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: Servant of the Forest

Servant of the Forest by Shona Husk

Publishing Date: September 1, 2017
Publisher: Self Published
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

“Remember to be wild,” Orabella’s mother would say. 
But her mother is dead and Orabella’s days are taken up with chores for the small estate that barely keeps her stepmother and stepsisters fed. 
Then an invitation arrives. The King is throwing a three day party for the Prince, a last attempt to find a cure for the curse that will claim him on his twentieth birthday. The witch who saves Gauthier will get his hand in marriage and will eventually become queen. 
Orabella is forbidden from going to the party even though everyone is invited. She wants to see the castle and the Cursed Prince. This time she refuses to obey her stepmother. 
As Orabella discovers the secrets of her past and the truth about her mother and the prince’s curse, she learns that no one is to be trusted and not everyone wants the prince to survive. 

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 4/5 "really liked it"

I would like to thank the author Shona Husk for the ARC I received via email.

I know what I'm about to say is really cliche but I do mean it. This is no ordinary Cinderella retelling. The events are guided by the original fairy tale but this book has its own world. I can even almost favor this over the original. Well written and well thought out, there were no loose ends.

It's got witches, curses, potions and lots of pretty dresses, it's a three day party what do you expect. It has the right amount of thrill, mystery, and romance. I was hooked by this book from the very first chapter. Written in both Orabella and Gauthier's POV I was determined to be beside them both in their journey and see it through the end. By the end of the book it made me appreciate the forest and all living animals and insects around. It not only satisfies our reading needs but it also carries an important message.

I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because it didn't play with my feelings too much like the way I'm used to but it did keep my interest going. I'm always curious, I'm always searching for the solution and the reason.

It's so hard to give a review of this book without spoiling anything. All I can say is, take a chance and visit the world Shona Husk has created. Servant of the Forest comes out September 1st, be sure to grab a copy.

Book Review: Rhapsodic (The Bargainer #1)

Rhapsodic (The Bargainer #1) by Laura Thalassa

Publishing Date: November 15, 2016
Publisher: Lavabrook Publishing Group
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past. For the last seven years she’s been collecting a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she’s received. Only death or repayment will fulfill the obligations. Only then will the beads disappear.

Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He’s a man who can get you anything you want... at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects.

But for one of his clients, he’s never asked for repayment. Not until now. When Callie finds the fae king of the night in her room, a grin on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, she knows things are about to change. At first it’s just a chaste kiss—a single bead’s worth—and a promise for more.

For the Bargainer, it’s more than just a matter of rekindling an old romance. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one. Only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to their breast. And then there are the whispers among the slaves, whispers of an evil that’s been awoken. 

If the Bargainer has any hope to save his people, he’ll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. Only, his foe has a taste for exotic creatures, and Callie just happens to be one.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 5/5 "it was amazing"

Desmond Flynn is King of the Night and is a Bargainer for a sideline. A girl owes him 322 bargains and he has come to collect. What does he want in return? 

"I'll be back tomorrow night, be prepared for more than just a kiss." 

From the very beginning this book got me hooked. I keep comparing Des to Sarah J Maas's Rhys but later I've stopped because they are completely different. Not just the physical description but Des is a different person with a different background (which I'm so excited to read in his Novella 'The Emperor of Evening Stars').

I love stories where two people have this huge history together and the way the book was written, to jump between the past and the present and how they somewhat parallel to their arguments and revelations.

Overall this was a very exciting read, my heart pounds whenever Des and Callie are in the same room. I could feel their electricity jumping out of the pages of the book. This is my first Laura Thalassa book and it certainly wouldn't be the last. I also heard so much about her other series and will check those out soon too. This book deserves more praise because this is truly one of the gems.

