a bit about their world. 

Book Review: Kiss the Boys

Kiss the Boys by Chris Myers, Diana Downey

Publishing Date: November 1, 2016
Publisher: Books on the Edge
Synopsis from Goodreads:

Three estranged brothers.
One runaway girl.

Sweet and sexy Noah soars as Spartans’ basketball shooting star. Overly protective, bad boy Nathan has beaten the devil and believes he’s invincible. And angry and bitter Jake cannot move past losing his unit in Afghanistan. After suffering personal tragedies, the three brothers barely speak to one another.

Until River.

When she runs away from her abusive foster home and notorious past, she crash-lands into Noah’s arms. She should feel safe with him, but she is attracted to guys more broken than she. And his brooding brothers Nathan and Jake wait patiently to catch her when she falls. Her relationship with each jeopardizes the precarious balance of their troubled family, and she will either mend their wounds or break their hearts.

Kiss the Boys is psychological romantic suspense, containing explicit sex and covering dark subject matter. This is the second book in the Lost Girls Collection. The first book is Blackout (steamy psychological thriller) by Chris Myers. Each of these books is a standalone. 

*Copy was received from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.*

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 3/5 stars

"There's nothing human to hurt us, only my memories." 

I can't say I love this book, but it isn't a bad book too. I enjoyed it rather well and with just enough curiosity to turn the page.

Nate is just screaming for sex. He has this strong appeal that simply draw women to him and get down on their knees. Just by the description of his physicality, the reader would be drawn to him.

A family with 3 sons who barely get along, the life of rich people in art museums, a basketball star in high school about to go pro, an ex soldier who lost a leg, a best friend, and a girlfriend, an orphan.

If you're looking for steamy bed scenes, and things that keep you warm at night then I'm sorry to disappoint because this book isn't it. The characters try to find the light in their dark universe and it's inspiring to see them work hard to reach the surface. Sometimes I feel for them, their pain, their hopelessness, but we know that there's always that one person who refuses to sink with the ship.

The writing looks like it's been written by an amateur, so are some parts of the story. Other times it just seems too exaggerated and unrealistic. If it wasn't for the different world that Nate and River live in I would have stopped reading. But it's because of Nate being a famous artist, him, River, and Jake being survivors, it gives me a glimpse of how people with their same experiences or challenges live. It's new information for me and I'm always on the hunt for new information.

Book Review: Stalking Jack the Ripper

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Publishing Date: September 20, 2016
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 5/5 stars

Damn! Up until the end, I never guessed who the murderer was. This book kept me up late at night, putting it down was never an option. I need the second book! I can't wait for the second book. And Thomas is just so irresistible! I love how this book takes me back to previous centuries and those are my favorite times. History with their norms, rules, dresses! What's not to love? Kerri just brought me to this world and time. I thought this book was going to be very dark and almost creepy that's why I didn't read it sooner, but now I regret that. I should have known. James Patterson chose her book to be the first of Jimmy Patterson Publishing House debut, it's bound to be PERFECT! Audrey and Thomas better not screw their ship in the next book.