Book Review: Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter

Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter by Stacy King

Publishing Date: March 31, 2015
Publisher: UDON Entertainment
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

A powerful tale of forbidden love, shame, and revenge comes to life in Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter. Faithfully adapted by Crystal Chan from the original novel, this new edition features stunning artwork by SunNeko Lee (Manga Classics: Les Miserables) which will give old and new readers alike a fresh insight into the Nathaniel Hawthorne's tragic saga of Puritan America. 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 2/5 "it was okay"

I didn't fully understand the story, given that I haven't read the original novel so I turned to Google for some insight. It was then that I realized that what I understood with the manga is all there really is. More importantly, it is the type of story where the reader has to give his own meaning to the text.

Reading the 'Metaphors' page in the manga, it helped me understand even more. I thought this was a story without magic but I was wrong. It's about witchcraft and weird powers, especially Pearl who was said to be elf-like, a strange child of some sort.

This book was quick to read, it's more on pictures rather than conversations and narrations. So I can tell that the actual novel had more about descriptions of the surroundings and locations.

Once again, very helpful to students and to me who is too lazy to read the full novel.

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: Beowulf

Beowulf by Jacqueline Morley

Publishing Date: October 1, 2010
Publisher: Barron's Educational Series
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

This retelling of the first great epic poem in the English language recounts the story of Beowulf, his heroic struggle against the monster Grendel, and his final fight to the death with a ferocious dragon. Barron's " Graphic Classics " offer easy-to-follow retellings of immortal literary works. They introduce elementary and secondary school students to many of our culture's great plays, novels, and epic poems, and encourage boys and girls to discover the joy of reading the masterworks in their original form. "Graphic Classics " titles tell absorbing stories with high-quality color illustrations complemented with short narrative sections and dialogue balloons that capture the spirit of the originals. They also present background material to help young readers understand when and why the literary work was originally written. " Graphic Classics " titles are available in both paperback and hardcover editions.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I rated it 5/5 "it was amazing"

This was a fun read. It works for all ages.
I always wanted to know the story of Beowulf but I didn't want to read a really thick book for it. This comic book was very helpful as it has great art with synonyms for words that are less familiar.

If you need to write an essay on a classic, choose comic books especially from this publisher because it's easy to read and it has a lot of pictures.

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.

Movie Review: Wonder Woman (2017)

Release date: May 15, 2017 (Shanghai)
                      June 2, 2017 (United States)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Patty Jenkins
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright
Running Time: 141 minutes
Language: English
Budget: $ 149 million
Box Office: $ 591.6 million


IMDB Blurb:

Before she was Wonder Woman she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and true identity.

Review:

5/5 stars

Diana, Goddess of the Amazons.

The words that best describes this film are “GIRL POWER”. I have so much love for the Amazonians now. I wasn’t their biggest fan because I somehow see them as girls of the wild and like female versions of Tarzan. The film portrays them as civilized women who despite lack the interaction with other people - especially men - and the exposure to the world beyond their island, they are quite educated to the ways of the people beyond.

The film is filled with beautiful women and girls. Diana is a hero who stands for what’s right and doesn’t care if she’s out of line. If she sees or hears something wrong she speaks her mind. Her goal is to save the world. Such an achiever! To stop the war, she needs to find Ares and kill him. Well that sounds simple enough too. If you set your mind to something, you’ll reach it no matter what.

I really want to know when and how she got her superhero name “Wonder Woman”. I’m too lazy to read the comics, I hope it’ll be revealed in the sequel though.

There was never a moment of boredom in the film. All conversations meant something and are always game changers. 

I really hate it when men die before the girls. It seems really unfair for me. Steve was great, Steve was hot too. I mean come on, Chris Pine, hello! His sacrifice gave Diana the push she needed and unleashed her full power. So the plot for the first film was in order for someone to be completely strong, the factor that makes them weak must be removed. There’s just no words for this film. It’s the best. Gal was the perfect Wonder Woman, she did a really great job even though she was pregnant during shooting. This has been one of my most anticipated films of 2017 and it did not disappoint.

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.